Jigoku no Monko

Two chapters in one. The epilogue was really short so I posted both Chapters here.

Chapter 11
The End

Kinomi awoke slowly, aware there was something far larger than Hisagi on the bed next to her, but strangely didn’t feel threatened. Hey eyes opened slowly to see a wall of black and silver bladed feathers and a smile touched her face even as her hips started to ache in protest to yesterdays duel activities.

She stretched and yawned, pausing to scratch Kazeshini behind the ear before the gryphon disappeared. She wasn’t surprised to see Hisagi gone, he was really over due and she respected the fact he had duties. The fact he had left Kazeshini to watch over her warmed a part of her soul she didn’t even know she had.

She forced herself out of bed, noticing the clock was flashing it was 6:30 in the morning, her usual get up time. She did a few warm up exercises before taking a shower and making herself presentable.

She wasn’t surprised to see both her retainers waiting for her outside her door, having sensed both of them arrive at precisely 8:00 like they did every day. She listened to them as they lined up her schedule for the day and once again she wondered why the two hollows served her so strongly and well.

Hurón she could understand, she was stronger than him, but Ulquiorra still confused her to this day. In his first release he was stronger than her, let alone his second. Why would he subjugate himself to serving the brat of a shinigami? One he was not particular fond of if she remembered her history right.

“It’s just who he is.” Kyattsuai commented in her mind. “Some people are meant to lead, some love to follow. He is the second type. He needs a purpose and you give it to him.” Kyattsuai explained. “He is kind of like Taka-chan or Nnoitra-san. Both are really strong, but they have no interest in leading others, only in their own pleasures.”

Now that she could comprehend and made sense.

They arrived at the meeting room, comfortable chairs stationed around a round table, which made talking to each other far more easier than a long rectangular table, where breakfast was laid out. Orihime and Hinamori smiled at them as they arrived. Szayel gave a nod of his head and Kinomi noticed his hair was slightly dishevelled, a rare occurrence.

“Guess you were not the only one who got some in the last 24 hours.” Kyattsuai laughed.

Kinomi could have done without that image.

Taka was the last to arrive, looking half dead and like she had just rolled out of bed. Perhaps the one aspect of her father she retained was that she was impossible to get up in the morning for a meeting. Training, no problem, boring meetings, good luck.

Matsumoto and Ggio were there as well of course, and to her surprise so was Yachiru, apparently having arrived sometime last night with both Zora and Hanabi, who were sitting beside Dion, and talking animatedly.

They shared gossip for a bit, some teasing going on between some parties and a lot of sly looks being sent her way while they ate breakfast.

She never considered herself a vegetarian, but there really wasn’t a lot of meat sources she would dare to eat in Hueco Mundo so most of their meals consisted of the crops grown by Hinamori and Szayel, eggs gathered from the birds and lizards that had been gathered from out laying farms that bred them, and fish from the few fishing villages.

All traded for the high level reiatsu vegetables. What meat they did get tended to arrive via the Kira family, which Kinomi left all of that negotiating to Hinamori.

When breakfast was done the two boys and one girl excused themselves to leave the room to the adults. They covered the basics first, challenges to her rights as queen, how the crops were growing, population size and growth before rounding to the end where they started to discus where and how they were going to pen the expected arrivals from Jigoku.

The bigger question was who were they going to put in charge of the new livestock. Szayel’s hands were full in his lab as it was and Hinamori’s gardens and crops were taking up most of her time already. Taka was not interested and hardly had the time between training the men and women stationed here and running defensive drills.

“I could do it. Orihime-chan doesn’t really need my help in the infirmary and I have been taking care of the Hiuma since they arrived.” Azucena offered timidly. “They are amazing individuals.” The shy woman smiled.

“Settled than. Matsumoto-san, Ggio-san, can you get a message to Las Noches and let Grimm-ji and Nel-chan know they got some live stock heading their way?”

“Of course.” Matsumoto smiled.

“If you would like, take two of the current Hiuma with you. They can travel really fast and should be an asset for delivering message far quicker between the citadels. What took us three days by foot took about three hours on their backs.” She ordered.

“Consider it done.” Matsumoto chirped happily before whispering something into Ggio’s ear when he looked less than thrilled about riding horses that instantly seemed to perk him up.

They were about to adjourn the meeting when a knock sounded on the door. After a moment it opened and Kinomi couldn’t help but to smile as Azul bounded into the room and jumped into her lap, giving her a big hug.

“Azul-chan, Nel-chan.” Kinomi greeted warmly. “What brings you by?” She asked.

“Nothing exciting. Azul-chan just wanted to come visit Dion-kun and I have some reports for Szayel-san.” Nel answered, handing over a large file folder to the pink haired arrancar.

“I see.” Kinomi smiled. “Well, I have it on good authority that Dion-Kun, Hanabi-chan and Zora-kun are down in the garden.”

Azul was gone in a flash, gaining a chuckle from most in the room.

“Oh right.” Yachiru suddenly stood up. “That remind me. You are never going to believe it.” She smirked.

“Renji-kun finally ask you to marry him?” Matsumoto asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Close, but what I really wanted to say is….I’m pregnant. Three Weeks.” She announced with a wide grin.

The room was silent for a moment before the girls had Yachiru in a large group hug and Matsumoto started to go on about baby showers. The men just offered a congratulations and, the meeting more or less adjourned, snuck out before they were dragged into the insanity that was swiftly unfolding before them.

“I bet Tacihou must be thrilled he is going to be an Ojiisan.” Taka laughed.

“Oh I have this to.” Yachiru handed Kinomi a letter. “I got one for Zan-kun as well, can you deliver it, Matsumoto?” Yachiru asked, handing the letter over.

Kinomi opened it and looked at the plain card in surprise before reading it, her eyes slowly widening in shock.

“No way?” She gapped.

“Yep. After the whole incident with the king and all the unofficial banishment was lifted. So Tatsuki-chan said enough was enough and made a deal with Ikkaku-kun that if she could beat him in a shikai only, no kidou, duel than he would have to do one thing she wanted.

“Well she beat him, took everyone by surprise and when he asked what she wanted she quite simply said to marry her. I got the picture of his face to show the shock.” Yachiru giggled as she quickly passed the pictures around, earning giggles out of most of the woman and a hearty laugh from Taka and Kinomi.

“Anyway, she wants you, Yuzu, Karin, Orihime and I to be the flower girls. Should I tell her yes for you?”

Kinomi smiled in pleasure. She hadn’t been a flower girl since Karin’s wedding to Toshiro, which was held in the living world so it could include their friends still there and the HMKs giving they were still band from soul society at the time.

“Tell Tatsuki-sensei I would be honoured.” Kinomi smiled.

“And now that we have chased the men away, how was it?” Yachiru smirked at her.

“How was what?” Kinomi asked confused.

“Oh don’t play coy now.” Matsumoto pouted.

“You know exactly what we are talking about.” Taka added.

“Did something happen?” Nel asked confused.

“Oh it happened all right.” Taka smirked. “Out with it. How was it?”

“I simply don’t know what you are talking about.” Kinomi tried to shrug them off.

“Uh huh.” The three woman laughed at her.

“Come on Pantera-chan, spill. I told you all about my first time.” Yachiru pointed out.

“As did I.” Taka added.

“Yours was a one night stand with Nnoitra of all people.” Kinomi shot back to Taka.

“I still shared and I don’t regret that night. The things he can do with that tongue of his.” She sighed. “Good for a night of sex, but nothing really there in relationship potential.”

“Too much information.” Azucena squeaked.

“Tell me, were the rumours true?” Yachiru demanded.

“What rumours?” Kinomi asked exasperated.

“That Hisagi-kun loves it rough and being tied up.”

Kinomi blushed deep red, causing Yachiru and Taka to squeal and Matsumoto to laugh, having already known the answer to that one.

“You should have seen the shape he was in.” Matsumoto laughed. “He isn’t going to be able to sleep on his back for weeks….. Or his front come to think about it.” She added after a moment.

Azucena squeaked, Yachiru, Nel and Taka laughed, Orihime covered her mouth with a hand and Kinomi just groaned, collapsing back into one of the chairs.

“What about you, Orihime-chan?” Nel asked, taking a chair and the others followed suite.

“Me?” She asked innocently.

“Yes you. It’s been how long since you passed over? Anyone new in you life?” Nel asked with a smirk.

“I don’t know what you mean.” Orihime looked away with a blush on her face.

“Riiiiiight.” Taka and Nel drawled.

“Is that why you have been seeing leaving his quarters for what, the past seven months in a row now?” Taka challenged.

“Oh, who’s quarters?” Matsumoto asked intrigued.

Kinomi felt sorry that the heat was now on Orihime, but she couldn’t bring herself to draw the attention back to herself.

“No ones.” She stammered.

“Come on, don’t be shy.” Nel pushed.

“Nothing has been going on.” Orihime protested again. “We were just reading and talking.”

“About what?” Taka pushed. “Which position’s the best?”

Orihime went bright red now and even Kinomi found herself chuckling.

“Oi, not all of us like our private lives splashed in front of the world you know.” Kinomi finally took pity of the flustered woman and drew the attention back to herself. “Besides, giving who we are talking about starting rumours like that up around the palace is sure to bring about some structural damage and the need to start replacing missing staff.”

“Alright, but I still want to know who’s room we are talking about.” Matsumoto pouted.

“No ones.” Orihime was quick to yelp, hands flaying in front of her.

“Ulquiorra’s.” Taka and Nel said at the same time as Orihime‘s denial.

Silence.

“No way.” Matsumoto leaned forward interested, as did Yachiru.

“It’s nothing, really.” Orihime denied.

The women continued on their girl talk for a while. It was so rare they got to gather like this. Eventually duty did call and with a great amount of reluctance they were forced to return to their tasks.

Matsumoto and Ggio headed out towards Las Noches to deliver their messages. Azucena and Hinamori went to find Ulquiorra and Hurón to see what they had for building supplies and weather or not they would need to trade for supplies from the Kira family or harvest it from the real world.

Orihime returned to the infirmary and Taka to the large dojo’s to check on everyone’s training and get her own in for the day. Yachiru followed Kinomi on her duties, the two girls just happily yapping about what kind of wedding Tatsuki would have and if Renji and Yachiru had settled on a date yet.

Her tour brought her to the gardens and standing up on the balcony looking down Kinomi spotted where Dion, Zora, Hinabi, and Azul were sitting in a circle chatting about whatever it was they were talking about.

The sight brought a smile to her face.

“Hybrid, shinigami, shinigami, and hollow, sitting in a circle talking like old friends.” She thought with pride. “The very embodiment of everything I have worked so hard to see.”

For one moment she felt a yarning for a child of her own. She thought of Hisagi, and not just the sex they shared, but of him as him.

MINE.

This time she wasn’t sex drugged and the thought took her by surprise. It was rare she had such strong surges of emotion outside of high strung situations, but this time she almost jumped in surprise at the possessiveness of the thought.

“Where the hell did that come from?” She wondered before giving her head a small shake and ignoring Yachiru’s questioning glance.

She turned her thoughts back to the subject and tried to picture the two of them as a family with kids. The image was quick to jump into her brain without any prompting and before she knew it she was starting to wonder what features of their’s any potential children would inherited.

She found herself day dreaming, idly listening to the chatter of the four friends below despite their age differences. Eventually the sprinklers came on but instead of running to get away from the water, they instead laughed and a mud ball fight broke out.

Kinomi just sighed and felt peace come over her. After all of the hardships she had grown up with, it was so nice to see the next generation grow up in peace. In fact, the brats were older than she was by the time she had her first kill. Perhaps it was time to start training them a bit more.



It was strange, and you would think after a year or so he would be use to arriving in Hueco Mundo without Kazeshini shouting with glee and begging for a sparing match with Kyattsuai.

Instead the moment they arrived the gryphon rushed from his world to Kinomi’s to let her know they had arrived and to pay homage to his own partner. Kyattsuai had only paid his own inner world a visit once or twice and it was strange to have another Zanpkauto there.

Yachiru walked behind him, a large smile on her face with little Higai in her arms. The boy was the spitting image of his father right down to the bright red hair. The only thing he got from his mother was her bright, brown eyes.

Behind them Zora leaned on his cane while Hanabi looked about with the usual interest she had when coming here, for it wasn’t often she got the chance.

Zora had broken his leg several months ago and it never did heal right, leaving him with a permanent limp that spelled disaster for a shinigami carrier. Fortunately he seemed adapt at Kidou, unlike his uncle Ichigo, and because his parents were both a taichou and fukutaichou respectively, he would still be attending the academy and being trained.

Hisagi’s thoughts were broken as his eyes fell upon Kinomi, who was just arriving to greet them. The look she sent him sent a shiver of promise up his spine that went unnoticed by the kids.

She hugged her cousin, patted Hanabi’s hair, and told them Azul and Dion were down in Dion own private garden, a gift from Kinomi to the boy for a birthday. Hanabi was gone in a flash on Shunpo, Zora chuckled and headed out after her.

Hisagi stood to the side and watched as Kinomi was now free to ogle over Yachiru’s first born, the two girls going goo-goo eyed and making funny noises all women tended to when babies were involved while commenting how much he looked like his father.

A sudden image of Kinomi holding their own child popped into his head, as well as the question he had been wanting to ask her for the last two months now, ever since Tatsuki’s wedding to Ikkaku-taichou.

She had been so stunning in that dress, and the sex after had been very pleasant as well. After she got over the uncertainty of how far to go with him it had become one of the highlights of his visits here.

What more was that Las Tardes had grown so large now that it was considered its own country, not that it technically hadn’t been before, but the new Central 46, which now included no less than a shinigami representative from all 13 squads, was looking to Las Tardes as an actual full time trading partner for goods and supplies that would not be easy to obtain in Soul Society, such as large quantities of beef.

The Hioushi had arrived and since they lived on the spirit particles of the air there was no need for multiple, massively, large fields of grass to graze them on. All they needed was a single large enclosure to make sure they didn’t wander off and they were happy.

They didn’t mind being put to the yolk either and now considerably larger fields of Hinamori’s plants were able to be produced. With the Hiuma communications and travel between the four cities was now a matter of hours instead of days.

Thinking of the Hiuma he managed to catch Kinomi’s attention long enough to give her a nod to let her know he was going to check on his own steed. She gave one back and mouthed ‘mine’ at him before turning her attention back to the baby now in her arms.

Mine. Her way of saying she loved him. He had been surprised at her over protectiveness of him, not in the ‘throw herself in front of an arrow’ way but in a ‘think about taking him as yours and die’ way.

Enma had been very generous and by the time he made it to the stables the mare that the king of Jigoku had picked out for him was already at the fence waiting for him, her belly large with foal, which was why he had left her here to breed.

She was one of the most prized mares, the only other two being the ones Zan and Azul owned, and so when it was her turn to breed he had left her behind.

“Hay girl.” He greeted, jumping the fence and quickly doing a full body inspection like the handler Enma-sama had sent them had trained them all to do.

She whickered and nuzzled his shoulder. His inspection return full positive results. She was as healthy as ever, if somewhat pregnant. He gave her another solid pat to the neck before turning his attention to the woman who had come up behind him.

“I trust she is doing well?” He asked Azucena.

“Yes. Very well, although she would only let one stallion near her.” Azucena chuckled.

The mare trotted up to the girl and gave her a nuzzle as well, earning a scratch behind the ears as a reward.

“Oh?” He asked intrigued.

There was a whine from one of the two stallions and he looked up to see Kinomi’s own mount race towards them, his flames on full display and by far the largest and brightest display of the herd.

His mare snorted but permitted the stallion to approach her and share nose touches before relaxing as the stallion checked every inch of her.

“Why am I not surprised?” He chuckled.

Trust Kinomi’s mount to be the only one his own would let bred her, and never mind he was the prized stallion in all of Hueco Mundo that Enma’s stable hand had said wasn’t ride worthy before the day he met Kinomi.

Watching the two of them just reminded him of his own dilemma and the fact that every time Kinomi had looked at Yachiru or any of the kids she got that look in her eye, made worse when she found out she was going to be a big sister again.

He could tell she wanted a child and he was damn sure she would make a good mother, even as busy as she was. His hand found its way to Kazeshini’s handle, looking down at the pendant attached to the but of his blade.

With a bit of tricky Kidou play and some help from the Kidou corps he had managed to get a feather from Kazeshini with the intent on giving it to her, but continue to hesitate. He had noticed her eyes zoom in on the new addition to his blade and she had remarked dozens of times how pretty it was, but the time to give it to her never seemed right.

After all how could he ask her to marry him when their jobs kept them so far apart, at least up until now. Now, now he had a chance to move here thanks to a decision made by central 46.

The number of Shinigami stationed in Hueco Mundo had reached just over 150 and it was becoming far too difficult to co-ordinate them all through the different divisions they worked with.

So two days before he was scheduled to come he had been summoned by the chamber. Apparently by the recommendation of no less than 8 of the taichou they were offering him to become the taichou of a new division.

Not one that would answer to the Sotaichou either, but another branch like the Kidou Corpse. This division would be in charge of communicating, negotiating, and working on the realm stabilization project in Hueco Mundo on a permanent basis.

He had a sneaking suspicion Yumichika was behind a large portion of it and he was giving a week to answer. He didn’t want to say yes right away, he wanted to talk to Kinomi about it first, after all it would be presumptuous of him to think she would agree to take the next step of their relationship without getting her input first.

“There you are.” Rata’s voice startled him out of his thoughts as he turned to look at the rat like Adjucas balanced on the fence post. “I have been looking for you.”

Strange. Rata usually wanted nothing to do with him. In fact he was sure the Adjucas hated him deeply.

“What is it?” He asked.

“Come.” Rata ordered, turning around and walking away.

He stared after the large rat like hollow for a moment until Rata turned to look at him and gave the order again.

“Maybe Pantera-chan is ready for the meeting.” He shrugged and followed the adjucas.

Rata didn’t lead him to the palace, instead he led him to one of the largest dojo’s used when they did group work. He was surprised by how many people seemed to be here, including Szayel, Ulquiorra and Hurón.

In fact the only non hollow here other than himself was Orihime, who offered him an encouraging smile while standing by the former fourths side. It looked like every hollow inhabitant of Las Tardes had to be here and he felt apprehension rise in his chest.

Rata led him to the centre of the room before stopping to turn to face him. Unconsciously his hand gripped Kazeshini’s hilt and he felt the gryphon ready at the back of his mind, excitement pouring through from his counter part.

The room was dead silent. Slowly Rata hissed something and his body grew to the size of a large dog, taking Hisagi by surprise for he had never known Rata could do that. His moment of surprise almost cost him his life as Rata lunged at him.

He drew Kazeshini and blocked the strike that would have ripped his throat out. At once the crowd of Hollows roared in excitement. Rata seemed unperturbed by the block and instead clawed at him.

Hisagi brought his foot to the rats chest and kicked him away, the claws making a small tare in his uniform but otherwise leaving him unharmed.

“Kare, Kazeshini.” He snapped.

His single blade became two double bladed kusarigama linked by a chain and he felt the gryphons lust for battle rise in the back of his mind. He blocked the next strike with one weapon while slashing the other towards his opponent.

Rata was quick and easily dodged, as agile as any rat. Hisagi broke apart and threw one weapon at his opponent, who ducked to the side and kept racing in, forcing him to use the second to parry another swipe of claws that shredded more of his uniform and this time took some skin with it.

No one looked like they were going to stop the fight and the brief glance he got of Orihime showed she was worried, but not upset by the events, as if she had expected this to happen.

Rata was fast and confident, coming at him while deftly avoiding the worse damage from his strikes. He could feel the blood lust and intent to kill rolling off of the adjucas in waves.

“You think we will bow to you.” Rata spat at him, taking him by complete surprise.

That moment of surprise once again almost cost him his head.

“You who have not proven yourself seeks to claim that which is ours.” Rata snarled again, his claws angling to gut Hisagi while his tail lashed about and left a nice bruise on his side.

“What are you talking about?” He asked confused, trying to glance at Orihime to see if the woman didn’t know what the adjucas was ranting about.

The crowd was chanting Rata’s question as well and Orihime just remained silent beside the former fourth, but it was clear she was watching the fight with a sort of determination he had never seen in her before.

His distraction earned him a nice set of claw marks down one arm. Rata was seriously trying to kill him. Patience at an end and no longer interested in trying to spare the Adjucas’s life, Hisagi attacked full force.

The chanting of the crowd rose and fell in time with the pumping of his blood. He was brought to his senses only when he had Rata on the grounds, one foot on his back and the back sided blade of one kusarigama drawing a small trickle of blood from Rata’s throat.

It was the silence that broke him out of his trance. The room was dead quiet as he held Rata’s life in his hands. No one moved.

“Acceptable.” He startled at Ulquiorra’s voice as it broke the silence.

“Agreed.” Szayel added.

Hisagi turned to look at the two former Espada who had spoken, noticing Orihime was now smiling happily at him.

“I believe he will do.” Hurón declared.

The rest of the crowd made agreeing noises and he slowly relaxed his arm as he tried to figure out what the hell just happened.

“Did you honestly think we would accept just anyone as our King, especially some Shinigami, without testing them first to see if they were worthy of our Queen or our respect.” Rata snorted from his place on the ground.

In a flash the adjucas was one more his normal size and scurried over to jump up onto Hurón’s shoulder as the Vasto Lorde and Orihime approached him.

“Rata was the one who volunteered to test you.” Orihime explained with a smile, reaching out a hand to pet the rat like adjucas who tried to pretend he didn’t enjoy the attention.

“A test?” He asked surprised.

“I knew you would pass.” She gave him a hug while he just tried to let his brain translate what in the hell had just happened.

He shook his head and tried to rationalize what had happened even as the others filtered out of the room until it was only him, Orihime and Hurón with Rata left.

“I think he’s confused.” Rata sniffed.

“Well, I only understand because Ulquiorra explained it.” Orihime pointed out.

“I understand, I am just, surprised.” He assured them.

“Now that you have passed, you have our permission to go ask for her hand.” Hurón nodded at him.

He bit his lip.

“Go.” Rata snapped at him. “Before we change our minds and decide you would be put to better use as food.”

Shocked at the command in the voice, he found himself sheathing Kazeshini and marching towards where he could feel Kinomi’s reiatsu before he even knew what he was doing.

He found her in her usual place up on top of the palace looking out over the desert. She didn’t turn around as he approached but did greet him. Like her name sake she always seemed to know where he was at all times.

He reached her side and she turned to face him, grabbing the hem of his uniform and burring her nose into his neck to bite onto the mark she had giving him at the beginning of their relationship and one that never faded.

“Mine.” She murmured.

“Yours.” He agreed, taking her by surprise.

Gulping, he pushed them apart and with hands that shock only slightly undid the feather attached to Kazeshini. Her eyes went to it as he held it out to her, nervously licking his lips.

“Pantera-chan, would you be willing to be mine, as I am yours?” He asked nervously.

She gave a little start of surprise, before smiling warmly and pulling his head down into a deep kiss and taking the bladed feather out of his hand.

“I want kids.” She declared.

“I accept that.” He agreed. “And I have one last bit of good news.”

“I know.” She smiled at him. “Yachiru told me they nominated you for the post about the same time Hurón informed me they were going to see if you were fit to be my consort. Judging by the war torn and rather sexy look, you passed the test.” She grinned him.

He blinked at her. So she had known what the hollows were up to. He shouldn’t be surprised, really.

“So, after you accept the post how soon do you think you can move here?” She asked.

“Quickly.” he assured her.

“Good.” She pulled his head down for another kiss and twisted them about until he was pinned against the railing.




Epilogue

Kinomi watched the herd of Hiuma gallop across their paddock from her balcony, her own Stallion in the lead and very visible for his flames were the brightest. In her mind Kyattsuai was purring contently in the nest Kazeshini had built for her and their litter of three, answering Kinomi’s question about Zanpakuto having offspring.

Not too far from the Hiuma paddock she spotted Azul-chan arriving with her own mount, apparently coming by for another visit. Kinomi watched as her adopted niece went through the motions of setting her mare free to join the main herd before coming towards the castle, no doubt to meet up with Dion-kun.

“Kinomi-sama, My apologies for disturbing you, but the representatives have all arrived and the meeting will be starting soon.” Hurón bowed from the entrance.

“Thank you.” She turned from the edge and made her way towards the door.

“Do you need assistance?” Rata asked eagerly from Hurón’s shoulder.

“No, I should be able to make it on my own.” She assured him with a smile, a hand gently resting on the large bulge where a flat stomach use to be.

“Soon, it should be soon.” Kyattsuai paused in the caring of her own litter to assure her.

Kinomi sent a mental caresses to her partner, noting Kazeshini’s arrival in her inner world, announcing that her husband was most definitely back from his own trip to Soul Society to give his report.

The walk to her throne room took longer than it use to, and definitely took more out of her, but make it she did and with relief she didn’t permit herself to show, she sank down onto the padded throne to the cheers of her subjects.

Shortly after her husband arrived to sit beside her and she permitted herself to give him a soft smile that promised more later before returning to her regal manner.

The representatives were announced, as were any children they had with them and Kinomi was seriously going to talk to Reina about starting to omit the poor kids not just because they found it boring, but because it made the procedure so damn long now that by the time all the announcing was done it was time to go to bed.

As usual the children excused themselves and Kinomi shared a nod with Azul-chan and Dion-kun, the two of them going to TRY and keep the others out of trouble, no easy feat now that Higai, Yachiru and Renji’s boy, was twelve and somehow always seemed to sucker everyone into getting into some sort of trouble.

Combine his mischievous nature with Hanabi’s explosives and a dash of the equipment they somehow always manage to sneak out of Szayel lab regardless of the number of locks and defences he has on it and it equalled disaster no matter what precautions were taken.

Her cousin Zora also gave her a small wave before limping off around the corner and out of sight, herding the growing group of children from the back.

“Some days I wonder if we are more a daycare than a Military fortress.” She chuckled to herself. “No, we are a growing, thriving city and every ounce of pain we suffered getting here was worth it to see the next generation so free.”

With so many children here now a sort of school had been set up. Taka taught combat classes and assisted those with hollow heritages their own resurrections. Szayel actually took the time out of his lab to teach basic science and actually seemed pleased at have access to so many young, eager minds that could soak up information like a sponge. Rata was all to pleased to teach history, everything from the Winter War to current events, and arithmetic. Hinamori taught agriculture, a rather popular class as it tended to involve lots of field trips to one of the now many gardens or out to the fields of Hiuma and Hioushi where they would meet with Azucena to learn more about the animals living here.

They were starting to get so many students now though that Kinomi was starting to think about training teachers so that the others could get back to their jobs since they were all starting to struggle for the time they needed to do things.

The meeting progressed as it always did and after dinner everyone retreated to smaller groups to socialize and learn about how friends and family were doing elsewhere in the world.

Ikkaku and Tatsuki finally had a child of their own after trying for so long, and Yuzu just gifted Yumichika with a second son. Rukia and Ichigo were thinking about trying for a third child and there was word that the Kuchiki family had finally been granted an acceptable heir, Isane giving birth to a healthy boy two months ago.

She was sure Barbo had sent a gift to his half brother and well as a note of congratulations to his father. Reina and Barbo were also expecting their second child in seven months, unlike herself.

Kinomi’s hand once more went to her stomach and she couldn’t help but to remember the time she had witnessed Leon being born. Taka and herself could do nothing but watch in silent awe.

She was so easy to tire out now and with a soft smile and a polite excuse to Nel, she retreated from the room to return to her own to rest.

“It’s time.” Kyattsuai comment in her mind just as the first contraction hit her, causing her to gasp and lean on the wall.

“Kazeshini!” Kinomi gasped.

The gryphon was gone from her inner world to fetch her husband before she could even finish his name.

“Sit down.” Kyattsuai ordered.

Kinomi obeyed, taking deep breaths and trying her best to remain calm as another contraction hit her.

There was the sound of a flash followed by several more and a few bangs as the news spread quickly.

“We need to get her to the infirmary.” Orihime ordered calmly.

Hisagi nodded and picked her up bridal style before running down the hall. It was determined it was unsafe to introduce infants to the g-forces of sonido or shunpo so run he did.

Orihime was under no such restriction and with a nod to Ulquiorra he had picked her up and the two disappeared in a bang to get the infirmary ready. Hinamori followed right behind them with a shunpo.

They arrived and Hinamori gestured them through and to the bed Orihime had waiting for them. Shortly after setting Kinomi down Hinamori was shooing him back and without even needing to be ordered Ulquiorra and Hurón made sure that other than direct family the rest were left waiting in the hall and out of the way.

Direct family meant Ichigo, Rukia, Grimmjow, Nel and Hisagi. Ichigo and Hisagi were pacing worriedly while the two woman hung onto each other more for the sake of holding each other still from jumping in excitement than for support. Grimmjow just leaned against the wall with a wide smirk on his face as he watched the two men’s frantic pacing.

“Oi, Ojichan, you going to wear a hole in the floor.” Grimmjow taunted.

Ichigo paused mid pace to glare at him and opened his mouth to make a retort when exactly what Grimmjow had called him clicked in his brain, causing it to freeze.

“I can’t believe I am going to have grandkids.” Rukia sighed in contentment.

Kinomi tuned her family out as another contraction hit her. Afterwards she was probably going to find the whole thing funny, but right now all she wanted was the kid out of her.

Why did she want a kid again? Shouldn’t there be a declaimer tattooed to all woman’s stomachs that said:

Warning: pregnancy may cause, nausea, strange food cravings and emotional upheavals. The act of delivering the child may be painful, long, and contrive of a large audience of annoying family members.

Her thoughts were broken by another rather painful contraction and somehow she felt being impaled by Ulquiorra when he was still under Akusesshou’s control was less painful than this.

“Just breath Kinomi-chan. The baby will come on its own time.” Orihime smiled at her.

“Why can’t it be my time.” She growled.

Orihime chuckled while Hinamori wiped the growing sweat off of her brow. She could feel the excited reiatsu from the crowd in a the hallway and Kyattsuai was murmuring soft encouragements to her in her mind.

Time was measured from one contraction to the next and she would willingly strap herself down to Szayel’s lab table if it would get the kid out of her and make the contractions stop.

“Excellent work Kinomi-chan.” Orihime chirped, sounding far too excited for Kinomi’s taste. “Hold on a sec, take a few deep breaths.”

“Just get it out already.” She cursed.

Hinamori and Orihime both shared a chuckle and Kinomi briefly toyed with the idea of drawing Kyattsuai and silencing them, except for the fact her Zanpakuto had been removed shortly before placing her on the bed and Hisagi was now holding onto her.

“Almost there, Kinomi-chan, give another big push.” Orihime ordered.

Kinomi took a deep breath and pushed until her face was turning redder than it already was and didn’t stop until she absolutely needed to get a breath of air.

“One more Kinomi-chan.” Orihime encouraged.

Taking another deep breath she pushed. Suddenly everything gave way and the room was filled with the crying sound of a child. Kinomi collapsed against the bed, panting in exhaustion while Orihime cooed at the baby and Hinamori assisted her in the aftermath.

Forcing herself to sit up a bit she caught a glimpse of her child shortly before Orihime handed the baby to Hinamori to hand to her. Only now was Hisagi permitted to approach to stare down at the life he had helped to create.

“So, what are you going to name her?” Hinamori asked.

Both new parents shared a startled look.

“Pick a name.” Kinomi ordered.

“You want me to name her?” Hisagi asked surprised.

“Yes, because if I name her there will be an all out war between Grimm-ji and Otousan about why I picked the name and weather or not it matches one of their features or not.” She explained. “And I think my family has enough legacies as it is.” She added with wire grin. “She is as much you as me, so pick something.”

“Kare-ryoushi.” He suggested.

She felt Kyattsuai perk in her mind at the suggestion. It was a definite unique name and a bit long. It was clearly a tribute to Kazeshini and even from here she could feel the swelling of pride coming from the gryphon at the suggestion.

“Shi-chan, I like it.” Kinomi smiled softly.

She heard Kyattsuai chuckle and could feel Kazeshini contemplate the shortening.

“Number or other?” He demanded.

Kinomi just laughed softly and Hisagi gently took their daughter into his arms so the rest of the family could see her while Kinomi got a bit of rest.

“So, Kare-ryoushi?” Orihime asked.

“Yes.” Kinomi smiled where the rest of the family was gathered around the new addition.

She drifted into exhausted sleep. Another new stage of her life was starting, and she looked forward to it. The next day Kare, as she had come to be quickly known, was introduced to the rest of Las Tardes.


“Now the only city without an heir is Las Dios. Going to have to find a girl for Zan-kun.” Kinomi chuckled to herself as she fed her daughter in her bed.

Hisagi was pulling double duty, not that it was difficult with the council she had in place. The few who had dared to challenge her thinking her condition would give them as easy win had instead found themselves dead upon Kazeshini’s blade.

Hollows didn’t have weddings as humans or shinigami understood them, and since this was a hollow world she had opted for the hollow version of a mating, which more or less meant sex all night and a declaration to take no other partner other than her mate.

As her husband under Hueco Mundo’s unwritten laws he was considered a joint ruler and as such was more than permitted to accept any challenges to their throne.

Kare finished feeding, giving a gurgle of content. Kinomi adjusted her robes and rested her daughter on her shoulder, gently patting her back and humming a little tune. The sound of laughter floated up from her window drawing her to get out of bed and head to her balcony to see what the commotion was.

Down below the entire troop of children were laughing as Azul and Dion were doing some sort of mock play for them, Zanpakuto’s being swung about in exaggerated motions while Rata recited some sort of play.

Life was indeed going well. The journey she took to get here was definitely worth it. In her arms, Kare gurgled in agreement.


This is the end, there is no more /SOB

Please let me know what you thought of my stories and a huge thank you goes out to each and every one of you who reviewed and pointed out errors for me to fix, hopefully I got them all.

Kare-ryoushi: Reap, huntress

I wanted something to honor Kazeshini/Hisagi since like Kinomi said, her family has a big enough legacy as it is. It took me sic hours to finally settle on that name.

I have no plans to further this story at this time. I believe the end has been reached and pushing it further would be like beating a dead horse. I do still plan to finish off the ‘reward fic’ that covers all the background stuff that happened with the cannon cast, ie ToshiroxKarin + IkkakuxTatsuki’s weddings. Renji and Yachiru as well as Yumichika and Yuzu’s relationships.

Oh, and MOF&F, that OrihimexByakuya piece is on 20 pages…… So I just might write some sexy lemon scene for the one shot and than refer to the short story about how the relationship started in the first place. They really aren’t a 1 shot couple. So far it's feeling it might be 5 chapters at the most.