Seeking guidance

*Rizu reaches the familiar forest clearing where she had spent many days meditating with Hisame and sparring with other shinigami. She walks over to the largest tree in the clearing and touches the trunk fondly and smiles, sitting down in front of it. Taking a deep breath, Rizu closes her eyes and slowly brings herself back into Hisame's world of snow and ice.*

*As she reaches her subconscious and enters Hisame's world, Rizu looks around and calls out.* Hisame? *She feels a cold breeze behind her and that same gentle, slender hand on her shoulder.* Rizu. I was beginning to worry that our connection was unsalvageable. *Rizu turns around to face Hisame, smiling up at her.* I know. There has been a lot going on in the world of the living. A prisoner escaped from the Maggot's Nest and she's wreaking havok in the human world. Nobody can use their spiritual energy there and connections to their zanpakuto have been severed, just like ours... *She looks at Hisame with pain in her eyes.*

Hmm. Something is bothering you Rizuka. Something beyond the problem in the world of the living. *Rizu nods, looking down as she murmurs quietly.* The woman who escaped from the Maggot's Nest...she's my mother. And...and Honjo is really my father. He confirmed everything that that woman said to me. There's an initiative in the world of the living...all shinigami...are to search for her. She is wanted dead or alive.

*Hisame tilts her head and frowns sympathetically, sitting down in the snow along with Rizu.* So the life of your mother, a criminal mastermind, is in danger. And you don't want her to die. *Rizu nods, meeting Hisame's gaze.* I realize she's a danger, that much is certain...but she does not have to be killed. Koga taicho will hear none of that though...he wants her dead and if it came down to it, I am in no place to stop him.

*Hisame smiles softly and pats Rizu's hand.* You are his Lieutenant, Rizu. Though he may be much stronger than you are, he took you on for a reason I'm sure. He won't find your tracking abilities anywhere else in Soul Society, you know. *Rizu frowns slightly with anxiety in her eyes.* Yes...but I can't imagine that would be enough to stop him from killing my mother.

Mm. Maybe not. However, remember what squad you're in Rizu. This woman escaped from the Maggot's Nest. Do you not think Koga's mind would be swimming with the possibilities of experimentation or research? You could appeal to the scientist in him. *Looking up at Hisame's expression, Rizu relaxes a bit.* Y-yes. That's true...but he'll hurt her... *Hisame raises her hand to interrupt Rizu, looking at her with determined eyes.* You are, it seems, in no position to quibble over details. Worry about that later. If you want to save this woman's life, this is the best way to do it. Otherwise, kill her yourself. She is your blood, thus she is your responsibility Rizuka.

*Sighing quietly, Rizu nods as she realizes the truth in Hisame's words.* Yes. I know. Then this is how it must be done. One way or another, I will put her life on my shoulders to bear. *She smiles half-heartedly at Hisame, placing a hand over the mark on her chest that connects them.* I should go then, to keep an eye on the situation. Thank you, Hisame. Our connection will likely be severed again when I return the the world of the living, but keep faith that I will return. Because I will.

*Hisame nods at Rizu, smiling softly.* Off with you then Rizuka. Make your father proud. *Rizu smiles and shuts her eyes, whispering before leaving Hisame's world.* I always do.