"Shattered..." Rukia echoed absently. Yes, that was how it had seemed. But the things she had experienced, the emotions she felt, the friends in her heart...those were true. She did not believe they were some mere reflection or false dream. Such a thought was completely unacceptable.

"Someone must know. I'm certain of it." Her small shoulders were set with firm determination. "I have no qualms about being called as a Hero in this world. But there are duties I cannot forsake in my own, and people I am loathe to leave behind without so much as a word of warning."

She tilted her head slightly to regard Robin. Surely this woman felt the same? And there had to be others as well. But everyone in this city looked relatively well-adjusted. That was interesting.