Zrocker119: Sup everybody! That's right, I haven't forgotten about this story. How could I after getting such a positive response from just the first chapter? Regardless here's chapter two, hope you enjoy!
Start
Today most of the guild could be found outside. The sky was mostly clear with only a few clouds to provide shade from the sun. It was a perfect day to throw a little barbecue. Ichigo had decided to take a break from his daily meditations and was manning the grill, while Chad helped out with setting up the tables.
"So Ichigo," The orangette looked up from the grill to Wakaba who had stopped beside him, "It's been about a month since you and Chad showed up. When are one of you going to go out on a request?"
Ichigo blinked. He hadn't realized that they had already been in this dimension for that long. Had it really been a month? It felt like it way just the other day that they had awoken here.
"Yeah, Ichi-nii," Romeo said as he finished setting out the plates. "With how strong you and Chad-nii are, I bet you could go on an S-class request!"
Throwing some food on the grill Ichigo asked, "S-class. Are those harder job's or something?"
"They're requests that are deemed too dangerous for ordinary wizards," Wakaba took a drag from his cigar, "So only wizards that are given the rank of S-class can take them. Just one request pays a few million jewels on average, but over the last few years we haven't gotten anything higher than C-rank."
Ichigo let out a "hmmm" as he continued to cook food. He was still recuperating from the journey so he had opted out of doing any work that didn't include helping out around the guild. But if the job was easy enough he should be fine. "I guess I could go and take a job. So long as it isn't too difficult."
"Can I come," Romeo asked excitedly, giving his brother figure the best pair of puppy eyes that he could muster. Too bad for him though, Ichigo once had a younger sister that was an absolute master of the technique, so he had developed a resistance to it.
"That's up to your dad." Ichigo turned towards Macao for confirmation.
Macao thought about it for a moment before nodding, "So long as it's not dangerous."
"Yes!" Romeo leapt with joy, almost knocking one of the tables over.
Ichigo smiled lightly as the kids excitement.
"Ichigo," Tensa spoke up from within his mind, "Zangetsu and I have been discussing your situation, and we believe we've discovered a way for you to regain your strength faster."
'Why do I feel a but coming along,' Ichigo responded dryly as he started flipping burgers.
"Because there is," Zangetsu growled out, "You'll have to seal us away."
'But the two of you are already in a sealed state though.'
"True we aren't in a state of Bankai, but we're still in Shikai." Tensa explained, "Even though it takes a minimal amount of energy to maintain-"
"It still take energy regardless," Zangetsu interrupted, "And that's energy that could be conserved in order to help regain your full power. Once you're back to 100% , then we can go back to Shikai like nothing ever happened."
'Can I even seal you two,' Ichigo asked. He had never done it before, not once since originally regaining Shikai. Hell, even when he regained his powers from the sword Kisuke created, Zangetsu had already been unsealed.
"With the amount of energy your currently emitting, definitely. I mean your practically back to when you fought Kenpachi for the first time." The battle crazed half of his Zanpakuto commented dryly. "Compared to what your capable of now, that's weak shit!"
Tensa sighed at his other halfs casual dismissal of their wielders weakened state, "This could also be used as an opportunity to refine your reishi control. While leagues above what it once was, there's room for improvement."
"He means your control is still shit," Cackled Zangetsu, still finding much amusement at his wielders extent. "If it weren't for the two of us having to constantly regulate the flow of your reishi, you wouldn't be able to sense any kind of energy do to your own getting in the way."
'I get it,' Ichigo nearly shouted out loud, but managed to hold it in. No need to have everyone thinking he was crazier than he already was. He dragged a hand down his face and sighed, 'If it will help, then go ahead and do it.'
"Got it/Very well."
A sudden flash of blue light blanketed the area. It wasn't blindingly bright but it was enough to get everyone's attention. As the light faded, the source was revealed to have been Ichigo.
His clothes had changed significantly. He now wore a white undershirt beneath his black shihakushō, which was now open and held together by three X-shaped marks. It split into three coattails with jagged ends. Ichigo's hands and forearms are covered by black gloves, with white X-shaped marks appear on both the gloves and his forearms.
Another noticeable change was that his swords were no longer present. Replacing them was a daito, though the blade is much longer than normal, and became more curved as it neared the tip, with three protrusions along the blunt end of the sword close to its tip. The tsuba was manji-like in shape and only curved and jagged.
The blade was certainly too long to be secured comfortably at the waist and was instead sheathed across Ichigo's back and secured by a red, rosary-like strap.
"Hm," Ichigo mused as he looked himself over with a slight amount of surprise. These were the clothes he used to don when he entered his false Bankai. "didn't expect that to happen."
"What the heck just happened," Romeo asked no one in particular. "And why is Ichi-nii wearing different clothes?" It was almost like seeing Erza use her requip magic only there was no magic circle.
"Hm," Ichigo looked up, just now noticing all of the attention that was on him. He rubbed his head sheepishly, looking pretty embarrassed. "Sorry about that, just testing something."
While the other were trying to figure out what he meant by that, Chad realized right away what had happened. The reishi that constantly leaked out of Ichigo was now little more than a drizzle. If it wasn't for the fact that he was used to the presence of Ichigo's energy than he wouldn't have noticed.
"There," Zangetsu began, though he seemed annoyed for some reason, "That's the best we could do. With us like this, your recovery time should've at least been cut by a few weeks."
"That's is a safe estimate," agreed Tensa, "Though I believe it would be a good idea to maintain this state as often as possible."
"Fuck that!" Zangetsu was having none of that, "I fucking hate being restrained like this. Reminds me too much of back then." He said, referring back to the time when Ichigo believed him to be nothing more than a hollow that lived within his soul.
"You have ample reason to be upset, but think of it like this. In this state Ichigo is much weaker, meaning that anyone he fights can prove to us whether or not their worthy of our true strength." Tensa said, trying to play to Zangetsu's competitiveness and lust to fight stronger opponents.
"...The funny thing is that I know that you're playing me...but your right." Ichigo could practically feel the smugness in his Zanpakuto's voice. "I'll go along with it, but there better be some strong as hell people here!"
With that said Ichigo let himself get dropped from the conversation and returned his attention back to the food, which amazingly he didn't manage to burn throughout his mental conversation.
"Foods done!"
For the next several months everything proceeded as normal, with the addition of Ichigo and Chad now taking on requests to better understand the world they were quickly coming to see as home.
Due to Ichigo sealing his Shikai, his powers had returned at a much faster rate, having come back completely a few weeks later. By sparring with Chad the two were able to gadge that even with his power sealed, Ichigo was as powerful as when he had his final clash with Ginjo Kugo.
After several weeks dozens of requests the duo were able to save up enough money to afford a place of their own. It took a lot of effort with the usual reward given for C-ranked jobs, but it was worth it in the long run. Their new home was a simple two storied house. It had four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen that doubled as a dining area and a living room with a few pieces of furniture.
Life was starting to look up for the two, but they knew was always a matter of time before something happened that would try and beat them into the dirt. But should history try and repeat itself they would be ready it this time, for Chad and Ichigo refused fall into despair.
Upon entering the guild hall, Ichigo took not of the gloomy mood that had settled over the place. Everyone was present with a forlorn look with the Chad, Romeo, Bisca and Asuka being the only exceptions. The group of four had left the other day to go on a request and had yet to return.
Alzack, Macao, Jet and Droy seemed to be in the middle of packing bags. The orange-haired man approached them with a wave.
"Hey guy's," Ichigo greeted, "What's going on? Everyone seems to be depressed. Did those assholes from before return?" His eyes hardened just a bit at the end. If those guy's tried something while him and Chad were gone.
"No nothing like that," Macao said with a sigh, "it's just that time of the year again." All he received from their newest member was a questioning look. It was at that moment the everyone realized that they never took Ichigo or Chad what had transpired five years ago today.
"Shit, I forgot we never told you." Wakaba scratched at his beard, "Hey Reedus, mind grabbing those pictures you drew?"
The guilds resident painter nodded and left the room, returning a few moments later with a stack of papers. Ichigo looked through them, finding them to be very well done painting of people he had never seen before.
"Who are they?"
"They were the strongest members of our guild." Macao seemed to age ten years as he sat on one of the stools. "Five years ago, they all left to participate in that years S-class trial exam. They were attack by the dragon of the apocalypse, Acnologia. The island was completely destroyed and no survivors were found."
"Every year we rent a boat to see if we can find some signs as to whether or not they somehow survived," Alzack mood noticeably sombered as he spoke his next words, "of if we can find any remains to bring clouser."
Ichigo kept looking through the pictures, but came to a stop when he came to what looked like a group of siblings. All of them had white hair and blue eyes, with the exception of the brother whose eyes were dark.
As he looked at the picture, the image was replaced by him, him sisters and father. Closing his eyes, Ichigo forced down the tears that threatened to spill and set the paintings on the bar.
"...When do we leave," their heads shot up in surprise at his question. Macao went to speak but Ichigo silenced his protest with a sharp glare. "I know more than anyone what it's like to lose the ones that you love," an image of a beautiful woman with long, burnt orange hair and a dazzling smile flashed before his eyes. "But I at least take comfort in knowing that they've past on."
He looked them all in the eyes, determination shining through his brown orbs, "allow me to help all of you recieve that same comfort."
Macao stared him down for a few moments before shaking his head, a fond smile wistful smile played his lips. 'Ichigo… you would've gotten along with them all so well.' He looked towards the determain man and nodded, "We leave in an hour."
Hundreds of miles away in the capital city of Crocus, the group of Fairies walked through the city. They had finished the delivery they that was detailed in the request and were now on their way to the train station to catch a ride home.
"Man, that request was too easy," complained Romeo. When Chad asked if he wanted to go on a request he had been hoping that there would've been some action involved, maybe assist in the apprehension of a dangerous criminal or something of the sort. But he should've known that wouldn't be the case when Bisca and little Asuka tagged along, cause there was no way in hell Chad would've let small child come along on a dangerous job.
"This place is so big," Asuka stated in wonder and amazement, her innocent eyes took in the many buildings as she held her mother's hand.
"It sure is sweetie," As Bisca looked around, Chad noticed the slightly worried glint in her eyes.
"Something wrong," His deep voice startled the mother out of her thoughts.
She sent him a reassuring look though it didn't reach her eyes. "Everything's fine. It's just that...the last time I was here with everyone...things didn't go well."
Chad may not know what happened but he could see that she was uncomfortable to talk about it. He nodded in understanding and dropped the subject. They walked in silence for a few more minutes, when Chad noticed a restaurant another block down.
The gentle giant gestured toward it and asked spoke one word, "Hungry?"
"Starving," Romeo all but shouted. Asuka held her tummy to show that she was hungry as well, earning a laugh from her mother and a slight smile from Chad. With that settled the group entered the restaurant, with Chad having to duck slightly in order to get through the door.
After being seated at a booth and ordering the group waited for their food to arrive. The place wasn't too crowded so it wasn't too much longer that they were happily chowing down. Romeo ate in a way that was similar to that of a starved animal, food just disappearing down his gullet. Aslack was a bit messy but she was three so it was expected. Being the adults that they were Chad and Bisca ate at a pace that was expected of them.
They were about done with their meal then the door opened and Bisca froze. She snapped out of it a second later but that was more than enough time for Chad to notice. When the food was all gone and they had paid, Chad took the opportunity to see just who had caused the cowgirl to freeze up.
Now seated near the entrance was a group of about ten people. Chad noticed that they all bore the same guild mark, which took the shape of a large fanged animal. One of them was looking in their direction.
After a moment the Fairies got up to leave and were just out the door, when one the one that had been looking at them spoke up.
"Hey hold up," wondering what the man could want Chad was about to do just that when he caught a pleading gaze from Bisca. They held each other's gaze for a moment before Chad nodded and kept going for the door. The sound of scraping chairs reached their ears, but the group kept going just the same.
It wasn't until one of them had gotten up and ran in front of them, blocking the exit that the four finally stopped. The man gave them all a look before his eyes settled on Bisca.
"Yeah, I know you," The man looked to be about eighteen, nineteen years old with pitch black hair and grey eyes. He slightly taller than Bisca a pretty muscular and was dressed casually. "You were in last years grand magic games. You were on Fairy Tail's team."
At the mention of fairy tail, one of the seated members laughed.
"Oh wow, you guys are still around." The one at the table stated, "I thought you would have finally disbanded after how thoroughly we trashed you lot."
"So why are you still around," the barring their path asked.
Chad stood before the man who had to crane his neck more than a bit to meet the giants gaze. "Just finishing up a request. Now please move."
Despite the size difference between them, the man didn't appear to be intimidated at all. "But you see we don't really care-"
The man was cut off as Chad grabbed the top of his head with one hand, lifted, and set him to the side. "Thank you." And with the the giant ushered his group out of the building, leaving behind the baffled group.
The one that was moved stood where he was place. His face went through an arrange of emotions before he settled on one as he turned to follow after the group. Anger.
The ground below him flashed blue and the man blurred in the direction of the Fairies, appearing before them in an instant.
"Do you know who I am," the man question, not all that happy about being manhandled like a small child.
"No," Chad's blunt answer threw the man through a loop but he quickly recovered.
"I'm Vicub, ranked as the 9th strongest in Sabertooth! The strongest guild in the country!" Vicub declared with a passion, expecting the mountain of a man to show some form of recognition.
"Never heard of you," Chad responded as bluntly as possible, "now, please move aside so that we can return home."
The man looked close to blowing up in anger but calmed himself down and smirked. "Oh no, you don't get to just walk away after manhandling me like that."
"But you were in our way," Romeo argued, "we just wanted to leave."
"Shut up you brat," Vicub snapped. "You fairy weaklings came into our city and were gonna leave without paying us the proper respect."
"We not weak," Asuka perked up, "we strong, espelly big brothers. "
"It's pronounced especially, Asuka." Corrected Chad but gave her a thumbs up for trying, a gesture she returned with big smile.
The man nearly rounded on the girl but stopped as Bisca spoke. "Chad," she pleaded, "let's just leave. Before something happens."
Looking around Chad noticed that a crowd had started to form around them, no doubt drawn by the commotion Vicub was making. The Giant nodded and started to walk around the man, when a hand grabbed his wrist.
"You're not going anywhere," Vicub stated as the ground beneath him glowed. The Sabertooth member disappeared from view. Chad spied him several meters away on a roof top before disappearing again on the opposite one.
"You humiliated me in front of my guildmates," his voice seemed to come from everywhere as he kept appearing all over the place.
Chad glanced down and noticed a glowing blue arrow on the ground where Vicub first stood. Following it he saw it pointed to the spot he had first disappeared to, which also had a glowing arrow. With a shake of his head he looked toward Bisca and motioned for her and the kids to stand back. She looked ready to argue but with a sigh she relented.
Chad waited until they were back with the growing crowd before turning back to the man who was still moving around the area. He noticed the Vicub was getting faster and faster each time he would reappear. From the looks of it, the speed he gets from his arrows stacked with the last previous ones each time he appeared.
"Now you pay the pric-" Chad spun around as Vicub appeared behind him with a foot raised for a kick. The Sabertooth member had a split second to realize that the 'weakling' had been keeping up with him the whole time before a large, tanned fist connected with his cheek.
With a thunderous crash Vicub slammed into the cobblestone, lying unconscious in a crater. Chad straighten up and lazily rolled his shoulder. A cheer could be heard as Romea leapt into the air. Asuka followed his example by clapping her hands.
Bisca was having a hard understanding what she just saw. If Vicubs declaration was anything to go by, than he was within the same range that the others had been before their disappearance. And Chad was able to track and disable him with just strength and skill.
Not only that but Chad had stated multiple times that Ichigo was in a multitude of times stronger than he was. With that in mind, Bisca couldn't help but wonder just how strong the two of them truly were.
Thinking about all this just ended up giving the mother a headache and let out an exhausted sigh. 'At least everything was fine now,' Bisca thought with a smile.
Chad shot them a thumbs up. The gathered crowd whispered amongst themselves as the giant made his way towards his guildmates. The hairs on the back of his neck stood straight as he spun around and raised his arms in a block.
He was just in time to block a pale-skinned fist that sent him skidding several meters back. Lowering his arms Chad was able to get a look at the person that tried to land the sneak attack.
It a pale-skinned, very massive and heavily muscular man, that possessed an extremely well built torso and arms to match. To Chads confusion however, the man's legs were normal in size, and therefore look quite miniscule when compared to his massive upper body.
He had long, spiky, shoulder-length light green hair with two long spikes that fell on either side of his face. The rest was kept back by a plain black headband over his forehead.
Most of the man's muscular upper body was left exposed as his clothing only consists of a light, striped pair of pants, with a large, fur-rimmed, tiger-patterned cloth secured around his waist by a plain light band. He also wore dark armbands with light edges circling his massive forearms, each bearing a pair of small furry balls on its outer side, near the hand, and dark shoes with light soles, sporting similarly light, simple elongated motifs on their upper part. Encircling his massive neck are three golden-colored, plain ornamental rings.
"O-orga," Vicub said as he got up his crater. "I-I can explain."
"The master won't be happy when he hears about this defeat," the now named Orga started with a neutral tone.
"Th-the bastard caught me off guard," defends Vicub, but was ignored by the other sabertooth member.
"Chad, we need to leave." Bisca said as she pulled Romeo and Asuka behind her. The crowd moved even further back, thoroughly separating themselves from the lesser guild members.
"Sorry but I can't let you leave without at least teaching you a lesson," Orga stated as a yellow and black aura enveloped him until it took on the form or black lightning.
Romeo moved to step forward but Chad held out his arm, stopping the boys progression. A liquid enveloped his arm and solidified into some kind of armor. His arm was now black with an intricate design that was magenta in color. A large flat plate extended from his shoulder.
"A partial take-over," questioned Bisca spoke out loud. This was the first time anyone had seen Chad display any of his magical capabilities as all they had seem up to this point was his ludicrous amount of strength.
'But I didn't see a magic circle,' were her last thoughts before Orga spoke.
"I wonder," Orga brought his hands up in front of him, a ball of yellow lightning with a black outline gathered between them, "are you man enough to take an attack like this head on?"
Chad wasn't one for showing off, but he felt like this would be one of the few moments that he'd take a page right out of Ichigo's book. The extension on his shoulder opened and a large exhaust of blue, flame-like energy that was his spiritual pressure emanate from it.
Chad noticed the surprised look on the man's face and asked in his usual tone, "Can you?"
-END-
