Trial of Fire

Chapter 26
Fate

Having no idea where Akusesshou’s lair was, two search groups had been sent by the Gotei 13. The flare of reiatsu from the battle had summoned the second group, although it still took them some time for them to arrive.

The ring of hollows that had formed around the battle had dispersed, most because of the force Hurón had brought with him clearing them out, the rest because of the overwhelming force of the second group arriving at full power expecting to fight.

The HMK’s, including a bound and sealed Akata, gathered together and stood before the Sotaichou and the other taichou that had arrived. The three former Espada had taken off the moment the new group had arrived. Wishing to avoid a direct confrontation but determined to see the conflict come to an end they watching from a distance, several of the new arrivals keeping a weary eye on them.


Kinomi stirred as they approached the group, slowly shifting in Grimmjow’s arms as her brain and body rebooted.

“Grimm-ji? What happened?” She asked weakly.

“We won.” Nel answered with a wide smile.

She looked up at the man carrying her, his eyes were focused ahead and a grim look was on his face. Frowning she followed his gaze to the gathering that just now seemed to sense their arrival. She recognized a confrontation when she saw one.

“It was going to come to this sooner or later.” Kyattsuai spoke tiredly in her mind.

“Yeah. I had just hopped it would have been a better time then this.” Kinomi agreed wearily. “Grimm-ji, can you put me down.” She requested weakly.

He glanced down sharply at her and opened his mouth to object, but stopped at the last second, a look of understanding in his eyes.

“No matter what happens, Pantera-chan, we have your back.” Nel declared.

Kinomi shared a smile with the green haired arrancar before taking a cautious step forward on her own. She wavered, but managed to remain on her feet. She took another, feeling the reitasu from Kyattsuai join with her own to help steady her, a small tendril coming from ‘tera as well.

Like herself both Zanpakuto’s were drained, but they offered her what they could for she could not afford to look weak now, not during this confrontation that was long in its coming.

Those at the back parted as she took her place before the other exhausted HMK’s, all of them trying to stand tall and firm, but exhaustion clearly rolling off of them in waves and many of their injuries had yet to be treated. Nel, Grimmjow and their minions hung back, not wanting to make things worse but curious all the same.

Standing directly across from them was the Sotaichou, flanked by the taichou not directly related to them. To the side stood their parents, across from them the fukutaichou and other seated officers who had been summoned here, including what appeared to be a representative from Central 46 judging by his clothing and demeanor.

Bound and sealed Akata was kneeling beside Yamamoto.

“My apologies, Kurosaki-san, I appear to have brought trouble upon you.” He offered with a smile of apology.

Kinomi just gave him a nod before turning her smoldering eyes on Yamamoto. It was hard to read his expression, but the sneering face of the representative from central 46 gave a good indicator to how this conversation was going to go.

“Yamamoto-sotaichou.” She acknowledged with a proper bow, the others doing the same.

“Kurosaki Pantera Kinomi, it is always you who seems to be at the centre of these things.” He stated.

“Kind of funny ain't it? The real targets are the Kuchiki family and my friends of mixed heritage, and yet all the assaults against them seem to take a left turn and hit me instead. Might I inquire as to what Akata-kun is doing here?” She asked.

“Kotetsu Akataiyou, or more like Aizen Akataiyou, is here for crimes against the Gotei 13 and Central 46.” The representative snapped before Yamamoto could answer.

“Oh?” Kinomi turned her attention to the representative.

“Clearly he has followed in the foot steps of his disgraced Otousan. We are here to determine rather the rest of you follow similar paths, and by the looks of things,” his eyes roved over to the group of hollows standing a distance behind them, “I would say it to be true.” The man sniffed in disgust.

“Ah, I see. I am afraid you have it all wrong.” Kinomi grinned at him. “You see, everything Akata-kun did, he did so at my command.”

“Kinomi.” Rukia gasped, and a lot of people looked startled.

“Are you aware of the crimes he is charged with?” Yamamoto demanded.

“I am, and I take the full responsibility for them.”

“Kinomi, you do not need to take the blame for him just because….”

Taka was cut off by Kinomi.

“Controlling a taichou via use of Zanpakuto. Impersonating a Taichou by use of Zanpakuto. Hacking into central 46’s main computer with the intent to change files, alter files, and gather classified information. Hacking into the main control system to hide the opening of various garganta. All Akata-kun has done he has done so at my command.”

Her friends stared at her shocked, for not even they knew about most of that.

“So all those text you were getting weren’t from Urahara-san?” Leon asked confused.

“No, most of them were from Akata-kun.” She confirmed. “I had very little contact with Urahara-san actually. it was Akata-kun who bypassed the alarms so Leon-kuns garganta could be opened without notice.” Kinomi explained.

“Kinomi, why?” Rukia asked in a strained voice.

“Why?” Her eyes glued to the representative. “Why is because of ass holes like him.” She snapped, pointing at the representative. “Why is because we were not going to turn belly up for a bunch of prissy nobles who felt threaten by what we were. I had Akata-kun hack into Central 46’s chamber to give us an early warning system should the bastards manage to succeed in getting us sealed, banished or executed.”

“We would not have permitted that to happen.” Renji was quick to object.

“Bull shit.” She snapped at him. “I can name the number of people on one hand that had the balls to stand up to Central 46 when Okaasan was ordered to be executed, and she was a pure blood from a noble family.”

Looks of shame and pain passed on a few faces and eyes.

“What we did we did for our own protection because no one else looked like they were going to do something about it. ‘Currents we do not understand’ indeed.” She spat Yamamoto’s words back at them. “What kind of currents include letting an innocent woman and two innocent children be kidnapped and held at knife point while I get strung up and whipped for rescuing them.” She snarled.

Yamamoto sighed, and banged his staff against the ground. Kinomi stopped her tirade and gave him her attention, eyes smoldering in pure loathing and hate, the other HMK’s matching her gaze.

“There are things that children such as you do not comprehend, and I do not have the time or patience to show you.” Yamamoto declared.

“And he wonders why no one listens to him anymore.” Taka commented under her breath.

Despite the tense situation, a few giggles escaped and a few of the taichou, mainly Ukitake and Shunsui, had to hold back chuckles of their own, earning a glare from their leader.

“How can you expect us to understand if no one explains? Even Aizen-sama explained things to us instead of just expecting us to know.” She tossed the name out there coldly, satisfied when a large number of the audience winced. “Surly if a man hell-bent on multi world domination can take time out of his busy schedule to teach us a few things, the great Sotaichou could as well.”

A large argument broke out at her statement, different sides barking at each other.

“Low blow Pantera.” Taka whistled softly.

“Yet true.” Galgo grunted.

Kinomi remained silent and let them yell at each other, never taking her eyes from his. She frowned as she noticed he seemed to be studying her, as if trying to analyze something and not sure if he was satisfied or not with what he was discovering.

“Their betrayal and deception of Soul Society is reason enough to execute them.” The Central 46’s representative’s voice rang out clear in one of the lulls of the on going argument.

“What’s more important, the Gotei 13 or family?” Kinomi demanded, snapping her gaze to the finely dressed man.

He spluttered and looked nervous now that the weight of her gaze was settled fully onto him.

“The Noble families seem to think their family, and their ranking in and around it are far more important then anything else.” She said coldly. “In this venture I would have thought you would have supported us.”

He spluttered.

“Had we not come here as we did, Hueco Mundo would be spilling into the living world by this point and I doubt much could have been done to reverse or stop the effects. Right, Kurotsuchi-taichou?” Kinomi turned her gaze to the scientist.

“The girl makes an accurate prediction.” He admitted as all eyes turned to him.

“And for the record, NEVER have we EVER raised our blades against ANYONE in Soul Society outside of training or self defence. NEVER have we EVER killed someone, nor seriously harmed them while acting in self defence.”

“You crimes still stand.” The representative declared. “And Central 46’s ruling is that you represent a direct threat to Soul Society and for you all to be sealed until such time as your true loyalties are decided.”

“What?!” Came the various voiced exclamations of the others.

“And should you resist you shall immediately imprisoned and it will be determine rather you present a large enough threat to be eliminated at such …urk”

“Care to repeat that?” A cold voice commanded as a hand closed around the mans neck.

His eyes widened comically large as he stared up in terror at the blue haired former espada that held him by the throat. All around them hands were on weapons, but no one had drawn as of yet.

The HMK’s blinked as they realized that Nel and the other hollows were now surrounding them, fangs, claws and Zanpakuto’s bared in threat at the man.

“Somebody get this creature off of me.” The representative pleaded in a strangled voice.

“Grimm-ji.” Kinomi called. “My prey.” She declared, drawing Kyattsuai.

“Kinomi, stop.” Rukia cried out as her daughter moved up beside Grimmjow.

Grimmjow released the bastard, who clutched his throat and coughed. Kinomi heard several blades being drawn uncertainly, but saw Yamamoto raise his hand to stop them from stopping her.

“Before you are so quick to banish, seal or execute us, perhaps you should take a look at what you will be losing, for after this I have no desire to put myself under the command of Central 46 or their subsidiaries ever again. Stare in awe at the power we command and be thankful we never raised it against you. HMK’s.” She shouted, causing the man to jump in shock.

Behind her they all snapped to attention with the exception of Akata who was still bound and kneeling by Yamamoto.

“Show them what we got.” She ordered. “Full release authorized.”

Wide grins slapped across several faces, while a few held back groans. They really did not have the reiatsu to be showing off after everything that had happened today. But still they held their Zanpakuto at the ready.

“Bare witness to the power your arrogance had cost Soul Society.” She declared.

Behind her they all released, earning gasps from most of the crowd as most of them were unaware that they had reached such levels. It was rare enough for a fukutaichou to have their Bankai, but for the kids to be flashing it off.

Kinomi took a deep breath, and then shot a look at Grimmjow, who was still standing beside her. He nodded his head, and then she felt his reiatsu flow to ‘tera, recharging the blade quickly.

With a deep breath Kinomi stepped back until she was in the centre of the group. She sheathed Kyattsuai and drew ‘tera, earning confused looks from all around her. In the chaos of battle only Grimmjow had noticed what she had done, as it was his reiatsu spiking where he sure as hell knew he wasn’t. Even then she had moved so fast he had only caught a quick glimpse.

“Kurotsuchi-taichou.”

“Hmm?” He looked at her.

“The answer is no, just so you know.” She grinned at him.

“No?” He asked, cocking to his side curiously.

“Kinomi, what are you going to do?” Ichigo asked.

“Otousan, please don’t kill Grimm-ji for this.” She smiled at him.

“Kill him for what?” He demanded.

“Kishire, Pantera.” She declared.

There was stunned silence as everyone took in her form.

“I must learn how this is possible.” Kurotsuchi’s voice rang out in glee, breaking the stunned silence.

“What the hell?” Ichigo roared.

“Bankai.” Kinomi shouted, silencing the growing noise.

The power was far too much for her to handle in her exhausted state, and as such she was only able to stand there for four seconds before nearly collapsing in exhaustion and dropping the power she was holding onto. She would have collapsed had Grimmjow not been supporting her with a hand on her shoulder.

There was stunned silence.

“That power is what you have lost.” She declared, panting for breath as she turned her back to the now unconscious representative.

Those unable to bare the pressure slowly regained their composure. Yamamoto was looking at her with wide eyes, as was everyone else.

“I must…”

“NO!” Several people interrupted Kurotsuchi before he could finished his sentence.



“I wonder if Grimmjow will let me have access to my old lab.”

Two pairs of eyes looked at him.

“Just wondering is all. Truly amazing to think such a thing even possible. Perhaps I could borrow….”

“No.” One voice in anger, the other coldly.

“Tsh. No one has any respect for science now a days.”


“Kurosaki Pantera Kinomi.” Yamamoto spoke, drawing everyone’s attention back to him and stopping the various conversations that had sprung up after her display. “I can not overlook the ruling of Central 46, nor can I overlook the crimes you and the others have committed, crimes that warrant a death sentence.”

Once again their hollow escort snarled and snapped their fangs or brandished their blades. Many of their parents raised their voices in protest, Ichigo and Matsumoto the loudest. Grimmjow’s glare held a thousand pounds of threat should such an event even be attempted.

“Like hell we will let you have her.” Rata snarled loudly, leaping from Hurón’s shoulder onto hers, his added weight nearly doing her in. “We owe her our lives, as do you.” He added into the now silent gathering.

“I thought you wanted to eat me?” She ask weakly.

“Hurón-sama still wont let me.” He pouted.

She chuckled softly, raising a weary hand to pat him on the head. He hissed in annoyance but didn’t move from his post.

“Hollows defending shinigami, the times sure have changed much in the last twenty years, eh.” Shunsui chuckled to Ukitake.

“Indeed.” He smiled softly “For the better I would say.”

“Sotaichou, if I may make a suggestion.” Everyone turned to stare at Stark in surprise.

The usual quite man looking over something he had received from his son before the whole mess had started.

“It is my understanding that the balance of the world is the true purpose of the Gotei 13, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Clearly the balance has been thrown extremely off course here. Might it not be wise to set up a base of operations here to monitor the situation and maybe fix some of the damages Akusesshou has created?”

“He does have a point.” Shunsui pointed out.

“What are you suggesting?” Yamamoto gave the former first his full attention.

“What I am suggesting is that a base of operations be set up here to monitor Hueco Mundo in case it continues to slide towards being unstable instead of reestablishing itself. This could take a very long time, several life times perhaps.

“Who ever would be stationed here should be trustworthy enough to be able to act and make decisions on their own and maybe even get the locals on their side while still being strong enough to be able to fend off any attacks.

“There are four central palaces in Hueco Mundo. Nel and Grimmjow already rule Las Noches and I am sure they would be willing to keep an eye on the stability of their region.” Stark turned to look at Nel, the more reliable of the two.

“Of course.” She agreed quickly.

“There is another palace not far from here, Las Tardes. As well as two more. Los Dias, and Los Vida.”

“Las Tardes is empty.” Galgo spoke up. “We came across it on our journey to rescue Reina.”

“Then it would be clear to set up an outpost.” Ukitake noted.

Kinomi was unable to pay anymore attention and had to lean against Taka, who had taken Grimmjows place as her support. Her world was still fading in and out as she suffered heavily from the draining effect of the move she had just pulled off.

“You alright?” Taka asked worriedly.

“So tired.” She admitted.

“How is it even possible to do that?” Zan asked, not paying much attention to whatever it was the adults were hashing out now. It looked like Reina and Barbo were following the conversation intently though.

“I don’t know.” Kinomi admitted. “Kyattsuai was the one who told me I could.”

“Maybe it has something to do with the fact you slept with ‘tera for how many years?” Taka chuckled. “No doubt some of the reiatsu had to have washed off on a poor, innocent child.”

“You mean like the way Ichi-ji’s overwhelming, leaking reiatsu effected Hime-chan, Tatsuki-sensei and Sado-san?” Zan hazarded.

“Well, how many kids grow up sleeping with what is basically a solid mass of energy?” Leon pointed out.

Somehow the tense stand off had dissolved and people were now milling about. Kurotsuchi had managed to weasel on over to them and listen in. They discussed the idea of a Zanpakuto’s reiatsu corrupting an infant soul for a moment until Kinomi spotted Hisagi-fukutaichou and managed to make her way over to him, slowly regaining her balance as the naturally strong reiatsu bearing air in Hueco Mundo refreshed her reserves.

“Oi.” She got his attention.

He blinked when she gave him a large hug.

“You have no idea how much those sparring lessons paid off.” She explained.

“Oi, Pantera-chan.” She stumbled as Ikakku-taichou slammed a hand into her back.

She would have collapsed had Hisagi not caught her and steadied her.

“How long can you hold it for now?” He asked.

“You knew of her Bankai?” Hisagi asked in disbelief.

“Of course.” He sniffed.

“About twenty minutes to half an hour, depending on what I am doing.” She admitted. “But no, seriously, Akutsuchi, the prick, duel wielded scythes. If it wasn’t for all the sparring sessions I probably would have been sliced to ribbons in no time.”

Hisagi’s eyes went blank for a second before he smiled. “Kazeshini says your welcome, and come play anytime.”

“As soon as you are better you will have to show us that move you did again.” Ikkaku grinned at her.

“I will get to spar with her first.”

They turned to see Kenpachi smiling down at her with a wide grin, a grin she returned.

“You were amazing, Pantera-chan.” Yachiru cheered.

“Thanks, Yachiru-chan.”

She started to feel better as her friends surrounded her. The representative from Central 46 was off to the side being tended to by Isane-fukutaichou, who seemed more focused on her son who was still bound and seemingly forgotten.

It was all Kinomi could do to stand and she rested against Kenpachi’s large bulk, her taichou not seeming to mind in the least as he steadied her with one arm. Yachiru was grilling her on everything that happened and Kinomi wearily answered.

“Sleep. All I want to do is sleep.” She thought.

“You need to stay awake a while longer, Pantera-chan. Big things are about to happen, you need to be awake for them. Just hang on a little longer.” Kyattsuai coaxed in her mind.

The sound of Yamamoto’s staff hitting the ground called everyone’s attention back to him and Kinomi forced herself to stand tall and give him her attention for his eyes were focused on her.

“So it shall be. Kurosaki Pantera Kinomi.”

“Hai, Sotaichou.” She gave him her full, respectful attention, at least the best she could giving her current health.

“Starting immediately you will be the leader of the forces permanently stationed in Hueco Mundo to monitor the realm’s stability. Your base of operations shall be Las Tardes.”

She stared at him in shock. It was all so neat and clean and almost everything she could have dreamed of while still giving her respect. The Nobles wanted them banished, well there were no longer in Soul Society. Best of all they were STILL acting as members of the Gotei 13 AND stationed somewhere she and Taka could get all the fights in they wanted. Yachiru looked very upset that they got such a kick ass assignment.

“Wait a tick, did he say I was to be the leader.” She thought in shock.

She was so stunned and exhausted she missed half of what he had said. Something about making a first base here and other bases maybe later and who would be assigned under her command.

Before she even knew what had happened gates and garganta were opened and most of the people were gone, leaving her to finally collapse exhausted into Grimmjow’s arms as he was the first to notice her about to collapse and thus was the first to move.



And that is almost the end, one chapter left, the Epilogue, where we take a time skip to see how everything played out in the end. This is currently the last time Kinomi uses Pantera, it is Grimmjow's blade after all. She only used it to slam home how powerful she was as a warning to Central 46 to back off.

Gin is still bound where Reina left him so the Gotei 13 are NOT aware he is still alive at this time.

I know, two chapters in one day, but I remembered before going to bed that not only do I have to work tomorrow but I have a staff party as well and wouldn't have much time to do anything so I figured I would post now instead of leaving you all high and dry tomorrow.

The sequel is almost done and we will see a lot of Ukitake and Hisagi in it. Most of the HMK's will be relegated to the background but it will still focus on Kinomi. The review request reward story is doing well, currently on 32 pages and going strong.

Got some Toshiro and Karin smexing done already and working on establishing Renji and Yachiru relationship. Already have Kurotsuchi viciously being tortured by Kisuke and Yourichi's daughter and started bringing some of the humans over to the other side so they can start their hunting.