Summary: Abducted on her wedding day, Ulquiorra who was thought dead was hired to do the job of finding her.
Note: It really sucks that I deleted "Abandoned Bride" by accident and stupidity (we were busy discussing something and I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing over the net) and I had no back-up files for it. I'm still crying over it actually but then I can't help but upload this one in exchange for it. Basically, it's still Ulquiorra and Rukia just like my other Bleach fanfics. Hopefully you would enjoy it as much as you did with my previous ones. I'm nearly done with "Reclaimed Love" so I think it is safe to upload this one.
Standard Disclaimer applies.
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For four months, the press would not stop with the breaking news that troubled the entirety of Japan when on the day of her wedding with the doctor, Kurosaki Ichigo, Kuchiki Rukia was abducted while on her way to the church and that the men all appointed to guard her were killed. News had spread out quickly and the patriarch of the Kuchiki family had made sure to mobilize all the securities in the country if it meant finding the missing princess.
Reasons for her abduction are still vague but some suspected it as kidnap for ransom thing. Some might believe it to be something political in nature seeing as Kuchiki Byakuya stands as the nation's representative to other countries and is the number one supporter of the government. But it has been three months and no one contacted the family and some had started assuming that she was dead and nowhere found. And that perhaps she was abducted by someone who held a grudge against her.
Another month passed when finally, a mysterious call connected and demanded fifty million amount which would still be considered small for the family. Byakuya was prepared to deliver when on the scheduled day of meeting he was shot and is now in coma. The police department felt desperate that their efforts are bearing no good results at all and that they could not yet find a single clue that would lead to where Rukia is or to who is pulling the strings. Every possible suspect was investigated and cleared.
The former patriarch of the Kuchiki household furiously threw the papers away as his right-hand came in. "Ginrei-sama."
"Unless it is something that will help me find my granddaughter and help me determine the one behind Byakuya's shooting, then don't say anything else," he stated as he stood up from his swivel chair and walked towards the glass window where he could oversee the cars that move like ants below.
Kuchiki Ginrei was a retired general of the army and even with his retirement, his influence over the military and security areas was vast. "I apologize but a call was patched through."
He snapped his head and walked towards the phone that awaits an answer. He pressed the answer button. "I would assume this would be Kuchiki Ginrei," the muffled voice spoke. "And don't bother tracing the call since you can't find me."
"Bastard, where is my granddaughter?" he asked tersely. This would be the first time he would talk with the suspect personally since he let Byakuya handle everything.
"I apologize for not divulging the location but I assure you she is safe. I called to tell you that the shooting of your grandson was an accident and rest assured that I had severely punished the one who pulled the trigger. We absolutely mean no harm since he is a valuable asset to us."
"What do you want from Byakuya?"
"Ah, I'm afraid I cannot tell you that either. I will make sure Kuchiki Rukia is safe and well but in return, I will have to request Byakuya's presence when he awakens." With that, the call ended and Ginrei turned to his aide who shook his head.
"Knowing that we are tracing the call, he must be using a disposable phone."
"Is there no one in the force competent enough to find us a good lead?" he yelled in frustration and worry while his men cringed in fear. Kuchiki Ginrei is not one to lose his temper so easily but it would seem these past four months had taken its toll on him. Considering his strained relationship with his grandchildren, it's only four months ago when he started patching things up with them and unfortunately it ended badly.
"The Chief of Police, Zaraki Kenpachi, has recovered and requested to talk with you if you permit it. As of now, only his few trusted men are left working patiently over this case."
Ginrei sighed. He knew Zaraki personally and he wondered what his comrade would talk about. With no developments, he is losing his trust and confidence now. He would only hope that Zaraki had something good in mind.
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The young man threw his jacket towards the couch and headed straight for the beer stored in the ref. like his usual routine for three years, he went to work as chef in a big time restaurant. Although he doesn't look like it, Ulquiorra Schiffer could actually cook superbly and the manager doesn't mind that he is a socially awkward guy so long as he contributes well to the restaurant which actually boomed even more after he was hired.
It was a boring life but it was a life he learned to adapt with after being out of commission from the police force back in Japan. His eyes had a hard glint upon remembering it and he immediately ridded his mind away with those thoughts. If he was a criminal, he might take revenge already for the betrayal caused to him and his team. But he did not. Quietly, he left the service and walked out from the country and came living abroad. Ironically though, he found it satisfying although boring but he did not mind it. He did not mind the fact that he was declared dead by the IA while Neliel was dismissed from service as well.
Closing the ref, he leaned on it only to slowly set the beer down at the table and quietly walk back to the living room, his hands slowly pulling the gun hidden near the kitchen. For someone to find him here, he must be an enemy. Only his enemies would take interest into his whereabouts. After all, the IA had him declared dead to the world though his enemies would not buy that.
"I see you are alert as I remember."
Although the voice was vague, Ulquiorra knew he is familiar with this man so he opened the lights to find him standing at the staircase, his one hand holding a cane as he stared at Ulquiorra. "It has been so long since I had a glimpse of you, young man. And here I thought you were dead as reported three years ago."
"Ginrei…" he hesitated a bit before he lowered his gun, "…sama."
"Would you mind if I sit down? I took liberty exploring your place."
The remark earned a pointed look from the younger man who motioned for the couch. His dead eyes followed every movement. Alert as ever? Ulquiorra wouldn't call himself alert if he was unable to notice this presence earlier. So he must have gone rusty.
"I don't want to be rude to the man who trained me when I was little, but I would like you to state your business here. I'm living a solitary life now and whatever you came up here for is none of my concern."
Ginrei had a small smile pulled from his lips. "Same old you. You're definitely right, I did not come here for social visit. I would not even know how to find you if not for Zaraki. You made it sure no one knows where to find you and yet you left your address to the only man you trusted and trusted you back. Not even to Aizen." A clouded look passed his face and was instantly gone.
The younger man did not respond and went back towards the kitchen. A few seconds later, he appeared with two beers and handed one to the Kuchiki before he sat across him. Ginrei sighed. He felt regretful that he was unable to do anything to help this man's case three years ago. Then again, he had no way of knowing that something happened to his apprentice. It was only on Zaraki's account that he learned about it.
"I don't know if you're aware of what had happened since four months ago. But I have no one else to ask for help. There are many cases that needed to be looked upon and the police could not prioritize this case. And when Zaraki told me the truth that you're alive, I immediately made it a point to come find you." He shifted and leaned on the couch while stretching his legs. "You were the best – you and your team."
A snort. "I was," he said with bitter emphasis. "Like I have said, it is none of my concerns anymore – whatever case you are talking about."
If there is one thing Ginrei could be very sure of, it is the fact that he is one hundred percent sure that this fact alone would help the man agree. "Rukia had been missing the past four months and Byakuya was in coma since two weeks ago."
Expectedly, there was a surprised look that momentarily crossed the green eyes at the mention of the two names. Since Ulquiorra was always around the old man before, he had come to meet the two siblings. The younger man had so much respect for Byakuya and that he genuinely cared for Rukia who was his first female friend outside the service.
Ginrei sighed. "Please, you are the only one who could help me here."
Again, that bitter look. "Why would you want help from a man who killed his partner?" he asked. The words were spoken coldly and Ginrei's eyes sharpened.
"I don't know what happened three years ago. None of your comrades do but they know it wasn't your fault that he died. I believe that too. You did the best you could and there is no way they would blame you for it."
His statement earned a chuckle from the man who changed so much since the last time he had seen him. He tactfully diverted the subject though. "Why was Rukia abducted? Was her abduction related to Byakuya's shooting?"
A victorious smile curved Ginrei's lips and he knew he had convinced the young man. "That's why I am asking your help. To find out the answers for those."
"I don't work for – "
"You don't have to work for the police. I am hiring you personally."
They stared at each. "You thought about this too well," he commented and took a swig of his beer.
"Yes. Byakuya can't trust the military and police after what happened to him. No one knew where he was supposed to go that day, not even the enemies yet except the police and I am very sure that once he wakes up, he'll suspect there is a mole in the department." Something in his statement reminded Ulquiorra of something before he brushed it off.
"So why don't you have it investigated? You can start from there."
"It is under investigation. Do I have to lower my head to you to make you agree?" he asked and Ulquiorra's eyes widened in surprise at the implication. Lowering his head is Ginrei's greatest humiliation and he knew that. So if he is so willing to go this far…"I only managed to patch a little of my relationship with them and this is the only thing I could do." He stood up after placing the calling card on the table. "That's where you can contact me personally."
Ginrei walked towards the door when he remembered something. "She always asked about you. And she cried real hard when IA declared you dead. Among all of us, she was affected the most and you wouldn't believe what she went through for a month to cope up with your 'death'."
When there was a soft grunt, the old man turned once more. "Why did you simply let it go? I mean, why did you allow IA to declare you dead?"
He was met with dead eyes – devoid of emotions. "Who knows…I think it doesn't matter."
"You never changed from the boy I treated just like my own grandchildren. You still keep things to yourself. You always forget that you are not alone. There are those that believe you – you only have to trust them enough."
He latched the door open only to stop once more. "Your granddaughter – Rukia – leave her to me," he answered while leaning casually. "I'll also oversee Byakuya's case." He stood up and drank the remaining beer before he walked towards the old man with his hands tucked in his jeans. "I owe you that much."
A wan smiled played on the old man's lips. "I owe you. I left the files in your room in hope that you'd take this job."
Ulquiorra walked the man outside. "You came prepared," he commented.
"You would not turn down if it's Rukia in danger," his words held meaning and Ulquiorra did his best to look unaffected. Knowing he is not getting any response from him, Ginrei brought out his mobile and called for his right-hand who had their rented car parked a few blocks from the apartment. As they waited, Ginrei glanced at him before he moved to hold the man's shoulder. "I would love to have you as a grandson. Too bad it doesn't work that way."
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"You don't but it had always been my greatest desire to have her marry you. If only you'd learn to love your life more than your work."
Ulquiorra spotted the car approaching them and pointed at it. "Rukia is a wonderful woman and I won't deny that."
At that, Ginrei chuckled though he had a regretful look. "Many people said the same thing. It's too bad I didn't know her and Byakuya too well. I treated them at arm's length. I'll be expecting you back in Japan then."
"Yes."
Ulquiorra leaned on the gate as he watched the car speed away. Why did Zaraki suddenly divulge the information of his whereabouts when even the internal affairs is unaware of it? It only means one thing – Zaraki cannot trust the people around anymore.
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She peered through the window and all Rukia could see as always would be the bunch of trees. Everything is green around her and she already suspected that she's in a forest or something. Four months ago, she was abducted when she was on the way for her wedding. Her bridal car was stopped midway and the bodyguards tailing her were killed while she was spared. Immediately, she was blindfolded and brought to this place where she was treated like a prisoner.
She cannot say that she's being treated real bad. Far from that, the men holding her were treating her well, making sure she has her daily meal, she was provided with the basic necessities. But they never let her out of the room. There was no telephone, and her mobile was thrown out from the bridal car while they were getting her. She has no idea as to why they abducted her but she wondered why no one made a move to find her.
She turned to the door when it was opened and the man with wavy black hair entered with a tray of food. "Time for your meal, miss," he said amiably and Rukia debated whether to take her chance and escape. But she did so many times already to no avail.
She did not speak and simply allowed him to place the tray on the table. The man turned to her and realized that she's losing weight. But what does he expect? She seldom ate the foods delivered to her. She'd only take a bite and that's all there is to it. "I suggest you eat all of this. The boss does not want you to look like that when presented to your brother."
It was sheer kindness that made him say those but the result was unexpected when she moved towards him with hopeful eyes. "My brother is going to come?" she asked, even her voice sounded hopeful and he felt sorry to drop the bomb.
"After he wakes up."
Her beautiful eyes widened as color drained her face. "W-What do you mean by that?" with a surprising speed, she grabbed his shoulders and shook him. "What did you do to him?" she asked fiercely. It amused the man that given her small frame, she could actually put up a fight. She had shown that when they went to abduct her and because of her ferocity, she was almost killed by Zommari. But he supposed it is to be expected that she can fight on her own since her grandfather was a former general and her brother is the Ambassador and connected to the military as well, her Uncle was a war hero and. Not to mention that she was acquainted with the green-eyed detective who was trained by Ginrei Kuchiki and who managed to bring Jaggerjaques to jail. Ah right, she was surrounded by people who knows how to fight – Aizen Sousuke, Ichimaru Gin and Zaraki Kenpachi. Those are but a few elite names in the military.
He raised his one hand and blocked the punched delivered to his face as she suddenly attacked him furiously when he did not answer. "What did you do to Byakuya?" she demanded and shifted for a kick but was once again blocked.
"We didn't do anything," he answered coolly. "One of our guys shot him when he learned where he was headed. He is in coma now."
"You bastard!" she yelled and went for another attack but was met with a gentle hit in the gut. "Arg."
The man took a few steps back and stared at the woman now holding her abdomen in pain. "Pardon me. I don't intend to be rough but please refrain from doing unnecessary things. The only thing keeping you here safe is the fact that the boss wants you unharmed." He closed the door when he stepped out and Rukia was left swearing on the floor.
"Bastards," she hissed and pushed herself up. She idly wondered if the man behind this is someone they know since he is making sure she is still doing well despite being held as prisoner. Her thoughts shifted to her brother and worry consumed her. So if her brother was shot, it would mean that he did not abandon her. Truthfully, she does not want to lose the only person left for her. Never mind her grandfather who treated them indifferently. But Byakuya, aside from Ulquiorra, were the people close to her. However, three years ago, her friend was announced dead and they refused to show her his body, telling her he was burned by the men who killed him.
At first, even Byakuya did not believe their words but when he had everyone investigated to make sure about it, it checked out. Byakuya told her that she should remember Ulquiorra's face based on how he looked the last time he talked with her and that she should not see the burned corpse.
Back then, she was consumed with grief. Ulquiorra was the adopted son of Aizen Sousuke who was a good and close friend of the Kuchiki. His parents died on his watch when he was ten and after which, Aizen put the criminals behind bars. He took Ulquiorra and had him adopted though he allowed the guy to retain his family name. He first entered the military and later on left to do some detective works much to her grandfather's surprise since he had so much hope for him in the military. Still, he made a good name and was considered one of the best detectives due to his intelligence and strength. He was hired by the police and that's where he had a continuing acquaintance with them. It was there where he found a good partner.
But even with all of those, Rukia saw Ulquiorra as a lone wolf. Even if he had a good partner and good friends with the police department, he still prefers to be alone and so she made it her mission to be close to him. Perhaps what he needed is someone outside the line of his duty. And she successfully made him her closest male friend.
She remembered their last talk. She was supposed to introduce her partner, Ichigo. Back then, she wasn't romantically involved with Ichigo yet. He was transferred to the hospital she is working into and became her partner.
She had a wide smile as she waved her hands towards the pale man who was making his way towards the restaurant owned by Rangiku, a good wife of Gin who was best of friends with her brother. Like always, he had that bored look on his face as he pulled one seat and settled down.
"Really, what are you so excited about?" he asked curiously.
She shrugged. "Nothing really. I haven't seen you in weeks. Where did you go?" she knew he is a detective since she nagged him about that before.
"China. I tailed a probable suspect connected to the death of Tia Harribel."
"So, did you find him?" she asked as she waved at the waiter.
"Ah. Jiruga booked him already."
She broke into another wide smile before she frowned. "You should shave when you get home. It doesn't look too well on you – those stubbles. You look better when clean-shaven."
He quirked his left brow. Rukia blinked at him innocently. "What? I was merely suggesting." She glanced at the entrance when she spotted a mop of orange hair. "What an eye-catching hair," she muttered. "That's my new partner, Dr. Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Hm," from the corner of her eyes, she saw how he studied the approaching man carefully before he shrugged and turned to her. "Looks decent enough save for the hair." His lips curved into a tight smile – the only smile he is capable of. "I'd like to talk with him some other time," he glanced at his watch and his eyes glinted a second. He stood up while she showed a disappointed look, knowing he is leaving. "Got to go. Time for work."
She sighed and kissed his cheek much to his surprise. "Take care then."
To her annoyance, he ruffled her hair in response. "Ah."
It was her last talk with him and a few weeks later, she learned he was dead. Nothing could have prepared her for the shock and grief that came over when Zaraki delivered the news to Aizen. Everyone was in denial. For them, Ulquiorra was too sly to even allow himself to get killed.
Rukia shook her head at the painful memories of her friend and started looking around again, hoping to find anything that would help her escape. Now that her brother is in coma, she has to get away. She needed to reassure herself that he is going to be alright. That she will never go through that kind of grief again.
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