Hey, I'm back. I'm happy to see that you guys are enjoying the story so far. I forgot to mention some things in the beginning.

"," small pause

"..." longer pause

"Hi" thoughts

Maybe you guys already know this, but I wanted to make sure. If you did, ignore my stupidity. I also made a tiny typo in the last chapter and changed it. "Are you old man Zangetsu" now I changed it to "Are you there old man Zangetsu?" I didn't know that the "there" was not in the sentence.

TMANG: "I love Ichigo and Wendy meeting. But will Ichigo be nerfed or still have his full powers later in the series?" I plan on nerfing him in the beginning and gradually regaining his strength.

Pride of the Quincy: "You know it would be a great opportunity to see Ichigo learning more about using his Quincy powers, and on the long road he can be able to use both his Shinigami/Hollow and Quincy powers in tandem." I plan on Ichigo learning about his heritage later in the story.

I also wanted to say that I'm going with Fullbring Shikai Ichigo and not the TYBW Ichigo because personally, Fullbring Shikai is my favorite form and I hope you understand. I hope you continue to enjoy this story and didn't mind my rambling.

Chapter 2: A new companion

Ichigo was dumbfounded, he didn't know if he had mistaken her words. He asked Wendy to repeat herself, and she gave the same response she did before. He stayed quiet. He thought it was impossible. He debated whether or not he should believe the girl's claim. She was a kid, after all, maybe her mother was playing along with her, pretending to be a dragon.

Dragons are considered to be myths. True, this world might be different. But it was hard to believe that dragons in this world existed. Since he never came across one when wandering around. Wendy is young, so her mother should still be alive and looking after her. Plus, how could a dragon raise a child? If the dragon were truly raising a girl like one of their own, how did Wendy get into this predicament?

"D-do you not believe me?" She asked, snapping Ichigo's concentration.

"..." he looked away

"Dragons are real! My mom is a nice dragon!" She exclaimed, starting to tear up.

Seeing tears coming out of the girl's eyes, Ichigo was pained to know that he made a girl cry. He regretted his actions and reevaluated his judgment. He was considering Wendy's words. Maybe she was telling the truth. She does live in this world. In his world, Hollows, Shinigamis, and Quincys existed. Not only that, Kon is a mod soul in a teddy bear. He's able to talk, while Captain Komamura was also a talking wolf. As he was trying to reason himself. His mood quickly saddens. He started thinking more about his home. His family, his friends. He didn't want to admit it, but at some point, he started missing Kon's dumb voice. He snapped out of his train of thought, he shook his head and tried to get back to the topic. Ichigo saw Wendy looking away from him, crying silently.

"Sorry… I didn't mean to hurt your feelings… I'll believe you," he said kindly

Wendy looked at him before nodding her head notifying him that she heard him. Forgiving him for his actions.

2 hours of walking had passed after that initial conversation. However, there was still no sign of Grandeeney. She had thought that her mother would have found her by now. Her mother is a dragon after all. Not only that, she is a protective mother. So it would make sense that she would find her sooner or later. But it was taking longer than expected.

"D-do you think m-my mom abandoned me?" she quietly asked while slowly weeping.

Ichigo halted, looking back at the girl. He was astonished, why does she know that word? She's young, she shouldn't know what this vocabulary meant. "No," he answered firmly. Reassuring her as much as possible. "I doubt she would. You said it yourself, she is a nice dragon. I don't think that she would leave you. If you're still unsure, I'm still here to help you find her."

Hearing his words, she was relieved. "T-thank you" she needed to hear that.

"Don't mention it" he said with a sigh of relief. Thankful that his words reached her.

(Another 2 hours passed)

"How long do we have to walk for?" Wendy asked tiredly

"I'm not too sure. We can take a break if you want." Ichigo suggested.

Wendy nodded before sitting on a nearby tree. Ichigo did the same, sitting across from her. While placing his Zanpakuto next to him. Wendy took notice of this and asked.

"I-Ichigo-san...Why…why do you have a big sword with you?"

Ichigo wasn't surprised when the question was asked. It was a given, it wouldn't make sense for a boy to wield a weapon at his age. It made sense why she would ask that question. He just didn't know how to respond, however. Telling her about the origins of Shinigami and Zanpakuto would probably make no sense. Plus, it would be a long story. He had to make something up, it hurts to lie but he had no choice. He didn't want to make the situation more complicated.

"A family member gave it to me as a present," he answered

"It looks cool! Can you use magic with it?" She asked once more. Presumably accepting his response.

"...huh" he stared blankly. He had heard something unbelievable just now. "Magic? Not spiritual pressure? Magic, like in those fantasy games? Is that what the strange energy was?" he thought to himself. Wendy continued with her questions.

"You don't know magic?" The question snapped Ichigo back to reality.

His silence confirmed that he didn't know what she was talking about. Wendy was a bit surprised. From what Grandeeney had told her. It's quite common for people to use magic. Even those who aren't able to use magic would still know what it is.

"Um… m-magic is a natural force that can be used f-for many things." She started. Grabbing Ichigo's attention. "It can be used for both attack and defense." She continued "Magic is used for a v-variety of spells… and… um," She tried to continue but didn't know how to explain it. She couldn't remember what Grandeeney had told her word for word.

"What magic can you use?" The boy asked, absorbing the newfound knowledge.

She replied nervously "I… I can use support magic". From her perspective, support magic did not seem as impressive as attack-based magic. However, she didn't want to lie and tried to stay optimistic. "I-I can heal and enchant!"

Sadly, hearing the girl talk about her abilities reminds him of Orihime. One of the many friends he has made in his life. She had been there for him for the majority of his journey, just like the others however, she fell victim to death.

"Um," the girl was still waiting for a response.

Before Ichigo could think any further, he was interrupted. He spaced out again. He once again pushed his depressed self back. His heart started to hurt but tried to ignore it. Thinking up a response.

"...Did you learn that from your mom"

She simply smiled and nodded.

"Good for you" he awkwardly replied. "With your healing magic, you can help so many people". Upon hearing those words from the boy's mouth. She smiled to herself. Happy to hear his praise and is not judgemental about her abilities.

Remembering the discussion with magic. Ichigo also concluded his decision not to talk about his powers. Served to be the right choice. She probably wouldn't know what spiritual pressure was.

After the compliment, both were quiet and it was uncomfortable. Ichigo didn't know what to say. Other than small talk, he didn't know anything else he could comment on or speak of because of his lack of knowledge. Wendy was in the same boat but for a different reason. She didn't know how to start up a conversation. The one who usually starts a conversation was her mother. Her only interaction was with a dragon, not another human. Both trying to think of something to talk about, they were shortly both caught by surprise when someone's stomach growled lightly. The girl's face turns bright red shortly after.

"We should probably get some food," he stated as he got up. Looked at the girl while giving a small smile. "But first, I need to get wood for the fire."

The girl nodded her head furiously, trying to hide her embarrassment. Getting up from her seat, she slowly walked over to him, offering her help.

Wendy's behavior reminded him of Yuzu when she was younger. Shy and easily embarrassed. Some part of him was happy to see similarities. The two could get along. He hopes that both Karin and Yuzu were okay.

(Some time passes)

As they wandered around the two gathered any twigs and branches they have come across. It took them a while before gathering enough. By that time, it was getting late. The sunlight was slowly dwindling while the night gradually appears.

"Now… food" he didn't sound too confident.

He still had to look for food but didn't know what was edible and what was not. That wasn't the only thing he had to worry about.

"Do you know anything we could eat?"

"T-they are some berries and fruits I know, b-but I don't know anything else," she said ashamed

"Do you know how to fight?" he asked calmly knowing the most likely answer.

"N-no, I'm only good with healing and enchanting magic, I'm sorry"

"Don't apologize, it's not your fault." he quickly reassures her. "Just stay close ok" Ichigo starts walking, while Wendy slowly follows behind.

"D-do you know how to fight?"

"I know some things…Don't worry, I'll protect you" he didn't look back at her, but for some reason, Wendy knew that Ichigo was keeping his words.

As the two were scavenging for food, more time passes. They came across numerous plants and grabbed some berries as they walked. Eating the berries served as a snack. But it wasn't enough. Its only role is to keep the both of them from not getting any hungrier. Looking for food was a lot harder than Ichigo originally thought. They have not come across any creatures.

As they continued, Ichigo saw Wendy falling behind. She was struggling to carry all of the branches she had in her arms. Witnessing her troubled state, he grabbed some from her arms. He was carrying his batch but didn't mind helping the little girl. Wendy thanked him for his help. They carefully walked around, looking for anything that could be considered food. The sky was slowly getting darker and the animals that were once flooding the entire forest seemingly vanished. It was quiet for a little while. Before, a loud rustling noise came from the bushes. Catching both Ichigo and Wendy by surprise.

The girl shrieked, dropping the branches before grabbing onto Ichigo's clothes. However, Ichigo was not afraid. Standing firm he slowly lowered the branches he was holding while bringing out his weapon.

"I'll be quick," he said quietly, only for Wendy to hear. "O-ok" she responded quietly

He rushed in swinging his sword with his right hand in a horizontal strike. Aiming towards the bushes. As he swiped through the bushes, he was met with a strong surface halfway through. Not wanting to stop, he applied more pressure. Launching the creature away from the bushes and towards a large tree. However, the so-called creature was a person. The individual quickly recovered from the blow. Ichigo dashed in the direction where the person was and was ready to strike once more. The person spoke abruptly.

"Wait, I'm not here to fight!" The mysterious boy quickly stated.

Ichigo halted.

"I didn't mean to startle you" he continued, "I thought you were some kind of monster, so I wanted to see if my assumption was correct. When I saw you two, I wasn't as hostile." he exemplified.

"You two" he replayed those words again. What he said meant that he is also able to see him. I didn't come up but he realized that Wendy is also capable of seeing him in his Shinigami form.

Ichigo looked at him, also noticing how young the person's voice was. He put away his sword before taking a better look at the kid. He seemed to be the same height as Ichigo, he had blue hair, wearing a black t-shirt with white pants while holding a staff. He also had weird symbols on the right side of his face. Ichigo remained silent.

"Are those firewood?" he asked while Ichigo nodded.

"If you like I could share some of the food I have with me" hearing this Ichigo and Wendy were stunned by the boy's offer.

"Y-you have food?" a small voice came out of the girl's mouth. As she said that, her stomach once again rumbled loudly. She quickly hides behind Ichigo, hiding her embarrassment.

Ichigo gave a small smile towards Wendy's innocent behavior. Before displaying a more serious expression before asking, "Are you sure you want to share?"

"I don't mind. I would be happy to share."

Ichigo thought carefully about the boy's offer, he was providing food. Wendy wouldn't have to starve. But, he was also unsure if he should follow through. Yet, looking at Wendy's face, her craving for food was showing.

"That…would be helpful…thanks…"

"No problem. But why are the two of you out here?" he questioned while approaching the bushes where his bag was.

"We're looking for her mom," Ichigo pointed behind his back, indicating the girl.

Seeing Wendy still behind Ichigo, the boy introduced himself, in an attempt to make her less frightened.

"I see, my name is Fernandes Jellal. Sorry for not introducing myself earlier." He expressed "Who might you two be?"

"Kurosaki Ichigo" calmly responded to his question.

As he introduced himself to Jellal, the two were waiting for the girl's introduction. He could introduce Wendy to Jellal, without Wendy doing so, but he wanted her to learn to be brave.

"You don't have to hide," Ichigo said softly while patting the girl's head. Hearing his words, she slowly let go of Ichigo's clothing. Barely peeking her head over Ichigo's side.

"I-I'm Marvall Wendy" She shyly answered

"It's nice to meet the both of you," he answered with a smile "Sorry for asking but do you mind if I accompany you? It's dangerous to travel alone," he asked, giving a reason why he wanted to join.

Ichigo looked at Jellal's face. He didn't seem to be lying. Letting Jellal join the two didn't seem to be a bad idea. He most likely knows more than himself and since he blocked his attack earlier, it means that he is quite formidable. He might also know about dragons and could even help Wendy.

"...sure," he answered Jellal's question. Wendy simply nodded slowly, if Ichigo agreed, she will too.

"Thank you"