It was morning, and a silent one. Usually, there would be idle chatter and banter between Mirba, Ren, Welf and Lili, But it seems that Everyone was still asleep.
Ichigo certainly was.
The events that happened the two months prior were exhausting. Mentally and physically.
Aside from the occasional dungeon visit, it was chillax mode, in the Ichigo Familia, and has been since their victory.
Hestia had listened to Ichigo's advice, and through careful planning, they finally made the renovations to their new mansion, and weren't in crippling debt.
Cracking his eyes open, and shutting them like usual, Ichigo was finally awake.
He yawned with great magnitude, and didn't move as he chose to slowly wake up.
The Shinigami had ordered his familia to take today and tomorrow off, so...Everyone was just chilling today. Basically.
Mirba had actually shut the blinds in her room for the first couple days after the war game, and Ichigo saw her new eye. He acted surprised to her, so that she would be happy, But he already saw the hollowfication she's gone through. He didn't pry any longer about it, and was happy that she was happy.
"You look happy.." Hephaestus said, in the chair to his left, still reading her book.
"...Good morning." Ichigo said, and then stretched.
"Good morning to you, too." Hephaestus said, and closed her book.
Ichigo was stretched out on the bed, as Hephaestus layed down on him.
"PAH! Ah...You coulda warned me." Ichigo said, groggy.
"I guess you're right." She responded, and nuzzled her face into his chest.
They stayed like this, until Ichigo, who was still entirely covered by his main blanket, wrapped his arms and legs around her.
Hephaestus was now trapped in Ichigo's blanket, With him holding her in place with just his arms now.
"Oh? What's this?" Hephaestus said, surprised.
"You know how I asked you if you wanted to go anywhere, the day Ais first came to train Bell?" Ichigo reminded.
Hephaestus's face flashed with realization.
Both had forgot! They didn't go on a date like they agreed...They've been on several dates, but not that particular one that Ichigo had mentioned. All others beforehand were initiated by Hephaestus. But that time was asked by Ichigo, so It was pretty memorable.
"I suppose I do now..." Hephaestus said, with a light blush on her face.
She looked up to see Ichigo's messy hair.
She did like men who's hair was longer than her own...
"What of it?" She asked.
"Well...I was thinking, that since you're here, we could maybe do something."
"Hm. I may consider...If you'd...Let me p-play with your hair."
Ichigo raised his eyebrow, and gave out a light chuckle, as he brought her up close to his face, and released her arms.
She was elated, and was now massaging Ichigo's head and playing with his near-silk feeling hair.
"My...Goodness. It's softer than mine.." Hephaestus said.
"..Is it?" Ichigo said, reaching his own hands to her hair to feel the texture.
He was amazed. This is her hair felt like? contrast to It's fiery color, it felt rather cool to the touch. Even near her scalp.
"Hey, Hephaestus..?" Ichigo asked gently.
"mm...Yes?" the blushing goddess asked, as she adjusted her position in her little silken cocoon.
"Why are you so cold?" Ichigo asked.
"...Hm? Cold? I do not feel cold..Perhaps it's because I went a while without my furnace." She said, lowering her hands, and placing them lovingly on Ichigo's neck. Her fingers were cold as well.
"Oh...Yeah, No furnace wouldn't be very pleasant.." Ichigo nodded in understanding.
She chuckled and said "No, I mean you. You're my furnace." softly into his chest.
Ichigo's breath hitched. He thought it just wasn't possible to feel this great with words, But he was proven wrong yet again.
"...Lets go for a day out in the city?" Ichigo asked
Hephaestus blinked in surprise, and remembered just how many things there was to do in Orario.
There were shops, Resteraunts, large stores, Hephaestus could teach Ichigo how to forge, he could teach her how to fight, she could go shopping for clothing, and he could help. The possibilities were endless.
"That sounds wonderful." She said, and pulled herself towards the man's head, to steal a quick peck on the lips.
"...Your breath stinks." Hephaestus said with a small giggle.
Ichigo's face lit up in fire, and he said "Yeah, Jeez. I wonder if it's because I haven't gotten out of bed today.."
She enjoyed the man's version of a pout, and left her newly made, blanket cocoon.
"As much as I'd like to lie in bed with you all day...I really would...We have things to do, right? No time like the present!" Hephaestus said, Motivated.
"..." Ichigo smiled, as he looked at Hephaestus, who currently had her hands on her hips, and was beaming down at him.
"Alright." Ichigo said, moving his covers off of him, to expose his shirtless torso.
Hephaestus began to sweat, as she turned around.
"Hm?" Ichigo hummed in question, but immediately felt cold. He hadn't put on his pajamas shirt, or his pajama pants. He was only in boxers.
He began to feel a little self conscious, in the presence of his girlfriend, but remembered how many times he ended up topless in battle.
He stood up out of bed, and grabbed Zangetsu's hilt. Immediately summoning his Shihakusho from the surrounding ambient reishi, and he was now fully clothed.
"You...can turn around now." Ichigo said sheepishly.
"..." Hephaestus was daydreaming.
'Oh dear Olympus! How in the world is he so...Chisled?! His abs! They're so...Prominent! He has an eightpack! WOW! And his chest...No wonder why it's so comfortable! He's the perfect mix between muscular and slim!...I wonder if his...th-' Her thought was interrupted by Ichigo tapping her arm lightly.
"You okay?" he asks, only to get a hurried and undignified nod as the answer.
Hephaestus could feel her nose tickle with the tell-tale signs of a nosebleed.
"Gimmemoment" She said hurriedly, and speedwalked into Ichigo's bathroom.
Ichigo could only stare at the door she just closed.
"..." The man could only wonder what was going on in her head.
She smelt like floral steel...If that was a thing. Like Metal and some kind of flower mixed together.
Ichigo stood up and yawned, and by the time Hephaestus had come out, Ichigo was already nodding away on his bed.
"H-Hey!" Hephaestus called, pouting that Ichigo couldnt wait for her.
"..-I'm up!" Ichigo said, and bolted upright.
"Hey~" She said, and motioned for him to follow her.
Ichigo looked back at Zangetsu's stand, and pondered if he should take him or not...He decided that he should take it just in case, and strapped it to his hip lik usual.
"Gosh, Whatever took you so long?" Hephaestus said, leaning on the wall.
"I was going to bring Zangetsu with me, but I decided that a sword probably isn't something to bring on a date." Ichigo said, and then continued "Besides, I doubt anything's gonna warrant my sword...But it couldn't hurt to be safe, right?"
"Heh, No kidding." Hephaestus said.
Ichigo checked on Mirba, who finally opened her blinds, and was now passed out in her bed, then came Ren and Acero who were playing a game of Kodai...How they play it was unknown to Ichigo, but it looked like an advanced form of Checkers.
"So, Acero, You and Mirba are in charge of the place Until I get back." Ichigo said, and walked out the door, Divine smith in hand.
"Wait! Lord Ichigo." Ren said, and ran to Ichigo after hastily gathering a couple papers next to him.
Ichigo stopped his stride and turned to Ren in confusion.
"Yes Ren?" Ichigo asked.
Ren caught up to the pair, and held out two papers.
Ichigo's eyes slightly widened, and Hephaestus instantly recognized the papers.
They were Familia Join requests.
"Oh? What's this?" Ichigo asks, taking and examining the pictures.
"They're Join requests. Given to me just a couple hours ago when I went to the hostess for breakfast."
"I see." Ichigo said, Re-examining the papers.
'Daphne Lauros...and Cassandra Ilion.' Ichigo recognized their photos, and remembered that they were part of Apollo's familia.
Ichigo scoffed, and said "Well, Find em and bring em here tomorrow. I wanna give an interview." Ichigo said, handing the papers back to Ren.
"Yes, Lord. Good afternoon." Ren said, and then walked back to the table.
Hephaestus looked confused, and said "They fought against you, and you're considering them?"
"Well, Yeah. It's not like they did any damage, and everyone deserves a second chance." Ichigo said.
"..." Hephaestus said nothing, as his words echoed around her head.
'...at his age...such kindness.'
The pair had entered the city's market and food district, and immediately the smell of various foods hit the man's nose.
His mouth watered considerably, and Hephaestus noticed the subtle growl of Ichigo's stomach.
She smiled in adoration.
"I see you're hungry? Tell me. How much do you get street food from Orario?" Hephaestus asked.
Ichigo was shaken from his hungry stupor and said "Eh, Not...ever? I don't usually eat out unless it's to celebrate. Ren gathers the food, Mirba and I cook it (When im not doing f****** dungeon reports)" Ichigo said that last part under his breath "And Acero manages the familia treasury."
Hephaestus nods, and then chuckles. "Oh ho...So you're telling me that you have never been on the streets of Orario?"
Ichigo shakes his head into the negative. He couldn't say that he honestly has.
"Heh. You're in for a treat" Hephaestus said, grabbing his hand and making a beeline to the closest food stall.
It was...a chicken quesadilla stall. There was what looked like tortillas, some kind of cheese and most definitely seasoned chicken.
"HeyHey! Welcome! What can I get you both?" A man in his early thirties said from behind the stall.
Ichigo was cluless. Sure he's heard of a quesadilla, But he's never actually had the chance to taste one. Tortillas were a rare commodity in japan.
"Hey, I'd like two Maritsa's, both with extra cheese and meat, please." Hephaestus said.
"Sure thing, Coming up!" The man said, and got to work.
"Maritsa's?" Ichigo said, testing the name.
"Yes. This dish is cheese and seasoned sliced chicken is put into a folded Mai, with either butter or olive/vegetable oil as the cooking liquid." Hephaestus nodded, taking care to keep her salavation under control.
"...so a...Quesadilla?" Ichigo said in deadpan.
"...A what now?" Hephaestus asked, but then it clicked. He wasn't from this world, How could she forget! "O-Oh! Yeah. A Kaysodeea" Hephaestus said, gaining a healthy dose of blush on her cheeks from her pronounciation.
Ichigo laughed, causing her blush to intensify.
"H-Hey! Don't laugh at me!" She said, Stifling a chuckle of her own.
Eventually, She began to laugh along with him.
"Here's your Maritsa's. That'll be 453 Valis!" The man happily chirped, putting the food on the stall.
Ichigo nodded and reached into his hidden coin purse. But before he could Oblige the vendor, Ichigo was beaten by the floral-metallic woman next to him, and she gave the vendor his owed coin.
Ichigo stared at her, and she met his gaze and said "Too slow. Now come on, lets go find a place to sit, before our food gets cold."
His scowl began to dissolve, slowly, but surely.
The shinigami followed her directions to a picnic table near the food stall, and they sat down.
Hephaestus was beaming at the food below her, and she looked at Ichigo to gauge his reaction.
Ichigo was impressed. The vendor had correctly cooked the tortilla to a golden brown, and the cheese was melted through and through.
His stomach couldn't wait any longer as he dove in for a bite.
Savory, Rich, slightly spicy, Thanos would have lost his shit with how evenly these flavors balanced eachother into a perfect mix of tasty.
Hephaestus was loving the precious look on Ichigo's face, it was as if he hadn't tasted this kind of thing before.
She took a bite of her own, and thought 'Yep. Just as delicious as the day I found you.'
She opened her eyes again, to see that Ichigo had finished his food, then looked down to her own food.
'Damn! He's beaten me!' She thought.
"I'm not full...Let's go check around for more food after you're done?" Ichigo said, Propping his head on his hands while he looked at his goddess.
Her mouth was full, and she was probably not wearing the most dignified expression.
She still nodded regardless, as Ichigo sighed in content.
Regardless, It took her little time to finish her meal, and they continued their walk.
The two would end up having a little picnic, a small shopping spree for jewelery and cosmetic items for Hephaestus (Which they dropped off at Hephaestus's house, as well as saying Hi to Tsubaki.)
Countless times, they were approached and asked about the status of their relationship, and everytime Hephaestus would answer with "We're dating. He's mine."
Ichigo honestly felt like he was being appreciated, and it made him feel all giddy inside.
()()()()(Two hours later, It was almost the end of the afternoon.)()()()()
Ichigo and Hephaestus had visited a total of thirteen street-food vendors around the city, and on the way Ichigo spotted a dark-purple gate labled 'Pleasure Quarter'
Hephaestus glared at the sign, and said "Never go there, Do you understand me?"
Ichigo's eyebrows raised up.
"Yeah, sure. Why would I want to go there? Is there food in that place?" Ichigo asked with his hands up casually.
Hephaestus cocked her head and said "H-Huh? Of course there isnt! I-I mean...You CAN eat things in there, But it's not food..."
She said, whilst looking away and muttering that last part.
"...Right." Ichigo nodded, as he kept walking.
Hephaestus caught up to the man, and walked side by side with him.
As they walked, she saw the occasional couple. Hand in hand, and smiling.
Her face reddened, and she looked up to the taller man next to her, and noticed that he had put that scowl back on.
She slightly gained one of her own, as she dared to attempt a bold maneuver.
Slowly, she reached her hand closer and closer to his. So close she could feel the heat of his hand, and then suddenly, she slipped her own hand into his and interlocked her fingers.
Ichigo was surprised, and So was Hephaestus.
She was bold, yes, but to try something this extreme? Out in public? Holding hands?
Scandelous.
Ichigo was happy, to say the least. Indicated by his slight smile, and uncreasing of his eyebrows.
He wasn't scowling anymore, and looked...happy.
'...SUCCESS!' Hephaestus thought to herself in triumph.
They were both catching the eyes of onlookers, and people passing by.
They were turning heads with their...Adorarble awkwardness?
Hephaestus had a spring in her step, and Ichigo's face was red by the attention.
...Did they just expose their relationship to the public?
..Yes they did. Unknowingly.
Hephaestus was absolutely elated. Every girl in sight had a downcast expression, and some guys looked at Ichigo with jealousy.
'Is this what Freya felt? No wonder why she's so pompus' she thought to herself.
Ichigo felt uneasy, at all of this attention, but he held his head high regardless.
It went like that for a couple hours, until they had successfully tried about half of the food stands in the city.
"Hmm..What to do..." Ichigo said, while sitting on a bench with Hephaestus on his arm.
"Maybe...I don't know...Uh..I could show you my shop in Babel? You've already seen my Familia shop in the city, but not the one in Babel." Hephaestus suggested.
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, that's a good Idea actually. Lets go." Ichigo said, almost sounding enthusiastic."
Hephaestus was curious, but happy.
It took about thirty minutes to walk from the place they were in to Hephaestus's shop.
Opening the door revealed an office room, where Hephaestus shut and locked the door after Ichigo walked in.
'Door's locked.' Ichigo thought, as he tried to find alternative escape routes.
"Don't worry, I know that expression. I'm just trying to make sure nobody comes in while we're here." She said.
"...I see." Ichigo said, examining the place.
The shop was fairly accomidating. A sofa, a desk, some pictures of people Ichigo didn't know, and that's about it.
"Welcome to home-sweet-shop!" Hephaestus said, flairing her arms out with a grin.
Ichigo was happy to see the woman so excited about something, He couldn't help but smile.
"So, This office is where you're at mostly?" Ichigo asked.
"Office?" She repeated, and walked up to a bookcase, and pulled a purple book out slightly.
"I'm sorry, But..." She began, and the wall began to open up revealing a larger space. One fully fitted with everything a master smith would need in order to create legendary pieces.
"...I don't see any office here." She said, very happily.
"!" Ichigo was surprised.
When Urahara showed Ichigo his underground training space, Ichigo was indeed astounded and amazed, but, he had more pressing matters to attend to, so it looked like he wasn't impressed.
But now that Ichigo was relaxing, he was able to show interest.
"Wow! That's actually pretty amazing." Ichigo said, walking into the cobblestone room.
"I know right!" The woman said, Happy that someone agrees with her.
The other gods in Tenkai both Ostracized the woman for her physical deformity, and her rather dirty passion, Being a smith and all.
Other than Hestia, Everyone else turned their noses up when she passed, but Hestia practically blanketed herself in Hephaestus's presence.
'...I need to take her out to dinner once in a while.." She thought appreciatively.
"Woah, What's this?" Ichigo asked, pointing to a rather odd looking hammer with a purple colored spiked and crystalline backside.
"That's the star of the show...One of my most prized posessions. My hammer..'Destrega'"She announced, as she plucked it off the wall.
'She's really excited.' Ichigo thought with a smile.
"Ah...Well, It's actually just for show...I cant use it much." She said with a sigh.
"Oh? How come?"
"Arcanum is banned for gods in the lower world. This hammer is used with arcanum.." She said in a downcast tone.
"I see...When was the last time you've used this?" Ichigo asked.
"Ah...About five months ago? I made a knife that cost the person about...uh 200 million valis?"
Ichigo's eyebrows raised.
"Wow...200 million...Up front." Ichigo thought, astounded.
"...She kinda owes me, because she's really poor right now...Well, Recent events probably helped in that regard.."
"Damn. Well, I'm sorry." Ichigo thought, as he scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"It's alright..She's a really close friend so I dont mind that much...Anyways.."
"..."
It was awkward, and Ichigo had resort to looking around the workshop.
"..Anyways..Uh, I've been meaning to ask, but...can I take a look at your sword and gauntlet?" She said, hammer in hand.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "How come?"
"I just want to see it, to be honest. I've never seen a katana designed like that one before." Hephaestus said.
"Hm. Alright." Ichigo said, and unlatched the gauntlet from his arm and layed both the sheathed sword and the gauntlet onto the main workbench.
Hephaestus put the hammer next to the weaponry, and grabbed a smith's magnifying glass from behind her and examined the steelwork.
First up was the gauntlet. 'Incredible! No signs of Polishing, yet it's very shiny. There's no trace of metal work, almost as if this piece was cast from a mold...But, it's not. It's clear that this steel was forged...But from what?'
"Hey, Ichigo? Where did you get this gauntlet from?" She asked, and moved onto the sword.
But before he answered, she found that his katana was very heavy. About one hundred and eighty pounds, give or take. She couldn't lift it, unfortunately.
"D-Damn! How can you lift such a weapon?" Hephaestus asked, astounded.
She's created armor not as heavy as this.
"..Eh.." Ichigo started, but then grabbed the sheathed sword and lifted it with practiced ease.
Her eyes widened.
"W-What?"
"To put it simply, If your hammer is part of your Arcanum, as this sword is to me. In other words, This sword came from my soul." Ichigo said.
"This weapon is part of your soul?" She asked, immediately drawing simulatirities to Bell's Hestia knife. She made that knife to channel Bell's soul, and give it life...But as soon as she touched the blade, she felt two foreign presences.
"Yes." was Ichigo's simple answer, as he got a kick out of her amazed reaction.
"...Damn. I don't think...That there's anything I can make for you to top this.." She said, sounding...glad?
"Eh? Make for me?" Ichigo echoed.
"Yes, I was planning to make you a gift...Perhaps something like this sword, but It seems that it would be a fruitless endeavor." She said.
"...I guess that mean's I'm going to have to give you the gift instead." Ichigo tested.
Her face reflected annoyance for a second, then she said "No. I'll make you something even better than this. You'll see!"
The proud smith tapped the sword's blade, and it brightly flashed red for a second.
That red trailed up Hephaestus's arm, and to her, the world went black and white.
(With Hephaestus, Inner world.)
She was panicking, and couldn't move a muscle. She blinked...And bright colors assaulted her vision.
Infront of her was blue, sky-blue. And clouds. The clouds moved downwards, as if they were falling. They disappeared behind squares, Large squares with other blue squares.
These blue squares, apon further investigation, were windows.
She was standing on the side of a building, yet, Gravity had not taken hold of her.
She looked up to see countless other buildings further above.
Same with the left and right.
She turned around, and ignored how odd the echoing footsteps sounded, to find that there was no ground, just a dark purple wall of mist.
"Hephaestus." A young-ish voice called from behind the woman.
The divine smith turned to look at who it was, and there was a young man with semi-long hair standing on a flagpole.
Her eyes widened.
"I'm UF:OWE. All will be revealed shortly."
Hephaestus was stunned. Not only did she not hear what his name was, She didn't know where she was, nor did she know why she was...here.
What were these objects she was standing on? Why did they look so much like a house stacked ontop of one another...
"I've pulled you here, simply to introduce ourselves." The "Old Man" Informed. "And, to personally thank you."
"T-Thank me?" Hephaestus nearly squeaked in surprise. Her voice was...Musical, almost, as it bounced around the walls of the surrounding buildings.
"Yes." The man said in a curt manner. "The other two will be here momentarily. They're explaining to Ichigo what happened."
"..." Hephaestus didn't know what to say. She felt uneasy, so she began to look elsewhere, but as she did so, flecks of white entered her vision.
She turned around quicker than before, and she left a trail of light.
She was in her Divine form, unsealed.
"I'm...Unsealed?" She asked.
"Here, you are as you were in the beginning. You are in your truest form at the moment."
"Like fuckin glitter." A double toned voice said from the same direction as the man on the flagpole.
She wasn't surprised from his visage, as she's seen the mask Ichigo wore multiple times now. But next to the Black and White hollow was a beautiful woman with icy skin and armor. Not unlike the armor she's seen Ichigo wear during the War game discussion.
"Indeed. She is very pretty, though. Fitting for the master."
Hephaestus was pleased with how much her voice fit her visage
Suddenly, she was relaxed, and her usual confidence came back.
"Hello, I'm Hephaestus. The god of the forge. Which pantheons do you three hail from?"
"Hello. I'm Suki, and you won't be able to hear their names, so just refer to this one-" She motions to The old man "-As Quincy, and this...thing-" She motions to an offended Zangetsu "-As Hollow... Anyways, Pantheon? We hail from a single deity. The soul king. Reio was his name." Suki informed.
"!" Hephaestus's face paled.
"What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost?" Suki giggled out, slightly enjoying the look on the female god's face.
"We...Haven't seen Reio the god of Souls for millenia."
"You knew of him?" The Quincy aspect asked.
"Yes. He was very friendly, despite his immense power. He could rival every titan and god, and still come out on top...As much as I hate to admit." She said, remembering the 'Divine spar' Where the Olympians in Tenkai faced off with the Soul King in Ganesha's Grand Arena.
"He was the peacekeeper between every Pantheon leader. He even befriended Amun-Ra, and Mictlantecuhtli.'Those two were really mean..'" Hephaestus muttered that last part in remembrance.
"Interesting...So, Judging by this information, Multiple Pantheons gather to this world for fun...This makes Gekai a Hub-World for gods. So that also confirms the existence of many more realms other than Tenkai, Gekai and the Soul King's domain..." Suki said, with a hand to her mouth in thought.
"Indeed...More on that Later, I apologize, I'm in the middle of a date with Ichigo" Hephaestus said, quickly remembering where she was.
"That brings us back onto the main topic."
"Oh?"
"Whenever Ichigo is anxious, The sky becomes clouded. And when he grieves, It rains ever so easily." The Quincy aspect spoke out.
"Tell me, Hephaestus." The quincy aspect asked, as the named Deity crossed her arms. "Do you know the terror of being pelted by rain, in a lonely world?"
Hephaestus tried to imagine the scene, but ultimately couldn't. Faces of her Familia and Friends, and Ichigo, popped into her head at every corner.
"No...I can't say I can relate to that pain." She responds.
The Quincy continued. "We promised Ichigo we'd do everything we can to stop that rain. To always be with him and lend him any power he needs in order to cease the rain. But...We weren't enough. It wasn't until you came, that this world would begin to drain. And with your Relationship becoming official, the restoration of this world had begun. In staggering progress."
"So, We-"
"Thanks, chick. I appreciate it." The Hollow aspect said, Rather rudely.
"Hey! Don't interrupt me!" Suki said, and lightly smacked Zangetsu's arm.
"*Sigh* But yeah. He's right. We thank you." Suki said, peeved that she was interrupted in such a manner.
"Y-Yeah...Thank you three, for helping him become who he is today." Hephaestus said, and bowed lightly.
"Well, We wanted to meet you face to face, and thank you...Uh.. Is there anything you two want to add?" Suki asks the two other spirits.
"W-Wait" Hephaestus calls out and the three face her Beautifully shining form. "One question, Ichigo may never show it, because God's aren't allowed to, but...How strong is he?"
Suki gained a smirk, as the Hollow aspect cackled amusedly.
"He's the strongest being that we've seen in this world so far, even when we gauged Loki's released strength, she only came up to a level Ichigo's far surpassed." Suki said, sounding proud. "And he's only going to become stronger."
"!" Hephaestus's mouth opened, trying to formulate words.
"Anyways! Just touch the sword or gauntlet if you ever wanna talk! Byeeee" Suki said in a sing-song kind of way, and then as if it never happened, Hephaestus was back in the outside world.
The three spirits stood there for a second...Then Zangetsu and Suki burst out laughing, as the Old man had on a smirk.
"She's JUST like him! So easy to surprise!" She said between laughs.
"No shit! Can't wait until they argue." Zangetsu said, and finally straightened out.
Suki regained her disposition finally, and said "Still, Regardless of how compatible they are, there's going to for sure be hardships. I've snooped through Ichigo's memories from school, and through him, I learned about the greek pantheon. A seriously messed up bunch, if all of that is true."
Zangetsu shook his head.
"Mhm. Too bad the fucker's too dumb to realize he's caught the attention of three of those goddesses."
"Three? I thought it was just Freya and Loki?" Suki responded
"I said three. There's this dark skinned chick who always stares at Ichigo from under a cloak."
This surprised the other two spirits.
"What? There's a reason I'm the instincts." Zangetsu said, pride swelling in his chest for catching his rival spirits off guard.
He continues. "She seems to always have a couple of those Amazon girls around her posting security. Seen it about six times now. Each, when Ichigo ventured out into town, and once when ichigo was sleeping. They don't pose a threat, but, I don't like the stalking."
"I agree. Thanks...Zangetsu." Suki said, and beamed up at the masked being.
He stayed silent regardless, as he stood ridgedly.
"Hehe" She giggled, as the Old Man rolled his eyes.
()()()()-Lemon? warning, Plot progression stagnates beyond this part until next chapter. Skip to the end if you Like-()()()()
Back with Ichigo and Hephaestus.
"...You okay? They told me what was going on...They didn't do anything..too bad, Right?" By then, Ichigo had already had Zangetsu and it's gauntlet propped on the side of the workbench underneath Hephaestus's hammer.
Once Hephaestus re-gained her bearings, she dove into Ichigo's arms and gave him a bone-crushing hug.
'When he's grieving, it rains in his inner world...And apparently that world was flooded for some time.' She thought.
'He told me his story, But Damn! How much pain and anxiety has he gone though?' Hephaestus said, ignoring Ichigo.
"Ichigo, if there's anything you need to get off your chest, anything at all, I'm always here for relief. Understand?" The woman asked into Ichigo's chest.
"Eh? But Wha-" Ichigo started before he was cut off by the smithing goddess.
"Please answer me..." She interrupts, sounding more and more sincere.
"Yes. I will. I hope you know that it's the same way with me. kay?" Ichigo said, and finally returned the hug.
They stayed like that for a moment, before parting slightly.
Hephaestus looked up to Ichigo's eyes, and the fires from her 'Eterna-Forge' illuminated his slightly red eyes.
She reached higher, and connected her Lips to Ichigo's... She was tired of changing panties after every time they make out. She needed release, and suddenly, she gave into her desires.
He readily responded. Having another chance to redeem himself, Ichigo made sure to keep it as mess-free as possible.
What was a simple kiss had quickly evolved into a full-blown makeout session.
Both parties were eager to outdo the other. And it would be a hard-fought contest, because both were still very new to this aspect of relationships.
However...Hephaestus quickly slid off her smithing gloves, and threw them to the floor, and hooked her bare arms around Ichigo's neck.
She continued, and with difficulty, managed to get her boots off without using her hands.
Ichigo was still enamored with her kiss, and didn't notice the thing's she was unconsciously doing.
Her hitched breathing was driving his mind up a wall, and his lower Shihakusho was uncomfortably tight now.
"Ichigo" Hephaestus groaned, as her left arm moved to unbutton her white blouse.
...And Ichigo still didn't notice.
She opened her eyes, and looked downwards to see the progress she had left with her shirt, and was surprised with another more...Exciting view.
Her shirt fell, and was walked over. All that kept her chest from view was a dainty white bra, of which, was nearly off as well.
As they stood and kissed, Ichigo had walked forwards, Slowly pushing them both to the Workbench, and when Hephaestus's backside met the bench, she had no more ground to cover as Ichigo pressed himself longingly into her. She finally unhooked her bra, as it too fell to the ground.
'OHMYGOSH!' Hephaestus thought to herself, as 'Something' was pressed into her lower stomach, which caused Hephaestus to squirm in excitement, Accidentally rubbing into it harder.
Ichigo finally noticed what was happening, and as soon as his eyes opened, he was immediately shocked into silence.
There Hephaestus was, Her chest bare for only Him to see, standing there hot and heavy and moaning.
"Ichigo...You've finally noticed."
Both Fire and Ice shot through Ichigo's veins, as his lower counterpart greatly enjoyed what was being viewed.
He wanted to cover his eyes and run...But where to? And what will running do, other than sever his relationship with her.
Ichigo was still somewhat a prude, but...It would seem that his red-blooded attributes would finally come in.
"I-I have...It's-" She put a finger to his mouth, and said
"Shh. It's okay, You don't have to say it...I can see it on your face." She said seductively.
"...And I can see it..Down there."
Ichigo almost looked confused, until she reached downwards towards him. He followed her hand with his eyes, and immediately spotted the culprit for the tight-pants situation.
It was 'Him'.
"...May I?" Hephaestus asked.
He was astounded, to say the least. Anyone would rather just go for it, because it's the heat of the moment. But, She asked. Meaning that she considered his feelings and thoughts...How sweet of her.
"...y-yes?" Ichigo said, his face was flaming.
"Oh? Is that...A yes or a no? I'm not sure." Hephaestus teased, making absolutely sure. She was shaking slightly, it was her first time doing anything like this. She was following the advice Aphrodite had given her if anything like this had ever happened.
Hephaestus of course brushed it off, and said 'Men. Yeah right.'
But...She's grateful that she actually remembered the advice.
"It's a yes." Ichigo said, resolute this time.
"Okay." She said, still low and seductive.
She reached down and her hand finally met a very warm spot.
"Ooh~" She said, as she ran her hand down the entire length, and back up again. Through his shihakusho pants too.
Ichigo was very excited, as could be seen from the occasional twitching of his member.
"H-Hephaestus?" He asks, The adrenaline getting to his speech.
"Yes~" She said, her eyes still locked to 'him'
"Can I?" He asks. She hadn't noticed, but his hands had finally reached her exposed and perked up chest.
She chuckled, and Ichigo gulped at how her assets jiggled with the motions.
"You may." She said, as she pulled his Shihakusho pants towards her, opening a small gap in the front, and then she reached in to grasp 'Him' without anything getting in the way.
Her eyes widened. This is what 'It' Felt like? It's almost like velvet. Soft, yet, Underneath the soft surface was a hard interior.
Ichigo's face was fully on fire, as he finally grasped the woman's chest.
They were unlike anything he's ever felt before. His hands enjoyed the smooth surface, and the squishy feeling. He especially enjoyed how when he would pinch certain 'Areas', She would moan, and twitch.
'There's never been a time where my boobs felt this great! Not even when I do this myself..' Hephaestus thought to herself.
"L-Let my K-know If You want to s-stop." Ichigo stuttered slightly. The adrenaline was beginning to mess with his coordination immensely.
In combat, he felt adrenaline...but this? It was something Primal. Moreso than Battle. It was Instinct. Pure Instinct. And his shackles of control were eroding by the second.
"Mmph..S-same...Gah!" Hephaestus yelped out in pleasure, when Ichigo twisted her 'Area' In the right way.
He let go, to her displeasure, and asked "I'm sorry, are you hurt?"
She didn't answer, Instead, she chose to grab his hand and smash it back onto her breast.
"Keep going" She practically ordered.
All she was doing with Ichigo was have him grasped in her hand.
'Hm...I could have sworn that there was something more to what she's doing..' Ichigo thought internally.
'Let me just...' He began, and ended up moving his hips into her hand, effectively thrusting 'himself' through her hand.
Her eyes widened with ecstasy, as the thoughts of what he just did registered in her mind.
He told her that he wanted more, and she would be happy to oblige him.
She understood what that movement meant, and now she'd replicate it.
Moving back and forth, she stroked him until his face began to reflect hers.
Pleasurable experience.
"W-woah.." Ichigo muttered.
"Yeah woah~" Hephaestus said, as she used her other hand to grab Ichigo's and then she lead it downwards.
Ichigo knew exactly where he was going, and he just had to ask.
Sensing that Ichigo was going to ask, she interrupted him and said "You dont need to ask, If I'm the one starting it..."
He nodded, and gulped.
She withdrew her hand from Ichigo's manhood, to his displeasure, and undid her pants button, and slid both that and her black panties downwards.
Ichigo's eyes were soaking up every part of information that he was taking in.
Her Womanhood was trimmed, and it was good to see that the carpet certainly matched the drapes.
"Is this...Good? Am I...Pretty?" Hephaestus asked, looking away. As if asking this was far more embarrassing than what she had just been doing.
Ichigo used his free hand, and gently nudged her cheek to look at his face.
She listened, and was met with a fierce kiss.
"You are beautiful. The most I've ever seen." Ichigo said. Somehow stifling the adrenaline enough to form coherent speech.
Her heart fluttered, as did her lower abdomen.
She wanted him more than anything, right now.
"Ichigo...Take me." She said, and sat on the workbench behind her. Spreading open her legs, and inviting the man.
Ichigo's cheeks were already on fire, but now it seemed that his chest felt that same feeling...His chest began to blush too! How was that even possible?
"Only if you'll have me." Ichigo said, and moved closer.
Touching Zangetsu's handle, His shihakusho disappeared to reveal Ichigo in his toned physique.
If Hephaestus Wasn't turned on by now, She most definitely was now.
Sliding his boxer briefs down, and off his body, he stepped forward and put a hand on her breast.
She quietly moaned, and remembered that there was only one door keeping their act of love, to themselves.
"H-Hold on.."
She grabbed some calipers next to the other bench, and threw it at a button Ichigo hadn't seen before.
The bookcase closed, and they were now completely alone.
"Better." Her voice echoed around the room very slightly.
The room seemed to be surrounded with sound absorbers, so that she can continue to create weapons and armor in the tower, without disturbing the peace of it.
Ichigo was in position, He knew where he had to enter. He had done his 'Research' back in Karakura.
"Go ahead.." She said, very excited.
If one looked close enough, They could see the amount of effort Hephaestus is giving in order to resist complete nosebleed mode.
He obliged her, and because she was already soaking, it was very easy to slide in the tip..However, it was met with resistance, as Hephaestus's face contorted to pain.
"W-Wait Ichigo...Be gentle, Please?"
Ichigo wanted to say 'Oh god! I'm so sorry!' Pull out and see if she was alright, But that would ruin the entire atmosphere. He had no choice but to fully commit at this point.
"O-O-Okay" He said. His heart beating through his chest.
He crept on, slower, slower, and slower until his pelvis met hers, and she was blinking away a tear or two.
It was warm, Like warm water, and was very pleasant given the quick paced pulsating from her heartrate.
Ichigo had reached a thumb up to her, and wiped whatever she missed, away from her eyes.
"I Love you." Ichigo spoke to her, which seemed to cause the tears to fall a little more frequently.
Hephaestus's heart was beating with the pressure of a cannon, and she couldn't help but cover her face and say "I love you too"
Ichigo was invigorated, and ready to actually start. But, He knew that it was ideal to wait until she was ready.
Her face returned to a state of pleasure, and she said "Okay...Continue, But still be gentle." She said, biting her lower lip.
Ichigo nodded, and kissed her.
He began to carry on, and his rhythm was initially sloppy and uncoordinated, it eventually evened out until he was as fluid as a pendulum.
Hephaestus grabbed a fistful of his hair, and hugged him while he was still pumping in and out.
She was in pure bliss, as her loins began to build up to something entirely new. Not once, in all her time of being single and Masturbating, had she experienced this amount of pleasure.
Her legs began to jolt on their own, and twitch.
"I-Ichigo!" She moaned into his neck as she squeezed onto him tighter.
Her body began to glow, and exude a bright colored aura. Like the one she shown in Ichigo's inner world.
Unconsciously, Ichigo's own black/red aura leaked out of him and melded with her own creating a grey/red mixture of light.
Ichigo was nearing his point as well, and with one final hard thrust, Ichigo's hand went to Her breast, and squeezed it's point, Successfully altering and enhancing Hephaestus's climax.
Her walls gripped him as his final push was complete, and together they finished.
Both of their auras de-activated, as they were left in each-other's embrace.
"Please...Don't ever leave me.." Hephaestus pleaded, as soon as she felt Ichigo finish releasing his essence into her womb.
"Leave? That stopped being an option the first time you kissed me." Ichigo said, as he moved the hair that was stuck to Hephaestus's sweaty face.
"Ichigo.." She began, and kissed him a final time.
"If only there was a bed in here.." Ichigo chuckled, still in the embrace as he began to go soft inside of her.
()()()()(End Lemon)()()()()
"...I'll see what I can do.." She said, as she was still trying to regain her breath.
They stayed like that, until Hephaestus began to nod to sleep.
Ichigo woke her up, and they began to put their clothing back on.
"Come on, do you want to stay at my house?" Ichigo asked, hugging Hephaestus from behind.
She nodded.
"Of course." She said, and put two hands to her lower stomach and smiled lovingly.
Ichigo saw this and said,
"Does your stomach hurt?" Ichigo said, and layed his cheek onto her head.
"No...You finished inside me. I should be pregnant now."
Ichigo's veins were this time, flooded with Ice.
'Remember Ichigo...If you ever Knock up a woman, It's a Kurosaki's duty to Follow through and Marry her! No grandchildren of mine will ever be bastards, You hear me?'
Oh damn... Ichigo could hear the lecture from goat-chin now...Oh what he could give to ask for some more advice from his dad right about now.
"I-Ichigo?" Hephaestus said, worried about his lack of response.
"Hm? Oh Sorry." Ichigo chuckled with anxiety. "I was thinking."
Raising a eyebrow slightly, the smithing goddess inquired "Oh? About what?"
"My dad told me...That If I ever got anyone pregnant, that it would be my duty to follow through and Marry her." Ichigo said. Starting to feel drowsy.
"!" Hephaestus's face
"...I-If..If you a-Asked me. I wouldnt..Say no" She said, burying her face in Ichigo's arms.
Ichigo's heart nearly imploded for the second time today. 'Screw it. I've already come this far. I love her and she loves me, there's nothing wrong with marrying someone I love.' Ichigo thought with resolution. "Then...Will you?"
She nodded into his arms...and finally, an opening.
For the first time since Ichigo teased her about being a 'hammerhead', He found an opportunity to tease her back.
"Oh? What was that? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." He said with a grin.
Hephaestus pouted, as she turned around in their embrace, and said "Yes, I will marry you."
...Backfire?
"Now, Come on. We're both tired, Let's get back home...Okay?" Hephaestus said sleepy.
"Yeah." Ichigo agreed, and after cleaning up and Ichigo re-equipping Zangetsu/Hephaestus re-hiding her hammer, They returned to his mansion.
The duo walked in and it seemed as if everyone was already asleep.
Ichigo picked up Hephaestus bridal-style, and walked on a silent platform of reishi to his room.
Sneaking back in went without a hitch, and now Ichigo and Hephaestus were sitting on the bed.
"..We stink.." Ichigo said.
Hephaestus noted that she did in-fact stink, so she had an Idea.
"I know we are tired and such, but just imagine the feel of nice clean sheets with squeaky clean hygiene?" She said.
Ichigo nodded tiredly, and said "Yeah...Lets go."
She smiled yet again, and lead him to the bathroom.
There they would shower...and go a second round. This time lasting about an hour longer than the first round, and by the time they exited the shower, the hot-water was exhausted, as were they.
Ichigo was carrying a passed out Hephaestus who's hair was still in a towel, and put spare boxers and a pajama shirt on her body.
He then layed her down and covered her body with his blankets and layed next to her.
He flicked his finger towards the light switch, and a gust of wind strong enough to click the sensitive light switch was produced, and the light went out.
He spent that night with Hephaestus curled into his chest thinking 'How am I going to explain this one to everyone back home...'