Chapter 7:
Into the forest
(Ichigo's bedroom):
Orange-haired teen slowly opened his eyes as his alarm clock began its routine. Lazily reaching out with his hand, Ichigo turned it off. He then got out of bed and began his daily morning actions to freshen up and get ready for another day at school. For some reason, he had a feeling that today wouldn't be a normal day. Hardly anything had been since he'd arrived in this reality.
(Occult Research Club room):
Rias sat in her chair at the desk, deep in thought. She was wondering about how she could gain Ichigo Kurosaki's trust and friendship, or at the very least, get him to agree to help her at least once.
'He would definitely be a great help in dealing with my Riser problem, especially if things get ugly,' she thought. But the problem was, how could they get him to willingly help?
Then, a flash of inspiration hit her. She planned to take Issei and Asia to the familiar forest tonight so that they could get their own familiars. She could invite Ichigo Kurosaki to come if he wishes to. It would be like a sign of non-hostility towards him and acceptance of him being there. It would also mean that they had no issue letting him join them if he wanted to.
Akeno saw Rias' very happy and very pleased expression. She was curious as to what had made her king so uplifted.
"Rias, did something happen?" she asked, using her master's first name since the two were alone.
"Akeno, I need you to deliver a message to Ichigo Kurosaki."
(Ichigo's classroom):
Class had gone on as usual and it was now break. Ichigo was putting his books away when he felt someone approaching him. Turning his head to look, he saw Akeno coming towards him.
'Looks like she's got something to tell me,' he thought, noticing that she didn't have her usual smile on her face.
"What's up?" he casually asked when she was standing next to his desk.
"Buchou wanted to ask you to come to the clubroom. She said that she wants to ask you some thing."
"Well, I suppose I could. Not like I really have anything else to do. Does she want me there right now?"
"That would be good."
"Alright, let's go."
Ichigo then stood up from his chair and began trailing behind Akeno as they made their way to the clubroom. There were various whispers going around from people seeing them walk together, which Ichigo did his best to ignore, but still deepened his scowl slightly.
(Occult Research Club room):
Rias was patiently waiting for Akeno to come to the clubroom, hopefully with Ichigo. She didn't know if there would be another chance after this.
Suddenly, the door began to open, catching her attention. A second later, Akeno walked in, followed by Ichigo. This little success caused her to smile slightly.
"Welcome Akeno, Ichigo," she greeted. Akeno responded with a nod, whilst Ichigo gave a simple "Hey" to her.
"Have a seat," she told Ichigo. Hospitality would hopefully help her, so she'd have to try to be as hospitable as possible, however not to the point of making him suspicious.
"So, what do you need to talk to me about?" Ichigo inquired as he sat down on one of the sofas.
"Well," began Rias. "I'm going to be taking my peerage to the familiar forest tonight so that Issei and Asia can get their own familiars. Would you like to come as well?"
"Why?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Why are you asking me if I'd like to tag along, I'm not in your peerage, or even a devil, just a human. I'd naturally be curious as to why you're making me this offer."
Rias was a bit surprised by this, but she wouldn't back down.
"As a sign of non-aggression," she answered. "Also, as a thank you for helping us before and saving Asia."
Ichigo gave a slight laugh. He then looked at Rias with a slight smile.
"Geez, if you've got a problem and want my help with it, all you've got to do is ask you know? There's no need to take such a long-winded attempt to gain my assistance. Mind you, I won't help with anything and everything though. After all, I am and do intend to remain a neutral force."
Rias was stunned into silence. She hadn't seen that coming at all. She couldn't believe how simple it was.
"So, would you still like to come anyway?"
"I guess I could. It should be rather interesting."
"Very well, just come here after school," said Rias with a smile.
(Ichigo's classroom):
Ichigo gave a stretch as the final lesson for the day finished. As he was loosening his muscles, Akeno approached him, her usual smile in place.
"Shall we get going?" she asked him.
"Yeah, i'm ready," Ichigo replied.
Both then made their way out of the classroom and towards the old school building.
(ORC room):
Rias had just finished telling Issei and Asia about her plans to take them to the familiar forest. Just then, the door opened, followed by Ichigo and Akeno walking in.
"Ara ara, sorry I'm late buchou," said Akeno in a cheerful tone.
"Hey there Rias," greeted Ichigo.
"Ah, we were waiting for you two to arrive," said Rias with a happy smile.
Issei suddenly felt a chill go down his spine the moment Ichigo walked into the room. The only thing going through his head was fear.
'Oh no, what's he here for?! Crap! Don't tell me he knows that I was peeping on the kendo club with my buddies before! He's going to kill me! He's going to kill me! I don't want to recieve 'Divine Punishment'!'
"B-Buchou! What's he doing here?!" Issei frantically asked whilst pointing at Ichigo.
"Oh, I invited Ichigo to come along with us as a thanks for helping us," Rias replied.
'Oh, so he was invited here by buchou, although I still can't let him find out about the perving!' Issei thought.
Suddenly, the door opened again and the student council entered. The council president, who was in fact a high-class devil named Sona Sitri stepped forth.
"Rias," she said. "I heard that you plan to go to the familiar forest tonight."
"Yes, I do. I want to get some familiars for my new servants."
"Well, so do I, however only one group can go."
"Er, buchou," Issei suddenly interrupted, causing all heads to turn to him. "Why is the student council president here?"
Ichigo sweatdropped at that.
'Good grief, how thick are you?' he thought.
Rias then explained the true nature of the student council to Issei, shocking him greatly. Whilst Issei was recieving his explanation, Ichigo was just idly looking around. He noticed that the little girl with white hair in Rias' group seemed a little uneasy and kept glancing at him every now and then.. Having nothing better to do, he went up to her.
"Hey, what's up?" he asked, slightly startling her.
"...Sorry senpai," she said.
"Huh, what for?"
"... You've probably realised that I kept looking at you."
"Oh, that? Don't worry about it, I'm not mad or anything. Just curious. By the way, you don't have to be formal with me, just Ichigo is fine."
"...Ichigo-senpai, I can feel something... dark inside you. It feels scary, as though it's evil."Her usually stoic face had a slight look of fear.
Her response surprised Ichigo.
'Something dark?' he thought. 'Inside of me? Could it be my hollow powers that she sensed? Even then, she must have really good sensory abilities to be able to do that.'
"Don't worry about it," he reassured her with a small smile. "It's probably just the nature of a certain power I possess. Despite it feeling dark, I have control over it." He then ruffled her hair in a brotherly way. Koneko, who was usually emotionless, had a small smile that was barely noticeable on her face while he did that.
"Alright, why don't we settle this with a match?" Rias declared to her childhood friend and rival.
"Very well," replied Sona.
"Ufufufu, they're both getting very fired up aren't they?" Akeno commented.
'Why do I get the feeling that this 'match' is going to make no sense at all?' thought Ichigo.
(School Gym building):
"Seriously, they should have just done this from the start, instead of trying to go with their own little agendas," Ichigo said as he lined up with the Gremory peerage.
Rias and Sona had decided to settle things with a tennis match, which ended in a draw when both got to into it and started using magic, destroying the rackets. Then, it was decided that both groups would face off in a dodge ball match. Ichigo had offered to help Rias' team, since they were fewer in number and were the ones who'd take him along if they won. He was currently in his soul reaper uniform.
"Alright everyone, let's win!" Rias declared.
"Yesssss!" Issei loyally shouted.
"Yes, I'll give it my all," said Kiba.
"I-I-I'll try my best!" said Asia timidly.
"Ufufufu, this is going to be fun," said Akeno.
"...I'll do my best," said Koneko.
"I guess I'll just say yeah too," said Ichigo.
"Let the match begin!" said the referee.
Without a moment's delay, both groups sprung into action. Ichigo, being very fast, grabbed a ball before anyone else and took out an opponent straight away. Both sides then began getting into it. Eventually, someone dragged magic into the match.
'Why didn't I see this coming?' Ichigo mentally wondered.
The Gremory group was playing very skilfully, although it seemed as though everyone was avoiding going for the girls and focusing mainly on Issei. A few went for Ichigo, but he easily avoided them and countered.
Ichigo then saw someone aiming for Issei's balls. In a flash, Ichigo got there and intercepted the ball by deflecting it with the one he was holding.
"You know," he began, causing everyone's attention to shift to him. "I may hate perverts, but I'm not one to idly stand by and watch a fellow guy who's on my side get hit in the nuts."
He then raised the ball he was holding, inducing fear into the person who'd attempted to strike Issei. The only male on the student council, Genshiro Saji.
"Let's see how you like it," said Ichigo, readying the ball. Then, before anyone could even react, he threw it precisely and powerfully, straight at Saji's balls. The projectile impacted harshly against its intended target, causing Saji to scream in pain and fall to the floor, clutching his damaged goods.
"This match is taking too long," stated Ichigo. "So excuse me, but I'm going to finish it in the next few moments."
What happened next was a one-sided annihilation.
(ORC room):
"Good job everyone, congratulations on winning!" congratulated Rias cheerfully.
"Thank you buchou, but it was Ichigo-san who actually did everything," said Kiba.
"Don't sweat it, I just wanted to get it over and done with," said Ichigo.
Issei gulped before speaking.
"H-Hey," he said. "Thanks for saving my, you know."
"No problem," Ichigo assured.
"Alright, step into the circle everyone, it's time to go," said Rias.
All of them did as they were told. The magic circle glowed brightly before they all vanished from the room.
(Familiar forest):
They appeared in spooky-looking forest. The sky was dark red and the trees looked dead. Out of nowhere, they heard a voice cry out as someone leaped towards them.
"Get daze!" he shouted, before landing on his face. The man got up and dusted himself off. He was wearing what seemed to be hiking gear. "Yo!" he greeted. "I'm Zatooji, a familiar master in training. If you're looking for the perfect familiar, then leave it to me!"
Ichigo gave the man a blank stare.
'I think I just found this reality's equivalent of Don Kanonji,' he thought. He then zoned out as the eccentric man and Issei started 'talking' about which familiar Issei should get, with Rias putting in her two cents and teasing the clueless fool.
The man, Zatooji, suddenly did a one-eighty in personality when Asia asked him if he could help her get a familiar. He was more than willing.
They began to move, following Zatooji's lead. A little incident occurred with some sort of acidic slime that began eating the girls' clothing and some tentacles that began holding/ groping them. It ended with Ichigo about to blow them off/away from the girls by releasing some of his spiritual pressure, but a baby sprite dragon saved the girls and Asia took it as her familiar. Issei was distraught at losing his 'perfect familiar', for which Ichigo smacked him up the head.
As they walked along, Ichigo saw something out of the corner of his eye.
"Ichigo, there is something there," said Zangetsu.
"Yeah, it seems like another fragment," said his inner hollow."
"Hold on," he told the group. "There's something there."
They all prepared for a confrontation, tensing at his words.
"It's another fragment," informed Ichigo.
About five metres away from them, near a tree, they saw a shadow suddenly move to the tree next to it. Then, something rose out of it. Something they weren't expecting.
It was rather small, probably around fifty centimetres in height. Its body was completely black, except for its fully yellow, round eyes. Two antennas protruded from the top of its head. It actually looked pretty harmless, and maybe a little cute from a certain viewpoint. (Picture a 'shadow' from Kingdom Hearts)
The fragment looked at them, swaying slightly from side to side.
"Eeeeh! This thing looks so weak!" Issei exclaimed.
"Yeah, it feels pretty weak too," Ichigo agreed.
Ichigo then began walking towards the fragment. However, as soon as it saw Ichigo coming towards it, it suddenly went into its shadow and 'ran' away from him, moving away from the trees and in front of the group. It rose out again when it was about seven metres away from them, out in the open.
"Aw, he's scared of you, ufufufu," Akeno giggled.
"Well, that's certainly new," commented Ichigo. "Usually they can't wait to try and kill me."
"Maybe they're all different?" Rias suggested.
"Could be," said Ichigo.
"Yeah, we're all different," said an unknown voice.
They all looked in the direction of the sound. They saw someone who looked like a teenager, around sixteen or seventeen. He had a peach skin tone, like Ichigo's, green eyes and was wearing full black clothing. Black, slightly baggy trousers, black top and a long black coat with a hood, which he was wearing.
"Kind of the opposite to me, huh King?" commented Ichigo's inner hollow.
'Yeah, kind of is with all that black,' Ichigo agreed.
The small, feeble-looking fragment went up to the stranger. He crouched down and patted its head.
"Hey there little guy," he said kindly.
"Who are you, and what did you mean by 'we'?" asked Ichigo.
The mysterious stranger stopped petting the little fragment and stood up.
"Me?" he asked back. "I meant exactly that. We, as in I'm also a fragment."
The revelation shocked the group. They all tensed and got ready, except for Ichigo.
"You don't intend to fight, do you?" he inquired.
"Nope, not with you guys anyway," the fragment responded.
"That's fine by me."
"Thanks."
"Whaaaat?!" shouted Issei in disbelief. "How can you just trust him like that!"
Ichigo glared at Issei.
"Listen," he told him. "I've got way more battle experience than you and I've been at death's door multiple times. I can tell he's telling the truth, and I'm not one to start senseless fights."
"Yeah," said the fragment. "Just because I'm a fragment, it doesn't make me evil. Just like how the fact that you're a devil doesn't make you evil."
Issei fell silent, feeling slightly ashamed of himself.
"So, what are you gonna do?" asked Ichigo.
"Nothing really. I suppose I'll just stay here with this little guy," said the fragment, motioning to the little fragment, which had been snuggling against his leg for the past few moments.
"I see," murmured Ichigo. "You got a name?"
"Me? No, I don't. Why?"
"How about Kuro, since you're wearing all black?"
The fragment wasn't expecting anything like this, so he didn't know how to respond. He quickly got over his surprise and gave a smile.
"Kuro... Sounds like a good name. I'll take it."
"Alright, I'm Ichigo. Take care of yourself Kuro," said Ichigo.
Ichigo then turned back to the others, who were simply looking on speechlessly.
"Shouldn't we be going back now, or something?" he asked.
Rias came out of her stupor.
"Oh, right. Yeah, I suppose we should." She answered. "Thank you, Zatooji-san, for guiding us around."
"Ah, no problem," said Zatooji. "Just remember, get daze!"
The group then got together and were about to leave.
"Wait!" the newly-named Kuro suddenly called out.
"What's up Kuro?" Ichigo asked.
"If I'm... ever in a tight spot, or something... could I come to you?" Kuro asked.
Ichigo had a brief look of surprise before he gave Kuro a small smile,
"Sure you can," he confirmed.
"Thanks," said Kuro gratefully.
Ichigo then turned back to the group. A magic circle appeared beneath them. They then left the familiar forest.
"Thank you, Ichigo," said Kuro after they'd gone.
Chapter 8:
Riser revealed
(Ichigo's bedroom):
Ichigo slowly opened his eyes. Before he could do anything further, he heard Zangetsu's voice.
"Ichigo," called his zanpakto spirit.
"What is it Zangetsu?" Ichigo asked as he rose into a sitting position.
"About that," interrupted his inner hollow. "Me and the old man here have both agreed on something King."
"Oh, and what would that be?" Ichigo asked curiously.
"You should practice your fully hollowfied transformation," responded Zangetsu and his hollow at the same time.
Ichigo's eyes went wide for a second before he returned them to normal.
"Alright, just let me freshen up and have some breakfast first," he said whilst scratching the back of his head. He then proceeded to continue with his standard morning routine.
(Ichigo's training ground):
Ichigo stood in his soul reaper uniform. His zanpakto was laid down near a boulder ten metres away from him.
"Alright, so what do you want me to do?" he asked the two beings inside him.
"Simple Kingy!" his inner hollow stated in a mocking, teasing tone. "Just draw on your hollow power like you usually do."
"However," continued Zangetsu. "Draw out more than what comes and flows through automatically, otherwise you will simply end up with your mask."
"Aright, here goes," confirmed Ichigo.
Raising his right arm to his face, Ichigo swiped it down in a tearing fashion like he usually would. He felt his hollow power flow out in response.
"Now! Drag out more!" commanded his hollow.
Ichigo tapped into his hollow power. He was surprised to see that there was much more than what had come through to form his mask. Latching onto it mentally, he gripped it firmly and forcefully dragged a much greater quantity out into the flow.
Immediately, Ichigo felt his full body surge with dark power. Black spiritual power burst forth from his form and obscured him from view. After a second or two, it dispersed away, revealing Ichigo in his first fully hollowfied form.
It was the same form that he'd gone into against the visords when he was learning how to control his hollow powers. Like then, the clothing had been shredded away from his torso, exposing his moon-white, ripped abdomen, and the hole where his heart should be.
Raising his right hand up in front of his face, Ichigo stared at his chalk-coloured palm which had a tuft of red fur beneath it.
"You know, I always wondered what I looked like when I'm fully hollowfied," he said, his voice coming out how it usually did when he was hollowfied.
"Well done Ichigo," congratulated Zangetsu.
"Yeah, whatever. Now hurry and get moving before you get late for school," said his inner hollow in a sneering tone.
"Huh? Oh crap!" Ichigo exclaimed as he registered the statement. His hollowfied form dissolved into black spiritual pressure and vanished, how his mask did when he dismissed it.
Ichigo began running out of the training ground, switching to his uniform that he'd worn before coming down to practice. In his mind, he could hear his inner hollow laughing like a madman, whilst Zangetsu sighed in the background.
(Kuoh academy gates):
It had been a few days since Ichigo's trip to the familiar forest with the Gremory peerage. He smiled as he remembered meeting Kuro and the small, timid fragment that was like his (Kuro's) pet.
Thankfully, he wasn't late since he ran to make up for lost time. He walked past the gates and through the school grounds along with the mass of other students.
(School field):
Ichigo was sitting on a bench, having just finished his lunch. It had only consisted of rice and simple curry, but it still tasted quite good. In fact, some people would say it wasn't possible for such simple food to taste that good.
'Hmm, maybe I should buy a few books and learn how to actually cook. I don't want to just eat simple food for the rest of my life,' thought Ichigo.
He became aware of someone calling him
"Ichigo-san!"
Turning his head in the direction of the sound, he saw Kiba, Issei and Asia walking towards him.
"Ichigo-san, buchou asked me to call you," said Kiba.
"What's wrong?" asked the orange-haired teen as he scratched the back of his head.
"I don't know," replied Kiba apologetically. "She didn't say. I just told to ask you if you could help her."
Ichigo thought things over for a few seconds.
"I suppose as long as this doesn't become a regular thing," he murmured. "Alright, lead the way," he told Kiba as he stood up.
(ORC clubroom):
When they reached the door, Kiba suddenly tensed as he grasped the door handle. Ichigo heard him mutter something about presence and for him to not have felt it. His curiosity piqued, Ichigo actively sweeped the clubroom with his senses. His widened at what he felt.
'Whoa, there's someone who's at least captain-class in there,' he thought.
Kiba opened the door and they all stepped into the room. Inside were Rias, Akeno and a lady with silver hair who was dressed like a French maid. The atmosphere was tense, and Ichigo could tell that Akeno's smile was more due to habit, or force, as opposed to being natural.
"Ah, good. You're all here, even Ichigo, thank for agreeing," greeted Rias.
The silver-haired maid spoke up. "Miss Rias, do you want me to explain the situation to them, or shall you do it yourself?"
"No, it's fine Grayfia, I'll tell them myself," Rias responded. She turned to face the others. "You see-" she began, but was cut off by the large magic circle on the floor activating without warning.
The symbol in the centre of the circle changed shape, and flames seemed to spew out from it. Then, from the centre, there was a large blast of flame. Once it died out, there was someone there. He was wearing a maroon tuxedo, with the blazer left open and a few buttons of his dress shirt undone. He had blond hair and one of those bad boy/playboy auras.
'For some reason, I feel like I hate this guy already,' thought Ichigo. 'I have a gut instinct that he's worse than ten Byakuyas, with each having a six-foot pole shoved up his ass.' However, outwardly he kept a neutral expression.
"Hmm... the human world," said the man. "It's been a while." He then looked to Rias. "My lovely Rias, I've come to see you," he said in what Ichigo guessed was supposed to be an elegant tone, but for some reason made him clench his fists.
Rias responded by turning her head away from him.
"Get lost Riser," Rias said coldly.
"My my, cold as always. It doesn't matter. Come, we need to see the hall for our engagement."
Issei interrupted before anything further could be said.
"Hey, who do you think you are?! You're being rude to buchou!"
Riser turned to look at him with a displeased face. "And you are?"
Issei put his fist over his chest proudly. "Rias Gremory's pawn, Issei Hyodou!"
"I see," said Riser with complete uninterest as he turned back to Rias.
Issei face-vaulted, then got straight back up. "What the hell?! I mean, who the hell are you anyway?!"
Riser seemed to become genuinely astonished at that question.
"What? There are devils who don't know about me?" he said in disbelief.
Ichigo sweat-dropped at that. 'Just how big is this guy's ego?'
Riser looked Issei over. "I see, a reincarnated devil, but even then. Rias, haven't you told your servants about me?"
"There was no need to," said Rias simply.
The silver-haired maid, Grayfia was the one who gave him an answer. "Allow me to explain .This man is Riser Phenex, he is a pure-blood high-class devil and the heir to the Phenex clan. He is also the fiancé to the current heiress of the Gremory clan."
Issei's face became one of pure shock.
"Th-the current heir of the Gremory clan?" he repeated. "Wait, don't tell me he's..."
"Yes," confirmed Grayfia. "He is Miss Rias' fiancé."
"Fiancé?!" exclaimed Issei.
'I see,' thought Ichigo. 'So he's her betrothed, huh? But, from the looks of things I'd say that Rias hates his guts,' he observed.
Riser and Rias were sitting on one of the sofas, the one closer to the windows. Everyone else was either sitting or standing behind the opposite sofa. The atmosphere was still tense. Rather, it felt highly volatile, as though it was just begging for the trigger.
Riser took a sip of tea from the teacup he was holding.
"Ah, the tea made by Rias' queen is excellent as always," he complimented.
"Thank you," replied Akeno, but it lacked her usual cheerfulness. She then walked away from him.
Riser began to play with Rias' hair and blatantly feel her body. And it was obvious that she wasn't enjoying it. Ichigo was mustering every bit of self-control that he possessed to prevent himself from literally taking the guy's hands off her and possibly beat the crap out of him for good measure.
"Please leave me alone," said Rias, clearly displeased as she stood up. "Riser, I've told you many times before, I have no intention of marrying you."
Riser smirked. "But your family will be destroyed if you don't take a husband. Do you really intend to destroy one of the remaining seventy-two pillars?" he countered.
Rias turned to face him. "I won't destroy my family," she said firmly. Riser seemed to get happy at that. "But who I marry is my choice," continued Rias.
"Pure-blooded devils decreased greatly in number after the last war," Riser stated. "That's a problem that affects all devils. Your father and Sirzechs-sama thoroughly thought our engagement over."
Rias turned away from him once again ."My brother and everyone else in the family, they're all far too worried over nothing. I won't say this again Riser." She turned to face him. "I will never marry you."
Riser stood up, an annoyed expression on his face. He held Rias' chin with his right hand.
"Listen Rias," he said. "I'm the next heir of the Phenex family, I won't allow that title to be tarnished." He looked at the others. In the next second, flames burst to life around him "Even if it means burning all your peerage members to ashes, I'll drag you back to the underworld with me."
Rias' eyes began to glow red.
Suddenly, everyone felt a brief wave of (immense) pressure wash over them, completely extinguishing the flames and shocking everyone. Then, Riser began to feel the pressure being focused on himself.
"What did you say you'd do again, bird-brain?" Ichigo inquired, glaring at said low-life piece of playboy trash.
"You dare to speak up to me, boy?" Riser demanded arrogantly.
"Yeah, got a problem with that, you over grilled turkey?"
Everyone was surprised by Ichigo's retaliation, except Issei, who was too stupid to fully understand what was going on.
"Why you!" snarled Riser
"Everyone please stop, or I will be forced to take action," said Grayfia. "I am here on orders from Sirzechs-sama. I won't allow my king's honour to be tarnished."
Riser immediately backed down and stepped away.
"For the 'Ultimate Queen' to say that, even I'd be scared," he commented.
Ichigo backed down more out of respect for the authority that the woman seemed to have, as well as because Riser had backed down first.
Grayfia continued. "My masters foresaw that something like this would happen, so they arranged something as a last resort."
"Last resort?" asked Rias. "What do you mean Grayfia?"
"If Miss Rias was to still vehemently oppose the engagement, they suggested having a rating game to settle things once and for all," the maid explained.
"A rating game?" questioned Rias. She then became visibly annoyed. "Just how much do they plan to interfere with my life?"
"So, am I to understand that you are rejecting the rating game?" asked Grayfia.
"No," refuted Rias. "This is a chance. I'll take it."
"Rating game?" Ichigo heard Issei muse to himself. "I've heard that somewhere before..." his eyes then widened as he recalled Sona mentioning it before. "Oh yeah, the student council president mentioned it before."
Kiba began to explain to Issei what a rating game was and Ichigo listened in as well whilst keeping watch on Rias and Riser.
Riser gained a smug look. He shifted his gaze to Rias.
"I've taken part in many rating games and won most of them too. You, however, have no experience whatsoever, or even a full set of servants. Do you still intend to take me on?"
Rias smirked. "This is a chance for me to be free. I'll blow you away Riser!"
Riser smiled haughtily. He pointed to the others.
" By the way Rias, would they happen to be all your servants?" he asked mockingly.
"All of them apart from me are her peerage members," Ichigo interrupted.
"It's like he said," confirmed Rias. "All of them apart from Ichigo are my servants, why?"
Riser laughed heartily.
"Hah, this is going to be even easier than I thought! Of all your servants, only your queen, the 'Priestess of thunder' can fight on par with my adorable servants." He clicked his fingers. "Behold, these are my adorable fifteen."
The magic circle lit up again and flames swirled out, revealing fifteen feminine figures. The flames died down, showing Riser's peerage clearly.
Ichigo face palmed.
'Are you freaking serious?!' he thought. 'This guy has a peerage full of girls only? He's a worse playboy than I originally thought!'
Issei, on the other hand, was moved to the verge of tears. Riser noticed this and seemed to become rather unsettled.
"Hey, Rias, your servant here seems to be lusting after me," he informed her.
Rias sighed. "It's his dream to become a harem king one day."
Riser calmed down and smirked.
"Gross," remarked one of his peerage members, who Ichigo noticed/ thought looked awfully similar to Riser.
"Now, now," chided Riser. "It's only natural for those of low-class to admire those who are high-class. Let's show him how close we are." He motioned one of his servants, who seemed to be dressed in some sort of highly revealing sorceress outfit, to come forward. "Yubelluna."
Riser then proceeded to intensely make-out with her, making her moan. Issei seemed to become a mixture of aggravated and jealous, whilst Rias and the rest of her peerage looked away in disgust. Ichigo could barely hold himself back from just going up to the snob and pummelling him into the ground.
Riser pulled his lips away from his servant's and smirked at Issei.
"This is something that you'll never be able to do," he said whilst stroking her hair with one hand and groping her with the other.
That remark sent Issei over the edge.
"Damn it! Don't say what I was thinking you were trying to say!" he shouted. Raising his left arm, he summoned his boosted gear, catching Ichigo's attention. "Forget the rating game! I'll beat you all up right here and now!"
Issei then charged at Riser. When he was a few feet away, he leaped into the air. The stuck-up devil simply closed his eyes and called one of his peerage members.
"Mira."
A little girl with blue hair who was wearing a kimono-like outfit rushed forth. She was armed with a staff and was preparing to strike Issei with it. But the hit never landed.
Before anyone could even register what happened, Ichigo was in front of her, one hand grasping her staff firmly. With the other hand, he caught the air-borne Issei without looking and (gently) threw him back, causing him to land on the sofa.
Glaring at the girl, Mira, he spoke in a cold, merciless tone.
"What a pathetic excuse for a stick," he stated, causing her to unintentionally flinch as a shiver ran up her spine. "Get lost," he ordered as he released her staff. "All of you."
Riser scowled at Ichigo's interference. Then, he began to smile.
"Say, Rias. Why don't we make this game a little more interesting? How about I give you and your peerage ten days to train?" he proposed.
"Are you trying to give us a handicap?" Rias asked angrily.
"Do you find it insulting. I've seen many high-class devils who had great potential, but couldn't use their servants' power properly, so they failed. I'll give you ten days to learn how to use your servants to the fullest, that should make things more entertaining." He then looked to Issei. "Boosted gear, huh? A sacred that's said to be able to kill even a god or maou. However, there's never been a case of the owner doing such. Why do you think that is? It's because the sacred gear is flawed! Then there's you. You must be the weakest out of all the previous wielders."
Riser and his peerage walked to the centre of the magic circle. Looking back over his shoulder, he spoke to Issei.
"Remember, boy, as Rias' pawn, whatever you do will reflect upon her. Your loss is her loss." They all vanished in the next second.
Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief, except for Ichigo and Grayfia. A flash of inspiration hit him.
"Grayfia-san, was it?" he called out. "Could I ask you for a favour?"
"Yes," Grayfia agreed.
"Could you please check if there's any loop in the rating game system that would allow an outsider to participate."
"I will look into it. Is there anything else?"
"No."
"Very well, I shall now take my leave." She then teleported out using the magic circle.
Ichigo turned around to face the others.
"I'm going to come with you guys on your training trip. If in the case that I can't help you in the match, at least I'll have helped you in your training."
Rias', and pretty much everyone else's eyes widened at the spiky-haired teen's statement.
"Thank you," said Rias gratefully. "But, if you don't mind me asking, why are you doing this for us?"
"Let's just say that I don't agree with forced marriages at all. Plus, that guy is the kind of person that I totally hate. I want to personally kick his ass and teach him a lesson."
"Heh heh," chuckled Ichigo's inner hollow. "Looks like things are really gonna heat up around here, literally."
Ichigo gave a slight nod in agreement.
OMAKE:
Ichigo was walking through the park by himself. It was mid-afternoon, but there wasn't another soul in sight. Also, the silence felt oppressive and awkward.
Without any warning, uncountable dark blue, void-like portals opened up around him. Out came things unlike anything he'd ever seen. Their bottom half possessed six, insect-like legs and seemed to be composed of some sort of metallic substance. Their upper half was cobalt-blue and looked like some sort of severely disfigured, humanoid(ish) being. Their mouths were lined with numerous, razor-sharp teeth.
"What the?" exclaimed Ichigo. He switched to his soul reaper uniform and grabbed Zangetsu's hilt, preparing for battle.
Suddenly, he felt a stopping/ pulsing sensation. Next thing he knew, all the weird creatures were falling to the ground. They'd been sliced apart. Looking ahead, he saw someone coming towards him.
He was wearing some sort of cloak over himself and had a scarf wrapped around his lower face and most of his head, leaving a few areas where his platinum-blond, spiky hair was exposed. His eyes were overshadowed by his hair. His clothes and hair were gently blowing in a non-existent wind.
"Who... are you?" Ichigo asked as the young man drew closer.
"I am 'The Wanderer'," he replied as he walked past. "Someone you shall never need to remember, nor should you want to." He then carried on walking away until he was out of sight.
Chapter 9:
Initiate training
(Countryside- Gremory territory):
Issei moaned in exhaustion as he trudged up the hill. He felt like he could drop dead. The reason, was the large backpack that he was carrying on his back. Which was even heavier than it looked. Ahead of himself, he saw Rias and Asia walking whilst holding nothing. Apparently, Rias thought that this could contribute to his training.
'Uuooooh! Why does life have to be so cruel?!' he mentally shouted in despair.
Asia seemed to notice the difficulty that he was going through, as she gained a troubled expression upon seeing him.
"Um… Buchou, can I please help Issei-san?" she requested.
'Asia! You're such a kind soul!' Issei thought in happiness.
Rias gently shook her head at her bishop.
"No Asia, you can't do that. If he can't even handle this then he'll never be able to get stronger," she explained.
"Oh, I see," said Asia, albeit sadly.
Issei almost face-vaulted at the blatant rejection.
Suddenly, Kiba walked past him, wearing a similar sized backpack.
"Buchou, I found some herbs whilst walking, we could use them for dinner tonight," he informed casually.
"Alright, good work Yuuto," complimented Rias.
Next, Koneko walked past him, carrying a pack four times the size of his.
"You need to walk faster Issei-senpai," she said without even looking at him.
Issei had momentarily forgotten that Koneko was a rook and was about to bolt forward in denial, but an unexpected thought came to his mind.
'Well, at least Ichigo's still behind me.'
Just then, Ichigo walked past him too, carrying a backpack even bigger than Koneko's as though it wasn't even there. What made it even more unbearable, was the fact that Ichigo was human and he was a devil.
"Come on Issei, you need to hurry up. Every second's valuable right now. The sooner you get up there, the sooner you can start," Ichigo said calmly.
That was it. Iseei couldn't take it any more. He had to prove that he wasn't completely useless!
"Uuuuoooooooh!" he shouted out as he began bolting up the hill, disregarding everything else. He surprised the others as he suddenly rushed past, only to collapse the moment he reached Rias and Asia at the top.
Ichigo inwardly sighed at Issei's antics.
'Good grief, this guy's got a real burning soul, but his hot-headedness and stupidity really get in the way.' As he continued making his way up, he frowned slightly as he recalled how silent Zangetsu and his inner hollow had been since after the meeting with Riser.
Once Ichigo reached the top with Kiba and Koneko, he took off his backpack and started going through some of the things. He overheard the others talking about going to get changed, as well as Kiba pull a rather humorous joke on Issei about asking him not to peek at him.
Switching his clothes to that of his soul reaper uniform, Ichigo stood up and addressed the Gremory peerage.
"In any case, It's best that you all hurry up and get changed quickly so that we can start. There's a lot of work to be done."
"What? How the hell did you get changed so quickly?!" Issei demanded in disbelief.
"It's a secret, now hurry up and move your ass before I kick it," replied Ichigo.
They all began to go to the respective changing rooms, with Issei practically running there as though his life was on the line.
After they were all done changing their clothes, they came back outside to an awaiting Ichigo, who was once again wearing his backpack.
"Alright, let's get started," said Ichigo. "Issei, Koneko, I want both of you to come with me for now."
Koneko silently obliged, whilst Issei paled until it was as though he was a sheet of paper before trembling after his orange-haired senior/ coach and white-haired junior.
"This seems like a good spot," Ichigo murmured. "Alright, stop here," he instructed his two followers as he turned to face them. "I'll get straight to the point." He then took off his backpack and began rummaging through it.
What he took out looked like two sets of protective gear and some training gloves.
"Put these on," he instructed as he tossed a set to each, giving Koneko the gloves too. He waited until they were equipped with the gear. "Right. Listen up Issei. First, we're going to work on improving your speed. Whilst it's higher than an average person's, due to your constant running from angry girls, it still sucks," Ichigo said nonchalantly, causing the pervert to act as though he was struck through the heart. "Koneko, you also need to work on your speed. You're a rook, but you need to be able to act quickly too."
Suddenly, Issei gained an unexplainable sensation of dread in anticipation of what was going to be said next. Koneko on the other hand, began to feel slightly satisfied for some reason.
Ichigo gave a predatory smirk as he turned to Issei.
"Koneko, chase this pervert and attempt to strike him as many times as you can. Issei, run, evade and… just survive her wrath."
"What?! NO!" protested Issei.
"Begin!" commanded Ichigo. Issei couldn't say anything further, as he ran off screaming, being pursued by a determined Koneko.
Ichigo began to walk away from the scene, leaving Issei to his training (read as: torture). He returned to the others, who were patiently waiting for him. Setting down his backpack, he motioned Kiba forward.
"Come here Kiba."
The school's Prince Charming did as he was instructed. Ichigo took out a wooden training dummy from the inner vestiges of his backpack.
"This here is a useful little training contraption that I'll have you working with," he explained as he opened a panel on its back and began messing around with its workings. The dull, colourless eyes suddenly lit up a light blue and Ichigo closed the panel. He then took out a wooden bokken and threw it to the blond devil, who caught it on reflex.
"Listen up carefully Kiba. You're speed is your strength, however you lack defense and power. I don't want you to use your sacred gear at all. Also, I want you to deliberately let this thing hit you every now and then too, rather than just avoid its attacks. That'll improve your defense. Oh yeah, don't worry about breaking it. It's got various spells and seals that reinforce as well as constantly repair it."
Kiba nodded in understanding.
"Okay, I'm ready."
Ichigo then nodded to the dummy when it turned its head towards him. The thing then faced Kiba and set off towards him with remarkable speed, though it wasn't as fast as the knight.
Turning to the others, who were looking on in awe, Ichigo cleared his throat, gaining their attention.
"Akeno, I want you to teach Asia about how to use her magic. Asia, I would recommend you to learn some sort of method to protect yourself as well. Maybe learning how to form a barrier of sorts."
Akeno gave a nod and Asia a "Hai!" before both went to their own little area to train.
Ichigo turned to Rias. He pondered what to do for a moment before he spoke to her.
"You're the king, so you definitely need to be strong enough to fight and defend yourself effectively."
Rias nodded in agreement.
"What should I do?" she inquired.
"Could you let me see your magic?" he asked.
"Sure," Rias consented as she created an orb of destruction and maintained it.
Ichigo walked closer to her and began examining the orb of power.
'Hmm. It actually feels a bit similar to my black getsuga, but it feels more unstable.' He stepped and gave her his verdict.
"You're power's potent Rias, however it seems unstable. If I'm correct here, using it like that would actually wear you down more quickly."
His words made Rias visibly shocked. No one had ever told her anything like that before.
"What I would suggest," Ichigo carried on. "Is that you focus on stabilizing your power and building up your reserves and stamina."
"How should I do that?" she asked.
"Wait a moment please."
Ichigo then went back to his backpack and pulled out another training dummy. Like before, he opened a panel on the back and began configuring it.
"There," he announced once he was done. He then faced Rias again. "I've just set this to be very defensive, so it'll be harder to damage and repair itself a lot quicker. It'll throw in the occasional magic attack of its own too, via arcane circuits. I'll leave you to it."
Rias nodded at him before he turned around and walked off. He'd leave them with this routine for now, then he'd switch them on what they were doing. Currently, he was going to do some training of his own.
(Back of the resort house):
Ichigo walked closer to the forest. Suddenly, he felt as though he'd just moved through something. Turning around on his heels, he attempted to put his hand out, but it was stopped by an invisible barrier of sorts.
Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned around. The sight that met him was a relatively large being, twice his height. It had an extremely muscular body, stood upright on two legs, had claws on its hands and feet and two wings protruding from its back. It had a white, bone-like tail that resembled a scorpion's and fully red eyes. From the smoky aura that it emitted and the feeling of its presence, he concluded that it was another fragment.
"Just great," he complained. "It seems like this thing itself is fueling the barrier. Considering I couldn't sense it before I entered, I'd say that it hides whatever's within it too."
Ichigo drew his zanpakto as the fragment snarled. The two rushed towards one another and struck out. Blade met claws as they clashed. Ichigo then found himself get forcefully pushed away with considerable force. Digging his feet into the ground, he halted his movement before rushing towards it once again.
Without warning, the fragment threw a punch at him, connecting harshly with his gut. Ichigo gasped as the air was forced out of his body and he was thrown to the ground. He quickly rolled out of the way when he saw the fragment's foot rapidly approaching his face. He sprung to his feet, only to be smacked away by its tail.
As he looked towards it after recovering, he saw an orange light coming from the fragment's mouth. Thinking quickly, he unleashed a getsuga tensho just as it released a cero-like attack from its mouth. The two techniques created a large dust cloud upon collision.
From the dust, the fragment swooped out and barged into Ichigo's abdomen, throwing him back and causing him to impact against the barrier painfully.
'Damnit!' thought Ichigo in frustration. 'This one's much stronger than the last ones!' He held his zanpakto out towards the fragment with his right arm, grabbing near the elbow with his left hand. 'There's only one thing for it!' He then shouted a single word. "Bankai!"
Omake:
Ichigo was walking along the road. Suddenly, a magic circle appeared beneath him and he felt himself getting pulled away.
"What the hell!" he exclaimed as he was teleported away.
"Aaaargh!" he screamed as fell to the ground. Picking himself up, he surveyed his surroundings. The sky was a sickish mixture of swirling black and red and the ground beneath him was rocky and bleached white. "Where… am I?"
Hearing some sort of growling coming from behind him, he shifted around. His face instantly fell as he saw what had made the sound.
The arms and feet of the ten metre tall colossus were made of some sort of metallic substance. The rest of its hideously deformed, yet humanoid body was cobalt blue. A pair of translucent, insect-like wings were present on its back.
The thing twitched as it regarded him with hostile intent. Sensing this, Ichigo switched to his soul reaper attire. He got into a stance, preparing to fight the monstrosity.
An unexpected wind began blowing from his right. Looking in that direction, he saw someone familiar. It was the one who had called himself 'The Wanderer' last time he'd met him.
"It seems that our paths cross yet again," said The Wanderer as he drew nearer. "A rare occurrence when I am involved." He stopped at the teenage soul reaper's side and faced the deformed thing. Shifting his cloak a little, he revealed a white katana hilt with a blue guard on his left side. "This particular Void-born has become rather strong. It would seem that my power alone is not enough, therefore I would like to request your assistance."
Ichigo faced the Void-born and raised his sword in preparation.
"Despite the weirdness of this situation, I agree to help you, Wanderer," he replied.
The two then ran forward towards their foe to begin their joint assault.
Once they'd finished it off, the Void-born disintegrated into nothingness. The Wanderer re sheathed his sword and Ichigo replaced Zangetsu on his back.
"Hell, that thing was tough," said Ichigo.
"Yes, it was," agreed The Wanderer. "Even though you used your bankai and I entered my Lunar Corex state. I am thankful for your help my friend."
"Think nothing of it," said Ichigo.
"Very well, I shall now take my leave," said The Wanderer as he began walking off, seeming to move with the wind.
Ichigo smiled slightly.
"I gotta admit, that guy's pretty awesome." He then realized something. "Wait a minute… How the hell am I supposed to get back home?!"
Chapter 10:
Unexpected occurrence
"Bankai!"
No sooner than Ichigo had said the word, black spiritual power with a red outline engulfed his form. When it dispersed, he was revealed to be wearing a longer, coat-like shihakusho and held a shorter, black blade. It was his bankai, Tensa Zangetsu.
Ichigo gave the fragment a glare before he rushed towards it in a burst of speed, creating after-images of himself. Dozens of him surrounded the fragment and began closing in on it at the same time. Due to being unable to determine which Ichigo was the real one, the fragment got slashed and stabbed in twelve different places simultaneously.
Ichigo pulled back as it gave a roar of fury and pain. The enraged being charged towards him with its clawed hands primed to strike. The substitute soul reaper responded in kind. Once again, claws met blade as the two struggled for dominance. Slowly, Ichigo began forcing the fragment back.
Realising that it was being overpowered, the dark creature began charging its orange, cero-like attack in its mouth. Noticing what it was going to do, ichigo flash stepped behind it as it released the attack.
Being in the air, slightly above its head, the spikey-haired teen began gathering black energy with a red outline into his blade.
"Getsuga tensho!" cried Ichigo as he unleashed his black getsuga at point-blank range. He flash stepped back to where he was before he charged the creature, just to be on the safe side.
Once the getsuga tensho faded away, Ichigo saw that the fragment was still standing, albeit heavily injured. Suddenly, before he could make a move, an orange glow began to emit from the fragment. Its claws extended slightly, spikes emerged from its elbows and its muscles seemed to get a bit bigger.
'What the? Is it evolving or something?" Ichigo thought as he watched it. The fragment then barrelled towards him, causing him to move out of its way. It seemed to be faster than before, and he was betting that it was stronger too. Diving towards it, he intended to pierce it through the back, however its scorpion-like tail came up and blocked his black sword.
As he was about to pull away, a voice spoke out within his mind.
"Getsuga, right now!" commanded his inner hollow.
Listening to his pale counterpart, Ichigo made another getsuga. The technique was writhing through Tensa Zangetsu's blade before he realesed it.
"Keep it going!" said his hollow before he ended his attack.
Listening to the advice, Ichigo kept the black energy pouring out of his blade for another ten seconds before he let up.
When the getsuga faded, he saw that the fragment was no more. Suddenly, a transparent, dome shaped barrier became visible over him. It then began to disintegrate from the top, moving down. The teenage soul reaper exited his bankai before the barrier completely vanished.
"I have to admit, I wasn't expecting one so strong to appear so soon," said his inner hollow.
"I must agree with him on that particular point," said Zangetsu.
"And would you two mind telling me why you've been so unusually quiet since Riser appeared?" asked Ichigo.
"Ha! Pushy as ever, aren't ya King?" replied his hollow, causing Ichigo to scowl slightly. "Me and the old man here were just searching more into your sacred gear, to see if we could find anything new."
Ichigo was now curious to know if they had found anything.
"What did you manage to find?" he inquired.
"Ichigo, are you familiar with the Chinese zodiac?" Zangetsu replied with his own question.
"You mean the Ssu-Ling? As in the four divine beasts?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, that is correct," confirmed his Zanpakto.
"But what does that have to do with my Shock Burner?" Ichigo asked.
"Well Kingy," began his hollow. "It turns out that Shock Burner's fire and lightning aren't just any old fire and lightning. It uses Suzaku flames and Byakko lighning."
This new information caused the teen's eyes to go wide.
"Whoa," he said in surprise. "I've got to say, that's pretty out there."
"Anyway King, I'd suggest you go back and check up on how the devils are doing," said his hollow.
He began walking back round to the front of the building, back to where the others where. Upon arrival he saw that they were all busy training. Except for Issei. He was running for his dear life, being mercilessly chased by the compact tank known as Koneko. Chuckling to himself, he decided that the pervert had withstood enough torture.
He flash stepped behind Koneko and gently took hold of her by the shoulders, resulting in her looking back at him in surprise.
'Fast,' was all that went through the white-haired girl's head.
"I think he's had enough torture for now Koneko," Ichigo told her with a kind smile.
The smaller girl silently nodded her head as he let go of her.
As for Issei, he was on the floor regaining his breath. He tried to give the soul reaper as much of an appreciative nod as he could.
"Th-th-thank… you… for… sa-saving… me," he said between gasps. He then returned to trying to calm down his crazy breathing rate.
"Come with me," Ichigo told Koneko, who gave a nod. He walked back to his backpack with her in tow. Reaching in, he took out another training dummy. Opening the panel on the back, he began fiddling around. Once he was done, he closed the panel again as the eyes glowed blue with artificial 'life'.
"I want you to train against this," he instructed her. "Down worry about breaking it, it's self-repairing. Oh, and be careful too. It may be just a training dummy, but it packs a nasty punch."
"…Yes Ichigo-senpai," she said before she faced the dummy and went into a stance. Ichigo moved back as she and the dummy ran towards one another and began trading blows. Leaving her to her training, Ichigo went back the Gremory group's resident pervert.
When Ichigo arrived, Issei was fully recovered.
"Hey," he said in greeting.
"Hey," Ichigo replied back. "Listen up. As you're now pretty much physically worn out, I'll let you carry on with physical training tomorrow." He then saw Issei's expression pale and he could guess why. "Don't worry, it won't be with Koneko, unless you do something that warrants it," he assured him, causing the colour to return to his face. "For now, go over to where Akeno and Asia are and get to work on your magic, because even though I've never seen it, I can tell that it's ridiculously low."
That last part hit Issei like a jab, but he obeyed nonetheless. He began trudging over to where said two girls where. Ichigo decided to cut him some slack and not reprimand him for moving so slowly. He had after all been running for his very survival up until recently.
Things went on for about an hour and a half. Ichigo had gone to them from time-to-time, giving them advice and tips. He then let them all take a thirty-minute break. After all, it wasn't good to push them to a breaking point. They weren't ready for something like that, not yet anyway, so it'd produce adverse affects.
(Inside the Gremory estate: Dining room):
Night had fallen and everyone was inside, sitting before a large array of food that looked highly appetising. The very sight was making them want to just attack and dig in. it was as though the food had a radiant glow. Who had cooked it? Why that would have been Ichigo for most the part. He'd let Akeno and Asia help out a little because they'd insisted and Asia had (unintentionally) given the puppy-dog eyes. It just seemed too cruel and inhumane to say no to that face.
"Whoa! There's so much! It looks so delicious too!" Issei exclaimed in joy.
"Calm down, I made plenty for everyone," Ichigo chided good-naturedly.
"What?! You made this?!" Issei shouted in disbelief. Kiba and Rias also had surprised looks at this.
"Well, Akeno and Asia did help out a little," the orange-haired teen admitted. "That's what most of what I was carrying was anyway. Ingredients."
"Ufufufu, it wasn't really all that much. You did most of it Ichigo-kun. Me and Asia just contributed a little bit," Akeno said.
"Yes! You really did most of it," Asia backed up.
"Well, if you say so," Ichigo replied whilst looking away and scratching the back of his head. "Well, dig in guys."
The moment they placed the first morsel into their mouths, their brains (well, the part for taste anyway) went into a state of pure bliss. A delightful sensation of flavour spread across their taste buds.
Ichigo, who had not yet eaten anything, saw their motionless faces with worry.
'Oh crap!' he desperately thought. 'I guess my cooking is really bad.'
"Uh, guys?" he said in concern.
"This…" began Issei. "IS THE BEST THING THAT I'VE EVER TASTED IN MY LIFE!" He then proceeded to scarf down the rest of his bowl with great relish. He looked to Ichigo with stars in his eyes. "How did you make this so good? I've eaten the same kind of food at shops and at home, but it can't even compare to this!"
"Is it really that good?" Ichigo questioned out loud. "I just did what was in the book, mostly anyway."
"No, he's right," agreed Rias. "I can't even find the proper words to describe it. It's just so beautiful." She then smiled at Ichigo in thanks before going back to the sweet, sweet pleasure that was the food.
"This truly is amazing," complimented Kiba in awe.
Asia could barely contain herself as she ate. "It's so delicious!" she exclaimed. "I'm blessed to be eating such cuisine!"
Even Koneko, who was usually calm and collected, was eating rather quickly. "Ichigo… senpai's… cooking… is delicious," she said between mouthfuls.
"Ara ara, whoever marries you is going to be a very lucky girl. I envy her already, being able to eat food like this this on a regular basis," commented Akeno, causing Ichigo's face to gain a slight blush.
"Well, I'm just glad that you all like it," Ichigo replied.
They carried on eating in silence. The Gremorys were simply too occupied with enjoying the food as much as they could. They didn't know when they'd be able to taste such divine food again.
Once everyone had finished eating Ichigo's marvellous cooking, they settled down. However, they were all secretly hoping that the substitute soul reaper would cook for them again. Heck, Issei was even willing to temporarily put his perversion on hold if it meant he could experience that bliss again.
"Anyway, now that we've finished our delicious meal, it's time to take a bath!" Rias proclaimed.
"Eeeh!?" there's a bath here?!" Issei exclaimed.
Ichigo wasn't too surprised. After all, this was a holiday house. They tended to have good baths. He did however frown slightly as he detected that the Gremory pawn was getting up to his perverted antics again.
"Yes, there is," Rias answered. She then began to smile. "Why Issei, would you like to join us?"
Ichigo nearly face vaulted at that. 'What kind of girl willingly lets an extreme pervert take a bath with her? But, since he's being invited, I suppose I can't do anything to him.'
Issei, on the other hand, had a delighted expression on his face. "R-Really?" he asked.
"Of course," confirmed Rias. "So long as the others don't mind."
"Ara ara, I don't mind. I'd like to wash his back," said Akeno.
"If-if it makes Issei-san happy, then I don't mind," said Asia, her face a deep shade of crimson.
"I refuse," said Koneko emotionlessy. "Go die pervert."
Issei's face crashed into the table at the blatant rejection that the rook had showed.
'She didn't even consider it!' he internally cried.
"Sorry Issei, looks like you don't get to bathe with us," Rias said in an apologetic (read as: slightly teasing) manner.
Issei twitched as though a stake had been driven through his heart. "Koneko, why?" Issei whimpered.
"I hate perverts," the petite girl said flatly. Then, she murmured something that none of them heard. "Although I wouldn't mind Ichigo-senpai joining."
Issei began to actually cry at his misfortune, whilst Kiba gave an awkward chuckle and smiled at him.
"There there Issei-kun, it's not that bad. Besides, you can still join me."
"Shut up you damn handsome! I don't wanna join you! It sounds disgusting!" Issei vehemently refuted.
Ichigo couldn't help but give a small laugh at the comedy he was witnessing.
Rias unexpectedly turned to Ichigo.
"What about you Ichigo, would you like to join us?" she asked, making said teen's eyes widen with shock.
Ichigo regained his composure and politely declined. "Sorry, but I don't do things like that. It just doesn't sit right with me and would make me feel too awkward." He'd already had enough embarrassing moments with a certain purple-haired former captain to last him a lifetime.
(Gremory estate: Ichigo's room):
Ichigo got changed into his pyjamas and climbed into the bed. The mattress was soft and luxurious. Within moments of closing his eyes, he drifted off to the realm of dreams. Ichigo lay there, lying on his bed in a peaceful sleep.
(Dimensional gap):
Ichigo saw nothing but infinite, swirling colours.
"Where am I?" he said in confusion.
"So, you have arrived, successor from another reality," came a voice from behind him. However, the voice seemed to sound within his head, not from outside and physically.
Turning around, Ichigo gave a gasp of shock as he saw a huge, red western dragon with a horn on its snout.
"What the hell?" he breathed. He then remembered how it had greeted him. "Wait a minute, what did you mean by 'successor' and how did you know I'm from another reality?"
The dragon regarded the teenage soul reaper for a moment before answering him.
"I am the Great Red. The dragon of dreams, the apocalypse dragon, and the true red dragon emperor. As for how I know about you, the being that summoned you here was a friend of sorts of mine. I must say, he took a fine pick. I can sense your power. Even at base strength, it is impressive."
"Where am I, if you don't mind. Also, how did I get here? The last thing I remember was going to sleep."
Great Red laughed heartily.
"You still have much to learn I see. You are in the dimensional gap. Since I am the dragon of dreams, I brought your consciousness here when you went to sleep. Your physical self is still enjoying its rest."
"Oh, I see," said Ichigo, relieved that he hadn't been sucked to some random place again. "How come you brought me here anyway?"
"I was simply curious about you," replied the dragon. "I wished to meet with you. I shall return you to your sleeping body, but before I do, I wish to give you some advice."
Ichigo began paying close attention as the dragon continued.
"Do not tell anyone that you have met with me. It will cause complications. Furthermore, it seems likely that Ophis, the dragon of infinity will take an interest in you. Currently, she's in the form of a small girl with black hair who dresses in a gothic Lolita fashion."
"Okay thanks," said Ichigo in appreciation.
"Farewell, Ichigo Kurosaki and good luck with your task."
Ichigo then felt himself losing 'consciousness' as he was returned to his sleeping body.
Omake:
Ichigo was walking through the streets. It was a quiet day and there weren't many people about. He felt a weird sensation as a magic circle appeared beneath him.
"Oh, not this again!" he exclaimed in protest.
When he could see again, he found himself lying face down on the ground. Getting back to his feet, he surveyed his surroundings. It seemed as though he was in some sort of abandoned city.
Hearing footsteps, he turned in the direction of the sound. He saw a figure walking towards him. He had pure white, spikey hair that overshadowed his eyes. So white it seemed as though it was glowing slightly. His skin tone was the same peach colour as Ichigo's own. He was wearing a leather-looking, unzipped jacket. The upper half was black, with 'Z-X' being on the right side in red lettering. The lower half was grey, and had a mirrored white section at the lower centre. The sleeves of the jacket were white and looked like they were woollen. Underneath the jacket he wore a navy blue top. He was wearing blue tracksuit trousers and white trainers. On his back was a katana sword with a plain black hilt, no design. From the pommel was a chain composed of two links and a white cloth attached to the second link. He looked like he was Ichigo's age. He had an air about him that seemed to say that he was searching for something.
He walked up to Ichigo and stopped two metres before him.
"Who are you?" he asked casually, yet politely.
"Ichigo Kurosaki," the orange-haired teen replied. "And who might you be, if you don't mind."
"I'm sorry," replied the white-haired teen. "I don't remember anything of my past. It's just… empty. But you can call me Z-X."
before either could say another word, they heard some sort of distorted, garbled growl. Turning in the direction of the noise, they saw some sort of creature. Its full body was green, save for its full yellow eyes. It stood on all fours, although the front to limbs looked like arms rather than legs and its body gave off a small, misty green aura.
"A Zecrocite," said Z-X as he reached for his sword.
"A what?" asked Ichigo.
"Doesn't matter, I'll deal with it," said Z-X. "It's a weak strain."
Z-X then dashed forward as he unsheathed his sword. In one swift motion, he cut through the zecrocite and stood behind it. The creature made one last sound before it burst into a green mist that quickly dispersed.
Z-X turned back to Ichigo and walked back to him.
"I'm sorry about this, since we just met and all, but I need to get going," he said apologetically. "There's something I need to find."
"Is it your memory?" asked Ichigo.
"Yes, it is. I don't know how to explain, but I feel as though there's something very significant about it, and I'm not talking about ordinary sentimental value," answered Z-X.
"Good luck, I hope you find it soon."
"Thank you. Good luck to you as well, in whatever you're doing."
With that, the mysterious teen walked on past Ichigo. Ichigo then scowled.
"Why and how the hell do these things happen to me? How the hell am I supposed to get back?!"