Author's Note: Hello again everybody! I hope everyone's summers are going well. What can I say about this chapter? You will find out some interesting information regarding Urahara's connections. His past will be brought up by two unlikely visitors. There's also another event in the competition, which means another date (the date will be saved for next chapter). I apologize if the ending seems a little rushed but I was excited to get this out because of Ichigo and Urahara's background story. Also, I'm leaving for vacation and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to write. As always, thank you for your reviews/fav/followings! I appreciate it. Without further adieu, please read, review - and most importantly - enjoy!

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach.

Chapter 11 - Recipe For Disaster

"Gentlemen, I've had quite enough of this charade. If you wouldn't mind, I'd truly would like to know what it is you want from me. I know you didn't journey all the way up here for a cup of British tea," Urahara ordered from the two nobles sitting across from him.

The men had knocked upon his fiancée's palace doors in the middle of the night, causing quite a disturbance among the staff. They did not recognize the mysterious individuals upfront, nor did they feel comfortable letting in two strangers into their Highness' home. One of the maids frantically ran upstairs to get Kisuke, who was sleeping peacefully in the bedroom he shared with is beautiful wife-to-be.

She banged on the door until she got their attention. Urahara answered her call for help with one eye open and the other closed. He scolded her for the uproar she was creating, but was quickly forgiven when she gave him the full story.

Before departing to greet the men, he glanced over his shoulder at Yoruichi. She was under the covers, snoring quite loudly, and it was obvious he wouldn't be able to awake her.

Thus explains how the situation came to be, and why Urahara was growing ever so suspicious of the noblemen sipping from their cups as if visiting him was something they did everyday.

"Do you know why we're here, Dr. Kisuke?" Aizen imparted, setting down his cup on its proper saucer.

The blonde-haired person itched his scruffy chin, "Not particularly. Have I not given you the proper medical attention that you need?"

"Poor men do not make a mockery out of men with money," Ichimaru chimed in, peeking a teal eye out from underneath his silver hair.

"I'm sorry that you feel that way, but I wasn't joking. I'm not sure of your purpose for coming to my fiancée's palace in the dead of night," Urahara affirmed.

Aizen rose from his place on the couch in a fluid motion and observed the family portraits that hung over the unlit fireplace. He was in no rush to head back to his musky castle, for he only desired one thing from the self-proclaimed doctor. All in all, he wanted to waste time.

Yoruichi's fiancé settled back into his seat, waiting for one of the men to say something in regards to their ambush. There was a troubling air about the noblemen and it left Urahara slightly unsettled. He utterly could not imagine what they could possibly want with him. He only knew of Gin Ichimaru through his lovely bride, as they had met once before in passing at a dinner. The second time he ran into him in person was at Princess Inoue's Masquerade Ball. They briefly greeted each other, but nothing significant transpired.

"I can assume you are aware of the competition that is occurring in the Karakura kingdom, correct?" Sosuke implored to the intelligent man.

"Isn't it for the Princess' hand in marriage?"

Aizen nodded affirmatively, his eyes shortly averting over to Urahara.

Expecting him to say more, Kisuke's attention stayed focus on him. However, his sidekick took on the topic of interest.

"Did you know that two peasants have entered the race?"

The doctor practically flew out of his seat, laughing at the ridiculous information the Grand-Marshall had just bestowed upon him. What in the world were those two commoners thinking? It wasn't as if they were secretly royalty. Even though he, himself had been born into a low-class family, after some time, it was revealed to him that he was of noble descent. His mother was a concubine to a King. Without fail, she had gotten pregnant. On his 18th birthday, he was allowed to live with the man who was biologically his father. His marriage arrangement to Yoruichi has caused some dissatisfaction among the older generations in her family, as they were conscious of his unusual lineage.

In regards to the destitute men who were in the competition, he truly believed that they did not stand a chance. How could a beautiful girl such as Orihime fall for a dirty street rat? It was unthinkable! The other men who had money to their names were more likely to win the heart of such a gem.

"What are the names of these men who dare to do the impossible?" Urahara asked. He began to wipe away the tears that had formed at the corners of his tear ducks.

Gin narrowed his eyes composedly as he said with a calm expression, "Renji Abarai and Ichigo Kurosaki."

As the names were broadcasted to the doctor, Aizen paused his observations and took a glance at Urahara as to distinguish whether or not he was beginning to make connections.

"Kurosaki's kid? Really?" the pale man remarked, "He doesn't seem like the romantic type."

Aizen turned back to the conversation, taking over where Gin left off. Stepping away from the fireplace, the nobleman moved towards Kisuke and pushed him over to the other side of the couch. However, in turn, the shady character slinked his arm over Urahara's shoulders and pulled him closer as to whisper in his ear. With much hope, the strategy both men had in mind would be successful.

"Dr. Kisuke, there is no need for you to act so astonished. Especially since Ichigo Kurosaki used to be a patient of your's once upon a time," the intruder gently spoke.

The facts that they were bringing to him were far from untrue. Indeed, he was no stranger to the aspiring adult. The last time Urahara Kisuke encountered Ichigo was when he was at the pure age of eight or so. Coincidentally, when the doctor was looking around for familiar faces at the Masquerade Ball, he happened to spot Isshin and two young men. However, he never would have imagined he would come across Ichigo nine years later - much less at a party for nobles and peasants! It was truly quite a series of events to watch unfold.

Even after it being so many years since the two last saw each other, Urahara could've swore he noticed Ichigo begin to remember him. Sadly, before the man was able to confront the teenager about his possible memory of him, Isshin cut the potential conversation short and changed the subject. It was very clear he ceased any communication between Urahara and Ichigo during the birthday party for fear of past procedures that were performed on his son to arise.

"More tea, gentlemen?" the doctor tried to play off his uneasiness. They were aiming to put him in a trap, which ultimately would cause him to confess his knowledge about Ichigo Kurosaki. He had some bad news for them - they weren't going to get what they wanted.

When Urahara attempted to get up to pour more tea into their emptied cups, Aizen's strong hand pushed him back down onto the couch and made him keep his position next to the noble.

"I understand if you're weary. Nevertheless, if you give us what we want, we won't cause any further trouble for you," the persisting man pursued.

The former commoner was between a rock and a hard place. He didn't know specifically what they desired from him, but he had his own suspicions. If the small get together awoke his sleeping fiancée, he would have some serious explaining to do on his part. Yoruichi was never told of his experiments and he would prefer to keep it that way for as long as possible. If she ever found out about his past, she'd probably leave him at the drop of a hat. He'd have to convince her that he's a changed man and has been for the last nine years. Ichigo Kurosaki was the last test subject he ever worked on.

Feeling berated and useless in trying to stop their further attacks, Urahara slinked back into his seat and sighed out deeply, "What is it that you want to know?"

Gin retook the reigns of the negotiation. Across from the doctor, he sat more forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He appeared very relaxed and more confident in which way the conversation was heading.

"I remember when I was a teenager, I always saw you running in and out of my father's corridors during the early hours of the morning," Ichimaru started it off somberly.

The man-in-question vaguely nodded his head in agreement, "I worked for Grand-MarshallHisao for a time when I was just dapping my feet in the medical field."

"During that small period, Japan was on the verge of a war. We had heard whispers of what weaponry our enemies had acquired and we shortly realized we lacked in those aspects. Our country needed something that nobody else had!" Gin excitedly talked about the incident.

Urahara quietly lifted his cup of cold tea to his lips, listening attentively to the conversation occurring in front of him. He wanted to be positive that the younger man didn't get ahead of himself and leave out any important details.

"My beloved father heard of a doctor that was capable of many, extravagant things and he knew he had to get his hands on him."

At the age of twenty-four, Urahara had gotten kicked out of medical school. He never went back and never received his degree. However, no body else but him knew he wasn't technically a certified doctor. Despite the obstacle, the man didn't let the disappointment effect him. He believed he was well beyond qualified to perform surgeries and treat people for their illnesses. After all, when he was expelled from the campus, he was four months away from graduating. Kisuke had learned all that he needed to know and doubted an extra semester would have made that much more of a difference.

"Eventually, after much searching, we found Mr. Urahara living in secret among the peasants in an abandoned barn."

When he returned home, he lied to his aristocratic father. He told him that he had completed college and did not let on what truly transpired. The King was ecstatic! In his son's honor, he threw a lavish dinner and it was there, were Urahara met the Grand-Marshall and his family for the first time. At the party, they barely exchanged words.

A few days later, the want-to-be doctor confronted his father and asked to have a private meeting with him. The following afternoon, the men journeyed down to the gardens to have their discussion. Urahara only had one demand from his parent. He considered it would be easy to receive what he desired, especially since the man had ignored him during the most important years of his life. When the time appeared appropriate, Kisuke asked the King to help fund his medical career. Specifically, Urahara required money to buy the tools that were needed to take care of potential patients. Thankfully, without causing too much of a fuss, the aristocrat agreed under one condition - his son would pay him back through any favors he asked of him.

"We had gotten a tip on behalf of his father as to his whereabouts."

Seven years after Urahara had left home with the money his father supplied him with for his career; he had taken residence in a place called Karakura. The barn he lived in may not have seemed like an ideal location for a king's son, but it provided the privacy he needed. The more secluded from society, the better it was for him to experiment on small animals without his boisterous neighbors poking their noses where they didn't belong. He performed surgeries on animals because he didn't have any willing participants. One day, whilst in the middle of preparing for a procedure, he received a thunderous knock on his door. Before he had time to even answer it, every entryway was stormed by Japan's strongest military troops. Grand Marshall Hisao was responsible for the ambush of his science lab.

"My father brought you to the Imperial Family so that they could make a request," Gin enthusiastically carried on.

At first, Urahara was very confused. He didn't fully comprehend the reasoning for him being taken from his home nor why he was presented before the Royal Family. The last time he checked, he never in his life had received an invite from a dynasty such as the Kuchiki clan.

The doctor briefly cut the noble off, "How long are we going to continue this? I've had a long day-."

"Be quiet!" Aizen suddenly snapped. It was the first time in a while since he had last spoken. He gave Gin the floor once again.

"The Family didn't ask for much. They just wanted one simple thing from you. Do you remember what it was they wanted, Dr. Kisuke?" the snake-like individual mocked.

Urahara didn't respond. He was fully conscious. However, he was playing it ear-by-ear. He could tell Sosuke was getting rather impatient about the matter. He came looking for answers, and he yet to receive them.

A moment later, the physician bellowed to the two men, "A weapon of mass destruction...that's what they wanted from me."

Receiving the answer he wanted to hear, Gin pointed at him and grinned deviously, "Exactly, my fellow."

The Kuchiki's and the military were given a tip from one of Urahara's curious neighbors that he had been working on several projects in his run-down barn.

The name of that neighbor was Isshin Kurosaki. From that point on, Urahara and Isshin were going to become far more than just strangers to each other. They were going to become partners for the next year and half.

"Isshin Kurosaki knew about your successful experiments as well as your failed ones. When the man told his lovely wife he was going to buy milk down the road, he was really checking up on you. He saw what talent you had, but he never confronted you because he didn't want to scare you off."

In truth, Kurosaki had stumbled upon Urahara's barn by accident. He, himself even admitted that to him in person during one of the numerous procedures they preformed together. When Isshin witnessed what Kisuke could do time and time again, he was optimistic.

He was hopeful because he believed Urahara would be able to save his eight-old-son, Ichigo.

For the past few months, Ichigo had been experiencing violent mood swings. Isshin, a doctor himself, could not explain it. He never knew his child to be cruel towards him, much less his own mother. He would lash out, but then not remember doing it. The man was becoming increasingly concerned for the well-being of his recently born twin girls. He did not want to subject them to the eldest's sudden outbursts. Isshin could recall one incident when he had stayed home from work one day. Ichigo was playing outside by himself while his father was supervising him. All of a sudden, in the blink of an eye, Isshin swore he saw Ichigo's fingernails grow two inches in length. However, just as fast as they had come, they were gone before he had the chance to examine them. That had become the last straw.

"Kurosaki stepped forth because he, a doctor himself, wanted to work alongside you. According to him, he had the perfect test subject. In order to create the weapon Japan needed in order to survive, Isshin would sacrifice his very own son."

Everything that they mentioned was completely true and there was not much Urahara could do to defend his greedy actions. However, the two were making his dear friend out to be something far worse than he actually was. They shaped him out to be a criminal, when in reality, he was simply a father looking to protect his son from the hands of the manifestation that had gotten to him. Urahara admired the man for his bravery as well as the fact that he risked his own career to help his troubled child.

Before Gin had the chance to proceed even further with the story, Urahara rose onto his feet and waved off whatever was left to be said, "I think I've heard about enough."

"Are you sure?" Aizen inquired, "Because there is plenty more to talk about."

The doctor confirmed his feelings by nodding he had heard all he needed to hear and rubbed his temple between his fingers. No matter how he looked at the situation that the noblemen had brought to his attention, he wasn't getting away unscathed. They would continue to taunt him with his past until he finally came clean of the certain thing they were searching for from the beginning.

"What exactly is it that you want from me?" Urahara honestly asked.

Aizen and Gin shared a look with one another. Their unexpected night visit was meant to rattle Urahara because he wouldn't be expecting their company in the first place. The strategy worked to their liking. Eventually, the man had broken under the intense questioning and was ready to hand over to them the needed information.

"All we need is a simple formula," the oldest of the doctor's company shared.

Urahara raised a single eyebrow underneath his shaggy blonde hair at the duo. They traveled quite a distance to threaten him, all for the sake of a chemical equation that only Ishhin and he knew about. They took a chance and now Urahara was expected to deliver on their behalf.

"I see. You want the cerium that was injected into Kurosaki's body. What happens if I don't give it to you?"

The man sitting behind him on the couch let out a dark chortle, "Well then, there will be consequences."

He lifted his head to look at his accomplice, "Gin, why don't you show the doctor what we mean?"

Within seconds of his leader finishing his proposition, the snake-like man instantly had placed his body in the front of the doctor. His sudden movements startled Urahara for his legs stumbled backwards and gently bumped into the edge of the furniture. In addition, there was something else troubling the educated male. A coldness was being pressed into his neck as he spoke with the men. Kisuke's emerald eyes descended onto the object Gin held within his hands as he bared down on him.

At that point, reality was beginning to sink in as the tip of the sword dug into his skin. The cerium Urahara and Isshin formulated together all those years ago was coming back to haunt him. Some how - and some way - these corrupted individuals dug up his past for a reason. It wasn't out of sheer curiosity or amusement.

After a moment's reflection, Urahara asked in a friendly fashion, "What will you do with it if I hand it over?"

Gin answered back dryly, "That's for us to know and for you to find out."

For the second time in his entire life, Urahara Kisuke was at a loss of what to do. The men who had stirred a ruckus in his palace were no rookies at their job. They were well-informed and skilled, not to mention threatening. The doctor was never one to be known to fold under pressure. However, after much searching, he had finally found something worth living for and worth protecting. He had always thought his career would satisfy him for the rest of his existence. Despite finding success in the medical field, he didn't feel nearly as happy until he met Yoruichi.

She was his rock and he never wanted to let her go.

Regardless of how he felt, he also needed to consider the disastrous effects that could result from him handing over the cerium. Ichigo's dormant half would be resurrected and Ichigo may very well lose his self. Urahara remembered the accident from nine years ago and he didn't want to repeat it again. If he was to deliver the demand to Aizen and Gin, in secret, he would need to inform Isshin of the shady dealings. After all, Ichigo was his son and the man had a right to know what was about to occur without his parental consent.

"Could you please lower your weapon?" Urahara asked in a leveled tone.

Gin's slit eyes fell upon his leader, looking to him for guidance on the matter. Aizen slowly nodded his head, indicating their interrogation had paid off in the long run. Carefully, the military man pulled his sword away from Urahara. When it was back at his side, the doctor let out a breathe of air he had been holding in. The worst of his fears - for now - were over.

"Follow me, gentlemen," he whispered, "I'll show you where I keep the very last bottle."

The days that followed after Orihime's and Ichigo's lunch date were far less hectic than previous weeks. A soft calmness finally took residence and the Princess couldn't ask for anything more welcoming. She herself was starting to get in a rhythm and the eligible bachelors were far less intimidating than before. Unfortunately, she still wasn't allowed to have meals with the men and it was a little discouraging. The aristocrat wanted to get to understand their personalities better and distinguish for herself their own characteristics.

Thankfully, at the hand of Rangiku, she partially received her wish. Five days after the original event that kicked off the competition, another one was being held for the participants. Orihime wasn't informed until the very last minute (or should she say the night before) about the event which would take place. As the princess was getting into bed, an impatient knock came from the front of her room. Before the young woman could even welcome the visitor at the door, Rangiku pushed her way through. The straight-forward relative sat Orihime down in a chair and explained what would be happening the next day. Her presence would be required for she would be taste-testing the bachelor's hand-made meals.

In all honesty, the princess was excited. It wasn't very often she got such a luxury of having five men cook for her. If anything, the opportunity would be once-in-a-lifetime. She loved Chad's cooking. She never had a complaint about it, as it was always pure perfection. However, sometimes, a change of hand might be nice and different.

After being served breakfast in bed, Orihime prepared for her appearance in front of the young men. Her ladies-in-waiting took roughly an hour to dress her, arrange her hair, and do her make-up. The time seemed to crawl forward slowly. The aristocrat was growing impatiently on the inside. If it showed on her face, Rukia would surely scold her for making such an expression. After all, she'd worry her caretaker. The petite woman was still not welcoming of the idea for the Princess' hand in marriage. If Kuchiki had it her way, Orihime would be locked up in her room and would not be allowed to interact with the men at all.

Eventually, Uryu came upstairs to escort her to the kitchen. After what felt like hours but in reality minutes, the friends arrived at the foot of the entrance. On the other side of the doors, Orihime could hear pans, dishes, and utensils being moved around. It was very noisy. Nonetheless, the sounds only made her more anxious. She couldn't wait to greet everyone's faces for she hadn't seen them in four days. She gave her butler the signal to open the door and without further delay, was welcomed into the inviting aroma of the palace kitchen.

When she walked in, Rangiku, Chad, and the bachelors all addressed her with a warm reception. The princess bowed her head and thanked them for waiting for her. The young woman moved beside her relative and gave her permission to begin the event. Before Ichimaru's wife spoke, she gave her niece a flirtatious wink and then turned to face the men.

"Gentlemen, today we will be having our second event. Unlike last time, this event will not require you to push your body to its limits. Instead, you will be judged on how much heart you put into the food you will be making today," the socialite informed the contestants.

Immediately, there was a reaction from Grimmjow at the sound of the news, "What the friggin hell is this? I don't know how to cook!"

Rangiku rolled her eyes at the ceiling, "I'm sorry, but that's not my problem. Besides, it's not as if you'll be making a difficult dish. Sado-kun will be nearby for assistance in case you need it."

At that moment, Ichigo crossed his arms over his broad chest, "What is it that we're making?"

"You all will be making yakisoba," Chad's deep voice bellowed behind the line of men.

The noodle dish was one of Orihime's favorite. The noodles are either grilled or fried depending on how one prefers it. There are also other additions to the meal as well. After cooking the noodles, meat, cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables are added in to make it even more delicious. To top it off, red ginger is thrown into the mix to complete the taste.

After the head chef made his announcement, he put the young men to work. As for Orihime, she was rushed out of the kitchen by Rangiku and placed in the dining hall for the time being. While she waited for the meal to be served, she could hear several disputes going on behind closed doors. Most notably of the voices were Grimmjow and Ichigo. Those two simply could not agree to disagree. The Princess wondered if they would ever be able to get along. For them, living together for the next two months will become a burden. For the young maiden, she didn't want any one to feel out-of-place. In her kingdom, she aimed for equality. If that was regarded as too difficult of a task for the three bachelors who were nobles, Orihime would graciously ask them to leave. She didn't care if Rangiku arranged them for her. Ichigo and Renji deserved just as much of a chance as they did.

Once some time had passed, the noise in the kitchen became quieter. Orihime hoped in meant one of two things: either the meal had been finished or the men had let their fight fizzle out.

Suddenly, Rangiku slipped into the dining hall, "My dear niece, the time has come for you to judge!"

As she said this, the bachelors all emerged from behind her in a neatly, organized fashion. They each held a covered tin plate with a towel over their arm to protect their skin from the heat of the dish. The men walked over to where she was sitting and placed their plates in a row in front of her. Matsumoto eventually followed in pursuit and clapped her hands at their job well done. Clearly, her relative had made them rehearse their performance.

"Orihime, you may lift the lids," Rangiku instructed.

The Princess picked up the covers from off each one and her mouth instantly began to water. Sitting in front of her were five hand-cooked yakisoba noodle dishes specially made for her to taste. Before grabbing her chopsticks, she looked at the bachelors with a appreciative look.

"Thank you very much for making this. You have worked hard," she further expressed her gratitude towards their gift to her.

Overall, it took Orihime a half hour to devour the food that sat in front of her. She had always been a fast eater and she didn't even think to pace herself until after she had finished the yakisoba. It probably didn't appear very lady-like of her to eat like a pig. However, she could have sworn she saw Ichigo from the corner of her eye give a little chuckle at the sight. She prayed he meant it light-heartedly.

After the dishes were cleared away by the staff, Rangiku pulled Orihime into the kitchen for a private conversation.

"Which one did you think was the best?" she inquired of her niece.

"I have to choose right this very second?" the Princess retorted.

"Yes, of course!" the strawberry-blonde pursued.

Orihime thought back to the five dishes she had been served to judge. Each man had made yakisoba taste different in his own unique way. However, one did particularly stand out from all the rest.

"I would have to say Schiffer-kun's was very tasty," the seventeen-year-old divulged to her relative as she recollected the meal.

"Wonderful! You'll be having a date with him tomorrow afternoon!" the bubbly woman beamed.

At the sound of this news, Orihime suddenly wanted to change her answer. She never had talked to Ulquiorra before! It would be even more embarrassing than her date with Ichigo. At least with Ichigo, she had conversed with him on several occasions. She was finally beginning to grow comfortable around him. In the case of the Prince, he did not seem chatty. He appeared very closed off and resilient. The date would be an absolute disaster if she was the only one talking!

Before her niece had a chance to get a word in, Rangiku left the room in a hurry for she had a feeling Orihime may change her mind. The girl was left alone in the kitchen, wondering to herself if she could really pull off such a challenge, she had been able to open Ichigo up little by little throughout the competition, how much harder could it be with Ulquiorra?

Unfortunately for her, she was about to find out.

Dun dun dunnnnn! What could that mean?