A Thousand Petals

by SatsukixXx

Byakuya Kuchiki has been giving the ultimatum to choose a child hood friend of regal status or to ultimately tarnish his family name and marry a peasant from Rukongai. This is the tale of unrequited love for one woman and triumph for another. If one is rejected by the noble prince, will she find solace in the arms of another man or will she seek him again? Byakuya x OC x Urahara

1. Prologue

It was a quiet night in Seireitei for the sun had just bid its farewell to the sky.

The moon silently emerged from its slumber, illuminating over a feudal castle built on a large mountain plateau. The courtyard which resided by the cliff was abundant in space. Pink cherry blossom trees were placed in all four corners with a very old yet large white one placed perfectly in the middle. An elaborate display of petals could always be seen dancing all around, swaying in all possible directions around the estate giving the castle the nick name Sakura-jo.

Beyond the stone walls of the estate resided the Yoshida clan, a prominent noble family. Past the labyrinth of hallways was a room where a meeting had taken place. The gathering consisted of two parties, the Yoshida and Kuchiki family members.

The topic of the discussion? Marriage between the next heir of the Kuchiki family and the daughter of the Head Yoshida clan member.

The Kuchiki clan had come up with the proposal in order to uphold their regal name. They found the Yoshida clan as a haven for Byakuya Kuchiki who was rumored to be spending time with a woman from Rukongai. It was a scandalous affair for the Kuchiki clan. No outsider was ever allowed to integrate with the noble families and the Kuchiki family set their goals on up keeping that law unbroken.

The head of the Yoshida clan was Arashi a retired royal guard that once guarded the King of Soul Society. He was well respected and known for his kind heart.

Arashi himself he was left speechless after the rumor of this taboo romance was verified to be reality by the grandfather of Byakuya.

"I will try to lend an aiding hand for you Ginrei but I must warn you that your grandson will inevitably follow his heart. If my daughter can genuinely win his heart, this Rukongai woman will be no obstacle." Arashi softly spoke to the 27th head of the Kuchiki clan.

Ginrei remained silent with only a soft nod as a response. He was troubled, understanding that Arashi was precise with his warning. It was true Byakuya would ultimately steer towards whatever path his heart chose, but placing an obstacle in his path would be of some help to the Kuchiki clan.

"I shall arrange for my daughter to return home immediately. We must cross our fingers in hopes that your grandson will choose my daughter."