"Man, what a drag" ichigo said as he made his way towards the school building. having enjoyed his weekend, ichigo's body was simply too tired for a school morning. Add to the fact his weird dreams kept him from fully enjoying his sleep which led to him waking up with slight headache's in the morning.
Ichigo didn't know why, but, after his 15th birthday he had come to have even more dreams than when he was just a kid. At first, they were blurry and incoherent, with no rhyme or reason, yet as they progressed, the feeling of slight clarity overcame him as he let them draw him in. It was weird honestly, he saw himself in places he had never been, some being human cities, and some places that look straight out of fantasy. Not only that, but, he would also be fighting weird and terrifying monsters that looked straight out of horror movies, though he felt like panicking, the feeling of calm as he stood in the center of the storm was ever present as if he was the one facing up against them like some kind of hero.
At first, he thought that all the video games and anime he enjoyed had in some part found their way to influence his dreams, yet the more he thought of it the stranger it got. After all, how could dreams be so vivid, add on to that the feeling of familiarity he had after it was all over. Like something hitting the back of his head, ichigo would wake up with headaches that felt like they were splitting his head, though he would endure the pain, the feeling of yearning and familiarity with each scene that replayed through his mind left him doubtful.
Some say that dreams are ways in which humans can look into the past or future, or even things like warnings of times to come. Though ichigo didn't quite get that feeling, if anything, he felt that they were a little more like…memories.
Ichigo wasn't stupid, he knew such a thing sounded crazy to him, yet…with how frequent they have become as of late, the suspicious feeling he has had building up within him left him to question just what these dreams meant, if they were dreams at all.
Well, he was sure that time will tell the answer eventually.
Snapping out of his thoughts, ichigo arrived at his destination and leisurely made his way to class, being careful to not run into Sona while doing so. Last thing he needed was adding more to his headache. After finally arriving to class, he made his way to his seat where he promptly rested his head on his desk, using his arms as cushions so that he could catch a few minutes of shut eye.
Yeah, he was tired.
Rias who had also just arrived to class greeted her fellow classmates as she made her way to her desk. Though on the way she spotted ichigo who was currently resting on his desk with his head down. Noticing the oddity, Rias quietly approached the sleeping man, standing before his desk, Rias called out to Ichigo. "Good morning Kurosaki-san." Rias said in a way that wouldn't disturb the orange haired man.
The Slight sound of a grunt was all she got as she greeted him.
"hmm, he must be out of it today." Rias thought as she stared at his sleeping form. Still deciding to not disturb him any longer she went back to her seat. It wouldn't be long till class started any ways.
Like that ichigo's day went by in a blur.
It wasn't until lunch time arrived that ichigo's dazed state finally started to react to outside stimuli. Foremost being that he couldn't remember anything that happened during class at all.
"Damn it" Realizing he messed up, ichigo didn't know what to do to fix it. At least that was until sudden idea sprung to mind.
"We have a quiz in a few days, so who should I ask to see if they can lend me their notes." Ichigo felt the need to seek out his classmates help in his hour of need. The only problem being is that he didn't quite know who to ask.
Ichigo didn't have the best or worst relationship with his classmates, but, he did feel that asking them for help out of nowhere kind of put him in an awkward spot, after all would they be willing to help him in the first place.
"Maybe if I ask nicely they might be willing, though somehow I get the feeling most of them would run away before I can even ask them something." ichigo thought to himself as he started to look around his classroom. Noticing that his classmates started to pack he was running out of time.
"Alright that's it, I'll just ask 'her' at least she might be willing to help me out." With that thought his eyes settled on the back of a certain red head. Though ichigo and Rias haven't interacted much with each other, at least she was the bravest amongst his classmates to at least have a normal conversation between them, and not one which made him look like he was bullying someone as most of his classmates still felt scared of him.
"Alright, let's do this." Getting up from his seat ichigo casually approached Rias making his presence known so as to not startle her.
Noticing someone coming up behind her, Rias slowly turned her head only to slightly widen her eyes in surprise by ichigo's tall frame standing right behind her. Noticing the slight scowl on his face as if he was thinking hard about something, Rias took it as ichigo wanting something from her.
"Can I help you, Kurosaki-san" Rias said naturally, no slight shake or tremble in her voice. She even pulled one of her good-natured smiles to show her friendliness. Ichigo for his part was…surprised, not many people his age could stand their ground when he was near them. This earned Rias a few points of respect in ichigo's book.
Clearing his throat, ichigo readied himself. "Gremory-san, I'm wondering if you can lend me your notes for a bit, it appears I missed out on a couple of things. I promise to return it after lunch hour." Ichigo said as natural as he could. Though ichigo asked for help, he made sure to do it in a way that it wouldn't bother him if they refused, after all, he didn't want to put the other person in an awkward position should they refuse him.
"Oh, sure, here you go." Not expecting such a request, Rias was slightly surprised, but, still she handed her notebook for her classmate to borrow.
"Thank you, I'll make sure to return it to you." With a nod, ichigo left to enjoy his lunch while he copied down notes.
Rias to eventually left after Akeno arrived for her.
Throughout all this, the students who had stayed behind finally released their breath they seemed to have been holding this entire time. At first, they were slightly nervous when Kouh's academies delinquent approached the Madonna of Kuoh academy, still their fears were unfounded as nothing happened in the seemingly ordinary conversation. Now instead stars seemed to shine in their eyes as they saw two idols of their school interact with each other before their eyes.
Ichigo despite his infamous reputation due to his intimidating aura and looks was still considered popular by the girls of Kuoh academy, for despite his intimating looks, it brought the natural charm of a bad boy, it also helped that he was still quite handsome in a manly way. A different charm when compared to Kuoh academies prince, otherwise known as kiba yuuto, who had the look of a pretty boy.
Though, unbeknownst to ichigo, the girls of Kuoh academy started to see him in a better light.
A few day later…
If one thing ichigo could appreciate during a nice day out, was when they could take their P.E. class outside to work out. The sun shining high in the sky, the slight breeze blowing against his skin, and the feeling of his muscles burning as he worked them. Yup, it was good feeling.
Swiping the slight sweat that formed on his brow, ichigo stopped before the finish line of the track. Having run 3 laps as instructed, ichigo finished first as the rest of the girls in his class continued on. If ichigo was confident in one thing, it would be his physical prowess, be it sports, martial arts, or labor, ichigo would excel at all things that involved his body. For that matter ichigo was amongst the first to finish the laps within the shortest amount of time, soon followed by Rias Gremory a few seconds later, much to ichigo's surprise, she was actually quite fit despite his expectations.
Though Unbeknownst to him, Rias was actually not human, and was instead a devil masquerading as a simple human woman, as such she had the physical prowess that put humans to shame, what with her being a high-class devil no less. As such it came as a slight surprise to Rias that ichigo was able to beat her at a race, as she easily had the speed to beat an Olympic runner running at full speed. This made Rias opinion of ichigo rise a little as she thought of him as being a "special" human amongst the rabble. Though she could have won if she infused a bit of her magic, she knew that it would look suspicious if she started to run faster than the eye could follow, that and she appreciated the concept of friendly competition.
Deciding to take a seat next to ichigo who was resting at a bench after their run, she thought it would be interesting to get to know the man a little more.
"You're pretty fast, Kurosaki-san" Rias said as she sat down next to the orange-haired man.
"I can say the same thing about you, Gremory-san" Ichigo said as he looked over to his fellow classmate.
"is that so?" she questioned.
Yup. After all, who knew that despite that outward appearance lied a pretty strong woman, I guess that saying of not judging things by their cover holds some truth to it." Ichigo said as he complimented her.
Hearing his answer, Rias couldn't help but be amused. She a devil, being praised by a human for having a strong body was funny to her.
Hearing the slight giggle that came out of Rias mouth made ichigo curious. "Is something funny?" not noticing the inside joke of what he said, Rias once more composed herself.
"It's nothing Kurosaki-san you just reminded me of something funny is all." Rias said as she waved off the question.
"I see" was all he said.
"Still, I do work out from time to time in my spare time if you're wondering." Rias said.
"Heh, must be a hell of a work out if you can keep up with me like that." Ichigo said good naturedly. "if there is one thing I can take pride in, it would be my physical prowess." Ichigo finished.
"Hoh~ then perhaps we should hold a competition between us one day and see where our limits lie." Rias suggested in a friendly jest.
"heh, that would be fun "ichigo agreed, a rare smile finding it's was to his face.
Seeing the man next to her smile, left Rias surprised for a moment. This was the first time seeing his impassive/scowling face soften into a smile. It was surprisingly sincere and dare she say quite charming.
Noticing her staring at him with widened eyes. Ichigo frowned in slight concern. "is something wrong?" ichigo questioned.
Seeing the smile on his face disappear, Rias couldn't help but feel a slight disappointment fill her. After all, it was a unique experience seeing such a smile like that, especially from someone who's usual passive face set itself into a scowl.
"Kurosaki-san-" Rias was about to say but was cut off.
"Ichigo." Calling his own name, the boy interrupted her.
"…excuse me" not understanding, Rias was confused.
"Call me ichigo, I prefer it when people address me informally, especially those amongst friends." Ichigo said as he looked at Rias surprised face. seeing that ichigo continued. "Well, you don't have to if you don't wish to, I just find it to be more comfortable." Ichigo finished.
"I-I see" Rias said, the slight rise to her voice showed her surprise at his words. Taking a moment to compose herself she continued. "Well, in that case, I would prefer it if you address me by Rias as well, ichigo." Rias said as she called out his first name.
"Alright, Rias~ " ichigo said as he sounded her name.
"D-Don't say it like that!" seeing the slight blush that had formed on her face, ichigo couldn't help but let out a slight chuckle.
"Haha, alright, I'll stop, still that was quite the funny reaction Rias." Ichigo said as he contained his laughter.
"Hmph, do it again and I won't let you call me by my name again." She said in slight annoyance. This behavior reminded her of her friend Akeno and her habit to tease her at every opportunity.
"Ok, you made your point." Ichigo said as he appeased Rias.
Soon a comfortable silence settled between them as they watched their classmates complete their laps one by one.
"Say, ichigo." Rias started.
"Yes." He asked as he kept his eyes on the field.
"Have you enjoyed your time while attending Kuoh Academy." Rias asked, curious as to his experience thus far.
Letting out a sigh, ichigo, formulated an answer in his mind. "Well, if I were to say than I would simply rate it as 'fine' it's no different than my other school, no worse, or better." Ichigo said as he gave his opinion.
"What makes you say that." Rias continued.
"Honestly, I guess it would be the way people behave around me. I don't know if you've noticed or not, but most of the students who attend are terrified of me, while its annoying that they act that way, it's not like I don't understand them." Ichigo confessed as he talked to Rias about his grievances.
"I feel like it's a slight exaggeration, after all, it can't be that bad if I can approach you like this right." She said as she attempted to cheer up Ichigo.
"While I appreciate the thought. I like to think that I'm self-aware enough to understand where they come from, after all take my orange hair for example, despite the fact that its natural, a lot of people judge me by it upon first meeting. Add unto my appearance and form of speech, a lot of people mistaken me for a delinquent at first glance. This perception they create of me scares them, it intimidates them, and paints me as a bad influence." Scoffing at the end of his words ichigo's frown which had deepened suddenly softened as he turned to face Rias.
"Which is why, I find you to be quite special, Rias, not only were you the first one in our entire class to approach me, but the first one to look upon me as ichigo kurosaki, not that 'delinquent' or whatever they call me." ichigo said.
Rias for her part did not know quite how to react to what he said, that was until he called her special, and a slight blush formed on her face as she looked away.
"You think I'm special?" Rias muttered, her face turned away from him.
"Yeah, not only did you take your time to talk to me, but, to get to know me as well, that's already more than anyone aside from my family has ever done for me, so for that I'm quite thankful." Ichigo continued, not noticing the crimson haired girl blushing next to him.
"If I might be so bold as to say, I wonder if this is what is like to make a friend, if so that would make you my first friend ever." Ichigo said with a small smile on his face as he turned to the girl next to him.
Soon silence followed the rest as ichigo had nothing left to say.
It wasn't long before the whistle to gather up resounded throughout the field.
"Looks like everyone's done" ichigo commented.
"It would appear so." Rias quietly stated.
"We should go, c'mon" ichigo said as he got up from the bench. Though before he could walk away a sudden tug on his shirt turned his attention back towards Rias.
"Is something the matter?" ichigo questioned.
Gathering up her courage, Rias opened her mouth. "Say ichigo, i-if you don't mind, I wouldn't mind being your f-friend." Rias said, trying to keep her voice steady, not wanting to make it anymore awkward then it had to be.
Having heard her request, ichigo was stunned for a second, that was until boisterous laughter exploded from him, catching Rias off guard as well as drawing weird looks in his direction.
"W-what's so funny!?" Rias questioned, her voice rising in slight embarrassment.
"It's nothing, it's just that what you said, or the way you said it was just quite cute. It caught me off guard for a second as I didn't expect that from you." Ichigo said as he failed to rein in his laughter.
"Cu-cute." Flabbergasted at having been called that after confessing she wanted to be friends with him left Rias in a whirlwind of emotions.
"Yeah, honestly you should have seen the look on your face, one would think you were trying to ask me out." Ichigo said with a slight smirk on his face.
Not to tolerate his teasing any longer, Rias stood up instantly.
"Who's asking who out!? Hmph. Don't think so highly of yourself, all I said was that I didn't mind if you wanted to be my friend seeing as how much of a loner you are, I was simply doing you a favor." Rias said with her arms crossed and slight frown on her face.
Alright, alright, my bad princess, I was only joking." Ichigo said as he finally calmed down.
"Princess!?" came Rias shocked voice to his choice of words.
"Yup, that's your nickname from now on, it's what friends do, or am I wrong." Ichigo said as he gave Rias a nickname.
Seeing that, the Crimson haired women finally settled down as her temper receded. "So, you do accept wanting to be my friend then." Rias stated as she looked at ichigo.
"Yes, Rias I'll be your friend." ichigo said with a small smile forming on his face.
Hmph. Good. It's good to know when you only have one option." Rias said as she raised her head up, her nose facing towards the sky.
"Yes, yes, let's get going princess we're keeping everyone waiting." Ichigo said as he walked away.
"Huh? Wait, I did not agree to that ridiculous nickname!" Rias said as she followed after ichigo.
"Is that so? Too bad, I've already gotten used to it." Ichigo said without turning back.
"In that case, your name from now on will be strawberry! how do you like that, huh." Rias said as she gave ichigo a nickname.
Almost stumbling after hearing that, it was ichigo's first time hearing someone call him strawberry to his face, which was the other meaning of his namesake.
"What was that princess, I don't believe I heard that right." Ichigo said as he faced the girl.
"Hah, got a problem strawberry, if not deal with it." Rias said as she stood next to the boy.
"Why you!" Ichigo said.
"You dared!" Rias went off.
Like that the two bickered till they approached the group of students who looked at them funny.
A new friendship had been born on this day.
It was nighttime, the occult research building where Rias had turned into her base and where her peerage operated from was currently quiet as her servants went about fulfilling their contracts. Rias who was currently seated, drank some tea as she awaited her peerages return. She silently contemplated the days events in her mind, from her waking up this morning to her school day and finally to this moment.
A smile formed on her face as she thought about a certain orange haired boy.
Honestly, Rias didn't expect that such an outcome would happen today of all days. Not only did she surprise herself by having such a conversation with ichigo and getting to know him, but to end up becoming friends soon after as well. It went on to show that no one could really predict their life as it went, unexpected events swing by once in a while, though this one was a happy one for Rias.
Though if she had to complain about something it would be that ridiculous nickname he gave her. "If only you knew how close you were to the truth" Rias amusedly thought to herself. Still, she had finally made her first friend, her first human friend at that.
"Well, Akeno is a half human, half fallen, and now reincarnated devil. Koneko is a nekomata, who is also a reincarnated devil. Yuto was a human, now he is a reincarnated devil. Finally, gasper is a Dhampir." Rias thought over her friends/servants' racial origins.
"I don't understand why? but, it feels nice." Rias said as she thought of ichigo. Her first human friend. He wasn't special in terms of the supernatural, just another human, but that's exactly what made him so special in her eyes. The normalcy of it all, how humans lived, their culture, their way of being. Rias found humans to be interesting.
And yet…
Rias throughout her life not once made a true human friend. Despite Kuoh being set up for her to interact with humans, as well as a way to buy time for herself, Rias lived a life at which she held others at arm's length for most of her life, with the only one's close to her being her own peerage.
And yet…
She was the first one to reach out this time.
Sure, she might have also reached out to her fellow peerage members in their times of need as well, but this time it was different. There was no crisis going on in their life, no deep-seated hatred, or life-threatening situation that needed immediate attention. Just a normal interaction between two people who found common interest in one another.
Still, ichigo had said a few words that resonated with Rias more than she cared to admit. "Which is why, I find you to be quite special, Rias, not only were you the first one in our entire class to approach me, but the first one to look upon me as ichigo kurosaki, not that 'delinquent' or whatever they call me." Reciting the words, he spoke to her. the familiar words she had once uttered.
"I just want someone to see me for who I really am, not just Rias Gremory, but, solely as Rias." She uttered the words she had spoken so long ago. Letting out a sigh before sentimentality got to her, Rias went back to focus on her work. Still the smile on her face did not diminish.
A new sensation was slowly spreading throughout the school. It started slowly but surely, though it eventually started being noticed by those outside of class 3-A. That being how the respected, and awe inspiring, most beautiful, and the role model of all the girls in Kuoh academy…was hanging out with the delinquent of Kuoh academy.
Rias Gremory and Ichigo Kurosaki were the center of attention at the moment.
As for how this started. It would have to go a few days back.
Ichigo was currently seated at his desk, yet as he gazed out the window like usual, he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder, turning around ichigo came face to face with Rias Gremory leaning close to him.
"Good morning, Ichigo~ " Rias said cheerily as she gazed at him.
"Rias?" Ichigo said in puzzlement. This was the first time Rias had addressed him with such a cheery smile as well as use his name in front of others.
Not paying him any mind, Rias sat herself next to him, the smile on her face not disappearing in the slightest. Seeing this ichigo's confusion grew.
"What are you doing?" ichigo asked as he saw her sit on the empty desk next to his.
"What does it look like silly, I'll be sitting here from now on." Rias stated as she put her school materials down.
Ichigo not knowing how to react merely stared at her in wonder before suddenly asking. "Can you do that?"
Hearing that Rias merely scoffed, folded her arms underneath her chest and looked at him. "I believe I just did."
The slight 'oh' that came out of him amused Rias greatly.
As for the rest of the class that was currently speechless at what had happened before them, suddenly reacted in a very shocked and alarming way. After all, what had happened in the time they had not seen each other. When did their idol become so close to the 'delinquent.' Lastly, why were the two acting so familiar with one another all of a sudden.
It was at this moment that crazy and blown out of proportion stories were thrown about as a way to speculate what led to his moment.
A day ichigo, much to Rias happiness, came to regret.
Sighing as ichigo made it to class, the slight whispering as he moved to his desk, as well as the looks his classmates gave him, made him feel even more awkward then when he first arrived. As he looked to his right, ichigo's eyes landed on the perpetrator of his current misfortune.
"You know this is your fault right." Ichigo pointed out.
Not knowing what he was talking about, or pretending to not care, Rias merely looked at him with a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "To what could you be referring to ichigo." Rias said, the small smile on her face as she stared at him not disappearing.
"Don't be coy, you know what I mean." Ichigo said as he saw through her.
"Oh, are you referring to the rumors about us." Rias commented.
"Yes." Ichigo said.
"What about it?" Rias asked.
"Does it not bother you?" Ichigo questioned.
"No. should it." She said as if it wasn't an issue for her.
"Oh, well I guess that makes one of us because I sure do find it bothersome. Especially when the girls look at me like I'm less then dirt." Ichigo said as he scowled at the rest of the class who quickly averted their gaze in fear.
"Hmph, crazy bastards, coming up with such nonsense." Ichigo said as he turned back to Rias.
"You already know they're not true so why let it bother you, or is it that you plan on doing those things to me after all." Feigning fear, Rias hugged herself in defense as she leaned away from ichigo.
"Yamete Kudasai~ "hearing Rias say that in such a lewd way made ichigo's face heat up in embarrassment.
"You're unbelievable." Ichigo said as he turned away from Rias to look outside, though not before Rias got a good look at his reaction and laughed at him for his prudishness.
As to what rumors ichigo was talking about, it was a series of stories in which the girls of the academy came up with which involved him and Rias in very lewd and 'questionable' situations. Ranging from him kidnapping Rias and locking her up in his dungeon where he would do nefarious things to her, to the more troupe things found in manga' like him saving Rias from a bunch of delinquents who wanted to take advantage of her. In fact, there was currently some fanfiction being circulated around the school as girls found the idea of the idol of kuoh academy being 'corrupted' by the handsome 'bad boy' of kuoh academy to be some great material to indulge themselves in.
This also had the added effect of his reputation amongst the boys of Kuoh academy to fall. Though it was mostly due to the fact that they believed that he had stolen their "Rias-sama" from them, and that he was solely monopolizing her for himself. Well, it's not like they could do anything about it as they were all too scared to get in between him and Rias in the first place. So, to let their frustrations out, they created even more outrageous rumors about him, even going as far as saying that he was having big gay sex with someone named Kiba yuto, whoever that was.
Though that last one surprisingly got a lot of traction with the girl population, which deeply concerned him.
"You know if it bothers you that much why don't I make it up to you by having lunch together." Rias proposed.
"Really? But, don't you usually have lunch with your friends." Ichigo questioned.
"Who? Akeno? she won't mind, in fact she has wanted to meet you for some time now." Rias revealed to ichigo.
"Is that so." Ichigo stated.
"Yup. So just follow me to the occult research building during lunch hour." Rias said as she turned her attention back to the front as the teacher arrived to begin the lessons.
"Very well then." Ichigo agreed as he shifted his attention forward as well.
Stretching as he finally got up from his seat, Ichigo looked to Rias as she grabbed her stuff.
"So, we going." Ichigo asked.
"Yeah, just follow me." With that the two walked out the classroom together with Rias leading the way and ichigo silently walking behind her.
"Have you ever seen the old building behind the school." Rias asked Ichigo as she made her way through the hallways.
"Yeah, from what I've heard it used to be the old school dormitory which got renovated recently and became the occult research building club house or something like that." Ichigo said.
"That's right." Rias said as she conversed with ichigo.
"Though if you don't mind me asking, what exactly do you and your club members get up to in there. From the name alone, I assume it's paranormal activities and such right." Ichigo deduced as he asked Rias about her club.
"Something like that yes, would you be interested." Rias asked as she turned to face ichigo.
"Thanks. But, no thanks." Ichigo said as he refused Rias invitation to join the club.
"A shame." Rias stated as she went on ahead.
"Still, I don't suppose there are any clubs for men yet are there." Ichigo asked.
Thinking over it a little Rias responded. "From what Sona has told me it appears that some of the clubs have recently turned co-ed and started accepting men. Though most of the sports clubs still remain heavily dominated by females. If anything, the boys would have to gather together to form their own clubs if they wish to join one." Rias said.
"Well, I guess there goes my hopes of joining a club then." Ichigo said.
"is that so? Which one did you plan to join exactly." Rias inquired.
"I was thinking of picking up the sword, if I joined the kendo club." Ichigo said, slightly surprising Rias who turned to look at him.
"You interested in the sword?" Rias asked.
"What, surprising." Ichigo stated.
"I just didn't take you for someone who would be interested in that." Rias commented. "if anything, I took you for someone who would prefer to use their fist instead of a weapon." Rias said as she had evaluated ichigo in the more hand-to-hand form of combat.
"Well you're not wrong either, I do know some basic forms of self-defense as well some martial arts when I took classes as a kid, as for the rest it would be more self-taught or just pure instinct on my part." Ichigo commented as he talked about his fighting style.
"Well, if you're ever interested, one of my club members just so happens to be a pretty good swordsmen, in facat, he helps out the kendo club in his spare time." Rias commented as she referred to her knight.
"Is that so? Well, If I get around to it then maybe." Ichigo said. looking at the building before him, ichigo and rias had arrived at the occult research club house.
"Well, let's head on inside.
Ichigo observed his surroundings as he noticed the Victorian-styled room around him. The interior was made of wood paneling, with a red square rug in the middle that had couches and chairs placed on it. Though one thing that caught his attention was the bath that was installed in the corner of the room. He also noticed the many strange symbols and such placed around the walls with the biggest one placed on the floor, it looked like some kind of magic circle like those seen in the RPG games he's played before.
Seating himself down ichigo looked at the other girl in the room who was currently placing some tea and snacks on the table. She was a beautiful young woman with a voluptuous figure, long black hair tied in a long ponytail almost reaching her legs, and captivating violet eyes. She presented herself as Akeno Himejima, she was also Rias best friend.
Seated opposite of him in one of the chairs was Rias who was conversing with Akeno who was seated next to her.
"So, Rias, I've been meaning to ask you, but when did you and ichigo here start hanging out together." Akeno asked as she made herself comfortable.
"Oh, right, I haven't told you." Thinking to herself for a moment, she explained. "Well, it isn't all that interesting of a story, we just talked with one another during gym class one day and we just sort of hit off with one another is all." Rias said as she took a drink from the tea that Akeno prepared.
"Ichigo, you should try the tea, Akeno makes some pretty good tea." Rias said as she noticed that ichigo had yet to touch his.
Taking that as his cue, ichigo went for it. "Don't mind if I do." Taking a drink, ichigo savored the taste in his mouth before eventually swallowing it.
"So how is it?" Rias asked, curious of his assessment of the tea.
"Its…good, no, more than good, this stuff is pretty amazing." Ichigo said as he took another drink.
"You're pretty good at this Akeno-san" ichigo said as he complimented Akeno.
Flashing one of her famous smiles, Akeno put a hand on her cheek as she faced ichigo. "Thanks for the compliment Ichigo-san, feel free to have some more if you want." Akeno said good naturedly.
"Will do." Ichigo said as he went back to his tea, though he did try the snacks as well.
Turning back to Rias, Akeno believed there was more to the story than she let on, but decided to ask her after ichigo was gone. Still, if Rias was going to be like this she might as well have some fun with both of them for a bit.
"I see then, well, I guess you were always so popular that making friends is easy for you. Still, from the rumors I've heard one would think the two of you were more than just friends." Akeno said as she smirked a little in Rias direction.
Cough*
Ichigo who had been drinking his tea suddenly coughed violently as he heard Akeno say that, almost dropping the tea cup in his hand. "cough, cough, please don't, cough, believe those rumors akeno-san, they're all untrue and just made by those who were jealous of me." Ichigo said as he tried to explain himself.
"That's right Akeno, you of all people should know me best, besides, I like to think those rumors were done in good fun." Rias said as she lightly admonished her friend.
"Fun? You think they were funny." Ichigo said as he lightly scowled at Rias.
"Why yes, I even have one of those fanfics someone made saved in my phone. I got to say the human imagination is quite something." Rias said as she winked at ichigo.
"Delete it." Ichigo said as he stared at Rias dead in the eye.
"No." Rias simply said.
"Princess." Ichigo said warning her.
"I thought we agreed that you wouldn't call me that." Rias said as her eyebrow twitched in annoyance at that ridiculous nickname.
"Last time I checked it was a one-sided agreement." Ichigo said as his lips quirked up into a smirk.
"Then I guess the girls will have some fun when I call you strawberry in class later." Rias threatened.
Fear flashed his face for a second. "You wouldn't dare." Ichigo said as outrage entered his voice.
"Try me." Rias said as she held ichigo's own scowl with her own.
The two stared at each other for a few moments longer, before ichigo's own gaze shifted away. Clicking his tongue in irritation, ichigo backed down.
The triumphant look in Rias eyes as she went back to her smiling self, told of her victory. Watching this exchange happen between her king/friend and the boy, Akeno couldn't hold back her laughter anymore.
"My you two have gotten along quite well in the short time you've met each other haven't you" Akeno giggled as she looked at the two of them.
"Is that what it looks like? I would say more along the lines that I simply felt compelled to accept being her friend. After all, when she looked at me with such a shy and sincere look on her face I couldn't help but accept her proposal." Ichigo said as he started to mimic Rias. "Kurosaki-san do you want to be my friend." ichigo said in the softest way he could while clutching his hands together.
Setting her cup down Rias looked outraged at such an incorrect turn of events. "That's not how it happened and you know it." Rias said as she pointed at ichigo. "What happened is that I simply couldn't stand seeing a loner like you brooding all day anymore, so I took it upon myself to take on the role of friend for you." Rias said as she spun her tale, making herself look as proud as she could.
"Whatever you say, princess." Ichigo said as he downed his tea.
Like that the time was spent with ichigo, Rias, and Akeno conversing and joking with each other throughout their lunch time.
Walking home after a long day at school, ichigo was walking on the bridge when he noticed a familiar figure not too far from him, it was a boy wearing the kuoh academy uniform. Specifically, it was one of the most hated students of Kuoh academy, Issei Hyoudou, one of the members of the perverted trio.
Honestly, ichigo didn't like the guy, after all, perverts were something he couldn't tolerate either. No matter how many times they get beat up by the girls of Kuoh academy they never seemed to learn their lesson, if anything ichigo was wondering if they were not only perverts but also masochists with the amount of punishment they got on a daily basis. Walking faster, ichigo made sure to walk by unnoticed. He didn't want rumors that he was associating with one of them to spread and add on to the rumor mill about him. He already had his hands full with Rias, he didn't want his reputation to take an even bigger hit if someone saw him talking with the pervert.
"Huh, aren't you Kurosaki-senpai" called out Issei as he spotted his upperclassmen walking passed him.
"Fuck, don't talk to me." Letting out a sigh ichigo put on a face of indifference as he faced the boy.
"Huh, oh, is that you hyoudou-san, sorry I didn't recognize you" ichigo casually said, wanting to be anywhere but here.
"You know my name, Kurosaki-senpai?" Issei said, surprised that his upperclassmen would recognize him despite it being their first interaction.
"Don't overthink it, I'm pretty sure everyone at school knows your name at this point, after all, your reputation isn't exactly stellar." Ichigo commented, referring to issei's title as part of the perverted trio.
"Oh" rubbing the back of his head, issei let out an awkward laugh as he knew what his senior was referring to.
"A-Anyways, what brings you here, Kurosaki-senpai." Issei asked.
"Just heading home is all." Ichigo said.
"Huh, you live by this area too, lets walk together then, I was just going home too." Issei said as he looked at ichigo.
"OH NO, don't tell me he lives in my neighborhood too." Ichigo thought as he internally panicked.
Still not wanting to look like an asshole, ichigo begrudgingly agreed.
Walking next to each other, ichigo decided to spark some conversation. "So, what were you doing by the bridge, you looked kind of dazed." Ichigo commented.
"Huh, did I?" issei questioned.
"Yeah, it was pretty noticeable." Ichigo said.
"Ugh, well, can you keep a secret." Issei asked.
"Sure." Not seeing what was worth being quiet about, ichigo agreed without caring.
"Well, just a few moments ago, a girl confessed to me on the bridge saying how she's always noticed me and how she wanted to go out with me, I was so shocked I thought she was talking to someone else." Issei said, surprising ichigo in the process. "Still, once I calmed myself I agreed. Can you believe it Kurosaki-senpai, a girl, no, a pretty girl asked me out to be her boyfriend, this is the first time something like this has happened to me." Issei said with an excited look on his face as he remembered the girl who asked him out, her name was Amano Yuma.
Ichigo for his part didn't know quite how to react, should he be surprised, shocked, confused, or should he just laugh that someone actually asked this pervert out.
"Wait a second, this person, what's her name?" ichigo asked.
"Amano Yuma." Issei revealed.
"Ok, does she go to our school by any chance."
"No, she had a different school uniform." Issei admitted.
"Have you ever met her outside of today."
"Nope, first time I ever seen her in my life." Issei said with a smile on his face.
"And you just agreed to her confession, just like that."
"Yup." Issei admitted.
"…"
"…"
"…Are you stupid?" ichigo genuinely asked.
"W-What!?" Issei said, shocked to hear him say that.
"I mean really, cause what you're telling me is that you just agreed to go out with someone you never met in your life, never talked to, and she just walks up to you and you just accept it. Just like that. No questions asked." Ichigo said as he looked at issei like he was the biggest fool he's ever seen in his life.
"Well when you put it like that…" Issei began as he looked away, embarrassment coloring his face a little.
"S-she had nice boobs." Issei countered. Turning to look at ichigo, the passion in his eyes as he said that was all ichigo needed to verify his suspicion.
"You really are stupid." Ichigo stated, his eyes which had shown slight concern at first quickly shifted as he started to look at issei like he was trash on the side of the road.
"That's unfair senpai, from what little I've gathered from Yuma, she doesn't look like the kind of person to do anything bad." Issei argued as he defended his girlfriend.
"Ah, yes, the person you've met for less than a minute is incapable of doing anything wicked, clearly you would have a greater grasp of their true self than I could possible know, I apologize." Ichigo said mockingly as he looked at issei like he was a fool.
"…" Not knowing how to defend himself issei just shut up and lowered his head depressively.
Letting out a sigh, ichigo continued. "Listen, issei. I don't want to be rude, but, the world isn't a kind place, shit happens, sure some people get lucky from time to time, and I'm not saying one should have a pessimistic look on life, but if reality has taught me anything is that often times it can lead one to disappointment." Ichigo said, a faraway look on his face as he remembered unpleasant memories. The scowl on his face intensified for a moment before shifting to a more relaxed one as he continued.
"it's always better to be safe than sorry, so watch yourself, lest you end up burned in the end." Ichigo finished, hoping his words at least found themselves in the ears of the young man.
"Thank you for your wise words, senpai." Issei said his head still down.
Sigh*
Slap*
Smacking issei in the back, the surprised boy yelped in pain as he swiftly turned to look at ichigo in slight anger. "What was that for!?" he said outraged.
"Stop looking so depressed, you look like a kicked puppy." Ichigo stated. Walking steadily ahead ichigo said a few more words to cheer up the young man.
"Well, take what I said as merely advice, who knows, maybe you just are a lucky guy and a girl just so happened to fancy you all of a sudden, love at first sight and all that nonsense." Ichigo said, though he was still unconvinced anything good would come out of it.
"Really?" issei questioned, seeing how ichigo was no longer trying to put him down.
"Yeah. Maybe this is a sign of good times ahead for you, after all what do I know about a women's heart and how they engage in courtship." Ichigo said, no longer caring about the issue.
"Wait, Kurosaki-senpai, you don't have a girlfriend!?" Issei said, shocked at this reveal.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean!?" seeing ichigo's face twist in anger, issei couldn't help but back up nervously.
"I-I don't mean anything by it, I was just surprised is all, after all, from the rumors I've heard I figured you were in a relationship with Rias-senpai." Issei said nervously.
Calming himself down ichigo's face shifted to one of indifference. "Oh, you heard about that to then, well I guess it shouldn't surprise me you would think that." Ichigo said as he took on a relaxed posture.
"Yeah, honestly it surprised me when I first heard it, I almost felt like killing the Bas- I mean it greatly shocked me." Issei finished nervously as he saw ichigo look at him dangerously for a second.
"Sigh, no we aren't dating, we're just friends is all. Those rumors, pure nonsense. End of story." Ichigo finished.
"Well, that's a relief, it means I still have a chance." Issei said with a look of passion on his face.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Ichigo questioned.
"its my dream in life to one day become the Harem King!" issei yelled proudly, stupefying ichigo in the process.
"I'm sorry. I think I had something in my ear you mind repeating that." Ichigo said slowly.
"I said I will one day become the Harem King, where I'll have many beautiful women at my beck and call and I'll get to do many ecchi things with them all day and night." Issei said with a perverted look on his face.
"…"
Walking away without a word after such a proclamation left issei stunned for a second.
"Wait where are you going?" issei said as he caught up to ichigo.
"Don't follow me. I don't want people to think we're friends or something." Ichgio said coldly.
"T-That's harsh senpai." Issei said like he had been wounded.
"Also, don't talk to me, I feel like my ears will rot if I continue listening to your nonsense." Ichigo coldly stated.
"It's not nonsense for I will make my dream into a reality, just watch, in the future I will have tons of women lining up just for me." Issei proclaimed loudly.
"You are out of your mind." Ichigo commented, ridicule filling his gaze as he looked at issei like he was some sort of bug.
"Hmph, someone like you could never understand the value of oppai, at first I thought of you as someone who was just like me, seeing as I thought that the great Rias-sama had been taken. I figured you a man of great taste, a man of culture, someone who had done the impossible. Though now all I see is that you are a fraud, a coward who simply satisfied himself with the thought of friendship." Issei said as he insulted ichigo.
"…"
Continuing with his speech, issei began. "If I were you I would have done this and that with the great Rias-sama, I mean have you even looked at those big, bouncy, perfectly natural oppai. The promised land was upon you and you failed." Pointing his finger at ichigo, issei looked like he was sentencing a criminal.
"…" the sound of footsteps slowly approaching him went unnoticed by issei who was lost in his passion for boobs.
"I mean, what are you gay or something." Issei said not noticing the danger approaching him.
"I guess that rumor my friends created about you swinging for the other side might hold some truth after all." Issei said, referring to the rumor which said that ichigo was into men and that he and kiba were into each other.
"…" the steps stopped for a second before continuing once more.
Opening his eyes after he finished lecturing his senpai on his wrong doings, issei came face to face with ichigo's tall frame standing right before him, his shadow covering issei as ichigo stared him down menacingly.
"S-Senpai." Issei called out nervously.
Issei who was currently being oppressed by ichigo's scary aura could feel a sense of danger from the guy in front of him. Though after ichigo stared at him for some time he finally spoke.
"So, it was you." Ichigo simply said, his eyes boring holes into issei, his veins bulging in anger.
"W-what do you mean" issei said as he slowly started to back off from ichigo.
"You! you're the bastard who made those false rumors about me wasn't it! you son of a bitch! I finally found you!" ichigo enraged voice filled the area as he cornered Issei.
Realizing that he had exposed himself, issei tried to run off, though he was quickly intercepted by ichigo who kicked him into an alley, blocking his means of escape in the process.
Clutching his ribs in pain, Issei turned to ichigo's menacing figure. "Wait! Senpai! I can explain!" Issei yelled out in fear as he crawled on the floor to back away from ichigo.
"Shut it you bastard! if you think you're getting out of here with a light punishment, you got another thing coming, by the time I'm done with you not even your mother will recognize you." Ichigo proclaimed as he cracked his knuckles.
"I think it's time I disciplined you for all your wrong doings." Approaching the scared boy, ichigo continued.
"Don't worry, this will only hurt a lot." With that the sound of screams coming from the alley rang throughout the vicinity, scaring passerby's who were just minding their own business in the process. Though some tried to investigate, they were too scared to truly approach the alley. It wasn't until sometime after that they ceased and a satisfied orange haired man came walking out the alley.
Sometime later an ambulance arrived at the scene, and after further questioning, they deduced that the boy couldn't remember what happened to him, only that he had suddenly woken up with a bruised body in an abandoned alley.
Issei did not attend school for three days to recover.
Arriving home after teaching his underclassmen a lesson in the word respect, ichigo felt a sense of satisfaction in having done so and the weight that had settled on his shoulders seemed to lessen.
"I finally have some peace of mind, hopefully that would mean less rumors springing up any time soon." Ichigo muttered to himself as he rested on his bed.
After having dinner with his family, ichigo worked on his homework and eventually went to bed.
At the same time….
Rias and akeno who remained in the Occult Research Club were currently discussing something.
"So, Akeno, what did you think of him?" Rias asked.
"Well, from my first impressions, he's someone who seems easy to get along with as well as the honest type. Which I find surprising just by looking at him, who would imagine someone who looks intimidating to be so kind on the inside." Akeno said with a slight giggle.
"Well, there is more to him then the eye can see it seems." Rias agreed with Akeno's assessment.
"Still. I did find it surprising just how familiar the two of you acted with one another, almost like you've been friends for a very long time, if I dare say it made me a little jealous." Akeno said as she thought back to their meeting.
"Is that so? Maybe we just have good chemistry with one another." Rias didn't really see what Akeno was getting at.
"In more ways than one it would seem." Akeno agreed.
"What do you mean by that?" Rias said slightly curious at what Akeno meant by that.
"Simple really. For as long as I have known you, this is the first time I have seen you interact with someone of the opposite sex in such a manner, outside of family of course." Akeno said.
"Your point." Rias asked.
"I fear that this new-found friendship will turn into something more if given time. From what I've gathered thus far from this single meeting, you appeared unusually fond of the boy." Akeno said, slight concern lacing her voice.
"You fear I'll come to think of him as something more than a friend, that I will fall in love, is that it." Rias added, her tone serious.
"I simply don't wish to see you make a choice that you will regret Rias, no, a choice that both of you will come to regret, after all, you and I both know that you don't have much time left." Akeno said as she approached Rias, her voice holding a hint of sadness for her dear friend.
"Never forget what we are. You and him belong to two different worlds. He is a mortal human and you are a Pure Devil that can live over a hundred of his lifetimes." Akeno said as she came behind and wrapped her arms around her in a hug.
"It's fine to have fun, but the moment you let your feelings get in the way is the moment you lose in more ways than one. I don't wish to see my king and best friend fall into despair and for this event to end tragically." Akeno finished as she consoled her king.
Sigh*
Looking towards the night sky outside, the full moon that hung high in the sky reflected in Rias saddened eyes. "I understand Akeno, more than you could imagine. Still, as heiress of the great clan Gremory, I will not let fate dictate my actions and future, I will fight tooth and nail for my freedom so that no one will ever have the audacity to decide my future. Not you, not my family, and especially not that bastard Riser!" Rias proclaimed as the power of destruction flared in her eyes briefly.
"Yes, and I will be there at your side every step of the way, my King." Akeno said as she held onto her dearest friend.
Thank you, Akeno." Rias said as she leaned into her Queen's embrace.
Like that the two stayed for a moment, a comfortable silence between the two as they comforted each other for the troubling times ahead, and the uncertain future that awaited them.
He is a boy.
The city, the people, the world, everything burns around him in a cycle of torment.
He looks to the sky.
The radiance of the sun shines down on him, cleansing and washing away all the despair as hope fills his heart.
He reaches out towards the light.
His hands which couldn't hold anything, couldn't save anything reach out towards the stars for strength.
He accepts the gift bestowed on him.
Seeking strength, the despair that had filled him see hope for the first time, determination fills his eyes as he gazes towards the light. Seeing the boys gaze, the sky likes what it sees, and from its boundless horizon, the fragment falls.
He is a man.
Traversing the world, the boy who was blessed by the sky is now a Man. Fate and Destiny, he forges a blade that will pave the way forward.
He is a Hero.
Holding his sword in hand he wanders across the world with victory and hope with each step. Horror and evil are quick to fall before his might.
He is a King.
His brilliance, his confidence, his skill, the people praise him as they follow behind. The road that he had paved alone is soon walked by those who saw hope. No matter what may come their way as long as he remained to make the way forward, nothing could stop them.
He was the guiding light.
As one they were weak, but together they were strong. He was the brilliant star that held them together, so long as they rallied together around him, nothing was impossible.
He would one day rise again.
They were too weak, they could not follow the light any longer. Their king looked upon them not with pity or disappointment, but understanding, for somethings must be done alone. So, the king ventured forth into the depths where he would one day return.
Even if Time has made them forget.
They will remain.
They will await his return.
And once he is back…
…All will know.
Author Note:
Hello again my dear readers. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it because if you can't tell I had some fun with it. Hehehe.
Anyways let's get back on track, I'm now slowly setting up the stage for what basically amounts to the beginning of Dxd. Of course, there will be some twists and turns but the end results remain the same, for as much as I despise issei for all the second hand embarrassment he gave me, he is also someone who serves a purpose, more so Ddraig.
Man do I have plans for that dragon and issei to a degree.
Some questions and concerns I should address for this chapter that I know some people will ask me.
Was ichigo's and Rias friendship a bit rushed?
Honestly, I don't think so. In my honest opinion, it doesn't really take much time to make a friend, or at the very least an acquaintance. Here in my story ichigo has lived his life as pretty much a loner for most of his life. With no chad, tatsuki, or keigo who are the very first people ichigo could consider his friends with orihime being more his admirer/crush and uryu a rival around to keep ichigo company, ichigo grew up differently than the main story timeline.
Add in that Rias herself despite being so popular, doesn't really like letting people get close to her due to them only seeing her for the fact that she is the heiress of the Gremory clan as well as the younger sister of the strongest devil in recorded history. She keeps people at arm's length never really showing her true feelings despite knowing what they want from her.
So, in a way I like to think I set it up quite nicely in a way that ichigo and Rias could be considered kindred spirits of a sort. Or I could be entirely wrong in my assessment but it doesn't matter because I'm the author and I said so.
Joking.
Moving on, while I set up the story, I'll see about having ichigo slowly come to realize what makes him so "Special" in a way. You could even consider the whole season 1 and 2 of dxd as the setting for ichigo's eventual rise as a Monarch and the first part of my story.
After that I will completely veer off from main dxd timeline or it will happen in the background with many differences.
This is also due to the fact that I'm an anime only when it comes to DxD as I cannot muster the will to read the LN.
Still, I have actually planned out what I have in store for what happens when I completely leave the main DxD storyline. After all, a story as big as I hope mine will get, adding some new content will help me keep my interest invested in the story.
There is only so much copy and paste one can do before they get bored of it after all. Add In that the only Plot I enjoyed in dxd was the fights or the "BIG" plot that was the girls.
Till then, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Have a great day.