Author's Note: I'm pleased to hear everyone enjoyed last chapter - despite the dark content. I worked quite diligently on that chapter, so I'm glad my hard work payed off in the end. I hope everyone's summers are going good so far and congratulations to those who have graduated this year! I've been working for the most part, but I try to make time to write here and there when I can. Once more, as I always say, thank you for your support of this story for your reviews continually make me glad to be writing for the Ichihime fandom. Without further delay, please read, review, and most importantly - enjoy!
Disclaimer: All characters belong respectfully to Tite Kubo.
Chapter 19 – Deliverance Is Everything
Three days had passed since Ichigo had been accused of sexually assaulting Princess Orihime. He has not remembered much since the incident. The last thing he could recall from his memories was standing in place as he watched each bachelor take his turn for a picture. When his name was called, he approached the beautiful maiden with slight apprehension. He wanted to offer some encouraging words to her, but he decided against it in the end. From that point on, his mind is a blank slate.
When he returned to his normal self, he awoke to find he had been thrown into a dungeon cell with very little essentials such as a toilet to relieve himself. Instead, he was given a bucket and a pile of hay to sleep on as opposed to laying on the dirt floor. He wasn't sure if he should be thankful or not for their unusual "kindness". Either way, he wished he was allowed to explain himself in terms of what occurred. Even though he did not have any recollection of the event, Detective Nanao and the pesky butler would not allow for him to defend his actions. Each time Ichigo made an effort to make known his account—they would shut it down. He wasn't entirely sure why the two were being problematic with him. He understood he was a street rat and his image was only made worse through the horrible mistreatment Shirosaki had exhibited towards Orihime. However, did he not deserve the chance to speak freely? Why were they continually thwarting his endeavors to make things right with the Princess?
As he rested against the haystack in his damp and musky holding cell, Ichigo barely took note of the guardsman approach from the shadows.
"You have a guest," the solider publicized to the prisoner.
Startled from the abrupt intrusion, the teenager quickly got on his feet and ran over to clutch the cell bars in his hands.
"Who is it?" Ichigo asked, his breathing having hitched in the back of his throat at the thought of who it may possibly be.
"It's your old man," Isshin asserted, stepping forth and into the light that was provided by a single torch stick.
"D-dad?!" the boy stuttered, completely in shock over his parent's unexpected appearance at the palace.
"Happy to see me, I hope," the father of three nervously chuckled.
Ichigo pulled away from the front of his cell and pressed his back against the cold wall. Finally, someone he knew he could consult with and listen to him had arrived at the most opportune time. He was confident he was never going to get the chance of a proper representative. However, now his very own blood stood before him and a small weight had lifted from off his shoulders.
"What are you doing here?" the son questioned of his father.
"I actually arrived a few days ago, but they didn't want me seeing you until it had quieted down some".
"Then I assume you know why they put me in here, right?" Ichigo grounded out as he scrunched his hands at his sides from the reason of his imprisonment.
Isshin nodded somberly and scratched the bottom of his scruffy chin, "I do and from what I've heard, it's going to be hard to prove your innocence".
Simply appalled by his father's hurtful words, the adolescent flung his body forwards in anger, "You just automatically assume I'm guilty? Aren't you suppose to stick up for me as my parent? I don't know what they're planning on doing with me! This may be even the last time you speak with me. After all, they can have me killed for what I did to her!"
The mere notion that he could be sentenced to death within days, hours, minutes would absolutely terrify anyone—Ichigo was no exception. Consequently, for the first time in a very long time, the accused individual collapsed to the ground and began to weep in front of his father. Isshin had not seen his son do since his mother's passing for the adolescent always wanted to maintain a strong presence in front of his sisters so they could rely on him for anything they ever needed.
He did not wish to die any longer. Before, he may have contemplated the idea when he thought all hope was lost for him. Nevertheless, he had many things in his life to fight for in which he desired to protect. His family was always close to his heart. They were never going to abandon him—his father's arrival was proof of exactly those sentiments. In spite of this, there was another person he couldn't get out of his head during his captivity.
Orihime was consistently on his mind and it tortured him to think he had no control over his body to stop Shirosaki's attack. The most upsetting factor was his inability to remember when exactly he lost consciousness and gave himself to the monster he had tried to keep at bay for so long. He was disgusted he broke his vow to never cause harm to her. The young aristocrat has already suffered enough during her upbringing and he only added to the cruelty she's encountered throughout the countless years of her parents' torment and reported abuse.
As hot tears rolled down the grimy skin on his face, Ichigo glanced up at his father who silently looked on by the torch. He waited as his son sorted through his inner turmoil before he decided to offer his advice and fatherly wisdom.
"No matter what happens," Isshin imparted, bending down to meet his eldest child's level with a compassionate gaze, "you are my son. It is my duty to make sure you're well-cared for when you are young. Once you reach adolescence, I can only do so much to keep you safe. Yet, you became a responsible man from a very early age. Ever since then, I have proudly watched over you from afar".
The kindhearted words the father of three spoke were words he longed to have said sooner to Ichigo. The tragedy which had befallen upon his son compelled Isshin to realize how little quality time the two actually spent together as child and parent.
Their relationship was by no means perfect. At the very least, there was mutual respect for one another. Even then, there was still constant bickering between the two. However, for Isshin, his fights with his only son were what he thoroughly enjoyed. He loved to see his son become passionate about things he cared for—especially in regard to his twin sisters. Once their fighting concludes, the doctor admittedly feels closer to Ichigo than ever before. Isshin would be lying to himself if he didn't say he liked to pick fights with the eldest from time to time.
"Now that you're in this predicament, I'm going to try my absolute best to set things straight with Her Majesty's council and with Inoue-sama herself. After I leave here, I've been given permission to speak with her one-on-one. I'll tell her anything you want to me to say to her," the doctor quietly shared with Ichigo.
The boy did not even require a second to think, "Let her know how sorry I am and that I never intended for any of this to happen".
Isshin offered the best smile he could muster, aiming to reassure Ichigo he was not going to let his son down. Reaching through the open space between the cell bars, the doctor rested his large hand on the top of Ichigo's head. When the warm hand touched him, the younger Kurosaki lifted his head and stared into the solemn eyes of his parent.
"Whatever happens, you're not alone in this," Isshin encouragingly implored.
As he got up to depart, the widowed husband rustled Ichigo's wet hair with his hand—the same way he would do to him as a child. No matter how old his son grew each year, Ichigo was still his child with whom he would take responsibility for, even if he denied his help. Thankfully, however, the eldest of his offspring was at his wits end and generally appeared to be appreciative of his father's assistance.
No longer acting as a medical physician but rather as a dedicated parent, Isshin knew the journey ahead was not going to be an easy one by any means.
With Princess Inoue napping after experiencing a slight fever, Rukia's job as caretaker was currently not needed. Therefore, she had decided it would be in her best interest to assist Sado in the kitchen. When she arrived, the chef gladly accepted her generosity and put her to work. He needed someone to ice the cake he had finished backing for Inoue—in hopes it would cheer up her spirits.
After she was halfway through the icing process, she heard in the distance the slapping of shoes hitting the marble floor from the corridor. She continued and did not break her concentration, but she couldn't shake the feeling that the person approaching was not in a pleasant mood.
As she turned her back to the table to clean off her hands, Rukia's beautiful lilac eyes gravitated towards the entrance to the kitchen, anticipating the arrival of the individual.
Not long after she had moved towards the sink to wash the icing from her hands, a distinct and familiar voice called her from behind.
"Kuchiki-san! Shouldn't you be at Inoue-sama's side right now?" Ishida scolded the petite woman as soon as he walked into the cooking area.
"Relax," Rukia sighed, whirling around to meet the butler with a soothing gaze, "She just fell asleep and Arisawa is with her in case her fever decides to start up again".
Having heard this, the tension in the lanky figure of the adolescent seemed to dissipate ever so slightly. Pushing his glasses further up the bridge of his nose, Uryu's expression did not relax despite the fact that his concern had been resolved.
Upon noticing the unusual stiffness in the air, the former aristocrat immediately desired to get to the bottom of the butler's strange behavior, "What's going on? I haven't seen you all day. Did something happen?"
"I've been discussing with Detective Nanao what the next step is regarding the assault," Uryu divulged his activities from the day with the investigator.
Rukia's eyebrows perked up in curiosity, "And what is she suggesting we do next for Inoue-sama?"
The question was conflicting for Uryu to answer. He knew what needed to be done, and yet, he was hesitant to reveal the course of action. The adolescent had to tread carefully with the direction of where the conversation was heading because it certainly was not an easy topic to be brought up when in regard to Rukia and her current status as an ousted royal family member.
Swallowing the lump in his throat that had begun to take form, Uryu pushed forward in his efforts to get to the bottom of justice, "Nanao-san says the issue of rape must be handled with delicate care by a high order of select people who are educated on the matter and have knowledge of the consequences that must be carried out".
"That's great to hear," Rukia admitted with relief, "Is there anything further the two of you discussed or will that be it? Otherwise, I'd like to finish this cake for—".
Unable to keep the charade up for much longer, Uryu blurted out the uncomfortable news in his haste to ease his racing heartbeat, "She said we need to visit the Imperial Family at once if we want a proper punishment to be carried out against Kurosaki!"
It was not what she wanted to hear at that moment in time. Truthfully, she was not expecting the butler to say those two specific words at all. The information felt like an arrow had been pierced through her heart and she was bleeding uncontrollably from the inside. She had not spoken with her brother in two whole years. When the siblings saw each other at the Masquerade Ball, they exchanged small pleasantries with each other but nothing beyond polite conversation ensued. After all, Byakuya had an image to uphold and people would talk if he ignored Rukia in front of hundreds of respected aristocrats. Her brother may have been cold to her in the past, but she grew to understand that was his nature as a human being and it could not be changed. As much as she pleaded with him not to send her away from the palace, Rukia acknowledged she needed to pay for her sins. She had brought shame upon the family who had given her so much and she was regretful for the embarrassment her older brother was forced to deal with as a result of her selfish desires.
Even though two years had passed since her departure from the capital, the caretaker was not ready to face everyone. In fact, she would never be prepared to do such a thing as far as she was concerned. How could she after what she had done? It was unjustifiable. The same could be said of Ichigo's vicious actions against Orihime. Therefore, regardless if she wanted to run and not look back after receiving the unfortunate news, Rukia needed to be strong for her friend. Orihime was in a vulnerable state and going to a new place after her experience was not going to be an easy transition. As her trusted companion, Rukia wanted the Princess to feel safe and comforted at all times should she find herself ever needing it.
"If that is what Nanao feels we must do, we shall proceed forwards," Kuchiki agreed to the decision as she held her head high.
Uryu was taken aback by her quick reaction, "Are you sure? If the thought gives you anxiety, I'll allow you to stay behind. I know going home would be an unpleasant trip down memory lane".
Feeling grateful for the kindness Uryu was displaying towards her warmed Rukia's heart. It is not every day she gets to experience his softer side.
"Despite how scary the whole idea seems right now, I know at some point in my life, I would eventually have to return home and face Nii-sama. I probably would never had the courage to do so two years ago, but now that I have you all here, I think it's the perfect opportunity regardless of the circumstances we're visiting him for," the raven-haired woman confided.
The idea was by no doubt scary and intimidating. Her brother was the last person she wanted to handle the situation with Orihime. It was something which needed to be processed with care and compassion and Byakuya indubitably lacked these two qualities in the eyes of Rukia. However, maybe time had changed him for the better. In her time away from the capital, she had certainly reflected enough to realize the crimes she had committed were disrespectful and dishonorable to the family. Being sentenced for her actions and humiliated in front of the entire country gave her a different outlook on life than before. She should appreciate the little things in terms of friendship and not fall so easily for men.
Desiring to quickly leave the conversation behind them, Rukia began to move back to the table where the delicious treat was waiting to be finished, "After I'm done with this, I'll start packing for our trip. Other than that, please let me know how the talk with Ichigo's father goes with Inoue-sama".
Orihime was at odds with herself. Isshin Kurosaki appeared before her as a warm and humorous individual. He was a father of three children after all, so his kindness should be expected she supposed. With his personable approach to her within the first few minutes of their meeting, the Princess knew she could stop fearing the certified physician would lash out against her. She initially believed the middle-aged man would understandably be upset with her for what she did to his son. Needless to say, what loving parent would want to see their child behind bars? It was a tough position to be in for both occupants of the room.
In addition, with her being only a few feet apart from the burly man, it was difficult to avoid staring at him. He reminded her so much of Ichigo and it was clear to see the two were father and son just based on their similar facial characteristics. Consequently, the meeting between the two strangers only seemed to grow more complicated as the seconds ticked by in the dead of night.
"You're probably wondering why I requested to see you," Isshin stated nervously as his voice was laced with tiredness from his earlier activities.
Orihime did not need to guess as for the reason of his visit. He clearly was going to defend Ichigo's actions to the end, no matter what the cost.
"I have an inkling, but please, I would love to listen to what it is you have to say," the aristocrat replied with eagerness. She was prepared to get to the bottom of Ichigo's bizarre behavior that night and hopefully, Isshin could shed some light on the dark topic.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Your Highness," the doctor respectfully bowed. As he lifted up his head, his eyes were attracted to the yellow bruising around Orihime's neck and the faded handprint which was left behind from the assault. It was a sight that broke a father's heart. Shirosaki was by no means easy with her and at the same time, it was astounding for Isshin to witness the sheer strength Orihime exhibited following her rape. She did not show signs of resentment, but rather, expressed sadness over the entire situation.
The Princess of Karakura readjusted herself in her bed as her anxiety over what Isshin had to say to her began to peak. She desired to put the whole thing behind her—as fast as possible so they could move forward. It would indeed sound absurd to those who knew her, but she did not care what they would think of her for the peasant was someone she wanted to protect. As much as he had caused her pain, Princess Inoue privately acknowledged it was not Ichigo who raped her.
Isshin cleared his throat and sat uncomfortably in his chair across from Orihime's bed, "I recognize that what my son has done to you is something that can never be taken back from you, so to speak. In fact, I am going to apologize for allowing him to be placed in such a position when I knew the type of issues he had given even his sisters and friends did not know about from the start".
The startling admission for acceptance from the father was quite unexpected. The beautiful maiden did not truly grasp why the man was apologizing. Had she missed something he had said earlier?
"Mr. Kurosaki, I'm not entirely following along," the pure-blooded individual admitted.
The middle-aged doctor darkly chuckled into his hand as he dropped it back into his lap, "I suppose you wouldn't, unless Ichigo has said something to you about his past once before?"
"Are you referring to his beloved mother, Masaki?" Orihime questioned innocently, her eyes growing wide.
Isshin's posture straightened up in the chair at the mention of his deceased wife's name, "His mother was a very important person in his life and he blames himself for killing her. However, his actions were brought on by the demon he possess in his body".
"Shirosaki," Orihime quivered under her breath.
"So he really told you everything," the older Kurosaki remarked, "I'm honestly a little shocked".
The Princess could not help but become flustered from the father's comment, "We visited the village earlier in the day before the attack happened and saw your two lovely girls. Afterwards, Kurosaki-kun took me to Mrs. Kurosaki's grave. It was there where he confessed what he had did to his mother. Honestly, before he said anything, I assured him he did not have to tell me".
Folding his bulky arms across his broad chest, Isshin pondered his next move. He had much more to say, but he was pleased with the pace of the conversation. He did not wish to rush things along, especially since he was beginning to see for the first time someone else other than himself and his daughters cherished Ichigo in such a caring way.
"What did you think of him when he confessed his sins to you?"
The Princess opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly closed it shut. Was she naïve to trust Isshin so easily? Her willingness to see the good in people usually was her downfall. Although, the man who she eyed before her was an educated individual and who was a widowed father of three. He had come to the palace none other than to be by his son's side and show his support—little did he know at the time that his son had committed an indecent act upon an unwilling participant. Regardless, Orihime did not have many adults in her life she could trust and she felt Isshin was a strong contender with whom she could confide in.
"I was torn about Kurosaki-kun when he told me his past. Also, I was very hurt he had taken away the privilege of having the perfect family and destroying that concept by unknowingly killing his mother. Nevertheless, I saw how truly damaging the loss of Mrs. Kurosaki affected him as well as the guilt he carried for countless years. However, throughout the competition, I've grown to admire how kind of a person he is and nothing will ever change that," Orihime confirmed in a gentle voice.
With her true feelings being publically established for the first time regarding Ichigo, the Princess felt oddly relieved in the sense that she did not have to keep hiding that part of herself from people. If she casually admitted to Uryu, Tatsuki, or Rukia in conversation that she had developed feelings for the man who had sexually attacked her, they would undoubtedly request her head to be mentally examined by Dr. Hachi. At the same time, her friends—as much as she adored them—could not tell her how to feel. Her heart was her own and was not something which could be toyed with or controlled by people other than herself.
Not wanting to let the opportunity pass, Isshin pressed forward in his quest to figure out Orihime's stance on his son, "What are your feelings towards him now after everything?"
"That wasn't Kurosaki-kun who did those things to me, it was Shirosaki," Princess Inoue defended the peasant boy, "And for that reason alone, I want to do everything in my power to help him get out of this terrible situation".
After hearing Orihime's encouraging declaration, Isshin jumped to his feet from the overwhelming excitement he was experiencing throughout his entire body, "You're going to make this old man weep with tears of joy!"
The sudden outburst startled the Princess as she remained propped up against her cushiony pillows. The father's swift actions had Orihime scrambling inside her head as to what she should say to the doctor's unique choice of words. To be quite frank, she was not entirely positive as to why he would cry merely in her pursuit to alleviate the punishment Ichigo would indisputably face in the nearby future. In any case, it was her duty as the Princess of Karakura to ensure no harm be brought to her people in any form of torture or death unless there was justifiable evidence. For Ichigo, the evidence only seemed to be piling up against him.
Unable to find a suitable way to inject with a proper response, Inoue silently looked on as Isshin joined her bedside and carefully enclosed her one hand with both of his own. The girl blinked at their abrupt touching before confronting the familiar eyes of Isshin Kurosaki. The man beamed with an exuberant smile on his sun-burnt face from his travels.
"You appear puzzled, Princess, but I can assure you it's all going to work out in the end," the hairy man said for certain.
"How do you know such a thing?" Orihime inquired with simple directness.
Isshin squeezed her hand and ignored her question, "I spoke with my son and he wants you to know how apologetic he is over the matter. I have never seem him so regretful—at least not since his mother's passing".
The battered aristocrat lurched forward from the alarming revelation, "You saw Kurosaki-kun?! Is he back to his true self?"
"Yes, yes," Dr. Kurosaki patted her hand before letting go of it, "He's the same old Ichigo and I intend to keep him that way for the rest of his life. No more Shirosaki business—I'm going to put an end to that demon for the damage he's caused you and my son. Nevertheless, that's for me to handle on my own!"
The man stepped away from the bedside and bowed once more to the Princess as their meeting concluded.
"I can't predict when the next time we'll meet, so until then, please continue to stay strong for not only your sake, but as well as for Ichigo," Isshin requested.
The Princess nodded her head with heartiness, "I will! You can count on me!"
Letting an appreciative chuckle escape his body, the widowed man turned to leave the bedroom and walked out into the pale-lit hallway where the butler stood outside waiting.
"Finished?" Uryu queried.
"For today," Isshin teased the young adolescent.
"What does that mean?" he scoffed.
"Don't worry about it," the physician imparted calmly, "For now, do your job and I'll do mine".
Having said his peace, Dr. Kurosaki abandoned the entrance to the Princess' chambers and departed down the staircase, leaving a somewhat baffled butler behind in his wake.