HOLY! $$^&&&! 58 reviews in just nearly two days I'm shocked honestly O.O I had no idea the story would be so well taken by everyone, but seeing the following mass of reviews, fav's and alerts has really thrown me for a loop.

Nonetheless since it was so demanded in the reviews I decided to post this next chapter as quick as I could, and I was even able to look away and push down the urge to play Guild Wars 2 while making this so HOORAH! XD

Anyway I want to thank everyone that reviewed the story, I'll work on my grammar as I come along, but I can't really guarantee it'll be up to standard so if you don't like that well, tough luck :P.

Now on with the story!

The Transcendent Ashikabi

Chapter 2: Forging the Bond

In his life Ichigo had felt many things throughout his 21 years of life; tragedy, sadness, anger, rage, hatred, cold empathy, pity, despair, a fierce fire to protect his friends, and even a sort of affection for his family. However if there was one thing he was not familiar with was the feeling he was experiencing right now as he sat at a table in the dining room of Izumo Inn. Infront of him on the opposite side of the table was the most beautiful woman he had truthfully ever seen in his entire life.

The woman, Miya he recalled, was pouring him and herself some tea as they were about to discuss about rental at the inn. The Inn itself from just seeing the dining room was extremely well kept and clean, and it just set a peaceful feeling into him when just sitting here.

However his attention was more on the chest tightening, stomach twisting feeling he had every time he so much as glanced at the purple haired Goddess before him. This feeling he had was very new to him, and it was only starting now when just meeting the woman for the first time. He had an inkling suspicion of what it was, but that idea was crushed due to the impossibility of it all.

Yet years of training his emotions led him to cover his discomfort expertly with a serene expression.

He was not the only one though feeling this discomfort as Miya keeping up her smiling visage was inwardly feeling a burst of emotions she hadn't felt in her entire life. An emotion she had long since forsaken to be impossible for her to attain was building and boiling up inside her. The strange chest tightening sensation and the way her stomach felt like it was churning was least to say uncomfortable, but that she could hide easily.

What really threw her off was how her body was actually reacting in a manner that was very similar to how her other siblings did when they found their chosen one. Yet she was Miya, she wasn't supposed to have a chosen one at all. And yet just by being in this man's sheer presence her body reacted, and it reacted hard. It nearly by passed all her attempts to keep it hidden, but with the strength of will she kept it hidden and pushed it as far down as she could.

Deciding to break the ice between the two she spoke after sitting down, ''So tell me a little about yourself Kurosaki-san, what is it that you do as a service for currency?'' it was an innocent question to be sure, but Miya grudgingly wanted to know more about this strange man who's presence alone was making her body react this way.

Hearing her voice alone was like hearing the voice of angels singing, but that may have been the strange emotion in his chest altering his hearing at the moment,

Letting out a small sigh he spoke, ''Well there's not much to tell Miya-san I come from a small town named Karakura. After graduating college I moved here and became a doctor for Hiyamakai Hospital.'' he said getting a beautiful quirk of her eyebrow as she stared at him in slight surprise.

''You're a doctor? Oh my that is an admirable goal what exactly made you want to be a doctor in the first place, if I may ask?'' curious she was as to why he chose to be a doctor. Not many doctors that she knew were anything, but that as they were more into the dissecting type that she so loathed with a passion.

Sighing he ran a hand through his hair and spoke, ''Eh well let's just say my father ran a clinic at our family home, and is sorta grew on me. Sides, I wanted to help people in some manner even if its to heal them, I choose the path of medicine so that I could benefit those that are in dire straights and need help.'' he said while taking a sip of the tea.

For Miya's part what he said already put him in her good books as he was a doctor that actually cared for his patients unlike those she was experienced with from MBI. Smiling slightly she gave a nod with a satisfied hum. She did however feel the slight fluttering in her chest at his words at how sincere he was in his endeavor, but his voice to her was truly making her situation worse.

''I see; it is an admirable goal to be sure. Now for the details of the rent as the paper states it is 50,000 yen excluding the electricity and plumbing. We have vacancy if you wish to stay, perhaps I could give you a tour?'' she questioned which Ichigo gave a nod. As the two stood up he followed her as she gave him the tour of the inn.

As least to say he was very impressed at not only well kept the inn was, but how clean it was as well. Then there was the feeling of serenity he felt inside he building for it was similar to how he felt when he stayed at Urahara's during the times he trained back in his younger days. Only this was a stronger sense of home then from back then.

When Miya showed him the backyard he saw the size was plentiful for simple practice exercises with the back deck perfect for resting afterwards.

Then after showing him first floor's utilities and hot spring she took him upstairs and showed him the bedrooms which he instantly found that he liked spacious enough for his small things essentials, and even more for things he may get in the future. Throughout the tour he kept his senses sharp however as he sensed the presence of other people in rooms he passed by, and everyone of them having higher reiryoku levels then normal.

Miya was not excluded from this list...

Infact as they came back down stairs he stared at her and fet her reiryoku, and least to say he was a bit perturbed that her levels were abnormally low as if she was suppressing them. However the feel of her spiritual power was what set him off. For it was much different from the others he's felt before with his stay in machikawa.

'In fact...if I'm not mistaken it even feels a bit...primordial...just like me...'

So deep in his thinking he never noticed that Miya had caught him staring at her, and though she would have quickly thought he was leering at her. She saw the abnormal intensity in his eyes, an analyzing glaze that seemed to be thinking over something if what she saw was correct, a contemplated expression form on his face.

Nevertheless it sure didn't help that her reaction only got a whole lot stronger when she found out he was staring at her with so much intensity. Quickly she hid her flaming cheeks as she got his attention.

''Kurosaki-san?''

Shaken from his musings he looked up at Miya, and scratched his head. ''Sorry about Miya-san lost myself in thought for a moment there.''

''That's alright, but now I must ask what will do? Will you become a resident here at my humble Inn?'' she asked while she hid the intended or not pleading in her voice from Ichigo's ears.

However she was quite surprised when he gave a small smile that caused her heart to speed up and her cheeks this time heat up without her being able to stop it this time.

''You pretty much have me got me willing, but I have a small quirk if you will. I like to train myself and keep my body in shape so could I perhaps use the backyard for my practices?'' hearing this Miya only gave a serene nod even if the blush stayed on her cheeks which confused ichigo a bit, but it sure did bring out the beauty she held to an even more stronger degree.

''I have no problem with that here at Izumo Inn we only have one rule, and that is acts of indecency are prohibited extensively.'' she said with her smile staying firm. However she was surprised when ichigo just gave a chuckle before he brought out his hand.

''I promise that won't be a problem Miya-san with that I would like to stay here at Izumo Inn, if you will allow me.'' he said which she hesitantly put her hand in his and smiled wider.

''I would be honored to have you stay with us, Ichigo-san.''

As this happened however the two felt a shock go through their body when their skin touched one another. Their eyes widened when they both felt a sense of of serenity feel them as they grasped each others hands. Looking into each others eyes they both could tell they felt the same thing, and both slowly smiled at each one another.

They didn't let go of each others hand until a bit later to each others embarrassment.

The Next Morning

Waking up at 4 in the morning would have made Ichigo in his younger days curse whoever woke him at such an infernal time before beating the hell out of his alarm clock before going back to sleep. However as his grew older he learned that waking so early had its benefits especially if you went to bed around 10 or 11 at night.

Those benefits came in the form of him either talking a daily jog around his home in karakura to get the blood flowing and his body loose, and less stiff after sleeping the whole night.

However with his time going to college waking up early became routine for him, and now he was used to waking him before the sun even broke dawn. Now when he awoke at his new lodging the next day at Izumo Inn he had actually laid their in his futon just relaxing for a second. Awaking at the Inn was a new, but welcome change from being in that apartment of the old man's, and it only solidified his decision in staying here.

That, and the fact the land lady, Miya had somehow made him want to stay to just see her as strange as that sounded.

Nonetheless he had to be at work bright and early so he got up, and after being mindful of the other occupants on the second floor he took a shower and brushed his teeth. Coming down the stairs he went to the kitchen to brew some coffee along with making some steamed rice for a small, but efficient needed food to hold him over during work.

However his ears perked up when small footsteps were heard heading his way, and looking up he soon saw the beautiful land lady Miya enter. His hair combed to perfection, but still he could read the exhaustion in her body language. He found it amusing however when she stood at the doorway for a second with zombie look in her eyes as she sniffed the aroma in the kitchen.

It was actually cute to be honest with the way her little nose twitched as the aroma of coffee and steam rice filled her nose.

''Coffee~'' she uttered in a lazy drawl

Ichigo cracked a smirk before he announced his presence.

''Good Morning Miya-san, there's plenty so help yourself.'' he said while taking a sip of the heavenly substance that was known as coffee.

It was an amusing sight when Miya seemed to jump slightly when she heard him, but when she turned her gaze to him he knew it was even better when she seemed to be between surprise and embarrassment at being caught.

''Ah Ichigo-san, I was just...um'' being caught like this first thing in the morning was somehing that clearly hadn't happened to her. However to stop her from thinking up a excuse he just chuckled before grabbing another mug. Pouring some he gave the mug to her which after a hesitant second took it from his hands. However the slight pink on her face was evident of the fact she was seen that way.

''No worries everyone needs their cup otherwise they just aren't living to the fullest.'' he said before taking a sip which Miya gave a slow nod in return as she took a sip as well. If there was one thing you don't ever ignore it was the greatest drink on this green earth that helped you wake up bright and early.

Thinking up a quick excuse she spoke after putting down her cup, ''I'm sorry, but may I ask why you're up this early?'' that and the fact the man had pretty much took over her kitchen with utmost ease. The fact she admitted this to herself was both irritating, and a bit exciting that someone had the nerve to actually take over her kitchen.

Then again the man who did probably was the only she would really let do that considering the fact just by being near him her body reacted and ignored her attempts to calm down. Then the fact he was a considerate well mannered man who had a up standing education from what she was told yesterday.

Hearing her question he sighed as he put his mug down, ''Ah, I have to be at work at around 5: 30 in the morning. Besides, its a daily routine I've followed since my college days.'' he said which Miya quickly kept that to herself, and made her ready for the next morning. She would not be caught off guard again!

That and she wanted to be the one who was handing him the coffee instead of the other way around.

Looking at the clock he sighed before standing up and as he went to the sink he cleaned the dishes and pot used for the rice. ''I gotta go though so best hurry and clean these dishes.''

Miya looked at his back with no small amount of scrutiny; not only did Kurosaki-san have a job and was well mannered he even cleaned up his own mess. Yet another good point in her book.

Smiling she put her mug down, ''I see then I'll walk you out Ichigo-san.'' which Ichigo just looked her way and smiled at her which once again sent that fluttering sensation through her chest.

''To have such a beautiful woman even walk me out, I must have done something good in a previous life.'' the irony of his words were not lost on him though, but he meant what he said as he felt the urge to compliment her was too strong to ignore. Besides who could dare say anything otherwise? Miya was incredibly gorgeous of that there was no doubt in his mind.

He was rewarded however when Miya's cheeks flushed red, but her smile was still in place never wavering for a second.

''Oh my, Kurosaki-san you're bold making this fair maiden blush.'' she said with a bit of teasing in her voice causing his smirk to widen ever so slightly. Grabbing his coat he soon walked toward the door with Miya in tow. Walking out he inhaled the early morning air and exhaled deeply; lookin toward Miya he gave her a warm smile.

''Thank you for walking me out Miya-san now I must be off.'' he said which she just gave a smile as her eyes opened more to show her brown eyes staring up into his amber ones.''You're very welcome, Ichigo-san and please don't work too hard, okay?'' he just chuckled before giving a nod.

''Of course, now I'll see you later today Miya-san.'' he said before walking out. As he left Miya watched him go with a glazed look in her eyes. When he was out of her sights she sighed and went back inside the inn.

There she was able to lean against the door as she tried to desperately control her body's harsh reacting.

'I have to do something about this...and fast'

A Few hours Later

Ichigo sighed as yet another day at the Hospital was coming to a close; working on Chiho wasn't really tiring seeing as the young girl was very exuberant, and soft spoken. However it was the employee's he worked with that frustrated him to no end. Truly how hard was it to work to your fullest without giving half-assed attempts to try and solve a life or death problem?

For Kami's sake they were Doctors, charged with healing and saving life's not to be ignorant self righteous assholes with the brain capacity of a peanut. If he didn't know better he'd say most of the doctors at the hospital didn't even have a degree in what they were doing. Then there was the fact most of them saw him as some sort of god sent from the heavens at how he pretty much did 'miracles' as they put it with dealing with other patients that were deemed 'impossible' to cure.

''Oh, Kurosaki-san I was looking for you...''

Then he internally right then and there cursed whatever deity out that there that just loved to screw with him. The biggest of his migraines just had to show up. Turning around he was met with the sight of a young man clearly in his late teens dressed in complete white with a white suit with a white undershirt complete with a black tie. He was fair skinned with impassive green eyes, short brown hair that was swept back with the front having a bang falling down the left side of his face.

Higa Izumi, the iconic little rich kid Ichigo had come to see him as was probably one of the biggest annoyances he had since he first started working at the hospital. Not only did Higa rub him the wrong way with the way he spoke to him, but ever since he found out Ichigo's educational history the kid at first tried to hire him into his pharmaceutical company which ichigo blatantly refused. He even had the audacity to try and pry into his life.

The little prick reminded him too much of Aizen...manipulative bastard...

That didn't mean Ichigo couldn't be civil with him cause he could only now he just wasn't in the mood to deal with Higa nor his glaring prideful assistant that kissed Higa's ass wherever he went.

''Higa-san, what can I do for you today?'' he replied while checking over Chiho's daily results for the day. To both see her status, and to keep himself busy from small talk.

''I was just checking to see how your patient Chiho is fairing after the treatment done on her. I hear she is making remarkable progress.'' he said with his usual stern voice.

''Yes, she is doing fine if all goes well she'll be fully healed and out of here by the end of this year. Now if you don't mind Higa-san I must go and check in with Chiho before I go so have a pleasant day.'' Ichigo said causing Higa to nod before Ichigo left leaving Higa to stare at his back with his eye growing a tad colder.

''I will never understand why you let that brute speak to you like that Higa-sama.'' Kakizaki his secretary said, but he ignored him in favor of thinking over his plans on how to deal with Kurosaki.

''Because, not only does Kurosaki Ichigo have the educational pedigree to be positioned as a Head Doctor, his intellectual vices far surpass what I have ever seen. In fact he was the one who wrote books of the human anatomy and medical fields that the top researchers of MBI and my own families business use today. Even then I don't know how far his intelligence goes, and its best to not get on his bad side until I know whether or not he will be an obstacle in the future.'' he said causing kakizaki to raise an eyebrow in surprise before nodding.

''I see, so he could be a threat or an ally to the plan then? Interesting, so I assume you have a plan in place?'' he questioned only to get a nod from the man.

''Perhaps, but as of now I won't put it into place until I'm sure he can't be turned over without force. If there is one thing I respect its the intelligence of another, and Kurosaki-san has if anything my respect as a fellow colleague in the field of medicine. Yet if the time comes...I will have him join me one way or the other.'' he said with confidence. He was completely certain he could turn Ichigo to his side when the game began, and if not he would do it by force.

If only he knew what he was dealing with...

Evening-Izumo Inn

Miya for the first time in her life was actually smiling more so then the resident at Izumo Inn had seen her. Then there was the spring in her step, and slight happy humming she was doing today. After ichigo left for work this morning and when the other residents woke up an hour or two later they all witnessed her change, and still trying to figure out what made her this way.

All they heard was that a new resident had taking a room, but left for work in the morning.

Uzume being who she was made a lewd comment that it was a man that had taking residence, and was the reason she was so happy.

She was rewarded with a ladle slamming into her forehead with deadly accuracy...

Still what Uzume was not lost on Miya, and she couldn't deny just by being with Ichigo in that morning alone was probably why she was so happy. Despite the fact she had never thought it was possible to find someone that could make her react, but that it was also in a man who proceeded to heal and safeguard the lifes of others.

Still there was so much about him that she didn't know nor did he know her nor of what she was or what was going to happen in the near future. Still that could not dampen her spirit as she could jut tell by looking into his eyes that Ichigo was a man she could respect.

Then she heard the door open, and her smile got a little warmer when in walked the person of her thoughts.

''Ah welcome back Ichigo-san, how was work?'' her response was him looking her way, and whatever scowl he had vanished completely when he saw her serene expression. Holding his folded doctors coat over his left forearm he ran a hand through his hair,

''Just another day is all Miya-san, but I'll be back I'm gonna go change.'' he said while she gave a nod in response.

A few minutes later she heard him come back down, and saw him wearing a simple black T-shirt with grey sweat pants. ''I'll be on the back deck if you need anything Miya-san!'' he said which she nodded though she was curious as to what he was going out there for sides the exercises he told her he does on a daily basis.

After cleaning up a bit, and not hearing from Ichigo her curiosity got the better of her, and slowly she crept toward the back deck. Peaking around the corner she saw to her surprise that Ichigo was actually sitting on the ground in a meditative posture.

'Ichigo-san meditates? Interesting...'

''I can see you, ya know'' Ichigo's spoke as his face broke into a smirk as Miya's eyes widened when his eyes opened to look her way. Then the impossible happened once again.

''Eep''

Miya, the #01 Sekirei, former leader of the First Generation Disciplinary Squad had just 'eeped'

Her face was red for a good hour or two after that much to Ichigo's amusement...

1 Week Later

If there was ever a time Miya truly felt affection for anyone she would have said no cause she hadn't. The only person that had been important to her was Takehito Asama a man that she respected as his views on the Sekirei were something she admired. However she wasn't affectionate with him as he was more like a good friend at most.

But now she truly knew the feeling of the word affection for in just a week Izumo Inn's newest resident had gotten extremely close to her over the last seven days. She could name a few of the many things she's learned about Ichigo from the past few days during their morning before he elft for work, and when he came back to meditate out in the backyard.

For one, she learned that he was actually very protective of his name as it was the name his mother had given him for it meant that he was 'One who Protects'. And those that mocked his name strawberry because of his name, and because of his hair got their face punched in when he was younger. She had giggled at that saying he must have been quite a ruffian when he was younger only to get him chuckling with her.

Then there was the fact that he had family back in Karakura, two younger sisters, and a father. Though she regretted asking of his mother as she only received a pain-filled regretful smile in response.

She could deduce what happened to her so she didn't say anymore on the matter...

However the biggest thing she learned about him was that he was actually a fighter back in his younger days. He trained in martial arts until his High School year came up. Even then he had admittingly got into a lot of fights with people that made fun of his hair from school bullies to thugs of his town.

Overall she deduced he was a ruffian back in his younger days, but grew out of it when he matured though she could see that he wasn't telling her everything, but was still willing to share his past with her. Something she herself found hard to do yet he only told her whn she wished to speak about it she could at her own pace.

Then there was the other thing that's changed between her and Ichigo, and that was how they acted around one another. It was mostly the same however now she had was daring enough to touch him, to actually hug him before he left for work. It was the same with him as he had put his arm around her shoulders, and placed his hand over hers at times when talked about their day.

This didn't help at all with her situation though as this increased moments of interaction only further enhanced her body's reaction to him. There was a point that she was actually afraid of what might happen if her control slipped. Then there was the slight tingling sensation every time she touched him. As if she was drawing something from within him, but she didn't know what it was yet it had an effect to put her into a state of complete serenity.

Indeed, Miya was starting to come to terms with the fact that Ichigo was not a normal person if he could make her feel this way with his presence and touch alone. Then again the person who could make her react couldn't possibly be normal by any means.

Still the more she stayed with Ichigo the more she was starting to learn what what affection meant to someone you cared for.

However tonight would be a night where not only her life, but the life of her fellow strawberry would take a major turn.

Night-Izumo Inn

Miya was in pain, that's all that could be expressed as she walked toward Ichigo's room with hesitant quiet steps. She dared not rouse the other occupants, but the trembling of her body was getting extensive. Her body was now on the offensive as it rejected every single attempt of her regaining control, and it was starting to get painful. Not only was her body physically trying to adapt to a reaction she had thought wasn't possible, but from her attempts of trying to push down her urges was putting its toll on her.

She needed to see Ichigo as he was the only one who could help her, but now she could barely keep up her strength. Breathing heavily she finally reached his door, and sliding it open she was left to see Ichigo sitting at his desk writing something down in his journal. However she noted he heard her coming in cause he soon turned his head.

''Oh Miya, what i- Hey are you okay?'' she watched his amber orbs flash with concern, and she suddenly lost feeling in her legs due to the pulse of her immense reaction coming out. However she never hit the floor as the sound of Ichigo's chair hitting the floor echoed as she fell into his arms. Her head nestled against his chest as he held her up, but she could feel him trying to get her attention his worried shouts for her to answer him dulled through her ears.

All she could do was look up to see his amber eyes swimming with concern which she smiled at, and for the first time in her life Miya felt tears gather in her eyes, She hated herself for doing this, but she had to do this otherwise she was afraid of what may happen to her. Lifting a hand she placed it on the side of his face causing him to freeze. Letting her hand rub the side of his face feeling the stubble against her hand.

''I'm sorry Ichigo, it seems I was mistaken...about my abilities. My body won't listen anymore...I-I can't...I'm so sorry...'' she whispered as she saw through her half lidded eyes the surprised look from his face then she mustered whatever strength she had left that wasn't being drained away and shot forth.

'I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess...please forgive me''

Was the last thing Ichigo heard before he felt Miya's lips connect with his own then his entire field of vision went white.

MBI Headquarters- Directors Office

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Takami couldn't believe it her eyes were as wide as could be, and her entire face was as pale as death itself as she looked at the giant screen before her with complete and utter shock. It couldn't be possible, it just couldn't be POSSIBLE! Yet the screen flashing as if mocking her was showing the cold hard fact.

Sekirei #01 Miya had been winged...

''I-it can't be possible...Miya...has been winged?''

''HAHAHAHAHA! Now this is unexpected! Miya has been winged, and by the ever so illustrious Kurosaki himself! I never imagined this would happen!'' Minaka shouted in pure unadulterated excitement with a hint of insanity. He spun around in his chair with glee at the prospect of this new and completely unexpected event.

However Takami ignored the fool in favor of honing in on the location of the winging, and when she brought it up she promptly dropped to her knee's as her jack went slack.

Even Minaka stopped to see what it was, and his glasses cracked before he promptly fell out of his chair in sheer shock.

For before them with a live video feed of the entire city of Machikawa, but the entire northern section of the city was blanketed in shadow while the midnight sky was lit up dulling out the stars themselves.

The cause of this was simple for a pair of black outlined and purple wings were spread out amongst the entire northern section of the city. The location of where the phenomenon was coming from was...

Izumo Inn...

End

Well that ends this chapter of The Transcendent Ashikabi!

Now before anyone starts asking why the change in Miya's history it is needed to fit the criteria fr what I want in this story, and seeing as this is an AU I have that right :P

Anyway next chapter discussions, truth and meeting the other residents! OH JOY!

Now tell me what you think; was it bad? Good? Horrible? What? TELL MEH IN A REVIEW OR I WILL SEND HICHIGO AFTER YOU! XD