Starting to write this early now soon after I posted chapter 1, so I'll update this as I go on. I'll also be answering some of the review at the end of each chapter.
Date started of writing: 15th October 2023 (Feel free to ignore this, I'm only adding this to see how long it takes to write)
First off, thank you for the reviews, it helps me improve on my writing on what I did wrong, I try to capture everyone's personality the best I can but I am only human, so mistakes are bound to be made. Secondly, thank you all for over the 100+ follows and favorites on this story! I honestly didn't expect for this to do so well.
As I said before, I'll address some of the review and questions you all have at the end of the story, for now, let me cut this author note here and let you all have chapter 2!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Genshin Impact
Chapter 2: Shinigami Against The Storm
Mondstadt inside the City walls
"Ichigo, Paimon, welcome to Mondstadt!" Amber said with a proud smile, her arms held out wide in a welcome gesture. The Outrider truly feels passionate about her home here and it shows. "Come on, let me show you around." the brunette said as she leads Ichigo and Paimon forward into the city, walking up the steps and passing by a few stores. The citizen and worker greeted Amber with a friendly hello and welcome back from her time outside of the city.
Ichigo can tell from their interaction, she is well recognized in this city called Mondstadt, perhaps her field of work have something to do with it.
Upon reaching the top of the lower level floors, Paimon immediately paused in her tracks, she turned left to see an open restaurant, the scent of food catching the little fairy's attention. "Smells good... Ichigo, we have to grab something to eat!" Paimon flew and drag Ichigo by the arm, but with her size she wasn't too successful. But it did stop both Ichigo and Amber in their tracks.
"Oh that would be Good Hunter, it's run by Sara, would you two like something to eat?" Amber asked with a smile, as she dug in her pocket for money to pay for the three.
Ichigo raised his hand, as he spoke up to decline her offer. "No, it's fine-" To his dismay, his stomach growled, a small blush to his face signaling his embarrassment on the situation, he did skip breakfast earlier to get here, so the fault is his.
"Looks like Ichigo's stomach disagrees." Paimon said with a smug smile as she floats towards Amber, peeking over her shoulder with a smile. "Whatchu gonna get?" Paimon asked with a curious look.
"I was thinking of some Fishermen's Toast, it's very good to start off your morning with." Amber pulled out a few gold coins from her pockets as she hands them over to the worker over the desk, Ichigo by that point was next to Amber, and he can tell the currency here works differently, lever seen those types of money before. "Here you go, Sara, three helpings of your fine Fishermen's Toast!"
"Much appreciated, Amber, I'll have your order up in a moment." the woman named Sara said with a smile as he disappear into the back to prepare their food, while she is doing so, Amber led the two to an empty table where they would be seated, awaiting for their order.
"We got some time before it's ready, we can chat while we wait, I wanna get to know you two better." Amber said with a smile, resting her elbows on the table as she leans her chin on her hands. After the event today on top of the hill outside the city, she's curious to know more of Ichigo and where he's from.
Taking a seat across from Amber, Ichigo sat down as he sets his Zangetsu at the side of the table. "Sure, ask away." Ichigo said as he leaned back into his chair, his arms crossed over his chest as he stares back at the Outrider, with Paimon occupying on his left. From what he can gather so far, she assumes he is from a country called Inazuma, so that could be his cover up until then. As to why a sudden cover story for himself, it be better to not reveal his true identity so casually to others, who knows how they might react.
"Well for one thing, how come your weapon is out in the open? Normally visions bearer store their weapons away and call upon them easily during battle." Amber asked with a raised brow, at that time their orders have soon arrived as Sara set the plates in front of them along with a glass of water for the three. Amber nodded and thanked Sara as she returns to her station, giving them the privacy to talk.
"I like to keep them out on me, plus it feels comfortable that way on me." Ichigo answered, taking a bite of hid toast as it made a satisfying crunch, he admit the food is actually good. The question was simple enough, though the other harder question he'll have to come up with on the spot.
Paimon munches down on the toast of her own, letting out a content moan as the taste hits her mouth. Amber took a bite of her own food, while she nodded to Ichigo's answer. "I see, I guess I can't judge people's preferences." Amber said, taking another bite, she continues to stare Ichigo, his clothes shown he fought a fierce battle with how tattered it looks. "So you said you're a substitute Shinigami? Can you elaborate more on that?"
Damn he hoped this question didn't come up so soon, but seeing as she doesn't know much of Inazuma, he could come up with something. "It's a nickname I was given back when I lived in Inazuma, I sorta was in a group." Ichigo said, lying through his teeth as he acted natural. Paimon raised an eyebrow at his answer, not being the same he told her hours ago.
"Huh? But that's-" She was soon silenced by Ichigo having shoved his toast into her mouth, on instinct she quickly munches the delectable bread in her mouth with a sigh of content. Hopefully Amber won't press him more on the topic, he didn't need to blow his cover so soon. Fortunately Paimon has a one track mind as she dropped it and continues to eat the toast.
"Uh... okay then? Well, Ichigo, you said you lived in Inazuma, what made you decide to leave?" The Outrider asked as she now leans in on the topic of his home now, she heard Inazuma is a beautiful country, so she is all too curious on the departure from his homeland.
"It's a good country to live in, but I felt like traveling the world, see what other lands hold, explore what's beyond the sea." The orange hair Shinigami replied as he finished off his toast, technically he's half right, going each region in search of answer is part of the reason for his travel, in search of answers on his way back to his home world. Deciding not to be the only one to answer the questions, he asked some of his own as well. "So, Amber, I hear they call you an Outrider, what's your job like?"
Her eyes sparkled as soon as he asked, her hands clasped together with a proud smile. "My job as an Outrider is to help as much people as I can, it's an Outrider's job to do so, that's why so many people recognized me, as I'm the only member in the Outrider of the Knight of Favonious." Amber said the last sentenced with a hint of sadness. Ichigo can pick up the hint in her voice, having it be a heavy topic. From experience he can tell how others feel, and this is one of them where some thing unfortunate happened that is close to them.
"I'm sorry I brought it up." Ichigo apologized, he should have asked something else instead.
"What? No no, there's no need to, I'm proud of my job!" Amber said with a reassuring smile. Was he really able to read her so easily? Is she that much of an open book? From what she can tell, this Ichigo can not only be strong but considered, and nice once you give him a chance, the last quality reminds her of someone she knows closely. If she didn't want to bring up the topic, he will drop it, she'll tell him when she's ready to tell him, if she decides to, as the three ate now in a somewhat awkward silence they soon finished up and stood from their table. "I got something for ya, come on." with that said Amber led Ichigo to the higher levels of the city, with the Shinigami quickly grabbing Zangetsu.
"H-hey wait for Paimon!" Paimon said as she floated not far behind, holding the last piece of toast in her hand while still munching on.
It took a few minutes, but the trio soon made it to the upper walls of the floor in front of the large statue of the Anemo Archon, seeing the height that they climbed from where they started, providing a great view of the city where they are now, seeing everything outside of the walls. From the distance on the right lies a large snowy mountain, covered in white clouds as the eye can see, to the left rest a large pointed cliff, most probably where he started from at the beach by his calculation and direction they came from. "Okay, turn around, I have a gift for you." Amber said as she brings out something from her pockets.
"A gift? You don't have to do that." Ichigo said but he soon was turned around by Amber, strapping up a folded object onto his back. "Uh... what exactly is this?" Ichigo asked as he tries to turn his head back to get a better look.
"Hey! How come Paimon doesn't get a gift?!" Paimon protested, seemingly stopping on air, wonder how that works.
"Well, this gift would be useless on you, Paimon, trust me." Amber said with a smile to calm the little fairy. To that Paimon thought about and understood, the Outrider's persuasion working on her. "Now then, good luck!" the brunette said with a smile as she pushed Ichigo off the walls, Paimon instantly freaking out as she covered her eyes, Amber peeking over the wall.
He didn't have time to reach, his eyes widen in shock from what she did. "Are you crazy?!" Ichigo yelled as he tries to steady himself to slow his fall, but before he does he heard Amber yell at him to pull the cords at his sides. He looks both side near his shoulders and pulled, hard, opening the object on his back to free a set of wings as he slowly floats forward.
"That's it! Control your body balance and momentum and glide down near Good Hunter!" Amber said with a wave as she jumps down to join her friend, not too far behind. Ichigo steadies himself, never having done skydiving before as he tucks on the string cords to steer himself down while some of the residence watches him from below. Would you look at that, Ichigo is actually getting the hang of things.
And as if the Gods wanted to mess with the Shinigami, a girl carrying three wooden boxes walks directly in his path, this alerted Ichigo as he isn't skilled enough to maneuver himself properly yet. So, on a whim, he gather reiatsu beneath his feet and jumped over the girl, startling her as he landed a few feet further than where he was supposed to land. "Sorry about that, are you okay?"
Amber and Paimon soon landed, but the Outrider had a better landing than Ichigo with her experience. "Oh, no worries, I'm not hurt, sorry for almost crashing into you!" the girl said as she carefully set the box down, dusting off her dress. From her appearance she has sliver white short hair with golden green eyes, her dress is a mixture of a knight armor on top of a maid outfit with her skirt stopping down to her knees. Does this world really have a maid knight? Ichigo couldn't comprehend the need for one, unless the cleaning takes that amount hard work that they literally need a maid knight.
Her armored boots clatters against the cobblestone road as she walks up to him and bowed her head with a smile, her hear ornaments from her flowers and hat he can see up close, her knight gauntlets rested together in front of her apron. "Thank you for your concern, but I am alright, a dutiful knight like myself can't falter." she said with a cheerful smile, but soon a gasped was released. "Oh no, where are my manners. I am Noelle, please to meet you!"
"Oh no worries, Noelle, it's kinda our fault for gliding without proper training anyways, sorry." Amber apologized, joining in the conversation as she turned to Ichigo. "But you did well on your first try, but that jump. I didn't expect that though, was it your Anemo powers?" she asked Ichigo, looking for an answer on how he managed to jump in the air without a solid platform, and she didn't see or feel any wind coming from him while she was descending.
This caught the attention of Noelle, looking at Ichigo in excitement with expectation for an answer as well. "Uh, yeah, I used Anemo beneath my feet for a jump boost, comes in handy." Ichigo said, hoping the explanation he gave is convincing enough to the two female pushing him for answers. Noelle seems to be satisfied with the answer, while Amber nodded, unsure if she actually bought what he said. Before he could let Amber question him more, he quickly changes the subject. "Anyways, Amber, the thing you strapped to my back, the hell is it?" Ichigo said, pointing a thumb to his back.
"That would be a glider, almost everyone uses them, it's pretty neat, right?" Amber asked with a smile, giving Ichigo a thumbs up. "It's a little gift from me to you, which is also why I told Paimon it's useless to her." At that pointed, Paimon pops in to join in on the conversation with the rest.
"Forget gift, you scared Paimon with that stunt, Paimon thought you hurt Ichigo!" Paimon said with fear in her voice, soon floated towards Ichigo and hugging him by his side, fearing for her friend she met to get hurt.
Amber of course felt bad for putting Paimon in this situation, so she tries to calm the small fairy down. "Sorry, Paimon, I'll buy you some food as an apology, how's that sound?" The Outrider asked, putting her hands together with an apologetic smile, she didn't think Paimon was that worried but she guessed Paimon deeply cares for Ichigo's well being that much.
"Shall I offer my assistance and make some of my special pancakes for everyone?" Noelle asked with a smile, always there to help even if the smallest things, and offering her cooking to Amber's new friends sounds like a great way to get well acquainted with them. "I should be done with my current task soon, so once that is all set, I shall make the pancakes!"
"Oh, no need to trouble yourself, Noelle, it's alri-" Amber tried to decline the offer, but Paimon was too quick as she floated in front of Noelle, sparkles in her eyes at the sound of food.
"Pancakes?!" Paimon said with glee.
Ichigo only facepalmed by the sudden demeanor change at the drop of the mention of food. "Anyways, thanks for the gift, Amber, I appreciate the gift." the orange haired Shinigami said as he took off the glider and folded it, tucking it away into his Shihakusho.
Amber let out a giggle, a hand at the back of her head as she sway her hips from side to side on her feet, a bit embarrassed by the praise she was given. "It's no problem at all, plus with Stormterror causing trouble, I thought it be handy to keep you safe when you fall if you are ever caught in it's strong winds."
"Stormterror?" Ichigo asked.
From all the excitement, she failed to inform them the danger she was set out to be doing in the first place. "Oh, right, it's what we call the dragon that is terrorizing the city, right now many shopkeepers and residents are at a state of unrest because of it." Amber said as she explained the situation to Ichigo. At the mention of a dragon, he soon remembers the one from the forest that flew overhead, could that be the one she was referring to? And what of the stranger with the dragon? All these questions rang through his mind.
He didn't get much time to think as he heard screaming, brining him out of his thoughts as people around him started to head on inside and running inside for cover, strong winds blowing against the group as they heard a loud roar coming from the distance, and soon enough, the dragon appeared in the sky, bringing disaster as it creates multiple large tornados in the city. "Everyone, get to safety immediately!" Amber shouted as they are started to run.
Amber, Paimon, Noelle all ran up ahead for safety, Ichigo trailed behind as he has a plan, looking behind his back, seeing a tornado approaching. He slowed down to let the strong wind carry him up into the sky as the others saw what they witnessed just moments ago. All shocked as the substitute Shinigami was sucked into the vortex by the dragon. "No!" Amber yelled, feeling like she failed at her job at maintaining her job of keeping people safe.
"Amber, don't fret! Ichigo is strong, he can handle this!" Paimon said as she tries to cheer her up, pulling on her shirt to drag her to safety. For Amber's mentality sake, she hopes so.
Above the clouds of Mondstadt
Ichigo shot right out of the tornado, now standing on the makeshift platform of reishi he created, looking around for the dragon. His senses caught the large source above his head as he looks up, Stormterror roaring as it flies towards Ichigo, but the substitute Shinigami dodged with using Shunpo and got behind the large creature. Pulling out the larger Zangetsu, he charges forward for a back attack, coming up close he can see a large crystal sticking out of the dragon's back, most likely the weak spot.
Charging up a Getsuga, he fires off a normal one aiming at his target, though the attack had missed as Stormterror changes direction. It seems Ichigo would have to go in closer, and so he does with a step of Shunpo, landing on it's back, though he's not alone. As soon as he landed, a few strange creatures in robes appeared surrounding him, holding wands in their hands as they fire off magical elemental attacks. The substitute Shinigami dodges in places, unfazed by their presence as their attacks failed to land a single hit on him. "Out of my way." with a swing of hid blade he send a strong pressure of wind around himself, knocking the small wizard creatures away, disintegrating from the blow.
"Strike Dvalin's crystal, that'll weaken the hold on him!" A voice can be heard inside his head, but who could it belong to? He didn't have a moment to lose with the question as he did what the voice says and getting up close, leaping forward with his Zanpakuto overhead with two hands and strike! The blade made contacted with the large crystal and it shattered into small pieces as he heard the dragon let out a roar, it's body oozing out purple energy as it tries to engulf Stormterror.
Not taking any risk, Ichigo Shunpo away before he sees the massive dragon is surrounded by the energy and disappeared, never having been there at all. He looks around, but no sign for the dragon, though he storm has stopped, the wind is still strong so he doubt he took care of the problem at hand, it's never that simple, and he knows it too well.
He looks down at Mondstadt, seeing as some civilian are coming out of their shelter, so he made haste and descent before too many eye witnesses sees him as he disappeared in a blur. Though his action in the sky did not go unnoticed by a certain someone.
Mondstadt inside the City walls
Ichigo landed onto the cobblestone street with no problem at all at the upper levels of the city near the large statue, checking his surroundings for any signs of anyone to which there's none. Letting out a sigh of relief he made his way down to the lower streets to regroup with the others. With him leaping over many railings to jump down faster he sees Paimon, Amber and Noelle, all three with worried expression on their faces as they rushed over to the substitute Shinigami.
"Are you okay?" Are you hurt anywhere?" Amber asked as she examines his body for any signs of injury, but found none as she lets out a breath she wasn't aware she was holding.
"I'm fine, Amber, sorry I worried you." Ichigo said as he rub the back of his neck, a pan of guilt for worrying the three, it reminded him how he stayed by the river where his mother was killed, and his father found him with the looks of his worried sisters, he felt like an asshole for putting his family through that and now he did it again with his friends back in Karakura town, and now to Paimon, Noelle, and especially Amber. "I'm sorry."
Taking a deep breath, the Outrider composed herself, a hand on her chest to calm her rapid beating heart. The role of an Outrider isn't an easy one, even with her grandfather no longer there, but she kept moving forward, and seeing a life unharmed in front of her puts her at ease. "Just don't do something crazy like that again, okay?" Amber asked with a soft smile, in which Ichigo nodded and agreed to. Amber was about to ask a question on how Ichigo got safely down when she heard clapping.
All their heads turned to a flamboyant dressed man with an eye patch, his long blue hair tied in a ponytail over his shoulder, a white feather coat hung over his right shoulder with his fingerless gloves. Long blue pants and ankle high black boots, with belts around his waist as the middle of his shirt exposes his chest. This world fashion is very questionable, first Amber and Noelle, and now this guy? "You actually possess the power to go up against the dragon, I'm impressed." He said coolly with a smile.
"Kaeya? When did you get here?" Amber asked her fellow colleague as she walked over to him. "Stormterror has attacked and we need to head to Jean to plan what to do about this situation."
"Been here in Mondstadt, helping with the civilian, now I'm here." Kaeya said simply. "And we are, but we'll need to bring your friend along as well." he said as he looks towards Ichigo. "As you heard, the name's Kaeya, I'm the cavalry Captain of the knight of Favonious, hope we can get to know each other more."
Ichigo nodded as he greeted the man back. "Kurosaki Ichigo, nice to meet ya." He can't help but feel like keeping his guard up for now towards this man, something feels off with him, so his name is the minimum he should let him know for now. "Also, what do you mean by coming along?" Ichigo isn't sure what they have planned, with this Kaeya guy asking wanting him to come along with their official meetings, it seems to be they want his help in all this.
"You'll see, come now, we don't have much time, Jean is waiting." Kaeya said as he turned to the maid knight herself. "Noelle, you may come as well." he soon turned his back as he headed towards the upper walls, Noelle looked to Amber, unsure if it's alright for her to follow.
"I-is it really alright for me to join you all?" Noelle asked nervously, she technically an official knight yet, but to hear they want to see her made her heart jump.
"If Kaeya says it's important, we can't really refuse, can we?" Amber said as she leads to group, following Kaeya behind, and so Ichigo along with Paimon and Noelle went along with it.
Ichigo decided to ask the question he has in his mind, so he walked up next to Amber and leans in. "So, who is this Jean you guys mentioned? Are they your leader?"
"Well, sort of, she's the acting Grand Master right now while the Grand Master Varka is out with the other expedition team." Amber explained as they made their way up. "Jean is still reliable, she will help out no matter what, I'm sure she'll help with whatever you need to." Ichigo listened on, soon they made it outside of a large building where they are soon led inside by Kaeya. Inside is as big as the outside, many doors on each side with a staircase leading up to the second floor.
Knight of Favonious Headquarters
There Kaeya told Ichigo, Paimon and Noelle to wait outside the hall while he and Amber went inside to discuss a few matter before calling to them inside. Noelle nodded in understanding while Ichigo leaned against a wall, guess they shouldn't go in casually unannounced. And so the trio waited in the halls, Noelle seem to be staring at him, or rather at his torn Shihakusho, "Um... Ichigo, how did you get your sleeves torn, if you don't mind me asking." the young maid asked shyly.
Turning his head to her, he guess it didn't hurt to tell her. "It's from the many battles and fights on my journey, so I just left it as it is, I'm... not the best at sewing." Ichigo said, while he didn't lie exactly, it did get torn in his final fight with Yhwach, but the answer should suffice in her curiosity.
"Oh, then would you like for me to fix it up for you? I am more than happy to help!" Noelle said with a smile, sweet and innocent with her kindhearted nature, it reminded Ichigo of his sister, Yuzu, the two could be best friends if they ever met, the kind energy she radiate off for a kind girl with a heart of gold.
"I don't want to trouble you, I appreciate the kind gesture." Ichigo said with a smile.
"Please, I insist, as a friend I want to help, and with your lack of clothing right now, I couldn't leave you as you are now." Noelle insisted, staring at Ichigo.
For a moment Ichigo considered the thought, he could do it himself from seeing how Ishida done with his sewing technique, though he feels like it'll end up a mess than before, plus with Senjumaru not being here, he couldn't exactly ask her for help. "I guess it wouldn't hurt, I'll see when I have the time and I'll ask you." Ichigo said, to which Noelle smiled happily even more.
Just then the door opened, Amber peeking out as she gestured for them to come inside, so the three followed and stepped inside. Ichigo sees two new faces, one woman wearing almost all purple with long brown eyes tied down and over her shoulder, black gloves and purple dress, black stockings and black shorts, the two noticeable things he sees that sticks out are her purple witch hat and the rather large open exposed chest, at this point he's beginning to question if's the weird one. Though what caught his attention next was the gem resting around her neck. "My my, it seems you brought us a cutie and hottie, Kaeya." the purple dressed young woman said in a gentle voice, staring at them with her green eyes towards Paimon and Ichigo.
Paimon let out a giggle out being called cute while, while Ichigo, to his dismay fights the urges not to blush. You would think with so many battles he would be used to teasing like that, though luckily it isn't as bad as Yoruichi's. Taking a breather through his nostrils to calm himself, he looks towards the desk, there sits another young woman. Her light blonde hair tied in a small ponytail as she sits up straight, her blue eyes starring at him, calculative with a blank expression, though he can notice small black circles under her eyes, lack of sleep no doubt, and a half empty mug of coffee from the smell of it.
She wears a small blue cape of sort behind her with mostly white, gold ornaments design to go along with it, with black gloves reaching up to her arms. Ah, yes, open chest window... he gives up on making sense to it. Her blue eyes examines Ichigo from top to bottom slowly, a blank expression on her face as she soon raises her hand to her chin, thinking over her words. "Mondstadt welcomes you, windborne travelers." she said with a strained tired voice. "So, you are Ichigo? Amber has told me about you, and your recent feat in battle outside of Mondstadt." the blonde asked with a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Yeah, that's me." Ichigo said as he answer her question. "You must be Jean, right? Is there a reason why I was called?"
"Yes, Kaeya mentioned that you were able to fight off against Stormterror, and proposed an idea." Jean said with a nod, taking in a deep breath. "Forgive me asking this out of you, considering you are a stranger and we barely know who you are, but at this point we can't afford to be picky." she looks down at her desk, her hands clasp together as she squeeze tight. "Stormterror has caused so much disaster that our resources in the knights are low, their morale almost broken against the power of the creature."
"Eula is still on a mission in Liyue, and won't be back for a while, and Albedo is still in Dragonspine, we've sent a small team to find him but the temperature of the mountain of the sheer cold is too much before they had to retreat." Amber said as she explained their dire situation, having two of their members out could not be any worse case scenario.
"Grand Master Varka shows no sign of returning yet either, honestly he couldn't pick a worse timing to be on his expedition, not to mention a small handful of our knights." the woman in witch hat said with a sigh, her hand holding onto her head to ease the growing pain.
A desperate situation the knights find themselves in, all hope seems lost in their eyes. Kaeya then spoke up, asking the question that is on almost all of their minds. "With that all said, will you aid us, Ichigo?" he asked as he stares at the substitute Shinigami.
"I know it is selfish of us to ask an outsider for help, but... we really can't afford much more casualties." Jean finished with a sigh.
Ichigo stared at all of them in the room, the sound of the ticking clock the only thing to be heard as they all look back towards him for an answer. Talk about going from one war and into another fight, it seems there is never a dull moment in his life, though he can't complain, after all, he spend seventeen months without his powers, those long, boring and lonely seventeen months... He felt a tug at his side, it was Noelle pulling gently on his Shihakusho. "Will you please help us, I know we don't know you for long, but... it would be nice you to lend a helping hand." the young maid said with a light bow to her head.
Paimon look towards Ichigo with sad puppy eyes, even she agrees he should help them with their situation. So, he turned back to Jean with a determined look in his eyes. "Alright then, I'll help you guys out." Ichigo said, he could have declined and let them take care of this mess as it is their problem, as it doesn't involve him at all, but with how much Amber showed him a good hospitality, it would be an ass move to decline.
Amber cheered with a happy smile as she hops over and took Ichigo's hands, shaking them in appreciation. "Thank you! Thank you! You don't know how much this means to us!" Amber said with a smile, it really puts them at ease as they have been struggling against the battle with Stormterror for weeks now, and a stranger turned friend Amber happened to meet during her scouting turns up, it's like the Gods are smiling down on them with their luck turning around.
"Now that we have help, it is time for a plan." Kaeya said, looking around the room.
"With Stormterror now directly attacking Mondstadt, this gives us the opportunity to cut this problem at it's source." Jean said as she took another small sip of her coffee. "Lisa has revealed the sources of Stormterror's power with her detection magic, and they appear to be scattered in different locations."
The woman in witch hat, now revealed to be Lisa soon shined in on her discovery. "The sources are located in the Four Winds Temple, they are the sources that Stormterror draws to create these kinds of storms in these temples, and we must deal with them." Lisa said as she raised a hand and rest in on her left cheek, "The sooner we get this all done, the sooner I can be put as ease, my skin is one elemental particle away from a full-blown breakdown, the help is much appreciate it from our windborne strangers here." she shot a smile towards both Paimon and Ichigo.
"Our objective is to deal with three of the four temples, I trust everyone understand why we only are dealing with three?" Jean asked as she looks towards the group.
"Paimon doesn't." Paimon said with a confused look.
"Trust Jean in her judgement, I'm sure she has her reasoning." Noelle said to Paimon as she looks towards the acting Grand Master. "Is this why you have also asked me to join in as well?" the young maid asked.
To this Jean would nod. "Yes, I wish for your assistance in this matter, you and Lisa will go to one of the four temples to deal with the matter." Jean said to Noelle. "We need to take the initiative before the situations escalates any further."
It was when she heard the news, Noelle beamed with the largest smile, bowing her head deeply. "Thank you, I won't let you down!" to receive this mission mean a lot to the young maid, having been not being an official knight, to aiding on the Stormterror mission is like the best opportunity for her and she aims to live up to Jean's expectations of her.
Ichigo wasn't quite so why a simple mission like this excited her, perhaps she isn't a full fledged knight, or they kept her to cleaning duties that this is her first mission out, but he isn't one to judge. With everything done and said, Lisa and Noelle soon exited the room, next followed by Ichigo, Paimon and Amber, leaving Kaeya and Jean in the room. Once Jean sees the door closed shut, she looked to Kaeya, "Are you certain we can trust our new friend?" she asked as she rest her elbows onto the desk, her chin laying on top of her hands.
"If my hunch is correct, he may be the answer we've been searching for to solve this Stormterror problem, after all, if he did have any ill intentions, he would had refused to help, or not fight back against the dragon in the first place." Kaeya said as he soon slowly makes his way out. "For now, I'll keep an eye on him until he is proven to be a valuable alley." soon the cavalry captain pull the door handle and steps out, leaving the acting Grand Master to her thoughts.
'I pray he will be a strong wind that guide us to victory, and not another coming storm...'
Mondtstadt, ground levels
Ichigo, Paimon and Amber made their way down to the street level as they wished Lisa and Noelle luck on their assigned tempted, while the trio exited the gate soon after and made their way, heading down and three way split on the road. "We go straight, it'll take us to the Temple of the Falcon." Amber said as she takes lead, with Ichigo and Paimon following right behind.
The run towards the temple didn't take long with their pace, already in front of a massive stone gate, the sight amazed Ichigo, the design of the doors reminds him of ancient Rome. Amber walks up in front of the temple gate, she turned to Ichigo with a smile. "This is the place, ready?" she asked.
Ichigo soon regained his focus, soon joining Amber next to her with a nod. "Ready." he said as he watches Amber placed her hand on the door, soon the patterns glowed and the stone doors opens inwards, revealing a galaxy dark void and stars. The sights felt a bit mysterious, but he braced himself as the trio walks forward and into the temple.
Inside The Temple of the Falcon
It happened in an instant, as soon as they stepped foot into the temple it quickly transitioned into a large into a different environment. The sky a different color, a more pinkish red, up ahead vines blocked their path with the stone walls leaving cracks, only the torches lighting up the way. "It seems like Stormterror has given up on it's own temple, no one even comes here at the temple of the Four Winds anymore..." Amber said with sadness in her voice, pity that such a location no longer foster the owner.
"The dragon owns a temple?" Paimon asked, surprised that a dragon that is causing mayhem, would own a temple of its own.
"Yes, long ago, Stormterror used to be one of the Four Winds... I'm not sure what caused this all to make it go on a rampage, but the people used to see it as one of the symbol of Mondstadt," the Outrider let out a sigh, but recomposed herself as she felt something up ahead. "We should proceed with caution."
This didn't go unnoticed with Ichigo either, having sensed a large group of monsters up ahead the moment he came in, but further into the temple he can feel a large power source, he can only assume it's their target they are here for. The trio walk down the pathway, until they are stopped by large thorns blocking their path, this is where the Outrider decided to shine as she pulls out her bow. "Leave this to me." she released her flawing arrowhead, and soon a few more, setting the nature's spikes ablaze as they are burned away, clearing a path for them, with Amber turning back to the two with a peace sign with her hand and a wink.
Paimon applauded her work while Ichigo gave a nod of approval and a thumbs up. Once they got further inside they hid behind a pillar, peeking over as see a dozen of Hilichurls and Mitachurls all around, the size of the camp shows that they have marked this their territory for a long time now. Ichigo looked to Amber, leaning in close as he whispering into her ear. "I have a plan, I'll go in and take out as many as I can, you cover me from a distance."
Amber nodded, already know that Ichigo is strong enough and can hold himself in a fight that he displayed twice already, so she is all in on his plan. She watched him disappeared in a flash, this startled her a bit, his speed surprised her as he hasn't shown it before.
One moment he was behind the pillar, the next he's down below in the open area in front of the monster camp. This caught the attention of the watcher guards on top of the towers as they sound off their horns, alerting the entire camp, it seems these creatures posses some intelligent on some things such as guard duty, but a pity he'll have to end them all soon.
As the horde of monsters quickly charges at Ichigo, he grabbed Zangetsu's handle on waist in a reverse grip with his right hand, bending his knees as he leans forward, As the large axe strikes comes down on him he quickly Shunpo'd forward and stopping in an opening, his blade drawn as he charges forward again. The Mitachurls turn around, their vision now stares at their feet, Ichigo's slice now registered to their body as they were beheaded. The substitute Shinigami thrust forward, stabbing through a large wooden shield and the shockwave blasting through, damaging the one behind it and several monsters behind it.
Amber watches in awe at the combat Ichigo displayed before her, she's never seen anyone fight like he has before, perhaps Inazuman fights better up close and personal with their swords. She soon focused on her task, seeing the Hilichurls on the tower preparing their crossbows in attempt to fire at Ichigo, not if she has anything to say about that. She found a good spot, hiding while also giving her a clear view as she got on her right knee, pulling her bow string back as she fires an arrow into a single churl at the back of it's head, knocking it dead.
Amber kept up her role on support, firing each shot with precision with a keen eye, though her action quickly drawn the attention of several Hilichurls that are now heading her way. Thinking quick, she digs into her large pouch and pulls out a bunny doll. She quickly push it's stomach and threw her onto the field, the doll expanding with what seems Amber's face on it with a goofy expression, doing a little dance as it catches the attention of the monsters around as they gather close. "Do your thing, Baron Bunny!" Amber exclaimed with a smile, the detonation time ended and the bunny doll exploded and killed a large number of Hilichurls.
The explosion the bunny caused filled the field with black smoke, obscuring the visions of everyone present down below. Ichigo turned to the sound of the blast as he felt the wave hits his face, covering his mouth with his free hand, 'I'm gonna guess that was Amber, not bad.' he said in his head, looking around his vision of the enemies are hidden, but so is he, but the orange hair Shinigami has the advantage as he can sense them. There is one approaching from behind, preparing for a swing for his head. He quickly ducked down and land a kick to it's stomach, sending the creature flying back as he turned and shot a nameless Getsuga filled with Anemo, sucking the target in and many around into the vortex.
This fight is proven to be a good training to control his new powers he received, he always learns best in combat, after all. The vortex is more controlled, but still contain power to it by removing the smokescreen in the field and containing the Hilichurls that were now cut to shreds. Ichigo Shunpo towards the other side the other side where there is more enemies around, cutting them down along the way, all dropping dead, all while Amber kept up her range support from a distance and killing off any remaining ones.
Soon there is but five Mitachurls left, all wielding large heavy axes as they have Ichigo surrounded on all directions. 'This seems like as good as any to try something new...' he placed his smaller Zangetsu back onto his waist, and soon reach for the one on his back, grabbing the hilt as the holds it forward, the white wrapping coming undone and extending with his reiatsu, almost instinctively doing it on its own by the will of the wielder.
Acting fast, he threw Zangetsu forward, the cloth still held in his hand, this action caught the surprise look of both Amber and Paimon as they watched on. The blade pierced through the Mitachurl creature, with the edge pointing upwards as Ichigo Shunpo'd in front of the dead creature, he then sensed another approaching behind, so he grabs the handle, and with ease did and arc slash overhead, cutting down on the the monster that foolishly dashed at him. Two dead.
Another is getting ready to charge but before the beast of a creature was able to move, Ichigo pulls on the handle and throws the blade into it's mask, splitting it's head in two as it falls onto it's knees. Three dead. The remaining two tag team Ichigo as they rush to towards the presumed substitute Shinigami, but that was their mistake as his hadn held onto the white cloth still, the blade still stuck on the head of the dead creature. He pulls his blade back, now swinging it around with great speed as wind picks, Anemo energy being poured into the tip as a teal color ring appears.
The two monsters sensed danger, their animal instinct telling every nerve in their body to flee, so they turned, but it proved to no avail as Ichigo threw his Zangetsu with the energy ring shooting towards them, "Getsuga Senpu." Ichigo said as a buzz saw blade of Anemo energy emerges spinning along side his Zanpakuto, aiming for the two as they look back, fear in their eyes as the blade expanded and wind blades flies all around in its range, loud screeching noise filled the room as the wind cuts soar all around, slashing their bodies to shreds, strong winds blowing in all directions in the room as it soon died down, leaving a clean cut crater on the floor. 'Hope I didn't damaged a historical place...'
Letting out a sigh, he pulls Zangetsu back and soon placed it comfortably where it belongs, over his left shoulder. Once the battle is over Amber and Paimon walks, or in Paimon's case, floats to Ichigo, Amber having an excited look in her eyes. "That last battle was amazing! I've never seen such a fighting style like yours! Does Inazuma teach all their swordsmen like that?!" Amber exclaimed, waving her arms around to mimic Ichigo's attack moments earlier. "You were like, hiya! And then slash,and whoosh!"
Her action only caused Ichigo to blush, a bit embarrassed from all the praise he's receiving, "A-actually, that is my own style of sword play, it was nothing special." his right hand came up to the back of his neck, not being too used this sort of attention. "Let's just focus on our mission..." he said as he tries to change the subject.
"Awe, but we haven't finished admiring that Anemo attack!" Paimon said with equal excitement in her voice.
Ichigo sighed, grabbing hold of both Amber and Paimon to proceed deeper into the temple while the two still kept talking his ear off. The three made it to the end of the hall as they see a glowing stone in the middle of the room, radiating energy as it shines and brightens up the dark space. "Seems like we found our source of all this." Ichigo said as he made his way closer, already had let go of his companions once they finished talking.
"Looks like it, if we destroy this it should cut out Stormterror's power source." Amber said as she stood next to Ichigo, she looks to him as he grabs his Zanpakuto on his waist and in a quick motion, cuts the stone in half, the energy dying out and dimming the room, a portal appearing in front of them. "That takes care of that, we can take that portal to exit this temple."
Ichigo nodded, placing his Zanpakuto back on as he, Amber and Paimon all steps through the portal, and soon stepping out of the temple as the doors closed shut, the Temple of the Falcon having been taken care off.
"Yippie! We did it, our first mission!" Paimon cheered with a smile as she claps her hands, puffing her chest as she rest her fists on her hips.
"We should check up on Kaeya or Lisa are done, see if they need or help to make the process quicker." Amber said, looking up at the sky, the storm still on going as she points East. "The Temple of the Wolf should be closer, that's the one Kaeya took, if we cut a path straight we should make it there in time."
"Or, if we dash there we can make in in no time." Ichigo said, causing Amber and Paimon to look at him confused. He swept Amber off her feet as he carries her in his arms bridal style.
"W-what are you doing?" the Outrider stuttered out a reply, a blush to her face as she averted looking him in the eyes. The position is a bit embarrassing, her legs dangling over his arms as she can feel how close she is to him. There's no point in doubting him if he can make the distance, more like she isn't used to being carried like this.
"Sorry, I would carry you on my back, but until I can figure out how give you a piggyback while still having Zangetsu on my back, this is the next best thing." Ichigo explained as he looks to Paimon. "Climb on to Amber." Paimon did just that, resting on her lap as she got comfortable.
'Or you could learn to store your sword...' Amber thought with a single roll of her eyes, still red in the face, but she soon was brought out of her thought as she soon felt the rushing wind to her face, seeing the surroundings around her passing by quickly as she felt like she's gliding but only this one, she's carried by someone and the speed is faster.
Outside Temple of the Lion
Soon before she knew it, they are now in front of the next Temple. The feeling of rushing wind is gone but now she felt a bit nausea, holding a hand to her mouth as she taps his chest with her free hand.
Ichigo seeing this brought her over to a bush quickly and set her down slowly, soon she let out the content of her food as she face away from him, Paimon soon joining her. The orange hair Shinigami looked away, but holding onto Amber's long hair so it won't get splashed, giving them privacy as he felt a bit bad. "Sorry, I guess you aren't used to going that fast..." Ichigo said, even though he made sure to go at his slowest speed as possible.
Once she finished emptying out her breakfast, she wipes away her remaining saliva, shifting her body to a sitting position as she catches her breath, her hands holding her stomach. "It was nice to feel the wind against my face... but I think that speed I won't get used to for a while.. hehe.." Amber said between long exhale and inhale, soon composing herself. Paimon finished soon after as she lays on the ground, resting next to the Outrider.
"I'll go on inside while you're recovering." Ichigo said as he walks in front of the doors, but felt a hand grabbed his leg. He looks down to see Amber holding him from going further.
"No, I'll be fine, I can keep going." she gives him a weak smile as she stands back up, a bit wobbly but still standing. "Besides, I wanna see you fight more." the brunette said with a grin on her face and hands on her hips, her chest pumping out.
"Count Paimon in too! We're a team!" Paimon joined in with a grin.
Ichigo chuckled at both their action, it seems nothing is going to keep them down, especially Amber with her resolve. "Alright then, guess I'm stuck with you either way." he said jokingly with a smirk.
"Hey!" Amber playfully punched his arm as they now enter their next domain.
Inside the Temple of the Lion
Upon entering they can see this temple is different from the first, the interior contains many water pools and a stream of water that leads them down to a single path, and a few frozen bridges that connects one side to the other. "It looks like Kaeya was here not too long ago, we can catch up if we hurry." Amber said as she inspects the ice bridge, having been frozen recently.
Amber leads the way down as Ichigo and Paimon followed, the sound of dripping water filled the room. Soon they heard slashing up ahead, with Amber drawing her bow as she looks to Ichigo as he nodded, ready for combat as they ran towards into a large room and seeing Kaeya in a large puddle of water, handling a few water slimes and Hilichurls.
The bluenette froze one of the Hilichurl and kicks it over to another group as he dodges a strike from the side, a sword blocked another from aiming at his head. It seems he underestimate the amount he will be facing, pushing away one the blocked strike as he unleashes ice spears all around him and freezing the surrounding enemies, catching his breath. He heard growling above and look up to see a Hilichurl jumping towards him, it's club ready to strike, but before it ever landed a fire arrow shot through the air and hit the creature's mask piercing it's mask, killing it as the body fell to the floor.
Kaeya only had a moment to blink before Ichigo dashed in and cleared a large horde before he stood behind the cavalry captain, his Zangetsu drawn facing back-to-back. "We arrived just in time." Ichigo said as he looks at the surrounding monsters.
"Took your time, kept me waiting." Kaeya said with a chuckle as he caught his second wind, standing up tall as he too ready for another round, feeling nostalgic like the old days with his brother fighting side by side, a feeling he missed... But now is not the time, the mission comes first as he slashes his sword infused with Cryo, freezing them instantly as he threw a punch with his free hand, shattering the body of ice.
Ichigo took the other side, slashing down anything that charges at him, killing them all in a single slash, then jumping up and lands an overhead slash, crashing on impact and sending a shockwave across and killing everything in front.
Amber took care of their blind spot, firing shot after shot, soon unleashing a rain storm of fire arrows in a large area as they all fall to their deaths. The three fighters worked well together, covering for one another as they soon leaves two Mitachurl left, holding large shield taller than their bodies. Ichigo charged and shot a small Getsuga infused with Anemo, firing towards the two beasts.
They held their shields together to block it but the moment the attack made contact, the very same black hole of wind began to drag it's surrounding into it, cutting everything inside as the water from the puddle infuses with the blade storm, leaving no trace but a clean surface with a small crater "Getsuga Uzumaki."Ichigo said as he soon returns his Zanpakuto on his back.
Ichigo felt a hand on his right shoulder, turning around to see Kaeya with a smile, nodding to him. "I can see why Amber now speaks of you highly, you will proof to be a big help in our fight."
"Think nothing of it, I'm just doing what's right." Ichigo replied, then felt a slap on his back, flinching from it he jumped forward. "Ouch! What was that for?!" he turned to see Amber, a cheery smile on her face.
"Because that was totally awesome! Another Anemo technique but this time it's like the one you've first shown me!" The Outrider cheered with her fist pumped into the air. "Stormterror stands no chance against you!"
"I have to agree, the power you displayed proved my judgement on you to be correct, we can win this battle with you by our side." Kaeya said as he walks down deeper into the room, soon finding the source of Stormterror's power as he slashes the stone, shattering it, with the job done as the others joined up to the cavalry captain. "Well, that takes care of this temple, let us-" Kaeya said as he turned around to face the others, but felt Ichigo rushed past him with Zangetsu drawn.
"Come out here, I know you're hiding!" The orange hair swordsmen shouted, sensing multiple enemies around in the room as soon as the stone was shattered.
Kaeya was confused at first, but soon got defensive as he saw a dozen Cryo Abyss mages appeared from behind the pillars, all hovering and surrounding the group, their wands waved about as they prepare to their spells, all in unison as they created a blizzard inside the temple as Amber and Paimon hid behind another pillar to block off the freezing winds. Kaeya stood his ground while Ichigo began to spin Zangetsu in his hand, the speed of it creating wind to cancel out the blizzard.
One was about to fire off another spell as his hand winds up, but in an instant his vision became darkness as Ichigo threw Zangetsu and pierced it's head, a gruesome sight to behold but effective method for a swift kill. The lose of one of their comrade distracted the others as they witness the death and losses their concentration on the on going blizzard spell, this gave Amber the opportunity as she puts her goggles on, seeing through the cold wind as she shoots two arrows and killing two each. The cavalry captain took his turn and rushed forward, stabbing a mage down.
All three took down almost all, Paimon hid from sight as she watches on but felt someone behind him. She turned to see the last Cryo mage about to attack her as she lets out a scream, this caught the attention of everyone as they turned to see, Ichigo fast to react as he got in front of the mage and slashes the creature dead, but he also noticed something else, another slash from behind as he sees a man dressed in all black with gold ornaments on his jackets and black gloves, his red hair the most attention grabber he sees, a serious look on his face as he looks to Ichigo, their eyes meet as they stood there before the man spoke.
"You're fast on your feet, seems like the Knight of Favovious are competent after all."
I feel like that should be a good stopping point this chapter, tackled down two temples in one chapter is a good progress, with good story added in and action, and a decent cliffhanger. Hope the pacing was natural and wasn't moving the plot along too quick.
Techniques:
Getsuga Senpu: Lunar Fang Whirlwind (Think of it like Naruto's rasen shuriken, in terms of he threw it at the Pain arc and it expanded, it's my own twist of a move)
Getsuga Uzumaki: Lunar Fang Vortex (This think of it like Venti's burst in the game but added details that it shreds everything inside, since the game doesn't show the details of the aftermath)
Onto the reviews, I'll go over some as some reviews, as some do ask questions, but that I will answer here;
Dxhologram: It is a rare crossover to be found here, there are more on AO3 but I can't navigate that website so I decided to post it here. And for your second question, I thought that since Aether/Lumine are not from Teyvat, I guess the rules should apply the same to Ichigo, and I wanted to have fun with new techniques Ichigo can do
TheMoonInstinct: Good to know I have captured your interest
Chyllus: Good to have surprised you, hope I have your support for the future of this story
Kaleidoscope's Beauty: Thank you, and after reading a few comments about this, I agree, I will hold back from mentioning where Ichigo came from and leave it to a mystery only to maybe a select few to know unless the situation calls for it, thank you for the feedback.
tatetitotu792: thank you for the follow and support, and yes, I will take your feedback into consideration and not spill Ichigo's identity so casually. I guess Genshin does it because it's a game and they are looking for their sibling
To Conquer: Thank you for your detailed reviews and feedback. I will try to correct the issue in the future chapter and let Ichigo address it with Paimon, his secret should be kept and only a select few that should be trusted to know for story reasons or interactions with other characters. To address for Ichigo obtaining elemental powers, I wanted to have to idea of Ichigo use more variety in his techniques in my sort of way as shown in this chapter, and yeah, he is too strong but I won't make it that he's easily one shot everything, I want it to be more interesting.
And yeah, the soul king part I got them from the court 2 of the anime and "Can't fear your own world" light novel. Thank you for understanding, I won't rush anything and let the story progress in it's own pace, and thank you, I may not believe I'm a good writing but what matters is what people think of my story, I try not to use too much of the same word in the same sentence or paragraph, so it leads me to search up other word meaning to help.
I try to understand Ichigo as a character and write what's fitting to his behavior and interaction. I do hope you look forward to this story, not a lot of it is written on fanfiction so I decided to write one myself. And yes, you help me to encourage this writing, thank you.
(These 3 I'll answer it quickly as they are all named "guest")
Guest (from bottom to top): Don't worry, I understood your English well, I won't nerf Ichigo. No worries, I won't nerf him, but I won't let him easily one shot everything, gotta keep the story entertaining. I wouldn't self claim this story to be peak but I do want to write it to be good, and second I will make him strong but they wouldn't act all 'down on their knees worshipping him' no, none of that.
YeTianshi: Thank you, and second... who hurt y'all? Is it that common people wrote Ichigo nerfed? I'm sorry to you guys that read those...
PlayerOne: Trust me it will be an interesting interaction, I want to go off from what Genshin does and have my own spin to it.
Williamgbirkin: Indeed she will, but it'll be a while before that happens, but I can imagine the interactions now
EruChitandaTheQuiet70: Both are good options, it'll be in considerations and see how their personalities bounce off each other, thank you for the suggestion.
Kamen rider W: It will be interesting, I do plan to write it in my own twist and not be scripted or linear story the game presents. And yes I agree, a lot of females in Genshin are good.
That's all from the reviews, thank you all for reading, I'll start the next chapter when I can, thank you for reading!
Date of finished writing and proof reading: 16th November 2023
Update: What? I totally didn't update the translating for Getsuga Senpu because I forgot to put the English name in, totally didn't forget that!