The soft moonlight shone down upon the rooftops of Karakura town. Rukia climbed onto the tallest building, overlooking the familiar streets below. She released a small sigh, her breath visible in the cool night air.

It had been another tiring day of training Ichigo. While he had improved his skills as a Soul Reaper, he was still stubborn and headstrong. Rukia found it difficult at times not to get annoyed with his recklessness.

Yet, he also made her duties in this world more bearable. For the first time, Rukia felt she had a true purpose and someone to protect. Her time as a Soul Reaper had never felt so meaningful.

Rukia gazed up at the crescent moon, thinking of Byakuya and her family back in Soul Society. But this town, and Ichigo, had become her home. She would defend it with all her heart.

A soft breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, and the silence of the night was broken only by the distant sounds of the living world below. Rukia closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath of the cool air. Her heart felt at peace for the first time in as long as she could remember.However, footsteps coming from behind her distracted her from her thoughts and she turned back, squinting the corners of her eyes.

"You..."