Chapter 3: New Roommate and Stalkers
Author's Note: Welcome back! I hope you all enjoy this particular chapter of the story. Now to address a few things.
General Slime: I do disagree with you on this point, but that is mostly due to just my thinking and everyone's thinking is different so I'm sorry if you feel strongly about this and I'll explain my reasoning. It is never stated that after he gets his powers back that he can't use his Hollow Mask after he regains his powers. As for Shiro vs. True Zangetsu, this story takes place before that is revealed in Bleach so Ichigo has no knowledge of that. As for Shiro and Zangetsu's interest in his love life, they are part of him. Seeing as how Shiro is... relaxed, it would most likely be Zangetsu that wouldn't be as interested but even he has Ichigo's best interests at heart.
Grinja: Thanks for catching those mistakes. I am really embarrassed about them. I fixed them as soon as I could. I completely agree with you as far as him listening to Rias. In most stories I've read I find that the character almost too readily agrees to follow Rias. It's like "I know this is weird I just met you and all but I trust you with every one of my secrets." That just doesn't work for me. As for whether Ichigo will be a devil or not I have something a little different planned than anything I've read up to this point. Let's just say that it can only be something that can happen to Ichigo. As for Mask Limitation you do have a point. I tried adding a paragraph a few lines to iron that out. As for why I'm having him use it, it is more for the actual mask and Hollow energy than the extra power for now. I hope that covers most of your concerns.
Tahaku: I'll admit I keeping debating with myself on this. The major reason that I don't want to is because most stories that have pairings have Orihime or Rukia as a main focus and after a while they get repetitive and dull. That said if enough support goes to it I suppose I could start a small 'side'-harem. A harem that doesn't really make an appearance in the story, but will occasionally send messages to Ichigo and influence his decisions that way. So Ichigo may get a letter from Orihime or Rukia or some other person occasionally that give him advice on a subject. That said I have no idea if this would be a good idea or not since I've never even heard of it in different stories.
Thanks to chaos083 for betaing!
Now onto the story. I own exactly nothing but original characters.
"IIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTSSSSSSSSSSYYYYYYYYYYYGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Ichigo turned toward the sound of the screaming voice. A flash of green and then darkness.
Ichigo awoke with a splitting headache. His eyes told him that he was lying on the street near an abandoned warehouse he had been walking by. Somehow he had been propped against the building.
"Damn it," Ichigo cursed as a brief shot of pain shot through his head. "What the hell just happened?"
"I'm sorry Itsygo," A familiar voice said apologetically. Ichigo looked to his left to see Nel curled up next his arm. Her normal green tattered outfit covered her form. A strip of red ran across her nose as was usual. Short messy green hair stuck out from underneath the skull like remnant of her Hollow mask. A scar ran down the center of the mask and onto her nose. "A woman opened tome kind of door and fort Nel to go through it."
"It's okay Nel," Ichigo said sighing. "Are you hurt?"
"No," Nel said with tears in her eyes. "What fun is it if no one gets hurt?"
Tears started streaming down Nel's face.
Ichigo face faulted at the sight. That's right, Ichigo thought remembering. She's a masochist.
"I don't suppose you can get back can you?" Ichigo asked standing slowly.
"No," Nel said reluctantly. "Nel hat heard of thit plate. Hollow that come here can't come back by the normal way."
"Shit," Ichigo sighed he couldn't even send her back through the arch he had come through. He would be damned if he would let her go through that area with that dragon in the way. "Well I suppose you would have to stay with me at my place. Just try to get along with Yoruichi."
"Who is Yoruichi?" Nel asked, struggling to pronounce the name.
"She is a friend of mine," Ichigo said smiling down at the little Arrancar. "She used to be a Shinigami but they kicked her out. I don't know why she never goes back since they cleared her name."
"She isn't a Shinigami anymore?" Nel asked worriedly.
That's right, Ichigo cursed himself for forgetting. She is scared of Shinigami.
"Nope," Ichigo said truthfully. "She doesn't work for them anymore. Shall we go Nel?" Ichigo asked looking down.
"Okay," Nel said smiling. "Where are we going Itsygo?"
"Well first we are going to get you some more clothes." Ichigo said simply. "I don't want people seeing you and getting pissed at me because they think I'm not dressing you right."
"But Nel likes what she is wearing." Nel complained puffing out her cheeks.
"I know you do." Ichigo said trying to reason with the childlike Arrancar. "But you may find something that you like even better at the store."
"I guett to," Nel said slowly as if she was still unconvinced.
"Ooooh King's got a date." Shiro taunted.
Shut up, Ichigo thought back as he began to lead Nel away from the warehouse. She's just a kid.
"Only until her 'Itsygo' gets in trouble then she transforms and is buxomlicious." Shiro responded.
Buxomlicious? Ichigo thought feeling his cheeks flush red. Where the hell did you pick that up?
"There isn't any shit to do in here." Shiro shot back. "Not even a T.V. in here. Only thing I can really do is tune into your senses, watch life go by, and make up new words. Well that and jack off."
Ichigo stumbled at his words. Nel gave him a funny look but didn't comment.
WHAT THE FUCK?! Ichigo demanded. STOP DOING THAT IN MY HEAD!
"Relax I was just joking." Shiro said innocently. "Kinda hard to do that with the old man watching you the entire time. Gets awkward damned fast. That said do us all a favor and get laid already."
Ichigo decided to ignore the comment despite his red cheeks.
"Itsygo are you feeling alright?" Nel asked worried.
"I'm fine," Ichigo tried reassuring the little girl. "Do you know who sent you here?"
"Tome woman." Nel said simply. "Never teen her before. She came, threatened my brothers and then tent me here."
"Strange." Ichigo said frowning. The warehouses slowly fell behind them as Ichigo lead his companion to the commercial part of town. Soon the pair were surrounded by shops. Windows glinted around them brightly in the afternoon sun. Ichigo had managed to get a rough layout of town the night before. He wouldn't be able to find specific locations but he could pick out a rough area in which to find it.
His current target was a simple clothing store. It wasn't fancy but it was nice enough clothing and easy on the wallet. Urahara had only given him enough to make it through the first couple of weeks or so. He couldn't really afford to go out and by top of the line clothing.
A nearby store advertised for clothing and Ichigo steered Nel through the door. The interior was plain. White walls and white floors would have given a very bleak appearance had it not been for a lone strip of black that danced across the walls like a ribbon floating in the breeze.
A single female cashier stood at the counter looking bored. Black hair that reached her chin but not her shoulders hung around her head. A lock of her hair hung between dark eyes. She had a fit figure and wore a brown jacket over a white shirt. A dark red scarf covered her neck. A name tag read: Mikasa.
The rest of the store was covered in clothing, mannequins, and changing stalls covered the store. Clothing of all shapes and sizes. Customers randomly browsed through the items picking out occasional articles of clothing and holding it up in front of them as if imagining what they would look like in them.
Nel was looking around the store in wonder. Ichigo couldn't help a small smile that formed on his face. She was so much like a child. Looking at everything with wide eyes.
"Let's look for some shirts," Ichigo said leading Nell in further.
"Okay Itsygo!" Nel said smiling wide.
The pair walked to a nearby clothing rack and Nel began to pick through the clothes. Ichigo lost himself as the pair picked through clothing that Nel might like. Eventually they moved on to jeans and sweat pants. With several outfits picked out the most difficult part of shopping came.
"Excuse me." Ichigo said walking up to the cashier. She looked at him intently. "I was hoping that you could page someone to help us."
"Sure," She said briefly. "What did you need?"
"My," Ichigo hesitated looking at the grinning Nel. "Cousin, just arrived from across seas but her luggage was lost. I got most of her clothes but she still needs help."
Mikasa nodded understanding. She reached for a phone near her and picked it up. She punched in a few numbers and began speaking.
"Mind coming up here?" She asked blandly. She hung up the phone without waiting for a reply. "Someone will be right up."
"Thanks." Ichigo said gratefully.
That's the last thing I need to do. Pick out underwear for a little girl. How many times can you say pedophile?
"Is that a challenge?" Shiro asked. Ichigo could hear the smirk in his voice.
No, Ichigo simply said back.
"Hello," A cheery voice said. Ichigo turned to see a second girl standing before him. Purple hair framed her thin face. Light brown eyes looked out of her face kindly. A similar outfit to Mikasa's adorned her slim figure. A name tag that read: Sasha. "How can I help you? Does it involve potatoes?"
"Potatoes?" Ichigo asked confused.
"Never mind." The girl said looking slightly abashed. "I just really like potatoes. Anyway how can I help?"
Potatoes? Ichigo wondered to himself. "Yeah she needs a few more personal items."
"Sure let's go over here and pick out a few cute ones." Sasha said smiling as she took Nel's hand.
"I like this chick," Shiro said speaking up. "Why not invite her out and afterward see if she wants to play with your potato."
Have I mentioned how much of a pervert you are? Ichigo questioned.
"Don't you mean how much of a pervert YOU are?" Shiro corrected. "I am part of you. If not her what about that hot Mikasa chick at the counter?"
Screw you, Ichigo thought back angrily. You only think about sex.
"First you sound like a woman." Shiro said blandly. "Second if you would listen to me and screw someone then we wouldn't have a problem."
Hey Zangetsu can you please do something about him?
"Not really," Zangetsu replied. "He may be a pain but even if for some reason act you actually do follow his advice in this he will find something else to complain about. At least now you haven't compromised your principles."
"Asshole." Shiro said bitterly.
"Itsygo!" Nel's happy voice came breaking Ichigo out of his conversation with Shiro and Zangetsu. "I found tome cute panty!"
"Don't really need to know that." Ichigo said embarrassed by her eagerness. "Just put them on the counter have her scan them and put them in a bag and I'll pay for them."
"Thank Itsygo!" Nel said grinning widely.
Ichigo looked away as Nel placed her underwear on the counter. He waited a few moments after he heard the last rustle of bagging to turn around and pay. The total came to about 11944 yen (100 USD). A more than reasonable price for an entire wardrobe. In fact Ichigo knew he was getting off cheap for seven outfits. Ichigo had expected it to run more than that, but a few things had been on sale.
Ichigo handed over the required amount of money and received several bills as change along with his receipt. Ichigo grabbed the bag and handed it to Nel beside him.
"Here hold onto this." Ichigo said simply.
"Okay," Nel said smiling widely as she took the bag. It almost hit the floor the bag was so large for her.
"Alright let's go home," Ichigo said. He couldn't help a smirking smile at the happy look on Nel's face. "But first wait here for a bit and don't wander off. I have to take care of something."
"What do Itsygo need to take care of?" Nel asked cutely.
"Just got a go to the bathroom real quick." Ichigo said simply. "Don't go away."
"Can't Nel come with you?" Nel asked her eyes wide and pleading.
"No," Ichigo said bluntly. "It's a male restroom. Girls can't go in."
"But I'm a woman." Nel complained. "I'm older than you to I should be able to make the rule."
Ichigo opened and closed his mouth several times before swallowing and tried again. "Nel I'm sorry but it's morally wrong to be in a bathroom for a different gender. A lot of people might get the wrong idea and call the police which would be bad. Besides despite your actually age, you look like you are eight. I don't like little kids like that."
"But I don't want to leave my Itsygo." Nel said with tears in her eyes.
When did I become her Itsygo, I mean Ichigo?
"Whipped." Came a short reply buried in a fake cough from Shiro.
"I won't be long," Ichigo said giving what he hoped was a reassuring smile.
"I tuppote," Nel said sniffling.
Ichigo walked off to the bathroom leaving Nel at the front of the store. Mikasa looked at him and gave a nod of her own. She would watch out for the little Arrancar. That said Ichigo felt sorry for anyone crazy enough to try and hurt her. As Ichigo was going to the bathroom a thought suddenly crossed his mind. How were they able to even see Nel? She wasn't in a Gigai. Did that mean that everyone would be able to see him in his Shinigami form?
"It's the concentration of Spiritual Entities." Zangetsu explained. "Whatever these non-human entities are, they are in this world in force. Their presence here is attracting Spiritual Energy in abundance. It is the concentration that is allowing Nel to be seen. In someplace out of the way, like your training ground, you won't be able to be seen by normal humans."
Thanks for that, Ichigo thought gratefully as he washed his hands. After finishing he quickly dried his hands and left the restroom. What he saw outside made his jaw drop.
Nel was clamped onto the Pony-tail's head from the class; while Red-hair tried to pull her off. Pony-tail had a happy grin on her face.
"What are you doing Nel?" Ichigo asked slowly while walking toward the group.
"ITSYGO!" Nel shouted, happily letting go causing Red-hair, Pony-tail, and Nel to collapse into a large pile. She quickly shot out of the pile with a large smile on her face. "I was showing them my throat penis."
"Really?" Ichigo said feeling a sweat drop roll down his head.
"Yeah," Nel said smiling.
"Ichigo you know her?" Red-hair asked climbing out of the pile.
"Yeah," Ichigo confirmed. "I've known her for a while. She is a friend of mine from my home town. Her name is Nelliel Tu Odelshwanck. I just call her Nel. What are you two doing here anyway?"
"We needed a few supplies so we came here." Red-hair said simply.
"To a clothing store." Ichigo said blandly.
"Yes," Red-hair said simply.
"Ichigo," Zangetsu said speaking up. "It could be that this store is a front of sorts for these creatures. In which case-"
It would be better to get out of here. Fast. Ichigo finished for his partner.
"Well anyway we got what we needed." Ichigo said simply. "See you around I suppose."
Ichigo walked away from the pair. Nel followed behind.
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"Something is strange about those two," Rias said to her queen as the pair walked away.
"Ara ara," Akeno said with a smile on her lips. "I think that I like that Nel. We could get along just fine. I wonder if she would like to play when she gets older."
"We didn't come here for that," Rias lightly reminded her friend. "Issei should be going after Asia tonight. If she is as talented as I think she is, she will be an excellent member of our family."
"Ara ara," Akeno said her smile took on a slightly more sadistic side. "Buchou is so cold and calculating."
"You know that isn't true." Rias denied. "Issei really cares about this girl. I did a little research on her. She was excommunicated after she healed a Devil, so she can't go back to the Angels, and the only way to get her away from the Fallen Angels that are using her is to offer her a new home. After Issei gets there he should be able to save her. If he does I intend to offer her a place in our family. If he isn't in time I will ask Issei what he thinks she would want and I'll go off his wishes."
"Rias," Sasha said smiling as she walked up. "What can I do for the heiress to the Gremory clan today?"
"I just need a few healing salves." Rias responded smiling. She hoped that Asia would join her peerage but it was still a good practice to not over use powers. They could fail or the person could start to feel like a piece of meat. Rias was wary of both possibilities.
"I'll be right back." Sasha said happily. "Do you want the potato flavored healing tonic too?"
"No thanks," Rias said shaking her head. "I think you like potatoes a little too much."
"That's impossible." Sasha said airily walking away.
"What does Buchou think of Ichigo?" Akeno asked suddenly.
"What do you mean?" Rias asked looking at her friend.
"Well," Akeno said innocently. "The last time Rias took such an interest in a student was our little Issei. Can we expect a new peerage member besides little Asia?"
"Akeno," Rias said sighing. "I thought we agreed that he is too much of an enigma at this point. We also have a problem with how to approach him. Even Issei who we had plans for was put off by it. I don't know how we would have made out had he not been more concerned with Raynare. If we are lucky Issei should be able to finally confront her and get some closure."
"Right," Akeno said nodding.
"Either way we should get to the club room and drop the necessary hints to Issei to have him go after Asia." Rias said moving the topic on.
"Of course Buchou." Akeno replied respectfully.
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A bit cold out tonight, Yoruichi thought to herself. Her Zanpakutō remained silent. She was almost always silent. It wasn't a serious problem. That was just her personality. She was a very lazy Zanpakutō. She would only become interested when Yoruichi decided to get serious. Until then she would only occasionally pass out comments. Still Yoruichi knew she enjoyed it when Yoruichi talked to her.
I wonder how Nel got here. Yoruichi thought as she rolled her cat shoulders. Her cat form was perfect. Sleek, flexible, strong, and sexy. She couldn't help but add that last bit. She knew she was a beautiful woman. She took great pride in that. That was the major reason she kept flashing Ichigo through the years. It bolstered her ego to see that she could still get a reaction out of him. It got boring when Urahara had gotten used to it.
"I'm curious as well." Kurai Hyō said unexpectedly speaking breaking her two year silence. Her rich tone flooded Yoruichi's mind. "Something is off. Why are so many people coming here?"
Hey look who's up from her cat nap, Yoruichi teased her friend.
"Look who's clothed." Her Zanpakutō responded with a slightly antagonistic reply.
I don't want to hear that from you, Yoruichi chuckled. When was the last time you wore clothes? Three years ago? More?
"It was exactly three hours ago." Kurai Hyō said laughing. "But that was only because I wanted to see if you'd actually summon me after a hundred years of just sitting on a shelf in your safe house."
You know that skill is supposed to be secret. Yoruichi said shaking her cat head. If everyone found out how to summon their Zanpakutō even when it was half way around the world it could be trouble. Especially if a traitor figured it out. It would be next to impossible to keep them imprisoned.
"It isn't that bad," Kurai Hyō said dismissively. "Besides I don't think a traitor will come again in our life time."
We live very long lives, Yoruichi replied.
"We've gotten off topic." Kurai Hyō said. "What's going on? A lot of people went into that church a little while ago."
Not a clue, Yoruichi said checking her surroundings again. She sat in a tree just a short distance away from a church that had seen better days. Several boards were rotten and falling. The glass had been shattered in several locations.
Ichigo had just gotten home a few hours ago. Surprisingly Nel had been with him. While she had heard stories of the little Arrancar she had never met her in person. She was just as Ichigo described. Childish but also much like an adult in her language. She had clung to Ichigo when Yoruichi had introduced herself. Nel had seemed surprised that Yoruichi had been a cat. Yoruichi had been tempted to change her form but from what she had heard from Ichigo Nel was wary around Shinigami. It would be best to let her get used to the idea of her changing form before actually doing it.
After that Yoruichi had told them she was going to go do some reconnaissance. She had been leaping from building to building as befitting a ninja. While doing so she had felt a large amount of a strange power congregating in this area. Yoruichi had followed the strange power to this location. It wasn't Spiritual Pressure or Spiritual Energy. It was something completely different. It reminded Yoruichi of the pair that searched the house earlier in the week.
Flashes of light came from the interior. They had been happening for a few minutes. Yoruichi had been tempted to go closer and investigate but some form of barrier that blocked both her and her ability to sense Spiritual Energy, had been placed soon after the flashes began. Yoruichi could try to use her powers to sneak through or force her way through but a single wrong move trying to sneak through and she would be discovered. As for forcing the only thing worse would be a neon sign the size of Big Ben pointing directly at her.
She was forced to wait outside. A green flash came through the windows. Yoruichi narrowed her eyes. Whatever was going on in there was heating up.
A sudden puff of debris caused Yoruichi's eyes to dart to a wall. A figure had flown through the wall. Bits of rubble fell from the hole. Yoruichi couldn't make out much more than a general shape and a dark coloring of the figure. Soon after a small figure of white made its way out of the church and grabbed the first figure. The small figure dragged it inside the church.
Yoruichi stared intensely at the church. These weren't normal people. To throw a person through the wall requires strength. While common and even laughably easy for even Orihime, a non-combat orientated healer, for a normal human it was impossible. Especially through thick brick walls that made up the church.
A flash of brilliant scarlet filled the church. It slowly faded from existence. A green light followed shortly after. Voices suddenly reached Yoruichi's ears. It wasn't anything distinct, but she could make out some crying and a couple of chuckles.
A Flash step later and Yoruichi was at the door to the church looking in. Inside, stood six individuals. The two that had searched the house, Red-hair and Pony-tail, stood in front of the group. The red head had a soft smile on her face as she looked down at a pair on the floor. Pony-tail had a smile on her face as well but stood slightly back. Through her own training as a noble Yoruichi recognized it as the position of a servant or guard. Both had school uniforms on and both seemed just as strained as Orihime or Rangiku's did when they were in a school uniform.
A woman with bright blond hair and nun robes was lying down on the ground. Her eyes were shut closed, but her large chest rose and fell regularly. While not as large as Rias or Pony-tail she still had an impressive size.
A brown haired teen squatted next to her softly sobbing tears of joy. A school uniform adorned his body. Both the jacket and the white undershirt were unbuttoned revealing a red t-shirt underneath.
A teen with blond neatly combed hair stood across from the two on the ground. His school uniform was neat and looked to be a perfect fit both dimensionally and personality wise. A smile stood out on his face as he shifted a sword on his shoulder. He was what people might call a 'pretty boy'.
The one that worried Yoruichi the most was the final one. A short girl looking to be in her early teenage years stared directly at Yoruichi. She had white hair that framed her face. Black cat hair clips held her hair in place. As soon as Yoruichi arrived she had been looking at her weirdly. Like she was trying to figure out what she was.
"Koneko," Red-hair said speaking up as she noticed the short girl's problem. "What's the matter?"
"...Strange cat." Koneko responded pointing directly at Yoruichi.
Yoruichi cocked her head to one side and gave a soft, "Meow?"
"Strange how?" The brown haired teen asked looking up from where he was with the blond. His voice was still unsteady.
"Is it...?" The teen with the sword trailed his question off. Yoruichi didn't miss the slight tightening of his grip on his sword.
"...No." The white haired girl said her voice monotone. "It is not, but it still feels strange."
"Can you understand us?" Red-hair asked looking directly at Yoruichi.
Yoruichi didn't respond. Giving a meow of denial would make it obvious she could understand them. Not saying anything preserved her appearance as an unassuming cat. Instead she slowly made her way into the church. Just a cat out hunting mice. Nothing more.
"What a strange cat." Pony-tail cooed. "Buchou doesn't it look like the one at Ichigo's house?"
"It does look similar." Red-hair admitted. "But a lot of cats are black."
"Wait what were you doing at Ichigo's house?" Brown-hair asked suddenly.
"We were making sure he wasn't an enemy in disguise." Red-hair explained. "There could be any number of reasons why someone might want to kill us. You saw that yourself this past week."
"Did he pass Buchou?" The swordsman asked.
"That is still a matter for deliberation." Red-hair responded. "For now I would say that he bares watching."
Shit, Yoruichi cursed internally.
"What do you want to do about him?" The swordsman asked.
"I'll talk about that later." Red-hair said shrugging. "For now Asia needs to get somewhere to rest and recover. Everyone gather round."
The group of six quickly gathered around the red head. Suddenly a red circle covered in runes appeared above their heads. Yoruichi recognized it from the description given by the survivors as a technique that the one that had attacked the Captains used to escape. The only difference Yoruichi could see was the coloring.
Slowly the circle descended. As it passed over the group those in the circle disappeared. It was over in seconds, leaving Yoruichi alone in an abandoned church. Black feathers surrounded her.
Time to get out of here and warn Ichigo. Yoruichi thought. A quick Flash step later she was away from the church.
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"...That cat was strange." Koneko said from where she sat on the couch in the club room. She, Issei, and Yuuto sat on the couch. Akeno sat in a chair nearby. Asia had been placed in a bed of a different room. It was best she got some rest after her ordeal. Being brought back from the dead tended to leave one exhausted. At least Rias assumed so.
"I agree." Rias responded simply. "It could have been a stray cat, but I would rather not take chances."
"What else could it be?" Issei asked confused.
"There are many creatures that can disguise themselves." Rias explained. It wasn't her secret to tell. When the time came for him to know of Koneko's sister then Koneko should be the one who told him. "It could be possible for someone to turn into a cat. Although turning into animals is a highly advanced technique and only a handful are capable of such a feat."
"So if it was an enemy why didn't we kick their ass?" Issei asked heatedly.
"First," Rias said holding up a finger. "Just because it was observing us doesn't necessarily mean it was an enemy."
"It could have been someone who was out for a walk and was curious about what was going on." Akeno added.
"Okay," Issei said nodding as he calmed down slightly.
"Second," Rias said holding up a second finger. "We don't know for sure if it was even an enemy. It could have been just an abnormal cat. Koneko has a Familiar that is a cat. It could have been a here to unknown species of cat with special powers that was out for a walk and we just happened to cross paths with it."
"Familiar?" Issei questioned.
"Familiars are creatures that help out a creature by forming a pact with them." Yuuto explained. "While a few can be used in battle most do simple jobs such as handing out fliers."
"When you get a little more experience I'll take you to get your own Familiar." Rias said kindly.
"Awesome!" Issei said excitedly. "Are there any with large jumblies?"
"There are a few," Rias said letting a smile onto her face. She couldn't wait to see his reaction to the Undines.
"YES!" Issei shouted excitedly.
"There is a third reason," Rias mentioned holding up her third finger. Issei seemed to calm down but only slightly. "We had just resurrected Asia. She was still out. You had fought to your current limit. You had maybe a few more hits at best in you."
"Hey," Issei said a bit indignantly.
"Don't be so disappointed." Rias reassured. "In all our history you are the newest Devil to take out a Fallen Angel. No Devil has ever taken out an experienced Fallen Angel so young. Besides, Koneko and Yuuto had both fought multiple opponents. While weak that gets a bit tiring. Add in that the ability to turn into an animal is a very high level ability and that person would at least be strong enough to give us a challenge even discounting protecting Asia. Our best option was a retreat."
"Buchou," Akeno said speaking up. "You wanted to talk about watching Ichigo as well."
"That's right." Rias said nodding more to herself than to anyone else. "Koneko I want you to see if you can get close to him and observe him."
"...Okay." Koneko responded simply.
"Please don't tell me you are going to recruit him." Issei pleaded. "He already made it clear that he hates me."
"I don't think he hates you," Akeno said her smile never slipping. "I think he just hates perverts."
"So he doesn't hate me," Issei said shaking his head. "He just hates everything I stand for."
"Exactly," Akeno said cheerfully.
"Cruel." Issei cried out.
"I'm not sure if I'll recruit him or not." Rias said honestly. "At this point all I have to choose from four pieces are a rook and a knight." She intentionally left out the additional piece. She still wasn't sure what to make of that. "If he is to powerful I don't have enough pieces to recruit him and will have revealed ourselves to him needlessly. If we can recruit him we run the risk of him being someone from another faction or a hostile Devil. Even if he isn't, we run the risk of him refusing."
"So you won't?" Issei asked sounding hopeful.
"I didn't say that either." Rias said shaking her head. "From the little time I've seen him he is stronger than the average human. He could end up being quite valuable with a little training."
"I'll prove that you don't have to rely on him then." Issei said determined.
"It's more than that." Rias said shaking her head. "There is something that is coming that I need to be ready for. I won't say much but for that I need to have the appearance of power more than I need the power itself. In other words I need as many strong members as I can get."
"What's coming?" Issei asked worriedly.
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with for now." Rias said forcing a peaceful smile onto her face. "For now everyone get some rest. We have a lot to do in the next few weeks."
"Right." The entire peerage responded.
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"...Could you help me?" The white haired girl asked with a monotone voice.
"I'm a bit busy." Ichigo evaded. "Try someone else."
"...But you are the only one around." The white haired girl said pointedly.
"Doesn't change the fact I'm a bit busy." Ichigo said shrugging.
"...I'll wait." The white haired girl responded.
Damn it, Ichigo cursed internally. After Yoruichi had gotten back last night she had warned Ichigo that Red-hair and Pony-tail were suspicious of him. She said that they were going to watch him, but she didn't know how or who. Now it was fairly obvious both how and who.
"It might be a while," Ichigo said evasively. "What do you need help with anyway?"
"...Homework." The white haired girl responded.
"Busy." Ichigo said trying to walk away. The final bell of the day had just rung and Ichigo had been delayed in getting out of class. He had fallen asleep in class.
Yoruichi had been up all night drilling him on the appearances of those she saw in the church until Ichigo began to see their faces staring out from the walls of his room. When he had finally gotten to sleep. He had not one but two people sleep next to him. Nel had whined and cried until Ichigo had finally relented to her sleeping in the same room as him. Ichigo himself had set out a futon and slept on the floor next to the bed.
That hadn't stopped a certain black cat from crawling her way onto his chest as he tried to sleep. Every attempt Ichigo tried to make that would get her to get off only resulted in her glaring at him and claws sinking into his chest. In the end Ichigo had passed out trying to argue with her why she should get off him.
"...With what?" The white haired girl responded blandly.
"Got to get home and take care of my little cousin." Ichigo said shrugging. "She just got in from overseas and I need to make sure that she is alright."
"...I'll come with you." The white haired girl said.
"No," Ichigo said bluntly refusing.
"...Why not?" She asked.
"I have no idea who you are." Ichigo said honestly. "For all I know you could be a serial killer. I don't even know your name."
"...Koneko." The white haired girl said blandly.
"The answer is still no." Ichigo said walking away.
He ignored her attempts to restart the conversation. He put off going to his locker to collect his book bag. He had gotten his homework wasn't due till next week and every instinct in his body was screaming, 'LEAVE!'
He felt more than saw Koneko match his pace.
"You going somewhere?" Ichigo asked.
"...Yes." Koneko responded simply.
"Where?" Ichigo asked.
"...With you." She responded simply.
"No," Ichigo said again.
Koneko didn't say anything and studiously ignored his response.
"Fine," Ichigo sighed. She wasn't going to give up. At this rate it was obvious she was stubborn as hell. "If you are that insistent on help then I'll help you now. What are you having trouble with?"
"...Algebra." Koneko replied.
"What in particular are you having trouble with?" Ichigo asked.
"...3x+1 and 4x." Koneko recited. "Find the intercept."
"Pretty easy." Ichigo said shrugging. "Put them equal to each other and then subtract like terms from each side. In the end you have x equals 1. So the lines meet at 1."
"...Easy." Koneko said shaking her head. "What about .5x+7=1.5x+7 and 7.5x?"
"Let's find a spot to sit down and work it out." Ichigo sighed finally giving in and like that he had gained a little sister watch dog.
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"Send them." Conqueror commanded from his throne of blackened bone. Each bone belonged to the king or queen of a different nation, each conquered by Conqueror or Victory.
"Yes sir," A figure in black responded bowing deeply. A pitiful worm, but useful for following orders.
"What matter have you set forth?" Famine asked appearing behind Conqueror.
"I have sent several of these 'Hollows' forth." Conqueror explained. "As both Conqueror and Victory I require games to keep me amused. As Conqueror I thirst to see opponents crush each other under their boot. As Victory I enjoy winning."
"What does Pestilence get?" Famine asked.
"He chose the 'Hollows' to send." Conqueror laughed cruelly. "They all have aspects of rotting or disease to them. It will be interesting to see how they deal with them."
"What will this accomplish?" Famine asked shaking her head.
"It will amuse me." Conqueror laughed. "My entire being revolves around crushing enemies under my foot. It will amuse me to see these brats crush the Hollows or be crushed by them."
"What else do you plan?" Famine asked.
"You should know better than anyone." Conqueror laughed. "We are the oldest of the Seals. I plan on finally having some fun."
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Author's Note:
John: Well sorry it took so long to get out. Been a bit sluggish lately. Didn't help that this last week was hell walking for me. Was involved in a crash and lost a dear cousin to cancer, may she rest in peace. I am still working on all my stories for those concerned about any of my other stories not progressing.
Ichigo: That really sucks.
John: Tell me about it.
Ichigo: You alright from the crash?
John: Just strained a few joints and on bed rest. That said my vehicle is totaled.
Ichigo: That really sucks.
Yoruichi: Can I change the subject?
John: Sure.
Yoruichi: What do you have planned for the next chapter?
John: Let's just say that it involves Kon, an angry Koneko, and you.
Yoruichi: I get to finally play a bigger part?
John: You're already one of the main characters.
Yoruichi: Well I haven't done much yet.
Ichigo: Didn't you spy on those in the church this chapter?
John: She did do that.
Yoruichi: If I remember right you called me sexy.
John: … I refuse to comment on grounds it may incriminate me.
Shiro: *Cough* Pervert *Cough*
Ichigo: What he said.
Yoruichi: I don't mind. At least he admits it. Unlike a certain strawberry.
Ichigo: HEY!
John: Well before I get even more embarrassed that will be all for today. Good bye everyone. This is John Hinde signing off and Merry Belated Christmas (If you aren't Christian insert appropriate religious holiday) and Happy New Year!