M.S.A.A. pt. 89

"...Illness is a rare occurrence in Bijuu. Because they are beasts based off a type of animal, many take on the high health levels that the animal that they are based of usually have. The two that I can imagine getting the sickest the easiest would of been Nekomata or Houkou, considering that cats and dogs are more susceptible then many other animals. Though, in the time she came to walk here, she didn't ever have a problem with her health, so the effects and terms of how bad it could be were never recorded. So, no one really knows what would happen if one of the Bijuu were to fall ill. In logical terms, they would probably be studied like a hawk, trying to record every piece of basic information they can from examining the being that was unlucky enough to be the first. Poor thing, that must of really sucked, if there was one that is. That must of been one of the worst experiences off their lives..."

August
SOUL SOCIETY
Virginia's Perspective
"Alright, looks like it's almost noon." she comments to herself, shielding her eyes from the bright sun.
As she commented on previously, it's summer here, while in her home world, it's January and freezing out, so the random environmental changes keep confusing her body on how to process itself so that she will be able to stay at a constant temperature. Though, the feeling of the Sun on her skin is nice, the warmth seeming to be seeping into her pores. She smiles.
"Yeah, my zanpakuto really doesn't make sense." she says with a laugh.
"No, no it does not."
Master, behind you!
Virginia whips around instantly, her blade forming behind her back, her hand ready to grab the hilt if needed to attack.
Though, she's met with surprise, as she pulled by a strong hold at her waist, finding herself blushing slightly as she looks up at the bastard that likes to play with her mind.
"Kenta!" she snarls.
He laughs.
"Well, you look pleased to see me." he says with a snarky grin. 
She glares at him, trying her best to escape his grip.
"Let me go. Now." she orders.
He raises an eyebrow.
"Wow, you really do seem to be mad at me about something." he says, "Whatever could it be?"
"Hmm. I wonder." she says, finally breaking free of him, turning away.
"Virginia, don't leave me hanging here-" he starts.
"You planted thoughts into my head that caused me to yell my head off at Mariya!" she snaps, turning back to look him in the eye, the blue alive with anger, "And even worse, your banter caused me to get so enraged that I bitch slapped her across the face!"
He makes a surprised whistle noise, causing her to roll her eyes, grunting as she turns away again.
Though she's stopped as she takes hold of her wrist.
"Hey, you can't blame me for warning you." he says.
"I can blame you for planting negative thoughts in my mind." she replies.
"I was just telling you the honest truth, is all." Kenta says, "I mean really, it was obvious that she would never give you the position. She doesn't trust you!"
"She's protecting me!" Virginia yells back.
"Bull!" Kenta yells, "Let me guess, you've come to believe she's done this for your own good right? That she's trying to build you up stronger? Well, April Fools! She's not! She's just using you for the 5th time!"
"You know nothing!" 
"I know everything!" 
SLAP!
From that point, everything is a blur to her as she finds herself in the same predicament as she did with Mariya. Her eyes wide, her hand raised and across her body, as the being in front of her stands with shock, holding their cheek in surprise from her slap. Except now, it's not Mariya.
It's Kenta.
She freezes, fright filling her.
This guy was able to mortally wound Mariya, who is much stronger then herself. If he tries and attacks her, she'll be in big trouble.
Though, it's too late, as she feels him take a tight hold of both her wrists, slamming her into a nearby tree. She grunts in a bit of pain, looking up to see his gray eyes alive, and looking for trouble. In reply she squeezes hers shut, not wanting to be able to see the first blow he lands on her.
But, it never comes.
Her eyes widen as she feels his lips connect with her neck, kissing her skin. She feels her cheeks become hot and red with confusion as she feels him move across her skin.
"K-Kenta!" she yells, trying to pull him off of her.
He's too strong though, easily holding her in place as he bites slightly, a weird feeling filling her entire body.
...W-What's...going on?...
"Get off of me!" she yells again, "Let me go!"
For a few minutes, he concentrates on a single area, kissing and sucking her skin, letting go of her wrists before taking a tight grip on her waist, pulling her into him. She doesn't know what to do, trying her best to push him away, though her strength seems to fail her each time, leaving her with simply clutching the sleeves of his royal kimono tight in her grip.
"Let me go!" she repeats again.
This time, he reacts, separating his lips from her skin, looking down at her. His eyes are more relaxed, seeming that his actions have calmed him down.
"You are a very interesting girl, Virginia..." he trails.
She stays silent, not knowing how to reply. He chuckles at this, irritating her slightly.
"Hey, you don't have to laugh at me!" she snaps.
"Trying to remain angry with me?" he says, lowering so that his face is only a few inches away from her's.
She studies him.
His eyes, now that he's closer, are odd in a way. The gray looks like it's a sheen over his eyes, as if there's another color that the gray is hiding underneath, but the pigment cannot break through. Hid blonde hair is shaggy, his bangs laying just above his eyes, somewhat covering his eyebrows. He's not an unattractive guy. Infact, he's quite attractive. Though, those qualities are all shadowed by one down fall.
His bastard like personality.
Reading her thoughts over him, he smirks, resting his forehead against her's.
"You really think that way of me?" he asks.
Her eyes widen, surprised until she remembers that he too is a Time Psychic, so he probably has the ability to read minds.
She glares up at him.
"You're crude and evil. Let. Me. Go." she says.
"Ow, that actually kinda had a sting to it, Virginia." Kenta comments, "But hey, I'll be nice, and actually show you something."
She raises an eyebrow.
"Show me what?"
He grins darkly.
"An ability that the Master gave to me." he says.
She looks confused for a moment, before she notices something.
Her hand is moving on it's own. Her expression takes on something alarm she fails to gain control of it, watching helplessly as it raises to meet Kenta's left hand, allowing him to take hold of it, and kiss it gently.
"You-" she starts.
"I can control anyone's movements. Though I can only choose one person a day." he comments, smirking, "Now I can have you do anything I want."
Her eyes widen.
...Oh no...
He chuckles.
"Don't be afraid of me, I won't do anything to you." he says, releasing her, though doesn't allow her to move.
He steps back a few feet, before holding a hand out to her.
"Come here."
With that, her body moves on it's own against her will, walking to him, her hand reaching for his. He takes her hand, pulling her into him, both of them now in warmth of the Summer Sun. For reasons unknown to her, she feels her cheeks reddening as his hand traces the outline of her face, stopping below her chin to lift her face up to look him dead in the eye.
"You will never belong in the Soul Society. Mariya will never give you the glory you deserve, and she'll only make you her puppet." Kenta says, his expression becoming serious.
"Kenta-" she starts.
"You can argue all you want, but you know that what I'm saying is true." he replies, before leaning over to whisper into her ear, "That's why I want you to join me."
Her eyes widen in alarm.
"What?!"
"Join the Bijuu. You will be given a high title, respected, and honored as you should be!-"
"You want me to betray my best friends is what you want!" she snaps.
"They are not truly your friends, they're using you!"
"Shut up!"
"I will not!"
"Damn it, why are you doing all this shi-" she starts.
He shuts her up quickly, not wanting to have to argue with her anymore. Virginia doesn't know what to do...or how to react, her arms wrapping themselves around his neck as to keep them in lip-lock. She's perplexed by this kiss, not knowing if she herself actually wrapped her arms around him of her own free will or not. His lips are gentle against hers, his tongue beginning to curl with hers as his arms wrap around her tighter then before. A weird feeling enters her body with this as well. It's a new sensation. One that she can't exactly understand.
Though, the time to think of it is short as his lips part from hers, both silent as they open their eyes to stare at one another.
Without warning, he plants another quick kiss on her, before pulling away, and disappearing from sight, leaving her all alone again in the forest.
She blinks, confused and flabbergasted by what has just happened to her.
..Master?...Master?!...
Yukitora's voice echoes through Virginia's head, though she ignores it.
"...What...just happened...?"
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Toshiro's Perspective

Toshiro sighs, watching the clouds moving slowly, making the day seem even more doldrum then it should. For a few weeks now, it's been pretty sunny for some reason. No one really knows why there has been much Sun out, other then the easiest and most simple, that it's Summer. He's never been too fond of heat or the Sun, so for him, this is irritating, leaving him to reside in his office where it's cool. But, now that it's been like this for a while, even he finds himself a bit energized by the weather.
He turns away from the window, looking at the calender for only a moment before his eyes rest back on the last of his work for the day. It's almost the end of August, meaning that Autumn is going to be taking effect. The leaves haven't fallen from the trees, still green, and the flowers around the Soul Society are still very much alive, but will soon vanish until next Spring. It's not too much chillier out, probably around the 70's, maybe 80's, making it a bit more difficult to walk outside in his uniform without feeling he's breaking a sweat. Maybe the fact that it's Summer is the reason for the bright blue skies.
His finger runs over the letters, helping his eyes with scanning the information on the page. Sitting, he takes the pen, writing a report of his Squad during the last few weeks, as the Head Captain wanted. Nothing much has happened recently since Yattamori came back. Because of the weather, the world has seemed to slow in some type of way, becoming a bit more peaceful. Also, there's nothing threatening them at this point. Well, other then the Bijuu of course. Though, they haven't sent anything yet, so it's a good possibility that their currently growing not only their strength, but the strength of any subordinates that reside with them.  Thinking back, he's heard that he may have to do scouting or something soon, so maybe they are planning on making a move soon.
"Damn...I need to get out of here..." he trails, putting the last period on the paper, "Done."
He looks up at the time.
4:51 p.m.
He immediately stands.
"Crap, Yattamori's going to be waiting for me." he says, walking fast around his desk towards the door.
As he goes to open the door, he blinks as it opens on it's own, revealing Rangiku on the other side.
"Captain?" she asks.
"Can't talk Rangiku, I'm running late." he replies, going past her.
Rangiku smirks.
"Oh? For what, you're date with your girlfriend?" Rangiku teases.
Toshiro turns, glaring at her in response to her stupid babble.
"Yattamori is not my girlfriend Rangiku. She's my best friend, nothing more." he responds.
"Sure she is." she replies, grinning.
Toshiro rolls his eyes, turning away from the discussion to hurry down the stretch of walkway, flashstepping as he comes to a turn in the path. The crisp warm air blows past as he races towards the Bureau of Records. Though hotter then he may like, it does help with ridding some of the lag, waking him up a bit as he fastens his pace so he may escape it. Slower then he likes, he finds himself right where he needed to be, right in front of the Bureau. He sighs, walking up the steps.
"I hope she isn't waiting." he comments, opening the door.
A nice blast of room temperature air consumes him as he walks through the door, more comfortable then it had been before outside in the open, though he feels the doldrums beginning to crawl back into his mind. Walking fast, he turns into the hall where their room is, already stocked with the files needed for the investigation at hand. Though, it's not necessarily a investigation, for him, anyway, cause he's only helping out Yattamori with her current mission assignment. He sighs, taking firm grasp of the door's handle, opening it with a normal tug.
As the door opens to reveal, Yattamori isn't there, the only thing inside the papers that they had left out from last time.
He blinks, surprised as he walks into the room.
"Weird....she's usually on time." he comments to himself.
"Hey there...sorry I'm late."
He turns, his eyes widening slightly as he lays his eyes on Yattamori, actually Houkou, the Bijuu, in disguise. Though that is unknown to him.
She looks a bit off, her eyes a bit dazed as it seems she didn't feel like taking the time to put her hair up, held together towards the end by her green bow. Light bags line under her eyes, and her nose seems a bit red, her cheeks flushed. Her breathing is weird, her nose sounding stuffed up, and her walk is a bit off center, leaning more towards her right.
He walks over to her.
"Yattamori, are you alright?" he asks as he comes to stand in front of her.
She nods.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine, just...tired." she replies, her words slightly slurred.
He narrows his eyes, taking hold of her shoulder, feeling a slight trembling through her body.
"Do you feel alright?" he asks.
Again, she nods.
"Mhmm, I-I feel...awesome." she answers.
"Yattamori-"
"It's the truth Toshiro, really." she interrupts  pulling away from him slightly, selling Yattamori perfectly, "Now c'mon, we aren't gonna find Mahinahime by just standing here."
She walks past him towards the table, resting a book she had carried in on the wood top. In reply to the knock of the book meeting the table, Toshiro takes her wrist, pulling her back towards him. She turns slightly to look at him, blinking in surprise.
"T-Toshiro! What are you doing?" she asks, struggling to free herself from his firm grip, "Let go of me-"
She falls silent as she feels his hand press against her forehead, feeling cool against her skin. Immediately, his look becomes more one of concern.
"Yattamori, you're burning up." he says.
"I'm fine Toshiro-" she starts.
"Saying that doesn't change the fact that you're ill." he interrupts.
Houkou doesn't respond, for she does actually understand that she isn't feeling well. Yeah, she isn't acting this time, she's actually sick, the first Bijuu to become sick actually.
He sighs.
"Yattamori, you're sick, you need to rest." he says.
"No, I need to continue on the case-" she argues.
"You won't accomplish anything in the state you're in right now-"
He's interrupted as Houkou cringes slightly, coughing hard into her hands. For a few moments, he watches, before taking her again by the shoulders.
"See? You need to go home-" he starts.
Without warning, she falls slightly into him, resting her head on his shoulder.
He reddens a bit, looking down at her.
Her breathing is a bit harder now, the cough probably loosening some of the phlegm in her throat and nose. Though she is burning up, it seems that she must be freezing, as her trembling has increased a good bit even though it's at least in the upper 70's. Her cheeks have reddened some more too, though it's probably more due to her being sick then her being embarrassed. After a minute, she looks up at him, her hazel eyes hazed.
He gulps quietly.
"Toshiro..." she trails.
"Yattamori, you're sick." he says.
She shakes her head.
"No, we need to...work on..this." she replies, taking tight hold of his kimono, "I'll go straight home after this, I...promise, I just want to get some...work in today. We're already behind...as it...is."
He stares at her for a moment, before he sighs, watching as she closes her eyes again.
"Alright...But we're only staying for a little while."  he replies.
She nods.
"I can live with that." she answers, pulling away, "Now c'mon, we have work...to do."
He sighs, but follows, sitting in the seat beside hers as she gets situated, flipping through the pages in one of the files to get back to where they had left off. For about four or five hours on, they continue with their work, Houkou actually keeping her composure relatively well taking into account how she really feels. As the light outside begins to fade, Toshiro sighs, and puts down his pen, taking Houkou by surprise.
"Toshiro?" she asks.
"The Sun's going down, let's stop for the day." he replies.
She pouts in response.
"Toshiro, I feel fine." she replies.
"Now is not the time to be stubborn about this Mariya." he says.
"I'll be stubborn if I want to be." Houkou argues as Toshiro tries to help her stand.
"Mariya-" he starts.
"I'm fine!" she yells.
"Please Mariya!" he yells back.
She blinks, going silent as she's taken back.
"Please, just let me take you home. You need to rest up." he somewhat pleads with her.
Houkou stares at him for a moment, before she sighs.
"Alright...I'll go home." she finally agrees.
"Good." he comments.
She sighs again, walking a few steps forward to start out the door. Then suddenly, everything around Houkou begins to spin, blurring and making her balance go off.
"T-Toshiro..." she stutters, her knees giving in.
Toshiro looks back and his eyes widen in alarm. Before he knows what happened, Mariya is laying unconscious on the floor in front of him, her hair sprawled everywhere in all directions.
"M-Mariya!" he says, hurrying over to kneel beside her, turning her over.
Houkou's breathing is rough, panting slightly as she sweats some. Toshiro clenches his hands around her as he places one under her legs, cradling her in his arms, easy as he's becoming used to it.
"Why is it that you always seem to be the one getting knocked out by something Yattamori?" he asks, standing.
She doesn't reply, out cold. He sighs, and quickly exists the Bureau, not wanting anyone to see Yattamori as she is. With the setting Sun, the air is cooler as he walks outside. He starts flashstepping immediately, not wanting her to be left out in the open for too long. Within minutes, they're walking into her home, Kayla and Cree's jaws dropping as they see Houkou.
"Wh-What happened?!" Cree stutters.
"Why did you let her out of the house? She's sick." he asks.
Kayla and Cree look at one another.
"W-We didn't know. She acted fine this morning." Kayla says.
"Hmm, she must not of wanted you guys to know. Sounds like her to do something dumb like that." Toshiro says, thinking over the possibly as a good one, "Well, I'm taking her up to her room, could one of you go grab some medicine for her?"
"Uh, sure." Cree says, watching as Toshiro hurries up the stairs.
As he approaches the third level, Houkou finally comes to.
"T-Toshir..o?" she trails.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" Toshiro asks.
She looks up at him, her hazy imitations of Mariya's hazel eyes more clouded then usual because of her illness.
"W-Where are we?" she asks, looking around.
"We're at your house. You passed out, remember?" he answers, opening the door to her room.
"Oh...I don't really remember, I just remember everything looking blurry." she replies.
"Yeah, you passed out right then."
"Oh..." she trails.
He sighs as he lays her down.
"Now, you're gonna need a lot of rest, alright?" he says.
She nods.
"Ok..." Houkou trails, her voice strained some.
"Toshiro?"
He blinks, turning around to see Cree standing with a bottle of medicine.
"This should take care of all the symptoms." she says, handing it to him.
"Thank Cree." he says.
She grins, before turning her attention to Houkou.
"You feel better now, ok Mariya?" Cree says.
Houkou nods.
"I'll try." she answers with a small grin.
Cree pats her on the shoulder before turning and walking out, leaving Toshiro with Houkou. He quickly measures out the right amount before handing it to her.
"Here, drink this." he says.
She nods, sitting up before taking it from him.
"I'll go get you some water to wash it down." he says, turning to walk into the bathroom.
"Ok..." she trails.
He nods, opening the door to the bathroom. It's a rather open space, and along the right wall is her sink, some glasses sitting on shelves beside the vanity mirror that hangs above it. As he walk over and reaches for it, he hears Houkou gagging somewhat.
"Mariya?-" he starts.
"God, this stuff tastes horrible!" Houkou says.
He chuckles.
"That means that'll work. Just swallow it down as best you can." he calls back to her.
He hears her grunt in reply, causing him to grin slightly in amusement.
With in a minute or two, he walks out with a glass of water, blinking in surprise to find that Houkou has changed in the short amount of time. She now wears a red tank top with long cashmere sleep pants, a green polka dot design running up and down the legs. She still has her hair tied at the end with the bow, though her hair still lays slightly sprawled around her.
He sighs.
"Here you go." he says.
With no time to loose, Houkou takes the glass from him, gulping the clear liquid down.
He chuckles again.
"That bad, huh?" he asks.
She finishes the water before replying.
"Uh huh." she breaths, setting the glass on her right night stand.
"So, you all good?" he asks.
"I guess so." she replies.
"Alright, I'll see you-" he starts as he begins to turn away.
"Wait!" she interrupts.
He blinks, looking back at her.
"Yes?" he asks.
She reddens some.
"Um...actually, would you mind...staying for a bit...I mean, just until I fall asleep. So that if I need anything, or something, I won't have to work to get up..." she asks.
"Uh, sure, that's fine." he replies, walking over to shut her light out, only the light of the moon lighting the room.
He sits at the end of her bed.
"Toshiro." Houkou says.
"Yeah?" he replies.
Luckily, it's too dark for him to see her blushing.
"I meant...lay down."
He blinks, looking over at her.
"H-Huh?"
"Just til I fall asleep, please?" she asks, somewhat pleading.
He stares at her in the shadows for a moment, before he sighs, standing.
"Alright." he says, removing his haori, before moving back the covers so he can lay beside her.
He feels warmth rising to his cheeks as Houkou immediately rests her head in the crook of his neck, her left hand resting on his chest.
"Thank you..." she trails.
He grins.
"N-No problem." he replies.
She giggles a bit, before nuzzling him for a moment, causing her to blush.
"Goodnight...Toshiro..." she trails, trying her best to keep her heart in a steady rhythm, not understanding her situation.
"Goodnight Yattamori." he replies, resting his head on hers.
She blushes even more, her eyes wide in confusion.
...I should kill you know, you're so vulnerable now...laying here beside me...
She feels herself naturally nuzzle him again.
...Yet at the same time...all I want is for this to continue...What is wrong with me?... 

M.S.A.A. pt. 88

"...Things should be simple if we are to easily understand what is in front of us. There should be no logic or theory needed to explain them, they should just be understood simply with the use of common sense. But, if it does exceed the realm of common sense, then many humans usually give up there, not wishing to extend their knowledge further to try to answer the problem given to them. Some may try, and some will even succeed with finding the right answer, though still, the greatest amount that could potentially get the right answer will never try to do so, for they are too lazy to think beyond. Why is that? Why do some not try to test their minds beyond what they know they can do, so that they can extend their knowledge? The truth behind it is really nothing but laziness...how horrid..."

January
OUR WORLD
Virginia's Perspective
"Ugh...It's cold out here..." Virginia trails, walking down a sidewalk.
Unlike in the Soul Society, where it's the beginning of August, and more importantly, warm, here in Terre Haute, it's cold, mid winter. So, she's had to adjust somewhat to the chilly surroundings.
She groans again.
"Man, you'd think that since I have an Ice Zanpakuto, that I'd like the cold." she says to herself, kicking at a little can, "Yet, I absolutely hate it."
...Ah...well, I don't know if I should be offended by that statement...
Virginia freezes.
...What the hell?...
"Uh...hello?" Virginia asks.
...And now you don't even recognize my voice...
Virginia blinks, before the idea pops into her head.
"Y-Yukitora? Is that you?"
She hears a light giggle.
So you do remember me?
"H-How are you?-"
We are connected Virginia. No matter where you go, I will always be here with you...
Virginia chuckles.
"So, what are you? My Guardian Angel?"
Yukitora gives a giggle now.
If that is what you want to think of me as, then I'll gladly accept that...
Without warning, the breeze picks up around her, creating a cyclone affect. Virginia closes her eyes, shielding herself so to not become colder then she already is. 
Though, she's surprised, finding that the breeze soon takes on an inner warmth, blowing against her skin, yet not causing any goosebumps at all. She blinks, and looks around, before looking down, her eyes widening.
At her feet is a great White Bengal Tiger, probably four feet tall, 7 in length. Her eyes meet hers, the crystal blue calming. Virginia grins, feeling a close bond suddenly with this animal...her zanpakuto, Yukitora. In reply to this, Yukitora rubs her head across Virginia's side, purring happily. Virginia giggles, running her hand over Yukitora's head, surprised to actually feel the fur running through her fingers.
"You're cute, for being a large, probably deadly tiger." Virginia says with a laugh, walking forward, her zanpakuto walking beside her.
Yukitora laughs.
I'm truly not dangerous...at least, for those you aren't pointing my blade at...
Virginia grins.
"Yeah, that sounds good to me..." Virginia trails, her minds going to over things.
Yukitora notices, and she looks forward.
You're thinking of your friend, aren't you?...
Virginia blinks, looking down.
"H-How?-"
As I said before Master, I am connected to you...I know when something is bothering you...
Virginia's eyes narrow a bit, and she sighs, turning the corner.
"Yeah...I am thinking about her..." Virginia trails, "I wish I hadn't slapped her so hard..."
You were overcome with emotion, you cannot keep blaming yourself...besides, we all know that Miss Yattamori was being unreasonable. Even Miss Cree was taken back...
"Still, I don't think what I did was exactly right...."
Oh no, it wasn't right at all...
Virginia blinks.
"Wait, but you just said-"
I am aware of what I just said, I said you can't keep blaming yourself. That doesn't mean that what you did was right...Master, you must understand some of things she brought forth.
"Like what?" Virginia asks.
For instance, she said that she wanted you to experience a battle before you were given the seat you wanted. Though she went about saying it the wrong way, the initial argument she gave was a valid one. The battle simulated between you and Miss Cree was a long catch from what a real battle is, where people are trying to kill each other, and knowledge is much more essential to keep yourself alive.
"So, basically, she wants me to know what's going on."
Yukitora nods.
She wants you to be able to do that so that when subordinates need instruction, you will be able to do so.
As she thinks on the idea given, a knot forms in Virginia's stomach. 
Now she feels even worse about what she did. Mariya was just looking out for her, when she just snapped on her when she didn't get third seat.
That's when another thought passes through her head.
"Yukitora." 
Mm?
"Have you noticed anything weird about Mariya lately?" Virginia asks.
She has been off for the past few weeks, though I have just assumed it's an effect from what happened to her during the abduction.
"Same here...though, as I think on it, something about what happened is beginning to bother me." 
And what would that be Master?
"The way she explained it." Virginia answers, "I mean, the initial message she gave does sound like something she'd normally say, but her explanation was just horribly out of character. And the way she snapped at me, Mariya may get mad at me, but she's never snapped at me like that before, especially for a disagreement."
She may just still be a bit out of it-
"But what if she isn't still out of it? Why would she do something that is so out of character that I would take a note of it?" 
Yukitora doesn't reply for a moment, probably thinking over the thought herself to see what she makes of the idea given.
To tell the truth Master, I do not know what to tell you, other then this: Keep yourself on guard. 
Virginia nods, then looks forward.
"Well, for now, let's get our mind off that." Virginia says as she walks up to the building, "It's time to go and visit the Mariya on this side."
Yukitora purrs in reply, slipping through the door in front of Virginia.
Soon, Virginia finds herself in the familiar hallway, feeling strange, being that she's the only one that's come. The other times she's always been with Cree, Kayla, and Bianca, so it's weird for her to only hear the echo of her feet. She looks ahead, and grins as she comes across a familiar face.
"Hello Ma'am." Virginia says.
The woman turns, and grins, being the nurse from the previous times.
"Why hello there Miss. Are you alone today?" she asks.
"Yeah, the others were too busy, so I told them I'd come in check in on her." Virginia lies.
"Oh, well that's very sweet." she answers with a smile, before turning slightly, "Just follow me, I had to go check on her anyway."
"So how is Mariya?" Virginia asks as she follows.
"She's actually doing tremendously well. The number of her outbursts have gone down to pretty much zero. The improvement has stumped all of us." the nurse explains.
Virginia smiles.
"Well, that's great." Virginia says.
The nurse laughs.
"Why yes, you should of seen the relief on her family's faces." she says, "Hopefully with some time, she'll come out of her coma."
Virginia grins.
"I can't wait."
The nurse grins, finally stopping as they come to stand outside Mariya's room.
"Here we are." she says as she opens the door, stepping to the side to allow Virginia to enter first.
Virginia gives her a nod of thanks, walking inside to find herself standing only a few feet from Mariya. She walks closer, grinning as she comes to rest her eyes on her sleeping friend. Unlike last time, she looks like she's only sleeping, the sheets changed, and her face and hair all washed up. Any remnants of the blood that had dried is gone, and she just looks comfortable. Mariya's face is content, seeming to be at peace.
"Mariya..." Virginia trails.
"You two good friends?" the nurse asks as she begins to fill out Mariya's chart.
"Yeah, we've been good friends for about a year now." Virginia answers.
"How did you two meet?"
"Well, I had moved schools, and didn't really have friends. I play clarinet, so I joined the band, and she plays flute, so we had the same class." Virginia says, "When I first met her, she wasn't that popular. In fact, she didn't even really have a friend per say. She was more quiet, but, she always smiled at me. So, after a while, I began talking to her. As this began, I became good friends with one of the other girls. Mariya and I became good friends, and soon I introduced her to Cree, and since, the three of us have been best friends."
The nurse smiles.
"That sounds good." she comments.
Virginia grins.
"Yeah, but the last time we saw each other, we got in an argument. She's in charge of our group project, and she gave Cree the job I wanted, so I yelled at her. In the end, we were yelling, and I ended up slapping her before storming out..." Virginia trails.
The nurse clicks her pen as she finishes.
"I feel bad..."
"Well hun, you'll just have to apologize once she wakes up." she says, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be going. When you're leaving, please run it by me, alright doll?"
Virginia nods.
"Alright."
With a smile, the nurse disappears into the hall, closing the door behind her, and leaving Virginia alone with Mariya.
Virginia sighs, turning back to face Mariya.
"Hey...you probably can't hear me...but...well..." Virginia trails, "I'm sorry about slapping you...I mean, you knew I wanted the third seat, but you gave it to Cree, even though I'm stronger. That's all I saw about it, and I got mad...But now that I know what you were really doing, I must say I'm really sorry. I guess I should learn how to think through what I'm being told, huh Mariya?"
Mariya remains silent.
"I'll be sure to apologize first thing when I get back, at least then you'll be able to hear what I'm saying." Virginia adds with a tiny laugh, reaching for her hand, "I'm sorry Mariya."
As she takes Mariya's hand, Virginia's eyes widen as she finds herself no longer in the hospital room, but the familiar, cold stone corridor that she's visited before.
"What the..." she trails.
"C'mon, let's just do it once. After, we won't do again."
Virginia's eyes widen as she hears a familiar voice. She turns, her eyes widening as she sees the Bijuu that had attack Mariya and her the day Mariya disappeared, walking with another.
The one that attacked them sighs.
"Alright, but just once."
The other does a fist pump in happiness, walking passed her without even sensing her present, meaning she must really be there in spirit. She quickly follows after, curious of their plans.
Soon, they come to a cell, separated from all the others, in a corner of the hall. Inside, Virginia can hear slightly forced breathing, a cough escaping every now and again.
"What..." 
"Yo, Yattamori! How ya feelin'?" 
Virginia's eyes widen.
..What?!..
The figure inside turns it's head, said to be Mariya. Though, that doesn't make sense, considering Mariya escaped.
"What the hell could you two possibly want?"
The hairs on Virginia's arms stand, Mariya's recognizable voice carrying from inside the cell.
The pumped Bijuu grins.
"Just wantin' to check in on ya. But hey, guess what?"
"What?"
"You're little old boy toy-"
"Toshiro is not my boy toy." Mariya interrupts.
A slight sneer crosses the Bijuu's face.
"Oh? Well, I thought he was, considering how depressed he seems to be without you." he says, "I mean, he even tried to freeze himself over because of you. How does that make you feel, my dear?"
Mariya clenches her hands into fists, causing the Bijuu to grin, nodding to his counterpart.
"You know, dear Captain Yattamori, we've been discussing something." he starts, "Something that could become a very entertaining time."
"What could that possibly be?" Mariya asks.
"Well, I'm guessing you know football. Our game is called headball. Basically it's the same, though there is a catch."
"What?"
"The balls are actually heads!" the other Bijuu laughs, "Now, who's head should we start with? That pip-squeek Virginia?"
Virginia gulps, noticing that Mariya is beginning to shake.
"No no, too easy. What about that Cree girl?"
"No, too much hair."
"What about that duo that took on Shukaku, Kayla and Bianca?"
"Nah."
"Her lieutenant?"
"No, too boring for my tastes."
"How about the midget himself, Hitsugaya?"
Mariya's shaking worsens, as Virginia gets what they're doing.
"Why are they trying to get her to attack?" she asks herself.
"You bastards..." Mariya trails.
"His head could be perfect, though I did just think of an excellent idea."
"What would that be?"
"Kill all of em, and then switch on a daily basis!"
"Sounds smart-"
 "BASTARDS!" Mariya snaps, "HOW DARE YOU!"
With that, Mariya begins to glow green, her eyes taking on a light blue tint.
The Bijuu laugh, and soon the sneer on Mariya's face is replaced by a scared, but blank frown.
"Mariya.." Virginia trails as she hears a beeping.
Then, she's back in our world. She looks around, then turns back to see Mariya, sleeping soundly. Virginia sighs.
"That must of been one of Mariya's memories of what happened to her. Those horrible men, trying to mess up her ways of thinking just for the fun of it-"
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"
Virginia jolts, falling to the floor as she spooked by Mariya's sudden outburst.
"W-What the-?!" Virginia starts.
"Oh no! Not another episode!"
Virginia turns to see the nurse, her eyes wide in alarm as she hits the alarm, before walking over to help Virginia up.
"M-Ma'am, I thought you said she-" Virginia starts.
"I know, but Mariya's condition is strange and unique, no one knows what is going on, and it appears that unlike what we thought, she hasn't gotten out of the woods yet." the nurse interrupts, "I'm sorry dear, but for now you'll have to leave.
"Ack!"
They both turn at the harsh gasp that escapes Mariya's lips, blood spatting onto the clean sheets.
Virginia's eyes widen.
"Mariya..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Houkou's Perspective
"Ugh, this sucks." Bianca sighs.
"What?" Houkou, disguised as Mariya, asks.
"Virginia, I can't believe she flaked and went home." Kayla answers.
"She had her reasons." Houkou says.
"She had a fit because she didn't get third seat, then slapped you!" Kayla argues, "That's not good reason to run off."
"Kayla, you have to have more patience with Virginia then with most." Cree says, "She's the newest one here, and has only begun to adapt to this world. What happened since she's come here is a bit hard on the brain in the terms of coming to process it. Just give her time. She'll come back when she's ready."
Houkou blinks.
She's only been given the information needed about these girls so that she's believable enough to be accepted by them, so to see them act as they usually do is a new experience for her. They seem helpful and smart, especially the Cree girl. If she was on the Bijuu's side, Houkou has no doubt that she probably would be a high ranked official, maybe even one of the advisers to the Master.
They're not exactly as dangerous as they're made out to be by Shukaku and the others who have encountered them before, but then again, when Shukaku has interacted with them, there's usually a fight going on, so they're usually battle ready. But right now, they're relaxed, and are just hanging out, not knowing that one of their greatest enemies sits among them.
Cree notices Houkou's staring.
"Mariya? Something wrong?" she asks.
"H-Huh?" Houkou answers.
"Mariya, are you zoning out on us?" Kayla asks.
Houkou grins.
"S-Sorry, I'm just worried about Virginia." she says, lying with something she thinks Captain Yattamori may say.
Bianca grins.
"Don't worry, she'll be back." Bianca says.
Houkou looks over at her, studying her.
Out of all of them, Bianca seems to be one of the weaker ones, besides Kayla. Her zanpakuto is named Aratatsuki, and has the power of dreams, mirrors, and illusions. She seems to have a bunch of weaknesses, and in essence, is weak, probably not that great at hand to hand combat, or even sword play. Out of the big five, she is the most quiet, and most reserved, though seems to be intelligent. She's pretty, as are the others, and out of all of them, has the coolest looking hairstyle. And, she wears a star pendant, as each wears one, the reason unknown to her.
"Thanks Bianca." Houkou says.
"Hey."
They all blink and turn around, Houkou's eyes widening some as she recognizes Toshiro Hitsugaya.
Her target.
"Oh, hey Toshiro." she says in Captain Yattamori's voice, the sound of it escaping her lips still a new feeling to her.
"Yattamori, what are you guys doing?" he asks, his deep teal eyes slightly questioning.
"Talking about Virginia." Kayla answers for her.
"Yeah, what are you doing here Toshiro?" Cree asks.
"Yattamori asked me to come over." he says, looking over at her, "So why am I here?"
Houkou grins as she stands.
"I'm taking you on a little field trip." Houkou says as she takes a hold of his wrist, walking towards the door.
He blinks in surprise.
"H-Huh?" he asks.
"Where are you taking him Mariya?" Bianca asks.
"It's a surprise." Houkou answers.
"Yattamori-" Toshiro starts.
Without warning, she flashsteps, cutting Toshiro off as she blasts past trees and other buildings of the Sereitei.
"M-Mariya!" Toshiro yells, irritated slightly by her actions,
"What?" she asks, "And why are you calling me Mariya?"
She knows enough to know that Toshiro doesn't call Captain Yattamori by her first name often.
"Cause I'm irritated!" he replies, "Where are you taking me?!"
"You'll see, stop being such a stick in the mud."
"I am not!"
She laughs, but her laughter is real, humored by this boy's stubbornness.
After a bit, they land in a field, surrounded by tall grasses. Toshiro blinks, taken by surprise as he looks around.
"Uh, I'm confused." he admits.
"I'm taking a breather! I need some fresh air!" Houkou says as she stretches her arms up to the sky, "I brought you with so you could get one too."
Toshiro blinks, then sighs.
"Yattamori, you're crazy." he comments.
She laughs.
...You haven't seen crazy yet, boy...
"Let's just relax for a bit, alright?" she says, "Just take in the surroundings."
After a moment, he grins, giving a chuckle. Her eyes flash wide for a second, before she turns away, a weird feeling growing in her chest.
...Whoa, what was that?...That was the same feeling I had from the night before...
"Yattamori?"
Houkou blinks.
"H-Huh?" she asks.
"You ok?" he asks, one of his silver eyebrows raised.
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just trying to clear my mind." she replies.
He watches her for a moment, then sighs.
"Alright then." he says.
She grins, turning away again.
With a smirk, she reaches her hand to her back, grabbing the hilt of her dagger blade.
Now is the time, along and secluded, she'll kill him here, then return to the Master with some of his blood as she had asked, leaving his corpse here to be found later, or eaten by the animals of the woods. That's the simplest assassination she's ever done as a top assassin of the Bijuu. She takes a deep breath, and prepares herself, turning.
...Here I go-
"Surprise for you too."
Her eyes widen as Toshiro takes hold of her free hand, pulling her into him. She looses all concentration instantly, blushing as she looses her grip on the hilt of the weapon, using it to take a hold of his sleeve.
"T-Toshiro-" she stutters.
Without warning, she's lifted high off the ground, Toshiro know the one catching her off guard as he flashsteps.
W-What?!
She holds onto him tight, not wanting to fall out of his grip. Her attempt to hold on better causes Toshiro to chuckle, causing her cheeks to grow warmer, which irritates and confuses her at the same time.
"T-Toshiro!" she yells.
"See how it feels to be taken someplace without knowing?" he asks, "Now maybe you'll think before doing that again to me Yattamori."
She grumbles.
"You're mean." she comments.
"Call me what you will, but trust me when I say you'll like your surprise." Toshiro replies.
Soon, they come to land in a village, many of the villagers wide-eyed as they appear at random. Though, Houkou is surprised even more when some actually seem to run off at the sign of their presence.
Are Captain Yattamori and Hitsugaya not liked by the people here?
"Toshiro-" Houkou starts.
"Come on, it's this way." Toshiro interrupts, taking hold of her hand, pulling her away from the staring eyes.
She reddens again, not sure what to do other then take grip of his hand.
Again, she looks around, now noticing some groups beginning to whisper among themselves.
Using her Bijuu abilities, she zones in on a few.
"...Oh look, Miss Yattamori and Hitsugaya are here."
"...Wow, I heard she had come back from the dead, but I never thought it was true...And somehow that guy got to her again..."
"...Damn, Mariya has grown into a babe!...An apparently powerful one too...Toshiro doesn't deserve her as a friend, much less an acquaintance..."
"...Look at how he's holding her hand. I tell you, that girl has the worse taste in boys, going for that guy when she can do so much better..."
"...Mariya and Toshiro must be a couple by now...who knows what he did to blackmail her into a relationship..."
Houkou's brow furrows. All the conversations around them have one basic similarity. They think highly of her, but Toshiro is received with the same respect as a bug. Unwanted.
She looks over at Toshiro, seeing that he's probably ignoring the chatter among the breeze.
He is a lot like her. She has always been an outcast among the Bijuu. She's always voiced her optimistic opinions about peace, and for that many hate her, shun her, and have dubbed her an outsider from the forces. Only when she was called forward by the Master and given a title as a head Bijuu did she gain some respect. Though, that was little, considering she's still pushed around by all the others, and the underlings still see her as nothing but a useless mass of space.
She subconsciously walks faster so that she is beside him, before whispering in her ear.
"Hey, let's make 'em a bit sorry."
He blinks, looking over at her.
"What do you mean?" he asks.
"Just go along with what I do, alright?" she says, looking him in the eyes.
He stares at her for a long moment before he sighs, and gives a nod.
She grins.
"You'll thank me for this." she comments.
In the most graceful way, she takes her hand from his, and wraps it around his upper arm, pulling him closer to her as she laces her fingers of her other hand with his.
His expression is priceless, one of shock and just plan confusion as his cheeks redden.
"M-Mariya-" he stutters.
"Oh, c'mon. You said I could hang onto you once we got here." she says with a silly pout, "Don't be stingy, a boyfriend should be cute and go with the flow."
He reddens even more.
"B-Boyfriend?!" he stutters quietly.
Houkou turns her hearing back on.
"...What did she just call him?!"
"...I was just kidding when I said he was with her. You mean he was actually able to get her to be his Girlfriend?!.."
"...Mariya is with Toshiro?! How did he do that?!"
"...Y'know, now that I look at him, he isn't that bad..."
"...Maybe you should ask him out sometime..."
She grins. Her idea is working. It seems that everyone is so stunned by Toshiro getting Mariya that they're actually beginning to readjust their opinions so it can make more sense to them!
Toshiro leans over to whisper in her ear.
"Mariya, this is embarrassing." Toshiro comments.
"Toshiro, it's working." She replies, "They're all jealous of you...hmm, didn't know I was such a catch."
He sighs.
"Now, for a finishing touch." she comments.
"What?-" he starts.
His eyes grow wider then ever as she plants a kiss on his cheek, nuzzling him after she pulls away. Blush rises in her cheeks as well, hearing a few gasps escape some of the villagers' mouths. Toshiro has no idea what to do, too taken back by what she's doing to be able to react, stop her, or voice his opinion. Infact, in a way, it seems that the most natural thing for him to actually do is go along with it, moving his head with her`s as she nuzzles at his neck.
Finally, they come to a cute, closing the door behind them as they finally separate.
"Oh my God, that was great." Houkou laughs.
"Great? That was heart stopping!" Toshiro argues.
"In a good way right?" she asks.
"Hello?"
There eyes widen, and they turn, a smile appearing on Toshiro's face as he spots the old woman. Her eyes follow his, and a smile appears on her face as well. This must be Hitsugaya's Grandmother, the same woman that took Captain Yattamori in when she was a young child as her own. She was also one that encouraged the two to enter the Soul Reaper Academy.
"Hi Grandma." Toshiro says with a grin.
Her face lights up as she registers the two.
"Oh Toshiro, Mari!" she explains with joy, "I've missed you two!"
Toshiro responds by walking over to her so she doesn't have to get up, kneeling beside her. She reacts by throwing her arms around him, taking Toshiro by surprise. Though, he grins, and soon hugs her back. With that, she walks closer, coming to stand over the two.
Now would be a great time to take care of Hitsugaya. He's open, and it would be easy to get in a kill shot. Her hand even flinches for a moment as to take hold of her blade, wanting to finish her job now.
Though, she can't bring herself to do it.
"Oh, dear Mari, come here." Hitsugaya's Grandmother's asks, "Toshiro told me the joy of your return, but this is my first time I see you since then."
Houkou grins, kneeling beside Hitsugaya.
"Hello Granny." she says sweetly.
Her reply is to pull Houkou into a warm embrace, taking her by surprise. At first, she doesn't know what to do, not really ever having someone hug her like this. But, soon, she naturally wraps her arms around the woman, smiling.
"Oh, you sweet girl, I'm so glad your back, well, and safe." Granny says with a joyous tone.
Houkou's brow furrows for a slight instant, before she holds Granny tighter.
"I've missed you." she replies.
"I've missed you more, more dear Mariya."
Mariya...
She has missed Mariya, not her.
This hug, this happiness. It's not for her.
It's for Mariya.
Though, as this crosses her mind, she throws it away, just wanting to enjoy the great surprise Toshiro has given her, and trying her best to ease the mind of their old Granny, as she still holds her tight.