Sorry for not updating for so long. But here's the next chapter which is a little bit longer to make up for the long wait :S Oh and I just realized I used aizen twice for two characters hehe….just pretend I didn't do that

Rukia sang with deep emotion, her voice clear as a bell and well-controlled. Every word rang through the opera house so beautifully the janitor was moved to tears. Her volume, tone and articulation were perfect. Hitsugaya nodded in approval.

Opening Night

Rukia stood backstage. She counted from one to one thousand. She paced the halls. She closed her eyes. Nothing helped ease her anxiety. This was her first real performance. Before, she was a small chorus girl, no importance whatsoever, except to make Carlotta shine even more. Tonight was her night. Rukia quickly glanced at Box 5 where Renji sat, staring at his watch.

"Rukia! Go on stage!" Orihime urged

"Wha-Oh!" Rukia hurried on to stage however still managed to keep the gracefulness of a swan.

Her eyes looked over the crowd. Everybody was there. EVERYBODY. From the Countess to the Duke to the—wait, was that the prince? Rukia took a breath. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth. First, soft notes floated out her mouth.

Think of me,

think of me fondly

when you say goodbye…

Her voice became stronger.

Remember me,

once in a while

promise me you'll try.

Rukia sang with passion; deep, emotional, raw passion. The words came out with real feeling and Rukia felt safe. She opened her eyes and didn't see a large crowd, instead, a bright light. Her smile widened, adding to her already classic and stunning presence. The audience was astounded by her power. They saw her as nothing but a musical goddess. Hitsugaya and Aizen smiled as they clinked wine glasses. This marked the end of their employment in the "junk business". Renji looked up, staring at Rukia intently. His eyes lit up at the sight of his childhood friend. His heart skipped a beat whenever she sang a note. He had to see her. Renji left the VIP box and hurried down to the main hall, his thoughts all on Kuchiki. However, unbeknownst to those on stage and in the audience, a certain someone was listening from the sewers underneath the orchestra.

But please promise me that sometimes,

You'll think of me!"

Rukia finished with a grand flourish. The audience sat in complete silence before erupting in never ending applause. Most stood up to give her a well deserved standing ovation. Everyone was amazed by this newcomer. Why had it taken the Opera Populaire to discover such a talent? Rukia beamed as she scurried off stage.

Backstage, everyone was celebrating the success of the performance. Bottles of beer were passed around. Food was everywhere. Everybody was rosy cheeked and merry. But where was Kuchiki-san?

Rukia sat in the small chapel above the opera house, lighting candles. Her father's photograph gleamed in the light of the fire. She clasped her hands together and bent her head in a prayer.

Rukia.

Rukia looked up. It was that voice again. That voice which had been calling to her ever since she was a child.

Rukia.

Orihime walked in to the room.

"Where in the world have you been hiding? Really, you were perfect! Who is your great tutour?" She smiled.

"When I came here to live in the opera house, whenever I lit a candle for my father, a voice would call to me. My father always said, he would give me an angel of music." Rukia beamed.

"Wh-what? Rukia, stories like this can't be true? Your speaking in riddles, and it's not like you!" Orihime took Rukia's hand and led her downstairs to the joyous party. Rukia joined in and laughed and even drank a little, but her mind was miles away.

"Rukia" A gentle voice called to her. Unohana had appeared at her side.

"Yes, Unohana?"

"Come. There is something I must show you. No Orihime, you stay here. This is for Rukia only." Unohana ordered.

"What is it?" Rukia inquired curiously.

Unohana simply smiled and guided Rukia to her dressing room. However, getting there took well over half an hour. Many cast members continued to congratulate Rukia on her debut. She smiled and thanked people a thousand times before finally, she was grateful to see her dressing room door.
Unohana closed the door gently behind them. She went over to the night stand and picked up a single red rose, adorned with a dark green silk ribbon.

"You did very well my dear. He is very pleased with you." Unohana smiled and left the room.

Rukia sat down, confused. Her mind reeled. How?

"Rukia-pon, let her mind wander." Renji came in to the room, carrying a bouquet of gorgeous flowers.

Rukia's face lit up. "Renji!"

"Rukia-pon thought, am I fonder of dolls or of goblins or shoes?" Renji continued his ridiculous childhood rhyme.

"No. What I love best, is when I'm asleep in bed. And the angel of music sings songs in my head. Father always told me that when he passed, he would send me my own angel of music. Well, he is dead. And I have been visited!" Rukia held up the rose.

"Really!" Renji exclaimed "But now, we go to dinner. Two minutes, my carriage." Renji smiled and closed the door.

Rukia sat dejectedly at her desk.

The crowds began to thin out, people were going home. The candle were blown out and even the maestro had left. Rukia changed out of her costume and turned the handle of the door.

It was locked.

She couldn't remember locking the door after Renji left. She shook the door. Nothing. She shook it harder. Still, nothing. Rukia began to panic. What if she was stuck in here forever? A gust of wind blew out the candles and left the room dark and desolate. Rukia whipped around, fear written all over her face. She turned to the door and….

Insolant boy, this slave of fashion.

Basking in your glory!

Ignorant fool, this brave young suitor.

Sharing in my triumph!

And that is all for now! Please read and review, thanks! But be prepared for another long wait