Hey gang! So sorry this is late. I've had a very, very stressful last few weeks. Last time I mentioned my coworker left and he is still gone. I kinda miss having him around, which is evident when I have questions on something I'm working on but he's not around to help with them. Anyways, in the meantime, I've received a call about a job for myself. It's about fifty-five minutes away and the company does some things similar to what we do here, but with more people. I interviewed with them this past week and it seemed to go over well, though I blanked out on one or two things. I don't really want to leave my current job due that I'm happy here, however, and this is the important part, they don't seem inclined to hire people into this office again. We've asked and no answer, so yeah, it pisses me off and worries me, especially when we do seven people's job with two. Anyways, last week we had our office Christmas party, which was great. I got a coat for working at the company for five years, plus an X-Box 360 as one of the gifts. So far the X-Box is fun, and I'm looking forward to more time with it. Other than that, not too much new in life, other than just being busy and trying to prepare for Christmas. It's just that time of the year, lol.
Writing wise, things looked good on this chapter originally, but kind of fell off towards the end. I had it nearly ready last week, but things fell apart to the point I couldn't finish. I tried most of the week to finish up, but yesterday was the last straw and this morning I put the finishing touches on the chapter. Again, my apologies on taking so long to post. I'll try hard to get another out soon.
Thanks to Katana for your review. I always enjoy seeing what you have to say.
At any rate, I think that's good enough for now. Until next time. Btw, in case I don't post before Christmas, everyone have a Merry Christmas! Enjoy!
Chapter 29
Stepping into a large room that had been deemed the meeting place by the clan lords of the Southern Lands, Sesshomaru glanced over all of the occupants. Altogether, there were fifteen clan heads there, each decked out in their finest to meet with their conqueror.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" all declared as they immediately fell to their knees with their heads bowed.
Moving to the front of the room and glaring down each of the occupants, the demon lord declared "What is it you wish to speak with this Sesshomaru about? Make it quick, for this Sesshomaru has his own things to discuss."
Noticing his fellow clan lords trembling slightly, a demon near the front of the group stood and bowed shortly to the Lord of the West. He had sandy blonde hair that fell to his shoulders in length, fair skin, a medium sized build, pointed ears, and slit hazel colored eyes. The clothing he wore gave off an air of importance. It consisted of a purple and golden stripped top and pants, held together by a golden colored obi. At his side sat a katana sheathed in a brown lacquered sheath.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I, Takeshi Sanjo, head of the neko clans, shall speak for the clans of the Southern Lands." the demon politely and concisely stated. "First most and formally, we welcome you into our lands not as a conqueror, but as the one that has saved our families and our very livelihoods. Former Lord Aikamaru began this war without our consent and thus placed all of us in awkward positions to where ..."
"This Sesshomaru has no time to hear your petty excuses for why this war began. Speak if you must, for if not, this Sesshomaru shall discuss what he came here for." the demon lord firmly declared to the neko demon.
Taken back slightly by the statement, Takeshi nodded his head and apologetically replied "My deepest apologies, Lord Sesshomaru. I did not mean to insult you."
Inhaling deeply, he continued on and said "We have asked you to come here today, my lord, to discuss what will become of our lands when you incorporate them into the Western Lands. All of our clans are completely loyal to the Western Lands rule and do not have any objections to being under your rule. We wish only to be recognized by ..."
"Your lands will not become part of the West."
Several surprised gasps were heard within the room. Irritated by his fellow clan lords, the neko managed to throw a glare at them and put them back into an uncomfortable silence. Gathering his thoughts, the sandy haired demon asked "I do not mean any disrespect, Lord Sesshomaru, but what do you mean we will not become a part of the Western Lands?"
Turning cold amber eyes upon the speaker of the group, the demon lord retorted "You did not misunderstand this Sesshomaru's words, did you? Your lands will not become a part of this Sesshomaru's lands. Adding your lands to this Sesshomaru's protection would increase what is already in this Sesshomaru's grasp, that is true, however, this Sesshomaru has no desire to take them into the dominion of the West."
"Your lands however will not be forsaken. They shall be ruled by a new Southern Lord, thus keeping these lands as they were prior to the war."
Perking up at the words of the dog demon, the neko inwardly grinned at the prospect. "Anewlordwillbecrowned.Ishallbetheonetotakeover.IhaveenoughswayoverourclanlordsthatIcanmakethemchooseme."
"Lord Sesshomaru, in this case, it is up for our clans to make a choice on the new Lord of the Southern Lands."
"This Sesshomaru has already made the choice for you." Sesshomaru stated. This statement alone sent all of the clan lords into a frenzied panic, with many pondering whom would be their new lord.
Watching the chaos ensue, the dog demon internally smirked at the panic of the demons. "Theyyearnforpower,however,theywillbesadlymistaken."
Noting they had settled a bit, Sesshomaru coolly said "The new Lord of the Southern Lands is ..."
All ears strained to hear the name that would roll of the dog demon's lips. Many were hoping it would be themselves, while others dreaded the daunting task that would befall whomever was chosen to lead.
"... Iya Taisho."
An eerie silence engulfed the room with the name spoken by the dog demon. Each and every one of the demons were in stunned shock upon hearing the name of their new lord. A few felt their anger swell, while others couldn't help but feel powerless, and the last few had an inkling they were being mocked.
Laughter suddenly cut through the stale air. All eyes landed upon the neko clan lord. He held his sides as he laughed loudly and uncontrollably for nearly a whole minute. A few clan lords joined in with him and let loose deep laughter. Some others that were uncertain let out low chuckles, but kept it mostly to themselves.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Takeshi managed to get out between breaths to calm his breathing, "they lie when they say you have no sense of humor. That is the best joke I have heard in many years!"
Staring evenly at the neko lord, the dog demon said nothing. His eyes slid over to the sound of the sliding door opening to reveal his brother entering into the room. Eyeing him, he noted his brother wore a new top that was white and had black mixed in. The demon lord knew it was the top he had given him that had an image of his brother's true dog form embroidered into the back. Noticing his hair was not in it's usual ponytail, he inwardly chuckled at how similar his brother looked similar to himself.
Stepping in, Iya stared at the snickering neko demon for a moment before turning his attention to his brother. He moved forward towards his elder brother's side wordlessly as he observed the clan lords starting to realize he had entered the room. Their expressions all changed from one of amusement to anger in a flash.
In low, dangerous growl, Takeshi grit out "Half breed, this is a private meeting. You are to leave, unless you wish to be taught your place."
"The Lord of the South's place is at this meeting, Clan Lord Takeshi." Iya answered blandly.
"Your brother merely toys with you half breed. You are no lord." the neko retorted tightly.
Not even flinching at the harshness of the neko lord, the hanyou smoothly replied "I was chosen by the Lord of the West to be your new lord."
Grinding his teeth together and glaring hotly at the dog demon that stood in silence, the neko broke the tension and snarled out "We alone shall choose our lord! Besides, only one from the Southern Lands can rule them!"
"Incorrect." Sesshomaru spoke up. "The Western Lands conquered your lands, thus it is up to this Sesshomaru to decide whom shall rule these lands. An heir to the West is the perfect ruler."
"THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!" Takeshi roared. Hands fisted tightly till the point his claws dug into his palms and drew blood, the neko lord angrily shouted "You mock us Lord Sesshomaru! We cannot accept a ruler whom is not only from our own lands, but further more is nothing but a mongrel whelp that should not exist!"
Staring into hazel eyes of the neko clan lord with his amber eyes, the demon lord started to respond but was cut off by his brother.
"Clan Lord Takeshi, I ask that you do not show such disrespect to our ally. Lord Sesshomaru is the Lord of the Western Lands. It is customary to show a lord respect, is it not?"
"YOU DO NOT COMMAND ME!" Takeshi spat.
"Perhaps I do not make myself clear." Iya stated in a stern tone. "I am the new Southern Lord of these lands. You will do as I command and know your place, clan lord."
Those words seemed to break the last restraint of the neko demon. He suddenly fell to his haunches and grabbed his sword up and darted straight for the hanyou. The sheath of his weapon was discarded instantly and blade flew up and was poised to strike down the enemy of it's master.
Iya evaded the whistling blade by simply flashing away. Again and again, he leapt backwards away from the wild swings of his foe. At times, he would duck under the sword, others he would just vanish in a flash.
"DRAW YOUR BLADE AND FIGHT ME HALF BREED!"
Coming to stop several yards away from the crazed neko demon, the dog hanyou smoothly replied "There is no need."
"DO NOT MOCK ME!" Takeshi roared while charging his foe.
Muddy brown eyes hardened at the oncoming neko demon. In little motion, he lifted his right hand up with his index and middle fingers held out with the remainders curled up. Flashing out from the tips of his two fingers was a light blue laser energy whip.
With little effort, the hanyou shot his whip forward and sliced straight through the right shoulder of the neko lord. Bone and all were severed and dropped to the ground, effectively ending the assault of the demon as he sat on his knees screaming in pain and held his left hand over the wound. Blood poured from the cut off limb and stained the stone floor crimson.
Dismissing his whip and moving back towards the group of stunned demons, Iya came to an abrupt stop and turned towards the wailing neko lord.
"You and your clan are hereby stripped of the rights to be on the council of clans. Guards, assist him in leaving the Southern Keep." the hanyou coldly stated.
A pair of Western Lands' guards that had been ever present in the doorway of the room advanced forward and helped the wailing demon to his feet. Gently, they carried him out of the room, leaving only the sound of his pained cries coming from the hallway.
"I will make this simple and short as possible." Iya said as he moved back to the side of his elder brother. All eyes shifted to him instantly. "Over three weeks ago, the former Lord of the Southern Lands, Aikamaru, was defeated in battle and thus ending his reign of tyranny."
Eyeing each demon in the room, the hanyou pushed onwards and said "I have now inherited his vacant throne. You may hate me, resent me, despise me, or any other such things, but let me be absolutely clear on one issue."
"You will respect me." he sternly stated. "I am the Lord of the Southern Lands, like it or not, but it is the truth and how things will be from hence forth."
"My first and foremost important goal is to rebuild these lands. There will be many changes that will need to take place for this to happen, and many I am sure all of you will not wish to cooperate with."
Pausing for a moment as he scanned the crowd of clan lords, he soon said "To fully restore these lands to proper order, I require your aid. I ask not that you like me, nor do I command it. The only thing I ask of is your respect."
"Today, I make my first command as Southern Lord. All of you will be asked to return to your respective clans for a three month furlough. In that time span, you will tell your respective clans what will happen now that the war is over. You will tell them that I am your new Southern Lord and that together, we will rebuild and surpass the former glory of these lands."
Taking another moment to let all he had said sink in, Iya slowly added "There will be something you must decide on while at your clans homelands. You must decide whether to return or not in three months time. For some, the choice will be easy, while others not."
"There are three options to what you decide. First, you may choose to return and serve under me when the three months are over. Your second choice is to select a new clan lord that will return and serve under me. Lastly, should you and your clan choose not to serve, then your clan shall have all of it's rights within the clan council stripped away."
"Make no mistake, there will be no exceptions to this rule. I have little patience in this matter and have no time to play politics with any of you. We must start reconstruction on these lands as soon as possible. Once I am formally instated as the Lord of the South at my coronation in three months, we will begin the work."
"That is all. You are dismissed."
That said, the dog hanyou turned on his heels and moved to the shoji door. Sliding it open, he left with his elder brother trailing after him.
The only sound heard in the hallway was that of the two brothers' boots striking the cold stone floors.
"Impressive. Such strong, decisive words and actions."
"Naturally you would be impressed." Iya muttered with irritation dripping from his voice. "You selected me for this job, so I figured it's only fair that I do it properly."
"Do not forget, it was you that accepted it, brother." Sesshomaru remarked as his lips twitched into a smirk.
Letting out a grunt, he mumbled in his mind "HowcouldIeverforget."
000
000
"Sesshomaru, you wanted to see me?" Iya asked. He stood just inside a doorway of the room his elder brother had procured for his own office.
"Hn."
Taking the one word acknowledgement as an invitation to approach, the dog hanyou neared his brother that was sitting on a cushion. Before the dog demon was a low table filled with documents that he was signing with a calligraphy brush.
The dog demon silently placed the brush aside and stood up. He regarded his sibling for a few moments before turning away and facing the window that gave a clear view of the darkened night sky. The only sound in the room was the rustling sound his clothing made.
"Iya, this Sesshomaru assumes you understand these lands will need much work to make a complete restoration?"
Nodding his head mutely, the hanyou approached his brother's back a few feet. Stopping, he spoke up and said "Yes, I have. I have a few ideas that will assist in their rebuilding process, that is if you want them. You have a long process ahead of you to get these lands back to ..."
"This Sesshomaru shall not be restoring these lands."
"What?" the hanyou asked in confusion. Choosing his words carefully, he coolly said "I don't understand what you're saying. The Southern Lands are yours. It is for you to ..."
"No." the demon lord retorted in a declarative tone. "These lands will not belong to this Sesshomaru soon enough. They are to be returned to the new Southern Lord."
"A new lord?"
"Hn."
"So, that means you will be selecting one of the clan lords from the South?"
"No."
Brow furrowing, the hanyou asked "No? What do you mean no? A new lord must be either succeeded by their heir or selected to lead by the clan lords. Aikamaru had no heir, so that leaves the fifteen clan lords to choose from."
"They have no say in this matter. This Sesshomaru has already selected the new lord."
"Already?"
"Hn."
"Who is it? Or is that a secret privy only to you?" the black haired hanyou smartly asked.
Turning to face his brother once more, the dog demon's lips twitched slightly into a brief smile before he coolly said "You."
"Come again?"
"You are the new Southern Lord, Iya."
Stunned silence engulfed the hanyou's mind for several moments before he shook his head and let out a heavy sigh. "That's not funny."
He received no response, prompting him to look into his older brother's amber eyes. Muddy brown met amber for a few brief seconds before the dog hanyou turned away and took several steps to the nearby wall. Smashing his fist into the stone that made up the materials of the wall, he grunted out "No."
"No? You turn down this Sesshomaru's offer?"
"Sesshomaru, be reasonable." Iya ground out as he kept his back to his brother. Smashing his fist into the wall again, he added "I cannot be the Southern Lord."
"Why not?"
Snapping around to face his brother with an irate look in his features, the dog hanyou growled out "The clan lords would never allow such a thing to happen!"
"They have no say. This is this Sesshomaru's decision alone."
"And why is that?"
"The Western Lands possess the Southern Lands momentarily. They are but subjects to this Sesshomaru, thus they will not be able to object. The clan lords lost the right to select their own lord the moment they joined in with Aikamaru's folly war. This Sesshomaru now must make certain that something like that does not happen again."
"You're going to incite another war by making me Lord of the South!" Iya adamantly argued. "I don't want to see these lands fall into a civil war over something that has to do with me."
Eyeing his brother for just a brief moment, the dog demon replied "You will not allow it to happen, this Sesshomaru knows that much."
"Why won't you listen to reason! Making me lord will only make things unbearable for the people of these lands. They would never willingly follow after me. I have no doubt they'd lynch me before they would ever obey me."
"Iya."
Meeting his brother's gaze, the hanyou inwardly gasped when he saw nothing but honestly within his brother's eyes. They shone true and told him much more than words alone could.
Looking away, Iya shook his head and softly said "Sesshomaru, what you ask of me is impossible. I'm nothing more than a half demon. That is why they will never accept me."
"Tell this Sesshomaru, if not you then whom would you choose to lead?"
Racking his brain over the names of demons he met since he had woke up from his battle with the former Lord of the South, the hanyou ran through the list. None truly stuck out to him as a possible lord that could take care of the Southern Lands, lest a similar situation arise once more like the last war.
"There are none, is there, brother?"
Saying nothing, the dog hanyou walked over to the window that shown the night sky and placed his hand on the glass for a moment. He at last whispered "None."
"Then why refuse this Sesshomaru's offer?"
"You know why..."
Hearing a few footsteps approach him from behind, Iya heard his brother stop a few feet behind him. The next words he heard forced him to spin around and look at his brother in surprise.
"I believe in you."
Seeing his younger brother's surprise, the dog demon coolly said "You may think just because you are a half demon that you do not deserve this, but you are wrong. Father raised you as a true heir, gave you an education, and taught you all that you need to know about being a true demon lord. With that said, I can think of no one better than you to become the new Lord of the Southern Lands, Iya."
"Sesshomaru..." Iya whispered in astonishment. Becoming quiet for a minute, he finally got up the nerve to ask "Do you truly mean that?"
"I would never lie to you about something so important, brother. You will make a splendid Southern Lord. It is you, and you alone, that can heal these lands and help bring understanding to them. You will bridge the gap that these lands attempted to destroy between humans and demons, and it is you that will bring true peace to these lands. Bring the peace to these lands that I know not only yearns in your heart but in those around you. After all, you know better than anyone the plight that half demons suffer through, thus you should be able to make things better so that no others have to suffer for."
The words of his brother reflected within Iya's heart for several moments. Closing his eyes, he slowly processed through them and realized that all he had been told was true. "...BringthepeacetotheselandsthatIknownotonlyyearnsinyourheartbutinthosearoundyou."
"I'vealwaysdesiredpeace.SinceIwasachild,Iyearnedforittolastforever.PeaceendedformeatsuchayoungagewhenIharmedKaia.IfoundsomeasIgrewolderthroughmyfriends,buteventhenitfadedaway.ItseemedtoreturnwhenIfoundInuyashaandIzayoiallthoseyearsago,andagainwhenNarikoandIbecamefriends.Butitwasalwaystemporary..."
"EvenaftermeetingupwithIchigo,Istillfelttheheavyburdeninmyheart.Lillyhashelpedremovemuchofit,yetsomeremains.Ionlywantthosearoundmetobeabletoliveinpeaceandtoknowthefeelingofit.Toknowthereisnothingtoworryaboutduethattheyareprotectedandwillnotsufferfromanyone.Tobeabletoprotectthoseimportanttoyou.ThatpeaceiswhatI'vestrivedfor.NowitiswithinmygraspandhereIamhesitating.IcanbringtheSouthernLandsapeacethattheyhaveneverhad.ButcanIdothat?"
Inwardly, a mental image of his smiling mate nodded her head at him. She stared at him with love and devotion pouring out in her eyes and seemingly telling him that she believed in him.
Eyes opening gradually to reveal determined muddy brown eyes, Iya smiled at his brother for a moment before saying "I accept, Sesshomaru."
000
000
"Thatwasafewdaysago.I'llneverforgethiswords."
"Sesshomaru, tell me, do you think any will return once their time is up?"
Nothing but the sounds of two demon lords' boots clicking on the floor could be heard for several long moments. At long last, the dog demon broke the silence.
"This Sesshomaru knows several will return. They will not give up their power so easily. However, this Sesshomaru wonders if you regret getting rid of the neko clan lord."
Slightly grinning at his brother's statement, Iya shook his head, saying "I don't. The nekos are far too proud to serve under me. Takeshi would have found a way to make things very difficult for the restoration of the Southern Lands."
Eyes sliding over to his brother, the dog demon replied "The nekos are the largest clan."
"I know that." the hanyou irritably remarked. "I wish I could have kept them involved, but everything within me tells me that they would not willingly accept my rule."
Waving off his brother, he added in a light tone "Besides, their numbers were severely depleted during the war. I highly doubt they could do much for several years, which gives the remaining loyal clans time to come up with something. For now, the nekos are too focused on rebuilding their numbers and homes."
A comfortable silence engulfed the pair for nearly a minute before Iya asked "When do you plan on leaving for the West?"
"Two weeks. This Sesshomaru must set the Western Lands back in order."
Nodding his head, the dog hanyou became solemn only to be woken from that by his brother asking "You intend on retrieving your mate soon, do you not?"
Sighing heavily and looking down at the floor, the hanyou contemplated his words for several moments before he replied "I do, however, it's obvious I cannot do it myself. I have an idea on how to do it though. And there is the issue of my belongings back at the Western Stronghold. I need to fetch them at some point and time."
"They will be sent to you."
"Oh, you're going to pack them yourself?" the hanyou cheekily asked.
Giving his brother a glare, the dog demon smartly retorted "Jaken will."
000
000
"Why is this so difficult!" Orihime whined.
The bobcat mage was sitting cross legged on a stump and had an abnormal deep scowl etched into her features. In her lap sat her zanpakutō with her hands wrapped tightly around the pommel.
Next to the bobcat demoness sat Ichigo in a similar pose with his own zanpakutō. Instead of a scowl on his face, he seemed at peace for once and had his eyes closed. Letting out a small sigh, his eyes fluttered open to look over at his mate's annoyed features. Inwardly, he couldn't help but find her looking cute with his trademark scowl on her face.
"Orihime, it'll take time. Materializing your spirit isn't easy. Learning to bring out Zangetsu took a lot of time and effort, but in the end, it did work out and I was able to advance my Bankai training."
Standing up and moving over to beside his mate, the quarter bobcat added "Give it time. I know you want to get stronger and learn Bankai, but it's not as simple as it sounds. Normally it takes fifty years or so to learn it, plus a few more just to be able to use it within battle."
"But you learned it so quickly." the demoness retorted in a sour tone.
Rubbing the back of his head and letting out a sigh, the quarter demon said "I am probably the exception to the rule. I don't even know how I learned it so quickly either."
"Your burning desire to stop Kenshin for what he did to Rukia is what drove it."
Turning to find the owner of the voice belonged to his long time partner, Ichigo scowled at the dog hanyou and mouthed "Not helping."
"Sorry to interrupt you two." Iya apologized. Smiling at the pair, he added "I'm surprised you are trying to attain Bankai already, Orihime. I thought you had just received your zanpakutō only eight or nine years ago."
"I did but I want to get stronger. I've already pretty well mastered Shikai so I'm ready to move on to attaining my Bankai." the mage replied with a touch of kindness in her voice.
"It's important to you to be able to protect those around you, isn't it?" the dog hanyou softly questioned.
Earning himself a glare from the quarter demon, the hanyou inwardly chuckled at his partner's expense. He then noted that the orange haired young man appeared to be back to his usual self.
Curious, the hanyou asked "Experiencing any after effects of using your transformation?"
"Not really. My power feels the same. I haven't had much time to really try it out fully to make sure, but from what I can tell everything is alright." the quarter demon answered. "My hollow of course is bitching about the fact he lost all his powers due to the transformation I undertook but he'll get over it."
"What about Zangetsu?"
Pondering on his friend's question for a few moments, Ichigo slowly said "He's been rather quiet since my powers returned to me. I think he's feeling guilty for teaching me the Final Getsuga Tenshō. He did what he had to do to ensure I would be strong enough to take on any and all enemies, so I don't blame him for any of the mess that came afterwards. If it wasn't for him, I'd have died in that battle against Sephiroth."
"I'm just glad you're alright." Orihime commented warmly as she scooted closer to him and suddenly wrapped her arms around the quarter demon's right arm and rubbed against his shoulder with her face.
"As am I." the hanyou added in. "You had me worried for a moment when I sensed your powers rise up to the point that I could no longer feel them."
A hushed silence fell over the three for a moment until Iya broke it. "I came to talk to you two about something important."
"Oh, what now?" Ichigo asked in an annoyed tone.
Receiving no answer, the quarter demon peeled his mate off of his arm and stood up. He moved to within five feet of his partner and folded his arms over his chest and scowled at the silent hanyou. He immediately sensed his mate move back to his side.
"I'm guessing you haven't heard the news yet, have you?" the hanyou asked.
Watching the two look at one another for a moment and before shrugging to each other was all the dog hanyou needed to confirm his suspicion. "I was made the new Southern Lord."
Both bobcats mutely nodded for a moment, only to look at him like he had grown a second head all of a sudden.
"Wait, you're the new Southern Lord!" Ichigo questioned in shock.
Nodding with a smile on his face, Iya replied "Yeah, I am."
"But how? I thought only the Southern Lands' clan lords could only choose their own lord for these lands..." Orihime stated with uncertainty ringing in her voice.
Chuckling at her confusion, the hanyou remarked "Normally you'd be right. However, due that it was the Western Lands that conquered the Southern Lands, Sesshomaru set things up so that he had choice of the new lord. He spoke to me about it and after a bit of reasoning, got me to accept my new role."
"So you willingly took the job?" the quarter demon questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah..." Iya grumbled. "I really didn't want to, but he had a point. Only I can lead these lands and help them try and become a set of lands that are truly at peace once more."
Both bobcats seemed to simply nod as they digested the dog hanyou's words. Noting that, he smiled slightly and rubbed the back of his head.
"There is more..."
"Oh? What, did big bad brother make you Lord of the Western Lands while he was at it?" the quarter demon teased.
"Not quite that." Iya commented in a clipped tone. "Sesshomaru is very adamant that I choose at least one or more bodyguards for protecting not only myself, but Lilly too."
Inhaling deeply for a moment, he added "I would like to ask both of you to be our bodyguards."
"What?" the quarter demon asked in surprise. Rubbing the back of his head, he said "The two of you are pretty strong, so I don't quite get it. Neither of you should need a bodyguard at all. Hell, a person would be stupid to attack either of you for that matter."
Nodding his head, the hanyou remarked "That's true, however, it's not up for debate thanks to my brother... He won't take no for an answer, and when he says something like this, he can make it very unbearable if you don't comply."
"In other words, if you don't do as he asks he'll make life a living hell?" Ichigo smartly commented.
"Indeed." the hanyou remarked. Shifting nervously for a moment, he slowly asked "I guess the question is, would you two do the job?"
"Us?" the quarter bobcat quipped in surprise. "I thought you were joking."
Shaking his head and slightly sighing, the dog hanyou ran his clawed fingers through his hair as he searched for the words that he had prepared for this occasion. "No, I'm not. I can't think of anyone else I would rather have our backs. It's not out of ease or availability, but the fact that I trust both of you with our lives and wellbeing."
"And before you ask, this isn't a full-time, around the clock job. It's mostly for public events and trips out of the Southern Keep. While at the keep, you won't need to stick with us all the time, unless you want to. That's your call. Aside from that, you would be well paid and taken care of for however long I am Lord of the Southern Lands."
Brow furrowing at the declaration of the hanyou, Orihime softly asked "I'm assuming you want me to stick with Lilly?"
Smiling at the perception of her friend and responding in a calm tone, Iya replied "Yeah. Lilly most likely won't need any protection, however, I'd rather not chance things either with all the unknowns here in the Southern Lands."
"Besides that, I know Lilly could use a partner to help her train with her Kidō. You're quite experienced with it from what I've heard. The two of you worked together in preparation for these final battles, so you know one another's styles and just how strong each other are. Those things alone helped in my decision on asking you to protect her as a bodyguard."
Turning to his partner, the hanyou added "And you Ichigo, you know me rather well. You know when I'm being careless and when I should be more guarded. Aside from that, you'd make one hell of a sparring partner for me. I'll need to keep up my strength if I hope to have any chance of ruling these lands for very long."
The two bobcats remained silent for a few moments, each seemingly absorbing the words of their friend. After about a minute, Ichigo spoke up, saying "I don't know about this."
"What else do you have to do? And I'm being serious." Iya questioned.
"I still need to complete my training to master my mask."
Rolling his eyes at the quarter demon, the hanyou remarked "From what I've heard and seen, you seem to have done just that already. True, your mask only lasts thirty minutes, but that should be more than enough time, right?"
Throwing a sour look at the hanyou, the orange haired man retorted "No. I need to get stronger and be able to hold my mask form longer."
"Ichigo, you'll get there if you stay and train with me. To increase that time, you need to just fight with someone, right? Then why not stay and spar with me? Over time, your strength will increase to the point you'll have your mask on as long as you like probably." the hanyou argued.
"It's just..."
Feeling a hand land on his shoulder, the quarter demon noted it belonged to his friend. A look of confidence and determination was flashing over the hanyou's face, as if he was saying he believed in the quarter demon.
Finding himself unable to come up with any other excuses, a defeated Ichigo muttered "Alright, you got me, I have nothing holding me back really."
"As I thought." Iya smugly stated. Glancing over at the bobcat demoness, he asked "What about you, Orihime?"
"Well..." the mage began, "I actually want to finish my Kidō training. I'm nearly done, but there is still some stuff for me to learn from my master. Hachigen promised to complete it, so until I am done with it, I'm not sure I'd really be able to be Lilly's bodyguard."
"Hmm..." the hanyou murmured as he placed his hand in his chin. A few moments went by before he asked "Would it be possible to have him stay here? I know he is one of the group that Neliel sent out to help us and he's actually here."
Shrugging, the bobcat replied "I'm not sure. He has a lot of responsibilities..."
"We could ask. And if not, we could work something out I'm sure. His master, Tessai Tsukabishi, may come help train you as a favor. He owes Sesshomaru one at the very least." Iya slyly commented.
"Perhaps. If we could work something out, I'd be more than willing to stay." Orihime truthfully answered the hanyou.
"Good." the hanyou shortly remarked. "Aside from being Lilly's bodyguard, I have no doubts that your talents would be more than welcomed here. You are probably the finest healer that is available within these lands."
Blushing a bit at the comment, the mage started to reply but was cut off by her mate.
"Are you sure this will be alright? I mean, I'm a quarter demon and you're asking me to be your bodyguard in a set of lands that is controlled by demons."
"Correction, a half demon controls these lands now." Iya quipped with a grin.
"Whatever. I guess if you don't care, then I'll go with it." Ichigo grunted.
"Good." the hanyou said as he clapped his hands. "In that case, I have a favor to ask you two."
000
000
"Not even a day into the job and that bastard already has us doing his whims." Ichigo grumbled.
Rolling her eyes at her mate, Orihime retorted "He can't very well leave these lands to go get Lilly, now can he."
"No, but to send us on an errand that is so easy someone else could do it is overkill."
"He's just being cautious. Not to mention he knows you and I won't blab what is going on in the Southern Lands to her until he talks with her." the demoness admonished.
"Whatever." the quarter demon grunted.
Continuing to run along through the forest that stretched across the Southern Lands, the pair of bobcats fell into a comfortable silence. The sun was still climbing into the sky from its morning position, leaving them plenty of daylight to travel by.
Finding someone blocking their path up ahead, the pair slowed to a walk and soon to a complete stop. Staring at him, they saw that the person was a neko demon with a deep scowl etched into his features.
The demon had wild red hair that spiked out much like the quarter demon's own orange hair, pointed ears, a skin tone between pale and tanned, and a decently built body. His eyes were a gray color and slit. The clothing he wore was not that of nobility, but appeared to be that of a soldier. His top was black with a white undershirt and had ragged sleeves. It had a mixture of cuts in it where he had visibly been in battle previously. Similar cuts were within his pants and some dried blood rested in the seams of the cuts, along with several rough edges on the tips of the pants. On his feet were tabi socks and thin sandals.
Resting in his hands was a katana that had a green braided hilt, a golden colored rectangular guard that had several chips in it, and a scratched up blade. The weapon seemed to have experienced many battles and survived somehow.
"Harlot, how dare you travel with that human trash?" the man gruffly asked.
Stepping forward and placing himself between the neko and his mate protectively, Ichigo coolly said "I don't know who you are and I don't care. If you insult my mate ever again, I won't hesitate to drop you like a bad habit."
"Shut up trash. A lowly piece of garbage like you has no right to talk to me like that."
"Listen, I don't give a damn who you are. You're in my way. Step aside." the quarter demon impatiently stated.
The demon sharply growled out "I will take great pleasure in gutting you. Once I am done with you, that whore is next."
The neko demon never had a chance to say anything else as Ichigo was suddenly upon him. The quarter demon drew his weapon so fast that the red haired neko didn't even see the white cloth covering the blade come off of the weapon. He barely even had time to parry the quarter demon's cleaver blade and felt himself being pushed backwards by the intensity of his foe.
"I gave you the courtesy of not ending this in an instant. Now apologize to Orihime!" the quarter demon demanded, adding emphasis on apologize by grinding his blade even harder into his opponent's.
Hearing his weapon creaking from the strain, the neko demon felt sweat drops sliding down the sides of his face as he struggled to hold back the massive weapon of his adversary.
"I will not apologize to a whore. She has given in and obviously rutted with human trash, thus she should ..."
A fist in the demon's face effectively silenced him and sent him flipping backwards. He scrambled to his feet and slid backwards as he cradled his face. Removing his hand, he found blood covering it that was leaking from his forehead and down his face.
"Bastard, you should be lucky I held back. I'll beat the hell out of you if you don't apologize."
Scoffing at the words, the demon muttered "This is what happens when trash takes over these lands. I will rectify it. Once I dispatch the two of you, I will send that half breed that dares to call himself lord off to Hell to join you."
"The Southern Lord won't be going anywhere anytime soon." Ichigo smoothly stated. "Last chance to give up and apologize to my mate. I'll let your threat slide against the Southern Lord, but not my mate."
"You expect me to apologize to a whore? Trash like you should know better than to ..."
Interrupting, the quarter demon muttered "Didn't think you would, you bastard. Release your zanpakutō so we can finish this."
Enraged by the demeanor of the orange haired man, the demon snarled out "I will kill you! No piece of garbage tells me what to do!"
"Do it or I'll end this now. I prefer to do so when my opponent is capable of defending him or herself, so hurry up."
Tightening his grip for a moment on the hilt of his weapon, the demon calmed himself and let out a light chuckle. "Fine, I'll give you a glimpse of my true power. Skewer Kōka-kotsu!"
Coating itself in a golden glow, the katana within the neko's hand began its transformation. The blade shortened to the length of three feet with it take more of the form of a club. At the same time, the blade's edge extended out so that it was now a foot wide and looked like a massive paddle. Holes formed near the end of the weapon and several rigid spines grow up on the back side of the weapon. The hilt's wrap changed into a tattered white wrap that had two ends that hung loosely from the end of the pummel.
"This is the end for you, trash. Farewell!" the neko stated as he charged forward with all the speed he could muster. He extended his body forward and pushed the weapon straight ahead with the intent to bore straight through the quarter demon.
Unaffected by the incoming attacker's weapon, Ichigo emotionlessly drew Zangetsu up and turned the broad side towards the attacking blade. Holding the weapon's hilt by his left hand, he braced it with his right arm in a vertical position for support on the backside of the sword.
A loud clang rang throughout the forest when the two weapons collided. Sparks rained down unto the ground and the unmistakable sound of steel grinding filled the air of the area.
"Impossible... Kōka-kotsu should have cut through your pathetic weapon..." a speechless neko murmured lowly. His eyes were wide with shock while his body trembled as he continued to grind his weapon up against the cleaver blade of the quarter demon.
A rough shove sent the red haired neko skidding backwards. He tried to make himself stop but found it quite difficult. At last doing so, he noted that the quarter demon was missing.
"Getsuga ..."
The demon immediately turned his attention skywards to find the quarter demon with his zanpakutō raised up over his head and the pommel double gripped. He was facing downwards towards the neko, giving him the look of floating in mid-air.
"... Tenshō!"
With a thunderous downward swing of his sword, Ichigo shot his trademark light blue crescent moon shaped attack hurtling towards the demon. The blinding light blue light reflected in his eyes as the attack neared him and seemed perfectly aimed to kill him. It struck the ground with unheralded ferocity and left a small explosion in its wake.
Dust clearing, it soon became visible the attack had landed only a few inches in front of the neko demon and cut a deep groove into the land. The neko's breath was bated as he realized he lived.
"I didn't kill you for a reason." a voice declared not far away from the neko. Turning, he saw the quarter demon standing several yards away with his cleaver blade resting on his right shoulder and back to him. "There was no way I would openly murder you in front of my mate. She is appalled at killing those that do not need it. True, you are guilty of threatening the Southern Lord and what you said to my mate, however, I showed mercy."
Turning to face the demon with firm eyes, Ichigo added "But if I ever see your face again, don't think I'll go so easy on you. So long as I'm the Southern Lord's bodyguard, you'll never reach him. If you show your face in his courts, I won't hesitate to cut you down."
Returning his weapon to his back that prompted the white wrapped pommel to reattach the cloth around his weapon, he added "Now go home."
Meanings for certain words:
Kōka-kotsu = Hardened Bone
Thanks everyone for reading the chapter. Now, if you could do me a kind favor and review to let me know what you think of the chapter, I'd appreciate it. Till next time!
