Waiting

[Megumi]

Megumi could only stand back and watch as Shizune went out. She seemed rather worried about something. Usually when she does something like that, that means that there's trouble somewhere. Hopefully she would be alright. Well, there would be no 'Would be'. She will be alright. Still, she can't help but to worry. Shizune was very important to her. They were almost like siblings without being siblings. Looking over to Ryouji, she noticed that Little Shizune was hanging from her father's neck still. It was weird why she thought Azumi hated her. She knows that she doesn't. then again, when thinking back on it, she was kept from getting to her father when she thought he was really hurt. Azumi had yelled to get her point across and after that was when she started acting clingy to Ryouji.

"I know why she's acting like this, Mister Ryouji. She was trying to get to you while you were out cold or..something that looked like it. She tried to get to you but Miss Azumi wouldn't let her. She yelled at little Shi to make her listen."

There were times that she thought her mother hated her too. After all, with all the fun she had with Mayuri's lab, it got her mother into trouble at times and she would be fussed at for doing it. Since she was young, she didn't understand until her mother had explained it in such a way. Maybe if she were to explain it that way to little Shi, maybe she would understand. It was worth a shot.

"There was something Mama told me one time when I got in really bad trouble. She had yelled at me earlier for making such a mess of things. I was mad and upset and I would avoid Mama because I didn't want to get her into more trouble. Then, one day, she came and talked to me about why she yelled. She said she didn't mean to hurt my feelings or anything like that."

She could tell that it was a bit of a stretch, but maybe it was working. It appeared like the little one was paying attention to what she was saying. So, she continued on with her story.

"She says that sometimes she has to be strict. Most of all though, she said she was really worried about me. It's a known fact that Captain Ma...er... The guy that owns the lab I play in does a lot of creepy stuff. She was scared that I could have gotten hurt. That, and it really made her feel sad that I was avoiding her. Trust me, parents may seem cruel and don't seem to care, but really, they do. I'm sure Miss Azumi would love nothing more to get a hug from the person she adores more so than Mister Ryouji."

Who would have thought that she would be giving advice to her best friend sister person's present self? it made her happy, to be honest. Hopefully, she won't be upset with Azumi anymore.

[Ryouji Onigata]

After hearing Megumi speak about what happened between the little one and his wife. I kind of made sense now. He couldn't recall a time where either he or Azumi has ever spoken to her loudly, let alone yelled at her.

"Shizune, Megumi is right. Your mother could never hate you. That man who claims to be my brother was thrashing us all pretty badly, she didn't want to risk you getting hurt. You have to understand that as your parents we could never forgive ourselves if something happened to you. We live for you. You are the most important person in our lives and we don't ever want to see you get hurt. She was only looking out for you."

When the little one stopped staring at Megumi, she looked up to her father before looking back to her mother. She eventually let go of her father's neck and sat down in his lap, looking at her mother who was still rather saddened.

"You must always remember, that no matter what happens...your mother and I will always love you. So please, will you go and give your mother a hug and tell her that you love her?"

Shizune tilted her head back and stared up at her father before turning to her mother again. When her mother looked to her in return with tears in her eyes, the little one reacted and ran over to her mother clinging to her chest. She didn't want to ever see her mommy cry. Ryouji rubbed the back of his head before placing his hand on Emi's head.

"You have a great mother. Megumi never take her for granted. Ever!"

[Megumi]

Megumi blushed a little when Ryouji placed his hand on the top of her head. She then smiled, looking up to him. He really is everything her mother told her about. Maybe with all the training she;s been getting, maybe she could be just as strong as he was...and maybe just as tall too!

"I won't, I promise! Mama, Papa, and big Shi mean everything to me. You guys too! That's why I wanted to become a Shinigami. I know a lot of effort has to be put into it, but I'm gonna learn all I can. Though, I really do miss her and Papa a lot. I would to go back to check on them, but.."

She thought it would be a bit unfair to leave without Big Shi anyway. She was probably missing Yuri as much as she was. Still, maybe she should go back just a bit for a visit. Well, that and to pass news that Zetsumei was gone and the truth of what happened. Maybe asking Ryouji about it would help her out.

"Say.. You think Big Shi would be mad if I went back to see Mama? I know it's a silly question, but I know she misses her as much as I do. I just don't wanna seem selfish or nothing. Also, I figure she and the others need to know about Jin."

If Jin existed in this timeline, then he could exist in her time. If he's just as strong in this time, there's no telling how strong he could be in that timeline. What if he was fighting with the captains in her time? Just thinking about it made her worry. She just had to go back and check on everything.

"I suppose I should go back and check.. I'm really worried that Jin would probably exist in my time too and if he's just as strong, or even more so, Mama and the others would need to know as soon as possible..right? That and they need to know the outcome of..well...everything.. What do you think I should do?"

[Ryouji Onigata]

When Ryouji was asked if Big Shi would be upset with her if she went back to visit her mother. Ryouji shook his head. I doubt she would ever be mad with Megumi for something like that. A child does need her parents.

"No I don't think she would be mad with you at all. Besides I want her to stay here with Azumi for a while at least. I want to go back with you Megumi. I know it may be against some sort of future rule, However I wish to bury Ayame."

Usually, Ryouji would never think to do something like this, leaving his wife and child behind, but this was something he felt strongly about, plus there was a rather large favor he wanted to ask of Yuri in the future. Something she knows only she could assist him with. It was a long shot, but if it worked, he could prevent a lot of bad things and more people being injured or worse in this time. He turned to Azumi and the little one who were both staring at him.

"Don't give me those looks, Ayame looked out for Shukumei and I when we were younger. She took us in...sure we did bad things to survive but, she was one of the few people I considered to be a real friend back then. Her body vanished when she died...she deserves to be remembered in some capacity."

Even after explaining himself they still continued to look at him. He rubbed the back of his head. He wanted to look away but he couldn't. Knowing that if he looked at them again they would still be staring. After all he was talking about leaving them for a few days. He walked over to them and gave them both a hug.

"Be good Shizune, do everything your mommy tells you and protect her for me while I am away, okay?"

The little one promised before giggling. Ryouji looked at Azumi and gave her a kiss before resting his forehead against hers.

"Megumi if you are ready to leave now, lets go see your mother"

[Megumi]

Megumi nodded, giving Azumi a big hug and little Shi as well. She felt sad for having to go back, but she had to check on her mother and father. It felt like a long time since she's seen them and she really misses them. She knew they would probably be alright, but she couldn't help but to worry.

"Alright, I'll take you. i think it would be good for you to see Mama and Papa. Also, I don't think i'll get in trouble or you for that matter as long as we avoid the other captains and stuff."

After saying her goodbyes, she went with Ryouji to begin the long journey back home. As she prepared the entryway for herself and Ryouji, looking back to him. It did put her at ease that he was coming along. All that was left to do was venture back and tell her mother of the news.