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).

24. Chapter 24: Between worlds

Chapter 24: Between worlds

Remnant, The Island of Patch(?)

(Hollow and Togabito abilities ?, Shinigami and Quincy abilities ?)

BGM: Between Worlds by Smiling Cynic

It couldn't be. She refused to believe the half dead man in front of her was really her dad. Sure, he could be a little eccentric at times. But her dad was one of the most sociable and easy to get along people she knew. Whenever they got into trouble, Ruby or Yang would never fail to cheer up after he consoled them. That's why, this had to be an illusion. Heck, she was dreaming, so why would this be real?!

Standing before her was someone far worse than she had ever been. And that was saying something. She watched as her dad simply dragged himself along, looking inside the fridge for something before shutting the door in disappointment. He grabbed a plate of half eaten noodles and started chowing on it half heartedly, as if he really found it bothersome but forced himself to do it because his body wouldn't let him die.

She reached out with her hand, trying to call out to him, embrace him, anything to get his attention. But no matter what she did, her hands simply passed through him and Taiyang Xiao Long never batted so much as a glance at her.

He then went over to the mountain of cans, shaking each one to see if there as anything left and would growl irritably whenever there wasn't so much as a drop inside them.

"Even alcohol is hard to come by these days" he rasped and Ruby gasped. His voice. They were so dead, so miserable, filled with so much agony.

"If this is a dream, I'd like to wake up now. Because this isn't funny" she snarled. She had enough with illusions and fake realities back in Hell. Her mind was the last place she wanted to see something like this.

He then proceeded to collect drops leftover from some of the cans, combining them into a mixture in a dirty glass.

After that, he went over to the piles of papers and articles, going over them, scanning from top to bottom. Names and names and names. Each one complete with dates and sometimes short descriptions. Ruby wondered why he didn't simply use his scroll. Sure, the CCT was destroyed when she made it up the tower but surely, they could've fixed it right?

Given the number of articles, he spent hours at the task. And Ruby too, glanced at the different names. Some of them were dated just a few days after the Vytal festival. And some, judging by the date on the articles, were just a few days old. And then, she gasped when she saw the date on a wanted poster that looked the freshest of them all.

"It cant be….." she gasped. The date on it, was one year and one month after things went haywire during the Vytal Festival. Her mom had theorized that because of the time difference between her arrival and Ruby's arrival at the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo, roughly 1 year might've passed back in Remmant even though 94 years passed after Ruby's arrival in Hueco Mundo.

"Does that mean…..that I'm really here…..?" she asked herself. But if so, why was she in this 'form'?

With lifeless eyes and indifferent movements, her dad continued to check each name. Especially around the letters 'Q', 'R' and 'Y'. After what seemed like hours, he gave up, facepalming himself, his teeth gritted. He then picked up two pictures, one that contained one of the few, rare pictures of herself, Yang, Summer and their dad together and the other that had a picture of his younger self with her uncle, her mom and Raven. Gods, was that really how she looked back then? The girl in the picture, was so far different from her current self, that she couldn't believe that it was a picture from not so long ago. But to her, it was many millenia ago since she looked like that.

And then, he picked up a hunting knife, one that was so worn out that there was only a small fraction of the blade left after repeated use and sharpening. He then began beating himself and cutting himself. Over and over and over. With each hit, she could feel the aggression and ferocity with which he was doing that to his own body and the sparks that flew off as the knife chipped away at his aura little by little. She had seen horrors far worse than this. Heck, she herself had killed and sliced apart many different versions of her friends and family back in Hell. It wasn't the particular scene that she witnessed that got to her. It was the fact that this could possibly be reality. And right now, the evidence around her was pointing to it being anything but an illusion. Because for one, she was no longer in Hell. And two, the dates, events and names that she'd seen on the papers could not be possible unless someone had that level of illusionary ability.

"Wh…what the hell….?! Oy! What's gotten into you?! Dad…! Stop! Are you trying to kill yourself?! Dammit, where's Yang?! Just STOP!" but nothing she did was heard by the self hating man. He simply continued to hack away at himself, his aura now gone and injuries now freshly appearing on his withered frame. He only stopped when his arms were too injured to continue cutting away at himself. With one final motion, he brought the knife to his own throat, and stopped, before letting a single tear fall from his eyes. The knife slipped away and he simply slumped to the dirty floor, his breathing raspy and tired.

"Why…?!" asked a grimacing Ruby, trying to reach out to her dad. "Why would you go so far…..as to reduce yourself to such a state….?! Was it because I disappeared…?! You think I would be happy seeing you like this?! You think Yang would be happy to see you like this…?! Or Mom…?! So then why…..?" she asked tearfully. "Why…..would you do this to yourself….?! For someone like me….?!" Asked Ruby as she tearfully as he 'slammed' down on the floor near him.

"You belittle yourself too much" said a male voice. The voice was soothing and alluring. There was a certain charisma and presence to it that made even Aizen's presence seem like nothing.

"Wh….who's there?!" she asked sharply, looking around. "Show yourself!" she growled.

"Hush now. You have nothing to fear of me. After all, I'm the reason you're seeing this" replied the voice.

"Wh..what…?!" exclaimed Ruby. "Who the heck..?!"

"Who I am….is not of importance right now. What is relevant, is that the scene you witnessed is completely real. What you saw now was no doubt your home back in that little island at its current state. And as you may have already ascertained, that was without a shadow of doubt your progenitor just around a year after your departure from this world"

"That….that's impossible! There's no way my dad was so weak that he'd succumb to…this! And my sister wouldn't just desert him just because I disappeared! And my home never had this many Grimm to begin with! So whatever illusion you're throwing me, I refuse to believe any of it!" replied Ruby adamantly. "I've fallen for it once and I wont again!"

"This is no illusion. I've merely opened up a window in spacetime for you to see the state of your world after you left. Come now, do you really think this to be a mere illusion? Especially when your thoughts say otherwise?" asked the voice.

"Yo…how do you…?!" asked Ruby.

"Worry not. I'm not so low as to monitor your thoughts. I can, but it goes against my aesthetics. But with this, surely you have more of a reason to believe that I present no falsehoods to you?" he explained. "And even so, is it truly such a surprise that your father has been reduced to this state? Especially when the blow to his heart was heavy enough when he lost your mother and the other love of his life left? Right now, not only has he lost his woman but also the one who was the only living reminder of her lost flame"

"….Even if I believe what you say, why am I seeing this now? And where…..is my sister in that case? Or Weiss? Or Blake? Anyone!" demanded Ruby.

"Patience, and all will be revealed" said the voice, and the scene changed again. "Allow me to show you, the fates of each of your companions and this world itself as decided by the laws of causality following your departure"

The scene changed. It was morning. She could see her sister, completely distraught with just a stump where her right arm was supposed to be that was messily bandaged. She looked like she had been crying the entire time. She could see her jump out of the window of their house, and sprint away, hastily stuffing a picture of Ruby into her pockets.

"This is your sister, right after your fateful encounter with Cinder Fall and your disappearance. Her tussle with Adam Taurus led her to lose her dominant arm. But your loss was one that far surpassed even that. She cared naught for herself, pushing herself to look for you even if it meant she could no longer return home alive" explained the voice. And as if watching a recap episode, many scenes of her sister's life began to play out in front of Ruby. "Having lost the one she cared for more than anything in this world, and betrayed by the one she considered her closest companion, your sister continued to move heaven and earth to look for you. The blow to her heart was severe; she no longer sought out warmth in the company of another, for she feared losing them as she lost her companion and you. Angry, betrayed and desperate, your sister would deliberately put herself in mortal danger, both so she could cope up with her loss and also because even the simplest of enemies came close to killing her given that she lost her dominant fighting arm. And in the end, she lost what little reason she had to continue living and….." he said, the scene changing once more. She could see her sister, just barely limping with her eyes half closed and unfocused. She wore naught but a simply cloak that was already ragged and frayed in places. Her hair was frizzled, bloodied and wispy. And then she simply slumped to the side of the path by the side of a tree and Yang moved no more.

"No…you're lying right…my sister…Yang…..she couldn't be…" asked Ruby tearfully, falling to her knees. She watched the scene fast forward as the sun rose and the moon arose and then another sunrise and then sunset and on and on and on as the days passed by as her sister lay there, unnoticed, undisturbed by anyone. Her blood dried, her body lost color and soon, she was covered by dirt, plants and vegetation as nature formed a natural grave, covering her with dirt, gravel and plants as she lay there, undiscovered by any and the world continued to go on unperturbed. The occasional Grimm would over, sniff at the spot and walk away, as if nothing existed at all. Her existence had been snuffed out, just like that. Just another speck in an uncaring world.

"Stop…just stop…..no more…." asked Ruby, tears pouring down her face "This cant be…..just because of me…"

"Humans….or rather, people have a particularly ironic way of coping with things that threaten their state of existence. Even if it means accepting that which they strongly rejected at first. None truly know of your fate at the top of the tower. To Blake Belladonna, for all intents and purposes, your disappearance and death, came about at the hands of Cinder Fall. The same one who took the life of Pyrrha Nikos. Once again, the humans had taken that which she cared for. It was always the humans. First, the princess of the land of white would scorn her for the evils committed by her own family against her kind, and now, the maiden of Fall had snatched away her closest confidant and friend" said the voice. Ruby had grown silent, simply sobbing quietly. The scene changed once more. Now, she could see Blake with a solitary look on her face as she looked back from the ship she was on, sailing to lands unknown.

"She was done trying to sympathize with the humans. She was done pretending to be one. So she ran, as she always did. She returned to the one place where she could truly be amongst those that understood her; home. The Island of Menagerie, the land of those that want to be left alone. Solace and peace was what she sought, but her burning heart would not let her have either. She simply could not, knowing that in time, even the family she had left would not escape unscathed. The humans would always come for them. Adam Taurus knew this. He knew her better than anyone. And she too, needed someone who could soothe her pain. Who would not spout empty ideals of peaceful coexistence when revenge and justice was what she really wanted. And so" explained the voice. Ruby then saw Blake with Adam Taurus, the same one that had sliced off her sister's arm, embracing and consoling a crying Blake. "He had learnt from his past mistakes. And he knew, that she would be a powerful ally. But that was just one reason. In a way, he too, sought out the one person who could keep his sanity in check. He spoke the words she wanted to hear. He spoke of the things she wanted from the world. And so…"

The scene changed. She saw Blake once more, with Adam, overlooking what appeared to be a SDC shipment along with the White Fang. And confronting them was….

"The snow princess was perhaps, the most unfortunate of your comrades. After your departure, though she was never one to openly admit her failings, would constantly do so. But…..the only ones around her to witness it, were the people who would use that as a means to rein her in" said the voice, and another 'window' opened up nearby, showing Weiss with whom Ruby presumed was her father. "Helpless and powerless to oppose her family, she fell prey to home once more. But the princess knew, that powerless as she was by herself, her heritage was the only power she could rely on to have any means of locating you. And so, she bid her time. Like a rose that hides its thorns" said the voice "Abiding by her father's inhuman requests. One such time was how she met Blake Belladonna" The scene returned to the Blake and Weiss, showing Ruby of their clash over the SDC shipment. "Steel met steel. Emotions met emotions. One, who fell even deeper within the pit inside her mind and the other whose heart burned even further when she was stopped once more by the one whose family committed numerous atrocities against her kind. The princess of white felt betrayed and enraged. She sold herself to her family to save them, to reunite those that meant the most to her. And yet, not only had Blake Belladonna joined forces with the one that permanently maimed their own comrade, but by choosing this path, she had given up on you. A decision the princess couldn't forgive"

It was an ugly scene. The joyful times that Ruby remembered from so long ago, was replaced by this; Two of her best friends at each other's throats with nothing but pure hatred, their ugly emotions laid bare for her to see. Again, and again, and again. The scene shifted so many, many times, and yet, no matter at what time or place they so much as glanced at each other, a deathmatch was imminent.

"Please…just stop…I can….I cant see more of this….I'm right here….! Please….! I never wanted the of you to…..I'll…..whatever you have to say…..whatever you want to….I'll…..I'll take all of your pain….I'll listen to whatever you have to say…..so please…! Just stop…ju…just…..!" begged Ruby. But her actions proved futile as she was forced to watch her two friends only giving each other more and more grievous injuries over time. By the end of it, both carried permanent scars at many different places caused by the other.

"Your disappearance, followed by the faunus's betrayal and the following disappearance of your sister. It was far too much for her. She, who always hid behind a cold persona in order to hide her weaknesses, was forced to confront them and with no one to support her for it. Her heritage did nothing to help either. The tasks that her progenitor set for her only grew to depreciate her mental state. She would become no more than a puppet for him to expand his empire. She lost all those that could help her crawl out of the abyss"

"No…"

"Neither of them live for long. In time, fate leads them towards each other, towards their inevitable, final confrontation. At this point, not only have the creatures of Grimm wrought untold destruction upon your world, they have also made surviving on this planet an insurmountable task. Races and people competing for resources, places to live and a place to call home" She could now see the vicious clash between Blake and Weiss, looking a bit older than she remembered them physically but the looks in their eyes as soulless as the Grimm themselves. After many agonizing moments of watching her friends rip at each other, a final blow was struck, with Myrtenaster skewering Blake's throat while Gambol Shroud passed straight through Weiss's heart. Even as they fell, the looks of bitter hatred and vile bloodlust never left their faces. Ruby stretched out her hand, grasping for them, but as before, only to disappoint herself and sink herself even lower.

"Please…I've seen enough….no more….." But the scene remained there, unabated.

"Jaune of Arc would seek the maiden of Fall in search of vengeance for the one his heart belonged to. But despite knowing that this was an impossible task, he would go on, undeterred. Fury, revenge and payback were all that this young warrior knew. Without you, or any of his companions to rein him in, vengeance was the only consolation he had. Weak as he was, without even having unlocked the power of his soul, he would face dangers just as great as your sister did, and the same fate as she did. They truly were meant for each other. Both him and his soulmate die by the same hand and in the same way, all for the sake of the other" said the voice. Ruby watched Cinder with a huge army of Grimm at her command and Jaune, by himself, confronting her.

"Don't! You aren't strong enough! Stop! You'll die!" shouted Ruby. But the young warrior of Arc charged forward, sword raised at Cinder. She didn't even look at him as she merely pin cushioned him with multiple scorching shards of super heated glass. Like an insignificant insect, another life had been snuffed out by her.

"URRRRGGGGGHHHH! UUURRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!" growled Ruby, furious, her fingers digging into her hand, tears still present on her rage filled face, her rage filled silver eyes directed at Cinder.

"His two companions, perhaps took the wisest decision of them all. Tired of all the conflict, tired of loss, tired of pain, they simply lived a reclusive and isolated life, far away from anybody" said the mysterious voice and Ruby could see Ren and Nora in a small little hut, doing everyday mundane tasks but with a face that belied the sadness and hopelessness that they no doubt had. It was as if they were in constant pain and suffering but were doing all they could to shut themselves off.

"Your kin, the animorph Qrow Branwen was truly a lost cause. He lost everyone he considered family. You and your sister were the tether that reined his will to live in this world. And now, those were gone. Your progenitor as good as dead. And the creatures of Grimm growing even more so with the ruler of those that walk the under the sun dead. Every day was agony. Every moment full of spite for the world that didn't care. His only saving grace, would be the family that forever escaped his mind. His one true kin of blood" said the voice and she saw Raven come up to her brother, with mixed emotions of self loathing, bitterness and sympathy. "A strong willed woman she was indeed. And she could steel herself to stain her soul with blood for her tribe. But, regardless of what she was, a mother she was, first and foremost. And though you were the spawn of his second love, you were his daughter nonetheless. And she lost her own flesh and blood along with you. The two siblings reconciled between themselves. They needed it. They no longer had the strength to hide that which they thought made them weak. Because that which Raven threw away, thinking it made her weak, were her ties and bonds of flesh and blood. The same ties whose absence was what truly broke her. A fact that she never truly realized until the bitter end. Together, the twins returned to their tribe. A place, for all intents and purposes was now the only place they could truly belong to"

"…." Ruby merely 'sat' there, her legs splayed and her head crooned down. She didn't have the strength to flail out anymore.

"And though they would survive for a while more, soon….none mattered. For after the fall of the leader of those that walk the day, the Queen of Shadows had all she needed to truly bring about humanity's downfall. What is truly ironic or perhaps fitting about all of this, is the fact that she was merely the trigger. The true cause of humanity's doom, would be humanity itself. The witch was merely the trigger needed to bring out their true natures. Fear and panic cause each one to lookout for none but themselves. Securing a place to live, resources for the months to come and protection from the creatures of the night. Which then leads to conflicts between nations and empires, and humans and faunus alike began to blame anything but themselves for the tragedy that befell them. And just short of a decade into the future" said the voice, and Ruby saw one final scene with Salem standing over a battered and shattered landscape, holding four glowing objects. The relics that her mom her told her about. She could see two figures, a glowing yellow humanoids male with a crown of antlers and a purple humanoid with demonic, goat like horns. The brother gods.

"The immortal witch sought only to end her own miserable life. But her plan had always been to use the relics to summon the creators, to rub it in their face. 'Look, your creations have failed you so miserably. Just as their creators have. In the end, I stand victorious'. She hoped, that by doing so, the gods would judge humanity to be truly irredeemable and end them once and for all, along with her miserable life"

There was a titanic explosion as the entire planet exploded, sending rocks and debris out into the farthest reaches of space. There was nothing left. Nothing at all.

"But the witch was mistaken. The gods had indeed kept their promise of ending humanity and their world. But the witch would drift in the emptiness of space for all eternity. Unable to die, unable to live, unable to see nothing but darkness. Devoid of all contact. A fate truly worse than the fates of any who lived in the place once called Remnant" The scene disappeared and she was back in the darkness of her mind once more.

"Just for me…..just because of me…..why…?! Why would they go so far….for someone like me….?!" Asked a quivering Ruby.

"Once more, you truly know not your own value. And how much those around you care about you. The one who barks the loudest knows not how insignificant they are in the grand scheme of things. And those that think not of themselves know not how much of an impact they have on the lives of others. You, are one such being. Even here, you would shoulder it all if it meant those around you can prosper. Just as how you would carry on the mantle of being the demon responsible for the state of your daughter. Just as how you continue to carry the burden of being the one responsible for the death of your second mother. Just as how you continued to shoulder the burden of being the one that put your siblings in danger" said the voice.

"Why…why would you show me all this…? What good does it do now…..if they're all dead…." Whimpered Ruby.

"But all is not lost. To bring redemption to this world and the one you live on right now, that is the reason I summoned you".

Ruby's eyes widened.

"You….you're the one who…"

"That is correct. I summoned the two of you to Earth. It was also I who sent your mother to the Soul Society and you to Hueco Mundo. It was I who sent both of you to the realm of the damned. Meaning this; if I really have the need to, I can return the two of you from whence you came" said the voice.

"It was you…." She asked with a low growl. Her expressions darkened. "Why…? Who the hell do you even think you are…? For what purpose would you….?!"

"I cannot say. Not yet" came the reply.

"Then why?! I was happy! I was satisfied! What's the point of showing me this?! I cant even….I cant even save…them…" she said, helplessly gritting her teeth.

"Because you were beginning to drift away on a dangerous way of thinking. And I decided that I could no longer have you stray any further. That, and what you mentioned yourself. It was for these reasons that I deemed it necessary to give you a wake-up call"

"Wh..what….?" she asked, confused.

"Despite being shown the cruel and grim fate of your world and your companions and family, you've regained your composure fairly well. It makes me quite pleased to know that you've grown by leaps and bounds during your time here. In that sense, my purpose in bringing you to this world has been half fulfilled. However" said the mysterious voice "'If anything, this was my fault', 'It's because of me that Masaki died', 'The real demon responsible for this state of our world, is right here', 'You give me too much credit. I'm the one that's thankful for you all sticking with me', 'No matter what happens to me, I only want my siblings to lead a normal life'. When I began to hear things like this, that was when I knew I had to interfere. I brought you to Earth for a purpose. I couldn't afford to have you dwell on self depreciating thoughts and feelings. Because in time, you wouldn't think twice about throwing your life away if it meant saving those that you cared about. And that was a price I was not willing to pay" explained the voice "Because despite having the means to feel the thoughts and emotions of those around you, you still do not comprehend the weight of those feelings, especially of the ones around you. And now, I believe you're beginning to see" he said to her.

"…you showed me all that….just for that…?!" demanded Ruby.

"Yes and no. That was one reason. And the other, was because you were beginning to grow too attached to Earth. I don't blame you however. Being there, you had no real means to learn about the events of your world. And after all of your misery and torment, letting go of your world was a way of coping. I knew it would be impossible for you to find a way back without me giving you some hints about it. And that is why, for both of these reasons, I decided to show you the fate of your world and remind you"

"…..and? In the end, it's hopeless….even if I go back now…..they're all going to be…." Said Ruby.

"As I said, not all is lost. True, in your current state, even without your resurreccion, bringing peace to that world would not be an impossible task. However, I know that is not what you truly want. That is not what I want either. But that is neither here nor there for you to be concerned about now. I only seek to see both worlds find their redemption. All I can tell you is, when the time comes, you will have a chance to undo all that you have seen and more" he said. "However, if you continue with your current way of thinking, your world and Earth will continue towards their irreversible fate"

"…..you…..I….you can…..return…..?" asked Ruby. "Pleas…e…I'll do anything….just tell me what I should do….."

"Nothing" said the voice "Nothing at all. My only purpose in bringing you here today, was to remind you of that which you have taken too lightly. It was something that needed to be done. Other than that, there is naught else that you should be concerned about. Continue being with your Espada companions. In time, you'll find yourself with me. At that time, all will be revealed. And at the end of your journey, I give you my word that you will have the means to help many find redemption. I will be watching and waiting. Do not disappoint me" said the voice. Ruby could feel her 'consciousness' slipping, and her ghostly form disappearing.

"Wa…wait…!" she called out, but to no avail.

End BGM

---

One second, they were talking about Aizen and cookies and the next, Ruby started groaning and grunting in her sleep, with a strained expression. Summer and Crescent Rose completely lost their mental link with her. Try as they did, they couldn't reach out to her. And then, she began crying.

"…Ruby..?!" called out Nel, concerned. Tier knelt down, trying to wake her up.

"Oy, what the hell's happening?" demanded Grimmjow. But for the first time, Summer herself was concerned.

"I…..I don't know. I cant reach her!" she said worried. "It's like she's been blocked off! This has never happened before!"

They tried various methods as the minutes passed by excruciatingly but nothing worked. The scars on her face began to darken, and her expression grew more and more tense.

Ruby then awoke with a jolt. She was breathing hard and heavily, completely startling those around her, namely her arrancar family and friends plus Summer and Crescent Rose.

"Sweetie….! What's the matter?! What happened? Are you alright?!" asked Summer frantically. But their link had just been restored. And from the multitude of emotions she could feel from her, Summer knew that something really big happened.

"Ruby….?" Called out Tier softly.

Ruby merely looked around, dazed and in a trance. The worried expressions on her friend's faces, the worry and concern pouring out of her mother and even Crescent Rose. And all of it directed at her.

"Ruby…is everything alright?" asked Nel tilting her head.

"Sweetie…." Called out her mother. "Try taking slow deep breaths. Its alright, we're all right here"

One, two, three four, breathe in, and then one, two, three, four, exhale. She did that a couple of times, until she could feel the turbulent waves inside her mind calm down.

"Now, why don't you try telling what happened? It's ok, just take your time. If you want to sleep some more, that's fine too" said Summer.

Ruby blinked once, twice, before nodding her head. She took one last breath, and proceeded to tell them. Of all the things she'd seen in her 'dream', and the mysterious being who showed it all to her. And about her conversation with him.

Summer was unusually quiet, when she would usually be one of the first ones to speak out. It was understandable after all. To learn that her own husband was in such a pathetic state, and that her daughter was dead. Despite what she'd gone through and what she was, she was still a mother and a wife, first and foremost. And it was no small news to Ruby either. They had to do something. Anything, to break the depressing thoughts that were no doubt flooding her mind.

"Ruby-"

"Well, isn't that something!" came Summer voice, unusually calm. "After all this time, we finally have a clue. A way to go back"

"Ho….how can you be so calm?!" asked Pesche. "Your family was just.."

"It's not that I'm calm. But…being here with no real means of going back, there isn't much I can do now, is there?" she said with a touch of sadness. "But…..whoever this was, from your conversation with him darling, we know that he's at such a level that he can even help undo everything that happened to them. Which means that my theory was partially right. It's highly likely that he's at such a level that he's able to call you and me here to different time periods and can likely also send us back to whichever time we want. Or that he has some other method to undo whatever it is that happened. Either way, this is one big clue. After all, we can only expect that he keeps his word. We have to. If he mentioned that we'd meet him eventually, then that's great isn't?" she said.

"Ye…yeah you're right!" said Lily. "It'll definitely work out!"

"Its true that what happened was quite horrible but at least this way, you have a chance. But one thing's for sure. There's nothing to be gained by blaming yourself" said Mila-rose.

"And if there's anything we can do to help, we're there to help of course. I can speak for myself, but I cant speak for the gorilla and the other one" said Sung-sun covering her mouth with a smug look. Aaand the three began comically arguing again. Tier didn't mind however. She'd hoped that it would help lighten the situation. And it did. Ruby gave the smallest of her smiles.

"Definitely. This is none of your fault or mine. If anything, its that 'mysterious being's fault for bringing us here in the first place. Damn you, shady voice from the shadows!" shouted Summer 'pouting'. They could almost imagine her shaking her fists in the air at the imaginary adversary. "If only I was here, I'd have sent you to the moon and back, and without my 'motherly wrath' too!" she continued.

"Why do I get the feeling that the one I need to be scared off is a talking sword" said Pesche, faking it as if he was deeply lost in thought.

"Ahahaha I get the feeling that's the reason why he called out to this one and didn't bring you along!" added Nel. "Our guest must've been too scared of super-mom here!"

"No doubt about it" added Starrk.

"Hii hii, 'super-mom', eh? It's been so long since I've been called that! Anyways sweetie, I'm just gonna check to make sure that we're still connected. Including Crescent of course" said Summer. "I'll leave her to you guys. I'll be back in a jiffy darling!" she said, and her zanpakuto grew silent.

"So….there you have it. I know you never seem to get a damn break. Someone or the other always seems to want to meddle in your life. But as we've promised you before, you wont ever have to face anything by yourself ever again. We may not totally understand what you're going through. We cant read emotions like you do. But we can be here. For you or for anyone else that matters to you" said Tier.

Ruby reached out slowly, putting her arms around her Zanpakuto, Tier and Nel who were the closest ones next to her with the same blank look on her face. Tier and Nel hugged her back.

Why, she thought. She couldn't understand it. Though she had seen it all. Though she knew just how much her absence had affected her family and friends back home, she couldn't comprehend it. Why does everybody….care for me so much? After all, I couldn't even be there when they needed me the most. And yet, they do so much…..

"Because despite having the means to feel the thoughts and emotions of those around you, you still do not comprehend the weight of those feelings, especially of the ones around you"

The words of the mysterious being's voice resonated once more in her head. She could feel them. Their emotions and the looks on their faces. And even so, she couldn't understand why they went so far for her.

"Why…?" sobbed Ruby, her blank face tearing up slowly. "Why do you guys always do so much for me…? I'm the one who's always depending on you guys….and I can't even do anything for anyone…"

Tier and Nel were about to say something when a hand suddenly grabbed her by the collar, lifting her up to his level.

"What the!"

"Grimmjow!"

"Even after all this time, you still don't get it huh?" he growled. "Who the hell do you think we are to you?! You think that just because you can feel what's going on in our heads, you're allowed to feel sorry for everyone?! That you have to care for us?! Care for me?! Haaah?!" he roared, shaking her by the collar.

"Grimmjow that's enough!" snapped Nel threateningly. But he didn't have it. Not Nel's protests, Tier's menacing glare, Starrk's warning looks and the rest of their dirty glances pointed at him. Ruby herself choked on her reply, struggling to maintain her gaze at the jaguar arrancar.

"Th….that's not it! That has nothing to do with any of this!" she argued back. "I'm the one who feels horrible whenever someone has to suffer because of me! And the same people are always there to support me when I can't do anything! Whether I can feel the pain of others or not is inconsequential!"

"And who the hell are you to decide if we're 'suffering'? Did someone tell you that?! Or did someone bitch about it?! I fucking didn't, and neither did they. You're the one that decided that simply because you think you can tell what people are feeling!" roared Grimmjow back. "If anyone has a nut loose here its you!"

"You…..you have no idea! You're the one that doesn't understand..! If only you knew…..the things that've happened to those I cared about simply because I decided to do nothing! You cant even begin to understand that twisted pit in your gut when you're constantly reminded of how everyone keeps leaving me as I stand there helpless to do anything!" retorted Ruby angrily.

"Was it because you decided to do nothing or couldn't do anything despite your wishes?!" he asked. "Because that's a big fucking difference and clearly you're simply cherry picking the one that suits what you have in mind. Otherwise, you wouldn't be bitching and cribbing about it and killing yourself from the inside like this. You're even worse than the bastards that gutted you and your family! Atleast those fucks were upfront about it while you're killing us all slowly while pretending to care!"

*SLAAAP!*

There was a loud and uncomfortable crack after what was already a heated and ugly argument between the red arrancar and the blue jaguar. Nobody could get in between them the whole time, simply watching the heated exchange. None had expected the soft spoken Ruby to get so defensive and none had expected Grimmjow to go that far. Ruby was glaring at Grimmjow with a tearful and ferocious expression.

"You're horrible….how could you…..?" she asked. Grimmjow had an uncomfortable expression on his face. There was silence between them for a brief period, after which the blue jaguar roughly shoved her and left the room fuming. Ruby averted her head, Nel approached her, while Tier nodded at Nel, agreeing to go after Grimmjow.

"You two. With me. Now" said Tier monotonically, looking at Pesche and Dondachaka.

"Wait what…?"

"But why…?"

"No questions. Now" she pressed harder, glaring at them. The duo gulped.

"But come on, you want the two of us to go after that guy?! And we only listen to Master Nelliel, so why don't you…aaaahhh!"

"With me. Now"

"YES MAAM!" they cried in unison and Tier dragged them away with her. After she left, Ruby looked at Nel, her hands on her shoulders.

"How could he…..he's horrible…..even after….he knows….." she mumbled. Nel sighed sadly.

"Let's…..let's calm down ok? Don't think too much about what he said. I know he can be a bit of a dunce at times. Come on, you know that better than anyone right?" asked Nel. Apacci and Mila-rose scoffed in agreement. "I'm sure he was quite angry at what happened to you. He may not look like it, but you know that he cares about you. But he couldn't care for you the way I and Tia do. You know he's all muscle that one. And that's the only way he can show that he cares about you too"

"But still….."

"But you know…he may not have put it in the nicest of ways, and I'm sure Tia will be on his case for that. But you know…..dont you think he has a point?" she asked softly, shocking Ruby. "None of us feels it's a burden. None of us think of it as 'suffering'. We're doing it because we care about you. We're doing it because it makes us feel better. Not the other way around. In fact, seeing you break down, worrying about others is what really causes us to worry for you. And you never seem to get a break from what fate seems to have in store for you" she explained softly.

"But for what reason?! I didn't…do anything to deserve…" said Ruby.

"That's where you're wrong kiddo" said Starrk. "As if we really need a reason for that"

"It makes us happy. Isnt that a good enough reason?" said Sung-sun.

"Being with you…..makes me feel like I have a real family" said Lily with a grin. "I think for us hollows that's as good as a reason as any"

"True. I'm sure, whoever that mysterious voice is, that is what he meant too. After you came along, the emptiness that drives us all, it mellowed down, even if only a little. You being there, with your strength to escape Hell, with your strength to face everything that happened to you and come out on top, empowered us too" explained Nel, embracing Ruby tighter. "So, if you're looking for a reason, and if it makes you feel better, than I wont feel bad for saying that…..we always want to see you strong and triumphant, overcoming your hardships and we want to be a part of it as well. So don't ever feel like you don't deserve it, 'k?"

"….thank yo…you….." whimpered Ruby, on the verge of tears again. "Than….thank you…..thank you….."

"Dummy…..no need for thanks. If anything, we're grateful that you still trust us enough to share your happiness and sadness with all of us. And we'll do the same too. After all, we're family right?" said Nel. The rest nodded their heads. "So you can come to us and depend on us anytime. And we'll do the same. We've said it before, and we'll say it no matter how many times it takes. Speaking of family, we heard from Summer. About how you finally were able to speak to your daughter. We'd love to see her, I bet she's a cutie pie! And who would've thought, our little Ruby becoming a mother one day! Fu fu fu! You should go talk to them. I imagine you want to spend some time with them. We'll be going now. But don't worry. We'll always be right here" said Nel, planting a small kiss on Ruby's forehead. And with that, she slowly got up, leaving the room Starrk, Lily, and the Tres Bestias followed after.

She was left in silence, with mixed thoughts. She had no idea what to do or to feel. On one side, she simply wanted to be left alone and on the other, she wanted someone to curl up to. She decided on the latter and entered her inner world, her zanpakuto slung against her shoulder. She found herself back in the familiar mindscape, with the familiar scent of roses and plum blossoms. Crescent ran up to her, tugging at the hem of her Espada uniform. Ruby knelt down, stroking her head softly. Crescent had a pained expression on her face. Just like a child whose mood soured by seeing her parent in mourning.

"Thanks, Crescent" said Ruby softly. "And sorry…look at me. I thought I was strong enough but it seems I'm still the same old Ruby from before. I haven't grown up at all…and Mom….she's still as amazing as ever. Despite what happened, she…"

Crescent continued to tug on her clothes, urging her to follow. They went a ways, until she found her Mom slumped against one of the columns in the red landscape where Crescent lived.

"Ah mom, there you are…! Sorry for earlier, but…..ah!" she gasped. Sitting there with her leg stretched out and right arm against her face, was Summer, tears dripping down her face. The same face that was facing down, almost hidden from Ruby's view.

"Tai…..Yang…" she sobbed in a silent whisper, almost as if she didn't want to be seen.

"Mom…" said Ruby slowly, walking up to her. Summer noticed Ruby and Crescent arriving, surprised that she was back. She frantically wiped away her tears and her expression, changing it to one that was similar to her usual cheery self. But the damage was done and it was plainly obvious now that she had been crying quite a lot.

"Ah no…this isn't what you think! I'm just…..my eyes! Right, my eyes aren't used to this place yet! You know, being a Shinigami and all, the reiatsu here is a bit like when you cut onions for shingami like me! And would you smell that! Those damn ninjas cutting onions somewhere! Crescent, ninja's have invaded your place how come you're still….ah!" flustered Summer, waving her arms about. Ruby made a pained smile at first, her eyes arched upwards. The smile then broke into a grin, and then light laughter.

"Ahahahaahaha! 'Damn Ninjas' it seems! And I thought I was bad at hiding my tears!" cackled Ruby.

"Heh, atleast I could hide them! Your floodgates opened the moment you saw your friends!" retorted Summer.

"At least I can come up with better excuses!" said Ruby, putting out her tongue.

"Atleast I'm not the old hag that brings the arguments and fights that I had with my boyfriend to her mom!" said Summer.

"What was that you shitty old bag?! And don't talk about him now….tch!" scoffed Ruby, turning her head.

"Awwww what's the wie matter? Want mamma to help you out?" asked Summer with a baby face, rubbing her face on Ruby's.

"And what help can an old hag like you give me anyways?" asked Ruby with a smug expression.

"Oh I don't know….maybe how to patch up with delinquent-kun? Trust me, Tai may not be as rough as your mate, but it takes smarts to snatch a man after he already had a woman you know?" said Summer with a victorious smile.

"I wonder what dad would think if he saw you like this now!" said Ruby with an incredulous expression.

"Aaah~ahh. Who knows" said Summer in a lost tone. "His expression would still be better than the expression he's no doubt wearing on his face. If only I went crazy like I am back then, I couldve pounded some sense into Qrow and Raven too. Maybe Tai wouldnt have turned out to be a mess too. Yang mightve pounded some sense into that dummy as well" said Summer forlorn.

"Mom…"

"Dont be all depressed again honeybun" said Summer, lightly bonking Ruby in the head. "I told you didn't I? that I would bonk you in Masaki-san's place if I ever see you all depressed again? What's happened there has happened. And its not your fault or mine. It's that mysterious dude's fault and you know it. And I don't care what plans he has but if it means we'll find a way back then I don't care. It's probably the best way we have too. But rest assured sweetie. We'll definitely find a way back. No matter what. And we'll save them all. Regardless of what more they'll go through. But one thing's for sure. I for one, never want to go back looking like this" she said. "When I see Tai, Yang, Qrow and heck, even Raven again, I want to do it with the most lopsided smile I can manage, and hug the hell out of them all. So much so that their jaws should drop in wonder, thinking if it's the same Summer that they knew and love. Don't you agree?" she asked softly.

".…..Yeah….." said Ruby, managing a soft smile of her own. That indeed sounded like a warming prospect to look forward to. Crescent held her hand and Summer's, with a smile on her own face, showing her support in the best way she could.

"Goodness gracious, finally my cute little old hag has calmed down. Even your daughter is worried about you when you should be the one taking care of her! I can finally rest easy" said Summer nodding her head. Aaaand it started once again, with Ruby and Summer indulging in their loving banter and Crescent caught up in the middle of it. Nonetheless, it was a heart-warming moment indeed, and one that Ruby was glad she was a part of.

---

And with that, a few days had passed after another tiring, painful day. She still hadnt decided on her own quarters, but she had little need for such a thing and she particularly didn't care too much. It wasn't high on her priority list. But…there was one thing that she definitely needed to do.

She entered the abandoned palace of Szayelaporro, a man who had forever left a scar on her psyche. She heard that he had three fraccione, and though she wanted nothing to do with the crazed scientist, she found no reason to hate his fraccione. Because she knew that being his subordinates came with its own consequences. And more than anything, she knew that they were without a master. So she figured, that she would take them on.

And she had been right on mark. Displayed in his 'chambers' were the deformed, grotesque bodies of what were no doubt arrancars, but barely resembling anything human shaped. All of whom were inside fluid filled containers. Some had their organs exposed, some containers contained spheres of dull purple reishi. Something she was extremely familiar with.

"Demented bastard…" cursed Mila-rose, covering her mouth. Ruby was with the Tres Bestias who insisted that they come along with her. Because one, she didn't know where his quarters were and two, they figured it was a painful place for Ruby and that she might need some company. "His own fraccione….."

"What are those….?" Asked Sung-sun.

"Healing spheres that he consumes to regenerate his body if it ever became too injured. He used to make them from my body parts to heal my injuries back when I was…." Explained Ruby.

"So you're telling me he's literally created them for….." grimaced Apacci.

"Yeah. But his evil will affect another no longer" said Ruby, going up to one of the glass tubes. "You poor things. I'm so, so sorry I couldn't be here on time. I can only imagine what you had to go through. After all, when he did to me was likely the same as what he did to you all. But only I was unfortunately lucky to escape. You guys…I only wish you had another chance" she said sadly. "At the very least, I'll let you have the sleep you deserve"

"Ruby….."

"Huh,,,? What's this…? There's another chamber here!" alerted Sung-sun, pointing further inwards behind a half opened bookshelf. The four entered inside.

"!"

And what they saw there, would forever scar the Tres Bestias. Inside the chamber, were many, many more such glass containment units, filled with liquid. And somehow, things were still operational because the fluid was moving and the lights were on. But what truly shocked the three of them, was what was inside.

"Uurrp!" gagged Apacci, almost throwing up.

"That absolute fucking goddamn…piece of demented filth!" cussed Mila-rose violently.

"My god…!" said Sung-sun with an utterly shocked and grimaced expression.

Ruby, Ruby and Ruby. No matter where they looked, they could see her. Inside each of the glass containers, were perfectly many, many bodies of her, both as a vasto lorde and adjuchas. Completely identical to her in every aspect. Lifeless, hollow bodies with blank looks and unmoving inside the containers.

"He actually…made copies of her….." said Mila-rose. Ruby herself said nothing, her expression unreadable. She approached one of the pods and looked at them with an unreadable expression.

"As I thought, they're merely empty vessels. You cant just clone souls after all" she said. "He probably meant to use them as 'medicine' or whatever. Still, I don't know what made him so interested in me to go this far. It's just disgusting and creepy" she said with a disgusted expression, leaving the room.

"Ruby…..you….how can you be…." Asked Apacci.

"Come you three. There's nothing left for me here. Let's go" she insisted and the three followed behind, still pondering why Ruby was being so casual.

"It's not that pacci, Mila. Sung-su. At this point, compared to what I've been through, I cant let something like this affect me now can I?" she asked with a nonchalant smile. "Besides, I did feel bad about his fraccione, knowing that it was because of me that they would be left alone without a master. But I'm only angry that he took even that away from them. Having been his 'test subject', I really wanted to save them. But now, the least I can do is let them rest in peace" she said with a sad smile, now outside and overlooking the structure that was his palace.

She sliced her thumb, drawing a little blood, pointing her hand at the structure below her.

"I really need to thank Starrk for teaching me this. Otherwise this would've taken too long with just regular ceros" said Ruby, a brilliant red orb charging in front of her hand. "Heh, I can't wait to see Aizen's face when he learnt that I used his oh so called 'forbidden technique' right inside Las Noches and even destroyed his property" said Ruby with a mischievous grin. "Also, I'm changing the name a bit. Since I'm a girl an all. Rest in peace" she said, chanting a small prayer.

"Gran Reina Cero"

The crimson orb created a titanic explosion where it landed, right in the middle of Szayelaporro's palace. The explosion engulfed the entirety of the structure and more. So much so that it could be felt all the way by every single arrancar inside Las Noches.

"Wooow, that's insane!" said Ruby, looking at the damage her attack did. "Damn, a regular cero doesn't even compare! Aah, I feel a lot better now!"

---

Many more days passed in relative peace after that. And though she was doing much better compared to her initial days after her arrival at Hueco Mundo, it was evident to her friends that it would take time for her trauma to soften. Many a times, she would be at Tier's lair, walking around, lost in thought and looking melancholy. And whenever she slept, often, they would hear her blurting out Masaki's name or Ichigo or Yuzu and Karin's names, calling out to them in her sleep lovingly, as if playing with them. And many a times, she would be beside Crescent Rose, cradling her by her lap, looking towards the sky, singing about tales from times long begone, the same way Masaki had done so for Ruby. And sometimes, she would do so while in Tier's lair. Pesche and Dondochaka would often curl up to her to listen to her sing, at times even falling asleep. Ruby would often be met with an apologetic Nel when she would escort the two of them back to Nel's lair.

This was one such time. Ulquiorra, having no active duties to perform currently, was walking by outside Las Noches, when he heard singing. It was a forlorn piece, one that sang about a maiden waiting for her beloved to return from the ravages of war. The voice sounded soothing and enticing. It invoked something inside his hollow non-existent heart. Like a moth drawn to a flame, he was drawn to the melodies wafting in the air. He approached closer and closer, to see the familiar image of Ruby Rose looking up in the air, standing atop a small rocky hill and looking at the crescent moon. Her figure, as she was illuminated by the dim moonlight and called out to her beloved with her arm outstretched was a serene sight to behold. The 4th Espada simply stood there, basking in the scene, listening to her until she finished singing the song to its entirety. Following that, she finally turned to face him.

"Ulquiorra" she greeted with a small smile.

"What was that, Ruby Rose? For what purpose were you singing?" he asked. "From your words, it appeared as if you were calling out to someone"

"My mother used to sing to me all the time. I was just remembering those times" she said simply. "Singing about the songs that she used to sing to me…..it brings me peace of mind" she said. Ulquiorra looked at her puzzled.

"I see you still looked confused" she noted.

"I simply do not see the purpose of singing and immersing yourself in the memories of one that no longer exists" he said simply. "After all, you're still here and she isn't" But Ruby nodded her head.

"You know, I understand you but shouldnt tell things like that to the others. They may scorn you. It's quite insensitive to talk like that" she advised. "But….people in our memories always exist. As long as we hold them in our hearts" she said.

"Hearts…..again, you're talking about abstract concepts that cannot possibly exist" he said. "After all, it's not an object you can see or listen to or perceive with your senses. In that case, how can you talk to me and expect me to understand about something that I cannot perceive?" he asked.

"Is that so? I don't think its that difficult. And besides, I think that's a bit narrow minded. Picture this" said Ruby, picking up a handful of sand from the floor. "What do you see here?" she asked.

"…Where are you going with this?" he asked.

"Just tell me" she urged.

"I see nothing but a handful of sand. Nothing else" he said.

"True. But this sand, is part of Hueco Mundo. Agreed?" she asked. He nodded.

"But I don't see any hollows here. I see nothing at all. Just sand made up of reishi. Then, wouldn't I be correct in saying that you and I cant possibly be living in Hueco Mundo? Or that we're hollows at all?" she asked. "After all, when you observed a part of Hueco Mundo, you found none"

"That's….:"

"See? That's where you're mistaken. Your views are much too narrow. You cant simply deny something exits just because you cant feel it or perceive it now. If you keep looking, you'll find what it means to have a heart too" said Ruby with a smile. "Even with our eyes closed, there are whole worlds and universes out there, existing unabated outside our senses and lives. In time, we might find ourselves in one of them. Who knows, maybe you'll find a heart, just the way I found myself here" said Ruby.

"…."

"Don't think too much about it. Just try to expand your views a bit more. I'm sure…..you'll begin to see a lot more already" she said.

"…..very well" he said, leaving. Ruby watched the lone figure of the 4th Espada leave, no doubt pondering on the words she spoke to him, and she went back to her own.

As for Grimmjow, Ruby never ran into the jaguar arrancar since that day. It wasn't that she was mad at him. Far from it. She just found it difficult to approach him given how abruptly things had ended between them. She actually did want to apologize to him. And make up with him. After that day, she heard from Nel that though her and her big-sis managed to pacify him, Grimmjow didn't talk about Ruby in front of them either. And they never asked him.

No doubt he's still mad, she thought to herself. Because out of all the words spoken by her family and friends that day, his had stung the most. She didn't know why, everytime she remembered the tense situation between them and their exchange, her mood would sour. Perhaps…..it was because she needed to hear that, from someone. Perhaps, it was because he had been right. And that she was too ashamed to face him after that. Regardless of that, she still maintained that he went too far and her mind still hadn't cooled completely yet. And she didn't want to meet him just yet, not when she was this unprepared to face him.

But fate always had a funny way of toying with her.

She was back in Tier's lair, just like always. This time however, she decided she'd go over to the inner chamber to ponder on her thoughts. But standing there, in front of her, was the jaguar arrancar beside her grave. The two blinked once, twice, thrice, not a word escaping either of their mouths.

"Wh….wh…." fumbled Ruby, backing away a bit. Grimmjow appeared equally flustered.

"Wh…what the hell are YOU doing here!" he growled.

"Wh..what?! That's what you have to say?!" she retorted back. Here she was, pondering for days about how she would make up to him and make things right and this guy was still being an ass!

"That's none of your business" he said.

"Oh yeah?! I'll have you know that I come to big-sis's lair to clear my mind. Hmph! You're the one that's out of place here!"

"Hah, if we're talking about being out of place, there's nobody who's more fitting of that description of that than the dumbass standing in front of me!" he said. Ruby rushed at Grimmjow, rearing back her fist.

"You. Big. JERK!" she roared, punching at him. Grimmjow easily caught the blow.

"Not happening!" he said, holding her hand. "I try to slap some sense into you and this is what I get?! Get real! Even after all that, you're still doing ridiculous things!"

"You. Take. That. Back!" said Ruby, struggling to push him away. Grimmjow locked hands with her, struggling to push her away.

"Why should I? Clearly those three aren't gonna tell you off. Pft. Pampering you like a princess, no wonder you're this spoilt!" he scoffed.

"You know, I REALLY thought I wouldn't get mad when I saw you and I really DID feel bad and thought you made sense. I WAS going to apologize but I wont now!" declared Ruby, tussling and pushing the two of them to the ground. Ruby began pounding Grimmjow, taking out her anger and frustration out on her but Grimmjow didn't stay there idly either, blocking and holding her in place.

"Oh yeah? Then what else do you want me to say?! Even now, you're going around, wasting your time helping those other dipshits when you should be paying more attention to your own fucking self! Why the hell would you try to 'get along' with an ass like that Ulquiorra and try to 'put up' with asses like Yami and Zommari of all things?! Who the hell asked you to go so out of the way huh?! Why the hell wont you be a bit more selfish?! And for good reason too! What the hell am I supposed to think when youre walking around all the time all depressed and shit, singing songs like the world's ended when you should be out there living your life as an Espada!" he shouted. Ruby quieted down and Grimmjow saw the resistance in her arms disappear as she stopped struggling.

"But I am being selfish. Helping you, big-sis, Nel, Lily and the others find happiness brings me happiness too. I cant simply forget about the help everyone gives me always whenever I'm feeling low or need support. Even if it means others like you wont like it" she replied quietly. "I wont ever…waste my time regretting what I could have done ever again. Not after…." She trailed off.

"That's just a shallow way of thinking! Again, you're taking the blame for some nobody's problems that nobody asked you to interfere with!" snarled Grimmjow, but with a softer tone this time.

"I don't care…if it means that I can make those around me live their lives a bit more peacefully, I'll do it. Because that's what Masaki did for a 'nobody' like me. That's what big-sis did for a 'nobody' like me. And you all too" said Ruby.

"Even if it means it'll break you in the process?! Even if it means that you'll never find peace?!" he asked incredulously. "You think they asked you to do this?! Or wanted you to?!"

"I won't break….why would helping others find purpose and happiness ever break me? If it did, all it would mean that my concerns and care has never been genuine. Sure, it might be a long and difficult path to take, but I wont ever regret it" she said with surety in her voice.

"Why…..why would you go so far….! How can you…!" asked Grimmjow, his teeth clenched and his arm holding Ruby's tightly, with a pained expression on his face. "How can you deny yourself so much?! All this time, you're always going out of your way doing things for those that don't mean a damn to you and all for what?! When will you ever do something for yourself? Not for Harribel, not for Nelliel, but for you, for Ruby Rose?! It can be anything! Be it to destroy something, kill someone or even grow fucking flowers for fucks sake! I'll even give you a hand! Where is your happiness?! Not the happiness that comes from the happiness of others, but yours?! Do ANYTHING for GODS SAKE!" he roared, his throat sore and panting heavily. Ruby's expression only grew melancholier as she let herself slip further into Grimmjow's grasp.

"See…when you of all people make that expression for me….,how can I just stay still? When I know that everyone cares for me that much?" she asked softly. "And you wont even stop me despite acting like an ass. Really, how can I not do the same?" she asked, moving in closer to him with a small smile. "So thank you, Grimmjow. But I'm only doing this because I want to. And because it really does make me happy. I know you don't want to see me like this. But I promise….I wont ever give up on myself. Never again. Not when I know there are people counting on me. I know the weight of that now. I was shown that far too many times. But….it seems I missed one more" she said, locking lips with him. The blue jaguar was shocked at first, but returned the kiss, embracing her tightly. The two stayed that way, each one reveling in the other's sorrows, worries, thoughts and feelings. After what seemed like an eternity, they parted. Ruby brought herself closer to Grimmjow's chest.

"Teehee…..that was my first kiss" she said with a small smile. "Still, this has to be the weirdest kiss ever. I never imagined I would be having my first kiss next to my own grave with a certain blue haired punk from another world" she said giggling.

"…shut up…" muttered Grimmjow, obviously not willing to discuss further.

"Aww….you're a big jerk on the outside but who knew you'd be such a softie on the inside" she giggled once more.

"You…!"

"But still…thanks a lot. I really feel a lot better now" she said, closing her eyes and curling up to him. "Don't worry. I wont push myself too hard. But, I'll still continue to look out for others just the way everyone's looking out for me. And you needn't worry about nod indulging in things I want to. After all, I do go out from time to time to do fun stuff!" she said grinning. "I'll even call you over next time…..though….I'm not sure how much you'll find it interesting…..ah…." she said, trailing off. Her voice sounded tired and drowsy, as if a great weight had been lifted off her chest and she could finally slump down to sleep. And Grimmjow's chest made a VERY comfortable pillow at the moment. "…..I think you'll like it ….after all….I learnt how to manifest Crescent…..you should meet her som..sometime…..just don't….play with her too long…..she tends to get carried away…and that's the worst matchup I can think of, you and her getting too carried away….ah….I'm sleepy….let's stay like this for a bit more" she said, finally dozing off.

And though to an outsider it would appear very uncharacteristic of him, Grimmjow didn't move from that spot, staying with her and even putting an arm around her as she slept alongside him.

---

Ruby dreaded the next time she was awake and by herself, because she knew that one nagging soul reaper wouldn't stop poking her about the previous day's events.

"Awwwww, my sweet little rose is all grown up now! *sniff* Mommy feels so proud! The old hag finally found herself a good man!"

"Moom~~!" cooed Ruby, hissing at her zanpakuto.

"Lol, that was a super weird kiss! *snicker* how DID you two get in the mood for it while your own grave was nearby?" she asked.

"Alright, alright, we get it. Could you pleeeeaaasseee staaap mom" said Ruby with a shrug. "I don't want to such a precious memory to be spoilt by that" she said.

"Ahahaha, alright, alright I'm just pulling your leg. I'm just sho sho happeee for my sweet little honey bun!" she said, and Ruby could picture her mom hugging her from behind and rubbing her face against her childishly.

Yes, indeed she felt like a big burden had been lifted off her shoulders. She felt lighthearted and calm. Something that her friends could see on her face too. She hadn't seen the jaguar arrancar anywhere, but she knew that he was probably contemplating the events of the previous day and was likely too embarrassed to show up in front of the others. She giggled to herself.

---

And so, my normally eventful life continued on in a surprisingly uneventful pace. Aizen and his group of Shinigami would only make rare visits after that. But I would get the surprise of my life after the conclusion of the first of those meetings. Mom wanted to take over for a while during the meeting and though I didn't put too much thought into it, I would never imagine the reason. She asked me not to peek until she mentioned that it was ok. And when I did…..

"SURPRISE!" came the cheers from Nel, Lily and the Tres Bestias, and she found herself in Tier's lair once more. And in front of her was….

"Ah….!" She gasped. That fragrance, that texture. Never in a million years did she imagine that she would see them here once more. A plate filled with cookies, freshly baked by her mom and a cup of milk to go with. She reached out with trembling hands, as if to check they were really there. But the fragrance wafting throughout the lair and the feel of them in her hands, there was no mistake.

"Who…who would've thought…..I….I really don't know what to say…." Said Ruby, covering her mouth with her hands. "Ah….there's even milk" she said, slightly tearing up. "It feels…lame to be drinking milk now….but why does it….make me so happy..:" she said, grabbing some of the cookies and popping them in her mouth. Just the same as always. Her mom's cookies hadn't changed a lick since she remembered them. The glass of milk felt even more rewarding.

"So…? Do you like them..?" asked Nel with a smile.

"They're…sweet. So sweet…..I don't think I can eat more than a few. And now that I think about it…..I dunno why but I feel something bitter like tea would be nice to go along with these…but even so…..I…I'm just…!" she said, with a teary smile.

"Hi hi! You guys should have them too! Go on, I made enough! Pop them in!" urged Summer. "Looks like you've outgrown your sweet tooth. I'll take that into consideration next time. But from now on, you'll be accompanied by cookies made by yours truly from the next time you have meetings"

"Whoa….this is!" exclaimed Nel, crunching into one.

"They're simply delicious!" added Tier.

"Oy, don't you dare hog them all you bitch!" cussed Apacci, grabbing a couple.

"Oh yeah? Look who's talking?!" said Mila-rose.

"You both have no class at all" said Sung-sun simply. "No consideration at all for others" she said calmly, eating her cookie with proper manners.

"I must say, they are quite pleasant" said Starrk.

"This is bloody brilliant, I tell ya that!" said Pesche.

"We're going to be having these often! Nice!" said Dondachaka.

"I'm surprised you got Aizen to get stuff for you to make them" said Lily. "I didn't think he'd actually…you know, go around shopping" she said, stuffing her mouth with cookies and milk. "Aaah, this is the stuff!"

"I had to…..trade some minor information but its all good!" replied Summer. "After all, he doesn't really gain anything that really bothers me too much but the end result of your negotiations is something I'm definitely not complaining about!" she said.

"Well? Go on" urged Ruby, giving one to Grimmjow. He glanced at it briefly, before hesitantly taking it into his hands and biting into it. Ruby looked at him expectantly.

"Its…..good" he said simply.

"Oh..? And…?" she asked him, tilting her head. He clenched his teeth, looking away.

"What..? It's good. That's all you ge-urgh!" he groaned as Ruby elbowed him with a vein popping in her head and a scary smile on her face.

"It's fucking good! There! Happy?!" he asked, still wincing.

"Accepted! Hee hee!" she grinned, causing them all to laugh.

And so, I spent the rest of the day having a blissful time, enjoying a gift I never thought I would ever receive and even share my happiness with those around me. And as mom promised, every Espada meeting, though only a few more in number after that, were indeed accompanied by mom's cookies. They were a lot less sweeter but just the way I liked them. And a cup of tea was definitely heaven sent along with mom's cookies.

Unsurprisingly, they were quite the popular item during the meetings and even Aizen seemed to be enjoying them and even praised mom for it. Gin for one, was openly elated, voicing out how he wished soul society knew how to make them. Tosen was fond of it as well. Amongst the Espada, Ulquiorra didn't think too much about them, but eventually, he would have the tiniest of smiles, feeling satisfied as he sipped tea and ate cookies. As for the rest…..I didn't really care too much if they liked it or not, but I would definitely have been lying if I said that I wasn't pissed. Nnoitora for one threw them the first time he was served them and though I was pissed through the roof and back, surprisingly, it was Aizen who put him in his place, using his spiritual pressure to make him kneel. Reminding him that he despised wasting resources and considered it unsightly when a lowly Espada like him would look down on something that he personally provided. I had the widest of smiles on my face. Because after that incident, nobody really complained about it even if they hated it. Nnoitora for one would finish them off, never again even looking at them funny.

And then, one day, I decided I would introduce Crescent to everyone. I learnt how to manifest her outside my body. Something that mom told me that anybody wielding a zanpakuto could learn to do.

"Uwaaah, she's so cute!" said Nel with a huge grin, closing in on Crescent who simply hid behind Ruby's clothes, only slightly peeking out.

"She's so tiny…" said Apacci, trying to peek behind Ruby to get a better look at her but the girl would then dart the other way.

"And so shy…." Added Lily, trying to do the same.

"We now officially declare ourselves the protectors and brothers of our new sibling, Crescent Rose!" cried Pesche and Dondochaka in unison.

"Go on now, don't be shy! They're all my precious friends and family. Go and say hello!" urged Ruby, literally pushing Crescent. The girl kept her face down, and then as if she found something interesting, she darted over to Grimmjow who was standing by himself.

"Aaah? And what're you looking at?" he asked. The girl peeked up from behind her cloak, and then with one swift motion, bit into Grimmjow's leg.

"Argh! You little brat! Come back here!" shouted Grimmjow angrily as he tried to punch back and catch her, but Crescent simply dodged her blows, even pulling his hair and flicking his head in the process. The two continued on with their cat and mouse routine, with Grimmjow trying to frantically catch the little brat but the girl simply having way too much fun with the blue arrancar.

"Quite the naughty little one" remarked Tier with a smile.

"She does remind me of Ruby when we first met her" said Nel with a fond smile.

"Heh, I dunno about that but I do like the little pipsqueak" beamed Apacci, looking at Grimmjow's frantic attempts to catch the girl.

"Oy! Do something about her!" he growled.

"Ooh…I don't know…Do you reeeaaallly want me to?" asked Ruby, playing innocent. "The great and mighty king of the menos forest asking an Espada for help with a child? I don't think that'll look too good on you" she cooed.

"You damn..!" he cussed, as Crescent poked one of his eyes.

"Come now little one. Dont bother him too much" said Tier, calling out to her with outstretched hands. The girl stopped midway, carefully looking at Tier. And then she darted over to her, allowing herself to be picked up by the 3rd Espada. She rested her head against Tier's chest, and slowly closed her eyes, falling asleep as Tier continued to hold her.

"And just why the hell does she pipe down with you and not me when I didn't even do anything?!" questioned Grimmjow, causing the rest to break out laughing.

I never imagined I would see big-sis have that expression again. I was so happy to hear her call out to my Crescent Rose by the same name I outgrew. But given her maternal nature, I wasn't too surprised. I was more than happy that Crescent got along with more people. Crescent was mostly content within my inner world ,but at times she did feel the urge to play and I was more than happy to oblige. Because I knew she was in good hands. And I was happy that big-sis's mood would always improve after spending time with her. Her favorite play time 'partners' were Grimmjow, Pesche and Dondochaka, big-sis, Lily, the Tres Bestias, Me, Mom, Nel and then Starrk in that order.

As much as I wanted to try manifesting my mom, it didn't work. But she wasn't too bothered by it and neither was I. She theorized it might be because I still couldn't access my resucrreccion or hear her name but to me and to her, what I had right now was more than enough. And I couldn't ask for more. And I could always talk to her whenever, wherever.

And so, the times passed by and before I knew it, 6 years had passed. A duration of period that flew by before I even realized it. A period of uninterrupted calm and peace. But when Aizen permanently defected from the Soul Society, I knew things would start moving again. But I was no longer concerned. Because I was no longer alone. I was no longer stuck to deal with the whims of fate by myself. And though my only regret was not visiting my dear siblings and watch over them as they grew up, I was always content knowing that they were safe and healthy, living normal lives, just the way I and Masaki wanted.

Or so I thought. I really let my guard down, thinking fate was done toying with me. Because not more than just a week after moving in, while on my way to big-sis's lair, I see a figure, beaten and battered, lying down in the ground, nearly dying. The figure of a young girl that wore a black shinigmai's hakama with short, wheat colored hair and a small bladeless ring-like zanpakuto clutched in her hands. Though she looked much too different than how I remembered her to be, there was no mistaking the fact, that lying there, covered in wounds, beaten and battered, calling out weakly to me with blank and pleading eyes, was my sister Yuzu.

---

Alright! I really hate doing this but this is where I stop things for now! I know cliffhangers can be nasty but well, it is what it is. So finally we're in the present and as you saw, this chapter was dark. I kinda forgot how dark this story really was in the beginning. You didn't expect it to be back, now did you?

But on the plus side, the ship is official! As I said, I really am not that skilled at writing romance so I hope I did it justice.

Anyways, see you soon next time! The arrancar arc officially begins!

---

Response to reviews:

Spellflame: Oh don't worry. You'll find out soon enough. Next chapter in fact.

Rairi Valelira: Ahaha you asked and you got it!

Argorok: Thanks a lot bud!

ccl1995: Thanks! This chapter went more into detail about that and yeah….it wasn't that pleasant for Ruby. But oh well, there's atleast another reunion coming up real soon!

L4 of the WEST: Thanks a lot! It really means a lot to me when readers make predictions and look forward to the next chapter. I must say, this story has been quite enjoyable for me to write and quite rewarding too. Thanks a lot!

Crimsomgear: Yeah you could say that. It's not so different to Ichigo. Except, she still has more control over it. She can independently call out to her powers. Though not her resurreccion as you saw. Not yet. And yeah, I've read ROTDG. D'nnome has been really helpful in discussing theories and ideas too. His Ruby and my Ruby's meeting huh..? Sounds exciting on paper. Maybe, we'll see! Thanks a lot! And sure, fire away with your questions, I'll try my best to answer!

PoofyOhio: I understand. It's not something you see in canon after all (except maybe for Lilynette talking in gun form.) But even that was mostly for gags. Still, I really wanted to write out a character for Summer, and this was my way of approaching it. Because I felt its such a pity that she's completely missing in RWBY canon.

Lucian Naruto: Yeah sure why not. They can drink tea, so why cant they eat cookies? Bleach does have its share of loopholes but oh well, for something like this, I think its ok to chuck real world logic out of the window for a while.

Momentei: Yeah. Her weapons are indeed separate. Not too different from Ichigo's actually.

The-Killer40513: Yeah…..much more than anyone imagined.

firewyrm2: Well, we're there now! I just thought I needed to mention what happened in those 6 years so that her behavior and mannerisms would make sense in the present. Also, thanks for the song recommendation, that was a good song!

Lordus: As always, your reviews always are quite detailed and uplifting to read. Thank you so, so much!

Zifryt: Ahaha I'm really glad you feel that way! Sure, maybe I could make a drawing of that! But actually, I took inspiration from the character called 'Morgana' from the series 'The House in Fata Morgana' for Crescent Rose. Her child form atleast and minus the scars and other small changes. And welp, you saw what happened to things back in Remnant.

Vedahzii: Yeah….poor Yang and Tai. But, all is not lost yet, as the being mentioned. And glad to hear your ok now!

Spartastic 4: I'm really glad and thankful for it. It wasn't quite like astral projection but because of someone else. Thanks once more!

NEGATARO: Well, things are obviously not ok now. But they will be. In time. Ruby will get her chance. After all, she was brought there to bring redemption to both worlds. As for Grimm Ruby vs Ruby….hmm. I haven't planned something like that to be honest, since Ruby is already kinda like a grimm….? With her being an arrancar an all. But will she fight her friends in remmant as she is now? Maybe. Time will tell, once we're back there. Thanks a lot as always!