Salutation everyone, hope you all are having a good day, because it is going to get even better.
Here it is a chapter for Transcendence, one of my best stories, if reviews and views are anything to go by. I regret to inform you that this chapter will be the one that will be for the next long while, I will be focusing on United and Lords of Warcraft as those stories need their own love and care. Like a Foursome I will give those three equal love and attention when they need it, one after the other and when I have gotten one to right point I will make sure the others don't go cold.
See what I did there?
Anyway, this will probably be the only one for February so sorry. But do not fret this story is still going to be done. I have several chapters ready for it but am saving them for a big old post.
Now reviews are at the bottom.
Also if I can find anyone willing to update the wiki at times I would be forever grateful, I have neglected it for some time with another wiki for United. Because of that I ask that anyone willing, or few, to make changes and updates please do so.
Now on with the story, and thank you to Xbox432 for his help in proof reading this chapter and also David Knight for his constant support.
Transcendence
Chapter 23: Give me Purpose
"These visits are beginning to become an irritation Ichigo, I need time to work, not answer the same questions over and over," Jaina stated heatedly as she glared at the substitute, who matched her glare with one of his own.
"What the hell am I supposed to do then? Sit on my ass and wait till you find something," Ichigo replied back, slashing his arm aside as if cutting down the idea. "I need to get back and I don't even know if you're doing anything about it!"
It had been like this for the last week, daily Ichigo would visit Jaina to speak with her and learn about her progress in creating a portal back to Earth. He would always arrive in the morning and check up on her progress and see how she was going about the investigation, she was not at first surprised by this. In fact, she expected him at first to see the development of the creation of a portal back to his home; it was only natural to be invested in the project.
But what she did not find appealing was the fact he was asking many questions and actually interrupting other parts of her work. Even when she was taking a small reprieve he aggravated her, asking more of her and even making subtle demands that she try to work harder. On the first day she did not mind, but after the following six her patience had worn out completely.
"I am doing all that I can for you, had this been anyone else I am doubtful anyone would have been as courteous, and now you complain that it is not enough?" Jaina replied, scowling at the impetuous boy, nothing was enough for him and he expected her to do everything for him and ignore all others.
"It isn't enough! I can't stay here for years, I need to get back and stop Aizen! He's going to kill everyone and my friends are still in Hueco Mundo and in danger!" Ichigo yelled at her.
"The situation there will not expedite your departure any faster, but your constant interference is only delaying it, stop being so rash and allow me to work!" Jaina replied heatedly, she was well aware of what was happening back on his homeworld.
Ichigo had filled her in on the details quite clearly as too what was happening, he did not spare the details of the events that had transpired over the last few months for him. Starting from him gaining his Shinigami powers up to the invasion of Hueco Mundo.
She could understand why he needed to get back home; five of his friends and allies were trapped there, possibly dead. The uncertainty of that is likely eating away at him; she felt the same when she left Dalaran, not knowing if anyone had survived the siege after the city was raised. It was only after her father's return that she learned the truth, the pain was great, to finally know that the people she feared may be dead were actually dead.
But it allowed her to find some closure and move on, to no longer hold it in and dread or hope they are either dead or alive. But Ichigo didn't have that right now, and being so young and hot-headed only made this harder for her to deal with. He didn't want excuses or explanation, he wanted to know, he couldn't handle them dying, yet it would actually feel better for him to know if they were dead.
"Then why don't you find something that can make it go quicker? What about the badge doesn't that help?" Ichigo asked quickly, looking at her and demanding an answer, something she felt like rebuking him on, but chose to answer.
"No it doesn't, I have to study it and learn what it does as well as tie it to the world it comes from, and I am not skilled in the ways of the Spirit Realm compared to the Arcane, I have no idea where to begin with this!" Jaina replied, looking over to said badge that was on the table a few feet away. "You expect me to move mountains and clear oceans for you, I will do my best but I am still the leader of these people and they are my primary concern!"
"What about the millions of others on my world, that crazy bastard is going to kill everyone there and you expect me to sit here and let you go at your leisure!" Ichigo ranted on, stepping forward and getting into Jaina's face.
"I can only do so much! Tomes need to be read, spells need to be considered and even then I must put that to practice and see, and even then it may prove fruitless, but even if I put all my effort and time into this it will not change the fact that I am only one person!" Jaina yelled back, letting her temper rise, actually pushing Ichigo back with one hand.
Ichigo stumbled back one step, but before he could get a word in she continued her rant, actually forcing him back a step or two.
"You think that I can do this because I accepted it, I may not be able to do this. But that is not stopping me, what is, is the fact you are halting me in not only this task but every other duty I am to perform as leader of these people," Jaina jabbed here finger into Ichigo's chest and made his eyes widened. "I will help, I will offer assistance, but I cannot aid or help those beyond my reach. I will never forsake my people's wellbeing to dedicate my entire time to returning you to a world beyond my reach. Nor will I fall to your every demand to hasten my work simply to give you the closure you need because you cannot find the nerve to stomach that you are powerless to do anything!"
That had gotten Ichigo to go silent; looking at her surprised by the statement and the verbal beating he had gotten from the woman. Truly he was struck silent by the way she had verbally brought him down a peg or two. In that silence he realized that she was right about that, he was getting desperate now, the days of thinking this over had become torture for him.
He was having nightmares about it; thinking of what was going on back home, his friend and family possibly being dead. He came here at first to see how she was going with the project, but now he wanted her to dedicate everything to getting the job done. Had this been Urahara or even Yoruichi they would have knocked him upside the head for being so aggressive. They did when he went to Soul Society to rescue Rukia, so what was so different about this?
Nothing really, Ichigo knew absolutely nothing about what was going on back home, he didn't know if everyone was alright or not. He knew nothing, and that was what was causing him all kinds of torment, he didn't know how long it would take before he cracked, but he could feel it coming along.
He needed to get back for his own sake as well as theirs, he wanted to be back home and with his friends and family. To protect them.
"Then let me help, get me to go over some stuff, learn about this and try figure this out, I'm not an idiot, teach me," Ichigo said, trying to find a compromise, he desperately wanted to help somehow, to feel as if he was doing something that was improving his odds.
Jaina sighed as she let her flared nerves calm, she could see her words had reached him. It was a hard lesson to take, but it was an important one, if he couldn't handle the stress and pain of not knowing what was happening back home, then he would either be crushed under the burden or do something rash.
"It won't do any good, the Arcane takes years of dedication and training to learn and master, I may be a prodigy but even I was not always as advanced in my studies as I am now," Jaina replied, turning and moving to the desk, flipping through the page. "I started when I was barely into my teenage years, and I had the help of a powerful teacher."
"But I can still learn right, shave some time off the clock right?" Ichigo asked, stepping beside her and looking down at the page, his head hurt a little from looking down at the book, he couldn't understand a single thing in front of him.
"No, to become a mage you require more than just the will, you need to have the potential, and that means the ability to actually manipulate the arcane and the knowledge how to accomplish that," Jaina replied. "I have heard from Adelina that you suffered some severe reactions when you were exposed to arcane energies?"
"Yeah, I got sick," Ichigo replied.
The time in the Nether proved that, even now when he was around the tower he felt his gut get a little tight, as if he was having stomach pains. It would seem that building up an immunity wasn't something that he had developed while here.
"That would likely mean your body has never been exposed to it before, the Arcane is not a fickle thing, with it one can change the very fabric of the world around them, and because of that it can be dangerous. Those exposed to the arcane can be driven mad; others can age and in some cases simply be reduced to dust," Jaina lectured. "If I were to try and train you, it likely would result in only causing you more physical harm, maybe even kill you."
Ichigo scowled, that wouldn't help him at all, and he remembered that feeling. It was worse than being sick; it was like he was infected with some disease that was slowly eating away at him. He could only guess what kind of effect that stuff would have on him if he tried to use it. It would be like playing with radioactive material. That is something he desperately needed to avoid, or find some sort of hazmat suit.
"What about looking over the books, maybe getting that Tershov guy to help," Ichigo asked, jerking his thumb over to the man on the opposite side of the room, who had watched the verbal match between the two of them.
Jaina smiled, a little amused, if anything lightened her mood more it was Ichigo's inability remember a person's name right. Tervosh often scolded Ichigo about it more times than not, but it would seem Ichigo usually didn't listen. It was proven when the mage in question simply scowled at Ichigo and threw his hands up in defeat and skulked off somewhere.
"He has his duties sadly, he corresponds with the Mages in Stormwind, and his time is often taken by his other duties, there is no one here to help me in this undertaking," Jaina said, but then she realized something and continuing before Ichigo could question her. "But maybe we could expand outward, if we can bring people into this project, we could shorten it."
Jaina was going over some theories on how this could be done. With the current setup of her library, which was lacking in many areas, she had only brought a few books from Dalaran during her escape to Kalimdor. She could certainly use some new material to help her expand on trans-dimensional teleportation and dimensional gateways. As well as some texts on the Nether, material on the subject has improved in the last few years, along with small acceptances of Warlocks in certain areas of society; they would be of great value.
That along with some fresh minds and experts would be perfect for this, if she could form a small team of researchers and magi she could approach this task much easier. While she had little time to work on this, a team would be much more appropriate to carry out the many different tasks required.
'I think I may have someone in mind,' Jaina thought to herself privately, remembering a friend of hers that had actually survived the purge of Dalaran.
"You mean we make a research group?" Ichigo asked, catching onto Jaina's thoughts.
"Yes, I know someone who can help actually; he is an old colleague of mine in Stormwind," Jaina replied, thinking it over. "He is the Relic Keeper of the Magisters Tower, and has extensive knowledge and lore in his possession. Including forbidden texts and magic's that would possibly prove useful."
With that she could easily restock her library with much more up to date knowledge and material, with the way magic is growing across Azeroth it is difficult to keep track of. After the fall of Dalaran magic has become a much larger movement, former mages had begun training random people in the art. Because of that it has begun to actually evolve as new, fresh, and unhindered minds begin to formulate new spells and magical branches.
"I can send you there, directly to the Mages Tower, from there all you need to do is find Galen Runecrest, he is the Relic Keeper," Jaina said.
"Alright, that sounds easy enough, when can I leave?" Ichigo asked, he didn't need to ask questions, he would find Galen and get back here as fast as possible. Any details can be worked out then, but for now he needed transportations, and if his geography was up to scratch he would need to get across the sea to the Eastern Kingdoms.
"I can send you now, but I recommend you take Adelina with you, since you are not familiar with the world I suggest a guide," Jaina replied.
"Uh, Adelina hasn't been out with anyone but her own people, how is she supposed to know about Human culture here?" Ichigo asked, confused that Jaina would send a guide that is possibly as clueless as he was on Human culture on this planet.
"Well considering she is so fascinated by them and studies them in her spare time, I would think she would know more than most," Jaina replied, smiling and remembering the few small talks she had with the young druid, before Ichigo would rush in and ask why she wasn't working on the portal. "Besides she can help you keep out of trouble."
"Fine, I'll go get her," Ichigo replied, grumbling at the comment, moving off and planning on getting his only friend in the world to help him.
'At least he is doing something, and maybe it will get him out of my hair for a while,' Jaina thought to herself, she really did need some privacy.
Stormwind City, Mage Quarter
Ichigo stepped out of the portal, instantly finding himself within the confines of another building, which was on the other side of the world. He was actually quite surprised at the speed in which they arrived; usually a Senkaimon or even a Garganta took some time to reach its destination. You usually were travelling through a mass of darkness to reach your destination.
But those portals were nearly instantaneous.
He knew that magic could be a useful tool, but instantaneous travel between two separate points really did show that it could be better than what some Shinigami used. But none the less he decided not to marvel too much, he would be going back to Theramore as soon as he found Galen.
Looking around the substitute found a large chamber, filled with purple and blue tapestries and curtains. Along the walls were many bookshelves and scrolls, with an assortment of other magical items within reach as well. Ichigo already could feel his skin tingling, the familiar itch returning as he realized he was probably developing a rash.
He saw a few mages as well, going about their studies or even dabbling in creating balls of fire or ice. He saw one create multiple images of herself and then used them to perform a much more complex spell. It was pretty surreal, kind of reminded him of Sosuke Aizen's illusionary power that he had been warned about. But those were just tricks of the mind; these were physical manifestations, which was pretty impressive.
Finding a more senior member of the guild, who was overseeing some young initiates training, Ichigo tapped him on the shoulder. As the man turned and glanced at Ichigo with a neutral look, but did not speak.
"Uh, excuse me, I was sent here to find a guy named Galen," Ichigo said, and was met with an impassive stare and a raised eyebrow, and it was then Ichigo realized he must have done something wrong.
"My apologies, we were sent by Lady Jaina Proudmoore to find your Relic Keeper Galen Runecrest, he has been asked to journey to Theramore to speak with its leader on an important matter," Adelina said, taking over the conversation, and actually pulling the substitute back and out of the conversation.
The magi seemed to brighten up before he nodded his head; he smiled slightly and greeted them.
"Yes, you must be the party I was informed would be arriving in short order," the mage replied, and Adelina smiled as she waited. "But I am afraid to disappoint you; Galen Runecrest is not present within the tower, or even the city. He had left on an important matter, a theft occurred here three months ago and he has left to find the thief that has fled to Redridge."
Ichigo looked disappointed, if the guy wasn't here than this was all pointless.
"Can we get a message to him somehow?" Ichigo asked.
"I am afraid not, we have not heard word from him in two weeks, also there is turmoil in the region due to the Blackrock Clan attacking the area, we do not know the situation but we are worried that he may have been killed or captured." the magi replied.
"I see, thank you for your time," Adelina said, turning and walking back to the portal.
"Do we return to Theramore?" Ichigo asked.
"No, I think we should search for him, if we can see if he is alive and help him, maybe we can gain his trust and cooperation," Adelina said, before moving over to a small table and writing a quick letter and handing it to a mage. "Please send this to Lady Jaina of Theramore, say it is from Ichigo and Adelina."
The mage nodded and turned, moving towards a small dish and placing the letter within, a moment later he began to chant and the letter ignited.
"Did he just destroy it?" Ichigo asked.
"No, I have heard that to send messages between points Mages uses special goblets that transfer the ashes of a letter from one point to another and reassemble them to be read," Adelina said. "I have heard it was made by our lost brethren the Quel'dorei."
Ichigo shrugged, the concept of magic was still something he had limited knowledge and idea on, in fact he had no idea how most of this stuff worked. He just guessed that magic was able to break down the natural order to the world and reshape it as the person wanted it. Made sense he supposed, that would explain why they could open portals, and even control the world around them so easily.
"Also you should be aware with how you speak with people," Adelina said, turning and frowning at Ichigo.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked, taking off guard with the way the conversation had turned, where was this coming from?
"The way you spoke with the senior mage was quite informal and inappropriate, while my people do not particularly like magic and its corruptive influence; Humans are taught how to speak with those of authority," Adelina said, remembering some things she learned about Human culture and their etiquette. "For example you usually need to speak clearly and with detail, what you said to the senior mage was actually quite bland, I would be surprised if he wasn't insulted by how you talked."
"Really? I didn't think of that," Ichigo mumbled out, Jaina really hadn't pulled it up on him when they talked; maybe it was because she was a bit more lenient with him.
He did cause her problems for a while and was pushy, while he wouldn't admit he did wrong, he was actually surprised that she remained so calm for as long as she did. If it had been anyone else he knew, they likely would have snapped on day one, guess that goes to show just how patient she is.
With that realization he knew he would need to make some changes, if he was going to be here for a while he would need to learn the customs of the people. That would mean how they talk and, in a way, how they walked.
"Don't worry, you just need to be clearer and show the proper respect, if not it can lead to some complications and issues, like when you were with Shandris, you were clear and calm," Adelina said.
"Okay, I guess I can do that," Ichigo replied, although he didn't comment that their first meeting was her having a lot of arrows pointed at him.
He turned back towards the table when he saw the goblet flare and a letter was present.
"A reply message for you, Miss Adelina," the Mage said, handing her the letter.
Adelina unfolded it and read the contents quickly.
"Lady Jaina approves. She says that Galen is the only one that can help her, and says it is important he is found and alive," Adelina said. "She also says you should head to the Armorer in the Dwarven District, she says that there is a friend there that can help."
"Armorer? Why do we need to go there?" Ichigo asked.
"She says you will likely need some protection, and to present the seal to him and he will take care of everything," Adelina said, looking at the small crest on the side of the letter. "His name is Bonkotsu,"
Ichigo's eyes widened slightly, that name was oddly of an Asian dialect, though it was not right. Maybe it was nothing, but it may be possible that the language is somehow related to Earth. After all if there were Humans here maybe there was some form of connection between the worlds. One could hope.
"Okay where is he?" Ichigo asked.
The trip through the city was long; the streets were bustling with people, selling their wares or simply strolling around the town. Ichigo never really expected to see something like this before; oddly enough he didn't expect this place to be so clean and tidy. Not for a city this populated and at this stage of technological development, he expected it to be a bit dirtier.
He always had the assumption that back in eras similar to these, people were often dirty and the streets were often filled with feces and mud. But looking at this he could see that it wasn't the case, he wondered how something so similar yet so different could exist.
Maybe it was his mind playing tricks on him, maybe he was simply trying to find similarities, but in truth this place was quite different from his world. In a lot of different ways, he mused. He also examined some of the shops, fresh produce, silk, spices, and even some offering freshly cooked meats to customers. It actually did smell pretty good.
He didn't know if things like this existed back in Europe, he highly doubted it, but for some reason he could see that this place was much more prosperous than his own world. He wondered if it was because of magic, or maybe just a happy coincidence.
"I always wondered what a Human city was like, but this is simply amazing," Adelina said, her eyes scanning the entire streets, every stall and every single movement.
Ichigo found it strange but he was agreeing with her, he did not expect it to be this lively and also spectacular. The atmosphere was quite lively and peaceful, also the people weren't starving or just getting by, and they looked healthy and well off for the common class.
"Yeah, back in my world I doubt our people would be like this, I mean back in an era like this I would expect the people to be just scraping by and starving," Ichigo said, looking around and seeing a huddle of children being led around by a priest and two guards.
"Really, I thought you said your world was similar, what is different?" Adelina asked.
"I don't know exactly, but everything here is just so clean and prosperous, as far as I know no one back then had anything remotely this good, not that I know of," Ichigo said, scratching the back of his head as he looked around the busy plaza. "Cooking fresh meat, vegetables, crops, cloths and even general hygiene, I didn't think that this kind of stuff would exist back then, but seeing it here, maybe I got my world wrong, or your world got itself together and did it right."
It kind of irked Ichigo that he didn't read up more on his history, all he knew was basic guess work on what was going on during certain times. Like the Crusades in the Holy Lands, he heard about them, but actually knowing when and how many, he guess like one thousand and fifty, and that is guessing, and there were three, that he knew of.
He shook his head, why was he trying to build a comparison, it wasn't important; all that was important was finding that smith and getting to work. Maybe also figuring out how he got that name of his.
"Any ideas where the Dwarven District is, and exactly where he is in that district," Ichigo asked, had he tried to do the same in the Rukongai in the Soul Society, he would have had to search a pretty massive area. Those districts were pretty big.
"We can always ask a guard," Adelina said, pointing to one that was stationed near a street corner.
That had worked out for them pretty well; the Guard gave them clear direction to their destination and also to the specific man himself. Apparently he was well known for his craftsmanship and for making Alliance officers good armor and weapons. It did not take long to find where they needed to go, a little trek across the moat that ran through and between every district in the city and they were there.
But even if they had gotten lost they likely could have found it easily enough, for there were several key things that distinguished this district compared to the others. The first was the smoke that filled the air, the smell of burning coals and the humidity was apparent. The next was the resounding hammering of anvils that echoed around the district like a chorus, it was incredible how in-sync they were with one another.
A collective sound of hissing as red hot metal was dipped into water was the only break from the usual hammering.
"How many weapon shops does a city need?" Ichigo asked, they were all lining the street and asking people to come in and try the wears.
"Most Dwarves are miners and craftsman, they like working with their hands, and it isn't a surprise that they all take up blacksmithing," Adelina said, remembering a little bit she learned of Dwarves when she was studying Humans. "In fact I believe that the Dwarves are one of Stormwinds main suppliers for weapons and armor."
"Yeah, but isn't it bad that they all have different stores of the same thing setup next to one another?" Ichigo asked.
"Not really, most craftsman cater to a specific group and usually forge specific things, swords, shields, dagger, spears, even armor could come in multiple varieties and forms. I have even heard that specific armorers use only one or two types of metals in their works, in order to draw attention to specific groups of certain financial standing," Adelina replied.
That made sense Ichigo guessed, if you made simple steel armor then you could basically sell armor to everyone. Sell a much stronger and unique armor made out of different metals, then different clients and likely a bigger paycheck.
"Huh, didn't realize that," Ichigo said, guessing that is why so many of the shops could function. "So where is Bonkotsu?"
"Over there, that is his store," Adelina said, leading the way to the shop, finding a two story building that had the symbol of a breastplate with a dragon emblazed on its surface, the same that had been mentioned by the guard that had directed them.
As they entered they found several workers within, toiling at different pieces of armor. Moving through they found a smith, who was cooling a part of a breastplate, Ichigo took his attention.
"Hello, I am sorry for disturbing you, but could you direct me to the smith Bonkotsu, I need to meet him immediately about getting some armor," Ichigo said, trying out speaking like he should, but he got a reaction he did not expect.
"Oi laddie, don't talk all that fancy stuff here, we are normal people that don't have gold rods up our backsides!" The Dwarven smith laughed, patting Ichigo on the shoulder, before walking past him. "This way, Bonkotsu is working on a client's piece right now."
Ichigo looked over to the Dwarf and then to Adelina, who shrugged with a smile and followed after the stout smith. Ichigo sighed, he was not going to get used to this place, with that thought he decided to follow the Dwarf and see about getting this thing done.
"Hey Bonkotsu! Got these two kids here looking for you! Don't know about the Elf, but this kid could be one of yours!" The Smith yelled.
The man turned, a staggering six foot seven inches in height, and he was bare-chested. Large muscles and tanned skin, with two locks of deep black hair falling over his torso with the rest tied into a ponytail behind his head. He regarded them for a moment, but his eyes landed on Ichigo and they narrowed with thought.
"What can I do for you two?" He asked, voice deep and strong, he washed his hands clean in a nearby sink and rubbed his brow with a cold rag.
"I was sent here to get some armor," Ichigo said.
"You need to wait, I don't do charities," Bonkotsu replied, moving over to the shelf and picking up a hammer, returning to work on his piece.
"That's not only why I'm here, I want to know how you got your name," Ichigo asked, stepping forward and standing beside him and looking up at the man.
Bonkotsu stopped for a moment, turning to regard Ichigo, raising a brow at the strange line of questioning.
"Why?" Bonkotsu likely had dealt with this kind of questioning before, and likely wanted a good answer.
"That name, I heard it before, in common it means Ordinary Person," Ichigo said, watching as the man in question smirked, as if Ichigo had just said a joke.
"Correct, the language is Pandaran, it was given to me when my mother was saved by one before I was born," Bonkotsu replied, before taking a few more swings of his hammer at the patch of metal.
"Pandaran?" Ichigo asked, this is likely another race, Ichigo wondered how many sentient races were on this planet, he knew about two dozen already, how many more could come along? But how they shared a similar language to his own people, this would need to be investigated. Hopefully Jaina would know something, finding these people would be important, if they had any ties to his home world then all the better for him.
"Yeah, I am not surprised, they are pretty reclusive, but enough about that, why do you want to know?" Bonkotsu inquired, looking down at the substitute.
"Because we have a name from a similar culture, my name is Ichigo Kurosaki,"
Bonkotsu actually stopped his work and gave the boy his attention, looking at him fully and even crossing his arms. The substitute had piqued his interest; he wanted to know if he could hold it.
"Interesting, and what does that mean?"
"He Who Protects," Ichigo replied.
"Good name, do you live up to it?" Bonkotsu asked.
"More than you it seems," Ichigo replied, and got the man to chuckle.
"Alright kid you have my attention, so what do you want?"
"I was told by Jaina Proudmoore to come here and get some armor, I am going to be finding a friend of hers, he's lost in Redridge," Ichigo replied.
Bonkotsu looked at Ichigo for a moment; his eyes did shine with recognition when the substitute mentioned Jaina. But they narrowed with thought; he would need to know for certain that he was sent here by Jaina.
"Got any proof?" He asked, and was given a small letter, reading it he looked at Ichigo before placing it down. "I owe Jaina, she helped me relocate with my family when Lordaeron fell, I owe her, and anytime she needs help I am on the call to answer."
"So you can help?" Adelina asked, stepping forward.
"I can, Redridge has become a battleground, Blackrock Orcs have invaded the region from the Burning Steppes, word has it that Stonewatch has been seized and that Lakeshire is under threat of an attack," Bonkutsu said. "If you are going in there you are going to need some good arms, and help."
"I can go now, I won't need the armor then," Ichigo replied, if there was a battle going on up there he needed to get there fast and save Galen before something bad happened, like him dying.
"Being brash will get you killed, the Orcs likely number in the hundreds up there, you would only get yourself killed by charging in," the smith replied, turning and moving to a notice board, pulling down a poster and giving it to Ichigo. "Tomorrow there is going to be a recruitment drive in the city's Trade District, anyone willing to fight will be sent up there, and you can join them and search for your friend when you arrive."
"Getting involved in a fight isn't what I planned on," Ichigo replied.
"You got no choice, the Orcs control most of the region, unless they are driven out then finding your friend there is not going to be easy, think smart boy, you help the people there and you won't need to sift through acres of Orc infested country to find one man," Bonkotsu replied.
Ichigo perked up at that, he was going there, and if they did need help he would offer it. He guessed that cutting out the middle man of them simply meeting or him jumping in to save someone ought to save some time, might as well join up officially.
"So, a convoy is leaving tomorrow, can you get Ichigo any armor?" Adelina inquired.
"I can, come here in the morning, that convoy leaves around noon, and I will have you your armor ready," Bonkotsu replied, turning around and moving over to his private storage room, finding several armor sets sealed in crates and boxes.
"Do you need measurements or anything?" Ichigo asked, that was the usual thing they did, that was if blacksmiths were like tailors.
"No, I won't need anything like that," he replied. "Get going, night is falling soon and you will want to get to an inn before they are all packed."
Ichigo nodded his head and shook the man's hand; they had come to an agreement and were ready. As they left Bonkotsu moved through the storage room, looking for one crate he had hidden among the others. This one was special, and he could tell that boy had spirit, and since Jaina sent him, he would make sure the boy got the best he could offer on short notice.
The Next Day
Ichigo and Adelina had stayed in the nearby inn, the Gilded Rose, rested the night and had a large breakfast for the coming day. As soon as dawn had come they were up and already on their way to the blacksmith to pick up the armor.
Currently they were waiting outside the smithy; it had yet to open, although the smoke was rising from inside the building, evident by it escaping the chimney. They had only waited thirty minutes before it was finally open, the door being unlocked and the familiar dwarf from yesterday stepping out onto the porch.
"Oh, your back, and early, that's different," the Dwarven smith said, motioning them to enter, they passed through the forge, finding it being brought back to life, the flames being rekindled slowly but surely.
"You got the armor ready?" Ichigo asked, looking at Bonkotsu who was laying a piece of gold and grey metal onto the table.
"I do, come over and see," Bonkotsu beckoned the substitute forward.
Ichigo walked over and looked down at the set of armor, finding a solid grey piece of metal with gold linings and trimmings along its plates. He found a solid breastplate, pauldrons, gloves, leggings, and greaves. Laid out over the table in position where it would be seen on a person, Ichigo was impressed, it looked pretty cool, nice and shiny.
But he noted one single flaw, Ichigo consider himself lean but muscular, but this armor was defiantly designed for someone who had a lot of muscle on him. If he tried to put the armor on, it would either fall off or be so loose it would be more of a hindrance than anything else. He turned to the smith, wondering if this was some kind of joke.
"If you are wondering about the size, I can tell you it will fit, try it," Bonkotsu said, motioning to the armor.
Ichigo shrugged and began to put on the armor, although he had some difficulty with it, specifically what to put on first. Eventually he had to get Adelina to help him put it on, and with Bonkotsu directing them which to go first. After some time and tribulation they were done, but still the armor hung on him loosely and awkwardly.
"It's a bit loose," Ichigo said, but instead of being replied to he took in a sharp intake of breath when the smith moved forward and started to compress the armor.
Soon his breastplate eventually fitted perfectly onto his body, nice and snug. Ichigo looked down and even bent forward, surprised that the armor allowed for such movement.
"The forging method is known as Scale Overlapping, it means that the different parts of the armor fold over one another and allow them to expand or compress to fit the person," Bonkotsu explained, as he moved onto compressing the other pieces of the armor. "This is designed in order to make the armor universal to the clients and also to improve mobility and movement without sacrificing protection."
Ichigo soon had his armor compressed down and fitting him snugly. As he did so and tested it out Bonkotsu explained the details of the armor, mainly what it was composed of. The plates were composed of several metallic alloys formed together, mostly Steel with Mithril, Truesilver, and Thorium.
Because of this the metal has a high density but low weight and also possesses a certain amount of immunity to magic and certain elements. But while this is how it was forged, the actual design was different.
The Scale Overlapping design focuses on improving dexterity while wearing heavy armor and also improving protection rather than sacrificing it. Because the armor actually folds over itself and such, it creates layers of protection and prevents any openings from appearing while the armor is worn. It was designed to prevent warriors from being stabbed through openings in the armor, and to allow them to move freely without tiring quickly or being unable to turn.
Because of its lightweight material and the fact that the plates shift with the wearer's movements, they give a person a great deal of freedom to fight. Although since the arms are an important appendage, adding protection to the limbs was discarded due to the process not giving them much freedom of movement. Because of that the upper arms are exposed, only protected by the low hanging pauldrons.
But still Ichigo was surprised that the armor fit him so well, he honestly expected a bulky piece of metal to be placed over his shoulders and fitted to him. Nothing like this, the armor he was given was almost art, that made him worried how he would afford this.
"Shit… I don't have any money," Ichigo groaned, having finished testing the armor, giving a quick kick to the wall and breaking a stone.
"Money? No need, I do this as a favor, I owe Jaina for what she did for my family. This is what I give her friend, something to keep him safe in Redridge," Bonkotsu replied. "Now, better get to the meeting, they will be leaving in two hours, and it is best you sign up before they need to depart."
"Sounds good, thanks for this," Ichigo said, shaking the large man's hand.
"It is no issue, but be sure to mention that I sent you and give them this, the guards may not allow you to join… your age is not up to standard I am afraid," Bonkotsu said, handing Ichigo a small stone, on it was an engraving of a breastplate with a dragon on it.
Ichigo scowled at the statement, he had probably been in more death defying situations that anyone in the world, this one and on earth. To think he was too young to be in a fight, now that was a laugh, although since he couldn't tell them that he guessed he needed to take it where he could.
"Thanks again, I'll pay you back one day," Ichigo said turning and moving out of the smithy.
They made a beeline for the Trade District, moving for the main square where the conscripts would sign up to go to Redridge. They had passed it beforehand, seeing it just before they left, although there was no one there at the time when they arrived. They found the place easily enough, it was just a block away from the Gilded Rose Inn.
As soon as they arrived they found the area packed with warriors and other assortment of professional fighters. Ichigo made out that most of these guys were either mercenaries or just people looking for a thrilling fight, since they had a mixed assortment of armor and weapons. The only ones that looked to be well armed appeared to be those who were wearing similar tabards, Adelina had pointed out that they were likely part of a guild.
"There are quite a few people here," Ichigo said, he could make out maybe a hundred people, maybe more.
"They are likely here for money, guilds and mercenaries live off it, also some of them are likely adventurers looking for a fight," Adelina replied, she could already tell which ones were warriors and those that were fighters.
"Yeah, most of them are Human too," Ichigo replied, seeing only a few Dwarves and Gnomes, and Adelina was the only Elf present.
"There's the quartermaster," Adelina said, pointing to a woman who was near the carts, she was signing off some people onto the lift and also speaking with one of the city guards.
They approached and as they did she frowned, looking them up and down before shaking her head.
"Sorry kids, come back in a few years, when you probably have the skill to use that sword," she said, Ichigo got annoyed at that, despite having prior warning that they may try to turn them down.
"We were sent by Bonkotsu, he recommended us," Adelina said, and was met with another frown.
"I see, is that were you got that armor then?" Joana asked, sighing, new armor, which spoke louder than this kid could likely boast. "Why is it that you noble kids always go out looking for fights and to prove your worth? I got enough problems without having to babysit a kid with delusions of grand escapades."
"I'm not a noble, I came here to help a friend, he's trapped in Redridge and I intend to go there and find him," Ichigo replied.
"Listen kid, have you ever fought Orcs before?" Joana inquired.
"My name is Ichigo, not kid, but I got into a scuffle with a Tauren once, how big of a difference are we talking about between those two," Ichigo replied, crossing his arms and forming a scowl, Joana looked at him for a moment, her face showing clearly she did not believe him nor did she care.
"Bravado won't stop a sword, nor will tales of your greatness," Joana replied.
"No, but I plan on taking out anyone in my way when I get there, so you don't have to worry about me show boating," Ichigo replied.
Joana raised an unimpressed brow and while confused by his last statement she decided to see about it, if he wouldn't budge then she will let him sign up. Likely she will have to save his life and then he will probably just run back home, either way is good for her, saving one idiot from dying is usually what she does every time she goes on one of these recruitment drives anyways.
"Alright, you two are on, although I suspect your age is above the one hundred mark?" Joana asked, looking to Adelina, who nodded her head with a smile. "Good, get on and make sure you got everything with you, I ain't gonna be babying you on this, if you want to be in the real world, you need to accept what is going to happen when you step into it."
"I think I have seen enough to know what kind of people I will be fighting," Ichigo replied, and Joana turned and moved to the cart.
As the paladin moved off Ichigo sighed to himself, he hoped he wouldn't be getting more of this child crap from these people. He had enough problems to deal with already without dealing with people thinking him a child who couldn't wipe his own ass. But it could have been worse; she could have been a real hard ass and just told him to go home.
"Well that wasn't as hard as I thought it would be," Ichigo said.
"Don't be too sure, she still thinks you are a child, she likely will put you somewhere safe in order to keep you from getting hurt," Adelina replied, making Ichigo scowl in irritation, he had always been underestimated by people, always looked down on and even here he was getting the treatment.
"Argh, if this gets in the way of me doing what I have to, I may need to AWOL in order to get things done," Ichigo replied, leaning against the nearby lamp post and scowling.
"AWOL?"
"Away Without Official Leave, kind of like leaving without permission from a superior officer," Ichigo replied, he really needed to brush up on some things; these people likely didn't have the same vocabulary as him.
"You have so many funny things to say, but regardless I would suggest we stay with them, going off alone will likely result in complications," Adelina warned, knowing that a missing soldier could result in people sending out search parties for them, and that could cause problems for the defense of the region.
Also, Ichigo could possibly be arrested for deserting.
"I'll keep that in mind, but if there comes a chance to find Galen, I need to take it, he is my only chance right now," Ichigo replied.
"I understand, let's wait in the cart, no point in standing around aimlessly," Adelina said jumping up into a cart and motioning Ichigo to follow.
The wait was not long, in a short two hours everyone was on their way to Redridge, moving by cart to the mountains in the east. It would be a long ride, and it would not be comfortable, but at least they were on their way to where they needed to go. Hopefully whatever conflict was going on over there wasn't so bad that it interfered with their search and rescue mission.
There you have it, hope you like.
Reviews:
Reality Deviant: Yeah, while that may be true I decided to leave it open for other peoples interpretation that way they could imagine what is happening for him.
DD: Jaina needed to gauge his reactions and words, she needed to know if he could be trusted and also she had no idea of the plight back home.
Lazylegionspark: I know that it can hurt to see that a character doesn't get what he needs or wants, but through trial and tribulations a person can grow stronger. If he fights through the despair and the grief he can do so much more.
Also I am looking for a person to update some of the character sheets for the wiki, if you are interested you can take a short if you want.
Krazyfanfiction1: Thank you, your praise is greatly appreciated.
Tundrafire: I love your poems, they are so awesome, maybe I should start putting them at the beginning of my chapters, that would be cool.
Examine Draco: Thank you, I have always felt that a new version was needed. But with writing you can only improve as you keep writing, and I have done so with this revised work.
As for anything spiritual Jaina is at a loss, kind of like a Botanist trying to study a rock, way out of her field. Also it will be a long wait, trust me, a long one.
89: Sorry about the pace, but I do try to cut out anything errelevent when I can, it is just there is so much to tell. Also I made Adelina less of a klutz and more of a little odd.
Saddas74: Thank you, I always do my best when trying to convey a character, to the way they act and even the way they speak. It is good that I am doing something right.
Ramnaleopard: Will do!
Telron: Thanks.
JinzoMask656: That will come with time, Ichigo will converse with his Zanpakuto spirit when the time comes.
Meech Macko: That is true, Ichigo is stubborn, even when depressed, he will go out of his way to do things his way.
Also Jaina would likely have him do some things for the benefit of the Alliance, after all he is someone that could be of great aid to them in dark times.
Mizfit Medusa: Thanks, glad you like it.
Shadowmourne: The reason Ichigo is weak is because his soul has been bound to a physical human shell that is as powerful as a sixteen year old male. Meaning that his strength, while partially augmented by his own spiritual power is still human and therefore having certain limits. Because of this he cannot perform powerful technique as his body is too fragile to handle certain stresses. It would be like having a flame thrower made out of Paper Mache .
As a spirit his powers and form are unbound because the spirit realm is unbound and limitless, the real world is the opposite, there are limitations and restrictions and he is forced to deal with them because he is in a human body. As for why he needs a human body, if he didn't he would be trapped in the spirit world and unable to interact with the real world as on Azeroth the spiritual plane and material plane and separated as much as the World of the Living is to Soul Society.
As for killing, I will say this, you either have it in you or you don't and from what I have seen of Ichigo killing is not something he does freely. He may be able to kill, but to commit the act is another thing. Ichigo has always shown mercy to his enemies, always held back from dealing that one strike that would have ended them. Because it is in his heart that he knows he is not the sword but the shield.
Also when you kill people in a sadistic rage you often feel guilty about it, no one is above that, not even trained soldiers.
Yinko: True, but still do you kill a man that appears and saved your life. A man that killed and took down more people than you could do, fear of the unknown does this, not knowing the purpose and thoughts of a person is scary. Also they had reason not to trust him entirely, he had a demonic taint upon him and they wanted to know why and when he displayed those powers they decided to question him. Know what he was. Also they had no means to contain him should he attack, they couldn't risk it, they needed to keep him docile, so they sent him away and with a guide. To the one person who likely could defeat him and contain him, that is the motive for Shandris.
OoOXylionOoO: Thank you, what did I say?
Bobboky: Thank you.
Biob1: Well said, you have given me some things to think about. Limits and powers are not what make a person powerful, but the depths of their soul and their reason to fight and use that power show how great they are. Thank you for teaching me this lesson, you have given me much to think about.
Guest #1: I believe that the Badge was taken with him, as far as I am aware, I may be wrong. But I believe that in one part it was mentioned that his Shinigami Badge was on his person when Ichigo fought Ulquoirra as a Hollow.
Itachi35: Actually the starting point is key to the story, in fact it is the main reason I chose it, if you look to Dire Mauls history you will understand why I chose that place compared to others for what happens there is actually going to have a profound effect on the world. Also his powers are still an issue for him, without being able to fully harness his powers and also because he is bound to a mortal physical shell there is risk of causing harm to himself. Similar if not worse harm then when he first achieved Bankai, cracking bone, and even then he risks injury from some techniques because his human body has specific limits and if he cannot learn to harness them while in a human body he is in danger of hurting himself.
BlueScreen26: Yes, but what about Grimmjow? Why didn't he kill him when he had the chance? What about Ulquiorra, he was actually saddened that he fought him like that and killed him in such a manner. Or Dondorri, he healed the man after that and did not wish to leave him to die. Ichigo has shown to be capable of taking a life, but to actually step over the line and do so is not his way. Even Ichibei told Ichigo that he didn't need to kill Yhwach, as if saying he did not have to worry about killing him, he was giving Ichigo comfort in knowing that killing the man was no necessary. Ichigo has never been a killer, to commit the act is not something a sixteen years old teenager can simply do.
Cegi85: Right now.
There you have it, cyah later alligator.
