Third times the charm

I wake up and cough. "Ugh.." I sit up and hold my head. " what happened where am i..."

*Having fallen asleep at his side, Rizu opens her eyes as she hears her brother's voice and leans over, putting her hand gently on his arm.* Nii-chan! You're finally awake. *She smiles and wipes her eyes quickly to dry her tears.* You're in the hospital, I found you in the outskirts of Karakura town. You were poisoned badly...whatever happened to you, it changed you quite a bit... *Rizu glances over to the mirror on the bedside table.*

I look and place mh hand on my cheek and grin. "he wasnt kidding when he said i would be diffrent.."I i place my hand on the three scars on my eye. "Rizu..i have you to thank for saving me yes?" I look at you.

*She nods slightly and looks down sheepishly with a slight smile.* Well, yeah...I just, y'know, gave you a poison antidote and some regeneration serum. Brought you back here. I just wanted to make sure you were safe. *Rizu looks back up at Honjo, smile fading.* I was afraid you weren't going to wake up.

I take your hand and pull you close to me in a hug. "thank you rizu." I smile and kiss your forehead. " and believe me as long as i live i will always protect you nothing will prevent me from doing so." I smile and pat your head.

*Rizu hugs Honjo tightly and nods, smiling again.* I know you will. You've always been there for me nii-chan; and I'll always be there for you. Whenever you need me. *She studies him a little and notices that he didn't have his zanpakuto with him.* Your blades...where are they? What...what exactly happened brother?

I shake my head " not sure really all i know is that kusa and i are one with some spirit. and now we are able to access each others abilities and strengths. in essence becoming one unified being." I place my hand on your head. "alot like you and your zan in bankai."

*Rizu looks up at Honjo, tilting her head slightly.* So you're in constant release without your zanpakuto? *Rizu frowns in concentration and notices a slight difference in Honjo's aura.* Well, you definitely have something else comingled in your aura. Just...be careful, nii-chan. I've only got one of you, you know.

I grin and hugs her. " i know Riz it will be ok i promise." How could i tell her that id die soon.. it wouldnt be fair... "so hows being lt been?"

*Rizu smiles and shrugs slightly, looking at her lieutenant's badge fondly.* It feels right. I've always enjoyed working under Koga, but now I feel like I'm actually able to contribute to squad 12. *She chuckles quietly.* That's all I've really wanted to do. That way I can get strong like my brother, the captain!

I grin "And i hope you do, one day you wont need me to protect you." I smile. "Perhaps one day youll even take my spot as captain hehe" I grin and stand up.

*She giggles slightly and shakes her head, shrugging.* Who knows, maybe. But you're way stronger than me. Besides, I think I'm needed as Koga's lieutenant for a while. I'm sure he'd get into all sorts of trouble without me. *As Honjo stands up, Rizu stands with him and holds onto his arm.* Are you sure you're alright to stand?

I smile. "if i wasnt then i couldnt carry you ddurring your darkest times Riz. As long as you need me ill always be there to stand by you." I kiss your forehead and smile. "now run along im sure koga has work for you to do."

*Smiling, she hugs Honjo.* This is true. I don't know what I'd do without you nii-chan. *She sighs, squeezing his arm gently and nods.* Yeah, you're probably right. Just take care of yourself and don't overdo it, otherwise next time I have to save you I might just smack some sense into you. *Rizu laughs and starts walking towards the door, turning around to wave at her brother.* Love you nii-chan! *She turns back around and walks out the door.*

I smile as you leave " love you too rizu." I gather my gear and walk out of the hospital. "now lets see what i can do now.