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.

8. Chapter 8

Man had once been great, having built great civilizations, they had even once dreamed of walking amongst the stars, yet, all of it was snuffed out one day when the great war began. Now all that remained was a remnant of a once great people. Throughout all this time, they slowly watched as those remnants fought and squabbled amongst themselves for whatever scraps remained of the once beautiful planet, all the while hiding away from the terrors of the night that now roamed the earth.

A once proud people had been reduced to a shadow of their former selves. Where order and prosperity had once roamed, only chaos and lawlessness remained. Yet, despite all this, the ones who had to endure the worst of it, the weak that had to bend the knee to the warlords and tyrants that now ruled over the vestiges of man. All of them, within their hearts, whether together, or alone, aloud or silent, prayed for the day that they could look at the sun once more and never fear the night again.

They did so, till they couldn't no more.

One by one…

Step by step…

The hope that they had clung to…

…faded away to nothing.

Still, like embers in the night, all it takes is one to reignite.

Such was the day when a blinding pillar of light descended from the heavens with all its splendor and glory.

Though they didn't realize it at the time, the events that follow would shock many to the core, for they would soon learn of the man known as Ichigo Kurosaki.

---

Tales of a man wandering the fringes of civilization spread across the villages, towns and cities. Detailing of his exploits in combating the creatures and horrors of the night. They speak of how with one hand he could rain devastation, and with the other cleanse the land from the taint of corruption, bringing life back to the soil.

Travelers who encountered the stranger speak of his appearance, an orange haired man with brilliant golden eyes that shimmered like stars spoken of long ago, when the sky had not yet been clouded over by the filth and ashes of the war. The stranger would walk from town to town, helping those in need, either by vanquishing some horrifying monster that threatened them, or healing the wounded and sickly. With his magics, he would cleanse the land from the filth, making it easier for those to work the land and grow food. In places where corruption and crime ran rampant, the man would step up to punish the wicked. Regardless of where this stranger popped up in, all that followed in his wake was the restoration of order. Of hope for things to change.

Despite many that felt indebted to the man, there wasn't much they could do for him, nor did he ask them to, well aside from one thing.

"You need not reward me, simply spread my name across the lands, so that all will know." That was all he asked of them, though they didn't understand why, the folk did as they were told without question.

In the weeks that followed this request, even more events would continue to unfold that will make the man both famous and infamous across the world. For one such day, the stranger took to one of the remnant cities of the old world where the local tyrants and warlords resided. There on that day, news would spread of how the tyrants were overthrown by the man known as Ichigo Kurosaki, how he effortlessly eradicated them with but a swing of his sword of the purest black.

Shocked at such a turn of events, the locals gathered at the town square to witness the man that had done the deed. Standing at the podium the man had gathered the heads of all the warlords for all to witness. Where upon the man made his declaration.

"Long have you all lived under the rule of tyrants and warlords, forced to grit your teeth and bow your head to those who would neglect and trample on the lives that you have all strived for to this day. Yet now, here I stand before you and deliver unto you your retribution upon these so-called mighty men." The stranger known as Ichigo Kurosaki declared as he addressed the crowd of thousands.

"Though some of you might ask yourselves, What now? How will we protect ourselves from the horrors of the night? What does this stranger have planned? How will we live from now on?" The man said as he looked at the crowd and saw their weary faces.

"I will tell you what will happen from here on out, and I DECLARE THIS HERE FOR ALL OF YOU TO BEAR WITNESS!" Summoning his sword in a shimmer of gold, the man pointed it towards the clouded sky that has been like that for over hundreds of years.

SWOOSH*

All it took was one swing before the heavens parted in two. For gone were the sinister and darkened clouds that hung over them like omens of death, now like the stories told of days past, the people that had become used to the despair inducing skies, for the first time in their lives, bore witness to the glory of dawn.

"IF YOU FOLLOW ME, IF YOU LET ME GUIDE YOU ALL, I PROMISE THAT AS LONG AS I LIVE, FROM THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE WORLD, ACROSS THE SEAS AND MOUNTAINS, I WILL RECLAIM ALL THAT WAS LOST, AND USHER IN A NEW ERA FOR HUMANITY!" Raising his fist towards the sky, with the rising sun behind him, Ichigo stared down the crowd, his eyes filled with fierce determination, a powerful resolve to uphold his promise, and the will to proceed forward.

Shock, Confusion, Disbelief, Relief, Surprise, many emotions flashed across the faces of the people. Yet, one by one, as if touched by his words, the sincerity held within them, and the determination within his eyes, like finding themselves crossing a sturdy bridge unlike before which felt like a tight rope that could split in two at any moment. Slowly but surely, the crowd felt an emotion within their heart that they had thought long forgotten.

Raising their fist up one by one, the crowd, like a building crescendo, for the first time in their lives, a fire burned in their hearts, setting their heart ablaze. The only way to demonstrate it was to let it unto the high heavens. A thunderous cheer resounded across the square and out the city as many celebrated and cheered for their new leader.

Seeing this Ichigo let out a triumphant smile, his gaze unwavering and confident as he looked at his people.

"There it is…" Thinking to himself, Ichigo could feel the emotions within the hearts of his people.

"Remember this feeling, let it all out, let it spread through every inch of your soul."

"For it's the last thing a human being can lose."

"Never ever let it go."

"Never…"

"Lose…"

"Hope."

Like that Ichigo took charge of the city, having overthrown the tyrants that once ruled over the people. Slowly but surely, the events of this day spread across the land and beyond, telling of change to come.

And whether they were ready or not.

The Reclamation has already begun…

And they were too late to stop it.

---

Using his great power, Ichigo cast a holy circle over the city, not only would it work as a defensive barrier over the city from the creatures of the night, but it would also cleanse the nearby surroundings from the taint of corruption that has since seeped into the land ages ago.

It would be a long time before the earth healed from the damage, yet, with care and effort, Ichigo would surely be able to revitalize GAIA's energy. The will of the world to live would not so easily be vanquished.

Using his ability to peer into the hearts of man, Ichigo appointed trusted individuals to oversee rebuilding efforts, and relief programs for people that need them the most, though resources were strained, Ichigo would make sure that his people would not starve. His primordial power capable of warping reality, he could easily create the necessary amount of supplies needed for people to live.

Day by day, the people rebuilt the city into something that actually could be called a home instead of a ruin.

This was their starting point.

Where their journey would begin.

On a city named BASTION.

For it would stand as the stronghold for humanities will to survive and prosper.

---

Time passed quickly, days turned to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years. Throughout all this, Ichigo had accepted people from the surrounding regions into the newly rebuilt city. He had selected trusted personnel to oversee the city in his stead, not only that but he had also trained warriors to protect the city as well, after all his mission would not end in this one city, not until the whole of humanity stood under a single banner, his banner. Amongst the people he had selected to follow him in his journey, only one man stood out above the rest. With his power to peer into the hearts and souls of man, Ichigo discovered a gem amongst the rough.

Aizen Sosuke.

For all the effort he put into acting like a normal man, he was anything but. No matter how many layers and facades the man hid under, Ichigo could feel the unbridled ambition within him. The need for knowledge, for power, and direction. An unresolved purpose to give meaning to his existence.

And Ichigo would give him just that.

He taught him personally, not just how to wield a weapon, but of the magics and inner power of the soul, just like the Old Man did for him. Though he didn't acknowledge himself as the man's master, since he felt that it was inappropriate for himself to take a student when he himself had much to learn as well.

Instead, Ichigo settled for something different.

"You know you don't have to bow your head to me, I'm not your master, so, how about this…" Holding out his hand to the brown-haired man who stared at him in confusion.

"A friend. From this day forward, you will accompany me on my journey across this world, so that we may restore what was once lost, and usher in a new era for humanity. You will have my back and I will yours. What do you say, Aizen." Ichigo said as he smiled at the man.

Aizen stared into the determined eyes of the one who would one day show him the promise of a future. Seeing that confident smile of his, Aizen couldn't help but mirror it as he shook the man's hand in agreement, the only man Aizen would ever acknowledge as his one and only friend, even after the 13 were formed.

"No matter what comes our way, I'll always stand by your side, Ichigo." Like that a friendship that will surpass the concept of time had been formed, an unbreakable bond between two people who saw themselves as equals.

If only they knew of the wild times ahead.

---

The only thing he could remember when he was born, was the stench of blood in the air, no matter where or what time, the scent would follow him wherever he went.

Born as a slave, he didn't even know who his parents were, whether they died, or separated from him, who could say, and at this point in life, he didn't care.

With the only place he could call a home being the dirt at his feet and chains that bound him to his cell, the man could only stare at the floor in despondence.

Still, despite that, there was one thing that he could truly call his own.

"GIVE IT UP FOR THE ONE AND ONLY, THE SLAVE KNIGHT: KEVIN KASLANA!" The chains that bound him were soon loosened and freed from him. Standing up, the white haired and blue-eyed man approached the sand pit were many had met their end at his hands. The cheers and insults of the crowd did nothing to change his cold expression as he stared at his next opponent.

That's right, the only thing he could call his own was his name.

KEVIN! KEVIN! KEVIN! KEVIN! KEVIN!

As the people cheered his name, the feeling of slight satisfaction knowing that he would at least be remembered as one of the greatest pit fighters the world has ever seen, did nothing to change his impassive face, the piercing eyes that only held scorn, and the chilling aura of death that surrounded him.

After all what was the point of reacting to the cheers of the scum of the earth. All they were doing was dirtying the one thing he could say he owned.

Sigh*

Regardless…

This was his fate…

To Live.

To Fight.

To Die.

Still, even if he knew what the future awaited him, Kevin's will to survive did not waver, even if he knew it wasn't a life worth living. It didn't matter to him, so long as his body drew breath, so long as he could raise his fist, he would never give up.

Not until the very end.

Even if it was only out of spite for those who wished him dead…

Staring at his newest challenger, Kevin took in his appearance.

"How curious." Looking at the golden eyes and vibrant orange hair of the man, Kevin couldn't help but wince a little as his eyes strained against the saturation of color, such an eyesore. Nothing against the guy, but for someone whose life revolved around being surrounded by dull colors of gray, black, and white. Seeing such resplendence from the man just hurt his eyes a bit.

Shaking those thoughts out of his head, Kevin refocused as he stared at his opponent. Getting into a stance, Kevin readied himself for the fight ahead.

Still, for some reason as he took in his opponent, a certain sense of uneasiness spread throughout Kevin. The stranger's vibrant eyes, that seemed to pierce into one's soul with but a glance, gazed into his own blue orbs. For a brief moment, Kevin felt like he had fallen to the bottom of the ocean, like deep suffocating pressure had settled on his shoulders. Widening his eyes in surprise at the feeling, the sensation that had fallen on him soon gave way as Kevin pushed back against it instinctually, momentarily easing it and surprising the stranger in the process.

A smile settled on the strangers' face.

Huff*

Letting out a breath of air, beads of sweat had formed on Kevin forehead as the feeling of crushing pressure disappeared from his shoulders.

"What was that!?" the sudden force that had pinned him down, as if to test him, had eased. Looking at his opponent, Kevin who had repeatedly brushed shoulders with death, in fact it was a daily occurrence for him, yet, looking into those golden eyes, the sharpness in those eyes, the intent. For the first time in his life, Kevin felt closer to death than he had ever felt before.

Like standing before an apex predator, an insurmountable obstacle that stood before him.

His stance wavered briefly.

"FIGHT!" called out the announcer to the two individuals.

Recomposing himself, Kevin shook all distractions out of his head before jumping into action.

"Regardless of how I feel, I won't let this be the end of me." Resolving himself for the tough fight ahead, Kevin knew that it would be fruitless if he didn't end the fight as fast as possible, and to do so, he would make sure to seize the initiative.

Using his abilities honed through constant battle and self-training, Kevin appeared before his opponent who had yet to move a muscle. Throwing his fist forward, Kevin expected the man to either dodge, or block him. Yet, much to his surprise, the man countered with his own attack. grabbing his wrist, the man pulled him in close before slamming him unto the sandy ground.

"Ack!" letting a pained grunt escape his mouth, Kevin tried to sweep the man's legs, though, the man was fast enough to react by slightly jumping back from his position.

Getting back to his feet, Kevin analyzed his opponent, so far, he had proven to have impressive reaction speed, as well as strength to match him. It would appear a formidable opponent had appeared this time unlike the usual rabble he fought.

"Troublesome." Kevin couldn't help but think.

"How interesting." The man said as he cast Kevin an amused gaze.

"…" deciding not to ask what the man referred to, Kevin shot into action once more, seeing as holding back was completely unnecessary, Kevin made sure to use his strength to the fullest as he launched a flurry of punches in his opponent's direction.

Still, like trying to catch the wind, or water weaving by him, all his attacks capable of blasting boulders to rubble, and create enough pressure to cut skin with a graze of his fist, did nothing before the man's unbelievable speed.

"Urgh!" a swift uppercut from the man that danced around his attacks sent his head reeling back in pain as he fought urge to faint then and there from the sudden attack to his chin.

Staggering back a few paces to recompose himself, Kevin struggled to look at his opponent as his vision swam from the sudden sharp pain that assailed him.

"Get a hold of yourself!" slamming his foot on the ground, Kevin brought his hands to his face to center himself as he fought back against the dizziness.

Huff*

Looking towards the white-haired man, Ichigo couldn't help but be impressed, after all, he had thrown that attack to end the fight then and there, sure, he was fighting the human within the limitations of one, wouldn't want to kill the guy. Still, this was the second time that the man known as Kevin had impressed him. the first being his spirit, for Ichigo had sensed the strong will to live, so strong in fact that he was able to negate the slight pressure that he had unleashed to probe his opponent. The second time, was the display of combat ability, had any other normal man been here but him, they would have most likely been beaten to death by now by those hands of his, to say that the young Kaslana had superhuman strength would be an understatement.

"One more time, show me one more time, and then, I will make my decision." Deciding to take the initiative this time, Ichigo made the first move.

Kevin who managed to recover in time to see the orange haired man charge at him, barely managed to raise his defense on time before a crushing fist slammed into them. Grunting from the pain and strain, Kevin who managed to block the attack felt like his arm was about to break from the blow, had it been anyone else, their arm would have been pulverized.

"Good reaction, show me what else you can do!" Ichigo said excitedly as he continued his barrage of attacks on the struggling man.

"How is he so strong!" Internally panicking as he continued to block, divert, and match the man's blows for blows. Kevin could see the obvious difference between their skills and strengths, and despite the cheering of the crowd at the exciting battle, Kevin was focusing all his attention into not getting directly hit, or else he was done for.

Seeing the orange haired man about to perform an axe kick on him, Kevin saw this as chance, though it would have to be timed perfectly lest he get knocked down. Feeling his back against the wall, Kevin who had been driven so far back by the man who was about to deliver a strong blow to break past his defense, squared his shoulders as he focused all in on the foot crashing down on him.

"Now!" Reacting at the last second, Kevin pivoted on his feet as the blow harmlessly flew by his side where his previous position was. Putting as much strength in his legs, Kevin launched himself forward, his fist reeled back to deliver a punishing blow to the unbalanced man. Still, despite his efforts, Kevin failed to see his opponent smirk as he quickly reacted by turning his head to the side. Kevins fist hitting nothing but air, though, his knuckles managed to leave a slight cut on the man's cheek.

"Dammit…" Kevin thought in frustration as his last-ditch effort failed. Having predicted what would happen, Ichigo dodged the blow to his face, and countered with his own attack soon after. Widening his eyes, the fist came crashing into Kevin's face, knocking him back up against the stone wall with a resounding crash as the wall cratered from the blow delivered.

Laying on the sandy floor of the arena, Kevin's unfocused gaze looked at the floor as he fought the urge to sink into sweet unconsciousness. Though soon a pair of feet replaced his view as he brought his gaze upwards to meet the eyes of the one who managed to finally beat him so effortlessly after years and years of fighting in this area.

Touching his cheek, Ichigo wiped the shallow cut that Kevin managed to inflict on him. Looking at his thumb with the slight stain of red from the lone drop of blood that escaped him, Ichigo's surprised expression shifted to one of amusement.

"All that for a drop of blood." Ichigo said as he gazed down at Kevin.

"Is this…all I could do in the end." Kevin dazedly thought to himself as he felt his body groan in protest from the beating he took. Bringing his arms to push himself up from the floor, Kevin managed for a moment before his strength failed him, his bruised body no longer fit for combat.

"Urgh…" groaning a little, Kevin let his head rest against the sand, his mind adrift as memories of times gone by assailed his mind.

"Is this what they felt…at the end of their lives, the sand at their face, their body unable to get up anymore, the cheering of the crowd that called for death." Looking up at his opponent with his blue orb, Kevin reminisced of the times he stood over his opponents in the same exact position.

"How fitting, that I meet my end the same way I delivered upon others."

"KILL! KILL! KILL!"

"FINISH HIM!"

"GET BACK UP YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

"DAMN IT!"

"I BET TOO MUCH MONEY ON YOU BASTARD!"

"FUCK! "

The crowd thundered as they waited for the new up and coming fighter to deliver the finishing blow on the old champion.

Yet, in the end it never came.

Deciding to go out while looking his killer in the eye as his last form of defiance. Kevin blue orbs soon widened in surprise as instead of a finishing blow like he expected, it was an outstretched hand that reached for him.

Seeing this the crowds grew confused at what was happening.

"What…" speaking for the first time after their battle, Kevin looked at the outstretched hand in confusion.

"Hmph, don't look so surprised, tell me, Kevin, do you want to live? To be free?" Ichigo asked as he stared down at Kevin.

"Live? Free? I don't understand." Kevin struggled to say as he faced upwards.

"Then let me explain it like this." Kneeling down by the beaten man. Ichigo looked straight into Kevin's eyes as he made his offer. "Kevin Kaslana, you have impressed me, your strength, your resolve, your will to live, all qualities I would want in someone who can have my back. As such in exchange for your life, I want you to become my companion, my friend, all in the effort to bring about change in this forsaken world." Ichigo said seriously as he stared at Kevin who widened his eyes in surprise at such an admittance from the man.

"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!"

"THE FUCK IS GOING ON!"

"SOMEONE CALL IN THE GUARDS!"

"KILL EACH OTHER ALREADY!"

The crowd protested as they had enough of this nonsense.

Frowning Ichigo didn't look away from Kevin as he uttered a single name to put a stop to the noise.

"Aizen…"

It was at that point that Kevin's eyes were covered by the golden shimmer of a barrier while the outside world drowned in the abyss of violet destruction. Having activated the magic circle that would annihilate the entire colosseum, along with everyone in it as Ichigo judged them to be unworthy of the world he would create.

"So how about it. You in?" Taking down the barrier after all the scum had been wiped out from the face of the earth. Kevin was greeted to a sight he never imagined he would see in his life. The despair inducing clouds that perpetually covered the earth gave way to the open sky, and in that sky was the radiance of the sun spoken of long ago.

With his back facing the brilliant sun, Ichigo's confident smile as he looked down at Kevin with is outstretched hand, painted an image of brilliance in Kevin's mind.

"…"

Clasping the hand of the man, Kevin felt a fire burn within him for the first time in his life, outside of the arena, outside of the need for survival. A reason to live was slowly forming in his mind, body and soul.

"Welcome to the team, Kevin, may this union be one of everlasting victory."

A guiding hand to grant him a purpose.

---

Walking across the ancient ruins of what was once considered the golden age of humanity, a cloaked figure trudged his way across the rocky path, the harsh winds flapping his cloak and threatening to push back his hood. Still, despite the weather, the ruins remained a desolate place, ruled only by those with nowhere else to go, or the wandering monsters that called them home.

Still, something called out to him in this place. A feeling of intertwined destinies, a call to action. To find one that will aid in his goals, he figured. Having followed that feeling Ichigo arrived before a tall ruin, the complex building piercing through the skies in an impressive display of engineering that humanity once accomplished.

"The old folk speak of this place, a lone sentry in waiting…could it be?" Ichigo asked himself.

"hmmm, regardless, I will press on, and meet with this outcast."

Entering the ruined tower, the darkened passages and looming dread within did nothing to dissuade his steps as he walked into the unknown. All the while a shadowed figure watched his ascent into the tower they called a home.

"…"

Screens showing multiple real time images of the inner passages of the building as well as the outside world surrounded the shadowed being. Having witness an intruder trespass into his domain, the being clicked a few buttons on a screen before a prompt asked if he was sure. Soon enough red lights shined down in the building as the inner security of the building came to life.

Flicking his eyes back to the monitor, the cloaked figure gave a small smirk underneath the hood, as he watched the show that was about to begin.

"Come, prove to me that you are who I've been waiting for this whole time." The masculine voice of the person said as he saw the man in the screen approach the first obstacles into the building.

With Ichigo…

Having walked for some time, Ichigo slowly and carefully navigated the passages and narrow spaces, lest he fall into a trap set by the old world, that or the monsters that had made this place their home. It was his ascent to the upper floors when flickering light, sparking circuitry, and groaning metal set his eyes widening in surprise at the thought that such a remnant of the old world still had power to breathe life into itself.

"Have you sensed my approach, old one." Ichigo asked to no one as he moved forward, the red lights flashing in the building as security drones of the old world made themselves known to him as he entered the hallway leading to the upper floors.

Groaning sleek metal, black carbon, red lights of circuitry forming intricate patterns on the frame of the mockery of the human skeletal structure recreated into cold metal. Red hardlight comprised into an arm blade made up the right arm, while ionized particles shimmered within the left arm shaped into a gun that could switch from different ranges and variants of fire rate.

Truly a marvel of humanity's potential to cause destruction.

Still, for one such as him, this…toy before him was nothing but moving parts of scrap.

And he proved it by instantly appearing before the android in a flash step, swinging his blade in one swift strike. The clean cut bypassing its energy shielding like a knife through the butter, and the dense metal giving way to his sharpened edge in an instant. The android fell into two pieces as he had cut it form head to groin, the inner circuitry revealing itself to him as it sparked and eventually died out.

"Hmph." Letting out a grunt, Ichigo proceeded on his way through the building, not seeing the hidden cameras that followed his every movement.

On his way up the forsaken tower, Ichigo encountered many more androids, small drones that were akin to flying machine guns, and a heavier/stronger variant of the Android, only in the shape of a towering Knight. Still despite these inconveniences, Ichigo made his way swiftly through the passages and floors of the tower, his goal set forth as he made his way upwards to meet his query.

It wasn't long before he stood before a towering barricade that sealed the way forward, though much to his surprise, the energy shielding powered down, and the heavy-set doors groaned opened as if…welcoming him.

"It would appear it is now the time for words." Ichigo mused as he cast his blade back into his soul. After all, the owner of this ruin had sought to extend the olive branch after seeing the futility in resistance. Now Ichigo would see if this Individual could aid him in his journey.

Perhaps even a companion in the making.

Walking through the stretching hallway and into the heart of the tower, Ichigo came face first with an expanding and wide room, monitors all showing an image or another of different places somewhere in the world. In the center was a hologram of the planet earth in all its shattered glory, different points of interest dotted the world map in red and green dots that flashed every once in a while. Further up ahead was a chair facing the monitor in front of the man that was seated.

Having found the person of interest, Ichigo made to walk towards them. Despite making his steps obvious, the person didn't so much as cast an eye towards him as he neared them.

Standing a few feet away from the individual, Ichigo let out a grunt to catch the persons attention.

"Well, are you going to continue sitting there or are you finally ready to speak with me. After all, wasn't it you who called me out to this remote area in the first place." Ichigo said in slight annoyance at the persons dismissive behavior at the moment.

Having trudged through miles and miles of land, killing dozens if not hundreds of monsters on the way and helping the individuals he could on the way, all the while leaving his friend to bring his newest addition up to speed as well as to take care of the sudden regained territories. Least to say, he was a busy person at the moment. So, imagine his surprise when a small portal opened in front of him, only for a small letter to come flying out, with a single message.

"Well, I found the place that you wrote the coordinates on, what is it you wish to speak of?" Ichigo asked calmly.

"…"

Finally deciding to get up from his seat the cloaked figure turned around to face the man.

"Heh, I'll admit, I'm impressed." The man stated as he approached Ichigo.

"To have made it this far in one-piece, past thousands of horrors and nightmares that lie outside these walls, and into one of the many red zoned areas of the world. Truly you sir are quite the miracle worker." The man praised.

"It was nothing, don't need to praise me, besides I'd rather much talk with someone who can at least show me his face." Ichigo said as he stared at the man.

"Hahaha, my apologies, it's just, it's been so long since I last had any interaction with another human, its…sobering to say the least." The man quietly said as he pulled the hood down. Light blonde hair, pale skin, and gray eyes greeted Ichigo as the man revealed his appearance. Based on his looks he appeared to be someone in their late 20s to early 30s.

"Much better, Oh! Where are my manners, my name is Kisuke Urahara, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Kisuke said as he bowed a little.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, a pleasure." Ichigo said as he nodded his head to the man.

"So, now that we have gotten pleasantries out of the way, tell me, what is it that you want? and more importantly, what is this place?" Ichigo said as let his eyes wander to the many screens across the room.

"Straight to business it is then." Moving past Ichigo, Kisuke led the way towards the center of the room where the holographic projector showcased a live feed of the entire planet. Hitting a few buttons on the monitor, Kisuke brought up multiple locations and regions across the globe, all of them picturing certain places of interest and danger zones.

"I was once a renowned researcher and developer back in the golden age of man, in a time where humanity had finally broken through technological hurdles, and the stars themselves were the limit. Technological wonders appeared every couple of years, driving humanity to greater heights. We left our home, to seek a place amongst the stars, an empire for mankind to prosper and to grasp what was beyond our reach." Kisuke began as he continued to stare at the broken world that had become their home.

"Naturally, we did not know it at the time, but, a war unlike any other had begun long before humanity had even begun to explore the world they called earth. So, one day, as we finally set out to begin our journey across the stars, imagine our surprise when a barrier of thaumaturgic symbols and a cloud of ionized radiation that completely surrounded the solar system and heliopause blocked our passage forward." Ichigo who had taken to standing by his side as he to watched the projection, while listening to the man tell his tale.

"We sent probes to try and see what laid beyond, for the very stars themselves had been blocked from our sight. You want to know what we found?" Kisuke asked as he turned to Ichigo who nodded. Hitting a few monitors, a small video feed from long ago appeared on the projector. The date and time on it listing it as centuries ago.

Soon images of a dark void appeared within his sight, what should have been a cluttered mess of thousands upon thousands of stars, only the barest light of a few remained in the otherwise empty void. Then like a sudden static in the screen the probe switched images till it caught something that could only be called a nightmare based on what he was seeing.

Swarms of entities could be seen in the distance, surrounding the heliopause. The bodies of these entities were both bizarre, and madness inducing, eldritch horrors given form in the mockery of life. Some were small while others span kilometers in size, some even capable of being mistaken for moons or planets. By the thousands, by the millions, by the uncountable, they all surrounded the solar system.

It was at that point that the footage seized to be as a dark shadow loomed over the probe, before the camera shook violently, and all connection was lost.

Silence was all that greeted them as they both lost themselves in their thoughts at what they just witnessed.

"What happened afterwards?" Ichigo asked, a frown marring his face as he looked at Kisuke who was so far indifferent at what he just saw, though the look of despair in his eyes did not hide his feelings.

"What else, obviously, Panic ensued, terror, and despair, after all, what we just witnessed could have only have been described as the end of the universe, and what could we do to stand against such a force." Kisuke chucked darkly.

"Yet, I feel that there is more to it than that." Ichigo added.

"Hmph, we, after getting over our initial shock, put the entire solar system on alert, and plans began to be devised on how to deal with this unknown threat." Kisuke said as he shook his head, memories of long past flashing in his eyes.

"Our efforts to claim a place for ourselves amongst the stars ended abruptly, and by the time we knew it, all our efforts went into the making of war machines, and weapons of mass destruction." Kisuke scoffed. "As if mere human weaponry could hope to kill those abominations."

"Still it was at that point in life as we readied ourselves for an inevitable confrontation with the unknown that a divine messenger appeared before us." A small smile spreading across his face. "Radiant and holy, wings of brightest light and pure white, an Angel descended unto the earth one day with a message for humanities leaders, a brief message with the words being, PREPARE, FIGHT, CONQUER. Then like a dream it disappeared though not before leaving a way for us to fight back." Kisuke said regaining a little bit of strength in his voice.

"Knowledge far beyond our reach suddenly fell on our laps, technology that eclipsed our own for us to use, Magic that was once lost to the ages for us to wield, we for the first time since our golden age, found our footing once more, and we set forward with a vengeance." Kisuke said, far way look in his eyes as his fist clenched.

"For centuries we fought, we cleared a way forward past the heliopause where the abominations resided, enemies encroached us on all sides, still we were not alone, for the armies of the divine aided us in our war." It was at that point that Kisuke sighed out in resignation. "If only we knew that this conflict was more than it led on."

"Let me guess, the abominations were not the only hostile thing in the universe." Ichigo said.

"Hmph, the Eldritch horrors, Gods, Demons, and the many warmongering races that remained in the great beyond. It was a war unlike any other, and at the end of it all, look what became of us." Kisuke ended, his eyes somber.

"Besieged, exhausted, broken, we scattered amongst the stars and realms of the unknown, humanity splintered, and those that remained were set upon by the ones that would have us eradicated." His eyes looked at the war-torn image of earth.

"I have lived for centuries, and I have continued to watch over the remnants of what was once our home, to catalogue and archive our once great civilization, so that we may never be forgotten." Looking like he had aged a couple years, Kisuke sighed out in exhaustion.

Ichigo for his part, was already aware of the many events that transpired, following his ascension, yet, hearing it from someone that had been there at the beginning…he could only imagine what this man was feeling at the moment, having lived for so long and watching his people be reduced ever more from what they once were.

A proud people.

Yet for some reason, Ichigo couldn't help but feel that there was something the man known as Kisuke was not telling him.

"Why tell me all this?" Ichigo asked, unsure of what the man gained from having led him all the way here as well as tell him the history of the great war.

A moment of silence ensued before the man started typing things unto the projector, soon new images started to appear. Though much to his surprise these locations appeared to be of places he had either freed from the control of tyrants, saved from destruction of the monsters in the night, or rebuilt as places for humanity to prosper.

Turning his eyes to the man Ichigo couldn't help but ask, "You have been watching me this whole time?" Ichigo asked somewhat surprised.

A small smile appeared on the man's face for a moment.

"…I have watched over the remnants of my people for well over a couple centuries, I have seen them become a shadow of their former selves, I prepared myself to see the end of them as they warred amongst themselves for whatever scraps of uncorrupted land remained." Kisuke began, his eyes taking in a luster as they stared at Ichigo.

"Yet, one day, one unlike any other, a pillar of light descended from the high heavens, imagine my surprise when a young man revealed itself within the center of it. Still, years of research and knowledge have allowed me to glisten from you what most humans could not see." Giving him a once over, Kisuke smirked.

"You are more than a simple man, you stand at a pinnacle of power I have only seen divine beings possess." He stated.

"So, when I see you rampaging across the land, killing off the demons and whatever monsters decided to call the broken world home. Save the villages and towns scattered across the world, bring back order to the chaos, and purify the land of the taint that has overtaken it long ago. I couldn't help but be in awe." Kisuke said as he stood facing Ichigo who thus far remained silent as he listened.

"I have lived a long long time, more than a human should have, yet, I never once lifted a finger to help those that survived the cataclysm, in my shame I gave into despair, and hid myself in these ruins of what was once a central pillar of innovation." Kisuke admitted.

"Seeing you do what I never had the heart to do, I…am in awe of you, I stand before you and only see my own ineptitude, my failure to fulfill my oath." Bowing his head in shame, Kisuke could not look Ichigo in the eyes at his proclamation.

"I know this is shameless of me to say but, please, help save this world, help save humanity, restore us to our former glory, and…End this war." Kisuke kneeled before Ichigo.

"In return, I will aid you in all your future endeavors, as the 2nd Lance of humanity, as a man and warrior, I will swear my allegiance to yours, an oath of undying loyalty. So, please, save us, bring us out of this age of darkness and back into the light once more." Emotions and hopes thought long forgotten, Kisuke pleaded to the man who held the power to correct the failures of the past.

He could only hope that he can sway his mind to his outrages demand.

"…Stand tall, Kisuke Urahara, I have no need for a servant." Ichigo said calmly.

"BUT I-" Kisuke began.

"Enough, I have no need for you to tell me such things, besides…" Ichigo looked at the man who looked ready to protest.

"I much rather have a companion on my side if you're serious about such things." Ichigo smiled as he looked at the surprised eyes of Kisuke.

"Companion…" he uttered, testing the foreign word.

"Exactly, If I am to succeed in this endeavor, I naturally need those who are capable to bring about such a future, despite your sense of inadequacy, I feel that you will be a great help in the times to come." Ichigo stated as he brought his hand forwards.

"So, instead of solely relying on me, why don't we help each other, as equals." Ichigo said as he smiled at Kisuke who widened his eyes in surprise.

"I…" Kisuke couldn't comprehend what was happening.

Yet, like a dying man grasping at a single thread to save himself.

"I'll take you up on that offer, Ichigo."

Grasping the hand that lifted him up, for the first time in centuries Kisuke found the light at the end of the tunnel.

"Good, we stand together."

Like that, a newfound friendship that would carry over across the years was born.

---

Over the coming months, Ichigo along with his newfound companions went about causing big changes across the world. With Kisuke's help, Ichigo was able to get rid of dangerous places crawling with monsters and demons. Luckily for him, Kisuke was an accomplished mage and warrior, having been what he called a Lance, which in the old world meant that he was one of the top 10 strongest humans that they had to offer, and he ranked 2nd, truly a fruitful encounter. Of course, he had asked what became of the rest, though the answer left him most disappointed. Aside from two others, the rest had long since perished in the Great war, as such Ichigo was currently heading towards the location of the nearest one.

The 3rd Lance – Zhongli.

According to Kisuke, the last time they had spoken ended in bad terms, with the two having a falling out, and eventually going separate ways.

He described him as an unfeeling man, with a stone-cold expression that neither wavered or changed. After all, the Great war had seen to turning the man into a killing machine with his emotion since dulled to that of a rock.

Still, Ichigo hoped that he could convince someone of such caliber to join his side as a companion of his.

After all, Aizen and Kevin still needed much to learn, despite their astonishing potential, having readily available manpower would certainly speed up his goals to bring back order into this chaotic world.

All he had to do was find those who had the will, the potential, and resolve to accompany him in his journey.

"This seems to be the place." Ichigo noted as he came across a vast mountain range.

"Hmm, here goes nothing I guess." Expanding his senses Ichigo felt the energies around him in an effort to locate the man. Past the valley, past the mountain, he stretched his senses all the way underground and into the sky above.

Demonic taint of demons greeted him as well as the corrupt nature of the nightmares and horrors that lied in wait in these mountains. Yet, something else stirred, an old feeling, like the earth stirring, of rock shifting, and gravity warping.

"Found you." Ichigo said as he looked at the highest peak. Above the darkened clouds, the man in question resided.

Sometime later…

Having taken some time to rise up the mountain, Ichigo didn't wish to startle the man by suddenly appearing on his domain. Flaring his power, Ichigo made sure to announce himself before stepping unto solid ground. Taking in his surroundings, a faint mist clouded over the area, just barely clouding his vision. Swinging his arm to the side, the entire mist was suddenly blown away by the sudden force, revealing the entire area of the peak, as well as his person of interest.

Sitting calmly on a boulder, the man appeared to be meditating based on his pose. Dark brown hair with amber tips, fair skin, red eyeliner on the lower lids of his eyes that were currently closed. White robes with a hood that was currently down, wide pants, and what appeared to be a pole arm of intricate and artistic design that seemed to have been forged from the earth itself.

"So, this is the man known as Zhongli…" not quite knowing what he expected, Ichigo could admit that the man looked quite handsome, looking like he was in mid-twenties despite his age being well over that amount. Still, what truly caught his attention was the power that resonated off the man, truly, for a human, this man stood at an apex that most mortals would never dream of, and to think that 10 of them existed at one point, a shame that only three remained.

Deciding that it was best to get the meeting under way, Ichigo flared his power once more to awaken the man from his meditation.

Eyelids slowly drew open, revealing captivating amber eyes with yellow diamond-shaped pupils. Said eyes that suddenly fell on him, as the man stared at him with a stone like expression, an apathy and indifference that spoke volumes of the man's emotional capacity.

"How interesting, a guest in my home, it has been quite a while since I last entertained someone in my presence." The man's husky and unfeeling voice giving the barebones of interest.

"Greetings, my name is Ichigo Kurosaki, I hope I'm not disturbing anything." Ichigo said as he bowed slightly in greeting towards the aloof man.

"It's fine, I was merely meditating, not much else to do on these mountains, still, might I ask how you found me?" Zhongli asked as he stared at the person in front of him.

"An acquaintance of ours informed me of your location once I asked him if I could meet with you." Ichigo answered truthfully, no need to lie to a man who he was trying to recruit.

"An acquaintance?" he wasn't aware there were people still alive that remembered him after all these years.

"Of course, you would know him as Kisuke Urahara." Ichigo said calmly, awaiting the man's reaction at the name.

And boy did he not disappoint.

Like the earth stirring, a sudden tremble of the mountain, the air growing denser as the sudden wave of power flared briefly, and the man's visage for a moment strained in cold fury. Though the next moment, like the calm after the storm, his face returned to his usual aloofness.

"I see." Was his simple reply as he sighed in understanding.

"What is it that you want? surely, you didn't come all the way here out of simple curiosity, especially if the person who informed you of my whereabouts was that man." Zhongli said as he stared at Ichigo in apprehension.

"You would be right; my visit here today is quite simple." Ichigo explained. "But, before I tell you, why don't I regale you with my story, and my purpose for being here today." Ichigo said.

"Sure, all I have is time." Conjuring a seat out of stone next to Ichigo who nodded in gratitude, Ichigo began his story.

And what a story it was.

From his seemingly ordinary childhood, to the tragedy that followed, his meeting with the Old man, to his journey. Other events to his goals, his desire to restore the world to what it once was, his long-desired wish and promise that he made as a child. To his training to become stronger under the tutelage of the Old man who Zhongli was starting to draw some conclusions as to his identity based on what the man in front of him was saying. Finally, and most surprising of all, his parting, his farewell gift that was bestowed on him.

Throughout the whole story, Zhongli did not say a single word and merely listened as the man talked about his travels, up to the point in which he met Kisuke. Still, it wasn't long before the story soon finished and a moment of silence settled between the two.

"…"

Shifting his gaze to the darkened sky above, Zhongli who was lost in thought couldn't help but think about what he just heard.

"Having said all this, I 'am hoping that you will join me in my efforts, after all, it would be much faster if someone of your strength was at my side, I have spent much of my time securing the current land I have fought for. As of now, I have found 3 promising individuals." Ichigo explained.

"You'd be the fourth."

Watching Zhongli lost in thought, Ichigo stayed silent as he awaited his response. Having said all that he needed, Ichigo waited.

Sigh*

A few moments that seemed to stretch to eternity, the man lowered his gaze as he turned towards Ichigo once more, his amber eyes piercing into his own golden ones. For a moment as the both stared at each other in silence, Zhongli seemingly looking for something within his gaze finally lowered his head as if satisfied.

"…Very well." He began.

Jumping from the boulder he had been sitting on, the man landed on his feet before rising to an upright position, his arm holding unto his pole arm.

"I'll join you." Zhongli simply said.

A smile formed on Ichigo's face, his mouth moved as he was about to say something before being cut off.

"…Under one condition." Zhongli said, his expression serious.

"And what might that be." Ichigo asked calmly.

"Simple." pointing his pole arm at Ichigo, Zhongli's power started to flare up.

"Show me the power that Kisuke has placed his hopes on."

"…"

A smirk appeared on Ichigo's face as he heard Zhongli's proposal.

"Very well." A building pressure started to descend on the area, matching Zhongli who also started to build up his own power to confront him. The sky bore its weight, the pebbles that had shook on the ground levitated unto the sky as the earth shook and groaned against the vast power being wrought unto it. Winds roared fiercely and space was rent as the sky screamed out in protest.

"BEAR WITNESS!" Ichigo's voice shook the world as he flared his power to heights Zhongli could never hope to match.

Groaning underneath the pressure, Zhongli tried to put up a fight by rising his own, but, like a boulder fighting against the raging river. It was only a matter of time before he was eroded away and crushed into pieces.

"So…much power." Zhongli was slowly being forced into kneeling position as he held unto his pole arm to support himself. Still his gaze remained unflinching as he stared at the man who was pressing down on him with his power.

He stood there, the eye in the middle of the storm, his cloak shifted wildly along with his orange hair, his golden eyes resplendent and holy, and his expression calm and stoic. Yet, despite all this, as Zhongli looked at the man, he couldn't help but be amazed by his power. He who had fought against eldritch monsters, the demons of the underworld, even Gods that stood against humanity. Zhongli knew power, felt it, experienced it, warred with it, as such, being brought to his knees in such a way, for the first time since the end of the human era, he felt it.

Thump* Thump* Thump*

His heart beat fast in his chest, like a fire being set ablaze within him.

"So…this is what you placed your hopes on." Zhongli thought to himself.

"Do you submit." Ichigo plainly asked, his power at a point where the world groaned against it.

"…Kisuke, if this is your choice, I will accept it."

"I yield." His voice coming out a bit strained, finally broke through the raging storm as the pressure lifted from him, like an illusion, the power that had been emitting from the man receded like the tide.

Having drowned the world in his power, for Ichigo to so readily recede it all within him spoke volumes of his control.

Standing before the kneeling man, Ichigo extended his hand in support. Having cleared all the darkened clouds to reveal the light of day, Zhongli could not help but let a small smile of the journey ahead.

Clasping the hand, Zhongli rose to his feet.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, so long as you need me, I will stand at your side." Zhongli promised.

"May we stand together as companions from now on." Ichigo agreed.

His fourth companion, steadfast and strong, Zhongli would look back on this day with a fond smile.

---

Drip*

The sound of a water droplet falling from the cavern ceiling resounded as it slammed against the floor. Yet, reflected in that small water droplet was a man, and a pool of red forming around him as the water droplet added unto the pool of blood red.

Huff*

Clothes torn and bloodied, his left eye shut from both the blood blocking his vision. He could feel his body growing weaker by the second as his blood seeped from the numerous wounds on him, with the most horrific being his missing right foot. Though if there was a saving grace it was that the whole leg hadn't been chopped off.

Cough*

Coughing up the blood that rushed out of him. the dark-haired man stared past the monsters that slowly made their way towards him and towards the large doors that had closed shut.

Sigh*

Both elation and despair encompassed him as the last of his companion in this expedition managed to get out safely, leaving him behind to suffer his fate.

"How amusing." An ominous voice stated.

Raising his lone eye towards the figure responsible for his predicament. A feeling of fear and anger welled within him as he stared at the figure on the throne.

Aristocratic features, robes of fine silk, hair as black as midnight, and eyes the color freshly shed blood. Still the most distinguishing feature was the pair of goat like horns on its head. A vile aura of despair and mayhem shrouded the being in an ominous omen.

Devil.

A being of sin and torment.

From the depths of the underworld it had found its way here.

And sitting lofty on the throne he had conjured.

With him as his only audience.

"It was a fun game seeing you mortals' squabble like vermin." The devil said with a small grin on its face.

"Still the fun is long past and it is time to close the curtain on this play." The golems around him started to shift once more, the lights in their eyes flashing as they moved towards the despairing man.

"If it is any consolation, I thank you human, for relieving the monotony of my station." A small clapping resounded through the area as the devil looked genuinely thankful for such an entertaining event.

Hearing this, the man could not help but cut back a whimper as he realized what came next. The stone golems made their way towards him. Carved into the figure of knights of old, the golems wielded weapons many times the size of humans, and each one was ready to get their pound of flesh from him as they made their way towards him. After all, just before the nightmare began, he had seen those things dispatch his companions like they were pigs to the slaughter.

Only a few of them had managed to get out alive.

Sigh*

Letting out another exhale, the man couldn't help but reminisce what led to this point.

His name was Sung JinWoo.

A hunter.

But, what is a hunter you ask? Simple really, they are akin to adventurers and mercenaries all wrapped in one. Doing all sorts of jobs from protection missions, exploring old world ruins, exterminating dangerous monsters, etc. If anyone needed someone to do a dirty job for some quick money, a hunter was there to serve.

And out of all these hunters, ranks and the likes divided them based on their strength and accomplishments.

It also just happens to be that he was the recognized "weakest" hunter…

Still, despite that pathetic title that had shrouded him his whole career as a hunter, he tried his best and always came out alive no matter what, even if the amount of times he had a brush with death were always a regular occurrence.

Still his luck persisted.

At least until today that is…

Clutching the sword that had fallen nearest to him, JinWoo pointed it towards the encroaching statues, his last ditch of defiance in the face of death.

Huff*

"There's no way out now! I'm gonna take at least one of you down!" thinking this, JinWoo hardened his eyes as he looked at the menacing statues in defiance.

"Come at me."

It was at that moment, that just as the statue raised its humongous sword to cleave him in twain. That the large doors that had sealed the room shut were suddenly and violently ripped off their hinges and set crashing around the room with a great crash.

Boom*

Dust formed around the entrance blocking the view of everyone who turned to stare in surprise. Even the statue that was about to cut him down stopped mid wing to face the oddity.

Golden light shot out like a beam from the smoke forming holes in the dust cloud as they made their way towards their designated targets.

Swoosh* Boom*

The statue nearest to JinWoo had its head cracked open by a piercing golden light that slammed into it and into the cavern wall.

A bright golden sword made entirely of light.

Soon more swords shot out from the smoke hitting all the statues that failed to react in time, holes and cracks formed on their bodies as they failed to withstand the onslaught of destruction.

It wasn't until the last statue had been thoroughly destroyed that the dust finally settled, revealing the one behind the attack.

Tap*

The sound of feet making their way across the stone floor resounded as the man was revealed for both JinWoo and the Devil to see.

Bright orange hair reminiscent of a sunset was what caught JinWoo's eyes first. Followed by the surprising golden eyes that shined like stars in the night. A black coat with red lining, a chest armor of black and silver that fit his toned form, black pants and combat boots with steel tips. The man strode confidently and without worry as he made his way past the rubble and broken bodies of the golems.

Tap*

Staring down at him with his powerful eyes that seemed to be able to peer into his very soul, JinWoo widened his eyes in both surprise and awe as he stared at this man that accomplished something that he and his entire group couldn't.

Clang*

Dropping the sword from his hand, JinWoo let out a relieved sigh as he let all the tension leave his body. Having lost all his strength, JinWoo merely stared up at the man that had saved him with a tired look.

Still, for some reason, the man's expression of indifference shifted to one of both amusement and interest.

"Well done." He spoke, a small smile on his face.

Crouching down to meet his eyes, the man put his hand on JinWoo's shoulder in a reassuring gesture.

"Rest for now, I'll take it from here." Like that a golden shimmer wafted through the stranger's hand and into his body. Like magic, his wounds closed as if they never happened, and his right foot that had been cut off came back like it had always been there. Surprised, JinWoo stared at the man in astonishment.

"I-I…" failing to find the words he wanted to say, JinWoo settled for something simple.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it, now rest." The man advised as he got up and made his way towards the Devil on the throne.

"Hmm, how surprising, to think that a human like you still existed." The man said curiously as he had his head tilted away from the sword that had pierced his throne next to this head. A small grin started to form on his face as he eyed the intruder.

"Hmph, foul thing, you don't belong in this world, begone with you and the rest of your kind, I will make sure to wipe this world clean of the vermin that tread on it." The man said coldly as he strode forward, uncaring of the devil charging up his spells in secret.

"Big words from a defeated race." The devil mocked.

No words followed as the orange haired man summoned a sword of pitch black, the beautiful blade that called out for destruction of its enemies was engulfed in a golden light.

Sensing the danger, the Devil cast its traps and spells as he rained down everything he had on the strange human. Having sensed his own death if he did not act fast, his power surged to destroy the human.

BOOM* BOOM* BOOM* BOOM* BOOM*

Explosion rocked the room as the devil kept casting spell after spell, his demonic aura flaring in baleful effect.

It wasn't until a minute later that the attack ceased for a moment, leaving the area covered in dust and smoke. Sensing no movement, the devil let out a snort of disappointment as he sat back down in his throne.

"Hmph, how boring." The devil said after a moment. having felt his own demise, the devil assumed he had met a dangerous human, only for him to finish them in an instant, perhaps his instinct had fooled him for once having failed to sense anything within the dust cloud.

Though soon enough as the dust cloud cleared, the unscathed form of Ichigo revealed itself as he had stayed in the same position, his sword at his side, a look of cold indifference on his face as he looked at the devil like he was a bug.

"Huh!?" Surprise colored his features as he stared at the anomaly before him.

"Was that all." Ichigo said indifferently.

Shrouding his sword in the light of gold, the power surged upwards to unprecedented levels, blinding the occupants within.

"It's fine time I end this here." With that two words escaped the man's mouth as he swung his sword down in an almost casual manner.

"Getsuga Tenshou."

Blinding radiance cascaded forward in a crescent shape, the lethal light erasing all things touched by it. So, it was that the devil met its demise, uncomprehending of the situation to the very end as its existence was snuffed out like a flickering flame.

Having cleaved through the throne, a large gash formed on the wall behind.

Dematerializing his sword, the man made his way towards the occupant that was left stunned after the display.

A small smile formed on the man's face as he stared at JinWoo.

"By the way, the names Ichigo Kurosaki." He said as he introduced himself.

"Sung JinWoo." He said a little dazedly.

"Sung JinWoo, let me ask you something." The man known as Ichigo stated.

"How would you like to become one of my companions." He asked.

"…What?" JinWoo couldn't help but ask in confusion.

"As I said, become my companion, a friend in my journey to restore order on this forsaken world." Ichigo said calmly.

"But, why me, I-I'm just a nobody, I'm weak, you saw how I looked after getting here, without you, I'd already be dead, forgotten by the world." JinWoo protested, despair coloring his features.

Though a strong and reassuring grip on his shoulder steadied him as he faced Ichigo who looked at him like he was a fool.

"Hey, listen here, despite what you think, the fact that you are still here, alive and breathing, is a testament to your luck, don't put yourself down, after all, luck in itself is a strength. That along with your unyielding spirit to fight to the very end, is what has allowed you to live this long. Consider that a testament to both your character and potential to reach greater heights.

"But I-"JinWoo wanted to protest again.

"Enough. Though you can't see it, I can tell, you have the makings of someone that can move forward, something that I admire, which is why I would like for you to join me. Besides, no one starts off strong from the beginning." The man said calmly as he looked at JinWoo with a confident gaze, communicating his assurance in his potential.

"…" Not knowing how to respond. JinWoo simply nodded his head.

"Good." Standing back up Ichigo reached out his hand for JinWoo to get up.

"Arise. Let us be on our way."

Hesitating for a moment, JinWoo eventually found the resolve, after all, if this man who was probably the most powerful human he's ever seen said he had something worth a damn, despite the whole world saying the opposite, who was he to not seize the chance to achieve greater heights than he was now.

"I won't let you down."

"I know you won't. Our fates are now intertwined, the path forward is open, let us seize it." with that both left the ruin towards the rising dawn.

---

Standing in the middle of an open plain. Ichigo looked around his surroundings. nothing but cracked earth and dead land greeted him, a sign of this dead world that he stood on. Still perhaps one day, he would go about revitalizing the world will to sustain itself once more. Though for now, his purpose was to unite humanity first under his banner. Only then can he move onto the next step.

"Hmm, Kisuke said it should be somewhere around here." Having found 5 promising individuals to stand at his side, Kisuke pointed him towards the 1st lance of the old world, the captain of the greatest warriors of the old human era.

"Mastery over space and time, dubbed as the queen of the void, a testament of humanities might, she stood at the top." Recalling information that Kisuke provided him, Ichigo went about searching the last recorded area of her disappearance.

"If she is capable of spatial manipulation, then, perhaps a subspace should be near here, a dimension in relation to earth, anchored to this plain somewhere." Thinking along these lines, Ichigo sought to find the entrance, or anchor point. Letting his senses reach out across the entire plain and beyond, whether it be into the sky above, or earth below, nothing escaped his search.

"…" concentrating to the smallest of fluctuations, it wasn't long till he found a spatial anomaly within the center of the plain.

"Found you." Opening his eyes, Ichigo made his way towards the location.

To think that it would be so close to him that he almost failed to notice it at first, it would seem that this individual was quite skilled.

Reaching the location, Ichigo peered at what remained unseen to the world. Bringing his hand forward, Ichigo gently set it unto the space in front him, almost like he was feeling the air in front of him, yet with a bit of applied force, the space in front of him was suddenly violently crushed and with a shattering sound like glass breaking, the world beyond was revealed to him.

A huge gate soon stood before him, an entrance to the dimension beyond. Taking this in stride Ichigo approached the gate, and like a good-mannered person, knocked on the doors with a firm tap of his knuckles.

Deep within the realm…

Yellow eyes slowly drew open, as soft tapping was heard within the confines of her realm. Having been roused from the eternal silence, the woman looked on with subtle interest in her eyes as she directed her gaze far beyond her castle walls and onto the edge of her realm.

Tap* Tap* Tap*

The sound of knocking resounded once more.

"…"

Deciding to entertain the notion of a guest, the woman swept her hand forward to grant the stranger entry. Uncaring if the stranger was friend of foe, the woman was assured of her strength to deal with all trouble if the stranger proved hostile.

"I await you…"

With that the woman shut her eyes to the world once more as she waited for her guest.

Back with Ichigo…

Creak*

The doors slowly drew open just as he was about to knock again. Letting his hand rest at his side, Ichigo proceeded inwards. interest in his eyes as he took in his surroundings. A long bridge that stretched onto the towering castle ahead, a spire reaching towards the heavens. A fake starless sky encompassed the world, yet within the void, Ichigo could sense eyes staring at him intently.

"Interesting." Ichigo commented as he took in his surroundings.

Making his way forward, Ichigo calmly strode along the bridge, unhurried as he walked to his destination. It wasn't every day that he met such a powerful human being, to be able to create this dimension, and to such a size required power the likes that most mortals did not have. "It would seem a big fish has appeared this time." He thought to himself, amusement clear in his eyes.

A few minutes later, Ichigo had safely crossed the bridge towards the castle walls, yet before he could continue onwards, a sudden portal manifested before him, the red orange rim of the portal beckoned him inside.

Without much thinking, Ichigo stepped inside the portal, not worried in the slightest if it led him towards a dangerous area. After all, he had received permission to be inside this realm, for the owner to so suddenly attack would be rather stupid. For a brief moment, darkness colored his vision before appearing in a wide room, a throne room to be exact.

Though he called it a throne room, it was more like standing inside a void, with only a circular platform as footing, though rather wide with enough space to maneuver around. A little way a way was a couple steps the elevated towards a throne at the top. Where a figure could be seen sitting silently as they stared at him in curiosity. Meeting each other's gaze, Ichigo took in her appearance as she did the same.

Emotionless yellow eyes with cross shaped pupils, long messy white hair, fair skin, and an intricate white dress with black, gold and red designs that revealed her shoulder and a generous view of her cleavage. Sitting cross legged on her throne, the image of an empress crossed his mind as he stared at her. After all, he stood before someone who has seen and wielded great power.

Approaching this fascinating woman, Ichigo stood in the center of the platform as he presented himself.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, a pleasure." Performing a small bow in a gesture of good will, Ichigo looked at the aloof woman who seemed to be staring at him in mild curiosity. Tilting her head to the side like she couldn't quite get a good read from the man in front of her, she scrunched her face in slight displeasure before settling back to cold indifference.

"…Sirin." A soft yet firm voice resounded as she introduced herself.

"Sirin. A lovely name." Ichigo stated.

"…"

"How did you find this place?" ignoring his earlier words, Sirin got to the point.

Seeing this Ichigo also got straight to the point as pleasantries were over. "How I found this place? Easy enough honestly, after all, a mutual acquaintance of ours pointed me in the right direction. everything after that was just a matter of time for me to find the entrance to this subspace." Ichigo revealed.

Hearing his words, Sirin revealed a look of confusion. "An acquaintance?" She asked, unable to think of who he was talking about.

"Yes, a certain man with a habit of sticking his nose in places he really shouldn't, you might know him as Kisuke Urahara, a fellow lance." Ichigo revealed uncaringly. Having seen her expression shift into one of mild surprise as her eyes widened a bit before shifting into one of annoyance and displeasure.

"The fact that you are aware of this means that man is scheming something again." Sirin said in annoyance before her voice took on a slight edge.

"What do you want? If you met someone like Kisuke it means he sought you out for something, not only that, but led you to me as well." Sirin analyzed the situation, clearly familiar with the eccentricities of her former companion.

An amused look flashed in Ichigo's eyes before turning serious. "You would be right, he did request something from me, but first would you like to hear my story before anything else."

Casting him a curious glance at what he was going to say, Sirin nodded in agreement.

"Proceed."

Like that, Ichigo recounted his life, the story of young boy turned man, a story of a long sought-after desire, a goal he wished to achieve. From his childhood to present time, Ichigo left nothing out, after all, if he wished to recruit someone to his cause, being truthful to what they were getting into was the least he could do.

"…And that's how I stand here now before you, and will extend you the same offer I have the others. Join me Sirin, help me in my efforts to restore what once was, no, help me improve where you all failed. Surely someone like you can understand what I'm trying to do." Ichigo finished.

"…" having heard everything this man had to say, Sirin could say without a doubt that she was moved, but…

"Fool." Her words firm and harsh struck out at Ichigo as he stared back questioningly.

Standing from her throne for the first time, Sirin made her way over to Ichigo. Step by step, her look of displeasure made itself known. "You speak of change, of hope, yet, do you even understand what you are trying to do, what effect your actions will have on what little remains of us." Sirin objected.

"I have watched and fought against the creatures that lie in the greater beyond, the horrors and nightmares, demons and gods, I know power, wielded power, and was defeated by power…" standing before him, Sirin looked at Ichigo in the eyes.

"We stood at a golden age for humanity, our power was immense, our weapons unrivaled, and even then, we were pushed back to our dead world, our people scattered and gone, and our will broken." She explained.

"Even us, the Lances of humanity, the apex of what individual power could reach, were nothing but insects before those greater beings that have been at war before we even came to be." Sirin scoffed.

"Yet, here you are, trying to piece back together what was once lost and cannot be again, foolishness!" Glaring at him with her cold eyes, Sirin could not help but insult him once more.

"Tell me, how can you even guarantee our survival, though I can't see what lies beneath the surface, what power do you hold to command us, to prove to us that your words can take action." Jabbing her finger into his chest, her face drew close to his, almost to the point where their noses touched.

"…"

Drawing away after scolding the man before her, she turned around, her arms crossed. "Sigh, we did everything we could, we stood with heavens armies, and gods that sought to bring peace back to the universe. We faced monsters the likes that you could never imagine, and despite our victories, our sacrifices, it never really felt like we were accomplishing anything. The people still died, another threat took over after another one was put down, our allies left one after another, dead, or hopeless about the situation, some didn't care anymore and gave up, preferring to spend their time in denial and merriment to the end." She said in a low voice.

"Then, came the end, we were pushed back, the victories that we accomplished never really mattered, nothing but grains of sand in the wind, we were quickly and brutally silenced, our world shattered, and the husk that remained with barely enough life to support the few that managed to survive in the end. Even us, hailed protectors, heroes of the people, the greatest and most respected, 'Lances' were nothing but a joke in the end." Her voice emotionless as she recollected events of the past.

"10 became 3, and as the leader, as the supreme commander, I failed to protect them, my companions, my people, my greatest sin, how could I ever show my face to the world again." Her voice which had remained emotionless soon softened, like a child, for a moment as she lost herself in her guilt, her vulnerability showed itself to him.

And she appeared so…human.

"…" Having remained silent the whole time, Ichigo stepped forward as she finished her story.

She stood still, her eyes lost in reflection, clear regrets and what ifs in her eyes. It had been a long time since she last thought about these things, having decided to go into a self-imposed exile for her failure, deciding to lay dormant to the very end, a punishment that only she could grant herself, seeing as no one remained to remember her.

Well, all but two idiots…

Feeling arms wrapping around her, Sirin widened her eyes in surprise at the action, and just as she was about to push the man away from her for having done so, she felt something. A

heartbeat that resonated with her own, soothing and calm, a warmth of a summer breeze, and a firm and reassuring grip on her. Letting the calming feeling overtake her, Sirin failed to notice the shift to her surroundings as she basked in the feeling of peace that overcame her. Like she and been stuck in a nightmare for so long that she had only just woken up from.

Opening her eyes from the soothing feeling, her eyes took in her surroundings as she realized that she was no longer in her throne room but what looked like a space of calm crystal-clear water that reflected her image like a mirror surface. Above her was the blue open sky, and the bright light of the sun. white clouds could be seen lazily drifting.

It was a beautiful setting.

Peaceful.

Like the world of old.

Snapping from the dreamlike state she had been in, Sirin became aware of the presence that was still behind her, hugging her waist like they were a pair old lovers.

A light blush overcame her features as she realized that she had enjoyed the feeling of his arms around her, but, what could she say, it made her feel so…safe.

What was this feeling…

A sudden breath tickled her ear as Ichigo got close to whisper in her ear.

"…you don't have to say anymore, I'm aware, I know everything that there is to know about the history of humanity, from start to end. I know what led to this ill-fated end, I know of your struggles, your goals, your accomplishments, and your guilt." He whispered.

"All your doubts, insecurities, and fears are laid bare before me, there is no need to hide anything, or speak of anything, just know this…"

"You've endured so much."

"If for a moment release yourself of the burdens that bind you…"

For a moment Sirin could not believe what she was hearing but, the sincerity, the truth in his words, his reassurances, and the warmth in her chest as emotions long buried resurfaced once more, for only one person to hear.

An empathy that only another human could have for another, a level of understanding that felt like being close to an old friend that one hasn't seen in a while. Before she knew it, a lone tear had started to fall from her eye, the feeling of moisture in her eyes, the lone tear that fell from her cheek and hit the mirror like surface causing a small ripple in the crystal-like surface.

She had been so alone.

So many years in isolation.

Ever present nightmares and regrets had poisoned her mind.

The weight of her sins had drowned her before she knew it.

Like suffocating in the tumultuous waves of despair.

A lone hand had pulled her up from the raging sea.

And the soft thumping of her heart that accompanied the glimmer of hope that had blossomed.

"I-" before she could say anything, a light 'shh' was heard as Ichigo understood what she wanted to say before she said it.

"It's fine, I understand, but for a moment, believe in what I promise you." Ichigo continued.

"I won't say that everything will be alright, I won't say to believe in humanity, nor will I say to trust in their strength. Be it the heavens or earth below, know this one truth I will speak to you." He gently whispered.

"Believe in me, trust solely in me. When in doubt, when in fear, place your hopes on me."

"…and I will be there."

His voice carried the immensity of his power, his promise.

And for a second, as Sirin felt it, she knew in her heart, in her soul.

That she could place her hopes on this man.

A comfortable silence settled between them as neither one needed to say anything else.

Their actions would speak for them.

---

Waking up from the dream, Ichigo could feel a sense of disorientation as memories of long ago flooded his head, his many adventures, his meetings with the future monarchs, and his journey to bring order to the chaos. Clutching his head as he suppressed a groan, Ichigo let the momentary pain pass by as he soon settled back down.

Huff*

Many emotions and thoughts passed through him as he recollected all the memories he relived. But above that, a content smile settled on his face. closing his eyes Ichigo recalled all the names of his companions up to that point.

"Aizen, Kevin, Kisuke, Zhongli, Sung JinWoo, Sirin…" his words barely above a whisper resounded in his darkened room.

"Wait for me." The glimmer of light through the curtains as the dawn of the new day approached him.

"I'll see you all one day."

---

Authors Note

Hello guys sorry for the long wait, I have been kind of lazy these past few weeks, plus I've been grinding Destiny 2 this past month. Anyhow I have finally managed to complete the chapter. Honestly, I should have had this out weeks ago and I have no excuse aside from sheer laziness.

Still, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter after waiting such a long time now.

Alright some discussion time.

1. This chapter is pretty much just a flashback/backstory chapter, a way for me to introduce half of the current Monarchs, and how Ichigo recruited them to his cause. Mind you I'll have the other half done some chapters later in the future when I decide to make the next flashback chapter.

2. I've decided to give the characters unique backstories and how they ended up meeting. Though I originally planned for them to just be brief meetings and move on with current timeline. Though I ended up changing my mind mid-way, which is why Aizen doesn't really have much backstory. Then again not every character needs a super complex meeting, a simple, "you're cool, and I like you, be my friend." works at times.

3. Now some might be asking what's the point of recruiting members when Ichigo is so OP, simple really, because he can't save all of humanity on his own, he needs people with the potential to stand at his side, with the ideals and power to be able to not only bring humanity back from ruin, but to change the course of the war in the future, which is also why the monarchs themselves were created, 13 members to safeguard creation.

Funny really, the gotei has 13 captains too…

4. Why Quincy and Shinigami not exist in the story as some comments have been complaining. Honestly, I don't see how this is an issue when so many other fanfics have given Ichigo other powers aside from soul reaper/hollow/quincy abilities, it's not a brand-new idea. Besides, quincy and soul reapers conflict with my story. I already have angels to be the "Quincy" and the Shinigami don't make sense to have when the hollows in my story are very different in their creation. Different in the fact of how they manifest, not in appearance or powers.

5. Old Era humanity was kind of like super advance, thanks to the Biblical God granting humanity knowledge for them to arm themselves in the time they had till the barrier separating them from the War broke down. so, in the span of some centuries, humanity that had both magical and technological superiority finally took part in the war, till eventually they were defeated. How that happened will be explained in the story in the future.

6. Zhongli, Kisuke, and Sirin were the strongest humans of the old human era along with 7 others who perished in the great war, basically they reached the limits of a human equipped with great magic and technological prowess. They were the apex of their time, designated "lances" to be the tip of the spear to crush the enemies of mankind.

7. A matter of personal opinion but I love the design for "The sustainer of heavenly Principles" and will use it to describe Sirin in my story. Why? a couple reasons really. For one, I don't do Loli's. Second, I already have Kiana in the story and I don't want to explain the similarities between them in future chapters. Third, calling her unknown god or Asmoday doesn't make fucking sense for my story because she is a human here, well transcended being since she's a monarch, and naming her after a devil family is just plain nonsense. Which is why I have taken to naming her after our beloved "Queen of the Void" Sirin.

8. Updating the list.

Monarch of Victory – Ichigo Kurosaki

Monarch of Sentience – Aizen Sosuke

Monarch of Finality – Kevin Kaslana

Monarch of Origin – Elysia

Monarch of Void – Sirin

Monarch of Geo – Zhongli

Monarch of Shadows – Sung JinWoo

Monarch of Reason – Kisuke Urahara

9. Another misconception, despite the fact that I'm introducing characters from other series, this is still a Bleach x DXD crossover, after all, majority of the cast is still Bleach and DxD characters, they just haven't appeared yet. Just because I add certain characters from other stories doesn't make it a multiple crossover story, it's only a multiple crossover when the story incorporates plots and story elements from said work. As far as I'm aware I've only used DXD plots and elements in my story, along with a little bit of my own design and twists. So, No, I'm not adding the Honkai all of a sudden, or using the concept of dungeons from solo leveling, hell I don't have celestia here from Genshin. I'm just introducing characters I like into my story to make up for the lack of a proper human faction. No, I don't consider chaos brigade to be a proper human faction.

Having said all this…

I hope you all enjoyed the story thus far and will continue to stick around for more.

Have a great day and thanks for reading.

Peace.