It's Been A Long Time Folks

Hey guys, remember me?

Yeah...So, about the long pause in progress

I actually canceled MSAA in early May of this year, though it appears that I completely forgot to tell you all here. I'm very sorry that I did that.

The reason?

I got a critique of Mariya by a person named Yusu, who runs a tumblr called "You Sue You Lose"...She kinda ripped Mariya to shreds, pointing out every fault I had given her, and she even attack me in a way, though I don't blame her.

In response, I vowed to make Mariya a true Bleach OC...right down to changing her name yet again...and changing her image.

Yes, Mariya went from this:

To this:

 Yeah...major difference...

She's no longer a captain, in fact, Squad 14 no longer exists, neither does T.P. Abilities

But, in the recent months, checking back here for no good reason, I felt that the story was incomplete, and that bothered me.

So I'm gonna finish the Bijuu arc

You're Welcome XD

~Maddie

M.S.A.A. pt. 90

"...Houkou wasn't trained to fight as Mariya, only to copy her actions and personality. Nothing more, nothing less. She was to carry out two missions. Create Distance between herself and their target, Virginia, and eliminate her own target, Toshiro Hitsugaya. Though, it seems that these orders will be changed slightly as Virginia grows more aware of the truth that something is aloof about what's been happening. She is growing smarter by the day, and soon, Houkou will be discovered by her and revealed to Toshiro and the others that she is indeed a fraud. So, it seems that to set them off, they'll have to be sent a curve ball that will confuse them enough that Houkou's identity will be safe for the time being, and the continuation of her mission will be able to happen. Though, that doesn't mean that Houkou will remain untouched...."

August
SOUL SOCIETY
Kenta's Perspective
"Kenta, you're back so soon?" 
He turns, seeing Raijuu standing nearby.
Raijuu is a pretty big guy, standing at least 6'5". His skin is dark, making him appear more African then anything, offsetting his glowing yellow eyes. His golden yellow hair is kept in long dreads, cutting off about mid back. He wears cut off shorts and a plain black tee, not one that really cares about his appearance. Though, you can definitely tell he's a Bijuu by the six lightning shaped weasel tails that swing behind him.
Kenta smirks, the light catching his silver eyes.
"Yeah, Virginia was easy to confuse this time, so I thought I'd just go ahead and come back here." Kenta replies, "Besides, there's a bit of an issue."
Raijuu raises an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"Yeah, seems Virginia's beginning to get suspicious of Houkou." 
The two walk on.
"So are you gonna tell the Master?"
"Well, I kinda have to, I really have no other reason other then to relate her information." Kenta answers.
Raijuu sighs, looking over as they pass a hall, before he grabs Kenta's sleeve, stopping them. Kenta turns, and blinks.
"What?" he asks.
"Before we do that, let's go and enjoy ourselves for a few minutes." Raijuu says with a scheming grin.
Kenta watches him for a moment, noticing how his eyes are lighting up, before he grins back.
"Alright." Kenta says, turning back and walking down the hall, Raijuu following.
As they walk down the long and depressing hall, Kenta mind returns to the day he got the orders to seduce Virginia.
.
.
.
"Kenta." 
He turns in surprise.
"Y-Yes Ma'am."
He hears the woman in front of him chuckle.
"Boy, are you trembling? Does my very presence really cause your body to quiver so?" she asks.
Kenta gulps, not knowing how to respond.
This causes the woman to laugh again.
"You are most humorous, Kenta Shohen." she says, her hand gesturing, "Come closer boy, for I need to pass on information to you the involves me entering your mind."
Cautiously, he rises to his feet, his heartbeat echoing in his head as he nears the woman, finally getting a good look at her. 
The Master is a beautiful woman, looking to be in her mid 30's. She's dressed in a regal Kimono, one that looks like something a Hime would wear, the design on the outer being that of birds flying over the silk, branches sticking out from something off the tapestry that some of the birds sit upon. Her long hair looks to be almost silver, kinda like Captain Hitsugaya's, but there's a blue tint to hers, pulled back into a more official looking style dressed with Iris', her bangs falling nicely around her face. Though, her eyes are the most compelling. They seem to be glowing, the iris' seeming to be a yellowish white, burning somehow with darkness.
She grins, reaching her hand to him as he comes to stand about two feet from her.
"Come, let me show you what you are to do young man." she says.
With some bit of reluctance, he reaches his hand to her, letting her take a good grip of it.
Without warning, he's taken into what looks to be a different world, surrounded by mirrors.
"What the heck-" he starts.
...Kenta...
He blinks, turning to see something reflecting in the mirrors.
He sees a girl, a girl that looks to be about 140 years old. Her hair is curly, a beautiful gold color. Her eyes are ocean blue, seeming to be full of warmth, hidden slightly by glasses. She grins, laughing with light.
"Who..." he trails, seeming to be transfixed by this girl.
"This is your target, Kenta."
His eyes widen, taken back.
...My target?...Does that mean I'll have to...kill her?...
He hears laughter, which must belong to another, as it's darker.
"No, boy, you are not to kill this girl. In fact, quite the opposite." The Master says, "You are to have her join us."
Kenta blinks.
"Why?" he asks.
"Because, even though he might not look it, this girl has a vast amount of power. Power that can be used."
"What kind of power?"
"Her zanpakuto will be strong, but she has not achieved it. Actually, let me put it like this. She does not know she contains a zanpakuto. Or even of the Soul Society." The Master explains.
His eyes widen.
"Then, how do you know about her?" he asks.
"She is a companion of your old Captain, Mariya Yattamori."
Kenta grits his teeth.
"That bitch."
The Master giggles.
"Yes, but it seems she's good at making friends with powerful people. Just by watching them, three of her other friends do show zanpakuto potential, another almost the same power level as the girl you've been assigned." 
"So why am I only trying to get one of them?"
"Because under my control, she will be able to defeat all of those girls...including the one person in the world you detest."
"She could beat Yattamori?"
"Not just beat, if this girl, Virginia, was to fight Yattamori at full strength...she would be able to kill her."
Kenta's eyes widen.
"That is why I want you to go, find her, influence her powers to awaken, then, once she's here in our world, seduce her into becoming our ally." 
He watches the pictures of Virginia for a moment, then he smirks.
"So Kenta...Are you up for it?"
"...Hell yeah."
.
.
.
"Kenta."
He blinks, looking around to seem them walking towards the cells.
"Y-Yeah?" he asks.
"Dude, what's wrong withcha?" Raijuu asks, "Don't zone out on me, you'll find yourself regretting it."
"My bad, I just started thinking about-" Kenta starts.
"About how your stupid plan is falling apart."
They both blink, looking into the cell to see the real Yattamori sitting in the corner of her cell, her eyes glaring him down. Because they're not allowed to play with her as much as they did before, she seems to of gained some of her strength back over the past few days, her eyes now shining some with their old glimmer of power. Though, that doesn't mean she looks any better. Her clothes are still torn, her hair dried with old blood that has stained over most of her uniform and haori. Her lime green accessories have faded to a darker greenish brown shade as she's used her arms to whip away the blood on her face. Her arms are now in front of her, as the shackles are now in front.
Raijuu snears at her.
"You should be quiet bitch." Raijuu spits.
Yattamori isn't phased by him.
"I'm just stating that you fools were idiots to think that Virginia wouldn't notice anything. Out of all my friends, she is probably the one with the highest senses. I'm not surprised that she's catching on." Yattamori says as she stands.
Kenta sighs.
"How do you even know about that?" he asks.
"Virginia went to see my body in our world. When she touched me, her mind connected for a moment, and she saw what you idiots do to me for laughs."
His eyes widen.
Virginia has been able to contact the real Yattamori?!
Yattamori notices, and smirks.
"What is it Kenta? Did I ruin your mission?" she asks.
His eyes flash in anger.
"Why you-!" he starts.
"Don't be getting angry with me because your Master's plan has flaws. It won't win you anything." Yattamori interrupts.
Kenta glares her down.
Raijuu notices, and decides to get even.
Without warning, electricity runs through his hands, pointing it at her.
"Crack."
Yattamori's eyes widen.
"A-AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!" Yattamori screams.
Kenta blinks.
"H-How? She didn't release her Spiritual Pressure-" Kenta starts.
"Like that Cree girl, I can control electricity. Just tell me when to stop." Raijuu says with a smirk.
Kenta looks back at Yattamori, watching as blood begins to drip from her mouth and ears, causing something in him to jolt.
"AHHHHHH!" 
"Alright, alright, that's enough." he says.
Raijuu sighs, but closes his hand, cutting off the electricity that's flowing through Yattamori.
Kenta turns back towards Yattamori, watching as she sways on her feet, coughing up some good amounts of blood. She looks up, and makes eye contact with him, her eyes burning with pain, as the rest of her body. Tears begin to form in the corners of her eyes as she seems to pass out, falling to her knees.
"This...isn't..." she trails as she begins to fall forward, "...fair."
Unconscious, a small pool of blood forming around her as it trails from her mouth.
He walks away, turning to continue to go see the Master. Raijuu raises an eyebrow.
"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Raijuu asks.
"I need to inform the Master about what has happened." Kenta replies.
Raijuu watches him for a moment, then sighs.
"Whatever Man." Raijuu replies, watching Yattamori for a moment before turning and walking the other way.
Kenta sighs, and turns out of the hall, walking quickly to enter the great entrance to The Master's chamber.
Though, it seems he doesn't have to wait.
"Ma'am-" he starts.
"So, the girl has begun to investigate us, hmm?" 
Kenta's eyes widen as the room suddenly lights up around him, transforming more into a glass sphere that he just happens to be in the middle of. In front of him forms a great throne like chair, the Master appearing in it, resting her head on her palm.
"She's a smart girl, Master." Kenta comments.
"Yes, I am aware. That's another reason why I want her." The Master replies, "Yet it seems she's not willing to play along with us."
"What are you thinking we should do?" he asks.
The Master doesn't reply for a moment, thinking over the answer to his question. Then, a sly grin comes over her face.
"Well, it seems all we'll have to do is keep them confused and in the dark." The Master says.
Kenta blinks.
"What do you mean?" Kenta asks.
"Tell Shukaku to go and have some fun in the Sereitei. Take Soukou, Raijuu, and..." the Master trails, before smirking, looking back at Kenta with destruction in her eyes, "Yamata."
Kenta's eyes widen in alarm.
"Y-Yamata?!" Kenta stutters, "Master, she's the eight tails!"
"I am aware of that. But I believe it's about time she earns a turn to beat up some kids." the Master replies, before looking at him with question, "What? Are you afraid that Houkou will be hurt? Trust me when I say I will make sure Yamata won't go after her."
"I am not worried about Houkou." Kenta says surely.
She blinks, before she begins laughing.
"No, don't tell me...You're beginning to care for your target's well-being?" 
His brow furrows, causing The Master to chuckle more.
"You're beginning to get soft Kenta." 
He flinches.
"I'm not worried about Virginia either. I'm just saying that shouldn't you wait til the great invasion to release Yamata on them? The shock of her power would only guarantee victory." Kenta answers.
The Master's eyes flash.
"Kenta, are you saying that I will not win if I go through with sending Yamata now?" she asks.
His eyes widen.
"N-No!" he answers, "Master, I-"
"Silence Kenta." she answers, ice in her voice.
He gulps.
"Go, and tell them. They are to attack by midnight. That is an order." she says.
Kenta nods. Without another moment, the room disappears, leaving him shaken.
He pants, and quickly leaves, not knowing what to do, other then follow her orders. He walks down the hall, and soon hears Shukaku's laughter, coming from the hall. He groans, but follows the sound, until he finds Shukaku laughing his ass off as Yattamori hangs onto the rail of her door, panting as blood trails down her cheek.
"You did it again?" Kenta asks.
Shukaku blinks.
"Again? What do you mean again?" Shukaku asks.
"Raijuu already shocked her today." Kenta replies, "Oh, forget it for now. You got a mission from the Master."
Shukaku grins.
"Oh really?" he asks, "And what may that be?"
"You are to take Raijuu, Sokou...and Yamata to the Sereitei, and mess with Yattamori's friends." Kenta says.
Shukaku's eyes widen.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. You're bringing in 8 tails?" Shukaku says.
Kenta nods.
"Damn, I mean, she's scary. She's the second strongest out of all of us." he comments.
"Yeah, well, go get her from where ever she is, and get moving, Master wants you guys there before midnight." Kenta says.
Shukaku groans.
"Alright, alright, don't getcha panties in a twist."
With that, he walks off, probably trying to think up a good strategy. Kenta sighs.
Suddenly, he feels something grab his sleeve.
"Hmm?" he says, turning.
"Who...is Yamata?" Yattamori says, her voice cracking.
Kenta blinks.
"Get off Yattamor-" Kenta starts.
"Kenta, tell me, damn it!" Yattamori says, her eyes burning, "What are you sending towards my friends?!"
He gulps, not knowing how to respond.
Yattamori somehow makes contact with his wrist, and her eyes widen. Then with what strength she has, she takes a tight hold of him, pulling him into the bars, taking him by surprise.
She looks him dead in the eyes, the blood from her last seizure still dripping down her face.
"You listen to me, you hear!" Yattamori snarls, "If you let a monster like that near my friends, people that aren't even from here, I will tear you apart myself, limb by limb, muscle by muscle, cell by cell!"
His eyes widen, somehow feeling her Spiritual Pressure seeping through him, intimidating him about as much as the Master.
"And Virginia! You really want Virginia going through Hell like this?! You're the one trying to seduce her, right? Don't you care at all if she's put up to a monster?!" Yattamori screams, "And Toshiro...I swear to God if you do anything to him, I'll kill you now!"
"Yattamori! You shouldn't talk so big!" Kenta yells.
She pulls him closer.
"You shouldn't talk like your gonna live past this." she growls.
He gulps.
Without warning, her eyes blaze blue, and he hears the beeping.
He smirks.
"You're an-" he starts.
Without warning, he feels his body seize, jolting as the volts take over his entire body.
"A-AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" he screams.
"NOW WHO'S LAUGHING BASTARD?!" Yattamori screams over him.
With the end, he falls into the bar, gasping as blood spats on the ground, running down his chin. He looks back up at her, meeting her eyes again. She's panting, as it seems it took some work to make the electricity run through him, and not her. Now he understands. Her pain wasn't a joke. It was horrible...and she had to experience it at least once a day.
He sighs.
"You get that monster...away from them...from Toshiro..." Yattamori pants.
Kenta watches her for a minute.
"Why do you want my help?" he asks.
She again looks up at him, her expression different then before. She looks scared, like she's begging him with her eyes for him to help her for once.
"You are...the only person that knows my friends...knows me..." she trails, "Only you will be able to get the message to them....At least...tell...Virginia."
He watches her.
She's getting weaker by the moment. He looks down, taking hold of her clenched hands, gently pulling them from him.
"You're crazy Yattamori." he says, his eyes flashing.
She chuckles.
"I'll be crazy if it'll mean my friends will be alright."
With that she slowing gives, consciousness taken from her as she falls over. For a moment, he looks over her, before, he sighs. With a special power, the door to her cell opens, and he walks in, coming to stand above her. She looks like a helpless child who simply fell asleep, though her tattered clothes and bloodstained hair explains her real situation. He leans over, resting her head on his shoulder as he reaches under her knees and back, picking her up off the ground. She breaths unevenly, though soon she relaxes as he turns around.
Before she left, Houkou had returned to see Yattamori. With her, she brought a pillow and blanket, though Yattamori refused to use it, not wanting help from an enemy. Though, he sets her down, putting the pillow on the bench before resting her back.
Her face looks more peaceful then it has in a long time as he puts the blanket over her, patting her on the shoulder.
He sighs again.
"You really are insane."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia looks around, feeling a shift in the air.
She turns, looking in the north.
Cree notices.
"Virginia, something wrong?" Cree asks.
She turns back to face her.
"N-No...Nothing." she replies, turning back towards the group.
She looks up, and seems surprised, as it seem Mariya, who's actually Houkou, is on edge too, looking around as well.
"I'm gonna go take this to Toshiro. Be right back." Houkou says, walking away.
Kayla blinks.
"Alright then." she calls as Houkou flashsteps away.
"Virginia, are you sure nothing is wrong?" Bianca asks.
She nods.
"Yeah." she says, "I'll be right back."
"Where are you going?" Cree asks.
"A girl's gotta pee hun." Virginia calls back.
In reply, Bianca and Kayla burst out laughing, as Cree giggles.
Virginia grins as she turns the corner.
Though, when she's pulled aside, her happiness is cut off.
"W-What?!-" she starts.
"Virginia."
She blinks, looking up to see Kenta holding her. She glares.
"Kenta-"
"You need to get out of here." he says.
"Huh-"
"Something bad is coming." he cuts her off again, "You need to get somewhere else."
She watches him, and realizes that for once, his silver eyes...aren't exactly silver. If anything, there a darker green color.
"Kenta, what's going on?" she asks.
He looks around, seeming to be on edge.
"Virginia, I can't explain." he says, "Just get. out."
"I'm not leaving Mariya and the others." she says.
"Virginia, I'm not doing this with you. You need to go, and hide." he says.
"What is your problem?!" she asks.
"I just don't want you involved with Yamata."
"Who the hell is Yamata?"
"The eight tails." Kenta replies, "She's one of the most powerful Bijuu, and she's a force that can't be stopped by your friends."
She watches him for a moment.
"Why did you come to warn me?" she asks.
He doesn't answer for a moment.
"To tell the truth, I don't know." he replies, "I guess I'm just keeping a promise."
"To who?"
"That's not important. Now, get moving-"
"No."
"Virginia!"
"Kenta, you are an idiot.You think I'll abandon Mariya, and Cree, and everyone else." she says, "I'm not going to leave them to face her alone."
He watches her, their eyes connected.
"She's not the only one...Shukaku, and the Bijuu that originally took Yattamori are coming." he says, "Plus there's a hot headed one that can do major damage."
Virginia gulps.
"How much time do we have?" she asks.
"I don't know, I left before I knew when."
She sighs.
"Thank you, but I'm not abandoning them." she says, turning and beginning to walk away.
"No!" he says, grabbing her wrist.
"K-Kenta!-"
"I'm not allowing you to walk into your grave!" Kenta snaps.
Her eyes go wide, not knowing how to react to this guy. One minute, he's a pain in the ass which she can easily see as the one who tried to murder Mariya. But, another, like right now, he actually seems to...care, and he acts like an alright guy who's just putting up a jerk mask to hide whatever it is inside that is human. But, one thing always comes back to bite him. And that is the fact that he is working for the Master of the Bijuu.
His brow furrows in slight annoyance, and she groans, as she knows that he probably just listened to everything she just thought about.
"Stop getting in my head!" she yells.
"I don't try to half the time, you let me in!" he answers.
She blinks.
She's letting him into her mind?!
"Kenta-" she starts.
"There's more to me then you know Virginia, you can't just assume those things about me." Kenta replies, looking her straight in the eyes, the silver returning, "I'm not a good guy."
She looks over him.
"Yet at the same time, you're helping me because you care enough." she answers.
She watches as he clenches his jaw, not knowing how to respond.
And, back with the group as Houkou returns, she picks up his sneaky Spiritual Pressure.
Houkou looks over her shoulder in the direction Kenta and Virginia are.
"Mariya?" Bianca asks.
"Yeah?" Houkou answers.
"Something wrong?" Kayla asks.
"No, just wondering where Virginia went." she replies.
"Oh, she went to the bathroom." Cree says.
"Oh, I see." Houkou answers, turning back towards them, "Well, let's not waste any more time, she can catch up, let's go train-"
"So these are the bitches?" 
Houkou's eyes widen in alarm as she looks up, the life flashing as she sees what she was fearing.
"B-Bijuu!" Cree yells.
Virginia's eyes widen, turning to run to them.
"What?-" Virginia starts.
"No!" Kenta says, pulling her back into his arms.
She struggles against him to get free.
"K-Kenta! Let me go!" she screams.
"No!" he says again.
That's it.
Without warning, her eyes burst a bright blue, her Spiritual Pressure surrounding them. Kenta's eyes widen in surprise, not knowing what to do as ice begins to freeze over him.
"D-Damn it." Kenta stutters.
Easily, Virginia breaks free, letting the ice cover him more.
"Sorry, but you can't keep me from helping my friends." Virginia says, before running around the corner.
Kenta grits his teeth.
"V-VIRGINIA!" he yells.
"Hmm...now these are some hot girls. No lie." 
Houkou gulps, not knowing what to do. Raijuu is big, and definitely powerful.
What are they doing here?!
"Raijuu, stop your drooling and think about the mission at hand." 
As Virginia rounds the corner, she gasps as she sees Sokou.
"YOU!" Virginia yells.
Sokou looks over.
"V-Virginia-" Cree starts.
"You're the bastard that took Mariya!" Virginia yells, pulling Yukitora from mid-air, "Now to get some payback!"
"Virginia, stop!" Houkou yells, turning her head to look at her, "These guys are bad news-"
"Got that right."
Houkou's eyes widen as she turns back to see crimson eyes staring her down. She feels herself go white.
"N-Not you..." Houkou trails, "...Yamata."
"Yamata?" Kayla repeats.
Virginia's eyes widen.

..."Who the hell is Yamata?"
"The eight tails...She's one of the most powerful Bijuu, and she's a force that can't be stopped by your friends."...
"Guys, get out!" Virginia yells, "She's more powerful then all of them combined!"
Cree and the others' eyes widen in alarm.
"Why are you-" Houkou starts.
"Hello Yattamori."
Houkou turns her head to see Shukaku.
"Shukaku!" she yells.
Without warning, Shukaku slugs her right in the gut, taking her by surprise as she hears cracking through her body.
"M-Mariya!" Bianca yells.
The impact of his fist sends her flying back about 20 yards over the railing, landing hard in a billow of debris on the ground below.
"And goodbye for now." Shukaku laughs.
Kayla grits her teeth.
"Why you!" she yells, pulling her blade from her sheath, "Soar, Washikaen!"
Shukaku snears.
"I remember you...Raijuu!" Shukaku yells.
"Got it, let's get them started fried." Raijuu answers with a laugh.
"What?-" Bianca starts.
"Crack!" 
Without warning, electricity surrounds them.
"WHAT?!" Kayla yells.
Cree stays silent.
"This is not good." Virginia says.
"Fry girls!" Raijuu yells, the electricity shooting at them.
"No!"
With that, Cree pulls her sword, holding it up as the volts shoot. Forcefully, the bolts hit her and the sword with violent jolts, causing her to clench her teeth just to keep from screaming as the impact causes her feet to scratch back on the wood.
"C-Cree!" Bianca stutters.
Raijuu laughs.
"Girl, you are dumb to think you could take this on your own!-"
"Ugh, you're a big talker like that Isonade guy." Cree says.
Raijuu raises an eyebrow.
"You're still able to talk?" he asks.
"You sound surprised. Guess that means that no one told you our powers." Cree says with a small smirk, "Well, hate to burst your bubble."
Without warning, the electricity disappears, taking them all by surprise.
"Strike..." Cree  trails, beginning to glow yellow, "Hebi Denkou!"
With that, her blade contorts and begins to glow wildly as the electricity cracks. Raijuu's eyes widen as her blade finally morphs into a bolt, causing her to grin as she brings it to her side.
"So, you're fighting fire with fire." Cree says.
Raijuu grits his teeth.
"Another who can wield electricity." he says.
"C-Cree." Virginia stutters.
"Come at me, and let's see who's better with it." Cree says as the bolt sparks at her side.
"No."
Cree's eyes widen in alarm as she turns, met with a fierce blow to the gut, and like Mariya, she goes flying.
"CREE!" Kayla yells.
Luckily, Cree catches herself, skidding some on the air, whipping her head up to see who hit her. Though, she doesn't get a long breather as the shadow flies at her.
"Looks like Yamata picked out her opponent." Sokou says.
Virginia's eyes widen. 
"Oh, no!" Virginia says.
Sokou turns back, and meets her eyes, causing Virginia to shutter.
"Raijuu, take care of fire girl and the blue head." Shukaku says.
"Her name is Bianca, dumbass!" Kayla yells.
With that, Raijuu sends another electric wave at them, which Kayla and Bianca barely dodge.
"Guys!" Virginia yells as she begins to run towards them.
"Unfortunately, he is not your opponent." Sokou says, landing in front of her, "I am."
Virginia grits her teeth.
"Damn bird!" Virginia says as she glows.
Shukaku grins, using their distractions to help him follow after Houkou unnoticed. He chuckles as he jumps over the rail, landing about 2 yards away from Houkou as she struggles still to stand. She looks up, and snarls at him, her eyes flashing red.
"Oh, poor Houkou." Shukaku laughs.
"Bastard, why did you attack me?!" Houkou asks in her own voice.
"For the fun of it."
"I am your ally, idiot!"
"I'm following the Master's orders, Houkou."
Houkou blinks.
"The Master's orders?" she repeats.
"Yes, to attack the group to confuse them."
"But, why? Why do you need to confuse them?"
"Because the Virginia twit is beginning to put the puzzle together."
"What does that mean?"
"She's beginning to realize that something is going on, and if we left it be, you would be exposed as a fraud."
Houkou's eyes widen.
"But...how-" Houkou starts.
"That's not important. Right now, we need to make everything look like we're trying to get Yattamori." Shukaku interrupts, beginning to walk closer.
"How d-do you plan to do that?" she asks.
Shukaku smirks.
"Simple." 
Without warning, she's encased in a sand claw, trapping her.
"H-Hey!" she yells.
"Na, ah, ah. Remember? You're Mariya Yattamori!" Shukaku yells, "Now sound like her!"
With that, he slams her into a tree, knocking the breath out of her.
"Ack!" she breaths, her voice subconsciously changed back to Yattamori's voice. 
Shukaku smirks.
"You're helpless considering that your powers have been banned of use while you're in that form. You can do nothing but scream!" Shukaku laughs as he throws her again, knocking her into the concrete side of the building.
The impact causes her bones to crack some, a good high scream escaping her throat. Her body is limp, unable for her to get control as what Shukaku said is true. So not to risk her powers seeping out and revealing her true identity, Houkou had to set a ban on her abilities, which can only be broken if she returns to her true form. But now it's working against her as now she has nothing that can protect her from Shukaku's attacks.
Everyone seems to be at a disadvantage here, as Cree is probably the one in the worst situation above, Houkou able to hear her off tone screams as she's attacked by Yamata. She hears Virginia doing her best to fight off Sokou, probably winning as he's the weakest out of all of the Bijuu. And as for Kayla and Bianca, it's hard for her to tell. They're probably not doing too well, considering Raijuu is the 5th strongest. They couldn't even take out Shukaku, the second weakest, though she shouldn't be talking, as she's being beaten to wits end by his sandy attacks. 
Shukaku laughs at her helplessness.
"Feel the pain I will instill for the slaughter of Nekomata!" Shukaku yells, sending another, more powerful attack at her.
She squeezes her eyes shut, fearing the pain.
"Hyorinmaru!"
Her eyes widen in alarm as finds that the sand has been blocked, the sand holding her beginning to freeze over.
"This is..." she trails, before looking up.
As expected, she sees Toshiro, a look of worry on his face.
Shukaku sneers at him.
"Bastard!" Toshiro yells, whipping his sword down, causing a great ice dragon to form off the tip, flying at Shukaku at high speeds.
His eyes widen, trying his best to escape being frozen over by Hitsugaya's attack. Using the dragon as a distraction, Toshiro flashsteps over to her, moving his sword a certain way to cause the sand to crack and break apart, freeing her. She only falls a foot before Toshiro catches her in his arms, holding her tight as he flashsteps to a corner.
"You alright?" he asks, sitting her against the wall.
She pants, looking up at him. His teal eyes are alive and on edge.
"Y-Yeah..." she trails, "But I'm not the person you need to be worrying about right now."
"What do you mean?" he asks.
"Cree...she's been made Yamata's...target." she gasps, the wounds finally taking effect on her.
"Who's Yamata?"
"The eight tails!" Houkou answers hoarsely, "She'll, she'll kill her...she's one of the most powerful..."
Toshiro's eyes widen in alarm.
"Not good." he comments, "Luckily, I thought ahead."
She blinks.
"What do you mean?" she asks.
"Whoa, looks like a real war zone over here."
Houkou's eyes widen, looking up to see at least two dozen more Soul Reapers above them. They're not from Yattamori's Squad, but as two men in white haoris show, she discovers they're of two other Squads.
Squad 8 with Captain Kuoraku, and Squad 5 with Captain Aizen.
Kuoraku looks down and spots her.
"Wow, Mariya, you're beat up bad." he comments.
Houkou sighs.
"You don't think I noticed?" she replies.
He chuckles.
"At least you still have your sense of humor." Kuoraku answers.
She grins.
"Here, let me get her someplace safe."
Toshiro and Houkou turn to see Yattamori and Hitsugaya's childhood friend Momo Hinamori walking towards them.
Toshiro nods.
"Alright-" he starts.
"Wait, wait! I can't leave Cree and the others!" Houkou fights, putting on a good show.
"Yattamori, you're too wounded." Toshiro replies.
"I'm fine-" Houkou starts as she stands.
Suddenly she feels a jolt of pain come from her rib cage, causing her to fall back over, coughing, some blood coming up.
"See?!" Toshiro says, coming to be beside her, looking back up at Hinamori, "Get her out of here."
Hinamori blinks.
"Shiro, don't you want to come with Mari?" she asks.
His expression becomes annoyed.
"Really, now you're calling me that dumb name?" Toshiro asks, before shaking it off, "No, I have to deal with an idiot who I still have a score to settle with."
"That sand Bijuu?" she asks.
He nods.
"Why?!" Houkou asks, feeling somehow protective of her target.
He looks at her, his eyes meeting hers, her voice lost.
"After what he did to you, I won't allow this guy off. He'll die by my blade." he answers, before turning back, flashstepping to go meet Shukaku.
Her eyes are wide, her heart beat picking up.
"Toshiro..." she trails.
"Alright, c'mon Mari, we need to get out of here." Hinamori says.
"But Toshiro-" Houkou starts.
"He'll be fine Mari, with that resolve in him, we won't go down." Hinamori interrupts, looking hopeful, "You'll see, Toshiro will take care of him for you."
She watches her a moment.
...For me?...No, not for me...it's all for Mariya...for Mariya...
Houkou closes her eyes.
...But, for now, I'll just allow myself to believe it really is me....that he's fighting for...protecting...
"C'mon Captain."
She opens her eyes to find Aneko now beside her, carefully putting her arms under her legs and back, picking her up from the grass. She looks around, realizing that Yattamori's Squad must of just arrived, as Squad Members wearing the T.P. uniform appear, their swords drawn. Though one catches her eyes, a young man who seems determined and rushed.
As Aneko flashsteps higher, Houkou sees where he's headed.
Right towards Yamata.
He must want to save Cree. But why?
"Rikuto, that idiot." Aneko says, "If Cree can't take her, then he definitely can't."
"But Rikuto will go anyway, he will protect Cree." Hinamori says, "That's just how he is about her now."
...Why does he hurry to his death? And for a girl like Cree?...Yes, she is good, and fun, smart, and pretty...but what does that matter?...What is it that makes these beings want to protect someone other then themselves...what is it?...

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...?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.