Miuri looked at the selection of apples. She would glance up every now and then in search of Hana. But to no avail. The girl was on break apparently. "Hey." Hana said walked up behind Miuri. "What are you doing here?"

"Just coming to say hi. I promised Mamoru I'd swing by and check in."

"I'm doing good. How's he doing?" Hana sounded worried.

"Good. He's been busy training. He had to help his captain train today." Miuri smiled. "He really wanted to come see you."

"Thanks." Hana smiled. "Guess that means your training on your own today."

"Yeah." Miuri chuckled. "Chio is off on a mission and I have no idea about Ayuma… She's been going through something recently."

"Is she okay?"

"I'm sure she will be." Miuri nodded.

Hana smiled. "You know, I'm surprised that you are training. Not taking the day off?"

"No." Miuri smiled. "I'm determined to get stronger."

"You definitely look stronger." Hana looked Miuri up and down. "I'm impressed. And I'm sure Mamoru is proud of you."

"Thanks." Miuri smiled. "I've had to tell my family I've been working out. It's the only thing that would explain what all my time away from home." Not to mention the muscles she was gaining. It was surprising how fit you could become from just swinging a blade around.

Hana smiled. "Good luck with your training."

"Thanks." Miuri picked up an apple and tossed a handful of coins to Hana. "See you." She turned and walked out, humming to herself. Miuri smiled as she bite into the apple. Want any? She asked Ulquiorra.

I'm fine. He answered. I don't' need as much food to sustain me.

OKay. Miuri really loved their ability to communicate via their minds. It was useful. Miuri headed towards the park and finished her apple right as she got there. There were tons of people running around and playing with frisbees and soccer balls. I don't know if we will be able to train here…

Where will we be going? Ulquiorra asked. Soul society is the only place that is really safe for you to fully train.

I guess. Miuri sighed. Actually wait! I think I know one place! Miuri quickly sped up and kept running. The clearing she was looking for wasn't very large but it was also a great place for training. Chio had shown it to her once before. Miuri had almost forgotten it existed. "Here we are!" Miuri slid Ulquiorra out of her bag.

"Not too bad." Ulquiorra looked around. "Doesn't look like anyone will be coming and interrupting our training session here."

"Exactly." Miuri grinned and allowed Ulquiorra to shift into his blade form. She took a deep breath and then fell into position. She swung the blade a couple times and then fell into the normal positions that she had gotten used to. Chio and Mamoru had taken great care in showing her how to practice on her own. She had engraved all the different strikes and slices into her brain and muscles. It felt… natural.

Miuri lost track of the time she spent training but before long she was breathing heavily and sweating. She stabbed Ulquiorra into the ground and stretched her arms above her head. I think I'm improving.

You are. Ulquiorra answered. It was really nice that they could communicate through their minds. But you still have a long way to go.

I know. Miuri sighed and gripped Ulquiorra's handle.

"Lonely?"

Miuri spun. Maruot and Zido stood there watching her. Neither were in any kind of aggressive position. Miuri on the other hand was ready to fight, Ulquiorra pointed at them. "What do you want?"

"Where is Ayuma." Maruto asked. "I haven't been able to find her."

"Like I would tell you." Miuri hissed.

"Zido." Maruto waved a hand. "Want to help me?"

Zido shrugged and waved a hand. Miuri sliced out as she saw a future shadow. Her jacket dropped lifelessly. Miuri felt a little bad that the jacket had been destroyed but it was that or death. Zido smiled. "Not bad. Looks like you got the hang of your powers."

"I have no intention of joining you."

"I don't care about you." Maruto hissed. "Where is Ayuma!"

"Maruto." Zido moved in front of Maruto. "Don't let your personal feelings affect this. Girl." Zido looked at Miuri. "You have been chosen. You have more power than any other human. You deserve to be with those like you. Us."

"You attacked my friends and I."

"Because you wouldn't listen otherwise." Zido smiled. "Plus we were curious about what powers you had. But we will attack in full force if you fight against us… But it would be a shame."

"And why would I want to join you?" Miuri tensed as much as was physically possible.

"Because you are one of us."

"No I'm not." Miuri frowned. "I don't just attack people. I don't treat those without powers as lesser begins. I don't know what you have planned and i don't care! I'm not joining you!"

"Very well." Zido sighed. He reached into his pocket and then pulled out a knife. Then he threw it. To Miuri's shock the knife jerked and moved in an unnatural arc as it swerved to hit her.

Block. Ulquiorra said.

I know! Miuri blocked the knife over and over again as it furiously tried to kill her. Zido just watched calmly. Ulquiorra! Miuri was scared. SHe stood no chance at surviving. She was having a hard enough time with the one. Someone.

Calm down. Ulquiorra's voice reassured her. You can do this.

Miuri took a deep breath and then jumped to the left. A future shadow sliced at her and she avoided it. She continued to do this slowly working her way towards Zido. Maruto had seemed to-. Pain exploded up her back. Miuri dropped to the ground. A knife protruded from her shoulder.

"Did you really expect to beat us?" Maruto whispered into her ear as he twisted the knife, intensifying the pain. "You? A little weakling."

"Y-."

"Shut up." Maruto hissed. "The only thing you are good for is invoking my dear Ayuma's rage. I can't wait to see her face when she sees your body. It will be perfect."

Ayuma… No… Anger and pain. It was all Miuri could comprehend. She could hear Ulquiorra's voice but it sounded so far then… the knife was gone. Miuri opened her eyes to see a dark haired man standing over her. He had pale skin and bright green eyes. "Ulquiorra?"

"Are you alright?"

Miuri nodded weakly. "You…"

"Leave this to me." Ulquiorra moved with more speed than Miuri expected. His own blade swung down at Maruto while Miuri used her blade as a tool to stand up. Maruo drew out a zanpakuto to block Ulquiorra but she stood no chance. For one thing Ulquiorra was faster, and for another Ulquiorra didn't give him much of a chance to fight back.

Miuri touched her shoulder while Ulquiorra fought and flinched at the sticky blood she found there.

"Maruto enough." Zido's jacket wrapped around Ulquiorra and Maruto stumbled away. "Good bye for now. Don't expect we will forget this." The two ran away while Ulquiorra untangled himself.

"Ulquiorra?" Miuri slowly walked towards him. He finally finished untangling himself.

"I'm fine." He looked at her and then picked her up. "You need healing kido." WIth that he started running.

I guess I did it. Miuri thought weakly. We made it to Shiki… But I need a lot more training.