For all that is beautiful

by esdeath's thicc thighs

Across many battlefields, he walked a lonely path. To believe in himself, to rely only on himself. The fate of humanity rested on his shoulders alone. Then one day, as the burden grew heavier, he looked behind him and realized that he wasn't as alone as he thought. They were his pillars, he was their hope. Ichigo Kurosaki shall see that he protects them all.

10. Chapter 10

"I'm waiting…" brief silence settled over the area, as Ichigo and the stray once known as Evelyn stared at one another. Golden eyes shining radiantly against the feral madness, as both stared at one another, it was the Stray who looked away first.

Swoosh*

A ray of light cut through the distance in that single millisecond.

Clang*

Sharpened claws redirected the sword of spiritual energy as it moved to take its head. Still, that was just one.

Like arrows being released, his spiritual constructs shot forward, each moving to strike the Stray with swift deadliness. Yet, despite his efforts, the stray moved with an agility that was unnatural, either by completely shattering his swords, or redirecting them, the stray moved with a savage grace that impressed him somewhat.

It wouldn't be enough though…

Snap*

More golden constructs were summoned, each ready to puncture the stray with raw abandon.

"I wonder how long you will last…"

A hail of swords soon shot off once more. Reacting swiftly, the stray kicked off the ground as it launched itself towards the roof, barely avoiding the volley of swords shot at it. Feeling its hair stand on end, the stray shot into action as it began running on the church's ceiling, the glint of golden projectiles following after it in an effort to impale it. Still, its instinct and agility allowed it to remain just within the narrow margin of safety from the rain of swords.

Swish* Drip*

Unable to react in time, the sword it had believed to have dodged shot back around to strike at it, with a swift turn of its head, the sword left a shallow cut on its cheek, barely avoiding having its head impaled. Widening its eyes in surprise at the sharp pain on its face, a slight hiss could be heard followed by the flesh knitting itself back together. Having healed instantly, the stray looked back to see more swords following behind, with the ones in front of it already nearing it. Seeing that it had fallen in a trap, the stray shot back down from the roof to the floor.

Bang*

Cratering the floor, the stray moved to attack Ichigo once more, though that would be easier said than done. With a look of impassiveness, Ichigo struck out, his rain of golden swords leaving no room for it to charge at him recklessly. Sidestepping, the Stray was forced to run along the sides of the building, the confined space leaving no room for it to escape from the sword's pursuit.

Or so he believed…

Like a smoke screen vanishing before his eyes, the stray disappeared amongst the shadows of the building, eluding his swords that had lost its target.

"Interesting trick, though, it won't be enough to hide from me." Holding out his hand before him, Ichigo conjured a small orb of light in his hand.

"This is my domain, I declare this, none shall hide from my light." Letting the orb fall from his hand, the orb gently sank into the floor before immediately lighting the building in a radiant glow of golden light that spread across every nook and cranny of the building.

"ARGHH" a cry of pain was heard as hissing smoke started to come from a corner of a pedestal. A smoking and slightly singed stray could be seen coming out from a shadow.

Yes, this was one of his passive abilities, Law creation. So long as he declared a certain place his territory/domain, all things and concepts within would abide by his rule, his word. At this point, the church building could not be considered a part of the earth but a different realm as it no longer was subjected to the rules of the world, but by his.

"You can no longer run, you can no longer hide." Ichigo declared, his indifferent voice intoned to his enemy.

"All that's left is to fight…"

Whether his words could be understood or not by the Stray in its current form did not matter, after all, it was too late for it to back-out now. Ichigo would make sure to test out his abilities as long as he could…

"Though, I promised mercy, I will allow you to resent me in prolonging your suffering for my training." A hint of pity could be heard in his voice, angering the stray that did not quite like to be looked down upon. Still, the stray as lost in its mind as it was, could perceive the danger in its current situation. In fact, the whole building now reeked of danger, its every step, breath, and thought felt like it was being scrutinized by the man standing before it.

"Please, struggle for as long as you can…" swords of golden spiritual energy manifested once more, only this time…

Boost!

A glow of green energy from his red gauntlet shined brilliantly for a moment. Though nothing outwardly changed in Ichigo's expression at the sudden phenomenon. Deciding to ignore it for now, the Stray knew that remaining a sitting duck would lead to its demise. If it had no choice but to fight, then so be it, it would make sure to tear the arrogant human before it to pieces!

"RAAAAGHHHH" A roar of fury could be heard throughout the space, right before the stray charged into action. Demonic energy began to coat its body and claws before it suddenly swung forwards. Ten energy shaped claw marks swung forwards, looking like they could shred anything and everything in its path.

Letting his swords free, Ichigo met the attack in equal might.

BOOM!

A sudden explosion rocked the place as it trembled from the collision of powers. Yet, running straight out of the smoke with impressive speed, the stray had charged another attack in its claws, demonic energy arced from its hands as it swung.

Standing his ground, Ichigo erected a shield in front of him that took the attack head on. Still, this left him open to attack, as the sudden distraction was all that was needed for the stray to close the distance.

"Your bloodlust betrays you…"

From the ground up, a pillar of light suddenly shot upwards causing the stray to stop in its tracks as it had just barely avoided being incinerated from the deadly light. Jumping back, the stray narrowed its eyes, frustration coloring its features as it tried to look for any opening in its opponent's defense.

Boost!

There it was again, that noise…

Turning its eyes towards the red gauntlet, the stray could not see anything outwardly happen, just what was the human planning. Still, that thought would have to wait, as soon enough, another volley of swords was shot at it, only this time, coming in even faster than before.

Clang* Swoosh* Clang*

Doing its best to handle the incoming volley, the stray stood its ground as it blocked, redirected, parried, or destroyed the spiritual constructs with her claws. Surrounded by swords that had failed to meet it head on, the stray sensed the hairs all around its body stand on end as instincts alerted it to incoming danger. Without any further prompting, the stray shot to the side, a sudden glow glinting in its eyes as it narrowly avoided the epicenter of the explosion from the swords that had struck the ground nearest to it.

"ARGH!" the sudden explosion lifted the stray of its feet and blasted it against the wall. Though it had avoided the worst of it, the sudden shockwave managed to hit it head on. Growling in frustration, the stray that had multiple cuts and bruises from the explosion suddenly heard it again.

Boost!

"GUH!" A sharp pain suddenly shot through its body as it looked to its shoulder, for embedded within it was a golden sword that had managed to strike it in its momentary disorientation. Reaching for it, the stray crushed the sword in its grasp, letting the hole in its shoulder to start regenerating along with the rest of its body.

"Is that all you can muster…" Ichigo's emotionless voice asked, though the message was clear in the Stray's ears. Raising its maddened eyes to meet those of the human, for a brief moment, as the stray saw those pitying eyes that stared back at her, the sheer weight of that gaze that saw her as nothing but an ant. She felt it, the slight reason in her mind that soon gave way to shame, humiliation, and finally, fury.

"D-dOn't LoOk aT ME LIkE ThAT…" Its warped voice intoned. Grabbing onto the wall, the stray slowly raised itself as its wounds started healing.

"DoN'T You D-dARE..." Bloodlust and Malice started to radiate from it, its demonic power going into a frenzy as it spoke each word.

"I..I'AM…" The pressure within the building was suffocating as the raging demonic power started to go into overload, all of it being centered into a single point within the stray's body.

"I AM THE STRONGEST!" Unable to control its power anymore, the stray which had been pumping out waves of demonic power soon unleashed it all in one powerful pillar as it roared out its declaration.

Watching all this happen, Ichigo could feel a shift from within the pillar of demonic energy, the oozing malice and bloodlust, of frenzied madness and sin, was the stray experiencing a transformation? Here and now? Intriguing.

"Was this your reason for losing yourself, for power? for strength…" Keeping his calm expression, as if the situation wasn't dire in the least, Ichigo still kept his attention focused on the pillar as it soon started to die down. a vague figure could be seen within it as the pillar lost its intensity.

"Evelyn, show me the power you sought, the strength you pursued…"

The Pillar finally died down, revealing the new form the stray had taken.

"And I will CRUSH it."

It wasn't much different than her previous form, with the most glaring difference being the fur that had once been white, was now dyed red, like blood. Crimson glowing tribal tattoos could be seen all over its body, its significance lost to him. its claws were as sharp as ever, though its wings had now taken a shadowed form, like a veil of darkness. Her third eye looked bloodshot, a glowing crimson within. A pair of horns sprouted from her head, the same crimson as her fur.

Its transformation was complete.

Evelyn had given everything for this moment.

Her long-sought goal.

Opening its eyes, the Stray looked at Ichigo with crimson glowing eyes. Wrath had made it stronger, for no longer would it allow itself to become the prey.

Evelyn was the hunter.

"RAAAAGGGGHHHHH!" A bestial roar sent shockwaves across the room, lifting debris and sending it flying in all directions. Ichigo for his part just felt the overpowering demonic energy wafting in spades from the stray. Its strength having been transitioned to a completely different level from before.

"This power…Ultimate-class."

Having witnessed the stray's transformation, Ichigo couldn't help but feel the tinge of excitement coursing through his body. If it now stood at a level where it could even the playing field then…

Boost!

Catching its attention as it finished admiring its transformation, the faint glow of green as the orb within the gauntlet shined as before alerted it to the human once more. Its glowing red eyes narrowing as it observed its target.

Looking into those maddened eyes, Ichigo's face which had been indifferent this whole time, slowly morphed into a more serious gaze. "Well…" materializing his swords as before, the golden weapons shined as they pointed towards the stray. "Come." No more prompting was needed as a red haze appeared within his vision a moment later, claws outstretched to pierce him.

"Fast…"

Barely avoiding the swipe of its claws, the stray lashed out with its foot, hoping to get a hit in before being forced to pull back due to a hail of swords smashing in its previous position. Honestly, had Ichigo not strengthened the barrier outside as well as change the inner layout of the building by distorting the "laws" then the devastation that would have ensued would have been catastrophic.

"It will seem this requires a bit more effort on my part." Having accumulated enough boosts to test out an attack he wanted to try, Ichigo held out the gauntlet in a way that positioned his hand in a clawed form, like he was about to tear something. Soon enough, a red glow started to appear at the tips of his fingers, the red glow increasing in intensity as the power multiplied from the accumulated charges.

"Lacerate." Calmly calling out the attack, crescent claw marks shot out from the gauntlet. The intensity and destructive potential stored within causing the illusion of a dragon with its claws outstretched, ready to tear anything to pieces under its might. Which is why, as the stray looked upon the attack heading for it, it only had a split second to decide between life and death.

Swish* Squelch*

The sound of an arm being cut at the shoulder as the stray could do nothing but sacrifice its arm to avoid the attack. Despite its inherent defense and tough skin, like a knife through butter, it had severed it like nothing. Only through its heightened instincts and agility had it avoided a worse outcome.

Still, a cut could be healed, it could regenerate.

Hiss*

A new arm sprouted from the place it had lost its limb, looking as good as new, yet the slight sweat coming from the stray, with a look of deep caution gave way to its inner thoughts. It would not allow the human to unleash another attack like that again.

It had to end it here and now. Before he could charge the attack again.

"Hmm, not bad, you dodged. Though what about the next time, I wonder." Looking at the devastation his attack caused, had it not been for the barrier, the church and this space would have crumbled under the intensity of his attack.

"Let's try that again, shall we…"

Boost!

"DIE." It stated before moving into action with explosive speed. Dozens of afterimages started to appear, as the stray moved with insane speed. Each one surrounding Ichigo as he looked upon this all stoically.

"So, you're a little fast, but what does it matter when there's nowhere to run." Ichigo stated before a rain of swords started crashing unto the area. By the dozens, by the hundreds, by the thousands, no inch of this place would be left untouched.

Bam* Bam* Bam*

The sounds of swords crashing onto the floor, the sound of explosions as each one detonated with a golden blast of spiritual energy. Nothing would remain. Well, just him. Like the eye in the center of the storm, Ichigo watched as the stray struggled to weave in and out of his attacks. Parrying, blocking, dodging, slashing, it tried everything, but, the explosions that kept pushing it down towards the floor, the cuts being accumulated despite its regeneration, it could only resist for so long before something gave way.

Though that was when it happened.

Its third eye which had remained dormant for so long had finally awakened. The crimson iris within shining with a bright intensity as demonic energy gathered unto it. Like a consuming void, the stored energy gathered into the eye, before unleashing it all in one fell swoop.

Bzzt* BOOM*

A beam of destructive energy that would make the Baal family proud, shot forth from the eye. Destroying all the swords within its vicinity and going further, striking against the barrier that managed to withhold, before switching the direction and aiming right for him.

Ichigo's eyes remained calm as the red beam headed for him, the red shine of the attack being the last thing he saw before he was consumed by it.

BOOM*

A destructive blast ensued as it connected with Ichigo. The blast causing fierce wind and heat to erupt. Though soon a rough smoke screen could be seen covering the epicenter of the attack. Staring intently at the obscured area, the stray had put a lot into that attack, while it could still go on, it would not do it good to hold back against such a formidable opponent.

It wasn't long before the smoke gave way to Ichigo's form, and what the stray saw shocked it. There standing tall and calmly, with a stern look on his face, Ichigo had his hand outstretched. Now it was one thing to have blocked the attack with the gauntlet on his left, but to block it with his bare right hand! Preposterous!

The remnant residue of the crimson beam could still be seen in Ichigo's palm, though like shrugging off dust from his hand, the crimson flames vanished like nothing happened. Not even a scorch mark or anything. The flawless, unmarked skin remained so, mocking the stray's efforts in its attempt to wound him.

"H-HOW…" flabbergasted, the stray could not help but ask. Its red eyes widening in disbelief, as its mouth hung open in shock.

Though instead of answering, Ichigo merely looked at his hand, and a look of disappointment soon followed. "So, in the end, your attack could not even reach me…" Ichigo said, his voice sending chills down the strays back.

"I had hoped your resolution to sacrifice everything would at least empower you to a level where you could at least make this worth the effort. Though in the end, perhaps I had hoped for too much." Ichigo stated calmly, though the hint of disappointment could be felt.

"Though, it's no fault of your own, I simply failed to judge my own capabilities, for what it's worth, you at least entertained me. Be proud of that at least." Ichigo said as he turned to face the stray.

"It's fine time I end this, I have already wasted enough time." His calm voice stated, the indifference in his gaze shifting to a more serious one as he moved forward. His first step that he had made in this whole fight, having not moved from his position throughout the whole battle.

Step* step* Step*

The stray could feel sweat start to form on its body as chills crept up its spine. Fear stayed its feet as the overbearing pressure and futility of its actions held it down. The stray's eyes dilated with horror as Ichigo kept his pace towards it, each step resounding doom the closer he got, like bells foretelling of death.

No…

NO…

"Is this it…"

"Is this all I could do in the end…"

"My sacrifices, my suffering, what was it all for in the end!"

"I-I can't let it end like this!"

"NOT LIKE THIS!"

Gritting its teeth in frustration, the sharp fangs drew blood as it attempted to control the fear that overtook it.

"Move….MOVE, DAMN IT!"

With every thought, its terror lessened as it managed to control its shaking hands. Its feet that had been paralyzed with fear subsided as a shaky step moved forward. Red fur bristled as it fought against its instincts to run and flee.

There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, just like he said.

If that was the case, then it will meet an end by its own terms, no, by Her own terms.

Before turning into a maddened stray, she was someone once, she had confidence, pride, and most of all, no regrets. Every choice she made, she made it knowingly, despite the consequences, the struggle that laid ahead.

She walked forward.

For she was…

"AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH" A primal roar resounded throughout the area, causing Ichigo to halt his step as he noticed a sudden change in the stray's behavior.

"…" watching with some interest, he waited to see what would come of this.

Huff* Huff*

Demonic energy spread like a cloud as the stray seemed to have regained its former composure, yet something seemed off from it. The savage aura it emitted seemed more subdued, yet like a refined dagger, the creeping sensation of danger replaced it. With its head bowed, the stray staggered back a step as it broke from the pressure that held it down. Slowly, it raised its eyes to meet those of Ichigo's, its cat like gleam and sharp toothed grin giving it a wicked look.

"Haha…I must look like a mess in your eyes, Ichigo~" the stray said, though the tone of voice was much different, more…sane? Peculiar.

Casting the stray a strange look, Ichigo kept his guard up.

"What? Don't wish to speak, Heh~ that's fine. Just watch, I'll show you this time…" spreading its wings out, creeping darkness started to fall from it, like a gloom, the surroundings darkened a little as shadows were cast. Pools of darkness formed and spread, expanding outwards and encroaching on everything it could touch. It wasn't long before the very floor was a deep abyss of darkness that reached out like a dome, folding on itself and sealing Ichigo within.

"This time…Evelyn takes to battle." She proclaimed.

It wasn't long before a shadowed being appeared before Ichigo, a vague shape as it seemed to fade in and out, its form constantly shifting. Though it wasn't long before a change occurred as he stared into those glowing eyes within the shadow spawn.

"What?" Ichigo questioned for the first time as he stared at something that left him speechless. His eyes that had remained in indifference flickered between surprise and…longing?

Like an illusion of the past, there she stood, as he remembered her all so long ago. Her image perfectly engrained in his memory, her face, her eyes, her smile…

"You…"

---

Evelyn could see the shift in Ichigo's expression, wavering between surprise and a look she couldn't quite describe. Still, it would seem her ability had an effect, her shadows had the ability to cast an illusion to take on the form of those who had made great impact in one's memory. Be it love, hate, trauma, or other. They would take the form of that which was deemed strongest within an individual's mind, body, and soul. Not only that, but they would also have at least 10%-50% of that individuals' power. Truly a marvelous technique, especially useful against beings that had great power, for those with great power knew of others of equal or greater power.

Though the consumption was crazy to maintain, so only about 3 minutes give or take depending on how strong and vivid the form takes.

"WHAT!?" Evelyn's body gave way as she had to force herself to kneel, she could feel her power draining like crazy! At this rate she would only be able to maintain the field for about 10 seconds if she pushed herself.

"WHAT THE HELL KIND OF MONSTER DID HE IMAGINE!?" Evelyn cried out as she tried her best to hold out. Admittedly, there was a flaw in this power, that if the target was simply waaay~ over her league than well, it was over for her if she didn't cut the connection. Still, nothing short of a God, dragon king, or Satan would be capable of this. So, how could a boy no less old than 17 have conjured a monster so powerful that it was draining her power like a damn vacuum.

---

"You…"

Long pink hair that cascades down like a waterfall, elf like ears that gave her a fairy like appearance. Pink eyes that could charm the stars themselves with their lustrous beauty, and pink rosy lips that were as soft as clouds. Fair supple skin that looked enticing and delicate to the touch was covered by clothes of purest white, reminiscent of a wedding dress adorned by pink, purple, and gold. Two heart-shaped staves were at her side, carrying her hair and veil on the side of her head. The epitome of perfection and beauty, she was the purest light in his darkest hour, the smile that never ceased, the heart that always gave, the unending love she had for all.

For him…

Staring into those familiar pink eyes, Ichigo couldn't help but freeze in place as emotions long lost returned to him. His heartbeat that had remained calm suddenly beat like a drum, his breathing grew slightly harsher, and he felt his throat constrict as if he was choking, all in an effort to call a name he had not uttered in so long.

"Elysia…" he called out almost breathlessly.

How long had it been, how long had he last seen that visage, oh how he missed her so dearly. Though his memories weren't complete, the times he had dreamed of her, the memories that he recalled of her, the times they spent together, all of it was like a dream to him. For it felt like time was never enough when he was with her.

And yet…

"No, this isn't you, just…a memory given form." Shaking his head in disappointment, Ichigo broke himself from his sudden sentimentality, he had deluded himself for long enough.

"I commend you, Evelyn, you have truly reached this heart of mine." Sudden praise for this technique rolled from his tongue as he faced the vestige of his dearest beloved.

"I can only resort to showing my best efforts now, there is no longer any room for error." The sudden pressure suddenly descended on him like someone brought down the sky on him. All the while the Monarch and Ddraig shouted at him to act soon.

"Ichigo! Hold nothing back!" The Monarch urged him with urgency as the shadow started to prepare its attack. One he was all too familiar with…

"Young one, Ready yourself NOW!" Ddraig all but roared as the Shadow levitated high up in the expanse of this space conjured by Evelyn. The sudden brilliance of the attack that started to form.

A crystallin bow formed in her hand, and with it an arrow capable of sundering stars themselves. If he let that thing hit, forget the space they were in and the barrier he had formed. It would pierce through all that, and descend the world in destruction. Of course, that would be the case had the one before him actually been the monarch herself. Luckily, it was only an echo of her power, a shadow born of his memories, a weaker manifestation of power that only carried 10% of the originals power. Well that was still plenty to cause destruction on a planetary scale.

Which is why…

Summoning his sword, the familiar black blade of Tensa Zangetsu brought him comfort as he faced the current challenge ahead. Golden radiance began to shine on the edge of the blade as power was soon being pumped into it.

"Aspect of stamina, Aspect of defense, Aspect of attack, Aspect of Focus, Aspect of power." With every word that escaped his mouth, Ichigo's very existence elevated itself to a higher level, his power soared high above the abyssal scope, a pillar of power to match the radiance of the arrow that was charging high above.

"Law of Rejection, Law of mettle, Law of destruction." Ichigo called out. Having placed restriction in the area, the rules he had placed would take effect. The Law of Rejection would debuff, the attack. Looking up Ichigo could see the attack had been reduced in intensity, the debuff taking half of its initial yield. Still it wouldn't be enough.

The law of mettle, it would make sure that all outside variables such as luck, fate, and destiny would make his attack strike true.

The Law of Destruction, would ensure that his attack completely dismantle the very concept of this ability once struck. Never to be used again by its creator.

Still, this was not enough…

"Ddraig, lend me your strength." Ichigo said as he saw the arrow nearing completion. Ichigo could admit, as he was now, even after buffing himself to the outmost with his current abilities, it wouldn't be enough to face this echo of the Monarch of Origin.

"Make it Count, Partner." The gem in his gauntlet shined brilliantly as power enhanced his abilities even further.

BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!

"That's it, this will do." Ichigo could feel his veins bulging, his heartbeat roaring in excitement, a smile started to creep on his face as he readied to meet the attack head on.

Now this was a battle, a clash of power he hasn't felt in ages.

EXPLOSION!

The stored charges suddenly befell his body, empowering him passed his limits as his aura grew stronger, his power growing to match that of the Monarchs own. This was it! With this much, he could surely destroy the attack.

As the Monarch of Victory, he would ensure it.

He had to.

"GETSUGA!"

The arrow which had finally finished charging, formed on the bow, the string pulled back as far as possible, yet in one swift movement, the arrow was let loose.

And Annihilation moved to smite down on the world.

"TENSHO!"

A crescent wave of spiritual energy shot forth from the blades edge, its radiance dispelling the darkness as it moved to meet the arrow head on.

BOOOOOMMMM!

A collision of power erupted on the moment of impact, golden radiance clashed against pink annihilation, the arrow pushing back and forth as they struggled for dominance. One to pierce, the other to cut. It would all boil to whose power was greater in the end.

Only a miracle would decide who was greater.

But, a miracle was all he needed.

"It's over." Ichigo declares as his golden eyes flashed momentarily.

The struggle of power that lasted for a few moments ended as the getsuga tensho completely cleaved the arrow in twain. All the struggle it had faced seemed to fade like mist, as the crescent wave moved forward with renewed power, the golden brilliance illuminated the space as it struck its target.

BOOOMMM!

An explosion rocked the space, shattering the area, as it could no longer contain the power of these two behemoths. The Law of destruction taking effect as Ichigo had completely obliterated the vestige of the Monarch of Origin.

He did it.

He won.

Huff* Huff*

Letting out tired breaths, Ichigo could feel the toll on his body, having used so much power in so little time, plus the overwhelming surge from Ddraig's own Boosts have left him feeling a bit weak.

Still, this had been a fruitful learning experience.

Walking forwards, Ichigo didn't pay attention to the crumbling realm around him, the space breaking and dissolving with each step he made. The abyss realm created from Evelyn power would soon vanish, but, he still had to do something.

Approaching the vestige of the Monarch, Ichigo stared at the damage he had caused. The attack had completely split her in two, from shoulder to hip. The lower half having already dissolved away, yet the upper in the process of crumbling apart as it could no longer hold its form.

Though it wasn't her.

Though it was just a memory of his.

Not even a shadow of what she was.

If only for a moment…

He wished to hold her in his arms.

Holding her head up gently as he kneeled down before the crumbling remains, Ichigo stared into those expressionless eyes. Though the shadow had done a great job in mimicking her appearance, it had failed in recreating her expressions, her emotions.

It was nothing more than a lifeless conduit.

But even so…

Cupping her face in his hand, Ichigo gently caressed her cheek as the vestige awaited its destruction, having failed to defeat the enemy. Yet, Ichigo would take this time to reminisce of past events, of times when he was with her. Of things he wished he could say to her.

"Although this isn't you, it's fine if you don't hear these words, I'll say them once again when I truly see you again.

The upper half started to crumble, like glass shattering, it started to break apart before Ichigo who neared his face close to the vestiges own expressionless one.

"I love you, Elysia."

A single, soft, chaste kiss was planted on her lips.

As the world shattered and crumbled around Ichigo who had his eyes closed as he gently planted his lips on the vestige of Elysia. For a brief moment, as the vestige stared expressionlessly into the distance. Something flickered in her eyes, a momentary spark of intelligence and consciousness. She could feel the soft feeling as lips met her own, of the gentle hand that caressed her face.

Of the familiar face that was so close to hers.

Though just as fast as that feeling came, it left as the last bits of the vestige shattered like glass in Ichigo's hand. With the last being her face that for a moment stared back at him with an affectionate smile before crumbling and fading away.

Sigh*

Standing tall, Ichigo felt that it was high time he ended this.

---

Stepping out of the crumbling void, Ichigo beheld his surroundings. Though he had tried his best, the damage was done, the church was destroyed, leaving the outer barrier to take the full brunt of the attack. Even his ability to reinforce spaces could not have held the leakage of such might. Even now, the once strong barrier now looked like a sheet of paper ready to shatter as cracks appeared all over it.

"I wonder if there is even anything left of her." Ichigo murmured to himself as he took in his surroundings, trying to see what became of the stray. Taking a few steps forwards in the crater of that was once the church. Ichigo peered past the dust and stretched his senses.

"hmm, found you." Though it was weak, almost imperceptible with how close to death it was, Ichigo could feel the feeble life force starting to fade away as he approached the center of this place.

Step* Step*

Cough* Cough*

The sound of low coughing could be heard as Ichigo approached the figure on the floor.

"…" Staring silently at the figure before him, Ichigo took in the damage before his eyes. Evelyn was missing both her legs, with only her left scorched arm remaining. Her once blood red fur had faded away to a dull white. The crimson tattoos also disappearing from her body, with only her right eye opened as it stared expressionlessly up at the sky. Other cuts, bruises and burns adorned her body. Some chunks of her body missing. Yet the fact that she had not died in the ensuing attack spoke volumes to her resilience. Well, perhaps her regenerative powers also played a role in her survival, still, that was not going to help her now.

Swish*

The sound of Tensa Zangetsu being brought forward as the chain clinked as he moved to hold the blade over Evelyn, his intention clear as the stray moved her lone eye to stare at him.

"Any last words." Ichigo said as he stared impassively down at Evelyn, his voice as calm as when the fight began.

"…was it fun?" A few moments of silence were dispelled as Evelyn struggled to voice the words. Her vocal chords damaged.

Contemplating this question as the stray fleeting life was about to come to an end, Ichigo indifferent face soon shifted to one of slight amusement as he looked down at his opponent.

"It was." His answer seemed to satisfy Evelyn as a weak smile formed on her face.

No more words were needed, when all was said and done, it was Ichigo who came on top on his own power. No matter what Evelyn did. No matter what she sacrificed, what she became to reach her goal. It was all futile before the Monarch. Still, before the end, she could at least be proud of the fact that she was beaten by someone who she knew would carry on, someone who would one day shock the world.

She was satisfied with herself, to have been able to pave the way forward for a legend in the making.

If only she could have lived to see what would come next.

Swoosh* Squelch*

The sword was brought down, and all was darkness.

---

Asia who had remained outside the barrier in her prayer position, bore witness to the church being flattened and turned into smoldering crater. Still, before she could panic, the barrier held the ensuing destructive energy within. Still, her worries amounted as she could not see anything within due to the dust and smoke.

What had become of Ichigo?

What had become of the Stray?

What was that attack?

So many questions swirled in her mind as she awaited the results of the battle, her worry becoming increasingly higher the more time passed without any movement. Though that was soon answered as the barrier that stood proudly faded away as a figure stepped out of the dust, looking no worse for wear, a nonchalant look on his face with a hint of exhaustion in his eyes as he stepped forward.

"Ichigo!" calling out to the orange haired man that had saved her and this town as well, Asia rushed forward to meet the hero.

Turning to face the source of the voice, Ichigo did not expect to suddenly be hugged by a girl of all things. Still, the concerned face that had smashed against his chest was all he needed for his calm expression to shift to a slight fond one, all thoughts of the previous battle gone from his mind as he gave a slight head pat to the girl that looked worried to death for him.

"It's fine Asia, it's over, I've won." Ichigo declared as he let the girl separate from him. Her green eyes looking up at him in surprise, clearly impressed by his strength. Though what happened next left him struggling as Asia suddenly burst into tears as she began to cry.

"Whoa! HEY! HEY! What's wrong! Are you hurt! Please don't cry!" Ichigo to no avail tried to console Asia who could not stop bawling her eyes.

"I-I was s-so worried for you!" she sniffed as her eyes shed. Her emotions finally coming down from the worry and fear she had felt throughout the whole ordeal.

"I thought you w-were going to die." Asia confessed as she did her best to wipe her tears, clearly trying to calm her frenzied emotions.

"Asia, it's alright, I'm here now, so please, don't cry anymore. Everything is fine now. See not a scratch on me." Ichigo said as he held his hands out to see that nothing had happened to him. Though he won't tell her that he had nearly kicked the bucket against that vestige of the Monarch of Origin. No need to worry her with unnecessary details.

Are you sure, I can heal you if you want." Asia said, her tears finally stopping as she held out her hand that began to produce a green glow.

"Trust me, I'm fine now. So, don't worry about it." Feeling the truth to his words, Asia finally calmed down, much to Ichigo's relief. Crying girls were never his specialty, much less how to console them.

"Thank God, you're all right." Breathing out a sigh of relief, Asia's nerves calmed as the storm had passed, and they had survived.

Still, what now? The original purpose for her in coming to Kuoh was destroyed, more than likely every single individual was dead and gone inside what used to be the church. Most likely killed by the stray. Now that she had lost her only connection to her place here, and the fact that she and been excommunicated from the church, she was basically homeless now.

"…" A sudden wave of depression overcame Asia as she sighed in sadness.

"Hey don't worry, I'm sure we can work something out." Having read her face like an open book, Ichigo could probably figure out what was going through her mind right now. Though before he could say anything else, a sudden presence could be felt heading their way, a familiar one at that.

"Asia, get behind me." Noticing the sudden shift in his tone, Asia didn't protest as she stood behind Ichigo, clearly worried about what had him put on a serious expression.

It wasn't until a few moments later that a figure shot down in front of them, a woman that she was not familiar with, though one look from Ichigo was all she needed to realize that he knew her.

"Well, this is a mess." The woman called out. Slight flames dispersing from her body as she had shot down from the sky to the ground in a display of speed. Her words carrying a hint of amusement as she shot a smile towards Ichigo.

"To think that we would meet again like this." She said as she cast Ichigo a look, her voice jovial, despite the tension in Ichigo as he did not expect to meet this woman here of all places. Had the battle drawn out more attention than he intended, no, that can't be the case, the barrier prevented that from happening, still I guess a building suddenly disappearing along with a slight earthquake did raise some heads.

Well, none of it mattered now, looks like the cat was out of the bag.

"Kiana…" Ichigo uttered in apprehension, clearly not knowing what her intentions are despite her kind demeanor.

Like that the two stared at one another as they both didn't know where to go from here.

---

Sometime prior…

Bronya suddenly felt an alert go off on her terminal, notifying her of suspicious activity within the area. Opening it, the screen displayed a highlighted area somewhere within the bounds of Kuoh town. Intrigued, Bronya headed for the lab to find what the surveillance detectors had picked up. Activating the orb, the screen displayed a real time footage of Kuoh town as coordinates were typed to locate the source of the anomaly.

"…"

Transitioning images soon displayed the area, it appeared to be a church just within the bounds of Kuoh town, in a rather secluded area might she add.

"Hmm, what could this be…" She trailed off as soon as the alarm went off again, powerful surges of energy were suddenly detected within the area of the church, the sensors picking up two captain-class signatures much to her surprise.

"Wha-what the hell!?" Bronya exclaimed in surprise as she hurriedly moved to see what the commotion was about. Taking control, Bronya moved the field of view to encompass what was happening within the building, though before she could, a sudden barrier was activated around the church, completely blocking her off from seeing what lay within. Though outside of the barrier a sudden new signature made itself known, this one much weaker, though slightly special.

"Huh, a sacred gear wielder?" Bronya commented as she couldn't quite make sense of the situation. With her surveillance she could she a European girl, blond hair and green eyes, dressed in nun style clothing. A member of the church perhaps.

But what was she doing there, what exactly happened a few moments before.

"Backtrack all activity of this area within the last 10 minutes." Bronya called out to the AI running the systems.

Like rewinding a video, the sudden footage of the area within the last 10 minutes played before her, and much to her shock she saw Ichigo and the girl appear. Standing near the church's doors, it was the girl who headed inside first, though a sudden panicked look appeared in Ichigo's face as he ran after her, clearly startled by something. It wasn't until a minute later that, a huge collision shook the area within the building as windows shattered, and the doors were broken in certain places as the young girl all but threw herself out the building.

Ichigo was nowhere to be found as the barrier suddenly came to life.

"Don't tell me…" Bronya took a step back in shock as the severity of the situation came crashing down on her.

Reaching for her phone, Bronya quickly called for Mei and Kiana.

"Hello."

"What is it."

There responses came through the line.

"We have a problem." Bronya began.

"What happened?"

"What's wrong?"

They asked in slight concern.

"Two captain class individuals have been detected within the church just within the Kuoh town, one is still unknown, the other…"She seemed to hesitate as she looked at the sensors.

"The other is, Ichigo Kurosaki." The sound of gasps could be heard as she told them the news.

"HOW!"

"When did this…"

The both seemed to have been lost for words as they exclaimed in surprise.

"No time, I need you both there just in case the damage spreads out, I fear that whatever is happening there will soon spread to the city. Sigh* I thought we would have more time, but it doesn't seem so anymore." Bronya held her head in frustration.

"The Red Dragon Emperor has awakened. Secure him at all cost." Bronya ordered as she went to ready herself to intervene.

"I'll meet you both there as quickly as possible." Like that, she sent them the coordinates as Bronya moved out the facility, her battle suit suddenly adorning her body.

"Please be safe, Ichigo." Sending a small prayer, Bronya went to get ready for battle.

---

Being the closest at the time to the church, Kiana rocketed through the air like a comet, her battle suit adorning her body. It wasn't until she was but a few paces away from the church that something crashed heavily against her body, a sudden weight that held her in place. Her body unable to properly react to the sudden pressure.

"Wh-What?" she gasped as the breath left her body for a moment. Looking down, Kiana could see the barrier now, the golden translucent barrier that encased the church. A sudden blast suddenly hit the barrier with the force of a nuke, the earth trembled slightly as the leakage couldn't be completely contained as cracks formed on the barrier. Yet, despite that, it was the rampant energies that leaked through that sent warning bells through her skull.

"No way…" Startled and confused, Kiana could not make sense of what she had felt.

"Lady Elysia?" Though the energy was weak and subdued, for a moment, as she felt the slight leak in energy, that all reminiscent power that she had felt so long ago. Just how did it end up here, it simply wasn't possible. The Monarchs were all back in the Elysian realm, within the inner bounds of the first city. There would have been prior warning if one were to appear back on earth after many years of exile.

Was her mind playing tricks on her?

Regardless, many strange things were happening today, it would be up to her to figure out just what happened here.

Looking down at the scene, smoke and dust covered the inner parts of the barrier, hiding the results of the battle. Though it wasn't long before the barrier disappeared as a figure walked out of the smoldering crater where the church once stood.

"He won, thank goodness." Seeing Ichigo come out completely unscathed after such a devastating battle sent relief flooding through Kiana's body. After all, she couldn't let such an interesting individual die on her watch.

Seeing the nun rush towards Ichigo in a display of concern, the way she hugged the man as she bawled her eyes out in concern for him. it was a funny display seeing the ever-stoic man's expression shift to one of panic as he attempted to console the girl.

Cracking a smile, Kiana felt that it was now time to announce herself as she flared her power to alert them of her arrival. Seeing Ichigo's expression shift to one of alert, Kiana hoped that the next couple of moments did not devolve into a fight. Last thing she needed was a reason to put down a potential member.

"I'm now engaging Ichigo Kurosaki." Kiana spoke to her teammates through her comms.

"What! Wait for me I'm almost there." Mei protested as she neared her location.

"Be careful, and try not to appear aggressive." Bronya advised.

"Will do, and hurry up." Bronya said as she touched ground.

Taking in her surroundings and the way Ichigo stared at her warily, all the while the nun stared at her in curiosity from behind Ichigo's back. Kiana decided to put her disarming smile to the test.

"Well this is a mess." She stated. Slight amusement in her voice as she stared at the crater. Her eyes then shifting back towards Ichigo who stared back at her in slight apprehension.

"To think that we would meet again like this." Kiana said, though she wished it could have been under better circumstances, it was outside of her ability to predict. Still, she would at least try to make the most of it. A bit earlier than she had hoped but, this will have to do.

"Kiana…" Ichigo called out to her, his voice holding slight surprise at seeing her.

"Here goes nothing." With that, the time for truths had come.

---

Honestly, Ichigo did not expect this, for her to appear here and now, it was for the most part, inconvenient for him. Well, he also didn't expect to run into a stray all of sudden either, so really this whole day has been one surprise after another. Still, it was too late for him to back out now, the secret was out, they knew he was more than a human, they were probably aware that he was a sacred gear wielder. Though he had hoped to continue this charade, and for them to remain distant till he was ready to reveal himself, he could work with this.

"So, you were actually more than met the eye after all, how interesting." Ichigo took the initiative in this conversation, no need to hide the fact that he was aware of their otherworldliness.

"Huh? You knew all along." Kiana said, surprised by his admittance.

"Yeah, I can't quite help it though, it was a recent development. The first time I didn't really notice anything particular, but the second time we met…" Ichigo looked at her with what was akin to curiosity. "You certainly have great power hidden within you, and seeing you up close like this, your fire burns ever more brilliantly, it is…beautiful to look at." Ichigo complimented her.

Feeling her face heating up in response to his compliments, Kiana shyly looked away as she clutched her arm in slight embarrassment. After all, no one had ever complimented her power like that. In fact, most called her power destructive and dangerous, saying that she was too immature to properly control it. If anything, her flames demanded to be wielded freely, that was how they were meant to be, in reflection to their wielder who also carried such a free-spirited nature.

Fire was wild, fire burned, it was up to her to guide it not leash it.

"Thank you." She said as she smiled at him. clearly forming a more favorable impression of the man before her.

"Think nothing of it, it was simply a slight observation from me." Ichigo said as he moved on to other topics.

"So, why have you appeared here, well, aside from the obvious." Ichigo asked as he pointed to the crater behind him. indicating the results of his battle.

Sigh*

"Here we go." With that Kiana formed a serious expression on her face.

"We detected unknown power signatures in this area of town. Strong signatures at that, if things were to go wrong, it would spell the death of many within the vicinity." Kiana explained. "Though luckily, that doesn't seem to be the case anymore." Kiana stated, crossing her arms, she shot Ichigo an impressed look.

"I got to say, as the wielder of the boosted gear, I'm impressed by your sudden growth to fight an ultimate class stray." This time she cast Ichigo a slight suspicious gaze. "For just how long have you been aware of your power?" She asked, after all, there is no way someone like Ichigo could just defeat an ultimate class stray by just suddenly awakening today. It wouldn't make any sense, sure, the boosted gear is a Longinus tier sacred gear, but even that couldn't hope to cross the vast distance between a normal human and an ultimate class stray. Too much disparity.

"Well, you could say it's been around a month or so." Shrugging, Ichigo didn't really keep track on the exact date he picked up Ddraig, it was all happenstance for him that things resulted like that back then.

"A month! That's insane!" Kiana widened her eyes at this answer, clear disbelief in her voice. Just how could Ichigo had gotten to this level in just a month. It was ridiculous.

It was at that point that two other signatures appeared in the area. One appearing in a flash of lightning, the other shooting down from the sky. Gently touching upon the ground, both Mei and Bronya had finally arrived.

"Well, looks like the gangs all here." Ichigo stated as he took in their appearances.

"Bronya, it is good to see you again." Ichigo said as he slightly smiled to the silver haired woman who looked back at him and nodded.

"It's been sometime since we last met, I had hope that it could be under much better circumstances." Bronya admitted.

Nodding in agreement Ichigo looked towards the one he has had the least amount of interaction with.

"Mei." Ichigo simply stated, acknowledging her presence.

"Ichigo." She likewise did the same.

"I-I'm Asia Argento, by the way." Asia nervously called out from behind him, causing all eyes to turn to her.

"eep." Letting out a frightened cry, Asia hid behind him once more.

"Right. So, what can I do for you all today. I'm sure that none of you are here to simply catch up like were a bunch of old friends right." Ichigo stated, clearly understanding that he wasn't leaving this place without giving them some answers. Though surprisingly it was Mei who stepped up first.

"You would be right, though before we begin, may I propose that you cooperate with us so that we can take this conversation elsewhere." Mei proposed. "Not that there is any problem per say, its simply put, there are too many eyes and ears here, it would be best if what we have to say doesn't reach the ears of the uninvolved." She stated, casting looks to her surroundings.

"…" contemplating her proposal for a moment, Ichigo thought it would be for the best as well, after all, from their body language, he could tell they didn't mean him any harm, and as he was, he would have real trouble in fighting all three of them if he refused and got confrontational. He did just go all out a few minutes prior. He had to let his body rest for a bit.

"Very well, lead the way." Ichigo calmly accepted.

"Thank you, oh, and she can come along as well, it would seem that she can also shed some light into this situation." Mei nodded as she looked to Asia.

"Of course." with that Bronya materialized some sort of portal out of thin air. its translucent surface showing the way into what appeared to be an alley of some sort.

"In we go." With that Mei jumped in first, followed by Kiana, then Ichigo and Asia, with Bronya as the last one to close the portal behind her.

---

Unknown alley.

Honestly Ichigo didn't know where he would be going, but to suddenly arrive in some dark alley in the city of Kuoh, he couldn't help but raise an eye brow towards the trio.

"Ehem, we have to walk the rest of the way, as any and all other ways to arrive to the destination by means of fast travel are blocked, that and it would raise the alarms and put the place on lockdown." Mei explained.

"Oh, makes sense." Ichigo agreed. A few moments later, the trio dematerialized their battle suits, into their casual clothing, so that they wouldn't raise any questions the moment they stepped out of the alley.

"Follow us." With that the trio went ahead first, with Ichigo and Asia following along. The walk there was uneventful, though they did catch a few eyes on their way. Mainly from the male population who couldn't help but stare, along with a few raised brows aimed at him, as he was traveling with a group of gorgeous women.

Still, if there was one thing that did slightly bother him throughout the whole walk, was the side eye glances that Mei was giving him the moment when she thought he wasn't looking. It was peculiar, to say the least. Still, he didn't bring it up, perhaps she was merely keeping a lookout for him, make sure he didn't run off or something.

Though imagine his surprise when they arrived at their destination. He didn't really know what to expect, but, this tall building, easily the biggest in town, was rather conspicuous.

"Here we are." Mei called out, standing in front of the building as people in business clothes were seen coming in and out constantly.

"Huh. Well, I certainly didn't expect this, I imagined a more discreet location." Ichigo admitted as he took in the sight before him.

Fire Moth corporation, a globally acknowledged company that is way ahead of the game in terms of leading-edge technology, from simple appliances, computers, Ai, gaming, medicine, etc. Rumors even stating military tech." Regardless, they were at the forefront of everything with rival companies barely able to maintain the balance between them and this giant that started no less than 25 years ago. How it reached the top was a mystery, regardless no one could dispute the quality of their products and sheer potential it held in the coming future.

"We prefer a more hiding in plain sight approach to things, besides, most people that work here are of the mundane, it's the secret lower floors that only people like you and I can have access to." Mei responded as she reached for something in her pocket.

"Oh here, these are guest passes, it would be best to avoid unnecessary complications while on your stay here." Handing what looked to be a sleek card that read visitor on it. Ichigo and Asia clipped them to their shirt. Visible so that they wouldn't be stopped by the building's security.

"Good, lets proceed." Like that the group walked confidently inside the building.

Walking past the lobby, and the people that seemed to be a in a hurry to walk from place to place. Mei led them to an elevator that would take them to where they could talk openly. Entering, it was only then that as they waited, that Bronya selected the numbers on the elevator, in a certain order, considering the building had at least 50 floors. As the doors closed, Ichigo could feel the elevator descending despite the floors having been selected, perhaps a passcode that only few knew in order to reach the lower floors.

A certain melody was playing in the elevator as they descended in silence. Each one lost in their own thoughts as they patiently descended for what only felt like a few moments.

Ding!

As they came to a complete stop, the doors slid open with an armed guard there to meet them. Without speaking or asking questions, Mei, Bronya, and Kiana each held out their ID that the guard quickly took and scanned as he let them out the elevator, though he did pause when he turned to face Ichigo and Asia. Seeing the Visitors pass, the guard turned to face the trio asking for confirmation. Mei nodded, and that was all the armed guard needed to make way for the two of the new faces here.

With that, the walk continued.

Honestly, this was all a novel experience for Ichigo and Asia, seeing such a place as they walked by what looked like numerous scientists and engineers, hell he could have sworn he saw one of those mechs that looked like the terminator in his past memory when he sought out Kisuke Urahara.

Aside from that, Ichigo could feel many magical artifacts held here, just by the feel alone, there were numerous of them, all stored in rooms that they walked by. Asia who had been nervous couldn't help but marvel at the many odd and unique things she saw as she walked by said rooms and saw them held in display.

Finally, they arrived at Bronya's lab who opened the door for them, letting each of them inside before sealing it behind so that they weren't disturbed. Sitting around a round table, the group could finally discuss today's events.

"Good now we can begin."

---

"First things first, allow me to introduce myself properly this time. I'm Mei Raiden, 8th seated officer of the 7th division of the fire moth organization, also a member under the banner of the Monarch of Origin." Mei said as she introduced herself proudly.

Next up was Kiana who flashed them a smile.

"You already know me, but, I'll introduce myself again. I'm Kiana Kaslana, 10th seated officer under the 10th division of the fire moth organization, also a member under the banner of the Monarch of Finality." Kiana said jovially. "Oh, and I'm also a part of the of the noble lineage of the Monarch of finality, of the main family branch of the Kaslana household." Kiana added that last part as an afterthought, clearly uncaring of her position as what seemed akin to a princess or noble daughter.

Lastly it was Bronya who stood up to present herself.

"I'm Bronya Zaychik, 9th seated officer of the 12th division of the fire moth organization, also a member under the banner of the Monarch of Reason." Bronya said as she finished introducing herself.

With that they turned to look at both Ichigo and Asia expectantly.

Getting up from his seat Ichigo stared at them as he introduced himself.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, high school student at Kuoh academy, and apparent wielder of the boosted gear." Ichigo said nonchalantly. Though as he moved to sit down, it was Asia who seemed somewhat nervous as she introduced herself.

"I'm Asia Argento, Excommunicated member of the catholic church." She said hesitantly, clearly ashamed of that last part.

That seemed to catch all present off guard as they never expected this seemingly innocent girl to be excommunicated by the catholic faith.

"Well, that's…more than I expected." Kiana said as she laughed it off awkwardly.

"Hmm, it wouldn't be the first time we have taken in members of the church into our organization, it matters not what your previous affiliation may have been as long as you swear your loyalty to the organization and the Monarchs." Mei concluded as she thought of past situations.

"Huh, is this some sort of recruitment pitch." Ichigo questioned as he heard Mei's words.

"Well get to that, but, before we begin why don't we talk about what happened at the church. Just to get an incident report on the details that happened there." Mei inquired.

"Sure." Ichigo agreed.

"Thank you, proceed when you are ready." Mei said as she and the rest of her friends were in for a wild ride.

---

The story started when Ichigo met Asia, who was apparently lost at the time and needed help to find her way around. Ichigo being the kind gentlemen that he was led her to the church that she was recently assigned to. Though upon arrival they noticed the sorry state of the building and sought to confirm just what was going on. Upon entry into the building, they were suddenly in the presence of a stray that had somehow eluded them as well. It wasn't until Ichigo had managed to evacuate Asia out of the building that the barrier had formed to block any and all access so that he could do battle with the stray. Though Ichigo didn't go into to great detail of how he formed the barrier or how the battle went. He did give a basic rundown of its abilities and upon feeling that it was close to death, it suddenly went berserk and had a power up.

To say the least, it had managed to force itself into an incomplete ultimate-class level. That definitely raised a few eyebrows and gasps from the girls listening to his story. Such a thing while possible is unheard of happening mid battle. Whoever the stray was before it was turned rabid was certainly someone to not mess with if they managed to accomplish that. Regardless, upon destroying the attack of the stray Ichigo had apparently in his words, "gone overboard" and destroyed the church along with heavily damaging the stray. Once again not providing great detail to how he accomplished the feat, perhaps wanting to keep his cards close to the chest. Anyways, the battle was concluded with him barely suffering any visible damage aside from straining himself somewhat.

Truly, he had defied all previous expectations.

"We have indeed read reports of fallen angel activity in the area where the church once stood. Perhaps the stray found itself there and managed to not only destroy the fallen, but all of their acolytes as well, as you described seeing multiple bodies." Bronya deduced.

"That would coincide with the timing, perhaps they were caught off guard at the time as all activity had stopped after a while, perhaps in such an environment, the stray had gone mad being so close to something that is anathema to them." Kiana gave her thoughts on the matter.

"Oh, trust me, Evelyn was already plenty insane when we first met." Ichigo said, though after a second, he widened his eyes upon noticing the slip of the tongue.

"I'm sorry, Evelyn? who's that?" Mei asked. Having heard him say that name despite not mentioning it in his story.

Scowling in annoyance, Ichigo let out a sigh as he knew he just spilled something he didn't want to talk about. "Evelyn, that's the name of the stray which I killed, though it wouldn't be the first time I encountered her, if you really want to know I'd say this was the third and final time I encountered her." Ichigo admitted, his voice calm as he thought over their brief history together.

"You were already aware of the stray!?" That seemed to pique the interest of the people in the room as they did not expect him to have history with the stray, usually most people don't even make it past the first encounter with one as they are usually killed by them. Well, normal humans that is.

"Yeah, though at the time I wasn't as knowledgeable about the supernatural as I 'am now. In fact I was just like all those regular everyday people simply living their lives, unaware of the monsters hiding in the dark." Ichigo began. "Though funnily enough all this happened on the same day I met all of you, at that restaurant If memory serves me right." Ichigo admitted, causing the trio to widen their eyes in surprise.

Wasn't that the same day in which…

Though the thought passed briefly in their mind, they let Ichigo continue with his story.

"I had just finished saying my goodbyes to my friends who invited me to have fun with them at a bowling alley." He began. "I was on my way home, when I started to get a strange feeling of being watched. It wasn't until sometime after when I stopped at a vending machine for a drink that I noticed a figure behind me. Naturally I got slightly spooked." Ichigo admitted, a slight chuckle coming out from him at the thought. Clearly looking back, it was a funny thought that someone like him could get scared from something of that level.

"Anyways, as I stepped back from the woman who I thought was human at the time, she struck a conversation with me. I won't go into much detail but at first, I thought she was a prostitute trying to sell me her services." He said, drawing strange looks from the woman around him, clearly finding the idea of a stray doing such a thing to be…ridiculous to say the least.

Anyhow, as I tried to leave, the woman suddenly did something to me, like my body was being restrained by invisible threads at the time. I couldn't move a muscle as I watched her approach me, it was frightening at the time." Ichigo continued, eliciting frowns from the people gathered.

"Did the stray do something to you." Asked Mei, as she continued to hear his encounter, not liking where this story was heading.

"Not really, well, I say that lightly as she technically attempted to assault me." Ichigo revealed, not particularly proud of that admission, still, the motive for his future actions were spurred by desperation at the time as he had feared for his life.

Creak*

The sound of metal folding could be heard as eyes turned to see Bronya squeezing the edge of the table, her grip bending the metal inwards. A heavy frown also adorned her features as she couldn't suppress her distaste as she slightly grit her teeth. Though upon noticing what she did, her features rapidly transitioned back to her neutral expression.

"Sorry, please continue." Bronya said calmly.

Honestly it wasn't only Bronya that was angered by this but also Kiana, who's smile had been turned into a thin line of displeasure, with Mei sharing the same expression. Asia looked shocked though.

"Did the stray, attempt any…provocative action against you." Mei didn't really know how to word it as she had never read a report of anything like this happening, much less seen it.

"If you are asking me if she tried to rape me then, yes, she tried to, well, more like abuse me with the way she was throwing me around like a toy, though luckily I was saved just in the nick of time." Ichigo admitted, though the way he described the details gave the impression that he was over it, and that nothing happened to him.

Of course, this both relieved and shocked them, though the worst didn't come to pass, thank the Monarchs, it was still something that would have traumatized any normal human. For Ichigo at the time, it must have been a nightmare, yet here as he described those details, surely it spoke volumes of his fortitude.

"We're glad to hear that, though, what happened afterwards." Mei asked.

"Well, I'm sure most of you here aside from Asia, are aware of that sudden power spike that befell the city. While it managed to pin me to the ground, it also had the effect of scaring away the stray at the time, as when I came to, she wasn't around anymore. After that, I just went home and hoped that I wasn't followed." Ichigo admitted. "Though the second time we met was a little more 'tame' to say the least." Snapping the girls from their thoughts of that day that the anomaly had appeared. Ichigo told them of their second encounter.

"I was out in town grocery shopping. Though I did stop at a bench to have a snack when all of a sudden a voice sitting next to me called out to me." Ichigo began. "Imagine my surprise when barely a day later, she appears in front of me again." He chuckled. "Anyways, as I thought about escaping, she suddenly threatened that if I ran away, though, she wouldn't stop me, she would kill everyone else in the vicinity if I didn't do as she said." Ichigo revealed to the surprise of many, more so Asia who seemed to be completely mesmerized by the story he was telling. "After that, I kind of just sat there as she talked to me about certain things that the regular human populace wouldn't know about, things that would probably label me as a crazy person if I told someone else. Still, after I had witnessed her power, her transformation, the day earlier, I was ready to believe anything, that along with a few tidbits that she decided to reveal to me, namely." It was at his point that Ichigo cast them a worried gaze.

"Out of curiosity what is your stance on the devils that live in this town." Ichigo asked, though the question held a weight to it that left them visibly nervous. For if they didn't give him a satisfactory answer, it might just jeopardize their current relationship.

"If you mean that we would take hostile action against them, then, no. Unless of course they start hurting the human populace here of course. We have no reason to go out of our way to hurt the heiress of the Sitri and Gremory clan, unless deemed necessary, otherwise it's simply more trouble than it is worth." Mei answered honestly. After all, despite the past history between the devils and humans during the great war, things were much different now. Due to the change in policy of how devils operate thanks to its new government under the rule of the new Satans that managed to dethrone the old Satan faction. The Monarchs had deemed it unnecessary to intervene in their resurgence to the greater world after years of having been sealed away in the underworld due to the efforts of the Monarch of Victory, may he rest in peace.

"Our leaders have deemed that we simply mind our business and that the devils do the same, we simply stay out of each other's way. Of course, if the devils start causing trouble for the human populace, then we deal with it. Otherwise, we just observe and monitor." Mei explained.

This of course drew a look of satisfaction in Ichigo's eyes.

"Though while we are on the topic, what is your relationship with them by the way?" Mei questioned. This was important, if the devils were trying to get Ichigo to join their side, it would be best to figure out his current relationship with them and work from there. Like hell they would let the devils try and convert one of their own into their race. There have been too many cases of promising individuals being turned into devils after being blinded by the short-term benefits and not what it would mean for them in the long run.

Ichigo thought over her question.

Just what exactly could he say. He wasn't particularly interested in the sitri girl and her peerage, and aside from Rias, Ichigo's friendship with her peerage was mostly out of his relationship with Rias. It would be shallow at best, still, he wasn't cold hearted to simply brush aside their attempts at getting to know him. Hmm, what to say…

"Before I was aware of their true nature, when my view of the world was more or less mundane. Rias was the first friend I ever made in this life, throughout my whole life I never really could find a single person who could approach me in a casual manner. Some were intimidated by me, others were intolerant, and as you can imagine, I never made much of an effort to change that either. I simply took it as it was, the hand that I was dealt. So, imagine my surprise when I suddenly find myself becoming friends with the most popular girl in school, it was odd at first, a strange feeling that my life was turning around for the better. Though I wasn't aware of what she was at the time, I still consider her to be my friend. Though really, I can only extend that hand of friendship to her, I can't really speak much of her counterpart Sona Sitri or her peerage as I don't really talk with them." Ichigo confessed.

Alright a little more complicated than they expected. How Ichigo was able to become friends with the sister of the crimson Lucifer was up for debate, but, the fond smile on his face as he talked about her was rather troubling. Hopefully, there wasn't more to it than that. Casting Bronya a look, Mei could see a slight frown adorning her features as she heard Ichigo talk fondly about the Gremory heiress. Though a look to her left also surprised her as she saw Kiana's brow furrow slightly, clearly annoyed by something.

"You two, don't be so obvious." Sighing in exasperation, Mei decided to change the topic before these two blew a fuse.

"I understand, there is nothing you should worry about. While the devils here aren't aware of our existence, we don't meddle in their affairs as its unnecessary so long as the peace is maintained." Mei explained. "Though, back to the matter at hand, what exactly did the stray talk with you about." Mei wanted to know just how much Ichigo knew about the real world.

"Aside from telling me that my friend is a devil and the way devil society is run. It was pretty much a history lesson about the great war, and the aftermath, along with the several factions and beings that call this plane of existence home." Ichigo shrugged.

"Ah, so the basic stuff." Mei nodded, seemingly satisfied with what she heard.

"Oh, was there more to it." Ichigo asked, though he already knew the answer.

At this, Mei cast him a confident look, of one who knew more than they let on. "Of course, the history of the great war is one in which is rich in details and complexity. In fact it would take years explaining just how all of it even came to be, much less who the grand players were, the outcomes, losses and victories, in fact there is a whole field just dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the great war and uncovering powerful artifacts left behind." Mei explained.

"It's also the greatest catastrophe that ever befell existence as we know it." Bronya chimed in from the side.

"That too, though it's been over a thousand years since the great war was officially declared over. The scars of the past still linger on to this day." Mei said.

"I see, though if you don't mind me asking, what is the "Adversary" that they speak of." Ichigo now wanted to see just what has changed in the last thousand years, what fabrications have these gods created while he was gone. Had his companions revealed the secret? Or did they closely guard it in their chest. Regardless, he wished to hear what the damage was. Or if it was too late.

The room suddenly grew quiet as the trio seemed to mull over the answer, though Asia who while aware of the supernatural, was the first time she heard of the great war and its history, that along with what was referred to as the "adversary." She couldn't help but grow interested upon hearing all these revelations that were not explained to her in the church despite holding a great reputation and labeled as the holy priestess thanks to her sacred gear.

"We don't know." Mei finally said.

"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked.

"It means that it is taboo to speak of the 'Adversary' as all records of its existence have been erased, be it its name, title, appearance, even its origin. Nothing aside from the fact that it was the greatest threat the world has ever known was mentioned. As such it was simply labeled as the 'Adversary' nothing else aside from that was ever recorded. Well officially anyways." Kiana responded in Mei's stead.

"And unofficially." Ichigo asked.

"Hmph, if you join our organization, I wouldn't mind telling you." Kiana smirked, making Ichigo sigh. Of course, they wouldn't tell him confidential information that the rest of the greater supernatural world was unaware of.

"Anyways, now that we have gotten the situation along with your testimony out of the way, why don't we now begin talking about why we truly brought you here. Both of you." Mei shifted the conversation.

"I believe that you are aware but, allow me to say this, we would be really willing to accept the red dragon emperor, Ichigo Kurosaki into the Fire Moth organization. Along with you Asia Argento, since you are no longer affiliated with the church, we are willing to take you in." Mei declared.

"Wai-" before he could say anything he was cut off by Mei who began talking once more.

"Please allow us to explain ourselves as well as inform you of what opportunities await you if you join us, you can make your decision after hearing us out, alright." Mei proposed.

Shifting in his seat, Ichigo nodded in agreement.

"Hmm, I wonder what the rest of the Monarchs have been up to during my absence." Ichigo would take this opportunity to learn more.

---

If one were to describe paradise, some might think of heaven, but here, in the Elysian realm, that word was dedicated for one thing only.

Bastion, the first city that the Monarchs presided over during the early days.

Bastion, the city that would later become the capital of the human empire.

Bastion, the city of wonders, the lost history of mankind laid within its sacred walls.

Within the walls of Bastion, 13 palaces that made mountains look like rocks were seen eclipsing everything else, each one representing the home and headquarters of the Monarchs and their respected divisions. Spanning the size of multiple continents, the city of bastion was turned into the last refuge of the Monarchs after their exile. Taking what part of humanity they could with them before they were forced to flee.

With their power, the Monarchs built a great realm that would serve as a home for them as they recovered their strength, with the city of bastion, the crown jewel of human ingenuity, as the center of this realm. After many years, the population of what could only account for 30% of humanity had flourished in this realm, reaching at least 100 billion souls and counting.

A place where humanity was allowed to flourish after millennia of fighting and warring against the forces of evil, their reward for being betrayed by those who had once relied on them to save them. Without any enemies to fight, wars to wage, or disruptions to entertain. Humanity was allowed to focus in rebuilding their strength. With the Monarchs as their guiding light, they would surely one day reclaim all that they had lost.

And see their true home once more.

Earth. The cradle of humanity.

That was why the Fire Moth Organization was created, to one day reclaim humanities birthright. To ascend and take their rightful place in the universe.

Though they had fought.

Though they had sacrificed.

Though "He" was lost to them.

The Monarchs would carry on, for it was the oath they made, the promise they gave, the hope he fostered.

There would be retribution.

The Great Betrayal would not go unpunished.

---

"Any questions?" Mei asked as she finished the little PowerPoint she had set up, the projector showing various images of the great city of bastion and its outer boundary that held the average citizens.

It was quite an illuminating experience, knowing what his companions had done after his "death" though the situation was not favorable for them. They managed to make the most of it, even going as far as to flourish within this realm. A remnant of what the human empire they had created still lived on.

It was heartwarming to see.

Though looking at Asia who had star struck eyes as she laid eyes on the city. He could only imagine what was going on inside her head, though if she hadn't been convinced by Mei's speech earlier on the goals and mission of the Fire Moth Organization. Then she definitely was now.

Still, he did want to ask something, just to be sure.

"While I understand the whole goals and missions of the Organization, and it's quite the shocker to know that an unknown part of humanity has reached such a level of progress and power. I wish to know more of these Monarchs, just who are they?" Ichigo asked though really it was to see how much they knew.

"Great question, though to get into that, you have to understand just what a Monarch is, and what it means." Mei began. Though a sudden interruption from behind saw Kiana rising to her feet as she took to the center.

"I'll take on this part Mei, as a member of the Kaslana family, it is my duty to inform the unenlightened of the vastness that is the Monarchs." Kiana said, clearly finding this topic one of her favorites.

"Huh? But, didn't you score lower than me during the exams." Mei countered, causing Kiana to freeze in place, looking like she got slapped in the face.

"T-That's only because I misspelled or forgot the names of some of the brave souls! you only got like 5 points higher than me due to those errors." Kiana argued, looking slightly sheepish at being called out like that.

"Right. Fine, you do it." Like that Mei passed her the control to switch between the slides.

"Ehem, anyways, back to the topic." Pressing a button, the slide transitioned to the general information of the Monarchs. "To answer your question, this is the best explanation that has been taught to us in the academy of what a Monarch is, it is also based on some interviews with the Monarchs themselves who each have their own interpretation of what it means to be a Monarch." Kiana continued.

"If we take all that information than the meaning turns into something like this." Clearing her throat, Kiana prepared her answer. "A Monarch for the lack of a better word, is a transcendental being, an existence not unlike a God. Though they were not born divine, their power was given to them by the metaphysical tree of creation. They wield the foundations of the universe in their hands, Primordial energy that makes them omnipotent with its endless power. Though they aren't beholden to the tree, their purpose remains the same, to safeguard creation, protect the tree, and neutralize all threats that could endanger it. In essence they are guardians, champions chosen in a time of need. Heroes that are unlike any other, for without them, we wouldn't be here today." Kiana explained, though bitterness seeped into her voice in the last parts.

"Anyways, though the Monarchs were given power by the tree, it was the Abrahamic God that gave the chance to the first Monarch, it was through him that humanity stood a chance to rise again. Of course, the Monarch of Victory was the one who played the greatest role, as it was he who chose the remaining 12 and lead humanity into a golden age once more." Kiana stated as the history lesson continued.

Though slight gasp escaped from Asia as she heard the words.

"The Lord did such a thing? how come I've never heard or read about it throughout my time within the church." Asia asked, surprised at this revelation.

"Doesn't surprise me, after the end of the great war, the gods decided to strip humanity of all its previous history, molding them into what they are today. Lost to their own origins." Bronya chimed in.

"Correct. Though, the reason came to be due to the gods deciding amongst themselves that the Monarchs have fulfilled their purpose and to return their powers back to the tree. What they failed to realize was that, they aren't beholden to the tree, and that they are fit to use their powers as they desire so long as they themselves don't endanger creation." Kiana explained.

"Angered by their refusal to comply, the gods took it upon themselves to banish the Monarchs from the world, seeing them as threats to the world and to their authority. Weakened as they were at the end of the great war, the Monarchs were not given much of a choice, though not before a great battle ensued in which some of the Monarchs were injured in the conflict, still, they managed to kill a few of them before retreating into exile." Kiana continued.

"Though that isn't to say that all gods wished to exile the Monarchs, as there were some who abstained from participating at the end, still, the vast majority took it upon themselves to betray the Monarchs after their years of service in combating the Adversaries armies. Despite the greatest sacrifice that the Monarch of Victory committed in vanquishing the Adversary from existence. Their reward for all their efforts was met with betrayal." Kiana said passionately.

"So, there you have it, our proud and depressing history, the truth hidden from you all your lives, do you understand. Humanities eyes have been covered, and it is our job, the Fire moth Organizations goal to one day strip that veil that has been wrapped tightly around your eyes and show you the light once more. To recognize your own greatness once more, under the guiding light of the true rulers of humanity." Kiana said emboldened by her own words.

"So, I ask you this, having shown you all that we have, having spoken all that is truth, what say you in response. Will you turn your back upon inevitability or will you take your future into your own hands and work with us, and for all that is beautiful in this world" Kiana said as she extended her hand forward.

"The choice is yours."

---

The sun's rays were slowly dying out. Casting the sky in a beautiful hue of warm colors; pinks, oranges and reds, all contrasted well with the coming of night. The great city, the capital, she could see all of it from the balcony of her palace. Casting it's remaining light over the world they called home.

Sometimes, she thinks it would be best to simply remain here.

But, the others would never agree.

Sigh*

Clasping her hand around the tea cup, the lingering warmth and fragrant scent helped in clearing her mind and to unwind from such a stressful day.

The mountain of paperwork just never seemed to lessen, in fact, it grew every time she cast her eyes away from it. Still, someone had to do the job in running this place, and while she wouldn't call her companions incompetent, some of those meat heads just had no clue what they were doing.

Guess being a Monarch didn't exactly translate to having good work ethic.

Regardless they did what they could and they got the job done at the end of the day, even if some of us have to pull more weight than the others.

Perhaps she'd bring it up in the next meeting.

Sigh*

Looking at the sunset, and darkening sky, Elysia could not help but feel a strange sense of melancholy.

"Just what would you think of all this, Ichigo."

Closing her eyes, Elysia could only find the comfort of his presence in her memories, his strong arms that always held her tightly, the smile that could set her heart ablaze, his soft eyes that always looked at her with care.

If she focused enough, it almost felt like he was right here with her, like he always had, like it should have always been.

"…"

What she would give to see him again, if only for a moment.

It was at that point as she moved to get up as the suns last rays faded away that, a sudden vision assaulted her.

"Huh!?"

Rapid images filled her mind, too fast for her to see or make sense of, though as she moved to control the vision, it suddenly stopped at a point in time.

If only for a moment.

What she would give…

"I love you, Elysia."

…To hear those words again.

She could "see" him, he looked different yet the same, younger.

She could "feel" him, the hand that gently caressed her cheek, a beautiful smile as he looked at her with those golden eyes she remembered.

She could "taste" him, the soft, chaste kiss that melded their lips together, if only briefly.

She could feel her eyes blurring as the vision was ending.

"No…"

"NO…"

"NOT YET!"

"NOT LIKE THIS."

She wanted to say something, Anything! Yet no matter what she did, it would not stop, as the vision faded, as she lost sight of his face again, as his lips left her own.

"Please…"

"Don't go…"

"Ichigo!"

Her hand reached out, only to be met with nothingness, for she could not grasp what was never there.

Standing frozen in place, her eyes that usually held confidence and joy within, now held a flicker of desperation as the vision that she experienced faded away, like a passing breeze on a summer night.

Moving her arm up to her face, Elysia felt the place where Ichigo had gently held her, his touch, the way that she remembered it.

"Warm." She thought, though not her own.

Was she imagining it.

Grasping for something that was never to be.

No, that couldn't be.

This warmth that she felt was no lie.

It…couldn't be.

She…she had to be sure.

---

How long has it been since she appeared here, to see into the water of fate, to divine destiny, to see the future that was unclear. Though drops fell on the calm waters that resembled a mirror surface occasionally, those ripples were what represented change, the times ahead, of what was to come. Some were small, others big, still, all was recorded here.

Many eyes watched the sea, yet as she appeared here. The sudden mood fell, she could feel the distaste in those eyes, the loathing they felt for her and her kind. Still, they could look all they want, they could take no action here regardless of how much they wished it so. Regardless, she ignored the feeling and ventured deeper. To where most of the presences seemed to congregate at, watching something in the far distance.

What could it be she wondered. Though she had come to seek answers, to verify her thoughts, her curiosity led her there.

Many eyes congregated here, all looking up into the sky in worry, horror, curiosity, and…fear.

It was only when she too turned to look up, that she understood what they looked at with such terror.

A storm.

No, not just a storm.

A hurricane.

A hurricane was forming in the sea of fate, one so massive It would spell the coming of a new age unlike any other seen before in recorded history.

"W-what is that!?" Elysia exclaimed in stunned surprise.

Just how could such a thing be, what was capable of causing such a huge storm in this place, the ripples it would leave, no the waves it would make.

It would flip the known world and everyone in it on their head, no one would be safe from the coming storm.

But still, that left one question.

"Just who is the eye of the hurricane." Approaching the forming storm, Elysia got rid of any reservations she might have had as she dove forward. Though the others were afraid of what they might see to dare approach, she was not like them, she would see what was to come with her own eyes, regardless of what the outcome was.

Passing the dark clouds, and raging winds, Elysia arrived at the center, the calm.

"Alright, now where are you~" she said, though the center was calm, she could feel a certain interference, like a veil being pulled over her eyes, she couldn't tell where the source of the storm quite was. Just that it was around here. Somewhere.

Still…

"Fufu~ to play this game with the Monarch of Origin, I'm afraid these little tricks won't work on me." Though she couldn't physically manifest here, she could extend her will upon this place.

"There you are." Heading towards a different direction. Elysia could detect the core. The presence behind the storm.

Stepping forwards, Elysia stood in the presence of a golden orb, one that was tinged with the color of crimson as it ever shifted between one and the other.

"So, you're the one masking it." Elysia could feel that it was the crimson overshadowing the golden color, clearly protecting it from outside onlookers that wished to gaze upon it.

"Just what are you hiding I wonder, for you to go to such lengths to protect the other, do you not realize the storm you have created, the impact that will hit us all. Do you believe that you will be left unharmed should you protect the one behind you." Elysia questioned, though she moved quickly, grasping the orb as it struggled in her grasp.

"Don't struggle, Ddraig, I just want to take a quick look, I won't come after your charge, so calm down." Elysia said as she tried to appease the roaring dragon that kept struggling against her will. Too bad for him, her will was greater, plus as the Monarch of Origin, with her ability, cracking through secrets and discovering the source was an easy matter. For all things originate from somewhere.

Eventually, she broke through.

And the Golden light blinded her.

---

Authors Note.

Hello guys, I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter so without further ado. Lets move on to some discussion.

First off, Ichigo vs Evelyn. I hope the fight did well in showing the sheer disparity in experience, skill, power, and might. Ichigo has memories that span millennia, most of which were of him in constant war. Think about it, all that experience and millennia of combat, even if his own power has diminished, the skill he has acquired, the experience he has, it's enough to put him at a level higher than he is, and so much more. Ichigo still has a long road ahead to restore his former glory.

Passive abilities as a Monarch (every Monarch has this ability)

Law manipulation – a type of order manipulation, that allow them to create rules set within a place they announce as their territory, within it, all rules are theirs to play with, all concepts to mess with, nothing is out of their ability to command.

Reality manipulation – though all Monarchs have this ability, as it was what allowed them to create the Elysian realm.

Monarch of Victory(abilities)

Self enhancement – though it's a simple ability just by its name alone, its far more than one could imagine. Through calling the aspect of all attributes, the Monarch is able to increase his power exponentially. With the limit being his own bodies tolerance to contain such power. If given enough time, even the other Monarchs combined would fail to beat him in a fair fight should they not use their own respective authorities.

Promised Victory(Miracles) – able to overwrite all probability, no defeat is certain, the last glimmer of hope in the darkest hour, the one chance that boils down to a single instance. All things are beholden to him, he is the star, the guiding light. So, let me show you the way to promised victory.

A sneak peek into his abilities.

Also, I don't care if looks broken as hell, Ichigo is a Moanrch, there are other 12 broken characters as well, plus all the gods that will actually act like gods in this fic. At least in the sense that they don't appear as weaklings like dxd makes them out. Like where is the posturing, the sense of impending doom, the feeling of the sky coming down on you as if you were a mere ant.

The age of the great war was not for the weak, it was a place where only monstrous existences could take part. The only ones who could thrive.

And the Monarchs were at the center of it.

Naturally, I don't make such powerful MC without an equalizer, the adversary, his counterpart. I wonder…

Well, something to think about.

Next up, Ichigo caught red handed, the honkai girls have finally found his little secret, well, one of them that is. I wonder how this will lead forward. Honestly perhaps I did it too soon, but, oh well, the show must carry on. Also, Asia not becoming a devil, no reason to make her one.

The Elysian Realm, the last remnants of the human empire that the Monarchs took with them, having prospered unchallenged for centuries, the growth of humanity has exploded. Though the Elysian realm is not unlike earth, it is an infinite realm in scope, akin to that of the soul society, at least based on some sources, you can correct me if I'm wrong since I'm not sure either.

Lastly, I wonder, has Elysia finally found out about Ichigo's existence, and if so, what would that entail for him and the rest. He stands as the bringer of great change; no ripple cast would overshadow the wave he will make.

The storm is fast approaching.

Well, that's it guys, I might change the format on how I do these author notes in the future, where I talk a little about the chapter itself and answer some review questions instead, though if it's about future things, I'll try my best to keep it spoiler free as possible.

Thanks for reading and have a great day.

Peace.