Passing the mantle

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was locked in her office going through paperwork as usual. It was all she could do to keep focused. Still, for some reason,she couldn't shake off what she knew she had to do. With a heavy sigh, she finished the last bit of work she had to do. It felt so strange, after all. So many memories were made her. She met Ryouji and his sister here. Became a Lieutenant here. Became a Captain here. So much hard work was put into this squad it was quite a struggle.

Yuri stood up from her desk, taking a long look. Flashbacks came and went. Still, she knew what she had to do was the right thing. Now came the task of gathering everyone, both the squad and family. It wouldn't be like she would quit being a Shinigami or even a captain at that. Rubbing the back of her head for a moment, she left her office to go and rally everyone up.

From family to squad members, she gathered them all. There were only a select few that knew what she was up to and that's how Yuri wanted it. If anyone else knew, especially someone within the group, they would have been able to talk her out of this decision. Everyone were talking among themselves, completely oblivious to what was going on. As Yuri stepped in, everyone became very quiet. As the captain walked through the crowd, she stopped, keeping her back to them. She had to. If she were to look back, she wouldn't be able to talk without feeling the need to well, break down.

"Thank you everyone for gathering here today. I know you're wondering why you all have been called here today, but before I get to the reason, I have some things to say. I am very proud of each and every one of you. It's been a struggle, but one that was worth it. We've been through so much and I am thankful for everything. It took a while for the lot of you to come to trust me, and I have made sure to never betray that trust.

I could think of some other things to say, but.. I don't think I have to say it now. Anyway, the reason you're all here is because... I'm saying goodbye."

By that time, everyone was murmuring with each other. They just couldn't believe it! Why would she be leaving, they thought.Was it something they did? Was the last battle too much for her? Regardless of what it could be, they just couldn't let her go.

"Captain, you can't be serious! Did that last battle do something to you?"

Yuri couldn't help but to chuckle. It was to be expected that they would want her to stay. However, her mind was made up. They were going to have to accept it.

"No, it didn't. I'm still the same captain you all know. I just feel this needs to be done. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to be a Captain. Just..not Captain of Squad Three. Ever since I've been Captain here, I have seen all of you grow. I have seen so much potential come to fruition. For a while now, I have thought about passing the mantle to someone, but I never knew to who. Just recently, I figured out who it should be."

At that point, Yuri turned around to face her soon to be former squad. Her eyes glanced around, passing the one who she has chosen to be her successor. She then walked into the crowd, slowly shifting through.

"I have seen this individual in action many times. They are strong, very loyal, although quick to anger. I know this person has the potential to become a great Captain."

She then took off her Haori, looking at it. With a smile, she then made her way behind Ami, placing the Haori on her shoulders which hung like a cape. She would want nothing more than the daughter of her mentor and someone she views as a father to take her place.

"Shiami Onigata, I name you both my successor and new Captain of Squad Three. The Haori that rests on your shoulders used to be your fathers before I changed it to fit me. I know it will be a struggle, but I have faith. I have watched you grown from a small child into a fine Shinigami. If I haven't told you already, I am very proud of you. From this point on, it will be your responsibility to keep everything together. As for the rest of you, you are to respect and help Ami to the best of your ability."

"Now I know there's something wrong! You can't leave us! Don't you know how rough she is?! You've seen it yourself!"

"I know I have. All the more reason for my decision. She can whip all of you into shape far better than I could ever hope to do. Now, welcome your new Captain with open arms."

Yuri gave Ami a few pats on her shoulder before stepping out of the way so the others could gather around and just..take everything all in. She had to go outside to get some fresh air and to avoid from losing her composure. It wasn't that she was second guessing herself, it's just that saying goodbye is always hard, even if it's not permanent.

[Ami Onigata]

After watching her Auntie leave and the amount of commotion it caused, Ami burst through the door and jumped onto her aunties back to slow her down or at least to keep her from leaving. She clung to her with every fiber of her being to keep her from leaving.

"You can't do this to me Auntie, NOT YET!! I had only just passed my exam last week! You've been the captain of this Squad for like fourty years! Trade squads with me, I'll go to...whatever squad you're going to and...you can stay here! If you love me you'll do it!"

Clearly her plan wasn't working, considering that she didn't even knock Yuri over. Especially since Ami weighed a lot more than Yuri did. She was losing; she couldn't even knock Yuri over!

Eventually Yuri managed to knock Ami off of her but her tenacity would not allow her to quit, eventually she wrapped her arms around her auntie's legs to keep her from moving. She tried telling Ami that she was going to end up getting dirty but Ami didn't care, she wasn't ready for this yet.

Yuri eventually pulled Ami up to her feet but she dropped down onto her knees and continued to hold her legs.

"NO!"

Yuri cleared her throat and pointed to the squad headquarters where several men were eyeing...Ami's position and lack of clothing. When Ami took notice of the men smiling. Her eye began to twitch in anger. With utter determination, Ami perhaps performed the quickest flash step in her life and belted all of the men over the head repeatedly until they curled up into the fetal position. When her beating was over she stood over them huffing heavily. How dare they stare at her in such a manner!

As she turned around to return to her pleading...she saw her father, mother and all of her sisters there staring at her oddly. She was at a loss for words. She wondered exactly how long they had been standing there. She fought to say something but the only word she could get out was simply and nervously...

"Hi!"

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri shouldn't have been surprised by Ami's determination, but she was. In a way, she does understand how Ami feels. While it was rather sudden, she was put in charge of Squad 3 when everything played out the way it did. Now, it was Ami's turn to go through the same thing.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, you know. You passed that test because you know the answers..At least in a scholar way. Actually being a Captain is a lot different. It doesn't matter if you're the Captain of this squad, 9, or whatever squad. You're still going to have to be one."

After seeing the lengths that Ami was going through to switch with her, all she could do was rub the back of her head. Even after seeing her, well..after seeing what happened, she could only clear her throat. After seeing her clobber the men, she chuckled. Hina just quickly covered her eyes so she wouldn't be able to see anything at all.

Although, she couldn't believe how Ami said how she had been the Captain of this squad for 40 years. That wasn't exactly right. She was the captain for.. Then it finally hit her. Ami was calling her old!

"L..Look here,now! I'm not old at all! I'm still young compared to some people, you know! After all, I'm no way near the age your mother and Aunt..."

How fast she forgot that Azumi and Hina were there in the group. She knew that she was going to be in trouble now. She laughed nervously, knowing there was no way she could get out of the grave she just dug for herself.

"Err.. Anyway.. Ami, I know you will do just fine. You may think you're not ready, but I know you are. This seems strange coming from me, but I'm going to tell you the same thing your father would always tell me: Believe in yourself."

[Shiori Onigata]

After watching that display that her sister put on, all the begging and pleading and even the beating she gave those poor men for staring at her. Which was a position that she put herself into. The only thing Shiori could do was shake her head and facepalm herself.

"UGH! YOU ARE SO WEIRD!"

She didn't get to have a dramatic episode when their Auntie Hinako named her the new head of the family. She had to be calm and collected about it and overseeing an entire family and its legacy was much harder than some silly old captain position...right?

"You are such a drama queen! I didn't get to freak out when I got put in charge of the house. I'm only sixteen years old. How do you think that made me feel? Stop acting like a little baby and accept your position and have some pride. You're embarrassing Daddy!"

Upon uttering those words, the two sisters were once again in a face to face showdown with each other. Butting heads would be the better term since they both were trying to push the other into submission.

"You want to go Ori?!"

Ami removed her Zanpakutou from its Scabbard while, Shiori held up her hand as she manipulated reshi around her hand, wrist and fingertips.

"I'd love to!"

The two began to growl at each other before their mother slid both of her hands in between their foreheads and forcefully separated them. She stood in between the two of them and began waving her finger, like a mother would when she's scolding her children.

"Umm, no! The two of you will not be fighting. Need I remind you both of what you did to our home the last time you two had a disagreement? You left a giant hole in my backyard, destroyed my garden and destroyed the back end of the house? Am I going to have to punish you again?"

Both of their faces turned sour at the thought of being punished. having to stare into her soulless eyes was more than enough for her.

"In any case Ami, you've been given a great honor. Shi does well at her job and she's a Captain too. Her squad loves her. Mainly because unlike you, she's fun to be around and doesn't beat up on her squad. However, I know that you can be a great Captain...just try it. Auntie Yuri told us that she was going to choose you so make her proud and don't embarrass me!"

[Ami Onigata]

Ami could only sigh and harshly. Shiori did have a point after all. She was given a great honor and after passing her exam, she earned the right to lead her own squad...just not this one! They didn't understand that these were her peers at one point and this came so suddenly, she wasn't prepared for it. Most of these shinigami served under her father, there was no way that she would earn the respect that he garnered from them. Then it really hit her...it was what Shiori said. Yuri...told them and they didn't tell her to warn her about this enormous change?!

"Wait..you KNEW about this! Why didn't you warn me Shiori, we are sisters!"

Shiori shrugged. It wasn't about being sisters, it was about what Yuri felt was right in her heart.

"Ami, I love you, you are my big sister and everything but...there are days where I wonder if we're related at all. There was no way I was going to warn you about this. Besides, we were told not to say anything! Get over it already!"

Ami's jaw hit the floor upon hearing her little sister's explanation. She wasn't weird...just different! What hurt more was that her own father and mother didn't discuss this with her. Even Shizune didn't say anything to her.

"Mom, Dad...why didn't you tell me?"

Her father stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders. She looked up to him, completely and utterly saddened that they didn't tell her about this.

"Shiori is right...I don't agree with her about the weird thing. However you passed your exam. The test, the display of your bankai and the special test that was set up against me. You are ready Ami even if you have your doubts. I believe with every fiber of my being that you are ready."

Ami looked up to him. Ami turned away from her father and walked over to her mother and her youngest sister, whom her mother was holding in her arms. She looked at her mother and narrowed her eyes and then turned to her little sister Shiyuri.

"Even you knew about this Uri?"

Shiyuri looked up from her mother's shoulder and stared at her sister, having no clue what she was talking about.

"I don't even know what any of this stuff means!"

Shiyuri buried her head into her mother's shoulders and hugged on to her tightly because she thought Ami was being mean and trying to confuse her. Azumi stepped back and turned away from Ami to console little Uri.

"Leave your sister alone Ami, geez. We knew about it, every one of us! Even the twins knew! How many times must you hear it. You are my daughter and I love you to pieces. Your father is right...you are ready. Stop pretending like you don't understand what we are saying. You can do this! We all believe in you. Even Shiori in her blunt, harsh way of saying it. It's time to accept the responsibility that your Auntie Yuri has given you. You are a Captain now! Act like one!"

She felt so betrayed! She understood what it meant but they could have warned her or something. She lowered her head. They were right however. maybe she was being a little dramatic but she'd never admit it out loud. Ami took a deep breath and nodded. If they believed in her..then she too would believe in herself. She turned around and faced her father whom was standing their with his arms folded.

"Daddy, I have one favor to ask of you. I know that you believe in me as all of the family but. They (the squad) don't...not yet anyway. I want them to watch. I want you to fight with me once more? Only other Captain's were allowed to see when we fought for my exam. This time I want it to be a public viewing. They need to see as I stand my ground against the strongest person I know."

Ryouji glanced over to Azumi and then returned his attention Ami. He chuckled and then nodded. Ami smiled and gave him a huge hug. She knew that she was going to get her butt handed to her but it would be worth it if she could display her strength to her squad and show that she was strong enough to lead them.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri could only watch as poor Ami tried to make sense of everything. The secret came out that everyone knew what she was doing, it kind of made her smile a little. Regardless how Ami feels about it, Yuri knew she had made the right choice. It only seemed right for an Onigata to be Captain of Squad 3. At least now, her obligation to that respect has been fulfilled.

"Ami, there's no need to blame any of them. I was the one that told everyone not to tell you. I had a feeling you'd react this way because when I was made captain after your father left, I reacted the same way. No one trusted me at first because they were hurt. After all, they did lose two Captains so it was to be expected that they wouldn't want to trust me or get to know me in fear I may do the same. However, with time, they began to see that they could trust me and soon warmed up to me. They will warm up to you when you give the the chance to do so."

It seemed that Ami was quite determined like she was to get the squad to believe in her as much as she did in the past. She then offered to fight her father in a means to prove herself to her squad. In a way, Yuri saw a lot of how she used to be, and still is, in Ami.

"If you feel it's necessary, Ami.. No.. Captain Ami.. Then by all means, go ahead. We'll be watching and cheering you on. Well, not just your family. I know without a doubt your squad will do the same." Although Megumi couldn't stand the thought of them both fighting, she knew it was something she had to do. The least she herself could do was be supportive of her.

"That's right, Ami! We'll all be cheering for you! Just don't get hurt too bad, okay? Same goes to you, Uncle 'Ouji! I know you two won't go easy on each other, so.. yeah! Though.. I don't think having the fight in Seireitei would be a good idea.. Don't you have to talk to Commander-General Yamamoto to get some kind of permission to fight, or something?"

[Ryouji Onigata]

After Megumi asked her question, Ryouji turned to her and shook his head. It would actually be considered a training exercise so no permission would be needed.

"Not necessarily, we can go to the parade grounds and have our battle there. Squad Three's training area is far to small. I believe that Kajiame would do more damage there if Ami were to choose to release her in such a smalls pace. At least at the parade grounds, there is more room for both of us to move around."

Ryouji returned his attention to Ami who was staring at him with determination. She really did want this battle. At first he was certain that this was a ploy to trick her squad into getting behind her. He didn't sense that within her though. She really wanted to fight him to prove herself.

"You're serious about this aren't you. You do understand that regardless of being my daughter or not. You are a captain now which means that you have to give it everything that you have. You are no longer responsible for yourself. Those men and women will depend on you and look to you for leadership. Are you prepared to prove that you are worthy of their respect and admiration?

Ami nodded. While she was very serious, she was still worried about when it was over. She was aware that there was no way in hell she'd be able to beat her father...but she could at least try to show her squad that she could be a strong Captain.

"Very well Ami...I accept your challenge."

One of the squad members who was standing close by ran into the headquarters and warned everyone that Old Captain Onigata was going to Face the New Captain Onigata to prove herself. Ryouji turned and made his way over to where his wife and youngest daughter were standing. Shiyuri his youngest jumped from her mother's arms and into his and huggled him.

"Ryouji...please, don't be too rough on her. She merely wants to prove herself to the rest of the squad. I'm begging you not to over do it on this one."

Ryouji adjusted Shiyuri in his arms and turned to Azumi who was very concerned. Ami merely wanted to prove herself, if he didn't give it his best she would be mocked and ridiculed for the rest of her tenure as Captain. If she fought him at his best, then she wouldn't have to prove anything to them. They would understand that she tried her best and did it to show them that she could be their captain.

"Azumi, you know I can't do that. Ami picked me because she knew I wouldn't hold back against her. If I hold back, you know that they would make fun of her and they would also know that I took it easy on her as my daughter. I can't do that to her. It would be not only disrespectful to her, but to the Haori that I use to wear. You know...before Yuri girlyfied it. She deserves my best and I will give it to her."

Azumi lowered her head and sighed. She didn't like this one bit. With the strength that Ryouji possessed he could very well kill Ami and that's what worried her most. She knew after being married to him for so long that there was nothing she could do to change his mind. Despite her doubts, she also knew that Ryouji wouldn't do anything to seriously harm their daughter. If he did, Emi would never forgive him. If this was really what Ami wanted, she couldn't interfere. She just didn't like seeing one of her children hurt.

[Little Emi]

Like Azumi, Emi was really worried that the both of them were going to get really hurt. She didn't want that to happen. She was beginning to understand why Azumi would often worry when everyone had to fight to either save Soul Society or to just train. Since it's what they both want, she'll just have to support them. After everyone gathered at the parade ground, she couldn't help but to feel so nervous. She went to Ami, giving her a big hug to show her support.

"Please, be careful. I know you want to give it your all, but I don't want you to get too hurt!"

She then ran over to Ryouji and gave him a big hug as well. It was gonna be hard to cheer for two people, after all! they were going to be fine. She is sure of it, but it still doesn't hurt to give out best wishes!

"You too, Uncle 'Ouji! I know luck has nothing to do with it, but good luck! Don't worry about us or any of the bystanders. Between Auntie Hina, Auntie 'Zumi, Ori, and well, everyone else, we'll make a strong barrier! So.. you two give it your best!"

[Ryouji Onigata]

After being hugged by Emi, he chuckled. She was really attempting to be supportive of both. Wanting to not have to choose between her favorite "uncle" and her girlfriend or whatever they were was sweet but this was a fight Ami wanted, so she should show more support for Ami...at least that's what he thought.

"Ami are you ready? You are aware that I will not be holding back this time. Your squad needs to see you perform against someone who won't hold back. That is the only way you can earn their loyalty."

She nodded and unsheathed her Zanpakutou before flash stepping to the center of the grounds. Ryouji followed behind her with a flash step of his own.He raised his scabbard up and held it out in front of him as he waited for Ami to make the first move.

(Insert Mood Music: Power to Strive)


Ami gripped the hilt of her sword tightly and rushed forward Ryouji flipped his scabbard around and held it vertically, with a flick of his thumb, he unsheathed his Zanpakutou by hitting the cross guard. She was being reckless already or perhaps she was attempting to lure him into a trap. He gripped his Zanpakutou tightly and raised it high into the air with the tip of the blade pointing toward the sky.

Upon noticing what he was doing, She stopped herself as quick as she could. As Ryouji brought his sword down, he released a monstrous wave of energy in her direction. She jumped back and performed a flash step and appeared behind him. As he turned around he brought his sword around with him. Ami gasped and flip back on to her hands to avoid the slash. With all of her might she pushed off of her hands and threw herself forward, driving both feet into her father's stomach which sent him hurling backwards. Once she flipped up on to her feet she plunged her Zanpakutou into the ground and jumped high into the air. She created a reishi plate for herself to stand on and quickly moved her hand in front of her face. Before she could hollowfy, Ryouji appeared in front of her.

Although it couldn't be seen he was smiling beneath his taped face. She had improved a great deal, though some of her techniques and the way she was fighting...at least right now wasn't about brute strength but more or less a combiation of hand to hand and swordsmanship, just like his sister and his teacher Ayame.

Drawing back her hand Ami attempted to punch her father. He caught her fist and chuckled. He raised her off of the platform she was standing on and hurled her toward the ground with all of his might. She crashed into the ground with a loud thud. Azumi who was sitting along the sidelines stood up and shouted for Ami and attempted to rush in there and check on her daughter but Shizune wouldn't let her. She grabbed her mother's arm and pulled her back.

"Shizune, you let me go right this instant, Ami could be hurt!"

Shizune smirked and recalled a time where she wanted to go check on her father but Azumi wouldn't let her. Shi merely shook her head.

"Mom, you're not going over there to check on Ami, now stop it!"

Azumi's mouth hit the floor and eventually she gave up and sat back down placing her hands in her lap. Hoping that Ami was okay. She turned to Shizune and huffed at her for remembering something that happened a long time ago.

"Have more faith in Ami mom She's fine. She's been beat up far worse than that. I highly doubt that she's out of this fight at least not so early into it. The way Daddy and Auntie Mei-mei and Ayame trained us, we can take a rather huge beating before it becomes to much for us both. Ami's stronger than me physically anyway. Give her a chance to show what she's made of. After all, she's doing this to prove that she can handle battles and earn her squad's respect. If you go over there to check on her, she'll never prove anything to them. Just watch!"

Azumi knew that Shizune was right, but she wasn't going to tell her that. She just did as she was told to do and focused on the fight between her husband and daughter.

Back on the battlefield, Ryouji jumped from the reshi plate he created after chasing Ami and brought his sword up and slashed it down, creating and releasing another wave of his ranged attack and it hit directly where Ami had landed.creating a huge wave of dust in the process.

Ryouji landed on the ground a couple of feet from the initial impact. There wasn't any movement or anything that he could sense. Eventually the dust began to swirl around where it began to rise from.

"Bankai!"

The amount of spiritual pressure in the area had changed. A giant sword pierced through the dust and their Ami stood holding her transformed Zanpakutou.

"Oni...Kasai...Kajiame!"

Ryouji jumped backwards a bit further to give himself some breathing room. He was impressed with Ami...she's become a lot stronger since the first time they fought...she was actually taking this very seriously and remaining calm about it. Ami raised her Zanpakutou above her head and slammed it down onto the ground with all of her might, releasing several flaming projectiles from her the blade.

Ryouji jumped back to dodge the first one by side stepping it and then flash stepped to avoid the second one. Ami smirked.

"Not this time dad!"

(Insert Mood Music: Ash to Ash (Ami's theme)


Ami brought her hands together clapped. The two projectiles that he dodge changed direction and headed toward him as he was facing her. He raised his sword and deflected the other projectiles before turning back around and seeing the other two, he flash stepped to avoid them both. Once he reappeared, Ami slammed her sword into the ground to create dozens more which all chased after him just like the ones before.

Ryouji jumped up and flipped himself over and started swinging his sword around to deflect them all. Once he landed two landed on the ground near his feet and caused an explosion to which he had to jump into the air to avoid. He narrowed his eyes and glanced up to see Ami turning around and bringing her around. She plunged her foot directly into his face and sent him flying toward the ground. She instantly brought her hand up to her face again and hollowfied on the spot. She opened her mouth and began to form a cero and once it was the perfect size, she fired it. It hit Ryouji and doubled the speed in which he crashed into the ground. She removed her mask quickly and stared down at the ground where her father landed. There was a lot dirt and debris around the impact area and she couldn't see. She wasn't going to fall for it, not this time.

Bringing her hands together, she began to perform hand seals. Like her mother and Aunt Hinako before pointing down at the ground. Without incantation Ami fired a Sokatsui kido spell down at the ground. Which caused another explosion all the same. Once she landed on the ground. She gripped the hilt of her Zanpakutou with both hands and began to breath heavily.

Shizune noticed this immediately. She was doing to much and so early into the fight. She was tiring herself out much to quickly and needed to pace herself but that was the way Ami fought, going all out instead of saving the best for last in a manner of speaking but knowing the way her father assessed battles, she was certain that this is what he was going for. He's toying with her.

"AMI! YOU HAVE TO PACE YOURSELF, IF YOU DON'T YOU ARE GOING TO TIRE YOURSELF OUT AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO DO! SLOW DOWN!!"

Ami turned to Shi and nodded and took a deep breath. While she was trying to catch her breath she didn't even notice that her father was standing behind her. He turned around and placed his hand on her shoulder. Which prompted a gasp from her. When did he get behind her? Her father was fast as hell but she wasn't done yet, not by a long shot. She flash stepped and created some distance between the two of them before preparing herself. She raised her sword above her head again but before she could slam it down her father drew back his arm and forced his sword forward, creating and burst of air which hit Ami directly in the stomach . She screamed and was thrown into the air.

What....what in the hell was that? She thought to herself. She's trained against her father numerous times but never as she seen him create so much force by litterally pointing her sword at her. It felt like she was hit in the stomach with a three or four bricks.

Ryouji flipped his sword upside down and grabbed it by the hilt. He was done playing games at this point. As he began to slam it into the ground, Ami appeared on the ground. She extended her leg and kicked the Zanpakutou out of his hands just it was about to hit the ground. She flipped backward upon landing on the ground slammed her Zanpakutou into the ground and released more flaming projectiles. Ryouji flash stepped to catch his Zanpakutou but he wasn't quick enough, The projectiles themselves surrounded him. and eventually locked themselves around his body, trapping him. Ryouji fell to the ground. bound by Ami's projectiles.

Shizune was getting excited, this was the best Ami has ever done and she managed to exploit his weakness. Binding him was one sure fire way to stop him. By this time the members of squad three were at the edge of their seats. She was really taking it to Ryouji. but by this point, she was extremely tired. She could barely stand but her determination to win wouldn't let her quit...at least not right now.

"I...I have you dad! Now I'm going to win...!"

She placed her hand over her face and hollowfied again. She wanted to put the finishing touches on this battle once and for all. Her Zanpakutou began to burn brightly with flames.

"Sear...Oni Kasai...Kajiame!"

The bindings began to ignite before causing a giant explosion. She did it...she beat him. She dropped down onto her knees from being so damn tired and fatigued, she couldn't stand any more. It didn't matter...she won. Or at least she thought she did.

"Bankai!"

Ami's eyes widdened as she heard her father's voice. His hands appeared from her shadow and grabbed her feet, keeping her stationary so that she couldn't move. A Black circle was drawn around Ami and eventually formed into a black dome. The dome disappeared just as quickly as it appeared with Ryouji standing behind Ami holding his enormous scythes. Ami stumbled forward. She had cuts on her arms and legs and her clothing was torn. Her mask shattered from her face. Her hair came out of the band she was using to keep it tied up. Ryouji's weapon reverted into its sealed state. He lowered his head and closed his eyes.

Ami turned around and threw her hand back...her Zanpakutou jumped into her hands and she held it tightly...eventually she dropped it again as it reverted to its sealed state and she fell forward. Ryouji turned around and caught before she hit the ground. Ami did her best...but she did to much to soon and eventually fell into the trap her father set for her. This battle was over, but Ryouji was the victor. Several members of Squad three rushed over to where Ryouji was holding her.

[Little Emi]

Emi could only watch as Ami and Ryouji fight. At first she was trying her best to cheer on the both of them, but the longer the battle went on, the more she started to just cheer for Ami. She loves Ryouji to death, however, Ami needed her the most at the moment. When Azumi tried to go over to Ami, she could sympathize with her. She wanted to do the same thing. She's seen him fight with all he has, but something about this battle seemed so different. They were fighting because they chose to and they were enjoying it. She doesn'tsee how they could enjoy beating each other senseless. Emi watched in suspense, afraid that they were going to seriously hurt each other.

When the fight came to an end, Ami had lost due to overexherting herself at the very beginning. As everyone rushed to crowd around the two Onigata's, Emi shifted through the others to get to the two of them. It really saddened her to see Ami so injured. Of course, she was worried about Ryouji as well. Right now, her main concern was Ami.
"Uncle 'Ouji.. Please, help me get her to Squad 4's barracks!"

With a nod, Ryouji got up, holding Ami in his arms and everyone headed over to Squad 4's Barracks so Ami could get the medical attention she needed. Once there, Emi went along to do her best to help. Once they were situated in a room, Emi moved her hands over the captain, attempting to try and heal her. Each attempt failed due to her being unable to focus. She knew Ryouji wouldn't have gravely hurt his own daughter, but it kind of scared her to see him do what he did. Eventually, she stopped trying and just sniffled. The poor thing was trying her best to hold back her tears, but just couldn't.

"I'm..proud of you, Ami. Even though you lost, you gained the respect of your squad. Some of them are outside, you know. You should have seen them. Maybe..you even heard them calling your name. I'm going to stay right here with you."

There was no way she was going to leave the room for whatever reason. She would keep trying to get Ami back on her feet. She had to focus. She knew Ami was going to be okay. Emi was probably just overthinking things. With a heavy sigh, she moved her hands back over Ami, attempting again to try and heal her. While faint, she did get a soft green glow that just didn't last for long. Although frustrated, she just smiled. Emi then moved a chair next to Ami's bed and sat down.

"I know I'm trying too hard. I'll give it some time before I try again. 'Til then, looks like you have yourself a guest for a while."

[Ami Onigata]

After passing out from the fight with her father, Ami was still sleeping. In her head she was dreaming of food, mostly cheesecake which was her favorite. She began to stir around.

Outside of Ami's lovely cheesecake dream there was a knock on the door. A member of squad three entered to check on the new captain to make sure that she didn't die or anything so he'd have some news to report to the others who were worried as well. He leaned over the bed and stared at the captain. Ami was so out of it and into her dream, nothing else mattered. She began shuffling around and mumbling to herself.

"Mmm no...you can't have my cheesecake!"

The squad member leaned closer to the point where his head was hovering over face. In her dream however. Someone was really trying to take her cheesecake. The squad member looked around asking if this was normal. For some reason all of the kids dream about food while they sleep.

"Ca..Captain...are you all right?"

Her dream kept continuing, completely oblivious to whatever was going on that wasn't about her cheesecake. She got so furious about the person in her dream taking her cheesecake that when she caught up to him she turned around and punched him in the face. As events would have it, when she punched the individual in her dream, she also punched the squad member that was hovering over her.

"MINE!"

He was hit so hard that he doubled over and crashed onto the floor. When she heard the loud thud, she opened her eyes and sat up. When she looked around and saw everyone staring at her, she wondered where she was and how she got here.

"Uhh...where am I?"

Emi who was sitting in the chair waiting shot up and over to Ami and hugged her as tight as she could. Ami squealed as Emi squeezed her being overjoyed that she was awake and okay.

"Ami, I'm so glad that you're okay! You...you really had me worried you know!"

She began to sniffle again and hugged on to her even tighter. Ami looked around seeing everyone crowd around her, happy that she was all right but she didn't even know she fell asleep. One minute she was fighting her father and the next she was punching someone for trying to steal her cheesecake.

"Wait...so does that mean I really wasn't about to have some cheesecake?"

Shiori who was in the room face palmed herself and sighed. Her sister was definitely a weirdo. She didn't even know she decked that poor squad member of hers.

Ami got sad since there really wasn't any cheesecake. She wrapped her arms around Emi and went to give her a kiss but then stopped when she noticed that everyone was still looking. Her eye began to twitch.

"Stop looking at me! I'm okay!"

Shiori came over and tapped Emi on the shoulder wanting her to let Ami go so that she could heal her and Emi could well hold her hand or something.

"Emi I'll heal her so you can hold her hand or something. Just let her go so I can get started!"

[Little Emi]

Emi was really happy to see Ami awake. It was obvious with the way she clung to her. After Ori got her attention by putting a hand on her shoulder and talking to her, Emi went from clinging to her to holding her hand. Then she noticed the poor man that she knocked out while she was sleeping. Poor guy.

"You did really well, Ami! Although.. You kinda did clobber one of your squad members.. He was in here to check on you. You've got the support of not only us (regarding to family), but your squad! They were all cheering for you!"

Maybe something good came from the fight after all. Both Ryouji and Ami got the chance to have fun and all that. Anyway, now she has the respect that she wanted to earn.

"Thank you for helping, Ori. I just couldn't seem to concentrate when I was trying."

[Shiori Onigata]

Once Emi, moved out of her way, Shiori began to assess the wounds in which Ami suffered. Their father kicked her butt something good. That'll teach her to challenge her daddy. She closed her eyes and giggled before stopping soon after. She extended her pointer finger and poked Ami's forehead and forced her to lay back down on the cot.

"Don't move, if you do. I'll bind you to the cot. You can't move either Emi-mi! Once I have her set up, then you can move, but not before then. It'll only take a little while to get you patched up."

Shiori took a deep breath before bringing her hands together. She began to perform hand signs. She ended it by extending both of her hands out in front of her. She eventually sealed Ami with the exception of most of the arm in which she was using to hold hands with Emi into a rectangular barrier.

"Shiori this is a barrier! You're trying to trap me in here!"

As fun as that would be, she shook her head. She was actually healing her with a combination of a rectangular barrier and a healing spell. As always she was being dramatic.

"Next time I'm sealing your mouth. This is a healing barrier I came up with the other day. Mommy's profound with barriers and healing so I thought why not come up with a combination of the two. Healing you would take to long any other way so I'm using you as a guinea pig to test how effective this is and where I need to strengthen it."

Shiori lowered her hands and nodded. It was stable and secure. She turned to her little sister and held out her arms. Shiyuri came running over and Shiori picked her up.

"Do me a favor munchkin. Sit on top of the barrier okay?"

She nodded and Shiori helped her up and placed her on top of the barrier. With Uri's weight she can see if it was actually structurally sound. It wasn't bending or warping where she was sitting. Shiori then moved her to another spot and when it didn't bend she pulled Shiyuri off and held on to her. She thanked Shiyuri for being a brave little helper. Azumi stepped forward and inspected it for herself.

"Your eyes don't see any structural weaknesses at all and it survived the little Uri test and this one didn't explode. Well done honey."

Ami was comfortable inside until she heard her mother say explode. Within instant she tried to sit up but ended up hitting her head on the top of the barrier and fell right back down into the cot.

"EXPLODE!?!"

Shiori giggled and then thanked her mommy. This one wouldn't explode for sure.

"Stop moving, it won't explode. That one I was focusing to much on and the end result was rather spectacular but that one was of a different shape as well. Now that I know how it feels, reishi and Kido wise I can replicate it several times over. Trust me for once.

Ami looked over to Emi and then back to Shiori and nodded and continued to lay still as instructed.

[Hinata Nakayama]

Hina was off to the side, quietly watching s Ori was taking care of her sister. Over the years, she was just as shy as every. Maybe more, if that was even possible. As her big sister saw Ori make the healing barrier, she was asking all kinds of questions. it made her giggle a little. Emi was always studying kido. It was just her thing.

"You..had us a little worried, Ami.. but.. Congratulations! You fought bravely."

Hina was soft spoken as ever. Even around family members, except for Azumiand Ori, she was very quiet. Most of the time she would stay hiding behind those two.

"Auntie Azumi..Do you think it'll be okay if we cook Ami some food and bring it here? Like.. a celebration if that's okay!"

Since everyone was learning so much, she figured she would learn something too! She enjoys Azumi's cooking to the point where she wants to learn how to make good meals like she does!

"That way.. I can try to make some food for everyone!"