-Previously-
Hestia's discarded glove slid down Apollo's face, and a chorus of exasperated gasps, and low voices saying 'holy crap, did that really just happen?'
Apollo's grin seemed to widen.
"How dare you disrespect our lord, at his very own event!" the woman to Apollo's right called out in outrage
"I'll enjoy tearing your familia apart, Hestia." Apollo said, Turning and walking away.
Ichigo scoffed at Apollo's familia, especially Hyakinthos, then looked at Hestia amusedly. He then turned around to Hephaestus and spoke into her ear and said:
"I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you later." And with that, Ichigo used flash step to get both Himself, Mirba, Hestia, and Bell out of there.
-The next day-
"Ichigo, you're a dumbass. You dont even know the full extent of these guys' powers, and on top of that, Mirba, Ren and Acero are Hardly considered ready for somethin' like this." Shiro chastised.
'...Yeah, As far as you know. But...Thats what training's for.' Ichigo countered. Sitting cross-legged,
Shiro scoffed. While circling Ichigo with a scowl fixed in place, Shirosaki looked for signs of worry on the young Shinigami's face, and could find very little.
The clouds above were signs that he was indeed, very worried.
"Yeah, sure"
"Well, King. You better make damn sure that your 'Children' are strong enough to win. If not, that smug bastard will get em, and I don't like that. I don't care if the 'gods' aren't allowed to use their powers, I wasn't born into their rules and I'll make damn sure they know that." Shiro informed with a grunt as he sat Infront of Ichigo, cross-legged.
"R-right."
"Anyhow, Get their asses in gear, and then get your shit with Hephaestus squared away." Shiro said, sighing while crossing his arms.
The spirit had his mask on the side of his head, to allow Ichigo to see him eye-to-eye.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked.
The Zanpakuto spirit sighed in irritation. "King, Clearly you aren't the brightest star in the sky, but in case you didn't notice, the chick was gonna ask you something. I already know what it is, and that's why I'm so mad at that piece of shit for interrupting her."
"She was? Now that you said something, I remember that too. What was she gonna ask?" Ichigo asked, Putting a hand up to his chin in thought.
"Ah-ah-ah. Not my place to tell, Kingy. It has ta be special."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Since when did Zangetsu care about such things?
"I can read your mind fucko. I care because I'm sick of seein' all these pretty girls basically throw themselves at you, and your dumbass doesn't even notice." Zangetsu reaches his arm out and sticks two fingers at Ichigo before jabbing them into his chest, "I'm your wingman now, You're gonna become a man, King."
Ichigo's face burned, and all he could do was nod and say 'Ok'
"Good conversation. Now get out there, Reddie wants ta talk." Zangetsu said, whilst flipping Ichigo off.
The Death God made movements to protest, But was cast out of the drowned townscape.
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Ichigo's room, 8:47AM
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"-ello?"
Ichigo's consciousness was slowly surfacing, and a soft voice called out again.
"-llo, Ichigo? Wake up."
Who was calling him?
Ichigo's eyes slowly opened, and revealed his sunlight filled room. To his left was the one who was calling him, Hephaestus.
"Hey, Good morning strawberry. How did you sleep? Mirba couldn't wake you, so she had to interrupt me and Hestia's breakfast." The Divine blacksmith said, All signs of pleasantry leaving her tone.
Not even waiting for Ichigo to respond, She says "What is up with you and getting into trouble! I cannot even have a fu- Freaking dance with you!" The woman seethed.
Ichigo looked up at her bleary-eyed, and said "...I'm sorry.."
This seemed to stoke her ire even more, as she reached out and grabbed the fabric of Ichigo's shihakusho.
She pulled him close, and out of bed and said "Now instead of going on a goddamn date, you have to now focus on training these dolts and going into a war game! The details of which are gonna be discussed this evening!"
She glared at the man for what seemed like hours, Before her face went up in flames in realization of what she said.
"I-I can't go on what now?" said the waking God of Death.
Hephaestus dropped Ichigo and backed up, Covering her face in vain attempts to hide her shame.
"I said nothing! Ahem! Get your ass ready, so we can-"
Ichigo got out of bed with a face that was burning, but due to the voice of his father nagging him in the back of his mind saying 'Now's your chance!' ...and shiro saying 'get your ass in there!' Ichigo spoke up saying
Realizing that Ichigo was now standing in-front of her, Hephaestus turned to him meekly, and made to protest.
"A-Alright, a...date it is. Where were you thinking?" Ichigo said.
Mirba's impossibly large smile widened as her eyes glistened.
"W-what? I didnt...I-!" Hephaestus then sighed in defeat "I...wanted to ask when the time is right and everything's perfect."
Ichigo sat back down, and waited for Hephaestus to gather her bearings.
The Divine Smith seemed to steel her nerves, signified by the shaking in her hands disappearing.
"BUT whatever. The details are out, and I wont be able to sleep until we go...So shit, I guess now would be better a time than never, I suppose."
"..." Ichigo patiently waited for her to ask, since she said she wanted to.
"I-Ichigo. I have been thinking of this for a long while, and I..I have wanted to ask you...Will you...Do you want to.. Uh..." Hephaestus's face was bright red, not unlike her hair, and her eye was searching around for something to captivate her attention. The shaking in her hands reappeared, and her breath grew labored.
"...If p-possible...do you by any chance want to go...onadatewithme" Hephaestus hurriedly whispered that last part out with her eye squeezed shut.
Ichigo's breath hitched, and he too began to shake slightly with nerves. An unknown feeling started to flutter in his stomach that was somewhat uncomfortable but pleasant at the same time.
Butterflies? Now that he mentioned it, it does feel like butterflies are fluttering around in his stomach.
"w-well? Have you nothing to say?" Hephaestus asked with a scowl, as her eyebrows creased.
"Y-Yes!" Ichigo stuttered out, "Yes I'll go."
"Are you certain? You took dreadfully long while to respond.." Hephaestus managed to tease, her face still red.
"Ah maybe not, I am going to be pretty busy after all..." Ichigo countered, the woman's face fell in defeat.
"I'm just joking, yes, miss anvils, I'll go on a date with you. I'm sure I was the one who's supposed to ask, though."
The woman pouted at being a victim of her own sarcasm, and responded
"Jerk...No I was not going to wait until you stumbled across the realization of how amazing I am. I thought that you probably needed help in that area." Hephaestus giggled out.
"...Yeah that's true. These things are new for me."
"...Anyhow, my original purpose for coming here was to tell you that the meeting will take place in the afternoon in the same place we interrogated you. Take an umbrella, its probably going to rain." Hephaestus said with a smile.
"I see.." Ichigo answered, and an awkward silence ensued.
"Anyways. I uh have to go now...uh It was nice...talking to you?" Hephaestus said awkwardly, as she ebbed towards the door.
"Y-yeah, Same"
"See you later" At that, The Fiery goddess walked out of the room quickly with a burning face.
Ichigo sat, thoughtful of the situation...Damn it. They didn't even discuss where they were going or when.
Ichigo sat down in a marble chair in front of a very smug looking Apollo.
Ichigo was dressed in his usual Bankai Shihakusho, Except he now 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 equipped and Tensa Zangetsu was in it's sheathe.
"Ah...Intimidating, Ichigo." Apollo called out.
"..." Ichigo said nothing as he crossed his arms and sighed.
"Well, I guess we better get this started, since that cowardly Hestia isn't going to show up."
The gods in their seats began to bellow with laughter, mainly lead by Loki. Those who weren't laughing simply rolled their eyes.
"Serves her ri-"
"Shuddup and wait." Ichigo said, Wrapping his hand around his Soul cutter's handle.
The atmosphere grew thick with anger and suppressed emotions. Both parties silently waged warfare against one another in their heads. Imagining countless altercations as well as outcomes. Cause and effects.
Suddenly barging into the room was a panting and worn out Hestia.
"What's the meaning of this, Apollo!"
The short woman said as she stomped her way to the seat next to Ichigo.
"Why, I haven't any idea what you-"
"Don't give me that crap! Your familia suddenly attacked me and Bell! It wasn't until Ichigo's familia stepped in at the guild, could we get away!"
"Now, I don't recall ever telling them to do such a thing. Merely, all I said was to make sure you guys got here in one piece." Apollo said, His knowing smile never leaving him.
"Are Mirba, Ren, and Acero okay?" Truthfully, Ichigo already knew the answer. Mirba's spiritual pressure had decreased, while Ren and Acero's were unaffected. Mirba was hurt and Ichigo was livid.
"Mirba was...stabbed. Acero took her to the guild. And I think Ren made sure that they weren't followed." Hestia said.
"Ooh, they're at the Guild you say?" Apollo stressed the word 'guild'. *Snap*
"what was that?" Ichigo asked hestia, Not believing his ears.
"Hm? This?" Apollo snapped his fingers again.
"Just snapping, Why? Could it be that you think it's anything else? Do you not know what a snap is?"
Ichigo was going to ask what he meant, when suddenly he felt five presences disappear from the room and speed towards the direction of the guild.
It wasn't just a snap, It was a goddamn signal!
A heavy pressure descended upon the god, and there were other gods who gasped in horror of the undignified position their favorite brother was in.
Apollo wasn't lucky, as his torso was smashed onto the table unceremoniously.
"w-What ma-nner of rubbish is this?! Answer me Ichigo!" Apollo shouted out
"What the hell did you people do to Mirba?!" Ichigo shouted, Not caring about the white energy forming around his head.
"!" Apollo couldn't respond in time, before a renewed wave of energy continued to flatten him. He started to glow an ethereal light, signifying activation of his Divine Aura.
Ichigo noticed this, and said: "You will tell your people to halt their advances to the guild, do you understand?" Ichigo growled out, through a mask.
Said mask, was the exact same as the one he wore when he returned from his fight with the 4th Espada. The mask of Zangetsu.
"Yes! Yes! Fine! Release me!" Apollo groveled, as he slid off his chair and unknowingly prostrated himself.
The ocean of Reiatsu had receded from the room, and Apollo snapped three more times, Signaling another servant to go and Belay his previous order.
Ichigo sat down, and slammed his fist into the table, cracking it.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't cut you in half!" Ichigo yelled out, Startling the god.
Then, a wall of mist appeared to the right of the table, and a deep baritone voice rang out into the room.
"Death god Ichigo, You are ordered to cease use of your Divine powers. Failure to do so is punishable by termination." Ouranos warned.
"Shove it, old man!" Ichigo said, and dissolved his mask into dark red reishi. "You don't get to tell me what to do when the well-being of my friends are in danger!"
"They are your children, Not your fri-"
"Then I guess that makes me care about them even more." Ichigo then pointed to Apollo as he lifted his spiritual pressure. "Listen up, Dumbass! We've already agreed to the outcomes of who wins, so let's get into the damn event."
"You will watch your tongue when speaking to Ouranos!" Apollo said, Standing up to meet Ichigo eye-to-eye
"How about you make me?" Ichigo said, His armor clanking with his movements.
"I agree, Let's get on with the event." Ouranos said, Sounding royally pissed as the wall of mist dissipated.
Hermes cleared his throat awkwardly as a bead of sweat ran down his forehead, and said "How about...We take a vote?"
Ichigo looked at the god, and then back at Apollo.
"yeah, A vote. How's that sound?" Ichigo growled. Every syllable dripping with malice.
"Sure, Makes no difference in the end." Apollo glared with a cocky grin.
Hestia shrank in her seat as these two powerhouses went at it. She then looked at the gods in their seats, and saw Hephaestus. She had her head propped on her hands as she viewed the scene, particularly Ichigo. Hephaestus then sighed, with a deep blush.
"I need to talk to her about that.." Hestia muttered to herself.
It took thirty minutes or more, but the gods had finished casting their votes. Hermes collected them, and said
"Whichever vote I pull out of my hat will be the type of War this bout will be." Hermes stated as he reached into the hat.
Hermes gasped, then sighed as he turned the paper around to show the group.
"I'm sorry...It's a siege...And Apollo familia is defending." The man said as he rubbed the back of his head.
Apollo smiled from ear to ear.
"Then the stages of the game are set, you have two weeks to prepair! Let us do battle!" Apollo said rather dramatically.
"Hold up, What about us? Counting our familia's together, it's unfair, we only have four people!" Hestia spoke up.
"Yeah, I'm gonna have to agree with Hestia. Not because I drew the lots, But because it's not fair. How about they have helpers-" Hermes was interrupted by a glaring Apollo
"Your familia's are small because you're both lazy. Dont use 'unfair' as an excuse. A war game is a battle between familias, the divine rule-"
A sickly sweet voice interrupts from the side: "You scared, Apollo? The idea of helpers really shook you, huh. Don't you love your children more than that? "
"Yeah! Freya's right! Helpers! Helpers!" One by one, (mainly the male gods) The deities in their seats chanted 'Helpers!' in an effort to sway Apollo's mind.
"D-Don't insult me!" He shouted, Then he conceded. "Fine, they can have a helper. And one from a familia outside Orario! How about that!"
"Okay I think I can accommodate you on that." Ichigo said, as he crossed his arms
'damn it, they already saw the mask...Zangetsu's out of the ring...' Ichigo realized.
"I-Impossible!" Apollo said, slamming his hands down onto the cracked table.
"You scared?" Ichigo fired back with Freya's insult.
"!" Apollo seethed openly for a while, but eventually when he couldn't fire back a proper insult, chose to angrily storm out of the room at the laughter of a couple gods.
"Hestia, Get prepared. Get bell and go home and train." Ichigo said, Moving towards the door, but Hestia called to him and said
"We have no home anymore. They destroyed it looking for us."
Ichigo's blood was boiling.
"Then come to my place, damn it. I have lots of room."
"I-I don't wanna impose..."
"No, I'm insisting. Plus, I could train bell." Ichigo said.
"Well..If you insist." Hestia said, caving to Ichigo's irritation. She was going to ask Hephaestus, but she figured that Ichigo's place would work fine since apparently Bell is well liked by Ichigo's Familia.
Further away from the two, Hephaestus still sat down observing the two idly talk, not noticing that Freya was there watching also. However, what's more noticeable is the way Hephaestus is practically doting over Ichigo and his stern side. She found that he was extremely sexy when in control of a situation, sure, his aloof side was pleasant and enjoyable to witness but there was just something so special about this new side of the Death god. She wanted to see more of this...Passion.
Hephaestus's face burned as her mind started to play and replay fantasy scenarios.
Everyone had left the room, except Hephaestus and Hestia. Hephaestus was glued to her seat, stuck in daydreams of romantic grandeur.
"Hephaestus...Hellooo, Hammer to anvillllll." Hestia said, Waving her gloved arm in-front of the spaced out Divine blacksmith.
"Gosh Fi, You sure are outta it, huh." The goddess of the Hearth concluded in humor at her Friend's lack of attention.
"Wha- Hestia? Where's everyone?"
"The meeting ended like thirty minutes ago. Ichigo and I were talking about Temporary Living arrangements...Speaking of Ichigo...Did something happen between you? He looked at you and blushed! You looked at him and you also blushed! Did you two...Do the thing?" Hestia asked, Forming a blush of her own.
Heat radiated off of the Divine smith's face, as she sputtered incoherent words and excuses. Mostly saying 'It wasn't that' or 'Don't go assuming things'
"N-no! you little brat! I only asked him out like I said I would!" Hephaestus informed, albeit very hastily.
"What! No. Way! Oh my gosh you have to tell me everything!" Hestia said, Grasping her friend's hands.
"N-not here! Are you crazy?" Hephaestus said, looking around the room.
"...Good point. Come to Ichigo's house tonight! Me and Bell are gonna stay there until the war game is over." Hestia replied.
"...Okay"
"Sooooo..What was with all that blushing in the auditorium? Hmmmm?" Hestia asked Hephaestus who was sat down in Ichigo's dining room with a cup of tea.
Hephaestus brought the cup of the warm beverage to her lips, and sipped before answering.
"Yes I did...It was an accident too...I hadn't meant to ask him right as he woke up this morning, But it kinda..slipped out. I'm just happy he said yes." Hephaestus said, Twirling her fingers around a crimson lock of her hair.
"Ooooh! That means you were in his room...What was it like? All dark and moody?" Hestia asked, digging for information.
Hephaestus shrugged and said "It was all...White. Everything. His bedsheets, curtains, livery. The only thing of color he had in his room was a blue cross. And that was on a pillow...Maybe even those red flowers that I saw."
"He has flowers?" Hestia asked, Intrigued.
"Yes, quite a bit." Hephaestus said, finishing her cup of tea and setting it down.
"Really? I hadn't pegged Ichigo the type to care for flowers." Hestia said, bringing her own cup of tea to her lips.
"Yeah...If you tease him about it, Ill kill you." Hephaestus said, pointing a finger at Hestia's chest.
"Y-yeah, no worries haha" Hestia said, Awkwardly laughing.
"Good. In any case, where did you two decide on going?" Hestia asked, and to her amusement, Hephaestus choked on air.
"!"
"You...forgot to say..Huh?" Hestia deadpanned.
"Damn it! AHH! I'm so stupid!" Hephaestus cried out, lightly slapping the table. "...AH well damn. I guess I'll have to talk to him about that tonight huh?"
"T-tonight? Really? Yay I get to watch!" Hestia beamed.
"I am not going to let you 'watch'! you'll find out when I decide to tell yo-"
*WHAM!*
The front door was barged open, and four figures burst into the room. Hephaestus and hestia immediately bolted from their seats in shock, as they watched the scene unfold.
"Set her down on the table." A green haired elf ordered. It was Riveria.
"Right." Ren said, Laying a grievously injured Mirba on the table after Hestia and Hephaestus cleared the area.
Ichigo was present, But watching helplessly as his captain began to bleed out and go into shock.
Hestia was mortified, and nearly unable to move due to the shock. Hephaestus watched from the side in silence.
"Now, keep her head stable, Wat- KEEP HER HEAD STABLE!" Riveria shrieked at Ren who layed Mirba on the table.
Mirba was bleeding all over the table, As it started to flow off of it and pool onto the marble floor below. The source of injury was a barbed spear...Located between Mirba's eyes and tilted in such a way that one of the barbs on the spear was also penetrating her left eye.
"Hold her head...Fil Eldis...Fil Sanguinus" Riveria chanted while her hands hovered above Mirba's forehead. The blood stopped flowing, and any blood that was on her skin was re-absorbed into her body.
"Riveria Ljos Alf, Flasiva da dio el muerte, Rigivid et morali filae, Van Alheim!" Riveria chanted, as the her hands began to catch fire, the fire was colored green and was spreading down to Mirba. The fire itself began to mend Mirba's flesh back together...But all of a sudden, Mirba's hand had careened towards the spear pole, and as if possessed, proceeded to dislodge the spear from her head and tossed it into the ceiling.
A white substance burst forth from the open wound in Mirba's forehead, and put out the green fire.
Ichigo's hand tensed because of the Reiatsu he felt, But instead of doing what Ichigo was expecting the white substance to do, It simply pooled back into the wound and began to stitch itself shut.
"What the...Hell? She disrupted my healing..." Riveria said, Also feeling the dark reiatsu Mirba was exuding.
Mirba's small frame shook for a second, Then she began to cry harshly.
Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Riveria's shock had subsided fairly quickly, as she began to use her magic to stabilize Mirba once more.
"L-l...L-ord i-Ichigo?" Mirba rasped out, Coughing out blood. Her watery eye that was caked with grime and blood, had opened and was tiredly looking around for her god. She found his blurry form, and reached out her shaky hand in his direction. "M-my...Lord...I le...Let my guard down."
Ichigo quickly grabbed her hand and stroked it with his thumb said "It's okay don't worry about that. I'm here..Don't... you're going to be fine. I promise. You're...It's..It's just a scratch..."
Ichigo himself began to lose his bearing, as his hands started to shake. He wasn't sure why he hadn't noticed before, but Mirba had dozens of cuts around her body, and a few stab wounds.
It was a miracle she was alive.
Before this, Ichigo after the meeting, had used Flash step to travel to the guild, Apparently, the people Apollo sent to the guild weren't wearing or displaying any colors, and had never gotten the order to cease advancements, so they dragged her out of the Guild while Ren and Acero were preoccupied with about fifteen different people. All level three or above.
Only when help came from Takemikazuchi and Hestia familias, and assistance from Asfi as a sniper, were they able to escape to the Twilight mansion, where Apparently Loki let them in without hesitation and guarded them with threats of joining the war game on Ichigo's side, if Mirba and co. were harmed any more.
"My god..." Welf said, Looking at the bloody spear that was stabbed into the ceiling.
He, Lili and bell had just barely caught up to the rest and what they saw had struck them into silence.
Hestia walked to the trio and lead them to another room. Hephaestus stood with Ichigo and slowly put a reassuring hand on his back.
"it'll be okay..." Ichigo said to Mirba, Who was now asleep.
"Yes she will be, She'll be just fine. However, she will need much rest before she is in proper working order." Hephaestus said in a comforting tone.
Mirba's left eye was demolished, and Riveria had already begun to magically remove the dead organ and seal the wound.
Hephaestus rubbed slow circles on Ichigo's back, and said "Dont worry, Ichigo. She's a strong girl, she'll pull through."
Ichigo couldn't hear anything she said though. He gently set Mirba's slacked arm back down onto her side, and began to shake.
"Ichigo...Are you-" Hephaestus was silenced by Ichigo's new visage. He now had that same mask from earlier on, and the light around him seemed to bend.
She removed her hand from his back with a gasp and took a step back. She noticed the hurt look in Ichigo's eyes when she did so, and immediately regretted losing face.
"Ichigo-sama. I don't recommend you being present in that form when Mirba awakens." Riveria said while bandaging Mirba's head, the Elf woman was shuddering slightly.
"..." Ichigo said nothing, and then buzzed out of Existence.
For the life of Ichigo, He couldn't figure out why Apollo was attacking his Familia. Perhaps the god was so dishonorable, that he would weaken the enemy before any formal arrangements would be made. That, or he was a cheap coward resorting to underhanded blows to get what he wanted. Why would he put Mirba as his prize if he wins the war, and then go and try to kill her? He might have just started the war in order to try to 'put Ichigo in his place' or some other conceited reason. Apollo obviously didn't like Ichigo or his Familia.
...If an Apollo Familia crested spear through Mirba's head was any indication.
The Substitute reappeared at a mountain a few miles away from Orario and began to vent his frustrations out on the landscape.
Ichigo slashed away at a large boulder atop the mountain, destroying the terrain with ease. Each swipe of the sword would remove the mantle of the earth for miles.
"Those bastards!" Ichigo shouted, Gathering Reiatsu into the tip of his outstretched finger.
Images of Mirba's bandaged head floated to the forefront of his memory, and how Riveria had been healing her, And all of the blood staining the table and her clothing.
"Cero!" Ichigo shouted, as he sent his signature beam of red energy at the battered hillside. This time, The hillside and all landforms for miles into the horizon had ceased to exist. A beautiful red explosion expanded into sight from very far away, reaching for miles into the bottom of the mesosphere.
The night sky was Illuminated in a vivid crimson light, as the clouds cleared and disappeared from the blast wave.
His hollow mask disintegrated and the weight of his despair left his face.
Ichigo looked at the destruction that he caused, and cringed a little.
*Know your target, and what lies beyond it.* Old man Zangetsu said
Ichigo had lost most of his tension, but was still shaking with rage.
*Ichigo...Do you want to keep your friends...Your children, safe?* The Quincy spirit began
"Of course I do" Ichigo said out loud, still standing in the air using Reishi platforms.
The gargantuan explosion had begun to lose form and light, albeit very slowly though, as the shock-wave had compressed the air and created new clouds of condensed air that were rapidly approaching.
*Do you want to keep their health at its fullest? To never allow them to suffer?* Zangetsu had peaked Ichigo's interest with this.
"What are you getting at..."
*There's something I need to show you...Return home and visit Mirba.*
Ichigo's eyes widened in disbelief, as the harsh winds of the colossal explosion had finally reached Ichigo.
Though greatly diminished, The shock-wave was still potent enough to tear the earth asunder and create clouds with the chaotic fluctuation of air pressure.
"...I...really shouldn't use those until I really need them..." Ichigo said, with his eyes widened.
The man made a beeline back to his home an hour later and when he arrived back to Orario unnoticed, he found that there were hundreds of people staring at the bright explosion that illuminated the night sky and city. Ichigo disregarded the horrified people and their trembling forms and made his way home. Once home he found that the lights were out and no noise could be heard from inside.
It seemed everyone was asleep.
Ichigo sighed as he looked at the still crackling explosion cloud that illuminated the empty streets of Orario, and walked through the door to his manor.
Ichigo had taken off his sandals, and set them by the door. Looking to his right, he could see that Mirba's bloody trail was cleaned up, and that the table was also cleaned up.
There were faint noises coming from upstairs
"Mirba, Riveria said you should be resting, what are you doing awake?" Hestia softly called from upstairs.
"There's an explosion outside...Is Lord Ichigo okay?" Ichigo could hear mirba say, almost in a daze.
"He's fine I'm sure, Dont worry about him. Now come on, Let's get you back to bed, mkay?" Hestia said, as she lead a concerned Mirba back to her room.
Ichigo then retired to his room in silence.
The man found that there was nothing out of the ordinary, and he sat down.
Ichigo put Tensa Zangetsu onto his lap and began to perform Jinzen.
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Ichigo's Inner world.
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"Ichigo."
Hey." Ichigo responded. "What's this technique you wanna show me."
Up above, there seemed to be torrential rain and colossal waves, but down here, they were unaffected.
"Sit down, I'll show you." Ichigo sat down, and waited for further instruction. " I will try to make this quick. This is one of the many Quincy techniques that I can offer to you, normally it comes at the cost of your health, however, since your stamina and hollow regeneration factors in, it will cost little. Watch closely." Zangetsu then proceeded to conjure up a black/blue sword of Reishi, and with a blur of movement, a large laceration appeared on Ichigo's forearm.
"Ah! What the hell!" Ichigo cursed, as he stood up and backed away to clutch the bleeding appendage.
"Steel yourself. Come here." The old man ordered, and Ichigo reluctantly obliged, and then the spirit dispersed the Reishi sword.
"This is the technique, 'Blut Heilung.' " The Quincy spirit informed as his right hand was enveloped in a wreath of black flames.
Ichigo looked on in wonder as Zangetsu placed his hand atop the injury, and then marveled at how the pain seemed to disappear instantly, as well as every trace of the wound.
"What? Is this...The Quincy version of 'Instant Regeneration?' "
"Indeed. Regrettably, it's possible only because of your Hollow heritage. Focus on my power, the power of The Quincy, and then channel it down your arms, to your hands, and Blut Heilung will activate. While it is active, I will also activate 'Blut Arterie'. However, In order for you to acquire both forms of pure 'Blut' You'll have to show me that you deserve it." Before Ichigo could say anything, Tensa Zangetsu said "Now go, I've imparted this technique to you, and now you're able to heal. One ability you sorely lack." Zangetsu informed.
"Thank you...Old man." Ichigo said with a small smile.
Zangetsu had the ghost of a smile on his face, as Ichigo disappeared from the drowned reality.
"He still calls you Old man even though you look younger than me. Amusing." Yuki's honey-like voice said from behind Tensa Zangetsu.
Tensa turned his head and scoffed.
"Still, It's also endearing. Anyways on a different. I've never seen anything like that before." Yuki said, Slowly floating towards the Quincy spirit.
"I know. The last time I've seen him that angry was when Ichigo was nine...On that day." Zangetsu said with a downcast expression.
"Who knew a simple Hollow was capable of that kind of power... " Yuki muttered to herself.
They were speaking of Shiro. All three spirits felt Mirba's Reiatsu weaken, but only Shiro knew of the full gravity of the situation. He had implanted a fraction of his power in all three of Ichigo's familia members the moment Ichigo's blood came into contact with their souls. It wasn't enough to form a fully conscious hollow spirit within them, just enough to enable the use of minor Hollow abilities. Unbeknownst to Ichigo, of course.
Shiro had two 'Snaps' that day. Once when Apollo had sent his agents to the guild, and the second when Ichigo saw Mirba's impaled head.
Mirba, however, somehow had enough Reiatsu to feed the feeble Hollow presence and nurture it into maturity, and all three spirits within Ichigo felt it's awakening, and it's anger.
"Mirba has an Inner Hollow." Yuki informed, to Zangetsu's surprise.
"Yeah, I know she does. Why do you think I lost my shit? I didn't mean to give her that much Reiatsu, and now she's gonna have to go through hell to get it under control. Either that, or she does what King did and accepts the fucker." Shiro spoke out, Materializing next to the three.
"Indeed. Only time and guidance will determine whether she survives or not. Still, You should calm down Zangetsu." Yuki said, Yawning with great restraint.
"You woke me from my slumber, asshole." The Hogyoku said as she pointed at the Hollow, then turning around and stretching.
"You're learning more from that Hollow than what's good for you." Zangetsu sighed.
"Oh shut it Identity thief. You too, greenie. Don't act like you two aren't just as pissed as I am." Shiro said, Crossing his arms and scoffing.
"Indeed. I am wrathful, Zangetsu. So I think Ichigo shouldn't worry about Morality and Ethics, while in this world. Not anymore." Yuki said, Her eyes glowing a bright green.
"No, Ichigo would not like the man he would become if he threw his doctrine away. He's a protector, not an aggressor." The Quincy manifest reminded.
Shiro scoffed and Yuki giggled in spite of her current fury.
"We shall see, Juha Bach." Was all she said.
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Ichigo familia, 01:12
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The young master of the mansion crept quietly upstairs, towards Mirba's room.
He cast a small net of Reiatsu over the Mansion to find that Bell and Hestia had settled in.
Mirba's reiatsu was smaller than the rest, though.
Making his way to her door, Ichigo slowly opened it and a smell of Iron crept into his nose.
There Mirba was, telltale signs of Agony all over her face as she slept. Sweat poured out of her nonstop, and beaded upon her feverish/scarred forehead.
Riveria was a skilled healer, Ichigo thought. Her work was a testament to that statement.
Ichigo approached the shaking girl, and saw the glistening trail of tears running down her right cheek.
He reached out a hand and with the utmost care, he placed his palm on her clammy forehead. She was hot as fire, and was shivering as if she was cold.
'Blut Heilung.' Tensa Zangetsu's voice echoed around Ichigo's mind, as he remembered to focus on his Quincy energy.
It felt foreign, as if walking with the wrong shoes on each foot, or writing with the lesser dominant hand, as Ichigo had a face of amazement as the Reiatsu flowed down his arm.
Black/Red flames covered Ichigo's hand up to his elbow, and softly illuminated the room with a crimson light.
...But nothing was happening.
'Old man? What's going on?' Ichigo asked internally.
'Like with any technique We've taught you, this must be spoken aloud." Zangetsu responded.
Ichigo rolled his eyes.
"Blut Heilung"
The fire intensified, as the veins on Mirba's skin began to glow in a greenish color and began to form into a grid-like pattern, and slowly but surely, her Reiatsu was strengthening and she had stopped shaking.
Her breaths were no longer labored, and her skin returned from pale white to it's natural vibrancy once more.
Ichigo's hand was beginning to burn, but he had to make damn sure Mirba was alright.
The Shinigami had locked his eyes with Mirba's eyepatch, but was disappointed in the lack of presence in that eye.
'That's enough. Any more and the effects will stagnate.' Zangetsu's voice rang out again.
"Right." Ichigo said softly.
Mirba's face was serene, sweaty, but serene. All traces of pain had disappeared, thank goodness.
Ichigo sighed. That was way more taxing than it had any right to be. Probably because his Quincy nature was still unknown to him, while his Shinigami and Hollow Lineage were well beaten paths.
Ichigo grabbed one of Mirba's hot-pink chairs, and sat in it. Watching over her closely for any signs of anything.
He was thankful that she looked so peaceful in the moonlight.
Picking up her wrist, Ichigo put a finger on it and confirmed her pulse. He knew she was alive, but he could never be too sure.
The Shinigami then reached out and touched the scar on Mirba's forehead that had sealed itself shut.
Green-ish White substance slowly gathered around his finger, and then receded into the woman's body.
'Most definitely hollow.' Ichigo concluded.
Ichigo carefully removed her hair from her face and exposed her to the world once again.
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Ichigo familia, Morning time.
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Ichigo himself sat in a chair in-front of Bell, Welf, Lili and Hestia. Ren was balancing the Familia Treasury, and Acero was by the door. Hephaestus had left earlier this morning. Ichigo sighed and began to rest his head on his knuckles.
"What happened." Was all Ichigo said.
His tone commanded both fear and respect, but his posture said everything but.
Bell was the one that spoke out first.
"Ichigo-sama!" He called out, falling to his knees in shame. "It was my fault! Apollo familia were chasing me and my Hestia and I accidentally lead them to your familia! They helped me and still I ran and took my goddess to Babel.
"Really." Ichigo said, still very livid at the entire situation.
"Y-Yes! I'm sorry.!"
"And...they still helped you, right?" Ichigo said, leaning forward more.
"yeah?..." Bell asked, unsure.
"Then don't sweat it. They did their duty: To protect those in need. Just like what I've been trying to teach them. *Sigh* But it still pisses me off about what happened. I'm itching for a fight, but cannot due to their stupid rules. So. Here's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to train you all until your arms and legs fall apart. At the end of it, you'll be far better than you ever were." Ichigo said.
"A-Actually...I already..have training with...another person." Bell said, with a blush.
Ichigo raised his eyebrow and scoffed.
"Do you? I'd very much like to meet this person." Ichigo said, crossing his legs.
"Well, uhh she's from another...familia... I don't know if her goddess would allow us to uh...train together..." Bell said, suddenly finding a spot on the floor very interesting to look at
Ichigo chuckled, and shook his head. "Well, who's her goddess? I'm sure if I ask nicely I'd be able to get it sanctioned for you." Ichigo said, finding amusement in Bell's excuses.
"W-well that's not very-"
Ichigo cast a stern gaze as his voice tightened up.
"Who."
Bell stiffened in his seat, and said
"Loki...Her goddess is Loki."
"And what's this girl's name?" Ichigo asks.
"Ais. Ais Wallenstein." Bell said, defeated.
Ichigo cast a scrutinous gaze on the Argonaut. To Ichigo's knowledge, Bell was never this timid or stiff about anything, but when speaking of this...Ais wallenstein..He loses face completely.
Additionally, the way the spectating Hestia scoffed at Ais being mentioned, most likely means that he's either in love with the girl, or very interested.
"Bell, I'm an ally. And I'd like to think, a friend. I don't think keeping secrets is a good thing for a friend to do. Especially when it's about something as serious as this." Ichigo says, sounding surprisingly knowledgeable about the subject.
"It's weird to even say it, Bell, but I'm technically a War veteran. I promise you, everything's ok. I'm not going to judge anything, and speaking of Loki, Ill get her signature on the thing. I'll even pay for it if she asks." Ichigo said, uncrossing his legs, and leaning back.
Bell gaped in disbelief. Why was Ichigo being this accommodating?
The Boy had been looking up to Ais since the day she saved him in the dungeon. And furthermore, everytime they met, he found himself following her gaze with his own. He was smitten, but he knew that as long as he was beneath her, he could never hope to ask for her hand, as an equal. That's what drives him. And now, He's being gifted the opportunity to lose the secret aspects of this, to make the situation smoother.
"You're right...I shouldn't keep this as a secret. Alright, Lord Ichigo...Please, please ask Loki for permission."
"Gotcha. Though, I think you'd be better off not sounding so dramatic...But that's just me. Now get off the floor and sit down like a normal human being." Ichigo chuckled.
Bell smiles wryly and complies, as welf and lily laugh slightly.
"Now. About Mirba. Plan of action. She's the captain, but she's out of commission, so she's gonna have to stay home. Acero, come here please."
At this, the Red haired Elf came striding over to his master, with no expression on his face.
"Acero, as of now since Mirba is out of commission, You're the temporary captain. You'll lead Ren and the rest when attacking the castle. Got it?" Ichigo said.
Acero bowed his head and put a fist on his chest. "Yes lord."
"And...I know you're angry. But please try and smile, Kay?" Ichigo said, putting a slight smile on himself.
Acero's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded nevertheless as he went back to his previous position by the door.
Lili, Welf, Bell and Hestia all looked at the exchange with interest.
"Acero? From what I've seen, he's never the one to speak first. Not to mention, he's the captain now? How's he going to lead when he has that 'lone wolf' mentality." Lili spoke up from her seat.
"Master Bell should be the one to lead the charge, not Acero. Respectfully, of course."
"My Lord has spoken. I will lead, and you'd do well not to question him." Acero responded authoritatively. "Furthermore, I do not wish to partake in mundane 'Small talk', it's irrelevant."
Acero concluded with his arms crossed. His long red hair wasn't braided today, so it cascaded down his shoulders like a waterfall. His cold gaze bore holes through the pallum woman, as she slightly recoiled in astonishment.
"Yeah...You'll do fine. I believe you will." Ichigo said, His confidence in Acero was reinforced.
"Thank you, Lord." Acero nodded, as Welf and Bell mirrored the movement.
"Well, Bell. I'm going to go and 'Plead' with that scary Loki." Ichigo said, Groaning as he stood up.
Bell recoiled in anxiety. Welf noticed and laughed. "w-Wait!" Bell managed to croak out before noticing that Ichigo was no longer present. How the hell did he move so fast?
Acero left the room, presumably to go check on Mirba's condition. Lili and Welf got into an arguement about what Ichigo's going to do about Ais, whether he's going to turn her away, or if He's going to let her help. Bell just sat in an anxious silence as Ren finished tallying the numbers.
"He's not going to like her, Is he?" Bell suddenly asked out to nobody in particular.