New Beginning

Chapter 17

The first signs of Spring are seen shooting up from the ground still dusted with snow. The rumor mill of the castle helps and the surrounded town kept everyone busy. The person in the center of this is Ichigo the newest addition to the royal family. He was going to be officially recognized as the fourth Prince once Spring was in full swing.

After the dragon incident Ichigo had come to realize the reason why he tried to distance himself from the royals. He was afraid. He was afraid of losing people he cared about again and it was only till recently that he moved past it. The fear was still there and he was going have to deal with it but for now he was going to take small steps. He also realized that he had a lot of emotional stuff he hadn't worked through yet. But he was getting there. His new family was helping in their own way with that.

When he came back from the ice dragon incident with a dragon in tow. The people wanted to get a look at him and much to Kaien's and the other royal's amusement Ichigo had tried his best to keep out of the lime light. However, he soon found himself in the town center but the townspeople hadn't realized who he was until they saw him helping others.

After that he became very recognizable. The people where in awe of him, his double swords, and his humble attitude. Or at else that's their opinion. Ichigo disagreed he refuted that he was in no way humble.

Ichigo had earned a reputation and many loved him for it. From protecting kids from bullies to helping old women with their market stalls. The people couldn't get enough of the newest royal.

The townspeople ranked the orangette with Kaien's charm but with Shiro's approachability. It almost became some type of hero worship. The orangette was horrified though his zanpakuto was highly amused.

Even the castle staff had fallen in love with the orangette. Thought he was spared that type of attention thanks to Toshiro who had taken upon himself to be Ichigo's keeper.

"Everyone here is too lenient on you, you need someone to keep you from getting into trouble," he had said when Ichigo had asked once.

"Aw I didn't know you cared," Ichigo teased.

"Th-that's not it fool, you have my brother's soul gem. I am only saying close until I get it," the blush Toshiro wore took the bite out of his words.

Severn had been a little jealous until Toshiro and him seemed to come to an agreement. Now Ichigo had to contend with two shadows. Though he could get away from one the other could find him anywhere much to Ichigo's annoyance.

So in order to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town and castle Ichigo has taken to going to a nearby field to cloud watch. Something he never did back in his world. And it was how Toshiro found him.

"Your disappearance has caused another ruckus," the half dragon sighed.

"They worried too much," Ichigo said. "Plus they know where I am. Hell they can see me from one of the towers."

"That's not the point your highness," Toshiro added emphasis on the 'your highness' to try to get the point across.

"I get it really, but I told them that I'm not use to all that bowing and shit. I wasn't born royal," Ichigo scrunched his face in disgust when thinking about his new lessons.

"Clearly," the half dragon said crossing his arms. "If you don't like it then why did you agree?"

"Are you kidding; I was fighting a losing battle. It was pointless to try to continue," Ichigo scowled sitting up. "They're really persistent."

"Good to know that you do have some form of tactics," Toshiro smirked.

"Oh like I haven't seen you being fawned over by every female in the castle, including the Queen."