sugarcoat what i know is undeniable

[unburden]

Ever since arriving in Darrow, it's become increasingly clear to Rukia that there are multiple cycles through which people's souls run. Nearly disparate worlds that have found different ways to balance within themselves. All of them touch in some way or another, she believes — it's the only way to explain her presence here, the fact that she's been able to leap from one to the other. It's probably not possible to see or comprehend all of them which exist, but at least for those who are in the city, Rukia tries to understand.

She tries to understand what death means.

The library's been one of the best places to research, even though walking among the people often helps as well. Today, though, she's of a mind to keep to herself, not wanting to put up airs or raise smiles where she doesn't feel any. Instead, she remains seated at one of the few tables scattered on the first floor of the library, books piled high beside her as she takes notes.

That's when she feels it — a ghost wandering nearby. The lead in her pencil snaps as she glances up, spotting a young girl walking some space away. There's never an elegant way to go about making directions, but Rukia still wanders to her side, carrying all her books in hand.

A few steps away, she pretends to trip, a couple of volumes about reincarnation skating free and skidding against the ground. "Oh no," she breathes, crouching to try and pick them up. "I'm so sorry about that. Are you okay?"

Comments

[ghost_holder]

Aggie bends and helps to pick up the books, handing them over. "Yes, I'm all right." The fall of books had made her jump, but perhaps Barbara's lessons have helped her stay calm after all. No sparks are trailing through her hair this time.

"What's reincarnation?"