My god I cannot believe how long it took me to actually finish this chapter. It was a shock to the system that I actually took over a month to finish it. A month and a half really. Excuses? I have none, but I am deeply sorry for how long it took. Things back here are not easy.
Work is not getting any easier. I am having back problems that are not going away and is the reason I bought a laptop so I can do work elsewhere. Along with work at home taking up most of my free time, not easy for me at the moment.
But excuses are excuses. I plan to rectify that hopefully.
I busted my rump this week to get this done along with several other chapters for the Gaiden side stories. So enjoy it all
Transcendence
Chapter 66: Bad Reality, Worse Nightmares
Ethel Rethor
Three days have passed.
Three days since the united forces of the Tauren Tribes, Sentinels, Cenarian Circle and Burning Blade clan joined together to hold back the elemental invasion. They were calling it the Battle of the Breach, the event that would have ended in the destruction of the entirety of Kalimdor had it not been averted.
But those three days also marked the time it has been since Ichigo lapsed into an unwaking slumber. He had been carried from the mountain by Adelina, guided to the surface and to those who had led the defense against the elementals. The army had parted before them, some in awe and others disbelieving in the tales of this young human's victory against Theradras.
This was not what was important, for the moment she took him from the depths of the mountain she quickly requested a Gryphon to take him to Ethel Rethor. Codexia had said that Druantia and Thetis would be the best to treat the substitute and heal him of this ailment.
That had been three days ago.
His wounds had been healed, his body restored to perfect heath. Yet he did not wake, remaining asleep and seemingly dreaming. His eyes would dart around quickly beneath his eyelids, one would call their movements frantic and deranged.
"He is having another nightmare." Quantas said, frowning as he looked down at the youth. "I will get the Paladin."
The elder druid departed, likely to find one of Marta's crew members to help in easing his dreams. A task that he had been forced to regulate, for his own druidic art seemingly had no effect to lessen the terrors that assaulted Ichigo.
Quantas left the young substitute in the care of his two closest friends. Adelina and Caren both kept their eyes on the still form of Ichigo, the former sitting by his bedside and the latter standing impatiently at the foot of the bed.
"All he has been doing is dreaming." Caren said aloud, giving an annoyed huff. "What in the Nether is wrong with him?"
"I do not know, when he emerged from the mountain he was weak and hurt. I did not think it was this serious that he would lapse into this state." Adelina said.
"It shouldn't, remember what the doctor said? What the Spirit had said? Even what you found out after you attempted to heal him and got a second opinion from Quintus?" Caren asked. "He is completely fine, all he is doing is sleeping."
"Sleeping is one thing, but with these nightmares I fear that it is something worse." Adelina replied. "Ichigo faced something down there, something worse than Theradras."
Adelina could tell that Ichigo wasn't brought down to this state by being pummeled by a powerful earth elemental, something else happened. As much as she tried to pry Veles for answers he did not give them, saying that there is nothing he could sense. But she did not believe it.
Veles was aware of something, the way he arrived in the city and sealed off the temple when he was with the Spirits. They seemed to be in conference with one another, having not left the chamber for some time, they were plotting something. But what she did not know, although she believed that Ichigo was involved in their discussions. And a feeling told her that she herself was involved.
But they were not the only ones that seemed to have plans in motion, outside the city she had heard that Shandris was moving her forces towards Ethel Rethor. It would appear that the original mission here was still underway, despite the new government in place the Highborne being targeted.
"So much is happening." Adelina says, her eyes never drifting from Ichigo. "Sometimes I feel that Ichigo knew how to handle any situation he finds himself in. I almost feel like he would know what to do right now."
Caren had to agree, Ichigo despite his often blasé and indifference to everything that transpires around him had a knack for adapting to a changing environment. It was one of his better qualities she supposed, and she had no doubt that he would have a unique brand of wisdom to offer in this situation. Likely he would knock someone upside the head and tell them to stop acting like children, although even Caren's most childish of thoughts couldn't compare to what Ichigo would come up with.
"Shandris might be willing to listen to him, but Iyeana and the others would have her ear, I am certain that they can convince her not to act." Caren reasoned.
Shandris would trust her second in command over Ichigo, she knew that. Iyeana was Shandris' most trusted soldier and aid. But with Ichigo's actions and the affect he has had on her, Iyeana is likely to favor Ichigo's desire to protect the Highborne and call for Shandris to show possible restraint and not outright attack the city.
"I am certain that this city is not going to be attacked in the next few hours." Caren said, trying to allay the fears of the young druid.
"The Highborne seem to have a different opinion than you." Adelina replied.
That was without a doubt true, the Highborne have been anxious for the last few days since the Elemental Invasion had been halted. When the threat of apocalyptic destruction had been averted they went about preparing for their own survival against mortal threats. Those threats being the slowly approaching Kaldorei army, and if their information was correct, along with the Horde behind them.
"Maluineth and Tylarwin are concerned, obviously thinking that Shandris is going to attack without provocation." Adelina said, finally diverting her gaze from the sleeping Substitute towards Caren.
"Can't blame them for thinking that, considering what they tried to do." Caren's tone was equally as plain as Adelina's, both of them well aware of the issue.
While the Highborne likely were aware their actions with the Obelisk of Elune and the intent to exterminate all life in the Desolace could be construed as bad. They had it in their heads that the other races had little care for such things, that they would simply attack because they viewed the Highborne as a threat. Caren however thought that maybe they were clinging to the view that the savage barbarians that were the Night Elves would ransack the city and kill everyone because that is what they do.
They may be leaders of their people but they still had a streak of arrogance in them, along with stupidity. Even Mordent was not above such idiocy, while not as stupid as the others he was still clinging to his prejudices and not being very open minded. But he rightly feared the advance of the Sentinel army on the city and was planning to parlay with them and offer armistice.
That had led to another heated debate on who should lead the negotiations, all three of them arguing over who would get the honor of talking with the Sentinel General. Or more correctly, which one was the best person to speak on behalf of the Highborne and not do anything that would screw up their chances of being murdered.
Honestly, they were all terrible for the job.
Mordent despite his belief that they could finally integrate back into the world, even his views on regulating magic and limiting the power of the leading caste and even dismantling it all together, still had his vices.
While he had regained his position within the Shen'dralar, with Tylarwin and Maluineth leading as Captain of the Guard and Voice of the People respectfully, he was still squabbling with his fellow leaders. But the real problem came from him having to keep Maluineth and Tylarwin in check, both were deeply concerned and Mordent was trying to prevent them from taking drastic action.
He was doing his best, truly, but he still distrusted those that had not proven themselves to be without hostile intent towards his people. Ichigo had done that, and was probably the only one, with the rest being people he trusted only so far.
"I am surprised that they haven't realized that attempting to exterminate all life in central Kalimdor is considered a bad thing." Caren said, sounding annoyed that common sense seemed to be a concept completely alien to these elves. "I even heard that they were going to try and put a less negative spin on the plan, maybe even relay that they intended to halt the plan in the end."
"Wouldn't change the fact they ordered it in the beginning, and the methods used may not sit well with the Horde. I hear they are also outside the city waiting to see the spirits." Adelina said.
The Highborne were in trouble, their actions over the last few weeks have earned them the ire of a lot of races and groups. Codexia had set things in motion, creating an intricate plan and scheme that had it worked would have saw to it that the Highborne would capitulate to almost everyone. But now the Highborne had reaffirmed the fears and anger of many races and now they were at the mercy of those who wouldn't mind killing them all.
Before the discussion could develop someone walked into the room, the fiery haired woman stalked inside. Sword on her hip and eyes looking bloodshot, where sleep was all that Ichigo seemed to be have it eluded the woman.
"Codexia." Caren greeted. "Still nothing from those Primal Spirits?"
The Primalist had been attempting to gain entrance to the temple to speak with the Primal Spirits within, but she has been having no luck over the last few days. Ever since Veles had arrived the spirits had been in deep talks and have not moved. What they discuss was unknown, but many worried about the possibilities of four powerful elementals under a single roof.
"Nothing has changed, on the elementals that is, but I have just learned that a committee has been formed to speak with Shandris when her army arrives." Codexia replied, arching and eyebrow. "Guess who is on it."
"My guess it is the three biggest idiots here." Caren said.
"You would be correct." Codexia replied, no humor in her words.
"That's just great, one is bad, all three at once is asking for trouble." Caren said, considering their personalities it could only lead to more trouble. "Like throwing a Gilnean and a Stromgrade diplomat into talks with a troll, they would argue with each other as much as the troll."
"Wouldn't be wrong there." Codexia said. "I was hoping Ichigo was awake, he had a way of actually convincing everyone to settle things, maybe now he could do the same."
"He still sleeps. For how much longer I do not know, but I fear that he will not wake anytime soon." Adelina said, giving a sigh as she stood up. "But maybe we can be the voice of reason this time."
But none of them had any hopes of convincing anyone here to stand down, as none of them possessed the diplomatic skills, trust or charisma to truly turn this peace talk towards a favorable direction.
Caren was not overly familiar or known to Shandris, only her affiliation with Ichigo really earned her some recognition.
Adelina did not think that she could convince either side, always lacking in confidence when trying to engage with others.
Codexia had the skill and knew both sides well enough, but her history with both parties was something that made them wary of trusting her words.
"Maybe we will just make it worse." Caren grumbled.
They all turned to the door and departed, they had to meet with this committee and see if they can convince them to be amicable when meeting with Shandris. There was little hope that they would be able to convince them, but what else could be done? The lives of over eight hundred Highborne rested on their shoulders right now, if they did nothing they would all die.
Mordent sighed as he rubbed his brow, these last few days have been nothing but one stressful moment to the next. Even with his position and place within the Highborne society restored he was becoming more stressed the longer the days wore on. It wasn't even worth joking about how the pressure he had to deal with at the moment was worse than when he was planning a coup.
If it could be believed.
Taking up leadership of the Shen'dralar once more had been a simple and easy decision, mostly due to the distrust towards Maluineth and her act of taking the order from him. Her theft of the order and the deaths of many of its prestigious members had left a black stain on her that none would forget or forgive. While she was loathe admitting it and accepting she had relinquished control of the order to him so that she could lead the people as a whole.
In spite of her association with the Nobles and her many actions in aiding them especially with their schemes, she had evaded much blame and suspicion with her actions against them. But how she did that was using her political expertise to manipulate what the masses knew of her and put a positive spin on it. But even then there was distrust, for their previous leaders had let them down and the people as a whole were keeping a close eye on their new leader.
Oddly enough there were little to no naysayers for his rise to power, none questioned Mordent or demanded to know if he had an ulterior motive. None spread rumors or whispered behind his back of a darker scheme in the works. For his actions had been the removal of those that had attempted to hoard power for ulterior purposes at the expense of the people. He was free of any scorn from the people.
But that privilege was reserved solely to himself instead of his fellow leaders, both of whom were beginning to aggravate him beyond sense. Even as they stood before him now they had yet to reach their senses and stop this foolishness.
"We still have no real means to hold the Sentinels back, we have little manpower to contend with them." Tylarwin said, scowling as he crossed his arms and glared at Mordent. "Even worse you are hoarding the many artefacts we claimed from the ruins of Shari'adune. Artefacts that could aid us should things go awry."
"I keep them out of reach to prevent either of you from doing anything rash and stupid." Mordent said, at his wits end with these two.
"Those artefacts may be under the control of the Shen'dralar, but we do not make decisions on our own. We deliberate and vote on our actions." Maluineth said, frowning noticeably.
"A pointless thing if my objections are not listened too and with Tylarwin as your loyal servant my whims matter little to you. Neither of you are thinking clearly, Tylarwin wishes to make ready whatever powers we have in order to attack the Sentinels when they draw close. While you wish to try and bargain with her, along with downplaying our mistakes and passing them off as another's fault." Mordent said, not willing to say it was a habit of hers to blame others for misfortune that was close to her.
That would have only led to an argument and further delay any real discussions from being had, although he doubted at this point anything would be done.
"Again, with this? I tell you this plan was never ours to make, we did all we could when we learned of Mildreas' treason." Maluineth replied. "We spoke as much during the meeting beneath the city when we joined forces."
"And argued over who would gain control over the people, don't act as if this wasn't motivated by good intentions." Mordent replied.
"There was no ulterior motive behind our actions, we did it to secure our people's future." Maluineth said.
"The Sentinel-General will not see it as such. For neither did our allies that bore witness to our squabbling." Mordent replied, waving off her poor excuse. "Besides a clear picture has already been presented to them of what you are. I fear that your presence would only amplify tensions."
"And why is that?" Maluineth asked, her words bristling with barely restrained ire.
"Because you tried to murder the man you now speak with to take his position."
The three Highborne turned to the speaker and much to their consternation they found Codexia standing in the nearby archway. While Mordent had grown accustomed to having her turn up to ruin the moment he was actually glad that she had turned up to steer the hostilities of these two off him.
"We will be at the gate, be there when you are ready." Maluineth said, turning and quickly skulking off. Tylarwin was close behind her, like a shadow that never left her side.
"I see that tensions are running high, or is this just a normal day for you now." Caren inquired, strolling forward with Adelina and Codexia in tow.
"There was less tension when I was fighting to overthrow them, leadership is not easy when you have others to share it with." Mordent replied.
"Made up your mind on how to handle the negotiations?" Caren inquired.
"No, Maluineth and Tylarwin have their own methods they wish to use. Neither are going to end well for us." Mordent replied.
Tylarwin wanted to shore up the defenses and at least prepare for an attack. He hoped to use some of the artefacts to try and cow the Sentinels, with the show of power that the Obelisk possessed they planned to use that as a gambit.
Maluineth's plan was even worse than that, by far. She intended to try and downplay the involvement of her people and twist the situation around to help exonerate her. Mordent didn't even want to begin to dissect how such a political ploy would not work for her in this case. While she had been able to use it to gain her position as the Voice of the People, it wasn't going to convince the Sentinels. For obvious reasons.
"At least we will be there to try and keep Shandris from seeing the bad, or at least prevent it from getting any worse." Caren said.
While she had little way of convincing either party to side with one another she could at least mitigate the damage. Growing up she had learned the political language of the Noble Houses of Stormwind, they spoke differently from the common folk. There was more subtlety in the way they went about things, a deeper meaning that can mean almost the opposite of what was said.
But her time with Galen and the mages had taught her the language of the people, how to differentiate the two and how to draw parallel between them. If she can do that for Maluineth and Shandris maybe she can stop any misunderstandings from happening. Misunderstandings mean conflict, and conflict means a lot of innocent people would die.
"I would have preferred someone that had her ear, no offence but I fear that none of you have the skills necessary to actually convince her to be amicable." Mordent stated, before he turned and let out a sigh. He was truly lamenting the situation he had been drawn into.
Honestly if things went the way they did when he was captured than it was likely no matter what they do they would not be listened to. Things were going to be getting a lot worse for them, but how worse he did not know or care to imagine.
He was aware that he gave little trust towards the Sentinels. But considering the Kaldorei's actions towards his people from the beginning and the less then welcoming first meeting of their people after ten thousand years left much to be desired. All that they knew of each other was a festering hatred that did not have time to dwindle.
"We are the best you can rely on, Ichigo is still unconscious. If anyone here has a chance it is us." Adelina stated, her expression morphing into a deep frown. "Let us help you."
Mordent glanced at the young Druid, he doubted that they would truly be able to convince this Sentinel-General to stand her forces down. But what other choice did he have? Only offering a nod he turned back and looked down the hall, wondering how much longer it would be before Shandris Feathermoon and her army arrived.
"Master Evershade, there is a cloud on the horizon, the Sentinels are here." The serf said, rushing up to inform him.
"Has Lord Stormweaver and Lady Moonscribe been informed?" Mordent inquired.
"Yes, my Lord, they move for the gate as we speak." The Serf replied.
Mordent nodded and waved the man off, he would need to leave immediately. His gaze turned towards the three young women that would be helping him in this matter, his doubts resurfaced as he regarded them. But he squashed them before he turned, going into these negotiations and expecting the worst to happen would only see that dark thoughts come into reality.
He needed to focus on what he wished to achieve, nothing else mattered now.
"Come, we have a peace to create."
Adelina and Caren moved to follow, but when Codexia did not they halted for a moment. Codexia only gave a nod towards them, a silent understanding passing between the three as they parted ways. She looked on for a moment, watching them leave and then turning in the opposite direction.
At this moment, she knew who she was going to see, the only ones that could possibly quell this bloodshed. She just hoped that they would listen to her. Because the plan she had in mind would require them to actually do what she intended.
Maluineth scowled as she saw the approaching army, or more correctly she saw the massive cloud of sand that formed on the horizon. But she knew behind it was the Sentinel army, using it as a screen the hide their approach, or maybe it was an attempt to scare the populace. In any case, they were only a few minutes away from reaching the bridge leading to their only sanctuary.
It was those precious few minutes that she was using to try and figure out a way to convince her wilder of kin from laying waste to her city and people. But she doubted that any of her words would truly reach their ears, this was not some politician or common citizen she was attempt to sway so to gain support or rally towards her.
This Shandris Feathermoon was likely a striking similarity to Tylarwin, meaning she was blunt and did not favor the intricacies of politics and the benefits they bring. That meant she needed to figure out another way to at least gain her sympathy in not attacking her people. But that would be difficult, and while Tylarwin was here to offer support he was trying to show off his might rather than think tactfully.
Might would not win here, only words and subtle manipulation would see to it that her people would be spared.
She heard the steps of other approaching, she only turned to glance toward Mordent. But her scowl deepened when she noticed the Kaldorei Druid and that human mage was with him, why had he brought the two of them along? What possible use could either of them be?
"Why did you bring those two with you?" Maluineth asked, speaking in her native tongue so not to create any negative reaction from them.
If those two going to help, in whatever capacity they were capable of, then she couldn't risk turning them against her with misplaced words. If they held any sway in the decision Shandris Feathermoon were to make they best not have their hearts against her. But even so she highly doubted that the two youths would be of any use in these negotiations.
"They will be speaking on our behalf." Mordent replied, speaking in their tongue as well. But he kept his words low so that the Druid likely could not hear.
"Will they be of use?" Maluineth asked, suspecting her question would be redundant.
"Not as much as another, but hopefully affiliation will do. They are friends to the young man that I spoke of, perhaps they can convey his wishes to Shandris when she arrives." Mordent replied.
She arched an eyebrow, did he refer to that human boy that they had brought with them three days ago? Maluineth didn't understand why Mordent had allowed them to enter the city, even if they had been allies in defeating Mildreas and his court, they were allies no any longer.
Mordent had said that the boy was their key to ensuring lasting peace, that he would speak with Shandris and convince her to not attack. There was little she expected the human youth to be able to do, he seemed completely unremarkable in any way. Aside from that show of power, that she had never been able to compare to anything before.
'Perhaps it is that power he was referring to, being able to cow the Sentinels.' Maluineth thought, with how blunt and ordinary in the way he presented himself it seemed the only option.
It was a wonder how Mordent seemed to have gained his favor, what could have the man offered to the boy to make him aid Mordent over his own allies. In time she may see, but for now she would need to figure out how to best strike an accord with the Sentinel General and the Kaldorei Nation.
The next few moments were quiet, only the sound of the wind and tides splashing against the stones, but soon thunder reached their ears. Many heavy steps could be heard, the sound of an army approaching on mass.
Several thousand it seemed to have materialized from the sand cloud, walking forward in perfect formation and with masterfully choreographed steps. It was truly an army one would be honored to lead, the perfect gate between steps and the synchronization of every soldier was commendable. While they possessed a more wild and natural look and armor when compared to the knightly forces of the Highborne, they retained the militaristic pride and precision of their people.
'Maybe this would not be so different after all.' Maluineth thought, if they retained such things than maybe they had retained many other customs as well.
Soon, a single rider rode forth, her armor more detailed and appearing to be battle worn just like the soldiers behind her. She stopped just shy of the bridge and dismounted, her long flowing blue hair tied in a ponytail and her hand grasping the hilt of a short sword at his hip. Without wasting a movement, she dismounted and strolled up to greet them.
Shandris stopped only a few feet from Maluineth, her eyes moving between each individual and lingering for only a second before they finally settled on herself. Maluineth could feel the stare on her, as if small knives were being plunged into her own eyes. But she remained firm and did not back down.
"I am Lady Maluineth Moonscribe, Voice of the People and speaker for the Highborne."
There was a brief pause.
"Shandris Feathermoon, Sentinel-General of the Night Elves."
Another pause followed the greeting. This one tenser than the last. Maluineth took a breath and decided that it was best she started the negotiations.
"I welcome you with open arms and in peace, there will be no hostilities between us and I hope that you may extend that courtesy to us while we reach an amicable agreement between our two people." Maluineth stated.
Shandris made no motion, either to speak or to make a subtle movement. This concerned Maluineth slightly, unable to fathom what the Sentinel-General was thinking.
"We know that you have brought your army here to face a threat, but you do not have anything to fear from my people or those that now lead them. We three, those who now lead our race, have removed the undesirable elements of our government and among our order. There will be no more tyrants and sycophants to threaten the stability of this land once again." Maluineth continued, smiling and trying to keep her words light and not so formal.
"I am not here to offer a truce or to broker a bargain for your benefit. I have orders to occupy this city and arrest you along with all other members of your court." Shandris replied, eyes hard and expression completely void of emotion.
Maluineth tensed at the statement, it would seem that invasion and occupation were not as farfetched as she believed.
"That will not be necessary! We are no threat to you." Mordent said, interjecting to make sure that the point was made clear. "We have taken hold of the city and are working to undo the damage caused by out former leaders."
"I have had the displeasure of meeting the one that ruled in Eldre'thalas, he was not the most stable of leaders, and it seemed that the next was just as demented. I fear this trend continuing." Shandris said. "Along with you having in your possession very dangerous artefacts, artefacts I am sure you likely have at the ready to use if things do not go as you want."
'If only.' Maluineth thought.
Maluineth could tell that the situation was degrading with every statement the Sentinel gave, she needed to try and salvage this before it got worse.
"Please, we are no threat to you, all the unstable and dangerous elements of our people have been removed. We three lead the Highborne, there are none left to threaten you, we three fought against the tyranny of Mildreas and his scheme that would see all on this continent dead or dying." Maluineth said.
"Mildreas? Yes you did remove him." Shandris said, some hope rising in Maluineth's heart that maybe she can convince her. "But what about you and your own plans? Your schemes?"
Maluineth was silent, unable to speak, what did she mean by that?
"You act like Mildreas was the only evil to lurk behind the walls of that palace, from what I can ascertain from my Lieutenant, you and many other members of this court are just as guilty." Shandris said.
Maluineth felt indignation at the comment, was she actually insinuating that she was just as vile and corrupt as that bastard that attempted to take power and destroy the world? He had done monstrous thing for his own vanity and desire for power, it was an insult she did not deserve, to be compared to him.
"While it is true that we have performed heinous acts of our own, they were out of desperation and a need to save ourselves and our people." Mordent said, stepping forward and taking hold of the conversation. "Do not judge us for the deeds we performed just to survive, but remember that at the moment where it mattered most, we chose the side that was righteous and pure. We did what we saw as right, do not judge us all on the actions of those few."
"He is right, Mordent's actions were a call for us all to change our ways." Maluineth said, trying to take that bit of leverage and use it for all its worth. "We turned on Mildreas because of what he intended. His actions were heinous and without remorse, he would see his own people drown in blood to elevate himself higher than where he already was."
Again, there was silence, Shandris looking at Maluineth with such apathy it was unsettling for the mage.
"Are you done lying?" Shandris inquired, her brow furrowing as she regarded the mage. "I won't deny he was a cruel man, him being dead means that it is unimportant that we discuss him. Instead we should be focusing on those present. And from what I am aware, none of you are innocent in this."
"I assured you just a moment ago, we…"
"… Have done many heinous things, Mordent admitted as much." Shandris said, interrupting Maluineth before she could speak further. "Your character is in question here and your past actions leave me concerned on what you will do if we don't take away that power of yours."
Maluineth knew that this Sentinel was blinded by her own animosities, there was no denying that their Kaldorei cousins had a deep loathing of magic. Rumors and actual firsthand accounts proved as much to her now, and she had to try and dissuade the woman that nothing was going to happen.
But how to do it? To feign weakness and impotence in the face of an enemy could lead to her attacking, but to be defiant would result in an end no different. How do you convince someone that you are not as powerful as suspected but also not so weak that they could be easily intimidated?
"Our people have never been as strong as we were, in the last ten thousand years we have used what power remains for us to survive and thrive in our city. In that time, we have done nothing that has threatened the world, we have lived in peace." Maluineth said, thinking that maybe she had made a good argument.
"That has changed now, you fled that city and in the span of a few weeks you have risen this city from the ocean floor, coveted artefacts of great power and nearly caused a cataclysmic event that would have seen to the destruction of this entire continent." Shandris said. "Besides, you were weaker in Eldre'thalas, without all the power you now have here you didn't have a chance to do anything. But when presented you quickly sought out a way to take power. And in ways that were no different than the tyrants you now condemn."
Maluineth tried to salvage the conversation but she would not be given a chance to speak.
"Mordent never intended to help us in the beginning, he was only conscripted because we gave him no choice but to follow us." Shandris said. "Had my Lieutenant not been reasoned with, he would have been strung up and executed by a hail of arrows."
Maluineth glanced towards Mordent, who glowered noticeably under the stare of the Sentinel-General, but he made no attempt to defend himself.
"The only reason he even accepted was because of you, who went out of your way to see him assassinated." Before Maluineth could argue against this Shandris continued. "Not only him, but also conspiring to murder many of his supporters so you can take his position within the Shen'dralar."
Maluineth flinched, unable to speak or come up with a counter argument, because she knew it was to be true. It infuriated her to admit it, but she had done that and now it was coming back to haunt her. But it would not be the last thing.
"Even after you took up control of the Shen'dralar, and learned of the plot made by Mildreas to use the Obelisk, you still conspired to enslave the Elemental Spirit within the citadel to use their power for your own ends." Shandris said. "Or am I mistaken?"
"The intent was to feed our people, so that they may not die from withdrawal." Maluineth said, stating a fact and reason. "We were starving, the magical energies we had in Eldre'thalas sustained us only so much and when it was gone we were desperate to satiate our hunger. The Spirits were our only choice, our only way to save out people from suffering a slow death."
"Or was it that you intended to use them to power the Obelisk the entire time, to siphon off their power to use in annihilating everything in this region and possibly half the continent?" Shandris rebuffed, narrowing her eyes at the Mage. "Or is this also a mistake?"
Maluineth would have shouted that she was wrong, but knew that Shandris was only waiting for her to say that. Expecting her to deny it and leave herself exposed as a fraud so that any words that pass her lips afterwards would be false.
"You condemn these madmen." Shandris said, stepping forward and getting very close to Maluineth. "But when you aid them, give them the means and power to do what they do, you are just as guilty and cruel as them."
Maluineth didn't say a word, nothing could be said, Shandris had already made up her mind. This argument had been won, and Maluineth was not the victor.
"You and the Noble Court planned to use the Obelisk of Elune to wipe out the Desolace, and your order had complete control over that artefact. You provided them the means to carry out the deed."
Maluineth sunk her head, not a word said.
"You personally captured and imprisoned the Elemental Spirits for the sole purpose to power that device. There was no other reason than that for capturing them, for your reason to siphon off their power as a battery to sustain the people is a lie. Because as soon as you used them to power the Obelisk they would have been extinguished."
Again, she did not deny this, but her fingers curled into a fist.
"You murdered your own people, which in a show of pure hypocrisy, and condemn those tyrants for the same sins you perpetrated after the fact. But let us not condone the fact that dozens of my people have died at the hands of yours, along with potentially thousands of others because of your actions."
Maluineth scowled and gritted her teeth, holding her tongue and letting herself take the barb.
"And it was not you who decided to turn on Mildreas, it was he who turned on you and in an act of desperation you came to Mordent to broker peace to save yourself. And when doing so you argued over who will rule your people. A position you now happily fill."
Maluineth looked up, meeting Shandris' eyes with her own.
"I have seen the levels you will go towards for more power, and what you are capable of doing without flinching away from it. Everything you have done has been nothing short of the same megalomania that your former leader had done."
Shandris glared into the mage's eyes, and Maluineth did not have the heart or strength to truly look at her. To face those accusations, to have all that thrown into her face and be made out as a criminal, to be just as vile and cruel as Mildreas.
What Mildreas had done was for his own vanity, but she had done everything in order to regain what she had lost. Her family's legacy and pride, the return of their prestige amongst the elite and to take back leadership of the Shen'dralar. Everything she did was to get back what her father had lost because he tried to do the right thing.
"Maluineth did what she did under circumstances wholly driven by her own desire for vengeance." Mordent said, his words low and serious. "She had lost everything she was, her position and her family in Eldre'thalas to Prince Tortheldrin. What she did these following weeks was all driven by a desire to see what was taken from her returned. While I do not condone her actions, or see them as right, I understand that she did it because she felt she was owed. Would you not feel the same if you lost everything? Would you not go to any length to regain it and make those who stole it pay?"
Maluineth was surprised, looking to the man that even up to now she considered to be an opponent to her place in Nobility. The man she had felt was the usurper in control of the Shen'dralar, who she had hated as much if not more than the Prince who banished her father, was now coming to her aid.
Perhaps he was only doing this to save them, taking a blow to his pride in order to better save them from the hostilities of the Sentinels. But she doubted the act of humility would do little to convince Shandris, she seemed to have already made up her mind.
"Doesn't account for the fact that she had to be ordered to make peace with you and even after taking back her order she carried out these deeds." Shandris replied. "You only offer half formed excuses that I will not hear anymore. I know everything that you have done and I will not listen to them any longer."
Maluineth looked back towards Shandris, her indignation and shame replaced with a cold dread as she saw the Sentinel-General all but ready to attack. Her posture was rigid and her intent was clear, if they did not surrender now, her people would be conquered.
"You will surrender immediately, I will not ask again."
"Lady Shandris, please…" Caren tried to speak.
"No, I am done here, making deals with these people had not proven to be the wise decision. They are willing to betray those they work with as much as themselves, and I will not allow them to remain here as a threat to my people's sanctum." Shandris said, her hand grasped the hilt of her sword tightly.
Maluineth heard Tylarwin shift behind her, he was likely shifting into a stance and reaching for his own blade. The fighting would break out soon, her dread rose and she tried to wrack her brain for a means to stop this before everyone is slaughtered.
"God dammit, why the fuck do I have to be the one to fix these things?"
Maluineth turned to the vulgar exclamation, to her surprise – along with everyone else – she saw the formally comatose human standing there. Bereft of armor and looking at the assembled group with a scowl of irritation.
Ichigo was tired.
Despite just waking up from a likely long dreamless sleep, or what he thought was dreamless. He couldn't remember a damn thing, but there was a deep foreboding feeling that him not remembering was for the sake of his sanity at this point.
But right now? He was just exasperated to learn that all shit he had done in the past couple days to get these morons to work together had fallen apart. It was not just the Highborne's fault either, Shandris was here and with an army at her back, an even bigger one that she had at the Twin Colossi in order to bring the hammer down on the Highborne.
Although he understood why she was probably acting like that, she was dealing with Maluineth after all. That woman just didn't have any fucking idea on how to speak without being pretentious or have the common sense to realize that everything she has done was a mistake just waiting to be punished.
"Shandris, what the hell is going on?" Ichigo asked, it should have been rhetorical as though he had a good idea, he really needed to be aware of all bases right now before he took a swing at this situation. Idly he wondered just when he became a diplomat.
He had seen this coming from a mile away, he knew that Shandris and her forces would march here when things were settled. But he had hoped that he could have had at least some rest and maybe some time to think things over, but no. Instead he was thrown into this as soon as he jolted awake and told by a second-hand source that shit was going down outside the city.
"I am here to occupy the city and take these Nobles into custody." Shandris replied.
"Yeah, that isn't going to be happening." Ichigo said, scratching his head and strolling up towards the group and let out a breath.
He had a good idea on what the Highborne would do when cornered, they would lash out and attack. Not just to defend themselves but because they believed themselves to be without blame in this situation, that all fault fell on someone else's shoulders.
"These guys have their heads so far up their asses, they don't know which way is up or what direction their own fucking moral compasses points." Ichigo said, giving a jerk of the thumb towards Maluineth and Tylarwin.
Both didn't seem too pleased by the comment, but he didn't care. Both were just like Mordent before he set him straight, for the most part, xenophobic and arrogant to the point that they think they can do no wrong.
"Then why should I not remove them before they make another mistake as their predecessors did?" Shandris inquired, her hand slipping from the hilt of her blade as she tucked it under her other arm.
"Because if you do that it will involve innocent bystanders getting hurt." Ichigo replied, her apathetic and otherwise annoyed expression dropped.
He needed to tell her this and be serious, if she was going to listen to him he needed to speak with a level head and make sense. If he starts ranting and raving she will brush him off, her and Jaina had that in common, if he wanted her to listen he needed to appeal to her as a soldier and a person.
"Yeah, the Nobles did a lot of harm here, they started all this when they got greedy for more power and when they actually got that power they just went and did even worse things." Ichigo said. "However, you cannot punish all these people for the actions of their leaders, good or bad, all those people you want to charge in and detain? They had nothing to do with this, and you cannot condemn them for the idiocy of their leaders."
He noted that Shandris seemed to consider his statement, likely aware of what he was talking about in regards to his conversation with Mordent probably having been briefed by Iyeana. How a nation and people are often defined by the actions of their leaders, how they behave and act comes to reflect onto their nation. But in this case, it was completely different, the people were not like the Nobles he was surrounded by now.
"Our actions were for the…"
Ichigo didn't want to hear whatever she was spewing, so he did the most sensible thing he could think of. He quickly but lightly punched her in the forehead.
Maluineth stumbled back, her hand shooting up to her slightly red brow, while everyone else looked on in shock at the sudden action. Tylarwin tensed and reached for his blade, he scowled but he did not utter a word.
"Shut up." Ichigo said, glaring at her.
His stern gaze not unlike a parent scolding an unruly child that had yet to learn his lesson, which is kinda what he was going for. This woman, and her subordinate, had no idea how they were presenting themselves. It was bad enough to admit that you did wrong and incriminate yourself, but it was far worse to try and cover it up and make yourself look innocent when everyone knew you were guilty.
"So far all you have been out here doing is telling Shandris you are not in the wrong. Displacing blame like a guilty child in order to save your own ass and avoid punishment, instead of focusing on the people you so badly wanted to lead. Quit acting like you are blameless, because you are far from being innocent in this entire clusterfuck."
She tried to speak again but she glanced to the side, looking towards someone else Ichigo presumed, and quieted down.
Even when he saw the indignant and confused expression remain on her face he didn't bother to give her any further attention. Instead he turned back to the curious Sentinel-General, who had raised a brow at his action and was waiting for him to get to the point.
"You can hate these two all you want, hate the Shen'dralar and the Guard for playing part in their schemes." Ichigo stated. "Considering their track record there is a good reason to be worried that the Highborn will do something like this again, that their current leadership will probably do something just as bad as those they replaced."
He didn't need to look around to see the worried faces of the Highborne, he knew they were scared.
"So, you don't want me to attack, but you acknowledge just why these people are too dangerous to leave alone? I have to wonder if that is what you are asking me to do." Shandris asked.
"No, you can take these three away in chains, however if you do you leave Highborn leaderless and without anyone to keep things stable." Ichigo replied, he knew that in this trying time these people being afraid and without leaders would lead to chaos and then more slaughter. "Besides even if you do try to take them they will resist and you will be forced to fight, and that means you invade the city and kill anyone who resists. I want to avoid that."
"Because of the people? The same people that cling to dangerous traditions and who in their arrogance nearly wiped out all life on this continent?" Shandris said, unconvinced it would seem.
"Not the people, Shandris, this is a city filled with men, woman and children. They aren't all soldiers, and this isn't a battleground. " Ichigo said. "You aren't going in to stop a menace, you would be charging in there and slaughtering families in their homes."
Ichigo scowled as he looked at her, he was being deathly serious here, she needed to see what exactly she would be ordering them to do.
"Can you truly justify going into that city to apprehend just a few people, when it means killing a lot of innocents in process? The majority of these people have done nothing other than live their lives, while those in charge of their way of life went off and did something monumentally stupid." Ichigo continued.
Ichigo glanced towards the three leaders, only Mordent seemed to show any shame in his expression.
"I am not asking you to stand down because they should be forgiven, I am asking that you don't sacrifice a lot of lives to get justice against the few who committed the crime. There is nothing good about letting hundreds die just so someone can pay for their mistakes."
Shandris was quiet, her eyes meeting the Substitutes, and for the next minute not a word passed between them. It was tense for everyone it seemed, all looking between the young human and the ten millennia old General. Seeing if they could agree on something.
"How do you propose we handle this then?" Shandris inquired, her posture relaxing and appearing as if she was open to suggestions.
"Haven't really got a plan for that yet, but for now let's just wait and see." Ichigo replied.
"Wait and see? You must be joking." Shandris said, a small upturn on the side of her mouth as she made the statement. As if she was expecting nothing less from him.
"Nope." Ichigo replied, before he pointed between Maluineth, Mordent and Tylarwin. "If these three aren't going to come quietly than it leads to a massacre, and if we want to avoid that we need to show some mercy and practice patience here. So, give them a chance to prove themselves, make them earn the right to live here and actually prove they aren't all a bunch of megalomaniacs."
Ichigo could tell that the suggestion was not something many of them believed in, even those he was technically defending didn't seemed convinced of it working. Considering how the meeting was going before he got here he could understand such doubt.
But really it was all he had, there was likely a lot of good reasons to not simply detain or kill everyone here. He had made his point as to why they shouldn't be slaughtered, but there were other points as well. He just needed some time to get his point across, these people were counting on someone to pull them out of the firing line and he was it.
"You do realize that they have been left on their own before, and it has led to problems." Shandris said, sounding nonchalant as she spoke up.
"Then why don't you come into the city and see for yourself." Ichigo says, turning around and gesturing back towards Ethel Rethor. "You came here without even considering what is going on inside, what the people are doing and how they feel. So instead of making up assumptions based on what these three want, why don't you come in and see what the people want. So, stop inching towards that sword, leave the animosity outside, and actually take a look dammit."
Ichigo didn't wait for her to respond, instead he just kept walking. He had to make his point stand, and he had a feeling that Shandris would listen to him. It is how it has worked so far.
"Alright, then let us see." Shandris replied, her boots thudding against the ground as she followed Ichigo. "I do hope you are not wasting my time Ichigo."
"When it comes to saving lives, I am very serious." Ichigo replied.
"Then I hope you can convince me, but you will have your hands full when the Horde get here. Baine and several others are not far behind us, intent on claiming vengeance against them.
"Great, look forward to that." Ichigo replied with a drawl.
But regardless he did not vent his irritation, he just hoped that he could reason with them and make a decent argument. Having Mairne there or maybe Hamuul would help, but even he doubted either of them would be merciful towards those that basically caused a massive Centaur horde to bear down on their lands.
Shandris was pissed and unwilling to negotiate at first.
What the hell were they going to be like when they get here?
Reviews:
astroga121: Actually the Old Gods are more akin to Great Old Ones while their masters the Void Lords are Outer Gods. I think that this draws a better parallel to who is what and what they are and actually sticks close to Lovecraftian Mythology.
Raging Berseker: It may seem like that, but don't be too sure.
DanteNaru: Thanks
BEST ARTHER: Keep up trying to spell! I know being an inbred piece of shit makes it difficult but don't let society get you down like that syndrome you obviously have. So keep your head up, and let someone shoot you already.
Reality Deviant: Thank you.
PasiveNox: Which part?
Shadowwolf1997: Kind of tricky at times but I did try my best to make it flow right.
FlashLit3: Thanks, but the chapter is a tricky one to do.
Sin: It is meant to be a horror, that is for sure. Glad that I could convey it like that.
Black Cross0: Glad you like the chapter. Also I spoke with him several times and helped him a little with some of his Warcraft stories and other stories he did. He is a good author and a treat to speak with on many subjects.
Yeah, a lot of what was said by C'Thun has purpose and meaning. Be aware of that because it is going to be coming back and showing itself again.
Daio Ine: I can understand being swamped by work, never easy when you have so much to do that you can't even relax and have a read.
Thank you, also those fics are rare. But they are certainly interesting to have that pairing.
Also I am glad that you like the chapters and guessing I am afraid will do you little good because it is still something even I am not fully aware what will transpire. Because so much is going to happen.
Impstar: Thank you, I do try my best. This was C'Thun.
Leapinglemur: Yeah, the Old Gods are truly a monstrous group and not something you want to deal with. But to convey them in this story was fun and really showed off what kind of entities they are. It was fun to make their lines and show off these illusions.
Xbox432: Glad to hear it, actually bought some Lovecraft books and ready the stories just to learn how to write like him and convey things in that manner for this chapter. It was real fun.
Ichigo went through a lot and it will be conveyed later on, things will show up for him and he will show himself and how he is handling the situation. Also I cannot disclose who he wounded and who he was fighting, but I can tell you we will see more soon.
Jahm: He was walking back there, guided back in a way. As for which one was attacking Ichigo it was C'Thun.
Blindluck92: I know, and that is what was so cool about writing this chapter.
Accursius: Glad that I could do justice to it then, also that I could wow you with the hallucinations. It is with pride that I know I pulled it off well.
The Unsung Antihero: Nice one. But he is going to need more than humor to help him now.
G3neSyS: Thank you. The next few chapters will actually deal with Ichigo and his psyche and his dealing with what happened after he escaped Maraudon. It will be interesting because the Old God did a number on him.
Delonix: Thank you and I will.
Star: Glad you liked it, a lot it seems. I did my best to convey the Old Gods in their glory, and truthfully their strength comes from their mental powers. Also based on info a Naaru can destroy a mountain with their powers, that is powerful consider. Even more powerful than some Shinigami, even Captains.
Also I plan to beef Ichigo up with more techniques and awesome skills.
C'Thun was sealed and didn't really have a way to influence anyone, but I will be explaining that later on.
Meech Macko: More doom and gloom is right. But there will be changes in Ichigo's personality because of this, we may not see it immediately but it will become noticeable soon.
Guest #1: Those are some good line man, make an account and contact me immediately.
Guest #2: There is reason behind his actions, it is understandable why he does it. Not agreeing that he is right, but I do understand that he does it because he feels it is right.
Vindicated Doomsayer: My god, you are right! Get the axes! A new order must be formed! The Lumberjacks! Their battle cries shall ring through the air! "I'm a Lumberjack, and I don't care…!"
Kyo no Kitsume: You certainly have invested yourself, reading this over five days is impressive. Also each vision was meant to represent something else, a different aspect of his fear and despair, to show him a darker aspect of his own psyche.
Guest #3: Glad you like it and welcome to the bandwagon.
Maychellino: It is coming.
