Chapter 2!! Sorry for the delay. I now have normal internet again! I know it's a slower start, but I'm thinking of how to go about teaching Rukia to learn her Bankai.

I forgot the usual spiel: Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo :)

Enjoy & Review please!

A/N: revised a certain BLARING error :D

Rukia silently slid the closet door open, rubbing her eyes in the morning sunlight. Though Urahara promised to train her later in the day, she wanted to arrive earlier—in hopes that perhaps her training could begin sooner. She tiptoed out of the small closet, turning to examine the tied up modified soul. Her face was still flushed with anger at his brazen use of her chest as a pillow. She subsequently used a lower-level kido to bind his arms. She stuck a sock in his mouth to keep him quiet. No kido necessary. Quite sufficient for restraining Kon. She smirked mischeviously. She was going to become stronger today. Finally.

"Oi, where are you going?" came the gruff reply.

Rukia squealed in surprise, turning toward the source of the voice. Ichigo was lying on his side, his orange hair in serious disarray. "None of your business," she dared him to argue with her.

"Why are you sneaking off? You know you could sleep in the room my father gave you," he retorted, his bottom lip jutting out in disappointment.

Rukia watched him through narrowed eyes. Ever since he learned she had nearly died while fighting the Aaroniero, in Hueco Mundo, he had been overly protective of her. She was sure he felt partly guilty at his inability to protect her, though she was there on her own accord. She was proud of the fact that she was one of the few non-captain shinigami to defeat an Espada. It was quite a feat for the small woman. "Hmph! I…have shinigami duties today," she replied, ignoring his remark that she sleep somewhere besides his closet. She squared her shoulders and headed toward the window.

"Is there a hollow?" he said, sitting up in bed. He didn't mind missing these last few days of school...

"No stupid! Just…go to school!" she huffed. She didn't like lying to him, but she wasn't ready to admit to her true plans. Not until she was stronger.

Ichigo eyed her suspiciously, "This isn't like you. Are you hiding something? Did I do something?"

Why does he sound so disappointed? Rukia thought. She concealed the smile that was threatening to surface. She felt a sort of satisfaction at his disappointment. "No, I'm simply doing my duty as a Shinigami in charge of the Karakura perimeter. I do have duties away from you, you know!" She hadn't intended to sound so angry, but something about his constant badgering about her feelings and thoughts was really starting to get to her. She felt guilty for being so short with him lately.

"Fine, fine," he waved his hands. "I know you have work to do. I'm sorry I asked," he said as he laid back down, his back to her. She could tell that he was hurt, though he would never admit to it. He, too, also hid his feelings.

She stood silently at his bed, watching him sadly. She didn't like being dishonest, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him about the day before. Within moments, her shunpo transported her out the window and into the street. She looked up at Ichigo's window longingly. I will be a different person when I see you again, she silently said her goodbye. "I'm sorry," she whispered as she ran toward the Urahara Shop.

Rukia arrived, finding Urahara sitting on the porch, cross-legged and sipping tea. "Rukia-chan! What a pleasure to see you this early."

A cat was curled on his lap, as he softly stroked its black fur. Rukia watched with interest. "Am I interrupting something?" she asked as the cat yawned and stretched its front paws.

"Thanks for telling me that someone was coming," came the deep voice as its golden eyes focused on Rukia. "Hello, Kuchiki-san," the cat spoke, swiftly disentangling itself from Kisuke's legs. It eyed him angrily. He smirked in response, sipping his tea with delight. He grew tired of hiding their relationship, and he knew Rukia wasn't one to gossip. Now maybe he could get Yoruichi to be more open about their intimacy. She would most likely berate him later, but he liked her more when she was angry.

"Good morning, Yoruichi-sama," she addressed the former exile of Seretei. Actually, she told herself, the First Division Captain had pardoned the two. After their aid in the Hueco Mundo invasion, Yamamoto had pardoned Tessai, Urahara, Yoruichi, and the Vizards—though none were in a rush to enter back into Soul Society. She quietly wondered where the Vizards were, currently. "I hear you desire to become stronger," the golden eyes regarded her carefully.

Rukia nodded, "I think that would beneficial for me. I am lacking in many areas." She was speaking cautiously, hoping Urahara hadn't shared too much of the previous day's revelations. Kisuke's face remained emotionless as he loudly slurped his tea.

"I suppose I should meet Soi-Fon," the cat yawned, "she gets angry when I'm late for our meetings. You'd think she'd been a captain for more than a century with that attitude." She turned to Urahara, "We'll talk later, bastard." The threat was subtle, but it was definitely there.

"I look forward to it, Yoruichi-chan," he smirked behind his cup.

The cat hissed before disappearing. Rukia admired Yoruichi's Flash Step. It was a spectacular ability, earning her the respectful title of "Flash Goddess." Maybe Rukia could ask Yoruichi to teach her…

"Well, since you are here early, I supposed I should put you to work," Urahara mused.

"Yes! I am ready—" she began, but was interrupted by the broomstick offered to her. "What is this?" she spat.

Urahara raised an eyebrow under his messy locks. "Oh, I don't plan to train you until this afternoon, but since you are around, the steps need swept. As does the sidewalk," he said nonchalantly, gesturing to the front of the shop.

"I'm not cleaning! I am no maid!" she hissed, her eyes flashing their anger.

"Did we not discuss your payment for my instruction?" he mused, tapping his chin with his forefinger.

Rukia's shoulders slumped in defeat. She should have guessed he would do this. She grumbled as she took the broom from his hands.

"Freeloader!" Ginta yelled from entranceway, "time to help with the chores!"

Renji walked out onto the front porch, his mouth hanging open when he saw Rukia sweeping the steps. "Rukia! What are you doing here?"

Rukia's face reddened. "I, uh, I'm helping." She quickly turned her back to him, embarrassed. She hadn't known Renji was staying at the shop. Idiot! her head screamed.

"One more thing," the shop owner interrupted, "let me introduce you to your training partner for the first few days. You two know each other..." He smiled as he peered from around the entranceway.

"T-training…her?" Renji echoed, confusion evident on his face. He pulled his long red locks into their usual ponytail.

"What? I asked you to train me. Not Renji!" Rukia wailed.

Urahara face turned dark, "And I accepted. You are not ready to face me or any of the Vizards, even. I think the best thing for you, right now, would be to train with someone you know well." Just as quickly as he appeared, he disapparead into his untidy shop.

Both Rukia and Renji were speechless. "I-I'm very sorry. My apologies!" Rukia mumbled as she resumed her duties. Despite her regretful exterior, she was screaming various curses inside her head.

She spent the morning with Renji, as Ginta dictated various tasks. He was like a ruthless leader, inspecting for any dirt left behind. Rukia toyed with using her kido on him—incapacitating him just so they could get a break. She was pretty sure that Renji wouldn't mind. He had been dealing with this for weeks while he roomed with the young boy. Most of the time he made Rukia laugh by making faces behind the young red-head's back.

"You missed a spot, Freeloader!" Ginta whistled, lifting the table contents and pointing to the dust Renji had left behind. He was met with a dirty rag hitting him in the face. "What the hell?"

"I give up, brat!" Renji said, collapsing onto the floor. "I'm tired of your dictatorship!"

Ginta attempted to kick Renji in the side, but missed as Renji used his shunpo to place himself behind Ginta, lifting the small boy by the back of his shirt. Ginta's eyes widened in awe at Renji's speed. "Y-you're not as stupid as I thought!"

Renji grinned at the rare praise, "Yeah, well, you won't be saying that after I bind you and leave you in the closet!"

"Y-you wouldn't!" Ginta sputtered.

"Try me," the red-head shinigami challenged.

"Ok! I give up. You can take a break! Ururu!" he wailed, running off to find the young girl. Rukia had no doubt he would bully her into finishing Renji's job.

Renji studied Rukia thoughtfully, "So what is this about training with you?" It was the first he had heard about this.

Rukia sighed, "I asked Kisuke to help me become stronger. I wanted to ever since we returned from Hueco Mundo."

Renji looked crest-fallen. "You could have asked me to help, you know!"

Rukia avoided his gaze, "It's embarrassing enough admitting it!"

He didn't answer, her had known her since they were children—he understood why she wanted to become stronger. "Well, I'm not going to take it easy on you." Because you are my friend, my sister. Because I love you.

Rukia met his gaze with determination, "I don't expect you to. I'd be disappointed if you did, you ass!"

He grinned at her anger. Perhaps this afternoon would work out to be quite interesting.

It was after midmorning when Urahara, Tessai, and Ururu led Rukia and Renji to the underground training ground below the store. Rukia looked around at the large space in awe. She hadn't seen it before, though she was familiar with its existence.

"Did you create this?" she asked, her eye wide with amazement.

"Yes," Kisuke stated, simply. When they were far enough removed from the entrance, he turned to face both shinigami. "Now, Rukia, I know you think this is fruitless, but I want you to train with someone you know. Someone you understand. It will make it that much harder to do something unpredictable, you see." He smiled at the two.

"I told her I wouldn't take it easy on her," Renji quipped.

Urahara nodded, "As you shouldn't. But don't kill her, either." Renji paled at the suggestion. Rukia was also surprised at the seriousness of Urahara's tone. He took Rukia aside, "I want you to work with your strengths for now. I know you want to build on your weaknesses, but let's first work on your strengths."

She contemplated his instruction. "I'm strongest with kido," she offered.

"Then use a combination of kido-based attacks with your physical attacks. I know your shikai is quite powerful. You can use that to your advantage. And remember, don't take it easy on him either. Right now, he's not your friend. He's your enemy. Remember that. You never know when a friend will become an enemy."

She understood what he meant. She had encountered Aaroniero in Hueco Mundo, disguised as her beloved mentor, Kaien. Her heart had stopped when she saw his face and mannerisms. She had almost believed it was him, almost succumbing to his request for his vengeance. She shuddered at the memory, praying she never had to fight her friends in battle.

"Understood?" he asked, studying her carefully.

"Yes!" she replied, squaring her shoulders in determination.

Urahara stepped back. "Let the festivities begin!"

Rukia was out of breath. They had been fighting for hours. Hell, it could have been days for all she knew. Sweat matted her uniform to her slender body, her hair was soaked with sweat. Renji wasn't in much better shape. Both had wounds mottling their bodies, neither taking it easy on the other, as promised.

"Howl, Zabimaru!" Renji commanded. His sword became segmented, each segment wider than the first. She knew this technique, she also knew he could only release it a maximum of three times before he was left defenseless for a short period of time. If she could dodge the blows until then… Before she could think of a strategy, he immediately attacked. She blocked it with her zanpakuto, her arms shaking from the strain. Her hand slipped—briefly—but it was enough. The blades of Zabimaru sliced deeply into her arm. Her warm blood spilled onto the ground.

"Shit!" she screamed as the pain tore through her. Her left arm was useless, the muscle sliced cleanly through.

"Rukia! Are you ok?" Renji asked apologetically.

"Yes, idiot!" she breathed through her clenched teeth to keep her from howling in pain. "Did you not hear Kisuke? Do not take it easy on me."

Renji stood before her, torn about what to do next. Should he take advantage of his injured childhood friend? He knew that she would never accomplish her goals if he took pity on her. Rukia studied the red-head as the blood pounded in her ears. Her arm stung horribly. She was losing blood quickly, and would need to stop the loss or she would soon become a poor sparring partner. She could hear Urahara's words resounding in her head, "use your strengths" he had advised. She thought about her strengths: kido. It was also Renji's weakness. He had never been more than subpar at that type of combat. She promised herself she would take this training seriously. She was more than proficient at kido, often not needing the incantations if she focused her reitsu enough. She closed her eyes, summoning her strength to command the shinigami's art. She used two simultaneously—Way of Binding No. 4 to bind Renji's arms and Way of Binding No. 26 to hide her reitsu.

Renji was immediately rendered motionless by the energy rope that entangled his arms. He was taken aback at her sudden use of kido--he hadn't expected her to counterattack with it. She wasn't showing any indication that she was going to use it. He could no longer feel Rukia's reitsu—had she masked it? Could she use more than one kido at a time? He hadn't known that to be possible except with his captain. She hadn't even used an incantation! He used his shunpo to manipulate his way around the battleground until he could pinpoint her location. Why couldn't he remember how to cancel the binding kido?

"What the hell?" he sputtered as he heard Rukia's voice incanting another kido spell. Three at one time? It was unheard of! It would be difficult to evade her attack if he didn't know the direction from which she was attacking. He attempted to keep moving, knowing that he looked ridiculous running around without his arms to balance him.

"Carriage of Thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six!" Rukia commanded as six rods of light formed and held him in place.

"Shit," he growled. He felt the cold steel against his neck. As Rukia approached from behind. "How?" he asked. He was interrupted by the increased pressure of her against his neck. "Y-you aren't going to really slice my neck? Rukia?" he asked, his eye bulging. Was she going to take Urahara's commands that seriously? He could hear her breathing behind him. So three kido spells were stressful on her, he told himself. It didn't take away from the pure awe he felt toward her. He hadn't expected her to use her kido against him, and it was definitely a wise tactical decision on her part.

He could feel crystals of ice forming on his neck. "R-Rukia. I-I-t's c-cold!" he shivered. "Con-control your r-reitsu!"

Rukia blinked, realizing she was leaking spiritual energy. She examined the tiny crystals of ice that were forming on the ground around her. They spread over Renji's clothing and exposed skin.

"Well, that was interesting," Kisuke's smooth, amused voice cooed, interrupting their exchange. Rukia lowered her unreleased zanpakuto. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Can someone let me out, now?" Renji whined. "My hands are going numb!"

Rukia cancelled the Way of Bindings, releasing her friend. He turned, eyeing her arm, "Rukia—I'm so sorry!" She had formed ice over her wound, preventing further blood loss. That's how she moved so easily, he thought.

"Shut up, idiot! You were doing what you were instructed," the green glow of her healing reitsu covered the deep gash in her arm. "Dammit!" she yelped as the sinewy muscle started to grow back together.

"Tessai, could you help Rukia-san? She's a bit…uh, injured," Urahara commanded, inspecting Zabimaru's damage.

"Yes, Urahara-sama," the big man replied as he took over healing. Rukia studied the former Kido Master's face, wondering why the he used such respectful titles for someone who Rukia considered to be his inferior. She didn't ask the question aloud, as she didn't want to anger the husky man. His face scowled with concentration.

"Shit, Rukia, I didn't mean to!" Renji said, his face blanching when he realized the extent of her injury.

"I said shut up about it!" Rukia glared at her friend. He was another one who always wanted to protect her. She sighed, she was so tired of being sheltered.

Urahara studied her carefully. She had definitely shown promise in the few hours she had been tussling with Renji. He smirked at her kido abilities—they definitely surpassed most captains he knew. She was much stronger, physically, than she looked. But, he wanted to improve her strength in both shunpo and physical attacks before he would consider using his invention to help bring out her bankai. He knew from experience that a bankai could read its masters emotions, which in turn, affected the bankai. It was a mutual relationship—a two way street. If Rukia didn't have enough confidence in herself, then her bankai wouldn't have confidence in its master, either. No, he would have to work on that too. He sighed. This was going to take longer than he anticipated.

Ururu skipped over, bringing refreshments. Ginta followed with a small meal for the group. They enjoyed the meal, chewing thoughtfully. After the meal, when Rukia was completely healed, Kisuke addressed the group. "Well, ready for round two?"