Ok! So, there have been some questions submitted to me from Dark Jason (thank you for your encouragement, btw).
Sachiel age: Sachiel doesn't really have an age. In the chapter where she explained everything to everyone about her lineage, she is an angel and immortal. She's been in hiding for thousands of years so …take your best guess there for her age. She appears to be a woman around 24/25 years old.
Ichigo's age: Ichigo met Sachiel when he was on a college trip to North America on an elective. There was an inconsistency that I spotted in this but considering Arizona and Mexico are so close, meh, I left it. He was roughly around 20 years of age when he met her. He spent six months fighting along side her, learning different things. He's roughly around 26 now. He and Sachiel have been married only four years, Rei is going to be three in July.
Sachiel's sister: Jaxxine is an elf. Her age in years? She appears young, like Sachiel, to be around a 23 year old woman. Considering the timeline that I put in, Azeroth and the world Ichigo and Sachiel live in do not move at the same pace. One week earth time is one month in Azeroth time. In spite of this, she's roughly 160 years old. Sin'dorei elves are not immortal but they do live a very long time. Unfortunately, Jaxxine is going to suffer a horrible fate. I can't tell you much more. She isn't much younger than Sachiel if Sachi were still an elf. Sachiel was born 40 years before her.
Sachiel's other daughter: Hemah, if you haven't noticed the angelic name, is the equivalent of an assassin on earth. She was is only about 60 years old. She's still very young even for an elf. She would appear to be around the age of someone 17 years old.
Any other questions, feel free to ask. I would love to see more reviews because I don't feel as if anyone really likes the story because I've gotten so few. Fantasy is my favorite genre so I was hoping more people would be interested. I know many can't see Ichigo with someone other than Rukia, but seriously, think outside the box.
Also, Rei's personality is based on my neice Ella's personality. She's simply the most adorable doll you have ever seen. She has all these bouncy spiral curls in a deep brown with gold and orange highlights, just like Rei's. Same big brown eyes. I couldn't resist putting her in the story.
On another note! I went out to go to the market and was about blown over. Just gotta love the windstorms on the plains…not! Weatherman said it would be breezy with 40 mph windgusts…yeah…no. Try 50 with gusts up to 65/70. If we had the heat for it, we'd be having a tornado. Oh! And they're predicting snow in the next few days. O.o
I hate the weatherman…
Partings and Tragedy
The next few weeks at the Kurosaki house was a lot of hustle and bustle. As if it weren't crowded enough with all the houseguests, Isshin, Yuzu, Karin, Hiyori and Shinji all descended on the household to meet the new baby, help adjust Ichigo and Rei to the new addition, help with housework, you name it.
It wasn't long before people began tripping over each other, tempers got short and Sachiel had to step in to settle more than a few arguments.
She was sitting outside on a couch in the canopied garden where everyone usually gathered when Jaxxine came out to see her.
Sachiel had Ryoku propped on her lap, holding a bottle for him to feed with. She didn't like bottles but with no privacy at the house, she really didn't have time to breastfeed him. Jaxxine sat on the couch next to her, her hand reaching out and stroking the fuzzy orange head. Ryoku had been dozing as he suckled, his eyes popping open as he felt his head being touched.
Sachiel looked at her sister, smiling at her before turning her attention back to her son.
"It's time, isn't it," she asked.
"Yes. I have to get back. I wish I could stay longer but I've been gone too long," Jaxxine said. "I'm sure Theron is beside himself trying to figure out why I haven't sent any reports in almost a year. He possibly could have replaced me already on the emissary council."
Sachiel nodded. "He always was a bit impatient."
Jaxxine chuckled. "More than a little," she agreed.
"Is everyone still here," Sachiel asked.
"Yes. Except Byakuya. He left about an hour ago. We already said our goodbyes. He looked sad." Jaxxine said.
Sachiel nodded. "Parting from someone you care about is a sad thing."
Jaxxine sat there quietly. "Perhaps someday, I can come back. Maybe I could stay," she said.
Sachiel took her hand, "I would really like that."
Jaxxine nodded, getting up and turning away so that her sister couldn't see the tears that threatened to spill over. She wiped her face before clearing her throat. "I better go get my things. I have a few bags now instead of just the one I came with," she said as she walked back to the house.
She made her way to her room, smiling and greeting everyone as they came across her path. She mentally sighed to herself, preparing for what was about to come.
She gathered up her three bags that she would be taking back with her. Most of the clothing had fit in there but what couldn't, she had left for Kon to give to his girlfriend since he had mentioned that they were around the same size.
She recalled the private farewell that she had given to Byakuya. Although he had been very sad, he understood her reasons for going. They had sat in her room talking one last time, offering him advice on a few more issues within his family that she knew he could handle but enjoyed talking to her about. When he had left, he had given her a long, lingering kiss. She savored the feel of him against her, his arms around her waist. She was going to miss him most.
She looked around the room, taking it in one more time. Making her way out the door, she let the aura of the house fill her senses so that she could recall it again if she should ever need to. Nothing exciting had happened since she had arrived except for the demon Sachiel had to deal with and the birth of her nephew. She smiled to herself as she recalled the first time she got to hold him.
His cobalt eyes had looked curiously into hers, his hand reaching up to touch her face as he had with his mother. Jaxxine had thought her heart would break from joy at the feel of his tiny hand on her cheek. She brought his tiny smile to mind, relishing it since she didn't know when she would be able to see her nephew again.
As she went downstairs, she found everyone gathered around the kitchen table, various foods in different stages of consumption. Some of the things that were eaten here were beyond even her. Yuzu had tried to feed her natto the other day and seeing the slime coming off of it, she had quickly pushed it away, her stomach threatening to do her in.
She stopped at the table, everyone looking at her as they took in her bags.
"You're going," Ichigo asked, looking up.
"Yes. I have to get back to my duties at home. I've neglected them for too long," she answered.
Ichigo stood as Jaxxine held her hand out to him. Instead of taking it, he hugged her tightly. "Sachi is going to miss you. So will Rei …and so will I," he said, pulling back and smiling at her.
Everyone else around the table also came to give their farewells to her and made her promise to return.
Sachiel stood in the doorway, the baby against her shoulder as he slumbered. She walked over to Jaxxine, taking her hand and leading her out. Everyone followed, their meal forgotten.
As Jaxxine followed her sister, they stood in front of the pool, the waterfall quietly tinkling its song behind them. Handing Ichigo the baby, Sachiel took both her sister's hands.
"You have crossed time and dimensions to come see me, sister. My heart ached to see you again and during the time that you've been here, it has been filled with joy. It aches again to see you go but I know that we will see each other and our family will be complete once more," she said, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Give Teuvas my thanks for sending you here. Make sure Seianeve is keeping him in line. He can get in such mischief by himself," she joked.
Jaxxine smiled at her sister, tears streaming down her face.
"Seeing you again has brought joy to my heart, sister. I can go forward now, knowing that you have a good life here. Your husband is utterly devoted to you and your children are beautiful," Jaxxine said. "Teuvas gave me this to give to you and I forgot about it until I was packing my things." She handed over the silver scroll case. "Seia and I will keep him in line. She should have had her baby by now."
Sachiel smiled as she heard about the baby. "Maybe he'll settle down some instead of always getting into trouble when his curiosity gets the better of him," she said.
Jaxxine laughed, taking her own silver tube and opening it. She leaned down, Rei coming to her as she did. The little girl gave her a hug, her brown eyes showing her sadness that her Jaxx was leaving. "I want go wi you," she said.
"You can't, baby. You have to stay here and take care of your little brother, ok?" Jaxxine said.
"You come back and see me?"
"I will."
"Ok. We read more books, k?" she said brightly.
"Ok," Jaxxine said, her voice cracking as she hugged the little girl again.
Standing up, she wiped her tears away. Hemah hugged her tightly, Sachiel also coming up and putting her arms around the two women as they all cried together.
"ugh! We're all gonna be a blubbering mess any second," Sachiel said, the first to break away. The two women laughing at her comment.
"You'll explain to my commander that I won't be coming back," Hemah asked.
"Yes, I will."
She nodded, moving away to stand with Hisagi and Izuru. Hisagi put an arm around the woman as she hugged him back. The two had gotten exceptionally close to each other during his time here.
Jaxxine arranged her packs again before unrolling the parchment in her hand. A silver light began to engulf her as she read the words on it.
Sachiel leaned her head on Ichigo's shoulder, watching as her sister's form began to shimmer as she finished the spell. Jaxxine turned to look at her one last time before she faded from their sight.
"Al diel shala," Sachiel whispered.
/*\
Jaxxine gazed around the square that was known as the Court of the Sun to the Sin'dorei. She took in the familiar shape of the fountain before her, the statue of the elven maidens upholding a large bowl that the water spilled over from. Turning to the side, she began making her way to the darker area of Quel'thalas known as Murder Row.
She stopped at the rogues' guild, informing them that Hemah had joined her mother and would no longer be available to them. She let them interpret that for themselves. She also stopped by the Arcane Academy to let her commander there know that she was back from her leave. He looked surprised to see her. She knew that everyone here had probably speculated on an untimely demise for her.
As she led herself out of the city and into the quieter wilderness, she passed by Ranger Velora who was instructing new recruits on proper techniques with their bows. Walking the quiet path, she felt a sadness come over her. She missed them all already.
She came to the path that led to her home, smiling as she took in the familiar shape, frowning when she saw Teuvas and Seianeve come out the front door.
"There you be, little one," Seianeve said, Jaxxine making her way to the tall troll. "You be gone so long dat I was starting to wonder if you ever be comin back."
"We came to give you orders, mon," Teuvas said. "We have lots o'news to be sharing too."
And so, joining her in the house, Seia and Teuvas filled her in on the happenings with the Sunwell. Jaxxine nodded, wondering at the loss of magic she usually felt when at the Sunspire. They also told her that during the year she was gone, they had managed to break through the dark portal in the southern end of the continent, finally bringing an end to Kil'jaeden, Kael'thas and others who were trying to overtake their lands. So the third war had ended while she was away. Jaxxine breathed a bit easier.
The had also informed her of the betrayal of Ner'zhul and the punishment inflicted on him by Kil'jaeden. There had been rumors of invasive armies of what were termed as scourge throughout the land.
"So that is going on, huh," Jaxxine asked. "There were rumors of such happening also before I left but I dismissed them. When Jaina came and told us about Arthas purging Stratholme, I didn't even think to tie the two events together."
"Well now it be worse, Jaxxie," Seia said. "Before, the living were turning into the dead. But now, our rangers be reporting of a pyramid in da sky. They say that where it goes, a horde of undead rise from da ground and start attackin t'ings, making more undead. The paladins be out trying to kill as much as they can, leading whole armies out there."
"Aye, but we t'ink we know here it be coming from, Jaxxine," Teuvas added. "When the pyramid leaves, it be goin nort' to where the land is frozen. They be headin' to Northrend."
"But that's so far to the north!" Jaxxine exclaimed. "Why…" she stopped, her mind processing information as quickly as possible. "Where did Kil'jaeden send Ner'zhul's spirit? You said he didn't let him rest in peace. What did he do with the spirit?"
Seianeve and Teuvas looked at each other before turning to Jaxxine. "He be sealed in a throne, Jaxxine. We don't know what he did wit' it after de sealin be done."
"I think I know," she said. "He must have placed it in Northrend. That would be the only place he could send it where it would not melt and release the spirit he sealed inside."
"Ner'zhul be a twisted one, Jaxx. You be knowin how he and Kil'Jaeden tried to take so many of the magus."
"Yes, tried and failed. Those who were weak in spirit were the easiest for him to take," she said, pacing through the room.
She stopped at a map of the known parts of the world. Her sister had helped her make it, scouting out dangerous territories in order to make it so detailed.
"Have any from the Alliance come forth with any news?" she asked.
"They be havin da same problems as us," Seia said.
"I wish I could have been there to aid you. To have stepped into the Black Temple, do see the destruction of someone so fierce," Jaxxine commented. "Now there's a new threat. How long have I been gone?"
"Over a year and a half, Jaxxine," Teuvas answered.
She was floored to say the least. She didn't think she had been gone for so long.
She looked at Teuvas. "And what does Thrall intend to do?"
"We already surmised that there be something coming from the north and he already sent an expedition to Northrend," he answered. "There be a base camp already being set up that they be calling Warsong Hold. It be in a quarry but after it be set up, there be strange insects that came from the earth. They be battling them in rotations for the last few weeks. The hold is secure, though."
"Da Banshee Queen already be sending another expedition from the Eastern Kingdoms," Seia added. "After she freed all those undead from Arthas and his men, she retook Lordaeron and they live below. They've created a big city under der but it be a gloomy place."
Jaxxine nodded, considering all that was going on. After a moment, she looked at her two friends. "When do we leave?"
/*\
Jaxxine wrapped her cloak around herself tightly, grateful that Seianeve had requested it be made with a fur lining to help against the wind. She had her best woolens on and a robe that was also as closed as it could get. Five weeks had passed since she returned to Azeroth.
She shivered from the deck of the zeppelin they had to take to get to Warsong Hold. She watched as the ice covered fjords came into view, the ship taking them over the barren and desolate land. Seianeve came up next to her, both women watching as the towering monstrosity came into view.
Garrosh Hellscream commanded all in this encampment.
Jaxxine recalled meeting him during her visit to Orgrimmar to learn of the latest news. The last few weeks had been encompassed by aerial attacks of skeletal monstrosities and abominations that resembled ogres but they looked half finished with their entrails hanging out and their flesh crudely stitched together. Everywhere she turned, there had been attack after attack.
Before the attacks began, Garrosh, formerly chieftain of the Mag'har, had challenged Thrall for control of the Horde, both men beating each other bloody in the arena.
And then came the first attack on the city. Recalling the haunting voice as it told them that the Lich King had his eye on all who inhabited Azeroth. And then the first screams as those monstrosities appeared.
Jaxxine had rushed out with Thrall, her demonic imp at her heels. She had looked up, eyes wide in fear as she saw the huge dragons appear over the city. As the battle waged, she transformed herself in a demon, her attacks ripping through any abominations that she came across. She rained hellfire on any who stood in her path.
The sight that greeted her at the entrance to the city made her blood run cold. Hulking skeletons crashed through the gate, giant clubs in hand as they swung them back and forth, screaming victims flying through the air after being impaled on the spikes.
She rushed to Seianeve and Teuvas who were at the city gates trying to stop the invaders. Seianeve had her totems down, healing their allies as well as throwing fire out at the enemy. Teuvas was keeping close to her, piercing shards of ice flying out to all who came close. Like Jaxxine, he was raining down large shards of ice on the enemies, Jaxxine's fire adding to them. As a demon, she was able to send out bursts of damaging energy. Her imp was also hurling fireballs at her targets.
This Lich King was smart. He had barely given them time to recover when another attack came in. For two weeks, the attacks came almost non-stop. Jaxxine had gone home to Quel'Thalas to help with anything she could there. As with Orgrimmar, Thunderbluff and Lordaeron, the elves were also not safe from the invasions.
Children, barely old enough to enter into any kind of training were quickly outfitted and thrown to the masses, most dying quickly in their fright.
The elves drove back the horde, the same legion of undead that had invaded them years before when Kael'thas and the league of warlocks from Dalaran had burned the forest, the land forever seared black by their magic; a scar it was called. In spite of all that they had been through, the sin'dorei prevailed, using their magic to regrow the city, to rebuild.
And now, here Jaxxine stood, steeling herself to battle directly against the undead and their king. They would be traveling the tundra wasteland to the barren land called Dragonblight. The land of the dragons.
From the reports she had read, the dragons themselves had their hands full. Norzdormu was trying valiantly with his keepers of time to keep the past from unraveling as other dragons were trying to altar history, to turn the tide of the war to their favor.
Alexstrasza, the Life-Binder, Aspect of the red dragonflight, the guardian of all life in the world of Azeroth,appointed as queen of all dragons by the titans, was no longer content to simply watch over the mortal races. The Dragonqueen had now taken action in bringing the dragonflights together to battle the now-hostile blue dragonflight and its Aspect, Malygos, as well as the looming threat of the Lich King.
The green dragons had also come under assault from the scourge of undead, the keeper there said to have been killed and her spirit corrupted, chained to the land she once protected.
Jaxxine was given a mission before leaving Durotar. She was told by the war chief to aid Alexstrasza, to help her win the fight against Malygos by taking a band of heroes into the Eye of Eternity, the home and resting place of the mighty dragon.
Afterward, if they completed that assignment, they were to meet up with Saurfang the Younger. They were currently sitting at the entrance to the Icecrown Citadel, the resting place of the Lich King…and all their problems.
"Oy, Jaxxie. If this whole land be dis cold, I be tinkin I'm gonna lose parts from shivering so much," Seia said to her.
Jaxxine smiled, "You can afford to lose parts, Seia. I can't. I'm short enough that I won't have far to go if something falls off in this cold."
The tower was getting closer. Jaxxine and Seia could both see that it was made from large bones which were used as framework for the large canopies. The stone parts had come from the quarry where they had mined it before the insects had attacked. From the ground, like harbingers from hell, those insects had created a terrible problem that had to be dealt with in rotating shifts.
Jaxxine was informed that most of the druids had also set up camps through the tundra, helping to preserve the wildlife there. They had also been informed that the Magus Council of Dalaran had relocated the city. Upon further investigation, they saw that they did indeed relocate the city. It had been literally ripped from the earth and moved, leaving a large crater behind as the only proof that it had ever existed in the forest around Lordaeron.
They held on to the railing of the ship as it docked, keeping there footing at the lurch given when the zeppelin stopped at the ramp to unload passengers.
The trip hadn't been more than a few hours by air ship and feeling the warmth inside the hold helped the two women thaw. Teuvas had already made his way to Dalaran to set up lodging for them after their mission with Alexstrasza. The Silver Enclave had turned him away and he was now with the Sunreavers, who had welcomed all members of the Horde in the newest battle.
As Jaxxine and Seianeve made their way off the ship with other reinforcements that had been sent, they made their way down another large ramp after Seianeve noticed that it led to a main hall where Garrosh and Varok Saurfang were looking over a large map of the area they were in.
Coming to stand before them, Garrosh noticed them, a sneer on his face at the unwelcome guests.
"I suppose you're the ones Thrall sent to go help that dragon," he said.
Varok moved to the two women. "Just the two of you have come? You'll need more than this if you're to aid, Alexstrasza."
"Teuvas be helping already in gadderin what forces we need to take on Malygos," Seianeve told the orc. "We just got to be gone to our meetin with her."
Garrosh grunted, motioning to his left. The two women turned, seeing a stable in the enclosure, a door leading out to the quarry.
"The escort is almost assembled," Varok told them. "It will be about another hour before all the mounts are ready."
Jaxxine nodded. "Chancellor Saurfang, I have a few questions," she said.
"Speak them, child," he responded.
"When we were arriving, I noticed many arcane structures, one specifically to the south. What is that?"
Both men looked up at the women from their map. "We have been dealing with the Cult of the Damned as well as these Nerubian bugs that keep coming out of the ground," he explained. "What you saw was one of the ritual sites that we uncovered shortly after completing the hold."
"I see," Jaxxine said.
"We gonna have a look around while we wait for the escort. If dat be fine with you men," Seianeve said, pulling Jaxxine away from the men.
The forge fires inside the hold were what gave it its heat, letting the women relax while they looked around at the various wares offered and trainers that had also accompanied the expedition.
After exploring the hold and making their way to the top of the tallest tower, a messenger came to fetch them, letting them know that the escort was ready to take them to Wyrmrest Temple.
Making their way to the stables, they found the large, armored wolves that the orcs usually used for travel saddled and ready to take them. A total of four men would be guiding them along.
"We'll need to travel fast and light," the lead orc said. "Whatever you don't need, leave here."
Jaxxine and Seia looked at other before laughing.
"We only brought one pack each," she said. "We'll be fine."
With that, they each mounted a wolf, following their escort, two in front, two in back, the women in the middle.
The ride through the tundra was hard and fast paced. The wolves seemed to have no trouble navigating through the snow and harsh earth.
The temperature began to drop, and the constant breeze did nothing to help the temperature. Before long, the women were frozen stiff.
As they crossed a crude bridge made of wood and rope, the women saw the massive snow covered canyon.
"Hold on, ladies," the lead man said. Jaxxine hadn't even gotten his name. "We're going to have to ride at top speed through this canyon to avoid any kobolds. From there, it's a race to the temple. With the blue dragons in constant battle with the bronze and red fighting them back from the temple, we're going to have to go at top speed as quickly as possible."
With a shrill whistle, the wolves reared back, bolting into an all out dead run. Jaxxine sent silent prayers to Sachiel's god as she held onto the pommel for dear life. As they cleared the canyon, the women saw what he meant by having to run all out. Above them, numerous drakes of various colors circled the sky, their shrieks of pain filling the cold air.
Seianeve gasped, calling out to the party as the body of a huge blue dragon fell near them. The field was littered with bodies. Jaxxine swallowed hard, fear suddenly gripping her. She saw the vines coming up to enclose the bronze and red dragons, returning their forms to the earth to nourish it. The blues were left to rot where they fell. They passed fresh and partially decomposed corpses of dragons, their heads almost twice the size they were.
Seeing the temple come into sight, the wolves began to run faster as they tried to get their riders to safety. Once they reached the temple, they would be protected by the magic barrier as well as the guardians that resided there.
Just as they were almost to their goal, a large band of kobold, large rat looking men, and minotaur came charging around an outcropping of boulders, making their way toward them.
"Keep going!" the lead man shouted. "We'll…"
He was interrupted by the keening howl that echoed loudly through the frosty air, sending chills deep down into his bones. The attackers must have heard the same howl as they suddenly stopped, running back the way they came.
He looked over his shoulder, Jaxxine looked back. "What? We're in a hurry, we can't afford to waste time with them," she said.
They finished their mad dash to the temple, the fierce looking guardians welcoming them at the entrance.
Jaxxine took a few moments to step back, craning her neck to look up at the temple. It was massive, it was impressive; it dominated the entire landscape. She could still see the dragons fighting in the sky, the snow tinged pink in some areas from the blood that was spilled.
"The flight master will send you up to see the Queen. She resides on the top floor of the temple," their lead man said. "From there, they can send you almost anywhere you need to go. We will be heading back ourselves."
Jaxxine and Seianeve nodding to him as one of the guards escorted them to where they could find the flight master. After presenting their letter of introduction, he eyed them carefully. He looked like an elf, much like Jaxxine but male…and very, very tall. He stood nearly twelve feet tall and was imposing to stand next to.
"I guess da dragons canno get themselves any smaller," Seia whispered, to which Jaxxine laughed quietly.
"Just hold on tightly and you won't fall off," the steward instructed. "They will not attract any of the other dragons into a fight so you'll be safe."
Both women nodded, jerking as the dragons lifted off the ground. They were used to flying but usually on a creature much smaller. Their great wings beat silently as they took them to the top of the tower.
As they reached the top of the tower, the fight sight to greet them was that of a large bronze dragon, his eyes peering at them critically. The dragons that they were riding landed softly, letting the women off. They approached the dragon carefully, not making any sudden moves. Suddenly, his booming voice filled their ears.
"And who are you to be standing in the presence of the Aspects," he asked.
Bowing graciously, Jaxxine spoke up. "We seek the steward, Tariolstrasz, so that we might present our letters of introduction," she said.
He again looked them over. "You're rather small for an elf," he said.
Jaxxine scoffed. "I'm average height for an elf!"
The dragon laughed, "And just as fiery! Welcome, child. Present me your letters for I am the steward you seek. I am Tariolstrasz"
The women looked at each other, taking their letters from their packs. After presenting them, the dragon gestured toward the inner circle of the tower.
Standing there was Alexstrasza in all her glory. Jaxxine and Seia both noted the form she took. Like the flight master, she was in elven form but with a pink tint to her skin. She had large horns wrapped in bands of gold on her head. Her outfit was scandalous to say the least. Her consort stood next to her. There were other people around, larger versions of humans and elves. For once, Seianeve felt small, Jaxxine felt miniscule.
Bowing before the Queen, she invited them to sit. Talking with her, they were able to come up with a strategy for defeating Malygos. Alexstrasza knew of his tactics, his abilities. She gave them invaluable information.
"The red dragons will take you as far as Coldarra," she said. "From there, they can instruct you toward the Nexus and how to get to Malygos' lair. The rest is up to you."
The women rose, bowing again as they turned to leave.
"A message came from Dalaran," Tariolstrasz told them. "Teuvas will meet you in Coldarra where a segment of the Violet Eye will be waiting for you. He has assembled the team. The reds will take you there."
Summoning two red dragons, the steward gave them heavier cloaks and other equipment that would keep out the cold and aid them in their fight against Malygos. The clothing was enchanted with dragon magic. The women could feel it in the clothing as they held it. Thanking him, they mounted their dragons, heading east toward the island of Coldarra and to Malygos' lair.
/*\
Sachiel was sitting outside in the herb garden, Rei trying her best to help her mother. Ryoku was reclined in a bouncy chair beside them as Sachiel tended her herbs that she used in her research. It was her day away from the clinic, so she had some tending to do on both the garden and the house. The house wasn't really dirty thanks to Kon keeping it tidy and picking up after Rei when she was done playing.
"An den, you has to pick dis part," Rei was telling her. "You put it in da basket and hope no amimoes try gets it ok?"
Sachiel smiled at her daughter. "Ok. No amimoes will get the herbs."
"Thas right, cuz we needs fwowers to make metsins," Rei told her.
"Mmhm," Sachiel agreed.
"Oh! I found a amimoe, Mommy! I get it for you, k?"
Sachiel held out her hands as Rei brought her cupped hands to her, pretending to release a wild animal into her hands.
"Be careful, Mommy. You got to be gentle, ok?"
'Ok."
Rei got up, going over to her little brother to gently stroke his head. At least, that was her plan. She tripped over her own foot and found herself sprawled next to her brother, jostling the chair he was in, scaring him awake. He didn't cry, just looked around with his large blue eyes. Sachiel crawled over to Rei, picking her up.
"You ok, munchkin?"
"Yeah. I'm ok." she answered.
"Ok, baby." Sachiel kissed the top of her head, setting her closer to her little brother where Rei succeeded in stroking his head before giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Him fwagle, Mommy. I be careful ok?"
Sachiel smiled at her daughter and how careful she was being with her little brother.
"Yes, he's fragile. I bet he's not as munchable as you are," Ichigo's voice rang out into the yard, causing Rei to jump up. "Daddy!"
Ichigo scooped up his daughter, growling into her belly to make her laugh.
"I missed you, Daddy."
"You did?"
"Yeah, but Mommy watch me." she said, stroking her father's cheek.
"We were just picking some herbs for some research I was going to start," Sachiel said, coming over to the pair. Ichigo gave her a quick kiss.
"And how's my son," he asked, setting Rei down and sitting in front of Ryoku who was still looking at all the bright colors around him.
"Eating like mad," Sachiel told him. "I can't believe he's only a month old and eating so much!"
"He's gonna be big and strong like his daddy," Ichigo boasted, picking the baby up and cradling him close.
Sachiel picked up Rei so she could see the baby too.
Sachiel felt a cold chill flow through her, making her gasp at its intensity. She shivered.
"You ok, Sachi?" Ichigo asked.
"Yeah…I just felt a chill is all."
"You catching something?"
Sachiel gave her husband a droll stare. "When have I ever gotten sick?"
"Always a first time for everything," he shrugged. "And wow, someone needs a diaper change!"
He looked at Sachiel with pleading eyes, making her laugh. She took the baby as he took Rei from her. She always got stuck with diaper duty the first few months.
"We going on patrol tonight," Ichigo asked as she began to change the baby.
"Yep. I figure that maternity leave is over," she answered. "I've been sensing creatures out there. Things that we need to take care of."
Ichigo smiled. "Good. I don't wanna get rusty, ya know."
/*\
Jaxxine stared silently at the stone wall. In the week since Seianeve had died in the encounter with Malygos, she hadn't left the room given to her at the horde settlement in Dragonblight. Teuvas, likewise, had been silent and unresponsive. Seianeve had been his whole world, the mother of their only child. She was Jaxxine's best friend and sister of her heart. And now she was gone, another casualty in the war.
Wiping another tear away, she looked over at the missive that she was given by messenger. She sighed, trying to summon the courage and the energy to do as she was commanded. She was to report to Saurfang the Younger at the Korkron Vanguard. They would be attacking in the morning.
/*\
Jaxxine took in the towering monstrosity before her. The gate to the citadel was dark and foreboding, the gates itself looking like giant black teeth. There were stairs leading up to it. She could see the mindless undead as they feasted on the remains of those who were foolish enough to try to attack Angrathar without proper planning.
To the east, she could see the Alliance encampment where the inhabitants scurried about. No doubt they, too, were preparing for the battle that would take place within the next few hours.
She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for what was about to come. As a warlock, she would be toward the rear of the forces that would be joining with their enemies in a joint attack on the Wrath Gate as it was being called.
As her chimera landed, she took her pack, walking to where the flight master there had told her to find Saurfang. She would need to report in to him before she joined the other warlocks and magus that would be helping in the battle.
She walked by Grand Apothecary Putress, shivering as she met his undead eyes. She stayed out of Lordaeron if she could help it since all the inhabitants were in some phase of decomposition at all times. His eyes seemed to follow her as she walked. That creature always looked as if he were plotting. She had heard how his subordinates had recruited soldiers near and far to help them with a plague that would help to wipe out the scourge. She didn't like the sound of that. She didn't trust him.
After reporting in and making her way to the other spell weavers that would take up the rear, she summoned her fiery horse that she usually rode when traveling. A shadowy, black steed with flaming eyes, hooves and tail, he was an intimidating sight for anyone. The other casters summoned their spectral mounts as well, waiting patiently while Saurfang called out for rank formation. Below, they could hear the sounds of battle being joined. It was time.
"Lok'tar Ogar!" she heard Saurfang yell at the top of his lungs. The responsive "For the Horde!" was answered back to him. And he charged down the hillside, the legion following him.
As they met with the Alliance forces, those melee classes who had to be close, dismounted quickly from their wolves, joining battle fiercely, hacking and sweeping through the masses of undead. The Magus' behind them, casting fire and ice upon them in large areas.
After they had cleared through the undead, the Alliance leader, Duke August Foehammer as she was informed, climbed the stairs with Saurfang, calling out to someone inside the citadel. She was far enough away that she couldn't quite hear what was being said.
And then…the large black fangs opened. Jaxxine stood tall in her saddle to get a better look. She shivered upon seeing the looming figure that presented itself.
He was large, wearing thick, heavy armory in black. His plated helm hid all but his eyes which glowed in an eerie, misty blue.
Even from her position at the rear, she could hear his grave words.
"You speak of justice. Of cowardice. I will show the justice of the grave and the true meaning of FEAR!"
Jaxxine watched as Saurfang rushed forth, yelling, "Enough talk! Let it be finished!"
Her eyes widened in horror as she saw him cut down with only one blow. She felt tears sting her eyes as another senseless death occurred.
"You will pay! For all the lives you've stolen! Traitor!" Foehammer yelled.
"Boldly stated. But there is nothing you can…"
His words were cut off as an explosion sounded behind Jaxxine. She turned, seeing bodies flying through the air.
"No!" she yelled, rushing her mount forward, a thick green mist coiling around the soldiers and other magus near her. She made it part way through the soldiers, pushing some with her horse. A gravelly voice was suddenly heard over the din of confusion and screams.
"Did you think we had forgotten? Did you think we had forgiven?"
She looked up to see Putress standing on a cliff ledge, her confused eyes widening again as she saw the catapults being lined up next to him.
"The plague!" she thought to herself. "He means to use it!"
"Behold now!" he continued. "The terrible vengeance of the Forsaken! DEATH TO THE SCOURGE AND DEATH TO THE LIVING!"
With that cry, the catapults launched their venomous load on everyone who inhabited the area immediately in front of the castle gates.
Jaxxine found herself cut off, even as orders to fall back were shouted. The mist was getting closer. She gasped in horror as those already overtaken by it were consumed wholly, their flesh literally melting off their corpses.
Jaxxine sent up a cry of anguish, falling to her knees from her horse, knowing that now was her time. She would never again see her sister or her precious children. The mist crept closer to her. As it consumed her, she heard the harsh cries of the dragons as they came into sight.
The last vision that her eyes took in was that of Alexstrasza in her true form, many red dragons flying beside her…and the flames that erupted from their mouths.
/*\
Sachiel had just finished casting her holy fire on the demon corpse when she felt a terrible pain rip through her chest, making her cry out in anguish as she fell to her knees.
Ichigo rushed to her side. "What is it? What's wrong," he asked, looking over her for injuries.
Sachiel looked up at him, her eyes wide in horror. "She is dead, Ichigo! She is dead and I couldn't save her!" she cried out, clutching onto him as her sobs shook her body, tears flowing freely.
Ichigo wrapped his arms around her, trying to comfort her. He didn't need to ask who. He already knew that answer.
Whew! that was a long long chapter! I had to write it though. I was originally gonna split it up but I think it would have lost most of its effect. I know Sachiel and Ichigo didn't make much of an appearance in this chapter but it's another important one. I was crying like a baby when I wrote the death scene for Jaxxine. My husband looked at me like I was insane. Anyway! If you'd like, you can go to my profile and click the link that has the short movie for the actual battle that occurred at the Wrathgate.
Tell me what you think! k? Hope you enjoyed this installment!