The Imminent Threat

[Shukumei Onigata]

It has been nearly nearly two years, since Shukumei has last seen her brother, since he defected to Aizen's side. Since he took the mantle of the "Dark Knight" Twisted by Aizen and the Hougyoku. It was hard to believe, two years since it was he who nearly killed her. Suddenly there was a meeting called by Captain yamamoto of the first squad. Leader of the Court Guard Squadrons. Six Captains stood to the Yamamoto's left. While the remaining captain's stood on his right side, opposite of the six on his left.

Shukumei turned her head slightly and glanced down at Yuri who was now the Captain of Squad Three. Two years prior she seemed like a like a child but she has grown up so much since then. Far more serious and understanding of her duties. It made Shukumei proud. While it was hard for Shukumei to grasp the concept that Ryouji was never to return to the Soul Society, it had to be even harder for Yuri.

Ryouji was more like a big brother and probably her first real friend in the soul society and to have that snatched away from her had to be devastating. Shukumei glanced from Yuri to Retsu who was Ryouji's love interest. Also a well known fact that it was she who rescued both Shukumei and Ryouji from a Hollow. Though while she was unscathed her brother was more so affected.

She sighed slightly before lowering her head. Why were they taking it better than she was. How could Retsu remain so calm and happy and how can Yuri not forget what happened those two long years ago. It seemed to be plaguing Shukumei far more than it should.

"This meeting is now in session. My fellow Captains. It has been two years now, two years of peace. Through extensive rcon, our special forces squad along with the help of a few others have received word that the peace won't last to much longer. It is believed that Sosuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, Kaname Tousen and Ryouji Onigata have reproduced a key which would allow them to overthrow our King. This we cannot allow. We must protect the Soul Society at all cost, but more importantly we must see to it that our King is not slain. As of now we are on high alert"

Shukumei kept her head lowered. As if the two years she's spent wondering how her brother could have done such a terrible thing. First her teacher, now her brother. It was almost to much to bare. However Shukumei knew better than to show emotions.

"The Invasion of our home must not succeed. If either of the aforementioned are seen, they must be struck down immediately. It has been brought to my attention several times by Captain Onigata, that Ryouji is not himself, that he was warped and twisted by Aizen and the Hougyoku. For now our priority is the protection of the Sereitei. He is considered a threat by all and he must be stopped at any cost"

Shukumei's head shot up and she turned and glanced at Captain Yamamoto. She couldn't believe her ears. Did he truly say that he must be stopped at any cost. Even though she's told him several times that Ryouji is not himself? Shukumei lowered her head and stared over at Retsu who was fidgeting with her hands. The two stared at each other before returning to the meeting at hand.

"This high alert status will not be lifted under any circumstance until those whom are trying to destroy our way of life are apprehended or destroyed. Remain on your guard my fellow Captain's. This may be the toughest battle any of us have faced yet. Captain Nakayama informed me that Ryouji was after her we will not lose another one of our brothern to this threat of evil. Are there any questions or comments?"

Shukumei wanted to speak out in her brother's defense more than anything, but she knew that she could not. She would just have to find a way to save her brother and bring him back before anyone could have a chance to strike him down. However the fact remained there is no telling how much stronger he's gotten in the two year absense that he's taken. She didn't have a good feeling about any of this.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri took in all the information that was being said. Though it pained her greatly that her former captain has to be struck down at any costs, it had to be done. It was either to let him continue his path or kill him. At least killing him was the lesser of two evils. Besides, would killing him be that bad? It would be saving him from a fate possibly worse than death. However, something was bugging her.How could the key of been made that quickly? Even more so, why wasn't immediate action taking place? The whole situation just bugs her. "I just don't see why they gave us two whole years. They have enough man power to do what they want and get away with it. It's most likely they've been playing with us these past two years."

Indeed she has matured. No longer naive to the duties that are now set out before her. It only seemed to increase now that she had become a captain. It was a perfect choice. Let someone who knows the ropes be in charge. "Anyway, like he mentioned, we have to be prepared. I just help but to feel something's not right.. However, that's not important. The only thing we can do is fight for what is ours." Closing her eyes to think for a moment, Yuri could see Ryouji's shadows rushing at her, doing their damage and Ryouji holding her in his arms. Shaking the scene from her mind, she slowly opens her eyes.

"If there's nothing else left to be said, we should head to our positions."

[Ryouji Onigata]

As the captains prepared to return to their posts. the doors of the chamber flung open. The footsteps of the individual were heavy, and slow. The figure stopped as he stood in the aisle that separated the captains from one another. He narrowed his eyes before his eyes floated across the room, staring the captains in the eyes while gripping his Zanpakutou tightly within his left hand.

"How dare you show your face to us Ryouji Onigata. Have you come to face judgment for the crimes you committed against us?"

Ryouji kept his rather serious disposition. His composure was stiff, he was ready at this point for anything.

"I've come for one reason and that is to take Yuri back with me to the Hueco Mundo. You have a choice however, you could turn her over to me or I can kill all of you and take her. The choice is rather simple. Release her to me or die."

Captain Yamamoto huffed in disappointment. Never has any of the defecting captains returned to the Soul Society. Ryouji was indeed making a bold statement. He didn't care how disrespectful or foolish it may have seemed. He was more than prepared to fight if he had to. Shukumei broke formation and stood in front of her brother.

"Ryouji, please allow us to help you, you are no longer in the right frame of mind. Aizen did this to you, twisted you and turned you against me, turned you against the Sereitei"

Ryouji tilted his head back slightly before sighing quietly to himself...he began to chuckle, before it turned into a sinister laugh. Before Ryouji could speak, Captain Yamamoto cut him off

"Guards Seize this man if he resists arrest, you have the leave to do what you must to bring him to justice!"

Ryouji continued laughing, especially after hearing the justice and the fact that he yelled for the guards. Ryouji lifted his Sheathed Zanpakutou and pulled the blade out slightly, it was stained in blood.

"If you are refering to the four guards you had stationed outside this room, I'm afraid they will not be able to answer your call, for Shinkuoremasu and I have already judged them unfit for duty and I relieved them of their status...and their heads."

Ryouji was then surrounded by the captains in the room, aside from Captain Yamamoto. Each of their Zanpakutous, pointed directly at Ryouji's neck. Even that of Retsu. Ryouji turned his attention to her before smiling.

"Still as raidiant as before. The only reason why I cannot harm you is because its said that you saved Shukumei and I from a hollow. However that does not excuse how badly you've hurt me!!

Shukumei glanced at Retsu.It was unbelievable, even after all this, he still felt hurt and betrayed by her. Although Ryouji and Retsu were no longer allies, his affections for her still bothered him, even she could see that. Even after their feelings for one another were announced, forever enemies they were to remain, however Retsu's unwavering need to fufill her duty was her primary function. Even if it ment striking down they very man she saved years ago.

"Yuri, the time for you has come to join me and walk the darkness. For if you chose to remain, everyone in this room, everyone you know and love will meet their end here. Could you really live with yourself, knowing that the blood of all the remaining captains are on your hands. The Dark Flame burns brightly within you, its time you stopped ignoring it"

Captain Yamamoto stood up and approached Ryouji as the captains continued to remain at bay at the other end of each of their Zanpakutou's.

"Enough Ryouji, you are to be sentenced to death immediately for treason!"

Ryouji began to laugh again. His eyes and skin began to darken out until it was as black as the night sky. It was a shadow, an ability he has mastered over the two year hiatus. Ryouji then appeared behind Captain Yamamoto with his sheathed Zanpakuto pointed directly into his back.

"Foolish Shinigami, I am not one for ultimatums but now you leave me no choice, release Yuri to me now or your pathetic leader shall die. Sad for ages you have trained, and you couldn't detect my spiritual pressure, a pathetic display of a slaughter to come. Now Yuri since these incompetant weaklings cannot make the choice, you make it. You return to the Hueco Mundo with me, or have the blood of the all mighty Captain Yamamoto on your hands. CHOOSE!!"

Ryouji turned his attention over to Yuri who knew the shadows far better than anyone else. However, he was right where he needed to be, to convince the ever foolish girl to come.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri immediately froze when she saw Ryouji turn into a shadow. The scene from two years ago played over and over n her mind. When Ryouji started talking, it was a bit of a surprise that he would threaten to kill the commander general. Well,not really a surprise. More like seeing him be so bold took her by surprised. Him mentioning the others having a similar fate didn't sit well.

With a heavy sigh, The captain sheathed her Zanpakutou. She basically had no choice. Perhaps she could do everything in her power to stall whatever was going to take place. "There's no need for anymore bloodshed, Captain. If you truly desire me to go into your custody.. So be it." Yuri could feel the stares of the other captains. She couldn't blame them."All of you know we can't lose the commander general nor any of you. For now, I must depart. Please don't see this as a betrayal"

Yuri soon looked over to Ronin and Nori. Even though they weren't captains, they were still vital. After all, Ronin was Shukumei's lieutenant so it made perfect sense. As for Nori, he was probably tagging along with Ronin. "All I ask of you now is to say goodbye to them, Captain. You've waited two years for this. Why not a few more minutes?"

Yuri takes a few steps to Ronin, looking up to him. She had complete faith that he, Nori, and the others would come for her. To show this belief, she hands her camera over to him. Many know that she wouldn't part with it no matter what. But why now? "I trust that you'll find the strength to return this back to me. All I ask is you keep it safe." With that being said, she hugs onto him, soon whispering something to him. "I know you'll be coming. I'll do what I can to be of assistance. I also promise to remember our friendship. Please.. Remember your promise.. We'll always be friends.. I'll be counting on you to snap me out of whatever may happen."

Yuri lets him go, stepping back from him, turning back to her former captain. "Alright. Let us leave."

[Ronin]

Ronin blinked as he heard Yuri speak and then go with her Captain. As he held the camera, he dropped to his knees. Over the two years, he had grown very close to Yuri. He was devastated now that she was gone. As he struggled with his emotions, he went to the one place where he could truly think. He went into the candy shop, knowing anyone who wanted to find him could easily guess where he went. He did not know why being away from Yuri effected him the way it did, it just was. He sighed heavily clutching onto the camera tightly. It was the only thing he had left of her, and he did not want to lose that as well.

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji looked at the expressions his once fellow captains had on their faces. The confusing as to how easy it was for him to enter the chamber where most meetings were to be held. It was a day that would go in the history books, how a single invidiual bluffed the entire court guard squadrons. As Yuri stepped toward Ryouji, he lowered his sheathed Zanpakutou from the old man's back before stepping around the captains as he moved toward the door. He kept his back turned to them and glared a whole through is former Lieutenant. His attention diverted from Yuri, to his sister whom he stared at through the corner of his eye.

"Old man, answer a question for me. Why was my entire career here in the sereitei fabricated. Was it because I achieved that was thought to be forbidden? If it were not for Retsu, I would most certainly be a full fledged hollow. Explain to my sister, to my wife and to my former LIeutenant and more importantly, explain to me why I was watched ever so carefully"

Ryouji turned and faced Captain Yamamoto, he was quite intent on hearing the answer for himself even if he truly did not like what he was about to hear.

"You were given your position so we could keep watch over you Ryouji. There have been others like you prior to your promotion. That power in which you were given was considered illegal in a sense. It was decided that you would achieve the rank of captain so we could watch and explore the true abilities you posessed"

Ryouji chuckled quietly before lowering his head. He clinched the sheath of his Zanpakutou tightly in his hand, to the point where it began to bleed.

"LIES!! You gave me the position because you hoped to control me. I was never awarded the title because I was strong enough and that I could perform Bankai, no it was because of something I had no control over. FOR PROTECTING MY SISTER, was I given such a 'prestigeous' title. You gave me the strength because you knew that there were other Vizards who could return to kill the king, so you needed me to keep things even. Isn't that right old man. I was just a tool to you, nother more."

Ryouji's spiritual pressure increased dramatically as he stared at the old man in anger. How could he be punished for something that wasn't his fault, he was nothing more than a mere tool and he wasn't keen about being used by anyone.

Shukumei broke rank again and stood in front of her brother and placed her hands around him.

"Do you think that your position with Aizen is any better. I know you Ryouji, you wouldn't be acting so confidently if you yourself did not have something up your sleeve. Redeem yourself, tell us what Aizen is planning so that we can save you, and return you back to normal. I know you didn't chose to become what you are"

Ryouji lifted his head slightly. He grunted before dropping his Zanpakutou at his feet. His body was trembling, perhaps Shukumei was getting through to him after all.

"It was as Captain Yamamoto stated...Aizen is indeed planning to overthrow the king of the soul society. With my help he was able to create an exact duplicate key using not only human souls, but that of Shinigami scouts. His forces are large his espada are the main forces he will use, as well as hollows. A war is to happen"

Shukumei kept her arms around the younger twin. Ryouji burried his head into Shukumei's shoulder. Slowly the spiritual pressure he was releasing, decipated until there was absolutely nothing left.

"What side will you chose to fight on brother, the side in with your family and friends, or Aizen's where there is no telling how long you will live."

It was a question he was going to have to answer eventually. It might as well be now. However he himself was confused as to what side he should fight for. His reasoning for siding with Aizen are his own and only known by him.

"I could never return to this place. For my time here was a lie. I was never taken seriously as a Captain. The answer is..."

Ryouji lifted his head from Shukumei's shoulder and revealed that his hollow mask had formed. His eyes were cold and callous, darker than even before.

"My side...I will fight for myself and myself alone"

He performed a flash step and appeared in front of Yuri and grabbed her by the arm before performing another flash step, taking her with him.