Work Text:
Once upon a time, a kingdom was founded on the coast of the southern sea called the Zangetsu Kingdom. The kingdom prospered, under the leadership of King Isshin. King Isshin has 3 children. 1 boy and 2 girls twins. His wife died long ago giving birth to twins and now the incense is still kept in the Kingdom.
The Zangetsu Kingdom is known besides its abundant treasures and marine resources, they are also known for the kindness and humility of its inhabitants. The people of the Zangetsu Kingdom really respect their Prince who is very friendly and sincere to everyone, regardless of physical appearance or caste. He is Prince Ichigo, his warm smile matches perfectly with his fiery orange hair. The Prince's daily life is to visit the market and greet everyone in the market. He also really likes shopping for groceries. Even though it is already provided in the Kingdom, he wants to continue shopping at the market for the reason of making citizens earn income that day.
Another of the prince's habits is visiting beaches near the Kingdom to simply look for shells or calm himself down. Ichigo with a flat face and a doubtful heart walked straight along the length of the beach. He is hesitant, anxious and unsure. Can his father's decision make his life happy? Never mind his life, could his father's decision make his people happy and live prosperously?
In the midst of this confusion, Ichigo stopped when a man with bright blue hair caught his attention. The man was seen squatting and digging in the beach sand to look for shells or sea cucumbers. With happy steps he approached the man.
"Hello! What are you doing?" Ichigo asked kindly, making the man with blue hair who was squatting down startled and look at him.
"Ah... Your Majesty, sorry if I have disturbed you," said the man while looking down. Ichigo stutteringly answered.
"Hey, no need to call me that. Just call me Ichigo. I-chi-go" he said twice. Then the man who initially looked down slowly raised his head.
"I.. ichigo?"
"Yep, that's my name. Your name?"
"oh... It's Grimmjow Your Majes- I mean Ichigo. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez" answered Grimmjow while bowing his body to show respect.
"What Jaeger? Looks like you're not from here, huh?" Ichigo asked with his tongue twisted.
"Ah, yes. I just moved here a few days ago."
"Oh... By the way, what are you doing?" Ichigo asked while peeking curiously at the sack that Grimmjow was carrying.
"I'm looking for shells. I... have a hobby of making works from shells," said Grimmjow while showing the necklace he was wearing. The necklaces are made from various shells and small starfish.
"Wow... this is really beautiful. I've been collecting beautiful shells, but I've never made them into jewelry."
"Do you want to visit my house? Maybe I don't make many crafts there. But if you are curious, you can visit my house," said Grimmjow while washing his hands with sea water and packing his things.
"Of course!" After that, Ichigo followed the man named Grimmjow to his house which turned out to be not far from the beach. Grimmjow's house is located at the end of the beach, under a cliff and could be said to be simple. It is made from scrap wood and the door is made from shells made like a curtain. He also has a small boat placed next to his house. When Ichigo entered, his eyes were spoiled by the many types of shells that Grimmjow had collected. Some are displayed on tables, various bracelets and necklaces are even used as frames.
"Welcome to my house, Your Majesty," said Grimmjow
"Your house... what is this? Heaven on earth?" said Ichigo who still looked happy and amazed.
"Ah, you are exaggerating. If something catches your attention, you can take it."
"Eh, is that okay? I feel uncomfortable..." said Ichigo worriedly
"Don't worry, it can still be found and made again. Just relax, Your Majesty."
Ichigo continued his observation of Grimmjow's work until he saw a shell placed in a small box like a ring. Curiously, Ichigo took the shell along with the box and headed towards Grimmjow.
"Is this a ring?" Ichigo asked while pointing at Grimmjow.
"Yep, I made it at my mother's request before she died," explained Grimmjow while placing 2 glasses of tea on the table. “Oh… sorry” “Hey, it's okay. Besides, I don't have any plans to get married yet."
"Wait, how old are you if I may?" Ichigo asked curiously. "22, why?" "Owh… it's okay"
"Well, if you want to take the ring for the woman you will marry later. I don't mind making another one that is exactly the same," said Grimmjow happily. With a shocked expression, Ichigo could only look down at the ring in his hand.
"Ichigo… is something wrong?" Grimmjow asked worriedly
Ichigo shook his head. "No problem. I'm fine" he answered Grimmjow with a smile. Fake smile, of course he couldn't tell Grimmjow that he was gay.
"Okay then... Come on, drink some tea first ". With that, Ichigo spent his time at Grimmjow's house. Exchange stories and also enjoy the sea breeze in front of Grimmjow's house. After dusk falls, it's time for Ichigo to return to the kingdom.
"Thank you for today Grimm"
"You're very welcome Your majes- I mean Ichigo" Grimmjow teased "You can come back any time!" said Grimmjow as Ichigo walked away.
After the prince disappeared from Grimmjow's sight, he took a deep breath and faced the sea. "I-chi-go..." he said while facing the twilight sea with a sky the exact color of the Prince.
…
Several days passed, and Ichigo always approached Grimmjow. They started to get to know each other and spent time together. Occasionally Ichigo will tell the history of his kingdom while making crafts with Grimmjow.
"You know Grimm… about Zangetsu?" Ichigo asked while seeing Grimmjow making a necklace from shells.
“Isn't it the name of this kingdom?" "Oh, actually Zangetsu is a person's name," said Ichigo with a smile. Grimmjow responded lightly while making a necklace.
"Oh really?" “Huum, it's said that Zangetsu also likes shells and clams. Especially white clams" Grimmjow pondered...
“Grimm?” Ichigo asked Grimmjow who was silent.
"You know... I think I have one" Said Grimmjow while looking for something in his chest. After he found the item, he took a small box and gave it to Ichigo.
"What's this?" Grimmjow just motioned for Ichigo to open the box.
When opened, it contained a ring again. But this time the ring has an open shell and there is a real pearl inside. "Grimm... this is beautiful" said Ichigo, amazed.
"I... I purposely made a prototype for your ring," explained Grimmjow. “Geez Grimm… why bother? I feel bad," Ichigo said while looking down.
I really wanted to kiss the Prince's lips. To make him calm and more relaxed. But Grimmjow resisted that urge.There's no way Ichigo will like you back Grimm, at least make him satisfy with his self-esteem.That's it what Grimmjow said to himself.
“Oh, it's okay. You just try it on first," said Grimmjow, forcing a smile as he took the ring from Ichigo's hand. Ichigo happily offered his ring finger to Grimmjow to use it. After trying to put the ring on Ichigo's finger, it turned out that the ring was sufficient and fit perfectly.
"Grimm... this is too beautiful" Said Ichigo while admiring the ring. “You can take it” “Eh really? Thank you Grimm!” He said while hugging Grimmjow. The day went on as usual, Grimmjow made work and Ichigo saw the patience of the young man in front of him. However, this afternoon when he came home he was greeted by his father in front of the kingdom.
…
“Ichigo! I have good news for you!” said Isshin happily. "What's the matter, dad?" "In two months, your brother Kaien and his siblings will be here!" Isshin answered happily.
“That's cool, dad. Ohh… can I talk to you about something?” Ichigo asked with a serious expression. Hearing that, Isshin immediately carried his child like a potato sack towards the kingdom's backyard. When he got there, Ichigo sat on one of the park benches a little roughly.
“OW!! What's that for, old man??” Ichigo got a little angry and rubbed his butt. “Oh what a softie boy. So… what do you want to talk about?” Finally Isshin got serious. "You know what? ... I like someone" Ichigo said shyly. Isshin suddenly celebrated happily and headed towards the painting of his wife which was displayed nearby.
“MASAKI, OUR SON IS FALLS IN LOVE! THE TIME IS FINALLY ARRIVE!!!!” yeah... so that night Ichigo told him about Grimmjow. After a long story, Isshin wanted to meet Grimmjow Jaeg- what? Whatever is that.
Isshin also realized that there was a ring on his son's ring finger. He became even more hysterical until he took his wife's ashes out from his room to dance.
…
The next day, Isshin and Ichigo approached Grimmjow who was looking for shells in the sand. Grimmjow, who is called Ichigo, was suddenly shocked because the King was behind Ichigo. “Ah… good morning Your Majesty. I'm sorry for appearing dirty like this." Hearing Grimmjow's greeting, Isshin laughed loudly and hugged him.
"So you're Grimmjow? No wonder my son fell in love with you!” Isshin explained while laughing loudly, making Grimmjow and Ichigo blush and embarrassed.
"Father!? You don't need to embarrass me like that!!” Ichigo replied with a red face. "Oh look, my son is turning so red HAHAHAHA" continued Isshin. Finally, Isshin and Ichigo visited Grimmjow's house like an ordinary people. They don't look at caste or wealth, even Grimmjow accidentally called out 'Your Majesty' directly at Isshin's head. And Isshin just lightly punch Grimmjow shoulder with his special laugh 'Call me father in law' he said. That same day, Isshin approved Grimmjow and Ichigo's relationship. Grimmjow is allowed to come to the palace whenever he wants, and so does Ichigo. He can stop by Grimmjow's house whenever he wants.
…
2 months have passed, thanks to Ichigo, who is Grimmjow's lover and fiancé, he was able to open a shell jewelry business for the kingdom. What else is Isshin less proud of? To the point where Isshin said, 'Just use the money for the wedding', he said while giving a thumbs up. Even Yuzu and Karin became fans of shells and pearls.
One afternoon, when Grimmjow and Ichigo were walking at the market, (because Ichigo can't get away from his shopping habit) The local people blushed with embarrassment at the two beautiful couples. Even Grimmjow's merchant acquaintances love to tease his fiancé. Sometimes it makes Grimmjow uncomfortable, but he still trusts Ichigo.
The next day, there was news that the family from the Shiba kingdom had arrived. Isshin and his children along with Grimmjow welcomed the family at the dock. The youngest brother got off first and jumped towards Isshin.
“OLD MAN! IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME!!” said Ganju happily. The first son also got off the ship, holding the second daughter's hand. “It's been a long time, Ojisan!” Say Kukaku. Meanwhile Kaien ran towards Ichigo while screaming.
“I-CHI-GO!!!” he jumped towards Ichigo which made them both fall. “Aaaaa little brother, your big cousin misses you!!!!!” “ARGHH KAIEN! I know you miss me but don't be like a pedo!!”
"Yes, sorry, I couldn't stand it!" Kaien joked while laughing as hard as he could. Next to Ichigo, Grimmjow, who didn't know what to do, could only watch a family reunion which could be said to be quite strange.
Finally, Kaien realized Grimmjow's existence and immediately stood up and cleaned his clothes. Grimmjow also helped Ichigo stand up.
"Who are you?" Kaien asked Grimmjow.
“It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty, my name is Grimmjow. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Prince Kurosaki Ichigo's fiancé," Grimmjow answered politely. "Oh? Fiancé huh? Nice to meet you. Kaien Shiba!” Kaien replied as he stretched out his hand.
"Nice to meet you too, Your Majesty" Grimmjow replied while shaking hands with Kaien.
That day a lively evening party was held. Everyone was invited to the party, they danced, got drunk and occasionally gambled. In the midst of the party, the two royal couples were enjoying the roar of the sea breeze in the royal back garden. Where the view goes straight to the sea. They sat next to each other, Ichigo hugging Grimmjow's arm tightly. Meanwhile Grimmjow ate the food he had taken (occasionally he fed Ichigo).
That night felt like it belonged to both of them. They don't want to let go of each other. "Oh Ichi... When we get married, what other jewelry do you want? I mean apart from shells and pearls," asked Grimmjow while eating his rice and side dishes. "Well, just pearls are enough. Who would have thought that pearls are more expensive than gold?" Ichigo answered while looking at the pearl on his ring.
“Yeah… What else can I do? There is no sea in the central area. This South Sea is probably one of the sources of pearls found along this island," explained Grimmjow while feeding Ichigo. "Maybe you're right" Ichigo answered with his mouth full. They spent the night just the two of them, until the sound of the party in front seemed to become silent.
"Perhaps, they are asleep?" Ichigo said while looking back. "Yes, maybe... ummm Ichigo" Feeling called Ichigo looked at Grimmjow. "May I?" Grimmjow asked while holding Ichigo's chin. Ichigo, who knew what Grimmjow was going to do, nodded slowly. Seeing Ichigo's response, Grimmjow kissed Ichigo's lips gently. Ichigo, who felt his lips meet Grimmjow's, kissed back. They kissed so passionately that they didn't realize that someone was spying on them.
…
Kaien hastily left the Zangetsu kingdom towards the edge of the village. There, there was a wizard with very strong Black magic. He entered a small, simple hut, but full of sacred objects. He sat cross-legged, while in front of him a man was lighting incense.
"A powerful wizard... a wizard of black magic to be more precise, Aizen Sosuke," Kaien replied. The man named Aizen finally turned his attention towards Kaien. "Welcome to this little hut of mine young man. Or hould I call you prince?” Aizen replied then continued lighting the incense.
"I... came here for the black potion," Kaien said firmly. Aizen once again stopped his activities and focused on Kaien. "What's wrong prince? You're so… shackled by something. Is that jealousy?” Aizen's question was right on target, making Kaien speechless.
“Is it envy? "Your emotions are too negative for the prince's positive face," Aizen continued while mixing the potion. Kaien could only stay there, his face flat but his emotions burning. After five minutes of walking, Aizen gave Kaien a bottle of potion. “Give the potion to the person you hate. Mix it with tea or other drinks." Kaien responded to Aizen's words with a nod. He bowed respectfully and left the small hut.
…
The next morning, the Shiba family and the Zangetsu Kingdom family were having breakfast together. That very morning, Kaien would carry out his plan. After they finished eating together, Ichigo said goodbye to go to the market with Grimmjow. This time…
"Ichi!!! Come here for a moment!” Kaien shouted from the kitchen. Ichigo approached Kaien with a basket in his hand. “I made tea for you. Don't forget to drink it later!" Kaien said while giving a thermos to Ichigo. "Thank You Aniki. Then I'll go first!" After Ichigo left the kitchen, Kaien smiled broadly.
At the market, Ichigo as usual bought various kinds of cooking ingredients. Of course Grimmjow helped. “Ichi, isn't this enough?” Grimmjow asked worriedly. Because he had brought 2 sacks and 3 baskets. "Yes-yes, this is the last one" After finish shopping, they returned to Grimmjow's house. Ichigo will cook Mangut Sauce and also some boiled cassava for lunch later. Meanwhile, Grimmjow went back to looking for shells, even occasionally observing coral reefs.
Lunch arrived, Ichigo prepared theyre food on the floor in front of Grimmjow's house. They finally ate together, not forgetting that Ichigo also brewed the tea that Kaien had given him. After Ichigo drank one glass of tea, nothing happened at first until they finished lunch. However, Grimmjow, who was aware of Ichigo's hair starting to fade, bothered him a little. Maybe it's just my imagination Grimmjow thought to himself.
From afternoon to evening, Grimmjow invited Ichigo to observe the coral reefs on the coast of the sea. Until…
"Ichi?" Grimmjow called in a worried tone while stroking Ichigo's hair. "What's wrong Grimm?" "Your hair..." After saying that, Ichigo's hair faded completely to white. “Wh-What??... What… THE FUCK!!?” "ICHI don't panic, let's get you to Kisuke right now!" Finally Grimmjow took Ichigo to the royal healer.
"Santet" said Kisuke after analyzing Ichigo's body. “Santet?” Isshin, who heard those words, immediately clenched his fists as hard as he could. "From my analysis after checking Ichigo's body. This is some kind of black magic which comes from a very ancient black magic from the past. I've studied about it, but haven't found an antidote," explained Kisuke while massaging certain parts of Ichigo's feet. "Supposedly after the massage it will slow down the Santet effect to spread"
"Oy Kisuke...Ichigo can still survive, right?" Grimmjow asked while holding Ichigo's hand tightly. Kisuke could only look down while Ichigo, who heard that his fate would not last long, could only cry into Grimmjow's chest. And Grimmjow pull Ichigo into his arms tighter.
…
A week passed, and Ichigo's condition worsened. Now his hair has grown to an unnatural length, his skin is pale and there are many bruises out of nowhere. Ichigo is like an old lady with a curse on him. His body even getting weaker, maybe he won't live for long. The people of the kingdom sometimes stopped by to visit and gave some of their food, hoping that their prince would get well soon.
Grimmjow, who saw his lover in such a slump, also feel sad. He always accompanies Ichigo at all times. He will not leave the person who has changed his life until the end of his life.
One night, when Ichigo fell asleep in Grimmjow's arms he heard a voice. "Follow me" Said the voice. Ichigo slowly let go of Grimmjow's embrace and followed the direction of the voice to the backyard. When he arrived at the backyard, the voice called him again "Come here, don't be afraid" Ichigo went out of the garden area towards the cliff behind the kingdom. He stared at the night sea with a strong wind. "Jump, and I'll catch you, King" Hearing those words, Ichigo was about to jump but was stopped by Grimmjow.
"Ichigo what are you doing???" Grimmjow gripped Ichigo's body tightly. Ichigo, who regained consciousness, hugged Grimmjow back. Tears came out and wet Grimmjow's shoulders. Isshin, who heard the commotion, approached along with the twins and the Shiba's.
"What's wrong with the noisy?" Isshin asked half panicked. Meanwhile Ichigo was still crying on Grimmjow's shoulder. Kaien approached Ichigo intending to calm Ichigo. Meanwhile Grimmjow, left a final kiss on his forehead and went towards Isshin. Without Grimmjow realizing it, Ichigo was in great danger.
"Is it still sick, little brother?" Kaien asked in a dismissive tone "I'll end your suffering". Then he deliberately threw Ichigo over a cliff. That's when Kaien's drama began. “NOO! ICHIGO!!!” Kaien shouted trying to catch Ichigo. Grimmjow, who initially intended to approach Isshin, immediately turned around and ran as fast as he could towards Kaien's side to catch Ichigo. But unfortunately, when he arrived at Kaien's side, Ichigo had already fallen with a warm smile.
…
A week later, the search for Ichigo's body still hasn't been found. Even Isshin asked magic experts to track down his son. But until now the results are still... nil. Even now, Grimmjow is still looking for Ichigo. He used his small boat to sail morning until night to look for his lover. Grimmjow still holds the same ring as Ichigo, but it is his ring. He was sure that if he had the ring next to him then Ichigo would come back to him.
Meanwhile, the Shiba Family will depart to go home. They will cross the ocean again to return to the Shiba Kingdom. However, in the middle of their journey, their ship was hit by powerful waves and storms. Suddenly a tsunami occurred and washed away their ship. The news reached Isshin 3 days after departure. Isshin also mobilized his crew intending to search for the bodies of the Shiba family, but unluckily... Human bodies and even the wreck of the ship were not found at all.
…
Five month since that incident, Grimmjow has become a loner. He neglected his business and was busy exploring the sea hoping to meet his lover again. Currently, Grimmjow is taking a lunch break on the floor in front of his house. He cook Mangut Sauce. Ichigo's favorite just for remembering his late lover. Wearily, he went into the house to get a glass of water. Until he felt arm hug him from behind. No way, this arm…Grimmjow thought before turning around and looking at the person who's hugging him.
Ichigo was in front of him, with long Orange hair and elegant kebaya. "Ichigo?” Grimmjow called conformingly. “Hey Grimm! I saw you cooking Mangut Sauce. Want to share with me?” Ichigo ask with the widest smile he ever seen this past five month. Immediately, Grimmjow hugged Ichigo tightly. Grimmjow misses, really misses him. He could finally feel his lover's embrace. He could kiss him, hug him and even bite his neck mischievously. "Hey Grimm that tickles!" Ichigo chuckled. "But how?" Grimmjow asked while turning his face away from Ichigo.
"You know? Zangetsu saved me!” Ichigo answered proudly. “Z-zangetsu?” "Yes! Do you remember when I fell off a cliff? Zangetsu saved me and...healed me from that disease!" Ichigo said again happily.
Flashback (Ichigo Pov)
“A-aniki? Grimmjow..." those were the last words I remembered after I drowned in the sea. Strange, why is my mind still running? I couldn't even feel my breath. Wh-what happened???
“Oy King, wake up!” I woke up in a room. Like a royal chamber. I looked around and realized it wasn't my room. Suddenly a fish passed in front of my eyes, I was shocked and realized I was under the sea. I tried to hold my breath but when my breath ran out, I didn't have a choice to open my mouth to breath but... What i didn't expect is could take a breath under the sea.
I looked out the window and was greeted with a beautiful underwater view. Lots of coral reefs and beautiful fish. "Is this a dream? Or maybe the after life? Damn it's a beautifull after life" I was so stunned that I didn't realize that there was someone behind me waiting for me. "Oy King, are you awake?" The person asked which made me reflexively look behind me. The man had long white hair, wait… even his skin is white. Black nails and eyes but has bright golden irises.
“Yo! Welcome to the Southern Seas!” Greet the man while bowing. "W-wait... Could it be that you..." "Yes, Zangetsu... at your service my King" After Zangetsu introduced himself I was suddenly shocked and was about to faint. "W-woah King, don't faint!" said Zangetsu panicked.
"Dude... its a no fucking way that you are Zangetsu" "But I am Zangetsu" Ichigo shook his head still in disbelief. How could the legendary Zangetsu of his kingdom look exactly like... him. The difference is he is albino.
"Oh come on King, get used to your new kingdom. We're gonna rule the Southern Sea together! " said Zangetsu. “A new… kingdom? And what do you mean with rule it together?” Zangetsu nodded. "Euhh we will be together forever, starting from now" "But... I can't, Grimmjow is waiting for me" Ichigo said panicked.
"That Blue Kitten? Nahhh dont worry king, you can approach him at any time. But your place is still here." Hearing Zangetsu's answer made Ichigo calm down and become more relaxed.
"Aren't you curious why you can be here and recovering from the illness?" Zangetsu asked suddenly. "Euhh, maybe I already know... it's just that I don't want to accept the reality," Ichigo answered while looking down.
"Okay, to make it shorter... let's get revenge" said Zangetsu as he possessed Ichigo's body. At first Ichigo struggled, but because of the great difference in strength Zangetsu was able to control his body easily. They swam with the current wave towards the west. Until they found a ship. That's the Shiba family's ship. With a sword emerging from his back, Zangetsu pointed his sword towards the Shiba Family's ship.
The sword create waves and storms. Until finally the tsunami devoured the ship. When the ship began to sink, Zangetsu came out of Ichigo's body and seemed to stop the time, he could see many victims falling in slow motion. In fact, he could see Kaien with his scared face. “So King… who do you want to scorch? And who do you want to save, right?” Asked Zangetsu who was now beside him while holding his shoulder.
"..." I was silent for a moment, then with strong determination "Destroy all of them who make me miserable... without any remains" With that Zangetsu laughed "Aye aye captain!!" Instantly, the ship and Kaien's body disappeared, meanwhil Kukaku and Ganju were returned to the Shiba Kingdom safely. After that, Zangetsu shows the crystal ball to him, showing that Aizen has been caught by Kisuke.
"Are you satisfied king?" Zangetsu asked right in his ear. "...I don't know" Ichigo walked back towards the Southern Sea Kingdom. He hesitated, confused, and didn't know what to do. When he arrived at his room, Ichigo burst into tears.
Finally, during his five months in the Southern Sea Kingdom, Ichigo was able to adjust. He became king of the South Sea kingdom with Shiro of course. (Yes, Shiro's name was called after Zangetsu and Ichigo had become kings of the South Sea together) "Urang teh Anjeng, Anjeng teh Urang" That was the oath they both said before being the crowned King of the Southern Sea. "King... it's time for you to meet him"
…
Hearing that story, Grimmjow couldn't hold back his tears. He hugged Ichigo even tighter. Smell and remember the smell of his lover in the past five month. "You're evil Ichi... how could you leave me. And now what? You are the king of a Sea? Damn it Ichi!” Grimmjow cursed while hugging Ichigo. Ichigo just laughed and hugged Grimmjow back. After a long hug, Ichigo remembered the ring that Grimmjow had given him. "Grimm, where's your ring?" Ichigo asked and Grimmjow gave a ring that matched his own. Ichigo put the ring on Grimmjows finger and kissed Grimmjow's lips.
“I love you… Grimm!”