Fearless and Tearless

Chapter 10

Two Little Shinigami

Karin's P.O.V.

"The hell?" I almost screamed. The guy with the turquoise eyes turned to look at me like I was crazy. Well he doesn't know what I was seeing just a few minutes ago! "Ichi…go? Are you there?"

The body made a strangled noise and then tripped on his feet, falling backwards onto my bed. My bed was small so his head met this wall. I winced at the sound of his head hitting the wall. I walked slowly just in case, because I didn't know what was going on. "You ok?"

Finally, Ichi-nii looked at me, but his eyes were strange. He didn't have the eyes of a hollow, but there was something there that I couldn't place. "When did you stop calling me Ichi-nii."

I was so happy that I could've squealed like a little girl, but my pride and the boy in the room, wouldn't permit it. So, I settled for sighing and giving a gentle smile. Also, I was a little upset that he said his nickname, because I didn't want that guy to know I was related to him, for safety purposes. When I looked at the boy, I noticed he wasn't paying attention and I thanked the heavens for that. "Um, there's someone here to see you Ichigo." I put emphasizes on his name so he got it. He burrowed his eyes in confusion, but finally got the message when he looked at the presumed captain.

"Kurosaki, how do you know this hum-girl?" I could tell that runt wanted to say human.

"Don't you want to ask some other questions? Surely, my relations here in Karakura, are none of your business.

"Yes, I guess your right. Where have you been for the last three months?" It was more of a demand than a question.

At his last words, I stopped. Three months? That's how long he was gone?

I'm sure he has his reasons Karin-chan.

I'm sure you're right Miyuki…

Probably not.

"Eh, here and there. Besides do you really want to discuss this here?" When my brother said that he looked at me.

The boy replied, "Alright then, come to the shop when you're ready." I could easily guess that the "shop" was Urahara's.

After the male left, I still held back my spiritual pressure. I didn't talk until I sensed that he was far away from the house.

"So, what are you doing here Ichi-nii." He slightly smiled at his nickname.

He stared at me for a few moments and I could tell he was fighting with himself with whether or not he could tell me. Finally he sighed, and I knew his decision. "After my injury, somehow Urahara knew that I was in trouble and opened up a Senkaimon. I was fading pretty fast, but then I could still jump and run through it and the next thing I know, I'm in my old room…which I can tell is now yours…and I got trapped in my inner world." Ichi scratched his neck and sat back onto the bed. "So, now you know…"

"Yeah… I'm still mad at you for saying I was crazy when I was younger you know, but it's alright." I said as I glanced at him.

"Er… sorry about that Karin… You know I was trying to protect you… Well, at least you know now, so you know not to become a Shinigami. Haha." He said chuckling. When I didn't react in any way his eyes grew wide. "You didn't become a Shinigami…right Karin?"

Miyuki…

Think about your options… You do know that he's going to find out sooner or later. Just decide if you want him to know now.

"Ichi-nii….um, yes. I am a substitute Shinigami. If you have a problem with that, then tell me." I was expecting him to blow in my face about how irresponsible I was, but he shocked me.

"Why?" was all he said.

"I want to protect what's important to me." That was all I was going to say.

"Ok." I was astonished, but I made sure to leave that emotion out of my face.

I was still thinking in my own little world that I didn't know he talked to me until he poked me. "Yo, Karin! You there?" His face seemed a little concerned.

"Hmm? Oh, sorry. What did you say?" I asked snapping to attention.

He looked like he wanted to say something else, but decided against it. He sighed, "How long was that captain here?"

"Hm… So, he is a captain, and not sure, yesterday he questioned me about you though." I saw him bite his lip, but he didn't say anything. "So…you hungry?" I asked.

"Starved. Hey, where's Yuzu and Goat-chin?"

"Mm… Yuzu was here a earlier. She told me that Goat-chin left earlier to do something. She seems to have left though. It's only 3 p.m…" I answered as I went downstairs with Ichigo following me.

"Why was Toshirou here?" We entered the kitchen.

"He just barged in here saying that he knew you were here." Over the years I managed to do something about cooking. I wasn't half bad, but of course, Yuzu is still the genius.

"That shrimp… He isn't a shrimp anymore." My brother sighed, "I bet he's gotten way too strong and mature for his own good. He was already mature to begin with. Ah!" I took it as my sign to make him something when he ventured into the living room and sat down on the couch. I listened to him complain about Shinigami stuff as I made him a meal. "That chibi sized captain was hella good before, but now I have no idea how he is. I can't wait to verse him!"

"Aren't you like… Oh yeah! You..you…You never told me why you left Soul Society."

"I was training….and what's not the best place to train than the main attraction for hollows?" He sounded so lax; it pissed me off.

"Here" I set his food down on the table and sat in the chair across from him, ready for some talking.

Toshirou's POV

The moment I left Kurosaki's house I let my reiatsu full out. I am pissed. Where has Kurosaki been? We need him now. Patience. You'll talk with him later, and you'll find the answers you seek. Just calm down for now! Hyourinmaru had a point.

Fine. But if he doesn't cooperate, we may need to use force. I was walking away towards a little soul girl and sent her to soul society smoothly.

Yes, yes, but let's get to the serious business. My dragon had that tone in his voice again and I grew weary.

Which is? I braced myself for the worse.

That girl.

Wha?

Something about her intrigues me. Something. Did you feel any reiatsu from her? I had no idea where this conversation was heading.

No. She's just an ordinary human. It was strange because Hyourinmaru didn't respond back. Anyway, I don't have time or want to focus on a human girl with nothing special. I need to focus on the task at hand. Taking Kurosaki to Seireitei. I began to head to Urahara's shop.

How do you think that girl is related to Kurosaki? The dragon seemed to be deep in thought about this mortal girl and I'm completely flabbergasted as to why.

I don't know and I don't care. She's probably a friend of one of his little sisters. I was growing bored of this monologue.

You really paid no attention to that special lady didn't you? He sounded sad.

"Of course." I said out loud as I stepped into the shop. "End of discussion."

Isshin POV

"He's coming." I said to Urahara.

"Yup! The young captaiiiin! So excited to see how he is!" He exclaimed with that stupid fan of his. "By the way, what did you tell your girls when you didn't show up last night?"

"I just called Yuzu and told her I had to do some work tomorrow morning and I would be back really late that she wouldn't see me." I sat down and rested my bad back.

"I see. You never asked about your son the whole time you were here." Urahara's tone changed to a more serious spark.

I just sighed. "My Shinigami are always up to no good. I was just waiting for you to tell me."

"Well I don't feel like explaining twice, so let's wait until the little captain shows up." He paused, "Though he might not be so little anymore. AH!" He started to fake cry.

"Oh, shut up. I have no idea how Benihime puts up with you."

"That's cruel! So mean! …He's here." Urahara lowers his fan as the sliding door opens to reveal a tall, young, good-looking man, with white crazy hair, and fiery turquoise eyes.

"Hello former 10th division captain." The first thing the newcomer says.

"Yup, that's me!"

I really do apologize for the wait, but I just entered boarding school, and it's been pretty crazy! I'm not a delinquent if that's what ya'll are thinking. I'm terribly sorry if this isn't good quality work, but it took me awhile, because I completely forgot what I was writing about! So, I have no excuses, and all I can ask if for you to bear through this horrid chapter! Oh, and because I'm really desperate, I won't post the next chapter until I get at least two reviews! Sorry!