Chapter 13

 Transcendence 

Chapter 13: Assassins

Theramore, Early Morning

The streets were bustling with people: guards carrying out their routine patrols and everyday citizens going about their daily business. Whether it is at the docks or simply to run the stalls that stretched up the length of the streets. Selling wares that any other city would: armour, weapons, food, clothes, and other miscellany that can be traded for a few pieces of silver. Even in a city as small as this; the need for such items are still as much as any other city in the Alliance.

Blue and Red Team members were sparring as usual in the practice yards, soldiers in identical armour aside from the colour of their tabards squared off against one another and cheered as their teams fought for supremacy over their opponents.

Even though this small city lives in one of the most dismal places one pray never to live within, the people of Theramore were going about their lives without worry or care, and Adelina found that as an admiring quality of such a city. That even in the most gloomy of places, people can still flourish and have a life without constant worry of being attacked, be it by the Horde or the malicious creatures that make their homes in the swamp. Adelina saw it in people’s eyes as they went about their day, talking and laughing with a genuine smile on their faces as they walked down the street, truly a contrast to the world that just lay beyond the large white walls.

Adelina travelled around the city for a while, looking what it had to offer. Surprisingly there was more here than just a few places where one could buy weapons or sustenance aside from the Inn.

Several stalls were selling specific wares to the anticipating buyers that walked buy. They had stalls for fresh fruit, the finest silk in Kalimdor and even a horse breeder who was willing to sell his stallions so long as the customer can pay for them. You just had to look past the many siege engines, large number of armoured guards and also the colossal presence of the barracks and central tower that dominated all other structures within the walls. One could see that this place was also a community full of people and families going about their daily lives, working and bringing in the money to continue on living. And from what the young Druid could tell, there was no one here that would have it any other way.

But for now Adelina had a single objective in her mind, and that was to find this Trauma Surgeon, Doctor… Gusta… Van… Howzing? Or something along those lines.

"Why are human names so hard to remember?" Adelina said with a sigh.

By Elune, she was glad Ichigo wasn't here to hear her say that, he would have thrown what she said to him about remembering person's name and pronouncing it correctly right back in her face.

She decided to forget about it and ask the doctor his name when she met him, but first she needed to find him, which was easy as he only worked in the barracks, and this time it seemed like she wasn't being held up. It looks like when she spoke with the lieutenant last night he put in a word for her, maybe so that she could enter without having to tell them every time she needed to enter. That may be well and good but there was still one problem.

She didn't know exactly where this doctor was inside the barracks. She would have to ask for directions. She saw two guards standing beside the main entrance, each one on the either side of it, staring off ahead at what exactly she didn't know. She walked over to the one in the red armour; he wore similar silver grey armour as the rest of the guards in Theramore, aside from the red trimmed tabard with an icon of a flame sown into the fabric.

Adelina realised he must be part of that Red team that some of the guards were organised into. She looked over to the right to see a similar man but instead of red colouring, he had blue and his tabard had a golden lion face emblazed on it. Turning back to the soldier in red she decided to ask him where the doctor is.

"Excuse me, can you tell me where… the trauma surgeon is?" Adelina inquired.

She hesitated on whether to try and say his name or not, but opted to just use his occupation rather than risk butchering his name. She would guess that they may take some offence to it for not being able to pronounce it right.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You mean Guster?" the Guard questioned.

<p class="MsoNormal">She nodded to him and smiled, before she frowned in thought. ‘Wait; was that really his name?’

<p class="MsoNormal">"Jarad, you idiot, it's Gustaf!" Said the guard in blue on the opposite side of the door, to which the first guard – apparently named Jarad – looked at him, and even beneath his red winged helmet, one could easily see the irritated scowl form on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Bite me. Kahil!" Said Jarad, before he raised his arm and balled his fist at his blue counterpart angrily. "You know how hard it is to remember that man's name, he's from Stromgarde or something, and they have weird names those people."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Not really, you're just an idiot that can't remember a person's name." Kahil countered calmly, not bothering to look at Jarad as he insulted him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Which only made the man in red get angrier and his skin started to turn a shade of red similar to flame emblazoned on his tabard.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh, that's rich coming from you Blue-boy." Jarad growled while uttering the last two words with venom, now turning fully to face Kahil. "Let me ask you this: can you remember all the names of the people who kicked you tin can backside over the practice fields? There have to be more than a few! After all, you Blue boys aren't that good at fighting, you should stick to the dummies, they're more than enough for a delicate thing like you."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh yes, and you're so good at fighting!" Kahil drawled, turning his head towards Jarad and levelling the man in red with an annoyed glare, before turning his entire form and then crossing his arms over his chest and retorting. "Like that time Captain Andrew got into a fight with that young Adventurer for no reason! I see that all you Red's know is how to pick a fight with people walking down the street."

<p class="MsoNormal">"That was an accident, a complete misunderstanding! Beside that was fixed up a while ago, so no harm done." Jarad barked.

<p class="MsoNormal">All the while Adelina watched their verbal spar with one another and made subtly threats of violence that appeared to be become anything but subtle. She looked back and forth between them before she quietly and inconspicuously entered the keep and out of their way.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'll just go look for him myself." Adelina said, nervously backing up into the Barracks as she watched the two of them advance on one another with their fists raised in front of them and ready to send them flying.

<p class="MsoNormal">She turned around and walked down the hall, ignoring the shouting and the sound of metal hitting metal. She hoped that she hadn't cause all that to happen, all she did was ask for was where Gustaf was and then that happened! She had no idea it would have escalated that bad!

<p class="MsoNormal">She stopped when another guard passed her and asked the same question to him. Luckily he wasn't as insane as the two outside.

<p class="MsoNormal">The good doctor was on the ground floor and in the small medical centre just at the back of the keep under the south-west tower, she went there immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Now pay attention!" She heard a roar through the halls and halted momentarily. "The critically wounded must be tended to first. After the critically wounded come the badly injured. The ones that are injured the less should be tended to last."

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina peeked through the door and saw what appeared to be the medical centre. Inside she saw a man in in long black pants and dull grey overall over as white buttoned up shirt, he had a moustache and a balding head with only a small amount remaining at the sides above the ears. The man was instructing three other younger people, all dressed in a similar manner as their teacher, which made her wonder why they would have a uniform such as that.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Uh, sir." One of the students spoke, raising his hand to show that it was he who was speaking. "Why do we have to wear this?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Because it makes you look dashing and also mature! Do you have any idea how much of a doctor you look like right now?" Gustaf bellowed with pride. Before he got a very crazy in his eye and he leaned close to the boy and said in a spookily calm voice. “Do you have a problem with that boy? Are you saying that this attire is not dashing and make me look mature?”

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina was having some concerns about this man's mental stability when it came to clothing and treating his students and making them look like him. It looked like this man needed help serious help.

<p class="MsoNormal">“N-N-N-No Sir!” the same Student stuttered out, visibly shaking at the insane glare the doctor was giving him.

<p class="MsoNormal">“Good.” Gustaf said, leaning away with a smirk on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal">She heard a pained groan and all around the room Adelina could see several patients waiting to be treated. Although none looked to be in any danger of dying, they do appear to be in need of medical attention and most of them appeared to be part of Red or Blue teams.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Now, get to treating them, and remember work on the serious cases first and work your way down." The good, possibly insane, doctor instructed.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, Doctor VanHowzen!" The three medical trainees exclaimed before they moved off to treat the patients.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina looked at the man who was instructing them. He was the person she was looking for! She hoped that he could help Ichigo, both being available to help and being capable of helping.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Excuse me..." Adelina asked, gaining the man's attention.

<p class="MsoNormal">He turned on his feet and faced her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ah, hello young lady, how may I help you?" He asked with a smile and upbeat voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">Even though there were patients around him saying they were going to die and were seeing a bright light or… Blue, for some reason he remained strangely cheerful and jovial.

<p class="MsoNormal">"My friend, he is injured and even though I am a healer my skills may not be enough, I would like to see if you could visit him to see if he needs proper medical help." Adelina pleaded, and Gustaf could hear that hint of desperation in her voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">She really wanted him to check up on her friend, he could never say no to anyone who needed help.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Alright, but I will not be able to for the moment, too many patients. I can come to the Inn early this afternoon to check up on him." Gustaf said, while motioning to the different patients in the room. "I have too many patients on my hands at the moment. Those damn Reds and Blues were fighting again; glad they ran out of steam before anyone else got hurt."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Uhhh, well, I kind of saw two more of them fighting outside." Adelina replied, rubbing the back of her head and chuckling nervously.

<p class="MsoNormal">"What?! Why the hell are they fighting about this time?" Gustaf cried out with indignant rage, as if it was a personal offence to him that they were fighting and if they got hurt it was his problem.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Well, I asked them where you were, and then the one in red asked if I was looking for Guster..." She saw a vein pop on the top of the doctor's head. "Then the one in blue called him stupid, then the red one said that Blues can't fight, and then the one in blue said that the Reds always pick fights, and then they started yelling and hitting each other."

<p class="MsoNormal">Gustaf grumbled something unintelligent as he passed the young Druid and moved to the door, but as he moved he picked up a hacksaw from the table. Adelina knew that it was used to saw through bones for patients that had to have their limbs removed due to infection or were too damaged to be healed. He stopped at the door and looked at his young apprentices, who were all looking at him apprehensively as they wondered what he planned to do with that medical instrument, and without letting them asked what he was planning he said.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Keep the patients stable, I need to go and perform some delicate surgery on some poor boys arses!" Gustaf exclaimed in righteous fury, turning and walking out the door.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Sir?" Asked one of the apprentices, just as his mentor was leaving, hoping to understand what he was talking about.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Their heads appear to be stuck up their backside, I intent to remove them." Said Gustaf, who didn't bother to stop walking as he did, and as he rounded the corner he yelled out and through the barracks. "Then I intent to plant my foot square up their arses and kick their brains back into their head!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"He's scary..." Adelina stated. Who slowly move out of the medical centre and then out of the Barracks.

<p class="MsoNormal">She spoke with Gustaf, although it was a bit short and ended with him likely going to murder two people, but was able to get him to agree to see Ichigo, but she didn't have to go far before she was stopped by someone.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Excuse me." Adelina halted mid-step and nearly jumped when she heard someone speak up right behind her. Turning Adelina saw a woman in brown leather armour with short brown hair and a white tabard with an anchor emblazed on her chest. "Are you Adelina?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, who are you?" The Night Elf inquired.

<p class="MsoNormal">"My name is Private Hellen; I heard that you are looking for a doctor." She said. Adelina was a little surprised by this. How did she know who she was looking for? "Forgive me, I overheard you while you were in the medical ward, if you are looking for a doctor, I can direct you to one of our healers, they should be able to help."

<p class="MsoNormal">"But I spoke with Gustaf; he said he would come by later to see Ichigo." Adelina said.

<p class="MsoNormal">And as she spoke the very last word she heard screaming. Turning to the commotion she saw something that was both horrifying and comical.

<p class="MsoNormal">She saw the two guards that were previously arguing in front of the Barracks were now running for their lives, and behind them was Doctor Gustaf VanHowzen, and in his hand was the hacksaw, which was he was twirling above his head and screaming at the two men that were running.

<p class="MsoNormal">"How many times have I told you idiots?!" He roared. " Stop fighting or I'll start hacking off your limbs and make you!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"We're sorry!" Jarad screamed as he bolted in front of Kahil, after all you don’t need to outrun the man chasing you, you just need to outrun the other guy.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It won't happen again!" Kahil cried out like a little girl, all the while everyone else was laughing at their expense and likely execution.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I think the good doctor is a little busy." Said Hallan, not a single emotion played over her face as she watched the scene play out before her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Tough as nails this one, Adelina chuckled nervously at the completely dispassionate soldier before her. She was also scary.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I guess so, okay, I'll take you up on that offer." Adelina said, to which Hallan nodded and led Adelina away from the Barracks and to the main road – or least beside the main road, which was still being used by Gustaf, Jarad and Kahil.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hallan was busy planning out how she was going to do this. She was lucky that the woman came to the barracks looking for a medic, she knew that Gustef would be busy dealing with those Red and Blue Team's soldiers that got into another brawl. When she saw her desperation in looking for a healer she could easily play on that and lure her away with the promise of finding someone to help her friend.

<p class="MsoNormal">But that brings up the question, where could she take her that is isolated and where she could dump the body? The docks came to mind, but they were to open and guards on the walls or tower could see her if she tried, and also her body wouldn't likely sink and then there would be questions as how she ended up there and also as a witness to the incident in Shady Rest. It could cause some conspiracy to form that would draw attention toward her and her party's plans.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Elf needed to disappear and not be found, but where?

<p class="MsoNormal">Hallan couldn't dispose of the body immediately, so she would have to hide it somewhere before she could remove it. A simple box to hide the corpse could work... Stuff her in it and when they go out on patrol she would have one of her men dispose of the body into the swamp. No one would ever know, but that still raised the question on where to take her.

<p class="MsoNormal">She couldn't lead her around the city; it would cause too much suspicion, both from the girl and the guards if they asked her a question on what she was doing. Even though she was a klutz by the look of her, the Elf would probably still catch on eventually.

<p class="MsoNormal">Hallan glanced around and saw the old lumber mill near the entrance to the docks. It was still being used in constructing new ships and repairing old ones but still... There wasn't anyone around it and she could sneak the girl behind it to slit her throat and then hide her body among the stacks of crates that are behind the building.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Over here, the medics usually come here to get away from everyone and meditate." Hallan said, giving the girl a reason behind her actions.

<p class="MsoNormal">After all, one can't allow suspicions to arise from not speaking.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Behind the lumber mill?" Adelina inquired confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">She could tell that the thought of meditating behind a lumber mill was odd.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I know, I don't understand either, they just do it for some reason." Hallan responded nonchalantly with a shrug before motioning her forward with a jerk of her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina buying the excuse moved on and while she did Private Hallan was close behind her.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina walked up the side and then behind the lumber mill. She could see a small open patch area with nothing but a few crates along the wall and some logs still needing to be cut, but apart from that there was nothing else here, nor was there anyone.

<p class="MsoNormal">Behind the preoccupied Night Elf was Hallan, moving slowly towards her target, reaching into her tabard and hidden beneath the soft fabric was her dagger, which she intended to use to slit the girl's throat and then discard it along with the body. She needed to do this quick; she couldn't risk anyone finding them when or after she had killed. She raised her free hand to grab the girl and muffle her screams, her hand only an inch from her long flowing hair.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Private Hallan!" Someone called behind them.

<p class="MsoNormal">Quickly turning Hallan and Adelina saw another soldier standing there, a woman in similar armour to the Private and stature, aside from the fact she had reddish-brown hair and pearl earring.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Sergeant Amelyn." Hallan stated, pulling her hand from inside her tabard to salute the superior officer.

<p class="MsoNormal">Although there was annoyance in her usually emotionless tone, which was easily missed by Adelina but not her Sergeant, though they had no personal animosity towards one another, it was odd that the Private was showing disrespect towards Amelyn.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Have I interrupted something Private?" Amelyn asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">Her irritation easily seen, both because of her tone and also because Hallan was supposed to be on duty. She had no problem with the girl, but on occasion she found the Private either not at her post or neglecting her duties, which caused the Sergeant all kinds of grief.

<p class="MsoNormal">"No ma'am." Hallan replied crisply.

<p class="MsoNormal">She hid her irritation quite well, but the Sergeant could see it in her eyes that she was quite annoyed right now. Amelyn narrowed her eyes at the Private, she cared little about why she was angry right now and even less at the way she was speaking to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Get to the Barracks, Colonel Lorena says that something has come up." Amelyn ordered her subordinate. For a single moment Hallan didn't make a move, but she relented less she risk raising further suspicion, and strode towards the Sergeant and passed her, while the Sergeant looked at the surprised Night Elf. "What's your story kid?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"I-I'm looking for the medics, my friend was hurt, I just wanted to make sure he is alright." Said Adelina, to which the Sergeant looked at her for a moment with a raised eyebrow.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Why are you here then? They're usually around the Central Tower, go there and you will find them." Said Amelyn, not bothering to ask more on the matter and leaving the stunned Night Elf to wonder what was going on.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina decided to just leave and go and see about finding those Medics at the tower.

<p class="MsoNormal">She was having such a rough day. First she asked someone a question and then that someone starts a fight with another guard, then she speaks with the very odd doctor who tells her he can't help until this afternoon. And when she tells him about the fight, he goes off and tried to murder them, which likely means he won’t be going to see Ichigo early this afternoon. Then she was lead to an empty lot to find a medic to help, and then she learnt just now that the medics are at the tower...

<p class="MsoNormal"> Why was her day becoming so complicated?! She just wanted everything to go back to normal and have Ichigo awake again!

<p class="MsoNormal">Before she could think more of the good old days she felt something collide with her. She felt wind blow past her face and gravity shifting awkwardly to her side and then herself hitting pavement.

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina groaned as she hit the ground with a hard thud.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Why was her day so bad ?

<p class="MsoNormal"> What did she do to deserve this ?

<p class="MsoNormal">Was it the impure thoughts she had last night?

<p class="MsoNormal">Or was it the fact that she was willing to leave this world for another without as much as a backward glance?

<p class="MsoNormal"> Why was she having such a bad day ?

<p class="MsoNormal">Another feminine groan could be heard, but that one didn't pass though her mouth. Adelina looked up from the ground to see another woman was on her rear end and had a confused expression on her face. The woman had long blonde hair, beautiful features and bright blue eyes; she wore elegant robes of white and purple. Her attire along with her emerald diamond tipped staff showed that she was a Mage and a wealthy one at that.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Are you alright Lady Proudmoore?" Asked a Night Elf by the woman Adelina had bumped into.

<p class="MsoNormal">She had long blue hair tied into a long flowing braid that ran down her back, she wore light armour and had a long two handed bastard sword strapped to her back.

<p class="MsoNormal">But there was another person in this little group. A young man with long black hair tied into a pony tail and he wore long billowing robes of black and bronze and carried a long staff similar to Jaina, with an emerald crystal tipped staff.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, it's alright Pain." Jaina Proudmoore said as she was lifted to her feet by her bodyguard and confidant. She turned to the Night Elf who was looking up at her from the ground with utter shocked adoring her young features. "Are you alright?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Y-Y-You're J-Jaina P-P-Proudmoore?" Adelina asked with a small nervous chuckle, which confused Jaina as to why she was acting so nervous around her. Why would she be so startled? Well in Adelina’s mind she was two things: Jaina Proudmoore was a major influence within the Alliance and also the Queen of Theramore. 'Oh Elune, I knocked over a Princess!'

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, are you alright, you seem a little…" Started Jaina, but then the young Night Elf shot straight up to her feet before getting back down on her knees in the span of a second and practically had her face and body levelled with the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I am so sorry Your Majesty; I didn't mean to cause offence!" She cried out, begging for mercy from the woman she thought was a Queen. It was technically true, but not in the official sense. It was more of a title given to her, but Adelina didn't know that. "Please don't throw into a filthy cell and punish me for bumping into you!"

<p class="MsoNormal">Jaina watched on slightly mortified that the girl was acting as if she was some tyrant who was going to behead her for simply bumping into her by accident. Where would this poor young girl get such an idea? Wait, why was she calling her, Her Majesty?

<p class="MsoNormal">"N-N-No! No, it's alright!" Jaina stammered out, which was more frantic than she would have wanted.

<p class="MsoNormal">She had never been in a situation like this before. She felt so embarrassed for being the centre of attention to what people would see and think as a noble lording over a commoner.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Please! I did not mean to bump into you! I was not paying attention; please forgive me Your Majesty!" Adelina cried out, rising up to only being on her knees, her hands clasped together and practically begging Jaina for forgiveness for her crime.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jaina was at a loss again. She really didn't know how to handle herself in this situation while keeping calm and collected. She had been in battles, wars and yet right now she felt so out of her element that she couldn't even think straight. She looked around to see that several people were staring at the scene, either completely confused, shocked or on the verge of laughter.

<p class="MsoNormal">And she also noticed that Tervosh was slightly shaking, from mirth most likely, she glared at him from the corner of her eye for not helping.

<p class="MsoNormal">"No! Please listen, it's alright, it was accident." Said Jaina, waving her hands in front of her to try and defuse the awkward situation that had risen from their meeting. She has never met anyone who would beg right in front of her for bumping into her by accident. "Please, just stop begging."

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina looked up at Jaina Proudmoore.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Queen of Theramore could see that there was hope welling in the young Night Elf's eyes, and again she thought of what kind of things this poor girl thinking she was going to do because of a simple and easily forgotten accident. But from the way they interacted so quickly afterwards, it was likely this event was going to be firmly planted in her mind for the rest of her days.

<p class="MsoNormal">She just hoped that events like these don't make a frequent occurrence if they ever meet again.

<p class="MsoNormal">"So you're not going to lock me in a dungeon or make an example out of me?" Adelina asked meekly.

<p class="MsoNormal">"No! I mean no, it's alright it was an accident, please get up." Jaina said calmly, after she exclaimed at first.

<p class="MsoNormal">She had finally gained some measure of control over herself and could actually think without strange thoughts going through her head. She could only wonder what drove her to do that.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Thank you Your Majesty, you are kind and beautiful as the stories say!" Said Adelina, which made Jaina a little flustered at the compliment and the fact that her reputation may have preceded her, which also made Tervosh’s poor attempts to control his laughter harder.

<p class="MsoNormal">She would have simply shaken it off and ignored him, but the fact that there were some strained efforts from other people around her trying not to laugh only made the embarrassment of this whole situation even worse.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I-Thank you, just please, no more apologies, it is kind of embarrassing." Jaina said, letting out a nervous sigh and rubbing the back of her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">All those years of training as an Archmage and her regal upbringing were doing her very little good in handling herself in this situation.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm… embarrassing you?" Asked Adelina, looking around the see the many staring faces of the villagers and several guard that were either on duty or moving on to their duty shift. Adelina immediately blushed purple at the scene she had caused. "Sorry, I get carried away some times."

<p class="MsoNormal">"It's alright; tell me, what is your name?" Jaina inquired, regaining some of her regal poise and kind demeanour.

<p class="MsoNormal">And now she was little more confident in her step and speech.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Adelina." The young Druid said bowing towards Jaina.

<p class="MsoNormal">"There is no need to bow, I may rule Theramore, but I am only Queen in honorary title." Jaina explained with a smile. "Tell me, what brings you to my beloved city? We don't receive many travellers from the forests of Ashenvale."

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm actually travelling with a friend." Said Adelina, before her head and heart sank as she continued. "But he's hurt; I'm trying to look for a doctor or healer to help him."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Your friend is hurt? Have you asked the doctor in the Barrack's for help? He is a generous man, he could see to your friend." Said Tervosh, to which Adelina chuckled nervously.

<p class="MsoNormal">They didn't know why she seemed a little nervous about mentioning Doctor VanHowzen until they heard something in the distance.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You think you can outrun me? I did track back in medical school! You and your asses are Doomed!" The distinct roar of Doctor Gustaf VanHowzen could be heard on the other side of Theramore, while the cries of two specific soldiers could be heard shortly afterword’s.

<p class="MsoNormal">"He's… busy..." Adelina said, letting out another awkward laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I see..." Said Jaina, looking off in the direction the screaming came from. She probably should talk to Lorena about the antics of Red and Blue teams, if not for their sake, then maybe the good doctor's. He does seem to be becoming a little more… mad der than usual. "If they can't help them maybe the medics can? They are inside the tower; you can speak with them if you wish."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh, I know, I was told by a woman name Amelyn that they were inside the tower." Adelina said.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Then why were you behind the lumber mill?" Pain inquired, finding the antics of this girl quite strange, she began to wonder if she was one of those types, they weren’t not very common in Night Elf society, but they were there.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh, one of the guards said that the medics like to meditate behind the mill sometimes." Said Adelina, to which the three of them gave her incredulous looks. "I know I thought it was weird to."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, quite strange." Jaina said, smiling at the girl. She was actually wondering what was stranger, the conversation or the things that were going on around her. It was likely she was going to remember every facet of this conversation for a long time. "Tell me: how was your friend injured?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina paused for a moment. Jaina could see there was some conflict in her eyes about telling her that specific piece of information, but as to why the ruler of Theramore didn't know.

<p class="MsoNormal">"He…" Started Adelina, before looking around to make sure the coast was clear before leaning closer to whisper in the Archmage's ear. "He was at Shady Rest when it was attacked."

<p class="MsoNormal">Jaina's eyes widened when she heard those words, and realised immediately that this was the girl that she read about in the report about the massacre. She had received it nearly half an hour ago; it said that two people came into the city last night.

<p class="MsoNormal">One was heavily wounded and the other had warned the guards of the attack on the small town of Shady Rest, and were said to be survivors of the attack. As soon as she had heard of the attack she ordered all the guards to gather at the barracks and also for Lorena to organise an investigation into the attack. But if this girl knew about it she could be most valuable, she was actually hoping to speak with her about it.

<p class="MsoNormal">"So you were there?" Jaina inquired. Adelina nodded in confirmation. "I have read into the incident only a few minutes ago, you are lucky to be alive, were there truly no other survivors?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Adelina's head sank as she gave a half-hearted nod confirming it.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jaina could see that the incident weighed heavily on her heart. Jaina could understand her despair, she had watched the aftermath of the purge of Stratholme, the flames that burnt it and all the people there still burn today. She knew that the loss of innocent life should never be seen, especially by someone so young as the girl in front of her. She just hoped that the event didn't scar her for life; no one deserves to have that on their conscience.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm sorry you had to go through such a thing." Jaina said, placing a hand on the innocent girls shoulder, offering her this little comfort knowing that she wasn't alone. "But do you know who burnt down the town? Any information could be valuable."

<p class="MsoNormal">"I don't know exactly, I was knocked out when I was inside the Inn, all I know if that there were two Tauren." Adelina said. She watched as Jaina's eyes widened at the realization set in.

<p class="MsoNormal">It was as she feared, the report didn't mention specifics about who attacked the Inn, which seemed to make her worry that the man who made the report was not of right mind. He should have alerted her to this immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal">"It is as I feared." Jaina murmured, her words all but a whisper. "The Horde attacked Shady Rest."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Adelina, are you sure that the people who attacked you were Tauren?" Tervosh inquired.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, but I didn't see outside. The first one attacked us inside the Inn and the other one hurt my friend and then threw me outside. After that I blacked out." Adelina replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I do not wish to believe that Thrall would allow an attack to be sanctioned." Jaina said.

<p class="MsoNormal">Actual belief in her words as she mentioned the Warchief of the Horde. Her trust in him was more than most others, even some in the Alliance.

<p class="MsoNormal">"But if the Horde is behind this, then it could cause a diplomatic incident and might resort to retaliation for the lives that were lost." Tervosh warned, alerting Jaina of the potential political fallout, which could be created if this incident was to be released to the public.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I know Thrall better than most Tervosh, I know he wouldn't do this, and we don't have enough to go on to suggest the Horde was involved. All we know is that two Tauren were present. We need to look into this further." Jaina said, very fervent in her belief that her friend and ally were not responsible for this attack. She just hoped that this didn't spiral out of control more than it already had. "Thank you for telling me this Adelina."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh, it was nothing you're… Lady Jaina." Adelina replied, picking herself up at the end and tried not to put the 'Majesty' title on her.

<p class="MsoNormal">The ruler of Theramore smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm sorry but I will need to speak with my Advisor about this." Jaina said. She turned and nodded towards Tervosh and Pain, they walked off, and as they passed Adelina, Jaina told her one last piece of information. "Please, I would like you to remain in the city for the time being, you are the only person who knows what happened that night."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Don't worry Lady Jaina; I won't leave until Ichigo is alright." Said Adelina, which made Jaina stop mid-step for a moment, was she travelling with him? "Oh, wait, I still need to find the medics! I'm sorry Lady Jaina I have to go and get someone who can help him."

<p class="MsoNormal">Before Jaina could stop the young Night Elf she was running down the road towards the central tower. With people leaping out of the way as she charged forward like a mad bull, Jaina couldn't believe what she had just heard. The person that was one of the survivors of the Shady Rest massacre was the same person she had been waiting for the last week and a half to arrive here to ask for her help.

<p class="MsoNormal">She had been sent a message from Shandris Feathermoon about a young boy that was in need of expertise in the Arcane, the message contained details that were almost unbelievable to read: a young teenage boy from another world.

<p class="MsoNormal">Said to be a Shinigami, or a Death God, a spiritual being who ferries the dead to the afterlife and defend the pure souls against corrupted souls and said to wield great power, and was trying to find a way home. And Jaina being the only person who likely dabbled in Arcane magic on this continent was the person he was coming to ask for help. Although she didn't know what to expect from him and all she knew was that he looked human, had orange hair, a large cleaver on his back and his name was Ichigo.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Jaina, are you alright?" Tervosh inquired, confused by his her sudden stop.

<p class="MsoNormal">Jaina snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her fellow Archmage. She decided to hold her thoughts on the matter for now; she needed to speak with the Colonel about this new development and the Horde's possible involvement.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Yes, I'm fine. Come, we need to speak with Lorena about the Tauren who were part of the attack." Jaina said. Both Pain and Tervosh followed in her wake towards the Barracks.

<p class="MsoNormal">Theramore Inn

<p class="MsoNormal">Inside the large two story building there were few people, most that's called it their home had gone about their day to either work or report for duty, and the only ones still inside are those who work within the very building, preparing for the evening when many patrons would file in through the door for food and drink.

<p class="MsoNormal">But there were two others inside the Inn at this moment that was neither a worker nor a patron.

<p class="MsoNormal">The first was the young Substitute, still unconscious from the events that transpired nearly a day and a half ago. While the other was a man cloaked in a large brown cape, concealing his entire form behind a shroud of brown leather, and his hood shadowing his face from all who upon him. One would think it empty or occupied by a ghost, for no footsteps could be heard as he moved.

<p class="MsoNormal">Those that saw the cloaked figure paid little mind to his passing, either focusing on their own work or not truly caring who resided under the cloak. Because of that he walked up the stairs to the second floor with little trouble or effort. One by one he moved past the many rooms of the Inn, continuing upwards as he moved towards his target.

<p class="MsoNormal">Soon he came to a halt at the very door he was looking for, one-twenty three. Pulling out the key he was given by the Private, the assassin unlocked the door and entered the room. Very plain in his opinion, just the essentials for one to live, which wasn’t much considering.

<p class="MsoNormal">He scoffed at the idea of living at a bare minimum. He had earned a fortune in killing and plundering with the Southsea Freebooters, and he was still not satisfied with what he had, he still wanted more to quench his desires.

<p class="MsoNormal">He could see his intended victim on the bed, sound asleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">The perfect victim.

<p class="MsoNormal">But he wasn't one for using poison, he preferred to slit throats and gouge out their eyes so they could scream or choke on their own blood. He liked spilling blood and torturing rather than killing with poison. They just died slowly without uttering a word or screaming in agony, they just drifted away into death...

<p class="MsoNormal">Well beggars can't be choosers sometimes.

<p class="MsoNormal">He pulled out a small veil and then pulled out his double edge dagger; ingestion of the poison wouldn't be completely effective. A small cut with a poisoned blade would be sufficient to kill. The poison will spread through the organs and then to the heart and brain, he will be dead in less than ten minutes.

<p class="MsoNormal">Quick, clean and efficient. Hey, just because he doesn't prefer poisons don't mean he doesn't admire them!

<p class="MsoNormal">Pouring the potent mixture onto the blade he watched as the green liquid flowed down the lengths of the dagger, ready to be used. Although a slight waste for only killing one person, it was always good to have it ready just in case something unexpected happened. He reached down towards the boy and readied his knife, looking for the best place to cut into that wouldn't be noticed by a doctor or healer.

<p class="MsoNormal">He noticed the burnt mark on his shoulder, that would do and it should cover up the cut just nicely. The assassin moved his knife towards the unconscious Substitute's left shoulder, ready to nick into the distorted flesh and then collect his pay...

<p class="MsoNormal">But before he could make the incision he was stopped. The young man's hand shot up and grabbed the assassin's wrist. The assassin couldn't even try to remove the hand from his wrist before the boy's leg shot up and hit him right in the side of the face. The assassin's head and body jolted to the right and connected with the bedside table with a loud crash.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo then shot up and rolled to the other side of the bed, looking as the man who had tried to kill him slowly lifted himself back up and staggered on his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal">In his hand was the same dagger coated with a glistening layer of poison.

<p class="MsoNormal">Both the Substitute Shinigami and Southsea Assassin stared at one another for a short while. The former was thinking about where the hell he was, and the latter thinking how the damn kid woke up and then booted him in the head when he was meant to be dying.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo didn't know where he was at the moment. He thought he was back at Shady Rest, but the room wasn't the same as the one he had there, and it was smaller and had fewer things in it than he remembered.

<p class="MsoNormal">Also, where the hell was all his armour?!

<p class="MsoNormal">He was fully armoured when he last was here! And this guy on the other side of the bed, he tried to kill him! What the hell was going on ?!

<p class="MsoNormal">The only reason he was still alive was because of his honed skills in knowing when someone was going to attack... even while asleep. He never thought his dad's weird training would actually come in handy in such situations, but even right now he had no idea what was going on!

<p class="MsoNormal">Why the hell was this guy trying to kill him?

<p class="MsoNormal">Wait. Ichigo thought for a moment Could he be…?

<p class="MsoNormal">"You're here because of Shady Rest..." Said Ichigo, to which the man reached into his cloak and then in an instant threw several daggers at the Substitute.

<p class="MsoNormal">Using Shunpo Ichigo was able to evade the barrage of daggers aimed to stab him. Ichigo appeared near the table in the centre of the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">He looked down the see his Zanpakutō lying on the wooden table top. Without a second thought he reached for it and hefted the massive cleaver in front of himself as a shield, blocking more of the sharp daggers from impaling his chest. But as he did this, the assassin moved in for the kill. He swung his arm wide aiming for Ichigo's exposed side, completely circumventing his Zanpakutō.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo sidestepped away from the blade, while keeping Zangetsu in the same position, preventing the assassin from continuing because of the risk having his arm cut off by the momentum of his own swing. When the poisoned dagger halted Ichigo kicked the blunt side of Zangetsu up and towards the assassin's arm.

<p class="MsoNormal">The assassin was able to save himself by pulling away, and didn't allow Ichigo to press his attack. Instead the assassin rushes forward as the Zanpakutō was in the air, believing that the boy couldn't bring it down quick enough to intercept him. The poison dagger was aiming right for his stomach.

<p class="MsoNormal">But even the assassin couldn't account for the almost superhuman speed in which the human boy brought down the sword on top of him. Only because of his honed reflexes and agility the Assassin was able to leap to the side with only a piece of his cloak being cut off. The assassin rolled back onto his feet and mentally cursed when he realise he had recovered right beside the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal">Which didn't stop Ichigo from attacking. Rising Zangetsu up, he brought it down right on top of the Assassin.

<p class="MsoNormal">The assassin rolled forward and avoided the strike and listened as it carved through the wooden wall like it was paper. But as the Rogue rose he was forced to duck back down as the blade veered towards his neck. The impact shattered the wall even more. Moving to the Shinigami's side the assassin shot his dagger forward to stab him in his exposed flank.

<p class="MsoNormal">But as he tried a strong hand wrapped itself around his wrist. Looking up he saw that the boy had caught him.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo brought his Zanpakutō over his chest and aimed to impale the man to the left of him, but as he stabbed the blade forward the assassin twisted to the side and let the sword pass mere inches in front of the assassin's chest. Then the assassin drew another dagger from inside his cloak and then twisted around so he would face the opposite direction, with his hand locked behind his own back and still in Ichigo’s grasp.

<p class="MsoNormal">But his plan did not stop there. In his other hand was the new dagger, which he held in a reverse grip and sent it in a wide swing towards Ichigo's neck.

<p class="MsoNormal">Having little time, Ichigo brought up Zangetsu and used it to shield his head from the dagger's lethal tip. Ichigo heard the blade ping against the flat side of Zangetsu. He would have like to attack again but his instincts told him to get away. Reluctantly he released his prisoner and leapt away, just in time to avoid the dagger as it moved to his exposed side. Even though he was stronger than this guy and had a better weapon, he was still getting the drop on him! He would need to finish this guy before he got in a lucky shot and whatever poison on the edge of that blade get into his system and slowly kills him.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Who sent you?" Ichigo demanded from the rogue.

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't know who this guy was, but he could tell he was some sort of assassin. And he hasn't made any enemies in this place and the only person he could guess wants him dead is likely the ones he overheard when he was trapped back in Shady Rest.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Be quiet and die already! I'm not getting paid enough to kill someone who fights back." The Assassin yelled, rushing forward to strike.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo raised Zangetsu and struck, bringing his blade down on top of the Rogue's two daggers. They held, although the wielder was barely standing after the swing.

<p class="MsoNormal">He nearly buckled under the force of the attack and was now struggling not to fall to his knees from the sheer force behind the blade being pressed down upon him. The assassin couldn't even try and move the blade out of the way, the force had pinned him! But luckily the blade was lifted and pressing force was removed, but unfortunately that didn't last long.

<p class="MsoNormal">A foot connected with his abdomen and he was knocked clear across the room and collided with the wall. The assassin lifted himself up, the pain rushing through his body made it hard to stand on his own accord. He leaned against the wall to find some support but before he could adjust himself he was attacked.

<p class="MsoNormal">Looking up he was a flash of silver and black move towards him. He raised both his blades to try and halt them, but the power behind the attack knocked his own blades into his chest and himself into the wall and then through it and into the streets. He sailed through the air for less than five second before hitting the tidy stone pavement and rolling to a stop.

<p class="MsoNormal">Those who were on the street had watched the man blown out through the wall of the Inn and then fly through the air before colliding with the ground. There were cried of alarm, some calling for Guards and others for a doctor to help the man, but many were asking the same thing: what happened? Many looked up to the gaping hole on the side of the Inn and saw a single person standing there.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo looked down at the street below and saw many people gathering around the man he had sent flying through the wall. He also noticed that he was in a completely different town, or more like a fortress. He could see massive white stone walls and guard-towers with a Barracks and a shit loud of ballistae and eagle headed tanks.

<p class="MsoNormal"> Where the hell was he?

<p class="MsoNormal">He didn't remember anything after that night in Shady Rest. He rubbed his head and groaned when he felt his leg ache, he took the pressure off but realised that there more to it than a strain. It must be broken, he surmised. He hopped over to the bed and sat down, all the while thinking of how he came here.

<p class="MsoNormal">He remembered being at Shady Rest, he had taken out that Tauren, he was moving to the door to see about helping everyone, but then the door exploded and then he remembered something hitting him... After that he couldn't remember a thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">Just that weird dream about those two people talking... but it definitely wasn't a dream! It was too real. He had to figure out what was going on, he needed to find Adelina and see what happened to Shady Rest. As he was thinking along those lines the door to the room shot open and six people charged in, brandishing swords and shields.

<p class="MsoNormal">Ichigo didn't know what the hell was going on so he did the only think he could. He raised Zangetsu and waited for them to make the first move. He didn't know who these guys were but the fact that the last person to come in here tried to kill him, he wasn't taking any chances.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Put down your weapon boy." One of the soldiers said, pointing his sword at Ichigo in a threatening manner.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Like hell! I woke up in a strange place and then someone tries to kill me, no way am I putting my blade down." Ichigo yelled back defiantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Listen boy, we can clear all this up, just put your weapon down." The soldier tried to calm down Ichigo; he had seen what happened to the wall and didn’t want to risk losing his men to whatever this kid was.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Not happening." Ichigo retorted, who gritted his teeth as he felt his entire body start to ache.

<p class="MsoNormal">Obviously whatever happened to him hurt like hell ! He couldn't lean on his right leg and he didn't know if he could hold against these guys.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Wait! Stop!" A woman called, and from behind the guards Adelina charged in. She stood between the guards and Ichigo with her arms wide and frantically calling them to halt. "Please he doesn't know where he is! He was hurt when he came here!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Miss, get away from him, he's dangerous." One of the guards yelled.

<p class="MsoNormal">"No! He's not! He's my friend; he wouldn't hurt anyone for no reason!" She cried out to them.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Damn right, that guy tried to murder me!" Ichigo roared pointing to the hole in the wall which he sent his would-be assassin flying through.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Alright kid, say I believe you, why would he try and kill you?" one of the guards questioned.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Because…" Ichigo began, lowering his blade and staring at the warriors before him. "I know what happened at Shady Rest."