Hello everyone, sorry for the delay, a bit has happened for me. But that is no excuse, so here is the next chapter for Transcendence. Hope you like it, this chapter was a doozy. Took a bit of researching for me to get it ready.

Nothing much else to say other than the story is finally progressing. I am doing a lot of work on getting the edits done for this story. I really want to mainly revamp it a little and make it look a lot more linear and coherent with the current lore of Bleach and World of Warcraft. After all I am someone that values the lore and history of these two universes above all else.

Also I am putting up a pole on the Profile, mainly for Are We Alone, take a look if you are a fan.


Transcendence

Chapter 73: Politics in Play

Stonetalon Peak, Thal'darah Overlook

They landed in the centre of the village, or more correctly an outpost, given the number of Sentinels and Druids roaming around this place was likely a military fortress. Without a doubt they were preparing for a major invasion, given that this outlook stands above a gorge that leads towards the Desolace it made sense this was being made into a fortress.

"Things are picking up here." Ichigo mused aloud.

They had glaive throwers, thousands of arrows, and from the looks of it a newly erected Hippogryph and Nightsaber pen that was obviously not large enough to house the number of mounts they were bringing in. They were going to great lengths to prepare for an attack, made him wonder if they were actually going to make a dent in negotiating.

"Welcome."

Ichigo turned to the Sentinel, he recognised her, Geleneth. She was part of the reinforcements from Stonetalon that helped in the take over of Ethel Rethor. He had not talked to her much, but he had seen her skill when they had taken the palace, she was a crack shot with a bow.

"Come, Lord Fallowmere is waiting for you." She said, jerking her head to the large lodge near the edge of the cliff.

Following after her they navigated the hall and eventually coming to an overlook of the valley below, an interesting sight to behold. Even if there was little colour to the landscape other than a dull orange, with no signs of life or greenery, it still was a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains. He could see pretty far actually, even the mountain ranges that separated the Desolace from Stonetalon and even the beginnings of the Barrens.

Standing there looking over this view was Lord Fallowmere, donning his pale blue armour and long cloak, hands behind his back as he viewed his domain. He had not actually met the man in person, but Adelina had said that he was a very well respected leader, hence why he was the Lord of these mountains. His support would be something that they would need in order to actually have a chance to made a dent in this summit.

Not far away was two more familiar faces, the two Druids who were also part of the Ethel Rethor reclamation. Master Thal'darah, the Druid whom this outpost took its name after, and Elder Sereth'na, both of them standing off to the side and in discussion with one another. They quieted down and turned to them as they entered.

"My Lord, our guests are here." Gelenth said, strolling forward and standing at attention.

"Thank you, Sentinel Mistress. You may return to your duties." Lord Fallowmere said.

She nodded and strolled out of the room. Fallowmere then turned to him and gave him a once over, likely trying to size up what kind of man he was. Having never met before he likely was at a disadvantage here, this guy gave off the vibe of a very cool and intelligent person. Lord Fallowmere likely knew more about him than he realised, given that the two Druids and Sentinel that greeted him just now work for him.

"I thank you for coming so quickly, along with bringing two of our guests here." Fallowmere said, gesturing towards Quintis and Codexia. "Please, let us have some tea."

They moved to the edge of the room and took a seat where a warm pot of freshly brewed tea was waiting, Sereth'na took the pot and began pouring their cups. Ichigo sat with his group on one side of the table, Codexia even sitting beside them while Quintis stood beside Fallowmere alongside his fellow Druids.

"I would like to ask for your forgiveness before we begin, I do not wish to taint these proceedings with a lie." Fallowmere said.

Ichigo raised a brow, that was an interesting opening to the meeting.

"I have not been truthful in why you were summoned here, in truth the invitation was a ruse to bring you all here." Fallowmere said, taking a sip of his tea. "Not by my hand mind you, but I was asked to bring you here so that you all may be questioned on your roles in the events of Ethel Rethor."

"This is an interrogation then?" Caren said, frowning, she was on guard now. "You want to probe us for what we know, for what happened in Ethel Rethor."

"Correct, you all had a major role in the events that transpired in Ethel Rethor and the Desolace. If not for you three much of what happened there would have been drastically different from what had transpired." Fallowmere said.

That was not good, if they were here than this wasn't so much as a chance to clear the air but gather evidence against the three of them so that it could be used against them. If that happened it would likely mean that their chance of fixing things was going to be nothing more than a pipe dream. Along with the fact that they all be in deep shit with the Night Elves and likely be imprisoned.

They had to make sure they didn't incriminate themselves then, as much as he didn't care for what others thought of him this was a special case. Not only could this affect the three of them but the Highborne as a whole, if they were seen as criminals than their attempts to create peace between the Highborne and Night Elves would fall apart. As much as that wasn't the reason for why they had been brought here, it was still something they had to try and do.

"Is there any way we can avoid being incriminated? Or is it too late for that?" Ichigo asked.

"Judgment is being reserved, although many are of an opinion it is best that we strike at the Horde and Highborne before they can gather the strength to do so against us." Fallowmere said. "I am like minded as well, and have been preparing for both the defence of this region as well as to attack."

"So you don't think that there is anyway we can bring about peace?" Codexia inquired. "There must be some here that believe that causing war will only cause further destruction."

"Which is why you are here." Fallowmere said, before looking towards him. "I called you all here to help in this matter, when you were called to answer the questions of the Druids of the peak I thought of it as an opportunity."

"You actually want us to try and sway them to our side?" Ichigo asked.

He may have come here because of that exact reason but this changes things, if they were here to answer questions about what happened in the Desolace anything they say could be used against them. He didn't want to think about what was keeping them from being imprisoned, likely he had a few friends keeping them out of trouble. But even their help wouldn't keep them out of trouble for long, not if their actions caused a war.

"I have met several people who have spoken highly of you, believe it or not, many who have met you have shown you a great deal of deference in regards to your actions and character. Even when word of your aid towards the Highborne reached us and the Great Tree many still came to your defence." Fallowmere said. "Even Master Thal'darah and Elder Sereth'na speak highly of your. For them to know you for so little time I was almost impressed with how easy you were able to sway them to your side. It is no secret that there is no love lost between the Night Elves and Highborne."

Ichigo glanced at the two Druids, they gave no indication that what Lord Fallowmere said was true, but he likely didn't need to them say anything, his words were enough. So maybe he wants them to try and use his natural charm to get some people on their side, he knew that wasn't going to work.

"I can tell there is a but coming." Ichigo said.

"You have a habit of catering to the victims rather than those of your allies, while I cannot deny that it has worked out for us before this instance has led to some issues. Giving the Highborne and the Horde Ethel Rethor being one such issue, an act that solidified their alliance as well as gave them a major strategic advantage on this side of the continent." Fallowmere said, shaking his head.

"That alliance saved lives, and I don't think that this tension between the Horde and Alliance would have gone away just because someone else held that city." Ichigo said, knowing full well that when Eldre'thalas got take over by the Sentinels that the Horde raised a huge fuss over it.

But more than that he knew that if the Sentinels took over the Highborne would either be imprisoned or executed out of fear of them doing something drastic. Iyeana was like that, she allowed her hatred for them to cloud her judgement and nearly killed Mordent and Codexia out of that animosity. If a trained and professional officer like her can fall to that kind of anger than what about the rest?

Fallowmere nodded his head in agreement, surprisingly.

"True, there would have been issues if the Sentinels had taken the city. The Primal Spirits may have retaliated against the invaders." Fallowmere said, looking towards Codexia as he said that. "From what I have heard from Hamuul Runetotem you sent envoys specifically to the horde to form an alliance with them. Under those spirits request, I suspect they would not have taken lightly of us interfering with their wishes."

"No, they would not." Codexia affirmed.

"Then withdrawing may have been the only option for us, especially with the Horde at the back of the Sentinel army. We have already lost too many Sentinels these past few months, hundreds more would not have been a blow we could have recovered from." Fallowmere said.

"How about settling things peacefully then, if you know a war is going to be costly than you have to figure something out." Ichigo said, the guy admitted himself that they couldn't take on any more casualties.

"That is why you have been summoned, at least that is why I wished for you hear instead of the reason I had been given by the Druids of the peak." Fallowmere said. "You have a unique insight and view of the world, one devout of animosity, and have shown yourself to be adapt at solving crucial problems with little information and knowledge. I think that with you here we might be able to formulate a solution that could bring about a peaceful end to these tense negotiations."

Ichigo had an idea what he was referring to, mainly how he had formulated a counterattack against the Elemental invasion and also invading Ethel Rethor. Along with forming an alliance between the Horde and Night Elves during these tense times to combat the threat of the elementals and Highborne. As much as he knew he had done some great things during those trying time, he also knew his own limits, he made several gambles and relied heavily on the experience of others. Given the circumstance and what they were facing he had a good idea on why they were willing to work together in spite of their animosity.

If they didn't work together they would likely all have been killed. Not just them, but most of their race as well if the situation got any worse, it wasn't so much as him unifying them but making them see the bigger picture.

"You think I can do any good here?" Ichigo asked.

"I do, after all you gained the allegiance of Mordent Evershade, the current ruler of the Highborne and someone even I would admit is a best choice for leadership over the Highborne. Gaining his allegiance and respect quite quickly, in fact from what I hear he was insistent that negotiations between the Sentinels and Highborne be carried out with you present." Lord Fallowmere said.

Guess Mordent had the same idea as this guy, although if anything that might make his job a lot harder. If he was someone even the Highborne wanted maybe the Night Elves wouldn't be so keen to listen to him, he had basically become like Codexia.

"Shouldn't be surprised with that should I?" Ichigo asked.

"He respects you a great deal, you are the one who saved his people from extermination. Not only that but the people also recognise you as an instrumental force that protected them from being wiped out by the Sentinels." Codexia said, confirming Fallowmere's words. "You have their respect and admiration."

"And the responsibility to help them out." Ichigo muttered, letting out a sigh. "Do you have any idea on how to make this situation end peacefully."

"That is something we must work towards, sadly a peaceful end to this debacle is something few are willing to consider. It is why you are here, as I have said." Lord Fallowmere replied.

"Shandris told me that politics is something I shouldn't get involved with, it leads to problems. She blames me for what happened at Ethel Rethor after all." Ichigo replied.

"Politics will be a factor but in this summit we are mainly trying to garner favour from the Druids so that they will side with us at the true summit in Teldrassil. Right now the Druids are going to be a major deciding factor in this negotiation, considering who was involved in it along with what she did." Fallowmere said, turning to look to Adelina.

Ichigo followed his gaze and looked at his oldest friend in this world, to his surprise he saw an emotion on her face that he had never seen before. There was a thin sheet of sweat on her brow and her eyes were wide, there was tension in her posture and her hands were balled into fists. She was afraid, that was putting it lightly if he had to say anything.

"The Great Tree in Ethel Rethor, they want to know about that then?" Caren asked, looking a little worried herself after taking but a glance at their Druid companion.

"Correct." Fallowmere said.

Ichigo realised now that maybe it wasn't him who would be in deep water, Adelina was likely in for a world of trouble for what she did. She herself had said to him that Great Trees were sacred and very important to the Night Elves, to have them planted and grown without reason or by those outside their order was considered a heresy. Even when the current leader of the Cenarian Circle, Arch Druid Fangrel Staghelm, had created several trees to combat a threat in the past he was put under intense scrutiny and scorn.

But that was different form now. Adelina was still an apprentice, one who had helped grow a Great Tree in the middle of a city that was under the control of their ancient hated enemy. What she did could be considered treason.

"Does… does anyone in the order know? The other elders?" Adelina asked, a tremble could be felt in her words, as if she was on the verge of bursting out into tears.

"Only a few know, Master Thal'darah and Elder Sereth'na have only spoken of it with those whom can be trusted." Fallowmere said, giving a sigh as his expression seem to soften slightly. "I understand your anxiety, Sereth'na bade me to hold back on the details, for your sake at least."

Ichigo had no idea what they were talking about, and that was what worried him the most. Adelina was terrified right now, looking back on it he had realised that what this fear stemmed from wasn't because of Ethel Rethor. This was well before that, several times he recalled her being worried about talking about her own past, and unwillingness to go to the peak.

A lot of things were adding up now.

"What happens to her if they find out?" Ichigo asked, he was giving this his full attention.

"She would likely be branded a traitor." Fallowmere stated.

"Didn't one of your leader make that damn World Tree only a few years ago? From what I hear he did it to try and get the elves back their immortality. Does he get a free pass because he is an Archdruid?" Caren barked, obviously angry that Adelina was being thrown under the bus.

"Fangrel Staghelm's actions were in the interests of our own people, but it was also his first act as the defacto-leader of the Cenarian Circle. His position and the motivations of the act is what swayed the people to his defence in spite of the gross violation of the law. In fact this was not the first time he created a World Tree without consent." Fallowmere replied, an expression colouring his features that Ichigo couldn't pick up on. "Regardless, her aid in creating the Great Tree in support of the Highborne will not be taken well. By anyone. Even Tyrande would likely not be so kind to this act."

That was not good, Jaina had told him that the Night Elves had two main figure heads in charge. One for the Government and the other for the Cenarian Circle. Both held sway over Night Elf culture and the people, more times than not their leadership didn't get along because of reasons. But if they both were of a mind to actually go and brand Adelina a traitor, than it would be a death sentence.

"They can blame it on me." Codexia said. "It is no secret that I created the five other Great Trees in the Desolace. Who is to say that I didn't create the one in Ethel Rethor as well? The blame shifts away from her and towards me, it is not a secret I am not popular with the Kaldorei right now. One extra sin against me will make no difference."

That came as a surprise, he didn't think she would go out of her way to take the blame for Adelina. But maybe she was being pragmatic here, Adelina couldn't afford to have this going any further than being involved with the events of the Desolace. Any more and she was looking at some serious consequences.

Ichigo sent a nod her way, she responded in kind.

"At least we have a defence in the event questions are to be asked." Fallowmere said, although it sounded like he wasn't confident in the defence for some reason.

"Bad to the topic at hand, how can we sway the Druids if some of them want war?" Caren asked.

"The Keepers. Two reside upon the Peak, Keeper Albagorm and Gatekeeper Kordurus, and both are respected like any other Keeper of the Groove." Fallowmere said. "If you can sway them than the Druids will listen, from there all that remains is to convince them of a better way."

"Would be nice if we had a better way." Ichigo muttered.

"Anything would do at this point. Short term or long term, so long as we can maintain the peace it is for the best." Fallowmere said.

Almost sounded like he didn't care what he did, so long as it gave them a few days. Now he had to wonder if the guy was actually interested in creating peace or giving them more time to prepare for war. Either way he was going to do what he could, even if he wasn't that confident in how well he could sway these people.

"I'll do what I can." Ichigo said, before yawning. "But I am going to see about taking a nap first, I'm dead tired."

They were bade farewell and given some moderate rooms in the lodge.


Not even an hour this time.

Ichigo would have loved to rest up some more but he had things to do, he had to meet up with Quintis and Codexia to discuss things. They had asked him to meet with them so he had to go and meet them, sad part is that he had to meet them separately. He was like a damn friend acting as a middle man between two people now, it was freaking annoying being the neutral party in these situations.

He could talk with Codexia later tonight, see what she wanted to discuss.

Quintis was someone he had to talk with immediately however. Since he was going up against Druids he would need all the know how he could get on the order and what their leadership was like and how best to get them on his side. How much of it stuck and sat right with him was going to be the difficult part, but he would come to that when the time came.

"So what is the current climate on the Peak?" Ichigo asked, taking a sip of some tea.

"Heated, they are not keen on peace." Quintis said, drinking from his own cup. "Having them cater to any demand from the Horde or Highborne is unlikely, there is a lot of history between them both of them that many would not forget."

"It will get worse if they start fighting." Ichigo muttered.

"Hatred often makes one bereft of foresight." Quintis said.

"No truer words have been said." Ichigo sighed as took another sip. "But if we get the Keepers on our side we can do something about it right?"

"They hold a great deal of sway, some more than others, but the two here hold a great deal of power and authority. Given your actions in Maraudon and the saving of Zaetar I think it is likely they will listen to your request." Quintis said.

That was good to know, maybe smoothing things over wouldn't be so bad, but the real problem came from convincing them of a better alternative to war. Because he had no plan, all he could do is say work for peace but have no actual game plan. At least he didn't think he had one, he wasn't one for planning out the long term stuff, usually because it took too much time and required things he obviously didn't have.

If Urahara was here he likely could do something, although given how he is that guy likely wouldn't have much care about a war going on. Taking another calming sip of his tea he pushed it from his mind, no point in trying to be like someone else. This was him, he had to figure out the best way to do this, he just needed a plan.

"What kind of relationship do the Druids have the the Shamans?" Ichigo asked, he needed to see if he could pick up on some of the Cenarian Circles close friends and associates.

If there was any sort of mutual respect between them than maybe they can work on something. Shamanism and Druidism looked like they had a few similarities, maybe they could build off that or at least try and bridge the gap.

"None. Shaman and Druids are a different kinds of callings, interactions between these groups has been limited. In a way many Druids think that Shamanism is no different than the Voodoo magic trolls use." Quintis replied.

Now that is just being insulting.

"There are some elements that overlap but they are far and too different for us to share common ground." Quintis said, likely knowing where he was going with this. "The only way for this to work is for there to be common ground where we can meet as equals rather than different parties."

That was impossible then, the Night Elves were isolationists, as much as they had been going out into the world he didn't recall seeing any in Stormwind or out in the world. They were a people who were proud of who they were and up to a few years ago didn't like associating with anyone outside of their race. Also their peace with the Horde was far from solid, fighting in Ashenvale was a given, but from the looks of it they were waiting for any chance they could get to start a fight.

Even Shandris wasn't above it from past experience.

"Only people I can see them getting along with are the Tauren, and that is under the best of circumstances." Ichigo said, even that wasn't fully correct.

From what he had heard the only reasons they work together in the past was to actually deal with Grimtotem forces that got a little to uppity. So technically the Sentinels were killing Tauren still, but maybe that could be construed in a different way. Who knows, he didn't understand these people that well.

"It is a start, but where it goes from there is hard. The Night Elves have no real ties to the Tauren and many look down upon them." Quintis said.

"That is a shame." Ichigo said, taking another sip and draining the last of his tea.

He had three more cups before they decided to conclude he meeting, they hadn't made much headway on coming up with a plan or solution. But Ichigo had thought that maybe he could work with something between the Night Elves and Tauren, relations between them has been good in the past. From what he had heard before they joined the Horde, the Night Elves and Tauren were on amicable terms and both studied and practiced Druidism in the old days when the Kaldorei broke away from their arcane practices following the War of the Ancients.

But that bond had evaporated over time. Maybe renewing it would be good. Although the gesture had to be of benefit to the Tauren for it to work.

It was hectic dealing with this, Caren had joked that he had no talent for politics. Yet he was taking up a task that even she balked at, not that he could blame her for not wanting to do this. Negotiating to prevent war was never a good thing to get involved with, because one wrong word and he might be starting a war.

The meeting with Codexia was no different, she had told him mostly the details about the situation in Ethel Rethor and the Desolace. Instead of opting to try and brainstorm she had instead given him all the information she had and any little bits of trivia that she thought might be useful. Certainly gave him an earful, most of it he couldn't make heads or tails of or discern their use but that was now.

Who knows, maybe something would come up that would be useful down the line. He bid her goodnight along with a quick thank you for helping out with Adelina, at least he knew she was on their side.

"What a day." Ichigo mused.

He had been given his own room, at his request, considering he often woke up in his sleep several times in the middle of the night. Hopefully tonight things would be different, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch. Quintis had given it to him, saying it was a sleep remedy that should help him rest for the night.

As much as he didn't want to use it, for reasons other than becoming reliant on having sleep aids so he could get a full nights rest. He knows he is having nightmares, but of what he cannot see or discern, this was one of two things that he needed to fix. Being able to get several hours of good sleep and to figure out what the hell was going on inside his head.

He gets a pot of tea ready and mixes in the herbs, it had a basil like smell as he stirred it into the water. While that dissolved he decided to try and commune with Zangetsu, see if he could speak with the Old Man and talk with him.

Sitting down he laid his Zanpakuto across his lap and tried to contact his spirit, but he got nowhere. For the next few minutes he tried to commune with the Old Man, but nothing came of it. He wasn't going to lie and say he should be able to do it, he had never really been able to meditate and commune with Zangetsu like this.

Often times it was the Old Man that came to him, often either appearing as an apparition or actually drawing him into his inner world to discuss something. At times like these he really hoped that Zangetsu would have done something, because whatever he was doing now wasn't useful. Meditating wasn't getting him anywhere, either because he didn't know how to do it or because something was blocking it he couldn't tell.

"Maybe some actual sleep would help." Ichigo mused, leaning Zangetsu against the wall and going over to the tea pot.

Taking it he poured himself a cup and gave it a cooling blow before draining it, it smelled like basil but tasted oddly like peaches. Weird. Either way he would hopefully be getting those few hours of sleep he rightfully deserved. Disrobing he got under the sleeps and let sleep take hold of him.

He felt darkness overtake him and his mind go blank.

"You will see…"


Stonetalon Peak

They had to hike up to the peak, leaving early in the morning just to make sure they got there before dusk. It was not easy, at least for one person it wasn't, Caren slogged behind him panting like crazy and all but looking like she was about to die from exhaustion.

He remembered she wanted to stroll up to the peak gallantly and with poise, or at least it looked that way and sounded as such as she said she would make sure that they made a good impression on arrival. Poor girl didn't know what she was getting into, the entire trip was nothing but walking up an incline. No matter how small the inclination it would wear you out after a while, even he felt a little winded after the day of walking.

Adelina looked fine. At least she didn't look out of breath. Other things however made her look more worried about reaching the peak before anything.

"Hey… want to ride on my back?" Ichigo asked, he didn't know if he was being playful or absolutely serious right now, she literally looked like she was going to die.

"Shut… shut… shut!... up!" Caren rasped, struggling to draw in breath, let alone utter a word.

"Yeah… you are a bit sweaty." Ichigo muttered, he wasn't wearing his armour anyway so getting his clothed drenched in her sweat didn't exactly sound pleasant.

"Shut… shut… shut…" She just couldn't get out the second word in a single breath, poor girl.

"Is she going to be alright?" Codexia asked.

"Yeah, she is always like this, you should see her when she runs, it is hilarious." Ichigo replied.

Compared to his friend Codexia was in a lot better shape, sweating a bit and maybe puffing a little, but she was in decent shape to go through the day without looking ready to collapse. Hell they were about even, just showed you how fit she was if she could keep up with him who had a great physiology than most normal humans.

"Why didn't we get mounts again?" Ichigo asked.

"The Peaks are sacred and it is not permitted for outsiders to reach the top, if there are anything other than Hippogryphs seen flying towards it they are shot down." Elder Sereth'na stated. "We have no choice but to walk as we cannot spare any of our Hippogryphs for this journey."

Yeah, he heard on their way out that the Harpy Clans from the Charred Valley were migrating into Stonetalon. They needed all the air support they could get to deal with them, just one of a number of problems that have to be dealt with. Made him remember just how dangerous it was for an ecosystem to be disturbed.

The rest of the trip up the mountain was mostly uneventful, aside for Caren eventually succumbing to fatigue and collapsing. Luckily they didn't need to carry her, Adelina had opted to change into a Saber and carry her the rest of the way up.

An hour later and they finally reached the peak, the first thing they noticed was the green grass that peaked out over flat ground. Leading up a narrow path between several stone arches, Sentinels guarded the way along with a few Druids in Stormhawk forms perched upon said arches.

"Heavily guarded." Codexia mused.

"This place is sacred after all." Ichigo replied as they stepped through the arches and eventually onto the peak.

It was a basin, flat and covered in emerald grass and a good number of trees, a lake was present at well and it looked like a Eden. No wonder it was sacred, it almost reminded him of the lake and valley he and his friends had gone to on their little holiday before coming here. Although this place had a magic in the air that made it all the more mystical.

"Adelina!"

Ichigo looked over Elyssa Skyshadow, he remembered briefly meeting her in Ethel Rethor, he was certainly meeting a lot of people from then. She was one of Adelina's old friends from the peak, they had been as thick as thieves in the old days and one of the few things about her own people she talked about with gusto.

"Elyssa!" Adelina cried out, as she transformed back into her natural form, leaving Caren to crumble to the ground.

Poor girl.

They embraced and for the first time in the last few days he actually saw a happy smile on Adelina's face. It was good to know that she was still there. They started whispering in their native tongue, he couldn't make it out, learning Darnassian was not exactly easy, but he was trying. A few words caught his ear but he decided not to focus on their conversation.

"Elder Sereth'na, you have returned with the guests then."

Someone had strolled up to them this time, a man this time with long blue hair and a grizzled face, which was kept in a continual scowl. The man's gaze shifted over them all and it showed how displeased he was of having them here, although when it reached Adelina it became a whole new level of disgust.

"So you came back as well, I had heard you would be returning, but I had thought you would not have the courage to return here." He said, words laced with hostility.

That once happy expression he had not seen in so long was now gone, her eyes were downcast and she dared not look up. Her movements were tight and she kept herself low, she was actually cowering before this guy.

"Master Fahnelor, it is good to see you again." Adelina replied.

Not for a moment did Ichigo think that her words were genuine. She was terrified, and from the way she acted right now as compared to the trip here this guy was the source of all that fear. That immediately put this guy on his shit list.

"You should have stayed on that isle and not crawled back here girl." He said.

Now he was just asking for an ass kicking.

"That is enough, you have spoken enough words against my student, I will not tolerate any further disrespect." Quintis said, stepping forward and looking ready to challenge Fahnelor to protect Adelina, now that guy was earning his respect.

"Only fitting for one such as you to have a student whose crimes overshadow your own failings." Fahnelor said, glaring at Quintis.

"It is no surprise you are his lapdog, Staghelm has always kept the close minded close, for they do not have the capacity to think and act." Quintis replied.

There was some bad blood between these two, the moment they see each other they looked ready to be at each other's throats. Not that he could blame Quintis for wanting to deck this asshole, he was someone who was shaping up to be a future pain in the ass. But it also sounded like he had history with Adelina as well.

"Hey, Adelina, what is up with this guy?" Ichigo inquired.

"Master Fahnelor is one of the Archdruids of the Peak, he is part of a small council that presides over the training and safety of all Druids on this peak. He was my teacher before I departed for Feathermoon Stronghold with Quintis." Adelina replied, her words very quiet, as if avoiding on speaking up to make sure said Archdruid didn't hear her.

"What is his deal with you?" Ichigo asked.

But then she went quiet, shrinking further into herself, she was not only terrified of him but scared of revealing why. He wanted to pry and figure this out, but a part of him said that maybe he shouldn't, this was something not only personal but painful for Adelina. He would ask Quintis and Elyssa at a later date, maybe see if he could find out the reason for his hostility.

Quintis and Fahnelor's argument died down, the latter storming off. Their arrival was not off to a good start, and if this trend continued than it would not likely improve over the next few hours.

He wasn't wrong.

The moment they had a chance they went to work, Codexia had instructed him not to actually begin negotiating with these people until after he got the support from the Keepers. Instead she asked him to mainly get the opinions of all the Druids and also figure out which of them was interested in the idea of supporting them.

Caren herself had said the same, although with a few breaths in between. Making sure that he understood that he shouldn't try and approach them as someone trying to pressure them into siding with them. Instead he should be someone who would listen to their complaints and instead of argue or try to change their minds he should instead try to appear understanding.

They went over and over about it as well, giving him the do's and do not's of the negotiations.

It was so annoying listening to the both of them try and instruct him on how to talk with others, because most of it revolved around him doing as little speaking as possible and keeping his opinions to himself.

He tried to do it, he really did. It was mostly a success, although he started to get annoyed with some of the xenophobic comments directed to him. Along with the rest of the party that had come up, even a few directed at Adelina. He had lost his cool on some occasions, but he had made sure to make it as polite as he could.

"I understand you don't want to make peace, you made some good points. But the fact you are an obviously xenophobic hermit living on this mountain only makes me think the reason you hate them is because you have no idea who you are insulting." Ichigo said, he wanted to say so much more, but he really couldn't risk being too hostile.

That got him a sneer from the Druid who stormed off his with his two compatriots.

"Your attempts to earn their favour I am afraid will do you little good."

Ichigo turned and saw another Druid and a posse behind him, significantly larger than the last group. Also given the attire of this guy he had to assume he was an Archdruid and likely one of the leaders of this Peak. Behind him were half a dozen people, disciples more than likely.

"I noticed, they tend to hate the fact I am anything but an elf, although any elf that isn't a Night Elf likely isn't safe from their scorn." Ichigo replied. "How is it that you are a group that practices living in harmony with nature and all its life can be so antagonistic to every other sentient being on this planet?"

"Sad to say we have not pushed past some of our more negative qualities." The Archdruid said.

"Something you and the Highborne have in common, although from what I saw the Highborne aren't half as bad as them." Ichigo said, jerking his thumb at the still retreating Druids.

"Those words are ones you should not utter on this peak, especially to us Druids. To be compared to the Highborne who continue to practice their arts is not something we would take kindly to." The Druid said, obviously insulted.

"If you feel insulted that means that there is truth to the words I speak, lies don't do as much harm as the truth. You are turning you damn pride into a damn idol that you use to validate your own damn importance, who the hell does that?" Ichigo asked.

He took a breath, maybe he was getting too annoyed with these Druids, he was going off against the one guy that didn't do anything so much as walk up to him. Usually he had to come to them and they didn't want to hear a word from him.

"Sorry, been dealing with too many assholes to think straight right now." Ichigo apologised, rubbing his eyes and fighting down his own irritation.

"I suppose I can forgive you, to hold your tongue as long as you did is impressive, considering what I have heard of you from Quintis." The Druid said.

"My guess is that not all of it was flattery." Ichigo said, knowing his track record of pissing people off with what he does there was no doubt he was making a very bad impression of himself here.

"Some of it, yes. But he spoke highly of your convictions and unwavering resolve to see them realised. Most of the stories that pass through these past few months revolve around a human with strange powers who had been involved in two major events that have shifted the balance of power on Kalimdor." The Druid said. "Some for good, and other for not. You have certainly caused a stir and many wonder about your motives and reasons for doing what you do."

"I do it because it saves lives, I am not someone who sits around twiddling my thumbs when there are people in danger and lives are being lost." Ichigo said.

"You could very well have gone to Thousand Needles and provided aid to the Tauren if you wished to save lives. From what I heard you care not for race or allegiance, in fact you even spare your enemies whom you fought and take captive." The Druid said.

Ichigo had to admit that would have suited his style more than being here, maybe he could see about talking to Jaina when he had the chance to see if he could help the Tauren. They were in a bad way and they didn't deserve what was happening to them, if he could help where he could he would. He had comrades in the Tauren tribes, people he could trust, more than likely Drekhve was in there fighting against the Centaur right now.

"Thanks for reminding me, I will be sure to do that when I get the chance." Ichigo said. "The reason I am doing this however is because as I was told if things go south here than we are looking at war, a big one. That is something I think we all know we cannot afford." Ichigo said.

"True, war at this moment in time may not be what is best for our people. But it may be the inevitable conclusion to these proceedings." The Druid said.

"Maybe, but if you do nothing and just submit without even trying you never know if you could have done something differently. I regret some of the things that happened in Eldre'thalas and Ethel Rethor, and at the Twin Mountains. I have a lot of things I want to change." Ichigo said.

Many things happened at those locations, sometimes he wasn't there to help or he had done something that had put others at risk or actually lost lives because he wasn't there to help. Hindsight was a pointless power, because it only made you look back on your failures and question if you would do them all over again.

"If that cannot be considered a war, than I would hate to think of what one really is, and how many would die because I wasn't able to stop it." Ichigo finished, looking at the Druid. "I have seen enough people I know die, there is no way in hell I am seeing anyone else fall while I have a chance to make a difference."

The Druid seemed to smile, a small one, before he turned and moved off. He gave a parting farewell as he left.

"You certainly are living up to the legend, the Sentinels glorify you as a beacon of victory, a war god. It certainly comes as no surprise that they venerate one who cares so deeply about their lives and safety." He said. "While I have my doubts that this will end any differently, you certainly have garnered some respect from me."

He turned and smiled more noticeably this time.

"I am Naralex, Archdruid of this Peak, if you can show me of a way to stop this war then you have my support and that of my and that of my Deciles."

He left after that. Ichigo was actually surprised, it seemed that he had actually found someone that would help him in the long run. At least he could tell that to the others when he got back to them, which should be soon, it was getting late as it was. After a long slog up the mountain maybe it would be a good idea to get some rest early.

Tomorrow would be when they meet the Keepers and see about actually beginning the negotiation game. Although he had a few things he needed to brush up on, he had learned a few things about the Druids and the Cenarian Circle that interested him. Adelina should be able to help in that regard, at least he hoped she would be able to, she had decided to recluse herself to the Den rather than go out.

"I'm back." Ichigo said, looking to his little group of diplomats.

Caren was laying in an alcove and silently whining about the stiffness, if she thought it was bad now wait until tomorrow. She was going to be unable to move without feeling it ache all over.

"Where's Adelina?" Ichigo asked.

"In the adjacent room, Elyssa and her are talking, she had been quite distant since we got here." Caren said, groaning as she spoke.

It was starting to worry him about her behaviour, he had never seen her so timid and afraid, she wouldn't baulk at the idea of facing down armies or demons but coming here really shook her up. As much as he didn't want to pry into her personal business he was beginning to feel he had to if he wanted to make sure she was alright.

"How did the negotiations go?" Caren asked, turning to look at him.

"I talked with a few of the people here, including a few Archdruids, only one really listened. The rest would rather see the Tauren die alongside the Highborne, also they wouldn't mind us monkeys disappearing as well." Ichigo said, adding a little snark at the end to prove just how much these Druids respect them as sentient beings.

"You didn't say anything to them did you?"

"Nothing to disrespectful." Ichigo replied, giving a halfhearted shrug.

She groaned then, he knew it wasn't from the pain.

"Shandris was right, you are not suited for the political game." Caren said.

"Couldn't agree more." Ichigo replied.

He found an alcove and took a seat, the hard stone wasn't exactly comfortable but he could deal with it. As he looked over he saw Codexia leaning against the wall and in a meditative pose, eyes closed and controlling a string of elemental energies while in a trance.

That reminded him of his own issues with actually communing with Zangetsu, at least his attempt before he went to sleep last night. He had failed to see or speak with his Zanpakuto spirit before he drifted off into the realm of dreams, he had chalked it up to being unable to properly perform Jinzen.

But the truth it that wasn't the case.

After taking the medicine given to him by Quintis he had been able to get to sleep, rest for a solid nine hours without waking. He woke in the morning feeling physically refreshed and ready to go for the day without having to take another nap. Although the cost was to his own mental fortitude.

He leaned back into the alcove and wondered if he should take anymore of the medicine.

While he slept he was able to finally bear witness to the visions that assaulted his mind at night. His belief was that if he faced them he could discern their nature and maybe figure out a way to give himself closure. But after seeing what was haunting him in the deepest recesses of his mind he realised it was impossible.

He remembered it all, every little detail he had forgotten in Maraudon. About the Ocean of Despair, the Mountain of Madness, and the Crimson Woods. He remembered it all, every horrible vision he had been shown and new ones that plagued him. They didn't stop, continually playing over and over in his mind.

This wasn't something he could get rid of himself through wishful thinking.

This was a curse deeply rooted in his mind. In his soul. It had to be. Because just before he woke from this nightmare he saw Zangetsu. The Old Man's words did not reach him, but the urgency and fear he saw him project spoke volumes of his desperation for himself to be heard.

"You will see…"

Those words were what reverberated through his mind. They were never more true, and he despaired knowing what he had seen, because this was not something he could vanquish as easily as he once believed. But there was something that nagged at him, demanded his attention, those words continued to resound through his mind.

These visions, they were meant to break him down, to tear away at his resolve. They certain did their job well, it almost made him all the more determined to stop this war from happening. So what exactly was it that thing was trying to tell him? It kept saying he would see, it wasn't as cryptic as its other words. But it had to make him wonder.

"What the hell do you want me to see?"


There you have it, hope you liked the chapter, more to come.