Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach in anyway. Enjoy and RxR.

What the Heart Wants: Part 2

Chapter 1: The Worst Happens.

A hysterical laugh bounced off the cell walls, drowning out the groans, grunts, and displeaured sounds of the other prisoners. The cell that the laugh was coming from was the last one on the left, a man with blue hair, ice blue eyes, and a frightening crazed sneer, breathed deeply and glanced around. Five months, he'd been in this hell hole for five months. All because of that white haired captain, Hitsugaya and that useless black haired woman, Karin. A shiver shot through him as he thought of the woman, knowing that her looks might have changed since he first saw her. Had she grown out that lovely hair? Was she still tan? DId she think about him? His sneer widened at the last thought, and he

stuggled gently against the white straight jacket that was suppose to drain all the powers he had taken. But those idiots, it was a straight jacket that many criminals had worn, and it still contained their powers. He was high, high with the power that he had been absorbing for five months. Those idiots thought this could restrain him, it was laughable. In todays time, he would be able to break out of here, and exact his revenge on the ones that put him here.

He already knew what he was going to do. To the captain, he was going to wound him, not to kill him, but enough to the point where he couldn't move. Then as the captain watched helplessly, he would then attack Karin. He wouldn't cut her or anything, he would just beat her until she begged for mercy. Then he would take his pleasure from her body, and continue to do so until she was rather completely broken or dead.

His idea's were brilliant, and after that he would leave the captain alive. Let him deal with the woman, and he'd make his get away, praying that

the white haired captain would come after him for revenge. It would make the rest of his life, taunting the man that couldn't even save the woman he loved, driving him insane until he finally took his own life. It was brilliant, it was genius, it was going to show everyone that he wasn't one to be messed with.

The laughter started again, growing louder and louder until it could be heard outside the prison. Drawing concerned gazed from two passing leutinents. Renji frowned and turned to Rangiku, seeing her worried gaze on the prison that they were passing. They knew who was making the laughter, but they just didn't know why Riyan Suroichi was acting so happy, and knew that it always frightened Rangiku.

"No worries. He can't get out, that place is unscapable. Besides they have that soul pressure eating straight jacket on him." He stated, sighing when Rangiku just sighed and started forward again. He frowned deeper, knowing that squad ten was having difficulties with their captain because of Riyan. The man was devestated, only thinking about Ichigo's younger sister, Karin, and he briefly wondered if she was feeling the same way. Shaking his head he started after the long red headed woman, thinking that her captain was being to harsh on himself.

The words he had said to Karin had been meant to help her, but she had taken them the wrong way. It wasn't his fault, but he was torturing himself as if it was. He frowned, was there anything that he could do to help? Was there anything anyone could do, for that matter? Maybe if everyone were to brainstorm then they could find a way to get those two together. Shaking his head at the rediculous thought, he wished Rangiku a good day and then went the direction of his berricks.

Rangiku watched as Renji left, then turned in the direction she needed. Her thoughts on her heart broken and devistated captain. For five months now he had hardly said anything, and would disappear at the most random of times. In fact, she wouldn't be surprised to get to his office and find him gone. She, nor anyone else, had a clue where he went to. But each time he left, she always got the fear that he wouldn't come entered squad tens' compound and headed straight for her captain's office, knocked and then waited. Sighing when she didn't get an answer, and walked on in. He had told her, on the second time he had found her near tears infront of his door, that if she didn't get an answer

then to walk on in and just wait. So she did just that, and prayed that he was safe where ever he was.

Toshiro glanced down at the celebrating Kurosaki family. Both Karin and Yuzu had finished their final day of school, and Ichigo was saying something about a special surprise for both of them. He didn't catch what it was, because his attention was solely on Karin. She had a small smile on her face, but it didn't reach her dull eyes, and he knew that her hidden pain was because of him. Gritting his teeth he closed his eyes and turned his head away. Why was it that he hurt everyone he loved? He nearly killed the woman he saw as a grandmother, but thankfully Rangiku had stepped in. Then he hadn't been strong enough to save Momo, and she destroyed herself on a level that no one could help with.

Now Karin Kurosaki, by shattering her heart and advoiding her like a coward when he should be begging her for forgiveness. But he witheld the

urge, knowing that she would be better off just forgetting him, and moving on. Even though he knew that he would never be over her, and knew that it was pathetic. He would even hide from Ichigo whenever he entered the Soul Society, and just go off on his own just to see if she was doingwell. Always making sure that no one knew where he was going, aside from the people in the research department, and made sure no one sensed he was near.

Giving a sigh, he glanced back to her, and gave a tight smile while opening the gate to go back.

"Congratulations, Karin. Yuzu." He stated, quickly going through the gate before anyone noticed it. Moving quickly he entered the Soul Society, he ran straight to the woods of a nearby village. He didn't want to face anyone yet, all he wanted to do was be alone. Just as he wanted for the past five months, he had spoken very little, eaten less, and trained vigoriously. All to try and get stronger, hoping that one day he may be able to confront Karin with his mistake. He thought back to the days that he had watched her practice, and admitted that she truly had grown stronger herself. She wasn't the same woman he had said those words to, this woman could hold her own with anyone and refused to

back down. She was even starting to act like Ichigo in some moments, and he couldn't help but smile slightly at the thought. She was probably going to be the only person that could stand equal to the substitute soul reaper.

He could even see how stronger she was becoming, not to mention it showed in her everyday movements. Her legs more toned, especially when she joined track. Her flexability had improved as well, along with her speed, endurance, and over all fighting skills. He had watched in awe as she sparred with Yuroichi in a hand-to-hand combat, and had thrown her like it was nothing. She had grown more stronger than he could have ever thought. She had even mastered her ability to channel her energy into objects and use them as weapons. He thought back to the fight with Riyan, if it hadn't been for her, they both would have been run through. She had surged her power into him, and his ability had accepted it, creating a large energy orb to form around them. It wasn't until later, when Renji had explained to him what happened that he understood how they won. It seemed that when the orb enveloped them, Riyan had tried to absorb it, only to have it reject him and absorb his powers instead. Causing him to become weak for a moment, and when he attacked again it was as if the orb attacked him, by leaving them and enveloped him. A second later it exploded as a form of a large ice orb. Leaving him nearly powerless and unconscious, while they had just been dazed slightly from the power overload.

Still though, the feeling he had when their powers had merged was amazing. He had never felt so connected to some one else, and the fact that his ability had even accepted it was something in itself. Giving a sigh he sat down infront of a tree and shook his head, he shouldn't be thinking on the past. It would never happen again, regardless of what he wanted, and he needed to get over it. Over her, and there was only one way to do that. Standing up he quickly started toward his office, where he was sure that some paperwork would be waiting. Once he stood infront of his office he was surprise to see that the door was open. He placed a hand gently on his sword, stepped inside, and blinked when he was suddenly in Ragiku's embrace. Fighting to keep his head out of her exposed cleavage, and sighed as the usual feeling that he had disappointed

someone else washed over him.

"Rangiku? What are you doing?" He asked warily, he knew in the past he would have been yelling at her, but he just wasn't in the mood.

"I'm sorry Captain. It's just that no one had seen you for a while, and you didn't say anything about a mission, so I was thinking the worst." She pouted, he sighed and moved to his desk. He knew that she was just worried about him, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her where he went for fear that she would see less of him.

"I just had something I needed to do. Now what did you need?" He asked, pulling some papers from his top drawer and splayed them out on his desk. When Rangiku remained quiet he glanced up to see her staring off into the distant.

"Rangiku." He stated, pulling her from her thoughts with a start, leaning forward he waited for her to get her barings.

"Right. Sorry, Captain. I just wanted to report that the mission was a sucess, with no wounded, and no problems with the new recruits." She whispered, then looked as if she was going to say something else, but stopped. He furrowed his brows, and straightened.

"Rangiku, if something is bothering you, you really need to speak up. How else will I know what it is?" He asked, watching her from beneath his lashes. She had paled slightly, and then he knew what was bothering her.

"Is he still laughing like a lunatic?" He asked, watching as she swallowed and nodded. Frowning he glanced down at his paperwork, then stood and moved around his desk. He needed to check into this, it was starting to get out of hand.

"Captain?" Rangiku asked, and he motioned for her to follow.

"Something isn't sitting right with me about Riyan. He shouldn't be moving with that restraint on, yet he's laughing at the top of his lungs." He stated, glancing down at the ground as they walked.

"I know. When I passed the prison and heard him, I knew something wasn't right. The guards keep telling me that he is just insane, but for some reason, I can't help but think we made a mistake putting that thing on him." She stated, Toshiro glanced at her in a quizzical way. Then it hit him, hard. That straight jacket was used to drain all the powers from their tougher enemies that they had managed to capture, and Riyan had the power to absorb anyone elses power he came in contact with. What was stopping him from absorbing the powers within the straight jacket?

"Damnit." He bit out, taking off at a run.

"Captain?!" Rangiku shouted, but he ignored her, having no time to explain. That jacket had hundreds of years worth of power, and Riyan could have already absorbed a good deal of it within the last five months. His insane laughter was probably him on a power high with a combination of him mocking them. Why hadn't they seen it earlier, it was a stupid move. They should have realized. He picked up speed as the large tower came into view, and felt his heart stop when a sudden explosion sounded and the alarms went off. Then watched as Riyan hopped out of the smoke, free of the jacket and looking completely mad. He flashed step, trying to get to the man a quick as he could but

watched in horror as he easily wiped out some guards like they were nothing.

"Bankia!" He shouted, drawing his sword, and using his ice wings to fly into the man. Grunting when it felt as if he had ran into a solid rock barrier. Moving quickly away when Riyan took a swipe at him, his ice cold eyes wide and crazed, a sneer stretching his face, and his blue hair standing up in every which way. The man truly did look mad. He started to laughing lowly, building quickly to a roar as he spiked his spiritual pressure, nearly causing Toshiro to collapse. Suddenly he stopped, going still as he glared at the captain, Toshiro felt actual terror wash through him, and tightened the grip on his sword. Shivering as a more calmer smile crossed the man's face.

"Oh in due time, Captain Hitsugaya. In due time. I need to repay the woman first though." Riyan whispered in a horsed voice, and Toshiro's heart skipped a beat, then blinding rage surged forward. He raised his sword, glaring at the man before him.

"Don't you dare threaten her infront of me." He growled, watching as Riyan just tilted his head to the side, an amused look on his face.

"Are you saying you're going to stop me?" He asked, an amused look in his eyes. Toshiro gritted his teeth, knowing that if the man infront of him had absorbed those powers from the straight jacket, he wouldn't be able to stop him alone. But he couldn't just let the man go into the world of the living to hunt down Karin either, some how he had to stall him.

"Growl Hyneko!" The shout caused him to tense, and he watched as Riyan was surrounded by sand. He glanced at Rangiku as she moved beside him.

"Howl, Zabimaru!" The second shout caused him to turn to his other side as Renji appeared there and attacked the man as well. He growled, and shook his head.

"What are you two doing? This isn't..."

"Captain, leave. Now!" Rangiku interuppted, causing him to give her a stunned look. Instead of meeting his gaze, she was making sure that the sand was blocking every move Riyan made as Renji struck out at him.

"Sir, you need to get to Karin Kurosaki, and get some where the both of you can be safe. I've no doubt in my mind that his targets are you two." Renji stated, waiting as Rangiku blocked the man again before lashing out. Toshiro glared at both of them, they were telling him to leave them with this insane lunatic. Had they gone insane? Yet at the same time he knew that they were right. He would have to protect Karin, or at least warn the Kurosaki family that Riyan was back on the prowl.

"Captain! You have to move now! We'll only be able to hold him for a little longer!" Rangiku shouted, giving a groan of frustration, he glared at the man. Without a word he took off toward the gates, and prayed that he could get to Karin before Riyan broke away from Rangiku and Renji. He also hoped that he hadn't just signed their death warrents for them.

Karin opened the door to Urahara's shop, and stepped inside. Looking around with a frown when she didn't see anyone, it wasn't natural for this place to be so quiet. Kicking off her shoes she ventured farther into the shop, looking around every corner, but refused to call out in case something was wrong. She finally reached the hatch to go to the training area, glanced down, and then slowly started down. Keeping her eyes open in case of a surprise attack, but everything was still quiet when she reached the bottom. She slowly glanced around, stilling as she noticed a slight movement a bit away toward a large outcrop. Lowering her spiritual pressure, she quickly made her way over, drawing power into her hand, and turned the corner sharply.

"Congratulations, Karin!" Urahara shouted, causing her to jump and lose her focus, and the blue energy that she had focused disperesed. Everyone was throwing confetti, had streamers around, and had party blowers at the ready. They were around a large table that held a feast, and everyone was around. She blinked and glanced up at Urahara and her father.

"What in the world is this?" She asked, and tensed as her father grabbed her up in a hug. Laughing and crying at the same time, confusing and annoying her. Only to gasp when Urahara pulled her away and lead her to the table with all the food.

"Today is not only the day you finished school, Karin. You also completed all the training that me and your father can teach you. Even Ichigo can't teach you anything else. So this party is to celebrate." Urahara stated, she stilled and faced him in shock.

"Are you serious?! I've finished all my training? I can start training by myself?" She asked, smiling as Urahara nodded with a wave of his fan.

"But, just so you know, you can still ask for our help if you need it. Or just need a sparring partner." Yuroichi stated, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Karin stared up at the woman that she had come to see as an older sister. In the past five months, Karin had shared thoughts with the woman that she had never told anyone. Knowing that she could trust the woman with anything, and therefore had more respect for her than anyone else she had known.

"No worries about that. I'm still going to come around and bug Urahara, Jinta, and Tessi. You and Ururu, you two are just too awesome to mess with." She stated, giving a small laugh when the woman tightened her hold. Then glanced over at her brother and sister as they approached.

"Congratulations Karin. This is so amazing that you've completed this training." Yuzu stated, she smiled and nodded. She couldn't even believe this was happening herself.

"But don't go getting it into your head that you can beat me. Got it little sis." Ichigo stated, placing his hand on her head and mussing up her hair. She laughed and smiled up at him, for once it was an actual smile. Something that she hadn't done in the last five months. Swatting his hand aside she faced him fully, and gave an arrogant smile.

"I think I could handle you. Wanna test it?" She asked, praying that he said yes. Ever since she started this training her goal was to spar against her older brother. She watched as a smile crossed his face and he nodded.

"Alright. We need to work up an appitite anyway, one quick match wont hurt." He stated, she smiled and quickly raced to the spot where they would start their match. She inhaled and put on her battle face, watching as her brother did the same and drew his sword, moving into his battle stance.

"I won't hold back." He stated, she nodded and focused her energy into her hands.

"Same here." She stated, leaning back some, testing her balance. She narrowed her eyes, blinking as he flashed stepped, quickly tracked him to where he would appear, and thrusted her hand forward. Watching as he went wide eyed and quickly jumped backwards to avoid the hit. She smiled, focused her energy and blasted it forward. It hit his sword, pushing him further back, and then rushed forward toward him.

Gathering more energy in her hand, dodged beneath his sword, and aimed for his chest, but sent an arch of blue energy through the air as he

quickly flashed stepped away. They froze, staring at each other, both breathing hard, and prepared for a second round. Only to tense and frown

as the presence of a gate washed over them.

"Who in the world could that be?" Ichigo asked, Karin shrugged and stayed still as she focused to see if she could sense the person that was visiting the world of the living. Tensing and going wide eyed as she realized the familiar spiritual pressure, glancing up she met Ichigo's wary gaze. Hardening her own she started toward the ladder, intending to meet the man that had shattered her heart and give him a piece of her mind. Before she could even reach the ladder he appeared at the top, meeting her gaze with a pained and...fear filled?...eyes. All thoughts of giving him a piece of her mind vanished as she grabbed the ladder with both hands and bit her bottom lip. Something was wrong! She moved

back as he jumped down and stood before them all, looking all for the world like he was uncomfortable around them.

"Captain Hitsugaya? Is there something wrong?" Urahara asked, and she watched as Toshiro glanced toward her and then quickly glanced away, facing Urahara instead.

"It's Riyan Suroichi. He has escaped." He stated, and she felt her blood run cold. Riyan, escaped! She gasped and glanced at him, unconsciously stepping forward.

"How?" She asked, and watched as he glanced away, this time in embarassment.

"It's...Sort of a long story. Any way, he's coming after us, for revenge. We have to go into hiding until the others figure out what we can do to stop him." He stated, causing her to blink and frown. This wasn't the Toshiro she knew, he would never back down from something that threatened him, or anyone else for that matter.

"Why not just defeat him like last time?" She asked, and frowned more when he shook his head.

"He's stronger than he was five months ago. His body has even regenerated, and he's absorbed even more soul reaper powers. Some

that were already taken from the soul reaper." He stated, and she blinked in confusion. He took powers that were already taken? How was that possible? A sharp intake of breath caused her to look over at Urahara, and blinked in surprised at how pale he suddenly look.

"You fools! Please tell me, you didn't put the spiritual pressure absorber jacket on him!?" He shouted, Karin glanced to Ichigo for enlightenment, but bit her bottom lip when he shrugged and then looked to Toshiro. From how he hung his head, and the way that Urahara was cursing, the answer was a yes. Which wasn't a good thing.

"Could someone please elaborate?" She stated, glancing toward her father when he stepped forward.

"The spiritual pressure absorb jacket is like what we'd call a straight jacket here. Only this jacket absorbs all the spiritual powers of who ever wears it, and will only be removed once all the power is drained. But, with Riyan's ability, it seems the opposite has happened. Instead of it absorbing his powers, he's taken all the powers that it has absorbed." He stated, and she turned to Toshiro. How had they missed that?! She was about to call him on it, but bit her tongue at his contrite look. Giving a shake of her head she sighed and glanced up at him.

"Has it been on him for the entire five months?" She asked, feeling slightly sick when he nodded his head. Damn, with him absorbing five months worth of power he'd be crazy strong, especially if the people who have worn the jacket in the past were strong.

"Who have you used the jacket one? I'm talking crazy mad power?" Urahara asked, and she watched as Toshiro sighed and glanced at them with sad eyes.

"Everyone who has ever been put into the prison after you created it. I'm not sure how many powers he has absorbed, but he's mad with it." He stated, Karin bit her bottom lip. Riyan had been mad to start with, now he had mad power to back him up.

"So why come here Toshiro? It's not like you to just up and leave the others to take your problem." Ichigo stated, and Karin couldn't help but hear the frost in her older brother's tone. She knew that he resented Toshiro for what he done to her, and at one time she would have been right beside him. But she understood the situation, it wasn't just Toshiro's problem. It was her's as well. Riyan had set his sights on her when hehad first seen her, and now he'd no doubt still come after her. Possibly using them against each other to get them to do his bidding.

"Because, he's after me and Toshiro. We'll be stronger against him if we're together and not seperated. If he got one of us alone, he'd use the one he got as bait to the other. Or even if he didn't have the other, we wouldn't know, so if he threatened us that he did, then we'd still do anything he asked to protect the other." She stated, drawing a confused gaze from Ichigo and Yuzu, while Yuroichi gave her an understanding look. She glared at Ichigo when he huffed and glared at the white haired captain.

"Like I would let you do anything Riyan wanted you to do, just because he threatens to harm Toshiro. He deserves any pain that happens to him if you ask me." Ichigo growled, giving a sigh she walked to his side, gave him a small smile, and then slapped him on the back of his head as hard as she could. Watching with a frown as he face planted at her feet.

"Let it go, Ichigo. Also, if anything, you wouldn't be able to stop me from doing something if anyone threatened Toshiro. Now, what's the plan , Toshiro?" She asked, turning her gaze to the shocked, white haired captain.

Toshiro couldn't believe what he just heard and saw. In her own way, Karin had basically just put the last five months behind her, and was acting like nothing had happened between them. So, not only had she grown stronger in the last five months, but more mature as well. He straightened and nodded to her, showing that, he too, would do the same thing. Even if only temperary.

"The only thing we can do right now is stay below his radar, and try to figure out a plan to defeat him. As to where we can hide from him at, I've not the faintest idea." He stated, waiting as she glanced down and placed her finger on her bottom lip. Her eyes darting around, and then seeming to land on something that only she could see. He blinked in surprise when she suddenly wheeled to face Urahara, her body rigid as she prepared herself for an arguement.

"A different world. Or, perhaps, a different time. Some place that it would take him some time for him to figure out where we are, and what we're up to." She stated, and he felt as if someone had gutted him. A different place? Different time? Surely she must know the consequences for something that risky. A year in another time could be double here! Or a day here could be triple there! Either way, she'd feel as if she would miss out on so much, and she'd continue to age either way, why her family would be far older, or even far younger than her.

"Karin. Something like that is far to high of a risk for your life. Especially for when we return, everything would be different. Rather you would miss your familys' life or they wouldn't recognize you when you return. You can't do something like that!" He stated, tensing when she whirled to face him. A dangerous look in her eyes, a look that he knew meant that she wouldn't give in until he gave a better reason than what hejust gave.

"Captain Hitsugaya's right Karin. Not to mention, if it's a world far from ours, then there is the risk that you wouldn't come back." Urahara stated, and she faced him again. When Urahara sighed he knew that the man had recieved the same look, suddenly the words came to him and he started saying them before checking himself.

"Not to mention. Just because we are gone does not guareente that he wont strike our friends and family. If anything, he would kill them quicker with us gone, knowing that we couldn't stop him. He'd turtore them, making them fear every breath they take, jump at every shadow, and pratically having them pray for death. We need to stay close, so we can still protect them, and not make them an easy target." He whispered, knowing the words struck home when she tensed briefly, and then relaxed with acceptance. When she sighed, he knew that she'd cast her idea away.

"Alright. Not that then. Is there any way we could bait him?" She asked, and he shook his head. What was this girl thinking with all these high risks?

"To bait him now, with his new found powers, would be suicidal. It's be like baiting a shark and expecting to pull the fish to safety from its jaws with your bare hands. Not only would the bait die, but so would the others." He stated, watching as annoyance entered her eyes. He knew what was to come next, and prepared himself for her arrogant remark. Only to blink when she turned away with a sigh and bit her bottom lip. Not only had she grown stronger, more mature, but she also grew more distant. He didn't like the woman standing infront of him. She wasn't the woman who had won his heart, wasn't the woman that got him heated with her arguements. The woman before him, he knew nothing about.

"Then what are we to do? We can't bait him, and there is nowhere we can hide long enough to work out a plan. What, are we just going to wing it, and hope for the best?" She asked, and he glanced down. Giving a sigh he shrugged, he really didn't know. With the power that Riyan had gained, he truly believed that there was no hope at all. All those that the jacket had absorbed were challenges to the captains', and now they were all in one man's body.

"Urgh! This is getting us nowhere! Surely you've guys have trained, and made yourselves even stronger than the men that Riyan has absorbed!" Yuzu suddenly shouted, surprising everyone. Toshiro thought back to all the training he did, everytime he had always pressed himself harder and harder, trying to get to the point where it would be physically possible for anyone to be stronger than him. Then, five months ago, he realized that he had never been as strong as he had thought he was. He couldn't protect anyone he cared for, and Riyan had drilled that deep within him. So why was he still trying? Why was he still trying to fight, when he knew it was pointless?

"If the powers were seperate then he could defeat Riyan. But, with all the powers combined, they have become even stronger. Feeding off of each other, gaining from each other. But that there could also be his weakness." Karin stated, and he glanced up at her. Surprised to see her staring at him with bright familiar eyes. He blinked, trying to understand what she was getting at, but coming up blank. When she smiled he felt something stir deep within him, something that was telling him to continue fighting. Telling him to stop trying to protect everyone by himself, to let someone try to guide and protect him for once.

"I'm not sure exactlly what you're getting at." He stated, and watched as she smirked and closed her eyes. Biting her bottom lip as she thought, but frowned when she shook her head.

"I wont explain it now. I've still got to figure some things out. So, for now, we need to find some place to stay where Riyan will have a hard time finding us." She stated, and he felt a nerve tick when she glanced at Yuroich expectantly. The cat woman smiled and nodded, acting like she knew exactly what Karin was thinking about. For some reason that rubed him the wrong way, and he had to fight not to pout like a child.

"I think I know a place that is close, but will take Riyan just as long to find you as if you went to another world. But you'd still be close enough to help protect your family, Karin. Toshiro, when should we expect backup?" She asked, and he glanced at her.

"Most likely they're on their way since word had bound to be out about Riyan's escape. I'd say they will probably be sending in every captain and leutinant, and strongest fighters." He stated, watching as they nodded.

"I'll make sure that everyone will have some place to stay. You two gather the supplies you'll need, and then get going. We'll take care of things so Riyan will have a... pleasant welcome, curtosy of the world of the living." Urahara stated, hiding a smile behind his fan as his eyes flashed dangerously from the shadow of his hat. It was a look that chilled Toshiro to the bone, but he knew that the man wasn't one to mess with, as well as the people that surrounded him. He nodded, then glanced hesitantly at Karin. She gave a small smile, and nodded.

"Best to get started." She stated, he nodded as well, glanced up, and quickly jumped back up into the shop. Everything he needed he would have to get from the shop, while Karin would get it from outside the shop. He glanced over his shoulder as she and Ichigo came up first, she moved closer to him and glanced up at him.

"I'll be only be gone a little bit. Ichigo's coming with me, to be on the safe side. No worries, we'll get through this..alive. Understand?" She stated, he smiled and nodded. There was a reason that he should continue to fight. There was a reason that he should push himself to get stronger. That reason was, Karin Kurosaki. He watched as she left with her brother, and tensed when Yuzu came to stand beside him, but remembered that she couldn't see him as he was.

"Captain Hitsugaya. Why don't you and Tessi walk Yuzu and her father home." Urahara stated, he tensed and glanced at the rugged looking man that was Karin's father. Damnit, he was going to be chewed out and everything. Giving a sigh he nodded and waited for them to get ready, and then followed them out, right behind their father. It wasn't long before the man glared at him over his shoulder.

"You better be thankful that this is a crisis that involves Karin. Or else I wouldn't be so pleasant with you just jumping back into her life. You don't know how many nights she has cried herself asleep in the guest bedroom. All. Because. Of. You." He growled, and Toshiro glanced away quickly. He wasn't going to argue against the man, because everything he said was true. Karin was hurting because of him, and now her life was in danger because he hadn't thought about Riyan's ability to absorb powers. It was beyond stupid, and he desereved the man's wrath for putting his daughter in danger.

"You not even going to defend yourself?" He growled and Toshiro shook his head, looking up at the man.

"What you say is true. If it hadn't been for me, Karin wouldn't be as miserable as she is. I should have just left her alone, not gotten her messed up in all of this. There is nothing for me to defend, other than your daughter's life." He stated, and watched as surprise entered the man's eyes. They stared at each other for a moment, and then their father nodded and faced forward, leaving Toshiro in shock. Was that it? Wasn't he going to chew him out? Tell him that if he hurt his daughter again, it'd be the last thing he would ever do? Toshiro sighed, gave a small shake of his head and glanced down. He should learn that one could never expect the normal response from a Kurosaki. Glancing up he watched as their house came into view, and Yuzu lead the way into the house. Stopping after her dad walked in and turned back to him and Tessi, glancing

around and then just closing her eyes.

"Toshiro. I just want you to watch over Karin. She can handle herself very well now, but just have her back when she needs it." She stated, and he glanced down in shame at the reluctance in her voice. Knowing that she really didn't want him near her sister, but not seeing any other way to the situation. Giving a sigh he nodded, and turned. He wanted all of this to be over with, and get back to Karin to make sure she was alright. The got back to the shop, Karin and Ichigo having already beating them back, and he stared between her and Yuroichi.

"So. Where are we going to be hiding at?" He asked, watching as a smile crossed Ichigo's face that made him a little uneasy. He glanced at Karin and followed her as she lead the way down to the training area, and then toward a large hole that he knew that could only lead to to one place.

"We're going to Hueco Mundo?"