Author's Note: Okay, Now I'm back!
Samuraiguy2, you're completely right, I have no imagination since a) its being used in my school art project, and b) in my own personal character. There IS a c), but that's really since I can't come up with any name like you thought, so yeah you're right :D You get a cookie!
Chapter 26: The Tomb of Sargeras
Naruto stared warily at the overgrown mass of vines that seemed to be surrounding several structures. He frowned as he recalled the geography of the lands as Lina had told him.
Strange… she never mentioned anything about this island chain… and so close to the Maelstrom too… I wonder why… Naruto thought as he trekked through the groves, eventually seeing Darkterror, with another one of the bow-wielding Naga with him.
Darkterror… let's see what he's here for then… Naruto thought further as he slipped into the darkness and approached. Though he could've taken out Darkterror, he was heavily outnumbered, and knew he wouldn't survive even in such a situation – better to wait for reinforcements which would arrive in minutes.
"Guard the entrance to the tomb with your soldiers. Do not let those pesky Watchers in while I recover the Eye of Sargeras," Darkterror said.
"Yes, Lord Darkterror," the Naga said as she slithered away, following Darkterror into the entrance, while two of the Royal Guards stood outside, guarding the entrance. Just then, he felt the approach and landing of the first crafts, and he teleported back, landing in front of the ships.
"What news?" Illidan asked as Naruto conveyed what he saw.
"What is the Eye of Sargeras?" Naruto asked finally after a moment of silence as Maiev came around.
"An artifact of extreme power, I would presume… though the mention does seem familiar to me…," Illidan replied as Maiev looked around.
"Strange… these islands were not on the maps previously… someone must have raised them up from the sea floor…" Maiev murmured as Naruto shot an eyebrow up.
"And the structures?" Naruto asked, "Are you implying that this was the result of that 'Sundering' event that happened ages ago, and only recently has it rose?"
"Well… now that you put it that way," Maiev said, embarrassed, "I would presume so as well… but the groves are of land origin, not sea, so that means its been raised for a while…"
"Only one way to find out," Naruto said as Maiev nodded and waved some wisps over.
"Begin constructing a new base here, we would need a center of operations if we wish to catch Illidan," Maiev said as the wisps began growing the ancients that would constitute as the base. Maiev then turned to Illidan.
"Can you sense any demonic energy around here?" Maiev asked as Illidan concentrated.
"Yes, there are pockets of concentrated demonic energy all around the island, and some in the depths as well… Oh dear Elune…" Illidan breathed out, "I know what the Eye of Sargeras is now…"
"What is it?" Maiev asked as Illidan turned to face them, grim.
"It's the artifact imbued with Sargeras' energies, and its purpose was to originally summon Sargeras into this world…" Illidan said, "It was originally used as by its name – give Sargeras a view of this world and interact with it. Through that, he sent energy, bit by bit, into the orb, and fuelled by the Highborn, until there was enough for a portal to form, and then it was sunk into the Well of Eternity and using the power it provides to create the portal for Sargeras to come through. If Darkterror was to get his hands on it who knows what will happen…"
"So that's why they were heading into the Tomb?" Naruto asked, "In that case we need to stop them… but we need to destroy the Naga forces here as well… and I sense undead energies around here as well, I would advise caution."
"Undead?" Maiev asked, "Like those of the Scourge?"
Naruto shook his head, "No… more like those 'Warlocks' Jaina-chan told me about."
"If there are indeed warlocks travelling about," said Illidan, who was visibly concerned, "Then we must take extreme caution. Who knows when they may attack."
"Indeed," Maiev concluded, "But we must secure the base first. Illidan, would you mind…?"
"Not at all, I'll be on my way," Illidan said as Naruto also waved.
"I'll go as well," Naruto offered, "The faster we can make this the easier it is."
As Naruto said that, he unsealed one of the original tri-pronged kunai from his wrist seal, giving one to Maiev and one to Illidan, who widened his eyes at seeing the weapon again.
"Drop it on the ground if anything happens," Naruto said before he disappeared in a blur, while Illidan nodded to Maiev and dashed away as well. Maiev looked at the kunai.
"Doesn't seem much to me, but I guess I'll keep it with me until then…" Maiev said as she moved away and looked at the surrounding, meanwhile ordering her troops to move to more defensible positions, even while waiting for the news.
Illidan had not ventured far before he encountered several Naga, though such a small group was of no concern to him, as he leapt into their midst, and, using his powerful wings, slapped them about, before taking one down brutally by stabbing his blade through the Naga's abdomen and tearing it out, meanwhile reversing his grip on the other blade to slice through the Naga's arms, impaling deep into the chest as well, while releasing said blade and reaching up to grab the trident only to stab it into the last Naga's head, striking it through the earth, obviously dead (A/N: Think Zeratul from Starcraft when dealing with the hydralisks in one of those promotional videos, badass character :D). He continued on his way, unaware of several pairs of eyes watching his every move. Within minutes, however, those eyes disappeared, and Naruto walked out.
"Illidan, you knew there were more right?" Naruto asked skeptically as Illidan snorted.
"Those idiots?" Illidan replied, "They're just here to see how strong we are before attempting a counterattack. After slaughtering that camp, they would've scurried back to report, and hopefully delay their attack on us, but killing them could also make an example I guess… what are you doing here? I thought you were on the other side of the island chains."
"I was, but I found the undead source – skeletal reanimations," Naruto replied, "From the structure, I'd say Orc rather than humans or night elves, the bones are simply too large."
"Any ideas why?" Illidan asked as Naruto shrugged.
"Check for local Orcs?" Naruto suggested as they moved about. Eventually, they found an old warlock, and they prepared themselves for battle.
"Call Maiev over, now," Naruto said, all serious as he activated his Rinnegan on the old Orc. Sensing the power, the Orc looked over.
"Finally… someone else came to this island…" the Orc murmured, catching them off guard.
"What…?" Naruto asked carefully as the Orc replied.
"I was part of the expedition with Gul'dan… please help me…" the Orc said as Maiev returned with Illidan.
"How now?" Maiev asked, "Why are you here in the first place, with Gul'dan?"
"If you can help me, I will tell you of my tale," the old Orc said as they contemplated for a few moments, before Naruto agreed before the other two, but they deduced his intentions and kept their mouth sealed.
"There are the restless souls, still bound to this island, and they fight each other to the death," the Orc said, "Please, end their torment, and let them rest in peace."
"So it was not your doing?" Naruto asked as the Orc shook his head.
"No… it was one of the other warlocks which Gul'dan brought with him," the Orc said as Naruto nodded, before disappearing. When he arrived at the edge of the clearing which the three clans fought, he weighed his options. He could charge in recklessly, destroying them in the path, or he could take the stealth route and attempt to find out how to destroy them permanently, though he doubt it would help as he sensed the energy probing him. Despite, or rather, because of his power level, it would be naught impossible to hide, however, so Naruto ended up charging two Rasengan's and charged in.
"Rasengan!" Naruto shouted as he grinded through a group of undead skeletons, charging at the first bunker and attempting to clear out the energies within, even as several more skeletons spawned to try and stop his progress. Naruto didn't stop, however, as he executed a jump, flipping over them, meanwhile sending the Rasengan out with a burst of precise chakra, sending the two balls of destructive energy barreling into the group. An explosion sounded as the two impacted and dispersed their pent-up energy, even as Naruto entered the bunker. He was almost immediately overcome by the feeling of death and despair, though Naruto shrugged it off and glared with his Rinnegan. There was nothing that could indicate the source of the magic, which meant…
Naruto groaned. More work.
He set about, planting explosives on the bunker, even as more skeletons spawned. He created a few clones to help him out, even as he planted another exploding tag, before disappearing back out in the open, proceeding to the other bunkers. With a sudden new idea, however, he ignited the tags in the first bunker, sending it up in flames, even as Naruto took advantage of the shockwave and jumped into the air, using his mastery of the element to glide himself over the target. There, he created two clones, and charged up their chakra while spinning the Rasengan into their palms, before dispersing the air and letting them drop. The two clones smiled freely as they dropped down.
"Cho Odama Rasengan!" the two yelled as they impacted on the roof of the bunker, sending debris flying everywhere, before grinding in. Naruto then added the fire nature chakra into the Rasengan, and without the support of the clones, the Rasengan quickly lost its stability, detonating in twin large clouds of superheated gas, destroying the plain even as Naruto replaced himself with a log.
"That's done," Naruto said, "That was awfully easy… even if a bit annoying…"
With that, he teleported back to report to Maiev, who jumped when she head him speak from next to her.
"There, done, now will you tell us what the island was all about?" Naruto asked, slightly irritated at the lack of progress. The less time they had, the more time Darkterror had to search and figure out how to use the Eye of Sargeras. They heard the old warlock sigh audibly as he sat down wearily.
"It started twenty years ago, after the end of the Second War…" the warlock recounted, "Gul'dan took some of us, the majority warlocks, in an attempt to get the very artifact you are also looking for: the Eye of Sargeras. Knowing that these islands were deep, he used his powers to forcibly rise them to sea level, enabling us to access the tomb."
"Whoa…" Naruto breathed. That had to take a lot of skills. His respect for this Gul'dan went up a few notches, even if he knew Gul'dan was responsible for the chaos that occurred in the world in the first place. The warlock continued.
"Shortly after that, most of the regiments and he went into the tomb… and that's when everything went awry…" the Orc continued, "Two sentries were posted, normal Orc warriors, in addition to myself and another warlock, while the rest went in. In a few moments, we heard screams… screams of terror, or despair… we heard spells being cried out only to be silenced by dark, cold screeches… and in a few moments, those… demons… came out and began to attack us. I was the only one to escape, but I have injured, and now, after twenty years, has another group come."
"You are despicable," Maiev said after a short moment of silence, "You used your magic to bring up something that should have never been uncovered… may you rot in Hell for all eternity for what you have unleashed upon this land…"
"I know I deserved that… but Gul'dan… what of his whereabouts were no longer known…" the warlock said, "But now… I can finally rest in peace after twenty long years…"
"If that's the case…" Naruto said as he turned around, "We need to plan that offensive as soon a possible. Maiev, from what Tyrande has told me, you have the ability to launch a spread of blades in all directions, correct?"
"What of it?" Maiev asked as Naruto produced a scroll.
"Use the blades here, and blink back the instance those blades are launched. Tell you troops to get ready to attack during the confusion," Naruto said as Maiev took the scroll, and, noticing the seal on it, broke it as well, being similar enough to seals in this world. Hundreds of the tri-pronged kunai emerged as Illidan's eyes widened.
"Hiraishin no Jutsu…" Illidan said, "Once more… but didn't you perfect it without the use of these blades?""
"It takes time to get the chakra ready… time that we don't have, since Darkterror is moving in quite fast, and if we want to get to them we need to finish this in the fastest way possible," Naruto said, "Its either that or I use Shinra Tensei… but Shinra Tensei will wipe me out too much, and I think I'm going to need the manipulation in order to face the dangers in the tomb, no matter what they are."
"I agree," Maiev said, "Naisha, prepare the troops for combat immediately."
"Yes, Mistress," a huntress said as she rallied the troops to get ready, though Naruto stopped her.
"Wait, just take a small contingent. We can't afford to let that many in just in case the Naga decides to attack the base. Take a small group as well will insure faster travel."
"It is not as if I do not trust you, for if Tyrande and Shan'do do, they must have good reasons. But," Maiev said, "These are my troops, and though you make a valid suggestion, it is still my call in the end… I will take your advise into suggestions, however… though I will decide on the group that shall enter the tomb."
"That is fine with me," Naruto shrugged as he looked out to the sky, "But make it fast."
"I agree," Maiev said as she relayed the instructions to the troops, and watched as they scattered, getting ready for the assault even as Naruto began focusing on his chakra. A faint gale began to pick up as he focused, swirling around him as he powered up. Groups paused as they regarded the human warily, at how much power he was focusing, to the point where a blue ring of energetic fire was visible around his feet, picking up in speed as he focused even more. Illidan sighed at that.
"The power…" Illidan said as he gazed a the blazing energy with his scorched, demonically charged eyes, "And yet he isn't even a quarter of the way powered up yet…"
"To think a human has this much power… I shudder to think what will happen if he gains access to the Well of Eternity," Maiev said as she looked at Naruto as well, even as Naisha came.
"Mistress, there's something I wish to request of you," Naisha said as Maiev turned, "I know you would probably wish for me to enter the tomb with you, correct?"
"Yes," Maiev replied, "Is something the matter?"
"It is inconsequential but… I have a feeling that this Naruto was right in that some should stay behind to coordinate defense. As your sub-commander, I humbly request for the role," Naisha said as she came down on her mount. Maiev regarded her for a few moments.
"I… would lose a very powerful asset if you were not to go," Maiev said finally, "Yet, if this base falls, then we have nowhere to go… very well, you wish is granted. Guard the base with your life while we are gone."
"Yes, Mistress Shadowsong," Naisha said as she turned to look at Naruto, "What are your orders regarding him, Mistress?"
"Nothing, he shall go with us into the tomb to apprehend the traitor," Maiev replied as Naisha bowed and left. Naruto finished gathering his chakra, letting the excess dissipate as he flared some more out, this time in a much more specific pattern, before leaping back down.
"I'm ready now," Naruto said as his eyes rippled and changed, causing Maiev to gape. Instead of the blue eyes, or even the normal eyes which she had come to expect of humans, concentric rings reaching to the edge of the eyes now exist within the eyes.
"Very well then," Illidan said, noticing how Maiev was now completely focused on the new development and the mystery that is Naruto, "Prepare to move out. Maiev shall lead the charge, while the rest of you give her cover as she dashes down to unleash a hail of blades. Then, suppress the enemy fire while Naruto and I wipe them out from up close."
"I understand," the majority replied in unison while a few staggered in their phrases as Illidan looked at Naruto, who stared back and nodded. With that, Maiev snapped out, realizing that orders had been given, before looking back.
"Well… I suppose we should start aiming for those islands," Maiev said lamely as Naruto snickered, before leaping away and summoning a phoenix.
"Lead the way, Ichigo," Naruto said as Ichigo crowed his cry and flew into the air, followed by several battalions of Night Elves as they marched upon the enemy destination. Naruto narrowed his eyes as they approached, before looking at Ichigo.
"Want to give them an opening salvo?" Naruto asked as Ichigo nodded, before a small glow gathered in his mouth, and Naruto flashed through seals.
"Katon: Karyuu Endan!" Naruto breathed out as he exhaled a violet fire dragon, along with Ichigo's piercing blast of fire, which combined to form a stream of violet fire which shone across the landscape, drawing attention to it. The Naga had no time to react as the stream of fire blasted into the formations and base of operation, incinerating dozens of Naga at once even as Maiev blinked in, heedless of the fire. She was surprised that the fire didn't injure her, however, though she did not dwell on it as she unleashed blades everywhere, scattering them across the enemy formation before Illidan flared out his demonic energy and leapt in, giving Maiev time to retreat. The blades flew randomly, some impaling into Naga warriors while others missed by wide margins, though they had done their work – the Hiraishin kunai was scattered nearly everywhere in the enemy camp as Naruto smiled sadistically as he prepared a hand sign. Then, in a bright yellow flash, he was gone, as he teleported to the first kunai, his blades of wind extended from his katana as he mowed down the first troops with a wide swing of his blade, pausing only to duck under a trident which he took the tips off, kicking it high into the air even as he created a Rasengan and slammed it into the gut of the Naga Royal Guard. Without pausing, Naruto switched to another kunai, creating pockets of vacuum which imploded and sent Naga careening into one another, even as the trident landed neatly on top of a Siren's head, piercing through. And once more, before anyone had time to register his presence, he disappeared to reappear on the other side of the camp only to flash through several, confusing all the troops on board, before he finally appeared in the center of the camp, a gigantic Rasengan in his hand.
"Sayonara… Odama Rasengan!" Naruto shouted as he slammed the giant ball onto the ground, creating a shockwave which travelled through the enemy formation, before flashing away even as screams of dying Naga reached the ears of the archers, huntresses, dryads, and druids which were raining down fire against the enemy. The enemy, evidently, never stood a chance as Naruto stood, a scroll in one hand, and a bloody trident in another, as he stood amidst piles of enemy corpses triumphantly. Illidan walked up.
"Don't get too cocky Naruto, the real danger is inside the tomb," Illidan said as Naruto mock deflated.
"Did you really have to do that Illidan?" Naruto mocked pouted before looking serious again, "I've sent clones to scout the interior of the tomb. You're right, it's completely haunted, so to speak, by skeletons. Skeletal mages, archers, and warriors were stationed in there, and not only that but the majority of the place is a maze. Several clones met dead ends only to dispel themselves to let the rest know. I don't know how many more clones are left in there, but they've left marks where it would be dead ends. Past those marks, I don't know what else could be in there."
"We still must make haste to end this as quickly as possible," Maiev said, "Darkterror must not get the Eye before we can get to him!"
"Agreed," Naruto said as Illidan waved a file of troops up, while the rest retreated back as Naruto looked.
"I'll go in first," Naruto offered as he whistled, and Ichigo came down.
"Arigatou, Ichigo," Naruto said as he stroked the soft fiery feathers of the phoenix.
"As you will, Naruto," Ichigo replied before, in a burst of fire, he disappeared, and the three were left with the Watchers, before Naruto headed in, Illidan and Maiev following. No words were spoken; none were needed as they disappeared inside.
Theramore
Jaina was taking a stroll of the surrounding streets, waving back at those who greeted her with a smile, when she felt the familiar presence of Team Six. She nodded and bowed a bit, replying to the greetings the civilians said, before she excused herself and moved to a more secretive place, even as Team Six reappeared, kneeling down before Jaina.
"We bring urgent news from Kalimdor, milady," the leader of Team six replied, his or her voice obscured by the mask, "Kul Tiras has arrived."
"What?" Jaina exclaimed, "Is my father amongst them?"
"Yes," the leader said, "But he has taken aggressive actions against the Orc settlements, and there had only been two warriors, once by the name of Rexxar and another which we did not know, though we identified him as a troll. No further information has been acquired, however."
"I understand," Jaina said as she weighed the options, and knew what she had to do. She wouldn't like it, but it was the only options, "Send some forces to… dispose of the Kul Tiras… enough that they would have to retreat and recover. If you can, mildly injure the Admiral so that he would have to take time to recover. The longer we have to delay them, the more time we have to erect a response. I will send a Recon team with you to negotiate with Thrall, and see what we can do.
In the mean time, continue monitoring their movements when and if possible."
"Affirmative," the leader said as Jaina dismissed them, before sighing and moving around. She wished Naruto was around right now instead of a plushy that Mei had plenty of. She sighed as she whistled lightly, and a dragon appeared.
"Hirameki…" Jaina said lightly as she stroked the dragon's scales, "Can you try to contact Naruto through Ryuusei?"
"Um… Naruto doesn't use the Ryu summons much… mostly the Gama and Phoenix…" Hirameki replied, "Try finding Hikari I guess… if you can find Lina."
"I guess… thanks, stay around?" Jaina asked as Hirameki curled up around Jaina's shoulders as they departed and moved to find Lina. Unsurprisingly, they found Lina playing with Hikari in the deeper regions of the forest, and Jaina simply giggled at the simplicity even as Lina heard her and turned.
"Jaina!" Lina said happily, "Hi Hirameki."
"Hey Lina," Jaina replied, "Hey Hikari, do you think you can contact Ichigo?"
"Why?" Hikari asked, "Did something happen?"
"Naruto's away on a mission right now… I want to know what's going on," Jaina replied as Lina showed her surprise, surprising, once more, Jaina.
"You didn't know?" Jaina asked as Lina looked away.
"I saw Er'ryl around while I'm in the forest, so I thought he was still around," Lina said as Jaina looked around while Lina whistled. A moment later a white blur crashed into Lina, who giggled as Er'ryl snuggled into Lina.
Er'ryl had grown, and grown quite large during the year's time. He was now slightly larger than an average Frostsaber, and even had abilities that others didn't have; mainly, the ability to use chakra-based attacks from exposure to Naruto's insanely large quantities. Already he could do simple things such as enhancing his speed with chakra, making him even faster than most other frostsabers, and simple attacks such as claw strikes enhanced with wind-nature or fire-nature chakra. Naruto was working with Er'ryl on an attack which neither Jaina nor Lina knew about, though Mei seemed to recognize it from the roars made from the frostsaber and the waves of power that emanated whenever such a roar occurred, though she did say that it would not be possible without Naruto's help in some form. Incredibly, however, Er'ryl possessed a passive ability to control chakra, able to control it on such a level that he could sprint across water on his first attempt, with Naruto following close behind, marveling at the advances.
"Okay, Er'ryl," Lina giggled out, "Stop! Stop! That tickles!"
Er'ryl reluctantly got off Lina, only to pounce on Jaina, leaving a startled Hirameki behind as Er'ryl snuggled into the now laughing Jaina.
"Okay, okay, I know!" Jaina shouted, "Stop Er'ryl!"
And once more, Er'ryl got back up as Jaina dusted herself off a bit before turning to Hikari, only…
Hikari was not there. Jaina looked around.
"Lina, did you unsummon Hikari?" Jaina asked curiously as Lina looked around.
"No…" Lina said, "I guess she's back in the realm to contact Ichigo or something, I guess…"
Then, in a burst of fire, both Hikari and Ichigo appeared.
"I got him here," Hikari said, "Naruto was in a battle about a day ago, but Ichigo said they were entering somewhere named the 'Tomb of Sargeras', wherever that was… they were searching for something named the Eye of Sargeras."
"Sargeras…?" Lina said in a daze, "That name's familiar…"
"Sargeras…" Jaina said thoughtfully before something clicked in her head, "Oh no… I think I know what, or who, Sargeras is…"
"Wait…" Lina said as she paled, "You don't mean, that Sargeras? The one of the Burning Legion? That one?"
"Yes," Jaina said hurriedly, "Go search up what that artifact is, I'll assemble the council, maybe I can advise General Northstrong to send some troops as aid, or failing that, get some Recons over."
"Okay," Lina said, "I'll… wait, I thin Sylvanas know something about it… go ask her."
"I can't," Jaina said, "Sylvanas is away looking for someone… someone named 'Fenix' or something."
"Fenix?" Lina asked, "As in Fenix Skywalker?"
"Whoever he is," Jaina shrugged as Lina smiled slightly.
"A hunter… you know how Naruto organized the elven archers into hunters right?" Lina said, "He got the idea derived from Sylvanas, but the actual hunter class was developed by Fenix Skywalker, a High Elf that was especially powerful. He and his… I would say court, Traxex, were also Ranger-Generals, but Fenix was away in the wilds alone, searching for threats and to eliminate them before they could venture too close to Quel'Thalas. And though they were young, they were capable enough that Sylvanas feel secure about leaving the safety of Quel'Thalas in their hands, even if one of them is an unknown. I can see why Sylvanas would want to find them, but it's better that you recall her."
"I suppose that's the case," Jaina said as she left, "Just look in the library, I'm sure there's something about the Eye of Sargeras there…"
And within twenty minutes, a small council consisting of the major generals had gathered, and Sylvanas was recalled as well. Jaina stood before them, face passive, before one of them spoke.
"Lady Proudmoore, what's with the rush in gathering us?" one of the generals inquired as Jaina looked at him.
"Bad news," Jaina said as she held up a letter, "As you know, we have been keeping correspondences with both Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind and Warchief Thrall, of the Night Elves and the Orcs respectively. About a week ago, we received this letter from Priestess Whisperwind warning us of a new enemy – the Naga, led by none other than Darkterror."
"Have we secured our borders yet then?" the general of the navy asked, "I hereby request an increase in the budget to the Navy."
"I'll see what we can do about it," Jaina replied, "But the main point is, Naruto has left for reconnaissance and hopefully capture this criminal, and has entered a place which is called the 'Tomb of Sargeras'. Sylvanas, I heard from Lina that you know something about it… can you tell us more about this 'Sargeras'?"
"Sargeras is the leader of the Burning Legion, though most of us believe that he is dead. He is… a being, I suppose, that contains enormous amounts of power, ridiculous amounts that make Naruto seem like one of us in comparison and then some," Sylvanas replied, making some of the people shudder at the prospect, "What I know was based on old extracts from the books in Quel'Thalas, but those were of extreme dates, possibly dating back 10,000 years when legend has it that our world used to be a single continent, with no Northrend nor the continent which constitutes the Eastern Kingdom. During that time, the world first came into contact with the Burning Legion, and unleashed Sargeras' might across. An artifact was mentioned."
"The Eye of Sargeras?" Jaina asked as Sylvanas looked at her.
"Yes… how did you get that information?" Sylvanas asked curiously as Jaina looked back.
"Because Darkterror wants to use it for… something," Jaina said, "Of what, not even the Watchers and Naruto know. What I know right now is that Naruto is chasing after them, along with possibly Illidan Stormrage and someone named Maiev Shadowsong, but aside from that I have little information."
Just then a messenger came in, "Lady Proudmoore, urgent message from High Priestess Whisperwind!"
"What is it?"
"Lord Namikaze, along with Illidan and Maiev Shadowsong is cornered in an island close to the Maelstrom. Lady Proudmoore, they're under siege by hordes of Naga and require immediate assistance. Priestess Tyrande and Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage has already departed with Sentinels to aid them. In addition, it was reported that Lord Namikaze has been injured," the messenger said as Jaina's heart nearly stopped. Unknown to her, also did Sylvanas'.
"Should we…" General Northstrong said before Jaina sighed and held up her hand.
"Naruto knew this would happen when he took the mission, and told me the he would be going alone. Unless he himself specifically requests or aid, we shall not help him. That was his request," Jaina said, "As much as I hate that, I know he is capable, and I trust him. Therefore, I will not send troops to help him. Moreover, we also have to contend with the fact that the Naga is upon our doorsteps, and may, could even, strike at anytime, anywhere. We need all the manpower we can get. Sylvanas, I'm suspending your request to search for Fenix Skywalker until our borders are secure. I'm sorry, Sylvanas."
"I understand," Sylvanas said, shrugging, as she bowed, "I shall take my leave, then, Jaina?"
"Go ahead," Jaina waved as Sylvanas exited, "Now, is there anything else? I've said all I need to inform you, so now, let's hear your advices."
"I have proposed mine," the admiral of the navy said as Jaina nodded. General Northstrong then spoke up.
"With all due respect, Lady Proudmoore, it's not that I do not trust Lord Namikaze, but I believe it would be wise to send even a small team to oversee his welfare and to provide some aid as necessary. I propose that a team of Recons be sent to aid him."
"Presposterous!" one of the other Generals exclaimed, "Sure, he created the program, but they're the primary police in Theramore, and for God's sake he didn't even let the limit of the Recons past two hundred! Maybe we can send those hunters to aid him, but certainly not the Recons!"
"I'll think about it," Jaina said, knowing which unit General Northstrong was actually referring to, "Perhaps I might, but for now, I will do nothing. The general is right, we need the Recons here."
"I understand, milady," General Northstrong said as he bowed, "Then I shall take my leave, if you will."
"Go ahead, General," Jaina said as both the general of the navy and the admiral left, leaving the others.
"I assume there is nothing else you wish to speak at this instant?" Jaina asked as none of them spoke up, "Then, I thank you for coming to this sudden meeting, and I apologize if anything happened to interrupt what you were doing."
"It was no problem, milady," the rest said as the bowed, "By your leave, Lady Proudmoore."
"Farewell," Jaina said as they left, before she looked up. There was silence, but there was also a faint breeze that Jaina detected. The Ghosts were on the move, and they would accomplish the mission when the Recons could not. She hoped that Naruto was okay, before she left. The hall was completely silent, yet…
Two bodies suddenly fell down as a man cloaked in a hood appeared and took the bodies, keeping them alive for transport, before disappearing silently once more. The two Recons' disappearance would be contributed to loss while on duty when they were discovered to be missing the next day. The hall was silence once more, save for a sinister laugh.
"Kukuku… yes, Naruto-kun… your powers shall be mine…"