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Safe in my Arms	By : ShadowedEcho Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 3066 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, no money is being made by me, this was written purely for entertainment purposes

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
Chapter Eight
If You Only Knew
The days passed happily, the tension only building a little at a time as they waited for word on the meeting. The Visoreds were acting as the mediators between the two groups, arranging the terms and making final preparations to bring them together. This left those in Las Noches with nothing to do but wait and worry.
At least the babies were a good distraction. They got stronger and more alert everyday. They were smiling and looking at those holding them. Ichigo had started to give them some time on the floor, with a blanket protecting them from the chill, new toys brought courtesy of the Visoreds occupying them as they learned and explored.
Starrk's uniform no longer hid his increasing waistline. If you hadn't known him previously you might have assumed he had just ignored his training a little too long, but those familiar with how slender he usually was could tell he was growing steadily curvier. Lilynette loved to tease him about it, getting swatted on the back of the head multiple times a day, but it wasn't enough of a detriment to make her stop. At least he could still move around freely, once his balance was completely altered there would be even more opportunities for laughter.
As for Szayel, the near permanent grin of excitement was all the confirmation the others needed to know the mating was indeed a success. He spent a lot of time in Ichigo's rooms with Starrk and Grimmjow, as Ichigo was still more comfortable if the children stayed in the smaller easier to defend room, then the large open meeting hall. The night the babies had been named was tolerable only because he was too exhausted to notice the itching need to keep them confined. Grimmjow had explained the difference to him when Ichigo had voiced the oddity.
Harribel had taken to spending time with Szayel in his quarters when they weren't with Ichigo. As the only mated Beta without an Alpha, she had slid into the role for Szayel. The others were quietly glad to see this, Harribel had always been a bit withdrawn from the group as the only female Espada, after Nel was injured, but with the death of her Fraccion she had only become more solemn. It was good to see her getting excited over something, especially since Szayel was recovering from his own loss. The two of them were healing together, though it would take some time for any significant changes to be noticeable, it was a start anyway.
Since Grimmjow was busy keeping an eye on Ichigo and his litter, this left Ulquiorra to make sure Starrk had everything he needed. They switched off whenever they wanted to, but it made sense for the one without a current litter to spend the most time with the dual mated Beta. Starrk liked the arrangement, he didn't mind the company as he had spent too many years lonely, and Ulquiorra was much calmer than Grimmjow able to spend hours doing little more than nap and talk. That's not to say he didn't like Grimmjow's presence when he was there, it was just different. The two Alphas were like night and day, but both cared deeply, and would protect him with all they had.
The others didn't know Ichigo had put in a special request for the Visoreds to carry to Kisuke. With the confirmation the extremely intelligent Shinigami was still on his side, it had made a problem he had easier to deal with. He wanted his family to meet his children, but it wasn't safe to bring them out of Heuco Mundo, not with him still an exile and no idea if his family home was being watched in case he returned. Even if the Shinigami agreed to let the Espada live freely, there was no guarantee they could get the exile overturned.
That meant for his family to all get together, he would need to bring his dad and sisters to Las Noches. His dad could come without too much hassle, being a Captain class Soul Reaper in his own right he would be able to cross into Heuco Mundo and bear the Espadas' intense Spiritual Pressure. He was concerned about his sisters. Karin could at least see the Arrancar, but even as strong as she was Karin was still mostly human, he wasn't sure if even she could withstand the power emanating from the Espada. Yuzu wasn't even able to see spirits, much less hold up against power that could make full-blown Hollows wither and die. He needed Kisuke's help to find a way to bring them safely into this world, and until they had that worked out, he could only let them know he was alive, but would have to wait to see them.
Now Shinji and Kensei were back, and they brought news with them. The group convening in Ichigo's room again. Shinji spoke first, "We have the final list of who will be coming, I think it bodes well for the meeting. I was right, Captain Ukitake is still the head of negotiations, and he will be the one coming. Kyouraku and Unohana wanted to as well, but we did agree only one Captain could come. It says they are serious about making this work without bloodshed, if this was an extermination mission they would send Kyouraku. Ukitake can and will fight if provoked, but he avoids it when at all possible, Kyouraku is more ruthless when the situation calls for it."
"Why Kyouraku? I would think if they wanted us dead, Soi Fon or Kenpachi would be the better choice." Ichigo asked with a small frown, the situation not adding up in his head.
Kensei answered him, "You would expect an attack from either of those ones, as they are the head of the combat units. You have more trust in Ukitake and Kyouraku because they assisted you during your month in the Soul Society. Plus, to be completely honest, the only Captains with a chance of defeating all of you on their own is Kyouraku and possibly Unohana. The Head Captain doesn't usually fight directly, he orders the others but rarely participates, and Ukitake is more effective if he works in tandem with a close quarters fighter. Kyouraku and Ukitake working together could probably challenge Yamamoto, and if Unohana backed them up with healing, they might even win."
Grimmjow looked thoughtful at that, "So they are at least attempting to keep us calm, that is a good sign, but we shouldn't lose focus. Who else is coming?"
"The Lieutenant they are bringing is Rangiku Matsumoto, since you know her Ichigo. Renji wanted to, but we pointed out he has a Bankai so he is ranked with the Captains." Shinji began, only to be interrupted by Ichigo.
"Wait, they are sending Rangiku of all people? What happened, did Toushiro jump on the chance at getting her out of his hair, or what?" He asked incredulously.
Shinji shook his head, "Don't underestimate her. She was close with Gin Ichimaru, and on top of that she is a Lieutenant, and the tenth squad is the investigation unit. Hitsugaya might be the prodigy, but Rangiku is nothing to discount, despite the way she acts on occasions."
"They are trying to learn more about us by sending an investigator, it's a move I would make." Szayel analyzed. It was exactly the move they would have made if the situation were reversed. At least they were sending someone Ichigo was familiar with, less chance of something getting into the report they didn't want shared, such as the number of young living here, and the expecting Espada. The kind of information if there was ever an attack; it would prove to be detrimental to them for the enemy to know.
Harribel got the conversation back on track, "What about the Officers?"
Kensei replied to her, "They are bringing Seventh Seat Hanataro Yamada from the Fourth Squad, and Fifth Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa from the Eleventh."
"A healer and a fighter, both of which I know personally," Ichigo informed, relaxing at hearing the final names.
"This sounds too perfect to me. They are only sending people that would put us at ease and relax us. Are we sure this isn't a front for an attack to follow once we are off guard?" Ulquiorra observed.
"That's why we won't be off guard at all during their visit. We already have a plan to keep the vulnerable ones away from the meeting." Grimmjow reminded him, knowing what Ulquiorra said made sense.
Ichigo broke in, "I don't think that is what is happening. There are others that would make us even more relaxed, and be less of a threat. They are sending a negotiator, an investigator, a healer, and a fighter. That sounds like a good team to me for the type of meeting this is, the fact I know them all might be because they volunteered to come with Ukitake." He turned to Shinji and Kensei at that, "Does Yamamoto even know this meeting is happening?"
Shinji grinned slowly, "No, at least not as far as we are aware. He thinks Ukitake is coming to meet with us, he doesn't know we will be bringing all of them here. He probably suspects something, but he would have no way of confirming it. Especially with Kisuke hacking into the Twelfth squad's monitoring equipment. We actually had two conversations with Ukitake, one discussing a meeting between him and the Visoreds, the real conversation was covered with a scene of Ukitake resting on a previous day around the same time so the sun's position wouldn't give us away. We did similar cover ups when recruiting the others."
"Ichigo, do you think any of those people would have a reason to rat you out to Yamamoto?" Grimmjow asked his Beta.
Ichigo thought about it for a little while, before giving his answer, "The only one I'm not sure of is Ukitake, the others wouldn't. As scatterbrained as some of them are, they are loyal to those that have earned it. I don't know Ukitake enough to know if he would follow Yamamoto, or take my side. You have said he adores children, and only fights when provoked enough, knowing what Yamamoto wanted to do to us, I would give him the benefit of the doubt."
"When are they going to be ready?" Szayel asked, whether there would be an attack or not was out of there hands, it was better to concentrate on the meeting itself. There was a good chance it was exactly what it looked like on the surface. At least everyone was hoping that was the way it would work.
"Tomorrow," Kensei answered shortly.
They all took a collective deep breath. They had known it was coming but to be faced with it head on made the slight tension build to greater heights. Grimmjow watched as Ichigo' entire body locked up, his nerves wound so tight he felt like a harp string. He walked over to Harribel and whispered in her ear, getting a slight nod in response. With that out of the way he went to Ichigo, and wrapped the Beta in his strong arms. "Calm down, there isn't anything you can do now. Stop panicking."
"I can't help it," Ichigo admitted, not pulling away from the embrace, but looking over to the children playing on the spread out blankets. "What if Ulquiorra is right? It is adding up a little too well. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, that has held true for a long time."
Starrk spoke for the first time since the Visoreds arrival, "Ichigo did you ever think you have suffered enough bad luck you are due up for a reward? If something bad happens we will deal with it when the time comes, but it might not. As long as we are prepared for the worst case it is all right to hope for the best."
Grimmjow felt some of the tension leave Ichigo as he absorbed that. He spoke softly, wanting to calm him further, "Everything is going to work out. At least we will know for sure soon. These people have helped you before, this might be no different."
"You don't know that, even you have asked me if I would be able to fight at full strength if it is needed, now you are telling me to calm down because I might not have to fight? Make up your mind." He protested sharply, shaking his head, and trying to wiggle out of the arms holding him now that his worry had changed to frustration.
Grimmjow just locked his arms tighter, not letting him go, "Look, there are no guarantees about anything. There is just as good of a chance that you won't have to fight as there is you will. For tonight, and during the meeting, concentrate on believing you won't. If there is fighting or danger, you will be able to handle it a lot better if you are not worn out from worrying all night."
Seeing where the conversation was going, the others used that as their cue to leave, Harribel explaining something to Szayel before they both headed over to pick up the children and bring them out with them.
Ichigo seeing them take the babies, protested, "Where are you taking them?"
Grimmjow answered him, "I asked her earlier if she and Szayel could watch them for a few hours, because you would probably need help calming down."
"I don't want them away from me right now," Ichigo argued.
Grimmjow squeezed him a bit, "It's only for a few hours. You need to relax, and that would be hard to do if you are worried about them being two steps away from you. Let me take care of you, and then we can concentrate on them."
"But…" Ichigo's protest was cut off by a kiss.
"Just stop. Stop thinking. Stop worrying. They will be safe and cared for with Harribel and Szayel. It's time to let someone worry about you for a little while." Grimmjow ordered, only pulling away enough to speak.
"I'm not sure I know how to do that," Ichigo confessed.
A slow grin crossed Grimmjow's face, "Let me show you."
Ichigo nodded, and those lips were back on his. The arms around him tightened and pulled him even closer.
A few hours later and a much more placid Ichigo went with Grimmjow to collect their children from Harribel and Szayel. The sight that greeted them put a gentle smile on Ichigo's face.
Szayel had fallen asleep, Hikari napping on his chest, he had an arm wrapped around Amon who was snuggled against his side. Harribel had answered the door, Tsume was awake and enjoying being held and bounced by her. His eyes taking in the room as he gazed over her shoulder.
"Were they any trouble?" Ichigo asked quietly so he didn't disturb the slumbering trio.
Harribel shook her head, "No. It took them a little while to get used to being away from you, but they settled down and have been fine ever since. Those three have been sleeping for a good hour."
Grimmjow looked them over, "How much has he been sleeping?" His question came out more concerned than he had intended to sound, and it caught Ichigo's attention.
"He takes several short naps during the day, he goes to bed fairly early in the evening, but I don't know if he is sleeping well at night or not." Harribel's reply was just as concerned as Grimmjow's, frightening Ichigo even more.
"What has you two worried?" His heart clenched as he remembered Szayel saying this pregnancy could be very hard on him.
Grimmjow and Harribel shared a glance, debating whether to tell him or not. Grimmjow finally caved, "How much did he tell you about what will be happening to him? He at least told you it might be harder on him than usual right?"
He nodded, "Yes. He told me since this mating started out differently, the drain on him would be more."
"Figures he would try to put the best spin on it, he wouldn't want to scare you off from helping him." Grimmjow realized, looking at Szayel's sleeping form and shaking his head ruefully.
Ichigo's eyes narrowed, "What do you know that I don't?"
"You mentioned he told you Betas are usually stronger than their Alphas right?" At Ichigo's affirmative nod, Grimmjow continued, "Did he tell you why?"
"Now that I think about, no he didn't. He explained he was able to mate stronger Alphas because of his endurance. Also he said that since this was created using residual energy it would be more of a draw on his body." Ichigo explained, worried when Grimmjow just shook his head more.
"Szayel, if you weren't pregnant, I'd kick your ass." He muttered loud enough for Ichigo and Harribel to hear, but not Szayel if he happened to wake up. "He didn't lie to you exactly, but he did cover up the truth. This will be harder on him, and it's because there is a reason the trait that attracted stronger Alphas is endurance. The Beta is traditionally stronger than the Alpha, because the children formed from the mating can then only be as strong as the Beta, if the Alpha is too weak it can make miscarriage more likely but doesn't hurt the Beta. If the Alpha is stronger, it creates the possibility of the children being too strong for the Beta to carry, but instead of losing the child, it drains the Beta."
"I don't get it, why wouldn't he just tell me that?" Ichigo was worried he had only caused Szayel more grief.
It was Szayel himself who answered, waking up halfway through Grimmjow's explanation when the panther got too distracted to lower his voice. "You are too noble. If you knew what we were doing had the potential to hurt me, you might not have done it. There was a chance I could carry Nnoitra's young, I had to take it. If you knew the truth you would have tried to persuade me to complete the absorption and take a different Alpha, one of your Visoreds would have worked. Plus, I did tell you it would be harder on me, I just wasn't completely honest about why."
"Would all of you please stop treating me like I'm some kind of saint?" Ichigo responded, startling all three Arrancar. "Szayel if you had just told me that, and then explained that you wanted to try it anyway, I would have gone along with it. I understand why you did it, but there was no reason to lie about something like that."
"I couldn't take that chance, Grimmjow and Ulquiorra knew the risks and mated me anyway when I said I was willing to endure it, with you I just didn't know." Szayel defended himself.
"My nobility, as you put it, is a habit I have had for a long time. However, your choice means something to me too. I won't interfere with someone else's choice. Well not exactly, if someone tells me they want to die, or wants me to let them die, I would have a problem with that. This is different. This was something you wanted very badly, and I know Grimmjow and Ulquiorra wouldn't have gone along with it if they didn't think you could handle it." Ichigo explained, hoping this would get spread around to the others so they would understand him a little better.
Szayel just sighed, and cuddled the two children closer to him, "All right, I owe you an apology, but I've wanted this so much, and now that it's finally happening I can't say I regret anything. So far, the drain isn't that much more than normal, though I think I was right when I mentioned this might be shorter. The symptoms are showing up as if I was further along than I am."
"Any idea how far?" Ichigo asked, knowing the subject change was deliberate, but allowing it. He had made his point.
Szayel thought about it for a moment, "I'd say about six weeks."
"So a little less than a month different, that isn't too much of a change." Ichigo responded.
"Puts you about three months behind Starrk, a nice gap in ages, there will be time to get used to the first group of young before the next one comes." Grimmjow observed.
"If they keep growing like they are, mine are going to be a year old by the time Starrk's come, and half a year more when yours are born. It's going to be difficult to wrap my head around the difference between their true age and the way they look." Ichigo added, a bit nervous about the speed of their growth, but looking forward to all the milestones at the same time.
"You'll get used to it." Szayel assured, "I admit it is a little more startling as they are so human appearing, but I had the same trouble with my first litter. They grew much faster than I had been anticipating. It seemed like I barely had any time with them before they were grown. I have had a lot of litters for my age, because I like raising young."
Grimmjow nodded in agreement, "I enjoy it too. I agree they grow quickly, but I prefer that. The faster they grow, the better chance they have of surviving. It's a rush when you realize your children are fully grown, and you've managed to get them to that point. I don't think it is a bad thing to have many litters. If your children are strong and survive, then our species gets stronger with each child we raise."
Szayel laughed softly, trying not to disturb Hikari who was still asleep on his chest, "Alpha's are programmed to want many litters. Betas have to be a little more careful, it takes a toll to produce a litter. That is why nature gave us birth control while raising young. Too close together and it doesn't matter how strong or weak the beta is, there will be complications."
"I am content helping other Betas in need." Harribel added, "I have thought of having my own every now and again, but then I discover another one left alone. There is enough out there I haven't felt the need to mate."
"Look how long Starrk waited, all Betas are different," Szayel reminded her.
Grimmjow realized how late it was getting around that time, "I hate to wake them, but we should probably be heading back. No matter what happens tomorrow, we should at least try to get some sleep."
"I was sleeping, you interrupted me," Szayel grumbled, relinquishing the babies to their parent, a little smirk crossing his face when Amon protested the switch to Grimmjow. "See he likes me better." The scientist teased.
"He just didn't like being woken up," Grimmjow defended, glad when Hikari didn't follow her brother's example.
Ichigo tried to suppress the laughter, he really did, but failed miserably at the look of smug superiority Grimmjow displayed at Hikari staying quiet. His laughter made Tsume smile when he was taken from Harribel. "Sorry guys, they like me best." He couldn't help himself from adding.
"Well you have their supper, of course they like you best," Grimmjow grumbled.
"They don't just like me for food you know," Ichigo protested. They were walking back to his room now, still arguing back and forth.
Grimmjow grinned, "No they like you because you're nice and soft, the rest of us have hierro it gets in the way."
Ichigo got a look of confusion on his face, "I almost forgot about that. How does that work for pregnant Betas, wouldn't the hierro cause problems?"
"You just stumbled upon one of the reasons Alphas stick by Betas," Grimmjow admitted. "When a Beta gets pregnant the hierro on their abdomen softens to allow expansion, but it leaves them vulnerable to attacks. Heuco Mundo is dangerous. The low level Hollows that have yet to reach Adjuchas status number in the thousands. They are the main threat to pregnant Betas and young. I'm surprised you didn't notice that about your own form while you were running around Hollowfied for months."
Even Shiro grumbled in Ichigo's head at hearing that, "I was a little busy trying to stay alive. It was rare for me to be in complete Hollow form before that, so noticing the difference would be a little difficult."
"Good point," Grimmjow conceded, as they reached Ichigo's room.
Ichigo only took a moment to decide something, "Stay with us tonight? I want you close." He admitted.
"You don't have to ask," Grimmjow responded, following his Beta inside.
Grimmjow and Ichigo were not the only ones to share a bed that night; both expecting Espada were also in need of a little reassurance, Starrk inviting Ulquiorra to stay, Harribel not leaving Szayel. Nel and Lilynette curled up together on one of the fluffy cushions in Starrk's room, the two of them wanting to stay close as well.
The night passed slowly. Each of them waking often, worried about what might happen. Ichigo and Szayel both suffered from nightmares, of exile and loss respectively, only going back to sleep after calm reassurances from their bedmates.
The next day eventually did come. Ichigo's room once more turned into a conference room as he dressed his children for the day. If things went well he was considering showing them to at least Hanataro, he trusted Szayel completely, but there might be something he missed with them being part Shinigami too.
The Espada had a surprise for him, an update to his uniform. His hakama were now white instead of black, and his shihakusho was lined in white like the colors on the Captain's haoris. He was both Shinigami and Hollow, his outfit reflected that now.
"Starrk, do you and Lilynette want to remain separate, or combine for the day? If you intend to release, you should probably get ready now. You would have the farthest to go." Grimmjow asked, as realized they needed to start the immediate preparations if they were going to be ready in time.
"The more intimidating we are the better," Starrk decided. "If we show them our full strength from the start it might deter any thoughts of attack, for now anyway, if this does turn out to be some kind of advanced party."
Grimmjow nodded, but Ulquiorra beat him to the response, "I agree, I will go with you," The three Arrancar in question leaving on the heels of the words.
Ichigo had been confused about the short exchange until he remembered the rule about rank 4 and above not being able to release their forms inside the boundaries of Las Noches.
"Should all of us release then?" Szayel asked, unsure whether Ulquiorra was just going for protection, or because he was going to resurrect too.
Grimmjow responded almost immediately, "You definitely should. Starrk's right, the more intimidating the better. The two of you fully released and ready to fight together, that should side track just about anyone attempting to attack. Nel shouldn't, it would strain her too much, but she should be in her adult form at all times. Harribel you can make your own choice. For me, I can release inside, so I can afford to wait and see."
"For what its worth, I am going to be in Bankai release for the meeting, and Shiro is standing by if it comes to fighting." Ichigo added, finishing off Amon's outfit with a red shirt that complimented the strips on his mask.
"I don't think I will." Harribel decided. "The vulnerable ones should be as intimidating as possible I agree, the rest of us shouldn't be. If Ulquiorra does release, that will be enough intimidation for the main meeting, because we should at least attempt diplomacy. If they are sincere no need to cause unneeded strain."
Grimmjow nodded seriously, before adding, "If things go wrong don't hesitate to release anyway. We can fix the roof, we can't replace any of us, no matter how much Aizen wanted us to believe that." The last part was a bit of a joke and it did ease some of the tension, not a whole lot, but it was down to bearable levels.
Harribel nodded her agreement, even as she was busy changing Nel into her adult form, she had taught the other two what they needed to do to maintain it, but she was still better at calling out Nelliel in the first place.
Szayel pulled himself off the couch and left the room, he was allowed to release inside, but it was still powerful enough he didn't want to risk it in such a small space. When he came back, Ichigo got his first good look at Szayel's true form. It was interesting to say the least. He looked a bit like a dragonfly, with thin wing like extensions sprouting from his back. His hair was tipped in purple now, with markings on his face, and his outfit looked a lot like a dress.
"Nice look Szayel," Ichigo commented, seeing the narcissistic Espada preen at the half joke half compliment.
Szayel smiled, the markings on his face making the expression appear even more manic than usual, "Why thank you Ichigo, you didn't think I would have an ugly release did you?"
"Didn't one of you have a release that looked a lot like a pink squash?" Ichigo reminded, remembering the description Byakuya had used, knowing it had to be the truth if it came from the way too uptight Captain.
Szayel scoffed, "That was Zommari, and he didn't wear pink nearly as well as I do." He replied flippantly.
"Not going to argue with that," Grimmjow added, twisting a lock of his sky blue hair between his fingertips.
Ichigo looked back and forth between them, a mischievous glint in his eyes, it caused Grimmjow to get nervous.
"What was that look for?" The Alpha asked cautiously.
His reply was said in an innocent tone Grimmjow didn't believe for a moment, "I just realized if you and Szayel had a litter together they might look like cotton candy."
"Your litter does too," Szayel pointed out. "Orange and blue, instead of pink and blue, but you can't say it isn't unusual."
"Never said it wasn't," Ichigo didn't argue.
Starrk and Ulquiorra came back, both of them in their released forms. Ulquiorra only going with the first stage at this point. He had sprouted large bat like wings, the tear tracks down his cheeks broadened, and now sporting two horns instead of one. Starrk changed the least out of the released Espada, the only truly significant change was the placement of his mask fragment, going around his eye like a broken pair of sunglasses instead of around his neck like a choker. The twin pistols in holsters on his hips the most exotic weapon of the three, at least in this place where blades were far more common than firearms.
"You had better get to the meeting hall, we felt the Visoreds and Shinigami arrive, they are about half an hour outside of Las Noches." Starrk informed them, sinking down on the couch next to Szayel, careful to not crush any part of his wings.
"All right, these guys have been fed and should be fine for several hours. If they get bored let them down so they can play a bit but stay right next to them incase you need to get out quickly. They should be ready for a nap in about two hours, they prefer being held for that." Ichigo gave the last minute instructions on autopilot, unable to stop himself despite the fact these two had been helping him with the children for the past few weeks.
"Ichigo stop, we know what to do," Szayel called gently, managing to halt the monologue, "We will protect them, trust us there. Now go take care of what you need to do. They will be waiting for you when you get back."
Nelliel put a steadying hand on his shoulder, "It will be fine Itsygo, we won't let anything happen."
He took a deep breath to steady himself, "The sooner we get this over with the better," He steeled himself to leave. "If you feel us coming back and I'm only in Bankai that means everything is fine and I trust the people I am bringing, if I am partially or completely Hollowfied something is wrong and be ready to run or fight."
"That will work," Starrk agreed, "Now get going."
Seeing they couldn't stall any longer, Ichigo lead the group meeting the others from his room, and with a last look at his children left them to see where this meeting was going to go.
They couldn't have left at a better time, because the four of them had only just gotten settled, when Shinji and Kensei lead the Shinigami inside, this time also accompanied by Lisa and Rose. Ichigo was grateful for the extra Visoreds, and was glad they had only brought one Alpha. The Espada remained incredibly adamant the one rule you didn't want to break was having more than four Alphas in a small area.
He was glad the expressions he saw on the Soul Reapers was a combination of relief and caution. Well with one exception. Hanataro had tried to run and hug Ichigo, relieved to see him safe, but was blocked by Shinji's arm. "I would watch the sudden moves if I were you, these guys are a bit touchy when it comes to those they aren't sure are friends or enemies." He warned in his usual drawl.
"We understand," Ukitake assured, looking at the gathered Espada rather than the blonde Visored. "We are not here to harm anyone, Ichigo has been a friend and comrade to all of us at some point. We owe him a lot. I was outraged at how he was treated when his situation became known. I know you may not believe me when I say this, but I hope I will be given the chance to prove this in time."
"Captain, if we didn't intend to give you a chance you wouldn't be here." Harribel informed him, not needing to be in her released state to be intimidating.
At least Ukitake was used to strong women like her thanks to his long friendship with a certain raven-haired healer.
Ichigo decided since this meeting was about him, he should probably take the lead, "You may as well take a seat, as this is probably going to take awhile." He invited.
The newcomers did as instructed, Ichigo noting each of them had a Visored sitting near them. Ukitake had settled directly across from where Ichigo and Grimmjow were sitting, Kensei was placed to his right. Rangiku and Lisa were sitting near Harribel, Yumichika and Rose on their other side, and poor Hanataro looked like he was about to bolt as Shinji sat them down in front of Ulquiorra's intimidating form. The timid young man let out an audible gulp as piercing green eyes stared him down.
Rangiku surprised him by being the next to speak, "You look good Ichigo, even my Captain has been worried about you. I'm glad to see you looking so healthy, and I think happy too."
"Toushiro was worried about me?" Ichigo responded with surprise, "I knew he didn't really agree with the head Captain, didn't think he would actually worry though."
"Ichigo a lot of people care about you." Hanataro managed to say quietly, shivering in fear when all eyes turned towards him. "What? It's true. Even when he was nothing but a Ryoka he impressed most everyone in the Seireitei in some way. Ever since then he has done nothing but help." That was as much as he could get out before fear froze his voice.
"Well said," Ukitake told him gently, "He's right. I know you think I came here because of the offer you made, or worse because you think we are going to attack you, either now or later. That simply isn't true. We wanted to see Ichigo for ourselves and make sure he was all right. If there was a way for us to get into Heuco Mundo without alerting the head captain, or through Urahara's assistance, we would have been searching for him ourselves."
Ichigo had to ask the next question, "When you say 'we' how many are you really talking about?"
"Of the ones I have been able to discreetly ask, I informed your friends of the Captains, but you also have the Lieutenants of the 4th, 8th, 10th, 6th, 9th, and 3rd; as well as the full backing of the eleventh squad. Captain Zaraki believes in you so much he makes no secret about his support of you, and that carried over to his squad." Ukitake spoke easily, "You have more support among the officers and general squad members, but that is harder for me to track down without drawing attention to myself. I can't do you any good if my actions are discovered and stopped."
Grimmjow frowned, "That is both more than I was expecting, but less than we need to make any real changes."
"I think you're wrong," Yumichika interrupted, not caring about the surprised looks thrown his way. "Ichigo has already made changes in how things are done, and that's without even trying to. If he actually wanted something to change, he could probably manage it given enough time and the right opportunity."
"Is that really true?" Ulquiorra question the white haired Captain.
Jyuushiro nodded, "Yes, before him I don't think any of would have thought to question the orders given to us, either by the head Captain or Central 46. I would have done my best to protect my squad member in any case, but it was his direct assault that gave us the opening to be more blatant in our rescue attempts. I have seen some squads adjust their training methods to mirror his, since he rose in power so incredibly quickly. He really has influenced a lot of us, but if you were thinking of overhauling the Soul Society, there would have to be a near perfect opening. The Head Captain has not remained our leader for so long if he could be pushed out easily."
Blue eyes narrowed suspiciously, before Grimmjow spoke, "You don't seem upset by that. Why wouldn't you start begging us not to act, or defend your precious leader that you've been following for centuries?"
Ukitake's gentle expression turned serious, now looking every inch the Captain he was, "Think about what you just said. I have followed for centuries. I have seen his every folly, and error. He is a powerful man, and was once a great and respectable leader. Times are changing though. People change, the world changes, and if you are stuck on tradition as deeply as he is, you lose all chance at the good things that come with that change. Ichigo's children should have been celebrated and welcomed as strong people with amazing potential, but due to archaic beliefs about Hollows, he was exiled and it could have been far worse."
Harribel held up a hand to pause him there, "So you believe the Soul Society's stance on Hollows is archaic?"
"How could it not be?" Ukitake countered, "A thousand years is a long time. That is how long we have had our current understanding. I have seen the Living World change to near unrecognizable conditions in that time. Why wouldn't Heuco Mundo evolve as well? Or the Soul Society? Look at how we are right now, if Hollows and Arrancar only acted the way we have been taught they do, I should be dead right now, or at least fighting for my life."
"Yumichika and I have both served in the living world recently, and fought against the first wave of Arrancar Aizen sent to the Living World. We could see the difference. We don't quite know the specifics, but we are intelligent enough to know we were dealing with a completely different class of Hollows, and I'm not just talking about the difference between a Menos and an Arrancar." Rangiku spoke, Ichigo glad to see the serious side of her come out. He had known she possessed one, but she was far more prone to theatrics than the attitude she was currently projecting.
Harribel gave her a nod of approval, "You're right, we are a different level. It's better to think of us as a completely separate species than the ones are used to. Shinigami and us are both rooted in humanity, allowing for hybrids like Ichigo and his children, but we are on separate branches. Physically and mentally we are something different."
Ukitake had a request to make, "Would you be willing to tell us what the differences are? The Head Captain does not know we are here, there will be no written report, and all knowledge shared will only be what you allow us to tell with those who are concerned about Ichigo."
A quick conversation passed without words between the Espada, Ichigo staying out of it since he was only just learning this stuff for himself, Grimmjow took the lead again. "All right, we will answer your questions, as that is part of our eventual goal. We need you to understand us so at the very least we can live here in peace and not worry about attacks. You may share all general information we give you about Hollows and Arrancar with anyone who asks. However you are not to share any personal details about our numbers or which of us might be vulnerable, this applies to everyone not at this meeting. If you prove to be trustworthy, there will be more meetings that others may be brought to in order to learn specifics."
Four agreeing nods from the Shinigami had Grimmjow continuing, "The basics are this, any Hollow Adjuchas or higher is a breed apart from the ones you are used to dealing with. That is the cut off between a human soul that has been stressed too far, and true Hollows. Hollows do not disturb the balance, the souls consumed by low level Hollows are added onto the original soul until they reach Adjuchas, and after that, the souls consumed are used for their energy before eventually ending up in the Soul Society, it is less direct but it works similarly to Konso performed with your Zanpakuto. Are you following so far?"
Another round of nods, before Harribel picked up from where Grimmjow left off, "Because we are not born from one soul, but many, our gender is not male or female instead it is determined by whether we are a Beta or an Alpha. We only have theories on why male Betas evolved but I believe the most likely reason is because female Hollows rarely make it to Adjuchas level unless they are born. With such a low number of breeding members of the species, nature found a way, altering the female souls consumed by the males, and allowing them the ability to carry and birth young. This trait was passed onto those born from the created Hollows, until now it doesn't matter if you are born or created, a male Beta Hollow can give birth as easily as a female."
"I have a question," Rangiku interrupted carefully, "If your gender is determined by Alpha or Beta, then why do you appear one or the other? Shouldn't those male Betas just be born with the appearance of a female if it doesn't matter?"
Harribel responded before the others could, "That is carryover from humanity. Just as the male Beta trait gets passed onto offspring, so does a gender. Created Hollows appear to be the gender of the original soul, but they may turn into a Beta if they consume a high number of female souls, born Hollows are formed from pieces of their parents' souls, which cause a high number of male offspring in a pairing with a male Beta, and an equal number with a female beta."
Now Ichigo had to ask a question, with a sheepish tone since he felt he should already know this, "So it was odd I had a daughter?"
"Ichigo we had three children and only one was a girl, it is rare to have a daughter, but not impossible. Also you were rare to start with in carrying all three of them, that was more impressive than the fact we produced a female." Grimmjow reminded.
"So all three did make it? That is really good to hear, I was worried about them." Ukitake couldn't help himself from speaking, and it wasn't difficult to see his sincerity.
"Two sons and a daughter, all are healthy and growing fast," Ichigo reported, "I don't mind if you tell the others that are worried about them. Just be cautious please."
"Want to know why I care so much?" Jyuushiro offered, knowing he was being shown trust, it was time to offer something in reward.
Ichigo nodded, "Yes that will go a long way to gaining my trust if I understand your motives."
"Since you have a Bankai I am going to assume you have met your Zanpakuto's spirit?" Ukitake responded with a question, at Ichigo's nod he finished, "Mine manifests as two little boys. I can't and won't fight around a child. I hate the thought of harm coming to anyone young. I helped to train the majority of Captains running around the Seireitei now, and it sickens me how many of them have come to power in the last century or so, because for all of them to be that young, it means we have lost many before them and will lose more in the future."
Ichigo gave him a deep searching stare, a look no 16 year old should know ho to do, but he pulled it off perfectly. He nodded slightly once satisfied. He turned a bit and gave Grimmjow a meaningful glance, "I believe him."
The Espada nodded in agreement, "I do too."
"Should we show them?" Ichigo asked quietly.
The Alpha gave them a calculating look, this one predatory instead of searching, "One at a time, with the two of us accompanying them, while the others keep an eye on the rest."
Ichigo turned back to the Captain in front of him, "We are going to let you see the babies. I think you heard Grimmjow, but in case you didn't, we will only be taking one of you at a time. The rest of you will stay with Harribel, Ulquiorra, and the Visoreds. Before you come, I will warn you they are being well guarded by two Espada in full release, and a third ready to fight if needed to. Do you want to come even knowing this?"
"Yes please, I will even leave my Zanpakuto here if that will reassure you more," Jyuushiro replied sincerely.
Another shared glance between Alpha and Beta, the Beta answering, "No, you don't need to go that far. Five against one, that isn't fair even with a Zanpakuto."
Ukitake nodded and rose from his cushion, following Ichigo out, letting the others get back to the topic of Hollows. He would get one of the others to fill him in on what he missed later. "Thank you for this," He said as they walked.
"You came here knowing you were outnumbered. You spoke honestly, and you treated me kindly during my time in the Soul Society before the exile. You earned the right to a chance of trust." Ichigo kind of slumped after that, "Especially with the way Rukia acted."
Ukitake was too kind hearted to allow the poor boy to wallow in pain, he risked reaching out to set a gentle hand on his shoulder, Grimmjow tensing at the gesture but not reacting since Ichigo stayed calm. "Ichigo, I don't agree with the way she handled things. She was terrified and it made her act rashly. Just know I am not the same, I never agreed with any of the negative things said about you. You and the children would have been welcome to stay at my squad had the situation turned out differently."
"I understand she was scared, but I wonder if it ever crossed her mind how terrified I was." Ichigo responded quietly.
A sigh escaped the man who had seen almost as many centuries as Ichigo had years. "It can be hard to see past your own feelings to notice someone else's, it is a skill learned with time, but it is not one learned easily. I think this was the lesson she needed to understand, but it won't fall into place for her until she sees you again." At Ichigo's sudden tensing he was quick to add, "I'm not saying you have to see her, that would be too much to ask, I only said it so you would consider it. You always have a choice when it comes to that."
"I know," Ichigo assured, before pulling himself back together, "Okay we are here." He told Jyuushiro as they arrived at his room, Ichigo entering first, Grimmjow last.
Starrk, Szayel, and Nelliel were each holding a baby when Ichigo saw them. He was glad to see they were held in a way if the Espada needed to reach their weapons quickly, they could.
"Things went well I take it?" Szayel asked, taking in the Captain coolly, Amon clutched to his chest protectively.
Ichigo nodded, "Yes, we will be bringing them back one at a time, be ready. This is Captain Ukitake, Captain, the one in green is Nelliel, she is holding my daughter Hikari the middle child." Ichigo started to introduce, but giving the Captain some time to take in both the child and the Arrancar holding her before moving on to the next one, "The one with all the pink is Szayel, he has Amon, he was the last born." Another pause to allow perusal of the duo before continuing, "Starrk is holding my oldest, Tsume."
Ichigo didn't get any further before Nelliel interrupted him, "My time is almost up," She informed quietly.
Ichigo nodded and went over to her, taking Hikari, Grimmjow following in order to give her a bit of his spiritual pressure to keep her full grown for awhile longer.
Making a decision, Ichigo carried the little girl over to Jyuushiro. "You can hold her for a few minutes, at least until Grimmjow has taken care of Nel."
Jyuushiro looked stunned before a happy smile lit up his face, taking the baby as if she were made of the most delicate china. His smile widened further when she giggled at him. "She's adorable," He commented easily.
Ichigo chewed on his bottom lip a little, but was ultimately not able to resist asking, "It really doesn't bother you that they don't look human?" He had been worried that as soon as they actually saw the children and their distinctly Hollow features, their opinions might change.
Jyuushiro didn't bother to look up from the smiling little girl, "Ichigo stop that thinking right now. I know they are not human, so I wasn't expecting it. They are beautiful children, any parent should be proud of them. I can sense their power, as undeveloped as it is now, they are going to be a sight to see once they are full grown."
Rangiku's introduction went much the same way, this time it was Amon who was passed off onto her though. Ichigo was surprised and appreciative with how carefully she held him, if he didn't know better, he thought he might hear baby rattles in her future. He wished whoever she chose luck because they would need it.
Yumichika was hilarious, after explaining that he had come after winning a bet with Ikkaku over who would get the chance, he was handed Tsume. The two starred each other down, gold meeting violet in an intense match, until the little boy promptly started crying. And crying. And a little more crying. That was until something caught the little boy's attention, something dark, something silky, something that just screamed at him to yank.
The others were too busy laughing at the Soul Reaper to help him, when he found out first hand just how hard it is to get your hair out of a baby's fist. At least he only ended up losing a few strands, and not the whole wad.
Ichigo was still chuckling as they walked back, "Now you know why most new parents cut their hair short, or tie it back all the time."
Hanataro finally got his hug, a quick one just to reassure himself that Ichigo really was safe. Once they were far enough away from the others, Ichigo asked him, "I need you to do something for me. I want you to do a scan on the babies. They were checked over when we were brought here, but I would like a second opinion since there is so much we don't know about hybrids."
"Of course," He replied easily, not so scared now that it was just Ichigo and one other Espada. He could deal with that.
Well he thought he could anyway, until Grimmjow decided to speak to him, "It might be a good idea for you to scan Szayel and Starrk too."
"Are you sure Grimmjow?" Ichigo left it open-ended deliberately. Was he sure they should tell him about the pregnancies, or had he already made up his mind and was wondering if Hanataro would actually do it or not.
"I'm sure, their children are hybrids too. I think it might calm them down to get an actual check up, rather than going off instinct and impressions." Grimmjow explained.
Hanataro had pushed back the fear, and concentrated on his job as a healer. "What do you need me to check them for?"
"My children just need a general scan, to make sure we didn't miss anything. Szayel and Starrk are pregnant. You helped Unohana with me, do you think you could repeat it on them?" Ichigo knew Hanataro would feel more comfortable if Ichigo handled the conversation.
He nodded slowly, "I can do it, but you didn't even trust me to come near you earlier, why would you let me scan them when they are vulnerable?"
Ichigo took pity on the timid man, "Hanataro, I was never afraid of you. Shinji was right, we are just jumpy with the situation. Plus," He added on drily, "You didn't even bring your Zanpakuto with you, I doubt you came here to be a threat."
Hanataro's eyes widened, and his hand flew to his waist, where indeed there was no sword. "I can't believe I forgot it. I don't carry it a lot of the time, it's only useful in a battle where someone is injured. I can't really attack until I have healed someone with it." He explained sheepishly.
Grimmjow shook his head slowly, eyes sparkling with humor, "You really aren't much of a fighter are you? Look always carry your weapon, even if you think it's useless you never know when you might need it. I prefer to fight with my fists and feet, but despite that Pantera is always with me."
"Grimmjow is right, but now isn't the right time." Ichigo broke in, "Time to get to work Hanataro." He explained as they reached his room.
Grimmjow was impressed when he saw the boy go from a shy little wimp, to a serious professional when faced with a patient. He handled the babies carefully. Moving quickly but thoroughly so as to not irritate them with his attention. They seemed to like the feeling of the Kido, it bringing out a gurgling giggle from them at the new flavor of power.
The two adults were a little more reluctant, but after watching the babies' check up, and the voiced concern of both Grimmjow and Ichigo, they eventually submitted to the scan.
Starrk went first, laying down on the bed and reluctantly allowing the young Soul Reaper access to his abdomen. Hanataro spoke confidently about his findings, both to inform and calm the Espada, "You were right, identical twins, and you are seventeen weeks along. They are healthy and developing at a good rate. They have very strong Spiritual Pressure already. You should be able to feel them move sometime in the next few weeks, but it could be as much as another month." He explained before pulling his hand away, allowing Starrk to get up, and Szayel took his place.
Hanataro had to concentrate a little harder on him, and Szayel was instantly concerned, "Is something wrong? You had his answers quicker than this."
Hanataro shook his head and smiled as he found what he was looking for, "Nothing is wrong, you are not as far as him, when the baby is this young, it takes a little longer to find them. You have one healthy baby, and you are almost seven weeks along. Everything seems to be settling in well, that's a very good sign. The Spiritual core is only beginning to develop, two or three more weeks and you will probably be able to sense it." He pulled his hand away, and was glad to see the large grin on his face. Starrk had smiled slightly, but that was as much emotion as he had shown.
As Hanataro came back over Ichigo pulled him into another short hug, "Thank you." He expressed, truly grateful for the good news on all fronts.
"Anytime, I like giving good news," Hanataro admitted.
Nelliel came over to them, cradling Tsume carefully as she did so, but she had an oddly serious look on her face, "Do you know something that might heal me?" She asked in her solemn little girl's voice.
"What's the problem?" Hanataro asked, giving her a quick once over to check for injuries, only spotting the cracked mask after Nel pointed to it since it seemed like an old an healed injury.
She explained it to him, "My mask was broken. It leaks my power until I transform into a small child. We have tried everything we could come up with, and it hasn't worked, but you're different. Can you help?"
Hanataro examined the scarred forehead and damaged mask, sending a probing bit of Kido into it. He was only a seventh seat, there were others better at diagnosis, but he had to try. The results that came back, gave him both hope and doubt at the same time, "I think I found the problem, but I'm not sure how to fix it. My Captain though, she is the best healer there has ever been, do I have permission to ask her help in figuring this out?" He had heard the warning earlier, and patient confidentiality was in affect as well.
Nelliel nodded, "Yes. If you think she can help, please do it. I don't want to have to worry about not remembering today, or any other time I transform between forms."
"No one should have to deal with that, I will do all I can to help." Hanataro promised, and was surprised when a heavy hand suddenly started to ruffle his hair, looking to see Grimmjow behind the action.
The sexta laughed at his shock, "I think I like this kid. He's a good find Ichigo, even if he looks like he wouldn't hold up much during a fight."
"Yeah he is a good friend to have around," Ichigo agreed, smiling as a blush crossed the very shy boy's face.
That had gone better than he could have ever hoped for. He was actually looking forward to the future now. Just a little more details to work out over future meetings and they would be safe. Even more exciting was the fact in just a little longer Kisuke would have his family back at his side, any visit at all no matter how short would be heaven after so long.
He even missed Goat Face.
- 7
- 8
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Safe in my Arms