Play Time!

[Ayumi and Ayane]

It had been thirteen long years. Many battles were fought and a lot was lost. However, to keep in balance, a lot was gained as well. Over the years, the children have grown up into beautiful women and were quite the handful. During some point in those thirteen years, Yuri had give birth to little twin girls. As of right now, they're three years old and just adorable. The twins were always with each other. Well, mostly they tend to be around Emi and Ami. Regardless, it was a happy time.

Megumi has finally decided to become a doctor in order to help those Shinigami and non shinigami. Now she understood what he meant those years ago to use her mind and not her fists. She wouldn't change it for anything. As long as she can be with her family, it doesn't really matter much to her.

Back at home, Yuri was watching the little ones play around and just generally have a good time. After they were done playing, the ran over to their mother, clinging to her. Yuri chuckled, hugging them both. Just seeming them having such fun reminded her of when Megumi was their age. She picked them up, soon sitting down with them holding them close to her.

"Tell us a story, Mama! Pweease?"

Yuri could only chuckle. They were such curious little things. She was trying to think of something to tell them. She had so many things to tell them. So, she just decided to tell them about heir uncle: Ryouji.

"Let's see.. Well, I have many to tell. The only one that comes to mind is about your Uncle. Ryouji has always been there for me and his family when we needed him. He may act all scary, but underneath all that, he's really a nice person. He's really serious to. I guess that's where I got it from. He taught your mama many things that I hope to pass down onto you two. Anyway, just know if you are ever scared or in trouble, don't be scared to call on him. Of course, Mama and Papa will be there for you. Don't forget that, okay?

They just sat there, giggling while listening. It wasn't before long they asked to go play again. Setting them down, she lets them run back over to their play area. Getting up to stretch, she looks around for a little bit. She could have sworn that she remembered everyone saying they would meet here. She could only wait and keep the little ones entertained.

[Ayame Kojima]

[This is going to be a combined post between Ayame and Ami]

With both of her students missing for the last thirteen years, Ayame thought it would be best if she remained with Azumi, Yuri and the girls to help raise them and protect them. Shizune who was now twenty-one years old had become a captain of the Gotei Thirteen. She was still a very silly girl but she knew when she had to be serious. She trained hard and knew that she had made her father proud. Although he was always against the idea of his children becoming Shinigami, there was nothing he could do about it now anyway.

Ami on the other hand was a completely different type of individual. While she followed in her sister's footsteps, she was restless and suffered from a serious anger problem. Without Ryouji there to guide her, she often felt lost and felt that she had to prove herself worthy. Ayame trained her and tried to teach her to control that anger, but she was also very stubborn just like Ryouji was when he she raised him.

Every morning, Ami and Ayame would train, and every morning Ami would lose her cool and attempt to utilize her brute strength which would make it even worse. She wasn't grasping the concept that anger wasn't her greatest attribute.

In the midst of their training. Ayame folded her arms across her chest and sighed. She just could not understand why this girl could get so angry. Yet not under stand that her anger was the reason why she wasn't progressing. Ami who was kneeling on the ground stood up and raised her Zanpakutou and pointed it toward Ayame. With a flash step Ami vanished and appeared directly in front of Ayame in mid-thrust. Ayame sidestepped the attack quickly, gripped Ami's arm and flipped her over onto her back.

"You're still not grasping that Anger is your biggest weakness Ami. I've been kicking your butt for the better part of 8 years now. Battles are won by strategy, not by flaunting spiritual pressure."

Ami hopped up on to her feet and turned around and rushed right after Ayame again. Ayame grabbed the Zanpakutou's blade as it neared her and sighed. A well placed clone appear at Ami's side elbowed Ami's side and knocked her to the ground.

"Your anger is going to get you hurt one of these days kiddo. Its a terrible thing to behold. What if you lose control of yourself. What happens if your anger gets someone hurt close to you? What if its your mother, or Shizune or Hinako. What if your anger led you to hurt Megumi. Could you live with that? Learn to control your anger!"

Upon hearing Ayame utter Megumi's name, something inside of Ami snapped, she couldn't think of ever harming Emi...She began to growl as her spiritual pressure had increased semi-dramatically. Her eyes had changed from their usual blue to red. It was just like her mother and aunt when they used the family death stare, but it was more potent and focused. It was almost malicious in its intent. Ayame continued to watch as Ami rose to her feet a second time. She involuntarily lowered her head and her mask had begun to form partially. Ayame took a step back before stopping, was Ami so angry that she was hollowfying on the spot? All because she mentioned Emi's name?

"No one will ever hurt EMI!!!"

Using sonido Ami once again vanished and quickly appeared in front of Ayame, with murderous intent she thrust her Zanpakutou forward. Ayame caught it a second time but not without price, she was injured from gripping the blade so tightly. Ami however was so far gone that she wanted to maim Ayame. She continued to growl as she forced the blade even closer to Ayame's chest. Continuing to grip the blade, Ayame found herself skidding back.

Ami was always a freakishly strong girl but now that she had that extra added strength, she was physically pushing Ayame back against her will, finally when Ayame's back was tightly pressed up against a rock, Ami had begun to laugh quietly. She was struggling to keep the blade at bay.

Ami pulled the blade free from Ayame's grip and slowly raised it above her head quickly, she was really going for a killing blow.

"No one will ever hurt...my...Emi...I will..protect her..."

As she prepared to deliver the strike, before the blade Reached Ayame's shoulder, her name was called from elsewhere and it stopped her dead in her tracks. Now she was struggling with herself. Regardless how badly she wanted to cleave Ayame in half, the voice calmed slightly.

"E...Emi..."[/b]

[Little Emi]

As usual, Ami and Ayame had to do their routine training sessions. She tagged along for various reasons, mostly for healing them and to be around Ami. These past years were really hard. After the battle with the Arrancar, Ryouji and Shukumei had vanished. She often thought about how they were doing or if they were okay. They missed out on so much. They had no idea that her mother had two more children.. Twins at that, and boy, they are a handful.

It was hard for some reason to watch the two of them fight. Of course, she knows a little to get ther by, but it's something she doesn't really like to see. Ever since Ryouji had left, she remembered what he told her: "Use your mind instead of your fists". It was words she chose to live by. Instead of costing people (and anyone/thing else for that matter) their lives, she would rather save them.

After seeing Ami get so mad, she started to get worried. For whatever reason, Ami tends to have a hard time keeping it in check. No matter how angry she got, Emi would always be there for her. As soon as she saw Ami start to hollowfy, it made her really scared.

"Ami!"

Despite her better judgement, Emi rushed over to the two, holding onto Ami's arm, trying to keep her from hurting Ayame anymore than what she has. There had to be some way to snap her out of her anger. She figured maybe talking to her would yield some kind of affect.

"Please Ami.. Calm down. Ayame did nothing wrong. She's just trying to help. Just calm down, okay?"

Ami loooked like she was regaining some of her senses and lowered her zanpakutou. Emi then took hold of Ayame's hand, tending to the injury. After that was finished, she turned back to Ami and[ gave her a hug. Yes, it was risky, but she was willing to do what it takes to get her Ami back.

"It's alright, Ami. I'm here. I'll always be here. I know you won't hurt me. Not intentionally or unintentionally. You've always been there for me when I've needed it. So, let me be there for you. So please.. Go back to normal.. Okay?"

[Ami Onigata]

After being hugged by Emi, Ami, quickly pushed herself away from Emi, not wanting Emi to see her in this state. She felt hideous every time that monster showed its face. She turned away and dropped down on to her knees before reaching up to the mask. She began to tear and tug at it until it eventually she succeeded in removing it. The hollow didn't even attempt to put up a fight, it just allowed her to do so without even attempting to explain itself, she has heard stories from her mother about her father when he was troubled by the same exact thing. Now that she had returned to normal she glanced back over her shoulder and stared at Emi, wondering if she thought she was some sort of monster as well then she remembered what happened to her Auntie Ayame

"Auntie Aya...I'm...sorry. I couldn't stop myself...please forgive me. I try so hard to control my anger, but all I can see is Emi getting hurt and then the anger consumes me..."

She lowered her head, what was the point in apologizing. Auntie Ayame always forgave her but it keeps happening. She doesn't understand why she can't keep her temper under control. Shi, doesn't have this problem, why is it that she's cursed with an inner hollow and an anger problem. She wanted nothing more than to run away so she wouldn't be a bother to her mother and Aunts, but running away never solves problems, so she remained so she could be close to the one that mattered most to her. She had to learn how to control her anger or she could end up hurting Emi and she didn't want that at all.

She sighed before standing up and walking toward the direction of her home. She had so many thoughts racing through her mind, most importantly was about her mother and how she continues to wait for her father to come home, even though its been thirteen years, she never gives up hope that he could just burst through the door, even Ami herself wondered if he was even alive, but her mother refuses to believe so and she will too, she knew it in her heart that her father would come back home and they could all be a family again.

As she approached the house she reached for the sliding door but before she could touch it the door flew open and her mother poked her head out and scared the everliving daylights out of her by screaming "BREAKFAST!!" In response Ami fell backwards on to her behind and squealed a little bit. When her mother looked down at her she shook her head from side to side.

"Ami dear, get off of the ground, its filthy and you are going to ruin your clothes!"

Ami nodded quickly and hopped up to her feet before dusting herself off, she removed her sandals and entered the house through the back door. She went into the kitchen, she washed her hands and then moved to the dining room where she plopped down in her usual spot

"Thank you for breakfast mommy!"

She smiled and began to reach for her bento box as she grabbed it she looked over to her left and saw her cousin Haru sitting there eating. As usual she never announces that she's coming, she just shows up and it drives her mother up the wall. She's always around to eat but never to help clean up, and to think she too is nobility. It was no secret that her mother absolutely despised Harumi and she made no effort to hide it either. She never would have guessed that her mother could hate someone, considering she's always so very friendly to everyone with the exception of Cousin Harumi.

[Little Emi]

Emi could only stare as Ami pushed her away. She understood why, but it still didn't seem right. She wasn't one to judge. It must be hard to control her Hollow. Regardless, it was up to Emi to support Ami no matter what! She better hurry back to comfort her before something bad happens!

"I better head back, Auntie 'Aya. Auntie 'Zumi might be mad if I'm not there to give her her usual morning hug..or something!"

In an instant, Emi ran, or flash stepped, back to the Mansion. She ran into the kitchen, seeing both Azumi and Ami there. She then went to Azumi and gave her a big hug. Then, she went and sat beside Ami, sitting next to her. It seemed like something was on her mind. She wasn't sure though. Was she worried about hollowfying? She leaned over to whisper something to Ami.

"If you're worried about me thinking you are anything different since what happened, just know that I don't, okay? You're you no matter what."

After saying what she did, she gave Ami a big hug. Sure, what they share may have to be a secret, but still, she would be tehre for her no matter what.

"As Always, Auntie 'Zumi, your fod smells delicious! CAn you teach me sometime how to cook? Mama's been so busy with the twins and all and.."

Just mentioning the twins, all of a sudden, they came running in, one of each clinging to Emi. It made her smile to see them having so much fun. If the twins are nearby, then her mother must be as well.

"Aw, look at you two. HAve you been nice for Mama?""

[Ayumi and Ayane]

After they ran into the kitchen, The twins clung to their older sister. She was one of many who they really adored. They then gave everyone who was near a quick hug before running back to their sister. After hearing the question they both nodded furiously.

"Yesh we're very good to Mama! Mama said she would be coming soon!"

Ayane went over to Azumi and started to tug on her pants leg to get her attention. Whens he got it, she tilted her head tot he side seeming slightly confused. Though they both hugged Harumi, they didn't know who she was. They can't remember if they were told or not, so what harm would there be in talking about it?

"Aunnntieee, who ish that strange lady-person by Emi and uh, Mi-mi (Ami)? I don't 'member her at all.."

While Ayane was talking to Azumi, Ayumi stayed close by to Emi and Ami. She wasn't too far from them. She just liked hanging out with her big sister and her bestest friend in the whole wide..soul society.

"Emmmii will you and Mi-mi play with Ayane and me? Pweeease?"

[Azumi Onigata]

After setting the table and watching the little ones cling to Emi, she smiled. They were so adorable it reminded her a lot of Emi when she was their age. When Ayane tugged on her hand she glanced down at the little one and smiled. When the question was asked who was Harumi, Azumi's expression instantly changed, if she wasn't family, Azumi would have nothing to do with her.

"Sadly she's my cousin Harumi sweetie, if she ever bothers you or hurts your feelings, let me know and I'll make sure she will never ever do it again!"

She giggled as the little one ran off again and asked Emi and Ami to play with her. They were so energetic and hyperactive, what was it with the little ones in the family or extended family. They were always super hyper. Shi was a hyper little girl as was Emi and now Ayumi and Ayane were hyperactive. If she ever had another child she was positive that that child would be hyper as well.

Once she finally knelt down at the table she began to eat breakfast, there were two empty spots still missing since Ryouji and Shukumei haven't been home in thirteen years. She missed her best friend a great deal but she missed her husband even more. There was a in her life that only he could fill but she was very confident that where ever he was, he was alive and wanting to come home to his family. There was no doubt that he would be home soon and she couldn't await that day, in the mean time she would continue to be a good auntie to her adoptive nieces and making sure that they were well taken care of.

"I hope everyone enjoys breakfast."

[Yuri Nakayama]

After seeing the little ones run into the kitchen, Yuri just smiled a little. They are so full of life. She often thought on how Ryouji and Shukumei would react to being around another set of twins. Often when she thinks about them, she starts feeling a little sad that they're not around. The moment they left would replay over and over in her mind. Though it probably wasn't expected of her, she felt responsible for making sure that Azumi and her family were looked after by her (Yuri). She honestly believed if she was gone for the amount of time they have been gone, Ryouji and Shukumei would look after Emi for her. Though, in a way, she was glad she was here with her family. The little ones wouldn't be here if she wasn't.

Still, it was hard looking after both families. Sure, there were means of survival, but Yuri is going to do everything in her power to keep everyone safe. Of course, she would have to take care of herself, but when she has to look after everyone and make sure her squad isn't falling apart, it was really hard to do.

Yuri stepped into the kitchen and greeted those who were there. At least, even if it was for a few minutes, she could sit and be with her family. After sitting down at the table, the little twins ran over to their mother and sat themselves on her lap. Chuckling, Yuri hugs onto them. Oh how she couldn't wait to introduce them to Ryouji and Shukumei. Not only that, she couldn't wait to see their reaction on how big the other children have gotten. She was proud of everyone and the accomplishments they have made.

"Good morning, everyone. I hope you're all doing well. Have my little ones been nice for everyone?"

Both Ayumi and Ayane looked up to their mother. Of course they were good! They loved everyone in their family! Though, they did enjoy scaring/creeping everyone out by speaking in unison. They may be young and not get a lot of things, but when they do come to understand something, they never forget it!

"Yesh, we have been good, Mama!"

Yuri could only just stare at the two little girls. It always weirded her out when they do that. Forcing out a nervous laugh, she fixed her plate of food, letting the twins eat some, helping them if they needed it.

"Azumi, is there anything Ic an help you with? I have Jiro looking after the squad today so.. I'm here to do what you need me to do if anything at all."