"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" Ichigo found himself being hit over the head by Serafall every time she called him stupid, "You can't just automatically say you are going to take over an entire faction!"
After returning from Hueco Mundo, the young soon to be college student had shared what he had learned with the mixed group he had left. Now he found himself the center of exasperated attention. Kisuke and Kunou were giggling, one like an idiot and the other gently behind her hand. Yoruichi looked like she was caught between congratulating him or joining the female devil in hitting him. Finally, Amaterasu held her face in her hands while Yasaka placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Alright, I get it," the strawberry finally caught the woman's hands to stop her, "Diplomacy isn't as easy as I thought. I stand by what I did though."
"Of course you do Kurosaki-kun, or else it wouldn't be you," the male blond let his amusement drop and gave the young man a serious look, "We will need you to refrain from doing anything like this again though. I get that you are who you are, but you just agreed to be an emissary of the Underworld."
"If this news spreads to much it may look like we Devils are simply trying to absorb an isolationist sect," Serafall spun around before taking a seat in the boys lap getting him to raise an eyebrow, "You're just trying to make more work for me as revenge aren't you?"
"No, I was trying to help some of the friends I made, new and old."
"Jeeeeezeeee, it was a joke you sour puss."
"Anyway," Amaterasu was finally looking at him again, "Now that my bonehead son has taken this step in the political field, we will all need to act a little more delicately with other factions."
"I disagree."
"And we just decided you were an idiot," Yoruichi gave a blank look to her student, "For arguments sake I'll ask, why do you disagree?"
"First, I'm sorry for causing another problem," his words were sincere but his voice was hard, "However, I believe that given my actions, to suddenly act like we are guilty and in need of laying low, we are showing that what I did was for less that pure reasons." The room was silent for a moment as all eyes were lost in thought. Letting out a soft sigh he moved his [King] off of his lap before standing up and scooping Kunou into his arms, "Anyway it's getting late and this one needs to go to sleep. I also start classes tomorrow, goodnight"
The rest of the group just watched in silence holding various fond expressions for the young man walking away. Ichigo simply smiled down at the young Kitsune in his arms. She tried very hard to glare at him but her tired eyes betrayed her, and with a final yawn she gave up and simply snuggled into his chest.
With her guidance it only took a few minutes for him to make it to her room, and soon she was tucked away into her bed. For a moment Ichigo stared down at her, he tracked the moment she fell asleep and a small smile crept onto his face. He brushed some stray hair from her face and felt a pain settle over his heart.
Memories flowed around his mind for a moment, he wanted to jerk his hand away as though it were burned but refrained. He moved slowly to not wake her, but when he was clear of her he turned and left the room quickly trying to ignore the wetness of his eyes. While he realized his anger would fade in time, he had a lot of people that he missed.
Kunou who had feigned sleep opened her eyes and watched sadly as her hero left in pain. She had trouble understanding everything that he had gone through but knew the end result had done both great and terrible things to Ichigo. In that moment the young Kitsune decided on several very important things. First Ichigo would now be her big brother, second, she would be strong and help him heal, third she would get back at those who had hurt him. With a mental nod she pulled her blankets tighter around her lamenting that they were not as warm or comforting as her new brother's arms but nodding off to sleep none the less.
XXScene BreakXX
"That man," Yasaka let out a tired sigh, "He shouldn't spoil her like that."
"Oh hush, let him have a sibling again," Amaterasu threw the Kyubi a playful smirk, "Or do you want him to spoil you, is that it?"
"Hold on, he's my student," Yoruichi threw a pout at the two women, "He should spoil me first at least."
"Well, as interesting as this is," Kisuke was waving his fan almost as fast as he could in amusement, "I'll be off to send a message to Seireitei."
As soon as the man left Serafall let out a laugh. She calmed after a moment and threw the other three women a smile filled with devious intent. With a sensual voice that didn't quite fit her near child-like body she whispered to them in conspiratorial fashion.
"From what I felt while I was on his lap, he could spoil any woman."
"What?!"
"She's right Yasaka, I've seen it," Yoruichi let her own mischievous smile out to play, "He is rather well equipped, and that was a couple years ago."
"Hmm, I think as his [King] I should train him in how to properly…" the shortest woman couldn't stop her eyes from smoldering if she wanted to, "Spoil a woman…"
Yasaka was quickly becoming very red while Amaterasu laughed at her. Yoruichi simply let her mind wander with a small blush as she bit one of her fingers gently. The Maou tried to settle down her own mind and body but she found herself feeling a desire she had not had for a male in a long time. It was the werecat that brought a little seriousness back to the conversation.
"Hey Sera-chan," the Leviathan was pulled out of her less than innocent thoughts but gave a smile at the nickname, "You said that like you Ichigo can create his own [Peerage] right?"
"Yup, why?" the playful girl was back to being pervy, "Want to make him your Master~?"
"Of course," the gentle and firm response took the other women by surprise, "It will also allow me to show him that I won't ever leave him." A pained look came to the woman's eye as she glanced down at the table, "He hides it well, a little too well, but he is filled with so much hurt. I want to fix it," shaking her head the Shihoin heir smirked again, "It doesn't hurt that for him I'd help in all the ways a woman can to do it, and I'm not quite the greedy type in the right circumstances."
"Good," Amaterasu seemed to be radiating at the purple haired woman's words, "As his Mother I want my Son to be given so much love. While I'll never replace her nor will I ever try, I'll be there for him like my Misaki would have wanted to be."
"Alright then then Bountiful Operation of Busty Suitors is a go!" Serafall was suddenly standing on the table with her hands on her hips looking smugly at the ceiling, "And perfectly we have our first three operatives in this room."
"What?"
"Did you call it that so you could call it B.O.O.B.S.?"
"Of course I did, and Yasaka don't pretend!" the magical girl was suddenly in front of the Nine-tails, "As the hero of your daughter there isn't a chance you haven't already fallen for him a little," her wand appeared in one hand while the other was stoking it in a rather lude fashion, "Just think of all the ways you could show your gratitude for that."
The blonde quickly tried to hide her face as it reddened the furthest it had that night. Behind her, her tails wagged showing her true thoughts on the idea and once again Amaterasu was forced to laugh at her precious acolyte. Yoruichi simply smiled in amusement before letting one more thing be understood.
"Know this, he will be mine first," the woman's smile was replaced by a serious look, "Other than one human girl that I will eventually snare into this for him, I have known him longest and…" the smallest hint of a blush came to her cheeks and Serafall wanted to squeal in excitement, "I've loved him for quite some time."
"Perfect, I can be good with that!" a grin split the girls face but a slight tightness was there, "I should… probably wait a while before I try and do anything. I'm sure there is some resentment he hasn't demonstrated about me killing him… or turning him into a Devil… Actually, I suddenly don't feel like I have much of a shot."
"Relax, if I know my little Berry you'll be fine," a sincere smile overtook Yoruichi's face as she pulled the smaller girl into her side, "He's become friends with many people who have tried to kill him before, he just told us about that panther Arrancar. As for the Devil thing you need to remember that you gave him his power back. I think that will always be a part of him, and when his old fool friends finally wise up and apologize, he'll eventually forgive them."
A few dissatisfied sighs followed that statement, but the four women let it go. They stayed up late into the night talking with each other and solidifying friendships. Eventually Amaterasu had to return to Takamagahara and Serafall followed her out back to the Underworld. Yasaka offered the only other woman left a room for the night and the two went to bed with thoughts of the future.
XXTime SkipXX
Ichigo held Zangetsu firmly as Harribel's blade drew sparks while sliding down the length of the blade. He forced the woman to jump back and give distance by giving a quick swipe of the Combat Knife that represented the Old Man. Kisuke had given him a set of Asauchi before he had left for his daily training in Hueco Mundo, and after pushing his power into them they had formed into his true Zanpakuto.
Zangetsu was similar to his old Shikai, small changes in aesthetics but the most prominent being the missing core section near the pommel and a length of Hell Chain that wrapped loosely around his wrist but never slid off. The Old Man's blade took the form of a combat blade with a finger guard on the grip. It too had a length of Hell Chain, but it hung loose of the handle.
Fighting with the blades came so naturally that he was already holding off all three of the strongest remaining Arrancar with little effort on his part. With a smile he was about to shoot forward after Tier but the woman herself held up a hand and signaled for a halt.
"Ichigo, may we go speak somewhere private?"
"WHAT? But we were having fun!" Grimmjow threw his hands up in frustration before just using Sonido to leave after his comment while Neliel narrowed her eyes and puffed her cheeks at the blond.
With a curious look the orange haired man simply shrugged and returned his blades to their sheaths. He was happy to be whole again and it felt a little sad to stop fighting for fun so soon, but he felt he owed Tier a lot. Moving towards her tower like last time they spoke Ichigo fell in step beside her with a comfortable ease. Once inside the two sat and faced each other with much more ease then their first meeting and Ichigo gestured for her to begin.
"I have thought a lot about things recently and I have decided I would like to join your [Peerage]," Ichigo held his tongue and allowed her to continue, "I partially want to increase the relation between you and the Arrancar, but even more so I wish to repay you for helping us."
"If that is your reason then I'm sorry," Ichigo held her gaze as he spoke, "I've thought about how I will run my [Peerage], of how I will decide who is to join me. The truth is I don't want servants, I want people close to me."
"I see," a peculiar feeling grew in Tier's stomach at his words, "I am sorry I requested such a thing so selfishly."
"I don't think you understand, I feel in the last few days you and I have grown a relationship that I would consider close," green eyes widened in surprise as the feeling shifted, her heart beating just a little faster, "If you want to join me, it has to be because it's what you actually want, not because you feel you need to repay me. Besides if anything I should be repaying you."
"Ichigo, I…" for the first time that she could remember Tier was without words not because she had nothing to say, but because she honestly didn't know what to say for a moment, "Please allow me to join you Kurosaki Ichigo. It is my wish to fight by your side."
"Tier," Ichigo looked at her closely not doubting her intentions for a moment, "I would be honored to let you join me."
The sound of a door slamming open drew the two's attention and they suddenly realized just how close they were. Before Ichigo could do anything a flying, crying, green missile slammed into his midsection rocketing him into the wall of Tier's palace.
"Iiiiittttsssyyyyygggooooo!" Neliel was what Ichigo found when he could focus his eyes again, "You must let me join you too! I won't allow you to slip away from me!"
"Alright Nel, but we really need to talk about you listening in on other's conversations."
His only response was her squeezing his midsection harder. He gently pat her head and looked to Harribel for assistance. The woman simply gave him a small shrug before crossing her arms and glancing away from the two.
"Anyway, we'll need to go back to Kyoto to do this."
"Do you not know how to yet?" Neliel looked up at him with a playful smile, "I guess you should be happy Itsygo, your first time is with two women."
"No, um my [Pieces] that I use are there, I don't like carrying them with me too often," the young man couldn't help but blush slightly at the bubbly woman's word choice, "And I do have one member already, so you two should meet my first [Rook]."
"What!" crocodile tears streamed down her Nel's face again and Tier looked over in interest, "How did that happen?"
Ichigo looked away from the two as he gave a small chuckle. His mind slowly wandered back to the evening after his first day of university and the unexpected change in his life.
XXFlashback StartXX
Ichigo let out a satisfied grunt as he eased his body into the hot water of Yasaka's onsen. He found this to be a rather pleasant end to a good day. He had met most of his teachers for his first semester of University and found he got along with them rather well. No homework had been assigned but he now had a large list of books to purchase before the next week.
After school Kisuke had contacted him to let him know that Old Yama had begrudgingly agreed to meet at Hueco Mundo and would be bringing two other Captains with him. With that news it was off to the desert land to inform the Arrancar and get some training in.
Now he was going to relax for a bit before calling it a night. Kunou had already been put to bed and Yasaka had turned to her study for some paperwork. Serafall had ignored her own work for a while to text with him and he had gotten word that Amaterasu was busy with the other members of her Pantheon who were upset at his treatment by the Shinigami. The only one he hadn't heard from was Yoruichi.
"Mind if I join you Ichigo?" speak of the devil and she will appear, "My doesn't this bring back memories."
"It does, but I think this time I won't try and fight you joining," sinking a little lower he gave another content sigh, "I'm sure it wouldn't stop you anyway.
"Of course not," and just like that she was leaning gently into his side, "Besides there are a few things I want to talk to you about."
"Sure, as long as you keep the teasing to a minimum."
"No, no teasing tonight," gently she took one of his hands and started to gently play with his fingers, "These are some important things and I want to treat them that way."
It took only a second before he was suddenly turned towards her, staring straight into her eyes with concern. She felt a smile form on her lips as she reaffirmed her decisions and gave a squeeze of his hand to get him to relax. As his face eased into curiosity, she could feel her heart rate increase and needed to break away from his gaze for a moment.
"Yoruichi, you can tell me anything."
"I want you to make me a member of your [Peerage]!" she wanted to smack herself, that was not the first thing she wanted to do, "I'm going to be your first, got it."
He stared at her for a while then and she felt uncharacteristically small. As moments turned to minutes her heart began to race again. A feeling of hurt crept into her chest, if he didn't want her in his [Peerage] how could he possibly want-
"I'm glad," her golden eyes shot to his and warmth spread through her body, "I can't think of anyone else that I trust more in life right now. You've kept me safe for these past years, even when I couldn't do the same for you."
His voice was low, and she wanted to tell him not to worry but settled for squeezing his hands so as to not interrupt him. She smiled as he squeezed back.
"My sanity, my spirit, and I'm sure my very life," a thankful smile settled on his lips, "You've protected me in so many ways. Please join my [Peerage] so I can return that favor Shihoin Yoruichi."
"Your big dummy, I asked you first," the cat like woman wanted to jump for joy, "Now the other topic, since I'm on a role I'll just say it. Ichigo, I love you."
She was met with silence and a stunned face. She chuckled until she felt the strength leave his hands. His face wasn't stunned anymore instead it was blank and his eyes were filled with an emotion she couldn't recognize in him. Suddenly her happy mood was gone, and the hurt returned to her chest.
He pulled her into a hug, but she didn't know what was happening. She was expecting him to kiss her, or to splutter and stammer a reply. She felt her eyes begin to water and she felt foolish. He was a child compared to her, why would he love her. She was about to break away and leave when he spoke.
"I'm scared," her eyes widened, "It's stupid but I'm so afraid you'll leave me," and then she understood, "I'm sorry, this isn't what you want. I know you won't leave, I just…"
"Ichigo look at me," she kept her voice firm and he did as she commanded and when their eyes met she could see the fear clearly in his making her heart want to break, "You spoke about how I protected you sanity, your spirit and your body, well I swear to you, I'm going to protect your heart from now on too. I'll stay by your side for as long as I live, that's part of the reason I'm joining your [Peerage], to prove I'll never leave you."
He took a shuddering breath and took a few blinks to remove the wetness from his eyes. Gently he rested his forehead on hers and squeezed her tighter to his chest. Yoruichi ran her hands gently over his back to comfort him. She hated how easily she forgot that he was hurting, but she would help him heal. Her and as much as she hated to admit it Serafall's B.O.O.B.S. initiative. This man needed love, and a lot of it. He needed to protect, and she and others would protect him right back.
"You don't need to say anything tonight Ichigo," she leaned in and kissed him gently on the cheek, "Just know that I love you, and I will always love you."
He held fast as she tried to pull away, his eyes continued to look down at her, searching for something. Finally, he blinked, and a look of determination settled on him. A hand rose up and gently cupped her cheek, thumb caressing her gently. This time he leaned forward but instead of her other cheek his lips found purchase on her own and she felt as though a thousand volts rushed through her. When he pulled away, she wanted to pout at the lost feeling.
"I've trusted you for a long time now Yoruichi, so I'll do it now too," he continued to stroke her cheek as he spoke, "I do love you, and I promise, I'll do my best to abandon my fear."
"You won't be able to abandon it, because I'm going to crush that fear," she stole another chaste kiss and beamed when he smiled, "Let's get out of here, you can turn me into a Devil tomorrow."
"Ok," as she turned to leave but was forced to look back curiously as he held her hand, he looked nervous and couldn't quite look her in the eye, "Yoruichi, would you… stay with me tonight?"
The woman simply laughed loudly before startling her man by picking him up. Then she showed off her title as Queen of Flash when in the blink of an eye the two were in his room still wet. A couple minutes later and the two were comfortably in his bed, her back to his chest. As his arm wrapped around her stomach she smiled as he tried to pull her even closer and with a mischievous smile pulled his hand up to her chest and held it there.
"Good night Ichigo, I love you."
"I love you too, Yoruichi. Good night."
With a kiss on the top of her head the two drifted off to sleep. There was fear and uncertainty for both of them, but they would trust in one another and make things work. Ichigo slept that night with an ease he hadn't felt in a very long time while Yoruichi had dreams of passion.
XXFlashback EndXX
"Sorry Nel, but I think that would be a conversation for another time," a flick of the hybrid's wrist tore a Garganta between dimensions, "Do you need to let anyone know that you're leaving Tier?"
"No, my eavesdropping Fraccion," she gave a pointed look at the door where her three friends were trying to hide, "Should be more than enough to tell anyone who asks for me."
"Alright, then let's head out," getting Neliel off him had been a challenge so he settled for allowing her to hold his arm, he would never understand women, "It would be good to introduce you to Yasaka as well, she has been rather curious about everyone I know."
With nods and smiles, one beaming and one hidden, the three took steps forward. The journey through the world between worlds was short and Ichigo could sense several presences waiting at the end. He felt his green haired friend let his arm go and glanced at her. She had settled into her more serious demeanor, and suddenly Ichigo missed her bubbly personality. He liked Neliel like this while sparring because she was far more lethal and fun to fight, but outside of combat he preferred her carefree attitude.
With a small sigh that went unnoticed he led the two women through the last steps and into the light of the living world. When his eyes recovered, he found Yoruichi, Kisuke and Serafall waiting for him. The blond bastard immediately had his fan waving in front of his face instantly irritating the protector. He noticed that Yoruichi and Serafall simply glanced at each other and nodded, something he would figure out later.
"Hey everyone, let's get introductions out of the way. These are my two closest friends and allies amongst the Arrancar," he first gestured to Nel, "Neliel Tu Odelschwanck, it was thanks primarily to her that we weren't simply killed when I invaded Hueco Mundo," the woman gave a small bow and even smaller smile at his words as he gestured to Tier next, "and this is Tier Harribel, Queen of Hueco Mundo."
"A pleasure to meet you all," Harribel gave her own small bow, "Ichigo has told me much about his two mentors, and what he knows so far about the Maou."
"Ah nothing but good things I hope?"
"I apologize Urahara-san, but for you nothing but warnings," Kisuke hit the ground hard at Nel's words while Yoruichi burst out laughing, which Nel took a chance at embarrassing her strawberry friend, "He seems to adore Yoruichi-chan though."
The result the woman expected based on what Ichigo had told her turned to the exact opposite. Yoruichi's eyes widened slightly as she blushed and turned her head a bit. Ichigo simply smiled as his eyes softened while looking at her. Internally Nel had mixed emotions but the desire to also have that affection turned towards her won out and she planned to approach the cat woman when she had the chance.
"What brings you here today Serafall?" the young-looking woman started poking a pouting shop keep as she turned to her [Knight], "Don't you have responsibilities in the Underworld today?"
"Oh, I have a small window of time right now," she jumped back as Kisuke tried to steal her wand, "I'm trying to convince Yasaka to let me build you a house here in Kyoto."
"Do I really need a house to be built? I know I can't stay here forever," the young Devil ran a hand through his hair, "But I think that might be a bit much."
"Awe, don't worry about it, money doesn't really mean anything to me," she struck a pose and smiled overdramatically, "And when you start co-starring in my Magical Girl Lavi-tan show it won't to you either!"
"What?"
"Besides, it's also going to be for your [Peerage] to stay near you and as a place for you to conduct your Devil Diplomatic Duties, or D.D.D."
"Wait? Slow down-"
"Nope, I'll go let Yasaka know that you agreed with me! Bye!"
The Mau was suddenly gone leaving Ichigo to stare at where she once stood with his hand extended. Yoruichi just chuckled at him before walking up and grabbing his two guests by the arms. Pulling them along she simply smiled back at her man who remained still in shock.
"Come on ladies, I have a feeling I know why you're here," she smiled lightly at both of them, "I just need to lay down a few ground rules and we'll prepare you. A warning, it hurt like a bitch."
Ichigo finally snapped back to reality with a shake of his head. He found everyone gone except Kisuke who was laying on his side grinning at him. Choosing to ignore the man he simply walked towards the temple letting out a deep sigh. He heard a whip like sound come from his old mentor and he felt his control over his eyebrow leave him as he tried to ignore it.
XXScene BreakXX
Tier and Neliel looked around in confusion as they found themselves in a dark room with the only light source a candle set on a small round table. They found themselves sitting with Yoruichi, Serafall, and who they could only believe was Yasaka from Ichigo's description.
"Alright first things first," the magical girl took reign of the situation, "Yasaka this is Tier and Neliel, they are our newest members of B.O.O.B.S. and are also looking to get into the target's pants and heart."
"Wait?" Neliel was ignored.
"Also, Ichigo agreed with me that he can't live here," seeing a sad expression on the kyubi's face she relented, "Well more like he said he couldn't stay here forever, probably because he doesn't want to burden you."
"Most likely." Yoruichi nodded along.
"Besides, you don't want cute little Kunou-chan to walk in while he is violating one of us, right?"
"What?" Tier was also ignored.
"No," the foxy woman gave a sad sigh, "I don't want that."
"Excuse me-" again Tier was ignored, and she was starting to grow annoyed.
"Also imagine him having to sneak in here to take you in the night," a sinfully sultry look overtook the Devil's face, "How exciting it will be when he wraps a hand around your mount before plunging his big fat co-"
"ENOUGH!" everyone present jumped as Tier slapped the table and Nel was treated to a sight she never thought she would see as red flushed the woman's entire face, "Please explain what is going on, I believe that there may be a misunderstanding?"
"Oh, um, sorry," the petit girl chuckled in embarrassment while Yasaka tried to fan herself with her hand, "I assume you two are here to join Ichigo's [Peerage] yes?"
"We are indeed."
"Ah well since it's obvious you two also have the hots for him we are inducting you into our club," she gave them a cheery smile, "Its sole purpose is to fill the Berry's life with love… and sex, lots and lots of sex."
"I see," the blush on Harribel's face simply wouldn't abate, "I am afraid I don't have the 'Hots' for Ichigo like you think."
"Tier-chan," Neliel gave her blond counterpart the most deadpanned look she could or would ever muster, "The sexual tension between you two is almost impossible. It's like watching something that is suffocating to death because it is too stupid to just breath, like two walls that are supposed to crash into each other standing still, like-"
"Please stop."
"Nope, one more thing," a small smile now lit the usually kind woman's face, "I have literally had to crash in on you two twice because you would have very likely started fucking without realizing it."
"Neliel! I- We-"
"I'm sorry for the crass language, but it's true, you two didn't even notice that you only had inches between you today."
"Oh, I see," the shark woman simply pondered for a moment, "Very well, I accept your statements, I will bed Ichigo Kurosaki."
Different reactions came from around the table. The Devil laughed, the Fox blushed and held her face, the Cat spluttered, and the Ram gave a sigh. Suddenly Yoruichi was straddling Tier's hips and looking her directly in the eyes. It seemed like an eternity but the two finally nodded at each other.
"Very well, I will bed him after you have."
"Damn straight!" suddenly the mood flipped as Yoruichi slid off the other woman's lap, "Let's focus on what IS going to happen to the two of you today."
"Yes, Itsygo will make us members of his [Peerage]."
"More than that, my Berry will make you part of our family," she faltered for a moment, "He is struggling with his birth family right now, so I'll warn you once, and once only. If you hurt him, I will destroy you, even if it kills me. Do you understand?"
"Itsygo has been all I could dream of, all I could think of at all since we met," Neliel fisted her hands in the hem of her shirt, "He helped save me from being lonely, I owe him so much." She looked up and stared Yoruichi dead in the face, tears welling in her eyes, "I would rather die than ever cause him harm, in any way!"
"Good, and you?"
"Kurosaki Ichigo," Tier paused and collected her thoughts, while she was about even with some of the others in the room for how long she knew him, she had been rather oblivious to her feelings for him, she was unsure of how or why, simply that they were, "I was willing to bend my knee to him, to serve him and whatever command he gave. As a Hollow I will always respect power, but beyond that I respect why he has earned that power and how he wields it." It was her turn to look Yoruichi straight on, "He refused me and offered to let me stand by him as an equal. He has made me feel things that I can never recall feeling, and if it is as you say it is due to me falling for him. I will remain loyal to him as long as I live."
"Alright, then I am satisfied," a warm smile settled on the former Shinigami's face, "I will happily welcome you. When he gets here the whole process should be pretty quick, he'll speak a few words and as long as you still agree a Chess Piece will meld with you, making you more than you are now, and like I said it hurts like a bitch."
There was a knock on the door and suddenly all of the lights were on. Ichigo entered with Kunou riding on his shoulders and a box on under his arm. Stepping in front of the women he crouched down low and the young kitsune slid off his back with a pout.
"Onii-sama is surrounding himself with more women."
"Maybe so," he ruffled her hair slightly making her blush as he chuckled, "But more importantly I'm surrounding myself with people I trust."
He set the box down in front of the two Arrancar and took a step back. Serafall watched on curiously as she wasn't sure what he was doing having not been present when he turned his first [Rook]. Yoruichi watched on in silence, one hand rising up and resting over her heart. Kunou moved to her mother's side and the two watched on curiously but respectfully.
"These pieces are filled with my power, meaning they are a part of me," he gestured to his [Rook], "My instincts reside within them. Place your hands on top and they will know what is best, for Yoruichi I've concluded that considering her ridiculous amount of speed my instincts wanted to further her physical and defensive capabilities to match."
The two did as he said and rested their right hands on the lid of the box. They could feel the power swimming beneath their palms and were again amazed at just how strong he was. Neliel took her hand away first as a warmth filled her whole being. Realizing her hand was now clenched she opened it to reveal a [Knight].
Ichigo smiled and nodded at her getting her to giggle in excitement. All eyes turned back to Tier as the box began to glow and her power lightly manifested around her. Serafall, Yoruichi and Yasaka were amazed by the amount of power they could feel from her already. Yoruichi could tell that only the senior Captains could probably match her now with Bankai, and she was not even in her released state. Finally, the blond took her own hand away and neither Ichigo nor Serafall were very surprised to see the [Queen] resting in her palm.
Ichigo smiled gently at the two. As his gaze past over them they couldn't help but blush in pride. His eyes then traveled to all the others in the room and they too smiled or blushed in return. He felt like his life was truly becoming whole again. He was growing a family.
END