Hello everyone, long time no write. Sorry about that, but here is the long awaited update!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters or its storyline. I own only my OC characters like Rosalie and Hiko, and Rosalie's parents. The song that Rosalie sings here, the one I've titled Remember is of my own making. Any similarities to existing songs is a coincidence.

Chapter 21

It smelled nice.

Rosalie followed Captain Ukitake through the rows of headstones, the sweet smell of cherry blossoms rich in the air. The elderly captain held her hand, guiding her through the unfamiliar territory where hidden pits and sneaky rocks laid wait in the grass to trip the unsuspecting. Ukitake's two third seats had hung back at the cemetery's entrance, evidently they felt that they should give the two some privacy.

The man who had filled the role of father in Yusuke's life guiding Yusuke's own daughter who was visiting his grave for the first time. It was a sentimental visit to say the least, and one that would probably end with tears.

Rosalie felt Ukitake slowing and tighten her grip on the bouquet of dark pink roses in her right hand. Hiko's grip on her hair also tightened, an attempt at comfort.

They came to a stop.

"Here it is," Ukitake said quietly, he tugged at Rosalie's hand gently and put her in front of him so she was facing the grave herself.

"I won't be a great distance away, come to me when you are ready to leave." Ukitake whispered, as if afraid to break the serene silence in the resting place of the dead. Rosalie knew better; Ukitake was simply trying to be sensitive to what she must be feeling right now.

"I will, thank you." Rosalie said softly.

Ukitake left.

Rosalie leaned down on her knees, one hand splayed on the ground, the other with the dark pink roses stretching out to place it at the base of the tombstone. Once they were there Rosalie leaned back before speaking.

"Hello Papa," She said softly. Hiko climbed from her shoulder down her arm to sit on her lap, staring at the grave. It was simple but nice – something he had a feeling his mistress' father would have wanted.

"It's like a dream, I never thought I'd find you. I always told myself if I did that I'd move you so you were resting next to Mama, I know you wanted that a lot. I'll still try but it might take a couple of years. Until that happens I'll visit you as much as I can – you'll be who I come to when I'm in the Soul Society and need someone to talk to. Is that alright with you? I hope it is," Rosalie rambled. She cupped Hiko in one hand and added, "I hope you like the roses, I asked Sentaro to get me dark pink ones. They mean "Thank You" and gratitude and, and . . .

Hiko nuzzled Rosalie's wrist as she broke into tears.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop him, I'm sorry that you died, I'm sorry that I was weak. I'm - I'm sorry . . . I'm sorry." She sobbed.

"Why did he do this to them? Why did my parents have to die? Why when it was it me who was carrying the Shushi in my back that night? Someone, tell me if I did something wrong that got them punished. Please tell me what it is so I can fix it!"

She collapsed into body shaking sobs.

"What did I do wrong?"

"You did nothing wrong Rosalie," Takehiko's voice rumbled in her mind. "You know that!"

"But it feels like I did and I don't understand why!" She wailed out loud.

A few yards awake Ukitake watched the girl's breakdown, his contempt for Aizen growing with each passing second.

"Sad, isn't it?"

"Shunsui, why are you here?" Ukitake asked without turning around.

"Felt like you could use the support," Captain Kyoraku said from behind him. His lieutenant, Nanao, was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't think I'm the one who needs it." Ukitake returned, turning to face his old friend.

"True, but we don't exactly know her well enough to say the right things to comfort her." The sake loving captain pointed out.

"True enough." Ukitake said, looking over his shoulder at Rosalie who had finished crying. She was currently running her hands over the headstone's smooth surface, fingering the indents the carving had made into it so she could make out her father's name.

"Makes you hate him more, doesn't it?" Kyoraku asked.

"I don't think you need me to answer that question for you, Shunsui." Ukitake said. There was a pause as they watched Rosalie lean back and start talking again. They were too far away to hear the words but close enough to make them out in how her lips moved. The two men did not read her lips.

"It's strange, she reminds me of Yusuke while at the same time acting completely different from him on occasion." Ukitake muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well she is her own person, and she did have her mother to draw an example of how to live as well," Shunsui held his chin in his hand, "Now that I've mentioned it I'm actually kind of curious about the girl Yusuke fell for. She must have been something."

"I'm sure she was," Ukitake said. Yusuke had only been his lieutenant for ten years but had been a member of his squad far longer than that and had steadily climbed the ranks through hard work and effort. He could only guess that Rosalie's mother had been similar in at least that aspect with Yusuke since Rosalie's description of her painted the woman as a very different person from his former lieutenant.

"I just can't get over the irony of it all – Aizen goes to get a powerful artifact and get rid of an enemy – but ends up directly empowering the protector of that same artifact by making her immune to his zanpakuto. Not to mention giving her a reason to want him dead."

"It is very ironic – in a dark, bitter sort of way." Ukitake acknowledged, "Still, she won't be able to see anything for the rest of her life."

"She seems to be handling it well, or is this about something else?" Kyoraku said shrewdly. Ukitake smiled sadly.

"I still have a box of Yusuke's personal items in storage. There are pictures there and such . . . should I give it to her? I feel like I'd be rubbing it into her face what was taken from her. She can't even look at them . . ."

"Hand them to her and let her pick some things to take, I doubt she has anything of Yusuke's. And Jushiro, she may not be able to see but she can feel. Those items still carry some of Yusuke's spiritual energy on them. I have a feeling that will mean more to her than anything."

Ukitake smiled, leave it to Shunsui to say just what he needed to hear.

"Yes, you're right old friend. Thank you."

Kyoraku tipped his straw hair, "Happy to help!"

XXX

A few short days later saw Ukitake staring at the box before him, there wasn't a lot in it but he hadn't been able to save much before Central 46 ordered Yusuke's belongings to be confiscated after they'd been brought back from the world of the living.

A slightly burned notebook that Yusuke had kept as a journal, a little music box that Ukitake had never been able to open, a ring that had belonged to Yusuke's mother – a sliver band engraved with roses – and finally several more notebooks containing music scores. Yusuke had possessed a deep love of music. There were a few more items in the box but they were mostly knickknacks. Nothing that would hold a deep sentimental meaning for Rosalie who was set to arrive any moment.

Rosalie entered the room as he was thinking this and he smiled when she approached.

"Ah Rosalie, thank you for coming."

"It was my pleasure, do you need me for something?" The girl asked, her Beast sitting on top of her head as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

"No, I have some things of your father's that were confiscated by Central 46. They were gathered from the wreckage of the house by the Soul Reapers sent to take anything regarding the Soul Society and such." Ukitake explained.

Rosalie had become still.

"My father's things?" She whispered, stepping closer to the table and feeling the faint remnants of father's spiritual energy.

"Yes, go ahead and feel for what's inside if you wish."

Rosalie did so and he watched as she paused in her inspection, going over the notebooks to wrap her hands around the music box. Her hand brushed the ring as she did so and she hastily picked it up.

"My father have this ring to Mama as an engagement ring," Rosalie muttered. "I can feel the rose patterns on it."

Then she picked up the music box.

"I've never been able to open that," Ukitake admitted as Rose fiddled with it.

"I'm not surprised, you need to know where to look. Ah, here it is!"

Rosalie had slipped a section of the box open to reveal a circular indent, and then she put the ring inside and used her finger to twist. The music box opened.

Ukitake blinked. Why hadn't he thought of that?

The lid opened completely to reveal a white colored inside that had miniature replicas of blooming roses. Rosalie pressed the center rose in the middle where the bud was and a lullaby started to play.

Ukitake listened to the sweet melody and realized that he had heard something like it before though he had never seen the emerald colored music box until the Scavenger Team had brought it back from the World of the Living. Rosalie began to sing softly.

Listen to the melody and remember

The days we spent together.

For though those days are over we

Will never forget each another.

Listen to the melody, listen to the song

And sing with me dearest ones,

Sing with me and remember . . .

Rosalie's voice trailed off and she gently closed the music box.

"I'd never thought I'd hear this melody again. Thank you Captain Ukitake." She said.

"I'm just glad you found happiness in this Rosalie," He paused and then added, "That song was lovely, it's strange though. That melody sounds familiar and I know Yusuke didn't have this music box during his time in the Soul Society. He did have the ring though, he said it belonged to his mother."

"He made the box for Mama as a present on their fifth wedding anniversary – she was always singing that song to me, even when I was inside her belly. It was one of her favorites, passed down in her family. Papa had been working on a melody for a while but couldn't quite get it right. Then he met my mother and she ultimately gave him the inspiration needed to complete it when she sang the song. Papa decided to record the melody into a music box as a present since she loved it so much. The melody probably sounds familiar to you because you've heard the incomplete version as Papa worked on it."

"I see," Ukitake said.

"I'm leaving soon," Rosalie said abruptly.

"I know," The elderly captain said, smiling softly though she could not see it. "I'm sure we'll see each other again."

Rosalie unknowingly returned the smile.

XXX

Rosalie yawned, as she woke up, her bed in Squad Four's barracks creaking slightly as she sat up. HIko stilled lied on the pillow, snoring softly.

After having tea at Toshiro's when they were done cleaning up the sake bottles the young captain had escorted the Beast Tamer to Squad Four and Rosalie had collapsed onto her bed, mentally exhausted.

The girl got dressed and brushed her hair as Hiko woke up and stared at her from his position on the pillow.

After patting her clothes to make sure the music box was tucked in and touching her hand to make sure her grandmother's ring was on her middle finger Rosalie headed out, Hiko perched sleepily on her head.

Today was the day.

After having breakfast Rosalie went to hunt down her great-aunt. The two had grown more comfortable in each others' presence and a true familial relationship was starting to grow between them. Rosalie was fond of her great-aunt and could tell that Unohana was returning that same affection.

It didn't take long to find her, perhaps she had been waiting for her to show up.

Unohana turned when she sensed her great-niece approaching, setting the chart down on the desk in front of her. Her sister's ring gleamed slightly on Rosalie's finger, bringing back happy memories.

"Captain Unohana, good morning." Rosalie said cheerfully.

"Good morning," Unohana said warmly, noting that Hiko was nodding off on her niece's head. "You're leaving in a few hours, yes?"

Rosalie nodded, "I just wanted to thank you for everything."

"There is no need to thank me, I was happy to help you, and happy to meet you." Unohana said. "I wish you well and hope you have a safe journey. I'll be seeing you off when you leave."

"Thanks, I wish you well too. I'll be seeing you again later."

Unohana smiled, "Yes, until we meet again."

xxx

Rosalie walked around the Seireitei, waiting to bump into a certain someone, wanting to say good-bye to him privately. Toshiro still hadn't fully come to terms with the nature of their bond but nevertheless he was adamant about keeping it quiet. Rosalie understood and respected his wishes, not having told anyone about it either.

She eventually found him, sitting on the roof of one of the walls separating his squad's grounds from the rest.

"Hey," Toshiro said when he noticed her.

Rosalie smiled. "Hey yourself," she countered and jumped onto the roof so as to sit beside him. The path below them was currently deserted so there was no risk of anyone (Rangiku) seeing them and asking pointed questions. Then again, maybe he had been waiting for her.

Hiko climbed off Rosalie's head, and settled himself in her lap. She cupped one him in one of her hands.

"I'll be leaving in an hour," Rosalie commented.

"I know, happy to head home?" Toshiro asked, staring at the pale blue sky.

"Yes. I've been missing the twins and my adoptive father." She admitted. It was silent between them again, an air of general awkwardness about them. Neither were quite sure of what to say to the other. Rosalie broke the ice.

"I have no idea what to say to you," She said bluntly, "I felt like I should come here to say good-bye to you without others watching but now that I'm here . . ." She shrugged her shoulders.

"Strangely enough I know exactly how you feel," Toshiro sighed.

He said nothing else but Rosalie got the feeling that he was trying to figure out how to say something more. She smiled in his direction encouragingly which seemed to give him the push he needed.

"I was thinking about tracking you down and saying good-bye . . . and that'd I miss you." He admitted slowly. He felt his cheeks heating up, feeling that the sentiment was too early to say, and was thankful that the girl could not see his red face.

"I wanted to say that too," Rosalie confessed and Toshiro was shocked to see her cheeks turn a becoming rosy pink. For the first time it really hit him how beautiful she was physically. Until now he had looked at her through eyes that only saw her as part of a problem (though not of her own fault) and had forgone really looking at her as a person. Now he felt more than a little guilty about that.

"I just wasn't sure how you'd take it so I tried to figure out what else to say – but words I came up with felt . . . incomplete. I hope to see you again soon – I probably will now that I think about it. Soul Society will probably work with Kisuke and everyone else to prepare for Aizen's return."

Toshiro started to nod before realizing that she couldn't see it and said quickly, "Yes, that's a likely scenario."

It fell silent again between them, but now it was a comfortable one. Hiko had been starting to nod off but shook off sleep when he noticed the talking had stopped and looked up at his Tamer from her lap.

"Toshiro," She said, speaking his given name for the first time, "Do you feel like this is a mess that needs to be sorted out . . . or a blessing in disguise?"

There was a pause as Toshiro registered how normal his given name sounded coming from her before he spoke, "I still haven't entirely made up my mind – but I think it's a mix of both."

Rosalie nodded after a moment, the tension inside her loosening up and leaned back her head, listening to the distant chirping of birds as Toshiro watched her.

xxx

Before Rosalie knew it she and her friends were before the Soul Society's official Senkaimon on Sokyoku Hill that had been prepared to take them back to the World of the Living.

There were several captains there to see them off – Unohana and Toshiro among them – along with Renji and Rukia who had decided to stay in the Soul Society. Rosalie had been slightly sad when she found out but understood her friend's choice.

The humans had been in the Soul Society for over a week and an half.

At the moment Rosalie was once again talking with her great aunt as Ukitake addressed Ichigo.

"Take care of yourself Rosalie," The Squad Four captain said. She had separated from the other captains and walked up to the departing humans. Rosalie's friends politely looked away.

"I will Captain Unohana," Rosalie promised. Over the past week and a half since she'd been released from Squad Four's care the Beast Tamer had either been with her friends, talking with Toshiro or spending time with her great-aunt. The fruits of their labor to learn about each other were invaluable. Rosalie felt like she had another piece of her family again and she was sure Unohana felt the same way.

"I think we're past you calling me Captain," The technically elderly woman said, "Call me Great-Aunt Retsu, or just Aunt," She laughed softly, " I don't mind, you father always called me "Aunt" even after he became a Soul Reaper."

There was a warm glow in Rosalie's chest.

"Yes, Aunt." She said, her voice notably more cheerful.

Then Unohana did something that surprised even her fellow captains and pulled her great-niece into a gentle embrace. Hiko moved to the back of Rosalie's shoulder to keep from getting in the way.

"I look forward to seeing you again," She said softly.

Rosalie had been stunned for a moment but quickly recovered and shyly returned the hug as she whispered, "I do too."

Meanwhile Ukitake had been talking to Ichigo and handed the official Substitute Soul Reaper his Combat Pass.

Ichigo examined the pass as Rosalie stepped out of her great-aunt's embrace. The Combat Pass was a simple pendent with a skull carved into it.

"What is it?" The teen asked.

"It is a Substitute Soul Reaper Badge," Ukitake explained, "Over the years there have been instants where Substitute Soul Reapers have been created and deemed useful. This Badge was given to them as a sign of their status. You can use it to become a Soul Reaper whenever you wish, of course such a token cannot repaid what we owe you . . ."

"It's okay," Ichigo said, surprising the older man, "I did those things because I wanted too – I'll gladly accept the badge. It's an honor, thanks"

Ukitake smiled, his opinion of Ichigo rising positively.

At the same time Orihime, Uryu and Chad were saying their final good-byes to Rukia and Rosalie stepped toward them after a final "good-bye" with her great-aunt to do the same. At the moment Orihime was insisting Rukia take the dress Uryu had made for her when he's thought she'd be returning with them.

Rukia at first declined but Orihime kept insisting and the Kuchiki eventually gave in.

Rosalie smiled as she stepped forward to say her good-byes and took Rukia's hand in her own.

"I'm going to miss you Rukia, I look forward to when we see each other again," She said cheerfully. Hiko climbed onto her head and nodded his own in agreement.

"I'm going to miss you too," Rukia said, returning the sightless girl's smile. "I look forward to when we all meet again too," She added, looking at all her Human friends gathered around her.

All the teens then proceeded to the Senkaimon where Yoruichi in her cat form was waiting for them. Rosalie absently patting her kimono blouse to ensure the music box was still tucked inside.

"Good bye Rukia, see you around," She heard Ichigo say.

"Good bye to you too, and thanks for everything Ichigo," Rukia returned.

The light of the Senkaimon flared as the travelers passed through it - and then the faded away. They were gone.

xxx

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Ichigo cursed as the group ran for their lives from the Cleaner – which was once again advancing on them like the last time.

"YORUICHI! WHY DO WE HAVE TO RUN FOR OUR LIVES AGAIN IF THIS THE OFFICIAL GATE?!" Ichigo demanded.

Rosalie was on his heels, Hiko cupped into her hands, and very grateful for all those days of rest she had back in the Soul Society. If she hadn't had those days to recover she would be in trouble right now – well more trouble.

"I told you that everyone needs Hell Butterflies to get through the gate safely! Only you and Rosalie would be able to handle them! Don't worry, the exit is coming up, I can see it!" Yoruichi shouted back.

They made it through the exit without being flattened and Rosalie felt the cool breeze of night air on her face. A moment later she registered the fact that there was nothing underneath them but empty skies and everyone started to fall.

Rosalie would have invoked Hiko but felt the presence of her godfather and his employees and realized it would be unnecessary.

That realization coincided with the sound of a bazooka being fired and everyone was wrapped up in a cloth that spun out of control. As they spun and spun Rosalie prayed no one got sick.

Then everyone heard Jinta and Tessai's voices before the cloth opened up and they were all dumped onto something that felt like a magic carpet. Kisuke jumped at the head while his employees landed behind the tangle of limbs that was Rosalie and her friends. After a few minutes everyone sorted themselves out and managed to detangle.

"Welcome back everyone!" Kisuke Urahara said cheerfully.

"Urahara," Ichigo muttered.

"Hello to you too young Ichigo," There was a pause and he spoke again, his voice mellow, "I can guess that by now you all know the truth about me."

"Yes," Ichigo confirmed.

All of the teens watched in shock as Kisuke turned around and took off his bucket hat before bowing his head. Rosalie frowned with confusion from the sudden mood change until Takehiko's voice whispered into her mind what was happening. Her frown remained, but it was one of uncertainty than confusion. What would the other say?

"Words cannot express how sorry I am, for everything." Kisuke said softly.

There was an uncertain pause before Ichigo spoke.

"Stop doing that, I'm not mad anymore." The Substitute Soul Reaper said, "You didn't even do anything wrong anyway. I don't know what your motives were but the fact is you helped us become strong, and saved our lives in the process. So don't apologize,"

"Okay," Kisuke said, putting his hat back on.

"But I want to know one thing; why didn't you just tell me the truth. Did you think I'd get cold feet and run away?" Ichigo demanded.

Rosalie wondered at that too.

Kisuke seemed at a loss for words before doing a 180 and saying cheerfully, "Exactly!"

That earned him an elbow in the face.

Rosalie sighed as Kisuke lamented that he hadn't expected that since Ichigo had been taking everything else so well. The cloth they rode on continued to float lazily in the sky.

Ichigo calmed down and asked Kisuke to apologize to Rukia when he saw her next. He knew she'd say that same thing he had, but still. The shop owner said he would.

Kisuke then proceeded to start dropping everyone off at their own respective homes. Uryu was first.

"See you around Uryu, I'll call you if anything big comes up." Ichigo said as the Quincy slid off the cloth.

"What are you talking about? I'm a Quincy, you are a Soul Reaper. When we meet again we're enemies." The teen said flatly and went on his way.

Ichigo fumed as Orihime, Chad and Rosalie commented that Uryu's stubbornness was one of his best qualities. Ichigo said they were more understanding than himself.

Orihime's home was next and she waved to them as they left.

Next came Chad's and he raised an arm in farewell.

"So, shall I drop you two off at your house?" Kisuke asked. He got no response from Rosalie but Ichigo spoke up.

"I think I'll get off right here. Drop Rosalie off at our house for me okay? Thanks for the lift!"

He jumped off without waiting for a reply as Kisuke called out to him.

The shop owner sighed, "So Rosalie I guess we'll just –"

"Boss," Tessai said. Kisuke looked over his shoulder and saw Rosalie curled up, fast asleep with Hiko tucked under her chin.

He smiled as Yoruichi chuckled.

"Reminds you of when she was just a little thing, doesn't it?" She asked.

"Yeah," Kisuke said titling his hat over his eyes. Rosalie continued to doze as they headed slowly but surely to Ichigo's house.

It was silent for a minute or so before Yoruichi spoke again.

"This has been quite a journey, hasn't it Kisuke? What's your take on it? What will you do?" The feline asked.

"It feels like we just had a huge victor but in reality it happened after a big defeat – so all we've really done is get everything normal again. Truthfully we'll have to rely on Ichigo and his friends more and more in the future to end this for good. The battle has only begun." Kisuke admitted.

"Then I suppose we won't be dying peacefully from old age." Yoruichi said with dry humor.

"Most likely not, but it can't be helped can it?" Kisuke said.

They avoided taking about Rosalie's unavoidable importance in the coming battle. As her godparents they both mutually did not want to think about it right now though such avoidance was uncharacteristic of them.

Rosalie woke up when they were halfway to her house. She rubbed her eyes sleepily as Kisuke cheerfully told her they were dropping her off at her house.

"Uh, actually Kisuke I was hoping you'd drop me off somewhere else," Rosalie said, wide awake. Hiko yawned as he came to.

"And where would that be?" Yoruichi asked.

Rosalie smiled.

xxx

The girl slid off the tarp, Hiko clinging to her hair as she landed.

"Thanks Kisuke, everyone." She said waving at where she felt them.

"You'll be alright?" Kisuke asked.

Rosalie nodded, "I just couldn't wait to talk to her."

"Alright then, see you around Rosalie." Her godfather said as the tarp ascended.

Rosalie waited until they were some distance away before turning and making her way through the tombstones, giving Masaki Kurosaki's resting place a polite bow when she passed it. When she finally reached Mara's grave she couldn't contain her happiness anymore.

"Mama, it's me, Rosalie. I know it's late but I couldn't wait to speak to you – I have so much to say and a surprise! Look," Rosalie pulled out the emerald music box decorated with golden swirls from her kimono blouse.

"It's the music box Papa made for you years ago – it didn't get destroyed after all! Ukitake held onto it when the Scavenger Team went through what was left of our house. I'll play the melody for you now – yes I even have the ring!"

Hiko watched as Rosalie push the ring into the circular indent before sharply turning it with her thumb. The music box opened and she pressed the center of the miniature rose, releasing the melody. Rosalie started to hum the melody before singing softly.

Listen to the melody and remember

The days we spent together.

For though those days are over we

Will never forget each another.

Listen to the melody, listen to the song

And sing with me dearest ones,

Sing with me and remember . . .

I think of you every time I feel the sun

On my face. I heard your voices on

The wind and was brought back to better days . . . .

I'll never stop singing my dear ones,

I'll never forget our past.

I'll sing for you and remember . . .

This melody and happier days . . .

Listen to this melody, listen to this song,

And sing with me . . .

Sing with me and remember . . .

Hiko blinked sleepily as Rosalie finished, the night was silent.

Smiling to herself the girl picked up her Beast and tucked the music box into her kimono blouse, the sliver ring catching light on her finger.

That song had said everything.

Hoped you enjoyed this and I hope you like the new title!

Sign

Snowlily246