~ I have added this Fanfic to my Patreon. If you'd like to read advanced chapters, feel free to check it out!
~ I'm planning to increase the number of advanced chapters to +50 this weekend!
~ I've edited some of the previous chapters to remove anything you might consider "cringe" or "unnecessary." I'll continue reviewing them from time to time!
~ Very soon, we'll return to releasing two chapters daily, including bonus privileges for Power Stone contributions!
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Reversing his grip on the demonic sword, Ichigo roared as he plunged the blade backwards. There was a cry of shock as metal severed sinew and crushed through bone.
A moment passed between the two as they stood with their backs to each other. Features twisting feral-like, Ichigo's grip on his blade tightened and he savagely tore the blade out of the Hollow's back.
He stood there, underneath a red sky and silver moon, his breathing strenuous and his shoulders completely slouched. His gaze flittered across the horizon. Devastation and ruin lay as far as the eye can see yet, he couldn't bring himself to care. For the first time, in a very long time, Ichigo felt entirely and wholly free.
Exhaling loudly, Ichigo turned around to see the Hollow spread eagle on the crumbling ground. A crimson blanket pooling beneath it. As both labored in their breathing, gold and ruby locked gazes. Even as their swords had contested their wills, their eyes voiced their souls and, what seemed to be an eternity passed, between the two.
"Zangetsu…"Ichigo breathed out, his brow furrowing.
The Hollow laughed, only to fall into a coughing fit. "Urrghh…Figuered it out did ya? Took you damn well long enou-hurk!" Blood sprayed from its mouth.
"Where is he?" Ichigo asked, near casual.
Zangetsu rolled his head on the floor and Ichigo followed his line of sight to the colossal mutation pawn piece. "He was different. Wasn't shinigami nor was he hollow…don't know where he went…maybe cuz you ain't human anymore…"
Ichigo let the words sink and realization floored him. "Are you saying he was…?"
Zangetsu chuckled, only to be rewarded for his effort with more coughing. "How is that possible?" Ichigo mainly said to himself.
"Hell if I know…but I'll tell you this…the Old Man'd be ridiculously happy if he were here now."
"Because I kicked your ass?"
Zangetsu scowled. "No you jackass! What was the last thing we said to you before we taught you the Final Getsuga Tenshō?"
"…What I want to protect is you Ichigo."
"Your dumbass finally got it…ya finally starting to fight for yourself…" Zangetsu had a massive grin on his face even as his body began to disintegrate. "Try not to get yourself killed now, ya hear?"
"Yeah," Ichigo said, a small smile on his face. "I get you."
"Hmph," and Zangestu faded away.
Ichigo stood still as the remnants of his Zanpakutō swirled about him before slowly settling onto and merging with his new sword. There was a flash of white light and Ichigo let blissful oblivion take him.
"Looks like he's finally starting to come out it," Sirzechs noted as Ichigo's power ceased to flare and began to settle down.
With a wave of his hand, he undid the seal he placed on the young man's body and, almost immediately, Grayfia was by his side. Sirzechs chuckled and joined his wife as he observed Ichigo's eyes begin to flutter. His young pawn, stared at the ceiling for a moment before letting out a groan and putting a hand over his eyes.
His smile widening, Sirzechs asked, "Hey there. How're you feeling?"
Uncovering his eyes, Ichigo's eyes flickered to the red headed Devil, to Grayfia and then back to him. "How long?"
Eyes shimmering in amusement, Sirzechs answered. "Were you out? A little under eleven hours."
Ichigo let out another groan and made to sit up. "There goes my morning financial analytics class." Grayfia put an arm on Ichigo's shoulder to steady him. Sirzechs lightly snorted, "I'm sure you'll manage."
As Ichigo stood up, he fumbled and both Sirzechs and Grayfia reached out to keep him standing. "Easy there," Sirzechs said softly. "Don't overdo it. Your body still needs time to adapt to its new adjustments."
Ichigo fixed his gaze to Grayfia. "Sorry about this," He said with a sheepish smile. "I'm Ichigo Kurosaki by the way."
Grayfia acknowledged him with a nod. "Grayfia Lucifuge, Queen to Sirzechs Lucifer and maid of the Gremory family." Then, with a fleeting smile, she added. "It's of no trouble."
"She's also my wife," Sirzechs sighed as he set Ichigo back on the bed. "Yet she always chooses to forgo that one in her introductions."
Ichigo let out a small laugh but Sirzechs had to force himself not to react as Grayfia sharply stepped on his toes. "Do you remember what I told you about the Peerage system?" The Crimson Lucifer said as he subtly flexed toes.
"Queen is in charge in absence of the King, right?"
Sirzechs dipped his head. "Very good. There will be times where I will be too occupied to personally give out orders. I rely on Grayfia to communicate with the others at times like those. Also, any problems you have can be addressed to her. She will do her best to help you adjust to your new life."
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