Hi there! This is Reiha again. But unfortunately, not with a HitsuRuki this time. This is going to be a UlquiRuki. Don't know if my HitsuRuki readers like this pairing, but I hope whoever's reading this likes it :) I actually kind of got inspired by a new manga series called- 'Hana No Kishi'. It's a pretty good series, so, if you have the time- check it out.

So, here's the Prologue. I'll update Chapter One as soon as I can.

DISCLAIMER: Do I really need this?

If My Heart Can Be Restored-

Maiha-to wa, fukugen dekiru baai


"Power without love is reckless and abusive. Love without power is sentimental and anemic."


Prologue

"The University is merely a test. You must understand that." the same sentence repeated ten different times in different households.

"This is the final task. You must understand that this is going to be the hardest. You will be watched at all times. You make a wrong move and I'll know it. The task is simple. Find a suitable fiancé. You have four years in the University for it. The files in front of you have information on your likely candidates. And your rivals, of course. Such a coincidence that the numbers are even. Five males and five females. Of course, that does not determine outsiders' interference. Be sharp at all times. You know perfectly well what is expected of you. Pass the test and you will be the rightful heir to the family. Now, go and do the family name proud." The speech was repeated, with slightly altered words, ten different times. But, it all still held the same meaning and weight.

But, of course, the youngsters all had their own opinions, thoughts and reactions. But, all did the same thing as their respective guardian gestures they were done speaking. Some hesitantly, some certain, but all grabbed the files in front of them. Nine of them. A name on the cover of each and a mini photo beside it. The names held no meaning to them what-so-ever. Except for the billion yen last names that held so much power and authority.

Four rivals and five suitors. Most of them certainly wanted to be the dunce who'd get no choice. They all quickly skimmed the various folders.


One particular girl looked over her rivals' faces. Her violet eyes knitted in slight confusion before easing. She read over all the names in her mind again.

Soifon...Yoruichi Shihouin's prodigy? Hmm.. Definitely a tough one. ... Rangiku? Yes, she's the real challenger. I've got a Nemu, another looker. Senna? Seems familiar. Shiba? Adopted? That's strange... I've got a carrot top for a suitor. Sometimes, I wonder if Brother really thinks of me. Yumichika Ayasegawa. Ahh.. Yes, the playboy. Ishida? Definitely the serious type, this one. A prodigy, Stark Coyote. But he doesn't bother going to class. .. Ulquiorra Schiffer? I don't remember ever meeting him.

And so, Rukia's thoughts trailed off. Rukia was certainly worried about her rivals and if she'd even like any of the men. She was still certainly miffed about her limited choices, but as the elders abd her Brother both agreed, there was no room for argument. She might as well fulfill the task and keep the clan happy. Her eyebrows once again knit as her eyes caught the enlarged picture of Ulquiorra Schiffer.


Meanwhile, her worries were echoed in Ryuuken Ishida's office. The father observed his son and sighed at his lack of control over his facial expressions. Uryu pushed his glasses over the bridge of his nose nervously. He looked over all the names and faces closely. He stopped at one and peered carefully at the scowling face. Kurosaki. How could he not recognize him? Eternal rivals, they were. This test just gave the rivalry a whole new level. After all, Kurosaki might me after the same girl as him. Speaking of the girls, he didn't find any of them particularly interesting. However, the two 'princesses' from nobility were both adopted. On the same day. That was certainly worth looking into.


What the...? Of course, Senna was perfectly aware of her duties to her clan. But to go this far? Had she no choice in who she married? Real choice. She looked at the scattered files on the glass table with distaste. She immediately handed out nicknames as she looked over the files. There's a carrot-top. Four eyes. Droopy. Robot Girl. Wonder Woman. Depressed Guy. Karate Chic. Feather Boy. And a Midget. Quiet an assortment, indeed.


Ahh.. Beautiful girls. All of them were beautiful, but two in particular. Rangiku was certainly one of them, but she was my friend and I couldn't imagine being married to her. But I know she could certainly help me hook up with the Kurotsuchi chick. Kuchiki and Shiba. The names would definitely help with the company. But both girls were... a bit lacking in the chest area. Yumichika sighed and picked up the first file with one of his rivals' name on it. He ran his fingers through his hair dramatically. Just for reassurance.


Nemu quietly picked up the files and stacked them neatly on her lap before looking at the one on top. There was no complaints, no objections. Not even in her mind. This was the task given and it had to be done. An even number meant all would get someone in the end. Outsiders' interference wouldn't be a problem. The ten of them had an obligation to the family. All of them from the best families and all to be crowned heir. A firm decision was made in her mind. No sweet talk or charms were to work on her. And nothing but polite chat was to done in her part. The decision was final, and it wouldn't change anytime soon.


Ahh.. Another test? Final one and all, but sweet talk girls? It just wasn't his thing. Stark didn't mind marrying one of these girls, as long as they weren't stupid or annoying. But charming them was just wasting his time and energy. Maybe he's let the girls do all the chasing. Ah, but he was raised to be a gentleman. And he had to be the heir no matter what. If only to get attention. He had to do it. And he'd bloody well succeed.


Rangiku's eyes instantly flitted to the male photos on the table. She internally squealed. They were all hunks! Except for four eyes, but he wasn't so bad, either. Yumichika? Funny, her friend was on the list. Maybe she could marry him. She rolled her eyes as she thought of that possible outcome. She trailed her eyes over the girls' photos lazily. Nemu Kurotsuchi. Rangiku was sure of it. Yumichika would ask her help to get hooked up with her. Ahh... she wondered who her Prince Charming was in all these hunks.


His eyes, an eerie green, quickly flew over various names and faces, locking them in his mind. If he saw any of them, he'd certainly recognize them. To Ulquiorra Schiffer, this was just another challenge and obstacle on his path to being the heir to the family. To finally being the Boss and not the Puppet. Even numbers just made it easier. He didn't mind getting the girl left over, but he certainly didn't want a stupid one. No, he couldn't tolerate stupidity. He assessed his rivals carefully. All powerful last names. Kurosaki. Ishida. Yumichika. Coyote.


One or two more fleeting moments passed. Then, all of the ten to-be-heirs stood up and faced their guardians. Nothing needed to be said. They didn't have a choice and there was no way around this task. Therefore there was no point arguing and a waste a time to rebel. So, they simply bowed and walked out the doors with the files. And left their guardians to their contemplations.

Ten different rooms. Ten different reactions. Ten different strategies. Ten different people.

The task was not to be taken lightly. They all knew that. And they all prepared for the upcoming challenges through the difficult and long four years.


End of prologue. Please take the time to review if you have any comments. It would really help and would be much appreciated. :) To my HitsuRuki readers: I will be updating Twin Icicles. Promise. Sorry for the delay in updates :( I know I'm a lousy updater.


A question to contemplate and to answer if you are reviewing.

Who is Rukia's rival for Ulquiorra?

1) Senna

2) Soifon

3) Rangiku

4) Nemu

Please include it in your review :) I'll try to update Chapter One soon.

~Reiha