Chapter 13: A Whole New World

Ichigo entered through the doors of the guild, relaxed in his stance; scowl on his face. He was bickering with his captain and guild master: Urahara.

"Gah, it's just a little property damage. Why are you so uptight about it?"

Urahara felt like smacking him over the head with a folded fan. "Because I have to ask the head captain for money! And it was unnecessary!"

"Well I had to kill the damn thing quick didn't I?!"

"No one asked you to kill the conference building!"

"… That's just a little collateral damage."

Kisuke face-palmed. With a heavy sigh he rubbed his hand off his face. "It's coming out of your pay check."

"I'm sure you wouldn't have payed me either way." Ichigo scoffed.

"You're a rubbish lieutenant you know that? Oh and try not to kill our guest later." Kisuke made his way into his office.

Ichigo snorted, unwilling to bicker further. 'Guest? Who the hell can that be?' He sat himself down on a table and sighed. Realization struck him though as his mind drifted to his sisters. 'I haven't visited!'

"Ah shit… Yuzu's gonna nag me forever when I go back…"

Ichigo felt long slender arms drape themselves over his chest as a weight leaned itself onto his back, he heard a whisper in his ear. "Aw, feeling homesick are you?"

He jumped. He swirled around faster than a tornado; face beet red. He was treated to the sight of Yoruichi laughing her lungs out, slapping her knee and pointing at his face.

"You goddamn…" Ichigo didn't finish. He didn't want to receive a beating after all. He still remembered the last time he cussed out Yoruichi. He just pinched the bridge of his nose. "What do you want Yoruichi?"

The mocha skinned speedster just chuckled and grinned. "I don't want anything my dear student. You're just too fun to tease. Anyways I heard what you said, missing home?"

"Sorta, I promised I'd visit Yuzu and Karin."

Yoruicihi opened a can of soft drink. "Well if you promised, then you have no choice now do you? What's keeping you back?"

"Nothing's keeping me back, I just don't wanna get nagged at… And I don't wanna see the old goat. God knows what he's gonna do. I do miss Yuzu's cooking though." Ichigo looked out the window wistfully.

Yoruichi eyed her student for a bit, before smirking. "Just go and visit them, I'm sure they miss their brother. Besides it would be a great opportunity for you to bring along Harribel."

Ichigo was confused. "Harribel? Why? She's doesn't know anyone in the living world."

"Correction! She doesn't know anyone in the living world and she knows barely anything about the living world itself! So it'd be a great learning experience for her if you let her tag along." Yoruichi was adamant about this. 'Poor girl doesn't know anything out of battle, war, and Hueco Mundo…'

"You're not gonna let me out of this are you?" Ichigo stared straight into the bright cat like eyes of Yoruichi. They stared back at his, challenging him. "Gah, fine. I'll take her along with me next time."

"Atta boy! Oh and a bit of advice. Don't be too surprised later." Yoruichi slapped his back, before disappearing in a flash.

Ichigo almost spat his drink out at the hard slap he got. He looked up and scowled, noticing she wasn't there anymore. He heard footsteps coming from upstairs. 'Don't be too surprised? What's that supposed to mean?'

"Oh Kurosaki-kun! You're back! How'd it go?" Orihime skipped down the steps to greet her crush. She bounced happily to him.

"Oh hey Inoue. It went fine. Nothing too dangerous, just a demon is all. Thing died to one Getsuga, but my payed gonna be docked for a while though."

Orihime gained a serious glint in her eye before she inspected Ichigo head to toe.

"Uh Inoue, what are you doing?"

Orihime ignored his question, finishing up her inspection, she nodded and looked up to Ichigo and smiled. "I'm just making sure you're okay Kurosaki-kun. You did fight a demon after all. I don't know how strong it was, but it never hurts to check."

Ichigo's hard scowl softened as he stared into Orihime's eyes. "I'm fine, don't worry about me too much. Where are the others by the way?"

Orihime put a finger to her lip as she gazed upwards in an adorable thinking gesture. "Nel and Harribel should be in their rooms. Ishida and Chad went out to get some stuff for the guild. I think Chad is getting hardware material and Ishida is getting groceries."

"You know, now that there isn't a sudden job to do, wanna come with me to the Fairy Tail guild? We still haven't checked up on Gray's teacher yet."

Orihime smiled brightly. "Sure thing! I've been worried for her ever since you brought her here."

Ichigo chuckled slightly before starting to make his way toward the door. "I wouldn't worry if I were you. I have faith in your abilities."

Orihime stopped in her tracks and smiled, her face red as a strawberry. She squealed internally before slapping her own cheeks lightly. She grinned and ran up to join Ichigo at his side.

They almost set a foot out the door before they heard someone call out to them. "Eh, you two are gonna leave without little old me? What if I get lonely in this big guild all alone?"

Ichigo already had his two swords drawn in attack stance at hearing Gin's voice. He'd seen Gin's betrayal of Aizen, but that didn't mean he completely trusted him. "What are you doing here?"

Gin held his hands up in a mocking gesture of innocence. "See my coat kiddo? The old geezer put me in the captain's spot again. Although, I've been assigned as a captain here instead… Nice to see you too by the way, you'll have to fill in the details of your fight with Aizen to me." He extended his hand toward the direction of Ichigo. "New beginning partner?"

Ichigo shook his hand hesitantly. "Partner?"

Gin opened one eye slightly. "Oh, you didn't know? You're Kisuke's lieutenant, and he's the head captain of this branch. Making you captain level in authority. So I'll say it once more, good to meet you, partner."

"Yeah… Sure… And what did you mean by alone? There's plenty of people in this guild for you to fuck around with."

Gin feigned emotional hurt, putting on a sad face and covering his eyes with the back of his hand. "Your words hurt me so! My intentions are not evil! As for the rest… Well they ain't any fun." He took back his old stance and facial expression before staring down Ichigo. "So what or who is this Fairy Tail?"

Ichigo gulped slightly. Gin had no reservations about killing willy nilly. "A group of people we've met and allied ourselves with. Why?"

"No reason, just curious to know. Hey! I might just join y'all in meeting these so-called allies of ours! After all, I am a member of the guild now." Gin showed his right forearm bearing the mark of the guild, and limiter.

Ichigo face-palmed. "I assume we don't have much of a choice but to bring you along do we?"

"Nope!" Gin answered cheerily. He walked up behind Ichigo and slung an arm around his shoulder. "I'm looking forward to a nice friendship."

Ichigo pushed the arm of his shoulder. "I'm not, keep your creepiness to yourself."

Gin pouted childishly, "So cold… Hey girl, why do you look so scared?"

Ichigo looked to his side at Orihime, and true enough, she did look spooked. He positioned himself infront her, shielding her from Gin.

Orihime didn't want to look scared, but she didn't have much of a choice. Gin was naturally creepy. Plus it didn't help that he's seen him try and actively kill Ichigo on multiple occasions. She steeled her nerves and turned around; walking out the door. "I'm fine Kurosaki-kun, let's just get to the guild, I'm eager to see them again."

Ichigo sent a scowl Gin's way before following Orihime.

Gin just shrugged before following tailing the two.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Ichigo knocked on Fairy Tail's doors. Just as last time, no one answered it. The muffled sounds of laughter and brawling could be heard from the other side of the door. Ichigo wanted to kick the door down then and there, but a little persuasion from Orihime made him try the gentler method of knocking again.

As the seconds passed, the scowl on Ichigo's face soured further and further. A comment from Gin made itself known. "Gee, quite an uncivilized bunch aren't they? Not opening their doors for us even after we knocked."

He mock-pouted. "Oh well, there's always a solution for it isn't there kid?" He turned his head toward Ichigo, grin present.

That was the last straw for Ichigo. He could handle Gin's creepiness and obnoxiousness. He could handle not being answered at the door. But fuck if anyone's going to call him a kid. Especially Gin. 5

He walked up to the guild's doors and kicked it right open, the doors almost flew off its hinges. Creating a loud bang as it slammed against the walls. All eyes were on them, and some were not too friendly.

Natsu was creating a ruckus and brawling with his guild members, having a generally fun time before a jarring bang interrupted his fun. He looked over and saw him. The orange haired fighter that tied with Erza. He was gonna get his fight and he would get it soon… Now in fact.

"Hey! You got a problem with our doors?! You're lookin' for a fight aren't ya? C'mere!" Natsu jumped at Ichigo, not realizing Orihime and Gin standing next to him.

Time slowed in Ichigo's perspective. 'What the hell is that idiot doing?! Gin's gonna kill him!' Ichigo looked to the side, and sure enough the terrifying grin never left Gin's face. In fact, it looked like it grew in size and menace. He saw Gin unsheathe his sword and turned his waist slightly, so that the point of the blade was pointing at Natsu behind his captain's cloak.

In an effort to stop Gin from impaling his new friend, Ichigo tried to grab onto Gin's wrist, but it might have been too slow. "Wait, Gin! No!"

"Shoot to ki-."

"Natsu!" Erza's voice boomed from the other side of the guild. She had just walked out of the kitchen after finishing a few errands for Mira to help expedite the cooking process, only to see that Natsu was about to attack their new friends for seemingly no reason. And knowing Natsu, it was probably just for a fight anyway. "What are you doing?! You had better not be starting a fight with them!"

Natsu stopped in his tracks mid-air, something Ichigo hadn't seen before. Natsu stood ramrod straight. "No ma'am! I wasn't starting a fight! I was just greeting our new friends here! Right Happy?"

Happy who was innocently munching on some fish looked bewildered at Natsu, "Uh yeah… Natsu didn't do anything wrong Erza!"

Erza glared at Natsu before sighing and relenting. She walked forward to join Natsu by his side. "Hello Ichigo, Orihime, and…"

Erza looked at the third member of the squad and felt chills run down her spine. Something about him was just… off. And she was sure she had never seen his face before, not even when they had first almost got attacked in their guild. He must be a new member then.

Gin stepped forward and extended his hand in greeting, having already put his sword back into place. "Name's Gin girly. Nice to meet ya! I see you're a friend of Ichi-chan here." He put an arm around Ichigo's shoulders. "Although I would recommend as friends you don't just try fighting him the moment you see him ya know. That kinda attitude will land ya in a world of hurt one day."

The joking tone of voice and light hearted way it was said did not alleviate the tension Erza felt. Something about the man just reeked of danger. It was as if she were standing in front of an unmoving snake, hesitant to take a step anywhere in the case she was bitten. His stance looked nonchalant but had no discernible openings and he had the aura of someone that would take the head of another in a split second without hesitation. She swallowed hard and tried her best to muster a strong look in her eyes. "I will properly teach Natsu some etiquette I promise you. And do not call me 'girly' please, my name is Erza Scarlet."

"Whatever ya say girly." Gin waved off her request.

Ichigo noticed that Gray and Lucy walking up towards them. Lucy was already sweating bullets. She'd seen Ichigo's new… acquaintance, and she wasn't exactly thrilled to meet him.

Erza cleared her throat and focused her attention towards Ichigo once more. "So, Ichigo, what brings you to the guild hall?"

Ichigo turned to look at her. "We're here to visit Gray's teacher if it's alright with you all."

Gray and Lucy both walked up just in time to hear that, and they were happy. Gray answered his question. "Sure, she'd love to see the people that saved her life after all. She's in the infirmary. She's recovering but she's conscious. C'mon, we'll bring you there." The whole group made their way past the guild members and into the infirmary. Gray and Erza both had the urge to ask Gin to stay outside, fearing for Ur's safety, but if he was Ichigo's fellow guild member, it would be unwise to treat him unkindly.

The group entered the medical room, the scent of fever medication sneaked into their nostrils. They saw Ur, now dressed in standard hospital gown, sitting up in her bed. A mug was seen in her hand, steaming. Tea most likely. The previously confused and lost eyes now had life and serenity in them.

She turned her hear toward the sound of the opening door and she saw her fellow guild members and the ones that supposedly saved her. Along with the silver haired man.

Gray called out to his teacher. "Hey Ur, Ichigo and friends are here to visit."

The name Ichigo reverberated in her mind. She'd heard it when she first woke up, and she heard from the rest that he's the one that saved her. By the look of things, she figured Ichigo was the one with orange hair. 'Orange? Unique…'

"Nice to finally meet you. I was wonderin' what my saviour looked like." Ur greeted with a grin.

"Ah, I wasn't really your saviour. Inoue here is the one that brought back your form. Thank her." Ichigo deflected her appreciation to the one he thought really deserved it.

"Eh? No, no, I didn't really do much… It was your idea to bring her to me. You should be taking the credit Kurosaki-kun…" Orihime was flustered, she spoke in quick stutters.

Ur noticed that the both of them had similar colour hair. They sure did act cute around each other too. 'Siblings? No… The way they act doesn't show that… Heh, they'd make a cute couple. And cute kids.'

"If you two are done flirting, I extend my thanks to the both of you. C'mere a sec' would you?" Ur gestured for them to stand by her.

The two of them were surprised at first, but they made their way to her. They each stood at her sides. Left and right.

They were even more surprised when Ur's surprisingly strong arms wrapped around their necks and pulled their heads to her bust. "Seriously, thank you both. If it wasn't for the two of you I would have never been able to see Gray again. The world. Magic. None of it. If you ever need anything from me… Just ask, alright?"

Orihime tried to deny it at first but a finger placed to her lips silenced her denials. She accepted the fact and hugged her back, closing her eyes and feeling the bond form.

Ichigo didn't handle it that well though. He tried to fight back against the iron grip of Gray's teacher, his face redder than a rose, the soft feeling of being pulled to her breasts had him flushed and embarrassed beyond belief. For an innocent looking woman, she had the grip of a gorilla. 'What the hell do they feed her?!'

Ur noticed his struggles. She was disappointed and slightly saddened at first, thinking that the Lieutenant didn't like her at all or wasn't comfortable to be hugged by her. But once she saw his face, her happiness boosted. "Aw… What's wrong Ichigo? It's just a hug, why are you so flushed?"

Erza and Orihime both frowned a little at his reddened face.

Ichigo still tried to pry himself away from Ur's venus hug trap. "Wha- I'm not… It's just…"

Ur giggled, before releasing the poor boy from her grasps. 'He's just so cute!' Her maternal instincts flared.

Ichigo tried to get himself back into his normal skin tone. He heard chuckling from the back of the room and he saw Gin trying his best to keep his composure. He was failing miserably though, evident from his shaking shoulders and hand covering his mouth.

The rest of the crew had a dead pan expression as they saw one of the strongest people they know practically get shut down from a hug.

Ur slunk back to the head board of her bed, resting her back against it and sighing softly. "So… You two saved me, but who's that?" She pointed toward Gin.

Ichigo answered the question for her. "He's a… guild member."

Ur eyed the orange haired boy. 'Unsure huh? Suspicious.'

"Hey ya, name's Gin." Gin bent to the side slightly and waved cheerily.

Ur's eyes betrayed her efforts to keep her distrust and dislike hidden. "Good to see you. New member?"

"Yup! Quite new."

Ur regarded him with cold eyes for a moment longer before putting her attention on the other two foreign guild members. "Not that I'm ungrateful or anything, but what brings you two around here?"

Orihime piped up, "We came to check up on you; the last time we were here you weren't awake yet…"

"Aw, you two didn't have to do that for me… Besides I'm sure there's plenty of errands you have run being a new guild and all right?" Ur was flattered, but she didn't want to trouble the two.

"Nah, it's usually taken care of by the lower brass. It's quite boring really… just sitting around and doing nothing…" Ichigo answered.

"Oh hoh, 'lower brass'? You must be a big shot then huh?" Ur teased slightly.

Ichigo smirked, "You could say that."

"So what are ya? S-class? Ace? Or…" Ur gasped, "Master?"

Ichigo was tempted to say master but he was honest person after all. "S-Class probably best describes it…"

Natsu broke into the conversation. "Nuh uh, no way you're just S-class. When we were talking to your friends they said you were the strongest! They told me you're the ace!"

Ichigo scratched his head lightly, "What exactly is the ace?"

Everyone that belonged to Fairy Tail face palmed.

Ur decided to answer the poor boy's question. "The ace is typically the strongest out of all the mages in the guild sans the master. And is usually the one to handle and operate the guild in the absence of the master, or in more extreme cases they will take up the mantle of master."

Ichigo put on a thoughtful expression and hummed. "Yeah, sounds kinda like what I am... Guess I'm the ace of my guild then."

Ur smiled, "Ace huh? Must be pretty strong then right?"

Natsu broke in once again. "Hell yeah! He made Erza tie with him without even breaking a sweat! And he even killed a demon in one hit!"

Ur's smile shattered and alarm set in. "Demon?! Which one? And are you sure it's really dead?"

"Uh, the demon was called Lullaby I think… And I'm pretty sure it's dead. One attack from Ichigo and the thing v- va- vap-."

"It was vaporized." Erza helped Natsu.

"One attack?!" Ur practically screamed, her head whipped to the side and stared at the orange haired man in disbelief.

"Yeap! Everyone saw it! It was big, bright, and blue! It cut it into two before it exploded!" Happy popped up.

Ur felt her head spinning. 'No one could take down Deliora no matter what we threw at him and no matter how many people there were… And this guy took out a demon on his own in one attack?'

"Hey Ichigo, I want to ask you for a favour." Ur looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Uh sure, what do ya want?" Ichigo was confused, he barely knew the woman. What could she want him to do?

"I-I… Want to spar with you once I'm in good condition." Ur steadied her gaze and held strong.

Gray spat out the water he was drinking. "Are you crazy?! You just heard what he can do and you wanna fight the guy?! Did you accidentally get Natsu's brain or something? And why do you even want to fight him in the first place?!"

Ur took on a more serious note, "Gray, I was once your teacher and mentor. Don't think of me as some weak mage now that you're older or because I was out of it for a while. I want to spar with him to see the gap in our power that's all. It'll be a learning experience."

Ichigo sighed heavily. 'Why does everyone want to fight me? It's like highschool all over again.'

"Fine, I'll spar with you… But only when you're in top condition." Ichigo wasn't about to beat an injured woman senseless.

"Deal!" Ur grinned.

"No fair!" Cried out Natsu, "why does everyone get a fight with him but me? I want one too damn it…"

Erza laid a hand on his shoulder in a comforting fashion. "Perhaps once you're strong enough Natsu. You have seen what he's capable of doing. Use this as a motivator to strive for strength. I'm sure if you get stronger than me, then Ichigo would have no qualms about fighting you, right?" she looked toward Ichigo.

Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Fine… I'll fight him when he's stronger than you."

"Ya know…"

All eyes turned to Gin. "I don't mind taking the brat on in a fight. What do ya say? It'll be fun!"

Natsu jumped for joy. "Hell ye-."

"Hell no!" Ichigo shouted.

"Eh?! Why?" Natsu asked, shocked by his genuine anger and outburst.

"You don't know him. He'll toy with you, bait you into attacking him with full force then he'll just kill you and say it was self-defence. I'm not going to allow anyone to fight him." Ichigo stated coldly.

Gin's grin was gone and his eyes were slightly open. "Yare, Yare… You've gone and become all mature kid… Ruining my fun and all. Tell me, when did ya stop being that naïve little boy that you were?"

Ichigo said nothing, keeping the scowl on his face.

"Was it finally getting the will to kill that shattered ya little world of innocence? Did Urahara teach ya?"

"Shut the hell up Gin." Warned Ichigo, a stern glint in his eye.

"I always said you were a creepy kid. Statement still holds true. You are one terrifying kid. I'll stop fer' now, but I do expect answers sometime soon Kurosaki." Gin's normal facial expression returned as he stared straight through Ichigo.

Orihime grabbed onto Ichigo's forearm. "Kurosaki-kun, please don't fight. At least, not in here."

Ichigo huffed and crossed his arms, turning away from the silver snake.

Ur stared at the boy intently. 'Will to kill? Must have had a pretty messed up life… I wonder how old he is, looks like he's almost 20, maybe 21.'

"Hey, Ichigo."

"Yeah?"

"How old are you actually?"

Natsu and the others from the Fairy Tail group realized that none of them actually knew Ichigo's age. They all just assumed he was older than them by a few years. They perked up and payed close attention.

"Ah, well I'm seventeen actually. Will be hitting eighteen in a few months' time."

The Fairy Tail members almost fainted. 'He's so young!'

Gray sputtered. "Wait, wait, wait… You're younger than me?! And you're that strong?!"

Erza was lost for words as well. "I lost to a boy two years younger than me…"

Natsu was fascinated. "How'd you get so strong so young?!"

Ur's thoughts went a different direction though. 'Seventeen and he's already had to kill people? And with that kind of strength? What the hell did he go through?'

Gin chose to comment too, "Like I said, you're a creepy kid Kurosaki. Seventeen years old and you could probably give the head captain a run for his money in terms of strength. Probably beat him too. And you were only training for a year at most. Which is a conservative guess countin' in those two years you stopped all together."

The last comment almost caused a heart attack in the Fairy Tail members. Erza's mood plummeted even further. "He's only been training for at most a year and he already far surpasses me…"

Natsu had hearts in his eyes. "Tell me what you did to get that strength!"

Gray and Lucy both fainted.

"Had to learn on the go almost every time I guess. Getting beaten down then learning how not to get beaten down by the same thing helps." Ichigo answered Natsu's question.

Gray managed to be conscious enough to hear the answer and something in his brain triggered. "Wait, back in your guild while talking to your friends; they said you've been through wars…"

Ichigo scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, "Yeah, two official ones to be exact."

A grim mood fell over the people in the infirmary. Ur felt sad for the kid. She'd seen and had her own fair share of conflict, but never a war. It's been so long since the last time there was a war. Most people live out their lives fully without having to experience it but this kid went through two in the span of two years.

He definitely earned a place of respect in her heart.

Gin's happy voice cut through the gloom of the room, "Oh well, at least they were fun right Kurosaki?"

Ichigo smacked him over the head, "Are you god damn crazy? How was any of it fun?!"

"Well it was fun for me at least…" Gin pouted.

"That's because most of the time you were trying to stab me!" Ichigo shouted.

Gin shrugged, uncaring. "Had to play my part."

Ichigo was about to slap him again but he stopped as he heard knocking on the Fairy Tail guild doors. He turned to Erza. "Hey, I think one of you should check that out right?"

Erza nodded and went down to open up the guild doors. Something about it peeved Ichigo though. When he knocked no one answered.

The guild doors opened to show a messenger from the council. Backing it up was a squadron of Rune Knights. A formality more than anything, after all against a whole guild what would a few Rune Knights be able to do?

The messenger cleared its throat. "Ahem, I have been informed that the person we are after for arrest is currently in your guild. Will you please bring him out and hand him over?"

Erza raised a brow. She heard the rest making their way to her. "Who exactly are you here to arrest?"

"We are here to arrest the man known as Ichigo Kurosaki for the wide scale destruction of property and environment."

"I see… I shall inform him immediately." Erza glared at the messenger slightly before turning back and meeting Ichigo half way.

She spoke in a low voice, "The council is here to arrest you. Don't worry, it's just a show of power. You'll be released after some questioning."

Ichigo sighed, "Arrested huh… Alright, I'll go along with them for now."

Ichigo turned back towards Orihime. "Orihime, go back to the guild and tell Urahara I'm under trial. I'll be back in no time."

"Eh?! Arrested?! Are you sure? Maybe they got something wrong? No way you can be arrested Kurosaki-kun! You didn't do anything wrong! At least I don't think you did…" Orihime panicked, arms and hands waving around frantically in a flurry of gestures.

"Would you relax Orihime? It's just a sham. They just wanna make sure they that are the ones that appear to have the power that's all. Nothing will happen to me."

Orihime still didn't like the idea of him being arrested though. "Kurosaki-kun… Can I at least come along? To make sure things are okay?"

"Absolutely not! The less people with me the better. Lesser suspicions are aroused. Stay in the guild, I'll be fine."

She pouted, but relented. "Fine…"

Gin slapped Ichigo's back with a little more force than necessary, "Now, now, don't you be worried Ichi-chan! I'll make sure yer little girlfriends are safe. Ya kept Rangiku safe from Aizen and the Quincies after all."

Ichigo got back his footing after stumbling from the slap; he glared at Gin. "You? Protect? Don't bullshit me. Besides I didn't protect Rangiku from anything during the fights."

Gin snaked his hand back over Ichigo's shoulders and pulled him close. "Heh it's true ya didn't directly protect 'er, but ya did defeat Aizen and kill Yhwach. So by way of proxy, you did protect her. I still haven't returned the favour to ya."

As much as Ichigo wanted to refuse Gin, he could tell he genuinely wanted to help. It surprised him immensely. Reluctantly, he accepted his help. "Fine. And I don't have a damn girlfriend! And the hell do you mean 'girlfriends'?!"

Gin was a little surprised the orange mop hadn't landed himself a harem yet. His eyes actually opened. "Wow, yer really dense aren't ya? Oh well, I know who are yer friends. I'll just kill what tries to kill them. Easy peasy."

"Who the hell are you callin' dense?!"

"Ahem" The messenger cleared its throat. "If you have said your goodbyes, I must escort you to the council to have your trial. Follow me."

Ichigo and messenger climbed into the carriage, making their way along the dirt road. Orihime sighed, "Well, I think I should be heading back now. I don't want to worry Kurosaki-kun… Thank you all for having us over. See you next time!" She waved good bye to the Fairy Tail group as she headed on her walk home. Gin waited for a bit before tailing her.

The whole arrest didn't sit well with Erza and Natsu. Natsu suggested an idea, "Hey Gramps, what if we go follow them and clear up the mistake?"

"I support that idea master." Erza chimed in.

"Count me in!" Lucy piped up.

"Same here." Gray added.

"Absolutely not." Surprisingly, it wasn't the Master that denied them but Ur instead. "Council matters like this are to be left alone. Nothing will happen to Ichigo. If we suddenly put our guild into the equation, it could turn chaotic and it might do more bad than good. If he was truly falsely convicted then for sure we would help, but from what I've heard he's blown up more than just the master's conference building. Let the politicking happen, but if they truly do need help, be ready to help. For now relax… or maybe train up. You've all got a long way to go before catching up to Ichigo and company according to your tales."

"I concur with Ur here. False trials are held all the time just to show the public that the council is not ignoring collateral damage victims. Let it take its place. Besides for me personally, I still don't trust their guild too much. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful they revived Ur and helped us out on occasions. But some of their members and their guild master are too… militaristic? Distrustful? Violent? Scheming? Self-centred? There are many more words to describe them somewhat. The combination of them all probably describes them fully. So far out of that group, I would recommend only making friends with Ichigo and his true friends if you want to."

The group were shocked to hear their master speak that way. Erza and Natsu in particular. Natsu let his mind be known, "No way Gramps! What do you mean? Their master saved me remember? Besides what makes you say that?!"

"Because Natsu, I had a talk with their guild master. Urahara Kisuke. He seems friendly and wacky, but he's dangerous to the highest levels. And the terrifying news is that they are only a branch part of a military organization. Filled to the brim with people of monstrous power. I don't know that they want to do in Magnolia, or even Fiore. But most likely it's to benefit themselves. They may be a light guild, but their guild master gives off a feeling even some of the dark guild masters would have a tough time imitating. And did you not hear? They, including Ichigo, have been through two wars. Wars are a horrible thing. It makes people into monsters. Who knows how much blood is on their hands."

Natsu went silent. Erza was in disbelief. 'There's no way Ichigo is like that right? No, of course he isn't. His guild and master might be, but he definitely isn't. I will choose to put my trust in you Ichigo. Don't let me down… please.' She stared at the spot where the carriage was once.

Lucy voiced out her concerns. "No way… If they ever decide that they want to attack us or anyone else…"

Makraov nodded grimly, "It'd be hard to stop them. Train up, all of you. Get everyone stronger. As a precaution."

Gray took a deep breath and clenched his fist. "We're going to train alright, but we aren't going to train so we can fight them in the future."

He looked the master in the eye, "We're gonna train so we can help them. Just like they did to us. Because I have full faith that they aren't like that. That they're good people. I also have to repay them for saving Ur. Anyone that would do that is a good person to me."

Natsu took his side. "That's right! I haven't repaid their master for saving me, or even Ichigo! He saved me too!"

Lucy took their side as well. "Yeah master! We have to have some trust in the new guys! Just look at Ichigo and Orihime. Their great people!"

Erza stood in front of them, their de-facto leader. "That's right. You can have reservations about their guild master, but the people in the guild should be individually judged. And so far, apart from Gin, they have all been good people. Militaristic? Yes. Anything else? No. I will judge them for my own."

Makarov sighed heavily, knowing his children would be like this. They brought up some good points too. Looks like he'd have to give in this time. "Fine then. We shall take a chance with them. But my trust in them will be built over time. If you all want to train up, then take a break from taking jobs. That's a piece of advice I had gotten when I was in my younger days."

While Erza, Gray, and Natsu wouldn't have minded taking a break for a while to train, Lucy did. She hadn't been a guild member for long and she didn't have the power to go on missions alone. At least the ones that paid well. The group came to the consensus that they would continue on their jobs, but would still find time to train. Erza had a realisation though. 'We have to convince their guild master to let Ichigo train us…'

She sighed, putting that issue aside for another day. Ur broke off from her silent thinking to address the group, "Well, I'm hungry. Wanna get some food? We'll cross this bridge another day. Relax for now."

"Aye sir!" Natsu and Happy both shot up as food was mentioned. The rest followed, slowly getting appetized by the thought of Mira's cooking.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The pristine white halls and carpeted floor of the Council room greeted Ichigo as he stepped in. It was a large place, mostly empty. The messenger brought Ichigo towards the door. "Your trial will be held in here, please get in."

Ichigo complied, pushing through the doors and setting foot into the room. He glanced around and saw a bunch of people in official attire staring down at him. 'Must be the councilmen…'

Someone caught his eye though. The same woman he had met once before when he first got arrested. The purple haired one. A closer look revealed her marred skin, the scar on her chin. Eerily similar to the one he gave the man back at Galuna Island. 'Come to think of it… She used that floating ball too…' He scowled, 'Looks like the council isn't as uncorrupted as it wants to seem…'

An old man with a beard stepped up to a podium, to address him probably. "Ichigo Kurosaki! You have been arrested under multiple charges of property damage and environmental damage! Normally this would be ignored as collateral damage but the magnitude of it cannot be ignored! When your guild first came to Magnolia we turned a blind eye towards you all. But now, it seems I cannot. The damage you caused was too much for how little effort you used. You must be strong. Wizard saint level isn't improbable."

An uproar was heard in the room. Agreements and disagreements hollered at the top of their voices by the councilmen. Denials were flung across to the people that accepted it.

"Now, how a wizard saint level mage has slipped under our nose for so long I have no clue. And how you manage to have no records at all in Fiore is also suspicious. No background with immense power just appearing in our continent one day with a whole guild of similar people. You are the cause of quite the worry. I expect you to tell us the truth about yourself young man. Everything."

Ichigo took a breath. Looks like he'd have to reveal himself. Kisuke isn't going to be happy.

"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki. I was and still am a Substitute Shinigami. Though currently I am a Lieutenant. Truth is that we are not from your world. We came through an anomaly. A hole in the dimensions so to speak. The hole is being kept up, studied, and maintained by Hat-and-clogs and the rest of the guys in the Soul Society. We aren't here to invade or anything. We just want to explore and map out this new world."

Laughter rippled across the masses in the room. They all thought he was delusional.

"Another world? You must be joking!"

"Don't make me laugh!"

"You're nothing but a crazy child!"

Org had to bring order. "Silence. Can you prove what you are saying child? If you are unable to prove yourself, you shall be arrested for a far longer period of time."

Ichigo shrugged, "You got something I can try and prove it to you with?"

Org turned to the man by his side and nodded, he left the room. "I shall provide you with a memory lacrima. Focus your energy into it and it shall give a hologram of your memories. If it is proven that you are indeed from a different world, we shall figure out negotiations from there."

The man returned into the room with a polished marble-looking slab on a cushion. Ichigo went to grab it but stopped when he heard a shout across the room. "Stop!"

He turned back to look at Ultear walking up towards him. "With all due respect Org, I don't think he should try that; at least not directly. If he is from another world, who knows what he could accidentally do if his form of magic does not mix with the lacrima."

Org considered this carefully. She was right. "Very well, what would you suppose we do?"

Ultear grinned, "I'll form a link between him and the lacrima."

Org thought about it for a second, "Very well."

Ultear looked back at the scowling face of Ichigo and smirked. "Now, now, what's with the grumpy face? I'm just trying to help."

Ichigo scoffed, "You? Helping people?"

Ultear put a hand on her breast in fake hurt, "How mean." She turned serious and picked up the lacrima. "I'm gonna need physical contact from you, so I'm gonna hold your hand you got it."

"…ne"

"What was that?" She turned around and almost laughed. His face cheeks were pink and he faced away, holding his hand out. "Don't have to be shy."

"Shut up! Just get it over with!" Ichigo shouted at her.

"Fine, fine." She grabbed a hold of Ichigo's hand and started the process. Ichigo, for his part, let his spiritual pressure flow into his hand with what little control he had. He was desperately trying to ignore Ultear's touch though. 'Her hand… It's soft… Gah! I'm a pure man! I'm a pure man, I'm a pure man, I'm a pure man…'

He chanted that in his head until Ultear gave a hum. He looked to the lacrima to see it glowing blue. Ultear had her eyes closed in intense concentration. She spoke, "Think of some memories Ichigo."

He didn't want to reveal too much about the soul society or give away any vital information, so he chose to conjure up memories of the Sogyoku hill and its view, a few of the barracks he had been to, some sparring he had done with others, and hanging around the captains.

The councilmen –Org included- sat there in awe and wonder as they saw the sequence of memories take place. A strange land where the people dress in black and white robes and have swords at their side at all times. The pristine and clean cut look of what appears to be military barracks. The view from the hilltop showcased the sheer size of the place. Stunned wows and disappointed grumbling settled in. The memory now showed the very same man in the room with them sparring it seems with a red haired man. Both of them wielded weird blades. Ichigo wielded what looks like an oversized kitchen knife. Too big for anyone to wield it efficiently at all, but somehow he managed it. The other one had a strange one as well, with multiple protrusions from his sword as well. Along with the uncanny ability to extend and retract. With fast movements, too fast for them to see, both warriors battled it out in the dirt field. The red head charged up a red orb. 'A spell?'

That wasn't the case however as there was a lack of a magic circle. And the chanting wasn't something you did unless it was a very powerful spell. And unless it was the Amaterasu series, it usually wasn't numbered either. So whatever that Shakkho was, it wasn't a spell.

Org had seen enough. The boy was really telling the truth. That is truly terrifying. Having a hostile foreign continent was bad enough, but now they may have to potentially deal with a foreign world all together. And the strength of its warriors weren't a joke if Ichigo's obliteration of the council building was of any indication.

"I believe you child. You can turn off the memory lacrima now, I have seen enough. For now you shall be pardoned but do take my warning to heart. If you cause as much trouble as those Fairy Tail bunch, I will have you arrested again you hear?" The chairman warned.

"Sure whatever, can I leave now?" Ichigo cleaned his ear with his pinky.

"You…" Org took a deep breath, "Chairman! You can't just let him go! He is suspicious!"

The chairman looked at Org with a strong gaze, "Of course I don't Org, stand down."

Org took his seat quietly.

The chairman once again addressed Ichigo. "Now, as you told us, this hole in the dimensions is under the control of your guild master?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

The chairman responded, "Very well, in a few weeks' time we would like to send diplomats through the hole in order to have negotiations with the head of your world. Do inform him of it."

Ichigo had a slight panic attack, "Wait! Are you sure you want to do that? The head captain is not something to mess around with you know."

"Yes, I am sure child. Now get out. The trial is over and you are pardoned."

Ichigo grit his teeth as he was escorted out. Looks like he'd need to explain a lot of things once he got back.

"Ichigo, wait up." He heard Ultear call out to him.

He turned around and almost died of shock as he felt someone's lips closed around his. Soft and plump lips pressed themselves against his, and for a few seconds he couldn't do anything. Ultear pulled away and giggled slightly at the catatonic state she put the substitute soul reaper in. Red faced and frozen, Ichigo came back to his senses and sputtered indignantly, "Wh-Wh-What the hell wa-was that?!"

Ultear smiled, "Consider it a 'thank you' of sorts. I hope I'll get to know you better from now on." She turned and started to walk away before she felt Ichigo's hand grab a hold of her wrist. "My, my, Ichigo I didn't know you were so forward. But this is still too fas-."

"Shut the hell up, it was you wasn't it?" Ichigo cut her off angrily.

"What do you mean?" Ultear faked innocence.

"Don't act stupid. You were that Zalty guy on Galuna Island weren't you? That's how you got that cut on your chin. You even use the same things." Ichigo grabbed her shoulder and pinned her to the wall.

"Looks like I'm caught huh? Well, fine. It was me. What are you gonna do about it?" Ultear smirked.

"Why?! Why are you helping out that kind of people?! They wanted to bring back a demon!" Ichigo shouted, inching closer and closer to her face.

"You shouldn't ask a lady for all her secrets on the first date you know. I suggest you let me go, who knows what kind of impression people would have of you if they saw you assaulting a female council member like this."

Ichigo reluctantly let her go.

"Thank you. I didn't just do it for kicks you know. I had a purpose."

Ichigo glared at her, "And that would be?"

Ultear cast her eyes down. 'You ruined that purpose though… asshole.'

"I wanted to have it under my control. Plain and simple." Ultear looked off to the side.

"We both know that's not the whole reason why. You're working for someone aren't you?"

Ultear brought an orb up and readied for a fight. "Now you're just trying to dive in too deep. I don't have to explain myself to you. I just wanted to thank you and that's all. If I were you I'd take my leave, unless you feel like fighting everyone in this building."

Ultear herself knew that if he wanted to he probably could. She'd seen his fight with Grimmjow. And felt his power just now. He was a monster.

Ichigo stood down, and turned away. "If I see you again, trying to do anything shady, I'll get rid of you. Hope you understand." He got out and used his Quincy speed technique to get on his journey home.

Ultear had the orb at ready a for a little longer before she fell back against the wall and let herself sink to her knees. 'Stupid bastard ruining my plan… Where am I supposed to go after I quit? With him? Myself? Or do I face her again in Fairy Tail. That is, if either of them will even take me in…"

The thought of Ur Milkovitch made her blood boil and heart ache. She wanted to hate her. She wanted to despise her. She wanted to blame her for everything wrong with her. For abandoning her. But she knew, deep down, deep inside, it wasn't true. It might have been if she hadn't seen her alive once more. That day changed her. It brought along a whole wave of new thoughts. One of those had been regret. Regret for doing whatever she had up till this point. It also made her realise that she didn't truly hate Ur. As much as she wanted to deny it, she was still craving for that love. For all those years missed. The void in her heart was left by her death and it only torn open further with each year she held her feelings of abandonment and resentment. The void was filled a little when she saw her mother alive. And she found a new purpose in life. To fill that void. To have a mother-daughter relationship again. She spent hours in tears that day. She wanted to quit Grimoire Heart. She wanted to live the light life. She didn't want to feel like some monster. She wanted to be a good person.

She felt a drop of liquid hit her knee. Looks like she was crying again.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

[A/N] Heya everyone~ A super late chapter, I know. Sorry bout that, been real busy lately. Oh and do tell me whether you guys prefer the current style of separating story events (-.-.-.-.-.-) or the old -SS,MB- one

Interaction time!

To gunzen: Thank you for the idea suggestion, but I don't think I will really be following that route anytime too soon. I still have some of my own ideas for non-canon arcs and canon arcs themselves to go through.