A/N: I like how many things I have yet to show you guys! For example; Asami's Bankai(s), Segunda Etapa and her hundreds of Kido spells. Chiro's Bankai, Kisuke's Bankai (You will see it in this story, much later), Ichigo's Bankai(IT'LL BE OP :D), His Vollstandig. Basically I fully plan on showing a bunch of canon and non-canon releases and techniques, for both known characters and my OC's.

Italics + ' = Thoughts (Etc. = 'What is that?')

Bold + '' = Inner Hollow/Secondary Spirit (Etc. = ''Fucking Quotation marks!'' He roared) (Or Zangetsu in Ichigo's case).

Italics + '' = Zanpakuto Spirit (Etc. = ''Do not hesitate, Ichigo'' Zangetsu said) (Quincy part of Zangetsu for Ichigo's case).

I DONT OWN BLEACH!

Chapter 24: Vollstandig and Kido - Alliance ARC

''This is the place?'' I question with a raised eyebrow and Asami nodded. After travelling for almost a quarter of an hour they reach where Asami had led him, past the mountains that encircled Jikan Yari and into another large forest. She had led me through it until we reached a large lake, several hundred metres in every direction. I was confused when she led me out to the centre of the lake, since we couldn't spar out here. Though if she intended to train out here it would make sense why she left her red scarf back on land and told me do so also with my trench coat, which I took a liking to. Another thing was that we can and did remove our seals, mainly because we were far enough away from the others not to harm them.

''Yeah'' She stated as blue Reishi formed in front of her before solidifying into a bow, similar to Ishida's metallic bow but with red in place of blue and with two flaming tips at the ends of the bow, glowing with red Reishi ''For the duration of your training, you may use only your Quincy powers, Ichigo... that means forming a bow from Reishi''.

My face fell into a determined scowl as I held my hands out and gather the Reishi in the air like I was taught, it was like when she taught me to fire Heilig Pfeil with my Zanpakuto but just required a bow. However it was more difficult than it seemed, or was it the glove? Probably the glove. It took almost a minute but I eventually manage to form a solid, metallic bow almost identical to Ishida's, but larger.

''Not bad'' Asami commented as she formed a single arrow with energy glowing at the back ''...Zorn Gottes: Bestrafung Licht''.

The arrow abruptly turned a golden yellow before it shot at me, I blur out of the way but the arrow struck the water and sunk a few feet before glowing much like a Cero, making me instinctively jump back just in time to avoid a large splash of water.

''Our training ground is this lake, both above it and in the lake itself'' Asami said with a friendly smile, which she seemed to be showing more of lately ''Hope you don't mind getting wet, Ichigo''.

She disappeared in a blur and I barely had a second to avoid the arrows that flung at me like a storm from my left side ''Instead of pushing your Reiryoku into your feet, gather Reishi into your feet and move that way''.

''Easier said than done'' I mutter a reply as I attempt to 'ride' the Reishi in the air, it worked but nowhere near my normal Shunpo. Despite that Asami gave me a proud smile and nodded to continue, levelling her bow at me before a hail of Heilig Pfiel fired at me like a hailstorm. I grunt as I activate my Blut Vene just in time to weather the storm, riding the Reishi to my left and fires dozens of arrows at her. My arrows were slightly smaller and less refined look, same goes for my bow when compared to hers.

Rolling out of the way of a storm of arrows I fire another storm of my own, though she displayed our power difference by removing one hand from her bow and batting several arrows away with the back of her hand while still firing with one hand, somehow. I wince as several arrows pierce my Blut Vene, making several small puncture wounds.

'This'll be a long day...'.

''Zorn Gottes: Bestrafung Licht'' Asami called almost casually as the arrow on the bowstring turned yellow.

''Shit'' I mutter as I try and use the Quincy high-speed movement, which Asami called Hirenkyaku, to move away from my previous location. The arrow flew past me and into the water, making a large eruption of water splash up. Asami appeared by my side and fired another wordless hail of arrows, which resulted in me avoiding most of them and returning fire.

Of course this did almost nothing against the brunette besides make her swat them away, though she commented this time.

''Better'' She said simply, firing off another hail of arrows that forced me to dodge to the side, only for her to appear besides me with a rapier made from blue Reishi and slashed it across my chest, sending me straight down into the water. I hiss as the salt water stung at my wounds, but strangely I had yet to hit the bottom. Turning around it was quite disturbing to see the lake go down into pitch black darkness, easily making it several hundred feet deep. Kelp vines swung lazily in the outskirts of the darkness, making it all the more eerie.

Focusing my Reishi in my feet I jump up again, bringing me to the surface of the water in an instant. I breath in a gulp of air and glare at Asami, who was standing so close to the water it was like she was standing right on it. She was smirking at my soaking form, a smirk that fell the instant I grabbed the front of her Shihakusho and threw her into the water with a smug smile. She popped her head out of the water which showed her twitching eyebrow and scowl on her face.

''Asshat'' She grumbled and fully rose out of the water ''You're lucky that Shihakusho are waterproof, otherwise I'd be kicking your ass right now''.

I simply keep up my smug smirk as I reform my bow in an instant, firing off as many Heilig Pfeil as possible. It caught her off guard and thus made at least a dozen smaller scratches and cuts which she hissed at, before returning the favour ten-fold and giving me three times as many cuts making me hiss and grimace.

''Better try harder, Ichigo'' Asami smirked as she formed another yellow arrow ''...because I won't let up until you achieve Vollstandig''.

Grunting I fire another hail of Heilig Pfeil, their reflections only lasting seconds as they flew over the sunset lake. In less than a handful of seconds I form a blue Reishi Nodachi and raise it to my side, blocking her surprise attack. Asami grinned as my reflexes saved me a deep gash, only to mentally groan when her leg shot out and hit my leg, involuntarily making me go down on one knee and preventing high speed movement. I wince as several arrows pierced my chest even with Blut Vene preventing them from going further than a centimetre, the force behind them however sent me crashing into the lake for the one hundred and tenth time that day.

It took only a few seconds before I burst out of the water again, shooting arrows as I did so. Asami grunted as several also pierced her Blut Vene, sending her skidding back into the air. I blur with Hirenkyaku up to her level and send my Reishi blade crashing into hers, a short struggle ensued before she shoved me back and threw the weapon at me, which I easily deflect with my current melee weapon.

''Zorn Gottes: Bestrafung-'' She was interrupted as my own arrows hailed at her, forcing her to dodge instead of attack. I draw back a single arrow and let it loose, which splits into several hundred smaller arrows immediately after leaving my bow.

''Heiliger Schild!'' Asami cried and a rough square of blue Reishi formed, taking the mini arrows and absorbing them. I blur up to her and form another Reishi blade before slashing the barrier diagonally, making it shatter a moment later. My eyes widen when she wasn't there, but rather her presence was behind me. I felt rather than saw a dozen arrows strike me in the back, I swung around in a wide arc behind me but Asami already moved back, smirking.

She unleashed another hail of arrows, which I counter ''Heiliger Schild!''.

Mine wasn't as pristine as hers was, lacking perfection but making up for it in sheer size and durability. The arrows slammed into the barrier like rain on a window, allowing me to leech off some of the excess energy.

''You're getting better at that Technique'' She complimented, smiling almost sweetly (it was hard to tell).

''Thanks'' I grunt, sending a hail on Heilig Pfeil at her which she counters with her own, using Hirenkyaku to move at the same time. She appeared inches away from me, bow in hand as. she smirked deviously at me.

''Donnerschlag'' She beckoned and fired an arrow that I wasn't aware had pierced me until the sound came, then the pain in my chest.

She blurred back to her original spot and in a stern tone stated ''A good time to use Heilig Heilung, don't you think?''.

I merely cough up some blood as a retort, drawing Reishi in as fast as possible to mend my wounded lung and bleeding torso.

''Harsh'' I cough out.

Asami smiled faintly and spoke in a quiet tone, mostly to herself ''That's what I'm known for''.

''Faster'' I mutter under my breath, avoiding several slashes from her Reishi sword and firing several hundred Heilig Pfeil in a counter attack, forcing her to back off lest she be impaled. The moon hung directly above us, reflecting off the water and giving minimal but just enough light for our combat.

''Are you sure you do not wish to rest?'' Asami asked for the fifth time, dodging my arrows and firing a wordless Zorn Gottes, which I in turn avoid.

''If you can keep going, then so can I'' I reply, making her frown.

''Its not healthy'' She pointed out and I chuckle.

''So why do you stay up for months on end?'' I retort.

''Aftereffect of training for a century day-and-night, plus doing it inside Jikan Yari'' She said dismissively.

''But that doesn't mean its a good idea to go so long without sleep'' I frown in concern and she sighed.

''You sound like my Zanpakuto'' She said ''Sleep isn't that important, only a respite from the hell that is life''.

''Poetic'' I comment ''But as long as you decide to stay awake, I will too''.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, dismissing her weapons in the process ''So if I go and sleep, you'll do so also?''.

''Yeah'' I nod and she sighed, nodding her agreement to the deal and taking off towards where we left our extra clothing. It took only a handful of seconds to reach the location, which consisted of an overhanging cave that was formed almost like rooms, several beds scattered about said rooms, and a hot spring in one of the rooms. Our extra clothing (Trench coat and scarf) hung on a tree branch hanging by the cave.

''Rest'' She ordered and gestured to one of the rooms, before walking into one of her own. Smirking in victory, I head to an empty bedroom myself to go get some much-needed rest.

''Let me see the glove'' Asami said abruptly, gesturing me to hold out my hand. I comply and she took it in her own, a soft purple glow encircling our hands as we stood over the morning lake. She hummed quietly to herself for a few moments as the purple energy turned slightly blue, to which she raised an eyebrow at before dismissing the energy.

''You're close to achieving Vollstandig'' She stated as she jumped back, forming her bow ''We'll probably only have to spend half of the day training, then we can move onto the next part of your training''.

''Great'' I say dryly ''I'm looking forward to having my ass kicked''.

Asami chuckled and drew an arrow, still smiling as she fired that arrow in a signal to draw my own bow. Nodding slightly I form my bow in seconds, the large metallic longbow with purple-blue stripes running along the middle of the bow and arrowhead protrusions at the tips of the bow, along with a light blue bowstring. I form a single Heilig Pfeil and fire it, watching as it turns into several hundred in a moments notice.

Asami smirked ''Let the games begin''.

''Donnerschlag'' I call and let the super-sonic arrow fly at her, which she responds with tilting her body out of the way with practical ease.

''You're getting better'' She smiled slightly as she formed a yellow arrow ''Zorn Gottes: Bestrafung Licht''.

I immediately draw a Heilig Pfeil and let it fly with great precision, crashing it into the yellow arrow and causing it to detonate prematurely and make a large smoke cloud. I hold my bow with one hand while my other forms a Reishi sword in the shape of Zangetsu, I raise it in front of me and a second later Asami's own Reishi sword, in the form of a chinese scimitar, crashed into mine.

''Good'' She grinned as she shoved me back, moving back herself as she dismissed her melee weapon and in a instant fired a hail of Heilig Pfeil.

''Dammit'' I grumble as I hold a and out, my Reishi sword dismissed into the air ''Heiliger Schild!''.

A rough square appeared before me and took the arrows with ease, allowing Reishi to flow into me and convert to extra Reiryoku. A soft pulse of Reiatsu behind me was all the warning I got before a hail of arrows struck my back, only my Blut Vene saved me from being impaled.

''Try harder, Ichigo'' Asami said almost jokingly.

''Oh I will'' I smirk down at her ''You can bet on that''.

She returned the challenging smirk ''Then lets go!''.

It wasn't until nigh fell once again did we stop our bout, the glove had apparently fully 'charged' so to speak. Despite this Asami told me to wear the glove more-or-less permanently, since the first time I released it the power would be far greater since it was the first time I had done so. Again I managed to convince Asami to rest, even going as far as checking she was asleep before going to bed myself.

So now here they stood, moon directly above us despite waking up recently, with the water of the lake still under us.

''Before your next part of training, I'll be teaching you a bit more of Kido'' She smirked slightly at my flat look ''Trust me, you'll need it for your next part of your training''.

''Alright, Alright'' I dismiss ''What first?''.

''Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro'' She said with a hand pointed at me, a few moments later six bars of golden light slammed into my midsection but not penetrating very deep, though I still winced ''It completely paralyzes the target, including the parts of the body not hit by the bars. Creating it is a simple procedure of visualizing the six bars coming from six directions and moving forward quickly, hitting the midsection and causing a paralytic shockwave to overcome the body and prevent movement as long as the bars are in place''.

''To break through Rikujokoro, one must push their Reiryoku into the constraints inside the bars and destabilize them and all at once, destroy them. An alternative is to flare your Reiatsu with enough crushing force to overwhelm the bars, but of course the stronger the caster the more Reiatsu is required, and since I cast it you're better with option one''.

Grunting my acknowledgement, I set to work on breaking the bars trapping me. I mentally bring up the image of the dam and water that is my Reiatsu, but it was completely normal making me frown.

''Your spiritual body is paralyzed, not your reserves'' Quincy Zangetsu supplied helpfully and I mentally nod a thanks before returning to my task.

''Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro'' I call calmly and in a second the six bars slammed into Asami's midsection, they stayed there for almost fifteen seconds before they shattered from her doing.

She smiled approvingly ''That's enough for that spell at least, it'll give you plenty of time to land a hit unless their are actively expecting it or have a counter''.

''What's next?'' I question, not tired in the slightest.

''Bakudo #81: Danku'' She stated and a mirror-like barrier appeared in front of her ''Its like Heiliger Schild, good at energy defence but bad at melee defence''.

''So its just like Heiliger Schild?'' I questioned and she gave a shrug and nod, confusing me. Shaking my head dismissively I mentally visualize that same glass barrier, holding my hands out in front of me I push my Reiryoku into them and imagine melding a wall of glass in an instant ''Bakudo #81: Danku''.

I open my eyes and was met by a similar barrier, but more rough like my Heiliger Schild. Asami raised a hand at the barrier and shot a wordless Shakkaho, shattering the barrier instantly.

''You literally made it glass'' Asami said rather flatly ''Again''.

Sighing, I set to work on making it not glass but still looking like it.

'Kido is a bitch'.

''I can't disagree with ya there partner''.

''Something has to be done about Asami Urahara!'' A council member spat venomously.

''I agree!'' Another cried as I stood in the spotlight, my grip on my cane tightening.

''Fools!'' A man cried ''She could be a potential long-term ally! Look at the facts! She has managed to build a small army in less than a century, not only that but has the allegiance of a GOD!''.

''Silence!'' A woman boomed ''She is a loose cannon that deserves death or imprisonment!''.

''Nothing can hold her! Kido are useless and nobody is powerful enough to challenge her!''.

''The Kido cannon!'' A younger voice beckoned excitedly ''Destroy her while she is within her own dimension!''.

''And what of Aizen?!'' Another blurted out, a tense silence fell before that same person said ''What if we wait until they have offed the traitor and then destroy her along with her followers? Two birds with one stone?''.

''I agree!'' A chorus of voices chimed in excitedly, a sea of murmurs spread throughout the room before a large booming voice silenced them.

''Enough!'' The hidden man stated ''It is decided... Captain Commander Yamamoto, Asami Urahara is to either be captured and sentenced to eternal imprisonment in Muken, or death by Kido Cannon and execution of her followers''.

I merely nod and turn, taking my leave. Only one thought was coherent throughout my aged mind:

'You stupid, suicidal fools...'.

Ryuken gave me his usual blank look, even as I step into his office without hesitation.

''Urahara-san sent me here, he said you also know about the Quincy second release'' I state ''...and can teach me it''.

Ryuken sent me a sharp look ''After your little... act... yesterday with you and that man pestering me into being more active, you expect yet another thing from me? Wh not ask Asami-san to teach you?''.

I click my tongue in irritation ''She's busy training Ichigo, apparently its very important they not be disturbed''.

''Where did they go to train then?'' He asked with a hint of curiosity.

''Urahara-san said they went to the edges of Jikan Yari, mainly so nobody else would be affected by their Reiatsu'' I inform and he nodded.

''If Asami-san took him all the way to the edges of her dimension, its either means a lot of destruction, unimaginable abilities, or both... probably both''.

''So can you teach me?'' I say, getting the conversation back on track.

He licked his lips and sighed, nodding ''Very well, I will teach you...''.

''Halcyon Vollstandig''.

''Thanks for healing me again, Yuzu'' I sigh in relief as my limbs could finally move again without making me hiss in pain.

''Its no problem'' Yuzu said shyly ''It helps me train too, since Asami-san said I had a real knack for it''.

''A real knack for it...'' I say dryly ''I get she is older than even dad, but why still use such crappy sayings?''.

Yuzu simply giggled, swatting my arm playfully as we walked out of the house ''So what are you planning on doing now?''.

I hum ''Probably spar with my Zanpakuto, since she keeps hinting I'm close to starting my Bankai training''.

''Aw'' Yuzu pouted ''I only found out my Zanpakuto's name recently and you're already going for Bankai''.

I chuckle ''Yeah well at least you can kick my ass in terms of Kido, hell you might even be faster than me - so there's that''.

Yuzu smiled and waved me goodbye as she continued down the maze of corridors, likely going to the library. I smirk slightly and enter my room, neatly organised as best as possible. I move over to my bed, Yuzu's to my right. I draw my Zanpakuto out of my sheath and lay it on my lap, closing my eyes and allow a falling sensation to engulf me.

Upon my eyes reopening I was greeted by what I have understood to be my inner world, consisting of an orange-hued evening sky and forest of pitch-black trees of no discernable type. They ranged in sizes and shapes, but kept the look of a tree and cast long shadows through my inner world, almost covering most of the world in its darkness. The area I stood in was like a dirt soccer pitch, though considerably larger.

''Welcome back, Karin-chan'' A double-toned mocking spoke as my doppelganger appeared in a blur, landing across from me with a battle-lusting smirk on her face.

''Stop calling me that'' I growled as I drew my blade ''I'll win this time, then you'll have to stop calling me that''.

Her creepy Zanpakuto chuckled, yellow and black eyes twinkling with mirth ''Who said you could win?''.

Huffing in annoyance, I take off in a blur and appear behind her with the intent to create a deep slash along her back, only for her blade to block the attack. She tilted her head slightly, looking over her shoulder with a wide grin on her face and I had no less than a second to jump back before she lashed out with a kick, making her pout at her miss.

''You're going to have to activate my Shikai to become stronger, Karin-chan'' Shoshitsu half-taunted, half informed making me grimace, since the second I activate my Shikai she gains full control of her abilities, mainly shadows.

Holding my blade upside down, I utter ''Fade into Darkness, Shoshitsu Yami''.

The standard katana reformed into its Nodachi state and in an instant I was by my spirits side, blade whistling towards her neck. The spirits own blade raised up, also in its Shikai as she held a taunting grin.

''So aggressive~'' She grinned widely, I appeared by her side in a blur of Shunpo and swiped, only for my blade to turn her into an unknown black substance. I scowl and blur higher into the air, since the less shadows the harder her ability was to use. I stood up there for several moments before I heard the audible whiz of a blade approaching me forcing me to duck, the blade passed overhead and I lashed out with a kick that struck my doubles knee, making her hiss in pain.

She whipped her elbow down, striking me in the back and kneeing my side, shooting me to the ground. Coughing, I get to my feet only to jump back to avoid a blade that came out of one of the pitch black trees. I raise my blade over my shoulder to block a strike to my back, only to wince when a follow-up strike to my lower back went unchecked. I try to Shunpo into the air, only for her to appear in my flight path and before I could react, send a fist flying for my face and sent me rocketing back to the ground.

Shoshitsu grinned at me as she melted away and I grunted as I felt her shadowy blade come from my shadow under me - however small - and pierce my stomach. The blade mercifully retracted into the ground again, my Zanpakuto appearing across from me.

''Let's see if you're any good at mimicry, eh?'' Her Zanpakuto smirked as a blackish purple engulfed her Shikai Nodachi, thrumming quietly. Without further fanfare she slashed in a wide arc in front of her ''Dakukurai!''. (Tran: Dark Cry).

Eyes widening at the so-far unknown technique, I leap into the air to avoid the attack similar to Asami base Mikadzuki. It cut down several trees before exploding into a dome of black-purple energy, sending a small shockwave throughout the inner world. Despite this, I could only grin widely in anticipation at my Zanpakuto, her rin matching mine.

''Teach. Me. Now''.

Both myself and Asami barely touch the water, our feet sending small ripples through the lake before we took off in another gentle breeze of Hirenkyaku. Eventually Asami slowed to a stop, her feet no more than a millimetre from the water as I hover slightly taller - in both height and elevation.

''...you never ceases to amaze me, Ichigo'' Asami smiled up at me ''You skill in all areas of Kido have flourished with unstoppable progress, reaching levels of power that not even Kido masters could hope for''.

''All 'cause you're a good teacher'' I smile down at her, which grew slightly when a faint blush crossed her face - a rare sight, I had realised.

''With your new skills, I think you'll be ready for your next part of training'' She informed, clearly trying and failing to make the blush disappear ''Do you remember your training for Bankai? Summon both of your spirits again''.

Nodding, I merely closed my eyes for a few moments before feeling a familiar tug on my soul, followed by both Zangetsu appeared beside me in the physical world as my eyes opened.

''To gain access to the second release of the Arrancar, Segunda Etapa, you will have to defeat your manifestation of your hollow powers'' She gestured to my double, who grinned ''However with the modified Sanrei glove, it will allow you to gain access to the Quincy second release; Halcyon Vollstandig - another technique of my own design''.

She spoke with a calm tone, which turned into slightly smug at the end making my eyes roll before a thought occurred to me ''Isn't this the same as Bankai then, if I'll be fighting both of them at the same time, like you're about to say?''.

She grinned wider, a big difference from her usual smaller facial gestures ''Yeah, but since you're a hell of a lot stronger, so are they... plus you will not be allowed to use any hollow or Quincy powers during this fight''.

I scowl lightly at that ''And what'll you be doing while I fight?''.

''I'll be sparring with my own Zanpakuto on the shore, so I can make sure you won't drown yourself when you pass out from exhaustion'' She smiled jokingly before her smiled turned sincere ''Make me proud, Ichigo''.

We smiled at each other for an unknown amount of time before she nodded, turned and blurred towards the shore. In response I drew my large blade and spun on my heel just in time to block the large Khyber knife.

''Ready Kingy?'' His hollow grinned and I nod, smirking lightly and pointing my blade at both my spirits.

''Let's go!'' I bellow as I charge both spirits, all of us wearing small grins.