Karakura Recovery

"The day is coming when my existence must be challenged," he informed her as they stood alone on the bridge, "I'm afraid I may not be your Lieutenant for much longer."

*As Kyousuke speaks, Rizu's eyes widen and she whips around to face him.* W-what?! What do you mean by that?! Kyousuke, explain! *The hand gripping his arm shaking, she tightens her grip once more.*

Kyousuke hid his golden-brown orbs behind his dark brown locks. His visage displayed no emotion. Only an expression of truth, "When Burakkuhoru was born, he told me he abandoned his true form to preserve me, so that I could be empowered. It wasn't to save my life. It was so I wouldn't destroy him."

*She frowns slightly, still holding onto his arm.* So what does that mean? Kyou-kun...what are you saying? I don't understand... *Rizu shakes her head softly, trying to shake off her confusion.*

Kyousuke peeks at the Captain from behind his brown tresses, "Burakkuhoru wasn't born to be my sword. He was born to be my replacement," he finally confessed. "All the power you claim me to have is actually his. It always has been. He's grown very strong, and has now challenged me to battle for his existence."

*Rizu holds in her breath as Kyousuke finishes speaking and her hand drops to her side, losing grip.* I...but...y-you'll win... *She lowers her eyes, mumbling.* ...You have to...

"If I do, then Burakkuhoru will disappear forever," he claimed, "And I will be useless as a Soul Reaper here. I would become a wound to all the Soul Society. And if he wins..." His voice trailed off from there, unable tio bring himself to finish. He felt the answer should be plainly obvious, and gently lifted his hand, placing it on her shoulder (just as she had done for him). "I'm sorry."

*Rizu stares blankly through Kyousuke, unblinking.* But...K-Kyou...kun...that can't be right. There has to be something else...something else that can be done...

"I nearly destroyed him once, Rizu," Kyousuke reminded her, "He won't allow me to do it again. And...I can't say I blame him."

*Rizu exhales deeply as she tries to relax, putting a hand on her stomach as it flips.* You didn't mean to though...it wasn't your fault...he can't...*She shakes her head once more, trying to lose the thought of possibly losing Kyousuke.*

"Whether I meant to do it or not is irrelevant," proclaimed Kyousuke, "The fact I was able to inflict such damage unconsciously makes me even more of a threat to him."

*She nods slowly, looking at the ground absently as she distracts herself from the nausea.* But... *Rizu opens her mouth to continue a protest but closes it, then closes her eyes tightly and shakes her head once more.*

"I'm sorry, my Captain," Kyousuke uttered, "It's been an honor to have served you and this Squad." With that, he moved on past her, continuing across the bridge. He at least wanted to seem strong to her in these last moments he would have in the Seireitei.

*As Kyousuke walks past her, she flinches to reach out; but by the time she had moved, he was already too far to reach. Rizu lifts her eyes and watches him as he walks away and mumbles before gently dropping to her knees without a sound, feeling emotionally and physically drained.* Don't leave...