Rukia glanced at the sky. It was difficult to estimate the time with the clouds blocking the moon and stars so thoroughly, but she knew they had at least a couple of hours before the designated meeting.

"We have time," she said, turning to lead the way toward the Fire Crystal. "You can probably take a short rest before anything crucial begins. I'll wake you."

She declined to comment on the afterlife, even though she had strong opinions on spirits lingering where they should not. The living had their place, and the dead had theirs. That was the end of it.

"Let's go."