So this is something I've wanted to try for a while now, I love fairy tales all the original Grimm brothers and Hans Christian Anderson are best, they all have a dark twist and that's what I love. Anyway I thought I'd give this a shot, and I hope you like it!
The night was dark and stormy as they always were when sinister things were afoot. Thick grey thunder clouds rolled across the sky, pregnant with rain and misery. A small rundown cottage stood on the edge of the cliffs, facing the sea. The cobbled walls covered with rot and the thatched roof leaking. As lighting streaked across the sky the cottage's inhabitant prepared herself, very soon she would have an important visitor. She must make sure she had all the necessary things to "help" him. A cruel smile tainted her beauty as she thought of events to come and how they would work in her favour.
Sereitei was a prosperous kingdom, its beautiful landscapes and architecture was envied far and wide. The King and Queen of Sereitei were fair and just and loved their subjects. Crime was nonexistent and everyone lived in harmony. And yet this kingdom was not perfect, for the king had no heir, Queen Unohana had not bore him any children. The queen had seen many physicians and each time she saw the sadness in their eyes as they told her the same thing; she was barren. Queen Unohana would never bear King Isshin's children. Each time her heart broke into smaller shards as the hope that someone would be able to cure her was crushed. All she ever wanted was to be a mother, to feel the tiny life grow inside her, the product of her and her husband's love.
The king didn't blame her of course, he loved her with all his heart and wanted nothing more than her happiness, well almost nothing.
Everybody in the kingdom knew of the witch that lived of the witch that lived on the edge of the cliffs, even king Isshin. The king didn't want to enlist her help as it always came with a price. But as the king paced the halls of his palace he decided he could no longer watch the overwhelming sadness that consumed his wife.
Once his mind was made up the king was determined. He readied his black stallion, Engetsu, and set off for the run down cottage on the cliffs.
Isshin knew that he was close when beautiful green pastures gave way to dry arid earth and tall evergreen trees were replaced by dry twisted branches. Engetsu became restless and agitated as the witch Rangiku's hovel came into view. Deciding it would be unfair on the beast to force it any further Isshin dismounted and tied Engetsu to the nearest tree, going the rest of the way by foot.
Rangiku smiled to herself. He was almost here, she could barely contain herself. A hesitant knock on her door alerted her to king Isshin's presence.
"Enter" Her voice was silky and seductive. Isshin pushed her door and walked inside the dingy living space. King Isshin's breath caught in his throat. She was beautiful, not a patch on his wife, but beautiful all the same.
Rangiku had long blonde hair which she wore loose around her shoulders. She had striking blue eyes identical to chips of ice that contrasted with her ruby red heart shaped mouth. The simple black dress that she wore clung to her curvy body.
King Isshin knew that this was a reuse however, her beauty was not natural her beauty a by product of the magic she used. The king was about to speak only to be stopped by a slim hand held in the air.
"Hush King Isshin. I know the reason for which you are here. The Queen can bare you no children" The king visibly flinched.
"It's true"
"You must take this vial and pour its contents into her tea and have her drink it. Afterwards you must lay with her and a baby will be conceived."
The king couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. With this he could make his love happy. Their family could finally be complete. King Isshin reached for the fluorescent pink potion in the witches other hand, only for it to be moved from his reach.
"Your baby comes at a price dear King"
Isshin's smile faltered. "What do you want? I have money."
The witch waved her hand. "What I want is not money King Isshin. Two babies will be born of this potion. My price is one of your sons."
There were too many emotions flying through Isshin Kurosaki's body and mind, each one visible on his face as the witch Rangiku watched him with her icy blue eyes.
What should he do? King Isshin was frozen in his thoughts, he didn't want to give away one of his children but without this potion he would have no children and his wife would wither away in front of his eyes and that he couldn't bear.
"You will accept nothing else?"
The witch kept a serious face, a mask for inside she was dancing with glee. "I will not."
The king hesitated. "... Ok. I'll agree to your terms witch."
"Excellent." The witch handed Isshin the potion. "Exactly nine months from now I will come to the palace to collect my fee."
The king shuddered, how could she talk about a baby like it was nothing more than a pouch of coins? He almost reconsidered there and then, but thoughts of a perfect family changed his mind. Besides he could always throw her in prison once the babies were born. If anything went wrong in the pregnancy he needed her consultation. At least that's what the king told himself.
The journey back home seemed to go by faster than the one to the witch's cottage. The weight of the vial was monumental, but now his wife could be happy. This was all for her, he loved her with all his heart, Isshin would do anything for her. If this is what it took for her to be happy then he would do it. Regardless of the consequences.
Thunder clapped as King Isshin and Engetsu made their way down the treacherous road back to the palace. The king blissfully unaware of the pain and heartache his choices would bring.
So what did you think? Please review and let me know if I should carry this on or not!
