Disclaimer: Not mine.

Chapter 4

Uryū watched his cousins train, frowning in concern. "I cannot believe Aunt Masaki is allowing this," he told the shopkeeper beside him. "Invading Soul Society is a suicide mission, and for what? A Shinigami they barely know."

"So cold," Kisuke hid behind his fan and Uryū almost rolled his eyes at the man.

"It's the truth."

"And yet if she hadn't broken the rules your cousins would have been consumed. Is that not enough of a reason to save her?"

"How did that happen? The house was meant to be warded," he glanced at the ex-Shinigami who sighed.

"Somehow, the wards were breached, by a Hollow that should not have had such power," he admitted, adjusting his hat.

"There's something you aren't telling us. If I am to risk my life, my cousins lives…then I suggest you start being honest."

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"I see," Kisuke glanced at him and then back down at the twins. Yuzu's speed with her bow had increased even further while Karin's Zanpakutō had changed forms slightly since regaining her powers, more elegant, slimmer. It would be interesting to see what powers it held. What could he tell Ishida that would not reveal the truth and yet also ensure his aide? He was still torn over what to do, sending three people would not be enough, especially when two were Quincy's. He did not doubt their skills and they had both trained with and against Shinigami but the numbers they would face in Seireitei were beyond what they could face. "There is a Shinigami, the one who Hollowfied Shinji and the other Visored. I have no doubt he is behind the order for Rukia's execution, he managed out exile well enough a century ago. He is very dangerous, and he has plans for the three worlds that cannot be allowed to come to pass."

"I can understand his moving against you, but why this Rukia?"

"Because I have an artefact he needs for his plans. To destroy it I hid it."

"And this Rukia knows where?"

Well that was close enough, so he nodded. "Should he get to her, he may learn of its location."

"How bad would it be?"

"The end of the worlds as we know them," and for once he wasn't being at all silly, seeing the young man's eyes widen slightly behind his glasses.

"Very well. Three people and a cat will likely not be enough. There is someone else I can ask, whether they come or not will be their choice," Ishida offered before leaving and Kisuke was curious. Who else did he know with spiritual powers? A classmate perhaps?

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Kisuke was surprised and yet also not, when young Sado approached with Uryū. The quiet young man was strong, a good fighter, from what he had heard. It was not actually surprising that he had some sort of spiritual power with how close he was to Uryū and the twins. "You know what you're getting into?" he asked, and the boy nodded. "Very well," he led them to the underground room where the twins were waiting to leave for Soul Society.

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Ichigo leant back against the dune, Lilynette curled up against his side, stealing the heat of his body in the cold. Starrk was off scouting since they'd all picked up the increase in activity, something that was unlikely to be good for them. He straightened up, senses straining and then he was up, pulling her with him. Silently they took off across the sand, Starrk would be able to find them, he could always find Lilynette and there were certain places to meet up at if they got separated. It did occasionally happen, usually when he led off a pursuer. He was faster and stronger than Lilynette after all, even if she always yelled at him for it later.

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Masaki paced the living room, scared and angry. Her children and 'nephew' were risking their lives all because of Kisuke's crazy plan going wrong. She knew Yoruichi would do her best, but they were going up against a literal army! The odds were against all of them returning alive, let alone unharmed. She had already had to bury one child; she couldn't bury another. She spun to face the door as it opened, admitting Isshin who looked pale and she shook her head. "No…"

"They're alive," he was quick to promise, pulling her into his arms to kiss her softly. "All four of the kids are alive."

"But?"

"Karin was badly injured by Aizen; however, she is being looked over by Unohana herself. Sado was the next badly injured, the other two were exhausted and had lighter injuries. They'll be home next week."

"Aizen hurt Karin?"

Isshin nodded. "He succeeded, he has the Hōgyoku, although Rukia survived the extraction."

"I can't lose my girls," she whispered, wishing for the millionth time that she still had her powers. Nothing could bring them back though Kisuke had tried for several years, for all she knew he was still thinking about new methods. She had given up though, choosing to focus on what she could do, raising their daughters to be good, strong women and supporting Isshin because even after two decades living as a human he still missed things a man his age would be expected to know. She hated being so powerless and unable to do more to help but she'd had almost a decade to adjust to it, now it was even harder. A war was coming and all she could do was support her family.

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"What's going on Starrk?" Lilynette demanded, hands on her hips.

Ichigo watched from a 'safe' distance, her demands for answers could turn violent any second and he didn't feel like getting dragged into it. He felt Starrk glance his way and straightened up, immediately paying full attention. He may not look it, but he was the youngest of their group and he knew he still had a lot to learn, not just about fighting, about unlocking his Resurrección, but about life in Hueco Mundo in general. "Starrk?"

"I'm not entirely sure. There's been a lot of movement between here and the Living World recently."

"Trouble?" Lilynette asked and he shrugged.

"Likely, we need to keep our distance, be careful. This kind of activity may bring Shinigami patrols here," Starrk warned and Ichigo nodded.

He'd never met a Shinigami before, and he was curious but not curious enough to try and find one. He didn't want to have to fight them after all, the work they were doing was important. It wasn't like he knew or liked the lower level Hollows so why would he care if they were purified? A Hollow had killed him, tried to eat him, and had maybe killed his Mom. He'd never met any other Hollows that he liked at all, either they just wanted to fight and eat or wanted to suck up to him for protection. He kind of wished he could meet a Shinigami who wouldn't be looking for a fight, to hear about how the Living World was going.

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"Yuzu!" Karin screamed, fire swirling around as she released an arc of flame. Her Zanpakutō was very similar to their Dad's in abilities. She saw her sister fall, her bow vanishing, and she snarled, fighting to get to her. This was the third attack in five days! They were all tired, even with the team Soul Society had sent to back them up. Shinji and the others were hanging back, making sure not to be seen by the team. It was frustrating but they understood why. "No!" she screamed as Yuzu was picked up and carried through a Garganta.

Tōshirō sent a wave of ice to cut them off but it was too late, they made it safely through. "We'll get her back," the young Captain promised as he landed beside her.

"You can't promise that," Karin whispered. She'd lost her big brother; she couldn't lose her twin too.

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Ichigo wandered the sands alone, heading in the direction of their nearest rendezvous spot. Stupid Hollows getting them split up. Starrk was investigating something near the Forest of Menos, somewhere they didn't go, but there had been weird power coming from there. The Hollows that had come after them had obviously been looking for something or someone but that hadn't stopped them targeting the two. They'd split up and he'd been forced to fight, handling his attackers fairly easily.

He was about half way to the meeting spot when he felt a flare of unfamiliar power and then…an Arrancar. He hesitated, curious but also wary and then his shifted direction, drawing his power in as close as possible in order to remain undetected. He crouched at the top of a dune, looking down at the battle. He spotted an Arrancar, powerful, but not overly so. It's opponent made his eyes widen as he took in the black clothing and sword…a Shinigami. What was a Shinigami doing here? He hesitated but then moved closer for a better look. He watched them fight and grimaced as the Shinigami stumbled back. It…she, was obviously wounded, faltering and he didn't know what to do. Should he intervene? He looked her over, she looked young, short black hair….there was something. The Arrancar was tall, taller than him, with long red hair, half of his hair shaved and black on the left side. The only side of his mask seemed to be the eyes holes and he was dressed in the weird white uniform that meant he was from the city.

Ichigo watched her fall and his hand moved to his sword without even thinking about it as he exploded into motion. He got between them, blocking the strike, throwing the other Arrancar off balance, launching a cero at it.

"She's mine!" the other snapped as it got a look at him. "Find your own prey kid or deal with the Fracción of Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez."

"You won't touch her again," Ichigo warned, listening as Shiro whispered to him.

"You would defend a Shinigami?" the other asked in disbelief.

"Yes," was all Ichigo said before going on the attack, moving blindingly fast. The other blocked the majority of his attacks, obviously surprised any landed and then Ichigo sped up further.

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She scrambled back, watching the two fight. She had almost thought it was a Shinigami coming to her rescue, except he was dressed in baggy pants, a worn cloak…bare foot. He had longish orange hair and was tall but shorter than the Arrancar. The way her opponent spoke to him…he was a Hollow?

"Karin!" she heard the yell and looked back to see Uryū rushing across the sand. "Look out!"

She spun back to see the original Arrancar had knocked the newcomer down and was moving towards her, fast, so she quickly brought her Zanpakutō up to block, hearing an arrow fly by her to hit him. It staggered him briefly but then he was on her.

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"Karin! Look out!" a stranger yelled as Ichigo got up and his gaze went to the Shinigami. Karin? It could be…amber met grey as he took in her features. He saw a strange blue arrow stagger the other Arrancar and then she was lifting her blade to block. Karin…he snarled in rage, moving to get between the, protecting her, lashing out over and over, never giving the other an inch, pushing him back and away from her.

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"Karin?" Uryū yanked her back to her feet. "Who is he?"

"I don't know…." But there was something…familiar. How could that be? He was a Hollow….an Arrancar? He wasn't wearing the uniform of one of Aizen's though. That snarl had scared her and yet for some reason he seemed to be defending her. Orange hair…amber eyes…no…it wasn't possible…was it? No, it couldn't be him…but Mom had explained…his soul had never been found… she watched in awe as he killed the Arrancar, her grip on her blade tightening as he turned to them, breathing heavily.

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Uryū watched as one Hollow slaughtered another before turning towards them and he readied his bow. He studied the Hollow and frowned as he took in its appearance, it looked human, other than the mask remanent in its hair. It's Hollow hole was obviously hidden by the ragged clothing it wore. Just because it wasn't one of Aizen's didn't mean it wasn't a threat, especially since it was staring at his cousin.

"Karin?" the Hollow whispered, looking confused and yet…hopeful?

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"Karin?" Ichigo whispered, could it be her? Could this be one of his sisters? But that would mean she was dead. He saw the bow in the other males hands, the way she gripped her sword and he licked his lips nervously. He took a massive risk and put his sword back across his back, seeing their surprise. "I don't want to fight."

"Then what do you want Hollow?" the male demanded.

"Karin," he didn't know how to ask if it was really her.

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Karin stared at the Hollow as he put his sword onto his back, staring into wary yet hopeful amber and she swallowed hard. "I.. Ichi-nii?" she choked out, feeling Uryū tense beside her. It couldn't be…could it?

"Karin," the time her name held relief and happiness even as he smiled slightly. "It's really you? How are you here? You're Shinigami? You died?" he was almost babbling out the questions.

Was this really her big brother? Was it possible? But even if he was…he was a Hollow…dangerous. He took a small step forward and she backed off, making him freeze.

"I won't hurt you," he whispered. "I would never hurt you," he sounded hurt and she wanted to believe him, wanted the big brother she barely remembered back.

"You're a Hollow," she shot back, and he nodded.

"An Arrancar," he offered. "I don't eat people, never have. Karin…how long...how long has it been?"

"Nearly ten years."

"You claim to be Ichigo Kurosaki," Uryū spoke and Ichigo's gaze moved to him.

"I'm Ichigo, who are you?"

"This is Uryū Ishida, our cousin."

"Cousin? I don't remember you… I'm sorry."

"We never met before Ichigo's death," it was obvious he didn't believe this was Ichigo, not yet.

"Oh…when did you die? How?" Ichigo's attention moved back to her and she shook her head.

"It's complicated, but I'm not dead."

"Good," he stated firmly, relieved. "Karin…is Mom?"

"Alive, you saved her."

"She's alive?" he whispered; eyes wide.

"Why didn't you come home?' Karin couldn't help asking and he flinched slightly.

"Hollows kill their families…I didn't want to risk it."

Karin stared at him and then slowly she sheathed her Zanpakutō and took a step towards him. She was trusting her gut which screamed this was her brother.

"Karin," Uryū hissed but she motioned him back.

She slowly approached Ichigo who stood as if frozen until she was right in front of him, looking up at his face. She reached up with a hand and he flinched back slightly before holding himself still, letting her hand come to rest against his face. His eyes closed as he leant into her touch, his hand slowly coming up to rest against hers, pressing her hand more firmly to his cheek. "Ichi-nii," she whispered, it was him, it was really him. "Can I hug you?" she asked, and he opened his eyes to look down at her. He smiled shakily and held his arms out, so she stepped in and wrapped hers around his waist, feeling his arms wrap around her in return.

"Karin!"

"Shinji don't!" She yelled without moving away from a suddenly tense Ichigo. She knew Shinji wouldn't risk an attack with her so close. "It's okay, it's Ichigo." She turned her head to look back at him, seeing Sakanade in his hand but his eyes were wide as he took in the scene of them hugging. "It's okay Ichi-nii, this is Shinji, he's a friend."

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Shinji stopped when Karin yelled at him, his mind struggling to make sense of the scene, were they hugging? He took in the orange hair, the ragged clothes…he fit the description Kisuke had received from the plus soul. Hearing her words…was this really the boy they had failed to save so many years ago? He could see the dissipating remains of another Hollow nearby and wondered who had killed it. Karin seemed sure that this was her brother but how much of that boy existed in this Hollow? He met wary amber eyes and slowly sheathed Sakanade, willing to give him a chance since he hadn't attacked. "Hello Ichigo," he offered the teen. He'd grown quite a lot since his death, physically he looked to be almost an adult which was a surprise. Then again, Hollows didn't seem to stay as kids for a long time like Shinigami did.

"Hi," the boy returned, still hugging Karin but then his head turned, and he stared into the distance before releasing Karin. "Company's coming," he warned. To Shinji's surprise, Ichigo pushed Karin behind himself, protecting her. "Hollows…four…powerful," the boy said, obviously focusing.

"We should leave," Uryū said and Shinji nodded, sensing their approach as well now.

"This way," Ichigo offered a hand to Karin who took it, and then he began to run. They quickly moved to follow since he had Karin. In fact he soon scooped her up, increasing his pace and they sped up as well.

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Karin wanted to complain when she was picked up, but she didn't, just leaning into his chest as he moved. He was so fast, faster than her, maybe faster than Yoruichi, but he was making sure the others kept up. She felt something and slipped her hand under the cloak, touching his skin, until she felt…oh, it was a hole…his Hollow hole. She felt him glance down but she just settled more comfortably, it hurt, the reminder he wasn't human, but she wouldn't let it bother her. She wanted so badly to trust him; it didn't feel like a trap. Please don't let it be a trap, let this be her brother. Surely having an Arrancar on their side would be a big help with the war?

TBC..

Need a name for Karin's Zanpakutō as well as a release phrase for Ichigo to enter Resurrección so suggestions welcome.