"I found her." Rias stated as she arrived through the portal in the ORC room. Turning to face the assembled group of both hers and Sona's peerage that were currently discussing strategies to find the stray.
Upon that declaration, silence filled the room as they turned to Rias in surprise. Walking up to her desk where Sona, Tsubaki, and Akeno had a map of Kuoh Town displayed. Grabbing a red marker, Rias circled a small area of the residential district of Kuoh.
"Here." Rias said as she put down the marker.
Looking over the marked area, Sona had a confused expression as she noticed it was a specific spot in the residential district. "Care to explain Rias, we're all kind of in the dark here." Sona said as she turned to Rias looking for an explanation.
"Yeah, Rias, we only just started looking, don't tell me you had a run in with the stray while out in town." Her Queen, Akeno, asked with a worried expression.
"Unlikely, since she was with me the whole time. Though I do remember she ran off afterwards at the end of our discussion." Sona explained. Giving Rias a pointed look, she continued, "Which is why, I want to know where exactly you got this information, Rias."
Meeting Sona's eyes, Rias held her gaze, before finally turning back to the map. "Well, it's not exactly that I know she's there, I just found out by pure chance and took this spot as the likely area the stray will show up in." Rias confessed.
Noticing the worried look in her friend's face, Sona asked. "And why exactly this particular spot, I don't think its anywhere necessarily special right." She said, looking to Rias for an answer. A twitch of Rias' brow followed that answer before she finally let out a sigh of frustration.
"Because, this place here is where the strays next hunt will take her." Rias calmly said. though there was a noticeable edge to her voice.
"Her next hunt?" Sona repeated, confused at that statement.
"Remember after I left the restaurant, I happened to meet up with Ichigo on the way out, and we just started talking." Rias began. "I asked him how things went for him after you know what, and how he was doing." Rias continued. "You want to know what he told me?" Rias said as she looked towards Sona.
"What?" she asked.
"That he almost died last night on his way home after separating from us." Rias confessed, her fist slightly clenched. "And apparently the perpetrator just so happened to be someone going by the name of Evelyn, sound familiar." Rias said as she saw Sona eyes widened at that piece of information as well as a couple gasps from the peerage members who were listening in.
"Woah, I feel like there is a lot to unpack in that sentence alone, like how is he still alive right now? Not to say I want him dead but come on, isn't it strange that he is up and walking around right now. Last time I checked he was human right." Akeno said as she turned to Rias with a bewildered expression.
"Yes, I quite would like to know how that is possible Rias." Sona asked, her arms crossed.
"Hey, don't look at me like that, I didn't do anything to him, besides, I checked myself after he told me that." Rias said, slightly annoyed at Sona for assuming she turned Ichigo into a devil without his knowledge.
"Ok then carry on." She said swinging her arm to the side.
"Huff. As I was saying after he told me he almost died and who was responsible. He said that the only reason he survived was that the unknown power surge from last night flattened him and the Stray, and by the time he came to, the stray had runoff leaving him alone." Rias revealed what she heard from Ichigo.
"Lucky." Koneko uttered as she ate her candy.
"Talk about great timing." Kiba said as he had a thoughtful look on his face.
"Agreed." Both Akeno and Tsubaki said at the same time.
"Sigh. Why do I get the feeling this just got a whole lot more troublesome? Did he by chance mention anything peculiar, like something someone shouldn't know about." Sona asked, referring to the supernatural side of the world.
"No. He didn't say anything about that, though that was probably him just not bothering to talk about it since it would sound crazy to anyone else, much less to me who he thinks of as a regular human being like him." Rias said as she shook her head. "Besides, I analyzed his body after I slightly poked him with a bit of my demonic energy, that's when I noticed a tracker was placed on him." Rias confessed.
"A tracker, where?" Akeno asked this time.
A slight blush accompanied with a look of anger appeared over Rias' face as she looked ready to murder someone. "It was on his left buttcheek in the form of a scratch mark, not very big and hidden by a concealment spell, though I still managed to detect it." Rias finished leaving the crowd in stunned silence.
Though that silence was soon dispelled by a slight chuckle from Meguri, one of Sona's knights. A glare from Sona and Rias directed at her soon silenced her.
"S-Sorry…" She mumbled after noticing their stares, freezing in fear.
"Hahaha…" letting out a bit of nervous laughter Yuuto soon dispelled the tension in the air.
A couple of people sported grins on their faces, but otherwise kept their emotions in check.
"Oh My~" Akeno said holding a hand to her voice, hiding her smile behind it. Turning to look at Rias expression, Akeno couldn't help herself. "Did you get a good firm look at his buttocks." Akeno said playfully.
Spurt* the sound of Saji spitting out his drink and falling into a coughing fit resounded throughout the room at Akeno words.
"How bold!" Tsubaki said as she had a slight tinge of red on her cheeks.
"Akeno cut the nonsense, this is serious!" Rias snapped at Akeno who just playfully laughed it off.
"I concur let's get back on track, whatever Rias gets on her alone time is none of our business." Sona said, though the slight upturn of her lips was not missed by Rias.
"Sona!" Rias fumed
"Alright, I couldn't help myself." She coughed as she recomposed herself.
"Regardless, I can assume what happened for such a thing to end up there of all places." At that, Rias and Akeno had looks of understanding and then promptly frowned.
"You don't think he was…" Tsubaki trailed off as she didn't want to be the one to say it. A moment of silence settled as they understood what Tsubaki was trying to say
"…"
"…I rather not think about that." Rias began. "Besides, based on his reaction and telling of events, it appeared that he was spared a worse ending than a simple death, we should be grateful that nothing terrible happened to him." Rias said as she tried not to think of it.
"Yes, well, he should count his lucky stars for that. Though I imagine that we shouldn't celebrate too early if what you have told me is true, the stray is most likely to make a move on him again, as for when? Well there's the question." Sona said, a contemplative expression on her face.
"I doubt the Stray would be bold enough to come after him in broad daylight." Rias said. "If anything, the stray is most likely to be trying to lay low for a while, what with all the attention on Kuoh at the moment, she would be crazy to pull a stunt like that." Rias reasoned.
"That may be the case, but, let's be honest here, Strays are Strays for a reason, they don't follow the norm of one would expect. She may even try to go after him tonight if she sees a chance." Sona countered.
"Than what do we do, put surveillance on him 24/7, some guards at his home without his knowing, I don't want to downplay us but from what I know of Ichigo he is pretty perceptive and is usually aware of his surroundings." Rias said, giving a fair assessment of Ichigo's skills.
"That's just what we might have to do." Sona said, agreeing with Rias. "This is a mess, had it been anyone else aside from a student at our school, I might not have cared all that much and only put a bare bones surveillance on them to catch the stray, whether the victim survived is up to fate." Sona confessed.
"Jeez Sona, if only the students at our fair school could hear those words." Rias said drily.
"Yes, I'm sure they would be moved by my generosity and compassion." Sona said, ignoring Rias sarcasm.
"Moving on, I can see this plan working out, we can put a tighter surveillance on him at night, with one or two guards in case something happens. After all, the stray was a former Rakshasa, so her abilities are slightly weaker during the day, that and we can monitor him at school, while you Rias can start walking him home." Sona said, a plan formulating in her mind as she thought everything over for any flaws.
"Huh! Me?" Rias said, pointing to herself in bewilderment.
"Yes, you. Aren't you two friends or something." Sona said as she stared at Rias.
"Well, yes…but we never really walked home together or anything, what if he invites me to his home! Ah! What would his family think of me!?" Rias said as she started imagining different scenarios in her mind.
Seeing her friend reacting like this, Sona couldn't help but sigh in exasperation. As much as she loved Rias, Sona could agree that Rias tended to overthink things a little too much. "Rias I'm just suggesting you two walking home together so that nothing happens to him on the way. I'm not saying you have to sleep with him." Sona said much to her amusement at Rias reaction upon hearing those words.
"Cough* S-Sona don't be ridiculous, I didn't even think about that, how dare you suggest it! Hmph! I-is it getting hot in here or something." Rias said as she aired her face, all the while having her back turned to Sona so she wouldn't see the blush on her face.
"Ara-Ara~ how naughty of you Rias." Akeno teased as she giggled a little.
"Sigh* alright that's enough, let's think up a battle plan, I don't imagine this going over too well, what with our lack of battle experience and the fact that we have never once cooperated with one another, let's do our best to not step on each other's toes if were forced to hunt her down as a group." Sona said.
Getting serious, Rias and the rest stopped messing around. "Of course, I have some ideas on how we can cooperate on this hunt. Worse comes worse we'll be forced to improvise on the spot, especially if it comes down to a battle tonight." Rias said, a commanding and regal tone to her voice, gone was the flustered and easygoing girl. After all this mission had a lot riding on it, more so her friend's life hung on whether they succeeded.
"Don't worry Ichigo, I'll make sure nothing happens to you no matter what!" With that thought Rias and Sona discussed strategies.
Walking around the shopping district, Ichigo was currently out on an errand on his mom's behest. Looking over the small list of groceries, Ichigo decided to take his time with it, not like he had much going on right now.
Looking around he noticed the place was just as busy as any other day, it seemed that not even the events of last night were enough to drive people away. If anything, the streets were just a tiny bit more crowded than usual. Luckily this place wasn't affected by his little show of power, and no visible damage could be seen.
Walking down the sidewalk, Ichigo came upon the arcade where he met Bronya for the first time. "I wonder how she is doing." Ichigo thought to himself as he gazed at the arcade, the memories of that memorable encounter flooding in. It almost felt like a lifetime ago, what with all the recent events since that day.
Sigh*
Continuing with his walk, Ichigo set out to complete his task.
Sometime later…
Sitting on a bench, Ichigo took out a bag of chips and drink that he bought for himself as a snack. Seeing that he had gotten what he needed he decided to treat himself while he was still in the area before going home. Scrolling through his phone Ichigo amused himself with a few of his mobile games, not minding the person who just sat down next to him in the slightest.
"Fancy meeting you here, boy~" came the voice to his left.
Like a bucket of ice water being poured on him, Ichigo could feel his body freeze up in dread at the all familiar voice. Widening his eyes in surprise Ichigo slowly turned to face the familiar person who was currently sitting down next to him. "No way!" Ichigo internally panicked as he stared in shock at the familiar golden hued eyes of the woman sitting next to him. "H-How!?" Ichigo voiced out loud, not comprehending how she was able to find him here of all places.
"Oh my~ did I surprise you again, haha~" She giggled, feeling a sense of humor at seeing Ichigo's shocked expression.
Feeling the sudden urge to leap to his feet and run as far away from this place as possible, Ichigo instincts were screaming at him to get away from the woman sitting next to him. Though as if sensing his intent, that carefree smile she had soon morphed into a more sinister one as she turned to him. "Don't move unless you want me to kill everyone within the vicinity." She said as if it didn't matter to her whether he followed her order or not.
Upon hearing that, Ichigo panicked expression soon morphed into a scowl, angered at her words. "You would involve innocent people just to get me to stay here!?" he said.
"Of course, after all, to me it makes no difference if I step on a bug just because I got a little annoyed, and if you valuing does bugs is enough for you to stay here and listen to what I have to say than I say it's quite worth it don't you think." Evelyn said, a careless smile on her face once more.
Stunned at her words, Ichigo grit his teeth in anger as he forced himself to stay seated on the same bench as this monster. "Fine, I'll stay, but you must promise that you won't do anything to anyone here, understand." Ichigo said, forcing himself to calm down lest he upset the monster next to him.
"Hmm~ How cute, you think yourself in a position to bargain with me, but you know what, I'll allow it since I like you so much. I promise not to hurt anyone as long as you don't do anything stupid." She said as if finding his proposal amusing.
"What do you want!? If you're here to finish what you started I'm afraid I'm going to have to refuse you, I'm not selfless enough to risk my own neck for that of a complete stranger." Ichigo said, ready to throw hands for all the good that would do against her.
"Now, now~ don't worry your pretty little head, I'm not here for that, at least not yet. No, what I came here for is simply to indulge myself in my own curiosity at the moment." She said. Calming himself down a little, but not lowering his guard against her, Ichigo decided to take her word for it, not like he had much choice in the matter.
"It's also not like I can use that power again, if what the Monarch said about the seal in me being fixed is right." Ichigo thought to himself.
"Have you ever heard that saying about a cat and its curiosity." Ichigo scoffed.
"Heh. Trust me boy~ this kitty isn't going anywhere anytime soon." She said, amused at his attempt at insulting her. "Still, before we begin…" sliding down the bench until she was touching shoulder to shoulder with Ichigo, much to his dismay. "There we go, now we can talk a little more comfortably don't you think." Evelyn said as she pressed herself against Ichigo who looked ready to push her off.
"I don't think it's necessary to be this close." He said, not hiding his disdain for her.
"Don't be like that, besides, weren't you this close when that girl approached you this morning." At this time, Evelyn voice suddenly took a slight edge to her voice, her chilling smile freezing Ichigo in place as he heard her say that.
"Y-you have been following me this whole time!" Ichigo said, shocked at what she was implying.
"I wouldn't say the whole time, I have other things I have to do as well, but, yes, I know where you are at all times, so don't ever think that you can hide from me, boy~" Evelyn said as she giggled to herself, amused at his reaction.
"Listen here! I don't care what you do to me, but my family and friends are off limits you hear! They have nothing to do in this mess, so let's just keep this between us!" Ichigo said, livid at the fact that he couldn't even run away from this monster without involving those precious to him.
"My how considerate of you. Pfft. Still, I'll oblige so long as you don't decide to skip town on me. After all, I've quite enjoyed myself in this little town thus far, especially with such delectable prey running around." Evelyn said as she directed an alluring gaze towards Ichigo.
"…As long as you understand." He sighed, frustration entering his voice.
"Yes, I quite like this game of cat and mouse. Though now I'm going to have to rethink it. So, first things first, who was that little girlfriend of yours anyways, you two seemed quite close. Don't tell me you're already cheating on me~" She said, though she was smiling, Ichigo could sense danger behind that carefree expression.
"Her name is Rias, and no, she's not my girlfriend, just a friend I made at school, so don't go causing problems for other people and leave her out of it, don't even think of hurting her." Ichigo growled.
Hearing that, Evelyn burst out laughing upon those words, it was a boisterous laugh as she couldn't help herself, even going so far as clutching her stomach from how hard she was laughing.
Confused, Ichigo didn't quite know what to make of her reaction, merely staring at her in silence. This also had the added effect of Evelyn receiving strange looks from passersby.
"What's so funny?" ichigo couldn't help but ask as he saw her trying to contain herself and failing at it.
"I'm sorry, it's just, Hahaha, I can't right now, haha, oh man that was a good one, Bahaha." Clutching her stomach while she cleared the tears from her eyes, Evelyn slowly recomposed herself as she gave a few last chuckles, leaving Ichigo with a strange look on his face as he did not understand what was so funny.
"Does she have a screw loose somewhere." Ichigo thought to himself.
Noticing his strange look, Evelyn gave him a smirk before deciding to explain. "Tell me lover boy, do you even know who that person you're calling 'friend' is, cause from your words, I can already see that you don't even have the slightest clue, not that it's your fault." She said, a little bit of contempt entering her voice.
"What do you mean by that?" Ichigo asked not sure what Evelyn was referring to.
"Just as it sounds, after all, how could 'I' possibly think of hurting her, if anything, I'm more afraid of her hurting me." Evelyn scoffed. "Well, it's not like I can't tell you, I do wonder what events would unfold at this newfound knowledge if I were to tell you." She giggled to herself.
"Whatever it is that you supposedly know won't change a thing. While I may not know her as well as I think I do, it doesn't change the fact that she was the first one to look past my reputation and willingly become my friend. That's already enough for her to earn my respect and friendship." Ichigo declared. Unfortunately, Rias was not around to hear this, otherwise she would have been moved immensely that Ichigo thought so highly of her.
"Is that so?" Evelyn smiled, finding his words humorous. "Very well then, let's see if you can keep saying those words after what I'm about to tell you." She said, her gaze sharpening. "Tell me, Ichigo, how much do you really know about our world, of the hidden secrets just underneath the surface." She said her gaze turned towards the sky.
"…"
"I'll take your silence as not much. Let me tell you an interesting tale of Gods and Demons and everything in between." Like that Evelyn regaled Ichigo with the history of the supernatural side of the world and its many secrets that humans were not aware of.
After Evelyn had finished explaining everything to Ichigo, who had remained silent the entire time as she talked about things that have been hidden from the greater human populace for centuries. All he could think about was a few key pieces of information that she told him.
One being that while Ichigo was already aware of the supernatural world thanks to the Monarch. It didn't change the fact that the Monarch didn't go into to great detail of it, only mentioning a few things to him. As such hearing about all the mythologies and things that he only heard of in legends and stories actually existed in the world and beyond. It was still somewhat surprising to him despite expecting it after knowing that gods were real.
A few pieces of information that he found interesting was that apparently Rias Gremory, who he thought of as a normal human girl, was actually a Devil, specifically hailing from the Gremory clan one of the demons mentioned in the Ars Goetia. While he was shocked to know that his one and only friend was a devil, it didn't change Ichigo's feelings towards the girl. After all, it was hard to see that Smug princess as a vile creature of the night. Hell, what do you know, turns out she was actually a princess, if what Evelyn said about her being the heiress to the Gremory clan is true as well as being the little sister of fucking Lucifer.
What a world he lived in.
Another key detail, that he found interesting was that, apparently Devils were capable of somehow turning other beings aside from Gods into one of their own through a method called Evil pieces that were basically just chest pieces that incorporated a certain piece into an individual and would get traits based on the piece used in their metamorphosis. An example in Evelyn's case being that she had been transformed by a Knight piece which significantly boosted her already impressive speed and reflexes to an insane degree.
Aside from that she went into length about a great event known as the Great War, long ago, in which gods warred on each other as well as mentioning something known as the "Adversary" That was slain by the gods in an epic final battle. It was at that point that the being within Ichigo stirred.
"So that's what the gods decided on, huh, why am I not surprised." The Monarch scoffed.
"Yeah, I was just thinking that, it appears that the events you spoke off were altered, hell, they even took credit for your-our achievements." Ichigo said.
"Well regardless, I understand why they did it, after all, information on how the "Adversary" was created is not open knowledge, only those of the highest order were privy to that information. After all, if knowledge about how it was the gods own doing that created that beast were to be revealed, the faith and belief that they have accumulated would be shaken and their authority questioned." The monarch explained.
"I see. Still, how come Evelyn didn't mention anything about the Monarchs, I thought you guys were famous back in the day." Ichigo stated.
"Technically, we were created in secret; again, for the sake of their reputation they didn't spread that knowledge outside of key figures. So, if anything we literally came out of nowhere according to the greater supernatural community that back then wasn't as united as it is now it seems. So, in her eyes were probably not worth mentioning due to how we didn't openly advertise ourselves. Can't blame her, humanities involvement in the great war isn't well known, that and she wasn't around during that time to truly care." The Monarch said indifferently.
"Still, doesn't it piss you off that the gods took your achievements as their own." Ichigo asked.
"Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm just rationalizing it and understanding their motives as to their decision in doing so. The fact that they had the audacity to take our and my companions' achievements as their own fills me with an undeniable rage. Still, the past is now in the past, the best we can do is move forward and never stop, one day once we assume the position of Monarch once more, the world will know of our existence and then, we will have our reckoning." The Monarch said with a tone of finality.
"Is that your goal in all this, to have us take revenge?" Ichigo said, noticing the Monarch voice had taken a slight edge to it.
"No, but you can consider it a side goal if nothing else, besides you will understand this resentment we hold if you look into the memories stored within you, all will be made clear." With that the Monarch went silent.
Lost in thought for a moment at the Monarchs words, Ichigo failed to sense a certain Stray getting too close to him.
Poke*
"What are you doing?" Ichigo asked as he felt Evelyn poking his face.
"Nothing, just noticed you were zoning off, tell me boy~ did you enjoy my little bed time story." Evelyn said as she gazed at him with a mirthful smile.
"Had I not already seen that form of yours I would have called you crazy." Ichigo said as he swatted her hand aside.
"Hmph. Usually you humans tend to panic and overreact at having your worldview be flipped upside down and the veil of secrecy be torn of in front of your faces. The fact that your expression is anything but surprised makes me doubt if you already knew of this." Evelyn pointed out, having observed his expression.
"Oh, But I' am surprised, I just tend to not show it on my face that well. Still, you left me with a lot of things to think of. Though if you don't mind me asking, why tell me all of this, you could have easily just kept silent and not bothered with whatever it is you're trying to do here." Ichigo said as he turned to her, his expression curious.
"Heh, well that's just no fun is it. I had hoped to get a bigger reaction out of you, but oh well. Still, if you want to know why I told you all this, it's quite simple really." Pressing her body against Ichigo, she raised her head towards his ear and whispered sensually into his ear.
"I've taken an interest in you, Boy~"
Backing up, Evelyn enjoyed Ichigo's flustered expression at her actions.
"Would you stop that! Also, what interest aside from satisfying you own sadistic tendencies could you have in me anyways!?" Ichigo asked as he cast an annoyed gaze at Evelyn.
"Oh my~ asking a lady such a question, how bold!" Evelyn chucked as she faced away from him.
"Stop acting like that and just spit it out already…" Ichigo sighed.
"Fine. Since you asked so nicely I guess I can tell you, not that the reason matters that much." She said. "Well, I guess it all started after leaving my masters side after I tried to kill him." she began.
"Why does that not fill me with surprise." Ichigo mocked, interrupting her.
"You want to hear me out or not." She said, amused.
"Proceed." Ichigo relented.
"As I was saying, after certain life decisions, I decided that it wasn't so bad to accept the offer to become a 'knight' for my former King. After all, the Devils have a pretty good structure and aren't ones to shy away from rewarding those who perform well in their service. As such I stood at my master side and participated in their Rating games, one of the few ways to rank up and show off to the devil society as a whole." She began.
"I was pretty decent as a knight, even received a title; The Huntress they called me for my speed and ferocity for never letting my enemy go once I've encountered them." Evelyn said as she smiled at that particular memory. "I was proud of my strength, while nowhere near the top 10 knights in the underworld, I could say that I could rank in the top 100, and that's an achievement in and of itself considering the top 50 are for those who have reached ultimate class." She said. A proud look on her face, though soon it shifted into a scornful look.
"And I would have been able to reach such a level one day had my master not impeded my growth and promotion." She growled.
"He stopped you from promoting?" Ichigo asked, confused at what she meant by that.
"Precisely. In order for Reincarnated devils to be promoted up the ranks is to prove themselves, whether that be through forming contracts with other beings, performing well in the Rating games, and finally achievements in war times. Though that last option is not optional as the three factions that make up the Judeo-Christian Pantheon are currently in a ceasefire after the Great War." Evelyn stated.
"Anyways, my Master held an unusual obsession over me, and while I didn't mind it, it got to the point that I started to find it annoying." She said after a moment, a frown on her face.
"Pot meet kettle." Ichigo said drily.
"Hmm~ I guess you have me there, still my obsession stems more from interest and hunger than any real love involved." Evelyn said after a moment, amused at Ichigo's words.
"Geez, thanks for that information." Ichigo said sarcastically.
"Your welcome~ Still, I guess I would say that you are my type if it makes you feel better, I wouldn't mind seeing what else hides beneath those clothes." Evelyn said as she licked her lips, her seductive cat like gaze devouring Ichigo's body.
"Hey! Eyes up here!" Ichigo blushed as he felt her intense gaze wash over him.
"Tsk. I'm coming for that ass whether you like it or not." Evelyn said, a wolfish smile on her face.
"I'd rather die." Ichigo said to her remark.
"Then we are in agreement, that's exactly what I planned to do to you after I finished having my fun." She commented.
"…"
"Regardless where was I, Ah, yes, my master had an unhealthy obsession with me, he prohibited my advancement to High-class due to his fear of me going independent and leaving his side. For once a devil reaches High-class they are given the right of forming their own peerages, and that's what I planned to do." A wistful look appeared on her face.
"It's not like I would have abandoned him or anything, reincarnated devils who achieve high-class would still be under the banner of the one who resurrected them. I would have still answered his call had he need of me, but, I guess that wasn't enough for him, no, he needed me by his side at all times. The bastard." She sighed, annoyance at the memory entering her face.
"Well, my dissatisfaction soon reached a boiling point and I decided that enough was enough, since I who was a reincarnated devil can't really go against my master orders, or complain to someone higher up due to my lowly status, the only thing left for me was to turn my blade against my master." She said, a sour look on her face.
"Anyways, after a brief battle with each other and him forcing the piece within me bring me to heel, I managed through force of will to not cave in and ran away, teleporting out the underworld to the human world where I've been evading pursuers ever since." She finished, a look of indifference on her face.
"So…what did you think of my sad little tale, did it perhaps move your heart." She said, returning back to her usual smiling self.
"…"
A moment of silence followed. Ichigo, who had thus far listened to her story didn't quite know how to react to all this. Still, as if to indulge her, he eventually gave an answer.
"I can't say that I sympathize with you, what with you wanting to kill me and all that, but, if it's worth anything I'm sorry you had to go through that, it must have been a tough decision to make after you had made a name for yourself and growing as strong as you have. Only for all your work to go down the drain due to someone's machinations." Ichigo said after a moment.
"Still, it doesn't absolve you from being a terrible person." Ichigo said bluntly, no compassion for his would be killer.
"Well, I guess that's as good as I'm going to get from you isn't it." Smirking to herself, Evelyn was amused at Ichigo's words. She never really expected anything from him, whether he judged her, sympathized with her, or felt nothing for her in the end it didn't really matter to her. She just wanted to hear his thoughts about her pathetic little tale, an outside perspective if you will.
"Though, there is one thing I'm curious about, if you don't mind." Ichigo asked.
"Ask away, Boy~" She said. Her face turned upwards, unconcerned with everything around her, giving her the impression of someone who had not a care in the world.
"Why do all of this? Why have you come here? Why do you so relentlessly wish to come after me? What do you gain from all this?" Ichigo asked all the questions he had ever since meeting the stray devil Evelyn.
"…"
"if you don't wish to answer that's fine to, it's not like you're under any obligation to answer my questions." Ichigo said indifferently after noticing her hesitance.
"…do you really want to know." She uttered, her voice barely above a whisper as her bangs covered her face.
"Yes." Ichigo declared seriously.
"…"
It wasn't long before a cruel smile stretched across Evelyn's face as she turned to face ichigo, her sharp teeth appearing as well as claws popping out momentarily as she gazed at ichigo like one would a predator towards its prey. The entire ambiance around the two changed, and ichigo felt a chill go down his spine as his instincts screamed at him to get the hell away from her. For at this moment, it felt like the first time he met her that night at the park, the way her cat like eyes sharpened at him, the cruelty and bloodthirst she radiated falling on him as his eyes widened in surprise.
"…Because it's Fun!" she simply said, as if no other reason existed for her in the world.
"Fun?" Ichigo repeated, taking a moment to recompose himself.
"Exactly, tell me boy~ do you think I got my title as The Huntress for show, no, my cruelty, my ferocity, my joy for the hunt is what earned that title. Once I latch onto my prey, I never let go until I've completely hunted them down. just because I've become a stray with no master, doesn't mean I can't enjoy myself, sure I run the risk of losing myself eventually, but so long as I continue to devour, I will retain my reason and become stronger." Grasping ichigo's face in her hands she leaned in till their noses were almost touching, a crazed look on her face as she gazed at him, her feline eyes widening, and her grin that seemed to split her face was all the boy could see.
"That is what I live for, my purpose in life. Strong or weak, I don't care! So long as they catch my interest I will find a chance to devour them whole, I will make them a part of me, and I grow stronger for it!" she said as ichigo gazed at her in shock. Her expression of delight never leaving her face.
"Oh my god…you're insane." Ichigo muttered after a moment.
"…"
Releasing his face, Evelyn's bloodlust soon dissipated as she regained her previous composure and carefree smile, the intensity in her eyes disappearing to a more alluring gaze.
"Well, I hope that answered your questions, Boy~" she said as she started to get up from her seat.
Noticing this Ichigo commented. "Are you leaving now?" he said as he watched her stretch her arms up, a relaxed expression on her face.
"What going to miss little ol' me" She said, giggling a little. "Well you don't have to worry, I'll be seeing you soon again, once the ones above leave this town, my hunt will resume, and even that unknown power that you displayed will not be enough to save you next time." She said, uncaring of Ichigo's unknown power.
"You really think I'll just sit still and let you have your way with me." Ichigo scowled, angered at her words.
"Oh~ please do resist! That will just make it all the more satisfying once I have you pinned underneath me as I twist that defiant expression of yours into a broken mess. Ah~ I can hardly wait now, I could just devour you right now, but alas, even I wouldn't dare stick out my neck for those above right now." She said as she let out a pleasant sigh, the sultry look on her fading to one of annoyance at having her playtime postponed due to outside forces.
"In the meantime, I will leave you be, so prepare well for when the hunt begins, because the next time you see me will be the last for either you or me." She said, an excited look on her face as she looked at Ichigo.
"…"
"Oh, one last thing, you are welcomed to seek help if you want, I don't really care if you wish to turn to Rias Gremory for help, in fact the more the merrier, it will be the greatest hunt for me as I kill not only you, but the sisters of the current Satan's, Ah~ just thinking of how much stronger I could become fills me with excitement." She said, her blush intensifying.
"Though, before you get worried, I won't use your family against you to get what I want, that would just take the fun out of the game, and be very unsportsmanlike of me." Evelyn said as she turned to walk away, her business finished here.
Though as she moved to disappear into the shadows, Ichigo's voice called out to her one last time. "Thank you." He simply said.
"For?" Evelyn asked without turning to face him.
"For deciding to not involve my family in this, and for also helping me make a choice that I've been thinking of this whole time." Ichigo said seriously.
"And what would that be?" She asked once more.
"…Even if I explained it, you wouldn't understand, but regardless, I thank you for wiping any hesitation I had left. As for the next time we meet, I will not hesitate to kill you." Ichigo said, his gaze stone cold as she finally turned around to look at him.
"Kill me? Heh, I look forward to it. Also, that look in your eyes, keep it, you'll need at least this much resolve if you wish to face me. Till then, Ichigo~" Like that Evelyn disappeared into the shadows with no one none the wiser that she had just been here.
"A wise decision." The Monarch stated, seeing that familiar look on Ichigo's face, the look that he himself once had, the resolve to face a challenge head on with no path of retreat.
"Abandon your fear. Look forward. Move forward and never stop. You'll age if you pull back. You'll die if you hesitate." Words to live by as the Monarch imparted this onto Ichigo.
"Make me strong." Ichigo simply said, his gaze still locked in the direction of where Evelyn once stood.
"By the time I'm done with you, only few would dare to contend against you." The Monarch smiled.
The dawn of the Monarch of victory's return was at hand, it was only a matter of time.
Walking home, the sun that had once been high in the sky was already setting. It appears that the conversation had lasted longer than Ichigo anticipated. "Man, mom's going to kill me for taking so long." Ichigo sighed as he decided to take a short cut through the park. Luckily the damage had already been mostly removed from his last visit in the area.
Well, if anything, at least the heavy presences that had once been up high have started to dwindle as they left one after another, it seems they weren't lucky in their search. Still for the longest time, Ichigo had felt a gaze linger on him after his conversation with Evelyn, after he left the shopping district, a heavy feeling had settled on his shoulders. It would appear that someone was trying to get a rise out of him.
"When will they leave me be?" Ichigo said as he made his way through the park.
"Just ignore it, they will get bored in a few more minutes, if anything they only saw a passing resemblance and decided to keep an eye on you do to boredom. Just don't react to it." The Monarch stated with indifference.
"Well, whoever it is, I can feel the utter CONTEMPT they have for me, and it's kind of starting to piss me off! did you piss of any god in particular or something." Ichigo asked, annoyed at the gods attitude towards him.
"Too many to count." The Monarch answered.
"That's fucking wonderful. I really hope I don't get cursed out of spite for looking like you." Ichigo replied as he continued down the path.
"Lucky for you, we're immune to curses." The Monarch stated.
"huh? That's pretty neat." Reaching what appeared to be a fountain up ahead. The gaze that had settled on him finally disappeared, having grown bored.
"Good riddance." Ichigo though to himself.
"Wait! Ichigo! up ahead, I sense danger, seek cover for now." The Monarch urged him, feeling something wrong in the area.
Deciding to heed his words, Ichigo quickly hid behind the trees and bushes, his eyes scanning the area to see what the Monarch was referring to. It wasn't long till he noticed a couple standing by the fountain. Specifically, Issei Hyoudou and a black-haired, violet eyed young women standing next to him.
"Would you die for me?" were the words that came out of her mouth before she transformed right in front of both him and Issei, revealing her voluptuous body for a second before black leather strap like armor covered her body. Leaving nothing to the imagination with how revealing it was. Black wings unfurled from behind her, and what was once a cute girl had turned into a mature woman in a split second.
"What the hell!?" Ichigo thought as his eyes widened in surprise at the scene before him.
"A fallen angel? What's it doing here?" The Monarch questioned.
"That's a fallen angel?" Ichigo exclaimed as looked at the scene. It would appear that Issei had fallen on his ass he stared at the Fallen angel in shock, not understanding what was going on.
"Yuma…" Issei called out before a spear of violet light formed in the Fallen Angels hands and she launched it forwards. Spearing issei in the gut, as he coughed out a mouthful of blood from the mortal wound.
"I'm sorry" She said in a tone that was anything but. "You are too much of risk factor for us, so I had no choice but to dispose of you." She continued, an amused smile on her face. "If you wish to blame someone, blame God for having that Sacred gear dwell within you." The fallen angel said, watching as Issei fell backwards as blood continued to spill from the hole in his stomach. The look of utter confusion and fear that had overcome him in his final moments did nothing but put a smile in the fallen angel's face, as if she had not just killed a person.
"Thanks for the fond memories." She said with a smile, as she rose into the air to leave seeing as her job here was done. Though before she could leave, a presence behind her caught her attention.
"Hold it!" the shout came as she turned to see who was talking to her.
A very angry Ichigo was standing near Issei corpse, the light in the boys' eyes was quickly fading as he stared up at Ichigo. Honestly while Issei may have been a perverted retard, he didn't deserve to go out like that. Sure, he might not understand the whole situation, and he may not like Issei very much either, but still, he wasn't just going to allow some monster to get away with killing someone that was his junior.
"Oh~ a witness? I can't have that, this was supposed to be an empty place to get the job done." She said as she looked at Ichigo with boredom.
"Say, human, unfortunately for you I can't afford to let you live after having witness this, you can only blame yourself for being in the wrong place at the wrong time." With that the fallen angel once more created a spear of light in her hands.
"Any last words." She asked, a cruel smile on her face.
"Why?" Ichigo asked, his hardened gaze staring into the fallen eyes.
"Why? oh, you mean that human beside you, simple really, I'm under orders to eliminate him, simple as that. Though unfortunately for you, you will also soon be joining him!" With that she launched her spear at Ichigo.
Most humans would have probably been unable to react with how fast the light spears came at them, though much to Raynare's surprise, Ichigo was anything but a normal human. Reacting to the spear heading for his heart, Ichigo sidestepped to the side, with only a few inches of distance between him and the spear.
Impressed by the show of agility that the human presented. Raynare looked at the human before her with a little more respect then before. Sure, it was a lazy throw on her part, but still, credit is due when it's shown.
"Hoh~ you were able to dodge that, impressive, for a mere human." Raynare said as she readied another spear in her hand.
"Still, I wonder if you can dodge this!" throwing It with a little more force, the light spear didn't even make a sound as it headed for Ichigo's head, even so with a slight tilt of his head, the spear passed by harmlessly, not even a scratch on his face.
"What?" confused that the humans head hadn't popped like a watermelon, Raynare could only stare in utter bafflement before a look of intrigue reached her eyes.
"Those eyes, how interesting, you're not just a normal human are you?" She calmly stated as she looked at Ichigo's current state, most specifically his eyes. The once Chocolate brown had taken a Golden shine to them, a cross like symbol appearing within the iris. It gave him an almost holy look. Even so, Raynare still looked down at the human before her, the arrogance in her eyes only cementing her thoughts.
"I don't quite understand what's going on, but, whatever tricks you're playing here will sadly not be enough." Deciding to take it a little more seriously, Raynare decided to stop pulling her punches and summon five spears of light, so even if the human dodged one or two, the rest would surely pierce through him and turn him into a pin cushion.
"Die." She calmly declared as all the spears surrounding her launched towards Ichigo like arrows let loose, the speed and distance between them reduced in an instant. Still, Ichigo calmly looked at the attack before twisting his body at the last second, the spears missing him entirely and piercing the ground around him. righting himself to his previous position as the spears dissipated after failing to hit their mark. Ichigo looked at the flabbergasted Raynare with a piercing gaze.
"Y-you! HOW!?" she shouted as she looked at the enigma before her, a shocked expression on her face. Though, quickly realizing that she had lost her composure, Raynare let out a breath before she once more calmed her mixed emotions. She didn't quite know what to make of the human before her, not only had he managed to get past the barrier she had installed in the place without alerting her, but he had even managed to dodge her attacks like they were nothing! That was something no normal human could hope to do, as such, the only conclusion she could come up with was that he was perhaps either a human in possession of a sacred gear, or a magician of some sort.
Raynare leaned more to the possibility of him possessing a sacred gear of unknown origin out of the fact that she could not sense a single trace of magic within the boy. How curious.
"Boy, my name is Raynare, a member of the great fallen angel faction known as Grigori." She introduced herself, her once prideful gaze while still retaining a bit of her arrogance, soon shifted to a more serious, if not slightly respectful look as she gazed at Ichigo with a hint of weariness.
"May I know your name, human." She asked after introducing herself, her face serious if expectant as she awaited the boy's response.
As if not having heard her, Ichigo turned his gaze to the now still body of Issei, his heart had stopped beating a few moments ago. Now his eyes that once sparked with life had glazed over and faded as the tiny spark of life he once had faded away. His life blood pooled around him, and his chest no longer drew breath. He was dead.
Walking towards the corpse, Ichigo knelt down before the boy, his gaze calm and sorrowful as he gazed at the young man before him. Looking into the empty gaze of the boy that stared emptily at the sky.
Sigh*
Gently closing the young man's eyes, Ichigo looked on calmly at the boy's expression that had once been filled with fear and shock, shifted into a more relaxed one, as if the boy was merely sleeping now.
"Rest well, Issei." Rising to his feet once more Ichigo's hair shadowed his eyes as he looked down at the boy, his gaze slowly hardening.
"I'm sorry I can't do much for you now, but, as a sendoff, I promise that you will not be going alone on your journey." Shifting his hardened gaze towards the Fallen angel Raynare, Ichigo slowly and steadily approached the fallen that was hovering in the air.
"I don't like being ignored, Human. Answer my question!" Raynare ordered, a spear of light forming in her hand as she pointed it towards Ichigo who kept approaching her. Unbothered by the weapon in her hand, Ichigo finally stopped as he now stood only a few paces away from the Fallen angel. His steel like gaze trained on her, as he finally acknowledged her existence.
"You know, I 'see' everything that is about to go down from this moment onwards. All of your openings, all of your weaknesses, from your tactics, to your actions moments from now, all are laid bare before me." Ichigo calmly said.
Soon a pressure started to fall within the area as a 'weight' fell upon Raynare, surprising her in the process. Honestly, she couldn't understand just how a mere human could release such pressure, as if his power was hidden just beneath the surface. Though soon she was even more surprised as she saw a sword materialize in the boy's right hand.
It was pitch black blade, the darkened steel that seemed to put her wings to shame, and dim the world in its Abyssal black edge. The sword, specifically was a Nodachi, its length longer than most swords of its kind with the end becoming more curved near the tip. Three protrusions ran along the blunt end of the sword close to the tip. The Tsuba was curved and jagged in a manji-like shape. The hilt had a black chain attached to it from the pommel that wrapped itself all along the entire arm of Ichigo, and up his shoulder where it dangled over it and down his lower back.
Raynare felt a chill go down her spine just by looking at the sword in the boy's hand. It just screamed danger, her instincts telling her to flee the area as she stood no match before the blackened sword. if anything, she felt like she was going to get split in half just by looking at the blade. Its presence screaming out for blood, death, and destruction. Honestly Raynare felt like she had been overcome with fear. Though soon she shook her head as she thought over the situation and realized who had the advantage here. She was a proud member of the Grigori, she would not let some mere mortal intimidate her!
Having summoned his blade, Ichigo took a moment to admire it before turning back to Raynare.
"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki, Child of Man, and I solemnly swear here and now that by the end of tonight, you will die, O'fallen one." Ichigo calmly said, his blade pointing toward Raynare.
"Kill me? Heh. Good, very good. Then there is no more need for words between us, worry not, soon you will be joining that boy as well." Raynare said as she also readied her spear.
Looking into each other's eyes, violet met gold, and a passing wind was all it took for them to burst into action.
A few moments earlier…
Having just seen Issei get killed right before his eyes, shock and anger contorted Ichigo's face as he stared helplessly at the scene before him. Honestly had it not been for the Monarch warning him that he would meet a similar death, ichigo would have charged in without hesitation.
"Calm yourself, nothing good will come of charging in blindly." The Monarch stated.
"Calm! You want me to stay calm after what she just did, she killed Issei! Sure, I didn't like the guy that much either, but, still, he didn't deserve to die such a worthless death." Ichigo protested.
"Calm yourself Ichigo, your impetuousness will only lead you astray." The Monarch remarked.
"Fucking Damn it!" Ichigo said as he looked back at the scene, Issei's body forming a pool of blood around him while the fallen angel gloated over him.
"Damn it!" punching the tree next to him, Ichigo's eyes burned red, and his teeth gritted against each other while his fist shook in fury.
"What options do we have." Ichgo asked.
"One." The Monarch stated.
"Explain." Ichgo said.
"We Merge." He said simply.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked, confused as to what the monarch was referring to.
"As I said, we merge. My experience and knowledge, your body, together as one." The Monarch explained.
"…So like Possession, body take-over is that it." Ichigo summarized, hesitance in his voice.
"No. Not like possession. Have you not been paying attention to what I've been telling you? YOU and I are one and the same, there is no difference between us at all, with the only discrepancy being our experience and memories, memories that you'll soon be receiving. Do you understand. The being known as Ichigo Kurosaki is you just as much as it is also me, our fate is the same, your dreams and goals are mine as well, there is no secret between us, whatever you wish to achieve so too will I desire it." The Monarch explained.
"…"
"…I see, very well then, do it." Ichigo said after a moment of hesitation.
"…just like that? You're not thinking that I could be lying to you, get you to lower your guard so that I can take control of your body." The Monarch said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"No. It's as you said, you and I are the same, just as I'm Ichigo Kurosaki, so too are you. Our fates are intertwined, our goals and dreams are as one, we are Victory." Ichigo said, coming to terms with himself.
"…good to see that you are finally understanding this. Would it be narcissistic of me to say that I'm proud of you?" The Monarch said, a proud smile on his face.
"No, after all, with what we're about to do next, let's go all out and show her just who she is messing with," Ichigo said, a smile on his face. His eyes that contained the resolve to face the challenge ahead regardless of the consequences.
"Good. Then prepare yourself, for what I'm about to do will temporarily merge our experiences, memories and thoughts, our synchronization must be perfect, though thankfully that's the easy part. Once that is over we will emerge in a reduced version of Ichigo Kurosaki, Monarch of Victory" The Monarch explained.
"Whatever happens after this. Thank you." Ichigo said as he closed his eyes.
"Heh. Let's show her what we're made of."
Clang*
Blade met spear in a shower of sparks as Ichigo collided with Raynare, her wings propelling her forwards, while Ichigo's impressive strength matched the angels in equal force. The two stared each other down for a moment before launching themselves back.
"Impressive, but not enough!" launching her spear once more, Ichigo parried it as he directed it to the side. Still, soon more followed as Raynare once more summoned five spears of light at once to skewer him. Unbothered, Ichigo parried them as he slowly approached Raynare at a steady gait, as if her spears were nothing but a passing breeze to him.
Seeing this, Raynare decided to switch tactics, although harder for her, Raynare flew into the sky before creating another spear and launching it down on Ichigo. Seeing what was about to happen, Ichigo didn't bother to block or parry it, instead he back stepped as the Spear struck his previous position and exploded in a shower of light, blasting debris everywhere.
Confused, Raynare did not quite understand how the human was able to know that she had changed the composition of her spears, still she could think on it later. Rocketing down onto where the human was standing, Raynare slammed her spear into the sword that met to block her, cratering the ground around Ichigo at the sheer strength of the blow. Seeing this Raynare used her right leg to kick down on the human, only for Ichigo's left hand to come in and grasp onto it in a tight grip. Surprised colored her features once more as she was sent sailing through the air as Ichigo threw her into the surrounding trees, her body smashing through a tree trunk. Letting out a cry of pain at the painful impact her back just suffered, Raynares face contorted into one of fury as she slowly got back up, her wings blowing away whatever leaves and branches got on her.
Angered beyond reason at having been treated like that, Raynare hand grasped the fallen tree trunk, holstering over one hand before letting out an angered cry and chucking the trunk in Ichigo's direction. Seeing the 40ft long tree trunk hurling towards him, Ichigo brought his blade forwards as it neared him and swung downwards, the blades edge easily slicing through the wood and cleaving it into two as they sailed harmlessly pass him. still, this left him open for a counterattack as Raynare was only a few paces behind the tree, her spear poised into a thrust as she wished to run him through.
Letting her get close. Ichigo smirked as he shifted his grip on the blade, stabilizing his center of mass, Ichigo reverse grip on the blade that he had swung downwards, using the momentum he had built up, Ichigo swung it right back up even faster than before.
Schwing*
The sound of his sword slicing through flesh and bone was heard as Raynare right arm sailed through the air, having been completely cut off from the elbow down. Blood splattered soon after as shock slowly crept into her features at having her limb cut off. Shooting up into the air with her wings, Raynare howled in pain as she clutched her bleeding stump.
"Argh! Fuck! You FUCKING HUMAN!" She howled, her face twisting in fury and pain, honestly it looked hideous as she looked like she wanted to rip ichigo into a billion pieces.
Forming a magic circle in her hand, Raynare used it to stop the bleeding where her arm once was. Still the pain of having it sliced off tormented her as Raynare had never suffered such a grievous wound before, sure she had been cut, pierced, even almost blasted to smithereens by magic during the Great War, but even so, that was thousands of years ago, she wasn't the battle-hardened fallen angel she was once so long ago. She had softened, peace had made her weak and she had long stopped honing herself.
Still, for a mere human to have wounded her like this! It was completely ludicrous! It was an impossibility for her to lose to a human, unless they were some sacred gear user, or powerful magician. Her racial advantage of being an angel, her strength capable of easily destroying boulders with a punch to shaking a mountain with her power, her years of battle experience, to her speed and reaction time coupled with her flight. If a thousand regular humans were to face her, she could have easily massacre them all. Fallen she may be but the truth remained that she was still at the end of the day an Angel; a creation of GOD meant to serve and destroy whatever stood in his path.
Be it the city here or not, human weaponry had no effect on her due to her durability. If it wasn't for the fact that the supernatural world wished to exist in secrecy, humanity would have been destroyed or turn into a servant race for those much stronger than them. Still the gods did ever so love their little play things.
But, Raynare did not share that sentiment. Humanity was a blight on the world, had she had her way, they would only be her playthings to amuse herself with, the only thing holding her back from acting on her impulses would be her respect and adoration for her leader, Azazel, governor of the fallen angels and leader of the Grigori. His fascination with humanity or more specifically, God's gift onto humanity in the form of sacred gears. His obsession with them as well as research on the subject was well known to many of the factions in the supernatural world.
Having been sent to monitor a suspected sacred gear user, Raynare was ordered to either bring him in or eliminate him. Seeing how the Devils had already made their presence known in their desire to take the boy, Raynare was left with no choice but to eliminate him. Not that she cared either way.
Still, to think that she would run in with a despicable human soon after, not only that, for it to actually wound her! UNFORGIVABLE!
Raising her hand to the sky, Raynare charged her power into a massive spear.
"Never have I seen such a bug struggle for life like you, to DARE harm me in such a way, the only punishment worth granting you now is a painful death!" Raynare said as she looked down on Ichigo from above. Her hand continuing to pump power into the tree size spear.
"I really hope you survive this! Because I plan to pick up whatever is left of you, pinning you to my wall, and draw out whatever screams are still left inside of you!" She roared as the unstable spear of light was launched down at Ichigo, it's shine blinding the area as it came rocketing down on over the area. If Raynare couldn't hit him, she would just destroy everything else along with him.
"SUFFER!" Looking up at the falling spear, Ichigo's calmly took a crouch position, before launching himself up towards the spear. The rush of wind as he stepped on the humongous spear, swept his hair back, his blade pierced into the spear as he ran up the makeshift platform straight up to Raynare's position. The falling spear was cut in half before it could contact with the ground, exploding in a shower of light, the kinetic force giving Ichigo enough of a boost to reach Raynare who was frozen in shock that not only her attack had failed, but that the human had used it as a platform to reach her up in the sky.
Swish*
His blade arced upwards, cutting her left wing in the process and making Raynare scream in the process, as well as make her lose her balance in the air and come crashing down. Turning his body around, Ichigo kicked off the air as he followed after Raynare falling body, gripping her by the neck, and shifting her body so she would soften his fall.
Crash*
The ground cratered around Raynare's body, having hit the floor with not only her weight but also Ichigo who made sure to lean his body weight more so Raynare would have painful crash. A choking sound mixed between a scream and cough came out of Raynare as the wind was knocked out of her, still letting her lay there, Ichigo stood over her as he thrust his blade forward, piercing her shoulder and drawing out another pained groan from Raynare.
Raynare for her part was already at the point that she was losing her mind. Having awoken to a sudden unknown energy burst that washed over the city and having it pin her down, along with the presences of gods in the sky, and other supernatural forces that have come rushing in to investigate. Raynare felt it was time to get her mission over with and get the hell out of here. So, having gotten into contact with her target, proposing a date to get close, and then running around with the little perv, Raynare led Issei into a quiet spot to finish him off.
An easy job. That's all it was going to be.
And yet…
Unable to move under the human who had her pinned down underneath him with his foot placed over her chest. As well as the injuries sustained, what with a missing right arm, her left wing cut off, her right one broken after the fall, with only her legs to kick out feeble and a sword pierced into left shoulder. Raynare could not believe the utter humiliation she had just suffered at the Human boy's hands, without even having left a scratch on him!
"HOW!?" she roared at him, blood and spittle coming out of her mouth due to her many injuries.
"…" staring down at her with a calm gaze, Ichigo looked at her like he was looking at a bug.
"…I told you didn't I." Ichigo spoke for the first time since the fight started. "I can 'see' everything that was going to happen right from the beginning to the end. You lost the battle before it even began, this was simply the end result of the choices made in the end." Ichigo explained.
"The FUCK does that even mean!" She roared.
"It means, that your fate is now in my hands, your future ends with me." Ichigo said calmly like he was explaining something simple to a child.
"Though, if I really had wanted to, I could have killed you within the first move." Ichigo said as he pressed his foot downward, earning a grunt of pain from her. "In fact, I could have killed you any number of ways, I wouldn't have even needed to gaze into the future to see all that was to happen, all the possibilities. Pure skill alone, I could have simply used that." Ichigo said indifferently.
"Well, I guess this is simply the fun of finally coming out for some fresh air that I couldn't help but exercise a fraction of my abilities, if only to motivate myself to once more reach the peak of my power." Ichigo said, an air of regality surrounding him.
"D-Damn you! Don't you dare look down on me! I 'am Raynare! A proud member of the Grigori, I did not survive the Great War, and lived this far, only to be killed by someone like you!" Raynare said through gritted teeth.
Hearing this, Ichigo merely scoffed at her pathetic struggle as she wriggled under him. "Tell me, does this scene look familiar to you?" Ichigo asked Raynare.
"What are you on about?" She asked.
"Well, when you killed the boy earlier, weren't you also gloating over him? what was it, that if he should blame someone, to blame GOD for his unfortunate end." Ichigo began.
"Your point." She struggled to say.
"Simple. Blame God for having met me." Ichigo said as he yanked his sword out.
"You Fucker!" she cried out as the blade was not so gently pulled out.
"Though I do have to ask one question before I finish you off." Ichigo said, his sword at his side.
"I'm not going to say anything, even if you torture me!" Rayanre said furiously.
"Now, now, it's nothing compromising. I just wish to know of the 13 Monarchs and their whereabouts." Ichigo said seriously, his voice leaving no room for refusal.
Widening her eyes in surprise at that unexpected question, Raynare didn't know what to say.
"…"
"…Well, do you or do you not." Ichigo asked.
"Who are you? No normal person would ever know of such information. The only reason someone ever comes across such information is if they are in contact with people of the highest order, or through illegal means." Raynare said with a hint of weariness.
"Is that so? Well, I guess you can say I'm not your average joe." Ichigo said indifferently.
Raynare who had thus far been glaring daggers at Ichigo, finally took a moment to truly look at him. Orange hair reminiscent of a sunset, Golden eyes that shined like the stars themselves, and a light scowl that was permanently etched on his face. Honestly, now that Raynare got a good look at him, she could say that he was quite handsome, in a bad boy kind of way. But, above all that, she couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity, like she had seen him somewhere long long ago.
This feeling? what is this uncomfortable feeling? Wait…what did he say his name was again? Ichi-something, no, ichino? ichiGOAT? No…Ichigo, yeah, that was the name…"
"…"
"…"
"OH SHIT!" Widening her eyes in surprise, shock, and everything in between, Raynare could feel her heart beating a million miles a second as realization hit her like Thor's hammer.
"no…"
"No!"
"This can't be happening! this can't possibly be real!"
"Of all the shit luck in the world, I just had bump into this guy!" Raynare felt like she was losing her mind.
Seeing Raynare expressions change so quickly, Ichigo looked at her in confusion.
"What?" he asked as he saw her finally lock onto him, dread spreading all over her face.
"You…You're not real, yes, that must be it! This is all just a horrible nightmare. That's right I-I I'm dreaming right now, haha, shouldn't have drank so much last night Raynare! you silly girl." Raynare said as she slowly started losing her mind after so many shocking events.
Seeing this, Ichigo couldn't help but think, "did I hit her too hard?" deciding to get things back on track, Ichigo slammed his foot into Raynare's abdomen, stopping whatever inane ramblings she was going on about.
"YOU SON OF A-" She was caught off guard by the second hit, knocking the wind out of her.
"This is the last time I'm going to ask. Do you or do you not know anything, otherwise allow me to just finish you off, I will at least promise to kill you as painlessly as I can." Ichigo said indifferently.
Spitting some blood, Raynare looked back up to ichigo, funny how their roles had been so quickly reversed. "hahaha. Yeah, I know a thing or two." Raynare began as she smirked at ichigo.
"I know of you…Monarch. I know that you shouldn't be here right now. That you are supposed to be dead." She said. "I was there you know, when my wings were still pure white, when GOD brought you onto heaven along with his daughter, Lady Elysia." Raynare revealed.
"…" Ichigo stayed silent as he listened.
"I heard many stories of your exploits, of your battles, of your perceived invincibility, even in this diminished form of yours, I'm still in awe of your existence." Raynare slightly praised.
"But…" She hesitated. "We had heard news of your battle against the 'adversary' of your success! And even…your death." Raynare said as she gave Ichigo a once over.
"It would appear that we were all wrong." She finished.
"…My death. It was something that was unavoidable if victory was to be achieved and peace to be restored upon the world once more." Ichigo explained.
"How noble of you." Raynare mocked.
"…" unbothered by her attitude, Ichigo let her be.
"Still, perhaps I should tell you a thing or two, after all, many things have changed in the world since your absence, and I just can't wait to see that face of yours twist into something horrible as I tell you what became of your allies." Raynare sneered.
"Hoh~ then please regale me with your tale." Ichigo said in slight interest, dismissing her disrespect.
"Very well. First, after the final battle and your subsequent victory over the 'adversary' in the eternal battlefield, the Monarchs along with the Gods that hadn't fled or died, arrived at the location. While I don't know the specifics, apparently the Monarchs were enraged at learning of your demise in the battle, though no corpse was found at the location, all agreed that you had died along with the 'adversary.'" Raynare began.
"Apparently a huge battle occurred soon after. The Monarchs had turned against the Gods, though the reason is not within my rank to know of, I can imagine it was due to a difference of opinion on something." She said. Though Ichigo did frown a little at that particular part drawing a sinister smile from Raynare.
"Heh, I told you, you weren't going to like it." She mocked.
"…Proceed." Ichigo said calmly.
"Hmph. Anyways, after that a few Gods died in the battle, while some of the Monarchs were injured, though none died, still, they were forced to retreat and as far as anyone is concerned they have been in hiding ever since." Raynare explained. "Though a bounty was placed on them, no one is stupid enough to go look for one of them, as far as I'm aware, and the gods are content so long as they don't show their faces anywhere." Raynare finished.
"Well, I guess there is a few more things such as small conflicts between factions, and the current state of the world which is only a step away from starting another Great War, but, thankfully cooler heads are prevailing." Raynare said indifferently as she directed her eyes back to ichigo who had a thoughtful look on his face.
"I hope this information has proved useful to his Majesty." She mocked.
Having heard everything that Raynare had said, Ichigo couldn't help but think that many things had gone wrong since his absence, still now that he was here, perhaps one day he would reunite with his friends once more. Till then. "Aizen, Kevin, keep them safe" Ichigo thought of his most reliable companions within the group. So long as they both worked together, the group would stick together.
"Your information has proved useful, and I thank you for that." Ichigo said as he nodded to Raynare in gratitude.
"I'm honored." She sneered.
"Still, your crimes against humanity have not absolved you of what you've done, so, for the death of an innocent soul, I will pass judgement on you, Fallen." Ichigo declared, his blade poised to strike down on Raynare.
"You! Who are you to judge me!" Raynare howled.
"I once served under heavens banner before the 13 were formed, having gained Gods authority, I waged war across the stars against all threats to his kingdom. You who has turned her back on the heavenly father, will now be sentenced to death for your crimes." Ichigo continued, not listening to her words.
"You bastard! everything I have done, everything I worked for, has been for the recognition and love of my superiors! That my existence be acknowledged!" Raynare said as she started to once more struggle underneath Ichigo.
"I hereby declare your immediate Execution; may God bless you." Ichigo said as he hovered his blade over Raynare's heart.
"DAMN YOU! SOMEONE LIKE YOU COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND THE FEELINGS OF THE WEAK! I HOPE THAT YOU AND EVERYONE YOU LOVE DIE A PAINFUL DEATH! I HOPE YOU MONARCHS ALL GO TO HEL- "She was cut off as the blade pierced her heart.
"Destroy, Tensa Zangetsu." Like that a golden shimmer passed through the blade as it pierced into Raynare's heart, crumbling her body to nonexistence, like she had never been there.
Raynare died just like that, dying just as she lived, leaving nothing behind.
Authors Note.
AND END.
Yup, just like that the chapter Is over.
Alright let's discuss somethings as I'm sure some of you have questions.
1st Rias, Sona, and peerage all now know that Ichigo is in danger, we'll have to see how they go about saving his ass before Evelyn gets to him.
2nd Ichigo has finally accepted his role as Monarch and will begin his training which just entails him reliving his thousands upon thousands of years of memories that carry his experience and knowledge to fully become The Monarch of Victory. Of course, dream world time is a lot faster, so Ichigo can easily go through hundreds of memories at a time before getting to mentally exhausted. Nothing like having your life on the line to motivate someone to grow stronger as fast as they can.
3rd Issei is dead, I struggled with myself over this one, do I really need Issei, or do I just want Ddraig, turns out I just want Ddraig, man do I have plans for that dragon. Still, some of you may ask, why not spare issei? Simple, I have no use for him, that and there was no Rias to be there since Issei didn't have a 'make a wish' summoning circle on him. As well as the fact that Rias is currently busy with other things at the moment, like a bunch of high-profile beings on her territory, unknown power surges caused by a certain strawberry, A stray devil as strong as a high-class devil wandering her territory and wanting to fuck/kill/eat her (Boy)friend. She had her hands full and mind preoccupied to think about a certain forgettable pervert. Wonder how she'll feel knowing her backup plan just up and died on her without her knowledge.
4th Did I have to kill Raynare? NO. but the answer is also yes. I APOLOGIZE to all the people that love Raynare, I wish it could have ended another way but the coin was flipped and well yeah…
I also like Raynare. So, don't hate me too much please. Tee-hee
Still if ever I write another dxd fanfic, I'll make sure she lives.
5th Many revelations. Raynare spilling the beans. What is this conflict between the Gods and the Monarchs. How will this shape the story moving forward, and what is Ichigo's role in all this. Stay tuned and find out.
Till then I bid you all goodnight! Or morning! Depending on the time of day you guys get to this point.
Have a great day.
Bye.