Disclaimer insert here: I don't own or have ever owned Bleach. Please make sure to buy official releases of Bleach to support further works. Thanks.

All characters belong to their rightful owners, all OC are for entertainment use only. As usual an M rating is for future violence, dismemberments, gore, language, very foul language, and of course lemons will be in, but don't expect a ton of them. Again, enjoy your time here.

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Response to reviews will now be located at the end for this story and any new story from this moment on.

Edited and co-authored by regfurby; please include in your reviews and comments, thanks.

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"Speech"

'Thoughts'

'Memories'

"Hollow Zangetsu"

"Quincy Zangetsu"

XXXX

'Because they would have children of unimaginable power, with Tia-chan's and Ichigo-kun's combined attitudes to match. The world won't know what hit them!'

Cyan Sung-Sun

XXXX

"Retsu, I see you were invited as well." Ukitake Jūshirō remarks to the Squad Four Captain while Kyōraku Shunsui tips his head as the one spoken to enter the formal sitting room that their hosts have provided for them to wait in.

Nodding her head in greeting at her fellow Captains; Unohana Retsu, once known as Yachiru: the first Kenpachi smiles at her two oldest and closest friends as she takes a seat near the white-haired Squad Thirteen Captain. "I could hardly refuse a request from Yūshirō and Yoruichi despite the time of night that they wanted to speak to me. The addition of the Starrks being in attendance also caused my curiosity to peak. Did they tell either of you anything or are you both as in the dark as I am?"

Tipping his Sakkat upwards, Shunsui rubs his stubbled chin while answering. "Not a word as to why they want to see us. It's not every day a member of the Onmitsukidō comes a knocking at two in the morning to relay a message that the head of a Clan, especially the Shihōin-Shiba Clan Head wishes to speak to you in private."

However, before the three Captains can continue their conversation, a maid slides open the shoji to reveal a large hallway that each of the Shinigami knows leads towards the room that is reserved for meetings that include the Elders of the Clan. Once again, the three share a contemplative look before standing to their feet and following the young woman. Retsu eyes the young woman ahead of them, noticing immediately that despite the wooden floor, her feet make no sounds as she leads them towards two paired sliding doors that each have yet another member of the household staff kneeling before the thin-wood screens in wait. Stopping behind their guide, they watch as she halts before the twin doorway and easily sinks to her knees before knocking only once.

"Shihōin-sama, your guests have arrived."

"Enter." After hearing the command, the young woman moves to the side and bowing from her position waves for them to enter the now opening doors.

Once again, the three Captains begin speculating as they enter the room and take notice of numerous individuals already sitting in wait. The first person and sitting directly ahead of them is Shihōin Yūshirō in a gold Kimono that bears both the dark blue crest of the Shihōin Clan and the lighter blue crest of the Shiba Clan. To his right is his younger sister, Shihōin Yoruichi who is also wearing a golden Kimono with the same two crests sewn into the breast. To Yūshirō's left is Coyote Starrk wearing a white Kimono bearing the Royal Crest of the Espada, not the Royal Crest that would have denoted his position as King.

Fon Shaolin sits to her Mother's right, wearing a Kimono of red and yellow with the Fon Clan crest, while her brother, Shiba Isshin wears a forest green Kimono bearing only the Shiba Crest. The last person who sits next to Isshin is a surprise to the three arrivals; Ishida Ryūken of the Quincies, in a pure white Kimono with the Royal Crest of the Quincy Monarchy clearly being displayed. The only other person sitting to the left of Yūshirō is Nelliel Tu Starrk wearing a pink Kimono with the same crest as her husband. Stranger still to the three Captains as they stop before the three cushions obviously set out for them to use is the presence of the Espada and Números who have accompanied the Starrks sitting behind Yūshirō and the other Clan members.

Bowing first to Yūshirō, the three Captains then pay respect to the two groups of Elders sitting on either side of the long room; again, another surprise greets them when they see the Fon Clan Elders are also in attendance. Once they take their seats, Unohana, as the eldest Captain, speaks to Yūshirō.

"Shihōin-sama, we thank you for your hospitality and humbly request to learn as to why you have asked us to come."

The golden-eyed Shinigami waves away the pleasantries. "Now, now Retsu, let's dispense with the formalities. You are among friends. The Elders not only recognize your long service to the Seireitei, but also those of Jūshirō's and Shunsui's." He remarks with a pleasant smile.

With a nod, Retsu drops the polite demeanor. "As you wish Yūshirō. So, may I ask why you have asked for us to meet at such an ungodly hour?" She takes a sip from the cup of tea that had been placed on the small table next her cushion, absently noting its fragrance and slightly herbal taste.

Instead of answering, the Shihōin Clan Head motions to someone in the shadow and a bright yellow barrier suddenly springs up, sealing the room from anyone who would attempt to listen in upon their conversation. Stepping out from those shadows once the barrier is set up is a Kidō master that none have seen in over twenty years: Tsukabishi Tessai, former Commander of the Kidō Korps, and the man credited for the barrier that divides Barragan Louisenbairn's territory from the rest of Hueco Mundo.

"Tessai?" Jūshirō questions in shock as he sees the man taking a seat next to Nelliel. "I thought… we all thought you were dead!"

The tall glasses-wearing man bows apologetically towards them. "I am sorry that we have had to deceive you Ukitake Taichō, but we have good reason as to why I had to fake my death."

Those words make the three Captains visibly agitated; Jūshirō is the first to respond, the hint of anger not missed by any of those listening. "Your reasons had better be worth the deception that I believe everyone in this room is culpable of Tsukabishi-san."

"Oh, they are Ju-san." Yoruichi replies with her usual grin. "What do you remember of Isshin's wife, Masaki?"

The sudden shift in the conversation catches the older Captain off-guard, and he frowns in confusion. "Besides the stories relating to her beauty, kindness and her marriage to Isshin, I only recall her being the personal handmaiden to Hollow Queen Masaki, who shares the same name."

Yoruichi smiles again, and Yūshirō nods at him. "Indeed. The stories even mention that Kurosaki Masaki was given her name by Hollow Queen Masaki herself. However, none of the stories ever mention just how Kurosaki Masaki came to meet Queen Masaki, do they Jūshirō?"

Seeing the increasingly confused expression on the Captain's face, the Shihōin Clan Head turns to the lone Quincy sitting at their table. "Ryūken, you were Kurosaki Masaki's cousin, and you knew her before she married Isshin. Perhaps you could enlighten our guests on what her heritage truly is?"

The three visiting Captains immediately turn to stare at the Quincy, who in turn ignores them and takes a placid sip from his cup of tea. Placing it on the table before him, the Quincy clears his throat before speaking. "Kurosaki Masaki, handmaiden to the Hollow Queen, was not just my cousin; she was the first and only child born to a union between a Quincy and a Hollow."

Outright disbelief meets his words, all three Captains frowning as they visible restrain themselves from giving their initial responses. Unohana Retsu is the first to recover, and the older Captain shakes her head with a deliberate amount of calm. "As amusing as your claim is Ishida-san, it has been a well-documented fact that the blood of a Hollow is poisonous to any Quincy who comes into contact with it. Not only do your words fly in the face of centuries of evidence - evidence which I have personally verified, mind you - I also cannot imagine any scenario where a Quincy and Hollow would even attempt such a union, knowing that such an attempt would involve certain death." She shakes her head once again. "I am sorry, Ishida-san, but your claim simply lacks any credible proof to back you up whatsoever."

Ishida Ryūken simply nods his head in acceptance, saying nothing. Instead, the argument she is expecting from him comes from the one source she least wants to hear it from.

"Oh, but I must disagree with you Unohana Taichō." An all-too familiar male voice speaks up from the side. "It is possible for a Hollow and a Quincy to have a child together. I should know: after all, I was the one who helped them to conceive Kurosaki Masaki."

"... Urahara Kisuke." No one in the room misses the sudden drop in room temperature or the chilly tone in Unohana's voice as her head slowly turns to look at the former Squad Twelve Captain. As one of the Senior Captains, she still remembers the rumors that had once surrounded the eccentric scientist during his tenure with the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, rumors that persist to this day.

"I should have known that you were involved in this matter, Kisuke-kun." Looking the former Captain up and down, she sees that his dress sense has somehow become more outlandish than it used to be. "Pray tell, how did you accomplish this... union?"

Seemingly unheeding of the chilly gaze being directed his way, the former Captain smiles as he fans his face with a paper fan. "Well now, that's a rather interesting story, and it really does take me back to those days. Incidentally, did you know that-"

"Get to the point Kisuke." Shunsui interrupts him, seeing a dangerous tic forming on Retsu's temple. Jūshirō on the other hand doesn't react, simply staring impassively at Kisuke as he waits for an explanation for all this secrecy.

For once, Kisuke complies and shuts his fan with a snap. "Very well. What do you remember of Hollow King Regios and the Plum Wars?"

Jūshirō frowns at this sudden change in topic, but the intense look on Kisuke's face convinces him to go along with it for now. "Regios was the ruler of Hueco Mundo before Queen Masaki took his place, and the Plum Wars took place during his reign. We all know this Kisuke, why do you ask?"

The blonde-haired man nods. "Then, you also remember that I was tasked to assassinate him during one of our raids, and my failure to do so was the reason why I was removed from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads?"

The Senior Captains exchange wary glances, their bodies tensing slightly in preparation for hostilities. Strangely enough, none of the Arrancar in the room are reacting to Kisuke's revelation, which is something that puzzles them greatly.

"... Yes, I do." Jūshirō finally admits, still keeping an eye on the Espada and Números in the room. None of them even bat an eyelid at his admission. "What of it?"

Kisuke sighs and slumps over slightly. "After my 'forced retirement' for the botched raid during the Plum Wars, I found myself in, of all places, Las Noches. It is there that I was recognized by the Espada and forcibly 'escorted' to meet with Hollow King Regios in private." Several snorts and chuckles immediately come from the Espada, and Coyote Starrk elaborates for the three Captains with a brief smile.

"Urahara Kisuke was detected trying to flee our borders, and the Espada were immediately dispatched to subdue and capture him. He put up a surprisingly good fight for someone outnumbered twelve to one, but eventually he was dragged before Regios, bound hand and foot and still fighting to get free of the suppressing shackles on him. I think he broke Ulquiorra's arm, and he definitely broke Grimmjow's nose before we managed to subdue him."

"Lucky shot!" The Sexta Espada barks out angrily at the reminder of his embarrassment, then turns to scowl at his fellow Espada as several of them jeer at him good-naturedly.

"Anyway, as I was saying..." Kisuke gamely ignores the commentary from the Espada and continues to speak. "I was 'escorted' to King Regios so that he could pass judgement on me personally. Considering how close I had come to assassinating him, I had no doubt whatsoever that the judgement would be death... Instead, King Regios had a question for me. He had, ahem, heard of my various experiments regarding the makeup of our bodies and souls, and he wanted me to find ways for Hollows to mate and have children with races other than their own. Do this, he told me, and he would not execute me for my assassination attempt on him."

Taking in the deadpan expressions on the faces of the Senior Captains, Kisuke immediately defends himself. "What? Of course I was interested! Keeping myself alive aside, who wouldn't be intrigued by such a research topic? So, I did what anyone in my position would have done, I accepted!"

"Just... just get on with it, Kisuke." Jūshirō sighs, resisting the urge to facepalm. Beside him, Shunsui has already given in to the urge, and Retsu has adopted her 'serene killer' expression that says Urahara Kisuke had better make this worthwhile or his life is forfeit.

"Fine, fine." Kisuke huffs at them. "Anyway, for the purposes of this research, Regios-sama granted me access to a unique item of power, one that I'm not at liberty to discuss and doesn't matter to this conversation anyway. I won't go into details of the research either, that is on a need-to-know basis, and you don't need to know. What I will say is that King Regios himself was very interested in the research, and he was especially interested in the research between Hollows and Quincy." He pauses here and looks at them expectantly.

Unohana Retsu is the first to get it, her 'serene killer' expression melting away into one of shock. "You don't mean..?"

"Yep." Kisuke nods with a grin. "King Regios was looking for a way to allow Hollows and Quincies to form a union. I only found out why much later, of course... Either way, now that I knew Regios-sama was mainly interested in that particular area, I focused all of my research in that direction. Obviously, there was the well-known problem of Hollow blood being fatally poisonous to all Quincies, and to my immense frustration nothing I tried seemed to work on it at all. In fact, Hollow blood seemed to be less of a poison, and more of a severe allergic reaction on a spiritual level for Quincies that came into contact with it... and it was this discovery that gave me my first clue."

The former Captain grins at them again, his scientist background apparent in his enthusiasm. Despite her deep-seated dislike for him, Unohana Retsu can't help but pay close attention to him while wondering just what he had discovered.

"As we all know, Quincies are the only race that shows such adverse effects upon coming into contact with Hollow blood." He continues to explain, clearly in his element. "What then of the other races? Was it possible that the key to preventing this allergic reaction lay in one of the other races? I focused my research in that direction once more, this time looking specifically for how the soul of each race reacted to the blood of Hollows."

Clearing his throat, he takes a sip of tea before continuing with the story. "Trust me, it was nowhere near as easy as I make it sound; it took me further years of research to even map out the reactions, much less come up with a working solution for this allergy. Fortunately, there was a very unique group of hybrids close at hand..." He casts a not-very discreet look at the Espada, who roll their eyes at him. "... and studying them allowed me to make several breakthroughs and come up with an answer far sooner than I would have had otherwise."

Kisuke pauses for a dramatic moment. "As it turns out, Shinigami souls were found to display the opposite reaction to Hollow blood that Quincy souls do. Unlike Quincy souls which reject the Hollow to the point where they actually develop an allergic reaction to Hollow blood, Shinigami souls seem to... assimilate the spiritual component of Hollow blood, for lack of a better term, and actually grow stronger when exposed to enough contact with Hollow blood. Lacking an actual Shinigami to perform these tests on, I could only speculate on what effect prolonged exposure to Hollow blood would do to a Shinigami, but since we have no records on anything happening despite centuries of war, I can only theorize that whatever effect it has is a fairly minor one at most."

There is another pause, this time to give the Captains the time to digest this somewhat disturbing information. Kisuke himself remembers feeling disturbed on a rather fundamental level when he first discovered this little nugget of information, but accompanying it was an equal amount of excitement. Just imagine the possibilities!

"With that discovery, the solution I came up with was fairly simple. All I needed to do was bind the soul of a Shinigami with the soul of the Quincy, and if done properly, the hybrid soul would no longer be affected by Hollow blood one way or the other. After running some tests to confirm that this was indeed the case..." He blatantly ignores the raised eyebrows asking just what kind of tests he had performed. "...I went to Regios-sama with my findings. Imagine then, my surprise when he asked me to bind a Shinigami soul to the soul of his Quincy lover!"

Naturally, this comes as no surprise to the majority of the listeners, even those who had not known of this before. It was fairly obvious to them that the only reason why Hollow King Regios would take such an interest in Kisuke's Hollow-Quincy research was if it affected him personally. It is just as evident that despite his own claim of surprise, Kisuke was in no way surprised by this turn of events at all.

"So, I'll just skip over the procedure and say that it was very successful. King Regios and his Quincy lover were able to enjoy their union, and in time she bore him a happy, healthy baby girl, one who not only inherited the newly hybrid nature of her mother's soul but also that of her father, the Hollow King Regios himself. As such, Kurosaki Masaki, daughter of Kurosaki Nami - Ryūken's aunt, and Regios - King of Hollows, became the first Quincy, Shinigami and Hollow hybrid being to grace our world, and on her ascension to the throne years later became the most beloved and most powerful ruler of Hueco Mundo to have ever lived, at least until her untimely death at the hands of mysterious assassins whom we are still searching for. The End."

Smiling at their poleaxed expressions, the former Captain visibly preens in the aftermath of the various bombshells he had dropped on them.

"W-Wait, you mean Kurosaki Masaki was Quee-"

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Kisuke gleefully interrupts Jūshirō's question. "While Kurosaki Masaki was the first such unique hybrid, it seems to have become truly hereditary: all three of her children bear the same traits that she does, so we can look forward to having a long future line of Shinigami, Hollow and Quincy-"

"Enough, Kisuke." Retsu's frosty voice cuts off the former Captain. Rubbing her temples exasperatedly, the senior Captain puts her thoughts in order before glancing at her fellow Captains, both of whom still look to be recovering from their shock. Shaking her head in slight dismay, she turns to face Shihōin Yūshirō who has been quietly observing them all this while.

"I take it that Kurosaki Masaki was actually Queen Masaki in disguise?" Seeing the retired assassin nod in confirmation, she continues with a sigh. "I'm surprised that no one figured it out, but no matter. What is important now is Ichigo-kun and his siblings... if their mother is Queen Masaki, and Coyote-san and Nelliel-san have been holding the throne all this time as Regents..." Despite her many years of experience, she feels herself pale slightly at the implications of this statement and she knows her fellow Captains are feeling the exact same way. "... That would make Kurosaki Ichigo..."

Yūshirō nods, confirming her unspoken question. "Yes. Ichigo, if he decides to pursue the throne of Hueco Mundo, can become the next King of the Hollows by right of his blood, and his younger sisters will become Princesses to the throne. Which is why we asked for the three of you to come tonight. We need your help in figuring out a way for Ichigo to leave Seireitei without revealing who he is. I don't think any of us here need to tell you how many of the older Noble Clans have reacted to the presence of the Hollows, do we?" The Shihōin Clan Head inquires of his guests.

Shaking his head in shocked disbelief, Shunsui takes an automatic swig from the cup placed before of him and nearly blanches at the unexpected taste of tea. Taking a moment to reorder his thoughts, he finally asks after a brief moment of contemplation. "Why? Why us, Yūshirō?"

Nelliel speaks up, her voice warm like the gentle rain. "Isn't it obvious why Kyōraku-san? If Ichigo successfully takes over the throne, the peace treaty will never fail. Isshin has kept my husband and I informed over the years of everything Ichigo has done since he came here to begin his training. Time and again, he has demonstrated that Masaki-sama aptly named him when she first set her eyes on him. He was born to protect, and the stories we have heard over the years do indeed bear out that truth, do they not?"

Frowning, Shunsui's eyes flicker over to his best friend. "Ju, what do you think?"

"Before I can decide, I want to know everything, starting from the very beginning." The Squad Thirteen Captain remarks while sternly looking over those assembled before him. Beside him, Unohana graces them with a serene yet deadly smile.

"As do I. Make no mistake, if I think for one second that you are plotting against the Seireitei, I will end all of you." The Squad Four Captain states calmly and evenly. Surprisingly, the sole Quincy in the room is the first one to respond to her threat.

"Agreed Unohana-san. Since I was there at the beginning, I must start with the civil war that erupted in Silbern nearly two-hundred and fifty years ago that forced the Ishida, Kurosaki and Katagiri Clans to flee the Capital, then slowly migrate to Hueco Mundo and eventually Soul Society…" Ryūken begins.

XXXX

Brown orbs snap open when he hears a loud woman's voice from the hallway outside of his room interrupting his sleep. Twisting out of the tanned arms that are wrapped tight around his chest, Ichigo slips out of his bed and silently moves to his door and swings it open and growls at the three women causing a commotion outside of his room.

"If you wake up Tia, so help me, I will skin the three of you alive."

Mila-Rose smacks him in the forehead as she moves past him into the bedroom. "Shut it Strawberry, we're Tia's Fracción, not yours. Besides, you need to get up and get ready for your date today with your wife, moron. If you slept anymore, you wouldn't be getting to that lake until the sun was dipping down. Now get out so we can get her ready. Your clothes are in your sisters' room."

Apacci and Sung-Sun smirk at the gaping Shinigami as they move past him, the lavender eyed Arrancar closing the door behind her with a loud bang. He only moves when he hears Tia beginning to shout out her objections before Mila-Rose's voice shuts her down with the same comments. Shaking his head at what he has to look forward to when he finally gets to Hueco Mundo, he can only hope that they have a strong and steady supply of sake or else he feels like he would sooner or later commit Fracciónicide. Moving away from his shouting wife and her Fracción, Ichigo finds the door to his sisters' room open, but he still knocks on the doorframe and waits until he hears Yuzu yelling out to him.

"Ichi-nii, your clothes are on my bed, Oba-san said to use the bathroom down the hallway. I'm making you and Tia-nee a picnic lunch, so don't worry about that. Just be down for breakfast in thirty okay!"

"Thanks Yuzu. I'll be down when I'm done." He calls back as he takes his change of clothing off the bed.

Walking into the largest of the guest bathrooms, Ichigo sees Grimmjow, Nnoitra, and Tesla already soaking in several of the heated baths with several of the serving maids blushing and giggling as they move about the tubs. Sighing, he moves towards one of the three shower stalls so he can wash in peace.

"Oi, Ichigo, too shy to take a bath with us?" The eye-patch wearing Espada calls out.

Shaking his head, Ichigo motions towards the stall. "Nope, taking a shower so I can get ready quicker."

"Shower, what the hell is that?" Tesla asks before a servant begins pouring heated water over his head.

"Kisuke invented them a few years back. He uses Kidō to force hot and cold water up through a series of pipes that you can then adjust at the same time to get the desired temperature of your liking. It comes out at the ceiling from a capped pipe with holes in it; basically it's like cleaning yourself with rain coming down on you. It's also quicker as you don't need to wait for a whole tub to heat up or need someone to fill them for you. But, seeing you guys right now, I don't think you mind." Ichigo smirks at seeing several of the women giving the Arrancars knowing grins.

After stepping into his stall and closing the door, Ichigo strips down and moves to stand in front of the shower then turns the two handles until the water is at the right temperature. He is about to get under the falling water when the door to his stall slams open and Grimmjow walks in with a towel wrapped around his waist.

"What the fuck are you doing!?" Ichigo snaps out as he snatches a towel from the wooden bench.

The blue-haired Arrancar gives him a quizzical look before he points at the falling water. "I wanted to see how it works you moron! What did you think I was doing, trying to sneak a peek at you? In case you don't remember punk, I did change a few of your diapers when you were a pup fresh out of your Mom's womb."

"Not that you ass! That!" Ichigo points behind the Arrancar at the open door to his bathroom stall. "Did you forget about last night already!? Or are you trying to get me killed!?"

"What?" Grimmjow turns around and notices a few of the maids trying not to look into the room. "Oh shit! Sorry about that! I really don't need those three hags blaming me for anything that upsets their mistress."

"Thanks for reminding me." Ichigo huffs out as he throws his towel onto the bench then steps under the water after the Arrancar closes the stall door. "Where is D-roy and the others by the way, I didn't see any of them with you."

Grimmjow pushes the stacked clothes on the bench to one side before sitting down. "Down south, Barragan's Hollows have been testing our defenses the last few weeks, so I sent my boys down with Luppi Antenor to help reinforce the border until I can get there after we leave. You could always go with me if you want, I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to see how well you wield those dual blades of yours."

"You'll see soon enough tomorrow Grimmjow. I have to practice my Bankai, so if you want to join me and Tia, you can." Ichigo remarks as he pours shampoo into his hand.

The blue-haired Espada leans back against the wall. "I thought that shit was supposed to be private with you Shinigami."

"Normally it is, but like you said, you guys have been watching over me for years. Besides, I want to see your Resurrección again to see if I need to improve my Shunpō still." Ichigo remarks as he begins washing his hair.

"Sure, maybe we'll get a few hours of sparring in. I'm pretty sure you're dying to see Tia-hime's Resurrección." Grimmjow comments with deliberate nonchalance.

Ichigo pauses then gulps before turning to look at the smirking Espada. "She-she's got her Resurrección?"

"She didn't tell you? Oh man, are you in trouble!" Grimmjow stands up while laughing and begins to leave, but pauses at the closed door. "If I were you, I'd make sure she isn't pissed at you for any reason kid."

"Ass." Ichigo mutters as the blue-haired Arrancar steps out of the stall, leaving the door wide open. "Close the damn door!"

XXXX

Tia stands before the mirror looking at the clothes that Yuzu had brought to her after she had finished her bath. Twisting side to side, the blonde finds the clothes she is wearing to be acceptable and comfortable. The bottoms consisting of a strange combination of a skirt and pants that stop just before the top of her knees, the blouse is white and billowy across her chest and down her arms, leaving her plenty of room to maneuver if she has to fight, which she is always ready to do as a member of the Espada. Nodding her approval, she sees Yuzu's hopeful face watching hers in the reflection of the mirror and gives her a heartfelt smile.

"These will do nicely Yuzu. Thank you."

The light-haired twin smiles at her in return. "I'm glad. Apacci-san and Sung-Sun-san helped me pick them out this morning; they said you hate tight clothing. It's the opposite of Ichi-nii's tastes; he always wears the tightest of clothes for some reason."

"He does?" Tia shifts her head so she can speak to her new sister-in-law easier. "Why?"

Yuzu answers with a confused expression. "Something to do with his Zanpakutō, I don't know anything else. Maybe you'll find out tomorrow when you watch him practice."

"Perhaps. So, can I ask what you made us for lunch?" The blonde asks curiously.

"Some of the more traditional dishes that we eat for lunch. I did include a few of your favorites too, like Nikuman and Onigiri filled with Umeboshi." Yuzu lists off.

Tia's eyes widen appreciatively, and then she blushes a bit as she feels her stomach rumble its approval. "Thank you Imouto."

Yuzu gives her a quick hug and a happy smile. "You're welcome Aneki!"

The door opens slightly to allow Karin to peek inside her brother's room. Seeing that Tia is dressed, she opens the door completely and jerks her head to the hallway. "You best get down there Tia-nee, Ichigo is liable to kill Goat-chin soon if he doesn't stop his babbling about wanting grandkids soon."

The current Third Espada's eyes widen in fear and remembrance as she starts walking out of the room. "Does he really still do that?"

Karin and Yuzu both shudder in disgust, the darker-haired twin snarling as she answers. "Practically every day he whines about it, in between his usual rants about training Ichigo. Even when we threaten to bury him alive, he just won't stop. There is no way in hell I'm getting pregnant at sixteen just to make him happy! I'd rather neuter any fool who thinks I'm gonna give it up just to give that moronic jackass a grandkid!"

Yuzu agrees wholeheartedly with her sister. "I'm not ready for that either! I haven't even gone to the Shinōreijutsuin to become a Shinigami!"

Yoruichi suddenly appears behind Karin, causing the younger woman to flinch in surprise at her grandmother. "What's wrong kids?" The older woman asks them quizzically.

"Goat-chin is downstairs whining to Ichi-nii about grandkids again." Yuzu replies with some heat in her voice.

Golden eyes widen then narrow again, before a smirk crosses her face and the purple-haired Shinigami disappears from sight. A few moments later, shouts of pain start drifting up from downstairs for the three sisters to hear. Karin smirks as she starts walking ahead of her twin and sister-in-law.

"Hurry up; I want to see what's happening... Yoruichi-Sobo really knows how to shut the old man up nicely." She cheers enthusiastically.

"I agree Karin. Let's go Aneki!" Yuzu says as she pulls Tia along, both of them following Karin downstairs and into the main dining room.

Looking around, Tia finds her parents quickly and goes over to them, giving each of them a kiss on their cheeks before moving towards her scowling husband who is holding his father's head in a vice-like grip.

"Dammit! Just for once Goat-chin, I'd like to eat my breakfast in peace and quiet without hearing your bitching about grandkids!" He finishes his tirade by flipping the older male backwards into the nearest wall.

Ignoring the crash produced by the Shiba male, Tia quickly moves into the space now vacated by the semi-conscious Isshin and gives Ichigo a peck on his cheek. "Good morning Ichigo."

"Morning." Ichigo replies back as he gives his wife a kiss in return. "Did you sleep okay?"

"I did until they showed up." The blonde says while glaring at her unrepentant looking Fracción.

"Tell me about it." Ichigo adds as he sends Mila-Rose his own heated glare, the Amazonian Arrancar smiling back at him in amusement.

Escorting Tia to the dining table, Ichigo thanks the young woman who places their plates of food in front of them and is about to start eating when another servant rushes into the room and kneels next to Yūshirō, whispering urgently into the Clan Head's ear. Ichigo and the others who are eating at the table pause when the golden-eyed man lets out a rarely heard curse loud enough for the entire table to hear. Standing abruptly to his feet, the Shihōin looks angrily at his counter-part, though it is clear that his anger is directed not towards them but towards someone else.

"We have an unexpected guest wishing to speak to you Coyote, both you and Nelliel." His voice is clipped and to the point, showing his unhappiness at the interruption. "Please follow me."

The semi-relaxed Primera and his wife share a perplexed look before getting to their feet, the teal-haired Segundo frowning as she slips her arms through that of her mate's and both of them following behind the clearly agitated head of the Shihōin-Shiba Clan.

Once the three of them have left the room, their Reiatsu signatures heading towards the reception room for guests, Ichigo shares a guarded look with his grandmother and aunt. Each of them wondering what has gotten the usually composed Yūshirō so easily upset.

XXXX

Nelliel and Coyote are unable to conceal their frowns when they are informed by Yūshirō as to who the visitor is and why he has requested to see them. The moment they enter the reception room however, the two Espada swiftly mask their emotions as they see the Captain of Squad Five sitting in one of the few chairs placed in the room and calmly sipping at his tea while his Lieutenant stands nervously next to him. Dismissing the Lieutenant as a threat after a brief glance, they stop halfway into the room, instantly spotting and disliking the 'benevolent' smile that seems a permanent fixture on the face of the Captain who is waiting for them: Aizen Sōsuke, the last member of the Aizen Clan and by all accounts a man who is earmarked for greatness. Neither Espada react when the man doesn't bother to do more than give them a polite nod from his seated position.

As the silence drags on and the Lieutenant grows visibly agitated, Nelliel decides to end this facade of civil propriety and get straight to the point. "The answer is no Aizen-san, I and my husband will not entertain the notion of an arranged marriage between our two families." She declares bluntly.

Coyote and Yūshirō both feign indifference at seeing the smile slip slightly from the brown-haired Captain's face, and he finally puts down his cup and stands to his feet.

"I believe that my offer will benefit our two races and help the peace treaty succeed, Starrk-san, especially if there is a marriage between two noble Clans such as ours. I do admit that as the last of my line who is able to father children, I am in need of a strong woman to rule at my side and to bear my Clan much needed heirs. Your Musume would be a more than acceptable choice that my Clan could agree upon after the treaty is signed." Sōsuke explains pleasantly, but the two Hollows standing before him can tell that his smile never quite reaches his eyes.

Coyote gently takes his wife's hand when he feels her Reiatsu beginning to leak angrily, before turning to speak to the Captain. "What I believe my wife should have mentioned first, Aizen-san, is that our daughter has already accepted an offer of marriage from a Hollow who is to be raised a member of the Espada. Unfortunately, he couldn't join us for the trip here due to his duties."

Sōsuke's eyes glint behind his glasses. "Oh. Shiba Fukutaichō must be very disappointed by the news. I was certain he had feelings for your Musume, romantic feelings from the rumors I have heard mentioned." He remarks blandly, pleasant smile never once fading despite his provocative words.

Yūshirō decides that it is best for him to step in and nip this conversation in the bud. "Ichigo is very aware of his best friend's impending nuptials; as such he is taking his duties very seriously in guarding her life until she leaves for home. Now that you are aware of the situation Aizen-san, I do believe your business here is concluded, yes?"

"I see." The brown-haired Captain remarks with what appears to be true surprise. "Then the rumors that I have also heard about your nephew refusing the Kuchiki's offer of marriage are also nothing more than an act of misdirection, Yūshirō-san?"

The golden-eyed assassin gives him a flat look. "Ichigo has never had any feelings for Rukia-hime, that is no rumor, but you already know that Sōsuke-san." His tone hardens slightly. "As I said earlier, your business here is done. We will see you at the signing of the treaty Aizen-dono; good day to you, and to you Hinamori Fukutaichō."

To their annoyance and the growing discomfit of his Lieutenant, Aizen persists in asking one last time. "Is there truly nothing I could offer that would change your minds?"

This time, Nelliel turns her back on the Captain before answering him. "Nothing. I will advise you to leave both my daughters alone Aizen-san; if I hear of you meddling in their private affairs, I will not hesitate to take offense to your actions. There is nothing more we have to say. As our gracious host has already stated, good day to you."

Both Yūshirō and Coyote watch as the Captain's lips twist into a frown before he catches himself and slips his smile back into place. Nodding to the two men still facing him, he leaves without uttering another word, and Hinamori hurriedly bows to them before running after her superior. When they are sure the two Shinigami have left the house, Yūshirō turns to a corner of the room.

"So, what do you think he is after… Hirako Taichō?"

Nelliel barely reacts when the former Squad Five Captain steps out from behind a concealment Kidō, one that she recognizes is meant to render the wielder all but invisible at the cost of being unable to move. The long-haired blonde simply shrugs his shoulders, but there is a coldly calculative look in his eyes. "If I had to guess, he is after 'it' I suppose." Hirako Shinji drawls out in his usual lazy voice.

"That is what I was afraid of as well." Kisuke remarks as he joins the four of them in the room, continuing to monitor Aizen's departure from the Shihōin territory through the use of his surveillance devices. "Though, he is going to be severely disappointed when he learns of where 'it' already is. Masaki was a very cunning Queen, she must have known as we now do suspect who was targeting her, and why."

Frowns grow on all their faces; the implication of his statement is not missed on any of them.

"Just what we needed, another reason for Ichigo to hate that man..." Yūshirō sighs. "We'll keep this between us until we are sure of his treason, agreed?" The golden-eyed assassin remarks as he turns back to the dining room, beckoning for his guests to join him.

Three voices acknowledge their consent, while the fourth just narrows her eyes.

XXXX

After spending nearly an hour needed to travel to the place Ichigo had said would take her breath away, Tia is pleased to see that he had not disappointed her in the slightest, standing near the edge of one of the two great cliff walls that buffer the crystal clear lake below her and giving her a magnificent view of both the lake and the surrounding countryside. Turning to see Ichigo also staring down at the water with a large smile adorning his face, she admits to herself that her new husband has done his best to keep his word to her when they had first started out after breakfast. Taking his hand into hers, she points down at the empty but familiar looking shoreline.

"Is that sand from a beach Ichigo?" The blonde asks excitedly.

Ichigo nods as he begins to guide his wife down a secluded pathway. "Yeah, believe it or not, Ganju has a real eye for property. He searched for and found this place after hearing the stories and rumors describing this lake that was once the property belonging to an old Clan that died out several centuries ago. The moment he and his men found it, he procured it after verifying that no one had or could claim this land and began making landscaping changes soon afterwards. The first thing he did was to clear out the two wooded areas that make up half of the shoreline by removing the trees out for the fifty meters and then had tons of sand imported from down south from the outer Rukongai districts that are from the sea that separate us from Louisenbairn's land. Urahara then used some special Kidō to ensure that no vegetation could take root and ruin the new shorelines."

"I can see why you said we wouldn't be disturbed." Tia says as she and Ichigo finally reach the bottom of the pathway closest to the shiny white sand.

Ichigo pauses before lifting his right foot and removing his Zori; he lifts his arm towards Tia so she can use him to keep her balance as she lifts her feet and removes her sandals as well. The moment her first bare foot touches the sand the lies under the shade of several trees however, she immediately comments loudly in surprise.

"It's warm! Why is it so warm Ichigo?"

He smiles as he pulls off his second Zori and remarks to her. "More mysterious Kidō. Ganju said that even in the harshest of winters, this place will always be warm and inviting. There are several barriers and seals keeping this place comfortable for year round use, most of it of Ganju's and Kisuke's design. Eventually, he plans on retiring and designing places like this when someone can replace him as Kūkaku's assistant in creating our trademark fireworks, which you'll get to see again the night that the treaty is signed."

Tia smiles as she remembers the first time she had seen a Shiba Clan fireworks display. It had been when she and Lilynette had been entrusted to the Shihōin-Shiba Clan while her parents had taken most of Hueco Mundo's forces down south to engage in a long drawn out campaign to exterminate as much of her distant relative's armies - the so-called 'King of the Hollows' that Barragan had begun calling himself after Queen Masaki's death – as possible. Her smile grows though as the memory of those brilliant lights and loud thunderous booms reverberating through her as she sat next to Ichigo holding onto a giggling Karin when she was only four surfaces in her mind.

"What are you thinking about Tia?" Ichigo's voice brings her out of her reminiscing.

Lifting her eyes to stare into the brown orbs of her husband, she answers him. "I was thinking of the time I saw Aunt Kūkaku and Uncle Ganju's fireworks for the first time during the summer solstice. It was so beautiful and loud, I hope that when I see them again they are everything I remember."

"Well I can assure you that you won't be disappointed by what they have been planning for the night of the treaty signing." Her husband says as he leads her to a small cabin she had failed to see from the cliff side as it is hidden by low hanging branches of the trees surrounding it that disguise the structure. "We can eat lunch in here or on the beach, which ever you like better."

"Beach." She quips back as Ichigo opens the door to the cabin and holds it open so she can enter first.

When she steps inside and allows her eyes to adjust, she takes stock of the interior and notices that it is one open room. A large bed near the back wall occupies one corner of the room opposite of a small kitchenette that has only a small stove and counter lining it. The next pieces of furniture she sees are a small sitting couch and a low table that allows those who would sit there to view the lake outside, along with a table and two chairs for eating. The last thing that catches her eyes is a large bookcase filled with hundreds of books.

"Have you read any of them Ichigo?" Tia inquires as she moves towards the bookcase.

"All of them. The books have been added over the years by the Clan when they come here to get away from their duties. My favorites are the poems and novels that depict a simpler world that has no Shinigami, Hollows, or Quincy. Fiction but entertaining to think that such a world could exist." Ichigo says as he places the lunch Yuzu made on the kitchen counter.

Tia can only nod as she looks over the writing down the spine of the book she is currently looking at, her fingers tracing the raised lettering of the title, a title she if very familiar with. Smiling, she pulls the book of children tales out and opens the cover, then gasps as she begins reading the handwritten note she found inside.

'Ichigo,

For the day you become an Otou-san I hope this collection of fairy tales that I once read to you and Tia bring them the same wondrous looks the both of you gave me when I first read them to you.

Love Always,

Masaki.'

"It makes sense now that I know about what she wanted for me and you. Goat-chin would never answer me when I asked him about what that note meant; jackass that he is, he must have been laughing at me the entire time knowing that our families had arranged our marriage before we were even one years old and knew we would… fall in love as we did." Ichigo says when he comes to stand next to Tia. "How she ever knew is a mystery to me, but I'm glad that she did, and I hope that her dream will come true one day."

Tia's eyes widen and a blush forms on her face after hearing the implications of Ichigo's words. Turning until she is facing the man she has joined her soul to, she closes the book and looks him in his eyes.

"You want children?" She asks, her heart begin to beat faster as she waits for his answer.

He lowers his head until their foreheads are touching, his hand covering the one holding the book of fairy tales. "I do want children Tia, several if my wife is willing."

Her face turns an even brighter shade of red, but she refuses to look away from his warm brown eyes. "She is, when the time is right. Can my husband wait?"

Giving her a light kiss on the forehead, Ichigo answers her with a smile. "I can, I don't think either of us are ready yet, regardless of how much Tou-chan will complain if you don't start 'popping them out'." He gives a chuckle that is shared by his soulmate as she wraps her arms around his back.

"Well, how about we start with some basics before we go swimming, Otto?" Tia whispers huskily as her lips begin to close with his.

"I think that is a great idea… Tsuma."

XXXX

Hitsugaya Tōshirō closes his eyes for the umpteenth time again as he stands behind the cause of his current discomfort: Kuchiki Rukia, who sips her tea and smiles at the three women sitting across the table from them. He honestly wants nothing to do with her outside of his official duties as her escort during the days leading to the formal signing of the peace treaty with the Hollows, but when she strode into his office this morning and threw out his Lieutenant, he already knew saying no was not going to be an option. When she told him where he was going to escort her so she could speak to certain individuals however, he seriously began to wonder if he had committed some great offence against his deceased ancestors and this was to be his punishment for not asking their forgiveness. Opening his eyes again, he shivers as he stares at the woman sitting in the center between the two other women his charge is meeting with.

Dark-skinned hands with fingers interwoven together holds up the equally dark head of royal purple hair with narrowed cat-like eyes, the twin golden orbs balefully staring painful death at the uncaring raven-haired princess of the Kuchiki Clan who had asked, no, demanded to spend the day with the blonde-haired daughter of the Hollow Queen.

'As noble daughters, daughters of Royalty no less, we should be seen together by the populace to show our commitment to the peace between Hollows and Shinigami, don't you agree Shihōin-san?'

Silence had reigned in the room after those outrageous words were spoken by the last person anyone would expect to make such a statement, to one of Soul Society's greatest Onmitsukidō commanders, to her successor and daughter who is sitting on her right trying to hide in vain the disbelief and outrage in her eyes, and to the mother of the other princess in question sitting on her left with a calculative frown on her face for reasons Hitsugaya cannot even begin to fathom. Deciding that he really needs to extricate himself and his charge before her big mouth gets her in more trouble, Hitsugaya begins to think of a reason for them to leave, but he is informed that he is way too late to even try by Yoruichi suddenly speaking up.

"I won't waste my time being tactful with you Rukia-chan." Turquoise eyes snap open wide at the diminutive honorific assigned to the possible future Soul Queen by Ichigo's grandmother as she presses forward without hesitating. "There is absolutely no reason for you to be seen with Tia or Lilynette after we witnessed your open hatred towards them during the greeting ceremony and during lunch. Whatever it is you are seeking to accomplish, don't. I mean it; don't even think of interfering with Ichigo's limited time with his best friend before she has to depart for Hueco Mundo."

The Squad Ten Captain shifts uncomfortably on his cushion, unsure of how to react to what he has just heard, but his fellow Captain comes to his aid unknowingly as she speaks up from her mother's side.

"I am also making it a direct order Kuchiki; as your superior and as Shiba Fukutaichō's superior, Shiba Fukutaichō also being a member of the Onmitsukidō and I his direct Commander until this assignment is over, my order is as follows: you are not to approach the Starrk children unless they are in danger of being assaulted. Do I need to visit your Ryoushin or the Sōtaichō to make my orders clear?"

Suì-Fēng's aura of command is such that Hitsugaya isn't surprised when he hears Rukia stuttering in turn. "N-no Suì-Fēng Taichō, I-I understand. I will not bother either of the Starrk's. I-I think I should return to my Squad now. Thank you for seeing me."

Standing up with Rukia, he gives the three women a polite bow before turning to follow after the rapidly departing Kuchiki; he is stopped however by the last woman who only calls out to him at this moment.

"Hitsugaya Tōshirō, I am asking that you keep Kuchiki Rukia under control for her own safety. Unlike Shinigami, we Hollows are still sometimes ruled by our basic instincts if we feel threatened or when someone we care for is threatened; do I need to clarify my words to you, Prodigy of the Shinōreijutsuin?"

Wincing slightly at the title he dislikes using, Tōshirō glances over his shoulder and nods his head once in answer before leaving behind the combined angry and disappointed stares of the women. As he trails behind the Kuchiki who Shunpōs directly towards to her father's division, only one thought crosses his mind: the woman in front of him had come the closest to finding out firsthand why no one dares to tangle with the Clan of assassins which has produced not just one, but over a dozen Shinigami who could kill you with no one being able to place the blame at their feet.

XXXX

"What are you doing to me Tia...?" Ichigo breathing hitches again as his wife forces a minute amount of her Reiatsu into his body.

The blonde smirks at seeing the blissful expression of her mate as his lips part in ecstasy. "Giving you a glimpse of what you and I will share once we are in Hueco Mundo and no longer have to hide our relationship. I can't fully mark you because your Shinigami friends would feel the infusion; right now all they will discern is my Reiatsu mingling with yours because we have spent so much time together."

She lays her head down over his beating heart and closes her eyes as her childhood memories flood her mind of the same feelings she felt when they were younger. A thought enters her mind and twisting her head until she can look him in his eyes, she asks her question.

"When do you think you fell in love with me Ichigo?"

Brown orbs slowly reveal themselves as he opens his lidded eyes and gazes down at her, his answer causing her heart to skip a beat. "I think I've always been in love with you since I could remember Tia. I didn't know what it was until I asked Okaa-san why I always felt sad when you went home. She told me that I had given you a piece of my heart so you could always find your way back to me whenever we were separated. It wasn't until I confessed to you behind the shed that day that I finally understood what she had meant, that I loved you and only you could make me complete."

She doesn't react as his hand cups her cheek and his thumb brushes aside the salty liquid gliding down the side of her face. "Kaa-chan once said our dreams were our deepest desires wanting to become true, I guess she was right about that as my deepest desire did come true. I get to spend the rest of my life with you, and only you."

His eyes widen when Tia begins to growl lowly and her hands tighten their hold on him. "You are making it so damn difficult for me not to rip your clothes off right now and mark you fully as mine... and I will if you keep on talking. So, I think we should stop this right now and go swimming." She takes a deep breath and reins in her impulses, finally giving him a coy smile. "I promise, you'll enjoy the view."

Ichigo swallows hard at the lidded gaze his wife is sending him. "Okay…"

Tia smirks at his bewilderment, and then she stands firsts and easily pulls him to his feet before closing the gap between their bodies. "Don't look away Ichigo; I want to see your expression when I undress."

She places a single finger on his lips when it looks like he is about to protest. "First, I am already wearing my bathing suit. Second, you are my mate, my husband Ichigo, and we talked about this already, we aren't ready to do anything like that right now. However, it doesn't mean we can't get used to seeing each other in only our skins, does it?"

He swallows again before answering slowly. "No, I guess not."

Smiling, Tia steps back and begins to take her white blouse off; as she slowly unbuttons her top to reveal the white top of her two piece swimming suit, she feels a sudden heat building in her lower regions as she sees the looks of desire her husband is giving her as he gazes upon her tanned flesh. Taking off and folding her shirt quickly, she motions for him to undress as well, and when he removes his top, she takes notices of several faint scars marring his upper torso.

"Get too cocky in your training husband?" She teases him as her hands reach for her skirt.

Ichigo snorts once before grinning at his wife. "Onmitsukidō training. It was the price I had to pay when I couldn't keep my Reiatsu contained. I swear Shaolin Oba-san took great pleasure in reminding me when I failed to keep myself hidden during those first few months; nothing motivates you better than Suzumebachi slicing your skin apart. I left them there as a memento, why, do you like them?"

"Perhaps…" Privately, she thinks the scars give him even more character. She begins to shimmy her bottoms off, and a bubble of laughter escapes her when Ichigo nearly stumbles over his pants as he sees the other half of her swimming suit. "Do you like?"

"Yessss." He hisses out as his eyes hungrily take in the sight before him.

"Good, because you will only ever see me wearing this when we are alone... or perhaps nothing at all someday soon."

This time, Ichigo does trip and manages to fall on his face. "Dammit Tia, you'll find yourself pinned to the floor if you keep on saying things like that. I swear, you must have taken lessons from Yoruichi Sobo and Kūkaku-nee." He grumbles.

"Strange you should say that Ichigo..." She wonders out loud, and then grins when she sees Ichigo staring back at her in horror.

"No." He whispers with a look of denial.

"Yes. And my Fracción even had a number of suggestions for future use that I will share with you when the time comes. But I want to go swimming now, so get your butt off the floor and come with me Ichigo."

Ichigo grumbles a bit as he stands to his feet. "Are you going to be this bossy in our marriage Tia?" He mock-complains.

Grinning at him, Tia loops her arms around his. "Perhaps, so you better get used to it."

XXXX

Tia snuggles closer to her mate as they float in the middle of the artificially heated lake, resting upon a strange flotation device she had never seen before. She and Ichigo had swum for over an hour before she wanted to take a short break and eat the lunch her younger sister-in-law had made them. When she asked where they should place their linens to sit on, he had asked if she wanted to laze about in the lake without having to use any energy. Intrigued, she agreed that it sounded like a good idea and wondered how he was going to achieve this goal. He had disappeared behind the small cottage, only to reappear a few minutes later carrying a strange chair with two cylindrical pods attached to either side. When he set in the water, she couldn't hide her surprise at seeing it float, doubly so when he nimbly hopped on and motioned for her to join him. Once she was sitting next to him, he wrapped one arm around her waist and then used the other to paddle them out into the middle of the lake - or tried to at least, since paddling with just one hand only caused their chair to spin about in lazy circles rather than go anywhere else. Stifling her giggles at his frustrated look, she had helped him paddle with her other hand, and together they had moved the chair to the center of the lake where they continued to drift since then, enjoying the warm sunshine and gentle breeze swirling around the lake.

Her thoughts are interrupted when she hears soft snores coming from Ichigo, the faint rumble being felt by her head as it rests on his chest. Smiling, she runs her hand down his cheek just as she used to do when he would fall asleep on her lap. Blushing when she remembers where his head used to lie on when he used her to take his naps after they swam in the pond near his family's main estate near the border with Hueco Mundo. Shifting her weight, she notices his eyes opening slightly before they latch onto her emerald orbs.

"Hey, how long have I been sleeping for?" He asks while pulling her body closer to his.

Burying her face against his chest, she answers. "Not long I think. You looked so peaceful I didn't want to wake you yet."

Feeling his head shifting on top of hers, she hears him sigh softly before he nuzzles his chin into her now sun-dried blonde locks. "We really should think about eating soon, I don't want to go home with any food left over after all the work Yuzu put into making it for us today."

Tia hums as she nods against his chest. "I don't want my new sister-in-law mad at me either, not after she made some of my favorite foods specially for today. So, row already, or whatever it is you want to do to get us back to shore Ichigo."

Ichigo doesn't respond; feeling curious and glancing up to see the unexpected smirk forming on her husband's lips, she immediately knows she has made a mistake. "No! Don't you…!"

XXXX

One elegant eyebrow lifts in amusement at the childish antics of the teens, the former Espada of Despair chuckling silently to himself, as he remains vigilant for threats that would pose any form of danger to his two young charges. "How I wish you were here, your Majesty... You would be so proud of the young man Ichigo has become." He closes his eyes in silent remembrance. "This... This is why you saved me that day, isn't it... Masaki-sama?"

XXXX

AN: While short, I do hope this holds you over for a while. I am working on Naberius Heir and the Waters of Life next, so it might be a few months before both chapters are posted as I might revert to larger chapters for both as I have too much to cover since their last updates, most of you might be agreeable to that, so see you in the new year.

Once again, thanks to Kiwifan7 and regfurby for their insight and ideas.

Response to Reviews Corner:

None for now.

Translations List

Honorifics

-san (さん) : Used to address people with a generic level of respect (equivalent to Mr/Mrs/Ms)

-sama (様) : Used to address people with a higher level of respect (equivalent to Master/Madam)

-chan (ちゃん) : Used to address people with familiarity (usually females)

-kun (君) : Used to address people with familiarity (usually males)

-dono (どの): Used to address people with great respect (equivalent to Lord/Lady)

-ue (上) : Used to address one's parents with great respect

Addressing people by their family name without honorifics can be seen as disrespectful.

Addressing people by their given name without honorifics implies a high degree of familiarity.

People may not always use the same honorific when addressing the same person; it depends on the situation and what they are feeling at the moment.

Special

-tachi (たち) : Used as a suffix to refer to a group

Family Titles

Chichi (父) / Otō (お父) : Father, usually addressed as Chichi-ue or Otō-san/sama (also written as Otou)

Haha (母) / Okā (お母) : Mother, usually addressed as Haha-ue or Okā-san/sama (also written as Okaa)

Ani (兄) / Onī (お兄) : Older Brother, usually addressed as Aniki or Onī-san/sama (also written as Onii)

Ane (姉) / Onē (お姉) : Older Sister, usually addressed as Aneki or Onē-san/sama (also written as Onee)

Otōto (弟) : Younger Brother, usually addressed as Otōto-san/chan (also written as Otouto)

Imōto (妹) : Younger Sister, usually addressed as Imōto-chan (also written as Imouto)

Sofu (祖父) / Ojī (お爺) : Grandfather, usually addressed as Ojī-san/sama (also written as Ojii)

Sobo (祖母) / Obā (お婆) : Grandmother, usually addressed as Obā-san/sama (also written as Obaa)

Oji (叔父) : Uncle, usually addressed as Oji-san (not to be mistaken with Grandfather/Ojī-san)

Oba (叔母): Aunt, usually addressed as Oba-san (not to be mistaken with Grandmother/Obā-san)

Itoko (いとこ) : Cousin (can be written with different Kanji depending on age, gender and which side of the family they come from)

Oi (甥) : Nephew

Mei (姪) : Niece

Kyōfu (教父) : Godfather, usually addressed as Kyōfu-san/sama

Kyōbo (教母) : Godmother, usually addressed as Kyōbo-san/sama

Ōoji (大叔父) : Great-Uncle, usually addressed as Ōoji-san

Ōoba (大叔母) : Great-Aunt, usually addressed as Ōoba-san

Sōsofu (曽祖父) : Great-Grandfather, usually addressed as Sōsofu-sama

Sōsobo (曽祖母) : Great-Grandmother, usually addressed as Sōsobo-sama

Keifu (継父) : Stepfather

Keibo (継母) : Stepmother

Mamamusuko (継息子) : Stepson

Mamamusume (継娘) : Stepdaughter

Relations

Otto (夫) / Goshujin (ご主人) : Husband, usually addressed as Goshujin-san/sama

Tsuma (妻) / Oku (奥) : Wife, usually addressed as Oku-san

Musuko (息子) : Son, usually addressed as Musuko-san

Musume (娘) : Daughter, usually addressed as Musume-san

Magomusuko (孫息子) : Grandson

Magomusume (孫娘) : Granddaughter

Ryōshin (両親) : Parents (also written as Ryoushin)

Sofubo (祖父母) : Grandparents

Keifubo (継父母) : Step-parents

Fūfu (夫婦) : Married Couple

Kyōdai (兄弟) : Brothers (can also refer to Siblings in general)

Shimai (姉妹) : Sisters

Itoko (いとこ) : Cousins

Kodomo (子供) : Children

Mago (孫) : Grandchildren

Kazoku (家族) : Family

Shinseki (親戚) : Relatives

Dōhōshu (同胞種) : Siblings

Nakama (仲間) : Comrades

Tomodachi (友達) : Friends

Senpai (先輩) : Senior (also written as Sempai, can be used as a suffix '-senpai')

Kōhai (後輩) : Junior (also written as Kouhai, can be used as a suffix '-kouhai')

Sensei (先生) : Teacher, Doctor, Respected Person

Deshi (弟子) : Student, Apprentice

Informal

Tō-chan (父ちゃん) : Dad (also written as Tou-chan)

Kā-chan (母ちゃん) : Mom (also written as Kaa-chan)

Nī-chan (兄ちゃん) : Big Bro (also written as Nii-chan)

Nē-chan (姉ちゃん) : Big Sis (also written as Nee-chan)

Jī-chan (爺ちゃん) : Gramps (also written as Jii-chan)

Bā-chan (婆ちゃん) : Granny (also written as Baa-chan)

Disrespectful

Oyaji (親父) : Old Man

Sochi (其方) : Junior (usually son)

Jiji (爺) : Old Geezer

Baba (婆) : Old Crone

Bō (ぼう) / Bōzu (ぼうず) : Boy (also written as 'bou/bouzu', can be used as a suffix '-bou/bouzu')

Boya (ボヤ) : Boy (literal translation, used as a suffix '-boya')

Insulting

Teme (てめ) : Jerk, Bastard etc. (can be used as a suffix '-teme')

Dobe (どべ) : Dumbass, Moron etc. (lit. Dead Last)

Baka (バカ) : Stupid

Hentai (変態) : Pervert

Chibi (チビ) : Midget, Runt

Gaki (ガキ) : Brat (can be used as a suffix '-gaki')

Speech

Yare Yare (やれやれ) : My my (exasperation)

Ara Ara (あらあら) : My my (surprise)

Maa Maa (まあまあ) : There there (comforting / calming down)

Moshi Moshi (もしもし) : Hello (greeting over a phone)

Hai (はい) : Yes

Ano (あの) : Umm...

Are (あれ) : Huh?

Yosh (よし) : Alright! (excited)

Yosh yosh (よしよし) : Good good (approval)

Itadakimasu (いただきます) : Let's eat (appreciative)

Gochisousama deshita (御馳走様でした) : Thank you for the feast (appreciative)

Arigatō Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) : Thank you very much

Dōitashimashite (どういたしまして) : You're welcome

Ohayō (お早う) : Good morning

Konnichiwa (今日は) : Hello/Good day

Konbanwa (こんばんは) : Good evening

Nicknames

Geta-Bōshi (ゲタ帽子) : Hat-and-Clogs (refers to Kisuke's choice of clothing)

Yagi-Ago (山羊顎) : Goat-chin (refers to Isshin's scruffy beard)

Ichigo (苺) : Strawberry (a play on Ichigo's given name)

Ichi (一) : Shortform for Ichigo (一護)

Tats (竜) : Shortform for Tatsuki (also written as Tatsu)

Suki (好き) : Shortform for Tatsuki (also means to Like)

Hime (姫) : Shortform for Orihime (also means Princess)

Yori (ヨリ) : Shortform for Yoruichi

Soul Society

Sōtaichō (総隊長) : Head Captain (also written as Soutaichou)

Taichō (隊長) : Captain (also written as Taichou)

Fuku-Taichō (副隊長) : Vice-Captain / Lieutenant (also written as Fukutaichou)

Kidō (鬼道) : Way of the Demon, the Shinigami Spiritual Arts (also written as Kidou)

Hadō (破道) : Way of Destruction, Spiritual Arts focusing on attack (also written as Hadou)

Bakudō (縛道) : Way of Binding, Spiritual Arts focusing on capture (also written as Bakudou)

Kaidō (回道) : Way of Returning, Spiritual Arts focusing on healing (also written as Kaidou)

Locations

Seireitei (瀞霊廷) : Court of Pure Souls, the Inner District of Soul Society

Rukongai (流魂街) : Wandering Soul City, the Outer Districts of Soul Society

Daireishokairō (大霊書回廊) : Great Spirit Book Gallery, the Repository containing all the Knowledge and History of Soul Society

Shinōreijutsuin (真央霊術院) : Spiritual Arts Academy