Ninth Dance

[chappi_fan]

[Rukia's standing in a corridor when the sphere is turned on, her eyes narrowed while wearing an angered expression. Her voice is somewhat quiet yet fierce, building in volume and intensity as she speaks.]

For all of us to be deceived... To think we set out to help them, when we are nothing more than test subjects and treated as animals...!

[She

Comments

[canniballistic]

...It's true, we've been deceived. [And this is about as close to angry as most are likely to see Abel, who has only a fierce neutrality in his expression.]

But we mustn't lose hope. We're still after the same thing, aren't we? They've only changed the rules a little.

[chappi_fan]

I know that. I know we will not fail.

[canniballistic]

Then don't look so glum, hm? This is hardly an insurmountable challenge.

[chappi_fan]

I am merely frustrated at myself. I should not have allowed myself to be deceived again.

[She frowns, surprised at herself.]

[canniballistic]

You're not at fault; we all believed it.

[chappi_fan]

I understand that. However, we could have easily questioned the situation more.

[canniballistic]

We could have, but we might not have been any better off. This way, at least, we have a few allies. And none of us is the worse for it.

[chappi_fan]

We do not know for certain if they can be trusted. This world has shown little reason to do so.

[canniballistic]

Well, we've no real reason to trust each other, either, but I like to think there is at least that much between all of us.

[chappi_fan]

That is true. I have found myself coming to trust some here, including you, despite wishing not to grow too close to anyone here.

[Her eyes widen slightly, shocked at what just happened.]

What...?!

[canniballistic]

[Too busy with his amusement, he doesn't seem to realize anything is wrong, at first.]

Oh, really? Ah, it's nice that you've come out of your shell a bit, then!

So - hm? What's the matter?

[chappi_fan]

[Her eyes narrow slightly while she frowns.]

It is nothing.

[canniballistic]

Are you sure? Because it really seemed like something!

[chappi_fan]

It is not of note.

[A slight pause.]

The last time we spoke, I was not myself. The Gate was affecting my memories at the time.

[canniballistic]

Uh, oh. That.

Well, I tend to chalk the stranger happenings about this place up to that sort of unpleasant business without thinking. If that's the case, then don't worry. It's all water under the bridge, now.

[chappi_fan]

It is somewhat frustrating. I did not want to reveal anything of Soul Society or Shinigami. I have been not been careless, yet I can do little when anomalies occur. I am now concerned if whoever is responsible for our presence will use what they know of Shinigami against us.

[Her eyes widen again.] No... I did not mean to say any of those things. What is going on...?!