I HATE HOLLOWS SO FREAKIN MUCH!

WHY OF ALL DAY DOES THIS HAPPEN TODAY!

I hold out Lezinga, my Zankpakuto, pointing the tip at the large hollow towering over me.

It resembles some kind of scorpion, and it cackles, it's purple serpent like tongue protruding from it's wide mouth.

"I can taste your powerful spirit energy from here, but you do not dress like any over soul reapers I have come across before. Why is that?"

I smirk, my scarlet locks blowing across my face in the wind.

"None of your business, hollow. Let's just hurry up and get this shit over with, I have somewhere I've gotta be."

Hissing, the hollow's tongue wiggles around furiously.

"Arrogance will get you nowhere! You are that sure you can defeat me? You pathetic litt-"

The vile piece of protruding flesh thuds to the ground, as the hollow shrieks, pincers coming up to it's mouth.

I land back on my feet, kicking the now useless piece of flesh out of the way, cringing as I do.

"AHH! YOU BITCH!"

I swiftly dodge a blow from it's razor sharp tail, then slicing it off with one swift movement.

Wailing, the hollow, starts to snap at me blindly.

I lift myself higher into the air, watching the flicker of pure panic and realization of defeat on the hollow's features, then slice it cleanly in half.

I slowly descend back to the ground as it dissipates with a last screech of pain, and then shove Lezinga back into it's sheathe.

Huh, over already, and I didn't even need to use my special ability.

Such a shame.

Anyway, time to get back to what I was actually doing!

I smooth down my top and skirt, thankful to see not even a speck of dirt on them, before heading down the almost deserted streets.

If the guy from the local shop I asked for directions is correct, then the clinic should be just around...

there!

As it comes into view, my stomach starts doing cartwheels as I force myself closer and closer.

I stop outside the front doors, beginning to have second thoughts.

What if he doesn't accept me?

What if he doesn't even want to know me?

I mean, there's not really any reason he would. I doubt he even knows I exist, and I know he has a family of his own, a son and two daughters. I did my research before I came here, not a complete idiot.

I gnaw on my bottom lip, my hand gripped tightly on the door handle.

No, I need to stop being a fucking pansy.

Oh wait, my Zanpakuto! I can't have them seeing it, not right now anyway.

Quickly I manage to conceal it underneath a nearby trash can, where no one will see it until I can retrieve it later, and head back to the door.

I turn the handle, entering the deserted and oddly quiet clinic.

It's only a small little place, but it seems to have quite a nice feel to it.

It's clean, well organized, what more could you ask for?

The yellow walls give it a nice and warm feel, something I've rarely encountered in medical areas.

I glance around, toying with the ends of my hair, something I tend to do when I'm nervous.

Clearing my throat loudly, my eyes to a full scope of the room, finding not a single soul in sight.

"Hello? Is anyone here?"

Silence.

Isn't this a damn clinic? There should be at least someone-

"Er, can I help you?"

I spin around, surprised I didn't feel or hear this guy approach me, no one sneaks up on me!

What immediately stands out to me is his spikey orange hair, and his chocolate eyes boring into my similar ones.

"Um, I'm looking for Isshin Kurosaki? He own's this clinic, right?"

The orange haired guy nods, leaning back from me.

"Yeah, he's my Dad, unfortunately. He should be back soon, he went out to grab some lunch, so I'm just keeping an eye on the place."

So this is his son, Ichigo Kurosaki? Aka, my half brother.

I hold out my hand to be polite, and he slowly takes it.

"I'm Katerina Lalleri, it's nice to meet you..."

"Ichigo Kurosaki."

I nod and release his hand, placing it on my hip.

Well, this doesn't feel half as awkward as I was expecting, I'll give it that.

But that's probably gonna go out the window when he finds out who I actually am to him.

CRASH!

"I'M BACK SON! DID YOU MISS ME?"

Rolling his eyes, Ichigo shoves his hands into his jean pockets.

"Not really goat face!"

I on the other hand turn into a statue, my eyes now on the man who just bounded into the clinic like a bull in a china shop.

"Don't be like that son! And who's this?"

Ichigo shrugs, starting to leave the room.

"Someone who came to see you, so I'll leave your weird ass alone to find out why."

"THAT'S NO WAY TO TALK TO YOUR FATHER!"

But Ichigo is already gone. Isshin grumbles, before turning a dazzling yet slightly creepy smile on me.

"Now, what can I do for you, young lady?"

My throat feels like sandpaper right now.

How the heck do I do this?

I decide to just blurt it out, like ripping off a band aid.

"I'm your daughter."

I silently watch on as he chugs on the bottle of whiskey, my stomach threatening to throw up my rushed breakfast.

We're now in what look's like a study, and the door is locked so we're not disturbed.

As he places down the now half empty bottle on the desk, I lean back against the nearest wall, avoiding eye contact with him.

He hasn't uttered a single word since I told him, just ushered me in here with frantic hand gestures.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I have no freaking idea.

Sighing, he perch's down on the edge of the desk.

"Iskinha."

"My mother, yeah."

His head drops down into his hands.

"It was a mistake...this was years ago..."

"Eighteen years ago, to be exact."

I really don't think I'm helping, if anything I must sound harsh, but I've never been able to keep my trap shut when I should.

And now comes the awkward silence.

After a few suffocating minutes, which frankly seem like hours, I shuffle on my feet, wringing my hands.

"They're gonna hate me."

I frown at the weird statement, not catching who he's talking about.

"Who is?"

He lifts his head up, and I can see the un-shed tears in his shimmering eyes.

"My family...what's left of it. Their mother was the love of my life."

Damn it, I have no idea what to say, I've never been good at the whole comforting or advice thing.

I think...this was a mistake.

I shouldn't have done this, not after all this time.

I curse myself under my breath, stalking towards the door to unlock it and just get the hell out of here, out of this damn town.

"Where are you going?"

I pause, but don't look back at him, I can't.

"Back to where I came from, I shouldn't have come here."

"No, don't."

I flinch, taken aback by the emotion in his voice.

I turn around, seeing him now back on his feet, a look in eyes that even I don't want to argue with.

"You had every right to come here, you're blood."

Lost for words, I keep my mouth shut and just listen as he continues.

"I'll explain to Ichigo and his sisters, but I need to think about what to say. It's not something I can just throw out there and expect everything to be alright. Where are you going to stay?"

I planned on just making my presence known then heading back home, maybe establishing some form of contact with my father slowly and cautiously. I had no plans on staying overnight in this unfamiliar town, which might I add has an unusually high amount of damn hollows.

What is with that anyway?

And don't even get me started on the spirit energy dancing around.

"I wasn't planning on staying overnight."

"Well, now you are. I have a guest room, you can stay there while we figure this out. All is ask is that you don't tell Ichigo or the girls who you are for now, that job is mine."

I just nod obediently, not feeling particular comfortable about all of this, but I guess I can stay for a few days, after all, no one is really gonna miss me where I came from.

"Alright I guess, but I didn't pack any clothes or anything..."

Mustering a smile, he smooths down his long white coat and pops a mint into his mouth from his pocket.

"I'm sure I can find you something, don't fret. Come with me, I'll show you where you'll be sleeping."

"Wow, you have really pretty hair!"

I smile the best I can, but this girl is really fraying my nerves. It's nothing personal, I just don't like people invading my personal space, and she's gone way past that. She's happily toying with strands of my hair, beaming as she lets the silky strands slip through her fingers.

The other girl with raven hair, who I now know is called Karin, swats her sister's prying hands away, a scowl set deep on her face.

"Will you quit it, Yuzu? You can't keep touching people and invading their space without their damn permission!"

Yuzu squeaks, jumping away from me.

"S-sorry, I didn't mean to upset anyone."

I feel kind of bad now, but I'm relieved I've got my personal space back. Karin huffs, before her scrutinizing gaze lands on me.

We're in the guest room of Isshin's house, which he was kind enough to lead me into and show me where everything is. He also brought me some clothes although I don't know where from, but I'm pretty glad I won't have to wear the same thing for the next few days.

It's pretty nicely decorated, although I'm not one for really caring about a vase of flowers there or a painting of a giggling girl over here.

It's modern with warm yellow walls and pink flowery bedding, which leads me to the conclusion this was definitely designed by a female.

I'm perched on the edge of the soft double bed, eyeing the two girls in front of me cautiously.

"So, you're one of dad's friends daughters, huh?"

Nice cover story, Isshin.

I nod at Karin, my hands lying flat in my lap.

"You don't talk much, d'ya?"

Yeah, I actually do, but right now I'm too busy with my own jumbled thoughts to keep up with an intelligent conversation.

There's a knock at the door, and a familiar orange head hair peeks around it.

"Hey, what the hell are you two doing in here? Ever heard of personal space?"

Yuzu blushes, scurrying past Ichigo, whereas Karin sticks her tongue out at him.

"Oh get a grip Ichigo, she didn't mind."

Ichigo scowls at her as she leaves, before looking back at me.

"Just wanted to let you know, if you need anything my rooms across the hall, feel free to knock."

"Thanks."

As the door clicks shut, I fall back on the bed, sinking into the lavender smelling bed sheets.

Well, this place sure is homey.

Later on I join the rest of the family for an evening meal, which is I have to say nice, and a lot different than what I'm used to. I was expecting it to be so awkward, but it wasn't, watching the different interactions between them all.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually starting to warm to Yuzu.

She's sweet, and she seems compassionate about everything and everyone, making sure everyone has enough food, drink, before herself.

Ugh, when did I start getting so damn soft?

After the meal is finished, I decide to head straight to bed, since there's nothing else to do and this day has worn me out emotionally.

But not before I retrieve Lezinga, sneaking her in while no one is in the hallway and shuffling up the stairs and to my room.

As I start to close the door behind me, some faint whispering seems to float down from the hall, and I pause, trying to listen harder to make out what they're saying.

I can definitely hear quite a few voices, but none of them I recognize...

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TO MY LIGHT!"

Okay, maybe one.

Who the hell is in there with Ichigo?

Now that I focus, I can sense a hell of a lot of spirit energy from in that room.

Strong, Spirit energy.

Oh shit.

I keep hold of Lezinga and I jolt down the corridor, banging on Ichigo's door. There's a lot of hushed whispering, then Ichigo peeks his head around the door, a faint flush on his cheeks.

"Katerina? You alright?"

I tilt my head, trying to peek past him and into his room.

"Are you? I heard you shouting and it sounded like other people were in here."

Ichigo immediately tenses and his eyes bulge, before he regains his composure, plastering a false smile on his face.

"Oh you know, just stubbed my toe in my desk and it hurt like a son of a bitch."

I grit my teeth, but at least I had the sense to keep Lezinga out of his line of sight.

I hate being bloody lied too, but obviously he mustn't be in danger, otherwise he'd be bolting or making some sort of 'help me' sign to me, but he looks more embarrassed than anything.

"Alright, sorry, I just wanted to make sure everything was okay."

He chuckles, scratching the back of his neck.

"Don't worry about it!"

I waltz off as the door slams shut, and then the faint whispering starts up again.

Just what the hell is going on in there?

You know what, I'm gonna find the hell out.

I manage to slip outside of the house by climbing from my window and hoisting myself up onto the quite sturdy roof, and then hover just above Ichigo's window.

I don't know why it's bothering me so much, but I want to know who the hell he's hiding in there.

I shuffle over quietly as possibly, perching just above the window.

And lucky me, it's wide open!

"Who was that then, Ichigo?"

I don't recognize the voice, but it's definitely female.

"It's just a house guest Rukia, she heard me raving about you arsehole's wrecking my damn light!"

"I see, so why is she currently on the roof above your window?"

My breath catches in my throat.

SHIT!

I should've known they'd be able to sense my own spirit energy.

Make a run for it?

Nope, too late.

Ichigo's head appears through the open window, and his eye's widen into saucers as he spots me.

I gulp, nothing intelligent to say coming to mind.

Then another head appears, a male with bright red hair tied up and black tattoo's on his head and neck, sharing the same bewildered stare as Ichigo.

Ichigo seems to shake himself out of it first, his look replaced with pure anger.

"Katerina, what are you doing! Are you freakin spying on me?"

I shake my head, even though technically I am.

Ichigo takes me by surprise when he full on scrambles up onto the roof like freaking spider man and yanks me to my feet by my upper arm.

My eye's widen as he gets in my face.

"Answer me!"

Growling, I yank my arm out of his edging on painful grip.

"Alright! Jeez, don't get your damn panties in a twist."

I could almost laugh at the bewildered look on his face, but if I did I think I'd end up being thrown off the roof right now.

"DON'T GET MY PANTIES IN A TWIST? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING SPYING ON ME?"

Shoving my hands behind my back, I take in a deep inhale of the cool evening air.

"I heard voices, so I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"BULLSHIT!"

Shaking his fist at me, I remain quiet and quirk an eyebrow back at him.

"I told you I was okay! Why didn't you leave it at that?"

"Because I could sense the spirit energy in that room!"

The red haired guy joins us up on the roof, followed by a petite raven haired girl.

The red haired guy tilts his head, his eyes flickering between us both.

"Wait what? You can sense our energy?"

Ichigo spins on his heel and points a shaky finger at him.

"SHUT THE HELL UP RENJI I'M HANDLING THIS!"

Renji growls, pointing a finger right back.

"YOU SHUT THE HELL UP!"

The black haired girl quietly steps in between them, sighing heavily. I have a feeling she's pretty used to this from them.

"Both of you stop, your bickering will get us nowhere. Who is she, Ichigo?"

I recognize her voice from moments earlier, so I'm guessing her name is Rukia.

Ichigo turns angrily back to me.

"A normal house guest, or so I thought. What are you then, eh?"

Well, I might as well just come out with it.

"I-"

"Why'd you all come up here and leave us down there, talk about rude!"

My eyes widen as a huge breasted girl in an incredibly short grey skirt joins us, pouting and crossing her arms.

She's soon joined by a bald headed guy and-

wait, what has that purple haired guy got on his eyelashes?

Ichigo groans, throwing his hands in the air.

"Look can you all just shut up for a damn minute! We're trying to figure this out!"

Suddenly, all eyes are locked dead on me.

And Ichigo's eyes trail down, spotting Lezinga at my side for the first time now he's not raging like a wild animal.

Yeah, looks like this day is about to get a hell of a lot longer.

"So, you're not a soul reaper?"

I sigh, having gone over this same thing for the past hour.

I can't help but glare at him.

Why is it not sinking in?

Am I talking in a forgein language and not realizing or something?

I had a brief talk with the other guys that were in Ichigo's room, and I learnt their names, but they all ended up taking off, and agreeing that we'd all talk about it tomorrow instead.

But will Ichigo leave me in peace?

Nope.

I'm stood in the darkening guest room, my arms folded across my chest, while Ichigo is perched on the edge of the bed, Rukia by his side.

"No, I'm not a soul reaper, like I've been explaining for the past damn hour."

"But, you have a Zanpakuto."

Rukia shifts on the bed, her violet eyes focused on me.

"So did those Arrancar, Ichigo."

Frowning down at her, I uncross my arms and let them fall to my sides.

"What the hell is an Arrancar?"

"You do not know?"

"Yeah sure I do, I just thought I'd bloody ask anyway to waste everyone's time."

I know I don't have to be a sarcastic ass, but I guess I'm not tired and it's making me cranky as hell.

"An Arrancar is a hollow that has lost it's mask, and has been able in the process to gain soul reaper like abilities. Most of them look human, although they still keep pieces of their masks."

"So they're still hollows, yet they have a Zankpauto."

I'm stating the words out loud to myself, not sure why.

Huh, I guess that does give them quite the power boost then.

I scratch my head, shifting on the balls of my feet.

"So, you still think they'll come back for Ichigo? Why?"

"Because the two from before were sent by Aizen to examine his abilities, that will not be the last we see of them."

I peer down at Ichigo, who is just staring at the floor, looking lost in his own thoughts. No wonder he's so bloody quiet then.

"Oi, carrot top!"

His head snaps up as soon as the word's pass my lips, his eyes narrowing into slits.

"The hell did you just call me?"

I chuckle.

"I just wanted to snap you out of dreamland. So what's so special about you?"

He shrugs, placing his head in his hands.

"I have a hidden part of me, something I shouldn't have."

"Oh? What's that?"

"I'm part hollow."

I swear, my mouth could not have dropped any further.

"W-what? How is that possible?"

He shrugs.

"I'm not sure yet. But it's becoming harder and harder to control. If I don't get help soon..."

As he trails off, I can fill in the rest of the sentence.

It'll take control.

Well, when I imagined meeting my family, I sure as hell didn't imagine getting into something as messy as this.

"So, if you're not a soul reaper, what exactly are you?"

I open my mouth to answer Rukia, but something in the air stops me dead.

The spirtual pressure in the air intensifies so much, I can taste it.

My eyes dart around for the source, but it's nothing like I've ever felt before.

What the fuck?

The other two seem just as startled.

Whatever the hell it is, it's gotta be dealt with, and fast.

Retrieving Lezinga from under the bed, I start to go through the open window.

"Where the hell are you going?"

I pause, glaring back at Ichigo.

"To disney land, where the hell do you think I'm going? That pressure has to be dealt with."

His eyes almost pop out of his head.

"You can't be serious! Can't you feel how strong that is! And you're just gonna go after it on your freakin own?"

I shrug, not liking how he assumes it's too much for me, when he hasn't even fought me or seen me fight properly for that matter.

"I can handle it."

He just gapes at me, while Rukia pushes off the bed, pulling a beeping phone from her pocket.

"Don't be stupid, that kind of pressure cannot be dealt with by a lone person. We will come with you, the others will already be on their way. And..."

She gasps as she stares down at the machine.

"There are...so many..."

Ichigo jumps up too.

"Arrancar?"

Rukia nods.

I don't have time for this.

I jump out of the window, hopefully they'll catch up with me.

It's hard to track them, they keep moving from one place to another.

I'm stood outside of Ichigo's house, as Rukia and Ichigo, now in his soul reaper form, climb down from the window.

Yes, I decided to wait for them, I'm not completely stupid.

How the hell did I not notice Ichigo's pressure before this?

Maybe because I was being to damned self absorbed, and I let my guard down.

Damn it!

Ichigo stares down at me.

"You waited?"

"Yeah, it would appear so."

Rukia holds out her own phone, staring at the flashing signals.

"I don't understand, where are they?"

I glance around, still seeing so sign of anything odd.

"They must be after all of the spiritual pressure sources in town."

They both stare at me.

"What? It's obvious, isn't it?"

Ichigo face darkens, and he starts to speed off. I frown, staying put with Rukia.

"Ichigo wait!"

Rukia hisses and chases after him, just as the guy named Renji siddles up next to me.

I feel his glare on me without even having to look at him.

"You keep looking like that you're face is gonna stay that way, and it's not a pretty face as it is."

I smirk as he growls low in his throat.

"Shut your mouth."

I pout at him.

"Aww, did I hurt your feelings?"

His face looks like thunder, and it delights me to no end. This guy is so damn easy to wind up.

"Bickering like children? You Shinigami really are pathetic."

I look up to see a man dressed in a white flowing uniform, long blonde hair swaying in the wind, and...

Is that...part of a hollow mask?

I gape, dumb struck for a moment.

How is this even possible?

But Renji doesn't hesitate, lunging straight at him with his Zanpakuto.

I snap myself out of my daze pretty quickly, gripping onto Lezinga tighter.

He easily stops Renji's Zanpakuto, as if swatting a fly.

I stare up at them.

"Do you need some help?"

Renji glares back down at me.

"No I don't! Go and make sure Rukia and Ichigo are okay!"

I scowl.

"I don't take orders from your sorry ass!"

He ignores me, taking on the blonde guy once again.

I falter, before sighing and following Rukia and Ichigo.

And not because that asshole told me too, alright?