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Disclaimer – Adult Content

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His Concubine: The Kingmaker

Orihime

The book Urahara gave me was nothing compared to the actual thing. Waking up to Ichigo lying next to me with his fingers inside of me as he sleeps is eroticism not meant for writing. My eyes incline to his sleeping face and take him in fully. His perfectly curved eyelashes are long for a man but exceptional for a royal. There is a scar over his right eyebrow giving his face a minor imperfection. It only adds to his allure overall appearance. His bottom lip is slightly bigger than his top lip, giving me a reason for my teeth to capture it and suck on it for my blistering pleasure.

I close my eyes inhaling as I stir to sit up on my elbows to break my desire to jump him again. Opening them, I noticed my naked body was covered with a quilt. Glancing at the open fusumas, nightfall darkens the once-open space Ichigo was training in earlier. I guess from all the strenuous activities, he never got up to close them letting his chambers cooler than before.

It was way too cold to be laying here without clothing. Looking around, I spotted my kosode strewed on the other side of the room. Loly wouldn't be here until sunrise, so I pulled the quilt away and tried to get up.

I hissed at the pain between my legs and fell back down on the futon. Ichigo's fingers did not budge from inside of me. Needing to get up and stretch my aching body, I try to wiggle my way free, but his fingers twitch and sink deeper before they're pulled out. The wetness grazes my clit, and the two digits start to circulate it.

I can't help but moan loudly. My hand slaps itself over my mouth but it's too late.

Ichigo's laugh is hoarse, deep, and laced with sleep.

"Where are you going?" he whispers still playing with my sensitive bud.

"Nowhere," I say breathlessly. Facing me, he grabs my chin with his other hand and brings my face to his. His eyes looked down at my lips and then back up to my eyes.

"Make sure it stays that way." He leans and captures my lips.

Before, our kisses were an exchange for sedation on his part. Nothing was given to me in return. However, this time, his kiss is possessive and consuming, devouring my previous shy self into a creature of domination.

The taste of my essence was still on his lips, and I couldn't help but inhale the sweet scent. Rolling over, Ichigo places his body between my legs. I feel his tip against my core. The heat of how close we are riddles me with goosebumps.

Despite the ache from my first time, I want more. I lift my hips to try and ease his dick inside, instead, he groans into the kiss at my moisture.

Pulling away, he studies my face. "You sure you want to go again?"

"Mhmm," I hum nodding. Leaning back, he presses the glossy tip into my wetness, closing his eyes as he does. When he opens them again, his intense focus is on me.

Ichigo slams into me, making my eyes roll to the back of my head and my hips buck to meet his thrust. "Too much?" I shook my head. He leans forward, pressing a kiss to my lips. When he sits up again, he plunges into me.

Feeling the force of his hips excites me. I need the roughness. I need him to fuck me like he hates me.

And he does.

His thrusts are deep and unrelenting. His large hands reach for my neck, and I feel the sense of panic from earlier. I don't know why he insists on having his hand there, but I trust his words.

"I will not hurt you. I will never hurt you. Never again."

I close my eyes and let the pressure of his hand around my throat heighten the pleasure of his strokes. I let my knees fall open, welcoming every inch of him.

"You want more of me?" His eyes trail down to his length sliding in and out. "You want me to go deeper?"

I swallowed the moan of excitement at hearing him say something so sensual. I nodded. He releases my throat and pulls out. I open my eyes at the absence of his heat.

Grabbing one of my legs, he flips me over onto my stomach. His strong hands gripped my hips, yanking them up, and positioning me on my knees. Ichigo plunges into me harshly and deeply, making me cry out.

It felt primal how hard he was going, and I went along with it because of how good it made me feel.

"Ah!" I moaned, feeling the familiar tingles throughout my body.

Bringing his mouth to my ear, he wraps his free hand around my throat while the other stays on my hip. "Who do you belong to?"

The tears prick my eyes, but I find the strength through the tension building. "You."

"Are you sure about that?" He buries himself inside me, hitting a spot that has me spreading my legs further apart so he can hit it again. Preparing myself to sink back, he grabs a fist full of my hair. "I asked you a question," Ichigo whispers gruffly in my ear.

"Yes, yes, yes. I'm yours! Just don't stop." I pleaded sounding like a needy addict.

He chuckles, sliding his hand down to my clit and massaging it. Each thrust of his hips brings me closer to my climax. Not wanting to drift over the edge alone, I inhale and match his thrusts. I bounce back on him, making him moan. He lets go of my clit and holds onto my hips, but I don't stop.

"Shit… what are you doing?" he hisses letting my hips go. He stops thrusting trying to stop himself from coming, but I don't let up. Feeling this surge of power to have control, I throw back my hips to meet his thrusts, taking all he can give me.

"Are you mine?" I looked back at him still sliding back and forth on him. The creation of dominance had taken over, and it wanted his honest answer during our time of vulnerability. His eyes, which were watching my pussy take him looked up to mine. His jaw is slack and his eyes hazy as if he were a mindless being. I slide to the tip before falling back down taking all of him.

He groans. "Yes… fuck… shit yes," he curses glancing back at my core swallowing him whole. Elated by his answer, I reach for my clit, and in vigorous circles, I come. Hard.

Plunging deep, he comes along with me.

Moments after recuperating, Ichigo is at the fusuma taking a tray from a lady-in-waiting. Turning around after it closed, he settled next to the futon. Not bothering to put the tray on the chabudai, he placed it between us. Glancing at the food, I noticed how hungry I was.

The portioned-out eel, sushi, boiled beans, tempura, and fried tofu. On the side were peeled mandarin oranges. I licked my lips excited to devour what I could.

Ichigo grabbed the chopsticks to pick up a slice of fried tofu. "Open," he commands. Instinctively, I listen. The chewy and fatty taste is flavorful on my tongue. I chew it slowly before swallowing and opening my mouth again for more. He smirks while picking up some boiled beans and putting it in my mouth. I hum in satisfaction at the tender taste.

He wipes the corner of my mouth gently of the sticky flavor with his thumb. Our eyes lock in a heated exchange as he licks it off before taking up some boiled beans for himself. He feeds me before indulging himself. I couldn't help but adore how much he was taking care of me.

In between eating, we talked more. Mostly about me this time. I explained to him about my life before coming to the castle. The games and adventures I went on while there. My life with Urahara, Yoruichi, and Chad. He was closed off when I mentioned him. I tried to reassure him that I only saw Chad as my protective big brother, but he wasn't in the mood to discuss it further.

Besides that topic, Ichigo shocked me when he gave me a genuine laugh at one of my fun adventures which was borderline made up in my mind. The crinkles in the corners of his eyes as he laughed with a wide grin spreading across his face gave me jitters. He was always handsome in my eyes but seeing him laugh ignited how attractive he could be when relaxed. His deep, infectious laughter filled his chambers, and soon I was laughing along with him, the earlier tension forgotten.

Once everything was finished off the plates, Ichigo peeled off the mandarin orange and popped one slice into my mouth. I was full but didn't mind the sweet taste of the fruit. The citrus juices burst onto my lips making me lick it off slowly. His eyes watch me do the small action.

"You're tantalizing," he said looking at me with a tenderness I had never seen before. I stop mid-chew unable to consume the rest. Taking initiative, Ichigo grabbed the back of my neck and captured my lips. His tongue delved into my mouth scooping the chewed-up orange. Pulling away, I watched him finish eating and swallow it with my mouth agape open in surprise.

"Now that's out of the way." He pushed the tray to the side and climbed on top of me to kiss me again.

Together we let our bodies speak for us once again.

I woke up once again this time the sunlight was peeking over the horizon indicating it was a brand-new day.

I lost count of how often we went at it after breakfast. We took a semi-small break when we took a bath together. As soon as we were dried off and back in the privacy of his chambers, he claimed me once again well into the night. No matter how much our stomachs screamed for food, we ignored it seeking out more pleasure.

Now, I was grateful to find myself alone in the futon. My body demanded a much-needed break. My core was internally locking up from the number of times Ichigo had brought me to an earth-shattering climax. I honestly don't know how he has so much energy.

Waking up, I thought I would feel regretful for giving myself to Ichigo, but I felt nothing. Satisfied mostly, but nothing else.

Sitting up to stretch, I felt my muscles scream at me to take it easy as my bones cracked. Turning over to ease myself onto my feet, I felt a rush of something warm leak from between my legs. Looking down, I saw a stream of Ichigo's and my own essence.

Staring at the substance, a chill ran down my spine. I really gave myself to him and this proves it. Reaching to touch it, I was distracted by the fusuma opening revealing Kirio and Loly.

Their eyes widened at my exposed stance. I mean, I was on my knees with one hand holding me up while the other was between my legs. In their eyes, it looked like I was giving myself pleasure. Despite my aching muscles, I quickly turned over and covered myself with the quilt.

Kirio was the quicker of the two to gain her composure. Clearing her throat, she walked in. "You had a long two days with the Crown Prince, so it's only right we begin the transition."

Trying to recover from my embarrassment, I tucked my bangs behind my ear. "Transition?"

"As of this morning, you are officially set to become the Imperial Princess."

I was shocked at the news. "How? When? Isn't there supposed to be… like a vote or something?"

Kirio placed a basket of linings down and sat across from me. "Usually, but His Highness, and His and Her Majesty agreed over breakfast with the shogun."

I licked my lips as I stared down at my hands clutching the quilt. This was moving faster than expected. I didn't know whether to be happy to accomplish what he wanted or afraid of what would happen next. Wasn't the Emperor trying to stop me from having this title in the first place? What made him change his mind? Was it the Empress? Or Ichigo? How did they know?

How is this happening?

What about Lord Aizen? Does he know?

I glance up at Loly who is standing by the closed fusuma nonchalantly. In her hands was a tray with breakfast foods. The smell made my stomach growl loudly. Kirio chuckled. "How about we get some food in you first, then talk about the next steps."

"Okay…" I said slowly. Loly made her way to me and placed the tray on the chabudai. My mouth watered at the dishes. After doing it so much, I worked up an appetite.

"Everyone heard you all day yesterday and all last night."

I looked at Loly who settled to the side in seiza position. I was horrified by what she just said. "Bu… I wasn't… loud," I stammered.

"Lord Aizen is also aware of the transition. He sends his congrats." Our eyes exchanged a subtle message.

He's not happy but satisfied.

Is he really? This was the one thing he told me not to do and I did it. Turning to face Kirio, she was smiling happily.

"Where is lchi... His Highness?"

"On his way to the East, it appears. Once he returns the wedding will take place."

"Wedding?" I swallowed nervously. Yeah, everything was moving too fast.

Noticing my hesitation, Kirio touched my clenched hand. "Don't worry we're both here to guide you through the process."

I looked down at our joined hands, and muttered, "Thanks."

~s~

Ichigo

The horses huffed when we entered the East Village of Kagimino City. The ride was well worth it when we entered upon a festival of some sort. Dismounting, we decided to walk the rest of the way after tying our horses in a nearby shed owned by an older man who was blind in one eye.

Renji whistled at the extravagant displays on the shops, carts, and houses. Women were dancing in the square, men selling all sorts of food and trinkets, and the children running around happily. The energy was almost palpable.

Keigo smiled as a woman gave him a flower and a flirty wink.

"We're in no rush to go back, right? We can stay a night or two?" he said watching the woman beckoning him.

Given the circumstances of our mission, we might have to stay, but I would rather not. Madness or not, I wanted to go back to the castle and have my way with Orihime again. I don't know what made me push things like that when I said I wasn't going to explore the passions she had me feeling but I couldn't resist it. It seems I can't get enough of her after having her for two days straight. Resisting Orihime was like resisting the urge to breathe. It rips you apart leaving only scattered fragments.

Grabbing my attention was Mizuiro accepting a flower from a beautiful older woman. She caressed his cheek lovingly and reached for his hand to pull him towards a brothel.

"Asano may have a point," he said as he looked back at us before grinning at the woman. "We do need intel?"

"You two focus," I called out. "Searching for the element is more important than… intercourse with these women."

Renji scoffed. "You would say that."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't be a spoiled brat." He pointed a thumb over his shoulder to my squad. "These guys have been held up in the castle since their teenage years. This place is like a sweet shop to them. These women are practically throwing themselves at us, why can't they have a taste? You surely did way into the night."

I was appalled by what he said. Sure, I did get carried away with all the positions I could put Orihime in, but I couldn't help myself. I looked at my squad, taking my eyes off Renji and his smug face. They were entranced with the women dancing around them. One was feeding Keigo a fruit and wiping the juices from his lip.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Just for today," I grumbled. Renji slapped my back while smiling.

"There we go. Everyone thank His Highness for giving you free time to enjoy the festivities."

They bowed and thanked me gratefully before running off in every direction. "Hey!" I called out but it was too late. I turned to see Renji conversing with a beautiful young woman, with short black hair which is longer on her left side. Her appearance was similar to a certain petite princess back at the castle.

She was handing him an imagawayaki (thick round pancake). The pastry was his Achilles' heel making him putty in her hands. Before he could disappear into the brothel next door with her, I grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back. He ended up dropping the pastry, but I didn't care. I was saving him from making a dangerous mistake he would regret come morning.

"Oh, come on," he pouted looking down at the fallen pastry.

"You'll thank me later. Since you dismissed everyone to have fun, I can only rely on you to search for the element."

Renji rolled his shoulder so I would unhand him. "Where do I start looking first without intel… your Highness," he said in a mocking tone.

I'll let it slide for now, but he was walking on thin ice with me. "A waterfall encased in moonlight."

"Waterfall?"

"Yeah." I didn't know it then, but that dream I had before I officially met Orihime felt important. The fact I had it once again last night, and it was so vivid made it all the more reason I had pushed up the search today. I also couldn't marry her until I knew she was safe to be with me. "It's near a forest. The water is like a mirror reflecting both the moon and stars."

"You mean the Waterfall Goddess Mizuki? Why do you need to find that?" We both turned to the girl Renji almost walked off with. Her doe brown eyes burned with curiosity.

"I need it for a ritual?"

She searched my eyes, looking if I was lying before looking away and blushing. Pushing a few strands of hair back, she gazed over to the side at a group of elders clapping and singing. "It's been years since anyone has come here to visit that specific waterfall. Especially for a ritual. Over twenty years if I remember correctly."

Her assertion was right. Since the banishment of the Inoue clan, there probably hasn't been a ritual since.

"Do you know where it is?" I asked.

"No. I haven't been there before." She glanced at me. "My grandmother on the other hand has. She has taken a woman there once. However," she looked back at the elders. "She's too old now to travel that far deep into the woods for a couple of samurais, let alone two men."

"Look girl, I'm not interested in hurting women, children, or old people in that matter. I need that water to save someone's life." I was full of shit. True I never hurt children or the elderly… then again women…

"Is that so?" she tilted her head condescendingly. I was getting irritated by her lack of respect, but I was here incognito. I don't need anyone to know my identity. Noticing my change of mood, Renji stepped in.

"An Inoue clan's descendant needs it for the royal family." I snapped my head at him, but he stared at the young woman.

"Inoue clan's descendant?" He nodded. They stared at each other, exchanging some sort of communication I could not interpret. She smiled at him before extending her hand. "My name is Aura Michibane."

"Renji Abarai," he said taking her hand. They stared at each other before I interrupted by clearing my throat. Renji snatched his hand back and scratched the back of his head nervously.

"Sorry to disrupt your flirting eye play, but can you give me directions to the waterfall? I can find it myself if need be."

"Find it yourself?" Aura said with skepticism.

"I'm a man who happens to be great with directions." Renji chuckled before covering it with a cough. I still caught it, glaring at him. "It's important that I go there. So go ask your granny for the directions and I'll be out of your hair."

Aura shrugged. "Whatever. Wait here." She smiled at Renji before turning away. He had a goofy grin watching her sway her hips while walking into the celebrations.

I shoved him, gaining his attention. "What?" he asked dumbfoundedly.

"Don't what me. Control yourself."

"I'm fine," he said straightening his kosode.

"That's bull and you know it. Stop thinking with your dick and get your head on straight. You have a girl waiting for your return."

His brown eyes narrowed at me then lightened up. "I know… but no matter how you look at it, she's one of yours. The Kuchiki clan and Lord Byakuya himself designed it that way."

I rolled my eyes. "It doesn't matter what they or anyone else says, if you like each other then there's a way for you two to be together. You've shown them who you are as a man, it's time to show them who you are as a protector for the Kuchiki Princess."

Renji ran a hand down his face trying to hide from the doubts of my words, but he knew what I said was true. Lord Byakuya respected him and trusted him to the royal family; he can do the same for Rukia too.

We stood in silence as the ōtsuzumi (hand drum), hyoshigi (bamboo clappers), and pellet drum played in the background. The villagers were dancing around a fire singing and chanting some words I didn't understand.

"Them."

I looked up to see Aura was back with an elderly woman walking with a wooden cane. The wooden netsuke carving of the handle was a snail on a fungus mushroom. The elderly woman was dressed in red checker kosode with her hair pulled back in a tight updo. Her brown eyes held youth despite the wrinkles surrounding them.

"I'm guessing you're the two lads pressuring my granddaughter for directions?" she asked.

"Give or take," I replied. "You happen to know where I should go. If you can please give me the directions, you can return to the festive."

"As tempting as that is, I don't know you to give that information. I don't know what lies you told Aura, but I won't fall for them."

I bit my tongue to stop myself from lashing out. Renji noticing my building anger, stepped in once again. "I'm sorry to have to do this, but the royal family needs this water for the ritual. The descendant of the Inoue Clan stated we can find it here."

"Lies!" The elder woman slammed her cane down. This interrupted the celebration, causing everyone to look our way. She spit on the floor in disgust. "The Inoue clan was erased because of the royal family. There are no survivors, so whoever told you that is in imposture."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Are you calling the royal family foolish for believing her?"

Hearing me say that caused her to tighten her hands on the cane handle. "If the shoe fits. I don't know who that woman is, but she isn't an Inoue."

"She is. I already confirmed it myself," I retorted back.

"And who are you exactly?"

Aura touched her grandmother's arm. "Obaasan (grandmother). I believe them, can't you?"

"Nonsense. I know there aren't any Inoues alive."

"Forget it," I said throwing my hands in the air. Despite the amount of interaction, I had with Orihime last night to soothe my madness, I could feel it surfacing. The itch to draw my sword and slaughter them all was digging to display its face. "I'll find it myself. Let's go Renji. Orihime is waiting for my return," I mutter under my breath. I turned to walk away when I heard her whisper.

"Orihime… Inoue?" The elder staggered saying the name. "She's alive?"

"Obaasan?" Aura grabbed her grandmother's arm seeing her go pale. "What is it? Are you okay?"

She pulled away from Aura and walked up to me. Her fists gripped the fabric of my kosode. "The Princess is alive? Where is she?" The other villagers moved closer to me. Their eyes also sought answers to her questions.

I pushed her hands off and stepped back. "Why? Are you planning on harming her too?"

"Never. She is essential to us. The light to this darkened world, healer to those suffering, and beauty of the beholders."

My eyes looked up to find Renji's. He was just as confused as me. Glancing back at the elderly grandmother, I spoke softly. "She's in the castle preparing to marry me to become the Imperial Princess."

Her eyes widened. "Marry you? Imperial Princess?"

Understanding that if I explain my side of things will be the only way that I get what I need in this exchange. "My mother is Empress Masaki from the Ishida clan. I am her firstborn son with the plight given to me by the King from 100 years ago. Orihime Inoue is capable of cleansing me through a purification ritual. I plan on following through with her request if it means I can live."

"Purification?" The elder staggered in fear and stepped back. "The curse bestowed onto the Ishidas?"

"Yes. That water is the only thing meant to help me right now. I'm holding myself back by a thread."

"Hey!" Aura shouted. "Threats won't help you!"

"Shut it, child!" The elder yelled. "Your Highness. I did not know. Please refrain from casting judgment on my grandchild and my people. We had been through a lot over the years because of rogue samurais searching for things to sell."

"I see." I was weary of her sudden change. Moments ago she showed great disdain for my family, now changing her tune because I mentioned Orihime.

"What about her sister?"

"Sister?" I cocked my head to the side. "She doesn't have a sister."

"Her twin Nemu. The other half of the divinely chosen ones."

I shook my head. "She didn't mention a sister, better yet a twin. She only told me about the element of water for purification."

Her eyes were downcast filled with sadness. "I guess she didn't make it out alive either. Their mother Yukie, their older brother Sora, and poor little Nemu." She glanced up at me suspecting some sort of answer. "What about Jūshirō? He must have met his daughter by now if she's in the castle." My eyes widened. "That man was away when the order for the elimination of each Inoue came down. He was distraught when he found out what happened. His depressed condition took over changing his beautiful black hair to white in a matter of three days."

"Wait. Hold on a second. Lord Jūshirō is Orihime's father?" Renji asked. He faced me but cringed at my bewildered face.

None of this made sense. He was there when Orihime was introduced to the great Lords and the shogun before we departed to face the Army of the Dead. Why didn't he step up and claim her as his blood-related daughter? Why did he make Lord Aizen take his place?

I ran my hand through my hair. "He… he didn't say anything."

"Oh, I see. It's probably safer that way. If His Majesty found out, he would be slain too."

"Damn. So many secrets about this clan. Poor Orihime," Renji shook his head. "You know what, Rukia told me about their exchange the first time they met. He felt familiar to her, but they couldn't establish it because of the shogun's arrival."

Whatever the case may be, I would have to figure it out when I get back. "Okay." Turning to the elder who was now relaxed. "The waterfall. Where is it?"

"Ah yes." She tilted her head to look at a young boy holding a pellet drum. "Isamu, my brave soldier. Can you lead these fellows to the opening?" His dark shaggy hair shook as he nodded his head. "Very good." Facing me, she reached to touch my hand. "After arriving, you must track along the forest until you find the waterfall. You must go alone, your Highness. This journey is a part of the cleansing. Empress Masaki had to do it before leaving for the castle. As her child, you must do the same."

"Understood."

I touched the large tree which I leaned against in my dream. Looking down, I saw the branch I meant to step on in the unmarked path. Everything was vivid to me. All except for the pull I struggled with while walking. Orihime wasn't here for me to have that tug.

The sound of rushing water filled my ears. I was getting close. Taking my time so I wouldn't cut my hand, I watched my steps until the sounds grew closer.

There under the setting sun stood the waterfall I'd dreamt about. My eyes took in the scenery for my reality. It was ten times better than a dream.

Walking towards the edge of the bank, I studied the flowers slowly drifting to a close hiding their budding seeds. Nightfall was coming. Reaching for the tin canister capable of holding the amount of water needed, I turned to walk down the path leading to the waterfall.

Looking up, I saw the rushing waterfall. My eyes glided down to where I remember Orihime standing as she soaked her white nagajuban. What caught my eyes however was another figure. It was a woman.

The woman was standing staring at a man near the bank.

The same place where I was standing in my dream.

He took off his kataginu (sleeveless jacket) and white nagajuban. He stepped into the water making his way to the woman. It was like I was watching my dream from a different angle.

But it was different.

They knew each other.

The way the mysterious man's hand reached for the mysterious woman's hands and gently caressed them. It then traveled up to cup her cheek with his thumb stroking the flesh. He angled her chin before leaning in and kissing her softly.

Like a pervert, I watched them kiss each other lightly as if this was their first time touching to this level. The mysterious woman wrapped her arms around his neck pulling her partner in closer demanding more contact. Her leg wrapped around his waist indicating a need to be intimate right under the falling water.

Not wanting a whole sex scene to play out, I picked up a rock and threw it close to them signaling my existence. They backed away and glanced around before landing their eyes on me.

She covered her body with her arms, while he blocked my view.

"Sorry for interrupting your little make-out session, but I need some water," I said reaching the bank line near them. They didn't respond when I took off my white tabi (divided-toe socks) and rolled up my hakama. Stepping inside the cool water, I smirked at them as they moved away.

Getting a closer look, the woman was well-endowed with soaked black hair pulled back into a long braid, with slightly parted bangs revealing green eyes that looked familiar. The gentleness full of warmth was on alert as I reached the waterfall. The man was also oddly familiar to me too. His tall body was slim but muscular for his frame, fair-skinned, with pale blue eyes, and black hair touching the nape.

Taking the top off the canister, I filled it while watching them from the corner of my eye. They didn't say anything but watched me.

Once it was full, I corked the top back on and stood staring at them.

Needing to break the intense tension of our staring contest, I spoke up first. "You probably shouldn't do…" I gestured my hand at them. "… in this area. This place is sacred, so don't be disrespectful to the Goddess Mizuki."

"It's because this is a place sacred that we're doing this," the mysterious man snapped. His companion placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked back and eased up, only slightly. "Who are you?" he asked looking back at me.

"No one of importance. I just needed this." I raised the canister, shaking it. "Well then, proceed. I'm off." I turned to walk away.

"Wait!" The woman spoke softly but loud enough for me to pause in my retreat. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw her step from behind the man. Seeing her exposed breasts through the white nagajuban, I looked away and tried to focus on anything else. "You cannot take that. Those who aren't of a certain bloodline risk tainting it when in use."

Folding my arms over my chest, I cocked my head to the side. "Is that so? What bloodline if you don't mind me asking?"

"If you don't know, then it means you are not allowed to take it." She stepped forward and extended her hand towards me. "Give it back."

"Don't Nemu," the mysterious man called out reaching to pull her back.

Hearing her name, plummeted my heart. It finally started to make sense. Why when I look at her, she seems so familiar. The softness of her voice, the gentle nature of demanding what's hers, and the entrapment of her looks.

This was Orihime's sister. Her face was a mirror image of her twin, yet her eyes held a different story. She was at peace with the man behind her. Unlike Orihime, she was loved unconditionally.

"You're Nemu… Inoue?"

She inhaled sharply dropping her hand. She moved back into the man. He grabbed her and pushed her trembling body behind him.

"Who are you?" he asked demandingly. His blue eyes which were once focused turned menacingly. His guard was fully up, and I could sense his deadly aura.

I needed to de-escalate this situation because I wanted answers. Raising my hands, I put on a small smile. "Easy there. I'm… a daimyō for the royal family."

"Don't lie to me. The Kagimino villagers would never send an outsider here, better yet a samurai. So, who are you really?"

This man was too smart for his own good. "Fine." Dropping my hands. I didn't need to expose who I was to them, but I could give them a little olive branch. "I'm related to the Ishida family. This is for a ritual needed back in my hometown."

Nemu gasped again. "How?" She gripped the skin of her companion's arm making indents with her fingernails. "Uryu… do you know him?"

"Uryu?" I repeated suspiciously. The name did not ring a bell. Then again, I was never good with names. "Do we know each other?" I asked.

"I doubt it. I would remember that atrocious hair color."

"Hey. No need to be rude. I didn't come for your appearance, lanky prick." He inched closer to me after my remark, but I touched the handle of my sword. "Don't even think about it."

His eyes glanced at my sword and then peered behind him at Nemu. Rationally, his best bet was to keep protecting her and not act like an idiot-playing hero. Making the right decision, he glared at me. "You got what you wanted, now get out of here."

"Not yet." Looking at Nemu directly, I continued. "I just found out about you before coming here. You're a part of the aforementioned Inoue clan." They looked at each other, before nodding at me. "I need to know how to stay in contact with you. To get to know you better and to invite you back to my place."

"What?" Uryu recoiled. "Are you seriously making a move on my- "

"No, Uryu he's not," Nemu said cutting him off. Her gentle eyes peered at me. "How do you know me?"

"I heard about you from the elder in the village," I started. "But she assumed you were dead."

She eyed me suspiciously. "It's better to keep it that way. If certain people knew I was alive, they would try to kill me, and I can't afford that at the moment. I need to stay alive to find someone."

"Your sister Orihime?"

Nemu's and Uryu's eyes widened. "How… how do you know her?" she asked.

"There are a lot of things I keep finding out today." I ran a hand down my face getting overwhelmed with the amount of news sorting through my mind. "Orihime is… she's at the castle."

"With the royal family? Do they know about her?"

I nodded. "Only recently." I could see the panic in Nemu's face. "She's okay. At least for now. She is there preparing for her marriage to the Crown Prince," I tried to reassure her.

"Orihime cannot marry into that family. It's a death sentence."

"Trust me, she's fine. The Crown Prince is protecting her."

"He can't protect her from the Emperor," Uryu interjected.

"He has and will."

"How can you possibly know that? You're here and they're there."

I know how cocky I can be but the doubt they're trying to cast my way is uncalled for. "I just know alright."

Nemu shook her head unable to rely on me. "We must get her out of there. Her life is at risk."

"Didn't you hear what I just said? She's fine. The Empress is a part of the Ishida clan, she's vowed to protect Orihime. Especially since she can cure the Crown Prince of the plight."

"Cure?" she questioned. "Cure his plight? Orihime can't do that."

"Why do you think I'm here?" I pointed to the canister. "She asked me to get this to perform the ritual to cure him."

Uryu looked at me with a pitiful expression. "Curing him is impossible, even for her."

"How so?"

"The plight isn't something curable," Nemu said. Her green eyes were giving this faraway look but were dismissed when she closed them. Slowly her eyelids lifted, as if reluctantly allowing access to the secrets hidden in her gaze. "If the ritual to perform the cleansing for healing is done, then the caster must give up something valuable." She looked directly into my eyes. "Orihime will have to give up her life for the Crown Prince for him to be cured. Granted if the royal family gets wind of this, they will have her execute it regardless of the outcomes."

I faltered in my stance in the water. Gulping down the air stuck in my lungs, I stammered out my next words. "Give up her life? As in die?"

They both nodded.

The water surrounding us was warm, but it sent a freezing painful chill up my spine. This must be the worst day of my life. Since arriving in this village, I've been receiving news whether terrible or good about the Inoues. No matter how much I try, the thought of losing Orihime does not register in my subconscious.

"Orihime cannot give up her life for him no matter what my mother envisioned back then," Nemu stated. "I will not lose the only family I have left."

She was right. Can I let Orihime perform the ritual for my sake to have my future secured? To have the ability to not have to murder those around me with malicious intent due to an illness? To accomplish that I must sacrifice Orihime's life. Can I choose between her one life and the multitude of lives of unknown people?

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Every time we take one step forward in our relationship, we get pushed three steps back.

This however is a leap off a cliff plummeting one of us to our deaths.

Can I really make that decision?

To Be Continued…

Author's Notes:

Nemu and Uryu have been introduced.

What's next?

Until Next Time!

Happy New Year!