I am back baby! God it is good to finally post something after two months of waiting, really good. I hope that everyone had a good Christmas break and that their New Years was just as spectacular, because mine was.
Now I got some good news for everyone, I plan to make a side Story to Transcendence, that will have mainly Omake scenes and side stories tying up loose ends that most people want. Such as the Dire Maul spirit cleansing or other situations that are mentioned but never really brought up.
I plan to call it Transcendence: Omakes, or something a bit more awesome.
Also I would like to thank one person for what they have done for me and this story. Stuporman, one of my avid reader, has created a TvTropes page for Transcendence, and it is live and damn is it glorious, so everyone be sure to check it out. It is funny and very informative, so be sure to take a look and thank Stuporman for his hard work and contribution.
Now, onto the story, the first of 2017, enjoy!
Transcendence
Chapter 53: Alliances Made
Nijel's Point
Ichigo could feel the tension, even as he moved through the camp behind the two large Tauren he could feel the hostility permeate the air. Alliance and Horde never mixed well, that was a fact of life on Azeroth, so when there were two Tauren from the Horde in their camp it did not sitting well with anyone.
Even Iyeana was tense and obviously not liking that she was forced to allow them in, even if she was the one who gave the invite she was regretting it. In situations like these it would be impossible to keep anything civil, personal experience has shown him that on either side didn't believe they could compromise them both would start fighting. Often personalities clashed over the simple logic that they were on the enemy side, and that had to be the only reason behind the animosities that tore down alliance.
'Might as well go with them; keep them from doing anything stupid.' Ichigo thought, he would have laughed if he found it funny the situation he had landed himself in. 'Fuck sake, the world truly is ending if I am the one that needs to keep people from doing something recklessly stupid.'
As they moved up the hill Ichigo was waylaid by two Sentinels, both attempted to bar his way with their own bodies, he pushed past them and kept going, lucky for him they didn't seem to want to stop him. Either out of respect or more than likely apprehension of getting on his bad side, he couldn't tell since he didn't know if they had seen what he can do yet or not. But either way no one was going to stop him from getting into this meeting, he needed to not only keep these people from killing each other but also figure out what is going on.
"Maybe you shouldn't do anything rash." Adelina said, rushing over to him.
"I'm not." Ichigo replied, in an annoyed manner, as if he would do something like that now. "Just gonna to knock them upside the head if they go off track, just like I tried to do in Dire Maul."
"That actually didn't work." Adelina said, frowning slightly as he didn't take his eyes off the path ahead of him.
"Can you get Caren for me; also bring Codexia and Mordent along too, they need to be part of this." Ichigo replied.
Adelina looked a little surprise by the statement, she had no idea what he could be planning in regards to those two and why he wanted them in attendance. But she knew that Ichigo had been oddly focused, like he was planning something and deep down she was actually curious to see this strategy of his. He likely had something planned when he spoke with Iyeana and right now he looked about ready to do something even bigger.
"Alright, just be civil, you can get a little vocal and blunt at times." Adelina said, before moving off to try and get Caren and the two prisoners.
Ichigo scoffed at the claim, how was he nothing but civil? He had to be blunt as possible so people realized what they were doing was wrong. Sure he had at times gotten a little overboard in how he approached things and sometimes didn't think but he still had to try to get these people to work together. Because these people were probably the only ones here that could do anything, Shandris wasn't going to be able to help, that means the majority of her army would be out of the equation to fix this. So they had to take what they can get, and if these two guys along with those Blademasters were going to be any good here they needed to be put in the right place.
The sooner he got these people fighting together the quicker he can see about fixing everything here, he wasn't going to waste time and let people deliberate, he would make them move towards something.
'Damn, feel like Urahara now, bastard would be proud of me.' Ichigo thought, giving an internal eye roll at the thought that Hat-n-Clogs had intended this from the beginning. 'Let's just hope I can actually pull this off.'
So as soon as he entered the lodge, ignoring the annoyed glance he got from Iyeana, he followed the party to the main overlook and then waited. A silence filled the chamber as the multiple occupants waited to speak. He found the Keeper and Dryad to the side, with Captain Pentigast and that Azore guy from the Argent Dawn.
While Iyeana and her two officers by her side, both of them close by and tense, were facing the two Tauren, Mairne Ragetotem and Hamuul Runetotem. Ichigo was near the doorway, watching the whole proceedings blankly and wondering when they were going to get underway. After a few tense moments it seemed light it would be Iyeana would be the one getting things underway.
"What reason do the two of you have to be here?" Iyeana inquired, getting to the point.
"We both came here to meet with Harmonia Fairchild, on behalf of the Earthen Ring and the Cenarian Circle we came here to start a diplomatic dialogue to learn of this Primalistic art she practices." Mairne stated, folding his hands behind his back. "But recently we have sensed a great disturbance across the region, from the elementals and the Centaur."
"You wouldn't be wrong about that." Iyeana replied, her words a whisper to herself before she spoke up. "I am aware of the Earthen Ring, it is a Shamanistic counterpart to the Circle, of that I can understand why you came here for Codexia, but as of this moment she is in our custody waiting to be questioned for her crimes here."
"She is the cause for this elemental unrest?" Mairne inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"No, you can thank the Highborne for that." Ichigo said, having noticed that Iyeana likely would have put the blame on her just like before, as well as the Highborne. "Took some kind of relic from Maraudon and now all hell is breaking loose across the area."
"Leave, this meeting doesn't need any more interruptions." Iyeana said, glaring at Ichigo and practically telling him to leave before she does something to make him, he was almost tempted to see what she would try to do.
"I would actually ask that he remain." Mairne insisted, that had come as a surprise to the Substitute and the Sentinel Commander, both turned to the Tauren and silently asking for clarification. "I think a forthright mediator would be prudent in discussions like these, so that tensions do not blind us and make for harsh to be said."
Iyeana narrowed her eyes slightly, how in the name of Elune did this Tauren do that? How could he possible suspect and know that Ichigo was anything but blunt and honest? She would have liked to dismiss the request but considering that this was a formal meeting doing so may not go over well, and making enemies with neutrally aligned factions was never a good idea. So the best Iyeana could do was to at least appear hospitable to them, and with a nod of her head she continued.
"The Highborne stole the object, which we have come to realize is the Heart of a Primal Spirit known as Veles, a powerful Earth Elemental that used its powers to seal away another elemental within the mountain." Iyeana replied.
"Princess Theradras." Hamuul stated, brushing his chin and narrowing his eyes. "We know the legend, and know of her, so after a thousand years she has returned."
"That would explain the chaos across the region, but even I did not expect such destruction to come about from the removal of this Heart." Mairne said, sharing a glance with the Archdruid. "What else can you tell us?"
"I can inform you both." Cavindra stated, walking forward and giving a bow to the two tauren. "This situation is much more dire than you may realize."
So she recounted what had been told previously, of the true purpose of Maraudon and the practices that had gone about within its cavernous depths. From the creation of the Elemental Planes to Theradras taking residence within the mountain many eons ago, her subsequent sealing at the hands of the Primal Spirit Veles over a millennium ago were recounted.
By the end of it everyone had been caught up on the situation and they realized just how bad things were right now. The Shaman appeared the most perturbed by this revelation; likely because of his own calling he understood the consequences of this more than anyone else. But Ichigo had heard many times the dangers and necessities of keeping a spiritual realm from drifting too close to the material world.
The Shinigami all but existed to preserve the balance between the spirit world and the living world, they had to fight for it sometimes and he had been told of many occasions where they came close to destruction. He barely paid attention to Rukia and her history lessons, but if he recalled enough he knew that two realms collapsing into one another did happen basically the world ends.
'No need to sugar-coat it for me.' Ichigo thought.
"This is worse than I could have imagined, if the Elemental Planes are on the verge of collapsing into the Material Realm, than we may be facing an event that could possibly sunder the entire world." Mairne said, eye narrowing and trying to think of a possibly solution to this catastrophe that was about to come crashing down on top of their heads.
"Hence why we must stop this before it becomes irreversible." Iyeana said. "We require the Heart of Veles, but with it being taken into the city of Ethel Rethor it is impossible to enter without being struck down by the storm and the cities defenders."
"Is there no way to breach the defences?" Hamuul inquired.
"Not unless you ask someone that has been on the inside, or maybe knows enough about the Highborne and their magic." Ichigo replied, glancing behind him to find Caren and Adelina walking into the chamber, right behind them was Mordent and Codexia.
"What are they doing here?" Iyeana said, glaring at the two, while she would have done this herself she wanted to keep them away from this meeting in the event the Tauren made a move of some kind.
"They need to be here, because right now we are all in deep shit and if we all don't fix this we are all going to die." Ichigo said, glaring at her and demanding through eye contact alone to sit down and shut up while he talked. "Right now, everyone in this room are the people we need to fix everything."
There was a silence between all parties as they stared at the Substitute as he made the bold declaration that everyone now present had a role to play in what was going to happen to fix this. Somehow the Substitute had figured out how to do that, by just being in the room right at the moment and somehow figured out how it was all going to happen.
"Interesting, you believe that you hold the answers?" Mairne inquired.
"Not everything, didn't have anything else really regarding the Centaur, Elementals or even getting support, but with everyone here I think I got an idea." Ichigo replied, scratching the back of his head. "Don't expect it to be a solid plan either, because right now I am winging it."
That did not inspire much confidence with some of those present that knew him well enough. Ichigo seemed to sense that doubt but kept himself focused, right now he couldn't let them think that this plan was doomed for failure, he needed to show them what he had and go from there.
"Basically we need to deal with three things right now, getting the Heart of Veles back, stopping the Centaur from leaving the region, and holding back the Elementals and the Planes they come from." Ichigo said, listing them off with one finger at a time. "I have mostly been thinking about Ethel Rethor and how to get inside, for that we need four people."
He turned towards Codexia and Mordent, pointing to both of them, making both Primalist and Mage look at the boy incredulously. While they were not the only ones to share the disbelief that he was suggesting the two very prisoners that had been allies to the Highborne mere hours ago would be released so they can go back to their city.
"Us?" Codexia said, he was actually suggesting she and Mordent return to the city and try to reclaim the Heart of Veles?
"You two know the City, right now you are the only people that can get inside and do what needs to be done without being caught, side-tracked or getting lost." Ichigo replied, he recalled that he got lost within the Seireitei and all the problems that cause for him.
Ichigo had needed a guide to get through that maze of buildings and even then he ran into all kinds of trouble along the way, for Ethel Rethor they needed someone that at least knew the city and the people in it. Codexia and Mordent were those people, they had every reason to get back in there but not for their own protection, but because they had something to save there and they had no other choice. It was do or die for them now, and they knew that.
"Why would I do this? Enter my city and destroy the only thing that can protect my people from being invaded and slaughtered by them." Mordent said, glancing at Iyeana and then returning his glare onto the boy. "What makes you think I would betray my people?"
"Because if you don't do anything they die anyway, you are at that point where you need to make a choice." Ichigo said.
"What choice?" Mordent inquired.
"The choice of how are you going to save your people?" Ichigo said, taking the Highborne by surprise at the statement, was he actually suggesting that there was a way. "You said you wanted to have the chance to decide your own fate and that your people deserve that chance as well, this is going to be it. Because right now your people have no chance of surviving if they continue going down the road they are on, if you really want to save your people then you need to stop those that are leading them, and in turn lead your people down a better one."
Mordent was silent for a moment, how could the boy be willing to trust him to do this? Could this be some kind of motive of his to try and garner trust, he had heard his conversation with Codexia and knew he resented her for her controlling methods over his people. He could be using a different tactic to try and earn his trust or at least manipulate him in a way that he would do as he wished.
"Why trust me?" Mordent inquired, there had to be some kind of motive or plan, the boy was powerful and possessed abilities beyond his understanding, and he seemed smarter than his age belayed.
"Because you want what is best for your people, you don't give a rats ass about anyone else but you and the other Highborne, you want them to survive and I know for a fact that despite that crap you sprouted about choosing your own fate and deciding your destiny you will change your ways because you know you have to." Ichigo replied, glancing at the Highborne and deciding to be truthful and as blunt as possible. "The choice is in your hands, but you know for a fact that those bastards in charge right now are not going to change anything and that is going to get everyone of your people killed. You know that, we all know that, now it is up to you to actually change them not because someone else wants you to, but because you want and need to."
Mordent was silent again, his eyes narrowing and trying to discern any treachery from the boy, he was young and his response was nearly as expected from someone his age. He even said so that he hadn't thought this plan through well enough, so how could he possibly know that it would bear fruit. Why trust an enemy? One that was a traitor to their enemy? Does he think this as a means to gain an ally from a former enemy?
'But he made no demands of me, no threats, for a manipulator he is a poor one at that.' Mordent mused.
Yes, he made no ultimatums or threats; he was giving him the chance to change on his own accord and without the need to force it upon him. Mordent was free to do as he pleased once he fixed this mess, likely not to happen but the gesture was something he liked. While it may not last till the end it would be something he could use, to be able to do everything he needs in order to save his people.
With a nod the Highborne mage accepted the words, he could live with that, all he needed was a chance to do what needed to be done. Their motives did not matter in the end, his people were all that counted, and he would make sure that he returned to Ethel Rethor to save them.
"Right, we also need Codexia as well." Ichigo said, turning from the Highborne to the Primalist.
"This is madness, you would trust these two? They are responsible for the calamity befalling us this very moment, all that has happened has been caused by them!" Iyeana growled, jabbing a finger at the prisoners. "She led the Highborne here and began a massive campaign to conquer these lands and procured it for the Highborne, her actions have led to these circumstances that we are now facing!"
"You want to know why? Because both of them want to stop this, both of them want to actually live beyond the next few days and actually make sure those they want to save also survive." Ichigo replied, jerking a thumb towards the Mage. "Mordent wants his people to live and I know for a fact he will do anything to make sure that happens, I can trust him to do what is best for his people, and that means stopping whoever is leading them, and that is in our interests as well."
Iyeana couldn't believe this, the boy was not making any sense. The plan she could understand and the importance of it, but these people could not be trusted, not with who they are and what they have already done. Entrusting them to stop the Highborne and retrieve the artefact from the city was doomed for failure, if they were traitors they would be executed before they got anywhere near the city and if they were still in league with them they wouldn't do anything.
All that would accomplish is valuable information leaving their hands, and likely it being released into that of the enemies.
"Saving his people, he will join them and turn this power his kin have stolen against everyone in the Desolace." Iyeana replied.
"They want him dead, the fact we saw it happening was proof enough, besides even if I am wrong about him I ain't wrong about Codexia, I know for a fact she will want to stop this and rescue the Spirits inside the City." The Substitutes words caught Codexia's attention, he had said earlier that she was not the enemy, and like then she wanted to know what he meant and how he knew.
"How could you possibly know that?" Iyeana inquired, crossing her arms in disbelief.
"Because she cannot run from what she is meant to do." Ichigo replied. "I know for a fact that she will go into Ethel Rethor, by any means necessary to get to the Spirits and free them, she doesn't care about the odds all she cares about is making sure she does what she needs to do."
"How does that make sense?" Iyeana said
"It makes sense to me." Ichigo replied.
"And why is that?"
"Because I am the same." Ichigo replied, remembering exactly what he felt when he crossed blades with her in Maraudon. "I don't need a reason to go save someone I care about, be it a friend or someone that I barely know. She doesn't need to know that the apocalypse is around the corner to make her do this, it only makes her more determined. I know she will do this because we are similar, we have the same drive to follow what is in our hearts and not let anything stop her, and I know the reason she follows this path is because it is the only thing she is sure of."
Codexia was surprised again, how he could come up with that sort of response. It was not that she didn't understand what he had said, but the fact that he understood it and was able to put it into words. Ever since she could remember, ever since she was nine years old and taken in by her master, she had wanted to follow this path and do all she could to master it.
But deep down she knew that it was the only thing in her life that truly was her own and mattered to her more than anything else, it was the only thing that gave her life purpose. To be able to bring order and balance to the Elements and make them whole again, to rebuild what was destroyed. That is what she wanted to do, and right now in spite of everything that is happening and what others thought of her she was being given the chance to do that.
"She has proven to be manipulative and more cunning that any of us, she could use this to her advantage." Iyeana said, trying to see if she can beat this foolish logic of his. "There is no telling what she could do, what then?"
"No idea what she would do, but I get the feeling that she doesn't want to be considered a monster in the eyes of the people she cares about." Ichigo replied, glancing at the woman whom he referred to. "After all, despite having that drive to do anything she can to do as her heart wishes, the wisdom that guilt brings often makes you more considerate."
Codexia bowed her head, unwilling to look anyone in the eye, that little statement had hit her harder than she wanted to and it showed. Her guilt is what led to this escalating as it did, her dejection had taken her focus and made the people she had thought she was saving lead themselves down a path she tried to save them from.
"Now that is settled we can move onto getting them inside the city. For that we are going to need help, and that is why we have Caren and Azore here." Both human mages seemed surprise by the statement, another strange plan from the Substitute.
"Azore, you told us this morning about the Artefacts, specifically about the Obelisk of Elune, you said that it could create sand storms, you thinking it could create that storm above the city?" Ichigo asked, glancing at the black haired and bearded mage.
Azore contemplated the question for a moment; his study into the artefact had found that the device could be altered for many purposes aside from controlling air current. It would seem that the item was designed to act as a controller over nature; in fact it seemed to be designed to regulate the weather and conditions within the region. He suspected that the Highborne used it to prevent coastal storms and also control most of the weather and humidity.
"I believe so, the device is designed to control natural phenomenon such as storms." Azore replied.
"Since you know about it do you think you can figure out how the device works and maybe some counter measures?" Ichigo asked, and again he was met with a contemplative frown from the mage.
"Possibly, but I would need information."
"Good thing we got Caren here." Ichigo replied, glancing at his newest friend and smirking. "Lucky for you she has been reading up on some Highborne texts, specifically in their magical theories and abilities."
He remembered over the last two weeks having to deal with Caren lecturing him on some of the Highborne's magical potential and ability. After the capture of Dire Maul, or Eldre'thalas, they had acquired a secret library hidden in the Athenaeum that houses many tomes on Arcane Lore that the Highborne practice and refine. For the last few weeks Caren had been studying them and cataloguing them within the recently created Relic Vault beneath the Central Tower in Theramore.
The young mage looked at Ichigo for a moment, surprised really that he actually remembered anything she actually said to him on those nights. Often she thought he was silently moping to himself about the decrease in his capabilities rather than listening to her. Pushing aside those thoughts she considered his proposal, recalling everything she knew about Highborne magical theory and their skills in the arcane arts.
"Yes… I think you might be onto something. Most of our magical knowledge and theories came from the High Elves of Quel'thalas, and their knowledge in turn came from the Highborne before they left Kalimdor thousands of years ago." Caren said, it made sense why she was able to understand the theory within the tomes so clearly, they were one in the same but from different points in time.
The Highborne and High Elves were once one and the same, the only difference is that the latter developed and refined their art over thousands of years while the Highborne nearly stagnated with their research. The Highborne's magical methods were crude by their standards but Ten Thousand Years ago it was still a renaissance of magical development and manipulation. But over those ten millennia, the magical postulations and advancements had cut out dangers, limitations and other barriers that restricted the spells and powers that the Highborne harnessed.
More than that, the Obelisk was constructed and enchanted around the time when these theories were being used, meaning that these errors and faults in the magical calculation would still be present.
"I see where you are going with this." Caren said, smirking as she realized Ichigo's plan and her own role in it. "Because the Highborne's magical theory is so outdated you think that with my extensive knowledge on the Arcane I can find faults and weaknesses in the Obelisk to exploit, and how to bypass it to get those two inside."
"Bingo." Ichigo replied, sharing the smirk with his friend. "You and Azore work together to study the Obelisk and his capabilities, and then figure out a way to get around it. From there you can get Mordent and Codexia into the city to do what they need to do."
Iyeana was surprised for once with the boy, had he actually come up with a plan to not only infiltrate the city but also bypass the defences? Most of the time when she was near him and in midst of an argument or rant he would often sprout off about his own personal views and opinions and try to validate them within a situation.
But now he was taking charge of a volatile situation and actually had planned out a strategy that she thought personally was brilliant in how he was bringing all these different elements together to achieve a singular goal. Then she blinked, realizing just how intricate the plans he was conceiving right now was, he had crafted this plan on small details he had learned from those around him.
Remember Caren's study of Highborne texts relating to the arcane.
Azore's warnings about the Artefacts, with specific details about one item.
Even using two enemies to accomplish their own goals for them, using both of their motivations to protect his people and finish her goal with the Spirits to stop the Highborne and their mad mission. Effectively turning them on the very people they should be protecting, and aiding their own agenda in the end.
Truly she would never had expected this of him, not with all the arguing and seemingly brutish methods he employed to win his battles. While far from stupid, even if his ignorance of the world was anything to go by, he had shocked her into silence with his ability to rationally and quickly figure out a solution with limited resources and with as few people as possible.
"Well that settles it with the Highborne." Ichigo said, rubbing the back of his head. "Any questions?"
Oddly enough no one said a word, he glanced around and actually found to his satisfaction that the Sentinels looked surprised with him. Although it quickly soured slightly when he realized that they were so shocked that this plan had come from him and made sense. He could tell that by just looking at them, did they think he was some kind of idiot?
"A well thought up plan, though it lacks in detail you certainly live up to your reputation." Mairne said, brushing his hand over his long chin braid. "It carries risk, but we must put caution to the wind in order to halt this crisis. So tell me, have you any idea how to handle the Centaur and Elementals?"
"The Sentinels are already holding the Centaur back in Ferelas, we can hold the pass here to Stonetalon." Ichigo replied. "That was our original job on the side of investigating this problem, what comes next keeping the Elementals from getting out."
"Prudent decision, I suspect you wish for me to take care of this." Mairne said, glancing at the Substitute.
"Yeah, if the Earthen Ring is a counter to the Cenarian Circle than that means you look to keep balance with the elementals rather than nature." Ichigo replied.
"Not entirely, but it is a correct answer, you wish for my people to corner off the Elementals and try to calm and keep them contained near the mountain." Mairne stated, continuing to brush his beard. "It will be difficult, but it is the only choice we have I am afraid."
"Then go to the outpost near the Kodo Graveyard, the people there might be able to help, and if you can bring more people here that would be great as well." Ichigo replied.
"Hmmm, I can contact my clansman in Thousand Needles but they will not arrive for some time, and even in Mulgore they would require to traverse the mountains to reach here, not an easy feat." Mairne said. "But still best to send for aid and hope it arrives in time."
Ichigo looked around and smiled, it would seem that things were getting underway, there was no arguing or dirty looks being sent each other's way. They were all cooperating and he was leading the discussions, hell he even saw Adelina smiling and nodding her head approvingly.
"Now we just need to get inside that Mountain again, Cavindra is the only one who can redo what was done with Veles, so we need to get her back into the Mountain." Ichigo said.
"We have limited resources I am afraid, we don't have the numbers to hold this pass or divert a large force to help within the Mountain." Iyeana said, having actually seemed to calm down, it was surprising for a moment for the Substitute to see her actually behaving more calm.
Maybe she has finally started to see that there is a chance here, he smiled a little, it was good to have the more stable Sentinel back so he could work with her. But her statement was true, they had limited resources and manpower to hold off the Centaur and Elementals, so the Sentinels and whatever warriors Mairne and Hamuul had brought along were out of the picture.
'Hmmm, what about Marandis?' Ichigo thought.
"Hey Marandis, do you have any friends around here that you can call up and get some help with?" Ichigo asked.
From what Adelina had told her the Keepers of the Grove were a tight knit group, technically they all came from the same guy in the beginning. But they also had a lot of connections within the Cenarian Circle, so maybe they could use some of their authority to get some druids or other Keepers down here.
"The closest group would be in Stonetalon, but it is mostly composed of Acolytes and a few Druids who teach them." Marandis replied, folding his arms. "I have a grand nephew, Keeper Fatharion, he oversees the Peak and the training there, he should be able to gather a few who can aid us."
"But it may not be enough, entering those caverns without the numbers will be impossible, but more than that they will need a force to hold the main chamber and protect it." Iyeana said, she knew that the Vault needed to be protected and guarded so that they could bring Cavindra to it and have her perform the needed rituals.
"We need people that are close then, people that have soldiers to spare." Ichigo said, wracking his brain for a possible solution to this, who else was close and could help them.
"The Green Dragonflight." Adelina said, gaining everyone's attention. "In the Bough they have a sizable force there, they could be convinced to offer us some of their Dragonswarn and Drakonids to aid us. The Cenarian Circle and the Keepers are close to them, we share the same goals, so maybe one of us can go there to meet with them."
"It appears we have the workings of a legitimate strategy then to counter this predicament." Mairne said, smiling slightly for but a moment before his expression became serious. "Although, we still must move swiftly, the longer this issue remained unresolved the more damage we will be forced to repair, and some of it may be irreversible."
Ichigo didn't doubt that, he always heard about it in the Soul Society that the Spiritual and Living World needed to be constantly maintained. If they didn't stop this now, they might actually be facing a situation where the Elemental Planes were going to be constantly in need to maintenance in order to prevent it from collapsing into the Material Plane.
From there the discussion dissolved into basic planning and the finer little details that needed to be considered as well as counter strategies in order to deal with their respective objectives. Even Mordent and Codexia took part, casually giving their input and thoughts into the matter, and while it was still tense between the Night Elves and Highborne they were civil enough. Within the hour they had the plans ready, and would be making their moves soon enough.
"I shall go to Ghostwalker Post, from there I can best lead a defence against the Mountain." Mairne said. "Afterwards I will have Hamuul send word to the clansman and Thunderbluff asking for reinforcements."
"I will have Adelina send work to Shandris then to be aware of your people's arrival." Iyeana said, giving a bow to the High Shaman and Archdruid. "I thank you both for aiding us in this dark time."
"Think nothing of it Sentinel Commander, and do not fear, united we are a force that cannot be so easily bested." Mairne replied, giving one final nod to the Night Elf before he and Hamuul turned and walked towards the edge of the camp.
He had to return to the Blademasters and lead them to Ghostwalker Post, while he doubted they would be thrilled to be drawn into these affairs he did not doubt they would mind testing their blades. He was lucky that the orcs of the Burning Blade were predictable enough that way, they revelled in testing their mettle against superior foes, and the Elementals would give them that test.
But he halted for a moment when he was near the Substitute, he glanced at him once more and his eyes perceived much greater things than the slightly blurry image of the orange haired youth. The old Shaman could sense the power within his heart, it pulsing with every heartbeat, and flowing through his entire being.
"You certainly do live up to your extraordinary reputation Ichigo." Mairne said, giving the equivalent of a smirk to the Shinigami. "Your willingness to trust those that most would consider enemy and even willing to save them for no other reason than you think it is right, Drekhve and Sierra were right about you, you certainly are more than you seem."
With his piece said Mairne continued on his trek, moving from camp and leaving them behind for a time.
Ichigo watched his go with a raised eyebrow; he certainly did not expect that. It would seem that he knew of him more than just by word of mouth, it seemed that he knows Drekhve and Sierra personally. But considering the mess he was in during his meeting with those two it is likely he left an impression, and from the looks of it a good one if Mairne had given him a compliment like that.
"It seems that your reputation is spreading, but I am surprised that it is likely the Horde knows more of you than anyone else in the Alliance, very strange turn of events." Adelina said, standing right next to him and observing the two Tauren depart.
"Yeah, it is a bit weird, but hey, what can you do?" Ichigo replied, giving a small huff of laughter. "Just glad I made a decent impression, last time I got noticed by a large organization I got stabbed and nearly died, so this is turning out to be a great start in my opinion."
"Let us just hope that there is no stabbing in the future." Adelina replied, giving a small laugh. "I am to leave soon, Iyeana has asked me to personally see to speaking with Ysondre and her brood at the Dream Bough."
Ichigo did recall that Adelina had been chosen to go and represent them to the Green Dragonflight, it was a decision that had many mixed results among those present. But sadly it was one that could only be done by her; the only other representatives of the Circle were occupied with their own tasks and duties.
Meredras would be venturing to Stonetalon Peak to try and bring down reinforcements, something that may possibly get them some druids in their arsenal. While it was mentioned Adelina should go, being that she studied there and knew the people, she quickly shot down the idea saying she would not have the authority or respect of the Archdruid there to make the request and expect it to be fulfilled. So instead they sent the Keeper to ensure that they would get the results they needed.
While Hamuul Runetotem would be moving across a lot of Central Kalimdor to multiple settlements to gather what forces he could find. Even in his Flight form he could only go so fast and travel so far, and even then convincing them to come was another thing as well.
Then there was Cavindra, the Dryad was eager to do her part, sadly she had to stay put for the moment and be kept under constant guard due to her importance to the mission. Under no circumstances was she to be placed in danger, in fact, she had a compliment of ten guards keeping watch over her at all times. She was the only one that could put Veles heart back into the machine and restart it, so she was too valuable to send away or be put in danger.
So that left Adelina with the tough job of convincing the Dragons to help them.
"You'll do fine, just tell them what is happening and go from there, don't sugar-coat it and be straight with them." Ichigo said, giving her an encouraging smile.
"I hope you are right, if not I may be able to ask Quintis for aid, he would be more experienced than I." Adelina said, trying to seem confident and not completely meek at the prospect of the task that has befallen her.
"Hey, I've seen you stare down people and put up damn good arguments, you are a lot damn smarter than me when it count, hell you mess with me enough times and pick me apart just for the fun of it." Ichigo said, smirking as he noticed Adelina's embarrassed look at being called out on those little pranks of her, like he didn't know she messed with him. "You're stronger than you know, don't forget that, I have faith in you to do this, so go on and bully that dragon into giving us some of her soldiers."
Adelina seemed to take the words in like a sponge to water, and she gave a nod and displayed a smile that likely wouldn't disappear even if the world did end. With one final goodbye between them Adelina turned to the Hippogryph that was led towards her, she brushed the feathers on its neck before mounting the creature.
"Good luck Ichigo." Adelina said, taking off into the sky and quickly disappearing into the darkness of night, her destination towards the South.
Well this was certainly different for him, but not that unwelcome if he didn't think too hard on it, being forced to save the world from inevitable destruction. This was a first, well second if you count that incident in Dire Maul, and even if this was happening he didn't feel all that concerned. He wasn't the only one either; almost all of the people present seemed to be certain of themselves, as if things were going to be alright.
"Everyone is off now, Azore and Caren are speaking with Mordent and Codexia in the Lodge, all of them are trying to find a means to counter the Obelisk and bypass the cities defences." Iyeana said, strolling up towards Ichigo and standing beside him.
"That's good." Ichigo replied, before a silence fell over the two of them for a moment.
They both looked over the camp, observing the soldiers go about their patrols along the perimeters, while wounded and the dead were tended to. They remained like this for a few moments; Ichigo however could feel some tension from the Sentinel beside him from her posture and the way she seemed to be staring at nothing. Obviously she was thinking of something, and if he had to guess is likely had to do with tonight's meeting.
"You alright?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes." Iyeana replied, before she took in a deep breath and let it out. "I wish to make amends; my behaviour as of late has been less than professional. These events have not been easy for me to handle, so much is happening and it feels as if every decision I make will determine the outcome of what will happen not only in the Desolace, but the rest of the world."
Ichigo looked at her, while his expression remained neutral he felt some surprise at the fact she was attempting to bury the hatchet. Considering that they had been at each other's throats only an hour ago he was surprised that she was speaking with him so candidly.
"Hey, truth be told when I was coming up with that plan I had no freaking idea if it would be any good or not, hell I didn't even know if I could get everyone to work together." Ichigo replied.
"Yet the one that would have been your greatest obstacle would still have been me, I let my own fear and hate get the better of me, instead of being detached I got caught up in the moment of weakness and looking for the only thing I could get to gain some control." Iyeana said, bowing her head slightly in sign of shame. "Had you not dragged me out of it I would still be there, and we would be no closer to fixing this catastrophe than before."
"Hey, all I did was come up with a plan, nothing more." Ichigo replied.
"You did more than that." Iyeana replied. "I have fought in the Sentinel Army for over Six Thousand years and served under Shandris Feathermoon for over two of those six millennia. In that time I have learned much, as a soldier and a leader, and when the time came for me to live up to her example I failed."
Ichigo could tell that she was pouring her heart out here; the way she looked didn't strike him as someone that had their entire life and beliefs torn down. Instead it looked like she had been humbled by the experience and had come to realize something about herself and maybe her own limits.
"I should have thought of a way to do something, at least that is what I believed I should have done, but instead I dwelled on my inability to adapt and change to the circumstances." Iyeana continued. "But you never faltered, in spite of the obstacle before us you seem certain that we would be alright, in fact you appear more composed and prepared of us all to face this problem. Someone who has not seen two decades in this world did what I couldn't; it certainly puts things into perspective."
"Then don't hesitate again." Ichigo said, deciding now was the time to get her ass back in gear. "I know that you likely don't believe in using Mordent and Codexia in this plan but at the moment we have to take a leap of faith. I trust them to do what they need to do because I know at least one of them will do it without a shadow of a doubt, and that is why I am risking it."
He knew he wasn't a commander of armies or a leader of people, hell the most he had done is probably take the lead when he and Chad got into brawls with thugs. Never did he really see himself leading a group of people, a small army in the field, it seemed like someone else could do it. Putting lives in his hands like that, didn't feel comfortable for him, total stranger and people he didn't know, not his way. But that wasn't the same for Iyeana, she needed to be in charge and leading her soldiers into the next engagement, she needed to be confident in her ability to lead.
"But at the moment you need to focus on what you need to do and not worry about what is going to happen, you have your people to worry about right now and that means you need to take charge and deal with what is happening in the moment and with what you can deal with." Ichigo continued. "So lead your soldiers against the Centaur, hold them back and keep as many people as you can safe, don't worry about the Tauren or Highborne, they are not your problem now. And until that changes you got nothing to dwell on other than how you are going to deal with the Centaur and protect Feralas and Stonetalon."
Ichigo wanted to sigh, he had been giving damn speeches like this a lot lately, trying to keep everyone's moral from plummeting, he had done a bang up job so far. But right now he was hoping that with Iyeana back in action she could pick up the slack with her warriors and give them the boost they need to be certain they would survive this.
He glanced at Iyeana, finding her head still bowed but her eyes were burning brightly as she mulled over his words. It looked like he had gotten to her, now he just needed to give her a little jolt and she would be on her way.
"Do you know what to do?" Ichigo asked.
Iyeana turned to him and gave a nod, professional and near emotionless as she gave the gesture to the Substitute. She held out a hand to Ichigo, and immediately he knew what she wanted, he clasped his hand around her forearm and they stood there for a moment.
"I do." Iyeana said, bowing her head towards Ichigo, allowing for a small smile to tug on the side of her lips. "Thank you."
"Anytime." Ichigo replied, releasing her as she turned and strolled down to her troops, her posture was straight and her stride was full of energy.
They had their leader back now, all that they could do now was wait till morning came and then prepare for what the day would bring.
Ethel Rethor
Maluineth sighed as she took another sip of her draught, reclining back into her chair and looking out over the streets and towards the main palace in the distance. A smile tugged at the side of her lips as she observed it all, things were finally going as they should, they had a new home and were no longer under the oppression of tyrants and outside parties.
Her claim to the Shen'dralar had been cemented and now she led all the mages within the city, everything was returning to how it should have been. She had lost her place and position within this enclave, along with her father, and she had worked for over a thousand years to return it back into her family's hands.
Her only regret was that her father did not survive the exodus of Eldre'thalas to see it, but he had done well to plan out their eventual revenge against those who betrayed them. It was only a shame that Prince Tortheldrin got himself killed rather than themselves, but in the end it had worked out well enough for them all. Now she leads the order in her father's stead and all those who had been cast out and abandoned by the Shen'dralar have regained their positions and reclaimed what is rightfully theirs.
"We did it, now all that remains is to reclaim what else was taken from us." Maluineth said, raising her glass and finishing off the last of the crystal-line liquid within.
Although her mood dropped when she finished the proclamation, as well as the drink, both having been something that made her slightly abashed. She glanced within the empty wine glass and then to the empty bottle of draught on the balcony railing, she had finished off her daily supply in almost an hour. Sip after sip she had drained the entire body dry like it was nothing, but in turn she found that the drink lacked the certain exhilaration she expected to receive when she drank from it.
Instead of the coursing power that came from a simple sip all it seemed to do was brighten her mood and take the edge off with her cravings. Couldn't hurt but it seemed to be doing the job she expected of it, their pangs had been less noticeable and her colleagues have shown themselves to be more stable and in better spirits.
Yet going through an entire body seemed a little too much for her.
Yet the empty bottle was not what made her concerned, no she had been thinking recently on what to do now and the means they must go to ensure their safety and peace. Not just for regaining control of the Desolace but also her own position within the Shen'dralar.
Many of her rivals within the organization still lived, allies and friends to Mordent Evershade, and she had imprisoned them all beneath the city within cells beneath it. Stripped them of the last of their magical power and locked them away, under guard from Tylarwin's best men. Yet she knew that keeping them there would not do anything, in fact it became slightly personal with her in locking them away.
On one hand she found their imprisonment to be similar to the punishment and wrongs that had been done to her father and those that had been cast out by Torthendrin's treachery. It felt satisfying to have them locked away and stripped of their position and power, in fact it was one of the most pleasurable things she had done aside from organize Mordent's assassination. But another part of her had other ideas.
It was only recently that she began to wonder what to do with them, executions and indefinite imprisonment came to mind. But both options left much to be desired, she did not wish to be like her former ruler, someone that would kill all who he did not see as an ally and lock away those who were enemies to his rule.
The idea that she was like him made her angry, she had no idea when it came from but the polarizing thought made her truly consider what to do with them. But this also led to other thoughts passing through her mind, ones that some would call treacherous and downright wrong.
'What am I thinking?' Maluineth thought, giving a huff as she looked at the empty bottle. 'All of that from an empty bottle, maybe I have been drinking too much and got a little tipsy.'
"Lady Maluineth!"
Turning to the door she called for the messenger to enter, the doorway opened and she found one of the orders serfs strolling in quickly. His appearance was pristine yet his expression was anything but serene as he looked on with a grim expression.
"What is wrong?" Maluineth inquired.
"Recently we have been studying some of the relics, trying to unravel their mysteries, and we have found several missing." The Serf replied, and immediately Maluineth was on her feet.
"How many?" She asked, pacing towards the door and exiting her room, the serf followed close behind her.
"A dozen at least, sadly we have little idea on which ones were exactly taken but we know that the Brazier, Handmaiden and Cup were the largest ones taken, the rest appears to be smaller relics and items of power." The serf replied.
Maluineth scowled, she knew exactly what those relics were, her own knowledge on them coming to her mind. The Brazier of Elune was an archaic incense burner that allowed for whatever to be burnt within to be sacrificed unto the goddess so that it could be used to heal someone. Often only plants and the skin of animals were used to appease the fire to allow the people to be healed, but it was known in some cases that the flesh of another can be used to bestow great blessing of healing onto others.
The Handmaiden was more obscure but it did offer great power and enchantments to items by breaking objects at the base of the statue and placing them in the waters of the bowl held by the statuette. These waters were then used to help channel enchantments onto weapons and armour.
Then there was the Cup of Elune was a cleansing bowl, able to cleanse wounds and taints within almost anything with time. This was not making much sense to her but these objects were specifically held in the vault to make sure that they could not be used without study, all had been exposed to the demons and they need not risk them being contaminated. They had to do extensive testing and cleansing of the Obelisk to make sure that it was pure and not befouled by Fel Magic, who knows what could happen if they attempted to use these relics.
"Do you know who took them?" Maluineth inquired.
"We have a theory, the relics were taken after you departed to the Temple but before Marta and her crew left the city." The Serf replied.
Maluineth thought on this and came to a stop, her mind racing at the possibilities. Could the Gnome have taken it? No she would never have been able to transport something like that through the city without the guards or the people noticing.
"It was one of our own." Maluineth said, scowling as she realized that someone had taken it from under her nose and likely within her organization.
With that thought she moved for the Vault, if the Serf had come to her than it means that someone had found the problem and sent him to get her. If they had the vault locked down and guarded they may be able to find out who was responsible, then they could investigate.
"What do you mean he took them?" Maluineth heard from around the corner, as she rounded it she found Ithurian Whitespire with his son and daughter.
All three were facing down Caelyb Greenearth, he was speaking with them just outside of the vault.
"He recently came into possession of a list of all the artefacts within the vault, he took them." Caelyb replied, his words calm and his expression marred with a frown.
"How can you be sure it was him?" Maluineth said, strolling towards the group and having her faithful mages parted before her.
"Because I am the one who gave him that information." Caelyb replied, he was immediately beset by shouts from the other Mages.
"You gave him the information? Did you see him with these artefacts?" Maluineth inquired.
"Only one, Allaminar, The Star Blade." Caelyb replied, and she knew of it and its capabilities. "It was in the hands of my brother, Sylerian."
Maluineth scowled as she realized that Mildreas had betrayed her, he had taken artefacts from under her nose and thought he could get away with it. Her eyes narrowed as she thought of that man and what he had done, but what could he possibly want with the other artefacts.
"Come with me, we need to discuss this further, I need to know exactly what was taken." Maluineth said, turning to her fellow magi. "Search the Vault top to bottom and ensure that every single artefact that was taken is accounted for, I want to know everything."
Mildreas was up to something and she wanted to know what that was, she would find out and make him pay for stealing from her and thinking her could get away with it. Who knows what he would do with those artefacts and the dangerous they could pose for those who use them.
There you have it, tell me what you think.
