Ever since the red head could remember, they had always been together. They grew up in the 78th District of Rukongai. That place could easily be referred to as a hell. As kids, the two did everything they had to for survival. He remembered frequently stealing for food. Of course he felt bad, stealing from others for himself, but they truth was it wasn't for him. It was for her. It was always for her. He remembered waking up on cold nights as the dark haired girl beside him shivered with the cool breeze. Without hesitation, the boy would whip the blanket off himself and let her have the whole thing. He remembered covering her completely, and he recalled that slight smile that appeared each time he did, as if she was subconsciously thanking him.
He remembered protecting her. Growing up as a small girl in such a place wasn't easy, but Renji was always there for her. Walking down to the river each time it happened as Rukia washed the blood from his cuts as best as she could. He remembered that frown she had whenever she laid eyes on him like that, no matter how many times he told her he was okay. She would smile. Not a genuine smile. Not a happy smile. It was a faint, soft smile. She would worry about him until sign of his health began improving. He remembered promising himself to get stronger, so she wouldn't have to look at him like that.
He remembered the flowers. She always loved to pick the flowers beside the woods. He enjoyed taking her there, it made her so happy, and the smile of hers made it worth the long walk. He remembered that tree. The tree that grew right outside of the small village. Lifting the tiny girl onto his shoulders to reach it's fruit, and the sweet reward of the apple afterwards. He remembered their friends. Both of them cared for their companions deeply, and each of them grieved when they passed. Of course he was sad to see each of his friends go, but he knew inside that if Rukia happened to be the one leaving, he would be broken.
He remembered it all. And looking up at the Senzaikyu in the center of Seretei turned his stomach to a point of making him sick. She was there. So close, and yet so far away. He couldn't forget, and he refused to. He would protect her this time too, even if it cost him his life. He would save her.
