DGW Ch.16

Ichigo made his way towards Aurelia's students with a mix of confidence and apprehension. He was certain that Aurelia's spiritual pressure would help him confront the five with much greater ease. As he drew closer, he felt her reassuring presence enveloping him like a warm embrace.

However, something seemed off about the spiritual pressure emanating from the five. It was both familiar and strange at the same time, leaving Ichigo feeling uneasy. He couldn't quite pinpoint what was different.

As he advanced toward the group, he perceived the five individuals standing together, facing away from him and seemingly oblivious to his presence. Upon closer inspection, he observed that the group was comprised of two men and three women, each with distinct physical characteristics.

The first male's physical appearance was striking, with short white hair shining in the sunlight and a pale and almost ethereal complexion. He was tall and well-built, and his flowing white robe fluttered gently in the breeze. The second male was also tall, with a lean physique and shoulder-length blond hair that framed his cold, distant expression.

The first female had long, flowing brown hair, which cascaded down her back and contrasted beautifully with her fair complexion. Her features were delicate and youthful, and her face radiated kindness and warmth. The second female was petite, with short brown hair that framed her face in loose waves. Her demeanor was reserved and timid, and she appeared to be constantly scanning her surroundings with a wary eye.

The third female had long, flowing blonde hair that shimmered in the sunlight and a tall, athletic physique that exuded confidence. Her posture was confident and arrogant, and she moved gracefully and purposefully. Her features were angular and chiseled, and her face was dominated by a pair of piercing blue eyes that seemed to take in everything around her.

In the center of the five was Aurelia, her golden locks billowing in the wind. Ichigo could sense her aura emanating outward, enveloping the others and binding them together. It was clear that they were a cohesive unit, with Aurelia at the center. Ichigo was curious to know who these mysterious individuals were and why they were in his home.

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Ichigo's form vanished in a flash, only to reappear in a split second behind the five. They were completely unaware of his presence. As he stood there, the five suddenly froze as if sensing his presence. Without hesitation, the first male's head whipped around, his eyes widening in shock. The others followed suit, their faces etched with confusion and alarm.

Before the male could say a word, Aurelia spoke up, her voice calm and commanding, "There is no need for alarm, my children." She turned to the five and gestured to Ichigo, her face radiating confidence and assurance. "This is my Lord, the Soul King. You may speak freely in his presence."

Hearing her words, the first male regained his composure and straightened up. He was visibly tense and anxious, but Aurelia's presence seemed to soothe him.

She proceeded to introduce each of the five to Ichigo. "These are my apprentices." She pointed at the first male, "This is Hades, the eldest and only second to Hestia." She gestured to Hestia, then pointed to the second male, "This is Poseidon." Next, the second female, "Hera," and lastly, the third female, "Demeter."

Upon hearing their names, the five bowed respectfully to Ichigo, their expressions a mixture of awe and trepidation. It was clear that they were unsure of what to make of him.

Ichigo stepped forward, his eyes sweeping over the five. His gaze lingered on each one for a brief moment, his face betraying nothing of his thoughts. The five shifted nervously, their uneasiness apparent.

"Raise your heads. No need for that," Ichigo said, his voice commanding yet kind.

They hesitantly raised their heads, their eyes meeting his. Their expressions were a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. Ichigo felt the leaking spiritual energy coming from Hades; how interesting.

"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki; please feel free to call me Ichigo," he said, his gaze locking onto Hades. "Aurelia has spoken highly of you all, and I must say that I am impressed."

He looked at Hades and continued, "I can feel a great deal of spiritual energy emanating from you. Tell me, who taught you?"

Hades looked confused for a moment before answering, "Spiritual energy? I'm afraid I don't understand," he said, his eyes meeting Ichigo's.

Ichigo smiled, "Tell me, how did you end up here in the Soul Society?"

Hades took a deep breath and began to explain how he and his sibling were eaten by their father, Kronos, but how he had been able to find an energy inside Kronos's stomach, which he used to cut open a portal, escaping and appearing inside the Soul Society.

Hades then began to tell the story of his time in the Soul Society, explaining how he and his siblings met Aurelia and how she had guided them and taught them about the Soul Society.

This was all incredible to Ichigo because these five were Kronos's children, and assuming correctly, they arrived when he left the Soul Society, and to make a bigger jump in conclusions, it was near the time he had defeated Kronos. Ichigo's spiritual energy may have influenced them and given them access to their power.

"This is remarkable," Ichigo said, his eyes shining with interest. "You have been through a lot, and yet you still manage to be strong and resilient. You are a testament to your own strength and will.

Hades bowed his head, a look of gratitude on his face. "Thank you, Ichigo. Your words mean a lot to me."

Ichigo nodded, a slight smile gracing his lips. He turned to Aurelia and asked, "May I speak to your apprentices for a few minutes?"

Aurelia's eyebrows rose in surprise, but she acquiesced, "Of course, my Lord."

With that, she stepped back, leaving Ichigo alone with the five. Ichigo's eyes swept over the five, and he could sense their apprehension. They were clearly curious about him, but they were also wary, unsure of his intentions.

Ichigo took a deep breath and began, "I must say, I am quite intrigued by you all. You have demonstrated great strength and resilience in the face of adversity, and I believe you can achieve even greater things."

The group of five individuals in front of Ichigo were listening to him with an intense focus that suggested they were hanging on to every word he spoke. Surprise and disbelief were etched on their faces as they absorbed his words, which were filled with conviction and sincerity.

Ichigo's voice was gentle as he began, "I understand that you have been through a great deal. However, I believe that you have the power to overcome any obstacle and achieve your full potential."

He paused for a moment to let his words sink in before continuing. Hades was the first to break the silence, his voice laced with doubt and self-deprecation.

"You speak highly of us, but we are not worthy of such praise," Hades said.

Ichigo's smile was warm as he responded, "No, you are far more worthy than you realize. I can sense the immense spiritual energy within you. You have the power to do incredible things, Hades."

Hades shook his head, his expression downcast. "I am not worthy, Ichigo. My past is stained with darkness and suffering."

Ichigo stepped closer to Hades, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It is the past, Hades," he said. "Do not let it define who you are. You have the power to forge your own path and shape your own destiny. Do not be shackled by your past."

Hades hesitated but eventually nodded, a look of resolve crossing his face.

Ichigo turned his gaze to the other four individuals and said, "You all have the potential to achieve great things. Do not let your past hold you back."

The others were silent, their eyes fixed on Ichigo, but he could see the determination in their eyes. They were willing to fight for what they believed in and were not afraid to take risks.

"I would like to offer you the opportunity to serve as my apprentices," Ichigo said, his voice filled with excitement. "You have shown great potential, and I believe that you can learn much from me alongside another potential student of mine."

The five individuals looked at each other in amazement, their eyes wide with surprise and disbelief. This was an offer they could never have expected.

"I-I don't know what to say," Hades said, his voice filled with emotion.

Ichigo's smile widened, "There is no need for words; just a simple 'Yes' will do."

Hades paused momentarily but eventually nodded, a smile gracing his lips. The other four quickly agreed, their expressions filled with joy and excitement.

"Great!" Ichigo said He was pleased with his decision to train Hades and his siblings alongside Chersis. As the group disappeared from the wide land and reappeared in Ichigo's palace, he couldn't help but feel proud of what he had accomplished. The palace, built with black, white, and gold marble, was a vast and majestic building that exuded beauty and tranquility. It was surrounded by a lush garden filled with various plants and flowers, and a large fountain stood in the middle.

At the center of the garden stood a grand and majestic tree with a rich brown trunk and vibrant green leaves that gently swayed in the breeze. For Ichigo, this place was more than just a home; it was a sanctuary where he could teach and train his new apprentices.

The group was greeted inside the palace with vast halls and rooms decorated with elaborate tapestries, sculptures, and paintings. Each painting depicted various scenes from the history of Ichigo's old world, and each sculpture was intricately carved. The floor was made of polished white marble, and the walls were adorned with intricate carvings. The palace was a marvel to behold, and Ichigo was sure that his future apprentices would enjoy living there.

Ichigo's instincts told him that this was the right choice. He was confident that he could guide Hades, his siblings, and Chersis on their journey to becoming powerful allies. If they could master their spiritual energy, they would be a force to be reckoned with. Together, they would face whatever challenges awaited them, and Ichigo was determined to help them reach their full potential.

He knew that they would need to learn much, but he was confident in his ability to teach them. They would become strong enough to defend themselves against their enemies and help him protect the lost souls to bring them to the Soul Society. Ichigo was proud of his new home, and he was sure that the five of them would achieve great things together.

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