Chapter 19

 Transcendence 

''' Chapter 19: What am I to do? '''

Redridge Mountains

"Move up, I want to take the pass before the hour is out," Tyresa Moran called out. She was the Paladin Commander within the Alliance Stormwind Brigade, and had been sent here to investigate the Orc incursion within the region, and to her shock they were here in force.

They had come here with an army and taken Stonewatch, once a fortress that protected this region, now a stronghold that the Blackrock Orcs are using to stage their invasion into Alliance territory. The region was teaming with dozens, if not hundreds of the foul beasts, ready at any moment to plunder Redridge Mountains and then Elwynn Forest. Tyresa had sent envoys to bring reinforcement from Stormwind to halt the encroaching Orcs, but sadly her pleas for aid were met with refusal and excuse.

Saying that they couldn't divert such large forces at the time due to the instability in Westfall and encroachment from malicious entities from Duskwood, which was political horse shit. They didn't even send forces there; using any excuse they could to keep their army within their walls and not outside protecting their land, and because of that she knew she shouldn't expect them to come. The Stormwind Brigade would never arrive, she would need to do something herself, so she did all she could, and asked for the help not of soldiers, but would-be adventurers who sought glory and riches.

Now she was the leader of such a rabble, she commanded a group of sixty adventurers looking to make a name for themselves in helping repel the Orcs from the region and maybe even test their mettle. She had hoped to lead a force of trained warriors, but it would seem that she would need to rely on the skills of warriors who likely cared about filling their pockets as well as also doing what they pleased. She just hoped that they would be enough to make a difference here.

"Commander," Tyresa looked down from her perch on the rock to her second in command, Joana Lightlance, a beautiful young lady in her mid-twenties, with long blonde hair and bright ocean blue eyes.

She was someone people wouldn't expect to be a warrior or a paladin, for they expected such a beauty to be the prize of any man able to capture her heart. But sadly for them, her heart was one of cold steel, similar to her full plated armor and her temper was as deadly as claymore strapped to her back.

"We just received a report from one of our scouts; it seems there is an Orc force located at Alther's Mill," Joana continued, Tyresa scowled in concentration, that could pose a threat to their assault on the pass.

"How many are talking about here?" Tyresa asked, her eyes moving off into the general direction of the mill.

"The scout said twenty, but there may be a half a dozen or so more," Joana replied, this was something Tyresa couldn't leave to chance, if the Orcs attack from the rear with that sort of force, their warriors would crumble.

She turned to the band of adventurers before her, most weren't anything more than just a bunch of glory seekers, but still she could see a few here that had the spark in their eyes that showed their true worth. These were people she needed if she wanted to carry out the plan she was thinking of. Leaping down from the boulder she walked to the front of the army and watched as they all stood at attention waiting for her to speak. She had a small army at her command, sixty individuals of many creeds and classes, most were human, but a few Dwarves and Night Elves could be seen within the ranks of the warriors, there were likely a few Gnomes, but sadly she couldn't see them.

"Alright listen up. We're going to be splitting our forces up," Tyresa ordered. "The Orcs have a camp near the pass, we plan on removing it, but I want you all to get to that pass when we strike, cut off any reinforcements they send through," she saw a few of them shift uneasily and murmuring broke out, obviously the thought of going in with fewer soldiers didn't sit well with some.

But they were grown men and if they couldn't deal with this then they shouldn't be here in the first place, she just hoped that she got some volunteers that had more strength of character than the armor they wore.

"That's why I need a small strike team to help me clear out the Orc camp, I need five volunteers," she gazed over the silent crowd waiting for someone to speak up.

<p class="MsoNormal">There was some shuffling amongst the group of adventurers, obviously being part of a small group of warriors to take out who knows how many Orcs at a small encampment obviously didn't sound good to them. They likely thought that it was a suicide mission to make sure that everyone else didn't die in the attack on the pass, probably thinking that no one would volunteer for such a task.

<p class="MsoNormal">"We'll do it!" cried out a voice from the back.

<p class="MsoNormal">Well, mostly everyone.

<p class="MsoNormal">Everyone looked to see an ecstatic teenage Night Elf standing next to a young orange haired boy around her age, he had a bored expression on his face as he glanced at the young elf beside him, Tyresa smiled a bit and beckoned them forward. They were two young kids in her eyes and the only one who looked dangerous was the young orange haired boy, as he had descent armor and a large blade on his back, she just hoped it wasn't for decoration. Tyresa turned from them as they walked and stood behind her waiting for three others to get the nerve to join them, and quickly three others did.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Joana," Tyresa called, turning to towards her second in command and apprentice. "Take the rest to the pass, we'll send up a flare for when we strike, and when we do, so do you."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes Commander," said Joana with a salute, and then organized the remaining warriors before marching them up the path towards the pass.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tyresa turned and looked upon the group that she had under her command, five warriors in total stood before her. Each one as unique from one another as a snow flake.

<p class="MsoNormal">A dwarf rifleman, with a long barreled and scoped rifle hung over his shoulder; like all Dwarves he was well-built, covered in thick muscle. He had a stern face that was mostly covered by his long beard and wild brown hair. His amour consisted of simple chainmail under simple pale green cloth coverings, which he likely used as camouflage while hunting through the forests of Loch Modan.

<p class="MsoNormal">The second was an older humal male, mid-to-late fifties if she had to guess, covered in full plated armor and carrying a large stone headed rectangular hammer and a kite shield. With long faded-blonde hair tied into a tail and a goatee with mutton chops connecting to his hairline.

<p class="MsoNormal">The third was another man in full plated armor, although slightly younger and instead of a hammer and shield, carried two broadswords which were holstered parallel to one another on his back. Also unlike the older man whose head was uncovered, the young man had a spiked and plumed helmet covering his.

<p class="MsoNormal">The young Night Elf, wearing form fitting green and brown leather with a silver staff with a golden head piece, and a smile on her face as she hummed to herself. Tyresa was very uneasy about bringing a young girl into this fight, although her gear appeared to be top-notch and her staff radiated power, she didn't feel right bringing her with them.

<p class="MsoNormal">She turned to the last member of her party, the orange haired young man with several pieces of armor and a large cleaver on his back, he had a scowl on his face, not one of irritation or anger but of determination, obviously he was ready to get underway.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Alright there's an Orc force located at Alther's Mill, we need to clear them out unless we want to risk them attacking our forces assaulting the pass," Tyresa said, to which they all nodded. "We will plan out our attack there, let's move."

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo and Adelina stepped aside to let her lead the way.

<p class="MsoNormal">While she led them to the Mill, Ichigo was thinking over the last two weeks of his journey here, he couldn't say that he was thrilled that he was stuck here. After all he had been hoping that by now he would be close to getting back home, but sadly the reality prevented him from doing that. But he had a good while to think about that when he had to cross the sea to get here, after all, it took over a week for him to reach Stormwind from Theramore, and when on a ship, you get a lot of time to think.

<p class="MsoNormal">Theramore

<p class="MsoNormal">Two Weeks Earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal">"This is where we part ways for now," Jaina said, to which Ichigo nodded his head.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Both he and Jaina, along with Adelina, were on the docks of Theramore waiting for the ship to be stocked and depart. Ichigo had decided to leave the small city in order to go out and explore this new world he was lost in.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"Yeah, thanks again for the help," Ichigo said. He was not happy about being trapped here, but he knew that there was little anyone could do for him. He was just grateful that there was someone who actually gave a damn about his situation and was actually going to help him.''

<p class="MsoNormal">"It is the least I could do for what you have done for us," Jaina replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Both Ichigo and Jaina had spoken on what Ichigo could do with his time on Azeroth; and when he mentioned about exploring the world. She recommended he start his quest in Stormwind and see about learning what he can, and maybe helping out where he could. Jaina knew about the severe decline in security that had befallen the region in the last few months. Strife and chaos had escalated to the point of near open rebellion and the fact that this was being caused by backroom politics, only further escalated the civil unrest.''

<p class="MsoNormal">"I will contact you if I am able to make a breakthrough in locating your world," Jaina finished.

<p class="MsoNormal">''"I'll pop in from time to time, see how everything is going, and if you figure out where those damn Grimtotem are," Ichigo said. To which she nodded, he deserved that much she supposed, and she herself would be very pleased to see those Grimtotem brought to justice for their crimes against Theramore and the Alliance.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"Visit anytime, you will always be welcome in Theramore," Jaina said with a smile. She gave a short curtsey to Ichigo, and departed with a farewell. "Good bye Ichigo."''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"Sayonara Jaina-San," replied Ichigo with a bow, saying farewell in his own language and using an honorific, despite his usual lack of use of it. She was likely one of the few people who actually deserved such respect from him.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Jaina turned and made her way from the docks and back towards the confines of Theramore Isle, Ichigo turned as well and made for a beeline for the ship called the Bravery, it would take him to Stormwind and from there it was up to him. Adelina followed closely behind, she was worried a bit about Ichigo, and after it was revealed that he would be trapped on Azeroth for several years she could see that his hope of returning home had all but evaporated. She just hoped he would recover soon and that she would be there to help him if he needed her.''

<p class="MsoNormal">The Great Sea

<p class="MsoNormal">Two Days Later.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Ichigo was leaning against the side of the ship's portside railing, gazing off over the sea; the crew were going about their duty, securing the sails and scrubbing the deck. Even though it would be interesting to see what a crew on an old ship, in his view, did during the voyages between harbors, Ichigo was simply gazing off into nothing and thinking. He had been doing the same thing for the last two days since they left port, thinking over his situation here and what he could do.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''He was being taken to Stormwind, the capital city of the Humans of the Eastern Kingdoms and that there were problems that needed fixing, mainly civil disputes and the occasional Orc raiding party in the eastern parts of the kingdom. But aside from that he didn't know what he could do; he was trapped on an alien world with nothing but a young Druid to help him out. While everyone back home was fighting in a war with no way of knowing if he was alright or not, he didn't even know if they were alright or not.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"Ichigo, are you alright?" glancing back he saw Adelina standing there, her eyes filled with worry. As much as he didn't want to upset her more, it was better if she didn't speak with him for a while. At least until he could sort things out on his own.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"Yeah, I'm alright," Ichigo said, turning back and gazing off into the ocean. He heard footsteps and noticed Adelina leaning on the railing beside him.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"I can tell when you don't want to talk," Adelina said, looking off into the distance similar to Ichigo. "But holding in all that pain and grief will do you no good."''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"I don't need any help," said Ichigo, a bit more forcefully than he intended. But she wasn't fazed; she simple pushed herself off the railing and moved off, leaving him to his thoughts.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"A warrior wears armor for everything," Adelina said. Her words were spoken in a high airy voice, remembering the words her mother taught her when she was young. "But he should remember to let people in. I am always there to help Ichigo; you know where to find me when you decide you need it."''

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo remained in his place and considered her words for a moment, but brushed them aside quickly, they were simply colorful words meant to sound good on the cover of a book or something; he needed to think this out himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Great Sea, South of the Maelstrom

<p class="MsoNormal">Three Days later

<p class="MsoNormal">''A storm had hit them yesterday, they were travelling close to the outer rim of the Maelstrom where the Well of Eternity once existed, but was now only a massive whirlpool full of chaotic arcane energy. The Storm had blown them slightly off course, and they were trying to get free of the storm and back on course; while this was happening Ichigo and Adelina remained below deck.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Not a word was spoken between them since they were forced down there by the Captain, saying that he didn't need a bunch of kids on the deck, Ichigo didn't argue but wasn't totally enthused about being stuck below deck. He glanced over to Adelina; she was sitting on a large crate and appeared to be mediating. Ever since they left port she had been training herself, meditating and even trying to summon orbs of pure light in her hand, and even trying to control a current of green energy as well.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"Do you wish to speak?" Adelina asked, not opening her eyes as she did or allowing her concentration to slip while maintaining the orb of light in her hand.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"No," Ichigo said, turning away. Another silence passed over them for a time.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Neither of them speaking to each other nor doing anything of note; aside from sitting on a crate mediating, and leaning against the wall and passing the time with his own thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal">''Ichigo continued to wrestle with the thought of being trapped here. He understood that he was stuck here and that there was no other way home for him, but how could he simply accept that. He was away from his home, his family, and his friends; all the while a mad man was going around causing nothing but havoc. How could he do anything in this world when he had nothing but doubt on his mind and couldn't even think straight, how was he meant to keep fighting when he couldn't stop the Grimtotem from destroying Shady Rest. How was he meant to fight if he couldn't save Reethe from being shot? How was he meant to keep fighting if everyone he cared about is dead?''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"Ichigo," turning, the substitute soul reaper saw Adelina staring at him, her glowing eyes staring into his own. "You shouldn't dwell on it; it will only cause you more pain."''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"What do you expect me to do then?" Ichigo scowled, his frustration rising to all new levels. He didn't know how long it would be before he was tearing this ship apart.''

<p class="MsoNormal">"Let it go," Adelina said, as if it were simple; but not to Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">''"That's it, just let all that crap that happened go and just get on with my life?" he yelled. Adelina didn't flinch at his harsh words, she had seen her teacher bark in her face more times than she could count. She didn't back away when he yelled because she knew it wasn't in Ichigo's nature to be angry with others because of his own inner turmoil.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"No, but if you don't accept what has happened, then how can you move on and grow from it?" Adelina asked.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"How can I accept what happened!? Ever since I got here people have been dying around me, and I can't do anything to change it!" he yelled. He shot up from the wall and paced around the cabin, clenching and unclenching his fists as he did. "Why the hell is this happening!? Why am I here?"''

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina remained silent and let him vent his anger, he needed to let it out, if he didn't he would simply be consumed by it from within.

<p class="MsoNormal">''"I shouldn't be here; I should be back home, with my friends and family. I should have saved Inoue…" his voice trailed off, his face morphed between an angry scowl and pure sorrow. "I should have saved her…"''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"You cannot live in the past," Adelina said, drawing on her own personal wisdom to show Ichigo the light. "You will only bring more pain upon yourself, and not only you, but others as well."''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"How can I do anything, when I can't protect anyone?" ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"It is not in your nature to stand still Ichigo," Adelina said as she smiled; this was something her father once told her. "You must move forward. Not only for you, but for those you fight for," remembering his words when she asked what it meant to be a Night Elf, to never stop fighting to protect your people and no matter what doubts or fears you carry, you never stop.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''"Sometimes it seems like you have the powers of a god, but I know the truth. You have the heart of a guardian, and a guardian never gives up," said Adelina, jumping from her seat and moving off towards the door. "You are not the type to give up Ichigo, no matter what happens, you will always move forward and never stop. That is why I believe that despite your doubts and regret, you will find a reason to fight on."''

<p class="MsoNormal">''Ichigo watched as she walked out of sight, the ship rocking side the side and the sound of thunder and waves crashing against the ship but that was not what he heard. Her words rung true in his ears, overshadowing the raging storm outside, he had faced so many obstacles in his life and many more as his time as a Shinigami. Despite the fact that he faced overwhelming odds, and no matter what happened around him, he continued on; he fought on and never looked back until he had finished what he set out to do. Even if what she said wasn't true, her words were enough to show him that he had to continue marching on, not just for himself, but for everyone else, for every single soul in danger.''

<p class="MsoNormal">''He wouldn't allow more to die; he would fight with everything he had, no matter the outcome, until he knew that no more would be harmed. He would continue to march forward with blade in hand and the will to never give up.''

<p class="MsoNormal">Present

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo glanced down at the lumber mill; he could see a small band of Orcs, twenty five in total. Most carried simple weapons, swords, axes, maces and such. Though they weren't heavily armored, most were not wearing any protection over their torso and even fewer had what could be considered armor. Simple leather pants and animal skins, these orcs were not really equipped to fight against them, their weapons were simple and they had no armor to speak of, this shouldn't be a problem for them.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Alright, Dugan" Tyresa said, speaking to the dwarf rifleman. "I want you on that hill there; send up a flare on my signal; that will alert the others to attack the pass," Dugan nodded "Once they attack, start taking down Orcs from a distance."

<p class="MsoNormal">She turned to the two warriors.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Trey, Berwick," Tyresa said, speaking with the elder and younger warrior respectively. "I want you two to draw the Orcs away from the Mill, allow Dugan to get a good shot on them," she ordered. "Keep together and fight as a team, understood?" The two warriors nodded before sliding back down the slope, along with Dugan moving towards the small hill north east of the mill.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Looks like you're with me kid," Tyresa said, she had decided to keep Ichigo and Adelina by her side, she didn't want the kid to be killed carelessly and she couldn't account for his combat experience. "Stick by me and don't get reckless."

<p class="MsoNormal">"What about me?" Adelina inquired, Tyresa looked back at her; she didn't seem like a fighter, she was also younger than the boy and Tyresa really didn't wish to send the young girl into a battle.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't worry, I can account for her, she can help," Ichigo said. Tyresa looked at him for a moment and saw he was quite serious; Tyresa had hoped to keep her back until the fighting was over. But if this boy thought the elf could fight, might as well keep her around as support. She nodded before giving the orders.

<p class="MsoNormal">"We will slip down behind the mill when the shooting starts; we'll take the Orcs from the rear and kill them as we form up with Trey and Berwick," she said. Before looking at Ichigo, "Keep to my left and Adelina, keep to my back," both nodded their heads as she raised her hand giving the signal to Dugan.

<p class="MsoNormal">At around one hundred yards from their position they saw a bright red flare rise up into the air; this drew the Orc's attention and while they were distracted Adelina, Ichigo, and Tyresa descended down from the hill behind the lumber mill. As they hit the ground and rushed towards the lumber mill wall the first shot had already been fired, and soon after a thud was heard as the first Orc hit the ground with a bullet hole through his cranium. A few seconds later a second shot resounded through the air, it was then that the Orcs realized they were under attack, and when they did they started to look for the shooter. A roar escaped one Orc's mouth before he charged off towards something, then the rest followed like a flock of angry grey sheep.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Alright, let's move," Tyresa ordered. She darted out from around the lumber mill and drew her sword and shield. Ichigo and Adelina close behind her drew their own weapons.

<p class="MsoNormal">The first Orc fell to Tyresa's sword, piercing the back of its neck; it had dropped its weapon to try and grasp its throat, but died before he could lay his hands upon the wound, with a quick tug she freed her sword as the Orc lurched forward. Ichigo charged past the Paladin and killed another Orc as it turned to see its comrade fall to the ground, the grey skinned Orc had its head and the right side of its upper body removed from the rest of his torso.

<p class="MsoNormal">With those two Orcs dead, both Ichigo and Tyresa charged forward, catching up to the Orcs as they ran towards the waiting warriors. The few that turned around met the full onslaught of a seasoned Paladin of the Light and a Death God, they carved through them with all their skill, moving quickly from one to the other and not wasting a single moment in-between their targets.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo was attacked by two Orcs, both charging at the substitute head on. Ichigo raised Zangetsu and blocked the large serrated axe-head from connecting with his skull, but glanced to his left to see the other Orc was planning on cutting him in half at the waist. Ichigo knocked the axe off his zanpakuto before swinging at the same Orc, who jumped back, but this was what Ichigo expected, he continued his rotation and slammed his Zangetsu into the seconds Orc's sword.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Orc was knocked off balance by the sudden change in direction his blade went in; Ichigo glanced back at the Orc with the axe and saw him moving forward to cut his head off. Turning back, Ichigo pounced forward, slicing into the Orc's gut as he raised the axe; the Orc stumbled with its premature swing, and let its axe slam into the ground where Ichigo once stood. Ichigo raised Zangetsu up for the executioners strike, but the Orc had enough strength left to turn and raised it’s axe one more time to block Ichigo's attack, but that only did so much, instead of severing the Orc's head in two, Zangetsu cut through its shoulder and into the orc's chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">As the grey skinned mongrel dropped to its knees Ichigo pulled Zangetsu free from the split torso and raised his zanpakuto overhead to block the incoming sword meant to cleave him in twain. Ichigo pushed the blade away along with the Orc wielding it, but before the Orc could strike again he was struck by bolt of energy, knocking the grey skinned beast off its feet and to the ground. Turning he saw Adelina standing there with her palm thrust forward and energy still twirling at her fingertips, Ichigo gave her a nod in thanks before turning back to the fight. Charging in beside Tyresa towards the next batch of Orcs, with Adelina in tow ready to offer support as whenever she could.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tyresa was not one to say she was impressed easily, she had been in wars for years and fought against enemies that would take nothing short of an army to take down, yet right now she was impressed. She had to admit the boy had skill; he wielded that blade as if it was as light as a feather and his skill with it was unparalleled for someone his age. Also the fact he didn't lose his composure while fighting showed he was no stranger to combat; he would go into a fight and no matter the circumstance he would always make it out.

<p class="MsoNormal">But Tyresa could not see a distinct pattern to his swordplay, he had no previous training in the art of the sword, it was likely he was a simple kind who picked up a sword and taught himself. Even though his skill with the sword was still on par with a seasoned warrior, there was no pattern or rhythm to it; he simple did it on the fly, and whatever happened he reacted. She never would have thought that someone so young could actually possess even a remote amount of skill. He may be able to swing and parry a few blows, but to actually wield a weapon so large with lethal efficiency, that surprised her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tyresa raised her shield as an Orc attacked from her left side, blocking the hammer meant for her side. She strafed forward and severed the tendon in the back of its leg, forcing the Orc to its knee in a howl of pain. Tyresa ended his howling with a quick thrust of her sword to the back of his neck, ending the foul mongrel's life almost instantly. Turning quickly, she deflected a sword meant to cut her head off. Using her shield, she continued her rotation and smashed it into the Orc's jaw, dazing the beast and allowing her to slice a deep wound into its back. It roared before turning back toward the female paladin and attempted another wide swing, but Tyresa stepped in close with the Orcs guard and with her shield halted its arm and then stabbed her sword over her extended arm and through the orc’s throat.

<p class="MsoNormal">As Tyresa drew her sword free, she turned on her feet and swung her shield at a nearby orc, channeling her holy power through her shield she formed a transparent golden replica of her own shield and sent it towards the oncoming Orc. It was knocked off its feet with a severe burn to its now exposed chest, the metal piece that once acted as its breastplate was now molten and melting into his flesh, if he wasn't dead now, he would be soon. Two more moved to attack her but before they could even reach her, they were cast aside by a beam of energy; turning, she saw Adelina behind her with her staff pointing forward and a serious furrow on her brow.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tyresa gave a nod of gratitude before charging into the fray once more. The battle lasted only a few minutes, with the Orcs being taken down from the front by Trey, Barwick, and Dagan. While from rear they were being dispatched by Ichigo, Tyresa, and Adelina. Over half of the standing Orcs had been dealt with; leaving only a handful left to protect themselves from the onslaught of the four warriors in their midst. Only ten Orcs remained and they were at the mercy of the four warriors moving in to finish the job, hefting up their weapons they charged into the grey mass of mongrels.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo and Tyresa fought side by side, working together and in a good rhythm despite only fighting together for a few minutes. Two Orcs were ahead of them; Ichigo moved forward quickly and met the Orc on the right, swinging up Zangetsu to halt the falling axe, which left the Orc open to Tyresa's sword that pierce his gut. Tyresa then raised her shield to stop the mace of the second Orc as she killed the first, then as she ripped her blade free she pushed her shield forward and then twisted around to perform a backward swing towards the Orc's head.

<p class="MsoNormal">But her strike did not hit its mark, the Orc leaned back and out of range of the lethal edge of her sword, Tyresa scowled as she noticed out of the corner of her eye another Orc coming in to attack her right side. She raised her sword and blocked the Orc's hatchets, but the Orc didn't last more than a second before he was violently tossed aside by a metal plated hand connecting with his jaw. The Orc fell to the ground unconscious and Ichigo, who was behind Tyresa, pulled on the white cloth connected to his blade and pulled it free from another defeated Orc's stomach and back into his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal">As soon as Zangetsu was returned to its owner, he swung it up and over his head while twisting around and then down toward another, the Orc raised his shield and blocked the incoming blow. The Orc attempted to stab Ichigo in the gut but before he could the substitute twisted out of the way, pushing against the shield as he moved away. As the Orc recovered and moved to attack, Ichigo struck. When the Orc moved to strike, Ichigo met his blade with his own; a short struggle erupted between them, but Ichigo was stronger. Pushing the Orc's blade away hard and the swinging it back again to knock away the Orcs shield, he had left the Orc completely vulnerable. Raising his foot Ichigo's steel boot connected with the Orcs midriff and knocked him back several feet and onto his back, which left his skull to be crushed under Trey's large hammer.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo turned to one of the few remaining Orcs, a large claymore in its hands and a savage snarl on its face, without a moment's hesitation Ichigo charged forward. The Orc brought back his claymore ready to use it to cut the substitute in half, Ichigo drew back Zangetsu and gripped it tightly with both hands. But as he drew close and the Orc swung, Ichigo twisted around, instead of twisting to swing his blade forward; he twisted around in the opposite direction. As Ichigo turned he ducked down and when the Claymore passed over his head Ichigo pushed Zangetsu back hard, and was satisfied to hear the sound of flesh being pierced by steel.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo had entered the Orcs guard and was able to stab the Orc through the stomach as the beast over extended himself, and used that to his advantage, ducked, and while turning struck the Orc while Ichigo had his back to him. Ichigo stood up and then pulled his Zanpakuto free and let the Orc drop to the ground, Ichigo glanced at the Orc for a moment and quickly turned away, and with a single swing he removed most of the blood from Zangetsu. He placed it over his back and allowed the cloth to coil around it and then walked back towards his little party.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Let's move for the Mill, I don't want to be in the open in case reinforcements show up," Tyresa ordered. Sheathing her sword at her side and placing her shield on her back, she moved for the abandoned lumber mill with everyone in tow. "Dugan, I want you at a good vantage point, if something comes this way I want to know about it."

<p class="MsoNormal">The dwarf nodded before scanning the area and his eyes halting on a large mound near the edge of the nearby gorge, which gave a good view over the immediate area, without another word he took off to take up position.

<p class="MsoNormal">When they entered the mill they came to a disheveled sight, the place had been abandoned for several months now, ever since most of the trees in the region had been cleared out for farming. But now with the Orcs here, the mill had been turned into their own little shack, full of crates and dozens of weapons that they were keeping in stock as well as armor; obviously they were bringing in supplies. This meant they were likely planning for a major offensive in the area in the near future, which was not good; they would need to clear them out quickly if they wanted to prevent the threat of an invasion into Elwynn Forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Search for anything useful, parchment, orders, anything that can tell us what these mongrels are planning," Tyresa ordered. Everyone complied and began to search through the mill for anything that could determine the reason the Orcs were in the area, as well as whom they were taking orders from.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hey I found something," Adelina said, opening a scroll. On it was a message written in common.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Give it here," Tyresa said. Adelina handed it to the Alliance paladin and she skimmed the message before grunting in obvious displeasure. "It appears the Orcs are setting up a stronghold in the region, that much we already know, they want to take the pass to prevent the Alliance from entering into the Burning Steppes."

<p class="MsoNormal">"But how? Shouldn't the Alliance mobilize an army to keep these guys back, I mean this place is only a stone's throw away from your capital city?" Ichigo asked, he along with some of the others were wondering the same thing, with such a dangerous threat close to the city, the Alliance should have mobilized at least a company of soldiers to deal with this.

<p class="MsoNormal">Sadly Tyresa knew the answer; the region of Redridge has been suffering severe military shortage, with political issues within the capital and severe decrease in the military strength and distribution. Because of that, many regions outside Elwynn Forest have been suffering severe turmoil and uprisings, Westfall with Defias rebels, Duskwood with Worgen and Undead, and Redridge with Blackrock Orcs. These were all parts of the Kingdom of Stormwind and they were all suffering because of the political chaos happening within the city from which the kingdom took its name. This is the reason the Orcs have attacked, because they see a weakness and are taking advantage of it; if they aren't able to remove the Orcs from the region, then it was likely Redridge will fall.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Does the note say anything else?" Trey asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, they seem to be working with someone named Morganth, calling him a mutual ally. They have a command post in the Keep along with what appears to be two commanding officers," said Tyresa. They knew what they had to do, enter the keep and kill those two commanders. With both of them dead the Orcs would be scattered in this region, and all they would have to do then is simply mop up whatever was left.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Commander," turning, everyone saw a soldier run into the Mill, he saluted and quickly spoke. "Captain Lightlance requires reinforcements; the Orcs are attempting to push them out of the pass."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Alright tell her we will be there soon," Tyresa said, the soldier saluted and quickly rushed off. "Let's move; we can take the keep later, first we need to secure the pass."

<p class="MsoNormal">"That might not be possible," Dugan said. He entered through the Mill's entrance. "The Orc's look like their getting ready to move out, likely moving to reinforce the pass."

<p class="MsoNormal">This was bad, without reinforcements Tyresa and her forces would be beaten back and then this entire endeavor would have been for nothing, it would likely weaken them as a whole. She would need to gather her forces and have them retreat back to Lakeshire, if they fight a battle on two fronts they will be slaughtered, they couldn't allow the Orcs from the keep to join the fight.

<p class="MsoNormal">"We need to get back to them and retreat back to Lakeshire, we can't beat them like this," Tyresa said.

<p class="MsoNormal">"What? But if we leave they will take the pass and then we'll never be able to take it," Ichigo said. And despite refusing her orders she knew he was right, their departure would let the Orcs fortify their position from another attack, but in the end, if they stayed they would die.

<p class="MsoNormal">"There is little we can do about the current situation, it is either retreat or die fighting," Tyresa said. To which Ichigo lowered his head in what she suspected, was defeat, but she was proven wrong by his next question.

<p class="MsoNormal">"If I could draw the Orcs away from the pass and back to the keep, could you keep fighting?" Tyresa looked on in shock at the boy's question. What he was proposing was suicidal; there was no way he would be able to survive luring the Orcs back towards the keep. And even if he did, he would die anyway, there had to be near a hundred Orcs within those walls, after all that's how many the keep could garrison.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You would be killed," Tyresa stated grimly, regaining her composure and speaking to him in a completely calm voice. But he didn't seem to be worried about the consequences.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'll be fine, I can lure them back and maybe even take a few out before I can find the guys in charge," Ichigo said, he was very serious in his words. He actually believed what he was saying, and light forsake her she actually felt like she did as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Can you do this?" Tyresa asked. She was actually surprising herself right now. She had seen him fight, he was good yes, but actually good enough to fight through one hundred Orcs? No one could be that good. But the fact that this kid wanted to go and infiltrate an enemy stronghold and try to lure all the Orcs towards him was something she didn't like one bit, she was actually considering sending a boy in his teens to attack an enemy fort alone, what was she thinking?

<p class="MsoNormal">"I can, I just want to know what you intend to do when I pull it off," Ichigo asked. To which Tyresa stared at him with critical eyes, he was very sure of his abilities; she didn't know whether it was arrogance or something she hadn't seen from him yet. But either way she knew that if he did this, then the attack on the pass could continue without consequence; that meant they would be able to push the Orcs back and take it from them.

<p class="MsoNormal">"If you can do what you say, then we will take the pass," Tyresa replied, her words calm. But there was some doubt in her tone, not about taking the pass, but him pulling this off. "But I will have a sentry watching, if the Orcs reach the mill, then we are turning back, regardless of your current situation."

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo nodded, and turned to the exit.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Then I will have to make sure that the Orcs don't get that far," said Ichigo as he walked out of the mill. The rest of them thought he was going to die, no one could stand against that many Orcs alone and hope to survive, no one.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Wait for me!" called Adelina, charging off to help. Tyresa went to stop her but the young Night Elf was already out the door, she let out a tired sigh before she turned to the only two remaining warriors at her side.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Come on, we have some troops that need our help," said the paladin. With that, the two warriors and paladin moved out of the mill and towards the pass. Tyresa hoped that the boy would be alright, she had technically sent him on a suicide mission, which is something she would never condone; but for some reason, she felt like she did the right thing and that it would work out. Light forgive her if she made a mistake in letting him go.