Hey hey! Thanks again for the reviews, minna! So happy. Yaaaayyy!
I'm actually thankful that I updated sooner than expected. I actually STILL have the energy to write. You see, my church is currently having its 2011 Prayer and Fasting, so that means I haven't had a decent meal for three days now (and counting. It'll be up to seven days). Added to the fact that I'm also assigned to play the guitars for every prayer meeting we hold every night, so that means I have to rehearse and rehearse everyday without anything in my tummy. So it's actually a struggle for me to have my mind intact, but thank God that I'm fine and that I have more inspiration for writing!
May God bless us all! =)
Chapter 26
Flawed
"And you actually thought I was going to fall for that?" Rangiku said to the visibly ruffled Sasakibe Choujirou.
"You really did not receive the letter that informed you I was coming?" she pressed on, her delicately arched eyebrows lifting in question.
"M-madam!" the old man said, flustered and confused. "I apologize profusely! I did not know – "
"Oh hush," the buxom blonde said, flicking off some strands of stray hair off her beautiful face. "Really, you may have grown a bit stale, old man."
Choujirou colored at this comment, clearing his throat to try to explain his situation further if the spontaneous countess asked more questions.
"Where is my niece?"
That was an unexpected question, the old man thought, but smiled to himself. Though, it was to be expected.
"Her Highness is already staying at the Britannia, Madam," he answered. "The coronation has already been held and – "
"Ah, yes, yes. I know," Rangiku said, cutting off his elucidation. "Is my suite prepared?"
"Always, Madam. We here at the Inoue estate have always hoped for its members to come back and visit."
Rangiku's stern gaze softened at the hospitality and loyalty of this man and the staff. Even though she never liked the warm decorations and the cold memories of this place, some people made her stay here worth while.
She suddenly sighed and gestured dramatically and randomly, her expression passionate and forlorn. "I certainly wish I had people to talk to here now that my niece is off to a bigger playground! Ah the pains of being left alone! I simply cannot stand it!"
"But you have company here, my lady," Choujirou said with a smile, guessing that the countess, who lived in Japan for so long, might know this people like the Prince and the young mistress did. "The people residing here at the moment are the Japanese guests."
Rangiku whirled around in a surprising speed, a blur of crimson and frills filling the vision of the bespectacled man. Sky blue eyes regarded him with an uncertain expression.
"Princess Orihime has instructed us to put the guests under our care until the time they leave for Japan," he expounded further, doubtful if he even should, given Rangiku's look.
"I see," was all she said, before striding up the grand staircase.
"Would you like tea or anything to eat, Madam?" the butler said, rushing off to follow the surprisingly quick noblewoman.
"Earl Grey and Lemon Meringue pie would be lovely," Rangiku said, almost like an afterthought.
"O-of course." With a bow, Choujirou left.
Such hospitality from my dear Hime! Rangiku thought with a dry smile on her coated lips. I guess I won't be able to see her, as she is crowned now. But I have waited long enough.
"Oh," a surprised voice said from behind Rangiku.
In her haste to go to the quarters which was always prepared specially for her, Rangiku did not notice the sudden opening of the elegant door along the hallway she was walking in. A dark blue-clad form barely filled the spacious doorway as the petite figure looked at her in surprise.
"Kuchiki Rukia," Rangiku said in her sultry voice. She did not bother with the familiarities.
"Matsumoto Rangiku," the younger woman echoed. "May I ask what brings you here? I thought you were in Japan."
Rangiku laughed sardonically. "Well, since you are seeing me then you should throw out those thoughts of me being in Japan out of the window. Tell me, have you been making my precious niece miserable?"
"Niece?" Rukia said, confused.
Impatient blue eyes clashed with dark purple ones. "Yes, my niece. I am but a very worried auntie you know."
"You mean Orihime is – ?"
"My niece," she filled in promptly. "Really, dear, shut that mouth of yours or it might readily fall off its hinges."
Rukia glared at the loud woman. She knew that Matsumoto Rangiku was an English noblewoman. She had been one of the targets of the many assassination plots against the foreign intruders. But she always managed to escape with her life. Her assassins always ended up dead. It was a mystery how she did it, and Byakuya learned to leave her alone.
Since someone said she was not of any harm.
But I doubt it.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Rangiku said with amusement. "I have every right to be in this place. It considers me its second mistress by default. I am sister to Orihime's father, after all. I just changed my name for fun's sake. But I will always be an Inoue, regretfully."
Rukia observed her with more confusion.
"Why am I even telling you this, ne?" Rangiku added with a sour Japanese edge. "You have been making my niece miserable, from what I have heard."
"How exactly did you hear these things?"
"Oh, I have birds flying everywhere, Rukia-chan, I know a thing or two. But I'm glad Ichigo got to his senses. And I'm especially glad that you did too."
Rukia was visibly fuming by the time Rangiku was over with her rants. "Listen," she said with suppressed rage. "I have already straightened my ways. Orihime and I are friends, and I will never do anything to hurt her again, intentionally or not. I acted cruelly, and I acknowledge that. But I neither need to apologize nor to explain myself to you."
Out of nowhere, and much to Rukia's extreme alarm, Rangiku engulfed the smaller woman in a death-inducing hug. The diminutive woman gasped and coughed when the Countess finally let her go.
"Good!" Rangiku said, ruffling Rukia's hair like what a master does to a well-behaved pet. "Do you want to join me for tea and dessert?"
In a flutter of cloth and lace, Rangiku ran off, leaving a stunned Rukia in her wake.
Ichigo groaned, cursing his luck for getting into another compromising situation like this.
There he was, standing behind his wife's high-backed chair, on the spacious balcony of their bedroom suite, half-listening to a deafening lecture by Matsumoto Rangiku, barely able to look at the snickering Shihouin Yoruichi, and restraining physical abuse towards a smug Kuchiki Rukia.
"Surely you have to do something to prove yourself a worthy husband for my Hime," Rangiku was saying, taking a sip of jasmine tea. "You have been a really naughty boy, Ichigo and Rukia took her time apologizing and explaining exactly what's been going on in here."
Rukia's arrogant face suddenly dissolved, reddening profusely at the frank comment Rangiku made. Orihime shook her head and eyed her raven-haired friend, as if telling her not to pay any attention to what her aunt was saying.
"Goodness, you have to be enslaved!" she continued. "And now you get her beautiful body pregnant and she will blow up, I tell you – "
"Have you ever been pregnant to know, Miss Rangiku?" Ichigo said, a nerve ticking in his forehead.
Rangiku blushed. "Boastful bastard. Just because a woman has never had child, doesn't mean I do not have companions or acquaintances that have been pregnant!"
"I was just checking," Ichigo added complacently, touching Orihime's shoulder.
"Tch, as if you're one to talk," Rangiku threw back. "I actually thought you were an unfortunate man before, Kurosaki. No interest in women or pleasure. It seemed almost as if you have a different sexuality. I am more than glad though that Orihime proved me wrong. Or else the British crown will have the ride of its life!"
At this, Rukia burst out laughing. Yoruichi hollered in mirth. Orihime giggled uncontrollably. Rangiku tried her best not to laugh at her own jest, but was defeated in the end. She resorted to a fit of cackles that made her clutch her stomach in exertion.
Ichigo turned purple with agitation, wanting nothing more than to throw off this rambunctious woman off this high balcony and to her demise. Without saying anything more, and before exploding himself, he left, his eyes closed and his brows knitted together.
"You've made him mad," Orihime said in between giggles.
"Oh that was nothing dear," Rangiku said, waving her hand in abandonment. "You should call it getting even."
"The color Ichigo's face had was funny!" Rukia added. The four women laughed more.
"I am happy you are well, Orihime," Rangiku finally said when they have recovered from their own hilarities.
"Thanks, auntie," Orihime replied, smiling. "I am also glad that you are here. Though I'm still a bit surprised."
"I'm shocked myself. I never once thought that I'd be going back to England."
"Why?" Rukia suddenly asked.
Rangiku paused, as if contemplating her answer. "I think I grew accustomed to Japan. Despite all the work. Despite all the attempts to murder me."
Orihime looked at her aunt, scandalized. She knew that being a noblewoman in Japan had its dangers, but she never knew that her aunt, who was always everywhere, would have the same problem. She was always so carefree that it made Orihime think that she was safe.
Rukia's eyes lowered at this. She was not really sure if she should even comment on that statement, given that her family was the cause of all that trouble. She did not really know where she stood now. On one hand, she was thankful that she had redeemed herself of her past misdeeds, made a friend, and finally resolved her main issues with Ichigo. On the other hand, she was a bit worried that she was being drawn closer to some people who were supposed to be her enemy. Her cause had grown blurry, so her future on this land was uncertain. She did not know what to do anymore.
"Let's just say that I am a bit torn," Rangiku said with finality.
Orihime nodded in comprehension. She felt like she knew exactly what her relative was explaining.
"But I am glad that they seem to be treating you with respect, Orihime," Rangiku stated. "The Royal Family is not well-known for their hospitality."
"They have been nothing but good to me," Orihime said, assuring her aunt. She knew that there were some, like Grimmjow and the stoic Princess Soi Fong, who did not treat her as well as they should, but she should not complain. Situations could be worse, as they say.
Rangiku, like her usual perceptive self, eyed her niece with disbelief, but let the matter pass. She knew her better than anyone else. She knew that if Orihime said she was fine then that was the end of it. There would be no need, or use, to question her further.
"What do you intend to do now?"
This question, addressed to the elfin princess by the curvaceous countess, was unforeseen. Rukia, who did not give out much detail about her 'transaction' with the King, was surprised that the woman who just arrived even had the gall or inkling to ask about it.
"Do what?" she fired back innocently, trying to evade the question, convincing herself that it might be a random query in the first place.
Rangiku eyed her wearily. "My dear, you cannot fool someone like me. I know for a fact that you have a very good reason to come here to England and that it was, apparently, rejected. Hence, you would not be staying here for this long. Heaven knows, the rest of Japan is restless that their princess has overstayed in enemy territory. Many feared that you were already hanged."
"Hanged? But I send letters everyday!"
"Well, obviously, your brother is the only one who reads your letters. No one else knows," Rangiku said, laying a hand on her head. "Gah, my head hurts!"
"Would you like to rest for a while, auntie?" Orihime asked worriedly.
"No, no. I am not tired at all. I have been having these things bothering my head that it has constantly made it ache."
Yes, you do seem a little bit different than usual, the auburn-haired woman thought.
The wind blew fiercely, defeating the sounds of the creatures of the night. The moon struggled to keep its presence known amidst the clouds that dominated the sky. Blank ink splattered and painted itself on the heavenly canvass, sporting an ominous glow to anyone who even dared take a peek outside.
Shadows played, if there were any at all. They were thriving tonight. Everything was dark, except for the ornate mansion that settled amidst the thick woods. It held light, and it seemed almost befitting.
But it was not.
The light was a nuisance. A disturbance.
Light and quick footsteps ran across the moving grass, robes flying in the wind like a bat taking flight.
The owl turned its head as it nestled itself on the branch of an old tree, its bright yellow eyes luminous and frightening. It hooted as the rushing creature passed by its domain, ruffling its wings as if it were trying to follow.
The squirrels, who were disturbed from their hollow by the sudden movements, hastened to take a peek. They all squeaked in excitement, but their sounds were drowned by the howling wind.
Every sign of life was unnoticeable.
It is near.
He made no sound. Even his breath could not be heard. His footsteps were like an angel stepping on clouds. Soundless. Perfect.
He hurried, running across the spacious lawn with grace and purpose. This was the first time he had ever been to this place. But from what he had heard, no one bothered to come near. It was rumored to be haunted. But he knew better. There was no such thing as ghosts. There was no such thing as the supernatural. There was only evil in this world. And that alone is the scariest thing anyone can ever encounter.
Evil had the capability to hurt.
Evil had the capability to lie.
Evil had the capability to exact revenge.
Evil had the capability to kill.
And kill these inhabitants of this mansion did. And killing was what he always did.
And he was here to kill the killers. To murder the murderers.
Evil was here to vanquish evil.
Who was the lesser evil? That he never bothered to answer. He was being paid to do this. What does justice and justification have to do with anything?
He held a long dagger at his side, ready to strike at any time. A gun was put firmly on his hips and knees, ready to be pulled. He took out a rope and threw it high, winding it firmly on a sticking piece of concrete high up the mansion.
He swiftly scaled the ways, counting the windows.
One, two, three…
Without further ado, he landed on the balcony of the third window to the left, a dagger in one hand and a gun in the other.
Ready.
He swooped inside. He was mildly surprised that the windows were open, as if the inhabitant wanted to be chilled. But he knew and sensed he was there.
And there he was.
There he was, lying on his side, facing the opposite direction.
There was no mistaking the brown hair.
It was Aizen Sousuke.
Tousen Kaname walked towards his target, quickly raising his dagger high for one swift motion.
"Good evening, Kaname," Sousuke's voice suddenly said.
Kaname's unseeing eyes widened as scorching liquid that tore at his skin splashed all over him.
In the turbulent winds and deathly skies that covered the eerie mansion, the only sign of life heard was a bloodcurdling scream.
It was a sign of life.
She quickly took off just as the sun was setting; holding her robes close to her body and making sure it fit her snugly. Whirlwind was always her faithful companion, and it was good to see him again after all these years.
The white horse galloped as fast as it could, just as his mistress wished. When they reached the outskirts of Lower London, she stopped her steed, getting off with grace and tying it to a nearby tree.
No one even knew that she was in London. She made it a point to make her very publicized life secret at this moment. There was no point. It would only serve to endanger her plans.
She quickly left, looking for the place that her old friend had given her. She was here for one purpose and one purpose alone, to find their salvation.
There was only one way to right all the wrongs, and that was to get rid of that man.
The sound of hustling and bustling alerted her to the nearing presence of civilization. She quickly hopped behind a shaking cart and let it lead her way into the British peasants' realm.
The streets of Lower London were as busy as ever. Light glowed everywhere, increasing her worry of being seen or recognized.
She squinted amidst the thick crowd.
There it was.
The Pleasantly Peasant Pub stood out like a sore thumb amidst the tattered establishment of the place. It was not as fashionable as the shops of Middle and Upper London, but it was the most decent in this sort of domain.
She jumped off the cart and went along the narrow and cobbled path, finally reaching her destination.
And there he was. The renowned mercenary, Tousen Kaname.
She approached her, this time with much confidence and assurance.
"Follow me," she said.
The man did, and she was pleased. Everything was going well and as planned.
She was glad that the assassins had so much notoriety in England that the people could almost always identify them. People feared them, even the authorities. Because of this, no one bothered to catch them.
There should be no problem in disguising myself now, she thought with hilarity. People were literally dodging them.
Tousen Kaname really had a dark presence about him. But that presence was also serene and sublime. There should be nothing wrong being in his presence. She loved thrill anyway.
The brass gates of the cemetery welcomed them after almost six minutes of walking. It was not that far, but no one really came to this place. Most were scared of seeing their departed relatives. Some were just frightened by the concept of death.
Sissies.
She stopped as she reached the freshly dug patch of earth close to a dying tree.
Kaname stopped as well.
"Three thousand gold pieces lie beneath your feet," she stated, gauging his reaction from under the hood.
She saw mild surprise flicker in his stoic face. I see, so this is the largest you ever had.
"How can I know for sure?" he asked, obviously wary.
She pulled the ancient whistle that was passed on in her family for generations. It was to summon their most loyal servants anywhere they wanted. She was not here alone, after all. She needed to have some assurance that she will be safe.
Paul, Lance, and Michael came out from under the shadows, clad in their robes to hide them from those who did not mind their own businesses.
She gestured for them to dig, and they did. Pulling out a heavy chest where her payment for the mercenary was, they laid it on the ground above.
"Open it," she commanded, handing them a silver key.
Michael took it from her with a bow and opened the chest.
When the chest opened, the blind man immediately ran his hand on the treasure within, making sure that what he was in for was genuine. He seemed to be satisfied as he gave a small nod in return.
"So are you convinced?" she asked, grinning.
He nodded once again. "What is the job?"
"You are known all over London, are you not?" she asked him, though she did not bother for answer since she was merely stating what was already known.
"Yes," he answered immediately.
"Then you should know that this money will not fall into your hands easily unless you do this task and that you perform it to the best conditions and results. You are aware that this is extremely difficult."
He nodded once more. Good, she thought.
"You have to kill a very important person. One that is watched almost every second of their lives."
Watched… but not that watched. No one knows that he even exists, except for a few people, including myself. I watch him every second of his life. Ever since I learned of his existence.
"I have killed countless nobles," Kaname said tonelessly. "This should be no problem."
She laughed. She was quite assured that she picked the right man. "I am unsure if you should be very confident with this. You have no room for mistakes."
"I never make mistakes."
"Good."
She knew that he did not need to ask for her identity. His job was solely to perform the tasks that he was given. She moved a bit, trying to make more room for herself. She saw a bit of the fabric of her clothes touch the mercenary and she saw the way his expression changed, as if assessing his employer. But she was not anxious at all. There should be no trouble even is he learned who she was.
He just needed to do one thing.
To kill someone, not to pry.
"Your job is to kill a certain member of the Royal Family of England."
Her companion, who was not even moving at first, seemed to be more still than before. He raised his head, moonbeams reflecting the dark skin that covered his face.
"A member of the Royal Family?" he asked, seemingly surprised.
"Yes," she said. "One who was thought to be dead for years now."
"Then there should be no problem. You told me that he was being watched."
"Yes, he is. But only by a few people like myself. I do not know of others, but you still must be careful."
The man nodded. "And what of his whereabouts?"
"The old Hillbury Mansion atop Stratford. The haunted place those villagers talk of," she said with a dry laugh. "He makes such good rumors."
"And who is my target. I make it a point to know," he said with emphasis.
"Aizen Sousuke, banished prince of England," she stated.
From that day on, Matsumoto Rangiku knew that she was in for the fight of her life.
End!
I know that this is shorter than usual, but please bear with it! I have to cut it here! Hope you enjoyed. Please leave a review. =)
Love,
Annie