Hello, it's been a while since I last updated this story. I ran into writer's block, and then my own personal life prevented me from writing much these last few months. However, I broke the block, and I'm happy to bring you the finished product, with about 50% more content than usual as an apology.

Now addressing some comments, for the question regarding Urahara, it will be explained later in the story.

I also saw some comments about Ichigo and Rias. Look, this will be a harem story, but it won't be like the original, where Issei just gets the girls. This will be a slow process as to who will be in the harem. I'll give you three names that are a for sure thing: Orihime, Rias, and Akeno.

The savory smell of pot roast filled the studio apartment of Orihime Inoue, who sat across from her best friend Tatsuki Arisawa. Orihime smiled at her best friend, enjoying both the food and the company. Karakura town had always been home and always felt warm. However, these past two weeks, this seemed to hold less and less true.

"And that's when I slammed him into the mat. His mouth was bigger than his skills, unfortunately. You know it's getting harder to find good sparring partners."

Tatsuki said to Orihime before both burst out laughing, Orihime knew full well there was little to no one who could compete with Tatsuki. She was simply the best

"Well, maybe you could take it easy on them, Tatsuki. I'm sure they'll catch up eventually."

As the conversation settled, Orihime could feel the air grow heavy and awkward. Her eyes fell on Tatsuki; she knew that face, that inquisitive look.

"You want to know, don't you? About my time in Hueco Mundo. I'm sorry for keeping you out of the loop. You are my best friend, Tatsuki. You deserve to know. So here goes.."

Orihime began to tell Tatsuski about the events leading up to her disappearance. Starting with the arrival of Ulquiorra and Yammy.

"Wait, was it those two weird guys with a mask?"

Orihime nodded as she continued to recount the saga with Tatsuki only occasionally interrupting.

"These Arrancar, as they were called, invaded twice, once at night, that night Ichigo was severely beaten-

"Wait! So that's what I saw that night, I knew it. That punch feels so much more justified now."

"Wait what punch Tatsuki?"

"Shortly after your disappearance, I confronted Ichigo, and he said it was none of my business. So I punched him, I remember being so angry with him. That is until we saw him leave through that portal."

"Yes, after the first invasion, I felt powerless to help. So, with Rukia's help, I trained in Soul Society. It was during that training that the second invasion came. On my way back to the World of the Living, Ulquiora appeared and essentially forced me to defect.

She took a deep breath

And then Ichigo stormed Hueco Mundo, along with Chad, Uryu, Rukia, and Renji.

"So that bastard did know where you were, he lied to me."

Orihime looked at Tatsuki with a soft expression

"He was doing it to protect you, Tatsuki. Did he take the best approach? Not at all, but he spared you from the fierce and horrible battles"

She stopped.

"He fought and fought, the 6th Espada, Grimmjow, and then...

The colors around her started to fade into gray, in a flash she was torn from the comfort of her room. Warped to that moment.

"And then-

The imposing silhouette of a demon, pitch black wings, tufts of black fur, long horns, and a prehensile tail. This, she could never forget. That tail, wrapped around the neck of one Ichigo Kurosaki, her Ichigo.

"Pay close attention to the moment, the life of the man you've entrusted your hopes to, comes to an end."

Orihime, still wrapped in the memory, spoke this aloud, her eyes not looking at her friend but through her. Her heart was squeezed by the unimaginable stress of the trauma from that moment. However, she wasn't afraid of the memory anymore, but then, what was she feeling?

She stood, uneasy, restless, almost on the verge of panic

"Tatsuki, something is wrong."

"Orihime, what do you mean? Why did you space out in the middle of the story?"

Another flash across Orihime's mind, the image of Ichigo's lifeless body, but it was different. He wasn't in a shihakusho, and he wasn't falling off the canopy of Las Noches. He was reaching out, slowly, calling to her.

"He needs me, Tatsuki! I can feel his heart stopping! I have to go!"

In a panic, Orihime began to run, but didn't make it farther than the kotetsu they had been eating at. Tatsuki managed to catch the girl, who could only cry, as the overwhelming feeling of Ichigo's death ripped her apart.

"Ichigo is okay, Orihime. Don't forget why he took some time away from Karakura. He is just fine."

These words failed to comfort Orihime, who cried and cried until she fell asleep.

-x-

A sudden and sharp gasp brought life back into him, his lungs filling with air. As he quickly sat up, his hand desperately reached for his core, frantically trying to stop the bleeding, but his hands were dry. Confused eyes darted and scanned around, investigating, this was his bedroom. How did he get back here?

Had it been a dream? No, there was no way. The pain was too real, the adrenaline that pumped through his veins that night was real. The tension of battle, he was used to it. He knew it well, but then what happened? His hand still traced the area he knew had been pierced.

As the anxious pounding of his heart slowed and returned to normal, Ichigo dismissed the crazy events of last night as a dream induced by his recent Devil May Cry binge. The act of leaving the comfort of his bed was now paramount.

Ichigo went through the monotonous motions of his morning routine. He now stood before a full-length mirror, fine-tuning the details of his uniform. He didn't put much stock in his looks, but he was never disheveled or unkempt.

The young man would be lying if he said the meeting with that senior yesterday hadn't affected him. She was very attractive, just as Orihime was. Which was saying something, but with that thought Ichigo finished his morning routine and was out the door.

-x-

A large and boisterous crowd of delinquents had gathered at the front gate of Kuoh Academy. Rias Gremory, the great lady of Kuoh and the de facto leader of the former all-girls school, took charge.

"Gentlemen, I would appreciate it if you would clear the premises. You are scaring the girls."

Her voice was laced with sweet venom, a smug look on her face as she spared a condescending look to the lot. Her now stoic sapphire eyes, spotted a familiar face.

It was that same thug from yesterday, was he here for revenge? The extent of his injuries was laid bare, eyes swollen shut, and his arm in a cast. There was a certain air of fear in him. She was a little surprised to see how much Ichigo had brutalized him.

"Look, I don't know who the fuck you think you are, but you'd best sit down before we beat your ass. We are here for Ichigo Kurosaki, and we aren't leaving until we get him!"

From the pack stepped out one and grabbed the nearest girl, forcefully pulling her in. Rias immediately sprang into action as the girl screamed.

"Hey, let her go! Leave that girl alone! You brute!"

"What are you going to make me?"

Rias couldn't believe her eyes. Before that thug could finish talking, he was sent flying forward with a sudden kick.

"No, that would be me! You wanted Ichigo Kurosaki? You got him, I see you want seconds huh?"

Rias saw Ichigo Kurosaki, his foot firmly planted on the back of the defeated lowlife. Her eyes grew wide as Ichigo tore through the gang of truants, a vicious whirlwind of violence. There was a smirk spreading on her face; it was downright disrespectful the way each and every one of them had been beaten into the ground.

Not only is he skilled with a sword, but hand-to-hand as well?

A quick sense of relief spread through the courtyard, but that didn't last. Rias could feel that relief shifting, and fear taking hold, she could hear the whispers of the girls, and the panic.

"It was his fault."

"Of course he had to be a delinquent."

"Why does he even go to this school?"

"He's a fucking barbarian."

"I'm scared."

Unable to contain the indignation at the ungrateful display of these girls, Rias finally spoke up

"I appreciate the help, Kurosaki-san, but I had that situation under control. However, you were pretty cool, thank you."

Rias said to Ichigo and smiled at him, which diffused the tension among the student body. Then Rias approached the young lady who had been taken hostage, and proceeded to comfort her.

"Rias, I'm sorry about that. That thief from yesterday brought his friends. It's my fault, and I apologize. Ever since middle school, every tough guy has wanted a piece of me."

Rias looked at him with soft eyes, if only for a moment, and then simply smiled.

"I'll see you around, Kurosaki-san. Try to stay out of trouble."

She said to him in a sing-song, playful voice.

"No promises, Rias."

The way Ichigo spoke to her, there was no reverence or admiration. Rias was starting to think that Ichigo didn't put her on a pedestal like the rest of the students. Perhaps her brother had better taste than she cared to admit.

"Ara Ara, this simply won't do, Rias. These girls need a talking to, but first"

-x-

Akeno Himejima, Rias' right hand and undisputed best friend, was always one to follow her whims, even when it put her at odds with Rias. After all, they weren't only friends but rivals too.

So as she watched Ichigo Kurosaki, the cream of the crop, she reached out. Grabbing his arm and pulling it between her amazingly supple and ample bosom. She clung onto him, and then looked up at him, as she felt him struggle against her.

She could see a subtle blush across his cheeks, but he hid it well. Cool, calm, and collected it seems.

"Thank you so much for helping Ichi, especially for protecting Rias. She is my best friend, so I really appreciate it."

Then she cast a cold and sadistic look at the girls on the other side of the courtyard.

"You girls should be ashamed of yourselves. Not one of you has thanked Ichigo. I hope you learned something from this."

Akeno's voice was laced with annoyance, but it was brief.

"It's okay, sen-"

"Ah ah, none of that, call me Akeno, and you better forget about those honorifics."

"Alright, it's okay Akeno, I didn't do it to get praised. It was nothing"

Before Akeno could speak, a monotone voice beat her to it.

"You did a good job, senpai."

"Koneko, when did you get here?"

"Akeno, you've been holding Ichigo for too long! Let him go."

Akeno only smiled knowingly at Rias, who was pulling her from behind. But then Akeno's ears were filled with Ichigo's voice.

"I really should go to class. It was a pleasure to meet you all. Gotta go."

Then Akeno felt as Ichigo pulled himself away from her and turned away to leave.

"He's a willful one, Rias. Who knows, this might be fun."

-x-

Ichigo found himself currently sitting on Issei's bedroom floor, surrounded by Motohoma and Matsuda. The former substitute soul reaper had no clue why he had agreed to this. The atmosphere of the room was heavy and somewhat tense, as if he felt unwelcome.

"Hey, Matsuda, get the lights."

Ichigo heard Issei say, and his eyes focused on the television screen across from the four teens.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

That small room, messy and crowded, with the atmosphere about to explode.

"Bullshit! I TOTALLY GOT YOU!"

Came a shout from Issei

"You got smoked, Hyudo. Oh, shit!"

Matsuda got cut off before finishing his turn.

"Get good, bitch!"

Motohama exclaimed as he took out Matsuda, but this was the opportunity Ichigo was waiting for. Motohoma's character was taken out with the thunder clap of a .50 cal Beretta sniper.

Against all odds, Ichigo found himself having fun. Yeah, these three were irredeemable perverts, but they were people too. However, this fun didn't last too long, as Ichigo felt a potent squeeze around his head. It was a strong headache.

Fingers pressed against the ridge of his nose to ease it somewhat, but it did little to help. As an intense red hue bled into his vision, was it always this bright in here?

"Someone turned the lights off."

Ichigo said out loud

"What are you talking about? The lights have been off."

Came in Issei's voice

"I'm heading out."

Said Ichigo, slowly staggering to his feet, realizing it wasn't pain he was feeling but extreme disorientation and confusion.

"You sure, dude? We're about to bust out the good stuff."

Motohama said as Ichigo saw him produce a porn DVD. Even in his current state, he snapped back.

"Yup, I'm sure."

-x-

With that, Ichigo did his best to leave the room, without calling too much attention to his current condition.

Why did I come out here? I'm new here, screw you Issei, I'm so lost right now

Ichigo was trying to get his bearings. It was very difficult with his head spinning the way it was, and why was everything so loud?

"Mommy, I want that toy. Please."

Ichigo quickly turned his head and wished he hadn't been a wave of dizziness hit him, but he couldn't believe it. There was a mother and child on the opposite block.

I shouldn't be able to hear them, how can I hear them from so far away? Something isn't right here

The young man broke into a sprint, only trying to get back home. He needed some sleep or something like that. Why did this town look the same? There was some frustration starting to bubble up in him.

He quickly gathered himself and let his eyes scan the area. He paused as realization dawned on him. It was the same park where Yuma had attempted to murder him.

"This is where I was killed"

Before his eyes, a smattering of black feathers floated slowly into his view. A deep voice called to him.

"Well out for a stroll? Try as I might, I don't see a master. So you, Devil must be a stray, I'm sorry to inform you, but I must put you down!"

Once again, before Ichigo could react, he was pierced by a weapon of light.

-x-

Staggering to keep upright, Ichigo looked at the descending fallen angel, who laughed with a sadistic joy, after all putting down this stray was a service to the lord. He looked over at that abomination, who was looking back at him.

"Goddammit!"

Ichigo reached for the sword currently running through him; that was a familiar sensation. Violent coughing brought with it bloody sputum, which he spat out onto the floor.

As those foul, sacrilegious words reached the ears of the fallen angel, he scoffed with offense.

"You arrogant, sacrilegious, spawn, how dare you take the name in vain? Slaying you will bring me so much joy!"

Ichigo's trembling hand held onto the wound in his core. It was a whole new kind of pain, it was an ardent burning coursing throughout him. Still Ichigo was a warrior, his legs swiftly carried him as the young man broke into a sprint.

"Can you feel it? The radiant light of our lord? That holy light is poison to you and your kin. You're a tough one to still be able to move this fast."

Wracked with an excruciating new kind of pain, the former substitute soul reaper and now Devil Ichigo Kurosaki finally faltered, his feet tripping on themselves, the young man hit the ground. Screaming as he was seared from the inside out, he reached for the blade only to be rebuked by its holy radiance.

The Fallen Angel raised his arm, and the blade currently impaled deeply into Ichigo's chest spawned in it, like an owner calling their dog.

"This has gotten boring, I'll put you out of your misery now."

With a determined thrust, his blade rushed forward, speeding to hit true, but a sudden and powerful wicked bolt of deep crimson destruction slammed into his construct. The blade shattered from existence, the park tinged in red light.

"Keep your hands off him."

From his prone position, Ichigo looked up

Rias? I suppose we're even then.

He chuckled to himself before finally falling asleep.

"Who are you? I'll show you better than to interfere."

The man in the trench coat summoned the javelin once again and launched it across the park. At the woman who had interfered with his kill, the weapon quickly zooming towards her, she looked on. As the petite form of a nekomata plummeted from high above, her skirt briefly flipped up to reveal her panties, before kicking away the weapon.

"I'm done with you!"

The fallen angel charged forward with reckless abandon, frustration evident in his voice and body language. However, before gaining a solid purchase on the two girls, a potent bolt of lightning struck him down, exploding and sending him back.

As yet another woman stepped from the shadows, her hand crackling with electricity, the fallen angel, down on one knee, finally studied the woman across him, recognizing the deep crimson hair, on that arrogant one.

"That hair, are you from the House of Gremory?"

He asked, realization dawning on him.

"I am Rias Gremory, and who might you be, besides a fallen?"

The Angel stood back to his full height and dusted off his coat.

"Looks like this town is under the control of the next head of the Gremory family. Then that one is a part of your household?"

Standing her ground, Rias issued but a warning.

"If you bring any harm to him, you'll receive absolutely no mercy from me."

"I apologize, but you shouldn't let your pet run around on his own. He might come across someone less cordial than myself."

Rias raised her hand as if to acknowledge that warning, but waved it dismissively.

"I appreciate the friendly advice, but if anything like this happens again, I'll make you regret the day you crossed paths with the House of Gremory, my friend."

An ice-cold glare from Rias accompanied that statement as she and her ladies stood their ground.

"With all due respect to your clan, don't forget the same can be said of you."

With that, the Fallen took off into the night sky.

"My name is Donahseek, pray you never hear it again."

And just like that, Donahseek was gone

"That was a close call, what are the odds he'd run into a fallen?"

Chimed in Akeno, as the three surveyed the injuries sustained from the attack.

"He'll die if we don't do something."

Came in Koneko, whose voice was just a little less cold and monotone than usual. This didn't escape the older girls, but both decided to disregard it.

"That won't be happening, I'll see to it myself."

Was what Rias said as she knelt down next to Ichigo's bleeding body. Extending a hand to him in aid.

-x-

The annoying and loud shrill ring of the alarm filled Ichigo's ears, and stirred him from the deep slumber he found himself in. He was back in his room, wrapped in his own blankets. Ichigo felt a pleasurable warmth spreading through him, and he felt his sheets.

"I'm so tired, what's with these surreal dreams? That's twice I've been killed like that."

Ichigo pushed himself away from the comfortable embrace of his bed. There was just one thing… As he looked down, his eyes went wide. Yes, he slept shirtless, but usually with his boxers on. But they were very much missing, and as he looked around the floor, he couldn't seem to find them.

"What the hell? Where did my clothes go?"

Ichigo sat up slowly on his twin bed, and his bedsheets were shed to a state of undress. He'd never slept naked before, and he pondered this, his eyes were drawn to the person sleeping under the covers. His hand reached for the edge of the blanket and carefully lifted it.

His eyes were rewarded with a supple pair of breasts dotted with small but proud rosy pink nipples. Strands of crimson red hair cascaded down, across a toned abdomen, and even further into a shapely pair of legs.

This shock caused Ichigo to fall on the floor from the bed, and the commotion caused the sleeping beauty to stir awake from her slumber.

Is that Rias? It can't be.

On the floor, Ichigo gathered what he could to hide his rather eager modesty at the moment. After all, he was still a teenage boy.

He saw the sleeping form of Rias stir once more, her eyes seemingly coming to life, with a small but satisfied moan.

"Ichigo? Hey"

He heard her ask, before fully sitting up and further exposing her silky smooth skin, and voluptuous assets with a well-earned morning stretch.

"Rias you know I can see everything right?"

His tone was firm, but it was clear that Ichigo himself was barely holding it together.

"Good morning"

Came in her reply, with a light tone

"What are you doing in my bed, and why are you naked? Rias why were you in my dream last night?"

Ichigo asked while gathering his composure.

"A dream? How cute Ichigo, last night wasn't a dream, none of it has been. My name is Rias Gremory, and I am a devil"

Ichigo let this information wash over him, along his naked self and into his mind. This couldn't be happening could it? Just when he was coming around to being normal, this woman Rias Gremory pulled it all from underneath him.

"A devil?"

He asked

"Not only that, I'm also your master, it's nice to meet you Ichigo Kurosaki"

Sitting at the edge of the bed she had just shared with Ichigo she studied the young man before her. It was hard to believe, the amount of scars and wounds that seemed to spread across his chest. Especially that one at the center of his chest, it wasn't done by either of the fallen angels. So she stared a little longer.

"You know I can still see everything right?"

His voiced called out

"My, are you always this serious? How about I give you a better view."

She quipped back rising from the now shared bed, then she walked over to collect her undergarments, which had been neatly folded and tucked away

Rias made a show off putting on at least her panties, it was a bit funny for someone as confident as Ichigo, a little nudity made him so uncomfortable.

"Better? How is your tummy feel? Were you were stabbed"

Rias saw a look of confusion on his face, and just as he was about to speak.

"I told you, it wasn't a dream love."

She said standing proudly before him, letting her perky breasts take center stage. Smirking as Ichigo inevitably turned away from her.

"Your body is amazing, I wasn't expecting you to be so tough. That was fatal wound, but you recovered in half a night"

She complimented him, while putting on her bra, taking her time to do it right as otherwise given her size it could be very uncomfortable.

"Recovered what are you talking about?"

Ichigo barked back, Rias spotting something in his eyes that quickly flickered away. Sirzechs had definitely been right about him.

"It left you week, Ichigo, but all you needed was little magic touch. After all I need you"

This time Rias was the one to turn around, the clasps of her bra hanging in the air waiting

"Ichigo, would you do this for me?"

She asked and heard a resigned sigh coming from him

"We're already here, might as well"

She could feel the bra fasten around her bosom.

"That still doesn't explain why we were naked in my bed"

She heard him press on

"I already told you, that wound wouldn't heal on its own. So I held you close and used my magic. However it only works if we are undressed, it's more natural that way. Nothing is more efficient that skin on skin contact"

She again saw his frow burrow, and she smiled at his strong ethics, being pretty sure she followed his thoughts.

"Don't worry, we didn't do it, I'm still a virgin"

Rias saw the look on his face and it was hard to discern what was going on behind it.

"Smile love, this world is magical"

She said slowly placing one of her soft hands on his chin and raising up his face. For them to see eye to eye.

"From one magical world to another"

Ichigo whispered to himself

"Did you say something Ichigo?"

Rias asked, causing Ichigo to stumble back and away from her. She found it so cute, how he fought against his own base instincts and resisted her, any other boy would have folded long ago.

"You said you were a devil?"

Now before him, Rias took a hold of Ichigo's hair as she straddled his naked lap. Her sapphire eyes peering into his, telling him to listen, the closeness of her face and lips did so too.

"I am a devil, and your master

Ichigo Kurosaki, I like that name. I'll let you keep it, my demonic strawberry"

-x-

The rumor mill was churning and producing some high quality rumors, or at least that's what Ichigo believed. Judging from the incredible amount of whispering and giggling around him.

Curse you Rias

"Did you hear? Rias Gremory walked to school with Ichigo Kurosaki, the scowling prince!"

Followed by a screech, as the gossiping girls gabbed away.

"How scandalous, who knew our princess liked bad boys"

"You can tell Kurosaki definitely has some good -"

Ichigo slammed his hands on his desk, clearly annoyed.

"That's enough! Don't you girls have anything better to do?"

Just then the classroom door slid open and a cool voice came from the other side.

"Go easy on them Ichigo, it's not always Rias takes an interest in someone. I'm here to collect you, I'm sure you were made aware?"

Ichigo recalled an earlier conversation with Rias.

I'll have someone come collect you later, OK?

Just then the girls in class broke out into zealous and joyful squealing.

"omg both princes of Kuoh!"

"I can totally tell that Ichigo is the catcher!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes and stood up

"Just go back to writing your fanfics you fujoshis"

With that said Ichigo followed Kiba out of the classroom, and they walked in silence.

-x-

Ichigo looked around at the club room Kiba had escorted him too. The room was dark save for the candles all around, the flickering flames brought with them dancing shadows, it was all so European, so unlike the rooms he'd been in. Several Victorian style couches and chairs made up the studies available seating. A small coffee table was nestled between them, a cozy place to eat with friends it seemed.

Desk on the opposite wall and various bookshelves with a myriad of books lined the wall. He then spied lithe and petite silver haired girl seating at the coffee table. Ichigo noticed her golden eyes, and scoured his memory, where had he seen her? He continued to stare as she was enjoying some chocolate, it seemed delectable judging from her expressions.

"Wait I've seen you before, but where?"

Ichigo asked as he looked upon the petite teen, trying to figure it out.

"Oh? Koneko Toujo is a first year, and valued member of the Occult Research Club"

Kiba explained to Ichigo, which caught the girls attention as well.

Kiba continued now speaking to Koneko

"my friend Ichigo here thinks he knows you"

"So you have been staring, don't be a perv senpai"

Came her monotone voice

"Now I remember you, you were jogging the day I skipped class. Thank you by the way, I'm always uncomfortable when the girls get like that"

Ichigo saw that stoic look in her face falter for just a moment, was that a smile?

The steady sound of water beating down on tile gave away the existence of a bath, Ichigo spend a small amount of time looking through the macabre study and it's shadowcast ambience. Eventually spotting a curtain tucked away in a what seemed like a separate alcove

"you're clothes are ready and laid our buccho"

He heard a woman's voice just beyond the curtain, and saw am older girl. She was around Rias's height, and just as stacked. Wearing the same Kuoh uniform, which Ichigo was now convinced had been tailored to accentuate their hourglass figures.

Her black hair caught his eyes for a moment, as did the yellow ribbon she had it tied up with. He spared a thought to perhaps this being what his own hair had looked like when using Mugetsu.

"Oh I didn't see you there"

He heard her which snapped him out of his thoughts, but now she was much closer. Causing him to flinch

"It's okay, I won't bite"

Ichigo bristled a little, something about her unsettled him, the air around her, was almost sadistic.

"So you're the new guy? Thanks for helping us this morning Ichigo. There isn't anything to worry about, everyone her is super nice"

Ichigo saw her smile and shift her weight a little, making her breasts bounce.

"I'm Akeno, the vice president"

"I'm Ichigo Kurosaki, it's nice to officially meet you"

Just then the sound of Rias's voice filled the room.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I didn't have a chance to wash up before I left your place."

"It's fine"

"Well now that you have arrived, I think everyone is here. We'd like to officially welcome you to the Occult Research Club"

"Occult Research Club?"

"The name of the club is just a cover, this is supposed to look like some kind of hobby"

Rias explained

"If it isn't a hobby then what is it?"

"Well since you are asking, I'll be frank with you. I'm not the only devil here Ichigo"

It didn't take long for him to piece it together as he cast a look around the room.

"So that's what all of you are"

"Correct, and that man from last night, as well as that flirt Yuma were fallen angels. Some think we are one and the same but we are not"

Ichigo listened as Rias explained the difference between Fallen Angels and Devils. While both technically had been forsaken, Fallen Angels still held on to a desire to serve God and return to his good graces. As she continued Ichigo was made aware of Angels as well and how both Fallen and Angels attack Devils

"Devils, Fallen Angels and Angels too, had you told me this a year ago. I wouldn't believe you, but what I don't understand is why they would come after me?"

He asked looking up to Rias in search of an answer.

"Her orders were likely to observe and determine whether or not you possessed the sacred gear. However it is strange, as it seemed her initial target was Issei Hyuodo. Perhaps they had outdated information"

"Sacred Gear?"

He asked and Akeno was quick to explain

"It's basically an intense and unique power that is only found in a few. As a matter of fact the only people I recall having one have been historical figures. That makes you a pretty big deal around here"

Ichigo nodded and Rias jumped in

"This power can be so uncontrollable, that some who have it become a threat to the underworld, Ichigo please hold up your left hand"

Ichigo looked at Rias and held up his hand, deciding to humor her.

"Now think about the part of you that is the strongest"

Those words carried with them a wave of unwanted emotions, the part of him that was strongest? For a moment he faltered, there was no such part. However his inner world, a place flooded by his sacrifice, lonely, and empty. Then a voice, and then another, memories of Tensa Zangetsu and White, a swelling pride stirred the floodwaters.

He might not have them with him anymore, but that pride, of protecting his family and friends. Stopping Aizen, saving Rukia,rescuing Orihime, these facts would always outweigh his depression.

The part of me that's strongest!

"Is my soul!"

Ichigo shouted as his left hand was obfuscated in a dark mistake, from which he produced Tensa Zangetsu or at least a close approximate. There was a big smile on his face, like seeing an old friend, but an old friend was not what he held.

It might have looked like Tensa Zangetsu, but it didn't feel like Zangetsu. It felt completely different, it was hard to maintain, and it felt like it was pulling away from him. Before too long it dismissed itself back into his body.

"What was that? It looked like-"

Then Ichigo stopped himself, not wanting to say to much, the past was the past and while Rias and her club had been nice and welcoming, he didn't owe them an explanation of his past.

"Well done, that was your sacred gear, but it seems not all is well. Keep at it Ichigo"

Rias said reassuring him

"I'm so proud of you Ichigo"

Akeno chimed in

"Look, Rias, it's been a long day. I'm tired. I'm going home."

Ichigo said, turning his back and walking towards the door.

"Before you go, take this."

She handed him a flier with a summoning circle

"I know you can take care of yourself, but if you run into another Fallen Angel, don't fight them alone. That's disrespectful to all of us, be careful."

With that, Ichigo left the room.

"I think you overdid it. Why are you scaring him, Rias?"

Asked Akeno

"I just want him to be careful, you saw the state he was in. Akeno, I won't let those angel rejects steal away my new favorite servant."

-x-

Early the next morning, Ichigo woke up and was relieved to not have Rias under his covers once again. She was too much, but he supposed that was okay. Truth be told, she was the polar opposite of Orihime. Who was more than a match for Rias in beauty but was far more modest and reserved.

"Idiot, why are you even comparing them? I have bigger fish to fry than this."

He scolded himself, as he still hadn't fully embraced his new situation.

It was then that he heard a small cry and a soft thud, just off to the left. He quickly followed the sound, and was met by a pair of white panties worn on a supple bottom, a mess of blonde hair, and smooth legs. He also spotted a suitcase busted open, and he shook his head.

She's hopeless.

"I must have fallen again, I'm such a klutz."

Her voice was small and gentle, not like Rias or Akeno. It was more emotive than Koneko's as well.

"You know I can see your panties, right?"

The girls quickly fixed her position, and now sitting up, Ichigo got a good look at her face. It was cute, and her green eyes paired well with her blonde hair. He noted her unique-looking garments, earthy green colors with a white wimple.

He offered her a hand up.

"Do you need a hand?"