Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Mistaken Identity ❯ Introductions ( Chapter 17 )

Chapter 17

Disclaimer: me no own Bleach

A/N

I seem to start of every chapter with an apology. Gomen.

Sorry for making you all wait again. Sorry for taking too long.

Hope you're all still there for this story.

CHAPTER 17

INTRODUCTIONS

Rukia looked at the small rays of light that filtered through the thick curtains of her room. She sighed and got up from the bed. She could feel the gnawing pain on her head starting to increase in tempo and depth, making it feel as if a heavy gavel was pounding inside her head. It could have been because she was really cursed to suffer for all her life. Or perhaps it was punishment for what she had allowed to happen between her and her fiancée and her not fiancée Ichigo. Or it could also be because of the sleepless night that she had, not getting even a wink of sleep, tossing and turning all night, her mind going through everything that had happened in the last 24 hours of her life.

She sighed and opened the curtains, only to be blinded by the bright early sunlight. Instinctively she closed her eyes and shaded her hand over it, waiting for them to get accustomed to the light. As she stepped out to the open balcony, she saw the whole castle alive and bustling with activity. Guards were busily patrolling the grounds, while maids roamed hastily to do whatever duties and biddings that they have to.

She sighed once again, and thought how uncomplicated other people's lives were. So what if they had to work and toil every hour of the day? So what if they couldn't buy all the material things that they wanted? At least they are free. Free to think and act on their own. Free to live their lives as they choose to.

“Rukia sama, your brother wants your presence in the dining hall”

It wasn't the request, or rather order relayed by Orihime that had her heart racing with anxiety. Rather it was the way she had said it. There was a light teasing, almost excited infliction in her voice when she had informed her of her brother's request. That had her glaring at Orihime.

Her eyes locked on the gray eyes of her friend, effectively asking the question which she has not even voiced out. Her arms crossing in her chest, foot tapping on the floor, waiting for the answer to her question.

“There is no time for that Rukia sama! We must hurry!” Orihime was already rummaging inside her closet, discarding one gown after the other, while muttering “too plain” or “dull” or something of the same context.

“Hime!' she said angrily, quite irritated that said girl has just effectively disregarded her. There was an urgency and vibrancy in Orihime's movements that just increased Rukia's trepidation. She slowly went back to her bed intent on lying back down and sleeping off the ever constant banging inside her head. Whatever her brother wants, it could wait. It wasn't often that she used the worn out “indisposed” reason that other females love to wail out. But it she was not averse to using it if it was for her own gain.

A loud squeal sent her plopping down on the hard floor, instead of sitting in the soft comfort of her bed. “Dammit Hime!” As if her pounding head was not enough, her butt now hurts as well.

Said girl gasped as she heard the young princess use such foul language. But it did not deter her in her quick movements nor did it stop her concentration in whatever she was doing inside the closet. She looked at the pale purple morning dress, adorned with pink sakura petals on the front with silk white lining and piping. It was perfect! Just imagining how beautiful the young princess would look in the said dress had her grinning from ear to ear. The prince would definitely approve of it. And her fiancée, she can't wait to see his reaction when he sees how utterly beautiful her young ward was. She giggled to herself, oh, she was such a good lady in waiting . Infact, with this, she could even be the best in all the land!

“Tada!” she said excitedly whirling around showing the dress to the princess. “Eh, Rukia sama, what are you doing sitting on the floor?” she asked curiously. “Anyway!” she said immediately effectively cutting off the tirade of insults from Rukia, she walked briskly towards the bed placing the dress gently on the soft cushions. She then pulled the still fuming princess up and started to push her to the direction of the bathroom. “We have no time for small talk princess! The Prince is already waiting for you at the dining hall! We can't make the Prince wait!”

Rukia never thought that Orihime was this strong. Everytime she opens her mouth to speak, a small `tsk' could be heard from Orihime, while her hands were constantly pulling and prodding, not leaving any opening for Rukia to get away from her skilled hands.

Soon Rukia found herself dressed and sitting in front of the mirror, with Orihime quietly but seriously worked on her hair. With an irritated puff “Orihime, it's just breakfast with nii-sama, I'm sure he wouldn't mind if my hair was not... OUCH! That hurts Hime!”

With another `tsk' Orihime set Rukia's head again in the right angle and continued to put pins to control her silky tresses. “A princess should always look regal, whenever, wherever!”

Rukia rolled her eyes, but completely staying put. She doesn't want another `accidental' pin prick in her scalp. The way that Orihime said it, it was like a life saving mantra that should be religiously followed and those who do not would be stoned, or rather pricked to death.

Rukia looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was almost done. She was wearing a nice dress. The jewelry was exquisite. But somehow, the girl looking back at her seemed ill fitted in the opulent scenario. At first glance, she looked all dolled up but if you squint closely you will see. See the dull and tired look in her eyes. And even traces of those dark circles around her eyes. God, she looked tired. It was no wonder actually. She felt tired. She felt old. She felt caged. She felt oppressed. She felt, dammit, she felt... with a drop of her shoulders, she felt resigned. There was nothing that she could do anyway. Her brother has already decided. There was not a thing that she could do.

“Now, now, Princess, don't frown, you will have wrinkles!” She looked at her now quiet and despondent ward. Slowly putting both her hands on her shoulders, “Your brother has a surprise for you Rukia sama, so don't look too sad, ok?”

Rukia scoffed. The last time her dear brother gave her a surprise, she ended up being engaged to a stranger. Before she could say what was in her mind, a knock was heard from her door.

“It's open Ulqui!” Orihime said happily. Rukia's eyebrows arched up. Sometimes it was creepy the way Orihime would always know where Ulquiorra was was.

Said knight stepped inside her room with a pissed off look. With a regal bow “Princess” and a nod “Inoue”

Rukia was pulled up to her feet by a giddy Orihime “Ulqui! Look at Princess Rukia! Isn't she beautiful!” she said as she turned her around for closer inspection from the royal knight.

“Yes, of course” he answered solemnly.

“Princess, Are you ready? I am here to escort you to the morning room where his highness is waiting”

Without waiting for her to answer, Orihime pushed her towards Ulquiorra giggling happily. “Of course she is ready! Have fun Princess!” She said while still pushing her and Ulquiorra out of the room.

“What the...” a cough from Ulquiprra stopped her from her rant. “Princess?” he said as her offered his arm to her.

“No!” she said as she crossed her arms in front of her. “Tell me what this is! Now Ulqui!” Oh no, she was not budging one inch from where she is now until she knows exactly what was going on.

Said royal knight looked at the haughty face and cold eyes of the princess. Sometimes it was scray how very similar the two Kuchiki nobles are. Maybe it really runs in the family genes.

With a sigh he looked straight into the princess' eyes “Do you trust your brother Rukia sama?” he asked quietly.

“No!” she said not losing the haughty air. “not after all of this!”

“Has your brother ever put you in danger your highness? Has he ever abandoned you? Has there ever been a instance that you got hurt while under his care?”

Rukia's shoulders drooped. “No” she answered in a feeble voice. It was true. Ever since their parents died, It was her brother who have raised her. When she was younger, her nii sama would stay with her until she could sleep, wrapping her in his warm arms stroking her hair lightly. She didn't know why, maybe she grew up, or maybe he matured as well, but through the years, they have both grown so distant.

“Princess” Uluiorra said, his eyes boring into hers “Trust your brother.”

##################

Byakuya sighed as he rested his head on the back rest of his chair. He has kept his unwanted visitors in the morning room to wait and stew. Thinking of the gaki currently enjoying the comforts of the Kuchuki palace makes his blood boil over. There was no hurry really. He wanted them to wait longer than is necessary. Not his fault. They came unannounced and unwanted.

Dammit! What was the old man thinking of promising his sisters hand in marriage to that imbecile?! And it seems that it was that imbeciles plan to annoy the hell out of him. He swears, he has never been more stressed out in his entire life than now.

His eyes crinkled into slits as he felt the ryoka's reiatsu approaching the palace walls at 7 effing 30 in the morning. He had rescheduled the meeting at lunch time, and yet there they were, disturbing his perfectly arranged schedule so fucking early in the morning! His hands balled into fists, breathing deeply, counting to ten, trying so hard to curb his anger.

He still could not understand why the hell his grandfather promised Rukia's hand to that stupid boy. His grandfather knew how protective he was with Rukia. How in the fucking world did that damn fruithead get his own grandfather to agree to this?

A knock on the door stopped his thoughts as a guard informed him that his sister was now on her way to the dining room. He stood up and composed himself. It was time.

#########################

“Fucking noble ass!” Ichigo said loudly as he paced up and down inside the room that they were ushered in. He could not believe the rudeness that they were just and is still is being subjected to. “Of all the fucking bastards!”

“Maybe if we just came at the appointed time, we would not be treated like this!” Ishida growled out. Annoyed at being woken up at friggin 4 in the morning just to be dragged to this empty hole and being subjected to such rude treatment.

“Who the hell said that surprise and tact was our best weapon against that fucking stick up my ass bastard?” Ichigo hissed back.

“Whatever!” Although Ishida could not totally find fault in Ichigo's plan. Yeah he did say that but he never thought that this was the plan that Ichigo would form due to his words. H told him that being unpredictable and surprising the Kuchiki prince would be to their advantage. He bets that the prince is now stewing in ire over the fact that they have totally overhauled his entire daily schedule by being here in the morning instead of the appointed noontime. He just never thought that the prince would retaliate by letting them wait for more than an hour for his presence. Scratch that, he could bet that if it was totally left to the prince he would let them rot in this room until noon when the actual scheduled meeting were supposed to take place.

“Noble my ass! Doesn't he know that it is rude to make your visitors wait?!”

“Ichigo, sit down” Ishida said resignedly “I bet the prince is seething in his room right now because we came earlier than expected. This is just his way of showing is that he is still the lord over this domain

Ichigo scratched his head, his angry scowl never leaving his face. They have been waiting for almost two hours now. And not they have not even seen the prince. He was deliberately making them wait and Ichigo hates the fact that Rukia's brother was such a pain in the ass. He was actually excited to see Rukia. Hence the reason why he did not want to wait till noon. He wanted to clear everything between the two of them. Her statement last night still rankles in his brain and rattles his nerves.

Ichigo looked at his two companions. He could see that although Ishida was lounging comfortably in the chair, the said quincy was already plotting ways to get even. Che... Ishida was just as hot headed as he was, just a little bit less impulsive, hot headed non the less.

Ichigo the glanced at Chad who was quite preoccupied with the caged bird by the widow. He shrugged his head, at least one of them was enjoying his time.

He sat down and looked out the wall to wall windows. He tried to think of everything that has happened in the last 18 hours. He still could not believe how lucky he was that everything seems to be falling perfectly into place with Rukia. He was going to marry the midget. Inside he was smiling widely. Rukia, who knew that that short stuff who turned his world upside down, figuratively and literary that is, from the very first meeting was the very same girl he was engaged to?

The only slight blight in his world was her over protective cold as ice stick rammed up his ass brother. Instinctively he rubbed the still sore spot in his neck where the prince nicked him with the sword. It was a good thing that Toshiro came and stopped the maniac prince from slicing his throat. He scoffed at the thought, psh, that pansy prince could never defeat me. Not in a million years. Not when it was Rukia who is on the line.

All three of them stood up as a guard entered the room. “Sir, the prince is awaiting your presence in the dining room.”

Ichigo stood up immediately and followed the guard out of the room. With a small nod to his companions, he headed towards where the prince and Rukia was.

It's show time.

###################################

Shuuhei has been looking all over for Renji. The stupid pineapple head was nowhere to be found since the party. Dammit Renji, where the fuck are you? Then he stopped dead in his tracks. “No” he breathed. He would not be so stupid to do that. “Fuck!” he said aloud as he started running towards the one place that no sane man would venture into willingly, the penitentiary room. If the pressure inside the penitentiary room hasn't killed the SOB yet, then Shuuhei swore that he would kill him himself.

####################################

Renji could not feel his legs. Nor his arms. He doesn't know how long he has been inside the penitentiary room. He could not even gauge how long Ichimaru toyed with him, flagging him, smiling at his own pain and misery. All he could remember was his maniacal smile as he looked down on him and called him a worthless piece of shit.

His hands tightened into fists. He was not worthless dammit!

He tried to move, but even the simple act of breathing was causing him so much pain. Thankfully, he was already outside the cursed room. It took all of his remaining strength just to crawl out of the room. He moved his head slowly, trying to see how far he was from the open air and from help and could not stop the helplessness that ran through him at the sight of the still long passageway. He could not even see the steps that would take him up to the real world.

Renji rested his head on the dirty floor. He could not help but pity his current situation. Maybe Shuuhei was right. Rukia was really out of his league. He was truly not worthy to be with her. She is a princess. A beautiful noble. While he was nothing. He may be a knight. But his skills were below the level of a real knight. He was weak. He was a weak, pathetic excuse of knight. Ichimaru was right, he is a worthless piece of shit.

He sighed again, closing his eyes, surrendering to the calm blanket of blankness, unaware of a lone tear that trailed down his dirt smudged and bruised cheek..

##################################

Rukia kept her silence as she walked side by side with Ulquiorra. His words still playing in her mind. Trust your brother he said. She does. She trusts her brother implicitly. He was the only one she has. And she knew, in his own way, that her nii-sama loves her. He may not be the one for words and such. But he has taken care of her. He has always been there for her. Supporting her. Giving her all everything and much more than she could ask for. That was why it was so hard for her to understand how he could have done this to her. That is why it was much more painful for her because never in her wildest dreams has she even thought that he would allow her to be in this situation.

“Rukia” She flinched as Byakuya called her. She was so deep in thought that she did not even notice that they were now standing in front of her brother's office and that her brother was there, waiting for then.

“Nii-sama” she said quietly, bowing down.

He did not say anything more, but instead offered his arm to her. She looked at him in the eye, not even acknowledging his actions. She stared at her brother. Letting him see the confusion and hurt in her eyes. Silently asking him the questions that she could not verbalize. She tried to see behind his mask. Behind the indifferent cold eyes.

Byakuya ached seeing the uncertainty and hurt in his sisters eyes. If he could only shield her from everything, he would. Sadly, This is one instance that he could not. For a moment he opened himself in front of his sister.

She understood what her brother wants to say. And for this instance, she would trust him. With a deep breath, she composed herself and took his offered arm. Her brother wanted her trust and cooperation. And she would give it. Whatever else that was going in his mind, she doesn't know, but she will let him handle it. As he has been doing all her life.

#####################################

“His royal highness, Prince Byakuya, and Princess Rukia”

Ichigo and the other two stood up straight as the butler announced the arrival of their host.

Finally, Chad thought.

Prick, Ishida thought.

“Rukia” Ichigo whispered to himself. He could not contain the excitement his chest. Finally, they could openly talk. Brother or no brother, they will talk.

Rukia kept her head held high, her eyes straight in front but not actually seeing what's ahead. Her face blank. Pulling off the cool haughty Kuchiki facade perfectly to the tee. Nothing would and could faze her now. She was the cool, collected and poised princess.

Byakuya almost grinned at the regal way Rukia was carrying herself. And the trust that she had bestowed to him. He will not let her down. He scanned the room and his eyes landed on the orange head buffoon. His eyes slanted, but other than that, there was no outward sign that Byakuya gave to acknowledge their unwanted guest.

He deposited Rukia by the side of her chair and went towards his place at the head of the table. He waited patiently as his butler ushered the three idiots to the other end of the table.

Ichigo's eyes twitched in annoyance as he saw how they were seated. Byakuya was sitting at the head of the table. And there at his ride side was her Rukia, sitting quietly, not even looking in their direction. While they were at the other end of the long table that seats a fucking hundred not counting the head and tail of the said table.

He stood up abruptly, intent on letting the stuck up noble know his thoughts but a kick in the shin from Ishida stopped him. “Sit down” he said not even looking at him.

“Ichigo” Chad said as well, his head shaking left and right.

He clenched his fists tightly, trying very hard to reign in his temper. Slowly he sat down again, but his eyes were still aimed at the prick of a prince. “This better be fucking good Ishida” he said with clenched teeth, still looking murderous.

If Byakuya was one for facial expressions, he would have smiled like a grinning canary who had caught a worm so effortlessly. He saw the reaction the gaki had when he saw the seating plan. It was exactly the reaction he was expecting. Too bad his companions stopped his tirade. He would have loved to kick him out of the palace because of his gruff behaviour which was definitely not good for his innocent sister. But of course, he could not smile, so he settled for a small victory dance in his head.

Rukia was very curious by now. She wanted this breakfast to be over already. Who the fucking serves an 11 course meal breakfast anyway? It was breakfast for crying out loud! Dammit, she wanted to see who is her fiancée! Since that night, she could not help but imagine a face for the mysterious stranger. She was fighting with herself, fighting the urge to look to her left and see him. Gods, the suspense is killing her.

Now she knew why Orihime, who was a hopeless romantic, was so excited this morning. She probably see this in her own rose colored world where the guy could not wait a minute longer to see his betrothed. She almost scoffed at the thought. Their engagement was nothing like those stories that Orihime loves to read. Where the hero was dashing, strong and gallant. Hers was, well, he was mysterious, and a good kisser, she could give him that. She could feel her cheeks reddening at the thought of their kiss. But he was not gallant not dashing. He fucking fainted the first time he saw her!

A slight coughing sound broke her thoughts and she saw her brother stand up, signalling the end of breakfast. About the fucking time too she thought. She daintily wiped her mouth with the napkin and waited for her brother to escort her. She could hear some scuffling sounds fro the other end of the table and it took all of her will not to look. Poise Rukia, you have to look poised and regal. No peeking! She told herself sternly.

She saw Ulquiorra appear in front of them. She lost the cold facade the moment she heard her brother's words. “But nii-sama???” she stopped abruptly as he fixed his cold stare on her, immediately drying out whatever protest she could have uttered.

“The plan was just to let you have breakfast with your betrothed, which you already did. I will not repeat myself twice Rukia” he said as he lifted her hand from his arm and placed on Ulquiorra's. It was the truth. Yama-ji ordered for the two to have breakfasts and dinners together. To facilitate their' getting to know' each other stage. And he followed it. They just had breakfast together. Whether they were more than 30 feet apart during breakfast was irrelevant. There was no mention of width and distance in the royal decree.

“H-Hai nii-sama” Rukia said quietly, not wanting to make a scene. Quietly she allowed Ulquiorra to steer her out of the dining room. It doesn't make sense. But then when has her brother made sense to her nowadays anyway?

She took three steps and stopped short as she heard a very familiar voice call out.

“Oi!” a loud voice broke the silence in the dining room. He saw her being ushered out of the dining room and he just lost all reason. He will not take it anymore. Enough of this fucking schemes. He will not tolerate it anymore.

Rukia held her breath. That voice... oh dear god... no... . She stood there, unmoving, She could hear footsteps running towards them. She heard her brother order Ulquiorra to take her out of the room immediately. But her feet seemed glued to the floor. It can't be, her mind screamed.

“Where the hell to you think you're taking my fiancée?” he said. He would not allow it! They have not even said a single word to each other! No way in hell will he let that stuck up prick to take Rukia away from him!

In an instant, Ulquiorra was there in front of him, blocking his way. The cold soulless eyes of the royal knight daring him to take one step further.

Fiancee? Did she hear him right? What the hell was he saying? Slowly, she turned around, as she was on automatic. Not even Byakuya's hold on her arm could stop her from validating what her ears was telling her. Her heart was doing summersault inside her chest, her throat felt dry. Her eyes searched for the owner of the voice.

Rukia's breath hitched as her eyes landed on the familiar orange hair, amber eyed scowling idiot. “I-ichi-go?” her voice sounded like a cross between a whisper and a croak. “You... you're??” she could not finish the question. Dear gods help her. She looked beseechingly to her brother “He-he's???”

The almost imperceptible nod from her brother had her knees shaking. Surely fate was playing a dirty trick in her life.

Slowly, she stepped towards him. She was dimly aware of Byakuya calling her name, she took another step.

“Move Ulquiorra” she said, There was something in her stance, her look, her tone that had the Royal guard doing exactly as he was told.

Ichigo smirked as Ulquiorra backed away. He smirked at is midget and waited till she was directly in front of him.

“Hey midget” he said. He could not help but smile at the surprised look in Rukia's face. It was damn funny.

“Ichigo” she said. Ichigo could not smile wider hearing her call his name. It just felt so right hearing her say his name. He wanted to grab her. Wanted to kiss her, to wrap his arms around her petite frame.

Then everything went black around him.

A/N

There, a new chapter. Hope it come up to scratch with your expectations.

I still do not know when I can update again. And i am sorry for that in advance. But again, I will say it again, I am not discontinuing this story. Neither will I discontinue Twisted Fate. It just might take longer than originally planned but I will try and finish them. So please just be very patient with me.

And honestly, the manga episodes are not helping each other. It has been a disappointment week after week. Im so sad. I mean Bleach is about soul reapers, shinigami's, Bleach cannot be bleach with the two main protagonist. The story is veering off the original plot. It would have been nice if it was developing into a more intricate storyline, but in all honesty, it had started to suck the moment Ichigo lost his powers.

Even the characters and how they look like is crappy. Hmmm.... sorry, just could not contain my disappointment in the manga.

Anyway, PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW! IT WOULD MAKE ME UPDATE FASTER IF I HAVE THE RIGHT INCENTIVE... WHICH IS YOUR REVIEWS.

REVIEW!!!!

REVIEW!!!

REVIEW!!!