"Goodbye Ulquiorra," Orihime, my Princess, snarled as Ichigo Kurosaki's zanpakuto in its bankai form came down, slashing me through the chest.

I stared in utter horror and shock. Orihime promised me that I was not going to die again. That neither Ichigo, nor the soul reapers, were going to attack me, to kill me.

She promised that she will always love me.

I could feel myself turning to dust once again, particles of me blowing off in the lifeless wind of Hueco Mundo. My death was coming faster than it had last time.

The last thing I saw before the hand of death took me again, was Ichigo Kurosaki and Orihime Inoue holding hands. They were leaning towards each other, about to kiss...

Knock knock.

"Ulquiorra, it's time to get up!" The sing song voice of Kisuke Urahara reached into my dream, pulling me out of the nightmare.

I quickly moved myself into a sitting position. "I am awake," I said, letting him know.

I listened to his receding footsteps, and allowed myself to think about the nightmare.

Ever since I had come to Karakura Town, my nights have been touched by some form of nightmare, all involving Orihime no longer loving me.

I looked down in thought. I know that it will never happen, but I can not stop worrying about it. The nightmares were not helping.

I sighed and stood up, peering at the Karakura High School uniform in disgust. School was not one of my favourite past times.

In order for me to stay in the World of the Living peacefully, I had to agree to some terms. First, I had to be in a gigai, restricting my powers. I also had to participate in school. Lastly, I was to stay in the Urahara Shop for the time being.

I had agreed to these terms, as long as I was allowed to see Orihime. With the pleading of my Princess, I was allowed to see her whenever we both wished. Ichigo Kurosaki had also helped influence the Soul Society's choice. He was willing to trust me as long as I don't hurt Orihime.

I picked up the uniform and changed into it, discarding my sleep wear on the bed.

I walked out of my room and went for the lobby. Kisuke was leaning against the door frame. "You really should eat something, Ulquiorra," he stated simply.

I paused just before I could step outside. I turned my head half way, allowing me to see him. "You are aware that I do not require food, even when I am in a gigai. It is a waste of time."

Kisuke sighed. "You'll need it eventually. You might as well get used to it."

"Do not worry. I always eat lunch."

Through the corner of my eye, I saw Kisuke nod. "You will need to eat breakfast and dinner eventually. Be prepared for when it happens."

I nodded, then walked out of the shop, heading towards my Princess's house.

My walk went undisturbed. I saw a few humans, and gave them a nod of acknowledgement. Orihime suggested that I start smiling to others, saying that it would help me feel less empty. I have not grown used to smiling, but at least I acknowledge others, and stopped calling them trash. As far as I am aware, Orihime is the only one that has ever seen me smile. My first real smile was after the Soul Society said I could stay in the World of the Living.

When I arrived at Orihime's, I opened the door and allowed myself into the house. She has grown used to me doing this, it is not a problem between us.

"Good morning, Ulquiorra!" She cried cheerily, giving me a peck on the cheek. She was wearing her uniform, along with a green sweater.

"Were you waiting for me?" I asked her, looking down. She was only a few inches shorter than me.

"Yep! I already ate, and ready for school!" She grabbed onto my arm and pulled me out the door, closing it behind us.

Our hands eventually found each other, and out fingers intertwined. Orihime leaned her head against my shoulder as we walked.

"Is that actually comfortable for you, Princess?"

She giggled. "Yeppers!"

I gave her a small smile. "You can be strange."

She reached up and kissed me on the cheek. "That's why you love me."

"That's one of the many reasons I love you."

She giggled again and sighed in content. I stared in confusion at the white steam that she was creating from her mouth. "What is that?" I asked. "Are you sick?"

"Huh?" Orihime looked just in time to see the white fog disappear. "That's just my breath. That happens when it gets colder outside."

I let out a breath and saw the same thing happen. "That is strange."

Orihime giggled. "No it's not. It always happens." She shivered, despite the sweater. "Brr. I'm going to need a jacket soon. How come your not cold?"

"I do not feel hot or cold." To contradict what I just said, my body did an involuntary shiver. "But it appears that I am starting to feel temperature."

"Oh course you are! The gigai is supposed to make you feel more like a human!"

Orihime had asked Kisuke Urahara to make me a gigai that will allow me to feel the little things, such as temperature and hunger. It has been slow with allowing me to feel these human things. What would one call them?

"There's the school!" Orihime exclaimed, pointing forward.

I pulled my backpack up a little higher. Another day at Karakura High School.

I glanced at Orihime, my Princess, through the corner of my eye. I could feel a bigger smile tugging on my lips.

She made this all worth it.