Naberius Heir

by Liam G

Rias Gremory is asked by her brother to care for a human suffering from memory loss. The moment she meets Ichigo Shiba, she knows her life might get interesting in the future with her new roommate. AU. Starts while Rias is in her second year at Kuoh Academy approximately half a year before DxD events.

21. The Longest Day Part Two

Disclaimer insert here: I don't own or have ever owned Bleach or High School DxD. Please buy their stuff so they don't go home poor and destitute. Thanks.

All characters belong to their rightful owners, except any OC monsters/characters I make up. As usual an M rating is for future violence, dismemberments, gore, language, very foul language, and of course lemons will be in, but don't expect a ton of them. Again enjoy your time here.

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Response to Reviews Corner 3:

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Beta and co-creator: Okami Princess, don't forget to include her in your reviews or send a PM to her with your thanks. But don't bother her on plot; she won't answer just like me :)

Also always read AN for any important news or information, it does have thing not in the reviews corner.

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"Speech"

'Thoughts'

'Memories'

"Tensa Zangetsu"

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'I hate seeing you fight my son, but I know you will find the rest of the happiness that you have been missing since Masaki.'

Yoruichi Naberius

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'Impossible.' Is the only thought Riser Phenex can reasonably accept as the orange haired devil announces his family's bloodlines directly back to the current clan leader of the Naberius.

Shifting his eyes to his mother and father, he sees his father proudly looking back at him, his confidence well placed, but it is his mother's face that has him wondering what was really going on. As Ichigo finishes, he hears Asmodeus ask him once more if he accepts the challenge at his feet. Blinking slowly, he looks down and stares at the white glove, a few splotches of red liquid are dabbled on the cloth, which causes him to narrow his eyes knowing that the red blotches were his blood, spilt by the young nobleman in front of him. Bending down, he picks the glove up and holds out in front of him, glaring at his soon-to-be opponent, he answers.

"You may claim to be the great-grandson of Lord Amyntas, but you are no devil, nor a true citizen of the Underworld. I will show you the difference between one born and raised here, and a commoner upstart like yourself, when this is over; don't feel so bad that you lost to a true devil. Oh and by-the-way, I'll make sure Rias is screaming my name when I become her husband after this farce is finished. She'll be a real woman by the time I'm through with her." He steps back as the killing intent washes over him, the two older peerage males of the Naberius Clan struggling hard to keep their young lord in check.

"Oi Ichigo, you must wait until Asmodeus Maou declares the duel's commencement or this'll be over before it starts! There are rules you must adhere to in order for this to work!" Conor yells as he and Daiki struggle to hold Ichigo's arms in their iron grips, sweat appearing on both devils' brows as they do so.

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"Oh, you got to be fucking kidding me? Did he really need to push Ichigo's buttons that much more?" Zangetsu is shaking his head while staring at the sphere near the base of Ichigo's version of the Skeleton Tower in their shared world.

Michi watches as the colors swirl violently around the circumference of the suppressed magic and reiatsu, even she could feel the growing bloodlust in Ichigo. Looking worriedly at Zangetsu, she frowns in confusion because the once volatile zanpakutō is suddenly no longer giving off mostly hollow energy, his reiatsu and magic now evenly divided, and calm; anticipation now hanging around the white copy of Ichigo. Then just like a light switch, Ichigo's bloodlust vanishes.

"Ah, thank you my Queen."

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Rias panics when she sees Ichigo lunging towards Riser, if the knight of Vincent and the rook of Amyntas hadn't been watching him closely, her lover would have lost her hand before even getting the chance to fight for it. She knows if he had actually touched Riser, Ichigo's challenge would have been voided; once the duel was accepted, it could only start and end in the place designated for the fight. She would have had no meaningful options left to her but to marry the third son of the Phenex Clan. Standing there, her worry grows when she sees the white disappearing around his slowly glowing crimson orbs.

"Get in there and calm Ichigo down Buchou!" Akeno hisses into her ear after elbowing her.

Looking at her queen, she can see the frantic looks in her face.

"Look at him Rias. Really look at him, feel his killing intent. If he goes into the duel like that, he could accidentally kill Riser and then he would face possible exile or worse since killing in a duel was made illegal when your brother took over, due to wanting to prevent the deaths of more purebloods since the population is still too small from both of the wars. You need to calm him down and make him remember why he is here in the first place. Make him see you Rias, not that pig-headed asshole." Akeno shoves her king into the back of the orange haired devil.

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Ichigo nearly stumbles forward despite Daiki and Conor being latched onto his arms, when a soft body bumps into him from behind. Getting ready to snap at whomever it was when he breaks free from the knight and rook, he faces the body that had bumped into him and freezes on the spot when his face is full of her crimson hair, the smell of the shampoo that she uses every night floods his nostrils. Grabbing her arms, he steadies her and when she lifts her face, he nearly flinches at the deep worry in her eyes.

"Rias." He could hear his voice starting to hollowfy.

She reaches up and touches his face, not caring about the whispers and comments she can hear from the other nobles standing around him and her. Slowly running her hands through his hair until her fingers disappear, she gently eases and then entwines his orange tresses and pulls his face down. Her mouth hidden by his hair, she nibbles his earlobe first before speaking.

"You must control your emotions Ichigo; even Akeno can feel your killing intent. If she can, then you know others around us can as well. I know what he is saying to you is making you angry; he's doing it on purpose, an easy victory so he doesn't have to fight because he's guessing your aren't familiar with all the rules concerning duels. You mustn't attack him until you are in the arena with him and the proper start is given. So please, please for me and you don't forget who you really are, why you are here now; ignore his taunts until then. I want to be yours Ichigo; I won't accept any other as my husband, not since I've met you. I love you Ichigo Naberius, there can be no one else, but you." Pulling slightly away, she looks into his returning brown orbs and smiles up at him.

She then glances at Riser and decides to return the favor he has graced her since their arrangement. "This is for good luck."

Isshin holds out his hand as Kisuke slips him a few bills as they watch Ichigo receive the hottest, most passionate kiss either of them has seen in years. Yoruichi suddenly growls next to the two shinigami, mumbling under her breath about hot springs, nudity of a goddess and nosebleeds. Ichigo and Rias's peerage begin to clap and cheer for the couple until the two split apart, heads touching.

"Sorry Rias…I hate to admit it, but he did get under my skin by running his mouth." He glances towards the devil he is quietly categorizing the different ways he is going to pound out his revenge.

"As long as you're fine now Ichigo. Now we should let Asmodeus Maou start the duel officially." She gives him one more kiss. "Kick his ass Ichigo, and make him feel every ounce of pain for me too."

Before she can slip out of his arms, he grabs her tight and holds her to his chest, looking down at her, he whispers into her ear. "Remember what you said about tonight Rias Gremory…Naberius. I'll be holding you to your promises."

Her face matches her hair when he releases her and walks towards the Maou; still standing there she doesn't notice a head of purple sidling up next to her. Watching him approach the military leader of the devils, she never lets her eyes wander above his waist.

"So…Rias, it must have been good whatever he said to you to make you blush like that." Yoruichi says as she peers at the red faced heiress.

Knowing who the shinigami is to her future husband, she grins as she answers. "All I know is when he makes a promise; he follows through with it no matter what."

"Good thing for you then." Yoruichi says as she walks back towards where Amyntas is standing with Hugo Gremory and another devil nobleman. "That no one will be able to hear you screaming his name all night."

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Lord Ambrosio Phenex stands with both Lord Amyntas and Lord Hugo as they watch the two younger devils beginning to walk towards the place Asmodeus moved in wait for the duelists. The momentary killing intent he felt from the orange haired devil made even him wonder briefly what the boy really was. Shaking off his unfounded doubts, the father of the Riser turns towards Hugo and speaks solemnly to the other devil.

"I'm afraid your daughter won't be marrying that young devil Hugo, no matter who he is, there is no one of Riser's age group who can stand against him. You should have her stop this before…Ichigo is seriously hurt and his reputation is so tarnished that he can't recover from it for the next few centuries."

Hugo and Amyntas both can't stop their laughter then, Hugo points with the hand holding his wine and remarks back with pride then. "Ambrosio, had I known about Ichigo when I was first contemplating Rias's potential suitors, he would have been the first one I and my wife would have approached. Venelana has never supported this union between our clans and I hate saying this, she was right, Riser does not make a good match for our Rias. She too independent now and Ichigo, while stubborn when his mind is made up, he knows he has to listen and compromise with my daughter, which he has willingly done so already. Riser would only find a knife in his gut if he thought for one second Rias would bed him after what he has openly done with his peerage. No my old friend, Ichigo is going to show you why we believe my daughter loves him unconditionally. He might have only realized what he was a few short months ago, but you will see he is by no means, ordinary."

Shaking his head in disbelief, the head of the Phenex Clan remarks back candidly then. "I'm sorry Hugo, Amyntas, but when I stood near him earlier, he had no remarkable amount of energy coming off of him…"

"Because we taught him how to suppress that early on Lord Ambrosio, if your enemies can feel you coming a mile away, it pretty much makes any surprise ambush all but impossible." The blind elf says as she, her sister, Kimi, Nia, Suì-Fēng, Yukiko and Yoruichi join with the head of the Naberius Clan.

"Only assassins would use such a tactic." Ambrosio sniffs in disgust.

Yoruichi glares then. "Assassins? In the world Ichigo and I are from, those that can strike first normally live to see another day and I won't have my 'son' suffer unnecessarily in long drawn out fights anymore. His body already reflects the price he has had to pay for his victories. As for the clothing I chose for Ichigo to wear, it reflects the significance of the event in which it is normally worn for; to my former Squad it means a target has been selected for execution. They are worn to signal that death is approaching and there is nothing you can do to stop it from happening. Ichigo may not be allowed to kill Raiser, but the reason he is wearing it today is meant to show that he will be taking this duel very seriously. I have worn that uniform more than once in the past, as has my protégée, Captain Suì-Fēng. Now my son wears it as he is in both mine and Suì-Fēng eyes, worthy of wearing that uniform. As I hope that one day my baby sister will wear it with pride."

Yoruichi sees the surprise in her sister's eyes and smiles at her. "Watch your big brother closely Yukiko, he is about to show why he is feared in Soul Society and Hueco Mundo, and soon the Underworld will learn not to harm those he considers his."

"Yes Big Sis!" The smaller Shihōin leaves them and hurriedly makes her way to the Ichigo and Rias's peerages.

"Forgive me Lady Yoruichi, but your son stands no ch…"

The former captain snorts then. "Forgive me Lord Ambrosio, but Ichigo has already faced two with regenerative powers similar to your own family's ability before, he was forced to kill both men, today however he knows he can't. And your son is about to face a true veteran for the first time in his life, Ichigo has already been to war twice, which was what we based his training on this past week after. For it was the most grueling we could think of, fighting all the peerages of the Naberius, Gremory and Sitri Clans all at once. It has done wonders for him, as you will now find out, it seems like Asmodeus is ready to start things off."

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Ichigo makes his way to stand before Asmodeus, Riser two paces to his left also waits for the Maou to speak. Not bothering to respond to the hateful glares being sent his way by the third son of the Phenex Clan, Ichigo's mind is currently thinking about what happens after the duel is over, when he knows that she is safely his, he swallows as he thinks about one thing, make that two things.

"So what if you are married at seventeen, she's your mate, your wife, your…Queen Ichigo. You won't be alone anymore; you will always have her standing at your side."

'It's not only that Zangetsu, I just wish…'

"I know, Mom's not here to see it…"

'Yeah, I think she and Rias would have gotten along pretty good.'

"She'd probably be happy that you at least showed interest in the female species period."

'Dick.'

"Can ya blame me? First Tatsuki, then Orihime and Rukia, afterwards in Soul Society there was that Squad Ten lieutenant and I think the lieutenant Squad Four. Hell you almost got Nelliel while in Hueco Mundo, but let us not forget the most important reason, nude…Shihōin…princess…so don't stand there and deny I ain't right, you did act suspect…"

'Alright I get it, I get it…seriously though…in a few hours I'm going to be married...shouldn't I be scared?'

"You should be, but since you're not, I think you know what it means don't you? Means you already know what you have to do to make it reality. But don't end it too…quick King; there are things you need to get off your chest, therapy of the soul you could say."

'Pissed much? So am I. There's one more thing though before we start Zangetsu, just…I'm sorry I don't want to use you in this, but you understand right?'

He can feel his hollowfied zanpakutō spirit roll his eyes. "As long as you use me to deal some payback for our family being stolen from us, I'll let this slide."

Ichigo chuckles then causing the son of the Phenex Clan to ask if he thought this was funny.

"No, I'm laughing because I'm ready to kick you ass Riser Phenex. So Asmodeus Maou, where will this duel take place at?" Ichigo says as he starts taking off his cloak, revealing the skin-tight body suit top he is wearing, pulling out a strange bandana, he ties it to the top of his head and pulls out the last part of the uniform from under his collar, effectively covering his mouth, all that is visible now are his hands and eyes.

Riser lifts an eyebrow and snorts. "What are you supposed to be, a ninja like those humans in Japan from a few centuries back?"

"No." Ichigo swings his gaze and his crimson orbs begin shining once again. "I am your executioner Riser Phenex. Or at least I wish I was, too bad it's illegal. It's pretty much the only thing that has saved you from a gruesome death by my hand for the way you have treated Rias, belittling her own honor by acting like a man-whore. Now let's get this started, the sooner I kick your ass, the sooner I can get back to my wife."

"By all means…commoner. Asmodeus Maou, as I was the one challenged; the rules state that I have the right to choose the arena for the duel." The phoenix of legend springs from the older devil's back as he points out the balcony.

"You have chosen the field of combat, very well Riser Phenex. The rules are simple, the first to submit either by yielding or unable to continue will be declared defeated. I give you each of you this one last chance to kneel in submission to your opponent and offer the withdrawal of your claims. Do either of you wish to do so?"

Ichigo shakes his head no, Riser simple says no. Asmodeus points towards a balcony then and Ichigo and Riser walk towards it first, while the assembled devils allow the three Clans involved in the matter to file out first behind the two duelists. Ichigo looks down and sees a rather large area, a few structures litter the flatten area, and the field is surrounded by ten meter high walls. Looking back at Maou of military affairs, he jerks his thumb at the arena.

"That's big enough? Ah, no offense, but Geta-Boshi has a training room that stretches for kilometers, not complaining or anything; it just seems a bit small." Ichigo then sees the Maou smiling at him.

"Looks can be deceiving Ichigo, once you enter that place, you will see what I mean." Turning to the woman at the center of the forthcoming duel, the Maou asks her the final question.

"Rias Gremory, do you wish for Ichigo Naberius to fight for your hand in marriage?"

The seventeen year old devil looks first at her mother, seeing the more mature version of herself smile and nod her head in approval to her daughter; she looks and sees each member of her family giving her the same answer. She smiles when her peerage is giving her the same encouraging signs to accept; the last group she looks for approval is from Ichigo's Clan. Rias bows her head graciously when Amyntas, Yoruichi and Isshin nod their answers to her.

"I accept Ichigo Naberius right to duel for my hand in marriage Asmodeus Maou. I have no desire to marry Riser Phenex; I want to marry for love, to be the only woman in my husband's eyes; I know I will have that with Ichigo alone." She stares back at Riser as he begins clenching and unclenching his fists.

Satisfied that all conditions have been met, the Maou turns to the two devils and issues his commands. "Ichigo, as the challenger, you are to take the far end of the arena over there, Riser you may have the closer end as the one who was challenged. It will start as soon as you are both in place. You may now enter the arena, be aware, anything you say or do will be witnessed by all here."

Ichigo looks at Riser then. "Good, don't want anyone trying to question me when this is done."

Before he can retort, the sound of static fills the air and the ninja clad devil is gone, everyone not aware of his true heritage, begins to scan the surrounding area; thinking he has won already by a cowardly display of leaving, Riser turns to Rias. "It is as I thought Rias; he was too scared and left you behind."

A smile greets his declaration, as does her pointing finger when she speaks to him. "You mean him?"

He hears the gasps then and turns swiftly to see Ichigo standing on the far end of the arena, his arms folded across his chest and as sign of his impatience, his foot is tapping the ground.

"Ready anytime you are, Riser." His voice could be clearly heard by all.

Keeping his eyes on the far side, Riser makes his way to the edge of the arena, when he is at the railing; he uses his magic and teleports inside the ring. Standing there, he looks around the arena, noticing it hasn't changed yet; he flares his magic to help the small dimension grow to allow for his maximum output. Gesturing with his hand, he motions for his opponent to do the same.

"The arena will change size only after you release a bit of your magic, to help accommodate your abilities, Naberius…if you can." Riser remarks smugly.

"This is fine for me; not that distance matters for me, the shorter the better actually." Ichigo's surprising answer is met with even more murmurs from those witnessing, a few glance at the Naberius Clan wondering what exactly was going on.

Asmodeus looks to see the three other Maou give their approval for him to start the duel, standing at the edge, he speaks one more time.

"Riser Phenex, you have accepted the challenge of a duel from Ichigo Naberius for the hand of Rias Gremory. BEGIN!"

A cheer roars from the nobles of the Underworld, ready to see the newly revealed great-grandson feel the might of the Phenex Clan. Teleporting right away, Riser comes out of his magic circle less than arms length and swings his closed fist. Smiling, he thinks this will be the shortest fight he has yet to fight in as his hand smashes into the side of the unmoving orange haired devil.

"That's it?" Ichigo says when the fist connects and barely moves him. "Tatsuki and my little sister hit harder than that. This is how they hit me daily."

Riser flies backwards after getting a solid jab to his chest, he heard his bones breaking during the impact of the fist. Concentrating on his healing, he looks up to see the devil he is fighting hasn't moved from his spot. He sees Ichigo tilting his head to one side, the mask barely concealing the large grin he can discern from under the cloth covering the other devil's mouth. Getting back to his feet, he starts walking towards the other devil, wariness now slowly trickling into his mindset as he stops less than five meters from the other duelist.

"Lucky shot…" He bends over from the fist in gut, dropping to his knees again, his eyes widen in shock as he looks at the black tabi of his enemy in front of his eyes.

'When the hell did he move?' Sucking in his breath, he hears the other speaks again.

"You better start getting serious Riser Phenex or this is going to be a long fucking fight for you." Ichigo finishes it by kicking him in his face.

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Eleni Phenex grips the railing as she watches her son fly backwards after getting kicked, she looks to see blank faces on the entirety of the Naberius Clan, the only one showing any sign of emotions is the youngest named Yuzu. However a tall blonde haired woman behind her kneels down and holds the younger devil in her arms, speaking lowly into the small light haired pre-teen's ear. Soon the younger woman is nodding her understanding and grips the free hand of the other speaking to her. Standing back up, the blonde looks in her direction, her emerald eyes sending her a look she knows and dreads, sympathy.

Turning back after the crowd reacts to something, she sees Riser on his feet and the orange haired Ichigo holding his stomach. But it is short lived when the hit devil straightens out and then disappears again. Unable to see where he went, she and the other devils continuously scan for him. That's when she sees him reappearing and her mouth opens in horror as she realizes what she is seeing, something her son has never trained against in his life, the form her grandmother once told her of before when she returned from the human world and witnessed a shinigami in action while in Japan, shunpo. As soon as Ichigo stops, his foot already planted in the base of her youngest son's back, the sound of his scream echoes into her ears, as he is once again sent flying, this time his face and chest smash into one of the pillars that dot the arena.

"When are you going to start showing me how much better you are Riser Phenex? How you are going to beat me and make the woman I love scream your name in your marital bed? Get the hell up and start fighting or I'm gonna kick your ass until there is nothing left." He lifts his arm and braces it with his other hand, his voice drops so low until it finishes.

"Hadō Number Eighty Eight: Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!" The large explosion of electrified spiritual energy smashes into the unprotected back of the older combatant, the screams ripping from his mouth informs the gallery at how painful the attack was.

The matriarch of the Phenex Clan can only watch as the younger devil steps away and speaks again. "I'll give you some time to recover. Don't take too long though; I'm still not done with you."

A woman then appears next to her, looking to her left she can see Venelana Gremory looking down into the arena, her face completely emotionless as she too watches her future son-in-law fight.

"I'm sorry Eleni, I truly am sorry that you have to see this, but your husband and mine left them with little choice and few options. She hasn't participated in a Rating Game and she still lacks pieces for her peerage as well as control over one of her bishops. Renouncing her titles would have gained her little freedom as a pureblood, which left only her and Ichigo this avenue. I can see it in your eyes as you look, you know the power he is using is not magic, before he awakened his devil's bloodlines, he was a shinigami. Your son will live, but the greatest power Ichigo can wield won't use today, it is marked to bring death to those that killed his mother's family. I hope when the time comes you will make the right choice Eleni."

And with that said, the blonde mother watches the crimson haired devil walk away and joins with her daughter and her grandson as they watch the two continue the fight.

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He could only sit and allow his body to recover. That last hit had been the worst pain he had ever felt from anyone that had ever managed land a hit on him, he swore to himself he could feel the rage in the lighting as it coursed through his body, but the fool had given him time to repair his broken body and time to think as well. Gathering his magic, he begins uttering the spells of his magic and without giving the other warning; he sends waves of highly compressed air at the standing devil. Foreseeing his use of high speed movement, he lashes out all around him until he hears a grunt and the devil suddenly slams into one of his walls of air.

"How's it feel!? Though it might be wind, it can be strengthen to feel like steel plates! My turn!" Riser lifts both hands and twin sets of funneled air slam into the dazed figure, as soon as he sees Ichigo stumble back, he ignites both with his flames and a smile registers when he hears a shout coming from the ends of his attacks.

However, he traps the orange haired devil with smaller loops of air and holds him in place as he pushes more of his magic down the twin vortexes of flames, making them hot enough until he smells flesh searing.

"You still mock me!" Riser pushes even more heat into his attack; until the satisfying yells quiet down, giving him cause to grin in triumph.

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Serafall watches her cousin stand in the middle of raging inferno, her thoughts going back to the day he learned how to fight the hottest flames his great-grandfather had used against him. Smirking to herself, she sees her sister casually taking a sip from her glass as they share a look.

"I guess he's ready."

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Lord Ambrosio smiles to himself, seeing the burning figure of the other teen devil, he only hopes Riser stops soon or he'll wind up exiled for killing another pureblood. Glancing to his side, he is taken aback by the looks of unconcern from the Naberius patriarch, unable to stay silent, he walks up to his fellow Clan head and speaks.

"You better yield on behest of your great-grandson Amyntas; otherwise his recovery will take months."

"I believe Ichigo is ready to take this fight to the next level Ambrosio, this attack just took him by surprise is all, he'll be fine I assure you. I've subjected him to the purifying flames of the Skeleton Tower after all."

"Are you mad!? Those flames are only used to remove the burdens of the crimes committed by the Sinners! You…you bathed him in those? How? Why?" Ambrosio Phenex witnesses a smile form on the burnt orange haired Guardian of the Damned then.

"To prepare him Ambrosio for the day he takes my place."

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'How are you doing Zangetsu?' Ichigo stands completely healed as the flames roar around him, his reiatsu creating an un-seeable wall around his body.

"Done King. So as soon as you're done faking it, can you please start pounding the hell out of this moron for real now?"

'Yeah, I'm ready. Hopefully he'll come up with more magic, this way my peerage can learn how to fight him later on in those damn Rating Games if we ever face him and his peerage.' Ichigo replies as he begins gathering his magic, sensing the waves form in his head, his grin grows.

'Time to step it up.'

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Riser shields his eyes as the wall of flames he had surrounding Ichigo burst outwards, his mistake was not keeping his eyes on the devil in front of him; failing to see the Naberius devil lift and claps his hands together. Two solid walls of water slam into either side of his body, dousing his flames quickly and then the force of the water cracking or breaking nearly every bone in his legs and arms. Pumping out as much magic as he can; Riser teleports away from the attack and finds a pillar he can collapse against to heal his pulverized arms and legs. Knowing he doesn't have much time, he regenerates his body and prepares his next attack. He isn't surprised when the sound of static reaches his ears and that voice speaks from nearby.

"Hiding won't do you any good Riser. Let me show you the magic of my grandmother, you'll really appreciate it." A spike lodges juts through his just-healed leg then.

Screaming, he looks to see where the weapon came from and to his shock, there are a few links of chains trailing back into the shadow of the pillar he was using. He is further shocked when a second spike snakes out and flies towards his arm. Ignoring the ripping of muscle, skin and breaking of his leg bone once more, he throws his body to the side and avoids the second metal-tipped bard.

Glancing to see Ichigo standing near him, his eyes widen when instead of seeing black and charred skin, the devil's clothes are slowly repairing themselves over pristine tanned skin.

'What?'

Seeing the other devil snort, he is taken aback when he hears the unspoken question to his look as Ichigo speaks.

"Your family makes a fortune from selling your 'Phoenix Tears', unlike you I can't, my healing is limited to myself or if I give my reiatsu to someone more skilled than me at healing, like Kaidō or…well I'll keep that second part a secret for now. Just so you know, I've been ordered to end this quickly, but…I won't. I know I'll catch hell for this later, but I really don't like you Riser Phenex. Had you shown even one ounce of consideration towards Rias at the very least given her the respect a man should have toward their wife, then maybe you would have found out what a beautiful woman she is. So I thank you for fucking that up. Now I'll be the one who gets to show everyone how she is meant to be treated, as the only one in her husband's eyes."

A bright light forms at the devils fingertips as he lifts one hand. "Bala."

His body has to endure the multiple energy balls slamming into it, for a few excruciating minutes, the spherical objects pound up and down his body until they stop and he speaks again.

"Five minutes Riser, I'll give you that time to recover and meet me in the center of the ring." Once again he disappears, only the sound of static signaling his departure.

Breathing hard, he drops to his back and begins to heal his bruised and broken body once again, replaying the attacks so far in his head. Magic he understood, but most of the energy used against him so far wasn't magic, it was something completely alien to him. Lying there he remembers hearing him screaming as if his flames were burning away his skin, yet he was nearly unmarked, the only evidence of his fire had touched him had been the torn clothing. Swallowing as he makes his way to his feet, he looks in the direction he knows the other devil is waiting for him.

'Fuck you Ichigo Naberius; I'll take the fight to the air then.' Forming his flaming wings, he jumps into the sky and makes for the center.

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Her petite fist slams down after hearing her best friend's little speech. "What the hell are you doing Berry?"

Renji glances down at his fiancée then and chuckles in answer to her question. "This is Ichigo you're talking about Rukia, what did you think he was gonna really do? You felt his reiatsu just like the rest of us; he never intended to make this a short fight."

"He's getting too cocky for his own good." She murmurs softly in worry, not realizing her words were heard.

Yasaka glances at the young shinigami then and remarks to her. "While I do agree he is taking things further than necessary for a simple duel, he does so with a second objective in mind Rukia. He does it so that when he defeats Riser Phenex, he will show the Underworld he is not to be taken lightly in the future. To show the masses and the nobles he is one of them, but the question remains, how will this end for Riser? That is my only worry."

"My son won't kill him if that's your worry. Sure, he'll kick the living hell out of him, but cause his death, not a chance. He knows what he'll lose if he does so." Isshin Shiba says in defense of his oldest child.

Byakuya who had been watching the duel so far with the other shinigami speaks in Ichigo's defense as well. "Ichigo is an honorable warrior, I have first hand knowledge as to those facts, and he will not kill this devil. This is his one way of proving himself as Yasaka-sama stated. He must win this bout cleanly and without question, killing someone illegally over marriage is not how he would go about doing that, no he plans on showing his race the power he commands; a power doesn't abuse without reason. I believe he is also sending a message to those that will watching from their places of hiding."

"The Old Maou Faction." Merti supplies then. "He is doing this so they know he is a true pureblood of the Naberius. Once they know, they will have no choice but to seek him out. In other words, he's using this as bait. Then the true bloodbath will begin as we wreak our vengeance upon them."

Yasaka witnesses both younger shinigami shudder then at the elf's words. "I have to agree with Merti thoughts Rukia, Renji Abarai. The old bastards would have set the contents of the Skeleton Tower lose upon an unsuspecting World of the Living with no one to stop it if Amyntas were to die without a true heir. Imagine the horror Soul Society would have to face if that was allowed to happen. Imagine the worst case scenario if the balance collapsed, it would be the end of everything. So this duel does serve two purposes, one is gain the hand of Rias Gremory's hand in marriage, the other to let the Old Maou Faction know they didn't kill most of the Naberius off as they hoped. This means you two will have to train even harder than before if you plan to stand at his side as his friends. To help the Naberius Clan protect the only four devils standing in the way of the complete and utter destruction of the human world."

Rukia feels Renji's hand squeezing hers, looking up at her fiancée, she sees him grimace then. His mind made up as was hers.

'I guess we really aren't going back then.'

XXXX

During the lull in the fight, Tatsuki and the rest of Ichigo's peerage are surprised when Ruval Phenex joins them, Tia takes position in front of the twins at his arrival, the rest forming a circle of death around the two youngest. Sairaorg stands in front of the auburn healer as he looks at the nobleman then.

"Ruval, can we help you?" The heir of the Bael Clan asks.

"I just wanted to speak to these newly reincarnated devils is all Sairaorg, after all they weren't introduced with the others. I'm curious in how the are members of the Naberius Clan." The oldest son of the Phenex Clan says as he eyes the woman standing behind the Bael heir.

"Well ask away, but don't feel bad if they refuse to speak to you. After all Riser is your brother and the one their king is fighting." The more muscular devil says as he shields Orihime even more.

The son of the Phenex Clan looks at each of them in surprise then. "He already has a peerage of this size? That…that's not possible. It takes years for any devil to find the right being to reincarnate."

"I assure you we are his peerage, I am his Queen; my fracción are several of his pawns. The others are his knights, bishops, rooks and remaining pawns." Tia Halibel states as she pushes Yuzu and Karin further behind her.

He glances backwards and sees his brother take flight then. "It seems my younger brother doesn't intend to waste anymore time, once he takes the air, it's usually over for those that fight him. His magic will become more robust, so please accept my apologizes now for the defeat of your king."

As he turns a woman's voice stops him cold. "You really don't get what Itsygo is capable of, do you devil? Taking to the air isn't an advantage, it's more like…"

" ...the damn fool walked right into Ichigo's domain." Nelliel's mate finishes for her.

Snapping back his head, he can't stop his question, the blonde queen answers for them all then.

"Walking in air has never hindered our kind Ruval Phenex; he just gave Ichigo the excuse to show him part of his true speed."

XXXX

Ichigo smirks when he feels the fire magic pierce the air from behind him, looking down, he steps into the shadow it helped create by illuminating his body, casting a void for him to use.

'So I guess he's in the air now, fine by me.' Using his instincts, he steps back into the arena well away from the other devil, gathering his reiatsu, he flash steps until he is standing behind the confused Riser as he looks at the ground.

Deciding that paybacks are in order, he runs at normal speed and at the last second pumps out water to cover his fist before driving it into the unguarded back of the fire based devil. Watching as his fist connects; he pushes the water under the torn skin of the older teen and uses it to extinguish a part of the magic based flames in the wings. Seeing the other man starting to tumble out of the sky, he races downward until he is along side of the completely dazed Riser, checking him before moving forward until he watches the devil slow his descent above him. Standing just a few meters above the arena floor, he lifts an eyebrow at the rage he sees on the other's face.

"Problem?" Ichigo says casually then.

"How!? How are you standing like that!? It…it's not possible without a magic circle under your feet!" Riser builds up his flames again and launches several dozen fireballs.

Easily dodging the balls of super-heated magic, he moves upwards until he is even with the fuming devil, he then decides to use one of his growing favorite attacks. "My turn."

Riser dives and weaves as large balls of super condensed energy balls race by his body; sometimes they skim across his body, eliciting muted curses from how painful the wounds are the few times they connect. Then he stops dead when after taking a chance to look ahead during his escape, he sees Ichigo in front of him waiting in his path, several sets of chains flowing from his back glowing with a menacing ball of black and red energy at their tips.

'Hell Chains! What the hell is he!? It…can't…be real!' His mind understands then.

"Cero." One word causes his body to experience a new level of pain as each ball hits him square on.

Flying backwards and downwards through the air from the collisions of so many hits, he flips over a half dozen times until his body slams into the ground again. Rolling to his hands and knees again, courtesy of the other devil, Riser wipes the blood from his mouth and flames his magic out to form a dome of super-condensed heat and wind, a virtual wall of napalm surrounds his body to allow him time to heal yet again.

'Hell Chains! He has Hell Chains! Only those deemed worthy by the Naberius Clan are allowed those! He…he's only been a devil a few months, yet Lord Amyntas would grace him with those! All this to win Rias Gremory's in marriage! Is he insane giving those to a novice!? This can't be right; I won't allow him to do this to me.'

His mind made up, he gathers more of his magic and closes his eyes. "I can't afford to lose her; she's my way to become a Maou someday."

XXXX

Ruval stands by himself as he looks at the dome of wind and fire surrounding his younger brother, he reaches out to see what his brother is thinking when he gasps out loud.

"Ruval what's wrong?" His mother asks him after hearing his surprised and muffled cry.

Turning to his mother, he is only to get part of his sentence out. "He just learned it, he hasn't had time…"

The screams heard throughout the arena causes even the most hardened warriors to cringe upon hearing the painful and agonized voice of the teen her son is facing. Snapping her back, she takes an unconscious step back at the sight before her.

'What have you done Riser!?'

XXXX

"I'm getting bored out here Riser Phenex. If you don't come out soon, I'll just find my way to you." Ichigo says as he glares at the dome.

After several seconds of silence, he goes to step forward and finds he can't. Looking down, he finds his tabi covered legs chained to the ground by flames, immediately sensing something amiss, he sees the concentric rings moving away from him and the buildup of magic in the air around him.

'What the fuck?' He looks up when the dome shatters and Riser stands before him healed and covered in deep red flames.

"You forced me to reveal this attack early Ichigo Naberius. Thank you for allowing me to demonstrate my new finishing move. Consume thy Flesh!"

XXXX

Yoruichi, Isshin and Amyntas all stare at the horror playing out before their eyes when six phoenix birds form and begin beating their wings, the winds approaching and then surpassing the most destructive winds known to any before they effectively trap Ichigo in the middle of their circle. Then the words are heard clearly as one, the six birds ignite their winds and the last image they see before Ichigo disappears is his skin turning black and then to ash as the flames burn down to his muscles and in a few places bone can be seen.

"ICHI-NII!" All heads turn to see Yuzu struggling in the arms of Tia, Orihime is beating on both Akiko and Hanako's arms as she too tries to get to their brother, only Karin stands still, her fists balling at her side as she watches as her brother's flesh is charred away. Turning a hate filled glare on the Phenex Clan, she steps forward and as she does, blue reiatsu forms around her body, as does yellow reiatsu form around Yuzu's body.

"If my brother dies, we will make you pay for it in blood! The Maou will never let Riser get away with breaking the law by killing his opponent in a duel!" Her Hell armor swiftly covers her body then, Yuzu's appearing quickly afterwards when she finally frees herself from Ichigo's queen.

"What is the meaning of this Lord Amyntas!? How do they possess Hell Armor!?" Ambrosio points an accusing finger at the Naberius Clan's head, he sees four of the elfin assassin grapple with the two younger twins, their chains subduing the newly armored pre-teens.

Shifting his own angry glare at the Lord of the Phenex Clan, he points at Isshin. "A most fortunate by-product of who their parents are Lord Ambrosio. Zanpakutō spirits are most ingenious when protecting their wielders."

Eleni Phenex eyes widen in horrified understanding, she turns on her husband then. "Yield! Damn you Ambrosio, you will yield on his behalf now!"

"Why Eleni? Riser has no intentions of killing him, he's not that foolish, so why should I stop this?" He steps back when his wife screams at him.

"Because you don't know what a zanpakutō is capable of you fool! Only you can stop this before ou…" Her words are cut off when a metallic roar fills the arena.

"Too late, you are too late…you don't know what you have unleashed now Lord Phenex…my brother is now going to fight seriously." Orihime speaks lowly, her eyes hidden as she and Uryū recognize that soul shattering sound. "Now the fight is over."

XXXX

Rias feels Grayfia's arms wrapping around her tightly when Ichigo's screams of anguish reaches her ears. Unable to stop the tearing in her heart as the man she loves suffers for her, she cries loudly knowing she can stop this, stop his suffering and accept her fate and become Riser's wife. She had seen the twins transform and had to watch as Merti, Sasha, and the elfin twins capture the two from openingly attack the Phenex Clan. Anger saturates the numerous peerages of the not only his Clan but her own and the Sitri's, all them furious except for Ichigo's. Strangely, none of them have yet to react in any form; even the shinigami spoke not a word as far as she could tell.

Then she hears the ominous words from her future sister-in-law, turning she can see Orihime's face hidden behind her long locks of hair, Uryū Ishida is also grimacing the moment that strange metallic scream was heard. Her brother's wife guides the both of them to the see what is going on and she almost faints at the sight in front of her eyes. Once he emerges, her smile forms when she sees him fighting again; his chains hunting down the object of their combined contempt, she can't help the growing need to scream out then.

"Fight Ichigo! Damn you fight!" Soon more and more yells join hers as she first hears his best friend Rukia shouting at the top of her lungs.

"You heard her Berry-chan, get this over with; we have plans for tonight you imbecile!"

"Fuck Ichigo, Nelliel and I have beaten you closer to death more times than this!" Grimmjow roars out.

Soon his peerage is yelling so loud, she can see his head turn in their direction after he pauses, a hand goes up then.

"It's gonna get brutal Rias, are you sure you want to watch this?" She turns to see her future father-in-law standing next to her.

Nodding as Grayfia still holds her. "Yes otousan, I'm sure."

XXXX

"ICHIGO!" Zangetsu screams as he feels his wielder's pain, driving even him to his knees as the smell of burning meat fills his nostrils.

Tears form in his eyes as Ichigo's blackened body fades in and out of their inner-world, rage and fear allows the zanpakutō to stop the passage of time in their shared world as he fights desperately to obey Ichigo's wishes, he makes his decision then.

"Sorry King, but it is my duty to protect you." When he sees Ichigo body again, he grabs it and ignores the heart wrenching screams when he holds on the melting arms of his partner.

Settling the blackened body against his, he begins the process of repairing the burnt off skin. As he does, he sees it burning away quicker than he can heal it. Getting angrier and angrier he is about to take over when he hears his voice.

"Cold…so cold Zangetsu…so damn cold…"

"Dammit Ichigo use your Blut Vene! Listen to me; you need to listen to me! Blut Vene and water, wrap your body in reiatsu and water! Come on King! You hear me! Blut Vene and water dammit!"

Somehow he knows his voice reaches Ichigo, when as he heals the skin, the faint blue of his veins shows that part of their mother's side of this soul is working as reiatsu reinforces the skin that is now healing, and then he feels water covering the healed skin of his orange haired wielder. Smiling as he holds Ichigo's body, he speaks to him.

"Sometimes I swear you do this on purpose Ichigo. When? When are you going to learn to never to give your enemies too much time to recover? I know I said I wanted you to kick his ass, make him pay, but this time I think you need to get your head back into it. You aren't supposed to lose to him, your supposed to be pounding your pain and the Queen's into him, not letting him make you into a piece of charcoal. Come on, say something." Zangetsu lowers his head then in deep worry.

"This will not do." Snapping his head up, Zangetsu has no time to react when a red skinned finger pokes into his head, his vision clouds up and his eyes roll up into the back of his head. "Use my power as it is meant to be wielded Ichigo. And when the time comes Zangetsu, you better claim me as Ichigo does with Rias Gremory."

XXXX

His brown orbs open to see the twilight of his inner-world; lying next to him he sees Zangetsu is unconscious. Worry in his face, he rolls over and shakes his white carbon copy awake.

"Get up Zangetsu." He looks around and sees nothing out of place except his recovering zanpakutō.

Groaning as he sits up, Zangetsu eyes snap to scan their surroundings. 'Fuck was that?'

"Did I lose Zangetsu?" The blade spirit turns to see a fully recovered Ichigo staring at him fearfully.

Pissed at whoever knocked him out, he smacks the forehead on his orange haired wielder. "No dumbass, but you got caught with your pants around your ankles, sorry about that pun, but you best get your fucking head back into the duel, it's time to stop fucking around with this asshole, he seriously fucked you up. Now it's your time Ichigo, time for you to show Riser the full fury of your heritage. I know you didn't want to use it if at all possible, but that time has passed and you nearly lost her. Sorry, but I had to bring you in here to help you out there, you were losing consciousness, so I did what I had to do. You haven't fallen yet, but if you don't move your ass, they're gonna think he's won and if you don't respond soon, the Maou might even declare you unable to continue."

Zangetsu accepts the outstretched hand of Ichigo, allowing himself to be pulled up, he looks into the slowly returning crimson orbs, a feral grin soon matches his own.

"Then let us show him how fucked he is Zangetsu. Time's up."

Both the devil and his hybrid zanpakutō look outwards then, neither sees the gleam in her eyes as she watches from her place inside the Skeleton Tower.

'Thank you…for allowing me to see him up close.' The young reddish skinned woman says from her vantage point.

XXXX

Riser stands in grim satisfaction as he watches the affects of his newest attack continue to work the other devil over, keeping just enough magic infused into the six birds of fire; he had judged correctly the amount to keep the skin from reforming at first. However after a brief ripple of power, he senses something wrong when the flames cover the body completely, unable to see what is going on, he turns to look towards the place the four Maou stand. Seeing them make no attempt to stop him, he turns back and frowns as he sees nothing still coming from the raging tower of flames.

'Why don't they stop this? He can't even be conscious; the pain alone should've driven him to faint.'

He feels the rapid buildup of magic and moves backwards when a metallic screams fills the air, and an explosion of water shoots from the center where the other devil had been standing. Watching the concentric ring of water pass over his head, he witnesses the towers, pillars and anything above the wave of water magic slide off to one side, cleanly cut in two from the knife-like attack. His own magic is sliced in half, causing them to falter and wink out of existence then. Looking back at where the attack had originated from, he sees the column of water rising nearly a hundred meters into the air before it begins to tilt downwards towards him rapidly.

"Shit!" He teleports out of the way as the top smashes the place he just fled from.

Getting to his feet and readying his attack again, he stops as he looks at the impossible then. Walking out of the remaining water column is something he had only heard tales of. Black plated armor covers nearly every inch of his foe, his glowing crimson eyes stare down at him from behind the downturned visor. Black boots crunch the still hardening ground, the colossal amount of water helping turn the melting ground into fragile crystalline layers. Riser tries to repeat his earlier attack and smirks as the flames once again trap the black armored figure a second time.

"No matter what you do, you can….aarrgghhh!" His body is bent over as a spike punctures his back.

Dropping to his knees, he looks up to see Ichigo staring at him; behind the devil in Hell Armor are numerous sets of chains, each disappearing into the surrounding shadows.

"I let my guard down once Riser Phenex and you nearly won, that is a mistake I won't repeat." Then a thick ball of metal smashes his leg from yet another direction.

Fleeing is all he can do, teleporting safely away, he tries to heal himself when another ball-shaped tipped chain hits him in the side of body, ribs break easily from the force of the impact. Yet again, he finds himself fleeing and continuously, for each time he reappears, he is forced to flee the homing attacks of the metal spheres. The one time he finds himself safe for a few seconds, he feels the hair on the back of his neck stand on edge when a deep baritone speaks to him from behind.

"No matter where you run, I'll find you." A gauntlet covered hand then grabs the back of his head and Riser can't move as the ground swiftly meets his face.

XXXX

Ichigo is relentless as he hits the ever-healing Riser Phenex, each time the devil teleports; he waits to feel his magic announce his reappearance and uses the shadows of the destroyed arena to get him there silently and stealthily. Stepping out, he uses his chains to pin the ever moving body long enough for him to get a few solid hits on the body of his foe. Sensing the time between each teleport is increasing, he knows his foe is expanding time between teleports to heal the wounds on his body, Ichigo knows the Riser won't be able to last much longer. Forced to continuously run and heal at the same time is taking its toll on the older devil's magical reserves.

Sensing him leave again, the former substitute shinigami hears distant shouts and screams, wondering what is going on, he looks in the direction he can hear it coming from. Then he sees them, all three Clans' peerages cheering for him from their place high above the arena. Smirking under his helm, he raises his fist high in the air, letting them know he is okay and still fighting. Lowering his arm, his senses feel the Phenex devil reappearing almost on the opposite side of the arena from him. Deciding he's getting nowhere, he uses shunpo this time to find Riser already on his feet, but only half his wounds are healed.

"Yield Riser Phenex. Yield and I'll let you walk out of here on your own two feet, your dignity intact. This is only time I will offer you this chance, refuse and I'll really bring the pain." Ichigo feels his power grow as he strips another layer from his tightly contained reiryoku and magic.

"Fuck you! Why do you persist in this!? Do you have any idea of what you are ruining!? My Clan and hers are among the last of the purebloods! Our union is for the greater good of the Underworld! She will bear me children and secure our place among the strongest of the Seventy Two Pillars! You can't stop me! I will keep healing and you will eventually fall Naberius! You will be the one to yield and once I get you out of my way, I'm claiming what is due to me!" Riser's flames again cover his body once more, but he pauses as Ichigo speaks again.

"Pureblood. I am sick of hearing that word. You think because you are a noble you can do whatever you want to her? Did you even consider her feelings at all Riser Phenex? Did you ever attempt to see if she wanted to even marry you? No. No you didn't because if you did, you would know she wants love in her life. She wants to know that the man she marries wouldn't use her just as breeding stock. Yes, I heard that you referred to her as such, a broodmare I think you said…." Ichigo is cut off then.

"That's right! All she needs to do is lie there and accept my seed and she will give my Clan children that which has never been considered before, they will become invaluable to the Underworld in our future wars against the fallen angels and angels. Children capable of the using the Power of Destruction and the healing power of the Phenex Clan, unstoppable warriors! So don't stand there as spout your nonsense Ichigo Naberius, she is mine!"

Ichigo stares at Riser in disbelief then. "War? You would make your children fight in an unnecessary war Riser Phenex? Rias's children if you were to actually win? You have no idea the horrors of the battlefield do you? The smells, the blood, and the death that always comes from fighting battles. Do you even understand what you are saying?"

"You don't know what we face if we don't crush our enemies with more powerful devils! Our children will be the apex of our civilization; MY children will lead us to victory!" Riser spits out blood as he rages.

"I see. Then you leave me no other option but to end this now. Bakudō Number One: Sai. Bakudō Number Four: Hainawa. Bakudō Number Sixty Three: Sajō Sabaku."

Riser begins to panic when he is unable to move, the devil in front of him stands still while facing him. "What is this!? You think you can hold me with this forever!?"

"No, just enough to force you into submitting." Then more chains appear from behind the black figure, each chain much thinner that earlier, each tipped with much smaller balls of metal.

"Is that supposed to scare me? You already hit me with those."

A chuckle sounds out then. "Not like last time Riser, you'll soon learn though."

XXXX

Ambrosio Phenex stands in shock as he witnesses the fury befalling his son as the younger teen devil hits his son with a furious barrage of metal balls at ever increasing speeds. He can barely keep up with them, but when he sees them hit, he flinches each time his son screams out when his body is reduced to a broken mass. The worst part he soon finds out is his son's body regenerates to compensate for the injuries and before his son can complete his healing, the beating starts again. Soon the sounds of sobs reaches his ears, looking down at his now grasped hand, he sees his only daughter looking up at him with bloodshot eyes.

"Make him stop Daddy! Please make him stop hurting brother!"

His own eyes momentarily narrow as the threat of tears form. "I can't Ravel, only he can stop this and he won't. Your brother knows what is at stake here."

Snapping her hand away, she runs to her oldest brother then. Ambrosio then sees his wife glaring murder at him before all hear the now dominate fighter speaking once more.

"I tire of this Riser Phenex, yield or I will continue." The arena then fills with a few inches of water then.

Rising to higher position in mid-air, the armored devil looks at the still trapped devil. "Hadō Number Eighty Eight: Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō."

This time the output is much higher when several beams of spiritually charged electricity strike the surrounding water. Again the head of the Phenex Clan must suffer hearing his youngest son scream as his skin begins to fry and break apart after the lighting boils the water. For several more strikes he sees his son stay conscious, but he is taking longer and longer to recover. Bowing his head, he can't look as his oldest son stares at him in disbelief.

"Yield, this is your absolute last chance Riser Phenex." Lord Phenex shivers at how cold and devoid of emotion that voice sounds.

He watches when several sets of Hell Chains picks his son up from the ground, two holding his waist and one each for his limbs. Riser is lifted and then held in place by the younger devil as they both hover in the air without any support he can see. Then the monitor suddenly zooms in on the great-grandson of Lord Amyntas, frowning he can't understand why until he sees four chains so thin starting at the back of Ichigo before wrapping once around each of his son's arms and legs and then ending back behind the young devil again. He can't even guess as to their possible use, at least not until he hears murmurs from the older members of the Naberius Clan.

"Who taught him that!?" Akiko questions the peerages loudly.

"There's no way he can know that form!" Aisling yells out.

"Merti did you teach him that?" The head of Ichigo's household bows to her Clan head as she answers.

"No Milord, I have no idea how he came upon that knowledge. It…it was forbidden to him by your command."

He is about to demand what is going on when Ichigo's distorted voice speaks again. "You only have yourself to blame for this."

He grips the railing in fury and sickness as the chain moves so quick, all one can hear is the ripping of the chainsaw attack cutting his son's left leg off mid-thigh. This time, the devil barely pauses as he cuts of his youngest male child's right arm above the elbow, then his other arm and finally his last leg.

"Stop…please stop this Ambrosio…I demand you stop this at once!" He flinches as his wife's small hands begin to pound his back.

He steals a quick look up at the monitor one last time and sees his son healing his limbs, shaking his head, he declines, hoping his son finds a way to stay alert until he can recover.

"If you won't stop this, I will!" He tries to grab his wife, failing as she disappears in a magic circle, only to reappear in the arena below him.

XXXX

"Ichigo…"

'I know Zangetsu…I don't want to use it either, but he is leaving me no choice.' Ichigo watches the second leg plummet to the ground below them.

He descends to the ground, releasing the healing Phenex devil a short distance away, he scowls under his helm. 'He's fading Zangetsu…I can't do this anymore if he doesn't yield soon, I'll have no choice, but to use it.'

He can feel the flames building along his chains, the hellish blue light slowly flickering into life as he looks down at the fallen figure of Riser. Fighting down the queasiness in his stomach, he is about to strike again when the same blonde haired woman from the gathering appears in front of him, covering the other devil's body.

"Stop, I beg you to stop Ichigo Naberius!"

Still forming his attack, he speaks with a heavy heart then. "I want too, believe me I want too. If he doesn't yield, I have to finish him as he is still conscious and has yet to call an end to this."

Ichigo steps back when she gets on her hands and knees; bowing lowly to him she offers those words he so desperately wants to hear. "As his mother, I yield on his behalf."

"You're his mother?" He looks at her closer then and sees his facial features in hers. "I'm…sorry Lady Phenex…he wouldn't stop…he won't give up…which weighs heavily in my heart because I know that feeling, never wanting to stop as you fight for what you want. This time though, he stands in our way, Rias and I love each other; he doesn't belong with her, I do."

Standing to her feet after he offers his hand to help her up, she brushes the front of her gown off. "You did what was needed Ichigo Naberius, you proved your love for her. Please, please stop this and let my son go. He is barely conscious; his healing is taking too long to be a threat to you any longer."

"Asmodeus Maou?" Ichigo looks towards the stands then, hoping they heard her.

The two devils feel the magic circle form and see the principles standing in a group; Ichigo looks at his great-grandfather first, then his father, afterwards Yoruichi and Venelana arm in arm, and finally his future father-in-law. Next to them stands the father of his fellow duelist, Ambrosio Phenex, and the three other Maou.

"The duel is at an end Eleni Phenex; your submission on behalf of your son is acceptable to us." Serafall says for the group. "You may take him home to recover. Ichigo Naberius, you are declared the winner, you may take Rias Gremory as your bride."

"It's over then?" The black armor begins to fade then, relief in his voice.

His future brother-in-law claps a hand on his shoulder. "It's over…little brother. Rias, time to come down."

Ichigo has no time to ponder what is going on when he is suddenly tackled from behind. Her fists start raining down blows on his chest after he manages to flip over and face her. Grabbing her wrists, he hears her pained words.

"Damn you Ichigo…you didn't have to go through all of that for me! Why!? Why you moron!? You idiot!"

Reaching up, he cups her tear-stained cheek. "Because a life without you next to me was one I didn't want to imagine Rias."

She hides her face much to his worry until she speaks again. "I swear the moment I say I do; you will obey me no matter what Ichigo Kurosaki Shiba Naberius. Do you understand what I'm saying to you?"

He smiles then. "Only one problem with that Rias?"

Her head snaps up then, her eyes wide with worry. "Ichigo?"

He holds her in his arms and stands her next to him as he faces her family, bowing low to them; he asks that most important question for all the devils watching to witness him formally requesting her family's permission for her hand. "Lady Venelana, Lord Hugo, I humble asks for your permission and blessings to marry your daughter, Rias Gremory."

Both teens panic when the older woman speaks then. "I don't know Ichigo. What do you say Hugo, should we give him permission?"

"I'm thinking about it seriously my lovely wife, depends on him though." Hugo says with a hidden smile.

"Huh? / Mother! Father!" The two lovers are now extremely worried.

"Ichigo, you have yet to give my daughter an answer to her question." Ichigo's eyes widen then.

'Fuck me!'

"No shit…answer him you idiot!"

"I do. I mean I promise Hugo, I swear it!"

The oldest male of the Gremory then offers his hand. "Welcome to the family then Ichigo."

Shaking his hand, Ichigo and Rias again accept their families' congratulations until the orange haired devil remembers there is another family behind them. Turning, he sees Riser is finally unconscious and his compassion wells up for the fallen devil.

"Momo, Rukia!" He sighs out in relief when his bishop and his best friend appear. "Can you heal him so they don't have to do as much when they get him home?"

"Why not…" Ichigo's hand silences Rukia.

"The less anyone knows of her abilities, the safer my sister remains." He sees Rukia's eyes widen before she nods her understanding. "Thanks."

Watching the two petite women use their Kaidō until they declare him safe to move, he bows to the parents of Riser Phenex. "I hope this doesn't end your friendship to the Gremory Clan."

Eleni Phenex glares at her husband once; stepping in front of the tall teen devil, she speaks to him. "You don't have to worry about that Ichigo; you spared my son when you didn't have to…shinigami. I thank you for that. Be happy in your marriage…she's where she belongs, with you young devil. Take care of her always, you have earned it. Hugo, Venelana…I envy you, he is a remarkable young devil to gain as a son-in-law. I offer my Clan's blessing in your daughter's union to the Naberius, we shall speak soon Venelana."

Ichigo watches the three disappear then and lets out a deep breath. 'She knew; she knew what I was still capable of.'

"Aren't you forgetting something son?" The orange haired devil looks at Yoruichi then.

"What?" He then fumbles with the small box his father throws at him.

Opening it up, he chokes at the sight in front of him. Tears threaten his orbs as he loving touches the diamond ring, but he closes it and hands it back to his father, much to Isshin and Yoruichi's surprise. He then pulls out another small box and opens it to take out the ring.

"If anyone should use Mom's ring to propose with Dad, it should be whoever we allow to marry Yuzu. This ring…is the right one for me to use."

Getting to one knee, he holds out the ruby and sapphire surrounded diamond ring for Rias. "Will you marry me Rias Gremory?"

"Yes!" She shakes as he takes her hand and places the ring on her finger, looking at it she can't help but think it looks very familiar.

"It was my late wife's ring Rias." She quickly sucks in a breath with shock when Ichigo's great-grandfather speaks. "As the future Lady of the Naberius Clan, you should wear it. It would honor us all."

With those words spoken, every member of the Sitri, Gremory and Naberius Clan teleport into the arena; surrounding the two that will soon be joining in marriage. Ichigo kneels down when Yuzu rushes towards him, only to get hit in the face with her small gauntlet covered hand.

"Moron! Dummy! You scared the hell out of us Ichi-nii!" He jerks his jaw back in place during her tirade.

Letting her vent, he keeps a wary eye on his other sisters, neither moving but both giving him the stink eye.

"Oh come on guys. I won didn't I?" Chad slaps him in the back of the head in answer.

"OI!"

Uryū lifts his glasses then. "Yes you did win Ichigo, however please refrain from doing so the way you did in the future. With that said, we do have something more important to attend to tonight."

"Well what the hell are we waiting for!? Time to finish the day right!" Ganju shouts out what everyone has been waiting for.

"You ready to become Mrs. Ichigo Naberius?" The orange haired heir asks.

"I've been waiting for a very long time Ichigo."

XXXX

Watching the celebration taking place, Yasaka smiles inwardly then as she thinks. 'Not the way I thought it would end, but a win is a win. Take this time and savor it my young ones, soon you all will be tested.'

"Mom, is it really over? Ichigo is going to marry her?" Yasaka nods her head then.

"Yes Kunou, he and Rias will marry. That is why I brought them with us, to officiate at their marriage. So we must join them and get ready once we are back at the Gremory Estate." The older Kyuubi remarks to her daughter as she stands.

"It's not fair Mother…if he was born at least partially yōkai; I would have been able to marry him too someday. Polygamy isn't a crime with devils either…"

"But Ichigo will never accept that my daughter. Considering the way his own father was said to have loved his mother, it is something he has inherited from him. No, you will have to find someone else to carry your heart one day. Someone who will appreciate you the way Ichigo does for Rias. Now come along, I don't want to keep them waiting for us."

"Yes Mother."

XXXX

Ichibē Hyōsube stares at his Majesty as he tries to comprehend the orders just given, so dazed, he accidentally asks again.

"Do not worry Ichibē, I understand your confusion. If Head Captain Yamamoto asks to leave for the Underworld, you may give him permission on my behest. Ōetsu Nimaiya, you will act as my official representative when they travel to see the Maou, I'd rather not go this time; I don't need a repeat of my last visit. I'm still a little embarrassed with the way I acted the last time I saw them. "

The two men murmur their acceptances and watch as the supreme entity that rules Soul Society disappears back into his chambers, the wall completely sealing shut after he enters. The five members of Zero Squad then stand and make their way back to their own respective cities, each bidding good night to the others until only Ichibē and Ōetsu stand together on the highest floating city.

"So, you going then old friend?" The monk asks of the creator of the zanpakutō.

He laughs when the younger man fist pumps as he answers. "Hell yes! I want to see Ichi-chan's zanpakutō. From the sounds of it, Hephaestus pulled it off beautifully. I have never allowed someone else to reforge a zanpakutō from an Asauchi but me. I figure only someone like the god of the forge would know how to treat them right besides me. So I gots to give the old man his due, seeing the first hybrid zanpakutō is going to be a treat for me. You want me to deliver the message, save us all time you know."

The heavily bearded man folds his hands and nods his answer, inwardly groaning as Ōetsu disappears to his city, yelling to his assistants to get ready to leave for the Underworld.

'I actually feel sorry for you Ichigo…he's just as mad as Zaraki some days.'

XXXX

Shalba Beelzebub sat before the remaining two assassins, their three other partners lie next to them, minus their heads. The two remaining shook with fear as the son of the original Beelzebub looks down upon them. Neither had any thought as to what was going on, the moment they kneeled before the devil, he struck off their youngest companions head without a word. Then the tirade began, about failure to do their duty and dishonoring their Clan of Dark mages. After the next two heads had been removed, he simple sat down and began to stare at them, for the last hour they had kneeled absolute still.

"You failed me nearly forty years ago, do you know how?" When both shook their heads no, he removed the fourth head.

"Think before you answer me. What did you do forty years ago that I would see as a failure?" Shalba asks of the last remaining mage.

Shivering and wracking his brain for any memory of a job from that time frame, only one stood out and as his head rose, he could see he had guessed right. "Naberius…"

"Yes…Naberius…do you remember what your father told me? Emmm, do you? His exact words were and I quote, 'It is done, all that remains is the clan head', end quote."

Pulling out a picture, he throws it and watches it land in front of the last survivor. "That is the great-grandson of Amyntas…I want him dead by the end of the week, or you'll join them."

As he watches the assassin leave, he turns to the skulker in the room. "Make sure he doesn't live the moment he kills the brat, bring the twins to me, I'll have use for them later."

"Of course my liege."

XXXX

"How long are you going to stare at it Isshin?" Ryūken asks as he adjusts his tie for the last time, brushing down his white jacket, he peers out the side of his eyes.

Smiling, the shinigami closes the lid on the picture, the only one he had yet to show his children, standing to his feet; he meanders to stand by the Quincy, checking his kimono of dark blue and light blue obi in the same mirror.

"She would have absolutely loved today."

Pausing, the Quincy nods his own understanding. "Kanae as well Isshin. To think Ichigo would beat Uryū to the alter…I didn't see it in a million years."

Chuckling, Isshin claps the other man's shoulder. "Tell me about it…though Yoruichi and surprisingly Suì-Fēng both had it right; it just took the right woman to come along and prove it. And damn did he ever pick a winner…think of the cute grand-babies I will have to spoil!"

"You do realize you have to wait at least six to seven years before that happens, right? Both do plan to attend University and if Ichigo's serious about his pursuits, he'll need the extra two or three years to get his masters degree in literature."

"Ah, what's a few years to a shinigami, or even a devil Ryūken, besides we need to work on that kid of yours…"

"I believe Uryū has…shown some interest is someone, he came to me my last night here during our first visit and asked about his mother and I. How did we know, when did we first date, things like that. When I pressed him, he said that someone had sparked a feeling in him. I thought Orihime, but he shook his head sadly and told me she had yet to let go of someone, I presume it to mean she still holds something in her heart for her former captor." Ryūken buttons his jacket and turns to look at Isshin then.

Seeing the shinigami shake his head yes, the Quincy speaks to Isshin with a smile. "We're getting old. You realize our children are surpassing us, that one day we will actually have to contemplate retirement."

The former captain walks to the door and opens it. "Speak for yourself, I'm already retired."

"Self-imposed exile doesn't count Isshin!" Ryūken shouts at the departing shinigami. "Though I suppose a fugitive Quincy could be seen as the same."

XXXX

Amyntas sits with the four Maou in Sirzech's private study he still uses at the main Estate of the Gremory Clan, Serafall and Ajuka sat on either side of him, while Asmodeus and Sirzech and Grayfia sit opposite of them. On a table in the middle, sits a blood red ruby softly glowing, awaiting for one of the powerful devils to activate it.

"You know what this about Amyntas, you sure you want us to answer it?" Ajuka says as he motions to the gem.

"Let's see what he has to say and then I'll accept any decision you decide upon." The current Keeper of the Gates of Hell replies.

"I have never seen this Head Captain like you have Sirzech, so let's do this." Serafall says as she leans back in the couch.

Asmodeus offers a grin as he waves to the device. "Might as well see how mad he is Sirzech, pretty sure he's beyond upset that a devil, a novice at that, broke into Soul Society…again by the same person. Reason says he isn't going to be in the best of moods."

"Before we begin, today is my little sister's marriage; we'll give them the day after to themselves…to recover. So Monday afternoon is the best I'll let him come if he asks for a meeting. Agreed?" All heads nod acceptance, turning to his wife, she waves her hand over the ruby and a figure appears.

The Maou hold back their surprise at seeing several shinigami standing near the Head Captain and his long-time lieutenant. Counting quickly, Ajuka mouths them they must be the remaining captains and lieutenants standing there as well. Asmodeus can see the expressions on most of the faces are mostly neutral except one with a white painted face; his face was easy to read by the furious expression showing.

"Head Captain, I am Leviathan Maou, I speak for the Underworld and I wish to extend my greetings to you and your officers and say what a pleasure it is to finally meet you." The youngest looking devil says.

"I am please to meet you as well Leviathan Maou, however the reasons for contacting you is of an urgent matter. I am officially registering my deepest concerns and wish for an immediate meeting to take place in the Underworld in regards to the actions taken against Soul Society by one of your nobles. Lord Naberius I believe he was named, black armor and Hell Chains as proof of his identity." The white bearded shinigami states, his hands folded upon his zanpakutō.

Serafall taps her chin in deep thought and after a few moments begins nodding her head. "I see, is there a specific reason you wish to talk to the younger Lord Naberius?"

Opening one eye, the longest lived shinigami replies back. "There are two?"

"Yes, two Lord Naberius, the current head of the Clan and his heir. As a matter of fact, the heir of the Naberius Clan is marrying the heiress of the Gremory Clan tonight." The petite Maou states with a gush of exuberance.

"He said he was married already to the sister of Lucifer Maou…Sirzech…" They hear him muttering softly.

Sirzech and the others can't help laughing then, Asmodeus barks out then. "Your brother-in-law was more than confident today, wasn't he?"

"Well what can I say, Rias saw something in him even when…well enough about that. Serafall if you may." Sirzech remarks as he cuts off any more talk of who his sister is about to marry.

"Of course, my cousin can wait another day. Forgive us Head Captain, as I said today is a very special day. Now will the day after tomorrow be too soon or do you wish for another date to meet our representative, you might know her perhaps, Yoruichi Naberius." The six wait to see what the aged Head Captain has to say then.

"Yoruichi would not be a favorable choice at this time Leviathan Maou, her notoriety has gained her many enemies within the Shihōin Clan, more so since she absconded with the current Head of the Clan." The captain agedly replies.

Serafall sighs then. "As for the Clan in question, they are allowed to send who they wish Head Captain Yamamoto, and since she is a former shinigami, she has been chosen to represent the Clan. If this is a problem, then we are at an impasse; they will not budge on this issue. Before you ask why, she is of great importance to the young devil in question, in more ways than you can possibly know. So before you make a hasty decision, remember it is her or nothing."

"Captain Unohana." The six devils look at the Squad Four captain, each captain and lieutenant's description firmly entrenched in their memories, supplied by the residing shinigami to help them identify those they would probably meet soon.

Turning her serene face to the other gen, she bows to the projection on her side. "Yoruichi has always been a fair and levelheaded captain, as a noble…"

"She is a filthy whore who has given away the long held secrets of our clans to another clan, a clan of devils at that! Which is something we will be having 'words' about with the current Naberius clan head, you can be sure of that!" A voice says off view.

Banging his cane, the aged shinigami glares off screen then. "You are here only as the highest ranking member of your Clan, Sahiye Shihōin; do not speak unless you are asked a question. Captain, please finish."

"As I was saying, Yoruichi…Naberius was a fine captain and as a noble; as such I believe she is ensuring our officers are receiving nothing but the utmost care. I have no objections to her presence. Shunsui."

Pulling his sakkat up, he grins as he too bows slightly. "Be nice to see her again, I have no objections, what about you Tōshirō, any objections?"

"None, I only met the former captain a few times, but she is still well respected among the ranks, she'll do."

"And what of you Ōetsu Nimaiya, do you have any objections?" The devils see a dark skinned man with a very unusual hairstyle and wide rimmed glasses looking bored by the whole affair.

"Nah, just want ta go and see what's I needs to see. Anyone who gets me there, fine by me. So two days and we're off the see the wizard!" More than a few heads turn to look at him worriedly.

"And you are…" Serafall waves her hand to the strange man.

"I am Ōetsu Nimaiya, I invented the Asauchi." He smiles when he sees no reaction from any of the six devils. 'Pretty damn good, hope they like poker.'

"I see, so you are coming as well? I will warn you now Nimaiya-san, you cause any trouble, we'll send you straight…back to where you belong, understood?"

"Gotcha."

"Then Yoruichi Naberius and her escort will meet you here." Holding up a map, she points to a section near Isehara. "There is a shrine there, it will be an area of safety for you as it is abandoned and no faction has claim to it anymore. She will arrive at approximately at five p.m., time for you to join us for dinner. Oh and do pack an overnight bags…you'll need them."

She waits for the Head Captain to reply, when he does, he motions for someone to cut the transmission. All the devils then let out a collective sigh then.

"Well he certainly will believe the universe is out to get him when I tell him that the Head Captain and three other captains and lieutenants are coming, as well as a member of the Royal Guard."

"Royal Guard? Who? That Ōetsu guy?" Serafall asks the crimson haired devil.

"Yes, Kisuke has intimate knowledge of them; he is after all a former member of Zero Squad himself, sent by the Soul King to keep the Seritei on the right path. I wonder how he is going to feel when he sees his old comrade; it isn't like anyone from that Squad has ever actually succeeded in defecting before."

Sirzech stands and holds out his hand for Grayfia. "I hope you enjoy yourselves tonight, there is room for everyone to stay here of course."

"I'll be going back to the Naberius Clan with Ichigo and Uryū." Serafall replies.

Ajuka and Asmodeus both accept and as they leave the room, Amyntas pauses next to the Sirzech. "We'll discuss what our plans are then tomorrow."

"We made a pledge to you Amyntas, we'll see it through. No one will get to them, no one."

XXXX

Rias stood in the middle of a pack of busy servants, each adjusting or re-stitching the white kimono that was her wedding present from the Ishidas' until the devil standing in front of the nervous bride and her family's staff nods her head in satisfaction.

"You look beautiful Rias." Venelana beams with pure joy as she looks over the kimono. "He'll be speechless."

"Not like Ichi-nii needs much to make him speechless…okaasan." The youngest of the Naberius great-grandchildren says giddily.

Karin finally speaks with a happy look for once. "My brother is lucky you know, marrying someone as good looking as you Rias."

Darting her eyes, Rias sees tears in Orihime's eyes. "Orihime? What's wrong?"

"Not…nothings wrong, I just can't help it. The first of our group is getting married and I'm just happy we're here to see it." She dabs her eyes, looking to make sure her makeup isn't running.

"You'll be up here someday too Orihime." Rias happily remarks.

Orihime's eyes widen then. "Don't let Ichigo or the others hear you say that. I already heard from the Cerberus that if any male devils come asking to court me, he has directed them to eat them…whole!"

The room fills with laughter then. "Only that blockhead would order something so lame, usually he just beats up anyone he thinks is trying a fast one on his friends and family."

A few eyes look at the black spiky haired Tatsuki then. "Well, I know he said he's waiting to see a certain white haired shinigami for some reason or another, what was that kid's name again Hime?"

"Oh, Captain Hitsugaya, the Squad Ten captain." The grey eyed healer says, Karin eyes snap open then.

She points an accusing finger then at Orihime and then Tatsuki. "He…he's…he's a captain!? Why the hell didn't anyone tell me!?"

All the devils in the room look at Orihime then. "Sorry Karin-chan, I thought Ichigo told you or otousan."

The dark haired twin flops down in her chair then, face-palming as she mumbles to herself. Yuzu finds her way to her sister and sits by her, holding her free hand as the talk quietly to themselves. Seeing that her sister-in-law is taking care of her other younger sibling, Rias turns to her mother then.

"So, how long until…we can start?" Rias slowly puts her hands down, thankful to get blood flowing into her limbs again as she waits for her mother's answer.

"The last of the Clan heads arrived not too long ago and Ichigo should be ready by now. Tia, can you go see if he is ready and then, well then my baby girl is getting married!" Rias can't move as her mother rushes up to her and begins kissing her.

"Mother! Stop that!" Rias however doesn't offer any resistance to the matriarch's show of affections.

Pulling away, the older and more mature version of the teen devil knowingly looks at her daughter, turning to the room, she gains their attention. "Ladies, if you please, I need a few minutes with Rias. Grayfia can you stay as well."

Rias watches as the room slowly empties, the last to leave is a happy looking Koneko, who bows to the women as she closes the door.

Both mother and sister-in-law gaze at Rias in her wedding kimono, seeing them stare causes the youngest devil in the room to fidget then. "Mother, Grayfia-nee. Is there something wrong?"

"Rias there is one last thing we must do before you marry Ichigo and that is to…"

XXXX

"The hell Uryū, how damn long is this gonna take!?" Ichigo is glaring at his cousin as he pulls the thread through his hakama once more.

Pushing his glasses up, the Quincy gives him usual response as he uses his middle finger to adjust his eyewear.

"Nice Uryū, nice. One of these days I'm gonna cut that finger off." The devil says with his normal scowl.

Looking around his room now occupied with probably every male peerage member of the three clans, he hears the soft conversations taking place. Thankfully no one was talking about the duel much to his relief, he had to give the older devil credit; he didn't want to give up, not consciously at least. He had seen him regenerating even as his mother pleaded for an end to the duel. Luckily the Maou put an end to it before he had to use that last attack, one of the many he could now see in his head; not even Zangetsu had a clue as to where the knowledge had come from, but the white spirit had a gleeful aura about him as he had said he couldn't wait for the King to use them on those most deserving of his future wrath.

"There, done Ichigo." The orange haired devil looks down at his smirking cousin, who points to the mirror.

"Damn…"

'Damn doesn't come close.' Ichigo thinks as he sees the wedding outfit his cousin made in literally an hour.

Dark grey and white pencil thin striped hakama cover his pure white zori and tabi. Then he smiles when sees Uryū incorporated each of his family crests upon his deep black haori that he is wearing over an equally black underkimono, and the last piece is his black obi with white trim.

"Thanks Uryū." Ichigo sees his cousin nodding back at him.

A knock at the door causes the talking to quiet down as Yoruichi walks in, a few cat calls greet her, which she grins at the few who had the courage to do so.

"Watch it boys, or my 'son' might kick your ass for hitting on me." A round of laughter greets her remark. "But I do need to speak to Ichigo in private."

Ichigo watches the devils and guest shinigami leave, each giving the woman a small bow as they do, her unofficial title of 'mother' earns her that respect. When the last of devil leaves, she closes the door and stands facing away from the younger man.

"Yoruichi?" He worriedly asks.

He sees her slowly exhale before she turns to face him, he gets a close look at the kimono; his great-grandfather had asked him if he would allow her to wear it after telling him it once belonged to his grandmother. Knowing what the woman shinigami had given up for him and the others, he had no inclination to say no. She was family now to him, the twins, and Orihime. Walking towards him, he sees her checking him out, her eyes wandering up and down his tall frame.

Brushing off invisible lint, the golden eyed woman speaks. "She'd have loved this Ichigo."

"Considering who made it, I wouldn't doubt it. But are you okay?" He has to ask again.

"Isshin said I had to ask you, so here I am Ichigo. Where do you want me to be in the ceremony?"

"What? Where you're supposed to be? OH…oh." Pausing as he looks at the woman, he pulls her into his arms. "Well that should be obvious…okaasan. She might not be here, but someone needs to be, and considering you're family now…it should be you Yoruichi. You, Geta-Boshi, and Tessai have trained, watched over us and because of us; you gave up your own Clan to be here. We need you Yoruichi; I'll deny it though if you ever say a word to Kisuke though about needing him…"

"Too late, I heard he and Ajuka have started joint projects together…" She smiles when he hears Ichigo groan.

"By the way, it does suit you Yoruichi…you look…wow…" As his eyes take in the white kimono she is wearing.

Stepping back, she pulls his face down and kisses his cheek. "Thank you."

"You are welcome." He kisses her cheek back and holds her hands as she looks down. "Is there anything else we need to do?"

"Take care of her, always. She's a lucky woman Ichigo. But there is one new thing I must teach you."

"Right now? Kinda late ain't it?"

"You'll need it…for tonight." He swears her eyes sparkle when she says it.

XXXX

The immediate families are with Yasaka and her daughter as they wait for the arrival of the two teen devils to be married. The Kyuubi had agreed to officiate over the wedding due to her close ties to Inari and as such was the reason she had accepted the invitation to spend the weekend in the Underworld. Her main task complete, she was upbeat as she anticipates joining Ichigo and Rias in marriage. Of course it was Ichigo's wish for a Shinto marriage, but being devils made the prospect of a human marriage all but impossible, except for her. Her powers would allow the marriage to take place and her connection to kami would bond their marriage vows as real and seal them together as husband and wife.

"Mother, are you sure you want me to do this?" Kunou asks once more.

The elder fox spirit smiles as she looks down at her daughter then. "Yes, you need to learn this if you are to lead our people one day. Think of who you will have as a friend for life, Ichigo and Rias wouldn't turn down a request of help if you ever called upon them. This is one way our races can deepen the bonds of trust and friendship even more."

"I'm just nervous…I don't want to make any mistakes." The younger Kyuubi says worriedly.

"Close your eyes and think about doing the same thing in your room then Kunou." The light haired twin says as she comes to stand next to both mother and daughter.

"Ichi-nii told me another trick, but I don't think looking at the devils naked would help you." Yuzu giggles as she adds to her earlier advice.

Giggling with the youngest Naberius princess, the yōkai pre-teen agrees. "Can you imagine that? No way could I make it through without my face redder than I've seen Orihime's face when she made dinner that first night I was here."

"My face?" The oldest sister asks when she and Karin join them. "Did I do something wrong?"

The two giggle as they repeat what they were talking about, causing Orihime to blush again as the memories of the compliments of her first dinner as a bishop, especially Ichigo's reactions. Karin shakes her head and clasps the young kitsune on her shoulder then.

"Ichi-nii isn't going to even hear you or your mom, trust me the moment he sees Rias-nee, he's gonna be deaf, dumb and mute to everything else around him."

"I hope he hears the part when he has to speak the marriage vows." Yasaka laughs lightly with the younger women.

"They're coming!" Kimi shouts as she and Nia take up opposite sides of the joining hallways, Ichigo was arriving from the right, while Rias was coming from the left.

"Goat-Face you better behave or so help me…" Karin growls as she lets loose a set of her chains to emphasize her point.

"Look Yuzu your sister…Yuzu!?" Isshin backs up when his youngest has her own set out as well.

Taking a few menacing steps towards the Kurosaki-Shiba patriarch; the youngest daughter narrows her eyes when she speaks. "This is Ichi-nii and Rias-nee's most important day Daddy, don't…you…dare…screw it up!"

"Yes my dear daughter!" He watches as his kids march by him and take their places, he follows after them and finds Yoruichi already waiting.

"So…how did it go?" Isshin asks in a whisper.

"I think his only word when I explained it him and then showed him the kidō was 'sweet'. Sorry, you gotta wait Isshin."

"Can't be helped. So are you okay now?"

"Yes, he…he and I talked. You raised him well Isshin, no matter what, you did a good job." The former Shihōin says as she and Isshin watch the two teens make their appearance and join together at the front of the procession behind Yasaka, her daughter and a half a dozen musicians.

Behind Ichigo and Rias, their immediate families take their places and follow behind the two teens about to join their lives out on to the wide expanse that would serve in replacement of a shrine. Waiting at the altar for them are several other Kyuubi-kitsune Yasaka had picked to help with the ceremony. As the bride and groom lead, Isshin can see hundreds of nobles of the surviving Seventy Two Pillars watching them with hushed whispers at how quickly the two were getting married. Yoruichi grins as she walks with Isshin, knowing that the wedding after they graduate would be on a grander scale, a western style wedding more to the devils tastes.

Ahead of the procession, the current ruler of the yōkai of Kyoto, takes her place in front of the altar with six other of her race, smiling as the Ichigo and Rias stop and stand before her. Flexing her aura she begins the wedding by performing the purification rites without causing the devils any undo harm thanks to her powers before she is handed an aged and well-worn scroll. Delicately opening the parchment, she smiles at the two standing before her. Turning to a small altar brought with her entourage, she begins reading the Norito soujou and the words reporting the marriage to the Emperor.

When she finishes, she hears everyone stand and bow, Kunou's wordless instructions for those who had never partaken in such an event, has the mother kitsune feeling a swelling of pride at making the right choice. Turning back, she sees Rias's eyes glistening; while Ichigo's eyes kept wandering to the woman he was binding his life to. Two younger fox spirits bring forth the sake and place it before the devils. Yasaka hands the first saucer to Ichigo and her attendants pour the first saucer; she watches as Ichigo sips twice before drinking the rest. Her eyes twinkle when his eyes water a bit at how potent the sake was, courtesy of the Shiba Clan.

Rias does better as she sips her saucer and hands it back to the Kyuubi. Two more times they sip twice and drink. When the third drinking of the sake was complete, Yasaka deftly motions to the two to approach the altar and when they do, she hands Ichigo the scroll, pointing without the audience seeing, she shows him what he has to read. Stepping back, she listens as his baritone voice carries throughout the air the words of the wedding vows. Once he is done, two of the kitsune hand a branch from a sakaki tree to both Ichigo and Rias. Ichigo whispers to his bride and she follows his lead as he lays the branch on the altar. Stepping back, Ichigo and Rias bow twice and then clap twice.

The teens turn and face each other then, Ichigo is the first to take a golden ring and place it on Rias ring finger. Here the start of soft crying can be heard from a few of the peerage members, Orihime and Yuzu leading the tears of joy as they watch as Rias takes a golden band and places in on the orange haired devil's ring finger. Taking her place once again, Yasaka signals the family and friends of the bride and groom to drink the sake handed to them. Once everyone drinks, she motions to her daughter to signal all the remaining devils to drink their sake.

"You are now officially Ichigo and Rias Naberius. Congratulations and may you have a joyous and eternal life together." Yasaka says before the closing the ceremony.

"So can I kiss her now?"

Giving him a wave, she and the other devils watch as Ichigo cups his wife's face for the first time as her husband.

"I love you." His lips capturing hers and cheers erupt from the three Clans when she wraps her arms around his neck and returns the kiss.

Yoruichi and Isshin watch as the bride and groom are swamped by their friends and peerages. Amyntas, the Gremory family join the two as they watch the teens and older peerage members hug, shake hands or even kiss both of their children. Venelana squeezes the hand of the former head of the Shihōin Clan as she leans forward and speaks lowly.

"I hope this isn't the only Naberius Lord I see married in my life time." Yoruichi's can't stop the slight darkening of her skin on her cheeks at hearing the devil's hopes spoken out loud.

"We're working on it."

XXXX

Lord Amyntas stands with the 'visiting' shinigami as they watch the new couple dance slowly in the middle of the dance floor, a sixty plus orchestra playing a slow number now popular in the World of the Living gives them time to be alone before the rest of the clans join them in celebration. Once again, Shinji had a pair of younger noblewomen on his arm as he recounts his time in Soul Society and the years of his exile to the fawning pair, Suì-Fēng and Momo both rolling their eyes as they sit and listen.

"I must thank you again for the use of your healing springs Amyntas-sama; they are helping me with my illness." Jūshirō says with a much deeper voice than normal.

The devil merely nods and points to his heir. "Don't be so hasty in your thanks yet Ukitake-san, come Sunday night you'll be put through worse."

"What?" Even the captain of Squad Two worries as she looks at the head of the Naberius. "What do you mean?"

Turning to face the long white haired captain, his hazel eyes take in the older looking shinigami. "Ichigo and Orihime plan to heal you permanently Captain Ukitake. My great-granddaughter's fairies said that because of where and how long you have been suffering, they will have to rebuild your lungs from scratch using Ichigo's as the basis for your cure."

Ukitake finds a seat and sits down hard as he places a hand on his chest. "It can't be healed Lord Amyntas, while I do appreciate the thoughts of Ichigo and Orihime, no one has been able to heal my illness."

"Oh, but they can. Do you know the story of Hephaestus? He is the Greek god of the forge, a blacksmith for the rulers of Mount Olympus. From the time he was a child up until less than a few months ago, he too had a life-long affliction. Those two healed him by removing his foot and most of his lower leg, they used Ichigo's reiatsu to rebuild his foot so he could walk normally again. It was that unselfish act that allowed the ancient Grecian God to find the spark of inspiration needed to reforge Ichigo's zanpakutō. He'll also be forging the twins and Tatsuki's sometime soon when the go to see him. So if they can rebuild a foot, I don't see them having trouble rebuilding your lungs." Amyntas drinks his wine as the shinigami surrounding the oldest look at him with new life.

"I'll be cured?"

"Yes, no more bloody coughing fits, if you wonder why they are doing this." Amyntas pauses and points to Rukia, who with Renji are among the first to join the couple on the dance floor once it was opened for all. "She is the reason. It was when she spoke of how Ichigo's cousin died that night and the attack you had, and how you have suffered even as you served unwaveringly your sensei the Head Captain, Ichigo and his sister decided that they had to help you somehow."

Looking up at the orange haired devil as he swaps partners with the former Squad Six lieutenant, he begins to smile. "I'll be sure to thank them all."

"No need to thank them Jūshirō Ukitake, they do this because you are important to Rukia and to the memory of Kaien Shiba. Another member of my extended family that I will sadly never have a chance to meet." Amyntas sighs out at the end.

Patting the seat next to him, Jūshirō speaks. "Then perhaps I can shed some light on Kaien and Rukia's early years together, and the why those two are now best friends."

XXXX

"I can't believe it." The violet eyed dance partner says as she twirls along the floor with her best friend leading.

"What?" Ichigo cocks an eyebrow as he dips the shorter shinigami.

"That you know how to dance! You never even hinted at knowing you could." She looks up when he chuckles.

As they move into the next movement of the upbeat dance, he tells her the truth. "When I found out I had to dance with my wife, I sorta had to get lessons…from everyone."

She laughs when he blushes lightly. "Well for starters, Yoruichi, Merti, Sasha and…Venelana. Then when Tia and the others found out, they took turns helping me. Two hours a day I had to learn how to dance after training, I don't even remember how I got to bed some nights."

When the music slows down, she leans against the orange haired devil. "You certainly did a lot for her."

"Yeah…so…when are you and Renji going to tie the knot as they say?" He says as they near the couple they are seeking.

"Niisama has no more reasons to wait he said, now that we are no longer the Head and heiress of the Kuchiki Clan, he said Renji and I can get married any time we want now." She and Ichigo make their way to the side of the dance floor to wait.

"So when you and Renji are ready; I want you to tell Merti and we'll make the arrangements for you two. And don't worry about expenses; turns out I got a bit of cash on hand for things like this." He smiles when she narrows hers eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean Strawberry?"

"It means Midget; I can splurge on family events…"

He sees her face crinkle as she rolls his words around her head until he sees her mouth goldfish. "That's right Rukia Longoak, by taking her last name, you and Byakuya became members of the Clan through Merti's family. Ask your niisama if you doubt me."

"Why would he do that Ichigo? He's…"

"He is no longer a Kuchiki, Rukia. He stills needs to protect you and Renji, so that is why he took her last name, the offer of protection from one of the Seventy Two pillars isn't something to scoff at. And it helps that the current heir just married the current heiress of the Gremory Clan, cousin by blood to another Maou and her sister, who is also the heiress to the Sitri Clan. And now it seems by marriage I am a cousin to the current heir of the Bael Clan. Not to shabby to have as your sponsors, eh Rukia Longoak?" He sees his wife gliding towards him in her red kimono, her wedding kimono safely stored for their own children to use one day, Renji holding her arm as her escort as the music fades indicating a pause between dances.

"Thanks…for everything Ichigo."

Holding her hand up with his, he answers back. "That's what family and best friends do Rukia, we take care of our own."

"Your wife is a damn talented dancer Ichigo, thankfully she was graceful enough to cover my lacking abilities." Renji hands off the smiling devil to her new husband.

"You didn't do too bad Renji; Ichigo couldn't even dance until a few weeks ago, his first lesson with Yoruichi and Merti resu…" Ichigo covers Rias's mouth then.

"Let's not dwell on the past, there's no need to relive those nightmares for them." He can see it her eyes that some day they would learn the truth, but not tonight.

Rias nods her head, but they both know it wasn't the end, his eyes reflect that knowledge back to her. Soon another joins the group and her hands slide ups Ichigo's arm until it finishes on his shoulder.

"Sorry Rias, but you don't mind if I steal him for a dance or two?" Yoruichi asks the newlyweds.

Shaking her head in answer, she smiles when Amyntas holds his hand out for the newest Naberius. "I'd love to ojiisan. Ichigo, Yoruichi."

Taking his 'mother's' hand, he escorts the purple haired goddess out the dance floor. "Shall we?"

Renji and Rukia file out and start dancing with them as the next slow song begins for the reception, soon more couples make their way out as well.

XXXX

Merti finds Byakuya standing with the other shinigami talking quietly with her Lord. Making her way to the group, she sees the former Kuchiki turning to face her as she walks up to him. He holds out his hand, which she takes without complaint.

"I believe couples are allowed to join the bride and groom upon the floor."

"Are you asking me to dance Byakuya?" She sees his lips turn upwards slightly then.

"I'd be honored to be your partner Merti Longoak." The two leave a group of wondering shinigami behind, the tall elfin woman's dress accentuating her curves as she moves.

Shinji takes a sip of sake as he watches the two disappear onto the dance floor. "Looks like he had another reason for leaving."

XXXX

An hour later Ichigo finds himself hiding at a table secluded from the prying eyes of the nobility, his feet healing as he sat watching his twin sisters dance with a few younger devils, both under the watchful eyes of Kimi and Nia as they dance with members of the Gremory or Sitri peerages near the two. Next to him Orihime and Chad also sit, Sairaorg talking to the two younger devils about the history of his Clan and how he was related to Rias and Venelana. The newly married devil was listening in now and then, knowing much of the darker history of the Bael clansman and his mother, Misla.

Before he could listen in anymore, a bare arm wraps around his neck which is soon followed by his wife as she sits in his lap. No longer wearing her kimono, she has on a strapless blue satin gown, her hair no longer held up by her Kanzashi. She lifts a glass to his lips and whispers in his ears as he drinks.

"Our mothers want to see us Ichigo…"

Swallowing quickly, he helps his wife to her feet and turns to the other three occupants then. "Chad, can you help keep an eye on the twins? Orihime…enjoy the night and thanks for being here sis. Sairaorg, she has a midnight curfew."

"Ichigo!" The table laughs as she blushes deeply before shyly speaking again. "Congratulations again you two, you looked so beautiful Rias and you were handsome Ichigo. I just hope my wedding is just like yours was. So we'll see you for dinner tomorrow night, Yuzu, Aphrodite and I are going to make dinner for everyone, well the staff will be helping since there's going to be so many of us."

"Orihime…"

"Ah, yes Rias."

"We'll see you tomorrow; promise, but Yoruichi and Mother want to see us…so…"

"OH! Sorry, sorry, sorry, hurry up and go. Yoruichi gets pretty mad when Ichigo's late. See you tomorrow!"

Ichigo pauses one last time to look at the grounds behind the Gremory Estate.

"Ichigo, what's wrong?" Rias says when he pauses.

"Just thinking how in a few short years we'll permanently join at least four to five Clans by blood again. When we have children."

She lays her head against his arm and exhales then. "I can't wait for that day you know when we start a family of our own..."

"Yeah, our own family. Well, better get going or she'll never let me hear the end of it." The newly married heiress snorts in agreement.

Arm in arm, the two devils make their way to Rias's bedroom and to the two waiting mothers. Passing the various members of the staff, both looking at each other whenever the female devils giggle and bow as they pass the couple. Rias smiles though as she pulls Ichigo's arm tighter and closer to her as they make her way to her bedroom. As they pass the library, they see Sirzech, Hugo, Isshin and Kisuke talking amongst themselves, not wanting to get caught up with his nut job father, the orange haired devil shunpo's the two down the hallway.

A slap on his arm causes him to look at his wife. "That was rude Ichigo; your father was in there."

"That was the point Rias. Once he starts, we'd never get to our mothers on time, I ain't getting killed because of that loon."

"Still we could have said hi as we walked by, but I see your point. Come on; let's see what they want us for. I don't know how much more I can take today Ichigo."

"Same here."

Letting his wife lead, Ichigo studies the hallways, much like the Naberius Estate, the place reflects the wealth and power of the Gremory Clan, from the artwork to the decorations, Ichigo could only imagine the money they had spent over the centuries amassing the fortune he was walking by. Soon the hallways became simpler and the doors space out more and more, his only thought was that the rooms must steadily become larger in size the closer they got to the family's wing of the mansion. Soon the crimson beauty stops before a door and pauses.

"Rias?" Ichigo inquires.

She glances at him with a slight blush and murmurs to him. "This will be the first time you've been in my room Ichigo, besides my family and Yuuto, no other male has stepped foot in here."

"Is there something I should be aware of then?" He sees her blush even more.

"Let's just get this over with." She opens the door and walks in briskly, leaving him to stand by himself until he leisurely walks in and stops two paces in.

"That's what I did too." Ichigo hears Yoruichi say as he gazes at the walls of his wife's room, large photos of them are hanging from nearly every wall.

He sees photos of the first day he was with the family, all the way up to just before they left for Hueco Mundo to rescue the queen of his peerage. Most of them are of them snuggling together whether they were awake or sleeping, the biggest of which thankfully hides both of their bodies from the neck down, was the night he confessed to her in the bath. Looking over at Rias, she is looking down and has her back to him. Shaking his head, he walks up to her and wraps his arm around her waist.

"Don't let Zu and Karin see this…you'll never hear the end of it." He kisses the top of her head then, and then he hears the two older women chuckle at them. "So okaasan…okaasan, what's up?"

Venelana and Yoruichi share a glance and then they both smile before a magic circle appears under them much to the younger couple's surprise; when the light fades, they are outside and standing before a modest looking cottage. In front of the doors are several suitcases and two Cerberus.

"Ichigo, Rias, this is where you will spend your…your first night as husband and wife until dinner Sunday at six p.m. We had it specially built for you two on the grounds of the Naberius Estate, well away from the elfin villages, but close enough for you to seek help if you need any. Also the Cerberus have instructions to detain anyone who might…try and spy on you two. In other words if Isshin or Kisuke try anything, they have orders to bite their asses." The golden eyed woman says without preamble.

Two faces grow crimson then as they know what the were-cat meant by that. Neither will dare look at the other until they are safely inside. Venelana approaches her daughter and kisses her cheeks.

"There are so many things I want to say to you, but all I can think to say to you now is…have a wonderful night." She ends it with a whisper.

"I will Mother, we…been waiting for this night for so long, I know Ichigo will make it special for us." Rias says back.

Ichigo arches an eyebrow at the purple haired goddess then. "Thanks Yoruichi."

"See you tomorrow." She pats his cheek lightly.

Both women turn to the Cerberus and give last minute instructions, when they are finished, the two women wave before disappearing. Both Hell Hounds bow before the loop away and begin their security details of the area surrounding the cottage. Once everyone is out of sight, the two take deep breathes, pick up their suitcases and walk inside.

Ichigo can't believe the place their families have created for them. In the middle of the large living room, they see a fireplace burning already, to one side they see the kitchen and to the other side a large open bedroom with a door leading to the bathroom. The ceiling looms high over their heads and a small table is already set up with two covered plates and two large glasses, a bottle of champagne sits next to it chilling.

"I guess we should eat before we take a bath." Rias remarks as she makes her way to the futons lying on the floor.

The first thing he notices is there are no windows which causes him to laugh silently, more than likely Suì-Fēng, Sasha, and Merti had a hand in how the cottage was built. Placing his bags near the table, he lifts the covered plates and his eyes widen when he sees the plates are covered with little morsels of cheeses, crackers, chocolates and sweets. That had to be Yuzu, Orihime and Uryū contribution for tonight, the last thing he sees and causes his eyes to roll are the Chappy dollies under everything.

'Damn Midget, I'll be sure there are no bunnies in her wedding or reception.' He smirks as he walks to the bedroom and the futons, two large ones side by side.

"Ichigo, do you want to change?" Rias asks as she pulls her gown off, giving him a view of the white lace panties and bra.

"Ichigo?" She turns and sees his eyes wandering up and down her frame. "Or maybe we should eat nude?"

"That's fine with me." She can see he is still staring at her.

Pulling his face down, she kisses him. "Get out of your suit and find me when you're done changing."

Nodding hazily, he does as she says, dropping his suitcase away from the futon; he opens one and finds several changes of clothes, mostly loungewear and nightwear, and one set for him to wear for dinner tomorrow. Opening the other case, he finds just his toiletries and his smart phone and a small tablet. Turning on the tablet, he sees a blue tooth icon blinking. Touching it, soft music begins to play from hidden speakers. Using the volume control, he drops it so that they could barely hear the music playing.

Quickly kicking his clothes off, he grabs his favorite sweats and t-shirt and throws them on. Padding across the floor in his bare feet, the orange haired husband sits down opposite of his crimson haired wife. Turning her glass over, he pops the cork of the champagne and pours her glass first, then his. Tipping their glasses together, she gives the toast.

"To us."

"To us." Comes his reply.

After sipping the bubbly, the two shares a quiet time together, each feeding the others the small bite sizes treats and sharing glances in between small talk. Forty minutes later, the plates are more than half empty, the champagne bottle tipped over and empty. The newly married couple sits across from each other; neither knows what to do next for a few minutes until Rias stands and holds her hand out.

"We should take a quick bath Ichigo…before…bed." Her face flushes when she looks at the futons.

Gulping and shaking his head, he stands to his feet and lets her lead the way. Once they enter the bathroom, they strip with their backs to each other, Rias sits on her stool first, and Ichigo sits behind her. Going through their normal routine, the teens wash each other's backs before they join each other in the tub. Slowly the washing become touches and caresses and then more intimate touches take place. Heavy breathing and moans of pleasure fill the steamy room; until the crimson beauty slowly backs away.

"Ichigo…can you give me a few minutes…to…ah…prepare…" She looks at him shyly then.

He leans forward and kisses her once. "I'll turn the bed down and wait."

"Thank you Ichigo, I won't be long." She kisses him back.

Watching her husband lift himself out of the tub, he rinses under a shower head and dries off. Tossing the towel to the side, he makes no effort to put any clothes on as he leaves. Her eyes watching his backside the entire time he is in the bathroom until he passes out of sight. She quickly hurries and shaves her bikini line before she gets out and rinses off. Drying her hair, she rubs lotion all over body to moisten her skin and pulls out the white sheer négligée. Looking herself over in the bathroom mirror, she takes one deep breath and makes for the door, the light shining from the bathroom silhouetting her nude body.

"Ichigo…do you like?" She asks seductively.

She tilts her head and looks further into the darkness at their shared futon when he doesn't answer. "Ichigo…"

Deciding to add a bit of sway to her hips, she slowly walks to the bedding and stands over him with her hands on her hips and coos to him. "Iicchhiiggoooo…."

Still no answer returns, frowning she gets on her hands and knees and crawls over his body and looks down at him.

XXXX

Covering her mouth with one hand, while the other is wrapped around her ribs, she tries desperately to hold back her own thoughts as to the situation, but the white zanpakutō spirit that is acting out on the other side of the top of the Skeleton Tower next to her makes that an impossible task. He is on his knees, forehead touching the ground in front of him as his hand keeps slapping the black stone under him. His other hand is in the same position as hers, wrapped around his rib cage, and then he starts laughing even harder after sucking in a deep breath. She loses it then and lets her own laughter join his.

"It…it…it isn't funny Zangetsu! It could've happened to anyone who had the same day he had, so stop!" Her voice breaks into squeals at the end; she knows it won't make a difference to him.

"Make it stop first Michi, please make it stop! Hahahahahahah! Oh god! Please make it stop! It's killing me!" Is his answer to her pleas.

"Zangetsu…it's…it's…ha..hahahahaha…I can't help it! I can't help myself…hahahahahahah…poor Rias-san…they'll never get a break…hahahahahha…."

"See I told you!"

"I know, but…still…it…not…his fault! We…we…really should feel…bad for…them!" She winces as the ache shoots through her ribs again

"No way Michi, no way! Tell me how…how many…how many men do you know would fall asleep on their wedding night!?"

XXXX

AN: So there you guys go. I know you are probably disappointed by his reaction to Central, but fear not, that will soon be taken care of. I wrote it that way on purpose which will come out next chapter. So once again, I and Okami thank you for reading and as always please include her in your PM or reviews. Also until she finds a brave or willing author, here is her request once again. Please if you or someone you know might be interested send her a PM ASAP.

Thanks once again Okami Princess and Liam.

Beta Notes:

I currently have two concept ideas for stories that I would like to see being made into fanfics (I suck at making a long running plot, I always get stuck after finishing the first chapter.) that I would like to beta for, as well as being able to make some creative input. Please PM me if you want to take one of them on, as it's first come first serve, and I'll add an 'Accepted by' and then your pen name.

First story idea that I have is a crossover of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Harry Potter universe based on the books. A small group of civilized Indian werewolves is traveling from a village close to the Indian/Pakistani border, making their way back to their own village near Calcutta. However they stumble across the Hulk during Bruce Banner's attempt to cross the border from Pakistan into India. After fighting off bandits he had encountered on the border as the Hulk, an unconscious Bruce Banner is brought back to their camp on the Indian side of the border and thrust into a world he didn't believe could exist. Among the werewolves, is a woman who helps him in understanding that her world is real, and that he was not as alone in having an 'inner beast' as he thought he was.

(The rating for this one is up to the person who accepts, as well as Bruce's love interest's appearance as long as they are of Indian ethnicity and a werewolf. Their personality is also up to you. I'll help you come up with an authentic Indian name for her as well. Any other original characters will be up to you, in addition to the plot outside current canon events in the MCU, though I would like to pretend that Age of Ultron and Civil War will never happen.)

Status: Unaccepted as of now

The second story idea starts years after the events of Phantom Planet. Danny and Sam are married at this point with five year old twins, Dana and David, with a third child on the way. Soon though they face tragedy when Dan breaks free of the Fenton Thermos he was imprisoned in, and forces Danny Fenton to sacrifice his life to prevent Dan from harming future generations. 10 years later Dani, who has now taken up the mantle of Amity Park's primary protector, is injured by a new strong ghost. Her nephew David then breaks into his grandparents lab and makes a fateful decision.

I pretty much have the prologue down with a few fuzzy areas that need a bit of work, and part of the first chapter down. I really want someone to write this who would be able to come up with a good long running plot in addition to being able to do fight scenes, since I also suck at those.

Warning, David is gay, and has a boyfriend with whom he has very sappy romantic feelings for. However I want this to be rated teen, with no sex or anything naughty in it though so as to keep it closer to the rating of the Danny Phantom series while being more realistic about teenage life.

I already have David's appearance both as a kid and a teen, as well as his ghost form down. However on the other characters I am fuzzy on the character descriptions, so any contributions from the writer will be very welcome. Plus I have no idea on any original ghost enemies, or how the canon ones look now, even if The Ultimate Enemy gave me some idea of how some of Danny's ghost enemies have changed since he was a teen. The descriptions for each will be in my profile.

I forgot to mention that the David Phantom story will not just be about romance for those worried about too much sap, I want there to be plenty of action and in it, in addition to drama and some humor.

I also want to announce that David will not fight alone in this story, I want him to be part of a team. In addition to Dani Phantom (once she recovers), I have the names of two other (human) heroes (There will be one other one that I will leave up to the writer) that will fight alongside David as the second generation of Team Phantom: The Crimson Hunter, and The Shadow Samurai. That's all I'm gonna say on them since I don't want to spoil anymore (Unless you want to accept this story as the writer, then I'll go into more detail with you once you accept) until we decide to reveal them in the story.

Status: Unaccepted as of now.