Arrival and Departure

[Yuri Nakayama]

*NOTE* Until otherwise noted, the next series of posts will be Future Yuri as Present Yuri is recovering.

Once stepping through to the past town, Yuri collected Reishi under her feet to stay up in the air. She slowly inhaled as she glanced around. For some reason, the air smelled a lot fresher than her time. Though it shouldn't matter since she's not on a vacation anyway. By now, Shi and the others should of had Zetsumei defeated and killed. What was taking them so damn long? Not only that, she was beginning to worry about Megumi. Instead of just standing there, she should start looking for them. And she does just that. With a flash step, the shinigami traveled across town.

Coming across the Candy store, Yuri stopped and gained footing on the ground. It felt like years since she's seen the store. Ever since the events with Zetsumei, she found it more important hunting him down and deposing of him. So many memories came flooding through her mind. The Shinigami grips her fist tightly, pushing them to the side. No longer will she get to see Ryouji, Shukumei, or Azumi here. Ever since they had died, she more or less let go of showing any emotions. Doesn't mean she doesn't care or whatever.

Walking to the door, she slides it open, closing it behind her once inside. She was trying to remember where the others used to gather when they would come here. She was getting a bit annoyed and decided to search for them herself. "Is anyone in here or not?"

[Future Shizune]

Peeking her head around a corner of the room she was in, she was able to peek around and see who entered the store. She hoped it would be her mother and father and Emi whom she was missing right now. Upon seeing who it was, Shizune gasped and thundered around the corner.

"LADY YURI!!!!"

Without word or warning Shizune tackled her mentor down onto the ground and squeezed her for dear life. She was so happy to see her that she couldn't control herself. She's missed her so much there was honestly no greater feeling than seeing the person who taught her everything she knows.

"Wha...what are you doing here Lady Yuri. You can't take Emi away, she's having so much fun here and she's met my parents and my mommy loves her to death. Secretly I think she's plotting to kidnap her but you didn't hear that from me."

She just didn't want to let her go and tell her everything, but if she came, then she was certain that it was for business. She was honestly afraid to ask why she was here at all, but she needed to know. She may have new orders for her or something. After a few minutes of cling huggle tackling her mentor she rolled off of her and sat up next to her on the floor.

"So why did you come Lady Yuri. Is something the matter..am I in trouble? Oh dear I didn't do anything I swear!!"

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was taken back from being tackled and nearly hugged to death by Shi. By the way she was acting, it had been years since they have last seen each other. Hugging back before Shi gets up, Yuri gets up as well, dusting herself off. She chuckled from hearing her mention that Megumi should stay there with them. As long as she was safe, that's all that matters. Luckily, she wasn't there to make Megumi or Shi return. "Lucky for you, Shi, I'm not here to make her return back. I'm here because.." She just couldn't just flat out say it. She would have the pleasure of teasing her by not giving her a straight answer. "Because I want to be. Why I am here shouldn't matter right now. Are you alone?"

Shi shook her head from side to side, leading her to the room where Shukumei was in. When stepping n, She looks over to the woman, seeming to have a blank look on her face. It was weird to see Shukumei alive and well. Well, she was glad that she was alive, of course. Still, it was strange nonetheless. Why was she staring at her so oddly? It was as if she wasn't expecting her or something. "Why are you looking at me like that, Shukumei? Is there something wrong with me?" It seemed so awkward to be stared at, but regardless, Yuri sat down near Shukumei, smiling slightly. "Go ahead, ask away."

[Shukumei Onigata]

Knowing how strong Yuri is...there was still no way in hell that she was up and walking around. Not to mention that she she's totally different. She couldn't put her finger on why. Ryouji wasn't with her either. Scratching her cheek, she narrowed her eyes, nearly squinting trying to figure out if it was really Yuri or if this was some sort of sick joke, or maybe she was getting...old.

"There is something different about you...for instance you're actually standing after the fight you and my brother had. Not to mention that you look a little older and more mature. Your spiritual pressure is even a different. Are you sure you're Little Yuri? You seem so damn serious"

Shukumei crawled over to Yuri before standing up in front of her. She was even a little taller. There was no way an ass kicking made someone change that much. She wasn't convinced this was Yuri. She looked older and everything.

"You aren't our Yuri are you. You're Yuri from the future aren't you. I don't like your tone...so I think I will ask you something some questions you should be able to answer! Did I ever get married and have a child in the future and not Shiva...I mean an actual giggly drooling little monster who cries and needs constant diaper changes?"

Shukumei folded her arms and stood in front of this Yuri waiting for her answers. Though she had no idea why she was asking some of these things. It just all kind of came out of her head.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri just chuckled from the bombardment of questions. It was good to know that Shukumei was still smart as ever. What would be the fun in telling her? Not like she did have any children. It was going to be fun teasing her former mentor. Yawning slightly, Yuri covered her mouth, glancing over to Shukumei. "Sorry, can't tell you." It was then she was taken by surprise by Shukumei grabbing onto her Shinigami garb as if she was going to lift her off the ground. Yuri then looked away, having a sly look on her face as Shukumei gave her her full attention. "Who do you think you are?! You may look like Yuri, but that doesn't mean you are! Now, answer my questions!"

It seemed like she was still a stick in the mud. All business and everything. Well, she was the same too in some cases. As of right now, she was having too much fun. Chuckling again, Yuri gently held onto Shukumei's hands, making her let go of her outfit. "C'mon now. For someone who's so open towards women, you ask silly questions. I thought the act of being with a male like that would disgust you." If that didn't tell her the answer she wanted, how else would she break it down? Yuri sighed. She might as well get on with it. "No, Shukumei. You never gave birth. Seeing what Azumi had to go through you made up your mind not to go through the same thing. Besides, Shizune gave you a hard time when she was little."


Yuri was getting slightly annoyed and it was starting to show. She balled up her hand into a fist as if she was ready to hit something. Why would she need to prove who she was? These questions were pointless. "What the hell does these questions have anything to do with who I am or not? They're meaningless and you know it. Even if I answered them to your satisfaction, there's going to be doubt in the back of your mind. I have one way to put this dispute to an end." Yuri stood up, putting a hand on the hilt of her Zanpaktou and soon unsheathed it. Such an ct caused Shukumei to be unwary due to seeing it as a potential threat. "Dancing Pedal of Justice, Rain Down!" The weapon soon transformed into a Swallow with two stone blades that gave off the scent of flowers. She then pointed the Swallow at Shukumei, eyes narrowing. "Is this enough proof or do you wish to see my skills your yourself?"

[Future Shizune]

Seeing things get somewhat more serious than they already were, Shizune sighed. There was her mentor and practically the one who raised her and then her Auntie Shukumei who seemed like she was being taken lightly which was never a good sign since she prides herself on respect. Stepping in between them, Shizune places her hands on the tops of both of there heads and patted them. Granted doing something like this was rather bold of her, but it would ease the tension as they would focus on her rather than the little spat they were having.

"You know...umm technically you guys haven't seen each other in a while...well it hasn't been all that long since she that happened in our time. Why don't you two like, hug or something and play nice! Its not nice Lady Yuri to poke fun at us. You can't have some secret agenda! We don't keep secrets from each other!"

Shizune much like her mother when she assumes something, she assumes big and is extra dramatic about everything, especially when she thinks someone is out to get her or against her or has plans for her.

"I want to know the reason why you've come! If it isn't for me or for Emi, then hmmm. You came back for Candy?! You never let me or Emi eat Candy so you can't have any either! No..thats a dumb reason to come all this way. So tell me what it is! If...if you love Emi and me you'll tell me what the reason is!!"

Shizune grinned knowing that not even Lady Yuri could resist such a powerful incantation of sheer truth. She would be overpowered by the statement and be forced to tell the real reason why she has come here to this era.

[Yuri Nakayama]

After being patted on the head by Shi, Yuri lowered her Zanpaktou. Perhaps she was going about it the wrong way. It wasn't like she wanted to cause a big misunderstanding. She should loosen up and be glad that Shukumei is here before her alive and well. Transforming the weapon back into its sealed form, the captain sheathed the sword. It wasn't often Yuri could even think about just being..normal. Well, about as normal as she could be, anyway. As for Shi's question, she might as well say it. Not after apologizing though. "She's right. Though it's only been a couple of years, it feels like centuries since I've last seen you, Shukumei/"

Yuri then sat back down, glancing over to Shukumei. She even looks around the age of the Shukumei she knew before she died. However, she knew that the future she knows will not be the same. "I was actually trying to have fun, you know. Even I get bored with all the paperwork. But that's not why I'm here. I'm here to hear from you if Zetsumei has been slain or not." Everything was still the same as she remembered. The same room, the same shop, the same everything. Still, there was something that was said that was bothering her. It was the way Shukumei reacted upon seeing her. She mentioned a fight between her past self and Ryouji. Why would they? Friendly spar or was it something more drastic?

"You made mention that the past me shouldn't be standing after the fight with Ryouji. What happened in order for him to more or less nearly dispose of me?"

"Our Yuri's Hollow had gotten out of control. It was feral to the point where it was consuming other Hollows. Ryouji had to fight her until she was able to defeat it. It took a while for Yuri to actually gain the strength to fight back. What it said while it was in control still troubles me."

Yuri just stared in disbelief. Not once did her Hollow try to do something like that. What on earth would make it want to do such a thing? Not like she could go research it or nothing. She wanted to at least warn them of how it could change the Yuri they know. "I see. It sounds like Ryouji actually had to almost cut loose. Our Hollow is unique as you have seen. It attaches itself to our emotions and waits for the most opportune moment to assert itself. Personally, I believe it did to help speed up the Hollowification process. Regardless, Yuri will overcome this weakness.. Just not to your liking." The only way she could stop it from happening other than beating the hollow into submission was to become apathetic. It's not that she doesn't care. She just can't allow her emotions to get the best of her. This Yuri would be no different. The thing that worries her is that for her, it took years, hell, even almost a century to get her Hollow under control. It sounds like the fight that Ryouji had to endure was one for dominance. Why were events happening so out of place?

"I can't say anything else. Might ruin the future and all that nonsense. Guess it's not nonsense since we're here." For a moment, she looked around and finally noticed that the other sibling was gone. Where did he run off to? "Where did your brother go? I wanted to speak to him as well."

[Shukumei Onigata]

While she knew that her brother was at the Seireitei, she honestly didn't know why they were still there. Azumi already had the baby so why weren't they in a hurry to rush home and show the baby off. While she wasn't to keen of babies, she really did want to hold her niece and play with the baby for a little while.

"Azumi went into labor and had the baby, I assume they are still at the Seireitei. Knowing Ryouji, he's probably checking up on our Yuri before coming back. He took it kind of hard when Yuri lost control he blames himself for it since he could not properly use the Hyogyoku and its a sensitive subject for him. Knowing him, it was probably the first time he felt as if he couldn't truly help someone."

Hard to believe that someone so ruthless in battle could be so caring, but appearances can be and are deceiving. She thought it would be pretty hilarious when he got back and found an his protege from the future sitting here waiting for him. What was there to say now. It kind of was awkward sitting here talking to a future version of someone she's watched grow up into a woman.

"Tell me this much...Shizune keeps mentioning Megumi..does that mean what I think it does? Is Megumi really your daughter? I mean it was kind of hard not to notice the way Shizune said her and Emi. Not to mention thats what she always calls Megumi. You don't have to worry...I won't mention it to anyone! Promise! I just want absolute confirmation"

As if it wasn't obvious already, its not if she was stupid. If Megumi were here standing directly next to Yuri, she was pretty certain that they would look exactly alike...but if Yuri was Megumi's mother...then who in the hell was the father.

"You know if Ryouji ever found out about that...he'd like flip out because he doesn't see you as...you know someone who could settle down and have a family. He practically refuses to believe that our Yuri and Ronin are in a relationship as it is...oh my! Is...is he?"

Shukumei covered her mouth knowing that if what she was thinking was true, she was going to die of laughing. Ryouji is going to have a serious fit if he were to ever find that out. She fell over holding on to her stomach as she began to laugh to the point of crying. This was by far the most hilarious thing ever. Ryouji's reaction was going to be absolutely priceless.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri tilts her head to the side from watching Shukumei fall over from laughter. Honestly, why was it funny? Now that she thinks of it Ryouji and Ronin never did exactly got along with each other. How would he react if he did find out that Megumi was her and his daughter. Regardless, there was no point in answering. If Shukumei figured it out on her own, how could she lie about it? All she could do was just avoid the questions regarding Megumi. If Azumi has already given birth to Shi, then give or take fifty years or so, Megumi would be born too.

"Ah, I'll have to tell her congratulations. As For Ryouji checking on her, I don't blame him. I've always known how he felt on the situation. That's why when he died.." Instead of feeling sad, Yuri was getting slightly irritated, but kept it under wraps. "When he died, I made sure to train hard to get my Hollow under control. It took some time, but it was well worth it." In a way, she was hoping Ryouji would come ack with Megumi in tow. It's been a while since she last saw her and often thought of her well being. Of course, she trusted that the others would keep her safe. Nonetheless, she missed her child.

She didn't know what else to think of to talk about. She sat there, pondering. Just the silence was getting on her nerves. So, she just decided to speak whatever came to mind. "So, how are things goin' in this timeline?"

[Megumi]

This will be a combined post of Yuri and Megumi.

After arriving back in the Candy store with everyone else, Megumi went on ahead to see who was in there. When she saw not only shi, but her mother as well, the little one became really excited. Emi just dashes over to Shi, more or less tackling her onto the floor while clinging to her. "Shiiii!" It felt like forever since the last time she saw her. She would also glomp Shukumei, but she looked like she didn't feel all that well. So instead, she just waved, a wide small on he face. "Hi, Captai Shukumei~" She just giggled, happy to be back with everyone. After letting Shi get up, she runs over to her mother, tackling her onto the floor as well. Yuri had let out an 'oof', hugging her. Emi just clung to her, already on the verge of tears.

"I missed you so much! I've learned a lot while I was here! Everyone was just like you said!" Emi smiled as Yuri rubbed the top of her head. She was well pleased with the growth of her daughter.

"I'm glad to see you're getting along with everyone. Though your departure was all of a sudden, I knew you would be in safe hands. If you're here, Ryouji and the others are here as well?"

Emi giggled, letting Yuri go so she could sit up before standing up. "Uh-huh! We're all here! Mister Ryouji, Miss Azumi, Little baby Shi, and Miss Hina are all here safe and sound! they were with me after all so yeah!" Yuri just chuckled patting her on the head. When Yuri had heard the sound of footsteps, she turned to face the door, seeing three people standing there. She recognized Ryouji, Azumi, and of course the baby, but not the other. Was that the Hina Megumi mentioned?

"Well well. Look who decides to show up. Took you a good while to get here. Welcome back, Ryouji, Azumi, and guest. You're unfamiliar to me so I can't give you a proper greeting. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Yuri Nakayama, Captain of Squad Three. Pleased to meet you." She could tell that they were staring at her with the most strange look on their faces. Then it hit her that they must be confusing her with her past self. "I'm not the Yuri you think I am, obviously. From what I heard, she's still recovering." Yuri steps over to the three of them, she moves in front of Ryouji, glancing up just a little. While she may have grown slightly, he was still taller. Just looking at him was making her angry. What good was a promise if it can't be kept? Balling her hand into fist, she tried to keep her anger in check.

It was failing though. All she could think about was his promise that he made to not only her, but to his family. That he would always be there to protect them when they needed it. She understood that he wanted revenge for Azumi, but he had his own daughter to think about and he just left her. Unable to stand it any longer, she struck Ryouji as hard as she could on the right side of this face. When she heard the startled gasps of everyone, she didn't move from where she was. "I can't believe you. How could you just run off recklessly?' She then unsheathes her Zanpaktou, pointing it at Ryouji. If the others were going to get in her way, she would have to deal with them as wel or at least try to convince them to stay put. "We're going to settle this, once and for all!"

[Ryouji Onigata]

After being struck by the future Yuri, Ryouji just stood there with his head cocked off to the side. How could he be blamed for something was never in control of in the first place. From her mannerisms and tone, he could tell she was very serious. What promise was she refering to? After all his future self and he were very different apparently. While he may have run off and died, he would do no such thing. His daughter and wife and sister are all important to him, as well as present Yuri and Hina and Megumi. Fighting so they wouldn't have to was his ideal way of living and while he can't explain what why his future self did what he did, it should have absolutely no bearing on what he does with his life presently.

With her Zanpakutou pointed at him, he sighed before shooting a glance down at his student from the future. and narrowed his eyes. The future Yuri was confident in herself...and the fact that she was willing to fight him made her true to whatever it was she believed in...and the fact that she was willing to fight him for it was well...something he hoped to see from his present pupil though he was certain that she would eventually learn everything he's tried to teach her.

"What are you planning to do with your Zanpakutou...strike me down? Here in front of everyone to satisfy some belief you developed on your own time. I can't speak for my future self...but if he's dead. There is nothing you or I can do about it. I have no intentions of dying...that includes by your hand"

Ryouji pushed her Zanpakutou aside before finally straightening his head. He ran his fingers through his hair to keep it spiked back before turning away from her. He wanted to be angry and he wanted to retaliate but what good would it do to strike a female. He wasn't the angry type at least not any more. As far as he could tell she was just venting her frustration, even if that was the case, she didn't have to take it out on his face.

"If it makes you feel better, blame whomever you want. This conversation is over."

Ryouji kept his back to her and walked away. He opened the floor board which lead down into the Urahara Underground Training room and jumped down inside. Honestly he felt bad for her...does he or did he really mean that much to her? To the point where she would visibly be angry over his death. There was so much to take in to consideration, so may variables and outcomes it was just to much to consider thinking about right now.

[Yuri Nakayama]

When he walked away, Yuri had to grit her teeth to keep herself from saying something that she might or might not regret. Looking over to Azumi and the others, she started to wonder if they were going to come or not. "Come or don't, it's up to you. Either will not change my mind. I have no intentions to kill him. I feel like I could though. Fighting right now is the only way I can express how I feel." Sheathing her Zanpaktou, she heads out of the room. She looked around the area, not seeing Ryouji. Then again, if they were going to fight, the best place to do it would be in the underground training area. Heading to the Ladder, she climbs down to the very bottom, catching a glimpse of her former mentor. "You mentioned me striking you down. In battle, yes I shall. As we fight, you will not only feel my resolve, you will see it."

It wasn't before too long before she felt Spiritual Pressure other than her own and Ryouji's. She turned her head to look and it looked like the whole gang was there. She chuckled a little before returning her glance to Ryouji. she wasn't going to play around. She then transformed her Zanpaktou to it's Shikai form. If that wasn't all, She moved her right hand over her face, keeping her eyes locked onto Ryouji. "This will test both of us, Ryouji. Though I know you won't, but let's skip the warmups. I rather just get down to the point." Reiatsu was starting to form around her finger as she started to collect it. As she brought her hand down, she forms her Hollow mask. however, she wasn't ready to fight just yet. She was going to make sure that the others don't get hurt during the fight. In order to ensure that, she would more or less scare them into making some kind of barrier. Not turning to face Azumi, Yuri spoke to her with a mixture of her voice and the Hollows.

"Put up a barrier, Azumi. I would hate to resort to doing anything necessary to make sure he fights as serious as he needs to."

Of course she wouldn't do anything to harm them. She just wanted to scare Azumi to make the barrier and to make Ryouji fight with not only intensity, but seriously. Well, he usually always fights that way, but it wouldn't hurt to be just a little more serious.

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi watched how serious Yuri was being toward her husband. She just had this feeling that they were going to do the most terrible things to each other. This wasn't how it was supposed to be...so why would they need to fight. She never understood why Ryouji had to fight so much. She turned to future Shizune and handed the baby to her.

"Will you hold the baby sweetie...I have...to erect this barrier for your father and Yuri. I don't like this at all, this is going to be one battle I hope no one wins. Like Ryouji needs any more scars...his body is covered in them! Hina, will you assist me? Between the two of us we should be able to maintain a structurally sound barrier."

At her little sister's request, Hina nodded before standing up She moved a tiny bit closer only to be followed by Azumi. Upon sitting next to each other. The sisters brought their hands together and in unison began to use various hand sign before slamming their hands into the ground. A square shaped barrier formed around Yuri and Ryouji followed by a circular one which acted as a secondary barrier to keep whatever happens inside on the inside.

"Don't kill each other in there... if either one of you is seriously injured I will never forgive you!"

She lowered her head slightly knowing that this was going to be one battle she really couldn't cheer for. Ryouji was a father now and the fact that he was going to continue fighting didn't sit well with her, but she had faith in him. Faith that he would be okay. Yuri was her friend too, so cheering for either of them would be pointless. This battle made her sad more than anything else.

[Ryouji Onigata]

Keeping his back turned to Yuri, he didn't understand why she didn't understand that he had nothing more to say on her on the subject of whatever it was his future self promised her. Did she really come all this way to fight with him, I mean after all there were other reasons that she could have come back. Seeing the baby was one of them...maybe to see her pupil Shi...or whatever other reason there could have been. Fighting her was not high on his priority list. He didn't want any part of it anyway.

"Are you really going to make me go through with this? I don't see the point. You were always so quick to draw your blade when you wanted to prove something to me. Is this to prove how grown up you are? To prove how much of a woman you are...or does this really spawn from something other than your anger for my death in the future? What aren't you telling me Yuri...it can't simply be because I went off recklessly into battle and was killed for my mistakes"

In fact he was certain that she was trying to tell him something else, but the fighting was starting to bother him just a little bit. He wanted to spend time with his family and instead he has to deal with this but why. What was it she was trying to tell him exactly why was this fight so important to her.

There she stood with her hollow mask on and her transformed Zanpakutou, ready to get this fight underway. He shook his head before raising his Zanpakutou out in front of him. He kept it sheathed while staring over at her. This was all so pointless, but he wasn't going to get out of it anyway so he might as well indulge her request to fight. In the process he would come to understand what it was that was angering her about him and when its over he would have beaten a proper apology out of her for punching him in the face earlier, instead of hugging him and being happy to see him alive and well again considering what has happened to him in her time. Even if that was the case, he still couldn't take this battle seriously knowing that something about the reasoning behind her anger has yet to be explained or felt.

"Don't forget Yuri...everything you know I've taught you. Regardless of how old you become, you will always be the student, and I your teacher"

Sliding his feet apart slightly, Ryouji was ready to receive whatever onslaught that Yuri had prepared for him...mostly he was interested in learning why she was so angry and so upset with him, but he would have to be quicker on his toes, especially since she was hollowfied.

[Yuri Nakayama]

What did she have to prove? She doesn't see the need to prove how strong she was or how much she had grown. He can see that much with his own eyes. This was just to vent on how his death not only affected his sister, but his daughter and herself as well. "If I were to apologize, Azumi, You would pinch the hell out of my cheeks if not something worse for making him fight. I know you don't like it, but this isn't for the fun of it. I want to be able to explain how I feel, but words aren't going to be enough. I know he's different than the one I knew but it still has to be done. If you want to be mad at me, then go ahead."

If only saying how she felt in words were easier, she would of done it before coming to this. It's not just herself that she would be fighting for. It would be for Future Shukumei as well. "Do you realize how many people you had let down by dying?!" With A flash step, she quickly closed the distance between herself and her mentor, bringing up her swallow for a slash in which he blocked it with his sheathed Zanpaktou. He was managing to hold her back. "You two may be different, but you're still the same! You say those things now, but what if Azumi gets kidnapped again? You were willing to throw your life away then!"

She then jumped away from Ryouji to put some distance between them while holding up her hand like she was going to use a kido or something. Instead. she started gathering Reiatsu for a Cero. "i don't care about proving anything to you or anyone else! I'm doing this because I'm pissed!" that much was obvious of course, but she might as well indulge why. "You made a promise..and you broke it. It's that simple!" She fires the Cero at him, preparing herself in case he was to somehow counter. "

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji narrowed his eyes upon watching the Cero form. She was serious about truly fighting with him and after all the belly aching she was doing, it wasn't about proving anything to him or to anyone for that matter. She was just mad as hell and she wanted to take it out on him. After she fired the Cero, Ryouji quickly performed a flash step and appeared behind her and stood there. He folded his arms against his chest and lowered his head slightly.

It still wasn't enough to tell what it was she was so angry about. Even though Yuri made it clear that it was about this promise again. What promise was this? Why was this affecting her in such a way to the point where she wants to battle with him on a serious level.

If he really wanted to get a handle on this situation then he would most definitely have to play her little game, although he didn't care for it personally.

"This isn't about Azumi getting kidnapped. Or what hell I would go through to get her back Yuri. I would gladly die if it meant protecting what matters to most to me! If your future Ryouji died, it was to protect something he held very dear. I do not know the circumstances as to why he made his choice...but maybe it was to protect those he cares for...his sacrifice may have been in vain maybe he wasn't strong enough. Maybe he didn't have the resolve to destroy the opponent he faced or maybe he knew he was outmatched to begin with. We will never know his reasoning...but if you think I would die without fighting with every ounce of strength and courage I could muster then you are sadly mistaken."

Lifting his head slightly, Ryouji turned his head slightly and glanced over to Azumi who wore a worried look on her face. She was always worried about him, when he came to her injured all those years ago, she took him in and nursed him back to health without question. It was her love for him that kept him going, the fact that she didn't treat him like a social outcast because he didn't fit the metaphorical mold like many other Shinigami, he was different and he always knew that he was different and nothing would ever change that, but she still accepted him, she still loved him and fighting for her safety was the least he could do.

'You are a grown woman Yuri, don't you have something worth fighting for? Don't you have something or someone you want to protect no matter what the cost. Maybe I was foolish for telling our Yuri that I would always be here for her no matter what. I cannot predict the future. There are enemies out there that are stronger than all of us combined...lurking in the shadows, waiting for the opportunity to strike. The truth is and always will be that I won't be here for forever. None of us knows what tomorrow brings. I could become sick and die of an illness...I could be killed in battle...I could drown in a body of water, I could be consumed by hollows. The point is Yuri...You should have known that I would not always be there for you. I...I only told you those things to give you confidence in yourself. You aren't weak...you aren't a child...you know the world is never what it appears to be. Being angry at me won't change harsh realities. One day I will die, that is inevitable...that is fate. I'm pretty sure your Ryouji wanted nothing than to be there for you and his daughter, his family. What he wanted...what you want doesn't change what happened. He's dead Yuri...thats something you're going to eventually have to cope with."

He tilted his head back and sighed was any of this even getting through to her...truth be told he was getting tired of flapping his gums attempting to talk some sense into her. Not to mention she practically came here thinking she was going to beat him to begin with. Why is it that students believe they can easily surpass their masters. They are master's for a reason, this wasn't some ninja manga where the student kills the teacher and reaches some unseen plateau of skills and power. However this wasn't one of those basic concepts of battle. This was a far more complicated, and it hit home harder than it should. The punch he received from her earlier on...was cold and it felt so alone. Even her attacks felt sad and angry at the same time.

"Is fighting me really going to make you feel better Yuri? Then again you've always been like that...even when I pretended to die...when you got the chance you fought me in this exact same spot and you injured me. You fractured a couple of ribs and nearly broke my sword arm and you caused my second Zanpakutou to shatter into nothingness. Should you chose to pursue this Yuri...make no mistake about it...I'm going to make sure you live to regret ever raising your sword against your mentor."

Ryouji gripped the scabbard of his Zanpakutou tightly. Part of him wanted her to accept his terms...so he could actually cut loose and not regret any of it, but the other part of him wanted to give her a big hug and tell her that he was sorry for what happened. That latter was highly unlikely since she came here ready to fight him on an extreme level. She was so much more confident now...it almost came off as cocky and he liked that she was willing to fight him at the drop of a hat as well. He just hoped she wouldn't push him to much. There are lines that should never be crossed when it comes to his stability to control himself and his really really bad temper when he's extraordinarily angry.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri just stared Ryouji down after listening to him talking. Of course she had something important to her that she must protect. She understood where he was coming from. Hell, maybe she might of done the same thing if the roles were switched. There was nothing that can be done and she could just stand there and fume over it or finally take the steps of accepting what happened and being able to move on. In a way, she did know that he could end up dying. Maybe it wasn't the promise that was hurting her so bad. Perhaps it was just the emptiness that was left when he, Azumi, and Shukumei died. "It wasn't foolish of you to say such things. Your words gave me great strength, Ryouji. Perhaps it's not the promise you made to always be there that hurts so much."

There was no way she could turn back now. Even though she was more or less venting on him, fighting right now just seemed so..right. Almost as if things didn't go wrong and they were just fighting around to test each others strengths and weaknesses. Also, maybe she just never understood why he went off to fight Zetsumei because she never had someone she really cared about put into a dangerous situation. Well, there was Azumi, but still, it was something she couldn't understand unless it happened to her. When he mentioned that specific event, it made her chuckle. She remembered it well. It felt as if history was repeating itself. "Maybe I started this fight on wrong pretenses. I thought I had everything under control until the moment I saw you. Everything that I've been trying to suppress has finally emerged."

She knew he would give his all. That's all she wanted. She glanced back to Azumi and saw how worried she looked. Maybe she would forgive her for making her endure such a thing, but in order for her to move on, this fight had to be done. "As you can see, I've changed a lot. I'm not going to apologize for doing this. I'm not going to regret having this battle happen. I want to continue no matter what happens. For too long have I hidden my feelings. Now's the time to let them shine through!" She then looked back to Ryouji, chuckling a little. She wasn't here to to more or less beat her mentor in that sense. Still, in a way, he was right. He'll always be her mentor no matter how old or experienced she gets. Since he was behind her, she spins to the right, balancing on one leg as she uses the other to kick him hard in the stomach. Maybe that would convince him that she was still willing to fight.

"It probably would make me feel better."

She then jumps back, holding her Zanpaktou ready, keeping an eye on him. It felt strange kind of admitting what has been bugging her for all these years. She never really had the chance to mourn for the ones she lost. If she did, it would of only made Shi feel bad. "For years I had suppressed how I felt. But now.." She could express herself without worrying about how to form the words. knowing him, by now, he has a small hunch. "You'll feel feel my years of Sorrow!" She then rushes at him, swinging her swallow at him while he can only defend himself at the time. With one final swing, he managed to put some distance between them. "As for making me regret raising my sword at you.. I don't have any regret. Not for this or anything else. Before I felt horrible for hurting you for what I did back then when I couldn't control my hollow. This time is different. If I keep regretting my actions, then I should resign my role as Captain. I'll be fine, just as you and everyone else will. Instead of worrying about that, worry about defending yourself!"[/b][/color]

[Ryouji Onigata]

Was there really something he had to worry about when it came to this battle. She was quick lipped when it came to wanting him to defend himself. It was the mentality he's always had and the fact that she was using it on him, made him chuckle quietly...she was ready in his eyes and when one is truly ready...their confidence and abilities shine through for everyone to see. This was a day he's waited for...granted he hoped it would be his Yuri...but after seeing this future Yuri, he was confident that she would grow and mold herself into being something close to the future Yuri.

"No regrets...huh? I understand why this battle is important to you or at least I believe I do...but we can talk about it later. Neither of us shall hold back in this battle. For the first time in nearly three hundred years...I'll finally be able to be the blood thirsty animal that I've always been"

Ryouji placed his thumb underneath Shinkuremasu's cross guard and forced it out of its sheath completely with a flick of his thumb. He grabbed the hilt and slammed it into the ground in front of him. Untying his Yuri's Haori from in front of his chest he pulled it from around his shoulders and threw it to the ground, followed boy his black Haori. Now in his old standard Shinigami Uniform he grabbed the left sleeve and tore it from the uniform...followed by the right sleeve and then he ripped the remainder from over his upper body.

Scars covered the entirety of his upper body. A black aura molded itself to his body as he stood there staring at the ground.He slowly raised his head and shifted his attention to his wife and sister-in-law.

"When Yuri told you to put up a barrier, she meant around everyone else. This one will not contain us"

His spiritual pressure began to climb and steadily as he turned away from his wife and returned his attention to Yuri. Reaching forward he gripped Shinkuremasu by the hilt and pulled it free from the ground. He flash stepped over to Yuri and the two met in crossed sword combat once again.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As their blades kept striking, sparks were emitted. Seeing him discard the only thing that hid his spiritual pressure caused Yuri to grin. For once, she was getting excited. This would be a fight that no one would ever forget. She was happy that he was fighting seriously. She wouldn't push him to do anything. It was all up to him if he wanted to stay where he was or try to surpass her in terms of power. "This will be the first time she would ever see him fight in such a manner. "Heh, don't think just because you got rid of your 'restrictions' is gonna change anything. Though I must admit, I feel honored that you're taking such steps. We're show not only ourselves but everyone else how serious we can be!"

She flash stepped behind him to take a swing and was quickly countered. A fury of slashes were executed by Ryouji, pushing hi back as he continued to counter. When he saw an opening to attack, he did so. Yuri appeared to of dodged it by moving out of the way, but a few seconds later, her haori and Shinigami outfit tore. Yuri couldn't help but to laugh. Instead of feeling angry or even sad like before, she was starting to enjoy the heat of the battle. It was as if she had pushed all that aside for the time being to enjoy the match between her mentor. "Not bad, Ryouji. Your released Spiritual Pressure must of increased your speed. Not like you were slow, I mean. Don't get too confident with that lucky cut!"

As the battle continued, both exchanged strong blows to each other. One managed to cut and get cut. While Ryouji was on the offense, Yuri was backing away as she defended. When ready, she tosses her weapon up in the air, maneuvering behnd Ryouji to fire the first Kido. "Hado 31: Shakkahō!" With there some time for him to avoid the second, she flash stepped to a different angle to fire another kido. "Hado 33: Sōkatsui!" Now that he had not one, but two kido sent his way, how would he counter? As her weapon came back down, Yuri caught it, taking a ready stance for when he's ready to avoid or do whatever."

[Ryouji Onigata]

With two different Kido attacks hurling toward him in different directions he was already aware that one of them would have to connect. He didn't have time to force a clone to defend both attacks. He hoped that he wouldn't have to go this far so soon but he had no choice...if he wanted to minimize damage...he would have to finish one off and take the blow to the other. The shakkaho spell is the one that would cause the least damage however, the sokatsui kido spell covers a wide range and moves much faster but when hit he would be completely masked from sight for a moment which was long enough for him to create his own opening if he chose to do so. However he had something else in mind, something far more sinister and it would take nothing short of an army to bring him down

Ryouji shoved Shinkuremasu into its sheath and slid into a stance. He narrowed his eyes before pulling the blade free and shoving it back into its sheath several times over. His 'distorted slash' would slice the first fired Kido spell into nothing one while the second one would swallow him up as it hit him. Once the attack decipated and the damage had been done...Ryouji's back had been severely burned but he stood there fighting the pain although it was apparent that his burned flesh was bothering him but pain was a good thing...he wanted to feel more of it in fact he was tingling with anticipation. He wanted more...and it was apparent that his more sadistic side was beginning to show when he smirked and gestured with his free pointer finger to bring something more to the table.

"Why not use the Kido that Shukumei taught you too? Inflict more bodily damage, weaken the vessel so that the true animal can emerge and the real battle can begin."

Ryouji slipped Shinkuremasu into his sheath and spread his arms wide open waiting for one of the most devastating kido's known to any shingami and knowing how much his Zanpakutou hates going through such an attack..it would anger him and force the real threat to emerge. The question is would Yuri bite the bait being that it was so long since she herself had witnessed Shinkuremasu's Berserker? The blade within the scabbard began to emit a thick black spiritual substance which leaked through the opening at the top of the scabbard where the cross guard was.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Why on earth would he want her to do something like that? He must be planning something that involved using the kido. After all, she wasn't that stupid. Seeing him just stand there, however, it was too tempting not to. "Why would you want to do something so stupid? I thought you hated..." Then it came back to her. She had flashed back to that say where the two of them were fighting in the very same room. She was going to use Black Coffin and he was saying how much he hated the technique and wished Shukumei never taught it to her. Still, She would have to be careful. The way he was acting, the way he was talking.. He was going to actually cut loose. If it was what he wanted, why should she ignore him?

"True animal huh? Trust me, neither of us would be animals until we show what lies in the bottoms of our souls. If you wish to do this, then I will have to counter by unleashing my true nature as well. Only fair, right?' She chuckled as she moved one hand up in the air, black reiatsu crackling within her hand. The question was as soon as the Black Coffin dissipates, he would more than likely come rushing out at full force. So what she'll do as soon as it does, use another kido to kick up some dirt to buy some time. It sounded like a plan until she remembered something Ryouji hated as much as Black Coffin. Might as well tease him a little. She couldn't give him what he wanted right away, after all. "Bakudo 61: Rikujōkōrō!" Six thin beams of light jammed themselves into his midsection, holding him down in place. This should help buy her some time. "I don't know what you're planning, but this should hold you down until you're done."

Raising her hand once again, she unleashes the deadly Black Coffin on her mentor. The sound that echoed afterward actually made her cringe a little. She couldn't worry about his safety or well being now. While he was still bound by the Kido and doing whatever the hell he was doing, Yuri placed her hand on her Hollow mask as if she was going to take it off. "Look deep down to the bottom of your Soul. See the shackles that are in place and be released. Free the monster to give me its power!" Her Reiatsu increased drastically which was shown by her being more or less swallowed up in a dark blue Reiatsu. Dust was swirling around her so that even made it harder for everyone else to see her. As it settled, it appeared as if Yuri's Hollow had taken over completely since h er entire body was covered in a Hollow's Hierro. It wasn't the case though.

"I can feel not just your stare, Ryouji, but everyone else. I can feel and smell the fear that you (the spectators) are giving off. This transformation isn't a take over for I am fully in control. Now's the time for you to break free and show me what you've become, Ryouji! Show me the animal that has been caged for far too long!And in return, I will show you mine!"

[Ryouji Onigata]

Even after being hit by the devastating Black Coffin Kido Ryouji stood there in place while laughing. Even after all this time it still didn't have the kick Shukumei's had but it still got the job done. The pain...coated his body like skin and as an extra added bonus...Yuri brought out what she considered to be her monster to play as well. The apocalyptic battle would soon emerge...a fully transformed visored...against another. Even while laughing Ryouji continued to stare down his transformed student...anxious to see what it was she was truly capable of only this form would not suffice...the time for his inner monster to emerge had finally come.

"BANKAI!!!!"

A swirl of black energy swallowed Ryouji whole. His spiritual pressure jumped from what he was releasing to something much more drastic...more maddening than at his previous level. The enormous wall of spiritual energy vanished, Ryouji stood there two scythes within each of his hands and his hollow mask on. His laughter was darker but it soon ceased there was a silence thick enough to carve a name through. He took a deep breath before keeping his eyes on Yuri...slamming both of his Scythe's blades into the ground.

With a strong and heavily distorted yell Ryouji's body was swallowed whole by yet another wall of spirit energy...it was thick and monsterous. His spiritual pressure continued to climb as it thickened Within the confines of the spirit wall, his spiritual pressure continued to climb. The ground around the wall of energy cracked and crumbled away. Rock formations in there immediate area were flattened and reduced to dust.

Six demonic looking wings sprouted from the wall of spirit energy and flapped once causing it to decipate near instantly. There the mentor stood, fully hollowfied. His body much like Yuri was covered in a thick hierro. His muscle mass slightly increased and was much different from his form when his hollow was in control. Small jolts of black electricity danced around both of his arms and his hair danced in the wind as it grew longer from the transformation.

Ryouji snarled before clinching both of his claws into separate fists. Once the snarl ceased a blood thirsty roar took its place and from the shock wave of the roar he cracked the ground beneath him as it began to tremble...in what seemed like fear; while unleashing his new found spiritual pressure.

This was actually only his second time using this form...and this would be his first battle...he would have to be careful so that he would not get to carried away though it would be hard not to in such a power mongering form. Extending both of his hands behind him. The scythes jumped into his hands and he held them behind him...ready and waiting to take this battle to the next level.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri chuckled as she witnessed not only transformed into his full form, but unleashed his bankai as well. She could feel all the reiatsu he was releasing. It was causing her to tremble in anticipation. To make things even, Yuri also transformed her Zanpaktou into its Bankai, emitting a lot of spiritual pressure as well. Now, the real fight would begin. "How wonderful!" she then ran at full speed at him, but has to jump back from swinging one of his scythes. "Swinging your oversized weapons won't slow me down![/b]" Though she had no weapons to block his, she would use her own arms. Of course, she was putting more reiatsu to the point where the blade would strike, increasing her chances of not getting cut or least not yet. "Isn't this fun, Ryouji?! In this state, we can fight as aggressive as we want!"

As he was getting close, she flash stepped to the side, preparing to fire a Cero at him. At the last minute, she lets the Cero disappear, Flash stepping in front of him to execute a kick to his stomach. She was going to see how he would react. Plus, it was to test if his new form gave him power or it was just for looks.[/color]

[Ryouji Onigata]

She was stronger than he thought she would be. It was clear that she had been pushing herself to the limit every day she trained and then some. Who would have guessed that Yuri would grow to become this powerful. He wouldn't have guessed with all the self doubt and the fact that she was loving that they could continue to push each other to their limits. So naive...and it was apparent that her love for battle at least in that form was showing and he would just have to show that his love for blood and causing agony to his opponents was that much stronger.

He lowered his head and just stood there. Clinching and un-clinching his claws over and over again. He quickly raised his head and motioned her to keep her onslaught going. Feeling slightly disrespected. Yuri approached him and kicked him in the stomach. Ryouji hunched over before exhaling. He stood straight up again and motioned for her to do it again. Feeling less disrespected and more annoyed she did it again only this time Ryouji caught her foot before it was able to connect with his body.

Before she had time to react, Ryouji pulled her leg toward him and clinched his right claw and formed a fist. As she neared him, he rammed his fist into her stomach with all of his might causing her to sort of fold into his fist from the impact. Lifting his head slightly to look at her He turned around and nailed her body with his tail, which of sent her hurling back.

Ryouji's body was surrounded by a pitch black aura before he performed a quick flash step. He appeared behind her and grabbed her from behind by the back of her neck. He raised her above his own body before maneuvering his tail around and wrapping it around her waist. Flapping his demonic seraphic style wings, Ryouji took flight high into the air. Once reaching a certain distance he began to corkscrew his body in the air before flinging her down toward the ground. Allowing both of his hands to fall at his sides, he inverted his palms and began to gather a huge amount of reishi into each of his palms. The black colored balls of reishi grew slightly bigger as he continued to collect them while watching Yuri speed toward the ground.

"Ceros....Omega"

Extending both of his arms out to his sides he drew the back as far as he could before forcing both palms down in Yuri's direction. As the separate Cero left his hands, they melded together and formed a slightly bigger cero. Even though it took him that long to gather the reishi needed for his special cero...he wasn't satisfied with its strength...he didn't even want it to hit her...he only wanted it to wake her up and keep her on her toes, in case she had any doubts as to where he stood on terms of strength while fully hollowfied.

[Yuri Nakayama]

As Yuri was falling to the ground, she lifted up her head and noticed that the Ceros were headed in her direction. She was trying to think of what to do. If she doesn't do something quick, not only would she get hit by the Ceros, but crash into the ground as well. There was no way out of it. Well, she could allow herself to be hit and crash in order to use the dust as a cover up and an opening. Upon crashing into the ground, both Ceros came crashing down, causing an explosion. Yuri was in pain, but she wasn't going to let it stop her. Standing up in the dust, she lowered her spiritual pressure to the point where it was barely able to be sensed. The problem was that he was going to be watching the area where she crashed, so she would have to distract him somehow.

Yuri fired another Kido up at Ryouji to distract him while she ran out of the plume of smoke. Upon being in the open, she started to flash step up into the air where he was at from behind, executing a strong kick to his back. As if he was prepared, he was able to avoid and counter, slashing at her. Though she stopped most of his blade, some of it did manage to cut into her shoulder. It was obvious she was in pain, but she wasn't going to quit. Not now. "Simply amazing! I had no idea you were capable of firing two Ceros at once![" The fight was like she had envisioned and more. Chuckling, she grabs onto the blade of the scythe that was in her shoulder to keep him from trying to move. She raised her hand preparing to fire a Cero at what seemed like point blank.

"Let's see you try to counter this!"

[Shukumei Onigata]

Watching this battle from the sidelines...Shukumei's recent change made her lust for battle like never before...while Ryouji and the others were away, she made a life changing or life threatening decision, in order to spare everyone a brutal battle in the future...she found Shiva...and took her back. Since Shiva was originally, her inner hollow, taking her back seemed like the right thing to do, considering that not only her brother, but the present Yuri gained control of their respective hollows, she needed to do the same, especially if they were going to stop Zetsumei. Unknown to her at the time, Shiva had undergone a drastic change herself. She was much to strong, something happened and she became even more powerful and such primal instincts as restraint were becoming harder and harder to control each and every minuted that passed. What was worse was that now Shiva and Tatsumaki were at odds like they use to be and it was driving her insane...she needed a quick fix to keep her from losing control...but she could hear their yelling matches in her head and inner world...having to forces like that fighting wasn't good for her mentally.

Watching her brother and the Future Yuri battle made her blood boil...she wanted nothing more than to get in here and rip off both of their heads...but she couldn't. This was their fight...though it was getting harder and harder not to want to jump in there and fight with both of them. It would make her no better than some if she were to ignore restraint and fight them both. She began to dig her fingernails into the ground. Not only was her anticipation building but as was her urge to fight. Her right eye began to turn black as she stood there, gently rocking herself back and forward again in anxiety.

Her sheathed Zanpakutou began to shake, drawing her attention away from the battle and down to her hip where it rested. Suddenly there was a hand on her shoulder. She tilted her head back to see whom it was and much to her surprise and chagrin it was Tatsumaki. Shukumei sighed and lowered her head and began to shake it...usually around this time she's always sleeping and being lazy but with Shiva causing turmoil in her inner world it was easy to see why.

"I didn't call for you Tatsumaki, not to mention you hate coming out here to the human world because it doesn't contain your twisted perception of beauty. Not only that but you're lazy and I don't want to have to serve you tea and give you more of a reason to be arrogant."

Tatsumaki wrapped her arms around her master and sat there, this wasn't a personal visit for her...much but it was clearing working. She was keeping her mind off of Shiva and fighting which brought her out to begin with at least focusing on her she won't be on the verge of losing control. However Tatsumaki was very arrogant and thought that she herself was beauty incarnate. So her mouth usually ran constantly as she berated people and called them ugly.

"I am not arrogant Shukumei, I just have a certain level of beauty that most will never obtain, even if they had four thousand years to try. You can't hold that against me. Not to mention there was all this talk of a baby and Ryouji and some ugly girl from the future fighting...so I came out to marvel in the excitement; which from what I can tell isn't very exciting. There full hollow forms are so...disgustingly ugly, I can't bare to watch them fight."

Shukumei's right eye at this point had returned to normal and started twitching because she now had to deal with her Zanpakutou's smart mouth and sense of self worth. She's had to hear the same thing since the day she was able to communicate with it. All the time that had passed and she still hadn't changed.

"Would you sit down and shut up, you're making me miss the fight! You are not the easiest person to deal with you know! I have to constantly hear about what you call beautiful and whine about everything thats ugly. If you're going to stay out here, sit down and keep quiet!"

Tatsumaki pouted and stuck out her lower lip and made it quiver as her master spoke to her in such a horrendously ugly way. She began to form tears in her eyes and sniffle which she knew made Shukumei feel bad and when she noticed, Shukumei began to back peddle and apologize.

"I...uh...I'm sorry, don't cry you know I hate it when you whine, but when you cry its way worse!! Don't cry, I'll be nicer I..uh..promise...I...guess"

After hearing Shukumei apologize, Tatsumaki quickly changed her attitude from pretending to cry to laughing. She danced around in the background before leaning over and placing both of her hands ontop of Shukumei's head.

"You know...you getting angry makes you ugly and if you keep frowning up like that, you're going to get wrinkles and crows feet. Then you'd have no need to dye your hair that silly brunette color!"

When Shukumei heard that line she growled and began to twitch angrily. Why did this mouthy spirit chose her! WHY WHY WHY!!!! Having had enough of her damn mouth, Shukumei smirked before glancing up at her rebellious beauty crazed Zanpakutou spirit.

"Thats it...I'm going to break you in half!"

Shukumei reached for her Zanpakutou but it wasn't in her scabbard. When she glanced down to confirm it...Tatsumaki began to laugh in her annoying little way. When Shukumei looked over at her, she was holding onto it knowing way ahead of time that she was going to try and break her materialized form if she became unruly.

"Sorry master, but you can't break something you don't have now can you!"

She continued to laugh before appearing behind Shizune. She looked at her hair and gasped. How dare she wake up every morning with two different hair colors. Green and White...it was...her hair color was the color Hollow snot. Then she saw the little baby sleeping in her arms and it was just the most beautiful baby in the world.

"Hey you, girl with the confused hair color! I want to see the baby! Let me hold her and in the mean time you can totally chose a hair color and stick with it. Green and white is just so...not beautiful! See...Miss Azumi's hair over there is perfect because she prides herself on appearance. She knows she's beautiful and isn't afraid to show it. You give people with green hair a bad name. Go dye your hair right now!"

Using her wings, Tatsumaki covered Shizune's head and face so she wouldn't have to look at her while staring at the sleeping baby. She began to awww and quickly stole the baby from Shizune before sitting down in what she declared the non ugly section which was behind Azumi and Hina while holding the child.

[Megumi]

Little Emi had been watching the battle ever since it started. She didn't have a clue who to cheer for. So to be safe, she just started to cheer for both. "You both fight as best as you can! You both can do it! Show each other what you can do!" though why they're fighting she has no idea though. When she heard an unfamiliar voice speak, it caught her attention. When she looked over to the Adult Shi, she had noticed that some woman was over by Shi and was picking on her about her chair color. With her being protective of Shi, she just has to defend her bestest friend in the world. Emi goes over to Tatsumaki who was now holding little Shi, sitting in front of her.

She didn't look like a shinigami or a human so what exactly was she? Regardless, she still looked very pretty. Emi then started to play with the baby a little. "I don't think I've seen you before. Who are you? I'm Megumi!" Of course, she had no idea that it was Shukumei's Zanpaktou. After all, she's never seen it or known Shukumei that well to know. All she does know though is that she couldn't let her pick on Shi like that. "Don't be mean to Shi! She keeps her hair like that to remember her Mama and Papa. It means a lot to her." Why did Tatsumaki appear out of nowhere? Did it want to watch the fight or just keep an eye on everyone? "Uhm, what are you exactly? You don't look like a human or Shinigami..Still, you look very Pretty! I really like your wings! Does that mean ou can fly?? what's it like to fly?? is it fun??"

[Takedakeshii Amatsu Tatsumaki]

After being interrogated by the little girl. Tatsumaki tilted her head to the side upon staring at her. She wasn't ugly by any means nor was she mean or evil like her master was. After adjusting the baby in her arms she stretched out her wings slightly and yawned before shaking her head. She was usually sleeping during this time so being awake made her feel uneasy and well unhappy as well.

"My wings are very pretty aren't they?! They are the most beautiful wings in the world for they belong to the most beautiful Zanpakutou in all of Shinigami history...those idiots in the Shinigami women's association have no idea what they are talking about. Voting Sode No Shiraiyuki the most beautiful Zanpakutou! How Tasteless not to mention she is isn't very pretty like me!"

After ranting, Tatsumaki sighed and took a deep breath before nuzzling her soft cheek against the babies soft face as gently as she could...she was totally gorgeous and would no doubt grow up to be very pretty.

"My name is Takedakeshii Amatsu Tatsumaki! But you can call me Tatsumaki for short. I am that old woman's Zanpakutou. You aren't like the others...you have a beauty inside of you unmatched by anyone here; except for myself of course! What is your name young beauty?"

Folding her wings slightly, Tatsumaki reached over with her free arm and plucked one of her wings sparkling feathers and gave it to the young girl as a present. When asked if she could fly...Tatsumaki laughed arrogantly while covering her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Of course I can fly! I am the wind and beauty incarnate. Its not often that I have a chance to stretch my wings like this I believe this world is full of ugly inconsiderate, tasteless specs of worthlessness. What sort of special abilities do you possess. Have you not special abilities of your own yet?"

[Megumi]

When given the Feather, Megumi takes it and nuzzles it. It was soft and very pretty. She was going to keep it and make sure it doesn't get lost. "I'm Megumi!" She plays with the baby, having a wide smile on her face. She felt so proud for having Tatsumaki compliment her. However, when asked if she had any abilities, it kinda made Megumi feel kinda sad. Although she was young, she wanted to learn as much as she could. She wasn't going to let anything keep her from becoming a Shinigami. "I don't have any abilities at all. I'm still just a kid. Still, I want to learn! I want to become a strong Shinigami!"

She often wondered how her mother would think about her becoming a shinigami. She just wanted to become strong to help everyone out. Nothing wrong with that, right? "I wanna learn all i can! I wanna be strong so I can keep everyone safe!: After all, that's what Shinigami do. When she heard her call Shukumei an old lady, she tilted her head to the side. "Miss Shukumei isn't that bad! She's really nice! Both you and her are really pretty! You have a lot in common!"

Megumi scooted over to the right side of Tatsumaki, looking at baby Shi. She was starting to wonder if this one and the Shi she knows will end up looking like each other. "Hey, do you think that i can become a good Shinigami when I get older?? I wanna have a Zanpaltou that's just as pretty as you! And Strong too! I'm sure you're really strong!"

[Takedakeshii Amatsu Tatsumaki]

Upon being complimented, Tatsumaki did her trade mark laugh before tilting her head to the side and smiled at the little girl Megumi, she reminded her of how her master once was. So vibrant and full of life and beauty and now she's an old stickler nagging hag. What wouldn't she give to have her master return to her old fun loving self. Its no wonder why she's always sleeping when most battles break out. Though when Megumi stated she wanted a Zanpakutou as pretty as she was, she had to laugh again for there was no Zanpakutou in her mind that would ever be nearly as pretty as she is. Though it was nice of Megumi to compliment her anyway.

"I believe that beauty can conquer all. You just have to believe in yourself and in your Zanpakutou. There is nothing the two of you cannot overcome. Love your Zanpakutou, show it that you care be there for it, communicate...share be open with one another. These are vital in growth in not only yourself young one, but with in your Zanpakutou as well."

She nuzzled her right wing against Azumi and giggled and emitted a rather quiet purr. The young one was quite fun to be around. When she purred it mean that she was really having fun. Even the baby was behaving though she was sleeping. After yawning a bit herself she stood up and gave the baby back to the woman with two toned hair and sat down beside her mistress.

"I am going to take a beauty nap little one, beauty naps are essential for the beautiful!"

After stretching she lays her head on Shukumei's lap and closed her eyes for one of what would be many beauty naps of the day. As soon as she fell asleep she began to snore obnoxiously loud.