Sorry for the wait. I usually update once every few days, but for the past week, my brain hasn't been producing /any/ ideas at all. I was literally crying and screaming trying to think about ideas. But I felt the need to update today, because one of my favorite author from FF returns and updated a great story after a long wait. :3 My brain has been dead for the past few days. xD Then I don't know what, something just got on me and I began surfing Youtube, watching sad death scenes from random animes, like the death of Itachi and Jiraiya from Naruto. Then I watched the death of Kaien and Hisana from Bleach. Etc etc etc... Then I got all these sad feels. It didn't help with my motivation or inspiration in writing but bleh. I was crying my eyes out in those scenes. ; ; To make up for the wait, this chapter is nearly twice the length of my previous chapters. Hope you enjoy reading. Same speech again, this writer is stupid. I really would like to thank all of you guys who read up to now. It means a lot, really.

Special Thanks to VKLOREO23, PAMILA DE CASTRO, velvetsins and sphinx for reviewing. Especially thanking PAMILA DE CASTRO for reviewing since my first chapter. Another special thanks to velvetsins for reviewing all three chapters in one day and in great length, too. It really made my day. Arigato gozaimasu.

This chapter is going to introduce some characters and dressing styles. Even room decorations. Man, those are a pain. So far, the furniture and rooms are based in Chinese culture. Then the kimonos and dressings are mostly Japanese. It's really painful trying to describe all the furniture and details of the clothing without boring the crap out of the paragraph. I tried. I wish I can do better, but GAH. THIS WRITER IS STUPID. /sobs/

Hope you enjoy reading anyway. Forgive me if I didn't entertain you. ; ;

DISCLAIMER : I do not own any Bleach characters.


Shocked by the sudden voice, Rukia lost balance and braced herself for the incoming pain that she was going to feel. But instead, she felt a firm arm holding her steady wrapped under her waist. When she looked up, her violets caught a pair of cold, misty grey eyes.


"Are you alright?" The man spoke in a cool, emotionless voice.

Rukia stared at the shadowy figure that apparently just "saved" her. The moonlight resonated slightly under the roof and she only could make out part of his features. His silky black hair which reached past his collars was flowing gracefully with the guide of a slight wind. Rukia can barely make out anything else under the darkness, but she is sure that this man was quite handsome. After briefly analyzing the man, her thoughts jumped back to what just happened. She was about to roll down the stairs and return to her time… and this man stopped her. It was probably her only chance of returning and he just ruined that chance. The realization of that made Rukia mad, even though her sub-consciousness was telling her to reason. This man didn't know and saw that she was about to fall. In his eyes, he saved her. After that brief reasoning, that angered Rukia even further. He thinks he saved her, but in her mind, he sealed her fate in hell and that was enough for her to flip at him. She forcefully moved his arm away and stood back from him before clenching her fists in rage.

"Who told you to stop me?!" Rukia shot a death glare at the man.

His grey eyes widened slightly before he spoke. "You were about to fall."

"And is that any of your business?!" She was basically popping in rage.

"Shouldn't you be grateful?" The man said in a slightly confused tone.

Rukia knows she can't really blame him, since he didn't even know about her. She took a moment to regain her posture and closed her eyes before sighing deeply. When her eyes reopened, the violets made contact with subtle curious grey eyes.

"This is the Thirteenth Prince's mansion. Who are you and why are you here?" Rukia asked in a calmer tone.

The man remained silent for a moment before turning away from her stare and proceeded down the stairs towards the exit. Rukia followed, even though she wasn't sure why. She was waiting for an answer, thinking he'll give her one as they were walking down. But the man remained silent even after they reached the last step of the staircase. With the roof gone from above, the moonlight shone on the two. From the back, Rukia could only see him dressed in plain white robes with a high collar featuring light gold edges. When he didn't say a word as he walked towards the exit, Rukia asked once again.

"Who are you?!"

The man stopped in his tracks after his feet stepped outside the exit. He didn't turn around, but the lack of emotion in his voice was enough to send some chills down Rukia's spine.

"It's getting late."

Those were the only words he said before he moved into the darkness and Rukia found herself alone once again under the moonlight.


After encountering the mystery man, Rukia returned back to her room where Hisana was waiting. Once she saw Rukia, she informed her that Sentaro came in earlier and reported the Thirteenth Prince will return tomorrow from his task. Normally, Rukia would be somewhat excited to know that she'll be finally meeting a prince, but after her eventful night, Rukia just nodded before telling Hisana that she was tired and wished to rest early. After that, Hisana left and Kiyone returned with dessert, but she obviously didn't have the appetite. Rukia dismissed Kiyone as well, and she was alone in her room. Laying on her bed and staring at the ceiling, she wondered why she didn't climb up those stairs again after the man left. Perhaps it was because that it was her second attempt and she lost the motivation for it. Her brain was swimming with thoughts between the man and ways of how she is going to return to her time.

Who was he? What was he doing here? And how am I going to return? What happens if I die in this world? What is my body doing back in my time? She made up random answers for those questions and tried to find one that made sense. The man got lost in a nighttime walk and just happened to see her about to fall. My body is in a coma in my time and once I die here, I will die in my time as well. Wait a minute…

She realized none of those made sense. She tried to guess more answers, but she noticed that the more she tried to guess, the more atrocious it started to sound. Before she knew it, her mind had already wondered off to dreamland.


"Rukia-sama. Rukia-sama!"

The morning lights leaking from the windows hit Rukia's face and its warmth made her feel uneasy. She was having a nice sleep, but there is the sun and this voice that wouldn't stop calling her. She turned away from the sun, and hid her head under the blankets, hoping the voice would stop. When it didn't, Rukia groaned before trying to cover her ears to drown out the voice repeating her name. When she finally got tired of it, she yanked the blanket away, sat up and threw her arms in the air when she saw Kiyone.

"What is it?! I'm really sleepy!" Rukia said in a loud volume.

"I am deeply sorry, Lady Rukia!" Kiyone bowed slightly to apologize to her master. "But Prince Ukitake is going to return soon and we must prepare!"

Rukia groaned at the reminder. Yeah, true… She knows she should put some effort into making at least a good impression. Maybe the prince will even help her to put her off the list in being chosen for the emperor's consort. But at that moment, all she cared about was sleeping.

"What do we need to prepare…?" Her voice came out weaker than before, only because she was too tired to put any energy into it.

"Please wash your face, Rukia-sama. Hisana-sama is waiting and she will teach you some basics on giving respect to the higher ranks."

Rukia raised her hand to cover her mouth before attempting to suppress a yawn. She sighed at her schedule, but she nodded continuously, signaling to get up. No later when she pulled the blanket away and set her legs on the floor, she plopped right back down on the bed, leaving Kiyone nervously trying to shake her awake for the next half an hour.


When Rukia finally got out of bed, it was because Kiyone threatened her with the consequence of Hisana's wrath, though she highly doubts it because she has never seen her Onee-san even made an angry expression before. Well, she wasn't about to take risks so she dragged herself out of bed. Kiyone explained that because this will be the first time Rukia is seeing the Prince, Hisana requested that even though it's a family feast, Rukia must dress more appropriately. Not knowing anything, Rukia just agreed to it and stood still as Kiyone dressed and put make up on her. After twenty minutes or so, Rukia started to feel a bit sweaty. She asked Kiyone how many layers of clothing is she wearing, and when Kiyone said only six, Rukia gave her a what-the-hell face. Rukia regretted asking right after Kiyone said that she forgot to put on another piece of clothing for her, and Rukia released a sound of a dying whale.

After Rukia was dressed, she found her way to the greeting room of the mansion. Her clothes were thick and heavy, but she had to admit that it was beautiful. The green kimono matched with her silky pink scarf around her neck, but she just doesn't understand why would she have to wear so many layers when it's not even winter, yet. Kiyone opened the two doors to the room and Rukia entered before she followed. The room was designed beautifully, obviously to suit the position as the Prince of the Emperor. A painting was hung in a perfect angle in the back of the room with two Chinese proverbs hung on either side. At the bottom of the painting sits a rectangular table with graceful designs. On the table were two lit candles and plates of various fruits. In front of the table sits two chairs facing the doorway with a small squared table separating them. Then there were two rows of seats facing each other with equidistance from the end of the door opening to the other. Hisana was already there, sitting elegantly on one of the two chairs in the back. Sentaro was dutifully standing beside her. Rukia gave greetings to her sister and sat down on the first chair in the row where her sister was the closest. A moment after she sat down, Rukia began fanning herself with her hands. Soon after, she couldn't take it anymore and sat up, walking to her sister.

"Onee-san! If the prince isn't returning in a minute, I'm going to go change! This is living torture!" Rukia was gasping for cool air between her words.

Hisana only giggled before picking up her cup of tea from the small table next to her. "Just wait for another few moments. "

Rukia groaned slightly at her reply. She looked out the door and got an idea that might save or relief her for a moment of heat.

"Onee-san. I'm going to go to the restroom." She grinned slightly while turning away from her sister.

Hisana only nodded, "Alright. Kiyone, go with her."

Kiyone bowed and nodded, but then Rukia exclaimed that she will go on her own, and rushed out of the room before Hisana could give a reply.


Rukia began to walk around the mansion, hoping that there will be a cool wind to relieve her. When there was none, her legs wouldn't stop walking and jumped around cursing the heat under her breath. When she started to feel small beads of sweat forming on her forehead, she began to wonder to herself.

"Are old-history make-ups water resistant? What if it gets ruined?" She cocked an eyebrow up curiously.

After a moment, she gave in to the heat and disregarded proper manners before covering her face with one hand before wiping her face with the other sleeve on the kimono. Then suddenly, she saw a handkerchief held in front of her before a warm voice followed.

"Don't cry anymore."

The voice made her drop her hands and her violets met a fairly handsome face. His white hair was worn in a long ponytail that cascades down his back nearly reaching his waist. His hair parted on the left side, leaving a long piece that falls over his right eye with the color of hazel.

"You are…?" Rukia looked at the man curiously.

"You must be Rukia." The man gave her one of the kindest smiles she had ever seen.

Rukia jumped back slightly at the mention of her name. How does he know her? Then she looked down and observed his clothing. Long white sleeved kimono, with emerald linings featuring at medium-low collar designed with a dragon with gold and silver lining. Dragons are the symbols of a mystical creature, also symbolizes descendants from god, meaning the Emperor. Her violets widened at the realization and she quickly bowed before the man.

"Prince Ukitake!" Rukia cried out nervously.

The man only widened his smile before nodding. "I thought you were crying."

"No, no, no. I was just wearing too many layers of clothing and the heat created some sweat." Rukia raised her head and laughed nervously.

Ukitake wondered at the girl in front of her, considering that he hadn't expected his elegant wife's sister to be so… open.

"I heard that you fell down the stairs some time ago. Be careful next time."

Rukia could only give a small sound and nod of acknowledgement, but the prince could only smile warmly at her. He started to walk past her, heading towards the greeting room. Rukia sighed in relief before following him. She could have never imagined that she was going to bump into a Prince this way. She wonders in what other kinds of situations she will meet the other princes...


The two returned to the greeting room, but it was slightly different. There was an additional three men sitting on the previously empty chairs. When they saw Ukitake, they all, including Hisana and the two servants that were quarreling a minute ago before their entry, greeted and bowed. Rukia also bowed on instinct, considering that if a prince bows to them, then of course she will need to as well. When their heads rose, Rukia looked at the three men. Her violets immediately widened at the sight of a man whom she recognized. How is it possible to not recognize the pair of emotionless grey eyes? Ukitake seemed to have seen her expression and decided to introduce the three men.

"This is Rukia." He signaled to her figure. "She is the sister of my wife, Hisana."

The three men looked at her briefly before nodding. As before, the bearer of the grey eyes had no emotions. Now with light, she saw him more clearly and he obviously looked more… handsome. His jaws were sharp, matched by a set of thin lips on a perfect face. He was tall and lean, dressed in white robes similar to Ukitake's, only with dark blue lining. Everything about this man seemed flawless, unlike the man beside him.

The second man was also tall, even taller than the one with misty eyes. This man had grey eyes as well, but unlike the other man, his greys were much darker. His hair was brown, long and wavy, tied in a long ponytail with bangs that fell down from the left side of his face. His robes were also white but it was decorated with a crimson flower pattern. The only things that this man can beat the other with are height and the show of emotions. Like Ukitake, this man can smile warmly, leaving Rukia a fairly friendly impression. Then she noticed this man looking back and forth between her and Hisana, which was totally understandable by her. They practically looked nearly identical, except she was shorter and had some differences in style. She couldn't blame the man for being curious, or even shocked. When her eyes met the other man, who was nearly half the size of the other two, she realized that they were nearly the same eye level… except… even she was taller than him.

The little man had turquoise eyes that reminded Rukia of ice. His hair was white, like Ukitake's but his was short and spiked. His white robes were lined with a turquoise color, matching his eyes. His facial expressions were nearly clones to the one with misty grey eyes. Emotionless, but due to his height, the stoic face made him seem more mature and serious.

"Rukia, these are my brothers, also princes. Sixth Prince, Byakuya." Ukitake raised his arm to point at the master of perfection and stoic expressions. Rukia's violets widened slightly.

So this man is also a Prince…

"Then Eighth Prince, Shunsui." Ukitake's arm moved to the next man who was smiling warmly at her. Seeing this smile, it made Rukia slightly more comfortable. She nodded to him as well, but with a more revealing smile.

"Finally, Tenth Prince, Toshiro." Ukitake smiled at the small man, but received only a short scoff in reply. Rukia briefly wondered how this prince who was older than Ukitake can be so short before nodding slightly.

After the introductions, they all moved to the dining table where Hisana signaled Kiyone to begin serving plates of food. They all sat down, and Rukia couldn't help but feel slightly more uncomfortable. Well, how was she supposed to react while sharing a table of food with four new princes she'd just met? As the final plates of food were set on the table, Ukitake turned to Hisana, who was sitting right next to Rukia.

"Hisana, how is your health?" Ukitake asked with a warm smile.

"I've been fine, Ukitake-sama. Thank you." Hisana's expression formed a reciprocal smile and nodded.

Ukitake seemed relieved that his wife's health was fine and his face relaxed to an even more warming expression. Then when everyone's gazes turned to Shunsui, who was still moving his head back and forth between Hisana and Rukia, Ukitake couldn't help but ask.

"Shunsui. Is something the matter?" Ukitake asked with subtle curiosity.

The Eighth Prince sighed before crossing his arms with a smile. "The sisters are identical. If you put them in the same clothes, you can barely tell the difference."

At those words, Toshiro turned to stare at the sisters while Ukitake merely chuckled. Byakuya didn't seem to care while he silently chewed some rice.

"They do look rather similar, but no need to make a big deal out of it. Besides, the younger one is much shorter than the older. Eat, Shunsui." Toshiro said before raising his chopsticks to put some food into his mouth.

Hearing those words, Rukia gave him a mild glare.

"Oi! We are nearly the same age and you call me short? If I'm short, you're puny, you elementary school kid!"

Rukia began popping with rage. She never liked anyone making fun of her height, especially not someone who is even shorter than herself. But as soon as her words ran out of her mouth, her lips were shut tightly. Everyone was staring at her, including the emotionless Sixth Prince. She just insulted and yelled at the Tenth Prince of the Emperor. Can her life really end like this? Then Toshiro's forehead newly popped vein led Rukia's violets to widen slightly.

"I am NOT an elementary school kid!"

Toshiro's words echoed throughout the whole mansion and into the skies.


After the eventful dinner, Rukia was surprised that she wasn't punished, especially after she literally insulted one of the princes about his height. The dinner ended and everyone, including the four princes, Hisana and Rukia, escorted the princes to the exit as a form of politeness. Along their way, Rukia wondered why Byakuya hadn't said a word to her.

Isn't he going to ask about last night?

After they reached the exit, Ukitake informed Hisana that they need to report to the palace for duty. Hisana nodded and bowed at their leave, but Byakuya stood still and didn't say a word before the other princes left. These were going to be the first words she heard today from him.

"Rukia. May I have a word with you?"

Byakuya's expression remained emotionless, but Rukia and Hisana looked dumbfounded. Hisana glanced at Rukia before nodding and left the area with Kiyone and Sentaro. Soon, only the two were together in the garden. Byakuya took steps toward Rukia. Even though Rukia's fear is telling her to back away, her legs were rooted to the ground. Thankfully, Byakuya stopped when they were at a respectable distance. Rukia looked up into his misty grey eyes, completely unaware what his intentions may be.

"B-Byakuya-sama." Rukia managed to croak out nervously.

"That wasn't an accident."

Rukia's violets widened at his words.

"You were about to step off and rolled down on purpose. You want to die."

His voice was deep and contained a powerful tone of authority. It was enough to make Rukia fidget. She couldn't find the right words to say. She could only remain silent as the misty grey eyes captured her.

"Next time if you want to die, I won't stop you."

"I only did it because I want to live!" Rukia immediately responded.

Byakuya had a slightly confused expression, but regained it neutral form once again after a brief moment. He didn't say a word and waited patiently for her explanation.

"There are too many things I can't let go. Why would I want to die?" Her eyes narrowed at her thoughts and words.

"Your explanation is odd."

His voice was in the calmest and steadiest tone with a hint of superiority. As he was about to turn to leave, he heard a voice that made him stop.

"Byakuya-sama… Arigato."

Byakuya turned back to her after hearing those words. He didn't understand why she was even thanking him. Didn't she flare out at him because he saved her? And hell, to be honest, Rukia doesn't even know why she was thanking him herself. She just felt the need to… the need to say thank you to him. Then Byakuya began to speak again, and Rukia paid full attention to each of his words.

"I saved your life. Therefore, from now on, you may not die without my permission."

Following his words, a small breeze of wind found them and led their kimonos, hair, and scarves to flow gracefully in the direction of the wind. Rukia's violets could only widen, while she couldn't find any word she learned from her life time to reply to him. Soon, Byakuya walked through the exit and left Rukia alone once again as another breeze blew by.


Byakuya... So bossy. ;o Bad boy. XD I tried to make some funny scenes in here, like Toshiro's height and Rukia plopping back down in bed. [If I was Rukia, I would plop right back down, too. XD] Well, introducing three new princes, Byakuya[not really new, but new intro?], Shiro-chan and Shunsui. I would like to thank you for reading. Means a lot. Really a lot. Thank you to my followers. Just thank you, thank you, thank you. Questions, comments, concerns, reviews. Send me a PM if you want to suggest an idea or want to beat the crap out of me in graphic detail. You may include blood and gore, just not in the reviews please. ; ; I don't want to let people see me in blood. XD Thank you again. Forgive me if the next chapter takes another month to update. Ideas just go into my mind and I don't know when it does. When I don't have motivation or inspiration, my fingers can't move. ; ; Bear with me? Arigato.