Chapter 04

 Transcendence

Chapter 04: My First Group!

 Feralas was known as a very lush forest in the southernmost part of Kalimdor.

The land is full of many varieties of wildlife and fauna, most of which are very dangerous and in most cases the latter is far worse, for not all plants are bound to the earth and are not as peaceful as one would think. For thousands of years this forest has existed and flourished against all odd and efforts of the ones who seek to oppress it, whether it is the now decaying ruins of the once great Highborne civilization, or even the Horde and Alliance who try to stake claim over the verdant land.

This place has outlasted all things of flesh and blood or stone and mortar, and would continue to do so for many more millenniums to come.

But something is brewing within the walls of the ancient city known as Dire Maul, dark forces are stirring within and even the cities former and current rulers are not powerful enough to hold back the unknown adversary that assails them.

It has been long since a demonic host has made appearance on Azeroth. Many of them are scattered across the world, trapped here with no way to return to their domain and slowly they wither away and try to survive in a world where they will only be hunted and exterminated, as they should be.

But now a force has gathered and their plans cannot be for the good of this world. If someone does not rise up to challenge this new threat then there may be no one who can stop what may be the next crusade of the Burning Legion.

Feralas, Main Road

Ichigo was annoyed right now.

Though the emotion was very easy for anyone to take noticed of, the reason behind his irritation however could be attributed to so many things in the forest, for this place was not meant to have someone such as him living within it. After all, survival of the fittest is the only law of the jungle.

He had been walking for most of the day now, it was past noon and with every single step he took his irritation grew.

One would think that he was angry that he was stuck in the middle of the forest and with nothing to do but swat away mosquitoes and dodge anything that might want to try and munch down on him. But luckily because of his Reiatsu the animals had kept their distance from him, so his anger was not because of the local wildlife.

Then maybe it was the fact that the heat and humidity was something that would drive most men mad? True, the heat and climate were bad, but not as bad as it could be. He had travelled through the deserts of Heuco Mundo and this wasn't as bad as that. So if it was not the climate that caused him such grief, then what was?

"Ow! Stupid thorn." A very audible whisper could easily be heard from a few meters behind Ichigo, whose brow twisted in irritation for what may be the hundredth time in the last few hours.

And the reason was as clear as it could possibly be.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was being followed.

<p class="MsoNormal">But the fact that his pursuer was one of the most hopeless and noisiest people he had seen in a stealthy pursued. Hell, even that fat guy from the Second Division wasn't as bad as the woman following him.

<p class="MsoNormal">For the last six hour he had done nothing but listen to this woman complain about getting dirty, getting her hair caught in a branch, about getting pricked by a thorn, the climate being so hot...

<p class="MsoNormal">So damn fucking annoying!

<p class="MsoNormal">It would have been better if she was some assassin who was quiet! Then he wouldn't be in such a terrible mood...

<p class="MsoNormal">He just wondered where he could have picked up this straggler from?

<p class="MsoNormal">He hadn't met a single person since he took to the road... Maybe it was someone from Feathermoon Stronghold?

<p class="MsoNormal">'Maybe Shandris sent someone to keep tabs on me?' 

<p class="MsoNormal">But he doubted that. She wouldn't send someone out that couldn't know how to keep their mouth shut, after all what kind of tracker would you be if you couldn't keep your mouth shut when tracking your prey? Even if she did, she wouldn't send them to keep an eye on him from a distance!

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo heard a bush shake beside him and he stopped immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal">Either this person thought that he was a complete idiot, or the person in the bush was a complete idiot. And right now he was going to the latter of his two theories.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned to it and stared at it pointedly. There was no movement from the small shrub, but he knew that someone was in there. He could feel it in his very being that told him that there was someone waiting in that bush. He knew it! The person in it knew it! And likely the bush in some sort of manner knew it as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Come out, now." Said Ichigo, his tone commanding and offering the person no chance, if they decided to answer, to refuse. When no one appeared he decided to take matters into his own hands, which he cracked before he made his move.

<p class="MsoNormal">Moving towards the bush he stood in front of it for a moment and glared down at the shrub as if it had offended him in some manner. But it was merely in the way of the person who hid beneath its leaves.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo shot his hands forward and quickly searched through the leaves and branches looking for someone. And when his hands got hold of something that wasn't a leaf or a twig he pulled it out.

<p class="MsoNormal">From the green bush a young Night Elf around his age appeared. She wore ragged green robes and had long dirty blue hair and had tattoos over her glowing eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo held her off the ground by her arms and she looked at him in surprise before it turned to a worried smile. Ichigo's scowled lessoned a little. She was the girl he saved a week ago from the Naga that attacked, he remembered she was also the one who saved him from getting hurt during the fight.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hi there… funny seeing you out here..." She said nervously.

<p class="MsoNormal">Which made Ichigo's scowling brow rise. He put her back on her own two feet and stepped back.

<p class="MsoNormal">When she was on the ground she swayed and moved around anxiously, her obvious anxiety about being caught as clear as the sun that peaked through the canopies of the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Why are you following me?" Ichigo asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">From the face she made, she either was worried he would do something or was shocked that she had been found out, and from the words that came out of her mouth next, it was obviously the latter before the former.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You kne… I mean I wasn't following you!" She sputtered out quickly, waving her hands in front of her. Ichigo raised his brow once more. This girl was weird. From all the Elves he met they were more formal and calm, but this girl was giddy and nervous. "I was just going for a walk! That's right, a walk! Nothing suspicious about that!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"I know you were following me, I heard you a while back." Said Ichigo, which made the emotions of shock passed over her features before she went red with embarrassment. Ichigo looked on at her and could see that though she had been following him, she probably didn't mean any harm. "You should go home."

<p class="MsoNormal">"What? But I can't it's too dangerous! Stonetalon is far from here, I'll never make it!" She exclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo had no idea what she was talking about. He didn't know where the place she called home was, but it definitely wasn't Feathermoon Stronghold.

<p class="MsoNormal">But still she couldn't go with him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Just go back the way you came from Feathermoon Stronghold, you should make it back before nightfall and hopefully the Ferry will be there to pick you up." Said Ichigo, to which she was surprised.

<p class="MsoNormal">"How did you know I was from Feathermoon Stronghold?" She asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo sweet dropped. Did she even realise that it was him who saved her from that Naga? Or that he saw her a few times when he was stretching his legs while walking around the fortress?

<p class="MsoNormal">"I remember seeing you there a few time and I also remember saving you from that Naga." When those words left his mouth she looked at him for a moment before lowering her head and mumbling something that he couldn't quite hear. "What did you say?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Why did you save me?" She asked meekly, to which Ichigo looked at her oddly.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why wouldn't he save her? She was in danger and he acted there was nothing else to it! Maybe she had self-conscious issues?

<p class="MsoNormal">"Because I wanted to." Said Ichigo, she looked up at him and saw his deep brown eyes looking right into hers. "You were in danger and I acted, I can't see people getting hurt when there is something I can do about it."

<p class="MsoNormal">She smiled and looked down. She was right he was a kind person. Just as she raised her head, she could see that he lost his scowl and was looking at her in a calm civil manner. She looked into his eyes once more and saw them no longer hard and fierce, but gentle and kind.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Listen, you should go back, there isn't anything out here for you. It's dangerous being in a place like this." Said Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">She lowered her head for a moment and as if in contemplating his words. She remained so for a while. When she looked up and into his warm brown eyes and couldn’t refuse his request, she nodded to him, almost begrudgingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">She turned around and began to make her way back the way she came. Ichigo could see she was not happy about leaving but he knew it was for the best. He couldn't take her with him, he didn't have enough supplies on him for two people and he couldn't risk someone else coming with him.

<p class="MsoNormal">And she had been through enough already without him bringing more trouble down on her.

<p class="MsoNormal">He had already caused enough trouble for others; he didn't need to get someone killed because of his foolishness. She's better off not being around him, and he's better off only worrying about his own hide rather than trying to protect someone from things he had no idea about.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned away from her retreating figure and continued on his way. He still had a long road ahead of him and it had only just begun.

<p class="MsoNormal">He pulled out the map and looked at where he was, not too far from Dire Maul it would seem, he frowned he hoped he wouldn't come in contact with these Ogres he was warned about.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina however was having different thoughts on that.

<p class="MsoNormal">When she first came here she had no one but herself, no one looked out for her or cared about her. She had no place to really call home nor did she have anyone to truly call a friend. She was the epitome of a lonely person.

<p class="MsoNormal">She had done nothing but exist in this world with nothing else. She lost her home when her parents were taken from her. She never made any friends because of the way she acted and behaved, and her teachers and most Night Elves in general thought of her as some sort of fool that shouldn't be touched because of the fear that her foolishness might be contagious.

<p class="MsoNormal">That didn't even change when she arrived in Feathermoon Stronghold. They didn't care that she got herself trapped there with the rest of them, and every time she tried to do something they would always look at her and berate her on what she does, and when the attack began no one was there to help her, but him.

<p class="MsoNormal">He came to her rescue on more than one occasion, and on both of them he had reassured her that she would be okay and that they wouldn't hurt her. How could she let a person like that just leave without her trying to get to know who he is? To let someone who may be one of the only people to be her friend, leaving without so much as a word of thanks...

<p class="MsoNormal">He bled for her, he risked his life to save her and she had done nothing than just try to remember his name...

<p class="MsoNormal">But she wanted more than that! She wanted to know who he was and prove that he didn't just save her on a chance or just to look like a big deal.

<p class="MsoNormal">When she stared into his eyes she could see the man he was. She saw two sides to him: the hardened warrior who would fight those who do wrong and believe and uphold what was right, and on the other side, she saw a kind hearted young man who would protect not only her, but anyone who he believes should be protected.

<p class="MsoNormal">She stopped after only a minute or two of walking.

<p class="MsoNormal">The thoughts rushing through her head as to why she followed him. She didn't do it to say thank you for what he did. She wanted to meet him and learn of him, yes, but there was more to this than just her need to thank him for saving her pitiful existence. Her thoughts halted at that realization and there it was.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her existence.

<p class="MsoNormal">She had none or only a shadow of one... She had been given a chance to continue on living, but to do what? She had nothing but a crappy store on the isle that was getting her nowhere and she didn't want to go home as much as she complained about wanting to. Even if she did return she would still have a low and miserable existence.

<p class="MsoNormal">So why did she want to follow after him? Why did she want to try and be his friend?

<p class="MsoNormal">Because she wanted purpose in her life.

<p class="MsoNormal">Purpose beyond making sheathes and quivers for warriors who gave her nothing but a few coins and only a few words on what they wanted before leaving only to be seen again when they want something else.

<p class="MsoNormal">But he wasn't like that! He would listen to her, he spoke to her like a person and even though he sent her away he did not do it because he didn't want her in his company, but because he was looking out for her! He didn't know her name and apart from that one meeting he had done more for her than anyone else had done in her whole life.

<p class="MsoNormal">She felt like she wanted to cry that very moment.

<p class="MsoNormal">There was someone out there who cared about her. Even though it was because of his nature, she still couldn't just let someone like that leave to never be seen again. She couldn't live with herself if she let that happen!

<p class="MsoNormal">This was her only chance!

<p class="MsoNormal">To find someone she could talk with, someone to laugh with; someone to call a friend... She couldn't stop a lone tear from falling from her eye. She couldn't let him leave, she would follow and when she was brave enough she would speak with him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her resolve found, she turned on her heals and paced her way down the road, ready to continue her pursuit of the person she knew would give her life purpose.

<p class="MsoNormal">Who would protect her and she would become someone that her parents would be proud of.

<p class="MsoNormal">Someone who will make a difference in this world.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Next Day

<p class="MsoNormal">One Mile South of Dire Maul

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo had spent the first night in the wilderness hiding under a root and watching as the rain pour down from the leaves, luckily it was dry enough underneath for him to get some sleep and still warm enough that he didn’t need a blanket.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was dawn now and he had just finished having breakfast... Or what counted as breakfast. A bit of fresh fruit and some bread may not have been ideal but it was better than nothing. He just hoped that it all stayed fresh long enough for him to reach some place where he could restock. He knew he had a fair amount, but still he would need more: a stream to refill his water –which shouldn’t be too hard– and a grocer to resupply. He doubted he would find one of those in a place like this.

<p class="MsoNormal">He spent most of the morning going cross country. The path he was on seemed to have been washed away, but luckily his map kept him on the right course.

<p class="MsoNormal">Apart from dealing with the rain he was now dealing with humidity and mosquitoes, which were about as big as his thumb! What other surprises does this place have in store for him? *smack* if these damn Mosquitos don’t do him in first.

<p class="MsoNormal">For the most part he was thinking about how something like this could exist. He could never believe that he had been transported to a completely alien world that was filled with things out of fairy tale books: Elves, Demons, Ogres, walking trees...

<p class="MsoNormal">Man, he really couldn't believe it!

<p class="MsoNormal">At first he thought this was all a dream...

<p class="MsoNormal">Some sort of horribly crazy dream that he couldn't wake up from! But two weeks here and he hadn't woken up yet... Guess that proves this place is real, and from what Shandris and Quintis told him, he could believe them. He could feel the Mana in the air.

<p class="MsoNormal">Those treatments Quintis had been giving him had really helped. He felt like a battery that was using two different energy sources: one being Reiatsu and the other being Mana.

<p class="MsoNormal">He wondered if he could create fireballs or something like that with enough concentration. That wouldn't be half bad! Being able to do Magic, actual Magic that you see in the movies! Where you can levitate and cast fireballs at the enemy! Hell, if he was here long enough he might ask if they could teach him a trick or two before he left! Would be a good little trick to have up his sleeve...

<p class="MsoNormal">Just as he was passing along a small ruined wall he heard something off in the distance. It was familiar... He had heard it many times before... In his trip to Soul Society and during his short stay in Heuco Mundo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Someone was fighting.

<p class="MsoNormal">And based on the amount of noise, there were a lot of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned towards the noise and rushed off to see what was happening. He could hear it over a small hill. As he drew nearer he began to see more ruined buildings and fallen stones. He realised now that he was close to Dire Maul, which meant that someone was likely antagonising the cities’ current population, the Ogres.

<p class="MsoNormal">He knew from Quintis that the Ogres were stupid and violent creatures, but even so not to be underestimated. They may lack in intelligence they make up for in strength and the stubbornness to keep attacking until you are dead or it is.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo stood atop the hill and behind a small stone column as he watched the battle that was taking place below.

<p class="MsoNormal">And what a battle it was!

<p class="MsoNormal">Below him he saw a battle between two separate forces. The first being the Gordoc Ogres of Dire Maul and the other from what he knew from Quintis was the forces of the Horde.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ogres were large fat yet physically built blue skinned creatures. Some with two eyes others with only one, some with one head and other with two, some with clubs others with staffs, but all they wore were some rags as loin cloths and armour that barely fit over their massive gut. While they were only scarcely unique in the fact some had one too many head or one to few eyes or too many with both head put together, they looked and it would seem acted... alike.

<p class="MsoNormal">But the warriors of the Horde it seemed were more balanced in combat efficiency than their adversaries.

<p class="MsoNormal">Among them there were five individuals from three separate races.

<p class="MsoNormal">Two Taurens as he could see, large bovine humanoids with hooves and horns. One appeared to be a man and the other woman, and from their armaments it showed that their intended professions were vastly different.

<p class="MsoNormal">The male had dark fur and a golden noise ring. His physical stature could only be described as large. He wore thick metal armour over his entire bulky form, black and maroon plates glistened in the tranquil light and barely hindered his movements as he turned and twisted towards other foes, and on his back was a great tattered maroon cape. An odd helm adored his head, the same colour as his armour and made of the same material, it sat over the top of his head and around both his horns that bent forwards. He looked like some sort of hero from a fairy tale!

<p class="MsoNormal">His weapon of choice was a massive gun, which was more like a massive shotgun. Over the main barrel and running along its lengths were a half cylindrical cover, and another smaller one at the front of the gun on top of the larger which bent upwards slightly. While at the base of the gun was a savage looking bayonet, which looked more like a butcher knife. One would think with a gun like that it wouldn't be used often, they would be wrong from the fact it was covered in blood and torn flesh.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Tauren Hunter turned and fired the hulking weapon at an approaching Ogre. A flash and a resounding crack of the hammer striking the back of the gun and the sound of the combustible powder within the gun made one think it was a cannon rather than a gun. The damage that was done made Ichigo think exactly that. A large hole appeared in the creature's chest, a large hole in its chest and a great amount of blood and gore splatter around and behind it. It couldn't even stay on its feet for the force was great enough to knock it from its feet and send it to the ground in a heap.

<p class="MsoNormal">The second Tauren was female. She looked less savage that the male. She had long braided hair and short horns and a much gentler feature.

<p class="MsoNormal">She wore long robes of gold and green which went to her hooves, on her shoulders were simple wooden shoulder-pads with intricate carvings etched into them. She had a long wooden crooked staff in her hands that had a glowing sapphire orb in the middle. Which was glowing very brightly, and along the surface of the wooden staff were more orbs of varying sizes, almost like it was sap seeping out of the wood rather than gems. But even though it was her weapon she opted to use her magic.

<p class="MsoNormal">In and around her hands and arms was a green glow, one that he recognised immediately as the power of the Druids. She must be similar to Quintis, and from the way she was using it she wasn't using it to heal. From around the feet of the charging Ogres roots and vines pooped out and wrapped themselves around their short stumpy legs and their thorns dug painfully into their flesh, either tripping them or holding them at bay. Then she motioned her hand towards an attacking ogre and from her palm a burst of energy shot out of her hand, Ichigo thought it was some sort of Cero, the ogre was caught in the attack and knocked off his feet and covered in some very bad burns, then the Druid turned towards another ogre and threw him away with a gust of wind.

<p class="MsoNormal">Then there were the two blue skinned creatures just a small distance away from the Tauren. From what Ichigo remembered they were Trolls. Blue fur, tusks, wild hair and in some cases cannibals. How lovely...

<p class="MsoNormal">The male looked right as Ichigo thought, while the female looked a lot better in looks department than her male counterpart did. Although he wouldn't know, the guy might be the best looking troll out there!

<p class="MsoNormal">They fought close to one another just like the two Tauren, although just like them they were very different when it came to their appearances and how they fought against their foes.

<p class="MsoNormal">The male troll was an up close and personal fighter. He showed this off with the two swords in his hands.

<p class="MsoNormal">The first blade was a short sword-breaker, maybe as long as the troll’s arm. Along one edge of the blade were small slots much like the teeth of a comb. With it the troll was able to catch any bladed weapons such as swords or axes in the slots and with a yank, knock the attacker off balance and leave them open to an attack with his other sword.

<p class="MsoNormal">Which was a finely crafted rapier. A long yet narrow doubled edged blade with a very elaborate hilt, which protected the users hand from being struck with a hand guard that connected to the cross guard. With the rapier he stabbed the Ogre though its expose side and quickly pulling it free, leaving only a three centimetre wide wound in its side. It didn't even scream or acknowledge the attack before it fell to the ground dead, and no sooner had he killed it did he move onto another target, swinging his sword breaker to catch their own weapon and then use it to throw them off balance and finish them with his rapier.

<p class="MsoNormal">The female Troll fought those around her with magic rather than the mace holstered at her hip. And still contrary to the male of her species, who wore form-fitting leather armour and clothing, she wore very little compared to him. In fact the only thing Ichigo could say she wore was a very tight blouse of blue and gold. While a simple yet decorative loincloth covered he front and rear. Clipped to her shoulders and wrapped around her neck was a long brown cloak that billowed behind her as she cast deadly spells at the hulking blue skinned beasts around her. She had wild red hair and elongated ears similar to the Night Elves and a deep aqua shade of short fur.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a chant her hands were doused in electricity, and with a thrust a ball of lightning shot out of them. When it struck the Ogre he was consumed with a brilliant flash and the next thing they saw was his charred remains' on the ground twitching, as the electrical current continued to course through his body even after death. Then, as one snuck up on her she turned to face it, as she dodged the club meant to bash in her skull and shot her palm forward and in an instant its head was set alight with magical flame. Its screams died quickly as its lips and flesh with what was likely its small brain disintegrated into nothing. The Ogre fell forward and she stepped aside as it did, giving it only a sideway glance before turning towards another group of Ogres charging her way. She raised her hands and around her strange totems raised themselves from the earth, each radiating a unique colour that associated with a different element and purpose.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo turned his attention away from them to look at the last member of the group, and from what he saw, likely the most savage and dangerous of the entire group.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was an Orc. Ichigo didn't have to recall anything about what he knew about what they looked like, he could tell just by the way he acted and fought that he was a member of the green skinned killing machine race of humanoids.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was a hulking thing, a large muscular physique and taller than Ichigo by a good head or two. His armour was faded red plates that covered nearly all his body save for his shaved head, which had an expression of pure rage as it twisted into a savage snarl. On his shoulder were large spiked pauldrons that appeared large enough to protect his head from an attack from his flank. Attached to his back were two large spiked red and gold crescents that formed a sort of halo around the back of the Orc's head.

<p class="MsoNormal">While his appearance and stature were intimidating, it was his weapon that made Ichigo's blood run cold. He had a large axe, a metre or so long, and with a simple wooden shaft with a double sided metal axe head. On one side was a large serrated axe head that was covered in blood and had green runic marking along the flat surface, and on the other was a sharp straight edge that shot upwards like a dagger.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a single swing he cut open an Ogres chest, and lopped off another's arm, but it didn't stop him from continuing the slaughter. With a downward chop swing he split an ogres head in two and a good majority of its chest before he moved on to bury it into another Ogre's chest with equal amount of ferocity.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo watched as they were surrounded by dozens of Ogres, who were charging in with the intentions to kill those who trespass on their land. Large mallets and axes in their hands and further back Ogre-Magi were preparing to send lethal spells towards the group from a distance. Ichigo scowled as he watch the scene below him. He was having some trouble just sitting there and watching as these people fight for dear life against these peanut brained tubs of lard.

<p class="MsoNormal">He remembered that he should avoid the Horde at all cost. The Orcs and Trolls would not hesitate to kill him for trespassing in their territory, and from the stories he's heard about them he was inclined to agree. But he was told that the Tauren were more civil when it came to the Alliance. They wouldn't attack unless attacked. But still, going in there and trying to help them might not be a good idea. Sure, he would be helping them, but they may not want his help and just try to off him when the Ogres were all dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">He then saw that the male Troll had over stepped himself and was now separate from his fellow companion. From what he saw the Troll wouldn’t be able to hold off that many opponents alone, he needed help.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo growled to himself before running hand through his hair. Why did this have to get so complicated? Why was it that he had to always be the hero who rushes in to save someone’s ass?

<p class="MsoNormal">He grabbed hold of Zangetsu and pulled it from his back, the white cloth falling away from the blade as it was drawn, and with another deep breath he charge forward ready to offer what assistance he could and hope they don't decide to kill him later.

<p class="MsoNormal">Raizzariza, that was his name, was a very skilled and deadly assassin who worked for the Steamwheedle Cartel as a privateer. He served as one of Baron Revilgaz's top assassins and warriors, as well as his number one when it came to bringing in money for mercenary work.

<p class="MsoNormal">That is why he was here, to help out with a mission into Dire Maul.

<p class="MsoNormal">They said that a small demonic force has set up shop inside. For a nice sum he was hired along with a few warriors to go in and clear out the ruined city and learn about what was going on. Sadly everything went pear shaped after they got to close to the city.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ogres were outside the city in force, a lot more than reported when they arrived in Camp Mojache. In fact, it looked like the entire tribe was here and waiting for them to arrive.

<p class="MsoNormal">His companions were good, he knew the Tauren Hunter from previous association, and the other three were utterly annihilating the Ogres in droves. But even so they were outnumbered and the enemy was closing in on them from all sides.

<p class="MsoNormal">Damn it! He thought to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't realise how far he drifted away from Shikil'hi and now he was surrounded on all sides. Which was bad! He could take on a single opponent with ease but more than one and it got tricky. He didn't known if he could last long or at all against so many.

<p class="MsoNormal">He ducked under an axe meant to take his head off. With his rapier he stabbed over his shoulder and pierced through the Ogre's eyeball and into its brain.

<p class="MsoNormal">A known fact that most people don't take into account is that an Ogre's brain is actually bigger than that of normal humans. And the reason they are dumb is because they are raised to be subservient to the strongest and don’t have any educational system within the clan save for learning to hunt and cook. Most of the time the strongest is a complete retard, but on occasion there are those who have some shred of intelligence. But they are usually Magi or Sorcerers and because of their exposure to the Arcane have granted them a greater mental acuity.

<p class="MsoNormal">But on the topic of an Ogre having a blade through its head. It didn't matter if its brain was the size of a walnut or not, it was still as good as dead. With a quickly tug he pulled his blade free and moved onto defending himself from the others.

<p class="MsoNormal">He raised his sword-breaker to halt another axe, and when the edge embedded itself between the slots on the blade he twisted it and locked the weapon into his own. With his rapier he struck at the Ogre's throat, the tip of his blade cutting open its jugular and a large flow of blood painted the ogres blue skin a new colour. Twisting his sword-breaker he released the axe and used it to deflect another incoming attack, this time an overhead swing from side.

<p class="MsoNormal">But the blow was a heavy one and he couldn't stop it entirely. His sword-breaker and the axe were forced to the ground. Rai twisted to the side with the loss of his weapon and with his sword he was able to cut open Ogre's neck like the last one. He quickly tried to retrieve his sword-breaker but was forced to leap away from a large wooden mallet that threatened to crush his entire body.

<p class="MsoNormal">Now there were two Ogres between him and his sword-breaker! He didn't like that...

<p class="MsoNormal">He saw a third coming to support them, and saw a possible opening that he could use. And when it came to him and an opening he did it in two ways: with grace and a lot of showing off.

<p class="MsoNormal">He held his sword up and grabbed the blade between his fingertips and like a pseudo-javelin he threw it at the Ogre behind the closest two. The rapier flew forward and sunk itself into the Ogre's gut, the sword didn't kill it but it made it stop and roar in pain. Which was all Raizzariza needed to take out the first two.

<p class="MsoNormal">He reached around and under the small cloak on his back and grasped hold of his other weapons. In a quick motion he drew two flintlock pistols. He took aim and fired.

<p class="MsoNormal">A sudden bang and flash as the powder ignited in the guns and the bullets were forced from the barrels and towards their targets. In a fraction of a second it took the bullets to travel from the guns to the targets, two Ogres were dead. Their heads exploded in a shower of blood and brain matter. They slowly fell backwards and by that time Raizzariza was already moving forward.

<p class="MsoNormal">He rushed towards his sword-breaker, while holstering his two spend pistols behind his back. He passed the still falling and mostly headless Ogre's and came within range of the third Ogre, who drew back his axe and intended to cut off the Trolls head in a single swing. But it's hard to kill something as elusive and slippery as a Troll Rogue.

<p class="MsoNormal">As the axe's edge neared his neck, Raizzariza leaned back and dropped low until he was on his knees and leaning back nearly ninety degrees. His momentum carried him far enough for him to reach his sword-breaker and with that back in his grasp he leapt back to his feet and whirled on the Ogre that had his rapier stuck in its gut like a needle in a pin cushion.

<p class="MsoNormal">As Raizzariza turned he brought up his sword, when he saw the Ogre he watched as the axe move towards his head ones more. Swinging his sword he met the axe head on. The axe struck hard, nearly knocking the Troll off his feet, but Raizzariza was strong and with a twist he locked the axe’s edge into the apertures of his sword. With another twist he was able to twist the axe around and by extension the Ogre's arm. Which forced the beast to twist its body to face away from the troll to lessen the strain on its arm, leaving itself open for Rai to boot him in the side of the knee.

<p class="MsoNormal">A roar escaped Ogre's lips and it tumbled to the ground with its leg now bent at an improper angle, losing its axe in the process. Discarding the axe that was locked in the slot of his weapon Raizzariza attacked. He spun on his feet and with a single swing along the straight edge of his sword-breaker cut off the Ogre's head. It flew from its shoulders and a geyser of blood erupted from the neck.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ogre fell onto is back, dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Moving forward Rai retrieved his rapier from the Ogre's stomach and flicked the blood off the edge of both his blades. As he did this he turned to see another group of Ogres charging in to cut him to ribbons. Pulling back his sword-breaker and positioning his rapier in front he waited for them.

<p class="MsoNormal">But he didn't have to worry about them, for in a matter of seconds all three had been cut down. But it was not by his blade that they fell.

<p class="MsoNormal">The first Ogre was thrown forward and off its feet by an unknown force and when it landed face first on the ground the force that threw it to the ground was visible for all to see. A large cleaver like sword was embedded in its back.

<p class="MsoNormal">The sword was a mix between black and silver, yet it somehow still absorbed the light that existed around it. On the hilt of the blade was a thin white cloth that extended past the two Ogres and to its wielder who stood a few metres behind them.

<p class="MsoNormal">With a tug the sword was pulled free from the Ogre's back and back into the young human's hand. With it he dispatched the two flabbergasted Ogres in two strikes. The first was a downward slash that cut through the Ogre's chest and the second was an upward slash that did the same to the other Ogre.

<p class="MsoNormal">They both fell simultaneously to the boys attacks. He swung and handled the blade like an experience warrior, which surprised Raizzariza.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Troll didn't think that a human so small and likely so young could wield a sword such as that with the ease he wielded his rapier. A weapon like that would be difficult to wield, even for an experienced warrior, the weight and proportions of the weapon would make it difficult for someone to master it. The boy shot forward towards Raizzariza and with his massive cleaver-like sword he sunk it deep into the chest of another Ogre, the boy grimaced as he pulled the blade free and observed the blood that now painted his blade a different shade of black.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he was looking down at the Ogre, another attacked from the boy’s side.

<p class="MsoNormal">Raizzariza raised his rapier and shot it forward. With perfect precision he thrust the sword past the front of the boys head and into the heart of the Ogre. Who remained motionless for a moment before it fell to the ground dead. Rai moved his sword away and the boy before looked the human over.

<p class="MsoNormal">He was right about the boy being young. He barely looked like he was in the beginning of his teens; he was definitely younger than most warriors he's seen before. But the way he handled that sword showed that he knew how to fight, and from the determination in his eyes he wasn't one who backed down when a fight came his way.

<p class="MsoNormal">Raizzariza smirked at the youth's fighting spirit, he would have asked if the boy had an Orc for a mother but when more Ogres started coming he put that aside for another time.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo turned to the Troll and watched him closely. He had stopped an Ogre from attacking his side, Ichigo could have stopped the hulking beast himself but the fact he was saved by the Troll showed that he may not try to kill him later on... Or he was just calling a truce for now until they were out of harm's way.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned to the sound of a roar and saw another group of Ogres rushing into the fray. Ichigo brought up Zangetsu and waited for them to come. He glanced to the side and saw the Troll doing the same. They shared a momentary glance and there was an unspoken conversation between the two of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo and Raizzariza charged towards the group of Ogres. There were seven in total that had an assortment of weapons.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo charged to the right hand side while Raizzariza went to the left. Their weapons at the ready and their targets marked out for them. Either one of them would have difficulty taking down so many at once, but with them both there they could easily take them down quick and without risk of being swarmed. The next few second would be the last moments of those poor Gordoc Ogres lives.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo met the first Ogre, who was wielding an axe, coming down to cut him in half from shoulder to groin. But a quick evade and he was within the Ogre's guard. With his blade pressed against the lengths of its stomach he was able to cut him down with a simple dash to the right, leaving the Ogre to try and keep its inside from falling out.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo then moved onto the next one. It attacked from his side and intended to repeat the move the last one attempted, but like the first it would fail. Ichigo met the axe with Zangetsu and shattered the flimsy made weapon before bringing his sword down onto the Ogre's shoulder, nearly splitting the dumb brute in half.

<p class="MsoNormal">He glanced to the left and saw the third Ogre coming at him with a spear, ready to impale him through the side, but Ichigo ripped his weapon from the Ogre's chest cavity and swung it at the pike. Knocking the metal tipped stick out of the way before stabbing Zangetsu toward the Ogre's heart. He then looked to his right to see yet another coming in to attack. He removed the ogre from his blade and behind it he saw the troll had finished dispatching the three on the left, and was now there was only one left to deal with. Ichigo ran beside the troll and met the enemy head on.

<p class="MsoNormal">This Ogre didn't have the same blue colouration to its skin as the others had, it was a more pinkish colour similar to humans, and also it had armour. If you could call a girdle and a couple plates chained together that only covered its man boobs armour... And in both its hands were a pair of serrated axes. One on one with it could prove a challenge, but against these two they could defeat him in three simple steps:

<p class="MsoNormal">First they needed to charge him side by side, so that way when he attacked they could meet him together rather than one at a time. Then as they approached, he attacked, raising both axes over his head as he swung them down to kill them both in a single fell swoop. But that was where step two came into play.

<p class="MsoNormal">Raizzariza raised his sword-breaker while Ichigo raised Zangetsu, and both their blades met the serrated edge of the Ogre's axes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Raizzariza locked the weapon into one of his sword's slots and twisted it out of the way, while Ichigo using the cloth on the hilt of his sword as a rope was able to wrap it around the Ogre's arm and trap his axe on top of Zangetsu. This left the Ogre open to the third and final step - the killing blow.

<p class="MsoNormal">Without its weapons to defend itself it could only watch as the narrow rapier veered towards its skull. And in the instant it pierced the Ogre's skull, it was dead.

<p class="MsoNormal">Unlocking his sword from the axe and removing the cloth from his arm the Rogue and Shinigami watched as the Ogre fell backward and onto the mossy earth, dead before it hit the ground. Looking around both could see that the battle was coming to an end.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ogres had cleared off, only a few remained because they couldn't run without getting shot in the back or cleaved in twain. Ichigo could see over fifty corpses around him. These guys certainly knew how to handle themselves.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Not bad, mon." Said the Troll, who was sheathing his swords at his side and walking up to Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">On closer inspection Ichigo could now get a good look at him. He was actually taller than he appeared, but he had a slouch that seemed to make him appear smaller. If he stood tall he would be around seven feet tall and maybe an inch or two. And he had long white hair that was tied into a braid and wrapped around his neck, likely to prevent it from getting in the way during a fight. And his face had a very wide smile on it, and the glint in his eyes meant he was about to try something or was just a mischievous guy.

<p class="MsoNormal">"De way ya swing dat blade, it shows jus' how skilled ya are."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Thanks." Said Ichigo. Looking around at the carnage around him, Ichigo noted a lot of bodies littering the ground, turning the soil dark and muddy with freshly spilt blood and nourishing the earth with the ash of those that had been burnt rather then cut apart. "I don't have to worry about you trying to eat me now am I?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo watched as the Troll's eyes widened before he burst out laughing, hunching over even further and slapping his knee and then pointing at him. After a about fifteen seconds of laughing the Troll got a hold of himself and straightened up, slightly, before replying.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don' worry mon, the Darkspear Tribe aint cannibals, ya hide is safe!" He said wiping a tear from his eye, and looking up at Ichigo before extended his hand forward in greeting. Ichigo took it and they shook before Raizzariza introduced himself. "Name's Raizzariza, privateer of the Steamwheedle Cartel."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ichigo Kurosaki." The Substitute responded in kind, which made the Troll raise his brow at an unusual name which Ichigo seemed to have noticed "Yeah its kinds of odd, but it's normal where I am from."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ehh, who am I to judge? I don' even like me name." said Raizzariza, shaking off the boy's explanation before he said. "So just call me Rai."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Sure thing, now can I ask…" Said Ichigo, who looked over to the approaching group of warriors: one with a gun, another with a sword and two with magical powers. He couldn't help but feel at their mercy. "Do I have to worry about them?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Dem? Nah! Well, probably de Orc, and maybe Shikil'hi but for completely different reasons." He said with a smile. And from that smile he knew that whatever reason he had to be wary of them, both will not going to sit well with him. "Give me a minute I'll talk wid' em."

<p class="MsoNormal">Rai walked up the group and spoke with them quietly, leaving Ichigo to watch as they likely decide on what to do with him. A minute passed and the large gun wielding Tauren walked over to the boy, dwarfing him by a staggering eight foot nine inches.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I am thankful that you save our companion here, but this is no place for you young one." Said the Tauren, Ichigo looked at him curiously; there was something about what he said that reminded him of something.

<p class="MsoNormal">His voice deep and gravelly, and the way he handled that miniature cannon in his hands showed that he was more than strong enough to hold it while it blasts away.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't worry, I'm not going to be camping here for a holiday, I'm just on my way to Theramore." Said Ichigo, speaking with the Tauren straight up in a more causal manner reserved for people who speak to one another about how their day is going.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I see; then I suggest you be on your way. Otherwise you may have more than just Ogres to deal with." Said the Tauren.

<p class="MsoNormal">Which peeked Ichigo's interest. He didn't like what he was going against and from what Quintis told him about the variety of things out there that could kill him, he didn't want to risk there being something he didn't mention.

<p class="MsoNormal">"What's going on?"

<p class="MsoNormal">The Tauren looked down at him and sighed. Obviously he didn't want to explain it to him, either because he was young or a human, Ichigo didn't know.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Demons have invaded Dire Maul, a lot of them. We have been assembled to deal with them and their leader before they break loose." Said the Tauren.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Demons?" Said Ichigo, murmuring as he remembered the creature he fought against before he arrived her that giant winged Demon. "Tell me, is the leader a Dreadlord?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok, as he was known by his companions, looked surprised by the boy’s question. How could he have known that the enemy they were tracking down was a Dreadlord? There wasn't something right about this, he could feel something off about the boy, something he didn't noticed before.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes." Said Turok.

<p class="MsoNormal">And Ichigo slumped his head at the confirmation to his fears. He knew that the Dreadlord that was leading the Demons that were trying to take over Dire Maul was the same that attacked him during his time in the Twisted Nether. This meant that he was the reason behind this attack. The Dreadlord had been brought here because of him! Had he not accidentally activated that strange portal then neither he nor that Demon would be here and there wouldn't be a threat of a Demonic invasion!

<p class="MsoNormal">The story that Quintis told him of how the Demons invaded this world and tried to destroy it... He knew that if they can get a hold of the city they could use the same method that brought him here to allow more of their own to come here.

<p class="MsoNormal">He couldn't allow that!

<p class="MsoNormal">As much as it wasn't his problem what happened here, he was responsible for causing this.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I want to join you in your hunt." Said Ichigo in all seriousness.

<p class="MsoNormal">Which made Turok's eyes widen along with the others who were within earshot. Turok made a move to deny his request but the look in Ichigo's eyes made him hesitant for a moment. He could see the determination in them, but also power, the kind he didn't know, but none the less he couldn't allow the boy to come with them. He was not yet of age and even though he killed a few Ogres, he might not stand well against the other forces within the walls of Dire Maul.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I am sorry young one, but I cannot allow you to come with us. You may be skilled, but this isn't your fight, go home." Said Turok.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned away from the boy and moved off with the group, but the next words out of the boy’s mouth made him halt.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Then let me repay you for saving me." Said Ichigo. Turok halted as he finished the sentence. So he remembers him then? He turned around and looked at the boy and he could see that he still carried that look in his eye. "For dragging me out of the river and patching me up for the Sentinels to find me."

<p class="MsoNormal">"So you weren't unconscious as I recall? I'm surprised, you're back on your feet in only two weeks, and I thought you would have died." Said Turok, turning to face the human boy once more.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Listen, you have your reasons for being here and so do I. So if you don't want me to go with you, fine. I'll do it alone, but know that I do intend to find that Demon before he does any more damaged that he already has." Said Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Determination thick in his throat. Had the boy not proven himself just a few minutes ago against those Ogres, Turok would have called him a fool. But now he was still a fool, a brave fool.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Alright." Said the Tauren begrudgingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">Which made the others look on in shock. Even Rai was surprised that the old bull would allow him to come on the mission with them! True, the boy could fight but he was young, very young. But he didn't know why he wanted to find the Dreadlord... Likely some sort of grudge against their kind that must have been committed against his family when he was younger. He didn’t know and even if that was the case he could sympathise with him, after all he had his own grudges in this world that he was looking to collect on, so if this was about revenge he couldn’t really stand in his way.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Turok, are you sure?" Asked the female Tauren, approaching him with a   very concerned expression on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">Turok turned to her and nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Let's move, we have a long way to go before we can find the hole these Demon’s crawled out of." Said Turok.

<p class="MsoNormal">As he said that, Ichigo moved to follow them, but before any of them could make a single step a shout caught their attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Wait!" Two things happened when that shout reached their ears. The first was the Horde warriors reached for their weapons and turned towards the possible threat, while Ichigo didn't move and simple face palmed as he recognized that voice. "You can't go in there, you'll be killed!"

<p class="MsoNormal">A very young Night Elf girl had just leapt out of the bushes and ran up to Ichigo. With long blue hair and a torn and dirty green dress, and from what they could tell, she knew this young human boy. And from the look on his face, or how his hand was now firmly planted against it showed, he knew her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Why are you here? I told you to go home!" Roared Ichigo, chastising the young girl for not obeying his command for her to return home. Adelina recoiled slightly from his yell before she started to stammer and choke as she tried to reply.

<p class="MsoNormal">"But… I couldn't let you leave! You could get yourself killed if you aren't careful!" She tried to argue.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her voice timid and she tried to defend her actions, but was not doing so well at it.

<p class="MsoNormal">"What does that have to do with you being out here?" Ichigo asked her, a bit forcefully.

<p class="MsoNormal">True, he didn't want to upset the girl but he couldn't just allow her to be so careless when moving through a place like this. She was the one who would get killed, not him!

<p class="MsoNormal">"I know all about this place, I can lead you through it no problem!" She said with a toothy grin on her face and her hands on her hips, as if she had just won the argument, Ichigo’s palm returned to his face before he responded.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Just go home, I have to deal with a Demon before I can go to Theramore." Said Ichigo, running his hand from his face and through his hair before he turned away from her and moved back towards the group he will be accompanying.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Wait!" She tried to call out to them, but they were already moving. Then she ran after them trying to get them to listen. "I can help! I promise, let me come with you!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"What? Don' make us laugh girl, you got nothin' we need." Said Shikil'hi.

<p class="MsoNormal">Only looking over her shoulder to address Adelina. But when a small root came up from under the ground and held the Shaman in place did the rest stop to look at the Elf. The Shaman ignited the roots and cleared them away from her ankle, the fire didn't burn her, but the fact that the Druid had the audacity to try and subdue her made her bristle with anger. The girl was lucky she didn't set her alight!

<p class="MsoNormal">"I can help! I was taught well! I can be useful!" She pleaded with them, but mainly toward Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">Who was looking at her sceptically. He didn't want her here; it was likely he would have to protect her from whatever they come across.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Give us a reason." Said Turok.

<p class="MsoNormal">Who again received several surprised looks from the rest of the group as he was actually giving her a chance.

<p class="MsoNormal">She beamed at the chance and then she decided to list all the reasons to why she should join them, a long list.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I can heal anything from a stab wound to a gash with little trouble, I can cook anything you give me, I can…"

<p class="MsoNormal">This went on for about a minute. With them staring at her in utter disbelief... How the hell could she believe she could do half of the things she was suggesting? And when she brought out her leather goods, they all cringed at the designs that were imprinted on them. There was nothing wrong with the work per say, but the fact that there were bunnies, birds and other animals on it made them hope they didn't have to resort to using her product as a secondary item in case theirs armour is damaged.

<p class="MsoNormal">Slowly their attention was drifting away. The girl could talk a mile a minute, yet that didn't make her monologue any the more quicker. It was only when an Ogre appeared just a few metres behind her that the group's interest piqued.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Should we warn her?" Whispered Shikil'hi towards the Orc, who leaned down to respond.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Nah, let's see if she notices before hammer hits her." Said the armoured Orc.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo looked on at the Ogre for a few seconds and noticed that no one was moving to intercept it and Adelina –who had her eyes closed and was counting with her fingers– hadn't noticed it. He sighed to himself before he drew Zangetsu from his back and charged forward.

<p class="MsoNormal">In the blink of an eye he was past Adelina and right in front of the Ogre, who didn't even let out a scream of pain or alarm as Ichigo cut a fatal gash into its chest. It fell to the ground with a light thud, leaving Ichigo with a bloody blade and none the wiser Night Elf, who just so happens to have finished speaking.

<p class="MsoNormal">"So can I come along?" She asked, finally opening her eyes after reciting the reasons for her to tag along.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo looked at her as he walked past, which she took notice of and gave him and odd look before he re-joined the group, they looked at one another before Turok made the call.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You can come." He said, everyone gave him a look... A look that said only one thing: Ahhh, what the fuck?!. He didn't pay it any mind, but before Adelina could start jumping for joy he continued, this time speaking to Ichigo "But, you will have to watch for her."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Wait! What?!" Exclaimed Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">But before he could argue anymore they were walking off, leaving a shocked Ichigo and a very happy Adelina.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Great, now our baggage has baggage..." Said the Orc.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo made to snap at him but was enveloped in a hug by Adelina, which nearly knocked him off his feet. He looked at her and saw her face was a few inches from his own and a big smile was on her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't worry, I can take care of myself, you won't have to worry about a thing!" She reassured him with as much assurance as she could.

<p class="MsoNormal">But Ichigo was far from convinced about the girl's ability to keep herself from harm... And the next words that ran through his mind made that apparent.

<p class="MsoNormal">This is bullsh'it! <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">