They had changed him.
Lying on her back in the centre of the shrine, Rukia could see all the way to the top of the tower, hundreds of metres above. The staircase winding around the exterior wall was a spiral at this distance, and she lay at its perfect centre.
The events of the day before felt like a dream. She had slept for a day and a night and had woken to that thought: they had changed him. That Yoruichi woman, and whoever else had brought Ichigo here. They were training him, yes. Controlling him. Changing him.
But he was alive. It was almost worse, knowing that. Now there was a pain in her belly, as if something deep inside her were being tugged towards him, and no amount of resignation to her fate could sate it. He was alive.
Three days, Yoruichi had said. And then what?
Ukitake was appealing her case with the Central Forty-six. She wished there was more comfort to be had there. She wanted to tell him that it was her life that was in the balance, not a pile of paperwork, not a simple bureacratic matter.
Not enough time, Hanataro had said.
Three days.
Ichigo had no loyalty to the Central Forty-six. He alone could and would act against them. But at what cost? And how could she dare to hope if her hopes demanded he give up his humanity?
A key turned in the lock. She rolled onto her front and stood up. A line of veiled guards stood against the bleached sunlight. She felt her body go cold.
"Rukia Kuchiki, the date of your execution has been brought forward." How much more, she wondered, but was immediately supplied with an answer: "It will take place tomorrow, at noon."
Her world seemed to fall away.
Three days. Three days. Like a promise. Give me three days.
"No." Her voice trembled. The guards had risen to their feet and were closing the door. She took a deep breath and forced her words to come: "Captain Ukitake is making an appeal on my behalf. There must be a mistake. Please." They turned away from her and she lurched forward: "I need to see my brother. I must speak to Captain Kuchiki. Do you hear me?" The doors closed. "Has he done this? Tell me! Please! Please let me see my brother!"
They had gone.
And even though she was alone, she continued to ask for Byakuya in a whisper, her cheek pressed against the dark wood of the shrine's doors.