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THE CONNECTION

CHAPTER 17

A beautiful 20-year-old auburn haired female with pale porcelain skin was tapping her two small hands against her cheeks, a bright color of red on her cheeks. With her gray eyes she was looking at the reflection of herself in the mirror.

There she saw a person who tried to look presentable but at the same time was nervous, more than she had ever been. It was here, the day she planned to meet her longtime pen pal, Aizen Sosuke.

After her background had been revealed, Orihime couldn't help but to analyze and study the letters and records of her family over and over again. Looking for clues that might indicate why this man would reach out to her via Momo. She truly believed that Momo brought up the pen pal thing for a reason.

Not also was she suspicious, but she was also genuinely nervous because it would be the first time in years that she met someone outside the castle. It felt as if she was an alien going to meet a new species and she had no idea how to handle herself. Thoughts of insecurity and fear were pestering her over the last few days, but today she finally managed to get a grip of herself.

We're just going over to greet and see what he wants from me. Maybe he just heard about me from his dad and wants to become friends. Nothing is amiss Orihime. There are still good people in the world.

Orihime sighed, shaking her head as Momo appeared behind her. "Orihime-sama, the car is ready for you." The princess pushed her bangs out of the way and placed the pins in her hair, nodding. "I'll be right out. Please give me a moment to mentally prepare."

Momo nodded happily, her cheeks turning pink from the excitement. "I'm sure you'll be great Orihime-sama. You really are a likeable person."

"Thank you momo-chan." Orihime smiled. Even though her trust in Momo decreased over the past weeks, she decided to take the compliment. Regardless of the reason, Orihime decided to view Momo in a good daylight.

Aizen and Orihime decided to meet and travel halfway to meet each other. In between the previous Inoue kingdom, which was now ruled by the rebels and in between the Kurosaki Kingdom was a small village that was being controlled by the Shiba family, also known as Isshin's family.

The Shiba family was a well-known family that decided to keep themselves out of political talks since Isshin became king of the Kurosaki Kingdom. Isshin could only become king if he were to give up his own last name, which was a big betrayal to his Shiba noble family.

Because this village was seen as neutral, Aizen thought it would be a good place to rent a big villa with garden for an afternoon to meet Orihime. The fewer people present the better.

It was one in the afternoon and Aizen Sosuke was sitting at a small coffee table in a beautiful garden surrounded by various flowers. In his hand he held a black rose, one of the rarest flowers within the entire country. He smiled fondly at it while the maids brought in the cups of tea.

"We have served the yellow tea as ordered, sir." One of the maids said, bowing before taking her leave. "Excellent." Aizen muttered while his gaze never left the rose.

I'm finally meeting my precious flower.

Ichigo was lying on the grass, a small 2-year-old Kamari walking on his stomach. "Ouch!" Ichigo groaned. It felt as if something heavy was crushing his abdomen. "Get off little guy, you're getting heavy." He gently lifted Kamari off his body and placed him on the ground. He groaned once again while pushing his shirt up, seeing a red stain on his body. He gently touched it and moaned. How was it possible to get such a mark and pain from such a little guy. Kamari looked innocently at his dad, kneeling beside him.

"Don't worry about it." Ichigo smiled, feeling the pain still in his stomach. Rukia appeared with two cups from the kitchen, a huge smile on her face. Ichigo quickly pulled down his shirt and stood up, hiding a small piece of paper in his pocket.

"Here's your coffee." She handed Ichigo a mug, who looked surprised and a bit odd at the petite woman. "I can't remember asking for coffee." He said rather curtly, sitting down on the bench in front of the house. "You usually crave coffee in the afternoon, so I thought it would be good to bring some. Just like old times, you know."

Ichigo looked at his cup and decided to take a cup. It had been a few months since Rukia tried to become closer to him once again. She would display affection and provide acts of services he never asked for, just like this cup of coffee. All this started when Ichigo talked with Renji about Kamari's upbringing.

Kamari did not only have a father but also a mother. Ichigo insisted that Kamari would stop calling Rukia his mother and wanted Kamari to be surrounded with pictures of Orihime. If he wasn't allowed to tell his wife, he at least wanted his son to know who his true mother is. Renji obviously didn't object, but it was rather Rukia who had a problem with it. She refused to show Kamari the picture of his mother, saying it would confuse him.

Ichigo was fed up by Rukia's behavior and decided to show Kamari's Orihime's pictures regardless of her opinion, but the problem was he did it behind her back. And now they were here, in the garden sitting with the three of them.

"Are you staying the night?" Rukia asked, Kamari sitting in her lap. "When is Renji coming home?" Ichigo asked casually, his legs spread out while sipping his coffee. "He won't be home today. I believe it will take around 2 days before he comes back. A lot of shopping needs to be done and he can't be discovered. It's quite a risk to get baby clothing and such."

"I told you guys to let me take care of it. You know how dangerous the roads are during spring and summer." The orange head was fed up and wished his friend didn't leave them alone. "I can't stay with you Rukia, you know that."

"But you can sleep in Kamari's room. I will never do anything against your will. Besides, you are a married man. Why would I try to win you for myself?" Ichigo's eyes were blank and stared right at the tree that was blocking the sun.

Who are you trying to fool here Rukia? I know you better than you think.

"I'll stay for dinner. Afterward, I have to head home. There are duties I have to attend to."

"How's your wife doing anyway?" Rukia suddenly asked, looking into her cup. Ichigo cocked a brow, surprised that Rukia showed interest. "Why do you want to know? It's not like you to show interest in Orihime."

Once again she stiffened, but soon shook it off. "W-Well… I always hear you talking to Renji about her and your marriage… I kind of feel left out. Also, I'm a woman so I can help you with things you might not understand." Her violet eyes were gleaming as the sun was shining brightly. His own dark chocolate brown ones met hers. Her eyes used to be her best feature.

"I-I…" He stuttered and shook his head. "I appreciate your concern, but I trust Renji more with things concerning Orihime. Sorry that you feel left out. I'll try to be more sensitive to your feelings."

"Thanks Ichigo." Rukia smiled sadly, sipping from her coffee. "Sometimes when I see Kamari, I wonder what would've happened if I took Orihime's place. Would things be different? Would it be easier to bring unity to our kingdoms?" The petite woman said softly.

"Tch." Ichigo sighed. "I don't things would be much different. Byakuya would abandon you without any doubt. That's just who he is."

"How dare you speak ill of Nii-!"

"See. Now you're even fooling yourself while he's probably out looking to take your head."

Rukia looked down at her lap, biting her lip. "I just wish things were different Ichigo. Orihime must be unhappy with this as well."

Orihime….

Ichigo rubbed his face and sighed, letting his face fall backwards. He hadn't paid any attention to his wife ever since he found Kamari. Honestly, he was afraid of breaking and damaging her even more. The look she had that one night where she jumped on him was one he would never forget. The emptiness that look held was a sign that he wasn't good to her, but instead acting upon the situation Ichigo ran away.

It was just like in his teenage years when Grimmjow found out that he was a prince and decided to kidnap Yuzu for ransom. It was Zangetsu who warned him and gave him power rather than him stepping up himself. Why was he such a coward of a prince? The only reason why people called him a protector was because of his strength.

"Will you let her go if she finds someone better than you?" Rukia interrupted the flashback the protector was reliving at that moment. He hesitated to answer that question. What would he do if Orihime found someone better? Wasn't that one of the fears he had over the last few years? One of the main reasons why she couldn't leave the castle?

"I-I…" he sighed as it suddenly hit him. "Rukia, on second thought, I won't be staying for dinner. I'll be taking my leave now." He took Kamari from her and hugged the little guy, taking him inside the house. Kamari was talking to himself and giggled happily as his father brought him to his room. It was time for an afternoon nap.

"Kamari, I want you to keep this." He showed him once again a picture of a smiling Orihime. It was taken a few weeks after Kamari was born. She looked happy as a radiating sun. The little boy reacted to the picture and pointed at it. Ichigo smiled and ruffled his hair. "Yes, this is your mommy. I'll leave her picture in your book so you can look at her." The boy seemed to understand him somewhat and smiled brightly.

His father then laid him in the little bed and left.

After two hours of travelling, Orihime finally arrived in the village of the Shiba's. She was welcomed by a big sign held up by two big hands made of old stone. The sign said: 'Shiba territory. Obey or be square.' It was a weird way of welcoming someone, but it made Orihime giggle. It was obvious where Isshin got his humor from. Soon after they arrived at the villa Aizen had hired for a few days.

Orihime was led to the garden by a maid with glasses and two pigtails. She looked very young and cute, but she knew how to welcome a guest. Immediately upon her arrival, the maid took her coat and asked her if she was well. Orihime felt honored as no one had treated her like this outside the castle.

While chatting with the maid, she entered the garden. Their voices soon quieted down as Aizen Sosuke came into view. He was wearing a white suit with a black dress shirt, making his hair and eyes stand out even more. Immediately, an overwhelming feeling overcame Orihime as it was something she had never felt before. It was a thick aura that surrounded her which caught her off guard.

Not only his aura but also his handsome features stood out to the female. The waves in his brown hair, the small strand that was in front of his face. Deep dark eyes that gave the impression that it could see into someone soul and straight and sharp jawline that could make anyone swoon over him. The young female approached him and came to a halt when arriving at the table.

Aizen immediately stretched out his arm and took Orihime's hand, planting a kiss on the back of her hand. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Inoue Orihime." It had been a while since someone called her by her official last name, but when he spoke her name her whole body was shivering. The way he said it in a low deep tone brought a weird sensation to her. Whether it was good or bad was something Orihime couldn't quite figure out — yet.

She smiled gently at the male and bowed her head. "The pleasure it mine, Aizen-san." He gestured her to take a seat, the maid holding out the chair for her.

"How were your travels? I assume all went well?" He asked, the maid now pouring the yellow tea in the cups. "It was quite alright. I'm just not used to travelling this much anymore." She admitted, thinking back to the long journeys she last made during her pregnancy.

"Right, in your letter you wrote that you don't get out that much. I hope you finally got to get your adventure meeting me." Aizen was happy that he was the reason Orihime finally got to experience something in her life. He knew about her not able to go out of the castle without consent.

"Yes, I did. I'm truly thankful for your letters and setting up this meeting. You probably don't know this, but it means a lot to me." Aizen observed Orihime's reaction and was pleased to see her so happy. "Glad I could help." He looked at the maid and with his all saying look she immediately walked away.

"From your letters I can read ann feel that you recently had a really hard time. It's hard to imagine that a beautiful woman like you has so much background and history. It really intrigues me." He leaned forward, his eyes piercing through her, which made Orihime uncomfortable. "Should I be flattered?" She chuckled embarrassed.

"You're not superficial. That's what I like about you and our friendship. The way you write and describe your feelings is what drawn me to you. It means you are a special lady. Not many people catch my attention."

"Thank you." She bowed her head once again, taking a sip from her tea. It was hard for the young girl to read the man's expression. It was quite awkward and didn't know what to say. All the information he shared of himself in the letters slipped her mind, since all she focused on was Aizen and the history she heard about her family.

Orihime admired his features and it reminded her of Aizen Daichi. The letters and Masaki-san said he looked exactly like his father… is this what my mother's lover used to look like? I can see why she liked him. He's gorgeous.

Aizen sipped his tea and was amused by the way Orihime's eyes were twinkling while watching him. She probably didn't notice that he was unto her. The flower he had searched for the past years was finally here, just an arm's length away from him and was even checking him out. The female was more beautiful than he imagined. Her pale skin and the soft tints that were forming on her cheeks as she smiled, the way her gray eyes showed her soul and the pink lips that caught his interest. He was sure of it. Orihime didn't belong with the royalty, she belonged with him.

"A-Ano… Aizen-san." Orihime broke the brief silence between them. "You have quite a familiar family name. It reminds me of someone…"

"As does yours." He smirked. "Inoue-sama, or should I say Kurosaki-sama?" Two gray eyes widened as she tried to recall her letters. She was sure that she did not disclose her situation to Aizen, so how did he know about her marriage to the son of the Kurosaki family?

"I never told you about my marriage… how?"

"A little birdie told me about it." He chuckled before continuing. "Honestly, it was quite shocking to hear that you ended up with a Kurosaki of all people. I feel you are way too good for a Kurosaki. Especially after what they did to her."

Orihime couldn't comprehend his words and looked confused. "What they did to her? Can you perhaps explain?"

Aizen was now leaning on his right elbow, his face coming closer. "Your father-in-law isn't the man he seems to be. Because of him, your mother died despite asking him for help. What a king he is."

"Excuse me. What are you talking about?"

"Your mother used to be my father's lover. He was so hung up about that woman that he wanted to help her out during her last days, but then someone tipped her off with one of the loan sharks she loaned money from. They chased her and that is when she met Shiba Isshin, also known as the big king Kurosaki. He used to happen to pass by where Inoue Amari was being assaulted. He watched but didn't even help or chase the loan sharks away. Furthermore, he chose to turn the other way and ignore what he saw. That's the kind of family you are married into. They all turn a blind eye to the suffering of those close to them." Aizen's gaze fixated on Orihime, watching her reaction closely.

Orihime felt a pang in her heart. His words hit too close to home, but despite it, she decided not to react to her feelings. She barely met this man and he was already badmouthing her new family. But for some reason she couldn't help but to think: Like father like son.

"Inoue-sama, I don't want to be rude but I want you to leave that family as soon as possible and join me in the free state. It is time that the Inoue kingdom comes back, and the royal bloodline is continued."

His sudden proposal caught her by surprise. "Why would anyone accept me, an Inoue? Don't the rebels and all the people of the country hate the family? The rebels should hate us for bringing downfall to their beautiful kingdom. It is because of us, they are living in poverty."

"It is all because of your uncle that they do not hate the Inoues anymore, Orihime. He disclosed to the rebels that there is an heir to the Inoue family. The hate for the family only spread because of propaganda of the east, but in reality they don't hate your family. The want the Inoue descendants to restore the kingdom to its former state, and I want to become a part of that."

This was all going too fast for the female. First she heard she was a princess, now there are people who want her on the throne. Despite all the words and kindness Aizen thrown at her, Orihime knew better than to believe his words and waver. This was Aizen Sōsuke she was dealing with. The son of a world renowned scientist who was banned from the Kuchiki kingdom.

"What is your main objective?"

"To reinstate the Inoue kingdom and make it the largest kingdom within the country."

"How can I trust you?" Aizen had anticipated on this question. He was glad that the woman in front of him was everything he expected and even more.

"Good question. Why would you believe someone who just appeared in your life?" The gleam in his eyes turning dark as the intimidating aura appeared once again, making it hard for Orihime to breathe and swallow her drink.

"To show my loyalty to you, I will do anything you ask of me Inoue-sama." Aizen leaned back, his arms folded over each other. "Tell me the one thing you desire and I'll bring it to you, no matter what it takes."

Orihime was starting at the man, feeling his aura overtaking her. He was powerful and he was not afraid to show it. For this reason, he was showing off his intimidating power to her. It was a sign that no one could mess with him, making him a valuable person in the process. And for some reason she got the feeling that whatever she asked, she would get it from him.

But even the one thing she wants most?

"2 years ago, I birthed a son. His name is Kurosaki Kamari. Exact a year ago he disappeared and was never found. The whole royal guard has tried to find him, without any success. If you, Aizen Sosuke can find and bring me my son Kamari, then I will support you fully and trust in you and your plan."

Orihime's eyes were still firm and full of determination. She wasn't going to be swayed by this man, but she did want to test the limits of his power and influence. Also, it was the first time she felt she was really doing something for herself. Being there today felt liberating.

"Very well. Your wish is my command." He smirked as if he were so sure that he would complete his task.

"I'll let you know by letter when I have found your son. In the meantime, you should go home and rest. The next time we'll meet it will be at my estate in the free state."

Orihime nodded. "I'll keep you to that, Aizen-san."

On his way home, Ichigo passed a stream and decided to stop for a while. The stream made him for some reason think back to him and his mother, taking walks outside the palace. It was one of the most fond memories he had of his childhood.

The tall male sat on a small rock and placed his sword on his lap, eyes closing as the wind calmed him down. It took a while before he entered his inner world. Instead of the stream he was sitting on the side of the building, looking around for the one and only familiar face living in his inner world.

"Zangetsu, are you here?" Ichigo yelled, looking around while the clouds in his world seemed to move faster than last time. A black shadow appeared besides him. It was old man Zangetsu now hoovering over the building.

"Ichigo, such an unexpected visit." A deep old voice spoke. Ichigo turning his attention on the male. "It's been a while indeed. I'm sorry for not dropping by more often. Things have been a bit hectic."

"I thought you did well without me." A twitch appeared on Ichigo's face which always appeared when Zangetsu was joking. "Yeah yeah, I know. I haven't been nice to you the last few years. I apologized didn't I?"

Zangetsu started laughing. "You haven't changed a bit! It's good to see you, and this time I mean it." A small smile played on Ichigo's lips as he heard Zangetsu say that to him. He would never admit it, but he was happy to talk to Zangetsu once again.

"So, what is there to discuss? Do you want to spar, or check power levels? Your katana does need a new check-up." Ichigo sat down again, looking at his hands.

"Old man, what do you think of her?"

"Her? You mean the princess?"

"Princess?" Ichigo looked puzzled.

"Yes, she is a princess isn't she Ichigo?" The younger male thought and said. "I guess so, now that she's married to me."

"She reminds me of a princess hidden in an ivory tower. Lonely yet brave. Beautiful yet fragile. Courageous yet fearful. She's like a sun that is waiting for the right time to come up and shine. Because her time isn't here yet, she is just surviving and waiting by your side. She's a jewel that you are lucky to have discovered."

"Really?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes, really." Zangetsu replied.

"Am I not the monster that is decreasing her value?" Ichigo's expression now unreadable. If someone were to call him a monster, it would be no one else but his own wife.

"You're quite in a bind, aren't you son? You are wondering if marrying her was the right thing to do. You are even wondering how the stunt you are pulling off right now will affect her. But most of all, you are afraid that she might hate you and leave you, just like Rukia-san."

"I broke her… Zangetsu. You should've seen the look on her face." His voice was breaking down.

"You should really look at the color of the sky here." Zangetsu answered.

"Don't change the topic." Ichigo replied in the same broken voice.

"Look at the sky Ichigo."

Ichigo looked around and saw that it was dark in his inner world. "It is dark."

"Yes it is. Ever since you started to push Inoue-san away the sun stopped shining. I've been sitting here in the dark all along because you shielded your heart for the sun that so desperately wants to shine." Ichigo was in shock as it just occurred to him that there wasn't a ray of sun shining in this world.

"In love, being hurt is part of the process. You might have to deal with situations that are not ideal. It is however the way of dealing with heartbreak and uncomfortable situations that will decide the fate of the relationship. Will you let shame and pain rule or will you face your faults and repent for what you did?"

"But I can't come back from this. I chose my friends and my loyalty to them over my wife. Every day, I blame myself for hiding Kamari from his mother. I can't even look at Hime the same way anymore because the guilt is tearing me apart from the inside." tears formed in Ichigo's eyes as he felt hopeless.

"Just wait for a while, Ichigo." Zangetsu patted his shoulder. "All will fall into place. Just don't push her away anymore. Cherish her. Love her, but most of all protect her. She is the daughter of the Shun Shun Rikka. It means that she is special and will rise like a dark horse. When her time comes, make sure to be there and to protect her."

Ichigo was confused by the mysterious words of the old man. But as always, he just listened and nodded. "Protect her with your own hands. Not with my power but with your own. Because my power is your own power."

The man disappeared and Ichigo sat there on the side of the building. It started to rain once again.

It was late and Orihime was now sitting on the balcony, her robe draped over the body. In her hand she was holding a letter with golden letters that said: Kurosaki Orihime.

Orihime opened the letter and read the content. To her surprise the letter came from the one and only Kuchiki Byakuya. The monster that was the reason for all her misery.

Why would someone like Kuchiki-sama want to have an audience with me? He's even travelling to the outskirts of his kingdom to meet me.

Should I even go? He does say he wants to discuss something very important, but I'm not sure… What on earth could this person want to discuss with me?

Orihime looked over her shoulder inside and saw a sleeping Ichigo stirring in his sleep. For some reason, the name Kuchiki Rukia popped up in her head, but she soon shook her head.

"Don't think about weird things Orihime. It's not the time to get distracted by little silly thoughts." She spoke firmly to herself. It was then that she made up her mind.

Let's visit the Kuchiki kingdom.

Chapter 18 will be up in a bit!

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