So I have this idea for a while now and I just needed the motivation to do it. Plus with me reading a crap ton of fanfic lately I decided to get my lazy ass off and do it again. Now don't expect much fast upload due to work, I can't promise a weekly upload by I will try maybe 1 upload a month if I can since I do have a life. I'm also unsure of the rating of to put it as T or M, seeing as there might be suggestive themes involved but not out right lemon scene, plus AO3 is hard and confusing to navigate so I doubt I can be able to post or write there.
Secondly, I'm surprised not a lot of crossover stories involve in this on fanfiction, I was gonna be the first but there's already 1 upload by the time I am writing this. Also spoilers for Bleach TYBW. (with my own twist)
I do wanna aim like 5k-7k word per chapter, not counting the authors note, but I will try if I can. Also I took some inspiration from Spriggy13, since I was trying to figure out how Ichigo fall into Genshin in the first place. Also I might not be as descriptive and detailed as they will be in terms on writing, sorry.
So without delaying you all much longer, I present to you... Protector Of Teyvat.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Genshin Impact, both properties belongs to their respective owners.
Chapter 1: Journey Across Teyvat
Wandernreich
Clang
The sound of metal clashing against the blue blade of reiatsu as the battle draws near, the heavy swings of his blade made contact again as sparks dances with each impact. His breath is heavy, but he couldn't relax, just for a moment as he stare down at the man that started all this, the one who slaughtered countless lifes and destroyed the Seiretei, hurts many of his friends and one of the reasons his mother died. With his steady hands he swung vertically, but it was blocked from above as the Quincy king, staring him down with focus in his determined eyes as he pose as one of the potential war threats to his opponent's plans
"You may be able to keep up with me up until now, but not for long, Kurosaki Ichigo." the voice of Yhwach said as he prepares to counter attack, charging his blade forward towards the orange hair substitute Shinigami before him, only to be blocked by a horizontal swipe of his massive zanpakuto. This in turn gave Ichigo a small chance to strike back and he tool it, spinning on his heel he swung for the head of the old king. But it wasn't enough as the tall raven hair man retreated his form, the tip of the blade struck the ground and caused debris to send flying from the impact of the failed strike.
"Dammit..." cursing under his breath, he kept his posture steady. One false move and it's the end of him, the end of Soul Society, the world of the living, and Hueco Mundo. He can't fail now. He pulled his Zanpakuto from the ground as he held it steady in front of him, ready for another clash of blades.
From a distance, a rushing figure approaches rapidly, his reiatsu flaring as its rising, preparing to use his strongest hado onto the Quincy king. The figure reveals himself to be Aizen Sosuke, a grin on his face as he unleashes his spell. "Hado 99: Goryutenmetsu!" From beneath the ground, five dragons erupted from the ground, shattering the foothold beneath with Aizen on top a platform, besides the five headed dragon made pf reiatsu, aiming towards the enemy of soul society. Aiming his attack with concentrated precision and force, the heads clash down onto Yhwach as Ichigo uses Shunpo to get himself away from the blast radius.
The attack did little to effect Yhwach, but that wasn't Aizen's true intention, no, it was a the chance for Ichigo to deliver the final strike. As the attack dispersed, the orange hair substitute Shinigami appeared before Yhwach that is still shaking off from the hado attack, with a mighty swing of his Zanpakuto, slashing vertically across the body of his enemy, the white cover broke apart, revealing his true sword underneath. A pitch black blade with white at the sharp edge, no guard at the handle. Ichigo spun quickly and slash diagonally upwards, the force of the swing sending the energy of Ichigo's reiatsu up as the body of the raven hair man sustain heavy damages.
"Impossible..." he drew his last breath, the upper half of his body falling to the ground as his life is slipping away from his conscious, but not before his final trump card he has up his sleeve, yes he will simply wait for Ichigo to let his guard down.
He saw the body hit the ground with a thud, the blood splatter on impact, unmoving and not a single sign of life to be found of the dead body, at least to Ichigo's knowledge. He heard foot steps approaching his way, he didn't need to look their way as he senses who it is. "It's finally over, he's dead..." Ichigo spoke up, with Aizen stadning a few feet away to examine the fallen Quincy king. The thousand year old blood war has finally concluded, as relieve washes over the substitute's body.
"That he is, this battle has drawn on long enough." Aizen's single eye gaze up towards the body of Ichigo, standing near the dead corpse of Yhwach. "Though the battle is over, there is still much to fix, firstly, the absent of the Soul King." he brought up the subject, capturing the interest of the young teen- or young adult in this case, given as time have passed since he last spoke to him. "With no Soul King, I am to presume the royal guard will have to search for a new body, and most likely they will turn to you, Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Me? Why the hell would they want me to be the new king?" raising a single brow at the claim. Ichigo didn't like the idea of being sealed off just to maintain the balance of the three worlds, he rather be free and enjoy his life with fis friends and family, enjoy life, not be kept in a crystal display.
"Seeing as have an abundance of spiritual pressure, I, myself will most likely be put back into the Muken, and no one else in Soul Society even posses spiritual pressure of your level, process of elimination, you are the most likely candidate. Furthermore, if you do are to return, you are most likely to harm those around you unintentionally."
"W-what?" This now caught Ichigo off guard, hearing this from Aizen that he is at risk of endangering those around them just near them. He wouldn't accept that, nor he like the idea of not being able to return home. With him being distracted, Yhwach's plan took action, as right before the fallen king fell, he used up the last of his power to cast create a portal behind Ichigo, pulling him in through as the last thing he saw before consuming into darkness was Aizen with a surprised look of what took place.
One moment he was there, and the next, he's gone without any warning as Aizen witness the disappearing form of Kurosaki Ichigo. He soon frowned, damn that sly old fossil, to have an ace up his sleeves. Now he stood there, alone, the only other soul that come close to matching him is gone, no presence can be sensed. He was enjoying the company of the orange hair substitute.
"Kurosaki's gone... just like that..." Aizen turned to the young teen dressed in all white uniform, a button down long sleeve shirt in high collar with white pants, neatly combed hair that split to reveal his forehead with glasses, this is Ishida Uryu, a Quincy, and one of Ichigo's best friends. "Where did he disappear to? He was here only a moment ago..." He asked as the question is going through both their minds.
"It seems as though Yhwach had a contingency upon his death, and Kurosaki Ichigo has fallen into the trap." The brunette man responded, as it is the only answer has has now, wondering where the transcended being is send to.
Unknown void
Darkness all around, he couldn't see a single thing as he falls into the void. Not a sound to be heard, the abyss seems to be endless. He can't tell the passage of time, how long has he been falling? It could be minutes, hours, trying to break free from the darkness. Damn, how did he fell for it, letting his guard down at that moment, he would never hear the end of it from Rukia, calling him a fool for letting his guard down, it'll be a bickering mess.
After what felts like hours, he felt something in the distance, an exit point perhaps? It didn't matter, so he tug on the feeling as he steady himself, pushing his body to direct itself to escape this void he found himself in.
Sky above unknown location
The power he sensed is drawing closer, a large one energy signature coming closer, nearing the exit. Reaching his hand out, he made it through and out of the darkness, now floating what seems to be an endless sky above, clouds all around vast as the eyes can see, then his brown orbs landed on a floating figure not far. In the distance reveals to be a woman with white floating hair flowing upwards, as if gravity isn't a concept to her. Her golden eyes stares him down, not expecting him to appear at all. Her arms seems to be covered in some sorts of gloves with cubic patters at the end, a small cape blows behind her along with a tight body suit of a dress, her feet bare, no such footwear at all besides covered in white bandages. "It seems like another outlander has appeared before me, no matter, I will dispose of you as I did with the other one."
She rose her hand, sending a wave of what seems to be cubes after him. Ichigo wasn't going to take this as he swiftly dodge, her wave of attack similar to Byakuya's Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, though much slower than the prideful captain 'Another outlander?' from the sounds of it, he wasn't the first one to arrive, but he's not gonna sit here and find out what will happen to him the same way. He Shunpo in a blur and got in front of her, surprising the unknown woman as her eyes went wide. Ichigo swung his larger blade down vertically, but she narrowly escaped but the tip of the sword drew blood on her abdomen, drawing a small trail of blood.
"You dare draw blood from me?!" her voice roared as it echoed, loud and booming, her anger rising. Soon a wave of cubes charges at Ichigo in all directions, aiming to engulf the substitute Shinigami. As the form is covered by her attack, she felt a sense of pride of what she accomplished, but that soon died down as her attack is shattered and destroyed by a flurry of sword swipes, cutting all around as he is soon freed from his prison. "H-how..?" she blinked, but the spot where she stared at floats no longer the orange hair man as her eyes widened. Looking all around to scan for him, she failed to noticed too late as Ichigo is behind her.
She turned her head but was met with a punch to her right cheek with his left fist. A punch, not a cut from his two swords, how insulting for it must be to not be swung by his blades. Not that she wanted to be struck at all, but a fist like that sure put a dent to her pride. Holding up her right hand to ease to swelling, she gritted her teeth as she stares daggers with a venomous edge towards the young man. "You mortal shall pay for your insolence!"
"Lady, you attacked me first, and secondly, I couldn't give two shit about who are you." this answer only made her boil even more, not liking the tone or lack of respect he is giving to her. This mortal showed up, draw blood from her, mocked her, and even lays hands on her with his fist. Her patience has dwindled with him as she has no choices but to wound her pride even more. Make a tactical retreat. So she started to fly away to get away from the orange her young man. "Hey wait, get back here, tell me how I can get back home!"
His words fell on deaf ears as he soon gave chase, catching up to her, but he left his guard down as he got close as she outstretched her hand and surround her cubes around his body, long enough as he froze in place as he soon felt the sensation of falling once again, gravity taking it's toll. What did she do to him? By the time her attack consumed his body, he couldn't move, as his view of her is blocked off, her face the only thing he saw before it all turned to darkness. Not again, and he only just got out of it.
Unknown shore
Waking up from his slumber, Ichigo slowly opens his eyes but soon shut it back as his vision made contact with the sun. He raised his right hand to block the ray as he tries to open it up again, feeling the grains of sand on his arm as he soon adjusted himself sitting up. From what he could see it appears the young Shinigami has landed on a shore, with a few rocks out in the distance. Glancing behind him, there's a steep cliffside with jagged formation, it'll be a hassle to climb, but good thing he has his powers to be able to fly up. The sound of splashing water soon caught his attention back in front of him, seeing a small child with her head sticking out of the waters, screaming for help. She appears to have white hair, a star hair piece and a... halo? It floats above her head all while she thrashed around.
No time to ponder on that any longer, so he took action and got up quickly, using Shunpo to appear next to the little one as he used both hands to drag her out of the waters. Now that she is out, he got a closer look of her. She appears to be wearing a large infant clothes for her size, some puffs at the end of her wrists and what seems to be a cape with a galaxy themed to it. Her eyes had swirls in them as she is trying to readjust herself. After a few seconds, she finally composed herself, her eyes landed on the savior in front of her. She came face to face with an orange hair young man, appearing to be in his 20s.
"Thank you! I am saved, Paimon owes you a great amount of gratitude!" she said with a cheerful smile. Well guess that gets naming out of the way, but he still has many questions on what exactly is she.
"It's no problem, but uh... what are you exactly?" Ichigo asked, not entirely sure the species of creature he is holding. Then again, Kon was a mod soul and he's seen weirder things in his life for that matter.
"Paimon is Paimon, there's nothing else to it!" her voice rang with joy and pride, that didn't answer his question much. Soon she float free from his hold as she hovers in front of him, her hands behind her back as she tilted her head slightly to her right. "So, what brings you to Mondstadt?, traveler?" Mondstadt? Ichigo is confused on what she meant, never heard of the word before.
"Mondstadt? Like a country or something like in the middle-East?" a hand came up to his chin, pondering if he ever heard of the name back in geology class he took, but none of the name came up to mind.
"Well, yes and no, Mondstadt is a country located in Teyvat, but I wouldn't say it's towards the Eastern region, more like in the middle?" She gave him a shrug, her hands out. "Have you never heard of Mondstadt before? Sounds to me like this is your first time here." Well she wasn't wrong, as he isn't even from around here to begin with. And Teyvat? Is that another country or states? So many question looming in his head and he needs answers.
"Teyvet... What exactly is, or where exactly is it?" at this point, any answers could help solving where in the world he found himself in, and this Paimon seems like the best best right now.
Paimon raised a brow, confused at his question, she hasn't met anymore that doesn't know Mondstadt or Teyvet, then again she didn't meet with a lot of people much as she was all alone to begin with, having no one else to talk to or have company. So she enjoyed his talk, albeit weird one, it felt nice to have someone to talk to than those lonely nights to herself. "Well... Teyvet is like, here? The very world you are in?"
'What?!' the words hit him like a brick to his face, his eyes widen with a shocked expression as her words sank in. He was about to ask more, but was interrupted by the sound of the little fairy's stomach rumbling, he look to Paimon with both her index finger fiddling with each other with a nervous smile.
"Sorry, Paimon haven't been able to eat for a while." a small blush of embarrassment on her small cheeks. She wasn't the best at hunting food given her size, plus with the monsters around she wasn't to go out much search for food.
Letting out a small sigh, he decided to catch some fish, can't think on an empty stomach. "Alright then, go wait by the shore, I'll catch us some food." hearing this, Paimon started clapping happily as she began to fly back to land, leaving Ichigo to himself as he look around in the water, spying a school of fishes in the distance. His hand reach for Zangetsu on his back, soon drawing swiftly and cutting a dozen fishes, immediately dead with his skill with the sword. Once he has enough, he placed Zangetsu onto his back again, then reaching down and grabbing the fishes by the tail with both hands as he walks on the reishi platform he's been on back towards Paimon.
He sees a few large leaves on the sand, then his gaze move towards Paimon with a smile and hands behind her back. "Paimon wanted to help a little, so Paimon decided to get some leaves to set the food on." she said contently, feeling happy as she could help out. Ichigo smiled to her as he set the fishes down, soon going to gather some dry woods and branches for fire.
After a few minutes, the camp fire is now set up, soon getting the fire started as he starts to remove the fish guts, don't wanna bite into those. Once that's done, he used the sharpened branches to poke through the now dead aquatic animal and set it new the base of the fire, not too close, not too far, just enough for it to start cooking. Paimon seeing all this, her eyes glimmer, her mouth begins to drool. "Ooooh, Paimon can't wait to eat, it's been so long since Paimon had a decent meal!"
"You've been on your own?" Ichigo spoke up, deciding to start up a conversation with the little fairy he saved moments prior.
"Yup, Paimon's been traveling around going here and there, not much destination in mind, then Paimon got hungry and wanted fish, sooo..." Paimon trailed off, letting a nervous laugh, feeling embarrassed. "And that's how Paimon met you!" she finished off with a smile. "So, where are you from? Oh! Paimon forgot to ask for your name, Paimon's name is Paimon!"
Ichigo contemplated rather to tell her the truth or tell a lie, she seem innocent enough with no ill intention, so maybe making a new friend wouldn't hurt, but keep some things still hidden. "The name's Kurosaki Ichigo, but you can call me Ichigo." he gestured a thumb to himself, poking another fish with the sharpened branch and setting it besides the burning flames. "As for where I came from... I'm not sure, I was in a void of darkness then found myself above the clouds fighting a lady that says she's a God or something."
"A God? Was it one of the Archon?" Paimon asked with a puzzled look, a hand to her chin, deep in thoughts. "What did she looked like?"
"Archon? What are those? And as for the unknown god, she had long white hair dressed in mostly white, golden eyes and a tall figure... Besides looks, that's all I can describe of her." once the fish appeared to be cooked, he grabbed one and blow on it, letting it cool off before placing it onto a leaf and handing the first piece to Paimon, this which she smiled and thanked him for as he got another for himself.
"Thank you! And as for the unknown god you mentioned, Paimon has no clue who it might be, the description not matching anyone Paimon knows. And as for Archons, think of like a title that people of Teyvat gives to the Gods." she received her food and took a bite, recoiled a bit from the heat as she lets out sharp breath to cool her tongue but soon started to enjoy her food fully. She munches happily, devouring the food in front of her as she finished the first fish with how hungry she is. Ichigo seeing this help her out and picked another cooked fish for her as Paimon blows on it to cool off before taking another bite.
"I see, I guess I have some searching to do." Ichigo muttered the last part to himself. The unknown god is his only lead on taking him back home, his only option is to search for her and some leads as to where she might be. Taking another bite of his food he look towards the ocean, having missing his friends and family, wondering how they are doing, no doubt cleaning up after the bloody war with heavy amount of casualties, and he's here, unable to help.
For the time being he should rest, feeling fatigued from the war sinking in as his eye lids grows heavy, the sun soon to set on the horizon. Ichigo lets out a long drawn out yawn as he finished eating, Paimon is helping herself with another fish. "I'm gonna get some rest, had a long day today..." laying down as he uses some of the leaves for a make shift bed, resting his head on his hands.
"Oh, okay! Paimon will join you after this!" Paimon said as she ate another fish, finishing it all. It seems the fairy can stuff her mouth with how small she looks, guess her stomach is larger than her small body. She soon floats down and lay closely next to Ichigo, snuggling up to him with a small as Paimon lets out a small smile. The sun has set, dusk is now upon them as the duo lay down in the night sky, a cloudless night with a gentle breeze, the fire keeping them warm through their slumber. What will lie in store for the substitute Shinigami in this world? He shall find out soon the adventures he will stumble upon.
(-)
With dusk over now comes dawn, the cool air still remain from the night as their camp fire has gone out hours ago, but Paimon is still able to keep herself warm, now that she has a new companion to snuggle up against to. Ichigo snore lightly, not feeling much from the cold, not bothered at all. With a few more hours of sleep, the sun has risen high, about early morning now but the tired body of the Shinigami refused to wake up, the effect of the war still lingering, but he wouldn't get anywhere if he sleeps all day, so he woke up slowly, his eyes adjusting to the brightness. Letting out another groan, he soon leans up but felt a small weight on his chest, looking down he sees Paimon, sleeping peacefully on top of him.
He didn't want to disturb the small fairy but at the same time, he he want to start covering the area, search for answers and head out, so he raised his right hand and slowly shook her awake. "Hey Paimon, wake up, time to get up now." Ichigo said softly as he slowly sits up, using his free hand to hold her from falling.
"Five more minutes... Paimon want to sleep more..." Paimon said with a tired voice, but soon starts to wake up more as she kept being shaken. Her eyes fully opened and a yawn escaped her mouth, she then smiled towards Ichigo as she starts to float. "Good morning!"
"Morning." Ichigo said as he got up, patting himself off from the sand as he looks around. "I should look around the area, find a town or something, maybe answers on the unknown god." he picks up both Zangetsu as he strap the larger one onto his back, the handle on his left shoulder, with the smaller one on his right waist. He'll have to get used to Zangetsu's new form, having it being a single blade on his right.
"Well if you're gonna travel Tayvet, Paimon will assist you! Paimon will be your number one tour guide!" she said happily, floating besides Ichigo as she now leads him from the shore. "Come on, this way!"
Following her lead and unfamiliar with the land, Ichigo had no other choice otherwise ends up getting lost. They walked for a few minutes before the sandy floor turned into green grass, now entering the forest area where Paimon floated up, while Ichigo followed suit with a large leap. "You know, Ichigo, I know you're not from here, but where did you come from exactly?" Paimon brought up the question as she is curios where this mysterious swordsmen came from. He's definitely isn't from Inazuma as he isn't shown to have a vision, but the clothing is Inazuman inspired.
Ichigo have known Paimon for a day now, but should he reveal everything to her? She doesn't seem suspicious at all, she seem innocent, no hint of malice in her. He can feel like he can trust her. "Well, I came from a town called Karakura town in Japan." he began to tell Paimon his story, from his beginning as a substitute Shinigami, to the time he rescued Rukia from her crimes in Soul Society, to the time he saved Inoue from the clutches of Aizen, he did have to leave out a few information, of course, his final fight with the fourth Espada, Ulqiorra, no need to scare someone, that and among other information. Paimon listened to them all, asking about some details she didn't know as Ichigo told the stories as if he is living through it all again, feeling nostalgic, not caring if he told her everything, feeling like an old man telling his life story.
Paimon took in all the information that she could, deep in thought. "I can't imagine going through that, but the battle is over now, right? All that's left is to find that mysterious god and possibly send you back." Paimon said in a hopeful voice, wanting to help her new friend as much as she could. Soon they made it at the end of a cliff, stopping near the edge they took in the view, many trees as the eye can see, routes to make traveling easier, a small lake in the distance, and a... statue? This caught the attention of Ichigo as his eyes scan it from a distance.
"What is that?" Ichigo said as he points at the monument in the middle of the small lake.
Paimon followed the direction and turned back to Ichigo with a smile. "That's a statue of the seven, you can find those all over Teyvat, they are modeled after the archon of the region, so this statue of the seven is the Anemo Archon."
"So the Archons have their own statue, must be highly respected, and also, Anemo?" Ichigo raised a brow, having never heard of the word before.
"It's another word for wind element." Paimon said with a smile as she soon leads them down the cliff, with Ichigo following after. So this world has powers relating to the elements then, like his world with kido spells and such. It's all sound interesting that another world have what sounds like the equivalent to magic, then the question popped up in his mind ever since he got here.
"I got a question, does that mean everyone can see me? Seeing as you can, you know... given my situation." the realization dawned on him a day later, now having time to think everything through. Was it possible for people native here to be able to see him in his spirit body? He can totally forgotten he's still in his state after the battle with the Quincy king.
"Paimon thinks so, since Paimon can see you and all, and interact with you." she turned to him with a smile, but that did little to answer his question as a whole. Was it because there's this world's version of a magic system lying dormant inside everyone? All these questions and not a lot of answers.
The two then made it up to the statue after crossing the river, with Ichigo standing in front of it as he examines it in closer detail. It seemed to be a hooded figure with wings, their hands together holding up an orb. He can barely make up the detail of the face, but he can see two braided pigtails hanging in front of their face. "Interesting looking God, I guess the wings signifies the wind, giving the name of Anemo, huh." Ichigo said as he reached a hand out, touching the statue. Upon him making contact, the statue glowed, and he heard a voice in his head.
"May the wind guide you, and spread your wings." the voice spoke out before a teal orb floats down from the orb and entered his body. Ichigo touched his chest, but felt no different than he is now, he can feel something different inside him, as if the power of the wind is flowing inside him.
"Ooh! Did you just feel the elements of the world? You just touched the statue and the power of Anemo is now yours to wield!" Paimon said as she witnessed what just happened, seeing her new friend obtain the element of the wind, and without a vision no less! "As much as they want it, people from this world can never get a hold of the powers and blessing from the gods as easily as you did."
"Really? And why is that?" Ichigo asked, though if they were gods shouldn't they answer the prayers of people that seek the power? It sounded hard to believe that with so much praise and prayers they go unanswered, but he can't say he knows the system all to well, given that he's in no position like them, and just giving the power of the elements like free candy does sound it would get out of hand quickly.
"It's because you're not from this world." Paimon explained with a smile. It was a simple answer, but not too impactful, still Ichigo wants to know what blessing the gods gave him, so he'll have to test it out in battle. "It's also a rare sight that you were able to obtain a power without a vision."
"Vision?" Ichigo asked. More and more questions keep popping up one after another, it'll be hard for him to keep track of everything.
"Yeah! A vision is like is a gift granted from the Gods, for those with great ambitions or passion, they come in a small gem people can wear on them and helps the wielder channel their powers, a tool to use their element." Visions. Tools. Blessings. All these sound like there's a higher system involved on who receives powers and who doesn't. If one were to be passionate enough and received one, what else is there for the requirement?
He couldn't dwell on it any longer as Paimon soon points up ahead in the distance, a town of some sort with large windmills, a larger statue of the god he stood near, and what seems like a church at the back. It reminds him of Germany old architecture with the housing and roofs. "If we keeping making our way West from here, we'll eventually reach Mondstadt, the city of freedom!" she soon turned back to Ichigo with a smile. "Mondstadt is the city of wind, because they worship the god of Anemo."
"So perhaps, because you got the element from the God of Anemo, you'll be able to find clues there." Paimon said, she then starts leading the way towards the city. As the two made some distance, Ichigo can hear something overhead, he turned and looked up, seeing a large creature with teal like feathers, sharp claws and wings, it's a dragon of all things! He's seen enough Hollows as he wouldn't be surprised by it, but still, seeing one alive left him awe struck.
"Wah! What's that?!" Paimon screamed in surprise, her eyes seeing the large dragon flying towards the forest up ahead where they are heading, it seems like they'll be encountering the mystical creature sooner than they think. Paimon is unsure rather to keep going or take a different route, but her thoughts was cut short as Ichigo heads towards the forest where the dragon was last seen. "B-be careful, Ichigo!" Paimon said with concern in her voice as she follows him right behind.
Taking a few small steps into the forest, they soon arrived to an opening to see the dragon on top of a large rock, in front of it appears to be a... girl? Boy? He couldn't tell, but the braided pigtails could gave it away, the figure dressed in all teal, a hat with a flower and feathers, behind her back she wears a cape down to the abdomen, her body wears a brown vest with white long sleeved shirt, short puffy shorts and white leggings, and small leather boots. He watched closely at the mysterious bard who seems to be attempting to talk to the dragon, both hands reaching out.
Ichigo pokes his head out to get in a closer look, but he felt his newly acquired elemental power letting out, perhaps the bard has something to do with it? He didn't get much time to reach as a small burst of Anemo energy burst out of his hand, startling the dragon as it lets out a mighty roar, kicking up the wind. This caused the bard to look at Ichigo's direction with an unpleased look. "Who's there?!" her eyes scan the area before she disappear in a light of energy, leaving the dragon before it too starts to take off, flapping its large wings and flying to another direction.
The two witnessed the event took place in front of them, trying to gather their thoughts on what on what happened, Paimon is the first one to spoke up. "That was a close call, Paimon would have been swept away by the wind if Paimon hadn't grabbed onto your hair." Paimon said as she let go, soon floating next to Ichigo once more. It was an unsettling experience for her, with her small body she would have been blown away if not for Ichigo and her grabbing a locke of his hair.
Ichigo turned to Paimon, giving her a deadpan look at what she said and done. "Glad I could help..." Ichigo said in a monotone voice, though he can't blame her much with her size, so he didn't held it against the small fairy. He soon ruffled his hair back in place, after what felt like a hard pull from Paimon as she clutched on for dear life. "From the looks of it, the kid was talking to the dragon, does that normally happen here?"
"Um.. not that Paimon know of..." Paimon shrugged as she looked at the large rocks where the dragon was before, seeing an odd red glowing object. "Look! There's a red shiny thingy on top of the rocks, the dragon must have dropped it somehow, looks dangerous..." Paimon said with caution in her voice. "Let's go take a closer look!" Paimon turned to Ichigo and said with a smile, contrasting of what she said earlier as she heads on closer.
"Hey, wait up! You said it was dangerous yourself!" Ichigo said as he followed behind, climbing up the rocks as he soon stood in front what seem to be a blood red tear gem of some sort, he can feel dark energy emanating from it. It feels nothing like a hollow, yet the same, he can't put a finger on it. Paimon looks at the strange tear drop gem with childlike curiosity, not bothered by the feeling at her, perhaps she can't feel what he feels,
"Paimon doesn't know what this in, maybe we should bring it with us, just in case, you know?" Paimon said to Ichigo as she looked at him, not seeing the potential danger this could bring.
"Why should I do that? For what we know it could explode on contact if we touch it, or worse, some nasty side effect." Ichigo said, eyeing Paimon then back at the gem, he didn't want to risk anything with him in a new world, so better be safe than sorry, many battles and experience taught him that, plus with Ishida constant warnings to be careful with areas unknown, so he wasn't going to let his guard down that easily.
"Well it's better than leaving it here and potentially someone else finding it, and they might get hurt in the process." Paimon said back, this now made Ichigo debate his next course of action. On one hand, the danger of leaving this here is high, given it's on top of a rock, and can be easily spotted, on the other hand, he'll bring it along, even if he is put in danger, but the thought came to him of what Aizen said. "No one else in Soul Society even posses spiritual pressure of your level." His words rung in his mind, it sounded like Aizen referred to him as a transcended being... Is he as strong as the Soul King now? The training with Ichibe felt like it.
If that is the case, something this small won't hurt him much, right? There's no harm done, plus with him taking it with him, no other passing traveler will find it and get hurt. He let out a sigh, and grabbed the gem, strangely enough nothing happened, thank goodness, as he soon pocketed into his Shihakusho, tugged into the pockets in a safe space. "Okay' let's keep going then!" Paimon said with an excited smile, the two getting off the rocks and continues on their path to the end of the forest, but something feels weird, a large group of reiatsu uphill in the distance, it's by no means strong, but the sheer number of them is more than fifty from what he could feel. His senses was cut short, hearing a voice of a girl.
"Hey you, stop right there!" They are soon stopped by the voice, it came from behind them as their attention turned left to see a girl in red, dashing into view as she jumped down, landing in front of them into a roll, stopping the impact from going up unto her knees. Ichigo eyes her down, unfamiliar with her attire. She wore a red ribbon, in a style that appears to have rabbit ears, holding onto her brown hair. Her light brown golden eyes stares back at them, wary in case they might pose potential danger. Around her neck lies her goggles, covering her boob window that is noticeable on her. Who wears clothes like that? Her red sleeves goes down to her elbows, ending in large brown cuffs, with her brown gloves to match.
The front of her clothes holds what seem to be emblems attached, he couldn't tell what they represent or what it means. Her extremely short brown shorts cannot be comfortable, but where is he to judge? Perhaps she's an outgoing adventurer and it helps with mobility. Around her waist, she carries large brown pouches, probably supplies on her journey, what caught his eyes the most is the red gem like accessory on her left, he can feel some sort or reiatsu from it, could that be the vision Paimon mentioned? Finishing off she wears long white boots with red stockings, leaving exposed skin to her thigh window. "May the Anemo God protect you, stranger." She closed her eyes and bid them a salute, her right arm extended down diagonally.
"I am Amber, Outrider for the knights of Favonius. You two don't look like you're citizen of Mondstadt. Explain yourself." Amber said as she finished off her salute as she eyes Ichigo, keeping her guard up while at a good distance. Her eyes landed on Ichigo's Zanpakuto, that didn't help them with their situation, plus with the clothing the substitute Shinigami's clothing, all torn from the battle, she's probably going to assume Ichigo is a bandit as her safe bet.
"We're not looking for trouble." Ichigo spoke up, hoping to defuse the situation before anything else escalate, of course she wouldn't buy it, not being convinced at all.
"That's what all troublemakers say, plus I've never seen you two before in Mondstadt, it's a clear sign the two of you aren't from here, besides..." Amber said as her brown golden orbs focused on Ichigo. "You appear to be Inazuman, and with that sword on your back and how you're dressed, it's a sign of trouble, I cannot say what danger you pose, but I will not take that chance."
Paimon floated in front of Ichigo, waving her hands frantically with a panicked expression, not looking for a fight. "Waitwaitwait! Honest we're not here to cause trouble! We just wanna look for help for Ichigo!" Paimon said, trying to plead her case, hoping to convince the Outrider. This of course seem to work only slightly, lowering her guard, only just a bit.
"Help? What sort of help are you seeking?" Amber asked, still wary of the two strangers in front of her. Before any of the two can answer, another voices can be heard from behind Amber, she turned to see a familiar face, Ichigo and Paimon looked behind the Outrider. A female with short black hair tied in small pigtails, wearing green and white dress, a red tie around her neck along with a backpack, she frantically ran towards Amber, out of breath. "Lynn? What's wrong?" Amber asked her friend from the guild.
"It's terrible, monsters sighted from the camp on top of the hill, more than before and are making their way towards the city!" Lynn said quickly as she finished, taking deep breaths.
The news alarmed Amber as she soon took off, turning her head towards Ichigo. "You two stay there, I'll handle the situation!" Amber said, running uphill to fight of the army. Ichigo couldn't just stand still and do nothing, so he took off, leaving the woman called Lynn behind.
Ichigo made it to see the girl in red shooting arrows from a bow that he didn't see her holding before on her, each shot aimed and landed onto the monster's mask with precision shot. Ichigo now sees the look of the monsters he was sensing earlier. A few of them were short small creature, their skin dark, limbs lacking any meat on them as the only clothing were a clothe. The most noticeable thing is their mask, white with red marking along with horns, designed similar to a hollow mask, but a lack of a mouth and hole on their body. Another was a larger monster, it's fur red mixed with dark color, the upper torso bulking large than the smaller ones, lying on it's back dead with several arrows on it's fading body. Are these hollows? The reiatsu felt different than the hollows he sensed before as their bodies fades away into nothing.
Ichigo resumed moving forward, Amber already made her way up the hill as the substitute Shinigami continued his run. He made it up to see Amber taking out another monster with more shots of her arrow. A surprised attack sprung up behind the Outrider but she quickly dodged it with a roll, pulling on her string and fires off another shot when she landed back up, shooting the creature dead, the numbers are slowly decreasing but from the looks of it, she couldn't handle that many as more are approaching in groups, nor something she can handle in close combat.
Ichigo decided to jump in, having seen enough as he grabs the larger Zangetsu on his left, unsheathing with his right hand and swung horizontally, the wide arc catching five of the monsters in front, with the force of the swing also killing a few dozen at the back as the hordes paused momentarily by the sheer display of power the substitute released. Amber stared at Ichigo, amazed by what she witnessed, but soon shook off her gaze. "I said to stay back, this situation is dangerous!" Amber warned Ichigo as she pulls on the string of her bow, and arrow materializing as fire began to form on the tip, firing it off in the large group's direction.
"From the looks of it, you'll need a hand, besides..." Ichigo said as he draws his smaller Zangetsu from his right waist, holding his left hand out in front of him, he then draws a small thin line of reiatsu horizontally before speaking again. "I'll blow them away in an instant." Ichigo said, soon the small line glows and prepares to fire off, launching his attack towards the small army. "Getsugo Tensho." Ichigo said the name of his attack, but what surprised him next that the yellow beam he's been using till this point, turned a mixture of teal as the attack created a vacuum wave, sucking in all the monsters in it's path as it shredded them in an instant.
Quickly grabbing the larger Zangetsu from his back, stabbing the ground hard so the wind vacuum doesn't pull him in, grabbing Amber by the waist while he seethed back the smaller Zangetsu, while Paimon held on for dear life, the wind stronger than the one in the forest, all three covered their eyes, dust blowing all around. Soon the gust dies down, as they now opens their eyes once more and see the destruction left behind. No trace of life left behind as he also leveled the field, the outpost and the camp destroyed, turning to dust, nothing was left but a flat land.
Paimon, for the second time that day had to hold on for dear life from that experience as she lets go of Ichigo's Shihakusho, almost getting sucked into the vortex.
Ichigo made sure not to use too much of his reiatsu, only a small drop of it, but the result was still devastating, and that wind element, what was that? He's never shown to be able to done that before, then he pieced things together, the statue, it was when he touched it that the orb of energy entered him and granted the power of Anemo. 'So, that was Anemo...' Ichigo thought to himself, wondering if he can mix that into his attacks in the future.
His thought got cut off as he felt a hand on his shoulder, looking back, he sees a star struck Amber with stars in her eyes, forgetting her suspicion on him at the moment. "That was amazing! I've never seen display power of Anemo like that before!" Amber said with a smile, turning Ichigo to her as both her hands rest on his shoulder. "But, I don't see a vision on you, how is that possible?" her eyes scans his body, looking for the gem resting on him, but found none at all. "Who are you? What are you...?" the Outrider asked, confused on seeing someone being able to control the elements without an aid of a vision.
"I'm Kurosaki Ichigo, substitue Shinigami." Ichigo said, finally introducing himself as he placed the Zangetsu back on the respective placement. Amber took in his looks and stares him up and down, his tattered sleeves of his Shihakusho, showing his toned arms, his built chest at the opening in the middle. She can tell he isn't from here, most likely Inazuman from how he's dressed, but yet, the lack of a vision contrast that. She quickly averted her gaze on his physique, a small blush creeping onto her cheeks, be professional now, Amber, don't let his looks fool you.
"Shinigami? As in, the grim reaper?" Amber asked, a bit frightened by what Ichigo said. She had heard of the reaper in books and stories, but never thought she met one in front of her. Did he come for her life? Is she going to meet an early end? And for a reaper, he's he's quite the looker.
Paimon chimed in, waving her arms. "No, don't be afraid, he's actually a good guy in his occupation!" Paimon explained, trying to calm her down from the rising fear in Amber.
Amber stayed quiet for moment, calming her nerves, but soon lowering her guard, breathing a sigh of relief. "Well, Ichigo, whoever you truly are, I'm thankful for your help taking out those Hilichurls and Mitachurls." Amber said with a smile, truly thankful for the help Ichigo provided, she will admit she wasn't expecting that many of them, she can take out fifteen before they starts to overwhelm her.
"It's no problem at all, don't worry about it." Ichigo said, not needing to be thanked for doing what felt right. "Hilichurl and Mitachurl?" the orange hair asked, not having heard those names before, he has heard of Menos classes, Gillian, Adjuchas, and Vasto Lorde, never the two he heard earlier.
"Those are the names of the monsters, they tend to gather in large groups, so we have to deal with them all the time." Amber explained to her new companion, "So, you said you needed to go to Mondstadt, right? I'll guide you there." the Outrider gave him a smile, pointing her thumb behind her towards the city. Before the orange hair substitute could reply she took his and Paimon's hand and led them down from the battlefield, jogging their way towards Mondstadt.
Feeling his hand being pulled, he didn't get the chance to answer before they were in front of the entrance. He can see a single guard standing at the entrance of the gate. "Hey Swan, I'm just brining in a friend, he helped me took down the monsters, so I'm helping him in return." Amber said with a smile to her fellow companion.
"So it was you who caused that large wind blast, I can feel the strong breeze even from here." The guard named Swan said, revealing the news towards the three. This in turn shocked Amber even more, just how strong is this Ichigo? The attack displayed is on par with an Archon's power. "But if our Outrider trust you, who am I to doubt her words? Go on in." Swan finished off with a salute, allowing the three to pass and enter the city.
Amber thanked the guard with a wave as she went back to dragging Ichigo through the gate, taking his first step as his sandals stood on the rocky road. The middle leads up deeper into the city, stairway going upwards and another wall holding up more houses, windmils in the distance and the large statue of their Anemo Archon. To his right, a small flower shop is displayed, and further down what looks to be a bar, to his left a blacksmith stood, hammering away as he did his work, he can tell he is efficient in his craft. Turning his attention back in front, Amber stood with a large smile on her face as she spreads her arms wide, "Ichigo, Paimon, welcome to Mondstadt!"
Finally I am done! It took me too long to write this with how my schedule is and so little time I get to write, an hour at minimum on weekdays, and two hours on weekends if I sacrifice sleep! Plus I started writing this on September 1st! I am now done on October 15th at the time of writing! But I'm happy I am able to finish the first chapter. Plus I have to proof read this myself on my own so more time to out of my hand.
I'm just doing this as a hobby, so update will be slow but I hope not too long, and I guess I went over the 7k words but I'm satisfied, I don't mind at all. Not a lot of action in this chapter, more like a build up to what's to come.
Also who was the other outlander the mysterious god was talking about? You'll find out more down the line. I try to be as descriptive as I can, but not perfect, I wanna give the reader a visual representation of body language, that's why I do the which hand they use, how they stand and pose, body language can help tell what a character personality can be.
As for love interest? I have no idea right now, so I'll have to see whp Ichigo might end up with.
Leave a review of what you think, any criticism is good too since I try my best to match their personalities. Thank you for reading, see you all in the next chapter, hopefully it won't take two months...