The swirling steam rolls through the air, fogging the bathroom completely. My skin hot from the heated water.

I look over the side of the wooden tub; the towel on the floor blurring my violet eyes before I slip deeper into the water, trying to drown out the thoughts in my head.

Once the blacksmith arrived, I had told him about our past—the story of his kingdom falling—I thought it would be best to tell him myself since I was the one who took his land and crown. Thankfully he wasn't mad, but questioning the maid whom was mentioned with his slumber.

Who was the woman? Did they end up finding her afterwards? Had I killed her when storming into the castle to look for his body?

There were too many questions for the past—there isn't any way to get answers which is upsetting.

Bubbles roar from my mouth as I rest under the water—there is too much to think/worry about: there's the past with Ichigo, my kingdom, training (which I need to start today), plans for my up-rise, the progress of my father and the enemy, Ichigo's engagement (I shouldn't be worrying about it, but I am), the story of my aunt on the mountain and our marks.

Last night, after our little passionate moment, we both felt something—pain and inflaming heat that craved for the others touch. The only thing that subsided the pain was the blacksmith's touch which seemed to heat the marking that burned like frostbite.

I place my hand on my hip, the small bumps of the mark under my fingers—glancing down I noticed the large sun mark that has doubled since meeting the blacksmith and getting closer. Inside the sun are swirls of strong symbols, throughout the outside is a strong mist that swirls around the black-sun—red marks have started to form around the marking which is new as well.

Mother, what is becoming of this mark? I look up to the ceiling and image my mothers' smiling face.

I sigh in confusion—not only am I flustered about the marks but, also Ichigo's engagement—Orihime only went to the king with her lover yesterday, but, I am only anxious. Perhaps I'm too accustomed to my father's ways; if I were in her position and having to tell my father that I was with child... he'd have nothing but a fit—storm the castle looking for the man whom bedded me, later be-heading whoever seemed to suspicious. It'd be nothing short of a miracle if the baby's father were to live past a day.

Who am I to judge or be worried about this? By the change of pace with the blacksmith and I, it would only be a matter of time till I was with child—after last night's steamy kiss, my hormones have been everywhere; all I want is the blacksmith, not just his presence but his body – just a simple glance from Ichigo and I nearly ready to bed him.

Is there something wrong with me? Maybe—probably not—okay, yes there is something wrong with me.

Isn't this natural for someone of my age?

On the day that I would venture out of the castle and wander the village, I would overhear different women talk about their nights with men—especially those whom were married and with children already. Honestly, when I heard those conversations, I would ponder on when I would be with someone like that.

Coming up from the water, I rest my violet eyes on the bathroom door—I really want the blacksmith in here for some reason. Call it a sin or an impure heart, but I desire him more than I can let on to tell.

Maybe I want him to be curious as well, so I won't seem so lewd—it would be nice to see he too want me just as badly—but there is no-way he would do such a thing; this is the blacksmith we're talking about, he thinks kissing in the kitchen is a bold statement.

"It seems as though you are ready to mate, young-one" the voice snickers in my ear.

I growl—lately it's been more active and preppy throughout my thoughts—always chirping in when I'm thinking about something lewd or attempting to figure things out which is frequently.

For instance last night, I was in bed thinking about Ichigo: what it was like to cuddle-up to his body when sleeping, if he was a person whom tosses and turns in bed, snores loudly or uses pillow/sheets to hug for comfort—all valid questions (I believe).

My mind with silent with all those questions, until that voice came in like an annoying bird outside my window in the morning—it never knew when to leave or become quiet!

"I am here to stay—"it starts again until there was a knocking on the door.

I jump slightly from the water and look over to the wooden frame—is that the blacksmith? Please be him!

"Rukia?" I grin from the familiar voice of Ichigo—it was indeed the blacksmith! "May I enter?"

A blush comes to my cheeks for the request—I want to scream: yes, but the pride of my father is keeping me at bay, which is good for a woman of my stature. I must keep my dignity and pride in check, or else father would be more than furious upon hearing my pleas.

Sinking deeper into the soapy-waters, I try to seem a little hidden. "You may enter," I reply with elegancy.

The door creaks open and my eyes alert to my feet—if I look at the blacksmith, I would overly excited and embarrassed; this is the first time there has been a man around me when I'm nude—it's a little unnerving.

"I was wondering…" he trails off.

I glance over to see whether he is looking at me or not; when I notice his eyes off to the near wall my heart throbs—I knew it, it is too proper to glance at me when I'm indecent.

"What were you wondering, blacksmith?" I sigh with a hint of frustration—all my hopes of his thoughts being lewd have been toss out the window.

Ichigo pulls up a stool from under the sink and sits next to the tub, eyes on my form while blush ran to his cheeks—he seems childish, but it is more adorable and cute for my liking.

"Should we go to my parents today?" he questions; I look over with a sharp eye.

"I saw them yesterday. Do you have business with them or something of the sort?" I push slightly.

"No, no," he waves. "I wish to ask them something."

"Like?" I try—was he going to ask about bedding a woman? Possibly for his (maybe) marriage with Orihime?

He fiddles with his hands nervously. "It is about the marks on our bodies."

"What about them? Have you notice the changes in them recently?"

"Indeed, it is confusing me—and by the memories you told me of last night, they might know something about them," the blacksmith explains.

"How? We are the only people they know who has these markings," I lean over the wooden tub slightly.

"No," he groans with his eyes on my collarbone. "Tomo and Yuzu also have marks."

"Really?"

"I speak nothing but the truth."

"What about Kaien?"

"He is normal."

"Karin?"

"I have no idea—if she is not normal, that would mean that suitor of hers is her mate," he growls.

"Why do you hate the prince so much? He seems to make her happy," I raise a brow as his hands glow black.

"He is cold, cruel, stubborn and head-strong," he lists. "Karin is nothing like that—"

"Ichigo," I place a hand on his. "You are stubborn, overprotective, loud, rude, harsh, overly-kind and strong-welled. I am barely any of those things," he tilts his head slightly for my words. "Does that mean we do not belong together?"

He sighs as he leans closer to me "You are my mate; we were meant to be together."

"Perhaps he is her mate," I move closer to his lips. "In which they were meant to be."

"If that is the case, then…" he looks deeper into my violet eyes. "I understand why they are together, even though he is a stubborn ass."

"You are my stubborn-ass," I whisper on his lips; he chuckles slightly and places a hand on my bare-neck. "And I love you no matter what."

"Same as I to you, princess," with those final words he captures my lips.

Placing a wet-hand in his orange-locks I giggle against his lips—the rush of excite bolts to my stomach as his sweet-touch becomes deeper; I know this would get us killed if someone were to see and tell the king, but I don't care.

I feel his hand slide from my neck down to the heap of my back, slowly he lays me in the tub; lips still devouring mine in a frantic rush of desire.

His spicy tongue slips into my lips and begins a daring battle with mine; I can feel the frostbiting ice at my fingers as his amber-fires bubble the waters that brisk my back.

I gasp loudly as he trails to my neck—I've imagine this for the last few hours, but never did I think it would true—he nips at my flesh and sucks roughly like a nursing child; I know there shall be a marking there later in the day.

When he begins to pull-away, I clasp his lips onto mine and bring him back to our lustful emotions—there is no-way in hell I'm going to allow him to vanish like that, leaving me desirable and wanting more of the blacksmiths touch.

His lips burn like fire and hands caressing my skin throughout the passionate embrace—I snick softly when he nibbles on my lips, playfully asking for more, which was gratefully given.

As my lips became raw a soft whisper is heard: "We…should…stop" he says throughout several tender kisses.

"Why?" I sigh; eyes staring deep into his bright-ones.

Pressing his forehead against mine, his breath slightly hitch and eyes darken by lust. "I do want to continue—, "he started; the news aids my heart from the slight aching that began. "I just believe you should be bedded properly and not in a tub," I blush brightly as he pulls away from my form.

I stare down at my reflection in the water—cheeks bright-red, big violet eyes, tender lips that were bruised by the blacksmith, long raven hair sticking to my face and trailing down my neck. The woman I once was has vanished—the proper but venturous royal who would follow her father's orders but be free when she wished. Now, it's different—I don't know how but it is.

After the beat vanishes from my cheeks, I look over to the blacksmith as he stares at the floor with embarrassment. "So, was there anything else you wish to discuss?" I ask.

He holds his breath before glancing over the room, trying to figure-out what else he was going to say before our little intimate moment. "Remember Yoruichi and Uarhara from Karakura village?"

How could I forget? The man in who wore clogs and the women that was obsessed over my abilities—it was enough to terrify me for the rest of my life, but they're good people – one's that I can trust (maybe).

"I recall them, "I reply to the blacksmith.

"Well, every month Yoruichi travels to Soul Society with their son Jinta to get more medical supplies and other new items in the markets," Ichigo explains but I tense.

"Son?" I question. "I do not remember a boy of some sort with those two."

He chuckles lightly. "When we were passing through the village the two children were out and about collecting from other nearby villages, "he says calmly. "But, Jinta and Ururu are not their birthed children."

"Orphans," I simply imply and he nods.

"They found Jinta near the kingdom of blood (Zaraki) and Ururu wandering the hills near the Magic kingdom," the blacksmith tells me. "According to the two ex-royals, they are both quite powerful in magic: Ururu in combat spells and abilities, while Jinta holds magic in his veins."

"Old royals," I conclude.

The only people who hold magic in their veins is those who were from royal lines—pure lines that aren't disturbed throughout the years—either the children were breed from the royals who were greedy and used women for sex (nothing more ) and left them pregnant. There are some princes and kings that will approve a rule stating: no woman is to be bedded by a man before the prince/king has seen to taking their purity. Such rules caused women to become pregnant with several half-royal children, only the ones' whose parents were both royalty would be crowned at the end.

"Half-bloods at least," he groans.

Everyone in the lands knew about some of the kingdoms bedding laws; it made others who didn't have to obey those term grateful to their king and more obedient.

Sadly an epidemic had begun many years back. Villagers started to believe that witchcraft was worshiping the devil, which lead them to killing (most to all) of the half-bloods. By the end of the killing frenzy, there weren't any half-bloods left unless they were hiding and keeping their magic a secret.

Mother told me: the epidemic was one of the reason my grandmother sent my aunt to live in Soul Society; most of royals living in the villages held weak magic and some half-bloods lived in secret. I never understood why it was only my Aunt—mother held magic as well; wouldn't that make her a target too?

"Half-bloods or not, they are still people," I state.

Thankfully, Kuchiki kingdom never went through the epidemic, but due to our strong alliances with other lands that were going through it, we were on high-alert. My grandparents attempted to tell the other lands that magic-users were good people, that they were like them, but, no one believed them. Once the epidemic begun, Kuchiki kingdom took in many run-away half-bloods and families, which nearly doubled the population and (almost) ran the land into a depression. Due to my grandparents strong-ties with the main-kingdom, they received a large amount of money to house the new-villagers, but they had to pay it back throughout time—even now my father is paying it back (according to the books I've seen for our revenue), but for a period-of-time, the payments were stopped and the page read: paid.

I thought it might have been because someone was messing-around or trying to start a blood war with the main-kingdom and ours, but that doesn't seem to be the case. When I think about it, the pages stopped near my birth and started-up again around the time Ichigo's kingdom fell—were we the payments?

"Either way," I break the silence and glance over to the blacksmith. "What else did you wish to tell me?"

Ichigo perks and runs a hand through his orange locks. "Usually Jinta trains with I and my brothers, so I shall be gone for most of the day—"

"Take me with you," I interrupt; he shook his head in disagreement.

"It is far too dangerous for you—"

"Just because I am a woman it does not mean I cannot battle with other magic-users," I growl. "I have taken down kingdoms and destroyed armies on my own—a little sparing with a magic-user shall do me no-harm."

"Rukia, please!" he sits up with desperate eyes. "It is dangerous—"

"So is walking into a war without training!" I stood from the tub—forgetting that I'm nude. "The Kuchiki army is quite powerful, along with my father's magic it's nearly impossible to defeat! If I do not train I could be kilt!"

His cheeks turn red as his eyes stuck to my body. "R-Rukia…" he squeaks; when I notice the blood trickling down his nose I blink and look down in embarrassment.

~*~*Cherry Blossoms*~*~

A snicker came from my side—I don't look over but, I know it's Tomo being smug about the blush that still stains our cheeks from this morning—I try to look over to the blacksmith but can't since he's still red in the face, such an expression makes my blush burn brighter.

"W-We need to climb down," Ichigo stutters as he looks over to me and then his brother who was nearly rolling on the floor with laughter.

"Hai," I whisper.

He bends down to the large-metal door in the ground and pulls the levers forward. The screams from the hinges fill the empty training dojo.

I glance around: the shining wooden floors which were hand-made years ago, walls covered in different images of the kingdoms best warriors throughout the centuries, dummies which are used for training knights and survey members—comparing this dojo to the one's back home, there weren't many differences.

My eyes alert from the dojo and to the hand that was suddenly place on my shoulder—Tomo looks down at me with his bright golden eyes and black outline; they sent chills down my spine—there's just something about him that doesn't sit well with me.

"Shall we head down, Rukia-san?" he whispers in my ear.

I quickly scurry from Tomo's side and to Ichigo while he climbs down the ladder, hands firm on the metal and eyes to the arena below.

As I lower myself down, I look up to see Tomo smile widely. "Giving my brother another view aren't cha?" he snickers—I really want to punch him in the face or to a pulp, but I shouldn't since he's Ichigo's brother.

"Nonsense," I growl; eyes imaging dagger plummeting into his skull and blood trickling down metal ladder. "Why would I do th—"

"Do not try to seem like a fool, Rukia," he places a hand on my cheek as his grin grows. "You crave for my brother to bed you more than whores beg for money on the corner," such a comment makes me livid—I want to kill him! Freeze his body and carve-out his inners.

Slapping away his hand, I find myself wobbling on the ladder—suddenly I lost my balance and begun to fall through the air.

"Rukia!" the blacksmith screams as he looks up to see my falling body.

The air cuts my cheeks as I look over my shoulder to the sandy bottom—the impact would be painful and possibly deathly but, there isn't anything that shall stop… or is there?

My long raven locks swirl in the air like feathers—sudden a large familiar hand grasps my wrist causing my fall to end. I squeak loudly as a grunt came from my rescuer; I look up to see meeting the blacksmiths amber orbs, blazing with fear and worry.

He lifts me up and quickly wraps an arm around my waist, pressing my form against his. I watch in amazement as he climbs down the ladder.

Once we were on the ground, pulls me into his arms and buries his nose into my neck. "Do not scare me like that ever again," I hear him murmur into my flesh. "Promise me that," he demands.

"I promise," I whisper into his shirt as my hands grip the backing tighter—I don't want to let the blacksmith go.

"If you got hurt or kilt—I could never forgive myself," I tense for his sudden statement.

"Now, now, brother!" the voice of Tomo draws our attention to the ladder where he stands with a large smile on his lips and hands firmly place on his hips. "Don't cha' get your head in a knot! She would've been fine'" he tries to reassure his brother.

"You are a fool!" Ichigo spits as he slaps the back of Tomo's head. "Father has told you not to joke-around on ladders, yet you continue to do so! Rukia could have been seriously injured or killed!"

The swirl black-magic covered the blacksmiths eyes, when his voice was dipping into a demonic state, I grab his hand and pull him closer. "Ichigo, please calm down," I whisper; his eyes look over to me.

Slowly the black clouds vanish and amber returns to his orbs. I place a hand on his cheek and rub circles over his flesh, trying to calm him.

"It seems as though, the great Kurosaki Ichigo has been tamed," I flinch for the new presence. "A woman I see, "the person chuckles from behind me—when did they get there? I don't recall feeling anybody behind me before. "She is quite the looker, Kurosaki."

The sly talk and shadow like presence reminds me of Urahara—I turn sharply and look at the new person—his hair is bright-red just like Renji's but short and shaggy, eyes dark as night, the long black cloak twirls in the fake breeze.

My eyes widen when I notice the large bold marking on his arms—they are the symbols of dark-magic, his hand are covered with leather gloves and around his neck is a silver pendant in the shape of a star.

"Jinta," the blacksmith sighs from behind me. "You seem more of a mislead priest every time I see you."

"Nonsense," the cloaked man growls. "These markings, pendant and cloak are magical objects—"

"More like a merchants pocket ringing with gold," Tomo chirps into the conversation; the mage glares at the two and turns his gaze onto me.

"Says the blacksmith with a woman by his side," he smirks. "They are nothing but a large hole in your coin-pouch."

"Excuse me," I gawk in disbelief; how dare he assume such an outrageous thing? "For your information, I have saved quite a lot of revenue for the blacksmith—"

"One's he must use to cloth and shelter you," Jinta interrupts. "You women are beautiful creatures but a pain in the wallet."

"I believe you are nothing but a sucker for spending," I growl. "Men can spend as much gold in a market as a woman!"

"Beg to differ," the mage snorts before looking at the blacksmith. "Am I right blacksmith?"

"No, you are absolutely wrong on the matter," I glance over to the blacksmith as he stares into Jinta's orbs. "Since Rukia has come to live with me, she has been nothing but saving me money for other things like material for work, new bedding, supplies for winters and my travels—she does a better job at save than I."

The mages eyes widen for the news but soon smirks and looks away from us. "You must be what they call: 'whipped'", I don't like him, even though I barely know him, I just don't like him on bit. Actually, I can't wait to kick his butt during battle—it shall be fun.

"That is enough of this matter, well ya'" Tomo grunts. "We came here to battle and train, not quarrel over gold. Unless you are trying to delay your beating Jinta," the quick jab to the mages ego was good enough to start a war.

"I am not," Jinta growls before looks over the three of us. "Kaien is not here."

"He is at home with his wife for the day," Ichigo informs the mage. "Due to the pregnancy he is at home and not training—the king ordered him home because of business having to be done at the castle, in which does not involve the other knights and presences of people."

"Ah, I see," the mage snickers.

I know he doesn't understand, the other reason why others were ordered out of the castle was because of princess's infidelity with another knight. The King probably needs a peaceful silence to collect his thoughts and think about his next move with his grand-daughter; either that, or he is putting the knight courting so they can be wedded before the child is born, but I doubt such a decision will be made.

"Who shall I spare first?" Jinta says with an evil grin.

I grump for his egotistical tone; he'll most-likely not chose me since I am a woman and it would only be an insult to Ichigo.

"I wish to spare first," I announce—Ichigo sighs from my side and places a hand on my shoulder. I know he doesn't wish for me to spare, but after this morning and our little talk beforehand, he knows it is only best to let me fight. "I shall be careful," I whisper; my eyes snap to the mage as he blinks in shock. "Do not believe because I am a woman that I shall allow you to win easily."

"Just because you and Kurosaki are together, do not think I will go easy on you—"he says as he walks into the sandy field.

"If Ichigo can defeat you so easily, you shall be nothing but a walk in the field for me," I snicker as I follow after him. "The blacksmith is indeed a fine knight, but can you wish against a royal?" I whisper into his ear.

"Royal?" he tenses and stops in his tracks.

I smile brightly as I walk pass him. "Good luck."

~*~*Cherry Blossoms*~*~

[Third Person P.O.V]

In the mist of the sand field stood the two, equal distance between then and eyes staring directly at their opponent.

The princess smirks as white-mist began to form around her hand—the sharp-edged snowflakes spiraling around her hand, the sand began to freeze into a crystal pool of ice.

"Begin!" Tomo shouts; his brother tight to his side. "Who do you think shall be defeated?"

"Jinta," Ichigo instantly answers.

In the distance, the mage twirls his cloak; a large mask of shadows bolts through the sand and towards Rukia as a snowflake slits her hand, causing her ruby-blood to drip onto the sand.

"You are the only one whom has defeated Jinta, brother," Tomo laughs. "Do you honestly believe a little woman like Rukia, can defeat him—"

"Rukia has battled me before and won," Ichigo interrupts.

"I thought you found her," Tomo raises a brow.

"I did, but she found me first" the blacksmith snickers. "She tried to kill me for my food and horse, even my camp site—we dueled and she won without breaking a sweat."

Tomo's devilish eyes widened for the news before he shook his expression away and looks over to the two. "I must see it to believe such a fable."

.

.

On the field Rukia wiggles her fingers as the shadow circle around her shadow—she knew they fed off her fears and deepest demons that ran in her soul; she figured they would take the shape of the day she thought Ichigo was dead—the one that she was forced to forget.

She and the blacksmith were worried about that as well—if she was to lose her sanity while fighting Jinta there was no-telling what would happen to the people watching; she could kill Tomo and Jinta, then snap-out of her little frenzy when looking at her beloved blacksmith.

"Think of people whom get you angry…" a gentle voice suggests in her ear; Rukia nods and the thoughts of Momo, Aizen and Renji swarm her head—she really disliked them, especially Renji because of his thoughts. "That is it, continue with those thoughts and the shadows shall take form of them."

Just as the voice told her, the shadows shape into the three individuals floating in her thoughts.

Momo with her bun firm on her head, smile that could deserve anyone, brown gentle eyes that were haunted by demons, skin as pale as the moon and her blue dress that graces the floor.

Aizen stood next to his wife, grinning at the princess with his devilish orbs and long brown locks—his Kuchiki army attire tight to his chest as he draws his sword from his side. "Rukia…" he laughs as he steps forward, instantly going into a battle-stance. "Come with us!"

She narrows her eyes on the shadows which multiple into hundreds of the couple in front of her; when she notices that Renji hadn't been formed she glances over her shoulder to see a blade coming down like a butcher-knife.

The princess leaps out of the way and glares at the people: long red hair, dark marks over his body and the evil smile which reminds her of Satan. "Renji," she growls at the sight of the suitor.

"Allow me to bed you," he snickers before lunging.

Rukia's blood quickly drips to the sand, swirling into a blade—the crystal white edge shimmers in the sun; the woman flash-steps at the red-head.

When the suitor stops and looks over in shock, his chest slide in half from her blade—from the fatal slash (fake) Renji instantly became black dust that swirls through the air and vanishes.

The other copies of the three stare in surprise—Rukia took the distraction and uses her sword to slash her wrist.

From the sidelines, Tomo's jaw nearly dug into the sand and his brother watches his love with a sharp-eye. Ichigo knows that Jinta is going to lose, and by now the mage knows the same; he was going to play a spell that would grantee his victory, but there wasn't any chance of the red-head winning.

"Who do you believe will be defeated now, brother?" the blacksmith nudges his twin.

"Jinta…" was the only reply.

Rukia looks over the army of her enemies with a smile—this was going to be fun—better than playing in the garden or riding her horse in the fields—this would be better.

The red blood dripping from her wrist trickle on the sand; when the blood grows throughout the sandy floor, the princess smirks. "What is this?!" the familiar screams of Momo rang through the air; when the grunts and growls from the two men echoes her ears, Rukia steps out of the glowing sand as it froze the army in place. "Aizen! Help me—" the screams end as the field of shadows shot into ice sculptures.

Rukia grins as she looks over to the mage—ready to make her final attack on the boy.

Sweat began to drip down his forehead; he didn't know what was going on—usually his opponent had trouble with his shadows, since they were supposed to shape into their biggest fear; but with the princess is was different.

"I don't want to lose," he thought. "I'll just have to use my last weapon!"

The mage's eyes close as he hums a mesmerizing and enchanting rhythm—from the distance Rukia had begun to trail towards her enemy with a malicious smile on her lips.

Ichigo watches from the sideline with worry—he knew the fight wouldn't be hard for Rukia, but, according to Yoruichi, Jinta has perfected a new and brutal technique that may end the princess.

As black-mist swirls towards the princess, Ichigo's lips purse together.

Instantly she went to cut-down the individual forming in front of her, but stops when she comes face-to-face with a tall man, tan-skin and bright-orange hair—the mage had created Ichigo.

.

.

"This is bad," the blacksmith growls to his brother; Tomo smirks before waving off his concern. "Jinta stop!" Ichigo tries but his brother covers his mouth.

"Now, now, big brother" Tomo smiles. "I believe the lovely Rukia will be able to kill you as well."

Ichigo twists his brother's wrist, nearly snapping it in half. "You do not understand," he growls as he releases his brother and bolts towards the red-head in the distance—shouting at the boy didn't seem to work.

.

.

The princess gaps at the sight of her love, but she knew it wasn't the real blacksmith—its eyes weren't her loves amber suns, but gapping black holes that remind her of hell. "This is not thy love… this is not he," she chants repeatedly in her mind.

Once building-up her courage she swiftly raises her blade and slices the shadow in two.

Her heart stops when she looks over the land—hundreds upon hundreds of Ichigo's storming her way with large butch-knives swords. "Ichigo…" she squeaks for the army.

.

.

"Rukia!" Ichigo shouts as he became closer to the mage, but it didn't seem close enough—there were hills upon hills of distance from the blacksmith and Jinta; there was no-way he would make it. "Jinta stop!"

The blacksmith stumbles and falls into the sandy hills—his eyes look over to the petite raven-haired woman in the distance as she looks over the army of himself. "No…no…No!" Ichigo yells as a group encircles her form.

One pulls her close by her hair and the other ready to slice her in half.

Ichigo thought: this was the last time he'd be sane and see her alive.

.

.

Rukia gasps for the harsh tug on her hair—looking over to see the two black-holes boring into her like hot-iron. She didn't hesitated with her blade; spinning on her heels she slices her raven locks leaving them short—the long tail weighs in the shadows hands as the blade slices through its' neck, sending the misty ball to the ground with a thud.

Her new-short locks sway in her face, slowly she looks forward with a slight-pant "This isn't Ichigo…" the voice growls in her head—a spit fire burns bright in her stomach as her grasp tightens around the hilt.

Rukia lungs—swinging her blade at each of the shadows—slay everyone until there was nothing but a field covered in black clouded haze.

Her skins cracks as her anger boils; in front of her stood the last one, but instant there is amber instead of black. "Ichigo" she whispers shakily; raising her hands to the cheek of the shadow she grins. "This is really you?"

"No, I am dead," quickly the amber turns to black as his large blade came towards her form.

The word: dead, echoes her ears as she drops to her knee's—the flashes of her love covers her violet eyes as the pure-white ice races up her body: her clothing turns to solid-ice, skin to crystal, newly cut hair to white—she looks forward to the murderous smile on the shadows face as her eyes turn to white.

.

.

Ichigo's breath sticks in his throat as he looks at the white-covering the princess—he knows this is bad—very, very bad.

"J-Jinta," he looks over to the boy who grins for his (believed) victory. "Run! Jinta! Tomo! You need to leave!" the blacksmith screams.

"You out of your mind?!" Tomo snaps. "The battle is still going-on!"

"I know that," the blacksmith growls under his breath. "But Rukia does not have her sanity, she shall kill anything and anyone in sight," he hisses before running to the mage.

He looks down to his feet, the sand has become pure-ice, the air thick as his screams from the sudden temperature drop—his breath clouds as he sprints. "Jinta!" he shouts; the mage looks over to the blacksmith.

"I defeated her—, "the red-head stops when a hand grips his head, ice beginning to form over his red-locks.

The blacksmith slides to Rukia as her hand digs into Jinta's freezing locks. "Ichigo" the blacksmith hears from the princess; when long tears of red came pouring from her eyes he froze. "Ichigo!" she screams before throwing the boy through the air with incredible force—Rukia drops to the ground, hands gripping her head while large waves of white fog vibrate from her form.

"Rukia," Ichigo says; kneeling down to the crying woman he places a hand on her frozen hair. "I am alive."

She looks forward, blood-stain tears rolling down her crystal cheeks. "Ichigo, this is you?"

"Indeed, it is I" he says before quickly claiming her lips—bringing back her sanity within seconds.

Hey everyone, sorry for the long wait for this update, but I was busy with school. Now, I'm completely graduated from High-school and off to College in two months or so. Ha-I'm getting old, huh?

Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, if you did, leave me a review (I love them).

Until next time!

Bleachlover2346

正気: means- Sanity.