Revelations of a Dark Future

[Shukumei Onigata]

After gathering everything and getting little Megumi her ice cream, the group returned to Yuri's apartment. With all the fighting done hopefully Shi would be more open to explaining a little bit more about this Zetsumei, herself and whatever else they needed to know in order to prepare to face off against this one being.

"Now that most of us are here we can go ahead and get started. Or should we wait for Ryouji? I'm shocked he hasn't left a shadow of his behind to help out and listen or spy on me"

Taking her seat near Miyuki, she wondered what was taking Ryouji so long, then again he was injured in his fight with Shi, or maybe he's just getting old.

"Screw it, we can't wait on him, we'll have to fill him in later. I'm anxious to hear more about this future you're from Shi, please tell us everything you can and spare no detail."

Sitting up slightly Shukumei turned her head to the door just as Ryouji busted in without knocking. Once inside he slammed the door shut as quickly as he could and leaned back against the door while breathing heavily. Apparently he was in a hurry because he didn't want to miss anything himself. But he was panting like he ran the entire way. She shrugged it off and turned her attention to Shi.

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi shot up upon watching Ryouji run through the door. How rude could he be. This was Yuri's home and he just shot in like a bottle rocket. Of course she could have mentally tortured him to find out why. Maybe he was in a hurry to hear everything...but flash stepping should not have made him so tired.

"Waaait! We can't have Shi talk in a tattered Shinigami uniform. Ryouji, did you bring the spare clothes?"

He nodded and handed the clothes over to her. She looked at what he brought to her and stood up and pulled Shizune into the back to change.

"We'll be back in a second, reach into my bag and grab my needle and thread will you honey?"

After a few moments a commotion is heard coming from the back. A lot of shuffling and disagreement between Azumi and Shi. Shi must not have liked what Ryouji brought for her to wear.

"Wa..wait a minute...I...I can't wear that! I know he brought it for me to wear but I'm a captain...I can't be seen in such clothes...men will stare at me!!....Well of course I like boys,they are cute but my career....My father was a tall man...I got my height from him...your clothes are to small!!"

After more shuffling and grunts. Azumi opened the door and pushed Shizune out before shutting the door behind her. After a few minutes, Azumi opened the door and came out dressed in a rather white big shirt skirt. After seeing that Shi was staring at what Azumi forced her to wear she was once again pulled back into the main area for everyone to see.

"Shi, don't be so shy, you make it seem like my clothes are bad. Are you saying I have bad taste!?!"

Azumi narrowed her eyes and shot an evil glare toward Shi. She quickly responded by shaking her head from side to side. Azumi nodded and smiled before sitting down on the sofa to begin to repair her uniform for her.

[Future Shizune]

After answering her mother, Shizune glanced down at what she was pretty much forced into. Her mother was so small and tiny in stature, that her shirts seemed like a halter top. Her tummy was visible and it felt like her boobs were going to burst through the top of the shirt. Not to mention the jeans were really tight. She felt like a cheap thrill, but she dare wouldn't tell that to her mother. That glare was enough to last a life time.

"Th...thank you...for the clothes! Now I suppose you are all waiting for me to explain things to you. I ask that you don't be mad with Captain Nakayama, she only did what I asked her to do for safety reasons. To begin, I am from the future, as an estimate I cannot say for certain. Approximately the time ranges from one hundred to one hundred and fifty years from now. Zetsumei, the man whom you all met today also hails from my time period. He is what they call a Shinigami Hunter. They are a group of collected individuals who live to hunt and kill Shinigami. He is responsible for the death of my parents and my aunt. His total death count by his own hands is near eight-hundred. In my time period he's also killed Azumi, Ryouji and Shukumei. He murdered Azumi...to lure Ryouji out and although Ryouji put up a hell of a fight, he was bested at the hands of Zetsumei and died. Shukumei vowed for Revenge but in all of her might, she too fell at his hands."

Shizune gripped the began to claw at the jeans she was wearing from being so angry that all of her family was killed at Zetsumei's hands.

"He is a master of Anti-Shinigami combat. I've never seen or fought anything close to resembling his strength. He is the strongest entity in my time period. Even stronger than my mentor. Who is actually Lady Yuri. When my parents were killed, as a favor to their memory, she took me in and trained me. She put me through the ringer, and told me a great deal about each of you. She also taught me more than I could have hoped to learn. I owe everything to her. Even though I wasn't supposed to do this, I am because I don't want to cause trouble or be a burden, but because of Lady Yuri's stories, I feel close to the lot of you. She told me of Shukumei's strength and determination to prove that women aren't weak...and she told me about Azumi who was one of the happiest people she's' ever met. Always friendly and that it was you who taught her to cook. Then she told me of how Ryouji rescued her from Captain Kurotsuchi...and trained her."

Shizune put on a fake smile but anyone who could read emotions would know that it was forced. She wanted nothing more than to confess everything to them, but she knew that she could not.

"That is everything I am allowed to mention without telling to much of a future that I cannot reveal. If Zetsumei isn't stopped, I'm afraid the same will happen to all of you here. I'm not sure how things will pan out when I return home, but I'm positive that Lady Yuri would have wanted me to ask for your assistance. She spoke so highly of all of you, I don't think there was anyone she's ever trusted more. Its because of her faith in all of you that I too have faith that together we can stop Zetsumei and make him answer to the crimes he's committed."

[Yuri Nakayama]

What a sad time to come from. It must of been hard to deal with. Though as of right now, she was the only one who knew of Shizune's heritage. Maybe after everything was said and done, she could reveal her bloodline. For now, it would have to remain as it is. Glancing around, she found little Megumi asleep on the couch after eating her ice cream. a smile appeared as she got up to retrieve a blanket to place over the little one. At least one of them is able to go on like there isn't a care in the world. she couldn't help but have a feeling of deja vu. Funny how it happens at the strangest times.

"I still have some questions of my own, but they're going to have to wait until the morning. I've got to make my rounds." It was then when everyone or what seemed like everyone just glared at her. After all, they were just told a Shingami hunter was on the loose and here she was trying to separate from the others. She laughed a bit nervously before getting serious. "Yes, I know that Zetsumei is on the loose, but I still have my responsibilities. I promised the Commander General that I would take rounds at night to make sure Hollow activity is under control." Well, maybe instead of splitting up, maybe she could work something out to where she could get what's done and yet be safe at the same time. Let's see.. There's Ronin and Nori.. Jiro and.. Rai I think it is. Ryouji and Shukumei.. Shizune and myself. Well, It seems like Jiro and Rai would have to stay here in order to watch Megumi..

"Alright, alright, I get it. so, why don't we go in teams then? I would like at least two people here to watch over Megumi. Jiro would be one so I guess that leaves one more. I'd also like it if Shi would come along with me." At least with her coming with her, the others wouldn't be temped to bombard her with questions. Then again, she might do that for them unintentionally. Besides, going along with your dead family members, or at least they were dead in her time, would be kind of strange anyway. "So, before we leave, let's just figure out where to start and where to end. Sound good to you guys?"

[van]

Nori sat up, listening to what was being said. It seemed that he would have to help out again, but as someone needed to stay with the kid, he figured it would be best if he did that. He did not like the patrols, and he did not trust this woman from the future. He had his methods of gathering information, and he knew just how to do it.

"I'll stay with the kid, you guys go out on patrol."

He knew that Yuri probably had other plans for him, but as he is not a Shinigami, all she could really do was be displeased.

[Ronin]

Ronin assumed that Yuri was going to pair with Shizune in order to get information. As Nori was going to stay behind, that left him with no one he wanted to be paired with. He scoffed, opening the window.

"I'll go by myself, I work better alone anyway..."

He leaned against the wall by the opened window, waiting or his location to patrol.

[rai]

Rai looked around, shrugging. It seemed that they were going to do as they wanted, so he grumbled, letting them tell him his part.

We come here to help them and they act like they are in charge... Whatever, I will do as my Captain asks, not what they want...

[Shukumei Onigata]

After hearing of the fate of her future self, and both her brother and sister-in-law/best friend. Shukumei knew exactly what had to happen. If they didn't want the exact same thing to happen to them here, Zetsumei needed to be stopped. If he was truly that strong it would take some serious planning in order to do it. If he's killed nearly 800 shinigami then he had to be truly powerful.

"I don't like the idea of us splitting up. Though it is the most effective way to cover more ground. Teams of two would work best. Yet there is still no guarantee that it would be enough if Zetsumei were to show up. Since Shi is going with Yuri, I will take Ryouji with me and cover the south part of town, that leaves the North East and west. Divide it up how you see fit. Avoid contact if and whenever possible. Try to keep your spiritual pressure down to a minimum."

Shukumei folded her arms across her chest before turning away. She had to be on her game if she wanted this all to end the right way with zero casualties. Even still there was still no guarantee that there wouldn't be casualties. Just the same, anyone who encounters Zetsumei is as good as dead based on the information Shi gave to them.

"Under no circumstance is anyone to engage Zetsumei if he is found. If found, alert us all as quickly as possible so that as a team we can take him down. Anyone who disobeys this order will be taken off of this mission. Once the sun rises, we meet back here to discuss our plans. We do not know how this man operates and the less chances we take the better off we will be for the time being. Everyone is to check in with everyone in two hour cycles. I'm going to start scouting the south, Ryouji I originally said I would bandage you but I think Azumi would be the better choice since she is able to heal a lot more efficiently than I. Catch up with me whenever you are able to leave. Be safe everyone."

Having said all that she thought that she could say, she turned to the window and jumped through it, making her way for the south part of town as she said she would.

[Azumi Onigata]

Even though she wanted to help out, she knew that being pregnant was a huge limitation. There was nothing that she could do about it now, but she was determined to help in someway. Although she tried to remain what she deemed as positive. There was no way she could ignore the feelings she was getting. It seemed like there was such a negative vibe going on and she didn't like it one bit.

"I'm going to stay and stitch up Shi's Uniform and babysit that little angel Megumi. I cannot believe that there is a child so precious and beautiful. I wonder who her parents are. Though it doesn't matter one bit, she is so precious and sweet ooooooooooh, I just want to hug her to pieces. In any case, please be careful and come back safely! Ryouji!!! Bring me pizza!"

Grunting at his wife's request, Ryouji hopped up and grabbed a couple of slices of pizza for his wife and put them on a plate. He grabbed a box so she, nor he would have to get up to grab more whenever she wanted more. She looked down at the plate and grabbed the entire box instead and sat it down next to her on the sofa.

"Thank you, honey! Now sit down so I can patch you up."

[Future Shizune]

Did anyone let alone her mother expect her to go out patrolling in what she was wearing. Not only was it severely restricting, but it was well odd. She looked down at her clothing and sighed. This was definitely going to be a night she would never forget. Shizune turned her attention to Rai who was standing there with one of those 'looks' on his face. She sighed and rubbed the back of her head thinking that if he didn't take it upon himself to come, she wouldn't have to see that look on his face.

"Um excuse us one second then I will be ready to go Lady Yuri...I mean um Captain Nakayama!"

Approaching Rai, Shizune leaned over and stared at him before grabbing him by his right ear and pulling him away from the others so that she could talk to him in private.

"No need for the look of disapproval Rai. I'm well aware that you don't like this. However if you are going to stay here, you are going to need to get over whatever it is that's bothering you. This is awkward for us both but as long as we are here they are calling the shots. So please for me, try and deal with it and keep whatever issues you may have with them under control. You came here to help me and I'm asking you to allow them to help us. Now I want you to scout the west part of the city. Search every possible nook and cranny and report your findings to me as soon as possible. I also want you to keep a look out on this place as well. Emi and my mother are going to be here so I'm counting on you to do everything you possibly can to make this go smoothly."

She gave him a slight smile before turning away from him and returning to Lady Yuri's side.

"I'm ready!!! Oh wait...Missus Azumi...is there any possible way that I could possibly borrow some different clothing these ones are kind of...."

The way her own mother was staring at her frightened her more than Zetsumei at this point. She hid behind Lady Yuri and giggled albeit very...very nervously.

"Never mind, This will be fine. It's kind of...comfortable once you get use to it!"

Of course she was lying through her teeth but anything to keep her mother from staring at her the way she did when she once again mentioned the clothing. She was so much taller than her mother so the clothes were very tight on her body. She gave up knowing that she would be wearing this until her mother finished restitching her uniform.

"Megumi...behave for Mister man over there and Missus Azumi okay. Do everything they tell you to do and take care of my haori...okay?"

[Megumi]

Megumi was a little heartbroken that Shizune was gonna go look around the city instead of playing around. Also, she understood that she had to since it was her job to. "I promise Shi! I'll take good care of your haori, Miss Azumi, and Rai!" Of course, it would most likely be the other way around, but she didn't care. She ran over to Shizune, hugging onto her leg. At first she was scared to let her leave since the last tiem she left she got hurt real bad. "Just uh.. be careful, okay? If you get hurt, I won't ever forgive you!

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri just tilted her head to the side as she saw Shizune hide behind her. Usually, she was the one hiding behind someone in a situation like that but now that it's more or less her turn to be hid behind.. It was kind of awkward. Still, they had a lot of work to do. Though one thing was bothering her. How were they going to get in contact with Azumi or anyone in here if Rai was also going to be out patroling? Though it was probably gonan come back and get her, she would have to give her soul phone to the little one. After taking Shizune's after asking for it, she put in the phones for each phone, handing over her own phone to Megumi.

"Alright Megumi, I'm trusting you to keep this with you at all times. if something bad happens, please call Shi's phone." Emi nodded, running back over to Azumi. "Well, let's get going." She then steps out of the apartment, heading for the area they were to patrol over.

[Future Shizune]

She waved to Megumi before following Lady Yuri through the window. She could not help but wonder if her mother was always so terrifying. Those looks are far more deadly than Zetsumei could ever be.

"Miss Yuri? Has my mother always been so...scary? I remember you telling me in the future that she was always nice and sweet, but does being pregnant make one so evil. Do you think she hates me?!"

Strapping her sheath to her back, Shizune continued to follow her mentor into scouting the city. Although she didn't know much about this time frame, it was great to see how she was when she was younger. In her time Yuri was much more composed and calm and collected. Sometimes she wondered if she was always that way.

[Megumi]

Megumi just stared at the window for a moment sicne Shizune used that to leave the building. She was starting to worry already if shewas alright. She didn't understand everything that was going on, but only knew that there is some bad guy out there that could really hurt her and everyone else pretty badly if not kill them. Speaking of which, what if he came here first? How were they gonna protect themselves? Even though it still needed some sewing, Little Emi puts on Shizune's Haori, assuming the role of Captain.

"Alright! We all know there's that mean guy out on the loose! So we gotta be prepared!" She ran around frantically, looking for anything that could make noise. From pots to well.. anything really. How was she gonna make it work? He could just step over them and then they'd really be in trouble. She huffed, trying to figure out what to do. Well, Captains make other ranking Shinigami do stuff for them right? Maybe she could get Rai or even Ryouji to help out. Of course, she already forgot that the two were suppose to go out on patrol when they were able. Dragging a chair fromt he kitchen to where everyone was at, she stood up in it and pointed at Ryouji like she's seen Shizune point.

"You.. Mister.. Ryouji, right? We're gonna make this place be all noisy! You know! Make a long line out of pots and pans attached to..string.. something! We Gotta! If the bad guy tries to come in when we're sleeping, we're gonna get hurt you know! So if we make it where he makes noise by tripping over something, we're gonna wake up! When we wake up, we can beat him up and save everyone! So your mission is gonna be to noisify the whole house, okay??" It sounded crazy, but she is still was a kid and it showed. Though Ryouji was still sitting there, being attended by Azumi, she was getting mad. She showed it by flailing her arms up and down as fast as she could. "Come on! Don't just sit there! Hurry up and get all patched up so you can make the place noisy as much as possible!"

[van]

Nori smirked as the kid had her tantrum. He got up and headed to the kitchen, grabbing what he was searching for. he came back, handing Megumi a bowl of ice cream in mid rant. That seemed to stop the whining in its tracks. He then leaned back, watching over the room.

"Don't worry kid, I don't require sleep, I haven't for a while.... So don't worry about anyone sneaking in on us, alright?"

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji kept his head lowered while he was thinking as Azumi healed and patched his wounds. From the vibe he got from Zetsumei when they met unexpectedly earlier, he seemed to cocky to really single out what he deemed weak opponents. If he, Azumi and Shukumei were killed by him in the future it was probably because he deemed them at least in that time as a threat. More so then than he does now anyway.

"I don't think you're going to have to worry much about Zetsumei coming here. He's a cocky assassin or at least thats the vibe I got, but I suppose Megumi has the right idea. Azumi do you suppose you can set up a three or four point barrier? I don't want you to strain yourself. If he comes through the barrier it'll be enough to let Azumi know someone is coming."

Once his bandages were applied Ryouji put on his undershirt and coat before standing up Upon standing up he noticed that Megumi was standing on a chair. Was it the haori that gave her the belief that she was actually a captain? He had to be careful since Azumi practically loved this little girl.

"So Shi is priming you to be a captain is she? As a former captain myself perhaps I can give you some advice. You have to be stern and direct. Getting mad doesn't always help. You have to make those you're ordering believe that your orders are absolute and yet positive. Practice and you'll get it right. Now will you watch over Azumi for me while I'm out?"

Ryouji smirked before turning to his wife and nodding.

[Megumi]

After given her bowl of ice cream, Megumi sat down in the chair, eating the dessert, seeming quite content. When Ryouji gave her advice, it just made her smile ear to ear. Her mother was right about him. Though he looked like a scary man on the outside, he's not that bad on the inside. When he asked if she would look after Azumi, she considered it to be her first 'mission' so to speak. She was gonna do her best to keep Azumi and everyone else in the house safe and sound. "Yes Sir!" After she was done eating, she hopped out of the chair, looking over to Ryouji for a moment. She may be young and not understand a lot of things, but she understood the dangers that came along with missions.

She runs into the kitchen to place the bowl on the table before running back to Ryouji. She tugged on his hand a little to get his attention. "Uhm..We may not know each other that well but.. be careful okay? There's gonna be a lot of sad people if you get hurt more! That wouldn't be nice to make them worry and cry!" He may be able to take care of himself, but what if Zetsumei sneaks beside him or something? "I promise to look after her! I won't let anything bad happen!"

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi put her hands together. It was so cute watching Ryouji attempt to help Megumi learn the correct way to give out orders. It was sweet of him, considering how he acted when she told him that she was pregnant. This was unlike Ryouji at all. Maybe he would be a good father. If he wasn't she would just have to whip him into shape. After doing her best to get to her feet, Azumi waddled over to Ryouji and grabbed his hands.

"I know Mei-mei is out there with you, but please be careful and come home to me okay?"

She let go of his hands and slid her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly while resting her head on his chest. This was the first time they've been separated since she held him hostage to take care of her.

Once she let him go, she looked up at Ryouji slowly. She pulled his head down and gave him a rather long kiss on the lips but remembered that Megumi was there so she had to cut it short. Once she finished she cleared her throat and sat back down.

"I'll set the barrier once you leave"

Once he did leave she sighed and shuffled around on the sofa before grabbing another piece of pizza to shovel into her mouth. The baby started to kick hard.

"Megumi do you want to feel the baby kicking?"

[Megumi]

Megumi tilted her head tot he side. What baby? She didn't see a baby anywhere. If a baby was around, why would she want to feel it kick? Wouldn't that hurt? Seeing how Megumi was confused, she motioned her to come over to the couch. Megumi slowly went over, still quite curious. It was then Azumi had told her to place her hand on her stomach. She shrugged, doing as told and puts her hand on her stomach. As she felt the baby kick, she had a very shock but yet curious look on her face. Carefully placing her ear on her stomach, she was trying to listen and see if she could hear anything. Instead, all she got was another kick.

Moving back a little, she looks up to Azumi. "I don't get it. You say there's a baby in your tummy? I thought they were..just there, you know? So uh.. how are they made anyway? Babies I mean? Why is it in your tummy??"

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi giggled when Megumi placed her hand on her tummy. Then followed the question she knew she couldn't answer. She shriek and covered her mouth while staring at Megumi oddly. How could she tell how babies are born to a ten year old? She was to curious for her own good. Azumi would have to be careful in wording a response. If she ignored it completely, she would continue to inquire about it to someone else and whoever that other individual may be may not be so kind in wording things.

(Insert Mood Music: Head in the clouds www.esnips.com/doc/523f646f-a0ae-4d3d-9161-e5bc8e431fbc/Bleach---Head-In-The-Clouds)

"Well um..hehehe...hmm lets see. Well...ermmm. Hahaha. When umm two people love each other and they are married. When they want to raise a baby they uhh..."

Running out of ideas as to how she could answer that question. Azumi grabbed more pizza and shoved it into her mouth while fumbling and muttering anything and everything to try to get Megumi to change the subject. Once she swallowed the pizza, the little one was still staring at her wanting an answer as to how babies are made.

Damn it...I can't actually tell her how they are made. Shi would kill me. Corrupting a child's mind like that was a horrible thing to do. This would be good practice for when my baby is born...don't worry Azumi you can do this!!

Clearing her throat. Azumi took a deep breath and rubbed the backof her head.

"When two people are happily married and are ready for the responsibility of child care...they pray to a magical bird and if their prayers are heard the the magical beautiful bird brings them a baby for the happy couple to raise as their own. Yeah that sounds about right"

With a nervous giggle Azumi sat there staring at Megumi...would she really buy that story...? Did she ever ask her mother something like that? There was no way she would believe that. Azumi has just caused the complete destruction of Megumi's innocence.

[Megumi]

Megumi just stared at Azumi blankly for a moment. If she said babies were made by some bird after praying to it, then it has to be true. Why would she lie. Then, it hit her. She must know because she prayed to the bird! That's why there's a baby in her tummy. The shocked look came back again, but soon she overcame the surprise, crawing up on the couch to sit beside her. "So a bird, huh? But it's gotta have a name, right?? How can you pray to it if you don't know its name?? What's it name?? What'cha gonna name the baby? Is it a girl? Is it a boy? Who's the daddy? Do I know the daddy? Huh?? What's the bird's name?? I wanna knooow!"

She was very curious of the bird's name. Maybe she could tell her mother and maybe she could have a sibling or something. Or maybe she could tell it to Shukumei so she could have a kid and be less...however she is right now.

[van]

Nori fell off the couch when he heard the explanation. He could not believe it, she used the oldest and lamest story in the world to explain it. A bird... a magical bird.... He started laughing, unable to hold it in. He knew Azumi would know why he was laughing, but he would have to prepare an excuse for the kid. Luckily for him he had a bowl of ice cream ready, though he was going to eat it himself. It was better served to stifle the child from asking questions he did not want to answer.

[Azumi Onigata]

All the questions that followed caught her off guard but now that she knew that Megumi believed her, she had the edge undoubtedly. There was no way she was going to let a child out smart her, it would bad considering how old Azumi was anyway.

"Why do you want to know the name of the bird? Of course the bird has a name silly girl. If people didn't know they name not even you would be here now. The name of the bird is...umm Shichimenchou!"

Did she really just say that...the magical bird she used was really a Turkey? She was very bad at lying....but Megumi didn't know that and that's what mattered. When she noticed Nori laughing, she glared at him. He didn't matter, as long as she didn't corrupt little Megumi things were fine.

"The baby is a girl and she's very healthy. She's going to be very big and strong like you one day. As for a name, I have one in mind but I'm not entirely sure just yet. I think its a very pretty name."

When she asked who the father was she was rather shocked that she didn't know. He did just give her pretty sound advice after all.

"You don't know do you? Mister Ryouji is the father. You know the tall man who gave you advice before leaving. Usually he doesn't take to kindly to children...you're the first one I've ever seen him try to help. It must mean that he thinks you're awesome."

She giggled before pushing the boxes of pizza aside sighing happily. She defeated the curiosity of a little girl. It honestly felt amazing. Hopefully she wouldn't ask such huge questions like that for a while.

[Megumi]

Emi just stood there and stared at Azumi when she mentioned what the name of the bird was. She tilts her head to the side and has a confused look on her face. So if people pray to that bird, they'll have a baby? That's just with a boy and a girl, right? If she remembered right, everyone was paired up with a guy except for Nori and Shukumei. Maybe Nori's girlfriend wasn't able to come or something. As for Shukumei, she had a female friend there. "Uhm.. I have another question.. Everyone at the beach except for.. uh..whats-his-face over there and Shukumei didn't have a guy. Shukumei brought a lady friend over. What does that mean? She doesn't like guys? Is that why she gets so mad at Ryouji??

It was an awkward and kind of random question, but she didn't seem to notice or worry too much about it. Right now, she's just curious and is trying to learn many things about the real world as much as she can. Maybe she hung out with the woman because they're friends, right? "Or were they just normal friends and were hanging out like we were?" After a while, little Megumi yawned, feeling tired from everything that had gone on, sweets and all. She goes over to the couch, climbing up on it and lying down to rest. "Despite that scary man running around, today's been a lotta fun. We met each other.. You met Shi.. It was really great. We should hang out more! We're gonna have to go exploring tomorrow! You know, check out everything in the town!

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi celebrated a little to soon, Megumi wasn't defeated after all, at least the questions that followed this time. Shukumei wasn't at all embarrassed about how she felt about men and women. It was weird to hear her mention a hatred for Ryouji. Did it really appear that way to people who didn't know them personally? Well it was kind of hard to believe but it wasn't like that at all.

"Well, Shukumei doesn't hate Ryouji at all. They are siblings after all. In fact although they may not look like it at times they are very close. Miyuki and Shukumei are 'more' than friends. Love works in mysterious ways I suppose you could say. One day you'll fall in love with someone, you'll understand when you're older."

Azumi was running on E when it came to finding words to answer Megumi's questions...though she was laying down now so maybe she was about to fall asleep. It had been a long day, it was amazing how she was still able to go like she had been.

"It was very fun. I'm glad I was able to meet you Megumi. I think its best if we leave the scary man to Shukumei and the others. We can still hang out together though. I was thinking of doing some more shopping for the baby. It won't be to long before she's finally born. I want to make sure she has everything she needs before she's here. Would you like to come with me?"

[Megumi]

Maybe she was right. It could be something she'll understand ocne she grows up and experiences it for herself. As Azumi mentioned shopping, she smiled. It would be fun to go out and shop, even though it was mostly for the baby. "It sounds like fun so sure! I'll go! If we're gonna go tomorrow.. about about the bad guy? You think the others will be back in time to go too? Not saying that I can't keep you safe myself you know.. It's just nice to have more than one person help, right??" By now,. she was getting sleepy. She squirmed around on the couch until she found a position that was comfortable for her. Once satisfied, she closes her eyes, though still partly awake.

"We'll have all kinds of fun tomorrow.. We'll get to know each other more..Eat yummy food.. maybe play more.." After being able to no longer fight back her sleepiness, she soon gives in and dozes off. Today was a big day after all. Now was a time to relax while there was still a chance.

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi tilted her head to the side slightly upon seeing Little Megumi sleeping. She was so cute, it was a long day so it was amazing that she could go on as long as she did. She was full of energy and life. After stitching up Shi's Haori, using at a blanket to cover Megumi up so she wouldn't get cold.

"She's so cute and innocent. I think she'll be a little heart breaker when she's older. I can't help but feel that I've seen her before somewhere. She just has a familiar face is all. Oh well, now that she's sleeping I better set up the barrier."

Azumi slowly and carefully slid her way off of the couch. Being careful not to wake Megumi. Once doing so she glanced around looking for a good point to start setting the barrier. Since it was an apartment, it would take to much to put a barrier around the entire building. She would have to settle for a reverse mirror style barrier. After finding a spot, Azumi stood in front of the wall and brought her hands together, she began to form a series of hand signs before forcing her palm onto the wall. The mirror styled barrier formed quickly before she fell down onto her knees. She felt exhausted from such a simple technique.

[van]

Nori caught Azumi as she fell, sitting her on a chair. He handed her some pizza and ice cream, laying beside the couch under Megumi. There was something familiar about the kid, though he could not figure out what it was exactly. He shrugged, staying where he was while remaining awake to ensure nothing happened.