With the Captains suffering casualties and heavy injuries on their side, all hope seemed to be lost... until Shinji Hirako appeared, along with the rest of the former Shinigami. Though the aid of the Vizards certainly helped to draw the battle in their favor, it seemed Aizen's power alone proved too much for them.
She ran. No, she flew. As fast as her little legs could carry her, she flew. Thoughts racing, she turned a corner and continued this euphoric flight. Well, at least it felt like flying. But when you're six years old, a sprint is pretty much flying. However, she skidded to a stop, her crimson hair flying in front of her. She squealed for a moment before tucking it back behind her ear. She wished she had listened to her mother and put it in a ponytail for the summer's day. But, that wasn't why she stopped. She was about to cross the street; Mommy and Daddy had taught her to always stop before crossing the street. She stretched her big brown eyes as open as they could go. She looked left. She looked right. And then repeated the process like clockwork. Safety was a decent thing to indoctrinate into your children. Letting a car pass, the young girl tapped her foot impatiently. Why wouldn't they hurry up? Didn't that driver know her family was having a picnic today? HURRY UP.
After the car passed and she made sure there were no other cars coming, she got ready to leap like a lion to cross the street. Just then, she felt something catch her by the cuff of her light pink shirt and pull her back. Her faced turned from one of euphoria to one of absolute terror in a split-second. She was in trouble.
"Asuka, what did your mother and I say about running off? You know running around town is dangerous, don't you? Also, your sister doesn't like to run nearly as much as you do." With his hand lightly clenched on his daughter's shirt, Toshioni Sarungekki let out a small sigh of relief. Why his daughter had to have inherited Mizuki's energy was beyond him, but that was part of life. Frankly, he wouldn't change a thing about either of his daughters. Though, in all fairness, he did sometimes wish Asuka was a little less energetic. Pushing thirty, Toshioni wasn't necessarily as limber as he used to be. He didn't have to fight nearly as many hollows these days and the life of an art teacher wasn't necessarily conductive to lots of exercise.
Turning on her heels, Asuka looked up at her father looking lost in thought. He did this a lot. And it was her job to keep him on his toes. Nudging his leg a bit, the young Quincy demanded paternal attention. "Sorry Daddy. But I was just so excited." She offered an apology and a big smile. Daddy didn't get mad.
Looking down at his daughter for her apology, Toshioni couldn't help but smile. He had been a bit worried about her when she ran off. He had even had to give the picnic basket to Mizuki and chase after her. He used Hirenkyaku to catch up to her, which wasn't particularly fun. But, despite all this...he couldn't be mad at her. Never. So, he released her shirt neck and offered a smile back. "Okay Asuka. But I do have to punish you for making me worry so much. You have to hold Daddy's hand while we cross the street, okay?"
"Okay Daddy!" The young girl wormed her hand into her father's (who had to stoop a little), and again began the practice of preparing to cross the street. When Toshioni said it was okay, the pair crossed the street into the local park.
"Okay, your punishment's done, have you learned your lesson?" he asked.
"Yes! Daddy's punishments aren't punishments!" She answered, but did not let go of his hand. She liked this. It was like she was leading Daddy around.
"No Asuka. Don't run off like that again." He let out a small sigh and walked with his daughter into the grass where they would wait for Mizuki and Asuka's twin sister. "Okay. Let's not go too far into the park. We still have to wait."
Not to far behind was Mizuki and her other daughter, Minako. Her long blonde hair waving in the wind as her and her mother walked at a decent pace. Her blue eyes looked about, as she was curious about every little thing. She would point at almost everything, in a lax manner of course, asking her mommy to look. Mizuki would look and exclaim how beautiful it was, or how cool it was, even if it were an ordinary, everyday kind of thing. Once they got close, Minako began to slow down in pace, as she knew they were insight, and by they it was none other than her daddy and Asuka. She was relieved and felt at ease at the sight of them, knowing Asuka's love for thrill, she had hoped nothing had happened to her twin sister. Mizuki looked down at her other daughter, still holding her hand.
"Come on now Mina, Asu and Daddy are waiting." With a smile and a release of her hand, she squatted down to whisper to Minako. "I'll race ya"
Once that was said, Minako took off like lightning, running to where the other two were, yelling back at her mother, "I'm gonna win!"
Mizuki laughed and picked up a slight jog after her daughter. Being a stay at home mother could take a lot out of you, especially when you looked after twins! It was a bit easier than that though, since Minako was calm and lax like her father, Asuka was like Mizuki, which meant Mizuki could easily tell what Asuka was going to do next, allowing her to have an easier time keeping her out of trouble... Up until she ran off. There was just no way Mizuki could catch her once she was off, especially since she had become less in shape from the two of them.
This was okay though, it allowed Mizuki's body to create a perfect womanly form. Her breasts had become larger, her hips wider, and even her face looked older. She was no longer that young teenager who didn't have much else going but her boyfriend. She had a family... And also a hollow hunting business, which she managed in her spare time. Granted she could no longer fight like she once could, but if the need arose, she could take out a hollow swiftly. This Mizuki was better than ever.
As they waited Asuka kept tugging on Toshioni's hand to try to lead him around the grassy area. For the most part, he complied. However, he would often look over his shoulder and try to scan for his wife and Asuka's paternal-twin Minako. Normal eyes wouldn't have been able to spot them when they were over a tenth of a mile away, but Toshioni didn't have normal eyes. After Asuka stopped chasing a butterfly, which was pesky in its escape. Toshioni looked down at his daughter with a small smile. "Can you give Daddy a moment to find Mommy and Minako?" Asuka looked up at him and gave him an upset look. He was always doing this: interrupting their play time to do something boring. It was always "let me find Mommy" or "cook dinner" or "go to work". How selfish of Daddy. But it was okay. Asuka still loved him. Even if he was more boring than Mommy. "Okay Daddy. But can I play?" Quickly scanning the small grassy area they were in, Toshioni didn't see any immediate dangers. Also, he knew his family's reiatsu well, he could sense if she got too far off if he focused. "Okay Asu, but stay close." He let go of her hand and she began to run around in near circles chasing this, that, and everything else.
Turning his attention to getting a visual on Mizuki and Minako, he took in a deep breath, closed his eyes, and summoned his reiatsu. Light blue energy swirled around him and a spiritually aware individual would be able to tell he was a Quincy. However, he didn't summon a bow. He didn't activate his Vollstandig. He focused on his own technique: Resonance. Quickly he opened his eyes. They did not show the usual light brown eyes of Toshioni Sarungekki. These Azure eyes were the eyes of a true Quincy. He didn't see shapes or objects. He saw reiatsu. Reiatsu had colors which were important to know. He looked in the average direction where he left his wife and daughter. He spotted the blue energy of his Quincy daughter, and the red tinted aura of his very human wife. They were a bit closer than he expected. Toshioni's family would be reunited momentarily. Exhaling, he let his reiatsu die down. Unfortunately, his eyes never changed back immediately. "Found them," he muttered.
Meanwhile, Asuka was busy. Very very busy. Chasing bugs and other beautiful things was serious work. She was being active and helpful while Daddy just stood there. As she heard her father mutter something to himself, she decided she'd given him enough time. Running up in front of Toshioni, she began to tug on his hand. Feeling his daughter pestering signaling him. He instinctively looked down at her with a curious look. "What's up Asu?" Asuka made eye contact with her father and smiled. He had his sky eyes on. They were so pretty, she wished she could make her eyes look that pretty. "You have sky eyes Daddy! But, come play with me." Toshioni offered her a small smile, and nodded to both statements. His daughters had many misconceptions about how being a Quincy worked and dubbed his abilities with silly names. "Fast step", "Sky eyes", and "Magic bow" were just a few examples. He had tried to shield them from these things while they were younger. But Toshioni wasn't a very discrete man.
After maybe three minutes of playing with Asuka, he looked over and saw Mizuki and Minako standing across the street. He tugged on his daughter's hand to tell her the rest of their family was there. Asuka looked up and pouted, but knew that they were going to have to eat together soon. "Look Daddy, they're here. It took them a while, didn't it?" Toshioni looked across the street at his family and smiled in spite of himself. His beautiful, healthy family. He'd done well for himself. His father would be proud, at least that's what his mother told him every day. He locked eyes with his wife, Resonance still in his eyes. "Mizu-chan..."
Mizuki and Minako had reached the street to which they had to cross to get to their family on the other side. Toshioni and Asuka were waiting for them. Resonance still fresh in Toshioni's eyes, Mizuki knew he was a bit concerned. But she also knew how to handle herself, as she had demonstrated to him many times before. At the same time, it was nice to see the concern. Her husband was a caring father and a wonderful man to her, and nothing could ever change that. Before Mizuki could even blink, her eyes had met Toshioni's. Almost instantly, she smiled.
Not even realizing there was a street there, Minako almost ran out in traffic, being less caution than her sister. Before she could run out, Mizuki snatched her up. "Minako, look both ways, then cross." A stern motherly voice came from Mizuki. It was almost eerie what she had become from having kids, but at the same time, she enjoyed every bit of it. Letting her daughter back down, after looking both ways, she grabbed Minako's hand and crossed the street. As soon as the got to the other side, Minako shook off Mizuki's hand and ran over to Asuka and Daddy. Mizuki walked over to join them.
"Daddy! Daddy! We saw this and that.." Minako began to list off every little thing that they had came across, being excited about these things. After she was done, she awaited Mizuki to prepare the blanket, since she had already gotten it out.
"Alright, alright, I think Daddy has heard enough. Besides.. It's time to eat." Mizuki smiled as she laid the blanket down, setting the basket in the middle, and sitting at one edge. She began to unpack it, laying out the plates, along with a loaf of bread and various condiments and deli meats. And the cheese, don't forget the cheese ever! That was Minako's favorite part. Though that was a little strange to Mizuki, who didn't care to much for it, and she knew Toshioni wasn't a cheese enthusiast. Nevertheless, it had to be there. Mizuki began to make the sandwiches, making Minako's three cheese sandwich and then starting on Asuka's and then Toshioni's, leaving hers for last. That was just the fate of a mother.
Minako sat idly by, awaiting her favoritest thing in the world. She would devour that sandwich like no other! She couldn't wait!
Toshioni smiled as Mizuki and Minako appeared on the other side of the street. His eyes locked with Mizuki's for a moment and they shared a smile. It was impressive that they'd been together for so long with only a few months apart. What was even more impressive was that they were still so in love. He never knew he could care so much about another person until he'd married Mizuki and they'd had Asuka and Minako. However, their quasi-romantic moment was cut short as Minako began to just take off towards him. She took one step onto the road, before Mizuki snatched up the excitable girl and scolded her for almost running into the street. But regardless of Mizuki's intervention, every muscle in Toshioni's body was tense. His reiatsu had flared up to higher than the level it had been when he activated Resonance. He was perfectly prepared to "fast step" out and snatch her up as need be. He would outrun cars and punch one in two if he thought it was going to hurt his daughter.
Asuka also watched Minako almost step out in traffic. With their twin link, she flinched expecting pain. She squeezed her father's hand tightly in fear but loosened her grip when Mommy grabbed her away to safety. "Thanks Mommy," she whispered. She didn't know what she would do if anything happened to her twin. They were two parts of a whole. She just couldn't function without Minako. However, she noticed something else was wrong. She felt a little light-headed for some reason. Looking over, she saw that Daddy had tensed up with his serious face. He had that blue stuff all around him, and it was making her dizzy. With a little effort, she reached up and tugged on Toshioni's pant leg. Looking up at her father, she frowned. "Daddy, please stop. It's okay. Mommy's got her." Toshioni looked down at the daughter right next to him and noticed how his reiatsu was negatively impacting her. He forgot how susceptible she was to his energy in his panic about her sister. Biting his bottom lip, he forced his reiatsu to simmer down. His eyes met with his daughter and she hugged his leg, shaking softly. "I'm sorry Asuka. Please forgive me."
"It's okay Daddy. I love you."
"I love you too Asuka. And your sister. And Mommy. I got worried."
"You worry a lot."
"That's a daddy's job."
Minako and Mizuki crossed the street and Minako shook loose of her mother and ran over to Toshioni. He let go of Asuka's hand (who seemed to understand). And met her by wrapping her up in a tight hug after kneeling down to her level. "Please don't ever do that again Minako. You had Daddy so very worried." Asuka watched Minako run over to Daddy. She took a step back and let Daddy lightly scold her. It was more of pleading, but that was about as stern as Daddy got. She walked up to Minako and lightly shoved her hand while she hugged Daddy. "Don't do that baka. Daddy was about to Fast Step to save you."
However, she wouldn't stay with Daddy and Minako for long: they were a bit boring. Running over to Mommy, Asuka wrapped her arms around Mizuki's leg in a hug. "Hi Mommy!" But, Mommy couldn't stay for long. She had to lay out the blanket and begin unpacking for the picnic. Asuka tried to help with the blanket, pulling the corners down and trying to keep the edges straight on the unruly grass. It was a chore, but Asuka was happy to help out mommy. Toshioni meanwhile, listened to Minako's retelling of all the fantastic things she'd seen. Toshioni chuckled periodically, imagining Mizuki listening to all this. But, Mizuki also loved spending time with their daughters, so she truly wouldn't mind. When Mizuki said it was time to eat, the entire family gathered around on the blanket as she began to prepare the food. Toshioni wanted to help, but knew that Mizuki wouldn't let him. Also, someone had to make sure Asuka wouldn't run off. Currently, she was busy with the blanket corners. But who knew how long that would last.
Mizuki presented Minako's sandwich which was full of cheese (which Mizuki couldn't understand). Minako looked ready to devour the sandwich but Toshioni wasn't letting that happen. "Minako, don't start eating until everyone gets their sandwich. That's rude. Right Asuka?"
"I'm sorry Daddy... I just wanted to get over here with you and sissy!" Minako tended to call her sister sissy, and she reacted to the words said by her sister. "Mommy was right there! Besides, it wasn't like anyone was coming!" Though this was true, it was still wrong, hence why Mizuki acted as she did. But wait, mommy already scolded her, why did daddy and sissy? That was unfair!
Asuka had met Mizuki as she got over there, hugging her leg. Of course, Mizuki's response was to hug her back, so she did just that before getting things prepared. The sandwiches weren't tough to make, seeing as she knew who liked what, it was actually fairly simple. After she was done, she smiled at the comments of Toshioni and Asuka, chuckling lightly at them. She knew how impatient little Minako could get, which was why she made hers first. Even, then, she also knew it was all manners with Toshioni, especially since he had done some 'growing up' in the few months they weren't around one another.
"But... but!" As Minako began to argue with her dad and sister, she noticed that they too had sandwiches in front of them! Then why did she have to wait?! "You guys have your food! Why can't I eat now?!"
Mizuki laughed as she finished up her sandwich. "It's because your father is quite the gentleman," Mizuki smiled to Toshioni, then continued. "And I had to finish up mine so that we all can eat." Mizuki patted Minako on the head, confirming her to go ahead and eat.
And with that, she was off! She began to devour the poor innocent sandwich, eating it pretty fast. Must be one of the things she got from her father as well, since, she was just like him in many ways.
Toshioni frowned as she explained. That didn't matter. "Minako. That doesn't matter. Your mother and I told you several times to always look both ways before crossing the street. It's dangerous. Please don't do that again Minako. For me." He looked at her expecting a promise from her. He didn't know what he'd do if she tried to resist that. Toshioni wasn't typically stern with his daughters, but this was a serious matter. So, he was prepared to put his serious face on if need be. But he really didn't want to. He quickly looked over to see Asuka reuniting with her mother. Those two got along grandly. Probably because they were so similar. For some reason, that worried him a bit. Mizuki was more than a handful as a teenager. But that was a worry for a later date.
As Minako complained about them not eating yet. Toshioni raised his eyebrows. "But Minako. Mommy doesn't have her sandwich yet. We don't all have our food. Just be patient for a little longer. It's not going anywhere I promise." At this, Asuka looked at Minako and giggled. "Come on Mina-chan. It'll be okay." The young Quincy grabbed her knees and rocked back a forth a bit as she waited, releasing her energy. She was so excited...just for everything. But that was commonplace for the girl. And her parents were used to it.
When all the sandwiches were done, Minako began digging into hers like a wild child. Asuka was a little more reserved with her eating. Toshioni nibbled slowly as he reflected on the week and smiled at his family periodically. He still had a lot of things to grade...but that could wait until tomorrow. This entire day would be dedicated to his family. And he would make sure of it. As he finished, he laid his plate down on his lap. Asuka had finished a bit before her daddy and had resorted to playing with the grass surrounding the blanket to tide over her piqued interest. It was hard out there for a hyperactive child. "Asuka, don't get your hands too dirty. Okay?"
"Okay Daddy," she replied, wiping her hands on her skirt.
Minako frowned just a little and nodded to her daddy. She had to listen, but thankfully it wasn't as bad as it could of been. If he would of had to fast step to get, it could of been worse. She might of gotten a headache or even passed out from the intense pressure of her daddy. It was good that her mommy was there to grab her, and scold her lightly. Even with all the scolding, she probably would still do it again, because that's just how she is. She is lax enough to not feel the need to look both ways.
Minako sighed at the words of her father and sister. It was frustrating not being able to eat when she was really really hungry. But she listened to them, and even her mother, once she weighed in on the subject. Minako's gaze never left her sandwich, waiting as if she was racing and needed the green light to go. Once she was off, she devoured the sandwich, finishing before everyone else. After this, she laid back and watched the clouds. Unlike her mother, she enjoyed the daylight and the clouds. Especially the big puffy marshmallow clouds! They were the best!
Mizuki, however, ate slower than Toshioni, taking a bite every couple of minutes or so. This was just how she ate. She smiled at her family, who were all done except Toshioni and herself. Asuka resorted to playing with the grass, while her sister, Minako laid back and watched the clouds. With that, Mizuki had taken her last bite, and decided to run around with her children. "Okay! Now, who wants to play tag?" Mizuki's motherly smile came out once again. It was fitting for her.
Minako sat up with a giant grin. "Yeah! I wanna play!" Minako was fairly excited to use some of her pent up energy.
Mizuki stood up and waved the girls off. "I'll give you two a head start." she then looked over at Toshioni. "Are you gonna play hun?"
Minako didn't seem to be too fond of waiting for everyone to get their sandwich before eating. Toshioni wasn't super happy about having to say "no" to his child, but he knew that it would be best for both of them. He needed to learn to be a bit more firm with them and Minako needed to learn the importance of etiquette before she grew up. He just hoped that he could teach her...no. Toshioni just hoped he could teach both of his daughters the things they needed to know. But, he had to keep reminding himself that he wasn't going anywhere. It was going to take something stronger than any hollow, Arrancar, Espada, or Shinigami could muster to separate him from his two beautiful little girls. He would have time. But, in this moment, he decided to count his small blessing on the matter. Asuka was very well behaved (at least for a six year old.) And he was thankful that she had learned the etiquette he had tried to instill in both of them. It was a nice change of pace from her usual excitement and hyperactivity. Though, it was important that he treat each of the twins as individuals. He couldn't hold Minako to Asuka's standard, nor should he ever do the opposite. "Minako, thanks for waiting. I know it's not your favorite thing, but you'll see it's for the best. Daddy appreciates it."
Once Mommy finished making all the sandwiches, Minako dove into hers and began eating at the speed of light or something. Asuka wasn't nearly in that big of a hurry. Maybe because her sandwich had meat on it, she wanted to take her time for a while. After all, if you ate too fast you'd get a tummy ache. And that meant you couldn't run and play nearly as well. She chewed her sandwich at a turtle's pace compared to her sister, but she still finished well before her parents. She went to playing with the grass and the corners of the blanket for a few minutes before deciding to tell her parents the sad truth. "Mommy, Daddy, you guys are slow-pokes." Asuka made eye contact with her mother and then father as she said this. Then gave both of them a large smile.
Toshioni raised an eyebrow to his daughter Asuka as she told Mizuki and him that they were slow. He swallowed the bite he was slowly nibbling on and offered only a shrug and chuckle in response. "Sorry Asuka, it comes with getting old I guess. But I'll hurry up so you guys can get to playing." He began to eat a bit faster now, taking less time to reflect on his family during each bite. If he spent too much time thinking about his family, his time with them might pass him by. As he finished up, he gathered all the plates and began to square everything away back into the basket. This was the usual routine: Mizuki cooked, Toshioni cleaned up.
When Mommy suggested tag, Asuka sprung up without a moment's hesitation. This was fantastic! A chance to run and play with Mommy and Minako! And maybe even Daddy. But he wouldn't play for real. When Mommy gave them a head start, Asuka grabbed her twin's wrist and began to run off into the park. "C'mon Mina! Let's go!" She wondered where a good place to hide might be. Maybe she'd climb a tree, or hide in some bushes, or crawl under a bench. The possibilities were endless! ENDLESS!
As he finished packing things away, Mizuki told the children they were going to play tag. Both his daughters seemed really excited for the idea, so he couldn't help but smile at their glee. After standing up, his wife presented him with a grand question: was he going to play. With a devious smirk, Toshioni sat down the basket and stood up to face his wife. It was strange, as teenagers he was about her height. But now, he found the difference in their height to have grown considerably. When did that happen? Where had all the time gone? Regardless of their age or their height, she was still his Mizuki. He wrapped her softly in a hug and planted a quick kiss on her lips. The kind of kiss that was appropriate for adults to perform in public, an art they had to master. He pulled away slightly to look into her big blue eyes and he gave her the same smile he'd given her fifteen years ago. "That depends, Mizu-chan. Do you trust me to play fair?"
Minako hadn't any time to take off before her sister grabbed her wrist and took off. Minako was almost clueless, and realized what had happened mid-run. "You know it's no use hiding sissy!" Minako knew both mommy and daddy. They could find them really quick, so in reality, it was best to keep moving. "If you wanna hide, then go ahead! I'ma keep runnin'" She shook off her sister and began to run further in the park till she got to the playground area. It was a good choice, she could avoid anyone by running around there! It was perfect.
Mizuki smiled at the small kiss and tilted her head to Toshioni's posed question. Would he cheat? Had he in all this time? No, no he hadn't. He was always fair, and kept by his word, that's what made Toshioni great! "Now, we both know the answer to this question. And even if you did... You know I have my own powers that I can use to help me find you and catch you. So, if you're gonna play, you get to be 'it' first, so..." With that, Mizuki poked Toshioni and took off in a flash, almost as if she were using powers, but she wasn't like that, she was actually really fast, when need be.
Mizuki had began running about a minute after the girls had taken off. It wasn't but a few seconds by the time she passed by Asuka. She stopped for a moment and looked at her daughter, still contemplating hiding spots. "Daddy's 'it', so better hide fast Asuka!" Mizuki smiled and began running again, heading towards the playground.