The Shrine

[Eriko Karasuma]

After taking many paths both above ground and underground, they arrived at their destination: the shrine that everyone desperately wants to find. Eriko hopes that her actions won't backfire by accidentally leading the Arrancar here. "I'm sorry for how long the trip here was. I was afraid that we could of been followed.. Even now I'm still worried about it. For now, those two can rest here. I'll let Father know that you're here and prepare a room for these two. Then again, he is usually busy around this time so.. I'll have to do it myself."

Eriko leads them through the shrine which seems a lot larger once being inside it. Finding a room large enough, she slides open the door stepping inside. She makes bed for both Ryouji and Yuri so that they can rest soundly until they recover from whatever ails them. "This is the best I can do for them. Maybe I can try to convince Father to stop whatever he's doing and come help. I think he would know more about this than I would. Please be safe, alright?"

Before leaving, Eriko told them several locations that they would need to know about. Like the kitchen and stuff of the sort. She then bows down to the two, leaving to search for her father.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As Yuri rests in the bed, it was obvious that she was having a nightmare. A grunt here or there, the sweating, and her eyes were clinched tightly. It wasn't before long when she wakes up, gasping for air as she sits up in a fast like motion. She was a little on edge, but it takes her a few seconds to calm and lie back down. When she looks around, she notices that they're inside some kind of building. Not only that, but there were people there with her. "W..where's..Shukumei..?" She only seems Ronin, Azumi, and Ryouji who was in his own bed trying to recover. It was slowly coming back to her that she was knocked out by Ronin.

"Th..That's right.. I remember now." She still felt horrible on how things turned out. The shinigami looks up at the ceiling, sighing. maybe she was thinking too hard or was feeling things she shouldn't be. Now that they're out of danger, she has to ask sometihng that has been bugging her ever since she won control over her hollow. "Are..Are you guys mad at me? N..Not only did I cause harm to Cap.. I mean Ryouji, I could of gotten you guys hurt as well.. I..I'm sorry.. Honest.."

[van]

Nori had decided to stay outside, making sure that no one had followed them. He stood on the roof, looking around. His thoughts drifted to Ronin's Captain. He knew she would not be able to hold out long, so he hoped that she was able to get away like she said she would. He growled to himself, looking to his dragon arm. For all the power he had gained, it was still not enough to protect the ones close to him.

This is insane! We need to come up with a plan. We all need to get stronger, a lot stronger! There is no telling just how strong Shiva has become, we need to be ready..,.

[Ronin]

Ronin shifted his eyes to Yuri as she snapped up. He had been watching her sleep and figured she would wake up soon. When he hard her speak, he narrowed his eyes. Sometimes Yuri really got on his nerves. He dug his knuckles into her head lightly, looking to her.

"How many times do we need to tell you we are not mad at you!? Accept that fact and move on already."

He kept digging his knuckles into he head a little longer, then sat beside her on the bed. He looked out the window, his pupils turning to flames.

Stronger! I still need to get much stronger!

[Azumi Onigata]

Sitting on the bed in which Ryouji was resting, Azumi carefully placed his head in her head and stroked his cheek with her fingertips. She heard the small scuffle between Yuri and Ronin and chuckled. It reminded her a lot of how she and Ryouji acted before he actually agreed to marry her. The only thing was was that Ryouji actually could not stomach her obessive and protective behavior. To this day she wonders why he changed his mind. It still didn't change how things have ended up. He was badly beaten up.

She should be angry with him and with Yuri, but she can't allow herself to feel that way. He did what he did for a reason, but his belief in Yuri was strong. Azumi was able to tell exactly how much he believed in her when he found her and said that he would stay with her. Just the way she was acting she could feel that Yuri was hurting on the inside and maybe even on the outside. Perhaps hearing how much he really did believe in her would make her feel a little better.

"Yuri are you strong enough to walk and talk with me?"

[Yuri Nakayama]

"But Roooniin.." It was usually her response when Ronin did something like that. It was in a playful, but whiny tone. She did feel some relief that they, or at least Ronin anyway, wasn't mad at her. Part of her already knew the answer, but maybe she just needed to hear it. After he sat beside her, Yuri sat up, rubbing where he had dug his knuckles in her head. "I heard of slapping sense into someone but drilling it into them?" she was attempting to joke around. Then when she heard Azumi ask if she was strong enough to walk and talk with her, it caused Yuri's heart to sink.

I..I guess it was only a matter of time.. She slowly stood up, stretching back a little before straightening up. Truth be told, she was really nervous on what Azumi had to say. "Y..yeah.. Where do you want to talk at?

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi lifted Ryouji's head and lowered it onto the she moved aside to make room for herself to sit before standing up. She turned and made way for the door before turning back and smiling.

"Right outside. I'm sure you could use the fresh air as could I"

Sliding the door to the room open, she stepped out into the hallway and made her way to the front of the shrine to step outside. Its been such a long time since she's come here. She kept thinking to herself, if she should be mad at what happened. She didn't know the entire story in fact she only recently just met Yuri on the first day of school. Would Ryouji be upset with her if he found out that she was upset with Yuri.

More than likely he would freak if she were to say anything bad and even though part of her wanted to, most another part of her realized Ryouji knew good and well what he was doing when he got hurt. One would say she feels as if she's responsible for taking over Ryouji's role as her mentor in a kind of weird way. In any case for Ryouji she would make sure Yuri keeps her head on straight.

[Yuri Nakayama]

A little anxious, Yuri heads outside, seeming a little worried. What was going to happen? Was she going to be yelled at? She was trying to stay calm but with her mind going into overdrive, it was kinda hard to do so. Calm down.. What's the worse that could happen? It'll probably be a lecture.. I know he was trying to help me, I get that.. But I can't help but to feel horrible for what I've done. Feeling slightly awkward, Yuri adjusted her glasses, waiting for Azumi to follow suit. Alright.. Nothing bad is gonna happen.. I..just made some mistakes, right? ...More like mistakes that could of had people hurt or worse.. Don't get worked up again.. It was an honest mistake.. right?

She knew no one was around but it was kinda like thinking out loud. Either that or she was trying to consult herself. She was still worried on what Azumi had to say. Well..If this doesn't kill me..figuratively speaking of course.. I should be a better person out of this...I hope.. "So.. What would you..like to talk about?"

[Eriko Karasuma]

Eriko was walking around, checking to make sure everything was alright. She was able to find her father and tell him of the news. He did seem quite bothered and had dropped what he was doing long enough to put a barrier around the entire shrine. "If what you say is true, Eriko, your new friends will most likely be in danger. I have made some precautions to make sure the threat at hand is held at bay. However, I will say it won't be enough. I knew this day would eventually come and how I have dread it. They may ask to train so please let them know of our facilities." Eriko was completely confused and her father couldn't blame her. There was so much he didn't tell her for her own safety. "But Papa.. Wouldn't training them catch the enemies attention?"

She did raise a good point. Considering that they have Shinigami (Unknowing to her of course) at Captain level or even lieutenant level, their fighting could definately bring unwanted attention. "I know that you are worried, but trust me. If it took the enemy this long to figure out what this shrine is, then I must say our luck is pretty good. I have made sure that any Spiritual.. Well, just take my word for it that it's safe for them to fight without restraint." It was all she could do, really. She had to believe that her father had taken the steps needed to keep out of sight.

Sighing as she was walking around, she notices Azumi and the one they call Yuri outside of the room she had put her and her friend in. She steps over to the two, hoping they wouldn't think of her as being rude. "I apologize for interrupting you and your friend, Azumi, but I have news from Papa. He wants me to show you and your friends a training area in case the lot of you felt it necessary to start training. Whenever you are ready, I'll lead you there and watch over the other person you brought in until he recovers. I'll take my leave and tell the other two men that came along the same thing I told you."

She bows to the two of them, stepping into the room to repeat the message to both Ronin and Nori. The thing that bothered her the most is that her father knew something like this was going to happen. What exactly was he trying to hide? "Well, there you go. Whenever you feel like you must train, I'll lead you there. Just be careful to not break anything..okay?"

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi turned and glanced toward Eriko upon offering them a training area. She smiled but only for a second, she began to wonder if training would even help. If things are the way they are, regardless of how much they trained anyone all captains and lieutenants had a limiter placed on their powers to keep themselves from being detected. Even now that was the least of her worries. She was most worried about Ryouji and of course Yuri freaking out about every tiny thing she feels is her fault. For the first time ever, Azumi was going to be serious.

She approaches Yuri and places her hand on top of Yuri's head and rubbed it slowly, pretending to sympathize with the poor girl but that simple rub turned into a grip of doom, She squeezed Yuri's head in between her finger tips and forced her to stare at Azumi herself. Azumi gave Yuri a glare of which usually Ryouji would get if he mentioned a certain name she didn't like. (insert Angry Anime style look: thor.prohosting.com/ben87/001/images/Jeriel/jereil_clip_image002.jpg)

"Yuri...Nakayama... I want to hate you for what you did to my Ryouji, but despite you hurting him, I am compelled to forgive you because he believes so strongly in you. So I guess what I am trying to say is that I am not angry at you for your fighting with him earlier...but for continuously blaming yourself for it. I don't like it Yuri, I don't like it at all..."

Azumi releases the vice grip of doom and walks around behind her. She throws her arms around Yuri and holds her. Maybe all she needed was a hug of sorts.

"You need to stop feeling sorry for things that are beyond your control Yuri. it was something you both wanted to happen was it not? I'm sure he feels worse than you do when it comes to feeling sorry. In fact I know he does. He's hurting on the inside because he feels like he failed you. As much as I don't like the bond he has with you, I can do nothing to stop it or severe it. Its going to exist and its going to grow stronger. He believes in you. He told me all about you before we got married. He told me that when he rescued you from that nutty psycho-man that he believed you could rise to become a great Shinigami. He made you his Lieutenant because he knew you have what it takes to be strong."

After the long embracing talk, Azumi places her hands on Yuri's shoulders and sighed.

"Until Ryouji is back to normal...I'm going to be the one who mentors you. Unlike Ryouji however, I don't believe talking is enough, so from here on in every time you apologize for things that are not your fault I am going to do this..."

Azumi reaches up and pinches both of Yuri's cheeks as hard as she can. The evil glare and stare had returned as she pinched Yuri's cheeks for dear life. She wanted to get the point across and she was going to do anything it took to make sure she understood. She began to twist and pull her Yuri's cheeks with a vegeance. Mainly she was only doing it because she was completely jealous of how close Ryouji and Yuri are, but she didn't want Yuri to know that.

"If I get the notion that you are going to apologize or feel sorry for yourself, I am going to pinch your cheeks until you pass out. Have you got that Captain?!"

Maybe she was enjoying this a little to much for her own selfish reasons but a Captain is supposed to behave with a level head and not like a child who breaks something. Upon mentioning the word captain, her expression changed.

"Hey...where is Mei-Mei...has she come back yet? Hmm..."

At this point she shifted her thoughts to Shukumei who she hasn't seen since they fled from Urahara's shop. She completely forgot that she was pinching Yuri's cheeks at this point.

[Ronin]

Ronin was outside, punching a makeshift dummy that he had stuck in the area around the shrine. He was hitting it with everything he had, his typical distraction when something was bothering him. Suddenly, the bag burst into flames. It was instantly engulfed in flames, a bright light filling the immediate area. He narrowed his eyes, annoyed that he now had to make a new one. He growled, looking or something, anything to punch. Fighting had always been his way of venting. He knew no other way, so it was the only method available to him.

"I will beat them! I'll beat them all! I refuse to loose!"

A red cape appeared on him, his red and gold fire-lord armor appearing on him. He closed his eyes, needing to vent more.

[van]

Nori sensed Ronin venting, shaking his head. He knew this was the way he had always been, but he needed to learn a better way. Unfortunately the only one that could get through to him in this state was nowhere to be found. Ronin's Captain would know just what to do to calm him down. He sighed, staying on the roof.

Ronin, you need to grow up. Not all problems can be solved with your fists...

[Yuri Nakayama]

As soon as Azumi's rubbing turned into a vice grip, Yuri gulped and laughed nervously as she was made to look at her angry stare. As soon as she heard 'I should hate you', Yuri's heart sank even more. She was about to look away when she heard her say that she was more so angry at her for blaming herself for what happened to Ryouji. "We..Well..I'm sorry.." Just as soon as the words came out of her mouth, her cheeks were pinched hard, resulting in her Flailing her arms about in a child-like manner, tears forming in her eyes. "Ow ow ow ow!" Hard to believe something like this was very painful. The speech about Ryouji believing in her seemed to of settled her down a little. She had forgotten for a moment from the pain she was feeling.

The Captain blinked a few times when she heard Azumi mentioning to be her mentor. She felt honored but yet terrified at the same time. "I..I get it! I won't say 'I'm sorry'! Oops..I..I'm sorry for apologizing!" When she said that, she could feel her cheeks being pinched and pulled at again. the way she was acting made her seem like she was jealous of the bond that her and Ryouji had. Though it was tempting to say something about it, it would be best to not say anything. Upon hearing her ask about where Shukumei was, she wasn't sure herself. The last she could remember was that she was holding back Shiva so that they could escape.

Since Azumi was pinching her cheeks still, Yuri was gonna be somewhat childish again, placing a hand on Azumis face in attempt to push away from her. "I'd tell you where she last was, but you're being mean and pinching me! Lemme go and I'll share!"

[Azumi Onigata]

Upon having her face Pushed away by Yuri, Azumi growled loudly and bit down on a finger that was closest to her mouth She snarled and began to twist her cheeks while pinching them as hard as she could. Eventually, Azumi released Yuri from her cheek pinch of doom and fixed her hair. She sighed before staring at Yuri.

"I remember where we left her, I just hope she's alright. She probably needs some time to cope with how things have turned out. Now I'm going to have a talk with Eriko's father. Remember what I said Captain. You should probably check on Ronin and see how he's doing. See you later, kay?!"

Azumi raised her right arm and gave a peace sign and skipped inside of the temple while giggling the entire way.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri's eyes widened in pain from being bit. As Azumi lets go, she shakes her hand. "Fine! Run away! I'll get ya next time!" Of course she wasn't being serious. Well, she was half serious anyway. She had sensed Ronin's spiritual pressure earlier while Azumi was talking to her. Maybe it would be a good idea to check on Ronin. Going to where she sensed him at, she decided to call out to him. "Hey Ronin.. You kinda uh.. need a new training thing, right? We could train if you want.."

[Ronin]

Ronin shifted his eyes to her, not looking like himself. He needed to vent, and he was not sure Yuri was the one to vent on. He looked away, sighing lightly.

"Yuri... I'm not sure you want me venting on you... It's not that I don't appreciate your help... I just don't want you hurt..."

He rested his head on her shoulder, slowly moving his arms around her. He was not sure if she would understand, all he could do was wait.

[Yuri Nakayama]

When Ronin said he didn't want her hurt, Yuri just rubbed the back of her head. Maybe he was trying o look after her well being. She was still somewhat exhausted from the battle with her Hollow. Still, she couldn't help but to feel as if she wasn't strong enough to help him when he needs it most. "I'm So.." When she was about to Apologize, the thought of Azumi just appearing out of nowhere and pinching her cheeks just as hard as she did the first time made Yuri laugh nervously. It made her rub her cheek even though it wasn't hurting or anything. She had to figure out what to say next.

"I'm so.. so uh.. What I'm trying to say is is that I'm.." It was hard for her to form the words that she wanted to say. But as soon as he more or less embraced her and rested his head on her shoulder, she slowly hugged him back. She wasn't sure if anyone was around, but it didn't matter to her. Perhaps now she could be true to her feelings. "Hey Ronin..I got something to tell you.. Ever since sending time with you and Nori at the beach..I've felt something..you know? It was past then where we started to hang out a lot when we could.. We laughed, enjoyed everything that we did, and became closer friends. Though.. It feels more than that.. doesn't it?"

She was blushing, but maybe he didn't see it since he wasn't exactly looking at her. It wouldn't bother her if he did see. "Anyway..You've been there for me when I've needed it.. I'll be sure to repay the kindness that you have shown me.. I guess what I'm trying to say is.. Are we more than just 'close friends'? You don't have to answer right away and I realize it was probably a bad time to ask.. It was just something that has been on my mind for some time."

[Ryouji Onigata]

[This post links with Shukumei's most recent post at the Urahara Shop. Note since Ryouji has gone rabid, the colors are inversed. Everything said in white is the Inner hollow or the actions the rabid hollow is taking, everything in gray is said by Ryouji himself]

Still laying on the bed he was placed on by Azumi, Ryouji's sub conscienceness was full at work. As hard as he's tried, his body would not respond in the way he wanted.

"How long have I been in this state...why won't my body move. This is not the time for me to be in such a predicament."

He sighed there was so much he could not remember...for one how why was he in this place, and two and possibly the most important one was why could he not move his body.

"Well...well...well. I told you that you would never be rid of me and it turns out I was right HAHAHAHAH!!!"

Ryouji turned his head around quickly and saw his inner hollow. It was back and he presence it commanded was far more terrifying then when they first squared off.

"Can you feel that power Ryouji, our sister training and I want to go and fight with her. I want to be the one to prove that we are the superior being"

Ryouji said nothing in response to what the inner hollow had said. Even in his condition he could feel Shukumei...feel the power in which she was releasing. Was it the bond they shared as twins...or was this a sign, a calling to attempt to bring back Ryouji back to normal. Regardless of which, he didn't like the Hollow using the term 'we' as if they were partners or related in some way.

"If I am here than it means something is wrong with my body. Not that I would let such a vile creature control me. You must have been released when Muchitsujo was broken in the battle with Yuri. It figures . Let me guess you want to become the supposed ruler of this body, well unfortunately for you, I cannot allow that to happen. I have a war to wage and I have no time wasting such time with you. I will defeat you and gain control over this body and over you."

The hollow chuckled loudly before folding its arms over its chest. Little did Ryouji know or Understand that the Hollow was the reason why he was in this predicament. He's on the mental battlefield because the hollow summoned him here, and now that he's returned to the original hosts body, he's now easily three or four times stronger than he was when they first fought.

"You are no match for me Ryouji...no match at all. I will slaughter you and everything you love and hold sacred. Then I'm going to consume their corpses for desert. I look forward to devouring your delectable wife. I can smell her now...her perfume and even her hair."

Ryouji freed his Zanpakuto from its sheath and charged forward, attacking the hollow in a rage over what it said about his wife. Upon approaching the hollow, Ryouji flash stepped, vanishing from sight. Once he reappeared, He swung his sword vertically, once Shinkuoremasu connected with the Hollow's head, it was stopped completely by its thick hard skin. There was no cut, no blood, no anything. it was like he didn't do anything at all. The hollow laughed loudly before pushing him back.

On the outside, Ryouji's body began to twitch and his eyes shot open. His hollow mask appeared and from behind his mask, his eyes changed to a bright red as he climbed out of the bed and unleashed all of his hollow reiatsu. He snarled and growled before jumping through the temple door. With the hollow being much stronger than Ryouji, his body and his actions on the outside world turned him to a rabid hollow whose only intent was to fight and kill and unleash Ryouji defeated the inner hollow for a second time, he would remain this way.

Ryouji's mask continued to form from the Reishi from within the temple and eventually the full mask had completed itself. It did not vary from his old one, but it was now complete with horns. He roared and loudly before walking toward the front of the temple. It was focused on but one person's reiatsu and that person was Shukumei's whom the hollow could feel due to the hosts bond.

The body's fingers had bent slightly and the Reishi had begun to swallow his hand whole and it formed into claws. On the mental battlefield, the battle had begun for complete control of the body. It was a battle Ryouji could not afford to lose. the hole where his chain of fate was once located had opened up and the hollow transformation had begun to accelerate itself. It would not belong before he had become a complete rabid monster. As the acceleration increased, as did his reiatsu as it had change from that of a shinigami, to that of a complete hollow. The reiatsu double.

He growled as he stumbled toward the entrance of the temple. As he approached the entrance, both of his arms had been fully converted. Raising his right arm, the hollowfied host extended both pointer and middle finger and formed a cero...that was as black as the night sky and fired it into the large door of the temple...knocking them both off of the hinges. As he stepped into the outside world. Ryouji stopped and began to sense where the person the rabid hollow wanted to fight. As it stood there it growled again before releasing a distorted roar.

[Ronin]

Ronin was about to answer Yuri when he sensed and then heard something wrong. He narrowed his eyes, looking to Yuri.

"Captain told me something like this might happen one day... I have to buy her some time. Yuri, she is with the old man, tell her that I said her brother is 'confused' she will know what I mean. Go now! I will stall him as long as I can, he is going for her, and I can not let him get to her without her being prepared. Don't worry, I won't hurt him.... much..."

Ronin gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, running to meet the hollow. He ingested the soul candy, nodding to the mod-soul to hide in a safe place. Ronin was left there in his red Shinigami robe as he activated his Shikai. He stopped in front of the rabid Ryouji, blocking his path.

"Hey there... perfect timing... I needed a new punching bag... Let's play.... TAG! You're it!"

Ronin smashed the hollow with the side of both blades, knocking him back into the temple. If the hollow was anything like the former Captain, it would not stand for that. Ronin smirked, pretty sure he now had the rabid dog's full attention.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As She watched Ronin head off to where Ryouji was, she wasn't sure if she should do as he asked. It wasn't that she didn't believe in him. She was just worried on how he would fair against his Hollow form. Well, she could go, tell Shukumei what's going on, and come back right? Sot hat's what she did. As she goes to jump away from the shrine to get in the air, Yuri hit the barrier that was placed around it, falling down as she covers her face. Who would of thought a barrier would be so strong? Eriko must of got in touch with someone or even put up the barrier herself. "Well, he didn't say how to contact her, right? But If I can't get out.. Then how is she to get in?" Sighing, she took out her Spirit phone, trying to get in touch with Shukumei with no avail. Looks like I'm stuck here... She then flash steps to the area where Ronin and the now rabid Ryouji is at, unsheathing her Zanpakuto.

"Please don't yell at me to get away. It seems that Eriko or someone else has put up a barrier around the entire shrine. But seeing on how much Reiatsu is being released, he could easily break the barrier if he gets past either of us.." Seeing her former captain appearing like a Hollow made her remember the first time she saw him with his mask on. It was just like that except a lot more powerful. Still, she had to stall long enough so that he can win his inner battle. I..think I realize..what they've been trying to say.. He knew what he was doing when he was against me.. Just like I know what I'm doing against him. No longer will I feel the way I used to.. I'll help him no matter what!

She then looks over to Ronin, smiling a little. She did have an idea, but it's going to take some time. "You think you can keep him busy for a while? I think I know of a way to keep him at bay without doing much harm to him. You'll know what to do when the moment is right. I..also believe in you, Ronin.. Just be careful, okay?" She moves some distance away from the two men, starting to prepare herself. This Kido will take a lot out of me since I'm not back at one hundred percent.. But I have to do this..

[Ryouji Onigata]

After having been knocked back into the temple. The Rabid climbed up to its feet slowly and as he walked through the shattered door, more of his body had become hollowfied. through the hole in his chest more of the hollow skin substance began to pour out and it took over his chest. He growled slightly. It also dismissed the interference from the Shinigami.

'Ryouji' Flash stepped, pased the shinigami and appeared behind them. He extended his right hand and came into contact with the barrier that was preventing his path. He roared loudly before smashing his face into it over and over again, wanting to break it physically from the inside. He was desperate to fight the one person he needed to see and fight.

[Ronin]

Ronin nodded to Yuri, scoffing as the hollow was headbutting the barrier. He sighed, holding a hand toward the barrier. A burst of fire appeared between the barrier and the rabid Ryouji, sending him flying back a little more; from shock than pain. As he did, Ronin flash stepped between the barrier and the hollow. A thin smirk appeared on his face, pressing a hand on his chest.

"Since you do not know how this game goes, I'll just beat the crap outta you!"

A burst of flame shot out from his hand, sending the hollow flying back into the shrine. Ronin slowly walked toward the shrine, keeping his guard up. He had every intention of giving Yuri the time she needed to get ready.

[Azumi Onigata]

With all the commotion going on, it was hard to talk to Eriko's father. She stepped out of his room and saw a hollow had entered the temple. She tilted her head to the side and wondered how it got inside with the barrier.

"R...Ryouji?"

It was then she remembered that both he and Shukumei had to be around each other constantly, one feels lost without the other. Could this have sparked this transformation? She assumed he was unconscience, is this hollow acting out on its own?

If this continued she didn't know what would happen or how many people would get hurt. Performing a flash step she thrusted herself in between Ryouji and Ronin.

"Bakudo 99...KIN!!"

Without incantation or warning. Ryouji's hand and arms were now bound to his back. After it was completed she lowered her arms and took a deep breath.

"Yuri, Use the second song before he free's himself."

She stared at Ryouji, noticing that he wasn't resisting or attempting to break free. He just inched toward the door. Her heart sank as she stared into the its red eyes. There was nothing behind them...but rage and anger. She couldn't stand to see her husband this way.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As Yuri was about to use the first part of Bakudo 99, she heard it from Azumi instead, seeing Ryouji wrapped with the spirit fabric. A small smile formed as she nodded. "Bakudo 99, Second Song: Hundred Linked Bolts!" Like Azumi, she didn't bother with the incantation, watching as the Hollow gets stabbed by numerous metal blades/nails. She did feel somewhat unsure if it was the right thing to do, but soon shook the thought from her mind. Even without the help of the hollow, he was a strong person and wouldn't let something like this keep him down for too long. "Alright, you have the floor now. I can't assume what you're doing but be careful on whatever it is."

It wasn't before long Yuri dropped into a seated position on her knees. Even the second song took a lot out of her. Probably it was from her already weakened condition. "Ryouji..Good luck." There were other things she could of said but probably good luck was the best. All she can do now was to hope he settles his battle quickly before he becomes a true Hollow. She looked over to Ronin, slowly standing up and going over to him, she had to hold onto him a little to keep herself up. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm sure once i recover, I shouldn't be like this if I were to try this again. Hopefully not, you know? Anyway, I tried to contact Shukumei, but I'm not sure if the call went through or not. I'm sure that she already knows what is going on and is preparing to deal with it."

[Ronin]

The mod-soul in Ronin's body took Yuri from Ronin, allowing him to not worry about her as he stood ready. Two sheaths appeared on his back, one for each sword. He put them in their respective sheath, his gloves appearing on his fists. He was not going to let the hollow pass, not until his Captain was ready. There was a unique bond between Ronin and his Captain, one that had existed since the day she made him her Lieutenant. They always seemed to know what the other was thinking, and Ronin knew she was not ready. He was going to buy her the time she needed, no matter the cost.

"If you happen to get free, I get to have more fun. Oh, and just so you know, I fight A LOT better without my weapon..."

[Azumi Onigata]

She turned her head back and stared at Ronin. She couldn't tell if he was serious or if he was displaying some macho attitude to prove his strength. All in all it didn't matter one would say, but it bothered her.

"She actually allows you to act that way without having a plan first. Not everything can be solved by fighting. If I let this continue you would have continued to punch this thing over and over and he wouldn't have stayed down. You can't keep them apart. I don't like it any more than you do, believe me. My family is about to destroy each other and..eh?

Azumi could feel droplets of water hitting the top of her head and rolling down the side of her head. She tilted her head back slightly and stared up only to realize that the hollow was salivating on her hair. She returned to the upright position and just stood there for a moment. Before narrowing her eyes in anger.

"It...drooled...on...my..hair. Do you have..any...idea...how long...it takes me to keep my hair looking this wonderful?!?! Do you haVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG IT TAKES WOMEN TO LOOK BEAUTIFUL!!!!"

It didn't even look her way when she spoke. She knew that it was Ryouji in there somewhere but it was like its mind was somewhere else...could it be that it was more focused on Shukumei to the point where it didn't want to fight anyone else or did it not care.

"I think I understand. It never wanted to fight with us in the first place. I don't think it would let you just kick its ass Ronin but regardless, it doesn't seem like it was going to fight back. In any case I'm to take him or it to see Shukumei. If you are coming I suggest you remain perfectly still, if you are not, move away from this area and shield your eyes."

Azumi extended her arms out in front of her slowly. She brought them back quickly toward her chest and held them in a horizontal fashion, one ontop of the other with both palms faced toward each other. She smacked her hands together, and pulled them apart slowly. Between her hands as they met, a green rectangular shaped energy formation appeared. Under her feet, lines had begun to draw itself toward the rabid hollow. Once it was underneath him, it formed into a symbol. and remained.

"Decide now if you are coming...or not. I can't hold this position forever."

Her knees had begun to tremble slightly but she was determined to hold it no matter how long it took, but she hoped they decided quickly.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As the Mod soul pulled her away from Ronin, she heard Azumi say something about staying or going. As much as she wants to go, someone has to stay at the shrine in case of an attack. "I'll stay behind, Azumi. I have a feeling that our enemies know what's going on and may strike. Then again, they may strike despite knowing. Also, I know he'll be fine with you and Shukumei." She looks over to Ronin, unsure if he was going to stay or go. Whatever decision he made she would respect it. She moves away from the area like Azumi instructed, covering her eyes. Who would of thought that she could do something like teleporting.. or something similar to it.. She doesn't seem that bad after all. "I know it seems like a silly request, but.. be care, alright? I'd hate for anything to happen to you before I truly get to know you."

[Ronin]

Ronin scoffed, looking to Azumi. He shok his head, speaking slowly.

"Why does everyone think I never have a plan? I hated it when he said it, (pointing to 'Ryouji') and I hate it when you say it! Did it ever occur to you that my Captain is not ready yet? Did it ever occur to you that I was buying her he time she needs, no matter the cost to myself? Is she the only one who understands me fully? I know Yuri is starting to understand me, but I doubt anyone else will! I will buy her the time she needs, no matter...."

Ronin stopped speaking suddenly, a thin smirk appearing on his face. He nodded, seeming to be listening to someone.

"I understand, mission complete. It's all up to you Captain, we will ensure he reaches you. You better not loose, if you do, I'll kick his and your ass... I'm kidding, geez... it was a joke... no need to use that language..."

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi sighed, she didn't mean it that way. She didn't know if Ryouji was feeling any of the punches or taking all the damage or what. In any case it was her husband behind that hollow mask and she didn't want him or anyone else to get hurt.

"Alright then we are off. I will return mometarily and begin dinner, or is it lunch. I've been so worried I don't remember the day or the time."

Azumi laughed nervously before focusing on the teleportation kido. The Rectangular rod emited a bright light and amidst the light, Azumi and the hollowfied Ryouji vanished.seemingly into thin air.

[Yuri Nakayama]

When Yuri turned around after a few minutes had past, she uncovered her eyes, tilting her head to the side, not seeing Azumi or Ryouji. How did they get past the barrier? Rubbing the back of her head, she decided it would be best to ask Azumi herself whenever the three of them (Herself, Shukumei, and Ryouji) return to the Shrine. "Thank you for protecting me." Of course, it was directed to the mod-soul in Ronin's body who had pulled her away from Ronin. Speaking of Ronin, She goes over to him, looking him over to make sure he wasn't hurt in any kind of way. "Worried about your captain too? It's a natural feeling even though you know she's capable of handling the situation. It's a lieutenants job to worry over their captains like we sometimes worry over our lieutenants."

For now, all they can do is wait. Even if they wanted to go and help, they needed to stay and watch over the shrine. Something about this place seemed off. On the outside it seemed like a normal shrine, but what was it really? Why did Shiva use Eriko to find out the location? After all, Shiva is dead set on bringing back the Original Six or whatever. Could this place have some connection to them? "Hey, do you think it's best if we took a part of the shrine and watch over it? Like I get the entrance and you get somewhere and Nori does too? Speaking of Nori, where is he?"