*Fixed from previous upload!

L is for Lesson

XXX

A loud crash echoed through the training grounds. Smoke rose from a scorched tree, and a petite soul reaper emerged from behind it.

"If its possible, I think you're getting worse at kido, Ichigo." Rukia said.

An aggravated Ichigo replied, "I'm doing everything you told me to!"

Rukia put her hand on his arm. "Hey, don't worry. I'm not giving up on you. It just means we need to practice a little more without the action portion."

Relief flooded Ichigo. He was always good at his physical training and studies, but kido was a whole different story. Rukia was a saint to keep teaching him after he almost blew her up on accident.

"Ichigo, say the incantation with me without movement." Rukia said sternly. She didnt want him trying to melt her eyebrows off again with a rogue haduo.

Trying to shake off his frustration, Ichigo began, "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south! Hado no. 31: Shakkaho."

"Good! It was clear with meaning." Rukia praised her struggling lieutenant. "Now, show me your hand signals for Shakkaho without the incantation."

Ichigo moved his hands, but his large fingers kept getting the sign wrong. "No, like this." Rukia's calm voice said in front of him.

She went through the motions guiding his hands until he got them correct.

"Okay. Now, it's time for the test. Let's see what you can do, Lieutenant Kurosaki."

"Yes, captain." Ichigo stepped forward on to the line. Five targets were in front of him, and he had yet to hit one.

He prayed the fifth time would be the charm.

Rukia watched Ichigo as he tried to calm his nerves. The poor man almost killed them a time or two, but he was still learning. Not every one was good at kido.

"Bakudou no. 44: Sekisho." Rukia murmured as a barrier surrounded her.

Ichigo heard her cast the kido and sent her an amused look. "Here we go!" With one final deep breath, he shouted, "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south! Hado no. 31: Shakkaho."

A red ball errupted from Ichigo's outstreched hand and hit the first target square in the chest. The orange haired soul reaper smiled as he attacked the remaining 5 targets. Each one was hit in some fashion.

"I did it!" Ichigo yelled happily.

Smiling, Rukia said, "I think that concludes our lesson for today then! Let's go home."

XXX