Chapter Three
How to Save a Friend When…
Renji and Rukia return to the Seireitei after the order of Head Captain and Squad One Leader Yamamoto.
Rukia paced around the room thinking about the way they left Orihime's apartment. Thinking of the way she rushed off to help Ichigo fight the Arrancars falling right in line with the enemies plan.
"It's entirely my fault I should have never-
"Will you just quit it already," Renji interrupted Rukia, "We have our orders we came back here. There is no way that girl we both know and whom we call friend would betray us."
"I know that. I should have stayed," Rukia said still pacing the floor. Her thoughts were centered on the events before Captain Yamamoto declared Orihime a traitor. Seconds after training with Orihime they received word that the enemy commenced attacking Karakura. Knowing that the Arrancars were suddenly attacking should have raised a red flag in her mind instead she rushed off into battle.
At her silent contemplation Renji spoke up saying, "You were trying to help Ichigo. I'm not happy about any of this either. Hey it's a good thing you showed up too. That Espada was pretty crazy."
"That Espada nearly-
"Yeah just what was up with those guys showing up and attacking like that," Renji said.
"Whoever he is Ichigo had distanced himself since that other incident," Rukia said.
Since Ichigo fought with the Arrancars and had to be saved by Urahara and Yoruichi he hadn't been the same. Ichigo filled with doubt or fear was useless to anyone and a danger to himself. However an Ichigo rushing to protect a friend was to be expected.
She knew that he would rush after to save Orihime not thinking a thing about Aizen's hand in all of this. She couldn't doubt him it would drive her crazy. All she could do was hope that the order to help him would come soon.
Thinking about all of it forced her to recognize just how entwined her life had become with the humans. Her pride focused on duty but part of her rushed into battle because of Ichigo. All too aware of what Ichigo would do to save Orihime she struggled to keep away emotions so strong they threatened her rational mind.
"We all locked ourselves away to get stronger. Maybe that was our undoing. Whatever Sôsuke's up to we all felt the need to be strong enough to deal with it. Truthfully we barely held our own," Renji said.
"You can't start doubting yourself like that," Rukia said.
"Yeah."
Footsteps got their attention.
"Captain Kuchiki."
"Nii-sama."
Introduction Three
Rukia has just finished fighting and defeating the Noveno Espada Aaroniero Arruruerie…Ichigo knows Rukia is near death so he heads towards where she is. Yamada Hanatarô immediately begins emergency aid to save his friend Rukia. Byakuya arrives to aid in fighting the Espada. Séptima Espada Zommari Rureaux attacks Hanatarô and engages in fighting with Byakuya.