Chapter 10

Transcendence

Chapter 10: Enemy of my Enemy is my...?

The Barrens, the Gold Road

The Barrens was what one would call the hottest place on earth, but in truth it came in a close second place to Tenaris and then just behind Silithus, but that didn't help those unfamiliar with the blasted landscape from suffering under the blistering heat. The majority of the region consists of vast plains, though fauna and plant life exists in the barren lands it is as rare as diamonds and just as valuable to the residents, and also their most closely guarded secrets within the blasted landscape.

For many dry riverbeds and a never-ending spider web of canyons make any journey across the Barrens a dangerous and winding trek, for without knowing the location of any water wells any man who travels through here will likely feed to buzzards that hang overhead. But if they do not succumb to the heat or to dehydration then they are likely to succumb to the inhabitants who make the Barrens their home. Centaur war-bands or Quilboar's raiding parties are as frequent and sparse in the Barrens as any other place in Kalimdor.

The Centaurs rule over the precious Oasis's that are but specks in the vast landscape that is the Barrens. Any adventurer who risks a chance to quench his thirst is likely to fight his way through dozens if not hundreds of Centaurs for a simple drink. But in the end it is likely they would drown in their own blood before they feel the cooling sensation of water drench their dry throats.

Then, there are the Quilboar who have taken near complete control over the Southern Barrens and several key locations in the North. They are an army that is almost without number, like rodents they multiply and are hard to remove effectively. For they have spread further than the Barrens, setting up dens within the homelands of both the Orcs and the Tauren, who struggle to remove them from their lands lest they cause more harm upon the land and their people.

Despite its often uninviting terrain and hostile inhabitants, the Barrens receive a good deal of interest from Alliance and Horde alike, as well as many races native to Kalimdor. Trade routes criss-cross the landscape leading to and from more inviting regions. Most notably the Gold Road that runs north-to-south through the Barrens and beyond and rumours suggest that precious minerals and ruins await those with the courage to investigate.

Ichigo wiped his sleeve across his forehead.

The sun was burning his skin and he could feel sunburn coming on almost instantly as he stepped off the lift when he first entered these Barrens. It was a scorched wasteland that looked like nothing could survive in it. In fact the only life he had come across was the occasional Hyena and some sort of odd giant reptilian creatures with orange skin and horn jutting out of their noses... Although they were harmless, they still put him on edge about the weird animals one can find in this world.

Ichigo and Adelina had been travelling through the Barrens for two days now and were still three days away from the border between the Barrens and Dustwallow Marsh, and that was not good. Even though he was given a lot of food and water for his journey it simply wasn't enough to pull him and Adelina over for their trip to Theramore. Even though the swamps would likely not be as hot as this hell hole, it would still be its own kind of hell hole.

He had, at most, two days’ worth of water and food left. He could probably ration it a bit, but with the heat and the fact that if they tried to ration the water it would only cause more problems for them in the long run. They needed to keep themselves alert and ready to fight at a moment's notice. Even though there were in pretty much no-man's-land, there were still things out there that could kill them, and he didn't want to be attacked by these so called pig-people called Quilboar.

"It's so hot..." Whined Adelina.

Ichigo glanced over his shoulder to see his companion walking a few feet behind him with her head and shoulders slumped forward and dragging her feet along the dry and cracked ground.

Ichigo was starting to get annoyed with her. She just didn't stop complaining about the weather and it was really getting on his nerves more than the heat that she was actually complaining about. He let it pass for a while now. After all, only three days ago she had told him about her past and upbringing in the Stonetalon Mountains. He had comforted her when she had finished her tale. Although he did nothing but offer her a shoulder to cry on, it was more than she needed.

They stayed the night in the small alcove and waited till morning to continue their journey. All the while Ichigo let Adelina cry out her pain and sorrow that she had been bottling up for so long. She needed to vent all that pain and when it was all over he talked to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo told her that he would make sure nothing happened to her; he said that the people who treated you so badly were bastards. Because of the simple fact that they didn't know what she was going through, what it felt like to lose family, they wrote off her unsuccessfulness as a trait. They were worse than trash.

<p class="MsoNormal">For the rest of the night she stayed by his side and slept on his shoulder. Although Ichigo was not very comfortable having her sleeping on him he allowed it for once. The girl had a past that was even worse than his and she deserved some comfort.

<p class="MsoNormal">But even though he had gotten her out of that rut she was in, letting all that grief of her to be let out and let her have some closure, she was still annoying him. He turned back down the road and marched on, and kept a look out for anything that would be interested in killing him and his friend and drinking their blood as a substitute for water.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Why is it so hot?" Asked Adeilina in the most bleak and miserable tone she could muster.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although it was clear the question was rhetorical Ichigo decided to answer it anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Maybe it's because we're in the middle of a barren wasteland and you keep bringing up the fact it is hot ." Murmured Ichigo just under his breath, she didn't pick up on it, even with those ears of hers.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo continued on his way without another words, for at least a few more minutes. The substitutes temper was building not just due to the intense heat, but also because of Adelina's constant whining about the temperature. Ichigo knew he couldn't blame her for the temperature, it was really fucking hot ; he didn't even think the Sahara was this hot. And yet he was walking through a place that was likely still holding in the heat from the massive bush fire that tore right through it ten thousand years ago.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm so hot..." Said Adelina, drawing out the last words with a groan, which made Ichigo want to strangle her. She was annoying, yes, but she could at least keep her problems to herself for at least every minute rather than every five second.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ichigo..." She said, although Ichigo didn't stop or even ask what she was going to say, she said the one thing he knew she was going to say. "It's hot!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"I know it's hot!" Yelled Ichigo; whirling on Adelina and rising up his trembling hands in indignant anger and struggling to maintain whatever semblance of calm remained within him not to kill her, which made Adelina recoil back in fright. "So will you shut up about it already?!"

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina unconsciously leaned away from the teenage Shinigami and had an utterly terrified expression on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Why are you being so mean to me?!" She sobbed like a little girl, clearly unsure of why her friend was yelling at her, a sobbing expression on her face as if she was about to cry.

<p class="MsoNormal">At the sight of her whimpering form Ichigo's annoyance and anger slowly abated. Although he was still annoyed with her complaining, he would at least keep his anger in check. After all she was kind of sensitive and weird and when they went hand in hand it didn't help with dealing with her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo lowered his fist and took in a calming breath. He didn't need to waste his energy getting angry at the poor girl, and while in the middle of the desert yelling and bickering would only tire him out and bring his all the likely death all the more closer.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Listen, I didn't mean to snap at you." Said Ichigo; his words much softer although still carrying some irritation in his tone. Adelina lost her whimpering expression and looked at him almost like a child waiting anxiously for what happens next. "It just… the heat and all that is getting to me..." Adelina looked on for a moment and when she was about to agree that it was kind of hot, he continued. "Also, your constant moaning and groaning about it, isn't exactly helping me with my mood..." Said Ichigo, which made Adelina's head bob down and a small embarrassed blush appear on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Sorry..." Adelina said, she didn't like making him angry, but sometimes she just didn't know she was doing it.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It's alright; just try and keep it to a minimum, ok?" Asked Ichigo; trying to be nice about a very irritating circumstance that seems to go hand in hand when dealing with the young Druid.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina just raised her head to nod at him before they continued walking.

<p class="MsoNormal">For the next few minutes it was quiet, which was what Ichigo needed to think about the next part of their journey.

<p class="MsoNormal">Three days from the border was bad. Although he was inclined to do some cross country and shave off a maybe a full day of walking, but it was recommended by Quintis and Shandris that he stay on course and stick to the roads. After all, there were a lot of things in the Barrens that could do him in, and the roads were the safest place you could travel while in the Barrens.

<p class="MsoNormal">He had been given a few details on the things that lurk across the planes.

<p class="MsoNormal">From Wind Serpents, giant snake-like creatures with wings that could in some capacity control the winds and lightning and also were quite poisonous.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then he was told about Thunder Lizards, a distant and violent cousin of the Kodo, which could crush a man and also electrocute him with lightning that is channelled through the plates along his backs and through their mouths.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then there were the Raptors... Oh, he was so not happy when they mentioned that they had dinosaurs here, and that Raptors make nests throughout the Barrens and usually hunt in packs ! He was so not happy about that... Not one fucking bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then, to add some spices to this cocktail of his personal hell, he was told that the area he would be passing through would be practically Quilboar central. It would be like walking right between two armies of pig-men and then walking past several camp sites that are littered with likely hundreds of the beasts.

<p class="MsoNormal">So it was no surprise he was not in the best mood right now...

<p class="MsoNormal">He had everything from Hyenas to fucking Stegosauruses breathing down his neck and likely ready to either devour or electrocute him... Or in some cases both ... So he wasn't exactly in the best place he could be right now.

<p class="MsoNormal"> How in the hell do people survive in places such as this ?! It would be almost impossible ! With the local wildlife and the other inhabitants who wanted this place for themselves, it was a death trap. With the heat it was practically suicidal to try to cross this place without an armed escort... A large armed escort.

<p class="MsoNormal">And to make matters worse when he reached Dustwallow Marsh they had to go another two days by foot before they reach the damn city that was on the coast of the swamp. How was he along with his partner going to survive in the middle of a swamp for two days with no food or water was the question. There were things there he could possibly eat, but the risk of either getting sick or dying wasn't exactly something he wanted to risk while in the middle of a swamp filled with crocolisks and swamp-men, and by some accounts massive spiders.

<p class="MsoNormal">For the next few metres nothing else passed through Ichigo's mind. He was just going to have to... wing it and hope for the best. The tense silence was interrupted by a quiet mumble from behind Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It's so hot..."

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo's eye twitched as soon as he heard it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Several Hours Later, Field of Giants

<p class="MsoNormal">It was not even midday yet and the sun had become all but unbearable. The heat was at its worst during this time of day and would barely diminish as it slowly went into the afternoon. In fact the nights were the only time when this place was bearable. The heat of this place was perfectly boxed in by the mountains, so there was little escape for the heat and even what did escape it usually went on to less arid places such as this.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was just grateful that they found a tree to rest under. Its leaves were brown and appeared dying but at least there were enough to offer some form of shade from the angry sun. But even so it offered little respite from the still horrid temperature that permeated the air like a perfume.

<p class="MsoNormal">He lifted up the leather water pouch and examined it. It was still full and had enough in it to last both him and Adelina till the end of the next day, but still that was little compared to the journey that was still ahead of them. He cursed under his breath before he decided to put the water back into his bag. Every drop from now was valuable, he couldn't risk using too much of it and he couldn't risk both their lives with him being a little thirsty.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked over to the panting form of Adelina. She was sprawled on her back with her arms and legs wide apart and taking in all the shade she could. It was almost comical and raised a little tension off Ichigo's shoulders at watching the young woman's antics.

<p class="MsoNormal">He just wished that they had been a little more prepared for this. While still in Feralas he could have tried and refilled his water and maybe see about getting some food from that small Elven refuge near the border of Thousand Needles. But alas it was too late to turn back, they were five days from there and he didn't have the time to try and get back and get more water, let alone more food. This journey was a two week trip, and it was by luck that they got this far with as much water and food as he had.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo couldn't help but feel worry built up within him. This wasn't exactly going as he wanted it to. He had hoped that this trip would go on without much of a hitch and he would get the Theramore and have to wait for maybe at most a week before he could go home. But he knew that this was going to be a lot harder than he thought it would be.

<p class="MsoNormal">Apart from the food, water and local wildlife there were some thoughts that were nagging at the back of him mind, most of which involve his current predicament. He was trapped on a completely alien world with unknown beings and many of which have the power to take him down. He is currently unable to regain his Reiryoku quickly... That might have something to do with his little control over containing it, but he felt that there was more to it than that, there was something else going on here.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then there was the fact that he had no idea if this plan was going to work ...

<p class="MsoNormal">Sure, these people knew about the Twisted Nether and likely how to get there with some effort, but from there how was he going to get back home? There wasn't anything he could do. From what he was told the Twisted Nether was a separate dimension meant to keep the Demons from encroaching on worlds such as Azeroth, but if they are summoned from the Nether then they can enter. But if he goes there it is unlikely that he would get back to earth...

<p class="MsoNormal">Aizen and that Espada must have known he was going to end up in that place and it was likely once he got there he would not be getting out.

<p class="MsoNormal">But there were still so many other things that were running through his mind...

<p class="MsoNormal">His friends...

<p class="MsoNormal">His family...

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't know if any of them were still alive right now.

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't even know if the war was over...

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't know if they had won or lost.

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't know if his friends back in Hueco Mundo were still alive.

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't know if they saved Orihime or not.

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't know if Nel was okay.

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't know about any of them!

<p class="MsoNormal"> He didn't know a damn thing because he was stuck in the fucking desert !

<p class="MsoNormal">He wanted to rip out his own damn hair but knew that it would only take more of his energy. He needed to keep calm yet he couldn't even try with all the thoughts going through his head.

<p class="MsoNormal">He just wanted to lash out and hit something.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then the sound of hooves clopping along the ground could be heard not too far from Ichigo and Adelina. The former opened his eyes as he turned towards the source of the sound...

<p class="MsoNormal">And there he saw a large Tauren in battle plates moving towards him. On his back was a large metal and wooden shield with five sharp pronged spikes moving along the edges, nearly a metre and a half in height. On his hip was a long solid metal claymore that would likely be nothing more than a short sword in the beast’s hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo stood quickly and turned to Adelina, who was still unaware of the current situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Adelina." He said quickly, getting the attention of the young Elf. She looked up at him with a tired expression. "Get somewhere safe, we got company."

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina sat up and looked past Ichigo to see that a Tauren was making his way towards them, a very large Tauren for that matter. In shiny metal plate armour and had the look of a seasoned warrior and by the way he was advancing towards them meant he was here for anything but a nice chat.

<p class="MsoNormal">She jumped to her feet and ran in the opposite direction and towards a small ditch. She jumped down into it and just peaked up over the edge to watch.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was still focusing on the warrior moving towards them. Ichigo decided not to get Zangetsu out just yet; he may just be someone doing a patrol and might not want to fight. The Tauren stopped a few metres away from the Substitute and a tense eerie silence passed between them.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Throw down your weapon, Human." Said the Tauren.

<p class="MsoNormal">His voice strong and booming yet sounded less mature than what he expected. He must be young by Tauren's standards.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Listen, I don't mean any harm, me and my friend are just passing through here..." Said Ichigo, speaking in the most strong and civil manner he could.

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't want to get into a fight with this guy. He could take him on, that he was sure of, but he didn't want to possibly kill someone because of a simple misunderstanding.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I care little for your reasons for trespassing into our territory; you will answer to our laws and my blade." Said the Tauren warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh come on, what harm could I possibly commit by being here ? It's hot, its dry and the only thing I want is to go home!" Shouted Ichigo, more than he intended to but still the heat was unbearable.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Then you should have stayed there instead of invading these lands!" Roared the mad bull and charged towards Ichigo, drawing its sword and shield in quick succession.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo reached for Zangetsu and quickly pulled it from his back, the white cloth unwrapping itself from around the blade. As the Tauren drew close Ichigo swung right at its shield. He knew that wood and some metal bolted together wouldn’t hold against the sharp edge Zangetsu.

<p class="MsoNormal">The sound of metal striking against wood was heard, and then not a moment later the sound of it scrapping along its frame. To Ichigo's surprise the wood didn't shattered when he struck.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Tauren must have known that the attack would have destroyed the shield, so he angled his oddly shaped shield to deflect the blade along the face of the wood and over his head. And when the soul cutter passed over the Tauren shot his claymore-sized blade forward to pierce Ichigo's exposed right side.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo brought Zangetsu back around and knocked the blade off course. As soon as he deflected the attack he was forced to do so again, the claymore moved towards his right side again, this time intent on cutting him in half. Ichigo could only twist Zangetsu around to just deflect the attack overhead. As Ichigo's Zanpakutō shot up to fully deflect the claymore, the Tauren struck out with his shield, the pointed tip on the front of the shield moving towards the Shinigami's chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">Without having time to ready his weapon Ichigo raised his hand to catch the attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">But as soon as he caught that dulled edge, his hand was pushed into his chest and he was lifted off the ground. Ichigo was thrown back several feet and tumbled head over heels through the air. He hit the ground hard and rolled into a recovery. Just in time to avoid the claymore from impaling itself through his heart. He rolled away and into another recovery.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked up and was surprised that he had actually thrown his weapon at him. What kind of madman would do something so stupid ? Although, he couldn't really call the Tauren that, after all his Inner Hollow did it to him on several occasions, but still there was a cloth on the end of it so he could pull it back to him when it was thrown.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then a huge silver blur moved towards the sword and quickly reefed it from the ground. Ichigo's eyes widened, this guy was fast ! He had covered almost eight metres in about a second.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then in the same moment he had taken back his claymore, the Tauren charged forward. The small distance between them was covered quickly, leaving Ichigo little time to raise Zangetsu to block the wide swing meant to cleave him in twain. Although, the Tauren was only using one hand he still packed quite a punch when swinging that sword. In fact Ichigo's feet sunk a little into the scorched ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo pushed the sword away and was retaliated from his right side by the shield. Ichigo swung Zangetsu as the metal and wooden shield. He knocked the attack back and away from himself, but again he was attacked by the claymore from his opposite side. Turning quickly he slammed his Zanpakutō against the silver claymore, halting it just inches away from his neck.

<p class="MsoNormal">A short struggle erupted between them, both pushing hard to overpower the other. Although Ichigo wasn't using all of his strength he still needed to push hard to keep that blade away from him, and then he relaxed his grip and crouched low. The claymore slid across the now horizontally aligned Zanpakutō and over Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tauren stumbled forwards from the change in resistance and this was Ichigo's opening to attack. Rising Zangetsu overhead he swung down at the Tauren's back. He just wanted to wound him so he couldn't fight any more, but that didn't happen when the wooden shield block his strike. He watched the wood and metal bend and buckle under the force but still remained intact.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was surprised that it could have survived a strike from Zangetsu. He wondered what kind of metal they use to manufacture these weapons, after all they had plenty things in Dire Maul that could stop his blade from cutting through them. But before he could ponder on this mystery a second longer he was attacked. The kneeling Tauren swung his claymore at the distracted Shinigami and only because of his honed instincts and experience allowed Ichigo to dodge away with only a slight tear along the front of his new coat.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo landed a few metres away from the Tauren who straightened up quickly and had his sword and shield in a relaxed yet firm grip, ready for any attack that may come his way. Ichigo was holding Zangetsu to his side and in a firm yet nimble grip.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Impressive, I didn't expect a Human such as you to be so skilled." Said the Tauren warrior; actual respect in his tone. "For a young one barely into an adult you possess a fine sword skill, I could only imagine how strong you would become if you grew older and gained more experience."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't worry; I'll be going on to live a nice long life when I'm done with you." Said Ichigo; his tone betraying nothing but determination in his statement.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't get too overconfident pup, you are still at the mercy of my blade." replied the Tauren. "Tell me, what do they call you?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ichigo Kurosaki" Said the Substitute Shinigami.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I suppose that it has some meaning in your culture. After all, from the Humans I have met and defeated that name is unique even to me."

<p class="MsoNormal">"It means - ' He Who Protects '." Said Ichigo, to which the Tauren nodded his head and glanced off towards the small pit where Adelina was hiding.

<p class="MsoNormal">As she saw him glance her way she ducked behind the edge to avoid being seen.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I can see that, you wish to protect her and likely others." He said. "An honourable duty I am sure, but still that does not allow me to show you any more mercy than what I have already given you. You trespassed in these lands and I cannot allow you to leave here alive."

<p class="MsoNormal">"I am just going to Theramore. Hell, what do you think I can do here all alone and with no Idea where the hell I am?" Said Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Spies are everywhere, and I cannot risk the safety of my home to outsiders." Said the Youngblood warrior; raising his shield in front of him and pulling back his sword. "My name is Drekhve Steelrage, and I will be the one who ends you."

<p class="MsoNormal">Without another word Drekhve Steelrage charged at Ichigo, the distance between them was covered in a single moment. Zanpakutō and sword clashed in a display of sparks and the sound of clashing metal. Another struggle started between the two warriors.

<p class="MsoNormal">One fighting to protect his home, and other fighting to return to his own.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although both had good reasons to do what they needed to do, they would neither allow the other to succeed for it would either be their death or a stain on their honour for failing. Ichigo flung the sword away and retaliated, but Drekve was fast. He quickly parried the blow with his shield and knocked it away so he could strike with his claymore, forcing Ichigo to twist out of the way or be impaled.

<p class="MsoNormal">Continuing his rotation he swung Zangetsu in a backwards swing towards the Tauren's head. Drekhve turned to face the oncoming blow and block it with his shield. As soon as the weapon met the steel and wooden shield he adjusted its angle to allow the blade to glide off. As the Zanpakutō sailed over the Tauren head, the claymore moved to take off the Substitute's head.

<p class="MsoNormal">With speed and agility not thought possible for someone so young and with such a large weapon, Ichigo was able to raise Zangetsu back up and block the claymore. Ichigo grunted as he tossed aside the large sword and retaliated. He had been on the defensive long enough and now it was time to strike back.

<p class="MsoNormal">With his sword now free he swung it down hard onto the shield, splintering wood and bending metal in equal measure.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo sliced his Zanpakutō off the shield and then raised it once more to strike. Not wanting to risk losing his shield Drekhve raised his claymore and used his shield to help hold against the young boy's Zanpakutō. Ichigo pressed harder against the claymore and shield combo and inched his blade closer to the Tauren's face.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve's teeth gritted together as he tried to force the human's blade away from his own, but the unnatural strength the boy possessed prevented him from anything of the sort. But with a defiant roar he summoned up every bit of his strength and pushed the boy back, even though he was pressing down hard against Drekhve, the Tauren outweighed the young Substitute. He was able to lift the young human off the ground and push him away.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo landed a few feet away and watched as the warrior charged forward, claymore over his chest and his shield just behind it to follow up his cleaving swing with a shield bash. Ichigo readied himself to defend himself from the coming onslaught.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve slashed towards Ichigo, who raised Zangetsu to his side and deflected the sword over and past him, and as the shield shot towards him Ichigo swung right towards it, knocking the metal and wood shield aside. He turned back quickly to block the claymore moving towards him again.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo angled Zangetsu to allow the claymore to slide along the edge and over him. When the blade passed Ichigo twisted the blade down and swung at the Tauren. His attempt failed as Drekhve had turned to intercept the blow with speed that defied his size. Sparks flew between the two blades as they clashed and both combatants didn't back down from one another as they pressed their blade harder against their opponents.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina watched from the sidelines as Ichigo and the Tauren, Drekhve, fought it out. She could see sparks and pieces of wood fly away as blades clashed and that shield blocked Ichigo's Zanpakutō. She was shocked that the Tauren was actually able to keep up with Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Something so big and bulky shouldn't really be that nimble and agile, especially with all that armour and swinging around a claymore like it was a wooden stick. She hid her eyes behind her hands when she saw a very close call where the Tauren nearly decapitated Ichigo. She didn't like it when he got into fights; it got her all worried and made her want to try and help.

<p class="MsoNormal">But she couldn't, she needed to stay put and not do anything stupid, she could distract Ichigo and he could be hurt or even killed if she ran up and yelled at him to be careful or something.

<p class="MsoNormal">Just as she was thinking about that when she heard something moves behind her.

<p class="MsoNormal">It sounded like a... snuffle ?

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina turned and what she saw made her freeze in shock. Standing on the ridge behind her was a Quilboar in black and bronze armour with a banner of flesh on its back, which looked like the face of some poor human who was still screaming. But it wasn't the only one there; behind it were dozens of others. All in different pieces of attire, from metal plates, to robes and others wore simple pants and a few belt straps to keep them from falling down.

<p class="MsoNormal">She couldn't help but chuckle nervously as they all stared down at her with open hostility. She inched her hand closer towards her staff that was leaning against the face of the ditch she was in, her hand nearly wrapped around the silver shaft of the weapon. And just as she grasped it she heard an angry squeal from the black and bronze armoured Quilboar.

<p class="MsoNormal">Without thinking she swung her staff at them and from the golden headpiece flew forth a gust of wind that knocked them all away from her. Shocked by the sudden power she displayed she looked down at her staff and then back up at the small Quilboar army. They had been dazed by her attack, so now was the perfect time to run for it and hope they didn't catch her.

<p class="MsoNormal">She scrambled up the wall of the ditch and pulled herself out and onto solid ground, and when she got to her feet she took off running.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her destination?

<p class="MsoNormal">The only person she knew that could handle what was currently chasing after her, and right now he was busy deflecting blows from the Tauren's claymore and swings from its shield.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo ducked under another swing aimed for his neck, but this was just a faint to allow the Tauren to try and slam its shield into the Substitute's bowed head. Ichigo raised his hand and caught the shield with his bare hand, sending a shooting pain up his arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although it hurt, it was better than getting hit in the head.

<p class="MsoNormal">He rose quickly and twisted the shield and by extension the Tauren's arm, opening Drekhve's torso to be sliced open. Ichigo raised Zangetsu and swung down. But it was halted by the Tauren's claymore, halting the blade mere inches from his head. Both were struggling to push their opponent away, but Ichigo had enough strength to push a little harder.

<p class="MsoNormal">This struggle continued for a small while, both fighters eyeing one another with a single determination - to be the victor and to stand over the beaten remains of the loser. Ichigo pressed down harder, and Drekhve pushed him back with the same force. Their struggle continued on, neither wanting to back down from the challenge.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo had never really fought against someone as strong as this guy. He was fast and could pack quite a punch, and Drekhve was in the same boat as the young substitute. He was only here to clear out the local Quilboar population along with several other Warriors who had split up to raid the camps in the south, and these pigs had offered him little challenge. But this fight now was really getting them into the fighting spirit.

<p class="MsoNormal">But as they continued their little scuffle something came up to their side unnoticed and then made itself noticed by yelling into both their ears.

<p class="MsoNormal">"HELP! PIG MEN ARE ATTACKING!" Adelina yelled, shocking the two warriors as she had in their opinions appeared out of thin air.

<p class="MsoNormal">They turned to see the panicking Elf standing before them.

<p class="MsoNormal">One hand was waving itself madly by one side and the other was pointing off into the distance. Both turned to see that their little battle had taken their attention away from the small Quilboar's army that was moving towards them. Drekhve could make out about forty of them, but what made him growl was the fact that ten of them were Razorfen Quilguard. Very dangerous enemies to be fighting against, they were much more skilled and smarter than the other lot, mainly due to the fact they were older and experienced.

<p class="MsoNormal">He could probably handle this if those damn Quilguard weren't there, but he would need help with dealing with such a large force that had strong reinforcement with elite troops. He turned to the Substitute and as much as it stained his honour he had to get him to fight alongside him. Then afterwards he could finish their little duel and be on his way to killing more of the Pig men.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ichigo." Said Drekhve; drawing the boy's attention away from the Quilboar and toward him. "If we both wish to live through this day we will need to work together."

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo looked a little surprised by his suggestion of working together. About twenty seconds ago they were at each other's throats trying to rip them out, and now he was asking for his help ? That was something he never would have expected from a battle hungry guy such as him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't mistake my call for aid as a truce." Continued Drekhve. "As soon as they are dead we will continue our duel."

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo stared at the hulking bull before him for a moment before nodding his head. This wasn't anything more than a temporary alliance against a common enemy.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turning to Adelina and telling her the only thing she could do at the moment - hide. She did so without a fuss and rushed off towards a small hill, climbing up its slop and laying down along it to watch the battle that was about to take place.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo and Drekhve stood together watching as the crowd of Quilboar march towards them, ready to carve them to pieces. Ichigo could see that among them were many different varieties of warriors. Some had thick plated armour over their chest and shoulder while other had barely anything on at all that offered any kind of protection. Some had robes and staffs and then there were others. It was likely that the ones with robes were some sort of sorcerers, which meant he had to keep on his toes.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Anything I need to know about these guys?" Asked Ichigo, although he got the idea that the ones with wooden staffs and robes were spell-casters, he could undermine the ones with maces, sword and spears; they were definitely an obvious threat and the armoured ones were likely better than the rest.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Most of them aren’t highly lethal, but they have the numbers to back them up, don’t allow them to swarm you. Also the ones with the armour are very dangerous, keep your guard up around them and watch out for the Dustweavers, Groundshakers and Death Head's, their magic is very potent." Said Drekhve; raising his sword to his side and placing his shield in front of himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Got it." Said Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">That was the last words that passed their lips before they charged forward, their blades held back and ready to be swung, at their backs was their only spectator and at their fronts was a small army of Quilboar ready to meet their end at the edge of their swords.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo leapt over the spear that shot towards his stomach, leaping over the simple stick and rough metal tip and towards its wielder. He planted his foot on the top of the Quilboar's head and leapt into the middle of the fray.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve although an experienced warrior did what anyone his size would, barged through them with little care and started hacking and cutting them apart with unchained savagery and skill befitting a warrior of the Horde and of the Steelrage clan.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina watched from the distance in a mesmerised awe as the battle was taking place below. Dozens of Quilboar fought against two incredibly skilled and powerful warriors and were being decimated. Although some were putting up a challenge for the two warriors, they did not last long against the far more experienced Shinigami and Tauren.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo and Drekve were handling the battle easily; she wondered what kind of life Ichigo must have lived before he came here. There was no way he could have been trained to fight like that. His movements, although skilled, were sloppy and showed that he had no formal training in the weapon he was using. He was more of a brawler who went for at it without any strategy and acts within the moment to take them down. It wasn't bad, she could only wonder what he would be like when he actually perfects his sword skills and masters the weapon he is wielding.

<p class="MsoNormal">He could be one of the best swordsmen in the world.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina knew he was strong, and was willing to protect her from anything or anyone who wanted to harm her, but she couldn't help but feel ashamed of not being able to help him. She could heal his wounds and keep him company, but that was little comparing to what he did back at Feathermoon Stronghold or Dire Maul.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was a warrior, and she was nothing more than a tag along who wanted to understand why she wanted to travel with him. But in those travels she wanted to actually prove she was something more than a failure, something more than a little girl who needed a shoulder to cry on when she needed it. She wanted to actually make something of herself that she could be proud of...

<p class="MsoNormal">Her parents proud of...

<p class="MsoNormal"> Ichigo proud of...

<p class="MsoNormal">She looked down at the battlefield again. The slaughter continued down below.

<p class="MsoNormal">She will get stronger! She didn't know how long it would take or how hard it would be, but she will prove to everyone that she wasn't what they thought she was! She will prove she was a Druid that will make a difference in this world!

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo twisted to the side as a spear moved the pierce his heart. He then grasped the flimsy made spear and pulled it and its wielder towards him, then with a downward swing cut a deep gash through its chest. He let the spear go and let both it and the Quilboar fall on the ground. Turning he swung Zangetsu up to deflect a ball of condensed shadow from colliding with his back. The shadowy energies exploded against his blade and harmlessly faded into the air.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo continued his fight against these Quilboars warriors; he was honestly surprised by their fighting skill. Although nowhere near as good as him and that walking tank Drakhve they were still pretty good that if enough got close enough they would be a threat.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was only due to the fact that both he and the Tauren had decided to work together that was preventing these things from swarming them. They had them divided up nice and easy and were carving them apart like a family carves apart a roast dinner. But Ichigo was a little uneasy about killing these things, even though they are animals they are sentient to a degree, and he couldn't help but feel a little sick that he was slaughtering just like what they looked like: pigs.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a single thrust the substitute soul reaper pierced the entire torso of another Quilboar Earthshaker. He then lifted it up and tossed it away, slamming into two more pig-men off in the distance. Ichigo blocked an axe from slicing through his shoulder and saw that he was being attacked by a Razorfen Quilguard. These guys were not to be taken lightly like the rest of their kind, they were stronger and much better fighters than the run of the mill that congregate around the Barrens.

<p class="MsoNormal">And because of that this one was able to survive Ichigo's counter attack. Ichigo had flung the axe off his Zanpakutō and swung it down on top of the creature, but it quickly raised it to block the attack. Zangetsu was able to carve its ways through the metal axe head and halted just as it reached the metal handle it was attached to.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo kicked the Quilguard in the gut and dropped the pig to its knees. He then twisted Zangetsu quickly to the side and broke the axe head in half and freed his blade before swinging it once more. This time cutting through the metal plate on its shoulder and chest; halting near its stomach just before the creature was split in twain. Kicking the Quilboar off his Zanpakutō he scanned the area for anything that was coming his way.

<p class="MsoNormal">Quickly he ducked under a barrage of spells and watched as the Tauren was fighting off over a dozen Quilboar single-handedly. It appeared that they thought him the greater threat and were trying to take him down first. Ichigo was about to charge in an attempt to alleviate some of the threat the Steelrage warrior was generating, when three appeared between him and the Tauren he had to think about his own safety rather than Drekhve's.

<p class="MsoNormal">For the next few minutes the battle continued, sword and magic flew across the small battleground. Ichigo and Drekhve were now starting to get into some trouble.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Quilboar may be less skilled and easy to fodder when compared to the two warriors, but their numbers and potent magic made up for that. Soon gashes and cuts were starting to appear across the Substitute's and the Tauren's body and the magic they were using was starting to take its toll.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was panting lightly as he stood back to back with the Tauren Warrior; both of them were covered in shallow wounds and marks showing that they had been on the receiving end of magical attacks. Around them were nine Quilboar warriors, all which remained of the forty five that had attacked them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although that was less than one fourth of their original numbers, they were still a dangerous threat to them, as the remaining ones were some of the strongest present. Three Quilguard, five Death's Heads and one Groundshaker - not a good combination.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Got any ideas on how to deal with these guys?" Asked Ichigo; raising Zangetsu in front of him and waiting for the Quilboar to make their move.

<p class="MsoNormal">As much as he was one to move in and attack, he didn't want to mess with those Death's Heads, their magic really hurt like hell, he could still feel the potent magic working away at his arm, it felt like razor blades were inside his muscles.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Move in together and strike as one." Said Drekhve; hefting up his shield and turning towards the Groundshaker that was in the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">And without another word charged at the Quilboar in blue robes, sword raised and shield up front.

<p class="MsoNormal">In desperation the Groundshaker tried to attack, sending an Earth Shock spell towards the Tauren, but with its shield raised all it did was connect with the shield and slow the Tauren down a small fraction before the warrior was upon the small pig. With a single swing of the claymore the Quilboar was cut in half, and with that the other Quilboar sought to finish off the Tauren.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turning Drekhve intercepted the sword from one of the Quilguards. But behind him a Death's Head Priest was sending a Shadow Bolt right for his back. The Bolt travelled quickly to the Tauren's armoured back, but before it could connect it was blown apart by a blur of black and silver.

<p class="MsoNormal">Standing at the Tauren's back was the Shinigami, his sword raised in a slashing motion. He had destroyed the Bolt and was now protecting the Tauren while he fought against those around him. With another flash the boy charged and attacked a Death's Head Priest and cut its head in half, before spinning and attacking the nearby Quilguard, his Zanpakutō cutting through the Quilboar's blade with ease, but the wielder was able to dodge out of the way before he was cut apart along with his weapon.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo leapt away as another barrage of spells that moved towards him, Bolts of darkness and icy crystals shining a light blue passed by where he stood only a moment ago. Landing again he saw from the corner of his eye as another Bolt moved towards him. He didn't have time to dodge, but also he didn't have to.

<p class="MsoNormal">A blur moved between him and the Bolt and it collided with a shield, and then the blur moved on towards another target.

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve had saved Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo turned towards his attackers and charged, Zangetsu by his side and ready to carve the damn pig apart. And when he was upon him he struck carving a deep gash in its chest before moving off.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he turned he saw Drakhve cut down another Death's Head Priest. Four were left: three Death's Heads and a Quilguard.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo moved to intercept them when his feet were encased in ice and then chains erupted out of those blocks and wrapped around his chest and shoulders. Ichigo stood immobile as Drekhve fought against the four remaining Quilboar, fighting one on one with the Quilguard and dodging pot shots from the three Death's Heads. Struggling against the chains Ichigo tried to get out before they did the Tauren in.

<p class="MsoNormal">He watched as Drekhve was assaulted by concussive attacks, balls of condensed shadow and Bolts of ice. He was being worn down to nothing and with him fighting against the Quilguard he wasn't in any condition to defend himself and attack effectively. Ichigo continued to struggle against the bindings but found that even though it was made of ice it was being held together by something a little stronger. When it comes to magic then even the most simplest of objects and spells can be deceptive.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo kept pouring his Reiatsu into the air around him. Although it wouldn’t make him strong enough to shatter the chains, it should weaken the hold of the chains on his body, and then he could break them off and continue to fight. But for every second it took to remove the chains was a second closer in which Drekhve came close to being beaten.

<p class="MsoNormal">His wounds were starting to take hold, the magic that was being inflicted on his body were beginning to wear him down. His entire body shivered in pain and the freezing cold as both Shadow and Ice Magic coursed through his veins and over his body. Ichigo increased the pressure, the ice began to crack and rattle as he applied more power.

<p class="MsoNormal">He saw the Tauren block the last remaining Quilguard's axe with a half-hearted swing of his shield, knocking himself off balance rather than the enemy. Then he was struck in the back by a concussive force, falling to his knee Drekhve coughed hoarsely as small driblets of blood flowed from his mouth, as he tried to stand he was attacked once more.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Quilguard swung its mighty axe wide at the Tauren's armoured chest. Drekhve couldn't raise his weapon or his shield in time, the blade cut through his weakened armour and knocked him back. He fell away from the attack and towards the ground. His body twisted and he fell flat on his face, the only thing that showed he was still alive was the dust that picked up in front of his face to show he was breathing. But that would change soon enough if that Quilguard dropped that axe on top of his head.

<p class="MsoNormal">As the Quilguard lifted its hatchet to take the head of the Warrior that had killed many of its kin, as both punishment and a trophy worthy of presenting to Overlord Ramtusk, and the mark that he was worthy to be a Quilguard Champion. But before he could begin to do so he felt a pressure on his shoulders.

<p class="MsoNormal">Looking up he saw the human ahead of him shrouded in blue energy, and the icy chains around him were shaking violently. Then in a single moment the chains snapped and the prisoner vanished. Then in the next moment all went dark for the Quilguard warrior, for his body was nearly obliterated by the savage swing that tore his body apart. Armour and body part few apart and away from where it once stood whole.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Quilboar Death's Head's that stood only a few metres away from the warrior were shocked by his power, they felt the dark malevolent energies that the human had used, and the fact he could move at speeds that put even the most seasoned of fighters to shame. He also could swing a sword so fast that it could obliterate a person completely. Seeing no other choice they had to fight. Running would ensure their deaths, while fighting allowed them to have a small chance of survival.

<p class="MsoNormal">But in truth, there was no chance.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo whirled on the closest Quilboar and charged, Zangetsu at his side and ready to strike. The Quilboar raised its hand to send forth a spell, but when Ichigo vanished, the Quilboar could do nothing look down at the blade which was sticking out through its chest. Then in an instant it was pulled from its back and Ichigo was moving on to the next two Death's Heads, who were standing over thirty feet away and just now sending a volley of Ice and Shadow Bolts towards him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Charging forward Ichigo ducked, dodged and batted away the foul Magic that was being cast his way. When he was close he Shunpo'ed to the side and then again, and then he continued this with every single step he took, Distracting them and preventing any more spells from even coming close to making contact.

<p class="MsoNormal">When he was close enough he Shunpo'ed right past them both and swung in a wide arc at their backs. They were both cut in half and four body parts crashed onto the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo took in a deep breath and calmed his thumping heart. He had to admit that this was a hard fight, he never expected these things to put up so much of a fight. He turned towards the Tauren Warrior and rushed forward, sheathing Zangetsu on his back and kneeling over the fallen Drekhve. Ichigo turned him onto his back and examined his wounds, the most sever looking wound was the one that put him face first into the dirt.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo knew he couldn't take the wounds he was seeing into account, the damage the magic that was done could cause any number of problems internally: broken bones, internal bleeding, and frost bites – as stupid as they may sound in the middle of the desert – and that Shadow Magic could cause all kinds of hell.

<p class="MsoNormal">He knew he didn't have anything that could stop whatever was killing the Tauren, but he knew someone who could. He rose to his feet quickly and turned towards the hill where his companion was watching and called out to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">One hour later

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve groaned as he felt his entire body ache from stiffness as well as being tender. He felt like his body had been trampled over by Kodo and at the same time felt stiff as a board. He didn't know such a thing was possible and yet here he was living through it.

<p class="MsoNormal">He opened his eyes to see the midday sun shining through the small canopy of leaves overhead, the only shade that likely exists within several miles of here. The other thing he realised is that he should be in the sun, getting his hide carved apart by vultures or those Quilboar he had been fighting, but he was resting albeit uncomfortably in the shade.

<p class="MsoNormal">He sat up slowly stifling another groan and looked around. He could see the battlefield where he and that Human, Ichigo he remember clearly, had fought against over forty of those foul pig-men and, from his current situation, achieved victory. He looked around further and saw both the Human boy and that Night Elf girl sitting down a small distance away speaking with one another.

<p class="MsoNormal">Their conversation halted when he rose up into a sitting position. They turned toward him and for a moment everything was a quiet, but then they both got to their feet and approached.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Are you alright?" Asked Ichigo, looking down at the Tauren with what could be discerned as actual concern for his health.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes." Said Drekhve plainly, examining his body and finding several openings in his armour but not his flesh. "I was healed."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yeah, you were pretty bad when I got to you, didn't think you were going to make it." Said Ichigo, crouching down next to the Tauren Warrior. "Luckily Adelina here is a healer and she patched you up nice and good."

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve turned to the Night Elf behind the Human boy and gave a simple nod in thanks. Although she was technically an enemy of the Horde, but still he could thank a person for offering him aid.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I am grateful, but why did you help me?" He asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">His voice thick and waiting for an explanation on why he was saved.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I let enough people die as of late." Said Ichigo, his voice low and despairing. At first Drekhve was surprised that boy with such convictions would falter due to a person's death, but he realised that it was just who he was, a boy. "Even though we started off on the wrong side of either of our swords, I didn't feel it right to let you die."

<p class="MsoNormal">Drekhve looked at the boy for a moment, he was definitely not one to take a life needlessly. He was someone who valued life over taking it, as his name said. He was a protector, similar to him in a sense. And as much as his code demanded his head, his honour told him that this boy did not deserve to meet his end at the edge of hid sword.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You're a foolish young boy." Said Drekhve, his words plane and quite believable in the way he spoken them. "But you have honour, and for your aid and my rescue I cannot kill you, it would stain my honour to kill you."

<p class="MsoNormal">"So you're letting us go?" Asked Ichigo, to which the Tauren nodded. "Uh, great..."

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo and Adelina tended to the wounded Tauren for a short while longer, making sure that he was healthy and fit to get back to where he came from.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hey do you have any spare water or food?" Asked Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although he was not one to beg or even ask for help from someone who really should be doing so, but he was in a desperate situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Sadly no, I have only enough left to finish my tour in the south before I return back to my post." Said Drekhve. "If you wish you may travel with me, it is four days from here to my post, near the base of the mountains. I can give you the water and food you need there."

<p class="MsoNormal">"We only have two days left and that's rationing what should be just one day." Said Ichigo, to which the Tauren saw his dilemma.

<p class="MsoNormal">He had little food and water left, and even if he tried he would likely not last in the heat of the desert for more than a day after.

<p class="MsoNormal">"All may not be lost." Said Drekhve, pulling out a single pouch of water from his own bag and handing it to Ichigo. "Take this, it will last you three days."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Thank you, I'll help in the long run, at least until were out of the desert." Said Ichigo, taking the water and placing it into his own satchel.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I am not finished. There is a town on the borders of the Barrens and Dustwallow Marsh, although small, it should have an Inn and allow you to resupply for your journey to Theramore." Said Drekhve, to which Ichigo and Adelina stared at one another.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hope filling their eyes that they wouldn't actually die in this god-forsaken hell hole.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo and Adelina soon departed and gave one final wave to the Tauren Warrior. Things were now starting to go a little more their way, they had water to last three days and were now on course to a small town where they could rest and resupply. Ichigo was looking forward to actually sleeping in a bed rather than on the ground, and the thought of maybe a shower or bath...

<p class="MsoNormal">God how he would like to take a nice dip and clean himself off, and Adelina was thinking along the same lines as well. They departed quickly and at a brisk pace, looking forward to reaching the small town on the borders between the Barrens and Dustwallow Marsh.

<p class="MsoNormal">The small town of Shady Rest.