Chapter 06

 Transcendence

Chapter 06: Tank and Spank!

Ichigo leapt out of the way as the massive black claw descended towards him. The once neat and flat tiled floor cracked and ruptured. Landing once more Ichigo had to leap away again as large serrated teeth threatened to bite him in half. Swinging his sword across his chest he was able to leave a shallow cut on the beast snout, but it did nothing more than enrage the Void Terror to attack once more.

This time its other head moved to bite down on him. Ichigo was forced to use Shunpo to escape lest he be bitten in half and likely swallowed. He didn't want to end up like the rest of the poor bastard that was still stuck between the Demons teeth.

Ichigo landed a few meters to Immol'thar's right. Ichigo held Zangetsu in front of him in a ready position. Sadly he was not in the best condition to use it. He used a lot of his Reiatsu to take down that Corrupted Ancient. He could still use Shunpo to its full potential, but if he kept using it too much, it was likely he would tire himself out and then the Demon would get him when he was at his weakest...

But luckily he wasn't alone in this fight.

Turok was giving him some backup... As much as it was great to have him fighting by his side, having the others here would be much more helpful.

Uruk was thrown through a stone alcove as soon as the demon made its appearance and Rai was nearly mauled after getting stomped on by the Demon. Luckily, only his legs were pinned otherwise he would have been crushed. But now Adelina and Shikil'hi were trying to heal them as quickly as possible to get them back in the fight, but Uruk was still unconscious and as for Rai, bones are harder to heal than flesh wounds.

An explosion rocked the side of the Void Terror’s left head. It let out a roar as the flames brushed over its single Cyclopean eye. Ichigo attacked, rushing towards it, hoping to catch the creature while it was dazed. But as he drew close the creature lashed out with its other head.

Ichigo leapt away as the right head moved to devour him whole. He cursed as he was forced back again. He couldn't get an opening on this thing without it seeing him coming.

Another shot rang out through the entire building, and another ping sounded as a bullet just managed to pierce through the Demon's hide and into the soft tissue beneath. But sadly it wasn't enough to cause it much harm.

He knew that he couldn't rely on just his normal physical abilities to carry himself through this fight; he needed to use all of his abilities to beat this thing. Ichigo crouched low and charged forward. The Void Terror saw him coming and lashed out.

Waiting for the right moment he Shunpo'ed above the Demon and lashed out with Zangetsu. With a wide swing he was able to cut off two of the strange eye tentacles on the Demon's back. It let out a roar before leaping to the side to get away from Ichigo.

The young Shinigami landed in a crouch and didn't let up on his attack, charging forward once more. He brought back Zangetsu and when he was in range he Shunpo'ed to the demon’s side, swinging quickly. He was able to dig a deep gauge in the side of its right front leg.

Another roar escaped its lips, but it wasn't quick as last time to dodge. Ichigo followed up with another attack after slashing its leg, this time he went for its exposed flank, and was able to cut a gash in its side before he was forced to jump away. Ichigo stared at the creature and it did the same to him. The wounds to its leg and side do little but irritating the Demon, its large red cyclopean eyes on each of its heads narrowed at the Substitute. Ichigo raised Zangetsu and waited for the attack to come, but what happened next surprised him. The Void Terror had disappeared, in a simple flash of white light and swoosh, and it was gone.

Did it turn Invisible? Though Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">But no sooner had the beast disappear did it reappear, right behind Ichigo. Ichigo had only a second to register the massive paw that flew at his left side before he was struck. The force of the massive appendage striking him knocked the wind out of him and his left arm out of its socket.

<p class="MsoNormal">He sailed through the air for a few seconds before he slammed into the side of the inner amphitheatre wall. The wall crumbled and Ichigo was buried under a few pieces of rubble. Tossing them aside with his one good arm Ichigo got back to his feet. The pain he felt go through his body was only numbed because of the adrenaline that was going through his body and the Reiatsu that kept him from being turned into mush from that previous attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">It teleported! Though Ichigo. Looking up at the Void Terror as it stalked towards him. 'It can fucking teleport'' itself! Is this thing even an animal?'''

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo raised Zangetsu once more, and when he did the Demon charged forward. Not wanting him to get the chance to prepare for another counter-attack, Ichigo prepared to Shunpo out of the way when the Demon was forced to a halt. Around Immol'thar's feet an explosion of mist and blue light enveloped the Demon, and when it dissipated they could see that the Demons right leg had been ensnared in a pillar of ice, trapping it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo looked over to Turok who was reloading his gun and glanced over to Ichigo. With a motion of his head he called the young Substitute over. Ichigo rushed forward and joined Turok on the inside of the Amphitheatre, their back pressed against the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal">"That trap won't hold it for long; we need to kill it before it gets one of us." Said Turok, before grabbing the boys arm and examining it.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was definitely dislocated, but luckily not broken.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Can you hit it with another one of your explosive bullets?" Asked Ichigo, wincing as the Tauren looked over his arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It’s skin is thick and they don't penetrate well, and I have only a few explosive rounds left. I don't want to waste them." Said the Tauren.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Would you rather it eats us?" Barked Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">"No, but these bullets are quite expensive." Replied Turok nonchalantly, before popping the boy's arm back in its socket. Ichigo let out a loud groan before nursing his 'fixed' arm. "We can still do this; we just need to hit it hard and fast. If we allow it to keep this up it will eventually get one of us."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yeah, that teleportation thing nearly did me in. Had it tried to bite me I would probably be dead." Said Ichigo, flexing his arm to get the feeling back into it and making sure nothing else had been broken.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then, before he could say another word Turok grabbed hold of him and rushed away from the wall. A moment later and the entire wall exploded as the Demon barged through it like it were made out of nothing more than cardboard. It snarled and roared at them angrily.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Keep it busy, and try to think up a plan."

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok released Ichigo and rushed off out the alcove and back into the open area of the Colosseum.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo turned back to try and shout at him but was forced to leap out of the way as the demon charged at him once more. Rolling back to his feet Ichigo held Zangetsu deftly in front of him, his left arm still was numb and hard to move freely but it was only a minor handicap. For the next few minutes he was forced to dodge the creature continuous barrage of swipes and bites. While Turok took pot-shots at the Demon from a distance, but they did nothing against the Void Terror. The poisons didn't slow it down and the armour rounds seem to just penetrate and do no more damage than a damn splinter.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo couldn't even attack anything vital!

<p class="MsoNormal">Every time he used Shunpo to get close he could only wound it, and those wounds were nothing more than paper cuts against its scaly skin and he couldn't get anywhere vital. It's stomach was too low to the ground and if he tried he would be crushed and the same went for the neck. If he went too low he would be crushed and if he went up it would lash out with one of those tentacles.

<p class="MsoNormal">Also, the fact that the Demon wouldn't stay still for more than a second or two before attacking again make planning the tactic against it harder. So he couldn’t think of a plan while dodging its claws and teeth, he also was now contending against its teleportation ability that put an Espada's Sonído to shame.

<p class="MsoNormal">The only thing keeping him alive was the momentary effect before the creature disappears. A glow around it's body, a second before it blinked from one point to another. It was during that point that he had to Shunpo out of the way or be eaten.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was just after he dodged one of the attacks that Ichigo glanced through the alcove. He saw one of the pylons in the distance, he saw that it was still active and intact, albeit barely.

<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe it was what was keeping the Demon from leaving this Colosseum, but that was besides what he was thinking. It was large, floating off the ground and had a very sharp point at its tip, and perfect to put a nice little dent in this creature's hide! As he looked back at the Demon he saw it massive maw just a few feet ahead of him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Not enough time to dodge, he did the only thing he could: try and stop it from chowing down on him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Putting his hand on the top of its mouth and his foot on the bottom lip. He hoped to keep it from slamming its jaws down on him.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was partly successful...

<p class="MsoNormal">The creature was trying to bite Ichigo in half but thanks to his enhanced strength that wasn't going to happen. But when the Demon charged right through the Inner amphitheatre wall and then continued on towards the outermost wall, Ichigo knew that this wasn't going to be pleasant. The first wall was bad enough but that one was a lot thicker.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo didn't wait for the wall to come to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">He pulled back Zangetsu and slammed it through the roof of the Demons mouth. A roar escaped the second head's throat before the beast tumbled forward and smashed into the wall. Ichigo was knocked out of the Demons mouth, but his grip on Zangetsu had been lost. Looking up he could see a feign glow of silver inside the demons right heads mouth. It looked like Zangetsu was still stuck in there.

<p class="MsoNormal">He cursed under his breath. Without his Zanpakutō he wouldn't stand a chance! The Demon caught sight of the young Substitute and let out a dual-headed roar: one was loud and menacing and the other was whimpering and pained.

<p class="MsoNormal">Well, at least I have only one head to deal with. Thought Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">No sooner did he think that, did he see the tell-tale signs that the Demon was about to blink, and like the beast he disappeared in a flash.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina watched from behind a broken pylon as Ichigo and Turok were busy trying to take down the Demon.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo had just lost his sword and was forced to run or be killed. She knew that if he couldn't defend himself he would be killed soon enough. She had seen him use that strange blink ability of his, which was odd. She thought that when you use a teleportation spell it usually creates a miniature portal around you and then teleports that person to a specific spot. But that didn't look anything like that! It was like he would blur out and then appear somewhere nearby, like he was moving really fast. But that was impossible, no one could move that fast.

<p class="MsoNormal">She watched as he narrowly dodged the creature maw, and then again when it’s paw came down to crush him.

<p class="MsoNormal">She could see that without a weapon he was practically defenceless.

<p class="MsoNormal">She fidgeted frantically...

<p class="MsoNormal">She needed to help him!

<p class="MsoNormal">"Girl! What are you doing?" Barked Shikil'hi, bringing the young Night Elf's thoughts back to her current situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">That's right; she was healing Uruk, who was still unconscious, and badly beaten. She had healed most of the damage, but his armour and his bones were still not in the best shape as they could be. She would need Shikil'hi to help heal him. How she wished Hawnia was still here, the weight of her sacrifice was still heavy on her shoulders.

<p class="MsoNormal">Another roar and she looked over to see Ichigo and Turok were not doing well against the Demon.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was going to die if she didn't so something. She looked around for anything that she could use. There were no plant life she could manipulate into coming to life and offering whatever assistance they could, nor could she summon roots to attack the Demon. Her Moonfire would only force the Demon away from Ichigo and onto her, which he would likely be forced to save her and that will hinder him.

<p class="MsoNormal">She needed to do something, to give him a weapon he could use to fight.

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked down at Uruk and saw beside him his axe, the large savage looking weapon that would likely carve through anything if you put enough effort into it... This is the perfect weapon for Ichigo!

<p class="MsoNormal">She leapt over the knocked out Orc and grabbed his weapon. She groaned as she lifted the heavy weapon and then using what strength she had she ran out from behind the pylon and towards the battle. Seeing this Rai and Shikil'hi tried to call her to a stop.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Stop! You'll get yourself killed!" Shouted Rai.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Come back ‘ere you idiot!" Bellowed Shikil'hi.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Damn it! Go get her an’ drag her back!" Said Rai towards his fellow Troll. Shikil'hi grunted before getting up and chasing after the foolish girl, leaving a very less wounded Rai with Uruk who was none the wiser to what was going on. "Hope he doesn't get mad ‘bout de axe."

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was forced to Shunpo away from the Demon once more as it appeared to his right and attempted to catch the Substitute between its jaws. Ichigo landed a few feet away and was panting heavily. He was using too much Reiatsu and he didn't even have Zangetsu to try and fight back! If he didn't get Zangetsu back he wouldn't last much longer, but with that things jaws shut tightly around his blade there wasn't anything he was going to be able to do about getting it back.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ichigo!" The Substitute looked to his left and felt shock pass through his body and over his features.

<p class="MsoNormal">Worry and anger began to rise in his chest. Adelina was charging towards him, and in her hands was Uruk's axe.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't! Run! Get out of here!" Shouted Ichigo, trying to keep Adelina away from him.

<p class="MsoNormal">If she got to close she would be killed.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ichigo, take the Axe!" She shouted at him.

<p class="MsoNormal">He sent her a confused looked. She was trying to give him the axe? What the hell was he going to do with that?

<p class="MsoNormal">'Use it, you fucking idiot!' Came a dark hollowed rebuke from in his own mind, and he knew that it was his Inner Hollow who was talking.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo turned away from Adelina and towards the Demon... Who was now rushing forward again to slam into the young substitute.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo prepared to Shunpo away but an explosion rocked the side of the Void Terror’s leg just as it prepared to step down on it, causing it to slip and fall. Ichigo turned to Turok and saw him reloading his gun. As he put the next bullet into the slot he turned towards the Substitute to shout a command.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Take the axe! You can do more good with a weapon then without!"

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo looked at him for a moment before Shunpoing over toward Adelina, startling the poor girl and taking the axe from her. Behind her, Shikil'hi appeared and began to scold the girl for acting so reckless.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo ignored it and moved back towards the Demon. Brandishing the Dark Iron Sunderer in hand, he charged towards the Demon, ready to carve it up.

<p class="MsoNormal">Immol'thar was back on its feet and ready for the boy, but when Ichigo Shunpoed to the side and struck, it couldn't react. First he cut a deep horizontal slash along its leg before swinging his blade up to cut into its side and then swinging it right at the Demon's hind leg. The blade cut through its thick hide and into the soft tender meat below. Blood and shattered scales flew from its hind leg and a roar of pain escaped its lips.

<p class="MsoNormal">This axe actually cut through! Though Ichigo in wonder.

<p class="MsoNormal">How did this axe get through its leg when his Zanpakutō couldn’t?

<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe there was more to this weapon than just it being a simple axe?

<p class="MsoNormal">He leapt away from the Demon as it tried to turn towards him. Ichigo looked over his shoulder and saw the flickering pylon just a few metres away from him. He looked back to his axe and then the Demon that was staring at him with a glare that could kill. He had an idea how he could finish this but he needed Zangetsu, and he had another idea on how to do that, which would either get him killed or get his weapon back without a hitch.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Demon charged forward.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo brought his axe up above his head and waited for the Demon to get close. He looked like he was planning on splitting the Demon's head in two with the axe, but the truth was he wasn't going to be doing anything of the sort. No, his plan was a little simpler.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a hard throw he tossed the axe towards the Demon. It twirled through the air before it embedded itself in the eye of the left head. The Demon stopped before roaring out in pain. As it did, Ichigo saw Zangetsu glimmering inside its maw. He charged forward to reclaim it, while the Demon was distracted. He leapt through the air and towards the Demon's gaping maw.

<p class="MsoNormal">Landing on its slimy tongue he reached and grabbed hold of Zangetsu, but as his hand touched the metal hilt the Demon's maw slammed shut. His entire world went dark and he had the distinct impression that the creature's saliva was poisonous and possibly acidic as his clothing and skin started to tingle.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok looked on in shock as the young human boy was swallowed whole by the Demon. He didn't think the boy would be so foolish! To jump into the creature's mouth to get his weapon when he had one in hand!? What was wrong with him? He could see the Demon turn its gaze toward him and prepare to attack. Turok readied his gun and himself for the inevitable attack, but what happened next shocked him. The Demon began to fidget and its left head began to shake around violently.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then from the tip of its head a faint silver object could be seen.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok could see it but not discern what it was, but he knew that it was hurting the Demon. The blood and the creatures strained efforts to prevent itself from screaming said so. But what was it?

<p class="MsoNormal">No, it couldn't be! thought Turok.

<p class="MsoNormal">The sheer lucidity of it was impossible to believe!

<p class="MsoNormal">Then the sound of flesh tearing and blood splattering on the ground could be heard.

<p class="MsoNormal">The top of the creature head from its crown down to the top of its jaw was cut in half, creating a wide opening for a certain someone to leap out. Covered in blood and saliva he leapt from the creatures ruptured head.

<p class="MsoNormal">He leapt free from the confines of the creature's maw, his sword back in hand and the axe which was once embedded in its eye held in his other hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">He landed on the ground in front of the Demon and slowly lifted himself up.

<p class="MsoNormal">He brandished both weapons in his hands and turned towards the Demon.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Demon had recovered but the left head was as good as dead, only the right remain, and from the look in its eye it was not happy about the loss of its twin.

<p class="MsoNormal">It shot forward to consume the young Substitute, but Ichigo countered the attack with both of his weapons. With Zangetsu he slashed at its face and knocked it off course and saved himself from being eaten. Then with the Sunderer he cut a deep gash along its neck. The Demon recoiled and tried to stomp Ichigo beneath its scaly paw but the young Shinigami leapt away from the attack easily.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo turned to look over his shoulder to see the pylon once more and a way to end this quickly. He leapt forward and sunk the axe into Demon's paw and then leapt away. The Demon let out a roar before it charged after Ichigo, which is exactly what he wanted it to do, and it was falling right into his trap.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Turok, get ready to trap it when I tell you!" Shouted Ichigo over to the Hunter, who didn't say or make a move to acknowledge his command, but he knew he would do it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo reached the pylon and leapt at the glowing crystal suspended above the dais. With both, axe and the sword, he struck the stand. As expected, the field that kept the crystal above the ground disappeared and let it fall to the ground. It slowly started tilting towards him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turning around he saw the Demon right on his tail. Seeing a chance to hurt it further he backed right up to the stand and waited. When the Demon drew close enough, he Shunpo’ed to the side and allowed it to slam itself into the stand. It rocked the metal stand and was dazed momentarily, so much that it didn't notice the falling pillar until it slammed against its head. A mighty crash as the pylon connected with the top of its head and smashed it into the stone tiled floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">The pillar shattered, leaving a good portion of it in many pieces on the ground and around the Demon. The Demon, which looked like it had a concussion, swayed side to side as it tried to shake off the wave of dizziness that had assaulted it. Ichigo looked down at the many shards of the pylon with a grimace.

<p class="MsoNormal">The pylon had been broken and there wasn't a single shard bigger than a bowling ball on the ground. He hoped to use it to impale the creature, but with it in pieces it was likely that wasn't going to happen.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned too searched for anything when he noticed a single shard, three times as long as Ichigo was tall, and it had the same diameter as Zangetsu was wide, and still looked like it was in good shape to do what he needed it to.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned to the sound of a thundering charge. The Demon was back in the game and coming right for him. Ichigo rolled to the side and rushed past the Demon, going straight for the shard. As he did he shouted towards Turok, who in fraction of a second send out a shot towards the Demon. Its hind legs were frozen in place and keeping it from turning and facing the retreating Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo stood beside the crystal and knew that he wouldn't be able to lift it, but he could still throw it, he just needed a tether. He looked to his two weapons and an idea came to mind, a smile came to his face as he slammed the axe into the ground and had the shaft pointing towards him. Having the cloth at the end of Zangetsu coil around his arms and over shoulders and down his other arm he tied it off at the end of the axe. He examined it and was confident it would hold. He then swung his axe into the crystal vertically and then did the same with his sword, he them jumped back and allowed the cloth to tug against the blade and axe.

<p class="MsoNormal">He then turned towards the Demon as it shattered its bonds and turned toward Ichigo. It's large red eye glaring at him, and Ichigo doing the same with narrowed brown eyes, both as a glare and to aim at his target. He moved towards the Demon and dragged the crystal forward, and when he had enough speed he pulled the two cloths hard and shot the crystal forward like a javelin.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Demon's many eyes widened both on it only living head and the ones on its back. The javelin travelled along its course and would impale its entire head at the speed it was going! But the only problem was that the Demon wasn't stupid enough to let that happen. It couldn't jump out of the way but it could swipe it away.

<p class="MsoNormal">Its claw shot up and knocked the crystal into the air; it spun around like a windmill and went forty feet into the air. Ichigo watched as the crystal flew through the air and continued to rise, but he wasn't disheartened. No, he was annoyed that he was going to have to do just a little bit more.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rushing forward he leapt at the demons head, jumping over the raised paw, he landed on its snout.

<p class="MsoNormal">Raising his axe he slammed it down on the creature's forehead, and when he did that Ichigo released his hold on the axe shaft and crouched low. When the Demon let out a roar and shot its head high, Ichigo jumped. He flew straight towards the shard that was now beginning its descent. The cloth connected to his axe followed and stretched, to accommodate the distance between the weapon and the wielder.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was now beside the crystal and ready to put it back into use. He put Zangetsu in a reverse grip and then stabbed it from over his chest into the crystal. The crystal now ran parallel to his arm; he stopped its rotations and then pointed the massive pale blue crystal at its victim. He them pulled hard on the cloth connected to the axe.

<p class="MsoNormal">He fell from the sky quickly towards the void terror, who could only watch in complete horror as the boy descended towards him, the crystal alongside him ready to pierce its skull like it was some sort of ridiculously oversized spear. With a roar Ichigo impaled the Demon's head, going through its red eyes and then through its skull and finally halting after puncturing the stone floor beneath.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Demon shuddered as its last and only remaining brain was forced to try and compensate for the trauma it had just received. But the Demon's body went limp and its head slowly drifted down the lengths of the crystal and sprawled itself against the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">The void terror of Dire Maul.

<p class="MsoNormal">Immol'thar.

<p class="MsoNormal">Was dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo pulled the axe free from the creatures head and leapt off, stumbling as he landed.

<p class="MsoNormal">Obviously now that the battle was over and the adrenaline was wearing down he was now under the full effects of exhaustion. His breathing became more rapid and he just now realised how weak he felt at the moment. He was actually struggling to keep the axe in his hand, and he couldn't help that he just wanted to drop Zangetsu and the axe and just lie down and go to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then he remembered something. He went into his pouch and pulled out two veils, one blue and one red, a Health and Mana potion. One for his aching body and the other to perk him back up.

<p class="MsoNormal">He drowned them greedily. Ignoring the liquorice taste, he was more than happy to wet his dry throat. He could feel his strength returning and his aches and pain subsiding.

<p class="MsoNormal">He then pulled out an animal hide water pouch and took several mouthfuls of water. He let out a happy sigh before turning to see that Turok was approaching, his gun on his shoulder and an impassive look on his face. When he was close he stopped and looked from Ichigo to the Demon before back to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"That was your plan?" Asked Turok.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Couldn't think of anything else..." Replied Ichigo with a tired smile before taking another mouthful of water before putting it back in his pouch.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I am willing to bet if Raizzariza saw you, he would think you’re trying to outshine him..." Said Turok, before turning and walking over to where everyone else was currently hiding.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo followed closely behind, sheathing Zangetsu and carried the massive axe over his left shoulder. When they arrived they found a downcast Adelina who was being berated by Shikil'hi, Rai who was ignoring it and doing crouches to test out his legs and Uruk who was beginning to stir.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I advise you put down the axe, Uruk doesn't like it when people touch his things. And since you're... human, he wouldn't take it too well..." Said Turok.

<p class="MsoNormal">But Ichigo noticed the delay when he mentioned him being human. It was only a for a small second but it was there and the way he face slightly twitched and his eyes hardened showed that he thought nothing of the sort.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo nodded and placed the axe down beside the Orc. As he did Adelina looked up and saw him and she beamed. She rushed over and looked him over, like a child she made sure he was alright.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Are you okay? Do you need me to heal you?" She asked quickly, her hands already dancing with green energy to heal him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It's okay, I'm fine." Said Ichigo with a small smile on his face trying to keep her from going overboard about trying to help.

<p class="MsoNormal">After all, most of the time it would involve her getting into danger and him having to save her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hey, I'm still talkin’ to you!" Shouted Shikil'hi, marching over to the Night Elf and berating her further. "You can't just take someone's axe and then go off and put yourself in danger! You could be killed! Others could be killed!"

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina's head sunk down again but Ichigo couldn't really feel too bad for her. She did take Uruk's axe and then rush out into a fight she wouldn't stand a chance in... But if not for that he would likely have never survived against that Demon. But still no matter how it worked this time, it doesn't mean that next time it will work out the same way. Ichigo put a hand on the Shaman's shoulder to stop her ranting and raving at the poor girl.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I think she understands." Said Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Removing his hand, before the Shaman sneered at him and walked off. Adelina looked towards Ichigo with a smile but it fell when his scowl was there.

<p class="MsoNormal">"She is right, you shouldn't have done that." Said Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">"But… But I helped!" She stammered, sad that he wasn't defending her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Listen; if you charge in like that you will get yourself hurt. Maybe even killed! I can't have you going in to danger when I'm trying to protect you. I want you to stay back and safe." Reasoned Ichigo, with all seriousness in his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked at him for a moment before nodding and looking down again.

<p class="MsoNormal">She did it again...

<p class="MsoNormal">She made another mistake...

<p class="MsoNormal">"Uruk, are you able to move?" Asked Turok, who was standing over the now fully conscious Orc.

<p class="MsoNormal">His response was the Orc grabbing his axe and hefting himself off the ground and stood ready to move on to the next opponent.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Where's that Demon?" Uruk growled, making Ichigo a little worried that he may attack him for taking his kill...

<p class="MsoNormal">With his axe...

<p class="MsoNormal">Without his permission...

<p class="MsoNormal">"Dead." Replied Turok casually, before turning and moving off.

<p class="MsoNormal">There was a large alcove near the far side of the colosseum that was closed off, likely the location of the Athenaeum and Prince Thortheldrin.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo scowled a bit. He was the second person in this place he had on his hit list.

<p class="MsoNormal">First was the Dreadlord and the other was that treacherous Prince. He couldn't stand to see so many people suffer like that. When his business was done here he would go back and see if he could help them.

<p class="MsoNormal">As they pushed open the doorway they came to a well maintained and tiled hallway. Burning goblets lit the corridor and gave off a warm orange hue. The floor had intricately designed mosaic tiling that showed off a very beautiful array of colours. The only sound that passed through the hall was the sound of the fires crackling and the tapping of footsteps as the party of six were moving through it. No words passed between them, they knew where this led and knew who they would be facing when they got there.

<p class="MsoNormal">Soon they saw an end to the hall.

<p class="MsoNormal">Opening into a very large area.

<p class="MsoNormal">Their pace did not quicken. Instead their pace slowed as they drew near. The enemy they were dealing with was someone they should not take lightly. After all he has been siphoning off the Demon's energy for nearly ten thousand years, and most of it has been transferred to him for the last few centuries... So he would likely be very powerful and definitely possess some sort of fighting capabilities other than using Magic.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo had his hand on the hilt of Zangetsu, Turok silently cocked back the hammer on his gun, Rai had his one hand on his rapier and the other held his pistol, Shikil'hi for the first time had drawn her mace as well as a small round metal shield.

<p class="MsoNormal">They entered the hall and immediately Rai and Turok shot around the corners with their guns up. While Uruk and Ichigo shot forward to counter anything that was to close, the Druid and Shaman held back to offer what support may be needed.

<p class="MsoNormal">But there was nothing but a large library. They were on a balcony that overlooked the entire thing. Below them they saw a large book shelf that stretched to the roof, a staggering twenty five feet tall and eighty long, nearly separating the one room into two. Along the walls of the massive stone walled room was many smaller bookshelf's and tables with many assorted items from weapons, armor and other trinkets that varied in size and design. Many separate doorways led into smaller rooms that were simple storage rooms to full scale library are similar to the one they were in right now.

<p class="MsoNormal">But there was something missing...

<p class="MsoNormal">There was no one else here.

<p class="MsoNormal">They slowly went down the stairs, Uruk leading the group down, with Turok and Rai behind him, followed by Shikil'hi and Adelina, and taking up the rear was Ichigo. His eyes scanning all around for anything that may come their way.

<p class="MsoNormal">As they reached the ground floor they began their search.

<p class="MsoNormal">Splitting into groups they moved to search for the Prince. Ichigo, Rai and Adelina moved off to the left hand side of the large bookshelf, while Turok, Uruk and Shikil'hi stay on the right to look for anything out of the ordinary.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo scanned the area ahead of him and saw nothing. But he could see that this place was bustling with activity very recently. There was little dust on the books on the table and the armor and amulets were clean. So they obviously left in a hurry. He could see on one table was a set of armor, one was a pair of green metal greaves, another was what appeared to be yellowish leg guards that had been dismantled, and another was a green shoulder-guard with a high neck guard.

<p class="MsoNormal">As Ichigo was looking over the pieces of armor, he saw in the yellow reflective plates someone behind him. Turning he looked up to see a man falling towards him, two large double ended blades in hands ready to eviscerate the young Shinigami and his two companions.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo grabbed Adelina and leapt away from the man, while Rai was able to dodge on his own accord. The unknown Elf landed between them, to his left was Ichigo and Adelina and to his right was Rai. He had long snow white hair and a stern face. Around his forehead and concealed under his hair was a golden crown. He wore armor of gold and emerald, covering nearly his entire body. In his hands were a dual-bladed swords, he held them deafly by his side with ease.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked between the three and when his gaze fell on Ichigo his eyes narrowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You! It is you who has brought this ruin upon me and my people!" He shouted, before charging at the young Substitute.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo pushed Adelina aside and drew Zangetsu. He was able to halt the first blade, but when the second came he had to twist out of the way or be skewered.

<p class="MsoNormal">A small gash appeared on his side. Ichigo backed away from the swordsman as Rai moved in to attack, raising his pistol he took aim and fired. The bullet moved quickly towards the Elf's head, but in a feat of impossible speed and awareness the Elf dodged.

<p class="MsoNormal">Without looking he crouched under the bullet and then turned towards Rai and attacked. The Troll dropped his gun and went for his sword breaker, as he pulled it free from its sheath he deflected a trust to his heart. Before he swung it back at the Elf, who blocked it with his second dual-bladed sword, but as his sword breaker made contact and before he could lock the weapon down the man twisted the blade in his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">Removing the blade from under Rai's and then spinning the other blade at Rai from a different angle than before. Leaning back and bringing up his rapier he was able to deflect the blow away without injury, but then he was forced to defend against a swing aimed for his unprotected right side. Twisting his rapier to block the strike he barely could hold the blade back as well as prevent his sword from shattering against the larger weapon.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then from his left the other dual-blade came at him, raising his sword breaker he did the same as he did with his rapier. With both weapon against his own, he didn't have time to react to what the man did next.

<p class="MsoNormal">He twisted the blades in his hands again, this time he was able to twist them so they were now on the opposite side of Rai's blade, and inside his guard.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ria's eyes widened before he leapt away, knowing what was coming next.

<p class="MsoNormal">But that didn't stop the Elf from cutting two gashed along his stomach. Had he not moved he may have been cut in half! Rai landed a few feet back and pressed his hand against his stomach. It was shallow, didn't get anything tender, which was good... Had he stayed but a moment longer, his guts might be on the floor instead of where they belong. This guy was good! Very good!

<p class="MsoNormal">And there was likely one person in this entire place that could be that good, and that was the Prince of Eldre'Thalas, Prince Tortheldrin, which means he was going to be a tough customer to beat.

<p class="MsoNormal">Behind the prince Ichigo charged forward with Zangetsu ready and swung it down hard at the Elf, but the Prince simply raised one blade overhead without looking and then stabbed backward with his other blade. Ichigo was forced to strafe to the side to avoid the attack. This allowed the Prince to follow up by knocking Ichigo’s Zanpakutō off his right blade and then twisting around to deliver a wide swing at the Shinigami with the left.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo leaned back to avoid the strike but left himself vulnerable to the right blade that moved to stab him through the heart. Seeing no other option, Ichigo kicked his leg up and knocked the blade off course and up, just passing over his head. Ichigo fell back and hit the ground, but as he did the blade he just knocked away twisted around and threatened to stab him again.

<p class="MsoNormal">But an orb of energy veered towards the Elf Prince and he was forced to leap away lest he be struck. As he landed, Ichigo looked over to see Adelina was standing there with a simple wooden staff in hand, with a jagged shaft and a round bobble headpiece.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Elf turned to deflect another attack from the Troll, who tried to stab him through the back, but he was able to twist around and push away the blade, then the sword breaker moved to lop off the Elf's head. But again it was blocked by the Elf's sword, who twisted his blade along with Ria's sword breaker overhead and knocked Troll off balance. This left him open to the Elf’s leg that connected with his stomach.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rai was knocked off his feet and into the large bookshelf. The books fell from the stand and the shelf cracked under the force of the Troll's body striking the wood. Rai looked up and saw Ichigo was on the offensive again.

<p class="MsoNormal">This Elf was much stronger than they were all together! That power he had been taking from the demon had made him very powerful and dangerous, and he knew that he hasn't even begun to use all his power against them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rai got to his feet and charged towards the Elf and hoped that whatever was taking the other so long to get here isn't going to delay them to much longer otherwise they were as good as dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Other side of the Athenaeum

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok ducked behind the pillar as an arrow came towards his head. He pulled back out to shoot at his assailant, a young looking Night Elf archer was on the far side of the library firing arrows at them, and about a minute ago they were attacked by a large bear. Then they were attacked by an archer, who was able to strike Shikil'hi with a Silencing Arrow. She said it was barbed and she couldn't get it out. With that arrow in her leg she wouldn't be able to use any of her Magic to fight.

<p class="MsoNormal">Uruk was busy trying to fight off the bear, which seemed to be undead, as no matter how much he hacks into its hide it doesn't seem to go down and its size makes it difficult to fight, which was about as tall as the Orc without it standing on its hind legs.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok peeked out of cover to locate his quarry, but an arrow impacted against the side of the pillar, shattering the stone and leaving a small cloud of dust around the point of impact, forcing him to duck behind it again. This archer was well armed and had good aim. It was only thanks to the fact of his training that he was still alive. It was also because of that training that she took him as a serious threat and focused on him while Uruk tried to kill the bear and Shikil'hi tried to get an arrow out of her leg.

<p class="MsoNormal">He pulled back the hammer on his gun and pulled out of cover and attacked.

<p class="MsoNormal">He fired at a shelf where the Elf was hiding, the bullet cut through the books and the wood with no more difficulty than the air it travelled through between here and there.

<p class="MsoNormal">But the Elf was still alive.

<p class="MsoNormal">She leapt out of the cover and while in a crouch fired at the Tauren, her arrow sailing towards him. But in a feat one would not think possible for someone so large, Turok dodged the bolt and fired once more. She rose quickly and leapt into the air and over the attack, which shattered the wall behind her.

<p class="MsoNormal">She landed and was forced to roll away as another bullet sailed towards her. She drew three arrows from her bow and fired them at the Tauren simultaneously.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok quickly leapt out of the way as the arrows moved, his power over the Aspect the only thing saving him from crippling injury. He hid behind a large bookcase and reloaded his gun.

<p class="MsoNormal">She was a very hard opponent to put down!

<p class="MsoNormal">As he finished loading his weapon he heard the sound of a bow string being let loose and his instinct told him to look up. When he did he saw the sight of a single arrow being shot into the air above him and then a flash as the arrow shattered and over a dozen more appeared, all of which fell towards him! He tried to get away but the pain of many arrows piercing his back made it apparent that wouldn't be happening.

<p class="MsoNormal">Reliquary

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo grunted as he slammed into the bookshelf.

<p class="MsoNormal">His fight against this Prince was a lot harder than he expected it to be! He didn't think that this guy would be so good with a sword, hell he hasn't ever met someone who could use a sword like that! He could match up to a Captain's skill easily... Maybe even better!

<p class="MsoNormal">He and Rai had been fighting against this guy for ten minutes and both couldn't even scratch the elf, yet he was able to land multiple blows on them without breaking a sweat and now Ichigo was on his own. Rai had tried to lock down on of the bastards blades with his sword breaker and when that happened the Prince twisted his own blade and actually forced Rai's sword breaker out of his own hands!

<p class="MsoNormal">Which left him vulnerable to the Prince.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was now against the far wall with Adelina trying to stem the bleeding and stop him from dying, which left the Shinigami in his current situation as it was.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo looked up to see the Prince above him ready to deliver the killing strike. Ichigo ducked to the left and avoided the blade as it cut through the shelf, before the Prince twisted on his heels and send the second blade in his left hand towards the young Shinigami's neck. Ducking under the attack he listened as the blade struck wood once more and would have attacked himself had the Elf not followed up with another one of his own. A trust towards Ichigo with his right blade forced him to roll forward to avoid being impaled through the collar.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo rolled back onto his feet and turned back towards the Prince, who continued his relentless attack on the Substitute. For every strike the Elf made he had a dozen other possible follow-up attacks for however Ichigo countered it.

<p class="MsoNormal">And many of those ended with Ichigo getting wounded in some way.

<p class="MsoNormal">His kimono had been cut to pieces by the Prince's onslaught... In fact most of his upper Shihakushō had been reduced to nothing but a piece of cloth hanging over his right shoulder, and over the rest of his body were many cuts.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo slammed his blade down on the top of the Elf's left dual-blade, but as he pressed down on it the blade twisted out of the way and made him stumble forward...

<p class="MsoNormal">Right into the path of the twisting blade as it move toward his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo leaned to the side to avoid it. He wanted to attack but was force to try and raise his blade in time to deflect an attack aimed for his heart. He was able to deflect the blade up and away but it still grazed his shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">But what followed up was unavoidable.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince twisted and with his left blade he stabbed at Ichigo's exposed stomach, the blade pierced his stomach and through his lower back. A scream of pain escaped Ichigo's lips as the blade pushed him to the floor. Crouching next to him and over Zangetsu, trapping his blade under the Elf's knee, the Prince sneered down at the boy below. His anger clearly seen in his glowing eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo could only grimace at the pain that was racing through his body after being stabbed... He had been before but nothing as bad as this.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You will pay for bringing that Demon here boy." Whispered the Prince in a dark and twisted tone.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tortheldrin raised his other sword and planned on finishing the boy off. As the blade moved to stab his heart Ichigo grabbed the Princes wrist, halting the blade from reaching its target. The Prince pressed down harder, but Ichigo held on for dear life.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince then twisted the blade in Ichigo's stomach, eliciting a painful scream and allowing the blade to travel that much closer to his chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">But Ichigo didn't let up.

<p class="MsoNormal">He kept the blade at bay and while fighting through the pain he thought of a way out.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked at Zangetsu.

<p class="MsoNormal">Even though the prince had it pressed down on the ground with his body, he didn't know Ichigo was stronger than he thought. With a roar Ichigo lifted Zangetsu, startling the Prince as he was lifted from the ground and thrown away.

<p class="MsoNormal">He had enough discipline to keep a tight hold of both his weapons, thus removing one blade from Ichigo's stomach – albeit quite painfully – and the sword that intended to pierce Ichigo's heart. He rolled back to his feet and turned back to the boy, but at he did Ichigo was on his side with his blade in the air...

<p class="MsoNormal">A wave of blue energy enveloped his blade...

<p class="MsoNormal">The Princes’ eyes widened at the display of power...

<p class="MsoNormal">"Getsuga… Tensho!" Cried Ichigo as loud as he could.

<p class="MsoNormal">The blue crescent sped towards the Prince and, as he raised his swords to block the attack, he was pushed back by the surreal force of the attack. He struggled to keep it at bay, and then as one of his weapons began to crack under the strain.

<p class="MsoNormal">He knew he couldn't block it.

<p class="MsoNormal">He discarded that weapon and raised his hand to the wave and with his unimaginable power he was able to dispel the attack. Its energy shattering and dispersing in a violent and climatic way, leaving a slightly batter Prince in its wake.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was on his feet again and looked at the man ahead of him. He wasn't as badly wounded as he hoped, but without that second blade in his hand, it would be easier to fight him when he had only one weapon. Ichigo held Zangetsu in both hands and readied himself. He may be wounded but he wasn't going to let that stop him from fighting as hard as he could!

<p class="MsoNormal">Tortheldrin charged forward and brandished his dual-bladed sword in one hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince swiped his blade forward but Ichigo blocked the strike and it slid along his blade with little problem. The Prince continued his rotation and brought us his leg and tried to strike Ichigo with a reverse side kick to the stomach.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was able to bat it aside with his arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince then reversed his twist and swung his blade at Ichigo again.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was able to deflect it like the first.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then the Prince tried to stab him through, but a timely sidestep saved him from a second hole through his stomach.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo swung at the Prince and as he did the Elf grabbed hold of his arm and then was able to flip Ichigo forward and into his back. A pained groan escaped Ichigo's lips before he raised Zangetsu to block a downward strike from the Prince. The blade struck the flat side of Zangetsu before it was tossed aside and then Ichigo retaliated by sending a kick towards Tortheldrin's face.

<p class="MsoNormal">It connected and the Prince stumbled backwards covering his injured head. Ichigo rolled onto his belly and then pushed himself back up. He looked at the angry Elven Prince who was cradling his nose and glaring holes in Ichigo's head.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince charged forward and swung down with his blade.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo blocked it with Zangetsu and then tossed the double sword off his own, before following up with his own slash at the Prince, who jumped away from the strike. Ichigo moved forward and brought his Zanpakutō on top of the Elf's blade. They both stared at one another with hate in their eyes, but for two different reasons.

<p class="MsoNormal">One, because he condemned so many souls to torment.

<p class="MsoNormal">The other because he has deprived him of a source of unimaginable energy and power.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tortheldrin threw Ichigo away and trusted his sword at him, but Ichigo deflected the attack and countered. Ichigo swung his blade upwards at the Prince who twisted out of the way and swiped his blade at the Substitute.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo blocked the attack easily.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince in his frustration lashed out with his leg and connected with Ichigo's stomach, sending him off his feet and with blood spraying from his wound and mouth. Ichigo landed on his feet but his legs were shaking to keep him from falling. Tortheldrin attacked, swinging his blade from over his chest at the Substitute, but Ichigo swung Zangetsu up and was able to deflect the attack over him and away, leaving the Prince open to his counter.

<p class="MsoNormal">A quick upward swing and a gash appear over the Prince's armor, but more than just metal had been torn. Blood seeped out of the new opening within the armor as the Elven Prince stumbled away. His hand reaching up to touch the wound beneath his armor. Shock passed over his features as he saw the blood on his fingertips.

<p class="MsoNormal">He had no idea how he was able to wound him...

<p class="MsoNormal">He himself was wounded and barely looked like he could stand.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why didn't he just die?

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo charged forward, ignoring the pain of his wounds and the exhaustion let upon himself from the use of his Zanpakutō's special ability. He couldn't lose to this guy! He needed to beat him! If this continued more people will suffer and those souls will know no rest.

<p class="MsoNormal">Their blades clashed against one another, both staring intently at one another. They knew that this was only going to end with one outcome: one would fall and the other would stand over his corpse in victory, and they would fight to be that man.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok dragged himself across the stone floor, his body had been punctured by many arrows and he could feel is entire body quake in pain as he made the most subtle of movements. His armor had saved him, but only so much. He was severely injured, certainly dead if he didn't get any help.

<p class="MsoNormal">Nearly ten arrows had been lodged in his back, three in his left leg, one in his right and four in either of his arms... And that was only a few considering how many landed around him.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he moved he could hear the sounds of battle in the distance. Both of Uruk fighting against that bear and what could be described as the others fighting another opponent.

<p class="MsoNormal">Likely Prince Tortheldrin...

<p class="MsoNormal">He hoped they were up to the task.

<p class="MsoNormal">But another sound reached his ears. His keen senses picking up feint footsteps as someone approached from behind. He knew who it was before he turned to look. The Elf he had been fighting against was moving in to kill her prey.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked back on his path and saw his gun resting a few feet in front of him; he picked up his pace and tried to reach his weapon so that he could defend himself. No matter how pointless it may seem he had to try!

<p class="MsoNormal">As he did the sound of his approaching doom grew louder.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was only a few feet from his weapon, as was his killer; he reached out for his weapon. His hand landed on the handle of the gun but as it did a boot descended down onto it. Looking up saw the Elf looking down at him with no emotion on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">She wore the same blank expression as she drew a bow from her quiver and pulled it back to finish him off.

<p class="MsoNormal">Uruk was having a little trouble taking down the bear. It really didn't want to go down! No matter how much he hacked into it the thing didn't stop coming at him ready to rip him apart!

<p class="MsoNormal">He even cut off one of its paws and it was using the stump as a new foot!

<p class="MsoNormal">He liked it when an enemy didn't stop, but he had a dislike to the undead, because they had no drive other than to kill and didn't have any skill what-so-ever when it came to fighting another opponent. They just went in without any finesse. Which made killing them easy sometimes, but this bear was large enough for him to find some difficulty in putting it down. But its lazy attacks were easy to dodge and get away from; all he wanted was something that could be a little smarter.

<p class="MsoNormal">He raised his axe and brought it down on the back of the creature's neck, his axe digging through the rotted pelt and meat before snapping through its spine. Even if it was undead, without a brain or a head it couldn't function. The Axe hadn’t cut all the way through, he was forced to perform another decapitating swing to finally remove its head, and with that done its body fell to the floor lifeless.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked up to the Shaman who was still trying to get that arrow out of her leg. Damn thing must have been hooked to keep it in there.

<p class="MsoNormal">He then turned to the Hunter that was dealing with the archer. To his shock the damn Tauren was on the ground with about a dozen arrows lodged all over his body and the Elf was now standing over him ready to deliver the final blow. Uruk snarled before lifted his axe overhead with both hands and then throwing it at the Elf.

<p class="MsoNormal">It sailed through the air at the Elf, but as it whistled through the air the Elf turned expectantly. Her expression still blank and with unnatural speed she dodged the attack. As she twisted around the strike she raised her bow and aimed at the Orc. She let the arrow loose and struck the beast in the right side of its chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">Uruk stumbled back before ripping the arrow from his chest and stalking towards the Elf. She drew another arrow and readied to fire once more, this time through the Orc's skull.

<p class="MsoNormal">But as she took aim a large blade protruded through her stomach. She didn't scream or allow her expression to change. She looked down at the blade and then over her shoulder to see the Tauren with his gun in hands.

<p class="MsoNormal">He had used the bayonet to stab her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Before she could pull herself off the blade she was lifted off the ground and then thrown up and over the Tauren. She flew through the air and across the room. She landed with a thud before rolling to a stop.

<p class="MsoNormal">She lifted herself up and was unperturbed by the wound, which was a large puncture that moved through her stomach and out her back. She grasped her bow and drew three arrows.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok took aim and fired at her, the bullet forcing her leap away lest she be wounded further. Turok took this into account before firing again this time at the roof, he shot at a support running along the roof and keeping it up, when the support shattered the roof collapsed.

<p class="MsoNormal">As the Elf landed she looked up to see the roof falling down at her. Unable to move in time she was crushed under several tones of stone.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok slowly got to his feet and hobbled over to the pile. He slowly reloaded his gun and prepared to finish off the Elf. As he moved closer he saw the rubble slowly fall away.

<p class="MsoNormal">A bloodied hand shot out of the stone and dirt, pulling the rest of the body out of the prison of rock. The Elf had survived, but was in horrible shape.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her armor had been dented and broken in many place, her flesh was marred with many cuts and gashes. Her right arm was missing up to the elbow and both her legs had been broken in several places. Her face had a large gash over her eyes and forehead; blood seeped out it slowly despite the severity of the wound.

<p class="MsoNormal">She pulled herself free and dragged herself forward, going towards her bow, even though she couldn't fight with it anymore, she still wanted to fight. No, she still had to fight! Even in her current condition she had no choice but to fight.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok almost pitied the poor creature before him.

<p class="MsoNormal">He wobbled up to her and with his hoof on her bow he looked down at her. She stopped and looked up at him, no expression on her face, for a moment nothing passed between them.

<p class="MsoNormal">She pushed herself up into a sitting position on her broken legs. She looked up at the Tauren and waited. She knew that there was little choice of fighting back and that all she could do now was die. Turok drew back his gun and aimed it at her chest. With a quick thrust he stabbed her through her non beating heart, and in that moment there was a single expression that graced her features.

<p class="MsoNormal">Shock.

<p class="MsoNormal">And from that came a weak smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked up at the Tauren, and as her eyes slowly faded she thanked him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Thank you." She murmured, her words sincere as she thanked the man that ended her torment.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok watched as she slid of his blade, the final spark of unlife leaving her eyes before hitting the ground. He let out a breath as he put the woman to rest, but still the pain he felt when he took in that breath didn't stop him from feeling content that he did a good thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned back to the Orc and Shaman who still was working on the arrow. She had resorted to using a nearby knife to actual cut into her leg and get it out!

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok simply walked over to her and waited. He could feel his vision blur and his head spin. He needed to get help soon or he would pass out... And then bleed out...

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned to Uruk, the only one who could move freely.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Uruk, find Adelina and the others… bring her here and help them if they need it." Said the Tauren Hunter.

<p class="MsoNormal">Uruk nodded before charging off, moving for the sound of battle in the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok fell to his knees and then collapsed to the ground in a heap. His will to keep standing gone and his urge to sleep starting to overshadow his need to stay awake. He slowly closed his eyes, the last thing he saw and heard was Shikil'hi screaming as she removed the arrow from her leg.

<p class="MsoNormal">Uruk charged through the hall looking for the damn group that was likely fighting against that Highborne Prince they were looking for. He could hear them off in the distance, the clashing of steel rung through the air as much as the smell of blood that had definitely been shed.

<p class="MsoNormal">He slid around the corner and came to a shocking sight.

<p class="MsoNormal">Against the wall was Raizzariza, wounded and barely conscious with that Night Elf girl healing him. But the most surprising sight was only a few meters past them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was fighting against Tortheldrin, and from how things looked, either one of them could win. Both had many wounds on their bodies, Ichigo substantially more, but he was handling it better than one would think a human could.

<p class="MsoNormal">While the Prince was littered with many cuts and his armor was falling apart, his chest piece barely covered his stomach. The top half had nearly been completely cut away, leaving only a small plate of metal over his left breast.

<p class="MsoNormal">With every swing there was a counter, with every strike there was a follow-up, with every hit there was a retaliation... It was a battle of skill in this fight, and from what Uruk could see it could go either way.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Girl!" Said Uruk, tearing his eyes away from the fight with Ichigo and to the young Night Elf. She looked over surprised at the Orc. "We need you to help with Turok, he is injured."

<p class="MsoNormal">"But Raizza is still hurt." She said to him in a timid voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">She never could speak with him. She couldn't even look him in the eyes... He was just too intimidating.

<p class="MsoNormal">"He'll be fine, go to Turok." Ordered the Orc.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina pushed a small wave of healing energy into Raizza before she got to her feet. She then gave one last long look at Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">She took in his many wounds and saw that more blood was over his skin that should be.

<p class="MsoNormal">Uruk descended upon her against and told her to go. She did. Running to Turok, not out of worry for him, but for Ichigo. With how wounded he was she would need to get back here quickly. She offered a prayer to Elune to ask that he would be alright.

<p class="MsoNormal">Uruk watched the young girl run off to help the Tauren. He then turned to Raizzariza, who was aglow with green healing energy.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was still trying to remain awake, his eyes kept shutting and dropped low, but Uruk turned away from the assassin for hire and to the boy and Elf.

<p class="MsoNormal">They had obviously been at it for just as long as they had been at the Elf Archer and that bear. But this guy was in another league all together, and the way the boy was fighting through those wounds of his was admirable. A stab wound was something few people could walk through, undead non-withstanding, let alone fight through. He was going at the Elf like he did any other enemy he fought against, with determination and the resolve to win no matter the odds.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo swung Zangetsu at the Elf in a wide swing.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Elf deflected the blow but was unable to counter.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo unleashed Zangetsu again with another wide swing from the opposite direction.

<p class="MsoNormal">This time Tortheldrin had some difficulty blocking the strike.

<p class="MsoNormal">Another swing was sent to the Prince, who had to grip his wrist to hold his blade firm against the devastating vertical slash sent to cut him from ground to shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">When the attack finished Tortheldrin stumbled backwards, thus having less time to block the next strike. A two-handed downward slash against the Princes double-blade knocked him to his knees, the force of the strike made the ground beneath Tortheldrin crack and buckle. Had it been a lesser man his arms would have been shattered like the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince roared as he pushed himself back onto his feet. Ichigo pressed down even harder, but when the double-blade flared with purple flames Ichigo's pressure on his blade slipped allowing him to push Ichigo back and then counter. Ichigo was able to dodge the attack, but the flames left a slight burn on his stomach.

<p class="MsoNormal">Looking over he could feel the Prince's power increase. He was drawing on all his power now.

<p class="MsoNormal">He wanted to finish this and do it quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal">One request Ichigo was willing to grant him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo flared his Reiatsu, a tornado of blue energy formed around him. He pulled back Zangetsu and allowed his Reiatsu to pour into his blade. He was going to finish this with a single attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince did the same, around him a veil of malicious energy formed, and his blade burnt with purple flames.

<p class="MsoNormal">The two stared at one another for a moment and gauged one another, their powers illuminating the entire room with hues of blue and purple. The next strike will be the final one. After this one will be at the others mercy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo charged forward, Zangetsu held back with both hands. His charge was like a mighty wave, all around him the library shook and the ground beneath him crumbled.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince did the same, charging forward, blade held back and ready to deliver it.

<p class="MsoNormal">The room shook from the powers they released from the confines of their improper physical form, fit more for beings of greater heights then them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo readied his blade as did the Prince to deliver the final winning strike.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo swung his blade towards the Prince in an upward arc, ready to cleave him in twain and cast his body to oblivion.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Prince stabbed his sword down, the flames ready to devour the boy from within with one strike.

<p class="MsoNormal">As they met in the middle of the room an explosion of light and force resounded through the entire library, the ground and walls shook and the roof threatened to collapse on them all.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina, Turok and Shikil'hi could only watch as the entire room reverberated with a resounding crash. The sound of the walls crumbling and the sound of metal clashing metal could be heard. It felt as if the entire world was falling apart around them.

<p class="MsoNormal">And as fast as it appeared it disappeared and the tranquillity of the library returned, only the occasional falling book and piece of stone sounded through the ancient Athenaeum.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok lifted himself to his feet, many arrows still lodged in his back and his wounds not all fully healed. He knew what had caused the explosion, and he needed to be there to see what the cause was, be it Ichigo or that Prince. Under either of his arms and helping him as best as they could, the Shaman and Druid healed and carried him to the sight of the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo and Tortheldrin stood near one another, neither moved nor breathed...

<p class="MsoNormal">The climax of the attack still rung in their ears...

<p class="MsoNormal">The victor had been decided and now one would die.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo had swung his sword up at the Prince and sliced him from hip to shoulder. A large open gash appeared over his chest, the internal organs below had been rent asunder.

<p class="MsoNormal">Yet the Prince continued to stand on, defiant to die. His double-blade sword has met its mark just as Zangetsu made its mark on him, it had pierce the boys flesh and burnt his skin, but only on his left shoulder. Though the clear winner had been decided, the victor would likely not live to savour his victory.

<p class="MsoNormal">As if the pin had dropped and the wheels of time had returned, both warriors lost their strength and fell away from one another. No longer able to stand or hold fast with their wounds and exhaustion they fell to their backs, either dead or dying.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo landed with a heavy thud to the ground, the blade had been wrenched from his shoulder by its wielder, his grip on his weapon never going nimble even in death, and he didn't feel anything when he hit the ground. In fact, he felt almost comfortable how the cold stone ground felt on his skin that wasn't cut open. He simply looked at the roof, unable to turn his head or even lift it to see what was happening around him.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was content with the outcome of the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal">He had beaten the bastard!

<p class="MsoNormal">He had given the souls their vengeance against the man who caused so much pain and suffering!

<p class="MsoNormal">At least now they could have some rest knowing that the one who caused their torment was dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Slowly his eyelids began to close, the last thing he heard was footsteps and the sight of a large shadow over him, and the final words of an unknown warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You more of a warrior than I thought, for a human of course." The shadow leaned forward and lifted him off the ground and carried him away, but before he could know where his vision and mind went dark.