Truths Beyond My Mask
Chapter Eight
The next two days were eventful to say the least which I was fully intent on saying. I had never realized how much chaos ensued when Yoru-san and Urahara were around. First of all not only has my laboratory been blow up multiple times but Ichiraion hasn't been seen for days because he's locked himself away trying to create a way to hold ceros and other attacks. Yoru-san played pranks of Grimmjow, Lilynette, and Zommari. Why the hell is Zommari still around anyway. I am currently hiding in my private library away from all the chaos as the other prepare for my cousin to come visit us. It has only been respectively seventy-eight days since we returned, speaking in Hueco Mundo time, while in the Seireitei it's only been six days since I left. Ulqui is lounging around the blazing fire as a cold wind blows through the room making the flame flicker. The cold season is falling on Hueco Mundo meaning that the lower level hollows will either find shelter here or in the sands. Those inhabiting the menos forest will be fine.
Ulqui looks at me over his shoulder and rolls his eyes before standing and walking over to pluck the pen from my hand. "Ichi you're going to hurt yourself if you work too hard on that paperwork." I grimace at him and reach for my pen but he grins and places it in the pocket of his shirt before he takes my hand to leads me toward the fire. "It is my job as your protector to ensure that you are not harmed. It is much too cold right now for you to not be by the fire. As it stands I will return your pen to you when your hand is not frozen." Ulqui smirks and walks down the rows of books only to stop at a shelf and pluck a book from it before returning and then grabbing my own book off the corner of my desk. He drops my book onto my lap and settles into the cushioned area. I chuckle and feel a breeze brush into the room again. With a sigh I lift my hand and curtains fly shut darkening the room considerably. The fire begins to brighten and it illuminates the room. Torches that are hanging along the walls light as well making the room seem lighter than it really is. We read silently sitting side by side engrossed in our books. I am reading Julius Caesar by Shakespeare…Ulqui does not like Shakespeare he very much prefers Poe.
Nearly silent footsteps break us from our readings and the door to my library opens slowly revealing Yukihana who is kneeling at the edge. "Ichigo-sama it is nearly time for our visitors to arrive…all preparations have been finished we will make sure that the guests of our Omo are properly taken care of." She smiles and watches as Ulqui and I place bookmarks in our books. I hand my book to Ulqui and he nods once before placing both on a small table settled against the side of a bookshelf. We both walk toward the ext and then through my chambers and into the hallways.
"Where do you have our guests settled exactly I do not wish for them to be far nor do I wish for them to be exceedingly close. Those rooms are reserved solely for she who is mine and her family." Ulqui and Yukihana look over to me and nods once signaling that they knew that.
Yukihana smiles sincerely and clasps her hands in front of her as we pass a rather large hallway that is bustling with weaker arrancar that are used as servants as well as those born to be servants to the king. It is hard to explain but more than normal the king's servants by blood double as a type of protection meaning they are warriors as well such as Yukihana and Ichiraion. "Ichigo-sama we have placed your guests in this wing and you're cousin the Reio has been places in the very last set of quarters that, aside from your own and the quarters of your personal wing, is the largest in the palace of Las Noches. Will this be alright?" I nod once and we leave toward the throne room so that Grimm and Nel may bring our visitors here. We are having a select few shinigami come along for the reinforcement of our alliance as well as to visit. I am not aware of who is coming however I have had room in my wing set up in case any of Kuchiki blood is sent. Those of my wing are specifically of either my bloodline of my mate's bloodline. The Reio is not considered to be a part of my wing as we are the kings first and foremost. Therefore by tradition he receives the largest room aside from those in my wing as I will receive in his home.
The large double doors open as I near them reacting to my reiatsu. My throne, from the formal ground of the old palace, is sitting on a platform three steps above the floor. I take my seat easily having done so many times already when dealing with lower level hollow disputes as well as Arrancar disputes. Most normally our meetings are held in a less formal sitting room where we enjoy food and drinks. Dinner is a large affair here and most eat in the formal dining rooms which are set up to rank. My dinner is the largest and low level arrancar are invited in a constant rotation aside from when we have guests then it is by custom only the higher arrancar and I who dine with the guests. When I dine somewhere else it is law for us that Ulqui taste all food before I eat in case of poisoning.
Ulqui stations himself slightly behind me and to my right as Yukihana positions herself to kneel at my side prepared for any orders. Ichiraion opens the doors and hurries Urahara and Yoru-san into the room. He too kneels to my side but slightly behind Yukihana who is my leading servant. Ichiraion would be Rukia's personal servant if she ever takes up residence here. It is odd isn't it for male to have female servants and females to have male servants but it has been that way for centuries years in my family. Yoru-san and Urahara look at me a bit differently upon seeing the stiffness in my shoulders and the intense gleam in my eyes. They truly had never seen me so regal had they? Most of the time I do not actually become the king I am respected but they had never seen me actually rule. The hollows here fear me not for my family name, nor for my power. I do what I must to ensure the safety of those who are under my protection if that means slaughtering an army of opposing hollows then I will do so. Starrk and Lilynette appear and stand against the wall their head bowed and their arms crossed in front of them. Everyone knows the rules of the throne room they will never be disobeyed simply by the knowledge that by disobeying the rules of the throne you will be killed on spot by the Omo himself.
Everyone straightens as a rip opens and we hear Grimm speaking lowly and respectfully while also commanding respect. "We will enter into the throne room it is custom that those that are guests bow at the waist to the Omo. Reio you do not need to head such customs and he will greet you all. Be warned that until we leave the throne room Our Omo will not be the man you know. Ulquiorra and our Omo will explain to you the ways of the palace of Las Noches and what will be occurring during your stay here. If you would please step through the rip in a single file line and bow to our Omo…" Everyone walks out, first a few Ozokutokumu, then my cousin, followed by Soi-feng, Toshiro, Rangiku, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Renji, Byakuya, Shunsui, Ukitake, and finally Rukia…my beautiful Rukia.
I stand and smile welcomingly. Everyone looks at me in wide eyed wonder, well those that knew me I suppose. "Hello and welcome to the palace of Las Noches my most honorable guests. Grimmjow and Nelliel thank-you for your services I would like for you two as well as Starrk and Lilynette to please alert the chefs that our guest will be escorted to the dining hall promptly in two hours and that the meal shall be very grand." The fours addressed appear before me and meet my gaze before dropping their heads and kneels on one knee in a bow.
Grimmjow, being of the highest ranking due to his secondary job as Rukia's protector, lifts his head and places his hand to his hollow hole. "Hai Kurosaki-sama…your wish is our command." All four sonido out of the room directly after that shocking everyone as the door barely open before shutting with a soft thud. I grin and tilt my head to Ichiraion. He appears in front of me and bows in the same manner as Grimmjow had.
"Sir…" I smile down at him, with softness in my gaze, before I tap my chin just once.
His eyes meet mine hesitantly as well as slightly quizzically. "Ah yes now I remember please enter into the gense and pick up my Otou-sama and sister for me. Be positive that their protectors are with them as well this time. I do not intend to fix the damage they will surely cause while they are left alone." He nods and opens a rip before quickly stepping through and disappearing. I turn to my itoko and move down the steps with the regal grace of a true king and take his forearm in mine as we both bow our heads. "Welcome itoko to my home…if you would all be so kind as to follow me I will show you to your rooms."
With that said I release my itoko and move to the door watching as they open without my touching them. Ulqui takes up my right flank as Yukihana trails lightly behind us. Grimmjow turns the corner and takes up my left flank easily. "Sir your orders have been fulfilled…" I nod and flick my wrist dismissing him easily. He all but disappears around another corner and down the hallway toward him and Nel's bedroom.
I turn my head just slightly and smile back at the group allowing my posture to melt in a way to reveal myself. "Before we settle in there are a few minor rules to being in the palace of Las Noches as guests. It is all very customary and will be seen as disrespectful if you do not follow them. If there are questions do not refrain from asking. The very first rule is that no one is allowed to enter into the private quarters at the west of the palace unless invited there. The only exceptions are in case of emergency and those that are of my own bloodline and are of my mate's bloodline. I am afraid that it is for protection purposes and my guards will not refrain from killing should someone disobey. Our second rule is that those who are guests are expecting to be in the dining hall dressed in appropriate attire, which will be provided for you in your rooms, at the time of six on the dot. Dinner is a rather ritual affair here as it is a time for celebrating another day here is Las Noches under our ancestral Omo. The only exception to this rule is sickness such as in Ukitake-taicho's case. Our third and final rule is that male and females are to bathe in separate onsens even if the reside in the same room. We do not wish for others to witness such things that are to be kept in the privacy of your quarters. Yukihana is my personal servant and if you should find that you are in need of something or lost she will direct you to the best of her ability as for other servants. Those servants that are seen bearing two horns on their attire would be of the most help dealing with issues as they are both warriors of the Omo and servants." I look to Yukihana awaiting her speech as she has so diligently prepared for our guests. She takes the lead and begins to speak as Ulqui and I fall to the back walking quietly behind everyone.
I watch in happiness as she finds comfort before all of these guests, yes Ulqui chose very well. "Alright although the path was have taken here seems rather long your room are located near the Western side of Las Noches where most of the most used rooms are located. The rooms are assigned based on ranking with the Reio being at the end of the hallway. Each room has a sitting area for morning tea as well as a second room with a bed and seating as well as a third room with an area to use the bathroom. The onsens are located at the very beginning of the hallway with the woman's being on the right and the men's on the left they are clearly labeled as such. Robes will be supplied to you each morning and night depending on which you prefer. After dinner is served tonight I will be giving our guests a tour of the palace. Tonight you will be lead to the dining hall so not to be late. For the remainder of your stay you are expected to find your way to the dining hall at the same time each night. Are there any questions?" I watch as hands raise and then Toshiro clears his throat.
Yukihana looks to the young taicho expectantly looking like the picture of appeasement. "What areas of the palace are open to us so that we do not break any rules?" Toshiro looks around and shrugs as everyone nods in agreement. I notice that Yoru-san and Urahara had left after we left the throne room and I turn to Ulqui to whisper something to him.
"Did Urahara-san leave to return to the laboratory and have you any idea where Yoru-san is I wished to spar later?" Ulqui nods once and signals with his eyes that he would tell me later. We listen again to hear Yukihana begin against as she turns sharply down a corridor. I swear there are so many twists and turns it a wonder I haven't gotten lost yet.
"The kitchen is open to any who wish to eat but breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served for guests at eight, twelve, and six. There is also a parlor with games, a library with many books, a sitting room with television, dojos to train In that vary in size, there is a rather large swimming pool as well, any room aside from those of the restricted Western wing and of course the throne room and most of the time the laboratory are off limits. The laboratory is only opened when Ichiraion deems it fit to be depending on the experiment taking place. It is most likely that it will not be open during your stay as there are experiment being conducted that are highly dangerous." Yukihana clasps her hands in front of her and stops in an open air way to turn and look back at our guests.
I clear my throat and everyone turns to me. "Yukihana you also forgot to mention that we ask all guests to refrain from leaving the walls of Las Noches due to Hueco Mundo being severely cold during this time." She nods quickly and then looms to Shunsui who has his hand raised.
"Is there anywhere for us to drink during our stay?" I chuckle softly startling the few people in front of me.
"Surely you did not think I made it through this chaos without something to drink…you will be shown both the indoor and outdoor taverns during your tour. The indoor tavern has a show every night while the outdoor tavern does not. Sake may also be brought to your room as well as anything else you may find yourself in need of." They all nod in acceptance and Yukihana looks around patiently again and upon no longer finding any questions she turns down the hallway leading to their quarters. We stop and Yukihana begins to speak again effectively silencing anyone.
Their eyes turn to here expectantly as she stops in front of the long wing. "Here is the wing where our guest reside. Reio your bedroom is at the far end against the back wall. The Ozokutokumu also have rooms alongside his. After the Ozokutokumu's quarters are the quarters of the taicho and after that the fukutaicho and then other seated shinigami. Names should be printed neatly on a card placed on the door. When you touch the handle of your door it will recognize your reiatsu and open the card shall remain. Please do find your rooms now." Everyone walks forward and I watch in mild interest as Yukihana stops Byakuya and Rukia from entering. Renji stops as a few others do to stare at the slightly irritated Taicho.
"What is the meaning of this?" I frown and control my anger but the walls of Las Noches rumble. Ulqui places a hand on my shoulder and I calm enough…well I do but Shiro doesn't. Rukia blushes softly and looks down. I walk forward and wrap an arm around her shoulders tucking her into my side.
I smirk at the enraged Taicho and he glares sharply at me. "Were you not paying attention there is a wing specifically designed for those of my bloodline and those of my mate's bloodline it would be rude and quite frankly disrespectfully to allow the elder brother of my mate to sleep in our guest quarters when he is considered family. If you would please follow me and my protector we will show you to your rooms as well as to my own where there should be tea." Everyone gapes in mild astonishment and Byakuya nods his eyes softening from a glare to an unemotional look. I lead away from the hallway and back down the hallway before taking a sharp turn right and walking a few more step until we reach a long hallway to our left and a small archway opening onto a balcony with a sitting area. "Welcome to the western wing of Las Noches, family…"
I lead them down the hallway until we reach the room to the left of my own which is the very last set of doors. "Which rooms are ours Ichigo?" I look down at Rukia and smile softly before taking her hand and touching the door of the last room on the left. It opens easily. We enter into a sitting area much like my own. Rukia looks at it and Byakuya raises a brow in confusion. Of course it just looks like a normal room however if you look hard enough you can make out the sliding shoji screens near the back wall. I walk forward and push them open revealing a room the exact same size as my own sleeping chambers. A bed of white with blue, white, and purple pillows and sheets is settled in the middle with dark purple curtains pushed open to reveal the high open pillars and large balcony that is connected to my own room. The same sheer curtains hang from her ceiling but instead of being black like mine they are dark purple. The walls are a light blue color almost like snow. To the right of us on the far wall is a door with the same design as the door to my own onsen.
"For all intents and purposes this is the room belonging to the josei of Las Noches. However if the josei ever does live in Las Noches completely she will most likely reside in the room of the Omo as it is custom. Then her room will be converted into the room for the heirs. The next Omo will then built a new wing and the pattern started again. Each wing is names after the Omo who build it. This wing although most commonly referred to as the Western wing, due to it being the farthest part of the palace that is west, is called Tengoku no Yoru or heavenly night. It was created upon my arrival here. Rukia this is your room for the remainder of your stay here. Your private onsen is right through those doors as well as a closet filled with the clothing of the josei and bathing oils and such. Byakuya if you may follow me I will show you to your room which is directly beside Rukia's." He nods and follows me out of the room leaving Rukia to herself to wander the room.
I walk to the next room up from Rukia's and watch as Byakuya touches the door and it opens. We walk into the same kind of sitting room. "Why are there sitting rooms in each room?" I chuckle and slide open the doors revealing a room that changed from black and gold to rich warm browns and very light whites and blues. I nod my head and look to Byakuya to answer his question.
"Each morning tea is served and it is advised that you only allow guests into your tea room unless they are rather close to you such as bed mates, mentors, or close personal friends and family. That area is also set up so that the servants do not enter your sleeping chambers or private chambers and disturb you. I am not particularly enjoyable when I am awoken and have been known to attack someone without thinking. I've shattered a vase of two since I first came here. I feel very bad for the servant I injured when Yukihana was on a mission the other month. In any case there will be tea in my chambers which are the doors at the very end of the halls way with the horns on them. Please come when you are freshened up and we will speak before preparing for dinner." He nods once and I leave back the way I came only to meet Yukihana on my way to my room. She is holding a vase of flowers that have wilted. I chuckle and allow her to pass.
"Glad to see you do not insist on shattering one of the only black vases that we have left today Ichigo-sama. I would be very upset if I had to run to the Gense to retrieve more black vases. I'd have to go pretty far considering last time they looks at me like I was crazy." I chuckle and pat her shoulder affectionately. She rolls her eyes and raises an eyebrow at me questioning how so many broke.
"It's not my fault I don't like to be woken up by a random servant. She woke me up inside my chambers and the vase was the closest thing to my reiatsu. Perhaps we should move it but to where…I will think of that while you return to doing whatever it is you were doing. Oh and are my robes clean now?" She nods an answer rot my question before leaving the hallway. I return to my room and chuckle when I see my pen lying on the tray with the tea. I pick it up and enter into my room and walk toward my study. I place my pen neatly on the stack of papers and here a giggle.
"So even the big bad Omo has paper work?" I turn and smile at Rukia before walking toward her turning her around and leading her out of my study. She is laughing the entire time and then we both return to the tea room to see Byakuya already pouring it elegantly into cups. We sit down and I look at Rukia dropping my façade entirely.
She rolls her eyes upon noticing it and I chuckle. "Yes even I, he Omo of Hueco Mundo, must do paper work. There are many disputes to be taken care of as well as marriages between hollow clans and the land of the menos forest…very much to do yet Ulqui is always a brat and never lets me sit there and finish it all." I sip my tea and close my eyes defiantly. "Just today he stole my pen and would not give it back. I was just putting it back before Rukia came and got me. I given the chance I'd probably stay in my study all day but sadly I cannot that would be ride and my people need me."
Rukia begins to giggle softly at my childishness and I can faintly hear a chuckle from her brother as well. "Yes I too would like to stay in my study all day…it is much more peaceful." I stare at him for a long moment before nodding and chuckling softly to myself.
We sit and talk for quite some time mostly about small things and what I have been missing in the Seireitei. Apparently Renji got so drunk the other night he puked on Rangiku while trying to make out with her. Perhaps I will use that later for some teasing. I missed Rukia and if I were being completely honest with myself I didn't mind Byakuya when he loosened up a bit. I'm glad he approves of this now because it would have been terrible if he didn't approve of me but I don't suppose there is much you can do if a king wishes to take your sister as his wife and/or mate. Never the less I suppose dinner will be rather entertaining now won't it. I mean for the most part it is very relaxed but my dad will be there as well as Karin and Yuzu. I wonder if Karin still has that thing for Toshiro. I don't know why they don't just date it's not like I have anything against humans, hollows or shinigami now…hell I was born between mortal enemies…well not really enemies they loved each other but their descendants did not. I hope my sister find love but every day I wonder if they will end up with inner hollows as I have. It really isn't too bad but in the beginning it really suck because they hate you. Speaking of inner hollows Shiro was really quite today I wonder why.
I had nothin' ta say Aibo…plus I've been kinda busy with mah Hime-chan!
I almost spit my tea out and begin coughing softly and Rukia glances at me sharing the same look apparently she had just had the same conversation with her inner hollow. That is just nasty…just disgusting no wonder I'm still a virgin Shiro scares the hell out of me. He used to steal pour from the Gense and bring it into my mindscape to read…disgusting pig.
"I should get ready…Nii-sama…Ichigo…" Rukia leaves with a soft bow and Byakuya stands and follows suit a few moments later. I enter into my chambers and lock the doors behind me so none can enter. I send the curtains crashing together and walk into my onsen. No one can enter unless I allow them too. This is good I wish for a bath in peace. Too bad my chambers are the only place I ever get peace…that is very sad and soon I may not get peace here either but I wouldn't much mind that distraction if it came in the form of Rukia.
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Chey: Hello my lovely readers, yes I apologize but dinner will be in the next chapter I apologize profusely for such a long wait *begins to sniffle and cry* I am a very horrible author-sama aren't I? *sniff sniff…* please do read and review I would very much appreciate it!
Ichigo: Quit sobbing like an idiot! *smacks author on head forcing author to cry more*
Chey: You jerk! This is why I like Fluffy-sama more than you! *enter Lord Sesshoumaru from Inuyasha*
Fluffy: You called…oh I brought whip cream, strawberries, and chocolate syrup…*Chey glomps Fluffy and drags him through a door that magically appears*
Ulqui: That was very irrational…*stare at space where door was*
Grimm: Yeah that was just weird…*shakes head and kisses Nel*
Byakuya: She is rather indecent but I quite like the man he was very well kept.*nods once before removing unseen dirt from Shihakusho*
Ichigo: You just like him cause that way you're not the only one that looks like a chick! *rolls eyes and lean against wall before shrieking when two girls appear*
Mae: Awe Kae looks he's so kawaii! *pulls at Toshiro's cheeks before both stop to stare open mouthed at Byakuya*
Kae: Mae I've died…please…please *sniffle* tell me that I'm in heaven!
Byakuya: What in Kami's name…*backs away fearfully*
Zenaku: Oh hey I found you two…Rodney said he looking for you! *Twins turn around and dart from room with drool hanging off their chins*
Ran-chan: So this Rodney guy...*looks at Gin then back to Zenaku*
Angela: Don't even try they will murder you he is theirs just be glad they didn't take handsome over there with him…actually I think I'll take him…*grabs Byakuya's hand and tugs him out of the room with Maxine following silently behind her*
Shinimi: Awe I always miss out on the fun…hmm who should I choose…too bald…too girly…to red headed…too orange headed…too short but very kawaii…too old looking…too hairy…purrrrrefct! *tackles Zaraki and drags him from the room*
Rukia: To hell with it let's go Ichi I want ya! * tugs Ichigo from the room…Shiro grins and tackles Hime-chan both leave room as well*
Ulqui: Well then…okay if you don't review I will kill you all…you are trash…*standing as segunda etapa…*
Chey: *poke head out of reappearing door only half dressed with smudges of chocolate on face* Stop being mean to our reviewers or I'll sick Fluffy-sama on you!
Fluffy: Chey-sama please return I was not finished with you! *Chey is tugged into room again and door closes. Everyone shudders and shakes heads.
Aizen: Please review I'll give you some nice tea! *Gin and Tosen gag behind him*
Gin: *whispers* Don't drink the tea don't drink it!
Zommari: Review…Aizen-sama orders it!
Ulqui and Grimm: YOU DON'T WORK FOR HIM ANYMORE! DO NOT BETRAY ICHIGO-SAMA! WE WILL KILL YOU!
