Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. It's property of Kubo Tite.

Author's Note: Welcome everyone, and welcome back those who read the preview yesterday to this new story I've written. Before we begin, I believe I should give you some context of how this story came to be. Long ago, back in 2014, I started writing a story based on Rukia's bankai which borrowed a lot of themes from the fairytale Snow White. It was supposed to be a one-shot, and it read like an actual fairytale, however, due to many reasons, I never completed it. I always thought I'd end up writing it. Then, the ending came. I'm not going to lie, I was pissed and hurt. I firmly believed I'd never write for Bleach again, and then Dance With Snow White happened. For those who weren't in Tumblr in 2016, a bunch of artists and fanfiction writers started to publish their work featuring Ichigo and Rukia in their bankai outfits dancing. It was beautiful, seeing how everyone came together as if to say "I'll always ship IchiRuki, no matter what you say." I wanted to complete my story then more than ever, but my personal life was complicated. I was stcuk in awork I hated, and quite honestly, I was depressed. Then, I was unemployed and looking for a job. I postponed writing it, and focused on the IR Big Bang. When I saw that the last prompt for IR Month 2017 was precisely Dance With Snow White I decided to finish my story then. However, its core changed. It was supposed to be similar to the movie "The Princess Bride" with the story taking place as other characters read it. It was honestly a meta about why IchiRuki was meant to be, and why their bond was the stongest no matter what people said. As you can see, I was angry still and it showed. However, just before I started writing it, I had an author's block, mainly due to wrok in part, and me trying to choose a university to apply for a master's degree program. It remained incomplete. But now that IR Month 2018 is almost here, I decided to finish it. I changed it completely. I was so inspired it became longer than a one-shot, and now it's a multichapter story. I divided it into several parts, some longer, some shorter, depending on the plot. What you're about to readere it's a story inspired in part by many iterations of Snow White, and in another the IchiRuki bond. Do not get confused, even if the appearances are deceiving, this is a 100% IchiRuki story.

After this lengthy note, I just want to say that I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I loved writing it.

Now, let me welcome you to the true story of Princess Shirayuki, the fairest of them all.


Prompt: Dance With Snow White


Chapter 1: Once Upon A Time

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

Once upon a time, in the far away land of Seireitei, a princess was born. She had hair as black as ebony, lips as red as blood, and skin as white as snow. Thus, she was given the nickname Shirayuki or Snow White. Everywhere she went, she was loved by those around her. She was bright and vibrant and, most of all, kind. Her virtues were known throughout the land. Her beauty was spoken of as well. Tales from travelers coming from Seireitei spoke of a girl with mysterious eyes, either violet or deep blue. Silky hair, which fell down over her face in a black cascade. And skin, impossibly smooth and pale, as if it had been sculpted in marble. She truly was the fairest creature in all the land.

However, even if Shirayuki had been blessed with many gifts, her life wasn't without any hardships. Her mother, Queen Hisana, had passed away shortly after the princess was born. King Byakuya, fearing for his daughter's life, had issued a decree forbidding the princess from ever leaving the castle. A hard thing to impose to such a free-spirit as Shirayuki, whose curiosity exceeded all else. She was often seen in the servant's wing, chatting amicably with the maids. Or on the stables, playing with the dogs and horses. Her mother's garden was one of her favorite places as well. She often climbed trees, even if her nurses always chided her, fearing she'd slip and fall to her death. But Shirayuki was such an endearing child that no one could ever stay mad at her for long, not even the king, cold as he was. His daughter was the only one that could melt his heart, which had been frozen after his wife's death.

Overall, the princess grew up in a loving and peaceful environment, where she lived happily with those around her. But, sadly, that changed on the eve of her eighteenth birthday. As was custom, Byakuya had made a grand celebration for the princess' coming of age. Nobles from all around had been invited. A handful of suitors had come as well. Although, Shirayuki had not cared for all of that. She had only wanted to enjoy the festivities with her father and friends. That night, she had made her entrance to the ballroom, wearing the most exquisite dress made of white silk. She was a sight to be seen. Her long hair, falling down her shoulder in an intricate braid. A silver tiara as decoration sat on top of her hair. Her lips had been painted a luscious pink. And her smile ─ Oh, her smile! ─ had blinded them all. However, the happiness of those in attendance had been short-lived. While everyone was distracted in the party, the castle had been attacked. Suddenly, the doors of the castle were torn open and in walked Aizen Sosuke, a famous noble, who had been rumored to be a wizard.

"Aizen, I demand an explanation!" King Byakuya said, standing in front of his daughter, sword drawn.

The man had merely smirked. "Gin, execute the plan." He simply said to the silver-haired man to his right.

It had been blood-shed.

All of Byakuya's knights were murdered on sight. The party guests had screamed and tried to run away, but Aizen's men never let them go. Those who confronted them were killed almost instantly. And the king… Oh, the king fought valiantly and elegantly. He dispatched several of them easily. But he was not in his prime anymore. After fighting for what seemed like hours, he was overcome by Aizen himself. His sword stabbed him in the chest and blood spilled on the ground like a crimson waterfall. Shirayuki, who had been hiding in a corner, saw everything with wide eyes.

"Father!" She cried and instantly ran to where his father lay. She gently gathered him in her arms, her pure white dress becoming stained. "Father!" She cried again, shaking him, fearing death was gripping him.

The king turned to look at her, eyes glassy and face pale. He put a hand on her cheek, making her gasp. He was so cold. Byakuya looked at her intently. "Be brave." He whispered, then his hand fell from her cheek and, uttering a woman's name, he closed his eyes forever.

"Father!" Shirayuki cried harder, burying her face on the crook of his neck. Tears fell down her cheeks, as her body shook with each sob that ripped from her throat. "Father!" She called for him, even if she knew he wouldn't be able to save her anymore.

Beside her, Aizen chuckled darkly. His plan of taking over the kingdom had worked, and now there was only one thing that stood on his way.

"Gin, Tousen. Get her." He ordered his men, who instantly nodded and approached the wailing princess. Forcefully, they brought her to her feet, ripping her away from her father's body.

"Let me go!" She yelled, trying to pry herself away from them. But it was no use. They were much stronger.

"Now, now, princess." Aizen said as he stood in front of her. "It's no use crying. Now be a good child and obey my orders." He said in a saccharine voice that brought chills to Shirayuki's spine.

"Never." She snarled, eyes narrowing.

The traitor made a show of being scared of her. "My, my. You look just like your mother, but it seems you have inherited you're father's glare. What a beautiful sight you make!" He said, hand caressing Shirayuki's cheek. The princess felt revolted and tried to bite his hand. "Feisty, are we? Well, let's see how that fire dies when you sleep in the dungeons." He said, voice devoid of any emotion. "Take her." He ordered his men.

Shirayuki kicked and yelled, shouting for help. However, no one came to her aid. No matter how hard she kicked and hit them, neither let her go. Finally, they reached the underground dungeons. Shirayuki had only been there once. Her father had strictly forbidden her from entering the dungeons. But Shirayuki, being the person that she was, had found a way to go inside when no one was watching. It had been so dark then, even during daytime. It was darker now that it was the middle of the night. Without a care for her well-being, the men threw her on the floor of the cell, laughing at her shocked expression.

"Bye-bye, princess~!" Gin said as he closed the door, grinning at her like a demon.

Shirayuki shivered and, once they had left, she started crying again. She cowered in a corner of the cell, feeling more alone than ever. She looked at her body, her dress torn and stained from the battle. Stained with her father's blood. Shaking, she opened her palm, revealing the locket she had managed to take from her father's neck before she had been pulled away. She carefully opened it. Inside there was a portrait of the royal family. Her father, all regal and handsome. Her mother, the most beautiful woman in the world. In her arms was a baby with black hair.

"Now I'm all alone." She said, suddenly realizing that her last relative in this world had died. "What do I do now?" She asked to the darkness, hoping someone would answer.

No one did.


Aizen was pleased with himself. Years of planning had finally given results. He now owned a castle, and with it came owning Seireitei. He was finally king of a grand kingdom, just as he had wished as a poor child all those years ago. He had everything. Or that was what he was supposed to feel. However, there was one little thing that stood in his way. He thought, as he stared at the painting in front of him. It was a portrait of a girl, then fifteen years old. She was smiling softly, arms holding a white rabbit.

"Shirayuki." Aizen murmured darkly.

It was ironic, really. Neither the knights nor her father had stood a chance. They had all been killed on sight. The princess should have died too, if she hadn't been needed for his ultimate plan. Aizen had not an ounce of royal blood in his veins. It didn't matter how cunning he was, or how strong his forces were, his future heirs would not be able to inherit his great power unless their mother was as powerful too. That was where Shirayuki came into the picture. At eighteen, she was already a woman, and what a fine woman she was. Any man would be lucky to have her, and luckily enough Aizen already had her in his power. Except for the fact that he needed her express consent to wed her. It was a sad turn of events that the High Priest wouldn't perform the ceremony if the princess was opposed to it. Aizen could have very well killed him and appointed another one. But then the people would be against him, and it would be a nightmare to control them. Everything would be much simpler if Shirayuki consented to a marriage between them. However, so far, she had denied him.

Aizen had frankly thought he had broken her. He had killed her father in front of her. He had taken the castle and, with it, the kingdom. He had thrown her in the dungeons, where she got little food and no rest. If this kept up, she would die. And yet, day in and day out, he sent his men to ask her if she was ready to accept. And day in and day out, she refused his marriage proposal, vowing to never wed him. It was infuriating to say the least. How such a small woman could have so much will was beyond him. But Aizen didn't have much time left to wait for her. He needed to marry her now.

"Why did it have to be you?" He said out loud to the portrait.

Someone coughed next to him.

"My lord?" The man said.

"Yes, Gin?"

"Everything is ready."

"Very well."

Together they walked to a secret part of the castle, a room they had claimed for themselves. It had been unoccupied before, but now it housed a thing of the upmost importance. There, Tousen and other guards were waiting for them. Aizen nodded to them as they bowed, and he walked directly to the center of the room. There was a giant mirror. It was as crystal and transparent as water. It looked expensive and it truly was. It had cost Aizen blood and tears to get his hands on it.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, don't tell me lies, tell me all." He spoke.

Suddenly, the mirror changed. It was no longer transparent, but instead it turned a dark blue. There, a white face appeared. "I am Barragan, the magic mirror, tell me what you wish to know."

"I've been looking far and low for the woman I can call my queen. I was told I could not marry just anyone, if my heir was to be as powerful as was prophesied. With this in mind, I have made this kingdom my own, but the lady still refuses. Surely, it must have been a mistake."

"The mirror makes no mistakes." Barragan proclaimed.

Aizen didn't budge. "Then I must have heard wrong."

"Repeat the question. You know the words."

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" Aizen asked.

The mirror closed his eyes and started speaking. "Hair as black as ebony, lips as red as blood, skin as white as snow. It is the girl whom they call Shirayuki the one you are looking for. Only she is worthy of becoming your wife. Only she holds the purest of souls and the truest of hearts. Marry her, and your children will be invincible."

Aizen sighed dramatically. "I was afraid you would say so. The lady still refuses. And I cannot make her my wife by force, otherwise this wouldn't work. What can I do?"

"Perhaps…" Barragan started saying.

"Perhaps?"

"If the lady doth refuse, there is nothing you can do. But if Shirayuki ceases to exist─"

"Then another will take her place." Aizen said, a smirk on his lips.

"Yes."

"I was hoping you would say that." He added, pleased by this turn of events.

"However." Barragan said solemnly.

"However?"

"There is one condition. The fairest of them all is protected by the strongest of them all. If she is in peril, he will protect her, even at the cost of his life. Only he can overcome your plans."

Aizen's smirk became wider. "Then there is nothing to worry about. I have already taken care of that."

On that note, Aizen left the room, feeling satisfied. Next to him, Gin walked, looking disconcerted.

"My lord?" He asked, once they had reached Aizen's chambers. "What was that about?"

"Nothing." He waved. "Prepare the princess with the finest clothes you can find and bring her to the forest."

"As you wish." He bowed.

"And Gin? Bring Abarai to me."


A/N: I'm sure you all have questions, but never fear, they will all be answered as the story progresses.

I will probably post the next chapter on Tuesday, just before IR Month, and then again on Sunday.