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

14. Chapter 14

Hello everyone, sorry for the long wait but due to the chapter being 38k+ words I've decided to split chapter 14 into two parts, so you know get two chapters for the price of one! I will post chapter 14 and then chapter 15 in a couple hours.

---

Shiik* Clang*

Resounding steel reverberated in the area. The sound of swords colliding with one another time after time, sparks flying in the air upon contact.

"ARGH!"

A battle cry was released as a mighty swing tore into the ground, cleaving the earth in two as the cloaked figure stepped out of the way and followed up with his own attack that made the sky scream in protest.

Clang! Boom!

The blackened edge met the crimson slab of dragon steel, two mighty forces colliding with one another as the sky roared and earth shuddered. Titans had descended on this land made up of the whims of legends.

"Heup! HA!"

Pushing back, the Dragon Emperor roared as he dislodged himself from the Monarch, his grip on the mighty Greatsword raised high as he moved to cleave the Cloaked figure in twain. Though this only left him open as the Black sword; Tensa Zangetsu moved in for a quick stab.

Screech*

Sparks flew as a red gauntlet shoved the swords edge slightly to the side, avoiding having had his chest pierced through. For there was no defense that Tensa Zangetsu could not cut through. Swinging his sword down on the Monarch who moved to muster his defense, it was like a meteorite had crashed unto the blades edge as a giant crater spread around them, the sheer force of the swing causing devastation for miles. Yet, despite that, the Monarchs unflinching arms lowered briefly before swinging up with force, knocking Ichigo's greatsword back before kicking at his chest with a force to crush a mountain into pieces.

BAM*

Sailing through the air, Ichigo who gritted his teeth from the force that caused a few cracks in his armor, flipped himself as he stabbed his sword into the ground to grind to a halt, leaving a deep gauge in the earth.

It was only as he looked up that he noticed a brilliant light shining above, and realized to late what it was.

"Getsuga Tensho!" Golden radiance shone in the sky before descending down in a crescent wave.

Gripping the sword, Ichigo flourished it as he gathered red dragon aura into the blades edge, hasted forward by Ddraig's boosts.

"Getsuga Tensho!" A crimson slash sailed into the sky, ready to meet the Monarchs own.

BOOM!

Red and Gold clashed in the sky as two crescents collided mid-air, the power struggle lasting only a couple seconds before the two erupted in an explosion that caused the space within to shake.

Still, that wasn't the end as the smoke was cleared by the wave of radiance that turned the sky into a shimmering gold.

Held up high in his hand, Tensa Zangetsu shined with the radiance of a thousand suns, Spiritual energy being pumped into it as waves spread out in the sky.

Ichigo recognized it for what it was as he felt that obscene amount of power and stance.

"Son of a-" cutting himself off, Ichigo's aura grew as Boosts began to repeatedly resound as he multiplied his power in preparation to meet the attack.

Gripping the sword imbued with the concept of destruction, the Monarch pointed it towards Ichigo, his arm in preparation for a throw.

"With this strike, I will inflict extinction!"

"Second sword: Annihilation."

Fwoosh*

Like an arrow let loose, Tensa Zangetsu came crashing down, bearing the sky with it as golden radiance encompassed all.

Looking at the comet that was Tensa Zangetsu, Ichigo readied to block the attack capable of reducing all things to nothing. For it was destruction itself that was descending down on him, an attack he created when he was inspired by the Monarch of destruction.

He could feel the realm strain under the weight that was the Second Sword. For if struck this dimension would crumble away, followed soon after by what would be the training subspace that was currently inhabited by Rias and her peerage, and then…

"INSANE!" Ichigo cried out as he watched the attack with the power to destroy "worlds" in one blow come crashing down on him. Letting the pressure wash over him, Ichigo held his sword at the ready, his eyes hard yet he remained calm in the face of extinction.

Closer.

The sword shined brightly.

Closer.

The earth shook, the realm creaking unable to bear it.

Closer.

His hands on the hilt of his sword as he prepared to receive the attack head on.

Closer…

Before the eye could even blink, Tensa Zangetsu in all its splendor appeared before him. the aura of destruction surrounding it causing his armor to begin shattering at its mere presence. Yet his unflinching gaze met it head on.

"Fourth Sword: Full Counter!"

Responding at the very last second, Ichigo swung his sword…

And rebounded it back at the Monarch.

BOOM*

The sky shrouded in Golden radiance shattered as the barriers of the realm cracked like glass, exposing the layer beyond that was the training realm he created, yet before he could stop it from crashing into the next realm, the attack stopped and began to be absorbed into the center.

Like a single pin point of light brighter than the sun in this realm, the form of the Monarch that had taken the attack directly held Tensa Zangetsu edge in his grasp, the sword firmly stopped, though not before incinerating his cloak and leaving burn marks all along his arm and to his shoulder. Having directed the energy into his other palm, the Monarch held an orb that kept shattering over and over again, till eventually the attack died down.

The sacrifice of three "realms" was needed to expend the energy and dissipate the attack.

"…"

As the realm repaired itself, Ichigo who looked a little worse for wear as he had to make a great deal of effort in parrying that attack, currently had his armor shattered beyond repair, his helmet having cracked upon, his arms up to the elbows covered in burns, the chest plate in pieces and only the leg armor holding on but cracked.

Even the armor of the welsh dragon couldn't protect him fully from the Second Sword: Annihilation.

Huff* Huff*

Gasping for breath, Ichigo watched as the Monarch descended not looking any better than him, yet strangely he seemed to be…smiling?

"You blocked it." He smirked.

"You crazy bastard." Ichigo grunted as he rested against the sword, his arms trembling from the force he had to endure.

"Hahaha, that was most excellent Ichigo, to block the second sword with the fourth sword, most ingenious." He clapped, a look of amusement in his eyes, yet, soon his expression shifted to an expressionless one.

"Restore your armor, this is still not the end." With that the Monarch wounds began to heal rapidly, the burnt flesh fading away to new skin, a complete restoration.

"Hmph." Exiting his balance break, Ichigo transformed once more, letting the armor restore itself to its previous form.

How many times has he had to go through this process…

"But it's different this time."

"Can you feel It as I do?" Ddraig questioned.

"…"

The world of fire that made up the inner world of Ddraig inside the boosted gear seemed to shift, the flames that represented his will burning ever bright, ever hot, he could feel it within the armor, something was changing.

Evolving…

"Just a little more."

Mending the Sword that he created, the cracks fixed themselves, the edge sharpened, the aura growing fiercer.

Both assumed the same stance.

""Third Sword.""

""SLAUGHTER""

Be it the wind that brushed against his armor, the earth at his feet, or the way his muscles screamed as he performed impossible movements. None of it mattered to him anymore, no, all that mattered was the sword in his hand and his opponent in front of him. The world had long since lost meaning to them both as each tried to cut the other down as they rained down slash after slash, cut after cut, they could both feel the blood gush from their wounds that kept accumulating as they failed to block the hundreds, thousands, and millions of sword strikes. The world was being cut away.

Flesh rent, blood flowed, flesh was renewed, then cut apart once more, all in a cycle of repetition. The blows that couldn't be blocked dug deep only to be healed the next second. The earth, the sky, the very space around them had become a hurricane of death, a mere breeze carried the intent to cut anything to pieces, the earth was carved up, the sky was rent apart, as the world attempted to keep itself together, yet deep gauges from parried blows left it struggling as they drove this realm into destruction.

All this meant nothing to them.

The sting of the sword digging into his arms, his legs, his chest, his face, every single part of his body facing the storm was being carved. Each step he took as he felt his armor cracking time after time, the way his arms protest as he kept swinging them faster and faster that they no longer resembled blurs but a sphere of destruction that they had both created that would cut all things to atoms.

A labored breath, the warmth of blood, flesh rent, flesh renewed, pain…

"…"

The thrill of battle, a quirk of the lips, heightened senses, sweat on his brow, eyes gleamed gold.

"…"

Cut, clash, cleave, split, block, parry, stab, rend, slash…

One step closer, one step forward, the storm intensified.

For the first time, Ichigo felt his mind clear, clearer than ever before in his life. All the things that had been on his mind, be it the burden of memories he has experienced day after day, night after night, the duel that was getting nearer, his plans for the future, all distractions, just faded away. All that mattered was the sword in his hand, the fire that burnt in his chest, even as his armor cracked and fell apart, even as his body was being carved, the smile on his face, the determination in his eyes, the intent to win.

That was all he needed.

Parrying and clashing with the rain of blows, Ichigo got one step closer, one that the monarch reciprocated as they tried to carve each other to pieces. The storm intensifying the closer they got to one another as the world became a blur of blades.

Crack*

His chest piece cracked as he failed to defend.

"…"

Pushing forward his armor that had already been beaten time after time showed signs of falling apart.

Crack*

Another, his face plate this time, revealing his intense eyes and smirk as he reveled in the frenzy, even as blood began to pour down his cheek, the wound mending right after.

One step closer.

The pauldrons cracked.

One step closer.

His left greave shattered.

One step closer.

The cuirass gave way and broke apart, a savage cut from shoulder to hip.

One step closer…

Swoosh* crack* spurt*

The sound of his right arm being cut from the elbow rang in his ears as the Monarch had gotten past his defense and cut past the flesh, sinew, and bone in one fell swoop, blood spurting from the wound as his arm flew away.

One. Step. closer.

Grasping the sword with his left arm before it could be flung away, Ichigo crushed his own hand that had remained grasped on the blades handle in a gory display as he made a mad dash towards the monarch who remained as calm as ever, even as wounds littered his own body.

"This is it."

He could feel it, even as he continued to clash blades with the Monarch.

"This is what I've been waiting for."

A fire, an ardent flame, ever burning, ever hot and destructive.

"Come…embrace me."

A golden glow began to emanate from in front of him as the Monarch ceased his relentless attacks and changed his stance to an extremely familiar one.

"DDRAIG!" Ichigo cried as his aura burst out in a violent display.

"I'm ready partner!" Ddraig roared as Ichigo felt the gauntlet begin to glow a vibrant green.

"BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!"

The intensity of the golden aura increased as the Monarch raised the sword up, Tensa Zangetsu losing its form to that of a golden shimmering sword that reached up towards the sky like a pillar of everlasting radiance.

"MORE!"

"BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!"

"More!"

"BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!"

"More…"

"BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!"

Ichigo's aura exploded in a multitude of colors of gold, red, and green, ever growing as Ddraig's power amplified his own. Yet, deep within him he knew that it wouldn't be enough, not with what the Monarch was about to do.

Raising himself up to the air, the Monarch looked down at him, like a judge would a sinner, his radiance and grace flowing out in all his glory. Golden eyes with cross like pupils of shimmering gold, orange hair reminiscent of the sunset. Now with his cloak gone, it revealed an exquisite pristine white overcoat with gold embroidery emblazed in the shape of a sword stabbing a crown on his back, gold accents lining his coat, 'x' shaped straps holding it together, red lining inside the coat with body armor consisting of a black tight and sleeveless shirt with gold accents that outline his muscles. White pants and gold belt, golden greaves that reach up to the knees. Gold gauntlets that shimmered radiance as it grasped the pillar of light that Tensa Zangetsu had become.

In the face of such majesty, Ichigo could not help but be in awe of himself.

"This is but a fraction, you can be more than you are right now." Was the passing thought as he stared into those determined eyes, the same eyes that mirrored his own.

This was it.

"BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!"

"That's enough, I'll take it from here."

"EXPLOSION!"

Ichigo's aura continued to climb as power flowed through his system. Yet looking at the all-encompassing sword, he feared it would be a miracle if he came out alive.

"It's now or never." Ichigo readied himself to face the Monarch one last time.

Seeing Ichigo ready himself, the Monarch who had thus far remained in the same position in the sky finally relented, his gaze like that of an aloof being shifted to one of pride as he gazed at Ichigo who stared at him with resolution in his eyes.

"He's come far." He thought to himself with a small smile.

He let the momentary bliss of the moment wash over him, even as he knew that his very next action would decide Ichigo's fate.

"…"

Opening his eyes, a stern look soon formed on his face his eyes hard as he prepared himself to do what is necessary.

"This is my test for you Ichigo, prove your qualification, and with this strike, overcome yourself!" The Monarch declared.

Stern eyes looked up at him, determination to face the monument of victory.

"Know the mercy of sovereignty, and yield to Victory!"

The sword like pillar glowed harsher as the heavens trembled.

"First Sword…"

"TRIUMPH!"

Like that, judgement descended in everlasting light.

---

In a world of light Ichigo faced himself.

His memories like a record on display, passed him one by one, memories of days gone by, of past struggles and victories. Of friends made and farewells given. An era of memories that made him who he was. Yet through all of that, as he let them wash past him. it was the sole thing in front of him that had his attention.

A mirror, a reflection of himself, a representation of his will.

His soul.

First sword: Triumph.

It wasn't a destructive attack by any means, so he didn't have to worry about it causing damage to the realm. But, despite that, it was the single deadliest attack he had ever created.

His signature move, his sure win attack when victory was needed in the darkest hour.

For you see, Triumph was an attack that had no concept of range, no limit to who could be struck by it, the act of seeing it, or the act of him revealing it was to be struck by it regardless of defense.

It was an attack meant to be a sentence.

To face judgement before him.

For to use Triumph, meant that he was staking his name, his origin, his soul on the line.

The meaning of victory itself.

So, as the one who reigns above all, to be struck by Triumph was to be found wanting.

To look deep into ones very existence, they stand at a precipice where they must hold onto their very self, or be erased by the light of victory.

No one has ever been able to overcome it, not even gods.

To be flawless, to be righteous, to be perfect, to be a sinner, to be the cruelest evil.

It didn't matter.

What mattered was simply thus…

To whole heartedly believe with every fiber of your being, your existence, that you could retain yourself in this world that tried to destroy your very sense of self and concept, and overcome the might of victory.

But who could say that they could shine brighter than his own unyielding spirit that struck down even the unvanquished.

Well, perhaps one…

---

It was warm, like the warmth of a fine summer day, a comfortable warmth, like being surrounded by loved ones, he didn't quite understand only that it felt pleasant and filled his very being with a sense of vigor.

It was relaxing as the light enveloped him.

Yet above all that as he placed his palm over his heart, a raging inferno burned in his hand, a fire so intense it could reduce all of creation to ashes.

A fire not of his own, but of a being he has come to call friend.

There will be mercy to those who knew to embrace victory.

Here facing his own attack meant to destroy and bring down those who thought themselves lofty and high before this Monarch, Ichigo had always been curious what it would be like to be struck by his own finishing move.

What he would experience.

Sigh*

It was pleasant, like he had gained a better understanding of himself, it sharpened him, brushed off the rust, and completed him, it was an experience of self-discovery, a way for him to reach completion.

So, this was what the Monarch had wanted.

"So impatient…" Ichigo mused as his lips quirked up in a smile, it was a beautiful smile, one full of resplendence and amusement at the situation.

He felt whole.

He understood.

Monarch of Victory: Ichigo Kurosaki.

Only a few steps remained to ascendency.

---

The pillar of light struck down on Ichigo's position, obscuring his form from view. Despite that, the Monarch was aptly aware of what was going on.

For he could feel it.

His connection to his younger self, he could feel what Ichigo was currently experiencing.

First Sword: Triumph.

Conquer or be Conquered.

Mind, Heart, and Will, to be the bearer of one's own flame is to control one's own destiny. A mind is a palace, the heart a burning furnace, and the will is the light that paves the way forward.

"Who are you?"

Hold fast against that which denies you.

Or…

"Let my grace wash away that which is unworthy."

A spark, a flame wavering in the wind, flickering within that which cannot be outshined. A soaring fire, feeding, burning brighter, hotter. A testament of will.

"Ichigo…"

Bringing his hand towards his heart, an enveloping warmth that was his own power, began to shift.

A candlelight struggling in the profound, became a raging inferno, as a wave of fire solidified within, a core of domination.

His chest burned.

"…"

A light brighter than his sword began to shine within, a raging fire not seen since time immemorial, sealed away by a mighty existence in anguish of its own dominion. Yet now, as it became a red star within the light of victory, that fire was being brought forth from the depths of an ancient existence, gathering and pushing back, hungrily devouring everything within its boundary, an untamable fire that burned the soul itself.

That fire had consolidated within the heart of sublimity. Giving birth to a nobility not yet seen since its own demise.

And he would be the first to bear witness this new sovereignty.

It was an egg, a miniature sun engulfed within a pillar of light as the fire spiraled around it.

Crack*

A single crack to usher in the birth of an emperor as the world drowned in an inferno of red flames.

---

Fire!

The air, the ground, the very world itself BURNED!

And in that hellish landscape a single entity awaited…

Its scales gleaming within the inferno of power.

Wings that stretched from east to west.

And a body capable of crushing the world with brute force alone.

A being who stole the concept of domination from God.

Red eyes that burned with an eager edge slid open as its facial expression snarled up into a grin.

Y Ddraig Goch, Red Dragon Emperor, The Welsh Dragon, Red Dragon of Domination, and many more titles in the eons he has lived.

Today, the world would soon know of his power once more, through the wielder he has sworn to fight side by side with.

The time of reckoning would soon arrive, and he would stand at the side of victory as he had once before.

Ichigo.

"I'll leave the rest to you."

---

Watching the inferno, the Monarch saw the flames converged towards the figure shrouded in the fire. But within seconds, a single swipe of the arm blew the all devouring flames away, snuffing them out as their master made an entrance.

"…"

Scale mail, it was sleeker in design, different from the brawler type armor he had before. Like it was built more for speed. Yet despite that, the armor itself gave an even more ferocious aura, like the red dragon emperor himself had been reborn within the flames. The visage of a roaring dragon made up the helm, the green reflective visor within the maw. Six red and gold horns with three on each side of the helm. The armor itself was red, with gold accents. A notable trait was the wing like pauldrons that had 3 wings made of fire on each one, and most importantly, the cuirass, where a diamond shape opening was split open from chest to abdomen, and within it, Fire. A world of fire within, like an insight into the very soul.

The metamorphosis was complete.

Taking a couple steps forward, Ichigo could feel POWER coursing through his body, raw and unbridled, his very being seeped with a hunger for destruction and conquest.

"Liberating is it not." Ddraig commented, his voice thrumming in his head, his voice clearer than ever.

"Our bond has grown and so too has your capacity in unlocking a greater portion of my power, to think that feasting on the desires of a Monarch could be so…fulfilling." His voice reverberated within his mindscape, yet Ichigo merely seemed amused at his words.

"It appears you're satisfied with this evolution." Ichigo said, inspecting his new form.

"I have bared many wielders, some more excellent than others, yet, you are the first to have ever forced this Heavenly Dragon to ascend to greater heights. Not even the likes of Belzard and Elsha, my strongest wielders in the past, have managed to unlock my true potential. For this I'am in awe of you. Ichigo, Monarch of Victory."

"Then let's test out what this new form is made of, shall we~"

A roar of agreement followed that statement as Ichigo reached into the world of fire deep within him, his hand grasping something within his chest as he began to pull it out.

"Shiiing* Swoosh*

A sword, not unlike the one he had previously created during his fight with the Monarch, it was a slab of red steel, a Greatsword, its edge sharpened to perfection, the hilt was red with gold accents and a green jewel on the pommel, the sword crackled with fire from time to time as if the sword could not contain all the excess power within it.

This sword was made from the sharpest tooth within Ddraig's maw. Every part of the boosted gear was a part of Ddraig's body and soul.

The world trembled at its release as flames that could burn the soul itself manifested around him.

Still, with his goal accomplished all that was left…

"Are you ready." The voice above questioned. His golden eyes staring down at him, anticipation veiled behind curiosity.

"…"

The sword concentrated flames on the blades edge, ready to unleash it at a moment's notice.

"Let's do this."

With that, the two titans clashed once more in an epic battle.

All the while carrying a grin on their faces.

---

Her eyes slid open, her vision blurred for a moment as she moved to rub the last vestiges of sleep from her blue-green eyes.

"Hmm…" Stretching her arms over her head, the sound of her bones popping back into place brought a relived sigh from her lips as she sat in the bed, her naked form revealed to the sunlight poking between the curtains.

Though as she looked around the room, she noticed the absence of something, of a warmth that had accompanied her throughout the night.

"…"

Brief disappointment gave way to a longing smile as she remembered the events of last night. Having enjoyed the intimate contact with one another, Ichigo had brought her multiple times into sweet ecstasy as she did her best to reciprocate his actions. But in the end, she had melted in his touch till exhaustion had claimed her. Even now her body felt light, and relaxed after all her pent-up desires had been released.

Well, maybe not all…

A blush appeared over features at the promise she made with Ichigo.

"He must be training hard right about now." Rias mumbled as she moved to get out of bed, the lingering warmth of her beloved having cooled by now as she moved to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Like that her morning routine began once more.

With a few weeks left, Rias and her peerage moved to make the most of what they could, with surprising results thus far.

Yuuto had gotten the flash step down pretty well, with his usage getting better by the day. His sword skills from constant sparring with Ichigo had gotten him great results as he realized his own inadequacies and moved to improve the flaws in his swordsmanship. He had also learned to better control his own demonic energy and infuse it with his sword to perform more powerful attacks. Of course, the technique Ichigo showed him was still out of his reach, but it was a goal he could chase after.

A world where everything was simple cut to pieces.

He would go after that goal.

Koneko style of fighting became more precise, for if she was a wrecking ball before, now she was like a flowing stream that eroded the boulders to pieces. Her posture and gait more efficient as all wasted movement was slowly but surely eroded away to better maximize her fighting style.

Though she had yet to try and attempt to use her inborn powers of her species, Koneko was slowly building up the confidence to try, maybe one day in the future. All thanks to Ichigo for helping her find the way forward.

Akeno for her part had found herself buried in piles of books and scrolls as she recited incantations to perform Kidō spells.

From what Rias had last heard from her friend, Akeno seemed to be spending a lot of time in trying to perform one of the higher-level spells Ichigo had showed her. from what she recalled that day it happened, the sky seemed to had darkened for a little before receding.

Well whatever it had been, it left the space trembling for a moment, but the shine in her friend's eyes that she had seen later left Rias wondering what it had been to light a fire in her.

As for her…

A black/red ball of demonic energy charged at the tip of her index finger, her power of destruction feeding the Cero as it gained even more destructive qualities that had Ichigo appraise it as a new derived form of the Cero. Watching the dot of destruction on her fingertip, Rias Cero was like a pinhead, small and concentrated to the extreme, but when fired…

"Bang." Raising her thumb while poking the pinhead with her index finger, Rias fired the Cero like a gunshot.

Fzzzz*

A shot like a railgun left a line of red as it struck the target in the distance in half a second. Only instead of penetrating the target like one, it stuck to it before detonating in a condensed explosion that began to be drawn into the pin head, absorbing everything like a black hole as the vacuum effect twisted and shredded the target, till not even a single part of it remained.

To be struck by the might of her power condensed to the extreme only to be ripped apart from the inside by the black hole effect of her power that would soon consume everything around it. Either die by the explosion or get turned into meat paste.

What should she call this new move? Rias wondered as she watched her new technique reduce the area to a barren waste.

"Null obliteration…No, obliteration cannon? Mhmm, how about, calamitous ray." Rias mumbled as she thought over some names for her technique.

It was as she looked over the results of her work that she and the rest of her peerage felt the space TREMBLE like never before. A thunderous shake that had some of them on their knees as they failed to steady their footing. Looking around, Rias began to see cracks forming in the space, struggling to hold itself together as it slowly attempted to repair the damage. Yet a sight unlike anything she had seen before was open to her.

Fire.

A world of fire.

And then it was gone, like a dream made manifest, a trick of the eye.

All things returned to normal.

She didn't realize she had been holding her breath till her lungs demanded her to breathe again.

"…"

They stayed in silence as the rumbles subsided, it was only a few minutes later as they tried to understand what was going on that a crack in space formed, a hand poking out before ripping a hole open forming an opening wide enough for the figure to walk through.

"Hmm, what's going on? why do you all look so spooked." Ichigo said as he cast a questioning gaze at them.

"Ichigo!" Rias was the first to react by running up to him and launching herself in his arms, surprising him in the process.

"Woah!" Ichigo exclaimed as he caught Rias in his arms, wrapping them around her in a hug.

"What's the matter with you?" Ichigo couldn't help but ask, but as the rest gathered and explain the events that happened a few moments ago, did Ichigo begin to understand the situation.

Nervous laughter could be heard coming from him as he heard their report. Causing them to give him suspicious glances. Seeing that he had been caught, Ichigo moved them over to the living room to talk about it and calm their nerves.

"Wait, so all of that was your doing." Rias accused as she stared incredulously at him.

"Well, yes…" Ichigo wanted to blame the Monarch but, it would be akin to blaming himself…doubly so.

"So, you cracking the realm on our end was a factor of your power not being able to be restrained between the other dimension you were fighting in." Akeno said as she thought over his explanation.

"In a sense it was me reaching the threshold of what could be contained within the dimension, the vestiges of "world-shattering" attacks seemed to have crossed over to your end. Though I tried to keep it contained as best I could, it was…more than I expected. I failed to calculate what it would be like for me to go all out without restraint at my current level." Ichigo surmised as he cast apologetic looks at them.

"Just how strong are you, I mean really, what you have shown us is enough to change our world view." Yuuto exclaimed, his expression shocked at his words. At his current level he said? what the hell, what does that even mean?

"Yeah Ichigo, just what are you really, how can you be so strong?" Akeno chimed in, curious as to his hidden potential.

Rias and Koneko looked on expectantly, awaiting his response.

Looking around the room Ichigo cast his audience an uncertain expression, so many things he has kept hidden, so many things he could say, but…

"Well, if I had to say, I'm as strong as I have to be." Ichigo shrugged.

"You're dodging!" came the replies as they exclaimed in frustration much to his amusement.

"Haha, yeah well, consider this, what do guys think is the peak of your level?" Ichigo asked as he looked at them.

"Our peak?" Akeno questioned.

"Yes, what do you believe is the highest rank obtainable by your standards." Ichigo asked once more this time pointedly looking around the room as he looked at each one of them.

"Who do you turn to when your own strength isn't enough?" Ichigo asked.

Rias and the rest looked uncertain amongst themselves, just what was Ichigo insinuating by asking them this.

"If we're going by the ranking of devils, it'd probably be Ultimate class as the highest possible ranking that a devil can achieve in their lifetime, a level that even us reincarnated devils can achieve if we have the potential to grow." Akeno replied as she thought over it.

"Yes, of course, but even amongst Ultimate classes there are levels to which one is categorized in, between low, middle and high tier. Surely, it'd be an exaggeration to say that Ichigo has reached that level in so little time. Right?" Rias explained, but as she talked more, uncertainty and realization began to settle in.

"…"

Ichigo pointedly refused to reply, merely giving a mysterious smile as he crossed his arms and laid back into the couch.

"Ichigo…" Rias had many questions she wanted to ask but seeing his otherwise laid-back attitude, it was clear that Ichigo wasn't worried about the coming duel. She wondered, what had happened in the time he was training to take such a stance. His body which usually kept a tight rein on his power was subtly oozing his aura, and what she could feel left her questioning her own efforts thus far.

"Well, enough of that, you will all bear witness to my power at the right time, perhaps sooner than later. Ichigo stated confidently. "Though on the subject of strength how are you guys fairing in your own training? Should I give you guys some pointers before the last two weeks are done." Ichigo said as he changed the subject that expectedly resulted in her peerage asking him problems they had encountered in their training.

"…" Throughout all this, Rias watched Ichigo with a fond smile. It was fun, seeing her friends, her family, getting along with her lover, seeing them recount their troubles as he gave them advice on how to overcome it, like a teacher to their students. It was relaxing, these past few weeks, to train, to grow stronger, all under the guidance of someone she has come to love, someone who has lit a fire in her heart.

Rias felt satisfied.

Yet…

Her smile faltered and a downcast look appeared on her face.

"I want to know more."

Ichigo for all his power, his strength, his love for her.

Had yet to fully come clean with her.

Rias wasn't stupid, she could clearly see that Ichigo was hiding something underneath that confident smile of his. Ever since she first felt the lingering traces of dragon aura form him, she knew that something was different, a change had occurred before she even knew it. Someone who had just awakened their sacred gear in less than a month should not have been as strong as Ichigo currently is.

It just didn't make sense.

No matter how great one's potential is, one can only stretch the realm of possibility so much before it's just absurd, even amongst the ranks of the supernatural. Ichigo simply defies all explanation, from a normal if not slightly special human, to an unspecified powerhouse that could more than likely rival those ancient existences in the underworld. Ichigo was an enigma, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt the closeness between them stretch apart. Like a thin wall that separated them, close enough to let her feel his touch but far enough where she couldn't access his heart.

But, despite all that, Rias was willing to wait, if Ichigo wouldn't willingly give her the answers she sought, then through her power she would force them out. To be more useful to him, so he could hold greater trust in her, enough that should whatever he holds deep in his mind may one day be a mere stepping stone in their life together.

She would place her trust in him.

---

A prison stuck in perpetuity, its inmates locked in an eternal battlefield as one aimed to kill the other, but unable to land the final blow.

One a being shrouded in radiance and valor, his golden gaze was determined, his will unbreakable, he who reigns as Monarch, he who wields Victory.

The Other, a king, but not a king, a demon, yet not a demon, it was but a fiend, a scourge, a cancer. It was anathema, the embodiment of rage, evil personified, destruction was its purpose, blood was its law, it was an entity of madness.

These two would go on to create a legend that only few would know about.

In a time of great strife, where war was constant.

It was the hero's sword, bathed in the light of victory that would fell the great tyrant.

And it was the bloody spear that would pierce the hero's heart.

The memory of that time, a dream, a nightmare of constant reminder throughout his life.

Sweat began to fall from his brow the more he focused on this memory, one that he has seen multiple times, yet not as clearly as this moment.

It was cold.

The spear in his chest, it was but an instant, yet, he could do nothing but let the blow pierce him if he wished to destroy the tyrant.

His blow had been heavy, easily the strongest attack he had ever unleashed, his Fifth Sword: Befall, an attack solely made to kill the one deemed adversary.

Gripping the shaft, ichigo used the last remaining strength he had left to pull it out.

His blood flowed like a river, rapidly pooling around him as his immortality could no longer sustain him, his shell too damaged to heal, his soul too wounded to keep him together.

This was it…

Death.

A notion he wouldn't have thought to ever entertain if it weren't for certain factors at play.

But his role was now over in this episode.

He would have to leave it to his companions to carry on without him.

Laying on his knees, Ichigo gazed into the empty sky of this blood-soaked world, a barren wasteland made to trap the two strongest beings in the world, to fight in perpetuity forever more.

To leave things unresolved and hope that one never manages to kill the other.

They would have seen it that way.

But, not Ichigo.

He who gave more than anyone else, he who fought with every fiber of his being, risking his life, his future, his people, to secure the path to certain victory.

His role, his path, he had long decided to fight against the fate that awaited him.

He was made to win.

"And now I see the way…" his words barely above a whisper are the only sound in this realm, this prison.

A weak smile forms on his face even as his remaining consciences begins to fade.

He would die alone.

This prison would now be his tomb.

A hero left unsung and forgotten in the future to come.

The path forward would be hard, the future uncertain, even as the ashes of war begin to cool.

But he had faith, faith in his people, of the friends he had made along the way, of the loved ones who had stood by his side.

He would place his faith in Humanity.

In his comrades.

"I'm sorry…"

His last words are an apology.

His last thoughts are of home.

His Queen.

His Wife.

His Love.

"Elysia…"

---

He awoke with a start. His body covered in cold sweat as he was abruptly awakened from his meditation.

Huff* huff*

His eyes stared wildly around him, his heart racing as he attempted to calm himself.

A few deep breaths later Ichigo managed to regain control of his rampant emotions.

Sigh*

"Again…" Ichigo brushed his orange looks away from his sweaty brow, his clothing sticking to him uncomfortably as he relived the memory.

Ever since he could remember, the memory of that time had always come to him in his dreams, ever since his early teens, never understanding, never able to rid himself of the lingering fear of the unknown.

But now it was all clear.

Ever since he was struck by the First Sword: Triumph.

The memory of that time. The memory of his death, it had inflicted a deep psychological impact into his mind.

His greatest victory and failure.

A promise unkept.

A people ruined.

A world veiled in lies.

And a future uncertain.

"It is not your failure, we did all we could."

The comforting words of the Monarch rang true in his mind, but the guilt would not leave.

"If I had been stronger, if I had found a better way, would the world had been different from what it is now. You know it too, don't you." Ichigo stated.

"…"

"Silbern, Jericho, Eona, Alexandria, Riveria, Valorn, Argos, Meridia, Arcadia, Atlantis, Avalon, Anor. All great cities that once sprawled our world. With the exception of Bastion. They are now gone."

"…"

"The sun gates, a testament to what our people could achieve, a connection to our many fortress realms lost with their disappearance. But the greatest loss of all would be the deactivation of Archetype: Gaia. Without it, humanity loses its source of strength and earth is but a dead world, a facsimile of life brought upon by the whims of gods. This world was once paradise, our crown jewel."

"…"

The Monarch knew what Ichigo was talking about, and in many ways, he was right in saying that the situation was not good.

Archetype: Gaia, a system created using the remnant pieces of the original Gaia. After his quest to liberate humanity and bring about a new age, Ichigo at the time had also set about cleansing the corruption the world had suffered from the demonic miasma, chaos corruption, and the dying echoes of horrors left behind during the dark age of man. In that time, Ichigo had encountered echoes of Gaia's will, her broken form having been shattered to pieces as a result of the corruption and conflict that had expanded all of her energy.

Using these echoes, these fragments of Gaia, Ichigo set about creating an artificial being, a replacement to take over Gaia's role. Though there was more to it than that. By linking his power to this artificial being, by granting it a piece of his power, Ichigo had gone to create a system that would allow humanity to grow stronger and gain power through completing "quests" which would award them with experience, skills, weapons, abilities, and many more. It was an ideal system that pushed humanity to grow stronger in so little time. Through acts of great heroism, achievements obtained in battle, constant training and self-improvement, acts of great discovery. The system pushed humanity to another level.

It was his gift to them, to those that swore their allegiance to him, to the people who looked up to him. All in his effort to give them a fighting chance in a world wrought in war.

Archetype: Gaia was supposed to manage this system, for every human born.

Without it, humanity is a shadow of its former self, weak, and without direction, squandering around in the dark.

No, Humanity had been great once, under his system, heroes were born, champions rose, great people that could manipulate their own stats to their own satisfaction, to be as strong as they wanted, to be as fast, as durable, as intelligent, as powerful, as long lived. They could be whatever they wanted.

Riches, abilities, titles, skills, artifacts, all of those could be gained through the system.

It was how the Brave souls came to be, how beings like Yamamoto, arguable one of the strongest humans at the time bar the Monarchs rose to prominence, how he became one of his Brave souls.

Ichigo's death had set humanity far back.

The exile of the Monarchs.

The great exodus of his people that managed to flee the quelling brought about by the gods.

The creation of the Elysian realm.

The loss of earth.

Sigh*

Ichigo slumped his shoulders at all this information.

"So many losses." Clenching his hands in frustration, Ichigo could do nothing but feel heartache at the many things they had lost.

"It's not as bad as you think." The Monarchs short reply broke him from his thoughts.

"Huh?" Ichigo questioned.

"It's not the end, is what I'm saying, you know what our sacrifice meant, don't you? It was pre-ordained, inevitable if victory was to be achieved. Regardless of the consequences we took that gamble. That singular chance to end that monster, though the gods would have preferred us to fight for eternity in their prison, the eternal battlefield, by breaking the chain, by defying their law, we manage to strike down the unvanquished, at a price." The Monarchs words seemed to have an effect on Ichigo as he listened intently.

"Ours was not to lead the future, but to give them a chance at a better tomorrow, fully knowing that our sacrifice would see the end to the Great War." Words he had once said rang in his mind, a decision he did not come to take lightly.

"And now for our efforts, here we are once more, alive, with the great evil vanquished! Ichigo, don't focus on what has been lost, but on what can be gained, what the future holds now that our ascendancy is nigh. Remember, the Adversary is not our only enemy, many more threats were left behind, some in hiding, some in the open, and some forgotten." Ichigo thoughts raced, of the many beings he knew would be trouble in the future to come.

"Can we do it?" he questioned.

"Not alone." This time the Monarch would make sure, to engrain those words into himself.

"We made that mistake once, rely on your allies, on the people we once cherished, on our brothers and sisters that await our return. Trust in them and they will never let you down." It was with those words that Ichigo eyes gained a renewed resolve in them. the Monarch was right, he was here now, it was only a matter of time. So, what if they lost a few things along the way, as long as he lived he could always get them back, maybe even make them better than before.

All he needed was time, and enough strength to create that future he chased after.

But, a lingering thought remained, something that didn't quite add up in his memories, like a small blank was there.

What could it be…

---

Her body rested comfortably at his side, crimson locks of hair wildly strewn over her face from which vibrant blue eyes stared at him with desire.

Using his arm like a pillow, Rias placed her hand over his chest rubbing it soothingly as she enjoyed the intimacy between them. it was only in the moments of silence that she felt the need to speak up.

"Is something troubling you Ichigo?" Rias questioned as she looked at his pensive expression.

"Hmm, no, it's nothing." Ichigo spoke after a moment, breaking out of his thoughts.

"Oh, then why do you seem so distracted." Rias pressed.

"I'm just tired, I guess." Ichigo answered noncommittally.

"…"

Cupping his face in her hand, Rias lowered his gaze down towards her. Peering into those eyes, Rias couldn't help but notice something amiss.

"What's wrong Ichigo?" her voice was soft, yet caring, coaxing him into telling her his troubles.

"…"

His gaze turned away from hers, he seemed to be struggling with something.

"Guilt?" She has seen that look in Yuuto's face many times for her to recognize it by now. Something was clearly bothering Ichigo, who normally wore a confident look on his face.

"You know you can tell me anything you want right? I won't judge, after all, I have decided to give myself to you completely, what more can I give than that." Rias words were meant to assure him, that no matter what happens she would always take his side. Yet for some reason his scowl became more pronounced.

In the silence that followed as Ichigo seemed to struggle with something internally. A verdict had been reached as he let out a long sigh, seemingly accepting what was to come.

"Rias…I…" he struggled.

"Yes." Hmm, she wondered what exactly he wanted to say to her that would leave him feeling so conflicted.

"I, I want to talk to you about something, but, I don't know if its right for me to say anything. Despite all this time, despite my resolve to do this, I 'am afraid." Ichigo admitted hesitantly, much to Rias surprise. As far as she knew Ichigo had never shown or admitted to being afraid of anything, if anything, she wondered if he even knew what fear was.

"You're afraid? of what?" Rias asked perplexed by what he meant.

"…" the longer the silence stretched between the more tense the situation got.

"…I'll admit that I haven't been entirely honest with you, and I'm sure that you've noticed that too. From my power, to my abilities and knowledge, I know things, many secrets that others do not, even amongst the supernatural." Ichigo began.

"Rias…what I'm about to tell you can only be kept between us, understand that what I'm about to say would not only will open your eyes to the person that I truly am, but also to secrets of the ancient past, secrets that are best left forgotten." Ichigo warned her with a serious expression leaving no room for argument.

"He's serious." Rias couldn't help but think, but for Ichigo to act this way, surely whatever he wanted to say was the reason he's been so distant as of the last few days. With the deadline drawing near, Ichigo had become a little more withdrawn from her, it was only till now, with only 3 days left that she had managed to get Ichigo to talk more openly with her.

"Alright, I promise that whatever you have to say, it'll be between us, no one will ever know what comes out of this room. On my honor as the next head of Gremory, I Rias Gremory swear on my name." Like that Rias confidently said those words, making Ichigo feel slightly relieved.

"Thank you, I just hope that by the end of it, you'll still continue to feel the same way about me as you do now." Ichigo lamented.

Seeing that he had her attention as she also got serious at his words, if not curious to what he had to say that Ichigo began his story.

"I have not been honest with you, no, that's not exactly right, I didn't have all the answers myself to confidently talk about myself with you. Its only as of late, when I pushed myself beyond my limits that I finally understood everything, well mostly everything." His words were met with quiet acknowledgement as Rias listened intently.

"The person you knew, from the moment we met, was a normal, as mundane, and as human as you can imagine, that was who Ichigo was, that was who I was when we met, but now…now I'm so much more." Rias brow flickered up, curious as to what he meant by those words.

"Do you remember that night, when a mysterious power crashed all over the town of Kuoh?" Ichigo asked.

"Mysterious power? Yes, I remember, why do you ask?" Rias questioned.

"Well, what if I told you that it was me who was responsible for it." Ichigo revealed much to her shock.

"What? That-that was you!" Rias exclaimed as she moved to a sitting position looking down at Ichigo who merely had a faraway look on his face.

"Yes."

At his confirmation, many things began to add up in Rias mind, how Ichigo had become so strong, how certain abilities he had made sense know. Having felt that power for the first time, how small and insignificant it made her feel, did Rias truly understand what Ichigo could be capable of.

But a question remained, just how had he unlocked that power, just who truly was Ichigo Kurosaki, the boy she had met all those months ago, a simple human at the time now a powerhouse that few could hope to match.

"The night that I was attacked by that stray devil, something awakened inside of me, it was a power that has always been with me since the moment of my birth, only activating after sensing that my life was truly in danger." Perhaps noticing her thoughts Ichigo continued to explain.

"Rias, did you ever hear the tragedy of The Monarch of Victory?" Rias face was set in confusion.

"No?" She answered.

"I thought not. It's not a story the ancient devils would tell you. It's a human legend, one forgotten by those of the current era. The Monarch of Victory, he was a man, a man who was granted power beyond his means, a power he would use to safeguard the future of existence itself. He who wielded the might of Victory, no matter the odds, the danger, he would always come out victorious. He was invincible by every right. A king, a leader, a symbol of hope in the era known as the Great War." Ichigo's voice was solemn.

"Was he truly that powerful?" Rias asked, skeptical by his story.

"He was power itself, reborn in the primordial energies of creation. His words reshaped the universe, his mere presence a promise of victory for his allies, and utter ruination to his enemies." There was an amused gleam in his eyes as he said that.

"What happened to him?" Rias couldn't help herself, this was the first time she was hearing about such a legendary figure that had Ichigo singing praises for him, it was odd to say the least that no records existed of him, at least to her knowledge.

"In the end it is a tale as old as time itself, a hero's journey, a tale of a boy with a dream that he would one day create with his own hands." It was at those words that the room began to shift and Rias soon found herself alone, facing the painting that she had seen before, the first night she had entered Ichigo's room.

"Ichigo!?" Rias exclaimed in surprise as she found herself suddenly alone, naked, and in a dark space with the only source of light being the painting in front of her.

"…"

No answer came as she merely huffed and moved towards the painting, inspecting it.

It was the same scene, a little boy trapped under the rubble of his own home, though it was through the help of an old man that the boy found salvation.

"What are you trying to show me?" she voiced out loud as she moved her hand to touch the painting.

It was upon her finger brushing against it that a blinding light suddenly erupted, catching her off guard as she moved to shield her eyes. "What!?" shocked, Rias could do nothing as the light enveloped her, and before she knew it, her surroundings changed once more.

It was only a few moments later when the light had died down, that Rias found herself somewhere new. Dark clouds and rubble marked her surroundings, a wasteland of ashes foretelling a tragic event.

"Where am I?" with no one to answer to her questions, it was up to her to find her way around.

As she moved, Rias soon came to the conclusion that she couldn't physically interact with the space around her, be it the rubble at her feet, or the plumes of ash that fell from the sky, Rias was left unable to interact with anything here, it was odd. Yet as she moved quietly through what she assumed was a city once, she soon heard faint whispers. Whether or not she realized it, she had been moving in a set path that seemed to guide her forward. With the whispers only growing more frequent as she walked amongst the ruins.

"Where are you?" Rias whispered, voicing her thoughts once more. It was as she turned the corner that Rias suddenly found herself witnessing a familiar scene.

HE was a boy, before he was a king.

HE was a human, before he had ascended.

HE was a nobody, before he was a legend.

HIS name was…

"Ichigo?"

---

Rias stared incredulously at the scene before her, It was a boy stuck underneath the rubble of his own home. A boy covered in the dust and ashes of this ruined place. Yet despite that, Rias could still clearly see that orange hair that was his trademark, those brown eyes that once shined with luster, now empty and dead inside. it was a boy clinging onto the last vestiges of life, not unlike when she first met Yuuto all those years ago.

Moving closer, Rias wanted to help this child version of her beloved, but her hands merely fazed through the rubble, unable to touch him, unable to save him.

She could do nothing.

Blue eyes met with brown, her reflection not even visible in his gaze, his expressionless face merely staring up at the sky in apathy.

This was so unlike the ever-confident man she knew.

Kneeling right before the boy, Rias wished she could do something for him, yet she was unable to even interact with this world.

"Ichigo, this is cruel of you to show me." Though she didn't understand why, this was clearly the doing of her dearest.

But why? what was he trying to show her? to make her understand?

It was as she pondered these questions that a bright light suddenly parted the clouds, illuminating the surroundings in a golden glow. Looking up, Rias saw an old man suddenly appear behind her much to her surprise as she backed away from him.

Still, the old man in the white cloak acted like he hadn't seen her, and with a few steps approached the boy who for the first time since the disaster, regained a glimmer of life in his eyes.

A hand reached out, one the boy took after a moment of hesitancy.

"This is the way MY journey began."

---

From then on, Rias witnessed many things, each transition from a new memory to another.

From his childhood, to his adulthood.

Each painting holding a meaning that developed Ichigo into the person he was once and shall be again.

His ascension into sovereignty, a transcendent power bestowed upon him by the Tree of creation, from which all things reside, the enormity of which had left her on her knees in wonder and awe, there she had seen Ichigo devour its "fruit" from which he had gained the sole dominion of Victory, his path, his way, his rule.

She was one of the few that had been bestowed the honor of witnessing his rise into a Monarch.

From then on, each subsequent vision came and went for her, so lost in the great secrets that not many are privy to in the supernatural world. What with the records of the Great war being so scarce and otherwise shrouded in falsehood, an entire period of time that lasted millennia stripped away, forgotten and nothing but those who had lived throughout that time to tell the tale.

Yet here…

From his decision to guide the humans who were left on a broken world, through the unification wars that Ichigo cut a bloody path towards peace and stability, cutting down the old tyrants and warlords along with all manner of evil beings, even her own kind. Ichigo became the sole king of humanity, its emperor.

Yet his story was only just beginning.

Deception and Might, The Monarch of Sentience, Aizen Sosuke was the first to stand with Victory.

Stalwart and Proud, The Monarch of Finality, Kevin Kaslana, pledged his allegiance.

Cunning and Illusive, The Monarch of Reason, Kisuke Urahara, finds his resolve once more.

Formidable and Heroic, The Monarch of Geo, Zhongli, yields before Victory.

Determined and Brave, The Monarch of Shadows, Sung JinWoo, stands firm before the light of Victory.

Calm and Aloof, The Monarch of Void, Sirin, kindles the fire of hope in her heart.

Confident and Boisterous, The Monarch of Thunder, Khun Eduan, takes up his spear.

Fierce and Untamed, The Monarch of Severance, Kenpachi Zaraki, hunts for his next opponent.

Righteous and Collected, The Monarch of Domination, Byakuya Kuchiki, stands resolute and unwavering.

Precise and Graceful, The Monarch of Destruction, Enryu, devotes himself to the cause.

Gentle and Kind, The Monarch of Life, Rukkhadevata, makes her choice to aid humanity.

Lastly…

Beautiful and Radiant, The Monarch of Origin, Elysia.

"…"

Bestows her undying love and devotion for the Monarch of Victory, Ichigo Kurosaki.

---

Rias didn't have time to process the woman before her as the scene changed once more, with the last image being engrained in her mind as she witnessed the most beautiful woman she has ever seen plant her lips unto her dearest love.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as her mind processed what she just witnessed as an uncomfortable feeling overcame her. Bringing her hands towards her bosom, Rias could feel her heart slightly ache at the scene she witnessed, her disbelief giving way to uglier emotions as jealousy and envy overcame her momentarily.

The look of happiness on their faces.

Yearning and adoration in her eyes.

Upon a first meeting these two understood who the other one was, like two halves of the same soul finding each other across the vastness of creation.

Love at first sight.

It was as she attempted to rationalize her emotions that Rias failed to notice the crimson glow in her eyes and slight release of demonic energy. It was only as she broke away from her thoughts upon the change in scenery that she realized that she was somewhere else again.

This time, Rias traversed the many battlefields that shaped the war into what it was, both brutal and bloody.

She witnessed the fall of planets.

The sundering of stars.

Realms being devoured whole by nightmares made manifest.

Mountains of corpses that made oceans of blood.

And Gods slayed and calamities wrought by them.

But above all that, Rias bore witness to something else as well.

Bravery beyond measure, miracles made manifest, an unwavering will to face the horrors and beyond, from the lowliest demon, to the legions of horrors, and the madness of Evil Gods. Humanity rose and clashed against them all.

And in that storm, HE shone the brightest of all.

"Ichigo…"

No matter the odds, no matter the difficulty, even the impossible was overturn at his appearance.

With a blade in hand, all that was before him was swept away.

Which is why…

Thump*

"I'm sorry…"

The fall was all the more tragic.

---

At the end of things, be it gods or man alike, all are subject to the whims of fate, but, amongst those few stars that shone ever brighter, amidst those that sought to redefine their own fate, a price must be given in turn.

Falling on her knees Rias stared into those golden eyes that once shone with confidence and majesty. The once all-powerful Monarch, the glory of man, the great hero, vanquisher. Had fallen to his knees as a spear pierced his heart, his immortal body no longer able to sustain itself upon being pierced by the spear of that which was deemed "Adversary" one she was not allowed to witness as a shadow had veiled her eyes from witnessing the monstrosity that had inflicted madness upon many.

Yet, the sound of his sword and its spear in turn did not fall on deaf ears.

In the end both destroyed one another.

But it was HIS victory.

Just like he always did.

Just like it should have always been.

Tears welled in her eyes as she beheld this Man, no, this Hero, he who had given the most to safeguard the future for all, he who had paid the ultimate sacrifice to end the single greatest threat in all of creation.

His reward for all his achievements, for all the hope he had spread, was to die here, alone, in a barren realm made to be a prison to hold them both for all of eternity.

Yet, in the end, he broke that curse, and reshaped the future with his own hands, giving birth to a new day, a new tomorrow.

"I'm sorry…"

Her heart broke at those words.

For a being of his power, his prestige, to make his last words an apology, but an apology to whom?

Rias didn't dare to dwell on it as she, even if it was just a memory, even if she couldn't interact with anything that had happened, attempted her best to soothe the Monarchs passing, as his body began to break down into golden light.

Her dearest love, even if this was just his past self, it was still the same man she had sworn to love for unto eternity.

The memory began to fade, as Rias watched the remnants of light fly away, with the last being the small smile tugging at the Monarch's lips.

---

Rias was once more in the same realm that transitioned her from one memory to the next, but what more was there to see.

Ichigo had given his life to destroy a being that sought the end of all things, yet only the few would ever know, his name and glory forgotten by the greater world. Even that entire period of history that she had witnessed from the few bits and pieces she was allowed had been entirely lost.

No, the great war as she knew it was a lie, incomplete in its scale, it was more than just a conflict, it was a fight for survival, one in which Ichigo and his Monarchs succeeded in bringing an end to.

Yet where were the Monarchs?

Where was the glory of man to be found?

And, how has Ichigo found his way amongst the living once more?

These questions plagued her mind.

Getting back up on her feet, Rias felt despondent, the last memory of Ichigo taking a toll on her mind, her emotions spent as she beheld that terrible scene that will give her nightmares for nights to come.

But looking up, she beheld one last painting, one last memory Ichigo wanted to show her.

And upon her inspection, the sadness in her heart began to wane, and joy began to be renewed.

"Oh, Ichigo." It was her, the painting was a depiction of her, shrouded in the light of victory, her crimson red hair fluttering in the wind, her blue-green eyes radiant and beautiful, her smile one of pure joy, her bare skin resplendent.

A new start, a new life.

This was a start to his new beginning.

And it all began with her.

---

Waking up from the dreamlike state she had been in, the first thing Rias took notice of was the figure looking down at her. Orange hair, brown eyes, and a small smile on his face.

"Morning Princess~ did you sleep well?" Ichigo playfully asked as he looked down at her.

"…"

Rias didn't deem to answer him as she bolted up and knocked him back down unto the bed, her body clinging to him fiercely, afraid that if she didn't do so, he would be gone forever out of her reach.

"Woah! What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" The feeling of her body shaking against his, the way she urgently embraced him, the way she tightly closed her eyes shut as she buried her head into his chest. Rias appeared so small, like a child who had just awoken from a nightmare.

"…"

Moving to sit up, Ichigo placed Rias in his lap as he embraced her in turn.

"Rias…" Ichigo began, his words gentle, coaxing her to look at him.

"…"

Bringing his thumb towards her chin, Ichigo gently guided those teary eyes to look up at him.

"It's fine." Planting a gentle kiss on her lips, Ichigo continued.

"I'm here now."

That was all she needed to hear as all the pent-up emotions she had been holding back finally came crashing down, her tears of sadness replaced with joy, as she melted into her lover's touch, as her lips found his.

Only then did she feel safe in his arms once more.

---

It was a couple of minutes later then that Rias had finally calmed down enough to ask Ichigo questions.

So, you've been hiding these many things from me huh, and here I thought it was going to be less complicated than me telling you I was a devil." Rias teased as she laid on the bed with him.

"Yeah, well, I myself didn't know who I truly was at the time either, its only as of recent events that I now know what and who I'am. I feel complete in a way, like the fog that was my past had been cleared and now I know my true purpose once more.

"Oh~ and what is that exactly?" Rias asked playfully.

"Perhaps one day I'll tell you, but for now, it would be best to renew our efforts, there is little time left before the duel." Ichigo evaded.

"Hmm, for some reason, I truly feel like I don't even have to worry about that duel anymore, after all that I have seen and witnessed with my own two eyes, my faith in you is absolute, Monarch of Victory, Hmm~, I like it." Rias mused as she smiled at Ichigo.

"Don't be so hasty, I might have restored my memories, but I have yet to fully restore my power, I'm still only a shadow of my former self, if you would compare me at my best to the sun, I 'am like a bonfire, I still have yet too truly achieve my full potential." Ichigo explained.

"Is that so? Well, regardless, I have absolute faith in your victory, Ichigo, I know that you won't let me down." Rias proclaimed.

"And besides." Drawing near to his ear, Rias whispered teasingly, as her hand moved down his chest, past his abdomen, and grasped unto his morning wood.

"I have a gift that only you can have~"

A blush soon marred Ichigo's features as he knew what Rias was referring to.

"How naughty." Ichigo shook his head in amusement.

"Only for you~"

It was in this relaxed state that Rias suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, Ichigo, there's something else I want to ask you?

"What is it?" he questioned, noticing the seriousness in her voice.

"So, Elysia huh, when were you ever going to mention her?" the snark in her voice was as prevalent as the tight grip of her hand as she grasped his balls.

"Oh, Fuck!"

Let it not be said that Ichigo was a coward, but even the mightiest of man would yield before the tight grasp that held unto his pride.

"R-Rias W-Wait a second, lets talk about this!" Ichigo nervously began as he felt her hand began to squeeze and tighten. If it weren't for the fact that she had a look in her eyes that could spell murder, Ichigo would have thought she was teasing him.

But now only fear gripped him, even more than when he had faced the Adversary.

"I'm all ears~" she smiled wickedly.

"This devil!" Keeping that thought to himself Ichigo attempted to avert a crisis.

"Elysia was-Is my Queen, she is my Wife, the Love of my life." Ichigo declared resolutely, with such absoluteness that it stunned Rias as the grasp on his balls loosened momentarily, enough for him to escape her grasp and pin Rias unto the bed, his arms on each side of her as she stared up at him in shock.

"I loved her dearly, I cherished her above all the lovers I have taken throughout my time. Even in this new life, my love for her is as strong as it has always been, I yearn to return to her side, to embrace her, to show her my love once more." Every word that came out with such sincerity was like a knife to her heart. For the one she loved to so easily proclaim his love for another woman in her presence, it hurt deeply.

Perhaps noticing the pain in her eyes did Ichigo's grasp on her tighten.

Sigh*

"Elysia is what you could call my soul mate, for she was born of me and for me, taken from one of my ribs and given life, she is the Eve to my Adam, she was made to be my wife created from my desires by the heavenly father as a reward and backup plan. For if I was made to be a hero, she was born to be one." Ichigo declared with as much seriousness as he could. After all, he didn't wish to lie to Rias about his inner feelings any longer, Elysia is and shall always be his wife, his love, he would never deny that, for doing so would deny his very own heart.

"…"

Tears started to swell up in Rias eyes.

"Rias, I will not lie to you, I love her, that I will not deny, I also have taken many lovers in my time as Monarch. Eden, Aponia, Himeko, Fu Hua, Misteln, Jingliu, they too were woman that earned my love, but I only ever took one wife." Ichigo continued, reminiscing of the past, the many woman that had wormed their way into his heart, all of them amazing in their own right. He wondered how they were in the time he was absent, if they had moved on and started their own lives, he wouldn't fault them for it, though he would feel a bit sad, but would otherwise pray for their happiness.

Still, that is if they were still around.

A thought he pushed to the back of his mind as quickly as it appeared.

He had to focus now, he had to make Rias understand that despite his past, he truly cared for her, even now with everything presented before her, all his past laid bare.

"Rias, my Rias, I know it most likely pains you to hear me say this, but, understand that the man I was back then, isn't so different from the man I'am now. He is me and I am him. The eons of memories in my mind will shape me into who I'm meant to be, and yet despite all of that. Despite all that you have witnessed and heard. I want you to listen to this one truth I will speak to you." Getting up from the pinned Rias, Ichigo released her as he sat on the bed.

Rias despite her inner turmoil could not help but be curious as to what Ichigo had to say after so brazenly shattering her heart. So perhaps against her better judgment she decided to hear him out, if only because she can still hear and see the clear feelings he had for her based on his words and eyes.

Sitting on the edge of the bed with him, Ichigo continued.

"Rias, I gave my life, to protect my people, to protect the world and all those who call it home, my sacrifice led to the defeat of the adversary, its armies vanquished into the dark below. I fully expected to die a thankless death, alone, forgotten, in a barren realm, buried underneath its white sands." Placing his hand on hers, Rias noticed his cherished gaze as he looked at her.

"Yet now, I find myself here. Alive once more. I was reborn, either by a twist of fate, or perhaps through the machinations of others, regardless, I am here." Ichigo stated.

"I was born to a loving family, a loving father and mother, and two adorable sisters, something that was robbed of me in my past life. I was no warrior, no king, no god. I was but a man, like I once was, naïve, and carefree." His words were veiled in amusement as he spoke, perhaps finding the notion ironic in a way.

"I was but a boy, like anyone else, unburdened by a greater purpose, a greater will to follow, only the notion of seeking a higher education through school and making friends along the way, the thoughts of the future but a problem of tomorrow." It was then that his hand enveloped hers, grasping it gently, as he looked at her with loving eyes.

"And then I met you, on that fateful day, your crimson hair, your clear blue eyes, your smile…"

"You enthralled me."

His words were like the cords to her heart, his skillful tongue knowing what needed to be heard to soothe the storm within.

"I was never good at getting along with others, and I never understood why, but despite that, I met you, and in no time, you became all that I could think of, all that I wanted to know about, you consumed my mind, my heart and soul." Rias could feel her heartbeat faster at his words, the sincerity within unquestionable.

"Before long, before I knew it, before I could even give it a name, I knew that I had fallen for you, that even if we both didn't know who the other truly was, I was glad to have met you." Raising her hand, Ichigo planted a soft kiss on it as he stared into her eyes.

"For you are, my first love in this life."

A golden glow began to come from the back of her hand as his lips made contact. Rias could feel a warm sensation began to emanate from her hand, at first she was surprised as she instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but Ichigo's firm grip stopped her, as he looked concentrated on something.

Still, deciding to trust him, Rias looked at her hand as she began to see a sigil being imprinted on it. A sword piercing a crown. The golden glow coming from the sigil began to glow brighter as unknown power began to fill her system, and before she could inspect it, it was gone, buried deep within her.

The glow faded, but the sigil remained.

It was at that point that Ichigo freed her hand as she moved to inspect it. Upon closer inspection, Rias felt a sense of familiarity from it, for she had seen this symbol before.

It represented the Monarch of Victory.

"My gift to you." Ichigo said, seeing the puzzled look on her face.

"A gift?" she questioned.

"If ever you find yourself in a situation where you cannot afford to lose, where your life, or those you cherish are at peril, where those you turn to for aid are unavailable, then use this. A fragment of my power inside of you, upon a small chant, it will activate, and you will know power far greater than ever before, a glimpse into what you can truly be." At his cryptic words, Rias looked back down at the sigil, though she couldn't feel anything from it now, for some reason Rias felt comforted knowing that Ichigo would go this far for her.

"Just think of it as a good luck charm, or an ace up your sleeve, though I hope you won't ever have to use it, for doing so means I am not around to protect you." Ichigo said solemnly.

Rias said nothing merely staring at the sigil, but a few moments later, Rias switched her gaze to Ichigo, looking deep into his eyes, before suddenly planting her lips on his, a quick peck before she suddenly backed away, leaving Ichigo stunned.

"Hmph. I'm still mad at you, don't think those honeyed words you said earlier can change the fact that you played with my feelings." Rias said, her arms crossed and brow scrunched in a cute frown.

"Rias I-" a soft finger shushed him as Rias stared back at him with adoration.

"But, I can't deny that I still love you, even if I'm not the only woman in your heart." She said with a small smile.

"Ichigo can you promise me something?" Rias asked once more.

"Anything." No hesitation.

"I don't know if or when you will meet these other women, or if you will ever have new lovers aside from me, but, can you at least promise to never forget about me, even if I'm not at your side. That you will always love me." Rias requested, though before she knew it, she found Ichigo hand raising her chin, as his lips found their way upon her own. For a moment, all the worries she had accumulated vanished, as she felt the certainty in his actions.

"I Promise."

That was as all she needed.

---

The day had finally arrived, a rift appeared in the middle of the ORC room as everyone walked out of the training area that was quickly being erased, having served its purpose. Ichigo and Rias were the last to step out as the rift closed right after them. Soon enough everyone was seated as Ichigo prepared to announce something.

"Well, as you know, tomorrow is the big day, the duel we've all been anticipating, I don't know whom I will be facing. But I want to let you all know, that I'm proud of you guys, in the 10 weeks we've been together, you have shown me your determination, your resolve, your drive to carry forward. All of you have grown far stronger than you were previously that if I wasn't there to see it, I might not have believed it. So, carry onwards, I hope that you will take my lessons to heart, that only by having the mind, the heart, and will, can one truly surpass their limits. All of you have a great future ahead of you, and regardless of the outcome of the duel, be it defeat or victory, know that I am honored to have met you all." Ichigo nodded his head to them, his words drawing smiles from the crowd.

"Fufu~ such kind words from you. It should be us feeling honored from having learned from someone like you, Ichigo, you have my deepest respect for what you've done for not only me but all of us here." There were voices of agreement following Akeno's words.

"Thanks to you, I have grown stronger as a knight, I promise to become someone that Rias can be proud of, so that I may face the battles she doesn't have to for her." Yuuto had become inspired seeing Ichigo, along with the quality of his character to put his life on the line for the ones he cares about, as a knight, Yuuto felt he should have done the same for his master, after all, he was her sword, what use did he have if he couldn't destroy his master enemies.

"Yuuto…" Rias looked proud of her knight.

"Ichi-nii. Thanks to you, I have become stronger. I will always be grateful to you. So, don't forget about me, even if you become a star, alright." Koneko cutely said as she revealed her cat ears for him, a sight that shocked all those present.

"Koneko!" Rias exclaimed, seeing her Rook accept her true nature in front of everyone.

"Oh my~" Akeno giggled upon seeing such a sight.

"Incredible!" Yuuto exclaimed.

Ichigo for his part, felt his expression soften. It would appear the young nekoshou had finally learn to accept her true nature, though slowly, she would eventually grow into fine woman, and a stronger person.

"Thank you all, I will keep your words in my heart."

It was at that point, that Rias made her voice known.

"Ichigo, as king of this peerage, I thank you for all that you've done for us. Setting aside our relationship, I hope that you will come to see us as people you can rely on when you need them the most, and we will be at your side." Rias made this promise as the heiress of Gremory, a pillar of the 72 houses.

Accepting her words, Ichigo smiled at her in clear gratitude.

"It would be best I be off now, my family is probably waiting for me, what with the excuse I gave them about going on a trip with you guys." Ichigo said as he moved to get up.

"Of course, its time to get some rest, wouldn't want to be too tired for the duel tomorrow." Rias nodded.

Yes, though I assume it will be you coming to pick me up." Ichigo asked, though he was the one to declare the duel, the devils were the ones hosting it, he had yet to receive the time of date it will be held.

"Ah, that reminds me, I had just received a message from my family, a letter to be directly given to you." Rias said as she summoned a letter on her hand.

"Do you know what it's about?" Ichigo questioned.

"No clue, I haven't been informed of anything, probably because it's the day before the duel and they are only just now informing us after much planning." Rias guessed.

"Hmm, I see." It was at that point that Ichigo ripped open the envelope as he pulled out a letter with neat handwriting and began reading.

"Dear, Ichigo Kurosaki, wielder of the Boosted gear and current Red dragon Emperor.

I am formally inviting you to attend the banquet that is to be held at tomorrow evening within the great halls of the house of Gremory. Lord Zeoticus Gemory, current head of house Gremory opens his doors to host the relevant parties involved in the duel for his daughters' hand, Rias Gremory, heiress to house Gremory. After which the duel will be held within the game field dedicated to rating games.

It is with great honor that I inform to you that your opponent, chosen champion of House Phenex, will be the Lord of house Belial, the Champion of the Rating Game, The Emperor, Diehauser Belial.

We look forward to your participation.

Sincerely, Sirzechs Lucifer."

It was as those last few words left his mouth that Ichigo suddenly felt the shift in the room, the once confident expressions on everyones faces petrified in horror as silence settled in the room.

"T-the Emperor…" Yuuto gasped.

"No way, why would he-" Akeno face looked pale.

"…" Konekp shrunk in on herself, trying to make herself small as much as possible.

"Diehauser…" Rias breathed that name out, her face pale. After all, any devil, young or old, knew that name to belong to the title holder of Emperor, the champion of the rating game, the strongest devil bar the 4 Satans. unrivaled amongst his peers having held unto his number 1 rank since the beginning of the rating games existence.

A devil like that was to be Ichigo's opponent?

Rias confident expression in Ichigo's absolute victoy began to waver briefly upon the legend that was Dieusaer belial.

Though soon a firm hand clasped her shoulder making her stare up into those determined eyes of her love.

"Rest well Rias, I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, I should probably prepare a suit shouldn't I, don't want to make a bad first impression with your family after all." With that Ichigo went to leave the room.

Rias wanted to say something as she watched him leave but, seeing his unwavering gaze, the doubt that had settled in her heart momentarily, waned as she realized just who her Ichigo was.

"If its him, everything will be alright." Her confidence renewed itself.

A duel of legends.

One of the past era, the other of the current.

A battle of titans.

Only one will come out on top.

---

"Diehauser Belial"

Ichigo ruminated over that name, his vast memory trying to put a face to the name, but no matter how much he thought over it, the name was unfamiliar to him. Well one thing for certain was that the guy wasn't around during his era. After all, he had personally gone down to exterminate the devil's population, he had faced everything the underworld had to throw at him. Even those of the house Belial, he remembered killing a couple of them too.

"The power of "worthlessness." Now that had been annoying to deal with. Well that was until he started using his primordial energy. The Belial's power to nullify all abilities and artifacts didn't quite extent into the things they couldn't understand or surpass. Well, he didn't quite have that advantage at the moment with it currently sealed, and he didn't want to quite reveal his true identity in the middle of enemy territory. No, if he were to take the attempt at ascendency he had to do it somewhere that could keep him safe.

More preparation for later.

"Hmm, I wonder if they remember what I used to look like, well, I do look slightly younger but, I don't quite think it's to the extent where they can't link my image with who I once was." That would be another problem, though he didn't quite feel the need to worry so much about it. As long as he didn't bring out Tensa Zangetsu or used any of his signature moves, they would only see a passing resemblance. After all, who doesn't have a body double nowadays somewhere out there, and to devils, humans all look the same to them anyways.

Plus, the passage of time has probably dulled them a bit, hopefully.

---

It didn't take long for tomorrow to arrive, and with it the banquet he had been invited to.

Looking himself in the mirror, Ichigo inspected himself as he looked at the suit he had prepared.

Black dress shirt, Black vest, black dress pants, and black dress shoes. A red tie with a black dragon design emblazoned on it, and a crimson trench coat draped over him. The necklace that Bronya had given him was hidden away by a concealment spell. His hair had been swept back, giving him a more refined look.

Flashing a smile, Ichigo seemed satisfied with himself.

Alright it should be sometime soon. Though the letter had given him the time and place with a teleportation spell. Ichigo had decided to go along with Rias, since it would be good to show his standing if he were to participate, to let them know just who she belonged to.

With that Ichigo bade farewell to his family, under the excuse that he was going out on a date with Rias for the evening, after all, no need to tell them that he was actually about to walk into the underworld to participate in a death match against one of their strongest warriors.

Yeah, the less they knew the better.

The cool night air relaxed his mind as he thought over all the possibilities, not only would he return to a place he left in ruin, but, he would meet the most powerful figure they had to offer, if by the one who sent him the letter, Sirzechs Lucifer himself, Rias older brother. Ichigo couldn't help but be curious of the man, just how powerful was he to claim the throne of Lucifer. Well, regardless of that, it would best for him to maintain a good relationship with the man, if only for Rias sake.

Arriving at the ORC room, Ichigo knocked on the door before hearing a muted "enter" as he pushed the doors open. Upon passing through, exclaims of surprise and nods approval came as he saw Akeno, Yuuto and Koneko waiting.

"Oh my~ how dashing." Akeno complimented him. As Ichigo turned to face her, he inspected her state of wear. A black traditional Japanese Kimono, white Obi around her waist, her hair was done in a side ponytail with her signature orange bow. She was the personification of a yamato nedeshiko, an idealized Japanese woman.

"Thank you, but if anything, you are like a star in the night. Your dress truly compliments the color of your eyes." Ichigo said as he strode confidently forward, Akeno blushing at his words.

"Fufu~ how guile of you." Akeno giggled.

Turning to Yuuto, Ichigo saw that he was wearing a black suit with a white undershirt. A black bow tie with his blonde hair swept back, his handsome appearance in full display.

"Yuuto, looking good." Ichigo nodded.

"Thank you, Ichigo-senpai." Yuuto nodded back.

Lastly, it was Koneko who was currently seated in one of the couches,

She was a cute little thing, appearing like a doll with that that pink dress and red ribbon around her waist while wearing white flats. The urge to go hug her was there but he resisted in the fear of ruining her dress.

"Adorable." Was all he said as he looked at Koneko who blushed as she munched on her candy.

Anyways as he moved to inspect his surroundings, it was the clear absence of someone that left him wondering. "Where is Rias?" Ichigo asked as he turned to Akeno.

Akeno moved to speak but as she looked behind him, her stunned expression left Ichigo with his answer.

"Looking for someone~" she teased as he moved to face her.

Nothing could have prepared him for what he was going to see as he beheld Rias.

"…"

His words got stuck in his throat as Ichigo saw what she was wearing. For if Akeno exuded refined beauty, and Koneko pure wholesomeness. Then Rias was all sex appeal.

It was a crimson red sequin dress. The sleeveless, backless dress gave more than a generous view of her skin, leaving barely anything to the imagination. The straps that held the slip dress barely covering her cleavage, as they showed off her side, and middle. Going down the spilt-thigh dress revealed her long shapely legs, her fair skin glowing under the light. A pair of ruby glass heels covered her feet. 3 Golden bracelets covered her wrist. A pair of golden necklaces with rubies in the center, one in the shape of a heart, the other a rose, and the last a crescent moon gently rested against her cleavage. A pair of golden earrings with rubies imbedded in them.

Gulp*

Ichigo swallowed the saliva that had formed in his mouth.

"Fufu~ How daring of you~" Akeno brought her hand to her mouth as she couldn't hide the smirk on her face as she beheld her friend wearing something so revealing. Well with the way Rias wore it, it added to her already glamorous beauty, if anything she could be called bewitching in that dress, sexy and the like, but not slutty as Rias aura was to refined and elegant to ever be called that.

Truly a descendant of Gremory.

"Rias, you…" Ichigo tried to form words but nothing could have prepared him for this, and words failed to come out.

"Hmm~ is the mighty Ichigo left so speechless at my appearance?" Rias teased with all the confidence and charm she could muster.

Walking forward with a sway in her step, despite how revealing the dress was, it never strayed to reveal the inner parts, only a shy step away from it but never doing so. Enough to drive the opposite sex up the wall as they watched her every move.

Ichigo never stood a chance.

Deciding that words were meaningless, Ichigo draped his arm around her lower back, while the other placed itself against her hip, pulling her body against his. Looking deep into those mesmerizing eyes, Ichigo breathed in her sweet perfume as he placed his lips against hers. Her hands placed gently against his chest.

"You're beautiful." Was all he could muster to say.

"Only beautiful~" she teased with that alluring glint in her eyes.

Smirking Ichigo lowered his head as he whispered into her ear.

"If we were alone, I'd ravage you this instant." He could see the tips of her ears redden as she suddenly felt flustered by his words.

"Only if you win." Rias declared as she pulled away from him.

"Hoh~ remember no take backs." Ichigo teased.

"Never." Rias smirked.

"Then I'll look forward to it." With that Rias addressed everyone present.

"Alright it is fine time we all left, just remember, keep your heads held high and have fun, from what I've been told, the families are treating this event with a lot of fanfare. It's not always that the great champion gets to move his heavy steps, that and challenge a great figure like the dragon emperor. It will be a battle that will go down in history. So, no pressure." That last part was directed at Ichigo, who only smiled in amusement at her words.

"Let's go." With that everyone disappeared into the teleportation circle.

---

And thats it for part 1

The next chapter will be the duel between Ichigo and Diehauser, I hope that the wait was worth it and that you will continue to enjoy my content. I should have the Chapter 15 out in the next hour or so.

Till then, have a nice day.

Peace.