She never showed up.

As early morning came I prepared my bags and wrote a very dignified letter to the man that lent me shelter during my stay. Renji was asleep at such an early hour so it provoked me to keep my distance. My things were loaded on to my provided car the minute I was able as I continued to worry. Looking through its wide open windows I knew deep down that I would always love Denmark but I had to leave.

My mind was made up after spotting a summons on my night stand. My father wished for my return since he was informed I had no such luck in finding a bride, and I beginning to believe it. Leaving behind the one reason I had to stay,for that reason was now another mans.

Her missing attendance had me rethinking things over to the point of insanity. I had no way to speak with her and I knew too little. I was very worried but I kept telling myself that she had the entire kingdom keeping her on watch so she should of been there. What I did know was where she was late that night. I was certain she was with him.

Kaien accompanied me to the train station and helped me with my luggage after pulling them from our baggage cart. A few people I knew from Karakura came to assist with my travels but I never conversed or listen to what they had to say. Waiting deep in thought as they fought to get things with my ticket organized when soon after, the heat of the engine steamed into the crowd as the sound of my name being called echoed through the mist.

"Wait!"

Amongst the line of waiting people I was in a rush yet still turned to see Renji running towards me, his arms waving as a means to get my attention. He could hardly speak due to lack of air but I was beginning to loose my patience. It was a little late for a goodbye and I was supposed to be there first on board.

"Renji? What are you doing here," As he remained bent over, I crouched to rest my carry on on the dirtied floor. Not only had he been exhausted, he was greatly shaken, "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"It's Orihime. You have t-to stay," His knees buckled as he begged, nearly collapsing as his hands trembled, "No one can find her! She's missing!"

I closed my window to hide the black of night, rethinking things over in the carriage light that swayed against propelling wheels. Carefully I removed my hair clips only to re-adjust them in my nervous thoughts. I wanted to see Mister Kurosaki in hopes that he would forgive my impeding behavior. There was no telling in what he truly thought of me but I was restless to find out. The few days I spent at the Schiffer house had made me realize how fast everything was becoming serious.

I was getting used to the rattled drive until the carriage came to a slow hault. Nervously I waited for the driver to correct the issues as time passed and urged myself to think possitive since I was in such a terrible position. Time passed and I gripped my cold hands feeling greatly uncomfortable as I could feel a deep thumping inside my chest.

Giving in to my nervous reflexes I attempted to courageously unlock the curved door, fixating my eyes in the dark. In a time like this with no notification I knew there was a problem for certain. Carefully stepping from the side bar I neared the lantern glow, regretting the decision to be in heels as I slipped them off and discretely analyzed the scene.

The old lantern shone over the empty drivers seat and I drew a breath back, terrified. I tried my hardest to control my breathing inside the black, till my wary eyes fell onto a shifting image on the other side of the carriage.

"Hey!"

I began to run, the dirt below abused my feet as I sprinted. Not moving fast enough, a hand coasted my arm.

I tried to inch myself away but the hand gripped my arm and I felt myself breakdown to a stop as tumbled next to him across the dirt. The stringent man gripped my hair till another came, turning me so they couldn't be seen.

"Let go," I clamped my eyes shut in my struggle, my voice fainted by panic.

It was then that I was forced to be blindfolded as inadmissible arms held me, a hand cupping my mouth to keep me quiet.

One mans voice badgered the order amidst the dark, "Put her in the wagon."

My feet faltered the steps in my rage as I sought out the man who caused this.

The eventful party that took place around me as people busied themselves with discussion should have been canceled. Harboring in the crowd I waited away from Renji inside the stately ballroom. Detaching myself from all well dressed guests I wall-flowered my way to every nearby hall. Out of all the faces I couldn't catch the one I wanted to see; to ruin.

He had been shuffling away from the party when I finally found him alone, which to me meant it was perfect timing. Approaching the host in his off state he turned to notice me. His eyes widened under his black shabby hair at my presence, facing me firmly.

"Alright! Where is she?"

He eyed me, recalling the last time we met and spewed, "Can I ask what you're doing here?"

"I said, where is she," I grit my teeth at his calm behavior, "I know you're a part of this!"

"If you mean the princess, I know about as much as you," His eyes dreary as they wandered from me, "She left here before it happened."

Gripping his tailored suit by its rims I propelled him to the wall, "Then why didn't you go with her?"

He became insulted and presented in a direct tone, "She's my fiance and none of your concern."

The heat in my chest whirled stronger as he looked at me with hostility. My jaw shifted slightly as I forced more weight into my knuckles, "She doesn't belong to you."

"Ichi-," Renji cussed in his quick efforts to stop further action, "What the hell are you doing?"

Ulquiorra's eyes never left mine. He never moved, "Why is this any of your concern?"

I gave him a furious scowl and my cockiest response, "Isn't it obvious?"

"Come on, get off him," Renji begged in the background and I dropped my hands. His voice turning nervous because of a nearby guard.

"Are you really that shameful of a man, Mister Kurosaki? To be after an already engaged woman," With that he shoved passed me and trailed towards the ballroom. With my eyes still stuck on him I came to realize exactly what he meant, "If I see the two of you on my property again, I'll have you arrested. Prince or not."

"Damn it, you're a real genius," Renji shook his head furiously as he stalked off, "Now we can't ask him questions!"

I threw my hands into the air, "As if he would really tell us anything! He obviously has a hand in this-"

"We can't just assume that! We don't know the man," In a hurry we abandoned the ball before a charge could be written against us, "Chad's expecting us lets hurry."

"Chad?"

We met with Kaien back inside our car and traveled towards town as Renji supplied composed directions. I noticed the town was damp from earlier downpour causing all roads to flood with rain. Nearing lower ground the thin fog got thicker and I turned from my pointless view to see Kaien eying me in the rear view mirror, "Sir, you didn't do anything rash I hope?"

Knowing how things usually panned out in my anger Kaien was willing to make a quick assumption.

"Phft," Renji blurted.

I unfolded my arms, "Shut the hell up!" I would have smacked him fully if the damn seat wasn't in the way.

"Again, Sir," Kaien sighed and Renji let out a small huff of a laugh.

Renji directed his chuckle towards Kaien as if I wasn't sitting next to him, "He's just a little burst of furry, isn't he?"

Feeling like a child in tantrum I retorted, "That's Prince to you!"

"Oh my apologies, Prince furry," Renji corrected himself, "I think I'm going to call you that now."

Smacking the dashboard in a quick frantic laugh Renji caught Kaien stare in the mirror.

"Wise ass. That's not even funny," I grumbled and scolded the view outside my window, "And pay attention to the road Kaien. We're in a rush here."

The car jerked as Renji pulled himself from the front of car to directly face me and screamed, startling Kaien's focus, "Says the jerk who dragged us to the Schiffer estate, got us in trouble and solved nothing only to waste time!"

The vein in my forehead popped, "Why you-"

Kaien reconstructed his manor and focus on the road, demanding, "That is enough! Shut up and focus!"

After an annoying remorseful drive we finally made it to the closed off housing boxed by crowding trees. It was bigger than I thought it would be. For just a house it seemed enormous, and despite its distance it was a well used road by the town folk.

We trekked towards a wide door before Renji knocked with unusual persistence, "Chad, it's Renji! Open up!"

Watching and waiting I couldn't help but open my mouth, "Why's this place so big?"

Shuffling myself closer to the door as Renji gawked at me, the door creaked open.

A tall tanned man the size of a tank, answered with a carefully and well kept together, "Hey."

He peered down at us through his chestnut waved curls and moved politely to make room. I scanned in a curious fashion, noticing the room to be a work space, an office.

"Your highness," Renji firmly stated in public, "This is Chad Yasutora, a blacksmith of the valley as well as runs this hostel," Renji then swayed his arm gesturing towards me, "Mr. Yasutora, this is Prince Kurosaki of Karakura, the man I informed you about earlier."

With Chads eyes staring at me in uncertainty I stopped him before he replied, "Please, skip the formalities. I don't mind."

Kaien glared at me a bit disappointed as to how I insisted on telling everyone that, but I didn't want the man to bow for no apparent reason only to feel uncomfortable. After all, we were asking him for a favor.

"We came to talk to you about the missing Princess," Renji stood stern in front of 's desk.

"The princess," The mans eyes glazed over in an upset manor, "It's already all over the papers."

"She's about 5"8 with blue, almost grey eyes. Has auburn hair and should have currently been well dressed," He moved behind his desk to take a seat with his brows furrowed in deep concentration, "Have you seen her? I mean there aren't many girls at all with that same hair colour, Mr. Yasutora."

He rose his head and slightly widened his eyes at Renji, "You know, there were a few men waiting around just outside yesterday. A girl with hair that colour sat with them but she stayed inside their wagon. I couldn't really see her face. Not to mention I wasn't paying attention to their affairs so I never lingered to find out."

"Men," I became curious on our new lead, "Do you remember what they look like?"

"Well. One guy was kinda hidden by the wagon, the other was out fixing his horses reins. They were just making a pit stop I guess," He recalled slowly, "I got a pretty good look at one though. He seemed like a young fellow, very short black hair."

"Princess Inoue," A sudden voice announced passed my blind fold, "My name is Shishigawara. I've been order to kill you." Grief stricken I waited for the voice to continue as I tried to find the direction it came from, wriggling my tied together feet. It was impossible to make much more noise then I was as I hummed through the cloth placed in my mouth. "Please calm down and just listen! If you stay quiet I promise to remove the gag."

I forced myself to take a deep breath and sat still to await for him to pull it down.

"I've abandoned my orders, to keep you in town," He attempted his speech again, "All you must do is except your proposal and sign the papers."

My body burned in my distress, my wrists soar from tight restraining rope when my gag was suddenly pulled beneath my chin.

"What are you talking about," I cried my requests towards the faceless voice, "Why is my marriage even relevant to a man like you?"

Unable to make out an expression I could only hear him sigh.

He sounded slightly unsure, "It will do you no good to ask questions, Princess."

"What-" I began struggling, "Are you talking about?"

I could feel hands gripping my shoulders, "I'm only trying to help you!"

Slightly failing to keep calm, my voice quaked, "Can- Can you at least take this blindfold off?"

The man sighed again, indecisive on his answer.

"As long as you promise me that we're in this together and that you won't tell a soul who I am! I should be able to trust a princess such as yourself, right?" His voice became lighter to get an answer from me, "I gave you my name already, so I trust for you not to pull anything on me."

"Alright," I spoke full of determination and gave a quick nod.

"Damn it, I hope I don't regret this," He slurred under his breath.

Warm fingers met with my forehead to bend around the sullied cloth, pulling it down in one quick tug. I wiggled my nose to relieve the sensation of his pull and bravely looked up to see a man, slightly taller than myself. His head was shaven short while his facial details gave off a what's-wrong-with-you glare as he held some very appetizing bread towards me.

"Happy now," He voice turned hostile before I blinked at him speechless, making him slightly curious, "What?"

"I-I'm just confused," I lowered my glance to a nearly burnt out candle, "Why are you interested in who I am married to?"

He seemed to take offense, "You may be pretty, Princess, but it ain't me who's after you."

I sat back and my mouth popped open as he stood. Wiping his chin harshly with nervous hands, he appeared indecisive.

I peered at what seemed to be his harmless nature, "Then who is?"

"I can't tell you that, Princess."

"Alright then," It made me quite frustrated that he kept refusing, "Tell me why you're letting me go."

"I just don't have it in me to attack a woman, never mind a Princess," He rubbed his neck, slightly embarrased, "So I need to find a way to do this without getting myself in trouble as well."

"Well," I paused, "Thank you."

"Please no speaking. I need to decide this for myself. If you want to be helpful, keep quiet," His eyes then shut forcefully as he appeared even more embarrassed. He was at war with himself as I watched patiently, finding his behavior almost comical.

After examining the three of us she mumbled to herself, "The entire towns looking for her and-."

Tatsuki couldn't handle finishing her sentence, glancing away to gather herself when Renji hadn't brought himself to look at her from the beginning.

"I'm really sorry, Tatsuki. We'll keep looking," He promised with his shoulders slouched.

On the third of March, Chad stated he saw a girl with auburn hair outside his Inn. We had one face and a carriage that Mr. Yasutora claimed he could recognize, but it was too little to lead on. In the time period of eight days it was beginning to look grim.

That afternoon we spread our search to a new level by trying out towns close by. Since our home town had been examined to its core, it was time to move on. Members of the Inoue estate carried warrants against any citizen who apposed their entry to be certain. We hunted through Soro and Koge with the needed Mr. Yasutora at our side, posting flyers in public offices and surrounding health clinic's but nobody stated they saw a thing.

Once or twice I saw girls with hair similar to Orihime's but not as particularly stunning.

As night fell we made our way to a nearby pub where we rested. Renji and I were tired for sure but Chad always kept his eyes pealed. It was a while after I skimmed the bar almost three times when he nudged Renji with brute force. Disturbed by the harsh shove he received, Renji angrily faced Chad with his spilled drink he'd just received.

"What the hell was that for?" Renji griped but Chad simply stared in the direction of his target. Understanding Chad's silence we peered over at a small wooden table in the far corner, "Who is it? Who are we looking for?"

"The guy in the black coat," Chad mumbled in a low tone. I gave him my best blank stare for his amazing description and he continued, "He's young. The one with shaved black hair."

"You serious?" Renji harped and started to laugh, "That's really the guy we're looking for?"

Chad darkly peered at Renji through chestnut waves, "That's him."

I watched as Renji adjusted his jacket and pushed his chair aside with a proud smile, "Well then, what are we waiting for?"

I eyed the boy that became our suspicion and grabbed Renji's shoulder. Even though he seemed young, he could easily take us by surprise, "Wait a minute. I know this seems easy but he could be armed."

"Yes, but he could also be innocent," Renji winked before pulling from his seat and etched himself between tables.

I scratched my neck and watched as Chad followed, "What an idiot."

In burning resentment I skipped the necessary introduction, "Can we have a moment to speak with you, Sir?" With my hands clenched inside my pockets I eyed the boy and tried my best to remain low-key. Four others were seated with him, holding puzzled distorted glances but no one said a word, "It's about the princess."

With the drink be-stilled before his lips, the boy stared off interrupted. The tension had almost altered instantly.

One guy I had my eyes on was currently admiring the front door before he made a run for it. Chad blocked the path for him so I concerned myself with the peculiar boy that remained seated. Knowing I had no need to worry about any felonious culprits escaping as they ran, I stepped closer to him. All seats now empty but one.

I reveled a triumphant grin throughout the rustled chaos, "Look's like your friends gave you away."

The echos of spilling liquor and broken glasses fell as he posed unimpressed. A woman's ear piercing shriek made me tilt my head to catch Ichigo looming over one delinquent who had fallen towards an unused chair, as Chad was busy holding down two others. A few inebriated men tripped passed me in their scare when one of the bartenders directed a comment towards Ichigo, waving his cleaning rag, "I don't know what the hell is going on but whatever it is you can take it outside!"

Ichigo simply turned his head, "Don't worry. We'll be out of here soon."

Oddly enough the guy sitting before me never seemed to refuse, holding a distinguished mellowed look even after we stopped his associates. I graced my hands inside my jacket to reveal the cuffs I had placed in my pocket for his friends when he gave me an unsettling sigh.

Chad managed to knock out two guys which really had me impressed. For such a quiet guy he really let them have it. Of course Ichigo got his hands dirty as well.

Looking over the mess I grunted, "Well, I'm glad we never called the police."

Ichigo called to the bartender after the reminder, "Hey, you want to get the police over here?"

The guy seemingly wouldn't budge so Ichigo made his way to the employee and firmly tightened his hands on the counters ledge.

"I suggest you get your ass moving and pick up a god damn phone before I charge you for association!" He angrily pounded the counter once which got the bartender scurrying towards his co-workers to assess the situation.

I cocked my brow as I watched the boy rise from his seat.

"Come with me," Slanting himself against the nearest door frame, he sent me a serious glare and sighed, "I will tell you where to find her."

Before I noticed Ichigo behind me, he spewed, "Where is she?"

The guy gave him an odd look of surprise, "She's three blocks down Stensballe Road, in Hussode. Address is 127."

Ichigo's eyes hardened before he directed at me, "I'll meet you there."

I returned back to my conversation, about to question him, when he began talk of his own.

"I never wanted to be a part of this. The princess can tell you that," He spat towards the floor, "You guys are actually helping me by taking her off my hands, you know? I'll just tell him you guys attacked us and got away."

"That's another another thing," I forced him to the room behind us and latched the door, "Who is responsible?"

He scratched his neck fearfully, "I, I can not tell you his name."

"I swear, I will drag you down along with him as his accomplice if you don't speak," I growled.

"Damn it," He cussed, " You can't tell a soul or he would kill me for sure!"

I crossed my arms and held my posture in front of the door. There was no way in hell I wouldn't get the answer from this guy and he could see that.

"His name, is Tsukushima."