Moonlight is sweet on killing stone, turning the White Tower to a candle in the night, making it a thing of life rather than death. Kuchiki Rukia sits at the window and looks at the tower, and the sky beyond, and listens to the moon's silent singing.

Hinamori Momo moves slightly in her sleep as her Captain draws a blanket over her, but does not wake as he leaves the room. His footsteps fade into her dream; step, step, silence.

Unohana Retsu looks around the infirmary, and tastes blood in the air; past, present, and so much more to come.

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