A Team is formed
Ichigo entered his tent and looked around what was essentially his room, the four wooden beams which acted as the frame of his tent and the pelt walls feeling vastly welcoming after the trip he'd had. This one room was the place he could sleep easy, no locks no sturdy doors, just a flap at the front of the tent.
It was modest, a pile of pelts and cushions stacked in the corner which acted as his bed plus a small wooden table where he sometimes ate or where he'd put a candle should he need light. Currently on the table were two items, the blade he'd retrieved during his quest to restore the Gildergreen, Nettlebane. Danica wouldn't take the blade, still believing that she shouldn't wield something that could harm creations of Kynareth so he'd been stuck with it, not that he minded.
And next item was more recent, the Golden Claw he'd found in Bleakfalls that he used to reach the word wall... that was something he didn't want to forget. Fus, that had been the word he'd learnt and he'd seen it in action too when the Draugr had used the very same word when it had shouted at him sending him stumbling back.
He tended to hold onto such things, items of interest. A small chest under the table was filled with them, small trinkets to remind him of his adventures and his accomplishment's... It was a habit that he picked up pretty much instantly after he did his first job he kept his first payment and stored it away in that chest many years ago, and it remained to this day.
He tossed his bag onto a small hook which was fitted into one of the four beams and put his blades into their spots on his weapon stand at the back of his tent, he took note that they'd need sharpening before his trip with Rukia.
With a heavy sigh he allowed himself to fall onto his assorted pile of pelts and pillows with a thud. It had been a long day, traveling plus his talk with Tia and tired him out not to mention the hectic week he'd had prior with the vampires... he deserved a little rest, slowly he allowed his eyes to close out the world around him.
He didn't realise he'd fallen asleep until the calls of his friends woke him up.
"Ichigo? Are you awake yet?" Sajin's voice called out him. His eyes blinked a few times as he looked around, he could see some light filtering through the small seam of his door. Although the light told him he'd slept through the night yet it felt like he'd only just closed his eyes.
"Yeah, I'm up." He called back, sitting up in his pile of furs and rubbing out the sleep from his eyes. He hadn't meant to fall to sleep, he'd wanted to speak to Sajin and Chad before he retired. He squinted as the flap of his tent was pulled aside letting in the daylight, almost blinding to his morning eyes.
"Sorry if I woke you, it was getting late." Sajin said as he walked inside, followed closely by Chad. Sajin sat on his haunches while Chad took a seat at his table. He could smell that the campfire outside had already been lit and was cooking what was no doubt to be their breakfast, he was normally awake a few hours before they all sat down to eat so he really did sleep longer than usual.
"No worries, I must have been more tired than I realised. How have you two been? From what Tia said we have a lot to speak about." Ichigo stated allowing himself to sink back into his fur bed slightly seeing as they'd already seated.
"Indeed, we have much to discuss. Would you like to go first or shall we?" Sajin asked.
"You guys first, tell me about your meeting with Hircine and this quest you've been given. I'll fill you in about my trip over some food after." Ichigo replied, he was much too interested in their story to have to wait to hear it. Sajin just nodded, probably already expecting as much.
Ichigo noted that Sajin was acting unlike himself, his eyes more often than not downward or averted. Ichigo simply thought that it was due to his quest.
"Well, when we arrived without you Tia wasn't happy though she'd already received the report you'd sent back with a wolf so she knew you were okay. That night after our reports Hircine called for us." Sajin started glancing to Chad so he could continue it.
"We followed Tia's instructions and kneeled before his shrine. She told us he may not be as accepting of us as he is you since we are not as accepting as you in terms of our blood." Chad stated causing Ichigo to fidget slightly, he knew that they still had reservations about working alongside daedra worshipers. Though Ichigo calmed himself in the fact they were both in front of him alive and seemingly well, meaning their lack of worship to Hircine hadn't offended the Prince too much.
"When he addressed me, he congratulated me on keeping my promise. He respects that I am an honourable hunter and said that he accepts me as part of his hunt whether I worship him or not." Chad finished causing Ichigo to grin widely.
'Of course he did, Hircine has always held honour in high regard, Chad must have surprised him.' Ichigo mused, internally as excited as a child in a sweet store. Before he could speak Sajin spoke up, quickly turning that that excitement into worry.
"But the same wasn't said for me... Like Sado he respected that I kept to my word of fighting along you but he was displeased with my performance... he said I hindered you in the battle while Sado was able to pull his weight, and then some." Sajin stated his head lowered in shame.
"Due to my actions you received another wound which weakened you before the deciding fight against Movarth, and the fact you lost one of your blades saving my life put you at even more of a disadvantage." Sajin continued. Ichigo's mouth felt dry as he pondered whether or not this quest was a suicide mission or not.
"If not for my conviction to aid you he'd have banished me from the hunt... but instead he's offered me an alternative. He concluded that I had potential, he's offered me the chance to earn his ring, the chance to control my transformations." Sajin's head had yet to rise as he spoke, which only confused Ichigo. This was a good thing wasn't it?
"What's the problem then? This is your chance, isn't it? To get your human form back." Ichigo asked, not understanding the downside. Sure, Hircine wasn't happy but he was still offering him a boon should he follow this task.
"But he also offered me the chance to be cured... to be free of my affliction, but to be kicked out of the hunt and forbidden to return... I haven't answered him yet." Sajin replied, his voice barely a whisper.
Ichigo felt a cold sweat break down his neck, a sudden fear of losing his friend. His throat constricted almost painfully like he wanted to speak yet didn't have to words to do so. He lowered his head, basking in this new knowledge while he gathered his wits.
No one spoke for a few minutes, none wanting to be the one who breaks the tense silence that had formed around them. Ichigo bit his lip as he leaned forward out of the comfort of his pelt bedding... he knew what he wanted to say, he wanted to try telling Sajin to go for the quest, he wanted his friend to stay beside him.
'I don't want him to leave... he's my friend!' It was selfish to think that he knew, but Sajin was the first real friend he'd got that he was able to be truly open to! Ichigo wanted to be selfish... but more than that he wanted Sajin to be happy.
"...You should pick the cure; this life was never one you wanted to be a part of, you don't worship Hircine and you don't care all that much for hunting. This is your chance to be free from it all... and I won't hold it against you, you've been too much of a friend to me for me to ever try keeping you caged here." Ichigo stated, his voice weak his eyes now joining Sajin's as they both looked to the ground.
"…" Sajin didn't reply at first, his teeth grit together to the point his jaw was shaking. His claws slowly clenched into to ground ripping into the carpet and the dirt beneath it.
"Caged... you fool, you were the one who freed me from my cage!" Sajin exclaimed, his fragility gone in his burst. He locked eyes with his friend, with the one who'd given him life after he'd given up on living.
"I was a miner, happy with the scraps of food and ecstatic when we found a new vein of ore to mine! I lived day to day with no real goal and no aspirations, then I was thrust into this life kicking and screaming! I gave up, I ran and I cowered!" Sajin continued as he got to his feet, his arms shaking with unbridled emotion.
"Not only did you save me from those hunters, you saved me from myself! I had given up on having a life, I barely fought off my attackers when they captured me! But these months with you... I'd forsake Sovngarde for them, I ran free for the first time in my life I fought daunting enemies which only the heroes of legend had fought before." Ichigo had also got to his feet now, simply because he didn't know where this had come from.
"You... beside you I've been put on a pedestal of heights that I never dreamed of, my mediocre life would never compere to the life you've lived... to the life I've been living, living for the first time since my transformation... maybe since before even then." Sajin's energy seemed to be sapping as the shaking which was once holding back emotion was now shaking due to the lack of it.
"...I will not abandon you, not now not ever... I will grow past my weakness and become someone worthy of standing beside you. I shall earn Hircine's ring then I'll fight beside you as both a man and a beast." Sajin promised... when he walked into this tent he wasn't sure what he wanted... but just being next to Ichigo again reminded of how much he'd lose if he ever went back to being just a simple miner.
Sajin's legs finally failed, his outburst seemingly spending all of his energy in one massive burst... he fell to a knee in front of Ichigo with his breaths laboured and his muscles aching. A hand dropped down in front of his face causing him to look back up, meeting Ichigo's eyes.
"From now on, we'll be together not because one of us owes the other but because we all want to see the heights we're able to achieve, we'll grow to our fullest, and then a whole lot more... those heroes of legend, let's surpass them together." Ichigo spoke, with confidence he didn't think he'd had ten minutes ago... Sajin's tirade had woken something in him he didn't know he had...
Sajin accepted the offered hand and allowed himself to be pulled back to his feet. Ichigo though looked behind him to where Chad had been sat seeing him now stood with a face as unreadable as ever.
"Together." Chad said simply walking beside Sajin, the barest traces of a smile on his lips.
Sajin made his way back up the steps to the shrine, a wolfish smile on his lips as he ascended... the first time he walked these steps to meet Hircine he felt nothing but dread. But after talking with Ichigo again he felt excited for his next adventure... was this how the rest of them felt?
It had been a few hours since he agreed to walk alongside Ichigo, they'd had breakfast as Ichigo told them about his time with the Shiba's. Everyone seemed in high spirits after everything, which was to be expected he supposed.
He was ready to accept freely that he'd misjudged Hircine... Lord Hircine. He'd expected the Daedric prince to be evil, or at the very least amoral but no, Hircine was more like a Nord than not.
His pride was something he was happy to show, his call for honour in his hunts and his admiration for skill and success. Unlike other some Daedric Princes, Hircine didn't want to kill all mortals or take over Nirn, he simply wanted to enjoy his sport, his hunt.
Sajin knew that it would be hard to justify these views with anyone outside of the hunt, Ichigo had been lucky that Jarl Idgord was wise and not hot headed and more so that his family were willing to hear him out.
As he walked into the Shrine he was surprised to see the ethereal wolf already waiting. The gaze of the wolf he knew to be an aspect of Hircine unnerved him for a second before he continued forward, kneeling before the shrine as he had before.
"I wish to accept the quest you issued me, I want to remain here and I wish for control of my transformations." Sajin spoke first as he bowed his head deeper down, still not used to speaking with an entity that could so easily kill him... he wasn't sure how Ichigo had such a good relationship with Hircine.
"Indeed it would seem that I was right about your resolve... this quest will not be the answer to your weakness you understand. Just having access to your Nord body doesn't make you stronger, you will still have to work hard if you wish to grow." Hircine spoke, the ethereal wolf paced in front of him as if inspecting him.
"I understand, I'll still have a long way to go... but the ring will allow me to be at Ichigo's side as a man as well as a beast." Sajin answered, nothing would talk him out of his resolve now, not after he'd given his promise to Ichigo. He felt like he could accomplish anything, right now he didn't hold fear for anything.
Hircine laughed, amused at his words but his ethereal wolf's body didn't show it making it seem as if it was coming from the imposing statue itself.
"You shall go east, The Rift as you call it, you should be familiar enough. There's a wolf there with a pelt like yours. He's feral and mad, but still he holds control of a small pack of lesser wolves. You are to find him and kill him, prove you are able to best another wolf and the first part will be done." Hircine said simply, he's form turning away as it walked back beneath the shrine to sit under the shadow of his likeness.
Sajin had to stop himself speaking up to ask how he was supposed to find a wolf on such little information, but he already knew he'd be expected to hunt down this wolf like another wolf not like a man.
"You'll know this wolf if you see him, after all he's the one who afflicted you in the first place." Hircine's blunt delivery of words caused Sajin to take a moment before he realised what he'd heard.
"The one who afflicted me?" He unconsciously clenched his claws into the dirt as he remembered the night he tried to fight off the werewolf attack back at Shor's Rock. It was a pathetic and seemingly futile attempt at survival.
He'd been wielding his pickaxe at the time, he and the other miners had just finished their shift when it happened, dropping down from above the entrance to the mine the werewolf attacked. There had been no warning or time to react, two men had died before his pickaxe was even raised.
The thing he remembers most from that night was the eyes of the werewolf, they held no intelligence, they were reminiscent of a starved and rabid fox released into a pen of rabbits. He couldn't help but to shiver slightly.
"So, you still fear this wolf? Hm, that will make this hunt all the more proving of your resolve. I want you to hunt this wolf, and once you have done that you'll receive my ring. Then find out what caused this new strain of Lycanthropy and stop it, I do not like it when my work is misused." Hircine continued breaking Sajin out of his thoughts.
Sajin forced himself to nod, it was a lot to take in but he had to focus on what mattered right now, and that was listening to a Daedric Prince.
"You think someone created a new strain of Lycanthropy?" He asked to try refocus his thoughts, he couldn't afford to be frazzled. He'd made a promise he intends to keep.
"I don't think, I know, my work has been twisted and contorted, the strain you have is of a different source, someone has meddled with my work and poisoned the well with an unstable strain of my gift. My vision of the assailant is being obscured, meaning it is likely worshippers of another Prince." Hircine continued, his voice remained passive, almost uncaring if not for the underlined sound of annoyance.
'So my strain of Lycanthropy isn't a one off? Someone deliberately created a form to keep werewolves trapped in their beast form? For what reason? Which Daedra would that help?' he thought to himself. He bowed his head again before he spoke.
"I'll have it done, I'll leave when Ichigo departs for his job." He was really struggling to keep his composure but he knew he had to if only till he was out of Hircine's presence. The ethereal wolf seemed to give a slight chuckle.
"I suppose we shall see, hunt well." Hircine said as the form of a few of dispersed, leaving Sajin alone in the shrine room.
'Why couldn't it have been something simple?' Sajin asked himself as he left the shrine, his shoulders feeling somewhat heavier then when he entered... but instead of his mind drifting to the possible daedra worshippers, his mind struggled to think of anything but the wolf who'd inflicted him in the first place.
'...To think I'd need to come face to face with that monster a second time...' He mused to himself.
It wouldn't be long till it was day, the moons were already setting.
Ichigo adjusted his blade on his back as he walked out of the entrance to the Grotto, at his heels was a young wolf, donned in a messenger harnesses. The wolf would be at his side during his job with Rukia on the chance he needed to send a message.
Behind them Chad and Sajin stepped into the plains. Chad was clad in his armour, his shield tossed onto his back with his bag hidden under it and his mace hung at his side, as always his face was the closest thing to stoic as Ichigo could envision.
Sajin had called in a favour from the Tres Bestia and had them make him a larger form of the wolves' harness. It fastened around his abdomen and had two straps hung over each shoulder, it held three pouches two of which were smaller than the third, two hung on one side each containing potions and the third hung on the other side with dried food for emergencies. They opened and closed simply since any buckles would hinder him due to his claws.
They stood together, looking down the road in the distance.
"Looks like the coast is clear, you should be able to move freely at least until day break. Best to play it safe after that, no need to rush you're not on a time limit." Ichigo stated looking Sajin who nodded back to him.
"Indeed, but I'd best not dally all the same I have no idea how long this task will last..." Sajin admitted, he would be heading along the mountain until Brittleshin Pass then he'd enter Falkreath Hold, there should be very little in the way of people till he was on the other side of the pass.
"Be safe, you haven't got any back up so don't take too many risks..." Ichigo trailed off, truthfully he was unsure what to say... At least until Chad spoke up.
"See you when we get back." He said simply causing Ichigo to smile, trust Chad to have the simplest yet most reassuring way with words.
"Indeed, the next time we meet you'll see my human face... Till then." Sajin replied with faux confidence, he'd do his best to sooth their worries, this was his task so he didn't want them burdening themselves over it.
"Till then." Ichigo said with a smile. Sajin bowed his head in a finally goodbye before taking off along the edge of the mountain, not looking back. Ichigo released a heavy sigh once he was out of sight.
"Do you think he'll be okay?" Chad asked. Ichigo didn't react at first... how should he know what could happen? But... but he nodded firmly.
"Yeah, I think he has it under control." Ichigo stated, and he was sure he wasn't lying... but that little voice in the back of his head telling him he would never see his friend again. It was the same feeling he'd had before the battles against the Silver Hand, he wanted to be there for his friend but they would need to spilt up again, even if only temporarily
He bit back another sigh as he began his trek towards Whiterun, his wolf and Chad following close behind. They left now so that they'd arrive at about sunrise, and they seemed to have timed it perfectly as when they reached the gates of Whiterun the sun was peaking above the horizon.
"Halt hunters." One of the city guards said as he stopped the two boys, apparently the guards were familiar enough to recognise them at least. They did as requested, stopping before the guards.
"What's the matter?" Ichigo asked simply, he didn't really want to be here talking to guards but being rude would only make a bad name for himself. The guard motioned to the wolf beside them.
"We can't let you just bring a wolf in the city, it was bad enough last time when the Companions brought one back, people are always concerned for the kids." He stated. Ichigo glanced down to the wolf who in turn glanced up to him, it's head tilted slightly in confusion.
"The wolf is trained, if that's your concern. He's one of our tracker wolves, he's young and playful not some mangy old wild wolf." Ichigo stated, this wolf being one of the newer generations, birthed from wolves already in the hunt. This wolf had never been hungry nor been alone in the wild, it was raised with them so it was well behaved and well trained.
"Look, you've done a lot for the people in recent months so I can give you a bit of leeway but I need to know that this wolf isn't going to cause issues. The Companions wolf stole a rack of lamb last week and we get no end of complaints about it." The guard continued clearly hesitant. Ichigo nodded.
"I can assure you, this wolf will behave, it won't go stealing meat or anything." Ichigo promised getting a clear hum of uncertainty from the guard, but eventually he nodded with a sigh.
"Alright but if anything happens and I'll make sure it come it never comes in the city again." He stated stepping aside allowing the hunters to pass, Ichigo simply gave a nod in thanks as he continued forward. He glanced down to the wolf whose tale was wagging excitedly as he sniffed all the unfamiliar scents.
"You heard that, behave alright?" Ichigo stated getting a small yip in confirmation.
They entered the city, unsurprised to see it was dead this time of morning, realistically they should have left a few hours later but they had wanted to see Sajin off and he needed to leave in the night, so arriving for sunrise was the next best thing.
"We should leave a note in the temple of Kynareth for when Orihime wakes up, asking her to gather the others and meet us in the Bannered Mare when they're ready." Ichigo stated as he dug through his bag to pull out a parchment of paper, quickly jotting down the information.
"Is the temple open now?" Chad asked, the sun was just peeking over the walls now and a lot of people still stayed asleep for a few hours. Ichigo begun to led them to the temple as he shrugged.
"I'll just leave it under a rock outside their front door, they should see it when they open up." He replied easily, slipping a rock from the path as he walked. As expected when they arrived at the do it was clearly dark inside, no sign of candle lights. Ichigo left his message and turned to leave.
"Will Hulda be awake already, will she even let in a wolf?" Chad again asked, only having been inside the inn a few times over the last few months and as such not knowing the inn keeper too well. Ichigo nodded as they passed the now blooming Gildergreen, it's pink petals already reflecting the morning sun.
"She gets up at sun rise, we should be just on time. Though I doubt she'll be cooking straight away, but she'll have some drinks ready no doubt." Ichigo stated with a grin, he always enjoyed his time in the inn the hearth making the main hall cozy and the sweet meats in the next room always provided a nice atmosphere.
"As for letting a wolf in, I'm sure I can convince her." Ichigo continued half-heartedly, the wolf at his heels paying them no mind as it continued to try smell every scent it could on its trip into the city. As they walked down the steps from the Gildergreen they spotted the sure sign of light from within the inn confirming that Hulda was awake.
As they approached, his wolf began wagging his tail excitedly no doubt smelling the food stored inside. Ichigo pushed open the door revealing the empty hall, hearth lit and the sound of Hulda humming to herself in the other room.
"Hulda?" Ichigo called, letting the woman know she had guests. A moment later Hulda's head popped out from the room, surprise clear on her face.
"Oh, Ichigo and ...Sado was it? A bit early to be seeing you. Want a drink?" She asked as she walked into the main hall, wiping her hands on a bar cloth. She looked surprisingly lively despite it being so early. She finally seemed to notice the wolf at their feet.
"I trust he's house trained? I have enough cleaning to do, I'd rather not have to pick up after a wolf as well." She continued as she made her way other to the bar, quickly grabbing a few bottles from her shelf and placing them on the bar ready for them.
"He's young, but he's trained. I'll make sure he doesn't make any mess for you." Ichigo offered as he took a seat at the bar, Chad joining him while his wolf sat on its hunches beside his chair watching the fire. Ichigo placed a few coins on the bar, payment for his drinks.
"I take it you hunters are the ones who gave that other wolf to the Companions then? Their harnesses are the same after all." She asked as she leaned on the bar, pouring herself a drink as she spoke. He nodded in return.
"It's in case they need to contact us, the wolf they have will be able to find us. Better than a courier anyway." Ichigo replied, there was no point in lying, the connection was obvious. "Stops us stepping on each other's feet when it comes to bounties." He added, which was half true.
"Yeah I suppose that would be helpful, here let me get the little guy a bowl of water." She said as she crouched behind her bar, coming back up moments later with a bowl and jug of water. Ichigo nodded in thanks as he placed the bowl by his chair and poured out the contents of the jug.
The wolf didn't seem to fussed to be drinking out of a bowl rather than a stream as he quickly began lapping up the water.
"That'll keep him happy for a little while." Ichigo stated.
They were cut off from further conversation when there was a soft bang upstairs, sounding like someone had dropped something.
"Guests?" Chad asked, glancing up slightly. Hulda gave the larger Nord a small smile, she seemed to be on edge about these guests.
"You could say that, they came last night and got into an argument with some of the regulars, still they paid upfront so I couldn't turn them away." Hulda stated causing Ichigo to frown, from what he could tell fights breaking out in the inn were not rare occasions, so why did she seem so bothered about it this time?
"Troublemakers?" Ichigo pried, causing the woman to shrug slightly.
"I couldn't really get a read on them, they kept pretty calm but they weren't exactly kind either. I think they're Vigilants of Stendarr, or at least that's what the argument was about. They're not too well seen around here now, not after all those rumours started. Have you heard about it all?" She asked causing Ichigo to nod heavily.
"Yeah, I've heard about it." Ichigo replied half-heartedly as he frowned. He glanced to Chad and saw he was looking a bit stiff too.
'We need to be careful, can't risk getting outed by a Vigilant here... maybe we should just leave, or would that be suspicious? Either way I told Orihime to meet me here...' Ichigo grit his teeth, he'd have to just avoid drawing attention to himself.
"Why would they be here?" Ichigo asked, he hadn't heard from the Companions so there hadn't been any trouble with them. He doubted they'd found out about his pack, or at least the location of it.
"They said they were on the way back from Morthal, apparently they had a job there which didn't go so well. Something like that anyway, I wasn't really paying attention." She admitted, that didn't ease his thoughts at all, had they seen them as werewolves in the area? Or was it the vampires?
"Hm, well I suppose it's not our business." Ichigo stated, digging too deep for information would no doubt cause a bit of suspicion, something he'd like to avoid. He could see Chad was still a bit stiff, he wasn't around for the time they fought the Silver Hand, but he'd heard how deprived they were from Sajin's experiences.
"You never said why you're here so early, it usually pretty late when I normally see you." Hulda stated, happily moving on from talking about her guests. Ichigo rubbed his chin, in truth he still wasn't a hundred percent sure what Rukia was looking for, nor of how much use he'd be.
"Been hired to help with treasure hunting, I guess?" Ichigo stated with a half shrug.
"I think the term Rukia used is an expedition." Chad corrected, a slight almost non-existent smirk on his lips.
"Oh a job for the Kuchiki's? You're really moving up in the world." She stated smiling, after all it was quite something to see someone grow over the years a scrawny shy boy to a hunter getting hired by nobles, it was a rags to riches story if she'd ever seen one.
"Maybe, she just needs a tracker and someone adept in wild from what she told me... seems like more chores than it does a job." Ichigo complained, he wanted to be fighting some powerful vampire or a cave filled with trolls, not guiding a carriage up a mountain... but he had agreed so there's nothing he could do about it.
"They must trust you a lot then, escorting nobility is a highly exclusive job some merc groups spend years building up their reputation till they're trusted with those contracts. What did you do to impress them?" Hulda asked, clearly interested. Ichigo mused whether or not he should tell the truth or just claim it was a fluke... then again there wasn't really a reason to keep it a secret, Isshin sure as hell wouldn't be.
"I'm technically nobility myself, long lost kid to a noble house and then as of last week I'm also the Thane of Hjaalmarch. My dad said it'd do me good to spend time around a noble to learn the ropes." Ichigo admitted, she just laughed obviously not believing him... at least until she realised he was being serious at which point he laughed cut out.
"Truly?" Ichigo just nodded, only slightly insulted. "My word, never took you as one of those snobs, no offence." She replied making him smirk.
"I wouldn't exactly call my family snobs, my dad's an idiot and he doesn't seem to take things too seriously." Ichigo replied plainly, he wasn't sure how Isshin managed to do deals with other nobles or why they tolerated doing deals with him.
"Heh, well if you're looking to invest in something you should know I'm trying to sell up, if you're interested of course." Hulda stated with a smirk.
"You're selling the Inn? Why, I thought you enjoyed running this place?" Ichigo asked, though he didn't voice it he was somewhat disappointed, he'd always enjoyed Hulda's company.
"I still do, but early mornings and late nights for years on end tends to be exhausting and I'm getting on in my years now I just want a little house to live out the rest of my days in. Ysolda has expressed interest in buying it but it'll be years before she saves up enough to afford this place." Hulda admitted, a tired look passing through her eyes.
"...I see, well I'm not in a position to be telling my family what to buy and what not to so I'm of no help there... but I hope you get a good price for the place, it'll be a sad day when it's past on." Ichigo stated, not really liking the idea of someone else behind the bar not after always associating the place with Hulda herself.
"Hm, was worth a try. What time you supposed to be meeting Rukia?" She asked to which he shrugged.
"No idea, left a note tell Orihime to gather them whenever they wake up." He stated, not really concerned since they were in the comfort of the Bannered Mare.
"Orihime's going as well? Well then, Saadia will be up soon, maybe you'll all stay from some food?" Food did sound tempting, he was sure Chad thought so too but ultimately that choice would fall to Rukia and if she thought they had time... screw that she could wait if needed.
"Sure, we'll grab a bite when we can." He replied as he gave a small pat to the wolf. "And a bit for our wolf would be appreciated as well." He added. She gave him a nod but before she could speak again he became distracted.
The sound of footsteps drew his attention behind him. Two unfamiliar men walked into the hall, one with a dark complexion with sort white, almost grey hair. He wore a white fur jacket, seemingly made out of a larger ice wolf with a hood that he had down and a pure white sleeveless shirt and white fingerless gloves embroiled with some winged insignia. His most noticeable feature was the tattooed cross with a circle around it on his closed left eye. Hung at his side was some sort of horizontal bow built onto a piece of wood.
Beside him dressed in equally as white gear was a younger male, around Ichigo's age at glance. He was almost pale in his complexion with dark black hair. He was dressed in a smart coat, fasted by buttons and a belt along his waist. On his back was a fancy bow seemingly made of a white metal.
Ichigo hadn't seen anyone dressed so extravagantly before in his life, even the nobles had certain styles they tended to stick too but these guys were even fancier than them. These must have been the Vigilants that they'd been talking about, but even then he was more used to seeing them in robes rather than what they were wearing.
They came to the bar, barely offering a glance to Ichigo and Chad to which he was both relived and annoyed. He could feel the arrogance radiating of them. He kept his mouth shut as he took a sip from his drink, out the corner of his eye he noted that Chad was as stoic as ever doing well at hiding his nervousness.
"Two Honningbrews, please." The younger one asked putting a few coins on the bar. Hulda gave them her usual greeting as she passed over two bottles and took the coins. Ichigo's eyes glanced down to the older man's waist were the strange bow was hung. He couldn't help himself, he had to ask.
"What's with the bow? Not like one I've seen before." Ichigo asked causing the tattooed man to glance at him with a frown, looking like he was looking at a diseased body at the side of the road. For a moment it looked like he wouldn't answer, but he dignified them with a response.
"A crossbow, the people I work for craft them. Does that satisfy you, boy?" The amount of venom dripping from his words were almost tangible. Ichigo clenched his jaw, fighting against his instincts to send the man flying through a couple tables... but he could feel it, the hairs on the back of his neck were on end... this guy was dangerous.
'The people he works for? Does he mean the Vigilants? He'd never heard of them having such weapons before.' Ichigo thought, he had to forcibly stop his hand wondering to his blade as the man stared down at him. He felt like he was being attacked just by the guy looking at him.
"If you're going to start trouble again you can leave now, I'm not having you harass people in here. Got it?" Hulda stated, a frim glare on her features, which was something he'd never seen on the ever-happy innkeeper before. At his chair his wolf had also stood up, fur bristled as he waited to be commanded to attack.
The man simple huffed and turned to walk over to one of the nearby tables without a word. Ichigo wouldn't complain, but he'd need to look into these crossbows and see what sort of difference they make in combat. After all, you need to know your enemy.
His wolf sat back down but it's gaze kept on the two, Ichigo didn't let his concern show and neither did Chad.
"I swear, I can see why fights broke out last night. You okay?" Hulda asked, a deep frown on her lips. Ichigo gave her a small smile and nodded.
"We have wolves in our hunt, we're used to getting snapped at." He joked, reaching his hand down to pat the wolf at the foot of his chair causing its tail to begin wagging. She just nodded obviously still not happy.
He strained his hearing, trying to listen to what they had begun to talk about, hoping to at least get a hint on whether or not they knew of werewovles in the area.
"Seriously Lille, do you have to cause trouble? We don't need more people hating us right now." The younger one stated obliviously annoyed, though his voice still remained almost nonchalant.
'So Lille is his name? Strange but I've heard stranger, I'll have to pass it on to Sung sun and see what she can dig up.' He mused, at worst they'd have to talk to the thieves' guild once again and see if they have anything.
"There is no us, I'm only working with you since our paths aligned for this job. Though Isran still wants you to join us Uryu, he says you've got talent, you could make a difference with us." Lille replied, taking a sip of his drink. Ichigo mentally noted the others name.
"I'm not abandoning the Vigilants, they aren't as narrow minded as you. There are more problems than just vampires in Skyrim." Uryu stated calmly.
'So they must have been after the vampires we wiped out... sounds like there's another splinter group which deals with vampires.' He mused, it's a first he'd heard about it, must have recently formed.
"You okay? You look a bit zoned out there." Hulda asked, snapping Ichigo back to reality. He gave her a sheepish grin, hoping she hadn't picked up on his eavesdropping.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just got a bit distracted. What were you saying?" He asked hoping he hadn't been rude. Hulda hadn't seemed to mind, she continued to talk to them about the local gossip around town, something she seemed to do every time he spoke to her long enough.
Her gossip had led him to a few jobs before, but for the most part he learnt about feuds that people had against each other or if something of interest had happened recently. He made sure to at least make the effort to keep listening to her, even if he stressed his hearing to try picking up on what the Vigilants were talking about as well.
It was another half hour till Saadia started her work in the kitchen, he had gotten food for both himself, Chad and his wolf. The wolf getting to feast on a large steak while he and Chad had gotten smaller meals. Hulda had gone to aid in setting up for meals to cook for patrons later in the day, leaving Ichigo and Chad alone at the bar.
And it was only an hour after that when to doors opened to the inn, a familiar voice ringing out as she entered.
"Good morning Ichigo!" Orhime greeted happily waving her hand, she was dressed in thicker robes which were lined with fur to help her keep warm. She had a rucksack hung over her shoulders, it seemingly filled to burst.
Behind her was Rukia, dark circles under her eyes and a slightly annoyed expression. Rukia, like Orihime was dressed more suitable for the colder climate they'd be traveling too, thick robes with a scarf hung around her shoulders. Unlike Orihime she held no bags.
"And to you as well Chad!" She continued getting a nod from the friendly giant. It was then she seemed to notice the wolf at his feet. "Oh is this one of yours? What's his name?" She asked crouching down to pet the wolf, much to the canines glee.
"Morning, and he doesn't have a name." Ichigo replied, swivelling on his chair to face them. Orihime was brushing back the thick pelt of the wolf who was excitedly wagging his tail and leaning into to her hands for more attention.
"That's no good! We should give him a name, what do you think Rukia?" She asked. The Kuchiki heir didn't look to be listening as she took a seat at the bar. She was glaring at Ichigo, or at least it looked that way, the dark bags under her eyes made it hard to tell.
"Did you have to arrive so early? Not all of us like being up at the crack of dawn." She stated her voice barely holding back the venom. Ichigo smirked, taking some pleasure in the fact she was the only one effected by an early morning.
"Sorry, I'd forgotten I was working with a princess." He replied back carefree. Her glare increased tenfold, which only gave him a smug satisfaction.
"You're not working with me you're working for me. And I'm not a princess, I'm an heir. I know you were raised under a rock but you should try not to be so stupid." She shot back, he waved her off.
"Right, not a princess... how about midget witch?" He asked, only to receive a smack across atop his head from the growling Kuchiki who was seeming to get over her tiredness in favour for anger.
"Did you learn no manners from your family visit? You're supposed to acting a way becoming of your family, you're not a commoner anymore!" She reprimanded. Ichigo rubbed his head, sending her a dirty look.
"Have you met my family? They not really the epitome of nobility... plus you speak about behaviour but what would your family think to you attacking the people you hire?" He replied causing her to stiffen, a slight blush dusting her cheeks.
"Please stop fighting you two! Your supposed to be friends!" Orihime chided, a firm pout settled on her face. Rukia coughed into her closed fist, schooling her features to what be expected of a noble. Ichigo had no such fears of being seen as a noble or not as he simply gave Orihime an apologetic smile.
"So, are we leaving today for this treasure hunt?" Ichigo asked off handedly.
"Expedition." Chad corrected, a small amused smirk on his lips. Ichigo nodded before looking to Rukia who seemed to having trouble stopping her eye twitching in annoyance, her noble facade at risk of breaking once again.
"...Yes." She bit out. "Brother sent Renji to load the last of the supplies onto the carriage. He should be waiting down at the stables for us when we're ready." She stated as she turned to look at the wolf.
"I trust you have reason for bringing a wolf with us?" She asked, the wolf looked up to her as soon as it was mentioned. It's tail wagging as it expected the same treatment Orihime had showed him, though it whined when Rukia proceeded to ignore it.
"If I need to send a message to the hunt, he will take it for me. Other than that, he's been trained as a tracker, he'll let us know should we run into a bear's den or something." Ichigo replied getting a reluctant nod from Rukia.
"You haven't said how your trip to see your family went? Were they happy to see you?" Orihime asked. Ichigo mused over how to reply, sure, they were happy... but then again he felt like he may have annoyed them too as he left so soon.
"… They were pleased to see me alive, not so pleased when I left again." Ichigo replied, scratching his cheek nervously. He knew he'd have to put in a lot of effort to keep sending them messages letting them know he was okay.
Footsteps approached from behind them, causing them to turn and see their new guests. Or at least new to Orihime and Rukia. Standing imposingly behind them were Lille and Uryu, this time it was Uryu to speak.
"We couldn't help but over hear that you were referred to as Ichigo... then you were said to be a part of nobility. Would I be correct in assuming you are Ichigo Shiba? The new Thane of Hjaalmarch?" Uryu asked, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. Ichigo spotted that Lille's arms were tensed, seemingly ready to move at a moment's notice. With no small amount of effort he kept calm.
"With how rude you guy were earlier at a simple question, do you really think I have any want to speak to you now?" Ichigo asked, buying himself a bit of time to inspect them a bit closer noticing they were carrying no silver, at least not openly. Uryu didn't seem concerned as he continued with his questioning.
"We happen to be interested in what happened at Morthal, townsfolk claim you were central to the events that played out. We'd appreciate it if you answered a few questions." He continued unimpeded in his questions.
"And who would you be?" Ichigo asked, playing dumb. Rukia looked like she wanted to know what was going on as well, Orihime was simply confused not suspecting that it could be due to his affliction as a werewolf. Uryu seemingly submitted and introduced himself.
"My name is Uryu Ishida, this is my companion Lillie Barro. We were sent by the Vigilants of Stendarr to investigate rumours about a coven of Vampires near Morthal. When we arrived we found out they had been true and that they'd been wiped out, by the new thane, that is you correct?" He asked again, a slight glare aimed at him now. Ichigo bit the inside of his cheek.
"It seems you know everything already, what do you want?" He was only slightly relieved to hear that it was about the vampires and not suspicions of werewolves.
"We find it hard to believe two teens, an old man and one woman could wipe out a group of vampires which were reported to be around a dozen. We also wish to assure that you haven't become diseased with vampirism yourself. The Jarl refused to answer our questions, which leaves us understandably suspicious." He continued. Surprisingly it was Rukia who spoke, her voice unamused and her glare harsh.
"You understand you're not only trying to accuse the Thane of Hjaalmarch of being a vampire, but you're implying the Jarl would complicit with such a thing. I trust you have evidence? Or are you throwing around baseless accusations?" Rukia asked, before scoffing.
"As for why Jarl Idgrod turned you away, I'd look no further that those you affiliate yourself with. The Vigilants are known to be aiding the Stormcloaks, Jarl Idgrod and by extension her Thane are supporting the Empire. I think that would be enough reason to turn you away." Rukia's points were rock solid, no Jarl would allow someone who supports their enemy into their hall, it'd just be stupid. Orihime spoke up next, somewhat meekly.
"As for vampirism, he's not got it. I was the one who healed his injures, those who fought took the necessary potions to make sure they didn't get infected." Orhime stated, as she began to realise the situation her nervousness became apparent. Chad was stood, ready to act should he need.
"Then, will you elaborate on how you were successful in your attack. You were clearly out matched." Lille spoke, looking unconvinced. Ichigo simply smirked.
"They sent two of you to deal with these vampires, yet you are somehow suspicious that four could deal with it? You underestimate those who fought, we were all ready and had plenty of combat experience prior. Do you Vigilant really think you're the only ones able to deal with these threats?" Ichigo asked, sure had he not been a werewolf he'd be dead but he also knew that plenty of normal human fighters could have prevailed in that fight also.
Uryu looked ready to speak again, but before he could an angry shout stopped him. Hulda, having just re-entered the room, waving a ladle warningly as if it was a weapon she gave them a fierce glare as she spoke.
"I've given you both a warning already, don't think you can cause trouble just because my backs turned!" She warned causing the duo to glance at each other. It was clear from Uryu words when they'd first sat down that they didn't want to cause a stir with the public.
"It's okay, we should be off now anyway. Renji should be ready, if you two are." Rukia stated looking to the two hunters. Ichigo nodded, answering for both of them. "Then we shouldn't keep him waiting any longer." She finished standing from her seat.
"Right, thanks for the food Hulda." Ichigo thanks, bowing his head slightly to the kind innkeeper. She gave him a polite smile in return. As a group, the wolf happily dragging along it's piece of meat as they left the inn leaving the two Vigilants standing by the bar alone with an unhappy Hulda. Not for long as she went back into the kitchen, not wanting to deal with the two.
"What do you think?" Uryu asked Lille, they both looked to the door the hunter had left through. They had been suspicious, there was no doubt with that. But it seemed a vampire would be unlikely, they're had been no signs and he hadn't picked up on any illusions.
"No, not a vampire. I'd have noticed, but he's hiding something while his reaction may have been calm those around him were not. The one with the mace had been keeping his eye on us since we came down stairs, the healer seem panicked as well. You should ask around, see if there is any rumours about him." Lille stated, looking almost bored by the prospect.
"Only me?" Uryu asked, eyes narrowed slightly. Lille simply shrugged, he made his way out of the inn as well.
"I deal with vampires now, anything else is for you and the Vigilants." He stated. He did what Isran told him, and for now that was killing vampires. If down the line Isran wanted to help the Vigilants then Lille would do as asked, but until then vampires were his deal.
"Fine, I'll see to it myself." Uryu relented, a scowl pointed at the back of Lille's head.
"So, seems like becoming a thane has put you in the spotlight of some wackos." Rukia stated, grinning. They were out of Whiterun walking to the stables down the road, where apparently Renji and the carriage were waiting.
"Well hopefully that's the end of it, I'm already regretting to agreeing to be a Thane." He stated. He should have known that he'd have drawn the gaze of at least some people, unfortunately some of those people happened to be Vigilants.
"You know, some people would give their right arm to be a Thane so maybe stop acting like it's such a bad thing." Rukia replied. Orihime as walking beside her, his wolf next to her after seemingly taken a liking to the healer.
"How long will it take us to get to the area where we'll be searching?" Orihime asked, the slight hop in her step giving no illusions on how excited she was.
"Three days, then we'll be in the general area." Rukia stated, giving her friend a sidelong glance. "I know you're excited but you need to remember to be careful, the last people to go to these ruins never returned." She continued.
"I know, I'll be careful... it's just I've never been camping before!" Her ditzy reply caused Ichigo to chuckle, he was surer than ever he'd be needed if that was her reaction to danger.
As they arrived at the carriage Ichigo gave it a once over. It was identical to the ones that normally waiting outside Whiterun to take people to other Holds. Along the sides were several bags, seemingly packed close to the point of overflowing. The sitting area of the carriage also had several boxes of supplies, which Renji was currently sat atop of, tapping his foot impatiently.
"Took your time, I got everything ready so just say the word and we can head off." The red head stated.
"Sorry, we got talking to some Vigilants in the Bannered Mare. We can get going now." Rukia stated climbing into the back, Renji nodded and climbed into the front to grab the reins. Chad gave Orihime a boost into the back as her robes didn't allow for much in the way of climbing.
"I didn't realise you knew how to drive a carriage, Renji." Ichigo stated as he pulled himself and his wolf up. The wolf ignored him as soon as it was onboard and went straight to Orihime to get more attention.
"Yeah, well kind of. Never made them pull a carriage before, they usually lug around horse drawn hoes or the likes but they should be good to pull us along." Renji admitted with a shrug. Ichigo didn't question further, instead choosing to trust Rukia's judgment.
"Oh I know!" Orihime suddenly spoke. In her hand was one of the wolves' paws, the wolf itself had its head tilted in confusion.
"I'll call you Kon!" She chirped, the newly named Kon didn't seem to mind as his tail began wagging happily. Ichigo sighed heavily, already resigned to the fact that his wolf had chosen his friend over him.
"Can we just get going already?" Ichigo complained, sitting back against the wooden carriage next to Chad.
Another month down, been incredible hard to get this chapter how I want it with the introduction of some of the Vigilents members. Though I should mention that not all Quincy are going to be Vigilents, only a few of them. Most probably wont be in the story at all and others might have roles here and there.
From here on out it's uncharted waters, no quests in the game to use as a base or anything like that so I have no idea how long this quest will be. I'll try and make it as enjoyable as I can but i rely on your reviews to let me know what you enjoy!
Speaking of reviews, didn't get many this month, which isn't a big deal I just don't have anything to answer in the Q&A section so there will be none this month.
A quick reminder for long time reader, next month will mark a year since published and a years worth of updates. I'd not managed to get this far with any of my other stories so this is pretty important for me. Despite me having put the most effort into this story it is still my least popular, while it hurts to see that I can understand that this Crossover is very niche. I hope one day it'll grow to be more popular than at least some of my other stories but that is to be seen.
As always I'll see you next month!
