Teaching the future...

[Saya Tatsuya]

It's been a quiet couple of months for the Onigata/Nakayama group. They've had plenty of time to rest and have fun and relax with their loved ones. Yet with their relatives from the future, one Tatsuya in particular wasn't having as much fun as she should. In fact, she was training harder than ever. After spending so much time with her family, Saya came to her own realization that there was something that she had to do. Not only for herself but for her family. She wanted to become even stronger so that she would never lose someone else she loved again. From her mother, to her Auntie Emi, to her best friend and cousin Aysa....her father and uncle and even her Gramie Yuri...she wanted to protect them all. Because of their linage there wasn't much of a challenge left in the future and they've become laxed. She doesn't ever want to go through what her mother went through with losing her parents or her family. So she decided to train harder than she ever has to keep that from becoming a reality. She wanted to master her Kisagara as well as her Quincy and Shinigami abilities and use them to protect her home. She still did her best to still be the teenager who loved cookies but deep at her core...this was something she knew she had to do. Even with all of their strength, Saya truly felt it still wasn't enough. Perhaps its the Onigata blood in her but she knew she had to be stronger.

After another tense workout session...says dropped down onto her knees and was exhausted...but she wouldn't quit...she would keep going and push herself to go even further beyond her limits. She has trained with her grandpa but it wasn't enough, she's even trained with her Great Auntie Shukumei...they still took it to easy on her. Her mother wouldn't fight her the way she needed to fight and nor would her Auntie Emi...she needed to be pushed. Her Auntie Shiori wouldn't, neither would her Auntie Ami, her Aunties, Yuriko and Asuna hadn't come into their own yet so they were out. There was only one person that she knew would do it...she wanted her grandmother Azumi to fight with her...but not just her Gramie Azumi...she wanted the one sealed behind the barrier. She wanted Azumina...

As she was wiping her face with a towel, she sighed. She turned her head as she felt the presence of another. It was her mother of all people. She smiled as her mother knelt down beside her and shook her head. She didn't like the fact that she was isolating herself and training harder than ever. She was still a teenager and needed fun. They didn't know how much longer they would be here visiting before they returned home. She felt that she should be with everyone else enjoying the family time and stories.

"Still at it kiddo?"

Saya nodded before turning to face her mother who's expression hasn't changed at all. Why was Saya so intent on training, she was just like her grandfather in that regard, always training to be stronger. Shizune sat down and stared at her daughter; honestly she was a little worried. She won't say why she's training so hard only that she knew that she needed to do it.

"It's just us down here, and I know being... away for so long has made it a little difficult for us to talk. I'm pretty sure Megumi did a wonderful job in being the person you could talk to about anything. I'm not Emi though, As your mother, I want us to have the relationship that I didn't truly get to have with my mother. I always had Lady Yuri, until I met mom here in this era, Lady Yuri was the only mother I've ever known. I want us to be able to have that same type of relationship. One where we can talk about anything. Even Boys! Your grandpa wouldn't want to hear any part of that conversation. In fact I'm sure he'd destroy the male populous if he could. Anyway that's not the point, I just want to know why you are training so hard to become stronger?"

Saya moved herself closer to her mother and lowered her head. "I keep having...this nightmare...everyone is...gone even Aysa. I don't want that to happen....so I'm training to protect everyone. I want to become stronger so that I don't lose anyone ever again." Upon hearing the answer, she nodded her head and sighed. That is an awful nightmare. To lose everyone much like the future Megumi who her mother and father adopted.

Shizune didn't know how to respond to that at all. Saya is strong willed and a little thick-headed. Once she feels she has to do something, she goes all out in her efforts to do it. Whether or not someone agrees with her or not. It's often gotten her into trouble as well, particularly with the her super serious Gramie Yuri.

"Saya, I wish there was something I could say that you'd actually listen to but you're my daughter after all. Once you have your heart set...nothing changes it. I understand, upsetting this is for you, but all this training isn't healthy. You need more than ten minutes of human interaction. You aren't your grandfather. You're fun and energetic and hyper. You're becoming so serious...it isn't without reason of course but..."

Saya.. shook her head. She didn't care, she hates having that nightmare and it just happens more and more frequently to the point where she thinks it could be coming true. To live without her family and especially Aysa isn't a life that she is willing to except. Despite how strong they are, there is always someone out there stronger. She needed to see how she has progressed and seriously.

"I know what you're going to say mom and I still want this. I can't lose Aysa or you or Dad or Ryousei...or Auntie Emi and Gramie Yuri. I won't lose you again. I will become strong enough to protect everyone..."

Shizune nodded and stood up she turned over her shoulder and began speaking with someone else who was there. "You were right mom...as always." Saya raised her head and turned to face her mother and saw her grandmother smirk. They have had discussions about Saya and her sudden seriousness. Saya sighed and folded her arms before shaking her head.

"Have you come to tell me I should be hanging around everyone and having a good time too Gramie Azumi?"

Azumi shakes her head and smiles. "No. What good would that do? You would continue training to your body gives out on you. I wouldn't be the cool grandmother if I told you to stop thinking this way. You are an Onigata after all. All that comes from your grandfather. The training and the need to be stronger to protect what you love. Your grandfather learned that we will all fight to keep on going no matter how strong the opponent is. We are just concerned that you're trying to bare a burden that isn't yours to carry."

Saya lowered her head. "You don't get it! Neither of you do!" She was so frustrated with how they were downplaying her nightmare. it just seemed so real and vivid. She wasn't going to stop.

"Then help me understand Saya. Fight me?"

Shizune turned to her mother and backed away from her. She was...serious. "Don't worry Shizune...everyone else takes it easy on her out of love and respect and of course the fear of hurting her. I won't. I'll be the opponent she wants to face and I'll teach her the lesson she refuses to see on her own."

[Azumi Onigata]

Azumi didn't want to do this at all. As much as she gets on Ryouji for hurting the kids and her grandchildren, she was willing to do the exact same thing...if only to teach Saya that they were willing to fight as hard as they had to, not only to protect each other but to survive and continue to be there at any cost. Saya doesn't see that and wants to shoulder a burden that she shouldn't care about at her age. Shizune pleaded with her mother to not do this. With all that Saya has learned and those people she's fought with...she wasn't ready to face Azumi at least not on that level. This was going to be awful.

"Come Saya, you've always wanted to see me fight and now you can first hand as your opponent. I won't hold back. You are my granddaughter and I love you like no other, but you must learn that it isn't your duty. Our only wish is for you to be happy."

Azumi slowly brought her hands together and began to perform several hand signs before thrusting her pointer and middle finger of her right hand into her stomach. She doubled over with a grunt. As the seal in which she's placed on herself disappeared. She slowly raised her head and glared at Saya with her Kisagara in full view. She began to chuckle quietly as her hair changed from it's usual green color to that of jet black. Her reiatsu was erupting. Bubbling to the surface before she gained control.

"This...Saya...this strength and rage is what I sealed away...to not only protect myself...but to protect...my family. With my seal gone...all of my strength and rage can be used at my disposal. This is the power that I use when I have no choice left. This is the power I use to protect!"

Saya...couldn't believe it. It was like looking at a different person. Her trademark smile...was gone it was just replaced with such a serious and malicious glare. Yet she couldn't deny that this is what she's wanted. To face someone she knew wouldn't hold back. She nodded before reaching to her hips and gripping the hilts of two seele schneider and grips them firmly in the inverse position. Upon doing so, the blades of the seele schneider's are in full view. Her eyes also changed to reveal her kisagara. With a deep breath, Saya rushed forward with both blades fully extended behind her. Saya jumped into the air and shifted her weight to fall down toward her grandmother. As she attempted a blow, Azumina shifted her body to dodge the attack, leaving Saya wide open. Azumi slowly clinched her fist before thrusting it at full force into Saya's stomach which lifted her off of the ground as a result. Saya exhaled forcefully before being launched back from the sheer force of it all. She hit the ground and quickly rolled back up to her feet, keeping an arm around her stomach.

"Stop playing games child, I am well aware that Megumi taught you much better than that. If this is all you have, then your quest to protect everyone will fail. Stop looking at me as your grandmother and come at me as if I were the enemy!"

Saya grunted and rushed at her grandmother again only this time she was going to use her speed to her advantage. With Hirenkyaku, she moved throughout the battlefield quickly before appearing behind her grandmother. With the Seele Schneider in hand, Saya struck her gradmother with the blade but it didn't cut. Azumina tilts her head back slightly and glances at Saya out of the corner of her eye.

"I've had enough of this...we are done here."

Azumina turns around to face Saya who couldn't believe that her Seele Schneider wouldn't cut. Azumina raised her right hand and with her middle and ring fingers, she flicked the head of Saya and sent her tumbling backwards. Once the momentum forced from that flick of Azumina's fingers, Saya looked up, her face was brused and her Kisagara had vanished.

"Your nightmare is exactly that Saya. It should motivate you to get stronger, but to insult us all by saying you will be the sole protector of your family is a joke. the lesson you learned here is that we are capable of defending ourselves...I don't need a child protecting me...I protect my children. Focus on boys or on whatever it is you have in the future...protecting others is not a burden you are ready to carry..."

Shizune rushed to check on Saya and helped her up. Saya instinctively pushed her mother aside. She wasn't done yet...She limped her way over to her grandmother and dropped onto her knees. Azumina reached over to grab the child but her wrist was grabbed instead. She was stopped. When her eyes floated over to meet the one who stopped her. She couldn't believe it.

"I should have known...you'd show up. You're quick to take it easy on them...but the moment they get in over their heads you rush into protect them. I'm teaching this...child a lesson. Now stand aside before I hurt you too...Ryouji."

[Ryouji Onigata]

He couldn't believe his ears, she threatened him? Azumina and Azumi were clearly not the same people. Azumi was always so happy and full of life and worried about everything. Azumina however was so angry and willing to hurt her own family and threaten others to prove a point. Saya was a teenager and more importantly than that, she was their granddaughter. Azumina pulled her arm free and placed her hands on her hips. Ryouji pulled Saya up to her feet and saw knelt down before her and smiled.

"Saya, are you okay?"

She nodded energetically and wrapped her arms around Ryouji and hugged on to him. Ryouji looked up to Shizune before easy Saya in her direction. He stood up before turning to Azumina who had a look of disgust on her face. She didn't agree with his constant coddling. She shared that same view with his defeated Sister Rin. She too hated that he always protected them instead of teaching them their place.

"Shizune, take Saya to Shiori, she'll get Saya patched up and feeling better in no time."

Shizune didn't want to leave her father with this strange twisted version of her mother. She was...different and that made her dangerous but she knew good and well that her father could take care of himself. She didn't want this to become an all out battle between her very own parents. Just imagining how many people this would affect would change how everyone views her mother. Azumina turns to Shizune and stares at her.

"Do as your father says. If you both stay, both of you will get hurt..."

Ryouji and Azumina stood across from one another and stared at each other. There was no words, no sense of love...both of them were angry at each other no less. Shizune however did as she was told and escorted Saya to Shiori who was somewhere upstairs in the candy store section leaving her parents alone.

"You crossed the line Azumina. We've discussed several times about you keeping your anger in check. She's our granddaughter. What if we never see her again because of your damned attitude problem. There was absolutely zero need for you to bruise her ego in that way!"

Azumina chuckled before throwing her hair back from over her shoulder.

"You're too soft to teach them the lessons they need. I proved she didn't need to feel such thoughts..."

Ryouji instantly cut her off. "By beating her up? Bruising her ego. What if she never wants to see you again after what you did to her? Do you ever think of the consequences. We haven't seen her in over ten years...what if she never wants to come back now? What if Shizune and Megumi take her and Aysa back to the future and they never come back. Are you seriously okay with that?! I know that you are upset and dwelling in your rage but you need to remember who our real enemies are!"

Azumina lowered her head but only for a moment. Yet the serious demeanor returned and her stare turned into that of a glare, she was staring a hole through her own husband.

"The only enemy that I see right now is you! Is that it dear husband? You want to avenge Saya's loss to me? Ayame taught you everything you know and she could never best me in combat. What makes you think you have what it takes to defeat The Fang of Death?"

Ryouji couldn't believe what she was saying to him. She was really truly going for the metaphorical jugular by saying such words. Despite knowing she doesn't really mean it. He was well aware of Azumi's past as the first Zetsumei and as a true dangerous opponent. It was also the reason why Azumi sealed a lot of her strength off because it always goes to her head and she wants to do nothing but fight. She was a warmonger and Azumi told him many times that she hates that about her unsealed state. She wanted to fight more and more until it consumed her completely.

"Azumi...I don't want to fight you...and you don't want Hinata to see you like this...do you?"

Upon hearing that name, Azumina gasped. If Hina ever saw her in this state...she would be terrified and she would lose her favorite niece in fear. She never wanted to lose Hina. Even with that moment of hesitation...the rage won over again and she was visibly angry that he would use Hina in order to get her to seal herself.

"You'll regret bringing her into this...You wouldn't like it if I bought up your precious little Emi when you were angry would you?"

He wouldn't be angry over that at all. Emi was his favorite niece and no matter how hurt he was or how angry he was, she would always help him remember that he's a good person and that he isn't a monster. Without warning Azumina flash stepped in front of him and thrusts her elbow into his throat before turning around and planting her foot into his chest which sent him skidding backwards.

"It's a good thing Emi is your favorite niece...when I'm done kicking your ass for your blatant disrespect...you'll have your own personal healer."

Ryouji did his best not to think of Emi, if she sensed that he was in trouble, she'd come to his aid without question and she didn't want Emi to see Azumi in this way. She'd be devastated at in watching her Auntie and Uncle fight. Azumina appeared in front of him again pulled him up to eye level and kissed him before ramming her knee into his stomach. She grabs his left arm and wraps her legs and flips over onto his back, holding him in an Armbar. He could only grunt in pain as he was doing everything in his power not to actually strike his wife. Even if she was just venting her anger.

[Hinata Nakayama]

Hina wasn't aware of what was going on. Not at first, anyway. The day was going by like any other, that is, until Hina had this nagging feeling that something was wrong. She remembered the last time she felt like this very clearly. She felt this way just before Shiori was taken when she was a child. What if something bad was going to happen? She had to warn her family!

She decided to go look for her mother first. Not strange at all for a child to go to a parent for help. Hina knows that while her mother is not in her office in the barracks of the ninth division, she would bring her work to her room at home in the human world and work. The teenager then went to her mother's apartment and knocked on the door to get permission to come in. Nothing. Hina knocked again. Still nothing. This time, Hina opens the door, stepping in only to find the room empty. Maybe she was in the barracks. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that the door had been unlocked. That means it has been like this for a while since her mother always kept it locked.

Hina decided to call over to the barracks to see if she was there and ended up talking with Jiro instead. She had a grim look on her face and did her best to not cry. She then hung up, leaving the house She had to find Ryouji and Azumi. Maybe they have seen her. That's when she decided to go back where everyone had met to meet Yuri's boyfriend. She hopes that they were still there. When they weren't there, she returned to the candy shop. She searched the rooms, looking for her Aunt and Uncle but they weren't in sight. She then decided to check the training area beneath the candy shop. Once her feet were firmly on the ground after climbing down the ladder she felt surging spiritual pressure and followed it. As she got closer, she realized it was Ryouji and...Azumi? Why was she hurting Ryouji? Oh no.. Has someone done something to her Auntie to make her like this?

"Auntie Azumi... Why... Why are you hurting Uncle Ryouji...? You... You look so different... Please, don't hurt him! I...need your help! Mama has gone missing so please... Go back to being the auntie I know and love![/c]

[Azumi Onigata]

Upon hearing Hina's voice call out to her, Azumina released Ryouji's arm from her grip and turned to face her niece. She made mention of how she was hurting Ryouji and why she looked so different. It made her feel horrible, she never wanted Hina to see her in this light. She whispered the girls name to serve as a reminder that she wasn't Azumina The Fang of Death any more but Only Azumi, mother and auntie and well the coolest person ever to be around. She looked at her hands and then again to Hina who still had the worried look on her face. Her mentioning that she couldn't find Yuri wasn't helping either. Azumina raised her hands and brought them together and performed several sets of hand signs before extending her pointer and middle finger out in front of her she then turned them on herself and rammed both of them into her stomach causing her to double over in pain. She fell instantly to her knees. The black in her hair began to fade away and return to the green color it's known for. She exhaled heavily before raising her head to glance upon Hina, her Kisagara vanished as well. She crawled over to Hina and wrapped her arms around the girl, hugging her as tightly as she could.

"I'm sorry...you had to see...that...side of me...Hi..na"

Azumi's eyes glazed over as she released Hina from her hug and she hit the ground...passed out from the strain and the weak feeling she always gets when using the seal as it saps away a majority of her spiritual pressure. Ryouji sat up slowly and gripped his arm as he made his way to a standing position. He turned to Hina and slowly moved toward her. He placed his hand on her head and began to rub it as she's done with pretty much everyone with the Nakayama sir name.

"Don't worry about your Auntie, she'll feel a lot better once she rests. Sparing always takes a lot out of her."

He couldn't convince himself of that statement, he knew that he wouldn't fool someone who is much smarter than he is. All in all he didn't want her to worry. Considering that she claims that her mother is also missing, this wasn't meant to be about them in the slightest. He was curious as to where Yuri could be and why she hasn't checked in with anyone or even told people where she was going. He wonders how long she's been out or gone for that matter. He nudged her toward the ladder as her toward the ladder as he was in a hurry to get his shoulder returned to normal as well as put Azumi on a flat surface before all of her blood rushed to her brain...or something.

Once the two were upstairs he stopped her. "Now tell me...when is the last time you physically saw your mother?

[Hinata Nakayama]

Hina hugged onto Azumi as she passed out. She must have been tired from that transformation. Once she looked like the Auntie she remembers, the teenager felt so relieved. Next thing she knew was that Ryouji was rubbing her head to console her. She gave a smile and slowly stood up and went over to the ladder to begin the climb up.

Once back in the candy shop, that was when he asked her the last time she saw her mother. If she remembers right... It was when she introduced everyone to her boyfriend.

"it was when everyone was gathered up to meet Mama's boyfriend... I recall her saying she was going to take Ori shopping and head back to work but... But Jiro said he hasn't seen her for a while now.."

[Shiori Onigata]

A little while ago, Shiori was quietly reading upstairs when her sister from the Future and her niece Saya burst in asking for Saya to be healed. Saya was bruised and dirty which was unlike her at least of what Shiori knew of her anyway. She never looked bad. Saya was a very energetic girl, much like she was at Saya's age, without asking Shiori positioned Saya the way she needed her to be seated and began to heal her with one of her trademark healing barriers. Shiori glanced at Shizune and noticed how worried she looked, Saya on the other hand was quiet almost as if she was disappointed about something.

"Saya, Why are you bruised and dirty? Who were you sparing with in your quest to get stronger?"

Shizune looked up to see if Saya would answer the question but she remained quiet and that was unlike her at all. Shizune instead told Shiori exactly what happened and how their mother was a totally different individual when her seal was broken. Shiori should have guessed. If it was her father, he would have taken it easy on her and would have been careful not to hurt her or bruise her this badly.

"We didn't really tell you about that, with good reason. At the time you were sick Shi and Saya was just a little girl and wouldn't really have understood it. Don't take it personally, I don't think I could stand up to her either with that seal broken released. Please don't be mad at her. Anything she does in that state is a little extreme but she's still my mom and your grandmother and she loves you."

Saya nodded and kept quiet and still while she was continuously being healed. When she was done, she lowered her hands and released Saya from the barrier as well. When she was free she stood up and stretched and felt no pain. She smiled and hugged on to her Auntie Shiori in which Shiori hugged her niece back. While she was hugging her niece Shiori whispered something in to Saya's ear. "No matter how you feel, remember that a loss is never the end. You must endure to become stronger. I also brought you some cookies but don't tell your mother!"

Saya smiled and nodded "I will remember that Auntie Shiori...and thank you for healing me." Shiori nodded and sent Saya on to find those cookies! Shizune approached Shiori and hugged her as well. Shiori smirked and returned her sister's hug with one of her own. It was truly great having her back despite the fact that it was her that put her in the hospital all those months ago. She never blamed her or was upset about it.

"What did you tell her, she seemed to bounce back and return to her usual happy self rather quick...wait...you bought her some cookies didn't you?!"

Shiori giggled immediately upon hearing the word cookies and tried to escape, but Shi snatched her up and began to tickle her. The tickling prompted her to laugh even harder than usual. Shiori was extremely ticklish! After a few moments and after Shiori fell onto the ground and attempted to cover herself to protect her ticklish bits, Shizune stopped and helped her back to her feet.

"I meant to ask you something Shi, have you seen Auntie Yuri anywhere? I've been meaning to talk to her but I've been a little busy with Yuriko and Asuna that I haven't had the chance to check on her to make sure that she and Tohmato were doing okay. Plus I want to spend time with her too!"

When Shizune shook her head to answer the question and when she couldn't feel her reiatsu or see remnants of her spiritual signature, she began to wonder if she had been here at all. It's been a while and she's never gone this long without seeing her ever. She thanked Shizune before running around to find her father to ask if he's seen her. Once she found him, he was with Hina which was odd because she's usually so shy around him she runs in the other direction which meant that something had to be wrong.

"Daddy? Hina? Where's Auntie Yuri?"

[Hinata Nakayama]

Before she knew it, Shiori joined in on the conversation and was wanting to know where her mother is at or if they knew where she was. Hina knew it would be pointless to lie as she's not a good liar. Besides, her expression would give it away and it is obvious that she is worried. She had to find her mother.

"She... She isn't here. She isn't in Soul Society either... I.. I don't know where she is.. Ayumi and Ayane are looking for her in Soul Society and so is Jiro. Please... Help me find her! I just have this really bad feeling that something bad is going to happen.."

Hina couldn't help to be in tears, covering her face as she sobbed. Parent wise, Yuri was all that was left and she knows that Ryouji and Shiori will be able to find her.

[Shiori Onigata]

Upon seeing Hina cover her face and hearing her sob, Shiori instantly went into best friend huggles mode! She didn't like seeing Hina upset and as her best friend it upset her to see her so....upset! Shiori wrapped her arms around Hina and huggled her tightly while rubbing her back. She didn't want to tell Hina not to worry because well, she wouldn't listen. It wasn't like Auntie Yuri at all to go missing so now she was going to go find her and if something happened to her, whoever is responsible for taking her favorite Auntie was going to be introduced to a indescribable amount of pain courtesy of Shiori! She could be overreacting, she has a tendency to do that, it's one less than awesome perks.

"Hey hey...no tears. You know I don't like seeing tears...they make me sad. If Auntie Yuri really is missing, I can't afford to be sad so I need you to like be happy again. You have nothing to fear, I will go and look for her personally!"

Honestly she didn't know if that would be enough. She actually thought about bribing her to get her to stop crying. It use to work on Asuna all the time...but she can't really bribe her because she doesn't know what Hina likes!

"If you stop crying, I promise to buy you..a...pony?"

It was odd that she would bribe Hina, considering that they were both twenty-six years old! Maybe some cute clothes or something once they found Auntie Yuri. If she wouldn't go for the pony, she'd definitely go for shopping. All women like shopping and if it made her happy she'd buy her anything she wanted!

"Okay maybe a pony is pushing it, besides I don't think there is a way we can take that home with us. So will cute dresses be a better substitute? Work with me here Hinata! Better yet tell me later, I'm going to go on ahead. Daddy, can you take care of mom with the healing and stuff. If Emi-mi doesn't have her face in a book or if she isn't too busy with Ami and if she's doing either of those things, tell her you want a hug!!"