Ichigo Familia Mansion. Two weeks later 0730
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The birds were singing in their trees and a gentle breeze blew across the town. The sun's gaze brushed just above the mountain-line bathing Orario in a warm candle-like light. At the north-eastern-most reaches of Orario, A medium sized mansion stood. It was gated and had a decent sized plot of land nearby. It's front gate held Ichigo Familia's Emblem, An oddly designed skull with an 'X' behind it. It's neighbors were home to other and lesser known gods who have either been skating along peacefully, or have small Familias.
The mansion itself, 'The House' as Ichigo calls it, was three stories in height, and pretty wide. Enough to hold eight medium sized rooms on each floor of each wing. Fit for a large Familia of 20 members or less, Give or Take.
Ichigo, The lord of this mansion, decided that he should awaken early and prepare food.
"Lord, What will you have me do today?" Mirba asked while yawning.
"Hmm...do whatever you need to, I guess..." Ichigo asked, While slowly stirring Milk into roux, To make white bechamel sauce.
"what are you making?" Mirba said, walking to Ichigo, as the pitter-patter of her sock clad feet indicated.
"It's a bechamel. For..." Ichigo cut himself off in order to concentrate, He then grabbed the two cups of hand-shredded cheese next to him and poured them both into the White Bechamel sauce, turning it into a Cheddar Bechamel sauce.
"The noodles over there..." The shinigami finished while nodding to the direction of the partially boiled and drained elbow noodles right next to Mirba.
She herself did not notice, as she jumped in fright as she lightly touched the pot of steaming noodles.
"A...Bechamel?" Mirba asking, Testing the name on her tongue. "Sounds fancy, Where'd you learn this?"
Ichigo cringed a bit, Not wanting to explain how his sister's a human, and he's a 'god'
"Well, it sorta just came to mind" Ichigo awkwardly chuckled. 'Forgive me Yuzu.' Ichigo thought to himself, as he imagined Yuzu scolding him for plagiarism.
"Ah, I see! It looks great!" Mirba said, Her eyes fixated on the creamy substance in the pot Ichigo was carefully stirring.
Ichigo cracked a little smile. "Well, just wait and see" Then Ichigo uncovered the noodles, and poured the sauce carefully over the noodles. Putting the pot down, Ichigo began to stir until all noodles are sufficiently coated. 'not even sure I did this right...' Ichigo whispered in his mind.
"Oh my! Is it done?" Mirba asked, Positively elated that this dish looked so appealing.
"Not yet, I only boiled the noodles halfway." Ichigo said, whilst covering the pot and grabbing a bag labled 'Bread crumbs'
Mirba pulled up a chair and began to watch with a very interested expression.
Ichigo began to toast the bread crumbs with butter, ground black pepper, paprika, and salt. Once the crumbs were a golden brown, He topped the Noodles with the crumbs and began to throw the remaining cheese onto it.
After that, He opened the already heated Monster-crystal powered oven, and popped the pan into it.
"...How long have you been awake?" Mirba asked, Dumbfounded that Ichigo would be THIS prepared for Breakfast.
Was this even breakfast food? Macaroni and cheese with extra steps?
"Eh...about an hour and a half, Give or take." Ichigo responded, Cleaning up the area and doing the dishes.
She was left astounded. Here she was, A groggy tired mess, and him, A literal god, Awake before the birds making food.
"Mirba, You okay?" Ichigo asked, Peering over his shoulder to see Mirba's exasperated expression.
"y-yeah...I'm just..I had no idea you could cook." Mirba said, A little flustered that Ichigo would point out her distress.
"Well, Yeah. Who cant?" Ichigo said,Mirba looked away, and pouted with a red face. Finishing the dishes, and after drying off his hands Ichigo took the Pot off the flame and turned it off.
Grabbing two plates and spoons, Ichigo took the lid off of the Dish, and the smell was near heavenly.
Ichigo gave himself an appropriate sized portion, and then gave Mirba what he thought would be appropriate for her, Then he closed the pot.
Mirba had never seen such grace while cooking.
"Well, Here you go." Ichigo said, Pushing the hot meal infront of Mirba.
Ichigo began to dig into the meal and admired the perfectly textured sauce, He always loved it when Yuzu made this, especially when she used pepper-jack cheddar. The taste was as he expected, Not too salty, not too rich and the perfect amount of seasonings and the crunchy compliments that the toasted breadcrumbs added.
"M-my Lord! This is amazing!" Mirba squeaked out, trying to savor the taste as much as she could. "You could make a fortune off of this!"
'It's just macaroni and cheese..' Ichigo thinks to himself. "Thanks." Ichigo says in between bites.
"OOH! I almost forgot! Isn't Monsterphilia today? We should go and set up a recruiting stand!" Mirba said, Happily devouring her Breakfast.
"...Not a bad idea. What's Monsterphilia?" Ichigo asked Mirba looked at him cock-eyed, but then answered him. "Monsterphilia is Orario's annual Holiday, Where we bring tamed monsters to the Coliseum to do fun tricks and stuff" Mirba said.
"Hmm. Makes sense." Ichigo concluded.
"You think Hephaestus is gonna be there?" Ichigo asked aloud.
"Lady Hephaestus? I'm unsure" Mirba said as she finished her food.
"R-right." Ichigo said, Finishing up his food, and washing their dishes.
"Lord Ichigo, I'm sure I can take care of the cleaning from now on." Mirba said, finishing up the last of her food as well.
"Oh, You sure?" Ichigo asked, Unsure as to whether he should decline her statement or accept. He disliked looking lazy.
"Yes, Of course! You're the god here, and I serve you." Mirba said
This struck a cord with Ichigo. In a bad way. Never has something put him off so much. Of course, He cant tell her to STOP saying these things, He simply didn't have the right arguments and topic points to completely change a woman's entire lifetime's experiences and terminology.
"You might serve me, But that doesn't make you my slave." Ichigo said.
"Of course, But I'll still do anything you ask. Simply because you accepted me." Mirba said.
"..." Ichigo wasn't sure what to say. If this is what Aizen wanted, if he became the Soul king, Ichigo couldn't understant why.
"But thats a topic for another time, I suppose. It's time for ME to take a SSHOOOWERRRR" Mirba said, Exaggerating 'shower' as she walked out of the kitchen.
"..Okay" Was Ichigo's response as he put the food away into small lunchboxes.
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Monsterphilia. Ichigo and Mirba's booth.
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Well. To say it was lively was an understatement. It was absolutely packed! There was hundreds of people crowded and mingling together around the Coliseum, and all the way down the streets where food venders and gift shops were strategically positioned.
Due to Ichigo's status as a god, Him and Mirba scored a nice spot to set up a booth underneath a tree right outside the entrance of the Coliseum.
"Denied." Ichigo said.
"B-But wha? Why?" A Half-dwarf said
"You literally just said 'I dont save weaklings.'" Mirba said, Crossing her arms
"And I'm Wrong? Why-" The Half-dwarf began but was cut off by "I'm not gonna debate personal goals. Come back when you're a little more humble." Mirba said.
"Damn bitch! You stink and your aura is horrifying!" The Half-dwarf said before storming off.
"Hmph. the good side of Orario shows itself yet again, I see." Ichigo said, Uninterested.
"Yeah but...Not everyone is like them...my aura??" Mirba said with an awkward smile.
Ichigo was preoccupied noticing all of the judgmental stares they were getting.
"Sure." Was Ichigo's response.
"Well, do we got time to kill? If so I sure as hell dont wanna sit here baking in the sun all day" Ichigo continued.
"...We're in the shade, Lord..." Mirba said, Exasperated.
Ichigo looked away
"I knew that.." He said. "Hey...Isn't that.." Ichigo said, as he squinted his eyes.
Sure enough, It was Hestia that he noticed. He also noticed a white haired boy sitting infront of her who looked positively flustered.
"Oi, Hestia!" Ichigo called out, Successfully grabbing the twin-tailed goddess's attention.
"Oh? Whos- Oh Ichigo!" Called out Hestia, Who began to wave.
She and the white haired kid walked over towards Ichigo and Mirba.
Arriving at their booth the goddess smiled ."Hey Ichigo, How are you?" Asked Hestia.
Ichigo's eyes locked onto the boy infront of him, and the boy shied away from his gaze. "Hey, I'm alright. Who's this?" Ichigo asked, Motioning to the white haired kid.
"This is Bell! The first member of my Familia!" Hestia said, Prideful in that fact.
"H-Hi!" Bell squeaked out, Nervous under Ichigo's perma-scowl.
"It's only his face that's scary, I promise!" Mirba spoke from behind Ichigo, Trying to break the tension.
"...Ouch" Ichigo said, As he replaced his scowl with a mock-hurt smile.
Hestia burst out laughing and Bell got a couple chuckles out.
"Man, Back at you! Who's this pretty girl?" Hestia asked, To which Mirba smiled warmly.
"She's Mirba Tuganis. My First uh Familia member" Ichigo said, Trying to avoid the accusing glare Hestia was giving him.
"...Really?" Hestia questioned Skeptically. She had no idea Ichigo was a god. Which could only mean it was false, And he was trying to scam adventurers!
"Yes really, Wanna see my Falna?" Mirba said, excitedly.
Hestia gained a sly grin and said "Sure!" While Mirba lifted up the back of her shirt.
After a couple minutes of looking over her falna, Hestia was both put off and stumped. That skull...Was pretty scary, and there was a language that she couldn't read.
She licked her fingertip and ran it over some markings. Mirba shivered, but nothing happened.
'This isn't Ink...But that language..I can't read it.' Hestia thought, Confused
"...What the hell?" Hestia said, While Mirba put her shirt back down.
"What?" Ichigo asked, Nearly uninterested.
"..I can't read that Language...On top of that, The 'Falna' Isn't fake... You really ARE a god?! Since When!" Hestia asked in complete disbelief.
Ichigo raised his eyebrow, before remembering that Hestia was kicked out of Hephaestus's home and was in the dark about the whole situation.
"I mean, I had heard about the appearance of a new god, But I didn't Know it was you!" Hestia continued.
"Well, Here I am." Ichigo said with a 'Stop it' look plastered on his face.
"Well...In any case, Congrats! Are you going to the Banquet that's scheduled next week?" Hestia asked.
"Banquet? What Banquet?" Ichigo inquired, A little confused that there wasn't a formal invitation system.
Hestia thought for a second and said "Apparently, It's for the gods and goddesses of Orario to uhh...It's a party for the gods." She said, Giving up in favor of simplifying the terms.
"Not going." Ichigo immediately said.
"W-Why not?" Hestia lamented, surprised at his abrupt answer.
"Parties aren't my thing." Ichigo responded.
"...But there's food and and music and uh Dancing and...It'll be fun!" Hestia said, Attempting to persuade Ichigo's interest in the event.
"...You just want me to be included, Dont you?" Ichigo concluded.
"...Yes." Hestia admitted. "Plus..It's a time people can meet, Meaning you can meet your fellow gods and goddesses." Hestia said in a-matter-of-fact tone.
"..Oh right! 'I can find that jackass who told Hephaestus my name meant 'strawberry!' Alright Mirba, I've decided!" Ichigo said, Suddenly interested in going.
"You're damn right I'm going!"
"Now we're talking!" Hestia said, Going off of Ichigo's motivation while Bell and Mirba sighed at their gods antics.
*Boom!*
In one instant, They went from having a nice conversation to being stared in the eye, Face-to-face with a Silverback Monster
"Goddess Hestia!" Bell cried out, as he took Hestia's hand in his and sprinted away from the monster, Who seemed uninterested in Bell.
Screams erupted from the people everywhere, as they fled away from the danger. Stalls were overturned, Some people were trampled and some people just stood there in shock.
Instead of chasing after Hestia, it locked eyes with Ichigo.
"My Lord Ichigo..We..We should run." Mirba squeaked out, while her frame shook slightly. Yet, she still drew her sword and tried to get in-front of Ichigo to protect him.
*Sigh*
Ichigo sighed and stood up, and moved infront of Mirba. Facing the beast with courage.
"It's okay. I've seen worse." Was Ichigo's comfort to Mirba, as he sat her back down in her seat.
"RRRRAAHHHH!" The Monster's fist rocketed towards Ichigo at point-blank range, To which Ichigo responded with just simply holding out a finger.
"Silly animal." Ichigo said, Recalling the times he fought Menos Grande, And the Guardians of Hell. This...Monkey wasn't scary in the slightest.
*Woosh!*
The silverback seemed confused, and even slightly intimidated by how easily it's attack was stopped, And why suddenly, it was losing feeling in it's body..
In an instant, The silverback was decapitated, and its head fell to the ground in a bloody heap. The cut itself was super clean too.
The clouds above the coliseum however, Were completely cleared out by the air-pressure exuded from Ichigo's swing.
With a metallic *clink*, Tensa Zangetsu was back in it's sheathe.
Mirba's eyes were wide. She had not even seen when Ichigo drew his sword!
"Like I said, I've seen worse." Was all Ichigo said.
"...Holy...crap.." Mirba struggled to get out, as she moved her golden hair away from her face.
"Hey, Who are you!" A man with an elephant mask called out to Ichigo.
"I'm Ichigo. Are you Ganesha?" Ichigo called back.
"No, But we were tasked to re-capturing that beast! Explain yourself!" The man said, as three more men wearing elephant attire walked up.
"Calm yourselves! Who you see before you is the god of Death! Ichigo!" Mirba said, Positioning her hands in a way that directs attention to Ichigo.
"A god? My lord, You shouldn't have killed that monster, We needed it for the Festival" The man said, Bowing slightly.
"...It was gonna hurt people and destroyed alot more if it made it past me. Then it probably woulda just ended up being in the hands of someone completely inexperienced causing way more danger then it needed to be." Ichigo said, Justifying his actions.
"...I see... I apologize, Lord Ichigo. I shall tell Ganesha. allow us to take the Monster's Core." The man said, as the others moved to take it.
"..okay" Ichigo said, as he sat back down and the men left.
"lord..Look" Mirba said, Calling for Ichigo's attention.
Ichigo's scowl intensified but slowly went away when he looked at the gathering crowd of people who looked at him in Awe.
"...What?" Ichigo asked to the crowd, But that seemed to only make the crowd erupt in cheers and applause.
'..have these people never been saved before?' Ichigo deadpanned. Surely something like this wasn't that big of a deal.
Ichigo then remembered Eina and Hephaestus's reactions when he told them about his Dungeon Goliath experiences.
'...guess not.'
All Ichigo could do was awkwardly smile and wave as the crowd gave their thanks and applause. Mirba was also being thanked for showing courage by stepping infront of Ichigo.
It wasnt unpleasant, but it was a bit uncomfortable.
This lasted for another ten minutes, Then the crowd went back inside the coliseum for whatever was left of Monsterphilia.
"Hello? Ichigo?" a deep voice called out from in front of the stand.
Both Mirba and Ichigo however, were asleep in their chairs, Snoring away.
"Hello? Anyone home?" said the same voice.
Mirba was the first to wake up.
"Huh..? OH! Lord Ichigo!" Mirba said, Shaking off her grogginess.
"..What." Ichigo said, Not asleep anymore but still leaned back with his eyes closed.
"we got a potential recruit!" Mirba said, giddy.
"..." Ichigo opened one eye, and took in the man's appearance. He was a 5'7 tall man, With a relatively light complexion. His hair was dirty blonde and a bit spikey.
And his eyes are emerald green and while build was fairly bulky. He had a pair of Dual swords at his hip and was wearing light armor.
Sighing and then stretching, Ichigo sat up and said
"Hello, What can I do for you?"
"I'd like to join your familia." The man said simply. To which Ichigo began to size him up in a different way.
"Really? What's your name." Ichigo asked, and Mirba began to take notes.
"My name's Ren Mori. I'm eighteen years of age." Ren said.
"Well Ren, What drives you to be an adventurer?" Ichigo asked, Mirba scratching away.
"I seek strength. I need to get stronger. My familia was wiped out because I wasn't strong enough to stop that from happening. I can't deny that you're strong, And I seek knowledge and power." Ren said, Really straight-forward. No use lying to a god, Ichigo supposed.
"..I understand, Ren. I sympathize with you. Keep in mind, Absolute power corrupts Absolutely. Don't let power be the focal point of your existence, Otherwise you'll never find peace. Welcome to my Familia, Ren." Ichigo said, As Ren breathed out a sigh of relief, and they both shook hands.
Mirba squealed in happiness, that there was another to the familia. They can now go to the dungeon. Not that she couldn't go, But now there was another person she felt the need to protect during the dungeon runs. Ichigo was a completely different force of nature.
"Come back within an hour, and then I'll take you to the house." Ichigo said, Sitting back down. Mirba chuckled when he said House.
"Yes, Ichigo-sama." Ren said, and disappeared within the crowd.
Ichigo and Mirba spent the better half of an hour rejecting puffed up chests and people with weak wills and resolves to do what's right.
"Damn! It's like finding a needle in the haystack." Ichigo said, finding new ways to become disappointed in Orario's morals.
"..I'm sorry" Mirba said, Awkwardly playing with her hair.
Ichigo sighed, and layed back in his chair. Nobody else seemed to want to join.
"Say, Mirba. Before you joined, Did people talk about me?" Ichigo asked, Trying to find out why people avoid him most of the time.
"Well, Now that you do mention it...I did hear something about 'The man above level 7'" Mirba replied, With a thoughtful look.
"Wha-" Ichigo began, But was cut off with an intercom
"I, Ganesha! Would Like to take this opportunity to welcome, Ichigo! The god of Death! The latest god to enter Orario's pantheon!" Ganesha said, Drawing every eye within sight to Ichigo and his "child".
Some looked like they just figured out the secrets of life, as their mind-blown looks would indicate. Others shrugged their shoulders, and went about their business.
"Well, Go on Ichigo! Say hi!" Ganesha pushed, As a magic mirror appeared in-front of Ichigo and Mirba.
"..." the Silence was nearly deafening. "Hey" Ichigo said, as he waved. Mirba smiled brightly and waved quickly.
The Coliseum erupted in cheers and applause.
"There you have it." Ganesha said happily, and dispersed the screen.
Ichigo sighed and rolled his eyes as more people lined up, and he resumed his questioning.
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One week later, Banquet of the gods.
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"Does this dress make me look fat?" Mirba said, Wearing a traditional dark pink dress with a pearl bracelet.
"Yes." Ren said, Teasing his captain. Mirba gasped and then pouted when she said "Ah! But- You're not supposed to say things like that to a lady!"
"'A lady' she says...Have you ever seen yourself when Ichigo-sama makes his pasta dish? And what, did you expect me to dote over you and start giving you compliments? Sure you're looking cute but I'm not going to say 'No, Mirba, your ass looks great in that dress?'" Ren said, With a smirk.
"I-I never mentioned my butt..." Mirba said, shocked into blushing.
"...You're stupid" Ren said, Trying his hardest to cover up his blunder, whilst looking away in shame.
"Y-You!" She began, But was cut off when Ichigo walked into the room.
She stopped whatever insult she had in her mind when she saw how Ichigo looked.
His usual Bankai Shihakusho was modified, This time he wore a stark white Haori with his Familia's Emblem on his back. He chose a black/red Dō for a breastplate, He wore two Matte styled Pitch-black Samurai Esque pauldrons and gauntlets. His Zanpakuto gauntlet was left uncovered, Though.
He looked fit for war...Except this was a party.
"Ichigo-Sama...You look prepared for combat...Why?" Ren said, Glossing his eyes over the nicely crafted pauldrons.
Ichigo cast a lackadaisical look around the room and said "Even if it's a party, Something might happen. You always gotta be prepared."
"Uh-huh, But atleast drop the armor, Please? You look great enough as-is!" Mirba said, Feeling a little naked if Ichigo has armor and she doesn't. "Atleast let me get armor too if you're gonna show up in it" Mirba said, Shaking her hands at Ichigo, Who just made a 'Tch' sound.
Ichigo took off the armor and left it on their Stark-White sofa. After that, He and Mirba left the Mansion, and headed down to the Banquet hosted by Ganesha.
Ren hastily put on the armor and made muscles to himself in his mirror afterwards...
"Invitations?" A man with an elephant mask asked.
Ichigo and Mirba held out the 'Ichigo Familia' Emblem, and were let inside after the guard confirmed the emblem's presence on the Roster.
The duo walked over to the drink/food tables, and began to stand around...awkwardly. "Well, Here we are..." Mirba said, but stopped once she realized Everyone was staring at them. Either in Surprise or curiosity.
"Well, Well, Well...Ichigo. Good to see you" Said Hermes, as he and his captain, Asfi, Walked up to Ichigo. Breaking the silence and re-starting the Banquet's atmosphere.
"Hey, Hat'n clogs." Ichigo said, a near-Miserable chuckle escaping him.
"Hat'n clogs? Hah, I guess I have to get clogs now." Hermes said, Joking around as Asfi studied Ichigo's face and appearance.
"Well, This is Asfi, My deeearrr captain~" Hermes continued, Doting over the woman. Who just scoffed in irritation.
"Tch..Hello, Ichigo-sama. Its a pleasure to meet you." Asfi said, as she bowed slightly.
"The Pleasure's all mine. This is Mirba, My Familia's captain." Ichigo said, Surprising Mirba with how
"H-Hello! It's nice to meet you both!" Mirba said, Hastily grabbing both Asfi, and Hermes's hands and shaking them with gusto.
"She's a lively one, Huh?" Hermes said, Happy to see such energy.
"I'm a huuuuge fan!" Mirba said, Looking into an awkward Asfi's eyes, and she just gave an embarrassed Smile.
"Hello Ichigo." A smooth voice called out from behind the Shinigami. Ichigo turned around to see Hephaestus along with Hestia, Bell and Loki.
"Hey, What's up?" Ichigo said, Trying his hardest not to look at the Beautiful Blacksmith too long. Her hair was tied up and she wore a long elegant dress that fit her perfectly.
"Do you have a cold, Ichigo-sama?" Bell asked Ichigo, Who just coughed into his hand awkwardly.
Hephaestus looked perplexed, But smiled once she pieced everything together.
"You look Handsome, Ichigo. Not too formal either, But that's okay." Hephaestus said, With a pleasant smile.
Hestia looked at Hephaestus and Ichigo oddly, Like she was having issues believing Hephaestus, of all people, Would be complimenting anyone about anything that wasn't smithing.
"T-thanks..You look...Good too." Ichigo said, Still trying to formulate things in his mind to say. To save face, more like.
"Well Thank you." Hephaestus said, Giving a small bow, while blushing.
"Aaanyways.. What's up Hestia? Loki?" Ichigo said, Diverting the conversation topic.
Hestia looked amused at Ichigo's expression, While Loki stayed silent.
"Oh nothing much...Just wondering when my little blacksmith suddenly gained a fondness for strawberries." Hestia said, lightly elbowing a flustered Hephaestus.
"...Simmer down midget" Ichigo said, His face crimson, But decided to take the 'Save dignity' route.
"And they didn't even deny it! How adorable!" Hestia said, Laughing hard.
"I regret telling them the true nature of your name, Ichigo. I apologize." Takemikazuchi pointed out, rather ashamedly.
"...Damn you" Ichigo said, still annoyed by Hestia's taunts.
"Well, Ichigo. Hows the familia coming along?" Hephaestus asked, Changing the subject finally.
"It's going pretty well. I've recruited two people so far, Here's my captain" Ichigo said, lightly Shuffling Mirba- Who's face was stuffed with food- infront of Hephaestus who then smiled widely.
"She's adorable." Hephaestus said, after Mirba waved excitedly. Looking like she just saw the best thing in the world. Ichigo subtly nodded and his scowl fell quite a bit.
Finally swallowing, Mirba regained her graces and said "It's good to meet you! I'm Mirba, Ichigo familia's Captain!" Mirba said, Hephaestus chuckled and Rustled Mirba's hair.
"I've never seen you so Enthusiastic, Ichigo." Hephaestus asked, Speaking true. Ichigo hadn't ever acted like this, Let alone acted like he's showing her something he's proud of. Hephaestus unknowingly started to braid Mirba's hair, and she didn't mind.
Gasps and 'Wow's erupted from every god and Familia captain in the vicinity (Minus Ichigo and Mirba, Who was still getting her hair braided by Hephaestus.)
"Oohh, There's another big name~" Hermes said,
"Who?" Ichigo said, Unimpressed. But he saw that big man, Ottar, Escorting her with his arm around hers.
'I still haven't apologized to him.' Ichigo thought to himself as he bumped Tensa Zangetsu's handle with a fist when he moved to cross his arms.
"You haven't heard of her? That's Freya-sama, Head of the Freya Familia." Hermes stated, As Ichigo noticed blushes from everyone in the room. Guys and Girls alike.
"Freya." Ichigo stated, Uninterested in her Smug looking grin that reminded him of the now dead, Aizen's smile.
"Quick! Don't look Bell! When you Children look at the goddess of beauty, you fall under her spell immediately!" Ichigo heard Hestia's voice from behind Hermes and Asfa.
Ichigo looked to Mirba to see if this was true, And he began to doubt the Integrity of Hestia's statement. Mirba was gleefully chowing down on chocolates and snacks on the tables, while everyone else was lovestruck.
Freya Noticed Ichigo, and left Ottar by walking over to him.
"It's been a long while, Hestia. Miach and Takemikazuchi too." Freya's sweet voice echoed like music.
"H-hi" Takemikazuchi said, Whilst blushing and looking down.
"Beautiful as ever, Freya" Miach said.
Both grunted painfully for some reason after that, as both of their Familia members glared up at them.
Freya smiled and walked closer to Ichigo and the rest.
"Hello, Ichigo...Will you make my bed warm tonight?" Freya asked, as she reached placed a hand on his cheeks. Everyone around him nearly choked on how straightforward she was.
"No." Was Ichigo's simplified answer, as he stepped back from her hand.
"Ah. Thats a pity." She looked a little hurt, But kept up her facade.
Walking closer to Bell, She reached a hand to him and said "What about you? Will you give me good dreams?"
But was cut off as Hestia slapped her hand away and said "He will not!"
"Why are you blushing Bell?! She goes after every man she sees! She'll devour a kid like you in an instant!" Hestia continued.
"I'm sorry! I'm Sorry!" Bell apologized, embarrassed.
Freya giggled and said "Disappointing, but it seems I've Angered Hestia. So I'll be going now."
"How anticlimactic. Anyhow, Ottar, A minute?" Ichigo called out to the big man. He looked down to Freya, Who nodded and continued on without him.
"Yes, Ichigo-sama?" The stoic man questioned. Mirba and Hephaestus kept a close eye on them.
"About when I arrived, I'm sorry for knocking you out. I'm pretty sure I damaged your reputation. So for that, I'm sorry." Ichigo apologized.
"It's ok. May I return to my goddess?" Ottar said. Noting that Ottar was a curt guy, He nodded and nothing else was said.
Ichigo also noted the look of Malice that Ottar threw his way when Ichigo told Freya 'No'
More pleasantries were said, and Hephaestus flirted around with a quiet Ichigo a little more, To the latter's Chagrin. But Eventually, He began to tease the blacksmith back a little.
Both of them had exchanged casual banter and jokes until the Banquet ended, when they reluctantly said their goodbyes.
After Ichigo left, Hephaestus was approached by Hestia and together, they arrived to Hephaestus's Mansion.
Walking inside, Hephaestus pointed to a coat rack, and Bell shrugged off the top of his Tux.
"You two can stay for tonight." Hephaestus said, as Welf showed Bell to his temporary room.
Hestia and Hephaestus went to the Master Bedroom when Hestia spoke up
"Hey..I saw... a lot of that."
"That's because you have both eyes."
"..True.. But why him?" Hestia asked, Bell tuned in.
"...He's really nice. Despite his near-constant scowl...He's also really handsome. He's polite and certainly seems genuine enough. Plus, He almost seemed childlike in the way he pushed his Captain to me." The divine smith explained, With a fond smile.
Hestia was taken aback. "Really? ...Does he know?" Alluding to Hephaestus's deformity.
"..Yes. I was careless one evening and forgot I had company. While sitting in my reading chair, I closed my eye to rest, and took off my eyepatch because it was getting too hot. Then...He walked in, and figured I was asleep. Still, He walked closer and looked at me intently. I expected him to hold back bile, and run away, But instead he did niether. He smiled even. This happened again, But that time it was rather chilly and I was actually close to being asleep. I was about to get to bed, When he appeared again. This time, He took the blanket he held close to him, and covered me to keep me warm." Hephaestus gushed, Surprising Hestia by her caring smile.
"woah...You must be serious. You never rant about anything other than blacksmithing..." Hestia Pointed out, as she crossed her arms and listened.
"For good reason. Gossip-mongers love goddess's and their drama. I'd hoped to spare Ichigo from that nonsense, But oh well. It can't be helped." Hephaestus shrugged.
"Anyhow, Since then, He never stopped treating me with respect, and..It's embarrasing, But it's you I'm talking with, But...I'd like to think that he began to take an interest..." Hephaestus said, Looking down in shame, Her feelings weren't scalding hot steel to be worked, So it was foreign to her. Still, It was with her best friend, That she was confiding her feelings with.
"I see...I feel that too, With my Bell.. he's the nicest boy I've met. I've turned down many marriage proposals in my eternity of existence because marriage simply didn't seem right with me. But with bell...I'd pretty much accept anything he can ask, If he'd ask." Hestia said, Blushing.
"Hmm. Well it seems We're both at a loss here." Hephaestus said, crossing her legs.
"Both? Bell's a human, So I cannot have children, But Ichigo's a god. He's. Fair. Game." Hestia pointed out, and encouraged.
"...Do you mean.."
"Yes. Go for it."
"..I see.." Was all Hephaestus said. She was at a loss for words.
"When?" Hestia said, Sitting on Hephaestus's bed, and yawning.
"When what?"
"When are you going to ask him out?"
"w-wait, What?" Hephaestus stuttered.
"It's clear that you like him, And I'm positive that he won't reject you either. so...go for it!" Hestia jovially called out.
"...I guess..At Apollo's ball next week? Here's what I'm going to do..I'm going to march up to him."
"Yeah"
"And I'm going to ask him to dance"
"Yeah!"
"And then I'm going to ask him out!" Hephaestus said. "Its foolproof!" Hephaestus grinned, popping her knuckles.
"YEAH!...ouch." Hestia said, As she shivered on how harsh the sounds were.
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Ichigo Familia's Home, The next day 12:04 pm
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Ichigo and Mirba arrived back to the mansion, and changed out to their normal outfits.
"So, Mirba's the captain, Ren you're Second in command, And Acero you're...Uh...You're job is..Unlisted for now?" Ichigo said, Unsure as to what Acero should do.
Speaking of, Acero was the Familia's newest recruit. He's a 23 year old Elf who's surprisingly effective with a flail. Ichigo could tell he was lying about his age, but no matter. He has tan skin with long red hair that was braided. He also has a very muscular build, and Ichigo was pretty elated that he was a level 4. Acero was very quiet unless asked a direct question. Something the Substitute found out when walking back to the mansion. Ichigo nearly considered making him the familia captain, But figured that at the size of the familia, he should keep Mirba as captain because she joined first, for now until the Familia grew in size. Then he would probably use stats.
"Um, Question!" Mirba said, Raising her hand and bouncing on her heels slightly.
"Shoot." Ichigo says, as he sits down.
"When can we go into the dungeon?"
Both Ren and Acero looked at Ichigo for his answer.
Ichigo sighed and smiled slightly. "Whenever you want, really. But you gotta make sure you got everything packed before going like food and supplies 'n stuff."
Starstruck was Mirba's expression, Ren raised an eyebrow and Acero was awaiting orders.
Ichigo cleared his throat and said "Ahem, Now. Go my children, Brave the dungeon...or whatever the gods say." Mirba giggled and motioned for the other two to follow her.
The trio left, and Ichigo was mildly pleased at his new company. But his smile disappeared as he leaned back in his chair and sighed.
For some reason, Ichigo felt really tired and couldnt help his eyes that were becoming increasingly heavy. So he just gave in and began to sleep on his chair.
'Mm..It's cold.' Ichigo thought, as he rolled over. '..Cold?' He said, His brain suddenly working.
"No, It's fuckin hot. What'r you, stupid?" A horrifyingly familiar voice spoke out.
Ichigo's eyes snapped open and he jumped up, and took in the scenery. The previously submerged landscape was not only drained, But it was also snowing. The snowflakes were very large and falling extremely slow.
Apon hearing that warbled underwater voice, Ichigo looked over the man in white, and indeed confirmed it to be his Hollow. Full mask, Horns, Claws, etc. "You!" Ichigo said, As he put Tensa Zangetsu to the ready...Only to find out that he didn't have Tensa Zangetsu.
The shinigami furiously looked around him to find both his gauntlet and partner were missing.
"Lookin' for this?" The hollow taunted, Holding up his inverse-colored Zangetsu.
"What the hell's going on... Where's the old man?...Weren't you fused last time I saw you two?" Ichigo bit out, Trying to ignore the cold.
"...Yes, But why in the hell should I answer you?" The hollow taunted.
"Because I'll kick your ass if you dont! What happened to all the water?" Ichigo asked, Getting more aggravated.
The Hollow chuckled, and said "Think about it, GoD oF DeAtH" He said that last part while motioning quotation marks.
"I swear to Kami, Hollow, I'm not in the m-mood for t-this!" Ichigo said, Shivering. Did it get colder?
"But aren't you a Kami? Those dumbass humans seem to worship you as one?" The hollow said, Throwing out the fact that he knows about Ichigo's Familia.
"You Know? And they dont 'Worship me'" Ichigo said, trying to make sense of the arguement.
"...You're too dense. When you gave those dumbasses a 'Falna' You shared your blood with them. In return, They worship and serve you. In this world, You are literally a god. fucking idiot." The hollow bit out, Trying and failing to stay calm with Ichigo's naivete.
"..I-" Ichigo began but was cut off with "-Am an Idiot. Yes I know. Now let's get to why I pulled you here." This got the shivering Ichigo's attention
"You're pretty much a full fledged Shinigami, And you're an actual deity, now. Apparently, From what green-bitch says." The hollow says, Seemingly angry.
"Green...Bitch?" Ichigo echoes on, On that, The sky turned into a white-ish green color and the snow began to swirl around violently around the spot next to the Hollow.
Ichigo was stunned, When the swirling snow began to exude a dark green light, and then it began to take form.
A couple seconds later, A small, White haired woman walked out of the column of snow. Her Hair and skin were pale white, Her hair was shoulder length with a flat fringe, Her eye color was a dark glowing green, and she wore a purple/black yukata with black Samurai-esque pauldrons.
"Hello Ichigo." The woman said, Stunning Ichigo with her honey-like voice. "I am the Hogyoku."