Shinobu lets out a small, strangled sound in the back of her throat, reaching out for Issui as she slips away. That can't be true. It can't be. She wants to go after. She wants to so badly. It's pointless, and worse, she knows; her Grandmother taught her as much. But she wants to more than anything. All she can do is hold her breath and watch Issui be brought to the stage. She feels a scream welling up in her chest, but chokes it down.

She reaches back for Caro, finding her already there. That's good. She can't lose it and make it worse, so she just wobbles in place for a moment. Then she blindly grabs in Rukia's direction, for good measure.

This isn't fair. This isn't fair. They were so close to being free of this.