Chapter 1: Second Chance

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach

Important Note:There are NOpairings in this story. Only friendship.

A big thanks to my awesome Beta Reader: I-am-Fairy-Tail122

I blinked drearily and looked around the room. Bright, eye-blinding, golden sunlight poured through the open window with the white curtains pushed aside. The walls were mint green in color and the floor was smooth and well-worn over the years of usage. There was another bed across from my own, a table in the middle of the room separating my bed from the other. According to the grey clock with neon blue numbers, it was 6:24 am.

Something felt off. Ignoring the feeling, I walked into the bathroom next door. Ichigo, Yuzu, and I used to race down the hall in socks. I blinked twice. Okay, that was a weird thought. Shrugging it off as if it were an after effect from sleep, I got ready in a trance. I felt like I was in some sort of an in-between state. Not asleep, but not quite awake yet. It wasn't until I was looking at myself in the mirror did I realize something was wrong. What the fuc-?

"Karin-chan, hurry up." I heard a female voice call.

"Okay, okay, I'm coming." I answered.

Why do I look like an older version of Karin from Bleach? Why did I just answer to "Karin?" And...was that Yuzu? What the hell's going on? How did I get here? I asked myself question after question in my mind before I thought back. Last thing I remember was diving after something in the water. It had gotten blurry after that. D-Did I drown? I couldn't have! But then again, I'm a terrible swimmer. And the currents were strong.

At first, I thought it was a dream. What else could possibly explain all of this? Or maybe I had gotten a concussion? I might even have fallen into a coma for all I knew! I wasn't too sure. I mean, you don't end up as Ichigo Kurosaki's sister, Karin, for no reason. And wasn't Karin supposed to be Yuzu's twin? From the voice I had just heard, Yuzu sounded like a little girl.

"Karin, get the hell out of the bathroom already!"

That sounded like Ichigo! Holy mother of God! Did I end up in Bleach?! No, no, no! This is all wrong. How did this happen? Did I die? Did Karin die? I heard more banging.

"That's it Karin. If you don't come out in a minute I'm coming in!"

Fear caused me to finally snap out of my stupor. If Ichigo finds out Karin died, because really what other reason would enable me to occupy her body, he'd think I had something to do with it and he'd kill me! Not to mention it will screw up the story line. Well, screw it up more than it already was. No one was allowed to know I was not the real Karin.

I opened the door to see an impatient Ichigo glaring off into space. He turned to me.

"Took you long enough." He muttered.

I shrugged nonchalantly and went into the dining room for breakfast. Yuzu greeted me cheerfully. Everything felt...like home. From the fading peach-yellow walls to the clean wooden brown floor to the modern light caramel table. Ichigo stubbed his foot against the table and broke his toe when he was 10-years old. I froze as the memory bloomed in my head. Fortunately Yuzu was too busy to notice me imitating a statue.

Yuzu served some Tamagoyaki.

Wait, what's Tamagoyaki? It's one of her best dishes. I tentatively took a bite. My eyes popped open.

"Hm, this is pretty good. Wow, your cooking can put the world's greatest chefs to same." I complemented.

"Really?" Yuzu's eyes twinkled like stars.

...God I really want to attack her with a bear hug. She's adorable. Yuzu was like a real life teddy bear. Sweet, caring, and loving. Squashing down the impulse, I returned to my breakfast with a nod. Once again, something felt off. I immediately ducked as Isshin, Karin's father, failed a round-house kick at my head and crashed into something I did not care to notice.

Yuzu started scolding him. Isshin laughed like a maniac talking about how great his Karin was. Looking at the Idiot and Innocent members of the family I felt guilt stab at me. I lost my appetite. Am I doing the right thing by not telling them about me?

"What's the matter Karin-chan? You're not eating. Is something wrong with the food?" Yuzu asked, worry laced into her soft voice.

"No, I'm just not very hungry, that's all." I said politely.

One, I felt really weird speaking in perfect Japanese. Two, good thing my personality was so much like Karin's. Ichigo soon joined us. I felt like an outsider intruding on something I had no right to. I wasn't supposed to be here. And anything and everything was reminding me of that fact. Great, if a Hollow doesn't kill me, the guilt will.

"Karin, let's go already. What's with you today?" Ichigo scowled.

But I could see worry in his eyes, even though he seemed to act like he was really pissed off. I mentally groaned as more guilt was added to my mountain of shame. That's what I called it because it felt like a mountain was weighing in on my shoulders. I mentally kicked my ass. I had to be Karin Kurosaki—er—Kurosaki Karin, since the Japanese said their last names first, not only for my sake but of her family's as well.

I messed up in my original life by acting stupid and getting myself killed. There was no way in heaven or hell I would mess up in this one when so many people's lives were attached to it. Speaking of, I wonder what was happening with my family and friends.

Shoving everything back, I followed Ichigo to school. We walked in peaceful silence. That or maybe Ichigo just didn't know how to deal with a teenage girl. Either way, I was glad. Because Karin's memories were starting to pour in faster than a rain storm in the Amazon.

Karakura High School

By the time Karakura High came into view, a meteor could fall out of the sky and I'd be oblivious. Thankfully an annoying male banshee like voice finally snapped me out of my daze. I smiled when I saw Ichigo and Chad beat up the bullies and save Keigo and Mizuiro. Listening to Keigo flail around about the attending the same school as the scary Kurosaki twins, it was apparent my guess wasn't right. I wasn't Yuzu's twin, I was Ichigo's. I found that ridiculously funny. Thankfully everyone was too distracted by Keigo's stupidity to notice me trying to hold back my laughter. Ichigo and I went into our classroom with his friends.

It was stupid, really. I had died, ended up in Karin's body, and would most likely—knowing my luck and hard headedness—have to survive against many enemies. Yet here I was, almost, mind you almost, cowering behind Ichigo because I was nervous. Shut up. Not like I'm the first person to feel anxious about beginning High school. It was strange since I'd already graduated high school in my past—

"Hi Karin," Tatsuki grinned.

"Huh? Yeah, hey," I nodded.

I didn't know what else to say. I barely knew Tatsuki. Sure we had the same Martial Arts class when we were kids, but she was transferred to a higher level not long after. I knew how young Karin would have acted around Tatsuki—courtesy of my body's first host's memories—but I didn't know how the teen Karin would have acted. What if I mess up and say something stupid? It was better to be safe than sorry.

"Hi, so you're Kurosaki-kun's twin sister?" Orihime smiled.

"Yes, unfortunately," I smirked.

"Shut up Karin." Ichigo scowled.

Every time Ichigo said, "Shut up Karin" I'd stick my tongue out at him... Okay, I really hoped these random flashes would stop soon. They were distracting and I didn't need salt being rubbed into wounds. Being around the Kurosaki family already had me recoiling from guilt.

"I'm Inoue Orihime." She formally introduced herself.

"I'm Karin, nice to meet you."

Doesn't she already—oh. Another memory. It seemed this was the first time we were in the same class, despite having gone to the same middle school.

I became fast friends with Tatsuki and Orihime's group. Chizuru warmed up to me after she was sure I wasn't after her precious Hime-chan. Her antics were hilarious. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. I pushed the guilt back. I didn't want to deal with it. I wanted to be happy at least a little.

Soon, days turned into weeks and I knew it wouldn't be long...before Ichigo became a Shinigami.

It was an utter nightmare. It was just like in the manga. The Hollow attacked and captured Yuzu. It took everything I had in me to pretend to be unconscious when the ugly thing threw me against a wall. Much to my shame, fear for my life also made me stay still while my younger sister screamed for Ichigo.

I had drowned to death but I would gladly live that through a 100 times over than live through the attack again. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how emotionally and psychologically scarring it would be for me. It wasn't until then, that I realized just how Ichigo felt.

The need to protect those who you care about.

After that, everything went just like it had in canon. The only difference was I threw myself into any and all Martial Arts and Kendo classes I could fit into my schedule. I knew when it would come to the fights, the only thing I would be able to offer would be my prayers. I hated feeling weak. I had to do something to keep my mind occupied.

The other members of the family were confused. Karin had been doing martial arts, like Ichigo, since she was a kid so that was understandable. But Kendo classes surprised them.

Ichigo was suspicious at first, but then I overheard him talking to Rukia. They thought even though I wasn't 'conscious' when the Hollow attacked; I probably have some sort of strong emotion which remained in my subconscious. And said emotion was the motivation of my taking all these classes.

"I'm off," I yelled and ran out.

10 Minutes Later

I arrived at the slightly rundown, white and brown, two story, creepy vibe giving, candy shop.

"Why hello there Karin-chan~"

My eyebrow twitched, "How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me Karin-chan you weirdo!"

"And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Urahara-sensei." He grinned and waved his fan around idiotically.

Ugh, what the hell was I thinking having Urahara Kisuke as my teacher? I mentally groaned.

Flashback Begins

"Get out!"

"Yeah, fine, not like I want to be taught by a dumbass like you." I yelled and exited the tall, silver, pristine building. Some people turned to look at me and deemed me another crazy idiot. Not surprising since I was in downtown.

That was the fourth class I had been kicked out of. Why can't I ever be lucky? As fate would have it, I got lost.

"You have got to be kidding me!" I yelled to no one.

I wandered around for another hour before I came across something I recognized. Something I, not Karin, would have recognized.

"Please don't tell me I'm dreaming!"

I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. For once I had lucked out and stumbled upon Urahara's shop. Now that I think about it, it's funny that I didn't pinch myself when I woke up as Karin. Anyway, I quickly went in. I had a plan. Why not have Urahara teach me how to use a sword? The worst he could do was say no. I had to make him interested in me. So I had to be careful about how I played it…

"Welcome," Ururu bowed. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yeah, I'm lost," I said in fake annoyance. "Although, I suppose, I will buy some candy."

I scanned the shop and sweat-dropped. This place has shady written all over it. Or maybe it was the lack proper of lighting. The only source of light was the sun through the tinted windows. This is supposed to be a candy shop?

Oh! I finally spotted the sweets. I checked to see what candy they were missing. Hm, maybe I should buy some candies after all. What does Yuzu like? Everything looked so damn cute. There was everything from sugar candy to sour drops to sticky ring shaped goodies. Unfortunately, they were out of none the candies that I didn't like, so I had to pretend they were. Therefore...

"Of course, you're out of the candy I like. Why can't anything go right today?" I sighed.

"Why hello there, pretty lady." Urahara had arrived while I was busy deciding what to buy. "What's the matter?"

This was it. I scowled at him. "Oh, I don't know. I've been kicked out of all the Kendo classes I wanted. Then I get lost. My stupid brother goes around dressed all in black holding a butcher knife version of Kubikiribōchō, fighting monsters no one else can see. And to top it off I can't find the candy I'm craving. I'm peachy."

I said the last part with my voice dripping with sarcasm. Urahara stared at me in utter shock. "Butcher knife? Monsters?"

I did my best "Oh shit" wide-eyed expression, "Nothing. Whatever, I'm out of here. I'll find my own way around."

I quickly turned to leave.

"Why don't to stay for a cup of tea?"

Hook, line, and dumbass! I did a mental victory dance. I turned back to Urahara. His dark green and white striped bucket hat making the shady candy shop's owner look...shady the way it shadowed his eyes.

"I've been taught to stay away from strangers. Especially silly hat wearing, fan waving dorks like you." I said, trying my best to hide the joking tone in my voice.

"Oh, you wound me." Urahara opened his fan and hid his smile.

I swear, if I didn't know any better I'd think this guy was a total goofball. I felt like hugging him which caused my eyes to narrow. Projecting such a laid back demeanor, you could never guess his psychological profile. I know he's a genius but...jeez, he's really, really good.

"But I suppose I can kick your ass if it came to that. I am a martial artist." I shrugged nonchalantly. "And just to let you know, I prefer coffee."

"Alright then. Tessai," the man jumped out of nowhere nearly giving me a heart attack, "please prepare some coffee for our guest."

Urahara led me to the room where Ichigo and co. would get together many times.

"Now then, what do you want?" I asked.

"I want to know how long you've been able to see ghosts." Urahara said straight to the point. The change in personality was like flipping a switch. I felt nervous. This man was not to be messed with.

I sighed. I never thought I'd be able to get so far. That's why I had to think for a few minutes to gather my thoughts. Urahara waited patiently for me.

"I…didn't know they were ghosts. I knew they were there. I didn't know who and what they were. Not until a Hollow attacked us."

I hesitated and mentally smacked myself for using the term Hollow. "I think that's what they are called."

I had to be careful lying to Urahara. Having taken Psychology for a few months, I knew how humans behaved when they lied. I had to be careful not to make too much eye contact because contrary to popular belief, it does not mean you are telling the truth. I couldn't touch my nose or mouth. I couldn't have my hands twitch. I had to beware of my swallowing, and take steady breaths. I couldn't nod too much or repeat myself either.

"I overheard my brother and his friend talking. That's when I realized what was going on. Or at least I got the gist of it."

Then I realized I can stop wasting time since I said I overheard Ichigo and Rukia. "Rukia mentioned a shady Urahara character."

I pretended to have an "Ah-ha" moment, "You! You already know about all of this don't you."

"Is that why you came to see me?" He looked flattered but didn't deny anything.

"No," I confessed. It was true. "I was pissed off and got lost."

"Ah yes, something about Kendo classes?"

"Yeah," I frowned. "Ichigo's always fighting with a huge sword so I figured I should learn too. Those Hollow things seem to come after people high "Spiritual Pressure." I made air quotes around Spiritual Pressure and tried to make it clear I was unsure over the subject, which wasn't completely false.

"So, what's the problem?" He asked. I scowled and my ranting began.

"I went to four Kendo classes and got kicked out of all of them. The first one was full. The second one's master was a sexist bastard who wouldn't accept me because I'm a girl. The third one was an idiot and total fake. He's only in it for the money. He's like that Don Kanonji loser who pretends to be a ghost buster. And the fourth one had a Superiority complex. I refuse to respect someone unless they earn it."

Urahara observed me for a while. I stared right back. He was kind of cute so it wasn't too hard…I mentally kicked myself for where my perverted thoughts were going. Hopefully he will believe me. The best lies always have some truth to them.

"You are very wise for your age." He commented.

Mentally, I am an adult. I shrugged. It was like comparing a high school freshman to a college freshman. "I'm not wise; I just use common sense is all."

"And modest on top of that," he nodded. He was testing me. Or maybe I was over thinking. It was hard to tell with Urahara.

Okay, now I fidgeted. I had a weird thing about compliments. They made me act stupid for some reason. I blushed slightly, very, very slightly, "Whatever."

It was awkwardly quiet after that. "So, um, can you tell me what my brother's gotten into?"

"It's dangerous, you should stay away." Urahara shook his head.

"All the more reason for me to involve myself," I declared. Karin really cared for her family. I died and was given a second chance. I felt like I owed it to her and the least I could do was protect her family in any way I could. "Family looks out for family."

"But you'll just get in the way," Urahara said harshly. "Do you want Ichigo to die because he was too distracted keeping you from harming yourself?"

If he thinks I'm going down so easily he's got another thing coming. I stared at him in determination.

"According to Ichigo, these Hollows attack people with high Spiritual Pressure. That means my family. I need to be able to at least defend myself so it doesn't come down to Ichigo being forced to choose between whom to protect, should the occasion arise."

"How are you going to defend yourself? Martial arts skills aren't going to do anything." He stated.

"They've taught me to be agile, focused, and the ability to dodge." I answered.

"You can only dodge for so long." He pointed out.

"Every second counts in a life and death situation. And besides, if I'm going down, I'm going down swinging." I replied.

Urahara was looking at me strangely. "You are an odd one."

"You're one to talk, Hats-and-Clogs." I muttered.

"To speak of life and death so frivolously," he cocked his head to the side.

I shifted uneasily. "I'm not a thanatologist. I don't care. Now, will you tell me about whatever the hell's going on or not?"

I knew the jerk knew, that I knew what he was going to tell me but he still made a big deal and took his time contemplating whether he was. Asshole.

"Since you asked so politely," Urahara told me everything I already knew about Shinigami and the Soul Society. I kept a poker face the entire time and occasionally showed my "surprise" at "shocking" unknown parts. Though I always pretended to downplay to keep to Karin's aloof personality.

Being the idiot I am, I couldn't help but make comments like how Shinigami and Hollows were like two sides of the same coin and what would happen if one gained the other's ability. Urahara answered in a spin about way which would have left me with more questions than answers had I already not known the truth. Either way, I would get frustrated and drop the subject.

"Any more questions?" he asked.

"Yes, will you train me?"

"No," he answered automatically.

"You don't have to say that so quickly." I glared at him, "And why the hell not?"

"How can I train you? I'm but a lowly candy shop owner." Sandal-Hat hid his face behind his fan in "embarrassment."

Urahara's antics were funnier in the manga. But not when you're on the receiving end. I looked at him in aggravation.

"Are you kidding me? You know way too much about this whole thing. The way you talk about the Soul Society sounds like you've lived there. And all the others facts you know make me think you are or were a Shinigami which means you have to have received training. Unless of course you sucked so much they decided to toss you out."

…So maybe I shouldn't have said the last part. It hit far too close to home…

I think Urahara was going to say something drastic but saw the guilty face I was probably making. I looked away stubbornly. "Okay maybe the last part was uncalled for. But you really need to stop being so irritating."

It was quiet again. Where's the damn coffee? I could really use a distraction right now.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" I asked.

"Nope, I think I'll watch you be uncomfortable." He said cheerfully.

I decided to leave before things got ugly. "Oh forget it."

At least I tried. I gave my best and it wasn't enough. I got up to leave.

"Yes." He said. I looked down at him in confusion.

"Yes what?" I asked.

"Yes, I will train you."

Flashback Ends

I still, to this day, deny that I squealed and glomped Urahara after he agreed. Nope, did not happen…He smelt good...

I walked back home with a sore body. Had Karin not been a martial artist since she was a kid as well as a competitive soccer player I would have died during Urahara's training.

OC-Self Inserts are really big right now in the Naruto fandom so I was wondering how it would go in Bleach.

Please Review~