Fairytale Ending
Chapter 4
A/N: Aww, I'm glad you guys liked the previous chapter. Not sure if I'll ever be able to outdo myself, but here goes. In this chapter, you'll finally find out what happened in the castle during Grimmjow's long absence.
Warnings: Profanity.
Well, they reached the castle gates without encountering any mishaps. However, an obstacle now barred their path, or rather two obstacles, for at the entrance stood the royal guards. Ichigo backtracked a safe distance away, while still keeping the gates in view from a spot next to a bakery. He had his hood up again to hide his blue-haired friend.
"So much for the castle being empty. There are still the royal guards, genius." Ichigo remarked sarcastically.
"Oh yeah. I forgot about them," Grimmjow said absently.
"Right. Anyway, I've done what you asked. We came to the gates, it's guarded, so now we're going home." Ichigo turned to head back.
"No! We can't go back yet. Not when we've come this far. Plus, they're just weak trash so it will be much easier for us to sneak in. Once the Espadas return, any attempt will be near impossible. Please, you need to at least try," Grimmjow pleaded in a frustrated growl.
"That's easy for you to say. You're not the one trying to slip past the guards. Actually, why don't you just fly in there? I'm sure that will be much easier. No one will even notice you," he suggested.
"I can't. Look, I'm sure you've noticed but did you see Szayel anywhere in that parade? The King would definitely surround himself with his elite soldiers. I caught glimpses of the other nine flanking his sides." Grimmjow said with a serious expression.
"Now that you've mentioned it, I don't think I saw him either and he would be hard to miss for a person with shocking pink hair," Ichigo commented.
"Now why do you think that is?" Grimmjow's voice was low and dangerous.
"Um, because maybe he's not...uh...in the parade?" Ichigo finished.
"Exactly. Which means he must still be in the castle somewhere and I don't intend to run into the one who not only betrayed me, but also put this freaking curse on me!" Grimmjow hissed.
"Fine. I'll try to look for a way in. No promises though." Ichigo searched his surroundings for anything that might aid his entry into the castle. There was a side door further down the wall, but even that was heavily guarded. Maybe he could get a rope with a grappling hook to see if he could scale the castle walls. However, that idea was quickly shot down at the sight of guards patrolling above the gates. At this rate, his only hope of getting in would be to launch himself from a cannon.
As Ichigo was mulling over ideas, a group of harvesters passed him by with carts full of blueberries and raspberries. They were palace maids and were returning to the castle after half a day's work of foraging in the forest. Most importantly, they were a wearing the same brown cloaks like the one Ichigo had on. Realising his opportunity, Ichigo nonchalantly approached the carts and fell into step at the back of the group. Ichigo mentally yelled his triumph. Now all he had to do was get through the castle gates and then they could begin their search for the whereabouts of the Queen. As they neared the gates, he tried his best to act like he belonged there, looking forward instead of glancing sideways like he was itching to do.
They passed under the gate and the guards barely spared them a glance. Grimmjow raised a brow at the inattentive guards. How could they be so careless with the safety of the royal household? What if they had been assassins instead? The security of the entire castle was compromised. Grimmjow muttered under his breath that he would have to do some major reorganising once he got back and these two imbeciles would be the first to go! Ichigo wouldn't question their good luck and hoped it held out until they got out of here. The carts were being brought to the kitchen so Ichigo decided to follow them, figuring that it would be the best place to get information about the Queen.
As the other foragers began unloading, Ichigo took a basket of blueberries and entered the kitchen. Ichigo made an off-hand comment about how perfectly natural Grimmjow would look if he hid in a bowl of blueberries, which Ichigo could then carry around in a tray. It would be an ideal cover. The punch to his face let Ichigo know what Grimmjow thought of that idea, but it was worth it as Ichigo quietly snickered. The kitchen was very large with a high ceiling and stretched so far that it could easily fit three barns. Stoves lined one side the walls while windows adorned the other and in between were long oak island tables. Staff was bustling about the kitchen, with cooks shouting instructions and kitchen maids scrambling to fulfil the orders. He set the basket down and looked around to see who he could ask about the Queen. In a corner, two girls appeared to be arguing. He picked up a tray of tea and moved closer to listen. One had long black hair tied in two ponytails. She had pink eyes and wore a gold wire mask with a peacock feather design over her left eye. The other girl had short blond hair with green eyes and wore a silver wire mask with a dragonfly design over her right eye. They appeared to be arguing about serving breakfast and something about picky eaters.
"Don't try to shirk your duties. It's your turn to bring her breakfast." Blond-haired girl said.
"No it isn't. I clearly remember it being your turn today. Last time I had the whole tray thrown at me. Do you have any idea how hard it is to wash oatmeal out of your hair?" The girl with ponytails said.
"That's not true. The oatmeal incident happened two days ago so it is definitely your turn this time." Blond girl stated firmly.
"Was it? It feels like only yesterday that I had to wash out all that gruel. Oh, can't you please go in my place today? I'll make it up to you. Besides, she seems to be calmer around you." Ponytails pleaded.
"By calmer you mean cursing and threatening me within an inch of my life for me to let her out of her room?" Blond girl said sarcastically.
"At least she doesn't throw things at you! You would think that someone of such high standing would act more dignified and elegant. She doesn't even touch the food we bring her. What's the point of bringing her food if she doesn't eat it? Can I just not go? I really don't want to have my hair messed up again." Ponytails was panicking and near tears when Ichigo decided to step in.
"Hello there. I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. What appears to be the problem?" Ichigo put on his most charming voice and added a smile for good measure.
Blond girl eyed him warily, but ponytails burst out hysterically, "It's the Queen! She despises us and makes our lives miserable. We're only bringing her food like we're told. I think I'll have a mental breakdown if I have to see her again." Ponytails grasped Ichigo's hands and desperately pleaded, "Please, would you be so kind as to deliver her majesty's breakfast today? I'll do anything. What is it you want? Name your price."
"I'm not saying I won't help you, but even if I did take your place now, wouldn't you still have to deliver her other meals today as well? Also, isn't it lunchtime right about now?" Ichigo asked and subsequently flinched as he received a sharp jab to his head from Grimmjow. "What are you doing? You're practically being offered a chance to see the Queen on a silver fucking platter. Accept her proposal now dammit!" Grimmjow growled.
Unaware of the bluenette's rants, Ponytails said, "Oh, I can just find another sucke – err, I mean I'm sure I can find some kind, noble soul to help me out with my other duties, but right now I need you to be my knight in shining armour. Also, this was her breakfast when I first started. I've been trying all day to deliver it, but I can't even step one foot near her chambers and I can already hear her throwing things at the door. She really has it out for me! Please say yes." Ponytails looked up with wide watery eyes.
"Sure, I can help you. I have some free time on my hands. Um, which way is the Queen's chamber?" he asked.
"Oh goody! Alright, let me reheat this real quick for you." Ponytails giggled delightedly.
After receiving directions and relentless gratitude from Ponytails who promised to repay the favour, Ichigo picked up the silver tray of food and headed up a flight of stairs. While walking through the corridors, Grimmjow started up another tirade.
"That palace maid is crazy! I can't believe they assigned such a whiny, irresponsible brat to attend to my mother. This whole castle has turned into a madhouse. The security is laughable. I mean how could you possibly just waltz in undetected for so long? Does no one use common sense anymore? Anyone who has worked or lived here for even a month should be able to spot in an instant that you don't belong. Thank god you're not a hired killer and just a stupid peasant. Uh, no offense." Grimmjow stopped mid-rant when he belatedly realised his error.
"Oh please, if I felt insulted every time someone called me that, the town infirmary would be at full capacity every day of week. Now shut up for a minute, I need to concentrate. Do I take a left at the fork or was it a right? Shit! I forgot which way to go. By the way, thanks for that." Ichigo grumbled irritably.
"What the fuck do you need to remember that shit for? I grew up here remember? Did you lose your mental capacity on the way in as well? I know my way around the palace better than any of these loons. Take a right turn here, dumbass." Grimmjow snapped with an annoyed look.
"Um, r-right." Ichigo's face coloured in embarrassment and he quickly went in the direction Grimmjow had indicated. After many winding corridors and more stairs, they were finally on the Queen's floor. Ichigo turned a corner and at the end of the hallway was the door to her room...flanked by two guards. The guard on the left was bald and had a scowl etched on his face that seemed like a permanent feature. The other had short, chin-length black hair and wore decorative feathers on his right brow and eyelashes. Just great, Ichigo thought. He prayed to whatever deity that these two would ignore him just like the ones at the gate.
"Hey you there!" The bald one shouted. "You're not one of the regular girls assigned to this floor. Get over here so that I can see your face and state your business!"
No such luck, Ichigo frowned.
"Finally! At least there's one guard left in the regiment who's not totally hopeless." Grimmjow crowed with glee.
"Whose side are you on?" Ichigo gritted out, careful not to move his lips too much.
"Oops, I'm on our side of course. Damn, this is bad." Grimmjow admitted sheepishly.
"No shit." Ichigo hissed out before falling completely silent as he neared the two guards. When he came to a stop in front of them, the bald one scrutinised him from head to toe, before looking back up and barked at him to state his identity and purpose of visit.
"Well? Speak up boy, before I decide to deal with you for trespassing!" Bald guy yelled, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Don't call me a boy. Honestly, what is wrong with you people? I'm 27 dammit!" Ichigo shot back heatedly.
"Ikkaku, for God's sake stop antagonising the kid and give him a chance to explain his situation. Although from the looks of it, it's quite clear that he was probably swindled into lunch duty. Isn't that right, kid?" The guy with feathers stated more than asked.
Ichigo's eye twitched at being called a kid again. "Look, first of all, my name is Ichigo and not kid or boy, got it? Secondly, yes, I'm here to deliver the Queen's meal, uh –" Ichigo paused for a name.
"Oh dear. Where are my manners? I'm Yumichika Ayasegawa, 5th Seat of the 11th Division of Las Noches Royal Army. This brute here is Ikkaku Madarame, 3rd Seat of the same Division. I may not look it, but our group is said to be the strongest of the 13 Divisions," he introduced.
Ikkaku cut in, "Bah! What a joke. We may be the strongest, but we've been reduced to nothing more than guard duty. The entire Royal Army has been swept aside in favour of the great and powerful Espadas. Things have gotten worse ever since that blue-haired brat took over as King." Grimmjow let out an indignant "Hey!" which Ichigo tried to cover with a cough. Ikkaku continued, "I don't know what our Captain-Commander is thinking, keeping silent on all this and letting that punk do as he wants. Our Captain-Commander should beat some sense into that new King and restore the Royal Army back to its former glory!" Ikkaku declared passionately.
Yumichika clamped a hand over Ikkaku's mouth. "Hahaha, please forgive him. He's just in a sour mood because he hasn't been sent to the battlefield for a while. I for one am quite content as I no longer need to worry about dirtying my uniform. Ugh, the horror! Anyways, you won't be repeating any of this stuff to other people will you? It would be most unbeautiful of you to tattle on us." Yumichika gave Ichigo a pleading look.
"I won't tell a soul. I promise," Ichigo assured.
"Oh good. That's a huge relief. Wouldn't want any rumours circulating about the 11th Division plotting treason, would we?" Yumichika pointedly glared at Ikkaku.
Ikkaku slapped away Yumichika's hand. "Tch, you may be satisfied with how things are being run, but I for one don't intend to remain in cold storage and neither do the rest of the 11th Division, especially Captain Kenpachi. I swear when the Captain-Commander relayed the King's order for the Royal Army to be on 'standby', the ground froze over near Captain Kenpachi. Only his lieutenant, Yachiru continues to hang around him. None of the 11th Division dares to approach him lest he decides to take out his boredom on us." Ikkaku shivered in recollection.
"You said before that your Captain-Commander should teach the King a lesson. Why would he do that? I mean surely no one can lay a hand on royalty, even if they are the Captain-Commander. The most he could do would be to advise the King on his conduct and even then any decisions would be at the sole discretion of the King." Ichigo voiced uncertainly.
"Don't you know the current King is the Captain-Commander's nephew? What did they teach the palace staff when they hired you? This is common knowledge! Anyway, our Captain-Commander is the younger brother of the late King Allgron Jaegerjaques. That makes him an uncle to King Grimmjow Jaegerjaques. Our Captain-Commander, Aizen Sosuke Jaegerjaques." Ikkaku finished his crash course in Las Noches' royal family relationships.
"Please tell me you at least knew the name of our Captain-Commander before I told you." Ikkaku raised a sceptical brow. At Ichigo's blank expression, Ikkaku despaired and complained that mentions of the Royal Army had even been removed from palace teachings and that nobody respected them anymore.
Yumichika did his best to console a distraught Ikkaku. "You had best get going, kid. After all, we wouldn't want her majesty's meal to get cold." Yumichika advised as he held the door open.
Ichigo gave up on correcting his "kid" comment and nodded once before stepping through the portal, the door closing behind him. Some broken stools and candelabra littered the ground near the door, which Ichigo carefully sidestepped. The inside was spacious and lavishly decorated in tones of blue and black. The living room had long, blue sofas around a black coffee table, with an ebony fireplace a few feet away. Tall, arched windows decorated the wall on the far side of the room and were currently where the Queen stood with her back towards Ichigo.
"I didn't hear any God awful screeching or curt utterances, so I know it's not the girls. Who have they sent this time?" The Queen asked and turned to face him. She was dressed in black robes with a silver belt. Dark blue hair, the colour of sapphire fell to her waist like ocean waves and feline, sky-blue eyes seemed to pierce his soul as they examined him. Ichigo let out a gasp. The Queen looked stunning for mother of an unruly youth. She looked to be in her late thirties, but that was impossible because then she would have given birth when she was ten.
Before Ichigo could say anything, Grimmjow zipped out from under his hood to land on top of the sofa nearest Queen Elleorra. "Mother, I'm back! What the fuck is going on around here?"
"Grimmjow?! I knew it! I never bought that fake's acting for a second. He –" The Queen's expression turned thoughtful for a moment. "How do I know you're really my son and not another copy?"
"What kind of shit ass question is that? I've been through hell and back just to get here. Of course I'm your son!" Grimmjow's wings beat rapidly, showing his agitation.
Ichigo cringed at the language Grimmjow was using with his mother. Seems like his asshole behaviour was pretty normal judging from the Queen's reaction, or lack thereof.
"Alright then. This should be easy if you really are who you claim to be. What did you make me swear to keep a secret when you were little?"
"What? No way am I repeating that! Besides, there's a guest here." Grimmjow shouted in exasperation, while stealing nervous glances at Ichigo.
Now this was very odd Grimmjow behaviour. He was brash, excited, sometimes downright furious, but he never showed hesitation. Ichigo set down the tray on the coffee table and moved to sit on the chaise lounge near the hearth.
"I'm sure your friend won't mind. Anyhow, you really don't have much of a choice. This is an emergency, Grimmjow. Now tell me what you said to never tell another soul!" The Queen asked impatiently. Grimmjow mumbled something incoherent.
"Grimmjow, I'm serious. I need to know that you're really you. Now spit it out, boy!" Her majesty's blue brow ticked in annoyance.
"Ugh, fine! I was so infatuated with Pantera that I married my cat in a little pretend ceremony. There! You happy now?" Grimmjow hissed unhappily. Ichigo's eyes were brimming with mirth and he was fighting to keep his laughter at bay.
"Very. Now that wasn't so bad was it?" Her highness addressed her next words to Ichigo. "It certainly puts a new spin on the term cat lover doesn't?"
"I was freaking three back then! How was I supposed to know you couldn't wed your cat?" Grimmjow fumed, which only made it funnier.
"Oh, Kami! Please – stop. You're killing me." Ichigo snorted in a fit of giggles.
"Aww, is little Grimmy angry? Hmm, you've shrunk since we last met. Has old age caught up with you?" Queen Elleorra teased.
"Ha! You're one to talk, old woman. Also, what's this rumour I hear about you not eating? Are you trying to starve yourself in protest? Trust me, it won't work on these guys." Grimmjow said gruffly, but his eyes showed concern.
"I'm not protesting and you can trash that food. Look, you've probably met them by now, but the girls who normally bring my meals have slipped poison in it." The Queen said seriously. Ichigo instantly sobered up and queried, "That's impossible. There's no way those two would do something like that, right? They looked so innocent and bubbly. Well one of them anyway. The other was silent throughout our conversation."
Queen Elleorra came to sit on the sofa adjacent to Ichigo, while Grimmjow sat crossed legged on the sofa's back to remain somewhat eye level with them.
"How naive of you. It is the most innocent ones that you have to beware of." Her majesty said in a low tone.
"Alright, if the food really is tainted with poison, then we can just use a silver spoon to check for it." Ichigo reasoned. It was a simple solution to the problem.
"My dear, sweet boy. Not all poisons can be detected with silver. They are crafty ones. Wolfsbane is one such poison that is virtually undetectable. The post-mortem signs are similar to those of asphyxia which makes the victim appear to have died a natural death. In the past, this plant was given the moniker 'stepmother's poison' for it was used by jealous queens to poison other princes who threatened succession to the throne. This purple flower has since been banned from being grown in all the kingdoms." Queen Elleorra took a breath before she continued.
As a queen myself, I must be knowledgeable in all threats that could potentially harm my son. I saw such flowers growing in a secluded palace courtyard the day before Grimmjow had that big row with the King. I immediately went to fetch Captain-Commander Aizen, but by the time we returned, all the wolfsbane flowers were gone. Aizen said that someone had probably also noticed the dangerous flowers and promptly disposed it for the safety of the castle inhabitants. I had no choice but to believe in that although I felt uneasy. Then you and your father had that argument. After that there was a rotation in palace maids and those girls started bringing the King's meals. With every meal, the King's health ailed. I voiced my concern to Aizen and he promised to check in on the King every night. During this time I went to look for you, but the maids said you were feeling under the weather, so I left you be. I didn't want to add to your worries. However, after one week had passed, King Allgron was dead. Cause of death, asphyxia. Those girls killed your father, Grimmjow. Of course, at the time I didn't know. I told Aizen everything I knew about wolfsbane and pleaded for him to capture the culprit. He assured me that he would put all his manpower into this investigation. Alas, in the end the inquiry turned up nothing. We are up against cunning and powerful foes, for them to be able to cover up the murder of a King!" Her majesty shook with barely concealed rage.
"Captain-Commander Aizen relayed King Allgron's final wish for you to succeed him. It was around that time that you finally emerged from your chambers – " Halfway through her explanation, Grimmjow cut in.
"Whoa, back the fuck up! What do you mean I came out of my room? I already left Las Noches on the night of my argument with Dad. Yyldfort left a note. Didn't you get it?" Grimmjow said with a puzzled face.
"A note? No, I had not received such a thing. If what you say is true, then that poser has been in the palace ever since you left. I can't understand how he gained entry to such a heavily guarded floor, since security was not as shoddy as it is now, but he didn't fool me for a second. Even though he shared your appearance and voice, the moment I heard him speak, I immediately knew he was a fake. You were never obsessed with the throne, yet this imposter accepted the position with uncanny ease. He didn't even mourn your father's death. Another trait which marked this impostor was his constant spewing of the prophecy. For God's sake, anyone who ever knew you would know that you hated that prophecy, despised it. It was the reason for your argument with the late King Allgron." Her majesty said in vexation before taking a breath to calm herself.
"Things changed quickly after that. I'm sure you've heard from Ikkaku and Yumichika that the Royal Army had been suspended from official duties indefinitely, with Espadas taking over as the official force. In the chaos of shifting tides, I tried to gather those loyal to King Allgron, but before I could do anything, I was locked away in my chambers by that copy and I've been here ever since." The Queen ended with a weary face.
"Grimmjow, I don't know what's happening or who we can trust, but I have an unconfirmed suspicion. Around the time that fake ascended the throne, Lieutenant Gin Ichimaru, Aizen's right-hand disappeared. I think he may have had a part in this. Be careful who you trust, Grimmjow. I know Kenpachi and those two soldiers outside are loyal to me, but I can't confidently say the same for anyone else." Her highness said in warning.
"Shit, even Gin is involved? That's insane. He served under the Captain-Commander ever since he was a recruit and was his most loyal soldier. Does Uncle Aizen how about his betrayal? What about his other lieutenant, Kaname Tosen? Gin and he were pretty close back then. Do you think they might be working together?" Grimmjow's eyes were still wide with shock at the revelation.
"Captain-Commander Aizen has kept Kaname close-by since Gin's defection, probably to keep an eye on his remaining lieutenant. However, Aizen won't be able to lead any investigations regarding this matter. As long as that poser is on the throne, the Captain-Commander's hands are tied. I'm sorry I can't be of much help. You must seek out loyal soldiers amongst the Royal Army and Espadas, and figure out a way to overthrow that impostor." Queen Elleorra implored with grave concern.
Grimmjow ran a hand through his hair in irritance. "Shit, we can't trust anyone and even if we did, we still wouldn't know whose side they're taking. This is a crappy task. I can't fly around the castle interviewing potential candidates and Ichigo doesn't work here so he has no excuse to be loitering on castle grounds." Grimmjow frowned at their predicament.
A smirk lifted Queen Elleorra's lips. "Yet, knowing the danger, you chose to come here with this young man. You must have a lot of faith in him for you to confide matters of this conspiracy to a complete stranger. Tell me son, is he your boyfriend?"
"Definitely!"
"No!"
Grimmjow and Ichigo both answered at the same time.
"Don't listen to berry-head, he's just in denial. I know for a fact that he likes me. When we first met, he couldn't keep his eyes off me and wore the most adorable blush on his cheeks." Grimmjow gleefully supplied.
"That's because you were naked!" Ichigo shrieked at the top of his lungs. "Wait, that does not mean what it sounds like!" Ichigo hurriedly corrected, red-faced. Ichigo's outburst was mostly ignored as they continued.
"Aww, you already popped the berry? But I wanted to plan your nuptials and honeymoon. Have you proposed to him?" Queen Elleorra asked with a slightly crestfallen face.
"Nah, haven't gotten to it yet. You can still do all that wedding shit, but make sure the ceremony is short! I want to spend more time on the good part." Grimmjow leered at Ichigo in a teeth-baring grin.
"What plans? I haven't accepted anything dammit!" Ichigo was infuriated at his forwardness. "Your majesty, surely you know he jests, right?" He pleaded to the only other sane person in this room.
"No need to be so formal, Ichigo. You may call me Elleorra. After all, you're part of the family now," she said with a devilish grin showing overly sharp canines.
With twin expressions bearing down on him, Ichigo was struck by how similar they were not just in appearance, but also in their mannerisms. It left no doubt that this Grimmjow came from her gene pool.
Grimmjow let out a frustrated sigh. "All that will have to wait until after I sort out this mess. Shit, I need to find someone proficient in magic to remove this curse."
"There is only one Espada well-versed in dark arts. Why don't you try asking Szayel? See if he can help." Elleorra suggested.
"Not Szayel! He's the one who did this to me!" Grimmjow roared in white-hot fury.
Elleorra gasped. "Szayel did this? That's not possible. The two of you grew up together. He was the first and most loyal comrade in your inner circle of friends. Surely you must be mistaken."
"There is no mistake! Szayel made his intentions quite clear that night and he won't be helping us." Grimmjow growled in a low burning tone. He proceeded to relay his account of what happened the night of his ambush with dark and stormy eyes.
A/N: The plot thickens! Who knows which two palace maids I'm talking about? No prizes for correct guesses. I don't know whether wolfsbane can be detected, but that stuff about "stepmother's poison" is real. Roman queens used it in the past.
I had a hard time writing this chapter because I kept almost typing the fake's name with the real name of the culprit. Shit, how long can I keep this secret?
Also, I have no idea what Aizen's voice sounds like since I only read the manga. Heck, I had to go to Bleach wiki to look up hair colours because everything was black and white (like for a while I thought Yachiru was blond). That reminds me, how do you pronounce Jaegerjaques? I've got it in my head as Jag-grr-jacks. Is that right? Maybe I'll go look for a video that mentions his name. Alright, same time next week!