While the nature of her existence isn't one that Rukia wants to share with everyone, there are a couple of important things to bear in mind this time — first, that Andrea has always been trustworthy. Second, that Rukia's pretty sure Andrea will believe her, if she's already consorting with vampires and the culture that surrounds them.

Again, she shifts the bag in her arms, taking a careful, hidden breath.

"I'm a reaper," she says, tilting her head. "When I say that I've been around a lot of death, it's because... well, that's my job. I guide the souls of the deceased and help them find the afterlife. I, myself, died many years ago."