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Prize of Victory	By : NovaAlexandria Category: Bleach > Het - Male/Female Views: 87205 -:- Recommendations : 8 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach nor make profit from this snippet

Chapter List
- 73
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Spring Flowers

　

For whatever reason, the early spring actually brought a small stop to the invasions. No one was certain why, although Szayel suggested that, like most insects, spring was the Swarm�s hatching season and they might be tending to their eggs and larva.

With the break in the attacks they were able to start installing sensors even further away from the city for an earlier warning system. Other than the one time Ulquiorra happened to stumble upon the Portal Scarabs, no one else had managed to track the Swarm back to its entry point to find the creatures again.

With everyone busy as could be setting out sensors and patrolling, there was almost no one around.

�Maybe it�s just me, Ajuga-chan, but it feels as if we have been abandoned,� Orihime complained to the little girl.

�Everyone is busy working,� Ajuga sighed unhappily. �Even Hana-chan is at school and Tsuki-neesan is patrolling with Tes-niisan,�she pouted.

�Well, at least we have each other,� Orihime smiled at her.

�Can we see if at least Bya-san is home?� Ajuga asked.

�He is out on the field with Yammy-san I am afraid,� Orihime sighed.

�Oh,� Ajuga�s ears and face dropped sadly, making her look both cute and pathetic at the same time.

�My, my, what has two beautiful young ladies like you looking so unhappy?�

Both girls whipped about to stare at the man? woman? person walking up to them wearing a rather expensive-looking kimono with long, black hair artfully pulled back. Ajuga looked at him curiously, and Orihime gasped out loud when she finally realized who he was.

�Yumichika-san!� she exclaimed. �I didn�t recognize you.�

�Now that�s just mean, Orihime-chan,� he pouted prettily. �Was I that forgettable?�

�Hime-neechan, who is that?� Ajuga questioned curiously. �And why does he smell like a girl?� she added, looking confused.

�You can thank his Majesty for that,� Yumichika wrinkled his nose. �He likes this perfume apparently,� he scowled softly.

�His Majesty?�

Ajuga seemed puzzled about the title, looking back and forth from Orihime to Yumichika and back again.

�He means Barragen-san,� Orihime explained. �Oh, I suppose you haven�t met him yet. He�s an Espada, like your father.�

�And who is this charming young thing anyway?� Yumichika inquired, looking the little girl up and down.

�Ajuga Jeajerjack,� Ajuga announced proudly.

�Jeajerjack?� Yumichika looked at Orihime confused.

�She is Grimmjow and Karin-chan�s daughter. She has a hard time pronouncing �Jaegerjaquez�,� Orihime explained.

�Karin-chan? Surly not Ichigo�s sister Karin?� he asked in shock.

�Ichigo?� Ajuga asked curiously, ears perking up at a name she wasn�t familiar with.

Both adults looked down at her in surprise.

�Kurosaki Ichigo is your mother�s older brother,� Orihime explained reluctantly and then bit her lip. She hadn�t realized that Ajuga had no idea who they were talking about. �He doesn�t get along with your father.�

�Oh,� Ajuga looked crestfallen. �Mama never mentioned any other family. Do I have more?� she asked, looking up at them inquisitively, her big blue eyes wide.

�Karin-chan has a twin sister named Yuzu, but she is human and lives in the human world,� Orihime answered.

�Oh, that makes sense,� Ajuga nodded her head before turning her attention to Yumichika. �You�re pretty like Bya-san,� she complimented him. �Do you have a garden we can play in?� she questioned excitedly.

�Well, at least the child can see beauty when it�s in front of her,� he chuckled happily. �I am afraid I don�t own my house, so I can�t say yes or no,� he apologised sadly.

�Oh,� she looked crestfallen.

�However, I do know some rather pretty public gardens we can go to if you want. Some of the early spring flowers have just started to bloom and many of the birds have started to return. Would that be acceptable?� he offered with a smile.

�Yes,� Ajuga cheered happily, finding the substitution acceptable. �Yes, yes, yes!! Please can we go, Hime-neechan?� Ajuga begged.

�Alright, alright,� Orihime laughed. �If Yumichika-san is willing to show us this garden, than we can go,� Orihime assured her.

�How could I say no to spending the afternoon with two beautiful ladies?� he questioned.

�Which way, which way?!� Ajuga demanded excitedly. Yumichika frowned at that, and wagged his finger at her in admonishment.

�Calm down my dear. A lady doesn�t bounce about, but rather walks with a poise and grace.�

�Oh?� Ajuga looked at him curiously.

�Indeed. You are a lady right?� he questioned.

�Yep,� Ajuga quickly agreed, nodding her head.

�Alright, then� stand up straight, head held high, and walk as if you were floating,� he directed, demonstrating.

Ajuga forced herself up onto her back legs and held her head up high. She stumbled for a bit, still not overly use to walking on two legs instead of four. That didn�t seem to deter Yumichika in the slightest.

By the time they made it to the park, Ajuga was walking as if she had been doing it for weeks instead of mere hours, at least until they reached the park. The moment the first rabbit came into sight she was down on all fours and simply gone.

�Quick little minx, isn�t she?� he commented with a chuckle.

�Yes, she is,� Orihime agreed. �I have to say, I am impressed, Yumichika-san. Karin-chan has been trying to get her to walk for almost a year now. Not even Szayel-san has had much luck.�

�It�s all in the pose my dear,� he offered her a winning smile and slight bow before he stepped back to look at her critically. �Orihime-chan, if I may be un-beautifully bold, it seems you have put on some weight since the last time I saw you.�

�Oh!� She exclaimed, a hand going to her stomach. �I am pregnant,� she explained.

A look of shock crossed Yumichika�s face.

�Before you ask, yes, Ulquiorra is the father. I suppose it was only a matter of time until this happened, although I must confess it never crossed my mind that it could.�

�Children are a wonderful thing, even if they are rather ugly when they first come out.�

�Yumichika-san,� she gasped at him.

�A rather ugly truth, but the truth nonetheless,� he defended himself. �I am afraid I am woefully behind in the local gossip. Is anyone else with child or has happened to have one I am unaware of?�

�I�m afraid not. According to Szayel-san and Unohana-Taichou, Karin-chan and I are the only ones,� Orihime replied, to assured him. �If anyone would know it would be those two.�

�And how is Rangiku-san doing? I haven�t seen her in ages.�

�She is doing well. Nnoitra-san has apparently become a lot less aggressive and is starting to let her do things now. It seems like most of the Arrancar have calmed down in the last several months. Even Tatsuki-chan has a mate now. You should see her ring!� Orihime informed him and smiled wistfully.

�Tatsuki?� he questioned, one eyebrow raised.

�Oh, she�s an old friend of mine. She and Tesra-san are mates now. She usually helps me watch Ajuga-chan, but right now Aizen-kami has EVERYONE able out either working to increase the range of Szayel�s defence grid or scouting to see if they can�t find the nest.�

�I would be out there too if it wasn�t for the fact I am pregnant. Ulquiorra made it quite clear I was to stay safe and out of trouble� she finished with a giggle. �He has become so over protective.�

�I see. I know both Ggio and Soi Fon have both been regularly deployed together by his Majesty. I wonder why I was left out?� he mused unhappily.

�Well, some people have to stay and guard the city just in case something happens. Maybe that is why you�re here,� Orihime suggested helpfully. �I think Nemu-san is still here too, and� Renji,� her voice fell at the last name.

Even Yumichika looked depressed at the mention of that name.

�What did Szayel do to him anyway?� Yumichika questioned softly.

�I am not sure. I think Karin-chan mentioned something about his Zanpakuto being utterly destroyed.�

A look of pure horror crossed Yumichika�s face and the elegant man clutched the silk of his kimono as if the garment itself could steady him.

�No,� he whispered. �That would definitely explain it. Better to be dead than to live with half of your soul destroyed.�

�Yeah,� she agreed.

Ajuga�s return broke the morose mood. The child grunted with effort as she dragged a dead deer by the throat towards them. She was covered in blood and dirt and her hair looked as if it had been snagged on a few branches for good measure.

�Ajuga-chan!� Orihime cried, horrified. �You�re filthy!�

�Astonishing,� Yumichika complimented with a soft chuckle.

Ajuga dropped the dead beast at their feet, looking up at them happily and expectantly.

�This good park, Yumi-niisan,� she smiled happily up at them.

�The deer are here to pet, not eat,� he laughed. �But still, well done,� he congratulated her.

�Pet?� she questioned confused. It wasn�t a familiar word.

�They are pets,� Orihime explained. �Like the koi in Jushiro-sans� pond.�

�Oh,� she looked crestfallen and bit her lip.

�That�s alright, Ajuga-chan, you didn�t know,� Yumichika assured her. �I bet it will taste great and having too many pet deer around are bad, since they kill the trees.�

�Oh,� she looked suddenly happy again with his explanation.

�Let�s get you home and cleaned up,� Orihime sighed. �I hope my child won�t feel the need to eat every creature in sight.�

Ajuga looked to Yumichika expectantly, and seemed very surprised when he folded his arms across his chest, the silk sleeves rustling. He gave her a significant look that made her tail stop swishing.

�You caught it, you carry it. You are a big girl now, right?�

�Big and strong,� she agreed.

Her fangs bit into the things neck again as she dropped to all fours. Orihime had to look away in disgust as Ajuga started to drag the carcass again.

�No, no, you will ruin the meat that way,� Yumichika chided gently.

�Oh,� she dropped the deer again and then stared up at him in frustration.

�Stand up, like I showed you earlier,� he instructed.

Ajuga did as told, standing up clumsily. She was a little unsteady at first until she caught her balance.

�Good, good�� Yumichika complimented her as he picked up the deer without getting a single drop of blood on his person.

Orihime had no idea how he managed such a feat, but he managed to get the deer adjusted in Ajuga�s grasp. His kimono, remarkably, remained unstained. She would have to ask him how he managed it.

�See, this way, less of the kill is being dragged on the ground, meaning less resistance and less damage to the meat,� he explained patiently.

�Oh,� Ajuga exclaimed delightedly after taking several stumbling steps before getting it right.

�Will you join us on the walk back, Yumichika-san?� Orihime asked.

�I have nothing else to do,� he answered pleasantly.

The walk was lovely, the two of them sharing a pleasant conversation while Ajuga trudged behind them hauling her kill without a word of complaint. They were almost back to Jushiro-san�s Estate when the sound of a body hitting the ground coincided with Ajuga�s sudden hiss.

�So this is where you have been hiding.�

Both turned to see Barragen standing behind them, his aged visage displaying next to no emotion. Beside him, Ggio and Soi Fon silently knelt, their eyes on the ground.

�Hmm,� he turned his gaze to the growling Ajuga, who had dropped back to all fours and was standing protectively over her kill. �Amusing brat, I have no interest in your food. This must be Grimmjow�s spawn.�

�Hai, Barragen-san,� Orihime answered.

Yumichika had dropped to one knee in a bow with his eyes adverted and body motionless.

Ajuga�s hackles lowered slightly at the assurance that he had no plans on claiming her kill, but she still watched him warily and looked ready to bolt at any minute. It was strange since Ajuga had shown no fear of any of the other Espada she had met, not even Nnoitra or Yammy. Something about Barragen clearly had her hackles up though.

�Ajuga-chan?� Orihime questioned worriedly.

Ajuga was slowly backing away now and for the first time ever Orihime could swear the little girl was afraid and looked ready to bolt.

�A pure born girl. How intriguing. She�s far more interesting than Nnoitra�s pet.�

Orihime felt a sudden wash of terror go over her as well, recalling the conversation they had with Tesra what felt like ages ago about Claiming children for future use. Her terror quickly turned to shock as Ulquiorra suddenly appeared before her.

She was stunned he had showed up at all, until she realized she must have been transmitting her fear through the Claim. Of course he would come running if he felt she, and thus their child, was threatened.

�Ulquiorra,� Barragen almost growled.

�Barragen,� he greeted just as coldly.

Ajuga looked between the two, hackles still up and growling before she suddenly darted behind Ulquiorra�s legs, hiding behind them and hissing at Barragen. If the situation hadn�t been so stressful Orihime might have found it funny.

Ulquiorra didn�t even spare Ajuga a second glance, but kept his attention fixed squarely on Barragen.

�Onna?� Ulquiorra questioned, clearly asking what was going on here that had her in such a titter.

�Interesting, has Grimmjow offered you the brat then?� Barragen questioned.

Orihime knew that she didn�t need to say another word. Ulquiorra had already figured out what the entire situation was about and why Ajuga had taken refuge behind him.

�The child will remain unfettered. You know as well as I that she will choose her own, or one will take her after conquering her in a test of skill or strength�� Ulquiorra answered. ��unless you feel like testing Kami�s edict regarding the girl.�

�Perhaps,� Barragen grunted.

�If you were interested in offspring, perhaps you should partake of your female pet instead of indulging in your usual tastes,� Ulquiorra added, his tone laced with a touch of derision.

Orihime felt herself stiffen at what Ulquiorra implied with that statement and her gaze darted to Yumichika, who hadn�t moved at all since Barragen�s arrival. Of course she understood what Claiming entitled, but she thought their relationship was more like Starrk and Jushiro�s.

The atmosphere was rapidly growing uncomfortable and Orihime fought the urge to start hyperventilating as the reiatsu of the two Espada clashed with each other. Ajuga growled, but remained hidden behind Ulquiorra�s legs.

�My, my, my� is this what is tripping my sensors?� Szayel�s voice cut into the scene.

�Szay!� Ajuga cried, but strangely enough she didn�t abandon her position.

�Ah, there is my favourite experiment,� he smiled at her. �Aizen-kami wants an update on your development. Shall we go see Nemu-chan and get some new data?� he offered pleasantly, ignoring the two competing Espada.

Ajuga nodded her head, but remained in her place, watching Barragen as if she didn�t trust him not to hurt her the moment she stepped away from the Fourth Espada�s shadow.

�Go,� Ulquiorra ordered her without looking.

Ajuga looked up at him hesitantly before bolting from behind his legs and leaping into Szayel�s waiting arms. She turned a glare back to Barragen and hissed, baring her fangs before snuggling more comfortably into Szayel�s grip as he adjusted his hold on her and took off in a burst of Sonido.

�I never would have thought I�d see the day you would defend Grimmjow�s brat,� Barragen sniffed.

�Aizen-kami made it clear she is to be left alone. I thought your memory superior to trash such as Nnoitra or Yammy, but they at least understand and obey Kami-sama�s orders,� Ulquiorra retorted, the derision in his voice morphing into full-blown contempt.

�You tread dangerously, boy,� Barragen growled, clearly angry. �One day you will lose your favour with Aizen-sama, and I will be waiting,� he threatened. �Come,� he snapped at his minions.

Orihime watched sadly as Yumichika finally rose and followed his owner away from the scene. He had a defeated and depressed look about him and she prayed Barragen wouldn�t take out his frustrations on those he owned.

�Onna?� Ulquiorra turned his attention to her.

She hardly heard him, her eyes following the others until they were out of sight.

�Onna?� he repeated again.

She sighed and turned her attention to him briefly before looking at the dead deer lying forgotten in the middle of the street, a testament to both Ajuga�s hunting prowess and her still-childish attention span.

�We really shouldn�t leave that laying around,� she sighed.

His gaze also went to the dead animal.

�Ajuga?� he questioned.

�Yes. She was rather proud of herself for catching it,� Orihime replied.

�Return home,� he ordered, after a moment of silence. �I must report in first and will be there shortly.�

She nodded her head and turned about to head back to their house. Even though she knew it wasn�t, somehow she couldn�t help but to think that the day�s events were all somehow her fault.

　

　

�What is this?� Jushiro asked as he stared at Ulquiorra, gesturing with one hand.

�Your dinner,� the other answered before turning to walk away.

�Oi, wait, what do you mean dinner?� Jushiro asked.

�Ajuga was unable to get it home on her own, thus I delivered it for her. That is all,� he explained over his shoulder.

Ulquiorra quickly disappeared into a Sonido before Jushiro could ask any more questions, leaving the white-haired Taichou on his front step staring at the very dead deer that had been deposited there.

�What on earth is that?� Nanao asked as she arrived.

�Apparently dinner,� he answered

�Ajuga-chan?� she guessed.

�So Ulquiorra-san said,� he confirmed.

�I see. Well, best not to leave it out here rotting,� she said as she walked past him and through the gate, leaving him alone once more with the dead animal.

�Some days I wonder if Shunsui hasn�t managed to convince me to get sloshed and this is all just one long, wild, random nightmare,� he sighed to himself.

He picked up the dead animal with an �oof� and brought it to Karin and Grimmjow�s quarters, leaving it on their kitchen counter to deal with when they got home.

Just touching the dead animal left him feeling unsettled and he took the time to climb into the shower to try and get the feeling off of his skin. The hot water soothed his frazzled nerves and before long he found himself leaning against the wall and letting the shower massage his skin.

It started as a small tickle at the back of his throat, one he ignored as nothing more than the steam he was breathing in. Unfortunately, it quickly escalated into a small cough, then a large one and then a series of coughing fits that left him light-headed and gasping for air.

�Shit,� he cursed weakly as he suddenly doubled over and began coughing heavily, blood quickly rushing up his throat.

He hadn�t had an attack in ages. Granted, he hadn�t been pushing his body the way he used to in some time. He was well overdue for an attack and it seemed like the bloody disease was back.

He tried to gather enough strength to call for help, but another round of coughing began and the intensity of the attack left him collapsed on the floor of the shower. All of his attention went into trying, less than successfully, to breathe. It wasn�t long before the lack of oxygen and the choking sensation overwhelmed him. The last think he felt was the pelting of cooling water on his skin and the tile against his convulsing body.

　

　

　

Not that big of a time skip, just a jump to Spring, lol. Dealing more in depth with Szayel�s torture and aftermath I might come back and flush out when POV is done. There is just so much story to go still and I am trying not to make this 200 chapters long as it�s almost starting to look.

The good news, I have been feeling better and I can�t wait until my Ultra Sound on the 6^th to get a good grasp on how far along I am and when my due date is.

The Bad News: World of Warcraft has sank it�s damn claws into me and I find myself playing the stupid game again.

The good news: My other half just landed a full time 9-6 day job last week and I am less inclined to play alone and have been feeling my writing fingers itching to type.

Gollumsfriend: there must be something wrong with your browser because I see no funky symbols anywhere, maybe switch, as an example since I don�t know what browser you use, from Internet Explorer to Firefox. Is anyone else getting funky symbols? I do know for some strange reason some stories I check out in other sections have some pretty damn weird inserted text.

Next Chapter (which I may post sooner or I may leave you all hanging in suspense to Jushiro�s fate): Jushiro�s fate obviously.
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Prize of Victory