Well... here we are again. Another chapter... :D In this chapter... we'll see Ichigo... doing some stuff! Bl And on that bombshell, the Review Corner!

Clemerl:Why, thank you. Please enjoy

darkmachines:A 'like' for Loly is a bit of an... understatement...*quickly closes closet door so sunlight won't pentrate the pure gold Loly statue* I keep forgetting to check out your stories :O I'm sorry! Please enjoy though!

Umbra8191:Well, here you go :D

Orchamus:I am trying to have make this story humorous, but with underlying tones of seriousness :P Glad 'you people' like it :D Please continue to enjoy

EVA-Saiyajin:Thank you very much! I will try!

Farmer Kyle:I'm very glad you're liking it so much :) Hopefully, I can continue to write in a way that people find tolerable

halberd42:I'm sorry I inadvertently hurt you T_T Don't sue me! I hope this chapter gets a good rating from you :P

cmcwiki:*rises from behind couch* Hey, hey! I'm a teenager! D: But, I do get what you're saying... you know what there needs to be more of? IchigoxLoly!

BicolourRaptor:Well, your wait is over!

King of the Fallen:Hope this update was fast enough for ya. Enjoy, will ya?

Inverness:I agree. Ichigo's not evil. And no matter how good the author, Ichigo just can't be portrayed as evil.

B.W. Ink:Sorry the update rate has ya annoyed. I suppose you would be correct in assuming I 'have a life' XD I did start at a new High School a couple weeks ago, plus I have a job I work at immediately following school... but I'm trying *Pumps fist*

urfan:I'm glad you like it so much. I do love those type of stories too... particularly why I no longer follow Naruto :D

Anonymous(1):...Write that story! *Explodes* I dunno if you're just trying to ellicit a faster update from me, but if you're not, write it! There needs to be more! More! Moar!*Explodes*

Toaneo07 version 2.0:Err... is that sarcasm? ^_^ I hope not :o

Rc1212:Well... enjoy!

Anonymous(2):Maybe he buried them to make a arm tree? *drum set dun-dun-ding*

Anonymous(3):*Shields face from possible projectile*

BlakeDuff:You flatter me XD Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope this chapter doesn't change that opinion in any way

Nameless Sky:Perhaps that secret will come out in da future? 0_o

Grinja:Hmm... should I add Menoly? :o I was kinda going for a strict IchigoxLoly here

Officer Hot-Pants:I wil ltry to be careful. It is hard to not make my favorite character even more B.A. I will admit :P

jyubi10:I hope Ichigo remains to be one of the strongest characters, what with the recent turn of events in the manga :x

A:Perhaps, but I felt this type of relationship would fit Loly. Rest assured, though, it will escalate... and stuff :D

btalover:XD Thanks very much! Here's moar!

Nexus the 13th:Act more Hollow? ... Nah, not so much :/ Doing that would make Ichigo only himself in name, and dat's not cool *shakes head* Besides, being turned into a Hollow, and then getting rational thought, doesn't mean you have to act like a Hollow. 'Specially considering Ichigo's character

Well, dere ya go. I'm finished with dat. On with the chapter!

(Las Noches)

"Very impressive, Kurosaki-san." Aizen complimented. To Aizen's initial surprise, Ichigo had appeared before him requesting that he instruct him in the use of Bakudō. They had been at it for close to thirty minutes now. So far, Ichigo had gotten down Bakudō Numbers One, Four, and Nine. "Perhaps a little slow at first, but you learn quickly." He added, examining Ichigo's work.

"Yeah, well, it'd help if I had a clearer explanation on how to do it." Ichigo replied, waving his free hand.

"It is as I said, Kurosaki-san. Trying to describe how to use a Bakudō is difficult, like trying to describe color to someone who is blind." Aizen told Ichigo, frowning slightly. "I find that you either understand it or you don't. Fortunately for you, you seem to be able to catch on quickly."

"Heh, thanks." Ichigo scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"Now, it might be prudent to release Gin-san" Aizen suggested, an amused expression on his face. Ichigo blinked, then turned to look at Gin, who was still bound by Bakudō Number Nine, Horin. The particular spell was an orange hued tendril, crackling with yellow energy that shot from the wielder's fingertips and wrapped around an area of the target. Almost like a lasso.

"Yes, I think so too." Gin blinked.

"Whoops, my bad…how do I do that?" Ichigo asked, feeling rather stupid.

"Simply cut off your flow of reiatsu to the technique." Aizen instructed simply. Ichigo nodded and did as Aizen had said. Cancelling his flow of reiatsu, something that should have been obvious, the lasso-like attack dissipated. Gin frowned.

"That was unpleasant," the man said simply. "Guess you never can 'get ready' to be paralyzed, eh?" he asked humorously. Ichigo snorted. As much as Gin creeped Ichigo out, he was a rather friendly person, overall. He was always in a joking mood, never really taking things seriously, or caring. Ichigo admitted he was starting to like the person.

"Ok. What's next?" Ichigo asked, turning back to Aizen.

"Next? Do you wish to learn a Hadō this time?" Aizen's eyes actually seemed to twinkle at the prospect of teaching a destructive spell, eager to see what results Ichigo would yield. He was disappointed when Ichigo shook his head.

"Nah. Another Bakudō is fine." He answered with a slight wave of his hand. To be honest, Ichigo was having fun. This Bakudō stuff could really come in handy, whether it be a fight or disciplining Arrancar, something he hasn't done, but it doesn't hurt to prepare.

"Very well. Next, you can try something a little more complicated." Aizen started. "Let's see here…"

"Aizen-sama, perhaps Kurosaki-kun would find Bakudō Number Sixty One enjoyable?" Gin suggested, with a carefree grin on his face while doing so. Aizen raised an eyebrow.

"Sixty One, you say? That would be quite the jump, wouldn't it?" Aizen asked, almost patronizing, turning to Ichigo for input. Ichigo shrugged.

"Hey, I'll give it a shot." He said, ready to try anything.

"If you wish. Now, observe closely." Aizen told Ichigo, pointing his index finger at Gin, who blinked in surprise.

"Wait, on me-?"

"Bakudō Sixty-One. Rikujokoro." Aizen said calmly. There was a sudden spark of yellow energy at Aizen's fingertip, before six beams of light suddenly appeared at slammed together at Gin's midsection. Ichigo's eyebrow rose in curiosity. "This Bakudō completely immobilizes your target, as you can see."

It was obvious that Gin was trying to move his limbs, but couldn't, despite his attempt to break free. It was useless though, the spell holding strong. Then, with a flick of his wrist, Aizen cancelled the spell, freeing Gin.

"If you would like to know the incantation, it is 'Carriage of Thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six." Aizen informed Ichigo, waiting to see Ichigo's attempt. Ichigo nodded and pointed at Gin, just as Aizen had done.

"Bakudo Sixty-One! Rikujokoro!" Ichigo declared. Mirroring what he had seen Aizen do moments earlier in terms of stance and reiatsu, Ichigo cast the spell. Ichigo's fingertip sparked, right before six beams of light slammed into Gin's midsection, effectively immobilizing him. It seemed to be perfect, but the beams of light seemed to be crackling with energy.

"Ow… ow… ow." Gin repeated in monotone, his eyes slightly open. Ichigo observed curiously, then looked at Aizen.

"Is that supposed to happen?" He asked with a sweat drop.

"Decidedly no." Aizen answered, also observing curiously. "Though, I could see such usefulness in the technique, particularly if the electricity could be amplified."

"Ow."

"Yeah, I see your point. If it was strong enough, getting caught by the spell would be the end of the fight." Ichigo observed, trying to recall how he had done the spell to make it this way.

"Ow."

"This is most curious. I'm surprised I hadn't thought of it. Using a Bakudō with the reiatsu manipulation of a Hadō." Aizen was going through the list of Bakudō in his head for examples that could be made destructive.

"Is that what I did?" Ichigo questioned. "In that case, it might be better to learn some Hadō to get that, what was it, 'reiatsu manipulation' down." He blinked, feeling dumb.

"Ok, ow."

"That would be most beneficial. Perhaps later." Aizen told Ichigo. "It is time I return to the Soul Society." Ichigo blinked.

"The Soul Society? What for?" He asked confused.

"Oh, I've forgotten to tell you. Gin-san, Tosen, and myself are masquerading as Captains of the Gotei Thirteen." He said, quite pleased with himself at the fact.

"Starting to hurt."

"Really? Wow." Ichigo replied. That was definitely an advantage. "What are you planning to do there?"

"All in due time." Aizen answered stoically.

"I'd like to know." Ichigo said, a little seriously. "It'd only help."

"Perhaps." Aizen almost shrugged.

"Pain."

"For now, my operations in Soul Society will remain on a need to know basis." He told Ichigo, who sighed.

"Fine, whatever." Ichigo conceded. "I think it's about time I see how my Fraccion are doing. They might be done with their training exercise."

"Training them? Aizen raised an eyebrow.

"First, my Fraccion. Then, the Numeros. Then, the Espada." Ichigo smirked mischievously.

"Oh really?" Aizen asked. "That would be most amusing."

"It will be." Ichigo vowed.

"Then go ahead and return to your Fraccion." Aizen told Ichigo. "But first…" He trailed off, gesturing to Gin.

"Oh, whoops." Ichigo cancelled the Bakudō right away, releasing Gin. "My bad."

"No worries, Kurosaki-san." Gin waved him off, slightly twitching. "It was a 'shocking' experience." He said humorously. Ichigo sweat dropped.

"If you say so." He shrugged. "Later." With that, Ichigo disappeared with Sonido.

"Gin, why didn't you simply dispel Kurosaki-san's attack?" Aizen asked, turning to Gin.

"I tried." Gin frowned. "I couldn't. It was like trying to escape from a Bakudō you cast… plus, it hurt." He added.

"Interesting."

(Outside of Ichigo's Palace)

"Sleeping on the job?" Ichigo asked Loly and Menoly, a small grin on his face to show he wasn't serious.

"Shove… it." Loly managed, looking up at him, her chin on the rough sand.

"It's not what it looks like, Ichigo-sama." Menoly explained. Unlike her sister, whom was unceremoniously splayed out on the sand, Menoly was sitting up. Of course, it looked strenuous for her to do so. "We just finished the exercise a few minutes ago and we were waiting for you."

"You finished?" Ichigo was surprised, and impressed. "All three hundred?"

"Yes, sir." Menoly nodded respectfully. Ichigo whistled.

(An Hour and a Half Ago)

Ichigo had given Loly a couple of minutes to rest after her display of rebellion before he got started with his training plan for them. What he had in mind was simple really. Just a simple Sonido exercise.

"So, what exactly is it you'll have us doing to get faster?" Loly asked, ready to start. Menoly stood next to her sister at attention. Ok, Loly would admit she a little anxious. If Ichigo was really going to teach them how to become even remotely fast as he was, it might be worth it.

"It's easy." Ichigo assured them. He raised a hand up and beckoned Loly. "Come here." Loly blinked, but did as she was told and walked up to stand in front of Ichigo. Ichigo then took a step to his left. "Now, Sonido next to me."

Again, Loly blinked, but reluctantly did as she was told. With Sonido, she vanished from her spot and appeared a foot to her left, standing next to Ichigo. Ichigo nodded at her, then took two steps to his right.

"Again." He instructed. Menoly already caught on to what they were going to be doing. Loly, now becoming slightly annoyed at the thought of being teased, Sonido'd again and appeared next to him. "Now, do you understand what I'm having you do?"

"Uh, no." Loly deadpanned.

"You want us to use Sonido over and over again, going a couple feet farther with each use?" Menoly answered with a question. Ichigo grinned.

"What does that accomplish?" Loly asked, starting to think this was a waste.

"You'll see, ok?" Ichigo said, still grinning. "Three hundred times. Back and forth, non-stop. Got it?" It looked liked he was about to receive a protest, but he continued before it could be heard. "I'm going to go ask Aizen something. Therefore, I won't be here to watch you two. So, I won't be able to make sure you do it while I'm gone, but it would be better if you did." He said, mischievously. Loly sighed, exasperated, but only nodded.

"Yes, sir." Menoly affirmed with an eager nod. The exercise was so simple it was funny. What could go wrong?

"I'll see you two later."

(Present Time)

"I must say, I'm impressed." Ichigo told them. "Good job."

Menoly grinned briefly, glad that she hadn't disappointed him. She then rested her head on her arms. Loly simply groaned to confirm that she had heard Ichigo.

"Training's over for today. You two should probably get some rest." Ichigo advised them.

"I can't move." Loly told him, managing to turn her head to rest her cheek on the ground. Ichigo rolled his eyes.

"Don't be overdramatic." He said, looking amused.

"I'm not!" Loly protested. "My legs feel like mush… and I can't feel my arms."

"What do you want me to do about it?" Ichigo asked sarcastically.

"You know something? You're heavy." Ichigo complained. This comment was rewarded with a sharp whack to his head from Loly.

"Shut up! I am not, you asshole!" Loly growled out, actually appearing menacing. Ichigo almost gulped, then he noticed something.

"Oh, look at that. You can move again." He said, turning his head slightly to look at her with a smirk. Loly twitched.

"So what if I can? Don't be lazy." She retorted. Loly was certainly enjoying this, despite her outward attitude. While she had been surprised when Ichigo had agreed, albeit reluctantly, it served as a perfect way to get back at him. However, she was enjoying it for… another reason. She did find that she liked his touch on her legs. Loly blushed lightly. Menoly was walking behind them, walking quietly, and watching them. "Now, deliver me to my room-wah!"

Ichigo let go of Loly, dropping her on the couch in the common area of their Palace. "Don't push it." Ichigo said, holding back a laugh. Loly pouted, before she got comfortable on the couch, intending to go to sleep immediately. Ichigo shook his head.

"What're you going to do?" He asked turning to Menoly.

"I don't know." Menoly admitted. "Is there, um, something I can get you?" She asked awkwardly. Ichigo only grinned at her offer, but shook his head.

"No thanks." He politely declined.

"Well, ok. What are you going to do?" Menoly asked him curiously.

"No clue." Ichigo deadpanned. "Maybe help Szayel? Nnoitora said he wanted to fight me, perhaps I could do that. Or, I could just practice my Bakudō."

"Bakudō? You learned Bakudō" Menoly asked, surprised.

"Oh. Yeah. When you mentioned it yesterday, I wanted to find out more about it. Well, you know how I told you I wanted to ask Aizen something while you two were training?" He asked, to which Menoly nodded, recalling it. "I went and asked him to teach me some Bakudō. He did, surprisingly. When I get it down, I can teach you if you want." He offered.

"Oh. That'd be… great." Menoly answered, taken aback by the offer. "Really, it would."

"Alright. Just say when." Ichigo told her. He turned and began to leave. "Catch ya later."

"Bye." Menoly replied, before Ichigo vanished.

(The Primera's Palace)

"Harribel-san?" Starrk blinked at the Tercera's unexpected arrival.

"Starrk-san, Lilynette-chan." Harribel greeted with a slight nod of her head.

"Hi, Harribel-sama!" Lilynette greeted happily. She then grinned awkwardly and scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. "Should I leave?"

"That is not necessary. I would like both of your opinions on something." Harribel told her. Starrk sighed.

"What is it?" He asked, a little disinterested.

"I have my own concerns, but I want to know what you thought." Harribel told him. "What do you think of our new Cero?" She asked bluntly. Starrk opened his mouth to say something.

"He's funny." Lilynette grinned, answered before Starrk could. Harribel raised an eyebrow. "He's pretty cool, too."

"Hm, indeed." Harribel replied, to which Lilynette pouted cutely at being dismissed.

"I've only talked to the guy once, and it was before he became the Cero." Starrk began, appearing to be contemplating his answer. "I think he's a good man."

"Really?" Harribel was taken aback. She hadn't been expecting that answer, especially from Starrk.

"Yes." Starrk scratched his goatee, feeling a little odd. "It may be strange… but it's just a feeling I have, and I've learned to trust my instincts."

"…" Harribel said nothing.

"What about you?" Starrk asked, lowering his hand and putting both of them in his pockets lazily.

"I am… unsure. I can't help but feel suspicious about his intentions." Harribel admitted. "He seems too… different."

"How so?" Starrk asked.

"He appears to be taking his rank into stride." Harribel told him. Starrk frowned deeply. "Not as you think, though. Ichigo…sama appears to be befriending the Espada."

"That's… bad?" Starrk raised an eyebrow. He certainly couldn't find any fault with that.

"Like I said, he's different. I am simply curious about his intentions." Harribel said, adjusting her arms comfortably.

"Look, he hasn't given me any reason to be his enemy." Starrk told her sternly.

"I know." Harribel almost sighed reluctantly.

"You're thinking too hard. Perhaps what the Espadas need are some camaraderie with each other?" He suggested, personally liking the idea for obvious reasons.

"I find that highly unlikely." Harribel said blankly.

"Well, no one's ever tried. You and I talk, but that's about it." Starrk said. "What's he doing?"

"From what I can tell, he has already befriended Szayel. Though he would deny it, I believe it is the same with him and Grimmjow." Harribel answered. "I can't help but keep a close eye on him."

"Hn."

"Currently, he is sparring with Nnoitora." Harribel informed.

"I'm tired." Starrk said suddenly. Harribel twitched in annoyance, but didn't argue with the Primera, deciding it would be a waste of time.

"Expect a visit from him soon." Harribel warned, turning swiftly on her heel to leave. Starrk merely watched her leave with a disinterested expression. When Harribel left, Lilynette spoke up.

"You're not really going back to sleep, are you?" She whined out.

"Yep" was his blunt answer.

"Oh, come on! You just got up!" Lilynette protested.

"Yeah, and now I'm tired again." Starrk said, covering a yawn with a gloved hand.

"Fine! I'm going out then!" Lilynette threatened. Starrk stared blankly.

"No you're not." He challenged.

"Yes I am!" Lilynette shot back. She began to walk away. "See?"

"Uh-huh."

"Yeah, I'll go out. I'll have loads of fun too! Then come back hours from now!" Lilynette declared. Starrk had already turned around to go to his room.

"Don't get lost" was all he said before disappearing up the stairs.

"Grr." Lilynette growled. What now? Go ahead and stay? No. No way. She'd show Starrk, the lazy ass, she could find something to do. But what to do?" "Hm…"

She snapped her fingers. Harribel had said Ichigo was sparring with Nnoitora, right? Nnoitora's palace actually wasn't that far away from Starrk's, and it might be fun to watch. It was decided. Lilynette would go watch the fight. She broke off into a jog and left the palace.

Starrk was already fast asleep and unaware of his Fraccion's departure.

(Near Nnoitora's Palace)

"You're not half-bad, Nnoitora!" Ichigo called out, smirking, as he jumped back a few feet to avoid a long swipe from Nnoitora's unique zanpakuto. Nnoitora suddenly rushed Ichigo, swinging strongly and precisely.

"Flattery will get you nowhere!" Nnoitora replied, smirking wildly. The two exchanged parries briefly, before Nnoitora brought his large weapon up into the air. "Come on!" He swung it down at Ichigo. Holding his stance firmly, Ichigo brought his zanpakuto up and blocked the strong attack. Right away, Nnoitora brought his zanpakuto to his side and swung it again, horizontally, at Ichigo.

Ichigo leaned back to dodge the wide attack, but Nnoitora suddenly stopped mid-attack, his weapon right above Ichigo. Nnoitora stabbed forward, intending to catch Ichigo in the throat with the blade of the forward crescent. Cursing inwardly, Ichigo reacted. Bringing his own blade up, he blocked the strike. He immediately followed through with a riposte, making Nnoitora's blade slide forward. Under his guard, Ichigo thrust forward with his zanpakuto, aiming for the stomach. Before the attack could be followed through, Ichigo suddenly had to jump up into the air as Nnoitora pulled his weapon back sharply, aiming for Ichigo's midsection with the reverse crescent of the weapon.

Ichigo landed a few meters away. Nnoitora was smirking at him. He was good, Ichigo admitted inwardly with an outward smirk of his own. The rules of the fight were set up to make things interesting. It was simple really. No Sonido or Resurreccion. It was definitely testing Ichigo's ability with just the blade, something Nnoitora seemed to have an advantage with, for obvious reasons. The Quinto definitely thought on his feet, and Ichigo respected that.

"Tired, Cero?" Nnoitora taunted.

"Who, me? No. You looked winded so I thought I'd give you a few seconds." Ichigo taunted right back. Nnoitora laughed loudly.

"I hate to say it, but you're wrong!" He declared proudly. Spinning his large weapon in a display of strength, Nnoitora cut the sand below him as he got into a stance. "Come on, Cero!"

Ichigo jumped forward and slashed vertically at Nnoitora. Quickly angling his polearm, Nnoitora blocked the attack with the staff of his weapon. The two entered a small battle of dominance, pushing against the other strongly. Then, Nnoitora suddenly spun his weapon, knocking Ichigo's zanpakuto away from his person and bringing the double crescents down on Ichigo.

Spinning to regain his footing, Ichigo blocked the attack where the two crescents met. For his lanky build, Nnoitora was surprisingly strong. However, Ichigo could see many improvements that could be made to Nnoitora's attacks and defense. For example-

"You're wide open." Ichigo smirked. Nnoitora laughed.

"So what if I am?" He asked. "Both of your hands are indisposed at the moment!"

"Oh really?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Nnoitora then noticed Ichigo's left hand. "Bala."

"Crap-" was all Nnoitora managed before the blast hit him, sending him backwards into a large boulder. It had been a rather weak Bala, in truth, but Ichigo hadn't intended it to harm Nnoitora.

"If that had been one of my regular Bala, you'd be dead or incapacitated." Ichigo informed casually. Nnoitora stood up. There wasn't a wound on him.

"Tch, is that so? Perhaps you don't know! I have the strongest Hierro of all the Espada!" Nnoitora announced. It was obvious he took great pride in the fact. "You could never so much as cut me!"

Ichigo would have retorted, but held his tongue. This he could use. He smirked. "We'll see."

"Give it your best shot!" Nnoitora challenged.

"Are you sure?" Ichigo asked slyly.

"Huh?"

Ichigo didn't answer. Instead, he charged Nnoitora. However, something was off about his zanpakuto. It was being held backwards, meaning the blunt side was facing Nnoitora rather than the sharp side.

"Just what do you intend to do with that?" Nnoitora shouted, before getting ready to block. When Ichigo wasn't swinging his weapon, Nnoitora took the initiative and made an attack of his own. He brought his weapon into the air, and then brought it down to catch Ichigo on the head painfully.

Ichigo sidestepped the attack suddenly, causing the weapon to strike the ground strongly. He spun into Nnoitora's guard, and then swung his zanpakuto as you would a baseball bat.

Clang!

The blunt side of Ichigo's blade struck Nnoitora in the head. To Nnoitora's complete surprise, it hurt, a lot. His ears were ringing and his vision seemed to blur from the blunt trauma. He was disoriented. Ichigo didn't stop though. Bringing his right arm back, he struck Nnoitora in the stomach three consecutive times with the hilt of his zanpakuto. Again, it hurt Nnoitora more than he thought it would have.

Nnoitora's grip on his weapon failed. He dropped it and coughed violently a couple of times. Managing to look at Ichigo, he tried to speak. "H-how the fu-?"

"I don't have to cut you to beat you. You've probably got some internal bruising there." Ichigo told him, sheathing his zanpakuto confidently. Nnoitora sneered.

"You bastard." Regaining his composure, Nnoitora suddenly grabbed his weapon again. Ichigo suddenly had a hand on the staff of Nnoitora's weapon, holding firmly in place. His free hand was opened and on Nnoitora's stomach.

"I win." Ichigo said with a slight smirk.

"Like hell you do!" Nnoitora brought his head back and then forward, head butting Ichigo. Ichigo's own head went back, as if the attack had hurt him. Then, Ichigo came back with a head butt of his own, striking Nnoitora in the forehead. It hadn't hurt Nnoitora that much, but it surprised the hell out of him. The Cero had a pair.

"You could improve." Ichigo said, releasing his grip on Nnoitora's zanpakuto. He took a couple of steps back.

"Bull-." Nnoitora began before Ichigo cut him off.

"I'll admit your Hierro is strong, very strong, compared to the other Espada." Ichigo told him. "But, like I said, I don't have to cut you to beat you."

"…" Nnoitora remained quiet, slightly curious as to what Ichigo was getting at.

"Your Hierro could be as hard as steel, and steel is hard to cut." Ichigo brought a hand up. A cero began to charge. "But it can be melted." The cero was dispelled. "It can be bent, too." He tapped his zanpakuto hilt.

"What're you getting at?" Nnoitora narrowed his eye.

"You're the Quinto, Nnoitora, but if you continue to fight the way you do now, you'll be easy prey to someone who knows basic Kido." Ichigo warned. "Killed off by some 'no-name' isn't much of an honorable end."

"Tch" Nnoitora's pride kept him from saying anything else. Ichigo was right. Nnoitora didn't know much about Kido, but, from watching Aizen, he knew it only took a couple flicks of the wrist to immobilize and kill someone with it. "What the hell are you suggesting?"

"It's up to you, Nnoitora, but I'd be willing to fight you whenever you wanted. Just seek me out and we'll go at it. And, if you'll let me, perhaps I can simply point a couple of things out as we fight." Ichigo offered carefully, knowing he could very well be insulting Nnoitora, rather than offering to help.

"Forget that." Nnoitora spat out bitterly. "The only thing I like about that is fighting whenever I feel like it. I'll do just that."

"Done" Ichigo nodded. Nnoitora stared for a couple of seconds, before he rested his weapon on his shoulder and turned. This was hidden from Ichigo's sight, but Nnoitora had his other hand on his stomach, trying to relieve the soreness.

Ichigo sighed in relief, and then grinned at his accomplishment. Nnoitora didn't say it, but Ichigo understood sure enough. That was three down, six to go. Whom should he try to befriend next? He sighed. Slowly, but surely.

"Waah!"

Plop!

Ichigo had turned just in time to see someone fall from a boulder onto the sand below. The person, someone Ichigo could tell was a she, was rather small. He then recognized her as Lilynette, Starrk's Fraccion. So that's why he had gotten the nagging feeling that he was being watched during the fight. He approached Lilynette as she spat out sand.

"Uh, Lilynette-san?" Ichigo asked with a slight sweat drop. At being addressed, Lilynette suddenly jumped up and patted the sand off her quickly.

"Oh, Ichigo-sama! I-I'm sorry! I just wanted to watch." Lilynette said frantically. She didn't know why she was afraid. After all, Starrk had said there was nothing to worry about. She calmed down when Ichigo only grinned at her.

"No problem. I hope I put on a show." Ichigo said, hoping to calm the young girl down. Lilynette, now completely calm, nodded happily.

"Yeah, that was awesome! You kicked Nnoitora's butt." She announced, still picturing the fight perfectly. "I wish I could do that stuff." She admitted with a lopsided grin.

"It wasn't that big of a deal." Ichigo said sheepishly, feeling humbled by the young girl. "Is Starrk with you? Or-?"

"No. That no-good, lazy, pain in the ass-." Lilynette continued the string of insults for a good minute, Ichigo staring at her blankly. Only when she realized what she was doing, and saying, did she stop and blush. "Err, sorry."

"Heh, no problem." Ichigo waved her off. "I'm guessing he… did something."

"No, and that's just it! He never does anything! It's so boring around the palace." Lilynette said, sighing in an overdramatic fashion. "I just wanted to find something to do for once, rather than just sit around."

"Hm. What are you going to do now?" Ichigo asked curiously. Lilynette blinked, finding that she didn't know.

"I, uh, don't know." She admitted. "Wanna play tag or something?" She asked suddenly. Ichigo blinked, with an amused grin on his face.

"What?" He almost chuckled. Lilynette had the dignity to blush.

"Err, never mind. I'm sorry, that was stupid-." She began to apologize, before Ichigo waved his hand at her.

"No, no. It's no problem. I'm just surprised." Ichigo assured her. The little girl was certainly full of energy. While it would appear odd, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. Besides, Lilynette actually seemed pretty kind and innocent. "Play what?"

"Uhhhh, tag?" She asked, embarrassed.

"Sonido or no Sonido?" Ichigo asked right away. He then saw Lilynette's expression turn upside down, becoming quite let down.

"I… don't know Sonido." She admitted, feeling pathetic.

"You don't?" Ichigo blinked. "Sorry, but… how do you not know?"

"I don't know!' Lilynette almost yelled. It was obvious she didn't like to be talked down to. Ichigo reeled back slightly at her outburst. "Um, I mean… I'm sorry, I just-."

"This is unacceptable." Ichigo said suddenly, slightly frightening Lilynette. "Would you like to be taught how?" Lilynette stared.

"Wait, you mean-?" She began.

"If you want, I'd be more than happy to teach you how. After all, it's a necessity." Ichigo told her, grinning in a friendly way.

"Wow! Really?" Lilynette's mood took a one-eighty. She was happier and more excited than she remembered being in a long time. "That'd be frickin awesome!"

"Alright, let's get started then." Ichigo told her. It might be difficult to teach her how to, but he'd figure it out. He turned swiftly, beckoning Lilynette to follow. She did so with a very enthusiastic bounce in her step.

"Ok, just bare with me, it can be hard to explain." Ichigo warned her, to which she only nodded. Now in a clearing, free of boulders and other obstacles, Ichigo stopped. He turned to look down at her. "Alright, now the first thing you need to do is concentrate your reiatsu, particularly in your legs, after that…"

(One Hour Later)

Bzzt!

Lilynette suddenly found herself a good twenty feet away from the spot she had been standing at moments earlier. She blinked, looked around a little, and then back towards Ichigo. He was grinning at her, looking proud.

"I did it." She said to herself. The calm exterior was soon replaced with absolute excitement. "Yes, yes! I did it! Haha!" Lilynette ran around, jumping into the air, pumping her fists happily. "Did you see that? I did a Sonido!"

"Hah, good job Lilynette." Ichigo congratulated, quite proud of Lilynette.

"Stark will be surprised as hell!" Lilynette announced, feeling quite giddy. "I can't wait to see the look on his face." She looked over at Ichigo and saw that he was about to walk towards her. "No, wait!"

Bzzt!

With another Sonido, Lilynette appeared in front of Ichigo. She had that huge grin on her face again. "Teehee." She gave a peace sign.

"Good job. Really." He said honestly, patting the top of her head, which of course was her mask fragment. Lilynette had the decency to be embarrassed. No one had ever really been genuinely proud of her before. "Practice that as often as you can and you'll master it in no time."

"Aye, aye." Lilynette mock-saluted with her index and middle finger. Ichigo nodded.

"Ready to head back to your place, then?" Ichigo asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Yeah, I guess." Lilynette shrugged, feeling slightly disappointed at having to go back to the palace. She then got an idea. "Oh, I know! I can show you the palace." She suggested happily. Ichigo shrugged.

"Sure, if you want." He replied, nodding.

"Cool! Come on! Let's Sonido there." Lilynette suggested, excited in the fact that she can suggest it now. Ichigo actually chuckled.

"Good idea. Faster that way." He told her.

"Race ya?" Lilynette asked, feeling competitive. Ichigo raised an eyebrow.

"That may not be a good idea. Don't wanna overdo it." Ichigo warned, frowning slightly. "When you've gotten better at it, then we can race. How about that?" Lilynette nodded.

"Ok."

"Well, lead the way." Ichigo gestured with his hand. Lilynette took a slight stance, and then disappeared.

Bzzt!

Ichigo shook his head, and then followed his temporary pupil back to the Primera's Palace.

(The Primera's Palace)

"Lilynette?" Starrk called out, glancing around in a tired fashion. Where had she gone? Was she serious earlier? Did she actually leave the palace to find something to do? He furrowed his brow in concern. He hadn't expected her to really go through with it. Now he was worried. He then sensed her, she was in the Palace. She was also with someone else. He heard her voice coming down the hallway.

"And-and this is the common area." He heard her say overzealously. Just then, she came into sight, looking back at their guest. It was the Cero. Starrk narrowed his eyes suspiciously. Lilynette then saw Starrk. "Oh, Starrk. You're finally up, huh?" She teased.

"… where were you?" Starrk asked her. Lilynette blinked.

"I went out and had some fun. That's what I did." Lilynette told him, grinning happily. She then snapped her fingers. "Oh, right. Check this out!"

Bzzt!

Lilynette appeared next to Starrk, giving him a peace sign with her right hand, her grin only larger now. "Ta-da!" Now, Starrk was surprised, and his expression showed it. Last he knew, Lilynette didn't know Sonido.

"You learned Sonido?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Where did you-?"

"Ichigo-sama taught me how to!" Lilynette interrupted him, predicting the question. She pointed back at the Cero.

"Hm." Starrk looked from Lilynette to Ichigo. "Lilynette, could you excuse us for a second or two? I want to… thank the Cero." Lilynette's grin faded, but she nodded nonetheless.

"Uh, sure" she replied. Giving Ichigo one last wave, she turned and left the room rather quickly, not liking Starrk's expression. Starrk looked over at Ichigo.

"Heh, she told me she didn't know Sonido." Ichigo said sheepishly. "So I offered to teach her. Kid learned it pretty fast too. I was impressed."

"Where did you find her?" Starrk asked, looking intently at Ichigo.

"Oh, she had been watching me spar with Nnoitora." Ichigo answered, thinking back. "When I was done, she kinda fell off the boulder she was watching from."

"Why did you teach her Sonido?" Starrk suddenly asked not appearing to be interested in the answers and explanations Ichigo had been giving him. Ichigo's carefree expression turned serious.

"Is there a problem, Starrk-san? If so, then just say it, will ya?" He said, looking just as intently at the Primera.

"No. No problem." Starrk answered simply.

"Look, I'm sorry if you didn't want me to teach her." Ichigo apologized, scratching his head. "I just figured it'd be better for her to know a vital technique that we Arrancar use."

"Yeah… I suppose you're right." Starrk sighed. "Sorry. I just… worry about her." He apologized awkwardly.

"Then why haven't you taught her something like Sonido yet?" Ichigo asked, raising an eyebrow accusingly. Starrk stared back at him.

"I'd rather not say." He told Ichigo.

"Well, if you're really not going to train her, then I'd be more than happy to." Ichigo offered. Something close to a glare was coming from Starrk now, alerting Ichigo that he should probably back off now. "Or not." He said sheepishly. "I guess I'll go now. Either way, can you tell Lilynette she's welcome to join my Fraccion and I when I train them." Starrk said nothing in return. Ichigo took that as the signal to leave. He waved once then turned and left.

"Lilynette, you were listening?" Starrk suddenly asked.

"Hey! You didn't have to be such a jerk." Lilynette told him, rounding the corner back into the room. Starrk raised an eyebrow, surprised. A jerk wasn't something he was called too much, considering he tried not to be most of the time.

"Look, I'm just concerned. Perhaps Harribel was right. Maybe there's something else he's trying to do?" Starrk tried to convince her. As much as he would have admired Ichigo for his actions, Harribel's statement earlier kept him from it. He was just… suspicious of Ichigo's intentions.

"He's not doing anything wrong. Jeez!" Lilynette said, exasperated. "Ichigo-sama's awesome. He taught me Sonido, and I want to learn more." Starrk sighed.

"Alright, alright, alright. Just… if you're going to go train with him again, tell me so I can come along." He told her. Lilynette looked surprised, but nodded anyways.

"Alright, you and Harribel will see. Ichigo-sama's not evil."

"Hm… I expect you're right." Starrk conceded with a shrug.

"I am." Lilynette said proudly, turning, crossing her arms, and sticking her nose high in the air. Starrk could only sweat drop.

(Ichigo's Palace)

Ichigo entered the common area of his palace, his hands in his pockets. He glanced around the room briefly to see if anyone else was in here. Not quite to his surprise, Loly was still napping on the couch. Upon closer inspection, Ichigo could see drool trickling out of her mouth. Ichigo would have laughed if doing so wouldn't have woken her up. He heard movement and turned his head to see Menoly enter the room. It looked like she was about to ask him something, so Ichigo brought his hand up to shush her. At her confused expression, Ichigo pointed at Loly, biting back a snicker. Menoly looked at her sister, then suppressed a giggle of her own. Ichigo turned and walked over to Menoly, then past her, down the hallway.

"Welcome back, Ichigo-sama." Menoly said once they were no longer within disrupting range of Loly's nap.

"Anything terribly interesting happen while I was gone?" Ichigo asked her, nodding his head in return of her greeting. Menoly shook her head.

"Not really. Loly-chan's been sleeping ever since we've been done with training. I guess I haven't been doing anything at all." Menoly said sheepishly. "What did you do? If you don't mind me asking, that is."

"Sparred with Nnoitora." Ichigo told her. "That went well. Then, I taught Lilynette how to use Sonido." Menoly blinked at what she had heard.

"Lilynette? As in, Starrk-sama's Fraccion" she asked to clarify.

"Yep. Turns out, she didn't know how to use Sonido. So, I fixed the problem." Ichigo explained.

"Oh, speaking of which, when will our next training session be?" Menoly asked, now reminded of the subject.

"Tomorrow. Same time, same place." Ichigo answered, half-grinning at her. Menoly sighed.

"So soon?" She almost complained.

"The sooner the better, right?" Ichigo asked her, biting back a laugh at her tired expression. "Trust me, it'll help."

"It's not that I doubt it will... it's just tiring." Menoly admitted with a slight chuckle.

"That's the point." Ichigo told her. He then looked around, before changing the subject. "I'm pretty worn out. I think I'm going to get some sleep. I think there's an Espada Meeting tomorrow" Ichigo said, picturing what that would be like.

"Oh, ok. I'll just leave you alone then." Menoly told him. She bowed slightly, before returning to her own devices. Alone, Ichigo went to his room. He made some progress today, and it pleased him he was able to do so. He also made a couple new friends. That's always good, right?

Hopefully something important would be discussed at tomorrow's meeting. Wouldn't it be something if he got some sort of assignment? Perhaps in the World of the Living too. That'd be a great opportunity for him to do a couple of things. Among others, visiting his mother's grave would be the first he could do. Ichigo's expression suddenly turned somber, before he shook his head to clear his thoughts.

Alright, who was next? Harribel? Maybe. Zommari? Not yet. Ulquiorra? ...Perhaps. Ichigo was definitely curious as to just who the Cuarta was. He didn't appear to talk much, so Ichigo couldn't really discern what kind of person he was, other than quiet and perhaps calculating. Well, he'd get around to it tomorrow. Now in his room, Ichigo went straight to his bed and collapsed down on it. Within minutes, he was asleep.

(End of Chapter/Dat one thing Authors leave at the end of a story)

Sorry about the ending there :/ I had trouble thinking of a way to end the chapter. Hope it was somewhat sufficient. What did you think? Got to see some more IchigoxLoly and stuff, got to Ichigo interacting with Nnoitora, Lilynette, Starrk, Aizen, and stuff. And, here's your musical piece for the day!

Band:Avenged Sevenfold

Song:Descrate through Reverence(Not the chorus though)

Hard news! Taken harder! Don't look to me! Disappointed, we don't agree! I don't need your praise! (don't look my way for help, from the beggining you came to me) Never asked you to like me! I don't want your praise(we won't play your games)

From the 'Waking the Fallen' album. I must say, this is my favorite song of theirs. The first minute and a half is 'meh', but when the lyrics above start... *Mosh pit headbanging whilst listening*

Well, there ya go. Please read and review. Constructive Criticism is welcome, but flamers will be hunted down and beaten up by me personally, I assure you.

And today's recommended stories(Yes... these choices are very much biased :D)

Author:btalover

Story:Different Bodies, Same Heart

I can't say much about the plot, seeing as it's only one chapter. But, I like it and suggest you read it... it's IchigoxLolyyyy

Author:halberd42

Story:Under the Circumstances

Another IchigoxLoly, yo! For those who know Bleach well, you know that Harribel, her Fraccion, and Loly are shown to have survived the war. This story follows up on that

Author:Desuse

Story:The Opposite of Reality:

An ArrancarIchigoxHarem story. No IchigoxLoly, or Menoly T_T BUT! It does have Apacci, Sung-Sun, Mila-Rose, et cetera! Check it out!