Full out Assault

[Ronin]

Ronin took Yuri upstairs, tucking her into bed. He held her hand lightly, sitting beside her. He stayed there, still holding her hand as he slowly drifted to sleep. He had wanted to stay awake, but was too tired. He knew she would wake him if she woke up before he did so he figured it would be alright. He only hoped that she would wake up soon.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As Yuri lied sleeping in bed, she would squeeze Ronin's hand from time to time. Sometimes it was a light squeeze while at other times tight. It was as if she was being troubled by a nightmare that she couldn't wake up from. A dream where she was still fighting for control of her body and everything went horribly wrong. She had lost what control she had, eventually becoming the one thing she feared: A hollow. It only got worse. As soon as she was about to kill everyone dear to her, the Captain was able to wake up. When she did, she sat up quickly, sweating and trembling. As she caught her breath, she looks to her hand, seeing a male's hand.

Confused, she follows from the hand up, seeing who it was. A small smile appeared. He stayed here for me.. Thank you Ronin.. To wake him up, she moves her hand to his face, flicking his nose a few times. "Wake up sleepy-head. I think you got enough rest and relaxation. I'd Like to say thanks...for everything.."

[Ronin]

Ronin woke slowly, blinking a few times. He saw her looking at him, instantly hugging onto her. He did not hear what she was saying, just happy she was herself.

"Don't you ever do that again! If you do, I swear I will slap some sense into you!"

He pulled her against him, not letting her go. He smiled lightly, rubbing his nose on her cheek.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was taken by surprise from the tight hug from Ronin. for a moment she didn't hug back, letting him speak his mind. A smile smile had formed when she heard he would slap sense into her if she did something again, but that something she couldn't remember. Soon hugging back, she holds onto him for a moment, having needed someone to hold her. "I would ask what I did that had you so worried, but I don't think I'm ready to regain what memories I lost. All I remember was fighting Captain in our battle. Everything else is a blank."

[Ronin]

Ronin smiled, sitting beside her on the bed. He held her hand again, smiling lightly. It was probably just as well she didn't remember, as it would cause her more stress. He grinned, soon laying beside her.

"It's just as well, let's not bring it up until you remember. Then I will help you with it when the time comes. I'm just glad to have you back..."

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri blushed as he held her hand, slowly holding his as she looks to their hands. It really did mean a lot to her that he wasn't trying to make her remember. Then again, it wasn't like she had forgotten. She just didn't want to remember the pain she had caused everything. Yuri was attempting to get out of bed, but then shifted her eyes to Ronin. He wouldn't let her get up for anything, so she lies back down, looking up to him. "Uh.. could you get me some water?"

[Ronin]

Ronin quickly got up, getting her a tall glass of water. He came back, sitting her up as he let her drink. His arm was around her waist, helping her to stay upright as she was still a little wobbly. He took her hand in his again, letting her drink until she was finished. He rested his head lightly on hers, not sure what else he should do.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri could only smile as Ronin was being gentle and helping her with simple tasks. She drinks some of the water, saving some for later if she needed it. She poked his cheek slightly, lying back down. If he wasn't around, it would be most likely she would be all mopey and depressed. She couldn't let her feelings get too much a hold on he or risk repeating past events. "Thanks.. Though I must be honest.. I..do remember it all.. The pain I caused Captain and Shukumei.. and most importantly.. You.. I never seen you look at me like that before.. But.. I have to act like I don't remember.. I have to purge the events from my mind.. I know it's selfish.. but I can't stand to remember the horrified looks on your faces.."

[Ronin]

Ronin nodded, understanding what she was saying. He kissed her cheek, laying beside her. he rested her head on his shoulder, holding both her hands. He looked to her, smiling warmly.

"It's alright, don't worry, if you need to talk about anything, I'm here."

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri blushes from the kiss on the cheek, smiling as she slowly got up from the bed. She couldn't stand just lying there anymore. She wanted to see her Captain, but due to his condition and how it would make her feel, it probably wasn't best to try. "Well.. I really don't feel like staying in bed.. Mind.. helping me walk outside?" She hated to ask since he had gotten them comfortable, but maybe some fresh air will help her calm her nerves. "Don't mind me if I act strange.. I..still haven't gotten over what happened."

[Ronin]

Ronin smirked, getting up off the bed. He then picked her up, taking her to the roof. He held her in his arms, letting the wind blow through his hair. It was a calm night, and that was just what worried him. Having been a fighter his entire life, he knew things were always calmest before disaster struck.

I will protect this, even if my body turns to dust in the process. Most importantly, I will protect her.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As she looked out to the city and night sky, Yuri took a deep breath and soon exhaled. They need to enjoy what peace they had during the little time they have. It was so quiet.. So calm. It was uneasy, but still enough to calm one's nerves. She had to do her best to protect the town. She couldn't let anything happen to it. More importantly, she wasn't going to let anything happen to the people she cared about. "Thanks.. We have to do everything to protect not only the town.. but each other as well."

[Ronin]

Ronin smiled down to her, rubbing his nose on her hair as she was in his arms and he could not ruffle her hair like he always did. He looked to the sky, the calmness of the stars seeming to tell him of the struggle that loomed in their future. He sighed, sure she knew what was on his mind. He looked to her, forcing a smile to help comfort her. He sat on the roof, sitting her lightly on his lap. He watched the sky, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder. He then shifted his eyes to her, peaking in a serious tone.

"It's going to be a bad one, isn't it?"

[Yuri Nakayama]

As Yuri was being sat down, she too looked up to the sky as if she was looking for answers. When she heard Ronin's question, she shifted her eyes to him. He was right. It'll probably be worse than bad. Even so, not only do they have a town to protect, but each other and their friends as well. "More than likely, "bad" will be an understatement. If we stay together, think things through, we should be alright.." Yuri was worried about many things. Could they win the battle? Will her Captain.. rather former captain be alright? When will the original six who up and/or be freed? Just thinking about it made her head hurt. "I..just hope nothing goes wrong.."

[Ronin]

Ronin could hear the worry in her voice. He smiled, turning her to face him and rested his forehead on hers lightly, looking into her eyes. He held her lightly in his arms, his eyes telling her that he would not let anything happen to her. He smiled, rubbing his nose on hers before ruffling her hair. He knew she didn't like it too much, but it was his way of calming her down.

"Don't worry, I'll crush them and then you will be able to relax again, I promise."

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri smiled, soon fixing her hair back. his method of calming her down did work, even though she doesn't like how it messes up her hair. When she goes to adjust her glasses, she noticed they weren't on. "Ha, no wonder far away things look so blurry.. They must of broke during the battle. When we get the chance, I need to go get more. Anyway, thanks for everything. I'm glad I have someone I can count on." She then stretches for a while, looking to Ronin. "i'm ready to go back inside, I'm kinda tired."

[Ronin]

Ronin picked up Yuri, smiling. He kissed her cheek, carrying her back inside. He went to her room, tucking her in and laying beside her. He grinned as he held her hand, squeezing it lightly.

"I know a place that sells them, much better looking than the ones you had on before."

He rested his head on her shoulder, keeping a hold on her hand. He was going to make sure she was alright, even if she did not want him to.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri tilts her head to the side at his comment about her classes. She knew he didn't mean it the way it sounded, but it still kind of got to her. She wanted to let him know, but in a way he wouldn't feel...too upset or something? "Much better? were my old ones really that bad?" She then nudged him with her elbow to let him know that she was only picking with him. She would suggest now, but if they both leave, what would happen? "I would like to get a pair, but with the situation at hand, I'm afraid something will happen as soon as we leave.. What do we do?"

[Ronin]

Ronin smirked, tickling her. He knew she was messing with him, but he also knew her well enough to know that it bothered her.

"Sorry... What I meant was they were plain, you should have something that makes you look more... distinguished."

He paused when he heard her mention the situation. He smirked, still holding her hand.

"The owner of this one shop owes me a favor, and he's right around the block. It's up to you if you want to go now, it doesn't matter to me. However, you do need to be able to see in battle, so you know what my vote is..."

[Shukumei Onigata]

After taking care of her brother and leaving him within his wife's care, Shukumei was being troubled with the recent events that took place. The fight between Ryouji and Yuri, the battle with the Arrancar Luna, and these original six characters. Things were begining to get out of hand. Then there was the human girl Eriko, where does she fit in with all of this and why was she so important. Shukumei turned her head back slightly and glanced at the doorway behind her as Azumi approached her. She could see the look of worry on her face.

"He'll be okay Azumi, he just needs to rest. I guess I can't tell you not to worry, I am worried about him too and about Yuri as well. The battle had to be just as hard if not worse for her. She's with Ronin so I know she's alright."

Things were far to quiet for her tastes. She loved it when things were some what noisy. Yet this silence was almost frightening in a way. Since the battle was over, she hoped things would remain calm for the remainder of the day, even though she had an odd feeling that something bad was going to happen.

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi saw that Shukumei was troubled by something but she didn't know in what way she could attempt to allieviate some of the visible frustration. She was also concerned about her husband. She just sighed before moving closer to Shukumei. Azumi gently wrapped her arms around her sister-in-law and gave her a tight hug.

"Its okay Mei-Mei, things happen. I worry about Ryouji every second I'm not with him, and you and everyone else. I hope its safe to assume that nothing else like this will happen at least not amongst friends."

She glanced back at the door and sighed heavily. She didn't like that he was hurt, but aside from healing him, there was really nothing she could do. Ryouji has always been proud and would never truly accept medical care. Regardless of which, this put a wrench in their plans for visiting the shrine.

"It looks like I will be remaining behind with Ryouji when the lot of you go to the shrine tomorrow, speaking of which, where is Eriko?"

Azumi glanced around not having seen her at all since before leaving Ronin and Nori's aparment earlier in the day.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri blushed a little from him holding her hand. He did have a point. She wouldn't be helpful if she couldn't see. So If the place was around the block, it shouldn't be too bad, right? "Alright then, we can go. But before we do, think we can tell the others where we're going? AT least that way if something happens, Shukumei can either call me or show up there." She was still a little worried, but she had to trust the others and Ronin as well. "I'm ready to go whenever you are."

[Eriko Karasuma]

From what had happened to Ryouji, Eriko thought it would be best to help out Azumi. All she was doing was doing small things like 'get this' or 'get that' or 'please watch over him for a second'. She really didn't mind at all. For now, however, she had a small break and she was going step just outside for some fresh air. As she looks up to see the stars, she lets out a sigh. She really did miss the shrine and her father. She understood why she couldn't go, but that doesn't make her feel any better. "I hope you're doing alright Papa..

As she was about to turn around to go back inside, it was as if her body froze in place. No matter how much she struggled, it jsut wouldn't move. "Wh..what's going on? I..I can't move.." When she glanced around to see what was going on, something caught her eye. It appeared she was in trouble. hat do I do..? What can I do? It may.. be..cliche or whatever.. but apparently, I have no other choice.. It was then Eriko let out a scream, hoping someone would hear it and come to her aid.

[Shukumei Onigata]

Shukumei raised her head slightly upon hearing the scream. She turned toward Azumi who was looking as just as confused as Shukumei herself was. She narrowed her eyes slightly before performing a flash step. Upon appearing where the source of the scream came from, Shukumei looked forward, only to see the Arrancar she created standing before her, holding Eriko hostage.

She reached for her Zanpakuto but was quickly forced not to because she didn't want to provoke the Arrancar and cause her to harm Eriko. She moved her hand away from her hip slowly before standing there.

"Let her go Shiva...she has nothing to do with this war you're waging against us!!"

It then hit her, was Eriko this...key? She remembers back to the battle earlier with Luna and how she was vicious in persuing this key and now all the pieces of the puzzle fell perfectly into place...Eriko was this said key.

[Rin Onigata]

Shiva kept her hand around Eriko's throat while staring at her mother. She could not help but to giggle at the entire situation. How forceful her and demanding Shukumei was in ordering that she release the human girl. Then she saw how her expression had changed completely when she figured out how important Eriko was in this war she was waging against the shinigami.

"Oh mother, you never cease to amaze me. Your intellegence is only matched by your strength and beauty. Yet I fear that I cannot oblige to your request, for this human girl is in fact the key to releasing the original six"

Shiva forced Eriko down onto her knees in front of her before turning her attention away from her mother only to stare at the girl. Shiva tilted her head before placing the tip of her pointer finger onto the center of Eriko's forehead. Not to scare her or to intimidate her, but for mere information as to exactly where the shrine was in the city.

"I can feel your eyes watching me, you're wondering what I am about to do are you not. Dear sweet mother. Did you assume that I was here to kidnap this poor helpless girl? Did you think that she was the actual key to unlocking the seal? While she is, she is useless when it comes to the actual ritual itself. This girl is the key...to the information as to where the one who holds knowledge of the actual seal itself"

Shiva laughed, did they honestly believe that Eriko was to be sacrificed to unleash the Original Six? What good would she be? She knows nothing of whats going on. Shiva removed her finger away from Erko's forehead before kicking her aside.

"Now that I know where the shrine is, I can do what I came to do and what should have been done some time ago. I came to bring bring you a gift mother. The gift is nothing more than news as to the fate of the beloved king of hollows. His life and reign have been ended by me."

Shiva reached behind her and tossed the sheath of her former mentor down at her mother's feet. She now posesed his strength and vast knowledge of the Sereitei, and the shinigami themselves.

"Yes mother, I killed him and consumed him. Now his strength is now mine as is his title. Only I shall be known as the Queen of Hollows"

Shiva stared into her mothers eyes, she could feel the anger, and maybe even a little pain. Shiva slowly removed the hood that covered her face, showing it for the first time since 'returning from the dead'

"Are you not proud of me mother, I've done what you and uncle could not have done if you tried. I ended the reign of a tyrant who viewed the life of my kind as a joke. No longer will hollows be disrespected, we shall rule all domains and nothing will stop us, not even you or your lackeys"

She giggled playful before placing her hand on her hips, wanting and hoping that she would goad her into a fight. Even though it would not be easy, her mother was much more composed than those who fought with her.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As Ronin and her were about to head out to get some glasses, Yuri heard a scream. She looked to Ronin for a moment who nodded his head, heading to the source of the scream. AT least witht hem outside, they didnt have to go far. Jumping down from the roof, The captain sees Shiva and Eriko kicked to the side. She still hadn't forgotten what happened a long time ago on how she 'killed' Ryouji. "What do you want now? Don't you basically have everything? What could you possibly get here?"

[Ronin]

Ronin stood beside Yuri, glaring at Shiva. He narrowed his eyes, his pupils suddenly bursting into flames. He remembered how useless she had made him feel, and he was going to make her pay.

"YOU!!"

Suddenly, a pillar of fire erupted around him. When it vanished, he was clad in red armor. As it would have taken too much time to have his soul leave his body, He simply was going to have to make due with just his Fire-lord powers.

[van]

Nori had left the area to go get food for the group. He also made a stop at the glasses shop as he had noticed that Yuri had lost her pair. He was about to walk back inside when he heard a scream. Dropping everything but the glasses, Nori transformed, running toward the scream. He came to a stop beside Ronin's Captain, narrowing his eyes at Shiva.

"That's not nice, picking on kids."

As he saw Shiva kept a grip on Eriko, suddenly he understood the bigger picture.

That girl, she must be the key... We have to get her away from that trash... but how do we do it without harming her? No doubt Shukumei knows that Eriko is the key, but do the others?

[Rin Onigata]

Shiva watched as the flames did whatever they were supposed to before standing there. Was she amazed at the minutes it took him to attempt to frighten her with his power? Not really, she's seen it before and it hasn't changed yet so why would she be impressed or afraid now of all times.

"Dear boy you should be careful, we wouldn't want that attitude problem yours and all those pillars of flames hurting your friends. Now that you're all here....wait a minute one of you is missing"

Shiva counted on her hands how many of them were missing and she came down to the one person who has been a thorn in her plans since she's returned.

"Where is Uncle Ryouji? If he's not here that must mean something pretty bad has happened to him. So which one of you did it? Was it you mother?!?! No it couldn't have been you. You love him far to much to ever seriously harm a hair on his head. It couldn't have been the blonde or should I call you Auntie? Could it be you, Mister Fire guy? Some how I seriously doubt it was you"

Shiva turned on her heels and began pacing back and forth while wondering who or what could have happened to her poor Uncle. She then stopped and turned her attention to the one they call Yuri.

"It couldn't have been you. The one he fights so hard to protect, the one he's done everything in his power to keep from being killed or harmed The one he thinks so highly of, no no no it couldn't have been you. If it was no one here, then why the hell is he missing in action. It doesn't matter, Lunamir will find him and be rid of him and once he's dead I can shower you all with my undivided attention"

Shiva continued to watch the group of them with attentive eyes hoping one of them would tell her something she didn't know when it came to the case of finding out what truly happened to her dearest Uncle.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As soon as Shiva mentioned Ryouji, Yuri's disposition changed. She remembered the battle and how injured he was. Why did she had to bring it up when she almost had the event pushed to the corner of her mind. Without thinking, she started blurting things out as if she was venting at someone. "It..It wasn't my fault! The fighting just got out of hand.. When Shukumei said I nearly could of killed him.. I just felt horrible.. My hollow took advantage of my weakness and..things just got out of control.. Yuri holds the sides of her head as if she had a headache or something. she was trying to force the reenactments of the battle to disappear, but they just wouldn't.

"He wouldn't fight back.. I'm not sure why but I'm pretty sure he didn't want to hurt me.. I could hear the others, but I couldn't do a thing.. I felt so useless.." What scares her more than Shiva is the fact that she was afraid on how the others were going to view her. Were they going to hate her for what she did to Ryouji? She would understand if Shukumei and Azumi did. As for Ronin, she couldn't get the look he gave her when he said if he had no other choice to fight her, he would out of her mind. Just thinking of it over and over again made her start to tremble.

"It wasn't my fault.."