Chapter 19

Everyone has a choice; and what you choose is your responsibility.

-Sora Inoue

"So you did find the treasure? How exciting!" cried Rosalind, her sparkling eyes fixed on those of the narrator of the story "What did it look like?" The room erupted in exclamations, and the two women couldn't help but laugh.

It's been two weeks since the discovery at the castle, and Orihime and Tatsuki were currently back at their orphanage, Les Jeunes Couers, and for the very first time, the duchess-turned maiden-turned duchess was happily reciting a tale that for once didn't belong to any fairytale book. The children were so excited upon seeing their favorite people walk through the doors once again, and they listened attentively as the caretakers took their time relating the most amazing account!

"So Ayame… you're not really Ayame?" inquired little Jeanette, crinkling her nose in confusion. She was picked up and made to sit on the duchess' lap. "Well, I still am Ayame… but only that's not my real name. It's Orihime!"

"Ori…me? That's nice!" again, the room broke out in laughter. The two friends recalled how Urahara had once explained the meaning of the maiden's name. He said it was Japanese for 'the weaver princess', and he smiled when asked what Japanese was. "Japan is a country in the far east, my dears." He explained, to which said 'weaver princess' clapped her hands in glee and exclaimed as to having an exotic name. "And rightly so, I believe. It suits you appropriately!" teased Tatsuki.

Returning dreamy eyes to the little crowd around them, they acknowledged the many uncharacteristic faces in the quaint orphanage, for many of the villagers of Camembert were gathered too, including Shinji and Hiyori, the kindhearted Jushiro and Shunsui, Mademoiselle Unohana, and Kukkaku. Each of the listeners was thoroughly shocked at the incidents they'd heard, and not one had the courage to utter an intelligent question. But the children, with their imaginative minds and easy hearts, believed everything immediately, simply flailing their little hands in delight.

"So where is the prince, then?" asked Shuno innocently. Tatsuki snorted in amusement as her friend shook her head gently. "Not a prince, sweetheart, he's a duke. He's back at the castle."

"Pff, I still think that dope is undeserving of someone of your exquisite caliber!" cried Shinji dramatically, earning himself a knock on the skull from an annoyed Hiyori. "Grow up, dimwit!"

"My my, mademoiselles. That was a remarkable tale." said the old book keeper, his eyes smiling. "Who'd have thought our little Ayame would one day end up in a mighty castle?"

"You'll make a fine noblewoman, my dear!" stated Unohana kindly. Everyone in the village was aware of how the maiden donated some money with the hope of building their tiny village. A lot was used on the orphans, so that they would never have to go hungry again.

"And Tatsuki! You did good kid. You made us proud!" said the boisterous Kukkaku loudly, patting the brunette hard.

Orihime smiled to herself not for the first time. Everything was finally so perfect! They were home, the treasure was secured, the families were reunited, and all was looking up. Needless to say, she was once again engaged to the duke, but both had pleasantly decided that there was no need for another ball, those things were just too inconvenient! Also, this meant that Rukia was no longer forced into marriage, and the day she announced that she and her valet, Renji, were to wed, it caused more than a few jaws to hang.

The duchess smirked as she recalled the day they returned to the Kuchiki manor. After convincing the folk that everybody was alright, Rukia nervously yet bravely walked up to her brother and demanded a private meeting. It lasted for a long time, but the result of which ended in a celebration! For the normally stern and unyielding Byakuya Kuchiki had finally consented to his sister's marriage with Renji Abarai! When asked regarding the change of heart, he merely shrugged and replied that it was revolution time anyway, so a little change was but natural. Also, since Orihime was back and well, there was no need to unite the Kuchiki's and the Kurosaki's, so there was an opening. Whatever his reasons, all were excited at the announcement, and they could swear that they even saw the man smile secretly that day! You'd think surprises would have ended!

You might be wondering as to whatever happened to Grimmjow and Ulquiorra. Well for now, they returned to their respective localities. Since the drama had ended, they found no reason to associate themselves with their former adversaries and they decided that leaving for home was for the best. Although they did say they would occasionally visit just for the fun of it and even promised Urahara, though half-heartedly, that they would maybe someday come to assist him at the shop. But that was a tall dream.

And what of the duchess and her best friend? Well, after long deliberations and a certain amount of pleading, Ichigo finally sighed in defeat as he agreed to Orihime's leaving for Camembert, at least for a few weeks. He regretted not accompanying her, but he had urgent matters to settle, from the proper distribution of the treasure to the reinforcement of Urahara's title and property, although he did say he'd come down to the little town for a day or two.

Orihime on the other hand was perplexed at first. She couldn't possibly leave all the children behind! But Tatsuki assured her that she could go back to the castle, and her companion would take care of things at the village. Yet the duchess wasn't satisfied, and decided that she simply must stay with the darlings for much longer.

"Orime?"

"Orihime, Demetrius. But you can call me Ayame!"

"Okay then, Ayame? Will you be leaving us?" The normally naughty little boy caught her hand tightly, his voice filled with sadness.

"Well, I won't be able to spend as much time with you as before, but I will still be here!" she pumped her fist in the air, causing them to giggle. "What about your home? Will you live there?"

"Maybe… let's see how things turn out." The duke had decided that some of the money could go into the restoration of the Inoue castle. They could then use it as their own home or whatever proved best.

"We'll miss you, Ayame…!" cried so many little voices, and they all crowded round her. She couldn't help but shed a tear as she beamed at them, teasing them about their wet faces and promising them she'd be near. "I'll always be there for you! Don't cry… I'll come down often and whenever you want to come meet me and all the others, you're just a horse ride away!" The attention was quickly diverted to how awesome it would be to spend a day at a real life castle, complete with towers and secret rooms and everything! Tatsuki chuckled as they all begged the giggling maiden, before she gave in. just then, there was a knock on the door and a stampede progressed to open it. There, at the opening, stood the duke, as aristocratic as ever, holding his chin high and wearing an elegant rich blue waistcoat that sharply contrasted his bright tangerine locks. Upon seeing the little faces staring back at him in awe, he smirked and knelt down.

"Hey there! Can I come in?"

"YAY! WE'RE GOING TO THE CASTLE!" Ichigo was caught by poorly contained surprise as many arms flew up to his neck, hanging on him like silly little monkeys. Hey raised his eyebrows in perplexion as he stood up, carrying two little giggling girls and a grinning boy. Behind him, Uryu and Chad, his faithful comrades, followed him up the stairwell, and his eyes widened in surprise as he laid eyes on the packed room.

"My lord! You made it!" cried Orihime, and Tatsuki greeted him casually. The villagers in the back waved at him frantically, all except a sulking Shinji, who mumbled something about stuffy nobles stealing first loves. "Bonjour. I came by to see how everyone was doing. Thank you mademoiselle Unohana for taking responsibility while the girls were away." He nodded to the doctor.

"We've just heard everything, your grace! What an adventure!" shouted a voice. He regarded the gleaming auburn headed woman and sighed, of course she'd start story telling. He sat down beside her and Tatsuki, his friends followed suit.

"Tell us your point of view!" another yelled. Sweat dropping, he looked for an escape, but was received by none. So with a huff and a cough and a readjusting of his cravat, he began retelling the told-story, and as Camembert relaxed into merriment, the sun slowly sank in the horizon for soon, twilight came and with it, a light fall of powdery snow elicited cheers from the village folk. For what do the people of Camembert do when it snows outside? They drink hot chocolate, of course! And sing with croaked voices and snuggle in their blankets, blissfully in each other's company.

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Camembert, France 1802…

(ten years later)

"Mommy! Daddy's getting fussy again!" yelled the eight year old boy as he ran into the room, evidently fresh from the shower by the sight of his wet orange hair and the large towel secured around his waist. He sprinted to his mother's busy form at the table, and peeped up to see what she was doing. That is until a strong arm picked him up easily, and despite his protests, he was giggling.

"Philippe, who's getting fussy again?" asked a dangerous voice and Philippe shrieked as another onslaught of tickles caused the little boy's frame to shake with laughter.

"D-Dad, stop! P-please! MOM!"

"Ichigo! Stop that! You'll wake Belle!" Orihime's voice commanded sternly, and with her demanding gaze, the man sighed and kept his hands to himself. He grunted as Philippe ran around him, dancing and prancing around his father, whose hair was stuck to his forehead similar to his son's. "Can't catch me! Can't catch me! Can't-"

"Come here you!" and once again, father and son were caught in a chucking tangle, and both fell upon the bed roughly, causing the sleeping girl to wake with a start. The little four year old Belle squirmed and cried out, her auburn locks uncombed and messy. "Brother!" she shouted.

"Sorry…"

"Don't cry, sweetheart. Mommy's here!" Orihime walked up to the mattress, and after giving both boys a deadly glare, she lifted her daughter and made silly faces till the girl's cries broke into peels of glee. Her husband and son sat quietly, the identical quizzical looks on their faces almost comical. The duchess took her little girl to the table and recommenced her previous work.

"Ahem… Hime. Today is Friday." said the duke, motioning for his son to go get dressed. It was the day of the week when the entire family, including grandpa Isshin, would visit the orphanage at Camembert. They would spend a while there then set out on a picnic later, as was the custom practiced for the past many years. It was almost time to go, and yet Orihime sat at her work table, her hands working with dedication, her gray eyes completely focused and mindless of the fact that they were going to be late.

"Hime… Urahara and Rukia are waiting for us."

"I'm almost done, Ichi! Look, it's the last chapter!"

The man breathed in exasperation and smirked at his wife's enthusiasm, as he moved towards the table that was splattered with papers and ink bottles. He picked up his daughter who was currently making gurgling noises, and looked over the woman's shoulder, examining her writing. He was actually quite proud of her, for his Hime had been adamant in her dream of one day becoming a successful female author, and here she sat, busily scrawling her precious words on the many expectant sheets. She'd started this practice shortly after Belle was born, and she toiled tirelessly day after day, despite her tired eyes and sleepless nights, aiming to complete a masterpiece. Today was a great day, for after four long years, the aspiring duchess was finally going to write the last word of her very first book.

Ichigo's eyes softened as he saw her hand move beautifully against the blank paper, slowly yet purposefully, each word weighing a depth of emotion. She was letting out her feelings and strengths and weaknesses, she often said, with every word she scripted. Yet she loved it. Orihime noticed the duke's face above her shoulder and she turned her head to give him a bright smile.

"What do you think?"

The corners of his mouth turned up to form an endearing smile, and he embraced her warmly, delighting in the smell of strawberries from her damp hair. She giggled as it tickled her, and the moment was interrupted by a small hand tugging on the mother's auburn locks.

"I'm hungry." stated Belle matter-of-factedly, pointing at her stomach. Ichigo grimaced. "All our children have your appetite, Hime." he accused, to which she pouted and crossed her arms. "Hmph! Don't be mean, my lord, it's perfectly normal!"

He smiled secretly, for she always referred to him as 'my lord' when she was upset or flustered.

"Whatever you say, Hime… hurry up, though. We have to go soon." He left the room with a humming Belle in his arms, making for the kitchen. Orihime blushed and continued her work with fierce determination. Philippe came up behind her and hugged her, and she kissed his cheek before he left. "I'm going down to uncle Urahara and Jean!"

Urahara Kisuke, now formerly known as the Marquis of Rafaell, was back in his castle once more. Yet he was too attached with peasant life to leave it, and soon he returned to his little shop much as he did before, with all his old friends, and occasionally took residence in the old castle. Remember the two fellows who returned to their hometowns? Well, the very same Grimmjow and Ulquiorra, surprisingly true to their word, did drop by Camembert often, paying visits to the duchess and duke, and Urahara. This carried on until they joined the Napoleonic armies, after which they were seen less often, but were nevertheless doing quite well. Urahara Kisuke had also adopted Ururu and Jinta from the orphanage, and together, the little group at the sweet shop formed the image of a perfect little family. Tatsuki still ran the establishment, and she occasionally visited Orihime at the castle, besides the weekly picnic to the Black Forest. The children at the orphanage weren't as little as they used to be, for many had grown up, and many had returned to their parents who came to collect them after the war. And speaking of children, Renji and Rukia, now living a content life at the manor house, were the proud parents of twins, Jean and Jeanette, who faithfully came to the castle every Friday for the famous picnic. The Countess Rangiku Matsumoto came down from Paris often, and she was always delighted to recount to her niece's children the many misadventures their parents went through, much to Ichigo's displeasure.

As for Orihime and the duke themselves, they couldn't be happier! Together with Philippe, Belle, Isshin, and Ichigo's sisters frequent visits, they were grateful for having such amazing people around them, all the more now that a new addition would soon join the family and Belle would soon be playing with a baby brother or sister. Despite the obstacles that came their way, they not only survived but came out stronger, more connected than ever before. Although there were times the duchess would suffer nightmares of broken chandeliers and rampant bloodshed, she'd always jolt from her sleep to find Ichigo right there beside her, protecting her just as he always did. The two friends who grew up together shared a bond nobody understood, but everyone admired. And she was always thankful for that… always.

All of these thoughts and more were like a swarm of busy bees in her mind, but as she wrote them down, her ideas became clearer and more distinct. With bated breath, she scripted the epilogue of her novel.

"It's true what they say- that our memories are the only paradise from which we can never be expelled. The adventure that began so long ago had finally ended. Now, there was no fear of wars breaking out or revolts destroying lives because now, they lived in a new era… a New France. The duchess and her friends were finally settled, and they could breathe in peace knowing that there was nothing more to worry about. All around them, the world was changing, and France developed from an absolute monarchy to an evolving nation. There were still unpleasant times, mind you, but our heroes leant that those things were unavoidable. As a familiar brother once said, everyone has a choice; and what you choose is your responsibility. These words echoed in the hearts of so many for many years to come, as each fought their own battle for a better future. The days were turning brighter, and the sky was less cloudy, and the duchess knew for sure that the worst had ended.

Many would have easily broken down if they came from nobility to peasant hood, for the changes are too drastic and the challenges too demanding. But the Will of God was pronounced and fate had been decreed, for God alone knows what the best is for us. The duchess always believed in that, fervently, even when life seemed incomprehensible, and it was only almost a decade later that the truth of this statement was expounded by our maiden, for she couldn't have imagined reaching where she is now were it not for the hardships of peasant life that humbled her. Sometimes we need the storm in our lives just to teach us the precious worth of the sunshine. God always works in mysterious ways, a fact that many fail to comprehend… even a little girl long ago, running through a dark forest with tear-filled eyes and a shattered heart took a while to understand it, but in due time, she did.

Now ten year later, she is still as grateful as ever, for she has a new beginning, a new generation to care for. The challenges she faced, along with many others, taught her well, and together with the people closest to her, she makes sure that the world her children will experience is a free world, one not tainted by the grim realities of war and violence. She taught them the values she herself had to learn the hard way, and day by day she watches in delight as her children grow stronger and more secure. And each night before she goes to bed, she thanks the Lord fervently for her children's smile, for her friend's guidance, for all the success in her life. But most of all she thanks him for her husband and best friend: the duke, for were it not for his unwavering persistence and belief in her past, she'd never had made it to her future. And every night before she goes to bed, she kisses her children goodnight, eyeing the fateful necklace that now hung around her daughter's neck. A simple locket, an overwhelming history… the true key to her past.

Signed: Orihime Kurosaki"

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PHEW! It's all over!

The last chapter of the Key to Her Past! Hehe, this feels kind of weird… I really am going to miss Ayame and everyone… they really grew on me and well… all I can say is Au revoir. I really am grateful for Bleach because it motivated me to write my first complete book, finally! Thank you to all those who read this story and to those who enjoyed it! Thank you to all of you who followed and favorite me as an author and for this story… it really made me feel oh so special and tingly all over! Yay!

And a special, VERY special thank you and a big big BIG hug to all those who took time out to review! Every single one I have read has had its own unique effect on me, they were motivational, inspirational, and really got me up and ready to start the next chapter! I really am so delighted to hear from all of you, and the friends I have made have taught me so many things I could maybe write another book on them altogether! Yeah… until then, thank you once again! Do you like hot chocolate? It's kind of cold now so that's the sweetest thing I could think of! Though I really wish I could send them over to you, i cannot do that yet (who knows where technology will take us), and so I must humbly apologize and send you some virtual ones instead!

This story has taught me things in the ways I've least expected. Thank you Sora for being the silent voice of wisdom throughout the fic, thank you Ayame for your cheerful optimism, thank you Monsieur duke for such unwavering determination and thank you all for being such awesome sugarplums!

I do intend to make this an official book, but for that I'll have to change the characters, some situations and inferences. Apparently that's going to take a lot of time so I must delay it for a few more months, until then, this will have to do!

And now most awaited… review replies! Gosh I'm going to miss this!

Erica. Phoenix16: once again, I wish I could choke you in a bear hug! But then you wouldn't be conscious to hear the rest so, I'll wait! Thank you for being such a sweetheart for from the very beginning, you were always one of the first to review, and your enthusiasm is infectious! You must know that if it weren't for you, this story probably wouldn't have been so consistent! Lots more hugs and cookies from my side, I do hope the entire story was enjoyable! Let me be selfish one last time though: what did you think of the book? Was it slow, fast, unsteady, inconsistent, readable, or anything I'm missing out? Your feedback has been, undeniably, VERY motivational!

Nypsy: ah nypsy, I've already said this but you cannot imagine how extremely ecstatic I was when I read your first review! You were the very first person to have commented on my story, maybe the first to have even seen it, and well, what can I say? Almost every chapter and plot was met by a most helpful review, and the insight and feedback and overall criticism you have given was extremely beneficial! It's lovely to have read so many reviews where you showed your concern about the fic, it made me feel really happy because I felt as though the story wasn't all that bad! Just beautiful, simply beautiful! I do hope that this final chapter was alright, I tried my best on it! Thank you once again, and do take care!

Ermilus: hey there! Hehe sorry about the lack of intense Ichihime interaction, I'm just well… a little reserved I guess! But I do hope this last chapter met your expectations, it was kind of like a cover up or something! And I love the name Belle! Hehe, so lovely to have heard from you so often, it really made me break into giggles and end up earning myself questioning stares… but that' s half the fun! You've been a dear and I do wish you the best! Merci once again, every single one of your reviews will be cherished! Let's all happy dance!

JAB9689: before I saw anything else, BE CAREFUL! Though I am so utterly speechless with delight that you enjoyed this story so much, I must say that the glare from the screen is so disrupting! And I totally understand what you mean by sleepless nights, I myself roll around in frustration if I've only finished something halfway! Really? On the edge of your seat? Wow, that was exactly the kind of reaction I hoped to elicit! Hehe, I am pretty annoying aren't I, for keeping the treasure such a suspense! And Aizen was quite sad, but I felt it a duty to try to clear up his name even if a little bit… but like you said, a choice is a choice. I hope this chapter has lived up to its expectations, and I must thank you, yet again, for such a lovely review! Trust me, I know the pains of not being able to finish a story! Lots of love from my side, take care!

Nedaahsan: hehe you probably already know I'm smiling so wide it puts the Cheshire cat to shame! And gasp! It was better than you expected? *gulp* that's so sweet! Aww I'm really going to start tearing up, I am so grateful to have read your review once again! The treasure was amazing? I am so honoured to have heard you say that! I know what you're thinking now, it's finally over! No more waiting for a next chapter, we can sit back and focus and all! *sigh* it was a good adventure, though! I am so glad that you took the time to read this even though I know you're so busy! Really, why can't I just let something on standby for a while until after the stress? Hehe, what to do? I love you! Take care and all the best!

Magdelena88: none of this would have been what it is if it weren't for your adamant support through the entire story! I thank you for being there from the very beginning and for being so very helpful at the end of every chapter! Every one of your reviews has made such a huge impact! Bless you dear, and may you have the best! I sincerely hope this chapter was as good as I expect it to be, being the last chapter and all, so any feedback is most welcome! Also, I couldn't do the wedding, time didn't allow and well, I thought I could do without it. Take care sweety!

And to the dessa, Raininglight1, zodious, alice hattercandy, Mystic-012, hapezibah, naleah, Nessa671, Devils-butterfly-maid, teddybunny99… THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH! Sheesh, this is why I need a thesaurus, um… how about… you have my deepest gratitude?

….Nah….

And finally, I couldn't have done any of this without God's help. I thank Him earnestly for all of the Help and Guidance… God Bless us, every one!

On another note… I LOVE THE DANGO FAMILY! Dango, dango, dango, dango, dango, daikazoku! For all those who don't know what I'm rambling about, it's this anime CLANNAD which I just discovered and gosh! I love little Ushio! She's just so adorable…! Hehe, careful though, it's pretty sweet yet addictive!

And another thing, for all those interested, there is this song "I won't let you go" by a boy Faraz (I believe that's the spelling) that's on iTunes and Amazon, it's for breast cancer and all proceedings from it will go to cancer research and prevention. It's a beautiful heartwarming song, composed and played by a 15 year old, and well I really thought you know about it! it's one of those 'make-a-difference-in-the-world' things so there's a lot of meaning to it!

So now I am at a loss of what to say… it looks like I have to go. But it's not the end! I'm still open to PM's and maybe, just maybe, after my finals, I might return with an all new book with an all new theme and everything! Just maybe…

Till then, you sweet little sugarplums you! Give yourselves a pat on the back, you just made someone's day!

Goodbye, Au revoir, Sayonara, hasta la vista, illal liqaa, Namaste, paalam, selamat tinggal, kwaheri and yeah, did I mention I'll see you soon?

God Bless us, every one! Sleep tight, dream of pumpkins tonight!