DGW Ch. 20

A/N

Here is an early long chapter...

Yeah, I got some bad news... I've hit writer's block. I know that I have many ways to move from here, but I feel like I'm just stuck in quicksand, so here is the notice that there will be no new chapter next week, but don't worry, I will return after a week off of this story.

I need to take a second and reorganize my thoughts, so till then, and as always, thanks for reading!

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Ichigo's voice was filled with unwavering conviction as he spoke, "After much consideration, I have decided to accept your offer. I will join your council of gods, and I will do everything in my power to represent the interests of those who have entrusted me with their safety." He paused briefly, his eyes scanning the room before he continued, "However, there are several crucial matters we need to discuss."

Odin's expression remained stoic as he replied, "Agreed, Ichigo Kurosaki. What is it that you wish to discuss?"

Ichigo's posture straightened as he spoke, "I believe it is time for me to reveal my true identity and formally introduce myself."

Odin nodded, prompting Ichigo to continue, "My name is Ichigo Kurosaki. I am the son of Isshin Shiba and Masaki Kurosaki. But more importantly, I am the Soul King. The fate of the afterlife and beyond rests on my shoulders."

The room fell silent as Ichigo spoke, his words carrying immense weight. Odin's expression shifted ever so slightly, a mixture of surprise and admiration flickering across his face. It was clear that Ichigo's decision to reveal his identity was a significant one, and the gravity of his words hung heavily in the air.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, The Soul King," Odin said, his voice resonating through the hall, "Such a grand title. Indeed, the burden of your responsibilities is one that only you can bear. It is not a decision to make lightly. Nevertheless, you have my support and the support of the other members of the Norse Pantheon. You have my word that we will do all in our power to aid you in your task."

Ichigo listened intently, his lips twitching slightly as Odin spoke. He recalled his initial uncertainty when he first arrived in this strange universe, with no knowledge or connections. But as he explored and learned more about this world, he discovered the barren lands of a dying afterlife. It was only when he stepped foot into that desolate landscape that he felt a connection, and from that moment, he dedicated himself to giving life to it. He named it the Soul Society, in honor of the place he came from. The weight of his responsibility as the Soul King was not lost on him, but he was determined to fulfill his duties to the best of his abilities.

As Odin spoke, Ichigo was completely focused on every word. His lips twitched slightly, betraying his intense concentration. The memory of his initial confusion and unease when he first arrived in this strange universe came flooding back. He had no knowledge or connections to rely on, but as he explored and learned more about this world, he stumbled upon the barren lands of a dying afterlife. It was only when he set foot in that desolate landscape that he felt a deep connection and a sense of purpose. From that moment on, he dedicated himself to giving life to this land, which he named the Soul Society, in honor of the place he came from.

The weight of his responsibility as the Soul King was not lost on him, and he felt the gravity of his position every day. Yet, he remained determined to fulfill his duties to the best of his abilities. He understood that the Soul Society was not just a place for the dead, but a sanctuary where the souls of the departed could find peace and tranquility. It was a place where they could continue to grow and thrive, even after their physical bodies had perished. And for Ichigo, it was more than just a place to rule; it was his home, and he was proud to be a part of it.

Odin's eye widened as he processed the information, and his jaw clenched with emotion. His lips tightened as he tried to make sense of everything Ichigo had just told him. "Ichigo Kurosaki, the Soul King," he repeated, his tone softening, and his gaze fixed on Ichigo. "I knew there was something special about you, but I never would have imagined this."

Ichigo's expression remained serious as he waited for Odin's response. He knew that this revelation had the potential to change everything, and he was prepared for whatever came next. Odin paused briefly, lost in thought as he considered the implications of what he had just learned.

Ichigo, his expression serious, looked at Odin and asked, "So, what happens now?" Odin paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful as he considered Ichigo's question. After a brief moment, he replied, "Well, now that you have accepted my offer, there is no turning back. Although I would like to call a meeting with the other Pantheons and introduce you formally, the rest of the council must know about this before we can proceed." Odin's voice was steady and his eye focused, conveying a sense of authority and purpose.

Curious, Ichigo asked, "How many Pantheons are there?" Odin answered, "Several. However, we will have to meet with the members of the main council first. They will be the ones to decide on your admission."

Intrigued, Ichigo inquired, "How long will that take?" Odin replied, "A few months, at most. However, it will likely take some time for the entire council to gather, and there is the matter of their approval. I cannot promise that it will be easy or quick, Ichigo."

"I understand," Ichigo replied, his expression unwavering. "I'm ready." With that, Odin gave Ichigo a slight nod, conveying his approval.

Odin then rose from his seat, his presence commanding the room, and raised his staff, which had the runes of the Norse Gods on it, and struck the floor, the sound reverberating throughout the room. As Heimdall appeared, Odin declared, "Ichigo has made his decision and will be joining our council."

Heimdall turned and bowed to Ichigo. "It is an honor, Ichigo Kurosaki." Ichigo returned the bow, showing his respect.

Odin then explained what needed to be done next. "The news must be spread and preparations for the meeting must begin. We will need to contact the other Pantheons and arrange for their representatives to attend the meeting. It will also be necessary to ensure that the arrangements are suitable for all parties and that security is in place to ensure the safety of all attendees."

Heimdall replied, "Understood, my lord," and disappeared in a flash of light.

Turning his attention back to Ichigo, Odin said, "We will begin your preparation immediately. You will need to familiarize yourself with the ways of the gods and the inner workings of the council."

"I'm ready," Ichigo said, his determination unwavering.

"Good," Odin said, with a smirk on his face. "Then let's begin."

With that, the two men set off to prepare for the daunting task ahead. The future was uncertain, but with Ichigo's arrival, it was clear that a new era had dawned. Over the next few months, Odin and his council would work tirelessly to prepare Ichigo for his role as a member of the council. They would introduce him to the ways of the gods, teach him about their inner workings, and prepare him for the challenges that lay ahead. The outcome was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Ichigo's arrival had set in motion a chain of events that would change the course of history.

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(Soul Society.)

The first rays of dawn slowly crept over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the vast expanse of the Soul Society. The gentle light illuminated the intricate buildings and winding streets, casting playful shadows across the peaceful land. A soft breeze carried the sweet scent of dew across the landscape, rustling the leaves of the towering trees. The sound of birdsong filled the air, a symphony of sweet melodies that seemed to welcome the new day.

As the sun continued its ascent into the sky, the few people who roamed the land could be counted on two hands. The world was still young and untouched by the ravages of time or war. The Soul Society was a paradise, a utopia where the souls of the departed found eternal peace. Those who had lived their lives with honor were granted the luxury of a perfect afterlife.

The land was lush and green, the air was pure, and the water was clear. There were no diseases or plagues, no famine or droughts, and no poverty or hunger. Every single soul was treated with kindness and respect, and all their needs were met. The community was a tightly-knit one, with everyone looking out for each other and lending a hand when needed.

This was the Soul Society, and this would be its future.

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(Aurelia.)

It has been three years since her lord and creator left her behind to teach and watch over his students in his absence. Aurelia, a beautiful, elegant, and strong woman, stood on a balcony overlooking the vast kingdom, her long golden hair billowing in the wind. She was dressed in a form-fitting white dress, its hem falling just above her knees, exposing her toned legs. Her bright blue eyes gazed out over the landscape, a serene expression on her face.

Aurelia stood alone on the balcony, her hand resting on the cold marble railing, her eyes fixed on the horizon. The wind tugged at her hair, and the salty scent of the sea filled her nostrils. She took a deep breath, savoring the rare moment of tranquility in her life.

Aurelia was not an ordinary being. Her master had created her to serve as a teacher and guardian of the souls in the Soul Society. She was a living, breathing, and thinking being, not unlike the humans in the mortal world. Her existence was not just a mere construct made to carry out a single task, but a sentient being, capable of emotions, desires, and ambitions.

Her master had created her to protect and defend the Soul Society and its inhabitants. She was an extension of his will, a manifestation of his power. Her existence was a gift, a blessing bestowed upon her. She had been given a purpose, a destiny to fulfill.

For the past three years, Aurelia had been teaching and training students. She had carried out her duty as a protector and servant with diligence and dedication. But despite it all, she felt an emptiness inside her that could not be filled. She had a sense that something was missing, though she could not put a finger on what it was.

Suddenly, a voice spoke in her mind, disrupting her thoughts. It was her lord and master. "Aurelia, it's me," he said.

Aurelia's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice. "My Lord! It is good to hear your voice again! Are you well?" she asked, her voice filled with joy.

"Yes, I am," her master replied.

Aurelia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had not heard her master's voice since the day he left her behind to watch over his students.

"How is the Soul Society?" he asked.

"It is flourishing, my lord. Your students are making remarkable progress," Aurelia said, her voice full of pride.

"I'm glad to hear it," her master replied. "Have there been any issues?"

"None, my lord," Aurelia responded. "Everything is running smoothly."

"That's good to hear," her master said.

Aurelia felt a surge of warmth inside her, knowing that her master was pleased with her work.

"Are you planning to return soon, my lord?" she asked, hoping he would say yes.

"No, not yet," her master replied, "I have something else I must do first."

Aurelia's heart sank at his words, but she tried not to let her disappointment show.

"As you wish, my lord," she said, her voice steady. "When can I expect your return?"

"I don't know," her master replied.

Silence hung in the air as Aurelia struggled to contain her emotions.

"Aurelia," her master said, breaking the silence.

"Yes, my lord?"

"How far are they with their control and their Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hohō, and Kidō?"

"They're making exceptional progress, my lord. Your students are diligent in their studies and have a remarkable thirst for knowledge," Aurelia said, her voice filled with admiration.

"Excellent," her master said. "Tell me more."

Aurelia went into great detail on their progress, her tone full of admiration. Her master listened intently, absorbing every word.

"I am pleased with their progress. Tell them I am proud of them," her master said.

"I will, my lord," Aurelia said, the pride she felt for her master's students evident in her voice.

"Before I go, have them try and access their inner worlds if you haven't already."

"Yes, my lord. I will pass on your instructions," Aurelia said, making a mental note.

"Very good," her master said. "You have done well, Aurelia. I will be in touch soon."

With that, the connection was cut, and Aurelia was left alone once more. She looked out over the horizon, her mind racing.

A smile crept across her lips.

"Yes, my lord," she whispered, "I will continue to serve you and uphold my purpose with pride and honor."

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A year had passed since Ichigo had made his decision, and it was finally time for him to be introduced to the Pantheons. Over the course of the past year, Ichigo had dedicated himself to learning about the inner workings of the Pantheons, as well as the various gods that made up its members. He had met many of the deities, learning about their domains and how they interacted with each other. He had also learned about their various philosophies and the roles they played in the cosmic order.

The moment Ichigo stepped into the room, all eyes turned towards him, and a hushed silence fell over the crowd. The assembled deities and leaders of the Pantheons waited with bated breath, their anticipation palpable. Ichigo's heart was pounding in his chest as he made his way towards the front of the room, where Odin and the other leaders were seated. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before addressing the gathered assembly.

"I'm sure many of you are wondering why I have been called here," Ichigo began, his voice firm and clear. "I am not a god, nor am I a member of the Pantheons. So, what business do I have being here? The truth is, I seek to form an alliance. I am the Soul King. I created the Soul Society."

Ichigo's words hung in the air as the crowd processed the information. There was a mixture of emotions on display, ranging from rage, disgust, and disbelief to excitement and curiosity. The room was tense, and all eyes were fixed upon Ichigo, waiting for the response of the deities.

Suddenly, a loud, booming voice filled the room, and everyone turned towards the source. It was the voice of the Titan King, Kronos, and he was clearly angry. "Impossible!" he exclaimed, his eyes narrowed with anger. "You Bastard!, I remember You. You were the one who attacked me. What makes you think you can come here and claim to be the king of souls? You are not worthy to be a part of the Pantheons!" Kronos' words echoed throughout the room, his tone laced with venom.

Odin, the leader of the Norse gods, stood and raised his hand, silencing the Titan. "Enough," he said, his voice booming. "I have spoken with Ichigo and have determined that his claims are true. He is indeed worthy of claiming such a title as being the Soul King, and Khaos himself has chosen him to be a part of the Pantheons."

The other deities exchanged glances, and there was a sense of tension and unease in the room. It was clear that Kronos was not going to back down easily, and the threat of conflict hung in the air.

"You would know if you had attended our meeting, you fool," Odin continued, his words dripping with disdain.

Kronos glared at Odin, his anger boiling over. "How dare you speak to me like that, you insignificant insect! I am the King of the Titans, and you will show me the respect I deserve!" he roared, his voice filled with rage.

Odin remained unfazed, his expression calm and collected. "I will show you the respect you deserve when you have earned it," he said, his tone cold and menacing.

The tension in the room was palpable, and the rest of the Pantheons watched on with amusement. It was not often that Odin and Kronos clashed, but when they did, it was a sight to behold.

Odin turned his attention back to Ichigo. "Now, as I was saying, Ichigo has been chosen by Khaos himself, and he has my blessing to join the Pantheons," he said, his voice calm and unwavering.

Kronos fumed, his body shaking with barely contained rage. "This is outrageous!" he bellowed. "I will not stand for this! This is a travesty, and you will pay for this, Odin!"

Odin raised an eyebrow at Kronos' outburst. "Is that a threat, Titan?" he asked, his tone menacing.

Kronos sneered. "Take it however you like, Odin. You will rue the day you crossed me. You and your little band of fools will pay for this insult," he said, before turning and disappearing into light.

A murmur ran through the crowd, as the other deities exchanged looks of surprise and shock. The Titan had just openly threatened the entire Pantheons. It was a bold move and one that could not go unpunished.

Odin turned to the rest of the Pantheons. "Let us continue," he said, his voice steady and unwavering. Heimdall, the Watchman, stood at his side, and Odin turned to him. "Heimdall, I want you to gather as much information on Kronos as you can. We need to know what we are dealing with."

Heimdall nodded, before disappearing in a flash of light. The rest of the Pantheons continued to talk amongst themselves, speculating on the implications of the Titan's actions. The air was heavy with tension, and it was clear that the situation was far from resolved.

As the Pantheons continued their discussions, Ichigo found himself thinking about Kronos' words. It was clear that the Titan had no intention of backing down, and he would not let the matter go. As he delved into his memories of Greek history, Ichigo recalled that Kronos had been defeated by his own children with the help of Zeus. He also remembered the names of his new students, the very children of Kronos himself, and couldn't help but feel a sense of irony and amusement. He had trained them personally, and he knew that they were not ones to back down from a fight.

Ichigo couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of the situation he found himself in. The alliance between the gods and the Titans was in tatters, and a new war was on the horizon. However, for the time being, Ichigo had the blessing of the gods and would do everything in his power to ensure that the Soul Society remained a place of peace and harmony, but he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way.

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(Soul Society.)

The sun was high in the sky as two warriors stepped onto the training field. The sound of their zanpakuto clashing echoed through the air, as they began their battle. Their movements were so swift and precise that it was hard to follow their every move. The blades of their zanpakuto glistened in the sunlight, casting a brilliant glow across the training field. The two men, Hades and Poseidon, were evenly matched, their powers equal, and neither one was willing to concede defeat.

Their ferocity was both impressive and terrifying. Every movement was calculated, every swing of their blades expertly executed. The heat of their battle was palpable, felt by everyone present. It was a battle that could only be won through pure strength and skill.

Poseidon was the first to break the stalemate, his blade moving in a swift arc, aimed at Hades' throat. Hades reacted with lightning speed, his own blade meeting Poseidon's strike, deflecting it to the side. Despite the tension between them, there was a hint of admiration in Hades' voice as he commented, "You're getting better, brother."

Poseidon replied with a slight smirk on his lips, "As are you, brother." The two men continued their duel, their movements growing more and more intense, their blows becoming harder and harder to defend against.

In a moment of stillness, Hades said, "Do you feel that, brother?"

Poseidon was silent for a moment, then replied, "Yes. It's almost time," his voice laced with excitement.

The two men lowered their blades, the tension between them dissipating. "Yes, Soon," Hades said.

"Kronos, Will fall!" Poseidon replied, the sound of his voice filled with determination."

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