Hello and welcome to chapter 14 and the last chapter for this year. Last time, Ichigo began his real training in ernest and he unlocked his own Soul Reaper Powers. The only difference was that Rangiku was the one training him instead of Kisuke. Also, Ichigo returned the powers he borrowed from Rangiku back to her and her powers were once again whole. Now, the next phase of Ichigo's training begins and the others will start their own training. Now then, let's get started.

Author's Note: This is an alternative version of the Chapter 14.

Chapter 14

Zanpakutō and Hollow Mask

In one room of Urahara's shop, Kisuke had placed Nel into a sleep-state while he was creating a Gigai for her. While he was at it, Kisuke also took the liberty of examining the crack in Nel's Hollow mask.

"So, you say that you don't remember how you got this crack in your mask?"

"Nel doesn't remember much about Nel's past," Nel explained drowsily. "All Nel knows is that Nel got it from something sharp slamming into it."

"I see." Kisuke scratched his chin. "Hey Tessei, how's that Gigai coming along?"

"So far so good, Boss," Tessei replied. "But I must ask, why do you want to give her this kind of Gigai?"

"Oh, I have my reasons."

Later that day, the school day was over and Haruko was walking out of the teacher's office and towards the exit to meet up with the others. However, the day was stressful, even with Ichigo, Rangiku, Orihime, and Tatsuki helping her however they could. "I know Isshin said that it would be tough, but keeping up with this job is harder than I thought."

A voice caught her attention. "So is keeping up that facade."

Haruko stopped and turned her attention towards one of the students. He was a tall bespectacled young man with a slender build, straight chin-length black hair framing both sides of his face, fair skin, and blue eyes.

"I see you decided to show yourself, but perhaps you can introduce yourself to me before we start our conversation."

"You should already know my name by now." the young man replied. "I'm Uryū Ishida, one of your students. I'm also the last of the Quincy race, or at least I thought I was until now. Let me ask you, Ms. McAllen: if there are other Quincies out there, then why haven't you shown yourselves? More importantly, why is a Quincy hanging out with a Soul Reaper?"

Haruko hid her eyes behind the light shining on her glasses. "What I'm doing with those two Soul Reapers is none of your business, Mr. Ishida. As for how there could be more Quincies out there, why don't you ask your father? He's been around longer than you have and he knows things about our race that you don't."

Haruko then started walking away. "But then again, perhaps you don't want to talk to him for some reason."

Now it was Uryū's turn to hide his eyes behind the light shining in his glasses. "Enjoy your time with those Soul Reapers, especially Ichigo Kurosaki, because come this summer, I will defeat him."

The two Quincies then walked away from each other. Haruko took out her Quincy Soul Phone.

In the ice-crusted palace, hidden from the prying eyes of the Soul Society, Meninas, Candice, Bambietta, Liltotto, and Giselle were sitting at a table playing Go Fish together. All of them were wearing white uniforms with different variations. Bambietta and Liltotto's uniforms consisted of a skirt, gloves, patterned leggings, and a white cap with gold trimmings. Meninas' uniform consisted of a frilled skirt, frilled gloves, frilled boots, leggings, a belt with a heart-shaped buckle, a large purple bow with a white symbol around her neck, and a white cap with gold trimmings, which featured a black peak and an insignia emblazoned on its front, turned sideways. Candice's uniform consisted of a double-breasted jacket which she keeps tied up to reveal her midriff and unbuttoned and no fabric on the sides to display her well-endowed cleavage, a pair of short-shorts which were held up by a black belt with a green heart-shaped buckle attached to the side, a white cap on her head with gold trimmings which featured a black peak and the same insignia emblazoned on its front, and a pair of bulky shaft-heeled boots. And lastly, Giselle's uniform consisted of a trench coat with long sleeves, white shoes, black leggings, a small white cap which also featured a black peak and the insignia emblazoned on its front on the side of her head, and a blue heart buckle on her waist. As they played, they had a conversation about Haruko.

"So what do you guys think that rooky's Schrift could be?" Candice looked at her hand. "Bambietta, you got any threes?"

Bambietta checked her hand. "Nope, go fish."

Candice picked up a card.

"If I recall correctly, Haruko never got a Schrift from His Majesty, at least not yet." Bambietta checked her hand. "Liltotto, got any sixes?"

Liltotto checked her hand. "Go fish."

Bambietta picked up a card.

"Maybe she hasn't gotten one from His Majesty yet, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have one at all." Liltotto ate a cookie. "Got any ones, Giselle?"

"Just one." Giselle handed her one over to Liltotto. "Though that does make me wonder what her Schrift could be, or rather, what it will be."

"Yes, that is a good question." Liltotto ate another cookie. "Meninas, got any ones?"

Meninas checked her hand. "Nope, go fish."

Liltotto drew a card. "Perhaps she could be Sternritter P."

"Nope, that position is already taken by yours truly." Meninas checked her hand. "Candice, you got any queens?"

Candice checked her hand only to find what Meninas was looking for and handed it over. "Knock yourself out."

Meninas took the queens only to find something. "Looks like I win this time."

Meninas showed a complete set of queens and no other cards in her hand.

"WHA?!"

"Lucky bitch," Liltotto cursed.

"This is ridiculous." Candice slammed her hand on the table. "How did the rest of you get so good at this game in the first place?"

Giselle smirked. "Oh, that's simple, Candy. We practiced."

Bambietta sighed. "Seriously, Candice, if you had been playing this game in the World of the Living with the rest of us instead of watching porno videos, you might have become better at it."

"Shut up!" Candice turned to Meninas. "And I still think I should have infiltrated Ichigo's house instead of your rookie cousin."

Meninas lost patience. "Candice, you've told me that 50 times already."

"And I aim to tell you at least 50 more times," Candice growled. "Why couldn't I infiltrate Kurosaki's house? I could have easily had him in my hands and his Bankai would be mine already. But no, you decided to send in your cousin from the World of the Living to infiltrate his home."

"Ichigo and Candy sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G."

"Oh shut up, Gigi!"

Meninas sighed as the two started bickering again. Suddenly, she got an unexpected phone call. Taking out her Quincy Soul Phone, she saw that it was her cousin and answered the call.

"Hello, Haruko."

"Hello, Meninas. I wanted you to know that Ichigo has started his training and is working to unlock his own Soul Reaper powers as we speak. I think it's only a matter of time before he obtains his Shikai."

"Is that so?" Meninas was impressed. "Then I guess you've won his trust?"

"I think so, but I think Rangiku and Yoruichi are still suspicious of me," Haruko explained. "It doesn't help either that I had to use my Quincy Bangle in front of them yesterday and had to reveal that I'm a Quincy to them last night."

"That will be a challenge, for sure," Meninas agreed. "Well here's my advice: until you've earned their trust as well, don't make a move on Ichigo's Bankai."

"I was thinking the same thing… But anyway, I can sense Ichigo's spirit energy increasing. At this rate, by the time he gets his Bankai, I'm not sure if I'll be strong enough to handle it at my current level."

Meninas saw where this was going. "So in other words, you want us to resume your training so that you can handle his Bankai."

"Yes." Haruko nodded her head. "By the way, a sixth girl joined Ichigo's harem yesterday and she seems to have a healing ability. Let's just say that her methods are not sanitary and might make you puke."

"Whatever." Meninas got back on topic. "If you want to continue your Quincy training, then meet me at the park at noon tomorrow."

Haruko agreed to her cousin's request and hung up before rejoining the others.

At Urahara's Shop, Yoruichi emerged from the building with Nel holding her hand.

Nel's Gigai was nothing special as it simply resembled her soul form and had the same green gown with a hood as her clothing. The only difference was that her Hollow features were nowhere to be seen, especially her mask.

"How's the Gigai, Nel?"

"Nel likes it."

"Well, let's go home." Yoruichi returned to the clinic in a flash, literally.

Outside the campus, Ichigo was walking alongside Orihime and Tatsuki, chitchatting as they made their way home. Rangiku however lagged behind with Haruko and the two were having a serious chat.

"I saw that…"

"You saw what?" Haruko asked. "Be more specific please."

Rangiku kept her serious tone. "I saw you talking to your fellow Quincy through a Soul Phone."

Once again, Haruko hid her eyes behind the light shining in her glasses. "And just what are you going to do about it, kill me?"

Rangiku remained serious. "What is your goal with Ichigo?"

"My goal with Ichigo?" Haruko pushed her glasses back a little and smiled. "What makes you believe that I have a goal with Ichigo?"

"Don't play dumb." Rangiku turned her head to look Haruko in the eyes. "I know that you could have easily handled that tapeworm Hollow the day we met, and yet, you chose to let it possess you. I also know that you could have handled Grand Fisher sooner but chose to hold back. Yoruichi saw that."

"Is that right?" Haruko asked with a straight face. "And just what do you plan to do about it?"

Rangiku's only answer was, "I don't know what your game is, Haruko, but let me make something clear to you. If you give me one good reason to believe that you might hurt Ichigo, I'll make sure you pay for it with your life."

But Haruko saw right through Rangiku and countered back. "You seem very defensive when it comes to Ichigo. Could it be that you're in love with him?"

"Huh?!" Rangiku blushed and shook her head in denial before making a comeback. "Are you crazy?! He's my student! Besides, I prefer older men."

Haruko smirked. "You can lie to yourself all you like, but I know the look of a girl who likes a guy. You're absolutely falling for him."

Before the conversation could go away further, Ichigo called out to them. "Come on you guys, get a move on!"

Not wanting to keep everyone else waiting, Rangiku and Haruko went off to catch up with the others.

At the clinic, everyone made their way up the stairs and into the bedroom where Yoruichi and Nel were waiting for them.

"Hi, guys."

"Yoruichi, you're back." Tatsuki noticed someone was missing. "Where's Nel?"

"She's right here." Yoruichi moved to the right to reveal Nel, who was now wearing a white, skintight outfit with tan fur lining around her hips and green fur lining around her collar. This outfit couldn't be seen earlier due to her green hooded gown covering it earlier.

"Hi Itsygo!"

"Oh, wow!" Orihime picked up Nel. "Nel, you look so adorable!"

Please be careful Orihime. Rangiku and Haruko thought at the same time. She might be a child, but she's still an Arrancar.

Later that night while everyone slept, Rangiku had entered her inner world. While in there she met up with her Zanpakuto spirit, Haineko.

"Been a while, Old Lady."

Rangiku was annoyed by this and shot back "I should think so, Stupid Girl. Where have you been? You've been unresponsive for the last month. I had to use twice as much spirit energy in order to use Shikai properly."

"You're not going to believe this." Haineko explained what had happened on the night her Soul Reaper transferred some of her powers to Ichigo.

"You were inside Ichigo's inner world this whole time?"

Haineko nodded. "And that's why you couldn't use my power properly. Anyway, I think I should tell you about Ichigo's Zanpakuto. If you're going to train Ichigo, you need to know this."

"I'm listening."

Haineko explained to Rangiku about the two Zanpakuto spirits inside Ichigo and how one of them was an imposter.

The next morning, the group returned to Kisuke's training ground where Rangiku got to the second stage of Ichigo's training. Once again, Ichigo was forced out of his body, via Kisuke's cane, and was shown as a soul with his chain of fate still attached to his body and Rangiku took on her Soul Reaper form.

"Okay Ichigo," Rangiku started, "yesterday, you unlocked your spirit energy, but now you must unlock your Soul Reaper powers. If you clear lesson two, you'll find that in the process, you'll have unlocked your hidden powers as a Soul Reaper."

"How do we do that?"

Rangiku answered by taking Ichigo's chain of fate and slicing it with her Zanpakuto, essentially killing him.

Ichigo flinched. "I feel like I'm–I'm dying."

"That's because you are." Kisuke waved his fan. "You see, once the chain of fate has been severed, you can no longer return to your physical body. Death comes quickly."

"Essentially, what you're feeling right now is what Orihime here would have been feeling if her chain of fate had been severed during that battle with her brother." Rangiku showed a morbid expression on her face. "But that's not even the worst part."

Ichigo grunted, "Oh great, what's the worst part?"

"Now that it's been severed, your chain of fate will begin the encroachment at the point where it was severed." Rangiku explained. "When the end reaches your chest, you will become a Hollow and that will be the end of you."

"What do I have to do?"

Kisuke pointed with his fan. "If you don't want to become a Hollow, you must become a Soul Reaper."

"Put is simply Ichigo, if you can at least clear lesson two, you will be able to unlock your hidden powers as a Soul Reaper." Rangiku had a serious expression on her face. "Naturally, which path you choose is up to you, but I'm warning you now, if it comes down to it, I won't hesitate to cleanse you with my Zanpakuto."

Ichigo smirked. "As if you needed to ask."

Rangiku smiled.

"Alright then, let's get this party started." Kisuke gave a signal.

Next thing Ichigo knew, a hole appeared right beneath him and Rangiku and the two fell, with Ichigo screaming as they fell. Upon reaching the bottom, Rangiku landed on her feet like a cat, but Ichigo landed flat on the floor, much to his teacher/roommate's amusement.

"That's not funny!"

"Neither is you, hurting those around you, if you become a Hollow." Rangiku pointed out. "Now Ichigo, for this lesson, what we call the Shattered Shaft, you must climb back up the shaft. That's all you need to do."

"Really?"

"However… BAKUDO #1: SAI…!"

Rangiku pointed her index and middle fingers at Ichigo, causing his arms to lock behind his back, immobilizing him.

"I can't move!" Ichigo gasped. "What did you do to me?"

"I used a kido spell on you," Rangiku explained. "To be more precise, it's a Bakudo or binding spell. And now… BAKUDO #4: HAINAWA…!"

She followed up by generating a crackling yellow energy rope with her hands and throwing it at Ichigo. The energy quickly wound around Ichigo's arms and body, further immobilizing him.

"BAKUDO #61: RIKUJOKORO…!"

Pointing her index finger at Ichigo again, Rangiku generated a spark of yellow energy, summoning six thin, wide beams of light that erupted from the light already created by her Hainawa, immobilizing Ichigo even more. With all of these spells in place, Ichigo was rendered almost completely immobile, like a statue.

Ichigo dropped to his knees. "Is this really necessary?"

"I need to take precautions, Ichigo," Rangiku clarified. "This will ensure that if you become a Hollow, you won't be able to harm anyone and make it easier to kill you, if need be."

"How the hell am I supposed to climb back with my arms tied behind my back and my body completely immobile?"

"I wouldn't waste time asking questions and expecting answers if I were you," Yoruichi called out, noticing something that Ichigo didn't… yet.

Ichigo looked and noticed that his chain was rapidly corroding. The sight of it caused Ichigo to scream in horror. "What's going on?"

"There's a gas down here that speeds up the corrosion process of your chain." Rangiku sat right in front of her student/roommate. "You have 72 hours to get out before it completely corrodes. That's how long it'll take for the chain of fate to be completely encroached. You have to climb out before then."

"THREE DAYS?!"

"If you don't reach the top of the shaft as a Soul Reaper," Rangiku's eyes started to water as she dipped her head, "then I'll have no choice but to kill you, Ichigo."

Ichigo flinched.

What the hell, I did it again. Rangiku thought.

Ichigo saw the look on Rangiku's face and dipped his head as well. "You're really going to kill me?"

Rangiku sadly nodded.

Ichigo took a deep breath, and then told her, "Then I got nothing to worry about, and neither do you."

Rangiku shot a look at her… friend. "Huh?"

Ichigo got a determined smile on his face. "I'll clear this shaft before I become a Hollow, no matter what I have to do."

Ichigo began focusing on trying to escape the Shattered Shaft. Literally, focusing was all he could manage at first, being constrained the way he was.

At the top of the shaft, Yoruichi walked towards the entrance with Orihime, Haruko, and Tatsuki in tow.

"Do you think Ichigo will be okay?"

"No need to worry, Orihime." Yoruichi told her. "I'm sure Rangiku won't let anything bad happen to him."

Tatsuki crossed her arms. "That's reassuring, but what are we going to do in the meantime?"

"I'm going to be practicing my Quincy abilities." Haruko announced. "If Grand Fisher does return, I have to be prepared."

Yoruichi told the others, "I'm going to be training Orihime to use her new powers. If we're going to face Grand Fisher again, or any other Hollows for that matter, we all have to be in top shape."

"Yeah, I guess so." Tatsuki walked away silently.

Orihime was confused. "Tatsuki?"

Haruko raised an eyebrow. "What's up with her?"

Yoruichi crossed her arms. "I think I know."

At the park, Haruko arrived at the rendevous point where she was expecting to meet up with Meninas, tucked safely between a dumpster and the cinder block-and-mortar bathrooms. She took special care to make sure Yoruichi and Kisuke weren't following her.

"Okay, I'm at the spot, I think."

Moments later, a shadow came up the wall of the bathrooms and out came Meninas. "Hello, Haruko."

"Good to see you, Meninas." Haruko bowed.

Meninas giggled at her cousin's gesture. "Were you followed?"

Haruko shook her head. "I don't think so."

"Then let's get going," said Meninas, gesturing to the shadow.

Stepping in, Haruko and Meninas returned to Silbern to continue Haruko's Quincy training.

Back in the basement, Yoruichi and Orihime explained to Orihime what she would have to do.

"Lessons?"

"You'll need them if you want to learn more," Yoruichi pointed out.

Orihime agreed. "I suppose I do, but this all seems so sudden."

"I know it does, Orihime." Yoruichi got to the point. "Remember: Ichigo is preparing for his rematch against Grand Fisher and he'll be stronger if, no, when he returns. If you also want to use the new powers awakening inside you, then you will have to agree to take my lessons. After that, the choice will be yours whether you want to fight with him or not."

Orihime's face tipped down. "But… I'm scared."

Yoruichi placed her hand on Orihime's shoulder and smiled.

"...Yoruichi?"

"I won't force you, Orihime. This has to be your choice."

Orihime pondered on it for a bit, and then nodded. "Ichigo was scared, too, wasn't he?"

Suddenly, they heard a voice. "Oh wow, Yoruichi, you know how to motivate people."

The two women recognized that voice.

"Well thank you, Kon, that's-" Yoruichi's words were cut off as Kon, in Ichigo's body, suddenly groped them. "Ah!"

"Confident women are so sexy, especially-."

"HANDS OFF!" Yoruichi suddenly kicked Kon in the gut, sending him flying into a rock.

Kon coughed but giggled.

Orihime looked at Yoruichi. "Yoruichi, what about Tatsuki?"

"I'll go talk to her." Yoruichi placed her hand on Orihime's shoulder. "In the meantime, focus on your training. Practice finding your power and calling it out. Kon and Momone will be here to help if you need them."

At the ice-crusted palace, Haruko and Meninas arrived and were greeted by the other Quincy girls.

"Well, well, the rookie returns."

"Hello, fellow Bambis." Haruko waved at them all. "Giselle, Lilltato, Bambietta, Candice, you're all looking well."

Bambietta smirked. "And you look like you haven't grown much since the last time we trained you."

"Although, you have grown in other areas," said Liltotto matter-of-factly, taking note of Haruko's boobs.

"That's why I'm here," Haruko pointed out, "to continue my Quincy training."

"We know that, Rookie." Candice pointed her finger at Haruko. "We all overheard your phone call with Meninas!"

"Yes indeed," said Giselle. "It was hard not to, since you called her during our game of Go Fish."

"Anyway," said Bambietta, "let's relocate to one of the training areas so we can get started."

"Bambi's right." Meninas took out something from her cleavage. "Oh, I believe you'll need this for your training."

Haruko recognized it right away. "My cross."

Tatsuki stood at the cliff side where she and the others once saved Haruko from the Tapeworm Hollow. She looked at Karakura Town below her and sighed, feeling completely left out.

"Tatsuki?"

Tatsuki jumped and saw Yoruichi standing right behind her. "Yoruichi? What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that." Yoruichi crossed her arms. "What are you doing all the way out here?"

Tatsuki sighed and looked down at the town again. "I don't want to get in the way."

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow. "In what way?"

"It's just that everyone, even you, are training to take on Grand Fisher when he comes back and you all have these crazy powers." Tatsuki blinked. "I don't have anything to offer, okay? I'm not a Soul Reaper, either a substitute or a real one, I don't have a Quincy thing, I can't produce a healing drool, as gross as that is. Even Orihime has those… fairies… I'm just… an ordinary human."

Yoruichi chuckled. "That's not true Tatsuki."

"And that's not funny!"

"Think about it, Tatsuki!"

Tatsuki swallowed her prepared retort..

"Who looked after Orihime all this time?" Yoruichi began reminding Tatsuki. "Who had more insight into Ichigo than the rest of us? Who stood her ground against Kon and Momone during their rampage or Grand Fisher when he used his lure to hurt everyone emotionally? Most importantly, who got Ichigo back on his feet shortly after his mother died?"

Tatsuki took a deep breath. "I did…"

"Exactly!" Yoruichi went on. "Now, are you just going to run away or are you going to improve yourself? If you want to run away, I won't stop you, but if you want to get stronger as well, I'm more than willing to help."

Tatsuki thought about it for a moment before answering. "That's reassuring, but who's going to protect Karakura Town from Hollows while Ichigo and Rangiku are training?"

Yoruichi took out a katana. "Well, want to take up that responsibility?"

Tatsuki looked at the katana, then at Yoruichi. "Is that what I think it is?"

Yoruichi smiled. "It's your choice. Take your time to think about it."

Putting her "katana" away, Yoruichi turned back to the road Tatsuki had taken. "In the meantime, let's get back. I left Orihime in the care of Kon and Momone."

"Yeah, we- You did WHAT?!"

Yoruichi and Tatsuki hurried back to the basement. To their surprise, they saw Orihime doing a lot of grunting while sticking her hands in the air and having one foot off the ground like a ballerina.

Momone sighed. "She's completely hopeless."

Yoruichi shot a look at Momone. "Has she been at this ever since I left?"

Momone nodded her head. "At this rate, she'll never be able to hold her own against Grand Fisher if he returns."

"Wait!... That's not fair!" Orihime protested between grunts.

"Yeah, Momone, you're being too hard on her," Kon said. "She really is trying."

Yoruichi stepped in. "Quit it, stop whining. Orihime, unless you can activate your powers at will, you will die like a dog if you fight Grand Fisher again. Do you understand me?"

Orihime knew that Yoruichi was right and nodded.

"It's not that hard." Yoruichi explained. "All you have to do is remember the first time you used your powers and retrace those steps."

"Well, that's easier said than done," Orihime replied. "I was so desperate that first time."

"What were you so desperate about?"

"Well I…" Orihime thought about it for a moment, and then it hit her. She remembered when Grand Fisher almost killed Tatsuki and when he tried to kill Haruko. "I, uh, at that time– I was so desperate, so desperate, desperate to save Tatsuki! That's it! When Grand Fisher almost killed Tatsuki, I was so desperate to save her!"

Kon noticed Orihime's hair pins glow. "Hey Orihime, it's shining!"

"Really?" Orihime checked her hair pin.

Next thing everyone knew, Orihime's hair pin petals transformed into her six "fairies" once again.

Orhime was delighted. "Hey guys!"

Shun'ō was the first to talk. "You summoned? If you ever need us, don't hesitate. Just call and ask for help."

Tsubaki bumped into Shun'ō. "But considering this situation, for what possible reason would you need our help?"

"Because that's our job," Shun'ō reminded Tsubaki.

Orihime giggled nervously. "I'm sorry. I was remembering when Tatsuki was in trouble and then–"

Orihime's explanation was cut off as Tsubaki pulled her hair. "You weren't in any danger, and yet you called for us?! You terrible little hussy."

While Orihime tried to shake off Tsubaki, Tatsuki couldn't help but giggle at her friend's predicament. "Yoruichi."

"Yeah."

"I think I'll take you up on that offer."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay then." Yoruichi took out her "katana" again and unsheathed the blade.

Tatsuki then took the blade, forced down every instinct that told her seppuku killed people, and shoved it through her chest.

In the Shattered Shaft, Ichigo was trying to get to the top, without using his hands and, obviously, without success. All the while, Rangiku sat just a few feet in front of him, waiting patiently as Ichigo tried to pass the test. Unfortunately, after several hours, there was no progress. Well, there was no good progress, anyway. The corrosion on Ichigo's severed chain had reached his fifth link.

The fifth encroachment has just ended. Ichigo lay on the floor, still trying to figure out how to escape while also noticing something about the encroachment. There seems to be a cycle to all of this. First they start chomping. During these periods of encroachment, I can hardly move.

Ichigo tried to get up, still weary from literally feeling his soul decay. The chains are so painful. But, once they're done with a link, they fall asleep. So if I'm gonna move, it'll have to be while they're sleeping.

Ichigo got back up and started running up the walls.

Rangiku nodded. You've figured out the cycle and are taking advantage of it. But that won't be enough, Ichigo. You have to tap into your Soul Reaper powers in order to break out of this.

Naturally, Ichigo slipped down the shaft walls and fell back down to the bottom and Rangiku couldn't help but giggle at this. Ignoring this, Ichigo tried several more times, each ending with the same results. Rangiku's giggles gradually turned into sighs, then yawns, then quiet gasps of despair.

At the ice-crusted palace, the Bambis arrived at the training ground. There, a man with green eyes was training a group of new recruits. His hair was in a long mohawk, complemented by two metal nuts piercing his upper-left ear and a bolt through his lower-right ear.

"Again!"

The new recruits, all of them wearing Quincy Bangles, drew their bows and fired their arrows at the human-shaped targets.

"I-I see Sir Bazz-B hasn't lost his touch," Haruko stuttered.

"Again!"

"Yeah, he's been training these newbies all day and some of them can't produce their own bows." Bambietta sighed. "They have to wear those Quincy Bangles to help them grasp the concept on how to gather Reishi."

Haruko giggled nervously while looking at her Quincy Bangle. "That takes me back."

"Anyway, why do you keep calling him Sir?" Candice asked. "He's not a high-ranking officer or anything within the Sternritter."

"I'm just trying to be polite, Candice." Haruko said, defending herself.

Suddenly, a tall, young-looking man with a thin build and long blonde hair walked up to the group. "I see you have returned, Haruko."

"Grandmaster Haschwalth." Haruko bowed her head.

Haschwalth raised his hand. "At ease."

Haruko straightened herself up.

"Now, what brings you back here?"

"I wish to continue my Quincy training." Haruko explained the situation to Haschwalth.

"I see. So, this Ichigo has begun his Soul Reaper training."

"Yes, sir." Haruko nodded her head. "However, his spiritual pressure is reaching levels higher than I expected. If I'm going to steal his Bankai when he obtains it, I'll need to keep up with him and at my current level, I cannot."

"I see." Haschwalth started to turn. "Come with me, all of you."

Haschwalth led the Bambis to another training area, which was a study chamber the size of a football field. Once they entered, the door closed behind them.

Haruko asked, "So, this is where I'll be training?"

"It is." Haschwalth confirmed. "Now, I'll leave you up to it."

Haschwalth left the chamber.

"Okay first of all, Haruko, you should change into more appropriate clothes," Bambietta told her.

"Huh?" Haruko was confused. "What's wrong with my clothes?"

"Nothing yet, but when we start your training, they're likely to get damaged, or dirty at least." Giselle pointed out. "And believe me, rookie, we don't plan on holding back against you."

Haruko pushed her glasses back and giggled. "Honestly Gigi, I'd be upset if you did."

"Alright, enough chit chat." Bambietta pulled out a uniform similar to the one Meninas was wearing. Evidently, she'd been expecting this before Haruko had arrived. "Put this on."

Haruko did as she was told and changed clothes. Like her cousin's, her uniform consisted of a frilled skirt, frilled gloves, frilled boots, leggings, a belt with a heart-shaped buckle, a large purple bow with a white symbol around her neck, and a white cap with gold trimmings, which featured a black peak and their insignia emblazoned on its front, turned sideways. Once she was in her uniform, she took out her cross. "Okay, who will I be facing first?"

"Me of course, Cousin." Meninas drew her bow and aimed it at Haruko. "And like Gigi said, I'm not holding back."

"And as I said to her, I'd be disappointed if you did." Haruko drew her bow and aimed it at Meninas.

Haruko and Meninas then fired their arrows at one another.

In the basement, Orihime was trying to learn how to use her powers, but Tsubaki was still chasing her, trying to pull her hair.

"Tsubaki, enough already." Shun'ō finally called out. "You've been chasing her for hours now and she hasn't gotten any training done."

But Shun'ō's words fell on deaf ears.

Hinagiku sighed, "Oh dear me, he's still on a terrible rampage."

"Sometimes Tsubaki is so rough." Baigon agreed. "But this is getting out of hand."

Tsubaki continued to chase Orihime until Kon couldn't take it anymore and stepped in. Moving fast, he grabbed the little "fairy" and held him close to his face. "That's enough."

Tsubaki struggled to break free. "Unhand me, right now!"

"I will, but on one condition." Kon narrowed his eyes. "Stop chasing Orihime. You've done enough chasing for one day."

Orihime placed her hand on Kon's wrist. "It's alright, Kon. I can take it from here."

Kon looked at Orihime and she, thanks to Rangiku and Yoruichi's advice, wrapped her arms right underneath her breasts and bounced them a bit while giggling. "It's nice that you're so concerned, though!"

Kon chortled like a goon and released the fairy. Tsubaki, to his credit, didn't resume his chase.

"Well done, Orihime, you used those feminine charms. Rangiku and I taught you well." Yoruichi sighed. "Although it seems to me that you're going to need a bit more practice when it comes to taming your own power."

Orihime rubbed the back of her head. "I guess so."

Suddenly a large man appeared. "Excuse me, perhaps I can help."

Yoruichi turned and recognized who it was. "Hacchi!"

Hour 70:

"Damn it!"

"You're not going to get up the shaft by just lying there, Ichigo."

Ichigo snapped. "Easy for you to say, Rangiku! You tied my hand behind my back, remember?"

"If you have the energy to argue with me, you should use it on trying to escape."

"How the hell am I supposed to do that?" Ichigo demanded.

"Focus, Ichigo, focus on what you need to do," Rangiku instructed him.

"And what about my classes?" Ichigo remembered his school days.

"You're at risk of becoming a Hollow and you're worried about that?" Rangiku giggled. "Don't worry about it. This is a weekend, and even if it was a weekday, Kon and Momone would take care of things."

"Seriously? Kon and Momone?" Ichigo gaped with alarm. "They better not be doing anything weird with our bodies!"

"I see you're still holding a grudge against them." Rangiku sighed. "But Ichigo, they've proven themselves by helping Haruko and keeping your sisters safe during the incident with Grand Fisher."

"I guess." Ichigo groaned. "How am I supposed to tap into my Soul Reaper powers?"

"Look deep inside yourself, Ichigo," Rangiku instructed. "But beware. It's been 70 hours now and the last encroachment isn't like the others."

"What?"

Before Rangiku could answer, the last bit of Ichigo's chain started to encroach faster.

"The chain!" Ichigo gasped. "No way. Stop, all of you. STOP!"

It didn't take long for the encroachment to reach Ichigo's chest and soon the chain was gone completely, leaving a hole. Rangiku got her Zanpakuto ready as a white substance started erupting out of Ichigo's eyes and mouth. Ichigo screamed in terror as the substance tried to form a mask. This got the attention of Orihime who naturally ran up to the entrance of Shattered Shaft and looked down only to see the horrific sight. Rangiku prepared herself for the worst as she knew that this was the process of Hollowfication. But as it went on, she noticed something was off about the process.

"Ichigo!"

"Fight it, Ichigo!" Rangiku told him. "I know you're strong, you can resist this!"

"I-I can't!"

"Yes you can!" Rangiku encouraged him. "Just look at yourself! When a soul becomes a Hollow, first the spiritual body explodes and then it reforms! But in your case, the order is all mixed up! The mask is trying to form while your body is still a hole, and that means that you're resisting!"

Ichigo was shocked. "I'm… resisting?!"

"Focus, Ichigo!" Rangiku continued. "You can still become a Soul Reaper, but you have to keep fighting back!"

"I'm trying!" Ichigo screamed.

In his inner world, Ichigo heard Old Man Zangetsu's voice again and awoke to see him in the exact same position as before.

"It's you! Who are you?"

"Here we go again." Old Man Zangetsu sighed. "It's me. Zangetsu."

But for some reason, Ichigo didn't hear his name and raised an eyebrow in a confused manner.

Old Man Zangetsu sighed again. "It would seem I still cannot reach you."

No shit Sherlock. White Zangetsu rolled his eyes from inside the cloak. Someone doesn't trust you to tell him your actual name.

Old Man Zangetsu continued. "How very sad. Perhaps you can tell me how many times I must cry out before you can hear me, for there is no one in this world that knows me better than you do."

Ichigo was confused. "Huh? What are you talking about? I'm sorry, but I don't know anyone as depressing as you."

White Zangetsu snickered. Oh you don't know the half of it, Ichigo.

Ichigo then noticed that something was off. "How did you– it's like you're just floating in the air."

"You surprise me." Old Man Zangetsu continued playing Mr. Mysterious. "How can you just sit there in a place like that?"

Before Ichigo knew it, he was falling down the skyscraper to the pavement below, screaming.

Old Man Zangetsu followed him. "If you can scream, then you've got time, time to spare. Why are you worrying? Don't you know Soul Reapers rule death? In fact, they control many spiritual beings."

"Uh, look, whatever you're saying, I'm not a Soul Reaper yet!"

"Remember this." Old Man Zangetsu went on. "The Soul Reaper powers that Rangiku Matsumoto managed to take back from you were nothing more than powers that she gave to you. Apparently, she knew that you had your own Soul Reaper powers and that it could not activate so long as you continued to rely on hers."

Ichigo blinked. "So it's true, I really have Soul Reaper powers?"

"Yes, the Soul Reaper powers you have were awakened with the help of Rangiku Matsumoto's own power," said the Old Man. "It hid itself in the very depths of your soul in an instant before she took back her own powers. It is still there."

How'd I let you talk me into letting you be us? White Zangetsu pouted.

Old Man Zangetsu turned in mid-air so that his body was pointing up as white boxes started raining down. "Now, find it. If there ever was a time when you must find the power of the Soul Reaper that had hidden itself in you, then that next time is now since the world has begun to collapse. See these boxes raining down, surrounding you? Inside one of them lies your Soul Reaper powers. It is up to you to find it."

"What? This doesn't make sense!"

But Old Man Zangetsu wasn't having any of it. "I will not tolerate any more excuses. There is no time left. You must find it before this world is completely destroyed, or you will become a Hollow."

Ichigo flinched as he crashed into the ground below him. However, instead of splatting on the floor, he found himself splashing into some sort of pool? In it he was again surrounded by the white boxes.

Yeah, so what am I gonna do now? How am I supposed to find the one box out of all these that contains my Soul Reaper powers? What should I do? What was he thinking? I just don't have the ability to search out spirit energy. It's not possible.

In the Real World, Rangiku watched as Ichigo continued to fight back against the Hollowfication process. Again and again, a mask tried to form, but was quickly repelled.

I've never seen someone fight back against Hollowfication for this long. Rangiku thought. But how long can he keep this up?

At the top, Orihime couldn't bear seeing Ichigo go through this any longer and she prepared to jump into Shattered Shaft to help. "Ichigo…!"

But just as she was about to jump, Yoruichi stopped her at the last moment by grabbing her wrist. "Orihime, wait!"

Orihime tried to break free. "Let me go, I've got to help him!"

"No, Orihime." Yoruichi told her off. "If you go down there, you could be killed and Ichigo will be heartbroken!"

"I-" Orihime stuttered. "I can't just stand here and watch Ichigo suffer!"

Yoruichi gave Orihime a reassuring smile. "Have faith in him, Orihime. Remember, Rangiku's down there too. She'll handle it."

While still worried, Orihime nodded and watched as Ichigo continued to hold off the Hollowfication process.

Down below, perhaps on impulse, Rangiku ran to Ichigo and hugged him tightly. "You can do this Ichigo! I believe in you!"

As if hearing Rangiku's call, Ichigo flinched. No, Rangiku's right! I can do this! I've got to remember what she taught me! Let's see, there was that one time when we were trying to find Chad and that bird. That day, she taught me how to sense something called spirit ribbons. I found Yuichi's spirit ribbon and she found Yoruichi's spirit ribbon. Wait a minute, Yuichi's spirit ribbon was white while Yoruichi's spirit ribbon was red! Maybe, just maybe…

Ichigo looked around and found that all of the white boxes had spirit ribbons, but while nearly all of them were white, there was one that was red.

"That must be it!" Ichigo grabbed onto the red spirit ribbon. "I think I found it!"

Pulling on the ribbon, he opened the box and found the handle of a Zanpakuto, which confused him.

Old Man Zangetsu reappeared behind Ichigo. "You have done well in finding it. It is my hope that the next time you will hear my name."

Our name, you smelly old fart!

It started to make sense to Ichigo. "You couldn't possibly be–"

Before Ichigo could finish, the world started rumbling like an earthquake.

"What do you think you're doing?" Old Man Zangetsu told him. "It's crumbling. Hurry up. You must pull me out, now!"

Following his instincts, Ichigo took hold of the hilt.

In the real world, a Hollow mask was finally starting to form on Ichigo's face and Rangiku jumped away with alarm.

"It's no use, I've got no choice." Rangiku drew her Zanpakuto. "I'm sorry Ichigo, please, forgive me! GROWL: HAINE—"

"No, don't!"

Rangiku stopped her Shikai activation and looked behind herself to see her Zanpakuto spirit standing behind her. "Haineko?"

"It's alright, Rangiku." Haineko reassured her Soul Reaper. "Everything's going to be alright."

"Huh?" Rangiku turned back to Ichigo as he started to try and break free of her Kido spells.

Rangiku watched at Ichigo slowly but surely fought back against his Hollowfication. Next thing everyone knew, there was a huge burst of energy that erupted from Shattered Shaft like a volcano. Ichigo jumped out of the shaft and landed a few meters away from it. Orihime and Yoruichi stood at least 10 meters away from Ichigo, waiting for the dust to clear so they could see what had become of their boy.

Orihime called out first. "Ichigo, is that you? Please answer me!"

They saw a silhouette of Ichigo in the dust. Suddenly, Ichigo's eyes glowed, catching the two off guard. When the dust cleared, Ichigo was revealed, wearing a Soul Reaper shihakusho, in place of his Human clothes, and a Hollow mask on his face, and carrying a Zanpakuto on his back.

A shihakusho and a mask? Yoruichi mentally noted. Is he a Hollow, or is he a Soul Reaper?

Orihime trembled upon seeing that mask.

Rangiku emerged from the Shattered Shaft and saw this as well.

Ichigo took hold of his sword and unsheathed it, revealing it to be the very same oversized blade he had when he was borrowing Rangiku's powers.

Rangiku approached with caution. "Ichigo, can you hear me?"

Ichigo looked at Rangiku, then used his Zanpakuto's handle to smash the mask in two. The lower half fell to the floor in pieces while he used his left hand to take off the upper half. Once it was off, he smiled at her. "Yeah, I hear you, Rangiku."

Unable to hold back, Rangiku teared up and smiled before jumping at Ichigo and embracing him, much to his shock. "Oh, congratulations Ichigo! You passed the test!"

Although confused at first, especially upon feeling her boobs press against his chest, Ichigo let his instincts take over and hugged Rangiku back. After what he just went through, he needed a moment of comfort.

And that was chapter 14. Well there you have it, Nel has gotten her own Gigai, Ichigo has unlocked his own Soul Reaper Powers, Orihime has started learning how to use her powers at will, and Haruko has resumed her Quincy Training with the Bambis. On top of that Tatsuki has started something else. Next chapter will see Ichigo unlock his Shikai and we'll see what Tatsuki has become. Until then, stay tuned, and have a Happy New Year.

Author's Note: Like I said, this was an alternative version of Chapter 14 suggested by InsaneMakaioshin via his review. If this alternative version fails to satisfy, I will reupload the original version.

Chapter 15: The Blade and Me