For all that is beautiful

by esdeath's thicc thighs

The Great War, a conflict of cataclysmic scale where gods and monsters waged war. From this conflict, humanity that had once been strong now remained a shadow of themselves. In the ashes of their home, 13 were raised to be paragons of humanity, they who would bring order in the chaos. Monarchs they were, heroes of a new age. Now one seeks his crown once more. Ichigo will rise again

18. Chapter 18

I bare an old name, for it has never known defeat. My brothers and sisters, their names are invincible too. Then came Armageddon, and now my name lives in legend. I WILL ENDURE. At the end of things when the world cries out for its heroes, when the dark days of bygone eras return once more, when the call remains unanswered. I will shout those names defiant and past the end I will endure. I alone.

They made me to be stronger than them to beat the unvanquished and emerge victorious forevermore and look look lo behold I am here alone, survivor. They made me to win.

Everything died but I was immortalized, bound by fate as it carved through me and IT.

Consider IT the scourge, cancer of creation and consider what IT means. I met IT below the roots of the Great Tree and I recall IT smiled at me before IT carved its way past the garden with spear in hand as IT pinned their names across the sky. IT was stronger than everything. I fought IT with a vow of promised victory and dominion made manifest. My sweat was destruction and my breath was creation but IT would not DIE. So how did I prevail?

I WILL ENDURE for I am VICTORY. I shouldered the souls of the weak, of the strong, and the mighty, the uncountable lives that called this realm home. They made me to be stronger than them and to rise above all adversity and so I did.

IT is alone and IT is strong and IT endures. Despite my power, my authority, and station, I could not fully prevail even in my final moments. IT endures.

I am made to win and now I see the way.

-Ichigo Kurosaki, Monarch of Victory.

Contemplations on the Adversary.

---

It has been two months since the duel between Ichigo and Diehauser Belial. With Ichigo's shocking victory, Rias was now free to pursue her future without the threat of interference. As for him, well, he was all too happy to be at her side every step of the way. Wherever it may lead.

But above all that…

A promise, an oath, to reach ascension.

It was time to plan for the future.

The school bell rang as classes were dismissed, gathering their items, Ichigo and Rias made for the door as they were soon joined by Akeno as they headed towards the ORC room.

"So, a week before Summer Break begins, do you guys have any plans?" Akeno asked as she looked towards the pair.

"I was planning on going back home for a week, I promised Mother and Father the last time we met. Though they did insist I bring a certain someone along for the ride~" Rias said as she turned to look at Ichigo.

"Oh, a week you say. Haha, I'll have to pass up on the offer this time Rias, I got plans for the week with some friends." The nervous chuckle elicited curious if not shocked reactions from the two devils.

"Friends? you have friends other than us?" Akeno appeared shocked much to his chagrin.

"How come I've never met any of these so-called friends of yours?" Rias cast him an accusatory gaze.

"Ahem, it's a recent development. Mind you, I do indeed have a social life outside of you guys." Ichigo smiled.

"Ok~ Mr. Popular, too good for us low dwellers now." Rias snarked.

"Hardly, if anything, perhaps I'll introduce you to them one day." Ichigo replied.

"My how mysterious~ though, I have to ask, knowing our resident Dragon Emperor, your friends wouldn't happen to be of the mundane, would they?" Akeno asked.

"Who can say, maybe, maybe not." Ichigo smiled mysteriously.

"Regardless of their identity, I do hope that they aren't troublemakers like a certain someone." Rias cast him an amused expression.

"I'll have you know, it was an accident, I didn't mean to blow up that abandoned factory, not my fault the enemy was weaker than I had expected." Ichigo defended himself.

"If it was just the building I wouldn't have said anything. No, you punched the Stray devil so hard its head was sent sailing over the town, ultimately crashing over one of the towns power stations." Rias admonished.

"…"

"You knocked out the power in my area for a week as they moved to repair the damage, I couldn't watch my show because of you." Rias huffed.

Akeno couldn't help but laugh a little as she saw Ichigo's embarrassed reaction.

"As I said, it was an honest mistake Princess." Ichigo coughed as he set to compose himself once more. "Besides." Ichigo suddenly smirked as he let his hand slide down from her hip to her plump rear. "I didn't hear many complaints when you crashed at my place for a week~" Ichigo huskily said as he gave her ass a tight squeeze causing Rias to gasp in surprise and pleasure.

"My~ how bold you two have become in the last two months, should I perhaps give you two sometime alone~" Akeno smiled knowingly as she gazed at the pair.

"Ahem, that will not be necessary." Rias coughed into her hand, as she recomposed herself, though the blush that marred her features gave way to her slight embarrassment. Casting Ichigo an unimpressed look, he could only smile in slight amusement at her reaction.

Throughout the two months after the end of the duel, Ichigo and Rias relationship had been elevated to another level after sharing their first night together in her room. A memory she will treasure for eternity. The two no longer danced around their true feelings for the other, both satiating themselves in their want, their NEED for the other. Lust and Love danced between the two as they gave themselves in both mind and body. Rias taking to Ichigo's bed more often than not, experiencing passion and pleasure beyond anything she had ever known, an addiction, a drug that drove her to ask him for more as he shed himself inside her.

Rias never realized how much of a Nympho she was until that night. Guess the bloodline was thicker than she thought, a Gremory through and through as her nature shown more clearly during those moments.

Not that Ichigo would complain.

"Anyways, what of you, Akeno. Did you have any plans for the summer?" Ichigo asked, getting back to the topic at hand.

"Hmm, not really, guess me and the others will accompany Rias back to the Underworld for the week, perhaps we should go shopping the next time we visit New Lilith, don't you think Rias?" Akeno proposed.

"That would be an excellent idea Akeno, a shame we can't bring Sona along, well one of us has to look over the territory." Rias lamented.

"I'm sure she'll be fine, after all, a certain someone would certainly be excited to see her and never leave her side should she go." Akeno mused much to Rias amusement.

"Indeed." Rias agreed.

Not understanding who they were alluding to, Ichigo tuned the conversation out as he thought about the coming break. Perhaps a chance would present itself for him to act.

Like that the group reached the ORC room where they fell into their usual routine.

---

One week later…

The sound of cheers and laughs could be heard throughout the campus as students talked excitedly about their coming vacation, gone were the days of long nights studying for exams and mind-numbing homework. It was now time to relax and enjoy their Summer the best they could. Staring through the window, Ichigo watched as the students milled out as they headed home, a fine summer breeze ruffling his hair as he had a small content smile on his face.

Things were so peaceful.

So normal.

"It would be a sin for me to have to end that one day."

His smile turned slack at that thought.

One year, that was the time he had given himself, to capitalize on the opportunity before all would reveal itself. He knew that he couldn't hide forever, already Ddraig has had to act in overtime to hide his presence, the eyes of the divine were starting to peer into the storm of change that would arrive in the future.

Nothing would stop the coming storm.

And he would make sure to stand at the center of it.

For all to witness him.

The time for reckoning would come.

"Ddraig, do you know what became of the old cities?" Ichigo suddenly asked the heavenly dragon.

"I'm afraid not, even after my imprisonment in this sacred gear, the world had since long changed. Though in the back of my mind I do remember hearing one last bit of news, though it wasn't anything good to my knowledge." Ddraig deep baritone grumbled out.

"Whatever it may be, perhaps it'll aid me in my journey ahead." Ichigo said in assurance.

"Very well, though the memories are hazy, after the Great Betrayal of the Gods towards the Monarchs and your people, Earth had come under siege by the divine armies. I had been facing my own battles at the time against the remnant armies of the Adversary when I heard the news." Ddraig began.

"Stretched as thin as you were back then between the remnant armies of the adversary, the chaotic gods, and the various races that had fallen to the taint of corruption. Humanity stood no chance against the forces that they once deemed allies. The Monarchs were forced to retreat." Ddraig continued.

"Forced to abandon their colonies, Humanity slowly retreated backwards into their territory, the Monarchs taking with them those they could, but abandoning many to the forces that assailed them as time was not on their side. The last thing I heard before their exile, was that Earth had come under siege, many Gods perished in the battle, and the City of Silbern had fallen." Ddraig words filled Ichigo with shock as he heard those words.

"Silbern fell?" it was a question with no answer, though obvious considering the city no longer stood today, but to hear it from someone who heard and witnessed the events after his passing. He just couldn't imagine it.

Silbern, the city governed by the Monarch of Finality, long before Humanity took to the stars once more. It had been an early time in their rule having reclaimed Earth from the foul powers that once laid waste to it. After that, 12 cities were built all over the Earth, each one in honor of the Monarchs.

Bastion for the Monarch of Victory.

Arcadia for the Monarch of Sentience.

Silbern for the Monarch of Finality.

Alexandria for the Monarch of Reason.

Jericho for the Monarch of Geo.

Anor for the Monarch of Shadows.

Meridia for the Monarch of Void.

Argos for the Monarch of Thunder.

Valorn for the Monarch of Severance.

Atlantis for the Monarch of Domination.

Riveria for the Monarch of Destruction.

Eona for the Monarch of Life.

Avalon for the Monarch of Origin.

Of those cities, Silbern was a literal fortress, second only to Bastion in defenses. If Silbern had fallen, that would mean it was the second last city to have stood before the Monarchs were forced to pull back.

Sigh*

Ichigo couldn't help but lament the actions that had come after his death, how so easily they had been reduced from their once sprawling empire by those they once trusted. Though he had predicted it, well more like he had "seen" it. Before his dying breath, he activated his sight once more, only to see the treachery that would come, but above that, the fall of his empire.

But even the light doesn't completely fade.

There was still hope, he had foreseen it, and now alive, his people were still out there under the rule of the Monarchs, a new home.

The Elysian Realm.

"How long did it take?" Ichigo questioned absentmindedly.

"If you're referring to the end of your empire, about 10 years max, The Monarchs could not contend with so many enemies at once, stretched as thin as they were, they were forced to cut their losses and take what they could with them. Those that were left behind, died fighting for the Monarchs they served, unwilling to bend to the rule of the Gods." Ddraig replied. "It was a bitter end, to such a glorious empire, though perhaps not completely, as you said, they are still out there, and though the humans of today may not remember you, perhaps one day they will learn of your glory." Ddraig concluded.

"One can only hope." Ichigo sighed.

It was in his contemplations, that a lingering thought remained, a hope he clung to, be it false or not.

"But perhaps, we might still have a chance to rise before the enemy catches on." Ichigo suddenly said as hope renewed within him.

"What do you have in mind?" Ddraig asked.

Through the many memories that inhabited Ichigo's mind, a singular thought popped up, a memory of a time since past, but if true could aid him in his journey ahead.

"The possibility is there, you need only seize it." The Monarch stated as he saw the conclusion he had come to.

"This can change everything." Ichigo agreed.

"What? What am I missing?" Ddraig questioned.

It was in that exact moment that the door that led to the ORC room slid open as the person he had been waiting for entered.

"I'll explain later." Ichigo said before focusing his attention on Rias who had entered.

The one week before summer break had given them little time for socializing, seeing as they had to prepare for exams. Now that they were done, Rias had called him into the ORC room before she had to go back home the following morning.

"Ichigo, thank you for waiting, I wanted to see you before I had to go back home." The slightly saddened expression on her face made Ichigo embrace her closely.

"Don't look so sad Rias, it's only a week, you'll be seeing me again before you know it." Ichigo smiled, trying to raise her spirits back up.

"It'll be the longest week without you around, are you sure you don't want to come along?" Rias asked him once more, hoping he can change his answer.

"Perhaps next time, I got some things I have to do during the Summer, its best I started on them before classes start once again." Ichigo revealed.

"Oh, you have plans. Well, regardless of what you get up to don't forget to call me at least once a day will ya~" Rias said as she looked into his eyes, her smile as beautiful as ever.

"Of course, though don't forget to say hi to your parents for me? And your brother if you see him, give him my thanks for the gift he gave me." Ichigo requested.

"Will do, though If you don't mind me asking, whatever did he give you?" Rias asked as she quirked her brow in curiosity.

"Oh, nothing much, it was a mere trinket." Ichigo's said looking away.

"Alright then, keep your secrets." Rias rolled her eyes.

"Hahaha…" Ichigo laughed nervously. "Anyways, where are the rest of the guys at, they usually arrive to begin with their club activities." Ichigo questioned.

"Oh them, I decided to cancel the club meeting for today in order to give them time to pack for tomorrow morning seeing as we will be leaving rather early." Rias explained.

"I see, a shame, I wanted to say farewell before they left." Ichigo said with slight disappointment.

"I'll tell them you said so, anyways, do look after yourself while I'm gone alright." Rias advised.

"When do I not, after all, there is nothing in this city that could hope to match me." Ichigo confidently declared.

Shaking her head, Rias smiled in amusement.

"I should probably get going then, seeing as you have to pack too before your journey tomorrow." Ichigo said as he moved to leave.

"No need, I'm going back home after all, no need to take anything with me. Though, I do believe you are forgetting something~" Ichigo heard Rias voice from behind as he was about to reach for the door.

Turning around, Ichigo's eyes widened as he beheld the scene before him.

Sitting on her desk, Rias was still wearing her school uniform though as his eyes traveled down, Rias who had lifted her skirt revealed her smooth-shaven pussy, no panties in sight.

"Surely you didn't believe I called you here just to say goodbye right." Rias teased as she exposed herself to him, her juicy nether regions causing his own dick to begin to harden in turn.

"Here? Now." Ichigo asked as his hand left the door handle.

"I figured it would be more exciting this way~" Rias smiled seductively as she moved her hand down to her pink lower lips. Two fingers parting her folds to show her moist entrance.

"Well~" Rias awaited expectantly.

And no sooner was Ichigo on her.

Just for today, he figured. Just one day where he could forget everything.

---

She smelled of roses, her fragrance filling his lungs as he breathed in and out. Her flesh was as soft and smooth as he expected, his hands gripping her with desire leaving red marks as he went. Her juices, an aphrodisiac as he felt his need for her grow with every lap of the tongue he gave her moistened entrance, burying his face deeper into her. All the while the symphony of pleasure she sang for him caused his pants to tighten ever more where pleasure and pain became synonymous.

"Ichigo~" her seductive voice moaned his name in pleasure as she gripped his hair, smothering his face as she buried him deeper in between her thick thighs. His tongue burrowing between her pink lips, exploring her cavernous depths with every stroke.

Aahh~…" she sighed as he hit a particular sweet spot inside her. Listening to her reactions as he maximized the greatest amount of pleasure he could give her.

Every tug of the hair, every squeeze of her legs seeking to close around him, the way her back arched before lying flat against the desk, the sharp intake of breath as she felt her honeypot ready to spill over.

It was only a matter of time.

But he would make sure to enjoy every second of it.

Ahn! Ngh! Ah! Ah! Mmh~"

"You're soaking wet down here Rias." Ichigo said as he rubbed his tongue over her clitoris, sucking and nibbling on her clam, all the while eliciting moans of pleasure from his dearest princess.

"I can't help it, Ngh! You're just…so good, Ahn! Right there!" He felt her grip on his head tighten as she attempted to push his face against her throbbing warmth. While her thighs squeezed against his face, yet even her demonic strength was futile against his own as he pushed her legs aside, exposing her more to him as he lapped at her honeypot, only now he decided to get more "hands on."

Inserting his index and middle finger, Ichigo felt Rias walls tighten around him as he began to thrust them in and out of her entrance. Her voice eliciting a cry as she felt his fingers fiddle inside of her, stroking her walls and pinching her clitoris as he observed her pussy intently, transfixed by her.

"Tell me when you're about to cum alright." Ichigo ordered as he increased the tempo of his fingers.

"Yes~" Rias said airily as she tried to hold back her voice but failed to.

"Good girl~" Ichigo complimented as he stirred her insides.

It was only a few moments later as he kept pumping inside her creating slopping sounds as her juices began to leak faster and faster, coating his hand that he finally heard her desperate cry for release.

"Ichigo! I'm going-I'm gonna Cum!" Rias said between gasps, her neck craning in ecstasy as her release was closing on her.

Dropping back to his knees, Ichigo planted his tongue back into her folds as he began to attack her with both hand and mouth. This proved to be too much for Rias as with one last cry, she began to orgasm, her juices spilling all over his face.

Closing his eyes, Ichigo lapped up whatever he could into his mouth, tasting her essence as he swallowed her juices, drinking deep. Feeling her grip on his head, Rias closed her legs around him as she rode her high out, her toes curling from the pleasure as she grinded herself on his face attempting to get one more squirt out from her convulsing pussy.

"Hah…Hah…Hah~" Rias could feel her heart race a thousand beats per second, her clothes feeling slightly damp as sweat covered her body. Yet, it was the feeling of Ichigo's tongue slowly caressing her sopping wet pussy that had broken her. Now as he slowly pulled back, she could see that she had left a mess of his clothes, most specifically his blazer and undershirt. His face covered in her nectar as the rest had dripped down to his shirt, leaving it rather damp and marked in her scent.

Ichigo shot her a victorious grin as he moved to kiss her lips, tasting her own juices in his lips and tongue.

"You always make me feel so good~" Rias sighed in pleasure as she felt the last bits of her high begin to die down.

"I aim to please." Ichigo grinned as he began to take off his soaked blazer, leaving him in his white undershirt he had undone to expose a bit of his muscular chest.

Slowly moving back into a sitting position, Rias watched as Ichigo wiped the rest of her juices with his blazer and proceed to simply toss it to the side.

"Now then, I do believe it is your turn." Rias smirked as she heard his words, her alluring gaze narrowing seductively as she saw the tent in his pants. Licking her luscious lips in desire, Rias beckoned him towards her chair that she usually sat in during club activities.

Planting himself on the red velvet Victorian style armchair. It proved to be of exquisite quality as he felt the softness and comfort it provided. Yet that simple observation was soon discarded as Rias faced him. Her beautiful blue eyes meeting his brown orbs in an ardent gaze, though it was broken as she soon enough lowered herself on to him, her lips sealing themselves on his own, her tongue twirling against his as their lungs became filled with each other's breath.

As she separated from him due to the need for air, Rias focused her attention on his chest, the buttons he had undone exposing his collarbone and a bit of his pecs. Kissing down from his lips, Rias lips fluttered over his chin, neck, and finally stopped on his clavicle admiring his features as she savored him. Her teeth grazing against his skin as she left her mark, suckling on him till the skin turned red, all the while Ichigo sighed in ecstasy as he felt her cool tongue against his ardent skin set ablaze with desire.

Watching his reactions, Rias smirked with pride as she could also make Ichigo feel good with her small actions. Though it was about time she got to the main dish.

Lowering herself to her knees, Rias brought her face close to the tent of his pants. Even now, as her face hovered close, she could feel the heat that radiated over it.

"You must be in so much pain having restrained yourself thus far, here let me free you." Rias said as she reached to undue his belt, untying the button, and then using her teeth to lower the zipper. Watching the tent in his pants be held back by the layer of fabric that was his underwear, Rias in one swift movement, pulled it down.

Smack*

The first thing Rias mind processed was the heat of Ichigo's half erect cock settling itself on her face. The weight of his meat feeling heavy on her cheek, the way his girth blinded her left side, and the smell…

"Hah…"

Breathing heavily, Rias took a lungful of air as she became intoxicated by Ichigo's musky scent, her pussy watering at the thought of what came next.

Grasping his cock with her slender fingers, Rias enjoyed the feeling of his girth in her palm, the way his dick pulsed at her ministrations as she stroked his member to full erection. The way the heat intensified as blood rushed through his veins. Watching his reactions as he closed his eyes in pleasure and breathed harshly, it was in moments like these that Rias felt in control of Ichigo, and might she add, she quite enjoyed the feeling.

But it paled in comparison to the feeling of getting messed up by him.

Opening her mouth, Rias breath teased the head of his cock now at full mast as it stood firmly in her grasp. Pleased by this, Rias tongue flicked out, sensually gliding over glans, the soft and moist feeling making Ichigo take sharp breath. Tasting him, Rias lowered her face to the underside of his shaft, her tongue gliding down as she did so, coating him in her saliva. With one hand in his firm erection, Rias used her other hand to massage his full testicles, palming them and caressing them lovingly as she felt Ichigo cock twitch in her hand.

"You like that~" Rias sultry voice asked as she continued her ministrations.

"Yes…" Ichigo aired as he immersed himself in the feeling of her hands.

"Then you'll love this~" Coming face to face with his testicles, Rias first action was to plant a loving kiss upon them, her luscious lips pressing firmly against his full balls.

"Chu…Chu…Chu…" Had Rias been wearing lipstick, she would have smeared it all over his nuts. Feeling her pressing those lovely lips against his scrotum, Ichigo had to fight the urge to suddenly shove his length down her windpipe as he desired to experience all she had to offer. though it was in those musing that he suddenly felt his breath shudder as he felt Rias do something she hadn't done before.

"Oooh~" Ichigo moaned as he felt Rias engulf his left nut in her mouth, he could feel her moist warmth, the way her tongue lapped at his skin, how her supple lips secured him in place as she sucked on them like a lollipop.

"Nh…hnn…Aah…"

Jerking him off while she sucked his balls was a new form of pleasure Ichigo didn't know he needed until Rias had done so. The way her lips puckered around them, the suction so pleasant compounded by the warmth of her tongue.

"Rias..." Ichigo moaned her name much to her enjoyment.

Having had her fill with his balls, she planted one last kiss before gliding her tongue back towards the top, kissing his urethra before promptly and without warning plunging herself down his pipe.

"HNng!" Ichigo grit back a cry of pleasure at the sudden action on Rias part, he could feel it now, soft tissue and moist warmth wrapped around firm and sensitive muscle. Her tongue doing wonders to his glans as unimaginable pleasure assaulted his senses with his cock throbbing in response to the suction of her ravenous cavern.

"Slurp…Slurp…Slurp"

Ichigo opened his eyes, his gaze turning downwards as he gazed upon Rias alluring eyes, staring back up at him with a lust filled gaze. It was a sight he had seen many times before, yet each time it stole his breath away and left his heart burning with a desire so deep it set his skin ablaze with a NEED. Her beautiful face, so flawless and gentle, eyes of deepest blue with subtle hints of the lush green, lips so soft one would think they were of finest silk. Here in this moment...

Was making the obscenest expression he had ever seen with vulgar sounds coming out of her mouth as she sucked him off like a high-class courtesan. Her head bobbing up and down his cock as she slurped down on him and coated his rod in her juices.

"Slurp…Mn…lick…slurp…slurp…" watching her deepthroat him with that slutty expression on her face, made Ichigo's cock throb the closer he got to his release.

Grasping her head, Ichigo thrust her down deeper into him, Rias not even flinching as he used her mouth and throat as his personal onahole.

"That's right, take it…Deeper." Ichigo was panting now as he began to buck his hips upwards, Rias gargling on his meat as her juices overflowed from her mouth, beginning to drip down his cock and puddle around his waist, and the flooring.

"Glug…Glug…Glug…Glug." Rias eyes were beginning to form tears, her face contorting from the lack of oxygen. Her grip on his legs tightening, keeping him in place as he hammered into her, filling her mouth as he pushed down her throat with his member.

Eventually Rias had to stop for air.

Releasing her, Ichigo watched Rias dazed expression shift as she coughed and began to take lungful of air. Her chin coated in her saliva as she wiped her tear stained eyes. She was a mess. Yet, erotic all the same.

His rod stood firm as she smiled at him.

"I love it when you treat me so roughly~" Rias stated, biting her lips at the experience.

"Pant…Pant…" Ichigo was breathing heavily now, he could feel his climax closing upon him, so close yet had to stop for Rias sake.

"My~ that's such a great expression you're making Ichigo. So desperate." She giggled.

Grasping his cock, her touch felt cool against his skin, making him shudder, yet as she began to slap his cock against her tongue, every impact sending him closer to the edge, she sent him the most devilish smile, her attempts to tease him driving him up the wall.

She was so very close to making him snap.

"You're driving me crazy…" Ichigo panted. It had been a long week of pent up frustration and worry, after all, he had one year, be it success or failure, he would be lying if he didn't feel a bit rushed despite his outward calm.

He needed an outlet.

Unfortunately, exams week had seen them both exercise restraint for each other.

But now…

Sitting up, Ichigo watched her curious expression as he reached down with his hands towards her buttoned-down dress shirt. In a small part of Ichigo's mind he wondered if the shirt had been tailor made for Rias bust size, because otherwise, those buttons deserved more praise from him in being able to hold back her incredible size.

Which was also all the more unfortunate that they were now in the way. For with one tug, Ichigo ripped her shirt open, the buttons that held it together flying every which way, revealing her huge titties held up by her red lace bra.

"Ichigo!" Rias cried out in surprise at the sudden loss of her shirt. Now ruined as Ichigo had literally forced them apart.

Not listening, Ichigo reached down with his hand, one lone finger wedging itself around the middle of her bra. With that action he proceeded to tug on it, up, down, side to side, all the while her boobs bouncing along with his rhythm as he grew increasingly captivated by their swaying dance.

Whatever complaints Rias had, died in her throat as she watched Ichigos' eyes, a golden haze of lust to pin her down, his firm and narrowed eyes seeing her as nothing but his outlet for his carnal desires. Like a prey before an apex predator.

She could feel her nipples hardening through the fabric as well as her arousal dripping between her legs.

She could feel Ichigo's tugging getting more forceful, pulling her bra to the point she feared it might tear apart. Deciding to spare her favorite color bra the fate of being ripped apart like her shirt, Rias placed her hand against Ichigos' hand, stopping him as she reached behind her back to begin unclipping it.

"Just give me a moment." Rias said as she reached around to unclasp her bra, letting her huge breasts spill forwards, no longer supported by the layer of fabric.

Rias watched Ichigo's cock twitch, despite him having seen her breasts dozens of times, it seems men will never get bored of seeing a good pair of tits dangling in front of them like ripened fruit.

Hugging her breasts, Rias smirked as she pushed them upwards, teasing Ichigo as she presented herself to him.

This seemed to be the right action as soon enough she felt his big and strong hands grasp her tits firmly, palming them and squeezing them like playdough in his hands.

"Nnhg! Ah!~" Rias cried out as she felt him pinch her hardened nipples, the pink tips turning red under his skillful hands, making her feel shocks of pleasure coursing through her system as Ichigo flicked her bitch switch.

No sooner did Ichigo pull her closer to him, his fat cock pressing against her breasts. Rias knew what to do.

"Try not to cum too fast will ya~" Rias teased as she engulfed his cock in between her pillowy delights. His cock disappearing from sight momentarily before the tip emerged in between her cleavage. It was heaven, her breasts so soft, so bouncy and smooth, yet with a pressure to them that had him feeling like he was melting in his seat.

"Fuck..." Ichigo cursed as he felt her begin to rub his cock in between her fun bags.

"My oh my~ don't give up so soon we've only just begun, or is my tit fuck just that good~." Rias said as she bounced her tits on his cock, increasing the pressure as she rubbed them faster and faster, her hands pushing them together as if to strangle his cock in between her breasts.

"Rias…" he moaned her name like a drug as the pleasure mounted.

Stroking his cock with vigor, Rias could feel his precum lubricating her tits the more she pumped Ichigo. His hips bucking subconsciously to meet her tempo, it was as she did this that her tongue flicked out to lick the head of his cock, tasting his essence as she continued to titty fuck him.

"You like that don't you, I feel it throbbing against my breasts, you're about to cum aren't you~" Ichigo could feel the heat in his loins climbing, the pleasure mounting.

"That's it~ Cum for me Ichigo! let it all out! spray me with your cum! let me have it!" Rias words spurring Ichigo as she rubbed faster and faster.

"Plap..Plap..Plap…Plap." the sound of breasts smacking together resounded across the room as Ichigo neared his climax.

"Urgh!"Ichgo grunted as he could feel the last bit of restraint leave his body.

Hot and thick cum began to shoot from Ichigo's tip, his cock pulsating as he ejaculated unto Rias face, her eyes widening in surprise as she felt the first rope smear across her face, almost hitting her in the eyes. Eyes shut, Ichigo grunted as he came over and over, Rias breasts milking him for all his worth as she continued to service his cock. All the while white rain fell on her, smearing her tits, face and hair. It was only after some time later that as Rias tempo slowed to a halt, that his high finally came down, leaving him in a state of blissful clarity as his racing heartbeat began to slow down. His face flushed.

Opening his eyes, Ichigo was greeted to a wondrous sight.

Fair skin, crimson hair, and a cute face, Rias was currently caked in his special cream as she milked his balls of all he had. Her face currently covered in his cum, he could see her licking her lips, tasting the salty texture of his semen. Manifesting a towel, Ichigo gently wiped his cum from her face, letting her open her clear blue eyes.

"My what a mess~" Rias said as she inspected herself. She could feel it, the warmth of his cum covering her, the taste and smell she had grown familiar with in the two months they've become closer. Lifting one of her boobs, Rias lapped at the cum that clung to it, relishing in the taste of her beloved.

"Mmmm~" if there was one thing she had noticed in the times she became intimate with Ichigo, was that his essence carried a certain…power to it. A feeling of rejuvenation overcoming her, energy coursing through her body making her feel light and strong at the same time. It improved the quality of her magic, an overwhelming purity.

She made sure to never let it go to waste.

As Rias cleaned his shaft, Ichigo couldn't help but contemplate his earlier thoughts, ideas and possibilities that could aid him, but the unknown of it could see them brought to ruin.

"I'll cross the bridge when I get there."

His thoughts were interrupted as Rias began to rise to her feet, her clothing a mess, and her skin sticky.

"I need a shower." Rias began to casually undress in front of him throwing the garments every which way as she walked to her personal bathroom installed in the ORC room. Her swaying hips and plump ass jiggling with every step causing his hard on to return.

Upon reaching the door, Rias looked back at him before smiling.

"Care to join me~" Rias teased as she entered the bathroom.

He made sure to follow up on that offer.

Smack*

"Oh my! Ichigo~"

The sounds of her voice and his own resounded throughout the room as they gave themselves to their desires till the sun began to set.

---

Deciding not to return home yet after having his goodbye with Rias. Ichigo fixed up his uniform before setting out to town as the last rays of the sun begun to dwindle beyond the horizon, welcoming the night. Here the lights of the city became their own splendor, an ambiance of merriment as people welcomed the weekend. From office workers going out to drink their stress away from a long day at work, to teenagers moving in groups as they sought their enjoyment for the night.

It truly felt like freedom after the bindings of responsibility have been loosened.

Spotting a café nearby still open, Ichigo made his way over seeing as the place was relatively quiet and empty, save for the few odd tables that had people savoring their coffee as they went about their business.

Ordering something, Ichigo moved to sit away from the others, his mind heavy with thoughts and plans, schemes that he could only truly begin to implement once solid proof existed for his theory.

"So, what is this plan you have?" Ddraig deep baritone echoed in his mind as he savored his coffee.

"Knowing what we have thus far, its safe to conclude the possibility that…"

"The 12 cities, they may yet still exist." Ichigo finished for the Monarch who assented to his claim.

"What!? That's impossible. The Gods had seen to wipe out all traces of your empire. Even I who have lived on for centuries after your demise, and my subsequent imprisonment, none of my wielders had ever discovered the existence of the previous human era. Even myself, who had fought alongside you, could see the traces that you guys ever existed on this Earth. That's how far they went, your history all but gone, giving way to a new truth." Ddraig objected his statement.

"That may be so old friend, but, despite the Gods own machinations, they could never hope to fully account for our own actions." The Monarch voice hinting at something, catching Ddraig's interest.

"What do you mean?" Ddraig questioned.

"Simple really, Ichigo do you wish to do the honors?" The Monarch proposed.

Formulating his thoughts for a moment, Ichigo spoke to his companions.

"The Monarch is right, though you aren't entirely wrong either Ddraig. Though the Gods did what they could to make sure our legacy was not something the humans of this era would ever know about. It is also true that the Monarchs would make sure to safeguard the future for their return, that's just how my friends are, always a step ahead." Ichigo smiled behind the cup.

"The cities weren't just seats of power for the Monarchs, but realms unto themselves, capable of acting as a home for humanity should the time come. See, the cities had a certain function, and only to ever be used in the most pressing of situations." Ichigo said as his face took a serious look.

"What would that be?" Ddraig asked.

"…If ever, came the day when the Monarchs could no longer protect humanity, they were ordered to cast the cities adrift within the dimensional gap." Ichigo revealed.

"WHAT!?" Ddraig's surprised growl made his brow wince at the sound.

"Are you insane! Do you not know what the energies within could do to them without adequate protection? Much less the fact that the dimensional gap is an infinite void between realms, forget ever finding them again within the sea of realms that exist within, we don't even know if they're within this universe anymore!" Ddraig's couldn't comprehend the ludicrousness of their actions. Pure insanity was what he could only imagine. It also went without saying just who roamed that void.

"I understand your misgivings about the possibilities, but fear not, we are just as aware of what those actions meant, and knowing my friends, they would follow through with the plan if they were driven to that point. It is the only option they had." Ichigo gripped his cup a bit tighter.

"How do you propose to even search for them then, they no longer exist within this realm, they could be anywhere now." Ddraig scoffed.

"Simple, though the original plan was for the Monarchs to be cast adrift with their own city and division along with whatever part of humanity they could take, where in time we would all come together again through a mechanism we created. It would seem the plan changed to them retreating within Bastion, presumably casting the cities without a populace as they converged on the last threshold of mankind, though, I can't think of why that was the case? perhaps they simply lacked the time, or another reason I can't fathom right now, only speculate." Ichigo explained the best he could as he recollected the memories he had of that particular time, the proposal of that plan that they had all agreed-on despite how unlikely it was at the time, drunk on their victory after reclaiming the Earth from the foul powers at the time.

"Regardless, all is not as hopeless as you believe, for we created a means to make sure that though they would become lost within the gap, they could still be retrieved if a certain "key" is obtained. It will open the way to the desired city." Ichigo vaguely spoke.

"Oh? And what is this method, this "key" you speak of?" Ddraig inquired, intrigued by this plan Ichigo was concocting.

Sipping his coffee, Ichigo waited a couple moments before resuming. "Normally, this is a secret only to be known between the Monarchs, but considering how you're tied to my very being at the moment, and your trust assured, I'll tell you my old friend." Ichigo began.

"First, the insignia of the Monarch. To know the insignia is to know which City you wish to open passage to. Secondly, a tether, a marked area to bring forth the gate. Finally, the key, the blessing of a Monarch, created by their primordial energy, seeped into your own being." Ichigo explained simply.

"Seems simple enough, though I sense a catch here." Ddraig mused.

"You would be right, it's not enough to know the insignia, or a place to tether the anchor point, but you must also have the energy signature exclusive to that Monarchs domain. Just like how I could open a backdoor to Bastion if I wanted to, I can't right now do to my seal in place. That and I would need the respected signature of my friends in order to access their domains." Ichigo explained.

"Hmm…That sounds like it will be an issue. Just how are we supposed to obtain such a signature without you revealing yourself, then again that would defeat the purpose of you striking out alone, would it not?" Ddraig's voice rumbled.

"Luckily for us all, it would seem fortune is smiling upon us." Pulling at his shirt, Ichigo plucked out the gift Bronya had given him.

"The Monarchs Embrace…" The Monarch smiled. For indeed, in his hand Ichigo clutched the Fire Moth shaped ornament, the energies of his companions within.

"Of course! How could I have forgotten, that little girls' gift has truly led us towards the path forward." Ddraig couldn't help but find amusement at how things were beginning to play into their hands.

"Indeed, we can now truly begin to formulate my ascension. I'll have to thank Bronya for this one. Even fate moves at our whim, now it's time to put things in motion." Ichigo smirked, after all, without the necklace that Bronya had given him, he would have been without many options to reach ascension before he was discovered. Perhaps the next time they met, he would make sure to return the favor for her inadvertent help.

"Out of curiosity, which city do you have in mind, surely you don't believe that the Monarchs have not decided to reacquire their old territories in the time you were gone. The lost cities held many treasures, many hidden secrets, surely they would have been garrisoned by this point, right?" Ddraig brought up an important point, and even Ichigo felt stumped by this, if only until he remembered a certain tidbit of his conversations with Kiana, Bronya, and Mei.

"Unlikely, the way that the girls described it made it seem like Bastion was their only home, and honestly I don't know why my friends have not sought to regain control of their respective domains. Hmm, I'll have to look into it before starting, after all, my friends wouldn't abandon them without a reason, that is, I'm not entirely sure what state they are in before they were forced to retreat." Ichigo speculated. Though he couldn't help but have a bad feeling about it, after all, if the cities had been destroyed as Ddraig said, then it would make sense that his companions would not bother to try and take back their domains.

But at the same time, his friends would never allow the destruction of any of the first 13 cities, their importance was simply too high to lose.

No, something else was at play, something that either prevented them from doing so, or…

"This needs further investigation." Ichigo concluded, stopping his dark thoughts as something else began to draw his attention.

The scent of lavender, shrouded in lightning and raging storm.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ichigo spotted a familiar dark-haired woman.

Brown met indigo.

"Ichigo?" her soft voice called out to him, making him face her.

"Mei." Ichigo called back in slight surprise.

There at the entrance stood Mei Raiden, her sharp eyes staring back at him.

---

"Ah, I see. It's that time of the year now isn't it, summer break. Brings back memories of my time back at the academy." Mei sighed wistfully, memories of her time at the St Freya academy, back when she was but a cadet trying to stand out amongst her classmates, to be the best among many who would wish to rise as warriors of humanity. When she, Kiana, and Bronya had first met.

They were good times.

"Indeed, it's felt like a lifetime from when I first began the year till now. It is only right to enjoy the time I have till they pick up again." Ichigo assented.

"Heh~ do you have anything planned." Mei asked, a curious glint in her eyes.

"I have yet to decide if I'm being honest." Ichigo said.

"Well don't take too long to decide, summer comes and goes before you know it, it would be best to make the most out of it while you still can." Mei advised with that subtle smile of hers.

"I'm sure something will crop up for me to do." Ichigo agreed as he thought of what led to this unexpected meeting.

Ever since the battle with Diehuaser, Ichigo had made sure to get to know the Elysian girls a little more, now in the period of the two months that they had gotten to know each other a little more, they didn't feel like acquaintances but, more or less friends.

Yes, friends.

The word tasted sweet in his tongue.

He could still remember the way he and Mei met again, a week or so after his return from the underworld. She had been so shy and nervous, her face red and apologetic for showing a side of her that one normally wouldn't see in the otherwise strict woman. She had approached him to apologize for her behavior after that night at their place, when she had gotten so drunk during their little game she ended up passing out as well as having him carry her to bed afterwards. It truly was an amusing memory he will hold unto.

Of course, he had teased her for it much to her trepidation, though in the end, he had decided to drop the matter, telling her that it was unnecessary and that he had been slightly drunk too, though that was a lie on his part. Whatever actions they took afterwards were nothing they could do anything about, and he wouldn't think of her any less.

She appreciated that, having feared she might have turned off a possible recruit by showing her foolish side, though Ichigo couldn't help but find her slightly more charming for it.

And now…

Long dark hair, soft features and fair skin, sharp indigo eyes that held intelligence and confidence within them, a subtle smile that held many meanings though that in itself was her own charm. She had the bearing of a strategist, a warrior, and a leader, but despite all that Ichigo could still see her as plainly as possible.

The bearing of a young maiden, charming and beautiful.

One that bloomed after the passing rain to make her the women she is today.

His eyes couldn't help but linger on her.

"Is something wrong?" Mei questioned.

Seeing that he had stared a bit longer than deemed respectful, Ichigo shook his head and moved on towards other matters.

"It's nothing, just lost in thought." Ichigo nonchalantly said. "But enough about me, what about you, surely your life is a bit more interesting than mine right now, miss secret agent." Ichigo jokingly teased as Mei lips quirked up in amusement.

"Can't say it's been all that exciting recently." Mei shrugged though the truth of the matter was something else entirely.

Two months ago, the signal that had consistently caused interference had cleared up on the sensors, though that had also meant that the suspect had fled without them being able to do anything as they had lost their trail. It had been a stressful time, having put so much effort all those weeks in setting up new sensors to spread all over the city, though before they could enact their plans, the suspect had slipped right under them. the mood had not been great that day as it had been a mission failure on their part, with no results to show for all that time spent searching, not even a hair.

Though unexpectedly, right before they were ready to call it in as a mission failure and report on it to their superiors, a sudden blip had emerged on their sensors once more, roughly 10 days before disappearing once more.

But it was that instant of reemergence, that single split second before the interference scrambled their sensors once more that Mei and the others had finally located their suspect.

Kuoh academy.

It led them there, the only clue they had ever had up until this point. Weeks and weeks leading to this. Of course, the signal became lost again within the coming day, but, reemerged shortly after two days in the same location. Though due to the sensors configuration, they couldn't get an exact location of where in the school, only that it appeared there.

But that was enough for them to draw up conclusions.

Though they lacked the evidence, it would appear the suspect was someone that currently masqueraded as a student or part of the faculty. After all, one did not appear in the same location twice in the span of days just to move on somewhere else. The only theory they had made before its appearance, was that the suspect was either a resident of this town, though that could easily cover over a hundred thousand plus people.

No, this sudden luck had helped them narrow the window down to a couple thousand. Assuming their theory had ground to stand on that is, something that Bronya has been working on since a couple weeks back now.

Well, regardless, she couldn't quite say all this to Ichigo, classified and all that.

"Just writing reports, calibrating some sensors, and occasionally some field operations that need direct supervision." Mei answered nonchalantly.

"I see. Well, regardless, I'm sure things are bound to get more exciting moving forwards." Ichigo vaguely said, a smile hidden as he took a drink from his coffee.

"Heh~ in my line of work, excitement isn't usually a good thing." Mei smirked.

Smiling, Ichigo decided to switch focus.

It was completely by coincidence that he had met Mei here of all places, but that in itself was a boon for him. Since he can't quite go asking questions that would by others be deemed as classified, or waltz right in to their base of operations, it was easier for him to simply have them come to him, be it through chance meetings, or the occasional call he made to them to keep in touch. The past two months since his return had seen him establishing a relationship with them that was less formal, to the point where simply going out for lunch would not be seen as odd. Besides, they wanted to recruit him, he knew that, they were honest and upfront about it when he first met them, he had no reason to refuse their advances to try and get to know him. It was advantageous for him as well as their conversations would usually devolve into him asking non-classified information. From the state of the Elysian realm, the ruling body, their laws and culture, even-if he caught them in a good mood or loose lips sometimes on their part-information about his companions.

Now he was willing to tread a little deeper within the waters that had been stirring since his passing. Years upon years of history he had to go through. Of course, he had asked them for a copy of their history books, though that had mainly been filled with events pertaining to the Elysian Realm with only the occasional mention of the Great War and the Betrayal of the gods leading to the human empires fall and exile. It was stuff he knew by now, with only the occasional line that shed some light within the Elysian realm currently. Still, it wasn't that what he was after right now, for the books failed to mention any of the cities, nor do they address the aftermath of the Great War or the reason behind the Great Betrayal. Hell, it failed to catalogue the battles that took place during that time period.

Well, he didn't really expect much from just a brief overview explaining the events of the human empire in just one book, he figured there were other more detailed versions within the grand libraries of the city of Bastion.

Still, he needed to know information about the 12 cities, anything that could help, or if they were in fact destroyed before enacting his plans.

"Say Mei, I've been reading that copy you gave me about the history of humanity. Whole lot of interesting stuff within it I gotta say." Ichigo began.

"Oh? What part?" Mei asked, enjoying her own drink as she listened to him.

"Well, I couldn't help but take notice of how vast the old empire once was, apparently, you guys once had hundreds if not thousands of worlds under your belt. Though it was said in passing, I can't help but grow curious as to how such a thing was possible." Ichigo said, his voice layered in fabricated wonder.

"Indeed, though I wasn't born during those times, records put the number in the thousands. With most of them having been gained through intense battles during the Great war. It was as many historians put it, the age of reclamation for mankind." Mei revealed with pride.

"So, even in the fires of war, mankind still found time to prosper and grow, how inspiring." Ichigo this time said with nostalgic reminiscence.

"It is all thanks to the Monarchs that it was possible, for without them, humanity would not have come as far as they did. Perhaps one day, a second age of reclamation will begin, but only the Monarchs know when that day will come." Mei wistfully said. Though it was her words that stirred something within Ichigo.

"I promise you, all of you, that I-we will reclaim our place amongst the stars. Just wait a little longer, and I will show you all that we were." Ichigo had since accepted the current situation, but even after the return of his memories, he could not quite get used to the degradation of his people. The humiliation spurned on them by those he once trusted.

The price will be paid in full, but not yet.

Not until he made the first move.

"Perhaps one day." Ichigo assented, though Mei who had been occupied in her thoughts could have sworn she saw his eyes turned gold for a split second, suddenly returned to their normal brown.

"Was it a trick of the light?" She thought to herself momentarily before shaking her head and dismissing it.

"Was there anything else you were curious about?" Mei asked. Her question genuine, for in the past few weeks she had gotten to know Ichigo. She couldn't help but a grow a little fond of him. He had this aura about him, the way he spoke, walked, and otherwise carried himself, like someone always sure of himself, confident and reliable, someone to look up to.

It made her curious, how someone three years her junior could hold such an aura, especially considering he was only a normal teenager up till a few months ago. He didn't have the years of training to mold him into a warrior of humanity, or the experiences of hard-earned victories in bloody conflicts. No, everything about Ichigo belayed her own prejudices, where she expected green, he was gold, power and authority radiated from him in subtle waves only perceptible to those with keen eyes. Mei had seen people like this, in senior officers that had been around since the Great War, proud warriors that have carved a name for themselves in the history of mankind.

While she was fairly young herself, Mei had experienced so much more than most in her age group coming out of the academy. Even her time during the academy had seen her risking her life in battles she had no part in yet did so anyways. It had molded her, sharpened her, and yet…

"Just who are you Ichigo?" this boy could not help but remain in her thoughts, an enigma, even as she knew of his background and sacred gear.

"Well if you would indulge me in my curiosity, I do in fact have something I've been wondering." Ichigo started.

"Go ahead, I'm all ears." Mei smiled.

Formulating his words, Ichigo knew that he couldn't let slip too much lest suspicion arise.

"I remember you saying that Bastion is the first city of humanity, created by the Monarchs and all that, but, the key word being first. So, I assume Earth had many more cities back in the day, and yet, how come there haven't been archeological evidence of them in the current day. Assuming they were destroyed during your exile, surely some remnants would have remained." Ichigo voiced his thoughts, along with a few of his own misgivings about the cities fate.

Mei, none the wiser to his inner turmoil, mulled over his question, though with less assurance then he'd hope.

"You're not wrong, there were other cities during the age of reclamation, when the Monarchs first started rebuilding the original human empire." Mei began.

"Is that so, how come they weren't mentioned in the book?" Ichigo questioned.

"Oh, well, it's kind of an unspoken rule in the Elysian realm to not talk about them, kind of a sore spot in the history of mankind." Mei awkwardly fiddled with a lock of her hair, avoiding his eyes.

"What do you mean? Why would that be a sore spot to talk about?" Ichigo commented, genuinely curious now.

"Well…" Mei looked around the room for a second, noticing that the place had cleared out a little more, with no one close enough to eavesdrop on their conversation. She switched her focus back to Ichigo, his eyes full of curiosity and intrigue towards her next words.

She would hate to disappoint now that she has built up such suspense.

"The first 13 cities, they are-were the seats of power of the Monarchs. With Bastion being the seat of power for the Monarch of Victory at one point in time." Mei began as she chose her words carefully.

"They were, the names that is starting with the first city. Bastion followed by Arcadia, Silbern, Alexandria, Jericho, Anor, Meridia, Argos, Valorn, Atlantis, Riveria, Eona, and Avalon. These cities held deep and I mean DEEP meaning to the old empire. They were as our scholars put it, "Pillars to Humanities Ascendency." Mei answered as Ichigo listened.

"Humanities Ascendency…"Ichigo knew why they would refer to the original 13 cities as such. The reason being…

"Archetype:Gaia." Mei suddenly declared, Ichigo could feel his hands tighten at the name alone. "A system created by the Monarch of Victory, it was everything you could imagine it to be, our way of life, our path towards strength, towards ascendency. It was everything." Mei's words alone could not even begin to describe what it truly was.

"it was my promise to humanity, your future itself, a way for you all to forge your own fate, it was the potential of humanity." Ichigo could not help but let his brow furrow slightly. Though thankfully Mei didn't notice as she had no clue how hearing about it made him feel the same sense of loss he felt the first time he recovered all his memories.

"It was a system divided into parts, each one held within one of the sacred cities, together when activated was said to give humanity unrivaled power. It was said that due to this method, humanity could rise as fast as it had, how legendary warriors could rise. Though unfortunately, aside from Bastion, the other 12 have become lost to us." Mei who had not been around to feel the blessing of the system had no feelings towards its loss aside from understanding that it was something important that needed to be retrieved.

But for Ichigo? It was a monumental disaster beyond measure.

It was his idea to split the pieces, so that each Monarch could add in their own authority within the system, though his idea and creation. It was a way for the Monarchs to establish solidity of their rule within the Empire they would create. A way to make them standout from him who had been viewed as the sole leader of mankind. So that they may take a step forward and let his friends who had just recently risen to power by the tree of creation to establish themselves as equal to him within the eyes of humanity.

13 Heroes, 13 Monarchs, 13 cities.

"It is indeed a great loss…" Ichigo said under his breath, his words barely a whisper as Mei failed to hear him.

"I'm sorry did you say something?" She asked.

"I said it's amazing, to think that such a thing was possible, surely the loss of such a system would be monumental to your people." Ichigo voiced.

"Perhaps, but we made do. Though I wasn't around that time to know of what it all truly meant. From what I hear, our greatest warriors, the Brave souls all once had the blessing of the system, and got as strong as they had through it, long before receiving the power of the Monarchs. So, perhaps calling it a great loss by the old generation is not without basis." Mei shrugged. To her it was simply something she learned in her time at the academy, and for senior officers to frown at whenever someone mentioned it. Still, it wasn't classified information, just not something to openly talk about within earshot of those who had been around to truly understand.

"So, in the end, how did you all lose such a blessing?" Ichigo asked, slight anticipation in his voice.

"Hmm, well, from what I know, they were cast adrift within the dimensional gap, a void between realms, lost to us in its infinite depths. Even the Monarchs cannot pinpoint their exact location, for the dimensional gap has long since been rigged with storms and tides of change during the Great War. Where a small mistake could send you into the distant past or future, rip you to pieces, or outright crush your very soul. A labyrinth of realms clumped and drifting within a raging sea." Mei explained as Ichigo began to understand why it was difficult for his friends to currently retrieve the lost cities and otherwise restore Archtype:Gaia.

"Since the Elysian realm lies within the dimensional gap, it makes sense why the chaotic nature within would interfere with creating a path towards the lost cities. Like a bridge being whipped around by a fierce gale, impossible to navigate" So in the end, the problem was a stable point to solidify a path.

Since all realms within the Dimensional gap are in constant drift. Like bubbles within a room. The further one is from the place they wish to grasp, the harder the path is to form within it. Considering how the cities creation was tethered to the Earth itself at one point, the Elysian realm suffers from not having the point of reference to navigate a path, to breach a backdoor into the lost cities.

In this way, he might be lucky, though it still remains to be seen if he can open the path forward even if he has the point of reference to tether an anchor point to the lost cities.

He'll have to count on his luck for this.

"The odds are in our favor." The Monarch likewise had the same train of thought as him.

"I see. Thank you, Mei, for indulging me in my curiosity." Ichigo smiled.

"Don't mention it, it's the least I can do, seeing as we might one day stand side by side." The irony behind that statement made the lips on Ichigo's face quirk up even more.

"One day."

---

Walking down the streets of Kuoh after their late-night talk, Ichigo had decided to walk Mei home seeing as he had nothing going on right now, that and he didn't mind spending the last bits of his evening simply talking with her of one thing or other. It was enjoyable really, hearing stories of the Elysian Realm, of Mei's days at the academy, of her time serving within the 7th division.

"Imagine Ichigo, a 30-foot-tall commander-class horror, it was beyond ugly, its skin as hard as iron with six limbs that curved into bladed ends that shot beams of Eldritch power capable of turning people into ashes. It was one of the hardest battles I've involved myself in. Yet, as the only one capable of fighting it at the time, I alone was forced to pick up my sword as the rest of my team was forced to fend off the horde under its command. It was a brutal slug fest that ended after roughly 5 minutes with me finding an opening to carve the thing in twain. One of my greatest moments if I do say so myself." Mei proudly proclaimed as she spoke about one her triumphs in battle. Truly, the fact that she killed a commander-class horror at the mere age of 19 spoke volumes to her ability.

"Can't say I understand what all that truly means, but I can tell by the way you talk about it truly must have been a dire situation." Again, he had to make sure he didn't let on that he understood despite the urge he had to give her his praise for a job well done.

"That would be an understatement, but in the end, we managed to break its hold over the ruined capital city of one of our old colony worlds, Thessia it was called. The foul presence the Horrors bring had tainted it to near death, the world but a dry husk." She remembered the dry air, the way the heat bore down on her as the cries and roars of nightmares made manifest attempted to overwhelm them. That was when she laid eyes on the beast before her, a monster to be killed in the name of her Monarch.

She had unleashed the culling storm that day, eviscerating a path of carnage to reach the Horror, and bring its head back as a trophy.

Victory had tasted sweet that day as she had been recommended for a promotion by her then senior officer who had witnessed her fight as reinforcements arrived to clean up the rest of the horde. This being a long series of campaigns that have been seeing the old empire resurge within the universe once more, ever since the order was given by the Monarchs to establish a presence within the borders of their old territories. It has only been within the last 50 years that they had developed a sort of presence within the cradle of humanity, Earth. Old passageways left behind had left backdoors for them to infiltrate within, all the while the other factions were unaware of their presence. Or at the very least unaware of their allegiances.

Something the Monarchs were quick to capitalize on to build up their strength.

Regardless, Mei counted herself lucky to be one of the few people to be able to step foot in the old world, Earth, their true home. Long have stories been told of this place, of the paradise it once was, the heart of the Imperium of man.

And yet…

Mei's first impression of it was…unimpressed to say the least. Upon having stepped foot within the world, she had noticed the lack of "power" in the air, the vey air itself was impure, lacking. Her senses felt dull, her body heavier, even the ground at her feet didn't feel as firm. It had felt so…fragile. It reminded her of those dead planets she had stepped foot on with Earth only giving the illusion of life.

Still, despite that, Mei looked beyond what she could feel, and simply let herself be immersed in what would one day be, if the Monarchs have their way. For despite how this version of humanity, so ignorant and self-destructive, she believed with time and effort, they can one day become a true part of the whole, and embrace their legacy with open arms.

As part of the 7th division that was her mission, to bridge the gap between oppositions. So, the Monarch of Origin had decreed.

Her will be done.

As Mei became lost in thought of future possibilities, it was a firm touch that brought her back to reality.

The sound of a car accelerating could be heard as the light turned green, followed by a horn as she nearly walked into open traffic.

It was only the firm hand that stopped her from foolishly stepping into danger.

"Are you alright?" a husky voice called out in concern, one so close she could feel his breath tickling her ear.

Snapping out of it after the slight shock wore off, Mei suddenly became keenly aware of the hand grabbing unto her waist. Ichigo having seen her lost in thought almost walking past the stop sign reached out to stop her before she got herself hurt. Mei who had found herself pressed firmly against his body, couldn't help but blush in slight embarrassment at having done something so stupid. Yet, more than that…

"Ichigo, I'm fine, you can let go of me now…" Mei's eyes averted his own concerned gaze, suddenly feeling really self-conscious as she felt her body squeezed against his own, his clothing doing nothing at diminishing the muscle that hid behind said garments, as her own hands pressed against his chest, while warm hands held unto her tightly.

"Huh? Oh! Sorry." Releasing her from his grasp, Ichigo rubbed the back of his head in order to shake off the awkward atmosphere between the two.

"It's fine, it was my mistake after all, I should have been paying attention to where I was going." Mei uttered as she finally calmed her racing heart.

"Heh, we all make mistakes from time to time, if anything I fear my curiosity caused you to fall into deep thought seeing as you almost got hurt." Ichigo reasoned.

"What? No! I just-Sigh*, I have a lot on my mind as of late is all, something that has happened at work has me distracted in recent days." Mei shifted the conversation away, not wanting to Ichigo to worry about it anymore.

"Oh, what sort of problem." The change of conversation finally cutting the uncomfortable atmosphere between them.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to bore you with the details, just know that we got it handled, and will be seeing results soon enough, hopefully within the coming weeks." Mei shrugged off the question before continuing. "Though, seeing as you just saved me from a nasty injury moments prior, why don't I invite you over for a cup of tea." Mei proposed.

"Huh? Oh no, I wouldn't want to impose this late at night." Ichigo said trying to turn down the offer.

"Nonsense, after all, you're my hero aren't you~" Mei suddenly said, her eyes twinkling in amusement as her smile tugged at her lips. "Besides, I'm sure the girls wouldn't mind having you over for a bit, they tend to stay up much later than me." Mei encouraged him.

"Are you sure?" he asked once more.

"Positive." With that Ichigo was left with no choice.

"In that case, I guess I can spare some time." A defeated sigh escaped his lips before forming into a small smile at her genuine happiness.

"Then its settled~" Grabbing unto his hand, Ichigo was caught off guard as she did something so unexpected from the usually reserved Mei.

"C'mon, I know a good brew that will melt your exhaustion away." The light to walk the crosswalk flashed as they resumed their journey, only now with a different purpose.

"Lead the way, Mei." Her hand felt nice against his as she led the way forward.

Though unbeknownst to Ichigo, Mei in her excitement, had unintentionally grasped unto Ichigo much to her own shock. Yet, to not make this situation awkward, she proceeded forward. A light blush dusting her face as she set her eyes towards home.

---

The sound of water splashing against the tub resounded constantly as the shower head loomed above, a lone figure standing below, the hot water feeling comfortable against her fair skin as the water vapor fogged the interior. It was one of the few things bronya truly enjoyed, a nice hot shower to clear her mind and stress of the day.

To simply let go.

Sometime later, Bronya exited the bathroom, her still wet hair clinging to her as she had nothing but a white towel to cover herself with along with some slippers.

"You know, you really take long showers Bronya." A voice called out from the living room as Bronya entered.

"You know I'm not a "in and out" kind of girl, Kiana." Bronya said as she went to the fridge to serve herself a glass of water.

"That might be the case but, some would argue you're wasting water." Kiana mused as she scrolled through her data pad, the soft tapping being the only sound coming from her as she looked over the information.

"Hmm…" Shrugging off the criticism, Bronya looked towards her friend.

"How's the data coming along, any leads?" She questioned as Kiana brow furrowed from her position on the couch.

"Hard to say, the AI has done wonders at filtering and narrowing down the list to a good number of suspects. Though it will still be some time before we can say for certain that the one we're searching for is among them." Flipping through the data pad, Kiana pulled up a list showing names being crossed off in real time as the System in charge of filtering them out did its job.

It had only been a week after their discovery that Bronya had redirected resources to filter the entirety of Kuoh academy, from students, to faculty, and other staff. Relying on the sensors they had put in place in the span of weeks, they had managed to create a web that if ever the suspect was near it as they had updated them to react to the specific energy signature of the unknown primordial energy. It would trip the sensor, highlighting it red, following this trail, Bronya wished to see just where it began and where it ended. So far, the theory of the suspect being in Kuoh academy was true, as it had shown the area marked as red over the last month without fail.

Now, with the entirety of Kuoh under their watchful eyes, it was only a matter of time until their unknown suspect revealed themselves.

Snatching the pad from Kiana's hands who protested with a "hey." Bronya scrolled through the list, a thousand names reduced to a couple hundred. Opening the satellite imaging, Bronya could see the red dots that spread all over the town. Since the data was constantly updating in real time, Bronya could see the constant red dot that represented Kuoh academy. She could see the trail starting from the residential area all the way through the city, and up towards the school. This had been a constant pattern when comparing the data, with only deviations occurring during the weekend. This had led credence towards the fact that the suspect could be a student or staff at Kuoh.

Still if Bronya had something to complain was that they couldn't narrow individual search areas further as the unknown signature tended to engulf a rather wide area. Still what little bit helped had managed to make their job easier to narrow potential suspects. Even now as she looked at the pad, she could see the occasional sensor turning from blue to red.

"Hmm…" Bronya made a sound as she suddenly narrowed her eyes at the pad.

"Is something wrong?" Kiana asked as she observed Bronya's reaction.

"Not exactly, but, it would appear the suspect is moving rather close within our area." True to her words, the area around their home had been highlighted a sudden red.

Peeking over her shoulder, Kiana saw that Bronya was right. "can we narrow the bubble a little more?" though bronya said close, it was still a rather large area to look around in, covering a part of the shopping district.

"Give me a second." Pulling up a list, she could see the names of students and staff that were detected within the area. Having set up a spell that automatically registered and detected the identities of all Kuoh students and staff within a given area. It had helped immensely in narrowing down potential suspects.

Although, if it had a flaw it would be that…

"Tch." Making a sound of annoyance. Bronya could see a hundred or so names all over the board.

"Well, it is Friday." Kiana mused over her shoulder.

True to her words, a bunch of white dots could be seen moving within the area of search. Mainly directed towards the shopping district along with the few that seemed to be passing the area.

It was as they concentrated on this that a sudden sharp noise coming from the door startled them from their observations.

"Monarchs that scared me…" Kiana said as she went to the door.

"Looks like Mei is back." Bronya said not looking away from her pad.

True to her words, the sound of the door unlocking resounded as it was pushed open.

"MEI! You're back! Did you bring me anything!?" Kiana excitedly called out to her friend.

"No. But look who I ran into!" Mei said as a new presence made themselves known.

"Yo!" a familiar voice called out in greeting as Ichigo appeared next to Mei.

"Ichigo!" Kiana called out excitedly from the doorway as he came into view, his familiar orange hair like a beacon.

It was in that moment as both stood in the doorway that Bronya finally broke from her thoughts as she heard that familiar voice.

"Ichigo!?" Bronya called out in surprise as she turned to face the doorway. Unfortunately for her, the sudden move she made had unintended and irreversible consequences.

Brown eyes locked with Grey ones.

Swish*

The sound of a towel unraveling as it tumbled to the floor could be heard, revealing Bronya in all her naked glory for all to see.

"…"

"…"

"…"

It was quiet for a brief moment as they all witnessed this in stunned silence.

Bronya was the first to react as she suddenly brought her hands to cover her huge chest and nether regions. Crouching down as she suddenly let out an embarrassed cry.

"KYAAAAAHHHH!"

That seemed to set the room into motion as Kiana covered her mouth to hide the cheshire like grin.

Mei facepalmed in second hand embarrassment.

Ichigo stood frozen in startled panic as he looked to have stepped on a land mine, though the blush that marred his features did justice to his namesake. Looking as red as a strawberry, his eyes unable to look away from Bronya.

A sudden push from Mei brought him back to reality as she took him out of the room, slamming the door shut from behind.

The muted cry of Bronya and the sound of Kiana cackling could be vaguely heard beyond the door.

"Um. I-uh…" Ichigo was speechless.

"Nope. Don't worry about it, it's not your fault." Mei suddenly said, as she huffed in exasperation.

"…"

"Sigh. I guess I'll have to postpone that drink I offered, maybe next time I'll treat you to some lunch, how about it?" Mei suddenly proposed, breaking the awkward tension.

"T-that would be a splendid idea, and sorry, for the commotion I caused." Ichigo rubbed the back of his head in nervousness.

"It's not your fault, I should have called ahead of time to let them know we would have a guest." Mei sighed again. "Regardless, I apologize for making you come all the way here for nothing." Mei said.

"No! No, it's no problem, I'll see you around next time." Ichigo said as he moved to leave. "Oh, and can you give my apologies to Bronya…for what happened just now." The blush still there.

"I'll let her know you thought she looked good." The heavy blush that marred his features had Mei smiling as she walked back into the room, Bronya having stopped screaming as she left to change in her room, while Kiana was still laughing in the living room.

As Ichigo exited the apartment, the cool air felt even colder on his hot body, having seen a spectacular sight today as he couldn't get Bronya out of his mind. "She is really beautiful." Came the reply from the Monarch within him.

"Sigh. Shut up."

The walk home was a long and hard one.

---

The sound of scribbling could be heard as pencil met paper, the rustling of blankets shifting and soft breathing filled the room. The low light of her lamp being the only thing with luminance within the darkness of her room as she sat on her desk.

It had been about two months since she arrived. Asia could hardly believe so much time had already passed, and yet, it almost felt like a dream. All that she has experienced upon coming here. This place, the academy, the people, the sights, all of it had been a unique experience for her.

Even now, she had taken to writing on her diary night after night since she's been here, all to describe her day and how she felt, a way to cope with her new-found life and place in the world.

Rustle*

Turning back, Asia noticed her roommate shifting in her sleep. Afraid to wake her she waited for her to go still before continuing.

A smile played on her lips as Asia wrote of her day, memories of her time here playing in her mind.

Roughly two months back…

The car she was currently riding on slowed to a crawl as a huge gate appeared before her, armored soldiers standing at the gate in black armor with weapons unlike anything she's seen before. From her view of the window she could see an emblem on their breastplate, it was a moth, a moth set ablaze, she had seen this symbol before.

Fire Moth.

The speaker and the guard finished talking as the gate began to open. The tall walls blocking everything from view for miles on either end.

"All right Asia, from here on out, it's a new start for you, everything you learn here will be to teach you to best use your gift, to serve the Organization and the Monarchs." Mei explained as she drove the car forward. Taking on the role of guardian as she left Kiana and Bronya back at Kuoh to drop off Asia at the academy.

"I-I see." Asia said nervously, her eyes looking back at Mei.

Noticing the anxiety the young girl exuded, Mei couldn't help but smile in order to calm the young girl. Her tone softening to help her relax.

"Asia, its ok to be nervous. After all, what you've gone through the last year is more than what others in your age can handle." Mei said she drove the car forward through the gate. "Though it might all seem like its going fast, I just want you to know that the people here, like you, are all those that had nowhere else to go, in that sense, they came here in search of guidance, purpose." The view past the gate began to appear.

"Which is why this place, in the eastern branch of the Fire Moth Organization, Vanguard Academy is centered around catering to special individuals like you, born with gifts that others could never have, to mold you all into promising individuals to safeguard humanity in their time of need." Driving past the gate, it was as Asia looked out the window that a building came into view.

"Woah!…" Asia stared transfixed at the giant building ahead. Like castles of old Europe, the building itself had a gothic like feel to it. Its surface having a silver sheen to it as the light hit it. A lush green forest made up the terrain with a few open fields and a river that flowed around the castle.

"It's beautiful!" Asia called out.

"We take pride in our architecture." Mei smiled at seeing her reaction. For indeed, this building was made using the best materials available, a silver like metal by the name of Pristinium. A synthesized silver made through means she had no knowledge of but had the quality of being harder than dragon scales, as well as being self-regenerating if given enough time. Usually used in ship building and armors, as well as an important material in construction. Different from the sekkiseki stone. A type of material capable of suppressing all forms of powers, be it spiritual, magical, divine, or demonic, especially useful in anti-siege warfare as it could take loads of damage before getting destroyed. Originally both created by the Monarch of Reason through an Alchemical process in order to build long lasting fortresses and barriers to fight in the Great War.

Watching the marvelous sight before her, already the anxious girl could feel her heart begin to settle a little as she listened to Mei talk about the academy. Though she had been disappointed and a little sad that Ichigo wasn't going to join her, she took to heart that she would one day meet him again, he promised after all.

"You can do this Asia, a new start, a new life." Attempting to pump herself up, she clenched her hands into fists as the car arrived at the academies front gate. Already she could feel her palms sweating as her nerves got to her, the imposing walls and tall spires casting long shadows across the land. Putting the car in park within the visitors parking, Mei's stay wouldn't be long as she exited the vehicle with Asia who grabbed her luggage from the trunk.

"You ready?" Mei asked Asia who appeared to be rather nervous before the main entrance.

Keeping her breathing steady, Asia nodded her head.

"I'm ready."

"Good then let's go." Mei led the way with Asia in tow.

It was only a short distance between the parking lot and the main entrance leading to the courtyard, the imposing walls standing taller as they approached, but between Mei's confident stride and the black armored guards that patrolled the area, Asia began to feel more relaxed as she looked forward to what lay ahead.

"I wonder if I'll be able to make friends with people like Ichigo here…" Though Asia had few desires, she couldn't help but want to create long lasting relationships with the people she will meet here, if only to make the experience more bearable for her, as she would be here approximately three years before being allowed to graduate and move on towards the Elysian Realm according to Mei and the girls who explained it to her.

As the entrance began to open as the guard bowed his head to Mei in return as he stepped aside, the sight that greeted them was of a well-kept courtyard, lush green grass and shrubs. With a fountain in the middle as crystal clear water spewed forth. Though what caught Asia's attention was not the fountain itself but the Statue on it. A woman holding a vase as water poured down, she had her eyes closed with a gentle smile carved into her marble features. If Asia had one word to describe the figure would be simply; Beautiful.

Whether in depiction of a real figure or just the skill of the sculptor. Asia could not deny the awe she felt for it, from head to toe, the life-sized statue with elven like features inspired a certain reverence from Asia.

"Beautiful isn't she~" snapping out her thoughts, Asia turned to Mei who looked at the statue with a serene smile.

Y-yes." Asia nodded, though she got the feeling there was more to it then an observation. "is she someone you know?" she questioned.

Mei didn't respond at first, simply staring at the statue in quiet contemplation. "She isn't just someone I know, but, someone that humanity regards very highly in their heart. Tell me Asia, do you remember what I told you of the Monarchs?" Mei questioned.

"Uhm, that they are the leaders of humanity that reside in the Elysian realm." She replied unsurely.

"A bit simplified, but not incorrect." Mei shrugged before pointing towards the statue.

"That right there is made in the likeness of the Monarch of Origin, her majesty, Elysia." It was as the identity of the statue was revealed, did Asia begin to understand the importance of the idol. "Though nothing but a pale imitation of her grace, I'll admit that the sculptor has some skill. Mei critiqued as she analyzed the statue.

In the quiet that engulfed them, Asia couldn't help but speak up. "Have you ever met her, in person I mean?" Curiosity got the better of her, after all, this is the first depiction of a Monarch she has seen, though in the form of a statue, she couldn't help but feel some semblance of wonder by it.

"Have I met her? well, a few times, I could probably count them in one hand, but each time I did, it left an unforgettable impression within me." Her smile was pure as she reminisced on those moments, of the time she first became a member of the 7th division. Of the time she had been in her presence during her Promotion ceremony. When she had received her own personal mission by her Majesty. When she ran into her during her stay at the Kaslana manor. Those few times she remembered sharing words with her, though simple conversations, her admiration for her only grew.

"You must hold her in high regard." Asia pointed out.

"We all do, much in the same way you would the heavenly father." Mei compared. "But enough about that, here let me show you something." Approaching the statue, Mei closed her eyes for a moment as Asia looked intrigued by her actions. In a low voice barely above a whisper, Mei uttered words that were indiscernible to her but just as she finished did the effect become known.

The statue glowed a soft pink for a second before dying down.

"Now, take a drink." Watching Mei reach out with her hand towards the water, Asia stared confused for a moment as she cupped some water in her palm and took a sip.

"Don't worry the water is clean, if you're worried about that." Mei prompted.

Deciding to follow her lead, Asia took some water into her palms before drinking it as well. It was as she did so, that Asia understood Mei's actions.

Warmth.

Its spread from every inch of her body as she drank the water, a deep sense of calmness invaded her system. Her eyes clouding over as a high unlike any other rooted itself into her. Her senses stretched far and wide, the open sky appearing so high now looked so close, the stars above within reach, the song of the universe played in her ear as she felt something embrace her soul so profoundly it made her eyes tear up.

Harmony.

Love.

Peace.

Elation.

So many emotions she could become lost within them.

But, just as the feeling came, did the experience soon end, and reality set in once more.

Huff* Huff*

Her legs were trembling, and her breath came in fast as her heart felt ready to explode.

"Easy now, steady, I got you." A hand on her shoulder snapped her back to reality.

"M-Mei…" Her words came in too fast. Her soul felt constrained by her body as she began to take the world in with a new sight. Everything appearing more "real" more defined.

"Deep breaths, catch your breath, you had an intense reaction to the blessing, I always forget people experience it differently each time. Well, how was it, what did you feel~" Mei asked as Asia finally calmed her heart.

"I-It was Amazing!" even now the feeling she felt lingered.

"I never experienced something so profound. Like I was enveloped by a love so deep it left me in complete awe, so much passion and harmony. Like I was part of the whole, it was unlike anything I have experienced thus far, even the awakening of my sacred gear didn't give me this much elation." Asia recounted her experience, her big green eyes and smile unable to contain their joy.

Smiling gently, Mei listened to the excited girl, knowing what she went through.

"What was it exactly?" Asia after a while calmed down enough to ask.

"As I previously said, it was a blessing, a minor one, but effective nonetheless. You see, though the Monarchs don't require worship, for they are not divine entities. They can still work through similar methods, a simple prayer towards one of the current 12 will grant you a temporary blessing, usually lasting a day. The effects ranging from the type of blessing from which Monarch its directed to. Though in the Monarch of Origins case, the effect usually contains a sense of serenity, allowing one to stay calm no matter the situation. Useful for those struggling with anxiety issues or wanting to improve their focus. Minor stuff like that." Mei would be right, the anxiety Asia felt, her worries, all seemed to melt away as her heart beat steadily, her mind free and focused to plan ahead.

"Wow~ This is amazing!" Asia concluded excitedly.

"That it is, now c'mon, I think we kept them waiting long enough for us." Nodding along, Asia and Mei entered the castle. True to her words, there was someone waiting there for them, a woman in a navy-blue suit and skirt, a white buttoned-down shirt and back heels. Her raven hair was styled in a ponytail, she had fair skin and brown eyes, she had a mature beauty to her.

"You've arrived, I hope the ride here was a pleasing one." The woman said with an amicable smile.

"Director. I didn't think you'd be the one waiting for us." Mei appeared surprised but quickly took the offered hand with a shake.

"Well, I couldn't just leave it to just anyone to handle such honored guests, so I brought it upon myself to guide you all today." She said.

"Thank you." Mei responded.

"It is no problem, now, I do believe introductions are in order." The woman said as she turned to face Asia.

"Right, here, this is the prospective student we informed you about, Asia Argento. Asia this is Director Ikumi Unagiya, Headmistress of Vanguard Academy." Mei performed the introductions.

"A pleasure, Director." Asia bowed her head.

"Likewise, young one, though I have to admit, it is a rather concerning position you find yourself in right now, seeing how late you've been enrolled to the school." The Director informed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause trouble." Asia nervously fiddled with her fingers.

"Oh, it is nothing much to worry about, we are nothing if not flexible, though under normal circumstances, we would have had you enrolled during the fall semester if someone had followed the official channels that is." She pointed a look towards the unrepentant Mei.

"Our current circumstance requires our full attention, this was the only option we had at the time. Don't hold it too much against us." Mei explained.

"Oh, I'm sure, Junior officer, Mei Raiden." Pulling rank made Mei sigh in slight exasperation.

"How are the other two by the way, Bronya and Kiana that is." Ikumi asked.

"They're fine, Kiana is the same as always, and Bronya, well, she certainly grew into a fine young lady." Mei explained.

"Glad to hear, do give them my best regards, though when you see Kiana tell her I don't appreciate the little trick she pulled, she could have just asked me to help her." Ikumi complained.

"I will tell her that, but well, you know how she gets." Mei shrugged.

A tap to her arm had Mei turning to look at Asia. "Umm, Mei, what did the director mean by that?" she asked innocently.

"Oh, nothing to worry about, just that, we had to pull some strings to get you here, Miss director here didn't appreciate those people breathing down her neck is all." A snort from Ikumi put a smile on Mei.

"Just because I'm in this position now, doesn't mean I can't throw you around like I used to back at St. Freya." Ikumi warned.

"Of course, Instructor Ikumi." Mei gave a faux salute.

"That's director to you." She sniffed.

"Anyways, the difference here young lady, is that unlike the other students here who are endorsed by the Fire moth organization itself, you on the other hand are not." Ikumi revealed.

"What do you mean?" Asia questioned.

"Simply, due to the nature of your admittance, it is the Kaslana family that is supporting you. You can thank Kiana for that when you see her next time." At that revelation, Asia turned to Mei who simply shrugged in a "it is what it is" kind of way.

"Now that we got that out of the way, why don't you two follow me for a tour as I give you the rundown." Following behind, the rest of the day was spent learning the ins and outs of the academy.

Asia who had lived her whole life in a monastery could finally integrate herself into the system known as higher education. Much like other institutions, the Vanguard academy had a three-year system, starting from 15-16 and ending at 17-18 in which case they would be put into the graduating class to be scouted by the divisions within the Elysian realm, where they would then receive further training in whatever field they put their heart to.

Through some simple rules at the academy that were to be followed, the classes were separated between 1st years, 2nd years and 3rd years.

With Freshman wearing black uniforms.

Juniors wearing white uniforms.

And Seniors wearing red uniforms.

The overall system was well established, and the layout of the building would get some taken used to, but Asia had the feeling she will enjoy her time at the academy.

"Alright Asia, this is goodbye for now, remember, work hard, and we'll see each other one day. Who knows, I might see you in the 7th division one day." Mei joked as she hugged the saddened Asia.

"I-I'll try my best, I promise to work hard." Asia said as she hugged Mei in return.

"You're a good girl, Asia, take care of yourself, and if you ever need anything, do call us, we'll get back to you when we can." Releasing her, Mei moved to leave but not before saying her farewell to Ikumi.

"Do take care of yourself Ms. Ikumi." With that Mei took her leave.

"I told you its Director." Sighing, Ikumi said her farewell as Mei exited the building.

"Come Asia, let's get you set up for your big day tomorrow." Following behind, Asia began to look forward to the future once more.

Flashback end…

Closing her diary, Asia moved to her bed as she readied herself to sleep, as another day would come with the morning light. Sending a small prayer to her lord, Asia didn't forget to include a small prayer to her dear friends.

"Mei, Kiana, Bronya, may we meet again…"

"Ichigo, please take care of yourself."

Her eyes closed as soft breathing filled the room.

From the window of her room, one would see the stars shining in the night sky.

---

The Void, silent, cold, empty.

Yet, if given time, one could learn much from it.

And realize just how beautiful it could be, so full of wonder, and promise.

Now, he beheld his crown jewel in all its splendor.

Within the void of space, Ichigo watched the planet Earth, the cradle of humanity, his home. His golden eyes taking in every detail as a mental image formed in his mind.

He remembered it differently.

The continents were different, the landmasses changed along with the oceans. Yet, within that change there was still a hint of the old, that which still lived in his memory.

A point crossed referenced in his mind.

Another.

And another.

Soon 13 points formed along the sphere of the earth, some pointing to established countries, others over entire mountain ranges, and some in the middle of the ocean.

Yet, there was only one he was looking for.

The point landed over current day California, specifically, a little off the coast of Los Angeles.

Opening his eyes, Ichigo gazed deeply into that point, for once upon a time that place was where the city of Silbern stood, where the Monarch of Finality once ruled.

Pulling the necklace from his chest, Ichigo gazed at the shimmering colors within, like a piece of the universe was eternally preserved within the Fire Moth shaped pendant.

Sigh*

"Give me strength, just a little more, just a little more…"

It was only a matter of time.

---

Author Note.

Hey guys how ya been lately, i've been good, finally got to finishing this chapter.

Now the reason it took so long is because it got longer than I originally anticipated and i couldn't find a good stopping point. That and The Final Shape DLC dropped in June so I was MIA for a whole ass Month playing the hell out of the game. Its been fun the last month, along with taking some summer classes.

Now that I find myself writing again. I had to reread a bit of the previous chapters in order to fit the picture/script in my head. I'd like to think I did pretty well.

Now then, off to some explanations.

It is not lost on me how my story somewhat resembles Warhammer 40k, whether that was intentional on my part or not is up to your interpretation.

Other than that, I'm slowly building up to the climactic scene of Ichigo's ascension into a Monarch once more. But before that, he has to prepare himself and ensure the best possible outcome within the one year he has left.

A little a bit of fluff between Ichigo and Mei by yours truly.

Bronya flashing Ichigo cause we need that fanservice now and then, its DxD after all.

AND HEY ASIA IS BACK! well chilling at the academy for a while.

IKUMI being the director is something I pulled on a whim.

Anyways, Next chapter we'll be going dungeon diving as Ichigo attempts to gain access to the fortress city of Silbern.

What secrets does the old city hold and how can they aid in Ichigo's ascension.

That will be all from me for today, I hope you all have a pleasant day.

Peace.