Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or have any rights to it.

It had been two weeks since Ichigo's training began and Yoruichi had seen a remarkable improvement in him. His improvement wasn't so much of an increase in power as it was an increased ability to harness, control and manipulate that power.

Yoruichi, in her cat form, was currently talking to her best friends, Urahara, about the next step to take.

"He's improved greatly. I'm not sure if there's anything left for me to teach him, besides kido. He's basically an expert at everything else."

"I can see that," said Urahara. "Though I could think of one or two things you might be able to teach him."

"Very funny Kisuke," replied Yoruichi with an embarrassed blush. "Now seriously, do you know of anything else he needs to know?"

"Why? Looking to spend more time with him?"

Yoruichi let out a frustrated screech.

Raising his hands defensively, Urahara gave her a nervous smile. "Alright, there is something he still has to do." When Yoruichi calmed down, he became more serious. "I'm sure you're aware of his inner hollow."

"That's right. You told me about it after I showed you his mask."

"Exactly. It's one thing he hasn't truly been able to overcome. He could easily increase his power on his own with training. As far as soul reaper powers go, he has nothing left to learn besides kido, and I don't really see him as a kido type. However, this hollow could pose a problem. If it takes control, then all that power Ichigo had will be at its disposal. He has to find a way to crush that hollow and use it's powers to his advantage."

"Yes, but how does that involve any of us?"

"I don't know, but you're the one he responds to best. He'll probably do a lot better if you're there helping him along."

"I'll try…but will it be necessary for him to actually use those powers. Suppressing the hollow is one thing, but utilizing its powers could give it a stronger foothold within him."

Urahara's face darkened. "I'm afraid that there's no choice. There's a limit to how strong he could become on soul reaper powers alone. Aizen has already maxed out all of his soul reaper abilities. If Ichigo is to stand any chance against him, he'll need to break through to a higher level, by controlling his inner hollow and combining it's powers with his own."

"Alright, I'll do it. I'll help Ichigo control his inner hollow and become stronger."

"He's been going there every day now," said Orihime, to Tatsuki.

"Are you positive that it's a girl. He could just be doing something by himself. I mean, why would he meet a girl in the same place every day?"

"I don't know…just a feeling I guess."

Tatsuki sighed. "Well take care Orihime. I have to get to class now."

"Alright Tatsuki. See you at lunch. I some of my special red bean paste."

Tatsuki put on a fake grin when she heard those three words. "That's nice Orihime."

Although Tatsuki was trying to calm her friend Orihime, she couldn't help but think that something was off about Ichigo's behavior. When she left her next class and went to meet Orihime for lunch, she passed by him in the hallway.

Clearing her throat to get his attention, Tatsuki approached Ichigo. "Hey Ichigo. How are you doing?"

"I'm great Tatsuki," replied Ichigo. "And you?"

"Me? I've been good too. So, I heard that you've been going to the park a lot lately. Any special reason why?"

Ichigo was caught off guard by the question. How did she find out about me going to the park, and why's she interested anyway?

"Well Ichigo…is it a girl?"

"What? No way! Why would I go there to meet a girl?"

Chuckling, Tatsuki placed a hand on Ichigo's shoulder. "Relax, I was just fooling, but seriously, is there a girl that you like?"

"No way!"

Smiling, Tatsuki said her goodbyes before leaving him. "Well good luck with…whatever it is you're up to there." As she went continued on to meet Orihime, Tatsuki thought about what she had learned from that encounter. He was defensive…now I know he's hiding something.

As he walked to the park after school, Ichigo began to think over Tatsuki's question. Normally he wouldn't dwell on such things, but this time it seemed relevant.

I've grown awfully fond of master Yoruichi. Do I like her in that way? She's been there for me…guiding me through my training so that I could achieve my goal. She didn't have to, but she did it anyway. He shook his head. No, this isn't right. She's too…mature for me.

Before he knew it, he was in the park. Using his substitute's badge, he left his body and waited for Yoruichi to arrive. It was a few minutes before she appeared.

"Hey Ichigo, you're here early."

"Well, I guess I just look forward to the training." Ichigo wasn't entirely sure if that was the reason. He could look forward to the training, or he could just like the idea of spending quality time with Yoruichi. In any case, he had no idea which one it was.

"That's good to know," replied Yoruichi. Her expression then became more serious. "I have some big news for you."

"Big news?"

"You're training as a soul reaper is complete. Unless you want to learn kido of course."

"No thanks, I think I'll let that stuff wait, but are you serious about my training being complete?"

"Well, there's more to you than the soul reaper. I'm sure you're aware of your inner hollow."

Ichigo's face became serious as well. "I see…so my next training involves it?"

"It does. You'll have to gain control of that hollow and it's powers. It's the only way for you to surpass Aizen."

A confident smile appeared on his face. "Whatever it is, I'll do it. Don't worry Yoruichi, I won't let you down."

"This training will probably be the most difficult one yet. I'm not sure what I can do to help this along. I'm afraid we're entering unknown territory with this."

Ichigo cupped his chin. I've always relied on Yoruichi or Urahara to show me the way. I guess I'll have to find the way on my own this time.

"Ichigo?"

"I have an idea Yoruichi. It might work, but I'm not sure." Sitting down in a meditative position, Ichigo used his mind to call out to Zangetsu. He wanted to return to that world again, where he had first gone to regain his powers.

Briefly loosing consciousness, Ichigo woke up to a familiar landscape. The horizontal skyscrapers confirmed where he was, but what confused him was the one person who wasn't there.

"Zangetsu! Where are you old man?" The sound of laughter caught his attention, and he turned around to see the source.

"Been a while since we were face to face king," said Hichigo. "I'm so glad you decided to visit. It can get so boring when I'm here all by myself."

Ichigo's eyes widened. "What do you mean all by yourself? Isn't old man Zangetsu supposed to be here as well?"

The hollow broke out into a fit of laughter.

"What's so funny?" yelled an agitated Ichigo.

"You still don't get it king? Fine, I'll spell it out for you. I am Zangetsu!"

"That's impossible!"

"Is it? You're forgetting that I was born when you were trying to recover your zanpakuto. I am simply a different aspect to Zangetsu. The fact that the old man isn't here means that I'm the dominant aspect now. If you ever want to see him again," Hichigo materialized his white zanpakuto, "you'll have to defeat me first."

A serious expression crossed Ichigo's face as he extended his hand and summoned his own Zangetsu. "I'll do it. I'll crush and take control of your power!"

They came together in a clash of swords, neither one would give in to the other. Then they both backed up a few paces and came back together. This time, they were blocking and dodging each other's blades.

Hichigo backed up again and decided to use his own, unique tactics. Grabbing the length of cloth at the end of the blade, he began swinging his blade around, like a ball and chain.

Ichigo knew that blocking would only hurt him, so he was forced to dodge. Narrowly dodging a swipe, he retreated to gain some distance and think. I can't beat him at a distance; I have get in close and past that blade. Then I'll have to get in a quick blow and hopefully take him down.

"What's wrong king? Scared?" Hichigo was relentless as he chased down Ichigo, swinging his blade like a psychotic monster.

Seeing an opportunity, Ichigo ducked under one swing, and tried a stab at Hichigo's chest. Anticipating this maneuver, Hichigo yanked his blade back, and in one swift motion, grabbed its hilt and brought it down on Ichigo's shoulder.

Lowering Zangetsu, Ichigo backed away, his eyes wide with the pain from his bleeding shoulder. "Looks like I'll have to take this to the next level."

Pointing their swords at each other, they both yelled "BANKAI!"

Yoruichi's eyes widened when she saw Ichigo's body collapse, and cough up some blood. She knew he was in their fighting, and struggling to suppress his inner hollow.

Sitting down behind him, she cradled his unconscious body in her arms, tenderly rubbing his forehead. "It's okay Ichigo. I'm here to support you."

Ichigo's body began shivering, indicating his current state in the battle. He looked like a whimpering child.

Holding him tighter, Yoruichi planted a kiss on his cheek. "Ichigo…I'm not sure if you can hear me right now, but I…I know you can do it. You've got to fight it Ichigo. I know you can overcome the hollow inside you. I have faith in you."

"Getsuga Tensho!"

"Is that all you've got KING?" Blocking the attack, Hichigo then rushed in close and began swinging wildly at his opponent.

With his wounded shoulder and reduced morale, Ichigo was struggling as he blocked each block with his own sword. Each strike was like a hammer that sent a shock through his body.

"Come on king! Fight me! Fight me!" Hichigo brought his blade down on Ichigo's. His eyes narrowed as he said, "Getsuga Tensho."

Ichigo was blown back by the blast. He could barely move. I…I'm sorry…I can't do it.

"Look's like you're out of steam king," said Hichigo. "I think it's time I end this." His blade began to glow white as he prepared to charge with it. "This last attack will put you out of your misery, then I will be king."

As Ichigo watched his approaching doom, time seemed to slow down, and he began thinking. Did…did I deserve this? Did I deserve to have this power? I…I've dragged the people I care about into terrible situations. It was my fault Rukia was about to be executed. If I hadn't been there, she wouldn't have even been up for execution and Aizen may not have had a chance to get the Sokyoku. I also dragged Chad, Uryu and Orihime into this. And…it's my fault that mom died. I do deserve this…

Hichigo's attack was now within ten feet of Ichigo.

As his mind began to accept its fate, he then realized something. Wait a minute! Yoruichi…she has faith in me…. she's been behind me this entire time. I can't let her down. I have to try…I have to put everything I have into this last attack…for her, and everyone that ever cared about me!

"So you're going to fight for your life after all?" asked an amused Hichigo.

"This isn't just my life to live! There are people our there who are counting on me!" With a mighty yell, Ichigo summoned up all of his remaining strength and put it into a well-placed Getsuga tensho.

Hichigo scream as he body was forcibly sucked into Ichigo's blade.

As he faded out of consciousness, Ichigo couldn't help but smile.

I decided not to include the visions of Byakuya and Zaraki in this chapter, I felt that it would slow it down. Also, I hope this chapter help you make sense of this story's title. Anyway, I'm hoping to finish this and 'Made for Each Other' by the end of summer. I don't plan on including the entire Bleach story line though.