Chapter 1: Regrets

Saturday, July 10. 4:37

"BOHAHAHAHA!"

Isshin and Yuzu were sitting in front of the television. " Spontaneous trips to spiritual hot spots" now came two times a week. It was later in the day. Ichigo was sitting at the kitchen table. He was reading the latest Weekly Shonen Jump.

This week's episode, Don Kanonji attempts to cleanse to spirit that haunted the house of a local senior citizen.

This house reeks of mean spirit

BOHAHAHAHA" Isshin shouted, crossing his arms around his chest.

"And to think he's actually over the age of 40... " Ichigo thought to himself.

" Karin, come and do the shout with us" Yuzu invited Karin, who was sitting at the same table with her brother.

" No thanks, Yuzu. I'd rather spend quality time with Goat Chin over there" Karin replied, pointing at Isshin. "Besides, it's bad enough that it airs two times of week now instead of one." She looked at Ichigo, who was ignoring them all. He noticed her.

"What is it, Karin" Ichigo questioned his sister. " Why are you looking at me like that"

Karin looked down nervously. "N..nothing. You just seemed a little more pissed off then usual"

" Speak for yourself." Ichigo took a sip out of the glass he was holding. "You don't exactly look pleased with how you day is going either" She stared at him for a few seconds.

" Is...everything ok, Strawberry" Karin asked, concerned.

" I'm ok! Everything's just dandy" Ichigo blurted. He started to say something else when Yuzu interrupted.

" Hey guys, check this out"

"Huh" Ichigo and Karin exchanged looks. They both looked at the screen

Ichigo crossed his arms. " A contest. Wow."

Isshin stood up and and grabbed Ichigo's collar.

"It's not just any contest, my boy. This can be the vacation we've been waiting for...AHH" Ichigo slammed his father.

" Thanks for enlightening me." Ichigo replied sarcasticly "I'll be in my room" He leaves

" Ichigo" Yuzu called after him. "Hmmm, I wonder what's eating Ichigo today."

Ichigo plopped on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, only to realize that Rukia hasn't come yet. Kon climbed up on the bed.

" What do you want, Kon" Ichigo asked without looking. "Should you be with Rukia?

Kon's face twisted up. "No. She's only been gone for the day and I already miss her" he sheds a tear.

"Oh great, here we go again..."

" Oh my raven haired goddess. Where have you gone to? Why did you leave me here with this barbarian you call a shinigami? Why couldn...

Ichigo flings Kon off of his bed.

"Do you mind , lover boy? I'm trying to think here." Ichigo continued to star at the ceiling.

Kon sat up, rubbing his head. " Oh...is it that serious" Ichigo didn't answer. "Ok. I'll just sit next in front of the window." Someone then knocked on the door. Quickly, Ichigo grabbed Kon by his leg and tossed him into the closet. " Ichigo..can I come in" It was Karin. Ichigo quickly sat on his bed. "Um..yeah. Come in." Ichigo answered, fidgeting. The door opened, and Karin walked in. She had a concerned look on her face, like none Ichigo has even seen before. She sat down next to him. " Are you ok, Strawberry"

" I'm fine, Karin. Really." Ichigo replied, looking the other way. " I just..had a bad dream that's all".

"About mom" Ichigo glanced at Karin. " How did you..."

"I know you, Ichigo." Karin replied, cutting him short. "Youve been having this nightmare for a week now."

Ichigo backed away from his sister. " Hold up... Did you develop psychic mind reading powers after the hole incident with me and Ishida"

Karin sighed. "No, dummy. It's obvious. It's the only time you actually talk in your sleep.

"Huh? I don't talk..."

"Never mind that. Ichigo, you got to stop blaming yourself for that. What happened to mom wasn't your fault."

Ichigo looked down. " Karin, did dad ever tell you what happened that day?

Karin nodded. Ichigo turned away. " Then why don't you hate me"

"Huh?'

"You heard me" Ichigo snapped. " She died because I was foolish enough to mistake a ghost for a living person! It was my fault she's dead!.

" Ichigo..."

Tears started. " he's...crying" Karin looked on as her brother sniffled.

" I can never forgive myself until I..." Ichigo almost slipped and told Karin about the Grand Fisher, the hollow that took their mother's life.

"Ichigo, don't blame yourself" Karin replied softly. " You were trying to help someone out and she died making sure you were safe."

"But.." Ichigo started to reply but stopped when he noticed the closet door open and Kon poking his head out.

"Ichigo, I could never hate you." Karin said. " You're the only one who can run Goat chin's face into the floor and get away with."

" So, you don't hate me"

" No, dummy. I love you."Karin said softly. Yuzu loves you, so does Goat Boy and mommy. That's why she gave up her life protecting you.

Ichigo looked at his sister. That was the first time Karin ever told him that. " Thank you"

" Now, stop frowing and get over it. You're making dad look mature.

Karin started to get up and leave. " Karin" Ichigo said. She turned around.

" ...I love you, too." Ichigo hugged Karin. All of a sudden, a big thud came from the living room. " I'm gonna see what Goat Chin did just now. Good night , Ichigo."

After she leaves, Kon comes out of the closet. "

"That was the most beautiful thing I ever heard with my own two ears" Kon said, crying.

"Oh give me a break, Kon" Ichigo snapped, looking at the ceiling lying on back.