CHAPTER 13

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach...

"Rescue Me" by Buckcherry...

Won't you come and rescue me?
I'm torn away from what I need
Help me now, I'm way too deep
Save my life

Onwards...

XOXOXO

"His heart rate is declining."

"I am aware of that, Mayuri. However, we have all we need from him. He's disposable," Szayel said as he walked away from the blue-haired figure hanging unconscious from his binds on the wall.

The asylum escapee had once been Szayel's most formidable opponent, but now, without his ability, he was nothing more than an annoying presence. Szayel snorted. Grimmjow Jaegerjaques would be dealt with later. Right now, Szayel had a job to do.

He snapped on a pair of latex gloves and stalked over to a suspended, clear canister. Inside it was a bright white light, floating in the empty space. He smiled at it as if it were a child he'd birthed himself. With Grimmjow's ability source in his grasp, there was nothing Szayel couldn't do. He could find ways to correct the imperfections in his copies and thus, create newer, more exciting abilities. His heart started racing, and his blood nearly boiled with anticipation. He'd never been this anxious in his life.

Aizen had left them a few hours earlier with instructions to have another key prepared. One that would be complete and obey his every word. Szayel smirked. He already had a candidate in mind for his next experiment. If all went well – as it should; his calculations were flawless this time around, after all – the old, rebellious key that had escaped them, would shudder at the hands of the one Szayel intended to have ready in the next fifteen hours. This key would be much like the old one, but better: stronger, faster, ruthless, and above all, obedient to its master.

Szayel grabbed a needleless syringe from a tray beside the canister. He carefully released the lock on the lid of the container and quickly stuck the syringe inside. Time was of the essence here. He pulled the plunger until it reached the desired measurement before withdrawing the syringe and replacing the lid of the canister. That done, he studied his handiwork. Part of the light that had been hovering inside the glass cylinder was now inside of the syringe's barrel. He smiled again.

Perfect.

All was moving according to plan.

XOXOXO

"I need to speak with my family. They need to know that I'm OK," Ichigo said over a mouthful of food.

Urahara arched an eyebrow and waved his paper fan back and forth in front of his face. After it'd been discovered that Ichigo had indeed been telling the truth about the earlier incident, the rest of the people gathered had loosened up and begun asking him question after question, especially Urahara. Ichigo had been a good sport right up until the moment his stomach had started growling loudly. At first, it'd seemed as though Urahara had had no intentions of feeding him. So, he'd made a fuss. A big one, actually. One so big, it had caused a few overturned tables and trays in the lab/infirmary he'd first awakened in. After that, Urahara had called his little helper with the weird bang and sorrowful eyes to fetch "the rampaging beast" a bite to eat.

"I don't know if I can allow that, Kurosaki-kun," Urahara stated slowly, deliberately.

Ichigo put stuffing his face on hold in favor of staring at the older blond like he'd just asked for Ichigo's soul.

"Come again?"

Urahara sighed, his fan snapping shut and disappearing into the sleeve of his tunic. "I'm not saying this to be difficult, but I don't think seeing your family or even contacting them would be wise at this point. There are dangerous men after you, and-"

"I don't give a flying shit, Urahara," Ichigo snarled, food forgotten. "I've put up with this fucking circus act long enough. I haven't been home for God knows how long, and I'm pretty sure my father is having kittens. Not to mention, my kid sisters must be worried sick! I can't just stay here and play superhero without at least letting them know that I'm alive!"

Urahara stared at him as though he was thinking hard about what Ichigo had just shouted. Then, those gunmetal gray eyes lit up with a disturbing amount of enthusiasm that, frankly, made Ichigo nervous as hell. He shifted uncomfortably on the edge of the gurney he was seated on and peered at the blond. He hoped Urahara wasn't cooking up another weird scheme.

"You're absolutely right, Kurosaki-kun. I can't ask you to do something so profound without at least a little compromising. So, how about this? I will go with Ishida and Halibel to see your family. I'll provide a way for you to see and communicate with them that way."

Ichigo opened his mouth to instantly protest, but something told him to shut up and actually think. He'd seen proof that he was stuck in a ridiculously dangerous situation, so there was no reason to go and get his family involved, when all he really wanted to do was let them know that he was fine and not lying in a ditch somewhere. After a few more moments of careful deliberation, he slowly nodded.

"Alright. When does this happen?"

Urahara clapped his hands and grinned brightly. "Excellent! I can be on my way in a matter of minutes. All I need is your address and the names of your family members."

"Fine."

XxxxxX

Ichigo fidgeted like an antsy toddler. He straightened the collar of his t-shirt about a million times as he waited for Urahara to get to his home. He was sitting in front of a monitor and microphone, next to Urahara's little red-haired genius. The boy had a pencil positioned behind his left ear and wore a supremely bored expression, chin in his palms and elbows on the table before them. Ichigo didn't understand how he could be so anxious, yet everyone around him could be so laid-back. Maybe because it wasn't their family that they hadn't seen in a couple of eternities.

He didn't realize he was humming to himself, until he turned his head to ask the little genius what was taking so long. The boy was glaring at him over a pair of black, plastic frames, dark eyes glittering with annoyance.

"Stop."

What? Who the hell does this kid think he's talking to?

Ichigo arched a brow and leaned closer to the boy. "Listen, Jamba-"

"Jin-ta. Asshole."

"What-ever. Jinga. I can do what the hell I want, and there ain't shit you can tell me to make it otherwise."

"And to think, I'm supposed to be the child," Jinta droned before glancing at the monitor. "He's on."

Ichigo gave one last satisfying sneer as he turned to the screen. He expected to see Urahara grinning into the camera, but instead, he caught a glimpse of dark hair and dark eyes that had his heart instantly thrashing around in his chest with excitement.

"Who's this guy?" the girl grunted.

Wheat-brown hair and and shining brown eyes drifted into sight. "Hush, Karin-chan. He says he's a friend of Onii-chan."

Karin folded her arms across her chest and glared at Urahara, classic Kurosaki style. Ichigo almost beamed with pride, but he was too busy being happy to see that his family was OK. Well, at least his sisters were fine. There was no telling what the old man had been up to while Ichigo had been away.

"Hello!" Urahara greeted, cheerful as always. "Is your papa around?"

Yuzu nodded, while Karin continued to mean-mug the blond.

"Ahhh, do you think perhaps-"

"Where's Ichi-nii?" Karin interrupted, impatient as ever. This time Ichigo did beam with pride. "You said you're a friend of his. He's never been away from home for this long without getting in touch with us, so where is he?"

Urahara's voice came back as a nervous chuckle. However, Halibel was the one to take the reins.

"We'd like to discuss that with your father. You should let him know we're here."

Karin didn't appreciate the tone if the look on her face was any indication. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, a loud bass sounded from out of sight.

"Yuzuuuu! Kariiiiiiin! Who's at the door, my precious daughters?!"

Ichigo was so used to his old man's ridiculousness that he didn't even bother to face-palm anymore. Instead, he shook his head with an affectionate and relieved grin. A dark head of porcupine quills preceded Isshin Kurosaki's appearance on the screen. His wide grin immediately faltered the moment his dark eyes landed on Urahara and his gang. Ichigo saw it, and he was sure that Urahara, Ishida and Halibel had seen it as well, but just as soon as it arrived, it disappeared. Isshin went back to smiling hugely and doting on his daughters.

"My girls! Could you make papa proud and get the kitchen ready for dinner?"

Karin turned her glare on him. "You just don't want us to hear what you're going to talk about. We wanna know where Ichi-nii is, too!"

"Karin-chan!" Yuzu admonished. "I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. Can you help me with the food?"

Karin rolled her eyes, but followed Yuzu down the hall towards the kitchen without another word of protest. Ichigo grinned. He missed his sisters.

Isshin watched them until they disappeared around a corner before turning back to Urahara, smile gone and face serious. His eyes were like steel arrows.

"Where's my son?"

Urahara chortled again, his paper fan appearing at the corner of the screen. "How did you-"

"The last time strange men were in my home, it had something to do with Ichigo; I can only assume since he hasn't been home in days now that this too has something to do with him. Is he alright?"

Isshin's voice and countenance was the picture of serenity, but anger and suspicion danced in his eyes. Ichigo wished he could be there to let his family know that he was fine. He wished he could just go home and not have to deal with the whole sordid situation to begin with. But then he thought about Grimmjow, and guilt nearly ate him alive.

"Hmm, the father appears much smarter than the son," Ishida commented.

Ichigo bared his teeth in a silent snarl. That asshole! Wait until he gets back here.

"Ah, Kurosaki-san, we just wanted to let you know that Ichigo-kun is fine. He's been staying with us for the past few days," Urahara explained.

"What's happened?"

Ichigo wasn't used to this side of his father. It was creepy. He hadn't seen Isshin this serious since... Well, yeah. Since that had happened.

"Does this have to do with that pink-haired doctor? Ichigo's old boss?" Isshin continued.

The following silence made Ichigo nervous, but Urahara's soft and curious question had him on pins and needles.

"Why would you ask that, Kurosaki-san? Has he been here?"

Isshin's gaze narrowed as he said, "Yesterday, as a matter of fact. He wanted to speak to Ichigo, and I told him I hadn't seen or heard from him in a couple of days. Why? Where is my son?"

More silence. Ichigo waited and waited for someone to say something, and finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He slammed a hand down on the table and growled at the screen.

"Say something, dammit!"

It was as though Urahara had heard him. The fan disappeared and Urahara's voice was urgent. "Change of plan, Ishida. Halibel."

Shuffling in the background was all Ichigo heard before Ishida strode past Isshin towards the kitchen. Ichigo frowned.

"What's going on?" Isshin barked at Ishida's back before facing Urahara again. "Where is he going?"

"Kurosaki-san, this location is no longer safe. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this."

"I'm not going anywhere until you explain. You can't just come in here and expect me to do what you say because you claim to have my son. Now, tell me what's going on."

Ichigo felt like he was walking on potato chips, trying to sneak past a sleeping lion. He had no idea what to think. Urahara's face was uncharacteristically serious, as was Isshin's. Neither man gave an inch, but neither man spoke either.

After a lengthy pause, the deadly stalemate was broken by Halibel's voice. "I don't think now is the time to discuss the matter. There could be eyes on us at this very moment."

Urahara nodded. "In fact, I'm willing to bet everything I have that your house is wired. It's best we leave."

Isshin's frown remained as he flattened his lips into a thin, severe line. "I'll only go if you take me to my son. And my daughters do not leave my sight."

"I'd expect nothing less. However, time is against us, so I suggest we leave and head for my headquarters as soon as possible."

Ichigo hoped his father would understand the urgency of the situation. Isshin's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. He turned away from Urahara. However, before he could take another step, Ishida emerged from the kitchen, Karin and Yuzu in tow.

"Is there anything you need? I suggest you get it now," Urahara stated.

Ichigo saw his old man run up the stairs and disappear, while Karin and Yuzu followed behind him. Ichigo was anxious for his family to leave the house now that he knew Dr. Grantz had his eyes on them. If something happened to them because of him...

After a few moments, Urahara turned to Halibel. "Can you bring the van around? I think it's time we left."

Halibel nodded and vanished. Ichigo wanted to be shocked, but realized after everything he'd seen and gone through, that was nothing. Another few moments slipped by before Ichigo heard footsteps on the stairs. Urahara faced Isshin, who had a bag over his shoulder. Karin and Yuzu had bags as well, and it seemed like everything was moving along smoothly until a deafening crash came from the kitchen. Everyone in the room paused, shock rippling through the space like a wave. The last thing Ichigo heard was Urahara's panicked voice.

"So sorry, Kurosaki-kun!"

After that, the screen went dark. Ichigo stared at it as if that alone could bring the picture back. What the hell? What was going on? What was that noise? And why couldn't he see anything? He turned to the red-haired boy next to him and grabbed a thin shoulder.

"What the fuck just happened?!" he shouted, fear turning him inside out.

The kid scowled at Ichigo's hand on his shoulder, but otherwise didn't seem to be moved by what had just occurred. "It appears that Urahara has disrupted the connection."

"Why don't you sound worried?! Shouldn't we be worried?! That's my family! What the hell is going on?!"

Ichigo was beside himself with terror and concern. Something had obviously gone dreadfully wrong, yet this kid just sat in his seat like nothing had happened. Ichigo whirled on his heel, adrenaline flooding his veins as he stormed into the wide hall. He didn't make it three steps before Starrk appeared in front of him, gray eyes calm and almost amused.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

Ichigo didn't have time for this. He sidestepped the brunet and tried to continue on his path to find an exit – any exit – but Starrk was back in front of him, blocking his way. Ichigo snarled.

"I need to get the fuck out of here! Something went wrong, and I need to get to my family!"

"Whoa, whoa, calm down, kid. Ya gotta have a little more faith in Urahara than that."

Was this guy crazy? After what Ichigo had just seen? There was no way in hell he was about to sit on his hands and hope for the best. He focused all of his attention on Starrk, eyes narrowed and blood boiling.

"Get outta my way," he growled through clenched teeth. "I don't wanna hurt you."

Starrk seemed to find that funny because he chuckled and ran a gloved hand through his wavy hair. After a beat, he shook his head and normally laid back, carefree gray eyes pierced right through Ichigo.

"I can't let you do that. I have my orders too, you know?"

"I don't give a rat's ass what you have. If you don't get outta my way right now, I'll make you."

Again, the chuckle. Ichigo's upper lip drew back on its own as he glared at Starrk. He didn't have a problem with the man any other time, but right now, circumstances were dire. He was wasting time here!

"As charming as that sounds, I'm going to have to disagree." Starrk must have noticed the fire stoking behind Ichigo's eyes because he sighed and tilted his head to the side. "Would it help if I told you that I just talked to Urahara?"

Ichigo paused. He almost relaxed his tense shoulders, but decided not to let his guard all the way down just yet.

"What are you talking about?" he snapped.

Starrk rocked back on his heels as he stuffed his hands into his black jeans pockets. "Urahara gave me orders not to let you leave. He figured you'd panic after he cut your connection."

"That still doesn't give me any fucking answers! What the hell is going on? Why did he cut the connection in the first place? And what's going on with my family? Are they safe?"

"Jeez...this is too troublesome," Starrk muttered. "You've got nothing to worry about. Our three strongest fighters are there with your family. Urahara just likes to keep his, er...his abilities...a secret. Only a handful of us know what he's capable of, me included. And believe me when I say you've got nothing to worry about."

Ichigo wanted to believe Starrk, but he had a feeling of unease that just wouldn't let him rest. His hands tightened into fists at his sides. What was he supposed to do? Did Urahara really expect him to just keep still?

"I know it's a bit much to ask since your family's involved and all, but just trust me. If not Urahara, you can definitely trust me, right?" Starrk coaxed, his voice low and assuring.

Ichigo wished it was that damned easy.

A soft hand on his shoulder made him jump and glance behind him. The woman named Yoruichi was there, golden, cat-like eyes staring up at him.

"We wouldn't tell you anything or do anything to harm you at this point, Ichigo-kun. You just have to trust us."

He was being assaulted on all sides. It didn't seem like he had much of a choice. Others were entering the corridor, drawn to the commotion. Ichigo spotted the snowy-haired Toshiro, the odd Shirosaki, the enormous Villain, and Grimmjow's friend, Shinji. They surrounded him, eyes curious. If he had to fight all of them at once, he wouldn't last a minute, even with his new found strength and abilities.

Well, that sucked.

His shoulders finally slumped as he resigned himself to the inevitable. He glared at Starrk and clipped, "Urahara's got fifteen minutes before I go looking for my family. And I don't give a shit what you people say."

With that, he shouldered past the taller man, not really sure where he was going, but intent on getting out of the spotlight. He needed to be alone with his thoughts. He had to calm down.

XxxxxxxX

He was holed up in the room Urahara had referred to as the "rec room" when the shouji door slid aside. Ichigo was on his back in the middle of the floor, conjuring all the names of all the anime characters he could remember in order to keep his mind off of what was going on. He glanced up with a frown at the interruption.

"Kurosaki-"

Urahara didn't even get his name out all the way before Ichigo was on his feet. "Where's my family?!"

The blond man grinned and stepped aside, that blasted fan appearing from his sleeve again. Ichigo started to comment on the unnecessary item, but was distracted with loud cries.

"Onii-chan!"

"Ichi-nii!"

"Ichigo, my son!"

Ichigo felt like a boulder rolled off of his shoulders at the sight of his old man and little sisters. He grinned and moved forward into their arms. Isshin rubbed a rough hand through Ichigo's hair, while the girls clung to his midsection like clothes pins. He didn't mind the awkward show of affection. Given the situation, the un-Kurosaki-like behavior could be overlooked.

"Man, it's good to see you guys," he mumbled.

And just like that, the spell was broken. Karin stepped back and punched him in the stomach, and the old man turned his loving hair rub into a choking head lock. The only one who remained unchanged was Yuzu. She barely dodged Karin's fist, but her eyes were wide with surprise and dismay.

"How dare you make your darling sisters and your one and only, adoring Papa worry so much?" Isshin shouted.

Ichigo tried to get angry, but he was too glad to see his family, so he let it slide. He grinned and chuckled through the chokehold. He didn't know what he would've done if something had happened to his family. And because of him, no less. Once Isshin decided to let him out of the head lock, Ichigo straightened and pretended to glare.

"It wasn't my fault! I was kidnapped, stupid goat!" he snapped.

Isshin's dark eyes went somber for the briefest of seconds as he considered Ichigo. Urahara took that time to interject with a quiet, "It seems we have a lot to discuss. How about over dinner?"

Ichigo rolled his eyes, already accustomed to the blond's nonchalant way of handling serious moments. Surprisingly, Ichigo's old man just nodded.

"Excellent! I'll let you four catch up. Ururu-chan will fetch you when dinner is ready."

After that, Urahara sauntered from the room with a snap of his fan and soft clicking of his wooden sandals. Ichigo turned to Isshin with a small smile.

"He's a little...weird, huh?" he mumbled as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Karin scowled. "Weird? He's crazy."

As he laughed at his sister's comment, Ichigo's eyes traveled over to the silent television. The sight of it made him think of the karaoke party the others had thrown not too long ago, and that eventually made him think of his blue-haired stalker. Could he even consider Grimmjow a thorn in his side anymore? Hell, they'd been close to doing the deed what felt like only a few hours ago. He was no longer afraid of the ex-mental patient, but he was afraid for him. According to Urahara, Grimmjow's life hung in the balance. His ability had been stripped from him, and if he didn't get it back soon, he would die. The thought sent a heavy dread to the pit of Ichigo's stomach. What did Urahara plan to do to get Grimmjow back? Ichigo was positive that Grimmjow's friends wouldn't let things remain as they were, and if he was honest with himself, Ichigo didn't want to, either. He'd learned that Grimmjow had been one of the main characters involved with his rescue that fateful day he'd ended up on Dr. Grantz's operating table. He had to repay the guy. If he didn't, his conscience would eat him alive.

And he kind of liked him now that he wasn't so damned afraid of him.

Ichigo tuned into the conversation his old man was having with Karin and Yuzu, but his mind was still in turmoil. Grimmjow was running out of time. They had to do something to save him.

But what?

Thanks for reading!