Jigoku no Monko

Chapter 6
War's Declaration

Kinomi quickly showered while Reina pulled out a fresh uniform for her, complete with blue sash and a cloak from the 11th featuring her seat number surrounded by eleven yarrow flowers in the same color of her sash.

Reina helped her into the uniform and quickly re-braided her two braids, attaching the old worn bell from Kenpachi and the feathers from Yumichika and Ikkaku. Presentable, they marched briskly towards the seldom used throne room.

Reina was trying to get her to memorize what she should and shouldn’t do and say but after the events of the day she couldn’t concentrate further than keeping her back straight and putting one foot in front of the other.

Reina quit trying and they walked a few feet in silence. Kinomi hardly noticed the difference she was so tired right now. The adrenaline had worn off and under her uniform she had many nasty bruises, cuts, and even some burns that should probably be looked at. Hell she wasn’t even sure how Reina had made her look so regal in such a short time.

Suddenly there was a hand in front of her holding out a small device. She followed the hand up the arm and eventually to Reina’s stern face.

“What is it?” She asked.

“It is an Ear phone. I will tell you what needs to be said and you can repeat it.” Reina explained in small words.

Kinomi wasn’t sure what she was more grateful for at this moment in time. The fact Reina had spoken normally or the fact she wasn’t going to have to think after all. When it came to political manoeuvring, only Barbo was Reina’s equal.

Kinomi put the device in her ear and Reina took many steps away before softly whispering a sentence. Kinomi repeated it word for word. With shared nods they separated, Kinomi to head for the antechamber at the back of the throne room and Reina to stand on one of the balconies as was befitting of the Queen of one of the four citadels.

Hurón noticed her arrival and Rata was quick to jump from the Vasto Lorde’s shoulder to scurry off and let Ulquiorra know she was ready to be announced. Szayel looked her up and down before nodding once in what she assumed was acceptance of her appearance and slipped her two pills he assured her would help with the pain she was undoubtedly in and should give her a bit on energy.

She happily downed the offered pills without a second thought, feeling the pain slowly subside and giving her enough energy she should at least not trip on her own two feet and fall flat on her face in front of a large audience.

Kinomi stepped forward, Hurón taking her right side and back a bit while Szayel fell to her left. Rata was back up on Hurón’s shoulder letting them know Ulquiorra was ready for them. Head held high and walking as if the majority of her body wasn’t busted up, Kinomi entered her throne room to stand before her throne, noticing the room was packed.

The balconies held the other HMK’s as well as their retainers and allies from the other respective cities. Only Las Noches wasn’t represented at the moment. Grimmjow and Nel were not here.

The lower level was packed with what Kinomi was positive had to be every last citizen of Las Tardes. Every adjucas, arrancar, shinigami, and half bred stood gathered in this room. She was even surprised to spot Orihime and Ukitake, who was looking rather pale and leaning on Hisagi for support next to Taka and Yachiru.

Apparently the taichou for the second was still here as well and hadn’t returned home as of yet. Either that or she had escorted the politician for Soi Fon was leaning against a wall appearing rather bored.

The man who had to be the representative for Central 46 stood in the center of the chamber, his robes immaculate and looking to cost the price of a village. His hair shinning with health. He was impressively composed for being in a room full of hollows who were looking at him like he was going to be their next meal.

“Kurosaki Pantera Kinomi-sama, Queen of Las Tardes.” Ulquiorra announced.

Every last resident of Las Tardes bowed, from the Adjucas to the arrancar to the Shinigmai stationed here. Ulquiorra also offered her a small bow, as did her two retainers standing behind her.

She sat down on her throne and they all rose, Szayel and Hurón taking their places behind her while Ulquiorra remained by the door, standing at attention.

The representative introduced himself, his position in his clan, his position in Central 46, and every other impressive title he could think up that Kinomi forgot before he was even done and let her face show him just how unimpressed with his titles she was, giving him a look of pure boredom.

Reina’s voice soothed her a bit, telling her to keep calm and never let her eyes leave the nobles. She was the higher rank here.

“Impressive indeed.” Kinomi declared, repeating word for word what Reina told her to say. “And what, pray tell, would bring such a distinguished individual to Las Tardes?” She asked.

“Central 46 request your immediate return for evaluation and potential reassignment to a location more fitting of your…… special talents.”

There was a large amount of bustle in the room, and many a low growl from the ranks.

“I don’t like the sound of that.” Kinomi frowned.

Kyattsuai agreed with her and a moment later Reina declared the same thing after telling her not repeat what she was about to say.

“Forgive my misunderstanding, but I have not received any notice from Zaraki Kenpachi-taichou about an evaluation. Kusajishi Yachiru-fukutaichou, did we perhaps miss the opportunity for you to present such a summons from Taichou?” She looked over to where the pink haired woman was standing.

“I am not aware of any such call for an evaluation.” Yachiru was quick to answer, glaring at the noble in the center of the room with a look that was on par with most of the hollows present.

“The request comes from Central 46’s main chamber.” The Noble declared. “I have the orders here.” He pulled out a form from his robes.

Ulquiorra stepped up to take it and the man winced as the reiatsu of the far more power arrancar brushed against his puny life force. Her retainer opened the letter to read.


Kurosaki Pantera Kinomi, is hear by commanded to immediately remove herself from her position in Hueco Mundo and return to Seireitei where she shall come before the honourable chambers of Central 46 to be evaluated on her performance as the leader of Las Tardes and reassigned.


The room filled with instant rage and hungry reiatsu washed over them.

“The fools.” Reina hissed in her ear.

Kinomi was thinking the same thing. The hollows in the crowd were snapping and snarling and shouting at this point. Several even offered to kill the bastard and probably would have had Ulquiorra not been standing next to the noble.

The Noble actually seemed surprised by the reaction. She managed to catch sight of Ukitake and even he seemed surprised by the violent outcry from the citizens of Las Tardes. Truthfully so was she.

Hurón and Szayel both stepped forward while Ulquiorra merely held up his hand. There was instant silence.

“You would dare to order our Queen to do anything?” Hurón asked coldly.

Now there was a hint of sweat on the Nobles neck as he realized that they had clearly made a mistake somewhere.

“Stand down please, Szayal Apollo-Grantz-san, Ulquiorra Cifer-san, Hurón Marfil-san.”

The three Arrancar obeyed.

“I can still kill em for ya. Take his head right off his shoulders.”

Kinomi glared up to where Nnoitra was standing next to Zan, Leon, Galgo and the others from their city.

“Thank you, Nnoitra Jiruga-san. Shall Las Tardes require the assistance of Los Dias you shall be among the first to be made aware.” She nodded her head at him.

He just grinned and the Noble sweated a bit more while looking affronted that the ‘beast’ had dared to even speak.

More word games followed and Kinomi was honestly just too exhausted and pissed to really pay attention to what conversation the Noble prick was technically having with Reina. In fact she was almost sleeping on her throne when the last line caught her attention.

“..should fail to comply you will be persuaded by other means to stand before the honourable chamber.”

“Oh he did not.” She heard Kyattsuai gasp in her mind.

“Excuse me?” She asked coldly, and only now stood up to take a few steps forward.

“Should you fail to comply with the orders of the honourable chamber of Central 46 you will be persuaded by other means to report.” He repeated, all but glaring at her by this point.

“Please be advised that any persuasions you may contrive to convince me to answer a summons in such a manner will be met by resistance.” She declared coldly.

The noble took a step back in shock at her answer.

“Now kindly remove yourself from my presence. Return when you have a response from your superiors. Ulquiorra-san.”

“Hai, Kinomi-sama?” He snapped to attention.

“Please see our guest safely home.”

“As you command, Kinomi-sama.” He bowed.

Once the Noble was gone she retreated to her antechamber and collapsed in exhaustion into the chair behind her desk. The others arrived shortly.

“I didn’t follow a fraction of what was said.” Taka complained.

“Reina.” Kinomi begged as soon as they were all settled, including Hisagi, Soi Fon, Ukitake and Yachiru. “Please for all that is holy tell me what you had me say because I am too damn tired to figure it out.”

“To sum it up quickly: they want to strip you of your ranking here and you told them if they tried you would refuse violently.” Barbo answered.

Kinomi froze.

“Please, for all that is holy, tell me we did not just declare war against them?” She begged.

“No.” Barbo assured her. “However you did declare that should they attempt to remove you from your place her it would be seen as a declaration of war. The next move is theirs.”

“Good. That’s what I thought I had said.” She sighed, half in relief, half in sadness.

“It was well played.” Ukitake smiled softly at them, and in that smile was a hint of sadness.

“Yea. I am so sorry.” She turned her gaze to him as he walked towards her desk.

“What’s going on?” Taka asked confused, looking around at the grim faces of most of the others.

Uktiake pulled his Zanpakuto from his belt and held it out before him. With a depressed sigh Kinomi stood up and took it before turning her eyes to the other Shinigami in the room.

Hisagi was the next to remove his Zanpakuto and hand it over, followed by a rather annoyed looking Soi Fon. Yachiru was the last to hand hers over, looking at the others confused as well.

“I don’t understand.” Taka frowned.

“Please see our guest to their rooms.” Kinomi ordered firmly.

“Of course, Kinomi-sama.” Hurón bowed, leading the four of them out.

“Kinomi-chan.” Ukitake paused by the door, drawing her attention and offering her a soft smile. “It was well played.” He assured her again before following the others out.

“Pantera?” Taka tried again.

“You should be with Rina-chan.” Kinomi stood up. “If anyone needs me I will be in my room, but it had better be one hell of a big emergency.” She warned as she walked out of the room.

Somehow she made it to her room. Somehow she managed to slip out of her uniform and into a night dress. She even managed to make it under the covers of her bed before she broke.

“God damn fucking nobles.” She sobbed. “Ukitake-taichou and Rina-chan should be in the fourth. Rina-chan should be returned to her family. But no, let’s see how much more we can fuck things over.

“What must we fucking do to prove we aren‘t a god damn threat to them? Stupid ass Noble challenging me like that. It’s my damn right that I should have killed him for daring to challenge me for my throne, a throne I fought bloody hard to keep for their god damn sakes.

“Now because of their god damn jealousy I can’t let the others go. I have to hold them here as political prisoners until the retarded idiots in their precious central 46 get their god damn heads out of their asses and apologise for daring to insult the Queen of Las Tardes.

“And knowing their Noble PRIDE they will never admit they did something wrong and that their system is clearly the only system permitted to exist. The damn fools will drag us into a bloody civil war.

“How could any of us even fight it. Could I order Taka-chan to attack her own parents? Would Unohana-taichou and Byakuya-ji raise their blades against us?”

“Shhhhh.” Kytassuai’s soft voice broke into her mind, stopping the torrent of violent thoughts. “Come here, Pantera-chan.” Her Zanpakuto ordered lightly.

Eyes shut and body still trembling in helpless rage, Kinomi obeyed, appearing in her inner world to see Kyattsuai standing before her. The moon was obscured by violently boiling clouds and the trees whipped about in hurricane like winds.

Kyattsuai walked up to her and buttered her stomach with her head, ignoring the strom that was tearing up their inner world. That was all it took. Kinomi broke down, falling to her knees and latching onto her spirits neck, sobbing her heart out as all the events over the day rushed over her.

“Shh. Just let it all out Pantera-chan. That’s right, let it all out.” Kyattsuai soothed. “No matter what I will always be here and I will never judge you.” She promised.



Kinomi eventually cried herself to exhaustion, the storm calming but the sky remained hidden in clouds. Kyattsuai remained curled up around her, letting her mere presence sooth the tormented soul of her partner. She felt a tug that made her frown.

“The others want a meeting?? I dare not leave her, not now, not like this. If she woke up with me gone it would break her completely.” Kyattsuai ignored the summons.

No more than ten minutes later Kazeshini appeared before her, tail lashing wildly and panic in his very posture.

“Kyattsuai?” He shouted frantically.

“Over here. Shh, Pantera-chan is sleeping.” She admonished quietly.

“Sorry, but I have urgent news.” He apologized, lowering his voice. “You are summoned by Ryuujin Jakka-sama. He demands your immediate presence.”

“What’s going on? I don’t dare leave her, not like this.” She demanded worriedly.

“Ryuujin Jakka-sama informed us that Central 46 has ordered Pantera-chans immediate execution.” He explained with a hiss.

“What?” She demanded shocked. “That would definitely start a war, are they insane?”

“I don’t know. Please, your presence is requested at once. If you want I can stay with her.” He offered.

Kyattsuai nodded and gently nudge Kinomi awake.

“Pantera-chan, I need to go for a minute, but Kazeshini is here. Can you stay with him for a minute?” She asked softly.

“Kazeshini?” Kinomi blinked blurry eyes at the silver and black gryphon as he approached.

“Hay fledgling.” He greeted softly and warmly. “Kyattsuai needs to go for a few minutes, but I will be here, okay?” He offered.

Her brain was clearly completely out of it and Kazeshini’s feathers rose in distress at her obvious pain.

“K.” She finally mumbled.

Kyattsuai got up and Kazeshini was quick to take her place, laying down next to the broken fledgling and blanketing her beneath one massive wing. Kyattsuai hesitate a moment, leaving only after she was assured Kinomi was once more resting peacefully beside the other Zanpakuto and Kazeshini was fussing over her as if she was his own fledgling.

Assured that all was as well as it could possibly be she phased out of Kinomi’s inner world and into the realm of the Zanpakuto’s, making her way quickly to the high rise. To her shock everyone was there, from Matsumoto’s silver Haineko to Toshiro’s blue Hyorinmaru. Hell, even the spirits from the Vizard where here and she spotted Zangestu looking rather displeased.

“Dear lord, every last person is here.” She realized in shock as they cleared a path until she was standing before the giant flaming dragon that was Ryuujin Jakka, the spirits of the other 13 taichou stood near by.

“Kyattsuai.” Ryuujin Jakka greeted her solemnly.

“Ryuujin Jakka-sama.” She bowed respectfully.

“How fares Kinomi-chan?” Sogyo no Kotowari asked.

“She is heart broken.” Kyattsuai answered without hesitation. “I feared to leave her. Kazeshini is staying with her now. She is also furious that these circumstances prevent her from returning Ukitake-taichou and Rina-chan to the 4th where they belong.”

“I see. Thank you.” Sogyo no Kotowari thanked her.

“What happened.” Ryuujin Jakka demanded.

Kyattsuai explained the whole story, from Kinomi waking up in the ‘morning’ suspended over a lake of magma, to their escape and through to the meeting with the representative.

“The problem is… they challenged her as the Queen of Las Tardes before her subjects instead of as the fourth seat of the 11th. By the laws of the hollows she was in her right to kill him the instant the message was read.” Kyattsuai explained.

“I am still surprised the hollows rose to defend her so quickly.” Sogyo no Kotowari commented.

“She gives them both freedom and purpose. All beings need a purpose.” Tenkou responded.

Kyattsuai gave the angelic woman with the hollow mask of her mistress a bow for being able to sum it up so easily.

“I have personally had enough of central 46’s interferences with our partners and our jobs.” Iriomote spat with a hiss.

“Agreed.” Haineko growled.

“The chamber is using its power for its own designs and not for the good of the society. It is rather unbeautiful.” Ruri'iro Kujaku added.

“What next? Well they start claiming all who stand up for their rights be executed on sight?” The baboon part of Zabimaru stated. “And execute us all?” The snake part added.

Other voices rose in anger at the way their partners had been treated by the chamber until Ryuujin Jakka stood up, the blazing inferno of the dragon silencing them all immediately.

“At this moment in time only Yamamoto is aware of the order. I will contrive that he not act upon it immediately or inform anyone else. Kyattsuai, for sure you trust Kinomi?”

“With all my soul. She does not want this war.” Kyattsuai was quick to answer.

“Agreed.” Sogyo no Kotowari was quick to confirm. “There was so much pain in her soul when Ukitake-chan handed me over and it was with great reluctance she accepted. Even now the bodies of Iriomote, Kazeshini, Suzumebachi and myself are safely locked away in a cabinet close by. Our partners have been shown to rooms instead of cells and even as we speak Orihime-chan is doing what she can for Ukitake-chan and Rina-chan with Hinamori-chan and Szayel’s assistance.”

“So be it. Even my partner has grown weary of this farce. Kyattsuai, you shall bring Kinomi before me now. It is time we take matters into our own hands. I will summon our lord and master here so that he might hear our tale and contrive of a way to stop what is quickly looking to become another war.”

Kyattsuai was too shocked to immediately move. She couldn’t ever recall anyone other than a Zanpakuto being permitted here and it had been centuries since their lord had came to their world.

“I will do as commanded.” She stammered as she bowed and quickly retreated to return to her own world, mind racing a mile a minute.

It was to great relief she found Kinomi still sleeping peacefully under Kazeshini’s wing. Kazeshini’s head snapped up when she returned, but he made no move to untangle himself from his current charge.

“How did it go?” Kazeshini asked.

“They are summoning the master and wish for us to bring Pantera-chan to the summit to speak.” She answered.

Kazeshini looked at her in shock. It was unprecedented.

“Pantera-chan.” Kyattsuai called softly.

Kazeshini nuzzled her and she stirred with a soft groan of protest at having been awoken.

“Pantera-chan.” Kyattsuai called again.

Kazeshini lifted his wing and folded it ounce more across his back.

“Pantera.” Kazeshini called softly, nuzzling her once more.

Kinomi’s eyes blinked open, confusion reflected in them.

“Kazeshini?” She asked confused.

“Pantera-chan.” Kyattsuai finally got her attention. “How are you feeling?” Kyattsuai asked.

“Okay.” She mumbled sleepily. “What’s going on?”

“You have been summoned to speak before our master and leaders.” Kyattsuai explained as she laid down on Kinomi’s other side, blue green eyes gazing intently into brown. “Do you feel up to making the journey?” She asked.

“We will be by your side.” Kazeshini offered almost immediately.

Kinomi’s gaze shifted to the golden one of Kazeshini. She shook her head and rose unsteadily to her feet, the two Zanpakuto also rising and she steady herself on their shoulders as she shook the last bit of her drowsiness away.

“Forgive me if I am wrong, but did you just say I have been summoned to the Zanpakuto council?” She asked confused.

“Yes.” Kyattsuai was the one to answer.

Kinomi was wide awake now, although her eyes were still red and puffy from all the crying she had done and she was dressed in nothing but a night gown.

“You mean it’s possible for a Shinigami to journey to the world of Zanpakuto?” She asked shocked.

“Well yes, but it is not something lightly done. It has only been done once before that I know of.” Kazeshini answered.

“Please Pantera-chan, time is of the essence.” Kyattsuai urged.

Kinomi nodded in understand, clearly regaining her wits and straightening up. Her night gown quickly changed to her usual uniform, a perk of being in her inner world. With a sharp nod she turned her attention to the two Zanpakuto’s.

“Rest a hand on our shoulders, and we shall bring you there.” Kyattsuai ordered.

Kinomi did as bade. The world phased until once more they stood at the base of the high rise. The trek up was a long one and it was a sign of just how burnt out Kinomi was when she rested a hand on either one of their shoulders.

It was unknown if she did it for support of her weary body, emotional support, or a combination of the two. Neither Zanpakuto complained and even moved a bit closer to make it easier for her.

When they reached the top of the rise her hands fell from their shoulders and she stood a bit taller. Both puffed out in pride; Kazeshini with all his feathers fluffed to the maximum and Kyattsuai with her tail straight and high.



Kinomi could not believe the sight that greeted her when they finally topped the rise.

“Oh god! Every Zanpakuto spirit must be here.” She realized with a start.

She never considered before how many there might be or the variety in which they came. Every size and shape from a little hornet she was sure had to be Suzumebachi to the roaring inferno of flame that was no doubt Ryuujin Jakka.

Some she could name with ease, like Haineko and of course the ones belonging to the other HMK’s, others she wasn’t sure off, although she was sure the thirteen at the fore front of the assembly had to belong to the 13 taichou and she could put guesses to most of them.

Once she stood before them she offered a small bow of respect, which was returned with a slight incline of their heads.

“You are Kurosaki Pantera Kinomi?” Ryuujin Jakka asked.

“Yes.” She answered firmly, standing tall and proud before them.

“Do you know why you are here child?” He asked, his voice surprisingly gentle for being a ranging inferno of fire shaped like a dragon.

“I believe so.” She answered honestly.

Every last one of them suddenly fell into a deep bow. It took her a moment to feel the presence behind her and she turned to stare at the new comer in awe. For the dragon before her seemed to comprise of scales made with pure gold, claws and horns of the whitest ivory and eyes of rubies.

It moved with a grace that was indescribable as it passed by her to stand before the 13 assembled Zanpkauto.

“Ryuujin Jakka, Sogyo no Kotowari, Katen Kyokotsu, Minazuki.” The golden dragon greeted the four eldest.

The named four rose. The golden dragon regarded the others, calling each of them by name except for one, who he looked upon with such sorrow that Kinomi could feel it right to her bones and knew without a doubt it had to be Kenpachi’s other half.

Once he had acknowledged the 13 he turned his gaze to the others, calling out their names one by one until all of the Zanpkauto belonging to the taichou, fukutaichou, HMK’s, their family, and to her shock the Vizards as well, were standing once more.

“Why have you summoned me here this day?” The golden dragon questioned.

“Forgive us Master, but we feel a grave injustice has been acted upon us.” Ryuujin Jakka answered.

“Explain.”

“We have summoned to speak before you Kurosaki Pantera Kinomi, 4th seat of the 11th and Queen of Las Tardes. We bid you to hear her tale of the corruption that has infiltrated Seireitei and threaten to undermine all that we have worked so hard over the centuries to achieve.” Ryuujin Jaka bade.

The golden dragon turned his gaze towards her and she felt as if her very soul was being measured on some invisible scale.

“Speak child, that I might hear your tale.” The golden dragon finally bid.

Swallowing, she started at the very beginning with Aizen’s capture of her mother and plans to bred a new race right through to the moment that she had been brought before him.

She had no idea how long it had taken to tell her tale, for time did not seem to pass the same here. Not once was she interrupted and there was a long silence at the end of her tale.

The golden dragon frowned and seemed displeased before he starting asking her, and many of the others, questions. She answered as honestly as she could. She could feel the simmering anger rolling off of the golden dragon as each question was answered and she probably would have collapsed had that anger been directed at her.

“I see.” He frowned at the end.

“I will not raise my blade against her.” Kazeshini was quick to declare, fanning out one of his wings to cover her. “Nor will I lend my power to my partner should he try to fight her.” He added.

“Nor would I.” Iriomote was quick to add.

“Or me.” Haineko was quick to stand up next to her fellow cat.

More of them protested, and Kinomi could not believe the overwhelming support she was getting. They were silenced by a raised claw of the golden dragon.

“And of you?” He asked, looking at the 13.

“I will not.” Hyorinmaru was surprisingly the first to rumble, his voice sounding like ice against ice. “Many times Central 46 has gone against the good of Soul Society for their own ambitions. Those Aizen hurt and tortured have been treated with mistrust and suspicion. The chamber does not care for things they do not understand nor want to understand and it is making them act irrationally.”

Several others also agreed, some chose to remain silent, but it was clear they agreed with those speaking. They were once again silenced by a raised claw.

“Very well. Kurosaki-sama, I would make a request of trust, despite the fact it seems that Soul Society does not deserve such from you and your kin.”

She nodded, surprised at the respect he was showing her.

“I ask that you and the others return to Seireitei with the prisoners. I will see that something is done about this corruption that has been brought to my attention, for I agree it is far too debilitating as shown with the past to be left as is.”

“It will be done.” She promised.

She could see no reason why the Zanpkauto would lie or try to mislead her. They could kill her now and no one would ever know what happened to her other than she apparently died in her sleep.

“When should we return?” She asked.

“Tomorrow afternoon. Arrive as the one who was insulted.”

She nodded in understanding at the meaning behind the statement and offered the golden dragon a bow before Kyattsuai and Kazeshini led her back to her inner world. She offered them both a large hug and thanked Kazeshini for staying with her before she awoke in her bed. The clock was telling her it was six in the morning.

Dragging her exhausted but out of bed she set about making herself presentable before summoning her retainers and issuing her orders. It was going to be one hell of a long day, that was for sure, and there was a lot of preparation needed for what was coming.


Stay Tuned for chapter 7: Justice Done

Where central 46 finally gets the ass kicking of a life time I know we have all been waiting for.

Oh god I wish I could draw. The thought of Kinomi all curled up under an over protective Kazeshini and Kyattsuai just screams to me.

As usual /love my faithful reviewers. I went back and fixed those spelling errors that were pointed out. I like how easy Adultfan makes it, unlike Fanfiction where you got to replace the whole damn chapter.

Glad I got everyone with Aizen’s Zanpakuto. I wanted to use a cannon villain without it being cliché, aka Aizen or Tosen and while talking about it with my boy friend we came up with Kyouka Suigetsu.

See you all next chapter. Head will roll :)