A little late in posting but not too bad, at least I got it to you in time and it is a nice long chapter. So you can't be too mad about me being late now can you? Well this is it, the beginning of the Next arc truly begins now, things are going to be getting real hectic from here on out.

Now reviews are on the bottom and the results for the poll can be seen here or on my Profile.

1st Place. Jaina Proudmoore with 28 votes

2nd Place Adelina with 25 votes

3rd Place Shandris Feathermoon with 18 votes

4th Place Caren Willmourne with 4 votes

5th Place Joana Lightlance with 4 votes

6th Place Other? with 4 votes

7th Place Pained with 2 votes

8th Place Tyresa Morgan with 0 votes

There you have it, honestly surprised with how that went, the top three being Jaina, Adelina and Shandris, in a way I thought the first two would be in the running. But remember that this isn't a final decision, it is to see who you think Ichigo could end up with. If he ends up with anyone at all.

But still was fun to see.


Transcendence

Chapter 45: Good to Bad

Theramore

Ichigo was lying on his bed, his armor stacked neatly next to the bedside drawer, his hands resting behind his head and smiling as he looked at the ceiling. Even after an hour he couldn't get the sensation to leave, the excitement that they were making progress, the feeling he was just a few steps closer to home was exhilarating.

He hadn't felt so enthused and glad in a long damn time, he couldn't compare this to anything he had felt before, maybe went he first got his Shinigami powers, hell maybe even that didn't compare. This was something completely different, a true elation that had come when he was still in a pit struggling with his own inner demons and problems, it felt like everything was beginning to turn right for him.

"So the badge is a monitoring device?" Caren inquired.

Ichigo glanced towards the magi, he could see her out of the corner of his eye, and finding Caren devoid of her usual magical garb and instead in a fine green silk dress that clung to her very tightly. Although she had called it a casual dress, but considering the golden threat that adorned the cuffs and buttons, Ichigo could tell it was way too fancy for anyone but a noble to consider plain.

"Yeah, monitored everything around me, likely to keep tabs on me," Ichigo replied, not really going into much detail.

While he had no issues with the badge, or the reasons it may have been given to him, Caren and Adelina had been voicing their thoughts on the matter. Adelina being quite concerned of the possibilities of what may happen if the Gotei discovered what he had learned. Ichigo had brushed off their concerns and told them that he would deal with it, although that did little to stop them from pestering him.

"Ichigo, going back home, are you truly certain you will be alright?" Adelina asked, getting a little pushier in her attempts to make him answer. "Are you truly certain?"

"Yes, I will be fine, seriously why are you so worried, they think they will turn on me, doesn't mean they will." Ichigo replied, frowning slightly as he glanced at the elven druid.

"And Lady Jaina had a point, how well do you actually know them? Didn't they practically conscript you into this war of theirs and try to murder you on multiple occasions, from what I know you don't become quick friends with individuals that are willing to kill you if you prove detrimental to their cause." Caren replied.

Ichigo didn't deny that, they may be willing to kill him if he was proven to be a danger of threat to what they do and he doubted knowing them would change anything. He wasn't exactly friends with the higher ups; the closest he had probably gotten to any of them is Toshiro and maybe Kenpachi. It was a sad day for him when the most ruthless and psychotic of the captains is probably the closest person he had to a friend within the Gotei.

But it still didn't change anything, if they were going to turn on him, it didn't matter if they did betray him because he would fight back and protect himself and anyone else that was threatened. There was nothing simpler than that, he had no doubts that if something happened between him and the Gotei they would likely go against him, but that hadn't come to pass yet. No point in worrying about what is possibly going to happen, or won't happen.

"You are also forgetting that I have people I can rely on, even those within the Gotei, Rukia and Renji, Urahara and Yoruichi, hell even the Visored might help me if things really go sideways, I got people who can help if things get out of hand." Ichigo replied, rolling his eyes, they were being so over protective it wasn't funny.

"Even then…" Caren started, attempting another rant of her, but Ichigo cut her off before she could go on some long winded tirade.

"For god sakes, come on, I will be fine. I have been through this a dozen times already; you don't have to worry about me." Ichigo replied, his smile dropping as he sat up and ruffled his hair.

This was meant to be a good moment for him, the discovery of the badge being a transmitter that connected him right back to home and his inevitable return even swifter than previously theorized. But now these two were telling him if he should reconsider, seriously even Jaina and Aegwynn did not put up this much of an argument with him.

"Once that portal is set up I will set out immediately, I told Jaina the same thing, I won't hesitate to go back when the time comes, so please just drop it already." Ichigo grouched.

Thankfully he was met with silence, and at first he suspected that maybe they had finally accepted that he was adamant about going home. He looked up and found Caren giving him her usual disapproving look, something common when it came to being unable to convince Ichigo of her point. When his eyes drifted to Adelina he was surprised, because he didn't see any concern or anxiety, instead she looked downcast.

"You alright?" Ichigo asked, raising an eyebrow at her sudden depressing state.

"So, when the time comes you will depart immediately, no looking back?" Adelina asked, ignoring his inquiry all together.

Ichigo frowned at her, why was she acting so subdued and quiet?

"Yeah, I can't wait around here while things back home may be getting worse, I need to get there as quickly as possible," Ichigo replied.

That was the truth, in fact that was probably the main reason he was so unconcerned with the Gotei for the time being, because right now Aizen was the biggest threat he had to face when he got back. Worry if the Gotei would stab him in the back or attempt to detain him was the least of his worries if Aizen was still on the loose and causing all kinds of havoc.

"No hesitation, no looking back?" Adelina asked. "You would leave as soon as you were able?"

"Without a moment's hesitation, I got friends and family back there that I need to protect, I got to get back there, you know that." Ichigo responded seriously, although he thought he noticed Caren making some erratic motions with her hand but he wasn't paying too much attention to see if she was.

"So you would leave us then? You would go home and not look back on all the friends you made here?" Adelina asked, looking up at Ichigo, yet her gaze falling as soon as her eyes met his. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have presumed…"

'What the hell…?' Ichigo thought, it took a serious few seconds for him to process her words and deduce exactly what she meant. 'Oh, fuck me…'

Ichigo felt like real shit right now, he could feel the rejection flowing from Adelina's eyes and words as soon as she spoke them, and he felt like he deserved to get strung up on the Sokyoku. He felt like an idiot now that he had basically said he would up and leave the moment the opportunity presented itself, and not look back on all these people he had befriended. He knew that Adelina was a little socially awkward and didn't make friends easily but he didn't think he would have that much an impact on her.

"Adelina, I didn't…" Ichigo tried to explain, but he was cut off.

"No, I understand, you have more riding on your shoulders than anyone else here, I know your priorities have always been to return home as quickly as possible," Adelina said, and from the looks of it she was killing herself just trying to rationalize it. "You have greater ties back on your own world than here, and we have only really known each other for so long, I just thought…"

Adelina stopped herself before taking a breath, for a few moments she was still, and then she rose to her feet and collected her staff. She moved for the door, all the while trying to put on a brave face, as if she was the one trying to comfort Ichigo for making a scene.

"I am sorry that you had to see that, this is a major moment for you, I am sorry I had to ruin this for you," Adelina said, opening the door and quickly leaving.

Ichigo was silent as the door slammed shut behind her, a sign of her hasty retreat from him, he truly couldn't say anything as he realized just what had happened. He had basically said he would abandon his friendships here for those back home, and Adelina had just replied those exact words right into his face and made him realize just how much it hurt her.

"Ichigo, you idiot!" Caren hissed, grabbing him by his tunic and pulling him to his feet. "Get out there and apologize to her!"

Ichigo stumbled as he was shoved towards the door, looking back at the fuming Caren who all but seemed ready to incinerate his ass if he even took a step away from it.

"The next time I see you, it better be with her with you and smiling, she has enough problems without her thinking you are going to leave her behind!" Caren growled, pointing to the door and making sure that Ichigo understood the unsaid danger of coming back with an upset druid.

Without a word he left, planning on finding Adelina and making sure his asinine comment didn't irreparably damage his friendship with her. He rushed down the hall and hoped to catch up to her, rushing down the hall and stairs into the main dining area, but even as he ran out of the inn entirely he could not see her.

'Dammit,' Ichigo growled, taking off running to see if he could catch a glimpse of where she went.


Adelina sat in silence and continued to gaze at the horizon; it had been hours since she sat down and simply watched as the sun cast her shadow forward as dusk settled in. Her head was resting on her knees, her hands tightly wrapped around them, as her mind drifted from one thought to the next. It was all she could do now after her little breakdown back at the Inn, something she was a little ashamed of.

'Maybe I shouldn't have run away like that,' Adelina mused, she should have waited and listened to Ichigo, maybe he would have taken his words back and reassured her.

Ichigo could be very kind at times, often reassuring you that everything was alright even in the bleakest of time, for she had seen him do it personally. Whenever he visited Lynn and James he would speak with them, relaying his condolences and trying to help them in his own way. Maybe out of shame or guilt, but his words were none the less potent in trying to rouse them, and it was working.

Some suspected that Lynn would not likely leave her room for months or possibly years with her trauma, but Ichigo was able to coax her out alongside James. It was truly miraculous that he had been able to do it, to help a traumatized mother and son out of their grips with despair, for even the good Doctor VanHowzen and herself couldn't help those two as Ichigo had. She even smiled at times, appearing to actually be able to express joy rather than having an empty upturn of the lips, something few would have thought possible.

'But that was Ichigo, doing such impossible things,'

Maybe he would help her now, come find her and give her the reassurance that he wouldn't leave without a goodbye and an assurance that he would come back. That no matter how short a time they had been together that he would come back to Azeroth, that their friendship wouldn't end with any goodbyes. But that was it, would he even decide to come back here when he leaves? He has only been here for just over two months and she expects him to visit again after he returns home?

'What does he even have here? What is it that would make him want to stay?'

There was nothing here, he knew not the land or the nations and cared little for the politics and making something of himself in Azeroth. No, that was not who he was, he wanted to return home and protect it from the evils that plot to bring an end to the world and the innocent people call that world home, there was nothing else Ichigo wanted more than to return home.

That is what caused her the most pain though.

Why should she consider it so painful to see him go? That he would finally achieve his dream and depart Azeroth, a world not his own and so unfamiliar, and back to Earth and his home in Kararura, somewhere that he cherishes more than here. Back to family that will love him, to a warm hearth and smiling faces that couldn't be replaced by any comradery's and friendships he had stroked up. Returning to his friends, people he had grown up with and formed deep bonds that cannot be replaced, bonds that he surely has never laid down here.

That hurt her the most.

Ichigo was her friend, but did he consider her the same?

For so many years she struggled to live, to find the strength to keep moving forward and become someone that had a reason to continue on, to actually make something out of her life. Even when she did try, fighting through the loneliness and despair, and fight for that desire she always fell short. She was weak, unable to support her own dreams that others would call simple and attainable, and none were there to help her back up for every failed attempt.

Even when she was not alone, with her many fellow druids upon Stonetalon Peak where she sought to perfect her training, standing beside many who wanted to attain the same dream as her, she was alone. These novices that she trained together with, working hard and fought to be the best they could be, comrades in a shared goal to be something great, but even beside them she couldn't achieve her goals. Every failing was met with scorn from her teachers, the same scorn passed to them when they made attempt to help or console her, and alienated her from those she thought her companions and friends.

Adelina did not blame them, how could she? For her own failings came from her lack of inner strength and the constant need for others to help. Fighting for her life often brought out that strength, the desire to survive and continue on a good mechanism to preserve herself, but truly she had never known real strength when she wished for it to come on its own.

'Yet he showed me strength, how to continue on, how not to give up no matter what,'

At first she was sent alongside Ichigo to watch over him and make sure he reached Theramore, a task she volunteered for, her mission to make sure he did not deviate from his path and his motives were pure. In the two weeks she travelled with him she learned so much, of his history and his people, but most of all she learned about him. Often not through his retellings and stories of his world, but through his actions and how he responded to her stories, giving her a deeper glimpse into his soul.

But it truly came when he spared Drekhve's life, unwilling to kill a wounded and dying warrior, and even before that his desire not to kill out of principle. Then his determination, despite his despair and inner pain, to solve the conspiracy of Shady Rest, willing to put his own turmoil aside to avenge those that had been so mercilessly taken.

It had awed her, lengths he would go in order to do what he saw as right; what he was willing to do in order to protect others and ensure that they were safe. Even herself, on so many different occasions he was there to offer his hand to support her plights and give words of encouragement to make her push forward. It was because of Ichigo that for the first time in years she felt like she would be able to make something of herself, that the constant block that held her back was falling down.

'He made me feel something again,' Adelina thought, the clarity of it bringing unshed tears to her eyes. 'That I wasn't alone and that I had someone who could help me support this world that was against me being a part of it.'

He was her friend, her first and truest friend, no one else had done what he had done for her and never had he turned his back on her. Ichigo had turned her bleak world into something brilliant, giving her true happiness that she had not felt since she last was with her family. She didn't want him to leave, the only person that could bring any joy and take away the weight over her heart. She wanted to live again, to continue to feel this feeling, but how can she do it when the one person that brings her this sense of peace is going to abandon her?

"Adelina?"

She froze for a moment, the unshed tears in her eyes trickling down her cheek, quickly she wiped her eyes and face and hid from view. Why did she have to look like this? Like that girl that was so miserable and thought that the world hated her? Why did he have to see her so weak? See who she truly was.

"Adelina, I've been looking everywhere for you," Ichigo said with a sigh, sounding slightly exasperated. "When I heard you were out here I had to get a damn sailor to give me a boat just to get over here. How the hell did you get over here?"

Adelina looked back towards Theramore, seeing it just half a league from the mound of dirt that made up the small island she sat on. She had hoped that it would have been a good hiding spot for herself; get her thoughts and emotions out of the way, until she went back.

"I can change into a Sea Lion, it allows me to swim through water easily," Adelina replied, her head resting back on her knees as she gazed out at the ocean, hoping that he had not noticed her brief moment of weakness.

"Huh, only thought you could turn into a bear and a cat," Ichigo replied, strolling forward and taking a seat next to Adelina.

There was silence, lasting several minutes, and in a way it was comforting for Adelina that Ichigo was near her but not trying to pressure her to listen or desperately trying to apologise. He was letting her get comfortable, letting the mood settle in and share the moment with her. It was strange that someone so headstrong and reckless could be so considerate and have the foresight to know not to pressure someone.

She couldn't help but smile at that, small and pleasant.

"You're smiling," Ichigo noted, before giving a sigh and scratching the back of his head. "That's good, was worried how I was going to go and talk to you about this."

Again they descended into silence, and Adelina wondered if he was still trying to think of something to say. Expressing feelings and rehearsing was never his strong suit, always going at something in the moment was where he truly shined, no planning what to do or say, only immediate response. Maybe that was what he was waiting for, the right response to get him going.

"I'm sorry, it was… stupid to say it like that, I should have thought before I actually spoke," Ichigo said, obviously not really knowing how to apologize, just as Adelina expected.

"You're sorry you said it?" Adelina asked, hoping that this was the moment she was waiting for, but she was disappointed, and left hurt.

"I am, but not about what I had to say," Ichigo replied.

Adelina looked at him surprised, what could he possibly mean by that? Did he not care about hurting her like that? The past feelings and dread that she conjured up while here came flooding back, was all that she feared true? Did he not care?

"I am sorry that you thought that I was being unkind and treated our friendship like it was nothing, the way I said it was like I would just up and leave without so much as a goodbye," Ichigo said, he didn't look at her, gazing instead off into nothingness as he let the words flow. "But in truth if it came down to it being like that I would still go, no farewell or goodbye."

Ichigo looked at her seriously, his traditional scowl in place.

"But, you said…" Adelina tried to say, ask him how he can apologize and try to offer reassurances when he didn't take back the words that had hurt her.

"I said I am sorry about saying them the way I did, not what was said," Ichigo replied, running a hand through his hair, his nervousness about the situation obvious. "What I am sorry for is not considering how you would feel about it, because I thought that you would be alright."

"How can I be alright?" Adelina asked, sounding just as upset as she appeared. "You would leave without a word and I would never see you again, all that time we spent together meaning nothing, how would you expect me to be alright when the only friend I have leaves and doesn't hesitate to leave me behind?"

Ichigo looked at her for a moment, his scowl softening as he heard each word that left her mouth, before he turned away in a huff. Adelina was shocked; did he just huff at her in annoyance? Dismissing her concern and pain as nothing more than an inconvenience for him.

"You idiot, do you actually think I took everything we did for granted?" Ichigo replied, sounding annoyed but in a different way, as if he was humorously mocking someone. "You have been my side for so long now that I can't do anything alone without wondering where you are, that is how close you have gotten to me, and you think that I don't care."

Adelina was stumped, he did care for her? He actually didn't take the time they spent together for granted and actually preferred her company? But if that was true than why was he berating her and acting like his words did not matter?

"You have been my friend here more than anyone else, you have helped and guided me through this world and given me the drive to keep going and push forward even when I was at my lowest, you are someone I respect and would call friend for the rest of my life," Ichigo replied, scowl in place and words deathly serious.

Adelina felt conflicted, to know how he felt in regards to their friendship and his desire to return home, how could she trust his words when they are so dissimilar. He called her a friend and said he respected her, probably the first time in her entire life she had ever received such admiration, but he would leave without a word edgewise when the time presented itself.

"Then why would you leave?" Adelina asked.

"Because I may have no other choice but to leave like that," Ichigo replied. "I know it sounds heartless for me to say, and I don't doubt that is exactly what it is, but when the opportunity comes I may need to act on the moment and actually jump at the chance given to me to get home. I may have to leave on a whim with no other choice to go or be delayed or even trapped here."

Ichigo knew that when this portal came into being that he may not have an infinite amount of time to get through, Jaina often saying that the power needed to open gateways such as this were massive. So when the time came for the portal to open he may only have moments to get through before it collapses and he is trapped in some distorted limbo somewhere. He couldn't hesitate to leave, not for a moment to look back and say his farewells to everyone that he had met and called friend, he had to be ready to take the leap when it came.

"I also need to get home as quickly as possible, that even goodbyes and heartfelt farewells are too great of a time waster, because every moment I am not home is a moment something bad could happen. A friend could die, a stranger I never met may die, it doesn't matter who it is, but if I can be there quick enough to stop it, than I need to go as soon as I can. Because the sooner I get home the better," Ichigo continued. "But I want to make something clear."

He turned towards her and his gaze was fierce, no hostility shone in his eyes, it was a determined glare if she could call it anything. It made her feel small, like she was in the presence of a powerful predator, yet not once did she feel afraid or threatened by his hard gaze.

"I have never abandon anyone and I never will, not you, not Caren, no one, you are my friend and I will stick by you till the moment I have to leave. Never doubt for a second that you were nothing in my eyes, you are more to me than you could possibly know." Ichigo said, his eyes never leaving hers, and she could see the unblinking truth that rested within those brown eyes. "You say I am your only friend, well in a way I could say you are mine as well, one of my best, so don't go around thinking you are nothing and I ain't gonna care about you when I am gone, because I will care, even more now knowing how you feel about me leaving. But even when I am gone, you will still here there in my heart."

Adelina was silent, eyes wide and unable to process it, in his own little way he had taken away her fear of him not caring. He may go and leave her one day, but until then and beyond, he would still care for her and cherish the time they had together. It was saddening that one day he would leave, and on that day she was certain this pain would return, but she knew that he would still care.

She could see it in his eyes, the truest expression of his promise, that she was his friend and he was hers. He had worked his way into her heart, and he said she had done the same, never before could she have felt so cherished.

"Thank you," Adelina said, smiling slightly.

"No problem," Ichigo said, before getting up and offering a hand to her. "Now come on, Caren is likely still pissed and the last thing I need is her trying to fry my ass for making you cry."

"I wasn't crying," Adelina replied, taking his hand and smiling still.

"Good, be sure to use that when we see her next," Ichigo gave a nonchalant response, moving back towards the edge of the small mound that sat several hundred meters from the shore. "Where the hell did that asshole with boat go!?"


Ethel Rethor

Codexia strolled down the street and observed the milling populace, it was small and tamed compared to the more bustling capitals around the world, and she found it pleasant to walk through it. She had departed five days ago to the Bone Graveyard to perform a ritual and had only just returned, and the results she was seeing were beyond her expectations.

People were milling around the street and going about their business, it was as if this entire city had come alive in the short time she had been away. Greeting were exchanged as she walked by, she replied in kind with a smile to match, it would seem that everyone within the city was still grateful for her efforts in raising the city for them.

'Almost everyone,' Codexia reminded herself.

The Nobles had all but been haughty in the fact that the city was now in their possession, their first words to her was that they would be taking the Temple and Palace. Arrogant bastards they were, as soon as they had a chance to flaunt their power they took it, and right now they were working to turn that palace into their personal abode. Honestly they didn't like anything that didn't have the size to match their egos, and her patience with them was wearing thin.

It had been exasperating for her to deal with them flaunting themselves around the temple as if they owned it and the work she performed was nothing in the greater scope of things. Right now she was moving to the Temple and planning on summoning the Spirits here, she needed to speak with them all.

As she walked into the plaza she found it dominated by stalls, a small market having been set up and providing the populace with food and refreshment. It had been like this for the last two weeks since the rising of the city. A small celebration that was growing with each passing day, now that the people were settled and comfortable efforts had been made to provide for everyone.

Kodo were being hunted in the wilds and fish were being pulled from the seas, meant to provide everyone with some much needed luxury and further boost their mood. It seemed that it was increasing as well, seasoning and different varieties of meats provided for everyone. It looked like a banquet was being prepared, and with how much food was being prepared for one day it could feed likely the whole city three times over.

"Praise be unto those who provide this bounty, thanks be given to all who sacrificed and fought for our safety and continual survival,"

Codexia frowned at that, looking at the town crier who was standing in front of the large mount that once was a fountain, he along with many others were chanting the same rhetoric. Although thanks from the people towards herself and the Gnomes were give, these criers were not chanting their names or their deeds, it was the Nobles who were being chanted for.

'Another move to boost their image, it seems that they want to be in charge again,' Codexia mused.

It had started the very next day they claimed the city, people moving about and trying to sway the positive opinions away from their actual saviours and towards the Nobles. Politics would never change it seemed, it was all a game of popularity with them, all about making sure the people loved you so that you could sway them.

"Rejoice in the food and drink provided, for this is but a taste of the true reward to come, soon we shall satiate our true apatite that has been denied for so long,"

Codexia halted for a moment, her eyes moving towards the crier, his last sentence catching her attention and she wondered exactly what he had meant by them. He said that they would satiate their true apatite soon enough, did he mean that they would satiate their hunger for magic? Impossible, there was no way that they could have access to any font of arcane energy in this region.

'I should consult with the spirits further on this, if there was a source they should not be allowed to have access to it.' Codexia mused, before continuing on her trek towards the temple.

Ascending the steps she strolled past several magi-warriors, in their hands long blades that were pulsing with a strange arcane glow. They made no move to halt her or even gave a glance, they were stoic guardians who didn't so much glance at you unless you were a threat, she didn't know if she should think on their indifference or not.

Walking through the long halls she found no one within, not a single soul save for herself strolled through the passageway before arriving in the equally deserted antechamber. She was a little disappointed that no one had come to see the Elementals, to actually bask in their presence and learn of them. Maybe it was the Nobles, having the Guards keep anyone who was not of certain blood out of the temple, they were arrogant like that.

In fact, the first time she tried to enter after they began occupying the palace, she had to argue her way in after the guards barred her entrance. It wouldn't be too farfetched to think that the Nobles are trying to remain traditional to their ways, but they couldn't hold onto them for long. Not with time going against them.

"You have returned, and the others are ready to receive you,"

Codexia turned towards the tree, watching as an ocean blue wave of energy pulsed from within the large gem entwined in the two twisting trunks. Soon the form of Thetis appeared, her watery form flowing down the steps and interweaving themselves in several torn cloth and weathered stones along the ground.

Soon her form gave shape to that of a woman, curves and features soon becoming more refined and solid as the liquid took on deeper quality and appeared close to that of smoothed steel. The rags and worn stone soon adorned her as clothing, a breastplate and girdle, with bracers and a tattered hood. Her face took form of a woman, long dark oily looking hair flowed from beneath the shroud over her head and clung to her liquid body.

"Druantia arrives many days ago, thank to your efforts she is strong enough to manifest here," Thetis said, stepping forward as another pulse of light appeared from the tree.

Soon a wave of green light pulsed from the tree, coming from the bark and seeping from the small cracks in its surface. Soon it formed into a singular being that hovered in the air, clad in flowers and leaves and having skin of pale bark.

Codexia bowed her head to the two spirits.

"Druantia, Thetis, I have returned from the Bone Wastes and He is ready to manifest beside you," Codexia replied, and as soon as the words had left her mouth she felt pain.

Both hands went to her staff, using it to support herself as she felt like something was pulling itself from within her, her legs nearly buckling from beneath her. Then her shadow expanded, created a wide disk around her, and from it darkness was pulled from her body, flowing out and into the pool of black beneath her feet. It started and ended quickly, something she was thankful for, yet it was far from peaceful.

"It had been many centuries since I had the strength to manifest in such a way, to bask in the world as more than just a presence is truly enlightening," The Shadow moved, slowly forming into a mass reminiscent of that of an man.

Although it resembled a humanoid appearance, its form continually shifted and changed, mixing between different races. Some she could recognise easily, from Tauren to elf, but then it turned into other things she couldn't quite decipher, some large fat bear – possibly a furbolg – being among those forms he took.

Then it solidified into a singular figure, shrouded in a cape of darkness that flowed down its body, yet its form was still that of darkness with only the depths of the shadow showing difference between what is clothing and what is meant to represent its body. These elementals were strange in their ways, taking on such humanoid forms, maybe their previous interactions with mortals made them considerate in taking these appearances; she did not know nor found reason to ask.

"Erebus, so it is you who we must thank for the intervention of this acolyte of the Primalism arts," Druantia stated, her voice warm and soothing.

"Her path was set by another, I merely provided the initiation, and his teachings have guided her far." Erebus said, a clawed bony hand rising up, he flexed the appendage as he examined it. "Yet one gave assutance that she would succeed, he holds my interest, I am certain you know of the one I speak? So many possibilities await us now that he is here."

"Yes, many possibility," Druantia replied, the short but very informative conversation came to an abrupt end there.

Codexia knew that they spoke of Ichigo, there was no one else that they could be referring to, for he has ensured that her mission was successful and that she awakened Druantia. But more than that he possessed a power she had never felt before, overwhelming and destructive, it was surreal that someone like him could walk around and boast such strength.

Yet she wondered what they meant by possibilities, could it be that they wanted to initiate him into their order, or maybe even conscript him to service? Right now that had to wait, their goals for Ichigo did not align here at the moment, she needed to know what to do now in this moment.

"Great spirits, you know of me and my master, I am Codexia Fairchild and I see your guidance and wisdom for my mission in the near future,"

All three spirits turned towards her, only two she could see held faces of serene kindness, and she waited for permission to speak.

"Tell us Codexia Fairchild, what is it that you seek?" Druantia inquired.

"I seek to reform the Council of Six, and bring balance back to the Elements that have for so long been running rampant and uncontrolled." Codexia replied. "Only then can we restore balance to the world and ensure that the chaos that divides the elements is repaired."

"Three of us stand here now, but our brothers still remain sealed, the last of the first Elementals to move across the surface of this world during the time of Primordial formation," Druantia spoke once more. "But we have not the strength or power to reassert our rule upon the Elementals; they have grown violent and strong with our absence, Lords and Barons now rule them with violence, they fight amongst one another for so long that they know not what it once was like to be at peace."

"But we can fix it, in time we can rebuild your strength," Codexia replied. "Many Shamans still roam the world and while your voices are feint in their ears you still connect them to your brethren sealed within the Elemental Planes, if you connect with them you can grow stronger, and with the Highborne that will only hasten your rise and return."

Codexia knew that the only way to strengthen the elementals was to connect them to other souls, Primalists become extensions of a Primal Spirits power and ability. For every person that they give themselves a piece of itself, even a small sliver of power, it strengthens them, for the stronger the Shaman becomes the greater the power within them grows. That in turn strengthens the spirits and makes them mightier, symbiotic and without ill effect, that was what true Primalism was.

"You know that only those who seek to join our case will be welcomes, but these Highborne do not seek to learn our ways, they seeks a quicker solution, one paved with ambition," Thetis responded, shaking her head at the notion.

"Yes, I know, but without a font to draw upon they will not be able to feed that need, instead they will come to you, they will wish to learn if it means that they can finally be without the hunger," Codexia reasoned.

"It is an attempt to stave off death, nothing more," Erebus replied, coldly stating the fact that Codexia had overlooked. "They will not come to learn, but find means to make their lives more comfortable, the food they eat will lose its taste and they will crave for greater things, and I see that they will not wish to share power, but take it for themselves."

Codexia knew that it was a risk that the Highborne would attempt to use any means to satiate their hunger, even taking it from other beings. She had heard of Immol'thar, a large two headed Void Terror, that had been imprisoned over twelve hundred years ago and were slowly feeding off its energies. But they wouldn't dare risk challenging these elementals, their powers easily dwarfed that of the demon, the Highborne were too weak as well to potentially face all three of them.

"They wouldn't…"

"They would," Thetis responded. "They know not any other way to survive, and those that lead them care only in the freedom that they now possess, no longer shackled and kept at bay by one stronger than them."

It was true, without Tortheldrin to keep the rest of the Noble in check and making sure that they received their magical rations, the Nobles now had freedom that they had not felt in centuries. That was dangerous, hungry and no longer bound by chains, it could only lead to disaster, and if they thought themselves so mighty they could do something reckless.

"But if I bring the people to you, show them your ways, better means to live and go on, force the Nobles to change…" Codexia tried to reason.

"Again she sees little reason, while I applaud your reasoning and support what you intend, it will not work," Erebus said, the white orbs that made up its eyes narrowing. "Do you not understand what elements we are, while I can subjugate what I wish, I do so for my own means. My power is not over balance through cooperation, instead, it is forcing it to remain calm, I think you recall do you not?"

Codexia shivered slightly, the spirits hand drifted towards her and swept through her hair, reminding her of all those years ago in Duskwood. That horrible night, so many dark thoughts and twisted things coursed through her being and the feeling of it made her tremble, still scared her even to this day. So little she remembered before that, only the anger and rage, all she recalled was the blood and desire to make those people pay for what they did.

"I do know, you are the Spirit of Decay, you subjugate the elementals and force them to comply, through your power one may control the elements around them and what is given to a greater degree and forces it to bend to your will." Codexia replied.

The Spirit of Decay and the Spirit of Life both embodied two duelling aspects of the elements; each one had different means in which they controlled the elements. The Spirit of Life connected the user to the Elements and allowed that person to form a rapport with the elements, creating a mutual relationship between the two. This resulted in a relationship of give and take, and was something that all Shamans now employed today in their art.

But the Spirit of Decay was different, instead of a mutual exchange it was only one way. By wearing away a spirits choices and wills, subjugating it to the user's desires and wants, it's effectively enslaving the elemental and its power. In a way Decay was similar to Necromancy and actually its power was often drawn upon by Necromancers and used to empower their spells and bind souls to their will.

That was the difference, a Spirit of Life was about cooperation and mutual benefits between the two parties, while the Spirit of Decay was one sided and made only for serving the needs of the one who was in control. While these two powerful spirits were not continually needed to exert control over the other elements, their direct intervention could make even the most novice of Shaman powerful.

"Correct, but you cannot bend these elves to your desires, for they must choose their calling, we do not choose for them, we only act in accordance with their desires." Erebus said. "Besides, it matters not what they choose, only what you do about it, for my motivations lay elsewhere at present. I wait to see how you go about this task."

Without another word the spirit dissipated, its form turning into roaming dark mist upon the ground and flowing towards the walls, entering the many cracks in its surface and disappearing. In a way she was glad he was gone, his very presence always felt wrong to her and made her nervous. Even when weakened and his influence unfelt she could always feel him at the back of her mind.

But considering current circumstances she could feel that maybe he had a greater influence over her than she first suspect, even if his presence and power were not as noticeable as it is now.

"You despair if your actions are not pure, do you truly fear all that you have done?" Thetis inquired, drawing the young Primalist from her musing.

"I do, Marta… she fears what I intended for the Highborne and what I am willing to do to achieve my goals, and what she revealed to me only makes me feel she is right." Codexia replied.

Ever since the rising of the city, and her subsequent argument with the Gnomish Mercenary Captain, she had been all but spurned by the rest of her company. They did not speak with her, any attempts to talk with a single soul was met with them turning their back to her, and even attempts to reach Marta personally had been met with Booth Morton making threats against her. She should have been annoyed and angry that they would be so cold to her, that they would act like she was the killer who murdered their people.

Yet she couldn't help but think that they were right in their hatred of her, she had led Marta's people into many dangers and done it without truly telling them of why they should be doing this. Her own goals were still a mystery for everyone, often she spoke of a war with the elements and that they would ravage the world if she did not stop it. But how can she speak to them? Have them understand and not waste time trying to make them understand the reasons behind her actions.

"They have every right to hate me, because I didn't care for the sacrifices they made for me, and I hate myself for doing this despite feeling so sure that I was doing the right thing," Codexia replied, her eyes unable to meet the Spirits.

"Then what shall you do?" Thetis inquired. "Shall you forsake this mission? Will you attempt to make amends? What will you do now that you no longer feel so certain in the direction you take youself?"

"I will tread this path alone, I will find the other spirits and reform the Council on my own, and risk only myself," Codexia replied, appearing determined to follow these words. "I will not endanger anyone else if I can help it, looking back on what happened to Drommyr, Corrine and Pat, and so many others; I cannot put anyone else's life on the line. Not when my own judgement is so impaired."

Thetis gave a nod of approval towards the Primalist, clearly accepting the answer from her. Her own element and nurturing desire shining through within Codexia, and in a way she felt relieved that she at least had her approval in that regards.

Codexia would have asked her a question in return, but she chose not to make such a hasty move, it was too disrespectful and in a way she was afraid it would lead to complications. For questioning the spirits on their decisions was an insult, for their ways are above that of mortals and she would greatly disrespect the elements by asking why they had made a certain choice. If Codexia inquired why Thetis gave her a portion of her power, something only given to those who are worthy, when she had been manipulating and disregarding those around her.

Water was nurturing and kind, serene and ensuring that those around them are cared for and protected, it would never aid in such twisted manipulations. How could she be worthy of any power she wields over the element of water when she had done nothing but trick and deceive those around her? Maybe when she made the contact Thetis could sense her belief that she was going good, that all the actions she took were towards the greater good.

'I just hope that I am doing it for the greater good.' Codexia thought, giving one final bow and moving from the Temple.


"She doubts herself, and the cause she moves towards, even as she says she will walk alone she feels too weak to accomplish anything." Thetis said, once Codexia was out of earshot she turned to Druantia. "I am curious as to why you desired me to give unto my power to her, she is not worthy of wielding the waters of the world, and even when she came to your temple and freed you, you should have seen the twisted work Erebus has performed upon her."

"It was not my hand that guided her then; she should have failed, died in my temple before she could have freed me." Druantia replied. "But other forces are at work, intending to see our release when we were never meant to gaze upon this world through physical eyes, and we must be prepared to deal with them before their own plans take form."

"So you agree with my proposal then?" Erebus whispered, shadows leaking from many dark corners of the room, but never appearing in form.

"Yes, Codexia will be able to reassemble the Council in time, but she will not be the instrument to prevent the calamity in which we were released to cause." Druantia replied.

"Calamity? What is it that you speak?" Thetis inquired.

"Our brother Veles is near, and he is chained and bound, but of his own choosing, and I fear that his release will cause great catastrophe here," Druantia said, gazing toward her sister Elemental. "We will not be able to help him, nor will Codexia, our powers are too weak still to challenge the forces that rest within the mounds beneath the Earth, and soon we will be chained and bound and unable to do anything but watch events unfold."

"Then we must rely on him then?" Erebus said. "This is where I intended to test Codexia and her limits, I am surprised she made it this far and I am satisfied with the results, but her true test lays ahead."

"Despite her test we must rely of the anomaly, he has shown much promise, for one individual to be able to change fate so easily, maybe this calamity that has been set in motion can be averted, and even greater ones to come halted." Druantia responded.

"Then we shall see which of the two pawns is of use," Erebus said, giving an amused chuckle. "But given how well they performed in the past, I will be wagering that the Young God will pull through rather than the broken girl."


Court of Nobles

Mordent scowled as he continued to plead with the Nobles, but they refused to listen to his concerns, their actions as of late have been all but galling for the Shen'dralar. Constantly harassing his order to find a font for Arcane energy so that they may survive, something that Mordent was thinking may not be needed at this point.

"I tell you that it is impossible to draw in the required amounts you ask, these lands are desolate and broken, no life thrives here and little can be sapped from the environment to do as you ask." Mordent said, scowling as the seven Nobles sat upon their thrones upon a raised platform. "Even the oceans seem to be devoid of life, we can barely scrape up fish to eat rather than find any stray particles of arcane energy that may be in the water."

The entire chamber was long and tall, barred of any decorations and icons, all that stood out was the large glass window that showed off a scene of this city and the two moons. Beneath them were the Nobles, seven chairs lined up beside one another, they all looked down upon the magi from their raised dais and appeared insulted by his response.

"You promised results, instead excuses seem to be all that you can provide us in these dark times." Mildreas Willowgrave sneered down at the Mage. "Do you not understand the necessity of the task presented to you? Without the power to sustain our people we are in danger of dying, both from starvation from the Arcane as well as from threats we cannot defend against."

"He is correct, we need all the power we can spare to prepare for whatever may threaten us, be it our former kind the Night Elves or any other force that may take notice of our presence here." Tylarwin Stormweaver stated, crossing his armoured arms across his chest, his white hair cut short and wild.

"The Pylons we have set up across the city are unable to drawn in any magical energies, it is as if all the life and power within this land has been sapped clean, there is nothing more I can do." Mordent replied. "Leaving the region is impossible and we know little of anywhere that is safe to travel."

It was true; these lands have been reduced to nothing, for all his efforts to try and drawn about any ambient arcane energy had been met with failure. Whatever had happened here must have destroyed this place, but what could it have been that actually reduced this entire region to a smouldering wasteland? Besides, despite everything the Desolace being this way has probably been the only thing that has kept them alive for this long.

"What of your agents you sent out to scour the regions? Rhyanda and Tarelvir? When they returned to camp I spoke with them and they did assure us that they may have found something, within the mountains just to the South," Maluineth Moonscribe replied calmly, the sole female member of the Noble court, wearing regal green and silver robes with heavy sewn stitching, her posture was straight and near rigid.

"Yes, they had discovered an unknown power within the Mountain, but with the Centaur presence at the entrance of the mountain makes it impossible to enter safely." Mordent replied.

"Have you tried to search for it? Learn what it may be?" Nytheas Amberthorn inquired, raising an eyebrow as he calmly asked.

"We do not have the manpower, or the actual power to force our way through such a massive horde, we couldn't risk drawing the ire of the Centaur, and so we chose the safer approach." Mordent replied.

While Rhyanda and Tarelvir had found the Mountain and sensed great power within, something they say was daunting and pulsing with great potency, they could not enter. The Centaur had a massive camp located upon its slopes and in the valleys leading to the mountains base, they would have no chance of entering it. Also it was deep within the Centaur's territory, and it seemed that despite the clans fighting one another they held the grounds as sacred.

If they attacked the mountain they may incur the wrath of more than just one clan, but all five that populate nearly the entire southern reaches of the Desolace. If all the clans became a threat than his people would have no chance of survival.

"While I commend you going on the side of caution, it is best you leave military matters to those who know them best." Tylarwin stated, leaning back into his chair, his armour grinding into the stone seat. "Our attacks on the Centaur have been met with success and we have already created a small foothold near the mountain, and we have a solid intelligence on their numbers, they are far from being the Horde you mentioned."

Mordent was surprised, they were attacking the Centaur?

"Are you mad? Those beasts will seek retribution, they are territorial and when they retake their lands they will seek vengeance!" Mordent cried out, had they no sense in matters that required subtlety and patience? "We also know that the Mountain seems to hold some religious value to all the clans, if we attack and desecrate it we may be facing said Horde before long!"

"Hold your tongue, if not for Tylarwin's actions we wouldn't be any closer to that source of energy, and once we drive out the last of the Centaur we can harness it and begin distributing that power to the populace." Mildreas growled, glaring at Mordent who tried to reigned in his frustration.

"That power is still an unknown, there is no telling of the dangers we may face if we try to use it or disturb it resting place, if you continue on this path then at least allow my Magi to examine and make sure it is safe." Mordent replied, again he needed to plead with them, they liked it when someone licked their boots, and as much as it was a wound to his pride he needed to make sure they wouldn't do anything drastic.

He couldn't allow another foul source of power to fall into their hands, they would end up repeating Prince Tortheldrin's mistake. If they partook anything foul and corrupted, and fed that to their people, his entire race and their ways would die here instead of in Eldre'thalas. If he couldn't stop them with words, he could at least control how much they did, and if things turned for the worst he could stop them before they did anything worse.

"Very well." A'oraen Stormcrest replied, Head Chancellor of the Court, his hair flowing down his back and his piercing amber eyes locked with Mordent's. "I will assign Tylarwin's men to your command, speak with Captain Jirand Duskrage, he has been leading these raids for the last fortnight. Aid him as best you can and determine where that power source is and if it is useful or not. We expect results soon."

Mordent bowed and quickly departed, he would need to meet with this Captain soon and learn of his exact orders. If he had been forced to do something that is remotely apprehensible than he needed to be aware, in case he had to kill that man in the event that power source was tainted. Because Mordent doubted that the Nobles would care one way or another where the power came from, only that it fed them.


"From my experience Mordent may move against our wishes, he had proven to be rebellious, even under Prince Tortheldrin he was very defiant." Tylarwin said, turning his scared visage towards his neighbouring Noble, Nytheas only grunted in response.

"True, he doesn't trust our judgement; maybe we should deal with him."

"No, the Shen'dralar need him as do we, killing anyone that opposes us puts us in the same light as our former Prince, but sometimes you only need circumstances to remove an obstacle, nothing within sight, nothing to think about." A'oraen replied, rising from his throne and moving down the steps, his robes billowing as he moved. "But for now we need to look for another way into the mountain."

"The entrance is too heavily fortified and guarded, even with the withering Centaur numbers, we won't be able to enter it quickly and without heavy losses, we need a new approach." Nytheas said, frowning in thought. "Perhaps a different route would be prudent; maybe we can find a new way inside."

"My scours have found no other means of entry, attempts have been made to create one without success, as of this moment we have only one course available to us." Tylarwin replied, crossing his arms and resting one armoured leg over the other. "We attack with what forces we have, but without knowing what lay within the mountain, we can contend with the enemy outside but within we are blind."

"Perhaps another way would be a better, one without the use of force or a high body count, and one that employs those outside our own forces." A'oraen said, a plan formed in his mind quickly and he smiled slightly. "Marta has a fleet of underwater vessels at her disposal, and she is looking for payment, perhaps we should reimburse her for services rendered."

"Relying on that woman and her pack of vagabonds? Please, I would trust a demon over that lot." Mildreas sneered, the concept of using lesser races for such an important mission sickened him.

"You believe an entrance lay beneath the ocean surface?" Nytheas inquired.

"It is possible," Maluineth said. "I have done much research in my time and Maraudon is among those things that I have studied, it has been explored and mapped."

She had an entire personal library that she once had within Eldre'thalas, a library that she sadly had been forced to leave behind along with half its contents in their escape. But she knew every tome and every shred of knowledge that law within those leather bound books, nothing in her collection was unknown to her. She recalled the research into the ancient sanctuary within Maraudon, its purpose and what it had been created for.

"She is correct, according to Maluineth the inner caverns of Maraudon are connected to the oceans and were crafted by the people of this city before its fall. It was once a place of tranquillity and study, and oddly enough, Primalism." A'oraen replied, before he strolled down the steps. "Only in discovering an entrance beneath the coast, where we face the least amount of resistance, can send in troops and collect the power source, after that we go about our original plans."

He knew, as did his fellow Nobles, that Mordent and Codexia would halt their progress regarding a new source of power to feed on. Simple because it could be dangerous, or in the latter's case her continual attempts to force them to practice that lowly shaman magic, but they have dabbled in dangerous forces before and they have survived. Keeping them unaware will not be too hard, Mordent knew not of the attacks they organized, but he was certain neither knew about the Staff of Light, their perfect tool in destroying the Centaur.

All they needed to do was gain the Gnomes trust and reassure her that she would be paid in full, with a little extra on the side, and then she would do as they ask. If the mountain had any underwater entrances and opening that they could pass through it would make their mission all the more easier. A portal there and they could send in a small army to claim everything within and then move to the power source.

"If we find a different way in, we can claim what is within all the more quickly." Nytheas said, smirking slightly. "If we do this we may be feasting sooner than we thought."

"Don't be too sure. For there is more to it than just finding an entrance, we need the strength to fight towards the power we seek, the only luck we have been having against the Centaur is the artefact we are using to push them back, but even that is beginning to wane in our hands." Elaallaes stated, equally as calm as their head chancellor. "Without the power we need to keep pushing and maintain momentum against our enemies, we will begin the loose ground against the beasts. We need more power to our warriors."

It was true, they had expended much of their magical might fighting off the many orcish and demonic forces within the Desolace and it left them weak and vulnerable. Only the artefact they had secretly procured had given them a chance against the Centaur, but even that could only do so much. They needed power for the many, to bring their warriors and mages back into fighting form, but sadly they did not have means to do so.

The pylons were their first and only attempt to restoring what lost power they had, and it was barely a drop of water in a goblet to satiate the needs of a single mage. Without the power they could not continue fighting the Centaur, and Mordent's warning would ring true for them all.

"Luckily that has also been taken care of." A'oraen stated. "While Maluineth has provided us with information on Maraudon she has also given us critical information regarding the Primal Spirits. Through that I believe that their power would be useful for the next phase of our plan, and therefore we should take up Codexia on her offer regarding Primalism."

What could be going through his mind to suggest such a thing? They knew A'oraen was a cunning man, often using scrupulous and twisted means to getting his way, so what could he possibly be thinking that serving those spirits would do them any good.

They did not doubt that the Spirits that resided at the base of the Palace were powerful, exceptionally so and beyond anything they had felt in millennia. Yet the Highborne would never kneel and bow to those elementals, and in turn those spirits would never willingly serve them.

"They would never aid us, their interests lay elsewhere, and more than that they would know we seek their power only to see more." Nytheas replied.

"Who says they had to do it willingly?" Maluineth stated calmly.

That had caught the remaining five Nobles attention, was she possibly suggesting that they bind the spirits into servitude? Such things have been done before, but these spirits were powerful and different than the normal elementals they knew of. Chaining them would be difficult, if not impossible, but Maluineth and A'oraen were the ones to make the suggestion.

A'oraen was someone they knew wouldn't commit unless he was certain of success and that it would benefit himself in a majority manner, he never did anything unless the benefits were always greater for him than anyone else. But Maluineth was still someone they did not know, having taken her father's place after his death in Eldre'thalas during the demonic incursion nearly two months beforehand. Her motives were unclear, in politics that was a dangerous thing to have, and while young she was insightful and showed a good deal of cunning.

"If we look at this logically we can determine that the spirits themselves are not in a position to be a major threat to us, they are all in weakened states. Druantia was harvested of power by the demons in Eldre'thalas for over a month. It is unlikely she had recovered from the trauma, let along restored her power, she will likely be the easier of the three to contain." Maluineth said, giving a small coy smile. "And the Water Spirit? The Staff of Light was forged to control water and is connected to Thetis, who is to say through it we cannot control her?"

"That still leave this new one, the guards tell me of some shadow that lurks within the temple." Elaallaes said, remembering the description that had been given about this thing, a dark unholy like creature that was a living shadow.

"A Spirit of Decay, yes that would be troublesome, luckily we have something of use." Maluineth said. "Let us see how it likes the Light of the Moon upon itself."

"We have located Shari'adune, and reclaimed many artefacts from within its ruins, including the Brazier of Elune, the Handmaiden of Elune and most importantly, the Runes of Elune." A'oraen stated. "With that we can defeat the Spirit of Decay, using the obelisks ancient runes and gems we can create a potent magical wave that will weaken the spirit enough so we can chain him, once all three are taken the Obelisk will be used to siphon their powers and empower our warriors."

"Codexia would not tolerate this, she will turn on us before we could make the attempt," Elaallaes replied, frowning at his fellow noble's suggestion. "If her power is anything to go against we will not stand a chance."

"No, her powers are directly tied to the Spirits, if they are weakened so will she." Maluineth replied, feeling a sense of pride in being able to show off her knowledge. "Primalism relies on a symbiotic relationship between Spirit and the User, and if the Spirit is harmed or weakened so too is the Primalists who are connected to that spirit. So when we trap the three spirits she will be weakened and vulnerable."

"And an excellent target, one to be removed, but not in the open. Codexia has earned herself a reputation amongst the populace, killing her will cause our people to question our motives by removing any rivals, but if she is so adamant on keeping us from claiming another source of power, maybe she can be lured alongside Mordent to Maraudon." A'oraen stated. "I think we have this planned out well enough, I will make the final arrangements with the Captain and also see to it that the artefacts are prepared. Arhdron, I would like you to speak with Marta, see about acquiring her services."

"Of course, it would be my please." Arhdron said, smiling slightly and giving a bow.

"Excellent, everything is coming together perfectly." A'oraen smiled, taking pleasure in the scheme that he was about to wrought.

He will contact Jirand and have the Sceptre returned to the city, it is best that Mordent or Codexia not learn of its involvement, and also make him ready to kill both Codexia and Mordent should the time arise. Both of them would be obstacles in their path, for they had weight to sway the people and their actions, discrediting their image would be impossible. So assassinating them and altering their motivations and using their names to further than own plans would work better.

Now all that awaits is the time needed to put everything in place.


There you have it.

Reviews:

Silverhawk88: They certainly are pissed.

The Badge was given to Ichigo to test his loyalty and to see what kind of ally he would be to the Shinigami. The First Substitute they had was actually very dangerous and had done many scrupulous things to gain his Shinigami powers, including killing other Shinigami and stealing their powers. The badge is meant to make sure that Ichigo isn't like that man.

Most time skips will happen between arcs, there will be skips of at least a few weeks, two or three tops. But then months come later. As for the pairing thing, she will remain on Azeroth, and he will make certain to come back.

Xbox432: Yeah, originally had it that Ichigo would be distraught and wondering if he could trust the Shinigami, and would eventually come to a resolution that he just had to go back despite them being possible enemies. But I changed it and because of that it is much more smooth and cool.

The Centaur thing is completely new; from this point forward in this arc everything is different.

Black cross0: Glad you liked it, yeah his acceptance I feel was spot on and even though I felt at first that he should be more distraught, I think this is way better than what I had first intended.

Aegwynn, yeah, took me a while to get her name right as well. Her teaching him will be fun, and likely frustrating for her.

Krazyfanfiction1: Yeah, his Speed is one of his trademark attributes, along with taking a shit kicking and can still keep going.

Leapinglemur: Yeah the Centaur are going to cause Shandris and her Sentinels some major headaches as they try to keep them at bay. Also the lesser races have always been a hassle, in fact about two hundred years before the Dark Portal Open the Gnolls had nearly overrun Stormwind and their territories. Yeah, true story.

The Unsung Antihero: Yes, they have found a means of sending him back, but going back soon is not going to happen. Simply because they may have a signal to use but they need to get a ping. Meaning they need to let the Signal travel through the Nether and actually find the World it comes from. That is not easy. Shiro would be able to possess Ichigo and not cause harm, it is due to the Hollows ability to wear their powers that allows for the power to exist as external forces that flow over the body. This in turn would basically prevent any major harm to Ichigo.

Arrankor: Yeah, the canon is going to be really altered because of Ichigo. As for the Horde and Alliance tension he will help deal with some issues but others he just cannot stop from happening. He will help ease tensions here and there but he will not be able to stop them all together.

Reality Deviant: Glad you like it. And yeah Ichigo is known to be able to make friends among the most unique of people and in the most strange of circumstances. Also have plans for him and Varian meeting, gonna be fun.

Stuporman: Glad you liked the verbal beatdown, truth be told that was the most fun to write. Also Codexia's character is complex and will be explored in the next arc, as we learn of her motives and the reasons she does it, the personal reasons she is so invested in this mission of hers. As for more Omakes, I will be including one in the next chapter, you will like it, more sexual innuendo just like the last one.

Deathshade37: Glad you like it, always nice to meet more fans. Also them seeing their power could come about in certain ways and time.

Star: Yeah, the Gnomes are industrious and very intelligent, they were designed to be able to use and make advanced technology from almost nothing. Most of their tech is Steampunk in design but if they got their hands on some advanced shit there is no telling what they could make.

Also despite Ichigo's age, he does look a little older and is taller than many of the Shinigami, but he is still young. Also Jaina is in her thirties I believe.

Blindluck92: Yep, people often forget that, his character is not made great by beating others who are stronger and more experienced, it is the fact that he grows on others and his determination and drive is what inspires others to act. When others, even infallible people like Yoruichi and Urahara doubt their plans, he doesn't give in and keeps moving forward. That is why he is great, because he inspires others, and shows them that you can keep moving forward despite everything you face.

Thanks, I like dissecting the Bleach powers and making them make sense, so I assumed that in the brief burst of Shunpo that the user enters a heightened state of alertness that allows them to have greater perceptions while moving. But in many cases I have seen that a Shinigami often doesn't attack in Shunpo, but when they disengage from it. Some can attack while in transit but many do not, strange as this would be a major advantage if you catch a person off guard.

Luna's Meow: The reason he is unable to access his Quincy powers is because they are still dormant. Until his confrontation with Quilge and by absorbing the Quincy reishi he never had access to any of his Quincy potential. Only his Shinigami/Hollow powers that are one in the same, but are being subjugated by the Old Man and keeping them from being access in full. Because of this his powers are being hampered, that is why they fluctuate so rapidly, because the Old Man is struggling to hold back the ever growing Shinigami powers that are trying to reassert itself.

Also because Ichigo keeps rejecting Zangetsu and not seeing him as a part of himself, and often has been seen not wishing to use his Mask in a fight. This shows he is rejecting the spirit, and in turn his true power, this allows the Old Man to keep Zangetsu shackled because Ichigo is just unaware of who he is. It is also why the Asauchi did not see him as worthy when he was in Oetsu's palace, because he kept rejecting his Zanpakuto.

Umbra Venator: Thanks

Slimjim77: Primalism is about creating bonds with the Elements and ensuring that they are in balance with the World. Basically it is a Proto-Shamanism art that dates back millennia. Codexia is trying to prevent the Elemental Sundering that came about when the Cataclysm struck. That is her goal.

As for a Hollow moment, yep, there will definitely be one of those. The oc's I made often come from others and from there I expand on their backstory and histories in order to make them more approachable, often people tend to make their characters a little too one dimensional and that makes it hard to use them. In fact Adelina was once a Orihime clone, pretty sad it was.

No, the Time Lock is a magical seal place on him by someone. Won't confirm who but it is important to the story, specifically through Vanilla.

Aburg76: Nah, I at least try once a week to get a chapter out for any of my stories, any longer and I feel like a letdown. Sometimes I can do it and sometimes I cannot, just about how well I can write and if I feel motivated. Also thanks for the kind words, it is good to know that people enjoy my works.

Alexc123: Glad you like it. Must have been a long read to get up to here.