Introductions

[Megumi]

Megumi couldn't help but to chuckle at Ami's reaction to little Aysa's question. When Ryouji declined the offer to go shopping, she felt a little sad. Well, there was no use in making him go if he really doesn't want to go. She remembered as a child on how he often had to carry anything and everything regardless if it was a shopping trip or not. So for now, she would change the subject. Shiori had her chance to had fun by training/sparring with the others, so it was her turn to have some kind of fun and she knew exactly what to do.

"Say.. Before we go, why don't we all have a little race? I recall as a child we would play Shunpo tag as a measure of how fast and agile we could be. Since it's been a while since then, Mister Ryouji, why don't we do that? I think that's a safer alternative than fighting."

She thought it would be fun to do and a chance to show how much she has improved during her absence. She had a feeling that he was waiting for a punchline or something about what happens to the winner or loser.

"Oh.. As for winning or losing, I guess it really doesn't matter. What do you think?"

After thinking it over for a few seconds, he didn't see the harm in a small and friendly competition. She gave a small smile, happy that he accepted. Now, to figure out how many laps and where to run about.

"Well, Seireitei is a big place so how about just one lap around the whole area?"

Ryouji just gave a nod. It really didn't matter to him what the conditions of the race would be. Once the two were side by side, little Aysa wanted to be the one to start off the race. So, the little one took in a deep breath.

"Reeady~ Seeet. Gooo!

Once they heard the signal to go, the both of them soon shuno'd off, one keeping up with the other. Megumi found that unusual for him to be going at the same pace as her, but wouldn't let it distract her too much. He had to be up to something, but for now, all she could do was give it all she had to get some kind of lead ahead of him.

[Ryouji Onigata]

The Race itself was underway and Ryouji was keeping up with the Megumi. He was certain that this wasn't as fast as she could go however, this was merely a test for both of them, the true test would be on the final stretch before the finish line. It was there, Ryouji and Megumi would kick it up a notch, so to speak.

As they continued they hit the final stretch. Ryouji glanced over to Megumi and narrowed his eyes.

"We've reached the final stretch Megumi, if you're going to win this Race, now would be the time to show me how fast you truly are. I've decided that if you win, I will come on the shopping trip with the girls."

Megumi turned to him and nodded. With them keeping up with each other, their the steps they took were completely in sync. Once their left feet hit the ground, both of them vanished quickly.

On the sidelines waiting to see who would cross the finish line was, well everyone including little Aysa. Shiori at least hoped her father would lose so he could come on the shopping trip but she didn't want him to lose because...it was her father after all.

The Present Emi, however had other ideas, she already made up her mind that she wanted her Uncle to come on the shopping trip with them. It wasn't a secret he said it loud enough for them all to hear. If he lost the race to The future Megumi, he'd go! It wasn't a secret how she was always able to sense him, when they were around each other. If he were to set up ten of his clones, she'd always manage to find the real him with little to no effort with one-hundred percent accuracy each and every time.

Emi was waiting and she was smiling and happy about it too! She knew exactly what she was going to do. She followed her Uncle's movements and just as he was going to cross the finish line, she ran and tackle-huggled him in mid-flash step! She hit him with so much force that the two of them tumbled on the ground twice. When Ryouji sat up, he glanced down at Emi who was huggling him even tighter and giggling about it. He could only shake his head. Now he'd have to keep his word.

"I'm beginning to think that every time their is a race, anyone with the name Megumi will interfere some how! It matters not you, Even though you had a little help! I lost all the same. I will go on the shopping trip."

Shiori shouted "Yes" from the top of her lungs. She was happy that her father was now going on the shopping trip. Ryouji picked Emi up and stood up and placed her down on her feet.

"One day we'll have this race again. Hopefully the next time Emi won't feel the need to tackle me for that one."

Ryouji placed his hand on top of Emi's head and smiled. He wasn't mad about it, it was clear that she either wanted a hug or for him to come on the shopping trip, or both.

[Megumi]

After her uncle placed his hand on her head, Emi couldn't help but to giggle. She was very happy her idea worked. It was a good thing out of everyone there, she could sense him. Of course, the next time they raced, she wouldn't interfere. She just had to get him to go along! It wouldn't be fun without him!

"I promise not to intefere next time, Uncle 'Ouji! I had to this time though~ Everyone was just so excited when they heard you would come if you lost! So I had to in order for everyone to be happy! That, and I wanted a big hug too!"

She giggled again, giving her favorite uncle a big hug. Now that the race was officially over, Aysa ran over to Ryouji to give him a hug as well. She was happy that he was coming along but also a little sad that he lost.

"I'm happy that you can come and all but.. Next time you'll win, right??

Future Megumi just chuckled, shaking her head from side to side. Looks like she lost her biggest fan to Ryouji. It doesn't bother her at all, really. It was to be expected, after all. At least now she knows she still has a lot of training to do. To think he could have increased the distance between them that much shocked her. Little Aysa then was jumping a little as if she was trying to reach for something. Eventually, the little one managed to grab hold of Ryouji's lower arm and held on for dear life as he raised his arm up little in response.

"Uh..When do we get to go shopping?

[Ryouji Onigata]

Glancing down at Aysa as she hung on to his arm, he merely shook his head. She was just like her mother, highly energetic, at least she was in her youth. Ryouji raised Aysa off of the ground further and used his other arm to grab her and carry her.

"In a few hours, I'd imagine. There is no rush, we'll be out there most of the day. Don't you worry, that time will fly and we'll be gone before you know it. Now if its okay with you, Mister Uncle Ryouji is going to go lie down for a little while and rest, I will need it...boy will I ever need it."

Ryouji put the little one down on the ground waved to her before turning around and heading inside of the house where he will take a much needed nap before playing the bag carrying father he knows he's going to end up being when they leave for the shopping trip later.

Once inside, he made his way to the sofa sat down and eventually laid down and sighed heavily. He honestly didn't know what he was thinking when he agreed to such terms. Oh well, there was no point in complaining about it now. Azumi once finished with whatever it was she was doing came over to the sofa and joined him. He placed her arm around her and held her before closing his eyes.

"I know this was supposed to be our day, but I lost a race to Megumi and now I'm going on the shopping trip as well."

Azumi giggled before nuzzling into him. She didn't mind at all, now she'd just have to go too, hopefully the girls wouldn't mind but if he was going it might as well be a family affair right? After all it wasn't often unless it was trips to the hospital or special occasions where everyone went somewhere together, this would be fun. Azumi closed her eyes and sighed as she got comfortable.

"It was Emi wasn't it?"

Ryouji chuckled. Who else has that special gift to be the only person in the entire family to sense his reiatsu. Azumi chuckled as well. That girl and her love for her Uncle it was hard to describe but it was easy to see.

"I wish Shi could have come with them. Ryoko too. Megumi said they didn't get along to well. I wish I could see them both. Our Shi and Ryoko get along great. Even Ami gets along with her now. Uri loves her to pieces and Ori thinks she's awesome. I wish she and Hinako would come home soon."

Ryouji opened his eyes for a moment. He couldn't do anything about The Adult Hina and the present Ryoko, but perhaps while they were out he could talk Megumi or her husband in to going back and getting the Future selves of Shizune and Ryoko. It would make Azumi happy, plus perhaps he and Azumi could convince the two to stop fighting amongst themselves or at least help them come to understand each other.

"Shiori!"

Without hesitation Shiori came running when her father called her. She entered the house and ran over to the sofa and peeked over, seeing her mother and father all hugged up on the couch made her laugh. Ryouji sat up and pulled Shiori down and began to whisper into her ear. Once he was done he laid back down and Shiori saluted him before running back outside.

Azumi opened her eyes and glanced back slightly and looked at Ryouji.

"What was all that about? Something you don't want me to know about?"

Ryouji sat up slightly and looked at Azumi and nodded. She didn't like it when she was kept out of the loop. Ryouji nodded and placed a kiss on Azumi's cheek and laid down again, not giving her an explanation. It wasn't to long after talking to Shiori did little Uri finally make herself visible.

"Mama...Daddy, can I lay down wiff you two?"

Ryouji reached over the picked up little Uri and repositioned himself slightly to keep his arm around Uri and Azumi as he closed his eyes again and reattempted to rest before the shopping trip.

[Aysa]

Aysa was all excited that her father could come to see her and her mother. While the three of them were outside talking, Aysa stopped speaking as she saw Shiori go over to Haye, seeming to be whispering something to him. He had a concerned look on his face, but soon gave a nod.

"It's possible, but give me a while to do it."

Hayate then gave Megumi a small peck on the cheek and gave Aysa a big hug, telling them both that he would be back some time later. With a wave, he soon left to return to his own time to get things under way. Of course, it was going to take some convincing, but maybe he could figure out something as he went to see Shizune first. Once he was able to locate her, the two caught up briefly as they were talking about how everything was going in the past or whatnot.

"Speaking of which. Aysa really wants you to come along back with me. It is her birthday and all as I'm sure you're aware. I'm sure it'll make her happy to see you there."

He hated to resort to such a method as using his daughter as a means to get her to come along, but in all honesty, it was probably the truth even if Aysa wouldn't really come out and say it. He had thought he had put such thigns behind him but apparently, trickery may still have its usefulness. He really didn't want to see the end result of him failing to bring back Shi or Ryoko.

[Future Shizune]

So today was the day of her favorite little person. It was her third birthday and Megumi had taken the little one into the past to meet with well everyone including herself in that time period. It would be good to get away, even if it was only for a few days to see everyone. She had been so busy with work lately that she couldn't go originally but for Aysa, she'd most definitely clear up her schedule to be there for the young one and to see her parents and sister's again. Plus it would be good for her son to see his grandparents plus her daughter wanted to meet them as well.

"Well I have finished my work and I'm not expecting to be overloaded again, at least for a few days. I'll go back, I want the children to see their grandparents and be supportive for Aysane's big day. I have to go home and pick up my children though, I'll probably leave right after picking them up. I'll see you there."

Shizune nodded before flash stepping, leaving Hayate to his own devices. Some time later she appeared in front of her home. Before she could open the door, it was opened onto her and there stood her husband and daughter whom were both happy to see her. She knelt down and her little girl came running and jumped into her arms to greet her. Once having a firm hold on her daughter she stood up and carried her inside and closed the door behind her.

If it wasn't obvious, a lot has changed since she'd last gone to see her parents, she like Megumi had gotten married and had another child of her own a little girl. Thinking back, the amount of fireworks that sparked when she told Lady Yuri that she was getting married and pregnant was well something to behold but eventually it got better. She was so strict. She seemed so much more friendly when she was a little girl but she was just very protective. Lady Yuri did raise her after all so it was all understandable. After entering the living area she sat down and put her daughter on her feet who sat down next to her.

"Hayate came back today asking if I would travel back into the past for Aysa's birthday with my parents and sister's. I hope you don't mind dear, but I plan on going."

How could he argue with her. He couldn't say no, plus it would be good for their daughter to meet her grandparents finally. In all honesty he wanted to go too but the horror stories about her father scared him more than Yuri did.

"I figured that you wouldn't miss Aysa's birthday, you are her favorite Aunt after all, she'd be sad if you couldn't make it. I want to go as well despite knowing the horrors of how freakishly strong your father was."

Shizune imagined what it would be like if they met and the thought of her husband being killed by her father because of how overprotective he is made her shake her head. Then again, they needed to know.

"You know what? Come with us, obviously Hayate made it back...alive and my father is just as protective of Megumi. He has changed quite a bit since those old days. The four of us will go together!"

Even though she wouldn't admit it out loud, she was afraid how her father would act toward him. When she joked about getting married all those years ago, the way her father stared at her scared the living hell out of her.

"What about Ryoko? I know how you truly feel about her. Aysa loves Ryoko too and it would mean a lot if she would come with us. I'm sure that it would mean a lot to your parents to see her as well."

Shizune sighed and shook her head. Ryoko was only her half sister. The entire time the two have known each other, Ryoko knew exactly who she was but opted not to tell her the truth. All these years she'd gone on believing that she was the only child wasn't true and she was still mad about it. Her husband did make a good point. Aysa loved Ryoko very much and she doubts that her mother would want to hear about the two of them bickering for as long as they have but the two them can't look at each other without wanting to physically inflict pain upon one another and to honor her mother's memory she just stays away from her to keep that from happening.

"I don't know, I personally don't enjoy the fact that my only sister and I don't get along well at all. If mother knew, she'd be so upset and disappointed in both of us...I just..."

Her husband placed his hand on her shoulder and she smiled.

"I know, but this time it isn't about you and Ryoko personally. Its for Aysane. I'm sure she would like it if both of you could be there with her. She'd like it if her grandmother was there as well but I doubt you'd be able to tear her away from her work long enough."

Shizune sighed and stood up. He was right after all. Perhaps she could at least attempt to talk to Ryoko...for Aysa's sake. If nothing else, it would be a step toward not wanting to inflict physical harm to her big sister. Shizune opted to go now and get it out of the way before she talked herself out of it.

Before she left, Saya followed her mother and grabbed her hand wanting to come with her. Shizune glanced down and smiled. She opened the door only to find that Ryoko was standing there, looking serious as always. Shizune stumbled back a bit, being surprised that Ryoko was standing there.

"Oddly enough I was on my way to see you, I wasn't sure if Hayate found you or not. I know that we haven't had the best relationship over the years but despite how we feel about each other, you know its Aysane's birthday today. She's gone back into the past with Megumi to meet with my...well our family. I think it would be a great idea, if you would come with us. It was my father's idea actually, our mother wants to see us both."

Ryoko glanced down at Saya who ran over to her she jumped up causing Ryoko to catch her. She embraced the energetic one and turned to her sister while carrying Saya.

"Quite honestly, I couldn't image not being there for Aysa's birthday the same goes with Saya and Ryusei or you for that matter. I know that we don't get along at all but I don't want it to be like that. We're sisters after all. Perhaps while we are there we can work on improving our relationship."

Shiori nodded and smiled, its what her mother would have wanted for the two of them. Perhaps this trip is what they needed and honestly they have little Aysa to thank for it, if it weren't for her wanting to meet her extended family who knows if this moment would have happened.

"Until we get there, I think I better prepare you ahead of time. In that era, we have two sisters. Ami and Shiori. You've clashed with Zetsumei once or twice right?"

Ryoko nodded slightly as the two of the walked into the main area. It was her squad that was in charge of tracking his movements.

"Shiori is the prodigal daughter. The last time Megumi and I went to visit them..."

Shizune continued to explain things to Ryoko to get her caught up to speed. it was hard to imagine she was finally going to meet her mother, meet her mother in the past. She was actually looking forward to the opportunity.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Note: I will be switching from Future Yuri to Present Yuri from time to time in this post. I will indicate which one is speaking before their actions and whatnot.

---

(Future Yuri)

As a Senkaimon of sorts opened in Soul Society, a familiar blue-haired Captain stepped out of it. For once, she decided to stop in and check on everyone. Well, that, but mostly it was to surprise her toddler granddaughter. She even had a gift to give to the small girl. Also, she wasn't in her disguise like she usually would wear when going back in the past. She honestly didn't see the point when everyone already knows it her or whatever. To keep others from getting confused between herself and past self, she had cut her to about shoulder's length and wore it in a low pony tail. Now began the task on searching for Little Aysa and everyone else.

It didn't really take all that long since she was still familiar as to where the Onigata household was at. After being greeted by the servants, the future Captain went inside to the living room area, noticing how Ryouji, Azumi, and a young girl were cuddled up on the couch. It caused her to quirk up an eyebrow. Not out confusion or anything. The last she was told or could recall was that they only had three children in this timeline. Looks like one more got added to the list.

Before she could even speak, she heard a familiar voice..no.. An excited squeal and before she knew it, she was floored by the young Aysa who was just hugging tightly onto her grandmother.

"Granny-Yuri~ You made it!"
"I had every intention of coming today. Ijust wanted it to be a surprise. Guessing from the shriek and the tackle.. I suppose it was rather..effective."

---

(Present Yuri)

From hearing the shriek, both Yuri and Megumi quickly showed up in the living room,afraid something had happened. Of course, it did, and thankfully it was nothing serious. The two women gave a collective sigh of relief. It was visible that Megumi was rather excited and surprised. She went over to the two of them, picking up Aysa so her mother could stand up. Once she does stand up, she dusts herself off.

"H..Hello there."

Her future self gave a nod in response. For whatever reason, it just weirded her out every time the two of them were in the same room. Sure, they might be the same person, but still.. She's just as scary as Ryouji. Well.. maybe not as much.. It was definitely a tie or something.

---

[Future Shizune]

The traveling had been completed...finally. She was excited to be able to spend time with her niece for her birthday and to see her family again. Plus Shizune hoped that her mother would cook for the occasion, its been forever since she's had a home cooked meal. Now that they were here, she wondered what her family would think of her husband.

Her father had become a lot more understanding over the years, he wasn't nearly as over protective as he use to be. Lady Yuri on the other hand...hasn't changed at all. It was often quite scary the looks she'd give Shizune, especially when she found out that she was getting married and when she found out that she was pregnant with Saya.

She turned and glanced at her husband who had turned pale. He was going to actually meet his wife's father for the first time and the horror stories he's heard not only from his wife, but from his days as a captain all those many years ago, it was just a lot to take in.

It was to late to turn back now. She walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. He turned and looked at her and smiled.

"Don't worry dear, everything will be fine...I hope."

Upon hearing his wife mutter 'I hope' he stopped smiling and his fear instantly returned. She shook her head and sighed, she said it a little to loud and he heard it and now it was like she didn't say anything at all.

"Well there is no point in delaying it. The sooner we get it over with the easier it'll be to deal with."

The group walked forward with the exception of Ryoko who was standing back. It had to be tough for her as well. This would be her first time ever meeting their mother. She was killed before she ever had the chance to meet her in their time.

"Ryusei, take my bags and your sister inside will you? Saya will definitely soften the blow, her unmistakable cuteness will serve as a distraction for Shuzen being ground into dust by your grandfather. Saya honey, be sure to protect daddy, okay?"

Saya giggled and delivered the timeless peace sign that she learned from her Shizune who in turn learned it from her mother. Oh yeah, her mother was definitely going to love Saya just like she was sure she was absolutely in love with Aysa.

Shuzen, her husband who hasn't moved since they stepped out of the gate continued to stand like a statue. Shizune walked behind him and pushed him forward, causing him to stumble and to keep moving. She then walked toward Ryoko, whom was standing there taking it all in so to speak.

"Nervous?"

Ryoko turned and glanced at Shizune and nodded.

"Was it that obvious, I've never met her and I'm a little worried. She's been gone for a long time in our time, but she's still alive in this one and I don't want her to think I'm angry at her. My foster mother told me everything. How our grandmother forced her to do it. I'll never understand Nobility, forcing someone to do something completely against their will doesn't seem very noble."

Shizune couldn't argue with that, she's heard her mother say on several occasions that she doesn't consider herself nobility. At least not like her Aunt Hinako did when they first met, thank god she changed. She was a little more than hard to deal with back then.

"I never understood it myself, but we are who we are, We may not act like it and we've seen the worst of Nobles and their better than thou attitudes but mama isn't like that at all. You'd think she was just a normal person. Despite our family being the furthest thing from normal. Don't worry, I'll be right there with you."

Ryoko nodded and smiled. She took her sister by the hand and together the two of them turned and attempted to make their way toward the house but both of them were cut off immediately after turning around.

Ryoko and Shizune screamed and fell backwards. Shizune placed her hand over her chest and sighed heavily. Ryoko rubbed the back of her head after hitting the ground the way she did, she bumped it rather harshly.

Shizune stood up slowly.

"Shi..Shiori! Don't do things like that! It's not nice to sneak up on people...oh what am I saying, you learned it from father. We know he's the ultimate ninja like person. It's impossible to hide things from him, he could be anywhere at any given moment."

Shiori said absolutely nothing in response to the Future Shizune, She merely stared at her which was freaking Shizune out. Shiori then moved closer to Shizune and leaned over to get a better "look" at her. Shizune leaned back to avoid getting to close to Shiori's face. Eventually Shiori stepped back and giggled.

"You are the magical future sister Shizune. I've been waiting forever for you to come here! You brought older magical future sister Ryoko too. Your Spiritual signatures are unique and Shiori knows that you both are strong. Play with Shiori later 'kay? Shiori wants to beat you both up!"

Shizune's mouth was gaped open from shock, she came out with it so bluntly and admitted that she wanted to beat them both up. She said it with a confident smile on top of that!

"Okay Shiori, I'll play with you later but how about a hug for your sister from the..."

Shiori had already left the two of them there, and didn't even get hug after being scared. Shiori was definitely something else.

"So that's Shiori?"

Shizune nodded and rubbed the back of her head. Ryoko chuckled. That was the prodigal daughter. She was something else allright. After being helped up by Shizune, the two of them went inside to join the rest of the family.

[Aysa]

Today was getting better and better! not only did her grandmother come along, but so did her favorite aunties and her other uncle! not to mention that her cousins were hear as well! Safe too say that the little one was just full of excitement.

"Yaay~ It's Auntie Shi and Ryo number one~"

It wasn't that she was saying they were like number one to her. Well, in a way they are, but still! It's how she's gonna keep herself from getting confused since there's almost two of everyone!

The little girl runs over to the two sisters, giving them a great big hug along with her other uncle. She has to have, like, the most humongous family ever! It was a little bit too much for her to keep up with, but that's okay!

"I'm really happy you all could come!"

Aysa was so happy and excited that she couldn't help but to just.. well, show it! Even if it was something silly like just running around with her arms extended like she was flying or something. Meanwhile, the other future Megumi heard all the commotion, taking a peak from around the corner. Seems like everyone was gathering for whatever reason. For now, she was going to watch from where she was. She wasn't much for hanging around the others. It wasn't that she didn't like being around the others. It's just she doesn't know how to really act around them. At last, that's what the plan was until Aysa ended up running over to where she was and caught a glimpse. The child looks up to her which causes the scarf'd Megumi to raise up an eyebrow. Before she could shoo the child off, her hand was grabbed and she was more or less dragged into the group.

"Look who I found~"

By now, the scarf'd/other other Future Megumi was hiding her expressions with her scarf. Thank goodness for that. She wasn't keen on letting anyone know how she particularly feels and opted out with a hand gesture as a greeting.

"H..Hello, everyone."

"I think the whoooole family is here now~ Wow, I never knew there were so many people!"

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi opened her eyes slowly after hearing all of the commotion. She peeked over the sofa, and moved her eyes from left to right, taking in all of what she was seeing, when she went to sleep there weren't this many people around. There were two Shizune's, a Ryoko a teenage boy, some little child she didn't know and a strange man standing with them.

Azumi shrugged and laid down again under her husband and youngest daughter whom was napping with them. A moment later, she shot up like a rocket and jumped over the sofa and ran over to Shizune, knowing she was the one from the future; whom she hasn't seen in since Shiori was taken all those many moons ago.

"Hi Mom!!"

The mother and daughter embraced tightly. Azumi herself was very happy to see her second born from the future.

"Mom, there is someone I want to introduce you too, someone who waited a very long time to meet you. Ryoko, come over here and greet your mother."

Ryoko to say in the least was still very nervous about this entire ordeal. She dreamed that this day would come for so long and now here she was staring at her mother whom she's never met. It was a dream come true, she looked exactly as she does in the locket, she'd figured that' she'd look a little older, but she could totally pass for her sister or something. Kusanagi's age incredibly well for some odd reason.

Azumi approached Ryoko, who was still staring at her mother. Eventually she broke down and squeezed the petite Azumi by hugging her as tightly as she could.

"I so very happy to have you home Ryoko. I know we never had a chance to really meet in your time, but I'm glad that you came so that we could finally meet."

Ryoko couldn't say anything, she was to busy being emotional, aside that the future Shizune has never seen. She may look like a total bad ass but deep down she was a total softie! Oh how she wishes she had a camera to show Ryoko's squad what it looks like when their Captain produces Tears.

Azumi turned around and signaled for Shizune to come over and she came Azumi opened her arms wider as she wanted to hug both of her girls at the same time.

As Shizune approached her mother Azumi grabbed her hand and flipped her onto the floor. Shizune crashed into the ground with a loud thud. Azumi followed up her sneaky attack by grabbing a Shizune's face and pinching it as hard as she could. Ryoko glanced down and then over to her mother but before she herself could get away, Azumi wrapped her arm around her neck and held her in a headlock.

Both were struggling to get free and screaming a bit in order to express how much they were being hurt by their mother's antics. It was definitely true, Megumi spilled the beans about them not getting along.

"Now I want the two of you to listen and listen closely. You are sisters and you will get along. If Megumi comes here and tells me that you two even blinked at each other wrong, and make what you're experiencing now feel like a picnic on a cool summer's day! Have I made myself clear to you both?"

Both girls screamed, Yes as loud as they could so Azumi would release them but she didn't, she wanted to get her point across and she meant every word of it. Eventually the little unknown girl approached Azumi and held on to one of her arms, mainly the one that was pinching Shizune. Azumi released both Shizune and Ryoko and began to stare at the young girl.

"You aren't going to hurt my mommy anymore are you Granny?"

Azumi was instantly taking out of her cuteness staring mode and looked at the little girl. She heard the word Granny and glanced at Shizune.

"Why is this adorable cutie pie calling me granny? Isn't it obvious I'm young and pretty enough to pose as your big sister? Right? Shizune, is...is this your daughter?"

While rubbing her cheek which was now completely and utterly red, she nodded slowly. Couldn't she tell how similar she looked to Shizune, they were almost identical well at least they looked identical when Shizune was that age.

"That's my little girl, Saya. She's six years old and always wanted to meet her grandmother."

Azumi giggled somewhat nervously. She was a little embarrassed that she put Shizune through the cheek pinch of doom and in front of her little girl at that. Then it hit her, none of that actually mattered...Azumi was...a grandmother!

"Shizune, she's beautiful!"

She fixed the young girls clothes and patted her on the shoulder. She then stood up and immediately pounced on to Shizune and started shaking her violently before grabbing her cheeks, pinching both this time with an iron grip!

"HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME!! I'M NOT OLD ENOUGH TO BE A GRANDMOTHER!!!"

Shizune did her best to struggle in an attempt to free herself from her mother's pinch of doom but she wasn't getting anywhere, all she could do was holler and hoped that her mother would take mercy on her.

"You've been a grandmother for sixteen years now! Have you forgotten about my son Ryusei!?!"

Azumi glanced back at the boy who waved to his grandmother and blushed before sitting down. He hid his hands within his face from the embarrassment he was suffering in front of his Aunts and Step-Father.

"I blocked that out ages ago! THANKS FOR REMINDING ME!"

She began to pinch even harder, she was furious now it was confirmed that she was old and even though she didn't resemble what a grandmother was supposed to look like, it was still embarrassing all the same!

Ryouji grabbed Azumi by the back of her Kimono and pulled her away from Shizune and picked her up and carried her. She was in hysterics!

"I'm not old dammit, I'm young and beautiful...right Ryouji? Tell me I'm beautiful!!"

Ryouji sighed heavily, he knew this day was coming, he just didn't know when. It was official, Azumi was having her mid-life crisis right here in front of her own grandchildren.

"I apologize on her behalf, The five of you go unpack, I'm going to go and calm her down it may take a little bit. Uri, come help daddy. Mommy needs your moral support and cuteness to calm her down."

She nodded and followed her father and mother while Azumi was shouting and screaming at the top of her lungs all types of words that didn't make any sense to him or to anyone.

"Why do bad things always happen to me!? I am to young to be old!!"

After getting Azumi into the room and once Uri was inside, he closed the door behind them to their own devices for the moment.

[Hiroki]

The man took a deep breath as he walked down the streets of Seiretei, making his way ever so slowly to North Rukongai. He had a lot on his mind at the moment. After doing some research, he was able to pinpoint the location of someone rather close to him. One could say that's a perk of being in the Twelth Division. He can only gather that this visit was going to go rather downhill considering the company that this person was staying in.As he drew closer to the mansion, Hiroki made sure to keep a rather calm disposition. He regretted the choices that he had to make back in the day, but he was going to correct those mistakes now.

After being let in by some of the servants of the mansion, the man's eyes were searching for something. The lingering reiatsu told him all that he needed to know. All he had to do now was to find her and bring her back home. As he entered the living room, he saw a large gathering of sorts. As he looked from person to person, he was making mental notes. He glanced from both Yuris to their respectful daughters and eventually to little Aysa. A small smile had formed for a brief moment before it faded as his eyes turned to Ryouji. He was the spitting image of someone who he remembers quite well. To think she's been here all that time.. What a horrible person he has been. Then, he could tell he was being stared at by the group of people. Might as well be quick and to the point. Before he could, the present Yuri managed to ask what was probably on everyone's mind.

"Who are you?"

"Before I do introduce myself, allow me to say one thing. I'm proud of who you've become, Yuri."

"H..How do you know my name?

"I'm sure when I introduce myself, all will become clear. I am Hiroki Nakayama."

Both present and future Yuri (Probably everyone else as well) were shocked to hear that last name. They shared the same last name which could only mean one thing..

"I know I have a lot of catching up to do, but I prefer to do that elsewhere."

Present Yuri was taking it a bit harder than her future counterpart. So much has happened over the years and just to see her "father" appear out of nowhere now was a bit too much to handle emotional wise, anyway.

"..Excuse me. I need some fresh air."

Present Yuri quickly left the room to the outside, needing to get away. She couldn't process everything right now. It was about to be an overload, after all. Hiroki let out a heavy sigh, slowly shaking his head. He was afraid that it might turn out to be this way. He would check on her eventually but there was someone he needed to see before doing so.

Meanwhile, Emi had gone off in the direction Ryouji, Azumi, and little Uri went in, stopping at the door. She wasn't sure if Ryouji had sensed what was going on, but in case he hadn't, she was going to get his attention. She was really worried about her mother. She knocked a few times on the door, trying to get anyone's attention in the room.

"Uncle 'Ouji, we kind of need you out here.. There's someone where that well.. Let me just be blunt. Mama's father is here."

Meanwhile, Hiroki was glancing around, coming across a picture on a nearby table. He goes over to it, picking it up to look at it. It was a rather large picture contaning both Ryouji's family and Yuri's. It was hard to believe on how much Ryouji looks like him and to think due to his never ending task of bringing him to justice, his daughter has been in Ryouji's care. No wonder Yuri seems so uneasy with the fact. No matter. He'll have his chance to explain or so he hopes.

"Tell me.. Who is this man standing next to Lady Azumina?"

[Ryouji Onigata]

Once hearing the knock and what Emi had to say, Ryouji slid open his door and glanced down at his niece. He didn't hear that right did he. Yuri had a father and he was here?

"I never knew Yuri's father was alive. How is she taking it?"

Emi explained exactly what happened to him and how Yuri went out for fresh air. The poor girl was probably overloaded maybe even a little conflicted. He would have to speak with her later and see how she was handling the news. For now he found that it would be best to confront their guest.

Ryouji could only wonder where such a man has been this entire time. Whenever Yuri was in trouble, why did he not come to her rescue, it was always him. Does know anything about Yuri at all. About her daughters? About her...unique abilities.

"Emi, check on your mother will you? I know she's trying to process what she's heard. She could use her eldest daughter to help her process everything she's just learned."

Ryouji walked passed Emi and into the living area, where there was a mixture of everyone staring at Hiroki while he held a rather large family picture. Upon seeing the individual. Ryouji narrowed his eyes. He knows of that face, he's seen it before, but he doesn't understand why because he's certain that he's never met him before. That face was just familiar to him.

He didn't understand why but he already doesn't like this individual. Not only has he quite possibly upset Yuri, but everything about him made him uncomfortable.

"Shi, take everyone outside to play in the backyard would you? I want the Future Shizune and Ryoko to stay with me and...Yumiko; You aren't still calling yourself that are you, I think everyone knows who you are now. Everyone else, I think it would be best if you stepped outside with the girls. That includes you Shiori and the two clones you have hiding in the kitchen and hallway."

Shiori gasped and huffed and then stomped the floor because she wanted to be sneaky and listen in but he knew that she had clones set up too. Her daddy was just that awesome. She nodded and went outside followed by her clones.

"My niece tells me that you've introduced yourself as Yuri's father? For some reason you seem familiar to me have we met once before previously at some point?"

[Hiroki]

After hearing Ryouji speak, he glanced up from the picture over to him before looking back to the picture. So, here's the man in the picture. He even sort of sounds like him. Genetics are funny, in a way. He places the picture frame back on the table before turning to face Ryouji and the others.

"If you mean the "niece" that's my granddaughter, then yes, she's correct. I am Yuri's father. I'm sure it's no surprise how the two look a like. It's a Nakayama trait for the first born daughter to look like the mothers before them. Even this version of Yuri is still the spitting image of her mother."

There was so much to explain and so little time to do it it. He wasn't quite sure as to why Ryouji finds him familiar. It could be his father's doing and it really wouldn't surprise him considering how he and him are enemies.

"As to why I seem familiar to you, I can't say for certain. Perhaps it's a question you should ask your father. You are the spitting image of him, really."

Future Yuri was trying her best to contain her anger to the point where she was visibly shaking. It reached the point where she couldn't hold it back any longer and went to lunge at him, only to be held back by both Shizune and Ryoko. Still, that wouldn't be enough to stop her from saying what she wanted to say.

"Why show yourself now?! Where have you been the past hundred years?!"

If only she or the other Yuri truly knew.Part of him being gone was in fear on how his enemy would react to such news of him having a family. Another part was that he was too consumed in his mission to even begin to be a father in the first place. It sounded like both reasons and excuses.

"Nothing I can say will make up for not being here. However, I will not tolerate you nor your family living under the same roof as him. I will not allow any more harm come to you nor them. I should be grateful that you took care of her thus far, but you can relinquish that task to me."

It was becoming a little difficult for the two girls to hold Yuri back. Yuri was getting really close to summoning her mask. How dare he show up and try to order her around like some child?

"What makes you think you can suddenly involve yourself in my life or anyone else?!"

"You should understand since you're a parent yourself, Yuri. I'm doing what I believe is best. As for you.."

Hiroki turned his attention to Ryouji once more. It was clear that the man before him already has some discontent about him. Like father like son it seems. Still, if Azumi decided to settle down with him, perhaps he wasn't too bad, but that doesn't mean he has to like him.

"It seems your father's been quite busy. Hell has been in an uproar. There's been whispers about an uprising and I've been doing all that I can to keep things under control. Hundreds of years, he's been rather quiet. That is, until recently. Something must have caught his interest. That or he believes he's strong enough to carry out whatever plans he has set out. While I haven't been in plain view.. I have been taking care of things behind the scene."

The Onigata father was..quite a horrible man. Even he has come close to dying twice by his hand. The large scars he has on back is testament to that. Still, he was going to do his best to keep h is family from getting involved any further. He wasted enough time more or less explaining things to these individuals save the future version of his daughter.

"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to at least talk to the other Yuri and her daughter as well."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji tilted his head back slightly and smirked. The old man was quite the talker and confident too. He knew nothing of his father and always assumed him to be dead. The nerve he had to come into his home and demand that he relinquish the need to protect his daughter and grandchildren over to him. He reminded him quite a bit of Yuri's former husband/lover or whatever he was. The comparison was he talked big but didn't feel threatened by him.

"I'll never relinquish that role. If you want me to however, you're more than welcome to try to..."

Before he could finish, Azumi walked in front of him, carrying Uri in her arms, apparently she had calmed down quite a bit from he episode earlier. Shizune and Ryoko immediately used their hands to cover their cheeks in fear of being pinched by their mother.

"That's enough Ryouji. There will be no such violence here today."

She handed Uri over to her husband who held her in his arms as she huggled onto him tightly. Azumi turned and faced the man who entered their home. A smile instantly formed to her face. She assumed he died many many years ago but here he was in the flesh. He hasn't changed a bit, still so very serious but somewhere behind that serious exterior there was a kind man who use to play with her when she was a little girl.

"Hiroki, what is the meaning of this visit? I assumed you died a long time ago, but you're here! It's good to see you...old man! Anyway, why are you coming into my home demanding that my husband relinquish the honor he has of protecting the Nakayama's. Despite what you feel for his father, they are his family too. He's been here for Yuri and her daughters for their entire lives. I don't think its fair for you to come here after not being seen for so long and tell Ryouji anything. Despite if what you say is true, Ryouji is one of the kindest people ever. Start talking Old Man!"

[Hiroki]

Hiroki gave a smile as Azumi came in. Still the same as always. She did serve a point. Ryouji has done everything to keep Yuri and her family safe from harm when he couldn't even do that himself. An apology was in order.

"You are right, Lady Azumina and I do owe you an apology. You, as far as I can tell, are nothing like your father. If Lady Azumina vouches for you, then I will attempt to be more courteous."

Of course, that will be more easier said than done. Still, he was going to trust in what Azumi said. It's all he can do. As for being callwd old man.. He would just pretend as if he didn't here such a remark. There was a legitimate reason for him coming here other than to catch up. However, in the heat of the moment, he utterly forgot. What was it? It was on the tip of his tongue, too.

"I can't seem to recall, unfortunately. It had to do with... Oh, that's right. I'm here to deliver a warning. There is a battle looming in the distance that keeps getting closer and closer. Eventually, your father will make an appearance and you must be ready. He is unlike anything you have faced. I know you don't have that much knowledge about him, so that is where I come in."

After fighting with the man for so long, you begin to grow accustomed to their mannerism and thought processes. Of course, Hiroki would make sure to not leave anything up to chance. He cannot afford to make any mistake whatsoever.

"We will have enough time to go over this. If possible, I would like to start over again as a "normal" parent and not so much as one blinded by misplaced rage. I know there will be some uneasiness, but I will do my best to remember that the man I see before me is nothing like his father other than looking like him."

By now, future Yuri had calmed down somewhat. In a way, she understood the gesture. She's been that way with Shizune several times while trying to look out for her best interest. At least he did apologize for it although it was going to take more than that to get on her good side. Right now, she was concerned on how her past self was handling the whole thing.

"...If that is what you want, I don't mind having a small chitchat. Ryouji, could you check on my past self and Emi? I think she needs you as support as well. It will give Azumi and I time to catch up with...Father. ...That's going to be awkward to say for a while.."

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi glanced back as Ryouji left with Uri to adhere to the Future Yuri's request. Azumi signaled for Yuri, Shizune, Ryoko and Hiroki to take a seat so that they could speak further about the situation in which Hiroki came to warn them about.

"Before you get into your warning, You should be well aware that the contributions my husband and sister-in-law have made to the Soul Society despite their names. Shukumei is a captain and Ryouji stepped down so that your daughter could serve and gain the confidence that she needed to have, not only as a Shinigami but as an individual. He will never give up on his promise to always keep them safe."

She would hate to see the two of them fight but Hiroki should know that Ryouji just isn't some average Shinigami, he's a monster when he wants to be and for those girls he would do what it takes to keep them right where here under this roof. Azumi doubts that it would come to that at least now anyway. All the same she was curious to hear about the looming battle and with Ryouji's father? Honestly she believed that it was all Jin's doing. Does he even know about Jin. Should she be the one to say anything at all?

"So their father is alive...and in hell? When they went to rescue my daughter, there was no trace of anything aside from the individual responsible for taking her in the first place. Shiori doesn't remember anything at all from her time there. We don't want to remind her because she really kicked her father's butt and if she knew that she hurt her favorite person ever, she would probably become super upset and Un-Shiori...like?"

It was starting to make sense for instance how trouble always managed to find them, especially within these last thirteen or so years. The Jigouken and even before then whenever they were having some family activity, trouble always found them. She didn't believe in right place, right time.

"Since you three are from the future, even though I'm sure its against some magical rule of time travel. What can you tell us about hell at least. I know you can't really give spoilers, but any help will be appreciated."

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri was still at the mansion, but some distance away from the main part where the others were. She was sitting on the roof, staring down at the tiles. Her mind was still trying to adjust to the fact that she has a father. She just couldn't believe it. Why did he decide to show up now? Where was he when she needed him?It made her think back to all the major events she has been through. Then, a troubling thought came to mind. What will he do if he finds out that she's a Visored? Would he view her as a monster? It was enough to cause her to tremble.

The captain placed a hand over her face as if to hide it. She just felt so consumed by so much uncertainty that it was making her feel rather sick to her stomach. What was she to do? Would she have to choose between the mentor who took her in all those years ago or her father? There was no way she could make such a choice. The moment she brought down her hand, she saw Ryouji standing in front of her. Since when was he there? She was just so deep into thought she didn't even sense him coming.Then again, she probably wouldn't have been able to anyway since to her there was nothing there to sense in a manner of speaking. Yuri frowned a little as she really wasn't in much of a mood to talk. Sure, she understands that he might be worried for her but she doesn't want to make things any more awkward than they already are.

Yuri stood up, unable to make herself look in Ryouji's general direction. She wasn't sure what he could be thinking. Probably by now he knows what's going on. How did he take it? When she got a glance at him before, he didn't look beat up or anything so it wasn't like the two men fought. That much was good, anyway.

"I..I'm really not in a mood to talk. I.."

She looked around for a moment, making sure Azumi hadn't sneak up on them or something. The last thing she really needed was a cheek pinch of doom.

"I apologize for cutting this chitchat short but.."

Before she could even think about turning to take a step, Ryouji reached out his hand, placing it on her head like he used to do while he was her captain. He began to rub her head as he used to. Yuri just started down for a while. She was trying her best to not show how she was feeling, but there was no use. Ryouji knows her all that well. Unable to contain it any longer, tears formed and begin to flow. She couldn't look up now. She didn't want him to see even if he knew she was crying.

"I..I don't know what to do, Ryouji. I.. just don't understand. Why did he show up now? Why..wasn't he there when I needed him? I know I should be happy he's actually real but.. All I feel is just.. Doubt. I know I shouldn't but how can I not? Most of all.. What will he say or do if he finds out what I am? Will he..accept it or.."

She knew she was only torturing herself with these questions, but she just couldn't help it. she knows the only way to find out is to ask Hiroki but she just doesn't have the courage nor heart at the moment to do so. Though, at least with Ryouji here, she does have comfort.

"I know I should ask him, but.. I'm.. I'm scared. It's..really hard for me to admit that. It terrifies me. Though you'd probably say something along the lines of 'His loss'. Even if you don't say that or nothing at all.. Thank you.. Thank you for taking me in and watching both me and my family.."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji rubbed the back of his head while listening to Yuri, thanking him for taking her in and her family. Quite honestly he had nothing to do with that decision. Taking them all in was all Azumi and Emi's idea when she was a toddler. It mattered not, he considered them family and there wasn't anything that was going to change that.

"There is no reason to thank me for that, Yuri, nor will there ever be a reason in which I require a thank you. Granted even though we aren't related by blood on any level and the fact that I was the product of creation, you and your daughters are as much my family as my own children and sister."

He sat down on the edge of the roof and glanced over at the edge. He honestly had no idea how huge this place truly was. He's never even been up here before. As for what she felt about what her father would think about her and even Emi being Visored. What could he say about it, it wasn't her fault at all for being what she is.

"So what if you're a Visored? What can he say to you. You are a grown woman. It wasn't as if you had a choice in becoming one and you only use your mask in a battle that requires it. You've come this far on your own merit and at the end of the day that's all that matters, it's all that will ever matter when its all said and done. Whether or not he accepts it is of no consequence. I still have a hard time believing that I'm merely a clone."

He tilts his head back slightly, staring into the sky above. For a majority of his life, career as a Shinigami, he always wondered why he was treated differently and now he understands why and he couldn't care less.

"I am just a product, mixed in a tube in some laboratory. I would only love being just a visored, but I have to accept what I am, just as you've accepted what you are. If your father loves and cares for you, he will accept it too. I have my family to remind me that deep down mixed in my genetics that there is a real person at my core. I would not care as much as I do about my family if I wasn't. My family, all of you are what keeps me believing that I have some sort of humanity in me. Perhaps rather than worried about what your father thinks, you should remember that no matter what, if he accepts you or he doesn't. Your family does and they always will."

Ryouji nodded and turned and glanced at her before chuckling quietly.

"If nothing else, I'm pretty sure that Shiori would have plenty to say to your father if he ever hurt your feelings. She adores her Auntie Yuri and as she put it, her "strange mystical flower powers". She would get a kick out of belittling him. That's neither here nor there. Just remember, we accept you and we love you, "Little Yuri."

He stood up and decided it would be best to leave her be for now. After all, he just wanted to make sure that she was doing okay. Sure it was a hard pill to swallow but she would have everyone here to bring her water metaphorically speaking. With a flash step he vanished from the roof and appeared on the ground below before heading toward the Shi and the others who were hanging out in the backyard.

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri gave a small smile as she chuckled from being called 'Little Yuri'. He hasn't been called that for a long time. Ryouji did bring up valid points. Even if her father disapproved, she still had him and his family along with hers that really do love her. She then wiped away any tears she had left, about to speak but soon realizes he had left to rejoin the others. She looks down from the spot she was at. Soon, she would rejoin the others.

Yuri took a deep breath before exhaling. Everything would be alright.This was no different from how her old squad used to be. Well, kinda anyway. She wasn't going to worry. Not any more.With a flash step, Yuri went down to the ground.

As she rejoined the others, She was greeted by Emi who gave her a cling huggle. Yuri smiled and hugged her eldest daughter. Everything will turn out to be okay. She knows that now.

"Don't worry, I'm alright. Really, I am. I'm not going to ponder on the "could be"'s. I got all the support I need."

After a while, Emi lets go of her mother, but stays nearby for a while. Yuri takes a deep breath, stepping onto the porch before opening the door and closing it behind her. It felt like all eyes were on her and it was making her a little nervous but she could handle it.

"Azumi, if you don't mind.. May I.. borrow my father for a moment? I.. would like to talk to him."

Well, it would be more than just talk. If she could gather the courage, she was going to reveal to him that she was a Visored. Might as well get that out of the way. It would be a lot off of her mind as well.

[Shiori Onigata]

After being sent outside with her sisters and other extended family members, Shiori was curious as to what Yuri's father and her mother and magical future sister's were talking about. She wasn't a fan of the old guy. Not one bit! He upset her auntie and she didn't like it when others made her family feel bad. When she noticed her Auntie returned inside of the house Shiori picked up Uri and carried her inside where her mother, sisters, Auntie Yuri and the old guy were standing. She walked right up to the old guy and stood in front of him and glared at him.

"Uri, earmuffs."

Uri glanced at her big sister and covered her ears like she was told to. Shiori then pointed at the old man as she glared at him. She wasn't being the humorous, to the point person she usually always is. This time she was being serious from the get go.

"I understand that you watched over my mother and Auntie Hinako since they were children and I understand you are a friend to this family, but I will not allow you to hurt my favorite Auntie again. If I feel that she's so much as thinking negative thoughts because of you, I will personally return to you the pain she feels a thousand times over. I don't want you to say you understand...in fact I don't want you to acknowledge that we had this talk. Don't do it again!"

After hearing what her daughter had to say Azumi stood up and shouted her name. She glanced over to her mother.

"Shiori Onigata, you do not disrespect guests of this house. Apologize to him this instant."

Shiori turned her back to her mother.

"Save your breath, he hurt my favorite Auntie in the whole wide soul society and you expect me...ME not to say a word about it? Punish me, all you'd like. I don't care. I meant what I said. If he says anything at all that makes Auntie Yuri run off like that again, I'm going to hurt him."

Shiori glanced to Uri and told her to remove the makeshift earmuffs she was using her hands to make to keep herself from hearing any mean or bad stuff. Uri glanced up at Shiori and didn't understand what she was saying.

"I ish wearing earmuffs Ori, I can't hear you!"

Shiori smiled and pulled one of her sister's arms away from her ears.

"I said you could take them off silly girl!"

Uri giggled and covered her hands with her face. Shiori smiled and took her sister up to her room where they could talk Uri could take a nap. She had a feeling that she was going to be sent there anyway after what she said to that old man.

After entering her bedroom, Shiori closed the door and jumped onto her bed while carrying Uri. Uri laid down on her sisters chest and huggled on to her.

"Ori, ish you going to be okay? You looked really mean when you were talking to Auntie yu-yu's papadaddy? Did he say something bad? I don't like bad and mean stuffs."

Shiori placed her hand on her sister's back and rubbed it as she attempted to get comfortable.

"Shori is fine Uri, you don't have to worry about that any more. Okay?"

Shiyuri nodded and huggled on to her sister tighter and closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep. Shiori just laid there, rubbing Uri's back and staring at the ceiling. She already knew at some point her father would come to talk to her about what she said to that old guy and to her mother.

[Hiroki]

After Shiori was more or less in his face delivering her threats, Hiroki just stood there. He couldn't blame her for being rather harsh if that was even the right word to use. He had put his daughter into a position that wasn't the best in the world. While Ryouji does remind him of that cruel man, the Shinigami would have to remember that he is nothing like his father besides genetics. Shiori went to her room, Hiroki turned his attention to Azumi.

"Don't be too hard on her. It was justified. I should have never put Yuri in the position of having to choose from someone she barely knows and the people who treated her like family."

Speaking of his daughter, he did recall that she wanted to speak with him, He pardoned himself from his present company and stepped outside with her, leaving the door open in case anyone else wanted to see what was going on. By the look on her face, she wanted to discuss something very serious. Yuri slowly placed a hand over her face as if she was trying to hide her expression, but when he saw her make a ripping motion, he could only watch as a Hollow mask form. Was this what she wanted to show him? He would allow her to speak before he did so himself.

"I know this is silly and probably unneeded, but I need to know if you can accept me the way I am. I..didn't ask for this but.. It's a part of me and there's nothing I can do to change that but.."

Before she could finish, Hiroki took a step toher. He had a look of utmost seriousness on his face. It actually cause Yuri to step back a little. Was what she feared being realized? When close to her, he reached out an arm towards the Captain. Yuri's reaction was to close her eyes and just accept what was going to happen, but after a few seconds, she felt like she was being tugged, being pulled forward. When she opens her eyes, she found herself in her father's embrace. She was a little speechless to say the least. This wasn't the kind of reaction she was expecting.

"I'm very aware of what you are and by default, your children. You may not recall the situation, but I do. It was the day when you and a plus were attacked by several hollows. I tried to get there in time, but I was held back by an unforeseen turn of events. By the time I arrived, you were already dead and your chain of fate torn from your body. The neophyte Hollow soon attacked you and tore at your chain, slowly speeding up the encroachment process. You were starting to undergo the Hollowification process. I was able to persuade the Hollows away, but I couldn't bring myself to harm you. So..Using a risky method,I helped you through the transition and by that way, you had gained Shinigami-like powers."

Yuri was in shock. While it was rather fuzzy, she does recall bits and pieces of her human life. She vaguely remembers seeing a silhouette of a man. After that, it goes back.

"That's when I took you to Soul Society and help set it up where it appeared as you had just graduated the academy.After that point, I just watched from afar. I watched you grow from an insecure little girl to the confident woman I see before me now. I wanted to be there for you, but I had feared what consequences would arise if you weren't able to handle such a strain."

While it won't justify him never being there, he did have his reasons. Now, he would correct them the best he could. Yuri then reached for her mask, pulling it off and crushing it it to sever her Hollowifcation. It was a lot for her to handle, but right now, she just didn't want to process it just yet. She just hugs onto him.All that mattered really was his acceptance. That's all she wanted to know.

"...While that doesn't fix anything.. I still want to say.. Thank you for..not turning away."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Shiori turned toward her door as it was knocked on. She sat up carefully so she wouldn't wake her little sister who was out cold. She answered the knock and in came her father as she knew he would; especially after talking to her mother the way she did. She couldn't help it, she was angry at that old dude person. She was only sticking up for her favorite auntie. Ryouji sat down on the bed near Shiori.

"Daddy, before you yell at me, you have to understand, he hurt Auntie Yuri. i didn't mean to snap at mom, I was just so angry and in the moment. That's all Shiori has to say."

Ryouji shook his head. She was so much like him, to much even. He can't be mad at her, considering that he would have done the same thing if he had gotten the chance and Azumi didn't stop him.

"Despite your mother pushing for you to punished. I'm not here to punish you Shiori. I actually came to say that I'm proud for sticking up for Aunt Yuri. However, you can't talk to your mother that way. You will apologize to her before the night is over. Understand?"

Shiori nodded and hugged on to her father. She was lucky to have a father like her own. He was so unconventional. She was certain that she would be yelled at and grounded for like forever.

Ryouji kissed the top of her head before standing up. Before he could get to far, she grabbed his arm and pulled him back down on the bed to sit. She had a question, one that she never really thought about until she heard him mention it.

"Daddy? Is it true that you're created? You and Auntie Mei-mei and Uncle Jin?"

Ryouji nodded. He couldn't lie to Shiori, she knew when someone was lying just by looking at them.

"Yes, Shiori, the three of us were created with DNA from many Shinigami and hollow. After which we were inserted into our mother who later gave birth to us."

She didn't know what to say, logically it was strange, her father was created. She didn't care, either way, she loved her father all the same. Regardless of how much she loved him, she was totally buttering him up to try to get out of having to apologize to her mother.

"Created or not daddy, you're still the best daddy ever. I don't care what you are, the only person you'll ever be is my daddy, the man I admire the most ever."

Ryouji smiled and gave her another hug. It made him feel good to hear his third child say soemthing like that. Although she was the first person to ever ask him about it. He was certain that Shizune and Ami knew, but they never made mention of it to him.

"Thank you sweetheart. It means a lot to hear you say that. Just as well you, still have to apologize to your mother."

Shiori gasped and then giggled. He knew right away what she was trying to do. She would do as she was told because she didn't want her father being upset with her.

[Yuri Nakayama]

After talking to her father a little bit, Yuri went back inside the manor. She was in better spirits than she was earlier. Azumi looked really bothered. It must have been what Shiori had said to her father. Shiori was so much like her father it was kind of scary. Still, there was something she had to do.

After asking where Shiori went, Yuri walked through the hallway to Shiori's room. She tapped a few times on the door, hearing Shiori's voice which indicated she was suppose to go in. Yuri then saw little Uri sleeping so she knew to speak in a soft tone to keep from waking up the small one. Not only that, Ryouji was there too. It made Yuri wonder what was going on, but she wasn't going to pry.

The Captain went to Shiori and gave her a big hug. Like her father, she seems to have picked up on the nack for stepping in on her behalf. Still, the act was very kind. It was like Ryouji said earlier. She must have really got a kick out of saying what she did to her father. Still, it meant a lot to Yuri that she did.

"Thank you, Shiori. Thank you for standing up for me. It meant a lot to me. I got caught up in everything I nearly forgot something important that both you and your father reminded me of. Thank you both for helping me remember that."

It wasn't often Yuri was this mushy, but the circumstances called for it. She then lets go of Shiori, rubbing the back of her head. She was probably being odd again but still.. It felt right.

"But uh.. Try not to.. as you put it.. make him go "boom".I'd.. like to get to know him more. I know there's no guarantees.. still!"