Requiem for the Hollow Rose

by sreshtiyer

After witnessing the death of Pyrrha, white fills her vision and the Rose huntress finds herself in a desolate and bleak place. Confused, lost and still grieving the loss of her friend and her own helplessness, little does Ruby realize that was just the beginning of her arduous journey. Innocent to Mature Ruby. Rated M for psychologically disturbing themes (non-sexual).

14. Chapter 14: Mom

Here's an extra special double chapter! I really burned myself out writing this one, hope you like it and thank you all so, so much for all the support so far! Special thanks to D'nnome for beta reading my fic! Check out the end where I answer some questions and also responses to your reviews! If possible, try having the BGM on for this chapter!

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Chapter 14: Mom

World of the Living

(All abilities neutral)

BGM: Clannad Soundtrack: White Clovers

Dinner at the Kurosaki household was usually never as animated and noisy as it was today. However, considering the new addition to their family, it was quite appropriate. And to go with the special occasion, Masaki prepared some specially made egg fried rice along with some sweet mochi for dessert.

"Um uh….how do you even use these to eat?" asked Ruby, twirling the chopsticks with her fingers, tilting her head and observing the chopsticks. To her, those looked like portable stakes. No one, not even her, knew how THAT was the first thing that came to her mind upon seeing chopsticks.

"Eeeeh you've never used chopsticks before, Ruby-oneechan?" asked Ichigo with a curious look. "Here, I'll show you!"

And so, Ruby spent the next few minutes getting used to holding and using chopsticks, Ichigo correcting and demonstrating to her all the way. Funny how she was so skilled with handling weapons and herself and yet something like using chopsticks she needed help with. Once she actually got some of the fragrant rice into her mouth, her eyes widened while her mouth hung open. The chopsticks fell from her hand onto the table.

"…delicious…" she said softly. "This is….really good…so good…..it's been so long since I had something this tasty….."

"Hehe, I know right? Mom's cooking is the best!" grinned Ichigo.

"I'm glad you liked it; you can always have more if you like!" said Masaki smiling. Yuzu and Karin were also having trouble eating with their chopsticks rice sticking on their faces and spilling on the table as they ate.

"Don't make a mess you two" said Masaki tenderly to the twins. "Oookkaaayyy!" came the reply.

"Mom's cooking….." thought Ruby inwardly. She saw images of a tiny dinner table of 4, the room still illuminated in a dull orange hue by the fading rays of twilight. Her mother's visage, with her bright, warm smile holding a tray of cookies with gloved hands while she and Yang would be waiting in anticipation, hands on the table, both of them anxious to sink their teeth into those delicious looking cookies. The image of Yuzu and Karin sitting in front of her wasn't too far off from the images on her mind. A single tear slowly trickled down her cheek.

"What's wrong Onee-chan….?" asked Ichigo, his eyes raised in concern.

"Ah sorry…" said Ruby hastily, wiping her eye. "It's just that I was reminded of home…I'm alright now" she assured the orange haired boy, smiling lightly.

"Now now sweetie, you shouldn't talk while you're eating" said Masaki softly, reprimanding Ichigo.

"Does it still hurt?" asked Ichigo, pointing to her face. "Your face…"

"No, these are just scars, see?" replied Ruby, taking the boy's free hand and placing it over her face, running it gently over her scars. And indeed, the boy felt no bumps or wounds as he ran his hand over her smooth skin.

"Oy Ichigo, it's rude to point at someone's face" said Isshin as he chowed on a large portion of rice.

"You too dear, try not to talk when you're eating will you? We don't want the kids to be learning your bad habits now do we?" she said with the same dangerous smile, that reminded Ruby of Summer's own version of the same expression that she would often make when Ruby and Yang wolfed down too many cookies at once. And as expected, Isshin quieted down after that.

After the main course came the mochi. As before, Ruby's eyes sparkled when she tried them, the chewy and sweet dessert practically dissolving and melting in her mouth, bursting with flavor. In her mind, Summer = cookies and Masaki = mochi. Noticing that she gobbled a little too many of them, she felt embarrassed, putting her head down. The kurosaki family chuckled.

Dinner went by fairly quickly after that, and they all spent the next half an hour watching TV. It was a show about a cat named Tom and a mouse named Jerry and all of the different ways the mouse would thwart the cat's plans. She got a few giggles and chuckles here and there, but to her, it was a truly memorable moment, watching the kids and even Isshin and Masaki laughing their little heads off while they sat around the couch as one big group. In that moment, her mind truly was devoid of all the worries and doubts she had regarding her mom, big-sis, Nel, Grimmjow or her master.

"All right kids, time for bed!" declared Masaki, and Ichigo's, Karin's and Yuzu's faces did a 180.

"Aww already?!" cooed Ichigo.

"But we wanted to talk to Ruby-onee chan!" added the twins.

"You need to go to bed, otherwise you'll be late for school" replied their mom. "She won't be going anywhere, you'll get time to talk to her tomorrow, understand?" The three of them replied with a dejected 'ok', said their good nights and went straight to bed.

"Good night…." Waved Ruby lightly at them. Once the kids were put to bed, Masaki got to cleaning up which Ruby offered to help with. But the brown-haired Quincy simply insisted otherwise. Isshin continued watching some more TV, Ruby making some small talk with the two of them.

End BGM

"It's so strange" started Ruby, looking to the window. "It's almost as if I'm looking at myself from not so long ago when I look at them. I can almost understand what Yang must've felt all those times I was with her"

"That's life for you" said Isshin "One moment you're a kid and before you know it, you're living with your adorable wife and kids. The times just pass by before you know it"

"Oh, stop it dear, you're embarrassing me" said Masaki blushing slightly. "Now that you mention it, you said something about having memories of your previous life, didn't you?" asked Masaki.

"Ah huh" nodded Ruby in the affirmative. "I feel like I've almost remembered everything from my previous life, though it seems there are still some gaps in my memory" she admitted, her eyes looking down and dwindling her thumbs. "But honestly, sometimes I just wish I'd never remembered anything. I found a new family. With my big-sis. With Nel. With Grimmjow. With Lily and Starrk. I was satisfied. I was happy. Every time I remember something….I just…keep thinking about the kind of face my sister, my dad or my friends would've made knowing that I was dead…..and I just…..left them behind and started afresh here…..I keep getting reminded of it every time I'm with my family back in Hueco Mundo. Or here for that matter. Don't get me wrong, I was genuinely happy to see them smile, and being a big sister like my big-sis and Yang was a new experience too" she chuckled softly. "I truly am happy that wherever I go, there's always someone there for me. But I'm just…scared, Masaki, Isshin" she said, looking at them.

"Ruby….."

"I've gone through Hell itself and something like this is what bothers me. I had a loving family with Yang, with dad and I lost them, no doubt causing them pain, just because of me. Even now, I had my found new friends and a new place to call home yet, here I am, far away from their sight, deserting them, leaving them behind. I just…..can't calm myself down knowing I always keep hurting those that come near me. I'm scared…of getting too close. Even now, I…..I don't want to…" she then felt a pair of arms around her, enclosing her from behind, the soft bangs of masaki's brown hair falling over her face.

"Ruby" she called out lovingly "You're putting too much blame on yourself for things that you can't control. Your memories…are a wonderful gift. You must never think of them as a curse. It is said that a person truly dies when the memories of their deeds and existence vanish and not when their body does. Your family is still alive, within you. And your memories of them are still vivid and it shows that you still care for them. That they are still precious to you, even after all that you have gone through. You've held on to them, even though it hurts you so. There could be no greater way of showing the love and care you have for those around you. I'm sure, that whichever family it is, they consider themselves lucky to have known you and be part of your life. Just like us. And I can tell, that we would never ever regret being part of your lives, and I'm sure, they stayed with you because they wanted to, just as us. So never blame yourself sweetie. That is the last thing I or anyone else want you to do" She could feel the scent of plum blossoms from her perfume as Masaki hugged her. It was a scent that was common place in Japan and yet, to Ruby, it was the fragrance associated with the individual known as Masaki Kurosaki.

"You're thinking way too much about this kiddo" said Isshin "Most of us don't even have the luxury to think about such things. Each of us, we struggle to live our lives dealing with things that are directly ahead of us. A lot of us simply can't think about matters beyond ourselves. But that's an adult for you. And knowing all that you've gone through, I'd say you qualify as one too. So, here's your first words of wisdom as an adult; You will screw up. A lot. You live and you learn. And when you start to think too hard about that embarrassing thing that happened or that trauma from x years ago, and you keep asking yourself how and where things went wrong or how you could change it, just tell yourself that what's done is done. There's no changing it, so you learn from it, telling yourself that despite what happened, you learnt one other way life can screw up and pat yourself on your back, telling how you survived through it. Or just forget it and move on. It's the only way to stay sane"

"!" Ruby gasped, the meaning of their words ringing true. It garnered newfound respect for the two of them within her. Despite the fact that the two of them have never gone through anything remotely as drastic and traumatic as she had, seen the things she had, the clarity and maturity their words and demeanor showcased spoke volumes about their experience, both as a parent and as an adult. "Aah, I still have a lot to learn" she thought inwardly.

"Yeah….you're right" she replied to the two of them, smiling back "I feel a lot better now. Thank you"

"Fu fu fu No need for thanks, sweetie. We're family now after all, aren't we?" said Masaki, gently rubbing her head.

"Ahahaha I guess!" laughed Ruby sheepishly. "I thought I wasn't a child anymore but I suppose no matter how old you get; you always find someone to learn from"

"Couldn't have said it better myself" remarked Isshin. "So just enjoy the moment, atleast until you feel like going back home. Right now, you're in a wonderful place with my adorable little kids and wife. Just like how I'm enjoying the addition of a cutie like you in our little family- oof!"

"Oh ho ho ho~~, oops, my hand slipped dear, I do apologize!" said Masaki laughing, a comical vein popping up in her forehead while elbowing Isshin. Ruby watched, sweatdropping with an awkward smile. And so, the three of them continued to indulge in small talk until they decided to call it a day.

"You can use the guest room dear" said Masaki, pointing to the door by the far end of the hallway. The washroom's right there and if you need anything at all, just let me or Isshin know, alright?" Ruby nodded back.

The room was packed with shelves on all sides with a lot of books on a variety of topics. There was a window to the right of the door, beneath which was a small crafting table. On the left side of the room by the wall was a comfy looking armchair with leg rests. The room was small, dusky but cozy. She liked it. The scent of old books, a small enclosed cozy room and a simple mattress on the floor with pillows and comforters. Moonlight filtered through the window, with the trees outside casting dancing shadows on the crafting table.

Lying down on the mattress, covering herself with the sheets…..didn't feel right to her. The mattress was way to soft compared to the rocks she slept on in hell or the rocky floors of Tier's lair. Sleeping on a mattress was just too comfortable for her to sleep normally. So, she folded the sheets back to how they were, instead sitting down against the rack of books, stretching her legs and hanging her head. Several minutes passed by sleeplessly, and she tossed, turned around, tried different positions, and no matter what she did, she simply couldn't sleep. Perhaps she really needed to have her weapon by her side, she thought to herself. She'd always felt more comfortable sleeping on guard, either having Crescent Rose by her side, ready to retaliate against a threat or keeping her claws and fangs as an adhuchas. Right now….she simply felt too exposed. She didn't want to get used to sleeping so defenselessly. She materialized her Zanpakuto. Urahara did mention that she could take it out whenever she wanted in her gigai form. Hugging it close brought her some much needed comfort. She could almost feel the concern and care her mom was feeling for her as she hugged her sword. She spent some more time staying like that and her eyes drooped in gradual slumber.

…..

…..

….

"…You'll lose them too…"

"…why...do you even try…?..."

"…..how…..pretentious…you're just…a monster playing human….!"

"…this….is her fate….!"

Ruby jolted awake, her body in cold sweat and her breathing coarse and heavy. She was using her left hand to support her face, her expression one of surprise.

"Damn…!" she cursed, punching the floor. Just a dream, she told herself. A stupid, stupid dream. I'm out of that Hell, I'm never going back there. It's a new place, my mind is tired. I shouldn't bother too much with these thoughts, she said to herself, continuing her trail of thoughts in that direction. But what little sleepiness she had was completely decimated.

And so, seeing that sleep was pointless, she got up, going to the living room only to find Masaki there, still awake. The glow of the TV illuminated her and the entire living room, the sounds of crickets breaking the otherwise silent night. She was the only one there, so Ruby assumed that the rest were fast asleep. The clock read 12:30.

"Couldn't sleep?" asked Masaki, sitting down on the couch, picking up what looked like a video game controller. The red console it was connected to spelt 'Family Computer Nintendo', and a cartridge titled 'Magic Jewelry' was loaded onto it.

"Yeah…." asked Ruby. Ruby calmed herself down, putting on her neutral expression from before. Her dreams needed to only trouble her, not those nice enough to take care of her. Masaki signaled at her to sit down by her side, which she did.

"It's alright, it happens. Don't worry too much about it" she assured. "You're in a new place and you just need to get used to it" The screen flashed with pixelated graphics of colorful orbs spelling the word 'JEWELRY' with a prompt on the screen.

"Yeah, you're right….must be the new place" replied Ruby. She was impressed Masaki could tell exactly what was on her mind.

"Come to think of it, how come you're awake?" asked Ruby.

"Well, even I like to sneak in every now and then in the dead of the night and play a couple of rounds. It's an entirely different feeling altogether when you're done with a long day of work and the room is all dark and silent, you're sitting in front of the glow of the TV while the crickets give you company. You should try it sometime!" she said, flashing a toothy grin, just like a tomboy. Such a stark contrast to her motherly demeanor, thought the dark haired arrancar to herself.

BGM: Magic Jewelry NES Music 2

The screen flashed once more, and a pixelated image of a text box on the left with colorful falling tiles popped up on the left with an image of a picture of the statue of liberty on the right side of the screen. The occasional taps made by Masaki as she controlled the joystick cut through the 8-bit style music that was softly playing from the TV. Masaki turned down the volume so that it was softly audible in the room and didn't disturb the others.

"Say…Masaki…..is it really alright allowing me to stay here?" asked Ruby with a slightly playful voice. "I'm a hollow you know? I eat humans for breakfast. I just might gobble up little Ichigo, Karin and Yuzu" she asked with a smug smile, smacking her lips slightly.

"Ehhh, I'm so scared~~" replied Masaki with her own baby voice, continuing to play "Please, please Miss Hollow, take me instead, leave my children, I'm a much tastier meal~~" she cooed. "But Hollow-san, whatever you do, don't eat my husband. He smokes, so his blood wont taste good, you'll fall sick~~"

"Pfft…ku ku ku….ah hah...ahahahahahahahahaha!" burst out Ruby, practically rolling on the sofa. "You're too much you know that Masaki! I really doubt any hollow would dare come near you with the reiatsu you have. I bet they're the ones who'll be begging you not to eat them if you ask me" she grinned.

"Eating hollows? But I'm just an innocent old lady, I could never do such a thing!~~" she cooed on, and Ruby had further fits of laughter.

"Aaahh you crack me up! 'Old lady' she says, it's been so long since I've let loose like this!" guffawed Ruby. "Ahh I feel a lot better now. I really needed that. I think the last time I laughed this much was when I bit off Grimmjow's tail while dreaming about cookies. The look on his face when I explained it to him was priceless!" said Ruby with a smug and proud smile. Masaki looked at her curiously wide eyed before the two of them burst into mutual laughter.

"I see~~so our dear little Ruby likes cookies, does she?" asked the Quincy. She tapped a few buttons, and the screen flashed again.

"Aah well…Mom used to make them all the time, and I and Yang would gobble them up in no time. Ehehehe mom's face…..was intense at those times" said Ruby sheepishly, rubbing the bridge of her nose. Her zanpakuto felt slightly warm, as if it felt embarrassed.

"Ara~? Is that why you gobbled up those rice cakes?" teased Masaki.

"Aaaaah don't remind meee!" said Ruby embarrassed, burying her face in her palms. Masaki simply continued to giggle.

"If it's just cookies, I can always make them you know" said Masaki. Ruby raised her hand to decline her offer, but Masaki shushed her. "Come now, making cookies is hardly any trouble at all, and I'm sure eating them together with Ichigo and the little ones will make them all the tastier, don't you agree?"

"…..I guess you're right" replied Ruby, looking to her side with a small smile. "But I really don't want to trouble you"

"No buts, I'm making them and you're eating them. That's final. Got it?" said Masaki with a stern but gentle expression. Ruby nodded her head. And with that, Ruby continued to watch Masaki play her game, until the music, the silent tapping of buttons and the dim glow of the TV along with Masaki's peaceful emotions pulled Ruby's mind into a tranquil sleep, her head leaning softly against Masaki's shoulder.

"If you're worried about staying here as a hollow, then let me tell you that you're the sweetest little hollow I've ever had the fortune of having as part of my family. And I'll never allow you to feel hurt because of that. No matter how many times, no matter how long, you can always lean on me" said the Quincy, gently caressing Ruby's head.

Her hands were clutching her Zanpakuto tightly, a single tear escaping her eye. Masaki continued to caress Ruby's head, wiping her eye and lay her against the sofa and covered her.

---

Ruby awoke with a start, finding herself in the unfamiliar surroundings of the couch she was sitting in beside Masaki last night. Noise and chatter from the three kids getting ready to go to school erased all the sleepiness from her brain.

"Morning sleepy head!" teased Masaki gently, whilst putting on the final touches to Karin and Yuzu's uniforms. "I see you slept well!"

"Mmm…morning…Masaki…" mumbled Ruby, folding her covers and getting up. Ichigo grabbed his lunch box, hurriedly putting on his shoe, grabbing his bag and heading out.

"See you mom! Ruby-oneechan!" he waved before dashing out. The twins too followed suit, but in a more controlled manner. Isshin just about finished with his breakfast and the morning newspaper. Considering that he worked in house, managing the Kurosaki Clinic, there was no urgency in his actions. Ruby freshened up, proceeding to the dinner table. Masaki laid out breakfast for her; French toast and milk, which she gobbled up with savoury delight. It had been so long since she last had milk. Strange that something so mundane could get this much of a reaction out of her. Isshin put on his coat, going over to the clinic room. Masaki finished up the chores for the morning, this time Ruby helping her despite the former's protests. Once that was over, Masaki grabbed a few bags, signalling at Ruby to come along.

"Are we going somewhere?" she asked curious.

"Yup! We sure are! In fact, I've planned something really fun, just the two of us!" she grinned. Ruby really had nothing else planned, save for asking Urahara on some updates regarding the garganta portal and one other nagging issue she had at the back of her head. But she could always pay a visit to Urahara store later in the evening. Masaki wore a simple long-sleeved white top with a turquoise long skirt with blue and green floral patterns on it. She also wore a red scarf around her neck. Ruby was still in the same tracks given to her by Urahara. Just as the two were about to step out, Ruby stopped.

"What's wrong sweetie?" asked the Quincy. Ruby said nothing, continuing to look at her hands. "Ah" Masaki raised her eyes in realization. She then quickly went inside, and Ruby could feel soft fabric covering her head, like a hood.

"You don't have to worry about your scars being seen now" she smiled, rubbing her head.

"…..Thank you….." she replied softly, her voice filled with gratitude.

BGM: The House in Fata Morgana OST - Cicio

Masaki and Ruby walked along the streets of Karakura town, along the various assortment of stores, eateries and even houses. The roads were mostly devoid of people, seeing as how it was still in the middle of a weekday and most were away either working or attending school. But the few people that they did pass would turn towards Ruby, passing looks. Ruby lowered her hood, keeping her head as hidden from view as possible. Masaki would then hold her hand tighter, in an assuring and soothing manner.

"Pay no heed to the stares of strangers, sweetie. You mustn't feel bad about showing your face. Nobody knows what you've been through, so why must you let their stares affect you so? You are a strong and lovely young girl. Never let anyone say otherwise" said Masaki.

"…Yeah…..I'll try to keep that in mind…I really appreciate it….." replied Ruby with a smile.

They first stepped in front of a clothing store for women.

"And that's why we're here!" informed the Quincy. "Urahara-san may be really smart when it comes to a lot of things, but he really ought to take lessons from Yoruichi-san regarding things concerning women" she said, nodding his head. "Those tracks won't be enough for the time you're staying here. I'll help you pick out some really cute outfits!" she chimed, more or less dragging the arrancar into the store.

"M..masaki, you don't really have to..I'll just make do with…." But the quincy paid no heed to Ruby's protests, and was already looking at different tops, pants, scarves and even underwear. The next several minutes passed by with Masaki urging and practically dressing up Ruby herself with several different outfits one after the other. And before she knew it, they left the store with bags of clothes for not just Ruby but Masaki as well.

"Aaah~~we have so many bags already! I wish my darling husband was with us too, that way he could've helped carry some of these!" she said with a pout. Ruby chuckled awkwardly, sweatdropping.

"Phew~I'm famished! Let's get something to eat!" she said, and the two then spent looking around the marketplace for a place to fill their bellies. Upon Ruby's suggestion, they settled on a café by the corner of the street. Ruby got herself a latte, garlic bread and cookies while Masaki got herself a simple coffee and cinnamon bun.

"Fu fu fu, going around like this, splurging on food and clothes makes it feel like I'm on a date! And lucky me, my 'date' is such a cutie too!" she said with a cheery smile "I feel like I'm back to my high school years when Isshin and I used to go out on a lot of dates….Aah, those were the times! Hehehe, all those times I dragged my poor darling husband around town…..he used to be so cute back then!" she remarked, taking a sip. Ruby laughed along awkwardly, unsure of what to say.

"So?" asked Masaki, with a smug smile. "What about you? Does our darling Ruby have someone in her mind she likes?"

"That's…..I don't….I haven't really….thought about such things….." replied Ruby shyly, looking to her side, sipping her latte. Despite the scars, Masaki could see her face blushing.

"Oho?~~I know! What about that one? Grimmjow was it?" she continued, her voice maintaining the same playful tone. "It's alright, I won't tell anyone, I promise!"

"Aah…..no, no no...it's not like that...! He's more like family to me...!" replied a Ruby with an awkward smile, blushing a little, palms facing forward.

"Kahahahaha! Fierce Ruby Rose, escaper of Hell and slayer of demons trembles naught at the sight of hollows or demons but talks of love and passion~~" narrated Masaki with a mock deep voice, her hand extended. Ruby covered her face with both hands.

"Please….I'm not sure I can handle much more of that Masaki" squeaked the ex rose huntress in a small voice, embarrassed. The latter quieted down.

"Ah, it's fine isn't it?" she said, taking another sip "Shopping for clothes, eating outside, going out, and talking about love. Our experiences and reactions weren't so different was it? Despite being a Quincy and an arrancar, beings which you could say are polar opposites of each other. Ultimately, it's our hearts and minds that matter. That's why, don't have any reservations about staying like this. I reckon opportunities like these are hard to come by being in Hueco Mundo. So, you should enjoy them while you can"

"Is that why…you didn't think twice about helping me back then?" asked Ruby.

"Ah huh" nodded Masaki. "I told you. People may tell you that you're an Arrancar, or a hollow, or something else. But to me, you're just an ordinary girl. One whom I happened to see in pain and suffering. I simply couldn't leave someone like that, hurt and injured, now could I?" The two finished up their meal, payed up and started walking. There was a gentle breeze, the leaves flying by as they walked amongst the trees and the water side.

"Here" called out Masaki, reaching out for Ruby's hair. She could feel her placing something on her head. She felt the faint scent of roses. "My~~you look beautiful!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands. As Ruby stood there by the water's edge, with the faint golden rays of the setting sun passing through her hair, the rose adorning her hair and the shimmering water lit with the golden setting sun serving as her backdrop, she looked angelic. Ruby observed her own reflection, her eyes widening at what she saw. Despite her scarred face, she couldn't believe the gleaming girl she observed in the water's reflection was indeed her own face. She looked to her side, speechless. No words were needed, for both she and Masaki understood what the other was feeling, in that magical moment. The two of them stayed by the water's edge, watching the setting sun, observing people come and go.

BGM: Ludovico Einaudi - Una Mattina

Many parents then started bringing along their kids to the park, either to relax or to play. The chatter of children and parents alike could be heard throughout. Ruby looked at them with a melancholy look.

"Hey Masaki, is it alright if we move somewhere else?" she asked, almost with pleading eyes. She raised her eyes, but smiled softly, and nodded.

"I'm sorry….its just that…." Started Ruby as they started walking back.

"It's alright, I understand" replied Masaki with an understanding look. "There was one last place we needed to visit today anyways, and I believe it's the perfect time too" she said, guiding Ruby along.

On and on they walked, through houses and streets, passing by people returning back from work and kids returning back from school.

"Don't you need to be back home? Won't Ichigo, Karin and Yuzu be returning home now?" asked Ruby.

"Ah, my husband will take care of that. It's just for today after all. But this is much more important" she replied. Much more important than tending to her own kids? What could it be…..?

The route they walked by was starting to look familiar to Ruby. And when they hit the corner where Urahara's shop lay, then it came to her.

"…..how come we're here…?" asked Ruby, perplexed.

"Oh, you'll see" she replied. The eccentric shopkeeper appeared from the store's entrance, fan in hand.

"Hello Urahara…Urahara-san" greeted Ruby, deciding to try using the honorifics people of this land used.

"Greeting, Ruby-chan! I see you're getting used to staying here!" he replied in kind. He then turned to Masaki.

"I assume you're here for what we discussed?" he asked. Masaki nodded. "Right this way then"

"Say Urahara-san…..I have something I wanted to ask….if its alright, can I drop by later today?"

"Sure, I had something important I wanted to discuss with you too" he said.

And with that, the two followed the exiled soul reaper into the store, through a couple of sliding doors until they came to a seemingly empty room. Then, Urahara lifted the floor mat at the far end of the room, revealing a hidden trapdoor with a ladder leading further down. He went first, then Masaki and then Ruby.

"! This is…!" gasped Ruby. The ladder went on and on, going below several storeys. The place resembled a huge underground cavern, with lighting on the 'roof' of the cavern and rocky terrain throughout.

"I'd never imagine something like this was present underground" commented Ruby.

"It's something that IS handy when I need to train someone or test something" replied Urahara. He then went ahead, going around a few rocks until they came across what appeared to be hot springs, steam rising from the greenish blue water.

"A hot springs underground…..?" questioned Ruby. "Wait, don't tell me this is the 'important matter' you mentioned, Masaki!"

"Ah huh! It is! After all, taking a long hot bath is a very important part of personal hygiene! And you haven't bathed since yesterday! And besides, this is no normal hot spring" replied Masaki. "The water here can heal wounds and injuries faster than normal" She didn't bring me here to try to find a way to heal my scars did she…..? thought the arrancar inwardly. But knowing Masaki, she probably did. One day, I swear I'll repay you for everything you've done Masaki, I swear it. She told herself.

"Well, I'll leave you be then" said Urahara, raising his hat and going back the way he came. Masaki waited until he was out of sight, undressed and pointed at Ruby to do the same. Masaki got in first, and when Ruby entered, the sensation of the warm water splashing against her legs. The two then sat one beside the other, soaking themselves thoroughly. Instantly, the water in front of her turned blood red, the floor turning fleshy and filled with bones. The warm water splashing on her legs now looked like the warm blood of those that fell to her blade, their remains scattered about nearby. The next moment, she could see her mother's face and what happened next….

"AAAH!" gasped Ruby heavily, her eyes wide with shock. Masaki was next to her, her hand on Ruby's shoulder.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked concerned. She could see Ruby breathing heavily, sweating. "What happened, tell me?" she asked once more, grabbing both her shoulders gently. Ruby looked straight into Masaki's eyes, taking a moment to confirm the reality of things. She then shook her head vigorously.

"Ah…..ah….sorry…" she apologize. Her breathing also became calmer. "I just…"

"Bad memories?" asked a masculine voice. Ruby sensed Yoruichi's familiar reiatsu.

"Yoruichi….? Is that you…? But why does your voice sound like..?" asked Ruby, and then she saw a black….cat? swim up to her chest. There was something familiar about those golden eyes. Strangely enough, cat had the same reiatsu as Yoruichi. "Is….is that you? Yoruichi-san?"

"Ah, that's a shame, I was hoping to surprise you, but with those senses I suppose I should've considered concealing my reiatsu first" replied the cat. A talking cat? Asked Ruby to herself. "Indeed, it is I, Yoruichi!" declared the cat and there was a puff of smoke, and a naked Yoruichi was leaning over her, her left hand on the rock Ruby was sitting against.

"Wh…wha….Yoruichi….you're….a….cat?" asked a very confused arrancar. "Don't tell me Soul reapers can transform into animals…though I don't remember Master mentioning him having such an ability" She continued, tilting her head.

"Ku ku ku, I'll leave that up to you to decide" she winked, sitting down by the rocks next to Ruby. "So? Feeling better now?"

"Yeah….thanks, Yoruichi" replied Ruby. The water in front of her looked normal, any visions of blood and flesh from Hell completely gone.

"What happened, sweetie?" asked Masaki.

"Urgh….just flashbacks of Hell" said Ruby with a distasteful sigh "I doubt…..I'll ever get over it completely. It's the same thing; whenever I think about having to use my sword or think about the fact that if I go to Hueco Mundo, I'll have to fight again…..every time I think about it….the images of my time in Hell, cutting down things to ribbons, blood spraying and flowing everywhere, my body and hands warm and drenched with blood, they're all back in full force. And when I see that…..I get reminded of what they did to mom….urgh…!" she groaned, with her hand on her head. "I just…..I don't know, if I can ever swing my sword….the same way ever again…"

"Sigh…..so that's what it was" said Yoruichi "Don't feel so down, kiddo. In fact, I think you're taking it quite well for what you've been through. I'm quite impressed by your mental fortitude"

"You think so?" asked Ruby.

"No doubt about it. Back in the day, when I was still the commander of the punishment force of the soul society, I've seen my fair share of squad members who practically break down with PTSD and trauma after a mission goes particularly bad. And I'm talking about those that have lived for decades, having witnessed things that don't even come close to what you've seen. And yet, despite just being an adolescent, you're doing far better than any person I've ever known. You should be proud of your own strength" said Yoruichi, giving her a light pat. "And I'm not usually that easily impressed, mind you"

"Is it truly because I'm strong…..or because I'm just a monster? I've indulged in so much bloodshed, watched things no normal person can ever withstand and be mentally sane….and yet, here I am, shrugging it off like nothing..." replied Ruby.

"That's where you're wrong, sweetie" said Masaki calmly cutting in. "After all….you still feel pain. Both when you think about having to cause it and the pain of others. You still care for the lives of others. You can feel sympathy. You can feel compassion. If you were truly a monster, tell me, would you even be thinking about these things right now? Only a genuinely good person would let their own trauma affect their conscience this much. So much so that the pain manifests itself in the form of those scars. That in itself is proof that you're still human, despite being an arrancar. And even now, despite being in this much pain, you still only care about those around you. I've said it before, and I can say it how many ever times you ask me. You're….one of the most wonderful, courageous and compassionate people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting" said Masaki, pulling Ruby closer to her shoulder. "So anytime you have your doubts, remember what I just said. And remember what Yoruichi-san just told you. I'm sure, you'll feel right as rain again"

"…yeah….."

"Trauma after bloodshed is normal kiddo. You'd just be a psychopath otherwise. It's not something a girl like you should ever have to go through. But this is where you are right now. And as you said, you're not done with your fighting days. So rather than closing your eyes to it, learn to live with it. It wont just disappear with a pep talk or two. You will get frequent flashbacks. But with time, you'll learn to accept and live with them. And talking about it with those around you can help with that. Those scars….they are proof of your survival, of your tenacity and of the horrors you've witnessed and lived to tell the tale. There could be no better marks to adorn your body as a fighter. So, I don't ever want you to feel ashamed or scared when you look at them. The only thing you should ever feel, is pride and determination!" said Yoruichi.

"Pride and determination….." repeated Ruby slowly, looking at her scars. They were already beginning to appear to her in a new light.

"Hear hear!" cheered Masaki. "Anyone who says otherwise will have to answer to both of us!" she continued, making a fist.

"Ahahaha….seeing you like that I'd be more worried about the other person" said Ruby with a small smile. "Aah….so much better. Sorry about spoiling the mood, when we really should've just been having a nice warm dip. Considering it's been years since I last bathed"

"Wait just a minute…..did you say that this is..!" started Yoruichi.

"Well, I mean, I always licked myself clean when I was an adjuchas. You know, being a cheetah an all and back in Hell, well, there WAS no water and I wasn't an adjuchas anymore so…" said Ruby scratching her head.

"Then all the more reason to enjoy this to the fullest! Take this!" said Yoruichi enthusiastically, splashing water on the arrancar. The ex-rose huntress returned the favour.

"Not good enough, Yoruichi!" said an excited Ruby.

"Looks like you two are having fun" chuckled the Quincy. "Let me join in as well!" And so, the three ladies had a truly memorable time washing off their fatigue and worries in the warm waters of the Hot Spring.

End BGM

---

"Phew~~That was fun!" exclaimed Masaki, drying herself and changing back to her clothes. "Dear me, it's already this late! I really should get back!"

"You go ahead Masaki. I have some things I want to ask Urahara-san. I'll catch up right behind you" said Ruby, drying herself and changing into one of the clothes they got for her earlier that day.

"If it's about the Garganta, then I have to say you'll have to wait a bit longer. Something that complex can't just be completed in a single day, even by someone like Kisuke" replied Yoruichi.

"The garganta was one thing but actually…I wanted to ask about my Zanpakuto" replied Ruby. "I just…..have this feeling that it should have a name, but I just cant remember what it is….and I thought that if I remember my Zanpakuto's name, I can maybe….talk to mom as well"

"Hmm…..that IS strange. An arrancar's zanpakuto is simply its own sealed power in the form of a sword. So normally, an arrancar would know its own Zanpakuto's name. But with yours…..its almost like you're holding a shinigami's Zanpakuto. Soul Reapers when they receive a nameless sword, they train with it, pour in their heart and soul, bond with it and then learn of its name. Perhaps this is because your mother, a soul reaper, is the cause for your arrancar transformation. If that's how it is in your case then…."

"So…if I train and fight with my Zanpakuto…I could learn of its name?" asked Ruby.

"There's a good chance" replied the purple haired beauty. "And coincidentally, he wanted to talk to you about the same thing as well. He said it would be better for you to learn how to get used to your current powers and body if you plan on returning back home soon. Considering that you risk running into Aizen. It won't do you any good if you can't fight to your fullest potential after all"

"So, it finally came to that" sighed Masaki with a concerned look. "After all, I won't tell you something like asking you to give up on fighting knowing what lies ahead of you. But I just hoped that you wouldn't have to go right back into holding your sword before even recovering" Ruby looked down, lost in thought.

"No, I can't wait around doing nothing Masaki. Especially after all that you did to make me feel better. Yoruichi and Urahara-san are right. If I want to protect my friends, I need to be able to move around and get used to fighting as I am now. I was hesitant about it before, but after talking to you both, I feel a lot better" said Ruby determined.

"Well, if you're that determined, I won't stop you. But please darling, remember to take it easy. You don't need to push yourself just for the sake of others. Do how much ever you can, and I'm sure things will fall in place gradually. And should anything happen, you can always rely on me or anyone else here, alright?" said Masaki. Ruby gave her a nod.

"I'll have dinner ready by the time you're home, so take your time to clear all the things you want to ask" smiled Masaki, before she grabbed all the things they bought earlier and left.

Yoruichi and Ruby followed soon after. They found Urahara sitting by another room.

"I see you're looking a lot better" commented Urahara giving a small smile.

"Yeah….it's all thanks to Masaki and Yoruichi. And thanks for the hot springs, Urahara-san"

"My pleasure" replied the shopkeeper, hand on his hat. "So, what is it you wanted to ask me earlier?"

"Right…..Actually, Urahara-san, could you help me learn my Zanpakuto's name? Yoruichi says that arrancar normally know of their own zanpakuto's name and that in my case it's more like a soul reaper's zanpakuto. If I want to go back to Hueco Mundo, I don't want to go back without knowing how to fight to the best of my abilities in this form" explained Ruby.

"Well, what do you know! I wanted to talk about the same thing too! I had a hunch you might not know your zanpakuto's name, given the nature of your transformation. Also, there's one other thing to look forward to. The process of learning your zanpakuto's name involves communicating with your zanpakuto spirit. Meaning this; if your mother really is your zanpakuto spirit, you will be able to talk to her again" said Urahara.

"I…I can see mom…?" asked Ruby, eyes raised.

"Indeed. But this usually involves spending time bonding, training and fighting with your Zanpakuto. I'm sure your master mentioned it, correct?" he asked. Ruby nodded. "I'm well aware that you've just overcome a terrible ordeal and might want to rest your mind-"

"It's alright, Urahara-san" said Ruby firmly. "I feel a lot better now. I admit, I was hesitant before. But thanks to Masaki and Yoruichi and everyone else, I feel a lot better than I did yesterday. And….I can't keep avoiding this. I need to go back to my friends and family. If Aizen really poses a threat to them, I need to be prepared to fight to my best capability using this form. So please" said Ruby, with a slight bow "Help me however you can"

Urahara gave a small pause, and then lowered his head, smiling slightly. "In that case, I don't have a reason to refuse you, Ruby-chan. For the purpose of bonding with your Zanpakuto, you need to be constantly in situations where your life is endangered. When your instincts to preserve yourself kick in, and as you overcome such situations, your bond with your Zanpakuto increases. I, Yoruichi-san and Tessai-san can help you with that. But it's getting rather late today. Why not drop by another day? I'll leave it up to you when you want to come by, just let me know before coming, Isshin-san or Masak-san will know how to contact me"

"Yeah sure, Urahara-san. You know…..you really remind me of Professor Ozpin" said Ruby.

"Ozpin….is that someone from your previous life?" asked Urahara.

"Uh huh….he was the headmaster of the academy I attended…though I'm not really sure if he was a scientist like you Urahara-san. But still, the way you and he talk are really similar" said Ruby. "Still, thanks a lot for today, and good night" waved Ruby goodbye, before returning home.

"We have to help her out, Kisuke. I could tell, while talking to her. She really has been through a lot and doesn't deserve any of what she's going through. Her nightmares aren't gonna leave her anytime soon either" said Yoruichi.

"We will, Yoruichi-san. I'm actively working on the garganta portal, but it's a monumental task opening one from this side. It would have been a lot easier if we had people on both sides opening a portal. So, it will take me quite a while. But, till then, the best we can hope for is preparing her to be at her best, both for her own sake and for our sakes as well. I have a hunch that her presence alone will throw Aizen's plans into disarray" replied the candy store owner. "But I'll be lying to you if I said I had no interest in a natural vasto lorde arrancar that possesses Hell reiatsu"

---

Ruby recollected the paths she took the first time she left from Urahara's place to Masaki's home. Though she did get lost on the way, she was able to lock on to Masaki's spiritual pressure one she got sufficiently close and found her way back.

"Welcome home! You're just in time!" greeted Masaki. The savory fragrance of freshly prepared food wafted throughout the house. Her stomach rumbled with hunger and she didn't want to put off dinner any longer. She quickly got in, sitting along side with the rest of the family as they watched a nature documentary. This one, in particular, was about Cheetahs.

Never before, in their entire lives, Isshin and Masaki included, had the Kurosakis ever seen someone become this animated over a nature documentary. If Ruby were to have animal ears and a tail, the kurosakis would have seen her ears perked up in excitement and her tail would have been moving about. Heck, she was even sitting down like a cat.

"…Wuuuut?! How did you let that one go…?! Go left, go left! Sprint! Dash..! no, now swipe! Argh, come on! I would've caught that one easy peasy!" shouted an excited Ruby, waving her hands about.

"Ahahahahah Ruby-oneechan, you're acting funny!" said Ichigo.

"Acting funny! Acting funny!" chanted the twins.

"Ehehehe….oddly appropriate don't you think?" asked Masaki with a light chuckle.

"I'll say. It's like I'm watching someone who's watching a football match. When I look at her like that, it's hard to see her as an arrancar" said Isshin. "Though, as long as it helps distract her mind, it works"

The next segment showed the presented showing the effects of a laser pointer on big cats. The cheetah didn't react much after making notice and neither did the lion.

"Of course not, if it were me, I'd never go after such a tiny prey. I doubt Mila would either" said Ruby as a matter of fact way, arms folded and nodding her head. The jaguar on other did show a slight reaction, even chasing after it for a bit.

"Whaaaaaat?! It works on them?! Hu hu hu, I can't wait to try it out on Grimmjow when I see him! Or maybe I should try it on Yoruichi as well!" said Ruby with a cunning smile, rubbing her hands.

"Onee….Oneechan your face looks kinda scary now..ahahaha" said Ichigo sweatdropping.

"Oneechan scary face! Scary face!" said the twins.

The rest of the night passed by smoothly after that. As before, the kids went to bed, and Ruby too, felt the activities of the day catching up to her.

"Sorry Masaki, I'll go sleep now" she said, yawning. "And….thanks…for today" she said sleepily.

"Good night Sweetie!" came the reply.

She changed into her PJ's and her mind was a lot clearer than the previous night. However, she still couldn't sleep on the bed. But this time, slouching against the wall holding her Zanpakuto, remembering Masaki's words did send peaceful waves of dreamless sleep to her mind. She heard nothing. She saw nothing. The only thing that remained, was a content and peaceful expression on her face.

---

It was the weekend, which gave Ruby the opportunity to accompany the kids when they called out to her for playing outside. They went to a nearby open field, where Yuzu sat nearby and watched while Karin, Ichigo, a girl called Tatsuki who was Ichigo's friend played football while Ruby accompanied them. Tatsuki was initially appalled by Ruby's scars, thinking them to be injuries. Ichigo then explained everything to her, which did sate her.

"Whoa, you're good Onee-san!" she exclaimed. "I can hardly follow you! Heh, who would've thought your sister was so capable, Ichigo!"

"Ruby oneechan is amazing!" exclaimed Ichigo.

Such a strange feeling, thought Ruby to herself. Here she was, playing with kids less than half her age. Was this how her big-sis felt, all those times she watched Ruby spar with Grimmjow? Or with Mila, Sung-su and Pacci? She was indulging in an activity so normal, so mundane that it was hard to believe she was so involved in it, having fun even. Their game lasted all the way till Noon, until they returned back home, tired and hungry.

After a quick lunch, Ruby decided she wanted to visit Urahara's shop for her first Zanpakuto session. Masaki called up the eccentric shopkeeper, and after getting confirmation, Ruby readied herself. This was it. Her first fight after her transformation. The first step towards talking to her mom. The kids were asleep, tired from their day's activities. She approached Masaki.

"Hey…Masaki…..would it be too much trouble….if I asked you to come along?" she asked slowly, lowering her head. Yes, she was looking forward to this. But somehow, she was still unsure. "I thought….it would be nice…..if you could just watch…..I'm just feeling a bit nervous" Masaki replied with a smile.

"Of course, dear. That's no trouble at all" Isshin got up too.

"You're coming along too, darling?" asked Masaki.

"Well, I can't miss such an exciting event now, can I?" he replied. "It's alright, the kids will be fine. We'll lock up here, there won't be any problems"

And so with the kids asleep, the house locked up, the Quincy, Arrancar and Shinigami-human hybrid went over the Kisuke's place, going past the many families, youngsters, old timers and similar others out for the weekend, indulging in shopping, having lunch, going on dates and what not, until they reached the dinky store of the eccentric shop owner.

"Well well, I certainly wasn't expecting guests, but do come in" he said, unfolding his fan and welcoming them inside. Through the rooms and sliding doors, down the trapdoor and into the huge underground training cavern they went. Isshin and Masaki spread a mat underneath themselves, sitting down and observing. Kisuke pointed his cane at Ruby's head, thrusting it straight through her head, knocking out her arrancar body from her gigai. Yoruichi and Tessai stood by.

"Don't strain yourself too much, darling!" called out Masaki. "You too Urahara-san! Please be sure not to take things too far, this is only a sparring match after all"

"You are a doting parent, I'll give you that Masaki-san. You have nothing to worry about. I'll only go as far as needed" said Urahara as he raised his cane, pulling out a sword from the cane. Ruby took up a stance with her Zanpakuto as well. She closed her eyes, sensing her opponent's spiritual pressure.

"!"

Massive. That was how she could describe it. It came close to her own reserves. She would've never guessed just by looking at him. This man, was no pushover.

"You really are strong Urahara-san. I'm really surprised" said Ruby.

"My, you give me too much credit" he said dismissively, lowering his hat. "In fact, I'm much more impressed by your ability to sense reiatsu! I haven't even released my Zanpakuto and you could instantly gauge your opponent. In any case" he pointed his sword. "Awaken, Benihime!"

The cane sword changed into a sleek medium sized sword with a straight blade, the hilt containing black decorative wrappings that bent forward, a crimson tassel hanging from the base. Ruby drew her katana, observing her opponent's stance, guard and demeanor. Her vision faltered, the scene in front of her shifting. She blinked, once twice and the narrowed her eyes. No good. Her arms were shaking again, holding her sword.

"What's wrong? Don't tell me you're scared of plain old me, Ruby-chan!" said Kisuke in a perky voice, taking a step forward. No, she couldn't let her first session end like this, trembling in fear. She closed her eyes. The visions were back. But then, she remembered her purpose. Yes. She was fighting to go back to her family and friends, to protect them. To be with them. From Aizen. From whoever would dare touch them. And she remembered their faces. Those times she wanted to go back to. She….wouldnt be able to go back if she looked like this. That's why she will overcome her fears. Then she remembered Yoruichi's words. Masaki's words. Her gentle comforting face, one that reminded her so much of her own mother.

"You are the sweetest little hollow I've had the pleasure of meeting…."

"Pride and determination…..wear your scars like a medal of honor!"

"You can always rely on me…no matter what happens.."

"You….are no monster. You are…one of the most compassionate and gentle person I've ever known…"

Yes. There was no need to fear her visions. She only needed to look ahead, at her goal. Everything else…. mattered not. And right now, there was an opponent she had to face, in order to meet her mother. She took one look at Masaki, who gave a slight nod back at her. And so, she opened her eyes, looking dead ahead.

BGM: Prince of Persia - Warrior Within OST #9 Rooftop Engagement

"!"

The arrancar's presence had completely changed in the blink of an eye, literally. One moment, Kisuke Urahara had been looking at a girl struggling to hold her sword, her eyes not even looking at him. But now, those razor sharp, cold silver eyes were on point, narrowed down on him. He suppressed a shudder. He was confident he could best her. Quite comfortably too. But now, just that glare made him doubt himself, if only for a bit. The girl dashed forward but a burst of speed that shocked even Yoruichi. Their blades met, a klang ringing out throughout the field. Her blade didn't feel heavy. He could tell that Ruby was not heavy hitter. But her speed far surpassed his expectations. He managed to deflect her strike, but she didn't even use Sonido to be as fast as she was.

The arrancar stepped back, looking at her own hands.

"You look surprised" said Kisuke. "I sure am, for one"

"Yeah…..my body feels so different from when I was a vasto lorde. Back then, I could only go that fast using Sonido. And even that used to have serious recoil. Now, I feel so much lighter. It's like all of my senses and abilities from before have been enhanced. Honestly, its throwing me off, since I'm not used to it"

"You could use Sonido…..as a vasto lorde…?!" exclaimed Yoruichi. "But….."

"Yeah…likely inspired by Flash Step, sonido is an arrancar technique granted because of their Shinigami abilities….to be able to use it as a hollow…..is really something huh" commented Isshin.

"Once more, Urahara-san!" said Ruby. The shop keeper readied himself. It appeared that Ruby had adjusted herself to compensate for a boost in her abilities.

*BZZZT!*

*KLAAANG!*

The arrancar had disappeared, appearing right in front of Urahara, blades locking the same as before. This time however, the slight shock on Urahara's face was visible to see.

Woah dear me, that's on par with Yoruichi-san's fastest Flash step!

Clang, clang clang. Their blades rang as Ruby and Urahara exchanged blows. Her hits were not heavy, but the exiled soul reaper was having trouble keeping up. Ruby, on the other hand, could feel her hands becoming sore the more she parried Urahara's heavy blows. Urahara swiped horizontally with force, which Ruby avoided by doing a backflip. He then started a flurry of thrusts, which Ruby avoided by a hair's breath by backflips, vaulting over, side stepping and occasionally parrying. He then switched to using multi-target attacks, striking at her from various angles.

Woah! She exclaimed to herself, gritting her teeth and avoiding and parrying blows that changed so drastically from his previous assault of attacks. She took a few steps back again.

She looked at her hands. They were ringing and sore. She was having trouble loosening her arm. Her forte was never parrying heavy hits like the ones Urahara was unleashing. Plus, a katana was not her primary weapon of choice. But she thought if she needed to get any closer to bonding with her Zanpakuto, she needed to consciously use her sword rather than other techniques. She sonidoed back, putting some distance between herself and Kisuke.

"Time out! Time out!" called out Ruby, making a T with her hands. The exiled Shinigami stopped dead in his tracks. "Tell me something Urahara-san, to learn my Zanpakuto's name, do I have to use it actively or can I rely on other techniques as well?"

"There's no such rule that you need to only use your Zanpakuto. Essentially, what really matters is that you fight and bond with your weapon through each battle and overcome hurdles together. Because your Zanpakuto and yourself are one" replied Urahara.

"Ah I see. That's a relief. Honestly, it feels so uncomfortable not being able to fight as my instincts tell me. I'm not even used to using a katana. So, if it's alright, I'm gonna start fighting the way I'm used to. Get ready Mr. Shopkeeper!" said Ruby, putting a step back. "Actually, there's this technique my master came up with. But honestly, I couldn't use it back then. I think I want to try it out now. Here I come!" Urahara put up his guard.

*BZZT!*

Ruby appeared in front of Urahara again, swinging her katana, but significantly slower than any of her previous strikes. Urahara blocked it without even thinking.

"That was slow, what's she…..!"

The air wavered next to him. The image of Ruby briefly appeared to his south east, before he sliced at her only to cut thin air. The air wavered again, and again and again. The room…..was occupied by multiple copies of Ruby, each one moving ever so slightly before disappearing and appearing at another location.

"Holy cow…!" exclaimed Isshin. "I….I can't track her…!"

"Yaaay! Go Ruby!" cheered Masaki.

"Well shit…..never thought there would be someone who could pose a threat to my title of flash goddess….!" Said Yoruichi, sweating a bit.

"Yoruichi-sama….don't tell me even you can't track her..?" asked Tessai, just as shocked as the rest.

"I can…..if I try real hard.." came the reply. "But I'm more impressed by the technique itself. That speed, that grace. Moving so fast and yet making such precise and tranquil movements while not disturbing the ground around you….I'll be damned…."

Kisuke couldn't move at all. Her very movements had forced him to stay in a single spot. He darted his eyes, attempting to track her moves but to no avail. He swung and swung and swung, but to no avail.

"Color me impressed!" said Urahara brightly. "I know Masaki-san asked me to take it easy, so I hung back a bit. But it seems that was unnecessary from the beginning! So, my apologies for not taking this seriously when you are!" he said.

"Scream, Benihime!" he cried out, swinging his sword in an arc. A crimson wave of energy cut across the multiple copies of Ruby, dissipating them all at once. The rose huntress, obviously startled, put some distance now that her technique had been broken.

So, he could fire off energy waves from his sword, thought Ruby. Two can play that game!

She made finger guns, firing off balas like it was second nature. After all her time in Hell, and with her new form, she was surprised how easy it was. Left, left, back, right, dart around, right, back, front, duck, and then left again she went, dashing in all directions while firing off a flurry of balas at the exiled Shinigami. Kisuke was not overwhelmed however, for he darted around, jumping, vaulting and blocking many of her balas using a hexagonal blood red shield conjured in front of his sword. The rest he would simply deflect with his sword. He didn't get out unscathed however, for some of them did manage to scrape by, leaving small cuts in his face, arms and abdomen.

"That took me by surprise!" said Urahara animatedly. "It's been so long since someone's pushed me this much! And I must say, that IS a very unique style of fighting! But…" he said, blocking some of her upcoming hits. "As you can see, because you keep your sights at your opponent, as long as your opponent can track where you are, no matter how fast your technique, your opponent will be able to block it because they know which direction the attack is coming from"

"Yeah…..I know" replied Ruby. "After all, this wasn't the greatest fighting style to use against intelligent opponents. This was the sort of thing that worked on mob like enemies that don't have intelligence"

"If you know….what're you planning to do?"

"Something like this!" she cried out, charging a crimson orb in her fingertips. The orb, instead of flying out in a beam like Kisuke predicted, flew out as a flying orb into the air just above him. Ruby then clenched her hand, which caused the orb to glow brightly and explode into many smaller streams of fast ceros.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" cried Urahara as he tried avoiding the fast-incoming beams but many of them definitely making contact. Smoke and dust kicked up, making it hard to tell anything. Ruby kept her sense sharp, constantly tracking his reiatsu in that dust cloud. She could still make out the strong spike of Reiatsu from the center of the cloud.

"Where are you looking, Ruby-chan" came a voice from next to her.

"Wh…wha…!" she exclaimed, jumping back. She looked at the place where she sensed his reiatsu inside the dust cloud, only to see his sword stuck to the ground. Damn, so he used his Zanpakuto as a decoy…! She then quickly turned towards Kisuke who now dashed at her, his fist curled. He was singed at places from her attack, but she'd always known that Cero Granada wasn't a powerful move. If anything, she needed to follow it up with an attack. She'd misjudged its use thinking it would be more powerful with her being an arrancar. The only thing different about it was that it fired off a greater number of streams than before. She could tell that Urahara was no slouch when it came to hand to hand combat and this wasn't going to end well. She put up her hands, the punch connecting squarely sending her flying back. She crashed into the rocks. Urahara flash stepped to his sword retrieving it and then back to Ruby again.

The damage he dealt was not as much as she'd expected. It was as if something had soaked up a lot of it. But still, there was a light whine ringing out in her ears. She picked herself up from the dirt, but not before Urahara stood in front of her, his sword raised. Those few moments she was defenseless was more than enough. As he was about to swing, Ruby's vision changed again.

End BGM

She was gazing at arms that felt like her own, but looked very different to her own, felt so different to her own. This was her, and yet this was not. These hands….this vision….they belonged to her mother. And yet, when the final guardian had grabbed her head, forcing her mother's memories into her, she'd lived each one of them since the moment Summer had arrived at the Soul Society, as if they were her own experiences. There was chaos everywhere, sounds and signs of conflict ringing out. In front of her was an enemy, rushing at her with their sword raised, about to swing down on her. Almost as if guiding her own hand, Summer's hand moved, pointing towards the enemy. 'She' chanted something. Almost like it was a spell.

"Bakudo #61, Rikujōkōrō!"

"Bakudo #61, Rikujōkōrō!"

6 thin, wide beams of light slammed into Kisuke's midsection, holding him in place. One could hear their own heartbeat in the silence that followed. Shock and disbelief were etched onto Isshin's, Yoruichi's, Tessai's and even Urahara's face to a certain degree.

"….that was….kido….!" exclaimed Tessai.

"…an arrancar…a hollow…..using kido…" repeated Yoruichi wide eyed.

"What's the matter? Why's everyone so surprised?" asked Masaki, looking at her husband.

"….of course they're surprised. Kido is a shinigami's technique. No wonder they're surprised" said Isshin.

"Really? But being an arrancar, is it really that surprising that she can use it? I mean, she IS a Shinigami-hollow hybrid after all" argued Masaki.

"It's not that, Masaki-san" said Urahara, breaking out of his binds, his voice serious. "True, its not that unbelievable that Ruby-chan can use Kido. I'd even anticipated the possibility that an arrancar would be able to use it. After all, the Vizards, who are Shinigami-hollow hybrids can use hollow techniques such as Cero after all. But…unlike Cero and Balas which a hollow usually knows/learns via its instincts, Kido can't be learnt the same way. It requires practice and learning the incantations for each spell. It needs to be taught. And it needs precise reishi control. Granted, Ruby-chan has amazing control over her reishi. But…Ruby-chan only became an arrancar upon arriving in the world of the living. There was no one to teach her such techniques in any point of her life…." He explained, his hand on his chin. And then, as if realizing something, his eyes widened. "Unless…"

All eyes were on Ruby herself. She was still staring at her hand, both in disbelief and distaste.

"Ruby…?" called out Masaki. The arrancar said nothing. Masaki got up, crouching next to her, hand over her shoulder.

"Sweetie…?" she called out again. Ruby responded, looking at her with that same look from before. "What's wrong dear..?"

"Ah…I just" scowled Ruby, with a wavering voice. "I'm sorry….I never wanted to…" she looked at Urahara-san.

"It's alright dear. Take it easy" she said with a soothing voice, holding her. Ruby calmed down considerably.

"Thanks Masaki….it's fine, its just that I never meant to use Kido…I actually wanted to ask you about that, Urahara-san but I guess I got my answer the hard way" she replied.

"If I'm not wrong, would it be because of your mother?" asked Urahara.

"Yeah…..its just that….forced to relive the memories of your mother and all her suffering isn't really something I wanted you know?" she said with a weak smile, both to lighten the situation and to calm herself as well. "But….thanks to that, I have memories …no, it would be better to call them experiences. Experiences of all the training Mom went through in the Soul Society, including her knowledge and experience of Kido. I was skeptical at first, seeing as how I was a hollow but….I didn't expect it would actually work. Using it….just brings back bad memories. And…..I'm making use of the hardships of others without really undergoing them myself. It kinda feels like cheating. Especially when those belong to mom" Ruby picked herself up from the dirt.

"Let's…stop for today" suggested Masaki. Ruby nodded. Urahara put away his sword.

"All in all, I'd say that was well done!" applauded Urahara. "Method aside, you did get a step closer to communicating with your Zanpakuto spirit, wouldn't you say?"

"Hmm…I'm not so sure Urahara san. Those memories were ones I already had when I escaped from hell"

"I think you should consider it" suggested Yoruichi "By using techniques and fighting the way your mother fought, wouldn't you say that brings you closer to her?"

"Indeed" added Masaki. "I know, I know, you feel bad about making use of your mom's experiences and hardships. But you know….if you ask me, I think your mom would want you to use her experiences"

"Why do you say so?" asked Ruby.

"Being a mother myself, I can tell. If my experiences and hardships will help in keeping my daughter from danger, nothing else would make me happier in the whole world. Knowing that that hardships I've gone through have helped keep my child safe and gave her strength would leave me with no regrets. In fact, that's the best way you can repay your mom for everything she went through" explained Masaki stroking Ruby's head.

Ruby looked at her, and then back to her Zanpakuto. She could feel a warmth emanating from it, and she could feel its emotions. She could feel her emotions. Approval, satisfaction, a touch of sadness but all in all, happiness, gratitude and a soothing comfort.

"Mom…" she called out, hugging her Zanpakuto.

"In any case, I must commend you, I thought I was a goner many a times during our duel!~~Keep this up and I'll be nothing more than a rag doll for Ruby-chan to push around!~~" cooed Urahara with his sing-song voice. "You're free to come back anytime~~" he added. "I'm sure you'll be talking to your mom in no time at all~~"

"Yeah….thanks Urahara-san…..guess we'll be heading back then" said Ruby. Urahara cast some healing kaido on her wounds, as well as his own. Ruby then entered her Gigai, going over to Isshin and Masaki's side.

"Good work, Sweetie!" said Masaki, "I'll make something special when we get back home today!"

"Heh, I have to admit, it was nice seeing you slog that shady guy's face" admitted Isshin

"Eh..ehhh you'll hurt my poor feelings, Isshin-san" cried Urahara comically. Ruby sweatdropped. All in all, the whole routine did make her feel better. But, she really could use some rest. And so the 3 of them promptly made their way back home.

"Heh, 'goner' my ass. If you'd really been serious, you could've easily killed her" remarked Yoruichi. "You didn't use a single kido spell against her, or your other destructive Zanpakuto techniques"

"No, you give her too little credit Yoruichi-san. It wouldn't have been so easy. She was holding back as well. Not to mention this being her first time using those abilities of hers. She did mention that using a katana was not her weapon of choice. Technically, she was fighting a soul reaper without having her own Zanpakuto released. I'd say that was impressive on its own" said Urahara.

"And that Kido of hers is nothing to laugh at either" added Tessai. "The original founding captains of the soul society from 1000 years ago were said to be the strongest captains of all times. And Ruby-san was trained by one of them, the same as Aizen. And even assuming Summer-dono was not a captain, she WAS still a soul reaper from that era. Not someone meant to be taken lightly either" he said, adjusting his black shades.

"And her speed…even I had trouble keeping up with her sonido. I'd say she matched evenly with my own top speed" said Yoruichi.

"Also…..I could feel her emotions" added Urahara.

"You what..?" asked Yoruichi.

"When we crossed blades, or when our Reiatsu clashed, I could feel all her emotions, plain as day" said Urahara lowering his hat "I imagine that's a consequence of Hell reiatsu, from her descriptions of Hell. I'd have to get back on that one day" he said. "And I believe she could read my own emotions as well"

"Kisuke….…." said Yoruichi.

"If in the future, young Ichigo were to realize his own latent abilities and were to work together with Ruby-chan against Aizen…..it just might be what we need to put an end to his plans" said Urahara.

---

BGM: A Requiem for Innocence - Little Swallow

And thus, my days living in Karakura town went on. In her town. As a member of her family. Living as a human, living as a normal person. Something I thought was impossible after assuming this form. And yet, she made it possible. Staying like a family. Playing and spending time with my siblings, going out for walks, going out as a family. She….made it possible for me to relive those days with Yang, dad and mom in our tiny house made for 4.

My nightmares continued with increased fervour ever since my first spar with Urahara Kisuke. But she never, ever left my side. When I woke the entire house in the middle of the night, screaming and crying, reaching out with my hands in fear, the only thing on her face was concern and worry. They never complained in all the numerous times I'd disturbed the sleep they so deserved. They never complained the numerous times I exposed their children….my brother and sisters to my immense spiritual pressure that would leak out as I awoke, terrified of the visions that continued to haunt me. The only thing on their minds and their faces were understanding, sympathy and compassion.

She did everything a mother would and beyond. Every night, without fail, she would apply ointment on my scars despite knowing that it wouldn't help. But to her, it was the thought that counted. Her motherly instincts wouldn't allow her to sleep peacefully without doing something to try to ease my wounds. Whenever I awoke to my visions, she was there, stroking my hair as I curled up on her lap. She would sing to me, her voice calm, soothing and angelic. She would sing of tales from her homeland and tales of great legends and epics. The same way Yang used to. The same way mom used to. In those moments, as the moonlight illuminated her blessed frame, singing in her heavenly voice, calming my trembling spirit, she was no different than the goddesses and gods of whom she would sing of in her tales.

She would take me on long walks between the swaying trees, falling leaves and grassy paths of the parks and trails that we usually walked through. No matter what I had in my mind, no matter what I had frustrations about, she was always there to listen, without complaint, without prejudice. And she would lend her own thoughts, her own experiences so that I could cope with my own insecurities, my own doubts, my own fears. The gratitude I feel towards her will forever be engraved in my entire being.

I continued to spar with Urahara, making visits once or twice a week. In an attempt to learn my Zanpakuto's name. In an attempt to talk to her. See her. My mom. I would spar in many different ways, hoping that something would help me learn of her name in this form. I would spar with Yoruichi, or Tessai-san or Urahara-san, hoping that facing off against different opponents would trigger something. Once, I even requested Masaki. Though I was so reluctant to involve her in any of this. In my problems. But I was getting desperate. And despite all my nightmares and visions, I still wanted to talk to mom. And yet, she obliged without a single word. And she was strong. Unbelievably so. Her gentle and motherly nature completely belied her strength and prowess in battle. And my respect for her increased all the more.

With each day, I learnt to accept them as my own family, and the siblings as my own. And I grew to love them as my own family. The reiatsu and the latent powers they possessed was a constant reminder of their inescapable destiny, one that I would constantly ask Masaki about out of concern and responsibility I had grown to possess being an elder sibling.

"Masaki…..with their latent abilities, it's only a matter of time before they're involved with the spiritual world. Especially Ichigo, who has a hollow inside him. Are you sure, you don't want to tell them about their true natures?" I asked, as I always did.

"Being involved with the spirit world means being exposed to constant dangers of being injured or killed or being targeted by various factions" came her reply. "I just want them to live a normal life. I and Isshin have already seen the consequences of that. All we ever want for them…..is to lead a normal life"

"I know….but….because of me….of my spirit energy…they can already see spirits. Even Yuzu, who couldn't see them before. I.." and before I could continue, she placed a finger against my mouth.

"I've told you before, you don't need to blame yourself for that. Ichigo and Karin could already see spirits before. What's adding Yuzu to that list going to change? So, don't think about that too much" said Masaki. "Because I know, no matter what happens, you'll look after your siblings wont you?" she asked. There was no need for me to think to answer that. It was something I had decided long ago.

"Of course, I will, Masaki. You don't even need to ask me something like that. I will always be forever grateful for everything you've done. I'll do anything…..anything you ask of me" I replied with determination.

"You don't need to go so far, Sweetie" she said with a smile, rubbing my head. "But….if I ever die…..please…..promise me, promise me you'll loo-" I gripped her hand before she finished that sentence. My heart twinged painfully, my mind rejecting the very scenario fiercely.

"Do….don't ever say that, Masaki. Don't even think about if you'll die….you can't….I can't…." I stammered, holding her hand tighter. She continued to stroke my hair, and hugged me tighter, my head resting against her arm.

"Humans die, we all die someday, that's a universal truth, Ruby. And if my time does come, I never, ever want you to blame yourself, ever. Alright?" she asked, looking at me. "Instead, if you can, please…..take care of them. They look up to you, as their elder sister. As their second mom. Yes, Isshin will be there too. But nothing in their minds could ever replace a mother. If the time ever comes that I'm not around and they can no longer go back to their normal lives, please, help them in accepting their origins. They will be scared; they will be confused. Several truths that they never knew existed now thrust upon their faces. It'll overwhelm them. If that does happen…..please, help them accept their natures and what they are, in whatever way you can. And more than anything, I want you….to cherish yourself. To love yourself. To no blame yourself for the death of someone like me. I never, ever want you to suffer or feel pain, because of me. Please…..promise me" she said again. Her eyes were serious. She wanted an earnest answer.

"…..of course I promise. I told you already. I'll do anything you ask me. Anything, for all that you've done. And they're my siblings. There's no need to ask me to help them. When the time comes, I will. But please, I don't want you to say that you'll be leaving or die soon. Ever….please" I pleaded.

"Alright sweetie. I won't. And remember what I said Ruby. More than anything, I also want you to stay happy and alive. I could never forgive myself if something happened to you because of something that happened to me" she said again, continuing to hold me. "Never ever forget that, you understand?" she asked gently.

"Yeah. I won't forget" I replied.

End BGM

---

BGM: Muv-Luv Alternative OST Vol.1 - (26) - Reminiscence

And so, weeks passed before Urahara finally announced his success in opening a portal to Hueco Mundo. Ruby's nervousness and anxiety were plain as day, and Isshin and Masaki even teased her for it. She looked like a school girl about to meet her date. Even after all her training, she still never managed to learn her Zanpakuto's name. But she had no reservations about it anymore. She accepted that when the right time would come, she would learn of her mother's name in that form. Right now, she could feel her mother, her emotions as she fought with her Zanpakuto. For her, that alone was comforting enough. But on the plus side, she'd fully learnt how to make use of her arrancar abilities. Though she wanted to leave immediately, Masaki asked her if she could stay over for Ichigo's 10th birthday which was a month away. To which of course, Ruby consented. It was her baby brother's birthday after all.

Ichigo and Masaki had come out to buy groceries, while she and the others stayed back at home. It was a boorish evening with a light downpour of rain. She was spending some time with the twins. If she was leaving soon, she decided her time would be best spent with her dear siblings than out there training or anywhere else. Masaki was getting quite late, and the two of them had left a long time back. The light rain turned into a torrential downpour. She knew the two of them had umbrellas and rain coats with them, so she didn't think too much about it. Some more time passed, when she suddenly felt a spiritual pressure. Hollow. One that could be felt all the way here. Hollows weren't all that uncommon, heck, there was one right here! But it was rare for a regular hollow whose reiatsu could be felt from this far away.

Ruby was still not worried. Strong for a regular this one might have been, but Masaki's own spiritual pressure was many magnitudes stronger. This wont even be a warmup for her. Of course, Isshin had sensed it too, and like her, her wasn't all that worried. Sure, the two of them would rush out if anything did happen. But with Masaki, that was highly unlikely.

But then she remembered. Ichigo. He didn't know about hollows. And Masaki didn't want him to know. Will she even use her powers in front of him? Ichigo could see hollows. But if it really came to that, Masaki would prioritize saving him rather than keeping her powers hidden. Her mind contemplated the possibilities until she decided probability be damned, she won't be able to sit here in peace unless she went and checked. Just to be sure.

"She'll be fine, you needn't worry Ruby. And besides, this is Masaki we're talking about. This wont even…."

"I know, Isshin. But still, I just wanna be sure. I'll be right back!" she said, hastily putting on her slippers, running out in the rain without even putting on a rain coat. Isshin tried to stop her, but she ran out before he got the chance. Damn, what's she planning to do in that gigai?

Ruby rushed along the many roads, tracking them two of them only by their spiritual pressures. The torrential rain splashed against her feet, face, arms and body; her clothes drenched in no time at all. But she cared not. She didn't know why, but she as getting paranoid the nearer she got to the source of the spiritual pressure. She ignored the cold, the scratches and burrs that the stones left on her feet as she dashed along the streets. It was then she saw it. A pillar of light, that appeared for just a brief instance. And then it was gone. But what really made her anxiety shoot up through the roof was the disappearance of Masaki's spiritual pressure along with that light. It came from the nearby riverbank just around the corner. Wasting no time, she dashed over.

"….."

"….."

"….."

"!"

Time itself, seemed to have stopped. She could hear no sounds, she could register no stimuli except for the image her eyeballs were send to her brain. The image of a big white mask with markings. A giant hamster like body with bird like talons and feet. Its mouth covered with blood. And just below the hollow, she could see the fallen image of Masaki Kurosaki, unmoving, covered in blood. And near her, the unconscious body of her little brother.

---

Grand Fisher considered himself to be fearless and a survivor. He had evaded the soul society's eyes for well over 47 years after all. By using the target's memories and manipulating them into not attacking the person closest to them, he always managed to get away. Today had been different. He lay in hiding, as before, concealing his spiritual pressure. Then came these two humans. Both with titanic amounts of spiritual energies, one of them….very peculiar. But he cared not for such things. They had immense reiatsu. One of them was even a woman. He thanked the gods for his luck. He would get at least one of them. The woman first if her could help it. The boy noticed the lure with the image of the girl he'd placed near the flooded river, bringing it closer and closer to the river. As expected of a stupid human, the boy rushed over, begging the 'lure' to stop doing what she was doing. The woman noticed, but she charged at him rather than the boy. Grand Fisher almost pissed himself., her reiatsu was way too much for him to handle. But then the light appeared. And now, the woman was dying, nearly all her reiatsu sucked out.

He knew he wouldn't get another chance like this. He really wanted to gobble up the kid in front of him but he simply couldn't resist the women. And so, he went ahead, knocking out the kid and stabbed the woman with his talons. He would eat her soul at his leisure and then the boy.

He couldn't have been more wrong. A third even more powerful presence was looking him from the distance. Her face completely blank, her eyes darting between himself and the woman who now lay on the ground and then to the kid. And then it happened. It sent a so many, many shivers down his spine. Those eyes. Those. Goddamn. Eyes. Grand Fisher, who had escaped the soul reapers for 47 years, who considered himself a survivor, would have pissed himself if he could. The girl leapt at him, her face still expressionless, swiping at him. The woman on the ground coughed, which distracted the girl. He would've considered eating her as well. but those eyes had made him forget that. And even now, he just wanted to get away. And so, he simply used that opportunity jumped into his lure which he'd kept nearby, flying away in retreat.

---

Ruby Rose stopped her leap midway, upon noticing Masaki's wounded body cough. She suppressed her urge to follow after that blasted hollow, to track him, to slice him into so many many pieces. And then she rushed over to Ichigo. He was only unconscious. Masaki, on the other hand, was dying. Crimson life essence pouring out of her open wound in a steady stream.

"H…hold on….I'll call Urahara-san…." She said frantically, fishing out Masaki's cell phone. But something held her hand. Masaki nodded at her.

"…..it's too late…..for me…you know that…" she said in a voice that was barely a whisper.

"Don't say that!" roared Ruby "I'll get Urahara-san, anyone..! I won't let you die! Dammit, how did this even happen?! I….I should've come with you…..damn!" she said, going back to the phone. But Masaki held her hand tighter.

"….sweetie…please…listen to me…." She said, pleading. "what happened today…..isnt anyone's fault…..neither Ichigo's nor yours or Isshin's…..so please…..don't blame yourself…..this was my fate, it was always meant to be so…..that's why…..please just listen…to my last wishes…" Tears were already flowing out of Ruby's eyes, as she helplessly held Masaki's dying hands.

"…Ichigo will likely…...awaken his powers at some point…his spirit energy is already attracting danger to him….I never wanted my children to enter this world….but it would appear that wish of mine wont last forever….that's why…if possible…it would make me happy if you could fulfil the promise you made to me" she breathed out.

"…Of course I will…I swear..!" she said, sniffing silently "….mom…."

"Ahh….you called me mom….I'm so happy…..…please sweetie, don't blame yourself for this. I never want you to…..feel responsible or regret….for what happened today…because of me. I want you….to be happy…..with your family and friends…don't abandon your friends in Hueco Mundo just because of me…..I want you…to go see them….they still have the chance to see you alive…..always cherish yourself…..you're a strong and wonderful girl….I want to see you that way…..until my last moments…..Ruby..….." And with that, Masaki lightly caressed Ruby's face, and her body went limp.

There was only one thought coursing through her mind.

Mom.

It kept repeating itself in her mind. Like a never-ending prayer. A never-ending request.

Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom.

Over and over and over. Tears poured down as she continued to stare down at Masaki, dripping and soaking her lifeless face and blank eyes.

There were so many, many clashing, violent thoughts running through her head. What? Why? How? But more than anything, endless guilt. Regret. Everyone keeps leaving her.

I'm tired

I'm done

I just…want to go back.

I can't….take it anymore

I can't bear….to be in this painful place

The familiar visage of Kisuke Urahara appeared in front of her, his expression one of sympathy and regret. She wanted answers. She wanted to know why. How. And this man, could give her the answers. Her urged her to come along with him. But she wouldn't budge. She wouldn't leave her side. Or Ichigo's side. And so, having no choice, he told her. That which Masaki had purposefully hidden from even Ruby. Knowing that she would never accept it. Knowing that should Ruby learn of her inevitable death; she would never stay still. She listened to it all, with the same blank face. Yhwach. Auswahlen. And the promise of the Quincy King's return.

But none of it registered in her brain now. The only thing occupying her thoughts, were the words, times, experiences and images of Masaki. And then, she remembered her promise. The one thing. The only thing she'd ever asked of Ruby. For everything that she'd done for her. She stood up, carrying her body in her arms.

"Ruby….?" Called out Urahara.

"Please…could you accompany me till home?" she asked, no, pleaded. Her hands were shaking. Urahara gave an assuring nod, placing a hand over her shoulder. Urahara carried the unconscious Ichigo. He covered them in a cloak, which made them invisible to onlookers.

On and on she went, carrying Masaki to the Kurosaki household. The twins opened the door, followed by Isshin who had complex expressions of shock and regret on his face. Ichigo too had regained consciousness at that point. He looked around, confused. All that Ruby remembered was her saying something to her siblings and Isshin, breaking down, crying, apologizing over and over and over again. She remembered Ichigo and the twins protesting at first, before breaking down and crying themselves. She remembered Ichigo coming over to her, shaking her vigorously, crying, calling her a liar. She used a bit of her spiritual pressure, knocking them out. Ruby then carried Ichigo, Karin and Yuzu, placing them over the bed, covering them.

"I'll be leaving now, Urahara-san" said Ruby, her eyes red from crying. "I don't think….I'll ever come back"

"You don't need to take such drastic measures, Ruby! This is your home as much as it was hers! And this was never your fault to begin with!" cried out Isshin in protest.

"I made a promise to Mas…mom. She wanted Ichigo, Karin and Yuzu to grow up as normal kids. As much as I do. An arrancar like me….would only get in the way of that. Right now…being here is just painful. Please understand…..right now….I just want to go back…..back home…..Please. I just…..want to be left alone for a while…Please don't tell Ichigo, Karin and Yuzu. I want them to remember our times as how mom wanted it. As a family. Remember me as a human. This place…I only want it to be a place of happy memories" said Ruby.

"I understand. I'll prepare the garganta" said Urahara.

"Why don't you calm down, clear your head and think about it once more. You. Don't. Have to. Leave!" insisted Isshin. "Stay with them. Look after them! You're their big sister! They depend on you! What would happen if you just left them now?!"

"Masaki always wanted to raise them as normal kids. I'll only get in the way of that. But I know that someday, they will discover their own origins and powers. I'm sure Ichigo especially would have a hard time accepting a hollow, a being that killed his mother, a being….like me as part of his powers. When that time comes, I'll help him, Karin and Yuzu accept their powers. I'll nurture them. Just as I promised mom" said Ruby. "And besides….she also asked me to go back home…..she didn't want me to stay here at her expense….."

"Ruby..!" called out Isshin.

"I'm sorry…please forgive me for being so selfish" said Ruby, before giving one final look at her siblings "Take care, Ichigo. Karin. Yuzu. I'm sorry I couldn't save mom. I'm sorry for leaving you behind. Please forgive this selfish sister of yours. Take care and…..goodbye" she said, a tear dropping from her eye, leaving the kurosaki household. Isshin could do naught but standby helplessly, gritting his teeth in grief, sorrow, frustration and anger while the one he considered his daughter in the short course of time he'd known her walked out.

Ruby Rose spoke nothing throughout the entire time the two of them walked back to Urahara's shop. Yoruichi and Tessai entered with questioning looks, but seeing Ruby's defeated, blank, and shocked face told them things were more serious than they appeared to be. Urahara gave them a quick explanation, including Ruby's decision. Ruby got out of her gigai, and back to her arrancar form. Yoruichi dashed over to Ruby, hugging her in a tight embrace.

"You really don't need to go through this kiddo. Let's think this through together" she said.

"I'm sorry, Yoruichi. But I've made up my mind" came her weak toned but determined reply. "I never want them to be involved with anything spiritual. But I know…..with Ichigo's leaking reiatsu, it won't be possible. At that time, if they do become soul reapers, I'm sure Urahara-san and you will help them out. Just….don't tease them too much, Yoruichi" she said with a weak smile.

"Oh Ruby…..why is it always you…" said Yoruichi with a sympathetic tone, stroking her head.

"Atleast it's me…and not someone I love, Yoruichi" she replied. "But right now…..this place is just too painful….I just want to be alone…..I just want to go back…"

"Seeing as how you're so determined; I can see nothing I tell you will change your mind. But just know that….you never had to or have to do this, and that no matter how things go in the future, karakura town will always be your home" she said. Kisuke had prepared the Garganta, by using two wooden posts jutting out of the rocks and creating an almond shaped tear between the two posts. She could see the familiar torrent of reishi inside the pitch-black void. Normally, the very scene would've just brought bad memories. But right now, her desire to escape from this painful place and back to her home overwhelmed everything else.

"You need to create footholds of reishi as you travel through the garganta. Otherwise, you'll be lost in the void forever, like the last time you used it" said Urahara.

Oh, so that was it, thought Ruby to herself. Had she known that; she would have likely ended up in the World of the Living as she planned. Things would have gone very differently. She would not have met her master. Her mom would still have been trapped in Hell. And there wouldn't have been Masaki waiting for her here.

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind" she replied. She turned to Yoruichi and Tessai, hugging them each. "Thanks…for everything, Yoruichi, Tessai"

"….Take care, kiddo….and remember, you can always depend on us, no matter where you are" she said.

"Yeah…..and I'll be seeing you too, Urahara-san. Thanks a lot for everything" she said, jumping into the void, creating a crimson path as she ran forward. Urahara sighed as the arrancar travelled further and further into the void.

"Farewell, young Ruby. I wish things had never gone this way. But I'll respect your wishes and Masaki-san's wishes and promise to try my best to help out your siblings when the time comes" he said, lowering his hat.

She ran and ran, until she could feel the familiar sensation of a crack present in the air, similar to how she found the portal to Hell. She mindlessly took a swipe at it, shattering and falling through the opening.

---

Hueco Mundo

(Hollow and Togabito abilities slightly amplified, Shinigami and Quincy abilities slightly diminished)

She was here. At long last. After what felt like years, she was back under the blanket of Hueco Mundo's endless night, the crescent moon illuminating the landscape as it always did. The endless white sands that she so fondly remembered welcomed her as it always did. She ruffled her hands through the coarse white grains, almost as if confirming if the ground she was standing on was real. The reiatsu in the air also attested to their authenticity. She let out a long, deep sigh.

"Ah…..I'm home…" she said.

She walked and walked. She didn't know for how long. She didn't care. There was only one place she wanted to be right now. There was a titanic structure in the distance, but she wasn't in the right mind or mood to investigate. She kept walking until she came across the familiar structure of Tier's lair. The small destroyed portion of the entrance that was the result of one of Nel and Grimmjow's bout was still present. But something was strange….the place looked deserted. Like no one had been here for years. And she couldn't feel any spiritual pressures at all. But it's not like she came to meet anyone. In fact, she was glad that no one was around. She couldn't handle showing her dejected self to her friends and family in her mental condition. Right now, she just wanted to be alone for a while. At this place, which gave her the most solace. She went around the corner, around the main chamber, and right to the place where the sword arm broken off by Tier was still present, her body buried underneath. She slouched against the wall, silently crying, her hand against her head. She didn't know how long she stayed that way. But eventually, her tears were all but dry, and all she could do was simply slouch over her shoulders, completely dejected and done. She hugged her Zanpakuto tightly towards herself the whole time. Her tired eyes slowly closed themselves.

There was only silence for so long. And then, the scene in front of her shimmered. There was a faint scent of plum blossoms and roses. The scene in front of her was dark. Some of that darkness parted in front of her, revealing the image of a woman. One who looked so much like her. Wearing a white cloak, over a black hakama. Dark shoulder length hair tied back in a knot with red highlights. Silver eyes. Eyes that were looking at her with the same look Masaki gave her whenever she had a nightmare.

"…..mom…"

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Goddamn, this took me so long to write out! I really hope you liked it! I really burned myself out, as I said spending a lot of time running scenario over scenario in my head. Anyways, I think I'll need a couple of days to rest a while before writing again. But I'm sure it's the next part that everyone's looking forward to. And this includes a certain scientist as well. Worry not, you'll see it soon enough!

I have to mention that Ruby was in her gigai, so she couldn't really fight back against Grand Fisher who's not your average hollow had she tried. He may not be a menos, but in a human body, even a regular hollow is no joke. And also, there's also the question of Ruby's mental state and the suddenness of the whole thing. Just mentioning in case you feel that it didn't quite go the way it should have.

Ruby's appearance. Right. So, she's mentally and physically around 21-22 I'd say. The cover pic matches this, so you can use that as reference. Ruby WILL learn of her Zanpakuto's name and Ruby WILL recover from her scars. I assure you. Don't be put off that those are still there. They are an important part of her character development and I can tell you I have something planned.

People have asked me about her resurreccion. And I can tell you that I already have names for the 1st stage and 2nd stage if we ever go there. But, actually, its not that hard to guess the name. I can tell you that it follows a certain pattern for resurreccion releases. But I guess, its not that obvious as you think as well?

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Response to reviews:

Lucian Naruto: Yeah, pretty much. This chapter makes it really clear.

Spellflame: Yup, and good thing too.

Creus: Thanks! I don't want to use Scatter, since that is already part of Byakuya's shikai release.

Vedahzii: Not quite. I don't want to use Scatter since Byakuya already has Scatter in his shikai.

Argorok: Thanks! And yes I do! I have all of her powers already planned out. Including names and abilities.

NEGATARO: Nay, she's an arrancar, but with hell reiatsu that gives her some extra attributes. Like being able to read emotions. She WILL have a resurrection for sure. As for second stage, you'll just have to wait and see. And thanks a lot!

theshocker517: Thanks! And yeah, that was the idea. The fact that she's more like a Shinigami was also shown in this chapter when she uses Kido. But this was mostly because she saw and lived through Summer's memories when the Hell guardian did a number on her.

Momentei: Haha thanks a lot! And yeah, Ruby went through a lot of different emotions and experiences in this chapter. The next part….well, a lot of exciting events are coming up.

Robbie2413: Thanks and yeah! But as you can see, it was just from the frying pan and into the fire. Her scars are an important part of her character development. So they will have significance and yes, they WILL disappear. Just not yet. And Ruby WILL learn of her Zanpakuto's name as well. Don't worry. And thanks for pointing out the mistake, I'll fix it!

Cyan-Snake: Yeah, and you saw the effect of that in this chapter.

Mobian: Yeah, the reaction her friends will have if they saw her would be shocking to put it lightly. So much so that I need to deal with it separately once the Aizen arc is done. I can SO see Grimmjow calling the Grimm cheap hollow knockoff's that don't even have a soul.

Firewyrm2: No, he's not OOC. I can tell you that I spent a lot of time going over his parts many, many times just so I can accurately portray his reactions as he would in cannon. You need to remember that this ichigo is the one before he lost masaki, who was quite different from his 15 year old self. Actually, it wont be. Since Ruby never stayed or intended to stay for long time with them. Rather than Rukia and Ruby, I would say the more interesting one is Rukia and Isshin, considering how Rukia knows that Isshin is a soul reaper captain. This was a retcon in cannon.

fightingchampion: Thanks and as you saw, she has indeed returned.

Ayad.t.h: Finally, someone got this! You have no idea how happy I am someone caught this!

Guest: Yes he still has them. One thing you misunderstood was that white was already in ichigo as soon as he was born, transferred from Masaki to Ichigo.

David Alejandro Gmez Fernandez: Ah well, that's not going to happen for a while as you could tell from the chapter, sorry! *nervous chuckle*

Just a Reader: Great to know! As for which Shinigami Szayel used, it wont matter. You'll soon see why in the next chapter. Yeah, she did recover. She bonded so well, only for it to crash down on her hard. The grand fisher incident proved that.

Yung Chxst: Well, she got the help she so needed. But in the end, it turned out that way.