21

Runaways

…

Ichigo hugged Yuzu tightly, trying to impress the moment upon his memory. "Goodnight, Yuzu. Remember, we'll be gone early tomorrow morning, so you won't see us. I left Dad a message, but in case he doesn't come back, you can stay with your friend, right?"

"Uh-huh," she said, completely oblivious to the seriousness of the situation. "I hope you have fun on your trip!"

The smile on Ichigo's lips was fake and sad. She was so young and innocent. Always wishing happiness for everyone and as long as they were happy, she herself could be so. He stared at her big, brown eyes. They had no clue that in three days, her brother and twin sister would be announced dead. For the first time in a long time, Ichigo had to try not to cry.

Karin wrapped her arms around Yuzu as well. In this one moment, she felt complete. "I'll miss you," she muttered, shoulders shaking.

"It's only for a few days, right?" Yuzu asked, bright as ever.

"Yeah, but…" Karin sighed, "someone told me once to say goodbye like you would never see that person again because, who knows, you might not." Karin plastered on a grin. "I know, kind of silly and corny. I guess I'm just not used to being away for so long."

"It's going to all be okay," Yuzu assured. "Ichigo's going to be there and you said his friend who's also your friend asked you to come along, right? So it will be fun! I mean, I've never met this friend of yours, but you told me about him and it sounds like you guys are really close. But, for the record, I'll miss you, too. Be careful, okay?"

"Yeah, okay," Karin agreed.

"Goodnight, guys!" Yuzu called, stepping into the bedroom.

"Goodnight, Yuzu," they responded.

Karin began to choke up. Why were goodbyes so hard? Ichigo held his black-haired sister close to him. She would need him. In fact, she needed him now more than ever before. The guilt clawed at him and it showed, but he couldn't be weak, not in front of Karin. So he let her hide her face in his shirt while he closed his eyes in remorse.

Three hours until midnight.

…

Orihime finished packing. Uryu stood by her door, bag in hand. He was decked out in full Quincy attire. The streets were dark and empty outside, no one left to notice the strange fashion. Orihime herself chose something functional, all the while knowing full-well that they would most likely thrust a Shinigami uniform upon her soon after arriving. Still, Uryu found her white tank-top and blue-jeans an unusual style for her. It was so…plain.

At least they matched.

Uryu shook the thought from his head and stretched out his hand. She slung her bag over her shoulder and took it. A feeling much like falling shot through her. For a second, her mind forced an image of a dying Ulquiorra over Uryu. She never realized how much alike they were. The whole battle scene flickered. She reached for Ulquiorra's picture before realizing she'd put it securely in her bag. So instead, she forced everything down with a hard gulp.

"I'm ready," she said. He led her outside.

"Hey, Orihime," Tatsuki called, exiting her own home. "Uryu."

The Ishida boy nodded to her. Tatsuki came to join them, observing how Uryu was holding onto her best friend's hand. Noticing the direction her gaze was going in, Orihime instantly let go and blushed.

"Hi, Tatsuki," Orihime greeted.

"Ichigo, Karin, and Rukia are going to meet us by the school," the spiky-haired girl informed. "Are you guys ready for this?"

Uryu scoffed. "I'm a Quincy. They're Shinigami. They're my enemy."

"And yet you still help them every time," Tatsuki retorted.

"It's in the sake of common interest!" Uryu protested.

Orihime waved her hands frantically in front of her. "We haven't even left yet and you guys are already arguing."

Tatsuki rolled her eyes. "What about you, Orihime?"

"Well, I'll have you guys with me, so it can't be that bad, right?" Orihime twiddled her fingers. "How did things go with your parents?"

Tatsuki's unfazed demeanor dropped. "I…I..um, well…they didn't actually want me to go. Technically, I'm sneaking out and running away. Or being kidnapped, in this case. I'll miss them, but like you said, I'll have all you guys."

Uryu checked his watch. "There's only an hour left. We should hurry."

…

Urahara tapped his cane against the ground outside his shop. Yoruichi, Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu accompanied him. They all stared at it in longing. After a moment, Urahara turned around.

"Time to go."

…

Shinji grinned while watching the clock. He slung his zanpakto over his shoulder. From the front of the warehouse, he called, "Start the countdown. Twenty minutes!"

…

Grimmjow's face remained as stoic as ever. Ira and Ari stood to either side of him while the rest of his group hid in the shadows of the woods. He lifted his head toward the sky.

"Party time," Kaeliel said, revealing his excitement.

"Almost," Grimmjow whispered. "Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…one…"

…

Toshiro and Matsumoto stood atop the school building. A large group of people were gathered below on the ground. Toshiro nodded.

"Now."

…

Thank you: fangirl 666, -SoManyUpsAndDowns-, and Rachel-angelhero.

Sorry, it's a short chapter, but I needed to make the cut here so I wouldn't chop up the action awkwardly later.