M.S.A.A. pt. 74

Oh yeah, two in one day LOL

Sorry I've been a bit behind, and as a gift, Early release of pt. 74

Enjoy

~Maddie ^o^

"...I thought that Virginia, being as stubborn as she has always been, would definitely take longer to learn the name of her zanpakuto then the rest of us. But damn, it's already been two days, and she hasn't even been able to call a command! It's ridiculous! Seriously, how hard is it to just name a sword, one that not only belongs to you, but is born to you?! Mamori and I clicked only 12 hours after I started to call to her, and this chick is taking four times that long! Ugh, we need a break. No, scratch that, I need a break. One more look at a simulated attack by Cree, Kayla, or Bianca, and I will go insane. Though, I definitely never thought that Rikuto would be here to fill my boredom on my free day. I wonder what he wants...."

June
SOUL SOCIETY
Squad 14 Training Grounds
"Alright, Bianca, you try this time!" Mariya calls, standing in front of panting Virginia, looking over at Cree, Bianca, and Kayla.
Bianca groans.
"Again? I've done it already seven times!" Bianca replies.
"Virginia needs to unlock her zanpakuto, now c'mon!" Mariya replies, crossing her arms.
Bianca rolls her eyes, but follows Mariya's orders, pulling her zanpakuto, Aratatsuki, from her sheath as she runs at Virginia, jumping to tower over her.
"Ngh!" Virginia breaths.
"Release your sword! Virginia!" Bianca yells, swinging her sword from over her head.
"Ack!"
With a thud, Virginia lands a few feet to the right of where she had been standing seconds prior, having dodging the attack once again, as she had been the whole day.
Mariya groans, rubbing her head.
"Virginia, you can't keep dodging the sword like that!" Mariya yells.
"What do you expect me to do?! Stay still and let the blade cut off my head?!" Virginia yells back, irritated.
"We're doing this to draw out your zanpakuto, not kill you." Cree says, walking over to stand by Mariya.
"It sure seems like you're trying to, considering how close you guys keep coming to my skin." Virginia comments.
"We're only doing that to put you under pressure, which for all of us, worked in revealing our zanpakutos." Kayla replies, walking to stand beside Bianca.
"Well, what if I don't have a zanpakuto? Did you ever think of that?!" Virginia asks.
"If you didn't, you would be able to come here." Mariya replies.
Virginia grunts, crossing her arms now as she pouts.
Mariya sighs, looking over Virginia and the others, noticing that each of them are breathing a bit harder then usual.
...I guess each of them are tired after trying to get Virginia's zanpakuto to reveal itself for about six hours....
She looks over at where the sun is in the sky, a bit before the 3/4 point, meaning it must be around four or five. She then turns back to look at them.
"How about we stop for today." Mariya says.
All of girls give out a happy sigh, seeming relieved that it's time to go in.
"Thank God..." Virginia trails, panting.
Mariya grins.
"How about you guys go to the World of the Living for the rest of the day." she suggests.
Cree blinks.
"The World of the Living? Now?" Cree asks.
"What's the World of the Living?" Virginia asks.
"It's like another world connected to the Soul Society, kinda like our world, but it's a lot closer." Kayla explains.
"Yeah, we've only been there once, but from what we saw, it's kinda the same as our world too, I think we went to someplace in their Japan if I recall correctly." Bianca adds.
"Oh, I see..." Virginia trails.
Mariya nods.
"Yeah, you guys could go catch a movie, grab some dinner, maybe even go to that new outdoor putt-putt place that's only open at night." Mariya replies.
"That does sound nice." Bianca comments.
"Yeah, but what about you Mariya?" Kayla asks.
"I think I'm going to stay here, because of the memory situation a week back, I'm behind on a lot of work, especially the Mahinahime case." Mariya answers.
"So you're skipping out to go do more work." Virginia says, raising an eyebrow.
Mariya chuckles.
"Guess so, but hey, I'm a commanding officer, a Captain, I need to get my work done if I expect my subordinates to do their own work, it's part of the gig." Mariya replies.
Virginia blinks, surprised by the modesty in Mariya's answer.
"Oh...well, I thought you wanted to go to this new putt putt place, you love Mini Golf." Cree says.
"I can always go another time." Mariya answers, looking over at Virginia, "And when I do, I can beat your butt, like I always do."
Virginia smirks.
"Right, sure you can, remember that last time you only beat me by one putt." Virginia replies.
"Yes, but you still lost." Mariya laughs.
"Aw, shut up!" Virginia replies, hitting Mariya playfully.
"Ok, you two, knock it off. There's been enough fighting for one day." Cree says, pulling the two apart.
"She's just mad that I won't be around to beat her." Mariya comments.
"Hell no!" Virginia answers.
"Stop it!" Cree says.
"Fine..." Virginia trails, pouting in a funny manner.
"Well, I better get going." Mariya says with a laugh, beginning to walk away.
"Alright, we'll see you later tonight!" Bianca calls.
"And try not to do all the catching up on your own, ask Toshiro for help!" Kayla yells.
"Got it, bye!" Mariya calls over her shoulder, before disappearing with a quick flashstep towards her home.
Cree grins.
"She's back to normal at last." she comments.
"Yeah, it's nice to see act like her usual peppy self." Bianca comments.
"What are you guys talking about?" Virginia asks.
The three turn towards Virginia.
"Did Mariya not tell you about what happened to her?" Kayla asks.
Virginia shakes her head.
Cree sighs.
"Her memories...of everything, we're erased recently." Cree says.
"What?! But she recognized us-" Virginia starts.
"That's because she was able to gain her memories back by unlocking her mind." Kayla interrupts.
"How'd she do that?" Virginia asks.
"Well, technically, she didn't, Toshiro did." Bianca says.
"How?" Virginia repeats.
"Toshiro spoke the key that held Mariya's memories tight and out of reach from her consciousness." Cree explains, "He was very pissed off by the outcome."
"We all were, who can blame him." Kayla comments.
"What was the key?" Virginia asks.
They fall silent.
"...It was her last name." Cree replies.
"Shecker?"
"No, Yattamori. That's her last name in this world." Bianca corrects.
"Oh yeah...why did that piss him off?"
"Because she calls her that all the time, though he stopped at the time so to not confuse Mariya on what her first name was." Kayla answers.
Virginia's eyes widen.
"It was so obvious..." Virginia trails.
"Hidden in plain sight. Toshiro beat himself over it for about three days straight. He believed it was his fault that she hadn't had her memories returned to her sooner." Cree explains.
"That must feel awful..."
"We all feel awful for not putting two and two together, but we can't change it now. And besides that, Mariya is fine now, so there's nothing to worry about." Kayla says.
Bianca and Cree nod in agreement.
"I see...Is that another reason I haven't seen Toshiro as much?" Virginia asks.
"It's a good possibility." Bianca answers.
"But, he'll eventually get over it, that's just how he is I guess." Cree replies.
"Yepe, stubborn, and a bit cold at times, but if all is well, he won't dwell on the idea for too long, and will return to his calm self." Kayla adds.
Virginia smiles.
"Toshiro is really close to Mariya, isn't he?" Virginia asks.
Cree blinks, then grins.
"Yeah, they're closer then anyone I've ever seen." Cree replies.
"Same here, I swear, if they did have the feelings, they'd make one of the cutest couples." Kayla comments.
Cree laughs.
"Mariya and Toshiro? Together? Now that would be a sight to see." Bianca says, smiling.
"Yeah, but if anything, I must say he is really protective of her, and she of him." Cree adds.
"Why exactly is that?" Virginia says.
Kayla, Cree and Bianca look at each other as the smiles on their faces fade into content frowns, their eyes changed even.
"Mariya hasn't told you yet?" Bianca asks.
"Tell me what?" Virginia answers.
"About...her death....14 years ago." Kayla trails.
Virginia's eyes widen.
"No...what happened?" Virginia asks.
Cree sighs.
"I'll explain..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mariya's Perspective
"Ha-CHOO!" Mariya sneezes, whipping her nose.
She sighs, happy that luckily nothing came out.
"Man, I guess someone must be talking about me somewhere." Mariya comments, walking up to her home.
As she comes to the deck, she yawns.
...Man, I must be more exhausted then I first thought I was...I need a nap...
"Mariya?"
She blinks, turning to see who it is.
She grins, recognizing Rikuto easily as he walks up to her.
"Rikuto, what a surprise." Mariya says as he comes to stand in front of her, "What are you doing here?
"Oh, I was just walking about the squad barracks, and I thought I'd stop by and say hello." he replies with a kind grin.
"Oh, well that's very nice of you." Mariya says.
Rikuto chuckles.
"Glad to brighten your day." he answers.
She chuckles back, before remembering something.
"Oh, that reminds me, last movie night, you apparently left something here." Mariya says.
He blinks.
"I did?" he asks.
She nods.
"Yeah, you wanna come in for a minute?" she asks.
"Sure." he replies, following as she opens the door, holding it open for him.
"Just follow me upstairs, alright?"
"Can do."
She turns, beginning up the stairs, not noticing as a sly look comes over Rikuto's face, secretly locking the door behind him before following.
A minute later, she's in her sitting area, happy and calmed by the light green color of the walls. Soon, she hears him following, turning to face back in his direction.
"Get distracted on your way up or something?" she asks with a chuckle.
"No, just started thinking randomly I guess he calls, secretly closing and locking her bedroom door.
"Well, I think I put it beside my bed, let me go get it." she says as he enters the room.
Without her knowledge, he chuckles darkly, walking towards the couch a smirk like one he's never smiled creeps up his face, his blue eyes becoming dark for a second.
Though, when she turns back into the room, his expression is kind and normal again, leaving her clueless.
She hands him a CD, the name written in Kanji letters.
"I think we listened to it during the previews, and I forgot to give it back." Mariya says as she holds it out to him.
He grins.
"Thanks, I had forgotten about it too." he says, taking it from her grasp.
"At least I'm not the only one who's forgetful." she comments with a laugh.
"Yeah..." he trails, looking down at her.
She blinks, noticing that he's getting closer to her, though she's lost in his blue eyes, his black bangs falling handsomely around them.
"R-Rikuto?..." she trails.
He drops the CD at his side, distracting her.
"Hey, you dropped the-" she starts.
Suddenly, Rikuto pulls her close, taking her by complete surprise as she feels him pick her up off her feet.
Her cheeks begin to burn red with embarrassment as she tries to pull away.
"R-Rikuto! P-Put me down!" she says, trying to sound tough though she's quite taken back.
Though, her efforts are useless, held tight in his arms, she's powerless to escape.
Her cheeks redden even more as he begins to kiss at her neck.
"Wh-What are you doing?!" she says, flabbergasted.
"I'm making you happy..." he replies, still kissing her neck.
"Do I sound happy?!" she asks.
Then, she's taken back even more as she feels him drop her onto the couch, only leaving her released for only seconds before pinning her down, getting on top of her.
Her heart begins to race erratically, not knowing what to do.
....Wh-What is he doing?!...I can't move!....
She looks up to see him chuckling, leaning over to kiss at her neck again, before moving farther down, causing her to freak out a bit.
"Rikuto, stop!" Mariya yells, "This isn't funny!"
"Who said I'm trying to be funny?" he asks.
He comes up, grinning.
"What are you thinking?!" she asks.
"That I'll entertain myself." he replies.
Her eyes widen.
"What?!"
"Hado number 1..." he starts.
She gasps.
"You wouldn't dare.." she starts.
"Sythe."
Before she knows what's happening, she's lost all feeling in her limps, her arms and legs becoming limp as the kido's power comes over her, making her paralyzed.
...N-No!...
"I-I can't move!" she yells.
"Which is exactly what I want." Rikuto comments.
She looks back up at him, only able to move her head.
He surprises her with a kiss on the cheek, making her turn redder.
"R-Rikuto..." she growls, becoming angered.
He chuckles.
"Dear Captain, you are quite a beautiful sight..." Rikuto trails, putting his hand to her cheek.
She blinks.
"I just thought it'd be nice to play with something so nice." he continues, moving his hand up to her bow, taking hold on one of the tails, pulling it fast, releasing her hair.
...What is he planning?!...
He drops her ribbon beside the couch, smiling with a darker look then she's ever seen.
"Captain Hitsugaya gave you that ribbon, it's a shame he's a his office and not around to see my show with you." Rikuto says.
"S-Show?" Mariya stutters.
"Yes, show, a game and a show can mix, can they not?" he replies, "But first, we must adjust some things."
Without warning, Rikuto pulls down on her collar, loosening it so it rests on her shoulders, showing off her shoulders now.
She gasps.
"R-Rikuto!"
"Hmm not enough."
He moves her haori to her elbows, trying to make it so that he can she her bra.
"Stop it!"
"Oh, wait I see the problem behind all this." Rikuto says, taking the tail of her sash bow, "This bodice is so tight so that in battle you don't have to worry about anyone trying to remove your top."
She feels herself beginning to tremble.
"N-No..."
"Well, let's get rid of this." he says a yank.
Moments pass as her bodice loosens greatly, causing her to yelp as Rikuto pulls open her top, revealing her bra.
"Stop..." Mariya trails, tears coming to her eyes.
"Damn, what are you, a C Cup?" he asks.
Her eyes widen.
Rikuto almost never cusses.
She grits her teeth in anger.
"Who are you?!" she yells.
Rikuto blinks, before chuckling.
"So, you finally realized I'm not the real guy.." Rikuto answers, his voice changing tone.
"Wait, y-you're.." she trails.
His eyes change to a warm brown.
"Shukaku, the Bijuu..."
She gasps, the jolt of surprise somehow breaking the kido.
"Shukaku, you bastard! Get off of me!" she yells, trying to push him off of her.
Her attempt is futile, only held tighter to the couch.
"Oh, I'm definitely not letting you go. I'm getting my revenge whether you like it or not!" Shukaku yells.
"You're undressing me to get revenge?! That doesn't make any sense!" she yells.
He laughs, worrying her.
"Oh, if only you knew what I'm doing, then this would be so much more fulfilling." Shukaku says, "Trust me, there's actually a really good reason behind all of this."
"Which would be?!"
"That damn cursed form of your's, the one you were in when you slaughtered my lover, it will be gone!" 
Her eyes widen.
"Lover? Nekomata was your lover?!"
"Yes, you bafoon! Nekomata was the love of my life, and you took her from me!"
Suddenly, Mariya feels a lump.
...Great, now this bastard is making me feel bad...
Then her eyes widen.
"Wait, what form?" Mariya asks.
"You transformed into a powerful form, even more powerful then Bankai to kill Nekomata, after what I do is done, you will never be able to use that power again!" 
"I don't know what you're talking about! And what are you trying to do?!" she yells.
Shukaku takes her by surprise, slipping her sleeves further down her arms, leaving her even more shown.
Her eyes widen, beginning to tremble even more then before.
...N-No....he couldn't be...
With a grin, Shukaku, still in Rikuto's form, leans over, so to easily whisper in her ear, putting her even more on edge.
"I'm taking away your greatest possession...your purity."

M.S.A.A. pt. 73

"...I don't know what to say to Virginia right now...she and I used to be as close as sisters. We had each other's back, and we made sure to tell each other everything about us, including our deepest secrets. Though, that was before all this crap began to happen, and my life turned upside down. Now, thinking back on it, I probably would of told her about my alter ego back then if I had known about it. But, that was then, and this is now. So, seeing her so shocked, so flabbergasted as she considers this situation that I've purposefully pushed her into, it kinda feels...wrong. In a way, maybe she feels like I'm torturing her, putting her through some she never thought possible...Damn...she'll get revenge though, by asking that one question that gets me every time..."

June
SOUL SOCIETY
Virginia's Perspective
"Ngh...uh, what?..." she trails, blinking to make her eyes less blurry.
She adjust her glasses, her eyes clearing to surprise her.
"Where that...hell..." she starts, looking around.
She looks around, to find herself on a modern tan, plush, L couch with a built-in side table, eyeing around to see a light green room, one wall made of ceiling to floor windows which look newly installed, looking out to a grassy yard. Hanging on the walls are artworks, and some pictures. Blinking, Virginia's eyes widen as she recognizes people in the pictures.
Then she gasps as she remembers her predicament.
"M-Mariya! Where are you?!" Virginia yells, standing up.
"Will you calm down Gin?"
Virginia whips her head around to see a familiar face.
Cree.
"C-Cree, what are you doing here?! Where are we?!" Virginia asks, taking a tight hold on Cree.
"Whoa, whoa, first things first, calm down. When you do, I'll have everyone come in and help explain where you are and what's happening, alright?" Cree replies.
Virginia groans, but complies, quickly calming herself, releasing her tight grip on the sleeves of what Cree's wearing, being some weird kimono type outfit.
After a moment, she sighs, and looks back up at Cree.
"Alright, now tell me." Virginia says.
Cree nods, and turns to look at what looks like a hallway.
"Mariya, guys, come in. She's ready." Cree calls.
Virginia's eyes widen a bit.
...So, she is here....
Only a second passes before Virginia hears coming footsteps, which get louder by the moment, until the first person appears.
Virginia gasps, recognizing Kayla, then Bianca.
"Y-You two are here too?" she stutters.
Bianca smiles bitter-sweetly as Kayla rubs her head.
"Yeah...sorry about not saying anything." Kayla says.
"About what?" Virginia asks.
"About what has been happening for the past few weeks."
Virginia's heart fastens as she hears Mariya, looking over to see the girl from the void, who is actually Mariya in a different view.
"M-Mariya...you are not Mariya." Virginia says.
Mariya blinks, and steps closer.
"What do you mean?" Mariya asks.
"Mariya...Mariya doesn't have long hair. Her's is as long as might, maybe a bit longer. Two, she doesn't sound like you, you sound more mature then her to top it off. And third, you looks nothing like her, miss bangs." Virginia replies.
She stands there for a moment, before she sighs, looking back up at Virginia.
"Really Gin?" 
Virginia's eyes widen.
Her voice now perfectly mimics Mariya's.
Her reasons are found to be even more flawed as Mariya moves her bangs from in front of her right eye, pulling her locks up a bit to look almost exactly like she usually does, stumping Virginia.
"No...then..." Virginia trails.
Mariya breaths another sigh, allowing her hair to return to how it was.
"Virginia, I'm sorry for forcing all of this onto you so suddenly, but it had to be done." Mariya says, "Now, let me explain, alright?"
Virginia doesn't reply.
"Come on Virginia, listen to us." Bianca says.
Another moment passes, before Virginia sits back down.
"Talk." she says.
Mariya looks over at Cree, before proceeding to tell the story she's already told twice before. About the Soul Society, about Soul Reapers, about Captains and the Sereitei, and the World of the Living. Then, Mariya continues with her own past, telling that she had grown up in this world as Mariya Yattamori, the same name she goes by when in this world, and how 14 years ago, she had died, which is when she was born in their world as Mariya Shecker. After relating the awakening and return on her 14th birthday, she finishes with what has since happened since her return, Bijuu, Cree, then Kayla and Bianca entering the Soul Society, discovered to have a power called a zanpakuto, and now, her being there.
Virginia blinks, completely flabbergasted.
"Well, what do you think?" Cree asks.
Virginia looks at all of them.
"What do I think? What do I think?! I think you've all gone crazy, that's what I think!" Virginia says, standing.
Mariya's eyebrows drop.
"Virginia-"
"Don't say anything Mariya, all you've made me believe is that you can really wear wigs without looking horrible." Virginia interrupts, "I swear, all of you are just playing idiot with me just to see if I'll fall for such crap."
"Virginia, we're not trying to do anything but tell you the truth-" Bianca starts.
"Bullshit!" Virginia snaps.
"Virginia."
Her eyes widen, turning to see a boy walking into the room.
"W-Who..." Virginia trails.
Then, she realizes who it is.
"You're that guy from the TV show!" Virginia says.
"He has a name, y'know." Kayla comments.
Virginia glares at her for a moment, before looking back at the boy.
"Virginia, this is Toshiro." Mariya comments.
She blinks.
"Toshiro?! But he's a cartoon character!" Virginia says. 
"Well, you probably know me better by another name." Toshiro says, walking up to stand beside Mariya.
"Which is?" Virginia asks.
"Virginia, it's Tomas." Bianca says.
After a moment, she gasps.
"T-TOMAS?!?!? NO WAY!!" Virginia yells.
"Wow, that was even more impressive then Bianca and Kayla's reaction." Cree comments.
"Be quiet." Kayla replies.
"T-This isn't possible-" Virginia starts.
"Virginia." 
She looks over at Mariya.
"What?" Virginia asks.
Mariya sighs.
"I know that this is a lot to take in, considering that you're the only one out of all of us that hasn't been here before. I'm sorry to put this all on you, but it's the only way to keep you safe." Mariya says.
"Safe from what?" Virginia replies.
Mariya falls silent for a moment.
"...Kenta." Mariya trails.
"Who?" Virginia asks.
"Kenta is bad news, he was once a member of Mariya's Squad, 4th seat if I remember right." Cree replies.
"And around the time Mariya first came back, he went against her, and tried to kill her." Bianca continues.
"What's worse is, well, recently, he broke out of the prison." Kayla says.
"What?!" Virginia says.
"It gets worse..." Mariya trails, leaning over to look Virginia in the eye, "Virginia, you've met him."
She feels the warmth in her body diminish a bit.
"What...?" she trails.
"That man you've met at the mall, the one with the gray eyes, that is Kenta." Toshiro says.
"Wait, how do you know about that-" Virginia starts.
"I told him." Mariya interrupts.
Virginia looks back over at her.
"Alright, then how do you know that?" she asks.
Mariya sighs.
"Because I saw it in your memories." 
Virginia's eyes widen.
"In my memories?" Virginia repeats.
"Mariya has the ability to read minds of those she touches." Kayla comments.
"No way." Virginia replies.
"It's true." Mariya says.
"I don't believe it." Virginia says.
Mariya doesn't reply.
...Do you believe me now Virginia?...
Virginia gasps, taken back by hearing Mariya's voice in her head. She looks back up at Mariya to see her expression hasn't changed, and she isn't touching her.
"H-How? I thought you had to touch me-" Virginia starts.
"I'm close enough that I don't need to." Mariya says.
Virginia stares at her, stunned by the ability.
"What else...can you do?" Virginia asks.
"Invisibility, barriers, stopping time...enhanced vision, healing..." Mariya trails, thinking.
"Wow..." Virginia trails herself, in disbelief.
"Virginia, you have to believe us." Bianca says.
"Why?" Virginia asks.
"'Cause if you don't, then you're in danger." Kayla says.
"How much danger?" 
"You may be killed." Cree says without emotion.
Virginia's eyes widen.
....K-Killed?...
"We're trying to protect you Virginia." Mariya comments.
Virginia looks back over at her, seeing that her expression has changed. A moment ago, she was tense, and serious, unmoved by what she said. Now, her expression is softer, a bit concerned, though still serious, her hazel eyes strong, but warm.
After a moment, she sighs, and rubs her neck.
"Fine...I'm in."
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Somewhere Else in the Soul Society
"We have to do something! Nekomata is dead!" 
A low run of groans travel throughout the room.
"If we act in haste, we will also be dead-" the lean Bijuu starts.
"I want revenge for her death!-"
"CALM DOWN Shukaku! We must stay calm." Houkou's calm, young voice pipes in.
Shukaku grits his teeth.
"That Bitch Mariya killed my lover, I will do whatever is possible to make sure that she will be put in the ground!" Shukaku comments.
"I agree that we should definitely get revenge against Mariya, but this time, we must think clearer, or else we'll all end up like Nekomata." the low voiced Bijuu voices in, sitting down. 
"This is pathetic! Nekomata would of made a new action plan by now!-" Shukaku starts.
"Yet she's dead." A man's voice, younger then the first too, but still mature, maybe the same age as Shukaku.
"This isn't right, we should be plotting, not arguing about what Nekomata would be doing. We're low enough on patience as it is." a women's voice, more mature then the lot of them says, taking hold of Shukaku's shoulder, trying to calm him.
"She's right...we're low on people too. Not only Kaku, but Isonade and Nekomata are dead now." the lean Bijuu says.
"This is ridiculous..." Shukaku trails.
"Well, you could always move to the next step."
The Bijuu all turn, taken back to see another person in the room, relaxing as they recognize him.
"Kenta, you should really announce yourself before coming in to one of our meetings." the low voiced Bijuu says.
"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt." Kenta says, "I just thought that guys should all know current information."
"Which would be?" Shukaku asks, his eyes narrowing.
"It seems that Mariya has decided to bring our little puppet to the Soul Society today." Kenta replies.
Houkou's eyes widen.
"So, she really did bring her here?" Houkou asks.
Kenta nods.
"Seems that she thought that by bringing her here, the girl would be safer." Kenta says.
The low voiced Bijuu laughs.
"Now that's rich!" he spits.
"So, what are we supposed to do? I'm guessing that bringing us that information wasn't the real reason you came down here." the male Bijuu asks.
Kenta grins.
"You would be correct, the Mistress has an assignment for you two." Kenta replies, looking over at Houkou and Shukaku.
Houkou blinks.
"M-Me?" Houkou asks.
"Nevermind you Houkou, what does she want us to do now?" Shukaku asks.
Kenta grins.
"Unlike what you people may think, the Mistress actually did notice what Mariya did to Nekomata. She would like to help you get some revenge." Kenta says.
Shukaku's eyes narrow.
"The bitch wants to help us?" Shukaku asks.
Kenta nods.
"She has an idea on getting close to Mariya, and hitting her when she least expects it. And, she knows a way to weaken her, and making it impossible for her to unleash the form used to destroy Nekomata." Kenta explains.
The Bijuu gasp, some of their eyes widening.
"Weaken her?!"
"Take away her ability to use that awful form?!"
"Is that even possible?!"
The Bijuu begin into an all out riot, talking over each other in the heat of the new information that could mean destruction to the Soul Society, and death to Mariya Yattamori.
"Yes, Mariya Yattamori has a weakness! But, to achieve your mission, you must do something." Kenta says.
Shukaku and the others quiet.
"And...what would that be?" Shukaku asks.
Kenta grins.
"You must make her....impure..."

POLL RESULTS

Hello everyone!

Sorry about pt. 72 being late, I'm still trying to get into the swing of summer it seems LOL

Anywho, here is the winner of the last pole

You guys want a flashback of....

VIRGINIA

I'll try to work it in soon ^^

Thanks to all who voted, new poll out now

~Maddie ^o^

M.S.A.A. pt. 72

"...Virginia is probably one of my closest friends in the world. She and I have been through a lot together, from the stupidest arguments to some of the biggest problems of my teenage life. After I lost a friend that was close to me, Virginia became my rock, and soon after, Cree joined our close friendship, making us a strong trio. In return for all she has done for me, I decided I would not put her in danger by introducing her to the Soul Society, which I've done to Cree, who I brought with no choice, as well as Kayla and Bianca, who brought themselves into this mess. But, now that I know that Kenta...that scheming bastard who tried to kill me...is trying to mess with her head, and she's now even showing signs of owning a zanpakuto, not to mention Spiritual Pressure...I'm finding that I no longer have a choice in the matter of if she goes or not...and frankly, neither does she...."

January 11
OUR WORLD
Mariya's Perspective
"Hey, Mariya."
She blinks, and turns to see Toshiro, looking as Tomas in his disguise for this world, walking up to her.
"Hey Toshiro." she says as she closes her locker.
"Well, have you seen Virginia today?" he asks.
"No, not yet, I don't have any classes with her before lunch." she replies.
He sighs, and looks ahead as they walk down the main stairs.
"Do you think she might be here today?" Mariya asks.
"Yeah, she can't hide at home forever, she has to come back to school eventually."
Mariya turns, thinking to herself for a few minutes as they come to enter the cafeteria .
...She's avoiding me...after I looked into her mind and saw that memory, she hasn't been answering any of my messages or calls, even her mom called to tell me that until she returns to normal, I shouldn't try to get ahold of her...
Still thinking, she sits, Toshiro sitting beside her.
...Maybe I made the wrong move by trying to read her mind...But hey, I was worried...I wanted to make sure no one had tried to injure her mentally...
She sighs.
...Damn it...I have no choice now...but to introduce her to the Soul Society-
"MARIYA!"
She blinks, throwing her head up to see Kayla looking at her, now in the seat across from her.
"H-Huh?!" Mariya stutters.
"Dude, we said your name like ten times!" Kayla says.
"Y-You did?" she asks.
"Yes, what's wrong with you?" Bianca asks.
Mariya doesn't respond for a moment.
"I'm worried about Virginia." she replies.
"Mariya, we're all worried, but you can't just zone out like that." Cree says, sitting on the other side of Mariya, besides Bianca.
"Still..." Mariya trails.
Without warning, Bianca gasps, catching everyone's attention.
Mariya raises an eyebrow.
"Bianca, what's up..." Mariya trails, looking where Bianca is.
Her eyes widen.
Virginia....
She stays silent as she sits besides Kayla, looking only at her bag lunch. Her eyes are dull, not full of their usual life, bags under them, making it look like she hasn't been sleeping well lately.
Her outfit just says she's not in the mood for a conversation, being a baggy hoodie with sweat pants, her hair up in a messy bun, the only thing correct being her oval glasses.
"V-Virginia...you're here today." Cree trails.
Virginia stops trying to open her stapled bag, looking up at Cree.
"Yeah...my mom said I can't use up anymore days to just lay around.." Virginia replies, her voice a bit cracked.
"Are you feeling better?" Toshiro asks.
Virginia looks over at him, and shrugs.
"I guess..." she trails.
A awkward silence fills the atmosphere, making them all uncomfortable.
"Hey guys!" Kaylee says with a smile, sitting beside Toshiro.
"Virginia, you're back!" Hannah says, hugging Virginia after setting her tray down.
Virginia tries her best to smile, though it's a bad excuse for what she usually can give.
"Yeah...I'm back..." she trails.
Kaylee blinks.
"Still feeling off Virginia?" Kaylee asks.
"Yeah..."
Hannah looks over to see Mariya staring at Virginia, her mind trailing off again.
....Should I enter her mind?...Since she's so close, I have a good chance of making connection without making contact....But then again, right now, she's so sensitive...I don't know whether or not to risk making it even more strained then it already is....
"Mariya?"
Her eyes widen, and she looks over at Hannah.
"Hmm?" Mariya asks.
"Dude, you're zoning out." Kaylee comments.
"Oh, s-sorry..." Mariya trails.
"Virginia, you apparently haven't been replying to texts the last few days?" Toshiro says.
Virginia blinks.
"Y-Yeah, I couldn't find it until last night." Virginia says.
Mariya's eyes narrow.
...I may not be fully able to enter her mind right now, but I know for a fact that she's lying...I know that I saw her phone right beside the couch when we were over at her house...in plain sight...
Virginia looks over at Mariya, cutting off her thoughts.
For a moment, they just stare at one another, Mariya taking a gulp before opening her mouth.
"I'm glad...you're back...Gin." Mariya trails, grinning bitter-sweetly.
Virginia just looks at her.
Mariya sighs.
...I need to enter her mind...Now!..
With a small change of blue flashing in her eye, she easily enters Virginia's open mind, slipping through without Virginia noticing.
...Alright, what are you thinking...
Virginia's thoughts take over her mind.
...What was that?...Am I hallucinating?...I thought...I saw Mariya's eyes...flash blue...
Mariya blinks in surprise, not believing that Virginia caught that.
...Man...I thought that everything was over after that flashback to that meeting with that guy...Now...everything's...feeling weird again...
...You silly child...can't realize that this is natural....
Mariya and Virginia's eyes widen.
She just heard the voice of Virginia's zanpakuto.
...W-What's going on?!....
...Virginia...It's almost time...to go...
...Wh-What?! Go where?!...
...She with the fire...of both Red...and Blue...in her eyes...will guide you...
Red...and blue?
Mariya suddenly pulls back, feeling that her presence may be discovered by the zanpakuto's spirit.
She blinks a few times, before looking back at Virginia, her face pale.
"V-Virginia?" Cree says, getting up and hurrying to Virginia's side.
"...I-I'm fine...Really." Virginia replies.
"You sure, you're even whiter then before." Kayla comments.
Virginia chuckles, standing.
"I've always been pale, it's just the lighting..." Virginia trails, "I'll be back in a minute.."
"A-Alright, at least let us come with." Kaylee says, standing with Hannah.
"...Fine." Virginia agrees, walking off.
As Virginia, Hannah, and Kaylee vanish, all at the table, except Mariya, give out a sigh.
"Man, she looks like a ghost." Bianca comments.
"Considering how pale she got, she almost is." Toshiro says.
"What do we do? She'll just keep deteriorating if we leave her be." Kayla asks.
Cree looks over at Mariya, blinking as she sees the look in Mariya's narrowed eyes.
"Mariya?..." Cree trails.
"She...must be helped...but unfortunately for us, that means we'll have to use means that I had originally hoped I wouldn't have to carry out, considering the consequences that follow." Mariya says, her tone changed in a way, more...commanding.
"Yattamori, what are you talking about?" Toshiro asks, referring to Mariya as he usually does.
She looks at him.
"Her zanpakuto...has already begun to speak to her." Mariya says.
Their eyes widen.
"What?" Cree says.
"But our zanpakutos didn't say anything until we were in the Soul Society." Bianca comments.
"And she hasn't been in any battle, much less a serious confrontation. So how could it of woken up already?" Kayla asks.
After a moment, Mariya grits her teeth.
"Kenta..." she trails, her tone changed once again, a bit of anger lingering in her voice.
Toshiro's eyes narrow.
"Kenta? Who's Kenta?" Cree asks.
"He's bad news, that's what he is." Toshiro comments.
"Guys, do you remember that weird guy that you met in the mall before you were introduced to the Soul Society?" Mariya asks.
The trio blink.
"You mean grey eyed guy? Yeah, he was off-WAIT! Was that-" Kayla starts.
"Kenta was that guy, and since, he's had more interactions with Virginia." Mariya explains, "I believe that somehow he's been influencing her power to take affect prematurely. Because of that, her body is rejecting her powers, and unless we get her that help I already mentioned, she'll just get worse."
"So, what do we do?" Bianca asks.
"Hey, we're back." Kaylee says, Virginia, now not as pale, following behind with Hannah.
The group grins, hiding their true intentions.
"You all better Virginia?" Cree asks as the three sit back down.
She nods, opening her bag.
"Yeah, much better." she replies.
Mariya sighs as takes a sip of her pepsi, slipping into the minds of her friends that know of the Soul Society.
...Tonight...we must do what I've been avoiding since the beginning...we must take her to the Soul Society...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia's Perspective
She yawns, turning on the other side as she shifts under the covers in her bed.
Blinking, she finds that her clock is staring her in the face, reading 2:36 a.m. She sighs, and rubs her forehead.
"Man...another night with no sleep..." she trails, coughing on the end.
She looks around her room.
A bit of light shines through the blinds, the moonlight beating in lines across the foot of her bed. The night is clear, most of the stars blinking in the sky. Though dark, she can see the outlines of most of the things in her room, even the trees blowing in the breeze outside her window have some shape.
Her eyes widen slightly.
"That's weird...I've never seen the moon...so bright." she thinks out loud.
Without warning, a breeze moves her hair, taking her by surprise.
She turns, to see nothing.
Her heart speeds up.
...Wh-What was that?...
The breeze comes again, causing her to sit up in her bed.
"Alright...what's going on?" she asks herself.
She looks over at her window, then after a moment, she sighs.
...I must be paranoid...It's probably just the wind....
She lays back down, and pulls her sheets close, closing her eyes.
"Just....the wind..." she trails.
....Do you really believe that?....
Her eyes burst wide open, immediately sitting up and looking around, trying to find who owns the voice.
She pants.
...That voice...that's the same one from earlier today...
...Child...it is time...
Virginia begins to tremble.
"Time...time for what?" she asks.
Suddenly, a chill goes through the air, causing Virginia to clutch her sheets closer to her.
"Wh-Why is it suddenly f-freezing?..." she stutters.
...Your powers...are beginning to develop...
"P-Powers? I don't have any powers, leave me alone!" Virginia says.
The breeze comes again, chilling her to the bone.
...Darn it...What's...happening?...
....It's alright....Virginia....
Virginia blinks, suddenly finding herself in a void, a red, seemingly endless void, in which she's floating in, not touching anything, and what's worse, still in her pjs.
"W-What the-?!" she starts.
"Virginia...it's alright."
Her eyes widen, and she turns to see someone.
She gasps, recognizing the girl.

Her hair is chestnut brown and wavy, held up in a high ponytail by a lime green ribbon, bangs covering her right eye and thick locks of hair all that hang down freely, covering her ears. Her eyes are a warm hazel, somehow reminding her of Mariya. She's wears a lime green pendant necklace, along with a pink ribbon choker with another lime green gem attached to it around the base of her neck. She wears a white, sleeveless, over-thing over a kimono with black curly-lined designs and black trimming, a dark gray bodice which seems to be a long wrapped sash is tied tight around her flat middle, tied at the left side in a ok sized bow. Lime green arm bands transcending from underneath the sleeves of the kimono, along with sandals worn over white sock-like things on her feet.

This girl...the girl she killed in a vision.

"Y-You..." Virginia trails.

"Calm down, listen, I'm an ally." the girl says, stepping closer.

"W-Where am I?" Virginia asks, "W-Who are you?!"

The girl sighs, then looks at her.

"Virginia, you really don't recognize me?..." the girl trails, her tone changed.

Virginia gasps, recognizing the voice instantly.

"M-Mariya?!" 

She grins.

"So you do recognize me..." Mariya trails.

Virginia just stands there in shock.

...No...T-This isn't possible...this girl....she can't be Mariya!...

She blinks, and steps back, seeing that Mariya has vanished.

"H-Huh?!" 

"Virginia...I hope that one day you'll forgive me..." Mariya's voice trails.

"For what?!"

Without warning, a great gust of chilling wind blows past her face, causing her to shutter.

She holds herself, trying to keep warm.

Though, she suddenly sees a light...a blue light forming in front of her chest.

...What...is happening?!...

The light morphs into a diamond shaped pendant, a leather cord appearing around her neck, running through the pendant.

"What's this?" Virginia says as the necklace falls against her skin.

"That pendant will become your key...keep it safe...unless you want to die."

The life flashes out of Virginia's eyes for a moment, shaken by Mariya's strong words.

...D-Die?!...

"Virginia, there's something...that I've been keeping secret from you..." 

"What's that?"

"There's a lot of stuff you don't know about me....or even yourself."

"Huh?"

Another blast of air causing her to shutter once more.

"Dang, why is it so cold?!" Virginia comments.

"Virginia...this is your power...your developing abilities..."

Her eyes widen.

"Powers?! Oh, don't give me that crap Mari."

"This isn't a joke Virginia." Mariya says, her tone serious.

"Hmph, well, I don't believe it."

Mariya doesn't respond for a moment.

Then, Virginia's eyes widen as she feels her clothing shift. She looks down to see her clothes are transforming, the bottoms already looking like that which resembles something close to what Mariya has on. To her dismay, she watches as she's fully enveloped by the change, her pjs now what looks like a samurai uniform, the trim the same pattern as Mariya's. She wears gloves similar to Mariya's, but they're much shorter, and are blue. Her uniform is tied similar to Mariya's but smaller, focused more at her hips then anything, tied at the opposite side of Mariya's. 

She becomes speechless, not able to comprehend it still as her hair, which was in a ponytail, goes free, falling nicely around her shoulders.

Mariya appears only moments after the end of the transformation, walking closer.

She grins.

"So...you're in my squad...like Cree..." Mariya trails.

Virginia blinks.

"C-Cree? What does Cree have to do with..." Virginia trails, before she gasps, "Wait, you did the same thing to Cree?!"

"Her's I must admit, was much easier." Mariya replies.

Virginia just stands there, shocked.

....Mariya...Cree...who else is involved in what the heck is going on?!....

"Alright Virginia, the time has come..." Mariya trails.

"Huh?.."

Mariya's eyes suddenly begin to glow light blue, causing Virginia to back up.

"It's time...for you to know the truth...about the Soul Society...and about my secret identity....Mariya Yattamori." Mariya explains, the void fading.

"...Secret...Identity?..." Virginia trails.

Mariya nods, beginning to become consumed by the fading light.

"Everything...will be alright....Gin."

With that, Mariya is gone, leaving Virginia floating on her own for a few moments.

...I don't understand...what's going on?...

...Master...you're learning the truth...

Virginia's eyes widen a bit, as the world fades, seeing just one thing...something that even in the white world...stands out...amazingly...

...What...are you?...

...Remember me....Remember...Yukitora...

"Yukitora...huh?..."

With that, she's left with only one sight.

The power in the eyes of the tiger....

M.S.A.A. pt. 71

"...It's nice to be back home. In a world where I'm just an average teenager, and there's no one trying to take over the world or whatever. Wow, that sounds really cheesy when I think about it. Like one of those super hero movies that I'm too restless to lounge around and watch. There's always someone trying to take over the world. Damn, this better not turn into some stupid situation with a damsel in distress, cause lord, if anyone tries to touch me and take me prisoner, I'm gonna kick their butts into next week. Man, I've gotten way off track. Gotta love when you do that, loose your train of thought....Though I must admit, for Virginia...her train of thought has been derailed. It's like talking to a brick wall with her...I wonder what could of happened to have made her shut up so bad...It's beginning to get a bit weird...even for her..."

January 8
OUR WORLD
Lunch Time
Mariya's Perspective
"God...that was horrible." Mariya comments, picking at her salad.
"Yeah, I still don't see how you were able to get out of the hospital so fast." Kayla comments.
"Really, I thought your parents were gonna keep you in for testing at least." Bianca adds.
"Luckily not, considering that there's nothing wrong with me." Mariya says, "Besides they already had done all the blood tests when I was asleep, so there was nothing else to do. The results come in on Thursday."
"What luck you have." Cree comments, sitting down at their table.
"Yeah, well, for now, I just want to relax, and not be Yattamori for a little while. Shecker...is all I want to be right now." Mariya says, looking over, seeing Kaylee and Hannah walking over, "Hey, we'll talk about this later, alright?"
The three nod.
"Sounds good, Yattamori." Bianca says, taunting a bit.
"Yattamori? Who's Yattamori?" Hannah asks, setting down her tray besides Kayla, Kaylee right behind her.
"Mariya's character, y'know, that one she draws a lot." Cree says, covering Bianca's bluff.
"Yeah, they're making fun of me because they think I based her off of me, which I didn't." Mariya plays along, before looking over at Kaylee, "You wouldn't happen to have anything sweet do you?"
Kaylee sighs, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a bag of skittles.
Mariya smiles, happy as she hands it over to her.
"Man, you're acting normal for just getting out of the hospital." Hannah comments.
"I'm fine, I swear, nothing's wrong." Mariya replies.
"Great to hear it. Now, Yattamori being like you, huh? Well, why do they say that?" Kaylee asks as she sits besides Hannah.
"Well for starters, she has brown hair, curly brown hair." Kayla answers.
"My hair isn't curly, it's wavy-" Mariya starts.
"-Yeah, close enough." Kayla interrupts.
"And her eyes are also hazel." Bianca adds.
"I wanted to give her a different eye color then most." Mariya comments.
"Then why not purple, or pink, or one of those weird colors?" Cree asks.
"I wanted it to be a realistic eye color." Mariya answers.
"Lord, this is so stupid." Hannah says, "You're acting stranger then Virginia."
Mariya blinks, and looks over at her.
"Virginia?" Mariya asks, "What do you mean acting strange? She's always been a bit out there."
"Well, duh, we all are a bit out there." Kaylee replies, "But yesterday...and the day before...she just hasn't been acting like herself. She's been acting even weirder then usual."
Mariya's eyes narrow as she looks over at Cree, who has the same look in her eye.
Virginia has been a friend of theirs since the year before, and she was especially close to Cree and herself.
She looks around, to see Virginia no where in sight.
"Is she here today?" Mariya asks.
Kaylee gives a shrug.
"I don't know, I don't have any classes with her." Kaylee replies.
"And I won't know til last period, she and I have technology together." Hannah adds.
"Kayla." Mariya says.
Kayla blinks.
"Y-Yeah." she replies.
"You walk by Virginia's locker everyday right? And she's usually there?" Mariya asks.
Kayla nods.
"Y-Yeah, but I didn't see her today. I just thought she was late, she has been late before now." Kayla answers.
"Then she must not be here." Bianca says, "I hope she's ok."
"Mmn..." Mariya mutters, her mind off in another place.
Cree notices, and gently elbows her to get her attention.
She blinks, and looks over at Cree.
She gives a look Mariya's seen before, and she nods, before looking back at the others.
"So, what exactly has she been doing?" Cree asks.
"Well, for starters, she's been going off the radar, like today." Hannah answers, "She won't answer texts, calls, I had to call her mom to know she was around the house."
"She usually answers all her calls and texts." Bianca comments.
"Yeah. And she won't look us in the eye when we do see her." Kaylee says.
"Look you in the eye?" Mariya restates.
Kaylee nods.
"Her eyes dart, like she thinks someone's stalking her, and if you take by surprise, she starts yelling gibberish." Hannah adds.
Their eyes widen.
"Gibberish?" Kayla asks.
"No, it wasn't gibberish...maybe you might know, I remember what she said." Kaylee says.
Mariya nods.
"Yeah, what is it?"
Kaylee sighs.
"Acchi Ike...Hottoiteyo!...Gomen..." she trails.
"Go away, leave me alone!...Please..." Mariya says.
They blink.
"How'd you come up with that?" Hannah asks.
"Cause it's simple Japanese." Mariya replies.
"Japanese?" Kaylee asks, "I thought you didn't know Japanese."
"I lied. But how would Virginia know Japanese?" Mariya asks.

Kaylee and Hannah shrug.

"Who knows." Hannah replies.

Mariya and Cree look at one another, giving a nod.

"We'll go see her after school." Cree says.

"Alright, you want us to come with?" Kayla asks.

"No, Cree and I can handle it." Mariya replies.

"Ok, if you say so.' Bianca replies.

"Wow, well, sounds like a plan to me, now, time to eat." Kaylee says with a smile, picking up her burger.

Mariya chuckles, and looks over at Cree once more, ripping open her skittles.

...Speaking Japanese...probably having visions...

Cree's thought passes her mind.

She nods.

...She's beginning to show the signs....of a T.P. Soul Reaper....

Cree sighs, taking a sip of her soda as Mariya returns to her own thoughts.

Virginia so far was the only one with signs of powers that hasn't yet been to the Soul Society, or even learned the truth about her identity, Yattamori.

She hadn't tried to talk Virginia into anything yet, considering that she'd not only been around long enough to see more of Virginia's capabilities...

But she doesn't want her to experience it.

All that's happening right now, with the bijuu, and everything else...it's too dangerous.

...Virginia...why?...Why didn't you just...continue living like a normal person...?....

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that day....

"Virginia?" 

She jolts, whipping her head around to see her mother in her doorway.

She pants, trying to calm herself down.

"Y-Yeah Mom..." she trails.

Her mom kneels beside her, running her hand through Virginia's hair.

"Mariya and Cree are here with your school work." her Mom replies.

"Oh...alright." Virginia says, standing up beside her Mom.

"Honey, are you up to seeing them?-" her mom asks.

"I'm fine." Virginia interrupts, walking out of the room and into the hall.
She looks up at the sound of her friends' voices, and she finds herself looking in the wall mirror down the hall. 
She looks pitiful, her baggy shirt hanging off her shoulders, making her look a bit bigger then she really is, even covering her shorts. Her curly hair is in shambles, flying in all directions from her sleeping most of the day. Though, it's her bags under her eyes that are really annoying her, standing out more because of her pale skin, making her blue eyes seem dead in a way that is rather unnerving.
With a sigh, shaking off the image of herself her friends are about to see, she walks to an open doorway, turning to see Mariya and Cree standing by her couch. Mariya looks up and sees her, nudging Cree to turn around. As she does, she grins, calming Virginia down a bit.
"Hey there Virginia." Mariya says, "How ya feeling?"
Virginia shrugs as she steps towards them.
"I don't know, kinda iffy." she replies.
"Hmm...we brought you your homework." Cree says, holding a book with a folder on top, probably holding her paper work.
Virginia smiles.
"Thanks for nothing guys." she replies sarcastically.
Mariya chuckles.
"Well, you've still got your sense of humor, that's good." Mariya comments as Virginia walks closer to take her work.
"Yeah...gotta keep something normal." Virginia replies as Cree gives her the book.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me." Mariya says, looking through her messenger bag.
"What Mariya?" Cree asks, blinking in surprise.
Only a few moments later, she pulls out a purple paper bag, stapled at the top. 
"Here." she says with a smile, holding out the bag.
Virginia blinks in surprise.
"Huh?" Virginia replies.
"I made you a little treat in health, we cooked today." Mariya answers.
"Oh..." she trails, taking the bad, "Thanks..."
"Welcome, I know how much you like chocolate, so I thought I'd let you have my chocolate cupcakes." Mariya says.
"How many did you make?" Cree asks.
"Just three, I hope you like them." Mariya replies with a grin.
Ripping the bag slightly, Virginia opens the bag to see Mariya was right, seeing three plump cupcakes stacked up nicely in the bag, dark and looking overly delicious.
She looks back up with a grin.
"T-Those do look really good. Thanks Mariya." Virginia says, closing the bag back up.
Mariya smiles.
"Glad you think so." Mariya replies.
"So...anything new at school?" Virginia asks, trying to start a conversation as she sits down on the couch.
Cree shakes her head.
"No, not really. Normal day." Cree answers.
"Yeah, well, you look good Mariya, for just being out of the hospital." Virginia comments.
Mariya blinks.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine. They think that my brain is having lapses or something, which is why I'm going into short comas or whatever they call them." Mariya replies.
"Sounds scary." Virginia says, "You scared that the next time it happens, you might not wake up?" 
Mariya looks over at Cree, and sighs.
"Nope, not at all." Mariya says.
...Unless I'm killed in the Soul Society, that won't happen...
Virginia blinks.
That moment, she thought she heard Mariya's voice, but, her lips didn't move at all. 
She shakes her head, puzzled by the incident.
Mariya notices her confusion, but doesn't make a note of it.
Virginia nods.
"I see, you sound brave by saying that." Virginia responds, trying to move past the weird incident.
"Not really, I just think my Mom and Dad are over reacting is all." Mariya says as she sits besides Virginia.
"Dude, you've been in four comas in the last month." Virginia comments.
"I'm fine." Mariya answers.
Virginia falls silent, looking over Mariya for some reason.
Cree sighs.
"So...Virginia, Kaylee and Hannah told us that you've been acting weird lately." Cree says.
Virginia blinks.
"Huh?" Virginia responds.
"Gin, is anything wrong?" Mariya asks.
"N-No, there's nothing, I've just not felt well lately." Virginia replies.
"Yeah, but you never get sick, which is strange in itself." Cree comments.
"Really, I'm fine." Virginia says.
"Virginia-" Mariya says as she goes to take Virginia's wrist.
"Sawaranaide no boku!" Virginia snaps, pulling herself away.
Mariya and Cree gasp in surprise, not expecting her to snap.

"T-That was...Japanese." Mariya comments.

Virginia blinks, realizing what just happened. She looks away, trying to explain what just happened to herself.

"Virginia..." Cree trails.

"It's nothing!" Virginia says, irritated.

"Virginia, calm down." Mariya says, trying to keep Virginia relaxed.

"I-I'm fine." Virginia says, calming a bit.

Mariya moves quick to grab Virginia's hand.

Her eyes widen as a vision comes to mind.

She sees herself in what looks like the food court of the mall, Virginia sitting alone at the table in front of her. She's back to normal, wearing something she usually wears around.

Virginia sighs.

"Man...I'm bored." Virginia trails.

"Well, why not walk around or buy something?"

Her eyes widen, and she looks up.

Mariya turns to, to see a cloaked figure standing in front of them, probably male.

"W-Who are you?" Virginia asks.

"Really, are you saying you don't recognize my voice from last time?" the man answers with a question.

Mariya's eyes narrow.

Something about this man...is too familiar.

Virginia's eyes widen once more.

"Y-You're that guy from the last time we were at the mall!" Virginia replies.

The man chuckles.

"So you do remember me." he says, sitting down across from her.

"W-What do you want?" Virginia asks.

"I just want you to consider something for me." he says, reaching into his cloak, pulling out some photos, "Does this girl look like someone you know?" 

Virginia looks over it, before she gasps. Mariya looks over her shoulder, becoming alarmed.

"T-That's Mariya!" Virginia says, paler then a minute ago.

"Ah, so her name is the same here..." he trails.

Mariya looks over at him.

His voice...who is he?

"What do you mean by that?" Virginia asks.

"Tell me Virginia, do you think she really thinks of you as a friend?" he asks.

"W-Wait, how do you know my name?" she asks.

"That isn't important right now, though, you will be useful very soon..." he replies, standing.

"U-Useful?" 

"Yes, and I must admit, I'm looking forward to it..." he trails, taking her chin with his hand so she looks up at him.

Mariya sneers at him as Virginia begins to become even more pale.

"Really, w-who are you?" Virginia stutters.

He chuckles, but pulls his cloak off his head.

Mariya turns white as she sees him, staggering back in shock.

"I'm someone you'll be seeing more of soon..." he trails, before releasing her.

Virginia blushes as she sits back down, looking away as she's flustered.

She looks back up, to see he's vanished. Mariya looks around as well, to see he's gone as well.

Suddenly, the vision cuts off, leaving Mariya and Virginia back in her home with Cree, who's been watching them.

"Hey, you guys ok?" Cree asks.

"W-We're fine, please leave." Virginia says, getting up and walking away.

Mariya just stares at her, before she looks back at Cree.

"A-Alright." Mariya says.

Cree blinks as Mariya quickly grabs her stuff, pulling her towards the door.

Mariya shuts the door behind them, hurrying towards the road as she pulls out her phone, quickly pushing at the buttons.

"M-Mariya, what's wrong?" Cree asks, following.

Mariya turns towards her, still a bit pale.

"I need to check with Toshiro about something." Mariya says.

Cree's eyes widen.

"W-Why?" Cree asks.

"We may have a more serious problem then we first thought." Mariya replies.

She puts the phone to her ear, listening to the beeps, before she hears it picked up.

"Hello?"

Mariya sighs, happy to hear Toshiro's voice on the other side of the line.

"Toshiro, it's me."

"What's wrong?"

"I need you to check something for me."

"What's that?" 

She takes a deep breath, running her hand through her hair.

"Has there been any breakouts of the prison?" 

Cree's eyes widen.

"Breakouts?" she restates.

"Let me look..." he trails, looking apparently.

Mariya hears him gasp a bit, before picking back up the phone.

"Mariya, what's going on over there?"

She gulps.

"Kenta has been in contact with Virginia."