73A/N: Not modern AU. Where these Articles, but not limited to, still applies:
Article 4: The emperor is head of the Empire, combining in Himself, the rights of sovereignty
Article 8: The emperor can issue Imperial Ordinances as necessary to maintain public safety or to avert public calamities in place of the law
Disclaimer: All Kubo Tite's
Chapter 10
The five friends who were about to step out stopped and faced the elders again.
"Weapon?" Ichigo asked. He felt hope arising in his chest. Fear had started to creep in his stomach when he heard Rangiku's announcement about the upcoming war. Because however he thinks of it, he knew they will be outnumbered. Any strategy he thinks is still not enough to win the war. He knew the government's force, plus the aid of the two countries reporting to Aizen, not to mention the rebels. Now that he has learned the truth about his family, about the group's true motive, he will do all he can to protect them.
"What is this weapon, father?" Rukia asked as well. All the younger ones were rigidly standing. They have all been thinking hard about the threat. All of them, except Orihime, knew that if this war happens, then this will be the biggest and hardest they will be facing so far.
Jushiro remained bowed. His face is constricted. He couldn't comprehend whether he felt more guilty, or sad or scared. Unohana reached for him again. "It's time, Ju. You have to let go." She said soothingly.
Jushiro took a deep breath, he locked his gaze at Rukia and said "There might be a way to prevent the upcoming war. The same way it stopped the first battle... To get the Emperor to halt the invasion and to get him on our side." Jushiro started.
"But you said that the Emperor doesn't care about Rinjin anymore, he even allowed the second attempt." Rukia asked, confused. "How can we ask for his help?"
"I believe Kisuke is handling that matter. He might have met Gin in the Capitol. I am always amazed how fast that man's brains works. We just hope he will succeed. Although, whatever the Emperor's decision will be, if I am to guess, knowing Aizen, the war will still happen." Shunsui said, still deep in thought.
"How so? Is he afraid Aizen might kill him too? Was that easy to kill an Emperor now?" Renji asked.
Shunsui responded "No. From what little I knew of the present Emperor, he is stronger that his father. I don't think he will be afraid of Aizen."
"Then why would he allow this invasion? Why wouldn't he stop Aizen?" Orihime asked. She is praying so hard for this war they're talking about wouldn't happen. She couldn't bear the thought that she might lose any one of them.
"He can, but he needs a reason to. You see, one of the roles of Emperor is to unite countries. It is still a mystery to us why the late Emperor had allowed Rinjin's independence. The present Emperor was just following the law. Hence, if we want him on our side, then we need to convince him." Masaki explained.
"Then we should tell him that Aizen was the one who killed his father. I'm sure the Emperor will not trust Aizen anymore. He will even sentenced him to death, right?" Rukia suggested.
"It's not that easy, princess. He will need evidence. If there is another thing that Aizen was good at, it was to manipulate people." Jushiro sighed. If only that were easy, he thought.
"Then what can we show him? How about that weapon you are talking about? What is that weapon, father? Will that really help?" Rukia asked, desperately. She too, as much as she wanted to bring down Aizen, she wouldn't want any of her comrades to get hurt, or worst get killed.
Grimmjow felt his hand was squeezed tightly. He looked down and saw Rukia is still gripping his fingers. He has been listening intently as well. If they could not prevent the imminent bloodshed then he will just have to be prepared and do all he can to fight back and protect the ones he hold dear. He'll be damned if he let Aizen do what he did to his parents again. He gripped her hand back.
"In order to convince him, he will need to know everything that Aizen did and what he's been doing to the country, supported with evidence. Most of all, he need to know that the princess, his daughter is alive. We believe that will make him side with us. Although, I'm sure, Aizen will just repeat what he did before. Hence, it will put all the royal family in danger." Shunsui said, staring intently at Rukia.
Rangiku's eyes widen. She now have a clear idea about this weapon.
"Are you saying the princess is actually alive? Where is she? Let's find her." Ichigo declared. His hope is increasing. If bringing the Princess back to the palace will secure the safety of these people around him, then he will search for this princess by all means and drag her to the palace himself.
"That's right, father, do you know where she is? When we find her, we will reunite her to her parents and then we'll protect the palace, the royal family, especially the princess." Rukia declared. Ichigo, Grimmjow and Renji nodded in agreement.
"No need to search for her, princess, for she is with us." Jushiro said. He locked his eyes on Rukia. His eyes are trying to convey the message.
Rukia opened her mouth to protest, then she realized what he said. The princess is among us? She looked at her father again, her father who is looking at her with piercing but melancholy eyes. What is he trying to tell me? He had said the princess is among them. Princess… Why was his father always calling her 'princess' again? Unless.. Rukia's eyes widen. It dawned to her like an avalanche of ice.
"Father, what are you trying to say?" Rukia asked in a small voice. Her heart is running wild, she's starting to feel cold.
Grimmjow looked down at Rukia when he felt her hand has gone so cold. Her small voice also made Ichigo to look at Rukia, then he scowled when he saw their joined hands.
"Yes, princess, it's exactly what you think it is." Jushiro confirmed. Rukia's naturally big eyes widens even more.
Ichigo, Grimmjow, Renji and Orihime looked back and forth to the father and daughter. All wondering what was transpiring between them.
Rangiku on the other hand realized it before them. She was amused but slightly annoyed as she was the only one inside the tent, aside from these youngsters, that was not in on this secret.
"What is happening?" Ichigo asked his mother. Masaki looked at Jushiro who is still looking at Rukia with the most guilty face she had ever seen him wore. She sighed. Somebody has to drop the bomb.
"There was no need to search for the princess for the princess is standing here among us." Masaki announced while looking at Rukia. The younger ones' were stunned. Their mouths agape. Realization came to them.
Rukia was all along…. a princess? And she was the 'weapon'!? All thought, disbelievingly.
Rukia released Grimmjow's hand and sat down. She felt her legs lost all its bones. She's trying to register what they just said.
"I'm very sorry, princess. Believe me I tried several times to give you back to your parents but I couldn't go through with it. I couldn't let you go." Jushiro pleaded. His pale face lost its color even more. Yes, he have tried, but he knew in his heart, he did not really put all his effort. Because the moment he carried Rukia in his arms, he knew it will be very hard for him to let her go anymore. He loved Rukia like she was his own daughter.
Unohana spoke in defense of Jushiro "He tried, dear. But he's afraid that Aizen might try to kill you again. Not just you but your parents too. You see, it was Aizen who reported to the Emperor that your kidnapper died when his house was burned down and you among with him. If you suddenly appeared alive, Aizen will be threatened. We knew Aizen wouldn't let anyone hinder his ambition even if it were the Royal Family."
"I thought you would be safer here with us. I know it's very selfish of me. Please forgive me, princess." Jushiro pleaded.
"How did I come to you? I thought Aizen ordered the princess, I mean me to be killed?" Rukia asked. Her mind is still processing a lot of things.
"As Shunsui told you, we were coached to enter politics, when Aizen became the Prime Minister, we were asked to become his Advisors. We were able to monitor him for a few years. But just like in our school days, our views clashes often. He did not like it. Later on, we were appointed as districts representatives in the farthest region, west. I still think he is regretting this decision now. Nevertheless, we didn't turn our eyes off him. We were able to hinder some of his invasion attempts, but I apologized we were not able to stop him from killing your grandfather." Jushiro heaved a sigh.
Kyurako continued. "But Jushiro did everything he can to save you, princess. He tracked the place where Aizen kept you. We were almost too late, because Aizen was just leaving the house which was lit in fire, he burn down the house with you inside. Jushiro rushed in to see if he can still save you. We were so relieved when he came out cradling you in his arms. You were very brave then, you didn't even cry." He smiled at Rukia.
"When we got you, we arranged to inform the Emperor immediately. We were almost at the palace when we saw Aizen was getting out of there. We retreated and surveyed the palace. We found out that a lot of the guards there, even the closest to the Emperor and the Empress, were Aizen's men. They report to him. So we decided to keep you even if it is not the right thing to do."
Rukia sighed. She tried to search her feelings. Is she mad? No, she couldn't find it in her heart to get mad at her father, her father who saved her and has done nothing but love her. If she is to guess what she is feeling then she thinks she's actually happy, happy that her real parents are still alive. If she was brought back to the palace before then she wouldn't have met these amazing people surrounding her. She wouldn't have known what it really meant to protect and help people. Most of all, she wouldn't have known what really happened to her grandfather and the Prime Minister's evil nature. Up to this point, she's happy for what she has become. She's happy that they treated her like anyone else. That her father has let her to be the person she wants to be.
She took a deep breath "I'm not mad at you, father. If anything, I'm grateful. I understand that you did what you thought is the best for me and I'm thankful for that. But, if it's okay, I want to meet my parents. I will tell them everything. This time, I will protect them."Rukia declared with resolve.
"Princess, once you entered the palace, you will have to assume the role of a princess. You cannot fight like us anymore." Masaki said, gently. She knew, once her parents knows of her, she's sure they will not let their daughter out of their sight anymore. Also, as a Royal, she have obligations to the country. Masaki should know, her father had been begging for her to come home, to Rinjin.
Ichigo still couldn't fully recover from the fact that Rukia was almost killed when she was still a baby, couldn't control his body tremble when he realized that had Aizen succeeded, he wouldn't have met this amazing woman beside him. If Rukia is safer in the palace then that's where she should be. After the battle, he could ask his superior to assigned him there as her guard. So he seconded his mother "That's right. Leave it to us to protect you and your parents."
"No! I will fight here with you all. I will not stay in the palace and stand there looking useless. I don't care about princess roles or whatever!" Rukia stubbornly said. She even stomped her foot for added emphasis.
"Here we go again. Just like the old days." Ichigo muttered. "Midget, don't be stubborn and do what you are told." Ichigo said louder.
"You weren't able to stop me from fighting before, what makes you think I will obey you this time eh, Ichi-poo?" Rukia smirked.
Ichigo still tried. "Tch! This is different, midget. You weren't a target before. It would be best if you just stay in your pink chamber or wherever princesses sleeps this days and wait there until it is safe for you to come out." Even as Ichigo said this, he knew there is no way in hell Rukia would adhere to him. It's just wasn't who she is. But if there is even a slight chance that she would listen then he will gladly try his luck.
"You wish, captain. I will ask the palace to be shifted here if I have to. Here, where I can protect them. I am not a damsel in distress. " Rukia stubbornly said, glaring at him challengingly.
Of course. He should have known better. He looked annoyed but in the depth of his mind, he would want her where he can see her, and that is beside him.
"Let her fight, Ichi. With the three of us in front her, she won't even have to lift her finger." Grimmjow said. Renji nodded. Hell, even they don't want her to be in the crossfire, but they both know there's no use wasting their breath telling Rukia off.
"Beside you, not in front." Rukia corrected. Rangiku chuckled. She wouldn't want to be behind anyone either.
Ichigo tsk-ed again. "Fine. This is both your fault, anyway. You are always tolerating her." Ichigo said to his male friends with a smirk. The feeling of camaraderie came back to him full force. He really felt at ease now with his friends, even with the looming threat.
"Then it's settled, we have to plan on how to get in touch with the Emperor without Aizen knowing. There's also the matter of your parents' safety. Time is of the essence. Just going to the capitol will take days not to mention getting around Aizen's spies."Shunsui said, scratching his face. His brain is running all the alternatives.
"Don't concern yourself with that trouble anymore, my friend. Instead of going there, I brought the man himself here." Announced by a figure in the tent entrance. All heads turned to the speaker. It was Yuroichi's husband- Kisuke Urahara, with another person in a hood. Said person step ahead of Kisuke and removed his hood. All people's eyes there widens in shocked and disbelief.
"His Majesty.." someone whispered.
The emperor walked forward and all the people got over their shock and bowed. The Emperor remained stoic. When they straighten up only then the Emperor started to look at all of them. He looked at the people's faces and scrutinize each one of them, and that expressionless face shifted only when it landed on Rukia. His eyes that were looking coldly up until now widens a little. Then his face softens...
"Rukia..." The Emperor whispered.
Rukia doesn't know what to react. This is all becoming too much for her. Only a few minutes ago that she just learned Jushiro was not really his father and that she was a princess born to a Royal family. And now that Royal family is in front her. Her biological father, the Emperor himself.
"His Majesty" Rukia said. Was she supposed to call him that? She's not sure.
The Emperor took a step towards Rukia. He stopped only when she was within his reach. He studied her. Then he extended his hand and touched her cheek with his finger fleetingly, as if to only make sure she's real. Then he closed their gap and embraced his daughter. There is no doubt in the Emperor's heart that she is his daughter, she looks so much like his dear wife, there is no mistaking it. His heart couldn't contain his happiness. Their daughter is alive after all.
Jushiro's heart is breaking. He had prepared himself for a long time that he will lose his daughter eventually. That he needs to return her to the palace where she belongs. Now the time has come. His real father is here to take his princess from him.
He is also prepared for the repercussion of his actions. Be it his life.
Rukia felt the Emperor's body is trembling. He is warm, she thinks. She hugged him too, she felt herself relaxed in his embrace.
After a few moment, they released each other.
"How did you managed to bring the Emperor here?" Whispered Shunsui to Kisuke.
"Simple, I showed him these." Kisuke said, with a sly face. In his hands are pictures of Rukia from when she was just a baby, when she was in elementary, in high school and recent ones.
Shunsui nodded. He knew Kisuke told the Emperor more than he let on. But the pictures might have been his last card.
"Now I understand why father forbids Rukia to cut her hair. Princesses supposed to have long hair, right?" Renji asked to no one.
"I knew it. I have always thought Rukia has the traits of a princess, I just did not thought that she's really one." Orihime said.
Ichigo and Grimmjow's eyes are still boring on Rukia who is conversing with her father. Grimmjow chuckled bitterly. He had thought before that when he finally had the guts to confess to her then he might have a slight chance that she will accept him, now though, that slight chance was obliterated entirely. He felt a painful tug in his heart. I knew she's too good for me, he thought.
Isshin approached Ichigo, he slung his arm in his shoulder and whispered "Don't worry, son. You will still have a shot at my third daughter. You are technically a 'Prince' in Rinjin, anyway. Besides, your grandfather is friends with the late Emperor."
Ichigo shrugged his father's arm. "What are talking about? Get off me."
"How is mother, father?" Rukia asked the Emperor who is still patting her head.
"She's is going to be alright when she sees you." The Emperor told her. Rukia smiled. She couldn't wait to see her mother, too.
Kisuke cleared his throat, loudly. All eyes except the Emperor turned to him. "So, what's it gonna be, Byakuya? As Shunsui said, time is of the essence." He asked, casually.
The Emperor's eyes turned coldly at him. Kisuke smirked. He knew he will get away by calling the Emperor casually since they're far from the palace. He knew the Emperor from when he was young. His governess was his wife, after all. He also taught him swordsmanship for a short time.
"I will remove him from his position and put him in jail along with his cronies. He will be sentenced to death. I will protect my family myself." Byakuya announced. He felt that putting him in jail and not killing him straight out is not enough for killing his father and for almost killing his daughter. For making a fool out of him. For trampling the honor of his family. For feeding him so many lies, for manipulating him. But if there is one thing he overruled in the many decree Aizen had asked him to approve is that he did not approve of sentencing a person to death without due process.
Rukia looked at Byakuya and saw conviction in his face. He had said he will protect her and her mother. She turned to Jushiro with pleading eyes and hurriedly said "Father, tell him what Aizen can do, what he is planning to do. Tell him everything."
Byakuya took her hand and said "I have heard everything I need to know about him, Rukia. I am not afraid of him. We will be safe in our house."
"But…, what do you mean 'we' and.. and 'safe in our house'? Rukia is starting to feel rebellious already.
"It is as I said. We, meaning you, me and your mother. You will leave this place with me today." Byakuya informed her, in an irrefutable voice.
Rukia's friends were listening attentively. They were starting to feel amused. Even the elders who knows Rukia. How are you going to wiggle your way out of this now, Rukia?
Rukia opened her mouth to protest but stopped when her eyes landed on Ichigo who is smirking at her. She clamped her mouth and huffed. Then she squared her shoulders, opened her mouth again and said "I will meet mother but I am not staying in the palace. I want to be here and fight." She stomped her foot again.
Her father, the Emperor is not amused. "Princess, there will be no war happening. Once Aizen is removed, all soldiers will follow the new Prime Minister. I will carefully choose the next one that there will be no need for this group."
"Then, choose father-" Rukia pointed to Jushiro "or Sir Shunsui to be the next Prime Minister." Rukia said without a second thought.
Jushiro was taken aback. Then sighed "Princess, you don't know what you are saying."
Rukia went and sit in between Shunsui and Jushiro "Look at it, father, you knew the wrongdoings of Aizen. You can make them right. You are the most impartial person in the world. With this position, we can easily reach out for the less fortunate people in all the farthest regions. I knew you hated that we had to resort to fighting. Father is right,.." This time she pointed to Byakuya. "We won't have to fight anymore. Besides, didn't Sir Shunsui said earlier, you two were groomed to enter politics when you were younger?"
"If I were to stay in the capitol, then I want you near me." Rukia added in a small voice.
Jushiro held her hand tight "As much as I want to, princess, my health won't allow it, besides, my life has always been centered here in west. Shunsui would be much better candidate for the position."
"Okay, but you have to come with me. You and Renji and Ms. Unohana too. If not, then I will stay here with you." Rukia firmly said. She then turned to Shunsui. "You will accept the position, right, Sir?"
"If I am not mistaken, you were offered the position before instead of Aizen. You are fated to this, Shu, might as well accept it." Jushiro told his best friend.
"I agree. There is no one better candidate that you." Kisuke seconded.
Shunsui sighed deeply, he then looked at Byakuya, silently asking his say in the matter.
Byakuya watched her daughter with keen eyes. He has only known his daughter for not even an hour but he felt like he already knew her all his life, for his daughter looks so much like his wife. She even have Hisana's stubbornness. Warm feeling is engulfing his whole body. They're so alike it make his heart burst with pride. The daughter that they had thought had died a long time ago is here in front of him, and it's all thanks to these people who saved her. He was really furious when he had learned that they kept his daughter away from them. But hearing the conversation earlier, he couldn't help but agree with their decision, because before Kisuke entered his office uninvited few days ago, he had been so complacent around Aizen.
His daughter is alive and he gets to be with her now. He couldn't wait to tell his wife.
Byakuya closed his eyes for a second. "So be it." He announced.
All present there smiled except Shunsui who let out a sigh again, saying "This will definitely cut off my time with my lovely wife."
Rukia stood and bowed at the Emperor. "Thank you, father. I can assure you, Sereitie is in good hands with us." She looked up "All of us here will support Sir Shunsui. We have so many friends who will lend their hands too. These people are amazing, father. Wait until you meet everyone. There's Ms. Yoruichi…" Byakuya flinched. Kisuke smirked. "… Nanao, Tatsuki, Hanataro, Karin, and all our comrades scattered around Sereitie." Rukia proudly told her father.
Byakuya just looked at his daughter fondly.
Kisuke spoke. "It's settled then. This requires careful planning. We have to plan the transition where Aizen cannot escape. Byakuya, you cannot bring Rukia home yet. You have to clean the palace first of Aizen's men. We will arrange for Rukia to meet the Empress as soon as possible."
Byakuya's eye twitched. He glared at Kisuke. Although he couldn't help but agree. He will have to arrange for his wife's safety too.
It seems that Rukia read his father's thought for she said "Father, you can bring mother here in the west, here is the most secure place from Aizen. Uncle Isshin is a doctor and Orihime is a certified nurse, they can take care of mother." Rukia suggested pointing at Isshin and Orihime.
"It will be of great honor for us to take care of the Empress, Your Majesty." Isshin said while Orihime bowed, saying "I will do my best."
"I will think of it, princess." The Emperor said, but in his head, he's already arranging everything in his head.
Kisuke chuckled and looked at Ichigo, Renji and Grimmjow. "I don't know how you boys have not figured out that she's a real princess when she has been ordering you around all this time and you have not been able to help but obey her. Look, even now, she already have the Emperor wrapped in her fingers."
The three boys and the Emperor glared at him. Rukia blushed. Kisuke chuckled even more. Even the others smiled.
"Tch, who would have thought that princesses are stubborn as hell…." Ichigo started.
"doesn't back down from a fight…." Renji.
"is stronger than most men I know…." Grimmjow.
"draws horribly…." Ichigo again. He remembers her crappy drawing of a bunny him with a scribble 'come home already, idiot' is still safe in his wallet. I'm home, midget, he said inwardly.
"snores" Renji. Smirking.
"climb trees faster than a monkey…" Grimmjow.
"acts and talks like a guy…" Ichigo again.
"FINEEE!" Rukia stopped them. "Fine! I don't have the traits of a princess, I get it." She huffed.
"That's not what we meant, midget." Ichigo said. "Besides, I wouldn't want you any other way, anyway." He muttered. Red face shifting to the side. Orihime bowed her head. Her heart is starting to feel painful again.
"Yeah, who would want a simpering, cowering, frilly princess?" Grimmjow agreed.
"That's right. I am yet to beat you in Kali" Renji said.
Rukia smirked at the three boys. "You three, as your princess, have no choice but to obey me from now on without protest, or I will send guards on you." Rukia stopped and think "Well, if the guards can beat you, that is."
This time the three boys smirked.
….
"Alright, let's get to it." Shunsui said.
So, the group plans to oust Aizen and appoint Shunsui Kyurako. Jushiro's group will provide Byakuya all the evidence in their hands of Aizen's crimes. The Emperor will also review all the reports provided to him and will do his own investigation, at the same time to secure his wife and daughter's safety. Well, his wife mostly as he can see his daughter is surrounded by people who cares for her, not to mention she's also capable.
When enough evidence were gathered, Byakuya will make sure that Aizen will be sentenced to death and all his allies will be banished from Sereitie.
The only thing they pray fervently is that Aizen won't get wind of this plan. Shunsui and Jushiro who knew Aizen longer than anyone, knows that this will not be easy and both have a queasy feeling that something terrible might still happen. They were both relieved when Kisuke seconded their suggestion to cover all the alternatives. So they all agreed to still warn Rinjin, protect the 65th mountain and inform their comrades of a possible battle.
Rangiku was tasked to inform Gin of the plan if ever he contacts her again.
They were almost wrapping up when Hanataro entered and told them that lunch is ready. Not without stuttering and numerous bows when he saw the Emperor was inside the tent.
So they all went outside where a long table was set with long chairs. On the table, food are arranged on top of banana leaves, long line of rice is in the middle and mix of freshwater fish, meats, vegetables and fruits surrounding it.
Everyone realized they were famished. What with all this planning and revelations.
"Come father, let's wash our hands here." Rukia tugged Byakuya's hand towards a bamboo table with two large clay water jar dispenser, a soap on the side. Hanataro on the other hand run in the kitchen and dig on the cabinet, deciding for the most presentable dinner utensils he could give to the Emperor, muttering why no one informed him beforehand.
Tatsuki's jaw was on the floor seeing the Emperor in the flesh. She have seen him only in pictures. When she got over herself, she grabbed Renji who was closer to her and asked in a hushed voice "What in the birds ball is the Emperor doing here?"
Renji chuckled and said "That's not it at all. Look at them..." Renji pointed his finger at the Emperor and Rukia. "That will answer your question."
So Tatsuki tilted her head and watched the Emperor and Rukia who was both washing their pale hands, elegantly might she add. Rukia's face was slightly obscured by her black hair, not unlike the Emperor's. She could see the Emperor's face fully and she realized he's much better looking in person. His wife is a goddess too. The Empress who looks like Rukia…
Tatsuki's jaw dropped on the ground again. Her eyes are so wide it was almost comical. "You've gotta be fucking kidding me!" She hissed. "Rukia is the real deal? She's a royalty?"
"Princess to be exact, shocker, right?" Renji confirmed. A crash was heard behind them and both looked to see Hanataro with a shocked face as well. A broken glass plate on his feet.
"Oh no, and this is the only glass plate we have." He whined when he recovered.
"Great! I arrived just in time. I'm so hungry I could eat Bagwis and Habagat together" said a person behind them. It was Karin. "What's up guys?"
"You might want to re-consider what you threatened to eat. You might upset the princess." Tatsuki said, nudging her head where Rukia is. Rukia who is teaching or convincing rather, the Emperor to eat with his hand.
Karin followed her nudge and just like Tatsuki, her jaw dropped when she saw the Emperor. "What in the fuck…!?" She exclaimed loudly. Tatsuki and Renji guffawed. Most heads turned in their direction. Good thing Rukia and her father was at the opposite end of the long table.
Masaki who heard her exclamation chastised her. "Karin, I told you not to curse. Your brother might hear you."
Ichigo who was also in their side said "Tch, I knew she will have a foul mouth."
"Nevermind that, mother. What is the Emperor doing here?" She asked in a smaller voice.
"We'll explain later. Come'n, let's eat. I thought you are hungry?" Renji said and grabbed Karin's hand, they headed towards the table with Karin still in shock.
"Ichigo, call your brother first. He might be playing in the clearing." Masaki said.
"Who?" He asked, confused.
Masaki's eyes widen. Then she smiled. "Let's get your brother together." They started to walk. "When I decided to stay with the group, I didn't know that I was pregnant. I didn't have much difficulties because your father was always coming here to check on me. I gave birth to Seiichi here. He looks so much like you." She fondly told her son.
Ichigo was surprised, he couldn't wait to see him. Then he remembers this morning he saw a boy with orange hair. He might be his brother, he thought.
Sure enough, his guess was confirmed. For their in the clearing Masaki was calling a boy with orange hair.
"Sei, this is your older brother, Ichigo." Masaki introduced.
"Hey, squirt." Ichigo greeted, smirking. He sure looks a younger him.
"Tch, what took you so long to come here?" Seiichi said. He had known about his big brother and have been waiting to meet him. He wanted to know him already because Big Sister Rukia was always telling him funny stories about his older brother.
Ichigo crouched and ruffled his hair. "I'm sorry. But you know what? From now on you will be seeing me often that you'll get tired of my face." Ichigo grinned.
Sei swatted his hand. "Come on, I'm hungry." He marched before them so they won't see a smile showing in his lips.
When they went back, everyone had settled in the long table. Masaki went to sit next to Isshin. Ichigo scowled, the only space available is next to Orihime. He sighed and went to sit there. He motioned for Sei to sit with him but Seiichi was walking towards Rukia and squeezed himself in between her and Grimmjow. Ichigo scowled again. What's with them, always together? He thought, annoyed.
Rukia looked down and ruffled Sei's hair. Sei did not swat her hand, instead he beamed at her.
Ichigo remember what Rukia said when they first met, when he punched her in the face 'My ten year old little brother punches harder than you'. Guilt and gratitude and other feelings that Ichigo couldn't explain swirls in his stomach. So you're taking care of my little brother too, he thought while looking at Rukia. He watch her cut Sei a meat and forced a vegetable on top of his rice. The same warm feeling is engulfing his chest again.
Orihime couldn't help but smile when Ichigo sat beside her. But her smile slowly left her face as she watch Ichigo watch Rukia.
Everyone else surreptitiously observe the Emperor. The Emperor was the only one eating with a spoon and fork. He, with the encouragement of his daughter, did tried to eat using his hand. Eventually Rukia took pity and gave him the utensil.
The Emperor himself is doing his own observation. This experience is entirely new to him. He watched the people eats enthusiastically, others are chatting jovially. Everyone treats each other like a family. He could see that his daughter is used to this kind of environment. This positive environment will be good to Hisana too, he decided.
Few moments more, the long table is now devoid of food. Everyone was satisfied. Even the Emperor who do not remember a time when he was this full. It's because I was eating with my daughter, he concluded.
The elders plus the Emperor talked some more until Kisuke announced he have to return the Emperor back or Aizen might noticed, knowing that this is the longest time the Emperor was away from his wife's side.
Byakuya glared at Kisuke's wording but conceded.
Rukia approached his father when she saw that he was preparing to leave. "Please take care, father. I don't want anything to happen to you. I will see mother as planned." She hugged him.
"Have a safe journey, Your Majesty." Bids everyone, bowing.
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A/N:
Whew, this is so much harder to write. So many characters in one setting. I sometimes forgot the others that I had to go back and insert them.
*Kali – is a Filipino Martial Art that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, bladed weapons and various improvised weapons. In this fic, they uses sticks for training/sparring.
(Manga Spoiler ahead. Be warned)
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I'm sorry it took a month. I got busy and I had to grab my momentum back again. I got even more demotivated when I read the latest manga. An hour passed and I was still scowling.
Looks like RenRuki will prevail waaahhh! I don't understand why Kubo made Renji spouts those things when the series is almost finish. What is he trying to hint? What about Ichigo? Will he end up with Orihime? This will surely breaks my heart.
Anyway, thank you for those who reviewed, you guys are what motivate me to continue this story:
Hopelessromantic: Ichigo is going to be so jealous that his face will turn green haha! I'm so glad there is a thing called fanfiction, at least here we can make sure they end up together. I'm still so hang up with the latest chapter, it made me want to wish I didn't read it.
Guest (Shirayuki992?) : IchiRuki lime is too soon :). They will have to realize their feelings first, Ichigo is nearly there. I am still enjoying torturing Ichigo so I'm still gonna put Grimmjow in the equation, and maybe more Hopefully, your questions are answered in this chapter.
Kejora: There you go. You guessed it right… Hope it turned out well for you. Please keep reviewing.
NieveDrop: Your review means a lot. You are right as usual with the grammar mistakes . I hope this chapter answered all your questions. I know you might not be satisfied but I can't make the plot bigger than this, or I might not be able to maintain it. I think you are spot on in your first review when you said that I'm merely skimming the surface of a bigger plot. I know bigger plot would mean introducing Aizen, his 'espadas', his evil plans that could have emphasize the differences in the ideologies of two sides, his relationship with Hueco Mundo, etc. Also, to give the Royal family some more roles, introduce Rinjin and his people, to have Aizen's spy in Rukia's group, etc. But I think I'll go as it is now. I'm afraid to delve deeper, or you all might get bored. I'm not confident weaving a complicated plot yet. Sorry if I disappoint you.
Thanks again for the review. It's really helpful, really. It made me rack my brain haha.
ffn1990: Wow. Thanks so much for the review. It's inspiring. I don't think there are good Ichiruki fics I have not read yet but please, send me your favorites, I might have missed some. Now that I mention it, I suddenly feel bad to those great authors as I rarely leave reviews, and here I am begging for reviews (my bad).
Blissbeat: How the hell did you do that? You nailed it right in the head it made me think you read my draft . I think I am done with the heavy scene, so expect more fluff in the remaining few chapters.
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Tell me what you think.