- W-what did you just say, captain Kuchiki?

Renji was holding onto the metal bars of Rukias cell, using them to keep him from falling on his knees from the shocking news just presented to him. Captain Kuchiki was standing on the other side of the room facing Renji and Rukia. He as per usual showed no real expression, but considering this news, it made Renji even more shocked.

- As you heard. Don't make me repeat myself. Rukia Kuchiki is guilty of a first-degree offense and will be executed in 25 days at the central execution grounds. This is the final decision of the soul society.

Renji could not believe what he was hearing, how could his captain, older brother to his childhood friend, convey these decisions in such an expressionless manner. It frightened Renji and not a lot does. But this cold heartedness that his captain was currently displaying was one of those few things. He had no words. He was so sure that captain Kuchiki would fight for Rukia, he even told Rukia that when he came to see her on his day off. Rukia showed no expression either and was looking down. It was as if there was a silent understanding between them that Renji could not grasp and was simply left in his shocked and confused state, continuously gripping tighter onto the metal bars.

- this will be the last time we exchange words.

Captain Kuchiki says and turns and starts to leave.

- Rukia, the next time I see you will be at the execution stand.

With the captain gone, Renji was unsure what to do. He wanted to shout, throw up and fight all at the same time but it was as if the wind had been knocked out of him. He needed a moment to breath and think. He slowly released his grasp of the metal bar and slowly allowed his body to slide down to the floor. Rukia remained silent, keeping her gaze low. How could this be happening? Renji was so sure that yes, Rukia would face consequences, but not by death. He wanted to talk to her, but his body wouldn't listen. Nothing in his mind, body or soul was acting 'fine'. He felt like a mess, how can Rukia remain so calm?! It almost made Renji mad that there was nothing coming from her expression really. How can these two siblings act like this during a situation like this?! Renji put his hands on his head in a childish attempt to block out sounds for a moment. What can he do to fix this?

/

Mejii was currently on her way back from the training grounds, she had entertained Ikkaku and Yumichika long enough in there and wished to have some tea whilst going over some documents captain Zaraki had asked her to help with, it was just a few reports regarding his squad and Mejii knows her captain well enough that if they didn't get turned in, he would be in trouble. She never minded helping if she had the time to. The 11th squad is after all known for having nothing to do and whilst it can be relaxing, the workdays become very slow. So, to allow them to progress at a better speed, Mejii would make sure her days are filled with training, sorting and handling documents and helping wherever she could. She was very respected amongst the other lieutenants due to this.

Mejii arrived at captain Zarakis office and knocked on his door.

- Captain Zaraki, it's Mejii.

No real response came, instead she heard a muffled male voice and what sounded like someone flopping around on the floor. Mejii paused for a moment in confusion before she entered the room despite not having received an approval to do so.

There on the floor laid her captain, wrapped up in bandages like a mummy with a sour expression on his face. Mejii could not help but to laugh and tease for a moment. She had never seen her large and seemingly undefeatable captain look so pitiful.

- My my captain Zaraki this is a story I simply must hear about. Did you attempt to do paperwork yourself but got 'caught up' in them too much?

Captain Zaraki looked clearly displeased and on the edge of angry. Mejii decided to cut him loose before she would have to deal with the consequences. She grabbed a hold of her zanpakuto and started chopping away at the bandages, she wasn't overly cautious to not hit him since the man is built like a brick and made quick work of her captains…situation.

- How did you end up like this and who did it?

Mejii said whilst laughing throughout the whole de mummifying process.

Once out, captain Zaraki was quick to shout profanities regarding what had happened and about who had done it. Mejii had to shout to get his attention back, but she couldn't help but to laugh through the whole ordeal.

- Captain, what happend?

- I'll kill him, I'll kill that annoying piece of-

- Captain Zaraki.

Zaraki turned towards her, lowering his temperament for the time being.

- Ah right, me and Ichimaru decided to head over to the 6th division as we were…. Concerned that Kuchiki was feeling low. So, I wanted to show my sincerity by chopping off the criminal's head. I did want to provoke him enough to fight me, but Ichimaru wrapped me up and dropped me off here before we could start.

Mejii raised her brow. What was he talking about?

- This criminal, do you mean Rukia?

- Who else?

- Why did you go there to volunteer for such a thing? That is his sister you know.

- Haven't you heard? She is to be executed in 25 days. I thought I could both spare him the wait and let him vent his anger out whilst also having the joy of fighting him myself. Win win If you ask me.

The world froze for Mejii. Rukia is to be executed? Did they not listen to captain Kuchiki then? How is Renji feeling right now?

Questions were building up in her and captain Zaraki was simply watching her. Her gaze got worryingly fixated on the floor, hear expression that had been so happy just a moment ago was now frozen in a serious expression. He sighed and placed a hand on her head to snap her out of it, but he didn't say anything. Mejii looked at him, understanding he was trying to help but wasn't fully sure about what to do.

- Sorry captain.

- Don't be, whilst I enjoy my squad to be battle loving idiots, I do not dislike your sort either who are also grounded. Finish the paperwork and head home for the day, you're off tomorrow, right?

Mejii nodded but hesitated.

- But I am supposed to teach a class later and-

- Mejii, who do you take orders from?

- Captain Zaraki.

- Exactly, I'll teach those idiots whilst you take some rest. Say it's compensation for doing paperwork in my stead.

Mejii lowered her head and with a small smile she nodded.

- Thank you.

- No worries, just leave the papers on my desk when you're done.

Captain Zaraki walked into the training room, and it was no surprise that the new recruits were both shocked and scared to see him enter rather than Mejii. Whilst he trusted his seated squad members to do their job in training them, he would sometimes enjoy giving his speech to the new recruits and display his dominance. Dominance was his gateway; fighting was his drug.

- Listen up! I don't care where you're from, how old you are or what your records look like. What I want from you is…Strength!

As the lesson was progressing, Zaraki would now and then look out through the windows. He had often seen Mejii sit down under a tree in the yard where their barracks were and today was no different. Zaraki didn't take any particular interest in his squad members, Mejii being no different. But she had been very reliable with helping him out with work he couldn't be arsed to do. Therefore, he was being uncharacteristically nice towards her today. He may be thick headed, but he had enough compassion to realise that today, she needed some help as she was worried about her friend. Mejii was a valuable member to his squad, she was not only one of the best fighters, but she had intelligence and work ethics which not a lot of these idiots had. Zaraki was smart enough to understand the importance of her characteristics. He decided to make a mental note to keep an eye on her just in case. Not for any particular reason. He had no interest in getting friendly with any of them to a certain degree, he wished to have a clear position above his squad and lead them with strength but just for today, he would lend a hand to a member. Two big knocks were suddenly heard on his door and Zaraki could immediately feel himself getting annoyed at whoever decided to interrupt his lesson. With big and what felt like earthquaking steps, he swung the door open only to be greeted by his two most battle loving squad members.

- Captain Zaraki?! Ah haha, we thought Mejii was to teach this class, we're looking for her, do you know where-

One good kick to get them out of the training room shut them up real fast. Zaraki joined them in the hall and angrily closed the door behind him. Staring down at the two idiots on the floor who were rubbing their heads from hitting the wall due to Zarakis forceful kick.

- Why the hell are you two interrupting my lesson, Ikkaku, Yumichika?

- Sorry captain but we need to show Mejii something.

Zaraki sighed.

- Best leave her alone for a bit.

- Why?

Zaraki didn't bother explaining it to those two, he simply shut the door in their faces and went back to his teaching. He looked out the window one more time, only to see Mejii had left. She had probably finished and left for the day. Zaraki felt he himself could relax now. A girl with unstable emotions, for fighting, sounds fun, if not for fighting, stay out of their way.

Mejii was currently walking out of the barracks. She was mulling over whether to go straight home or to see Renji. She was unsure about seeing him now was a good idea or not. She felt a bit awkward the few times she went over to their barracks only to see him after all. But those times were different from this one. What thoughts and emotions are running through him now was making her anxious and nervous. How was he feeling regarding Rukias deci-

At just that moment, Mejii was hit as if by lightning by a sudden thought. What about Rukia. Mejii often only considered her partner, but her friend Rukia was facing something scary on her own. She decided there and then that if she would run into Renji, she would not ask him until they were at home, but Rukia is another matter. Mejii started making her way there.

A short while later, Mejii had arrived at the 6th squad's barracks, no Renji was in sight, and she sighed in relief which was a first. She was both happy and sad to be told he was not in, but she wasn't specifically here for him now. A guard let her into the cells, and she was greeted by Rukias back. Mejii didn't speak to begin with, she observed Rukia. Her black hair laid neatly against the white robe, she was sat perfectly still, and she looked small, too small. It made Mejii almost uncomfortable to see her appear so weak and fragile and not her loud and strong self. She almost didn't recognise her, and she started to wonder how the living world had changed her so, no, maybe who had changed her so. Whilst observing her, Mejii did not have the confidence to start a conversation. She was mulling over in her head where to begin and what to actually talk about. Did she want to start with how she was feeling, yes but that would most likely mean Rukia would go silent. Mejii doesn't know Rukia as well as Renji does, nor as long. But when people talk about a feminine touch towards a situation, it means to lead with care and kindness, not throwing direct and uncomfortable questions immediately which she was fairly certain that Renji had done.

- Renji, I told you to go back to work, why are you back already?

Rukia suddenly spoke, Mejii instinctively smiled at that comment, Renji seems to have tried his hardest to comfort her but not the way she wants or needs. Rukia still had her back facing the cell bars, perhaps being too stuck in her mind to see who it was. This made Mejii relax, perhaps her boyfriend had unintentionally provided her with a casual opportunity.

- I'm glad you told him that, that idiot seems to get caught up in stuff now and then.

Rukia quickly turned around at the female voice and was greeted with a warm and big smile from Mejii. She was determined to not show her worry yet to Rukia. Rukia gave her a sad smile.

- Hi Mejii. I must say I didn't expect you.

- I wasn't planning on coming in today, but captain Zaraki said I could take the rest of the day off. I did want to see you as soon as I heard you were back though.

- Did you leave early because you're not doing your job well?

- Haha, we both know that's not true, but your way of joking is always refreshing.

The room fell silent for a moment as the two girls shared a moment of joy rather than worry. Mejii took the initiative.

- Wanna talk?

- About?

- Anything.

/

Renji was currently looking for Mejii. He was confused about what to do and felt the sudden urge to see her. He was walking with quick determined steps towards the 11th squad's barracks when he spotted Yumichika having tea on their porch. He was sat alone and seemed to enjoy that.

- Yumichika! Renji shouted. Yumichika turned his head and smiled at Renji.

- Seems the 11th squad is as relaxed as ever.

- You mean as bored as ever. Yumichika sighed.

- Although we don't want anything bad happening, we want something to happen. Most people in this squad are all idiots after all, so we don't really have any paperwork to do either.

- So I've heard, I need to talk to Mejii, do you know where she is? Yumichika took a sip from his tea before answering.

- Captain Zaraki sent her home early, he told us not to bother her for a bit.

- Shit. Renji cursed to himself. Yumichika took notice of this and decided to quickly slip a question in.

- Did something happen?

- No. Thanks anyways. Renji said before turning on his heel to leave not allowing Yumichika to pry even further.

What should he do? What can he do? Renji knew he couldn't allow this to happen. Everything he said to Rukia in the living world was to have her come with them quietly and quickly, he did not really mean anything he said, and he certainly didn't want to kill her. But now, everything is crashing down, and Renji has never felt so stuck in his life. Rukia had told him to leave her and do his job, but he can't when he feels the way he does. Renji stopped to consider what to do, should he try to hurry home to see Mejii, should he go to see Rukia again and run the risk of annoying her or should he train and let some steam off. Renji felt unsure about what to do and that uneasiness made him straight towards the training grounds.

/

- So, it's still a tradition then?

- Every time Renji must work late or goes away for a while, those idiots come over to ours for drinks.

Rukia and Mejii were currently laughing together, they were both sat on the floor with their backs against each other, Rukia felt more comfortable this way now and Mejii was not about to question that. Their conversation had been causal throughout the whole time Mejii had been there, talking about what it's been like whilst she was away. Mejii believed that Rukia was now relaxed enough to move forward, and she dared to ask her about her time in the living world.

- So, what was it like in the living world? Mejii asked trying to sound as casual as possible. Rukia fell silent and Mejii started to get nervous that she had overstepped the line.

- It was… unexpected.

- How so?

- I did not expect or want to get as attached to the people and places there as I seem to have. I hate to admit it even, but I wanted to stay there longer, experience more things with the friends I made there. I knew what I did was illegal, and I was aware of the consequences, but I for some reason wished to outrun it.

- Seems like you met some great people there.

- Yeah, they are great.

- Do you have any regrets about going there?

Rukia stayed silent for a moment.

- No.

- So, what now Rukia, a lot is about to happen. So-

- Hey Rukia!

The shout came just before the door was swung open and in stepped Renji all sweaty. He froze when he saw that not only was Rukia here, but so was Mejii!

- What the, Mejii?! I was looking for you earlier, I heard you went home.

- I was told to go home yeah, but I hadn't seen Rukia yet, so I decided to pay her a visit.

Renji didn't really know what to say at first. He had decided to leave Rukia alone for a bit to find Mejii, and she just so happened to be here all along?!

- I was gonna tell you that-

- We can talk about that when we get home. Me and Rukia have had a lovely chat for a few hours now, are you tired Rukia?

Mejii immediately cut Renji off, whatever he might say was not needed to be discussed here, whether it being good or bad. She wanted to leave here on a positive note for Rukias sake.

- A bit.

- Well, we'll let you rest then. Come on Renji. Goodnight, Rukia!

- Good night.

Mejii started to drag Renji by the arm with her, waving goodbye to Rukia as they left the cell.

Renji still felt confused by it all and looked at Mejii as they were now for some weird reason to him casually leaving work to go home. Once they arrived tat their home and got inside, Renji wasted no time to talk to Mejii. He pinned her against the wall which he had done many times before, however, those times were for more, intimate reasons. She looked straight into his eyes, waiting for him to talk. Renji sighed and leaned his head on her shoulder.

- I wanted to see you earlier.

Mejii closed her eyes and nodded slowly.

- Tell me everything.

Renji gently grabbed her hand and together, they walked into the front room and sat down on the sofa.

- Did you hear about Rukias verdict?

- Yes. I believe captain Zaraki sent me home due to that.

Renji scratched his head in annoyance. He wanted to tell her himself, not for her to hear it elsewhere, from someone who may not know her relationship to Rukia or his.

- How are you feeling about it? Mejii gently asked, placing a hand on his forearm.

- I, I don't know. I've felt like my thoughts have been all over the place today. When captain Kuchiki told me today, he looked emotionless to the situation. I felt like I wanted to be sick and kick his teeth in at the same time. He looked like he didn't care at all about his sister. I don't want her to die Mejii, but I don't know what I can do to save her.