Adult-FanFiction.org : Bleach

The Real King	By : NovaAlexandria Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male > Grimmjow/Ichigo Views: 48386 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach nor make any profit from this small fict.

Chapter List
- 38
- 39
- 40
Cubs Abound

Three cubs were a handful, but at least both Tesra and Szayel were regaining their strength, the former more than the later. Tesra�s cub consumed an outside source of food while Szayel was still using a fair amount of his energy to feed two cubs, but at least his energy was no longer being sapped by an abusive Alpha. H�tsu hadn�t dared show his face since the Alpha Pair�s discipline. The hollow part of his soul had even been quieter in his mind since that day.

Cachorro made a squeak and Ichigo turned his attention towards the three cubs and two aunts that were wrestling on the mats in front of the large jungle gym. A small smile touched his lips as he watched Cachorro squirm out from under Karin before tumbling into Yuzu to rescue his sister.

Ichigo had been a little concerned over his sisters safety since the cubs were still Hollows and, despite their small and cute bodies, much stronger than they appeared and thus dangerous. So far though it seemed like all three cubs were mindful of their strength and no one had gotten hurt yet. Cachorro and Hijastro had accepted Ternero without any issues, which was a relief. There had been a potential predator/prey issue, but so far Cachorro showed no signs of wanting to eat Ternero.

Ichigo checked the time on the large clock behind him. It was almost 4 in the afternoon, meaning his father would by shutting up the clinic soon and coming over to assist in the cubs check ups. Kisuke occasionally came as well but Tesra, Yylfordt and all three cubs were weary of the ex-taichou and everyone agreed it was best to keep the visits, and stress, down to a minimum. Szayel and Isshin were more than capable of conducting the examinations.

Right now all four Arrnacar were in the kitchen eating the dinner Grimmjow and Yylfordt had returned with. While Ichigo understood and accepted his mates need to cannibalize, he tended to try to avoid witnessing it as much as possible. Eating raw meat that had, arguably, been a sentient creature just gave him the shivers.

�Ichi-nii, have you figured out your course load for your first semester yet?� Yuzu asked as his sister joined him on the couch, Hijastro cradled in her arms.

�Yes, one schedule for each option,� he answered with a soft smile.

Yuzu sat down beside him and grabbed the brush from the side table. Hijastro�s quiet purring erupted loudly as Yuzu put the brush to work. Vanity was something the only female cub had clearly picked up from Szayel.

�So, what are you going to do when you finish?� Yuzu questioned curiously, �because I can�t picture you working with otousan.�

�No,� Ichigo easily agreed with his sister. �Getting my doctorate will take a few years at least.�

With the help of his personal, highly intelligent (although he would never tell Szayel that as the Arrancar was still known for bouts of self proclamation over his superior intellect) tutor he had raised his Biology, Chemistry, and Math scores to the top of his grade. A good number of scholarships had fallen into his lap and even a few invitations to various Universities. His Language and computer skills, on the other hand, were good, but nothing breathtaking.

�So you will be here for a while at least,� Yuzu smiled happily. �And so will Cachorro, right?� she asked.

�As far as I know, yeah,� he assured her.

�And Hijastro?� she asked hesitantly

�Not going anywhere anytime soon as far as I know,� he assured her.

Yuzu had really taken to the little girl. Hijastro didn�t mind it in the least when Yuzu put ribbons and bows on her. Her wings prevented his sister from being able to put much in the way of clothing on her, but lace and ribboned, elastic bands around her paws were accepted and she even liked the little handmade kitty shoes. Ichigo had a sneaking suspicion that Ishida had helped his sister with several of the little outfits (the crosses gave it away) and the Quincy was taking great delight in putting his mark on Szayel�s daughter. In fact, he would not be surprised to discover an entire binder full of contemplative designs that would work around Hijastro�s wings.

�Good, I like her,� Yuzu announced happily as she continued to brush out Hijastro�s fur, much to the cubs loudly proclaimed delight.

Hijastro was the only cub that had taken to Yuzu. Cachorro was distant and Ternero completely ignored and avoided her. On the other hand, both male cubs had taken to Karin. Cachorro had adopted his father and aunts attitude towards his Grandfather and Ternero was definitely uncomfortable around him. Only Hijastro was found of Isshin. Granted, Hijastro fell in love with pretty much anyone. All it took was three minutes with a brush and she was yours. She had been the first, and so far only, cub to have warmed up to Byakuya during subsequence visits.

Ichigo had to admit he found the visits from Soul Societies representatives rather amusing, and sometimes exasperating. All three cubs had easily accepted Jushiro. Ternero was weary of Rukia and Renji but would let them approach. Only Hijastro let Byakuya near her, Ternero avoided him and Cachorro had made it a game to try and bite the noble whenever he could. The most annoying part was that Grimmjow encouraged the behaviour while Ichigo was trying to stop it. They�d had a few arguments over it already.

�Oi, you brats behaving?� Grimmjow demanded as he led the Arrancar members of their pack into the large playroom.

All three cubs let out loud noises of pleasure. Ternero and Cachorro raced towards their respective parents while Hijastro remained in Yuzu�s lap, her purrs now interspaced with the odd meows directed towards her �mother.�

�What do Hollows call their �mother� anyway?� Ichigo wondered curiously.

He knew that as Adjucus Hollows were basically hermaphrodites. Somehow he doubted that any �male personality� Beta�s would want to be called Mother. Granted, the cubs didn�t exactly speak so he supposed the issue never actually came up.

Cachorro leaped into Grimmjow�s arms, meowing continuously and rubbing up against him. Ternero pranced between his own parents legs. Hijastro was content to remain in Yuzu�s lap and let Szayel walk up to her.

Szayel and Tesra were the only two that didn�t make Yuzu feel overly uncomfortable. In fact, Yuzu and Tesra seemed to get along well, which was a great relief to Ichigo. He was afraid his kind hearted sister was going to be ostracized from the group.

�Have you picked a school yet?� Szayel asked as he sat down next to Yuzu, Hijastro crawling to sit between the two of them for maximum attention hording.

�I�ve narrowed it down to two of them,� he admitted, pulling forward the two brochure packages, complete with letters of introduction and pre admission. �KKU has more up to date facilities, but it�s two hours away and I have heard their Biology teacher isn�t the best, which is one of my majors. SKU is closer, only an hour away, and has the best Biology teacher in the area, but they don�t offer a Genetics course,� he sighed in frustration.

�I thought that�s like, a third year course though,� Karin pointed out as she sat down on Yuzu�s other side.

�It is,� he agreed.

�So can�t you just take it latter, or even by correspondence?�

�I could,� he agreed reluctantly.

�I wouldn�t worry about a bad teacher, Ichi-nii, you got a great one right here,� Yuzu pointed out with a soft blush.

�You charm me, my dear,� Szayel smirked at her. �Why would you not desire to go with the facility that has the superior equipment?� he questioned confused.

�The two hour drive,� Ichigo answered honestly. �Students, especially University students, don�t have a lot of free time, and I need to add being a father to my list as well.� Ichigo pointed out. �Classes alone are about seven hours a day, plus four hours for travel, not to mention all the homework and studying, easily another four hours a day right there. Eight hours for sleep and that�s 23 hours out of a 24 hour day.�

�Why not just use Shunpo?� Yylfordt questioned with snort.

�How would my body catch up? It�s not like the average person can see spirits,� he pointed out dryly. �Attendance is sort of mandatory and if the teacher can�t see me it doesn�t count.�

�How much would being able to use Shunpo cut down on your travel time?� Szayel asked curiously.

�It would take maybe 10 minutes instead of an hour. Why?� Ichigo questioned.

Szayel had a sudden light in his eyes and one could almost see the calculations and thoughts whirling about.

�You can interact with the physical world normally in your Shinigami form, right? It�s just a matter of visibility isn�t it?� Szayel questioned, leaning forward eagerly.

�I suppose so, yeah,� Ichigo agreed.

�So what if there was a way for the average person to see you in your spirit form? Something you could put on and off so people wouldn�t see you traveling?� Szayel questioned excitedly.

It was the first time in months Ichigo had seen that measure of light in Szayels eyes. In fact, he was fairly positive the last time he had seen Szayel so excited had been when he was locked in a test tube in the scientist�s lab. It was a true sign Szayel was beginning to recover from his ordeal. Ichigo couldn�t bring himself to deny Szayel the chance to work on such a simple project. Besides, if it worked it would help his Shinigami friends out a considerable amount. A gigai, while practical, was also dangerous in that it took time to leave the body.

�Well, if you think that you can get something like that designed, than yeah, I could go to KKU. I might even be able to come home for lunch,� he chuckled.

�Or other things,� Grimmjow smirked at him.

�Oi, not in front of the girls,� Ichigo protested.

�They going to learn about shit like this sooner or later,� the former Espada shrugged.

�I would sooner later.�

�Chill, Ichi-nii, we aren�t seven anymore,� Karin rolled her eyes at him. �And the cubs are too young to understand what we are talking about anyway.�

�Amuse me,� he insisted. �Besides, think about how Goatface would react to finding out you two were listening to such talk.�

Most of the room shivered.

�Your Sire is very�.� Yylfordt paused, thinking about the term he wanted.

�Loud?� Tesra suggested.

�eccentric,� Yylfordt settled on.

�A cover to fool the easily fooled,� Szayel waved a hand. �His diploma�s and a successful clinic speak of a far more sharp mind, one he hides. He is far too competent in the lab to be the idiot he pretends to be.�

�You are just saying that because he saved your ass,� Yylfordt snorted.

�He does it to try and keep everyone happy, especially since mom died,� Karin defended. �He just takes it overboard far too frequently,� she added.

The room fell into uncomfortable silence for several minutes. Almost everyone jumped when the doorbell went off. Protective instincts flared and the cubs climbed fully into their respective �mothers� laps while Ichigo got up to answer the door and Yylfordt hovered near the only entrance into the large room.

�It never ceases to amaze me how you all do that,� Karin shook her head amused. �Like watching some sort of documentary on wolves, I swear.�

�Hueco Mundo is far more dangerous than any woodland or tundra you are acquainted with,� Szayel assured her with just a tint of nervousness in his voice. �A moment of inattentiveness can lead to gruesome death.

Whoever was at the door was not Isshin or any of their human friends, they would have just walked in. The downside to living in a building that hid reiatsu was that you couldn�t tell who was at the door just like people outside could not feel anyone inside. Not that it made too much of a difference on account that Ichigo still sucked at recognizing a lot of different people.

A glance at the monitor by the door indicated their guests consisted of Jushiro and Nemu. Jushiro was more than welcomed, but Ichigo was not so sure about permitting Kurotsuchi�s daughter into the den. It would throw Szayel into a fit and Grimmjow might just attack first and ask questions later when he picked up her scent and realized she was related to the bastard that had tried to harm their son. Taking a breath to steady himself, he opened the door.

�Ukitake-taichou, what brings you by?� Ichigo questioned politely. �I wasn�t expecting your visit until tomorrow at the earliest.�

�Sorry for dropping by like this Ichigo, but I was speaking to Isshin and Kisuke to pick up the reports for the 12^th that Szayel had agreed to share and he said that they were running some tests today on the cubs and that we would be welcomed to come watch.�

Ichigo frowned in displeasure. It was not Kisuke or Isshin�s place to invite anyone to his den, especially anyone related to the 12^th. Jushiro must have noticed his growing anger, for he quickly apologized for their intrusion again.

�I don�t mind you Visiting, but you have just announced our location to the same division that nearly beat Szayel to death and tried to abduct my son. If you think I am unhappy about her being here, my Mate is going to be beyond furious and Szayel will either be just as furious, or have another regression attack. You may come in, but she is not welcomed,� he said firmly, crossing his arms.

It wasn�t that he had anything personally against Nemu, if anything he actually felt sorry for the mistreated woman. What he was upset about was what she represented. And he would definitely be having words to his father and Kisuke about inviting people into HIS den. It was not their place to do so. Shinji had given him the old warehouse to live in, not them. And while he appreciated all the work Kisuke had done to the place, it was still not his right to act as if he owned the place when he didn�t.

Speaking of the devil, Kisuke came around the corner at just that moment, calling out a joyful greeting. Ichigo turned his glare to the shop keeper. Kisuke quickly picked up on the hostility and out came that annoying fan. Knowing that what ever words were going to come out of his mouth towards the ex-taichou would not be pleasant, he kept his attention on the current one instead. It wasn�t really Jushiro�s fault for brining Nemu along when they had been invited by Ichigo�s own father.

�As I said, you are welcome to come inside, but she will have to wait elsewhere, no offence Nemu,� he gave a nod towards the silent woman. She hadn�t been there during the altercation and it wouldn�t be fair to blame her for her father�s orders and ideals.

�There is none taken, Kurosaki-san,� Nemu bowed. �I will return to my division with the reports we have gathered. Good Day, Ukitaki-taichou, Kurosaki-san.� She said politely, completely ignored Kisuke before turned about and walking away from the group.

Isshin, carrying his house call medical kit, passed Nemu and frowned in confusion before his eyes lit up with understanding and he sent his son a sheepish and apologetic smile.

�I didn�t even think about that,� his father admitted embarrassed as he joined them at the door.

There were a lot of scathing remarks Ichigo could have made to that statement, but bit his tongue instead. It was rare his father actually acted mature and there was no point in snapping at him over an honest mistake. Besides, it was best to encourage his father�s more serious side over that of the goofy one he often adopted. He sometimes wondered who was the better father figure for the twins, himself or their actual father.

�Come on in,� he finally invited everyone inside.

The all paused at the door and even Ichigo could feel the rush of probing reiatsu as the Arrancar under his care tested and scouted for those who had dared to disturb their den. Shoes were taken off and small talk was exchanged, mostly about how Rukia was doing, to give the others time to adjust to the intruders presence. By the time Ichigo escorted their guest to the main room everyone was once more relaxed.

The three cubs gave out cries of delight and swarmed Jushiro, prancing about his legs and making loud begging noises. Cachorro did pause in his begging long enough to hiss at Kisuke before going back to demanding attention from the white haired Shinigami.

Ichigo sighed and joined his mate on the couch. He knew Jushiro was loaded with new toys for the cubs and he supposed he should be happy that they were too young, and currently uninterested, in candy. Toshiro had groused about being burdened with receiving such treats from Jushiro.

�Hold on now and let me go sit down. I am not as young as you all are,� Jushiro smiled at them, having an interesting time keeping his balance with the equivalent of a domesticated goat and two bulky Savannahs (one with an armoured shell!) rubbing against his legs begging for attention.

He finally got to a chair and was instantly swarmed, heads butting against him and paws pawing at his uniform. He laughed and pushed them away before finally getting them all calmed down enough he could reach into his pockets to get the items he had brought with him.

Kisuke and Isshin slipped out of the room and headed towards the lab to get everything ready for the cubs examination. Szayel hesitated, not wanting to leave his own cub unattended, but Ichigo gave him a shooing motion and after a minute Szayel joined the other two men in the lab.

He didn�t know too much about Szayel�s personality before meeting him, but he got the impression that it was far different from what he was use to. According to Ishida the old Szayel would have had to have been pried out of his lab, not gently shoed into it, or at least gently shoed while leaving the cubs behind.

Jushiro started pulling the toys out, brining Ichigo�s attention back to the three cubs. Several bright balls were pulled out and he gave them a small toss, Cachorro instantly chased after them with Ternero trotting behind him. Hijastro made a few motions as if wanting to go as well, but she waited impatiently for more surprises. Ribbons, feathers and strips of fabric came out next. Hijastro snatched those up quickly and raced back to Yuzu, tripping a few times over the trailing pieces but otherwise purring loudly in content.

�You spoil them too much,� Karin accused.

�You can never spoil children too much,� Yuzu declared, sorting through the stock pile of crafting supplies with Hijastro. �When Ishida-san comes by we will really put this stuff to task,� she assured the cub.

Hijastro let out a meow of agreement before suddenly darting from the couch and swatting one of the balls towards her brother. Cachorro darted around quickly and captured it before launching it at Ternero. Ternero had been paying attention to a different ball and let out a bellow of annoyance as Cachorro�s ball hit the other cub�s side. In retribution, a rear kick sent it back, hitting Cachorro in the rump. That prompted a game of dodge ball that quickly involved everyone.

Karin and Yuzu let out laughs of delight and joined the cubs. This made five players, thus making the teams uneven. It was Tesra who joined the game to make it an even three on three; and to move the game further from the spectators so that they were not caught by stray flying balls, or at least not caught often.

At first Ichigo was concerned about his sisters playing with an Arrancar, but it was quickly made clear that Tesra was well aware of his own strength and no balls were tossed with any strength that could harm either cubs or humans.

�The lab�s ready,� Isshin announced happily as he entered the room.

The cubs froze, looked Isshin�s way, and than bolted to the far corners of the giant jungle gym.

�Nice work idiot,� Ichigo scowled at his father.

�Oops,� Isshin smiled sheepishly.

Dodge ball had turned into keep away. Ternero was the easiest to capture as he was limited in his escape routes. Yylfordt held tightly onto his squirming son while Tesra tried to sooth him, assuring the cub that everything was going to be just fine. Hijastro was the next captured, Yuzu and Jushiro managing to coax the cub into going. Of the three she was the least concerned about test, taking them impatiently without the squirming. Cachorro, on the other hand�.

�You guys go ahead, we�ll join you in a minute,� Ichigo sighed as his son darted through the gaps in a rope net intended for climbing. �I blame you for this you know,� he scowled at his mate.

�He is clearly a strong and clever cub, I�ll happily take credit for that,� Grimmjow smirked at him.

�Yeah, too cleaver.� His scowl deepened. �Cachorro, get over here,� Ichigo ordered.

His command was met with a hiss.

�If you don�t get over here right now there will be no play time after dinner,� he threatened.

Cachorro�s ears dropped at he shot a pleading look towards Grimmjow.

�I am on your side. I don�t see how these test are important,�

Ichigo opened his mouth to give his mate a scathing remark, but didn�t get the chance to as Grimmjow finished his sentence.

�but if Ichigo thinks they are, than they probably are. Now get over here and take the tests like the brave cub I know you are and not a girly wuss.� Grimmjow taunted.

Cachorro let out a huff of defeat before finally letting Grimmjow capture him.

�He definitely gets that from you,� Ichigo noted amused.

�Get�s what?� Grimmjow questioned confused.

�The abject terror of a harmless needle.�

�Fuck you Kurosaki,� Grimmjow spat.

�I am fairly positive it is always the other way around,� he couldn�t help but to point out with a grin, letting the foul language in front of their son slide.

Grimmjow sent him a deadly glare, but curbed his temper for now. They made it into the lab where Hijastro was sitting calmly on the table while Szayel took her measurements and called out the findings to Isshin, who recorded the data in Hijastro�s chart. The cubs were growing at a good rate, all of them gaining weight and clearly active. It was hard to figure out how mentally intelligence the cubs were since they were incapable of any form of speech any of them understood. Current guess was around a two year old. It was clear they understood basic commands and what was going on around them. They knew colours since if you told them to get the blue ball they would. Even Ternero. There wasn�t a notable climb in intelligence yet, but again it was hard to measure.

�You are doing an excellent job,� Szayel praised his daughter.

The easy stuff done, the next step actually involved the equipment. Her heart rate was recorded, her temperature taken, her ears examined, her eyes checked. Movement ranges on all limbs were explored and recorded. Her trust in her �mother� was clearly absolute.

�Okay love, just a pinch.� Szayel assured her as he held up the needle.

Hijastro remained still as the needle was inserted into her body and four vials of blood were drawn. The other two cubs shivered in fright, she just yawned. X-rays were taken of her mouth to check tooth development and whether or not any baby teeth or wisdom teeth might be present and an ultrasound done to make sure her organs were still all functioning.

There were three cubs so while Isshin ran the ultrasound Cachorro and Ternero had their turns on the table. Szayel and Kisuke took a cub each and started all over again. Szayel had to do Cachorro�s, not only because he had been the scientist to start the cub�s chart in the first place, but because Cachorro would try to bite Kisuke every chance he got and refused to co-operate. Ichigo recorded his son�s information as Szayel read them out while Tesra recorded his own son�s.

Things were going well, the cubs actually enjoyed this part as they were informed just how much bigger they were, until the needles came out. Both cubs became petrified, and they were not the only ones. Ichigo kept an eye on his mate even as he held firmly onto his struggling son, making soothing noises.

�Hold up, Szayel I got an idea,� Ichigo ordered as Cachorro bucked in his arms, making it impossible to get the needle close. �Cachorro, It�s okay,� he soothed his son. �Shh, shh, it�s okay. Nothing bad is going to happen. See, watch,� Ichigo held his arm out towards Szayel.

Szayel was no fool, he caught on quickly and took Ichigo�s arm in his, searching for a good vein before sliding the needle in.

�See, I am still alright. Just a little pinch and that�s all. It won�t hurt you,� the teen soothed his son.

Cachorro, and Ternero from his own table, watched in fascination as the vial filled up with his Sire�s blood. Once the vial was filled Szayel hesitated. Ichigo looked at the Natural Beta and noted the warring between curiosity and fear, eyes flickering between the now filled vial and the rack holding several more empty ones. Even Kisuke was eyeing the vial like a piece of candy.

�Go for it,� he sighed.

Szayel looked up at him in clear shock, but also with a large amount of excitement.

�Before I change my mind,� he prompted.

Three more vials were filled before the needle was removed from his arm.

�See,� he smiled at his son. �If I can do it you can too,� he encouraged, completely ignoring the shiver Grimmjow had given off as the needle was removed from his arm.

Cachorro held still this time as the needle was inserted and his blood was drawn.

�Good boy,� Ichigo praised happily, earning a happy meow from Cachorro.

The equipment made the cubs nervous, but they at least held still for the exams. It was amusing to watch Szayel squirm as he was forced to sit still to feed Cachorro and Hijastro after the tests were done when all he desperately wanted to do was look at the data and enter it into the system.

Jushiro left with Kisuke once the tests were completed and Isshin set about cleaning up the lab.

�Will you sit still already, your giving me a migraine,� Grimmjow growled in annoyance.

Szayel flinched, apologized, and forced himself to hold still so the cubs could feed more easily. Tesra and Yylfordt had retreated to their own den, the visit had made them rather uncomfortable, more so when they had learned that the 12^th division now knew where they were located. Neither one had good memories of that group.

�Once they�re done I�ll take the cubs for their bath,� Karin offered.

The buzzer rang, two shorts and two longs, meaning it was one of Ichigo�s human friends. A moment later Ishida�s reiatsu entered the premises and hovered by the door for a few minutes while everyone scanned and registered his presence. Ichigo had forgotten his friend was coming over.

The cubs finally finished eating and Szayel all but ran back to his lab, passing Ishida on the way. They ignored each other, although this time Ichigo had a feeling it had more to do with Szayel�s desire to look at the new notes than it did with their hostile past.

�Alright brats, lets go take that bath,� Karin called the cubs.

Cries of delight met her statement and the two cubs eagerly followed her out of the room.

�I am coming too,� Yuzu called, joining the procession to the bathroom.

�What about you?� Ichigo questioned his mate.

�You look like your about to talk more about that school shit. I�ll go make sure the cubs don�t drown the girls.�

�Alright,� Ichigo agreed.

Ishida set his bag down next to the table and claimed a spot for himself.

�You taking up arts Ichigo?� Ishida questioned.

�Huh?�

�You got a pile of Ribbons, feathers and fabric there,� Ishida pointed to Jushiro�s gift for Hijastro.

�Oh, just a gift for Hijastro,� Ichigo answered.

�Really,� Ishida smirked, a dark gleam crossing his eyes as he studied the pile of items.
�Later,� Ichigo insisted as he indicated the university pamphlets. �Which Social Arts electives were you considering?� he asked.

Soooooo busy� Groan. Anyhow, thank you all so much for your reviews. Not a great chapter, more of a glimpse of daily life before a larger time skip. All of my stories are written and stored on my Lap Top. I simply copy and paste the current chapter into a new document before uploading it. No idea on the next update, not a lot of free time to write.
Writhing/withering would be auto corrector screwing me up and not catching it. Thanks for pointing it out. I do proof read a chapter several times, but because I wrote it my eyes sort of glaze over the words because I know what it�s suppose to say. Feel free to point those kind of errors out.

Gwen: Um, I don�t recall mentioning the gate guardians in any of my stories, let alone this chapter. So I must admit your review is confusing. Was it intended for another story you were reading at the same time perhaps?
- 38
- 39
- 40
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Real King