A Dark Funeral

[Shukumei Onigata]

[The funeral will happen in this post but I'm just 'preparing for it first'

Its been nearly a week since Shukumei has seen, or spoken to another individual. She was withdrawn, sad, angry and upset all at once. She didn't know what to think or feel. There was never another heartwrenching moment like the one she's suffered, watching her only sibbling die at the hands of a monster she's responsible for creating. There was nothing she could do, there was nothing she could ever do to bring him back. Why was he so selfish in sacrificing himself so that the she and the others could live, why wouldn't he let them help.

There was really no point in trying to help. Then again there was no telling how strong Shiva truly was. She could have easily dispatched the lot of them, or then again she could have easily been defeated. If it were not for Ryouji, the outcome could have been much different. Yet all the same it pained her more knowing that her brother was gone. For a week she has stayed in seclusion, locked behind her office doors so that she could not be bothered. All she could do was keep her head down on her desk cry and question the real motives of her artificially created daughter.

She couldn't get the image out of her head however, watching Shiva's claws bore through her brother's flesh as if it was paper. Shattering his Zanpakuto and now the memories of the past and her blood drenched robe was all she had left of him. It just wasn't fair to her at all. Would Ryouji really want her to be sad? Would he really want her to suffer the way she has been? its very hard for her not to since he was always there. All that remained of their bond was the emptiness she felt inside, his presence wasn't there at all. She wondered too how Yuri was taking all this. as well. Ryouji risked his own life and rank to rescue her from the fallen Captain Kurotsuchi. He even went as far as to moving Nemu, into his squad. He was also in the midst of attempting to convince her to take her father's place as the captain of squad twelve.

Then there was Ronin, all though he and her brother never got along, how was he taking it. Did he really actually care that Ryouji died so that the four of them could leave the Hueco Mundo unscathed. Then there was Retsu, how was she taking to Ryouji's death, at one point the two were in love but it just didn't work out.

There were many who Ryouji befriended...how were they taking it. There was no one who could be taking it any worse than she was. For days she's cried, for days she's been a wreck, and a funeral was to be held in his honor. Even though he manipulated all of the captains into believing he was evil, if it were not for him, the Hougyoku would not be back in their hands. Up until the very end, he was as good hearted as ever.

Shukumei cried all she could cry...she would avenge his death no matter what it meant. Aside from Kai...there was nothing else she lived for. Now she was going to live for both Kai and Ryouji, and stop Aizen and Shiva's plot no matter the cost.

She sat up from her desk and walked toward the door. She reluctantly placed her hand on the door handle before opening it. There several of her squad members were sitting in wait.

"Captain Onigata...ma'am? We are relieved to see that you have come out of your office. With the funeral in a few short hours, most of us feared that you wouldn't go because of what happen. On behalf of the entire fifth squad, we offer our condolences to you"

Shukumei looked down at the floor for a moment before looking up and staring at this particular squad member. How long have they been sitting outside the door to her office. Quite honestly she was shocked.

"I thank you, for your kind words. However it does not change the fact that I lost my brother. Bare with me, I just feel really guilty about losing him. I did not mean to worry the lot of you, but thank you"

She flashed a weak smile. It was forced, truly she had absolutely nothing to smile about. She walked passed the few of her squad members who were standing in attention while in her presence. Somehow, Shukumei believed that they knew the smile was as fake as can be. No one would smile a week after losing someone dear to them. She pushed the door open to her headquarters and stepped outside of the building. She looked up into the sky, it was quite calming, Very few clouds, a clear day to be exact.

Yet something still troubled her, more so about what Shiva was promising. The return of the original six. What could she have meant. Not that it really mattered. Whoever these 'original' six were would have to be stopped.

After taking in some of the fresh air she desperately needed, she returned into her headquarters. More importantly to her private quarters so that she could prepare herself for the funeral of her fallen brother.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was back at her headquarters, taking a look around. The place seemed out of order and out of shape. It's going to take some work to get things back to normal. It seemed like a relief to see some of her squad members to welcome her back. Smiling slightly, she starts to shake her head from side to side. "You bunch of slackers.. I'm gone for a few days and you just fall to pieces. However, since the funeral is just a few hours later, I'm letting it slide. Don't be thinking that once it's over, you're free to do whatever you want. You're going to take time out of your 'busy' schedules to clean up this place and have some training exercises. If you're coming to the funeral or not, I want every single one of you to report here. Is that understood? Be sure to spread the word."

Those near her quickly stood attention with a quick 'Yes ma'am' before scrambling off. Maybe she was turning her sadness into something else so it wouldn't make her look weak in front of the others. Rubbing the back of her head for a moment, Yuri ventures forth into her quarters, staying inside. She takes a quick look around, remembering that this used to be his quarters before taking over his position. Perhaps the captain had it as bad as Shukumei as she has to stay in the place where he once lived. Removing the hairpins from her head, her hair drops below her shoulders. Everything was just hitting her at once. Ryouji saving her.. The training.. The 'betrayal'.. And mostly, him sacrificing himself to get them back safely. For now, she had to put her own sadness behind as Shukumei was mostly affected the worst. After all, that was her brother who had died.

By now, Yuri had obtained some glasses. As soon as she arrived in the Seireitei with Shukumei, Sajin, and Ronin, they all were asked to see Retsu to take care of any injuries. Apparently, the reason she had missed striking Ryouji when she tried to attack him was because her vision was starting to fail. Gaining enough courage to step outside, Yuri traveled to Shukumei's Squad headquarters, making her way to her quarters. She then knocks, hoping to get her attention. Ronin.. Are you around here somewhere? If so.. I really do need you.. As does your Captain.. If you're home.. I hope you're doing well..

ooc| Ronin has requseted that he posts next

[Ronin]

Ronin was in the area of his squad's headquarters. He was punching trees around the area in order to vent his frustration. There were several trees on the floor, indicating he has been at this for a while. He had a feeling that his Captain as well as Yuri thought that he probably was glad the rogue Captain was dead or something to that extent. Nothing was further from the truth. He was mere feet from him and yet was unable to do anything to help him. His Captain probably thought that he let it happen. He then thought back at the words the rogue had said to him.

"I will do as you asked, I promise. I will protect them, even if my body turns to dust!"

He growled, about to punch the tree again when suddenly a young fire dragon appeared before him, the spirit of his Zanpaktou.

"Young one, I feel your pain and your courage, but as I am I can't help you, I am only half of your spiritual power, the two halves need to be whole."

Ronin knew what he was saying, but he was unsure of how to do it

"I know old friend, but I don't know how to unite you with my fire lord powers. I know that it would be amazing to have them as one rather as two powers working together, but how?

The dragon put a claw on Ronin's head, looking at him.

"I can't tell you that, you must find it on your own, but I can guide you, unleash your soul, then you will reach your goals."

With that, the dragon faded. Ronin sighed, now more confused than ever.

"Stupid dragon, what the hell does that mean anyway?"

He then remembered what his Captain had said to him when he got his lieutenant rank.

{flash-back}

"I will give it a shot! I'll be the best one to try!"

His Captain scoffed, turning her face to face him.

"You!? A human? Don't waste my time! You wouldn't be able to keep up with me if tried... Any other...."

Without warning, Ronin drew his Zanpaktou and ran at he. He was insulted that she would think that just because he was a human he could not fight. He slashed at her several times recklessly, attempting to prove he was worthy of being he second in command. She dodged his slashes, smirking as she eventually kicked him through a tree and through the wall of her office. She turned to the rest of the squad, smirking.

"Anyone else want to...."

She stopped suddenly, sensing a rise in spiritual pressure. She turned around, seeing Ronin struggle to his feet.

"N...no...I can still fight! It's not over.... IT'S ONLY JUST BEGUN!!!"

He growled, releasing his Shikai for the first time. He looked as his Captain, who was in a state of slight shock. He ran at her, slashing both swords at her, his Captain actually having to use her sword to block his slashes. He came at her, smirking as he slashed faster. He lunged as her recklessly, growling as he looked at her. She side stepped, dodging and bringing her knee up into his gut. Ronin reverted to his original state, gasping for air and dropping his Zanpaktou on the ground. His Captain turned from him, addressing the others again. Ronin's eyes turned into flames, walking toward her. His Captain turned to him,smirking lightly.

"N....not finished... N...not...."

He swung his fist, grazing her cheek. He dropped to his knees, gasping for air still. It was then that he felt her ruffle his hair lightly.

"You have the soul of fire, fierce and relentless. However, you are also reckless, and it will kill you on day. You are strong, but is it enough? I'll tell you what, the job is yours, until you die or I find someone better"

{end flash-back}

"So my soul is fire, I get it now, I know what I must do..."

The dragon appeared again, Ronin's fist becoming surrounded by fire. He looked to his friend, his eyes blazing flames.

"Are you ready?"

"I am, let's do this...

Ronin nodded, thrusting his fist into the dragon. The dragon roared, absorbing the fire. The dragon grew, armor appearing on him. Both smirked, looking at the other.

"Only one thing left to do....... Bankai!"

Ronin became surrounded by fire, his eyes closed. His swords turned into huge wrist blades, a handle in the middle. He gained a thin red cape appearing on his back, as well as thick armor on his forearms to aid in deflecting attacks. He opened his eyes, his pupils bright flames. He growled as he now stood in his new form, accepting his new mission. A massive pillar of fire surrounding him that was visible from half of Soul Society. He threw back his head, screaming a single word the echoed down the alleys of Soul Society.

"SHIVA!!!"

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei glanced to the door as she heard the knock. She lowered her head momentarily before turning around to face the door. "Come In" she said quietly before lowering her head again. She sat on the floor with her knees into her chest staring at old photos of her and her brother. Standing together, smiling and even a few of them fighting...usually with him on the ground and her pointing and gloating.

She chuckled quietly to herself. This was the way she wanted to remember him. She couldn't think of him being dead, although that wasn't the case exactly. She gathered up all the photos, starting back from when the two first entered the academy, until right before he rescued Yuri. Usually funerals were supposed to be sad and yet a celebration of the one who passed on from this world.

It wasn't much of a celebration to her still. It was just emptiness, a dark void of lonliness. It was then she felt spiritual pressure. Who would be training on a day like this, knowing there was a funeral. She placed laid her head into her hand, knowing who it was exactly.

"How could he train on a day like this...well I would prefer he train rather than mope around like I'm doing. Maybe for once he's finally starting to listen."

After all this time she still wasn't sure who was knocking at her door. So she stood up and slid the door open only to notice Yuri was standing there.

"Yuri...come in.."

Shukumei moved to the side to allow Yuri to step into her private quarters which have been seen by no one. Since they became hers all those years ago. She sat down on the floor again and invited Yuri to join her.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri stepped inside Shukumei's quarters, also sensing Ronin's training. "I suppose we all have our coping mechanisms.." She could tell that the captain was upset and depressed. Just looking at her would let anyone know. There has to be some kind of way to make her feel happy. Maybe sharing her side of how she views things would help it out. How would she say it. She couldn't just say 'do you believe in people who die here come back to life' or something of that. And then it came to her. She'll tell Shukumei the exact same thing she told Ronin.
"Shu...I mean.. Captain Shukumei, I have a question.. I heard something around here.. Is it true that if someone dies here, they're reborn?"

Hopefully, it'll help cheer Shukumei up instead of depressing her even moer. After all, if he does get reborn, that means they could watch over him so that what has happened before will never happen again. It may be sad that he wouldn't be able to remember them or anything, but ast least he's alive and well..right? "I'm sorry if what I said has hurt you more.. I was only trying to help cheer you up.." So Yuri does the only thing she can do. he goes over to Shukumei, giving her a tight hug. It made her feel terrible that she felt this ay. Yuri couldn't help but to blame herself just as Shukumei was probably blaming herself.
"I'm here for you, alright? It may be hard, but we can and will continue to live on. That's what he wanted, right? We can't stand around and be upset. As long as we have memories or some proof that he existed, that's all we need. It's like.. He's still here, you know? Part of him will always be with us. So don't just give up. You can pull through this. We all can."

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei glanced over to Yuri, and giggled before smiling. It was the first time in a while she smiled just to smile and it wasn't forced at all. Yuri in all of innocence and still being as polite as ever, even though she was trying to hide the fact that she was probably just as hurt as Shukumei is.

"Yuri, you are a captain, you are free to call me Shukumei. Besides, having you call me Captain all the time makes me feel old and though I am much older than you think I am, I don't like for those with the same rank as me addressing me as Captain. Unless its in a meeting or something."

Shukumei poked Yuri's nose before standing up. As for the rumor she heard, it was infact true.

"As for your rumor, yes it is true. I am not comforted in that fact. Although I am quite happy that he will live as a human. Thats better than nothing, but you also have to factor in that he wasn't all shinigami as well. Who knows how that works. However there was something that bothered me about the situation. I was so grief stricken that I hardly had time to notice. Why was he so willing to die to let us escape. Think back two years ago when Aizen showed up. He fought to the very end, yet with Shiva, he pretty much allowed her to do what she did."

It was a thought that Shukumei was having but pushed it aside out of the loss of her brother. She was almost certain that He allowed Shiva to do what she did, rather than to fight it out so the two of them could escape. Then again, he knew that if he fought, they would try to come back and rescue them. It was just all to confusing...and maybe even a little convient.

She was always one to over analyze things but it helped her keep her mind clear of grief and regret.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri rubs the back of her head,. It was true that he wasn't just a shinigami. So much for that thought anyway. However,s he would respect the captain's wishes by calling her by her first name. Yuri too was confused as to why Ryouji let himself be sacrificed in order for them to get away. "All I can say it was all planned. When I was with him Hueco Mundo, he said he had brought me there so I could get control of my Inner Hollow. So I wanna say it was all planned.. But Why plan your own death, you know? Anyway, we should have more time to think about it when eve get more free time. Guess we should get ready.. I'll go tell Ronin to get ready too. If he complains.. Well, He'll find out he's gonna regret it."

Yuri soon steps out of Shukumei's quarters, closing the door behind her. She then heads outside, searching the squad area for Ronin. Figuring it would save her some time, she decides to call out to him. "Ronin, where are you?! I know you're around here so come here!"

[Ronin]

Ronin was too busy figuring out his new Bankai, most of his attacks remaining the same with increased strength. He did not hear Yuri call him, too into his training. He then thought of how the rogue died, sadness filling his heart. He growled, a pillar of fire shooting up to the sky to reveal his location to anyone near him. He then calmed down, the pillar disappearing. He dropped to his knees, pounding his fists into the ground as he yelled the name of the one responsible for ending the life of the one person that he wanted to fight the most.

"SHIVA!! I WILL DESTROY YOU!!!"

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri looked up as she saw the pillar of flame appear. It appeared that ronin was really going at it, but with who or what? Heading toward the direction she saw it appear, the Captain stops after some distance, having Ronin in sight. She saw himon the ground, pounding his fists into it. Truth be told, she didnt think Ronin was glad that her Captain was gone. Though they appeared to fight, it seemed the two were in fact kind of similar. Strong, determined, and stubborn as hell. Maybe that's why they got on each others nerves so much. She also knew that he had to be hurting just as much as anyone who was close to Ryouji. All three of them must believe the death of him was their fault. Butnow, nothing can be done. All they can do is push forward even if it seems impossible.

Yuri heard Ronin call out Shiva's name, knowing that he had to be beyond angry. However, if he keeps holding onto that anger, it could be dangerous not only for him, but anyone he cares for. She slowly goes in front him, squating down to look to him. As soon as his fists hit the ground, she places her hands on them, hoping he would stop. "I know you're hurt and and angry. Aren't we all? You have to stop, Ronin. All this anger and venting isn't doing you any good at all. It may be hard, but try and stay calm. The last thing any of need is losing another comrade. so.. Calm down.. Okay?"

[Ronin]

Ronin suddenly felt hands on his fists. He looked up, seeing Yuri looking at him. As he listened to her words, he looked away slightly. He knew she was right, but he couldn't help feeling his Captain thought that he let her brother die. After all he was right there and in perfect fighting condition. How could she not think that he was to blame. He slowly leaned on Yuri, his head resting on her neck. For some reason, Ronin always felt that he could open up to her. He slowly moved his arms around her waist, holding her.

"Why? Why couldn't I save him? I WAS RIGHT THERE!! I WAS RIGHT THERE!!"

Ronin buried his face in her neck, doing something he had not done in years, he cried. He tightened his grip on her waist slightly, letting out all the pent up pain and sorrow he had repressed for so long.

"My Captain probably hates me! I was right there! Why couldn't I save him!? WHY??"

[Shukumei Onigata]

After emerging from her quarters, having fully changed into what she was going to wear to the funeral, Shukumei, glanced over to Ronin and Yuri who were wrapped up in each other. She narrowed her eyes having heard everything that he said and honestly it angered her. However she had to take in account how his pride was wounded because he to felt useless and could not do anything about what happened.

"Enough!!"

Shukumei lowered her head and placed her hands on her hips and stared at Ronin. Even after all this time, Ronin still doesn't understand anything she's been telling him for these last few years.

"I don't hate you, I am not disappointed nor have I ever been disappointed with you. There was nothing you could have done to change the situation. He made his choice and risked his life to see that we were able to return safely. I can't say I am happy with his choice, but he did it for the all of us. Now go and ready yourself for the funeral"

Shukumei turned away from the two of them and excused herself from the situation. Instead she thought it would be in her best interest to make way to where the funeral was being held. She wanted to make sure everything was in order.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was surprised that Ronin had opened up just enough to cry. It was a rare thing for him to do, so she lets him, doing what she can to comfort him. Then when Shukumei suddenly appears, it made her blush since the whole them seemed so awkward. "She's right.. She's told me how proud she is of you. I've meant to tell you ever since we were in the Human world to stop the Key from being made, but with everything that happened, I never had the chance."

She soon stood up, helping him off his feet. "Come on, cheer up. The three of us can make it. Though we better hurry before we're too late. I'm just glad that you two would of gotten along if things were different. Er.. Anyway.. Let's uh.. Let's get ready."

[Ronin]

Ronin looked to his Captain, shaking his head. He watched her leave, sighing lightly. He then felt Yuri get him to his feet, a thin smile appearing on his face. He knew she felt embarrassed from how they must have seemed. Normally he would have felt just as embarrassed, but for some reason he didn't. He moved his arms around her waist again, resting his forehead on hers as he let the last of his tears flow from his eyes.

"Yeah... just let me finish.... I don't want anyone seeing me like this.... I have an image to maintain...."

He made the joke to help reassure Yuri he was alright, though he wasn't sure he really was. For some odd reason, he seemed to find some comfort in holding Yuri. He blushed lightly, holding her until his tears stopped. Even when they did, he held her a little longer. He slowly opened his eyes, showing their soft brown color, rather than his angry red flames. He sighed, knowing that this slight peace would not last long.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was still blushing as Ronin was still holding onto her. She pats his back lightly, soon moving away. Smiling as she looks to him, she looks toward Shukumei's headquarters. "Well, might as well go, right?" She reaches out and grabs his hands, walking to the building. I wonder if people are thinking that he and I are... The Captain started blushing again from her thoughts, trying to keep her composure. I guess I better not push it.. I'm glad to have him as a friend.. For all I know, he just sees me as a friend and nothing more.. When inside, Yuri lets go of his hand, soon pressing her index fingers together, acting a bit nervous.

Settle down.. Settle down.. Let him make the first move.. She couldn't help but to tap her index fingers together. Her actions must seem silly to anyone who would pay attention to notice. "Well uh, I'll tell Shukumei that you're getting ready. Me however, I was already ready.." Yuri smiles, waving to Ronin as she walked away from the headquarters, walking to where the funeral was being held at. "It's not fair.. But there's nothing that can be done.. I'll do my best to protect her Captain.. It's the least I can do.. The most I can do.."

[Ronin]

Ronin noticed how she was acting, blushing a bit more. It just dawned on him what it meant as he was slow on getting these kind of things. He waved back, watching her as he scratched the back of his head.

Nah... that can't be it.... what would someone like that see in me? I have nothing to offer...

He sighed, going to his area inside the squad room, getting ready. For the first time in a long while, Ronin actually fixed his hair rather than leave it a mess. He decided to let it be a test to see if Yuri took notice of the things he did. It was then that he remembered he still had her camera. He picked it up, putting it in his robe as he tucked his sunglasses in the other side of his robe. He sighed, making sure that for once he actually looked presentable.

"Ah well, here goes...."

He tucked his Zanpaktou in the right side of his robe, flash stepping to the funeral area. It only took his a few minutes to get there as he knew the route well. He appeared near his Captain and Yuri, neither of them ever having seen him cleaned up before.

"Captain... Yuri...."

He then closed his mouth, not uttering another word.

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei turned and glanced at Ronin. Upon seeing how...clean he looked, it was obvious that it wasn't really for the funeral. She just shook her head and giggled to herself. It was sweet in a corny way. She shook her head and tried to hide the fact that she was oblivious to what she noticed. It was cute. Perhaps she was even slow to notice it. Yet who was she to interfere, unless it messed up a mission or became a problem with Ronin being late or not showing up at all.

"I'm shocked to say in the least. You actually look presentable and it suits you much more than the guise you've had me grow use to these last few years."

Shukumei glanced around behind her noticing that the area was full of both captains and Shinigami many from different squads. The second and eleven squads mostly being that he was in both at one point. It still was not a happy occassion to say in the least, but she knew that he would not want her to be sad or get hell bent on revenge. She could not get over the feeling she had though, like something was just out of place.

The funeral proceedings had begun. It was quiet...as it should have been. Many faces were sad, some were just there to be just there. However the time had come for Shukumei to say a few words, it was something she dreaded because she did not want to break down again like before. Shukumei stood up from her seat and walked over to the casket and to the podium that was placed behind it.

"I..honestly never thought I would be speaking at a funeral. The life of my brother was taken right before my very eyes and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Yet it someway...I knew that if I could have saved him, he would never live it down. I would always be reminded of it in some shape or form. Its a sad day for me, having lost the life of my brother, my twin brother. Many of you did not know this about him, however dispite his appearance, he was a very kind and sweet person. We have all been known to judge someone prematurely, but I knew him best. He would have given his all to save the lives of everyone of you if it came down to it. Yet instead he gave his life for his sister, his former lieutenant, and someone whom he always saw great potential in, even though they never really got along. If it were not for him, there could very well be a funeral for four more of us here today. Though I do not take solace in the fact that he is gone, I do take comfort in the fact that, my brother, that Ryouji was never an evil individual like we all assumed. That he died to protect us all. Funerals are supposed to be sad, but rather than dwell on the fact that he's no longer with us, I will remember all the good times I've shared with him, from entering the academy, to all the squabbles and fights we've had. The silly funny moments and the heartwrenching moments as well. Thank you very much"

Shukumei glanced down at the casket before walking away from the podium. She placed her hand ontop of it to say her final goodbye. She lowered her head for a moment. Soon after she returned to her seat. Where she clasped her hands together.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was very impressed to see Ronin all nice and clean. however, she was fighting back the urge to just mess up his hair and everything since she's not used to it. "You look very nice, Ronin. Really spiffy." She was caught off by him calling her captain. She made a mental note to tell him he didn't have to. She understood what Shukumei had said earlier about it seeming odd or whatever to be called Captain by someone close. As Shukumei talked about her former Captain, shje couldn't help but to chuckle. It did bring back a lot of memories. As she was done and sat down, she stood up and goes to where the Captain was standing, looking out to the people who had gathered.

"Speaking of good times, I have a few to share. Well, there are a few. First it deals with meeting Yachiru for the first time. Shukumei and I were talking about something or another. Anyway, she decides to give him the nickname Ryouji-kitty or something similar. I dunno if she gave it to him them or before I met him. He then called her a brat. Then, she bites him on the arm and he starts flailing it around." Just thinking about it just made her chuckle. Hopefully, everyone else would either just snicker or just bust out laughing. If they did neither, she knew exactly what to say.

"But wait, that's not all. Another thing that happened was that he, Captain Shukumei, and myself were headed to find somewhere to eat. The Cafeteria I wanna say. Anyway, once we get there, he decides to call every member of the Shinigami Women's Association freaks. Imagine his surprise when all of the women except for Captain Shukumei and myself chasing after him and beating the hell out of him. Kinda felt sorry for him but it was his fault. Joking aside, Cap.. er.. Former Captain Ryouji was a great man. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be where I was now. Not only has he taught me a few things, but he has also taught me that as long as I had belief in myself, I could do anything. While he may be missed, we hold onto the memories. At least now he doesn't have to worry about the Association trying to stalk him and take pictures."

Moving away from the podium, Yuri moves in front of the Coffin. She took out a similar scarf that he used to wear [not the one he gave her], placing it on the coffin. " I know it's not exactly like the original, but I did the best I could. Thank you for everything that you have done.. You won't be forgotten." Bowing for a moment at the coffin, Yuri heads back to her seat before sitting down.

[Ronin]

Ronin blushed when he heard Yuri speak. He rubbed the back of his head, trying not to mess up his hair. He sighed as he heard both her and his Captain speak about Ryouji. He was not called to speak as he did know him, but in his mind, he flashed back to the times he was with him. His eyes turned to flames, remembering what Shiva did. He saw Yuri come back next to him, his expression naturally turning into a more pleasant one. He squeezed her hand lightly, getting her attention.

"Here... I forgot to give it back earlier..."

He handed back her camera, smiling lightly. He kept a hold on her hand, squeezing it gently before slowly letting it go. He continued to listen to those close to Ryouji speak about him, his anger for Shiva growing more and more.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri looks over to Ronin when he squeezed her hand. When he gave her her camera back, a wide smile appeared on her face. It made her happy that he remembered the promise they made. Once the funeral was over, Yuri stood up and watched everyone but Ronin and Shukumei leave. Stepping over to her, Yuri hugs onto her, giving her her condolences. "As I said before, I'm here if you need me...Shukumei. It just sounds so..weird not saying Captain.. I'll get used to it.. Anyway.. Feel free to visit at any time." Stepping over to Ronin, she looks at him funny, as if she was planning something. Before he could say or do anything, she takes a picture of him looking all nice.

"Take that!" Yuri then walks off laughing, seeming to be her normal, cheery self.