During the olden days, the Land of Gods had been plagued with political strife and continuous warfare. Although Heaven had decreed its people to be set apart from the world through the divine headship of the Emperor and his lineage, it had been the Shogun – the highest ranking general of the military - who had controlled and administered his will upon the land. In hopes of bringing about unity and peace, the country had been divided into provinces that were to be governed by powerful lords called daimyo. The daimyo were to serve directly under the Shogun as an elite group of rulers who were responsible for maintaining their territories and upholding the cultural teachings and traditions of their ancestors.

However, because of the nature of the man, it did not take long for the daimyo to abuse and revel in their power. Their eyes became clouded with greed as their minds rebelled against the code of honor they were to uphold in exchange for pursuing their selfish desires. In time, they sought to annihilate each other in order to obtain more territory and expand their individual power and wealth.

As a result, corruption and war had once again spread across the land. Regimes were formed and many family lines were eliminated. Thousands of names were lost from the pages of history and countless of lives were left vulnerable or destroyed. People struggled daily to survive and find inner peace. But still, no matter how hardened people's hearts had become, everyone continued to hold a strong reverence and pride for their country, especially when foreigners from the European continent began arriving on their shores.

Centuries later, the warfare of the daimyo came to an end by a general named Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, who later became Shogun into the seventeenth century. Under his leadership and discipline, the country started paving its way back toward unification with the reconstruction of the administration and social classes, redistribution of the land, and stronger regulation on foreign trade and affairs.

Many were pleased with the changes and regained hope that one day the Land of Gods will become the nation that Heaven decreed it to be in the world. However, there were some who did not share the same opinions and had desired a different path away from the emerging ideals of the new era.


Empire of the Sun

Chapter One

By: Katreju


The Month of Satsuki, 1619


"Brother, please! Please don't leave me!"

Lady Orihime Inoue cried heavily as her quivering arms held onto the body of Lord Sora Inoue, the once great daimyo of the Tenkū province. She sat alone in the middle of his master chamber, wailing out desperate prayers to the heavens as tears rolled down her ruddy, smooth cheeks and onto Lord Inoue's dull, sunken face.

It was hard to believe that a few hours ago his complexion had been the same as hers. That his warm smile and jovial spirit had illuminated the world around them as they celebrated yozakura with several of their clan members and neighboring villagers. Now he laid cold and lifeless in her lap with his intestines gutted like a fish and a ghost of a smile sketched across his lips. Orihime embraced him tighter, not caring that she was soiling her beautiful jūnihitoe with his crimson blood.

Please God…don't take him from me…please….

Outside the master chamber, pandemonium took siege over the entire town. Ear-piercing screams and desperate pleas carried into the night as people were being slain in the street, imprisoned within their homes or fled away from the town to insure their survival. On the castle-grounds, the clashing of swords along with the fierce cries of the last remaining samurai fighting valiantly for Lord Inoue's honor echoed through the walls, but were becoming fainter as they were struck down by the enemy's hand.

With what little hope she had left in her heart, Orihime prayed to the gods to grant them favor for triumph over their invaders. However, when she heard the announcement that Gorō Ito - Lord Inoue's strongest and most loyal general - and his soldiers had been killed, she realized that her prayer would not be answered and hung her head low in despair.

A loud cheer erupted in the courtyard which signaled for the army to begin their infiltration of the castle. The invaders entered and searched each room that crossed their path. They destroyed everything that was deemed worthless in their eyes and boasted over the treasures they had plundered while laughing and mocking over Lord Inoue and his clan.

Disgusted by the haughtiness and disrespect of her heritage, Orihime felt a fresh wave of tears threatening to spring from her eyes as her enemies continued trampling over the shattered pieces of her soul.

All of the sudden, she heard the shoji door of the shrine room fly open. Her body stiffened and her heart quickened as she waited for the one who discovered her to strike her down.

"What are you doing here?" asked a deep, callous voice.

Orihime slowly raised her head and took in the horned figure of the Samurai before her until her warm, honey-brown eyes locked in with his icy, emerald-green ones.

"Do you understand Japanese?" he asked.

"Y-yes…" she responded.

"Then I will repeat myself only once. What are you doing here, woman?"

Orihime glanced over at the left side of his waist and saw her brother's swords and a scroll attached to his daishō. She looked away from him and her eyes filled with grief again at the sight of the fallen lord across her lap.

"That…is the question I should be asking you, Samurai. Haven't you already accomplished what your master set you out to do?" she asked.

"It would seem that I have not," he replied coldly. "I have been ordered to kill every male relative who upheld the seal of the Inoue clan and anyone, including servants, who continue to pledge loyalty to your lord."

She immediately stared at him with a solemn face. "He was not only my lord. He was my brother."

Despite his stoic front, Orihime noticed his eyes had widened slightly from her confession. Although it was a different, more subtle response compared to what she had received in the past, she could not help but feel a little offended by his skepticism.

"Prove your relation," he commanded.

"I have nothing I can offer you except my word."

His eyes began searching her until he noticed two blue hibiscus-shaped hairpins clipped on the left collar of her robe. "The ornaments on your collar resemble the crest of the Inoue clan."

She nodded. "Yes. They were made and given to me on my twelfth birthday."

"Hand them to me."

Her fingers instinctively touched the hairpins. "Will I get them back?"

"I have no need or interest to keep such things."

Orihime gently laid her brother's body on the matted floor before she stood up and gradually walked over to the Samurai. When she was within arm's reach of him, she took the hairpins off her collar and placed them into his hand. As he inspected them, she was able to get a closer look at his face and was immediately drawn to the two faded but rugged scars descending from both his eyes, making him appear as though he were crying. She thought it to be ironic considering his demeanor did not encourage her in the least to believe that this man ever cried a day in his life.

After he was done with his inspection, the Samurai closed his hand around the hairpins and pierced his eyes into hers once again. He decided the accessories would be enough evidence to identify this woman if she was who she claimed to be. "I am to presume you are Lady Orihime Inoue of Tenkū."

"I am."

"Then you will come with me."

Her eyes widened considerably. "W-What? Why?"

"You have eluded death tonight. Whether it was the work of some god or a miscalculation on my part, your survival could be of great purpose."

She shook her head and stepped back. "No."

"This is not up for negotiation, woman."

"No…I'm not going with you!"

Just as Orihime was about to make her escape, the Samurai snatched one of her arms and pulled her toward him. Tears welling in her eyes, she struggled to free herself from his grip as he dragged her out of the room and down the hallway.

"Don't do this, please!" she yelled. "I rather die here than go to the house responsible for the murder of my brother!"

The Samurai retained a straight-face. "You are behaving like a child."

"I don't care how you think I'm behaving! It's wrong for you to do this! Stop dragging me now!"

Without warning, the Samurai picked up the young girl and carried her over his shoulder as he walked down the castle steps and into the town. Orihime whined as she wriggled to get loose, but her captor kept a firm hold on her. It was not long before she became weary and gave up after she had no more strength left to fight.

Once they had passed through the town's main gate, Orihime looked over her shoulder and saw a pink-haired, spectacled samurai saddled on a brown horse. He was among a faction of soldiers that carried not only spears and bows but a few firearms as well.

"There you are, Commander," the man grinned as he led a black horse toward them. "I was beginning to think you got lost. However, it appears that you have found treasure among the debris."

The Samurai mounted Orihime then himself on top of the black horse. "She is the younger sister of Lord Sora Inoue."

"Is that so?" he said with a coy smile. He turned his amber eyes on Orihime. "She's quite a beautiful creature. I'm certain that our lord will be very grateful to you. He might even frequently indulge himself with this luscious treat."

Orihime nervously shifted in her seat. She was uncomfortable under the gaze of this man along with others who took the opportunity to peer at her as well. What had her even more unease was the insinuation he made. It left nothing to the imagination and she started to worry what would become of her once she arrived in their territory.

"I have already stationed a hundred ashigaru to guard against trespassers and to secure the town," the Samurai stated as he took ahold of the reins. "Be certain that every head of the Inoue bloodline is collected and sent to my tent for inspection. And make certain that the body of Lord Sora Inoue is kept intact and brought to me as well."

"You're keeping me out of the fun, Commander," the pink-haired samurai let out a chuckle. "It's such a pity that I won't be able to observe the trophies with you. However, you can be certain that I will carry out your order with the utmost pleasure!"

An explosion suddenly echoed through the area, causing everyone to look back at the castle and see smoke rising from the east wing.

"Delayed response, yes…but it appears that my new little invention works!" the pink-haired samurai laughed fanatically. "I can't wait to tell our lord about my discovery!"

Sitting helplessly and watching her home be consumed by flames, Orihime felt the world spinning around her until she collapsed into the arms of the stoic Samurai that held her captive.

. . .

Sunbeams had seeped through the window and filled the room with golden radiance.

Orihime awoke to the sound of chirping birds then turned her head over on the pillow to see her hairpins lying next to her.

That's funny. I always leave these on my dresser every night before I go to bed.

She looked at the dresser set in the corner of the room yet noticed it had a different design from hers and displayed a sword stand on the surface. Her eyes narrowing out of suspicion, she sat up from the futon and began looking around the room. She then started to worry about her whereabouts when she could not trace any of her possessions, furnishings and décor. All she found was a wall scroll displaying military achievements and honors alongside a cabinet showcasing several books and pamphlets written in a foreign language and Japanese.

In that moment, she came to the realization that she was in someone else's room. A man's room.

Her heart pounding frantically, Orihime hastily threw the blanket off of her legs and inspected the sheets. When she could not find any bloodstains, she sighed out of relief knowing that she had not been defiled. She then noticed the simple white kosode she wore and hoped that whoever had changed her out of her robes had not dispose them since they had been custom-made for her as a gift from...

Please…live for me…Orihime…

Images depicting Lord Inoue's mutilated body and the violent siege of Tenkū began to surge through her mind. She trembled and whimpered as the scenes and sounds of that night replayed over and over until finally her fingers gripped the sheets and tears flowed freely down her face.

Her beloved brother was dead.

She would never see his smile, hear his laugh or be in his presence ever again.

It did not make any sense! He had been a generous and noble man. A strong leader with many aspirations and desired the best for his country. And yet fate had rewarded him with an untimely death along with the ruin of his homeland and the people whom he led and loved as family. His legacy would not pass through the generations and it grieved her that she could not even give him and those who died for his sake their funeral rites since she was being held prisoner somewhere likely far from her home.

She abruptly fell forward and buried her face in the blanket, her copper-red hair cascading around her like a curtain. The faces of the invaders flashed across her mind, causing her fingers to clench tightly around the blanket.

I can never forgive them for what they've done. There is no reason for me to even try.

She heard a knock on the door and lightly raised her head from the futon.

"I am coming in," said a flat, taciturn voice that was oddly familiar to her.

"Wait, please." She sat up then used her arm to wipe away her tears. "Come in."

The door slid open revealing the man responsible for taking her hostage. Not dressed in armor, his jet-black hair was tied back into a low ponytail reaching just beneath his shoulder blades and his civilian attire consisted of a dark-green kimono with black hakama, tabi and fingerless gloves that covered his forearms. Since she was able to get a better depiction of him, Orihime realized that he was much thinner and shorter compared to the image of the man she thought to have been a demon.

The Samurai kept his eyes on her as he walked into the room and stopped at the foot of the futon. "You have finally awakened."

Orihime's eyes slightly widened. "'Finally awaken?' How long have I been asleep?"

"Two days."

"Oh." She paused. "May I ask where I am?"

"You are in my private residence outside of the castle."

Frowning, Orihime kept her silence and sadly looked toward the window.

"Now that you are no longer comatose, you will make yourself presentable for your audience this morning."

She waited a moment before returning her eyes back on him. "I will need my robes."

"Your garments are with a seamstress and will be returned to you once they are cleaned and mended. For now, you will wear what has been set aside for you."

Looking down, Orihime discovered a neatly-folded parcel and a small accessory bag next to the futon. She gently picked up the bundle and rubbed her thumb over the smooth material.

"A bath has already been prepared for you. Do not take long. I will be waiting for you outside."

The Samurai proceeded to leave the room. After he slid the door behind him, Orihime stood up from the futon and made her way across the room toward the bathing chamber. Once she was inside, she exhaled quietly before shutting the connector door and prepare for her bath.

. . .

An hour had passed before Orihime stepped out into the corridor. She presented herself in a brown komon patterned with tiny dots and flowers, a beige obi around her waist, and white tabi on her feet. Her hair was styled back into a neat bun that allowed for her bangs to frame her face with the help of her hairpins.

The Samurai, now wearing his daishōaround his waist and a haorithe same color as his kimono, still remained leaning against the wall but said nothing to her.

"I'm ready," she murmured.

The Samurai straightened his posture and began walking down the hall. Orihime sighed and followed behind him. A thick silence lingered between them as the two walked out of the house through the front gate and made their way down the road.

. . .

When they arrived in the outer courts of the castle, Orihime was amazed to see the magnitude of servants working on the grounds. What astounded her even more was that she noticed most of them were not Japanese. Not that the foreigners' presence ever bothered her, but from what she had learned about the Shogunate and the daimyos' opinion of the western nations, she was curious to know why a staunch nationalist would permit them to live and serve in his domain.

After stepping through the gate leading into the inner courts, she could not stop herself from admiring the peaceful and beautiful ambiance around her. There were many small houses, gardens and architecture to behold across the landscape, all clearly showing the lord's wealth and extravagant taste.

From a distance, she then spotted a group of courtesans sitting next to a lake. Most of the women were practicing their calligraphy while two of them played soft music through a shamisen and shakuhachi.

As the two of them made their way pass the courtesans, Orihime sensed the women staring at her and heard them start to chatter amongst themselves. Feeling a little unease, she slightly quickened her steps and focused on her escort as he continued leading their path.

It was not long before they were walking in the halls of the main estate. As they drew nearer to the audience chamber, a grinning silver-haired man wearing a gray haori and kimono unexpectedly stepped forward and blocked their way.

"Ah, it's great to see you again so soon, General. Just so you know, I have never doubted your ability to follow an order through considerin' your meticulous nature and good-standing." He then took a step closer to Orihime. "And this must be the little sister of the fallen daimyo of Tenkū. My, are ya a lovely flower. But I can see that the rumors are indeed true of ya not resemblin' your brother or father. Care to explain that for me, girl?"

Orihime looked away to prevent herself from glaring at the foxlike man. "I do not wish to talk about that with you."

His wily grin widened. "Seems like I angered the little princess, eh General?"

The Samurai responded to him with a piercing stare. "You should be more concerned about my temperament, Ichimaru. You are wasting valuable time here."

"Fine, fine. Follow me."

The silver-haired man quietly led them around a corner and further down a wide corridor. When they finally reached the audience chamber, he gently tapped to make aware of their presence then slid the door open after receiving approval to enter.

He slightly leaned forward, retaining a grin. "After you two."

The Samurai slipped the zōri off his feet then proceeded into the chamber. However, Orihime was reluctant to follow his lead. Her blood went cold as her eyes looked upon the man sitting across the room in kneeled position. He was dressed in a beige kataginu with matching hakama and a brown kimono that was the same shade of his hair - which had been cropped unusually short with a long strand hanging between his eyes.

Sensing that she was stalling her entrance, the Samurai casted a cold eye at her. "Come."

Orihime shot him a look of her own before slipping the zōri off her feet and stepping into the chamber. Her hands clasped together in front of her, she stood next to her escort and waited for the lord to speak the first word.

As she waited, she noticed a dark-skinned man with braided dark-brown hair and a pale-gray bandanna covering his eyes standing in the right corner of the room. He was wearing a rustic-orange haori over a dark-purple kimono with hakama and had his left hand securely around his daishō. Despite his condition, he definitely seemed like a force to be reckoned with.

"Welcome to Naitsu Castle, Lady Orihime." The lord greeted. He bowed gracefully toward her then rose back up. "Please, come over and sit with me."

Caught off-guard by his greeting, Orihime walked forward and took a seat in front of him. She kept her eyes downward on her hands but she sensed that his were fixated on her.

"You are very beautiful." He reached forward to caress a few strands of her hair between his fingers, making her cringe inward from his touch. "Indeed a jewel above others. Tell me, how old are you, Lady Orihime?"

"I will be eighteen on the third day of Nagatsuki," she replied.

"You're still young yet your body deceives your youth." He released her hair and brought his hand down to his lap. "I'm certain by now that you are aware of who is responsible for the siege on Tenkū."

Orihime clenched her hands into fists. "Yes. I am."

"Then you are aware that the province is now under my jurisdiction. I hold of all of Inoue's land and assets in my hands. However, this power that I have obtained is not secure. The Shogunate and other daimyo have always held Inoue in the highest esteem and will be devastated to learn he is dead. It is possible that few of them will even search for the party accountable and apprehend them by their own means.

"In time, however, their anger will fade and the grief over your brother will be long forgotten. And such as what happens repeatedly through history, their focus will shift to satisfy their greed, to squabble over which of them rightfully deserves to inherit Tenkū since Inoue has no progeny or living male relative to be his successor." He lips lifted into a smirk. "And yet sitting before me is the key to preventing this scenario from happening once again."

"I don't understand." Orihime said with a puzzled look. "I have no rights to my name so how am I able to stop the Shogunate from taking my brother's land?"

The lord pulled out a scroll from his kimono and handed it to her.

Orihime studied the parchment and recognized it to be the same one that was attached to the Samurai's daishō during the siege. She quickly unrolled it and began reading. "This is my brother's will..." She carefully read through the print. By the time she was finished, her eyes had widened significantly and her mouth left opened from shock. "He named me as his heir! That means I'm…"

"Now do you see the power you wield? You are the governing ruler of Tenkū, Lady Orihime. You have the authority to regulate and defend the province from the Shogunate and men who will come to desire its land and wealth."

Men like you, she thought.

"With the knowledge and experience that I have, I offer my assistance to help you reform the land into greater prosperity and security," he assured. "This is especially needed if you desire to restore the honor and legacy of Lord Inoue and your clan."

Her heart twisted inside her chest. She wanted that more than anything, but what would be the price that she had to pay to obtain it? Despite her intuition telling her the answer, she spoke up with feigned interest. "What would have to be done?"

"The simplest solution to establish our merger would be marriage."

She frowned. I knew it.

"Having a legal binding between us will not only strengthen your military power, but prevent the Shogunate and the other daimyo from taking advantage of your grievous situation. It will also give you more credibility as a leader to have unlimited amount of resources at your disposal and give you free reign to make decisions that are in the best interest of Tenkū. Should the case that your authority is challenged, you will have my assistance on eliminating the issue and maintain peaceful relations with the administration."

Orihime remained still as she thought over his words.

"However, there are two matters that we must address before a decision can be made; the first being my marriage to Lady Yoshika."

"You're already married?" she asked in surprise.

"Yes. Lady Yoshika is my second wife and comes from an affluent background much like your own. She is a beautiful, talented woman who has never wavered in her devotion to me. Nevertheless, in the last three years, she has been unable to carry a pregnancy to term and no offspring have been born to my name. This, along with other factors, has encouraged me to dissolve our marriage. Lady Yoshika, of course, will be distraught when she learns of my intent, but her removal is necessary for me to create a strong dynasty."

Orihime stared at him appalled over the lack of regard he had towards his wife.

"The second matter is that I am concerned about your heritage," he stated. "Your physical features and the rumors that have been circling since your birth cause me to speculate that you are not full-blooded Japanese."

Her eyes slightly narrowed as her fingers tightly clasped around the scroll.

"This would not be far-fetched to assume since your mother seemed to be infamous for having sexual liaisons outside of her marriage." His countenance darkened. "If that is true, then I am allowed to find other means of producing an heir. However, you will still be granted other privileges that come with being my wife, including spending time in my private chambers."

Orihime suppressed the bile coming up in her throat. She could not fathom kissing the man yet alone being intimate with him in that manner. She felt the urge to gag and placed a hand over her mouth to conceal her disgust.

His lips curved into an amused smirk. "It seems that I have embarrassed you. Forgive me, Lady Orihime. It was inappropriate of me to talk about such things. But do tell me if these rumors are true. Be assured knowing that your answer does not negate my proposal."

Orihime softly bit on her lower lip. Uncomfortable as she was, she could not find a way out of this. Plus she was not a liar and refused to become one now. Resolved, she looked at him straight in the eye. "I'm-"

"Lowd Aizen!"

A light-blonde haired boy with freckles scattered across his cheeks and purple eyes interrupted the scene, causing everyone to immediately turn their attention on him. The Samurai, the foxlike attendant and the lord's guard sharply glared at the young intruder as he unapologetically ran into the room.

The guard took a few steps forward. "Wonderweiss, what have I told you before about entering unannounced?"

Wonderweiss dropped to the ground and bowed at him. "Sowee, Mastah, but this bad!"

"Your apology does not excuse what you have done."

"It's alright, Kaname," Lord Aizen said. "Speak, boy."

Wonderweiss sat up. "There fight with Gilga and Genrah Nel outside! Old Genrah tried stop them, but don't listen to him!"

After taking a few seconds to process the young boy's words, the lord rose to his feet. "Forgive me, Lady Orihime, but our conversation will have to wait until after I have settled this disturbance. Please make yourself comfortable and delight in any amenities I have. Ulquiorra will continue to be your guard and escort for the time being. Ask him for anything and he will grant you your request."

Orihime weakly nodded. "Thank you."

The three men followed the young boy out of the chamber, leaving her alone with the Samurai who waited for her command. She stayed seated for several more minutes before standing to her feet and turning around to face her reserved escort.

"Can you take me back to your estate?" she said, her face becoming downcast. "I'm…a little overwhelmed and need some time to think over everything. Perhaps maybe if I-"

"You do not have to explain yourself any further," he said sternly. "I do not want you to get the impression that I care about your opinion or feelings."

"Don't worry," she said, her eyes rising to the challenge. "I didn't expect for you to bring me any kind of joy or comfort. Even if I believed that you had a heart."

Their eyes briefly locked with each other before she quietly walked past him and headed toward the corridor.


Glossary:

Satsuki – Old name for the month of May. Also known as the 'Month of Planting Rice Sprouts'.

Tenkū – Sky, Air.

Yozakura – Cherry Blossom Festival (Hanami) that is celebrated during night. Literal: 'Night Sakura'/'Night Cherry Blossom'.

Jūnihitoe – A twelve-layer kimono (robe) that was only worn by the court ladies of Japan. It was a very high class and complex outfit that depicted a woman's status and character by the arrangement of layers and the colors she wore. Contrary to popular belief, the style did exist during the Edo period and the standardized number of layers had dropped down to five instead of twelve.

Daishō – Matched set of a long sword and a short sword used by the Samurai class. Depending on the time period and the samurai's status or rank, combination examples are katana/wakizashi, katana/tantō, tachi/tantō or long uchigatana/short uchigatana. Literal: "Big-Small".

Ashigaru – Foot soldier(s).

Kosode – Short-sleeved robe that can be worn as an undergarment (or also as an outer garment for women). Literal: 'Small Sleeve'.

Tabi – Traditional Japanese socks.

Komon – Literal: "Fine pattern". A type of kimono designed with a repeated pattern on the fabric. The specific style that was described on Orihime is an 'Edo komon'.

Zōri – Flat, thonged sandals made of rice straw or other materials.

Kataginu – Sleeveless, winged jacket with stiffened shoulders. Combined with hakama, the complete outfit is called kamishimo.

Nagatsuki – Old name for the month of September. Also known as the 'Month of (Autumn's) Long Nights'.


Disclaimer: I do not make any profit from writing this story. I'm simply borrowing Tite Kubo's characters for my sheer enjoyment. Also, most of the historical context has been researched and taken from various books and the internet. That being said, certain artistic liberties may still apply when seen fit for the story.