Luna has arrives and the main six together with the princesses and Ichigo went inside to enjoy the party. It was going to end in a few hours, so they need to quickly enjoy the last moments of this holiday. Applejack was still trying to improve her Equish when around nobles, she was doing this for Twilight. She could learn not to speak with her southern accent, but Ichigo was making this feat impossible as he the whole time worked as a magnet for her eyes.

‘He sure is strong’

Applejack watched as Ichigo walked, drink, even talked. She could hear in his voice that he isn’t a good liar. And that was a very positive thing. Being skilled in lying isn’t something one should be proud of. She as the element of honesty hates lying, she needs to be honest because truth sooner or later will be heard. And if she says something earlier, then she can be sure that the pony, who was lied or wasn’t sure of something could fix anything if you tell her or him the truth.

Rainbow Dash glanced from time to time at Ichigo, she still couldn’t believe this guy beat Chrysalis. He is Awesome! And he looks cool also, so unusually, even too original, as if wearing a folk costume. A white jacket, some robe thing on his waist. And his hair are long. Not that she minds it, it actually looks pretty good on him. She never enjoyed looking at stallions with long mains.

Fluttershy was still afraid of that monster, Twilight mentioned it and she still can’t get it out of her mind that there is one. Rainbow said there wasn’t any monsters around him. Maybe it was a illusion, or maybe a ghost?! What if it was a ghost?! She doesn’t want to get possessed! Who will feed angel? And who will take care of her animals?

Rarity just couldn’t get enough of his style. There was to much white but that red color sash was playing wonderfully with that white jacket. Thinking about the jacket, he had to be muscular! Rarity blushed to herself a little of thinking about such things, a lady shouldn’t think of such things. The white hakama that was reinforced by the sash also played wonderfully. He looked strong and he looked as if he was from a rich merchant’s family. Of course this is a bit weird that he has the same style, if not familiar to the dragon ponies in Neighpon.

Twilight was concerned where did Ichigo come from, he surely made it clear he is adventuring throe the world and is looking for a place to stay. He made it also clear that he doesn’t like war. And here he fought, and he also said that he isn’t a hero and he rejected all the fame. As if he knew that when he rejected the fame and the renown from what he did, he would get twice as more for such an noble speech.

Luna didn’t even hear of creatures like him, but he looks so innocent. Maybe he didn’t even hear about her past life and sins? If so he is a perfect opportunity to get a friend. Even now when she looks around she sees ponies turning away and when looking at her. While Celestia is greeted with nods and greetings from all the nobles and guests that arrived. Sadly it is going to be another evening where she is going to be alone.

PinkiePie was just exploding, she was going here and there. She even appeared on Ichigos back and he didn’t even feel her reiastsu that she emits. Strangely every pony has some reiatsu in them, or at least some of this strange energy. Unicorns and Alicorns have the most, with Celestia having the first place now. Ichigo tried to get her off him, but it was pointless, until Twilight came and helped him. She is the most strangest pony from all of them.

“I’m sorry for her, she is just being herself” Twilight said

Ichigo nodded and with a forced smile accepted the apology while looking about for Pinkie coming out of nowhere again. While looking around he noticed how ponies turned away from Luna and when she was next to a group of them, they took a few steps away. Of course it made him angry, maybe she did something wrong but this isn’t the way to solve a problem. This will only lead to more sadness and violence, he knows it. He was bullied like this for his hair, and he knows how Luna feels even if she is hiding it very well.

Celestia was busy talking to others and greeting them, but in her mind was Ichigo. She as a Alicorn has better hearing then a normal pony. She could hear some whisper that praised the young stallion. He did get quite popular, she even heard someone trying to plan something to use him for some sort of advantage. She won’t allow this to happen, not until she will talk with him this night privately.

Ichigo was surrounded by the higher class. He didn’t know how to behave, of course with respect and all that. But still this was making him uncomfortable, he didn’t even get to know this world to much and he is already is in a castle, because he saved the whole country and now he is a war hero. This is ridiculous, he will never get a normal life. Not that he would even if he didn’t do what he has done today.

Ichigo had to get used to that there won’t be any humans here. Sooner or later he will have to tell them the truth, of course he doesn’t need to and he can lie about Japan. But it won’t be easy, and seeing magic existing in this world. There are spells that can probably read his mind or check his memories to find out anything about him.

While talking about memories, Ichigo was getting slightly sleepy, or tired. One of those was the case, maybe even both. And looking at Lunas mane only made him want to sleep. He was tired, a couple hours ago he just defeated Aizen, and now he is here. Alone, stuck and left behind. This is depressing to know, this is sad and it is feeding on him

‘King don’t get whiny!’

Ichigo didn’t even have strength to reply, he only had strength to act that everything is ok in front of the ponies. To get some rest from all the noises and maybe then talk with his Hollow. If only old Man Zangetsu was here, he could tell him something, maybe even help him get throe this.

The music that sounded almost the same back home in Japan only worsened his mental state. Was he going the whole time straight? Ichigo didn’t even know that, but of course he was following Celestia in the front. Is it just him or is Spike the whole time looking at him with a worried look? Ichigo looked at his left, yes indeed Spike was looking at him with a worried look.

Spike turned away not to get seen looking at Ichigo. But he knew he has just revealed his worries to him, he didn’t like the way Ichigo was looking. He was looking at the floor, he was sad and he looked depressed. He looked weak and such an guy couldn’t beat chrysalis. He was totally different from the Ichigo he got to know some time ago. He knew when a pony is depressed, he knows that due to him working with Twilight.

“Ichigo?” Asked Spike

Ichigo just looked at him, he wasn’t anymore sad or depressed, he look emotionless but still with a sadden look. Spike really felt weird now, was it his thoughts that made him think he was sad? Probably not, Ichigo is sad, he is acting now so that he won’t look sad. But it will end now, he won’t allow someone he knows being sad when he can fix it!

“Why are you sad?” Spike asked

Ichigo stopped, the company also stopped, the ponies around also stopped their talking. The whole room went silent. Cadence with Shining Armor way back in the crowds didn’t know what happened but when they got throe all the ponies to the front and saw Ichigo, looking at Spike with a really sadden look. Then they got the idea.

The atmosphere was…tense. Ichigo was taken back that the dragon knew he is sad even when he started to act pretty good. Of course he can’t just say why when everyone is looking at him. He needs to think of something, but he is a bad liar, he needs to say something that won’t effect his new life here in Equestria.

“I…”

He stopped at ‘I’ he was blocked by something, the burn in his chest, the familiar burn in his chest that appears when you want to cry, the familiar mix of anger and hatred that is fueled by your loos. That what it was. His heart hurt, even when he is a hollow he still has a heart! That was a funny paradox right now, heartless with a heart!

“…Did you ever remind yourself of something sad in your life? Just like that? Well it happened now, but there is nothing to worry about. I’m completely fine” He smiled gently

The crowd nodded to themselves and slowly turned and started to talk, the whispers again appeared, Celestia felt so light right after he said this. She was worried her guest was uncomfortable. Twilight raised an eyebrow, it isn’t normal from ponies to think about such things, in such days. Most ponies do not remind themselves of memories like this. Only in days where something bad has happened, or someone failed something ponies remind themselves of such things and their sadness gets stronger.

Not that there was a problem with him reminding himself of things like that! It happens, she had such times even when a friend got an party. Then again she didn’t have friends…But it wasn’t important to think about memories, that destroy the fun and remind of darkness in the past. It is important to think of surrounding friendship that is the light and hope!

Shining Armor and Cadence got back to dancing and to snuggling themselves. Shining’s horn was only an inch longer then Cadences, but in time she would be bigger then he imagines. Too bad time will come for him, but for now he has her only for himself! And he will get every last drop out of her tonight. Ichigo was happy that what he said just worked out perfectly, this was a new step towards a new life.

“Are you sure you are alright sugar cube?” Applejack asked, trying not to talk in her southern accent

“Yes I’m alright” Ichigo said, arms crossed

“I don’t think so, if there is a problem tell us please” Rarity insisted

“You helped out today, maybe we can help you” Twilight added

“You’ve been nice to us…we need to return the favor” Fluttershy said

Ichigo was touched by their worries about him. It felt so nice to hear it. So happy and so sweet. As if he just got an very, very beautiful long desired present. Again he wanted to cry, and the burn in his chest, the pressure in him again returned but now even more harder and stronger. But he can’t allow them to see him crying because of this, or else he is going have to explain why he is crying.

Then he again felled hand n his shoulder’s. It was PinkiePie again this time she had balloons and confetti with her. She did a front flip by using his shoulder and landed in front of them. She then turned towards Ichigo and got extremely close to his face. He was eye to eye with her. He didn’t like this, and he is going to use sonido if he has to.

“Ichi! You are such an Itchy spot at parties! You get it? Ichi and Itchy sound the same! HAHAH” She hang onto him arm and tied the balloons to him. “Time to Dance!”

Ichigo was pushed towards Rainbow Dash, of course she tried to avoid him but it got all weird. Ichigo with his arms forward hit Dash. They almost fell over, if not for Ichigo perfect recover and grabbing Rainbows hand and placing his other right hand on her waist almost touching her butt cheeks. Her hoof was up all the way and she was centimeter before Twilight nose.

PinkiePie clapped her hands while Rainbow Dash and Ichigo produced unrealistic amounts of sweat. After a moment Rainbow Dash politely asked him, and that was most unexpected from her, to place her back. But of course in her mind she enjoyed it and she wouldn’t mind if he somehow played it out to begin dancing with her, he was awesome enough to have some pleasure from this night.

“Ichigo, can you please get me on my hooves?”

“Yes! Right away”

And he helped her out, still with his hand on hers. It was a weird feeling. As if she had but didn’t have fur at the same time, the mixed feeling of touching skin and petting a doggo. It was nice in touch and at least his hollow didn’t comment on this. When Rainbow was again on her hooves, Ichigo broke the physical contact with her and sighted.

“Thanks…You are lucky I allowed you to do this” She said with a smirk

“What?” Ichigo asked back

“That I allowed you to fall into me, I could have easily flown away” And she was up in the air, to be the same high as he was

“Rainbow we all saw that you weren’t even close to dogging” Twilight commented

A shocked expression appeared on Rainbows face “That’s not true!”

“She ain’t lying Dash” Applejack said

The discussion continued on with the three mares the whole time talking how she wasn’t even close to dodging him. Of course Ichigo had nothing to say in this, Fluttershy tried to ease this, but she was powerless in this situation. Twilight came with facts, applejack backed her up with everything she got and Rainbow just said no and started to make things out.

“Maybe…Maybe..”

“Maybe what? Wind blew and you couldn’t fly?” Applejack asked

“Maybe…you two are just jealous!”

Taken back by this the girls didn’t expect such response. Ichigo now was slowly getting away from those three or lese he is going to be attacked. Using the crowds and the noise he got into a corner and from there he located Luna siting on a bigger chair drinking some juice on the other side. Maybe there he could have a normal conversation. Ichigo made clear no one was watching and used sonido so that he won’t have to explain what it is.

*Boom*

Ichigo appeared on the other side, now away from Twilight and Applejack and Rainbow Dash he was safe. Luna didn’t even notice his sonido, that was good at least. Maybe he can start a normal talk with her, she seems to be rather calm and not so energetic like the other girls. Not that he minds of course, but for now he prefers more calm ponies to talk with.

Ichigo didn’t know how to start a conversation with her, she seemed to be thinking about something. Maybe it would be better not to talk with her? But if she sees him leaving, going away from her it won’t help her in her problems, he saw with the ponies turning away from her. He isn’t going to just stay here and look at such things when he knows that he can help.

“Princess Luna?” Ichigo started

Luna spilled some juice on the floor, she didn’t expect anyone to be welling talking to her or even be behind her. Of course after seeing its Ichigo she was happy to see him. A little gasp escaped her mouth. She looked just like a mare waiting for her favorite celebrity to just sign an autograph for her. She got more serious, and turned to Ichigo.

“Yes?”

It was now time for Ichigo to reply, Ichigo had to start a conversation about something. Of course he didn’t know what about, he won’t start by juts saying why he is here. He needs to start with something innocent and then get to the point when she will get into a better mood. And avoid some personal questions.

“Why are you siting like this alone?” Ichigo asked ‘Why did I ask that!!?’ he screamed in his head

‘Cuz you’s a bi-‘ Mūnroau tried to say something but Ichigo forced him not to say it

“Ohh…ummm” Luna rolled her yes and tried to find an answer “Well We just prefer siting alone” She said

Ichigo tried not to think of this to be a weird answer, he understood that she probably just cried in her head for saying this and looking weird. But it is normal, she doesn’t know how to start an conversation and she is left alone. He had the same problems in school because of his hair, it isn’t fair that one is bullied for things like that. What ever she didn’t can’t be too bad. Maybe she did something crappy in politics and all that, but it happens and she needs to fix her name in the public.

“Do you mind if I sit by?”

Luna immediately levitated a smaller chair for Ichigo to sit next to her. Of course the size comparison was big and he was small compared to her. But he didn’t mind that, he faced bigger things. For example Yammy, that was four times taller then he was if not five. He sat on the chair, he watched as the reiatsu leaves the chair and how it behaves. He won’t do such things any time soon.

“Thank you, your m-“

“Luna”

Ichigo surprised what he heard just corrected himself. He forgot about the all no ‘your majesty’ thing he earned. But it was hard to do when each day you need to thank everyone and have respect before other’s. Other than that, it seemed he started the whole conversation thing with ease. Now only to start talking about something.

“Luna” This time Ichigo said it without adding ‘your majesty’ or ‘princess’ “May I ask you a question? It has been in my mind for some time now”

Luna of course nodded ”Yes ask freely”

Now to the question, he didn’t think of anything to start the conversation with. But he needs to start innocent and with some humor to make her look more happy. While looking at her like this, his eyes shifted towards her mane again, he had a idea from his first question. Maybe he would even become friends with her? Having a princess in his arsenal will be a powerful trump card.

“If you go to sleep” He started “And wake up the next morning, did you sometimes had your main in the way and thought its still night?” Ichigo asked

Luna thought about this, it actually happened many times. She started to remind herself of those days. She smiled at the times where she was respected b the citizens and liked by the ponies. She reminded herself of her mom, and of her father that favored her more then Celestia. She giggled to herself.

“Ohh plenty of times actually” She said still using modern way of speaking “I once remember when I was a little filly, that I slept under a tree. The next morning when I woke up I thought it was still night. So I’ve been to sleep again until my sister found me in the evening. In the castle I got a small punishment from my parents but it was just a small ban for sweets.” She told him “The fun fact is that I couldn’t feel my mane on my muzzle, to this day I don’t know why” She added

Ichigo pleased with this, smiled and nodded to her. He could already see her mood getting better and better. Luna of course enjoyed the talk with Ichigo even if she was the one talking. But it was so nice to finally have a pony, or here right now an Arrancar that can hear her out. The feeling of finally being listened to, the feeling of finally being appreciated.

“Interesting, can I ask you another question? It’s also has been on my mind for some time” Luna nodded “Earlier when those changelings were around, I saw a painting on which were you. It said that you are the goddess of the moon” Ichigo stopped here “Is it a title? Or are you are ally a goddess of the moon?”

Ichigo asking this probably will get a lecture from her about the world and such, it is a interesting thing to hear out. He would like to know some of the Equestrian history, he was good from Japanese’s history. He was good from everything, his best notes were A and A+ in School. From time to time he got a B but that was only sometimes.

“You probably don’t know, but yes were are, Celestia is of the sun. We together control the day and the night”

Ichigo didn’t believe even a thing from what she said. This is impossible to control a thing like the Moon or the Sun by pure will. If they could be able to then he would have died because of the spiritual pressure. Luna is the same level as he is, maybe just a tiny, tiny bit lower. While Celestia higher.

“I’m sorry to say this, but I do not believe you”

Luna wasn’t surprised “You don’t have to, even some ponies here right now in this castle to this day, even when taught in schools do not believe this. Why should a fellow from far away believe?” She said it like that, as if she talked to a friend of hers “We can guarantee you, that you will believe!” She said and with grace and some role playing accent waved her hand

“If the goddess says so, then I will be obliged to see it” Hew said also role playing a bit

The two shared a small but enjoyable giggle. Ichigo didn’t knew that a Princess can be childish in some way and have some sense of humor. He wasn’t surprised, he was amazed by this. He started to like Luna, he looked around to make sure the three trouble makers are away. Luckily they were away, and won’t bring much troubles.

“Can we ask for a favor?” Luna asked

Ichigo of course eager to help and improve Lunas mood accepted her plead. Whatever it is it couldn’t be that bad, of course she is just a princess and can throw him to the dungeons with she will get angry, there is nothing difficult about that! For sure he will succeed in whatever she will ask him to do or allow her to do.

“Can We touch your mask? It looks like porcelain but at the same time it looks like a...” She didn’t want to use the word ‘bone’ but she couldn’t find any other word

“Yes I know, I get a lot of that actually now.” He said and thought about it “If you really want to then yes of course”

Ichigo didn’t like to think that the mask is actually a part of him, even when it is. But if Luna wants to socialize with him then he can allow her to touch his mask. Of course she just looked at him, and he at her. Nothing happened until Ichigo leaned forward, Luna didn’t know what to do. She though he will just hand the mask over to her.

“I though you are going to hand it over…” She said loud enough for Ichigo to hear it

“I can’t, it is a physical a part of me”

Luna stopped, did he just say it is a part of him? What kind of sorcery and witchcraft is this!? Dark magic is known for such feats! But times changed so maybe this isn’t a bad thing, however this is impossible that this mask is a part of him, a biological part of him. Maybe he is cursed and this thing is attached to him? She would more then happy to help him get rid of it.

“Is something wrong?”

Ichigo didn’t quite like Luna expression, she had widen eyes and her mouth was open. Her hand was in the middle distance between his face and her. Ichigo didn’t know what he just did, but probably Luna is shocked to hear this from him, who wouldn’t? A mask being part of someone, as if pulled out of a horror movie.

“Nay…” She responded “Art thou cursed?” She started to speak her old Equisch

Ichigo couldn’t agree with this, he isn’t cursed he is just who he is now. But how should he explain it to her? Where is PinkiePie when you need her! Ichigo wasn’t to sure how to respond to Luna, but he had a idea how he should do it. Of course she might not understand this fully, but at least he will have a explaining for this.

“Arrancars, are born with such mask on their faces” He started, Luna got away “And with time, a Arrancar is older and more powerful, he can go to a special place, and find a stone. This stone is a Hōgyoku, the Hōgyoku destroys a part of the mask, the more powerful the Arrancar the more the mask fades, and the less it is visible, but it can’t be vanished completely.” He begin making up a story

Ichigo didn’t feel right saying this. He tried to mix his own idea with the truth back home, he refers aging and the Arrancars finding the Hōgyoku with Aizen just creating them. For now the story has some sense. Maybe he can further think of something explaining it, and make it an official thing so that when he is asked about it, until he has to tell the truth. He will use this story.

“The mask represents the same you unicorns, or here you as a Alicorn have and use your horn to trigger magic. The mask is with us, to represent who we are and, our own abilities, and also shows our strength by just the look.” He finished

‘Bravo King! You made a perfect story!’

Luna processed the information she just heard, she never heard of a Hōgyoku…But then again maybe it is something where only his kin can see or use and harvest. Maybe she knows what it is but the name used by him is completely different from the names she knows. But if taking all what she understands, and thinking about it, then looking at him…

“So, you are a skilled stallion among your kind?”

“Yes” Ichigo said without thinking

He is skilled, he can fight and he is powerful, maybe not as powerful without Zangetsu but still powerful. His hollow and him going savage is enough power to be proud of having and controlling, until that clown doesn’t get angry and decided to take over. Surprised he didn’t show up, when Ichigo said he is a clown.

“That is a very useful information” She said with smirk

“Oh really? Why your majesty?’ Ichigo on purpose said 'your majesty'

Luna frowned, she didn’t like to be called ‘your majesty’ by Ichigo, not only he has proven to be an excellent stallion to talk to. But also he is the first one she has talked about such easy and daily topics. Maybe she will form some friendship ties with him? Either way, knowing he is, high up from where he comes from made her happy to hear it. Mostly because he is probably, or was probably very liked and respected among his people.

“It is not of your interest peasant” She said

“Peasant?”

“Yes, peasant! You are defying my will by saying ‘your majesty’ then I will call you a peasant!”

Ichigo didn’t quite catch on what was going on, but he thought that she is just playing with him. If he wants to talk to a princess then he will get a princess, and that’s why she is behaving like this right now. But this will go badly if they both continue this, better stop right now. And he still didn’t get answered why it is a useful information that he is strong?

“Ok, alright Luna you win. But can you please answer my question?”

Luna looked at him and with a smile and pleasure she responded “Better. It is a useful information because I am sure I have an skilled fighter next to me and I can feel safe any time I’m beside you”

‘What an compliment!’ His hollow echoed in his head

Indeed a nice thing to hear from a princess, this is getting better and better! If he can keep this up for the next twenty minutes he can maybe help her with her problem. If of course someone won’t interrupt. Ichigo stood up to get some juice, while he did it. He saw the bottles and a glass levitated to Luna

“Don’t trouble yourself with such thing” Ichigo blinked surprise for her generosity “Which one? We have Apple cider, carrot juice? Blueberry-Strawberry and Banana”

“Blueberry-Strawberry”

Luna levitated back the other bottles and poured for Ichigo some juice, when she was done she gave it to him. Ichigo thanked her. Now that Luna knew what the mask actually is, and what purpose it has. She could now return to touching it, she just needs to know how it feels. Its so tempting she can’t stop thinking about it!

“Can I touch the mask?”

“Yes sure”

Luna reached out for the mask. For some reason the ponies that were looking at them had different facial expressions. Shining Armor and Cadence that drunk already a good amount of alcohol, didn’t even give a damn what was going on. Celestia was busy thanking the cooks. And Twilight was just heading towards her brother to ask him some things before the party ends. PinkiePie wasn’t to be found, Applejack still was talking with Rainbow, this time about something different. Fluttershy feed the birds. Rarity was sad because her mane was beginning to get messy. And spike was the whole time besides her, complimenting that there is nothing to worry about.

“It feels like glass” Luna said

‘KING WHAT THE FUCK! SHE IS MOLESTING ME!’

Ichigo just couldn’t ignore his hollows cries for help, it isn’t his fault Luna wanted to touch it. He himself would probably want to touch it, he didn’t even feel her fingers. He didn’t know what was wrong about this? Her hands looked clean and all, this surely couldn’t be that bad. He got worse things in mind that could happen then this.

‘It’s easy for you! You aren’t touched! I wouldn’t mind if she…I don’t know! Molested me somewhere else!’

“Luna” Ichigo started, slightly irritated

She stopped touching the mask already, even if it was for a few seconds “Ahh yes I’m sorry I d-“

“No, no, no, Its fine I just wanted to ask where is the restroom?”

“Ohh, well you need to go straight, then turn left, when you see a small narrow hallway go there, and there you find the restroom.” She replied

Author's Notes:

In the next chapter we are going to see more savage hollow behavior and more personal depressive thoughts of Ichigo! So prepare for a lot of nothingness when it comes to action!

Remember to comment and complain about the grammar, remember also to say five times in a row that I need an editor and remember that this story was edited by me!