Let Me Be Your Shield[Igen, Rio]

Though the battle was won to some degree, the war felt as though it were far from over. The chasm in the heart of Africa remained a presence difficult to ignore, a presence that likely required the earth division's focus moving forward.

Now, in the aftermath of her battle, Rio has set her focus elsewhere. That is, expediently preparing a gift basket and a meal to brighten up Igen's spirits. He, too, experienced a perilous battle that left him with severe injuries that required an extended period of recuperation at the hospital. Truth be told, she was relieved to learn he survived.

There were so many spiritual pressures fading in and out of existence that she wondered who and what survived in the cataclysm of chaos. Politely requesting permission to check in on him during visitation hours, Rio held the basket in her hands, slowly opening the door to enter, closing it quietly so as to avoid disturbing him if he were sleeping. For a moment she glanced around to see if Ko was present, but quickly turned her attention to the man of the hour. Assuming a position at his bedside, Rio flashed a warm smile, reaching in to carefully grasp his hand.

"How are you holding up, Igen? I was worried about you down there, but I'm relieved to see you're still kicking."

"From the sounds of it, I came at a good time. Good to see you again, Ko."

Ko was an expected presence, but far from one Rio would consider unwelcomed. To know that there was someone who remained an ever-present fixture at his side during a difficult period was genuinely relieving. Observing him in his current condition was less so, but as always, his positive aura lessened any dour emotion that may have threatened to rise unbidden.

"And here I was, wishing for your expedient recovery ahead of time. From my point of view now... it seems those worries were unfounded, after all. Your spirit and tenacity never cease to amaze me, Ig. Even so, until then, enjoy these treats that I prepared for you. There's even a few letters from my servants here as well."

Ever so gently, a firm hand rubbed against his face uninterrupted. Another presented a gift basket full of sweets prepared by herself and her servants as a sign that they, too, wished to see him make an expedient recovery. As a matter of course, she knew without his hands, he wouldn't be able to grab them, let alone eat properly, but she was more than acquiscient to the idea of feeding him if he requested.

At his compliment, Rio merely offered a sheepish smile. In truth, her enemy was no easy foe, possessing an otherworldly speed in the skies that left her at a significant disadvantage throughout. Only through Yugiri's assistance could she proudly proclaim she emerged with so little damage. The enemy tested both of them to such a degree that the battle required using her Bankai. As it stood, she would not be able to access that state for some time.

"To tell the truth, I have my beloved sibling, Yugiri, to thank for that. She was an unexpected ally who aided me well in combating an opponent that was, by all accounts, my polar opposite. Without her, I don't quite know how I would have fared. I don't think I would have lost, but she solidified my victory with her otherworldly speed. Of course, in exchange... I had to employ my Bankai. Which unfortunately means I cannot access it for a few months now. Compared to me, you look like you took far more damage to earn your victory."

"Oh is she. It is always a tall order trying to pinpoint where she might go next. If we do cross paths soon, I'll be sure to pass your gratitude along."

Voicing that playful promise, Rio silently listened to his recount of the battle in Africa, discerning that his battle had not merited similar results to her own. Even worse, his belief indicated that whatever manner of hollow he faced, there was a likelihood it survived his best efforts. In addition to his injuries, a single glance at his expression told a story all on its own.

It was the familiar expression of any warrior - doubt. Reflecting on her own ineffectiveness at a loss was never easy. Even now, at her current level of ability, she still felt there was more to achieve herself. Her recent battle with Shishiyuki taught her that much. Of course, Igen erased any budding worry by shifting the subject back to her, complimenting her on her appearance. Flashing a warm smile, contrasting with his flirtatious grin, Rio's hand traveled upward to gently caress his face.

"Charming and upbeat as always. My favorite trait. Appreciating the compliment aside, don't judge yourself too harshly. Considering where you started, to occupy the 3rd seat in the First Division is no small feat. To learn what you've learned in such a quick period, even more so. Whatever you lack, we'll simply have to train together until you break past your limit. Until then, it is my duty to make you feel more at ease. That's why I've come here with all these sweets in hand."

To say Rio expected Igen's brazen display of affection would've been a falsehood so severe as to invite disbelief, but that reality proved true through the way he so boldly pulled her into his tall frame, consuming her lips within an earnest kiss that quite readily displayed his passion for the Shihoin held in his arms. There was no protest in her posture, no rejection, simply fond surrender to the moment at hand.

In other words, the act of affection was appreciated, and she returned the favor by holding their lips for a few moments longer until their lips separated. Caramel-colored cheeks growing a touch red, Rio touched her lips, gazing back at Igen - somewhat amused, somewhat dumbfounded, curious as to what prompted such a firm action.

"Words simply can't describe how dumbfounded I am at the moment. What prompted the strong show of affection just now, Ig? Did you miss me that much?"

Spoken with genuine curiosity, albeit lightly hidden behind a teasing voice, she simply held his gaze for a moment, running a hand through his pink hair. Rio hardly opposed public affection, of course, but there remained still, that typical air of composure and grace she intended to maintain in a setting like this. After all, it wasn't her position to make anything awkward for the nurses, let alone worsen his condition, even if she was impressed by the earnest nature of his kiss.