Hello, another week and another chapter. Not much to say this chapter other than this one is the final chapter of this arc, well semi-final, after this the battle is over and it moves on to the cleaning up. But still this is a good thing, so be aware of that, constant fighting is only nice until it becomes repetitive.
Now this chapter is all action, so enjoy. Now reviews are at the bottom so enjoy.
Transcendence
Chapter 37: Face your Demons
Royal Quarter
Chromie let out a curse, she had gotten careless, her arm was now useless and that would translate badly for her when she changes form. Looking down at the broken limb, the forearm bent and twisted at a bad angle, the pain was negligible, but the problems it would cause for combat only made it a hindrance right now.
'He is not giving me much chance to change, always attacking,' Chromie thought, looking at the Dreadlord who leaped forward and fired a volley of Shadow Bolts.
Chromie groaned as she leaped back, ethereal bronze wings aiding in her glide, but the volley was a distraction for the Dreadlord to fly after her and attempt to sink his claws into the Dragon in disguise. He swiped at her, his large claws drawing close on many occasions, but her wings and magically heightened senses gave her an advantage on that.
'Never though that my precognition would be something I'd miss so much,' Chromie thought, ducking under a claw and allowing herself to fall towards the ground.
Her fight against Abraxus was beginning to become annoying, she was unable to use her magic against him because it was purely temporal in nature. Considering he was out of time that would be the equivalent of using a wooden arrow to bring down a castle. Her only option was to use something that was spatial in nature, a natural object or herself to hurt him, sadly as a Gnome that was difficult and really she didn't have anything on her to do the job.
As her feet touched the ground she glanced up, finding the demon dropping down towards her, his hoof moving for her head and ready to crush her entirely. Altering her flow in time she quickly evaded, gaining some distance from the demon and returning time to its natural flow, one small mercy is that he was still bound by the natural flow of time. It was now or never, she was hurt and she did not like her chances against him without her powers.
But again she was forced to halt her change; a yell of irritation escaped her throat as she raised her hand and cancelled out the attack, removing it from time. But when she did so she found the Dreadlord missing, he was nowhere in sight, only when she heard a shattering crash behind her did she realize where he had disappeared to.
As she turned she saw a claw coming down for her head, and quickly she leaped back and out of its path, but as she evaded she noticed something below her. Glancing down she saw a spear, a simple wooden stick really with a long pointed steel tip, and it was pointing right at her. She did not have time to react or counter as she was run through the shoulder.
A cry of pain escaped her lips, eyes widened as she glanced at the spear that had pierced right through her flesh and muscles, her entire left arm became numb. To further add injury she was swung around and into a pillar, the spear piercing the stone and keeping her hung from it. Chromie grimaced and tried to fight through the pain, both arms failed to rise and she was unable to do anything other than fight against the agony.
"Now wretched worm, it is time we end this little game," Abraxus said, raising his claw and bathing it in fel energy.
Chromie could do nothing but stare on ahead, this was not how it was meant to happen, she had never seen into the future and perceived her own demise. In fact none have really known when they were to die, but she was certain that she would have gone on to live past this point. After all she had spoken with a future version of herself before departing, but she had offered little in terms of aid mainly because she had not experienced what she had.
Yet it seems that version of hers would cease to exist now, death was most certainly going to claim her. But to know that death was right around the corner was terrifying, she may never have known when death would come or how, she was certain of her fate being secured for many centuries to come.
'Is this what it feels like to be mortal?' Chromie mused, a passing thought on how horrible it must be for mortals to never know what their destiny was like and the events leading to your death. To be so uncertain as to what would happen, that was a nightmare, how could they not lose their sanity over this?
"Good riddance," Abraxus growled, closing his fist and hitching back to drive it through the gnome's skull.
"My Lord Abraxus!"
The Dreadlord halted his execution, turning to the bloody Wrathguard who skulked into the ruined hall and kneeled before him.
"What is it?" Abraxus demanded, releasing hold of the spear and skulking away from the Bronze Dragon and to the demon.
"The enemy had breached the square, they assault the palace as we speak," the Wrathguard said, before he was hoisted up and his entire head ensnared by Abraxus' claw.
"How! How is it that they have breached my defenses?" The Dreadlord roared, his fist shaking with the demon still in his grip.
"The Ancients… they have turned on us…" the Wrathguard said, before his skull exploded with fel fire.
This was an affront Abraxus could not tolerate, he had victory assured, he had this entire city under his control and its corrupted denizens at his heels. But now his army was all but broken, his enslaved Ancients have turned on him, and now what remains of his army fends off against the invaders. All of it happening because of a force less than a thousand entering this city and undermining all he has accomplished.
"Damn them!" Abraxus roared, releasing a wave of fire around him.
He could not have this, to be sent back to the Nether with nothing to show for it, he would be a failure in the eyes of his kin after such a magnificent blunder. He would be disgraced, utterly so, and that damn woman would have further motivation to belittle and degrade him. Worse yet, he may even be killed for this failure, something he had to avoid at all costs.
"I will not be sent back! I will hold this city and kill them all!" Abraxus roared, and the first one to die will be that Dragon.
He whirled on her, his eyes a green fire in an ocean of blackness, but his rage intensified when he found the first victim of his anger to have fled. The spear was no longer present and the one upon it was also gone, and with a deafening bellow he screamed to the heavens above.
Chromie heard the cry from a distance, but she paid it no mind, instead she focused looking through the timeline.
She perceived the future and how it would unfold; the Sentinels would defeat the demons easily enough with the aid of the Warsong and Ancients. It will be a costly affair for them, but when they claim the foyer they will marshal their entire force and be gone with the last of the demons. While she could not perceive the Dreadlord she was certain that he could be defeated with the right number of forces. Once that was done the Sentinels will take the city and with the aid of the Ancients hold it.
After that she will be found and taken in to be healed, they will ask who she is and how she came to be here and she will answer them and then return to the Caverns of Time. Yet that was several hours away sadly, her wound would be causing her some issues for the time being, but with the Elves help she can be up in seven hours and forty two minutes.
A little longer than she would like, but they would not find her until the battle is done, so there is no helping it really.
"Not the worst thing really, but at least I will survive, but this is going to be an issue for a while," Chromie thought, and with that she leaned back and let her consciousness slip away, content in knowing that she would survive this.
"We are nearly through, keep pushing!" Morgosh yelled.
Ichigo glanced across the hall, finding the Orc upon a fallen column aiming his axe across the chamber and towards a large door. Between it and the one pointing was a horde of demons, all of them defending the inner sanctum that lead directly to their master.
"Does that guy have to keep shouting?" Ichigo asked, swinging Zangetsu around and into the side of a Wrathguard.
"He does it to keep morale up," Tervosh replied, raising his hand and blowing away a Felhound with a blast of arcane energy.
Ichigo glanced over at the Orc and those fighting around him, by the looks of it they seemed to be enjoying themselves, if they got anymore encouragement they may start killing each other just for the hell of it. Never before in his life did Ichigo think he would come across a group that reminded him so much of the Eleventh Division, and had people in it that were so much like Kenpachi.
'Kind of horrifying really,' Ichigo mused.
Ducking under the swipe of another Wrathguard he turned and blocked its second attack, locking blades with the demon's he struggled against it. Pushing up the demon's weapon Ichigo kneed it in the gut, as it lurched forward he struck, turning out of the deadlock the substitute moved to the side and raised Zangetsu above his head. With a quick swing he severed the demon's head, along with its arms, cleanly he might add.
"Morale is one thing but we can't keep fighting like this!" Ichigo yelled, turning to see that the demons just kept coming in from every direction.
Out of the walls and even the ceiling, falling through the shattered roof and into the chamber, even from the doorway they came some appeared. They had to fight their way here, and every inch of ground they took was still being fought for, he could actually see beyond the door and into the large court and stairs. There were warriors still fighting on it, demons slamming into their flanks and trying to regain the parts taken.
"Agreed!" Shandris called, Ichigo glanced up to see her atop a pillar, it was propped up against another fallen piece of debris and gave a good elevated position. "We only need to kill their leader, with him dead they will move to escape rather than fight!"
Ichigo swung wide and through the chest of a Wrathguard, a howl escaped its throat as it stumbled back from the wound, and quickly stepped forward to spear the demon through the heart before it could recover. As it fell to its knees the substitute kicked the demon off his blade and turned to the door, it was at the end of the long wide hallway, and protected by a good number of demons.
Most of their forces were still outside the palace they had breached, but with how bad the battle was going they may actually start to lose ground. The only thing they could do was clear a path towards the Dreadlord and try to reach him, but resistance here was heavy, even more heavy than on the Highway it seemed. Shandris was right, elite troops, these guys were definitely the demon general's best, and because of that progress was slow compared to before.
The sun had not risen yet, but the lights of the moon have faded from sight and leaving much of the world in darkness. The only light was the fel green pyres that sat between the many columns holding up the remains of the shattered roof. They were so close to reaching their target; all they needed to do was push forward and take him out.
"Got any ideas how to get to him then?" Caren called out, summoning up several balls of fire and individually shooting them off at any demon within range.
"Yeah, I got one!" Ichigo yelled, turning to the door that was about fifty meters from his position. "I will hit it with a Getsuga! But I need a clear shot!"
Shandris nodded her head and gave a whistle, it did not take long for Ichigo to see what happened next, he watched as the Sentinels quickly scaled the walls and any high ground they could. Many climbed to broken out perches in the walls or columns, some even hanging from vines that fell from what remained of the ceiling. Instantly Ichigo knew what they were planning to do, they were going to be covering him as he moved in.
"Go, get ahead of our troops and do it!" Shandris called, pulling back on an arrow and aiming forward, her action was mirrored by the two dozen or so sentinels that hung from the walls.
Ichigo nodded and ran, Zangetsu drawn back and sliding along the floor, he rushed past demons and warriors alike as he moved towards the door. Demons moved on him from every direction, but none reached him, just as they were close enough to strike they would fall, littered with arrows. He leaped over the fallen, and those who were in the process of doing so, and with each passing second he grew further from his allies defending line.
"Getsuga…" Ichigo chanted, his blade being bathed in a brilliant blue glow.
Leaping over the next demon he saw ahead only demons and other foul monsters from the Nether, the path was clear for him to swing. With that thought in mind his power surged, the wave of force from his blade shot out and expanded into a wave of pure energy. As he fell towards the ground he raised Zangetsu high and with both hands swung it forward.
"Tenshou!"
The pressure of his attack expanded, sending out a wide burst of spiritual energy towards the demonic horde, everything ahead of the substitute was bathed in light. A resounding boom was heard as the wave dissipated, revealing a massive explosion and wave travelling back towards him, Ichigo shielded his eyes and stood firm against the shockwave.
He looked on at the destruction, smiling slightly at the smoldering bodies of many demons that had been caught in his attack. However, to his greater satisfaction, the wall had been breached, revealing a narrow corridor leading towards another chamber. But he noticed something just visible from the end of this chamber, a single figure with batwings standing upon a raised platform.
"Got you," Ichigo smirked.
Ichigo took off, charging towards the hall, planning on ending this fight once and for all. As soon as he entered the chamber, a long hall with columns along each wall, he was attacked, a halberd slicing in from the corner as he passed through the door. Leaning back he slid under the attack, turning he found a hulking yellowish Felguard, it raised its weapon and attempted to crush the substitute.
"You think more guards are going to keep you alive?" Ichigo yelled, rolling to the side and evading the strike, before he leapt to his feet and swung at the demon.
The top of the demon's chest and head split open, Zangetsu cleaving through them both, and as it fell Ichigo turned to the platform where the Dreadlord stood. The raised stage was surrounded by twelve pillars that held up a fractured mosaic dome, while a large throne was located in its center, like where the King would be seated while in court. But that line of thought quickly passed as Ichigo found five more Felguard in his path.
"Come on!" Ichigo yelled, charging towards the nearest demon and weaving past its sword.
As Ichigo evaded the stab he slashed into the yellow skinned demon's back, and as it cried out he turned to another. Swinging Zangetsu around he knocked aside an axe and then with another swing he lopped off an arm, forcing the demon to drop his weapon and grasp at the stump. Running forward Ichigo leaped onto the kneeling demon's shoulder and jumped at his next opponent, impaling him through the chest.
"I should have known you would come here,"
Ichigo did not dignify the Dreadlord a response, instead pulling his blade free and defending himself against the next demon to attack him. Strafing to the side he leaped back and away, making the demon stumble forward, before stepping back in and driving the tip of his blade through the side of the Felguard.
"It all started with you, my loss of respect and power within the Nether, when you first appeared rumors circulated of you," Abraxus said, watching the substitute fight his guards.
Ichigo ducked under the axe of one and then stepped to the side as the second one tried to skewer him with his spear, and then had to leap back as the axe tried to lop his head off. But Ichigo quickly went on the offensive, stepping in Ichigo spun around the spear as it was thrust towards him, swinging Zangetsu down and into the Felguard's chest.
As it staggered on the spot Ichigo released his hold on Zangetsu and turned toward the spear, grabbing it before it fell from the demon's hand and raising it above his head, just in time to catch the axe. Ichigo dropped to a knee and gritted his teeth, these guys were tough and their muscles were definitely not the result of steroids. With a quick and powerful shove he pushed the axe off the spear, dropping the weapon he had, and rolling between the demon's legs to get behind him.
"I sent dozens after you, to capture you but they kept dying and many began to question my leadership and rank among the Legion," Abraxus said, narrowing his eyes at the substitute that reached for something on the ground.
The Felguard glanced down surprised before he turned and tried to face the substitute, only to be shocked when an axe slammed into his chest, curtesy from the substitute. When the demon fell back Ichigo released the weapon, still buried in the Felguard's torso, and then leaped over the demon, avoiding a sword strike. Rolling in front of the last demon, he grasped the handle for his Zanpakuto and ripped it free and then turned to the wounded demon, its arm still missing.
"They laughed, I could hear it constantly, my own men were mocking me, mocking me for their failure and incompetence," Abraxus growled, a hiss or hate escaping through his clenched fangs.
As the demon charged and swung at the substitute, who leaned out of the path of the blade as he circled him, Ichigo swung low and tore through the demon's calf, dropping him to a knee. Now behind the demon he rammed Zangetsu through his chest, piercing his heart and ending the demon's life instantly, and with a quick tug ripped the blade free.
"Then she came, that vile whore! Came to take my men from me, and use them for her own means to rise through the ranks! While I was left to scrounge and grovel before her and all my own soldiers, those who thought themselves to be my betters!" Abraxus yelled, glaring at the substitute. "It all started with you!"
"Are you done bitching yet?" Ichigo asked, shouldering Zangetsu and taking in a deep breath, running a thumb over his forehead and clearing away some sweat.
With a roar Abraxus gathered a ball of flame and tossed it at the substitute, who leapt aside and rolled to a knee. Ichigo shot up, running to the stage's stairs and scaling them quickly, and when he was close, he raised Zangetsu and swung at the Dreadlord. Abraxus raised his bracer and took the strike, the Fel-Iron bracers held against the blade, and glared at the substitute before he drew back his clawed hand to strike.
"Dammit, why did he have to run in there," Shandris hissed, shooting another demon that tried to get to the top column she was upon.
Despite Ichigo killed the majority of the demons between them and the door they were beset by more of the foul beasts. Even with their large numbers and their momentum they had lost their advancing might and were now stuck fighting a slowly ebbing battle against the demons.
"We are cut off!" Pained called out, adding an even more dire condition to their already bleak position. "The demons have cut us off from those in the square; they are being pushed back down the stairs and to the Plaza."
Shandris turned and looked at the entrance, she could barely see through the doorway, but the demons had cut them off from their forces and appeared to be pushing them back. She looked around the room to see they barely had seventy warriors present, many of whom were wounded and tired, this was a bad situation for them.
"If we stay here, we will all die!" Tervosh called out, freezing a demon in ice before shattering it with another spell.
"Retreat is not an option, we need to deal with the Dreadlord," Pained called out, cleaving through a Wrathguard's neck and torso.
"Agreed!"
Morgosh appeared on the scene in a spectacular fashion, one that Shandris assumed he was waiting for, he cleaved through a demon's head and used its body as a platform to stand on.
"I will lead a small force in, but I will need support!" Morgosh yelled, ripping his axe free from the Felguard's body. "I can have fifteen men go in, but I will need more than that to end that demon quickly."
Shandris agreed, a Dreadlord was a tricky and cunning creature, to fight it with few soldiers was only asking for a crushing defeat. They would need to have at least thirty in there to deal with it, and that included soldiers and magic users to try and counter its spells.
"Pained, take care of the defense here! Quintis, Tervosh, with me!" Shandris yelled. "Yeyura, your squad to me!"
Within a few minutes they were gathered and moving towards the hall, ready to take on the Dreadlord, while Morgosh gave a snort and then a yell. Swinging his axe over his head and getting his warrior's attention, quickly enough he got the numbers he needed and chased after her.
But they were not the only ones to move in, Adelina and Caren shared a glance with one another, both nodded their heads and with a final spell they disengaged from combat. Ichigo was in danger and they would be damned before they let him get hurt.
Ducking under the claw swing Ichigo strafed to the left and attempted to slash through the demon's waist, but the armor it wore resisted his blade's edge. But there was more to it, strange runes appeared along the armor where he cut, it would seem it was some sort of shield spell. Leaping back Ichigo avoided the claws, but was forced to contend with flames, sent in the wake of the swing.
Raising Zangetsu vertically Ichigo took the strike and was sent hurtling back, colliding with a pillar and making the already fragile stone crack. Glancing up Ichigo rolled to the side, avoiding a shadowbolt that shattered the pillar, and charged back in.
"It is always you, always you," Abraxus growled, slashing at Ichigo and forcing the substitute to block. "In the Nether you ruined my image, but when I came here I had a chance to prove my worth, and then you can back."
Ichigo didn't respond to the insane monologue this guy was spouting off about, instead he slashed the claw aside and swung as hard as he could. His Zanpakuto hit the demon right on the shoulder, the glowing runes appeared once more, but a noticeable crack in the aura was seen, he had pierced the magical defense.
But when a claw wrapped around his head he was lifted up and tossed aside, thrown away from the Dreadlord who let out an aggravated roar. Rolling onto his stomach Ichigo shook off the dizziness and the whiplash, and glanced at the demon, finding that he had left a nice little crack on the shoulder of his pauldron. Good, if he can cut through that shield than this won't be hard at all.
"You think you can defeat me?" Abraxus growled, gesturing around him to the pillar and dome above. "I have implanted Lethtendris' Webs all across this chamber; here I am at my greatest."
Ichigo did look around and his eyes landed on that strange purple substance that was coating the pillars, he had noticed it before but didn't know what it was at first. Looks like it is some kind of amplifier for the Dreadlord's power, even so it didn't matter, Ichigo could still take this guy down.
"Yeah, not so great with that wound on your shoulder," Ichigo replied, smirking as he lifted himself up. "I mean come on, I fucked you over in the Nether and now I messed up all your plans here, you think a little shield is going to save you?"
This time the Dreadlord had no reply, instead releasing a wave of felfire, Ichigo seeing no choice quickly disappeared in a blur. He appeared near instantly at the edge of the platform, stumbling slightly before he used it again to appear by the demon's side. Zangetsu was swung around and right at the demon's back, yet the target was intercepted, Abraxus turned quickly and was able to halt the strike with his bracer.
"You look worried now, what's the matter? Scared that I can get behind you and cut through your shield?" Ichigo mocked the Dreadlord, a crooked smirk on his face as he tried to press down harder.
"Taunting, that is all you can do to me, your blade will not touch my flesh or draw my blood," Abraxus growled, before he began to push the substitute back. "But I am certain that your resolve will shake when you start seeing the futility of your actions."
"I'm not scared, there are a lot of people counting on me to bring you down," Ichigo growled, finding some traction and holding his ground against the demon's push. "I will beat you and make sure no one else dies here."
His blade glowed as he charged it up with his spiritual energy, the shield around the Dreadlord flared in defense, and with a shove he pushed out the Getsuga Tensho. Abraxus was thrown back, his body enveloped by the spiritual wave, slamming through his throne and then through one of the stands pillars. Ichigo planted the tip of his sword in the ground and watched as the demon picked himself up and stepped back onto the stage, his body singed from the attack.
'Surprised he held up that much,' Ichigo thought, but still if he was hurt that meant the shield was gone.
"See? Now that your shield is gone I can cut you, and with one of those pillars destroyed that means you are weaker right?" Ichigo asked, smirking he lifted his Zanpakuto and pointed it at the demon. "Meaning you will be all the easier to beat."
"Bold words, very bold words," Abraxus said, smiling widely and baring his fangs. "But I wonder if that same resolve will remain when the people you came to save start dying in droves."
Ichigo did not understand at first what he meant; they were not anywhere near here and should be still fighting against the demons in the hall. But when he heard the many thundering footfalls behind him he knew that not to be the case, he whirled on his feet to see Shandris and a group of Sentinels charging into the chamber.
"What are they…?" Ichigo murmured, not understanding why they would come here, he could handle this.
But more than that there were others as well, Morgosh and some of his warriors rushed in as well. They couldn't have cleared the hall already, and there likely was still fighting below in the main plaza in front of the building, so why did they come here?
"I can taste your fear," Abraxus said, skulking forward and raising his clawed hand, burning shadows formed within his palm. "You care about all of them; every life down there is yours to save is it not? Now you can watch them die."
He swung his arm wide, releasing the shadowy flame that expanded and shot across the entire chamber. The blackness seeped into the stone walls, and forming patterns along the surface, soon swirling masses appeared and filled the air with chaotic energies.
"You think taking the Felvine from me let you win!" Abraxus yelled. "I will crush you and these Ancients, and use my own power to do it!"
From these breaches appeared demons, charging out wildly and moving for the closest enemy in their path. Ichigo turned and watched in shock as the demons converged on the Sentinels and Warsong warriors, they had walked into an ambush.
"No, you planned this, you prepared for us getting here!" Ichigo yelled, turning to the Dreadlord, who only smirked as he attacked the substitute.
Ichigo leaped to the side, avoided the beam of felfire and charged the demon, drawing close he swung Zangetsu up and again it was blocked by the bracer. Ichigo pushed hard, trying to dig into the surprisingly resilient metal, but was the one forced back by the demon.
"I wanted to kill you myself, they would only get in my way, and besides," Abraxus said, releasing a wave of fire and darkness at the substitute. "It will be ever the more sweet seeing you break down in tears when they all die!"
Ichigo raised Zangetsu and took the strike, struggling to maintain his ground against the wave of carrion birds and fire. With a swipe of his blade the flames were pushed aside, but the attack that came next Ichigo could do nothing against, in front of him appeared the Dreadlord with his claws drawn back. Stepping back he watched as the black talons tore into the chestplate, four long gouges appeared along the armor, and Ichigo was uncertain if he penetrated or not.
'Shit, did he get stronger all of a sudden?' Ichigo thought, stumbling back and bringing Zangetsu to his front to hold back the wild swings the demon was sending at him.
But when the strikes halted Ichigo heard the clash of steel, glancing past his blade he saw someone had attacked the demon, a Warsong warrior had charged up and helped. But the Orc proved to be no match against the demon, his sword was easily batted aside and then the Dreadlord slashed through his armor.
As the Orc fell to the ground with a shout Ichigo attacked, stepping forward and slashing at the Dreadlord, but like many times before his blade was halted against the demons bracer. Abraxus pushed the substitute aside and then raised his arm, blocking another attacker that came up just beside Ichigo.
"What are you doing?" Ichigo yelled at the Orc, who did not respond but tried to attack again, only to be blown back by a burst of felfire.
"Is that fear in your voice Human," Abraxus inquired, releasing a burst of fire off the platform and into the fighting warriors nearby.
Ichigo watched as a Sentinel was caught in the blast and thrown back, her skin burnt, yet she met her end when three demons beset her fallen form and skewered her with their blades and spear. The substitute's eyes widened before he turned back to the demon lord and charged him, using Shunpo to get in close and slash hard. Abraxus was slow to bring up his bracer, and suffered a minor strike to his shoulder, had his shield not buffered the blow along with his bracer to push the weapon back he would have likely been wounded.
"You are fighting me! So don't get distracted with everyone else!" Ichigo yelled, pulling his blade back and swinging it wide and towards the Dreadlord's neck.
Abraxus blocked the strike and stabbed his claw right for the substitute's head, who evaded the strike by leaning to the side, drawing Zangetsu back he swings for the midriff. The barrier protecting the Dreadlord did little to halt the edge of his Zanpakuto, but the armor did a better job at keeping the demon in two pieces. A gasp of pain escaped the demons throat as about three inches of the blade had cut right into his stomach.
"You think that you can break me, guess again!" Ichigo yelled, ripping his blade free and making the demon stumble and let out a pained cry. "I fought through that nightmare in the Nether, and all the pain it filled me with, I have watched friends and family get hurt because I was powerless!"
Ichigo swung wildly at the demon, who feebly tried to defend himself against the Shinigami's onslaught, and noticed that his barrier began to break apart again along with his bracers. With a two handed swing Ichigo dropped his Zanpakuto right on top of the demon's head, who kneeled under the strike and used both his bracers to hold back the blade.
"Even if I am somehow bound to a physical body, and I don't have all my strength or power, I will not allow anyone else under my protection to get hurt!" Ichigo yelled, raising his boot and kicking the demon onto his back.
With Abraxus prostrated on the ground Ichigo aimed the tip of his blade to the demon's neck, his sword slowly piercing through his barrier, and glared down at him.
"I am tired of being weak, and I won't allow you to bring me low again, I will get stronger and make sure no one else dies," Ichigo said, pressing his blade down harder, and watching as the demon's pale flesh was pressed down by the tip of his sword.
But then he noticed the smirk on the demon's face, he narrowed his eyes, he would have yelled and demanded what was so funny before he heard a swish behind him. Turning his eyes widened, because behind him were two large eyes on two large heads, along with about a dozen more sprouting from tentacles from the strange dog monsters back.
"What the hell is…?" Ichigo breathed out, before the air in his lungs was evacuated from the beast slamming its paw into him.
Ichigo was thrown back, slamming into a pillar and halting his flight, he fell to the ground with a thud and felt his entire body quake in agony. He didn't know if a rib was broken, or all of them, but all he felt through his chest was pain. Glaring up at the demon he found himself looking at some purple scaled creature with two monstrous one eyed heads.
"How low do you feel now boy? Now you can watch as this creature kills everyone," Abraxus said, rubbing his neck and wiping away the black blood. "Immol'thar, kill them all!"
The demon turned its heads towards the Dreadlord, giving a growl to its master, and then it vanished with a flash of light. It reappeared instantly in the open courtyard, attacking the nearest person, a poor Sentinel was caught in its teeth and violently shaken like dog toy. Ichigo did not hear her scream, he hoped that it was quick, but even so he could not help but watch as her mangled body was tossed aside, barely holding together.
'No, I have to stop it!' Ichigo thought, pushing himself to his feet, the pain that ran through his chest did not abate, but the tightness of the armor really wasn't helping.
He heard a pained cry and then a tearing sound, he risked a glance to see an Orc being taken in the teeth by both heads, violently ripped in half and devoured. The thing was killing everyone, and with the demons down there in numbers it would be impossible for them to fight against it.
"Dammit," Ichigo hissed, taking a few steps forward before taking off in a jog, he fought against the pain and tried to move for the demon dog.
"Where do you think you are going?" Abraxus said, skulking in front of the substitute and cutting off his attempt to depart. "I told you: I will make you watch as they all die."
"Get out of my way," Ichigo growled, ignoring the battle cry's below he raised Zangetsu with one hand and aimed it at the Dreadlord.
"Make me child," Abraxus said, smirking at the boy who thought he could harm him in his sorry state.
Ichigo charged the demon and tried to strike him, but Abraxus easily stepped past the swing and delivered a backhand to the substitute's face. He stumbled to the side, his jaw aching from the hit, but he shook it off and turned to swing again, but like the time before it was evaded and countered. A fist connected to his chest, and this time Ichigo let out a cry of pain, stumbling back and clutching at his chest trying to breathe.
"It appears you have several broken bones, likely bleeding internally as well," Abraxus said, smirking down at his adversary. "Humans are such fragile creatures, so easily broken."
Another fist connected with the substitutes jaw, sending him down to a knee, blood flew from his mouth and his vision swam as if it was behind a murky lens. Looking up Ichigo regarded the Dreadlord, the bastard was smirking like he had won this entire thing, he glared at the demon with all the hate he could muster.
"I think it would be better if you groveled in the presence of the dying, it will make your last few moments all the more entertaining," Abraxus said, drawing back his claw and bathing it in dark energies.
With a hard swipe he struck Ichigo in the chest and sent him flying from the stand and into the plaza where the Warsong and Sentinels were fighting tooth and nail to survive. Ichigo rolled along the ground and came to a stop, flat on his back and pain going through his entire being. His armor was a mess and he had been fucked up more than he had even been before, worse yet, he was damn tired and didn't know if he could go on.
"Keep that demon distracted! We need to take care of the Felguard!" Someone yelled, it was familiar but he couldn't figure out who it was exactly.
"It is too powerful, we need support now!" Another cried out, female this time, but when she screamed Ichigo knew that she was dead, the sickening munch only reinforced that face.
But all he could do was stare up at the sky, fighting just to sit up and move, it took him nearly a minute to push himself up just to look back towards the stage. Finding the demon there, fighting several people, Ichigo knew that they didn't stand a chance against him, he would kill them easily.
Yet despite the burning pain in his chest his heart froze when he saw one of the people there fighting, the familiar light purple hair and green attire singling her out amongst her Night Elven kin. Adelina was aiding two Warsong warriors and a Sentinel against the Dreadlord, and loosing horribly, she would be killed.
"No, Adelina… get out of there!" Ichigo tried to call out, scurrying to his feet despite his body trying to make him stop.
As he stood up and tried to move he was stopped, a wave of darkness sprouting up beneath him and wrapping around his body. He was pulled to his knees and immobilized, unable to move and break free from the strange spell that seemed to appear from nowhere.
"I told you boy, you will watch them all die!" Abraxus cried, slashing through the throat of an Orc and then setting the other on fire.
"Adelina, run!" Ichigo yelled, struggling against his bindings, through the pain and desperation he knew he needed to get out.
But she did not pay his words head, instead continued to face off against the Dreadlord that slowly advanced on her, the strange barrier around him resisting her spells. Ichigo fought as hard as he was able to try and get out of the bindings, even slowly leaking his spiritual power to try and force the bindings to break. He didn't need control; he just needed his power to be released enough so that it overwhelmed the bindings and made them shatter.
"Ichigo," Tervosh called, rushing to the substitutes side, examining the bindings quickly. "Hold a moment, I think I can remove them."
"Don't worry about me! Save Adelina!" Ichigo yelled, looking to see the Sentinel get thrown aside by the Dreadlord, leaving Adelina as the only person left facing him.
His dread reached new heights as the monster loomed over her, claw drawn back and striking, only by chance it seemed that Adelina ducked out of the way and distanced herself. But there was no way she would be able to hold out against that demon alone, she was going to die if he didn't reach her.
Ichigo struggled all the more fiercely, wisps of spiritual energy escaped from his body, bathing his skin in a pale blue light. He had fought too hard to let anyone else die, always charging into the fight to make sure that they did not have to risk their lives. He came here to save them all, to stop this fighting so no one else had to die, so they could go back to their loved ones.
How many had died here now that could have been saved if he didn't hold back, if he had fought harder to defeat his enemies? Every life that was lost here now was because he wasn't strong enough, like so many times before when people suffered it was because of weakness. Against Yammy, Grimmjow, Ulquoirra, Nnoitra and Aizen, every single one of them hurt people he cared about and always he was too weak to stop it.
Often being saved at the opportune time, someone coming in to help him in the fights he couldn't handle, he was sick of it. How was he meant to use this power of his when it meant nothing if he still required others to save him and those he cared about? He had no delusions he could save everyone, but when the time mattered and they needed him why couldn't he do it?
Again another burst of spiritual energy escaped from him.
"Ichigo, stop this, I can't do anything if you keep releasing this power!" Tervosh yelled, feeling the wild spiritual energies wash over him.
But now he was here with an enemy he needed to defeat to protect everyone, and like many times before he had been reduced to needing the aid of others. But there was a difference; there was no one else that could help him protect everyone, no one to swoop in to save them all. He was the only one that could do it, the only person powerful enough to face the Dreadlord head on and defeat him and he was stuck in these chains.
'I won't struggle anymore, I won't keep relying on others when people need me!'
Another burst of spiritual force shot out from Ichigo, the dark coils around him began to wither and break apart, but he would not end this here. He was through playing it safe and holding back because of the risks.
A scream made his eyes rise up to the stage, finding the Adelina suspended above the ground, the demon's claw wrapped around her throat. He had failed many people before, they got hurt, but he would be damned before he let anyone touch her. He would kill Abraxus, he would make him pay for touching her, the bastard deserved to die for all the pain he had caused!
The cloth around his Zanpakuto slowly moved up and around his arm, subconsciously responding to its wielders intentions. A wave of spiritual force and energy exploded from the substitute, shattering the bindings and forcing Tervosh back, throwing the mage aside.
"Bankai!"
That one word was the instrument that ended all fighting, for when it was spoken a wave of pressure descended upon everyone's shoulders for miles around. A brilliant pillar of light and energy shot up into the sky and consumed the substitute where he kneeled.
Within the city all eyes turned to the north, watching in the early dawn as the skies were lit up by a brilliant blue light and a strange overwhelming pressure descended upon them and weighted on their hearts and bodies. But it was those that stood within a few meters of the display that stood motionless, demon, Orc and Kaldorei halted in their fighting to watch as this pillar of spiritual energy dissipated.
A cloud of dust and flickering specs of spiritual energy flowed around the area of eruption, blocking all view of the individual that had caused the outburst of power. But even so a weight remained upon them, something that made their breathing that slightly harder and the armor on their bodies to be just that little bit heavier.
'What is this?' Abraxus thought, his dark eyes glaring at the cloud as he felt the waves of spiritual energy expand from it.
The power he was feeling was saturating the area around him, he could feel it washing over his form and actually pressing down on his very soul. It made no sense, how could that Human boy release such power from within himself, it should be impossible. Nothing short of an Ancient could do such a thing, and there was no possible way he was one of those animal gods in disguise.
"Ichigo…" Adelina wheezed, struggling to free herself from the demon's grip.
Abraxus would have snapped her neck then and there until a wave of force shot out of the cloud, dispersing it and revealing the one within. His eyes widened slightly, it would seem that there was more to this than just a simple release of power, but a transformation of sorts.
The once dented and battered armor now seemed to be sleeker and fitting him much more tightly, as if it had somehow molded to his body. The silver now shone in the moonlight and the gold trims glistened alongside it, the damage and scratches that once marred its appearance were gone. But more so were the strange modifications that seemed to have appeared upon the armor.
His pauldrons now appeared to have several rows of plates moving down his exposed arm, nearly reaching his elbow. While attached to his belt were four long series of plates that hung from his hips, back and groin, while the latter was a small plate in front the others stretched down to his ankles. The design was almost reminiscent of an open front battle skirt.
But it was his blade that had changed in the most noticeable of ways, the cleaver that was once as large as its wielder now had shrunk into an almost fragile looking sword. The weapon had become a straight narrow blade, black as a moonless night with no other color aside from the red lining beneath the wrappings of the handle. With a crossguard, shaped in a symbol of unknown origin, but in truth the entire blade had an appearance that none could determine.
"What is this?" Abraxus growled, glaring at the substitute that stood tall, a strange ripple in the air around him that affirmed the power that saturated the chamber was his own. "Why are you not groveling in the dirt like a wounded animal?"
Ichigo gave no response; instead he only glared at the demon, the pressure upon everyone's shoulder subtly increased with this release. Few noticed, but those in tuned could feel this change easily enough, even the demons around them felt it. Creatures of arcane and demonic energies they may be, but they are spiritual manifestations as well, and what they felt from the young substitute made them cautious.
"You think to scare me with this? I will show you fear as you are torn to pieces!" Abraxus yelled, raising his free claw and swiping it to the side. "Immol'thar, kill that boy!"
A flash of light was the only warning given to the demons sudden appearance behind the substitute, who remained rigid and unmoving as the Void Hound raised its paw to crush him. Ichigo turned and glanced at the demon, making no move to fight or evade the strike, and watched as the massive claw fell towards him, easily big enough to crush his entire body.
Ichigo raised Tensa Zangetsu up, his blade held in a reverse grip, and prepared to block the strike. When the paw struck the edge of the blade the substitute did not move, the ground at his feet crack and shattered under his boots but he remained firm and unmoving. Only glaring up at the demon who seemed to be frozen, its two heads appearing to be confused as to why the squishy Human under its paw was not dead.
But the sight alone sent a wave of shock and awe through all who witnessed the impossible feat of strength, stopping a three ton demonic hound with one arm. None were spared from the wave of surprise, for even Abraxus watched on in shock, the sheer ludicrousness of the sight forced back words of denial and demands for how.
"That all you got?" Ichigo asked, calling out while still glaring at the demonic hound.
With a flick of his blade he pushed aside the demon's claw, Immol'thar stumbling slightly as its limb was cast aside, and looked down at the substitute. Then he swung his blade up quickly and hard, his target the demonic head to his left, and the effect was instantaneous. When he Zanpakuto was above his head the demon's own split open from jaw to crown, a fountain of blood erupted from the split open dome.
A cry of shock passed through everyone, the sight of the demon so easily wounded and painfully so made it clear how much had changed, but their cries were overshadowed by the second head screaming in agony for its lost brother. As it wailed and thrashed around, the split head of the first head now handing there like a diced potato, Ichigo turned towards the Dreadlord, levelling his gaze on the demon.
'This is impossible, how did he become this powerful?' Abraxus thought.
He had been strong enough to challenge him even with Lethtendris' Webs, all that magical energy and the boy still was able to face him, and only through the Void Hound had he gained the upper hand. But now he had grown so strong that a casual slash of his sword split apart one of its heads, as well as strength to hold the demon back, how was he meant to fight against something that powerful?
His eyes travelled to the Elf in his clutch, with a single twitch he could break her neck, if this was the girl he shouted for she would be his only chance of escaping.
"Do not move Human!" Abraxus roared, lifting Adelina up and glaring at the substitute. "If you take one step towards me, I will kill…"
He never finished, for the boy had vanished before his very eyes, all he saw was a black blur move towards him and then nothing. But then he felt a sudden loss of weight in his hand, when he inspected it he found that not only had his captive been taken, but his arm up to his elbow had been severed.
The realization that he had lost a limb quickly caught up to the Dreadlord and a roar of pain escaped his lips as he clutched at what remained of his arm. He turned only slightly to see that the Human was now at the end of the stage, in his hands was the Elven girl, and his arm having been discarded a few feet away.
"You alright?" Ichigo asked, looking down at Adelina, who took in deep breaths and was rubbing her throat.
"Yes… thank you…" Adelina said, coughing slightly as she tried to take in as many breaths as possible through her bruised throat.
"Stay down, I'll end this quickly," Ichigo replied, standing back up and turning to the demon, his glare returning full force.
The demon turned and reached for a pillar, grasping the vein-like material upon the stones and taking it into his hand. His form began to glow subtly as he harnessed the raw power of the Web and the arcane energies they had absorbed.
"What are you?" Abraxus demanded, raising his claw and releasing a blast of fel energy.
But Ichigo swung his Zanpakuto forward and dispersed the strike easily, the green and violet flames blown apart and flickering into nothing but embers. Then he stepped forward, flickering out of sight and appearing before the Dreadlord, swinging his blade up and through the demon's chest. Black blood sprayed out of the wound and through the air, as a pained cry accompanied the dark crimson.
"Damn you! You filthy little mongrel!" Abraxus roared, but had to step back and raise his arm to block a strike from the blade.
The Web should generate a powerful enough aura that it will protect him, even if his strength was increased it meant nothing, only power could breach an arcane barrier of significant strength. But he was shocked when the ethereal barrier over his arm shattered, his armored bracer the only thing saving him from losing another limb.
"Impossible…" Abraxus growled, leaping away from the substitute and trying to attack again but as he moved the substitute followed.
"Why are you running?" Ichigo asked, walking towards the Dreadlord.
Abraxus did not reply but instead released a wave of Carrion Fire towards Ichigo, hoping to engulf him in it, but as it drew close the wave dispersed, a force shooting through it.
"Are you possibly afraid?" Ichigo asked, making the Dreadlord turn to see the substitute had gotten behind him.
Abraxus let out a cry of pain as one of his wings was severed by the blade strike, along with the deep gauge that dug through his armor and into his back as well. Stumbling forward Abraxus growled out before he turned quickly and swung his glowing claw around at the substitute. But Ichigo blocked the strike casually with his sword, flicking it over his head before swinging at the demon's neck.
Abraxus leaned back and tried to evade, his neck had not been cut, but one of his horns had been severed. Yet that was the last time he would be saved from the edge of Tensa Zangetsu, for it swung down again and cleaved through the demon's calf, dropping him to a knee. Before the demon could even scream he was slammed in the chest by the substitutes boot, sending him flying back, his armor shattered and blood flying from his mouth.
Abraxus rolled to the end of the stage, his breathing was ragged and wheezing, likely one of his lungs had collapsed, and possibly what ribs had not been cut apart or broken had lodged itself into it. He could only prop himself up enough to glare at the substitute, who casually walked towards the demon, the black blade aimed out to the side and pointed towards the ground.
"I told you I would not let anyone else die, when this fight ends between us, this whole war ends," Ichigo said.
"Yes, and I intend to win it!" Abraxus yelled. "Immol'thar!"
The demon appeared with a flash and roar, its only remaining head moving to clamp down on the substitute. Ichigo turned to the demon and its wide open maw, ready to devour him whole, and when its jaws snapped shut where he stood did the Dreadlord think himself victorious.
"Don't get your hopes us," Ichigo called out.
Then the demonic hounds head flopped to the ground, its neck cleanly cut through, the muscle and fat beneath its thick scaly skin perfectly diced and leaving a flat wound. The head rolled forward and away from the motionless body, that quaked for but a few seconds before slamming into the ground with a heavy thud.
"No… No…" Abraxus growled, glaring at the ground, before propping himself up against a pillar. "I cannot be denied… I was meant to take this world… to prove I am the greater…"
Ichigo stood in front of the rambling demon, glaring down at him with all the hate he could muster, there had been few times when he had hated someone like this. Maybe it was because of the pain this particular guy had put him through, maybe it was the sheer evil of him, or maybe the sadistic nature of how he treated his comrades made him want to kill the bastard.
Whatever way he saw it, be it hate or some form of necessity, this bastard needed to die right here, right now.
"Sorry to tell you, but that ain't gonna happen," Ichigo replied, raising Tensa Zangetsu and bathing the blade in dark energy. "Getsuga…"
Abraxus growled, reaching up and grasping another strand of web from the column and aiming at the substitute.
"Tenshou,"
A wave of dark spiritual energy slammed into the demon, his form taken in by the darkness and utterly consumed, no scream was heard or could be heard over the explosion of force that obliterated the column and chamber wall. As the spiritual wave dissipated, it left only a deep crevice in the ground, revealing the mountain slope that the structure was built into. Nothing remained of the demon aside from smoking pieces of metal that may have been its armor.
A series of roars drew his attention, he turned to the demons on the ground floor and saw them hollering, screaming in their native tongue before running. The creatures retreating, escaping through the exit, they had lost their leader and to a being that easily dwarfed them all in power. They saw no chance, even in the distance he could hear the sound of fighting dying in the wind, the demons had broken rank and seem to be giving up.
His senses fanned out further, he could sense the dark evil that they were, he could feel them running from here. A smile came to his lips, it looked like he was successful, with the Dreadlord's death the demons had no leaders left and wished only now to survive. It was their victory, they had defeated the demons with so few and against insurmountable odds. It was something to celebrate, but as Ichigo slowly walked down the steps, he found himself concerned.
Many eyes fell upon the substitute, looking in with mixed reactions, most of shock and awe, while others had a much darker gleam in their eyes, suspicioun being the only one he could see. The Sentinels seemed to be the only ones who did not hold any negativity towards him, but the Warsong, he could see their warriors all looking at him with expressions that only catered towards one kind of individual, an enemy.
'Great, just what I need,' Ichigo thought, having to deal with this, and likely whatever other problems that arose from it.
But his concerns for what this may bring had to come later, for he felt himself stagger in his step, his hand went to his head as a wave of nausea hit him. Looking ahead he found his world spinning, but this wasn't some kind of dizzy spell, more than that because he felt his muscles getting stiff and aches through his body.
"Ichigo," Shandris called, moving through her warriors and towards the substitute, but he did not reply. "What happened? How did you do this?"
"My… Bankai…" Ichigo replied, his words strained and were hard to leave his throat, every bone in his body ached and more than that he felt like he was suffocating.
"What's wrong, you don't…" Shandris said, touching his shoulder, but quickly stepping back as a wave of darkness washed over him and faded away.
The cosmetic alterations to his armor disappeared, returning to their normal form, and even his new blade reforming into its larger form. Before she could ask what happened he fell forward, collapsing to the ground in a heap, a cough escaping from his mouth and a bout of blood. He shook slightly, letting out pained moans before he finally went still.
Shandris kneeled before him and checked him, looking him over quickly and finding that he still breathed. But from the amount of blood he had coughed up it had to mean he was suffering severe internal bleeding.
"Get me the rest of our healers!" Quintis called, turning to the Sentinels, and watching as three rushed out to find the aid they needed.
The druid rushed forward and kneeled next to the fallen substitute, running a glowing hand over his body.
"What happened to him?" Shandris inquired, looking down at his armor and knowing that without removing it they couldn't hope to determine what kind of damage he may have sustained.
"I am not certain," Quintis said, before he motioned to another group of Sentinels. "Help me with him, I will take him out of here, we cannot wait for help to arrive."
They moved quickly, forming a stretcher of discarded spears and tapestries, carrying the substitute out, trailing beside him were his closest friends. Shandris watched them leave, and while his life may be in the balance she could not help but go back to what had transpired only a few minutes ago. That sudden and chaotic release of power, she had never seen anything like that in the last ten thousand years.
'Bankai…' Shandris thought, that was what he had called it, he had even shouted it before the change.
Was it some kind of power of his, to enhance his abilities to levels beyond mortal comprehension? That had to be the case, the strength and speed he possessed surpassed anything she had seen before, stopping a demon several tons in weight and with its own monolithic strength, it was incredible. If this was his true power, there was nothing any mortal could possibly do to face him evenly on the field.
When she heard a loud stomp she turned, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the form of the bloody Warlord, Morgosh Braveheart. While her surprise was mostly the fact that he was present and had seen what she had, it slowly began to become annoyance when she realized what this could mean. He had witnessed Ichigo use abilities that he clearly should not have, and now that he had seen them he would reveal them, and that would not bode well for the substitute.
All she could do was give him a single glare, a warning not to press this issue, the fighting was over now, and while the enemy was defeated they still were rampant through the city. But once that changed he would be back demanding answers, and in the time she had till then she could think of something.
"There are still demons to take care of," Shandris said simply, glaring at the Orc to attempt to make an issue out of Ichigo.
"Yes, there are, and other things are well." Morgosh replied, surprisingly calm and levelled, before he turned and motioned his warriors to the exit. "Find those demons, I want them all dead."
A cry of affirmation went up for all the warriors, they rushed for the door, but as their leader moved with them he regarded the Sentinel-General and his malformed eye looked at her. A silent promise that he would figure out what she knew about Ichigo, and exactly what he was. With that final silent warning he left, leaving Shandris and her warriors to stand motionless for a while, the former momentarily lost in thought.
"Lady Shandris? What do you wish of us?" One of her warriors called, feeling awkward being so motionless.
But she did not reply, instead she stood her ground and thought for a moment on what she could do, what could be said and argued. What had been seen here would shake the mortal world, to know that someone like Ichigo existed would send ripples through the Alliance and Horde, and other forces. His power is something none have seen before, and that is dangerous, especially with who knew about it.
'What am I going to do now?' Shandris thought, knowing that this was only going to go downhill from here.
Reviews:
Daio Ine: Glad you like it, and I promise not to give up on this story, I really love it and want to see the end of it.
That fight is going to be a good one, but still I do hope to figure out the level of power Arthas has and hopefully the Chronicle Books reveal that as the other two come out. But from what is known Arthas gains the knowledge and skills from the souls of whoever he takes into the blade, that is dangerous. Also his armor is near impervious to harm and that blade is highly dangerous, whatever could happen is not going to be good.
Septon: While I did say that recent information reveals to me that the Primal Gods or Wild Gods are manifestations of Life and Nature and tied directly to the Primordial World. While Shinigami are more akin to Demi-God or powerful spirits, they could be considered Loa as mortals can ascend from death to a level of divinity but are not directly similar to Wild Gods. While Ichigo may gain some worshippers and followers, he cannot bestow power onto others, yet.
Clw123cat: He will learn to use Quincy abilities with time. But he possesses no Holy Power what so ever, Quincy while see themselves as warriors of the Light and goodness are not directly connected to the Holy Light of creation, their power is connected to Yhwach who in turn is from the Soul King. While this makes them connected to divinity they are not holy.
Earendil18: Sadly the Ogre's have been forced from the city and their culture there is lost, because of that there will be no King Ichigo this time.
Kragh50: That is the point, to add to the mystery, keep you thinking about it and be drawn back to the story. A good story does not reveal all the details at once, they slowly reveal them when they are needed. Also you get more fighting and Bankai.
As for him getting an Asauchi, not telling. :P
Impstar: You never know man, anything could happen.
The Unsung Hero: I know what you are talking about and yes there will be a time when that form will come out but before that there will be some cases where his Hollow takes over but not in that capacity. Remember that his Hollow taking over comes from one condition, Ichigo's consciousness is no longer present.
Fel Energy is magic that requires sacrifice of life to magic, basically anything sacrificed to it to fuel it. Also do not be too sure of that resistance, Fel magic is powerful as it is enticing, if his Hollow was tainted by it than he is in for a world of hurt with what that stuff can do. It can mutate and devolve a race, look at what it can do to Orcs and Blood Elves, and look what it did to the Draenei, turning some kin into Eredar and others into Broken. It doesn't always make you into a demon, sometimes it just makes you into something lower.
If his Hollow gets infected that means his own soul is infected as well, as his Hollow is a representation of his soul's power, meaning that Ichigo will likely be corrupted by the energies he is exposed to.
MSG1000: We shall see what she thinks when she returns to the Caverns of Time.
Reality Deviant: Yep, can't have Ichigo just a reckless angry kid who is too serious all the time, got to mess with him some more.
Krazyfanfiction1: Thank you, cannot wait to start posting some content on there. Will get a page set up soon for the forum and such.
Leapinglemur: Glad you liked the fight, and now you have seen Ichigo's fight with the demon, hope it lived up to your expectations.
Black Cross0: Hope that you liked it.
Cole: Yeah, but do not worry, he will eventually meet her and they will discuss things. Also he will meet and be with someone, who that will be I will not reveal just yet.
Blindluck92: Yep, he effed time big. But sadly he is not the one who placed that field around the Dreadlord, or himself for that matter, and yes, when magically wriggling your fingers does not work, stabbing them does.
Ah, you bring back so many good memories. "Look on the bright side of Life!"
Rizwan: And how is he meant to get a Zanpakuto? Make one? From what? How does he make it? Also did I say what he was getting? Will he get the Ashbringer? Sulfuron, Hand of Ragnaros? Thor'thidel, the Stars Fury? No, I didn't say he would get them. I said he would get weapons that would be useful for him, be it in the moment or later.
Also how is it unfair that he gets weapons that can aid him? Do you think it is only fair that he stays the same for several years and does not grow? To not find out about himself and his heritage? Also in United the Fleet cannot be given Zanpakuto because they are not fundamentally designed to be used by normal souls, especially if you had read the chapter 'Nature of the Shinigami' which details that Zanpakuto are made to be used by Shinigami because they possess a causeway to their souls that can be brought out through the Zanpakuto.
Meech Macho: Yep, Ichigo and Abraxus duked it out and in the end the substitute trashed him. Also glad you liked the small bit of comedy at the end of the last chapter, thought it was a nice touch.
KILENN: Thank you, and I am glad that you think this Ichigo is good, some have commented otherwise.
Mandalore the Freedom: Sorry to hear that my friend, I hope that things turn back in your favor and that you don't let these things drag you down into despair.
Also yes, Ichigo does have a way of bringing people to his side, even enemies and people he just met, that is his way.
Star: Glad you liked it, also search up on Fel Cannon's you will find the image of them easily enough. Also sorry to hear about the computer, sucks that you couldn't get a new one and play the awesome that is Warcraft.
Yeah, but sadly the Bronze are bound by the cords of Fate, meaning they need to ensure a specific event in the future. It is the reason they did not prevent so many calamities over the millennia, from the War of the Ancients, the First, Second and Third War, or even any other conflict after that, because they are bound to ensure time goes on a direct course. For example if they existed on Earth they would ensure the current world exited by allowing World War I and II to play out and any wars before and after.
That is their mentality, only ensure a specific event in the future takes place, nothing else matters than that.
Also I have read that, but dropped it when the story shifted away from the main cast, missed those guys, they were awesome.
Stuporman: Ichigo is nerfed because his human body is not from earth as you said. Also the reason that the Humans on Earth can use their abilities without much detrimental effect is because of the nature of their powers. Quincy use Blut to enhance their physical abilities, including limitations that would harm them using their powers. They quite literally strengthen their bodies and reinforce it through their blood so they don't damage themselves when they use their powers.
A Fullbringer's powers are based off Hollows, a Hollow's power comes from their masks that form over their faces. This is effectively wearing the power upon the body and binding it to them physically. Fullbringers replicate this as well, while they may not possess the same stamina they are reinforced because of the Hollow nature of their abilities that allow them to gain greater durability and endurance. Meaning that their powers, Hollow Powers, enhance their physical limitations based on how they channel that power. It is more than just them having powers, but how that power reinforces the body to allow it to function.
Deep down man there is more going on in the bodies of the spiritually aware than you know. You just need to go back and think why that is.
Shiranakutemokekko: Glad you like it, and sorry if the detail is a bit blocky at time, I do try to fix that by writing better but often even I get carried away with explanations.
Also I am glad that you think Ichigo is in character, often I hear that he is OOC because of how he acts with killing and fussing over certain events and why he is bemoaning his situation. But I know that in his situation he will have a lot of things going through his head and none of it would be good.
Harems usually never are good, people do not know how to make them, but sadly the right way to make them is just wrong as well.
