Rangiku stood up unsteadily. "I...I need some air!!" she cried running out of the room. Toushiro followed her silently.
"There was nothing we could do..." Toushiro patted her back. She cried harder.
"I...I know...but I can't stand to look at him like that..!" Rangiku cried.
"What should we do with him now?" Toushiro asked
"He at least deserves a proper funeral. We'll do it tonight in Ichigo's backyard," Rangiku said. That night, they had a small funeral for the the boy. "At least he is free..." she sighed. Toushiro nodded.
"Help me close the coffin," her captain said as he reached up to grab the lid.
"Hai..." she replied softly. There was a faint thud as it closed, but another noise was suddenly audible. It sounded like something inside it was moving.
"Aauu..."
"What was that?" Rangiku seemed startled.
"Open it," Toushiro tried not to smile. She opened quickly and gasped.
His timid, magenta eyes stared up at her. He weakly pushed himself up and reached for her. "Ran..gi..ku....." he smiled sleepily as she picked him up. She carried him inside and laid him the bed they had prepared for him. He was soon fast asleep.
"Wonderweiss....." she cried softly in joy as she stroked his face.
"I'm going to bed. It's late. You should too." he turned and walked to his bed.
---
Aizen smiled. "You belong to me......I am your master.......You will obey me......"
Rangiku awoke in a cold sweat. It was nothing. Just a dream, she thought quickly. She walked outside and tried to steady her racing mind. Aizen appeared in front of her and extended his hand. She took it gently. He smiled and they disappeared into the night.