It's almost been a month since my last update. You can kill me now. I tried to write, but school is starting soon and I have to prepare. This is an important year for me, but I'll always find some time to write. I really would love to thank all my reviewers so far. They were the best motivations I needed to keep writing. I decided I have to update today because it's the 1st of a new month. If I take any longer, you guys will not forgive me and I wouldn't forgive myself, either. The lack of motivation these days are probably due to the authors I follow on FF are not updating for a long time as well and I felt a bit off. XD Thank you for sticking with me, if you still are. Nothing really exciting about this chapter, just a link to the bomb.
Special thanks to VKLOREO23, I-Got-A-Quill and guest[Ragelvlitsover9000] for reviewing.
Enjoy reading! :3
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY BLEACH CHARACTERS.
"Lastly, Shizuko Rukia and Schiffer Nel assigned to…"
… Lady Ran'Tao.
"Why was Rukia assigned to Lady Ran'Tao?!"
Ukitake's loud volume was contained in Momo's personal closed room. His hands were clenched into fists on the table, resonating anger and worry. Sitting next to him was Toshiro, who appeared expressionless on the subject.
Earlier, after the news of Rukia serving Ran'Tao reached his ears, Ukitake rushed to the palace and requested a meeting with Hinamori. Along the way, the tenth prince saw him, but paid no attention. Later, when Rangiku stepped into his office and reported seeing Rukia following Ran'Tao, Hitsugaya finally realized what was going on. He immediately rushed to Hinamori's place. When he opened the doors, he saw Momo sitting apologetically, looking down at the table while Ukitake's fist was slammed down onto the furniture with a furious expression in place of the usual gentle smile. Toshiro gave a look to Ukitake, signaling him to calm down which the younger brother understood and relaxed his body muscles ever so slightly. But, his fists didn't relieve any tension.
"Lady Ran'Tao personally requested Rukia. I didn't have a legal reason to disobey." Momo stated with hinted sorrow.
Ukitake's grip lessened slightly. He understood. He understood the rules of the palace. He understood the laws and rules which everyone living in the palace has to follow. Rank and connection is everything. Emperor will always be at the top, following those with the most connections inside the palace. He couldn't blame Hinamori because he understands. He has to…
Toshiro was staring between the two. Known as the ice prince, he lived up to his name. No hint of caring emotion was visible on his facial features, unless you pay very close attention where you may notice the subtle narrowed white eyebrows. Although not visibly showing so, he indeed did care about the situation, currently analyzing multiple ways to solve the situation in which Rukia will have the most proper care.
The room was filled with silence, leading the three to create a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere, not that they were comfortable about discussing a matter that may lead Rukia to major consequences. Deciding that someone will need to break the silence, Hinamori bowed her head slightly.
"I am sorry that I have failed you, Prince Ukitake, Prince Toshiro."
Ukitake and Toshiro looked at the apologizing woman. The younger brother looked as if he wanted to say something but it seems he decided not to, whereas Toshiro immediately responded with his analytical voice.
"You needn't apologize. If Lady Ran'Tao personally requested, I'm sure there was nothing you could do about the subject."
Ukitake nodded in agreement. Seeing so, Hinamori raised her head back up slightly, but still refused to look at the two princes. Sensing the dense atmosphere, Toshiro broke the silence.
"Is Rukia off the list for the choosing?"
Momo slowly nodded in response. After hearing that news, Ukitake seemed to have loosened his muscles ever so slightly following a small sigh. Toshiro was also somehwat relieved, hearing some good news at least.
"Momo, just do what you can. We appreciate it." Toshiro said softly.
Understanding what to do, Hinamori nodded quietly. Ukitake's eyes narrowed in thought, thinking of a way to remove or at least rearrange Rukia's schedule. His thoughts were interrupted when Toshiro began to speak again.
"Ukitake."
The thirteenth prince looked up at the expressionless captain.
"In one week, there is the event. That time, we can..."
Ukitake's eyes widened in realization. He nodded, understanding the plan. After another moment of thinking, Ukitake's eyebrows narrowed further.
"Would he help us?"
Toshiro's expression didn't change, but stayed silent for a moment to think of an answer.
"It's not us he's helping..." Toshiro's voice lowered slightly.
"... it's Rukia."
After the announcement was given, all the ladies returned to their room. Rukia dragged her legs to her bed and sat down without a sound or word escaping from her lips. Her violet eyes were staring into space, gazing off as if the molecules in the air were suddenly so interesting. Nel studied her friend for a few moments, but soon, she could take the dead silence anymore.
"Rukia!" Nel shouted.
As if struck by lightning, Rukia snapped her violets and jumped back on the bed. Trying to calm her frightened heart, she held a hand on her chest. Turning her face to her friend, she gave her a glare.
"What was that for, Nel?!" Momentarily forgetting what she was thinking about.
"I should be asking you the questions. What's gotten into you?" Nel countered.
Rukia cocked up an eyebrow slightly, creating a what-are-you-talking-about expression. Nel huffed a breath, shaking her head and crossing her arms in response to her friend's density.
"You were so quiet and just stared off into space." Nel stated matter-of-factly.
Remaining silent for a brief moment as her thoughts rushed back into her mind, Rukia realized what Nel was talking about.
"Oh…" Was all Rukia can say as she slowly looked down.
Memory of the encounter at the accessory store returned to her. From that one meeting, Rukia can only say that Lady Ran'Tao was a bit… bossy? Rukia understood that it was natural due to the rank status, but for some reason, she just doesn't like the aura she releases into the atmosphere. So dense, so heavy…
And so dark…
Rukia snapped out of her thoughts once again when Nel nudged her on her side, signaling at the direction of the doorway. This caused Rukia to raise her head and look at the entrance. Her eyes were widened with surprise and happiness when she recognized Sentaro at the doorway.
"Nel, I'll be right back." She quickly said before bolting off to the doorway.
The green head could only blink in confusion as she sat alone on her bed.
"Sentaro! Why are you here?" Rukia immediately asked when she stopped running next to him.
The dark haired servant bowed slowly stared at Rukia for a short moment before turning his head to a direction behind him. Rukia moved to look behind him and sighted two figures. Recognizing who they are, Rukia began to make her way towards them, slowly and elegantly.
Living in the palace is different from the outside. Everywhere, there will be someone watching.
Hinamori's advice came to her head as she realized she was outside, reminded by the warmth of the sun rays shining upon her. When she finally reached a respectful distance, she bowed.
"Prince Toshiro, Prince Ukitake."
Toshiro lifted a hand in the air to signal that she may rise, which she did quickly. Rukia seemed delighted to see familiar faces, considering that she didn't really like the new environment, but when she notice the uneasiness on their faces, she knew something was not going well.
"Is there something?" Rukia asked.
Toshiro was staring at Rukia with his stoic expression as always, but one can tell that he's slightly affected over something, hinted by the narrowed eyebrows. When Rukia decided that he wouldn't give an answer or explanation to her question, she turned to look at Ukitake, who seemed also troubled by something, but it was more obviously shown on his face.
"Rukia." Ukitake began. "You have heard the name of your new master, yes?"
Rukia nodded in reply. "Lady Ran'Tao."
"Do you know who she is?"
"A consort of the Emperor?" Rukia recalled Hisana saying so.
"Yes, but have you heard of anything else like her…" Ukitake tries to find a smoother way of speaking but obviously failing.
"… anything else like how she indirectly executed all her previous servants." Toshiro bluntly finished.
Ukitake shot a glare at Toshiro in disbelief, obviously meaning something like 'are-you-stupid-you-just-insulted-a-consort', but Toshiro didn't seem to care at all. Rukia's violets widened at the question, obviously shocked by the new detail of her new master. Trying to recover from the surprise, she shook her head slowly.
"None of her servants lasted more than one month alive." Toshiro stated.
Rukia's head began swimming with her random unlikely futures. She getting stabbed in the heart with a dagger, getting her head chopped off by an axe, being beaten to death while tied up, or even locking her up in a chamber with no food or water. Before her mind began to go as far as connecting Ran'Tao with aliens, Ukitake began speaking again.
"Lady Ran'Tao is very strict. Perhaps too strict…" Ukitake's voice trailed off as if remembering something.
"One time, she sentenced a servant to death because she accidentally used the wrong tea leaves in her tea." Toshiro further detailed.
Rukia seemed to turn pale at this, recalling how clumsy she can be. Her face turned sour when the thought of her life being so easily threatened over the smallest things she may do. She looked at Ukitake who was showing apologetic and worried look on his face. Seeing such emotions reminded Rukia of Hisana, thinking how worried she will be if she knew her little sister was under such stress and danger. Not wanting that, Rukia took a deep breath before speaking again.
"Okay. Thanks for the tip." She forced a large smile onto her face.
Ukitake and even Toshiro seemed surprised at the sudden change of expression. Their eyes widened slightly and looked at Rukia worriedly.
"Are you okay?" Ukitake asked slowly.
Rukia nodded strongly. "Yup."
Toshiro's expression returned back to his usual cold stare. "We basically told you that you may die tomorrow. You're okay with that?"
Rukia shrugged in response. "I understand, but there is no use worrying about it. I can take care of myself. I don't have any special skills, but I'm sure tasks like serving tea won't be hard for me."
Ukitake seemed to be slightly thrown off at this response, but also slightly relieved. He may know that she is just putting on a strong cover, but he is at least glad she's taking it better than he had imagined. Toshiro noticed Sentaro looking at them intently, signaling the time to leave. Rukia seemed to have noticed this and stared for a moment.
"Princes normally cannot visit these sites. We may not stay for long." Toshiro explained.
Rukia nodded in reply. "I understand."
"We will come visit you some other time. Hinamori will watch over you." Ukitake reminded.
Rukia smiled at this, reminded that there are still people caring for her and willing to help her.
"Arigato, Ukitake-sama, Toshiro-sama." Rukia bowed slightly.
"One week." Toshiro suddenly began.
Rukia didn't understand what five days meant, leading a confused expression planted on her face.
"If you can hold on for one week, we may be able to make some changes."
Rukia's expression didn't change, but looked at Ukitake for his reaction. The prince nodded and Rukia nodded in return. Even though she doubted at the possibility of her being alive until then, she can do nothing but trust her friends. She nodded and bowed slightly, a gesture of thanks and appreciation.
The two princes began walking their path as Sentaro hurriedly followed behind. Before they reached the gate, Ukitake stopped for a moment before turning back to Rukia. He slowly mouthed out words, considering their distance now that his voice is probably incomprehensible to her. Rukia stared and thought for a moment before realizing what he was saying. She nodded and waved in their direction. Ukitake smiled softly and resumed walking.
Take care… Rukia.
The sound of crickets echoed through the night sky. Inside a brightly lit mansion, Ran'Tao can be seen sitting silently on a chair, eyes focused on the words written in the book held by her hand. Nel was standing silently in a corner of the room, mostly looking at her master to respond to any need she may request. Her hazel eyes turned to the doors as they slowly creaked open, revealing Rukia carrying a cup of freshly brewed tea. Ran'Tao didn't make a single gesture to acknowledge Rukia's entrance, making the two servants wonder if she was purposely ignoring her or was she really focused into her book. Nevertheless, Rukia continued her task, placing the warm tea cup on the table near Ran'Tao. While doing so, Rukia couldn't help but glance at the book, curious to see what it was about. When the sound of the cup hits the table, creating a minor clicking sound, Ran'Tao eyes shifted from the book upward to Rukia. This resulted in Rukia quickly withdrawing her hands and quickly walked next to Nel, body shaking nervously at the process. Nel also seemed affected by the sudden tense stare Ran'Tao was giving them, leading her to swallowed in hoping to calm her racing heartbeat. Ran'Tao turned her eyes back down, specifically to the teacup Rukia had just placed down. Steam was rising slowly from the cup, indicating its warm temperature. The lady silently extended her hand and reached for the tea. Her long fingers elegantly wrapped themselves around the cup. Her hand withdrew, bringing the cup close to her lips. Rukia and Nel's eyes followed every single movement of their master. Rukia was especially nervous; it was her first time brewing tea. If Hinamori wasn't there to help her, Rukia wouldn't even have known how to make any. Ran'Tao looked suspiciously at the cup, inhaling the scent of the tea before taking a small sip. As the liquid was gulped down, Rukia and Nel was shaking, afraid of the results. As they feared, Ran'Tao settled the cup back down on the table and turned to the servants. The atmosphere became much thicker and intense, sending chills down Rukia's spine.
"Who made that tea?" Ran'Tao questioned.
Taking a short deep breath, Rukia tried to calm her shaking body and bowed slightly.
"It was I, Lady Ran'Tao." Rukia managed to croak out.
Ran'Tao's eyes scanned the petite servant slowly from top to bottom as if analyzing her prey. Nel only stood in silence, silently praying for her friend's life. Rukia was shaking nervously, a bead of sweater traveling down the back of her neck.
Is this it?
Ran'Tao extended her hand to the cup once again and took another sip at the liquid.
Is this it for me?
Moments later, Ran'Tao released a small sigh.
I am doomed-
"It was pretty good."
This both shocked and relieved Rukia. At first she thought she was being played, but when she glanced at the tea cup, noting that it was indeed finished, Rukia bowed at the compliment.
"Your name is Rukia, right?"
Rukia raised her head slowly and nodded in reply.
"That was your first time making tea?"
Rukia nodded silently once again. Ran'Tao studied Rukia silently for another brief moment. Her eyes then began to drift away from the servant and went back to her book.
"You both are dismissed for the night." Ran'Tao stated.
Hearing that, a huge weight seemed to have lifted off the ladies shoulders. They bowed, and eagerly exited the room, while trying to create as less sound as possible. When the door closed, Ran'Tao looked up from her book to glance at the entrance. Her lips then silently curved into a small sly smile.
When Rukia and Nel reached their room, specifically assigned to the servants of Ran'Tao, the two began to change into their plain white clothing, also called in modern times 'pajamas'. Rukia quickly plopped onto her bed, taking slow deep breaths to dissolve the earlier event. Nel began to jump on her bed happily.
"We lived, we lived, we lived!" Nel cheered as she bounced up and down.
Rukia couldn't help but giggle at the sight of her friend. Even though Nel's life was never actually at stake, she was jumping for joy for her friend. Rukia knew that it was enough to prove that her friend cared for her.
"You better stop. Jumping on the bed isn't exactly a gesture of good manners in the palace." Rukia reminded her friend.
Hearing that, Nel almost immediately stopped. She then moved to sit next to her friend.
"I'm just happy we both got through. I honestly thought that she was going to punish you or something." Nel confessed.
Rukia took a small thought into that. "Yeah… I thought so, too…"
Of course she thought so. In fact, she thought she could've died right on the spot if Ran'Tao wanted her to. She closed her eyes and gave a silent thank to the gods for guiding her life through the day. Soon, Rukia's eyelids began to grow heavy. Nel seemed to feel the same way but who can blame them? The two quickly ended their conversations and went straight to bed. Only a mere few minutes passed after the candles were out in the area and Nel's snoring began to echo throughout the room. Rukia disregarded the noise and instead, drifted off to her thoughts.
If you can hold on for one week, we may be able to make some changes.
The hopeful words resonated in Rukia's mind. She gave one final prayer to the stars before releasing a pattern of light snoring.
A pair of misty grey eyes was fixed on a pond of koi. Due to the night time, the fishes have already retired for resting, making the water in the pond completely still. An occasional light breeze disturbs the water, but within seconds, the water returns to its original state. Only minor ruffling of the leaves and grass can be heard when the wind passes by. This silence extended for a long period of time, until it was interrupted by approaching footsteps.
"Byakuya-sama, Prince Toshiro and Prince Ukitake wishes to have a word with you."
Byakuya moved his eyes away from the pond and turned to his guests. He gave a short glance at his advisor, which he immediately understands and retreats from the scene. When the area was cleared of anyone else, Byakuya's eyes fixed on the two princes, waiting for an explanation of their visit.
"Byakuya." Ukitake began. "We want to discuss something with you."
"What is it?" The cold prince responded.
"It's about Rukia."
The name Rukia ignited a small spark of interest in Byakuya's mind. Recalling their encounters, he began to wonder what she may have gotten herself into this time that made three princes form a discussion about it.
"She was assigned to Lady Ran'Tao in result of the consort choosing." Toshiro continued.
Ran'Tao? Now that explains why Rukia was a topic of discussion. Byakuya has never cared about the news around the palace, but he did hear some things about the abnormal number of executions coming from the lady's mansion.
"That is none of my concern." Byakuya calmly stated.
"We want your assistance in the matter." Ukitake requested.
"I don't see how I fit into this."
"In one week, the Emperor will have to meet with the leader of the Shi Jian tribe. A number of princes, servants, followers will be chosen to follow along. During this time, we can make some arrangements to her post." Toshiro explained.
"You want me to request her to participate in the event?"
"Byakuya, you will definitely be invited to the event, considering how father leaves so many work in your care. If Toshiro or I do not get the opportunity, we wish for Rukia to be under your care."
"What makes you believe I will agree to this?" Byakuya questioned.
The moment of silence fills the air as a breeze passes by.
"You have no reason to." Toshiro stated matter-of-factly.
Ukitake's prolonged silence also suggests that he had nothing to counter the statement. Slightly amused at this, Byakuya hid a slight smile of dominance. He recalled his first encounter with Rukia. He happened to be there when she was about to fall. Instead of thanking him, she flared out at him, a very unusual act from normal people. This sparked Byakuya's interest, and he wouldn't mind learning a bit more about her. Her life… belongs to him now after all…
I saved your life. Therefore, from now on, you may not die without my permission.
"I know what to do."
The mini-starting point of ByaRuki. XD What will Byakuya do? I dunno. I seriously don't know, even though I'm the writer. XD I'm horrible. Well, too prevent taking long times to update, I have already started the next chapter so it'll update quicker than last time. :3 Writing is not easy, and I'm just really happy that some people out there are actually liking it. As usual, comments, questions, concerns, suggestions, throw them all at me. I take them all. :3 Thank you for following and/or reviewing if you did. It helps a lot. A whole lot. So thank you again. :3
