Karina Reiko lifted her shaking hand to her forehead, caressing her skin with the tips of her fingers while looking at her reflection in the mirror. It had been a few hours since Captain Kurotsuchi and his wife had dropped the bomb on her. I'm a fullbringer...whatever the hell that means. Karina leaned her body into the bathroom counter, her emotions swimming inside her; wave after wave of anxious energy flooding through her confused mind-how am I supposed to hone skills I know nothing about?
Karina tensed at the sensation of a hand being placed on her shoulder, she had thought she was alone in the bathroom, but it seemed she'd been taking longer than Grimmjow had liked. Karina lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Grimmjow using the mirror in front of her. Grimmjow's expression was too hard to read, like stone. Karina didn't know if the news pleased Grimmjow or not; for all she knew he could be disgusted with her-more importantly, why do I even care what he thinks of me!?
"Kurotsuchi decided to give you a room without a lock." Grimmjow announced, causing Karina's brow to lift in surprise.
"Why now? I thought I couldn't be trusted." Karina countered.
Grimmjow shrugged his shoulders before he spoke.
"Hell if I know. I guess now that he knows the base of your powers he doesn't feel like you'll be much of a threat to anyone here." Grimmjow answered.
Karina felt her stomach knot at his explanation. From the way she understood it, she was a threat to people now. Karina allowed her hand to fall from her face before turning her body to face Grimmjow head on. As the hours had passed by, her memory had become more clear. Karina still couldn't remember her transformation, but what had taken place beforehand was crystal clear, and still, there was no resolution between her and Grimmjow.
"I was gonna wait until dawn to take off; but I figure waiting around really doesn't matter now." Grimmjow stated.
Karina's lips parted as she shook her head, her brow furrowing from the pang of emotion that filled her chest. Is this how it's going to be then? Is he just going to write me off now that I've changed?
" So, that's it then?" Karina asked; her voice breaking slightly, betraying her by showing how his words had effected her.
"I'm not saying I won't come back for ya. I've just gotta head home for a little while." Grimmjow answered.
"Do what you want. I never asked for you to stay." Karina countered; her pride beginning to build up a nice sturdy wall around her heart that not even a man like Grimmjow would be able to tear back down. All of the changes, all of the shock she had experienced in a matter of days was building, and she feared she wasn't going to like the outcome.
"Look, this really isn't about you. You should talk more with Kurotsuchi, see if there's a way to get a grip on your powers." Grimmjow suggested.
Karina tilted her head, her gut still telling her that something fishy was going on.
"Is there a reason to rush for control? I don't understand. Everyone's acting like something else is about to happen, like me being here has all of a sudden fallen down the chain of relevance." Karina countered.
Grimmjow turned his head, his gaze watching the door to the bathroom. Karina knew that Captain Kurotsuchi and Ayumi were still outside in the lab and had allowed her time to let the news really sink in. Karina didn't know if she wanted to laugh or cry; but somehow, she was finding herself...comfortable around the squad 12 captain now. While his bedside manner wasn't the best, and his mouth had no filter, he hadn't tried to hurt her, in fact, he'd done what he could to make her feel more at ease.
Grimmjow let out a sigh before he turned his gaze back to her, his expression easy to read this time. It looked as if he were hesitating-Bloody Hell, I don't like that look one bit! Karina turned her body away from him, squeezing her eyes shut as she gripped the counter with both hands. Grimmjow stepped closer to her, wrapping his right arm around her waist and pulling her body against him; Karina didn't have the strength in her to protest.
"I'm not gonna lie to ya. You're no longer their priority. Something else is coming, Karina. Something that might even try to kill us all. Humans, Espada, and Soul Reaper's." Grimmjow whispered.
"What do you mean by "something?" Karina asked.
"We don't know what they are. They're coming from the sky." Grimmjow answered.
Karina stilled, her breath catching in her throat as her mind traveled to the darkest of places; if Grimmjow was telling the truth and humans were in danger, then what would happen to her family? Grimmjow turned his head, brushing his cheek against hers, reminding Karina of a feline as a sound escaped his lips, something that sounded oddly familiar...like he was...purring.
"I'm going to get some reinforcements. We're going to war." Grimmjow stated.
Karina kept her eyes shut at his words, no longer able to handle the extra weight they brought, Karina felt her lower jaw begin to tremble as her tears started to fall. Grimmjow seemed to sense the change in her, how, she couldn't understand. Grimmjow pulled back, gripping her by the shoulders, he whirled her around to face him. Karina's sob echoed throughout the room as Grimmjow wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her into his arms. Karina didn't fight him, allowing the only anchor she had within that moment to give her what she needed...comfort.
"I ain't gonna let anything happen to you, you know that, don't ya?" Grimmjow whispered.
Karina nodded her head against his shoulder, not trusting herself to speak, her tears coming so violently her body shook. It were as if the final link in the chain holding herself together had finally cracked, leaving her more vulnerable than she would have liked to admit. So many questions, so many variables still between them, and yet, he was still trying to win her. Karina knew deep down that the universe had managed to bring her and Grimmjow together that night for a reason and no matter how hard it was to swallow; Karina would never be the same again.
"Karina, look at me." Grimmjow demanded.
Karina forced her eyes open as Grimmjow cupped the side of her face with his rough hand, somehow able to hold her up with just one arm. Karina blinked, allowing her tears to fall freely, her vision focusing on his intense blue eyes. Karina forced herself to breathe, trying to gain a bit of composure. Grimmjow used his thumb to capture her falling tears all the while feeling confused as hell by the sensation in his chest, watching the woman cry was worse than being stabbed.
"Stop cryin'. I don't like it." Grimmjow ordered.
"It's not like I can help it! You think I want to act like this!?" Karina countered.
"Fuck if I know..." Grimmjow answered honestly.
Karina couldn't help the laugh that rushed from her lungs, such an absurd reaction to have within the moment. Being told that the world she was brought to was about to head into war. That her own race might even be in jeopardy was something any human would cry about, but not Grimmjow. No, Grimmjow would never shed a tear when faced with any threat. He would charge head first no matter his chances. Karina had seen that drive in him, the desperation written on his face the night she had been taken.
"Grimmjow..." Karina whispered his name as she lifted her hand, brushing her fingertips along the bone attached to his jawline.
Karina's lips parted as she watched the sides of his mouth lift into a devastating smile, his reaction to her touch only further confusing her. What the hell was wrong with them? Both of them were acting like a bunch of lunatics, laughing and smiling with one another.
"Careful, Karina...You keep pettin' me like that, I might start getting the wrong idea." Grimmjow teased her, knowing full well what the woman was about to say to him. Her eyes were giving her away; not to mention the emotions seeping from her, surrounding him with a warmth unlike anything he had ever felt before. Warmth so pure his first reaction was to tuck tail and run, but it didn't take a genius to understand that there were some things you just couldn't run from.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi turned, eyeing the couple returning form the facilities. Mayuri tilted his head, seeing the redness of Karina's eyes, knowing well enough that for whatever reason the woman had just experienced some sort of emotional reaction to the revelation of her changing body structure. Karina let out a sigh as she stepped away from the beast, walking towards him on her own accord.
"Is there anyone else like me here? Anyone that might be able to help me get a handle on these changes?" Karina asked, her voice giving away her current insecurities.
Mayuri allowed a small smile as he pondered the woman's question. While it wouldn't be easy to track them, there were a few like her within the soul society. The real issue at hand would be whether or not they felt the need to help at all. It was no secret that Kugo Ginjo was a man with his own motives and opinions, perhaps Kukaku Shiba could give him the proper motivation?
"There may be. I will have to send out a summons in order to see if they would be willing." Mayuri answered honestly.
" Right. I guess that would make sense." Karina replied softly, turning her head to look back at the beast.
"First things first. You want me to head back and talk to my queen, You'll need to take this shit outta my arm." Grimmjow stated.
Mayuri tilted his head, his signature grin once again returning.
"Yes, well. I guess keeping you sealed would put a hinder on our plans." Mayuri answered.
"Ayumi, if you would be so kind as to rid him of his restrictions." Mayuri continued.
Ayumi turned her attention to Grimmjow, nodding her head as a small smile spread across her lips.
"Of course." Ayumi murmured.
Grimmjow felt his eyes roll as the petite woman walked up to him and tilted her head back to look him in the eye.
"Once I do this, please, promise me you won't seek out Amaya Aizen." Ayumi whispered.
"Tch…" Grimmjow snorted.
"Please, Grimmjow." Ayumi repeated.
"Fine, whatever…" Grimmjow sighed; realizing that Ayumi wasn't aware of the fact Amaya had already paid him a visit. Grimmjow lifted his arm as the woman's soft fingers wrapped around his forearm. Grimmjow couldn't stifle the confusion he felt when he looked at her. Just thinking about her being with a man like Kurotsuchi made his brow furrow. I mean really, what the hell does she see in the bastard!?
Grimmjow clenched his jaw as Ayumi skillfully flayed open a small portion of his skin, there under the layers was a small microchip. Ayumi flicked her wrist, using the motion to loosen the foreign object from his muscle tissue.
"D-doesn't that hurt?" Karina blurted, her facial expression giving away her own discomfort.
"Nah, this ain't anything but a little sting." Grimmjow countered, lifting his head to wink at her.
Karina's face paled at the thought. If the tip of a scalpel being jammed into his forearm is a sting, then what the hell would be considered painful? Karina watched the small blood soaked square chip fall into the palm of Ayumi's gloved hand. It seemed she was a lot like her husband, always prepared for anything, a walking medical supply closet-I guess these two were made for each other, no matter how strange it looks.
Grimmjow gave Ayumi a nod as she met his gaze once more. Her piercing green eyes holding him to his agreement. Grimmjow felt himself frown, feeling like a jackass in the moment. While he hadn't planned on going after Amaya, it still stung-I really am gettin' too soft…
Ayumi parted her lips, about to ask if Grimmjow would like some antiseptic, but before the first word left her lips the beast had lifted his arm to his mouth, lapping at the small incision out of pure instinct. Ayumi shrugged her slim shoulders before turning away from him, intending on sanitizing the microchip.
"Mother…" A low voice called from the hallway, gaining everyone's attention.
Grimmjow lowered his arm from his mouth, his lips parting as he caught sight of the teenager, the child she was holding in her arms looked an awful lot like…Kurotsuchi. When the hell did that happen?
Ayumi spun on her heel, her gaze seeking out her children.
"What is it, Nemuri? Are the twins okay?" Ayumi called back just as Mayuri stepped forward.
Grimmjow felt his stomach churn at the word "twins." Fuck, I guess it's been longer than I thought…Tch, don't know if I should congratulate him or be sorry for the kids…
" They are out of milk." Nemuri answered simply.
Ayumi paused, allowing herself to breath easier as she caught sight of bright red hair in the hallway. It seemed Ichika had stopped by to help Nemuri care for her twin sisters. Something the girls had taken upon themselves not long after the twins had been born.
"I will be just a minute." Ayumi smiled.
"Yes, Mother." Nemuri replied.
" She's beautiful, Captain Kurotsuchi." Karina whispered her compliment, but she may as well have yelled it as far as Grimmjow was concerned. His gaze zeroed in on her, his brow furrowing as he studied the way Karina was looking at the baby girl.
"Yes, She is. Much like her sisters…and her mother." Mayuri answered, his smile one of what looked like pride.
Karina shook her head at the situation, standing within the mad scientists lab, watching the man place his painted hand against the infants chubby cheek. The way the little girl smiled up at her father's painted face sent a pang of emotion across Karina's chest; just watching a man like Kurotsuchi show such affection seemed so out of place.
"If you'll excuse me." Ayumi announced to the room now that she'd properly taken care of the microchip and washed her hands.
"This might make a while." Ayumi informed her husband as she placed her hand to Nemuri's shoulder.
"I understand." Mayuri replied, smiling slightly at his wife before leaning in to accept her quick kiss farewell.
Mayuri seemed to recover from the interruption, quickly turning to face Grimmjow, his golden eyes peering, taking in the beasts reaction to his family. Mayuri's smile grew as he watched the Espada squirm uncomfortably. It was no question were his thoughts had taken him-yes, I'm afraid I know that look all to well… pity there is no use in fighting it. Such things have a way of wearing on ones mind until you no longer feel the need to argue with yourself.
Grimmjow cleared his throat, unable to hide his discomfort. Just seeing the way Karina had looked at the kid, the way her eyes had brightened, the change in her breathing, her heart beat, Grimmjow didn't have to ask to know what the woman was thinking.
Grimmjow turned on his heel abruptly, knowing well enough he was about to make an even bigger ass out of himself. Grimmjow could feel Karina's gaze on him as he made his way to the exit. Pausing for a brief second, Grimmjow turned his head over his shoulder, saying the only thing he could think of…
" I'll be back…"
"G-grimmjow…" Karina blurted, but all she saw was the tension in his shoulders as he kept walking, almost as if he couldn't get away from her fast enough.
"Tch. It seems all it takes to make the beast run for his life is to bring him near an infant, honestly…I don't see what the big fuss is about…" Mayuri sighed, shaking his head.
"Bastard…" Karina exhaled from under her breath. Trying her best to stifle the sting of being left alone so abruptly. Would it have killed him to at least pause when she called to him? All she'd wanted was to see his eyes, one last look before he took off. Karina lifted her arms, even though she hated looking so weak in front of Kurotsuchi, she allowed her arms to wrap around her own midriff-could Grimmjow sense what I was thinking? Is the thought of having a child with me so revolting to him that he couldn't stand to be around me one minute longer?
Mayuri's gaze narrowed, his lips thinning into a frown as he studied her, making Karina second guess her posture. With a deep sigh Karina forced her arms back to her sides before meeting Mayuri's gaze. Here she was, the fullbringer in all her glory, tied in a massive ball of knots.
" Ah, much better. I am afraid feeling sorry for yourself won't make the sting any less painful. I take it the beast has already confided in you about the upcoming battle? The question is how much did he reveal? " Mayuri began his interrogation.
" Everything, as far as I know of." Karina answered.
"I see. So it would be Grimmjow who wishes for you to hone your abilities? I have to say, the mere thought he would suggest such a thing should speak for itself." Mayuri added.
Karina's brow furrowed as she turned her body to face Mayuri completely. Looking at the man, all painted up, dressed so strangely; he didn't seem like the type who would smile at the thought of having a wife and children either.
"Was that the first time Grimmjow saw your daughter?" Karina asked.
Mayuri's brow lifted, his knowing gaze peering over his shoulder at her.
"In fact it was. Honestly, I don't think he even knew of Ayumi and I conceiving, it wouldn't be the first time we've received such a reaction." Mayuri answered.
"Somehow I don't think that had anything to do with you and Ayumi." Karina sighed.
"My my…I forget how it is with you humans sometimes. Always so quick to take everything personally." Mayuri countered.
"Do you soul reapers always make a habit of talking in code or is it just you?" Karina challenged him.
Mayuri chuckled, his golden eyes seeming to warm slightly.
"I believe that would depend on which one of us you are speaking to. What tickles me even more is you seem to be able to understand it." Mayuri smiled.
"All that talk about character. You were trying to tell me you didn't plan to hurt me, right?" Karina added.
"Tch. Honestly, Karina, it wouldn't make much sense for me to destroy something so unique as you. Not when you possess such an interesting ability. However, that doesn't mean I don't wish to study you to my hearts content, I promise to make you as comfortable as possible." Mayuri countered.
"By the way; the answer to your earlier thought would be yes, I don't see a reason why it wouldn't be possible." Mayuri added, meeting Karina's gaze.
Karina allowed the side of her lips to lift, she really needed to work on her poker face if she had been that easy to read. Although she had a feeling it wouldn't matter in the presence of such an observant man-So a human and an Espada can conceive after all, and I've already slept with him twice…
" Thank you, Captain."
"Yes, well, the real question you have to ask yourself is whether or not that something should happen, I know I don't have to tell you that just because something is possible means it will have a positive outcome." Mayuri added before giving her his back.
Karina allowed her body to relax even though Mayuri's words probably should have chafed her. In all honesty, she found herself thankful for the wake up call. It was one thing to stand there and daydream about a normal future with Grimmjow, but it didn't change their differences. No, having a child with the Espada would only put her back against the wall and her heart on a silver platter.
"C-Captain Kurotsuchi…" Karina called out.
"Yes, Karina…I can prevent it for the time being..." Mayuri stated.
Grimmjow kicked at the rocks along the pathway as he passed the thick white walls of the Seireitei. His shoulders full of tension as his mind wondered to his next problem. Grimmjow wanted Karina, it was no secret. He planned to take her home with him once this was all over, whether she wanted it or not; but what about the others?
Grimmjow cursed under his breath as the mental image of Karina and Mila Rose getting into an argument over something stupid flashed before his eyes. Not to mention Apache…living with nothing but women had taught Grimmjow enough to know there would be issues. Would the others be jealous of her? Grimmjow let out a snort. Don't see why they would be, it's not like any of them ever tried to claim me.
Grimmjow forced his body to relax, even though he felt restless. Deep down he knew he'd acted like a coward just now, walking away from Karina so abruptly, but the energy in the air had been too much. Is it normal for a woman to think of having kids so early in a relationship? Is what they had even a relationship?
"Fuck…she's got me all tied up…" Grimmjow sighed before making a sharp turn down the pathway.
A part of him was surprised nobody had shown up to walk him out, either they didn't sense his spiritual pressure or they just didn't find him much of a threat anymore. Grimmjow's expression turned dark at the last though. Tch, figures these assholes would be that arrogant, but it doesn't stop them from asking for my help every time something big happens.
Grimmjow shook the thoughts from his head, preparing himself for the questions that would come the minute he returned to Las Noches. Queen Harribel wasn't going to take his wondering off very lightly, she'd jump to the worst conclusions, thinking he'd gone off to cause trouble for her and now he had to deliver the news of war.
"No sense in putting this off…" Grimmjow mumbled as he lifted his right hand, spiking his spiritual pressure.
Within seconds the air around him thickened, a splinter of black ripping a hole through the dimension, creating a portal known as a Garganta. Grimmjow waited, allowing for the rift to grow large enough for him to enter. Just as Grimmjow was about to step forward he felt the energy of someone else standing behind him. Grimmjow's brow lifted as he turned his head, eyeing the man.
"I take it you've been following me the whole time under that hood." Grimmjow asked.
"Well, one can never be too careful." Kisuke answered as he pulled the black cloth from over his head.
"Tch…you and Kurotsuchi are somethin' else. You comin'?" Grimmjow asked.
" Is that an actual invitation I'm hearing?" Kisuke countered, a small smile spreading across his lips.
" Might as well show up with someone else who can back up my story…" Grimmjow explained.
" I like the way you think, Grimmjow." Kisuke smiled as the two of them stepped forward into the black abyss.
Grimmjow snorted, shaking his head; It was strange how things could change, It wasn't too long ago Grimmjow had thought of this man as his enemy, along with the others, but as time moved forward, after the bloodshed of the last war and the close call with the virus, the soul reapers almost felt like something else…the feeling was strange for Grimmjow, but he couldn't shake it…they felt almost like…comrades.
Author's note: Happy New year, Everyone! The last couple months of my 2018 were pretty stressful for me, I really wasn't in the mood to do much and I kind of lost inspiration for a while. This is a shorter chapter, but I guess it's better than nothing. I am currently working on my original novel right now too, so I won't be making any promises of uploading frequently, but I will when the mood strikes me. Thanks for reading!