Birth of an Onigata

[Ryouji Onigata]

After receiving the call from his sister in reference to Azumi, Ryouji fled the area in which he was training and started to make his way for the Seireitei. There was no way in hell he was going to get out of keeping his presence from being unknown now and there was a very good possibility of him being arrested for his actions nearly three years ago. Part of him hoped that he would never have to see this place again, especially after deserting them, but there was no time to worry about the consequences of his actions now. His wife needed him and he would be there for her even if he had to fight his way through to the fourth squad headquarters. Flash step after flash step across the many districts of the Rukongai, he finally approached the west gate. Now that he was here, what was he going to do...he figured Jidanbo was somewhere nearby and he didn't want to cause a scene, though he might have to.

As he stood there thinking, he was approached with thunderous footsteps. It wasn't often people towered over Ryouji...but this was absolutely ridiculous. Ryouji glanced up to Jidanbo whom was standing in front of him.

"State your business...or leave"

Ryouji hadn't come up with anything, he was only wanting to get to Azumi whom was probably already delivering the baby. She needed him to be there and he was going to get there no matter what, even if he had to run Jidanbo through the ringer.

"I am Ryouji Onigata, former Captain of the third division and ex member of the first division punishment squad. I am also the brother of Captain Onigata. I was told that I would receive clearance in order to be at my wife's side when she delivers our baby. I ask that you allow me to pass so that I may proceed to the fourth squad headquarters."

Jidanbo continued to stare at Ryouji. He narrowed his eyes before leaning over closer to Ryouji and getting a closer look at him.

"Yeah I remember you...however your clearance has yet to reach me, so until it does you cannot pass."

Ryouji lowered his head and sighed before shaking his head from side to side. He was hoping it didn't have to come to this but he had no choice now.

"Forgive me Jidanbo...but my wife needs me and I intend to be there when she gives birth to my child."

Ryouji gripped the hilt of Shinkuoremasu and pulled it free of its sheath quickly. Upon doing so, the blade begain to emit a black colored reiatsu which he quickly turned into an attack. A huge wave of black energy was thrown from his sword and crashed into Jidanbo. Jidanbo extended his hands and kept the attack at bay though he did cause him to slide back a little. He forgot how strong the gate guardians were. Ryouji raised his Zanpakuto over his head and slashed it vertically, releasing another wave of black energy into Jidanbo which in turn caused him to slide back a bit further though it still wasn't enough, he wasn't getting anywhere with this. If he Hollowfied there was a good chance he could kill Jidanbo and he did not want that.

Jidanbo had begun to chuckle as he found the game the two were playing to be amusing. Ryouji on the other hand was frustrated. He was being held here longer than he had to. Ryouji spread his legs apart, bending his right knee slightly while keeping his left leg stretched out behind him. He gripped his Zanpakuto and lowered his head as he began to release his spiritual pressure.

"I DON'T HAVE TIME TO PLAY GAMES WITH YOU!!!!"

With the extra motivation to be there for his wife. Ryouji sheathed his Zanpakuto quickly pulling it free and in the process of freeing it he slashed it horizontally releasing a much larger and much more potent black energy wave which caused Jidanbo be pushed into and through the gate. Not once did Jidanbo stumble or fall he just broke through the gate with his own mass. It was...something out of a super hero manga...never has anyone been able to do that. In any case he got what he wanted...a way into the Seireitei.

Flash stepping passed Jidanbo, Ryouji was once again on his way to meet up with his wife. This was possibly the most important day in her life and he would not ruin that for her...nor would he ruin it for himself. Though against the idea originally, he's kind of grown to like the fact that he's going to be a father. Though he still doesn't know the first thing about parenting.

Quickly flash stepping on top of roofs and buildings, he continued to make the stretch toward the fourth squad headquarters. While he was getting closer and closer. The alarms were ringing. There was no point in hiding, he would be found regardless. However he still had to keep moving. Off in the distance, he could see it, he was there and he was doing well to avoid his pursuers for. However, upon setting foot on a roof. Spiritual pressure was being released and it caused him to stop. He narrowed his eyes and and slowly turned to see exactly who he thought it would be. His former mentor and Captain.

"Where do you think you're going Former Captain Onigata?"

The look in her eyes and her tone told the story. She would do anything in her power to stop him and he knew that. She was the only person whom looked passed his outer shell and molded him into the warrior he is. It was Soifon...the Captain of Squad two and leader of the stealth force and punishment squads.

"Its been a long time...Captain Soifon. I am here because my wife is due to arrive here at any moment to give birth to our child. Allow me to pass."

The serious look on her face hadn't changed since she was his Captain...she was always about business. Ryouji turned away from her. The last thing he needed to do was to pick a fight with her and with her abilities there was no way he could out run or out fight her she was still leagues above him in terms of skill. Without word or warning, she used a flash step to close the distance between the two of them and kicked him directly in the center of his face, forcing him to hurl down toward the ground. Upon hitting the ground Ryouji skidded back. The initial impact point left a hole on the ground.

"Not only did you fake your death...you broke through the west gate. Not only that, you were responsible for a a few shinigami deaths. That makes you a murderer. The punishment for murder is death!"

With another flash step she stood over him. She knelt down putting her knee to his chest to keep him pinned to the ground beneath her. She raised her right hand slowly with her Zanpakuto in hand.

"Sting all Enemies to death...Suzumebachi"

It was then she noticed while having him pinned there to the ground that with the angle the sun was shining...Ryouji did not have a Shadow. She narrowed her eyes before looking up in time to see the real Ryouji appear next to her.

"I'm sorry Captain, but my wife needs me"

He flash stepped again leaving Soifon behind. She stood up to pursue him when she was stopped by one of her subordinates. She was informed that Ryouji's clerance had indeed been approved. Ryouji bursted into the headquarters.

[Megumi]

It took a while, but she, Hina, and Azumi finally arrived in Soul Society. There seemed to of been a big commotion since the alarms was still going off. What could of happened? Was Soul Society under attack? Then, she remembered what Shukumei had said. Ryouji was able to get clearance so it's pretty much widespread knowledge that he did not die. "He got here really fast.. Don't blame him though." Now focusing on her task, she turns to face Hina and Azumi. It may of been a while since they've been in Seireitei so would they remember the way to the Fourth Squad headquarters? Even if they did know, she would still lead the way. She was able to get there to see Shi when Zetsumei was caught without getting caught herself. Since Hina and her didn't have clearance like Azumi and Ryouji, there could be trouble and they couldn't afford trouble.

"I know a way to get there without being seen." She lets out a giggle. This was going to be fun. It's like going on a mission like a real Captain does. That would mean she was in charge since she knew the way. "Alright! Operation: Get Azumi to Fourth Squad headquarters will now begin! We'll get here there in no time!" Hopefully no one would be on patrol. By now, The alarms had stopped so maybe now they realized that Ryouji did get permission to be here instead of just breaking in. Before she did go and leave with them, she better ask where they were first so they didn't get lost. The area where they were didn't seem familiar to her. "Uhm, where are we exactly?"

It did seem kinda funny. Here she was gettign all excited about her 'mission' that she doesn't know where she is. Well, when she does find out, she'll find her path to the fourth squad headquarters no matter what if they weren't there to begin with. "I uh, Got a bit too excited. Hehe, I just wanna help out, you know."

[Hina Kusanagi]

After reaching the Seiereitei, Hina sighed...in relief mostly. It was one less thing she really had to worry about. She looked around and saw that nothing had changed. Even with the alarms blaring the way they were. Certainly Azumi's husband could not have caused such a fuss.

Hina glanced down at Megumi who was totally into this mission thing and wanting to sneak around...what would be the point in that. Maybe she just wasn't sure if they could be seen. Even if they were, Hina should still have standing now that she wasn't really dead like it was reported.

"You don't have to sneak around little one. We are where we need to be. We need to get Azumi inside before she explodes...or kills someone. You don't have to worry about being seen either. We are merely here to support Azumi."

Hina continues to keep Azumi propped up against her while walking. It had to be dreadful...feeling like at any moment something the sizes of a melon would be being born. Even though she wouldn't admit it out loud, she was getting use to the fact of having a little niece to have around. After a bit of struggling and walking, the three finally made it inside of the headquarters. Azumi was taken away almost immediately.

"Be strong my sister!!"

Upon being wheeled back to the room they had set for her, Azumi looked back and gave Hina the finger. Hina's mouth dropped upon seeing her sister act so rudely.

"Now all we can do is wait Megumi."

Hina took Megumi's hand and sat down in a chair in what resembled a lobby of some sort. She seemed to be excited as well or at least it seemed that way before they left. Since they were from the future, exactly how long did they plan on remaining here in this time era and why does she look so familiar. She was positive she's never seen the child before. Perhaps she just has one of those faces. She was adorable though all the same.

[Megumi]

Megumi just stood in disbelief for a moment. Her whole mission of wanting to sneak around was completely ruined. It was gonna be so cool too! She would of had Hina take Azumi along while she would be a lookout. All that planning just poofed as soon as it was mentioned they were already[ there. She glared at Hina for a moment. "You just ruined the most awesome mission I had planned in a long while!" After hearing Azumi yell from the pain, she was snapped out of her tantrum. She helped move Azumi in and even saw Azumi give Hina the finger. The little one tilted her head, rubbing the back of it, confused by the gesture. By the way that Hina reacted to it, it had to be something really bad. After being lead into the lobby room, Megumi situated herself in one of the chairs.

It seemed like a long time ago when she wrecked the whole fourth Squad in her time just to get to Shi. She wanted to do the same to see Azumi, but not only would it be bad, but it's probably something she wouldn't need to see."I remember coming here after I heard that for a moment Zetsumei was caught. Though Shi wasn't hurting as bad as Azumi is, I was really scared. She's like a big sister to me. So I worry about her when she goes out on missions. It's not that I don't believe in her but I was told by Mama that whenever Shinigami go out of some missions, they could never come back."

It was a scary thought. She wouldn't know what to do if she lost her mother or Shi. Now that she was thinking about her family, she was starting to feel a little homesick. Emi looks down to the floor. She had to be strong. When she tells her mother that she was being helpful to them and that she learned a lot, she would be really proud of her and her father too, of course. "So..Azumi's gonna be a Mama soon, huh? I miss mine a lot.. I'm sure she's alright! Mama's like this.. most incredible Shinigami ever! There's nothing she can't do!" She could talk about her Mama for a long time, but she knew she couldn't. She didn't want anyone to figure out who it really was. "Uhm, how long does this last?"

[Azumi Onigata]

After leaving Megumi and Hina...Azumi was more than ready to get this baby out of her. She was going to love it and cherish it always but the amount of pain she as going through was the worst possible experience ever. Once in the room they've given to her... she was raised and placed on to a gurney. Everyone who was assigned took their positions...but she did not see Ryouji. After having her legs propped properly, she snapped them shut refusing to do this until her husband was at her side.

"I have to wait for my husband."

Upon finishing her sentence she screamed out in pain and grabbed the nearest person and began to shake him violently until the pain passed and one it did, she pushed him away and took a deep breath. She tilted her head back and continued to scan the room waiting for her husband...though honestly she didn't know how much longer she could wait. While she was in her own little world; the assistant left and brought Ryouji to her side mostly in fear of not wanting to be shaken again. If anyone deserved it it was Ryouji's fault anyway.

Upon seeing him, she smiled before reaching for him. As he attempted to take her hand...she slapped his hand aside and grabbed him by his modified haori and pulled him in as closely as she could. He attempted to kiss her but she countered it with a sick headbutt which knocked him down onto the ground and left a huge lump on the side of his forehead.

"DAMN, IT THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!! Now get this baby out of me NOW!!"

She began to scream and the medical associate assigned to her attempted to calm her down She tried to focus on something else and after Ryouji returned to his feet she grabbed his hand and began to squeeze it like her life depended on it. He could only sit there and be there for her. Once the doctor gave the go ahead. She took a huge breath and began pushing like there was no tomorrow. As she was pushing she began to scream louder and grip Ryouji's hand even tighter.

The associate comforted her by telling her she was doing great. Ryouji placed his free hand on top of Azumi's head and ran his fingers through her hair to continued to keep her comforted and not high strung. The associate told her to give another big push...and so she did. Screaming at the top of her lungs..and doing everything in her power not to break Ryouji's hand in the process...she gave it everything she had but it wasn't enough. She was reassured by her husband and by the associate whom was telling her that it was almost over. She needed to give one final push and give it every thing she had.

She took another deep breath and gave it her. After the final push the screaming of the baby took precident. Azumi laid there crying her eyes out. Her baby girl was finally here. After the baby was cleaned, and the umbilical cord was cut; she was wrapped in a small blanket.

"Congratulations...you have a beautiful baby girl"

The associate handed the baby over to Azumi and she cradled the baby in her arms while continuing to cry. She doesn't think she's ever seen something so precious and small. She looked up to Ryouji.

"She's the most precious thing I've ever seen. She's got your eyes and my nose and mouth."

Azumi glanced down at her daughter again and smiled while touching her hands. Her little palm wrapped around her finger and Azumi giggled quietly.

"Shizune...would you like to meet your daddy?"

Azumi looked up to Ryouji before slowly handing Shizune over to her father. While sitting up a bit. She looked at Ryouji while he held the baby. It was almost like he had no idea what to do he looked cute and lost at the same time.

[Ryouji Onigata]

There he was...holding his daughter for the first time in his life. It felt like everything was so much more different then when he originally arrived. Hard to believe something so small and so tiny could born. He wanted to say something...but he didn't know what he could say. He doesn't want his baby's first memory of him to be a cool one....

Ryouji handed Shizune over to Azumi once again and kissed her forehead. No longer was e going to be able to fight for what he considered right. The only thing that matters to him is making sure that he's there for her for every single moment.

"I believe Megumi would want to meet the baby and you as well Azumi, I will be back soon."

Ryouji left the room and slowly made his way to the waiting area where he saw Megumi sitting with an unfamiliar face. He knelt down in front of Megumi.

"The baby is born and I believe that both she and Azumi would like to see you Megumi."

Ryouji stood up and turned his attention to the unknown female whom was with Megumi. Who was she and why was Megumi with her more importantly. It didn't matter, but that was something aobut her that wasn't right. It was almost as if she carried an air of superiority about her.

[Megumi]

Megumi looked up to Ryouji who had come out of the room with news that Shi of this timeline was just born. It would be great to hold her since well, she never had the chance to and with good reason. When he had stood up, she noticed he was looking over to Hina, seeming confused. Maybe she should tell him who she was. After all, he must think she was kidnapped or something. "Yeah! I would love to! It's gonna be weird though. Oh uh, This lady here. She's Miss Azumi's sister Uh.. Uh.. Hina! We had found her on the way back to the candy store and we took her back with us. We couldn't just leave her there with all the Hollows around. Miss Azumi cooked this hugs, and I do mean huge, breakfast! I got to help too! We all ate and she dragged Yuri off to take a bath since she said earlier that uh.. I forgot what she said, but it was enough to make her make Yuri take a bath."

She exhaled as if she had said everything without stopping for air. Emi then hops down from the chair, looking back to Hina. "Come on! You hafta come too! You came all this way! You might as well come!" Even though Ryouji was gonna go in with her, she still didn't want to go in alone. After all, Shi was Hina's neice and she should see her too. "Hehe, I can't wait to see her!"

[Ryouji Onigata]

Once Megumi explained to her who the woman that was with her was. Ryouji took a step back, out of reflex. Was she really who Megumi claimed she was. After hearing so many stories from Azumi. She practically taught Azumi everything she's ever known and here he was standing before her in the flesh. Hina turned and glared at him. The moment he looked into her eyes it was like he couldn't move at all. It was like he was paralyzed. There were whispers in his head they were getting louder. Not only that it was as if he could feel his spiritual pressure leaving his body while being drowned in hers...that stare is one hundred times more potent than Azumi's evil stare and it was deadly.

Megumi glanced up at Ryouji and tugged on his hand gently and it brought him out of it. He looked around before looking down to see Megumi. What in the hell was that. It was from that moment...even though it felt like he as standing still for hours, though it was really only a few seconds...he learned to be fearful of her. He hasn't felt like that since he first stared at the old man.

"Aren't we going to see Miss Azumi and the baby?"

Megumi started pulling on Ryouji's and Hina's arms respectfully. She was anxious to see the little Shizune and Azumi as well. Ryouji closed his eyes and was more worried about if Hina was going to stare at him. Even visibly, he looked a little shaken. Once re-entering the room with Azumi and the baby. Ryouji took his hand from Megumi and moved to a corner of the room and stood quietly against the wall watching the three of them interact with the baby.

[Megumi]

As Megumi went up to the bed where Azumi was resting, she was able to see little Shizune all bundled up to keep her warm. It was something else in order to see a baby like that. It was her first time seeing one. It looks so tiny and it was hard to believe that something like came from both her and Ryouji. She just smiled, looking to the baby. Now that she was born, they would have to work really hard to make sure that nothing happens to her parents or Shukumei. At least this Shizune would have her parents. Emi wanted to hold her, but she had no idea how to. It was a new experience for her. She wondered if she was that small when she was born.

How would she get to hold her? What did she need to say? Would she just need to ask? Only one way to find out. "Uhm.. Miss Azumi? M..May I hold her? I..never held a baby before so..can you show me how to?"

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi sat up a bit and smiled. It was cute to see Megumi interested in the baby. The fact that she wanted to hold her made her smile. She called to Ryouji to lift Megumi on to the bed and once doing so She moved closer to her as best as she could.

"You have to keep her head level with the rest of her body when you hold. So kind of like fold your arms with your palms upright. Make sure you keep her very close to your chest."

Once Megumi held her arms in the right position Azumi gently placed Shizune into her arms and rested her chin on Megumi's shoulder while watching her hold the baby.

"Isn't she the most precious thing ever?"

Azumi grabbed her one of the babies hands. Finally the thing she wanted most and the day had finally come. The Associate who delivered the baby stepped forward and requested that everyone give the mother a chance to rest. Azumi gave everyone hugs before getting comfortable. Little Shizune was taken away from her so she could rest. Granted she wanted to keep her baby close to her but. She was certain she'd be well taken care of. She waved to Megumi and gave Ryouji a kiss before they left.

She sighed and closed her eyes to fall asleep mostly with a smile on her face.

[Megumi]

After leaving the room, Megumi went back to the chairs, sitting down beside Hina again while kicking her feet a little. She wanted to stay a bit longer to visit Azumi whenever she could have visitors again. It felt weird but yet really awesome to hold little Shizune. What are they going to do now? Are they going to stay and look after Azumi and Shizune? She might as well ask. "What are we gonna do now? Are we gonna wait until she can see people again? Hey! Maybe she would like something to eat or drink! Or maybe.." There were many things she wanted to do in order to help out Azumi and well, Ryouji too. Speaking of which, she looked over to him, tilting her head a little. "Come on and sit down! You hafta be tired too. Everyone needs a little rest."

It was incredible to experience something like that. Well, holding a baby that is. She was beginning to wonder if herself and her mother were that tiny when they were born. She wanted to ask, but it's not like they would know and they couldn't. Not yet, anyway. She was starting to feel tired as well and it showed as she let out a yawn. She didn't feel like sleeping just yet so she was stubbornly trying to stay awake. As soon as she rested her head on Hina's arm, the little one quickly fell asleep. After all, it was a big day and it seemed like the right time to catch a quick nap.

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji stood there attempting to take it all in. He was a father, it was an experience he hoped to dread on as long as possible but it was to late for regrets now. The baby..Shizune was finally born. It was such a unique name to give to a child although something about it sounded familiar. It didn't matter, he would love her all the same, it was still just very hard to believe.

After Megumi asked him to sit down it wasn't long before she fell asleep herself. Poor child all the excitement must have tuckered her out. However it worried him that Megumi fell asleep, she was the only line of defense he had against this Hina individual. He did his best to avoid looking at her in fear of having what happened to him earlier happen again.

Even though this was supposed to be a happy occasion, he just had this feeling that something was wrong. He took out his soul phone and dialed Shukumei's to see if everything was alright with her.

When she answered the phone she sounded as if she was fighting or in a pissed off mood, whichever one it was, he didn't want to have to hear about it. Its not his fault, whatever it was.

"Ryouji, now isn't a good time you know, something is wrong with Yuri...her hollow has gone feral. Not only that..its weird...her hollow is consuming other hollows. A hollow appeared some time ago and we've been tracking it...but when we found it...Yuri just went nuts and started attacking it and she consumed it. With all the spiritual pressure she's giving off...she's attracting more and more hollows. I've tried getting through to her...but between fending her off and attempting to beat her to the hollows have proven to be something of a challenge. Get your ass back down here and talk some sense into your pupil at this rate she'll be completely hollowfied and we will lose her!"

Ryouji narrowed his eyes...so the cat was indeed out of the bag. It was strange that her hollow was indeed eating other hollows, it was erratic and no typical hollow behavior.

"Hang on...I'm on my way back now."

Ryouji closed his phone and turned to Hina. He had to get back to Yuri and stop her before she became completely hollowfied. If they were to lose her...it would be his fault and mistakes are something he rarely makes.

"Yuri...is in trouble. I must return to Karakura Town...please tell Azumi that I am sorry and that I will be back when I get this situation under control."

Ryouji turned his back to Hina and left the area and quickly headed for the Senkai Gate located on the west side of the Seireitei. After getting himself cleared he explained that he would return when his business was finished and that he would return to speak with the head captain and the other captains. Once the gate was open. He jumped through it and began to run through the dungai as quickly as he could. He wasn't covering enough ground to get there as fast as he could. He raised his right hand covered his left eye. If he was to get there faster her would have no choice but to hollowfy himself and to move much quicker.

Once he summoned his mask, he began to flash step much quicker through the Dungai and eventually he made it through to the other side. Now all that was left to do was to find Yuri and stop her before it became to late.