Note: This is taking place in an AU. In this world, only Tatsuki saw Ichigo, Ishida and Chad go through the portal into Hueco Mundo. In addition, Ichigo did not reach Orihime, and she is still trapped inside Heuco Mundo. Also, Urahara doesn't call Isshin "Kurosaki", because between a few friends of mine, we've come up with the theory that Isshin is really part of the Shiba clan, so I wrote it in.

Observer

Urahara sighed, and turned away from the floating screen in front of him.

"So, you couldn't reach her after all, Mr Kurosaki. Looks like I over-estimated your potential."

He waved his hand, and the screen dispersed, disappearing into the air.

Taking his hat off his head, he began to talk to himself.

"Now who's going to save her? Soul Society don't care, and Kurosaki failed."

He was interrupted by the sound of a bell.

Without looking, he shouted.

"Whoever you are, we're closed for today. You'll have to get your stuff from down the road."

Urahara heard a laugh from behind him.

"Come now, Kisuke. Is that any way to treat an old friend?"

Urahara turned around, recognising the voice, sighing as he went.

"I suppose you're here about your son?"

"I might be. How's he doing?"

Urahara snapped his fingers and the screen reformed.

"Not good. See for yourself."

The man looked over Urahara's shoulder, at the bruised and bloodied figure lying on the floor, so many miles away.

He sighed. "Think he'll get up from this one?"

Urahara replied, with intrigue in his voice. "Oh he'll get up, all right. I just want to see whether he'll keep going or not. Don't you?"

The man laughed. "Well, when you've got guts like that, he's gonna keep going. Gets it from his old man, I guess!" He roared.

Urahara turned around, face hidden by his hat.

"What would his siblings say? After all, the family wouldn't be too happy, would they, Mr Shiba?"

Isshin frowned. "I abandoned that name years ago, I told you that."

Urahara slightly grinned. "I just wanted to see the look on your face, Mr Kurosaki."

He lightly tapped the screen, and it changed to a view of Ishida.

"What about this one?"

"Ryuuken's kid?"

Urahara nodded.

"He'll be fine. Ryuuken's tougher than I am on his kids, so you don't need to worry about that one."

"Say, Kurosaki?"

"Hmm?"

"What are Ms. Inoue's friends like?"

"Why?"

"For example, does she have a friend who protects her from anything?"

"She's got some girl that's good at martial arts...why?"

Without another word, Urahara whipped around, grabbed his dark green coat, and briskly strode out the door.