A/N: Easter was pretty busy and I got sick as well, so I didn't manage to get back to this chapter until now. However, it is a pretty long one to make up for it. I hope you enjoy the chapter!

(Accidentally wrote Momo instead of Ruby when Gin addressed her in one of the lines and fixed that.)

Chapter Three

Rangiku sat in the kitchen and drowned a cup of rum. The captain had reprimanded her for her actions and because of that she was feeling incredibly annoyed. Her mind grumbled with curses as she finished her next cup. She knew that she couldn't get drunk easily and continued to drink like there was no tomorrow. A sudden pat on her shoulder jerked her out of her thoughts. It was Momo.

"What are you doing Scarlet?" Momo asked concerned.

"Nuthin'," Rangiku answered as she took another gulp.

Momo's eyebrows were pulled together in worry. She hadn't seen this side of her friend before. Rangiku seemed awfully upset for some reason.

"Are you still thinking about what the captain said?" Momo sighed.

"Nope," was the immediate answer.

"So you are," Momo sighed, "He didn't mean it, alright? He was probably only teasing you."

Rangiku slammed her glass on the table and whipped around.

"But he called it a monkey performance! Plus he said t'was childish to accept challenges like that! Who does he think he is?!"

"The captain?" Momo rolled her eyes as she sarcastically answered.

"Ruby!"

"I get it, I get it," Momo brought her hands up in surrender and stood up, "Come on, let's get you back to our room."

Momo half dragged a protesting Rangiku back to their cabin. After she shut the door, Momo plopped down on her bed and whispered, "You can stop now Rangiku. I know that you aren't even drunk."

Rangiku blinked in surprise and giggled.

"You knows me well."

Momo shook her head and smiled, "Remember the time there was this party at my house? You drank two bottles of wine and were fine. I had to drag you away before the adults noticed your drinking amount."

"Oh, that's right, heh," Rangiku scratched her head in embarrassment.

Momo lay down on her bed and Rangiku did the same. They drifted off into their own thoughts. After a while Rangiku asked, "Hey Momo, have you found out anything regarding your search?"

"Nothing much from my conversations with the crew… the Captain might know something though, but I feel it's dangerous to ask him."

A brief silence befell the girls again. Suddenly Momo sat up and turned towards Rangiku.

"Rangiku, don't you find our situation amusing?"

Rangiku rolled on her bed to face Momo, "What d'ye mean?"

"I mean – Doesn't this situation remind of the role plays we did when we were children. We are even using code-names like Scarlet and Ruby," Momo giggled with a hand covering her mouth.

Rangiku thought about it for a bit and agreed, "Yeah, we did that, didn't we? To think that we're now doing this for reals."

Rangiku laughed out loud.

"No one here knows my actual identity. Not even Gin I. Shinso has recognized us."

[That's right. Gin…] Rangiku quieted down after hearing his name.

She hesitated for a moment before asking her question.

"Do you really think that it could be him?"

"There is no doubt about it," Momo nodded with a smirk, crossed her arms and lowered her voice, "His appearance is extremely similar and his demeanour – it must be him. The 'I' in his name most likely corresponds to 'Ichimaru'. We almost never reveal our real family names after all."

"That's right…"

As Rangiku trailed off, Momo started giggling.

"But really, to think that no one knows that I am actually the daughter of the famous General Tobiume, Momo H. Tobiume!" Momo giggled like mad, "If they knew, I'd be dead!"

Rangiku was infected by it and started laughing as well.

"Yeah and I am the fallen noble Rangiku M. Haineko!"

Both girls broke out in crazy laughter.

#####

The captain of the Ashen Spear leaned against his chair and closed his eyes. The scene of a pouting and furious young woman appeared in the darkness of his mind. His eyes snapped open and his usual grin disappeared. His foot ached a little. He was feeling a little bad for teasing Scarlet like that back there and the memory of it wasn't helping him either.

"Maybe I should go an' apologize after all…" he mumbled to himself and stood up but immediately sat down again, "Wait. Why should I?"

A small frown on his face showed his confusion. He couldn't relax. He felt that it wasn't his fault that Scarlet blew up like a fuse after his comment and stomped on his foot with her boot's heel. It had hurt a lot and he had felt angry but after thinking about it again, he realized that he was being insensitive with his remarks. That realisation made him feel increasingly guiltier. He ruffled his hair in irritation.

"Let's get this over with," he muttered and stood up again; this time steered for Scarlet's room.

After a while he arrived in front of Scarlet and Ruby's door. He was about to knock, when he heard laughter from the inside. It made him halt in his actions. Words passed through the closed door.

"…knows my actual identity…"

The words 'actual identity' peaked his curiosity and he leaned against the door to hear more.

"There is no doubt about it…..appearance….demeanour….most likely…"

Gin struggled to hear the conversation and only got snippets and words which did not make sense to him at all. However the next parts he heard, shocked him.

"…..no one knows that I am actually the daughter of the famous General Tobiume, Momo H. Tobiume!...I'd be dead!"

"Yeah… noble Rangiku M. Haineko!"

"Rangiku…?" he muttered unconsciously and immediately clamped his hands over his mouth.

As he listened for the sounds, his heart thumped wildly at the thought of being found out. Laughter burst from beyond the door. The conversing girls inside the room did not seem to have noticed him as they were laughing loudly with no restraint.

Gin wasn't sure whether he should continue to listen in or not. His curiosity won out in the end and he pressed his ear against the wooden door again.

"…plans for the future, Momo?"

Gin recognized the voice as Scarlet's, which meant that she was Rangiku and the other was Momo.

"I'm not sure. Finding Shiro will be difficult…Prince Hyorinmaru and have no family name…..name."

Gin got somewhat confused at the mention of the missing prince but continued listening.

"He never told ye?"

"I never told him mine either."

"I guess tis normal…hope that he's actually the captain of the Ice Ring…."

"…bad luck at finding him, Rangiku. The king did not…"

"Nope, you'll get it done even…."

Gin stepped away from the door. He needed some time to think or everything he heard would not make any sense to him in the end. He quietly stepped away, making sure that no one saw him as he left for his quarters again.

Only one sentence ran through his mind for now.

Why was Rangiku a pirate?

#####

Night had fallen and most of the crew had gone to bed. Similarly Gin had done the same except that he couldn't fall asleep. Thoughts of the conversation from this afternoon were still heavily weighing on his mind. Just yesterday he had found two young women drifting on the sea. They had introduced themselves as Scarlet and Ruby of Captain Tousen's ship, Benihiko. As a captain who also allowed women on board, Gin naturally knew of Captain Tousen and was even acquainted with him. He did not expect the news of his ship's sinking and wondered if the man survived the disaster.

Today he had found out that the women he brought on board were actually the current about-to-be crown princess and his former childhood friend. He could not actually believe it. They looked so different from when he last saw them, that it seemed like a joke. But after actually comparing them to his memory, he could finally see the similarities. The beauty mark under the right side of Scarlet's mouth was at the same place as Rangiku's.

"Ran…", Gin whispered the nickname of his dearest childhood friend.

Someone he had never forgotten during the past few years. His chest ached as he thought about it. Even though he had seen many beautiful women, none could compare to her. She was an existence with whom he could not part. His heart had almost burst in sorrow on the day he had to leave. His family tradition had the highest priority or else he would not be able to stay with her in the future. The ring he had given her was actually the ring he was going to use to propose to her, but instead he gave it to her as a memento. He didn't see the ring on either of Scarlet's hands. The only accessory he saw was a golden necklace.

She had promised to wait for him. Did she forget? Gin wasn't sure anymore.

Was Scarlet really Rangiku?

Gin closed his eyes and pictured his childhood friend's face. He imagined her shoulder-length hair grow longer and her figure become more shapely. Slowly but surely the picture of his love turned into Scarlet. His eyes opened with a jolt. Surprise was reflected in them. His eyes which he typically kept like slits had opened fully and even widened. His usual smile had not resurfaced ever since his thoughts ran wild but now the corners of his lips were slowly tugging upwards. A soft smile spread on his face as his mind became peaceful.

"Ran…", he whispered softly and finally drifted off to sleep.

#####

"Cap'n! Merchant ship a nautical mile to ta left!"

"Let's get down ta business!"

"Aye‼"

Gin's usual grin was plastered on his face as he watched the crew get excited from his declaration. In the midst of the men, he could see Rangiku standing beside Ruby, though now he would have to refer to her as Momo in his mind – Ruby was a false name after all.

The merchant ship was already on the run, but the Ashen Spear kept up. A slight fogginess surrounded the two ships, making visibility a little unclear. As the Ashen Spear neared its target, the sailors on boards readied their grappling hooks. The moment the two ships aligned Gin gave the sign and the men on board threw their hooks. With a ferocious cry the pirates boarded the ship and confronted the guards on board.

Among the pirates were Rangiku and Momo, who had to do their job as long as Gin was their captain. Blades flashed and agonizing cries rang out. In the fight, the two girls went separate ways.

Rangiku blocked the incoming blade and jumped back. The mercenary growled in dissatisfaction at the failed attempt. He whipped out a dagger and flung it at Rangiku who ducked quickly. The blade barely passed above her and cut a few strands that were still falling. Rangiku's eyes widened as she saw precious hair fall to the ground. Her eyes narrowed in anger and she glared at the man in front of her. With a cry she leapt at her opponent who had moved as well to meet her. The man's sword neared her stomach but stopped with a sudden clang. Rangiku smirked at the man's widened eyes as she stabbed through his heart.

After pulling out the sword, the man's lifeless body slumped to the ground. Blood trailed down the cutlass as Rangiku returned the dagger in her left hand back to the small bag strapped around her left thigh. She had pulled it out when she was in a crouching position and immediately used it to stop the guard's weapon.

While looking for her next target, Rangiku did not ease up. If the tension left her now, her reaction time would slow down and may prove to be fatal. Near her, Kenpachi was mowing down on a mercenary hired by the merchant ship with a short broad-axe. The large blade cleaved through the man's arms, making him let out a blood curling scream. Kenpachi grinned as he looped off the opponent's head. The scream immediately stopped, but Rangiku thought to have seen the man's lips continue to move as the head spiralled away from the body.

A shiver ran down her spine. She was glad that she did not have him as an enemy. Thoughts of her previous match with the giant appeared in her mind. The massive man must have underestimated her greatly, his attacks were too fast and deadly now for their match to have been her win otherwise. A sudden push sent her stumbling forward. She spun around to see why. A large back covered most of her view and silver hair gleamed in the sun.

"Gin", she unconsciously let out.

The sound of metal clashing came from his direction and she saw why. Gin was fending off a man nearly the size of Kenpachi with bulging muscles and a furious face. However, while grinning like he always does, the silver haired captain sliced away at the man's arms and legs at the smallest opening presented to him. A last stab into the opponent's chest and Gin gave a light kick, making the opponent slide off his cutlass and fall backwards to the ground.

"Ts, ts, ts."

Gin clicked his tongue at the sight and shook his head as if disappointed. He turned around to Rangiku with his usual smile and shook his head at her.

"Ya should be more careful and not doze off, 'kay Scarlet? If I hadn't pushed ya away, ya would've been dead, ya know?"

Rangiku immediately understood the situation she was in a moment ago. She opened her mouth but no words came out. What was she supposed to say?

[I'm glad Gin saved me when I let my guard down, but this attitude…]

Even though Rangiku felt like retorting, she couldn't refute his words. In the end a small frown appeared on her face instead accompanied by a small pout.

Gin's expression did not change but inwardly he felt like giving a wry smile to his childhood friend. However, to not linger around any longer he said, "Make haste with tha killing and stay close, lass. We'll be roundin' up the people."

Scarlet nodded and followed Gin who made a beeline for the underdeck. On the way they fought off several men and either incapacitated them or killed them off as swiftly as possible. Once below, the pair split off to search for any hiding passengers. Rangiku had to search for a bit before she found an elderly business man and brought him up to the surface.

Near the main mast, a group of prisoners were already gathered guarded by several pirates, while a couple were still fighting further away to the right. However, the left side was largely clear except for the two men who were pointing their swords at each other. Rangiku glanced over to that particular pair and recognized both of them. One was Captain Ichimaru and the other was the owner of this ship, the merchant Byakuya. With long black hair and a handsome but stoic face, he is said to be a rather cold and ruthless man in his trade, yet outstanding and cunning. He is also said to be proficient at swordsmanship. Once he was feared throughout the seas as a vengeful lawbringer; bringing justice to any and all criminals. Pirates both feared and respecting his prowess with a blade. Until one day Byakuya retired and became one of the most respected traders throughout the land.

[What happened?] Rangiku wondered as she took a few moments to look.

Then Rangiku gave a light pat to the elderly man she caught, silently telling him to move and made him join the group sitting on the floor. In the meanwhile she watched the ongoing scene nearby.

It was a repetition of strikes and retreats as if they were testing the waters of each other. Neither man seemed to have an advantage over the other. Ichimaru sent small simple blows to which Byakuya parried with ease. Byakuya's moves were smooth and swift, giving the appearance as if he were in an elegant dance rather than a duel to the death. Suddenly Byakuya shifted to the offensive and launched a barrage of quick strikes at Gin, who parried the blade each time, albeit with difficulty. The last swing locked both swords to a halt. Byakuya immediately pushed both blades down at the hilt with his left hand and dished out a horizontal strike. Gin barely managed to dodge it by bringing up his sword again and leaning backwards. Both swords passed by his face dangerously close. Gin was forced to take a couple of steps back but quickly regained his balance. His façade twitched a little at the careless mistake he made, however, he didn't dwell on it and immediately dashed towards Byakuya again, whose swing just ended, making his arm stretched across his chest.

Byakuya frowned at his miss but had no time to stay that way as Gin's blade flashed from below. He backed away and as quickly as he could drew his sabre downwards in a low arc to meet the incoming blade and propel its speed while guiding it away from him. He immediately followed up with a thrust, which Gin sidestepped but it still scratched his side, ripping his clothes.

Gin retreated and created some distance between them. His left hand instinctively went to the cut area. He looked down to his left hand and saw crimson fluid staining it; he then looked down towards his freshly cut stomach and saw a thin flow of blood seeping out of the newly caused wound. Gin's grin wavered slightly. However, he had no time to focus on the injury as the fight was not over yet.

Byakuya didn't miss the opening he had created and rushed at Gin, aiming at the shoulder. A swift parry from Gin blocked the attack, but Byakuya did not stop there. He followed up with quick thrusts at various body parts, but Gin deflected them all. As Byakuya swung his sword from the right downwards, Gin found his chance. He shifted his cutlass to his left hand and blocked the strike while stepping into Byakuya's space and directed a punch at the face. Byakuya twisted his upper body to avoid it but didn't expect Gin to suddenly grab his neck from behind after the hand passed his head. Gin pulled Byakuya and kneed him in the stomach before letting go and watch his opponent stumbled backwards.

Byakuya's face contorted into a grimace at the pain but noticed Gin coming up to give a slash. Byakuya didn't quite manage to block the strike and the iron blade inflicted a small gash to his left arm. His concentration wavered as he suppressed the pain until it faded. Byakuya withdrew enough to avoid surprise attacks by Gin. Unlike he expected, Gin simply stood there with his usual grin and called out two words, "Pay back."

Byakuya frowned and glanced at his wound where a trickle of blood started to flow down along his arm. Both men lowered their bodies a little to ready themselves for the next attack, but were interrupted by a loud and rough sounding voice, "Captain! Look what I found!"

The pair wanted to only give a quick glance over to the voice's origin, but their gazes stayed there and their bodies followed, though their swords were still pointed at each other in caution.

"Hisana…" Byakuya's eyes widened in slight fear as he whispered when he saw the person the pirate had brought.

She had long black hair and was rather pale.

"So ya found her Kenpachi!" Gin said in a light tone before turning back to his opponent, "Looks like tis game over fer ya."

Byakuya's eyes narrowed as he demanded in a low voice, "Let her go."

"Nah, I ain't doing that," Gin responded, unfazed by the violent aura Byakuya was starting to give out, "Unless ya want her back dead like a slab of cold meat."

Byakuya's anger receded at the threat. He couldn't let harm come to his wife. He could see that she was on the verge of tears as worry and fear permeated her being. The giant holding her shoulder also had his axe pointed at her. A wrong move and she would not live to see another day. Hisana's frail hands pressed on her chest as she coughed a few times. Seeing that, Byakuya was also reminded of her illness and poor health. With no choice but to surrender, Byakuya lowered his weapon and sheathed it. His lips were pressed into a thin line. Gin neared with relaxed strides and took the sword off Byakuya and led the owner of the ship to the captured group near the mast. He gave Byakuya a shove, making him stagger into the group of hostages. After Byakuya regained his balance, he turned around and caught Hisana as she stumbled into his arms. She immediately made movements to treat her husband's injuries.

In the meantime the various sailors of the target ship surrendered in the end. For those who continued their resistance only lifeless bodies remained. Since most valued their lives, they gave up resisting against the crew of the Ashen Spear. Everyone had been gathered and Gin directed for the valuables to be handed over. He threw in a couple of threats to make sure the targets did what they were told. During all that, Momo had silently walked over to Rangiku, but just stood silently beside the blonde as if looking for something. Rangiku couldn't figure out what her friend was thinking and didn't bother herself with it anymore.

"Don't you think something is strange?"

The sudden whisper from Momo startled Rangiku, who was somewhat absentminded. Then Rangiku's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion at the question.

"What do you mean?" she asked after composing herself.

"I mean that there weren't any enough guards here and that there aren't any other ships guarding this one," Momo replied.

"I thought that it was enough for a ship like this?"

Momo finally looked up at Rangiku with disbelief in her eyes before turning back to the front.

"You may not know," Momo explained, "but the merchant Byakuya is known for having a tight guard around his ship in the upper echelons. This ship is the Cherry Blossom, so it is definitely his ship. He wouldn't simply let his guard down like this."

Momo's stoic face let a frown appear and she bit her lower lip.

"I do not like the current situation at all," she continued, "This fog – it feels deceptive."

By now Rangiku was also frowning, not out of wariness like her friend, but out of worry – worry for her ship, her crew mates and Gin.

[Huh? Did I just think of Gin? No, no, it's because he's my captain, right?]

Rangiku shook her head slightly to drive her useless thoughts away. She took a look around the deck and beyond to see the clues Momo gave her.

[Now that I've had a good look, there aren't that many mercenaries around. Well, it's enough for the average merchant, but this is the Byakuya after all. He is an awfully wealthy and influential merchant. Momo is right, we were unusually lucky to catch him like this.]

As Rangiku observed the seas beyond, she noticed shadows moving in the fog.

[What is that?] she narrowed her eyes to see more clearly.

Rangiku gave a light tap on Momo's shoulder and indicated towards the shadows.

"Is that…?" Rangiku had a bad feeling as her question trailed off.

"Yes, I think it is," Momo nodded.

"We have t' warn the Captain", Rangiku said and made movements to do so, but Momo stopped her.

"No need. I told him earlier, so he probably has noticed it already."

Rangiku glanced towards Gin. The silver haired man had taken the woman from before out of the crowd with a sword pointed at her neck.

[What is he..?]

A man with long black hair stood up from the group of prisoners and shouted, "What are you doing?!"

[It's Byakuya.] Rangiku recognized the man who fought Gin.

"Jus' guaranteeing mah safety," Gin answered.

Next a girl jumped up from the sitting group. She looked nearly identical to the woman, except that she had shorter hair and a healthier complexion.

"Stop! Take me! My sister is sick and needs constant care. You don't have the medicine and you wouldn't want to take care of her illness while retreating, right?" the girl volunteered to be the substitute.

"Heh, tryin' ta play hero here, lassie?" Gin mocked.

"The girl's right Cap'n," a voice from beside Gin objected.

It was Ulquiorra.

"I don't think Miss Unohana would like t' take care of her after this," Ulquiorra stated.

"The Doc mightn't like it, right," Gin nodded as if he just remembered and waved the girl over, "Come 'ere!"

Once the black haired girl arrived and Ulquiorra held her in check, Gin let go of the woman he was holding. The frail looking woman stumbled across to Byakuya, who had a complicated expression on his face. He seemed to be happy and at the same time mortified. Rangiku had already guessed that the woman was his wife, Hisana. Tears formed in Hisana's eyes as she said, "Dear, what do we do? Rukia is…"

Byakuya shook his head to stop his wife from speaking any further.

"She has a better chance at this than you do. Trust her. We will definitely get her back," he whispered to Hisana as guilt and anger seeped through his stoic face.

"Retreat!" Gin ordered his men and the sailors of the Ashen Spear moved back, taking their loot with them.

Meanwhile the nearing shadows fully became two ships geared ready for battle. Byakuya held his hand up, giving a sign not to fire and stand by instead.

Ulquiorra yanked on Rukia's arm to make her move but the girl struggled, protesting that it hurt and she could walk on her own. In return it earned her a slap across the cheek and her lips bled.

Rangiku watched as Ulquiorra dragged the hostage with him back to the Ashen Spear. She herself also withdrew with Momo onto the ship while carrying some bags of stolen goods. Quickly, the Ashen Spear departed from the site and soon, the Cherry Blossom was out of sight.

"Lock her in tha storage," Gin ordered Ulquiorra and turned around to Rangiku, "Time ta do yer job."

With quick strides, the silver haired man returned to his room. The crowd dispersed and everyone went to their ways. Most of them went to tend to their wounds. Everything the crew retrieved had been compiled in a certain room, specifically meant for the storage of treasure until given out. Rangiku made her way there to get down to her somewhat secretarial duties. She would have to compile a list of what they had seized and distribute it fairly among the seamen. It was not her favourite past time but it was a duty coming with her position. Rangiku gave a sigh.

[Let's get this done and over, shall we?]

#####

"Enter."

A young woman with black hair entered. A ruby adorned clip kept the left side of her hair from falling into her face. The sound of heels clicking upon contact with the ground came to a halt.

"You called for me Captain Ichimaru?"

Gin looked up from his paperwork.

"Yup, I called ya Ruby," he answered with the usual grin on his face.

A stoic look was on the girl's face as she waited for further explanations, but Gin took his time. He had noticed that the Princess got occasionally nervous around his presence, not only now, but in the past as well. He remembered a certain meeting with her during a birthday party of a noble's child. As he was invited, he could not simply refuse without a proper reason. Making connections was important too – but that was a story for another time.

As the silence grew heavier, Momo started to sweat, she was overthinking things and it made her unusually tense. Her reaction did not escape Gin's senses and he finally decided to put a stop to his little punishment for lying about her real identity, though Momo would not know the real reason.

"Ya little tip earlier turned out t' be right, lil' miss," Gin spoke with a chuckle, "You've done well."

The unexpected words tripped Momo's inner balance.

She stumbled over her tongue as she tried to reply, "N-no, i-it wasn't much."

"Yer too humble lass," Gin shook his head in denial and secretly laughed at the reaction, "I hear ya were asking 'round about tha Ice Ring?"

A shaky laughter was his response.

"Where might you have heard that from?"

"I hear much more 'bout this ship than ya realize," Gin remarked, "but back to mah question."

There was a short silence as Momo contemplated about her circumstances before she answered.

"Yes."

"And ya asked everyone but me, eh?"

"I figured that if no one knew, you might not know as well Captain," Momo replied but her voice was unsteady.

"Ya didn't hear how we worked together in tha past?"

"…No," Momo replied hesitantly.

Gin knew that most of the crew would have mentioned it to her at some point if she had asked specifically about the captain of the Ice Ring as well. His connection with Prince Hyorinmaru or rather the current captain of the Ice Ring was based more on mutual benefit rather than trust or friendship. They had both come to an agreement to not reveal their real identities to anyone, but Gin guessed that letting him meet an old acquaintance was not out of line. He felt like it would enfold into a rather amusing story to listen to.

"Well, I won't ask ya 'bout yer reason fer searching him," Gin lightly said and put his elbow on the table to rest his chin on his hand, "Anyways, thanks to ya, the Ashen Spear got away safely, so let me give ya a special reward."

Momo silently nodded as she gulped at the mention of 'special reward'.

"But before that, I need ta know. Are ya just searching fer information or actually lookin' fer the Ice Ring?"

Gin was cautious about his approach on the subject. He could not let Momo realize that he knew her identity already. If he wanted to help her out, he had to play innocent and unaware. Therefore he also had to ask questions he already knew the answers to.

Momo slowly began to move open her mouth, "I am looking for them."

"Tis good that yer honest, Ruby," Gin leaned back on his chair, "if ya want ta get their attention, ya'll have ta know a bit 'bout Toshiro and their habits."

Momo's head bobbed up and down as she was still wary of Gin's motives.

"Ya must've heard of Rukongai before, right?"

Momo nodded again, "'The city of thieves' if I remember correctly?"

"Hm,"Gin made a sound that signified his satisfaction with the answer.

"Tha Ice Ring like ta stop there quite often."

"If I may ask – why ?"

The moment Momo asked, she regretted doing so. She saw Gin's eyes open slightly and glance at her. Cold sky blue irises pierced through her as she felt a shiver run down her spine. The next moment it was gone and it all seemed as if it was simply an illusion. Momo blinked at the smiling captain in confusion.

"Tis a sentimental story, really," Gin shook his head, "Not a story that would entertain ya but if ya actually want ta know, why don't cha ask him yerself? Captain Toshiro I mean. We'll be stopping at port ta do somethin' 'bout our little captured princess here."

Momo's flinch at the word 'princess' did not slip by Gin. It was the desired effect he wanted. He had purposely included the word. He was a little sadistic after all.

"Does that mean that you will let us go?" Momo's ears perked up at the new information.

"Why not?" Gin shrugged his shoulders, "But back to our conversation from before."

This time the silver haired man had fully captured Momo's attention.

#####

A soft knock on the door startled the person inside curled up in a corner of the room. Some light entered the dark room as two people entered. One was tall and the other only reached the shoulders of the first. Both were carrying something as they put the stuff down before the taller person went over to the window and took away the blinds, letting in light. The girl in the corner could finally see who the two silhouettes were.

"Hey there," the tall girl greeted, who in fact was Rangiku.

"Good day to you," the other person, Momo spoke.

After seeing the scene earlier and knowing that Rukia had not been treated yet, the two girls decided to tend to Rukia's wounds.

On the other hand, seeing two strangers of the crew that held you hostage, Rukia was very wary of the newcomers and shivered as fear began to bubble up inside her.

"What do you want?" Rukia demanded in a harsh tone to cover up her feelings.

"Please calm down," Momo softly smiled as she slowly approached the younger girl, "I am here to tend to your injury."

Momo kneeled down in front of the black haired teenager as she waited for her permission. Hesitation was visible on Rukia's face. She was insecure and unsure of what to do.

"Ye must be hungry, right?" Rangiku called out from behind Momo, "I've got some food with me. Ye can eat after Ruby's got ye cuts treated."

The smell of food wafted over to Rukia and she did not need further enticement. Her stomach rumbled. Rangiku and Momo suppressed their giggles and kept a straight face.

Ashamed at her body language, Rukia lowered her head with a noticeable blush, "Please go ahead."

With quick and trained movements, Momo washed the dried up blood away with water and cleaned the wound with alcohol. A sharp pain shot through Rukia and a small whimper left her lips but she managed to remain quiet most of the time as Momo continued to tend to her. She even found a bruise on Rukia's left leg and smeared some medicine on it and bandaged it. Soon she was done and it was Rangiku's turn. The strawberry-blonde woman brought a tray of food with her. It was hot soup with beans, small pieces of potatoes and meat since Rukia had injured her lips. It was to make eating easier for her. Rangiku also took out a blanket and covered Rukia with it.

"There ye go," Rangiku smiled satisfactorily as Rukia started eating.

After some hesitant sips, Rukia's pace became faster and soon she emptied the bowl. Still somewhat shy, Rukia said in a small voice, "Thank you."

Rangiku laughed heartily, "No need."

"You were lucky," Momo said, "The one who slapped you was Ulquiorra. He definitely held back with his strength or else you may have gotten knocked out."

"Plus," Rangiku added, "if ye were a guy, he would've punched ye in the face or gut."

"That guy is a lot more gentlemanly than I thought?" Momo concluded though she seemed rather unsure.

"I-is that so?" Rukia dreaded the thought of it actually happening to her.

"No worries girl," Rangiku grinned, "By the way, I'm Scarlet an' this is Ruby."

"My name is Rukia and thank you for," Rukia answered with a stronger voice this time.

"We will come by again," Momo said and stood up preparing to leave.

Rangiku also gathered up the dishes and spoke, "Let's talk more next time!"