Karakura-Raizer Angel [Bleach Fanfic]

Heading out [8]

Ichigo landed somewhere. It was a high place, the ground was yellow and there were dead trees on one side while the other had a structure of some sort. "Y'know," he spoke, "Rukia's execution was taken place on this very ground," he gently placed me down. 

I looked at the structure, "This is the execution ground?" I asked, then I gestured to the structure, "Was she like held there?"

Ichigo nodded. Then he suddenly laughed, "Those were memorable times," he shook his head with a smile spread across his features. His face turned gloomy as he stared into the distance, "I might miss this place," he mumbled. I tilted my head to the side, he sounded like he was going to say goodbye to the place.

"Ah!" a sweet voice called out, "Kurosaki-Kun! Neddy-Chan! Where were you guys?" Orihime approached the two of us, "We nearly left without the two of you!" The two of us laughed nervously as we looked at each other. "We had uh--," Ichigo scratched the back of his head. "He was just showing me around!" I laughed and waved my hand dismissively, "We kinda got lost along the way."

"You guys arrived here from above," Uryu came over to us. He adjusted his glasses, "Nice glasses," he tilted his head up a little. 

I squinted my eyes at him, "Was that sarcastic or sincere?" I asked, crossing my arms. 

"Who knows?" he smirked. I blinked, feeling my cheeks getting warm oh wow.

I haven't noticed it earlier, Uryu was good-looking.

I shook my head, "You're gonna go glasses shopping with me after this," I smiled. I took off the glasses and neatly fold them, "This isn't mine." I put the glasses back on and followed them as they started walking. We went down some stairs. Well, not just some stairs. A whole lot of stairs, but we managed to arrive at the bottom of the hill.

"That was the Sōkyoku Hill if you were wondering, Neddy," Rukia informed me as we walked away from the hill. I turned to take a good look at the hill. I nodded and turned my head back to the front. "So, where are we going now?" I asked, looking around. My eyebrows furrowed, everything looks the same here. It's like an endless maze.

"To the Senkaimon," Rukia said, "It'll be the exit to the World of the Living." I nodded and followed the group silently. I tucked the necklace back under my kimono. After a few minutes of walking, we finally arrived at a huge gate that seemed to look like an exit or entrance.

The large doors opened, revealing another gate a few steps away. Ukitake stood by the gate, greeting us with his signature warm smile. We all stood in front of the gate, and the doors slowly opened, revealing a beaming white light. I squinted my eyes and shielded my eyes with my hand.

"Neddy, since it's your first time going through the Senkaimon," Ukitake spoke, "You'll enter a corridor-like dimension called Dangai," he explained, "You don't have to worry about anything. The R&D institute has it all covered. You just have to run straight and stick to your group," he continued, "And it's normal to feel a little scared of the place."

"Alright," I nodded, "You guys don't run, okay?" I turned to the group, "I'm a slow runner..." They nodded. I turned back to Ukitake, "Oh before I forget," I took off the glasses and handed them over to Ukitake, "Can you please return this to Ise-San?" I asked, bowing a little, "It was hers."

"Don't you need it to see?" Ukitake asked.

"It's okay!" I reassured, "I have them to guide me back," I gestured to the group.

"Alright," he took the glasses from my hands, "I'll ensure she gets these back."

"Thank you," I smiled at him before turning to the blinding light. I waited for a few of them to enter the gates. Ichigo, Orihime, and Chad disappeared into the bright light. I looked at Uryu. 

"Ladies first," he gestured for me to go in first. I shook my head with a smile on my lips as I entered. It was nothing but white when I walked in. I continue forward and found myself somewhere.

It was dark. It was narrow. I stopped dead in my tracks, feeling my heart pounding out of my chest. My chest got tight, and my breathing suddenly cut short. As if I didn't have enough oxygen. 

"Neddy-Chan?" Orihime called out, "Are you alright?" I tried to form words, but nothing came out.

Someone took my hands and walked with me. My head snapped to my side, trying to identify who took my hand. "You're claustrophobic, huh?" Uryu asked. I could only nod. My whole being shaking as we walked down the corridor. "You're gonna have problems with MRI scanners then," he laughed in an effort to lighten my mood.

"Claustrophobic?" Orihime asked, "What's that?"

"It's a phobia of small or confined spaces," Uryu explained, "It means she can't be in a small room with no windows."

"What about lifts?" she asked, "Can she go in that?"

Uryu turned to me. I only nodded.

"But do you stay near the door?" he asked.

I nodded.

"That's also another sign," he muttered.

"So, Ned doesn't like this place?" Ichigo suddenly spoke, "Okay, then we're running." "Kurosaki wait!" Footsteps sped up and slowly fades away. My eyes widened, realizing they were about to leave us behind. Uryu held onto my hand tighter and started running with them. I stumbled a little but managed to make my feet move.

Though, the shortness of breath is causing me to feel light-headed. I couldn't tell if it was my vision being already blurry or if I was about to pass out. "You alright?" Uryu asked as we continued running. I shook my head. I felt like passing out, and my legs were giving in. 

In a blink of an eye, my legs weren't moving anymore.

I blinked. Once. Twice. Only to finally realize I was being carried by Ishida Uryu, bridal style. I tried to say something. But I could only manage to hold onto his shoulder as he carried me through the corridor.