Karin was 21 now, and had transferred to a larger university after her first 2 years at the small one near Karakura town, bringing up her grades and joining all the sports teams and clubs again. Her hair was long again, but she kept it choppy, thinking it gave her an edgy look. She had plenty of friends and even had a couple flings with a few guys over the years, but nothing long term. She was back in the top of her class and winning trophies and medals for various physical activities. She'd even taken up dance to help her express herself and to improve her swordplay. If she could dance without a sword, she could definitely dance with one. Life was as it should be. She would go visit home every now and again and sometimes Ichigo would come and visit her in Soul Reaper form, although she didn't see him often, being the third seat and all, which was fine. She didn't miss him as much, now that she knew he was out there and thriving in Soul Society. She'd moved on with her life. She was majoring in psychology and was training to become a physical therapist. She wanted to help people, whether their problems are physical or emotional. She didn't want people to suffer the way she did. She volunteered often and children's shelters, playing with the kids and assuring them that their parents or siblings were in a better place. It made her feel good, helping them.
One night in May, she'd gone to the bar with a couple of her girlfriends. They laughed as they drank sake, talking about boys, classes, careers, family, and just relaxing now that finals were over. Finally around 2 in the morning, Karin excused herself and said she'd head home. Alone and a little tipsy, she made her way towards her apartment. As she was crossing the last intersection, she heard the sound of a car horn, but it sounded far off. It wasn't until it was too late that she saw the headlights, then her world exploded with pain, sounds, and colors. There was too much pain for her to even cry out, she stayed silent and waited for her life to end, but it seemed to take its time. But then her brother was there, reaching for her hand. She somehow lifted her own to meet his. He lifted her from her body and her pain and they entered the Senkaimon, heading for the afterlife.
