Empire of the Sun

By: Katreju

Chapter Nine

In all his years of service, this would mark the first time General Ulquiorra Cifer attended a shonanoka ceremony for those slain by his sword. Earlier at the inn, he had attired himself in a hunter-green haori and kimono collared with a charcoal haneri that matched his hakama and tabi. Now, he had stood waiting underneath the shade of a tree in front of the Ito residence, expecting his ward and her friends to come out at any moment given that the sun was already high in the sky.

His foresight was correct when he heard the sound of the shoji slide open and turned his emerald eyes on the copper-haired beauty stepping into the sunlight and toward him. Gone were the commoner clothes she had been wearing the past few days in exchange for a finely-made mofuku detailed with five kamon symbolizing the Inoue clan. Although she carried a steady but tender smile, Ulquiorra was able to perceive in her eyes the sensitivity of what this day meant to her and the citizens of Tenkū.

"It's a beautiful morning, isn't it!" she said. "Did you get enough rest? It's going to be a long day, you know."

"I am prepared," he said then lifted his eyes onto her decorative up-do. "You are wearing your hairpins today."

Orihime nodded and instinctively touched the one near her left ear. "Yes. I think I might wear them like this for a while…"

Their discussion came to a halt by the appearance of Hideki and Yuji who were also formally dressed in their kuro-montsuki. Both sons stood alongside their mother who also wore her mofuku. Ulquiorra picked up on the fact that her red-stained eyes had been staring at him bitterly, indicating that she had evidently been informed of his role in her husband's demise.

Refusing to contend in a silent battle with the grieving widow, his focus shifted onto the now close proximity her eldest son had acquired next to Orihime.

"You don't have to go through this alone, Hime," Hideki said. "You can come with us, if you wish."

"That is unnecessary," Ulquiorra said composedly. "I will be accompanying her for the rest of the afternoon."

Irritated by his intrusion, Hideki glared at Ulquiorra. "I highly doubt you'll be any source of comfort for her. Considering that you're the reason for why this is even happening in the first place."

"Hideki, please…" Orihime murmured.

His hands balled at his hips. "I should put you in the ground myself."

The General icily stared at him. "If you want to give your mother another reason to grieve today, then you are permitted to exhibit your inanity in front of her."

"T-That won't be necessary!" Orihime nervously intervened. She turned around and smiled brightly at her friend. "I appreciate your concern, Hideki, but General Cifer is my escort. And yes, he isn't the nicest person around, but I want to respect his authority and let him carry out his duty! I'll be fine, I promise!"

Hideki scowled as he turned his eyes away from her. "If that's what you want."

"Yes," she nodded. "Oh, that reminds me! If you see Tatsuki, please tell her that I'll meet her at the temple. I have some errands to do before I head over."

"I will."

"Don't take too long, Sis!" Yuji said.

"I won't!" Orihime smiled at him until Hideki pushed on her forehead with his index finger. "Hey, what was that for?" she pouted, touching the spot where he had pressed.

"Nothing," Hideki teased solemnly. "It's just that I won't be able to pester you like this after today."

Her honey-brown eyes widened from the reality of his words. That's right. Once today is over, I have to return to Naitsu. I will no longer be in the company of the Itos and Tatsuki.

"You are wasting your time standing here," Ulquiorra stated, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She turned and faced him. "R-Right! I will see you all there!"

Orihime quickly waved at her friends before rushing to catch up with her already departing escort. After a minute of contemplatively staring at his back, she decided to speak her mind.

"Hey, I know that Hideki was a little hot-headed back there, but you could have ignored him and not push the tension even further."

"I find it difficult to believe had I remained unresponsive then your friend's ire toward me would have subsided."

"Maybe not, but you usually overlook that behavior. You have each time with Tatsuki."

"Because she is a barking dog in need of discipline, only I refuse to be the one to execute that task."

"Did you just call my best friend a dog?"

"He, on the other hand," he continued, "along with the death of his step-father, has a deeper reason for bearing his grudge."

"Why do you say that?"

"The boy has romantic affections toward you."

"WHAT?"

. . .

"...And that's why your assessment of our relationship is wrong!" Orihime announced proudly, causing onlookers in the market district to stare at the pair in question.

Ulquiorra briefly looked at her from the corner of his eye. "Your long and tedious explanation has done nothing to persuade me any differently."

"That's because you're stubborn!" she asserted, her eyebrows furrowed together. "You won't admit that you're wrong so you persist on backing your opinion!"

Ulquiorra kept his eyes forward, making certain he did not bump into any people passing by. "An opinion formed from an evaluation of your shared past and sharp perception of the present."

Orihime sighed. "If you must know, I do think of Hideki as more than a friend but not in a romantic way. Just like Tatsuki, I consider him family and wouldn't have it any other way. Even if we did have such feelings for each other-"

"It would be fruitless since you are betrothed to Lord Aizen," he said, now partially facing her.

Her lips pursed together. "I was going to say something like that before you rudely interrupted me."

"Hearing your voice has become tiresome."

"Then you should have kept your mouth shut!"

"I will apply that suggestion in the future."

She gave up arguing with him and stepped into the flower shop. "Good morning!" Orihime said to the shopkeeper. "I am interested in purchasing some flowers!"

The shopkeeper bowed then weakly smiled at her. "Forgive me, my lady, but I'm afraid that I don't have much of a selection anymore. Many people have come in and out today because of the shonanoka."

"It's alright! Please show me what you have left."

"Right this way!"

Ulquiorra watched the two of them wander into the back and decided that he would wait near the counter. After a few quiet minutes to himself, he heard the sound of a stampede coming toward him and opened his eyes in the nick of time to watch Orihime unload a large bundle of purple irises into his arms.

"Hold onto these, please! I'll be right back!" she said hurriedly before leaving again.

Still alarmed over his personal space being breached, Ulquiorra looked as if he wanted to pluck every flower petal and watch them fall to the floor.

. . .

"Thank you again!"

Orihime waved cheerfully at the fruit vendor before walking over to her escort with her newest purchase. Ulquiorra, still carrying the large bundle of flowers she had bought earlier, did not say a word to her. Judging by the hard look in his eyes, she became a little perplexed over his demeanor and decided she would break the unwelcome tension between them.

"I have everything I need so we can head over to the temple now!"

Orihime waited for a response, but he did not yield to her expectation. She then wondered if he was annoyed with her and decided to leave him be. Experience had taught her that even he had his limits and that he was a person who could not be swayed against his will. She began walking down a scenic road that led to the temple, humming a lively tune while hearing his footsteps trail behind hers.

. . .

Lady Miyako Inoue sat quietly alongside the elders. She observed the new crowd of visitors entering the temple hall to grieve and pay their respects to the deceased. A good amount of them were clearly relatives of the fallen samurai or those who were caught in the crossfire of battle, yet the majority came here to pay tribute to Lord Sora Inoue. Seeing the immeasurable number of people expressing their gratitude for him made her heart swell with pride, but it had not been enough to erase her pain or the remorse she carried.

For as long as she could remember, she had sworn to watch over him. To protect him and stand by his side forever even if it had cost her life. Never once had she reconsidered her oath or regretted the sacrifices she made, for nothing brought her greater happiness than serving her lord.

But she did not uphold her promise. She was not by his side during his darkest hour and had not reached the castle in time to fight for their people or save his life. Instead, she had made her way toward the temple and found his mutilated body being cleaned up and chanted over by the monks. In that moment, she could not accept that the corpse she looked upon had once been the one who meant more to her than anyone in the world. Yet her mind had made certain to keep her grounded and accept the simple harsh truth that resulted from her negligence: She had disappointed her ancestors. She had failed her family…she had failed him.

Fleeting memories of another came to mind, causing the noblewoman to rise to her feet and gracefully walk across the temple into a secondary room where the memorial for the deceased members of the Inoue clan was held. Careful not to interrupt the chants coming from a monk and few of her relatives, Miyako headed toward the row of urns orderly lined in the back of the room then stopped in front of one near the end.

With a frown, her fingers lightly touched the container as she reflected on the person whose ashes were within. "I told you not to get ahead of yourself, but you never listen to me. And now here you are, though I'm quite certain you're happy for a chance to see Mother and Father again…"

"Lady Inoue?"

The noblewoman turned her attention on the young servant behind her. "How may I assist you?"

"Forgive me for intruding, my lady," she said, bowing forward, "but the elders asked me to tell you that Lady Orihime Inoue has arrived in the temple."

Her dark eyes narrowed. "Did she come alone?"

"No, ma'am. There is a man with her who carries two swords and has scars running down his face."

"Tell them that I will handle the matter."

The servant quietly nodded and dismissed herself from the room.

. . .

Ignoring the glares casted at them, Orihime and Ulquiorra headed toward the back of the temple, entirely focused on their objective.

Well…almost entirely.

The red-headed girl had difficulty not getting sidetracked by the whispering around them, especially over the inquisitive speculation of how she managed to escape during the siege to the identity of the samurai by her side and the nature of their affiliation. All the sudden, it felt like the temple walls were closing in and that she needed to be extra mindful of her conduct so that she would not give the wrong impression of her or the General, for that matter.

Determined, Orihime swiftly turned around so that she faced Ulquiorra. "I can take those now!"

Ulquiorra effortlessly handed over the bundle, inwardly relieved that his duty of being flower envoy had ended. He then observed as she began to kneel, say a word of gratitude and a simple prayer before delicately placing an iris on each memorial she came by.

Although this was regarded as cultural custom, Ulquiorra was still perplexed by her generous gesture. Given the account of her childhood, he could not fathom why she would squander her time and money on those who had disregarded her existence or denied her the respect she was entitled to.

However, there had been one aspect he had learned about her in their short time together and that was she lived a life of sacrifice. She defined the very meaning, for it seemed that she embraced this as a way to show an act of devotion or love. Therefore, even though he believed that she was being nonsensical, the ward would not see it as such thus further proving how blind she truly was to the ways of the world.

Lord Aizen had much to teach her when they returned. He then speculated how long it would take for the troublesome girl to stretch his master's patience, but realized that such a feat would be impractical. Lord Aizen seldomly - if ever - displayed his temper even in the most dire of situations.

From the corner of his eye, Ulquiorra caught Orihime staring at him contemplatively as though he were an interesting specimen she had discovered. "What is it?"

Orihime balanced her chin in between her hands. "I figured if I stare at you long enough, then maybe I'd at least get a word out of you. You haven't said anything since we left the flower shop."

"I hardly believe this is the right time, or place, to have an open conversation."

After picking up the remaining flowers, Orihime stood to her feet. "So are you saying that you would talk to me if we were elsewhere right now?"

"Only if I truly desire a headache."

"Why are you so ru-!" she screeched before clasping an empty hand over her mouth. Remember to mind your manners while we're here, Orihime!

"I was beginning to wonder when you would arrive."

The pair turned their focus off of each other and toward the now-present Lady Miyako Inoue. As expected from her cousin, the noblewoman carried an aura of regality and a stoic countenance that could intimidate even the bravest of soldiers.

Out of respect for her, Orihime gracefully bowed then rose again. "I would have been here sooner, but I wanted to buy some items for the service."

"You do not have to explain yourself to me. It's not as if you would have been able to change anything had you arrived sooner."

Orihime nodded dejectedly then looked at her cousin with sympathy. "I'm very sorry about Seiichi-dono. I can understand how you feel over losing your brother."

"Seiichi died fighting for the honor of his leader and our clan," Miyako said curtly. "I cannot be upset over that."

"I see."

"However," Miyako shifted her judgmental eyes onto Ulquiorra, "why did you permit for him to come here?"

Orihime took one glimpse at Ulquiorra and then it dawned on her. She had not once thought about how his presence might affect everyone and perhaps she had been insensitive in that regard. And yet…"General Cifer is my escort and has been ordered to stay by my side. I can guarantee that he won't cause any trouble while he's here."

"Doesn't take away the fact that he serves our enemy, or should I say my enemy, since it would seem that his dignity takes precedence over that of your own people."

"It's not like that. I just -"

"Didn't think it through," Miyako chided. "That's to be expected from a person of simpleminded character. I can't believe that Lord Sora chose you to be the one to lead us into our future. And yet, not even a week later, you have already disgraced our lineage with your submission to another daimyo." Her dark eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Unless this was your way of getting revenge from being shunned by the family all these years."

Fumbling for words, Orihime tightened her fingers around the remaining flowers in her hands. "I-I wouldn't do that…I…I…"

"The allegiance made between Tenkū and Naitsu did not decree for the Inoue to give up their identity nor their way of life," Ulquiorra stated, his emerald eyes stern on the noblewoman. "It was created so the two prefectures could work together in order to build a stronger economy and ruling government."

"Political uproot by the bloodshed of a benevolent leader and half of his administration definitely sounds like the beginning of a peaceful merger," Miyako jeered. "How generous of Naitsu to think it knows what's best for everyone."

"In regards to your initial inquiry," the General ignored her remark and continued, "I did not intend to accompany Lady Inoue into the second room. She is to have the privacy she needs for what she seeks to do. Be assured that my presence will go nowhere near the memorial of Inoue clan, especially Lord Sora Inoue since that is where most of your interest and the root of your jealousy toward Lady Inoue lie."

Orihime looked at him surprised whereas Miyako vehemently held her tongue.

"Proceed forward with your task," Ulquiorra said, his eyes not yielding to meet his hers.

"Y-Yes," Orihime nodded.

She led herself and Ulquiorra away from her cousin to where the memorial for Gorō Ito was held. Miyako did not speak or try to follow after them. Instead, she kept a calm composure as she went back to sit with the elders.

When the pair was in closer proximity of her friend's memorial, Orihime spotted Tatsuki bowing while murmuring a few words. She made her and Ulquiorra wait from a short distance so that her best friend would be able to say what was on her heart in private.

In the meantime, she found herself going back to how Ulquiorra had quickly taken over the confrontation with Miyako. It was not the first time she witnessed the authority he carried when handling people yet his ability to boldly speak his mind - no matter what the situation was – had made her ashamed that she could not do the same for herself.

"Um…" she softly began, "what you did back there-"

"Don't expect it to happen again," Ulquiorra said resolutely.

She was going to give him her thanks, but kept quiet after receiving such a callous remark. She frowned then noticed that Tatsuki had finished paying her respects. She stepped away from him and walked forward until she and her best friend met halfway.

"I was starting to wonder if you got lost!" Tatsuki greeted. "Hideki told me you had some errands?"

Orihime smiled. "Yes, but I already took care of that!"

"That's good."

"Speaking of which, are they here?"

Tatsuki's face turned solemn as she folded her arms in front of her. "No. Their ma wasn't feeling well so they took her on walk to get some fresh air."

"It's because of her heart," Orihime responded sorrowfully. "Emi-dono cherished Gorō-dono so much. I can't imagine how it must feel to lose the one you love."

"Neither can I."

Orihime silently moved forward until she was standing in front of Tenkū's strongest samurai's memorial. She then kneeled and clapped her hands together. "Kami-sama, please watch over Gorō-dono. He was a special friend of mine and I want him to have well-deserved rest in the spirit world. May you please tell him that Little One will watch over his family and make sure they live peacefully? And also, please tell him that she thanks him with all heart for the friendship he gave her along with his unwavering valor and loyalty he had shown for her brother. His honorable soul will never be forgotten as long as I'm here in this world."

Ulquiorra observed Orihime take three irises from the bundle and arrange them next to the samurai's urn. He then questioned why she would leave that many when she left the previous only one. But knowing how sentimental the girl could be, he then wondered if the three were supposed to symbolize the living members of Ito family. Or perhaps they symbolized the lifelong friendship she and her brother had shared with the samurai.

He then wondered why he had concerned himself over this matter yet ceased his train of thought when he saw her enter into the second room where mourning for members of the Inoue clan was held.

. . .

With each step, it felt like a lump was growing in her throat.

The ambience of the dimly lit room, the deep chanting of the monk, and the intoxicating scent of incense had started to cloud her senses.

But she kept her honey-colored eyes ahead on the shrine in tribute to her brother. It had been adorned with several incense sticks and countless of flowers ranging from different varieties and colors. It also had been filled with a multitude of gifts like rice balls and tea cups that were filled with matcha or persimmon tea. At the center of it all displayed an iron-black urn that contained his ashes alongside his freshly polished swords and armor.

Hot tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she kneeled in front of the shrine and faintly smiled. "Hello Brother…I guess I am a bit late to your service," She then happily pulled a cantaloupe from her bag as though she were making a sales pitch. "But I did bring your favorite fruit and more flowers to add to your memorial!"

She laughed heartily then began arranging the melon and irises around the urn. "Just the other day, we had promised each other that we were going to live our lives to fullest. That when we both were old, we wouldn't look back and regret the choices we had made. We even sealed our pact by planning to go to Sendai this fall and attend the Tanabata festival together, since it was something we have never done before. We also had never got the chance to visit the southern islands or travel to the coastal cities and try the many foreign cuisines that were brought there. However," She looked up from the urn and gazed upon the shrine, "sitting here and realizing how you changed so many people's lives, well, I don't think any of that really matters."

Her face turned somber as her hands clenched in her lap. "Had I known you intended to pass this onto me, I would have paid more attention to what you were teaching me or had improved myself in other areas. I'm not equipped to be a daimyo and everyone knows this…yet I want to believe that I can change.

"You might already know, but I'm going to marry Sōsuke Aizen of Naitsu. Not because I love him, but because I love you. With my marriage to him, I can keep what you dedicated your life for. And maybe with the experience he has I can learn how to become a suitable leader…one that will make you proud. So..."

Several heavy tears fell onto her lap and hands. "Thank you for the knowledge you imparted on me…thank you for not abandoning me after I was born…thank you for loving me even when I knew how difficult and painful it was for you to do so. I can't imagine how my life would have turned out without you.

"Not one day will pass where I don't think of you. And if you do move on to your next life before I can see you again…please find happiness there and remember, if you can, that I love you. I love you with all my heart...even though right now it's not very whole…you'll always be a part of me…"

She broke into a wrenching sob as her hands reached out and delicately touched Sora's urn. In that moment she had wished more than anything that she had felt one of his strong, signature hugs one last time.

. . .

Although she stood from a distance, Tatsuki kept a watchful eye on Ulquiorra as the two waited for her best friend to return. She refused to let the man go unsupervised and pretty soon her imagination had drifted into a scenario where she had him in a chokehold then proceeded to throw him out of the temple in a way that his rear-end landed on the stone-paved staircase. And break a bone or two.

As much satisfaction that would bring her, she realized most of her anger was not in fact at the General but at the Inoue.

In the last two days, since they arrived at the capital, Tatsuki had once again been a witness to the prejudice shown toward her friend. A small part of her had hoped before they came here that the Inoue would be gracious to Orihime, given that she had lost her only family and was now the head of their clan. But now she resented placing even a miniscule of faith in them. Their narrow-minded disdain for her best friend irked her to no end and she had been pushed to the point where she was ready to knock some people to the ground no matter what their age or title was.

"All of you can go to hell," she said heatedly, not caring how audible it was to those around her.

Ulquiorra gave her a reproachful look. "We are inside a temple."

"Shut up! Don't you think I know that?" Tatsuki snapped.

The sliding of a door reached their ears, causing them both to turn around and see a somber Orihime exit the room. She wiped her eyes, which were red-rimmed from crying, with the back of hand.

Tatsuki immediately ran over to her friend and took both of her hands in hers. "I'm so sorry, Orihime…If there is anything I can do to make this easier for you, please tell me."

Orihime weakly smiled then squeezed Tatsuki's hands. "Thank you, Tatsuki, but having you here is more than enough."

She then searched past her friend to find Ulquiorra, who was watching her intently. In that moment, it had felt like more than their eyes had connected and she was uncertain to why she thought that.

"What do you want to do now?" Tatsuki asked.

Orihime snapped out her daze. "I…well, we can start heading over to the castle since there is one more thing I have to do there."

Tatsuki nodded. "Alright then, let's go!" She then flashed a mischievous grin at Ulquiorra. "See if you can try to keep up with us, you jerk!"

Before he had a chance to speak, Tatsuki had led Orihime by the hand and sprinted toward the entrance of the temple. Orihime struggled to keep up in spite of the restrictions her kimono imposed.

"What a nuisance," Ulquiorra stated.

He then took one sharp glance at the Inoue elders and Miyako and observed that they were glaring at him as though he were an evil spirit in need of cleansing. He nonchalantly placed his hands in his pockets then followed after his ward and her annoying friend before they could disappear from his sight.

. . .

Inside the castle, the girls passed through every room and corridor tossing salt. Early on they had decided to divide the task with each of them taking a different floor then reconvene later in the courtyard.

Orihime, of course, had expected Ulquiorra to keep an eye on her and managed to assure Tatsuki that he would not 'kidnap' her before she had the chance to see her off. Ulquiorra, on the other hand, did not recognize the value of her peacemaking skills and decided to be vexed for the time being.

"I am more than capable of handling your friend," he said, very composed while leaning against a wall.

Orihime paused from shaking salt onto a doorway and pouted at her guardian. "Really? I can't believe you're still mad over that!"

"I am not mad. I am simply reminding you that I don't need you to handle any qualm that may arise against me."

She agreed with him, but that still did not stop her from releasing an exasperated sigh. "Don't you think I know that? Anyway, I did it more for Tatsuki since she is already unhappy that I am leaving."

"She had already been forewarned that you would not be staying."

"I know…but that still doesn't make it easier saying goodbye to someone you care about."

Ulquiorra contemplated over her words. "...Perhaps."

Orihime quietly studied him a bit longer before resuming to her task.

. . .

The pair ended up finishing before Tatsuki and were now waiting in the courtyard. To keep herself busy, Orihime had found a long tree-branch near the bench she sat on and began writing calligraphy in the ground.

"You know..." She said softly, still focused on her writing. "I noticed that some of the chambers were being aired out today."

Ulquiorra had his eyes closed as if he were meditating. "I made certain that the commander and his unit set aside time to begin restoration of the castle. In that order also included finding another location to establish their base."

Orihime gently smiled. "Thank you."

While she was content that her request had been implemented, the carnage she had witnessed that night was still entrenched in her mind. Because of everything she had seen, there were certain areas she was unsure that she would be able to step foot in again.

"I see that you're still here, General," said a sultry voice from a distance.

Orihime spotted its owner, accompanied by two ashigaru, approaching her and Ulquiorra. She then pondered why the pink-haired samurai seemed familiar to her.

Ulquiorra stepped forward so that he now stood off to the side in front of Orihime. "We are leaving as soon as her friend arrives."

"I see," He pushed his spectacles up to align on his nose. "I'm certain that Lord Aizen will be happy to have his lovely bride back in his care."

I'm certain that our lord will be very grateful to you. She's quite a beautiful creature.

Orihime abruptly stood to her feet. "Now I know why you're familiar! You were here with General Cifer during the siege."

Fascinated, his smirk broadened as his amber eyes flickered at her. "I'm surprise you even remember me, considering you fainted not too long after. We have yet to be formally introduced." He bowed toward her. "I am Szayelaporro Granz, the commanding general of this region under the authority of Lord Sōsuke Aizen. And soon to be under you as well, my lady, once you two are wedded."

Orihime solemnly nodded. "Yes. Since Tenkū and Naitsu are allying together, I believe it would be best if you partnered with someone who would delegate over the interests of Tenkū while I'm not here."

"Oh?" Szayelaporro dropped his smirk and raised an eyebrow. "And who have you appointed for this position?"

Orihime blanked. She had no idea why she even opened her mouth especially when she had not premeditated this conversation. However...

This person would have to be someone strong-willed and have the influence of a good leader. Someone who has history and knowledge of how our economy and chain of command works. Someone who would devote their heart into the people of Tenkū and the restoration of the Inoue clan. "That person is Lady Miyako Inoue."

Ulquiorra stared at her from the corner of his eye.

Orihime stayed firm. "She was a part of Lord Sora Inoue's administration and was highly esteemed by him and our people. I do ask that you give her a week to process all that has happened before meeting and discussing future plans."

Szayelaporro's smile returned as he tilted his chin into his hand. "Well, it can certainly be arranged." He then stared at Ulquiorra. "You don't see that being a problem, right, General?"

Ulquiorra briefly remained silent. "No, I do not."

"Excellent! Well, I better get going on my way!" he exclaimed before bowing once more at Orihime. "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady." He smirked mischievously at them. "I hope you both have a pleasant trip back to Naitsu."

Orihime and Ulquiorra watched the spectacled samurai then leave with his two escorts.

"I don't know why, but I get a weird vibe around him," Orihime said, puzzled.

"You're not the first to acknowledge that," Ulquiorra replied straightforward.

"Hey!" Tatsuki yelled out as she ran up to Orihime. "Sorry I took so long!"

Orihime shook her head and smiled. "It's fine, even though I was starting to wonder if you got lost!"

"You're funny," Tatsuki said dryly which made Orihime giggle. "Anyway, you won't believe what I found lying around!" She reached into her knapsack and uncovered a mud-stained puppet with one damaged leg and a missing arm.

The red-head's eyes widened from excitement as she carefully took it from Tatsuki.

"I found him lying near one of the gates. I bet one of the soldiers intended to take it for their kid or something."

Orihime studied the puppet as though it was her first time laying eyes on it. Although it was tattered and broken in some places, its core had remained resilient and intact. And she knew that with given time and care, those parts could be fixed again even if it had to be done by her own hands.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, she brought Enraku closer to her heart. "Thank you, Tatsuki."

. . .

Prior to sundown, Orihime and Ulquiorra had decided it was time for them to return to Naitsu.

"It's not fair! Why can't you stay here with us?" an annoyed Yuji complained

Orihime, who had changed back into the simple clothes Tatsuki had loaned her, gently clasped the young boy's shoulders and gave him a sincere smile. "Because there is someone waiting for me in Naitsu and in order for all of us to have a wonderful future, I must go and be with him."

Yuji pouted. "But…I don't want you to go."

Hideki pressed a hand on top of his little brother's head. "Hey, Yuji, don't make this harder for her. She would stay if she had the choice."

Orihime watched the boy sadly nod in agreement. "Thank you for understanding, Yuji." She then leaned over and embraced him. "Please take care of your mama and brother for me."

Yuji sniffled. "I will..."

Orihime released him and turned her focus onto his elder brother. "There is something I would like you to do for me." She frantically shook her hands in front of her. "Of course, it doesn't have to be right at this second since you should be here with your family and I don't want to inconvenience you or them in any way! I would've asked Tatsuki, but she had already agreed to deliver a message to Miyako-dono for me."

Hideki suspiciously glanced at Tatsuki to see her form a wicked smirk behind their friend. "I'm sure she was quite thrilled to take on that task. But you know, Hime, you can ask me for anything and I'll do it. You could never be an inconvenience to me."

"Okay!" She smiled then revealed a parcel tied together by thread. "I need this to be taken to Edo and delivered to the Tairō of the Yamamoto Shogunate. It's very important that this is received by his hands."

Sensing the emphasis in her tone, Hideki nodded and took the bag from her. "I understand."

"Also," She gave him a warm smile, "I was reminiscing the other night over our childhood together and I didn't realize until then how important your friendship is to me. You definitely brought more light into my life and for that, I thank you!"

Hideki took a minute to process what she said before releasing a heartfelt chuckle. "You don't have to thank me. I'm truly glad that I was able to meet you." His paused as he poked her forehead, voice deepening. "We will always be connected, so don't think that this is the end. We'll see each other again, even if it's not as often like it used to be."

Orihime blissfully nodded. "Yes, we will!"

And then, the instant she turned around to face Tatsuki, all the memories they shared together flooded over her like a wave. In that moment, it felt like a hole was forming in her chest as her eyes welled up with tears. "I don't know what to say…I mean, where do I even begin?"

"You could start by telling me you want to stage an all-out rebellion rather than marry that old fart," Tatsuki smirked.

Orihime laughed and wiped her right eye. "Can you imagine? Though I don't think we would get very far without an army of samurai."

"We would manage."

"Heh, I'm not too sure about that."

Tatsuki shrugged. "Maybe you're right. But, I would have done whatever it took to keep you free."

The sound of horse galloping became louder as it drew nearer to where the group of friends were.

The General stepped down from his horse and walked over to her. "Have you said all your good-byes?"

"I just need to finish what I was saying to Tatsuki and then I'll be ready!" Orihime said as she lifted the knapsack off her shoulder.

He voluntarily took it from her. "Do not take much longer."

As he walked back to his horse, Orihime smiled at Tatsuki and took her hands in her own. "There is so much I want to thank you for. Without you, I wouldn't have learned how to accept myself for who I was. I had resigned to walk alone for the rest of my life, but you saved me from the loneliness I felt for so many years." She took her friend into a tight embrace. "You are my best friend and always will be. I love you, Tatsuki, and I promise that I will protect you and your family just as you had protected me."

Tatsuki finally tightened her arms around Orihime and suppressed her tears. "Idiot, what are you saying? I'm always going to look after you. Just…be sure to take care of yourself, okay? You can always come home if you need to."

After Orihime acknowledged her with a nod, the two friends released their embrace on each other.

"I'll see you."

"See you later."

Orihime then sprinted over to where her escort and his horse waited. Once she was there, she looked back one last time and bowed to her friends. "Everyone, thank you for all you've done for me!"

She quickly turned around and allowed Ulquiorra to assist her onto the horse. He then settled in behind her and took hold of the reins. "Arre arre."

As she felt the horse advance away from the capital, Orihime forced her eyes to stay ahead on the field. However, before they reached the border crossing into the woods, she took one look back and gazed upon the city that had now been painted in the sunset.

The city she had spent all seventeen years of her life in.

The city where her fondest memories had dwelled.

The city she could no longer call her home.

Suddenly the hole in her chest felt larger than it did before and it was becoming harder to hold back her tears.

"You do not have to feign your feelings any further."

And like a dam breaking open, Orihime's tears began flooding down her cheeks. Her fingers clung onto her legs as her shoulders heaved with every wail that escaped her.

Ulquiorra kept his focus on what lie ahead, but he had also been oblivious to the fact that he had faintly tightened his arms around her and sustained his hold for the rest of their journey.

End of Arc One

Glossary:

Haneri – A decorative cloth that is meant to protect and be worn over the collar of undergarment (known as juban) clothing.

Mofuku – A formal woman's kimono that is only to be worn for funerals and times of mourning. The kimono and the parts that accompany it are completely black. However, the tabi and all undergarments must be white.

Kamon – A crest that is either dyed or embroidered on a formal kimono to symbolize a family or clan. The number of crests can range from one to five, depending on the formality of the kimono.

(Kuro-) Montsuki – A formal men's ensemble consisting of kimono with kamon, hakama and a haori with kamon. This was considered semi-formal attire for the samurai class during the Edo period and could be worn for weddings, funerals and other ceremonious occasions. Kuro means 'black', therefore kuro-montsuki would be the equivalent of a mofuku.

Just Some Commentary:

There were plenty of cultural and religious references in these past chapters and I will be the first one to tell you that I probably won't have everything accurate. I'll go to the ends of the world (wide web) or a library bookcase for research on a subject, but that does not mean my efforts make me foolproof from making an error. That being said, I do hope that I was able to represent what I learned in the best of light and that I haven't made offense with what was written.

For some of you that might be wondering why I didn't mention the bone-picking ceremony, it's because Orihime had not been there during the cremation. She had arrived days after.