I am so happy. I have just finished plotting out the future chapters of Your Fading Starlight up to the climax, and I have to say, it left me breathless. Really, I was blown away myself. But enough of that. I don't want to give you guys any spoilers. But here's one sure thing, you'll all be SO surprised. =)

I think this will be a pretty sad chapter. Personally, my life hasn't been going well. Let's just say I'm nursing a broken heart right now. Other than what I did with YFS, it has led me to a conclusion that I write best whenever I'm depressed. Which would be a good thing to all my readers and a bad thing for me.

Anyway, here comes Chapter 12.

Chapter 12

Burnt Parchment

What is death?

Whatever your belief is, it has a different concept of death. If you believe in God, then you believe in life after death. You believe that death is merely a transition to a more beautiful life. If this is so, then you should not fear death. You should, in fact, welcome it more. If you're afraid, then there is one reason for this.

You are then ascertained to go to hell.

Then I shall rather reign in hell, than serve in heaven.

"She has always been in your mind," she uttered, smiling and searching the stormy eyes of the regal man in front of him.

"Who has given you the right to speak to me that way, Emuri?" he responded coldly.

"Emuri, Emuri…" she repeated. "Why do you keep calling me Emuri?"

"Enemy… Emuri," she continued, "Do you think that's the same thing? It sounds the same, but it isn't the same. Just like the love you have for your country, as you justify it to the love you have for her."

He ignored, eyeing the pieces of paper laid out before him.

"Do you know that you will fail if she keeps on living?" she asked. "Do you want me to kill her?"

She did not have time to continue. Strong hands constricted around her neck, briefly stopping the blood rushing to her face – the air that gave her body life.

"F-fool," she said, gasping. "You know I can't kill her. She's not here."

His grip loosened. She adjusted her collar, feeling the remnants of the pendant that dug deep into her skin fall away. She didn't mind the pain. She minded the man in front of him.

"And I thought you were a man devoid of any emotions."

He ignored her, once again. Like always. Like many, many times.

"LOOK AT ME!" she yelled. She tugged at her hair like a madwoman. "Aren't I… aren't I… who you were promised to? Who you are promised to?!"

Gasping, she went on, "Why do you always… constantly pursue her? Why? Why??? You would be damned, you fool!"

"Do you think I still care?" he answered back. "After I obtained you for myself? After I sold my soul to the devil? After I made a pact to seal my victory?"

She laughed, a loud, high-pitched laugh that made his hairs stand up at his nape. She was mad. She had been mad. For many, many years now. Ever since she found out.

"That boy," she whispered, her laughter subsiding. "That boy named Kurosaki Ichigo."

"What about him?" he asked.

"You want to kill him?"

"After we obtain our goals."

"Yes, that boy… he must go down. Go down with everything precious to him. Go down with her… with that traitor!" Laughter. Once again she laughed.

She walked towards him, step by step, peeling her clothing away. She eyed him with lust – unabashed lust which sickened him.

She was once so beautiful. She was once the object of his desires, of his affections. She was pure and sweet, kind and soft-spoken. Unfortunately, something happened which changed the way he looked at her.

She happened.

"Why don't you tell your love that I'm still alive?" she said, reaching up around his neck. "Why don't you? Tell her, I'm still here. She'll be so happy."

"She won't be happy when you're here," he replied, his face as cold as ice.

"Then if you don't do something," she said, pressing her bare breasts against his clothed chest, "I will introduce myself to her. Won't that be amusing?"


He must be confused, Orihime thought, looking worriedly at her husband.

Nights ago, when she had given him the consent to love Rukia despite their marriage, Ichigo had been a detached. She recalled him smiling for a bit after their last talk, but it was done after that. Days after, there was no expression evident on his face. Not even his usual frown.

"My lord," she spoke, approaching him as he sat at the edge of their bed.

It was nighttime and it had been tiring since they had encountered a mild storm hours earlier. This was a night without any stars, and Orihime liked it. At least, there was nothing to distract her. To mock her.

They would have dinner later, and the man before him seemed to be in no good shape to eat.

He looked up at her, and his eyes were unsettling. They were blank, as if he was carefully concealing whatever emotion or thoughts were running through inside of him.

"Please tell me what is bothering you," she continued, mustering all of her strength to try to reach out to him – to understand him more.

Contact creates bridges, as bridges secure us that we are not alone in this world.

Ichigo stared at her innocent eyes, unsure of what to say.

"Kurosaki-sama," Kensei said, approaching the orange-haired young man as he went out to the deck for a midnight stroll.

"What is it?" Ichigo asked, his small smile suddenly fading at the seriousness of the man.

"Shinji-san and I have decided to interrogate some of the surviving pirates during the attack," Kensei said.

"Why would you do that?" Ichigo asked in disbelief. "Pirates are murderers and thieves. You don't expect to find any interior motive, do you?"

"But that is exactly what we have found."

Ichigo's eyes widened. W-who?! It can't be…

"It was startling that the pirates didn't even give us a real fight. Except maybe the huge and dumb one who nearly killed Kuchiki Rukia and Lady Orihime," Kensei explained. "It was like they were not trying to kill us at all. And it was as if they were searching something?"

"Searching something?"

"That's right… or rather, someone."

A wave of fear washed over Ichigo. "Don't tell me…"

"They're after your lady," Kensei confirmed. "The pirates have informed us that there was a huge bounty placed on Orihime-sama's capture. A sudden advertisement of 5,000,000 gold pieces to the band of pirates who could capture her – a mysterious announcement that appeared in the Islas de Ladrones (A/N: Island of the Thieves, where pirates often dwell about to find out latest loot.) days ago."

"You do not know anything about this?" Ichigo asked suspiciously.

"Tch," Kensei said, raising an eyebrow. "I knew you would ask that. Such a mistrusting man."

"You expect me to trust anyone after everything I've been through?!" Ichigo yelled, holding Kensei's collar in a death grip.

"Do not worry, Your Highness," Kensei spat. "The whole English empire is in doubt of you as well. A half-breed as the first in line to the throne? You must be kidding me."

"A half-breed that will change the world. Don't worry, Muguruma Kensei. I will make you bow in respect," Ichigo said through gritted teeth, releasing his hold of Kensei.

"Good," Kensei said, grinning in a twisted way. "Then you must know that we have no intentions, nor ideas, about all of this. If we wanted to capture her ladyship, we could have done so. We could have thrown this ship into mutiny against you. But we didn't."

Ichigo looked into Kensei's eyes, trying to discern if he was telling the truth.

"You might take Doctor Unohana's word if you don't believe us," Kensei said, waving his hand as he turned around to leave. "She was the one who forced the pirates to confess."

Ichigo gulped, wondering what methods the were-doctor did to the pirate.

"Alright," Ichigo called out. "I believe you."

"Good," Kensei said again, this time deliberately trying to annoy Ichigo. "Then rest assured, we will help you protect your lady until you get to England to claim that birthright. Who knows, you might be the most deserving for that crown."

"I – " he said, considering whether or not he should say the truth. But something stopped him. Something prevented him from telling that pure soul that she was in danger.

I will definitely protect her.

"No," he said, forcing a smile. "Nothing's wrong."

"Is this about that night?" she asked, not believing what he had just said.

Ichigo's eyes widened. Had she heard?

"I meant what I said about Kuchiki-san," she continued. "I have the same burden of guilt when I… and – Ulquiorra-sama, well, when you saw us… kissing."

Something stirred inside of Ichigo. But he ignored it, letting the auburn-haired woman before him continue.

"So, I have no right to be angry," Orihime added, smiling. "So, if that is what's troubling you, please, put your mind at ease. One cannot dictate the desires of the heart. And I do not want to be the one to steal your happiness away."

I, Ichigo thought, definitely cannot let this woman get hurt. By them. By anyone.

Not only Rukia…

"Never forget that the moment we were married, we made a vow," she said, laying a hand on his, the softness of her palm enveloping his rough and closed fist. "And with that, I will always stay by your side. Until death do us part, ne?"

"Why do you take a marriage for convenience so seriously?" Ichigo blurted out, when suddenly the door burst open.

"Ichi – !"

It was Rukia.


"Grimmjow-sama," Nell whispered breathlessly as a shock of blue hair clouded her vision, letting her feel the heat that was exploding with her with each strong and wild thrust.

"Scream my name, wench," Grimmjow growled into her breasts, biting at her right nipple as he pounded within her.

Nell could feel tears flowing down her silver eyes. This was not the wedding night she had expected. She had always envisioned Grimmjow as a rough man, but not this uncaring. Not this… violent.

His lips did not even touch hers the entire time she was pinned under him. He did not even look into her eyes. He just listened to her gasps. He just smirked at her flushed face. He just took and took, he never gave.

Upon entering their room, Nell found herself gagged and her hands tied to her back. As her new husband removed his clothing, he tore off hers, mercilessly clawing at every inch of flesh his hands could hold on to.

He would whisper lustful praises and command her to yell his name more and more, until she was hoarse.

She was treated like a plaything.

He kneaded her breasts, nipped at the skin of her neck, toyed with her hardened nipples… he would pump his long fingers long and hard into her hot, waiting core, and she would accept, even through groans of pain. She knew that she needed to stop these dirty actions and that she sounded like a desperate whore, but she couldn't.

She just loved him so much.

And she didn't even know if she wanted this, or if she did not.

Her moral side begged for salvation, but her wanton side did not want anything more than this pleasure racking her body. Even though he mercilessly entered her the first time, without any restraint or preparation, tearing her insides in excruciating pain, she welcomed and resigned to her fate. Even though she already came over and over again to the point of madness, she welcomed her fate. Because she loved this crazed man.

Always have and always will love him.

"Grimmjow-sama," she gasped, as he entered her with his length fully, shuddering above her as he suddenly pulled out, not giving her the delight of coming inside of her.

More tears spilled from her eyes. "Why?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I can't have you pregnant yet, can I?" he said with a smirk. "I have other things to use my seed on."

Nell's eyes widened, shocked at hearing this. She wanted to sit up, but she couldn't move. Her aching and exhausted body wouldn't allow her to go any further, to move any further.

"Y-you," she said, but was stopped by his sapphire gaze.

"You should just be an obedient wife and watch," Grimmjow snarled, grinning. "Watch as I bring the world to its knees… and Kurosaki Ichigo to his knees."

Nell wondered – wondered why her beloved husband was so obsessed with this man named Kurosaki Ichigo. She wondered when his madness would end, when he would finally look at her as a woman and treat her right.

Because of this Kurosaki Ichigo, she thought, feeling a deep coursing jealousy and hatred within her.

It was never in Neliel tu Oderschvank's nature to feel hatred, but right now, she felt loathing.

She would never own her husband until this Kurosaki Ichigo was eliminated.

She did not care if she became empress in his world. She wanted to rule Grimmjow's heart. That was the most important thing to her.


Rukia stood still, her eyes taking in the sight before her.

Ichigo sat at the side of a bed with pristine white sheets, his head bent down. His hands were clasped together in one closed fist, and she could see the nerves jutting out of his fair skin. His eyes were looking at her in a surprised manner.

But what shocked Rukia was the gentleness those eyes seemed to possess.

And she came to a conclusion that it might be because of the woman who was kneeled in front of him.

Orihime was kneeling on the wooden floor, a hand gently placed on those clenched fists. Her eyes were flooding with concern and kindness. When Rukia burst in, she looked at her in mild surprise, then smiled.

Rukia did not know whether she want to hug the woman or scream bloody murder.

Damn you English nobles, Rukia cursed.

"What's wrong, Kuchiki-san?" Orihime asked, standing up and walking towards her.

Rukia avoided her gaze and instead trained her eyes on Ichigo, who was waiting for an answer.

"I demand that you explain to me why it will take three weeks before I get an audience with the king," the raven-haired woman said, her deep purple eyes spitting fires of anger and impatience.

Ichigo frowned in confusion. "I do not know of that matter," he replied. "And why are you asking me? Do I seem like a government official to you?"

Rukia rolled her eyes. "You're their prince, for God's sake! You should know, since your father was the one who insisted that I come along this trip!"

"My father?"

"Yes!" she half-yelled. "He was the one who sought an audience with the king for me, so that we can talk about the liberation of Japan."

Knowing grandfather, I doubt you shall ever attain your goals, Rukia, Ichigo thought sadly, but did not voice this thought out. Rukia has always been a passionate person when it comes to getting what she wanted. She has always been the type to be sure of herself, and not getting any personal conflict get in the way of her decisions.

At least, that was the case before she met him.

"I'm sorry," Ichigo said. "But I really do not know what you're talking about. What my father discussed with does not include me. And he has never told me anything about the liberation of Japan and your plans. You must know that I was shocked that you were coming along this trip in the first place."

Rukia flushed a faint pink, before glaring at Ichigo.

Ichigo would have laughed at the way she was being childishly mad at him, but he refrained from doing so.

"Ishida-san said," Rukia started, "that one with high social status in Britain can adjust the date to any appointment with the king."

"Yes," Ichigo said. "You must contact a direct member of the royal family."

Rukia stared at him pointedly.

Ichigo crossed his arms in front of him in defense. "No, absolutely not!" he said, surprised at the notion she was thinking of.

"You're his damned grandson!" Rukia said loudly. "You can at least get me an audience with him within the week. I can't afford to stay in that place for a month!"

"Then you have to wait patiently!" Ichigo retorted. "I am not an official prince yet. Yes, I am a prince by birth, but my birth right and claims to the throne were put on hold until I marry – "

He stopped himself, considering Orihime's presence in the room. Yes, she already knew, but there was no point in pressing what has happened further.

Rukia glared at Ichigo, noticing the sudden stop he made in his sentence. Why?

"So what do you propose I do, Ichigo?" Rukia asked, ignoring what she had seen. "Wait for three weeks until your king finds time to talk to me?"

"Yes," Ichigo responded with regret. "You are his subject the moment England took over Japan. You must wait."

"Wait?!" Rukia fumed. "Subject?! Who ever said that the Japanese belonged to anyone? You come barging in our land, seizing our freedom and our rights! You have no right to tell the free people what they want to do."

"Stop being so idealistic Rukia," Ichigo said, frowning at her in worry. This willful woman would always be like this when it comes to matters of her state. She would never let anything else get in the way. "You will have your freedom. Just be patient, and the chance will come to you."

Rukia chuckled sarcastically, "Now I'm taking patience lessons from a man who does not know the meaning of patience!"

The sentence was loaded and dripping with meaning that Ichigo was taken aback, not sure if the postponement of the appointment was what really caused Rukia's anger. It seemed, by what she said, that she was referring to something else entirely.

Patience to wait for you? Ichigo thought, scowling. I thought I was the one who drove you away, Rukia. That I was at fault and that you never wanted to see me again. Now you want me to wait? After all I did to you and after you left me?

"I'm confused," he said with gritted teeth, his voice barely heard.

"Do you think I can do it, my lord?" Orihime asked suddenly.

"What?" Ichigo and Rukia said in unison.

"Well," Orihime started, blushing slightly, "My title and birth right are not put on hold. Even though Kurosaki-sama isn't an official prince yet, my title as a duchess holds high enough to request an audience with the king."

Rukia eyed Orihime critically. Surely she's not saying that I ask help from her?

Ichigo's expression turned a bit elated that this problem has formed a solution. "Yes," he said, "Orihime has a point. She can indeed ask for audience with the king, for you."

"What good does the title of duchess have?" Rukia asked suspiciously. "She's not even a direct descendant of your family."

"Yes," Ichigo agreed. "But I think you do not know that her family was once the royal family of England."

"Deposed, yes," Orihime added. "But it's perfectly alright. We were given high ranks by His Majesty, and are given almost the same privileges as the royal family itself."

"To avoid any more conflicts in the future, I think," Ichigo said in agreement.

Ichigo, Rukia thought, you seriously think that I am going to ask help from your wife?

"Well then," Orihime said cheerfully. "At least I have something to do upon arriving."

Rukia said nothing and merely nodded. "I have to take my leave," she mumbled. "Sorry for the intrusion."

She left Ichigo and Orihime alone in their room. Ichigo was a bit relieved that the problem with Rukia has been solved already. He didn't want to further antagonize his grandfather, even though he wanted so badly to help her. He could have tried, yes, but seeing as Orihime was more than willing to use her title to help Rukia, he was glad.

Orihime was the type of person to help everyone in need, even if that said person is the woman her own husband is in love with.

He sighed. Your kindness will be your downfall, he thought wryly.

But he never wanted her to fall in any way. And he didn't know why.

Rukia walked towards the deck, feeling her insides fuming with things she did not even dare think about. She was feeling a mixture of negative emotions that were not healthy, at least not for someone like her.

She felt sadness, anger, hopelessness, regret… pain and jealousy.

She had never wanted to let him go in the first place. But seeing him now, married to another woman. Seeing him with an attitude she had never seen him show before – a warmth and compassion to a person whom he didn't feel any sort of attachment to, gave Rukia a feeling that she was losing him.

She wanted to gag.

"Rukia," Yoruichi said, looking at her with a searching gaze.

"Yes?" the shorter girl said, composing herself.

"What did Kurosaki say?"

"His wife offered to help us," Rukia answered flatly.

Yoruichi's left eyebrow rose, "She did? Why her?"

"Apparently Ichigo hasn't attained the status of a real prince yet. You know the contract," Rukia said hurriedly. "She is the one with the higher rank, as of now."

Yoruichi chuckled amusedly. "That woman helped?"

"Yes."

"I always thought she was too kind for her own good," Yoruichi added. "You fear that Kurosaki might be falling in love with her?"

Rukia's thoughts came to an abrupt stop. What was this woman saying?! Of course Ichigo won't fall in love with someone whom he just met. Someone he did not feel any attachment to.

"I know you still love him, Kuchiki Rukia," Yoruichi said, shaking her head. "There's no use in denying it."

Purple collided with amber as the two women assessed each other.

"You just have to learn what you want, and learn to fight for it," Yoruichi commented in finality, leaving the girl in stunned silence.


Ulquiorra Schiffer closed his eyes in disdain, holding the piece of parchment to the fire. The smell of burning paper and ink filled his nostrils, sending his mind into overdrive.

Another letter burned, he thought. He leaned back on his wooden chair and stared outside the window, feeling the sea roll down beneath the floor.

Fourth letter I've written to respond.

Not working.

He looked over at the long letter written to him, thinking of ways how to respond to it. He had received the letter days ago, an hour before their ship had departed for England. Still, he hadn't replied to it, and the sender must be very impatient.

The idea of messenger birds astounds me.

He looked at the hawk perched in its cage, making no sound at all and only staring at its pale master.

He always was at a loss for words whenever this particular person wrote to him. It was as if a demand for a high quality answer was always in order. One ounce of failure and doubt, then he was gone.

Ulquiorra massaged the bridge of his nose.

There was another thought troubling him.

He didn't know why he was disappointed that Ichigo just didn't give up on his marriage and settled with the Japanese noblewoman. He knew that Ichigo was a man of responsibility, but he always put his heart first in every decision. That was his downfall, his heart. But this time, he did not listen to it, and instead focused on what needs to be done – to attain that crown and stay married to his beautiful wife.

Does he love her now? Does he desire her?

Ulquiorra would never know.

But as he watched the interactions that played between Ichigo and his wife every day in this voyage, there was something about his orange-haired friend that changed. It was as if he was always gentle around the woman, always considerate of her safety. It was as if she was a precious gem that should never be scratched.

And Ulquiorra knew that Kuchiki Rukia was also starting to notice this.

The raven-haired Japanese frowned a little too deeply whenever she talks or looks at Orihime. Ulquiorra would notice himself watchful of the petite woman as she might try to do something funny towards Orihime.

And he never understood why he felt that way.

A knock came from the door.

Ulquiorra's face turned into a solid mask of ice again before opening.

It was Orihime.

"Dinner is already served," she said, her voice tinkling like precious silverware in the silence of the night.

"Don't you have servants here to call on the guests for any meal?" Ulquiorra asked, stepping outside and closing the door behind him.

"Oh," Orihime said, smiling. "Why call on someone to do it when you can just take action on your own?"

Ulquiorra nodded in concession, ignoring the sudden fragrance of flowers being emitted by the attractive woman in front of him.

Control.

"Why do you stick to him?" Ulquiorra suddenly asked.

Orihime turned around in surprise at this question, her gray eyes searching those cold emerald depths. That question was uncalled for, and she didn't know what to answer. She knew that him referred to Ichigo.

"I – " she started, "I am married to him, that's why."

"Is that reason enough?"

"Yes," she replied seriously. "You were bound by the heavens in holy matrimony. You cannot break that."

"England's King Henry VIII got a divorce from his wife, Catherine," Ulquiorra reasoned out. "And since then, divorce is a very common thing to noblemen. The Church of England speaks well about it, for there is no need to continue in a marriage that is not of love."

"And how would you know about love, sir?" Orihime asked kindly. "Have you ever loved?"

He didn't answer and merely stared at her.

"It might be true that my marriage has no love in it. But it has compassion," Orihime explained, as she started to walk ahead of him. "And while it is of convenience, I think I will not fail in making my spouse happy. Kurosaki-sama can do as he wishes, and I will be his dutiful wife. I was put into contract because of this and I shall hold my end of the bargain."

"And how long do you think you can stand being business-like in all of this?" Ulquiorra asked. "I can see that you're not the type to be cold and calculating in any situation."

"I have my duties," she replied softly. "And it is high time that I think like an adult and start doing what I have to do."

"What do you intend to do?"

Orihime turned around and observed him through amused eyes. "I have never heard you talk so much like this. It's refreshing, especially that you just talked about love and marriage."

Before Ulquiorra could reply, Orihime had entered the dining area.


What could he be thinking, saying things like that? Orihime thought, not knowing what to think about the conversation she had with Ulquiorra hours ago.

She was standing near the railing of the ship, not minding that it was hours since the whole world had gone to sleep and that she was still wide awake. The cold did not bother her. She did not shiver. She didn't feel anything. It was like she was floating to nothingness, seeing the black void that the ocean gave made her wonder what it felt like to sink in deep.

She felt like wretched creature. She didn't know if she allowed Ichigo to continue his love for Kuchiki Rukia out of guilt – guilt because she still cannot let go of her own feelings towards Ulquiorra. Given, Ichigo's love was longer, way, way longer, than hers would ever be, but she didn't mind. It does not taint the extent of love. But to assuage her guilt by letting her husband do as he wishes, she was not sure.

But what she did know was that she cared for Kurosaki Ichigo. Cared enough to make that reckless decision. She could not just look the other way whenever she sees people getting hurt. And unconsciously, Ichigo and Rukia were hurting because she stood in the way.

I think you're that type of human who constantly takes in everything thrown to you, not caring how other people around you think of this. Not thinking how they're hurt by every decision you make as long as you think you have taken in part of their burden. Do not be arrogant Inoue Orihime, you can't take care of all the wounds in this world. You can only alleviate. You can only work with others.

You can never do anything alone.

How can I be so perfectly useless? She asked, smiling weakly as she felt liquid pour down her cheeks.

And Ulquiorra-sama… I can't ask him to love me. I'll just look at him from afar, I think.

Or you might not look away long enough, another part of her voiced out.

Memories of a night of passion and pain shot across Orihime's mind. Legs intertwined, mouths searing – all was heaven in that dimly lit room. Even though it was out of lust, and even though she was against it, she could not deny the thunder and lightning she felt when her husband's body made love to her. Or had sex with her.

Although that man wasn't really her husband.

She felt heat pool down between her thighs, and more tears overcame her as guilt racked her body more.

Arms suddenly wrapped around her, earning a surprised gasp from her. She started to struggle when a low voice said,

"Stop moving."

"Ulquiorra-sama."


I had to end it here. It wasn't as sad as I expected it to be. But I think the real sadness comes in the next chapter. Hope you liked it though. This seemed to be a filler chapter. ;)

But this filler chapter is needed. Because it contains something really important. :D