Here it is, the first chapter of Transcendence of 2016, I hope you all are excited as I am for this. Now a few things to say, mainly I hope that the New Year has been kind to all of you. And also that I want to thank you all for your continued dedication to this story.

Now enjoy reading and review responses are at the bottom.


Transcendence

Chapter 32: Marching to Battle

Caverns of Time

Chromie looked around the chamber, her fellow Bronze Dragon enforcers stood patiently and waited. She had called this meeting to address a very serious problem, one that has been present for some months now and has not been dealt with. Something that has aggravated her to no end, the timeline has changed and shifted in a major degree and they were still remaining stagnant.

"I called you all here to demand why you haven't done anything to address this problem," Chromie said, her pale face twisted into a deep frown. "Why hasn't this anomaly been taken care of?"

All around the spherical chamber were small stone overcrops where a single member of the Keepers of Time resided. Dozens were scattered around the chambers walls, irregularly placed and sized, but none the less all were occupied. They were all guardians of the timeline, ensuring that the timeline moved along its correct course and did not change.

Even some of them were the same, different versions of individual dragons that existed in multiple points in time; she saw three versions of Andormu, one of two leaders of the Keepers of Time. From a Hatchling, to a Drake, and finally a full grown Wrym, the difference in age between them spanning many centuries. Nearby was his sister, and co-leader of the same order, yet only her younger self was present.

She had hoped that with so many attending that they had been on top of this situation and begun to move and plot the course needed to deal with this threat. The alterations in the timeline were becoming quite severe and they needed to stop it quickly.

But as of late they had all become quite lax in their duties as guardians, simply because they have not done a damn thing regarding one particular anomaly. Something like this should have been cleared up weeks ago before any major alterations had been made. If they allowed the alterations time to set in they could become permanent parts of the alteration of the timestream, if that happens there could be disastrous consequences.

It is why they had to keep on top of every change in the timeway, large and small. This anomaly was only one of several major attempts of altering the timeline that has gone about in the last few months. This all started because of Nozdormu and his disappearance, without him the other dragons felt weak and helpless.

'Honestly, he is only one part of this great machine that turns the wheels of fate,' Chromie thought annoyed.

"Because the anomaly cannot be located, he is stuck outside of time and we cannot reach it," Coridormi said, the Dragon had the form of a pale woman with auburn hair, and simple robes of white and orange. "Every attempt to go to where he was before has been met with failure; the temporal ruptures in that area are very powerful. Creating a sort of void in time, our attempts to close them are successful but because they occupy so many place and moments they are difficult to handle. We need to send in our best to close these ruptures, and they are short of hand, considering we are dealing with other incidents throughout time. Anyone else that attempts to reach it is forced to retreat from the singularity that forms there."

Reports have been conclusive that while the anomaly is outside of time it is somehow creating ruptures in its wake. Wherever and whenever it occupies a location and point of time it doesn't leave behind a temporal echo of itself or the actions it had performed in the timeline. All it forms is a black hole of nothingness, a void in time that cannot be interacted with because of the instability it causes.

"She is correct," Erozion stated, the Dragon's Elven form was handsome and stoic. "This Dreadlord seems to exist outside of time but can interact with space quite easily. We do not know if this is some kind of Chrono-Lock or a Temporal Field but it does seem that this Lord Abraxus does exist outside of time."

Chromie grunted under her breath, she knew that already, her own investigation has yielded as much fruit as she is being fed. The two anomalies have been sealed into some kind of temporal field that not only hides them from their sight but also from the timeline. Her investigation has not brought about anything else, but the fact that they have waited for so long to get this far has become something of an annoyance to her.

"Regardless we need to act now," Chromie said aloud. "We cannot let this anomaly continue in its path, whatever it was sent here to do it cannot be for the good of Azeroth. And with the changes it is causing we may suffer irreparable damage if they are not stopped."

"If the demon cannot be found through the timeline how are we meant to erase it?" Coridormi asked, unable to admit how that they can go about this task, time was their weapon, but when something existed outside of it they were practically blind and powerless to reach and stop it.

"Simple, we do it without the timestream, we have relied on it to locate and erase our enemies. But I think now we should forgo using it and instead travel there directly and locate this demon," Chromie replied, smiling as she thought of her plan. "If this demon is outside of time he still needs to occupy a point in space in order to make any alterations, meaning he is stuck in a single point in time."

The theory was simple, while the person can exist outside of time and ensure they have no past or future they still needed to exist at a singular point. It was the basis in which the Bronze use their abilities to timewalk, do not allow oneself to exist in a single timeline multiple times. So instead you put yourself out of time and exist only at a single moment as time moves on and you with it.

If this Dreadlord and other anomaly were like this that means that all they had to do is find the exact point that they inhabited and they could find them. After that all they had to do was kill them, with that the issue should rectify itself and time should revert.

"If I go now I can end this once and for all," Chromie said, slamming her staff into the ground to drive the point home. "If we don't this timeline could shift and break away from its intended course."

It was no secret that Dire Maul held many specific individuals and groups within that would go on to do some great things in the future. Or that their actions there would lead to great things, from the Mage Mordent Evershade and his Shen'dralar. To Lo'gash and Ragnar, their actions in the future would be paramount to not only the survival of the Alliance but also the world itself.

Having them fall would result in a shift none of them could predict, and even worse, it could spell the creation of a junction in time that could rip this world apart. Major shifts in the timeline cause untold damage to a region and if it is left unchecked there is no telling how much will be lost.

"Agreed, Dire Maul houses too many valuable moments in the timeline to be ignored, if this is not halted soon we may actually face something worse than demons," Andormu said, his older Elven form was shielded by many layers of red and gold robes and his features were hard. "Chromie, you are tasked with locating the anomaly in any way possible and dealing with it."

Chromie nodded her head and turned, she would get on this right now. She knew that the Night Elves would be going to Dire Maul soon. While they will be dealing with the demons she can personally defeat that Dreadlord and kill him. With his death the rest of his legion should fall to the attacking forces, but she needed to hurry, because if she did not than they may fall instead of succeeding.


Feralas

Shandris sat upon her nightsaber and led her force of five hundred Sentinels forward through the thick terrain of Feralas. Their destination was less than an hour away and they had not stopped since their departure from Feathermoon Stronghold six hours ago.

At her side was Pained and her Lieutenant Iyeana Shadewalker, both of them would be useful in keeping command of her force here. The former was a skilled warrior, as well as possessing a great deal of experience as a ranking officer in the Wardens before her assignment under Tyrande. Both of them would make perfect commanders for her, especially if she needed to lead from multiple fronts.

"Once we enter the city we will need to determine the demon's plans and current holdings," Shandris said, speaking up for the first time since their departure.

"Likely they will have a main fortification where they draw reinforcements from the Nether," Iyeana replied. "If we cut off their supplies and soldiers, we do not have to risk being overwhelmed by superior numbers."

"Correct, but without any information on the current state of the city within, we will need to rely on scouting out the interior before we can even consider an assault," Shandris replied.

It would not be an easy thing to accomplish with such low numbers, if the demons have been fighting for the last month they most definitely have a sizable force. To displace the Ogres from within their own stronghold is also something to be concerned about. They would need to approach this cautiously and with a strategy that would not fail.

"What of the boy? He has proven quite useful; he may be able to cut through most of the demons ranks when we reach the city," Iyeana said, looking back to see the young Shinigami was speaking with his fellow human companions and the apprentice of Quintis Jonespyre.

Many knew of his status as a Shinigami, a term often referring to a Death God, but few could fathom how much power he could possess. Still many believed him to be a Primal God or Loa similar to the creatures that the Trolls worship. If that was the case many believed that he would be a valuable asset to this assault, his power could easily turn the tide when the major battle began.

"Ichigo will be of use, and I would recommend him for a mission such as this. He will most certainly be our best chance of dealing a massive blow to the demons main force," Pained agreed, if what she had learned of Redridge had been correct, Ichigo would most certainly be useful in an assault on the demons main headquarters.

His skill and tenacity was something she could respect, it may not be formal or even artistic in her people's eyes, but he blew past anything and everything in his way. He would be the perfect person for this assault, because nothing would get in his way and he would ensure those with him would make it out. He was the sword and the shield.

"I will make sure to send him along with the assault force then, make sure that he is aware of this though. Don't want him arguing about being sent into a life and death situation and not being told," Shandris replied, knowing that he would probably make some sort of argument if he was kept out of the loop.

"Understood General," Pained replied.

But then the three of them quickly jerked their heads forward, they had heard something in the distance. Their eyes narrowed as they all took off at a faster pace on their mounts, the Sentinel forces behind them following in quick order without needing to ask. Their march matching their mounted leadership while most of the soldiers of Theramore were forced to try and catch up with the quickened force.

"What's going on?" Ichigo asked.

"There is something going on ahead, I heard it just now, it sounded like a battlehorn," Adelina replied.

Ichigo did not know the exact meaning of that, it could be the Ogres or demons simply fighting each other but the way that everyone had tensed up he thought it may be something more.

"Could the demons have spilled out of the city?" Caren asked, looking a little worried about the implications.

"No, I think it may be something else," Adelina replied, her brow furrowing as she tried to think of a reason for this.

The Sentinels were well aware of what they were marching against but the sudden shift in their demeanor could only mean that something had changed. Adelina had no idea what it could mean however, only Shandris and her support could possibly know.

"I'll go ask," Ichigo said, moving forward and towards Pained.

She turned and regarded him for a moment as he matched his pace beside her mount and looked up at her with a serious frown.

"What's wrong?" Ichigo inquired, his words low as he asked.

"That horn sound, it is not the demons or the Gordunni Ogres," Pained replied. "It is the Horde; they must have a force present in the area. But if that is the horn sound I suspect it is, than we may be in more trouble than we last thought."

Ichigo looked around and noticed that Shandris seemed particularly tense, not out of concern as he would thing, but the tightening of her fists showed she was more livid than anxious. He guessed that she did not like the Horde, and from all the crap he hears about them it was understandable at best. Almost like Shinigami and Hollows, although he doubted that the Horde was a bunch of soul eating monsters.

'Drekhve didn't seem so bad, kind of a nice guy, once he wasn't trying to kill you,' Ichigo mused, although guilty by association was often the case more than not.

But then he started to hear things, distant but most certainly there, they were not part of the forest or from the creatures that inhabited it. Meaning that there was a different element here, he could pick up the distinct cling of metal and echoing words on the air. Someone was fighting in the distance, and they were getting closer to it.

"What happens when we get there?" Ichigo asked.

"We fight," Shandris replied, not bothering to look at the substitute or even further explain.

Ichigo did not say a word in response, simply slip back towards the Sentinels and his close friends. He filled them in and said that they may be fighting against the Horde when they arrive at the city. Not a word was said after that, only the growing sounds of battle as they drew closer to Dire Maul.


Forty Five Minutes Later

As they came over the hills of the forest they finally caught sight of the city, the massive white stone walls were covered in moss and flora. Ten thousand years of abandonment had not yet brought the massive city down, be it time or the elements. Yet the eyes of those who could see drifted from the ramparts down to the base of the walls where two large forces were currently locked in combat.

Below a force of Ogres with pale blue skin warred with a much smaller force of races. Their ranks made up of Orcs, Trolls and Tauren, all fighting together and wearing similar armor and weaponry. This armor was only distinguished by a particular mark on their chest, signifying their particular allegiance.

Shandris scowled as she looked upon them, she knew that symbol and the color, they were warriors of the Warsong Clan. They were the clan that has been nothing but a thorn in the side of the Sentinels of Ashenvale for years, and were responsible for much strife that their people have suffered.

The loss of many of their sisters at the onset of the Legion's invasion, to the murder of Cenarius, they have been nothing but savage. For the forests of Ashenvale are still under constant attack by their clan as they rape their forests of all its resources. From the trees to the many animals that live within, the Warsong has been there tearing it all apart.

"Get the Sentinels ready, we will be attacking as soon as the Ogres have been taken care of," Shandris said, motioning to Iyeana. "Take your forces and route around to the East, get behind their forces, we will draw their attention while you strike from behind."

"Yes General," Iyeana said, turning with her sabercat and calling for her forces to follow.

Her and close to two hundred Sentinels marched off to the south, likely to flank around the main Warsong force. Shandris observed the battle below, watching the troop's movements and picking out any noticeable characters within their ranks. She could make out several Captains and Sergeants, people that would need to be dealt with when the fighting began.

"I would not recommend an attack, if we engage we risk losing what few forces we have here," Pained warned, bringing her mount around and beside Shandris.

But Shandris gave a dismissive growl as she continued to look upon the Warsong warriors, going about the battle in their usual fashion. But she also noted that fighting among their ranks were shamans and druids of the Skychaser and Runetotem Tribe respectfully, and hunters from the Thunderhorn Tribe as well.

'They must have gathered allies from Camp Mojache,' Shandris mused, meaning that they had skilled archers and magic wielders within their ranks.

She could see that they had a sizable force with them, easily matching their own and with such diverse forces it would not be an easily won battle. Shandris knew she had to plan this carefully, if the Orcs barred her path to the city she would have no choice but to battle them. But getting past such a large and powerful force, with so few warriors of her own, how was she meant to accomplish this.

'Ichigo could use that technique, it could prove a useful tool in scattering their forces,' Shandris mused, knowing that they couldn't possibly have anything that could counter it.

"Shandris, I am telling you that if we fight against them like this we will lose more lives here than within the city, we must not attack," Pained said, a tone of warning in her words as she tried to get through to Shandris.

"It is unlikely we will be able to reason with them, more than likely as soon as they notice us they will attack, we must be ready for that," Shandris said, her eyes looming over the forces.

"We have a treaty with them, if we speak with their leader we can organize a peaceful cooperation," Pained said, trying to prevent her leader from doing something reckless.

Shandris had a good sense about herself and never let her emotions get the best of her, at times. But often she took after her adoptive mother, Tyrande was always very aggressive and headstrong when it came to dealing with opposition to her lands and people. Often attacking without regard, especially those that have earned their ire, the Warsong were a good example of this.

"The Warsong has been moving through Ashenvale for the last three years, tearing apart the home of my people. They care not for treaties or agreements; they only care for themselves and their own desires," Shandris replied, looking over the battlefield. "The Sentinels have kept them at bay there, in Stonetalon and here. I will not allow them to even move another mile west, because if we do not halt them no one will."

Shandris could see that the fighting has winded down to the Warsong simply allowing the Ogres to flee. She scowled slightly, Iyeana's forces would require more time to flank the Warsong and her own forces would not remain undetected for long.

"We must see about a truce, if they have come here to face the demons that can only mean we should parley and strike an accord," Pained urged.

She had worked with Jaina for many years now and she knew that the Lady of Theramore would not condone a random attack for no reason, especially under such foolish motivations. If they can work something out they may be able to stop the demons together or even in cohesion. But that will not work if both forces are more open to attacking one another, but if one showed some calm and patience than they may be able to do it.

Below the forces began to marshal, they seem to have caught on to their presence and they were regrouping together. Their forces turned to face Shandris and Pained; they were now aware of their presence and likely were waiting for an attack.

"They are waiting, if we parley now we can end this without violence," Pained pressed, looking to Shandris and giving her a glare.

The woman had been to fixated on attacking, she had protected the forests of Ashenvale for so long that she had done nothing but kill anything in her way. But negotiation and peaceful parley has never occurred, and that has caused nothing but problems for them. If Shandris attacked they would be brought to ruin.

"I will deal with this as I see fit," Shandris replied, motioning her mount forward and soon the remainder of her Sentinel army followed suit.

They marched together over the slope and down towards the flat plain situated near the base of Dire Maul's massive gate and walls. Shandris took the lead and stopped her forces a good distance away from the Warsong clan, it would be a good distance for them to use their arrows and they still had the high ground. She would have been surprised that the animals could actually stand in a straight line and not fidget but she had other problems right now.

First she would need to see about getting them out of these forests, if she can cow them maybe they will depart. If not than she had to stall them until her Lieutenant got into position to strike, and sadly she could only surmise that was ten or fifteen minutes from this point. Stalling these Orcs for that long would be troublesome, especially if their commander was simply going to order an attack as soon as he looked at them.

"Shandris, please do not do anything rash, we cannot afford this, not now," Pained warned her.

Shandris gave an annoyed huff before looking at the woman, as much as she did not like to admit it a fight would be difficult to win. And she had to think of their future battle before engaging in one beforehand, she was no fool. She knew what was at stake here, but she also knew the Warsong, they would more than likely attack when they saw the chance.

"Which one of you is the leader of this warband?" Shandris called out.

She turned to the front to see a lone Orc warrior had stepped forward, his armor much more distinguished than the rest of his Orcish brethren. Immediately Shandris knew this to be the Orc commander, he had to be the one leading this little detachment and he was within a few meters of her. He crossed his arms and looked up at Shandris who still sat upon her sabercat, making no move to dismount it.

"I am Shandris Feathermoon, General of the Sentinel Army and defender of these lands, state your business here Orc," Shandris replied, glaring down at the Warsong Warlord.

He seemed surprised for a moment, raising an eyebrow and not saying anything for a good moment. That was good, if he knew of her reputation that more than likely he could be cautious, if not he would likely think this to be a challenge. She preferred the former over the latter; it would save her many lives.

"General Shandris Feathermoon, don't know if I am lucky or not," he said, giving a huff of laughter.

"Answer me Orc," Shandris growled.

"Morgosh Braveheart, Warlord of the Warsong Clan, me and my men were sent by the Warchief to deal with this demonic army that seems to be massing within Dire Maul," Morgosh replied, gesturing with a jerk of his head towards the gates of the city. "I assume you are here for the same reason."

"We are, but your presence is not needed or wanted here, leave these lands now," Shandris ordered.

The Orc let out a laugh, obnoxious and full of hysteria that could only mean he had found her words to be humorous to some extent. Morgosh looked at her forces before settling his eyes on her once more, before giving off a sneer.

"For a General I expected someone with some intelligence and cunning, instead you march your forces up to mine and say we are not needed?" Morgosh said. "You barely have the numbers to match up to ours; do you assume you can win this through determination alone?"

Shandris let out a growl at the comment, she knew he was trying to goad her into a response that would make her look the fool. By making herself appear superior and arrogant, but she had seen arrogance and what it can cost someone. She would not allow that to occur.

"I would not trust you or your band of brigands with the defense of these lands than I would trust a demon to not plunder them," Shandris replied, glaring at the Orc and noticed as his smirk slipped slightly and a frown appeared.

"Careful now, you don't have a lot of warriors with you, and I do not want to have to be the one to send you to the spirit world," Morgosh threatened, his posture remaining relaxed even as he made the threat.

Pained knew that things were breaking down; instead of working towards an agreement they were bickering and arguing with each other over nothing but animosity. If she did not do something to fix this they would be at each other's throats soon enough.

"Morgosh, we did not join your warrior to fight with the Sentinels!"

A Tauren walked from the Orc forces, garbed in light armor and some robes, she strolled forward and stood beside the Orc. She towered over him by a good two feet, which she used to glare down at the indifferent Orc before looking towards Shandris with pleading eyes.

"General Feathermoon, it is good to see you once more, please let us discuss this with civil words rather than ones of hate,"

"Sierra Skychaser, I see that you have come with most of your tribe, and that of the Runetotem and Thunderhorn," Shandris said, speaking with much more familiarity and calmness compared to the Orc.

"I have, we have come to face this enemy together, and I had hoped that like in the past where our people have fought side by side we could do so again," Sierra said, being the voice of reason between these two aggressive parties that likely wanted nothing to do with each other.

Shandris and Morgosh looked at one another, a silent challenge for one to make the first move against the other, but when none was made they relented. They both backed down and allowed for the mediator to try and make a compromise for them both.

"What is it you wish for Sierra?" Morgosh asked.

"I propose that we work together in this, we can combine our forces and easily repel the demons advance and remove them once and for all," Sierra said, but she noted that both the Orc and Elven commanders did not seem too inclined towards the idea.

Neither wanted to work together for obvious reasons, the general animosity between the two parties was apparent even to those unaware of the full reason as to why. Ichigo could see that both of them were trading back reasons for refusal to work together, and he began to think that these two were idiots.

They were dealing with something that could potentially be something that will end the world and they were arguing because they didn't like each other. He couldn't understand for the life of him why they were so adamant on not helping each other out; it was obvious that both had the same number of forces so it would make sense to work together.

"What the hell is wrong with those two?" Ichigo mumbled out, looking to Adelina and Caren.

"I agree with Shandris, the Orcs are simply too unpredictable to work with and will most likely not support us," Caren said.

Ichigo knew that she had a very negative view of the Horde, and while he couldn't fault the reasons why he just didn't know them enough to pass judgement. He had never been one to hate the organization, he learned to know the people of that organization rather than who they fight for. It is how he made more friends in the Gotei despite fighting against them for a time. He learned about those inside and what each of them were like, but he never actually cared much about their squads and the Gotei in general.

It was about who was inside that counted, not what brought them together as a force.

"Well their acting like idiots, this shouldn't be about them," Ichigo said, giving a snort as they continued to argue.

"You say something boy?" Morgosh said, looking at Ichigo with a furrowed brow and a small snarl on his lips.

Ichigo looked and saw that Shandris was also looking at him, likely her ears heard what he had said, and most defiantly better than whatever Morgosh had heard. It would have been the smart thing to simply shut up and let them do their own thing, let them sort this out right then and there. He had no business with organizing two military groups into cooperating with one another.

"Yeah, why the hell are you two goddamn idiots fighting one another when you got a bigger problem to deal with?" Ichigo replied, ignoring whatever logic dictated and deciding to put his own brand forward. "We got demons that want everyone dead and you are acting like this is your only chance to kill each other before the demons do it."

Pained looked on and realized that the boy was going on with another rant, he had done it many time in the Citadel Tower when they tried to get him to do something. Usually because he would never leave the tower and argue constantly with Jaina, they would end with him being shot down and his argument dissected. But often at times he would get some point across, but even then it didn't have much merit to it other than being very personal to him.

"Ichigo, this is not your concern, let me handle this," Shandris said, glaring at him and trying to force him to step back from these proceedings.

"All you are doing is what he is doing; throwing insults at each other, for god sakes if you can't look past yourselves what the hell are you even doing here?" Ichigo asked.

"This land is one of the last remaining forested regions of Kalimdor aside from those on the slopes of Hyjal, and I will not allow these Orcs to take root here. Their clan has been nothing but a plague upon my people and our sacred lands," Shandris growled, feeling annoyed she had to argue with the substitute and the Orc brute now. "If they stay here they will do the same as they did to Ashenvale, tear down our forests and slaughter the many species that dwell beneath its canopies. I will not allow that."

"Please, you know that my clan would not permit this of the Warsong, they will not deface these forests I assure you," Sierra said, trying to prevent any further argument from rising between the two.

"A few fallen trees and we are to be persecuted, from what I recall your Sentinels have been attacking us a lot longer than we have been collecting lumber," Morgosh said.

"You are brutes that care for nothing; your race is filled with savage animals that would see all others broken beneath your feet," Shandris growled out.

"Will the two of you shut the hell up!" Ichigo yelled, making both of them glare at the boy. "You are not here for that! This is not Ashenvale! You are here to fight against the demons, because there is no one else who can! Will you two stop acting like idiots and actually think about why you should fight together than give a bunch of reasons you shouldn't!"

There was a tense silence for a good few minutes as many eyes went to Ichigo who did not back down under the scrutinizing stares he was receiving. He had enough of these two arguing over past problems and nothing about the present and what they had to do in order to secure their future.

The two commanders looked on at the boy, their eyes glaring into the substitutes as they heard his words and processed them. It did not take long for a response to be given, oddly enough it was one of resignation, and also it came from the unlikelier of the two.

"Damn, too think I had to get a boy that's likely still sucking on his mother's tit to get me to remember why I am here," Morgosh growled. "Alright, enough of this business with why I hate you and you hate me, lets deal with the now then. Make your demands and I will make mine."

Shandris looked at him, her eyes narrowing and wondering if the quickness of his compliance was a ruse. Despite the Orcs being savages they could be cunning, very much so, and the fact this one was the quickest to vie for cooperation did not sit well with her.

Yet she could do nothing to bring it up or demand an explanation, it would lead to another breakdown between them. For now she had to focus on getting this underway, there was no point in arguing anymore and for that she had to agree with Ichigo. Even if she did not like it the boy did make a point.

"Your forces are not permitted to remain in these lands, once this threat is dealt with you will be leaving, one way or another," Shandris stated.

"I was leaving anyway, so give me something else or let me speak," Morgosh replied gruffly, crossing his arms.

"Then what is it you want?"

"First I want those elves you sent to flank me to stop, their making my men nervous," Morgosh said, and smirked when he noticed how Shandris' eyes narrowed slightly in irritation. "Second when we get in there I want your assurances that you will not attack my forces, remember that if we are working together on this I want your honor that you can keep control of those archers of yours."

"It is your brutes I am worried about," Shandris replied. "Besides my archers will be nowhere near your kin if I can manage it, we have our own battles to win here, and you can do as you wish."

"Sounds reasonable to me," Morgosh replied.

"Wait, you guys aren't going to fight together?" Ichigo asked, confused at the quick and easy negotiation that happened between them.

From what this sounded like it would seem that they were agreeing to a ceasefire while they fight the demons, but not together against them. That would mean that they would be fighting on two separate fronts rather than unified. Wasn't that the whole point of this little talk of theirs? To actually fight together.

"Why the hell would I work with those that are willing to shoot me in the back?" Morgosh barked, looking at the substitute, wondering if he was dull-witted.

"Uh, because… well isn't working together as a single force better than going at it alone?" Ichigo asked, looking a little confused that he had to explain this to the two of them who likely had more experience than anyone else he had ever met before.

"That it is," Shandris replied, giving a small nod.

"So, then are you going to do that?"

"No," both commanders replied, not bothering to look at the completely clueless Shinigami who did not understand for a moment why they were agreeing to work with each other but separately.

'These guys really are stubborn,' Ichigo mused.

"Perhaps we can work out the deeper details, maybe to prevent any conflict from arising with our forces within the city," Codexia said, stepping forward and likely trying her hand at mediating this. "We are likely to encounter each other throughout the city, perhaps we should agree to mutual support when the need arises."

The two looked at her, and for a moment they appeared to be thinking of an argument before it turned thoughtful. As if they were considering it.

"We are likely to meet and have similar objectives, if that were to happen and our groups collided it would be smart to fight as one. We cannot avoid each other in this fight, so it may be best for us to grow comfortable with each other and let the men know that even in small groups we can help," Codexia said, her small gestures adding to the encouraging words.

"A reasonable solution, I will confer with my tribesmen and I am certain they shall accept," Sierra said.

Shandris looked thoughtful for a moment; the idea was a good one, despite the dangers of it. The Horde may not be the enemy but in times of need they have been shown to aid their allies, and with the Tauren tribes - two who she is affiliated with - she was certain that the Orcs would be strong armed into accepting the terms. That would give her a lot more breathing room when dealing with the demons and not having to make sure her forces avoid the Horde like the plague.

"I will accept this so long as you do Warlord," Shandris said.

"I accept, you help me and I will aid you," Morgosh replied. "Get your warriors in order, I will inform my men about what is to come."

With those final words he along with Sierra marched back to the Warsong lines, likely to converse with their command staff in order to get the agreement settled. Ichigo looked on for a moment and saw Pained turn, but Shandris remains on her sabercat and glared at Ichigo and he knows he is in for it again.

"You do not know much about the world, for that I cannot fault you, but do not get involved in matters like that again," Shandris warned.

"All I did was make you two stop arguing and actually focus, you a General, you can't get caught down in things like that," Ichigo said, knowing enough that in things like this you need to be impartial to almost everything in order to know what is the best course of action.

"I do know what is best, and I know that the Horde cannot be trusted, their own agenda is not peace but survival. Their entire force is composed of those who strive only to keep themselves from being torn apart in a world that hates them, and for good reason," Shandris replied. "Even with the peace between us they continue to test its limits, raids in Ashenvale, poaching and illegal lumbering. It is a miracle that war has not occurred."

"But that doesn't matter here; right now you need to fight against a common enemy. Adelina told me that you did that once, at Hyjal, can't you see that there is a reason you need to fight together instead of thinking that one of you is going to screw over the other," Ichigo replied.

He knew he couldn't possibly understand the deeper impacts of this alliance and the strained relationships between the two races and factions. But how could they not see that sometimes you needed to let go of your animosity in order to protect more than just yourselves. These people claim to be ancient and long lived, but how can they be so callous and pig headed that they don't recognize a graver threat compared to one that they have only just technically met.

"You think that peace lasted? Look at us now, we are worse than how we were before then. The Warsong is an enemy, always will be, and that Orc is just as much my enemy as he is yours," Shandris warned, turning to glare at the Orc. "I think of the future of my people and this continent, because I know that there is one thing that the Orcs thrive upon. That is more power and control, and they have no regard for what they take or who they must trample to get it."

"Worse than the demons?" Ichigo asked, trying see if she was being overly negative about this.

"They were the demons tools once, after all, it was the demons that sent them here," Shandris replied. "The Horde has been an enemy longer than an ally, and when this is over they will still be that enemy, and you should remember that. Because where you stand, you are far from being an ally."

"I'll cross that bridge when I come to it," Ichigo replied.

"I know you will, and I think then you may see why we hate them so, because they can become something you hate more than anything else," Shandris replied, turning her sabercat around and began directing her forces.

Ichigo did not say anything, instead he watched as the two armies marched towards the city gates, moving in two columns side by side. Keeping as much distance as they could from one another, even working together they hate each other. Even when forced to cooperate they would still kill each other as readily as a demon.

'She's right, I don't know, and I wonder if when I do realize, where will I stand?' Ichigo mused to himself.

"Getting ahead of yourself as usual, a good speech though, but next time try to do it a bit more subtly," Caren said, coming up behind Ichigo and smacking her staff in the back of his leg to jolt him from his thoughts.

"I think you did well, making them realize the issue is actually what made them rethink their stances, and that is what is important," Codexia said.

"Yeah, but you seemed to do better than me, a few light words and they looked like they didn't hate each other anymore," Ichigo said, surprised that she could have done that.

"It was you actually, you made them more compliant, I simply added in the finer details, and they accepted them," Codexia replied, moving with the rest of them towards the gate. "When not looking at something so negatively it is interesting as to what can be achieved by two parties working together."

"Won't change anything, you can see it in their eyes," Caren replied.

"Don't be too sure, just because the darkness of hate lurks on the heart doesn't mean it can be abated with time. I believe that you will be pleasantly surprised what this battle could do for the Warsong and Sentinels," Codexia replied, smiling slightly as she moved along with the contingent from Theramore.

Ichigo hoped she was right, because they were going to need to be on the ball with this, anything screws up and they could all be done for. These demons were not to be underestimated, because they were ruthless and cunning, and would use any advantage to get the upper hand. He knew, he had lived through that before coming here.


There you have it, the first chapter of 2016; another will be out next week.

Reviews:

Krazyfanfiction1: Glad you liked it.

Telron: Well here it is, not so much chaos but it will get there.

Hero's Valor: That will come later on actually, after the battle is over and Ichigo visits the other side of the ruins he will interact with some of the spirits there. Most of the time he will be in the East and North of the city rather than the West.

Some Naga are friendly. But only to a degree, after all they have their own motivations of their own, but he might one day in the future.

Wowdude66: Yes, but I am basing this on events before that, mainly where they draw power is not collectively known until the Old Gods become a force recognized by the world. Also Codexia did not exactly lie when she said she draws on powers of the Shadows, in fact she was being very true in what she said. It will be revealed later on what I mean.

Leapinglemur: It will be, very much so.

Faldorian: No, Ichigo will not get a Harem, I have little faith in those things mainly because they make no sense. And even with all my effort and skill I would not be able to make something like that work, he may have admirers but a Harem, no.

Stuffing Ichigo in an ogre costume, will put it on the list.

Wrandral: Well not his pants per say… Yeah, Ichigo becoming the King of Gordok was in the original story before the rewrite, it was hilarious.

The main reason being is that Tortheldrin is insane and the others are not is because he is basically feeding on that power for himself. All for himself and his select few loyal to him. But the other Highborne simply take in rations of arcane energy. Those pylons that bind Immol'thar's prison are likely conduits that draw in arcane energy and from that they harness that arcane power and ration it to the population.

You actually see something similar with the Blood Elves in Quel'thalas when they lose the Sunwell, they ration arcane energy to the populace.

Blindluck92: Very true, Ichigo simply wins because he has that sword.

That is true, but it is also true that a Shinigami would suffer the same thing as well. But Shinigami actually produce a sort of field of energy around their body that protects them from the friction. Where Quincy have Blut to enhance their body, Arrancar with their iron skin, Shinigami generate what is akin an electrical field that prevents them from being torn apart. Similar to what Kenpachi does with his reiatsu to protect himself. They exudes a force around him that allows them to resist attacks and environmental damage, even cushioning them from attacks.

Also Yeah, Jaina is focused on the badge, she does owe Ichigo and that owing is beginning to add up with all he is doing.

Yep, back to the summoning site. Ichigo actually will get an upgrade next arc in fact. It will be an interesting one as well. Nicely done with the Gryphon thing, also it was scary for him.

Dark magics and any form of magic is dangerous, that is why the four laws exist. Magic is addictive, magic corrupts, magic is dangerous and magic draws demons from the Nether. No matter what kind. Also depending on the type of magic it can affect you negatively, Shadow Priests and Warlocks can age and take on drastic mutations becoming demons and void creatures. Even Necromancers can become undead from prolonged use of the illegal art.

Kragh50: That he will, Ichigo will use Bankai eventually and go to down on those demonic bastards.

I do not intend to stop writing, of that you have my word.

DanteNaru: Frostmoune had a good shot, it can cleave a soul and anything and since Zangetsu is not a true Zanpakuto it can be damaged and destroyed. The Runeblade was designed specifically to harm flesh and souls, it is a dangerous weapon. But without concrete data on the weapon it is impossible to determine.

Also Zangetsu is not a weapon directly aligned towards any universal force. While the Zanpakuto cleanses souls it is composed of souls as well and power of the user. Ichigo has no natural alignment aside for his Hollow which is slightly dark, meaning that he is actually closer to the void than the Light. The Zanpakuto is not like the Ashbringer, that was forged from the body of a Naaru, Zangetsu is just a blade formed from Ichigo's power to represent a Zanpakuto.

A true Zanpakuto is just a blank slate formed from the souls of many Shinigami until a person takes it and imbues their power into it, even then the blade takes on the power and characteristics of the wielder. But the Zanpakuto is designed solely to purify hollows, that is its design and function when made, nothing holy at all.

Mad Thought: Here it is after a long wait.

Earendil18: Pretty much the demand and that, although I can promise you that his visions do come true. But not as you would expect it to be.

No, she is an OC. Also the seal she was referring to is his Saketsu. You will see it all next chapter how Ichigo meets them.

Black Cross0: Glad you liked it and happy to answer any questions you have. Also he will learn of the badges function and the mask will come along as well.

Meech Macko: Ichigo has overcome his issues on killing for the moment, remember that he had issues because he was having doubts about succeeding. That translated back to killing and now that he has overcome it he is back in top form. Also you are right, the more he fights the stronger he will become, Ichigo has always shown great growth when traversing from fight to fight.

Bucio: My my, you are highly perceptive and deductive in your reasoning. I am honestly impressed with how you went about this. But while I will not confirm it or say anything on the matter I can tell you that there will be many changes along the way for Ichigo and how he enters this world and how he affects those in it.

Vinayakdj1: Third times the charm :)

Thank you.

SomethingAncient: Thank you, I am glad you like it. Also there are some fixes that need to be corrected there. Didn't convey it right sadly and people are complaining so I will eventually have to make it clearer on Ichigo's hesitation and where it stems from. But it has been resolved and the reasons for it do exist. Just continue to read and you will see.

Chrome Cheetah: Here is some more!

Chaos-Guard: No, there is not harem.

Guest #1: Everyone, everyone, I would like to bring attention to this man. I want everyone to read his comment.

"Y DAFUK IZ ICHI A PUSSY H E SOUL DBE GETING BITHCIS ALREDY! FUK U U SUK TEH AMSIME IZ BETRER U FEGOT HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA U SUK HAHAHAHAAHAHHAAHAAAHHAHAHAHAHA HAHAAHAHAHA U SUUUUUK U SUUUUUK HAHHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHA

SOOPDED BITCH ICHIGOE IZ SA MOST BADWSS PURSIN DVUR EVN MDOR SO TAHN MASTER CHEIF!"

Now, everyone do not be alarmed or angry, it is wrong to insult the mentally handicapped, truly wrong. This poor unfortunate soul was born like with a mental and facial disability that left him as smart and attractive as a pigs left nut. But we should not insult him, but praise him on nearly being able to spell a complete sentence with only a few mistakes. So please give him a round of applause for this monumental effort.

Hisoka's Luver: Glad you liked it, it has been a long trip hasn't it.

General Zargon: Thank you for staying despite feeling that something is wrong, I do try to get everything right to be of my abilities but sometimes even the best writers can fall short on conveying the characters.

Yiggdrasill: If you wish we can discuss many of these points in PM messaging's, send me a message and we can talk.

Ramnaleopard: Glad you like it so much.

D.T.A: One day, one day. Wonder if I should make Zangetsu Girly Card?

Correnhimself316: Yeah and most of those were from Ichigo's fight with Grimmjow and Nnoitra, he likely is more fucked up when he was in the Nether. But he is a tough son of a bitch.

Guest #2: Yes, but Ichigo doesn't always fight with his Instincts, when it comes down to it he fights with his heart and if that wavers he will lose. Also Ichigo is not a hardened warrior and leader of people, he is a teenage kid that has only really learned to fight in the last few months. Him not having the experience and traits of a seasoned warrior is to be expected, he is young and prone to failings.

Guest #3: We may see, Ichigo getting involved in those will likely occur.

Thank you all and I hope to hear from you again soon, enjoy.