I seem to be on a roll! Hope you guys like it!

Tragedy or happily ever after :/ Always the indecision!

It was as if she swallowed the sun. For a moment, the light that emitted from her body was so bright my eyes began to hurt so I had no choice but to turn away. When the light finally subsided, we were back into the vast empty space, except this time it was filled with a soft, warm light. This, I suppose, was how I had imagined heaven to be like. The light came from no particular direction at all, as if everything was magically lit. Physics don't apply in heaven apparently.

Apparently I had been pretty distracted by the space because when she giggled, I jumped in surprise. "Hello Scarlett." She smiled at me. It was the smile of a nurturing mother whose child finally realized he was being difficult and decided to stop. I had a feeling I was that child.

"Amaterasu." I half bowed to her in response.

"It's a beautiful name you gave me. I like it." She rolled her name around her tongue as if tasting it, "It's the name of a Goddess from your world, isn't it?"

"It's the Sun Goddess from the Shinto religion." I explained. I was rather surprised she questioned me about the name. I had thought she would just be named it as if she had always been Amaterasu. The fact that she responded to the change in the story proved just how much she stood outside the boundaries of both worlds. Well, she is the entity the brought me into that world in the first place. No surprise there I guess…

"A Sun Goddess." She mused, then threw back her head and laughed, "Is it because everytime I'm with you, it's always bright? So you decided I was a Sun Goddess?"

I blushed and looked away with a pout. Psh. Well I'm sorry for being simple…

She laughed again as if she heard that. I turned back to her with a start. Maybe she can…

"Yes, I can hear what you're thinking." She said, laughter fading from her voice, "I exist, in a sense, as a part of you. Even I'm not sure how it works, but I am the most 'tuned in' to your thoughts, your desires, in particular."

I thought for a moment, "So if I wished for Ulquiorra to fall madly in love with me, you can do that too? Just wave a magic wand and he'll fall head over heels for me?"

She giggled again, "No, dearie. It doesn't work that way. My powers are particular in that it creates the opportunity for your desire to manifest. The one who steps forward is still you. I cannot take that step for you."

I rolled my eyes. This was starting to sound like a Christian lecture. Yes, excuse me for being agnostic, "So...just to clarify...I can't wish to be able to blow a Cero out of my hand? Or feet...I don't really mind…" I mumbled the last part, trailing off.

She laughed again, and it was like the sound of bells, "No, Ceros are for hollows. You're human."

I tsked and mumbled, "I could do it in my story…"

"That was me, dearie. I fired it. Though it was completely uncalled for, I have to say. The poor girl only laughed. What crime is that?" She half scolded me.

I made a face. This was beginning to sound so stupid. My own creation was lecturing me on how to write my story? What kind of…ugh!

"I heard that," she retorted, "Now, there's not much time, but I have to explain this to you before I take you back." She took my hand and gently pulled me closer. I took a step forward.

"I won't be able to be with you anymore after this. I exhausted my powers bringing you to and back. This time, I will probably be gone longer than the first time." She said solemnly, her eyebrows knitted, "That means I won't be able to protect you either. If someone kills you, I cannot do anything about it. Do you understand?"

"This is not a story you can control anymore. While living in this world, you cannot tamper with it at all like you did in the old world. The only powers you have now are your own." She tucked a stray hair behind my ear, "If you want to go back now, I can still take you." She looked worriedly at me. I shook my head and smiled.

"I need to do this. I already made up my mind. Plus, you'll disappear if you use your powers now won't you?" I smiled sadly. I had made her that way. No power is infinite. Everything has an end. The fact that she was exhausted could only mean that she is nearing her limit. Asking her to take me back right now...she will disappear forever…

She didn't reply, only smiled wistfully at me. I squeezed her hand gently, "I have one more question. The fate of everyone...is it set in stone?"

"Do you mean Ulquiorra?" She guessed, "Yes, he will die in the fight with the Shinigami. You should know this."

I bit my lip, "Nothing I can do can change that?" I felt tears stinging my eyes again. If it's like this, I'll only be going back to watch him die…!

Amaterasu was silent for a moment, contemplating, then she finally spoke, "Yes, nothing can change that. He will die to the shinigami. No power in this world or the next can alter that fact." My heart clenched. Why does it have to be like this?! It's so unfair! Is this destined to end in a tragedy?

"I will be going back to watch him die…?" I whispered aloud to no one in particular. Her hand cupped my chin and brought my face up to face hers. She smiled softly.

"Remember, even though I will not be able to answer your call, I am still the Hougyoku. If you truly wish for something, the opportunity for it to manifest will always be within you. You are a human, but you have the power to do all that you can do in this world." Amaterasu whispered against my hair and pulled away slowly. I stared up at her blankly. It felt like she just told me something important, but it didn't make any sense to me. She just told me everything I already knew again, in riddle-format.

"I don't get-

"There's no more time!" She cut me off and briefly pressed her lips to my forehead. I closed my eyes and felt a warm energy of some sort enter me through my forehead, but it soon faded. When I opened my eyes again, I was standing back in the little dark room with Amaterasu's face staring back at me from the mirror. Instinctively, my hand reached for my face. A lock of shiny, silver hair fell forward past my shoulders. I was back in her body again. Ulquiorra!

Turning on my heels, I dashed towards the door, fully intending on rushing to Ulquiorra's side, but I paused at the handle and looked down at myself. I was nude. Blushing bright red, I retracted my hand quickly and swept the room with my eyes. Messy bed. Torn up dress. Bathroom. Couch. Mirror. Coffee table...No clothes. Great.

I needed to go to Ulquiorra. I needed to explain somehow. To apologize. To make things right! But I couldn't even get out the door. I chewed on my lip and glanced around the room again. My eyes stopped at the bed sheets. Welp. I will be flashing a lot of people today! Rolling my eyes, I stripped the bed of the flat sheet and threw it over my shoulders in a makeshift cape robe. Thankfully, the fabric was large enough to cover all of me. I just needed to make sure the opening was carefully held closed. Satisfied, I turned and ran for the door. It dragged on the floor behind me and bellowed a little while I ran down the hallway. Everything looked the same. Before long, I realized it had been a bad idea to run out on my own. I was hopelessly lost. Desperate, I turned corner after corner in hopes of finding someone. Anyone.

I don't care if it's that hollow bitch again, just please! Someone appear! I pleaded with no one in particular as I ran aimlessly. Finally, I found a door. Slowing, I paused to catch my breath before I knocked and cracked the door open an inch. Peaking in, I found that the room was dimly lit by a nightlight of sorts even though it should be morning right now. How I knew it was morning? I assumed since no time had passed in the other world when I "world traveled". Though I could be wrong and I'm actually waking up an angry hollow that doesn't like to be woken up in the dead of the night. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all...Too late. I thought to myself and stepped in.

The room was lit by one nightlight next to the door and since the hallway didn't provide much lighting either, I couldn't see anything in the room. While groping the walls for a light switch, I tripped over something on the floor and fell face first down onto something soft and fleshy. With a yelp, I pushed back up to my feet, but my foot caught on some fabric and down I went again. Deja vu?

A male voice let out an "ugh" sound when I landed, presumably on his stomach. Immediately, I pushed away, but didn't try to get up again. I would hate to land on him a third time.

"I'm so sorry!" I apologized automatically, "I can't...see…"

Suddenly, the room lit up with light. Someone had flicked the light switch, and that someone was standing at the entrance of another door glaring down at the both of us. My eyes squinted against the abrupt light but soon adjusted. It was Lilinette who stood with her arms on her little hips scowling at me, ready to spout a ring of curses. If it's Lilinette, then the one I tripped over is…I turned my attention back to the male whose chest I currently sat on.

Coyote Starrk stared up at me with a disgruntled frown, also glaring up at the light. I immediately got off his chest and carefully avoided the stack of pillows that I had tripped on twice to stand beside the wall, praying he wasn't mad.

"Starrk! What are you doing?!" Lilinette blazed on him, stalking over as if she would punch the first thing she saw. Maybe she would. I hugged the wall a little closer.

"The light, Lilinette. The light." Starrk groaned, covering his eyes with the back of an arm, but making no move to get up.

"It's already past morning, Starrk! And you're still here sleeping! Get up!" Lilinette jumped down onto Starrk's chest and he let out another "ugh" when she landed on his stomach. I flinched. I hoped I had landed on him softer.

Starrk groaned and shoved her off his chest, turning to his side to avoid the light. Lilinette slapped his arm, "Oi, Starrk!" When he ignored her again, she turned with a huff to me.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Lilinette scowled. I gulped.

"Um...I was...lost…" I stuttered stupidly.

"Lost? Who the fuck gets lost in Las Noches?" Lilinette glared before looking me up and down, taking in my obvious nudity and the flat sheet. I squirmed and tugged it together a little snugger.

"Are you new?" Lilinette questioned suspiciously.

"U-Um...I...guess so?" I wasn't sure how to answer. Yes, technically I was new, but...maybe she didn't know about me being the Hougyoku. Starrk doesn't really look like one to explain anything to his subordinates.

Speaking of the devil, Starrk spoke up with his back turned to us, "That's Scarlett. Aizen-sama's Hougyoku." He grumbled. Lilinette turned back to him with a glare.

Lilinette slapped him again, "And why is she naked in your bed?! Did you sleep with her?! Aizen-sama is going to kill you!"

"Ahh! I didn't sleep with her damn it! You're too loud! Stop screaming in my ear!" Starrk grumbled, batting at her arms.

"Like hell you didn't! Why is she naked then?!" Lilinette yelled louder.

Finally deciding that he couldn't keep sleeping, he sat up groggily and rubbed his eyes before finally looking at me. He stared at me for a minute. They both stared actually. I struggled not to squirm under their gaze while my face burned. I bit my lip.

He turned to Lilinette solemnly, "Why is she naked?"

Lilinette slapped him upside the head, "THAT'S WHAT I ASKED YOU!"

Rubbing his head where Lilinette just fist-kissed him, he turned back to me, "Why are you naked?"

I squirmed. I couldn't help it. "Um! It's...it's a long story, but could I please have some clothes!" I pleaded.

"Lilinette, go get her some clothes." Starrk ordered, yawning.

"HUH? Why do I have to go get her clothes! Go get them yourself!" Lilinette huffed before crossing her arms over her small chest.

"Give her your clothes!" Starrk argued back.

"Are you blind?! She obviously won't fit my clothes!" Lilinette barked.

He glanced at me sideways and smirked with a 'heh', "True. Her chest wouldn't fit your clothes." I couldn't help but smile. Sadly, Lilinette didn't find it funny at all.

"What'd you say, Starrk?!" She punched him in the back of the head and smacked him some more. Starrk chuckled while half blocking her swinging arms. I couldn't help but giggle with them. They looked so happy together. I suddenly remembered their past and my smile faltered a little before I shook it out of my head. The episode of their death came into mind and successfully wiped away the rest of my smile. I stood there against the wall as I watched them bickering like a happily married couple and couldn't help but want to cry. I wanted to scream and blabber to them that they would die. That they had to break ties with Aizen, but I barely bit back on my outburst. It wouldn't change a thing. They will die and there is nothing I can do about it…! A tear escaped my lashes and tumbled down my cheeks.

They stopped fighting and turned to me, wondering why I was crying. "See! You wouldn't give her clothes so now she's crying!" Starrk accused.

"Ahh! I'm sorry! I'll go get it!" Lilinette panicked and ran out the door she barged in from. I quickly wiped away the tear and smiled up at Starrk.

"It's not that." I shook my head, but felt another tear threatening to spill over. I bit down hard on my lip.

Starrk turned serious eyes to me, "Now that she's gone, why are you here? Isn't Ulquiorra supposed to be overseeing you?..." He trailed off, "And your clothes…"

I stiffened. What do I say? The truth? No, Grimmjow will get in trouble...And it doesn't feel right telling Starrk… Shakily, I replied, "It's...nothing. I came out on my own to explore and got lost." I smiled, hoping he wouldn't pry.

"Hmm?" Starrk stared at me and I knew he probably saw through everything. His eyes pierced through me and took in the marks on my neck that I couldn't cover and my nudity. I bit my lip.

Thankfully, Lilinette chose that moment to come charging into the room with a set of clothes tucked under her arm. She tossed them to me and I caught them easily. "You can change in my room." Lilinette smiled, "It's the room next to Starrk's." She pointed to the door she came from. I thanked her and retreated into her room, shutting the door behind me with a sigh.

Scarlett, you've been here for all of about 12 hours and you've managed to screw yourself up pretty royally! What a feet! I sighed and dropped the flat sheet. The dress Lilinette had retrieved for me was identical to the one Ulquiorra had given me. I wonder where she got it… Absently, I pulled the dress on and combed through my silver hair with my fingers. It hadn't even tangled. Uwah...I wish real hair was like this… I mused.

Opening the door to Starrk's room, I walked in on another one of Starrk and Lilinette's happy-couple-bickering. If only I could be like that with Ulquiorra… I sighed. If Ulquiorra was like that, I don't know what I'd do... That would be so out of character! Smiling at the thought of Ulquiorra laughing and bickering freely, I walked towards them.

Starrk was the first to turn towards me. What he saw set a smirk on his lips which Lilinette promptly smacked off of his face. "Pervert!" Lilinette yelled at his face, provoking him.

"How am I-" Starrk sighed heavily, giving up on arguing altogether, "Come on. She probably hasn't eaten yet." He got up and headed out the door I entered from. Lilinette followed grudgingly with a 'che' while I trailed them with a small smile.

I spaced out while they argued ahead of me, thinking about Ulquiorra and what I was going to say to him. What am I going to say to Grimmjow? I was so screwed. I sighed. Whatever. I'll think about it later. Please don't let me see them until later… While lost in thought, I bumped into Starrk's back. Rubbing my nose and apologizing, I looked up to see what made him stop walking. I froze. I think my heart skipped several beats.

"Ulquiorra, Grimmjow. What a pleasant surprise seeing both of you. Heading to the dining hall?" Starrk smirked in friendly banter. I stepped behind Starrk without thinking and immediately cursed myself. Fuck! Now they think I'm with Starrk! Taking a shaky step away from Starrk, both sets of emerald and sapphire turned to me. I mentally dug a hole and buried myself.

The hallway had intersected with another one, and we stood at a standstill at the 4-way intersection. Ulquiorra was opposite our corridor while Grimmjow walked in from the right corridor. Ulquiorra was silently watching me, his perfect mask glued snugly to his face. Grimmjow broke into a dark smirk, "Morning, Sunshine."

I bit my lip. Say something you coward! I opened my mouth, but what came out instead was, "Um…" Nothing came to mind. Of all the times for my mind to go blank, it chose now. Great. Just fucking great. "G-good morning!" I whimpered. I almost cried. Stupid Scarlett! Stupid, stupid Scarlett! 'Good morning'? What's so good about this morning?! Everything is NOT GOOD about this morning! AHH!

Starrk walked forward until he stood next to Ulquiorra, facing the way he came. "You should treat those under your care better. It's easy for people to misunderstand and think you've been abusing them." Starrk whispered darkly. I almost swallowed my tongue. Shit! Starrk thinks Ulquiorra raped me! How the hell am I going to explain this one…?

"I don't know what you're talking about." Ulquiorra replied in his same emotionless voice. Starrk stared hard at Ulquiorra while Ulquiorra only stared back blankly, but a small hint of irritation crossed his emerald eyes.

Grimmjow chose that moment to grab my arm and pull in me towards him, "Hey Sunshine. Did you sleep well?" He smirked. Before I could shove him away, Ulquiorra was suddenly there, his hand closed around Grimmjow's arm where he held me.

"What are you doing?" Grimmjow growled at him glaring at Ulquiorra over my shoulder.

"I could ask the same of you. She is Aizen-sama's Hougyoku." Ulquiorra spoke evenly, but hostility dripped from each word.

Grimmjow smirked, "So? Your precious Aizen-sama said no one was to harm her. I'm not hurting her." His grip on me tightened. I flinched. It hurt, but not as much as Ulquiorra's words had stung. I am just a Hougyoku to him.

Ulquiorra squeezed down on Grimmjow's wrist harder as I saw his knuckles whiten under the pressure, "Aizen-sama put her under my care. I'll ask that you take your hand off of her."

"Why do you care anyway? You left her all lonely and scared in that dark room. I just went to cheer her up a bit. What's wrong with that?" Grimmjow's smirk widened. He was clearly provoking the other man. I stood stiffly, unsure at what to do. I had a feeling that if I stepped in, it would turn very ugly, very fast.

Ulquiorra was silent, but the muscles on his arm tightened as he squeezed down harder on Grimmjow's wrist. I couldn't see his face, but I could tell he was truly angry. His reiatsu seeped from him as the air became so thick I could choke on it. Just as I was about to turn around and finally say something to him, anything, Starrk stepped in.

He put a hand on both of the men's shoulders and Ulquiorra's reiatsu disappeared. Grimmjow dropped his hand from my arm. "I think that's enough." Starrk said sternly. Without another word, Ulquiorra turned and walked back down the corridor he came from. I immediately chased after him, leaving Starrk to deal with an angry Grimmjow. Starrk could handle Grimmjow. I wasn't so sure I could do the same with Ulquiorra. Please don't let me fuck this up! I prayed. I finally caught up and grabbed his arm to stop him. He swiveled around with anger shining from his beautiful emerald eyes. I fully expected him to hit me, to shoot a cero at me, but what he did next stopped my heart. Funny he's been doing that a lot.

His lips crashed into mine as he shoved me forcefully against the hallway. He pinned my arms together behind me with one arm and with the other, he cradled my head to absorb the impact from the wall. Using the same hand, he held me still and kissed me harder as if he could eat his way into me from my mouth. His tongue demanded entry into my mouth and I opened up myself for him. It flickered along the inside of my mouth, exploring as he occasionally pulled out to kiss me, bite my lip, and then go back to violating me. His body was pressed up tightly against my own, but there was that painful separation from the hips down. When I tried to close the distance, he yanked my arms back and kept us unbearably apart. I whimpered and moaned in protest, but he kept that infuriating distance between us. Finally, he pulled away from me, but still held me in his arms against the wall. I stared up into his eyes that were swarmed with emotion and I felt a tear slide down my cheeks.

"Ulquiorra…" I whispered.

Oo, the cliff hangers . Sorry! Heh, I keep doing that a lot huh? xD