Author's Notes:

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I am also glad you all enjoy reading this story. I love making it!

His Concubine: The Kingmaker

Orihime

My eyes watched as the village children ran around playing with each other outside the Minka. The two youngest girls giggled in delight at their friends as they circled them.

I tried hard to imagine my life if I had grown up with a sibling. Would I be the same person I am today? How drastically would my life have changed? I honestly couldn't answer that because I had no idea. The future ahead of me was a mystery that I had to follow in order to find myself.

My eyes drifted to the hunter-green haori worn by Urahara as he walked up the dirt path to the Minka. The children stopped playing once they spotted the familiar figure and ran towards him. Their tiny hands were outstretched and raised, ready to receive the sweets he would always give them upon his return from town.

Watching him give funny expressions as he passed out the sweets made me smile softly. He was also on a different path given the circumstances.

~Last Night~

"I think it's time I tell you the truth of your origin, Hime."

I felt something shift in the air as his gray eyes grew sad. "Truth of my… origin?" I stammered.

Urahara extended a hand for me to sit with him at the chabudai (short-legged table). Slowly lowering my knees to the tatami mat, I looked up at him again once I was comfortable. "Hime… you know you are not my daughter… right?"

I nodded slowly. There was no resemblance between us, but I never questioned it because I loved him as my father, and nothing anyone could say would change that.

"Let me start off this story from 100 periods ago. There was a dignified queen who had given birth to her first child with the king. When her son was thirteen years old… he had gotten sick. Only a few close attendants to the Queen knew about the prince's sudden lack of health. The King was not told about his son's sickness in case of him discarding the ill child. The palace doctors were aware and were sworn under secrecy. They, however, could not figure out the prince's sudden ailment and with the lack of knowledge about it, they had no other choice but to give up, retorting to regular prayers for answers. Nevertheless, the Queen did no such thing. If the palace doctors could not cure her son, then she would look outside of it for a resolution.

"Fortunately, a young woman from the West was brought back to the palace with the answer to her solution. The suspicion of this innocent woman did not go unnoticed by those there, but they put their trust in her because the Queen already did. When faced with the young prince, the mysterious woman began a special ritual when the configuration of the stars and moon was aligned. With blessed water from her hometown, she drew small patterns along the various places on his body and touched each one with gentle strokes. This ritual started at sunset and ended at the next sunset.

"When she was finished, the mysterious woman told the Queen, 'Your son will have a long prosperous life… as long as he does not cross paths with the King'. With those modest words, the woman left the palace never to be seen again. When the sun had risen the next day, the Prince had awoken as if he were never ill to begin with. The Queen was overjoyed that her son was no longer suffering… but her happiness was not shared with the King. Once he found out his son was sick and suddenly cured, he became resentful.

"As the Prince was getting close to his coming-of-age celebration, his intelligence and favor with the citizens of the land also spread. Yet, in the shadows, the jealousy of the King also increased. The paranoia of his past sins of murdering his father for the throne was coming back full circle to find him in the form of his own son. The Queen noticed the King's growing resentment and fears of their son, trying her best to keep the peace. She would also see one of his concubines he favored, whispering in his ears adding to his distrust. It all came ahead when one of the Queen's maids found the King in the Prince's room one night with a dagger raised high, and ready to plunge into his son's heart.

"With a loud scream, the King was stopped, and the Prince was saved, but that was the last straw for the Queen. The next few nights, she prepared herself and her son to run away from the palace. With the help of her trusted aides, they were able to escape the palace in the dead of night and ran towards the West. Arriving there, she met that mysterious woman once again with open arms as if she knew about the Queen's and Prince's arrival. Settling in the West, they both grew as companions with the mysterious woman as she helped them understand livelihood outside the palace. On the other side of the country, the King did not give up on his search. He sent his soldiers out to find the queen and prince, which upon their return, would be beheaded for abdication. However, to no avail, they were never found.

"Their identities were changed, and they donned a new family name. Ishida. With the knowledge they both procured, the Queen and Prince built their prestige, becoming a noble family in the West. Since then, the Prince married another noble daughter there and started his own family. The Queen watched her firstborn grandchild suffer from the same illness as her own child. With this knowledge, she requested the mysterious woman's aide once more. Her daughter was the one to arrive this time and she also began the identical ritual the Queen had seen before. This time when the ritual was finished, the mysterious daughter explained the illness entirely and what it would mean for each firstborn child of her son's family. Understanding the wickedness the King has given to the future generations, the Queen accepted it. Since she was close to this mysterious family who has once again saved someone she loved, the Queen did not see it as a depravity going down the line but as a blessing to come for the next generations."

"Who is this mysterious family," I asked curiously when he stopped talking.

"They are your descendants. The Inoue Clan."

"My… the Inoue Clan?" I tilted my head.

"Yes," Urahara nodded. He picked up his fan and turned his head towards the fire burning in the center of the room. "Your mother told me about them before she died."

My eyes widened, and my throat tightened at his words. I looked away from him processing what he just said. "How do you… how did she…" I trailed off.

He glanced at me before focusing on the fire once more. "The Emperor had sent troops to the South to slaughter the remaining Inoue clan after he saw no illness in the Crowned Prince."

"The Emperor?" I was confused. What did he have to do with my family?

"Twenty-three years ago, the Ishida family was married into the royal family of this country. The firstborn daughter, who is now the Empress, could not take the Inoue clan's firstborn daughter of the main branch with her into the castle. All she could do was perform the ritual and send the Empress on her way. If I wasn't clear… the firstborn daughter of the Inoue clan at that time was your mother." Closing his fan, Urahara gazed at me. "Your mother could not go into the castle because of the events which would follow after."

I could only stare back at him trying desperately to understand this story and where it was going. "The Empress sent word back to the Inoue clan for another ritual to be performed but… the elders sent a young lady from the branch family. Unfortunately, the events your mother knew would happen… happened. The young lady was killed by the Emperor and the Empress was imprisoned."

"Why?" I asked.

"The Empress had… a flare-up per say with her illness. When the Emperor caught wind of the ritual taking place before their first night together… you can guess where his assumptions lie." I looked down at the chabudai.

All sorts of assumptions could be put on his mind, but the main thing could be death.

"The Inoue clan was brought before the Emperor and the higher courts to receive judgment. The main branch was ordered to be executed by beheading. Meaning every elder, parent, child, and animal was to be slaughtered before them." I gasped in bewilderment.

"But my mother…"

"Was spared."

I sighed but the relief did not last long. "Wait, if she was…"

Urahara nodded. "You're right. The other branch families had to hide your mother with them because she was the blessed child and was the only one who could keep the Inoue line remaining. The execution was conducted, and the rest of the family was banished to the South of the country to live out the rest of their days." His eyes narrowed as he stared at me. "But five years later that order was lifted, and the annihilation of the Inoue clan was sent out."

"How do you know all of this?" My fingernails made deep crescent-shaped moons in my palms.

"Because I was the leader of the squad sent to kill your family." I felt this large stabbing pain in my chest as his gray eyes bore into mine. "Your mother… she was really beautiful the moment I laid eyes on her. I must admit you look so much like her." His guilt-filled eyes moved down at the chabudai. "You were two years old at the time when I first saw you. Hiding behind your mother's leg in fear among the carnage and chaos," he said softly. "The duty I had to uphold as a soldier did not stop me from fulfilling it. Even through the loud moans, cries, and screams, I had no other choice but to slice your mother's throat when all was said and done." I felt my whole body grow weak as he said it so nonchalantly. As if killing my mother was nothing.

"How could you… then to raise me… as if I was your daughter. Why?" My voice croaked out as I felt a painful sob try to break free.

He tilted his head down letting his messy light-blonde hair overshadow his eyes. "Your mother told me to."

"What?" I shrieked even more confused.

Glancing up, Urahara had a solemn look on his face. "She asked me to raise you. To protect you from those in the castle until it was time." He shook his head as if puzzled himself. "When she told me this… I was every bit confused. I was a soldier for the Emperor and was given an order. Keeping you alive is a death sentence for me, but your mother promised me I would live. You were the key to this whole thing."

I moved away from the chabudai to stand up shaking my head. "I don't believe you."

"You think I wanted this?" He slammed his fan down. "Seeing you behind your mother's leg crying at the thought of dying scared the shit out of me. I didn't become a soldier to murder children!" He stopped talking and noticed his volume was increasing. Taking a deep breath, he tried again. "I wanted to let you go with your mother, but she insisted I do my duty because it was meant to happen."

I couldn't listen to this anymore. This whole thing was scaring me. Finding out who I am, what my mother wanted, why I'm here, everything was too much. My whole body trembled as I tried to move but his next question halted me.

"When you left here to go on a stroll and when you saw the Crowned Prince… did you feel a strong pull?" I stopped moving and slowly turned to Urahara. The desperate look in his eyes was searching deep within mine as if it held the answers to his questions. I turned away from him after breaking eye contact.

"I don't know," I lied.

Urahara stood up and moved towards me. "Yes, you do." Grasping my elbow, he turned me around to face him. "Everything I did up until this point was because your mother said it was meant to be. I would have let her go, but I had no choice. She insisted it was bound to happen whether I wanted it to or not. Killing her and everyone in the Inoue clan was no longer my will." His grip tightened as his eyes were trained on me. "Now tell me the truth. Did you feel something when you saw him?"

The tears blocked my view of his anxious face. I closed my eyes to hide them. My head nodded slowly answering his question. With a weak nod, he finally let me go.

"Then your mother was right. You are special." I felt his thumbs under my cheeks wiping the fallen tears away. "You and your sister are special."

My eyes snapped open. "I have a sister?"

He nodded dropping his hand. "A twin." Urahara stepped back giving me room to breathe. "Your mother requested for you two to be raised separately. Doing that will keep you two protected from those in the castle from finding out that the Inoue clan still exists."

"Where is she?"

"She is with someone I trust. Sadly… to keep your mother's promise, I don't know where she is and if I did, I wouldn't be able to tell you."

"Why not?" I whined.

"Again, something else your mother requested. She said when the time is right, you will find each other."

I looked away towards the burning logs in the fire. Everything is jumbled and makes no sense. I found out who I am, and what my mother wanted, and now I have a twin I didn't know existed. This was all too much. One thing I could find an answer to was about him and where I would go from here. I glanced at Urahara. "What does the Crown Prince have to do with me personally? Why was I drawn to him?"

He moved to take a seat on the tatami mat. "To my understanding, you are his cure."

I tilted my head. "Cure?"

"Yes. As your mother was the Empress's cure, you are the Crowned Prince's cure. In due time, he will be here to take you back to the castle."

"Doesn't that contradict everything my mother so desperately wanted?"

"Yes and no. Back then you were too young and weak… now you have matured into a capable young lady. In one year's time, you will be where you're expected to be."

"One year?"

He nodded. "When you turn twenty-one, you will perform the ritual that will cure the Crowned Prince."

~Present Time~

No matter how I look at it, my destiny is set. I had to keep moving forward and believe what happens next is meant to be.

Urahara walked up to me after the children ran off to their homes. "Ready?"

Sliding the ribbon from under my sleeve, I tied up my auburn hair. "Yes."

~s~

Ichigo

My hand closed the suzuri-bako (inkstone box) as I finished my traditional poetry writing. I sighed annoyed with the continued studies even at my age. My retainer Mizuiro chuckled at my scowling face.

"What?" I mumbled pulling on the hair tie to let loose the ponytail in the back of my spiky orange hair.

"Nothing," he smiled. "You look more relaxed than usual. Plus," he picked up the thick book. "…you made a lot of progress today." He flipped through the neat handwriting on each page. "I'm proud."

"Oh well, geez thanks Father," I bowed playfully. We both laughed.

His smile dropped as he looked at me as I took one scarred arm out of my sleeve. His eyes inspected the healing scars spread about as he spoke. "On a serious note, how are you feeling? Keigo told me you've been… calm."

I moved my hand to rest on the bundai (writing desk), and my fingers began tapping it with a steady rhythm. "You can say that. I was given a history lesson from our Majesty the Empress," I smirked.

Mizuiro raised an eyebrow, "Really? Is she…?"

"Lucid. Very." I stopped tapping and looked at him. "In a few days, I need a search party to look for someone."

"Sure, that can be arranged. Anyone we know?" he questioned.

"Sort of." I stood up and made my way to the shoji (window or room divider) and opened it. My eyes tilted up to stare at the crescent moon in the dark sky. "She is someone I need inside this castle to stay alive."

Mizuiro stood up abruptly. "Excuse me? Has someone threatened your life, your Highness?" I turned to look back at him. The genuine concern on his face made me smile as I turned to focus back on the moon.

"Well, no… at least not yet."

"Your Majesty the Emperor will now enter!" A loud voice outside the fusuma called out. Both Mizuiro and I turned to face the opening fusuma. My father walked in with a goofy grin on his face. We bowed in respect as he moved to take the spot I was previously sitting at behind the bundai. From the corner of my eye, I could see Mizuiro nodding at me to tuck in my scarred arm before excusing himself.

I took my seat across from my father and waited for him to speak. He still had the same goofy grin plastered on his face when he came in. Thinking back on the atrocities he committed against the innocent Inoue family fathoms me. How could he smile after doing such an act?

"What do I owe such an unexpected visit, your Majesty?" I started.

Isshin propped his forearms on the bundai and leaned forward. "Since arriving back from battle you haven't been… distracted."

I peered at him as he seemed interested in why I hadn't been killing those around me like before. Taking the bate I said, "Seeing mother calmed me down."

His smile dropped as he leaned back. "I see." Rubbing his stubble chin, Isshin relaxed a bit. "Well since you've settled down a bit, I believe it's time to begin your marriage arrangements once again. I've been putting it off because of your issues."

"What?"

"The head of the Kuchiki clan came to the castle today to settle some disputes and brought up their unmarried heir," he continued, ignoring my surprise at his sudden request. "You know Lady Rukia. You two used to play together when you were little. It's a blessing to know who your future wife will be, isn't it? I didn't have that choice when my own engagement was arranged. But when I saw your mother for the first time, I was pleased. As beautiful as she was, I was lucky." He threw his head back letting out a boisterous laugh. "She even gave me three beautiful children… despite… the other circumstance," he mumbled after settling down.

The madness.

I frowned. "I'm not ready for marriage, your Majesty."

Isshin waved his hand dismissively shifting to rest his arm on his knee that was pressed to his chest. "Yes, you are. You're about to reach the age of succession. In order to secure your spot, you need a wife and an heir before that time. That way no one can object to your rights." Dropping his hand, he leaned forward again, emphasizing his next words. "With Lady Rukia on your side, you are bound to have zero nay-sayers."

"What if the council finds out about my illness?" I leaned forward staring into his eyes. "What if I kill her before our marriage is consummated?"

He frowned at my question. "I will provide you all the bodies needed to sedate your cravings, as long as you marry her and give birth to a son."

I rolled my eyes and sat back on the cushion. "I can't. It's too risky, especially knowing her family."

"I'm willing to take that risk. So, say yes," he demanded.

"Father…"

"Say it," he commanded in a serious tone.

I thought of my mother's words and about the mysterious woman I met a few nights ago. "Under one condition."

"Oh?" Isshin leaned back giving me a curious expression. "And what will that be?"

"I choose my own concubine."

With each step I took in the dark forest, my heart raced, and the cloud of cool air filled the space every time I breathed. The sweat cascading down my forehead and down my back was causing the nagajuban (kimono undergarment) material to stick to my body. I continued to advance through the foliage searching for the strong pull despite how tired I was. I leaned against a large tree to steady my feet as it broke another branch down the unmarked path. The sound of rushing water was within earshot giving me the feeling of the sudden need for thirst. The pulling sensation was getting stronger, meaning I was close by. I hastened my pace to find it.

In my rush, I tripped over a tree root triggering me to plant my palm on a nearby tree to stop my fall. A sharp bark sliced through my right palm causing blood to spill from the deep cut. Cursing under my breath, I quickly stood up straight wondering what I could use to stop the bleeding. Using my kosode (kimono) sleeve, I ripped it with my teeth and rapidly wrapped it around my hand for the time being. Focusing on making my way to the rushing water, I carefully moved.

Ultimately, my eyes spotted the glowing clear water. Making my way out of the last foliage, I walked into the sight of the beholder. The bright full moon and the stars envisioned themselves in the calm waters before me. Walking to the edge, my reflection was seen inside the gentle ripples. Falling to my knees, I removed the covering on my cut hand and dipped it into the cool water. The sting filtered in as it cleaned the deep wound. I took my time washing it while pausing to take small sips of the fresh water.

I sighed once I was done wrapping my palm once again with another shredded piece of my kosode. I sat down as my eyes took in the landscape of the rushing waterfall, and the trees, branches, and flowers in my surroundings. Everything was breathtaking. But I couldn't appreciate it for long. The sense of the strong pull made my head pound making me curl forward from the impact. My eyes wandered around searching which way to go as a soft song filtered through the air. The gentle ballad drew my attention from the sounds of rushing water and aches.

The mysterious woman from that night.

She's here.

I turned to find her under the waterfall with the white nagajuban clinging to her skin. Her voice traveled around me tugging at my racing heart. Scrabbling to my feet, I made my way around the bank to the waterfall. The closer I got to her, the stronger the pull grew. My eyes adjusted through the darkness and fixated on outlining her silhouette underneath the clear falling waters. Her head was tilted back, and her eyes were closed, so she couldn't see me moving in her direction. Her pink lips moved as the lyrics of her song filled my ears. Either it was her voice or her aura, but something about her had me in a trance.

The branch under my foot snapped as I approached causing her to stop singing. She moved from under the water as her eyes opened and lowered. They slowly trailed over the bank before landing on me.

We stared at each other.

It was electrifying when our eyes collided.

"What is your name?" I called out.

Her body jolted at my question. Her eyes darted around before looking at me again. I glanced around too, and realized I was by her clothes which were folded neatly on a boulder. She was alone like me. Without hesitation, I pushed back the kataginu (sleeveless jacket) down my arms along with the white nagajuban. I kept my naga-bakama (long pants) and white tabi (divided-toe socks) on. Her eyes widened as I joined her inside the water topless. Her mouth opened to protest but I didn't stop my pursuit.

Her hands were up as I finally approached her. Stepping close enough for her to hear me but not to touch me, I opened my mouth. "What is your name?" I asked again.

She dropped her hands to cover her body. Her long auburn hair covered the tops of her breasts, but it didn't leave much to the imagination. She opened her mouth to speak, but quickly closed it. She instead shook her head.

"Since I saw you last, did someone cut out your tongue? But then again, you were singing just moments ago… so what is it? Does my mere presence frighten you into silence?" I watched as different emotions passed over her face. She made no effort to talk. Growing impatient, I moved closer to her. Noticing my advancing movement, she took a step back causing the waterfall to drench her tresses and making it cover her eyes.

I stopped moving and chuckled before bursting out in laughter. She moved out from under the rushing water. Her hand pushed the soaked locks back and out of her face, making me freeze mid laugh. The moonlight cascaded over her wet face. Her eyes slowly opened as the moon reflected in them. The droplets of water sparkled as they dripped down from her bangs and chin. I inhaled sharply.

How can someone be so beautiful under the moonlight?

She locked her eyes with mine. Her pink lips moved slowly into a small smile as a soft laugh passed through them. "My name isn't significant at the moment." I watched her as her hand dropped to her side. "I, however, am important to you." She moved closer to me. I narrowed my eyes. For some reason, it was like she was an entirely different person. Before, she feared me, but now she was approaching me with an aura of resilience.

"How are you important to me?" I asked softly as she was a hair's breadth away from me.

Her smile sent a shiver up my spine. "I am your cure, your Highness." Suddenly I felt her hand on my chest which then pushed me into the water. With such strength I didn't think she had; I fell back. Water rushed over me, blurring my vision, and stopping me from breathing. I kicked my arms and feet to reach the surface, but it was fruitless. It was like I couldn't swim. Reaching up, I needed her help to pull me out.

She stood above the surface watching me drown. I could only feel the water filling my lungs as I fell deeper into the abyss. Her smile remained as the darkness dragged me further down.

"Ahh!" I screamed as I sat up on my futon gasping for much-needed air. My whole body was drenched in sweat as I took huge gulps of air. My breathing was irregular as I tried to take in my surroundings. Closing my eyes, I pinched the bridge of my nose before opening them again once my breathing regulated. Opening my eyes, they were drawn to the deep red mark on the inside of my palm. The same palm that I cut in my dream.

The fusuma slid open harshly as Renji rushed in with his sword drawn distracting me from my thoughts. "What's wrong, your Highness?" His eyes darted around looking for any intruders before I could answer. Not finding anything suspicious, he moved close to me and crouched down. "What is it?"

"Nothing," I muttered wiping the sweat off my forehead with my other hand.

"Bullshit. Nothing makes you scream like that." He paused, looking me over. He smirked, putting his sword away. "Did you have a bad dream, you big baby," he teased placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Oh, shut up," I shoved his hand off. He laughed as he got up. I looked around the dimly lit room as some other guards moved to leave per Renji's orders.

He looked at me once everyone left. "Want to talk about it?" he asked out of concern. I shook my head and sighed. "Okay. I'll be outside." I nodded as I got out of my futon.

Running my fingers through my sweaty hair, I groaned thinking about that weird dream. Moving my hand down from my hair, I studied the red mark.

What is this?

It was a dream.

It had to be… right?

That mysterious woman watched me drown and all she did was smile. I curled my fingers squeezing them into a tight fist.

Why?

Why am I dreaming of her killing me?

Is it because I requested her to become my concubine and my father's suspicion triggered me?

I ran the other hand down my face thinking back on my father's reaction to my condition.

"I choose my own concubine," I stated firmly.

"Choosing your own concubine?" Isshin asked. "Who might this lady be?"

"Someone I met on the way back from my last battle."

"Hmm," he rubbed his chin as he tilted his head thinking. "What is her family's name?"

I frowned knowing of her possible name but the risk of saying it was too great. "I don't know," I lied.

My father glared. "You're asking me to grant you permission to take in a concubine and you don't know her family's name?"

"I will have a search party looking for her at sunrise."

"No," he said shaking his head. "It is pointless to bring an unknown woman into the castle. Also, it's too risky. You are this country's Crowned Prince; your safety is my top priority."

"Do you want me to marry Lady Kuchiki or not?" I bargained. I need him to accept my condition.

Isshin's eyes fell into slits at my defiance. "Are you haggling me to agree to your request over a marriage?"

"Yes."

"…" We sat in silence staring at each other. His face was calm. Too calm. He turned his head to look at the crescent moon which was slowly being hidden by night clouds. I bit the inside of my cheek waiting patiently for his answer. "Very well," he finally said after a bit of time. I sighed in gratification making a small smile lift on the corner of my lips. He noticed it when he looked at me. "You have until sunset to find her or else my answer will change."

My smile was quickly erased after it appeared. "Why such a short amount of time?" I asked.

"Because I don't trust you." Isshin stood up and rounded the bundai to leave my chambers. The fusuma opened when he approached them, but he stopped moving and stood with his back towards me. "Once you find her, bring her to the Naka-oku (middle interior of the castle). I want her brought before the council."

I suddenly felt terror course through my veins. I quickly stood up and looked at his back. "What? Why?" I can't let that happen. If it does, they will find out her real identity.

"I need to know who this woman is that has infatuated my son with one simple encounter." He turned to look at me with a serious expression. "The woman who has you disrespecting me in such a way that you would bargain with me over a marriage." He made his way back to me. My father was bigger than me in body mass, but we stood at the same height face to face. His finger poked my chest over my heart. "The woman who seems to have captured your heart and made you into a person who lacks realism. If she isn't up to my standard to become your concubine in this castle, her head will roll before our feet with your hand on the very sword that ended her."

I wasn't going to let that happen. If she is my cure, then I'll make damn sure she lives until I am sitting on the throne.

To Be Continued…

Author's Notes:

Until Next Time!

Thoughts?