Ichigo Kurosaki has returned home from medical schooling abroad in America. His friends are eager to celebrate his return, but during their celebration in Naruki City he come across the supposed guardian of a temple there, and he can't help but fall for them. IchiHitsu. M-Rated
Chapter 1: The Metamorphic Meeting in Naruki-Shi
Ichigo Kurosaki had been away from his homeland of Japan for over two solid years, save for the times he was allowed to fly back and simply visit for a few days. Medical schooling proved to be the ultimate challenge, incredibly time consuming and leaving no time for much of a social life or playing tourist in America. But in the end he was a successful graduate, nearing the top of his class actually, and damn was he proud of himself for actually surviving the program from Hell.
When he set foot on home ground again did he breathe in the air, noting that the State's air had felt a hint thicker than this. He savoured it, the fresh feeling in his lungs as he moved inside of the airport. He went through whatever other check ins were needed, fetched his bags from the conveyor belt and then continued on his way towards the exit. He was halted though as he caught sight of a group of familiar faces, and then voices were ringing in his ear.
"KUROSAKI-KUN!" Inoue's voice rang out above the rest as she rushed forward, embracing the carrot top tightly, her over bounding chest pressing into his own and causing him to lose air fast. He inhaled sharply moving to pat the girl on the head whilst juggling his luggage.
"Inoue calm down!" Rukia followed up behind the girl before reaching out to gently pry her off the poor college graduate. "Welcome Home Ichigo." She looked up at him, violet hues settling on him.
The male grunted a thanks and nodded to the girls before looking to the others. Everyone was there, even Uryu who looked slightly dejected as he glanced away and adjusted his glasses, a habit he was cursed with like the majority of other glasses clad people in the world. Chad lifted a hand in silent greeting before Tatsuki was rushing over and punching Ichigo in the shoulder. Mizuiro and Keigo were both smiling his way, welcoming him home before Keigo threw his hands up.
"Let's go celebrate!" He called out, turning around to lead the group out of the airport.
"You mean drink?" Mizuiro corrected as he followed behind him, somehow managing to keep his eyes on his cellphone whilst weaving in and out of people.
"Hold on!" Ichigo's voice cut through the group and they all stopped, looking back to him as they neared the two vehicles they had used to get here. "You know I can't just go running off, I promised Yuzu and Karin I'd be home to see them… and I need to drop my stuff off at my apartment."
"Don't worry about it Ichigo." Tatsuki spoke up, jerking her thumb to the car she was claiming as her's. "We had already planned to, don't go listening to that dumbass Keigo."
He offered up a smile to her. "Thanks…"
.
.
.
The car ride was spent with idle chat amongst its occupants, Tatsuki behind the wheel, Rukia sitting shot gun and Orihime seated in the back with her fellow red head. Ichigo didn't mind being put with the girls, they seemed to have more sense anyway, well then again when it came to the guys it was mostly Keigo who was acting idiotic.
"Well I guess you're breathing a bit easier huh?" Rukia looked behind her seat to Ichigo. "Being done with that hectic course and all."
"Yeah… it was an experience I can tell ya that." He sighed and leaned back in his seat. "Maybe I can get my sleeping schedule back."
"You do look tense." Orihime pointed out, her lips curving downwards in worry. "Do you want us to just drop you off and let you rest? We can celebrate another day."
"Nah… I think I need to get out." He replied, waving off the idea. "I haven't seen you guys in a while either." He offered a smile her way which caused her cheeks to flare up and Rukia to giggle a bit before looking to Tatsuki.
The tomboy girl grinned. "Good then our plans are still on. Stop by the Kurosaki's, stop by Ichigo's apartment and then off to Naruki!" She pumped her fist in excitement.
"Naruki-Shi?" Ichigo questioned, an orange brow raising at that. "Why there?"
"They're having a festival there over the next few days!" Orihime clapped her hands together, bubbly personality coming to life before him. "Lot's of yummy foods and games and all of the shrines are open! We thought it would be fun!" She looked to him. "Do you want to go?"
Ichigo looked up in thought. "I haven't been to a festival in a while… I think the last one I went to was the New Years one a couple years back." He mused aloud before chuckling and grinning. "Sounds good to me… Thanks guys."
"No need for that. Gotta welcome home our friend." Tatsuki waved him off before taking the exit, heading towards the Kurosaki Clinic.
Upon arrival was Ichigo tackled to the ground by Yuzu who really had shot up over the past few years. She was still the motherly one at heart as she cried into her brother's shirt and blabbered welcomings to him. He gave a crooked smile at that, petting back her hair before then looking up from his spot on the ground to lay his eyes on his other sister. Karin smirked at the scene before giving in and joining in the group hug. It was truly good to be home, and to know he would be able to stay here for the rest of his life made his heart flutter.
When he rose from the hugging session did he nearly miss dodging his crazed father's roundhouse kick. The carrot top scowled heavily at his old man who was now grinning at his son.
"Look at you! All grown up!" He clamped a hand on the boy's shoulder, getting serious for a moment. "I'm really proud of you Ichigo." He offered up a true smile to his boy. "And I'm sure your mother is too."
"Dad…" He softened at that, briefly looking over to the ridiculous poster of his mother that his father had kept up all this time. Sometimes he was honestly grateful to see it, the picture of his mother's radiant face on the wall, always a reminder to enjoy the day, to smile despite what rain may come. He smiled at that picture, as if he could feel her smiling at him from heaven.
They stayed for about an hour, chit chatting about different things before Ichigo explained that his friend's had some things arranged for the evening. His family understood perfectly and he promised them he'd come for dinner later in the week once he got things resettled in his apartment which he had abandoned for some time.
The left the Kurosaki Clinic, continuing on to said apartment. The soon to be doctor had the assistance of his friends to help him get things straight, rearranging and cleaning things up, ridding the room of dust, their help was accepted with gratitude. At some point did Ichigo excuse himself though, heading to the bathroom to get cleaned up and changed out of the clothes he had worn during his incredibly long plane ride. He breathed a heavy sigh of content under the hot stream of water, washing his orange shock of hair and ridding himself of the grime.
He eventually emerged from the bathroom, redressed and ready to go whenever the rest of the crew was. He came out into the small living area of his apartment, finding the majority of his friends sitting about and waiting for him.
"Ready to go?" Rukia tilted her head at him and he gave a nod.
Keigo jumped out of his chair, once more throwing his hands into the air and screaming out in joy to which Ichigo hissed at him to keep his voice down. He had neighbors after all and he didn't want them getting the wrong idea.
They all once more piled into the two vehicles, Ichigo switching with whom he rode with this time, now sitting shotgun as Chad drove and Keigo sang in the back whilst Mizuiro was once again indulged in his phone. Uryu was in the spot Ichigo had been in earlier, carrying on simple conversations with Orihime whilst Rukia and Tatsuki chated.
The trip to Naruki was a bit longer than their other journey's today, save for Ichigo's plane ride. When they arrived the sun was starting to set and the street vendors were switching on the lanterns and twinkle lights that decorated their stands.
It was the time of year where the air was crisp, autumn getting into full swing as a plentiful amount of leaves were littering the ground. That didn't stop the people though, hoards of them wandering the streets in both kimono, yukata and casual clothes. Girls giggled as they chatted whilst the guys tossed back a beer or two.
Ichigo's group of friends stuck together, enjoying the company of one another as they left their cars and wandered about, stopping to grab a bite of whatever looked good and also grabbing some refreshments to wash said food down with. Keigo had gotten himself some beer, trying to get Ichigo to drink as well but the orange haired college graduate passed up the offer. He didn't feel like having a hangover on top of jet lag that was sure to hit him eventually.
Instead he marveled in the excitement that was this little festival, enjoying playing a few games and winning a few prizes for some of the girls in their group. Tatsuki was good on her own though along with Rukia, so for the most part he and Uryu were transferring a lot of their prizes to an overwhelmed Orihime.
The trail of vendors and games eventually led to the massive shrine where a lot of visitors were lingering about, saying prayers and pointing out the beauty of the temple and it's several statues that littered the courtyard. Ichigo wouldn't admit it but he was a bit caught up in it's beauty too. Not a single leaf of autumn was settled on the stone ground, the shrine maidens making sure of it as they walked about with simplistic brooms in hand.
Ichigo kept finding something new to gawk at on the temple grounds, impressed by the amount of prayers and wishes written out and hung along a wall. He then looked to the main entrance to the actual shrine itself.
A large dragon sat directly in front of the stairs that led up to the closed sliding doors. The statue was rather menacing but held it's own beauty, the Japanese style gave it an elegance amongst its intimidating stance and it's ruby red eyes against the blandness of stone was rather piercing as Ichigo attempted to stare directly at it.
His thoughts, and rather childish stare down with the inanimate object were put on hold though as drums began to beat loudly and the soft chiming of bells was heard behind him. Rukia was quick to fetch the momentarily dazed strawberry and pull him aside with the rest of the crowd. She set her eyes on what was coming, and once he caught on, Ichigo was quick to do the same.
A large group was headed towards the shrine, the people decorated in traditional clothes. Girls chimed their bells softly whilst men beat against their drums, continuing to clear their path. A single shamisen player stood at the front and they kept a rather tight formation around the small figure that walked in the middle of their parade.
Ichigo strained his neck to try and get a look at just what the person in the midst was doing. They were so incredibly small compared to the other people around them and a veil concealed their face. Ichigo was willing to bet it was a woman beneath it just from stature alone. They walked with grace and continued to follow after their musical companions. But then the group was breaking up, the orchestrators going ahead of the smaller person who held only a closed fan in their grasp.
The figure turned, now addressing the crowd but not once lifting the veil.
The crowd began to chatter softly as they watched the figure move, spreading the fan into opening and revealing the beautiful design of the dragon that was stitched into it. The stranger then placed their free hand against the large statue Ichigo had been awing over earlier. The petite hand stroking the stone as if it were truly alive, like some pet they had tamed into submission.
"So pretty…" Ichigo glanced to Orihime who had joined him on his opposite side from Rukia, her grey hues lit up in excitement from the dazzling display.
"...What's going on?" Ichigo murmured, not wanting to be too loud as the figure moved to slowly dance about the large stoned beast, fan moving smoothly through the air.
"It's a celebration of the guardian of this temple." Rukia chimed in, nodding her head. "A veiled guardian long ago was able to tame the dragon that had laid ruin to the land, it was said the dragon was made of ice and was creating deadly blizzards. But the guardian stopped it with compassion and the dragon willingly shared it's powers… supposedly they protect this area. Or that's how the legend goes." She shrugged, just giving a short sum up of it.
"No one knows what the guardian looks like though?" Ichigo scowled slightly at that, curiosity biting at the back of his mind.
"There are rumors." Orihime whispered, still captured by the display of the dancing guardian. "But… no one really knows."
"Ah…" Ichigo drawled out air as he settled his gaze back on the little event, just catching the end as the guardian bowed gracefully to the crowd which applauded, Ichigo clapping his hands quietly as well. The the figure was moving towards the stairs, climbing them.
The action was halted though when the figure lost their sandal, turning to look down at the offending object.
Ichigo Kurosaki caught that moment and then moved without another thought, quickly jogging up and kneeling down to pick the sandal up. Orihime and Rukia were both gawking as the carrot top then looked up to the guardian… then he was also gawking.
From his angle on the ground he could easily see up the veil, catching a glimpse of the face hidden beneath.
He was met with a fierce gaze, much like the eyes of the dragon statue but instead they were a turquoise hue, but color did not change the ferocity. It was evident that this guardian was not a woman as Ichigo had originally thought but instead it was a man, well more like a boy as his baby cheeks gave him a more younger appearance. Ichigo could also see the tufts of white hair also well obscured by the thick veil. Ichigo was utterly speechless, dumbfounded really, and he was rooted there, his hands holding the sandal out still but making no other moves.
The boy guardian moved instead, first bringing a small finger to his lips, silently telling the carrot top that this was a secret now between them. Then he was lowering his hand and extending his tabi clad foot forward, gracefully slipping his foot back into the sandal. And then he spoke, his voice hushed so the rest of the people surrounding them did not hear.
"Thank you." It was a voice that held strong will and Ichigo could only nod his head deftly as the guardian moved to continue up the stairs. Ichigo caught one final glimpse beneath the veil though, the snow haired boy's lips curving upwards slightly. A smile was graced on his lips.
Well I bring you another IchiHitsu story! I am not sure how often this one will be updated. The idea honestly just came to me the other day and I decided I would flesh it out and see how it goes. Toshiro Hitsugaya is seriously beautiful don't you think? Haha anyway, if you could leave a review of the first chapter that would be wonderful! Off to another IchiHitsu adventure we go!