The door opened. The old man must live close by, she reasoned, otherwise he never would have arrived so fast on his (imagined) feeble legs. She hadn't even had time to lay out some boards to ease his journey up the front steps. Putting down the soap and cloth, Rukia wiped her hands dry and went to open the door.

"Mister Archer!" she greeted him with warm surprise. She regretted not getting his name before. And what was this? Was he carrying the supplies for Raven? Truly there was no end to the kindness of this city's heroes.

But where was the old man?

Rukia held to the door frame and leaned out past Raven. No old men behind him...

"Raven does not appear to be with you. This is worrisome."