Author's Note: It's been awhile, hasn't it everyone? Sorry about that! Now I'm officially on Winter Break for a whole month, so plenty of time to write a chapter or two. For your knowledge, this chapter is specifically Rukia-centered. We are also introduced to a new character. Despite it not being filled with Ichihime, I believe you'll find some vital information about Rukia's past. Thank you for your patience and support. Please read, review - and most importantly - enjoy!
Disclaimer: All characters respectfully belong to Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach.
WARNING: There is content in this chapter that goes beyond the "T" rating. I will place this symbol (***) above the section as well as after in case you wish to avoid it altogether.
Chapter 21 – Distant
The end of the voyage came a few days after they boarded the ship. Rangiku's husband was skilled in navigating the open seas and if it wasn't for his Navy background, Rukia was positive they would have been stranded in the middle of the ocean had it been anyone else. When they pulled into port, a procession of extravagant carriages were waiting for their arrival. Immediately, the petite woman recognized the insignia on the doors and started to become anxious at the thought that her brother maybe at the harbor.
Once everyone was gathered with their respectful belongings, they walked down the boardwalk and were greeted by a man dressed in military attire. Fortunately, it did not appear as though Byakuya was anywhere in plain sight. Consequently, the siblings' lingering reunion would have to wait until later when there was an opportunity.
The Princess and her council were shown to their carriages and without further delay, traveled away from the harbor and into the city of Tokyo. The distance from the shoreline to the heart of the capital was fairly long. However, as the mid-August heat simmered down to a comfortable temperature as the sun began to set, the trek was more bearable than before. Nevertheless, Orihime's caretaker could not rest her mind. Her thoughts were focused on her brother—Byakuya and the Imperial Palace. Would her room be the same as she had left it? How would the staff address her? Did she need permission to walk the halls by herself or would she need supervision? It was all so troubling and she hated how the sensation of uncertainty made her feel. After all, two years had passed since her scandal. Her life had changed for the better—there was no doubt about that. Regardless, she missed what she once had for herself as well as her older sibling.
As she was contemplating her past and future, the carriages were drawn to a halt in front of the palace's gates. As a reminder, the knot in Rukia's stomach began to churn all over again. Remaining inside, the woman waited for the announcer to introduce the party's name. It was not long after that he did so.
"Welcoming Princess Orihime Inoue of Karakura!" the presenter shouted out formally.
Quickly following the public broadcast, the doors to the carriages swung open at the same time. The outside air rushed into the closed corridors and the smell of the bustling city swirled in Rukia's nose for the first time in two years.
She had officially returned to the place of her birth.
Scooting herself out, the twenty-year-old scanned the entrance for Orihime and the others. Everyone had gotten out of their carriages as well and were waiting for further instruction.
"It's so wonderful to have you, Princess Inoue! I hope everything has been to your liking so far," an excited individual came from the distance.
Rukia's lavender eyes bounced from one area of the courtyard to the other, attempting to spot who the source of the voice was from her position. Even if the daylight was dimmer than before, she still had very keen eyesight. Unfortunately, not matter where she looked, she did not see the person who greeted them with enthusiasm.
"Please, if you would," the voice transmitted loudly, "Ascend the staircase and I will meet you there."
"Psst, Kuchiki-san," Orihime obviously whispered to get the caretaker's attention, "Should we listen to him?"
The exiled aristocrat faked a reassuring smile, "Of course, Inoue-sama. They're not going to hurt us."
With Rukia's reassurance having put her nerves at ease temporarily, the Princess was the first of the group to move forward and climbed the extensive flight of steps to the front of the palace. Shortly after, everyone else followed behind her. When they approached the twelve foot tall double white doors with jeweled trimming, a man stood waiting for them in the middle of the entryway.
Immediately, Kuchiki's face lit up for she recognized the individual upon arrival.
"Ukitake-kun?" she uttered out, her mouth ajar.
The person whom Rukia identified within a matter of a second gave a small wave. He was relatively a lanky man with skin as ashen as his hair. His long locks fell past his shoulders normally, but today, it had been tied back into a plain ponytail. Nonetheless, Jushiro Ukitake's green eyes sparkled with the same passion he always had for as long as Rukia knew him.
"So glad to see you again, Kuchiki-sama," the man dipped his head politely and then turned to focus on Orihime, "Welcome to our city, Princess Inoue. We are pleased to have you here. The circumstances that have called you here are rather unfortunate."
"Indeed they are," Uryu inputted himself into the conversation as he began to lose his patience, "Now would you mind escorting us all to our arranged bedrooms? We've all had a very tiring few days."
Ukitake smiled ever so slightly, "Of course, but please allow me to introduce myself first."
"Yes, I would appreciate it very much if you did!" the Princess of Karakura expressed excitedly.
The man adjusted himself into place and stated with little hesitance, "My name in Jushiro Ukitake. I am Byakuya-sama's Royal Advisor who seeks to give him the best advice I can offer. I have worked at the Imperial Palace for the last fifteen years and I humbly welcome you on behalf of our country's ruler."
Orihime let out a squeal of delight, "Thank you, Ukitake-kun!"
The others in the group mumbled their gratitude.
Without saying anything else, Byakuya's right hand turned his back to the Princess and her council and suddenly clapped. After he did so, the doors to the castle opened wide and all were given a glimpse of the interior.
"Come with me, ladies and gentlemen," the man commanded as he proceeded inside.
As the visitors trailed behind Ukitake, they admired the lavish curtains and elegant fountains lined along the walls. The chandeliers which hung above them were twice the size of the ones in Orihime's castle and certainly more intricate in terms of color and scale.
On the other hand, Rukia was not fazed by the eccentric decor. This had once been her home and the place she lived for eighteen years of her life before she was forced out by her brother. Therefore, her attention was not solely fixated on the beautiful interior. Rather, as she walked behind the Royal Advisor, her thoughts began to run wild again. She wanted to catch up with Ukitake desperately—but only when she got him alone. The former aristocrat did not want to bring certain matters up in front of Orihime for the maiden already had plenty to deal with on her own.
Thankfully, after everyone was escorted to their rooms, Rukia finally was able to confront Ukitake with the questions that had been haunting her since she left her comfortable life behind in Tokyo. As they strolled side by side in silence, the young adult contemplated as to where her line of questioning should begin. She was overwhelmed in a matter of a few seconds.
"Rukia," the gentle voice called beside her, "You look like you've been dying to say something to me since the moment you got here—just as when you were a child. What's going on?"
Instantaneously, the woman's face become red with color as she turned her head opposite of where Ukitake was, "That was uncalled for!"
The man chuckled lightly into his hand. However, as a result of him expressing his amusement, his body suddenly convulsed into a hacking cough. The Princess' caretaker grabbed Jushiro's arm to support him and rubbed her hand over his back in a soothing motion. Ever since Rukia had met Ukitake, she had been aware of his unexplained illness that constantly debilitated him. Just like many others, he would have good and bad days. Although, throughout the entirety of her adolescence, the hard worker—more often than not—was bedridden. Her brother hired the best doctors in the country to diagnose the frail mentor, but nothing could ever be identified. It appeared during her two years away, Ukitake's health had most likely worsened. Furthermore, this coughing fit explained his reasoning for him not greeting them directly at the gates.
"I'm sorry," the gray-haired man apologized as his breathing returned to normal, "Sometimes it gets the better of me."
"Can you stand?" Rukia asked with worry in her voice.
Ukitake nodded reassuringly and patted the young woman's hand. She carefully released her hold on him and watched nervously as he stumbled to regain his balance. Rukia had seen this familiar scene all too many times and she wished the man would slow down some. She understood he had a very demanding job being her brother's Royal Advisor. Nonetheless, she desired for him to take his health more seriously and not put as much pressure on himself to aid Byakuya with political matters.
"Shall we keep walking?" Jushiro offered to ease her concerns.
Without waiting for her to respond, the weak consultant wavered forward. The aristocrat hurriedly rejoined at his side.
"Now, what is it that I can help you with?" Ukitake questioned straightforwardly as they continued to stroll the halls of the palace.
"I don't want to get you in trouble," she earnestly said.
"You can't say that and expect me not to want to know what's been bothering you. After all, wasn't I the first person you confided in when you and Kaien-sama started having a relationship?"
(***)
His words made her heart swell with memories at the mere mention of her old lover's name. Immediately, Rukia's thoughts drifted back to the time of the affair. She was seventeen and was reaching the end of her studies. Kaien Shiba had been her tutor for the last four years. He was a professor at a prestigious university in the city and had become good friends with Byakuya during their childhood days.
One day, when Rukia wasn't scheduled for a class, Kaien knocked on her door. When she saw him standing in the hallway, she was initially confused. Had something happened on her last exam? Was he no longer going to be her teacher? Regardless of these pressing issues she could not help but imagine, she invited the tutor inside her bedroom. Before she could get a word out, Kaien kissed her forcefully on the lips. When she pulled away, she slapped him hard across the face. The man was married with a beautiful wife! Why had he gone and kissed her without warning?
Embarrassed that she had rejected him, Kaien began explaining to her that his marriage was not a healthy relationship. He was constantly fighting with his wife and they hadn't been intimate in months. After confessing his personal matters to her, he begged Rukia to reconsider his position as for the reason he went about and did what he did. At that moment, she was young and naïve to believe every word he said. However, she realized this only after the fact. Not soon after the isolated incident, he made a much bolder move on her the next time they were alone together. They were sitting next to each other at her desk. Kaien had begun explaining a new lesson when suddenly, he rested his hand on top of her thigh. Rukia noticed, but didn't say anything at first. Shortly later, his hand started to stroke her leg. Consequently, a sensation she had never felt before began to make her feel bothered. His touch seemed to make her skin tingle. Unable to resist the pleasure she was experiencing, the young maiden crushed her lips against Kaien's and passionately kissed him. It was not long after they had moved to the bed. The professor threw her petite body onto the mattress and he leaned over her.
"God, you're so beautiful, Rukia," he had tenderly conveyed to her.
"Sensei,' the seventeen-year-old whispered shyly. She reached for his face above her and stroked the side of his cheek.
"I want to make love to you. Do you understand what that means? 'To make love'?" he forwardly inquired.
The future ruler of Japan shook her head and the blush across her face began to spread. She had never been with a man, much less been intimate with one. Although Kaien had never said he loved her, his declaration to sleep with her indicated he was serious about his feelings.
"W-what do I have to do?" she innocently questioned as her arm fell back at her side.
The twenty-eight-year-old man grabbed her waist and pulled her close to him.
"Just let sensei take care of you," his hot breath swirled in her ear.
With that statement, nothing else needed to be said. Her clothes were stripped from her body by his hands and she did the same for him. Once they were naked, Kaien instructed Rukia to wrap her tiny legs around his torso. She obliged with hesitation.
"Don't be nervous," he cooed, his eyes burning with an unknown desire she had never seen before that late spring afternoon.
"Should we even be doing this?" Rukia began to doubt.
"Once we've started, we won't be able to stop," he plainly stated.
Was he saying there was no going back? With this thought to consider, she looked down at her exposed body. She was shaking uncontrollably—on the verge of tears. As much as she wanted to be with Kaien, she didn't think she was prepared to become a woman.
"Will it hurt?" she asked with anxiety laced in her trembling voice.
"It hurts the first time," he answered her honestly, moving loose strands of hair out of her face.
In that moment, she needed to make a decision. She trusted Kaien would be gentle. Otherwise, she would not have come this far. She almost was there. It would be ridiculous to back out.
"I want you," she confirmed, "I want to be as near to you as possible."
With her proclamation, Kaien hoisted Rukia up with one hand. The maiden wrapped her arms around the professor's neck and tightly shut her eyes.
"One," Kaien began to count for her. The tip of his hard member poked Rukia's entrance.
"Two". Her legs hugged Kaien's upper body closer. The man's penis pulsated from the skin-to-skin contact.
"Three!" he grunted as he thrusted into Rukia's body with force she hadn't been expecting. She let out a gasp of surprise. He was inside her completely, fulfilling the arousal she had felt not long ago. Just as quick as he entered, he pulled out with the same speed.
"No! Again!" Rukia moaned as she kissed Kaien fiercely. Her body quivered for more.
"With pleasure, my little flower," the married man uttered with delight.
(***)
She didn't know how long their sexual escapade lasted, but it never felt like it was ever enough. Rukia constantly craved more of Kaien's affection. Their affair went on for several more months.
As she was drawn back to her current reality, Rukia remembered Ukitake's question about her confiding in him at the beginning of the relationship.
"Yes, you were," she remarked, "I thank you for not ever telling Nii-sama."
Jushiro simply nodded along and briefly explained his position, "Even if I didn't approve of what you the two of you were doing, I certainly never planned on running and telling your brother. You have my word. Now tell me, what is it you truly want to know?"
The raven-haired beauty paused and stared at the back of the man she looked as a fraternal figure in her life. He had never lied to her and always tried to steer her on the right path when she was younger. It had pained him to know she was in a relationship with a married individual, but he supported her as long as she knew the consequences she could face from Byakuya if they were ever discovered.
Unfortunately, the lust Kaien and she shared for each other could not keep them apart. With their frequent meetings, it became apparent to some staff members that there was something more than just a tutor and student relationship occurring. Eventually, they were ratted out by someone who still remains to be unknown to this very day.
Quietly, Rukia muttered in the spacious hallway she occupied, "What happened to Kaien-sama?"
Ukitake glanced over his shoulder at the woman and raised a bushy white eyebrow at her. It had crossed his mind at one point that she possibly would desire to know the truth about her ex-lover after her departure. Having beentakenby Sora Inoue shortly following the discovery, Rukia never was told of what ensued between Byakuya and Kaien.
Releasing a heavy sigh, the advisor turned to face Rukia with a look of determination. He was ready to put an end to her unresolved suffering.
"Following your relocation, Byakuya fired Shiba-sama from the palace and made threats to have him killed. Your brother never acted on those words, but he was rightfully upset for the professor taking advantage of his younger sister. Immediately, Shiba's wife filed for divorce for the affair brought about great shame upon their family name. In addition, the university he worked at let him go and he soon became depressed. He lost his lover, his wife, his job, his friends—everything!" Jushiro vividly described to Rukia the last two years she had missed since leaving Tokyo.
Hearing all of the information at once, Rukia couldn't help but feel tears start to well up in her eyes. Kaien's life was destroyed because of her. Everything he had worked hard for was ripped out from underneath him in a matter of days. It was a tough pill to swallow, to say the least.
"Where is he now?" the younger Kuchiki wanted to know.
"In the ground," Ukitake said with distaste.
"Pardon?"
"His ex-wife attacked him in the middle of his sleep one night and hurt him so badly, it killed him."
The news of Kaien's death rattled Rukia to her core.
He was dead. The man who had taken her first kiss and with whom she lost her virginity to was no longer alive. It was difficult to believe. As much as she cared for him, the past two years without his constant presence to distract her had been surprisingly peaceful. The new solitude she had found lied in the beautiful spirit of Orihime Inoue—the woman she protected as well as her dear friend.
"Do you feel relieved?" the man she used to confide in posed an inquisitive question.
Rukia brushed the hair out of her face and blew out through the side of her mouth, "Oddly enough, I am. I won't have to worry about him ever again."
Ukitake appeared to be content with her answer, "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
The caretaker returned back to the ill man's side as they picked up where they left off walking. The young Kuchiki was naturally cautious to reveal her last question to Jushiro Ukitake. After all, her companion worked closely with her brother and probably knew more about the man himself than she would ever know. However, regardless of her own self-doubt, Rukia appreciated she could go to this man with anything and he would not judge her.
"When can I see Nii-sama?" she finally articulated what she wanted to ask since the start of the discussion.
Despite the question, the advisor's eyes never wavered and remained focused ahead as they turned a corner. The fact that he did not glance once in her direction gave Rukia a small inkling as to how Ukitake prepared to answer her and hit her with the truth directly.
"Your brother is a very busy man," he started, "He's been preoccupied with this unfortunate trial and has been away from the palace for the past few days. When he returns, he's tired and goes immediately to bed. There's very little chances to meet with him."
It had been what she expected to hear. Why had she given herself false hope? Her brother had never once contacted her after he sold her to Sora Inoue. Why would it be any different now compared to before? Byakuya was the most powerful man in the country, but at one point, he was a person she had looked up to with the greatest respect. Unfortunately, her affair with Kaien Shiba tore the siblings apart and their relationship had yet to be repaired.
"I see," Rukia quietly added for her own measure, "Thank you for your honesty, Ukitake-kun".
"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you what you wanted," the pale man acknowledged her disappointment.
Following their catching up with each other, their steps became shorter as they began to slow down some. Picking her eyes up from off the floor, Rukia's eyes widened as her surroundings felt more familiar than before. She was in the hallway where her old bedroom resided.
"A-are you taking me to where I think you're taking me?" she stuttered.
Ukitake grinned from ear to ear, "Nothing's changed since you've left us, Your Royal Majesty".
As they approached the door to her room, Rukia's heart pounded relentlessly. It had been so long since she last slept in her own bed. The mere thought about the comfort of her own blankets excited her after the exhausting day she had.
"Here's the key," Byakuya's assistant handed over to her the metallic object.
After Jushiro presented the key to her, Rukia grasped it tightly within her clutch. She looked at her closed palm once before she glanced upwards at Ukitake.
"What is it?" he asked, bewildered.
The aristocrat threw her arms around the advisor's waist and hugged him with all her remaining strength to show her gratitude.
"Thank you, thank you!" she rejoiced.
Although initially taken aback by the maiden's forward gesture, Ukitake returned the embrace and patted her gently as a father might have.
"Welcome home," he said.
Information about the trial was still very hush around the palace. The Princess and her council had arrived three days ago and there was yet to be much word about the matter. Nevertheless, Uryu managed to keep Rukia busy with small tasks here and there.
Temporarily, she currently resided in Orihime's private corridors. She had awoken the young woman much later than she normally would and brought her breakfast. After the dishes were cleared away, Inoue took a warm bath. When she was finished freshening herself up, she asked Rukia to brush her caramel hair.
Thus, as the caretaker stood behind the Princess and ran the brush through her wet hair, Rukia's eyes stared directly ahead in the mirror. The image reflected the pair positioned in front of the dresser. With the help of the reflection, the twenty-year-old woman could plainly see the dark circles that were worn on the young aristocrat's face. It was evident she had been lacking sleep as of late.
"Having trouble falling asleep, Inoue-sama?" the concerned friend posed a reasonable question.
The Princess jerked her head back for a second, only to face front once more. Furthermore, her forehead suddenly deepened into small creases. There was something troubling the royal—that much was clear. However, what the cause of her sleep paralysis could be, that was not as obvious. This was going to require some digging.
"It's true," Orihime confirmed Rukia's observation, "I haven't been able to sleep very well."
Rukia stopped brushing and looked up, "Why haven't you? Are you not feeling well?"
Hearing the slight panic in her caretaker's voice, Orihime shook her head indicating she was perfectly healthy. Following the reassurance, the Princess threw her legs to the side of the chair as she bit the bottom of her lip. Ever since the boat ride over to the Imperial Palace, one thing had not left her mind. In particular, she had been focusing all of her energy into trying to figure out how to lessen Ichigo's punishment. After she had overworked herself into a frenzy on several occasions, the only reasonable person she could conjure to solve her problem was Rukia. Although she couldn't say for certain Byakuya would preside over the trial, Orihime needed to come clean to her friend about her relationship with the supposed criminal in question.
"I can't sleep because I'm restless about several things," the fresh-faced beauty timidly admitted.
The raven-haired woman placed the brush on the polished surface of the dresser, then folded her knees underneath her body to hold Orihime's shaking hands as she kneeled in front of her.
"What has you up at night? The impending trial?"
"Yes, for the most part," she went along with Rukia's idea for the time being, "Have you been to see Kuchiki-sama yet?"
The younger sibling of the aforementioned man answered swiftly, "No, its difficult right now for me to see him. He's not in the palace during the day and I don't want to impose on him at night when he may be sleeping."
The Princess of Karakura thought for a moment and then quietly stated, "Oh, I see".
After saying the simple yet vague statement, the seventeen-year-old began to pull her hands out of Rukia's gentle hold. It was abnormal for Orihime to do such a thing. She loved to hold hands with those she was close to—especially with Arisawa and herself. Thinking back to what she had said, Kuchiki's honest admission to the aristocrat about her brother had unknowingly upset her. What was going on?
Sitting more forward on her legs, the caretaker tilted her head and inquired harmlessly, "Why did you want to know if I had met with Nii-sama?"
Although her caramel tresses had fallen in front of her face, Rukia detected Orihime begin to blush a bright red color. Did the question come off as intrusive? Why was she suddenly becoming shy? The nervousness was unexplained for and only made her want to get to the bottom of the cause.
"Inoue-sama," she light-heartedly teased, "Do you have a crush on Nii-sama or something? Is that why you're asking me whether or not I've been to see him? Do you have a personal message for him? I can deliver to him in secret if you'd like!"
"No!" Orihime shouted with a reddened face as she propelled her head upwards, "I have no feelings towards his Royal Majesty!"
The innocent taunting merely pushed the Princess further on the edge as tears started to collect in the ducts of her eyes. Instantly, Rukia rose to her feet and grabbed a towel on the floor nearby. She handed it to the girl and waited for things to calm down some before she started to ask questions again.
As Orihime dappled her wet skin dry, Kuchiki returned to her kneeled position in front of Rangiku's niece.
"I'm sorry," Rukia apologized with the purest intention of clearing the awkwardness in the room, "I didn't mean to make you upset."
"It was my fault too," the maiden sniffled and blew her nose into the towel, "I have no right prying into your business with your brother."
With their misunderstanding behind them in a matter of minutes, Rukia did not want to press Orihime any further than need be. Instead, she withheld herself from speaking because she had done enough of the talking earlier. It was time for the Princess to convey her worries.
When silence finally came and settled around the two, Orihime confronted her caretaker with an intense gaze present in her hazel eyes, "Kuchiki-san, there is something I've been holding back for a few days from you and the others."
The oldest of the pair wrinkled her nose at the statement. The Princess was keeping secrets and it was uncharacteristic of the aristocrat to do so. The maiden was always straightforward about matters and usually felt uncomfortable if she did not get things straight off her chest. For this reason, Rukia was unsure how her friend was able to manage for so long without spilling the details.
"Promise me you won't become upset by what I'm about to tell you?" the exhausted individual pleaded to her caretaker.
"This seems very important to Orihime," Rukia abruptly thought to herself.
Not wanting to discourage Rangiku's niece, the petite woman became attentive and said, "I promise I will support you."
After she received Rukia's pledge, the Princess tightly shut her eyes closed and braced for impact. She so desperately needed to confide to someone about the recent developments with Ichigo Kurosaki. The trial would be occurring any day now and she wanted as many people as possible on the prisoner's side. Although, in order for any progress to be made in the first place, Orihime had to release her anxieties about whether or not her decision to become involved with the peasant would be accepted by her friends. As much as she loved Ichigo, she also deeply cared for companions who had been by her side constantly since the passing of her beloved sibling, Sora.
"On the boat ride to Tokyo, I told Kurosaki-kun I was in love with him and he said he was in love with me too!" Orihime blurted out the secret she had been concealing as she grew red in the face.
The revelation was startling to say the least. It completely blindsided her. Ichigo and Orihime were in love with each other? How had such a thing even come to fruition? The street rat had committed a devastating act against the Princess and Rukia witnessed firsthand the destruction of the innocence the aristocrat lost because of the individual. In fact, she was extremely confident that there was zero chance of Orihime having feelings towards Isshin Kurosaki's son after the incident occurred. What had changed in such a short amount of time? The caretaker needed more of an explanation because she was obviously missing major facts.
"I'm confused," Rukia bluntly stated, "Wasn't it Kurosaki who hurt you?"
The royal slowly nodded her head, her eyes focusing everywhere else but at her friend. She realized that what she had said would normally confuse anyone after the circumstances she experienced. After all, Ichigo was in police custody because of what he did to her. Therefore, by proclaiming her love for him, Orihime probably appeared insane for falling for her attacker. Nevertheless, Rukia did not know the extent of what truly transpired that night. She supposed now would be the best time to explain the truth about the peasant boy before all was revealed in the trial.
"Kurosaki-kun may have been the one to hurt me, but it wasn't really him. I mean...it was his body, but it was because he was being controlled by a demon," the adolescent struggled to properly clarify who was responsible for raping her.
As soon as she heard the word 'demon', Rukia was already concerned for Her Majesty. Where in the world had Orihime gotten such an idea from? Yes, the Princess was an avid reader of various genres, but Kuchiki had never heard her say such a venomous term before that moment.
Without any warning, the petite woman jumped on her feet and clutched Orihime's shoulders.
"Is that what he's been telling you, Inoue-sama? That a demon took advantage of you? That's utterly ridiculous!" the raven-haired woman sneered uncharacteristically, "He's obviously trying to win your trust so he can use you for his own selfish desires!"
"Kuchiki-san, please stop!" Orihime cried out as she pushed Rukia away from her. Consequently, the caretaker stumbled backwards a few feet, but managed to keep her balance.
What had she done?
The last few moments seemed like a blur. The Princess was visibly shaken from their small altercation. She clutched her hands to her chest as she attempted to gain control over her rapid pace of breathing. Other the hand, Rukia remained frozen in place as she recollected the second she snapped at the maiden.
Why had she gotten so heated? Was it because Orihime's situation had reminded her of Kaien and his controlling behavior in the past when they were in a relationship? Regardless, even if she was protecting her friend, Rukia had overstepped her boundaries. She was in no position to tell Orihime how to live her life. If the girl had feelings for the boy, she was the last person to tell her to stop loving him.
"Love makes people do crazy things," Rukia uttered under her breath as she hung her head.
"I know," Inoue firmly held, "Therefore, you're the only person I can trust with this information."
The estranged sister of Byakuya Kuchiki glanced up, "Why are you telling me all this?"
"I need your help."
The missing pieces to the puzzle were all beginning to fall into place following her emotional talk with the Princess. The sexual assault was obliviously not something Orihime had intended on happening between herself and Ichigo. Consequently, when Rukia thought back to the day after the rape, her memory recalled the second she laid her eyes upon the Royal Highness and how she clutched the blanket to her neck ever so tightly. It was only at her request when Orihime lowered the sheet and exposed the handprint. The maiden was protective of Kurosaki even hours after the grueling attack to her body. The relationship the two had begun to form was clearly strong if Sora's sister was able to forgive the adolescent for the incident immediately following his arrest. After all, as Orihime had revealed to her, the young couple had confessed their love to each other. At this point, it was too late to get the Princess to think of other options to pursue.
Besides, even if Rukia had managed her to convince the girl to drop Ichigo Kurosaki and forget the whole relationship all together, the caretaker sensed the beautiful aristocrat would be unhappy with the outcome. As her friend, Kuchiki did not wish to see Orihime heartbroken if she denied contact with the accused. The Princess was her own person and she was well beyond the age of having people make decisions for her.
As the Coronation Day was approaching, Rukia knew Orihime would make the perfect Queen for the people of Karakura. The adolescent had always shown strength in times of doubt, especially after the death of her brother. She never once lashed out on anyone—although in Rukia's opinion, she had every right to be upset for the murder of her beloved sibling. How could a single person handle such a burden at the challenging age of fifteen? Nevertheless, Princess Inoue proved time and time again that she was a pillar of inspiration for everyone at the palace throughout the mourning period.
Therefore, Rukia couldn't deny Her Highness when the seventeen-year-old requested her assistance. The maiden had already gone through enough tribulations to make up for a whole lifetime of pain. It was always her duty to protect and serve Orihime, and if this is what she wanted of her, she was going to muster up every ounce of courage in her body to confront her brother, Byakuya Kuchiki.
Once the day was coming to a close, Rukia washed herself in the bathtub before dressing in the clothes she used to wear when she still lived at the Imperial Palace. She wanted to be presentable in front of Japan's ruler. The raven-haired woman had already brought shame to the Royal Family's name and she did not wish to further cause complications for her brother.
However, with that being said, she needed to at least try for the sake of Orihime to mend the broken relationship between herself and Byakuya. During their private talk, Orihime disclosed she feared Ichigo's punishment may be worsened because Rukia had been under her ruling for the past two years. In the Princess' mind, she thought she had stolen Kuchiki away from the Emperor of Japan. Unfortunately, Rukia wished it had been that simple. The truth of the matter of why her brother could retaliate against Orihime was because the raven-haired beauty had committed a sin. Once she gave herself willingly away to Kaien, Rukia had sealed her fate with her older sibling. The future Queen was told only minor details about that day she was first introduced to Sora.
With two years behind them and plenty of distance to sort their feelings, the caretaker hoped she would not be thrown out of his room before she got the chance to speak and apologize for her behavior. She had admitted her wrongdoing many times in his presence. However, it never felt like her apologies were enough to satisfy the stubborn man.
As Rukia approached Byakuya's bed chambers with heavy feet, she began to doubt herself. She had greeted her brother briefly at the Masquerade Ball, but prior to that day, the two had never spoken since her departure. What would she say as soon as she walked in? Her tongue already felt numb and she had yet to even be given permission to enter.
Shortly after leaving her own corridors, Rukia stopped before the double doors inhibiting her from confronting her brother. A line of soldiers on both sides of the door frame stood outside.
"Lady Kuchiki," one of the several guards said formally, "What can I do for you?"
"I would like to speak with the Emperor," the petite woman's body shook from top to bottom with nervousness.
The man in armor looked towards the door and then back to Rukia, "I do not believe he was expecting any visitors."
Rukia brought her clasped hands together in front of her waist and calmly put forth, "It's an urgent matter."
"Very well," the guard noted and left his post to knock on the doors. As soon as he did so, the two doors opened simultaneously, silently giving permission to step into the dark bed chambers. Rukia suddenly was unsure if she was making the right decision to see her brother at this late hour. Wouldn't he be more inclined to tell her to leave? She could not help but to have these thoughts as she slowly stepped inside. The door behind her closed and her only source of bright light from the hallway disappeared.
About twenty feet away from the entrance, Rukia observed the fireplace raging on with a fierce flame. At her feet, an extensive rectangular-shaped carpet led the way to the back of the room, where her brother's library and resting area were located alongside his bed. From a distance, Rukia's lilac eyes were drawn to a figure sitting on one of the three couches by the inviting fire. She was unsure of her next move. Did she approach without permission? It didn't seem like the proper way to go about the situation, considering she had no authority to do so after all this time. However, as she silently pondered, a deep and monotone voice echoed off the walls of the silent room.
"I hope this is urgent, Jushiro," Byakuya tiredly acknowledged the other presence in his bed chambers with him.
At the sound of his slight annoyance heard in his tone, Rukia remained motionless. He did not give the impression of being in the mood to talk about the impending trial that she had come to negotiate about for the sake of Orihime. Nevertheless, it was too late to leave. She had already come this far and it would be cowardly of her to return and tell the Princess she was unable to assist in her plan.
"It's...me, Nii-sama," the younger Kuchiki hesitated the moment she spoke.
There was an immediate pause that hung in the air between the two siblings. Although Rukia could not see him, she sensed an expression of displeasure had formed on her brother's face.
"You may come forward," the man declared at a slow pace.
Not wasting any time, the former aristocrat hurried along the carpet underneath her feet and quickly approached the area of where Byakuya rested, sitting upright on a white couch. His long, raven hair was down for the night, unlike when it was usually styled during the daytime. He also was dressed in a comfortable pink and purple colored kimono. Nothing about him physically has changed, Rukia thought to herself.
In addition, piles of several documents laid before him at the table next to the couch. It appeared as though she had caught him at an importune moment.
"I apologize for disturbing you, Nii-sama," the petite woman quivered anxiously as she stood in front of her stoic brother.
"It is fine," Byakuya affirmed gently, "Please, take a seat".
Rukia bowed respectively and hurriedly sat herself on the opposite sofa facing the Emperor of Japan.
"It's been too long," the twenty-year-old caretaker commented to break the awkward tension.
"Yes, it has been. We did not get to have a proper conversation at the Masquerade Ball. Unfortunately, I could not stay long and I was unable to introduce myself to Orihime Inoue. I hope she was not upset by my rudeness."
The woman shook her head and then faintly smiled to herself, "No, Inoue-sama could never be mad at someone. She's too kind of a person."
After having said that, Byakuya repositioned himself by throwing his legs over the side of the cushions. He then crossed them and raised an elbow on the armrest. Following his new arrangement, his eyes glanced over at Rukia and narrowed them at her.
"It sounds like you and Inoue-sama are indeed close. I'm sure this entire ordeal is very hard for her."
Rukia nervously licked her dry lips, suddenly remembering the reason she had dropped by unannounced to her brother's private chambers in the first place. The beginning of the conversation had been very allusive of her real intent. Consequently, Kaien Shiba's former lover sensed her brother was onto her antics. After all, they were siblings.
"I appreciate you for not throwing me out the moment you saw me," the Emperor's sister proclaimed, "I would understand your decision if you wanted to considering our last encounter was here in this very room."
For a small moment, Byakuya shut his eyes—almost as if he was recollecting the images from the fateful day two years ago. Following the action, he rested his face in the palm of his hand. Subsequently, he fluttered open his eyes again to meet the troubled face of his sister.
"Plenty of time has passed since then," Japan's ruler countered, "I've learned to let things in the past stay where they belong. I should not hold you accountable."
Since she had never been given the chance to speak to Byakuya following the announcement of her betrayal to the country, Rukia desperately sought the answers to her burning questions about the day she was told she would be living with Sora Inoue and his sister.
The petite maiden sat more forward on the couch, her hands balled at her sides as she prepared herself for the repercussions that were bound to come her way.
"If that is true, why did you punish me by sending me away?" Orihime's caretaker tensely inquired about her banishment.
The question did not require Byakuya any time to think about his response. Before he replied, he blew out some trapped air he had been holding within himself and effortlessly raked his fingers through his hair.
"Do you sincerely believe I sent you away because I wanted to see you suffer for your careless actions?" he tested her.
Tears were beginning to cloud her vision as she struggled to find the right words to say, "I'm not sure what your objectives were, Nii-sama."
"Rukia," the ruler of the country called softly to her across the table, the light from the fire flickering upon his pale face, "I had to do what was best for your well-being. When Sora Inoue visited us, I forced him to take you with him because no one would know who you were in the Karakura village. If you remained in the city, your life would have been at risk. The people would simply not stand for adultery to take place in the Imperial Palace. They would have wanted a trial and I would have had to make you pay for your crimes."
Suddenly hearing his brother's side of the story for the first time, Rukia was overcome with a wave of emotion as well as relief. During the time she was separated from Byakuya, it never once crossed her mind that she had been placed with Sora and Orihime Inoue for the sake of her own well-being. All this time having been isolated, the younger Kuchiki honestly believed she had been uprooted from the city to the small kingdom because Byakuya had been repulsed by her infidelities with Kaien. However, it seemed the source of her anxiety were merely just a figment of her own insecurities.
Throughout the entirety of her life, Rukia rarely witnessed her brother express his feelings. Naturally, over time, a nickname had accumulated from various staff members around the palace. As she had learned from one of her handmaidens one evening as she was preparing her bath, her brother had become famously known as the Ice King because of his uncaring personality. Many claimed he was only about politics and never took any real interest in the people of the country. Nonetheless, the small-framed woman believed those rumors to be extremely hurtful. She saw how hard her brother worked to keep the peace and order for the country and its allies. Therefore, since he was always so busy handling matters such as the constant threat of war breaking out, Byakuya's attention was focused on important dealings. He didn't have the time to be every person's friend and Rukia did not blame him for acting reserved. After all, he was a man with a lot on his mind.
Regardless of his unchangeable characteristics, the young Kuchiki loved him for who he was. When the affair was exposed and word reached Byakuya, Rukia instantly recalled how inconsolable she was when Ukitake had come to collect her from her bedroom. She stood before her brother in a heap of wailing sobs. Furthermore, she was barely able to tell her side of the story. Following her confession of the relationship, the Emperor looked down at her from his throne with an expression of disappointment. He did not speak a single word to her.
A few days after, she was called to his bed chambers. It was during that moment, when she was told by the man she respected and by whom she called her brother, she would pack up all of her belongings and leave the Imperial Palace as of effective immediately. As soon as those words exited his lips, Rukia pleaded for him to reconsider his decision. The only thing Byakuya could do was solemnly look on as Ukitake guided her out of the room.
Subsequently, taking into account the two years she had been distant from him, his words gave her a great deal of comfort. Admittedly, she never thought she would see the day where she would get the answers regarding his decision. Now that the truth of the matter was squared away, Rukia managed to calm her restless heart.
With the backs of her hands, Rukia dried away the tears that had unknowingly fallen from her eyes. As she did so, Byakuya remained quiet and observed her closely from his spot.
"I'm sorry," the sister sniffled as she glanced up, "I've spent so much time wondering if you hated me."
Byakuya quietly let a deep chortle, "You are a Kuchiki and therefore, we must stick together despite our previous wrongdoings."
"Speaking of wrongdoings," Rukia interjected before the moment was lost.
"Oh?" the sleepy aristocrat raised his eyebrow, "There's still more that I don't know about?"
"No!" she raised her voice slightly, "This is no longer about my past."
Before continuing, the Emperor of Japan yawned for the hour was approaching close to two in the morning and his day had been busy filled with meetings, "Then, may I ask who it is we are discussing?"
"Inoue-sama and her attacker Ichigo Kurosaki," the friend of the Princess cautiously elaborated.
Her brother's expression remained unchanged when she spoke of the maiden. Instead, he rose from the couch and leisurely walked over to a pot hanging over the fire next to them. Next, he grabbed a ladle and a porcelain cup from the shelf in front of him. Consequently, Byakuya dipped the ladle into the pot and poured a hot liquid into the cup. Once he filled it, he glimpsed over his shoulder and offered Rukia the warm beverage.
The twenty-year-old sprang up from her seat and rushed over to take the cup from his hands. As she returned to the couch, she watched her brother pour himself a cup of hot tea. Shortly after, he sat back across from her and the two siblings connected gazes with each other.
"What is this regarding, specifically?" Byakuya inquired as he cooled his drink before taking a small sip.
"Due to the severity of the situation, on behalf of Inoue-sama, I have come in her place to request a lesser punishment be carried out against Ichigo Kurosaki," Rukia besought to the man who held all of the playing cards in his hands.
With the unexpected demand from his sister, the Emperor was at a loss for what his next choice of words were going to be. Truthfully, he was mildly perplexed. Why in the world would Princess Inoue want her assailant to be given a lighter sentence? The act of rape was not something to be taken lightly. Furthermore, as absurd as it sounded, the adolescent's social status also affected his outcome more than anything else. If he had been related to royal blood, his punishment would consequently have been of a lesser degree.
No matter how one looked at it, Ichigo Kurosaki was a dead man walking.
Having much to consider, Byakuya gently placed his cup down on the table in front of him as he contemplated his thoughts. Meanwhile, Rukia tensely waited for her brother to address her for she knew what she had brought to him was not an easy matter by any means.
"Why does she want this?" Byakuya was intrigued.
After his question, Rukia swallowed a lump in her throat and carefully treaded the subject, "Inoue-sama and Kurosaki are romantically involved. She places no blame on him for what happened."
"Interesting," her sibling nodded to himself, "Does Princess Inoue understand, that under normal conditions, Ichigo Kurosaki would be executed for his crimes?"
"Of course!" the petite woman stressed her friend's intelligence, "She's very aware of the actions that could befall upon him."
"Very well," the Emperor contested as he rose onto his feet, "I will take your words into consideration. The boy will be spared of a quick death."
The conclusion on whether or not Ichigo would be saved from capital punishment was not how Rukia envisioned the conversation ending. At most, she figured Byakuya would acknowledge Princess Inoue and her feelings. However, she did not anticipate her brother deciding to forgo the adolescent's murder altogether simply on the account of her own doing. Regardless, the news would be more than enough to satisfy Orihime!
"Thank you, Nii-sama!" Rukia grinned with immense joy, "Inoue-sama will certainly be pleased with your choice."
Not desiring to further delay her brother from his much needed rest, the young adult gently pushed herself off the sofa and respectfully bowed to Byakuya. When she propped herself back up, she did not speak another word. Rather, she smiled with little effort and turned on her heels in the direction of the door.
For once, in a very long time, Rukia Kuchiki was a woman with no burdens to carry on her shoulders. She and her brother had repaired their broken relationship and she had successfully assisted Orihime in her quest to secure Ichigo's safety from fatal harm.
Now, with nothing to hold her back, the former aristocrat could begin to focus on finding own happiness. Not to mention, she would continue to be a resourceful friend to the Princess. Even with Ichigo's verdict having been changed, the next few days were not going to be pleasant for anyone.