Disclaimer: I do not own any of these character except for Hitomi and Kotori. Also please note that this story is the sequel to 'I Love That Thing You Do'.

Part 1

Congratulations!

"I'm saying you're going to be a father. I'm pregnant"

"YOU WHAT!" stated Kotori completely gob smacked.

Hitomi however paid her no attention which angered Kotori, but then noticed why.

Sir Plucki seemed to be in a kind of trance, but thankfully he was smiling. Hitomi looked right back at him also smiling, practically glowing thought Kotori watching the two soon to be parents. Well thought Kotori, they'd always said pregnant women glowed and geez she was starting to believe this was just sooo mushy and especially for Hitomi, if this is what is what like to be pregnant besides the dresses and becoming an emotional wreck she never wanted cubs. Kotori watched as the two leaned forward exchanging sweet nothings then kissing long and passionately. Her face screwed up, as she looked at the two then the medics who were smiling.

"Geez, get a room will ya!"

The two continued kissing for a moment longer and Kotori rolled her eyes. The two eventually parted and looked around to find Kotori staring out the window again, well out the actual window they suddenly realised.

"KOTORI!" shouted a terrified medic as Kotori disappeared completely out of the window.

Hitomi chuckled slightly thinking it typical of Kotori as her mate and his friend followed out the window to retrieve her.

Kotori climbed out the window not wanting to watch the two smooch any longer. Looking out she'd noticed her friends Sir Timmi and Sir Ginni. It intrigued her that Sir Timmi looked angered by her other two friends kissing while squinting she could just make out a faint smile on his brothers face. After noticing that they'd noticed her staring at them she waved and both waved back at her as both had been concerned for her health and glad to see her okay again. Kotori smiled devilishly to herself momentarily then slipped out of the window and grabbed out the roof and started climbing onto it when she heard, "KOTORI!", busted she'd thought.

Scrambling her way up quick she saluted quickly to her friends below laughing then taking off with the knights behind her. This was just like old times she thought jumping off the roof onto a smaller tower roof below, she turned back just in time to see her friends use their Gummiberry juice, hey no fair. They bounced and caught her up quickly but Kotori didn't want the fun to end so soon. Knowing she didn't have her own bottle of juice on her she used her own abilities and started jumping and somersaulting. She managed to jump onto a few buildings but they were also right behind her and she was already breaking a sweat, 'I'm so unfit' she thought while continuing to run. She jumped again and landed on the roof of a low tower so jumping off she landed on the ground then took off knowing her friends would not be able to bounce their way through the crowd. Running around sweat pouring off of her she smiled as she saw the training grounds in sight, 'well time to make an entrance' she thought. She kept on running getting nearer and nearer to the gates when uh oh. Her three friends and destroyers of her so called fun stood before the gates and barred her entrance, RATS! Looking around quickly with her eyes she spotted her partners in crime accidentally place a staff on the ground not to far away and then leave. Smiling she pretended to go one way then dashed the other momentarily distracting them. Picking the staff up in hand she twirled it then ran at them, they seemed surprised which she thought amusing all this time they'd known her and they seemed surprised she'd do something like this. She kept running until she was nearly stood in front of them then quickly hit the staff into the ground performing the same trick Cubbi had used on Sir Plucki and jumped. She twirled in the air to give her height and just managed to clear the wall. The knights in the ground all stopped training hearing a commotion outside then saw Kotori come spinning over the wall. She landed on her feet then swayed a little, once she was secure she turned round and flashed them a mischievous and triumphant smile. The sound of someone clearing their throat however wiped off her smug look, as she slowly turned round to look behind her as she felt someone's hand rest on her shoulder. She turned round and nearly fell over stunned when she saw Sir Ginni, then her three friends rush in and over in her direction.

"I'll get you for this" she said through her smile.

"Maybe, I'd like to see you try" he answered also smiling.

She turned to look at her three friends who now approached her; they looked warily at Sir Ginni before taking her and started to lead her out of the training grounds. Nearing the gates she realised Hitomi rigged out in her training gear with her sword attached to her back coming in ready for training. All three instantly stopped each one with a similar thought in mind. Kotori smirked thinking she knew what was coming now and how great she'd be there to witness it all. They continued walking until they reached Hitomi who waited for them by the entrance.

"Hitomi, what are you doing?" Sir Plucki asked.

Hitomi turned round confused then looked at them with a 'what do think I'm doing' look before answering, "Training"

"But Hitomi what about you're condit..." Sir Plucki started but then a look Hitomi sent him made him go quiet.

Kotori smile just grew wider trying desperately not to burst out laughing, oh this was great.

"My condition" she stated incrediculously. "I'm pregnant not helpless and a little training won't affect the baby"

"But..." started Sir Gumlittle.

"No buts" said Hitomi clearly getting angry.

Kotori let out a little snort not able to contain her mirth then hid her face in her hands and started to cough covering up her laugh, it was just so funny.

"I won't train as much or just quite so hard if that's what you want but I am not going to stop training all together" Hitomi said brushing past them and walking into the training grounds. She walked over to Sir Ginni and called to him to get on the beam. Kotori almost felt sorry for him having to take on Hitomi and especially in this mood. She wiped her watery eyes with the back of her hand then started off for her tower without them as they'd all turned round to watch Hitomi enter the ground. She almost made to her tower when they appeared by her side all of them apparently in thought. Kotori smiled to herself it was going to be seven long, interesting months.

They entered the tower and after making sure Kotori was in the medics care even though she protested and couldn't see why they'd been so worried. The knights then left to go and perform their duties.

Two hours later Hitomi stepped off the training beam hardly breaking a sweat, while Sir Ginni she noticed nearly collapsed, she smiled. He was a good fighter and had a lot of potential but he lacked experience. She noticed as he sat down on the beam that he was sweating a lot and again smiled she often compared the fighting techniques of the brothers and always thought as she did now that Sir Ginni was the better fighter. She threw him a towel and he not noticing it ended up with it on his head, pulling it off he looked up at her his cheeks flushed from his exertion. Getting up slowly he walked over to Hitomi who slapped his shoulder in a friendly gesture. "You did good today" she said and he smiled.

After all it was very rare for Hitomi to give praise.

The grounds door opened and everyone not training looked to see who had entered, but quickly busied themselves except for Hitomi and Sir Ginni as the three high knights entered. They looked over everyone and smiled faintly obviously pleased with everyone's progress then noticed Hitomi. She stood talking to Sir Ginni and noticed some of the younger knights walking over to her. They all began talking and pretty soon Hitomi was laughing but at what they didn't know. Hitomi began talking and by the look on her face she was obviously happy walking over they heard her telling the knights of that mornings events with Kotori and the high knights. The younger knights began laughing as she mentioned about Kotori jumping out the window, but quickly hushed when they saw the high knights. Moving off quickly not to get in trouble Hitomi just shrugged her shoulders then started talking to Sir Ginni. The knights approached her and she turned and smiled at her, cocking her head slightly to the side she noticed her mates slightly angered look. She knew it was not because she told the younger knights of the events of that morning but because Sir Ginni was stood by her and himself. Inwardly she smiled still he could be so jealous, walking to his side she slipped her hand in his and said goodbye to Sir Ginni who immediately left after feeling uncomfortable under his captain's questioning gaze. Hitomi whispered in Sir Plucki's ear and the two climbed onto the beam ready for a good training session even though Hitomi knew Sir Plucki would hold back a little as he really didn't like her training. Getting into her fighting stance she sighed inwardly 'you'd think I was eight months pregnant not two the way he goes on' she thought then started attacking.

Everyone was busy training well into the afternoon so they failed to notice Kotori once again up to her stupid antics. She rubbed her hands together and smiled, they deserved it after not having too much mischief making for two whole months. She'd feigned sleep to get the medics out of her room so she could put her plan in motion. She was tired of doing nothing but rest and she felt fine but trust them to keep her up here so she missed out on all the fun. Looking around her room she knew she couldn't escape out of the window because she'd be seen before she made it anywhere near her goal, that only left one other option and it was not gonna be easy; sneaking through the tower. Slowly opening her door she peeked her head round it and looked both ways and saw nothing. Slipping out she quietly closed the door again so it wouldn't creak then darted down the corridor. She made it to the stairs and smiled the next bit was easy. Grabbing hold of the rope that held up the lights she slid down it to the bottom thanking her lucky stars no one was around to see her do that. Stealthily she then crept out of the tower and using every back alley and secret passageway she knew until she stood outside the training grounds for a second time that day. She decided going in the back way would be best otherwise she'd be noticed straight away. Running up the steps so she was on the castle wall she ran along to catch up to a couple of gummi's that were walking along towards the grounds. Walking along beside them she then jumped off quietly and unnoticed when they passed the training grounds. Now in she saw the ground was packed with gummi knights training, hmm she thought the knights must of changed their schedule as last time she knew at this time of day they'd hardly be anyone in, but no matter it was probably better as she could train with one of the younger knights for a while and not get seen. She picked up a training staff from the rack unnoticed as everyone was busy right now. Sneaking off she made it to the far end of the training ground where the young knights trained. None of the high knights were here so it was there time to learn and practice what they'd been shown. Approaching she smiled at them when they noticed her.

"You up for a training session" she whispered to one of them.

The knight nodded eagerly as it was very rare for Hitomi and Kotori to train with them, only the high knights would but that was to improve their fighting techniques, Hitomi and Kotori were legendary after all the times they'd saved them; they'd even saved the high knights once. The two climbed on a training beam and started practicing. Kotori went easy on him, but soon was sweating; 'gee' she thought 'I'm more out of practice than I thought'. The two trained for an hour until Kotori finally beat the knight. Climbing off the beam she helped him up as she'd knocked him off the beam then wiping her brow went over to a large barrel of water that stood in the corner; it was used for them to cool off if they needed to. Walking over she put her hands on the sides of the barrel when she heard, "Kotori, WHAT are you doing here?"

Kotori turned and grinned idiotically at whom she knew was Hitomi had said that. She also saw the high knights looking her way now also not in the least bit happy. "Hitomi, I know you're slow sometimes but this really takes the cake. I mean I thought it was obvious I was training"

"What, slow" started Hitomi.

"Yeah, slow" said Kotori mischievously knowing Hitomi wouldn't turn down a challenge.

"Why don't you come say that to my face?" started Hitomi with hint of amusement in her voice as she knew Kotori was out of practice and this was just an act to be able to keep training.

"Just a second" answered Kotori then turned away from Hitomi to look at the barrel of water.

"Kotori, what are you..." Hitomi started.

Kotori had slowly leant forward until she dunked her entire head into the barrel and stayed like that for a moment. She emerged a moment later completely drenched but smiling. She turned round to see the surprised faces of the young and high knights and the amused face of Hitomi.

"Problem" she asked still dripping.

"No" Hitomi simply replied.

Kotori stomped over to Hitomi passing her friends on the way that just looked at her, not noticing the glints of amusement in their eyes. She reached Hitomi and before her friends could object she grabbed Hitomi and pulled her onto the training beam and got into a fighting stance. They started fighting and had everyone's undivided attention, however unfortunately for Kotori the fight didn't last long. With her out of practice and Hitomi in just perfect condition she didn't stand a chance. Hitomi had swung her staff at Kotori but she'd blocked, but she'd instantly attacked Kotori's chest. She hit and Kotori fell back on her butt with her staff falling out of her hand.

"KOTORI!" she heard Hitomi yell.

Instantly Hitomi had jumped off the beam and now stood by her side helping her off the beam.

"Err...Hitomi are you ok?" Kotori asked completely freaked out.

"Yeah, I just...wanted to make sure you were okay" said Hitomi.

"Right" said Kotori knowingly.

'So it begins Hitomi emotional wreck' thought Kotori.

"Come on you shouldn't be out here anyway" said Hitomi taking Kotori arm and pulling her up.

"I know that and I don't need you to take care of me Hitomi, what do you think I am, a cub" said Kotori defiantly crossing her arms over her chest.

"Well, now that you mention it" replied Hitomi.

Kotori glared at Hitomi then smiled and turned to leave and threw over her shoulder," I guess your just practicing for when the cubs born"

She started to leave but with no smart come back and the deafening silence she turned round. Hitomi stood with her head bowed but she could easily tell Hitomi's face had coloured and that Sir Plucki and his friends stood by her side the rest of the knights stood with gaping mouths. She smiled triumphantly then said, "Oops"

Walking to the gates she passed Sir Ginni and stopped before him. Reaching up she shut his mouth but kept her hand on his cheek which gained his attention and said, "It's rude to stare and gawp, Ginni"

He immediately blushed and she smiled then left the grounds with him staring after her, instead of Sir Ginni she'd called him Ginni.

Kotori didn't head back to the tower even though she was sure the medics had found her out by now and she didn't dare hang around the knights or her friends after that revelation she wasn't sure whether her friends were angry or not. Wandering around aimlessly but out of sight she thought to herself, where could I go and spend some time where no one would expect me to be, hmm, ah, I know the library. With her goal in mind she made off to it wondering how things were going for Hitomi.

Hitomi stood still she hadn't moved since Kotori left and she could feel the presence of her mate beside her, she wasn't embarrassed or anything about being pregnant, it just wasn't the way she'd planned on letting the other knights know. Slowly she looked up and saw their surprised faces, she scanned over them but her gaze stayed on Sir Ginni he was the only one not looking at her. In fact, he was looking the other direction with a kind of lost but happy look on his face, hmmm interesting she thought. He turned to her a moment later and she saw him smiling.

Sir Ginni looked among his fellow knights and saw their shocked and surprised faces so he decided to make the first move as it would help break this tense atmosphere.

"Well, congratulations" he said walking forward and hugging Hitomi. He backed off quickly but soon after all the others were giving their congratulations, they seemed to be happy with it, but Sir Ginni noticed his brother's lean form against the wall scowling then slip away. 'Don't do anything foolish' was all Sir Ginni could think as he watched his brothers retreating form. A hand on his shoulder made him turn forgetting he had been amidst a crowd of gummi knights celebrating, looking he saw Hitomi by his side smiling at him.

"Thank you" she said then disappeared into the crowd.

Sir Ginni sat down away from the crowd on one of the training beams, he was confused and no idea how to sort things out. Hitomi was pregnant well it was excellent news to him and the others but it would only make things worse as his brother, Sir Timmi he feared would be up to something now. He had been enraged when he found out Hitomi and his captain were to become mates but for now to be pregnant he dared not think what it would be like. What could he do? Questions ran through his mind and possible solutions and what could come to pass yet hardly any of it mattered to him at the moment all though he knew it should but yet all he could think was, Kotori. Her laugh, her smile, her touch she was so strong yet so gentle. She was fun and beautiful and he'd missed her greatly as well as worried him when he learned of her illness. It was strange to him to be thinking of his friend like this but lately she was all he could think about. He'd experienced many emotions in his life but this was different, something new that he didn't quite know what to call it. A bell sounded alerting him it was time for the evening meal and another time to see Kotori for though they'd didn't sit together he was near enough to see her and watch her without being too obvious. Getting up he sighed then placed his staff in the rack and slowly and distractedly made his way to the hall.

Kotori had peeked her head into the library and found it empty, good she'd thought now no one would know she was here. Walking down the aisles glancing at the books occasionally stopping when she saw something of interest she eventually made her way to the back. How could Hitomi spend so much time here she was getting bored and she hadn't been in here ten minutes. Getting to the restricted section she waltzed in, she didn't care what was kept here particularly but in her own personal option this is where all the 'cool' books were. Walking along glancing at the shelves again she stopped when she saw something interesting. Eventually she found herself towards the back of the restricted section where forbidden magic and evil things lurked, she didn't come to this part much but she did today deciding it didn't really look that bad. She saw the books were covered in dust and there were no torches here but that didn't matter she could see in the dark. She glanced over each of the titles sometimes fingering a book or pulling out and reading a few pages here and there. She reached the end and turned to go back when a thick heavy book from the top shelf fell and hit her on the head, "Ooowww" she complained rubbing her head.

Looking she saw the black torn cover of the book and the yellow pages displaying its age. A torch, which she hadn't seen before because it was never lit and was high up so she hadn't noticed suddenly came on. The cover flipped over as did some of the old yellow pages, her interest peeked she approached the offending book and knelt to pick it up. Instantly as she touched the book she felt a tingling she noticed instantly the contents of this book were spells and because of this section forbidden spells but it wouldn't hurt her to read them after all she didn't do magic so what harm was there? Sitting down with the book on her knee she began the slow reading of the many spells of the thick book. Time slipped by and Kotori amazingly didn't even notice how hungry she'd become until the bell sounded for the evening meal. Realising the time she knew she couldn't come back again today and read this but tomorrow at the time she came today the library would be empty. Closing the book she read its title: The 10,000 most dangerous spells of the gummi kind. Getting up she placed the book back from where it had fallen the torch blowing out as soon as she let go of it then skipped off on her way to lunch. Entering the hall she saw everyone taking their places so dashing in she took hers. After taking her seat, which of course was right next to Hitomi she sat quietly. Nobody said anything and nervously she looked up. Hitomi was looking at her not angry which was a relief in itself but just asked, "Where've you been Kotori I've been looking all over for you?"

"Oh, I been around" she answered not wanting to tell Hitomi what she'd been reading.

Dinner was served and Kotori ate quickly she needed to get out of here. Finishing her meal in record time she noticed most were still eating so she couldn't leave just yet, so she decided just to look over everyone as it would mean she didn't have to talk to the others. Starting at the far corner she glanced over them until her eyes strayed close to where she was sitting when something caught her attention. Sir Timmi she had noticed had his full attention fixed on Hitomi's back watching her every move, only when he noticed her watching did he turn away. Her eyes moved on to the person next to him, his brother Sir Ginni. She looked at him watching him talk merrily to the gummi's around him, when he stopped he looked up and stared straight back at her. Her eyes went wide as saucers at being caught staring at him, her cheeks flushed and involuntary a quiet squeak came from her as she turned round to face Hitomi who thankfully was holding a conversation with Sir Gumlittle and Sir Plucki. Picking up her glass she finished off her water and waited for the meal to end, it couldn't come quick enough.

Sir Ginni had been talking with friends when he'd noticed throughout the meal his brother's intense stare as if he was trying to drag Hitomi away from her mate with his eyes. He'd suddenly turned away making him wonder whether someone had caught him looking at Hitomi, which was when he realised someone intently staring at him. He'd lifted his head and had instantly looked at Kotori; he usually snuck glances at her in the meal but was surprised to see her staring right back. She'd obviously been embarrassed at staring and being caught as it wasn't very often that she was. He'd had to laugh at her reaction she'd been caught off guard, but why was she staring at him he thought to himself.

The second Kotori could leave she did, she darted out of the hall leaving a lot of confused gummi's in her path but she didn't care. Making it to her room she shut the door in the medic's faces as they yet again were trying to fuss over her, but Kotori was in no mood for it she just wanted to be alone now. Collapsing on her bed she thought of all that had happened today. First she wakes and finds that not only is her best friend married but now also pregnant in the same day, second why is Sir Timmi looking at Hitomi that way? And thirdly why couldn't she stop staring at Ginni. Sir Ginni she reminded herself. Looking out the window feeling miserable with thousands of questions that were unlikely to be answered she noticed it had gone dark and the events of the day were taking there toll on her body as she slipped into a deep sleep.

Hitomi sat across from her mate, throughout the meal she'd noticed Kotori eat fast without saying anything then leave as soon as possible, but why did she leave so fast? Deciding it not important as she rose from the table to make her own way to her room. She remained in the knights Tower after becoming Sir Plucki's mate and Kotori didn't seem to mind or just hadn't noticed yet. She walked out of the hall and down the corridor, they were dim and only lit by the moonlight, the air was cold and crisp and made her shiver as an eerily feeling that she was being watched entered her mind. She passed swiftly and silently through the corridors then broke into a run when she was sure she felt someone's hot breath on her neck. Her heart raced and her eyes grew large in fear, not a soul was in sight and this reminded her too much of the time with Sir Timmi. She turned and traveled the many corridors that led to her tower wishing beyond hope that someone would see her. Icy hands gripped her round her waist and pulled her back as she came to the turn for her tower. She screamed in fear, no not now not this close.

Sir Plucki was talking with his friends in the hall when Hitomi's frightened scream echoed loud and clear throughout the city. Jumping up he ran out of the hall with his friends behind him searching for Hitomi.

Hitomi slammed against the stonewall then doubled over slightly as a fist made hard contact with her abdomen she felt herself pulled up and lashed out. Her attacker stopped when her hand had slapped hit across the face then hit her again in her abdomen. Hitomi cried out in pain she slumped to the floor her hands protecting her abdomen and her head hung low. She felt someone grab her hair and yank her face up, still she could see nothing, and hard lips were pressed against her own before she could scream again. He pulled away and whispered quietly in her ear, "Very soon we'll be together and then you won't have to hide your feelings anymore or carry his baby" then all was silent and Hitomi was left alone. She cried for a while on the floor no one had come she was still alone although she was sure if her mate had heard her he'd be searching the city for her. Shakily she got to her feet and made her way into the tower looking around it was quiet with no sign of unwanted sights. She made her way up the staircase to her floor then turned to walk down the corridor to her room. There she saw her mate walk out of the bedroom he looked worried and deeply concerned, but upon seeing Hitomi he smiled until he saw her appearance. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying and she was shaking uncontrollably. He ran to her as she slowly made her way down the corridor.

"Hitomi what happened?"

"S...S...Sir Timmi" she stuttered out tears welling in her eyes once more.

He wrapped his arms around her as tears slid down her cheeks; they walked to their room where for a long time Hitomi cried. Eventually she had fallen into a fitful sleep after telling Sir Plucki of Sir Timmi's promise to her. He'd left Hitomi reluctantly for the moment to search for Sir Timmi; although there was no evidence of him committing the event or any witnesses it certainly wouldn't hurt to remind the knight of his warning. After searching for an hour and finding him nowhere he sent his friends and some of the knights to look for him. They searched high and low until late and eventually reported back later at night saying Sir Timmi was nowhere to be found. After careful consideration Sir Plucki stationed knights at every post along the walls and near Sir Timmi's residence, on the look out for him and that if he were found to be brought to him immediately no matter what the time, after that the knights were dismissed to fulfill their orders and notify others as Sir Plucki went back to Hitomi whom he dare not leave too long unattended for fear of her lapsing into nightmares and damaging her own as well as their unborn cubs health. He entered their chamber, which was dimly lit with candles, as Hitomi had not wanted to be left in the dark. Walking to the bed he drew the curtain aside affording him the view of Hitomi curled up in a fetal position at the end shaking. Climbing in and gathering her up in his arms her shaking soon subsided and her body finally relaxed into a dreamless sleep free of events from the night and years before. Save until these few words had passed her lips, "I love you, Plucki"

Holding her tighter in his embrace he whispered in reply, "I love you too, Hitomi"

Plucki's thoughts wandered to the events of this evening and how they were yet again dealing with Sir Timmi…Hmm, Sir Timmi. Since he and Hitomi had been married he'd been nothing but a problem constantly hounding Hitomi with his jealous obsession. After this last dealing it would appear Sir Timmi might have finally turned against them once and for all to be in some secret, dark place where he could plan and scheme in his quest of gaining Hitomi's affection. He appeared to be stopping at nothing to get Hitomi and make her his but at what lengths would he go to? Whatever it was he would be waiting, Sir Timmi would not harm or take away his family now and with that thought in mind he too slowly drifted into sleep.

TBC…

Please R&R and tell me what you think to my third part in the trilogy.