As he sank his blade into Raynare's heart and watched as she was reduced to nothingness by his sword, Ichigo was overcome with a feeling of calm. His task was over, he was the victor. Still Raynare's words rang within his mind, the newfound information that she revealed to him, he would be lying to himself if he wasn't a little bit worried for the fate of his friends and their whereabouts. Yet, he knew he could do nothing for them at the moment, he could only hope that they were safe and that they were doing fine in his absence.
Though Monarchs they all were, and equal in their station, as the first, as the eldest amongst the Monarchs, Ichigo's words held more weight than any other amongst the group. That along with his great relationship with all the members, had led to Ichigo being recognized as the unofficial leader, or at the very least the one they referred to the most. With Aizen and Kevin serving as his left and right hand at the time, his authority and power was unmatched. Now though, in his reduced state, Ichigo could only send a small prayer and hope that they were managing well, and that the group had not collapsed on itself to infighting.
"One day, I will see you all one day…" With that the glow in Ichigo's eyes faded to his chocolate brown eyes once more, as the Monarch had once more disappeared into Ichigo's mind.
Ichigo who had seen and heard everything that just transpired could only let out a sigh of tiredness. Having merged with the Monarch of Victory, Ichigo saw and felt his body move in ways he didn't think possible, along with his skills with the sword, he felt that all things before him could be cut to nothing. If for a moment, Ichigo felt that he was Invincible with the power granted upon him, like he stood above all, that no one could face him in open combat, like the world itself was a fragile piece of glass before his power. Yet the feeling was soon extinguished as the soreness in his muscles made themselves known. Admittedly, having his body perform such feats of acrobatics and strength, had left a slight mess on the inside of his body, along with his mind having been stuffed to the brim with combat knowledge and experience, Ichigo was currently experiencing a headache of epic proportions.
"Ah…I feel like my body is going to faint any second now." Muttering to himself, Ichigo slowly made his way to Issei's corpse. Every step felt like an effort on itself, like he had cement blocks tied to his limbs, along with his head that felt like someone just bashed him with a hammer repeatedly.
"Was this the consequences you were referring to." Ichigo stated.
"it would appear to be so, still the fact that you are managing this well proves that you are quite resilient, still, if you wish to grow stronger, you'll have to put more effort into your training not only your mind but body as well." The Monarch pointed out.
"Yeah, well, let's talk about that another time, at the moment I just want to go home and rest." Ichigo said as he gently kneeled down next to Issei's corpse.
"Some rest would do you well, but, first things first, what should we do about the boy here." The Monarch asked.
The blood on Issei had yet to dry, and the body still retained some warmth, still, Ichigo could not just leave his body here, that would be disrespectful. Also, what should he tell the authorities about what happened, what should he tell issei's family, so many things to wrap up, so little time.
"Sigh…I did it Issei, I avenged your death, though I never really liked you, I never hated you either, if only I had arrived a moment sooner, if only you had not been here, so many possibilities, yet all the choices made led to this moment." Ichigo quietly said to Issei, who despite already being dead, could at least ease the slight sorrow in Ichigo's mind.
"Still, what's done is done, I hope that wherever you go, you can be happy there." Ichigo quietly uttered a small prayer to Issei.
"I don't wish to interrupt you, but, I sense something within the boy, can you place your hand over his body for a moment." The Monarch asked Ichigo.
"Sense something? Was it that sacred gear the fallen angel was talking about?" Ichigo said as he did what the Monarch asked of him, placing his hand over Issei left hand.
"Perhaps, honestly it's something of a familiar presence, and yet, I can't quite recall it." The Monarch said as he started to sense the Inside of Issei's body.
Looking deep into the remnants of Issei soul that still lingered within the body, Ichigo could feel something within, something old, something powerful. Soon enough, ichigo felt he had entered into a realm of fire, the heat so hot it put the sun to shame and the call to reduce all creation to ash. Ichigo stared into this realm with a look of surprise, though soon, within the center of this realm, Ichigo felt an intimidating gaze settle on him, it was overbearing, like an apex predator gazing into the eyes of its prey, and yet the gaze soon shifted into one of interest and soon surprise.
How odd.
Exiting the realm Ichigo heard something about establishing a connection with the gear, still stunned about having felt the powerful and heavy pressure within the boy.
"What was that?" Ichigo asked the Monarch who remained silent for the moment.
"…I believe that was the sacred gear within the boy, yet, to think it was that being, oh how the mighty have fallen." The Monarch said with a saddened/nostalgic tone to his voice.
"…Can you hear me, Red Dragon Emperor." The Monarch called out through the link.
"…"
"…"
Almost expecting for the other side to be ignoring them, a deep if not regal voice soon sounded through his mind as ichigo waited patiently.
"Long has this one dwelled in the prison of his own making. The days of long past when this one's wings were unfurled and blotted out the sky with its presence and rained down destruction upon his enemies are long gone. Yet this one's name is still uttered in reverence and fear. Known across the ages as the Red Dragon Emperor, you stand before the one named Y Ddraig Goch." The dragon introduced himself through the link, his tone prideful but also curious at the one who was speaking to him.
"To Whom does this one speaks with? Long have I dwelled within this prison that this one has forgotten the voice of said acquaintance, yet thine presence is familiar, why is that so?" Draig questioned.
"I would hope so, Old friend, you are in the presence of the one known as Ichigo Kurosaki, Monarch of Victory."The Monarch introduced himself and Ichigo.
A feeling of shock and pleasant delight was transmitted through the mental link.
"Monarch…Long has this one last heard of your ilk, even when this one has appeared within the world in this state, no news of thine existence graced this one's ears. I feared that you all have since returned to eternal rest." Ddraig said, his words ringing solemnly. Yet, before this heavenly dragon was vanquished and reduced to this state, I heard news of your Victory, the 'Adversary' vanquished from this plane, yet at the cost of great sacrifice." Ddraig stated. "I Would love to hear your story, Monarch of Victory, old friend, the memories of long past when Dragon kind sided with humanity to face the armies of the "Adversary" bring this one the outmost joy!" Ddraig roared out triumphantly.
"Ddraig, I too am relieved at meeting you once more, yet, how did this happen to you? why did God put you into this sacred gear?" The Monarch asked, saddened at seeing Ddraig be reduced to such a state.
"Sigh…This one was foolish, though the reason escapes me, I and Albion took to the skies in battle, madness consuming our minds as we sought to seek each other's end. Eventually that battle was driven through the last vestiges of the war between factions. Uncaring of whom and where, we destroyed all in our path, driving all against us in our path. Still, we are MIGHTY! Scales harder than any known metal, Claws and teeth sharper than any sword, and our breath; capable of reducing all of creation to ash." Ddraig began telling his story.
"A Great Army formed against us, though shallow and weak, filled with mistrust for one another. Their fear for us overpowered each other's hatred for one another." Ddraig recounted.
"This last grand final battle lasted for 7 days and 7 nights. Just us two against the 'world.' Be it gods, angels, devils, humans, or otherwise, all were eradicated. Yet at the end of it all, it was the heavenly one, the one called YHWH who came down to rend our scales to pieces, to carve our flesh from bone, and to take our souls and reforge us into great weapons for humanity, sacred gears he called us, Longinus, the mightiest of the known gears, and this one now goes by the 'boosted gear.'" Ddraigh finished.
"God did this to you? That is…wow, honestly, I can only imagine the devastation you and Albion caused to personally have God come down to tear you to pieces, I can only say I'm impressed, for even during the Great war, the Heavenly father didn't really act personally, only rarely and in matters of great trouble. As one of the moderators of the War, he took a passive stance to it. With I only acting as his sword when I was needed." The Monarch said after a moment, thinking of the few times God had personally come down to intervene.
"Yes, and it was a great battle. This one can still feel the burn of his primordial Light as it destroyed my scales like they were nothing." Ddraig stated.
"What happened after?" The Monarch asked.
"This one remained in a state of limbo, though I later found out that the war had soon ended. No side was the victor, all had lost something, whether it be to the forces of the 'Adversary' or to each other. Still, an uneasy peace prevailed over the land, while skirmishes and conflict still happened, none to the degree seen ages ago, for it seemed all were tired of the endless war." Ddraig explained.
"I see." The Monarch stated.
"Though this brings me to question, Monarch. For what purpose are you here now, what greater will or goal do you serve? The battle is long over, you are hailed as a hero amongst does aware of your story, though lost to history, your name is quietly uttered amongst the shadows with only does who have the ear to listen." Ddraig asked his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
"That is a long story. Though for now, I simply wish to regain my former glory, the height of my power, and then, I will seek out my friends." The Monarch simply stated.
"Hmmm. Very well then, I look forward to what will come next. It has been ages since I was this entertained." Ddraig let out a roar that sounded like laughter.
"Sorry to interject, but, can we get this over with soon, I feel like I'm going to pass out, and I'd rather not be found on the floor next to a dead body." Ichigo said with a hint of tiredness.
"You would be? Ah! Of course, the mind and the body are still not as one it would seem, still I sense much potential within you, Young Monarch." Ddraig praised, sensing that Ichigo and the Monarch had yet to be as one to fully regain their power.
"Thanks? Regardless, what do we do with Issei or his sacred gear for that matter?" Ichigo asked to both Ddraig and Monarch.
"Yes, my wielder who had yet to grow into the Red Dragon Emperor, a shame honestly that my power was wasted on such a weakling, still I can only hope the next one is not so pathetic." Ddraig said with disappointment and contempt towards Issei.
"…" Since Ichigo couldn't really find a point to disagree with the words of the dragon, Ichigo just stayed quiet.
"On that note, I think I can offer a solution, if you will." The Monarch said after a moment.
"Is that so?" Ddraig asked.
"Yeah, although it's been a while since I attempted it, I can have ichigo strip the boosted gear from the remnants of Issei's soul and have them be placed within our own, subsequently making him your next wielder." The Monarch proposed.
"…"
"…"
Ichigo and Ddraig were both surprised at this, though with different opinions on the matter.
"Woah! Since when was shoving things into my soul a part of the deal here." Ichigo said, unsure of how to take that proposal.
"Hmm. I see, yes, this one would be immensely grateful as well as honored to be used by the current Monarch of Victory, if he so desires." Ddraig said without complaint.
"Don't worry Ichigo, besides this works to our advantage as well." The Monarch stated.
"How so?" Ichigo asked the Monarch, doubt in his voice.
"Simple. Ddraig can mask your power, as you well know now, you have set things in motion with your choice of finally accepting your role of Monarch." The Monarch began. "All choices made enact a ripple in fate and destiny, even as simple as what foot you place in front of you, all actions have a consequence. As such those beings that are sensitive to such things have clearly felt the ripple of your choice, I can only deduce that soon, the gods will start to feel a change in the air, one they will want to look for." The Monarch warned.
"…" Ichigo didn't quite know how to react to that.
"The Monarch speaks true young one, besides I can impart upon you great power should you choose to wield me, I will do my best to guide you in your journey." Ddraig said, tempting Ichigo to wield him.
"Sigh…Alright I've heard your opinions, so, how do I do this thing then." Ichigo said, agreeing with their reasoning.
"Allow me to guide you then." With that the Monarch guided Ichigo into separating Ddriag from Issei soul that still lingered, luckily, they were quick about it, otherwise Ddraig would have been once more waiting for his next wielder to appear, however long that took.
"So how does it feel?" Ddraig asked as Ichigo stared at the red gauntlet that engulfed his left arm.
"It's a work of art I tell you that, aside from that, hmm, I feel like I could punch a mountain to pieces if I wanted to with this gauntlet." Ichigo said, casting an appreciative gaze upon the boosted gear.
"I look forward to working with you, Monarch." Ddraig said within the recesses of his mind.
"Likewise, Ddraig." Ichigo replied.
"Good, now, I won't feel so lonely in here, someone to converse with of the old days." The Monarch said, a light smile on his face.
"What, did I already bore you or something." Ichigo joked.
"Hardly, but, one can only sit through and watch you study and do homework before getting bored, besides I thought you appreciated my silence when you are flirting with that Gremory girl, Rias Gremory, sound familiar." The Monarch teased.
"Cough* that's! she just a friend! and who is flirting with who!?" Ichigo said, slightly blushing at what the Monarch was insinuating.
"Sure~" The Monarch snored in amusement.
"Just go away already." Ichigo sighed in annoyance.
"Alright, call us if you need anything." With that, the Monarch and Ddraig grew silent within his mind.
Finally having some peace and quiet to himself, Ichigo fished his phone in his pocket and dialed 119 to call for an ambulance. After all, Issei's body will need some care to ready for his family who will unfortunately be devastated at the news of the death of their son.
"Sigh…It seems the long night is not yet over." Ichigo said as he put the phone to his ear.
Sometime later…
Seeing the paramedics load up Issei body onto a stretcher, a sheet covering the body from onlookers that had grown curious at the commotion of sirens from the police and ambulance. Still, it was going to be quite the story at figuring out what happened after his death, what with the park looking like a warzone after his fight with Raynare.
"Thank god people believed the earthquake excuse, otherwise, I don't know how I can explain the destroyed area." Ichigo thought to himself.
"Excuse me." An officer said as he drew Ichigo's attention.
"Hello." Ichigo said as he turned to look at the officer approaching him.
"Are you the one who reported the deceased body." The officer questioned.
"That would be me officer, how can I help?" Ichigo asked tiredly.
"I was wondering if you can answer some of my questions." The officer continued.
"Of course." Ichigo replied.
"Alright Ichigo, moment of truth, make yourself as much a bystander as possible and shake off all suspicion."
"Thank you for your time, now then, first question, did you see what happened here?" The officer asked referring to Issei's death.
"Honestly officer, I only arrived after everything was already over, I was quite surprised at seeing a dead body in my path as I was going home, especially for said person to be one of my classmates at Kuoh academy." Ichigo said as calmly as he could.
"Classmates? were you familiar with the poor boy." The officer asked as he started writing on his note pad.
"Not particularly, we only really spoke once in our life, and well, he didn't exactly have the best reputation in our school." Ichigo said, rubbing the back of his head at what he was going to have to admit.
"Bad reputation? What do you mean by that?" The officer pressed, seeing a possible clue as to the motive behind his death.
"Well, it's not to say that he was a bad person per say, but that he is…sigh, he was a well-known pervert within our school." Ichigo admitted after a moment.
"Sorry Issei, but your Reputation was already bad to begin with." Ichigo said as he prepared to spill issei's perversions to the police.
"…I'm sorry, did you say he was a pervert?" the officer did a double take as he stopped writing for a moment as he turned to look at Ichigo with confusion.
"Yes, officer. Issei hyoudou had built a reputation of being a massive pervert within our school to the point that he along with his friends were given the name of the perverted trio by the whole school." Ichigo said with a straight face.
"I-I see." Writing that down, the officer continued.
"Exactly what acts of perversion were done that gave him that name?" the officer asked, his tone a hint of curiosity.
"Cough* well, let's see, he has repeatedly broken into the woman's locker room to peek at them after morning exercises. Along with openly reading and watching porn during school hours, though the major offenses would be multiple attempts at peeking at the woman's locker room despite repeatedly being beaten up by the kendo club." Ichigo explained.
"And has the schoolboard done nothing about such blatant indecent behavior?" The officer asked after jotting down his explanation.
"Well, you see that's the million-dollar question. No one knows how they haven't been expelled yet, despite multiple complaints from the female population of the school." Ichigo confessed.
"interesting." The Officer stated.
"Yeah, though he did mention he had a girlfriend once to me after I bumped into him on my way home, apparently she went by the name of Amano Yuuma." Ichigo revealed.
"Good luck finding said person, they're long dead now." Ichigo thought to himself as he made sure to throw Raynare's name in there, nothing like a wild goose chase to throw off their fruitless searching for the perpetrator. Justice had already been served.
"hmm, I see." Writing that down the officer got everything he needed from Ichigo to submit his report.
"It would appear that is all, thank you for your time young man." The officer nodded at him.
"Of course, officer, happy to help." Ichigo said calmly.
Walking away, the officer went to investigate the scene.
Sigh…
Ichigo was dead tired right now, but thankfully he was now free to leave after giving his testimony.
"Fuck…I'm tired." With that Ichigo headed home not forgetting the groceries he bought on the way.
What a crazy day it had been for Ichigo.
Classes had resumed the next day, and to no surprise, the events of the previous day was all anyone could talk about, though soon enough an even more shocking news was heard as apparently one of the students of Kuoh academy had died. Said student being Issei Hyoudou.
While the surprise at the news was met with shocked expressions it wasn't long before faces of the female population morphed into one of happiness, contempt, relief, and indifference at the boy's death. Well, no surprise there, Issei was really hated by the girls at Kuoh academy, with the only ones who would grieve for his death being his parents and friends.
Said friends being Matsuda and Motohama who had been excused from school after finding out their friend had died to grieve with Issei's family who were probably the most affected at the moment.
Though there was also another person who was surprised at the news, a certain crimson haired woman by the name of Rias Gremory was sitting in class with a depressed expression after finding out Issei had died.
To the rest of the class it just looked like Rias was saddened at learning someone from their school had died and that Rias would grieve for them to if they were to die one day as well. How compassionate of her, as expected of the great Rias-sama, she was such an innocent soul, that the thought of even someone as hopeless and vile as Issei would move her to tears. The class could only gaze at Rias with supportive gazes telling her that all would be alright and that issei was now in a better place. All to cheer their Rias-sama as much as possible.
Though if one would to look into Rias mind right now they would be shocked to learn of the contents.
"FUUUUUUCCCCKKKKKK!" Rias felt like she was suffering a mental breakdown, despite her outward appearance, her mind was in a state of turmoil. Why that was you ask? Simple really, she had hoped to turn Issei into a devil and use him to help her break out of her engagement with Riser, sure it wasn't a foolproof plan, but it was a failsafe in case all else failed. Hoping beyond belief that Issei had a powerful sacred gear to turn her situation for the better, Rias had a lot riding on him. Though now all she could do was despair at that plan going down the drain for waiting too long it appears, and she could only blame herself for that.
Sigh*
Clutching her head in frustration, Rias felt like breaking into the morgue and resuscitating him, but sadly, the Evil piece was only useful after a certain amount of time after death, it wasn't a miracle worker despite popular belief, there were limits to what it could do.
Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Rias slowly turned to gaze into the eyes of her current preoccupation. His brown eyes that looked at her with concern, the slight downturned of his lips, to how his scowl lightly deepened. Rias found Ichigo's face to be cute as he stared at her in worry, and soon enough a light smile found itself on her face.
"What's wrong Ichigo?" she asked as she looked at him.
"I should be the one asking you that. You look like someone just shot your dog in front of you." Ichigo said in worry as he had seen her face go through many emotions after hearing of Issei's death. From shock, sadness, regret, frustration, guilt, annoyance, and finally anger.
"Is that so? Don't worry I…just have a lot on my mind right now is all." And she wasn't lying either. From dealing with outside forces encroaching onto her territory, to a stray devil walking around freely and wanting to kill her friend, to being unable to prevent Issei's death do to a lack of surveillance on him, though that last one was because she had totally forgotten about him after so many crazy events, it had completely slipped her mind.
Still, it wouldn't bring him back and now she could only move forward and figure out another way to end her engagement.
Another way…
Huh?
Did Ichigo always feel like this?
Noticing a definite shift in Ichigo's aura. Rias looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze. Same eyes, same face, same expressions, yet over all that there was a certain difference in her otherwise human friend.
"A draconic aura? But where did he obtain it!? It was only yesterday when he still felt human." Sensing the shift in Rias mood, Ichigo looked at her once more with a confusing gaze.
"Is there something on my face." Ichigo asked, noticing how she was looking at him.
"Huh? Oh! No, I was just thinking about something is all." Rias said in an effort to change the subject, wanting to keep her thoughts to herself.
"Is that so? Does it have something to do with me perhaps~" Ichigo teased Rias, a small smirk on his face.
"Actually yes." Rias shot back, a sly smile on her face.
Surprised at that, Ichigo shot Rias a questioning look. "What do you mean by that?" he asked.
"Simple really, how would you like to walk home together today." Rias asked, a smile on her face as she saw Ichigo blush at such a bold request.
"Don't you have club activities or something!?" Ichigo said after recomposing himself.
"Not today~ I gave everyone some time off to do their own things after all the stress of the last few days." Rias said, though it wasn't the complete truth, she had them on standby just in case they needed to confront the stray devil as she and Ichigo walked home. Hopefully the damn thing wasn't stupid enough to attack him in her presence.
"Besides, I feel like we should take the next step in our relationship, so why don't we walk home together from now on, or at least whenever I have time." Rias suggested.
"Do you even live anywhere near me?" Ichigo asked. After all, as far as Ichigo was concerned, Rias practically lived in the school, he didn't even know where she lived in Kuoh town.
"I have a place silly, besides it doesn't matter if I live close by or not, I can just have someone from my family home pick me up, besides, it's the experience that counts, and I've always been curious about your home." Rias explained, finding an excuse to accompany Ichigo.
"You sure you want to visit my place." Ichigo asked, slight concern in his voice.
"Why? is something wrong?" Rias asked, having noticed the shift in his demeanor.
"Well, I'm not saying there is anything wrong, it's just that my family, mostly my father really, can be a bit of an oddball." Ichigo explained.
"Aren't all families like that though?" Rias said indifferently.
"Perhaps. My Mom is pretty normal, if a bit too cheerful at times. My younger sister Karin can be temperamental if a bit sarcastic and usually has a good poker face. As for my other younger sister Yuzu, she is just like my mom, innocent really. Though my father, he is…unique, he can be a bit of a man-child, and well, he has a goofy personality, sometimes when dealing with serious situations in the clinic he runs, he will usually be serious and act like a proper adult, though rarely do I see that side of him." Ichigo explained his family to the best of his ability.
"They sound like a fun bunch!" Rias smiled, not seeing anything wrong with his family.
"Yeah well, don't be surprised if my dad starts asking you if we're dating or something and when he can expect grandchildren or something like that." Ichigo remarked.
"Would he really!?" Rias seemed surprised at that bit of information, a light blush dusting her cheeks.
"Hmm, maybe, it's hard to know what he's thinking at times." Ichigo mulled over it.
"Cough* well, I wouldn't mind it too much." Rias said as she recomposed herself.
"Honestly if he sees you and does ask that, just ignore him and let my mom deal with him." Ichigo shrugged in a 'what can you do' kind of way.
"I'll do that." She agreed.
A moment of silence followed their conversation as they both just stared at each other for a bit. Though the silence was soon broken by Ichigo asking Rias a question. "So, what about-" Before he could finish, the teacher entered the classroom and all chatter ceased as they focused on the lesson ahead.
"Sorry were you going to say something?" Rias asked.
"I'll tell you later, seems times run out." Ichigo said as he faced the front.
Like that another day of classes began.
Sometime later…
It was the end of the day and Ichigo was currently standing near the gates as he waited for Rias to head home. She apparently had a matter to settle with Sona before she could leave and well, it wasn't like ichigo had anything important to do today anyways. Well, that wasn't exactly right, apparently exams were right around the corner and Ichigo and Rias decided to use that as an excuse for her to visit his home so they could study together.
It was the first time Ichigo ever had a friend come over to his home, and honestly, he couldn't help but feel excited if a bit nervous as well. "I really hope that dad doesn't embarrass himself in front of her." Ichigo thought to himself already sensing a disaster ahead.
It was a few minutes later that Rias exited the building and headed his way, catching the attention of the students who still lingered near the area. "Sorry for the wait, I had to talk to Sona about something coming up in a few days." Rias said, though what she really meant was to ask about their progress towards finding the stray as it was Sona duty to take care of Kuoh town during the day and Rias turn during the night.
"No problem, so you ready." Ichigo asked as he looked at Rias.
"Lead the way." She said, a smile on her face.
Though Rias next action left Ichigo in a flustered position as she linked her arm with his own, effectively gluing herself to his side. The surprised gasps of the peanut gallery that witnessed the scene were left ignored by the two who started leaving the area soon after, though mostly ichigo walking and Rias getting dragged by him.
"Was that necessary!?" Ichigo asked. Having left the area to avoid the eyes of the crowd, Ichigo looked down at Rias with a bit of annoyance on his face.
"What do you mean?" She said with a mischievous look on her face.
"You- unbelievable! Now I won't hear the end of it till next week." Ichigo groaned, already expecting the rumors and noisy complaints of his relationship with Rias from the rest of the student body. Under normal circumstances, Ichigo wouldn't care, but unfortunately, Ichigo underestimated Rias's popularity with the rest of the student body that even Ichigo was scared at how far the rest of Rias admirers would go for her.
"HA! Lighten up Ichigo~" Rias said as she walked next to him. "Besides, I thought you would enjoy it~" pressing herself closer, Ichigo could feel his arm being pressed against her ample chest. Blushing, Ichigo faces forward attempting to ignore the feeling of his arm against her chest.
"Cough* How daring of you. If I didn't know you any better I would think you were trying to seduce me, Rias." Ichigo said, trying to recompose himself.
"Heh~ and if I was trying to, what would Mr. Strawberry do about it! Hmm~" Rias said as she smirked at Ichigo with a playful look in her eyes.
"Hoh~ challenging me are you. Very well then it appears the princess needs some attention." Ichigo said, a smirk of his own spreading across his face.
Unable to React to what Ichigo did next, Rias was suddenly swept off her feet into Ichigo's arms, specifically into the princess carry style. Ichigo had effectively released his arm from her clutch, grabbed her by the back and her legs and swept her upward all in the span of a second. Surprised at the sudden action, Rias stared dumbfounded at Ichigo before realization hit her and suddenly her face turned as red as her hair.
"That's a nice look on your face Rias, I wonder what people would think if they saw me carrying you across town like this." Ichigo said, a grin spreading across his face.
"P-PUT ME DOWN!" Rias said, flustered at having been picked up by Ichigo in such a way.
"Why should I, besides I thought you wanted us to be a little closer." Ichigo smirked as he held Rias in his arms.
"OK you made your point! Now hurry up and let me down!" Rias said as she struggled in his arms.
"Sure." Placing her down, Rias got back on her feet though she now sported an annoyed look on her face.
"Next time warn me before you do that." Rias grumbled. Her face averting his, though the small blush could still be seen on her.
"Next time? Did the Princess fall for my Roguish charm perhaps?" Ichigo laughed.
"Only someone like me would fall for that ugly mug of yours." Rias said carelessly.
"What?"
"What?"
Turning to face each other after that comment, Ichigo and Rias sported surprised faces as they stared at one another.
"Uh…did you say something?" Ichigo said, a strange expression on his face.
"N-No! it was a slip of the tongue. What I meant to say is that only your mother could love that face of yours." Rias said as she tried to cover up her earlier words.
"Ouch." Ichigo said in faux hurt.
"Alright let's stop messing around and get a move on before we draw attention to ourselves." Rias said as she once more took her place at his side.
"Fine, still, don't be surprised if my dad starts saying some embarrassing stuff." Ichigo sighed as he walked home with Rias.
"Do you think they'll like me?" Rias couldn't help but ask.
"No Rias, they'll Love you." Ichigo stated.
Like that the two continued on their walk.
"You're stalling" Rias stated.
"No." Ichigo said.
"Then open the door already." Rias said.
"Hold on, I have to prepare myself mentally first." Ichigo sighed.
"You're overreacting." Rias scoffed.
"Hey, this is the first time I'm bringing a friend home with me, add to that, said friend happens to be the prettiest girl of the school." Ichigo remarked.
"Heh~ is that so? Than consider me honored at being your first." Rias joked.
"It sounds weird when you word it like that." Ichigo said.
"You're the one who started complimenting my looks, though I'm used to such things, its sounds better coming from Mr. Strawberry here." Rias grinned.
"Don't let it go to your head." Ichigo sighed.
"Ok, but, seriously open the door already, we look like weirdos just standing around talking in front of your front door." Rias nudged him.
"Alright…here we go." Grabbing the handle, Ichigo opened the door.
Walking inside, making sure to take their shoes off by the entrance, Ichigo called out to his family. "Hey guys, I'm back."
Walking into the living room, a call soon sounded out from the kitchen. "Back already." His mom called out.
"Yeah, oh right, I brought home a friend too if you don't mind." Ichigo said as he walked towards the kitchen.
"A friend?" his mom questioned, bewildered.
"Huh? Brother brought home a friend, how unexpected." Yuzu said.
"No way, Ichigo actually has friends, I thought he was making that up." Karin said.
Walking into the kitchen with an annoyed look on his face, Ichigo called out to them. "You guys do know I can here you right. Also, Rude! I have friends, just because I don't talk about them that much doesn't mean they don't exist." Ichigo said exasperated by their reactions.
"Oh yeah well where are they then." Karin said as she looked over at her brother.
"Huh? Oh right, Rias! Come over here and introduce yourself." Ichigo called out to her as Rias who was standing a few paces behind ichigo finally moved forward. Popping around the corner, Rias stood by Ichigo's side, a confident smile on her face as she turned to look at the stunned family of Ichigo.
"Hello, my name is Rias Gremory, a pleasure meeting you." Rias said as she did a small bow.
Honestly, Masaki didn't know what to expect when her son said he had brought a friend over. She couldn't remember her son ever making a friend, much less bringing one over to their home. Though a part of her felt happy for her eldest child, knowing that he was finally socializing with people his age, after all, as his mother, Masaki felt worried that her son would grow up without having made any meaningful relationships in his life.
Though it seems that thought was now put to rest as she stared at the beautiful woman standing by her son. She looked like a foreigner, perhaps from the states, or Europe. She had creamy white skin, Crimson red hair; a peculiar color but nonetheless it enhanced her exoticness and beauty. Aquamarine eyes that held a tinge of confidence within them, and an aura of someone that was sure of themselves.
Her son said he brought home a friend. Did he leave out the girl in the friend part?
Staring at the buxom beauty, Masaki was speechless for a second. Though as if voicing her thoughts, Karin who had dropped the spoon she had been holding out of shock, soon broke out of her stupor before voicing her incredulousness.
"Hey bro, I thought you said you brought home a friend, not your girlfriend." Karin said candidly.
"KARIN!" scandalized, Yuzu shouted at Karin for her boldness at saying something rude to their guest.
"Karin, you're being rude, don't make Ichigo's friend feel uncomfortable." Masaki said after a moment, having recomposed herself after the surprise wore off.
Turning to face the two teenagers who now sported light blushes on their faces at Karins words, it was Ichigo who first recomposed himself before giving Karin an exasperated look. "Karin, think before you say something." Ichigo sighed.
"Alright I'm sorry." Karin said as she looked at Rias, who still had a light blush on her face.
"Don't worry, I don't mind it, it wouldn't be the first time someone has assumed your brother and I are in a relationship." Rias said after a moment, not minding her words.
"Is that so." Karin stated, giving her brother a side eye.
"Anyways, I'm Karin, that idiot's younger sister." Karin said indifferently.
"What kind of introduction is that?" Ichigo said annoyedly.
"H-Hello, I'm Yuzu, it's a pleasure meeting you as well." Yuzu said cheerily, though still a bit surprised at Rias presence.
"And I'm Masaki, the mother of these three, please make yourself at home." Masaki said after a moment, a kind smile on her face.
"Thank you for having me." Rias bowed again.
"Anyways, Me and Rias are going to be studying for our exams coming up so don't make too much noise please. Also, where's dad." Ichigo said after all the introductions were out of the way.
"Your father should be in the clinic dealing with some patients at the moment, so he should be busy for the time being." Masaki said after a moment.
"Alright then." With that Ichigo turned around with Rias on the way as they headed up towards his room.
Seeing the two teens disappearing up the stairs, Karin was the first to voice her thoughts. "I don't know how, but, big bro really scored high." Karin said after a moment, clearly approving of her brother's choice.
"Karin, Ichigo said they were just friends." Yuzu corrected Karin.
"That's what he says, but, I can tell, trust me Yuzu, those two will end up together before you know it." Karin sipped her tea as she said this.
"What about you mom, what did you think of Ichigo's friend." Yuzu asked.
"Hmmm, I wouldn't mind having her as my daughter-in-law." Masaki smiled at that, after all, from what she could see, not only did the young girl have a beautiful appearance, but, she was also someone who got along well with her son to the point that he brought her home with him. Add to that, Masaki could tell Rias had feelings for her son, call it a woman's intuition, but from the reaction she got from karin's bold question, Masaki could agree with her more perceptive daughter.
Now it was up to her son to figure that out for himself.
Looking around Ichigo's room, Rias made herself comfortable on his bed. There was desk next to it piled with books and paper, a closet, some picture frames of ichigo and his family hanged on the wall, and a single window in the room with green curtains pulled to the side to let the light inside. it was a small room by her standards with hardwood flooring. Yet, the homely feeling of it all, this was Ichigo's room, her friends' room, no matter how small, it was a place Rias wouldn't mind spending time in.
Sitting on the chair opposite of Rias, Ichigo was gauging her reaction to his room. Though soon another feeling surged across his body. He didn't know why but seeing Rias sitting on his bed as she looked around his room filled ichigo with a certain type of feeling he couldn't quite place. He could feel his heart pounding a little bit harder and his blood rushing just a tiny bit faster.
"So, this is your room, huh, I didn't know what to expect honestly but it's quite clean, and organized." Rias stated as she turned back to him.
Recomposing himself, Ichigo threw away whatever thoughts he had previously. "Yeah, well, I tend to clean my room ever so often, I don't quite like having my stuff strewn around my room, so I make sure to pick up after myself." Ichigo commented.
"How responsible of you." Rias smiled.
"What about you?" ichigo asked.
"What about me?" Rias questioned.
"I meant to ask about your family earlier in class." Ichigo said.
"My family?" She questioned.
"Yeah, after all, you already met mine, I wish to hear about yours now." Ichigo answered.
"…" Rias hesitated over it.
"You don't have to if you don't want to, I don't know your situation, and I don't want to upset you by talking about it." Ichigo said promptly, noticing her hesitation to talk about her family.
"…No, it's fine, don't worry." Rias said after a moment.
"You sure?" Ichigo asked.
"Yeah, so what do you want to know?" Rias asked.
"Whatever you're willing to share." Ichigo answered.
"Heh, in that case, let me regale you with the story of the great Gremory family."
Like that Ichigo got to know many things of Rias' family, such as the fact that her parents owned many businesses across the states and European countries, as well as the fact that she had an older brother, who had separated from the family to start his own business that was even more successful than her parents and that Rias was the apparent heir to be since her older brother didn't need it. Of course, Ichigo knew that deep down this wasn't all the truth, and that Rias was hiding thigs from him, like the fact that she was a devil, that she was a member of the nobility of the underworld, that her brother was in fact Lucifer. So many things left unsaid, and yet, Ichigo couldn't blame her, for he knew that Rias only saw him as a normal human, and he was fine with that.
A part of Ichigo simply felt that things should continue like this, to live both their lives in ignorance of one another, and yet, he knew that one day, sooner or later, the light will come down to reveal all that's hidden underneath the surface. Till then, Ichigo and Rias would both play the role of normal humans.
It's all they could do for now.
"Your family sounds interesting." Ichigo said.
"You think so? Well, if forced to attend events and play the role of some bigshot sounds great to you I don't know what to think. It can be quite tiring dealing with people constantly seeking your approval and constant fake attempts at flattery, just so they can take advantage of you so they can climb higher up the social ladder." Rias said as she laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling as she talked about her life.
It was soon after that a laugh burst out of Ichigo.
"What's so funny?" Rias questioned.
"Sorry, it's just ironic honestly. Since the first day I met you, I gave you the nickname of Princess as a joke, and it's only up until this moment that I realize that for all intents and purposes you really are one. It's just perfect." Ichigo said as he tried to control his laughter.
Hearing that, Rias also couldn't help but laugh along with him, sure it was a joke at her expense, but whatever. Soon enough the two regained their control and a comfortable silence settled between the two.
Though a thought soon crossed her mind and Rias mood soon soured.
Noticing the shift in Rias expression, Ichigo couldn't help but ask out of concern. "What's the matter?" They had been having a great time thus far, Ichigo didn't understand that unwilling look that Rias now sported.
Seeing that she had been caught, Rias sighed and shook her head. "Don't worry about it, it's not really something that I should talk about, much less since I plan to resolve it one way of another someday." Rias said with a serious gaze.
"Trouble back home." Ichigo guessed.
"More than you know, honestly, that's mainly the whole reason I'm here in this town, to get away from it all, and…clear my mind off it I guess. Or as you can simply call it, I'm running away from it, stalling the best I can." Rias shrugged.
"And the runaway princess has found her way into my home, should I be worried that you'll one day be whisked away from me." Ichigo joked.
"…" seeing her downtrodden expression after he said that, Ichigo realized that the problem was a lot more serious than he thought.
"Rias…" Ichigo called out to her.
"…" Still the girl did not answer.
Sighing, Ichigo got up from his seat and moved towards his bed before lying down on it next to Rias who was staring far off into the distance, seemingly lost in her own world. Laying himself down, Ichigo too faced upwards, his presence merely there to support the girl in silence. It was a few minutes later that, Rias finally spoke, though with a bit of hesitance in it that was so unlike the girl he knew.
"Ichigo, can I…confide something to you." Rias said quietly, if not hesitantly.
"If you so wish, I won't force it out of you even if I'm curious myself, after all, if it's something uncomfortable you don't wish to talk about, I'll understand." Ichigo responded, his voice calm.
"…"
"Though as your friend, I wish to hear your troubles Rias, to know what I can do to help you, after all, you are the first person I ever called friend in my life." Ichigo admitted. "I don't know if that means anything to you, but, you hold a special place in my heart, more than you could ever know." Ichigo revealed, catching Rias attention as she turned her head to look at Ichigo who held his gaze upwards.
"You know something, do you know what I thought when I first saw you on my first day of school." Ichigo said. Though not waiting for her answer, Ichigo continued. "I thought to myself, just how can someone be so beautiful, as I saw you sitting there in the center of the class, you looked like a red rose in full bloom, that you made everything else pale in comparison." Ichigo confessed, surprising Rias in the process at such an admittance.
"And then…our eyes met, and in that single second where we both looked into each other's eyes, I…" Turning to look into Rias eyes that had widened, Ichigo smiled.
"Felt my heart move for someone for the first time in my life." Ichigo said, a gentle smile on his face.
There was an old saying that eyes were the windows to the soul, and as the two stared deep into one another, the mixed emotions swirling within, the yearning, all of it was being laid bare. Though for now they didn't know what to call that emotion, the beating of their hearts, the rush of blood, the blush on their faces, and the moment of magical silence between the two could not hide the feelings within.
If only for a moment, all the troubles they carried ceased to be, and only they remained.
Rias for her part was transfixed by Ichigo's gaze, his captivating eyes that held a gentle side within, his smile that could light up a room, his comforting presence that wrapped around her as if to protect her from anything and everything. Rias had met many people throughout her life, as a member of the 72 pillars, as heiress to the great clan Gremory, and sister to the current Lucifer. Rias was a desired individual both within and outside her faction. Possessing power, fortune, connections, and beauty, Rias lacked nothing, or so they believed.
She has had many people that wished to court her, many to the point that she had grown sick of it. The veiled praises, fake smiles, leering gazes, and needless gifts that piled on her. Rias had seen it all, and yet, of all those people, her parents chose the one person who encompassed all that she hated. All in the form of Riser Phenex.
Rias knew what he wanted from her. He wanted Gremory, and all that it entailed, she was only a means for him, for his drive for more power, for his Rise to greater heights. Power, Wealth, Prestige, if it meant having to marry her to obtain it all, so be it. His arrogance, his perverse nature, the way he talked and moved, as if they should worship the ground he treads upon. Rias detested him. It wasn't even the Harem he called his peerage that upset her, it was the way he didn't even try to get to know her, only bothering to give her bare minimum of attention before moving on to one of his girls. He didn't care for her, didn't acknowledge her existence beyond what was needed.
She was a thing.
And she would be forced to marry him and give birth to his children.
A fate decided upon her by those who deemed themselves to know better.
If only she had a chance.
If only someone could see her for who she really was.
If only…she could have met 'him' earlier.
Ichigo was an unexpected variable in her life. A normal human for all intents and purposes, one who's life was as fleeting as the passing wind, a mere flutter and gone the next. Their paths were never meant to have crossed, hell, they didn't even belong to the same world, and yet, as if to defy fate itself, here she was, on his bed as they gazed at one another with emotions that none of them were ready for, that the world was not ready for.
Ichigo was one of the few people that felt "Real" to her, yet he had wormed his way into her heart faster than anyone had done before. To think that her approaching him on that fateful day on the track field would one day grow into this.
"If only I had met you sooner."
Though the words went unsaid, the yearning was there, and oh how her heart yearned for him.
She once heard her mother tell her that it was the fleeting things in life that were the most beautiful...
And gazing into the gentle eyes of the man that laid beside her she realized…
That maybe her mom was onto something.
In the end, Rias confided with Ichigo about her arranged marriage, that despite her protesting, her parents still went and approved it. Now with only a few years left till the fated day, Rias was desperate to get away from it all. So here she was, buying as much time as she could possibly milk out of it. For once she graduated college, her family would come to marry her off.
Throughout all this, Ichigo stayed silent and listened till the end, his face calm despite the churning emotions within him. He had heard everything Rias had to say, from how her family wouldn't listen to her, to how much she detested her fiancé. Honestly, the situation was complicated, and as much as he wanted to take Rias side on this, Ichigo felt that there was more to the story that needed to be told.
After all, Rias herself said that her family loved her dearly, so suddenly marrying her off to someone she clearly despised was contradictive to the whole thing. No sane parent would wish unhappiness on their child, so why would people of such status and nobility want that for their one and only daughter. The situation didn't make sense to him, but, regardless, Ichigo knew one thing for certain.
Rias was upset.
As her friend, Ichigo would go to whatever length was necessary to keep her safe, whatever path they took in the future, should Rias ask for his help, he would gladly offer it. After all, she has already done so much for him in the short time they had known each other. It was only fair.
And also…
"I wish to see her happy."
He didn't know when or why, but, Ichigo always felt better when he was near her, to see her smile, to see her happy, to hear her voice call out his name. It left him feeling fulfilled on the inside, to bask in the presence of someone he's come to care about. Though he couldn't quite pin down the name on this emotion…it felt nice.
Still, he could think on these emotions later, right now, seeing Rias regaining her previous cheerfulness as she finished talking about her grievances, like someone had taken a load of her shoulders. Perhaps that's all she needed, not someone to give her advice, but, someone that could listen, if for a moment.
That was fine for him.
When he grew stronger, he would be able to do so much more than just listen.
Time flew by in the time that they spent talking with one another only to then focus on studying for the exams, though Rias and Ichigo were by no means stupid, and they both were confident enough to pass with good grades. Still, it all came to an end when Yuzu called down for them to have dinner.
Seeing how much time has passed, Ichigo realized that he was feeling hungry after so many hours just studying and reviewing. Looking to Rias who had put her book down, Ichigo spoke up. "Do you want to stay and have dinner with us or will you be going home soon." Ichigo asked.
"I'll stay, wouldn't want to miss a homecooked meal prepared by your mom." Rias said.
"Alright then, lets go." Ichigo said as he moved to stand up.
"I'll join up with you in a bit, I just got to clean this mess up really quick." Rias said.
"Huh, ok then, I'll be down waiting for you." Ichigo left the room and headed down the stairs.
Hearing his footsteps fading away, Rias moved into action. Using her powers, Rias started to draw a magical circle into the floor of Ichigo's room, more specifically it was a teleportation circle that would allow only her to have access to it. While she could easily just use her own ability to transport herself into the room, Rias felt that every second mattered, as such, having an already installed teleportation circle would be much faster and instantaneous than if she would to put in the coordinates and a magic spell and have the delay before moving.
It was in preparation for the Stray's attack that was bound to happen.
Working quickly and efficiently, the circle thrummed with power in a crimson glow, right before dissipating into thin air as she put a concealment spell on it. After all, she wouldn't know how to explain herself to Ichigo if he found out she just drew a circle onto his floor. Giving the spell another check, Rias nodded her head in approval before leaving downstairs to join Ichigo and his family for dinner.
Descending the stairs, Rias met the patriarch of the Kurosaki household, he is a tall muscular man with spiky black hair, brown eyes, and thin facial hair. Rias could see the resemblance between father and son as they stood side by side, and she wondered if this is what Ichigo would look like in his forties. Though his mother's features also helped out with giving him his unique hair color.
Seeing the man turn his gaze towards her, a small flash of surprise passed through him before he smiled in her direction. He had heard from his wife that his son had brought a friend home and that she was a beautiful girl. Isshin of course was skeptical at first, after all, when had Ichigo ever had a friend, much less hang out with the opposite sex. Still, seeing is believing as they say, and watching the crimson haired woman walking down the stairs sure wiped out all doubts he had. It would appear all those talks about bringing a girl home one day were not wasted on his son.
"Wipe that goofy smile of your face, you're going to creep her out old man." Ichigo said bluntly to Isshin.
"It's alright Ichigo." Rias said not minding it in the slightest. Turning to face Isshin, Rias did a light bow in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you, sir, I'm Rias Gremory, a friend of your son." Rias introduced herself once more.
"Please, call me Isshin, no need for such formalities here, after all, someone as charming as you is more than my son here deserves, as his father I could not be more proud of him." Isshin said with a light laugh.
"In that case thank you for having me here, Isshin." Rias said with a smile.
"Of course, now let's have dinner with the rest while the food is till warm." Isshin said before moving over to the table leaving Ichigo and Rias to follow after.
"See, I told you they would all like you." Ichigo said.
"Was there ever any doubt." She proclaimed.
"Heh, careful, they might just want you to stay here forever." Ichigo joked.
"I wouldn't mind if it's with you." Rias said before walking past him, leaving a stunned Ichigo behind. A blush had formed on his face, and for a moment, Ichigo thought he was hearing things. Still, not one to think too much about it, Ichigo recomposed himself before heading to the kitchen.
He could think on Rias words later, right now food came first.
It was an enjoyable dinner, mostly about Masaki and Isshin asking about how the two met and about her family, which she didn't mind answering them. Though his father almost chocked on his food when he realized Rias was practically a "Young Master" with her being the Heiress to her families Corporation.
Regardless, it was good seeing his family and Rias having a great time, though all things had to end eventually. Standing outside the door, Rias and Ichigo were saying their goodbyes as Rias ride had arrived in the form of a black sedan with a maid getting out the car to wait patiently for Rias.
"I had a good time." She said as she looked at him.
"Same, we should do this more often, whenever you have time that is." Ichigo agreed.
"Absolutely, your mother's cooking is amazing." Rias complimented.
"I'm sure she'd be excited to here that." Ichigo said.
"…" A moment of comfortable silence settled between the two as they stared at one another, a certain unwillingness in Rias eyes, almost like she was reluctant to leave.
"I'll see you at school tomorrow." Rias finally said, a hesitance in her step as she got ready to leave.
"Of course, stay safe." Ichigo said as he saw Rias start to slowly walk away. Sighing, Ichigo went to return inside his house. Though soon the sound of footsteps approaching him from behind had him swiftly turn around in surprise as Rias slammed into his chest, her arms wrapping around him in a hug. Startled, Ichigo instinctively wrapped his own arms around her to bring her closer so as to not lose his own balance in the process.
"…Rias?" Ichigo questioned. Not understanding the why, Ichigo just stood there as she hugged him, though he didn't mind it in the slightest. Bringing her head forward, Rias gained the courage to whisper something into his ear while he held her in his arms.
"You know something Ichigo, you should be careful about what you say to a girl, you might just end up having me fall for you with what you said earlier in your room." Rias whispered into his ear, a small smirk on her face as she looked at ichigo's blushing face.
Deciding to leave it at that, Rias left, not waiting for Ichigo to respond to her words. Standing frozen at the door, even after Rias vehicle had left the driveway, Ichigo just stared at the same spot Rias had just been. Recomposing himself, Ichigo went inside, closed the door behind him and went back to his room.
Sometime later…
Staring at the ceiling of his room, Ichigo laid there in contemplation, his thoughts running a mile a second. The words that Rias said to him swirling in his head like a storm. He truly didn't know quite how to take them, it was…new.
In the little time they knew each other, Ichigo found that Rias was a nice, compassionate, mischievous, flirtatious, funny, and prideful person. It was difficult for him to describe her in a singular word, yet, towards him, she was all those things and so much more. Ichigo had seen so many sides of her that others would never have the chance to do so, and today, he had seen another side. Her vulnerabilities, her past, her grievances, her sadness, so many emotions. Yet there was also something more when he spoke his true feeling on the matter in an effort to cheer her up.
Surprise, happiness, yearning, hesitance…and…
Dare he say it.
"…Love."
The words slipped out of his mouth, like the answer was there all along just for him to see, yet so difficult to identify. In fact, he wasn't sure if that was even the word to use in this situation. After all, what did he know about such a thing. Still, seeing her smile, seeing how she looked at him, how she acted around him, and the words she left for him. When had these feelings slowly start to develop around them. Sure, she didn't say the words Love, or Like. But, she had implied that she no longer started seeing him as just a friend, now, if things continued down this road, one day perhaps…
His heart thumped harder in his chest, almost as if answering for him. When had he stopped seeing Rias as just a friend? Did he truly want something more? If so, would she want the same thing as well.
But most importantly, would it work?
Sigh*
Rubbing his head in exhaustion, Ichigo let out a tired sigh. "Dammit Rias, now you have me all worked up, I…don't know what to think anymore." He wondered if he should confront her or to leave things as they were. Just how could he look her in the face if she expressed her interest in him in such a way.
Deciding to not worry about it anymore, Ichigo went to bed, he could think of it on his sleep, for now all problems could wait for tomorrow.
Sitting in the car as her maid took her home, Rias had a happy smile on her face as she thought about her time at the Kurosaki household, about her time with Ichigo. A small blush dusted her cheeks as she thought about his confession from earlier. About how forward he had been, it was a unique experience for her.
"Felt my heart move for someone for the first time in my life." Those words struck her more than she could admit. Rias couldn't imagine just how long Ichigo has felt that way about her, about how much she has felt that way about him. Despite only knowing each other for a little more than a month, there friendship had progressed far to the point that she had started to feel a different type of way for him. Sure, she had always found Ichigo handsome, kind, considerate, respectful if a bit serious at times. Yet he had fun side to him as well, he joked with her, listened to her, and as of recently…expressed an interest in her.
He didn't say it, but, he implied it after that conversation, as such, she reciprocated the action as well. She could only hope that things didn't get awkward between them after today. If anything, she wondered how their relationship should continue. These feelings inside of her, the yearning, although she wouldn't call it love, it was affection in a way that was more than one would feel for a friend.
"I…want to be with him." Rias thought to herself as she stared out the window.
When has she ever felt like this for someone, the answer was never. Ichigo was the first man Rias could claim that she developed feelings for, and in a way that was special for her. Still, despite what her heart wanted, there was one glaring problem to her plan of hooking up with Ichigo. That was her family and arranged marriage situation.
How would her family take that she had developed feelings for a human of all beings, not very well and she knew that. Sure, Ichigo was a bit special even amongst humans, add the recent development of the draconic aura surrounding him, and it might just be a powerful sacred gear that suddenly revealed itself within him. Yet despite that, what was a potential sacred gear user compared to the restoration of their species. After the great war, the devils had almost been wiped out, with little more than half the pillars remaining, afraid of going extinct, houses were now trying to get the younger generation to start repopulating the underworld and to form alliances between noble houses through marriage. Hence her current situation.
Add in that the Phenex clan wasn't one to look down on, and Rias was already in a tough spot if she couldn't figure out a way to end her engagement peacefully without offending them. Just because her family had a higher rank amongst the pillars didn't mean they could just make enemies wantonly with the other houses. Even more so with her brother being one of the current Satans, she would not want to make life any more difficult for her dearest brother just because of her own problems, he had far more important matters to worry about.
"One step at a time, one step at a time" She thought to herself.
Rias would sort out the feelings in her heart another time, for now all she wanted was to go home and rest, while having sweet dreams about a certain strawberry boy.
"…"
It would appear that those plans were going to have to wait though…
"Cindy, stop the car here." Rias ordered.
"Madam? this is the middle of the road, I don't under-" she was soon cut off by a figure appearing down the road.
Slamming the breaks before she could run the idiot over, Cindy swerved the car to a stop, only a few feet away from the figure that stared at them in the shadows. Opening the door, Rias slowly stepped out, her figure standing tall and proud as she stared down the figure amongst the shadows.
"Madam?" the Maid questioned, sensing something was wrong.
"Cindy. It would be best if you left the area, it would appear that I have a rude guest I need to educate on touching things that don't belong to them." Rias ordered, her voice leaving no room for objection.
"I…understand. Please be careful Madam." With that the car turned around and left speeding down the road. Though Cindy herself was a devil, she had no real power aside from whatever miniscule amount of demonic power she was born with. As such she was practically useless in a fight, only slightly better than a normal human and even then, it wasn't like she would always win either. No, her place was to leave the fighting to those more suited for it, plus, her madam was strong with her own peerage ready to assist her, she would be fine. She hoped.
Under the glow of the street light, Rias stared at the figure that stood beyond in the shadows, yet Rias was already aware of who it was.
"Well, don't you think it's rude to not present yourself, you stand before Rias Gremory, Heiress to the great noble clan of Gremory." Rias demanded as she introduced herself.
"Oh~ forgive me my discourtesy, you see, it has been a while since I last practiced etiquette, what with a whole bounty on my head and all that." The shadowed figure said as they started to step into the light.
The first thing Rias saw was the glowing golden cat like eyes of the woman and short white hair. She wore a black trench coat and a pair black knee-high boot. So, this was the stray that has been hiding in her territory.
"The name is Evelyn, former knight of house Vapula, now Stray devil." Evelyn grinned a sharp toothed smile as she looked at Rias.
"Evelyn, former knight of house Vapula, I've heard of your exploits in the Rating games, of your prowess in battle, of your title, The huntress." Rias said as she remembered the details in the reports about the stray in her territory.
"The great Rias Gremory herself has heard of me, I'm honored." She said, though the sarcasm was there as well.
"It's a shame, you had so much potential to keep going, for someone such as you to betray your master and be reduced to this, it's disheartening." Rias said, not minding Evelyn's tone.
Though upon hearing those words, Evelyn smile took a downturn, seemingly losing whatever playfulness she had. "Do not speak of matters you don't understand, Gremory." She said, a slight edge to her voice.
"Oh? My apologize then, it would seem that the reports didn't include your side of the story, would you care to enlighten me." Rias calmly said, unbothered by the increasingly dangerous atmosphere between the two.
"Sigh. Forget it, even if I told you, you wouldn't understand, you high and might pure bloods are all the same, we're only tools in your eyes, toys to play with as you see fit." Evelyn mocked.
"A bit prejudiced aren't you." Rias quipped.
"Please save the spiel about how you're all not as bad as you seem, I've heard it all the same from other peerages, but in reality, it's the same concept as taking care of a pet, you play with it when you want, feed it, build trust, and order it around. But as soon as they start stepping out of line, the chain around our necks tighten to bring us to heel." Evelyn said, a mocking grin on her face.
"After all, don't you apply the same concept to your servants." Evelyn said.
"They would disagree with you on that, but, even if I were to explain it, I'm afraid you wouldn't understand." Rias said, using the earlier words Evelyn used against her.
"Let's agree to disagree then." Evelyn said, no longer caring.
"Of course. Still for what reason do you stand before me now, have you come to seek asylum, do you desire to fall under my banner, if so I still have a knight piece I can use, or perhaps you have come to seek death." The power of destruction flared on her hand as she menacingly posed in front of Evelyn.
"Heh~ how scary. Still, while I thank you for the offer I'm afraid I'll have to decline all three." Evelyn said, a menacing grin on her face.
"Than what do you want, I'm not in the mood for games." Rias said.
"Simple really, I desire what I have already laid claim to, something which you have deemed to get close to." Evelyn accused.
"And that would be." A dangerous gleam flashed in Rias eyes.
"Don't you know~ of course I'm referring to a certain berry-boy~" Evelyn said playfully.
A swipe of Rias hands and a wave of destruction was sent hurling to Evelyn who dodged it by leaping into the air, who then melded with the shadows of the night.
"Oh my~ temper temper." Evelyn words resounded all around Rias.
"Listen here, stray, by the end of tonight I will kill you, whether it be my hand, or peerage, you will die." Rias proclimed as her power of destruction started to surround her.
"Is that so? Then I'm afraid I have to tell you that the reason I'm here is quite simple; you have annoyed me, I have watched, I have listened, and I'am sick of it, I will no longer stand for your continued existence." Evelyn declared. "I wonder what expression Ichigo will make when I present him your head, will he cry, will he get angry, or will he despair, oh~ I can't wait to see him, to ravage him, to break him~" Evelyn exhaled in ecstasy at the thought.
"Then I'm afraid he'll be left wondering because you're the one who's head will be left rolling."
Rias declared, though soon a portal appeared behind Rias, as her peerage had finally arrived to fight alongside their king.
"Besides who said this was going to be a one on one fight."
Like that Rias and her peerage prepared to face off against the stray devil, the flickering light of the lamp post soon giving way to the darkness.
The battle had commenced.
Author Note
Hello everyone, it would appear It took a bit longer to write this chapter though hopefully it was up to par.
Now somethings to talk about.
1st Ichigo is not going to permanently have the boosted gear, it's only a temporary measure before people complain I killed off issei for nothing. After all, Ddraig is going to follow a different route down the story.
2nd I hope no one takes what I wrote about Issei as "Bashing" because let's be honest with ourselves, if we knew people like Issei in our lives, unless we shared similar levels of perversion, I don't see myself being able to hang out with this guy. That and Issei already had a terrible reputation at school, I don't see anyone aside from his family and friends to grieve for him, and even then, his friends grieving is generous of me to write.
3rd Alright now this one I'm conflicted, and I'll admit, I don't know if I wrote it in a way that seems realistic. Romance has never been my strong suit. As such in my admittedly lack of experience with romance, I decided to go off of what felt right to me, of how two teenagers realize they have grown feelings for one another, not Love, but a simple desire to become more than just friends.
I'm sure we all had that phase in our lives where we had developed a crush, it's a bit difficult for me to convey the feelings into words.
4th Rias and Evelyn about to go at it, but what's this!? Her peerage joining in the fight, will Evelyn survive the 4 Vs 1 fight or will she die at their hands. Find out next time as I plan to write a hopefully exciting battle that demonstrates an accurate portrayal of their abilities.
Not much to say this chapter as it was mostly Ichigo and Rias coming to terms with their feelings for one another.
Till next time dear readers.
Have a great day.