~ Sakura Ai ~

(Rukia's P.O.V)

Throughout my short-life I have been inside many castle's all in different lands, some ruled by the nobles of the land to the most respected royals. Each seems to have their own flare to their throne room; for instance the magic-kingdom: the throne's material was a sleek black and their finest magic crystals filled the windows casting the most enchanting images on the floor to represent the kingdom. It's breath-taking.

Kuchiki kingdom held many of the finest paintings of cherry-blossom tree's on the walls representing the our finest season: spring. We were known to have the most beautiful cherry-blossom gardens in the land, there were many villagers that came from near and far to see the mere gatherings of the tree's. However, the cherry blossom to my father was much more than just a representation of the seasons; it meant the beginning of the end. He held that close to his heart especially when it came to war; he's fruitless as ever when mentioning the cherry-blossoms to the knights to brighten their spirits.

However, Soul Societies throne-room upon first glance is a common sight: thrones lined with velvet, a marble floor with steps and pearl-white column's. Until your eyes trail up the walls to the ceiling: the finest paintings of the heavens is displayed with many angel's flying around and gods resting in clouds. It's stunning.

As I await the Kings arrival my eyes are drawn to the ceiling bringing me into a deep trance as I stare at the many faces of the angels and gods. If possible I would stare at the ceiling for hours without worry.

Crush. Crackle- pulling my gaze from the ceiling I hold my breath and look down to my dress. The long violet sleeves were covered in ice and snowflakes turning the purple to a white. "Oh my," I whisper; looking over my palms I groan for the white-light vibrating from my finger-tips. The ring the blacksmith gave me was covered in ice and white-to-the-touch.

Taking a deep breath I attempt to calm my nerves. I didn't think they would be so rattling. I know why I have been summoned by the King- it's regarding the marriage offer, he is going to formally offer the blacksmiths hand. I'm aware of such, so... why were my nerves and abilities running wild?

I touch the necklace dangling over my chest and exhale a deep breath only to see my breath in the air. I blink as the sight of lines of ice begin to grow on the marble floor leading to the throne. "What a nerves wreck we are," I tense for the voice singing in my ear; it's been awhile since I truly heard her voice in my ear.

A soft click is heard outside the two large-doors of the throne-room, I look over as the golden knob turns. There isn't any time to rid of the quickly forming ice- the King has arrived. The two large doors open and the sight of the many guards dressed in metal fill my eyes.

The long white beard of King Yamamoto is the first thing to catch my attention, it's breaded neatly and has fine golden wires laced through the thick facial-hairs. He's covered in fine black-silk robes and a long white kimono hangs on his shoulders. The click of his large twisted wooden staff cause me to stand straight and snap my gaze to the thrones in front of me.

"Princess Kuchiki," his old voice sings in the room; I look over to him quickly and note his closeness to the door. "Please," he clears his throat, "join me in a stroll around the castle."

I tense slightly for his demand and look over to the slowly fading ice on the floor only to sigh in relief. "Of course, your highness" I breathe before walking towards the kindle-looking old man.

Feeling the ice on my sleeves slowly vanishing I wear a soft grin and nods to the knights as I stand next to Yamamoto. "There is no need to be nervous, child" the King chuckles as he stares at the frost slowly leaving the violet material. "I summoned you on only good intentions."

"I apologize," he ushers me out the throne-room, "good intentions are never accompanied with a summoning in my kingdom."

"I suppose Kuchiki Kingdom summoning's are quite dreadful," he chuckles; my eyes wander over the walls of the palace.

The walls are covered with many paintings: past royals, captured fights with other kingdoms and the different centuries of the land. "If I may," I break my trance from the paintings and look over to Yamamoto in silence, "how are things with the blacksmith? I have heard from many that he is quite the brash-man with a quick temper. I hope he has not coiled you."

I smirk slightly; Ichigo is rough, stubborn, blunt, dense at times and quick-tempered. The many bickers we've had were countless, especially when we first met in the woods and travels to Soul Society. There were nights I thought I was going to kill him in his slumber, but now, if he wasn't this brash quick-tempered man I believe he wouldn't be the same man I love.

"The blacksmith is all those things but I would not change him," I smile and clasp my hands together, "if he were any different and better mannered I would be bored to death."

Yamamoto releases a hearty laugh that echoes the corridor and pats my shoulder softly, "if that is the case, I am glad you two are in such good standings."

"As am I," I blush with my eyes casted to the floor.

Yamamoto peers down to my peached-cheeks and sighs softly, "you are quite smittened, Princess Kuchiki" I tense for the statement and feel my cheeks heating even more. "It is quite a relief. It makes this rather easy on my old-heart to give you such a sudden offer."

Snapping my eyes over to the King I hold my breath- the Kurosaki's have spoken to me about the offer and what is to come if I am to marry their son. I have thought long and hard about the outcome; there will be a war (no doubt), the family will be forced out of hiding and I will entrust my alliances with Unohana's kingdom to help fight my father.

"I am assuming Unohana has graciously visited the blacksmith and yourself," I nod. "Well, she is granting you the magic-kingdoms protection, however, that is simply not enough to take on your father especially with his alliance with Zaraki kingdom"- I stop walking.

"P-Pardon?" I stutter; I know my father has been wanting to solidify his alliance with Zaraki Kingdom. They were one of the best at combat and feared by all kingdoms for their murderous love for violence, however, he never really made major advances to make the agreement solid.

Yamamoto turns on his heels, "my allies in Sajin-kingdom reported the news before the moon swept the horizon. It is a horrifying truth, that even myself do not want, especially knowing the reputation of Kenpachi Zaraki and your father."

I reach for the wall in a desperate worry- the loud beating of my heart shook my ears for the news. My father, Kuchiki Byakuya, has partnered with the Zaraki Kingdom- the known land that would start wars for fun and leave no man alive, no matter if they surrendered? How could this be?

"Princess Kuchiki," the worry in the Kings voice brings me to look up to the elderly-man; he tenses for the worry in my eyes and presses his lips together firmly. "I know it is quite terrifying news especially in the circumstance you are currently in"- my chances of defeating my father and taking the crown were nearly gone.

"Your majesty," I close my eyes and try to calm my heart, "my father is someone I fear but Zaraki kingdom is a land that gives me nightmares."

Placing a heavy hand on my shoulder he takes a deep breath and guides me from the wall, "That is why I want to make this offer," I turn, "I wish for the blacksmith and yourself to wed before the snow sticks to the ground," he starts; I chew the inners of my cheeks as I listen. "In return, I will provide my army, reach out to my alliances and gather as much support as needed. I cannot guarantee that all of the kingdoms will help, but this is what I can offer."

I bow gracefully, "thank you so much."

"Please," he places his hand on my head, "I wish for you to find peace and for the lands to be at one-"

"Along with the fruitful treasures your off-spring will bring," I snap up for the gentle voice of Unohana.

The magic-ruler glides down the hallway in her white-robes trailing far behind her, the dark-mysterious gems of her land resting in the crown placed on her head as she smiles over to me.

"Of course," Yamamoto sighs, "Lord Unohana has shown me the fruits of your off-springs and it is something that is needed in the land, something that the gods would wish to have grace the lands."

Unohana grins with her eyes locked on the old-king, "the magic written in the stars will bring a new and more sustainable era for the kingdoms," she adds, "however..." she looks over to the king," I suggest finding a distant location for the wedding of the two, especially for the ceremonial acts of the night."

Yamamoto looks to me and then the witch with a puzzling eye, "I am not quite understanding the reasoning for such an act."

Unohana stares into my violet eyes and chuckles, "the magic that runs within these two lovers is strong. The mere act of bedding will lead to a burst- it's rather liberating really- the rush of two pure ancient magic lines rushing together in passion. It is like a pure light from the heavens, anybody without magic will be effected. Whether it be blindness, fainting or illness- such strong magic can effect people in many ways."

I place my hands on my burning cheeks as the thought of bedding crosses my mind, but the thought of the surge of magic causes my ears to ring. "Oh... oh my" I whisper in embarrassment.

"Very well," the King sighs, "there is a cabin in the furthest corner of the kingdom. It is used to house highly targeted royals. I shall send you both after the wedding. If you accept the offer that is."

I blink before nodding- pushing the sinful thoughts to the back of my mind. "I wish to accept the offer," I quickly agree; the King's smile. "However, I wish to mention the royal laws around a lawful marriage."

Yamamoto sighs, "ah yes, the law of blood approval."

Many centuries back there was a law written to keep royal-blood pure. It was during the time when royals would mingle with commoners, which would lead to an off-spring or secret wedding between lovers. After many unholy marriages the kingdoms came together to create the lawful approval. One of the many things that set royals apart from commoners. This law means: for a marriage to be considered lawful and pure, a blood relative of the royal's family must approve of the marriage. It gives control to those entering the family-tree and bloodline.

"My father will not approve and I have my doubts that my grandparents will sign their approval," I bite my lip; knowing my father and his close ties to both my grandparents he can easily play them like puppets.

Unohana frowns slightly and looks over Yamamoto- we all know that for the marriage to be recognized and for whatever off-spring to be considered in-line for the crown they must be accepted by someone of the Kuchiki tree.

Yamamoto looks over my face and then to Unohana, "do not worry," he smiles "I have a way of handling this matter. Please focus on the wedding and what is to come."

Unohana raises a brow at the elderly king, "what kind of trick do you have over royal law?" she questions.

"It is not a trick," Yamamoto clears his throat, "it's more of a... favor".

"A favor?" Unohana scoffs, "that is one heck of a favor to ask."

"Well, it was one hellish deal I granted" he locks eyes with me, "now that everything is settled, is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

I look over to the rulers and bite my tongue, "it's regarding magic" I state. Unohana perks for the mention of her element. "Is there any magic we should be concerned about?"

She straightens for the question and my mind flashes to the dark-spell that I fell under before the blacksmith returned home. I had spoke to Yuzu about the visions of magic and she spoke to me about a figure- a figure the Unohana has never mentioned sensing or seeing when she looks into the magic-aura.

"There is one..." Unohana runs a hand through her long raven-locks and bites her lip; such a distressing action causes my abilities to perk and crackle along my sleeves once more. "It's a very old magic, one of the beginnings of the witching-world that divides light and dark power. It's called: The Devil's Grim."

"The Devil's Grim?" Yamamoto's puzzled tone is unnerving. "That is nothing but a folk-tale."

Unohana shakes her head, "it is real. I have dealt with it once in the past and it is something that I cannot sense or see in the future. It is a witty magic, a true power of darkness, it masks itself with normal faiths and magic."

"It hides beneath magic?" I ask.

She hesitates but nods, "something like that. It gives more a common magic energy, but when released it is nearly impossible to overcome. The only way to overcome it is through ancient magic which is nearly vanished from this realm."

Clenching my hands into fist I hold my breath- I never knew this type of magic existed. I thought that the worst magic is the dark magic of hell, especially when used by those who are engrossed in the dark-arts and have given their souls to the darkness. However, a magic that even the King of magic cannot detect... it only formed a dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach.

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Cherry Blossoms

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Rounding the final corner from the town I smile at the sight of Sode and Zangustu, both standing side-by-side in their stalls feeding.

I walk towards the two horses and immediately Sode notices my presence and steps towards me, with a whip of her white-hair she leans down and places her head in the crock of my neck. Inhaling the dusty musk of her mane I run my hand over her coat and look over to the black-stallion. Zangustu's dark eyes meet mine and he shakes his head- much like his stubborn rider, I know he will never forget how I ran him into a fence upon our first meeting.

"Zangustu," I whisper and he turns away, "I am sorry," I roll my eyes but nothing.

I sigh in defeat and run a hand down Sodes nose, she blows a puff of air "we will ride later tonight," I tell her and she huffs. I slowly walk away from the small stable-like area, even though my heart is swarmed with warmth for the marriage offer there was something that wouldn't leave me: The Devil's Grim.

After Unohana mentioned the ancient magic the two King's wouldn't talk about it any further, I tried to press the topic slightly but the Magic-lord would shoot me a simple look that read: drop the topic or else. Dark magic isn't something that people like to speak of but there was something about the devil's grim that wouldn't leave me. However, as we walked the castle walls my mind filled with the image of the dark-shadow figure in the trance Yuzu saved me from. It kept a far enough distance that I couldn't feel it's magic, but the look of the shadow was terrifying: tall, slim, eyes of red and lack of features. Just by the appearance it seems as though it crawled out the deepest darkest place of the night.

Opening the door I'm welcomed with the sound of two voice- two male voices. One being Ichigo's and the other being a much deeper and darker tone.

"Are you sure about this brother?" I perk and close the door softly, "Wedding the princess is as though you are signing your own death."

"Tomo," Ichigo firmly says, "I am aware of the reputation that Rukia holds within the kingdoms and royals. However, I love her-"

"Love is blinding. You are a pure fool," Tomo spits; I tense against the wall and bite my lip. "I thought Karin was the lovestruck moron but you are just as brainless-"

I peek around the corner, sitting at on the deck facing the garden the two brother sat watching the sky with a drink in hand.

"You need to get over Karin and Toshiro's engagement," Ichigo sighs in defeat, "there is nothing you can do to stop it. She loves him."

Tomo hisses through his teeth, "The prince is cursed. A cursed soul is a lost soul. Not only is it with dark magic but it is ancient dragon-magic? That is even worse."

Ichigo leans back into the wood of the deck and rubs the back of his neck- an action he commonly does to relax. I tilt my head for the action, for some reason there's something about the Winter-Prince and his sister that either brought him stress or displeasure. "Brother, curse or not, he is going to be apart of the family soon. It is only a matter of time," Ichigo sighs.

Two blazing gold eyes snap to the blacksmith, the darkness surrounding the golden hues boiling with rage, "How is it that everyone in our family seems to bring in the most posioned blood?" he grinds out the words with hate. "First it was Karin with that dragon and now it's you with that Kuchiki-demon."

Ichigo narrows his eyes and his hands clench into tight fists. "Brother, I will warn you once and never again, do not speak of Rukia in such a tone."

"I will speak of her as I wish," Tomo snaps, "she is nothing but a demon in the eyes of others. If anyone in Soul Society were to know her true name and nature she would be-headed and so would you."

The ambers of the blacksmith's eyes began to darken as he listens to his brother, my heart quickens as my eyes trail to his fist to see the swirling black-ink mist growing on his skin. "I thought Karin's mate was the end of our family, but in truth its yours. Watch, she will kill us all, starting with you-"

"Tomo," Ichigo snarls; pulling his brother by his shirt he growls in anger. "Keep her name out of your mouth," he demands; his voice quickly dripping deeper into a dark tone.

"When will you see that love is blinding you, brother?" Tomo dares; Ichigo rough releases the white-haired man and takes a deep breath.

Running his fingers through his messy orange-locks Ichigo groans, "there's no point. You will not understand until you meet your mate."

"My mate?" Tomo's voice drips with vemon, "Karin believes her mate is some scally fool with the temper of a dragon. And you, you want to write your death wish by marrying the ice-demon of all royal-blood. If this what mates bring us then... I wish to never meet whomever is intertwined with my soul."

"You do not mean that," Ichigo weakly chuckles and looks over to his brother. "Trust me, you don't," he shakes his head.

"How would you know?" Tomo smirks.

"Because... I thought the same thing before I met Rukia," Ichigo admits, "I thought that this mate-thing was just another cruel curse, I did not want any part in it. However, I met the Princess and the moment I laid eyes on her my heart knew she is the one. I mean, we argue and she knows how to bring out whatever is inside me but I could not imagine a life without that midget."

Tomo peers over to his brother and frowns for the dreamy look in his eyes before look back at the garden. "I do not know, brother."

Looking over the two brother I grin softly; even though Tomo comes off rough and angry most of the time I know he just truly cares about his family especially his siblings. It is refreshing to see this other side of him, behind the glares and the snarky comments that made my cold-blood boil in rage. However there is one thing that perked my interest: the dragon magic. I don't know much about Toshiro's curse or his kingdom, whenever I asked the prince or Karin they would give me a blank and short-answer like there is some sort of secret about the Winter-kingdom.

Deciding to announce my presence I knock on the wall and peer over the living-room as the two look over to the sound, "I'm back" I grin to the blacksmith.

"How did the meeting with the King go?" Ichigo smiles bright; Tomo rolls his eyes and mocks his brother childishly.

"Good, all is well," I lean against the door-frame of the garden and look over the grass. Biting down on my lower lip I glance over to Tomo quickly; I've heard from Karin about Tomo's deep studies of magic-his house holds books upon books of magic writings, written in forgotten languages and scripts dating back to the new ages of lands. "Tomo," my courage gathers in the pit of my stomach; his golden-hues peer over my form. "You know quite a lot about various magic, correct?"

"Well," he puffs his chest and sits straight,"I know plenty about various magic: the beginnings of sorcerory, developments of the dark realm, lost and dead magic-"

"The devil's grim?" I turn, only to meet two burning gold eyes. "Ah-"

"Never, ever, speak of that magic again!" a shiver rushes down my spine for the vemon in his voice.

I lean into the door-frame with my eyes narrowing for his sudden rage; it seems whenever the grim is mentioned people react in anger or fear. "What is so terrfying about this magic? No one speaks of it-"

"S-Speak to Urahara or Senna they would know-" his flusteredness makes me stomach flip and the magic in my veins to activate.

"Why are you so afraid of it?" I whisper; Tomo holds his breath.

The crackling of the wood behind me increases as the surging black covers the white of his eyes highlighting the golden-hues in a haunting way. "You do not get it," he bites his words as a hollowing echo bubbles from his throat, "you may believe you are some undistructable but there are things you do not-"

"Then tell me!" I interrupt "I wish to understand, I-"

"Why?" he growls deep in his throat as he approaches me, "whose involved in the devil's grim want nothing more than to serve the dark-lord, they just want the power," I hold my breath as the white frost covers my violet orbs and meet his darkened golden hues. Feeling my skin turning to ice he leans down and growls in my ear, "the power eats and drives people to the worst thing possible."

His presence drips of anger, evil and... something that I can't name, but knew it held only the worse intentions. Whatever magic courses through his veins it's frightening-I thought my father or even the Zaraki kingdom were living-forms of the devil, but whatever-rather, whomever, is inside the golden-eyed male is definitely among the devil in the darkest corners of the ground-world. The feeling of my skin felt like its being slowly toren- layer by layer. My lung burn as though I hadn't breathed in minutes but worst of all... I could sense the desire he held; the desire to slowly let the life drain from my body in the most painful way.

The longer our eyes connect the worse the images became; it started with a simple stabbing but gradually lead to skinning and a demonic-laughter. I've never felt this kind of magic before, but whatever it is, I never want to feel it again or around me. What is this?

"Tomo," Ichigo roughly moves his brother breaking our eye contact, "I think you should leave, it is getting late," the ambers in the blacksmith's eyes is dark as it peers into the blackness of his brothers orbs. Within moments Tomo's eyes fade back to normal and the thick-aura vanishes making the air breathable and lighter.

I watch as the two brothers slowly walk to the front-door before leaving Ichigo pulls his brother close into him. Narrowing my eyes I watch as Ichigo whispers something into Tomo's ear before he forcefully nudges his brother out of the house, as if giving him a stern and serious warning. .

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Cherry Blossoms

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(Third-person P.O.V)

Thin white sheer curtains waver as a warm brisk breeze blows through the balcony window, gracefully dancing around the room like an elegant song. A slim light of the full-moon shines in the darkened chambers, causing pale skin to glow bright and highlight the mess of white-locks a hand lingers through.

A hot breath spreads tiny goosebumps over the pale nap of her neck, two sharp pointed fangs gaze over her veins provoking a sharp gasp of desire to fill the luxurious room. Feeling the strings of her white night-gown being tugs the maiden whimpers, and peers down to her lover only to meet two glowing blue-eyes in the moon lite room.

"Toshiro," she whispers; her gentle hand caresses his tan cheek and looking deep into his brightly lite orbs, "we should stop" she moans softly as he kisses the newly revealed skin.

The prince growls against her hot honey scented flesh- he knew it was best to stop but the hazy cloud of heated lust rushing through his body didn't want to. He could feel the beast within him starting to become more present, it's deep growl was echoing his ear and feeling his sight sharpen proved his gut feeling.

"Toshiro," Karin repeats. She sits up from the mattress and cups his face between her palms forcing him to sit up with her. "Listen," she whispers with her forehead pressed against his, "close you eyes," he follows, "take a deep breath"- he inhales-"clear your mind".

Slowly the growling in his head softens and vanishes, the bright glow in his eyes turn back into the glisten she loves so dearly. "Is he settled?" her tender voice calms the rapidness of his heart.

Toshiro nods and kisses her shoulder, "the curse seems to be getting more active the longer we wait," he mutters into her skin. Two arms wrap around her torso and the cold temperature of his chest covers her the boiling skin down her spine giving her a sweet sense of relief. "It seems like the seal isn't as effective as we thought," Karin shivers for the cool breath on her neck.

Pulling the fabric off her pale shoulders Toshiro's bright eyes lustfully linger over the red ancient marks that roll down his lover's spine. Placing a tender kiss on each symbol his ears perk for her gasps- the vibrating heat pricks his cold lips as he touches her.

"This curse," Karin hiss, "I don't know whether it's torturous for us both or a blessing."

The dragons curse: it was casted over the Histugaya blood-line centuries ago by a witch that lost her son at war before alliances formed with the other kingdoms. In her episode of anger she cursed the Kingdom, swore it's next kin would be haunted by the bitterness of winters-dragon. He is to never age, never be loved, never find warmth except by a solemn fire. This fire will teach him to love, show him what mercy truly is and bring peace. Their first off-spring would heal the sworn land of it's sins.

"You, my phoenix," he whispers into her hair tenderly, "are a blessing to me, more than any thing this world has to offer."

Karin peers over her shoulder, their eyes connect and the burning sensation in her stomach grows for the cooling sight of the bright-blue light in her lovers eyes. Every time they engaged in a lustful act the dragon within the prince would become more active; showing itself more and more. At first it was the change in his voice, he would be so gentle and sweet but it quickly turned into this deep and growling tone that caused her body to feel like lava. After a few more encounters his back had sprouted two beautiful white-wings that glowed like pure ice- at that point she heard it, the voice of the phoenix in her eyes screaming for her lover.

As time went by Toshiro's dragon began to appear even in the slightest touch; whether it be at the dinner-table or brushing shoulders in the hallway, the beast would flare it's presence and frightened the princes people.

"The mountain mages magic is helping," Karin reassures whilst taking his cold hand in hers. "I can feel her but she isn't taking control and the dragon isn't as... touchy."

"Touchy, you say?" Toshiro chuckles- in all his years he never thought someone would describe the dangerous beast as touchy, a deep angry growl lingers in his ear for the word and the prince couldn't help but laugh. "He doesn't like that too much."

"Too bad," Karin snorts, "it's the truth."

Rest his head in the crock of her neck Toshiro laughs before sighing happily, "well... maybe if someone did not visit my chambers late into the night he would not be so... touchy."

She scoffs for the statement, "do not be so absorb. Last I recall you tend to summon me if I do not appear in your chambers once the moon rises."

"I do not recall such fables," Toshiro smirks.

Karin spins in her seat and tackles the prince to the mattress with lightening speed; Toshiro chuckles as he looks up into her onyx-eyes and smirks for the fire burning in the grey mist. Moving strains of hair behind her ear he cranes his neck and presses his cool lips against hers.

Leaning over his body, hands pressed into the hardened muscle of his chest she sighs into his lips feeling the cold chill run down her spine from his winter-pine taste. His hands grasp her thighs tightly on both sides of his waist; he sits-up from the bed and leans into the deepening kiss with a playful smirk. A burning rush fills Karin's souls as his hands run slowly up her thighs to her hips and over her behind.

Heat pants fill the air as the kiss becomes feverish and hungry, filled with rough bites and battles for dominance. 'Please...' a velvet voice whispers in her head, 'I want more'.

Karin doesn't acknowledge the lustful voice in her mind-she's heard it several times; the firy-spirit would talk to her before being sealed by the mountain mage to calm the dragon. Hearing her voice drip with desire only drove the raven-haired woman more lustful, she could feel the rapid heat building in her veins, the brightness of the fire covering her grey eyes and the scratching on her back for an aching form. The only relief for the heat was Toshiro's cold touch- the more he touched her the relieving sensation grew stronger, she craved for the coldness for him.

Suddenly, as the prince tosses her night-grown to the darkened floor. His bright-eyes admire the flawless pale flesh and the perfect shape of her breast, he leans forward allowing his cold breath to cover the bare skin between the two molds. A sharp pain runs through her spine; it felt like someone stuck knives in her back and twisted the blade slowly over her nerves. Karin breaks from the prince, her eyes open and Toshiro's glowing eyes meet the full-flames overtaking her misty one's.

"Karin," he whispers in a deep tone- she hisses painfully and leans into his chest with a loud heart-wrenching whimper. "W-What is wrong?"

She gasps as the pain cut through her body, she can hear the female-voice screaming in pain and she rolls off the prince into the sheets as her body shakes in pain. Toshiro blinks his eyes never leaving her trembling form.

'Help her!' the dragon roars in his ears, 'that magic is hurting them! Release her at once!' Toshiro gasps.

"Karin, let me see your back" he demands; Karin sobs in pain and shakes her head in refusal. "Now!" the prince yells and she turns slightly; his blue-eyes widen for the glowing red symbols sketched into her skin, around each line appeared to be a darkening shade of grey that reminds him of ash- however the unsettling part is the dark ink-link veins slowly creeping around his lovers back. Running his hand along the seal he watches the black-line vanish and the marks settle. "We should stop," he whispers.

He pulls his lover into his arms and lays a tender kiss on her shoulder to calm her. The aching in his heart grows as he runs his finger-tips down her spine slowly; he hates seeing Karin in pain, it makes his stomach wrench, heart throb and throat burn with bile. Even though the seal was meant to control the beast within him, he couldn't wait to break the spell so his love was forever out of pain.

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Cherry Blossoms

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(Rukia's P.O.V)

Sinking deep into the whiten-water of the bath my violet orbs look over my slim legs as they peak out of the tub. The water is hot yet my skin still remains cold from activating my abilities earlier today; it lingers... it's been quite sometime since it's had a lasting mark on my skin.

My eyes flicker to the lone window in the bathroom, the crescent moon shines through the darken candle-lite bath as casts an elegant shadow over the floor. After my conflict with Tomo, Ichigo has came to my side and tenderly calmed me. The look in his eyes told me all I needed to know- he's seen his brother's abilities before, has been at the end of that said look and knew how much it frightened me. He held me until I was certain that I am okay.

He drew me a bath graced with milk and honey-shops he had bought whilst on his travels. I sigh as I drip my head under the water. The last time I took a milk bath was the night of the grand-ball, Momo has insisted on the bath, claiming that it'll make my skin as soft as the cloud and please my suitor with just a graze. Such banter caused me to roll my eyes back then, but now as I look back, I know it was just her playing the part.

Standing from the bath I grasp the fluffy-towel and step on the cold wood-floor. Drying the small-droplets off my body I wrap a loose silk robe around my body. The light blue color of silk and lace cling to my damp body; the deep dip of the neckline exposes the valley between my breast. I wrap the dark-blue belt around my slim waist as the long flowing length moves with my step revealing my legs.

Pulling the bathroom door open I look into the blacksmiths chambers and feel a warm bubbling feeling growing in my stomach. He's standing by the doors of the room leading to the backyard, the moonlight kissing his features as he looks out to the starry-sky in silence. He looks angelic and perfect upon first glance, as though the gods sent one of their finest angels down just for me.

I slowly make my way to his side being careful to mesmerize the way his baggy pants hug his thin hips and the thin vein that flickers when he clenches his jaw. The tense look in his eyes brings my blood to a lustful boil- just by his gaze I know there is something on his mind, it could be eating at him or just a tricky subject that he was uncertain on how to approach it. But, by the vein, his narrowed gaze and slouching stance... the blacksmith is deep within his mind.

"Silver for your thoughts, my love?" I whisper; running my fingers over his chest and craning my neck up to get a full-view of his jaw. My finger-tips graze over the rolling hills of muscle of his chest and down the valley towards his navel. Oh how I wished to do more than just touch him- I craved to feel it against me and imprinted on my tender skin...

A smile grows upon his lips as he looks down into my violet-orbs, seeing the honey-swirls in his eyes brings a soothing feeling over my body- it feel like home. Running a hand through my wet raven locks Ichigo sighs and leans down pressing his forehead against mine. I inhale his musky scent and kiss my nose against his.

"I never did get to properly ask about your travel," I whisper whilst wrapping my arms around his neck and placing my cool-palms against his hot shoulders. The tingling of his heated skin rushes down my spine and pools in my stomach.

His large hands smooth the sides of the robe as he traces my body in the basking moonlight, "Boring," he chuckles; I tap my ring-finger against his flesh softly and the white-light catches the stone. "Even though you were such a pestering pain to travel with, I much rather having you presence and being with me."

I scoff and playfully slap his chest for his banter, "it is applauding how you can make such a kind statement into a double-edged sword" I roll my eyes as I trance the Sun marking on his flesh. "Can you not just falter me with swooning affirmation's?"

"My dear princess, swooning you will only lead to your eternal-boredom," he takes my hand and kisses the ring tenderly.

"It would be a shame to be bored forever, especially since accepting the Kings offer," I watch his smile grow larger, "I'd rather not give my hand to a boring man."

"How on earth am I going to put-up with you as my wife?" placing a tender kiss on my neck he grasps my hips and pulls me closer. "What am I going to do with you, Kuchiki Rukia?"

Craning my neck to the side he continues to ravish my neck with more feverish kisses leading to my shoulder covered by the robe that he slides down to reveal more skin. "You have until snow-fall to answer such a question..." I bite my lip as I flinch in pleasure for the new sensation of his tongue against my pulse. "After the snow sticks you are wedded to me forever."

"King's orders?" he questions.

"King's orders," I moan.

A devilish chuckle echoes the room, I yelp in surprise as he lifts me up by my behind and I wrap my legs around his waist instantly. "Such a short time before you are all mine," he carries me to the bed and lays me against the sheets.

He kisses my stomach and up the valley of my chest, stopping once reaching my face. I caress his cheek and grin, "seems like our best venture has yet to start" I say as he leans down.

The heat from his breath covers my lips, "a journey with you forever, is a journey I never wish to end," he captures my lips tenderly. I lean into his lips and pull him closer, never wanting the sweet sensation of his body against mine to leave.

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Cherry Blossoms

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[Third Person P.O.V]

The moon shines over the thousands of tree's casting dark shadows. A strong gust of warm air rushes cover lush grass field as a bright amber light soars high into sky. The valleys of forestry thick towards the high mountain tops made of stone.

As the firry-flame bolts over the distant land of the kingdom it leaves a warm breeze, knocking the slowly creeping hand of winter away.

Reaching the grey-stones of the mountain the flame slows as the shape of a glowing red small-bird becomes clear. Flying up the stone a large opening comes into view, a glow of a flickering flame covers the caves ceiling. The bird slows and flies into the cave.

Walls upon walls of glass-vales line the stone, each holding different potions and remedies from years of brewing throughout the night. In the middle of the large opening is a roaring fire holding a single large metal-pot bubbling with a deep red-substance.

Looming over the red-liquid is a figure cloaked in a black-robe, the large hood covering the persons face as it peers over to the birds arrival.

"A message," the soft voice hums and waves the bird over.

The firry-creature soars into fire and burst into the ambers, a scene plays within the flames before the mage: two lover dancing together flickers, "Oh my," the person chuckles. The flames then again into the image of the Kuchiki princess and the blacksmith as he placed the ring upon her finger.

"Together. Forever," the flames sing as the two lean in for a tender kiss.

The mage turns from the flames and looks over the stone cave, peering through the different old-scrolls smeared over the rocks. Each aged-paper reads of a story, one of two star-crossed lovers destined to change the land and create something great.

"Sing to me, thy wind, thy spirit," the mage swirls a hand over the other. A burst of wind causes the fire to flicker wildly, as a clear image of a butterfly glows with crystal-particles glimmerings in from the ambers light. "Tell thy King the marriage is accepted," the mage kisses the creature and it bolts out of the cave.

A hum of wedding-bells fills the cave as the mage pulls a dagger from their sleeve. "Oh how the tree shall grow," a cool voice whispers.

Cutting into their palm the drops of blood burn into the fire, it puffs suddenly and an image of the Kuchiki tree grows. Slowly at the end near Hisana and Byakuya's line Rukia appears with a new line welcoming the lost Shiba prince along with his tree.

"May the stars be in their favor."

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火の鳥: Fire bird

After many month and years of waiting, I have finally updated this story! Wow!

So, I am glad to announce that Sakura Ai will be updated more often, if you read my bio it shows the stories that are currently being updated. Do not fright, the stories that are on hold will be worked out later once one of these other stories are completed.

Tell me what you thought of this chapter. Please ask some questions, and if anyone feels like reaching out to me feel free to PM me!

Until next time,

~VintageTypeWriter2346