Bleach Fan Fiction ~ The Glass Portal To Another World

Shattered Segment 7: Volcano

The cut on Rukia's right wrist didn't seem like it would heal any time soon. Actually, it looked like it was going to be there forever, and she would have to get used to seeing it there every day. Even after all this time, the dried blood didn't darken into a purple. Instead, it remained bright red, almost orange. Clearly, this wound wasn't normal.

Rukia wandered the room for the time she was there, expecting the return of Kairu. She wanted to ask him so many things. Why was she there? Can she go outside? Is he an enemy or friend? Where was she? Does he know Ichigo?

She was bored, almost to the point that her face was glued to that blank expression. Just like the room, her mind was becoming blank.

And so was her stomach.

She kept watch on the door out of the corner of her eye. But she couldn't wait any longer so she stumbled towards it and touched the doorknob.

It spun and slowly opened.

Kairu walked in and set down a tray of food near her bed.

It took all she can do to not stuff herself right then. Instead, she ate it slowly and diligently, just what her brother would expect.

"I'm assuming you have many questions," Kairu said when she finished her meal.

"Why am I here?" she asked.

"We're going to use you," he replied honestly.

"Who is 'we'?"

"My friends in this building."

"Who are they?"

"My co-workers."

"Can I leave this place?"

"No."

"Bathroom?"

"If you touch the wall across the room from the door, a toilet-like contraption should appear."

"Why can't I leave?"

"Because we're using you."

"For what?"

"That's information I'm not supposed to give out."

"Are you supposed to be my friend of enemy?"

"It depends on what you think."

"Do you know Ichigo?"

"No, but I used to be a friend of Kaien's."

"Used to?"

"I guess I would still be if he didn't die."

Rukia felt a surge of guilt.

"It's not your fault," he said, almost reading her mind.

"When can you let me out?"

"You really want to leave, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Well, I'll let out of this room by tomorrow and you can leave the building the day after that."

"Thanks…" She paused and thought of another question. "How did you meet Kaien?"

"By normal means."

"What?"

"I don't really want to talk about it…"

"Oh, I'm sorry." She paused and then hid under the covers, feeling guilt. She had asked too many questions.

"You don't have to be sorry," he replied. He paused to wait for another question to come out of her mouth.

It didn't come.

He stood up and said, "Well, I guess I should leave now. If you ever need me again, touch the doorknob okay?"

So that's how. She didn't have to wait for food after all. She was basically starving herself the whole time she was anticipating his arrival.

Her body seemed to have healed during the time she was locked up in the room. She wasn't as sore as before, which was a good thing. The only problem now was her right wrist.

She forced her right hand into a fist and winced at the pain it inflicted on to her wrist.

***

Kon bounced on the table in the cage in front of Uryuu, who was reading a magazine about the delayed technology of the Isou world. "Uryuu, Inoue fell asleep!" he exclaimed in a whisper.

Uryuu gently set down the magazine and stared up at Inoue.

Kon didn't lie. She had soundly fallen asleep on the table.

Kon noticed Uryuu's fond gaze and whispered, "It's a pity she fell for Ichigo instead of you, isn't it?"

Uryuu's face grew red and he nervously picked up his magazine and pretended to read in case Inoue woke up. "N- no, it isn't a pity," he stammered. "I'm fine with that. I- it's not like I care… right?"

"Uryuu's so stubborn!" Kon said softly but intensely. "Admit it!"

"Shut up!" Uryuu whispered, refusing to look at Kon.

***

Keigo stared at the eggs sitting on his palm. Then he looked at Mickan. Then he looked back at the eggs. He scratched his chin in wonder like an old man.

Mickan had feathers. The eggs were shiny. There was no resemblance at all.

Keigo continued thinking. Feathers? Eggs? How are they connected?

He received a headache and rolled around on the hard rocks. This was too hard for him. Did that old lady really give him the power to think?

Ichigo jumped and dodged an air attack from Mickan and finally cut him on the leg. A small wound. Nothing big. At this rate, they won't be able to defeat him fast enough. Inoue and Uryuu would probably start worrying.