Author's note: Hello~ Avi here! I really hope that you enjoy this story. In the first month of my discovery of fanfiction I began to hash this out without thinking much. But, as time wore on, a plot with many twists and turns was conceived!

This is one of many fully-plotted fanfics to come. My wish is that this will impress you, the reader, to shower praise upon me, and that this story I write will act as a testament to my love and appreciation for the BLEACH fandom. And it is my ambition to inspire you to do the same!

Thank you to lilarin, my partner in crime.

Disclaimer: I find it preposterous to say this, because it's totally obvious, and I'll only say it once for this story. But whatever, no lawsuits please; I DON"T OWN BLEACH OR IT'S CHARACTERS. (I'm just borrowing them)

Beta: lilarin

The Princess and the Pirate

Avid Vampire Hunter

Chapter I

A Princess Fair

(~*~)

Her fingers slid along the soft silken sheets. Hands brushing and clutching the downy pillow beside her, she let her feet stretch to the cold, unoccupied spaces of the bed. Her eyes took their time to adjust to the bright light of the room.

Lifting herself from the comfortable collection of sheets, her nightgown swayed around her agreeably. She gingerly felt the knots in her hair as she padded to the balcony doors. Her hair had always been rather unmanageable, but she heard plenty of servants and townsfolk compliment her on it in the past. She didn't know what was so special about it; it was only a dull orange.

Outside in the cool, mid-morning air, she braced herself against the thick marble rails, gazing out at the glimmering ocean before her. To her disappointment, she had missed the sunrise. The princess always loved how the copper and golden shine would dance along the rippling waves beneath; how the water sounded crashing on the cliff side under her perch. She loved how that, if only for a brief moment, the earth and the sky were connected by that stunning light.

She sighed and placed her chin in the palm of her hand, watching the water absently. The ocean was always such a mystery to her. It was untamable and feral, yet at the same time thrilling, enticing, and beautiful. She smiled. She had read many stories of adventures on those watery plains. Stories of soldiers that had sailed from the farthest corners of the globe, from the shining beaches of Relajarse to the busy ports of Futuro. Her favorite stories, however, were those of the sea dogs: The pirates.

She knew that pirates were a real threat to the four kingdoms, but she couldn't help herself from sneaking in a read from time to time. It was all so romantic...

The princess jumped when a sudden knock came from her door. She turned and righted herself to the best of her ability, but even then her nightgown was badly wrinkled. She padded forward into the room, and stopped beside the round table in the center of her large, sectioned living quarters, nose wrinkling at the bitter smell of the flower decorations in the center. She was allergic to Hibiscus, which was ironic, because it was the kingdom's national symbol.

"Come in!"

The door opened to reveal the palace's head servant, and her personal mentor. Her clean, ebony hair gleamed in the light, and the princess didn't fail to note the usual–yet unusual–braid that wrapped around her neck. The servant was trailed by two young girls, whom the princess recognized as her servant's adopted daughters, Momo and Ururu. The princess nodded politely, red blossoming on her cheeks in embarrassment from them seeing her in such an unruly state. "Good morning Miss Retsu, Momo, Ururu."

The girls standing behind Retsu blushed, holding crisp, white towels to their chests. Retsu entered the room, making her way to the living section of the largely sized chamber. She prepared the podium in front of the fireplace as she greeted the young lady. "Good morning, Princess Orihime." Retsu looked up at her, a knowing smile on her lovely face. "I trust you slept well."

Orihime showed a small smile as well as she fiddled with the ends of her messy hair. "Yes, thank you."

Momo and Ururu filed into the room, laying out the supplies on the mahogany table. Retsu motioned to Orihime, and the princess took her place upon the podium. She felt fingers briskly brush through her untamed mane, pulling out the furious snags. Momo left for the dresser in the other room, leaving Ururu behind to silently watch her mother's progress. "Today is the big day. Are you excited?" Retsu inquired.

Orihime stared into the empty fireplace, the waters of the ocean roaring somewhere off in the distance. Excited was too big a word. Although she was curious, her stomach ran with discomfort at the thought of the upcoming events. "I am... anxious, I guess."

Retsu chuckled, giving the princess's hair a playful tug. "Any woman would be anxious the day before her wedding, but you have no reason to worry, I have heard many good things about the prince of Futuro. He has run his kingdom well since the passing of his father." Retsu laughed lightly, "And he is quite handsome, too. You are a lucky princess."

"...But he is so much... older than me."

"Only nine years," Retsu paused. "You know how this works."

Orihime did not respond for a while, until, "I just..." she sighed, "I am too young."

Retsu suddenly stopped, grabbed the princess by her arms, and spun her around. The servant's gaze grew serious as they stared into Orihime's surprised face. "The king did the best he could. If he hadn't done what he had, you would have been married at the age of thirteen." Retsu brushed a strand of sunset hair from the princess's face, "Your father had faith that this was the proper age for you to become queen. You would honor his memory by acknowledging this fact." She placed a finger under the princess's chin. "Orihime, you are strong and independent, and I know how deeply you thirst for adventure, but this," she gestured to the wide room, "is your life. You are truly blessed, child. Believe this, and never let it go. If you run away from this, there will be nothing left."

The princess was stunned into silence, gaping at her servant. Everything the older woman said was true, but she could not escape the burning fear coiling within her stomach. "What if I cannot do it? What if I am not good enough?" Tears began to sting the corners of her eyes.

Retsu pulled the girl from the podium, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. She ran her hands lovingly down the princess's hair. She loved this girl as much as her own children; had raised her since she had ever dared remember, and even though she was a princess, she was still her daughter. "You say 'what if,' but do not say such things. You are in every sense of the term 'good,' if not better. Do not be afraid, for we will be here to help you." Retsu squeezed the young woman lightly, closing her eyes and pressing her nose to Orihime's head. "I am here."

Orihime sighed in her beloved servant's arms, quaking as tears slipped past her cheeks. She had always found comfort in this small action. Whenever she felt hollow, Retsu would always be there to hold her, to fill in the hole. She was the mother she never had. Orihime broke the grip and wiped her cheeks, sniffling. The princess looked at Retsu's soft face, but saw a certain firmness in her eyes. She knew that her servant did not agree to the marriage terms, either. Eighteen was too young in both of their opinions, this Orihime knew, but Retsu would never voice any opposition to the law.

"Princess, your bath is ready," Momo sounded from the entrance.

Ururu silently walked up to the princess, her large, doe-like eyes staring shyly up at her. She held up the folded towels, arms shaking, although unnoticeably enough that they could not see her trembling limbs. Orihime took them, thanking her in a teary voice.

Orihime looked up at Retsu, and the head servant smiled and bowed. "Happy birthday, Your Highness," she teased politely. She swatted the princess on the behind gently, who laughed quietly and followed Momo to the bath. After her sister and the sad princess left the room, Ururu tugged on her mother's sleeve. "Princess Orihime is afraid?" she asked in a light, raspy voice.

Retsu smiled down at the child, and pet the soft hair atop her head. "No, my dear. Princess Orihime is not afraid of anything."

Ururu nodded quietly, and looked out the room with her mother. After a moment of silence, she softly mused, "I want to be like her."

Retsu's smile grew, and she pulled her smallest daughter to her waist, squeezing lightly. "Me too."

(~*~)

Orihime and Retsu walked down the empty corridor, the muffled sound of footsteps on the carpet the only sound accompanying them.

The princess let her gaze travel to the walls, studying the familiar banners that hung throughout every hall. The six-petaled hibiscus flower stared boldly back at her.

Soon enough, the girl and her servant reached their destination. Retsu opened the double doors to the fantastic dining hall, Orihime following close behind. Taking a deep breath, the princess looked around the room. It was empty.

Retsu laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Would you like me to wait with you?"

Orihime smiled. "No, thank you. I would like to wait for my mother alone."

The servant did not fail to notice the dullness in Orihime's eyes, yet said nothing about it. She squeezed her shoulder encouragingly, and without another word, she left the princess on her own, shutting the doors behind her.

Orihime let out a resigned sigh, and made her way leisurely around the room. She trailed her fingers along the white tablecloth as she walked, humming to herself. Her bath had been relaxing, at least as much as it could be. Orihime was still nervous about meeting the prince of Futuro. He was scheduled to arrive a few days before, on the first of September, but apparently a meeting with the queen of Relajarse had held him up.

Orihime finally reached the end of the table, and came face-to-pane with the tall stained glass window. She watched the light play off the colors, and laid a few fingers gingerly on the rich glass. She trailed down the colors, nails brushing past orange, then purple, and finally resting on a green shard that resembled the shape of a heart.

She suddenly heard the rushing waves of the ocean beyond the glass.

Taunting her.

Was she always going to be caged here in this pretty prison? Trapped behind colored glass? She wanted to see her ocean again; yearned so desperately touch it, but to her dismay, she couldn't see past that wall of vivid dream. She'd lived a lifetime of staring out of windows and walking behind stone walls, and everything before that had not been much better, either.

She wanted to do more than touch the ocean. She wanted to wade in the soft waves that crashed on the beach, admire it from the intimacy of a raft, feel the spray of sweet saltwater on her fingers, and do much more if she was able. But... her life there interfered, and marriage would only trap her. She would be stuck in the palace forever, longing constantly stirring in her soul.

What a way for a queen to live.

Orihime eyed one of the silver utensils lying on the table a few yards away. Maybe she could–

The doors to the dining hall opened, and the brooding princess straightened her posture, turning and folding her hands respectfully in front of her. She watched silently as her mother made her way proudly into the room, each step purposeful.

The princess forced a small smile to tug at the ends of her lips. She bowed her head. "Good afternoon, Your Majesty."

The queen stopped in front of her, nodding back in acknowledgment. "Good afternoon, Orihime. Did you sleep well?"

Orihime remembered her once messy hair with a wide smile. "Yes, Your Majesty, I certainly did."

The queen nodded again, and waved her hand in the air. Guards began to take formation around the end of the long table, and servants entered from the doors connecting to the kitchens, holding silver trays covered with tin domes. Without any more formalities, the monarch sat at the table, spreading a linen napkin across her lap. Orihime followed suit, sitting across from the queen. An ambrosial assortment was set before them, and after the servants were finished, Orihime offered a small thank you to each silent worker. The queen remained silent.

Licking her lips hungrily, the princess began to take a sample of every dish and put it on her plate with vigor. She plucked everything from the delicious, juicy fruits imported from Relajarse to the spiced meats of Poder. Then of course was her favorite dish from her own kingdom, the rich chocolate pastries of Maravilla.

After a few minutes of silent consumption, the queen suddenly started, "Are you ready to meet the prince of Futuro?"

Orihime swallowed. She had been practicing the response to this since the night before, where she had at first failed to find sleep out of her anxiety. She knew that by 'meet,' her mother meant 'marry.' The princess straightened, and met the queen's leafy gaze with her own. "Yes. The prince of Futuro is a good ruler. He has taken great care of his kingdom since the death of his father. Our union is certain to bring harmony to Maravilla."

The queen huffed, satisfied, and went back to eating her food, drawing it sharply from her fork.

The princess did not fail to notice her mother's stiff movements. Orihime knew the queen to be a stern woman, but her actions seemed to be sharply edged. Orihime leaned forward, eyebrows drawn together in worry. "Your majesty, are you feeling well?"

The queen lowered her fork to her plate, sighed, and looked back up to the princess. "I am well, Orihime. It is just that," The queen's gaze lowered to her already empty plate. "Your eighteenth birthday came so soon. It seems as though only yesterday..." she trailed off.

Orihime's eyes softened. She reached forward, and took her mother's tanned hand into her own reassuringly. The contrast of their skin was always a little shocking. While hers was a pale peach color, her mother's was a warm caramel.

Her mother freed her hand from Orihime's and stood suddenly. "The prince will be here soon. You need to prepare yourself. I will send Unohana to your chamber shortly. Until then, the guards will show you to your room." The queen abandoned the table soon after, the men trailing faithfully behind her. Orihime was left to stand alone with the remaining, and she let out a soft sigh as her mother disappeared behind the double doors.

(~*~)

Retsu walked down the endless corridors, alone. She had only just received word to return to the princess's chamber, and she was already planning ways to make her princess more 'appealing.' She didn't believe that Orihime needed it, but nevertheless allowed her mind to wander.

"Hello, Retsu."

Surprised at the sound of an old, familiar voice, the head servant turned around to meet a satisfied smirk and a head full of powder-white hair. She smiled, nodding in acknowledgment. "Jushiro."

Jushiro stepped closer and made a small gesture. "How now? Is that any way to greet an old friend?" He put the back of his hand against his forehead. "I just arrived from a long journey in Futuro, and my dearest childhood confidant only gives me a syllabic greeting? I'm a little hurt..."

Retsu quirked an eyebrow. "Journey? You mean sojourn?"

Jushiro waved her off playfully. "It's all the same to me. They have invented quite a selection of gadgets over there, you know. You should visit some time. You'd be amazed at what those people can do with technology."

Retsu shook her head with a light-hearted chuckle. "I'm afraid I can't, Jushiro. I have a princess to watch over now."

Jushiro's eyes widened, small brown irises gleaming with mirth. "Ah, yes! It is Orihime's birthday today, isn't it? Eighteen, am I right?" He clapped his hands and rubbed them together excitedly. "Where is the birthday girl? Maybe I could pay her a little visit..."

Retsu frowned. "I'm sorry, but you can't visit her right now. She is going to meet the prince of Futuro in a little less than an hour, and will be spending the remainder of the day in his company. You could see her at the gala."

Jushiro's playful expression suddenly darkened, and Retsu noticed. After a heartbeat of tense silence, Jushiro grabbed her wrist, holding tightly. "The gala is tonight!?"

Retsu flinched at his harsh tone. "Jushiro...?"

"Oh, this is bad... very bad..."

Retsu took his offending wrist in her free hand, squeezing to get his attention. "Jushiro, tell me what's wrong." Her eyes burned dangerously.

Jushiro looked up at her, and then let his eyes travel quickly around the corridor. Seeing that it wasn't assuredly empty, he rested his gaze back with hers. "Not here. Meet me in the kitchens after the princess departs with the prince." He let her go, nodded a silent goodbye, and made his way quickly down the opposite side of the hallway, his chin in his fingers.

Retsu stayed still for a moment, watching her old companion round a corner. Jushiro was definitely acting strangely, and not in the usual, jesting way. She then remembered the princess, and resumed her mission. Whatever was going on with Jushiro, she would find out soon enough.

(~*~)

Orihime stood beside her mother in the front courtyard, fiddling with her fingers. She looked around the high stone walls, staring absently at the ivy that had grown.

Servants scattered around the courtyard, decorating it by hanging paper lanterns from one side of the wall to the other. She watched as Momo and Hanataro, another servant, placed different decorations around the courtyard, chatting gaily.

She smiled as she watched them interact. It was obvious by the boy's faint blush and hesitant touches that he was infatuated with the shy servant girl. Orihime found it all to be rather adorable. She had read about young love in many of her books, and often wondered what her romantic escapades would entail in the future. Even if she were to never have one, she still wouldn't mind having a good friendship with someone, like Momo and Hanataro.

The sudden clip-clop of hooves dragged her away from her musings, and she looked up to see a carriage ride into the wide entrance of the courtyard. Servants scurried away from the approaching horses, and the driver directed the mares to a rest by the glimmering fountain in the center of the large quad.

The coachman opened the door, and the first to exit was a man with flowing black robes and a white scarf that fell to his ankles. He was followed by a boy that looked to be around Orihime's age, and had navy hair and spectacles that he pushed further up the bridge of his nose.

The first walked dutifully to the queen, bowing and accepting her offered hand, kissing the tanned knuckle. "Your Majesty," He greeted in a low, stoic voice.

The queen nodded. "Prince Byakuya."

Byakuya stood upright, posture rigid and quite tall. He met gazes with the queen. "Blessings of wisdom from my people to yours, Queen Tier of Maravilla." He said emotionlessly, "Thank you for maintaining a steady balance of harmony within the four kingdoms. I can only hope to bring the same to yours in the future."

Queen Tier brought her hand back to her side. "I hope the same."

"Your Majesty," The bespectacled patron bowed.

Prince Byakuya then turned to Orihime. After an awkward pause, Orihime jumped. "Oh!" She held her hand up, which the prince held and kissed. She blushed.

The prince of Futuro let go of her hand immediately after his bow. "My apologies for the delay, I did not intend to stay in Relajarse as long as I did." He bent his head humbly.

"Oh... th-that is all right. You are here now. That is all that matters."

Byakuya mechanically offered his arm for her to take. "Shall we then?"

Orihime only stared at it. Was this the gateway to the rest of her life? A life with the stern-faced prince of Futuro? He was her future husband, after all. But wasn't love supposed to be a grand adventure? She was going to marry this man–this stranger–the next day. If he had shown himself a few days earlier, then she might have grown used to him, but now... it was just too soon. She was nowhere near ready to be married, no matter what the king had thought in life. But the law was the law, and she was caught in a dead end.

Stories did have characters that fell in love within a first glance, so she thought that, perhaps, this relationship with Prince Byakuya would work for her, as well.

But those were only stories.

(~*~)

Orihime and the prince walked together through the long hedge tunnel that led to the garden. The garden was the pride of the castle, and Orihime enjoyed spending as much time there as possible. This had been where she originally wanted the gala to be held, but her mother had insisted it be in the front courtyard, for easier access to the guests.

Bright light filtered through the holes in the tunnel of woven ivy, illuminating the deep violet and blue flowers inside. They walked in a comfortable silence.

When they had finally reached the full expanse of the garden, the prince began, "Are you... enjoying your day?"

Orihime studied his face briefly and smiled. She could tell that the subject was awkward for him, and she wasn't surprised. Men of such regality like him were often uncomfortable in personal situations. If anything, Orihime assumed that Prince Byakuya did not have much social contact besides those that took place in conference rooms and courts. Still, it was a pleasant thought that he was trying. "Yes, so far my day has been enjoyable..."

"Your Highness," he said suddenly, not looking at her face, "what is to transgress tomorrow is a large matter. Do you feel prepared to face this task?"

Orihime remained silent for a moment, simply looking at him. She felt mildly disappointed by his lack of attention, but realized that it would've been foolish to expect it from a Futurian. "Yes," she answered quietly, attempting to sound more refined than defensive.

The prince of Futuro nodded firmly, and said nothing more as they continued to wander about the garden.

In those moments Orihime realized that any hope of romantic feelings she could feel for him at all–which was nearly none–died away, flickering off like a spark. She sighed inwardly at the new silence that they had found themselves in, and grew uncomfortable with their surroundings. It all only reminded her of her fate.

"Prince Byakuya?"

"Yes?"

Orihime stopped walking, and looked up into the prince's stoic face. She didn't tremble or blush when she met his eyes, seeing no passion in them whatsoever. "I would like to leave the gardens now, if you would not mind."

Byakuya nodded. "Where would you like to go?"

The ocean, she thought, fingering her skirts distractedly. However, she knew that he wouldn't allow it without protest. And she didn't want to fight with him. Not now.

Finally, Orihime looked up and smiled at him politely. "How about the town? There is a lovely bakery there and the chef makes the most delicious chocolate pastries. I am sure that you would enjoy it. In my opinion it has the best desserts that Maravilla has to offer!"

Byakuya nodded once more, as if to himself. "Very well then, to the town it is."

(~*~)

"AH, IT'S BURNING!"

"I KNOW! SHUT IT!"

"Maybe you guys should put that fire out..."

Orihime and Byakuya walked into the bakery with a bright ding of a bell ringing quietly in the chaos. A burning smell wafted through the air and stung her eyes. Orihime smiled up shyly, but it quickly left her when the bakers ran out of the kitchen holding a tray emanating black smoke.

"Damn you, Keigo!" A female baker huffed, red hair ruffled and glasses askew.

"I got it," a femininely male voice sounded. A blast of white foam blew over the two bakers, dousing the fire.

"MIZUIRO!"

"Oops… looks like the fire wasn't the only thing that got put out. Sorry, Chizuru." He smiled warily and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Hey, um, guys…" The baker holding the tray pointed over at Orihime and the prince with a thickly clothed finger. His hand waggled nervously.

"Ouaah! PRINCESS!" The female baker, Chizuru, swooned, rushing towards her.

Orihime blushed and waved at the trio. "Hello. Are you busy? We can come another time..."

"NO! No no no, it's okay, Princess! Here," Keigo dropped his tray loudly on a nearby table, "we have a package of fresh doughnuts, Your Highness!"

Mizuiro went into the back. "I'll get them~"

"Is there anything we can do for you, Princess? Anything at all...?" Chizuru crooned, cornering the princess. She paid no heed to the prince.

"Aah... No, that is all right, I just wanted to show Prince Byakuya the bakery today." She looked over at her betrothed nervously, but he seemed even more flustered than she.

Mizuiro saved the day. "Here we go, fresh doughnuts for the lovely Princess and her Prince Charming." He leaned forward in a slight bow, "Would you like me to carry them somewhere for you?"

"Smooth..." Keigo muttered.

Byakuya snatched the box of pastries with one hand, looking down at the bakers with disdain. "No. We will be leaving now. How much for these?"

"No charge," said Mizuiro, shifting his weight to one foot, a bead of sweat visible at his temple to accommodate his kindly grimace. "Have a good day, and please return soon."

Byakuya was the first out the door, and Orihime followed, eyes polite yet trained hungrily on the box in the prince's hand. She turned back to the bakery, where all three bakers stood to watch her departure. She waved and called out with a bright smile. "Thank you, I hope to see you again soon!"

Keigo waved shyly. "Hope to see you at the party tonight, Princess."

Mizuiro waved with a happy smile. "Happy Birthday, Your Highness."

"GOODBYE PRINCESS~! Come back anytime! We're always open for you~" Chizuru waved through Keigo and Mizuiro, who were blocking the exit.

Byakuya watched Orihime for a second, then found something else to look at. The doughnut box.

Nope.

(~*~)

Orihime wiped her hands on the napkin in her lap, a half empty box of doughnuts in between her and Byakuya. "Are you sure you do not want to try one?"

"No, thank you."

"Mm. All right."

She looked around under the bright sunshine. People were on the streets, decorating.

Orihime and Byakuya we're sitting in an open space near the village square. A lot of the public were staring.

But there was one who caught her eye.

The princess stood, picking up the open box, and made her way over to a shady tree.

A child sat under the tree, his eyes closed and cross-looking. Soft snores came from his slightly parted lips.

She daintily closed the box, and sat it beside his sleeping body. Orihime lightly tussled his sharp red hair, causing him to shift and smile in his sleep.

His ragged clothes made her want to cry. Orihime always had a soft spot for those in peril, and for people in terrible circumstances. Children living hungry in the streets worried her greatly, and was something she was eager to change when she had the power.

When she came back to Byakuya, he was already standing. "What was that?"

"Hm? Oh! Well... He comes around here a lot. Sometimes I see him play with Ururu…" She looked up at Byakuya's confused face and flushed, "Er, my maid's daughter." Her gleaming eyes suddenly dimmed, and her startled expression became one of lament. "His parents died a few years ago. I cannot stand to watch children be abandoned like this. It is not…" she trailed off, eyes looking at some intangible space.

After a few seconds of quiet, "But when I am queen, things will be different. No one will have to live in poverty!" She looked up at the prince again, startling him with her unexpected boost of resolve. "No homeless child will be left unwanted."

Byakuya felt his eyes grow a smidgen wider in surprise. So she was more than a pretty face. Princess Orihime seemed to care greatly for her subjects. He walked past her, looking back to watch her follow. "You will make an excellent queen, Princess Orihime."

She smiled and blushed at his kind words.

"So, where to now?" he asked.

What? Another place to visit…? Orihime looked thoughtfully up at the sky, tapping a finger against her chin. As she pondered, she found herself hoping that her relationship with this man would be better than she'd previously believed.

Then she had the perfect idea.

Author's note: And so ends chapter one. Please let me know what you think! You probably hear that a lot, but seriously, it's inspirational~ *holds up righteous fist as tears stream down face*

Ulquiorra next chapter. ;3; I think that's all that needs to be said for you crazy fangirls like me...

(Thanks Michelle)

*hugs* Avi~