Unexpected Surprise

[Yuri Nakayama]

It had been a few weeks to a month after the run in with Luna and the other Arrancar. Over those few days, Yuri couldn't help but to think on how scared she was when not only Luna revealing her status as the Cero Arrancar, but at the thought that her daughter nearly paid the price of her fear. She has to become strong in order to not be compromised like that ever again. When she could, the Captain would train as hard as she could, and yet, it wasn't enough. Would anything be enough?

As for today, it was rather special. Though it was her birthday, Yuri just couldn't slack off. She had to make sure that all her duties were done and then after that, would come spending time with Megumi and the others. She was sitting at her desk at their squad's headquarters, filling out papers. Though deep into her work, she heard murmurs of those who were outside.

"Have you heard what's been going on?"

"No, what is it?""

"I've been hearing rumors from the other captains that Yuri's little girl has gone missing."

At that point, Yuri froze. That couldn't be right. Megumi was with Ryouji and Azumi like always. Though, she wasn't going to take any chances. She stopped what she was doing to talk to the two Shinigami outside. After the conversation had ended, she decided to see Shukumei. If anything had happened to Megumi, she would surely know. After all, she is really close to Ryouji and seems to know what he thinks...or something of the sort.

After arriving at Shukumei's headquarters, Yuri knocks on the door and soon was let in. As she was about to ask about Emi, she could tell by the look on Shukumei's face that something was wrong. What if the rumors was true? Is Megumi really missing? There was only one way to find out.

"Shukumei, do you know anything about these rumors that says that Megumi is missing?"

"I am afraid so. She was with Ryouji and Ayame earlier. We are still searching for her. We didn't want to tell you until we knew that the rumors were indeed truth."

The color from Yuri's face just drained away. Where could Megumi be? She mustn't get too worried. Maybe she's just playing a game with Ryouji like she usually does and she thinks they're still playing. She would have to go to where Ryouji and Azumi were. She wanted to just break down, but she knew she couldn't for Megumi's sake.

"Thank you for telling me, Shukumei. If you find her, please tell me."

In a rush, Yuri makes her way out the headquarters and flash steps over to Ryouji's and Ayame's home. After entering, she searches around, finally finding the person she wanted to speak with.

"Ryouji, where is she? There's no way she could be missing, right? There's no way she could have gone missing. I mean.. She was here with you, Azumi, and the girls..right?"

Yuri was really struggling with the thought of Megumi being missing. Does Ronin know? who is looking for her? Taking a deep breath, she looks to Ryouji, hoping he would be able to shed some light on the situation. If Megumi was indeed missing, then Yuri would do whatever it takes to get her back. Was this how Ryouji felt when Azumi was kidnapped those years ago?

"please say something, Ryouji.. Where is my daughter?"

[Ryouji Onigata]

[This is a combined post between Ryouji and Azumi. I also have permission to use Yuri.]

There was nothing that he could say to Yuri at this point. His little niece who depended on him was gone and he felt like it was his fault, or so he wanted it to seem that way. In all honesty it was Yuri's birthday and since she loved working so much, spreading such a ridiculous rumor was the only way to get her home however, she didn't need to know that. At least not as of yet anyway. With a deep sigh he stood up and kept his back to Yuri, wanting to make it seem as genuine as possible.

He kept his fists clinched tightly as he lowered his head. In all honesty he was attempting to keep himself from bursting into laughter but if he did it would seem cruel or a dead giveaway. Not to mention saying that a captain's child was kidnapped was a pretty serious thing.

"Ayame is out looking for her as we speak. She said it wouldn't be a good idea if I went, she knew I'd kill whoever did this and I can do without anymore individuals losing their lives because of me. Give her time, she will find Megumi, there isn't a better person on the job."

Azumi entered the room caring a rather large box before placing it on the table gently, it was neatly wrapped with a pretty little bow on top. After seeing Yuri, Azumi got excited and started clapping before she hurried herself over to Yuri. By literally pushing the Captain, she forced Yuri over to the sofa and forced her to sit down in front of the present.

"Open it Yuri!"

Yuri looked down at the present and then over to Azumi. Why on earth would she want her to open a present, she wasn't in the mood to open a present, she wanted to get out there and find her daughter and bring her home.

"I don't have time to open a present, I have to find Megumi!"

When she was Rejected, Azumi's happy expression changed to a more serious one. She looked down at the present and then over to Yuri and forced a smile and took a deep breath.

"Open the present Yuri!"

Noticing the semi serious look and forced smile Azumi put on, Yuri expression became a serious one as well, she tried to stand up but Azumi forced her to sit down on the sofa again.

"I don't want to open the present, I want to find my daughter"

Azumi who closed her eyes and continued to try her best forced an even bigger smile she pointed at the present and insisted that Yuri open it for the third time.

"Open it!"

Yuri stood up whom was very serious on her position of not celebrating her birthday because Megumi was missing.

"No"

Azumi opened her eyes revealing that they had turned red. She stared into Yuri's eyes. The death stare could not be beaten and there was no way Yuri could ever resist it, she always seemed nervous when Azumi used it.

"Yuri Nakayama, if you don't open that present right this instance I am going to fold you like an accordion. Now open...the damn...present!"

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was trying really hard to not be mad at Azumi. Sure, she wanted to celebrate her birthday, but nothing else matters right now. She had to find her daughter. Time and time again she tried to get up to leave, but Azumi would not let her. She kept on insisting on her to open some silly present. Each time she asked, the more angrier she was getting. It wasn't until the last time she rejected the offer that Azumi used the infamous death stare at her.

Her serious expression went to one of nervousness, and well, fear.It always made her feel uneasy. It appears she has no other choice but to open the gift if she valued her life.

"Fine.. I guess I can open it.. But after I do, I have to go find Megumi."

Sighing, the Captain looks to the present. She wasn't in the mood for this, but she had no choice in the matter. If she didn't, Azumi would just stare at her nonstop until she did. Untying the bow, Yuri slowly lifted off the top only to have Megumo jump up and tackle huggle her to the floor. Yuri made a loud 'oof' as she hit the floor, only able to look up to her daughter.

" Happy birfday, Mama! I didn't know what to get ya, so we came up with this idea to give me to you! so.. yeah! Happy Birfday!"

Yuri just hugged onto Megumi as tight as she could which made the little one giggle and hug her back. All this time, she was here.Though she was angry with the fact that they lied about her being missing, that anger slowly went away. It was the most cutest and nicest thing they could have done for her. Megumi means everything to her and the fact that she was her present, it just made the day better.

"I see what you guys have been up to. Regardless of what was said, I'm very happy it happened. Perhaps I do work a bit too much. Even if it wasn't intended as such, it was a wake-up call. So, now that I am here, how about we all do something together?Unless, that is, you guys have another surprise for me."

After a while, Emi got off of her mother and ran over to her Uncle and was just giggling her head off. They really did it! They managed to fool her mother! She started to tug on his hand to get his attention.

"We did it, Uncle 'Ouji! C'mon! Let's go and have more fun! Pweeease? Mama hasta get more presents though I was her best one ever!!"