This chapter is a bit fast paced in order to get the story moving. So a lot is covered shortly. However this will bring us to more plot heavy chapters. Let me know what you think! Reviews make the world go round!
Disclaimer - I do not own Naruto or Warcraft.
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The party tensed as the laughter echoed around them. "Da loa be callin ya rude, mon!"
A troll wrapped in a purple cloak, stepped into the light. Grug prepared to charge the intruder, but Erlok raised a hand to stop him. The hunter seemed less tense, but still wary. "Zemo? Ya be da one followin us? Ya come to kill us in Hellscream's name?"
The latter question was said with an accusatory tone.
The newcomer tilted his head as if listening to unheard voices, before shaking his head. "Nah mon, I bring gifts."
Erlok raised a brow in confusion, a sentiment shared with his two companions. The purple clad troll stepped closer, a hand raised in a placating manner, his other holding several large bags. He placed them on the ground at the feet of his fellow troll. When Erlok knelt to open them Zemo spoke again. "I bring a message from ol Vol'Jin. He knows about ya actions in Orgrimmar, and ya escape. He has a mission dat he needs doin." Zemo
"Who are you?" Naruto interrupted the conversation. His eyes narrowed in suspicion, a hand clasped firmly on the hilt of his tanto. He did not know the history between the two trolls, but some clarity would do some good for the frayed nerves of the rest of the party.
Zemo seemed to realize this as he turned his gaze to the young blonde human. "I be Zemo, been trackin ya for a few days now. Was supposed ta save these two from da posts. Seems someone beat me to it. Vol'jin didn't mention a little Humie howeva."
"How come I didn't sense you?" Naruto asked, his tone harsher than he had intended.
Zemo huffed quietly before stalking over to Naruto, looming over him with his incredible height. He didn't say anything for a time, just peering down at him. His ears twitched as if hearing something and his head tilted again. Naruto thought he could almost hear a whisper in the wind. "Da loa be saying ta stay away from ya. Dey say ya got da stink of death on ya soul. Be wary of dis one Erlok, dis ones a killa."
Said troll cleared his throat bringing the attention back to himself. "What do our Chieftain be needing, mon?"
Zemo turned and walked back to Erlok. Naruto let go of his tanto, realizing that his knuckles had whitened from the pressure. There was an essence about this troll that had the blonde's nerves shot.
"There's a strange energy flowing around his body, I believe your companions called it magic. I'm sure we could still kill him though. I know you want to. His magic puts you on edge doesn't it?" The fox questioned, a smile in his voice. Naruto opted to ignore the verbal barb for now.
Zemo knelt down at the bags he had brought and opened them to reveal weapons, armor, and supplies. "He needs ya to make contact with Forsaken High Command in Gilneas. Vol'jin wishes ta know if da Dark Lady is truly loyal ta Hellscream."
Grug laughed derisively, "He finally makes his move, and his idea is to send three fugitives to Gilneas? Might I remind you that it is currently under Horde occupation? It's suicide."
Zemo shook his head with a smile, "Nah mon, da current warfront in Pandaria has drawn a lot of da Forsaken away. Ya be able to sneak in and meet with da contact, den be away before anyone knows!"
"Who be da contact?" Erlok asked curiously.
Zemo grinned fully now, "Deathstalker Commander Belmont."
"Belmont?!" Grug shouted furiously. "So it IS suicide!"
"Only if da Dark Lady is loyal to da Warchief." Zemo said smugly as he leaned back with his arms crossed. His face became serious and his eyes unfocused. "It be time for a change of regime." Zemo said darkly.
Everyone was silent for a few moments before Erlok spoke up, "Naruto, ya thoughts?"
The blonde expected the question. Not long after freeing them, Grug and Erlok had sworn a blood debt in his name, to follow him into any battle. Yet with no battles to fight the shinobi tried to settle the debt by requesting the two as guides. They deemed it insufficient, and would only consider the debt paid if he led them into life threatening scenarios. Naruto was equally flattered and annoyed at the honorable pact.
The young ninja knew if he requested it, they would ignore this quest in favor of following the young blonde anywhere he went. Perhaps this mission would be the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone. He would be sent to a far away destination, allowing him to learn of this world like he wished and he would be approving of this possibly life threatening mission. Once completed it would be more than enough to have paid the debt.
"I have nothing better to do." Naruto said with a bit of mirth. Erlok smiled, as this was his desired outcome. Grug huffed and sat down by the fire, though a small satisfied smirk began to play at his lips.
Zemo clapped once before standing once more, " There be enough gold for passage to da Eastern Kingdoms as well as a couple mounts for travel. Before I forget, I got one more gift for ya Erlok." With that the troll placed two fingers to his lips and whistled sharply. After a moment the camp became aware of quick thumps from the dark, and a strange hissing sound accompanying them. Naruto could sense another creature making its way to the camp, and readied himself to attack the troll.
Suddenly a blur of blue scales slammed into Erlok, throwing him off his heels and onto the ground. Naruto made a motion to move before a peculiar sound stopped him. Laughter. Erlok was laughing, while wrapping his arms around the beast. Its scales were a beautiful color of turquoise, with amber eyes that were locked onto the troll beneath her, her muzzle digging into his chest and neck.
"NAZDA! By da loa I thought ya were dead girly!" His raptor was alive, and he was the happiest troll on Azeroth. By the time Erlok could push the raptor off himself, Zemo had disappeared unnoticed. Leaving behind the equipment and the gold for their mission. Erlok quickly began gathering his new gear with giddy excitement. High quality mail armor, and a troll made bow and arrows.
"Where are you going?" Grug asked with his arms crossed.
"Hunting with ma girl. I'll meet ya at Ratchet tomorrow morning!" Before the orc could protest Erlok had thrown the map at his face, jumped on the back of his raptor and together they bounded off into the darkness. Leaving his companions stunned and annoyed.
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The next few days were fairly uneventful. Grug had equipped his own new gear which included a set of plate armor, helmet and all. As well as a large shield and a one handed axe that was too large to be called a hatchet. They then began traveling to Ratchet. The blonde thirteen year old pestering the orc for information every step of the way.
They met with their wayward troll at Ratchet. Erlok then attempted to bribe multiple captains to take them to Gilneas. They were denied every time until they finally decided to just sail to Booty Bay on a ship named the Maiden's Fancy.
While waiting for the ship to leave, the trio decided to have a drink at the local tavern. Which in turn resulted in a misunderstanding with some Kul'Tiran sailors. Which then led to a bar fight and everyone involved being kicked out of the establishment.
Finally they set sail across the sea. Erlok had taken it upon himself to teach Naruto everything about Azeroth he had wanted to know and then some. After a few days of boredom Grug had decided to join in, offering his own knowledge to the shinobi who was taking in every detail.
Naruto was constantly reminded how alien this world was to him. The politics, history, and even warfare was entirely different than in the Elemental Countries. He hoped that he could learn enough to eventually be self dependent in this new world.
After weeks of being on board the Fancy they at long last pulled into the port of Booty Bay.
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Naruto was so sure he was going to be prepared for whatever was next. However the port city was a different beast entirely. People of all races mingled and meandered, selling and buying, laughing and fighting. It was fascinating to say the least.
"I'm gonna buy us some mounts, you still be wanting a horse, Naruto?" Erlok asked as they walked along the dock. The blonde ninja nodded without hesitation.
"That would be for the best, I can't imagine myself riding something like a nightsaber. At least not yet." Naruto added the last part with a laugh.
"We still need to decide the route to take. If we head northeast we can avoid a large majority of the Alliance kingdoms. However it will take much longer, and the environments are far harsher." Grug stated, halting the troll from wandering off just yet. Erlok groaned in annoyance as the argument for the best route began. As they continued to discuss the best possible path the group had begun walking towards the nearest inn, as the discussion showed no sign of being resolved. As they made it to the entrance of the tavern a voice called out from behind them.
"I can lead you through the Alliance Kingdoms!"
The party turned to see a young human woman in white robes, using an ornate staff as a walking stick. She had a pleasant smile on her unblemished face. She halted her approach when she did not receive an answer. "Oh! My apologies, I merely overheard your argument and thought I could offer my help."
Grug spoke up first, facing the woman, "And what would you want in return?"
The woman brushed a raven lock of hair behind her ear, seemingly unbothered by the orc's rude tone. "I am also heading north and could use a group to travel with. The roads can be very dangerous these days."
Grug turned to confer with his companions. Erlok nodded in approval since sneaking through kingdoms was easier with the right information. Naruto was hesitant to add a new person to the party, but also thought that a new perspective from a member of the Alliance would be beneficial to his learning. He also approved.
Grug pinched the bridge of his nose before turning back to the woman, "You got a mount?"
The stranger gave a smile and a nod before walking over to the group. She extended her hand to Grug with a friendly smile, "My name is Elizabeth Rivers, priestess of the Holy Light."
Naruto froze upon hearing that. A phrase echoing in his mind over and over.
"Let his purpose be the death of Light."
He was shaken from his thoughts as the woman held out her hand to him, "You keep strange company little boy."
Despite calling him little Naruto absentmindedly took her offered hand before gasping softly. As their fingers touched the ninja felt a spike of ice enter his heart, before it quickly disappeared. He looked up at the woman who continued smiling down at him. Though he saw a strange look in her eyes that he couldn't decipher. She turned away from him before he could look deeper.
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The party set out the next morning atop their mounts with their newest member in tow. Ready to make their way across the Eastern Kingdoms.