Pairing: Karin x Hitsugaya

Time Set: 5 years after Xcution. The 100 years war didn't happen.

Summary: Ichigo's dead! The now 17 year old Karin is forced to take his role.

Prologue

When they first heard, the Kurosaki family just huddled together, bowing their heads as if suddenly burdened with a great weight. Isshin's arms were not long enough to pull his daughters into a hug like he did when their mother died. This time, Isshin knew, his girl's would have to fight alone. This time their brother would not be there to shield them. And no matter how he tried, their father would not be able to be there the whole time. None of them cried, whether it was just because of the shock that the invincible Ichigo was dead, or whether they just couldn't find the tears, none of them understood. Even at his funeral, they didn't cry.

It was one of the biggest funerals in both Karakura's and Seireitei's history, all captains and vice captains attended; along with most of Ichigo's school. It was so large they had to hold the entire service outside, and afterwards there was a separate ceremony in Soul Society, following shinigami protocol.

After both of these ceremonies, Ichigo's closest friends and family gathered at Ryuken Ishida's house, much to the Quincies' disgust, for the reception. This is where our story begins, a story fraught with danger, love, hatred, jealousy and betrayal.

Chapter 1

The bread was tasteless, the meat was tasteless, even the chocolate mud-cake was tasteless. In light of everything that happened, Karin didn't think that anything would be as flavoursome or colourful again. Her brother died, and it was that brother that brought the light to their household. Without him everything was grey, there weren't even any definitive blacks nor whites. Since his death even the darkest shadows faded to a grey.

A soft hand on her shoulder made Karin jump and spin, ready to defend herself. Rather than some asshole looking for a fight she found one of her closest shinigami friends. Not that he would admit it.

"Toshiro."

"Kurosaki." Hitsugaya's voice rubbed against her bare skin like a cold breeze, lifting up goose-bumps as it travelled over her body. "I'd like to have a word." Without saying anything else he turned and walked out of the packed room. Karin blinked once before following, if he was going to offer condolences, then why would he be taking her outside; but then again if this was business then this would have to be the worst place to bring it up.

Stuck in her musings Karin almost runs into Toshiro's broad back when he abruptly stops. "He's still hanging around."

Even without the 10th squad captain needing to explain the young woman understood perfectly, really she knew it all along. Her brother could never truly die. "Where is he?"

"Hueco Mundo..." The two words were spoken so bleakly, with absolute dread and resignation. "We've looked for reports of his soul in soul society and there have been none. We also know that he is not still in this world, so the only place left is Hueco Mundo."

Though Karin was relatively new to the world of the shinigami, she understood what Hueco Mundo was, and she understood the ramifications of being there. Her soaring hope was instantly shot down and this time she truly felt the need to cry, a slight keening noise escaped from the back of her throat. Her brother would end up living as the very thing he hunted, and he hated, it hurt her more than the news of his actual death had.

"I had to tell you today, because it won't be long before he comes after you. He's going to be strong and we need to get you ready." Toshiro didn't turn, he didn't look at her, obviously feeling uncomfortable.

"Wait... what? Get me ready?" Consternation spread across her slender features, showing her confusion.

Toshiro sighed, "Soul Society is currently overrun with jobs, we mightn't be able to make it to you in time to save you." With great effort he turned to face her, regret obvious. "I don't like it, but you're going to become a Substitute Shinigami."

Sorry it's so short guys. I just thought that was a good place to end it. Don't worry, the next chapter will be a lot longer.

I'd like to add that none of these characters are my own. The whole of Bleach belongs to none other than the amazing Kubo Tite and this was just for fun.

Please Rate and Review.