Karakura Recovery

Noticing his former Lieutenant starting to build in confidence again, he faced his eyes forward and continued on with her toward the Squad 13 Barracks. There was still a bit of distance left until they would reach it, and he used the time to meditate on his next move, as well as ponder more over their current situation. He hoped this visit to Captain Minamoto wouldn't turn out to be a complete waste of time...

*Rizu remains quiet as they walk, her mind moving a mile a minute. Her thoughts were stuck on her father. Since the battle with the demons and almost losing him, she had been worried sick about him whenever they were apart. She subconsciously quickens her steps, wanting to get to him as quickly as possible.*

He didn't blame Rizu for being anxious to see her father; the last time they saw each other was 7 years ago. For some reason, every other time she tried to see him, he was gone somewhere. Even his own squad members were kept out of the loop as to where he went. Such news only made Kyousuke feel that much more uneasy. But he could feel it; the Captain was there this time. He could begin to sense that particular spike of unnatural reiatsu on the air.

Kyousuke stayed a step behind his new Captain, feeling that it was only right for her to address him; not only as her father, but as Captain of Squad 12 now. Although, Kyousuke couldn't help but feel a little anxious himself. He had never seen Captain Minamoto in person. It seemed today would be the day when they were finally introduced...

*Rizu takes a deep breath as they near the Squad 13 headquarters, flexing her hands into fists and then releasing, repeating this several times nervously. She looks over to Kyousuke, almost just to make sure that he was still there so she wouldn't be alone.*

I sit at my chair and write.I need to finish catching up on all of this paper work.
well had you not been fratrenizing with that young girl you wouldnt have to
oh hush suzaku.
Hes right i dont like her anyway..
oh shut up i do and its my choice...i just hope Rizu is ready for that kind of change.

At last, as he and Rizu climbed the stairs to the Barracks, they arrived at Squad 13's base of operations. Kyousuke paused outside the entrance and turned to face the new Captain.

"Are you ready?" He asked in a quiet voice. It wasn't a simple question either; there were multiple reasons why he would ask this, and it was likely she knew each one.

*Rizu nods slowly and looks up at Kyousuke, swallowing a lump in her throat.* As ready as I could ever be, Kyou-kun. *She takes a deep breath and walks through the door into her father's office.* P-papa?

I look up and my eyes shine brightly." hey there kiddo!" I look at her and immediately stand and rush to her huging her tight. "congratulations on the captainship!!" I smile " what seat did you take?" I smile warmly.

Kyousuke followed behind his Captain as they were greeted by a tall figure wearing the Captain's hayori. Kyousuke took a moment to study him as he embraced Rizu in his arms. He was a broader figure than some of the other Shingami he had met, indicating that his muscles and physical strength was far more defined. His snow-white hair was cut finely down to the base of his neck, accented by a dark complexion and crimson-red eyes.

But that wasn't the focal point. His reiatsu, it's signature was far more pronounced up close, but it felt the same as he had sensed in Karakura Town.

Kyousuke remained silent for now so Rizu could be given a moment to catch up with her father.

*Rizu bites the inside of her cheek to stop her chin from quivering and hugs her father tightly.* Papa! I-I've missed you. *She smiles softly, clinging onto him as if her life depended on it.* Thank you. I'm now in charge of Squad 12. I...I replaced Koga.

"I see..."I nod and place my hand on your cheek" you ok?" I look at you concerned for you. "i know its been tough for the past few years so many changes..."

As they conversed, Kyousuke leaned himself against the inside frame of the entrance, folding his arms against his chest. He would remain patient, since they had time tio waste to figure some things out.

*Rizu nods slowly, looking down from her father's eyes. His appearance had changed, but they were still warm and familiar.*...I'm coping. Admittedly I haven't been the same since...well...*She looks back up at her father with a reminiscent look in her eyes. She shakes her head of her thoughts and turns to look at Kyousuke.* This is my lieutenant papa. Kyousuke Junichiro. Kyou-kun has been by my side for a while now. He's a wonderful help.

I grin "Ah so this is the lad you have fallen for?" I smirk and pat him on the head gently. "thankyou For taking care of my Daughter in these stressful times. I owe you for sure." when i place my hand on you i feel an immediate pull and for a moment it seemed as if my very being were being consumed by him but i shook off the thought and regained my focus and ground. "Yur a powerful one arent you. " I smile" i see it in your eyes hidden within your soul a fire that burns with the will to survive that instinct that drives us all to do better and become the best we can. although it seems yours is ...suppressed to say the least"

Kyousuke humbly bowed his head before the Squad 13 Captain as he was being introduced. He then suddenly felt the grip of a strong, calloused hand beating over his head awkwardly; like some pet to it's owner.

'Jeez! Does this guy know how strong he is?!?' Kyousuke thought to himself as his head bounced up and down with each stroke, 'His hand feels like I'm getting hit repeatedly with a 2X4!'

Finally, he corrected himself after a moment and stood tall as the Captain analyzed him (surprisingly accurate too).

Casting his eyes elsewhere, he concentrated on trying to keep his spiritual energy restrained.

"It's an honor to finally meet you, Captain Minamoto," began Kyousuke in a soft voice, "Your reputation vastly precedes you. And the way I understand it, it was your incredible power that saved us from the demons."

*Rizu's eyes widen and she feels her cheeks become hot as her father prods.* I...papa! He's...he's my lieutenant! *She crosses her arms and averts her eyes a moment as her father turns his attention to Kyousuke, cooling her cheeks with her reiatsu. As they converse, she glances back over and smiles.* -I knew you'd like him, papa.-

I nod"nice to meet you Lieutenant." i smile and walk back to my desk. "so,what brings you here?" i smile gently

"I'm sure you've heard the news by now, sir," answered Kyousuke as he stepped forward and stood next to his Captain, "The Science and Research Department of the Seireitei has been destroyed, and our squad's former Captain, Koga Wolf, has disappeared."

*Rizu nods as Kyousuke speaks, looking towards him and then back to her father.* I attempted to intercept Koga before he went through a senkaimon, but...he was much too strong for me obviously. He seemed intent on keeping me away by any means possible.

I nod." i see." I place my hands together and look at you both." any information yet?"

"No sir," replied Kyousuke, "That's why we're here; we were hoping you could give us some insight about why Koga would do something like this. We understand you two grew up as friends together. Perhaps, you could give us some clue as to what he is thinking, or maybe, where he's gone."

*Rizu remains silent as Kyousuke speaks, keeping her eyes on her father. When he finishes, she speaks evenly.* Papa, I know Koga-taicho never acted without having reason to do so...I fear something big is coming.

I look at you both "or perhaps has already occured. You say he destroyed the SRDI but if i recall there were no fatalities. He discovered something that caused him to leave the soul society. Hmm if i know him he had more than one lab but there was reports of only one explosion have they found his other lab? im sure he has atleast two possibly three hidden away but witht he explosion perhaps some of the defence systems were shut down. As i said he had a reason and what ever it was he was willing to harm you to keep you from knowing..."

So far, things had been shaping up the way he had originally expected. No one figured the former Captain for a traitor, and certainly had reason to do what he did. Nevertheless, he found the idea of keeping it secret and leaving to handle the situation on his own incredibly reckless.

But this news of him possibly possessing 2 or 3 more hidden labs proved far more interesting, and may be what they needed to inching a step closer to the answer.

"Only the SRDI has been investigated, sir," Kyousuke told the Squad 13 Captain. "How could we gain access to one of these other labs?"

Kyousuke was beginning to suspect now that perhaps their former Captain left the Soul Society to monitor things in the world of the living...

*Rizu frowns in thought, searching her mind for any possible hints to other labs.* I'm not sure where there would be other labs in Soul Society...but...I don't believe Koga would go far without access to such resources...there must be one he's using in the World of the Living...