I sat with my back against the world. This life after death was not filled with sunshine; it had no rainbows and was not a paradise.

I was the darkest of the dark. My soul was bitter, angry, at everything; it was all for nothing. No kind words were ever spoken to me unless I had ravaged another being and turned myself a shade darker. I was used for His purposes. Out clock ticked by so slowly; we, the minority, know our time was limited. It always is. And yet we fought, we slaughtered, we massacred, and we rocked the Earth better than any earthquake to tsunami could have. We were considered an ultimate.

We fought a crippling war, leaving the darkness at a disadvantage. And all I have left now is regret. But I was nothing like the shinigami. I was inhuman. Nothing I could have done, no technology, no kindness, could have returned me to the living. I fought because I knew I had nothing else.

And even as I fade away, as my body turns to ashes before the eyes of the moon, I know that it could have been no other way. There was nothing true and honest out there for me to resort to. I just played the dirty game.

Take one last glimpse of the raven hair and emerald eyes that used to be mine. Replay my death in your head. There was nothing left for me anyway. Master Aizen would have done the same.

I'll leave behind no legacy for people to remember me by. Because I was nothing. Because I had nothing.

But that was not what I, Ulquiorra Cifer wanted to be.

I lived with my heart on my sleeve. I saved lives, loved the world around me and showed that living with honor and integrity was highway to a wonderful life.

There was nothing that couldn't have been said or done to set up a life for success. I cherished life for all that it was worth and found that my advice was a rock when others needed security and stability. I was the lightest of the light, bringing cheer and smiles to the faces of those not so fortunate. I spoke with wisdom that seemed infinite. I did not die in vain. I fulfilled a purpose.

I was a leader, and I worked hard. It was never just for me. It was for all. I achieved greatness with a kind ferocity that is rare. And every time I fell, every time I bled, every time I was overcome in sickness, I got back up to share my message. I played a clean game, and helped others clear their slates.

Look into the forest green of my glazed eyes and tell me that I was not a giver. I laid myself down only when I knew that peace would succeed me. And I have everything waiting on me wherever I go from here. I would have done it all again.

I will leave behind a legacy for people to remember me by- a code to follow, because I was something. I had everything.

And that was what I, Jushiro Ukitake wanted to be.