Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I don't own any Bleach, they're strictly owned by Tite Kubo!

DeAmonQuEen: This is totally not based on the real story of Bleach, but still, please enjoy.

"The Stranger"

Chapter2

The evening of the festival came and the imperial palace was opened to citizens as the tradition goes. There were free food, music, dancing, and entertainment. Everyone was having a great time.

Everyone except a certain prince who was in his quarters reading a book just like what he had said. He would have been asleep in this time of the night but the noise from the festival outside kept him from his peaceful slumber.

Instead, he opted to sit in his study table and read the book, which he had randomly picked from the library. In the middle of his reading a knock was heard from the door.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"It is me, nii-sama," the voice from the other side of the door said.

"Come in Rukia."

Upon hearing this, a dark haired and petite young woman entered the room.

"What is it do you want?" he asked her.

"Nii-sama, grandfather ordered me to ask you to join us in the feast," she answered.

"I am sorry, but I have already told him that I will not join tonight's celebra-"

"He said that it is necessary that you join him tonight," she cut him off; "He plans to make an important announcement that will involve you."

"What kind of announcement?"

"I do not know. He did not tell me," she replied, "But nii-sama, I think even without the announcement you should not seclude yourself in your room. Everyone is having fun, and it would be unfair on your part to miss all of it."

"It is not that bad Rukia. I-"

"But nii-sama, I feel guilty. I was enjoying the party too much that I did not even notice that you were not there. If Ginrei-oujiisama had not ordered me to come and fetch you I would not have known. What kind of sister is that? I am the worst; I have no right to be your sister," there were tears forming on the corner of the princess' eyes as she said this.

Byakuya felt a bit sorry for his sister, for even though she did nothing wrong and it had been his decision not to join the festivities that evening, she was always the type who self-discriminates and hates herself. He always hated when she did that and he hated it even more when if he was the reason she did it.

Rukia was one of the few people he really cared about. She was very important to him, and though there are times he may seem aloof and uncaring for her, in reality, the young princess actually had a deep place in his cold heart. He simply has a hard time showing his affection for her.

"Rukia, do not fret about it too much, it is not a fault of yours that I did not wish to join the celebration," he said in his most sincere tone.

Rukia was startled a little by it, because though his intention was to sound sincere it still ended up sounding a bit angry.

Byakuya saw his mistake and opted to correct it by adding, "I am not angry. Now, go back and enjoy the party. And also tell grandfather that I will be joining everyone shortly."

A larged smile graced the petite princess, who immediately bowed and left the room, allowing the prince to get dressed.

Rukia hurried back to the dining hall, where her grandfather and some other guest waited. On her way there she accidentally ran into a man. "Oh, sor-ry." She was really surprised by the man she bumped. He was wearing really foreign clothing, like the ones male gypseys wore. He had tattoos all over his body and had long crimson hair. He was obviously not from around here.

"Um, excuse me are you lost, sir?" she asked trying to sound polite.

The redhead smiled at her then answered, "Ah, yeah, I actually am. Can ya help me?"

Rukia was very unsure of other man, but being as kind as she is, she decided to help him. "Sure but may I ask who you are first?"

"Me? Why'd ya want to know?"

"Don't answer a questioned with another question, baka!" Rukia exclaimed, and surprising the redhead and embarrassing her upon realizing what she just said.

"Idiot, princesses don't swore or randomly insult people!" she scolded herself.

Then he said, "No need to shout. If ya really want to know then just ask. Shesh, royals nowadays really don't have any manners."

A blush crept on her face as she realized that the stranger knew who she was and had practically pointed out her unruly behavior.

"I apologize for what I have done," she immediately said, bowing down in the process.

The stranger merely smiled at her actions.

"To correct my mistake, I shall escort you to where you were supposed to be," she said with conviction.

His smile never left his face as he said, "Renji."

"Huh?" she looked up to him in confusion.

"My name. It's Renji, Abarai Renji. And I'm an entertainer, at least that's all I can say now," he told her mysteriously.

"Is that so? I see, well if that is the case, tell me where you were suppose to be entertaining?" she asked politely.

"I ain't sure. 'was s'pose ta meet someone in the palace court room, but when I got there, no one was there."

"The court room?"

Now she was certain that the man was not who he said he was. No one was allowed to enter the court room except for the emperor and his advisers, so he shouldn't even be able to get there. If he was supposed to be there, then he'd have to be a very important man and by the look of his attire he most definitely isn't. Rukia felt threatened by the man. She felt he was dangerous, but she wasn't afraid, in fact she was angry. She hated men that can cause danger to their kingdom. So she just put her guard up, but not visibly, she mustn't let the man know she had figured out who he was.

"I see, well I know where it is. Follow me," she said. The redhead just gave her a smile and followed the petite young woman.

"I must try to make him think I am helping him, then I will lead him to where Ichigo is. I am sure he will take care of this trouble maker," Rukia thought.

The two continued until Rukia caught an eye at a guard who was passing by. She was about to call out to him when the imperial bell rang.

"Oh no! It's already this late? The banquet is about to start!" she cried.

"Um, excuse me, the banquet you're talking about is the Spring Festival Banquet, right?" the redhead asked ignorantly.

"Yes! What else? I am so late for such an important celebration because of you!" she burst

But his mind was somewhere else to notice the young woman's outburst. "Soka, Ginrei's not gonna be happy about this," he turned to Rukia, "Sorry, I think I'll find the place myself."

Kuchiki Rukia could no longer take it, she called out to the passing guard, "Guard, capture this man at once!"

The guard immediately ran to where Rukia was, while she was about to grab hold of the suspect. But to her surprise he was no longer beside her.

"Damn, I shouldn't have let my eyes off him," she cursed her recklessness. Before turning to the guard and explaining about the stranger's appearance and her suspicion of the said man's possible threat to the crown.

(o.o)

DeAmonQuEen: I know it was a boring chapter but don't get discouraged yet. Please reviews are still appreciated.