~ Sakura Ai ~

Bowing her head softly she closes the bedroom door—the king couldn't look at the two destined lovers as they slept peacefully; she finds it painful.

Unohana sighs as she turns from the door—she didn't expect this, this woman to come back and interfere with the two-loves once again. She thought the maid had passed or was killed by Rukia in her murderous rage years ago, but it doesn't seem that way.

"Unohana," a firm voice says; the king looks over to see Isshin and Masaki in the lone hallway.

"Come. We shall discuss this in the living area," she instructs the two ex-royals as she pass them. "I believe all your children and their partners are here. Am I correct?"

Masaki looks over to her husband before answering the mage: "Yes".

"I see, "Unohana says as she looks over the living-room at the younger Kurosaki members. "I believe my spell is still in order with your sons… well, Ichigo is not included, but, Kaien and Jinro seems to still have quite the magic to break."

"Tomo," Isshin corrects the woman, "he goes by Tomo nowadays."

Unohana looks over the said-prince and folds her arms. "I do remember," she reassures the father before locking eyes with the two parents. "I was the one who re-named him remember?"

Masaki nods "Indeed, we can never show how grateful we are to you, Unohana-sama."

"Now, now, Masaki," the kind king smiles. "Such a formal tone when we are friends," the braided woman pats the mothers head gently. "I still remember when we were little and used to play in my lands magic-garden."

Masaki giggles for the reminder—her family of nobles used to live in the land of magic, and at the time Unohana had not been chosen by the land or King to be the next ruler.

Back then everything wasn't complicated and the two girls were best-friends: running around the magic-forest and gardens, playing pranks on the dukes, learning magic together in the run-down library with her grandmother.

"Still, I do not know how to repay you," Masaki sighs with a relieved smile.

"If you both wish to repay me so much, I have one request," the king finally says as she walks further into the living area with the two old-royals behind her.

Toshiro and Karin both perk for the mages presence, looking over they catch her eyes and she stops. "What a treasure," she smiles for the scales on the prince's face. "Such an old magic bond in upon you," the king whispers—Karin narrows her eyes at Unohana as she takes Toshiro's face in her hands and touches his dragon-like features.

"Karin—, "the prince's bits but the king giggles before swiftly taking the feisty woman in her hands.

"Such a fire-like woman you are," Unohana whispers to the raven-haired girl. "Yet you have no magic to use against others—tsk, tsk, now."

Tomo looks over Unohana as she looks deep into his sisters eyes, "You know something—"

"Correction, Tomo," the king sighs before releasing Karin and looking over the two. "I know all."

"A-All?" Yuzu squeaks from the kitchen.

"Indeed," Unohana sighs—with a hand she moves locks from Karin's face. "Once you are bedded, Karin. Things shall change for you—a child someday will be born from your womb and it shall be much to my kingdoms delight—"

"What?" Isshin suddenly interrupts. "Unohana you cannot—"

"Silence Isshin," Unohana snaps with a cold eye. "I am here to discuss a wager with you both, one that I have been waiting years to happen."

Masaki tenses for her friend's sudden change in attitude, "what is the wager?"

"The engagement you dealt with the King Yamato has been cancelled"—the mage looks over to two shocked parents. "He has not spoken to you because of the offer he has given Rukia. Such an offer is nearly deadly for her situation but, I cannot disagree upon it."

"What do you speak of?" Masaki questions.

"The reasoning for the Kings placement of Rukia in this land," Unohana begins, "Old Yamato is not a fool—he is quite the wise-tale if anything. He has waited many centuries for this to happen and he was prepared to wait even longer, Masaki."

"Do you mind explaining?" Isshin pushes; Unohana nods.

"We all know of the Kings Forever life-span and what the great marriage of promise was to do for him," she starts. "Either way, he placed the two together knowing they were the two children of secret. In prospect he believed the markings would react slowly but something occurred before Rukia's arrival."

"Which is…?" Masaki trails.

"The maiden you chose for your son is with child," Unohana smiles. "Either way, his plans are being enhanced greatly. He cannot wait for the marks to take their course, the king must step in and make things happen."

The confusion from the family fills the room and Unohana sighs while taking a seat at the table—her eyes looking over to the two ex-royals before speaking.

"He wishes for the promising marriage of the two destined royals to be reality," the king tells them. "He is desperate when it comes to this and has offered protection, along with his army when Rukia decides to return," the mage looks over the Kurosaki's. "But, I know the army of Soul Society cannot win this battle alone."

"This is where your wager comes in?" Isshin questions.

"Yes," Unohana nods. "I want you both to accept Yamato's offer once it is given."

Masaki's eyes widen, "Unohana! You and I both know what will happen if we do that—"

"You do not understand Masaki," the king says in a dark voice. "All the kings of this country need this—I need this, Yamato and Utitake, even the main-kingdom need this child to be birthed."

"Why must you need such a thing so badly?" the mother growls.

Unohana bows her head sadly and looks over the family. "I can see everything just by looking or touching a person now—my crown is giving me this power that I wish to rid of. Do you know what it like is to look at someone and know: how they shall die, when, where, who and why?"

"Unohana…" Masaki whispers.

"For instance, "the king looks over the room and stops on the Miyako and Kaien. "Your son Kaien shall die in a war that will break out with a matter of a months. His wife will pass fairly old but from a thief's knife when in the market. Their child shall be taken by illness when they have a family. Tomo is to pass from insanity, Yuzu child-birth in bad conditions, Toshiro a betrayal and Karin an assassin from another land."

Isshin flinched for the news. "W-What is this?"

"It is magic, magic that only harvest in my land from spirits that rule the roots—Soul Reapers," the king answers. "I will tell you though, we can prevent all these things if you listen and accept that offer."

"What do you speak of?" Miyako whispers.

Unohana closes her eyes as she gives a frown, "the war Kaien shall die in is with Kuchiki kingdom. Such a battle will run this land to a poverty state which will lead to your death and your child's. Tomo's mate will be killed in that war as well. Yuzu will pass from the poverty and un-equip medication in Karakura Village where she will resign after the fall of Soul Society. Toshiro's betrayal will be taken possession by the same maid that is connecting through Rukia and Karin's assassin will be sent by Kuchiki land by the new rulers."

"How do you know we can change this?" Masaki asks.

"Masaki, my dear, fate is never final because our decisions change it," the king answers. "These deaths are results from with-holding the offer and denying such."

"I cannot believe this," Isshin sighs in frustration. "What is in it for you?"

"Once a promise king is in ruling, I lose my crowns weight and become a branch just as Yamato wishes, "Unohana says. "I will no longer know the future of someone's destiny and can live without knowing."

The two parents look at each other and then to King—near knowing what to do.

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~*~*Cherry Blossoms*~*~

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I can feel it—warmth brisk touch… the best of all—it is like the humble first breeze from the sun as it kisses the horizon. Slowly I awaken.

The room is hazy but I know I'm still at the blacksmith's home because his scent is everywhere, it's calming to my heart.

Blinking slowly I feel someone's breath on the back of neck—clam and soothing, just as though they are sleeping. I tense once they tighten their hold and a blush comes to my cheeks as my eyes linger to the two large, strong and tanned arms holding me close. I instantly begin to panic.

"Rukia…" a familiar voice says sleepily into my neck.

"Ichigo," I squeak; turning in his arms I come face-to-face with the man I have missed so much. "Y-You are back," I smile while he gives me a sheepish grin.

"Indeed," he says as he kisses my bare shoulder. "I wanted to see you… I missed my love," he whispers.

A warm smile rests on my lips as I caress the blacksmith's cheek with my tiny hand, "I missed you too," I hum and press my forehead against his.

Our noses touch as I inhale his sweet-scent, fingers tangling in his orange-locks—once I feel his fingers on my bare back I tense and blink quickly, "W-W-What—" I try but the blacksmith captures my lips before I can ask my question.

His lips are like a soft fire as he turns my back into mattress and towers over my form. Slowly his lips travel from my lips to my jaw and gradually to my neck—I hold my breath as my arms wrap around the blacksmith's neck while he ventures down towards the valley of my breast.

In my ear I can hear the woman inside me purring like an animal—she seems satisfied.

Suddenly he stops and kisses my fingers; I look over with desirable eyes to see something new on my hand, "Is that…?" I crook.

"A ring," he whisper with his amber eyes on the thin golden swirls around the ring that join together in the middle—my breath is taken by the stone resting on my finger: a moon stone filled with a sparkling magic. "I finally finished it in the kingdom of magic," he says while looking at the stone, "it is my finest work."

"Is this for what I think it is for?" I ask in astonishment.

"I asked you for your hand—I thought it would only be proper for me to put a ring on such a finger," he whispers into my ear.

"So, it is a ring of engagement," I state to reassure myself; I look down my chest to see that I am still wear undergarments and the blacksmith a mere pair of boxers. "You did not bed me?"

"No, as much as I wish to, I would not do it when you are sleeping," Ichigo tells me. "Besides, there are still guest in the house."

Then it hits me—the voice of the King from the magic kingdom and the Kurosaki family, not to mention the spell I fell under. "So that was not a dream," I say as I sit-up from the covers. "It was all real."

"Hai (Yes)" Ichigo tells me as he sits up as well.

"Why are we…?" I trail.

"When I arrived you were under a dark connection from someone, Unohana told me that I needed to give you some of my aura to rid of the person. Since we have not bedded each other, this is the easiest way—sleeping in a close skin-to-skin connect," he explains. "Also, your ring is something that will continue to protect with from dark magic that is trying to connect with you."

"What do you mean?" I whisper to the blacksmith.

Ichigo takes my hand, slowly circles the gem with his long-finger. "The king of the magic-land gave me the moon-gem and told me to place it on your ring. After working so hard with the stone some of my magic got inside—creating a special seal."

"It is a little part of you," my voice trembles as he lays down on the mattress and looks towards the ceiling; I climb on top of him and look down into his amber eyes.

My lashes flutter shut as his large callous covered hand caresses my cheek, "I wanted you to have a little part of me no-matter where I go, so you know I am with you—even if we need to apart."

I look over the blacksmith with hooded-eyes— I never want to leave him, Ichigo, not in a million years do I wish to. If anything, I want everything to continue on its' course: wed the blacksmith, be bedded by him and enjoy moments like this.

"Is something the matter?" he whispers; slowly I run my fingers over his tender lips and feel the slight stubble on his cheeks.

"I thought about something a while back, blacksmith…" I trail; his eyes look deep into mine as his hands run up-and-down the heap in my spine. "…What would my life be like if I had not met you that day?"

"Complete rubbish" he chuckles and I can't help but giggle with him. "I know what my life would be like if we had not met."

"Hmm…" I nudge his nose with mine. "What would that be?"

"Incomplete," he answers—I lean down and take his lips in mine. Slowly I move my lips against his, but he becomes rough and dominate suddenly.

I gasp once rolled back onto my back and his hands run up my extended arms to my hands. Our fingers lock as our lips explore each other—completely lost in one another we didn't notice the figure in the door-way.

"I really chose the wrong brother," a voice says from the hallway—both, I and the blacksmith look over to see Miyako along with Unohana staring at the scene. "Kaien!" suddenly shouts to her husband, "Why can't you be like that with me?!"

Unohana looks over to the pregnant woman and chuckles nervously for her antics.

"I do not know what you are seeing right now, my love!" we hear Kaien shout from the living-room.

I feel my cheeks turn crimson and bury my face into the blacksmith's chest—I hear him chuckle for the action as he holds me closer. He knows I am embarrassed.

Unohana sighs and enters the room, leaving the bickering woman in the hallway. "I suppose this is what the passion of the star-crossed lovers is like," the King grins without a hint of embarrassment. "Such passion and tenderness."

I look up to Ichigo and notice the blush on his cheeks.

The king turns on her heels and heads to the door quickly, "Please get dressed and meet me in the living-area once you a finished," Ichigo looks down at me as the door closes.

"Shall we?" he whispers; I nod before he pulls the covers from our bodies.

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I look over to the blacksmith, clad in his open shirt and pants—from the looks of our attire it seems like we had just bedded but that is not the case.

Slowly we walk into the living-room and I glance towards the couches to see Miyako sleeping in Kaien's arms tenderly—it seems her little outburst had left her exhausted.

When I look over to Toshiro sitting casual with his eyes out to the garden, I see Karin laying on his lap—slowly he fiddles with her locks—quite the soothing touch, it is one my mother used to do to me back when I was a child.

Then I see Masaki and Isshin sitting at the table with three others: Yuzu, Tomo and Unohana—suddenly my heart quickens and I freeze for the sight.

"Rukia-san," Yuzu says with a smile from her seat.

Quickly she stands and hugs me with kind hands—the images of the dream flash before my eyes: the butterflies and the Cosmo flowers. "Thank you," I whisper into her blonde hair. "Thank you for saving me."

Yuzu grins as she holds my face in her soft palms. "You shall be family soon, "—I feel Ichigo tease for the news and so do I. "Family sticks together and saves one another, no-matter the cash."

"Mother, Father," Ichigo says with a strong tone. "Do you have something you wish to tell me?"

Masaki looks over to me and smiles in a slight sigh. "Does it even matter, my son?"

"What do you mean?" the blacksmith questions—I bury the ring into Yuzu's locks as she hugs me once again.

The mother looks over her son, "You were planning on marrying Rukia even if we did not give consent," she calmly states. "You are too much like your father sometimes."

"Like hell I am," Ichigo snickers with his eyes locked on his father whose smiles widely. "He is a fool."

"You are no different at times," I chirp; Ichigo tense for the comment and narrows his eyes on me. "Do not give me such a look, blacksmith. You have been a jokester more than once."

"Oh really? When?" Ichigo rubs the back of his neck as he looks down at me.

"How about that time in the woods when stripped in front of me?" I raise a brow; the blacksmith blushes brightly as he recalls the moment in the woods—that was the first time I say a man naked.

"I thought you were ill," he rebuts.

"And the time you 'taught' me to shop in a market? How about the kitchen scene with the Nikuman?" I continue to list the times Ichigo had been remotely goofy. "You and your father are alike it many ways."

Ichigo heavies a sigh and ruffles my locks, "If so, what does that make you?"

I raise a brow to his question and smirk, "Naïve."

The sound of a chuckle could be heard from the table; I tense when I see who is laughing—Unohana.

"Well, Rukia-san," the king chuckles in joy. "At least you are not with a man that is like your father—"

"How could I love someone who is so… cold?" I interrupt with a hard eye. "My father is nothing but a merciless man whose main thoughts are about power and whatnot. I still do not believe someone like my mother fall for such a man."

Unohana bits her lip softly for me words and closes her eyes before nodding. "Your father was not always so cruel of a man," the king tells me.

My eyes tear for the thought the man my father used to be: happy and joyful, now, he is nothing but a miserable king. To think, I have to fight him for my land—I do not wish to kill him, but if I must then I shall. "After mother passed he changed."

Unohana nods in agreement. "I noticed such when he visited me looking for you," I perk for the news slightly but it's not surprising. "It is as though his kindle soul has been taken by darkness."

"Enough about my father, what is it you wish to discuss?" I push the thoughts to the back of my head and look over to the king. "I know it is quite a venture from the Magic Kingdom to Soul Society."

"I have come to offer aid," she stands from the table.

"Excuse me?" I bluntly blink.

Unohana comes to a halt in front of me and Yuzu steps aside. "Yamato made you a request this afternoon in the market, well, his grand-daughter did"—she was watching me through magic, there is no doubt about it. "Do tell his offer."

"An offer?" Ichigo looks over to me with curious eyes.

"Indeed," I sigh as I recall the word of Orihime. "If I wed the blacksmith and birth a child for this land, he shall ensure I am safely protected within Soul Society."

"Please tell me you took that offer," the blacksmith suddenly says from beside me.

"W-Well, I—, "I stop myself. How am I going to tell Ichigo that I made another offer for the king in regards to his well-being? Knowing the man the blacksmith is, he won't take it lightly and will probably make sure it never happens.

Unohana seems to notice and answers suddenly: "the offer is still in the stage of being changed and you both need to discuss it together before making a final decision."

She's right—I would like to talk to the blacksmith about it before agreeing. I mean, having a child will effect both of our lives. I will become a mother and he, a father to a little boy or girl. It wouldn't just be the two of us anymore. Would we be ready?

"Rukia, you must take the offer," Masaki pleads as she stands from the table—I look at the mother with in shock. "I know it is a lot to ask, especially since your father will start a war," she places a hand on my shoulder and speaks into my ear. "We will protect you."

My breath stick in my throat for her words, "Masaki-san, he will kill you all," I say in a shaky breath.

"Rukia, I would rather die knowing my son is happy and that my family is alive," the mother tells me with firm eyes. "I mean, for years I saw you and Ichigo: play in our gardens, hold hands and reveal the power behind a fates destined stars."

"I c-cannot do such a thing," I stutter as tears well in my eyes.

Yuzu bows her head in the knowing to my reasoning. "Rukia-san, that vision you had earlier… is that what you fear with this offer?" the blonde asks.

"…yes" I reply.

Yuzu pushes the two other women out of the way and courageously takes my hands. "Listen to me, Rukia-san," her voice is soft as she looks into my eyes. "I cannot fathom how much you fear that dream—I, too fear such a dream. Creating a life, making a family with someone you love and then having someone destroy such a masterpiece by arriving… it is terrifying," her hold on my hands tightens as tears dance down her cheeks. "I do not know who that was or what they want with you, but do not let them win…" she sniffs. "They want you to have nothing, so, make something."

A solemn tear drops from my lash—make something before everything happens?

Unohana looks at me with sad eyes, "That is why I am here," she starts. "I want you to make something that you can fight for—not the land which your mother ruled or for the people. Make the life you want for yourself," I freeze for her encouraging words. "When the day comes and your father takes you away, I shall—no, will send my army to protect you and your legacy that you created."

Two kingdoms? Fighting for me?

Just how powerful would I and the blacksmith's off-springs be?

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~*~*Cherry Blossoms*~*~

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Later that night lay on the lawn in the backyard—leaves cover the floor as I look up to the great sky of stars in the deep purple hues.

I am not sure what to do—do I take the offer and let everything play out? Perhaps I should wait until I taken my crown once again. Mostly, I wonder: how much all the Kings were hoping for my first born.

Main Kingdom—a new ruler and the end of differences in the land.

Yamato—the King of Soul Society—he is to find meet the end of his endless life and crown.

Unohana—the King of the Magic Kingdom—loss the knowledge of other's ends and deaths, but, what would the rest of the lands rulers receive?

What about Blood? The thirteen kingdom? The shadow lands? Toshiro's kingdom? What else is there for the other lands Kings?

It seems like I and Ichigo were to finally put many of the rulers to their rest—end the grief of their lives.

"The moon-light makes becomes you, Rukia," I hear from beside me; I look over to see the blacksmith laying down opposite of me.

"I have much to ask you blacksmith," I says—his eyes blare into mine as he looks at me. "Much about this offer."

Ichigo turns his eyes to the stars and so do I. "Ask all you wish, because I too have much to ask you."

I don't ask him: why, because I know his reasoning—I would have the same questions if I were in his shoes. "If I were to be taken suddenly, would you be content with staying behind and raising our child?"

"It depends on the situation," he answers. "I mean, it will kill me inside to know you will not see our child grow, but, there are things I must do as a father before thinking about myself."

"What is the situation?" I whisper and look over to the prince.

Ichigo turn and caresses my cheek with his large-hand, "no matter what happens I would come to save you. Children need a mother, especially someone like you. It would only be a matter of time they would ask me things—I would be determined to rescue you."

"That is what I fear most," I tell him. "If you were to rescue me and die… our children would be orphans."

He presses his forehead against mine—I close my eyes as he rubs circles over my cheek with his thumb. "There are times we must fight fear because fear is the only happiness for us."

"Does that mean if I do not accept the offer you will?" he grins for my question.

"Indeed," Ichigo whispers. "Rukia, do you fear being a mother or your father?"

I tense for the question—I've always been afraid of my father and what would do, but I never really thought about myself as a mother to someone. "I am not sure if I would a good mother, but I do fear my father and what he would do," I bring his fingers to my lips and violet orbs flicker to his ambers. "I have not had a mother for years, and do not know if I can be a good one to a child."

"I know you will be," he reassures me.

"But still, Ichigo," I sigh. "I am a woman that is feared by several lands because of my power. Just imagine me raising a child."

"I believe the strongest women make the best mothers," he tells me—from his tone I know he is serious; this is something he has thought about. "My mother is a strong woman like you—one that is feared by some King's. I remember that from our childhood, but she made a great mother."

Masaki? A feared woman? I never thought someone like her would be feared by people. She is kind and loving in my eyes, but, I am the same when someone meets me for the first time.

"Even your mother," he continues. "She was feared because of her power, but she made you and she was a good mother."

"You really believe I can be a good mother?" I sheepishly say.

"Of course," he whispers. "And no matter what happens, I will by your side to support you—even if it is something ridiculous like marketing with merchants."

I laugh for his joke and he does as well.

This is why I love him so much—he makes me happy.

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Chapter 19!

リングキングスmeans: Rings and Kings

To be honest, I needed a good ending for this chapter because last chapter was serious.

Either way, tell me what you think and what you believe will happen!

R&R

Until next chapter, BleachLover2346