Silence can be the next killer to humanity.

Things might have happened,

secrets shared,

lovers coming to reality gradually.

But, no matter the situation silence seems to follow.

I glance over to you,

trying to get a word or look from your mysterious eyes;

but there seems to be nothing but tention...

On this close journey I have noticed the things about you,

things that drive me mad,

make my heart race and fingers clamy.

I would like to think of this as love,

but I have never felt this such things and sit in the shadow of the unknown for those four letters.

I understand that I should say something, utter a word or tell you how I feel but...

I do not know my own feelings.

Maybe the silence is not that bad..

Perhaps, it is a little comforting to me.

The sound of hoves on the path heading through the village is the only thing in the air. I wanted to say something, but I don't know what to say to him. All that comes to my mind when I look at the Blacksmith, are those rough lips and hands touching my skin.

With such vulgar thoughts in my mind I blushed, and my hands grew chilled.

Bitting my bottom lip, I thought about the taste of Ichigo and how good it felt to-

I need to stop this mindless thinking, there is no way someone like Ichigo and I could become something. It would never be allowed, not by my family and probably forbidden by his.

Who am I kidding? His parents would never want him with me, they would think it's suicide since I'm being hunted by the most dangerous kingdom.

Then there is my father, he would not hesitate to end Ichigo.

I could see him taking a blade to the man, and having me dragged away to be married.

Covering my head with my hands, I growled in fustration. " Fool... fool! I can never be-" I started but noticed I was in public and with Ichigo.

The feeling of having eyes on me grew stronger, and I looked up to see Ichigo staring directly down at me, along with the villagers around.

A blush covered my cheeks as I nervously looked at the villagers whom started to mutter about me. ' Fool? Is she talking about her lover?' , I heard in my mind.

My eyes widened as the thought danced in my ears. They all thought that I and Ichigo... were... are lovers.

" Such fool's ", Ichigo sighed before pulling me forward down the street.

Scarlet covered my cheeks as I listened to the thoughts. They seemed to notice my attire most: how I'm wearing a man's shirt, considering I'm traveling with a man alone.

Just then the thoughts stopped, and all went quiet.

" What is with the foul thoughts you fools?! ", a woman screamed from under a red cloak.

I pulled Ichigo to a stop at the sight of the colour in a panic.

My father used to tell me ' A woman in red is a woman cursed by the devil. She will kill anyone in her path, and laugh at your corspe'. To add to his words, the maids would tell me about witches being hung in the far east; across the ocean's and beyond the horizon.

" Rukia? ", Ichigo questioned as I took cover behind him, and cooed into his back for protection. " What are y-"

I shook in fear as images of the ugly beast flashed in my mind, and the sick green eyes stared into my violets. " She will eat my soul...", I squeaked in fears.

The woman smirked under her cloak, and walked forward quickly making me jump back. " You fear me?", she chuckled while lifting her hand to my face, and tickling my cheek with her long nails.

I coward in fear, and closed my eyes.

When I heard ice crackling around me, I felt my thoart become thick and I gasped slightly.

" Kurosaki-baka! What did you bring ?" she shouted over to the blacksmith.

Opening my eyes I locked eyes with a beautiful woman, with bright amber eyes and purpled hair. Skin as white as beached sands, with a red ribbon in her hair. There wasn't anything ugly about her, just beauty.

" Oi! Seanna, are you mad? You shall scare the poor maiden, if you are that close " Ichigo said cooly while running his fingers through his locks.

I wrinkled my brow for the name; I swear I've heard it before. Somewhere in the kingdom... perhap's the maids whispered about her once.

" What are you talking about?! She can look at you every day, and not die! Hence, I am a goddess! ", she growled in fustration.

" Baka! Rukia is in a spell with a single glance of m-", an embarrassed blush covered my face as he stared to bring me into the bickering.

" She is probably wondering: how something so hidious can walk this earth!" Seanna interrupted.

" The only thing hideous is you!"

" Says the one who fell in love with me!"

" F-F... Fell i... in love ", I stuttered in shock.

My heart felt as though it was being shattered by ice, and squeezed. Closing my eyes in sorrow, I held my breath and clinched my chest in pain.

What is this pain?

It... It feels worse than a wound, and sharper than any blade. Such pain is new, and unforgetable.

" That was a mistake! I was y-"

" You cannot blame age on your feelings! "

They continued to fight as I felt myself slipping back into a state I only experienced when getting too worked up bring a fight.

Gradually feeling my eyes turn to ice, and skin chill to the touch an evil smile covered my lips while staring at the two. But then, annoyance flashed for the arguing and their intense glares.

" That is enough...", I whispered but they contined.

" Why are you even here?! "

" Cause I can be!"

" THAT IS ENOUGH! ", I screeched making them silent.

Both looked directly into my iced eyes, and noticed the fog covering the road slowly. " What are you traveling with?" Seanna shook as she backed away slowly. " Did you bring a cursed whore? ", she hissed.

A faint smirk chilled my expression for the name. " I said silence ", I laughed before a fog covered her lips.

" MMM! HMMM! PHHHPM!", she yelled for her frozen lips.

" Such bickering and non-sense is aggervating! ", I snapped before walking ahead of them. " Do you wish to continue? I can freeze you soild if you would like ", a smile slowly covered my lips as I looked at the blacksmith.

Ichigo shook his head, before looking over to his lover or whatever they were. " Lead the way, Baka " he told the witch before she glared.

" Actually... ", Ichigo looked over to me. " How about you go get some new clothes, and some weapons? I know Seanna's cabin has a place for me to sharpen my blade, but there is not anywhere you can get some clothes or things you probably need ", he offered a bag from his pocket.

Is he not afraid of the state I am in?

Once the bag of money dropped into my hand, it started to cover in ice and then sparkle like glass. " Hai ", I lowly muttered before heading towards a shop on the corner of the street.

At a far distance, the ice on the woman's lips vanished and swirled back into my skin. I noticed since she went on a panic rant, about how dangerous I am and that Ichigo shouldn't be traveling with me.

If it isn't enough pain to know the blacksmith has loved, or is in love still with someone like her.

And here I thought... my father and Renji would be the worse thing in the world. The throbbing in my heart, seems to be the only thing on my mind as I walk down the cobblestone road towards the clothing shop.

~Ichigo's P.O.V~

" You need to calm down ".

" Like hell I am going to calm down! That woman is pure evi-" Seanna started to scream.

" Do not say that about Rukia ", I interrupted with a growl.

The mage grew quiet as she looked at with shock. From the vibe Rukia was giving off when she left, I knew it had to do with someting that Seanna had said.

But, this is the first time I have seen the princess in such a state.

I've fought with her abilities, healed and much more; never have I seen this reaction from her before.

" Your a fool ", Seanna whispered under her hood.

" How am I a fool?"

She stepped closer, and gripped my shirt in a fist bringing me closer to her face. " That woman-... witc-... whatever the hell she is, is going to be the death of you, whether you like it or not ", she hissed in vain.

Roughly tossing me back she looked over to the direction that Rukia had left. " I thought it was magic! ", I shouted.

I have been involved with mages before, like Seanna, and I thought that Rukia was just the same. Is there more to magic than I thought?

Fustrated with my lack of knowledge she growled to the heavens, while walking in circles. Seanna for the first time in a long time, looked like she was crazy, or even more crazed than she really is.

" Are you kidding me?! ", she leaned forward once again. I staggered back in surprisment. " That is not regular magic, that is something that I do not even have knowlegde of; and I am a full-breed mage ", she shooked slightly and fear covered her eyes while she thought about the woman whom had left.

" T-That... is something more powerful ", she squeaked.

I have never seen her like this before, usually she was calm and collected when talking about magic. But, this is a different side of her that I have never seen. It slightly frigthened me.

" She is like you. Something that is not good but, is not something that is usual", she panted in worry.

" What are you talking about? "

A chuckle came from her lips almost like soar posion. " Your blood, Ichigo. There is something in your blood... that made you do all those things that you did-"

" You told me that, that was just simple magic ".

" There was no way in hell that was simple magic-"

" So you lied to me!"

" To protect you!", she snapped. Enable to believe her rubbish, I watched as the mage went into a quick walk towards her door. I followed after her, hoping, no needing the truth. " Ichigo, you do not understand what people will do to you if they find out about you".

With the force of the wind she opened her door, and hurried me inside before slamming the door shut. " If the kingdom was to find out about you, there are things they would do. Thing's we could never imagine ", she started as she walked up the stairs. " They have spoken about your kind in books that lead back to the first ages ".

Following her like a child, I watched as she took out a large book and tossed it on the table, leaving dust to spray into the air. " Since that night, the night of the fire back in Soul. I have been looking into the deeper magic, the magic which you and your family hold. The only thing that I found was this ", she flipped open the book to a certain page, like it was tattooed into her memory.

Quickly she placed her finger on the page, and looked directly into my eyes. " Your family must be from a great line, a line which has never been distrubed in centuries. I think-"

" Seanna, I am going to tell you right now, this theory is not possible ". I have heard about my family tree, and there was enough to know about farmers, and builder in the book. The history of my family was nothing but black and white. " My family is nothing but farmers ".

" Perhaps that is all a lie ", she started. " Maybe, you are really a royal. A royal family in the hiding because of defeat ".

" Are you, you of all people, trying to tell me that I am possibly a royal ?"

" That is exactly what I am saying ".

I shook my head quickly. " Forget about me, what about Rukia?"

" I do not know anything about her ", I wasn't sure whether I should tell her or not. But, there is a sick feeling in my stomach telling me to keep all the information inside.

~Rukia's P.O.V~

I aimlessly walked into the forest as the frosty breeze swirled around me. My body gradually returning to it's normal state.

Enable to hold myself up much longer, I collasped on the ground and bowed my head.

" I am so foolish ", I whispered into my plams.

Tears swarmed my eyes the bird sang in the sky, and the sun rays bright burned the ground. " How did I become such a fool?", I whimpered for the breaking in my heart.

Images of Ichigo and Seanna flashed in my mind. The way they converstated, and didn't mind spacing. No matter how close they got to each other, he didn't back away or seemed uncomfortable.

He was once like that with me, until last night. When we kissed he stopped getting close to me, and avoid all contact.

I ruined a perfectly good thing... didn't I ?

Childishly wiping away my tears, I cried softly trying to shake these emotions. Have I fallen in love?

I don't think so. Love isn't supposed to hurt so much.

" Why do I feel this way?" I whispered before looking down at my palms.

Pulling my knee's to my chest, I rested my arms over them and looked down to the green grass; wondering why I feel so much.

Before, my father would tell me to forget my emotions. ' They are nothing but a burden', he said. I'm starting to think that he was right. Emotions seem to ruin everything.

Dully looking through the forest, I thought about my father.

Such a cold hearted man, but somewhere, deep down, he is a good person. I would tell myself that when I was a little girl, when my mother wasn't around to comfort me when father was around. It gave me a little composer.

Perhaps father blocked out all his emotions when mother died, or when he became King because he knew they only get in the way.

Maybe it's time for me to do the same. If it's the best for the kingdom, then I should.

After this journey I know what to do.

I looked to the sky, and felt the breeze swirl around me, almost like my mother was here.

" I will rule the land, and do as you wanted mother. I shall be the King ".

The breeze grew powerful and tossed my locks around, and then I heard something. Someone's thoughts. They were close enough to hear like a scream, but they weren't just anyones thoughts... they are one's of a man, I can't seem to get off my mind.

" Ichigo ", I solmenly said before standing.

I turned around to meet the blacksmith's glaze, and the hard look in his eyes. We both stared into each other, trying to figure out what to say.

He began to walk towards me but, I raised my hand up " Stop ", I whispered.

" No ", he took my hand in his. " I will not stop, like you wont for your kingdom- "

" Just stop ", I ripped my hand out of his. " I have been through enough heartache for today ", I quickly started to walk away from the blacksmith and back into the town.

" Rukia... wait! ", he called out to me.

I ignored and continued into the village, leaving the blacksmith in the field alone.

I can't face him, I know I can't. With what happened last night, and the mage, not to mention my abilities getting the better of me. There is no way I can face him, or touch him without feeling this pain in my chest; the sharp pains of my heart breaking into piece's.

Bowing my head I entered the village, trying to aviod the glances of other people. I didn't want others to see the broken expression.

It's enough to feel weak and know it. But to show it, is another thing.

Without reading the sign or looking into a window, I walked into a random store fulled with clothing.

I vanished into the back of the small store, and looked over the woman's clothing; trying to find something that I could use.

Looking the dresses I sighed deeply, everything is messed up right now. Things with Ichigo, the kingdom, father and my emotions. I just want to fix something, either one, whether it's my father or Ichigo. Anything, this is just too much.

" Can I help you madam?", I turned to meet a village woman in her early years. She smiled brightly while looking at the dresses in front of me. " I think the white would look the best on your figure ", she started before grabbing the fabric.

" ...Act-Actually fair maiden, I am currently on a journey. Could you be so kind, and help me with my attire?", the woman tilted her head to the side and blinked rapidly. " Is there something wrong?", beginning to feel a little unwelcomed I asked.

" No, no. It's just... you speak so formally, and I have never met a woman whose going on a journey alone ".

" O-Oh, I am not alone. I am traveling with a...a man ", enable to caterogize Ichigo I stuttered. " Where I am from we all speak in a formal manner".

" Where are you from?", she smiled.

" Uh, Kuchiki Kingdom " I hesitated. " Um, where are those traveling clothes?"

The woman perked up, and began to jesture me towards a section near the mens wear. " Kuchiki kingdom must be a beautiful place to live. I traveled through there once, and seen how happy everyone is to live there. Why would you wish to leave?", nearly pleading for an answer she leaned forward.

Our kingdom is one of the nicest, I will admit. We have fountains, well-structured houses, farm land and more; in plain sight its the perfect place to live. Sadly, with the kingdom's state now, it's probably a different village.

" I-I..I left for personal reasons ", we arrived to the clothing and the conversation dropped.

Standing in front of all the clothing, I searched for peices that would help me during our travels. Personally, I thought a dress would be out of the question, seeing as my engagment dress turned into a death trap during my escape.

" Some pants ", I whispered as I searched the pile. Throughing random pants around, I noticed most of them were black, or a femine color.

Finally, I could a pair of brown pants, similar to riding pants that I had in the castle. Sadly they didn't feel the same; the ones at the castle were made of the finest materails around the world, these felt cheap and they were.

" Here you are ", the woman spoke.

I turned around to find clothes in her hands: long brown boots, a rather tight violet shirt, belt, cow skin jacket and straps to hold weapons. How did she get these so quickly?

Before I could voice my question she piled the clothing in my arms, and pushed me into a dressing room roughly. I nearly fell over as the door slammed shut, and the lock clicked. " Just put it on, and I will get the bill " she called out.

" What if-" I stopped when I noticed there wasn't anyone there.

A sigh left my lips as I looked down at the clothing, and then started to undress. It's better than nothing, plus I can't just walk around wearing Ichigo's shirt and some heels, especially when I'm going to speak to the King of Soul Society.

There was no other choice.

Allowing the shirt to fall off my body, I looked in the mirror hung on the wooden shop wall. Even though I've been through hell, cut and dirt, I'm still flawless. Not a scar, nor mark on my snow-white skin, not a spec of dirt to be found. It's almost like I never left the castle. Then I noticed something on my hip.

I ran my fingers over the scar like sun, and felt my body start to shake. ' What is this?!', I panicked. My back bumped against wood causing my skin to feel the bark. Gasps left my lips while I panted in fear. Could this be a marking of a witch looking for me?

No, it can't be, father and the knights only left yesterday. There is no possible way they made it to the witch already, I know it can't be that.

Perhaps I'm right, and this marking isn't from a witch. Then, what is it from?

I'll have to ask someone, possible that woman Ichigo is... whatever they are.

Quickly I dressed with my eyes remaining on the sun like scar, it seemed to be the sun, but only the outline. It's barely noticable.

I flicked my hair out and onto my back, allowing it to flow naturally. " I think it is time to do something with this..." I trailed off. I have never really cut or let ours touch my hair; usually it was only Momo who did my hair, or another servant in the castle. There were times I would try, but others would stop me and do it for me, even if I attempted to brush my raven locks.

Looking in the mirror, I noticed the fierce look I held with the clothes. Normally, I look elegant and fragile, but these reflect the person I truly am. I am a woman, one who can run from an army, kill people with my bare hands and rule a kingdom.

The dark violet shirt matched my eyes, and the brown seemed to fit nicely. Sadly there wasn't anything I could put in the staps, since I make my weapons with my abilities.

I walked out of the change-room and to the front counter where the woman waited. " Well, you look fierce!" she giggled like a child.

" Arigato ", I bowed before placing the red sack of money on the counter. " How much will that be?"

" Two gold coins!" she exclaimed. I nodded before handing her the money. " If you need a weapon, I know there a bow shop across the street is saling some archery material ".

" Thank you for all your help ", I smiled before waving goodbye, and heading across the road.

I stood outside the clothing shop, waiting for wagons to go by, when a hand grabbed my shoulder. " Looks like you can clean up well, Princess Kuchiki ", the familiar voice caused me to smirk.

" Blacksmith", I mumbled before looking over to the bright-haired man. " Were you waiting for me all this time?", seeing as he knew when I was coming out of the shop seemed a little odd.

He rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed by the true, and kept his eyes away from mine. " Maybe I did ", he sighed. " But, I wish to discuss things with you-"

" It can wait ", I snapped before walking into the street.

Ichigo followed after me in a hurry. " Rukia, come on " he pleaded in his quick steps. " I do not wish for us to be in a quarrel!"

A quarrel?!

I stopped in the middle of the road, and turned to face the blacksmith with fire in my eyes. " A quarrel?! " I yelled. " We are not children, blacksmith! This is no laughing manner where you can smile, and merely name this situation ", my hands began to chill and fog started to pool at my feel. " Are you seriously forgetful of what happened last night!", my heart squeezed as I looked at the man in front of me.

Deep down, I wanted him to say something about it, tell me what to do and where we stood. If everything that happened is nothing but a quarrel to him, than our kiss... is nothing but an argument.

" If I am nothing but a quarrel to you, or some burden! Then... Then, I might as well travel on my own and leave you with that woman!", I shouted.

He stood confused but shocked at my sudden outburst. " What are you talking about? "

A sharp pain sliced through my chest as he approached me, I could hold make my tears any longer. " You do not get it...", I whined while wiping away the liquid. " Its hurts... Its hurt to know that I gave you such a percious thing... yet you feel nothing for me ", I sobbed.

In my country, a kiss is saved for suitors or marriage. When you kiss a man, you are telling him that you have some kind of emotion for him. Women in our kingdom whom have kissed several men, have been known as sluts and are frowned upon.

" I am nothing now", I whispered in my tears.

" R-Rukia..." he mumbled under his tone before glancing down the street. " Rukia! Watch out!", he yelled before leaping into the air and grabbing my body in his arms.

From the tears blurring my eyes, I couldn't see anything. But, when my head met a chest, and I heard cursing coming from the blacksmith, I looked up to see him on the ground.

Our bodies tangled together like lovers, and chests against each other. His hands wrapped around my body tightly, giving me a sense of safety.

Then the sound of speeding hooves entered my ears, and I looked over my shoulder to see a wagon running out of control down the street. I could have been ran over.

My heart began to pound, and frost started to covered Ichigo's shirt from my panic.

He noticed the ice, sat up and wrapped me in an embrace. " You are safe... you are safe with me ", he whispered into my hair. I tensed when he kissed my hair, and tightened his hold. " I wont let anyone harm you... I promise ", he whispered.

" What are we, blacksmith?" I managed to ask.

He went silent for a second, and loosen his hold. " I do not know".

I felt disappointed but relieved for his answer. Deep down I wanted him to have an answer, but its still too early to put a title on anything. I and Ichiro have only known each other for a few days.

I sat up from his chest, and he followed. His eyes stared into the shadow my bangs casted over my eyes while I hide my disappointment. Even though I was trying to hide my feelings, he seemed read me easily. " You think it was a mistake ", he stated quickly.

My eyes snapped forward, instantly our eyes connected " Why would you assume such a thing?", hurt started to settle in while I looked into his eyes. They only seemed to hold sadness, fear and disappointment. Did he really think that I regret kissing him? Of course not, I would do it all over again if I could.

" I can tell-" he tired but, I couldn't contain myself any longer and quickly captured his lips with mine.

Ichigo didn't comply at first, but soon moved his lips with mine once shock vanished. His hand wandered into my long hair, tangling his fingers in the baby locks on the nap of my neck. His fingers steamed my chilled skin, as he pulled me closer with his hand resting on my neck and other wiggling its away around my waist.

Deepening the kiss on my own, I felt his mouth open and offer himself to me. Slowly, and shyly I took the offer, clamping my lips with his and allowing him to venture into my virgin taste. As our tongues swirled together, I felt my breath hitch in my throat, cheeks flutter with blush, heart racing for more, and fingers began to itch. I wanted to touch more than just his mouth, I wanted more than a kiss.

'W-What am I saying?!', I thought while starting to pull away from the blacksmiths lips, but he brought me back in to the depths of desire with a single caress of my cheek. It didn't take much to make me continue; I think the thrill of kissing someone that is forbidden to touch in my country, and the emotions swirling in my heart for the peasant drove me.

The sweet taste of his lips began to cloud my senses, and all I thought about was the blacksmith, and his godly I felt his hands wandered my body, I could feel them voicing towards my butt. Fear became the better of me, and I pulled away quickly with a red face, and trembling hand.

Unable to gather myself, I stood and took off running down the side of the street, dodging everyone in my way, and make villagers yell at my speed.

Tears began to stream down my cheeks, as I ran through the village. When I found a space between two shops, I tucked inside as my lung burn from the lack of air, and tears clouded my eyes. I don't really understand why I'm crying, but it took over my body and all I could do was sob in silence of the alley. " I am a fool ", I whispered as I gasped for air.

I felt like there was something more than just a question; there were feeling that I am afraid to know, desires that will get us killed, and things that confuse me. I don't understand, why do I feel this for someone? Why do I want more? Is there a reason my body wants more if him?

I covered my face with my hands, and tried to calm my heart. " What is this?", I whispered softly.

Slowly I slide down the wall, and brought my knee's to my chest. Its just too confusing.

Tears streamed down my cheeks while waves of emotions covered my sense. I don't understand why this hurts so much, why my heart is throbbing for no reason or this feeling of betrayal. What is this?

In all this doubt I kept thinking about Ichigo: how he makes me feel, the rush I get when we kiss, just eyes, how he touches me, and the warmth of his body. The thought of the blacksmith made my body tingle, and something deep within me throb for him; such a feel is new and unheard. It scares more than death or war.

"Princess Kuchiki?" a feminine voice questioned.

I froze slightly, but started to look up to the woman who knew my identity.

She smiled brightly from under her black cloak, her eye looked of lanterns glowing in he night sky during the summer or winter. Her skin seemed dyed by the sun, and hair a long flowing wave of purple water.

'She's mesmerizing',I thought as I looked over her slim but featured body. Looking at the strange woman, I didn't feel threatened or afraid, I felt like I have met her before... somehow she seemed like someone my mother used to invite to the castle.

"Rukia" she whispered as she bend down to my height. "You have become such a beautiful woman", her hand grazed my cheek gently before she ran her fingers through my locks. "Oh how your mother would have loved to see you; such a beautiful angel of death you became".

She did know my mother. "You knew of my mother?"

The mysterious woman dropped her smile as she put the pieces together:' Does she not remember me-', her thoughts rang in my ear.

"I have no recollection of who you are", my voice stood strong as I rose to my feet. "I demand you tell me: who you are, and how you know of I and my mother".

Her eyes looked around the alleyway as though looking for any people listening; when she recognized there wasn't anyone around she grabbed my arm rough enough to make me hiss in pain.I scrambled to my feet trying to keep up with her quick and sly movements. She seemed to move like the breeze, molding to everything she touched.

As we ran through the darkness I looked at the woman. Such a beautiful sight but yet familiar.

Do I know this woman? If so, then why don't I remember her name or her in general?

How does she know my mother? Is there a possibility that they knew each other, or did something that I nor father knew of?

It's all confusing... too confusing for my liking.

My confusion soon left when we reached a building with wooden doors, and dark bricking. The sign of the little shop read: Kisuke's Shop of Magic. I think I've been here before with my mother.

古い心と燃えて混乱 means: Old Hearts and Burning confusion.

What did you guys think? Any questions so far?

Well, good night my dears.
Love ya, Bleachlover2346