Sixteen long years pass. With each year, the princess (Elizabeth from this point forward) grows more and more beautiful. Her beautiful face with chocolate brown eyes is beautifully framed by her long, straight brown hair. Her body is built elegantly, and is perfect for her petite frame. She looked just like her mother, with her father's eye shape. Finally, it's approaching her sixteenth birthday. The day before her sixteenth birthday, her two aunts and uncle send her out to gather some herbs for dinner. She happily agrees and leaves. Ichigo, Hatsune, and Orihime all sit down and start planning a little surprise party for their beloved Elizabeth.
In the heart of the nearby mountains, there lies the feared palace of evil. Gothic towers seemingly touched the sky. Numerous courtyards were scattered among the place. Each courtyard had various statues. Statues of animals and people were everywhere. Something was eerie about these statues. Though beautiful, each face was full of fear and death. In the center of the large courtyard, there lay a pedestal. This pedestal was unlike all the others. This pedestal was decorated with jewels, a nameplate at the bottom. This nameplate had a name engraved in the middle of it: Natsumi.
Aizen sat on his throne, twirling his scepter around in his fingers, like it was nothing but a toy. He sighs impatiently.
"Why?" He murmurs. "Why, why, why?"
He gets up, walking outside to his courtyard. He stops in front of Natsumi's pedestal.
"Why can't I find her? My art collection is...inadequate." He growls in frustration, his scepter glowing a blood red color. A white raven lands on his right shoulder.
"Gin...it's been sixteen years. Why can't I find her?" Aizen growls again. Gin pecks his master's head. Aizen sighs.
"I know, Gin, patience is the key. Tomorrow, my revenge must take place." He turns to his beloved companion. "Fly. Go and find her. Don't return until you find her. Look for anything." He commands his pet. Gin takes to the skies. Aizen continues to stare at the pedestal. He smiles coldly. "Soon, princess, you'll be the most beautiful piece of my collection."
Elizabeth goes to get some berries for dinner that night. She didn't mind this chore. She enjoyed going out into the woods, mainly to see her animal friends, and to stare at the nearby King and Queen's magnificent palace. She sighs dreamily.
"Wouldn't it be something...to live in that beautiful castle…" She smiles. Remembering her task, she returns into the woods. She begins to sing, the oh so beautiful voice echoing throughout the woods. Animals flock around her. She sings about love, and wanting to have a better life for she and her guardians.
While Elizabeth was out gathering berries, Ichigo, Hatsune, and Orihime get to work, preparing the little cottage for the birthday party. Sadly, they realize that they lacked the skills necessary to make this party happen. Ichigo and Hatsune had very different ideas about the perfect dress, while Orihime (bless her soul) made a cake suitable for something that had a very, very strong stomach. It wasn't safe for human or fairy consumption. Ichigo throws his hands up in frustration.
"That's it!" He proclaims. "This is a disaster!"
"Ichigo, don't-" Hatsu begins, but Ichigo cuts her off.
"We NEED magic. Don't you want a perfect party for her? "He asks his sister.
"W-Well yes…" Hatsu replies.
"Then we can use a little magic." He replies confidently.
Orihime disagrees.
"But...Aizen…" She begins.
"We'll keep the magic to a minimum. Five minutes, tops." Ichigo promises.
After much deliberation, Hatsune and Orihime reluctantly agree. Ichigo goes to a hidden cupboard, pulling out their three wands. He hands the wands to their respected owners, and they set to work.
While all of this was going on, the prince was riding through the woods on his trusty steed named Grimmjow. He clicks his tongue, signaling the steed to stop.
"Do you hear that?" He murmurs.
Grimmjow snorts and nods, as if he was agreeing with him.
"Let's go find it." He clicks the reins, and off they go.
The albino raven has been flying around for hours. Feeling his wings tire, he lands on a branch to rest, if only for a moment. While resting, he decides to just enjoy the view.
The preparation party is almost done, the magic completing every simple task. However, the fairies have forgotten one simple thing.
The raven perks up, having sensed traces of magic. He ruffles his feathers, and takes off again, towards the source of magic.
Meanwhile, the traveling prince is desperately trying to find the source of the beautiful voice. He's about to give up when he stumbles onto a meadow, where he saw a woman dancing around. Curious, he quietly ties Grimmjow to a tree, then hides behind a bush to observe this young woman.
She sits down, putting the basket full of berries down on her lap. She plays with some in her fingers.
"Dreams offer an escape for me...I can't help but dream of my love whisking me away…" She sighs dreamily. She unknowingly turns her head towards the bush where the prince is hiding.
His eyes widen, all the air leaving his lungs. Never before had he seen such a beautiful woman. No princess could compare. She had to be inhuman. A sprite perhaps. Before the next coherent thought could form in his head, he found himself walking towards her.
She freezes, not expecting a visitor, especially a visitor as handsome as this one. His beautiful snow white skin, ebony hair, and emerald eyes. Her fight or flight instinct kicks in and she picks up her basket and stands up quickly, ready to run and hide. Before she can escape, he gently takes her hand.
"Wait, miss! I'm sorry for frightening you." He quickly apologizes. She stops and blushes.
"I-It's okay." She replies, her beautiful almost musical voice creeping into every nook and cranny in his mind.
"What's your name, my dear?" He asks.
"Lizabeth." She replies, a smile creeping onto her face.
"Ulquiorra." He smiles. A rare sight to see.
The raven follows his instincts, tracking the magic. He arrives at a small cottage. Curious, he quietly lands on the windowsill...and watches.
The three fairies are performing magic to finish the decorating.
"How I missed this." Ichigo laughs.
Orihime giggles. "I agree!"
Even Hatsune is having fun, not having performed magic for sixteen years.
"Oh I hope she likes the party…" Hatsune mumbles to herself.
"She'll love it!" Ichigo and Orihime responds simultaneously.
"She'll especially love her pink dress." Hatsune grins.
"No! Purple is her color." Ichigo vehemently disagrees.
"Pink."
"Purple."
"Pink."
"Pur-"
"Enough! Why don't we let her choose what color she wants?" Orihime suggests.
"We better put them away…" Hatsune says worriedly.
The raven has seen enough. He's found what he's looking for. He takes off, to return to his master.
Ulquiorra and Elizabeth are sitting next to each other, flirting and enjoying each other's company.
"Lizabeth!" Her Aunt Orihime calls.
"I must be going now..." She sounds apologetic.
"Whatever for?" He asks, sounding a little crestfallen.
"It's time for dinner, they're making my favorite. It's my birthday today." She smiles.
"Happy birthday, Lizabeth!" He smiles. "When will I see you again?"
"Tomorrow." She responds, her tone leaving no room for arguments.
He raises an eyebrow, grinning. "Yes, ma'am."
He chuckles, standing to go to his horse. She leaves to her simple home.
She arrives to a seemingly dark home.
"Uncle Ichigo? Aunt Hime? Aunt Hatsu? Where are you?"
Before she can move, all three of them jump up and open the windows.
"SURPRISE!" All three yell at the same time.
Elizabeth jumps a little. Then she laughs.
"Oh you three!" She laughs and hugs her beloved guardians. "You shouldn't have."
"It's not every day a young lady turns sixteen." Orihime smiles and chuckles.
"Look at what we made for you, Hun." Hatsune gestures to the dress and cake. Elizabeth gasps.
"Purple! How did you know?" Elizabeth beams and rushes to the beautiful gown. It was a dark purple gown, with the skirt reaching to her feet. The top of the dress was fitted to her body type, showing off her waist, making it seem small. There were sleeves, which met her wrists. Along the bottom was a gold trim, acting like a border.
"I love it!" Elizabeth beams and hugs them. When she wasn't looking, Ichigo gave his sister a smug look. In return, she just rolled her eyes.
"It's fit for a princess." Elizabeth sighs happily.
Ichigo, Orihime, and Hatsune all exchange a glance. She notices, and her smile drops a little.
"What's wrong?" She asks, fearing the worst.
Orihime stands and walks over to her, gently sitting her down in a chair. She sits next to the bewildered teen.
"Elizabeth, my love, do you remember asking me about your parents? When you were really little?" Orihime asks.
"Yes, of course." Elizabeth answers truthfully.
"Well…" How should I put this delicately? Orihime wonders to herself. After a few minutes, she speaks again. "We're taking you to them, tonight. They've been waiting to meet you, sweetheart."
Elizabeth nods. This was perfectly reasonable, but why did her guardians sound so grim, like it was the worst thing to happen to all three of them?
"That sounds reasonable. Will we back tomorrow?" She asks, remembering her promise to the bewitching Ulquiorra.
At this question, all three of her guardians share a grim look. This time, Ichigo was the first to speak.
"Elizabeth…" He kneels next to her. "You'll be staying with your parents from now on."
The poor girl sits there, stunned, her heart stopping for just a moment.
"Y-You mean…" She stops. After all, she could always come back. Why start a fuss? "Never mind. But I can always visit, right?" She asks, curling a strand of hair with her fingers.
"Of course, honey." Ichigo reassures. He couldn't make her upset. This was to be her special day, a day of joy. After all, all three of them will still be involved in her life, as per the agreement with the queen.
"When are we leaving?" Elizabeth asks.
"Right after you have a piece of cake. Aunt Hime baked it, just for you." Hatsu smiles warmly.
Aizen wandered through his palace, his anxiety on overdrive. What if that cursed brat escaped? Then he would be a fool, like that bastard Katashi. His reputation, which he worked so hard to create and later maintain, would be in tatters. But most of all, he wouldn't have the finest art collection. His failure would be known until the next millennium. He clenches his jaw, angry beyond belief. He felt the need to break something, but wisely walked away before anyone would see him lose his cool and collected demeanor. Quickly, he walks to his studio, where his most valuable brush was patiently waiting for him.
What a beautiful paintbrush it was. The bristles were made from the finest hair, the wooden part of the brush carved from the finest wood available. Green light surrounded the exquisite brush. He gently holds the paintbrush in his hands.
"You will create the most beautiful work of art that I'll ever own." He smiles softly, looking like a normal person for once. Gin flies into the room, cawing. Aizen turns, a cold smile returning to his face.
"I hope you bring good news, my friend. Or it's fowl on the menu." He threatens, his purr returning. Gin caws, since he couldn't talk. Luckily, Aizen can understand him perfectly. An evil grin creeps onto his face.
"Now who's the fool, Katashi Tomoko~" He purrs, the paintbrush and scepter glowing a bright green.
Elizabeth changes into her dress, expertly styling her hair into a bun. Grabbing some parchment and a quill, she hastily writes a note to Ulquiorra.
"Ulquiorra,
I apologize, but I can't meet with you, I'm no longer living at this place. I'm now with my parents. I hope we can meet another time…Despair not, our paths will cross soon. I'm certain of this. Farewell, Prince.
-Elizabeth"
She hears someone knocking at her door. She hides the note under her pillow.
"Are you ready, Hun?" Orihime asks, tightening her purple cloak. In her arm, she holds Elizabeth's black cloak.
"Yes, Aunt Hime." She takes one final look at her room, and off they went.
At the palace, it's chaotic. Every servant is running around, making sure that everything's absolutely perfect for their beloved princess. The fair queen, too, was running around, putting the finishing touches to her daughter's bedroom. Katashi patiently waits in the throne room, dressed in his best clothes, his crown excessively polished just for this occasion. Adalina wears her most special dress, which makes its appearance not even once a year. Worried, she turns to her beloved servant.
"Masaki, do you think she'll like it?" Adalina asks nervously, curling a strand of hair with her finger.
"Of course, Your Majesty." Masaki reassures her.
Katashi strums his fingers on the armrest of his throne. His trusted servant and adviser, Isshin, keeps reassuring him that their beloved daughter will not think of him poorly.
Elizabeth's grip on her cloak tightens. They were going towards, no. TO the palace. Maybe her parents worked in the palace. But why was she dressed up in such a nice dress? She wasn't sure, but she was determined to find out. Finally, they reach the entrance to the palace.
Elizabeth can barely believe it. They were going into the palace, the palace that she's been longing to see! She smiles excitedly, looking over at her guardians, who all return her smile. They're dressed in their best clothes, orange for Ichigo, amber for Hatsune (she ditched white after determining that it was a romantic color), and purple for Orihime.
The door to the throne room opens, and the king and queen's breaths catches in their throats for just a moment. Here she was, their beautiful and most beloved daughter. Katashi feels a warm, genuine smile appear on his face. Adalina almost cries from joy. Orihime walks Elizabeth to just in front of the step leading to the thrones. Before Elizabeth can even blink, Adalina rushes to her, pulling her into a tight hug, finally breaking down.
"Natsumi, my precious Natsumi, finally…" She murmurs, her hands trembling.
Elizabeth, now Natsumi, slowly hugs her back. However, she was thoroughly confused. Who was this Natsumi? Deciding not to ask, she continues hugging the woman.
"O-Oh silly me. I forgot to introduce myself." She wipes her eyes. "I'm Adalina Tomoko, the queen of this land." She carefully examines her daughter's face.
Natsumi, with a jolt, realizes that she and Queen Adalina look almost exactly the same...as if they were mother and daughter. Natsumi slowly puts the pieces together. She turns to look at the King, whom she reasoned to be her father. She then looks back at her uncle and aunts. Finally, she speaks.
"I'm Princess Natsumi...aren't I?"
All three nod, and Natsumi almost faints.