Troubling Situation

[Little Emi]

It was a troubling situation. It was hard to believe it even happened. Physical injuries didn't compare to the emotional ones. Emi was frustrated with what happened. It's not that she was mad at anyone. Well, just herself, really. She felt bad for not listening to the warnings of Hina. For whatever reason, Emi just thought Hina was making it up because she was attached to the twins like she is. It's probably without a doubt that Ryouji and Azumi are feeling the worst about it. After all, it was their child that was taken and was more or less manipulated into becoming a dark being.There had to be away to save her and she would do everything it will take to bring Shiori back.

Everyone else was taking it hard as well. For some, it brought back darker memories. When Yuri was informed, it was obvious she was upset and well, angry. Her rationalization was if she were there, she could have done something to prevent it. Now, she feels completely helpless to even console her mentor and Azumi.

No matter who it was, they were feeling so many things ranging from anger to helplessness. How could it be fixed? Everyone realizes that a confrontation is inevitable and with it being Shiori, they weren't going to do anything that would harm her. They had little options to go through. Whether it's a good thing or not, it seems Luna, of all people, is helping them, if they could call it that. With her involved, there's going to be tension all around.

Emi wants to talk to Ryouji and Azumi, but she could never find the right words. Each time she tried, it was like her throat went dry and couldn't even speak. So, instead of consoling them with word,she would try to help them by getting Shiori back. How, exactly, Emi doesn't know just yet. Perhaps her Aunt Hina could help. After all, both her and Azumi were great with Kido. Perhaps that could somehow tip the scale in their favor and not hurt Shiori at the same time.

Though everyone was mostly keeping to themselves, Hina went to find Ryouji to Apologize to him. The poor thing was really feeling bad for several reasons. First and foremost, she felt bad for not being able to warn him about Isame. Maybe if she tried harder, she could have told Ryouji and Shukumei about it and Shiori would still be here. The other reason was that Shiori had used the gift she gave to Ryouji to hurt him which made her feel like she hurt him as well.When sh went to his and Azumi's room,she knocked a little and after a few seconds she went in to speak to him. Poor thing was trembling because she was scared he was going to be mad at her.

"Uhm.. U..Uncle.. R..Ryouji.. I.. I'm sorry.. W..When I saw that lady..I saw..what she really was..I wanted to tell you and Auntie Mei-Mei..but I was too scared..Scared that you would think I was fibbing.. I'm really sorry that..'Ori hurt you..with the gift I gave you.. I should have been brave and told you! Please don't be mad!

Hina wasn't sure how he would react to this. She was always easy to intimidate due to her shyness. She wanted to give him a hug, but right now,s he wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not. Still, she hopes he wouldn't be too mad at her.

"We..We'll get 'Ori back! Emi ish working really hard.. everyone is..We'll get her back..Ii'm sure of it!"

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji was probably taking this harder than everyone. He trusted that woman and allowed her into their home. He was foolish enough to play right into their hands. His daughter was taken from him right from under him and he couldn't cope with that. They have always been his soul reason for living and fighting but now his youngest who is far more capable of becoming the strongest person in his family. It was just to much to take in. When Hinata came to explain herself. He glanced down at her and did his best to sit up considering he was still recovering and picked her and placed her on the bed.

"Hinata, it isn't your fault. The blame lies with me and me alone. I was to trusting of this individual but I couldn't keep away from her. It was a feeling that I've never felt before. You don't have to concern yourself with that little one. Azumi told me that you told her but it happened before either of you could tell me. We will get Shiori back and I don't want you to worry yourself any more. I could never be angry at you. I'm saving it for when you are a teenager and you decide you want to date and stuff."

Hina's little lip started quivering when she heard that, she didn't know what it meant and thought he was waiting to be mean to her.

"Hina...I was..joking. I could never be mad with you."

Ryouji did his best to pick her up and give her a hug. He couldn't hold her to tightly because he could start bleeding again. He placed her down on the floor again and patted her on the head.

"I need to get more rest, I want you to help Emi in any way you can okay?"

She nodded and left the room. Azumi slid the door closed behind her and turned and looked at her husband before sitting down on his side of the bed.

"You lied to her Ryouji, you don't know if you'll be able to get her back. Do you? I heard it in your voice."

Ryouji sighed and nodded. For once he didn't know if he could do it this time. He wouldn't be alone in the fight...but Shiori wasn't like anyone he's faced and she wasn't with Enemies that he's faced with Jin in the picture, Shiori could very well become the bane of Shinigami existence.

"That little girl believes in you. Hell we all do and its your fault that we believe in you the way we do. Over the course of everything we've ever gone through, you've been able to over come it because you fight for the one thing that motivates you. Ever since I married you, my amazing life has become this roller coaster of blood and injuries and children and mid-life crisis and everything else that shouldn't be happening to me because I'm young and awesome but I don't run away from it because my husband can do whatever he sets his mind to. I've never stopped believing in you and I won't!"

She slapped him across the face. For lying to Hina...and then again for not believing that he could bring their little girl home.

"You'll do it Ryouji...I know you will and everyone does too!

[Little Emi]

I have permission to use Azumi

Emi was still in her room, looking through the books she had borrowed in order to find some kind of solution that wouldn't hurt Shiori. They didn't have the exact thing she was looking for. All she could find that came close to what she wanted was sealing Kido. Well, that and Kido that can't really be used. There had to be some kind of answer.

After deciding it was time to stop for a moment, Emi got up and out of her room to check on everyone. She saw Hina in the living room, talking with her younger sisters. By the way Hina is acting and smiling,s he must have been able to talk to Ryouji. It made her happy that Hina wasn't feeling so bad about it anymore. Other than them there, everyone seems to be missing. Maybe they wre just trying to have something to do so they couldn't focus at the task at hand or just to improve themselves for the battle they know is coming. For now, she would just check on Azumi and Ryouji to see how they were doing.

Once at the room and getting permission to enter, Emi slid the door behind her to close off the room. It really hurts her to see her uncle injured and well.. moping around. He's usually so determined but after what happened.. it just seemed to have vanished.

"I hope you two are doing a little bit better. Uncle 'Ouji, I hope you don't mind, but I need to borrow Auntie 'Zumi for just a moment if you don't mind. I just need to ask her some questions on something. Is that alright?"

When Azumi got up and left the room with Emi, the two stepped outside and sat down on the porch. Emi looked around for a moment, making sure it was just the two of them before she began to talk.

"I wanted to come to you for advice on some Kido. I want to find a harmless solution to save Shiori and Kido is the only solution I can come to. At least the sealing and binding variety, anyway. I have a theory.. of sorts, so I don't know how valid it is, but I hope it can work."

If it does, that means Shiori would be free of whatever is controlling her and be back to normal. The only tricky thing is getting it to work. With things like these, it would cause some strain on the castor, but if it meant getting Shiori back, Emi would gladly do it.

"The Reiatsu that Shiori emitted was not natural.. If there was a way to seal it, but not her natural Reiatsu, then I'm hoping it would be enough to revert her back to normal. It just felt so dark..that has to be what's controlling her.. Anyway, the main thing is.. Do you know anything that could do that? I understand the risks involved with something like this..but I feel like this could be a solution without anyone getting hurt."

Even when the battle would come, it would be a safe bet that no one would be able to fight Shiori with their full strength because of not wanting to harm her and in the state she's in, she would more than likely take full advantage of that.

"Please.. if you do know anything that can help.. tell me. I want to save Shiori and make sure there's no more bloodshed. Maybe Auntie Hina and Harumi can help."

[Azumi Onigata]

It was a viable question. If they could seal the reiatsu away from Shiori, could that lead to a non violent extraction. Could they actually do it, there were a lot of factors to consider. The most importantly was Shiori's death stare. With that weapon alone she could dispel almost anything thrown her way. If it wasn't as strong as she believed it to be, it could very well work.

"Its a big chance. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to kido. The major one is Shiori and her family trait. With it we can break down kido at different levels. We only know that Shiori's stare is potent. How potent I'm unsure. I was surprised to find out that she was in full control with it but I never had a chance to see what she could do with it."

They could create a brand new seal but she wasn't sure if they had that kind of time nor if Emi had that sort of energy to give. She was determined to help and wouldn't take no for an answer anyway.

"Normal seals are unconventional when we are fighting blind. We could hit her with a number of seals but we have no idea how quickly she could break them down. Or we can create a brand new seal just for her. If we are able to capture her in one, I may be able to reverse the time until she's a child again. we could use the family seal but the sacrifice required...is immoral and wrong."

There was no way that she would even ask anyone to do such a thing. There was one more option but it made her sick even thinking about it. Azumi scratched her head and laughed nervously.

"We will come up with something!"

[Little Emi]

Azumi did bring up some good points. Shiori was very strong now and if her stare could put an adult to sleep, there's no telling what else it could do. Then again..

"I get what you're saying, but I think we can work around that somehow. I'm not sure if there's a way to stop it per say, but what if she were to be temporarily blinded? Even if it were to last for a few seconds, that may be all that we need."

However, hearing her mention reversing time, she became worried. didn't she do something similar against the Jigouken during its invasion? Though she guessed it didn't matter what exactly it was. Whatever it was put a lot of strain on her and it really worried her. Also, in retrospect, Azumi is going to do anything it took to get Shiori back even if she ends up getting hurt just like she was going to do.

"I know we'll come up with something.. It's just.."

Emi could tell how much Azumi, Ryouji.. Well, everyone. She could tell that they were hurting and it was bothering her. She had to figure something out and quick for everyone's sake. For now, she would have to stop working and see how she can help out in a different way.

"Maybe we can cook a meal or something. Get everyone together. I know this situation doesn't call for it.. but we can't let it break us, right? I think if we all talk about it, even if we don't want to, we can come up with a way to fix everything!

[Azumi Onigata]

As nice as it sounded, she really didn't feel like cooking a big feast. Situations like this couldn't be rushed, things would fall into place in time. She was well aware of how much she wanted to help, but forcing it wouldn't make a difference. It would serve to frustrate them all further.

"I'm sorry Emi, I just...don't feel up to cooking a huge meal. In time perhaps, but Ryouji needs time to process things. Shi and Ami are very upset. Ayame and Shukumei are out doing what they can. Its just not a good time. I know you're eager to help. Its a slow process. Give us time and..."

Before she could say another word she was interrupted by one of the maids who handed her a parcel that was left at the door.

"Sorry to interrupt Lady Azumi, but this was just delivered her and addressed to you."

Azumi took the parcel and opened it and began to read it word for word. It was from someone whom she never thought she would hear from. Someone from her past...a secret that only her sister knows of. This individual wanted to see her for the first time in quite some time. It brought tears to her eyes to have received such a letter. She hugged onto the letter as tears streamed down her face. There wasn't a day that went by where she didn't want to meet with he individual who wrote this letter. It was so so long ago...this was her chance to make things right and to bring her home for good.

"Megumi...I would like to come with me as I go to visit someone. I could ask Ryouji but I do not wish to bother him and since you want to be helpful...you could come along and keep me company if you'd like. It'll give us a chance to really talk and clear my head a bit."

[Little Emi]

Perhaps she was rushing things a bit. She should just wait for everything to all into place on its own. She just couldn't stand to see everyone suffer the way they were.

"You're right. I didn't mean to seem like I was trying to rush things. Seeing everyone upset bothers me and I just want to make everyone happy."

Then when Azumi was handed the letter and started to read it, she noticed that Azumi had started to cry. What was written in the letter that brought her to tears? Although.. they didn't appear to be sad ones.. They were more like..Well, she couldn't explain it. Then, she was asked to come along with her.

"Of course I would come along. I can tell how important this is to you. Should we let he others know we're leaving?"

Then again, with all that has happened, they might not let them go by themselves. With a sigh, she looks to Azumi, smiling a little.

"Well, you don't have to talk if you don't want. I'm just happy to just be able to go with you."

[Azumi Onigata]

Once she heard that Emi would go with her she sighed in relief. She wasn't sure if she could handle it alone. Where they were going wasn't all that far but it was known to be a rough area. Azumi never approved of this person living there and often sent money to help them move but they wouldn't. It wasn't as if she could force them.

After a bit of traveling and talking with Emi, Azumi stopped feeling as if they had gone far enough without telling her anything. She turned around and sighed.

"Emi, before I met your Uncle Ryouji and Aunt Shukumei, in my young and immature days...well how can I say this? The short version is I have another daughter."

She lowered her head and felt so disappointed and felt that Emi would be disappointed in her as well. She had no means to provide for Ryoko like she wanted to. She didn't have a choice in the matter. It was either put her up for adoption or be disowned by her family. That was the start of her not feeling like nobility. At that time her grandmother was still the figure head of the Kusanagi Clan.

"I was young and stupid and enjoyed way to many things that I shouldn't have. Ryoko was a sort of mistake but because of my grandmother...I had no choice but to give her up for adoption. I did send money and clothing and everything else I could send. I even sent a locket. Much like the one Future Shi wears around her neck. When Hina became the head, she told me that I should find Ryoko and bring her home to stay with her since she is a Kusanagi after all. I wasn't sure if I should. I met her once when she was a young child but that was many years ago."

She continued to walk and explain things and after a few hours of traveling and talking they reached their destination, a Sake Shop a place Ryoko worked. It was also in the worst part of the district which didn't help and the fact that she and Emi were cute was bound to attract attention. Maybe they should have gotten Ami to come with them for protection. After taking a deep breath she went inside and the place was pretty empty accept for a large group of thugs. They were sitting there making rude gestures to all of the servers.

Azumi pulled Emi over to an empty table on the far side of the shop to sit down. She was looking for Ryoko but there was no sign of her until a somewhat tall girl came out carrying a tray. She was trying to be careful but she lost her footing and fell and spilled all of the sake over herself and a few of the thugs she was preparing to serve. One of them got angry and started yelling at her. Azumi got up and went to help the poor girl.

"Are you okay? You took quite the spill there!"

Once the girl looked up and saw who it was she threw herself around Azumi and held on to her. She knew who she was immediately. She didn't think she'd come so soon or so quickly. Azumi helped her up and helped with the mess. As Ryoko prepared to leave, one of the men grabbed onto her leg and ordered her to make up for spilling the sake.

Azumi grabbed the man by the wrist and the man released Ryoko and in return Azumi released him. As Ryoko left, to get more sake for them they started to make rude gestures toward Azumi, which she ignored as she went back to her table.

[Little Emi]

It was a lot to take in. Although it was strange to find out that she had a daughter by another man, it didn't bother her one bit. There was no reason for her to feel anything other than happy that Azumi trusted her enough to tell her something so important. After watching the med nearly get after Ryoko, she felt like a brawl was going to start, but luckily Azumi was able to stop anything from happening. Though they were still making a scene, it would be best to just leave them alone and pay attention to what they were there fore.

"Don't feel so bad, Auntie 'Zumi! Nothing could ever change the way I think of and/or view you. After all, you did help Mama watch over not only me, but my sisters as well. You're one of my favorite people among so many!"

She meant it too. Azumi is and will always be a good person though she has learned to not make her mad. Who would want to be on the receiving end of the death stare? Just imagining it gave her chills. She then looked to Ryoko, giving a smile and nodding to her as a greeting.

"I'm glad you're alright. Let me introduce myself. I am Megumi Nakayama, but everyone just calls me Emi for short. It's very nice to meet you!"

However, Emi couldn't help but to wonder. She realized that this had to be the person that they were coming to meet. Could this also be the daughter she mentioned? Ryoko clinged to Azumi like how Ami or Shi would do when they haven't seen her in a long time.

After seeing her walk off, she looked back to Azumi who was now back at their table. To be honest, she did feel a bit nervous considering the crowd that was in there. Though, if push came to shove, they would be alright. She knew that Azumi wouldn't let anything happen to her and she wasn't going to let anything happen to Azumi.

"Auntie 'Zumi, I guess this was the person we were going to meet?"

[Azumi Onigata]

Upon hearing Emi ask her question, Azumi nodded. That was Ryoko. She looked just as she did when she met her once before when she was a young girl. She was even wearing the locket. Azumi settled down at the table and placed her hands in her lap.

"That's Ryoko. Her foster mother said she looks a lot like me, I don't see it though. For so long I've wanted her to come and live with us, but i wasn't sure if it was a good idea. I still wonder if its a good idea. There is so many factors. How will Shizune and Shiami react to her and Shiori as well. Then there is Ryouji. How would he react, knowing that I have another daughter."

She lowered her head. Would he look down on her for not telling him. It was a rather big secret, one of two big ones at least. At least with the girls, eventually they would get over it. Disappointing her husband however was never in the cards. Eventually Ryoko came to join them at their table.

"Ryoko...for so long. I've wanted to come and see you and bring you home. I was never sure if you would want to. There wasn't a day that has gone by where I didn't think of you. I hope you don't hate me for it."

She shook her head and grabbed Azumi's hand. She never hated her. Her foster mother explained everything to her. It wasn't as if she didn't love her or didn't care. She always sent money and clothes and stuff.

"I know everything, how grandma mother forced you to give me up or you would dishonor the family and she would disown you. I don't blame you at all. You are my mother and I am thankful that you never abandoned me. The reason I asked you to come is...well...I...uh. I want to come and live with you! I know its asking for a lot but, I don't know anything about where I come from and learn about my heritage. If that's okay with you."

Azumi nodded and hugged on to Ryoko, squeezing her as tight as her arms would allow. Its what she always wanted. Now it was coming true. Ever since that stuff happened with Shiori, this was the only good news she's had. In the mean time, Ryoko couldn't breathe. She was trying to tell her mother but she couldn't draw the breath to speak eventually she freed herself and took a deep breath and sighed.

Now that it was official. Azumi was excited and sad at the same time. Now Ryoko would have to meet her sister's and step father and her cousins and Yuri and of course Hinako. It would be a strange transition watching how she and everyone gets along. Especially with little Hina who up to a few days ago didn't know that Azumi existed and if she didn't she didn't take to her as well as she did Ryouji, which always seemed to be the case. Why was Ryouji so damn lovable. She was the friendly one.

[Little Emi]

Emi couldn't help but to giggle upon seeing Azumi hug onto Ryoko like she did. At least something happened to make Azumi feel so happy. Now that she would be moving in, she would get to meet everyone! She, too, was worried that Hina wouldn't be as accepting as very one else. She is such a shy girl/ Only one way to find out though. Then, when remembering what Azumi mentioned earlier, she was sure.. no.. Absolutely positive that Ryouji wouldn't be mad or upset. He loves Azumi and wouldn't let something like that get in the way of him loving her,

"Don't worry about it, Auntie 'Zumi. Remember what Uncle 'Ouji said when Ami and I talked to him about us? No matter if it's something big or small.. We can tell him anything. This is no different."

It was true, too. She was sure he wouldn't be mad. It was going to take a while, but she was going to do everything she could to make Ryoko feel right at home!

"It's going to be exciting! You'll get to meet everyone! My siblings will be glad to meet you. Not too sure about Hina. She's a really shy little girl when she meets people and tends to say near Mama when she's around. She's just recently warmed up to Auntie 'Zumi. Anyway, I'll introduce you to everyone when we go back home!

Hopefully everything would go over smoothly though athoughtdid cross her mind. If Ryoko was going to live with everyone else, wouldn't that mean she won't be able to work here? How would that work out?

"Ryoko, would you still work here even after moving in? Not that it matters, of course! I'm just curious, is all."