This chapter was meant to come out last week but it kept getting held up by me, but now it is ready for everyone to read and look over. This is also the beginning of the next arc focusing solely on Codexia and her plans, it will actually be the prelude to the next arc that comes after this one, and will basically bridge Ichigo's time in Dire Maul to the next arc.

Hope you enjoy it.

Now review responses are at the bottom, so enjoy.


Transcendence

Chapter 39: Bad Wake-Up Call

"They escaped? Just like that?" Ichigo asked, staring at the Sentinel incredulously.

Shandris sighed at his blatant disbelief; it had been a question he had asked her continuously ever since she told him this, an hour ago. When he was released she had questioned the spirit on her involvement with allowing the Highborne to go free, and she did not deny it. Admitting that she aided in their escape from the city, helping them get away from the demons that threatened their existence.

Shandris had been less than pleased to learn that, but at least it confirmed her fears as to what the Elemental had done. Yet it did not stop the fact that it let loose nearly a thousand Highborne onto the world, something she was greatly concerned over considering that so many being alive after so long was miraculous.

Now they were outside the walls, likely in Feralas somewhere or possibly outside the region based on the depth and lengths of these tunnels. They could possibly be anywhere, even Mulgore was a possibility, either case was not good for them. A group of terrified magi with no qualms on using dangerous magic could spell all kinds of trouble for the world.

"Yes, Drauntia created an entrance for them and sealed it, and then used one of her treants to guide them out," Shandris replied. "You were there, how can you not know any of this? You should be aware of what she told me."

"I was getting my clothes back, and thanks by the way for sticking around just to mess with me," Ichigo replied, glaring at her, yet she only scoffed at his claim.

The boy was focusing on the wrong thing, anytime something came about that personally affected him or if he felt out of the loop he got angry. Honestly Ichigo had the most contrasting personality at times, usually he did not care for what they did even when it involved him at the last minute. But then miraculously when something like this happens he wants to hear all about it.

"Be that as it may I care little about you being nude, your pale white ass is not what I want to be dwelling on at the moment, honestly I heard that men your age usually enter your young adult stage and go through maturation," Shandris said, and when she noticed the boys reddening face she decided to drive the nail a little deeper, for her own amusement. "Shouldn't you be more inclined to try and woo a female with your appearance, or at least your size?"

Ichigo's blush turned his entire appearance red, very similar to one of the demon's he had recently been slaughtering, at the comment. He would have yelled at her and asked why she had to be so explicit? But before he could speak a word someone else decided to laugh at his expense, not the first time she had done so mind you.

"Honestly, I am surprised, a boy like you swinging that sword around, so big and intimidating, I honestly thought you were compensating for something smaller," Caren replied, smirking slightly as she narrowed her eyes at Ichigo. "Well, anything is smaller than that monstrosity, maybe it is something else you are trying to compensate for, possible actual skill and control, when all you do is swing it around and hope you hit the mark."

Ichigo spluttered and glowed red at the accusation, that was the biggest innuendo he had even been accused of, even Yoruichi was not that bad. But Caren was likely working off lost time, after all it was him that usually got on her nerves, but now she had technically found his weakness. But it was not a weakness; it was simply him being respectful towards social norms.

"S-Shut up!" Ichigo yelled at her, honestly he couldn't have said anything better than that.

"What's the matter? Are you sad that your member is more the size of the handle than the blade?" Caren asked, covering her mouth in a mocking way of laughing.

Dammit she was never going to let this die down, besides that wasn't even why he was embarrassed, not fully anyway. It was just surprising that they all saw him and did not have the decency to look away or apologize. Alright he got it that the Elves did not have a taboo against nudity and such, usually only when it was sexual or intimate did they voice their complaints, instead they found it amusing that he was so shy.

'Stupid Elven culture, made me look like an idiot,'

"Dammit can we get past this!" Ichigo yelled at the mage, who only smirked in response, that expression was enough to tell him that she was far from through.

"While I do try to keep up with Human culture, this is just confusing, why is it that after learning of his size do you feel so cheerful? From what you kept telling me he likely was compensating for something, but now it seems you are happy that it is bigger than you expected," Adelina chimed in, looking at Caren who only turned to regard her with a surprised expression on her face.

Ichigo looked on just as surprised, well that would be an understatement of the century right now, and the fact is that Adelina had just made a perfect counter to Caren's entire triage. A comeback that he could have come up with, but it had gone right over his head from the sheer embarrassment of what was being thrown at him. But Adelina as perceptive as ever had turned the tables on Caren, and like that caught the mage off guard.

"Surprising that the only thing needed to get you excited and happy is inside Ichigo's trousers, I did not take you for that kind of woman," Adelina said, smiling slightly as she glanced at Caren, a sly look on her face.

Caren spluttered a denial and tried to salvage the situation, trying her hardest to make a comeback at the very short and painful rebuttal she received from Adelina. Ichigo would have smirked at the fact that Caren had been so easily beaten, he had no way to counter when she got going and she had the advantage. But now Adelina joins in and can easily knock down anything Caren says, she may not know everything about Human social norms but the girl was smart.

"Do not worry, I can understand the fun in something like this, when I tried to take a bath with him once he became so flustered I believed he wanted to lay with me. But after learning about it later, I realized the odds of him attempting that are highly unlikely, I think he prefers to be naked and alone," Adelina replied, smiling ever so innocently.

Ichigo's shoulders dropped, did she actually just say that? She most certainly did if the way Caren started to hack up from laughing so hard, the mage resting her palms on her knees to keep herself upright. It would seem that Adelina did not take sides in this, and that was the sad part, why couldn't he at least have been on the side where he wasn't the one who was punchline at the end of a joke?

"I think you three have had your fun, but this matter is far from through," Shandris said, drawing the substitute from his depression. "With the Highborne's escape we will be forced to track them down, they have been dabbling in powers that are best left alone."

If the Highborne as she suspected have been keeping a low profile for so long, and from what she could gleam from Tendris Warpwood the Elves were rationing their magical energies. It would seem that their Prince had been hoarding it for himself, leaving most of the population to fight for the scraps and also killing off those that did not submit.

While this may be good in terms of the Elves being limited on how much power they could collectively possess, it was actually the opposite. They were desperate and without Tortheldrin to keep them in line and cowed they would seek out the nearest source of energy and drain it dry. Any kind would do for them, even the demonic if they passed it, remembering Tyrande's mention of the Blood Elves across the sea made her realize just how possible it was.

How their broken society had been forced to siphon energies from the land anywhere they could, even the demonic residue from the Scourges invasion of their realm.

'Their eyes glowed like fel-fire and appeared almost crazed when they approached a source of magical energy, as if a single taste was all that would save them from certain death,'

That is what she had described to her, and Shandris was worried about these same implications occurring with the Highborne. With them desperate and seeking shelter and any form of power to be used and consumed they more than certainly will act recklessly, and that is what she could not allow. Sadly Drauntia had been less than forthcoming with where they had gone, making her search for them all the more difficult.

Trying to pry the spirit of information was not something she wanted to do, with all these Ancients and Treants in the city it would only result in their pointless deaths. More than that Ichigo had mentioned that the spirit is exceptionally powerful, and coming from him that was something she could not risk making an enemy.

So she would need to resort to the old fashioned approach on locating her quarry.

"I have read reports on some High Elves of Quel'thalas suffering from fel-poisoning and even magical withdrawal," Caren said, her posture straightening as she forwent the mockery and chose to voice her opinion. "If these Elves have been starved of magical energies they will most certainly be desperate to satiate their hunger for magic, and likely for any available source. I recommend you send scouts to anywhere in Feralas that holds some magical properties."

Shandris nodded, that would be a prudent move, there are some ruins and locations that they may be drawn to. But those locations are also dangerous because the energies that saturate it also draw other things there, things that have been there for a long time. But still she would need to send them out, make sure that the Elves did not find a source of power that was beyond their control.

"I will try to expand that search to outside the region as well, if they suspect we are after them they may try to flee in whatever direction they can," Shandris mused, but knew that only the Desolace would be the location they could go which would allow them to avoid detection.

With the many Centaur clans and Tauren tribes in Eastern Feralas and Thousand Needles there is no way a thousand Highborne would be able to avoid detection. With that in mind she would need to send word to the camp she has there, Nijel's Point if she was correct. After all that was their only outpost there, and with so many hostile parties in that desert there was no way to accurately track the Highborne as they moved through the region.

"If you find them what will you do?" Ichigo asked.

"I will detain them if possible, or I will slay them if they prove to be a danger that cannot be contained," Shandris replied. "I understand that you want to know if they are responsible for bringing you here, but I cannot risk keeping them alive if they actually intend to cause harm to the world."

Ichigo nodded his head, he knew he couldn't ask much for them, but he also knew that the Highborne were probably the only ones who had the knowledge on how he got here. His arrival in this city could not be something as simple as coincidence, Caren made it known as such, he was summoned specifically to be brought here.

The Highborne, specifically these Shen'dralar, were experts on the Arcane and one of the greatest civilizations that forged an empire because of their magical prowess. If anyone had the knowledge of the arcane and how it could be used, it was them.

"Do you think they will know anything?" Ichigo asked.

"I don't know, we have searched through the entire library and found almost all has been taken, a few books here and there remain but nothing of real importance," Shandris replied. "The most we have found is a hoard of books detailing most of the old Empire, but nothing more."

"If they can be sent back to Theramore I can study them and see if there is truly anything of use," Caren jumped in, hoping to gain some of these tomes. "I do not doubt your knowledge, but I am more skilled in the arcane than yourself."

"Yes, that is likely true. Take the books and see what you can find," Shandris replied, before turning back to the Substitute and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Do not worry Ichigo, I will endeavor to find them and hopefully find a way to determine how you were summoned here. We will send you back to your home, you have earned my trust and I hope that I can earn yours in this matter."

Ichigo gave a nod, he was thankful at least she would try to bring them in alive even if they were an enemy. Hopefully with some time they may be able to actually find out where they are and he can actually go and find them, learn why they wanted him and how they knew how to summon him. If they did tell him, maybe they can create some sort of portal to send him home, if they knew how to look for him specifically, that means they may be able to search for his world.

'Long shot, but it is actually better than nothing really,'

"Thanks Shandris," Ichigo said, giving a small smile, at least he had people who would help him through this.

Unbeknownst to all a single figure lurked above them, hiding in a destroyed piece of the wall, observing the four below with keen eyes and open ears. He listened intently as they spoke and despite the boy's prudish nature it would seem that Morgosh was right about the boy being unnatural. The summoning that was mentioned likely something akin to bringing an entity into the material world, and if he was a spirit that made it certain he was not of the mortal world.

"Looks like I got what I need," Rai said under his breath, turning and leaping from the perch onto a nearby rooftop.

He needed to get to Morgosh, their warriors would be leaving the city soon and he needed to report this to him before he left. They had a lot of digging around to figure out who this Ichigo Kurosaki was, and what he was.


Desolace

Four Days Later

Codexia turned and regarded the trail of people following in her wake, from the hill she could see them travelling nearly a kilometer back. They had passed through this desert for the last three days, and luckily the region was more dry than hot, these poor people seemed ready to collapse from the sheer aridness around them. But those with enough strength kept the rest moving at a steady pace, even at the point of exhaustion they pushed on with purpose.

Although that purpose was both getting somewhere safe and away from the marauding Centaurs that continually harassed them on their way here. It was actually a good motivator for them to actually get to their destination despite being tired. But it was still good, they were making good time and she could see the Tower of Ethel Rothar in the distance, the pinnacle of the tower peaking over a series of dunes.

"We have been travelling for four days, and in that time you have given us no answers as to how you intend for us to find sanctuary in the sunken city of Ethel Rothar," Mordent said, strolling up towards her and taking in a deep breath. "I do hope you intend to enlighten us soon, because my frustration is beginning to outweigh my hesitation to confront you on this matter."

Codexia resisted the urge to scowl, the man had been quite persistent on getting information out of her on how she intended to live up to her wild claims. Mainly involving how she intended to raise the city from the ocean, a question she had thus far avoided mainly because it would lead to further questions. Mostly on how she would accomplish such a feat, but with the lack of those means she would need to acquire the artefact she needed.

'No reason to scare away the people just yet, while they are here they cannot exactly turn back and run away,' Codexia thought to herself.

Call it cruel and unethical to manipulate these people but what she is trying to achieve is greater than helping a bunch of arcanists hiding from the world. They have been of no use to the development of Azeroth for the last ten thousand years, it was time they came into the light of the new world and make some waves.

"In time, when I meet with my colleagues and discuss their findings I will be sure to accommodate you with any details I may have failed to mention," Codexia replied, turning to the archmage to give a small smile as she strolled towards the tower.

The Elven mage did not seem too pleased with her dismissal, but that was his own issue to deal with, she had to meet with Marta and her crew. Once she learned of the status of the city she could begin the next phase of her plan to raise it and also remove a major obstacle in this region.

As she moved between the hilly expanse and into the open plain that the tower rest upon she found a camp set up. The familiar mercenaries of Marta's company were seen, all busy drinking and eating their fill, hollering and yelling like wild men. Honestly, had she not worked with them before on many occasions she would have been annoyed with their working ethic.

"I see that you have all been resting while I was away!" Codexia called out, gaining the entire camps attention. "I shouldn't have let you leave at Feathermoon Stronghold then! You lazy boys and girls!"

A hearty cheer went up through the camp, some taking a drought of their steins and water skins just too prove her right how much of a lazy bunch they were. She strolled forward and embraced the select few that had become some of her closest friends; these people had been a family for her in the last six months. To be parted from them for even less than a week was heartbreaking.

"Good to have you back lassie," Drommyr Barleygem said, strolling forward and lifting Codexia up and giving her a twirl, the Dwarf certainly knew how to show his affection.

Codexia smirked down at the burly Dwarf, returning his hug and petting the large bold spot on the crown of his head. Similar greetings were shared between her friends, all giving a hug and quick kiss here and there.

"It is good to be back," Codexia said, smiling slightly before giving off a mock sigh of frustration. "Now I can get you people working again, honestly I am gone a few days and you appear to be throwing a party,"

"Well, well, well, it seems that the book lover has gotten herself a little mischievous since we last saw her, what happened?" Cassidy Stratford said, the woman having removed her usual mask and head coverings, revealing long red hair, piercing brown eyes and black lips that curled into a smirk.

"I found the Fruit of Fertility, and the Spirit within," Codexia replied, raising her hand and channeling the natural energies through her palm. "I am now connected to the world, through the spirits, I can feel it now with every step I take upon the ground, and it is incredible."

She couldn't explain it clearly, but the feeling that passed through her every step now was filled with so much life and determination. Before Drauntia gave her a portion of her power she never felt this, she felt happy and energetic and actually perky for once. Now that she looked back on her time she felt so grim and apathetic, most of the time, her smile almost always empty.

'Considering my circumstance that is understandable, but now I have balance to counter the dark,' Codexia thought, remembering clearly as to why that was the case, something she had dearly wished to forget.

"Mind telling us about them though," Cassidy asked, jerking her head over beyond the camp.

Codexia turned to where she had walked from, and found that the Elves had finally caught up to her, funneling through the hills. From there they seemed to be fanning out and searching for any amount of free earth to drop down onto.

She would need to get them settled here; they would be waiting for a few more days before she could have them occupy the city. In that time she would also need to utilize what warriors and mages they had, they would need an army to deal with their enemies.

"I brought along some more able bodies, they can be of use," Codexia replied, smiling back at Cassidy. "Where is Marta?"

"Near the base of the tower, keeping a watch on another guest," Pat Crawford, another former member of her party to Dire Maul, the blonde man was scowling in obvious irritation. "You certainly know how to make unique friends."

Codexia knew that scowl well, the only time she had seen it when a certain individuals was within the camp. Her informant on the Burning Blade Clan was here, that was great, returning with support and also speaking on the developments of the region in the last three weeks? Perfect.

"I see, good, I have good news for him then," Codexia said, smiling even wider, with him here the plan would go off without a hitch.

If he was here now that means he has accepted her help and that means all his warriors would be right behind him when the time came. All that she needed to do was make sure that when the plan occurred that she could use them at the right moment. Add the fact she had Marta's mercenaries and Elven mages only made her victory absolute and the control of the northern part of Desolace.

"Don't know why you are so giddy, not like he is your friend," Pat said.

"We are business partners, and besides he is different from the lot you ran into when we first set up shop here," Codexia replied.

"He is one of the lot we ran into when we first set up shop here, the only reason he is alive is because you wanted to gamble with his loyalties." Cassidy replied, shaking her head and moving off towards the Highborne, she looked over her shoulder to her raven haired companion. "Hey Corinne, let's see about setting these Elves up."

"Of course," Corinne replied, unfolding her arms and marching towards the civilians that were funneling into the plain and haphazardly spreading out over it.

Codexia knew that those two would be able to get the Elves settled in, and if not she was sure that Pat, Casen and Brindley will be able to handle any trouble. Let alone the other hundred people that made up this mercenary company.

"Make sure they stay out of trouble, and also be on the lookout for Centaur, we had to pass through the Gelkis territory to get here after all," Codexia warned, looking to Drommyr.

The Dwarf nodded and turned, moving off to one of the hills, she could see in a fallen piece of masonry was a rifleman. Good, they had their sentries up and keeping watch, with the Thunderlord Clan in the area it was prudent to make sure that the Centaur did not become aware of them this far out.

With that last thought she decided to move towards the tower, the imposing cylindrical structure was over two hundred feet in height. The dull grey building appeared as a single solid piece of rock, as if carved from a single massive stone; the idea intrigued her and roused her interest in the wonders of the Elves. They certainly made them to last, but she wondered if Marta's expedition to the city had shown it can also survive below the seas.

Strolling up the natural incline she found the short pale skinned Gnome, her long pink hair tied up into two large bulbous off-centre pony tails. She was busy standing on two crates and imperiously pointing down at the map, it was her way to lord over everyone, even though most of the time they found it funny.

"I need those subs operational, the beating they took is going to cause problems in the long run, and there is no way I am leaving them on this end of the continent to be scrapped by Naga," Marta said, turning to one of her engineers who could only let out a desolate sigh.

"We don't have the parts or a dry dock, we need to get the thing out of the water to do any major repairs, also the diver gear is not designed for us to float, and we need solid ground beneath out feet to work." The engineer said.

"He's right, I recommend we bring the subs closer to shore and use the Longshore bars to give us stable ground while we work on the hull," Another spoke up, the Gnome siding with her Human counterpart.

"Alright, but I want a timeframe, those subs are the only things keeping those Naga off the shore, and how much can be repaired with what supplies we have," Marta said, letting out an annoyed huff, but her eyes flickered over towards Codexia for a moment. "Get me the details before you start, if we can't repair them all we will need to prioritize repairs."

With that the ten engineers moved off, their matching overalls and white shirts covered in grease made them look nearly alike. But Codexia moved right for Marta, finding the woman now sitting on the edge of her box, and now matching the red head in height. The woman despite being a Master Tinkerer wore pristine clean brown leather leggings and a blue vest with several belts and a short green jacket over it.

"Good to have you back, was worried you may have died out there, another few days I would have been forced to leave before my subs became grounded here," Marta said, smirking cheerfully. "So, I do hope that everything went well."

"More than that, I have what I need to move onto the next phase of the mission," Codexia said.

"Don't know why you needed to go to Dire Maul though," Marta said.

"Because I needed the Nature Spirit's essence, with it I can connect to the other elements, with that I can gather their powers together," Codexia reminded, knowing she had explained this to Marta before.

The nature spirit's essence is what binds all living things to the world, by connecting to it and binding its power to her she can access the other elements through it. But more than that she can enhance her own powers, especially with the amount she had now. Her powers had grown leaps and bounds; in fact she doubted that even the most powerful of druids or mages could match her now.

"Right, but you do know what you are doing is risky right, I mean something like this could start a war, the wrong kind of war," Marta said, looking at her seriously, remembering the plans that Codexia was planning.

Her goals were massive, encompassing the entire world, and several others that existed in connection to this one. Marta could see that it held some good in it, but the reasons for doing what she was doing were not going to end well. The girl was efficient in her plans, always carrying them out with a precision that few could master, but in turn she was utterly ruthless.

"Not with the plans I have for this, why do you think I brought all those Highborne with me? While they may be saved I can still use them to further this plan and get them off magic," Codexia replied, smiling slightly. "With them I can reinstate Primalism and begin my plans to reassemble the Court of Six."

Codexia knew that if she reassembled the court she could begin the revolution and then everything would be ready for her. All that was needed was time and method, already she had half of the spirits found and only one needed to be contracted. Once that was done she could begin the next phase of her plan, one that would be tricky but if everything played out right she would have a means to draw all the elements to this location.

"You know when you told me about this plan of yours I thought you were crazy, after all you are basically going to wage war against the Elementals," Marta said, shaking her head, truly she thought it was insane. "Facing down things like that, even with an army will not end well."

"You let me worry about that, when this is done here we will have all we will need to light the way to a better stable world," Codexia replied. "By the way, have you met with my contact?"

"You mean that mongrel?" Marta asked, her tone souring along with her expression. "I caution you, but the way you act sometimes I am more worried about what you will do than the guy in the tower."

"Well, having been raised with Darkness in your heart since you were a child can do that to you," Codexia replied, smiling as she strolled past the Gnome and towards the tower. "Also be sure to get one sub fully functional in the next few days, we are going to need it."

"You do realize that the city is overrun right? If we even do find the temple and get inside, we are facing down an entire army of Naga," Marta said, looking at her seriously. "You may be family now, but what you are asking of us is not going to go over well with everyone, there is a limit to how far we will go."

"Don't worry, I will make sure no one dies, you have my word," Codexia replied, not halting in her strides towards the tower.

Strolling through the archway and into the empty tower she glanced around the darkened interior, finding her agent waiting for her in a corner. He was shrouded in darkness but she could easily make him out, the green skinned Orc looked up at Codexia and gave a snort.

Strolling forward and into what little light there was he bare chested, but the many orange markings along his torso showed his connection to a specific clan. The tattoo being a long red sword with two swirls of orange fire appearing from the edge of the blade and the hilt.

"It is good to see you Drakada Loneslayer," Codexia inquired. "How are things in Thunderaxe Hold?"

"Restless, the Warlocks are unhappy of their losses, they will want revenge soon and will be sending the Blademasters to deal with you," Drakada said.

"I am aware, but I have to ask, have you located my prize?" Codexia inquired. "Also be aware that your freedom is not hitching on you delivering it to me, just helping me get it."

"I will hold you to that agreement, you promised us freedom, to remove this taint from our minds and bodies, just like you did with me," Drakada said.

Codexia knew well what he meant; the Burning Blade Clan was a very cruel group that heavily used demonic magic to fuel their goals. All high echelon members of the clan were warlocks, and they specialize in dominating the minds of their fellow warriors. Enslaving the warriors and ensuring that they do as instructed, obedient thralls who did not question orders or care about their lives.

That is how the Burning Blade worked, their warlocks enslaved the minds of their own people and use them for their own ends. Honor and self-control is taken and all that is left is a skilled and deadly warrior ready to do anything their masters tell them. Drakada was the same, unable to do anything but follow his masters bidding, until she came along.

"I promise to remove the controlling effects of their spell when I arrive at the fortress, my power has grown since we last met and I can easily tap into the world around me and those in it," Codexia replied, knowing now with the nature spirit's power she can easily touch the souls of those in her vicinity.

"I will have them all ready when the time comes, but I want you to remember that they are not to be harmed when you attack, we have lost enough brothers and sisters to these demon worshippers, I will have as many as I can survive so that we all can atone and regain our honor," Drakada said.

"Of course, I will personally see to it any sentries outside the fortress are captured and treated before we attack, by then I should be able to remove the control, and then you can murder your former masters," Codexia replied, giving a reassuring smile. "But enough about these worries, I will make sure everything goes according to plan, but I need to know where the Scepter of Light is."

"The Staff is in the fortress, held closely by Kohor," Drakada replied. "The fool has even contracted on an Elven mage to use the staff."

Codexia frowned at this, which was not good, the Staff was of Highborne origin and meant that someone with their blood could use the weapon. Sadly that also meant that the Night Elves were technically eligible to use it, but they had to be a mage to do it, and if this Elf was one. What the fools had intended to do with that weapon she did not know, but she would need to make sure that it was not used.

"I will need to step up the timetable then, I can be there in two days, but before that I will be paying a visit to Shadowbreak Ravine, with the warriors there I can initiate the second phase of the attack," Codexia said, Drakada should know the plan of attack already, he just needed the timeframe.

"Understood, I will be ready to do my part when the time comes," Drakada said, strolling past the red haired woman and out the door, he needed to get back to the Fortress before his absence was noticed.

Codexia knew that things were going along much more smoothly than she anticipated; in fact things were going very well for her. While she knew the location of Drauntia for years, the actual location of Eldre'thalas had been a mystery until recently, only discovered when she found this tower and deciphered its history.

That had been nearly a month and a half ago, and from that she had set in motion her plans. The scheme was a daring one, something that required accurate precision in order to complete, and if it paid off the changes it will bring about would be massive.

First had been the contracting of the Nature Spirit, through that she balanced her connections to the Shadows that possessed her and caused any negative effects to disappear. Next came about using that connection to the spirit to help connect with the other elemental ones, and then gain the power needed to reinstate the Court of Six. But the Court also needed attendants, meaning it needed people who would willingly bind themselves to the spirits.

That is where the Highborne came in, with their presence in the city and her plans for them it will advance her campaign by years. No longer will she need to bring in people from outside the city but she will have them within, and be able to make them join the order. With their joining the spirits will grow stronger and their influence will spread. From there more will come and see the benefits, she would raise up an army to her cause.

"Now all I need is to get the Highborne to play along, and convince Mordent to get his people ready to fight," Codexia mused, but she would need to give them something in return.

With that thought she moved for the exit and strolled into the sunlight, glancing over the camp to see the Highborne still being herded around by the mercenaries. They would need to be put in order and refreshed after such a long and hard journey, especially with so little in terms of supplies and comfort. Luckily she knew the perfect gift to give them; with her new powers it would be all too easy.

Strolling down the grey sand ridge she made a beeline for Mordent, finding him arguing with a few individuals. Each of these individuals were adorned by unique robes and clothing, and by the jewelry around their necks and wrists, it meant they were likely of a higher class within their society. She would need to keep an eye on them later, nobles in the Elven culture tend to be quite stubborn and also much more haughty than most of their species.

"Mordent Evershade, a word please," Codexia said, interrupting the conversation and taking the five men's full attention.

The archmage looked to her, clear exhaustion on his brow, although from what it looked like he was tired of speaking with these nobles, but possibly not enough to want to speak with her. Regardless she would need to speak with him, he was someone she needed on her side at the moment.

"We are speaking Human, do not…" One noble said, but was stopped when his entire body seized up.

"I am sorry, were you going to say something?" Codexia inquired, looking at the man with a smile. "No? Good, then maybe now Mordent and I can speak privately on some matters."

Mordent glanced at the noble, finding him unable to move, his teeth were clenched and a grimace tightly formed over his face. Whatever was happening to him was of the Human girl's doing, but he had no idea exactly what it was, and did not wish to know. Instead he gave a nod and moved aside, and beckoned Codexia to follow him, when she stepped to move the noble lurched forward and fell to a knee.

As he was breathing heavily and panting out curses in Darnassian Mordent and Codexia moved to the shoreline. Giving them a clear view of the vast ocean, they looked out over the sea for a while, neither spoke at first, but waiting and allowed the tranquil scene calm their nerves.

"I know that I have been secretive about bringing you here, mainly because I did not know if you would follow if I asked you to come," Codexia said, tone neutral and her eyes set solely on the horizon. "Given what I am about to tell you I fear that it may still occur."

"Sadly we have no one else that would accept us, our former kin likely would not take kindly to our existence," Mordent replied, knowing from reports that Tortheldrin had been killed by a force of Sentinels in the lower quarter of the city.

More than likely if they were found they would either be imprisoned or slaughtered to the last man, either case did not bode well for any of them. His only choice was to accept this woman's aid, even if it had been forced upon them. But he did not trust her motives behind her actions, it was obvious to him that the reason she kept her mouth sealed for so long was to lure his people into a position where they could refuse nothing she asked of them.

Mordent knew that she was going to ask them to do something for her, what that was he did not know, but he prayed it did not cost them anything.

"True, your former ways have left a sour taste in the mouths of the Kal'dorei, understandable considering the actions of Queen Azshara and your people during the War of the Ancients," Codexia said, and noticed that Mordent bristled a little under her words. "Do you think me wrong?"

"Our empire was the greatest in the world, our power and might unparalleled, what happened to us was a tragedy more than anything," Mordent replied.

"I call it a humble punishment," Codexia replied. "Your people dabbled in things you shouldn't have, just like your Prince, feeding off demonic energies to satiate his hunger, and gorging himself on it for thousands of years and giving scraps of it to his own people. Azshara was no different, she was worse even, willing to end all life on this world for such petty reasons."

"Many would not take kindly to those words," Mordent warned.

"But these are the words that all the people of Azeroth know, the words that have been spread by your former kin, who see you as conspirators in the Queen's acts of evil," Codexia replied, looking at the mage for the first time. "Do you honestly think they will care for your devotion to her still, after all these millennia and you are still loyal to a traitor to your race, and a deliverer of doom?"

Mordent did not reply, instead only grimace at her words, they were all true. His people would be victimized simply because of who they were, and while he agreed that Queen Azshara had made a foolish mistake trusting the Legion, many believed she had been tricked. Some suggesting that the Queen had been enthralled by the demons and did not realize the danger she was bringing upon the world.

"Worse yet, they will see you as they did ten millennia ago, practitioners of the arcane way," Codexia said, looking at Mordent seriously. "Whatever way you see it, as you are now, there is no escaping the prejudice and hostility you will see by continuing as you are."

Mordent raised a brow at her way of speaking, it was oddly conveyed in a way, as if saying that the path they had chosen was wrong.

"You speak as if we can change who we are, turn away from the only path we know," Mordent said, knowing that she had some underlying motive behind this.

"This is not the only path you know, but one that you took up after another," Codexia replied, smiling as she looked the Elf in the eye. "These powers I wield now, they are not my own, but were once actually used by your kind, long before your Empire was erected near the Well of Eternity."

Mordent looked at her quizzically, what did she mean that they had wielded her power? She controlled Shadow and Nature energies, these powers did not appear to be theirs, what was it that she was saying?

"Speak plainly, and do not honey your words with some grandiose tale," Mordent demanded, wanting to know what she knew, and what he and possibly his entire people did not know.

"You once were Shaman, or what passed for one fifteen thousand years ago," Codexia replied, giving a sigh. "The Elven people once prayed to a select group of spirits, who offered you their power and guidance. But these spirits were unique compared to the ones you see in the world today, much more different."

It was true; the Primal Spirits were much more ancient and older than the ones today, for they existed when the world was in perfect harmony and balance. Before the chaos that ran along its surface, before some form of order actually appeared and pushed the Elements from the primordial world to the Elemental Planes in which they now reside.

"Primal Spirits are much older and civilized than the spirits we often see, because of that they can be reasoned with and spoken too with little fear of reprisal," Codexia continued. "It is through them that you learned a much more civilized path, learned infrastructure and even developed social and cultural standards that set you apart from the rest of the world."

Mordent looked at her, and quickly clued on to what she was trying to do.

"You want us to forsake our ways to learn shamanism?" Mordent said, the look on his face all but told Codexia that he held no desire to do such a thing.

Understandable considering what their culture was like and the arcane ways had been part of their entire lives, even before they were born. To give it up so quickly was something that would be impossible for them to consider, like forsaking both your arms because they were somehow endangering your odds of survival.

"Not forsake, but possibly find another path that leads to a safer future, after all your arcane ways are what made you an enemy of the Night Elves in the first place, along with many other races who also suffered through the War of the Ancients," Codexia replied.

"My people will never agree to this," Mordent said, knowing his people's stances on this.

Shamanism was seen as a barbaric art, the act of groveling before an elemental and asking for its aid like a dog disgusted them. To actually beseech powers from beyond for guidance did not appeal to any, many seeing it as an art of smoke and false promises. Instead the Elves would enslave the elementals, and forge their own future for themselves.

"Not unless they see the benefit," Codexia replied. "Remember that you have no way to satiate your people's appetite for magic, there are no magical fonts that you can consume and that is your problem. You have become too reliant on the magical energies that it has become almost an addiction, what do you think will happen when your people settle somewhere comfortable? They will try to gorge themselves like starved animals."

Mordent did know this, it was expected to happen as soon as they found a new source of power, but in these blasted lands it was unlikely to occur. But he had the idea that she was aware of this as well.

"I see you are catching on, my art will ensure that not only are you freed of this addiction, but also ensure that you are no longer dependent on searching for other sources of power," Codexia said, turning to regard the mage for a moment before she raised her staff. "Also it offers many benefits, especially to those who accept this path."

Soon her staff was bathed in an emerald glow, the headpiece pulsing with energy, and when it became almost blinding did she slam the pummel into the sand. The ground shook as the energy pulsed just below the surface, turning the grey sand a pale green color, before shooting out and in all directions.

Mordent followed the subterranean pulse as it moved across the plane they occupied, making the sand vibrate and tremble as it moved. Then it stopped, an eerie silence descending upon everyone as they witnessed the strange phenomenon and then nothing occurring. But Mordent knew something was going to happen, that energy was still present, he could feel it churning in the ground and growing.

Then something erupted behind him, turning sharply he found a sapling sprout from the ground, rapidly growing leaves and reaching for the sky. Soon more began to appear around it, while grass and small plants and bushes began to form as well. Mordent took several steps back when three trees appeared around him, quickly rising and threatening to smother him.

'This much power?' Mordent thought, shocked that a single individual could possess this degree of power.

The sand soon become covered in fresh grass, while trees continued to grow, trunks becoming bigger and canopies shielding the skies above behind their large green leaves. It continued to spread and expand, encompassing much of the surrounding area, in fact Mordent had lost sight of the tower and even his own people.

"Incredible isn't it?" Codexia said, drawing Mordent's attention.

She walked out from behind two trees, her hand running along the surface of a tree, fully grown and hard bark brushing against her gloved hand.

"Yes, this amount of power is incredible, but at what price?" Mordent replied, wondering what her game was in this, what was this show of force meant to accomplish.

"Does it really matter? By accepting this you are saving your people in three ways, giving them a sanctuary from harm where they can live freely. Making sure that your old enemies have no reason to further pursue you, and finally you have no need to forsake that power you crave." Codexia replied. "You have few options left, but with my aid you can finally enter this new world and not be afraid of the consequences of existing. Is that not something you wish to experience? To be able to be considered something more than a criminal hiding in the shadows?"

Modent furrowed his brow, his people had been hiding for a long time, even within the walls of their own city they hid from the other inhabitants and behind enthralled Ancients. But now they walk through the world, so much has changed about it and the races within, and they were the ones who were endangered.

Their kind has become the villains of this time, those who should be destroyed and exterminated because of their past sins. It was those faults that they would be judged, and they would look to what they are now, mages and practitioners of the same art that nearly brought ruin to the world. That alone would be enough to see their people dead, to allow them to continue the same self-destructive art as they had before the Sundering would be a risk they cannot tolerate.

"Then we shall do what we must to survive, if you offer us a chance we will listen," Mordent said, he knew the gamble he was taking with this woman, but he had no choice.

"Good, now we can get started, and the first thing we will do, is securing the Desolace as our territory," Codexia replied.


Hope you enjoyed the chapter, been a hard one to make sadly, but it is still done.

Reviews:

MadMaskJK: Actually the main issue with his Quincy powers is that they are not fully awakened, after all the Old Man was only able to halt the bleeding Ichigo sustained when he fought Kenpachi and not actually halt the blade. As stated by Yhwach he did not fully awaken his Quincy powers until he fought against Quilge Opei and was trapped in the Jail.

As for the body he is inhabiting it is pure human, created from the DNA of a random human that was used in the summoning ritual. The body is meant to reflect on ichigo's appearance but that is all the similarities and how far they go, the body he is in is actually more of a fake than a Gigai.

Earendil18: Yes he does possess the abilities of a Quincy but they are dormant, meaning they need to be awakened. Because of that the Old Man often needs to forcefully try to use these abilities but even then he cannot do much. Because if he could Ichigo wouldn't have been so wounded as he was against his opponents like before. Also since his body is not Quincy, and the blood in that body is from another human being used as a template to construct a human body it is not fundamentally designed to handle his powers. He could use his powers still, but they would still be limited both by his body being incompatible and the fact his Quincy powers are dormant.

Regis JN: Yeah, I know, it is fun.

Reality Deviant: Yeah, no Harem, so drop this issue please.

The Unsung Antihero: Yes, that mode is not something that just appears, it needs to be drawn out at a major emotional and physical breaking moment where he needs it to survive. But when it does come he will fuck shit up.

Impstar: That is actually something that will be delved in later on, Ichigo never asked how he was healed but when Ichigo meets Drauntia again he will be told a few things and she will reveal other things. Especially what she meant in regards to him when he was in the pod.

He will, he actually has undergone the means to actually prepare him for it.

Kragh50: Cannot reveal anything about relationships, I might decide on that or I might change it.

Black Cross0: The Bankai drawbacks come from its function, as Ichigo says the Bankai compresses his power into his body. Basically he condenses all that energy into his physical form, that in turn gives him mass and density, that is what allows him to accomplish these superhuman feats, but in turn they also place pressure on his body because it quite literally squeezes all that energy in a fragile container.

Also the Cacoon did something to him, but you will not find out till later.

You will see as time moves on.

Drow79: The elves are not so much like her but their culture does not have a taboo against nakedness, they see his actions are more silly than them being perverted.

KrazyFanfiction1: That can work, after all what the Getsuga Tenshou is, is a condense pressure from his spiritual energy. That pressure can translate into many things when harnessed, including a shield, so it can be used to enhance defences and actually create barrier and walls within a vicinity if used correctly.

Cole: There has never been any direct connotation in Bleach to show that the Shinigami are dark creatures, or aligned to a more malicious force. For example in Warcraft the Shadowlands is actually the afterlife, and is associated with Death, it is shown to be a bleach and dark world while the Shinigami reside in a realm similar to the Emerald Dream. While the Hollows actually inhabit something similar or close to the Shadow Lands, but not so.

It has been shown that certain location and places are tied to the nature of the creatures that inhabit it. Ghosts and Souls are attributed to death, but also life as well. Souls are considered the embodiment that give a person life in the World of the Living. This is what makes it hard to put a solid point down as Shinigami technically are just normal souls, as them becoming Shinigami is not attributed to anything but training and being taught to harness their power. Technically they are normal souls, just more powerful.

Clw123cat: Fullbringer's powers use Hollow energy and this power germinates within them as they develop in the womb, meaning that they develop of symbiotic bond with these energies and powers. Also Hollows wear their powers upon themselves, and Fullbringers have been shown to be able to drawn out the Souls in objects. Because Hollows harness their powers over their bodies it means that this power reinforces the external body, and that likely does translate into Fullbringers as well. While they are still limited to their own Stamina and Endurance they are far above natural humans.

As for Quincy they reinforce their internal organs and bodies through their blood, using Blut to strengthen themselves and keep their bodies intact when using their powers. Because of this they are much more resistant to the limitation of a normal body.

Leapinglemur: Yep, they saw his pecker. Also Thrall would be interested in this entity and would contact Jaina to see what she knows.

G3neSyS: Truly, let us drop the Harem stuff, it is tiring.

Yeah, Bankai is meant to be a last resort if the power of their Shikai is not enough, Bankai is meant to be used as a last resort if they need more power of the unique abilities of the Bankai are needed. Like Urahara, that would be a last resort item to use. For Ichigo I plan for him to use Shikai more than Bankai, to advance and enhance the skills and power he has with it.

Guest #1: Yes, he will do that later on after this arc, we will see him send them spirits on before he returns to Theramore.

Star: Sadly that is never going to happen, a joint thing like that is impossible due to the fact the Sentinels and Warsong hating one another with a passion that they would never allow for a joint operation within contested Territory. And the ogres, there is no way the ogres share anything with anyone.

Drauntia is an OC of David Knight. What Drauntia is, is actually a Spirit of the Wilds, basically a Spirit of Life. Something that connects to all living things, from the world to the elements to the mortal races.

Yes, Drauntia has slept for a long time and she does not realize that the Highborne and Night Elves have split from one another. Also while more trees can be grown the process is not always instant and it doesn't sprout from nothing. Likely it can be dangerous as it quickly draws out the nutrients and life from the ground to quickly bring new trees to life.

I still am deciding on potential weapon candidates but I have a few in mind and one is a bow.

Yeah, sadly people do not know how to write a decent fic where Naruto is the same as he always is and not some OC that shares his looks and name. Kind of bugs me.

Shiranakutemokekko: Thanks. As for what Drauntia said, she actually did something to Ichigo while within him and when they meet face to face next time she will reveal exactly what it was that she did to him and why.

Blindluck92: Of course it is not surprising, people are idiots, they care about what is seen and not understood rather than the reason they did what they did with the power.

Drauntia helped in many areas, the Trolls Blood is designed to help with regeneration and is said to replicate the regenerative powers bestowed onto the trolls by the Loa. Meaning that this could help him with regeneration, but she also did other things. And in time you will see.

Sadly she herself is too modest to open her blouse, but she can make a few snarky comments.

Silverhawk88: Thank you, I am glad that you like it, and I hope that it continues to entertain and draw you in.

Guest #2: I will, it is not the main focus of the story, not yet anyway, in time it will come along but it will be something on the side rather than blatantly taking over the plot.

Meech Macho: Ichigo may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but he is not a bowling ball, he knows when things are up, he deduced the function of the Substitute Shinigami Badge, or at least suspected it. He also knew that Urahara had his motives when sending him to the Soul Society, he is perceptive at time, when he is thinking clearly.

Ichigo will need to learn to control his powers much more, and also will need to find a means to use his Bankai without the dangers. After all the Bankai is a last resort item, meant to be used when there is no option left that can assure victory.

I see the Night Elves similar to the elves in Lord of the Rings, they do have attraction and love, but they do not do it with pure sex and lust. It is more an emotional love and attraction, they do not have sex for sex, they do it to procreate, pleasure through sex is not common. I mean Tyrande and Malfurion were separated for ten thousand years but their love never dwindled, I see the love in Elven society to be more emotional and soul binding than just getting the dick wet.

Kewllewk: Yeah, him dying would make for a poor and short story however.

Stuporman: A curb stomp is only good when it happens once in a while. That is right, a lot of things have been changed with Ichigo inside the pod, Drauntia has done a lot of changed for Ichigo and in time you shall see what they are.

Ichigo has a tendency to not give details on things, and he was only telling them mostly of his world and the nature of the Shinigami and what they do. The Zanpakuto only came up as their main choice of weaponry, he also only mentioned Kido in passing but did not mention the different tiers of it. There is only so much he is aware of simply because he has no formal training as a Shinigami.