A/N:This took me a lot longer than I expected. I had this chapter about halfway done a few months ago. Then life got in the way, I lost my job and I had to drop my writing while looking for a job. Anyway it's finally finished, I'll polish up later, as right now I'm sure I'm just as eager for an update as you all.
That morning had already proven to be out of the ordinary for both Ichigo Kurosaki, and the newly appointed Sister Asia Argento. Ichigo found it strange as you don't always run into such a clumsy person, having found Asia on the brick floor of the park, face down with her peculiar nun habit ridding up enough to expose her panties.
Credit where it's due, she had quickly made sure to secure her modesty as soon as Ichigo had pointed it out, and now onto Asia. This morning was exciting for her, as she had been newly assigned to the Church in Kuoh. However this optimistic excitement brought with it a heaping helping of tangled feet. All leading to the moment where Asia inevitably fell over and dropped her suitcase to boot, her long skirt additionally having flipped over as well. It was such an embarrassing moment for her, but at least now it was over.
Asia's belongings were busting out of her dropped suitcase, the suitcase perhaps too big for her, and likely the cause of her tumble.
"Do you need a hand?"
Ichigo offered a hand to Asia
Who upon looking up at the teenager looming over her, was initially intimidated. After all Ichigo had the look of a delinquent and all the fear factor that came with it, but Asia saw a little more than that. She saw a soft, but sad smile and eyes burdened by tragedy, almost wounded.
Asia took Ichigo's hand and raised herself up with his help.
"I'm okay really"
Ichigo heard this and was relieved that this girl was okay. Her timid mannerisms are reminiscent of Orihime, who carried herself with the same timid grace, and then a gust of wind swept through the park and managed to snag along Asia's wimple, blowing it clear off her head. Unleashing her long blonde hair, and further exposing those emerald green eyes.
For a second Ichigo found himself entranced, studying the girl before him, before his reflexes kicked in and he snagged the wimple from the air, and returned it to Asia.
"Ah thanks"
Asia said to Ichigo who upon remembering that he was in fact still holding her hand released it gently. As he didn't want the girl to fall again.
"Don't mention it, I never could ignore someone who needed help"
Ichigo said with his typical courteous aloofness
"No really, it was very sweet of you to help me. I'm sure not everyone would have been as considerate as you."
Asia replied and then with soft eyes she meekly asked.
"I'm a little bit lost, as you can see, would it be okay to ask for your help once more?"
Ichigo saw as her hands came together and a smile spread across her face. With a tinge of rose upon her cheeks, and he sighed knowing himself fully well enough. He couldn't ignore such an earnest request for help.
-x-
"So are you just passing through?"
Ichigo asked Asia as they walked through the streets of the city, Ichigo had not really expected to be an escort this morning. While Asia was happy to have found help, and cheerfully walked with her suitcase, now held with both hands.
"Oh not at all, as a matter of fact, I have been assigned to serve in the church of this town"
"Oh so that would make you a nun? I've never been too familiar with western religion, but it honestly seems alive and well here in Kuoh"
"I'm so glad I ran into someone kind like you, I guess someone is looking out for me."
"Kind? You're giving me too much credit, I just wouldn't be at peace with you running around, you seem clumsy"
Ichigo said dismissively, and Asia found it funny how hard this young man was deflecting her compliment. Ichigo Kurosaki had a rough exterior, but Asia recognized a diamond when she saw one. Polished or rough.
As both continued their march, a gleam of light caught Ichigo's eyes, it was glare from Asia's silver crucifix, and upon looking at it, Ichigo was washed over with unease and he had to look away.
"Are you feeling well?"
Asia asked with genuine concern in her voice, which only made Ichigo feel worse about the coming lie.
"Yeah, everything is fine"
What the hell was that?
They both stopped as the cries of a little boy just off to the side caught their attention, Asia almost immediately left Ichigo's side. He watched intently as Asia came upon a young boy, who was sitting on the sidewalk, crying.
Ichigo cringed internally as those long gone days of childhood flashed in his eyes, and Tatsuki relentlessly called him a crybaby.
Sister Asia set down her suitcase and knelt close to the boy.
"A big boy like you shouldn't cry over a scratch, don't worry you're going to be fine"
Asia raised both hands hovering just over the scrape on the boy's knee. A green light emanated from them, a soft and gentle glow bathed the area. A ring appearing momentarily on both her middle fingers.
The boy quickly stopped crying, as the scratch on his knee healed, miraculously even.
She healed him?
A sudden but brief pulse of pain shot through the center of his being, it felt almost calling and it went when Asia finished.
"See there is no reason to cry at all, you're just fine"
From her kneeling position, she turned back and looked apologetic to Ichigo.
"All done now, sorry"
And playfully stuck out her tongue, and Ichigo rolled his eyes at her. Still he couldn't help but compare this ability to Orihime's Shun Shun Rikka, but perhaps they weren't alike at all. As he was discovering there was more to the world than the supernatural goings-ons of Karakura town.
-x-
Before long the pair had found their way out of downtown and into a much calmer residential district, if Ichigo remembered correctly the church wasn't much farther.
Asia meanwhile walked quietly, but there was some hints of nervousness.
"You must be surprised"
She said aloud
"No not at all, that's a pretty neat power you have, you remind me of a friend."
"Really, and thank you, I consider it to be a gift and a blessing, truly…"
Asia's sad eyes betrayed that statement
"it's wonderful"
Asia eyes finally see the church, just past the neighborhood, up on the hill.
"Hey, look it's the Church"
She was pointing at it in the distance
"Yeah, that's the church all right, the only one in town."
"Thank goodness I found it, what a relief"
An abrupt but potent chill permeated through Ichigo, taking a hold of him, the church looming menacingly on that hill. His hand, which until now had steadily held his book bag, was shaking like a leaf in the wind.
"I've never been to a church myself, and I haven't really seen anyone up there. It's weird"
Asia turned back to look at Ichigo, who she was very grateful to
"I'd like to properly thank you, would you like to come in with me?"
"I'm sorry, but I'm already very late to school, I should be going"
"Oh okay, it was sweet of you to help me, thank you. I should also get going. My name is Asia Argento"
"I'm Ichigo Kurosaki, and you're welcome."
"Ichigo? Meeting you was a blessing, and it's not one I will forget. I hope we see each other again"
"Yeah, I'll be around"
Ichigo offered her a smile and started to turn, when Asia's voice called out.
"If you're bored or in the neighborhood, feel free to visit, I'm staying at the church"
Ichigo only offered a raised hand as acknowledgment, while walking away.
-x-
Sunlight poured through the many panes of stained glass windows, fine marble made up the walls of the chamber. Rias stood against the multi colored light, as her eyes spied her newest peerage member, who by all accounts was very much late.
"So that's why you were so late, Ichigo, listen carefully, you must never go near the church again. Churches are hostile territory to us devils.
You'll incite fights between God and us devils just by setting foot in there. Surely you could sense something telling you to be careful?"
"So that's what that chill was, when I set eyes on the church, I felt it running down my spine"
"That was your devil instinct telling you danger was near, and being in close proximity to someone affiliated with the church is a risky proposition. Especially since some of the Church's exorcists even wield Sacred Gear. They could really hurt you"
"Rias, I appreciate the concern, but I can handle myself"
"Ichigo I need you to understand something"
The sudden shift in Rias's tone of voice caught Ichigo's attention. It was demanding, and much colder than usual. Rias looked straight at Ichigo and he almost bristled.
"To exorcize a devil means to annihilate him completely, into nothingness. You turn into nothing, you feel nothing. You can do absolutely nothing Do you know what thats like?"
Rias had a deadly look in her eyes, The bluntness of her words beat on Ichigo again and again. Ichigo, who was moments away from protesting, stopped on his tracks. He did know what that was like, and that fire that had ignited was quickly snuffed.
"I understand "
"I apologize for being so upset, I just got a little riled up. Anyhow, be more careful from here on"
-x-
Sitting alone in the club room, Ichigo poured over some assignments, while Akeno entered the room without Ichigo noticing. Ichigo clearly mulling over his talk with Rias.
"So I'm not allowed to make a new friend? Where does she get off chewing me out like that?"
"My my Ichigo, that's not very nice. Rias is only looking out for you, try and understand her ok?"
Ichigo jumped slightly as he had only now noticed Akeno.
"Akeno, you heard that huh? I've never been good at taking orders, but like I told Rias. I understand, it just rubs me the wrong way"
Ichigo said to Akeno over his shoulder, and the Queen would make him regret that choice of words. As she leaned over the backrest of the vintage couch Ichigo was sitting in.
"Who knows, do a good job and maybe I'll rub you the right way"
Ichigo hearing Akeno's sultry voice in his ear, quickly shifted away from her.
"You know that's not what I meant, why are you like this?"
Ichigo asked
"Because it's fun to tease"
Just then the door to the club room opened and Rias stepped into the room. Her sapphire blue eyes quickly zeroed in on Akeno's position and proximity to Ichigo, her eyes rolled.
"Akeno, I thought you had gone home"
"I was actually on my way to find you, Rias we just got a message from the archduke"
"From the Archduke?"
"Apparently there is a stray devil on the loose in this town"
Akeno said to Rias
-x-
A crimson transportation circle inscribed itself upon the forest floor. The foliage and leaf litter scatter as the arcane inscriptions flare to life. From it rose the Gremory peerage and their king Rias.
"This stray used to be a devil servant"
Kiba said to Ichigo, who listened, as he wasn't really up to date with the nomenclature of devils.
"You mean like we are? What makes a devil, a stray?"
Ichigo asked
"Sometimes, devils betray or kill their masters, so they can live doing whatever they please, we call that a stray"
Yuto Kiba continued to explain, but as he did Ichigo's instincts quickly put the young devil on edge. His eyes looked around into the darkness, darting around, finally resting his sight upon a decrepit and abandoned mansion.
"Something is watching us, from that mansion, I don't know what it is but it has me on edge"
Ichigo said aloud, surprising Kiba, but earning a smile from Akeno.
"Good job Ichigo, that's exactly where we are headed"
Akeno chimed in, offering an approving nod of his keen senses.
"You shall see the utter monstrosity that commes from the abuse of demonic power and not having a master"
Kiba added
"Stay sharp in there everyone, and be careful. Ichigo you're with me"
Came in the sharp and commanding voice of Rias
-x-
What had been once a stellar and grandiose mansion, overflowing with decadence now laid to ruin. The high ceiling crumbling, having given out years ago along with the opulent crystal chandeliers, which now were no more than shattered glass littering the mossy stone floor. The damp smell of neglect hung in the air, as the ORC walked into the ancient interiror. The tension laced air they filled their lungs with, had everyone on their toes.
Kiba took the vanguard with Akeno and Koneko covering the flanks, and at the rear stood Rias with Ichigo in tow
"Tell me Ichigo are you familiar with Chess?"
Asked Rias
"The game? I know the pieces and how they move, thats about it"
"That will suffice, devils from the aristocracy assign traits from these pieces to our subordinates, we call those chess pieces "Evil Pieces"
"Wait, what's the point of doing that? Evil pieces?"
"Anyway Ichigo, for now you are to observe how these devils fight. It's became evident that trouble has a way of finding you"
Meanwhile Koneko was alert and on her toes, when a chill ran through her spine. Her eyes looked in that direction, and she locked in.
"She's here"
Came in her monotone
From the pitch just beyond the pale moonlight, a degenerate and ghastly voice called out.
"Oh I can smell something foul and bitter, but also I smell something deliciously sweet. I wonder which one are you? Bitter or sweet?"
Stepping into the light, an aberration, a twisted monstrosity. Something demonic, so demonic it even gave Ichigo pause. This creature looked far more disgusting than the average hollow. A long diplopoda body, with three sets of legs, and sprouting from the front end. The torso of a woman, the remnants of who this abomination used to be.
"Viser you absolute wretch, nefarious being that betrayed her master and ran away. In pursuit of the lustful wants and desires that consume you. For these sins you deserve a thousand hells. In the name of the Marquis of Gremory I will kick your ass!"
Rias declared
"Would you shut up, you impudent little slut. You've always hated me, I know it. Because those breasts of yours will never be as luscious as mine."
The abominations hands came to rest on her exposed breasts, as she sensually fondled them, letting out degenerate moan from her lips. As her nipples became erect, rising through her spread fingers. Arcane markings slowly turned to full fledged magic circles around her nipples, hese circles began to rotate, spinning inrecidly fast. Magic pooled at the center, before it was violently sprayed out, like arcane bullets
The OCR spread out nimbly avoiding the volley, but Ichigo who had instinctively attempted to use Shunpo. Found himself with the unusual feeling of his feet tangled. Still moving enough to avoid the magic bullets, but tripping over his own feet.
"Be careful Ichigo, on your feet"
That was bad, I tripped because I was expecting to move with Flash Step. Learning to move with more steps will suck.
Ichigo quickly got off the floor, while the OCR regrouped by Rias.
"Kiba!"
"On it prez!"
At Rias command Kiba accelerated with a burst of speed.
"I didn't know Kiba was that fast, he was holding back on me"
Rias looked at Ichigo through her peripheral
"Your eyes can follow him? That's good, as you can see Kiba is my Knight, his trait is speed. Much like you, his weapon is a sword"
As those words left her lips, Kiba materialized a blade in his hand, and closed in on the stray. His speed and swordplay proving too great. He tore through several of its arms, letting the severed limbs fall to the ground.
Roaring in pain the stray recoiled away from Kiba, her face and body undergoing a harrowing transformation. The area beneath her torso tearing open, a wide maw filled with razor sharp and misshapen teeth. Its aim is now set on Koneko. Ichigo noticed this and quickly called out.
"Koneko behind you! Watch out!"
That grotesque creature clamped down it's jaws around the small nekomata.
"Don't worry, Koneko is my rook"
From within Viser's monstrous jaws, there was a struggle. Thata massive mouth was fighting to stay shut, as a pair of small hands reached out from within and took hold of the teeth. Grabbing onto them and then with a mighty push forced Viser's body jaws open. Revealing Koneko completely unharmed, except for her uniform which has been digested by Viser's stomach acids. Revealing Koneko's cute yellow bra and panties
"Koneko's trait is unbridled strength, it will take a lot more than that to hurt her "
Came in Rias to ease Ichigo
Then Koneko wound up her fist smacking the stray with full force and sending it up into the air.
"Catch you on the flip side"
One of the strays severed limbs still clung to life, and scuttled quickly towards Rias. Ichigo's eyes immediately followed this movement. And when it lunged at Rias fully intending to shred a chunk of flesh from her.
"Rias look out!"
Ichigo quickly stepped between them, and with a thought called to the sleeping sacred gear. His sword appearing with haste, but it still felt empty to him, with little time to spare, he sliced the arm into bits. Rias turned in time to see Ichigo standing before her like a bulwark, completely defending her from any harm.
"Thanks Ichigo"
"No problem, I moved before I could think twice about it."
"Akeno finish her off"
-x-
The stray devil laid on her side, armless, and now with her body mouth full of broken teeth. A sorry state from the way she was just a few minutes ago. Incorporating itself from the tangled mess she had been on the floor. Her eyes were met with the sight of another devil, long flowing black hair, voluptuous, and a sadistic smile on her face.
"Akeno is my queen, and she has a perfect combination of all pieces, and my right hand woman. She is also really into SM"
As Akeno stood before Viser's broken and pathetic form, that sadistic smile grew into a dark sinister smile. Akeno raised her hands up into the sky, and they sparked with lighting, just a taste. Before the air around commenced to vibrate over and over, atoms soaring around each other and electrons charging. Then a ball of lighting incorporated itself, bursting with power, and destruction.
At her will the stored lighting lunges towards it prey, Viser's muscles seized and convulsed, again and again. Her body shaking uncontrollably. Her screams filled the mansion, and a blush spread across Akeno's face. Who surged even more electric power through the stray.
"You're tough little piggy, but I love the way you squeal!"
Akeno's sensually ran her fingers across her face and down to her navel.
"Is this as good for you? Because I'm feeling so hot right now"
"Akeno that's enough"
"Oh what a shame, done already"
As Akeno relented her assault, Viser crumpled to the ground again, her body still convulsing, and drool spilling from her mouth. Rias approached the beaten stray, who now laid at her feet.
"Any last words? Viser"
"Fuck you, stuck up bitch!"
"Scathing"
Rias said sarcastically before commanding her own demonic power forward, dark and sinister, twisted, and Ichigo was stunned for a moment, that ancient magic coalescing into a bolt around Rias' hand, that deep crimson shadow, it was remarkably similar to his Black Getsuga Tenshoū
In the blink of an eye, Rias had set her dark power upon the stray and vanished it away completely.
"Grear work everyone, Ichigo I hope you learned something watching us in action tonight."
"One question, all this talk about pieces, which one am I?"
"You're a pawn"
"A pawn? Yeah that makes sense"
Ichigo said with a chuckle remembering his entire journey until now, he had been just that a pawn.
"Now typically we'd call it night, but I want you to help Koneko with something. See Ichigo last night she was double booked for a summoning, and I wanted you to take care of one. However awakening the sacred gear seemed to take it out of you. So tonight you must take on two of her summon requests, and if all goes well form some contracts"
-x-
The red light of the summoning circle began to fade away into the dark night, the circle finally gave way and disappeared in the center of the park. An eerie but comfortable silence took hold as Ichigo stepped out of the circle, he looked around for the one who had summoned him.
"Holy shit that worked!'
A small child exclaimed excited, and now Ichigo turned from where he was facing to see this kid.
"When nothing happened last night I was afraid this was all bull"
"First of all brat, you've got a foul mouth"
"You're a devil right? Why do you care"
"I don't brat, secondly this isn't a game, I'm an actual devil. Why did you summon me?"
Ichigo asked quickly growing irritated with the youth before him.
"You see there is these kids in my class, and they have been bullying me for a while and-"
"That's why you summoned a devil, because you're being bullied? Don't make me laugh, you need to stand up for yourself man-"
"Would you just shut up and listen, I don't care if they bully me, but recently they started to go after my little sister too! I'm not strong enough to stop them! I'm not strong enough to protect her, I'm a failure of a big brother"
Ichigo let the silence settle around them, after it had been broken so loudly and earnestly. Here stood a boy, clutching into an action figure, tears in his eyes, wanting nothing more than to protect his sister.
"You got a name brat?"
"It's Kouta"
"Listen up Kouta, I'll take your contract, and I'll teach you to defend yourself, your sister and your friends. However if I find out you use any of what I teach you, to hurt others I'm coming for you. Are we clear?"
Ichigo told the young kid with that same bored and aloof facade he wears, not letting the way this situation affects him show, and how much he identified with him.
"Yes!"
"Okay good, I will teach you how to throw a punch, how to slip one, and most importantly how to not be afraid. Because I can teach you all day, but if you're too scared to use it, then it's all moot"
Meanwhile Ichigo began to instruct Kouta, from a far away distance, two pairs of very interested eyes watched them intently.
"How cute, are you watching Rias?"
"Yeah, isn't it strange? Look at how fired up he is, it's so genuine. Something tells me, there is a lot that we don't know about Ichigo."
"Yeah, he is a mystery, but one I'm sure I'll have fun unraveling"
A lewd smile spread across Akeno's face
"Akeno! You're incorrigible"
The girls kept observing as Ichigo trained Kouta over the next hour. Both Rias and Akeno watched as if it brought them a great deal of joy from how determined Ichigo was and how poorly he hid how much he was enjoying it.
"Come on, you got to put your back into it!"
Ichigo shouted at Kouta who kept throwing the same unskilled punch, but each time Ichigo corrected his form and coached the kid again.
After about an bit Ichigo was satisfied with the kid's progress. Especially when those flimsy punches of his had started to take shape, and as did Kouta's form.
"One last test kid, come at me Kouta, punch me"
Ichigo said to Kouta, but at the same time he released some pressure. The air around grew heavy and dense, a creepy mask of black smoke painted itself across Ichigo's face, his voice reaching out from the dark abyss.
"All you got to do is punch me! Come on!"
The young boy looked at the summoned devil, Ichigo Kurosaki, and was immediately set upon by fear. Kouta could see the visage of a monster a true devil spreading across Ichigo's face. Kouta was afraid he trembled, and staggered.
"Kouta! What are you afraid of? There is only one of me and one of you. Retreat and you will fail, hesitate and you will fail! Kouta!"
Ichigo's words filled the trembling boy with unbridled determination, the determination to protect, to save. This fear, this was primal, and if the kid could just step forward, he'd never hesitate again.
Kouta faced Ichigo, who was only across the park, but looked like he was miles away. He ignored that pit forming in his stomach, and took that first step. Undaunted and unafraid, Kouta put his all into that punch.
Pow
Ichigo caught the punch in his palm, and smiled to himself. He was proud, how unusual it is to feel such a way towards a stranger.
"Nicely done kid, consider that the first lesson."
"Thank you, now for your payment, I suppose you want my soul?"
"No, I want your allowance, your favorite snack and one of your manga. Ok?"
"Yes sir, here is my allowance, and I'll be right back with the rest!"
-x-
Hurried footsteps filled the silence of the cool evening, Ichigo Kurosaki was currently sprinting, trying to make a good time for his next request. He held in his hand the paper seal, which should have allowed him to use the summon circle, but for whatever reason, it hadn't allowed him to.
What a piece of junk, stopped working right away! At least I secured a pact with that brat.
It's not long before coming across the address which he needed to report to, a plain home in a plain neighborhood. No different than his own back in Karakura.
I wonder if anyone summons demons back home. After all this is a modern home, so who knows.
He stopped for a moment, and fixed his Kuoh academy uniform, before reaching for the front door's doorknob. Finding it to be open, which filled him with a sense of unease.
It was open? That's weird
The inside of the home was obfuscated completely, even for his devil eyes. Except for the soft orange light peeking from a door left ajar, Ichigo set a foot inside, and felt a chill down his spine.
What was that? My devil instinct?
Quietly he approached the door
"I'm the devil you requested, sent by Lady Gremory"
No answer came from the room, so he proceeded, and now there was no denying it. The air in the room was filled with tension, it had his hair on end. His foot landed on a warm and wet pool, immediately prompting a reaction.
"This is blood, what the hell is going on here!"
His eyes quickly followed the spilled crimson, all over the wooden floor and caked onto the rug. What he saw next to the coffee table made his blood run cold. His eyes widened as he took in the grotesque sight before him. A body torn apart and its insides spilling out onto the floor. The remnants of a summoning circle etched beneath the gore, the very same used to summon devils, if that was the contractor, then what happened?
A chill ran down his spine and Ichigo was quick to summon out his so-called sacred gear. Taking the form of his Tensa Zangetsu, the sword that once was an extension of his soul, now felt cold and distant. No trace left of The Old Man or White. However as he held onto the inert sacred gear, a voice, deep from within him crawled at the edges of his mind. Faint but growing louder coaxing him.
You can feel it can't you? Ichigo ignore that piece of junk.
The voice whispered seductively
The real power is inside you, you haven't forgotten me! Give in!
Ichigo shook his head attempting to push out the voice, but it stubbornly lingered. His eyes quickly scanned the room, and focused on a figure lounging on a bloodstained couch. A silver haired man in a torn priest coat, with blood smeared hands. A deranged twisted grin on his face.
"It is the duty of priests to punish the wicked. I'm quoting holy scripture here. Well well, if isn't a devil with a fancy sword, my name is Freed Sellzen"
The young man introduced himself as he stood lazily from where he was resting on the couch.
"I'm a young priest who is part of a certain exorcist organization"
Ichigo narrowed his eyes at the priest as the pressure grew on his chest. The voice again creeped into his mind from the darkness. Sweet and silky, but laced with venom.
You can end him in an instant just one stroke from that useless blade! Give in to me! That lazy piece of junk won't help you!
"Shut up, I don't need it" Ichigo muttered to himself under his breath. Not wanting his mind to be clouded in such a dangerous moment
"How can you call yourself a priest, after doing something like this"
Ichigo retorted while looking to the bloody mess on the floor
"Well I'm certainly no piece of shit devil like yourself. That thing stopped being human when it started to depend on devils"
Freed stopped and studied Ichigo's face, almost as if reading the inner turmoil slipping out. His rage, disgust, and conflict.
"You look distracted devil, what's the matter, can't stomach a little blood. What a pathetic pussy!" Freed said with a maniacal laugh, almost as if reading the conflict ok Ichigo's face
With a flick of Freed's wrist he produced a hilt that ignited into a sword of light. The crackling blade hummed with holy energy
"You better focus now, if not then being distracted will be the least of your worries. I'll carve out your fucking heart!"
Freed lunged forward with explosive movement, the blade of light slicing swiftly through the air with deadly precision. Ichigo raised the sacred gear just in time to block. The force of the blow sent a jolt through his arm. Ichigo felt the hollow resonance of Sacred Gear, whatever power laid within was dormant.
You're pathetic, why fight it? You could end this so easily. Let go!
Ichigo shook his head to force away that tempting voice, taking a hold of his battle heightened mind.
Freed seized the opportunity and lunged forward again.
"So sloppy!"
Freed swung his sword in a small but deadly arc, giving Ichigo little time to parry with his own sword. The air cracked with energy.
Why do you resist? You can feel it, the dark power coursing through your soul! Accept it!
Ichigo grit his teeth, as Freed pressed on the assault, he was relentless, Ichigo blocked again and again. Wild and unpredictable strikes made it difficult for Ichigo to find an opening for a counterattack.
I got it
But just as he was about to counter, Freed smirked and reached into his robe. A split second later, he whipped out a gun—a blessed firearm, glowing faintly with holy energy. Before Ichigo could react, the gun went off with a sharp crack.
The bullet pierced into Ichigo's side, burning through his flesh with a searing pain. He stumbled, the breath knocked out of him as he clutched his bleeding wound. His vision swam, and for a moment, he staggered backward, barely able to keep his footing.
"An exorcists golden bullet, you like? I wanted to use this gun to score a fabulous headshot, but you're a little too good with a sword, you punk ass devil"
As Ichigo hit the ground, only for a moment that deep and tempting darkness took hold, as a deep and guttural growl escaped his lips. Dark tendrils swirled around for a moment and disappeared as he regained composure.
"How demonic, where was all that hiding? What have you done? Leaving a gentleman such as myself half cocked. How shameful of you"
Freed approached Ichigo with a sadistic smile on his face
"I bet I will get more pieces out of you than that other guy, a new record scumbag!"
A terrified scream filled the room, stopping Freed on his tracks as he looked back, Ichigo too focused on the source of the scream
"Oh if it isn't my precious assistant, is the barrier set up Asia?"
-x-
As Asia returned to Freed Sellzen after finishing to set up the barrier, as instructed.Her wide open innocent eyes immediately locking onto the gruesome scene. The sight of Freed's victim, a pool of blood, torn limbs, and lifeless remains made her freeze in place. Her face paled instantly, the color draining as her soft, emerald eyes shimmered with disbelief. She raised a trembling hand to her mouth, her horrified scream escaping her lips all the same.
"What the hell? Asia what are you doing here, did you finish set up the barrier"
"This is…"
Her brows furrowed in horror, tears welling up as her breathing became uneven. The sight was too much for her pure-hearted nature to bear, and her knees threatened to give way. She squeezed her eyes shut, unable to fully process the atrocity before her, the image of the victim burned into her mind.
"Oh right I forget you're a beginner"
Freed's deranged voice crawled into Asia's ears, sending a chill all along her skin.
"This is what we do, we kill off worthless people bewitched by the devils"
"There is no way!!"
Shifting her gaze away from that morbid and grotesque scene, she saw Ichigo lying on the ground, clutching his side where blood pooled beneath him, her breath hitched in her throat. Her emerald eyes widened in terror as they took in the sight of the person who had helped her, now broken and bleeding.
"Ichigo?"
"Asia"
"What? Aren't you popular,Asia, do you know this devil?"
"Why are you here…? You can't be here"
"I'm a devil Asia"
Ichigo confessed as he tried to regain his footing, but was unable to. His side burning too much.
"You're a devil?"
Asia's voice shaking as much as she was.
"I wasn't trying to fool you"
Ichigo continued
"That's why I found it best if we never met again"
"No…"
Asia spoke softly still frozen in place
"Unfortunately, Asia devils and humans aren't compatible. Especially because we rely on the Fallen Angels for our protection."
Fallen Angels?
Ichigo thought as he watched Freed approach him.
Freed approached slowly and methodically, savoring every step. He flourished the holy blade, it hummed as it sliced through the air.
"I hope you've said your prayers scumbag, not that it matters. Here I come!"
Asia's heart pounded in her chest as she watched Freed about to land a finishing blow on an injured Ichigo. Without thinking, her body moved on its own. She threw herself between them, arms spread wide, her small frame trembling but determined. Her emerald eyes were filled with tears, but there was a fierce resolve behind them. The fear that gripped her moments ago had been replaced by a desperate need to protect Ichigo, the only person who had shown her kindness in this cruel world.
"Please, don't I beg you for mercy, forgive this man his sins father" Asia's voice trembled, but her stance remained firm, her arms firmly outstretched.
"Couldn't we just let him go!" She stared up at Freed, her tear-streaked face pleading for mercy, though deep down she knew his cruelty had no bounds. Her body shook with fear, but she refused to move. Even as Freed's sadistic gaze bore down on her, Asia didn't waver. She would protect her friend.
"That thing isn't a man, its a devil, and you made pledge to eliminate our enemies"
"It doesn't matter to me what he is! There is goodness in him, I know it! You can't just kill him, how can you actually think the father would approve!"
"Don't give me that bullshit!"
Freed's face contorted again with rage and frustration, his blade sliced and tore through the fabric of Asia's dress. Ripping the chest of her dress to shreds, exposing her plain but cute white bra. Only for it to be shred as well, and a hysteric scream to escape her lips.
Asia's small but perky breast bounced slightly as the brassiere holding them back was no more. Exposing her proud rosy nipples to the world, to Freed. The candlelight is nothing but a soft sheen of light across her supple and smooth thighs. The young nun wasted no time covering herself as best she could. Trying to save what was left of her modesty if any at all.
"Don't you dare touch her!"
Ichigo again rose to his feet, but staggered backward to the ground. That blessed bullet is still doing a number on his side, leaving him helpless. Again that voice chewed away at his control
"But you're not, are you? Take a hold, tear him to shreds!"
That voice growled at Ichigo
Meanwhile Freed lost his composure with Asia's actions, already choosing to humiliate her.
"Have you lost your fucking mind!"
Freed stalked towards her
"Are there maggots inside that stupid head of yours?" Freed takes Asia by the chin and pulls her face towards his. Looking at her with nothing but contempt and disgust in his eyes.
"Let her go!"
Ichigo shouts
"Lady Raynare says I'm not supposed to hurt you, but I don't give a damn about that now."
Freed pulls Asia by the chin and slams her against the wall. Swiftly pinning both of her arms above her, by stabbing his sword through the sleeves of her now torn dress.
Leaning close to her face Freed taunts Asia
"You know what happens to naughty girls right!"
Freed shouted as he took hold of Asia's right breast and gave it a firm squeeze, while Asia did her best to resist and get away.
"After all, why shouldn't an upstanding priest do what he wants with a filthy tramp like you" Freed said to Asia as he used the tip of his pistol to lift up her dress. Running the barrel along her panties slowly and methodically rubbing it against her.
"That's not so wrong is it?" He asked again, fondling her perky breast.
"Get up! You punk! Aren't you seeing this? Gonna let her die like mommy? You can feel it, Ichigo, you want it. You want to punish this sinner for tainting her skin with his filthy touch!"
Ichigo was pulled away from this horrible situation for just a moment, a flash. His body floated in the void, looking around, his inner world was light-years away from him. Out of reach, but that voice he'd been hearing, here it was.
Ichigo turned to face it, a familiar construct. A giant skull staring right at him, a Kushunada.
The Kushunada's impossibly large maw opened up, threatening to swallow Ichigo whole. In a flash the jaws shut, and Ichigo was back.
Back to this moment, as he watched Freed assault Asia, the voice was no more. It was a will now, an ancient power, dripping off him. Dark tendrils spiraling from his aura, he had only felt something like this once before.
Without missing a beat Ichigo swiftly rose to his feet and turned to see Freed.
A dark tendril suddenly latched onto Freed's offending hand. Squeezing tight
"I told you, don't you fucking touch her!"
Ichigo bellowed out his voice booming with righteous fury. With just a thought, Freed was yanked away from Asia, dragged across the pile of gore like a rag doll. For the first time that crazed grin on Freed's face faltered upon seeing the fury of hell in Ichigo's eyes.
The air crackled with energy as Ichigo closed the distance, his fist coated in ominous energy, rocketed forward and collided with Freed's face. The sheer force of the blow shattered Freed's grin and snapped his head back as the impact echoed like a thunderclap. Blood sprayed from Freed's nose and mouth as he was sent tumbling across the room.
Whatever power had surged through Ichigo had completely floored him. His body ached and he felt heavy. Ichigo tumbled backwards. As this happened Freed Sellzen slowly but surely rose to his feet. He looked worse for wear, blood dripping from his nose, lips busted open.
"I have no idea what that was, but I have to admit. I'm impressed, devil scum. I'm gonna set a new record with how many times I'll cut you up!"
Freed lunged forward again, ready to cut down Ichigo. Ichigo instinctively tried to raise his weapon, but the sacred gear had disappeared and it refused to be summoned.
A red magic circle appeared in thin air and forced Ichigo backwards, from it Kiba rushed forward and blocked Freed's attack with a sword of his own.
"Kiba"
"Ichigo, thought you could use a hand-"
Kiba spied the nearly deformed face of the exorcist
"But it looks like you did pretty good."
Akeno followed quickly stepping out of the portal
"Oh gross, what a disgusting mess"
Koneko followed and spoke with that all too familiar monotone.
"An exorcist"
Freed continued to leak even as he kept wiping it away. The numbers were not working in his favor.
Oh shit this isn't good, gotta call for backup
"I'm sorry but it's over, you're done here. He is one of us."
Kiba spoke at Freed, while Ichigo incorporated himself
"Took you all long enough"
Ichigo said with a pained laugh
"Don't be, I live to kill filthy devils. So what he pitches and you catch pretty boy? I can see why you like it, he's quite rough."
"For a priest you have a filthy mouth"
"Oh get off it, prude, stop talking and let's get to killing!"
Freed cut in
Akeno raised an eyebrow and smirked
"My my you're a piece of work aren't you?"
She said with a telling smile spreading across her face. That sadistic glint settling into her eyes.
Freed looking at this felt his body squirm under that look.
"And you my dear are a hot piece of ass. There is nothing I lust after more than a sexy devil bitch!"
As those words left his mouth Freed's eyes widened as a dark red bolt of energy collided into him
"If you want it come and get some, but I really don't think you can handle it"
Rias stormed forward, stepping in front of Ichigo protectively. "It seems you have been messing with my servant. No one hurts one of my servants and gets away with it"
"Rias"
Freed took a step back feeling the odds definitely stacked against him.
"Oh are you the real deal? Don't get ahead of yourself dear, I'm sure I already hurt him."
Rias smirked at his provocation as she could clearly see the damaged state of the exorcist face. Clearly Ichigo had done more than stand his ground.
Rias looked back at Ichigo through her peripheral and then approached him, kneeling down to inspect the extent of his injuries.
"You've looked better"
"Yeah"
"Are you alright, why didn't you call us?"
"I'm okay Rias, I'm sorry I really thought I had it. I've never been good at asking for help."
"I'm sorry too, I sent you into the jaws of a stray exorcist without knowing. There was a barrier in place until recently"
Upon hearing this Freed looked away from the devils and focused on Asia who laid on the floor covering her modesty.
"What are you doing you bitch?!"
He began to stomp her body "you're supposed to keep up the barrier"
Asia pained cries filled the room and reached Ichigo's ears. Causing a flare of that Hellish energy to course through him again, for a moment. The dark aura flashed to life faintly.
"DON'T YOU FUCKING TOUCH HER!"
Whatever rush had come to him had left and Ichigo collapsed again.
Both Rias' and Akeno's eyes shifted to Ichigo, upon feeling that dark surge of power in him. It shook them for a moment.
"It's my policy to show no mercy to anyone who hurts my servants. Especially not vulgar wretches like you prey on the weak."
Before Rias could advance further Koneko ears perked up as she picked up a dangerous scent.
"Multiple fallen angels incoming"
Freed smirk slowly returned.
"It's about time!"
Rias, thinking fast, commended Akeno.
"Akeno quickly get ready to jump"
"Understood"
Was her response, Rias then looked at Koneko
"Koneko secure Ichigo"
As Rias directed her peerage Kiba remained at the vanguard. Covering their retreat, while Koneko used her deceptive strength to heft a large dresser that was in the living room, and tossed it straight at Freed.
Ichigo regained his footing, but soon thereafter he found himself tightly secured by Koneko.
Akeno finished the preparations and a red arcane circle spread out beneath the OCR. It's red glow illuminates the room, the magic humming to life, as the circle spun.
"Rias! Wait, we can't leave Asia!"
Rias turned to see Ichigo who was struggling against Koneko's grip. Rias spotted the strain on the Rook's face.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, only members of my household can jump using this circle"
Rias explained her voice cold and calculated, her sapphire eyes reflected the many pragmatic decisions made with a King's wisdom.
"To hell with that! Let me go! Asia! I'm not leaving her here!"
"President"
Koneko's strained monotone reached out to Rias, who understood with just a look.
"Ichigo, it's okay, I'll see you again. I promise"
Asia said to him through tear stained eyes, as the magic circle completed its purpose, and just like that the OCR was gone.