Chapter 3 - The Lion

It's been a week since Ichigo learned the truth behind his semblance and over a month since he's been in this hospital. With his wounds finally healed enough it was decided he'd be cleared this afternoon. To say Ichigo was on edge would be an understatement. After going through all that Ichigo has the fact he is almost able to leave is driving him crazy.

Sitting at the edge of his bed Ichigo rested Zangetsu across his lap. Thinking back to all the times he'd shared with the blade and now all the new ones they would have together. As Qrow walked in it broke Ichigo out of his thoughts, turning to see who it was Ichigo just grinned. Looking back to Zangetsu Ichigo asked, "Can we leave yet?"

Walking over Qrow leaned against the wall across from Ichigo. Looking down at the kid he said, "The nurse should be here soon but we still have something we have to do before we leave."

With a scowl on his face Ichigo asked, "What could we possibly need to do?"

Qrow just laughed before pulling his flask from his shirts inner pocket. Takin a drink he said, "Kid you don't expect to travel to Beacon wearing that do you?"

Sighing Ichigo looked at himself. He was wearing a pair of matching white hospital shirt and pants. With the only footwear being the slippers next to his bed. Looking to Qrow Ichigo asked, "So we're going shopping then?"

Qrow just nodded before changing the subject. "So you've been able to carry your sword around fairly well, have you tried swinging it yet?"

"No not yet, I don't know if I should try it yet." Ichigo said while tightening his grip on Zangetsu.

"Well we can start practicing when you feel up for it. There is something else I wanted to ask you."

WIthout looking Ichigo asked, "Something about my semblance I'm guessing."

"You catch on fast kid." Letting out a sigh Qrow asked, "I was wondering if you've learned what your semblance is?"

Clenching his fists Ichigo said, "It's turned me into one of them. I'm basically part Grimm with all of the downsides of being one."

Qrow could see the way Ichigo wanted to reject this fact, every part of him hated to even admit it to him. "I understand having a semblance that you want to reject with every part of your soul. Mine has made it hard to live a normal life."

Looking to up Ichigo asked, "I thought semblances were always supposed to be beneficial to the person. Why do ours have negative affects on us?"

Qrow just shock his head, "I couldn't tell you why Ichigo because I have no idea. Maybe it's destiny, maybe it's to challenge us to become greater. Your semblance is something unique, so is mine. My semblance brings misfortune, it's great when I'm in a fight but it makes it really hard on my friends and family."

Ichigo just laughed, "We make a great pair then huh? Neither of us make it easy for people we care about." Taking a breath Ichigo said, "I've accepted the fact it was my semblance that brought that hoard to my village, It's my fault my family died. Yet with everything I hate about my semblance I can't deny it's also why i'm alive. I would have died from those wounds if its wasn't for the extra strength that the Grimm was giving me without me knowing."

Sitting down next to Ichigo Qrow said, "Ichigo it might be my fault for what happened. I was close enough to your village my semblance could have caused it. I'd rather you blame me than yourself, I'm used to it after all."

Ichigo quickly elbowed Qrow in the side. "I know what you're trying to say Qrow but I don't believe it. Even if it was your semblance and not mine I can't deny the fact my semblance attracts Grimm that are around my strength. That's why I need to force my Grimm to let me use all of his power so that no longer happens."

Qrow was lost for words by Ichigo's actions. 'He's a lot more mature than I gave him credit for in the beginning. He reminds me a lot of myself to be honest. I think Ozpin is going to agree with me and let him in on what's really happening.'

The sound of the door opening brought Qrow out of his thoughts. Looking to the open door the Nurse was standing there with a smile on her face.

Walking in she said, "We have decided that you have finally recovered enough to go Ichigo. You can stay until tomorrow if you'd like, it might be easier than trying to find a different place to stay."

Offering a small smile and wave Ichigo said, "Thanks but I've been here long enough I really need a change of scenery before I go crazy."

"Very well you are free to go whenever you are ready. Just make sure to stop at the front desk before leaving." With that the nurse quickly left the room and headed back to work.

Standing up Qrow walked to the door. Ichigo was right behind him, while hanging Zangetsu over his shoulder so the blade rested against his back.

Ichigo was almost back to normal and Qrow watched as the kid easily packed along his sword. Compared to just a couple weeks ago when he couldn't even pick it up. 'He's definitely got an iron will.'

At the desk they just had to fill out a few papers about how long they stayed. While Ichigo wasn't paying attention Qrow quickly payed for the stay and they left. Getting a good look at the town for the first time Ichigo had a hard time not comparing it to his own. Neither one was that well off but this one was at least holding together.

Making their way near the edge of town there was a small shack that Qrow was heading towards. He had been there about a week earlier and put in a request. Walking inside the old man at the counter greeted Qrow before disappearing into the back.

Looking around the building it was covered in several different statutes with hand crafted outfits. While gazing at them Ichigo asked, "So should I pick one or what do I do?"

Qrow just shook his head, "No Ichigo I've already had something made for you. He should be bringing it up."

On que the old man came back into view from the back and placed everything on the counter. A pair of black jeans with a red belt was the first thing Ichigo saw. Looking them over they were much better quality than anything he'd ever had. Looking at the rest there was a plain black shirt and a hooded black cloak with a red trim under it. Lastly the old man pulled up a pair of black boots from under the counter and placed them in front of Ichigo. Crossing his arms the man said, "You can go change in that room in the corner there."

Looking to Qrow he just had a small grin on his face and motioned to the room. As a smile crept onto Ichigo's face he took his new outfit and went into the small corner room. Ditching the hospital clothes Ichigo quickly put the new clothes on. Putting the cloak on over his shoulders he put Zangetsu back on over his shoulder which helped to hold his cloak on. As he finished he felt the bandage around his head fall off onto his shoulder

Looking at the small mirror on the wall the smile slowly went away as he saw his hollow eye once again. Even though he was used to it being there he's only seen it a handful of times and the look has never set easily with him. Trying to ignore it Ichigo walked back out into the main room. Getting a nod from the old man behind the counter and a smile from Qrow which made Ichigo feel a bit better.

To Ichigo's surprise Qrow threw something at him. Catching it he was surprised to see an eyepatch with a cloth like headband. "I know you aren't the biggest fan of it and I figured you don't want that to be the first thing people see you for." Putting it on it was basically a headband that went over his forehead and had a leather piece hanging from it that covered his right eye. While it did give Ichigo some comfort for that reason it also meant he wouldn't have to constantly keep that eye shut.

Thanking the old man the two left and made their way out of town. Hitting the road for the first time several emotions were running through Ichigo's head. He was grateful to Qrow for everything he's done for him. He had accepted what happened to his family but it still was hard to live with. Then there was his semblance he didn't exactly know how to deal with it other than fight it. That's what Zangetsu told him he had to beat it down and force it to give him complete control, but could he do it. Would he be strong enough to challenge a beast that was able to take down an entire hoard of beowolves like it was nothing. While these thoughts ran through Ichigo's mind he was walking behind Qrow without even noticing his surroundings.

Stopping Qrow said, "We'll make camp here Ichigo we need to get a fire set up before it gets to much darker."

Breaking out of his thoughts Ichigo never even noticed that it was getting dark. Shaking his head Ichigo just went to work gathering material for a fire as Qrow started to form a fire pit in the ground.

It didn't take long for them to get a fire burning and Qrow started to cook up some dinner. As they ate Ichigo still didn't understand how he could have zoned out for so long. Breaking the silence Qrow said, "We'll do training off and on during our trip. I won't give you much of a heads up beforehand either, I think it'll be better for you if you don't know when it's going to happen"

It definitely made sense to Ichigo, not telling him when it would happen would help increase his awareness and his reaction time, not to mention it would make him think up a strategy on the fly. 'He's probably had it planned out for a while.' Ichigo thought as he finished the last of his dinner.

Leaning up against a tree close to the fire Ichigo looked out into the darkness. The light from the stars and moon were just enough to give a faint light to the woods around him. Looking around Ichigo quickly noticed a pair of red eyes glaring at him. Letting out a sigh Ichigo said, "Guess I should have expected there to be some around here."

Picking himself up Ichigo began walking towards the eyes before Qrow said, "Ichigo get back here it's far enough away I doubt it's going to do anything."

"We don't know that Qrow." Ichigo said holding pointing Zangetsu towards it.

"It's only one and it's got to be at least fifty feet away. It doesn't look like it's looking for an angle to attack it's just curious."

Sitting back down Ichigo wasn't sure but Qrow definitely had a point. Taking the attention away from the Grimm Qrow said, "Anyway it's going to be a fairly long trip and we might get split up at some point so you're going to need this." Pulling a small black device from his pocket he tossed it to Ichigo.

Looking it over it was a small black rectangle with a gold diamond in the center. "What is this?"

Pulling another one from his pocket Qrow pressed the gold button and it opened to reveal a translucent screen between the two black pieces. "It's called a scroll Ichigo and it has a lot of functions, most important being it can monitor your aura levels and can be used to contact others."

Pressing the button the screen said, 'Welcome.'

"It's a new scroll so you'll need to put some of your aura into it. That way it'll be able to monitor yours. It should already be outfitted with a few different contacts because it's a Beacon Faculty scroll."

Doing as Qrow said Ichigo began to release a small amount of his Aura into the device. Right away the screen went blank before a loading bar popped up. Once it was done the scroll asked a few different questions including name, age, affiliation, and team members.

As Ichigo began to enter the information Qrow said, "For affiliation put Huntsman and put my name in as your team. That way we'll be able to monitor each other's aura."

As it finished there was a small flash from the top piece and then the scroll closed. "Okay it's ready just open it and it should be good to go."

Once Ichigo opened it there was a picture of himself in the top left with a green bar next to it. Under him was a picture of Qrow with the same bar. Then there were two blank slots, 'must be for other team members?'

In the top right corner there was a square symbol that resembled a closed scroll. Pressing it several pictures of people along with their name came up on Ichigo's scroll. The top one being an older man with messy silver hair and a small pair of black glasses, next to the picture was the name Professor Ozpin.

Looking through the rest Ichigo didn't recognize any of their faces but did know some of their names, most importantly being Ozpin's.

Closing the scroll Ichigo put it into his pocket and leaned back up against the tree.

Putting another log on the fire Qrow said, "You should probably get some sleep Ichigo. Tomorrow's going to be the real start to our training and this trip is just starting."

"Yeah I know Qrow, I'll talk to you in the morning." Turning his head away from the fire Ichigo used his cloak as a makeshift blanket and went to sleep.

Hearing the clash of thunder in the distance Ichigo's eyes shot open. Looking around everything was dark. As a flash of lightning lit up the area around him Ichigo knew exactly where he was. He was back in that Grimms place in his inner world. Feeling Zangetsu on his back Ichigo drew the blade and a wave of comfort came with it.

With a loud roar coming from his left Ichigo was forced to quickly block a strong strike from the Lion like Grimm. Jumping away from Ichigo it glared at him before letting out another roar.

In the back of his mind he heard Zangetsu say, "Ichigo you must switch to your other eye, it's the only way you'll be able to see anything in this darkness."

As he switched his eyepatch over to his left eye he asked, "How is this going to help, it only really seemed to give off a white glow of him before."

Sighing Zangetsu said, "The more you train with it the better it will become. It doesn't see clearly because it hasn't had the chance to. Use it in this fight and it should be able to see Auras of humans and the darkness of other Grimm like a normal Grimms eye is capable of."

As Ichigo cracked open his Grimm eye the red light it gave off penetrated into the darkness. Seeing the sudden change the Grimm let out one more roar and charged Ichigo.

Blocking each of the beasts strong strikes Ichigo was quickly growing tired. A combination of his old injuries and not fighting for so long was making this even harder than it would have been.

As the Grimm lunged at him once again Ichigo quickly dodged to the right of the attack. Bringing zangetsu up in one fluid motion he brought it down and cut through the Grimms side. While it sliced through easily enough the Grimm didn't seem fazed by it.

That was the only hit Ichigo got in for quite a while because the Grimm quickly changed its strategy to keep Ichigo stuck defending himself against its barrage of attacks.

After what's felt like hours to Ichigo his eye was beginning to adjust and he was almost able to make the Grimm completely out even in this darkness. Being able to finally see properly was just enough of an advantage for Ichigo to be able to start his counterattack.

Running as fast as he could Ichigo charged the beast sword ready to strike. As Ichigo drew closer the Grimm lunged at him ready to meet his rush head on. However at the last second Ichigo slide under the Grimm.

As it turned around it was meet with end end of Zangetsu's black blade stabbing into its head. Taking a deep breath Ichigo gave one last push to his blade as it plunged deeper into the Grimm. As he did the Grimms white armor began to crack and crumble apart. As the last piece of its white main fell to the floor the rest of the Grimm turned into black dust. Similar to before the black dust shot into Ichigo's body forcing him to his knees.

Looking down at the white bone Ichigo tried to catch his breath. Watching it it began to slowly melt into a pool of white and red liquid. With a sudden force pushing him forward his head was pushed into this molten liquid. All Ichigo could do was cry out in pain as he could feel the liquid burning and forming with his skin. The pain just kept intensifying as the white and red liquid began to quickly solidify and form to his head.

With the force holding him down finally gone Ichigo quickly pulled himself up and cried out in pain as the last of the liquid solidified. In one piece the now solid mask fell to the ground in front of him. Feeling his face it was fine and the pain quickly subsided, "What the hell was that?" Ichigo asked in between deep breaths.

Without an answer from Zangetsu Ichigo examined the mask. Picking it up it felt very heavy for what it was. Turning it over it resembled the lion Grimm he was fighting. The only thing that didn't look like a lion was the mouth. It was formed by several razor sharp animal like teeth and two large canines. Touching the end of one of the teeth it easily broke through Ichigo's aura and skin. As a small dot of blood formed Ichigo looked over the rest of the mask. It formed up over his head putting it on Ichigo was amazed.

The moment he put the mask on it firmly attached itself to his head and red Aura began to come from under the mask like fire creating a main around Ichigo's neck like the Grimm's. Opening his mouth the mask separated into two pieces one attached to his head and the smaller lower jaw attached to his chin. Unknown to Ichigo two red markings began to run up the mask from his chin. Running up the length and over each eye they meet near the end of the mask.

The longer Ichigo wore the mask the more power he felt coming from it and pouring into his own body. As strong and solid as the mask had felt it suddenly shattered into a hundred pieces before fading away into red Aura and returning to Ichigo.

"What just happened Zangetsu?"

The man in question quickly replied, "The Grimm has offered you most of its power. Enough to be considered an alpha class. The second strongest type of Grimm in Remnant. But that's good enough because there are only three known S class Grimm in history the one inside of you being one of them.

"It's really that strong?"

"Yes it is Ichigo, it only gave you access to around three quarters of its full strength. However it will take time for you to master the ability to control the mask. Right now you probably could only hold it for a few seconds in actual battle. Good enough for one strong attack but that isn't the point of the mask."

Thinking back to the short fight with the Grimm Ichigo asked, "If he's so strong then why did he let me win so quickly?"

"I couldn't tell you that Ichigo. I'm sure it had a reason what that is i'm not sure. I do know that it finds you rather interesting for some reason, it also finds your friends Aura interesting as well."

Ichigo just laughed, "Yeah Qrow is interesting isn't he."

Standing up Ichigo said, "I should get back to my body and get some sleep. I'll talk with you later Zangetsu."

As Ichigo left Zangetsu appeared where Ichigo was moments before. "Qrow is interesting Ichigo but I wasn't talking about him. Rather his family counterpart."

Waking up the sun was just starting to come up. Standing up Qrow stretched and looked around to see several pairs of Grimm tracks that circled around them in a giant circle. Shaking his head Qrow asked himself, 'How on earth didn't I notice them, and what were they doing?'

Hearing Ichigo get up his question basically answered itself, 'Must have been Ichigo's semblance.'

Rubbing the sleep from his eye Ichigo stretched and got up saying, "My back is stiff, remind me not to sleep like that again Qrow." Mostly ignoring the comment Qrow began packing stuff up so they could get moving.

After eating the two hit the road once again and Ichigo couldn't get the thought of what happened in his inner world out of his mind. The more he thought about it then more questions he thought of.

After another few hours of walking Qrow stopped when he heard the cry of a Raven from a tree nearby. The bird stared right at Qrow with its blood red eyes and once he noticed it the bird turned its attention turned to Ichigo. Letting out a loud cry the bird quickly flew down the road. Shaking his head Qrow continued down the road with Ichigo right behind.

Every few hundred feet or so the Raven would land and watched the two. This went on for a few miles before they ran into a fork in the road, where it landed atop the sign that pointed the directions. Looking at the sign to the left it said, Haven on one sign and Kuroyuri on the other.

The one to the right saying Port City. Looking to the sign Qrow said, "This is the way we go, it'll be a while until we get there but shouldn't be to hard of a trip."

As they headed towards Port City the Raven watched as it sat still on the sign. Once they were out of sight Raven transformed into her human form and grinned, "Let's see what this partner of yours has Qrow."

Putting her hand on the end of her blades handle she followed the pair just out of sight. The hours passed and it was finally starting to get dark and Raven couldn't be happier. Sitting up in a large tree Raven watched as the two made camp off in the distance. Giving it another few hours she watched as several Grimm drew in closer and circled the pair. Watching them the Grimm would watch for a few minutes before whimpering off, "What has gotten into them, they are acting like stray dogs."

Turning her attention back to the two Raven waited for her right moment. As she sat there it came much quicker than she thought it would. Watching as Ichigo got up to most likely go to the bathroom she watched as he grabbed his sword and disappeared into the woods. Grinning she jumped from the tree and headed in his direction.

Just finishing Ichigo turned around to head back to camp when Zangetsu yelled in his head, "Ichigo block to your left."

Without questioning his sword Ichigo drew his blade just in time to block the powerful strike from Ravens red katana. Ichigo just glared into her eyes behind the Grimm like mask she was wearing. Pushing her back the two separated and Ichigo got a good look at what she was wearing.

'I've never seen anyone wearing a mask like a Grimm before, who is she?' Ichigo thought while he stared at the women.

Twirling his sword Ichigo asked, "Who are you and what do you want?"

Raven just grinned under her mask. "It doesn't matter who I am, all that matters is if you're strong enough to hold me off."

Without warning she darted at Ichigo sword held behind her and in one quick motion brought it upwards. Ichigo blocked it but the force easily pushed him back. 'Damn she's strong I'll give her that'

Blocking another strike Ichigo was forced to use both hands as Raven put in a lot of force behind the attack. Ichigo was just able to hold the blade back. Now the two were locked in a stalemate neither one having or willing to put in more strength. However it didn't last long before Raven swept Ichigo's feet out from under him sending him into the dirt.

She quickly stabbed the ground where he was only for him to roll away. Panting Ichigo picked himself up only to have Raven in his face once again.

That's all Ichigo could do, block her weaker attacks and hope to dodge anything else. Picking himself up from the ground once more Zangetsu said, "You must try using your mask, even if it's only for a second. Qrow will most likely notice and be able to help you."

'Right, so how do I use it?'

"You must hold you hand over your face and act like your fingers are claws. Quickly swipe them down towards your mouth and it should form from the aura in your hand."

Silently agreeing Ichigo dodge one last attack before getting a fair distance between him and Raven. Doing as Zangetsu said he bent his fingers like claws and in one swift motion swept them downwards. As he did red Aura from his hand created the mask. Feeling the weight of it made Ichigo somewhat calm. The power it instantly gave him made him feel even more confident though.

To say Raven was shocked would be an understatement. This kid was able to do what others have been secretly trying for years. In her shock she didn't see Ichigo move until he was right on her. Only able to bring her blade up enough to block some of the strike Ichigo easily broke through her defense. Pushing her blade down he easily cut into her shoulder causing the said women to cry out.

Hearing this Ichigo didn't know what came over him as he looked to the sky and let out a bloodlust roar. As he did so red Aura came from under the mask and began to form a main around his neck. Ripping his blade from her shoulder Ichigo jumped back.

As he landed back on the ground away from her his mask instantly shattered. As it fell to the ground Ichigo's eye shot wide open at the realization of what just happened. The one advantage he had over he was now gone. Panting Ichigo readied himself the best he could for the attack he knew would most likely break through his defense as well. While the mask gave him incredible strength it needed a lot of energy to maintain something Ichigo never thought about.

Watching Raven rush towards him Ichigo closed his eyes for a moment. Holding his sword in front of him he waited for the inevitable. Hearing the clash of metal against metal ichigo opened his eyes to see Qrow blocking Ravens strike. The later quickly pulled away and stared right at Ichigo pointing her sword at him she yelled, "How the fuck does he poses a Grimm mask?"

Looking over his shoulder at Ichigo Qrow didn't know exactly what to say. Looking to his sister he asked, "What are you doing here Raven?"

"Stop avoiding the question brother! That kid possesses a Grimm mask. A mask of a Grimm I've only seen in books. I'll ask you once more. How does that kid poses the mask of the first recorded S class Grimm?"

"Raven I don't know, I've never seen the mask. It has to be his semblance that was your original explanation wasn't it?"

Shaking her head Raven sheathed her sword. "You better train him to be stronger than you or else the clan will destroy him. You know what this means to us." Walking away she said, I'll see you again and next time I'll rip that mask off of him and take it for myself." Turning into her bird form Raven quickly flew away leaving the pair. Finally letting the exhaustion take him Ichigo fell to his knees.

After he caught his breath he looked to Qrow asking, "What was that all about Qrow?"

Shaking his head Qrow put his sword onto his back. "It's a long story and I honestly don't have all the answers you're looking for kid."