Disclaimer: Anybody here a Bowie fan? I am. Oh, right, don't own Bleach.

Author Note: Once more I endeavor to bring you above-average quality writing at rock bottom prices. I know these are supposed to be a space to tell y'all things, but instead, I just want to rant about how every store near me stopped selling Cherry Pepsi. How am I supposed to function now?!

Last time: Yoruichi invited Ichigo into her bath, after he lost a fight with his Zanpakuto. The beginnings of trouble within the ranks also began, certain to cause confusion amongst the taicho.

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Ichigo closed his eyes and shook his head, trying with all his might not to glance upon her figure once more. "Come on, we've both seen each other like this before. Plus, I bet that taking a hot, relaxing bath will help you think better when it comes to your Bankai training. If that doesn't get you in here, the water will heal your wounds." Ichigo could hear the playful tone his newest sensei was giving him, but for some reason he was sure that she was pouting. He sighed, before slowly opening his eyes.

"If you turn around so I can get in without you watching me, fine. I know you've seen me naked before, but that was while you were pretending to be my pet while severely breaching my privacy." Yoruichi turned around instantly, the unfamiliar sensation of shame running through her. She knew that Ichigo hadn't meant for her to see him, but she didn't want a reminder of the fact that he didn't trust her as much as he did when he thought she was just a cat.

She felt the water raise a little, and turned back around to see Ichigo sinking into the water. He met her eyes, his lips moving but no sound reaching Yoruichi. She was currently more interested in examining his face for… injuries. Sure, if he asked that was what she would say. "Hm? What did you say?" Ichigo turned away from her, exposing the only partially submerged injury on the back of his shoulder.

"I said 'I never said you could turn back around', but I guess it's alright since the steam and water make it hard to see. Just don't get too close." Yoruichi realized the flaws in this particular plan to tease Ichigo seconds later, when she attempted to get close enough to check his injuries in greater detail. "I just said not too close, Yoruichi. Are you trying to aggravate me?"

"No! Arouse you maybe, but not anything bad. Now, hold still and let me check your injuries. The water works incredibly well, but I have to be sure you are healing. At least you get to be conscious this time." Yoruichi's behavior was beginning to make Ichigo act anyway but normal, with him grumbling under his breath as a response.

Ichigo froze when Yoruichi's hands ran against his shoulder, splashing some of the water inside the wound. Ichigo began trying to think of anything that would halt him from reacting, but knowing he was naked with a beautiful woman in a high stress situation was making that difficult. He shivered in spite of the water's heat, completely unused to contact like this. "Is this going to take much longer?" A small hint of pride filled him that he had managed not to sound nervous, and relief filled him as he felt Yoruichi move away from him.

"You're done, everything healed up all right. Hurry and get dressed so we can continue training in Shunpo. I think it might help spare you from your Zanpakuto's attacks." Ichigo nodded, but waited a few more minutes before getting out of the hot spring, wary of letting Yoruichi get another look at him.

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"Unohana-taicho, what have you found in your examinations of Aizen's body? Can you determine guilt from the Zanpakuto?" A Shinigami of Aizen's skill and power dying had put the Sotaicho on edge, especially given that no one had sensed his battle. The leader of the medical division frowned weighing her answers before finally speaking.

"I cannot determine guilt, though the report from Kuchiki-taicho gives reason for speculation. Based on the fact that we didn't sense the fight, and there was no evidence of another Zanpakuto or large battle at the site of Aizen's death, there are few options. The most likely being Shihouin Yoruichi." The already strained look on Soi Fon's face grew furious, most of the others looking surprised.

"However, even this is speculation. There is no evidence that she was anywhere near Aizen, and the timing of when she showed herself suggests that she likely gathered up the ryoka Kurosaki after his battle with Zaraki-taicho. She may be the Goddess of Flash, but even she can't physically be in two places that far from each other at once. So far, the ryoka haven't actually killed any Shinigami, the closest was Kurotsuchi-taicho. I don't think that they wish to contend directly with Seireitei, their efforts seem concentrated toward saving Kuchiki Rukia."

With even the most likely culprit a long-shot, no one was sure what to believe. The only ones among their side that could kill Aizen without attracting attention were possibly Soi Fon and even less likely Gin. Hitsugaya was capable as well, as far as they knew, but a fight between them would draw attention from all of Seireitei, as it would start snowing if Hitsugaya used that much power.

A messenger arrived before anything else could commence. "Forgive my interruption Sotaicho, but I have news from Central 46. Kuchiki Rukia's execution date has been pushed forward to two days from now. That is all." A movement of the sotaicho's hand dismissed him, leaving several of those in attendance conflicted.

'Yoruichi-sama…' Soi Fon ignored her fukutaicho as she left the meeting, thoughts centered on her former mentor. She had waited for close to a decade before she gave up on seeing her again. Of course, she had never believed her dead like the rest, but instead a deserter. It seemed she was right, and that soon, she would be able to face the woman who had abandoned her.

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"Yoruichi what's wrong? You look like someone just walked on your grave?" Ichigo knew that Shinigami and other spirits didn't actually know when their graves were walked on unless they were there, but he didn't really know what else could have triggered the immediate change. She had been bringing the Tenshintai, when her face had paled and she had stumbled slightly.

"It's nothing, Ichigo. Just thought I heard a familiar voice. Anyway, I think you should call me Yoruichi-sensei when I'm teaching you like this." She winked at him and smiled, laughing when he turned his head. "Alright, try the Bankai training again. You might just do better this time." Ichigo stabbed the doll once more, bringing his kingly spirit back out.

"I see that you are willing to try again. Remember what I said last time, though I hope you can think on it more clearly this time. Would you care to fight back this time?" Ichigo glared at his spirit, not appreciating the sarcasm. He focused his Reiryoku as densely as he could in his hands, copies of the swords in the hands of his spirit appearing once more.

"More than I can touch, right? I'll figure out the rest as we go along." He was momentarily taken aback as his spirit favored him with a smile, but he matched it with a grin of his own. They closed in on the unspoken signal, trading slashes and thrusts as neither landed a hit this time. At first, though Ichigo began feeling light cuts on his back as he continued to fight, the cuts weakened mirror versions of his Zanpakuto's attacks. It was odd dealing with attacks from two directions, especially from an opponent that was his equal. Desperate to figure out how his back was still being struck, he used Shunpo to get away. This time, Kogane followed him, keeping close rather than use the laser again.

"Tell me, Ichigo, when the sun rises in the east, what happens in the west? Despite the idea of sunrise and sunset, both are simultaneous. The other is always happening just out of your sight." Ichigo's eyes narrowed as his spirit continued to engage him, no longer speaking. However, Ichigo was intelligent, maintaining his position as top two in the school even while slaying Hollows. He noticed a pattern, his Zanpakuto only ever attacked with one blade at once, leaving him a free blade.

When next he parried one of Kogane's strikes, he spun so his right side face his spirit and his left where his back had been. Yoruichi gasped from the sidelines as he blocked a second strike, a figure made of pure darkness appearing while their blades connected. "Thanks for the hint; I guess you're even more impatient to do this than I am, huh?" A smirk came from his spirit, the dark figure disengaging and joining the golden king to face Ichigo.

"Indeed, you have passed the first test of this training, earning a reward. My silent friend here would rather you not know his name at the moment, so I will teach you the Hakko Taiho. When you master it, you must take the second test. I truly wish you luck, Ichigo. The darkness you can see is much friendlier than the darkness that hides in each of us."

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"Things are going crazy Renji, Rukia's execution has been moved to two days from now! She had ten more days, and now, two! I just don't get it." Renji stood from his cot, holding his ribs. He glanced at the third-seat from Rukia's squad, before walking over to the 11th Division barracks. He had heard that Zaraki-taicho had managed to reign in those of his squad that had been injured fighting the ryoka and stop them from going back out. He needed to speak to Ikkaku about something, and that was the only place he could be.

When he finally reached the barracks, he was shocked to see Kusajishi-fukutaicho sitting on the lap of an orange-haired woman, Zaraki stretching out behind them. Thankfully, Ikkaku grabbed him and pulled him away from the insane fighter before he could be challenged to a warm-up spar. "Renji, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be off practicing somewhere?" Renji nodded his head, but spoke anyway.

"I came to see if you would help me when I unlock my Bankai. I guess you're too busy keeping the ryoka girl in there away from prying eyes though, right? There is one other place I can go, but I'd rather avoid it if possible. I don't think that the other ryoka will be happy to see me." Ikkaku shook his head, the sun reflecting off of it and blinding the 2nd division spy that was watching their barracks. Not that he knew that.

"I fought Ichigo, and he has enough honor not to fight you if you come forward. I really don't favor you in a rematch with him. I'm not sure how he beat Zaraki-taicho, but he overpowers you. Don't worry, Orihime promised Zaraki-taicho that Ichigo will fight him again if we help rescue Rukia, so you won't be alone." That spy really wished he had been able to read Ikkaku's lips at the moment, but the spots in his eyes prevented any real spy work.

"Yeah, thanks, Ikkaku. Say hey to Yumichika for me." Renji walked away, gathering the rebuilt device he had used to track Rukia before, calibrating it to look for Ichigo. It was a damn good thing that everyone else seemed to forget he had that, or Ichigo would probably have been killed by now. "Alright, I guess I'll be proving I'm good enough earlier than I planned."

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Once upon a time, Ichigo had kind of enjoyed playing tag with his little sisters. They would chase him and laugh, and bring a little joy into his otherwise difficult life. The game had a whole new meaning as he did it with Yoruichi now, it being his test from her to use the Tenshintai once more. He had to catch her while she was holding it. Of course, he also had to deal with questions both flirtatious and irritating as he chased her, making him lose his focus.

They ranged from "I guess you just like the view from behind me too much", to "You're not trying too hard to catch me. Women not your type?" Needless to say, he would soon be blasting rather than chasing. Just as those thoughts drifted through his mind, he caught up to her, a wide smile on her face. "Finally, I knew you could get at least a good Shunpo, if nowhere near what I'm capable of. Yet, anyway. It takes many Shinigami a whole year to get where you are, not long in their terms but definitely nothing on your progress rate."

Ichigo opened his mouth to respond, but heard a set of footsteps coming down the ladder to the area they were in. "You tell anyone about this back when you lived here?" Yoruichi shook her head, turning to see who had managed to breach their private training ground. Both were surprised to see Renji walk towards them, hands raised in surrender.

"I'm not here to fight, just to train. I need someplace private to finish my Bankai training, and I figured that wherever you were would be.." Renji trailed off as he noticed Yoruichi, stunned into temporary silence by the beauty in front of him. He quickly realized he was staring though, thanks to the annoyed look Yoruichi was giving him, and coughed into his hand before restarting. "Anyway, I was hoping I could hide here while I finished my training. Much as it hurts to admit, you were right about me. I'm going to save Rukia, even if there is only two days left before she's executed."

Ichigo nodded his head simply, grabbing the Tenshintai from Yoruichi as he walked away. "Just stay away from where I'm training, he might not help me if you accidentally interfere." Yoruichi hadn't been expecting Ichigo to allow this guy to be near him so easily, but she guessed that he would forgive those that corrected their ways. That was probably the only reason he was still willing to be near her.

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Yoruichi walked back over to Ichigo, speaking to him softly as they left Renji to train with his snake-tailed monkey. "We don't have any more time to waste in hot springs and tag, no matter how useful they are. I've got you a far above average Shunpo and you've learned that attack from your Zanpakuto, just finish this as fast as possible." Ichigo barely heard her, instead pouring power into the artifact in front of him once more.

Much to his surprise, both the king and his shadow appeared this time, gazing at him seriously. "We heard everything, but that doesn't mean this is going to be easy. For the last test before you receive Bankai, you must conquer your inner demon. Try not to die, Ichigo." Both spirits stabbed their blades into the ground, shadow and light mixing as they gave rise to a monochrome version of himself, save for the eyes, which bore black sclera and amber irises. The copy's face split into a disturbing grin, high-pitched laughter echoing around the training ground. It fixed its deranged glare on Ichigo, though the madness it reeked of began to recede.

"Hey there, I see my mask managed to keep the giant from pulping your lungs. I expect the biggest thank you possible for that by the way, it isn't exactly easy for me to manifest with these two always tying me down." Ichigo looked on in disbelief as what appeared to be some form of Hollow spoke civilly with him, or at least closer than any other he had seen.

"No thank you, then? You sure? Well, guess it's a good thing I'm here to kick the crap out of you then!" A blade different than either of his own came from the Hollow, pure white like the majority of its body and the size of Kenpachi's blade. In the next instant Ichigo was forced on the defensive, all of his training brought to bear in an attempt to avoid the frenzied attacks of the Hollow that so resembled him.

"You may look like me, but you're just like any other Hollow! Hakko Taiho!" The continuous pulses of golden energy condensed into his short blade, rising in intensity to a burning white. He launched his newest and most powerful single attack at the Hollow, its body invisible in the massive flash of white energy. When the attack ceased, however, Ichigo was left in shock. A similar point of energy was focused on the tips of the two first fingers on the Hollow's right hand, though it was a baleful crimson.

"Cero!" Ichigo once more used his developing Shunpo, blinking from the ground into the air far above the battlefield in less than a second. "Hey, if you thank me for keeping you alive against the big guy, we can call this even. I'll even let you live. How about it, Ichigo? You don't need to be afraid of little old me." Ichigo thrusted his longer sword behind him in a reverse grip, puncturing the sternum of his white on black doppelganger.

"I'm not afraid of you. I'm afraid of winding up as you. I guess I can thank you for the help before you die though. I hope you find peace as you move on." The same mad grin as before lit up the Hollow's face, a low chuckle forming rather than the broken laughter from before.

"Don't you see, Ichigo? I am you. Just as much as the two down there are you. I'll come again when you get stronger, so make sure you can prove yourself once more. See you in your dreams." The chuckling faded with the Hollow's body, though it didn't dematerialize as Ichigo was used to. Instead, it absorbed into the sword he was using, a few staccato laughs sounding in his head as he returned to the ground.

"So, when was someone going to tell me about the having a Hollow in me thing? Or was that like the whole, 'your cat is a full-grown woman who's been perving on you when you shower'?" Yoruichi shook her head furiously, both of the Zanpakuto facing Ichigo emotionlessly. They obviously felt it was better to show him, Yoruichi wanted to do far more.

"I am not a perv! A flirt yes, but I'm no pervert. Also, I had no idea that you had a Hollow in you, the relationship between Shinigami and Hollow was always more Kisuke's thing. Besides, I thought it best to stay near you so I could message Kisuke for help or go after you myself if you ran into something you couldn't handle." Yoruichi practically stomped away in anger, knowing in her head she was acting more childish than usual and just not caring.

Ichigo watched her leave, taking a few deep breathes as he decided to wait before apologizing. His more talkative spirit took the opportunity to speak, hoping that his wielder was calm enough to continue. "You're almost done, Ichigo. We will reveal how your Shikai works now, only one more step to achieve our true power." The dark spirit nodded, tearing its blade free from the stone that imprisoned it.

It walked over behind Ichigo, somehow he was able to tell that it was gazing at his hands, following the slight movement of his swords. "Your Reiatsu takes the appearance of light, and the release phrase and primary technique of your Shikai is based on that ideal. So far, you have understood the 'more than you can see', and 'more than you could touch', but you have yet to realize the truth of my earlier words. The strength of the light you shine on your foes is enough to force their shadow to manifest. Unlike most blades, we are a dual-type, both Kido and melee combat are our province."

The crowned spirit moved its right hand, the shadow mimicking the gesture and grabbing Ichigo's shoulder. "Your nature is one of multiplicity, and we reflect that. Just as you have many sides within you, Shinigami, Quincy, Hollow, you have a number of other mirroring natures. The key is balance. If you wish to unlock Bankai, you must discover the balancing point between your two spirits, between us." Ichigo nodded his head slowly, glad that he didn't need to expend more energy fighting.

He meditated on his spirit's words instead, both of them holding a hand on a shoulder. He didn't notice when Renji left, nor when his spirits faded back into his inner world as Yoruichi stopped powering the Kido that allowed the Tenshintai to activate. The words of his spirit flowed through him, whatever could be the balance between the two escaping his mind's grasp. He knew that nothing existed between light and darkness, not in a scientific sense anyway. He thought about his own mirroring natures, the kindness and care his friend's received, while he would demolish most enemies. The importance and attention his sisters held, while most others were merely apathetic.

He didn't stir when Yoruichi put a blanket on him as night fell, not sensing her presence as she watched him. Yoruichi had seen Ichigo meditate a few times while she had pretended to be his pet, but it was rare. Most of the time when he wanted to think, he would play his guitar. It was his escape into the realm of thought, he knew every note and chord by heart. She began to hum one of the songs he would play while thinking, slower than those he played when he was venting.

Unbidden, Ichigo began to think about when he had dreamt of singing to Yoruichi, even though he hadn't known it was her at the time. A smile crossed his face in his trance, intriguing his audience. About three hours passed dawn the next day, Ichigo opened his eyes. He stretched, wincing as his joints popped into position painfully. Fighting for a day and just sitting in a seiza was apparently not good for the body...soul...whatever he currently was.

He flexed his sense, finding Yoruichi near the entrance liking getting food, and Renji's Reiatsu being smothered by Byakuya's. He frowned, hoping that Renji's rash attack hadn't cost them what little time they had left. Yoruichi flashed into view in front of him, several fish and a sliced pear on two plates. "I see you're finally up. This is the only day you have to unlock and get used to your Bankai before the fight happens tomorrow, we'll start as soon as we finish eating."

Ichigo looked into Yoruichi's eyes, sighing as he took the food from her. "I'm sorry about yesterday, Yoruichi-sensei. I should know enough to trust you by now, with how much you've helped keep me alive. Don't worry, I think I've finally got it all figured out." They ate in silence afterwards, the mood too tense for any of Yoruichi's teasing. Besides, she found Ichigo likable most of the time and didn't want to irritate him anymore. Today.

Ichigo once more gave life to the blank object in front of him, hours of meditation and battle giving him far more confidence than he had when this process had started. "So, Ichigo, you have brought us into the world once more. Have you realized the balancing point?" The substitute Shinigami nodded, holding his head up high as he met the demanding eyes of his soul's representation.

Slowly, he reached and took the crown from his spirit's head, resting it on his own brow. "The only thing that the many opposing sides of me have in common is ME" The golden light that those who knew Ichigo had gotten so used to seeing began to flow from him, before it tore apart in a chaotic vortex of swirling black and white energy.

Small flecks of light began to glow from the shadowy representation, forming two eyes and a wide grin.

Endnote: Hollow Ichigo has arrived! I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter, even though my update rate has recently been slipping. My family has hit a bit of a rough patch, and I recently started on my newest rewrite of my original novel. That has kept me even busier than my many other activities, including gaming and writing music/lyrics. No worries though, even if it gets published and is successful, I'll still do Fanfiction.