Morician's charge towards the shaman duel gave Sylstyx the moral she needed and an opening. The dark shaman turn his focus to the stampeding knight, even if only for a moment. Sylstyx cried out a draenic battle cry and charged towards him through the pain. Both her hands burst with molten fire as she grabbed hold of him and knocked him down. The pair struggled for a few minutes before Sylstyx impaled his neck with one of her horns with a guttural cry.
When the dark shaman stopped squirming, all the remaining earth elementals fell into a pile of rubble. Sylstyx sat back; which caused blood to drip down from her horn down the side of her face. As Morician approached, Sylstyx began to weave water and heal her own wounds.
He halted several feet away so as not to startle the shaman, remaining in the saddle and his expression betraying little of his thoughts as he studied her. Though she was a bit dirty and bloody from the scuffle, she did not appear to be too badly hurt, and what injuries she did have would surely be soon healed by her magic.
A small stab of pain in his lower abdomen reminded him of his own injury as he adjusted his seating. There would be time enough to take care of that later though, after things had quieted down a bit more. "Are you all right?" he asked, turning his attention back to Sylstyx. The question was more polite than anything, since it was unlikely there was much of anything he could do for her. Still, it never hurt to ask.
âDamn mana shieldsâŚâ Kori muttered under her breath as her arrows were deflected. Magic users were always such a pain to fight. The elf slung her bow on her back once again and drew her spear, just as one of her opponents fired a barrage of arcane missiles in her direction while another launched a pyroblast towards Kersia. Kersia rolled to the right so Korianyth dodged left; she felt the powerful hum of the arcane magic as it whizzed by her head, followed by the wave of heat as the fiery projectile burst upon the ground. The huntress immediately began to sprint towards her opponent, stopping to snap her shield upwards when she sensed an oncoming arcane blast. Her arm vibrated painfully as her enchanted shield absorbed the impact, staggering her while the caster prepared another spell.
Trying again to close distance between her and the sorceress, Kori found herself knocked flat by an arcane explosion at her feet. Swinging her legs forward, she quickly stood and barely had time to leap from the path of a massive arcane orb, once again being sent flying through the air by the explosive force of the attack. Landing with a roll, she immediately resumed her charge, throwing a dagger at the caster as she approached. This forced her opponent to interrupt her next spell to block the attack with another mana shield, and allowed Kori to get in range with her spear. The gleaming silver bladed hissed through the air towards the darkly clad caster, but they blinked out of the way before the blow could connect.
Kori was ready for this; by the time the mage had reappeared some distance behind her, she had already whipped a wooden chakrum in her opponentâs direction. The cultist was struck by the projectile before they had time to raise another barrier, receiving a deep gash on her shoulder from the jagged thorns lining the unique weapon. Magically imbued with a powerful neurotoxin, it would slowly begin to dull her senses and slow her reactions and spellcasting. Kori caught the chakrum as it rebounded, raising her shield to absorb the barrage of missiles her opponent had already fired in retaliation. Some of the missiles snaked around and impacted painfully on her shoulder and leg. The elf gritted her teeth and ran forward again, waiting for the toxin to take effect and her opportunity to strike.
As Richard's fire ball approached the mage tried to step to the left. He started to channel for another spell of his own, when he realized Richard's ball was moving erratically. As it passed through the air, its weaving movements caught the mage surprised, and he found himself scorched on the right. His new spell was interrupted as he fell to his knees. The right side of his robes had caught fire, and the sickening scent of cooking flesh wafted forth. Frantically, the mage pat the fires to put them out, but nothing could stop the pain of the burns his arm sustained. He cried out as he clutched the arm, frantically rolling in the dust and trying to get some relief.
-----
"Are you alright?" Morician spoke as he approached Sylstyx.
Sylstyx looked up to the approaching knight, her water magic already weaving through her wounds and alleviating her pain. "Yez, I am foinz. Ez haard do-elz. Zankink yoo fer ze deztrahckshun." She stood slowly and stumbled slightly as the adrenaline of the fight dissipated. Once she had her bearings, she smiled at him. "Shaaminz puhtink up gud feytz. Nozzink I avar feytzink. Vaz haardz." She looked him over briefly, then looked past him at the surrounding battles. So far it appeared to be in their favor, as the bodies of their enemies spotted the ground. Sylstyx felt a pang of pain for the loss of the souls as they departed, but the spirits all seemed content to die in the service of their master. She turned her attention back to Morician. "I vunduurink if zey beink haavink moar feyturz. Yoo needink ze vaturz healz? Behfur zey haav moar feyturz..."
Should he decipher her words and accept her healing, Sylstyx would weave a small bolt of water to wash over him, healing his wounds. Regardless, she started to pray to the water anyway, and began to weave chains of water to bounce between her allies. The water would seek those with significant injuries first, before bouncing to more minor scratches.
-----
Korianyth's toxin caught the mage by surprise as she found it increasingly difficult to think. She tried to mutter an incantation to protect herself and purge the toxin, but it was already shutting down her brain. Her movements began to slow, and her eyes grew foggy. A tingling sensation arched up from her limbs and she stumbled. It was hard to feel where her body was in the world. A garbled cry came from her as she found it difficult to speak. Still, the cry was all she needed. The mage that had remained free to protect the remaining portal channelers responded. He blinked towards Korianyth's position and threw forth a bolt of ice. As the bolt pierced through the air, he unleashed another spell of ice, looking to freeze the ground beneath Korianyth's feet.
----
As if they were sent some invisible message, the remaining two portal mages stopped their channel. The pair vanished without a thought, and reappeared on the other side of the lava moat. One darted towards Draco as Torin moved away, the other towards Kora as she made her proclamation to their masters. He cackled as he approached Kora. "I would focus on the present, not the impending future." He threw a ball of frost fire at the she elf.
-----
As Kersia cried out in pain from the fire mage's spells, she felt Sylstyx's healing waters already at work to nullify the pain. The sudden healing sent a second wind through the pandaren, and she was able to cast that much faster. Blast after blast she threw at the opposing fire mage, as the pair went back and forth with their magical duel. Slowly, Kersia began to whittle away into an advantage. She began to weave a touch of frost into her arcane magic, and soon the fire mage would find her movements slowed and her mind muddled. With one decisive strike, Kersia managed to freeze her opponent's arms and lower body, and silenced the mage. Finally, exhausted, Kersia approached the woman.
"Why!? Why are you all here? What the hell is your aim!?" Kersia was beyond the point of pleasantries as she moved to interrogate her now captive.
-----
"Another of my kin has perished!" Vanzerion growled in the depths of the cavern. His eyes glistened with anticipation and a chuckle escaped his lips. "Ahahaha please tell me my portal is done? I grow... hehehe bored."
"Moments! Sir, just give us moments!" The garbed man paced as the darkened portal slowly flickered. It was growing solid, ever so slowly.
Vanzer stood from where he rested against the wall and brought his scythe to the man's neck. A toothy and wild grin plastered onto his face. "WRONG!" In an almost twitch like movement, the man's body fell to the cavern floor. A bouncing thud echoed the halls as his head bounced. Moments later, the portal was nearly solid. "Oh?" Vanzer chuckled even more. "I guess you were right? Ever so sorry." He moved to approach the portal, his body eager for some fun.
Vynianyx listened to the tauren. She regarded him inquisitively, as every fiber in her being screamed for her to abandon him and tear through the skies. Her friends needed her, this tauren was just slowing her down. Still, she wasn't one to just leave people. She listened intently, and then accepted his offer for a ride.
"I suppose I don't have much choice. As you said, I am an alliance race in horde territory... though I would argue that point." She chuckled.
The tauren lead the pack back towards where Vynianyx directed them. Along the way, Vynianyx listened to the tauren's vision. She pondered his assumption that he was to aide a kaldorei should he meet one. Well, she did fit the bill, being a kaldorei and a druid, two things always tied to the world trees. Still, she wasn't sure. It wouldn't hurt to have the aide of another physical fighter. More brawn to protect the casters of the group. After all, Sylstyx was always in need of some rescue and Kersia always jumped into losing battles.
As they approached the battlefield, Vyn decided to explain her situation. "Well, I am uncertain of your vision. Should you feel your Earth Mother wishes you to aide me, then I have no reason to turn you away. However, you should understand we are on a mission to save a friend. She was kidnapped by a dragon worshipping cult, and the battles to return her to us will be dangerous, deadly, and definitely not easy. We've already lost some lesser willed folk who turned tail as the going got tough." Vyn looked out as they stopped before the battle field and slid off the tauren's raptor. It appeared her allies were reasonably winning, though the magi were still engaged in combat. After noting the lack of living dragons, she scanned the battlefield for Torin. Where his body had laid, only the dwarf Draco remained. She felt her heart sink, but then the elf appeared.
"If you would step away from my Lady. I would much prefer nobody get hurt, but I will not leave without her safely at my side. I know the tauren are a noble people, having lived and fought alongside many of them over the long years."
Vyn felt relieved to see Torin up and about. She took a half step towards him, not wishing to spook or aggravate the tauren. "Ah! Torin! I was so worried when I saw you fall. Thus far these tauren seem to harbor no ill will." She glanced back at Baine, then looked to where she saw Kersia engaged with a mage. "It seems we are advantageous on the battlefield now, and I hope soon we shall be back on the move." She sighed and kept her eyes towards the combat.
-----
Sterixia trembled where she had hidden with Vynianyx and Sylstyx's mounts. She felt like something was beneath her in the ground below, or that an ill omen was approaching. She looked out at the battle field and saw the combat waning. The young drake wanted to warn Kersia of her feelings, and hoped they were unfounded. Now seemed the best time to head out. Slowly, the elfin drake moved from her position. She started making her way towards Kersia's position, her anxious eyes constantly scanning for the danger she sensed.
An elf made his way through the shadows of Tenaris, his body covered in black leather. He sought a small rocky structure with a well guarded entrance that lead into tunnels beneath the desert sands. Sources said the tunnel network reached the mountains between Tenaris and Uldum, currently inhabited by a cult of black dragon lovers. His orders were clear, investigate the cult and seek out any black dragons that could be there. Assassinate the dragons and return to report to his master. Seemed easy enough, and perhaps he could get a lead on that woman.
-----
Mortre sat in darkness, her cell becoming an increasingly familiar home. Her only comfort was the earth around her as she awaited her death. Vinarion hadn't visited in a long while, though a guard still brought her food and drink. Her own shackles were still wrapped around her wrists, but the chain had been extended so she could walk around the cell. Still, she could not cast magic or use any ability as the shackles were enchanted to block her out. Mortre peered through the bars of her cell. Only stone walls and the flickering of the torches returned her gaze. Her wolf ears swiveled as she tried to listen for any hope. Silence save for the drips of moisture from the rocks. She sighed, certain her fate was already sealed. As far as she could tell... Vinarion and his cult were still protected by the enchantments. Their minds twisted by no work of the Old Gods.
The worgeness paced, her chains scraping the stone floors. She rubbed her bruised arms as she considered her options. She considered Vinarion's power. He was nearly as old as herself, as was Vanexia and Vanzerion. Clearly all three remained active after they escaped Draenor. All three, fully fledged and powerful dragons. And that wasn't counting whomever else survived of Mortre's children and beyond. Mortre's heart sank. Even if Kersia was coming, the blue was barely even half Mortre's own age. It was hopeless.
Mortre sighed and sat against the wall. "I mustn't think that way." She glanced at the flickering of the torches. Kersia had to survive, even if Mortre didn't. Sterixia needed someone, and Mortre only trusted the blue. Still, she found it hard to hope. She made it clear to Vinarion last time that she wanted no part of his resurgence scheme, it was only a matter of time before he gets tired of her dead weight.
Baine spoke to the Elf as they moved swiftly through the Barrens to reach her friends in the south. His Raptor was substantially faster than that of the Kodo his companions rode. While the trio were a good distance ahead of the pack Baine made sure his reinforcements were still in sight should things get extra crazy. There was very little a Tauren Hunting party could not handle. Though after listening to the Elf's tale--
"Well, I am uncertain of your vision. Should you feel your Earth Mother wishes you to aide me, then I have no reason to turn you away. However, you should understand we are on a mission to save a friend. She was kidnapped by a dragon worshipping cult, and the battles to return her to us will be dangerous, deadly, and definitely not easy. We've already lost some lesser willed folk who turned tail as the going got tough."
--He was not sure Dragons were on the menu when they had set out from the base of Thunder Bluff. "Dragons you say..." he finally responded as he helped Vynianyx down from his mount and joined her on the ground. "I suspect this cult is not from your people or that of the Green Flight. I only know of one type of fanatical Dragon cult that would result in abduction. Though I heard that the flight had been killed off. Very few if any actually remain."
Baine looked over near the divide where he saw two groups engaged on combat. They were a few hundred yards out but he was sure he could see scaled corpses on the ground. Well it seemed part of her story checked out. Dragons of some kind seemed to be involved. Though the exact scale patterns were hard to make out at this distance. He would need to get a closer look. "it would appear a great part of your story checks out. Though it would appear that the worst of it has past."
Baine could smell something off about the Druid, she seemed to not see the same thing he did and he wondered to himself what he was missing with only his eyes."If you would step away from my Lady. I would much prefer nobody get hurt, but I will not leave without her safely at my side. I know the tauren are a noble people, having lived and fought alongside many of them over the long years." Baine was focused on the battlefield he did not notice the appearance of the Elf Torin until he spoke up and rattled his mount. Turning to the sound of the voice he looked at the newcomer and his bold threat then back to Vyn. "Friend of yours?"
"It is not wise to sneak up on a Hunter stranger. One with such a large predator such as her by his side even more so." The large Tauren issued towards his even larger Raptor who seemed very agitated by the sudden arrival. "Issuing such commands in hostile territory even less wise. Now I am in no means capable of a fight what with my gear over there." He once again pointed to his raptor who had his spear, quiver and bow attached to her saddle. "But that does not mean that I will openly surrender."
Even unarmed and potentially outmatch now that he was surrounded by two Kaldorei instead of a single injured one, Baine kept a calm mind and sturdy posture. He knew these lands up and down and also that his reinforcements would be swiftly upon them should Torin issue another challenge. "Now if we are done bolstering? She has willingly given herself over to my authority to ensure her safe return to her group off friends and that her injuries are properly take care of. I gave her my word that in return no harm will befall her. Should you wish to make good on your misguided threat, I can no longer promise that would be the case."
Baine walked closer to Torin so that the pair were within touching distance. "I am Baine Bloodhoof, Brave of Thunder Bluff. Now... Do you want to run that by me again? Or would you rather help get her where she needs to be?" He was now standing at eye level with the elf, holding his right arm up to his mid-chest with his palm facing upwards.
As if they were sent some invisible message, the remaining two portal mages stopped their channel. The pair vanished without a thought, and reappeared on the other side of the lava moat. One darted towards Draco as Torin moved away, the other towards Kora as she made her proclamation to their masters. He cackled as he approached Kora. "I would focus on the present, not the impending future." He threw a ball of frost fire at the she elf.
Kora took the magical attack full in the face, the man grinned evilly as he thought he had killed one of the enemies of his master. As the smoke from the attack thinned his face fell in terror at the serpentine green eyes that glared at him from out of the smoke. Kora stalked out of the smoke with a furious look in her eyes, âFire, really? Did your masters not inform you with whom you are dealing with? That oversight of theirs means your death.â Blood trickled from Koraâs mouth and down her face from a wound on her head. Her red dragon heritage had protected her from the majority of the blast and the protective wards that had been cast earlier absorbed the rest. Still, the impact had been quite forceful, enough so as to cause the dragoness pain and wound her.
The man backpedaled as Kora stalked closer, her serpentine eyes on full display, âDo you realize your predicament now? If these mortals were not here I would devour you whole, so you could feel every agonizing moment as I digested you, for dirtying me.â The man tripped over a rock which allowed Kora to catch up to him fully, she grinned at him, her teeth having turned into fangs, she leaned down and whispered to him, âDo not think that all of my kind are as merciful as our Queen.â The manâs scream of terror was muffled as Kora slapped her hand over his mouth with enough force to break his jaw. Her hand began to glow a fiery red as flames poured down the manâs throat burning him from the inside out. Kora never took her eyes off the manâs as he struggled futilely, Kora whispered to him before the last of his life force drained away, âThe present battle is inconsequential to me, if I could have I would have simply consumed you all with my dragonâs breath. As it is we donât want to frighten the mortals travelling with us, do not think for a moment your little band ever stood a chance.â
The manâs eyes went blank and hollow, the light of life having faded from him, Kora felt the pang of guilt and shame that always accompanied the death of a living creature, especially one she had killed herself, but she had learned long ago that some lives do not deserve to exist. As she turned away the manâs body burst into flames, âBe fortunate I even took the time to give you a funeral pyre.â Kora looked around and spoke into the air, âHow long are you going to play these games? You know perfectly well these mortals and young drakes cannot stop us. Come and fight your own battlesâŚâ Kora took a deep breath to calm herself, her eyes and teeth returning to normal, at least to the mortals. Despite her bravado the fight had taken a lot out of her, she had used several powerful spells on the drake she had slain, not to mention the man she had just incinerated out of spite. Despite her weariness she was even more weary over the pointless killing, these people did not have to die if not for the allegiances they chose to make and the choices of those they are loyal to.
Kora lived with herself by telling herself these men were evil to the core, with no hope of redemption, but in truth she could not know that. She grieved over every life lost as any red dragon would do, but she had to tell herself it had been necessary, that these men deserved to die for attacking her and her companions, but in truth the only ones who deserved to die are the ones who sent these men to their deaths and Korastrazsa intended to see it done.
As Richard's fire ball approached the mage tried to step to the left. He started to channel for another spell of his own, when he realized Richard's ball was moving erratically. As it passed through the air, its weaving movements caught the mage surprised, and he found himself scorched on the right. His new spell was interrupted as he fell to his knees. The right side of his robes had caught fire, and the sickening scent of cooking flesh wafted forth. Frantically, the mage pat the fires to put them out, but nothing could stop the pain of the burns his arm sustained. He cried out as he clutched the arm, frantically rolling in the dust and trying to get some relief.
As the mage was putting himself out and trying to recover, Richard strolled up. The mage was furiously writhing around in the dirt, clutching his arm. "Look now, see what happens when you play with fire. It's dangerous stuff." By that time Synthara had long finished with her previous target. She rejoined Richard as he stood beside the man. She looked down at the man and barred her teeth, ready to pounce.
He unholstered his gun, aiming it at the man. "See now, it would be really easy to just end it right here right now. I've got no qualms with it, but I think you might. So, I'll give you a choice, give me some information or I'll let her maul you into an unrecognizable pulp. Start with where your employer is located."
"It seems we are at an impasse. I will not allow my Lady to be kept. She belongs with us. I can tend to any of her injuries far better than you. He took a step to the right and held his hand out for Vyn. "I may appear to be blind but I am far more aware of the world than any other you will meet." He said with a grin.
"So I propose that I accompany my lady to our destination, to be sure she remains unharmed. Then we can go our separate ways." He said firmly, his blindfolded eyes looking into the tauren's own. He would feel Torin's gaze even though he couldn't see it.
Morician's expression became very, very lost as Sylstyx began to speak. That's right, she don't speak Common...he thought to himself, casting another look around the battlefield. Things seemed to be in order, with Kersia and company finishing up business with the renegade mages and the other mage...Richard?...handling the lone enemy he faced.
With no pressing danger at hand, Morician turned his attention back to Sylstyx and shrugged awkwardly. "Well...er...glad to see you're all right, ma'am." He glanced down at his midsection, frowning at the broken arrow shaft. While it wasn't the worst that could have happened, it was a nuisance nonetheless. Grasping the protruding piece, he gave it a sharp tug, wincing slightly as the arrow was ripped free from his flesh. However, now that the arrow was removed, he could begin to heal the injury, while there was time. Pressing his free hand against the wound, he tapped into the power of his runeblade, summoning small tendrils of shadow to seep in and begin the slow healing process.
âGentlemen!â Vynianyx shook her head as she spoke, a sigh escaped her lips. âPlease drop your needless quarrel and focus.â She felt something ominous, as if the land was reaching out. âWe are not enemies, but allies against a common darkness.â The druidess turned away from the pair and surveyed the battlefield once again. Something felt wrong. Why did the mages abandon their portals, why were they not retreating when they were so outnumbered at this point? Something felt wrong, so very wrong. And you didnât live as long as she did ignoring such feelings.
There⌠she saw it for a moment. Like the earth heaved with a sigh? Was it just her imagination? -----
Koraâs taunts towards a higher master were closer to being realized than she probably realized. Vanzerion stood as the dark portal slowly formed fully. It was showtime. A wide and jagged tooth grin played on his face and he laughed heartedly. He stepped through.
-----
The man Richard had pinned quivered meekly beneath the duo. âY-you donât hold power over me!â He spat. He glanced at the large cat, her teeth glimmering, reflecting in his eyes. He had a fear of being eaten. Eaten by his masters, eaten by a wild animal. The man had watched his beloved be devoured by rabid wolves, not a month after their wedlock ceremony. A nightmare that forever plagued his mind. As he studied Syntharaâs fangs, the little drool that coated them and dripped, he saw his beloved once more.
Finally, he snapped. âA-alright! I yield! I yield! V-vinarion has a network under Tenaris! A-an old ogre mound as an ent-ARG!â A spike of earth impaled the man before he could finish his statement. Garbled noise exited the manâs mouth as the spike fell into a sprinkle of bloody sand. His body went limp.
-----
Sylstyx smiled at Moricianâs concern. She saw him wince and stood up. Morician had removed the arrow and Sylstyx could sense dark energy working to heal his wound. She frowned, unsure if her elemental healing could help him. She prayed to the waters, and a small stream of water moved from her and towards him, aimed at the wound. She had heard light magic hurt the undead, but she wasnât sure about water? Could it at least dull the pain? She frowned. At worst, the water would just leave the area wet.
Content with her attempt at healing, the shaman surveyed the battle field. Suddenly the earth cried out to her and she saw the land heave slightly. A spike of earth impaled a man near Richard. Puzzled, she glanced around. All other magic wielders were accounted for. Was it the dwarf? A back handed attack as such seemed off for any she knew in their party. Still, the earth⌠it wanted her to know something was coming. But what?
Kersia stood over her opponent. The woman simply smirked at her. âMy lips are sealed, blue blood.â
The pandaren nearly took a step back. Instead, she growled. âIf you know what I am, you give me the answers I seek! Otherwise I swear I will-â
âKill me? How shocking. Your kind always kills when you donât get your way.â
âMy kind?â Kersia clenched her fists, her arms quivering ever so slightly.
âMagic only belongs to the blue flight, remember? How dare us mortals use it? Kill them all?â The entrapped woman cackled, her tone haughty.
Kersia clenched her teeth as she felt anger whelm up inside of her. Finally it reached a bursting point. She stomped forwards towards the woman and pulled her fist back, intent on punching her. But Kersia never got the chance. She narrowly jumped backwards in time to avoid the scythe.
âAH HAHAHAHA! YOU! YOU KILLER!â A great scythe sliced through the flesh of the mage Kersia was interrogating, a scythe meant for Kersia. The woman cried out in surprise in the brief seconds before death, as her upper and lower abdomen was sliced in two.
Kersia blinked backwards and focused mana into a shield around her body. She looked on to where she had stood moments before. A man, garbed in an outfit similar of black and red, stood. His left foot rested on the bloody stump that remained in Kersiaâs ice. His long black hair was pulled back in a loose tie, revealing the slightly pointed ears of a half elf. His eyes shown with a brilliant gold, their elongated pupils constricted in the sunlight. His bronze skin was only visible on his face, as the rest of him was covered. His face was twisted in a wide and toothy grin.
âWho the hell are you!?â Kersia demanded, startled by his appearance.
âHehehehehe. Who am I? Who. Am. I!?â The man twirled on the corpseâs stump. âWhy, I am here!â He pointed suddenly in Koraâs direction. âLife lover over there kept crying hehehe, and whining, hehehe wanting to meet me! AHAHAHA!â He started to dance on the stump.
Kersia glanced behind herself towards Kora, remembering vaguely hearing the woman call out for the leader to show. âYou are the one who kidnapped Mortre?â
âAm I the one? The one!? The one and only!?â He twirled his scythe before hoping on, balancing on the shaft with the blade resting in the sand. There he balanced on one foot. âSorry sweet heart! One of a trio! Fantastic! Fabulous! Favorites! Mother always loved us most! Ahehehehe!â He glanced towards Sterixia as she was making her way towards the middle of the battle field. âAs much as the mutated freak thinks otherwise! Hehehehe.â
Kersia spared a slight glance at the approaching Sterixia. When she returned her focus on the man, he was gone. He reappeared in front of her, his forehead resting on hers. âVanzerion!â He cried out with glee as he brought his scythe around in a flash.
Kersia barely blinked out in time. He was faster, appearing moments after she did, steps behind her. âAHAHAH WHY DO YOU RUN FROM ME!? PLAY! PERFORM! MOTHER WOULD WANT A GRAND PERFORMANCE!â He kept slashing at Kersia. "YOU STOLE MOTHER FROM ME! AHEAHAHA! KILLER! YOU KILLED THE LITTLE ITTLE BITTY ONES!"
Kersia was on the defensive from the start. She could sense his power. He was by far older than she was, far more experienced, far more agile. He appeared and disappeared into the earth with such ease, she had never seen Mortre wield the earth at this level. âAh!â Vanzerion had appeared a few paces in front of her, his scythe ready to swing. Kersia lashed out with ice out of reflex, binding his feet to the earth. He was stuck, if only for a moment.
âHehehehehe. Who am I? Who. Am. I!?â The man twirled on the corpseâs stump. âWhy, I am here!â He pointed suddenly in Koraâs direction. âLife lover over there kept crying hehehe, and whining, hehehe wanting to meet me! AHAHAHA!â He started to dance on the stump.
Kora looked over as she heard the taunt and smiled, âItâs about time.â She watched warily as the man began to attack Kersia, the blue wasnât made for close quarters combat, nor had she displayed any kind of martial ability. Kora dashed towards the fight just as Kersia froze the manâs feet, âKersia get the others out of here and to safety, you arenât made for this kind of fighting!â
The red looked at the man, âYou wield a scythe? Do you fancy yourself death? Sorry child, but you are barely worthy enough to polish Deathwingâs mortal guiseâs bootstraps. Still, life and death, the eternal battle. I was the one who called for you so why donât you stop playing with the blue and fight someone who can actually give you a challenge?â Koraâs sword appeared in her hand and she pointed it at Vanzerion, âYou may have your underlings scared, perhaps even Mortre and Kersia, but I⌠I donât fear you.â
Torin nearly sprung to his feet. His sense returned as he realized it was the disguised black dragon that had come to check on him. Perhaps this one was not corrupt like the rest of his kind. A truly corrupt one would have killed him not checked him. "Do not worry, I... am fine. For now." He said stretching his neck with a crack.
The Dwarf was glad to see the Green had appeared to recover quick enough. He got up with Torin as the Elf flexed likely to awaken the rest of his body. "Go then, I will help the others clean up here." Then just as suddenly he seemed to simply vanish from this plain. "There is something you don't see every day." Draco did not have to be a druid or a member of the Emerald Dragonflight to figure out just what happened to his companion.
Draco turned to face the rest of the party as he heard the silent whispers of something within the back of his mind. "The Green flees. The next to fail, cowards and weaklings the lot of them. They do not have your resolve to complete this mission. See how quickly he turned away? They all will in time. Turn away or turn on you instead?"
As if they were sent some invisible message, the remaining two portal mages stopped their channel. The pair vanished without a thought, and reappeared on the other side of the lava moat. One darted towards Draco as Torin moved away, the other towards Kora as she made her proclamation to their masters.
The Dwarf brushed the thoughts from his mind the best he could as one of the mages who were channeling the portal charged him. This seemed strange as it was unwise for a mage to forfeit the advantage of range for the chance of a closer target. "Alright, now that you are done hiding behind your barrier let's see what you got." The Dwarf retorted as the mage launched a flurry of fireballs in his direction. Draco's molten draconian claws extended from his wrists and came up to catch the first of the barrages. Snuffing out the attack within his palm.
Draco watched closely as the Mage stopped short as his first set of attacks become nullified by his shorter statured opponent. Draco cracked his knuckles as he waited for his opponent to make another move. "What will you do? Let me die of old age?" The dwarf moved to give a reaction from his opponent. Directing his power over earth he sent a shockwave towards his opponent causing the ground beneath them to shake and splinter. The mage fell over from the attack but seemed to be laughing from pleasure rather than fear.
The Dwarf manipulated the ground to encircle and trap the mage and lifted him off the ground as he approached but still the look on his face never wavered. This angered Draco a bit more than it should have causing him to sprout his horns and his eyes to shift to their more molten and reptilian appearance. "What is so funny!" He finally demanded of his captive.
"Game over traitor. Yes, we know who you are, and from what brood you were created. But that doesn't matter now as the master comes." With his free hand the mage pointed over to their portal where a man draped in dark clothing emerged from the gateway. "My job is done, so kill me if you desire, it will not change your fait or that of these meager blind hopefol-" With a flash of orange the mage was silenced as his head slowly slid from his shoulders. Draco was done listening as his focus was now on the great power that emanated from the creature that at that moment was attacking Kersia.
The Mage was old, and powerful, but her opponent was even more so. The Dwarf rushed over to where Kora was boasting an ready to aid her against their scythe wielding opponent. "Not a good idea! We need an escape plan and fast. Otherwise this mission is over!"
The man Richard had pinned quivered meekly beneath the duo. âY-you donât hold power over me!â He spat. He glanced at the large cat, her teeth glimmering, reflecting in his eyes. He had a fear of being eaten. Eaten by his masters, eaten by a wild animal. The man had watched his beloved be devoured by rabid wolves, not a month after their wedlock ceremony. A nightmare that forever plagued his mind. As he studied Syntharaâs fangs, the little drool that coated them and dripped, he saw his beloved once more.
Finally, he snapped. âA-alright! I yield! I yield! V-vinarion has a network under Tenaris! A-an old ogre mound as an ent-ARG!â A spike of earth impaled the man before he could finish his statement. Garbled noise exited the manâs mouth as the spike fell into a sprinkle of bloody sand. His body went limp.
Richard nodded slightly, never moving from his position as the man started to spill out his secrets. However, his poise didn't last long as the earth heaved slightly and a sharp jagged spike jutted up from the ground impaling his would be captive. Richard and Synthara jumped back looking around. He couldn't seem to spy anything and panther seemed defensive and confused.
"Where the heck did that come from, and just our luck too. We'll at least we got Tanaris out of him and Vinarion, strange as heck name." Off in the farther distance where Kerisa was a man stepped through a portal, slicing through her attacker. However, he didn't seem like the friendly type. Most people who can slice another nearly in half never are. Eww, he was messing with the corpse.
Richard rushed over, Synthara striding ahead by a bit, towards the location. This fellow was quick and seemed to phase with the ground at times. What an oddity. He arrived as the dwarf did.
"Not a good idea! We need an escape plan and fast. Otherwise this mission is over!"
"What? This fellow may seem fairly formidable, but we clearly outnumber him. He doesn't seem that powerful." What on earth spooked the dwarf enough that he wanted to run first. He combed his hands under his hat, strolling it through his hair. Nothing ever makes sense on these kinds of adventures.
He studied it all with his eyes. Whatever was going on certainly was a lot more complex than he had hoped it would be. Again, something that seemed to be a common occurrence.
Sylstyx smiled at Moricianâs concern. She saw him wince and stood up. Morician had removed the arrow and Sylstyx could sense dark energy working to heal his wound. She frowned, unsure if her elemental healing could help him. She prayed to the waters, and a small stream of water moved from her and towards him, aimed at the wound. She had heard light magic hurt the undead, but she wasnât sure about water? Could it at least dull the pain? She frowned. At worst, the water would just leave the area wet.
Content with her attempt at healing, the shaman surveyed the battle field. Suddenly the earth cried out to her and she saw the land heave slightly. A spike of earth impaled a man near Richard. Puzzled, she glanced around. All other magic wielders were accounted for. Was it the dwarf? A back handed attack as such seemed off for any she knew in their party. Still, the earth⌠it wanted her to know something was coming. But what?
Morician sighed in relief as the healing water seeped into his wound. While the healing was perhaps slower than what it would be on someone living, it nevertheless helped him stretch his own reserves of power further. He looked back to the shaman to offer his thanks, before pausing a moment and frowning as he noticed her concerned expression.
"What's wrong?" he asked, feeling the uneasiness of his mount. The battle was over, but something was clearly amiss. Suppressing the disquiet as best he could, he turned back to Sylstyx and offered her a hand, nodding at the back of his saddle. "Not a lot of room, but if you want to perch up here instead of walkin' around while waitin' to retrieve the rest of the mounts..." He shifted a bit in the saddle, trying to scoot forward a bit to make more room.
Torin turned with the arrival of the disguised Black Dragon. A true master of the earth it would seem. This dragon seemed almost as old as himself. "Baine out conversation can wait. We have company." He said running towards the right blade drawn. 'Damn Deathwing and his Kin' he thought as he tried remembered how diminished his power was since the Dragonsoul. All the dragons even the aspects were greatly weakened since it was used to end Deathwing forever.
Torin had to be fast to save the Blue. He risked walking through the dream. Emerging again before their opponent. Placing himself between the attacker and the blue. He willed Roots to emerge from the dream to ensnare the man whose feet were frozen to the ground. Sickly red roots erupted from the ground attempting to constrict the scythe wielding Wierdo.
He brought his blade around in a deadly arc. He knew his opponent would at least deflect or parry the blow. His main goal would be to keep Kersia safe until an exit strategy was devised.
The large Tauren had noticed the blindfold and suspected the elf of his blindness even before he mentioned it. Baine was a young leader, but just the same he had traveled all over Azeroth and beyond the stars. He knew this elf was no where near as blind as he wanted others to believe he was. Even if he did block his visual sight with a blindfold there were other ways to see beyond the visual.
In his youth the young Tauren would listen to stories by campfire of a Demon from the Kaldorei people. The great betrayer who turned on his people in favor of the demonic powers of the Burning Legion. This power came at a cost however as his eyes were burned from fel-fire. As the Elf spoke he wondered if he was one such creature. Capable of seeing without sight. a Demon Hunter of the Kaldorei!
Baine was snapped back to his sense when Vynianyx tried to intervene and then their new companion suddenly ran back into the fray. "You need not worry Kaldorei, I have no intent of fighting--Hey where is he going in such a hurry?" Baine looked over to where the other Night Elf had fled to and noticed that their group was currently engaged with a single opponent. There were at least 3 of them fighting one man and soon Torin would be the fourth.
Baine looked over at the battle and then back to Vyn. He then felt the earth shake as his troupe came upon them. "Sir! Great news, one of our scouts have located the heard. Several of us are moving to intercept. Your Orders?" Baine took one more look at the battle several yards to their south. Without giving her a chance to respond he grabbed Vynianyx and threw her onto the saddle of his mount and quickly joined her. "Wait for my signal and send the heard my way. If things go south we may need a quick escape."
Baine gripped the reigns and the three of them moved swiftly south. "I am sorry about that miss, but I did not think I had time to ask politely. Just hold on tight!" Baine's large Raptor picked up speed but still came short of catching the speed of Torin who seemed to already be engaging the enemy.
Sylstyx grew concerned when she saw the man charge at the others, and then returned her gaze back up to Morician. He made space for her to get on his horse, which she took. Awkwardly, the draenei woman managed to get herself perched on the horse's back.
âVi needink du get du ze ozzerz! Zumtink iz ahmizz!â She patted Morician's shoulders to try and emphasize the urgency.
-----
Torin vanished, almost as suddenly as he appeared. Vynianyx saw the wild fight unfolding on the battlefield and nearly charged after him. She wanted to, needed to save Kersia. Another tauren appeared suddenly and spoke to Baine. Not wanting to cause unneeded enemies, Vynianyx stayed put. At least, until she was suddenly hoisted onto the saddle of Baine's raptor. She shrugged as she got comfortable and the pair charged towards the evolving battle. Vynianyx has a sinking feeling as to what the new combatant was, and she started to think fast, wanting to formulate a retreat strategy. She had a feeling Kersia and the others might find themselves outmatched, especially if they continued to fight as they were.
Temporary relief washed over Kersia as Kora and Draco rushed over. She knew the ice would not hold this man for long, but it bought her time for her allies to react. Perhaps she could gain some distance and they could work together to bring him down? Or was that too hopeful a prospect at this moment? Kersia pondered the thought briefly. It would be better to formulate a plan, rather than to be caught unawares like they were. And if he shifted forms, at this stage, some of their allies would be caught even further unawares. No, better to run and fight another day; when they can plan and plot strategy.
âKersia, get the others out of here and to safety, you arenât made for this kind of fighting!â Kora shouted as she arrived. She brandished her sword and continued, now moving to taunt the man.
âYou wield a scythe? Do you fancy yourself death? Sorry child, but you are barely worthy enough to polish Deathwingâs mortal guiseâs bootstraps. Still, life and death, the eternal battle. I was the one who called for you so why donât you stop playing with the blue and fight someone who can actually give you a challenge? You may have your underlings scared, perhaps even Mortre and Kersia, but I⌠I donât fear you.â She seemed firm.
Draco was soon after her. . "Not a good idea! We need an escape plan and fast. Otherwise this mission is over!"
Kersia was glad for their support and echoed their idea of getting out fast.
"What? This fellow may seem fairly formidable, but we clearly outnumber him. He doesn't seem that powerful."
Now Richard made it to them. Before she could respond to his confusion, Vanzerion started laughing wildly.
âHow DARE you! YOU little red scaled B****! You think, hahaha, I want to be DEATH!? I find a scythe to be easy to twirl and dance with, thank you very much.â His last sentence almost seemed sane, until he started cackling again. âAheahahaha! You LOWER my worthiness!? ME! Vanzerion! TO BE BELOW the traitor!? I AM FAR BEYOND NELTHARION! DEATHWING is no more, mind you. Good riddance. AHEHEHEHE!â The ice holding his feet exploded in a spray of water and he vanished before Torin's vines could reach him, and appeared a few paces away. Vanzerion deflected the charging elf's attack with ease, and charged himself, scythe at the ready, right at Draco. âTRAITORS! YOU ALL ARE MORTAL LOVING LITTLE TRAITORS! YOU KILL THEM! AHEHEHEHE YOU WILL DIE!â He swung fast at the dwarf, and as he did, the earth rumbled. Under Kora, Richard, and Kersia, the earth heaved, ready to explode.
Kersia blinked, not a moment to spare. A mix of lava and ground sprayed like a fountain into the air. The lava rained down like a molten red shower. The ground fragments formed into spikes aimed for wherever Kersia and Kora landed. The lava and earth then congealed, taking the form of drake sized animated dragons. The two dragon constructs charged for Kora, Richard, and Kersia, ready to strike, melt, kill.
-----
The earth of the battle field continued to rumble, especially as Baine and his raptor with Vynianyx charged forward. They would find their charge under constant assault from randomly jutting spikes of earth. The spikes crumbled soon after they appearing, and the earth formed into a large snake. It hissed, and chased after the raptor with speeds that would swiftly overtake it. Seeing the snake approach quickly, Vynianyx began to prep herself to jump.
As it closed the gap, Vynianyx finally made a decision. âSorry Baine, I fight better on foot.â She said, before she jumped up off the raptor. In an instant, she was in her bird form. The druidess winced as her wings still felt sore from their break, but she pushed through the pain. She looped in the sky before turning back at the snake. With a swift dive, Vynianyx was darting right at it.
The snake reared up its head and sprayed spiked of earth at the diving bird. Vyn drifted to the right to avoid them, maintaining her diving speed. She shifted into her bear form at the last moment and landed on the earth snake. The snake hissed loudly before whipping its tail around to combat the druidess. It tried to wrap its tail around her bear form, but she shifted into a bird once more and took to the skies. She scanned what was happening around the field, looking for an opportunity to escape.
-----
Sterixia was half way to Kersia when the man appeared. She stopped momentarily, before returning to her trek. As she made her way, she saw two animated dragons appear out of the earth and lava. Their appearance caused the netherdrake to hasten her pace. As she ran, she began to change. In an instant, where there was once the strange elf, there was now a black netherdrake. Her new form granted her more speed, and she was soon at Kersia's side. On arrival, she roared at the weird dragon construct. She wanted to help, to save everyone.