Trial of Fire

Chapter 4
Confrontation

Kinomi met up with Taka, both of them loaded down with packages although Kinomi’s was a considerably larger pile. So big she actually had it loaded onto a wagon and was pulling it behind her.

They stopped by the 9th division first. After all over half the items in the cart were for Yumi-taichou. Hisagi-fukutaichou greeted them at the main gates and escorted them to Yumichika’s office.

Kinomi handed Hisagi a small box, taking him by surprise. It wasn’t anything spectacular, but anything from the living world was a treat here.

“What is this for?” He asked.

“It’s pocky.” Kinomi answered. “Chocolate flavored. I know Yumi-taichou doesn’t like to share.”

Yumichika was positively thrilled when he noticed they were both wearing the feathers he had gotten for them. He invited them in and they sat down for a quick cup of tea while he went trough the items she had brought back, as well as the gift she had picked up while in the human world.

“Kinomi-chan.” He breathed, almost dropping the item in shock. “You… where… there is no way you could afford this.” He gasped.

“It wasn’t that expensive.” She brushed off. “Found it in a discount bin for 500 yen because no one wanted it.” She whispered to Taka.

“No wonder you didn’t want me to pay you back for my half.” She whispered back with a chuckle.

Yumichika was oblivious to the conversation, dancing around in joy at the small hand mirror. The head of a peacock on the top with its feathers folding down either side in a mixed match coloring of azure and wisteria.

He eventually settled down and sat down to finish his cup of tea with them before they headed out to the next stop. The 3rd division main barracks came into sight and they were greeted by Kira-fukutaichou. Kinomi handed him a box of pocky as well, this one strawberry flavored, much to his confusion.

“Oi, Pantera-chan, Taka-chan.” Ikkaku greeted.

“Hey, Ikkaku-taichou.” They greeted.

“Did you get the goods?” He asked.

“Yes, and thank you for the gift.” Kinomi indicated the feathers.

“So that’s what Yumichika decided on.” He grumbled, looking at the feathers in slight irritation.

“It’s alright, we like them.” Taka assured. “Unlike Yumi-tiachou, we actually ARE girls.”

That caused them all the share a quick laugh. Yumichika, gazing at his new mirror in his office, sneezed.

Ikkaku quickly went though his stuff before nodding in satisfaction and Kinomi handed him the gift she had brought back. Like she had with Yumichika’s she didn’t spend much on him either. She grinned as he looked at packaged food in confusion.

“Blame Matsumoto-fukutaichou.” Kinomi grinned. “She said you loved them and were thoroughly confused as to how they were packaged to begin with.”

One of Ikkaku’s eyes twitched, but she could tell he appreciated the gift anyhow. The delivery complete they headed for the 11th. Yachiru’s candy sensing power must have been turned on to full power because they hadn’t even finished getting to the main gate when they were met by the pink haired fukutaichou.

“Neko-chan, Tori-chan.” She greeted with a wide grin.

“Hay, Yachiru-chan.” Kinomi greeted, handing her a decoy box of chocolates to distract her while they brought the supplies to the main office where Kenpachi would be able to hide and commandeer at least some of it before Yachiru could devour it all in one hour.

Once in the office they sat down for another round of tea. One would never have expected it, but the 11th division taichou had a very strong taste for tea and it was always brewed traditionally.

“I see you are wearing your belts.” He commented with a grin as they entered his office, fresh tea already waiting for them with a plate of cakes.

“Of course!” Both girls preened.

“Oh, I brought you something back you might like, Kenpachi-sensei.” Kinomi handed the wrapped gift over.

Raising an eyebrow he took the item and opened it slowly. It appeared to be a book. Most people wouldn’t figure Kenpachi to be the kind of person to read, but Kinomi had seen the small bookshelf full of well read books hiding in his office corner.

Some might have suspected it was merely a set up or that they had been left from the previous tenant, but some of those book she had read herself and occasionally the two of them would discus them.

This was one she had found hidden behind several other volumes in the back of a 2nd hand store, so it was rather well read itself. Kenpachi already had all the ‘good’ Japanese tales, so she had gone out of her way to find something new for him.

“The tale of Leonidas.” He read the title, looking at her in confusion.

“It’s based on history, sort of. It’s about the Spartan Leader, King Leonidas, and how they held a pass against an invading force. I believe he had about 6,000 men and they held it against some where over 70,000 men for several days. I am not to sure on the details, I only skimmed through it when I saw it.” She admitted.

He opened the first page, reading the comment aloud to his curious Fukutaichou:

Hear your fate, O dwellers in Sparta of the wide spaces;
Either your famed, great town must be sacked by Perseus' sons,
Or, if that be not, the whole land of Lacedaemon
Shall mourn the death of a king of the house of Heracles,
For not the strength of lions or of bulls shall hold him,
Strength against strength; for he has the power of Zeus,
And will not be checked till one of these two he has consumed.

“Who is Zeus?” Yachiru asked confused.

“No clue.” Kinomi shrugged, looking at Taka.

“No idea. Probably someone powerful by the sounds of it.” Taka answered.

“He was a Greek God.” Kenpachi answered.

“Oh. Was he strong?” Kinomi asked.

“He slept around a lot.” Kenpachi answered. “Thank you, Pantera-chan.”

She flushed lightly.

“Oh, read it Ken-chan.” Yachiru begged.

“Maybe tonight before bed.” He offered.

They finished their tea, Kinomi bragging about how she managed to draw blood from Grimm-ji, though she conveniently left out the fact she had to use a Kidou spell to do it, and showing them the reward he had giving her for it. As expected, Taka was instantly jealous.

Their tasks complete for the day with all the delivers done, Taka and Kinomi headed over to meet up with Leon and Zan at the Kuchiki manner. To their surprise the boys were not in the tree above the house Leon lived in with his mother, father and step-sister, but rather sitting in front of Byakuya in his work room.

Kinomi and Taka joined them, accepting a cup of tea. Kinomi would never admit it, but Kenpachi made better tea then Byakuya. She knew if Byakuya-ji ever learned that there would be no end to his silent and subtle wrath.

“What are you doing?” Kinomi asked Zan.

“Composing a letter of thanks and apology to Soi Fon-taichou.” Zan answered. “We weren’t sure how to word it though.”

“It was my idea to asked Byakuya-sama for help in composing the letter.” Leon spoke up, a look of concentration on his face as he ran the brush over his paper.

“What’s it say, in basic context?” Taka asked.

“Sorry for borrowing you ribbons and thank you for the amazing gift.” Zan answered.

Kinomi looked over her brothers shoulder at the full page of Kanji. She was glad Otousan wasn’t from a noble house. She would hate to have to learn all this stuff. Just reading the first paragraph made her want to strangle something.

“What’s wrong with just; Sorry for stealing from you. We accept you peace offering gift. Love Zan?” She asked.

“Well, since Soi Fon-taichou went out of her way for the gifts and never really got overly mad at us we thought it would be more right to thank her and apologize the right way. She is also part of a Noble family.” Zan answered.

“She always seemed furious to me.” Taka commented.

“A front.” Leon declared, drawing their attention. “She isn’t really mad about the thefts. I bet she could have stopped us if she really wanted to. It was more like a test to her. Am I right, Byakuya-sama?” Leon looked up to the silent man working on his own paperwork.

“That would be accurate.” He answered, not bothering to look up.

“It’s kind of like your relationship with Kenpachi-taichou.” Zan explained. “I mean, you guys go and fight him until he more or less sends you to the 4th. That’s something the 11th is all about. We like to sneak in and steal from Soi Fon-taichou, something more attributed to the 2nd.”

“Oh, I get it now.” Kinomi grinned. “It’s like your version of training.”

“That is correct. I am certain more efficient methods exist.” Byakuya confirmed.

The boys finished their letters and the four kids bowed and thanked Byakuya for his hospitality before heading to the 2nd to deliver the letters. Kinomi and Taka waited outside while Zan and Leon disappeared in a bang and returned in a flash. They headed back to Leon’s house to pass the rest of the day away climbing trees and just talking about what going to Shinoreijutsuin was like.




Kinomi sighed as she looked at her sparing partner. The fellow student may be five years her senior, but he was trembling in terror of sparing with her, apparently her reputation was growing daily to the point of making her legendary. She briefly wondered if Gin and Toshiro hadn't had to suffer similar fates when they attended.

A soon as the teacher said to begin Kinomi closed her eyes and swung lazily. She felt her bokken connect and heard the boy cry out in pain and drop to the floor. She didn’t even bother to open her eyes as she followed through with her attack and was rewarded with another cry of pain from her opponent, followed quickly by a call from the teacher to stop.

She fell back into position, and only then bothered to open her eyes. After class she stayed behind, as did Taka.

“Yes, what is it, Kurosaki, Taka?” The teacher asked.

“We don’t want to seem rude or boastful Sensei, but we all know that Taka-chan and I really aren’t being challenged here. It’s not so much the fault of the others when Taka-chan and I have received training since we were old enough to hold a blade.” Kinomi started.

The teacher sighed, not really able to argue the point. Kinomi and Taka were lucky, having been trained by one of the most powerful Arrancar to have ever been born. Most of the student here came out of Rukongai and had no real training what so ever until they reached Shinoreijutsuin.

“We train regularly with the 11th and other then Kenpachi-Sensei no one their can challenge us. I mean, even some of the fukutaichou have a hard time getting past an Espada’s hierro, and yet Pantera-chan has managed it.” Taka added.

“Taka.” Kinomi gasped.

Taka froze. The continued relationship with Grimmjow was not well known.

“I was not aware Stark did much more then sleep in the 4th all day under Unohana-taichou’s supervision.” The teacher mused.

Well, if he was going to assume that they were referring to Stark then Kinomi and Taka were not going to refute him.
“I am afraid I can not refute that no one here is an equal match for you two.” The teacher admitted. “Perhaps a special teacher can be found.” He mused.

That caught their attention. A special teacher? It had to be someone strong enough to keep up to them.

“I will see what I can do. Until then, I believe you should head to your next class before you are late.”

Dismissed, the two girls quickly raced to one of the more annoying classes, History of the Gotei 13. They met up with the others after school, heading back to the Kuchiki manor, Ggio following silently behind them, eyes ever alert for any threat to Reina.

Kinomi wondered why he had to escort Reina to and from school and figured it had something to do with the fact that there were those who were resentful of what they were, and of course that stupid vow of his to Reina’s father of course.

Kinomi felt a bit sad that a lot of it was due to her and Taka. They were outstripping the other students in many of the classes and that created resentment, especially among the nobles that attended. The students feared her and Taka’s power so they targeted those they saw as weaker.

Reina considered herself too far above them to even acknowledge their presence, let alone let their taunts get to her. The same went for Barbo. Kinomi and Taka usually went with them on days where there was a particular abundance of malcontent floating in the air. After the trashing in Kendo class today there was an a large amount of malcontent floating in the air all right.

While the presence of an Arrancar, aka Ggio, would deter them on a normal day, there were those, mainly from the noble or other higher ranked families, who would not be shy to start something. After all it was no secret that the three Arrancar in Seireitei were sealed and thus had no more power then a typical human.

They would make an attack and than make it seem like Ggio or Reina had been the one to start it. However the presence of Taka and Kinomi would make them think several times. There wasn’t a single person in Shinoreijutsuin they hadn’t beaten yet and Kinomi‘s father did have a reputation.

“Dare I inquire as to what events occurred today to warrant today’s escort, Kinomi-san?” Reina asked half way home.

“Nothing special.” Kinomi shrugged off.

Reina tossed her a glance. “Lying was never your strong suit, Kinomi-san.”

Kinomi sighed, knowing she was right.

“I beat some 6th year student with my eyes closed.” She answered.

Reina looked at her in annoyance.

“Actually, Pantera-chan is telling the truth.” Taka chuckled. “She actually closed her eyes at the beginning of the duel and finished him off in two strikes.”

Barbo and Reina looked at her in shock before quickly schooling themselves back into indifferent looks.

“Yeah.” Kinomi agreed.

“Oh, sorry about the slip, earlier Pantera-chan. I almost got you in trouble.” Taka apologized meekly.

“Slip?” Barbo asked.

“Well, we should just be thankful the teacher drew his own conclusions.” Kinomi responded.

“The two of you should desire to acquire more self control.” Reina stated.

“Yeah. Kyattsuai keeps telling me that.” Kinomi agreed, letting her fingers brush over her Zanpakuto’s sheath.

“Have you achieved Shikai yet?” Galgo asked lazily, joining in on the conversation.

“Yes.” She confirmed. “I learned it while training during Christmas break.”

“Might we be permitted to view your Shikai.” Reina requested.

“Sure. But you have to show me yours.” Kinomi countered.

Reina stopped walking and looked at her.

“I may not analyze as much as you do Reina-chan, but your Asauchi has changed form, which means it is no longer an Asauchi, which means it is now a full blown Zanpakuto.” Kinomi pointed out.

“Then Galgo should show us his as well.” Taka added.

Galgo sighed, but consented.

“Now would be an opportune time.” Barbo suggested in annoyance.

Kinomi also sighed, picking up the reiatsu that had been slowly encircling them. More so she also picked up the reiatsu of someone else who wasn’t too far away. She made a note of it.

They moved off of the street and into a park. Out of them all she was honestly concerned for Ggio the most, just because with his reiatsu sealed he was useless and since none of them were taichou level they did not have the authorization to remove his limiter. To do so would be a huge crime that could net them exile or even death.
They felt the net close, even though they had yet to see their assailants. With a grin Kinomi opted to go first.

“Hitonomi, Kyattuai.” She declared.

Kyattuai’s blade turned pure white and the eye on the cross guard changed from black to green.

“Hamukau, Garou.” Galgo declared lazily.

His simple looking katana shifted to resemble a wolfs fang with blood dripping down it. Where the blood hit the ground it sizzled as if scorched by acid. Kinomi admitted she was impressed.

“Warihane, Tenkou.” Reina spoke softly.

Reina’s Zanpakuto didn’t change overly much other then the crowns on her cross guard turn to white wings and her blade turned an even sharper silver.

Taka sighed in jealousy and Kinomi though she picked up a hint of despair or loss in Ggio’s eyes.

“How long has it been?” She wondered. “Seven, going on eight years since Ggio-san had unrestricted access to his reiatsu. Not being able to protect Reina-chan must be driving him insane.”

The release of the three blades caused their antagonist to pause as the power of three of their reiatsu’s washed over them. Kinomi grinned wide, a grin that would have made Kenpachi proud had he seen it.

“Oi, come out.” Kinomi shouted.

“Oo, I think a few flinched, Pantera-chan.” Taka chuckled.

“This is cutting into my nap time.” Galgo grumbled. “Can we get this over with already?”

“How troublesome.” Reina sighed.

Kinomi had to admit she was surprised when she discovered that not all of the ones deciding to make a point were fellow students. A few actually wore their Shihakusho. This was not going to end well, she could feel it already.
“Oi, Kinomi-neesan, when you were late dropping of Reina and Barbo-niisan we came looking.” Zan’s voice suddenly broke the tension before either side could make a move.

“Eh, looks like they are playing with something strange.” Leon commented, observing the group of students and shinigami.

The two boys were not alone. Standing beside them was an annoyed looking Akata and nervous Azucena.

“This does not appear to be an authorized gathering.” Akata commented, fixing his glasses.

Azucena remained silent. She was still ever so shy. Still, it was strange to see the two of them here. Akata must have felt the rise in their reiatsu and knew something was up. No doubt Azucena had followed him.

Their antagonists seemed a lot more nervous now that there were so many witnesses. Taka and Kinomi just pouted when they realized they might be denied the fight after all. Still, this could be an opportune time to fix a few things.

“You know, we take all the fun all the time, don’t we Taka-chan?”

“Usually.” Taka agreed, slight confusion in her voice.

“I think we should sleep this one through. Let Reina-chan and Galgo-kun have some fun for a change.” She offered.

The two of them shot her annoyed looks. She knew they detested fighting. Reina found it below her to dirty her hands in such a way and Galgo found that it just took too much effort.

Once again there was silent tension. Something somewhere dropped and created a small clack. That was all it took. Akata and Azucena stayed out of it, keeping off to the side. Leon and Zan wadded into the fight without a moments hesitation, despite the fact neither were as trained as the older kids or had any weapons.

Ggio was stuck on defense. The scrap didn’t last long, not with Taka and Kinomi involved, though the two held back and watched the others back. This was an opportune time to let them get a taste of what Reina, Barbo and Galgo could do when annoyed.

Leon and Zan were zipping about with their Sonpo. Leon was launching off low level Kidou spells while Zan blocked and parried with all the skill Tatsuki had trained him with. Both were too young to have an Asauchi, as only student got one in the first place.

It was a good thing Ggio was good at martial arts or he might have been the first down simply because he had no reiatsu to call upon. Even sealed though most of them wanted nothing to do with the arrancar and avoided him.

There was a break in the fighting, the HMKs plus Ggio standing together to look at those who were most likely the primary instigators of the fight.

“Tsh. Noble pricks.” Kinomi grunted, recognizing two of them to be from one of the top clans, cousins she was sure, and the last one from one of the higher noble clans.

“Bitch. You are going to pay for this assault upon us.” Noble jerk one declared.

“It was you who orchestrated and initiated this assault.” Reina commented.

“You think anyone is going to believe you?” Noble jerk two snarled.

“You do realize Barbo is the Heir to the Kuchiki-clan, right?” Taka asked in disbelief.

“Keh, half the family doesn’t even recognize him.” Jerk three laughed.

“What is going on here?” Commanded a new voice, causing the three nobles to yelp in fear and their eyes to widen in terror.

“Kenpachi-sensei.” Kinomi greeted with a big smile.

“Pantera-chan. This your mess?” He asked with a grunt.

“Well, I didn’t swing first if that is what you are asking. But I sure as hell swung last.” She answered with a proud grin.

“Kenpachi-taichou.” The three student stuttered.

“They started it.” Jerk 2 declared. “They are half animal and….” Kinomi tuned him out, taking the time to check on her younger brother to make sure he wasn’t too hurt.

Other then a few scratches and bruises Zan was perfectly fine. What a relief. Okaasan would kill her if Zan got seriously hurt. Still, they should probably all swing by the 4th just to be on the safe side and get Unohana-taichou’s bill of clean health before they were dragged down and had their parents hovering over them while obtaining said bill.

“Tsh. Any of this bull shit true, Pantera-chan, Taka-chan?” Kenpachi asked.

The nobles blanched, only now seeming to realize the close relationship the two girls shared with the taichou.

“Not a word, Kenpachi-sensei.” Taka answered.

“Did you enjoy the show Yachiru-chan?” Kinomi asked, turning to look over to where the pink haired girl had been sitting in the tree since before Zan and Leon had showed up, drawing everyone’s attention to her.

“Yep.” Yachiru chirped.

“Kusajishi-fukutaichou was the culprit who instigated this despicable fight.” Reina muttered in clear annoyance.

“I had wondered.” Barbo agreed.

By this point an audience had gathered, the flaring of reiatsu having drawn a large amount of attention. Soi Fon-taichou had also shown up at this point, as well as several members of her division. Behind her stood Shunsui-taichou and Ukitake-taichou.

“What is going on, Kenpachi-taichou?” Soi Fon asked coldly.

Noble brat two launched into the string of excuses about THEM being the ones to attack first and corner them.

“Well, Kurosaki-san?” Soi Fon turned her gaze to Kinomi.

“Why am I always the elected speaker?” She wondered in annoyance. “They surrounded us and threw the first blow. It was pure self defense, Soi Fon-taichou.” She answered honestly.

Soi Fon turned her attention to Ggio, who was hovering protectively over Reina. It was clear there was still dislike there and Kinomi had always wondered why.

Soi Fon and Ggio seemed to be locked in a staring match while noble brat two and three were talking over each other about how they were the ones attacked and just look at how badly the others were hurt.

They were silence under the crushing force of Kenpachi’s reiatsu, a look of disgust on his face. Taka and Kinomi flinched, but stayed aloft while the three boys dropped like rocks. The HMKs were use to high levels of reiatsu and were able to maintain a standing, if somewhat strained, position. Poor Ggio was forced to the ground as his own reiatsu was unable to shield him from the crushing force until Reina pushed hers out to protect him.

“I hate liars.” Kenpachi growled.

“Kenpachi-taichou, enough.” Shunsui ordered firmly.

“Tsu.” Kenpachi spit, but did let up on his reiatsu.

“You do know the crime of attacking a fellow Shinigami can be as high as death.” Shunsui pointed out softly.

“They aren’t even Shinigami. They are half beast.” Noble brat one managed to spit out. “They are bloody hollows, aren’t we suppose to be killing them?”

Leon and Zan snarled in rage and Galgo had to put a restraining hand on Taka to stop her from tearing the brat to shreds. It took every ounce of Kinomi’s control not to kill the bastard or point out that both herself and Akata were full Shinigami.

“Bring them all in for questioning.” Ukitake ordered softly.

“What? You actually believe them?” Jerk 3 gasped out in shock.

“There will be silence until the questioning is over.” Soi Fon snapped.

Kinomi reluctantly handed over Kyattsuai to one of Soi Fon’s men as they gathered the weapons up and they were all marched off, members of the 4th moving to assist the injured. Kenpachi stayed right behind them and Kinomi felt comforted by his mere presence.

“This is so stupid. The jerks will probably get away with it to simply because of the stupid nobility.” Kinomi growled to herself.

To her surprise they were led into a room together with Ukitake and Kenpachi and were ordered to sit in silence. Several minutes later Soi Fon and Shunsui joined them.

“I trust you saw the whole thing.” Ukitake asked Kenpachi.

“Damn brats thought they could get the jump on my kids.” He grunted with a smirk.

“If you witnessed the events, why did you not step in to stop it?” Soi Fon asked.

“A lesson needed to be taught.” Shunsui realized, sparing a glance to the group of kids plus one arrancar. “Everyone knows how strong Kinomi-chan and Taka-chan are, but now they got a taste of the others.”

“Regardless, we must proceed with the interrogations.” Ukitake sighed in displeasure.

Kinomi was led into a plain room with nothing but a chair. Even knowing she was in the right she was a little nervous as she stared down at Soi Fon.

“Your accusers claim you drew your Shikai upon them.” Soi Fon started.

“That is incorrect, Soi Fon-taichou.” Kinomi answered.

“When we arrived on the scene your Shikai was, however, released.”

“Yes, Soi Fon-taichou. I had acquired my Shikai while training during the break and wished to show my friends. As such we went to the park and demonstrated our releases to each other.”

“You did not draw them in threat?”

“No, Taichou. It was just us in the clearing at the time.”

“When you were confronted, why did you not just walk away?”

“We were completely surrounded at that point with no way to walk out of the ring they had formed.”

“Were any other blades drawn?”

“No Taichou. As I said we were showing each other our Shikai so there was no reason for Taka-chan or the others to have drawn weapons. The others only drew their blades at the last second in self defence. Also, Zan and Leon have no weapons.

“Taichou, I would like to point out that none of us used our Shikai as anything other then normal blades and did not invoke any of their abilities nor did we use deadly force.”

Soi Fon raised an eye.

The interrogation continued for some time and when done they were led to separate cells and ordered to remain silent. The first was easy for Reina and Barbo, but poor Zan and Leon were shouting and wondering why they had to be locked up. After all they didn’t do anything but defend themselves against ‘superior opponents.’


Kinomi wasn’t sure when she had drifted off, but she woke up to the sound of the cell doors being opened. They were led out and before most of the Taichou and their Fukutaichou. The only ones exempt where their parents, who were standing quietly off to the side with the exception of Stark and Lilinette. They were no where to be seen.

Kinomi spotted two highly dressed men standing before the three brats and their cohorts, figuring they must be the heads of the two offended families. She snorted in contempt and looked over to their parents.

Ichigo, Rukia and Rangiku looked furious. Unohana and Byakuya seemed quite calm. Ggio was actually tied up in restraints and left to kneel close to Reina and Leon, the first not even showing any signs of notice the second looking horrified his father was trussed up.

“I can’t believe we are going on trial for this.” Kinomi snarled to herself.

She looked worriedly at the others. Leon was in great distress, his eyes only on his trussed up father and tears threatening to spill. Zan was also in distress, and was huddling next to Leon.

She felt for both boys, so much younger than the rest of them and under the gaze of so many adults frowning down at them. Zan didn’t take rejection well, and it wasn’t even their fault, they just showed up at the wrong time.

Azucena was also holding back tears and huddling next to Akata, who seemed board with the whole thing. Like Zan and Leon they happened to show up at the wrong time and got caught up in the fight.

Reina and Barbo looked indifferent. Out of everyone here they probably understood what was going on the best and how to get out of it. Galgo looked like he was ready to sleep and Taka was staring in silent rage at the nobles.

Kinomi didn’t pay much attention to the argument that was going on. She was more worried about the others. She could deal with anything they could throw at her, but Zan and Leon were too young to be going through this.

There were all asked questions by Ukitake, who seemed to be the one preceding over the court. Kinomi was sure the best part had to be where he interviewed the witnesses. Kenpachi held nothing back, pointing out how pathetic it was for the older teenagers to be assaulting boys barely even old enough to start holding a blade. Said boys were not even armed, making the crime that much worse.

The most interesting part had to come near the end, when Ukitake had more or less finished interrogating them and reading off the statements Soi Fon had collected from them last night.

“I can not believe we are even listening to this.” Lesser Noble snarled near the end. “They are nothing more then the offspring of hollows and should be put down before they turn on us.”

Kinomi felt her blood boil.

“Might I remind you that two of the assulted children have no hollow blood in them.” Ukitake pointed out.

“No, but they have been tainted by the creatures being permited near them.” The man snarled back. “They should have all been executed, put down like the rabid dogs they are.”

“Objection.” Rangiku shouted out, beating Ichigo to the punch by a fraction of a second.

“With your reputation, Matsumoto-san, I confess I am surprised the eldest abomination is not yours.” The Greater Noble commented coldly.

“What?” She demanded in a cold voice.

“No doubt you were quick to whore yourself out to save your hide.” The lesser noble sneered.

There was a split second of silence, and than there was an explosion. It came not from Rangiku, who looked mortified at the accusation, or even Leon, who looked fully horrified at the accusation against his mother.

Everyone stared at Reina in shock as power raced around her. Before anyone could move the Lesser Noble was pinned to the ground, struggling for breath while Reina was strangling him, screaming how he would have no clue what her mother had been put through, treated as an object to be used at her masters will.

Kinomi and Taka responded quickly, pulling her off of the man, who was sporting a bloody face now. Leon was staring at her in shocked horror and the only thing holding Ggio in place other this his restraints was Barbo‘s hand on his shoulder.

“Kill the damn thing.” The man screamed, scrambling away. “A perfect example of the mindless beast they are.”

Order was eventually recalled to the room by Yamamoto, who spoke up for the first time since the beginning.

“The laws clearly states that no Shinigami shall assault another, nor shall any Shinigami assault a civilian. By the testament of those present here, including Kenpachi-taichou and Yachiru-fukutaichou, those who have assault the civilians Leon Vega, Colmillo Zangetsu Jeagerjaques, and Yamada Azucena will be immediately striped of their status.”

“What?” The lesser noble demanded, his face flushed in anger as his own brat was one of the ones who had gone for Zan.

“The three children are civilians, and will be treated as such.” Yamamoto stopped the argument before it could go anywhere.

“Those student that were involved with fighting the others will be under suspension, confined to quarters while not attending class and charged to a year of community service. The Shinigami who were involved will be suspended and ordered to serve four weeks in prison.”

Again more protest that were quickly silenced by Yamamoto.

“The ring leaders will be immediately suspended, never to return to Shinoreijutsuin. They will spend 1 year in prison for their crimes.”

“This is unacceptable.” The Higher Noble objected coldly.

“What is unacceptable is the fact that any group of people would conspire to attack a group of children, regardless of their heritage.” Shunsui said coldly.

“Indeed.” Byakuya agreed coldly, matching gazes with his fellow high ranking noble.

“I believe you have lost your focus, Byakuya.” The Higher Noble declared.

Kinomi wasn’t sure how nobility did things, but she had a sickening feeling that the two men had just declared war on each other. After all Barbo was still the heir of the Kuchiki clan regardless of who, or what, his mother was.

“Leon Vega, Colmillo Zangetsu Jeagerjaques, and Yamada Azucena. Until further notice you are under house arrest and will not leave your respective properties without an adult escort. Am I clear?” Yamamoto demanded.

“Yes, Sir.” Azucena answered meekly.

Leon nodded his head, still slightly in a state of shock about the accusations made against his mother and Reina's reaction to it.

“I understand Sotaichou.” Zan said sadly, sparing a glance at his best friend.

“Kotetsu Akataiyou, as on all accounts you did not draw a blade or participate in any way, you are removed from suspicion.”

“Thank you, Yamamoto-Sotaichou.” Akata bowed properly.

Yamamoto’s eyes suddenly hardened as he looked at the rest of them.

“Kurosaki Pantera Kinomi, Kyuusoku Galgo, Volatil Taka, Reina Ruizenban, and Kuchiki Barbo Halibel, for the crime of drawing your blades against your fellow students and Shinigami you are here by placed under house arrest and will remain at your parents estates except for the time you will be attending classes. You will be escorted by either your parents or another responsible adult until further notice. In addition you will all contend to four months of civil service.”

Kinomi wanted to scream in frustration. Why were they being punished when they had only defended themselves? Bloody god damn nobles. Judging by the looks of fury on her Otousans face he was also displeased and was being restrained from voicing his opinion by Rukia’s hand on his chest.

Kinomi felt her heart stop though when she noticed Yamamoto’s eyes harden even more as they fell upon the bound arrancar. She had a feeling this was not going to end well.

“Ggio Vega. For breaking your vow to never lift a finger against a member of Soul Society you will be placed under house arrest and must remain fully restrained at all times until further notice, regardless of any previous agreements that may contradict this command. Should another such event occur you well be immediately executed as a threat. Am I clear?”

"Yes, Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni-sotaichou." He answered, head bowed in a show of submission.

“That’s not fair.” Leon suddenly shouted.

“This is messed up.” Kinomi agreed in a growl a second later, dragging Yamamoto’s eyes back to her.

She didn’t care. Let him just try and lock her up. Her Otousan didn’t care that much for the rules here anyway and had only agreed to come here at Rukia’s insistence it would be a good idea for Zan and her to get an understanding on how to control their powers.

Kinomi took a step forward so she was front and centre of her group, once again briefly wondering why it was always her.

“By the accounts of every witness not involved in the fight we acted only in self defense and did not use deadly force nor any more force then was needed to defend ourselves. So why are we being punished?” She demanded.

“Silence.” Yamamoto commanded.

“I will not be silent until I get an answer.” She growled back. “What you are telling me, and everyone in this room and beyond, is that acting in self defense will only get you into trouble and that its alright to attack anyone you want because you can get away with it. I will NOT stand for it.

“If we had wanted to we could have killed our assailants, but we did not. We held back and defended ourselves only. We should not even be standing here and you know it.” Kinomi finished.

“This is a Shinigami affair, not a Noble one. Last I checked the Nobility had no say or power here.” Taka added.

Kinomi could see her otousan out of the corner of her eye, a small smile and a look of pride in his eyes.

“I agree with the brats.” Kenpachi-taichou grunted into the silence.

“My decision stands. Dismissed.” Yamamoto declared coldly.

Kinomi could only stare at the man in shock as the others filed out until just the HMKs, their parents, Kenpachi, Yachiru and Yamamoto remained.

“This is bullshit.” Kenpachi grunted.

“What the hell is wrong with you.” Ichigo added right behind Kenpachi.

“One month.” Yamamoto stated.

“Pardon?” Ichigo asked.

“There are currents I do not expect the mere likes of you children to understand that run through the veins of politics. The house arrest and other condition are to last one month.”

With that Yamamoto spared one last glance at Kinomi as if trying to read something from her, and then left. She really hated him.


Stay Tuned for chapter 5: Lonely

I love the start of the next chapter as it deals with Zan and Leon's feeling on what they just learned about their parents.

A few notes. The package of food Kinomi brought back for Ikkaku was the same stuff he and Yumichika had a debate about in the anime when they were stationed in the real world. I can't remember what it was called though.

By calling Byakuya by his giving name and no titles it is a grave insult between nobles. Such things are reserved for close friends and parents only. Ichigo's a rule onto himself.

As usual /hug for all the lovely reviews. Just out of curiosity, do you both read this fic or just one of you Animeanglesisters/ and thanks for hitting fanfict.net :)