Far from listening

[Ronin]

Ronin had woken up while the others were not in the room with him. He should be resting, but only one thing kept echoing in his head, a single thought.

Stronger! I have to get much stronger!

He quietly went down to the training room he and Nori built into their house, using the secret passage from his room to it. He left the door open, still focused on his thought. He needed to get stronger, he refused to lose again, not to anyone. He got to the training area, training his physical strength first. He began kicking at one of the pieces of equipment set up, growling as his wound still hurt each time he did.

Alright, I used to do 300 of these no sweat, so I'll do 300 now. If I can't, then it's 400 knuckle push-ups!

He kept kicking, having to stop in the mid 200's from his wound. He redressed it, starting his knuckle push-ups. He knew it was going to be rough while in his current condition, but he had to do it, he had to get much stronger.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As soon as everyone went to Ronin's house, the first thing she did was find a throw blanket and lies down on the couch, covering herself up. She was still cold from the battle with Kyou and this was her way of trying to warm up. Also, she had several things on her mind. The first thing was why Kyou was after Eriko in the first place. He seemed to of been interested in the shrine she mentioned before the battle began. Could the shrine be important to the Original Six and them being released. Next was the fact that she not only sensed Ryouji's Reiatsu, but she actually saw him. Was it her imagination? It had to of been. She saw him get killed and buried. I saw someone who looked like him hold me close.. He looked like him.. Sounded like him.. It's impossible though.. It had to of been my imagination.. I guess being really cold messes with your mind just like being too hot.

She was worried about Ronin. He was really hurt from the battle. Hopefully he was resting, but knowing, him, he was probably trying to push his limits. She would try to stop him, but Yuri had no idea where he would be. "I should be training as well.. but it's cold.. and I don't wanna move at all.." So she just curls up, keeping her eyes on the door. She remembered hearing 'Ryouji' saying he would meet up here after he found out information. If it was some kind of trap, she'd have to be ready.

[Azumi Onigata]

Standing in the common area of the two humans. Azumi was pacing back and forth. She was beginning to worry, going over situations in her head as to what caused Ryouji to be so late in meeting up with them. She hoped nothing bad had happened but honestly, thinking rational when she was worried was never her best attribute. She wanted to stop figiting but she couldn't. One would say she's a overly concerned wife. She sat down on the arm of the sofa only to bounce back up a second later to begin pacing again.

"What if something happened to him? What if those damned Ar...whatever they are found my man and hurt him bad!! I can't take it..."

She began to tear up and sniffle rather loudly (Insert Mood: Overly dramatic teary eyes animeshots.org/shots/211.jpg) She slumped down to her knees and began to sulk. Maybe she was being a little over dramatic but she was worried. Could you blame her. After seeing how beat up and covered in blood Ryouji was, how could she not worry about her white haired hubby. If it was anything like the story he told to the group prior to leaving to talk to Urahara, then she had every right to worry, these monsters seemed very strong...not to mention they had very poor fashion sense.

"Hurry up Ryouji!"

She sniffled again before standing up and continuing to pace around back and forth before stopping and turning to Shukumei, she wondered if she was angry with her for not telling her sooner that she was married, by all rights it was a crazy idea for the two to get married and pretend to live like normal teenagers. It was a farfetched idea but they just went with it. Honestly she hasn't really spoken to anyone since finding out that Ryouji was still alive, rather than be happy that he lived, she just seemed to shy away and stand all by her lonesome.

"Mei-mei?"

Azumi walked over toward where Shukumei was standing and gave her the most innocent puppy dog eye look that could possibly muster before taking her sister-in-law's hands.

"I am sorry for telling you. Ryouji didn't tell me what happened. He just showed up covered in blood and beat up with that serious look he seems to always have on his face. I hope you aren't mad at me"

She began to quiver her lip as her eyes began to swell with tears. Shukumei had always been one of her closest friends since the day they've met before entering the Academy together. Now having her all silent and all un girly like is just unnatural for her.

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei looked down at her hands as Azumi held them within her own. She slowly looked up and stared into those sad puppy-dog eyes and quickly looked away while shutting her eyes as tightly as she could. She couldn't help but do it, it was by far the saddest thing she's ever seen in her life. Its the eyes that get her everytime and she had to keep from staring at them. However she just couldn't do it. She slightly opened her right and glanced at Azumi, only to see the tears welling up and the lip quiver, she quickly shut her right eye to avoid seeing it. However the image was already imbedded into her mind. She opened her eyes and pulled Azumi inward and gave her a big hug. Honestly she was never mad at her to begin with, only at Ryouji for putting everyone through such an ordeal.

"I was never mad at you Azumi. There is no one that I would rather have as my sister...in law! You are my best friend and I am glad it was you who was able to force him to settle down. I got tired of watching him mope around behind you know who"

After hugging her, Shukumei let go and took a step back and turned her head back as she heard some fumbling on the outside of the window. She narrowed her eyes slowly before glancing back. She noticed that the window was slowly being opened and eventually, a dark clothed individual steped through the window and closed it behind him. The moment he turned around, he was met with a jumping round house kick to the front of his face which of course forced him to double back and land on the back of his head.

"You idiot! How dare you make your wife worry like that. She was upset and crying and she gave me those evil Puppy dog eyes. So that kick to your face was for her and this one..."

She stomped on his head while semi playfully, it was actually quite harshly.

"Thats for making us all think you died. How could you do something so cruel! I will never ever forgive you for that. I cried and stayed locked in my headquarters for an entire week! Do you know how long that is without sunlight! Total darkness isn't good for my complextion. You made poor Ronin feel useless, and you made Yuri cry too! Ugh!!"

She stormed off toward a different area of the common area and left Ryouji there to dwell with the pain from being kicked and stomped on.

"How the hell did you know where to find us anyway?"

She was curious to know. To her knowledge, Ryouji has never once come over to Ronin's place, let alone knew where it was, so how did he come to aquire such information.

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji sat up and didn't have a clue what part of his face or head he wanted to rub first so he just ignored the pain. It was the question that bothered him the most. Yet there was an easy answer.

"Well it wasn't hard to figure out. I remember the entire incident we had where I stabbed you. They brought you here to rest so I've kind of known since then. Don't forget, I can feel where you are no matter where I am in the city."

He stood up slowly only to be squeezed to death by Azumi. Was she really that worried about him. Its not like he could take care of himself. He was reluctant at first but he embraced her as well.

"I did not intend to make you worry Azumi, I am sorry. Just don't kick me in the face!"

After releasing him he turned to Yuri and stared at her before returning his attention to his wife. He would have to do well to remember to not worry her so much.

"I do have some information. Turns out Kisuke is still the man to go to for information. To make a very long story short, the man we need to find is a member of some shrine on the outskirts of the city. Tomorrow I highly suggest that we check out this Shrine together. As long as we wear our gigai's, we should be undectectable by the Arrancar. I also came to the knowledge that the very first Arrancar, was a Vasto Lorde...possibly the strongest entity within the Original Six. We have to stop Shiva at all costs, other wise we will be in for the fight of our lives."

Ryouji kneeled down slightly and lowered his head as he began to think. He was truly worried about the Vasto Lorde turned Arrancar, the story's he was told about them were indeed something that he would never forget, and to find out that one was the very first Hollow to remove its mask was something that he could not bare to think of. The consequences were far to great and there was a great deal ridding on a battle if it were to come should they not be able to stop Shiva. What were they to do indeed, training wouldn't be enough.

He himself wasn't sure he was ready for such a battle, anyone could be easily killed by such a monster. He shook his head from side to side slowly before sighing. He glanced down at his hand as he noticed that Azumi was holding his hand tightly, not only out of love, but fear He could sense it within her and it was driving him insane.

[van]

Nori had just come out of the shower, entering the room while pulling on his shirt. He looked around at the room, seeing familiar faces and one more that he vaguely remembered. as he stared at the person, it all came back to him.

"So it was you... I see now... Ronin is going to have a few things to 'say' to you about what you pulled..."

He looked around again, not seeing Ronin anywhere. If he knew his friend, he knew exactly where he was. The one place he felt at home. He went off in the direction he saw Shukumei storm off in, catching up to her.

"You dressed his wounds, If Ronin were to... let's say do his normal intense training... how long before his wounds open up and bleed again?"

He knew she was going to be less than pleased, but he also knew he had to tell her. Ronin needed rest, and only one person would be able to get through his thick skull, his Captain.

[Yuri Nakayama]

From hearing everyone speak, Yuri got up from the couch, folding up the throw blanket and neatly places it on the couch. She then turns her attention to Ryouji from hearing him say that he always knew where they were. Was he just saying it to creep them out or was he being serious? Still, She just points at him and yells out "Stalker!" Maybe one would call it funny, but it seemed like the right word to use at that time. Shifting her eyes to Ryouji, her demeanor soon changes, keeping a close eye on him. Though she wasn't sure if it was really him or not, it would have to wait until later when she figures out why she hasn't heard from Ronin.

When the thought about Ronin came to mind, she looked around for him. Yuri noticed that he wasn't in the room at ll. Where could he be with the kind of injuries he had. What mattered now was to find him and make sure he was alright. The captain then leaves the room, exploring the house for Ronin. It may be a bit confusing since she's only been to his room, the kitchen, and the living room. She wasn't going to let that stop her though. She was really concerned about him. So, she was going to let him know by basically screaming out to him. "Ronin, where are you?! You know better than to do this! Tell me where you are so I can help!"

[Ronin]

Ronin was under the room Yuri was in. He continued training, punching the practice dummy into the wall. The crash was loud enough to be heard from the upstairs floor, a dent in the wall from where the dummy hit it. He dropped to his knees, the wound on his chest opening again. He struggled to his feet, continuing his training despite his wound. He narrowed his eyes, still training as hard as he could. The more he trained, the more blood seeped from his wound. He looked to the wound, growling as he picked up a practice sword.

"Stronger... I have to get much STRONGER!!!"

He swung the practice sword at another practice dummy, one the swung back as it is attacked. Due to his wounds, Ronin was not always able to dodge the counter attacks. He dropped to his knees, the practice sword dropping from his hands. He struggled to his feet, only to fall again. He screamed, frustrated that he could not do what was once simple warm-ups. He punched the floor, growling loud.

"This sucks! I nee to get stronger!"

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei turned to Nori before sighing. She shook her head, having known Ronin for as long as she has. He would ignore his wounds and continue to push himself to the brink of death if it came down to it. She knew the answer to the question he was asking, but did she really need to answer it.

"If he's training as hard as I think he is, it won't be to long. He doesn't seem to understand that everyone needs time to heal from their wounds. We all have limits, pushing himself physically isn't gong to make him get any stronger. He just needs to think rather than act on impulse. You're his best friend you make him learn that! For years I've tried and for years I have failed to get into his brain."

She sighed heavily, even though working with her Lieutenant was nothing short of mind boggling, she refused to give up on him, she hoped that one day he'd learn half just as easily as he fights.

"He has to learn it on his own since he won't listen. I know he'll understand one day, but it won't be anytime soon, of that I am certain. Whatever works for him is best I suppose. Maybe he'll understand through fighting. I once heard that fighters communicate through their fists. Maybe he needs to learn that way?"

Shukumei sighed and fluffed the back of her hair before leaning up against a wall. She tilts her head back, resting against it while staring up at the ceiling.

"You heard that from some Anime at the Soul Society! That one with the giant fighting robots and the tournament. You know the one that one with the guy wearing an eye patch with the awful red suit"

Shukumei face went blank and she got angry before yelling at Ryouji. She couldn't stand when he did that. She began flailing her arms about while shouting.

"SHUT UP!!! I didn't ask you!!! I'm just saying, maybe its true for him. Maybe he'll only learn through fighting. So, I'm going to go kick his butt so he'll learn"

Shukumei started to storm off. She began rolling up her sleeves on her haori and tried to find her way downstairs. Only before she got anywhere, her brother was there to stop her by placing his arm on her shoulder, shaking his head. She sighed before lowering her head.

"I know I know, its something he has to learn on his own. I have faith in him, I just need a little excitement. I like fighting too you know and I'm starving. I haven't eaten at all today!! Azumi are you still able to cook...you know like you use to?"

Azumi nodded in response and Shukumei's eyes lit up like stars. Then her stomach roared soon after causing her to slump down onto the floor in embarassment. The only thing she could do was giggle nervously.

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi closed her hands forming fists as she placed them on her hips before laughing maniacally. Aside from being a kido master, she was also known for her cooking ability way back in the day.

"You've never met a real chef until you've eaten my grand cooking. Ahahahahaha!!"

She lifted up her right hand and gave a peace sign as she bragged about her cooking. However she never really liked cooking for people she didn't know in fear they would judge it as horrible.

"Say I know why don't we go to Kisuke's shop. Master Tessai and I could cook this huge feast for everyone! What does everyone say."

Honestly the thought of cooking lots of food made her rather happy and it was something she was hoping could happen since none of them really ate anything because of the precense of those...whatever they were again.

"Come why is everyone so down in the dumps! Ryouji's acting all grim...Shukumei you're acting like a hunger driven crazy person. The Yuri trying to find that boy she likes that other human boy and this human is being all quiet. You guys can stay and come when you are hungry it should be done by then"

She ran over to Shukumei and frisked her for the combat pass she was going to use at Dinner. Once finding it she walked over to her Gigai and smacked the pass against her gigai's forehead forcing it to recect the modsoul and return it to its candy form. She attatched herself to her Gigai and stood up. She dusted off her skirt and grabbed her backpack.

"Hopefully I will see you all there!"

She Tossed Shukumei the combat pass before waving and leaving the house to visit with her old master within the candy shop and its owner of course.

[Yuri Nakayama]

When Yuri thought she heard a crash, she looks down to the floor. It kind of made her chuckle. It appeared as if Ronin heard her and decided to make some kind of noise to partly reveal his location. Heading downstairs, the captain searched through all the rooms, stopping at the very last one. As she opened the door, she saw Ronin lying on the floor. To say the least, she was very worried. Stepping in the room, she kneels beside him, holding onto his hand before pulling him up with her, moving his arm around her neck. "You should know better than to train with the injuries you have.. I know you're doing it for your own reasons but.. You have people that are worried about you."

Not only that, Yuri was really afraid of losing him. Not only was he her close friend, but they seem to understand each other. Sure, she may not love fighting as much as he does, but that doesn't mean she won't do it. Also, if he were to persist, he could very well die and Yuri was in no mood to perform a Soul burial on him. "At least rest until the injury on your chest is healed. I...er.. I don't want you to die, alright?! If you do die..then.." All the time they had spent together, the good and the bad, would be gone. He wouldn't be able to remember who she was or anyone else for that matter. Was it selfish of her to think that way? "Just...Please rest, okay? I'll take you to Nori.. I think he would be better bandaging you up than me.. But I guess until we get there.. I have to try and stop the bleeding.."

She moved one hand to her Haori, ripping off the sleeves. Then, she rips of the sleeves into long strips, using it to wrap up the injury of his chest. Of course, feeling he might be embarrassed if she took off his shift to get to the injury, she just wraps the cloth around the shirt, hoping it would do until proper measures could be taken. "We'll..train together, alright? We'll get stronger.. We have to..."

[Ronin]

Ronin shifted his eyes to her, smirking lightly. He knew what she was saying, but taking it easy was not his style. He took off her bandages, as well as his shirt and looked at his wound. He scoffed, a small flame surrounding his right hand. He took a deep breath, preparing himself.

"This is going to hurt like a b****... But it will stop the bleeding...."

He pressed the flame against his wound, his eyes widening. He closed his eyes, screaming VERY loud as the fire closed his wound into a huge scar by melting the surrounding skin shut. As an added bonus, it also helped a little with infection. He breathed a bit heavily, having been screaming the minute it took to close his wound. He walked to the stairs with Yuri, going into a well lit area. Once there, he was sure she and anyone else in the room would see all the scars on his body, both from being a Shinigami and from the time before that. He kept his shirt on his right shoulder, knowing the seal on his cut needed time to air out. He went into the room with the others, slumping into a chair.

[van]

Nori shook his head when he heard Shukumei scream at her brother. He sighed, knowing she had every right to act like she was, but it would not help their situation. He simply put a hand on her shoulder briefly, knowing that since they thought the same way she would understand. His eyes shifted to the adjoining room, seeing Ronin and Yuri emerge from it. From he look of his body, it was obvious what Ronin had been doing. He shook his head, sitting in a couch in the room. He did not know what was going to happen with the enemy, but something kept bothering him.

They way they acted, it was like the one we fought was a distraction for the other... but Yuri and Ronin got in he way... and this girl... somehow she is the cause of all this, but how, and more importantly... why?

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji rubbed the back of his head. He felt like things were getting out of hand, not only with the battle to come, but within the group as well. Sure there was strength in numbers, but it was something they had to attend to rather quickly before it escalated into something far more drastic than it already is.

'Now that everyone is here with the exception of Azumi we can discuss what we have to do next. I still vote we go to the shrine tomorrow. We have to find out about this key situation. You two have yet to tell us what happened. I'm not sure how it will work. I suspect that the Arrancar won't wait long to move to the next phase of their plan so we have to be ready for them."

Ryouji turned away from the group and lowered his head slightly. Still something didn't feel right to him. Hopefully they could get their information when they visit the Shrine.

"I don't get it, why would Shiva go about ressurecting these original six members, when she's already strong enough as is, and where does Aizen fit into all of this. Is Shiva acting through his will or is this something she's doing on her own. I only wish I could have remained at Las Noches a bit longer, I may have gained more knowledge."

Ryouji felt as if they were jumping into this situation blindly and he didn't like that aspect of battle, while surprises were a given. Not know much more than he's already revealed is a problem.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As she followed Ronin, she was concerned about his method of closing the wound. Just hearing the scream sent shivers down her spine. "Whatever helps, I guess.." Then when Ryouji started to speak, she shifted her eyes over to him. She knew it was him, but she was truly frustrated with him for what he did. Was it how Ronin felt when she said what she did two years ago? While her tone may be cold, she just wants to prove a point. She then goes over to ryouji, her right hand forming into a first. Then leaping off the floor, Yuri hits him hard enough on the head to knock him down to the floor. She then grabs onto his shirt, lifting him up just enough to where they were at eyes contact. Then, she shakes him as much as she did when she thought he took her camera.

"There's a reason why I haven't told you. You may look like Ryouji, sound like him.. Hell, dress as him. That doesn't necessarily make you him. If you want the information so badly, then I challenge you to a match. Taking into consideration of the situation, we'll only use the sealed form of our Zanpakutou and our fists. To be fair, I'll wait until your dizziness subsides." She was worried that Shukumei might say something about her actions, but hopefully would just stay out of the way. letting the man drop down to the floor,s he turns her attention to ronin after walking back over to him. just like that, her tone changed back to caring and worry.

"You should of just let Nori fix it.. Would of been less painful, you know. But I know that you heard what I said.. Let me do this, alright. Then she moves her hand onto his shoulder, lighting moving him down to where she could whisper something to him. "I know he's the real deal.. I just want to prove something that can only be proven with fighting.. You..understand what I mean, right? Then when she lets him straighen up, she made up something fromt he top of her head so it wouldn't seem suspicious. "Meet after class next time, right? I need some help with something.."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji laid on floor, dizzy from being shaken so hard. He just grunted quietly as he laid there. Eventually he sat up slowly before rising to his feet. After tilting his head to the side slightly, he glanced over at Yuri and began to chuckle quietly.

"A fight is what you seek, very well, but I move to request that we hold nothing back. Besides how can you be sure its me if I just fight with my fists? Why don't we just go to Urahara's shop, and fight where we are unable to be dectected. No strings attached. An all out war between a former captain and his former lieutenant. What say you to that Captain?"

Ryouji walked over to Yuri slowly before leaning over and staring her right in the face, he wanted to see what she thought of his idea, and more importantly if she would except the terms. He never got the chance to see wear her mask, to see if the operation she went under was a success. As he stared at her, the look in her eyes told him exactly how she was feeling and he could help now to chuckle, more importantly he was excited. This might be the one thing to help him stop worrying about the battle to come he began to chuckle before placing his hand over her face and pushing her head back.

"Lets go, I can't wait anymore!"

Ryouji walked over to his gigai and rammed his fist into its gut forcing the mod soul to cough up the soul candy it had swallowed earlier. He re attached himself to the gigai and stood up.

"I will be seeing you there. Don't be late!. Nice glasses as well by the way, they really...suit you"

Ryouji walked over to the window and opened it up. He jumped out of it, in his excitement he forgot that he put on his gigai. After realizing it, he was already falling. He screamed the whole way down before landing on the ground, face first.

[Ronin]

Ronin decided to take this time to try and sneak back downstairs to train. As his wound was literally melted shut, it would no longer bleed. It was one of the first things he learned from his new powers. Previously, he was naturally a fast healer, but now, recovery was even less of a burden. everything he did improved drastically around heat; fighting, thinking, healing, even his power, physical and spiritual.

"Don't hurt him too bad... he and I have somethings that we need to.... shall we say..... "discuss"..."

He glared at the former Captain, upset he made him feel so useless. He saw his captain off to the side, ruffling her hair as he passed her. He went back down stairs, leaving the entrance to the training area from the kitchen open if anyone wanted to find him. He honestly didn't know why he didn't seal the wound before, it would have saved him a lot of trouble. He smirked, knowing Yuri would be fine against her former Captain. He then resumed his training, no longer feeling the pain he had before. It was odd, he was expecting to feel some pain, but he felt nothing. He looked at the wound,his eyes widening as it was now gone. The heat from fire had once again worked its miracle on him. Maybe there were some perks about being the new fire lord. He laughed, training hard, not wanting to ever feel helpless again.

[van]

Nori opened his mouth to protest as he saw where Ronin was heading, but sighed and said nothing. Trying to stop Ronin when he wanted to do something was like trying to stop a runaway freight train. NEAR IMPOSSIBLE!! He slumped into a chair near Shukumei, making sure she did not kill Ronin or stop the much needed fight between Yuri and Ryouji. He shook is head, glancing to Ronin one last time. What he saw made him do a double take, making sure he was not seeing things.

I could have sworn that wound was a lot bigger before... Am I seeing things? No... it covered his entire chest, now it's barely four inches.... That's impossible.... isn't it?

He sighed, slumping lower as he stayed quiet. He let his thoughts drift back to the little girl, till wondering what her role in this was. One thing was for certain, she was involved in the current situation at the deepest level and needed to be protected.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri smiles a little as she watched Ronin leave the room. She trusted that he wouldn't take his training too far and would rest if he needed to. Heading to the living room, Yuri finds her Gigai, having it to remove the soul candy from it, now taking its place. "I'll try not to beat him down too much.." Chuckling to herself, she then heads to Nori, retrieving her phone from him. "I'll take this in case there is an emergency. Watch after Ronin and the others, okay?" Waving goodbye to Nori, Yuri steps out of the house, heading to the Urahara candy store. This is going to prove to be interesting. Now we can fight without too much worry.. Let's see if you still have the strength that made me proud to be your lieutenant..

[Eriko Karasuma]

Eriko has followed them to the house, unsure if it would be safe for her to return to the shrine or not. After all if that strange creature was after her to find the location, it would be falling into their trap. She heard Ryouji mention something about a key and the 'Original Six'. The creature that was after her also mentioned he was looking for the key. Seeing how they're trying to stop something that could prove to be dangerous, she would aid them in their quest. "Hm.. Everything seems to be revolving around the shrine.. Maybe we should do as he suggests and visit it tomorrow. All I request is that you tell me what's going on."

It was then when Eriko turned toward Nori. Maybe he would answer some important questions. "If I ask too many questions, it may seem a little.. long winded.. so I'll try to sum it up.. What are you guys and what's going on?"

[van]

Nori looked at the girl smirking as he closed his eyes. He knew it was going to be hard, so he dumbed it down as much as he could.

"Well, me and hot-head downstairs are human, everyone else is a spirit. They are kinda alive, but they normally do not exist in our world... uhhh.... they live in... heaven.... The other guy you saw, the evil one, is a demon, he lives in he... err...you get the idea, right...?"

This was awkward for Nori, as he was very intelligent, dumbing things down took a lot of work. He sighed, hoping either the girl got it, or someone would jump in and save him from explaining.

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei listened to the explaination Nori gave to Eriko and she wanted to laugh but it was true on so many levels. He pretty much hit the nail on the head. After having her hair ruffled she straightened out and sighed.

"Eriko, Nori has the right idea as to who we are but perhaps I could shed a bit more light for you. Azumi, myself the man with the white hair and Yuri are called Shinigami. Our jobs are to guide the souls of the dead to a place called the Soul Society. I suppose its what you humans would call heaven. Good souls are rewarded by being sent to the soul society. Bad Souls, are sent to hell. They are not worthy to be sent to the soul society."

It was all a little confusing, but hopefully it wasn't all to confusing for her to understand. It was a lot to process at any given time but then its much better than Azumi would explain.

"Humans who have passed on, but are not sent to the other side have a tendency to linger to the place where they originally met their end. They start to feel anger, hatred and jealousy for those who have yet to pass on and those souls usually become hollows. They are monster's and very dangerous. Since you can see us, you are more than likely to be able to see the hollows as well. It is also our duty to purify these hollows. Now if I may be so bold, I would like to ask you a question"

Shukumei cleared her throat before standing up and moving in front of Erko. She took Eriko's hands and sat her down because this question was definitely going to be serious.

"Since you can see me without my gigai, you must have some sort of spiritual awareness. Have you every done anything that you consider to be strange. Perhaps done something that you know no one else is capable of?'

There was a point to the line of questioning. Shukumei was attempting to figure out if this young girl was a Shinigami herself without even knowing about it. She has read about rare cases of humans developing Shinigami attributes...her current Lieutenant is a prime example of that. Ryouji did speak of a shinigami living at this temple...perhaps this shinigami was Eriko? Or maybe one of her parents is a shinigami, or a human with shinigami attributes. The possibilities were truly endless, however, if Eriko does not know, it still doesn't explain why she appeared to be targeted.

"I also have another question if thats alright with you. My first is possibly more important than my original question. The person that fought with Ronin and the other Shinigami female Yuri, what did this individual say to you...did he mention anything strange to you? You don't have to answer if you are uncomfortable, but it would help us out greatly, and perhaps whatever the reason behind this attack is, we can prevent it from happening again"

Shukumei kneeled in front of Eriko, obviously this had to be somewhat uncomfortable to her. It seems as if her life could have changed so quickly without her even knowing whats going on. She was so innocent and if Shiva truly was hunting this girl down, Shukumei woul dhave to do all in he rpower to prevent her from getting harmed or captured by the other side. This entire situation was growing more and more confuzzling each and every second she thought about it. Ontop of that, and the home work she has to do. This week was shaping up to be a really iffy one.

[Eriko Karasuma]

Eriko tilted her head to the side as she saw Shukumei kneel before her. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, she sits down on the floor, leaning back against the wall. She closes her eyes as she thinks back to earlier to the battle with Ronin, Yuri, and Kyou. She could see in her mind him lifting her up for the second time. She was trying to free herself when suddenly a red ball of energy hit him which in turn caused Kyou to drop her. "Well, when that creature lifted me up off the ground for a second time, I was trying to get free. Then all of a sudden, a red ball of light or whatever came from my hand and hit him in the face. It didn't do much, but it caused him to drop me."

But she couldn't remember why he had targeted her in the first place. It took some more thinking before she realized what it was. "It was when I noticed when.. Ronin and Yuri, was it.. When they were following me. I didn't know at the time if they were allies or not. With them following me, I thought they were trying to find the Shrine in order to steal something from it or whatever. Then that creature came out of nowhere and demanded that I take him to it." Why was everyone so interested in the Shrine? It was starting to make her worry. She has to get back in order to see if her father was alright or not.

"I don't think we should wait until tomorrow or when the three who left to come back. If these... Hollows or whatever they are are interested int he Shrine, that could mean Papa might be in danger. I can take you there now, if you want."

[van]

Nori smirked as Shukumei came to his rescue. Dumbing things down was never his strong point. He listened to Eriko speak, sitting up when she mentioned red ball.

"I know that thing, I've seen Ronin so it a few times... It's called..... kido, right?"

He looked to Shukumei, his eyes saying something. Since she was smart like him, he was sure she could read what he was saying with his eyes.

If she could use kido, then wouldn't that make her one of you?

He was extremely confused, he did not know how this girl could use kido, but he was beginning to think that this girl was more important than he originally had thought. One thing was for certain, this was going to be an interesting day.

[Shukumei Onigata]

She glanced over to Nori and noticed that he was looking at her. She raised an eyebrow as to the reason that he could be staring at her. Was he trying to tell her something? She moved closer to him and stared directly into his eyes. Wanting to read them, but the fact that she pictured how it looked on the outside caused her to scamper away with haste.

"Yeah...umm! Were you trying to tell me something, that look thing...doesn't work well. Its kind of weird! Oh oh I get it, Nori thinks that you maybe like us after all. No offense to you, Shinigami's go through hell at the Academy, so I will go out on a limb and say you're spiritually aware"

She thought that was fair to say and wasn't to offending to either side.

"If thats true..It means someone at this shrine you're from must be a Shinigami. Humans only gain powers from us by being around us for to long. The longer they stay around spiritual pressure, the easier it becomes to use our abilities. It does make perfect sense now."

Shukumei helped Eriko up from the floor upon hearing her notion to return to the shrine in order to see if her father was alright. While it would be best for her to return home, she couldn't risk playing into the hands of Luna and Kyouteki.

"I know you're worried about your shrine and father. However I can't take you back just yet. I will request that a few of the Shinigami in the town check things out before I take you back. Its for your own good and your own safety. Those Arrancar are loyal to Shiva, they won't breathe without her telling them to do so. Its my belief for the moment we are safe. I can say that because I know Shiva, everything she does has a certain grace to it, a rhythm. As odd as it sounds, this is as safe as you're going to be for quite sometime"

She knew she could make that guarantee. Just to make sure things go according to plan, Shiva would indeed come herself next time. There would not be any mock ups.

"You've had an overwhelming day, so far. Whats say we go to the candy store and we get something to eat. Then maybe Azumi and I could show you how to properly utilize the kido. Since we weren't able to eat at the Restaurant. If you still wish to go home after that. I will take you Eriko, for now, keeping you in our sights is safest for you"

There was still questions she had plaguing her mind but for now she thought it was best that she kept these questions to herself. The biggest one that bothered her most was who was this particular Shinigami that was at the Shrine for now her stomach growling angrily at her was far more scary than anything else.

"Nori I'm going to go on ahead with Eriko, When Ronin is done...will you two join us at the Urahara Shop?"

[Eriko Karasuma]

Eriko got up with Shukumei's help, slowly rubbing the back of her head when she said that the red ball was Kido. What was it exactly? Some kind of magic? However, with her offering to help her with it, how could she say no? Also, it did make perfect sense not to go back home yet despite the need to. She would have to trust that her father would know what to do if there were any outsiders that attempted to gain access to the Shrine. "Yeah, that would be kinda bad to fall into their trap willingly.. It was then her stomach growled, a sign that she was hungry. Come to think of it, she never eaten, let alone returned with the groceries. Maybe her father would understand why. In embarrassment, she rubs the back of her head, seeming a bit shy.

"Yeah, eating does sound like a good idea.. Should we wait for uh.. Ronin?" then when she looked to Shukumei, she coudl tell by the look on her face, she was hungry as well. "Well.. I guess we can go on ahead. Please be careful.. Don't get hurt, okay?" Eriko then turns to Shukumei, waiting to be taken to the Candy shop.

[Ronin]

At the mention of food, Ronin appeared in the middle of the group in a flash of fire. He looked from Eriko, to Nori, to his Captain, a smile on his face.

"Did I hear something about food? WHERE!? WHERE!?"

He looked around the room frantically, lifting things up <IE: the couch, tables>. Suddenly, he felt Nori's fist practically impale his head.

"DAMN IT! STOP THINKING WITH YOUR STOMACH!! If you put even half the effort you put into finding and eating meals into fighting the enemy, we would have finished off all the enemies by now!!!"

Ronin rubbed the spot on his head where he was struck, laughing nervously. He gave a forced smile, looking to his Captain. He knew more than likely he was going to get another knock on the head from her. He sighed, sitting on the floor and waiting for it.

[Eriko Karasuma]

Eriko tilts her head to the side as she watched Ronin lift up almost every furniture in the room just to find food. In a way, it seemed kind of funny and cute, but kind of immature for someone his age. Still, she couldn't say much. She was getting rather hungry herself. "Well, looks like we're ready to go.." She walks toward the door, looking back for a moment before looking away. These were the people she was trusting her life with? Sighing heavily, she rubs the back of her head. "Better hurry.."