DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything. Please enjoy.

Ichigo let out a tired sigh as his train raced down the tracks towards his destination. His mind slowly reflected on his life since he defeated Aizen. Within hours of using the Final Getsuga Tensho his spiritual powers evaporated, and in his mind almost every relationship he had in his life did the same just as fast. He found it painful that he didn't need all ten fingers to count those who he was still close to.

One hand was dedicated to the Shoten. Urahara Kisuke, owner of the Shoten and Ichigo's first mentor. The man was absolutely livid with Ichigo's father despite hiding it behind his carefree facade. Often he opened his shop to allow Ichigo a place to study or train his physical body as being home was simply too much to bare. He never allowed Ichigo to dwell too much in sadness either by throwing witty barbs at the young man or simply bopping him on the head with his fan to pull a reaction.

Shihoin Yoruichi, or his perverted mentor, had nearly gone on a one woman crusade to beat down everyone she felt had betrayed her prized student. She was probably the person who was closest to him in the world at the time. She had basically abducted him one day and forced him to tell her his entire history in dealing with the Spiritual World from his own perspective, starting the day his mother had died. She held him gently as he broke down at the end and helped him move past all of the harsh realities he had lived through, losing his mother and actually dying being the most traumatic of them.

Tsukabishi Tessai, Tsumugiya Ururu, and Hanakari Jinta gave him a new sort of family, Ururu and Jinta as siblings and Tessai as a studious uncle. While the kids gave him a way to continue being an older brother, the former Kido Commander not only caught Ichigo up on any studies he may have been behind on, but also catapulted him far ahead in his education.

The only ones from Soul Society that kept in contact with Ichigo were the Shiba siblings Kukaku and Ganju with thanks to Yoruichi willingly playing messenger. The three got along well and a few times when the siblings visited the world of the living they were the best at getting the former Shinigami to relax and actually participate in activities like drinking. Ichigo's only real annoyance was Kukaku and Yoruichi teasing him.

In the living world only Arisawa Tatsuki hadn't drifted away from him. The young woman broke her friendships with the others upon seeing them leave Ichigo behind. When he tried to protest she simply punched him in the stomach and berated him. The two rekindled their friendship and became workout buddies.

Ichigo reflected on the past few years and while he felt saddened for a time about those that had left him behind, he felt truly happy with the relationships of those who had stuck with him. Longing crept into his heart as his train journey further away from Karakura Town. It would be a while before he would get to visit those remaining friends.

XXFlash BackXX

Ichigo walked into the Shoten feeling annoyingly nervous. He had been feeling this way over the past week as he was expecting a lot of letters. He had sent out a number of early applications for both College and Scholarships in order to make his decision for his future, and he had expected to start seeing responses the previous week.

Coming into the main sitting room he found the three adult occupants of the Shoten sitting at the table, two looking serious and one with his face hidden by a fan as usual. Yoruichi motioned for him to sit with them as Kisuke and Tessai set a number of envelopes on the table.

"Ichigo, what we have here are replies to all of your College and Scholarships," the Goddess of Flash suppressed a chuckle at seeing the boy's body tense a little bit, "Relax, I'm sure you'll have a lot of positive answers, Kisuke had me steal all of your mail so we could go through it all at once."

"Was that really necessary?"

"But of course Kurasaki-kun!" the amusement in the shop keeper's eyes was like a million watt bulb, "I didn't want you sulking if you got rejection after rejection, or to make a rushed decision if you were to get accepted anywhere."

"Boss," Tessai gave a chop to the blonde's head, "Ichigo-dono will not have any rejections."

"It's alright Tessai," Ichigo felt a little more relaxed watching the three, "I can understand where he is coming from."

"Right! Enough waiting around let's get started," Yoruichi slid all of the letters to the teen and then placed down to small boxes, "Positive news in this one, and negative in this. Then we'll sort the positive and you can make your choice or at least start to think about it."

Ichigo simply nodded before separating the letters between Colleges and Scholarships and started with the latter, wanting to see what his funds, if any, would look like before getting his heart set on a school out of his price range.

And so it went, letter by letter, Ichigo's excitement growing as positive news far outstripped anything negative. While not every Scholarship that had accepted the hard work he had shown put him in first place for the full amount he offered, making second or third was still getting him some money. All together he felt comfortable that if he could pick up a part time job while at some of the Schools he could probably go anywhere he had applied to.

All three adults favored him with looks of pride as he placed the final Scholarship letter in the accepted box. Then with a quick glare at the offending letters and a muttered Kido, Yoruichi set the rejections ablaze. After a brief chuckle a look of trepidation crossed Ichigo's features as he looked down to the remaining five letters.

"Kuraski-kun," Urahara's voice was calm and reassuring, "While I doubt any school would not have accepted you, I will remind you that you still have time."

"I know, just feeling a little nervous," steeling his resolve he picked up the first letter from Kuoh Academy College Division, "But you're right, and besides, to hesitate is to die."

Opening and reading the letter had it set into the accepted box. It was soon joined by the second, then the third, then fourth. Finally Ichigo picked up the letter from the school he personally favored. The Kyoto University envelope was opened just as carefully as any other letter but still Ichigo felt his breath still as he pulled the papers out. This School not only had the hardest entrance exam, but was the most expensive.

His face registered his shock as he read through the letter. To the Shinigami sitting across from him it was both amusing and a little worrying watching his normally scowling face became blank with only his eyes widening. Finally he set the letter down and composed his thoughts.

"Accepted," sighs of relief and happy cheers sounded from the other three, "I had the third highest score on the exam."

"Is that why my prized student is so stunned?" Yoruichi couldn't help but chortle at him, "I guess Tessai was able to stick a lot on knowledge into that head of yours."

"No it's," he paused looking down at the letter again, "They offered a full ride, Room and Board plus it says they will match the value of any Scholarship I become ineligible for because of it."

Congratulations and well wishes were quickly shared and a sad smile made its way to his face. He quietly admitted to feeling sad at leaving the people he had come to treasure. The Shoten had become an important place to him with the people that inhabited it, plus Tatsuki was going to take some time off from school before going herself. Overall his communication with the Shibas would be a little bit harder but he also wouldn't get to see them if they came to visit.

Yoruichi was quick to reassure him about his ability to visit during breaks and other ways to stay in contact. Kisuke just kept his face hidden while Tessai avoided Ichigo's gaze altogether. A little cheered though suspicious of the blonde, Ichigo stood deciding to go talk to his remaining human friend immediately.

His conversation with the girl was filled with laughs and threats. Upon hearing the news the tomboy jumped up and pulled him into a hug with congratulations. Tatsuki then promised to break his legs if he didn't keep in contact with her.

"And who knows, maybe when I apply to some schools in a year I'll grace you with my presence," a cocky grin worked onto her face, "If a bone head like you can get in then I shouldn't have any problems right?"

His only response was to scowl for a moment causing her to laugh. She was silenced when he pulled her into another quick hug drawing a small blush from her at his abnormal behavior. The two spent the afternoon together before he left her at her house to go start packing for his move.

XXFlash Back EndXX

A tone broke the orange haired eighteen year old from his thoughts. Picking up his bag he made his way off the train. Overhead he heard the prerecorded voice announce his destination, 'Welcome to Kyoto'. With a small sigh and a deep breath of the crisp night air, Ichigo strode forward towards his new life.

A short walk later and Ichigo found himself outside of the hotel he was staying in for the night. The building he would be staying in for school wouldn't be open for a few more days but he had wanted to get acquainted with the area a bit before classes began.

The moon shone bright in the sky and his hands slipped into his pockets. He glanced around as his normal scowl slipped onto his face. It was a little colder than he would have liked but he still found the urban area he was staying rather beautiful.

Several temples were visible and within walking distance and he could hear celebrations from a festival going on in the same direction. With a turn of his head he could also see paths leading towards a forest. His school was off in the opposite direction through what would surely be a bustling suburb through a normal day.

Wanting to burn some energy from his restless legs he checked in and stored his belongings before returning to the front of the hotel and began to simply walk, following a path that would straddle the forest until he reached one of the temple areas.

In his pockets, fingers traced the edges of a lighter and a pack of special cigarettes made by Hat-and-clogs. The faux tobacco in them was actually good for the lungs and had a refreshing mint flavor. Originally it was just for Yoruichi for the rare occasion she would indulge and join Kukaku, but she had managed to accidentally pass the habit onto her favorite student. As he was about to cave and pull one out a sound from the forest caught his attention.

His eyes narrowed, scowl deepening as he stopped walking and listened intently. The sound became a little more clear as he focused and he could faintly make out shouting, and worried that someone needed help he was quick to hop the guardrail and dash into the forest.

XXScene BreakXX

Kunou sprinted through the forest as fast as her young legs could carry her. Fear filled her heart that only minutes ago had been filled with joy and a little touch of sadness. Her mother had not been able to join her for the festival but she had still been having a lot of fun. Suddenly her guards had stopped trying to be funny and gone silent before leading her towards the forest.

As soon as they passed a few yards into the forest both of the disguised Tengu fell to the ground, and several men dressed in black stereotypical ninja outfits landed around her. Knowing instantly that she couldn't remain there she lashed out with her Fox Fire scattering all but one who was caught ablaze and started screaming.

Not wasting the opportunity Kunou took off running further into the forest. She didn't know where she was going, but she did know she had to get away. She hadn't made it to far though when her foot met a tree root and she fell hard to the ground. Trying to get up she yelped in pain and sank to her hands and knees as her ankle screamed in agony.

The young girl let out a whimper as she heard one of her pursuers walking up behind her. She turned around and watched as he came closer to her not hesitating despite the continued screams of his comrade only yards away. When he finally reached a hand out to grab her both he and she were surprised when a foot connected with the side of his face and he was kicked away.

Kunou stared at the human now standing before her and felt her breath catch. He stood tall at about six foot. His hair was orange, reminding her of the warm rays of the sun as it began to crest over the horizon. His face was angular and deep brown eyes were set in a scowl that pinned her attacker with their intensity. His clothes were rather ordinary but hid the details of his body, a green coat with a fur lined hood, black jeans and regular street shoes.

The man in front of her only took a moment to glance at her injured form before he quickly scooped her into his arms and took off running. Surprise filled her for a moment before her fear returned, she did not know this person and while he may have just defended her it didn't truly tell his intent.

"It will be alright," Kunou was broken from her rapid thoughts at those gentle words, "We'll hide away and you can call someone you know for help, I'm sure you're not comfortable with me, but I can't leave you to whoever those guys were." His words were gentle as though he felt the need to try and calm her racing emotions, and with the protective look in his eyes the young girl decided to place her trust in him.

"We thank you for rescuing Us," the man didn't even hesitate to continue running as she spoke up, "We agree to your terms. Once We are in a safe place We will make contact with our home." A soft grunt was her only response as her rescuer focused on running through the forest without falling himself, their pursuers not being within sight for the time being.

For twenty minutes Ichigo ran, slowing only once to carefully carry the little girl in his arms over the guardrail on the outskirts of the forest. Once back on the familiar path it only took a few moments to reach the side entrance of his hotel. Luckily people were either at the festival or asleep by this time of night. During the whole time Kunou focused on trying to read the man's aura, it was clear from how he firmly yet gently held her that this sort of thing must have happened before.

His arms surrounded her, making her feel safe, both in a physical sense as well as a comforting one. She could tell that he was a good person and easily decided that she would convince her mother to give him great rewards. When they reached the door to his room she followed his instructions and pulled a small plastic card out of his coat pocket and used it to grant them access.

Ichigo immediately moved and gently set the girl down on his bed, then hand slipping into his pocket he pulled his phone out and handed it to her before turning to go into the bathroom. The girl looked at the device quizzically before calling out to her savior.

"Will you honor Us with your name?" placing the device he had given her down she prepared a little of her magic in order to send a communication spell to her mother, "You may address Us as Kunou-hime of Kyoto."

"Kurosaki Ichigo," the former Shinigami proved he was still adaptable to situations by only pausing for a moment as he returned with a damp cloth and some bandages, "Let me see your ankle. Are you a spirit?"

Kunou pondered the question, for it was strange to her but gave her information that this was not a normal human, or at least if he was normal he was very calm. Finally she responded with a small shake of her head, "No, We are a Yokai, We are one of the few Kyubi left in the world. Does Kurosaki-dono have ties to the supernatural world We wonder."

Ichigo remained silent as he finished cleaning and bandaging her ankle, though it seemed to be pointless as the little swelling seemed to already be dissipating, 'A minor healing factor then'. A tired sigh left his lips as he stood, "Not for a long time now." Kunou wanted to ask more on that answer but a sudden knock on the door silenced them both.

Sparing a glance at his new charge to see she was also confused by the sound, meaning she hadn't expected help so soon Ichigo carefully made his way to the door. Peering through the peephole he let out a relieved sigh at the sight of another little girl. Opening the door to see what she wanted he only had milliseconds to see her magical girl outfit before a spear of ice tore through his chest and carrying his body to land embedded in a wall. The last thing he heard before an all-consuming darkness overtook him was Kunou screaming.

XXScene BreakXX

Serafall Leviathan was in a very foul mood. While her day had started great with negotiations with Kyubi no Yasaka in regards to the Kyoto Yokai Faction, and indeed she had become fast friends with the woman, her evening was completely ruined. While she and Yasaka were sharing a drink and telling stories her new friend's young daughter had gone to enjoy one of the festivals happening at the shrines.

It was recently reported that the young Kitsune's guards had been found dead and that the girl herself was missing. The moment that word of a child being kidnapped had met her ears the temperature plummeted as she struggled to maintain control of her power in her rage. Ice began to form around the room and she teleported away to begin searching immediately.

Arriving where the guards had been found a magic circle instantly appeared in her hands and a small ball of mist formed. The tracking spell locked on to Kunou's power signature and began moving through the forest. Serafall held back her surprise that the culprit had not simply teleported away but instantly started following the spell anyway. At her speed it took only moments to reach a simple hotel.

Walking down a hallway she steeled herself, as either the monster who had stolen a child was ingenious for hiding so close and with such simple means, or they were a fool with no ability to plan. Both thoughts worried her as she could end up with a crafty opponent that could end with a lot of collateral damage or something truly unspeakable could have happened to the young girl already.

Stopping in front of a room with a simple fifteen printed on it she knocked. She didn't plan to wait long and was already preparing an Ice Spear as an initial attack to blow the door away. She definitely didn't think anyone would be stupid enough in this situation to open the door.

Then to her surprise the door did open and frown settled on her face. 'A fool then' she thought as her attack instantly launched striking the man in his heart and blasting him back. Her eyes instantly snapped to the bed at the sound of Kunou's scream and she moved forward. A small amount of confusion working onto her face for a moment before relief overtook it at seeing the girl still in clothing.

She stopped abruptly as a figure suddenly stood between her and the girl. Her eyes widened in shock as the man stood before her again. 'It shouldn't be possible! I struck him in the heart!'

"No," Serafall couldn't help but marvel for a moment, "Even in that miniscule frame of time you were able to shift your body and instead of your heart being destroyed it was merely a nick."

"Leviathan-dono, please stop!" The words from the girl were unnecessary as Serafall made no more movements, she could already see it was still all but a corps that stood before her, "He saved Us, and even treated Our wound!"

Now that instantly turned all the rage within the Maou's body into terror and regret and then, as if to further cement what the young girl stated a magic circle appeared next to her. Serafall could easily see it was a communication spell and Yasaka's voice came through sounding very relieved.

"Leviathan-dono, Kunou has made contact with Us," the pit in woman's stomach seemed to deepen endlessly, "My daughter has informed Us that she has been rescued and We are now on Our way to gather her."

"Lady Yasaka," Serafall's words were measured, "Did she describe her savior?"

"Yes, a human with hair like a setting sun. One Kurosaki Ichigo, a name We are happy to hear again."

"I-" She stopped for a moment regret filling her entire being as a tear slipped from her eye, "I have her Lady Yasaka. Your daughter is safe."

In the moment that her last word registered she saw it. The scowl on the man's face eased and his body lost some of the tension. His brown eyes that had only the smallest ember of life left fell half closed as the body gave in and collapsed. Serafall didn't hear anything else Yasaka said nor did she register Kunou's panicked shouts of his name.

She had killed an innocent man what's more she had killed a true Hero of Japan, and technically the world. Like Yasaka, she knew of Kurosaki Ichigo and his defeat of the renegade Shinigami Sosuke Aizen. Thanks to the gathered intelligence she knew that he had sacrificed his powers in order to stop the man and while he may no longer have been any part of the Supernatural World he was considered a hero especially in the Kyoto Shinto Pantheon. Her mind raced with the implications before settling as she returned her attention to the communication spell.

"Lady Yasaka, I will be bringing them both back to your palace."

"We thank you, and shall have healers prepared by the way Kunou is speaking."

"I thank you but I don't believe it will be necessary," with a wave of her hand she dismissed the spell. Her mind was made up and she had probably already ruined all relations with Japan with her rash actions, "Kunou-hime, please move aside."

Though she was reluctant the girl did so while trying to hide her tears. Another wave of her hand and a board appeared before the woman. It was a chess board with pieces that looked as though carved from ice on one side, thought the [King] and [Queen] pieces were missing. A gasp escaped the young Kitsune as she realized what was about to happen.

"Kunou-hime, I hope you will forgive me for my mistake," Serafall's voice was solemn as she took a single piece from the board, "Kurosaki Ichigo, I have stolen your life. With this piece I command you to rise. Though it will not erase my mistake I will do all within my power to make it up to you. Savior of Japan and the Balance of the World, stand tall as [Knight] of the Leviathan."

The [Knight] piece slowly sank into the young man, the hole in his chest icing over for a moment before thawing to reveal whole yet scarred flesh below it. Not wasting a moment Serafall snapped her fingers and all of the would be student's things were repacked and bag by her side, and then with a thought a Transportation circle appeared beneath the three of them and they vanished.

XXScene BreakXX

Ichigo didn't even open his eyes to realize he was in a once familiar place. Instead he simply sat up and waited. His body and mind relaxed and he felt at peace for the first time in a long time. When he felt truly at one with himself he acknowledged his guests.

"Zangetsu," He could feel his doppelganger's glare on him as he finally opened his eyes and spoke words that shocked both of them, "Old Man."

"Ichigo?"

"A Hollow's thread is black," both of the spirits before him stilled, one with an insane grin, the other with a small frown, "A Shinigami's thread is red and," a short pause, "A Quincy's thread is blue."

"Ichigo-"/"Kingy-"

"Stop." Again the two stilled, "You are both a part of me, so you already know how I feel. Instead allow me to apologize."

Zangetsu felt shock run through his system as Ichigo moved and bowed his head to the floor or rather the window of the skyscraper on which they stood. The Old Man simply continued to frown. Prostrated before the two parts of his soul Ichigo spoke the words that they could both already feel were true.

"I have wronged you, I have wronged myself. I cast aside parts of me, almost as though you were nothing, I was nothing," for the first time ever Zangetu felt a tear prickle his eye as his resentment for his King, no Ichigo, was washed away, he was feeling truly accepted both his Shinigami and Hollow parts. The Old Man felt his frown fade away along with his guilt and fear, as even he was accepted in spite of all he had done, "I failed to cherish and understand my Soul, and regardless of whatever you have done or said to me, what I have done and said to myself I know was my own chaotic emotions. I apologize."

"Rise Ichigo, stand tall before us, I too apologize for what I have done to us."

"Yeah Kingy ain't ya a big boy now? Get up."

Ichigo stood with a small smile feeling whole for the first time as his Soul was truly at peace for once. The Old Man, Juhabach, had his usual stern yet kind look on his face as his cloak swayed slightly in the non-existent wind. Zangetsu had a huge grin on his face though for once his eyes lacked the look of madness and anger instead simply being full of energy and passion.

"Ichigo, we will talk more later, you are needed out there."

"Yeah, dat Short Titty-Monster dat killed ya then brought ya back is in trouble."

It was a testament to how deep there new connection was that Ichigo simply snorted at Zangetsu's description of his killer/savior. With a small smile and a shake of his head Ichigo faded from the inner world. The two spirits simply stood there for a moment with their own small smiles before Zangetsu frowned and let out a sigh.

"Well, let's go check out dat new power."

"I'm a little surprised that it concerns you, though I know I shouldn't be."

"I'm da instincts, and I can feel dat power is gonna help Kingy."

"Agreed."

XXScene BreakXX

Ichigo felt as he returned to conciseness, he kept his eyes closed and breathing even so he could try and gauge his surroundings. He was lying in a soft bed and whatever building he was in was large. He could sense presences all throughout it, three extremely powerful of which were in the same room as him. Carefully listening he tried to understand the situation.

"You have killed one of Japan's greatest Heroes!" The voice was clearly female and held a fury he had only ever heard when he was a child and his mother was still alive.

"The savior of my daughter." Another woman, obviously Kunou's mother, quieter but also quite angry.

"I know, I made a mistake and-" A third woman, voice subdued by guilt yet with a presence of steeled resolve.

"And nothing! You have stolen him from us! Prepare yourself Leviathan for we will extract our-" He had heard plenty.

"Enough," his voice was gentle and quiet though it cut through their conversation like Zangetsu through an enemy (He could feel the Spirit's glee at the comparison). He allowed his eyes to open and slowly he stood a familiar tightness to his body after dying… again, "She was trying to protect someone, and I can respect that."

He looked down at his bare chest seeing a large mark where the spear of ice had pierced him. He couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. The three women before him remained rooted in silence, either from his words or his current actions.

"You know the last time I died the hole was a perfect circle through and through," two women spluttered as one gave a weary chuckle of her own, "This was rather sloppy."

"I had thought you'd stolen a child."

Brown eyes met pink and for a moment both simply stood there eyeing each other calmly. Ichigo's usual scowl wasn't present as his face reflected the calm of his soul. Serafall's goofy childlike smile was also absent, instead a sorrowful and pained frown marred her face. The woman standing before him was barely tall enough to reach his chest. She wore a magical girl outfit that clearly emphasized her sizable breasts and she held a rather suggestive looking wand in her hands. He could feel their connection, whatever she had done to revive him had tethered them together but the reassuring feelings from his Spirits kept him at ease. Finally he turned his attention to the other two women.

Kunou's mother shared her daughters golden hair, two fox ears topped her head and a look of concern was worn in her eyes and frown. An elegant kimono did little to hide her significant bust and slender body and nine fluffy golden tails swayed behind her. The other woman's hair was pitch black and gave the feeling of night. She was taller than the blond and her bust was a little smaller though her hips flared out a little more on her equally slender frame. Her flawless skin in contrast to her hair seemed to almost give a warm glow as if basking in the sun.

"As the person who can be considered to be wronged," Sarafall winced slightly while the other two intensified their gazes on him, "I'll ask that you forgive her. While I don't fully know what is going on she has done me a great favor."

"And just what," the raven haired woman stepped forward, her presence stirring a warmth in Ichigo he hadn't felt in years, "Might that favor be, Kurosaki Ichigo?"

"Simply put," he closed his eyes and gently smiled in content, "She reunited me with me."

Three sets of eyes widened in understanding at that statement. They all knew the results of his arduous battle with the rouge. He was telling them that somehow by reviving him, Serafall had restored his powers. This would change the course of the Supernatural World entirely.

The Soul Society was an Isolationist group, always ignoring any other Pantheon unless they meddled in Shinigami affairs. The Shinto Pantheon was the closest to them, though only by being allowed to claim a truly remarkable Shinigami as a Hero of Japan, Ichigo being the first in a very, very long time. That one of the Biblical Factions had claimed a Shinigami would likely cause a lot of trouble even if he was only a Substitute.

"My Lady Amaterasu, We believe," The blonde of the group hesitated a moment, "With these new revelations that Leviathan-dono be forgiven."

"Yes Yasaka, I agree," the tallest of the three women gave a sigh before turning a loving smile to the orange haired teen, "You still seem to cause a lot of trouble my son."

END

A/N: I will do my best to have another Chapter up soon. Between a busy work schedule and little time off it may take a bit of time. If you

enjoyed the story feel free to leave a review. If you didn't then you do you. Please understand I'm not one of those who will answer questions

at the begining of each Chapter, so if you have any real burning questions you'll need to shoot me an actual message.