There are tales,
Many that we cannot comprehend but we believe in them—they give us hope.
I know it may be unbelievable, the story of you and I,
But we know that it is true.
Living as one, not wedded by law but by house.
We are still not certain about our title, but we know that there is still a chance for us—whatever we may be.
I will get mad, do not think you can get out of my moods.
We will fight like an elderly king and queen.
Hurt each other but protect one another until we are in the ground.
Now we have to get to know each other: family, life and experiences;
Then we can love without a thought or threat in mind, because we know there is nothing but understanding of ourselves.
Until then… we will live as whatever you wish us to be.
My lashes stirred allowing the dim-light of a candle to enter my view. The ceiling made of wooden rusted boards confused me. Then I remembered the course of events that played out yesterday: going-up to the King, sharing my memories with Ichigo and moving into the blacksmith's home.
A soft blush dusted my cheeks; I'm living with a man whom isn't my father. This would be banishment if my father were to find out, even if he knew I kissed Ichigo… Father would be-head him.
I sat up from the bed and looked over the room. I noticed the chair next to my bed, the candle on the night-stand and a small metal-tub filled with water. Did—was Ichigo taking care of me?
Leaning down to the water I gripped the cloth, it felt like it's been ringed several times and have been re-soaked. The water bubbled and rippled as I pulled my hand out of the bucket. Under the ringing of the water I could hear muffled voices in the living-room, like there was a conversation going on.
I stood from the sheet's making the springs cringe, and I made my way to the door. Pressing against the frame I looked out to living and listened; I could make-out the voice of Ichigo.
"Thank you for the clothes Yuzu", I moved down the hallway. Ichigo was standing in front of someone (most like a girl), with a dazzling smile on his lips.
"Ichi-nii, I want to see her", a soft and gentle voice protested. "Kaien-nii told me that she is rather stunning—"
"Yuzu she is sleeping", Ichigo interrupted. "She's been through a lot today".
I hissed as a sudden rush of pain came to my head, a near pounding along with the chatter of voices. The thoughts of Soul Society was dominate in my ears… but there is too many thoughts.
The blacksmith seemed to notice my hiss and looked over his shoulder. "Rukia?" he called out.
I clenched my head and bumped into the wall only to fall out into the living-room area. "Silence", I groaned as sweat dripped down my arms. Gasping in pain I felt two strong hands grasp my shoulders before Ichigo lifted me into his arms. "Make them stop", I pleaded.
Back home it wasn't this bad, I could block out the thoughts of other if I wanted, but in this kingdom with the thoughts' and pressures hidden in a combined shield made it impossible.
"You have fever", his hand went to my forehead as my breath became vague. "I need to get you un-dresse—"
"Do not do such a thing!" I snapped with my eyes staring into his ambers ones. "My father would hang us both if he knew of our encounters, not to mention you and I living together. If he found out that you saw my virgin skin, your body would not have a gender or identity", I tried but his eyes read: determination.
"So be it", he simply replied without hesitation.
"What?!" my face turned beet-red as the blacksmith bent down to the floor and began to grab my shirt.
"What do you think you are doing?!" I screamed before attempting to scramble away from him, but he gripped my foot and dragged me back. "Ichigo?!"
"What? I refuse to allow you to be ill without my assistance", his eyes were soft as he placed his callous covered hands on my shoulders. "I care" the whispered blew in my ear leaving me in admiration.
I haven't had someone care for me since my mother past-away; not my father or grandmother. It was always maids and servants would tended to me when I grew ill. Have I truly forgotten how it feels to have someone care for me?
He brushed his fingers across my cheek before cupping my cheek in his palm. "Uh, Ichi-nii?" we pulled away from each other and looked over to the visitor.
My eyes widened upon looking at the woman, her cheeks were flushed as she looked down at the blacksmith and myself. "It is not what it seems!" I shouted before rushing to my feet, but the quick movement caused me to lose my balance.
Ichigo grabbed me and held me close to prevent me from falling over like a drunken loon. "Gomen (sorry)" I glanced up to Ichigo as he looked over to the girl.
She perked up for the apology and shook her long-braided sandy locks to rid of her blush. "N-Nani? (What)", she squeaked. From the looks of her, she seems like she comes from an okay-family, the poorest people wouldn't be able to afford a kimono or the large heart-shaped pedant on her neck.
"It is quiet ill-mannered of me to act this way in—"he started.
"W-What are you talking about?!" her cheeks burned with blush as she waved her hands in the air. "In what way?! I did not see a thing!"
I could tell she was lying, by the way she alerted her eyes to the side and couldn't look Ichigo in the eye. The blush showed she was shy (extremely) and flustered by the behavior she just witnessed. Her generous brown orbs caught mine and held my glaze. "So pretty", she whispered.
Looking away from the unknown character I stood from Ichigo's hold and pulled my long hair to the side.
"Ichi-nii…" she trailed. "How did you manage to get such a beautiful house-mate?"
A flustered Ichigo turned to her and glared. "I am just a good-looking man!"
"Non-sense", the maiden rebutted. "You have a big foul mouth, over-bearing attitude and tend to smell like a donkey's behind".
She approached me quickly and before I could turn away she grabbed my hands. Leaning forward her eyes glimmered in mine causing my orbs to widen.
Her hands were soft but strong, and the timid vibe of life rippled through my fingers from her skin. I looked down at her hands and noticed the bright twinkling white diamond like things fluttering around our hands.
I pulled my hands from her hands and hide them behind my back, I didn't want to freeze the gentle girl (or so I thought). "What is wrong?" she smiled as she leaned forward, in her pupil I noticed a pure white figure in the shape of a fairy dancing inside the girl. "This should be fun to reveal" the loud laughter in my ear made me tense.
"Nothing" I quickly replied.
"I see, well!" she giggled. "I am Kurosaki Yuzu, Ichigo's little sister".
That explains the fairy inside her. It must be some-kind of ability from the royal blood racing through her veins. Which means—staring to my hands I blinked—that wasn't me whose powers were activated. What could she hold?
Pulling my confusion and curiosity to the side I smiled softly. "I am Rukia K—"I stopped.
Ichigo noticed my mistake and jumped to the save. "Kurosaki", he finished. What? What the hell is he thinking!?
Staring at the blacksmith I noticed the burning flames in his eyes. "Uh, we I found her and she did not have a maiden name, so, I thought I would give her own family name" he smiled. "Also, she will be an excellent practice wife before I wed Inoune-san", he chuckled awkwardly.
My eyes never left the blacksmith as he explained the situation to his little sister, I should be thrilled he saved me from making a huge mistake, but I could only feel a sadness.
The idea of being his "practice wife" didn't sit well with me. Before we even arrived we told each other our feelings—he said he loves me, it doesn't seem that way. I would have been happier if he told her that we got wed back at my kingdom when he was drunk, it's better than saying I'm a practice woman. Its' quiet a displeasing and disgusting title.
"Oh", Yuzu blinked. "Well then, how about I give Rukia-chan a make-over" she squealed as she grabbed and hugged me tightly. "Please Ichi-nii!"
"Yuzu she is not fe—"he tried.
"I am fine", I interrupted with a sharp eye. "Do not worry about my well-being".
He blinked with confusion for my sudden attitude change and stepped back. "Rukia, you are burning-up", I would have taken his concern to heart but I'm a little irritated with the blacksmith.
Pushing my pounding head to the side I turned my head away from Ichigo and to Yuzu. "I believe if I am to be your practice wife… I might as well look nice doing so, do you agree Yuzu-chan", grounding out the hint of anger I smiled into Yuzu's bright eyes.
"Hai! (Yes)" she squealed.
"Rukia… I did not me—", I heard him mutter under his breath.
From the shadows of my bangs I looked over to the blacksmith causing him to halt. "It is fine", I whispered before Yuzu gripped my hand and pulled me towards the bedrooms.
Ichigo stood frustrated with himself as the sandy-haired girl dragged me into the room I had been resting in earlier. I know I shouldn't have snapped at the blacksmith but… something inside just couldn't be tamed; I was furious—but why?
Yuzu sat me in the room, smile still dominant on her lips as she played with my hair, fixated by the wondrous texture, length, shine and color. I wasn't surprised; my hair was something that many envied back at the castle. Maids would request to brush the long-locks and style it; I wouldn't argue since it was peaceful and the friendly chats would keep me occupied.
Looking back, I should have noticed Momo's odd behavior. She would never stay in the room too long, ask to brush my hair or talk to me about certain things; but how could I? I assumed she was just doing her job.
I recalled that night, when I ran from the castle and used my abilities against the woman, her husband and Renji. The last thing I heard from Momo was a sheer-scream of terror as the ice enveloped her body; I wonder if she survived.
It wouldn't make a difference now—it shouldn't even bother me, but I can't help but wonder about her well-being, even though she wishes me dead. If I had killed her then, it wouldn't be the first of my kingdom… those knights in the woods would be with her, along with many people I've killed in war. I'm definitely going to hell.
"How is your head?" coming out of my thought I glanced over to the young girl fiddling with my hair. "Ichi-nii was worried about you when I arrived. He had told me that you had taken the kingdom's pill" Yuzu explained.
"Uh, yes" I chuckled softly; it seems as though the voices have died down, either that or I've pushed them out of my focus. "I believe I will be fin—"
"Of course, but, that does not mean you do not have a splitting-headache" she interrupted. "Many new-comers have the same issues; it is from the different herbs and magic used in the pill. The king makes them like that, so it can handle all magic and blood-line", she finished.
That would explain why I fainted and grew ill after taking the pill; it must be the high-power in my family's blood that is trying to adjust to the kingdoms shield. The headache is from the overwhelming thoughts of the people, but there is nothing I can do about that, maybe there's a way for me to forget the thoughts—it's going to take me quiet sometime to figure it out.
"Well, it is only expected when there are many defeated royals" I answered as she braided my hair. "How many do you believe there are?"
"Royal families?" I nodded; she hummed while thinking and twisted my hair quickly. "I know there is several who run the divisions in the castle, and the king uses the fallen families with slight abilities to judge those who are wishing to live in the kingdom. I would have to guess, around two-hundred smaller kingdoms and at least five larger-crowns".
My eyes widened as I thought about the amount of royals living in the land.
Smaller-kingdoms: a village or small-town, ran by individuals that are members/relatives of a larger royal tree. For instance the Kuchiki tree consists of three different branches: my father's family branch, mothers royal roots, and my slowly growing branches. When my father married my mother their branches/roots combined; he became king and in exchange for the marriage of their daughter and crown, he gave my grandparents one of the larger towns to rule.
A smaller kingdom is ruled by elderly-royals who have given the crown to the next heir, aunts and uncles who are in-line for the throne once their siblings pass-on. The further you are from the main-throne the smaller the kingdom you rule over.
Large kingdoms: the main town/village that holds the main-castle of the line. I am a main-throne, since my husband will be the next king of Kuchiki land. We basically run all the little branches and royals; I remember my father would call meetings for all the branches and roots.
My grandparents would ride to the castle, along with fathers siblings and mothers distant relatives. It was like a family reunion but with only business in mind.
Everyone expect the children would enter the meeting area (the ball room) and discuss the status of each branch/root. Then my father would tell them the current status of the main-kingdom and the changes that were to occur in the economy, things that would be allowed, populations which were out-of-hand, laws that were new-coming.
When I was a child, I and my cousins would sneak into the room and listen to the adults chatting about different things that we never understood. Sometimes there would visitors from farther kingdoms—some who were beginning war with my father and others interesting in becoming a branch in the Kuchiki land; which meant having their son take my hand in marriage.
I looked over to the Kurosaki and noticed the happiness coming from her aura; she seemed completely satisfied living here.
"How about your family?" I questioned; Ichigo may remember due to his encounter with me, but I wonder what the rest of the family believe they are.
Yuzu giggled as she tied the finished braid at the side of my head. "The Kurosaki family has lived in this lands for many years. We have only been farmers of the fields, sometimes we have an odd-ball like my brothers and sister; but besides that we are nothing special".
I stared at her astonished by her knowledge; I still don't understand how/why they don't know their true-roots. If my memories are correct, then Ichigo was to become the next king of Kuchiki kingdom—by the choice of my mother.
One of the two other boys were to become the king of their kingdom. Knowing the fabrication of the royal lines and common regulations, I assume the last son would become the head of the armed-forces, either in their kingdom or Kuchiki.
Even if they had fallen, there was no-need for them to forget their roots; they could have easily began to work their ways back into the lines of royalty. It isn't common since many kings/queens do such more frequently.
My mother even had a plan if our kingdom crumbled. She had told me that our family would move to the fourth-kingdom (the magic kingdom), speak with the queen of the kingdom and offer father as a male for breeding. It may seem harsh but the offer would be unable to deny. The lines of power in my father's veins were strong, strong enough to make me—something the witches wished to have in their hands. They would probably offer them some land for the exchange, in which making them a smaller-kingdom.
By the time I was old enough to wed, our land would be filled with children—possibly from my father's dealing. Mother and father would train the many heirs to fight, use their magic and blood to defend themselves; then over time, when the youngest is of-age, we would take our kingdom back by storm. They'd have the help of the fourth kingdom, and offer to give them the boys from my father's seeding-deal; helping them with their population and birth-rate.
Mother had planned it out carefully, making sure she didn't accidently misjudge anything. One little mistake could be the end of their line, but as the queen, it was her duty to cover her husband's back, even in pure mayhem.
Did Ichigo's mother and father really have no back-up plan?
"What is your blood-line like, Rukia-chan?" I held my breath for the question; I can't tell her that it is royalty or something that is high in status, it would only bring questions. I also have to make sure it's something that matches with Ichigo's story.
"…Trade's men" I answered. "Well, that is whom I believe they might be. All I can remember is when Ichigo found me", I smiled.
"W-What happened to you?" she asked; only racking my brain more than before.
"Well, according to your brother: he was traveling back from the Kuchiki kingdom and going through Karakura village, and that is when he heard me screaming for help while several men were trying to have their way with me. He came to my rescue and I had fought him as well—thinking he was one of the men", I fabled. "When I woke up, he was tending to my wounds; one of the men had struck me in the head and I had been beaten badly. I could only remember my first-name and not my surname, hence your brother gave me your last-name so it would not be such a burden to name me completely".
Shakily I watched as she thought about the story, trying to find a question within the lie, but there wasn't anything else that I could find. I was quiet proud of my story and hoped she would believe me—or drop the subject completely.
Yuzu nodded and sighed softly as she rubbed my arms roughly. "Such a course of event for your life, we must not continue and awaken the nightmares of the past", she bought the lie. I feel bad for lying to her, she seems so sweet and innocent; I would have loved to tell her the truth but, I can't risk someone finding out. "Now, how about we find a suitable dress for you?"
I nodded with a tender smile. 'Someday, once my kingdom is mine once again, I will tell you all the truth about myself and I will help you find your land once more' I thought as Yuzu scurried out of the room.
It wouldn't be too hard. My kingdom is powerful, one of the most powerful lands of all, it wouldn't be easy. Possibly, get some location-witches and have them locate the land; send knights to the land—even myself and recover the remains. Kuchiki kingdom will help them recover what they lost, even if it was me who took all that away.
Upon Yuzu's return, she held bags and different pieces which confused me. I thought the only accessories I was to wear was a crown.
She pulled out dress-after-dress with a smile. I blinked at the unusual styles and length, they were quiet short, but the light colors and silky texture was something common in the castle. Maids would dress me in silk when I wanted to work in the garden, or wander around the castle in comfort—which was almost every-day.
Yuzu rushed over to me with different colors, trying to see which one was best for my skin and eyes color. I stared at the different silks and pattern "You did not price all these for me, right?"
"Oh no", Yuzu answered. "Ichi-nii went and visited Kaien-nii, and asked if Miyako-chan had any dresses that she was not wearing. Then he went to Karin-chan and I for some", she explained; he really did go everywhere to find things for me. They maybe used but the effort was enough to make me happy.
"You and your sisters do not wear these? They are quiet lovely", I lifted the dress she had chosen; the dark violet base and light-pink blossoms scattered over the dress. I blushed for the slightly dip of the V-neck and lose arms, not to mention the shortness of the dress that reached a little lower than my knees.
"Well", Yuzu began while helping me take off my clothing. "Miyako-chan is expecting a child in the winter, and then Karin-chan" she giggled as she grabbed the dress from the bed. I covered the mark on my hip as she turned. "…She is to wed during the winter as well" Yuzu nearly whisper.
"Why do you whisper such good-news?" she pulled the dress over my head and fixed the bottom; it felt comfortable and free. "Such news is to be celebrated".
Yuzu nodded in agreement. "Indeed, but Ichi-nii and Karin's suitor do not get along—"
"Well, your brother is nothing but a donkey most the time" I snickered, knowing the blacksmith.
"I heard that, troll!" I heard from the hallway.
I scoffed for the name and pouted; why is he even in the hallway? Is he trying to ease-drop?
"Ichi-nii, go make something to eat or rather get ready! You two could come eat with us all!" Yuzu exclaimed and the sound of stomping was heard from the man. I chuckled as I listened to his footsteps heading to the kitchen area to continuing cooking.
"No need", he said loudly.
I turned to the girl as she tightened the band around my waist. "He is always wanting to dine alone, such a hermit-crab" she snickered.
"Do not mind him, he is just a little tired from our travels" I excused. "Now, tell me about this suitor of your sister".
She smiled as she adjusted the dress. "Well, Karin met her suitor one-day while traveling beyond castle walls. She had wandered onto the icy-kingdom of Histugaya—", wait, no way.
"The kingdom of Histugaya?" I have heard of the tales of the kingdom, one that was covered in ice—doomed to an eternity of winter. Apparently, the first king had betrayed the witches of the land, and before fleeing the land they cursed it with snow and ice.
My mother would tell me about this land and the royals; how they were all cursed with the blood of a beast, one that could never be loved by anyone, and hearts which could never stop nor be heated by love. They were cold people in general.
"Yes, yes" Yuzu squealed. "At first, Karin did not know she had wandered on the land, and that is when she got lost in the winter-forest. He had found her and took her to his house—well, not a house—he would be insulted by such belittlement—his castle. Where he took care of her himself".
"C-C-Castle? What is the status of her suitor?" I leaned closer to the girl, nearly skin to skin.
If I know what she is trying to conclude, this means her sister is to be a queen or royalty. Which meant Ichigo is to become a branch in a kingdom—leading the Kurosaki to the throne.
"He is the prince of Histugaya kingdom", she sighed. "My sister is to become a queen once married, which is hard to believe. Our family thought that becoming a blacksmith or kings-men was big—Karin blew all of those thoughts out of the water", Yuzu laughed.
"Either way, it was something that our family did not understand upon meeting him", she continued the story. "The suitor looks like he was not human. A scaly half-face, sharp fangs and nails like knives. He was cold and cruel from time-to-time; even threatened to throw her in the dungeon while she was getting better, well… her attitude probably caused him to do so. But, he never did; apparently, she was the only girl who never ran from him—she stayed and lived with him for a month or two since a storm had come to the kingdom", I smiled for the story; it is similar to a fable mother told me sometimes, one of a man cursed with a beast-like presence and then he met a woman who looked past it, and fell in love with him.
"It sounds like the fable named: Beauty and the Beast" I chuckled as she nodded.
"Indeed", Yuzu grinned. "But, they are too adorable".
"I cannot wait to meet them", most like; I'm excited to meet a prince from the winter kingdom.
"Of course you will meet them!" she cheered before pulling me towards the door. "Now, we shall show Ichi-nii what you look like all dressed" I turned to the mirror and blinked.
The kimono like neck which revealed the valley of my breast slightly along with my mother's necklace; the pink band under my breast holding the dress up. I turned to see the flowing bottom swirl with me, as the bottom brushed my knees and the sleeves flapping in my movement. I smiled for the dark-purple that highlighted my skin; it's cheap but it's perfect.
"Hai (okay)" I quickly opened the door and scurried down the hallway with Yuzu close behind me. "Ichigo! Ichigo!" I shouted.
"Is something wrong?" he questioned as I entered the kitchen; startling him with my speed.
I stopped and twirled for him to see the dress—all my anger had vanished from earlier. "Look!" he grabbed my hand; stopping me from twirling.
"Stop and let me look", he grinned.
I stood still his eyes looked over my body, nodding as he trailed over my form. "For a woman of my status, I clean-up nicely, do you agree?" I winked.
Ichigo blushed before turning back to his cooking. "I could have told you such", the blacksmith told me; I smiled and hugged his broad back, wrapping my arms around his stomach as he froze from the sudden gesture.
"Gomen'nasai (I'm sorry)" I whispered into his back. "For being mad".
Ichigo turn and I looked up to meet his amber eyes; quickly he smiled and then flicked my forehead. I stumbled back slightly. "Shōto orokamono (Short fool)" he chuckled. "I understood your enmity".
I glared for the name and punched him in the stomach. "Orokana Kyojin! (Stupid giant!)" I exclaimed as he doubled over in pain. "Baka! (Idiot)".
He smirked before poking my side and causing me to jerk. I narrowed my eyes towards him as he ran from my wrath.
I guess living with Ichigo is going to have a few down's, but there will be up's too. I can't complain, he is my practice husband for the time being—one that I love and he loves me. Yes we bicker but it's a sign that we still love each other, even if we get separated, because in the future I can't promise I'll be here forever.
黒崎の妹: Kurosaki Sister.
R&R