Disclaimer: Tite Kubo owns Bleach

Chapter 9

In Fate's Hands

It's been a little over a month since the last attack. Unmei was completely right, they still haven't attacked. She said she doesn't expect him to for a while, but she insists that he will be back. I believed her. I felt his emotions last time. He wanted this. I didn't want to kill him, but I didn't see any other way around it. Taking away his items would be hard to do, as Unmei informed me that I couldn't touch them. It would apparently burn us if we did, because it was made specifically to repel Unmei and our power couldn't be used to take it away. She thought that maybe Raina's powers would do the trick, but Raina was just a baby. I wouldn't put her in danger. I didn't want him to know she had powers anyway. Me using Raina's powers were out of the question also. It seemed that even when Paizley amplified mine, the link between Raina and I was still weakened in Collin's presence.

Our only hope was the soul reapers. Gin said he would go at it alone, but there was no way I was sending him in by himself. I knew I had Renji, Rangiku and Izuru on our side. Rukia and Momo still didn't know Gin was alive. I was afraid of informing them because I didn't know what the soul society would do if they found out. And from what I hear, Gin wasn't too nice to Rukia or Momo, so I don't think that would work. Hitsugaya was off limits as well because of his problems with Gin. I would like to think that Ukitake would help me out since I changed his life by healing him, but again, Gin's being alive threw that option out. It was during this time that I really realized that Gin had made a lot of enemies in the Soul Society. And out of the Soul Society as well. He threw the option of asking the vizards to help out. He did have something to do with the reason they were kicked out of the Soul Society. It was the same with Yoruichi and Kisuke. My options were dwindling down.

During the past month or so, Raina turned 8 months. She is finally crawling. She actually started not long after turning 7 months. I was so proud of her, but now she has become a handful. She is into everything. She's been feeding herself finger foods too and loves her sippy cup. Since she's been teething, she loves to chew on things. Well, on everything, so we have to make sure nothing is within her reach or right in the mouth is goes. Now that she's older, she does the cutest things. Throwing kisses is one of the cutest. She often throws Renji one when he has to leave her. She almost always throws me one when I leave the room. It's adorable to see her do it to Gin. She's started to fight her sleep. I think it's because she has to be away from me. She just doesn't want to give up playtime with me or any time with me period. She can also pull herself into a standing position by using the furniture. I was a little scared when she started to do this because I knew now was when she would start getting those bumps and bruises. But she showed me everything would be ok the first time she fell, because she healed herself and it was all better. When we go out I'm often asked how she avoids those bumps and bruises and I just respond by saying that she must just be super tough.

I'm also into my 6th month of pregnancy now. This is where the familiarity is, because I started off with Raina around this time. My belly is now obviously visible and Paizley is definitely more active. Gin loves to feel her kick and talk to her. I think it's pretty cute. We've been going to birthing classes. I went to them with Renji, but I thought that it was an experience that Gin should have as well. While it may not be my first child, it is his. I'm not working as much now as I would. The only things I can do it beauty stuff that only requires face or stuff for pregnancy. Raina likes it this way, because I'm home more with her and that means more mommy time. She loves her mommy time. I've even gotten her to stay still long enough to feel my belly. Once Paizley even kicked and Raina looked at me like what the heck was that. She doesn't understand yet that this is her sister, but she will. I have a feeling they will be close, since they'll be close in age.

I sat in floor with Miranda and watched Raina play as I tried to think of someone who could help us with Collin.

"I could always help you." Miranda said.

"Like I'm really going to let you help. You are pregnant."

"So are you. What's the different?"

"I'm stronger than you."

"Not around that guy."

"Point taken."

"So it's settled, I will help."

"You have no experience fighting. I don't want you getting hurt."

"What experience do you have?"

"I was in a war if you remember."

"One of which you didn't even fight in. You just stood around and looked pretty."

"I'll have you know I fought the head captain."

"And you got your butt handed to you, right?"

I made a face and threw one of Raina's stuffed toys at her.

"Hey, no throwing!" She said. Raina picked something up and tossed it at her, but not hard. I laughed. "You're teaching your child bad habits." She teased.

We both laughed and so did Raina. Though I think Raina was just laughing because we were. She has a habit of imitating emotions these days.

While we were laughing, I thought of someone who could help. Well, more like a few people. "Oh my gosh, I just thought of who could help. How could they have not came to mind before now? Maybe it's because I haven't talked to them in a while, but I know for a fact they'd help."

"Who?"

"I don't think you know her. She's an Arrancar. Her name is Tia and she also has followers. That will give us four more people and then there's Grimmjow. That will give us 9 people. I think that will be plenty enough, considering the strength of Tia, Gin and Grimmjow."

"Did you count Lee? I know he would help."

"Ok, so that's 10."

"Yeah, not counting me and you. Because I plan on us staying here. I'll put Gin in charge of everyone."

"Renji will love that." She said sarcastically.

"Oh yeah."

"Where is Gin?"

"He is out training. Where? I don't know. He doesn't want his skills to rust since he's not on any active duty. We've already discussed everything about trying to take Collin down and he really wants to lay into him and Andrea. I'm sure he'll be fine with the new additions to the team, since he's commanded them before."

"You should probably check with them first before you start counting on them."

"I will do that now."

"How? Do you know where she is?"

"Don't have to." I picked up Raina. "Follow me." We all walked upstairs and I flipped through The Book, looking for a certain spell. "Ah, here it is. The 'to summon the dead' spell. Here, hold her." I handed Raina to Miranda and got out the candles. I assembled in a circle and lit them. "Hear these words. Hear my cry, spirit from the other side, come to me. I summon thee. Cross now the Great Divide." The whit orbs started to swirl and Tia appeared.

"Kristen-sama." She bowed.

"Sorry to just summon you like this, but I need your help. Can you help me?"

"I owe you my life, my fracción and I both. We will help you with anything." She answered earnestly. "What is wrong?" She stepped out of the circle.

"Before that, I need you to get Sun-Sun, Mila-Rose and Apache. They should hear too."

She nodded and we followed her outside, where she opened up a Garganta. "I will return momentarily." She stepped inside.

"Wait!"

She turned around.

"Could you find Grimmjow for me as well, please?"

"Of course."

Gin returned while we waited for Tia to come back. I explained to him about having her on our side. He didn't really seem to have a problem with Tia helping, but I don't think he was too thrilled about Grimmjow. He went upstairs to take a shower right before Tia returned. I explained the details to everyone and they were all on board. I checked with my grandparents about Tia and her fracción staying in the pool house. They said it was ok. Grimmjow was to stay in his old room. Nana sure was happy to have him back. To be honest, I felt a lot safer with all them being around for a while.

While I was putting Raina to bed, I notice Grimmjow out in the back yard. I was planning on going to bed, but I thought I should go talk to him.

"Hi." I said as I walked outside.

"Hey."

"Thanks for helping me with this."

"Well, I can't just stand around and let someone beat the shit out of you, can I?"

I smiled a little bit. "So I'm still your soft spot?"

"Unfortunately." He crossed his arms. I looked down and started to apologize for what I put him through, but he cut me off. "I don't need your pity, Kristen. I didn't get you, so what. I think I'm over it now anyways. Sure it was fun while it lasted, but it couldn't have worked. You're a human and I'm a hollow, a heartless bastard." He turned to walk away, but stopped. "Though I suppose you ended up with a bastard anyways."

A few weeks passed by and there was still no signs of Collin attacking, but I did have this bad feeling like something bad was going to happen today. I didn't know what it was. I was into my 7th month of pregnancy, 29 weeks to be exact. I had been hurting a little bit this past week, but I didn't think much of it. I had felt labor before and this didn't feel anything like with Raina. Plus, this was too soon to be having contraction. They had to be Braxton-hicks contractions.

Raina turned 9 months almost a week ago. During the past few weeks, Raina had been trying to walk. She was taking steps while holding onto furniture. We were hoping that she would walk soon without holding on to something, but she is yet to take her first real step.

We decided to have everyone meet with us together today. Renji, Rangiku and Izuru didn't really know we were using Arrancar's. I had a feeling that it wasn't going to go over so good and boy was I right.

"What is she doing here?" Apache screamed.

"Just what is that supposed to mean?" Rangiku asked.

"She is not strong enough to fight for you, Kristen-sama!" Mila-Rose stressed.

"As much as I hate to agree with such a barbarian, I must." Sun-Sun stated calmly.

"Barbarian?" Mila-Rose glared at Sun-Sun.

"She does have a point." Apache threw her two cents in.

"Who asked you?" Mila-Rose snapped.

"Please, you two, stop bickering. You're only making bigger fools of yourselves than you already are." Sun-Sun intervened.

"Sun-Sun, you bitch!" Apache and Mila-Rose shouted in unison.

Sun-Sun just ignored them. "I thought our pet did away with you anyway." She said to Rangiku.

"I thought The Head Captain burned you all to a crisp." Izuru spoke up.

"Kristen-sama brought us back." Sun-Sun stated.

"And she healed Matsumoto-san." Izuru said.

"I don't know why." Sun-Sun said as Mila-Rose and Apache were bickering in the background.

Rangiku looped her arm around mine and pulled me closer to her. "The pretty ones have to stick together. That why I'm having trouble believing she brought you hags back to life."

"Who are you calling a hag?" Mila-Rose said as her attention drew back to us.

"You're the fat cow!" Apache yelled.

"Ladies." Tia said calmly. They all looked at her. "Enough."

"Yes, ma'am." They said together.

"Kristen-sama asked for our help and we will help her. It doesn't matter who we have to work with. We're on the same side now, so no more." Tia ordered.

They all nodded. Rangiku smirked at them getting trouble. Grimmjow just sat in the back, seemingly annoyed at all the arguing. My back was starting to hurt a little more than it had been, so I went to lie down and let Gin take over in telling what the plan was. I fell asleep not long after lying down, but didn't sleep long. I woke needing to go to the bathroom, but when I stood up a gush of fluid came out and ran down my leg.

"No." I whispered.

Your water just broke.

"But why, it's too soon." I paused. "GIN!" I screamed out.

He flash stepped to me, assuming there was a problem. He seen the wet spot in the floor and on my shorts. "What happened?"

"My water broke. We need to go to the hospital like now."

"Uh, ok. Let's go." Gin said, obviously just as scared as me.

We went to the hospital and they told me that the amniotic sac had broke and that I was already dilating and in labor. Turns out those pains I was having all last week was labor, but they didn't feel like it to me. They said that I had already dilated too much and that they would have to deliver Paizley today. I started to freak out. I could tell Gin was scared but he remained more level headed than me. I was crying uncontrollably.

"Mrs. Meadows, you need to calm down. Just breathe." The nurse told me.

"Kris-chan, it's going to be ok." Gin ran his fingers through my hair.

I shook my head. "Stop this!"

"We can't, Mrs. Meadows." The nurse said, but I wasn't talking to her.

Some things just have to happen, Kristen.

"Have to happen? Why?"

"I didn't say anything had to happen." The nurse said.

This is her destiny.

"Her destiny is to be born early? What the hell kind of destiny is that and how do you know?"
The nurse looked confused.

"Don't mind her." Gin said and just smiled.

This will teach her to fight and maybe this is a lesson she needs to learn now. I know all the destinies of ones tied to the Nexus. You can't fight destiny. Leave this in fate's hands.

"What if I use Raina's…" She cut me off.

You can't. You haven't the strength to change destiny. Raina could, but she will realize that certain things are meant to be. She will be in touch with the Nexus like I am. She will understand certain things must happen in order for ones life to work out for the better.

"So you're telling me this is going to make her life work of for the better?"

Yes, this must happen.

"And she will be ok?"

Yes.

"You have to promise me."

I promise, Kristen. Paizley will be fine. She's a fighter.

The nurse looked a little freaked out, but I calmed down. She seemed relieved about that. After she was born, I didn't even get to hold her. They took her straight to the neonatal intensive care unit. I received word that she only weighed 2 pounds and 10 ounces. And was just 14 inches long. I had to stay in bed for a little bit, but Gin went to see her. When he came back to tell me how she was, I was pretty upset. They were giving her oxygen. She was being fed through a feeding tube and was in an incubator. He said that despite being hooked up to so many machines, she was still a beautiful baby. He said he talked to some of the nurses and they said that 96 percent of babies born at Paizley's stage of development survived and that she was doing very well right now. That made me feel a little better. Maybe Unmei was right. She was going to fight and she was going to live.

Gin also said that she wasn't crying and didn't really seem to be in that much pain. He said when he was around her, all he could feel was love. Like it was radiating from her and that made him feel like she was going to be ok. He said the nurses were saying the same thing too. She made them feel better. They said the air in the room was just lighter now that she was in there. They told Gin that she was a special one, but we all knew that.

This all just happened at the worst time. If there was ever an opening for Collin to take, now would be it. At least I think he would think that way, but he didn't know we had plenty of backup. Tia, her fracción and Grimmjow were all hanging around outside the hospital. Gin, Renji and Rangiku were in the hospital. We were ready.