I know. I know. It's been forever since I've updated and I left you with a big cliff hanger. For that I do apologize but I got caught up in the holidays and my cousin came back from her college so I didn't stay home to write. And then I started college again so I've been pulling out my hair. *sigh* But now I'm back and I have a new chapter for you. Actually I had originally planned to have this be the last chapter. But is taking me entirely to freakin long to write it all out. So instead of making you wait another freakin month I have split the chapter in half so you can read the first part while I finish the rest of it. There will also be an epilogue after the next chapter to make a transition to the sequel Heaven's Gate.

So now…about this chapter. Kari may seem…uh…dumb in this chapter but just realize she's been under a lot of stress lately lol. I'm so sorry for the long ass wait. I know I'm disappointing some of you but I really didn't want to write you a sucky chapter so I only wrote when I could get into it. D: But hopefully you'll forgive me, and forgive me for breaking down the last chapter into two parts. It will be ok though. You'll still like it….. Well I hope so at least :D Oh thanks goes out to 4master for helping get my butt in gear and helping me write a part of this chapter. I was stuck and he pushed me along. So thanks buddy! You really helped me out!

So I'll stop yackin now and let you read the second to the last real chapter of Longing. Read and Enjoy!

Karakura Town

Isshin sat across the table from the disgruntled, 65 year old American. He couldn't believe the owner of Taylor Corp. was actually in his home. Of course Ichigo had told him all the details regarding Kari's grandfather, and he hadn't cared for the man, but it was different now that he was here in Japan. He had shown up when he said he would and now he, along with two other men were seated at his kitchen table. Karin and Yuzu sat patiently beside their father. Karin refused to be left out of the discussion. Gregory pushed a hand threw his silver hair and leaned over to his advisor, who whispered something in his ear.

Isshin cleared his throat. "Excuse me, Taylor-san, but would you like anything to drink?"

The older man waved his hand. "No thank you. I'm not staying long. I've just come to discuss a few matters."

Isshin frowned. "Regarding the disappearances?"

The man's eyes hardened. "Among other things."

Isshin didn't like the way he looked down on him, or the fact that he was so cold towards people. How could this man be related to Kari? She was so much kinder than he was. "Then please continue."

"First I want to know about your son's involvement with my granddaughter."

"Ichigo and Kari have been dating for awhile. I'm not sure the exact time they started actually dating, but they've been friends for about two months. She comes over a lot and he spends most of his time with her."

"So the rumors are true then, that he has a relationship with her?"

"Yes, but he didn't kidnap her." This was just like talking to the damn reporters, only worse. Unlike those guys, he looked like he would kill a man for fun, not just for money.

"I don't believe he did. I talked to Kari before she disappeared. I sent money. I wasn't worried about Izuma's disappearance. I figured she had a spat with her siblings and ran away."

He scrunched up his forehead in surprise. Did he not know about her memory loss?

"I sent the money but hadn't received word from her after that. She had said she was going to look for her sister. She said she had good friends that were willing to help her. I don't think your son kidnapped her or that they are involved with gangs. I do however, believe that they are together and are looking for Izuma."

"I'm glad we are on the same page. That is what I've been trying to tell the media since they've shown up."

Gregory sighed. "Yes, those wolves won't listen to reason. But I assure you, they will leave your doorstep within the hour. I already had my associates make the appropriate phone calls."

"Thank you, Taylor-san." He bowed his head at the man for his help. He still didn't like the aura he was giving off, but if he was helping them, he'd still needed to show some gratitude.

"It's not a problem. It's troublesome for me as well. It may hit the news in America so I must put out the flames before the fire spreads any farther. I have many resources that are looking for them as well, It's just a matter of time before they turn up…..Now… I know you said your son is dating my granddaughter, so I think we should discuss the other matter at hand."

Isshin didn't like the sound of that. "What other matter?"

"I have given it much thought since I last spoke with Kari. It is true I didn't want responsibility of raising the girls. You could say I'm not a family oriented person. I'm married to my work you see, and having two adolescent girls in my care wasn't realistic. So I gave their god father and my son's best friend, Jonathan, sole custody of them. E.J. on the other hand, lived with me for awhile. He's the only heir to the company and I needed to teach him the family business. But when Jonathan unexpectedly died I had no choice but to take his sisters in. Kari and Izuma were a hand full. They weren't raised right. Too much like their mother." He took out a pack of cigarettes. "Mind if I smoke?"

Isshin just nodded, to transfixed on what the man was saying. Did he really not care about his flesh and blood? He even sounded like he didn't care about E.J. either. He was just using him as a pawn for the company's inheritance.

"Thank you." He lit one and inhaled deeply, releasing a puff a smoke across the table. Karin looked like she was about to punch him but Isshin rested a hand on her arm. Gregory continued, "Things got rough and E.J. wanted to leave with his sisters. I allowed it because he was an adult and I didn't want to be bothered with such troublesome things. I thought life would be simpler if he lived in Tokyo and was in charge of my company here. He's done a splendid job so far regarding profits and sales, but I had no knowledge of his sisters' activities. I was going to let this go, I really was. But now I see that my late son would be angry with me for allowing such behavior to occur. I've realized my grave mistake and now I must repent."

"I don't see what you are getting at." Isshin said after a moment.

"What I'm getting at, Kurosaki-san," He replied, putting out his still smoking cigarette, "Is that, when and if my grandchildren are located, I'm bringing them back to America to live with me."

Ichigo

I wouldn't let anything happen to them. I'd do what I could to protect them. I was growing stronger by the second. I'd just have to hold out until all my strength returned.

I looked over at Kari. She was staring at me, fear in her eyes. I would be lying if I said it didn't hurt. It fuckin hurt like hell. But there was nothing I could do about that now. I knew it was the mask that had scared her. She had been unprepared for it. That was my fault, but I had no choice! He had fuckin kissed her. And using my hollow was my only option for now. She knew it was me behind the mask. I'd just have to let her get over the sudden shock. I would leave her in Iz's hands.

I stared at Jonathan for a moment. He had no idea what he was getting himself into. I had been waiting so long to fuckin kill this bastard and now I had my chance. I wasn't going to waste it. He was as good as dead. I'd find a way to kill him, no matter what. I wasn't at full power but it didn't matter. He needed to be destroyed. That smirk needed to wiped from his face for eternity. I could no longer let the bastard live for the sins he committed against Kari and Iz.

Ya know somethin? Ya've changed… Ya sound scary King.

Do I? I hadn't noticed. It made sense though. I had to be leaving a pissed off aura behind me. I hadn't been this angry or frustrated in a long time.

I almost get chills listening to ya. He shuddered before chuckling.

Don't say sick shit like that.

Like what? That angry King is much more fun than weak King? It's just a simple fact. The more aggressive you are, the more I like fightin with ya. The only thing that thrills me more, is takin over your body. But when you're talkin like that… He laughed again invoking an eye roll from me.

Jonathan's gaze threatened to burn right through me. I had to put an end to this soon. What do ya say Hollow? Ready to kill this prick? I asked, activating my mask.

What kind of fuckin question is that? He grunted. O' course I'm ready. I've been waiting all damn day for a good fight. Besides…the sooner we take him out, the sooner we take Kari home.

The way he said her name made me uneasy but I pushed the feeling away. That would have to wait. Right now we had more pressing matters. Alright, let's do this. Jonathan disappeared from the balcony.

"I'll be back Kari." I called behind me and followed him out into the desert. With every step I could feel the power surging through my veins. That was good. I would need it to win this fight. If one thing was certain, it was that this bastard would be difficult to take down. Once we were far enough away from the building I stopped walking. I was satisfied with this distance, and by the looks of things, he was too. His long strides had stopped, and he was now facing me, pure fascination in his gaze while hatred filled mine. "Ready to die Bastard!" I hissed, hand drawing Zengetsu.

The scumbag simply laughed and cocked his head to the side. "If you think that mask scares me, you're gravely mistaken. Although, I can tell you're more powerful than that worthless trash I fought earlier, even when you're not at full power. It looks like he was incredibly weak compared to you. At least he was at the time he died. And traitors don't die well by my hands."

It was obvious that he was talking about Grimmjow. And although he wasn't really my friend by any means, In this battle he had been my ally. He'd saved my life and helped me get Iz back. The fact that this shit head was pretty much spitting on his grave pissed me off. But I kept quiet as he continued.

"While I'm thrilled that you've gained enough power to fight me, I'm not thrilled in the least that you think you will win." He scowled before taking a step towards me. "You do know you can't win right?"

"Don't look down on me!" I shouted, trying to contain my growing anger.

"Ah, is that what you think I'm doin? On the contrary, I'm just stating a fact. You can't beat me, and when you don't Kari and Izuma will be where they belong." A smile fit for a predator fanned across his face. "With me."

That did it. Suppressing a growl, I shunpo'd behind him, ready to tear his back open. I hated to jump the gun and go for a less than noble blow, but at that time, I hardly cared about rules and honor. This bastard had the audacity to abuse Kari and Iz, and now he was fuckin gloating about it! The very thought of it made my stomach churn with disgust and I wanted to lash out twice as hard. He had to pay for his sins! I brought my blade down just to find out that he had moved out of the way.

"Damnit!"

"Heh. As if that could even hit me." He cackled behind me. "You'll have to do better than that!"

Before I could spin around, a cero was blasted into my back. It knocked me off balence, giving him a perfect opening. What the hell was wrong with me? Cursing, I shunpo'd again. This time flying forward with a frontal attack. Before our blades clashed a memory flashed in front of my eyes. It was the second fight I'd had with my hollow. I allowed a shit eating grin to creep upon my face as I increased my speed. He rushed at me, only to clash my sword against his; both in a dead lock.

He laughed again "What are you trying to prove? That you can hit my sword?"

It was possible. He didn't know my abilities. My smile reached my ears. I placed my hands on the black blade. "Getsuga Tenshou!"

A black explosion engulfed him. I retreated back, hoping that I had at least managed to hurt him. Slowly, but steadily, the dust and smoke steeled, revealing a somewhat busted up Jonathan.

"Well well well, This is a surprise. You're the first one who's actually managed to get through my armor. That overgrown house cat failed do even that when he fought me." He scoffed. "I had thought he'd give a better fight, but in the end he was very disappointing. His "fake" love got the better of him. Worthless piece of trash. Maybe you'll prove to be a better opponent."

My blood boiled as I heard him again disrespecting Grimmjow like that. At least Grimmjow had some kind of morals. My anger got the better of me, and I charged again. "Shut the fuck up!"

My sudden burst of speed caught him off guard, and i managed to slash his shoulder. The blood flowed freely form his new injury staining the ground black at his feet. He made no attempt to hide his pain and anger.

All the arrogance had disappeared form his voice now. His eyes took on a murderous glaze, burning holes into my body. His energy began to roll off him in waves, surpassing even mine. Doubt started to grip me, and i was seriously debating my chances of beating this guy. I shook off that thought. I knew that i didn't have any other choice; this fucker needed to die. He needed to get what he deserved for what he did to Kari.

"I guess play time is over. You've made me resort to using my release. Oh well. It just means you'll disappear from my sight sooner!"

"As if I'd die that easy!" I barked. Who did he think he was talking to? I'd never give up. No release would scare me.

"Just wait Kurosaki. Let's see who dies first. Break their bones, Kurashaa." Dust flew into the air and I jumped back. Jonathan's spiritual pressure spiked again and his laughter surrounded me as he stepped out of the cloud of dirt and dust. His appearance had changed drastically. The bone fragment on his hand had completely encased his arm and he was clothed in a metal substance. He smiled and raised Kurashaa, which had lengthened and as white as his bone fragment arm. "You see this Kurosaki? This is the power I hold! Now die by it!" He yelled, charging towards me.

I hated to admit it, but the sight of his release made me uneasy. There was something definitely odd about him, and the fact that he was currently charging at me was not helping the situation at all. I lacked any information about his abilities, and time was running out. When it came to my other opponents I'd had time to make observations. With him it was different. I let my emotions overtake me and now I was paying the price.

I had no idea what he was cable of. So now we were a double edged sword. Niether of us could really afford to assume anything. But now was not the time to be thinking about this. I had to take care of him and return to Kari. I didn't want to keep her waiting. Kurashaa shimmered in front of me, bringing me back to reality. I blocked his attack with Zangetsu and shunpo'd a safe distance away. Shit. I couldn't' make mistakes. I had to defeat him.

Then get your mind in the game. Came the all to familiar voice. what's the point in 'avin me, if ya aint gonna use me?

He was right. I needed to do this. I couldn't waste more time. I looked at Jonathan who was smirking and running a hand through his blonde hair. Those hands hurt Kari.

Then do something about it.

I would. I would do something alright. I'd tear this fucker into a thousand pieces if I had to. I wanted him to die for what he had done. I would have been shocked at my lack of mercy but I knew in my heart there could be none for this monster. His sins were unforgivable. He'd atone for them one way or another.

My thoughts were rudely interrupted as his form blurred in front of me and his fist crashed into the side of my jaw, sending me flying. Where the fuck had he come from? I staggered backwards bracing myself with my zanpakuto. My mask shattered, and crumpled in pieces as it fell to the ground. His strength was immense, the punch told me that much. I was throw away like some rag doll, like a small stone on the ground, ready to be kicked away. It even caused me to lose my hollow mask. This was looking bad. My attacker looked down at me, an arrogant smirk creeping across his mouth. That smirk, I'd destroy it. Along with its master.

"What's the matter Kurosaki? Done already?"

"Hell no!" I threw him a glare as I brought my hand back to my face. I pulled on the mask once again. "I'm just beginning!"

I sent another Getsuga Tenshou his way but it was dodged like I threw a paper plane at him. What the? Did his release make him that much faster? I attacked again, this time showing up behind him in an attempt to take him by surprise and lash out against his back. Again I was blocked with his intense speed. Another blow to the face by his fist, had me tumbling towards the ground.

This is not what I had planned. I couldn't believe he was actually getting this many hits on me. I wasn't just some weakling! Yet here he was skipping around me like it was nothing. And there was another thing that was bothering me. I just couldn't' figure out why he hitting me with his fist, and not his zanpakuto. If he wanted to kill me, why not slash me and get it over with? What was his purpose in doing this? And his speed. It was amazing. How'd he get that fast?

"Whatcha thinking about Kurosaki? Why I'm so much faster than you?" His voice mocked me from above.

I hissed and held my ground. "Shut up!"

"Heh, It's pointless thinking about it. It's not something someone like you could figure out anyways."

First he insults my fighting and now he insults my intelligence. God he really needed to go down. I took a chance and bolted in his direction. Head on I could get a good stab at him if I could speed up a bit. But the closer I got the faster he seemed to be. The more I charged at him, the more he seemed to disappear from my view. He was always one step ahead of me, blocking my attacks, dodging me, striking me, mocking me. I could feel myself wavering as my mask began to break. And to top it all off, Zangetsu was starting to feel heavy.

Wait. It's heavy? That's it. I stood back and looked closely at his release. I could tell that most of his spiritual pressure was accumulating around his armored fist. Had all his spiritual pressure gone to his arm? If so, was that why he was hitting me with it? Why hadn't I noticed before? All this time, I thought he was getting faster, getting stronger. But in reality….It was me that was getting slower! I looked down at my hand, it shook slightly. He's been sucking away my spiritual pressure with his fist!

"Shit." I looked up at him, fearing for the first time that this opponent may be more than I could handle this time.

He charged at me, raising his fist to strike. I blocked it with Zangestu and moved away from him. I drew in a breath. "Don't fuckin touch me."

"Ah, it seems you've finally realized the power of my release." He laughed. "Bit by bit I'm draining your reiastu, Kurosaki. When there's none left, well," He grinned evilly. "I'll be draining your life instead."

Kari

Wait.

Ichigo pulled the hollow mask back on and strode toward Jonathan.

Stop.

Why couldn't I move? Why couldn't I say anything? My words were lodged in my throat, unable to get out.

Don't go Ichigo.

Why couldn't I end this madness? Why couldn't I reach for him? Was it because I was afraid? Was I scared of him, of those golden eyes that bore into me? No, it wasn't that. I knew it was him beneath that mask, but yet, I was rooted to my spot behind Aizen, behind our enemy, the enemy that had just kissed me.

"I'll be back Kari." Ichigo's distorted voice called back to me.

No. Please. Please stop.

Damn it! I needed to pull myself together. He was getting farther and farther away with each step and Jonathan's grinning face made my heart lurch uncontrollably. Ichigo was going to fight him. He was going to fight him for me, for Iz, for Grimmjow, for…our child.

He'd found out after all. Now that it wasn't a secret, my chest hurt even more. Now he had more to worry about. Now he'd never leave quietly. I watched helplessly, willing my body to move, as they disappeared off the balcony. Their fight was beginning, without me even saying a word to him. I wanted to. I tried to. But the words never came. I was fuckin pathetic.

I could've told you that.

Not you again.

What? This is my body now too. The "other" me laughed. Why could she be so carefree about this situation? It kind of pissed me off.….You know, if you can't handle this, we can switch.

Ha, yeah right. Like I'd let you take over my body. Besides…you need the syrum to come out.

You're wrong. she sang happily. I don't need the syrum anymore. I'm a part of your conscious now. I can come and go as I please.

The first thing I thought about was Ichigo's hollow. He had said he talked to him all the time. Was this going to be the same thing? Would she be able to take over my body like his hollow had that night? No. I wouldn't allow that!

Listen….whatever your name is.

Kasai. She interrupted.

Ok..Kasai, I'm not giving my body to you. It's mine, not yours.

But by the looks of it, you can't even use it right.

Shut the fuck up! I'm trying! Just leave me alone!

Fine. But don't come crawling to me to help you out later.

Don't worry I won't!

She remained silent and I heard a buzzing sound behind us. I turned to see Ekit, along with Bazah and Chiara. "What's the meaning of this Aizen-sama?" Ekit asked, his voice hovering close to hysteria.

"It seems Kurosaki wanted to disrupt my plans, yet again." He sighed. "And I was being so lenient today."

I had a come back to that. I had a good one, but I was still rendered speechless.

"I put a stop to the fighting, but now there's one right outside your doors." Ekit hissed throwing a fist toward the balcony.

"It can't be helped. I have intentions to wait this fight out. It should prove interesting. Besides, the others will be here shortly. I'm sure you are all eager to start where you left off."

Chiara rolled her eyes while Bazah grunted. A second later an arrow shot through the open doorway, slicing through Bazah's shoulder. He jumped back in shock. In that moment I heard a startled scream and panicked yelling outside in the hallway. "Get somewhere safe!"

"No! You need help!" It was Orihime and Ishida. Chad was probably with them. I couldn't' believe those two had come too. Who else was getting involved because of me? Who else was going to die because I failed!

Bazah laughed when the trio came into sight. "So eager to finish our match four eyes?"

"If it means killing you sooner, then yes." He spat. I had to admit, Uyru impressed and shocked me in that moment. Not only had he gotten a shot at Bazah, but he was talking back to him too. "So how about we save the battle talk and get down to business."

"Fine by me." He grinned, bringing out his bow.

I felt a sudden spike in the air outside and A red haired man burst through the wall, a tall burly guy that had a grin that made me want to pee my pants, with him. "Hey Ishida, why'd ya start the party without us?"

"My apologies Renji, I got impatient." He said. Friends of his? They were wearing robes like Ichigo's so my guess would be that they were Shinigami like Rukia. They had come here to? So now Ichigo's friends from soul society were here?

"It's not a problem if ya saved us some." He laughed and spotted Chiara. His face immediately changed into one of enjoyment. "Hey now princess, long time no see. Ready to get your ass handed to ya?"

Chiara sighed. "You scum never learn. You should stay down when you've been kicked."

The tall, scary looking man laughed. "The problem with that is, I don't recall me ever being kicked."

This set her off and she looked to Aizen for affirmation. He gave it in the form of a head nod. She head toward them as Chad and Ishida were already preparing their attack. "We'll win no matter what." Uyru shouted, to no one in particular.

"Heh, we'll see about that!" Bazah brought out his bow as everything around me went into slow motion. All I could see was a my friends, and strangers, taking up arms and fighting against these powerful monsters. They were going to rip this place apart.

I looked over at my sister who was glaring at Aizen. I could feel the spiritual pressure oozing off her. When had she become that powerful? She took a step towards us. Her icy gaze suddenly turning to me.

"What are you waiting for Kari? We're here to rescue you! You could be a little more excited."

Shit. What's wrong with me? I still couldn't find the words. I couldn't bring myself to mutter anything. When had I become so weak? Everyone around me was brimming with new power, new determination. Yet here I was, unable to speak, let alone use my power. What had happened to me? I had lost all my nerve. A few minutes ago my mind had been racing with plans of escape, plans of hope. I had lashed out at Aizen every opportunity I got. I was quick on my feet, and even quicker with my words. But now I was a mute. A worthless mute.

Many things happened that could have caused me to revert back into a child like state. My concerns about my child, And also the fact that that scum bag fuckin kissed me. There was also Ichigo….he had come here to save me, but he was wearing that mask…and those eyes…then there was the most troublesome thing….everyone was risking their lives for me. For a pitiful sham of a woman. I didn't deserve it. They didn't have to do that! I was willing to sacrifice myself to get them home safely. Why couldn't they see that! I would do anything to get Iz home, to make sure Ichigo would live to see another day, to make sure my brother could show my grandfather a thing or two. I just wanted them to make it out of here alive. That's all I ever wanted. So why were they here? Why did they have to fight? Why did they have to die?

"Kari!" I looked back at her. Her dark eyes furious and strong. "What's wrong?"

"She's in shock Izuma-chan. So much has happened in a moments time." I could hear the laughter in his voice.

"I wasn't talking to you, Aizen-sama." She retorted. "I was talking to my sister."

"Regardless of who you were talking to, I answered your question."

Her gaze remained on me as she took a step forward. "Snap out of it Kari! This isn't you! What the hell are you doing? I remembered everything! How you tried so hard to save me. Why you sent me to Kito-san's. I know everything now. You don't have to try so hard! Everyone is here! Everyone is standing along side you! They are fighting with you! "

My eyes widened. "Everyone is fighting with you." With, not for. Why hadn't I seen it? She was right. It wasn't about me taking things on. Every since my parents died I took everything on my shoulders. I never asked for help, I sacrificed myself for Iz and E.J. I did everything on my own. I had felt that I didn't deserve love or devotion. I had never had anyone fight so hard for me. I didn't want anyone to fight for me. Not when I could win on my own, not when my powers brought them pain. Hikari was a lonely, yet powerful girl, who didn't need anyone's help. But Kari was a strong, smart woman, who had the power of friendship and love on her side. Even if I didn't have the element power in my genes, I still had the support of my friends, and the love of Ichigo. They were here to fight with me not just for me. I didn't need to stand back and watch as my friends perished in front of my eyes. I had the capability to stop it.

My hand flew instinctively to my stomach. I'm sorry if this hurts you, but I have to do it. Mommy has to help her friends. And with that last silent sentence I stepped away from Aizen's shadow and let the fire consume me.

Izuma

The way she was reacting to our intrusion baffled me. I had thought she'd jump at the chance to get away from Aizen, but instead, when I entered the room she was cowering behind the bastard, looking at Ichigo with fear in her eyes. Now I know why he was so worried. She must have some reason to fear the hollow inside him. Why else would she be so scared?

But at the same time I was confused. Even if she was scared, who was to be feared more? Her lover and the father of her child, or Aizen? To me that was as obvious as the grass being green. The way she was acting was unnatural. My memories were returning in full force and everything I remembered about her was different from this woman. The Kari in my memories had been strong and ruthless. She took charge of bad situations, taking them upon herself. Not fearing for her own safety, just mine. She had been determined. But this Kari, was acting like me. Like a weak, powerless, mouse. When had we switched places? Now I was the one using my power in attempt to save my sister. So why was she just standing there? What could possibly be going through her mind?

I could see the momentary twinge of pain on Ichigo's face when she shied away from him, and I could also see the resolve in his eyes when he chose to fight Curtis. The only thing that made me feel some kind of hope, was the fact that Ichigo had regained most of his strength, or so he had said. I believed him, because the presence around him was stronger than Grimmjow's. if it was stronger than his, maybe he had a shot of beating him. Maybe he would win, and maybe I could get Kari out of here. I knew if we worked together we could do it. But she wasn't really cooperating.

Even when other allies burst through the doors and walls, and even in the midst of two massive battles about to unfold in front of her very eyes, she still stood there like a deer in the headlights. Aizen's expression remained that of entertainment. He seemed to be delighted that things had turned out like this, I on the other hand, had had enough of this shit. It was time she woke up from her daze and came back the cold hard reality. If she didn't get with the program, there was a chance all of us were going to die. In the end, we still needed her power to get out of here.

"What are you waiting for Kari? We're here to rescue you! You could be a little more excited."

She looked at me, her eyes dull and uncertain. It was like a war was going on inside her head. "Kari! What's wrong?"

"She's in shock Izuma-chan. So much has happened in a moments time." He grinned at me and I wanted to punch him.

"I wasn't talking to you, Aizen-sama." I snapped, not caring that he was powerful enough to snap me in half. "I was talking to my sister."

"Regardless of who you were talking to, I answered your question."

I ignored the bastard and took a step towards her. "Snap out of it Kari! This isn't you! What the hell are you doing? I remembered everything! How you tried so hard to save me. Why you sent me to Kito-san's. I know everything now. You don't have to try so hard! Everyone is here! Everyone is standing along side you! They fighting with you! "

I watched in amazement as my words hit her. It seemed like everything clicked into place in her head. I could see her face change immediately. It was like watching someone remember the answer to a question their friend asked earlier. All you want to do is yell it once you've finally remembered what it was. That was the expression on her face. She had found her drive again. All I could say was it was about damn time. Any longer and I might have hit her. Aizen seemed to be surprised that my words reached her, but he did nothing as her limbs began to work again.

I watched as she stepped away from him and came to stand next to me, her hand resting on her stomach. She seemed to be thinking and before I knew it, her hand fell flaccid to her side. The atmosphere around her began to change. It was game time now.

"Thanks Iz. I needed that." She said, her eyes cutting over to look at me.

"Yeah, well someone had to snap you back to your senses." I gave her a small smile. My memories hadn't been back long, but it was long enough for me to know the real Kari. And this was her. She was back. I wished I had more time with her before now. I wished I hadn't lost my memory. But time can't reverse itself. I had to get over it. I was alive, and so was she. We had the power to stop the madness about to take place. We would do whatever it took to protect the people dearest to us. For her, it was her baby, Kurosaki, and her new found friends. For me, it was her and the memories I held dear to me. Together we'd fight. Side by side.

"We'll do this together." She whispered. She seemed to almost be in tune with my thoughts. "But you might want to stand back."

"Why?"

She just smiled. "It's about to get hot in here."

I did as she said and watched as flames began surfacing in the palms of her hands. I remembered when she had been passed out a couple days ago and the destruction the fire balls from her hands had been. I couldn't imagine the damage she could cause while being fully awake.

"Aizen. You made a mistake when you thought you could have me. The fact is you can't. I belong to only one person. And he's out there fighting." she said keeping her eyes on his. "So I'll do my best to fight in here. So prepare yourself."

He just looked at her. "You want to fight me? Come now? Let's discuss this." He smiled. "Just think about your child."

Her gaze turned cold as the flames rose. "I am!" She said, a stream of fire shooting across the space between them and heading right for Aizen's smug face.

E.J. and Rukia

E.J. was restless. He could feel the disturbance in the atmosphere. Rukia felt it too, and her gaze drifted back towards Los Noches. She knew Ichigo was about to fight, she'd recognize his hollowfied spiritual pressure anywhere.

"Shit. This is bad."

"We knew they were going to end up fighting." Rukia pointed out.

"Yeah, but my sisters are there. What if they get hurt in the cross fire?"

"Ichigo wouldn't let them, and I hate to say it, but Aizen probably wouldn't let them get hurt either."

"Yeah, he's one stand up guy." E.J. replied sarcastically.

"I'm serious E.J. If he needs them to fulfill his plans, he'd do anything to keep them alive. Now that he doesn't have his trusty device, he'll need their power to back up whatever diabolical plan he has in store."

"He sounds fuckin creepy."

"You have no idea. He betrayed the soul society and did horrible things right under our noses. He almost killed half the captains too. If Urahara and Ichigo hadn't stopped him who knows what would have happened."

E.J. rubbed his shoulder. "Kurosaki's that powerful? To take on someone like this Aizen guy, he'd have to be pretty strong."

Rukia looked up at him. "Ichigo went through encroachment to regain his shinigami powers, came to soul society right after, beat three of the strongest captains, achieved bankai in three days, and stopped the most power form of execution to save me. He's like nothing I've ever seen before."

He stared at her amazed face. "Should I be jealous?" he laughed.

"Hah, you're so funny." She replied with an eye roll.

"Well hey, the way you look when you talk about him makes me think you love the guy."

"Well, maybe at one time…there were feelings. But that was a long time ago. He has Kari now, and I…" She rubbed her arms." well I have….you."

He smiled. "Yeah, you're right. You do. And I'll do whatever I can help get us out of here." He kicked the Esapada lying on the ground. "And you're gonna help. Right?"

"Fuck. You." Hinta spat, still groaning and bleeding from her wounds.

"Yeah, I think I'll pass, but thanks for the offer." He taunted. He was about to say more when a small hand found itself around his arm.

"E.J." Rukia chimed, "Did you feel that?"

E.J. Turned his head to see her shocked face. Now that she said something, there was another spike somewhere inside the palace. "Yeah. I think."

"You don't recognize it?"

He felt it again and his mouth dropped open. "That's Kari!"

Rukia nodded. "She must be about to fight someone."

E.J's fists balled up and his eyes darkened, causing Rukia to shiver a little. "She better not die." He growled. "If she dies….I'll kill every last monster in that place."

By the look on his face, Rukia almost had no doubt he could do it. But now was not the right time to go charging into battle. They had to be the escape route. She just prayed that everyone would be able to escape or at the very least, be able to escape before E.J. did something stupid.

Well that's it for now. I hoped you liked it and again, Gomen for the very very VERY late update. Please don't beat me! I'll try to do better from now on! Next chapter will probably be longer and more exciting I just wanted to give you something to read while I tried to get it finished! I just couldn't let you go on much longer without anything! So anyways. Hope you still love me and that you'll leave a reivew so I know you're not angry at me. Until next time!

Chelsea Lynn