The Crystal Stars

[Pureauthor]

The Crystal Stars

Book One of the Elementals Trilogy

*~*~*~*~*

Prologue: A Hint of Things to Come

*~*~*~*~*

The fog was thick tonight. People unlucky enough to have to traverse this accursed terrain in the pitch blackness could barely see their own hands in front of their face. Slow and steady walking would be the most reliable (and frankly, the only) way of crossing this mountain path.

Just right for Grath and his band of rogues, then. The Bandit Lord smiled greedily as he sifted through the pile of loot they had already nabbed so far.

“Aye, with this path bein’ a favourite for ‘em merchants, no wonder we have rich pickings, eh, boss?” Wern grinned as he peered with Night Goggles at the surrounding. The local Goblins cared nothing for morals, and anyone with the right amount of coins could get their hands on some of their unique gadgetry. As such, ambushes were pathetically simple for Grath and company.

“True, true.” Grath laughed as he hefted his war axe on his shoulder. “Anyone coming down the path?”

“Nope.” Wern replied. “Methinks we’ve seen the last of ‘em merchants for a while. Anyone with half a brain would know better than to travel in fog like this.”

“Anyone, bar the idiots we’ve seen so far, eh?”

“You said it, boss. Hang on! I see someone!”

Grath turned to stare into the darkness. “Well?”

“Only one person, boss. He’s got a cloak on.”

“Hrmph.” Probably not much cash on him, Grath thought. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to strip this fool of any valuables he had on him. And if he didn’t happen to have any, well, it had been a long time since he’d ripped someone apart with his bare hands.

“All right, lads! Let’s get him!” He cried.

An instant later, he and his band had surged out to block the path, preventing the traveler from crossing.

“Hand over all your money and valuables, or you’ll wish you’d never been born!” Grath roared to the traveler.

For a long moment, there was no movement in the path, save the rustling of the travaler’s cloak. Then a long slow sigh escaped from the traveler’s mouth.

“I really, really don’t feel like dealing with this now.” Odd. His voice sounded strangely muffled. But this was secondary to Grath and company.

“Well, you’ll deal with it, all right, or-“ He never finished that particular sentence, for a bullock cart suddenly smashed into him.

Or at least that was how he would have described it. Moving inhumanly fast, the person had discarded his cloak and charged forward, ramming his fist into Grath’s midsection. The Bandit Lord made a groaning sound as he collapsed, while the traveler backflipped, landing on his feet, just in front of where his cloak lay.

“Are you going to let me pass now, or what?” The traveler said impatiently. In the thick fog and dim light, all they could see of him now was a black shadow, arms folded.

“Why, you little-“ Grath wheezed as he struggled to his feet. “All right, lads, let him have it!”

Yelling war cries, the bandits charged forward- only to find themselves slicing empty air. Whoever it was, he had already launched himself into the air, bringing himself down hard on the head of the foremost bandit.

To describe what happened next from the bandit’s point of view would not have been very useful, as the only thing they were aware of was of a dark blur darting through their ranks, knocking them to the ground. Multiple times.

As the dust settled, the traveler grabbed his cloak and refastened it over his person. Surveying the scene, he let out a tiny smile of satisfaction as he watched those that still could stand up and flee.

“All done, I suppose.” Suigeki muttered to no one in particular. Quickening his pace, he walked into the thick fog once more. Right now, all he wanted was a soft bed, and the next town wasn’t too far away.

“Coo… coo…” Suigeki stopped short, and turned to stare as he watched what appeared to be an unnaturally large pigeon flutter off into the darkness.”

“…” Shrugging, he turned and continued his descent.

*~*~*~*~*

“Ah, a Shimmerglaze roast. Nary a finer cut of meat anywhere in the Barrens!”

“Carl, do you have to say that everytime we eat one of these things?” Pureauthor moaned. ‘Seedy’ was the kindest description possible for a place like this, but Carl didn’t seem to mind, provided they served him food and ale. Being a big, bad Panderen Brewmaster would make any miscreants in the tavern wary of getting on his bad side.

Being a plain, ordinary human, however, Pureauthor was understandably not very comfortable. Several people were leering at him and making suggestive expressions.

What troubled him more was that not all of them were female.

“Can we get a move on?” He asked. “We need to reach Orgrimmar by dawn, and we’re not going to get there if we sit on our assess all night.”

“Fine, fine.” Standing, Carl shoved the last pieces of roast into his mouth. “You’re always so blasted impatient.”

“I have to be, since you’re always so blasted relaxed. Come on. We’re wasting time.”

As the two left the bar, the barkeep blinked and looked up. “Hey! You didn’t pay the bill! Come back!”

*~*~*~*~*

The air was unbearably humid that night.

Unbearable to a human, at any rate. But Gen’hius Rex of the Naga quite enjoyed the humidity. Being one of the sea-going serpents, he felt most comfortable in the water, and her Majesty Azshara’s recent land campaigns had left him feeling constantly dehydrated.

Still, it couldn’t be helped, as the Sunken Ruins held vast multitudes of treasures that any faction would kill for, had they known of their existence. And not all of the treasures were counted in terms of gold or jewels.

From his vantage point of a crumbling balcony, Gen’hius watched as his minions combed the surrounding area frantically. Serving under the Stormcaller was a high honour, but the price to pay for failure was considerably higher, too. And the deadline for locating it had long been broken. A low growl sounded from his throat. He was not happy. Slithering down to the closest of his Myrmidons, he waited until the soldier noticed him with a start.

“Report.” He growled, just loud enough to let the Myrmidon hear.

“W-we haven’t found it yet, master.” The Naga was visibly trembling. Gen’hius Rex smiled thinly. He liked inspiring fear in subordinates. He liked showing them, with every movement and gesture, that they were inferior to him in every conceivable way. But he could reflect on that later, he thought, as he refocused his attentions on the idiotic yammerings of the Myrmidon.

“I think… I think it’s no longer here.” The Naga finished. Gen’hius hissed.

“It must be found.” Gen’hius stated, his low whisper more final than any scream. “We must have that power.”

‘ I must have that power.’ He thought. Without waiting for his subordinates’ affirmation, he turned and headed back into the depths of the ruins.

“The power of the Crystal Stars…”

[rålfwårg]

Very nice so far- description is very good as is your grammar, if I could only make one tiny suggestion, I would advise you to look for more descriptive nouns to describe character groups.

For example, in the first little section, it felt as if you overused the word 'bandit' - maybe 'black hearted thug', 'unholy merchant' or just plain 'brute' would've helped the story flow a little better...

Apart from that, absolutely perfect, noone could have asked for a better first post.

RalfRating™:•••••
(four gold coins, one silver coin)

[Silencers]

Mmm.. well, might be too early for me to ask where Calis and other characters are. Oh well, I'm quite surprised you mentioned an unnaturally large pigeon :p

[Nio the Namless]

Good job thus far, not much to say as you just start but I am reading it

[Inquisistor7]

A good start. I like how you were certain to include the mods in the first chapter... ;)

[AlarStormBringer]

Ah yes, the part one to your new epic novel. I love it! It's like Carl's Tavern mixed in a bit with Vagrant's work. At least I hope. :y-sneaky:

[A-Thousand-Lies]

I'll be keeping an eye on this story.

Even Atilla needs something to read every now and then.

[Flak]

I like how you were certain to include the mods in the first chapter... ;)

You sting me, Jokkun.

I really like how you portrayed Suigeki. Keep it up! :y-thumbsu

[Silencers]

Bumping this up to remind you, PA. Don't tell me this si a one-shot?

[Pureauthor]

Looking at the last post silencers made, I feel compelled to tell you all something.

DON'T expect quick updates.

I already have a workload piling up. I have multiple other stories to deal with.

But most improtantly: I got a PS2 for christmas.

So, when is the next update, you ask? Soon. Around one day after you read this. (assuming you read this within one hour of it being posted.)

For now... ta.

[Kingcrazygenius]

Hsssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not quite what I was expecting (when it came to me), but I like it nonetheless. I can't wait to see Gen'hius Rex in action.

[Silencers]

Haha have fun with that new toy, man.

[Rowan Seven]

Interesting. Very, very interesting. You've begun this story with an excellent start, introducing what appear to be two very important characters while leaving them and the plot itself shrouded in mystery. Gen'hius Rex left a particularly strong and ominous impression on me, Suigeki was more subdued and feels much like a wandering stranger, and the pigeon is notable in that it's an unnaturally large, suspiciously out-of-place pigeon. Carl and you are your typical captivating, entertaining selves, and I wish you luck with your writing. Oh, and I hope you put your Playstation 2 to good use. I am _finally_ using mine again now that I'm on winter break, and between that and World of Warcraft the days are going by disturbingly fast.

[Inquisistor7]

It seems that the update Pureathor spoke of has slipped away. Oh well, I good things come to those who wait. I cannot, however, deny the fact that I look forward to more from you Pureauthor, but far be it from me to rush art.

Oh and Rowan, does your recent posting here in the FFF foreshadow future posting by you in this place? I think we would all enjoy seeing you here more.

[Flak]

Amen. Post!

Don't play World of Warcraft, it'll take over your life :y-mm:

...stupid MMORPGs...

[Inquisistor7]

Indeed, but if it weren't for World of Warcraft the single player forum would be fairly dead from lack of lore syndrome.

[Pureauthor]

Don’t kill me. Please. I beg of you. Don’t e-mail bomb me or whatever it is you call it. Don’t send death threats. I know I am overdue. WAY overdue.

*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 1: Trials

*~*~*~*~*

The dawn sun shone on Orgrimmar, bathing the entire orcish settlement in an ethereal morning glow. At times like this, one could truly believe they weren’t a race of brutish warriors, and it was merely a peaceful settlement, showing little or no signs of resentment. The early dawn led to the distinct impression that rarely might not be entirely happy with the way things were going, or occasionally, peeved, but they’d never go so far as disgruntled.

Pureauthor strode into view; looking disgruntled enough for an entire battalion of Orcish warriors who just realized their breakfast was going to be delayed. Behind him strode the genial Panderen, humming an indistinct tune to himself repeatedly. This, you may well be interested in knowing, was driving Pureauthor nuts.

“Stop. That.” He muttered to Carl. Of course, the only noticeable effect was the whistling rising in volume.

Fighting down an urge to growl, Pureauthor stomped over to a nearby door, checked to ensure it was the one he was looking for, and rapped sharply on it.

“Nio!” He called. “Nio!”

There was no response. Rapping harder, Pureauthor finally gave a door a swift kick. “NIO!” He shouted. “Open the door! Now!”

There was a long and drawn out silence. Finally, the sound of rusty bolts scraping against wood was heard, and a tauren face poked his head out. “Came on time, I see.” He said with a tiny chuckle.

Pureauthor shrugged noncommittally. “Sure. After having no job for who knows how long, we’ve managed to perfect the fine art of slipping out of taverns without paying the bill. Still, it’d be nice to be working again.”

Nio laughed shortly, and then opened the door wider. “Well, come on in, both of you. Look like you two could use some comfortable chairs.”

*~*~*~*~*

A bright sun shone on the mountains of Alterac, illuminating its highest peaks, however temporarily, through the blinding mass of swirling snow.

Had any observer been there at that point, they would have blinked and stared, for it seemed, for a fleeting sunlit instant, that there had been something massive perched high on the flat stone of the rocks. Then, seeing nothing, they would most likely shrug it off as something to do with the sunlight.

That suited Esgalon just fine. After all, secrecy always was important.

Striding through the halls of his fortress cum palace, he allowed himself a small, tight lipped smile as his mind wandered.

Back to the last days of Silvermoon… the cries of dying elves all around him, the dark tide of Undead cutting through their ranks. The stench of the air as rotting flesh that had once been High Elves rose again, now loyal only to the Lich King. A cold, clammy presence that lingered everywhere the Undead went.

A final, deathly scream as Sylvanus’ very soul was ripped from her body.

How ironic, He thought to himself as the world around him came back into focus. That she would now approach me.

He had not, of course, been foolish enough to stand and fight the Undead, sacrificing himself in a vain attempt to save Quel’Thalas. His power then wasn’t even a fraction of what it was now, and so he had fled, pausing only once to gaze back at the roiling black smoke that covered his homeland.

My homeland? He almost laughed out loud. He had no home. His family was magic, his companions, power, and anything else that stood in his way of reaching those two were merely obstacles to be removed as speedily as possible.

And of course, one must always be prepared to seek out and accept advantages as well.

Rounding a corridor, he smirked slightly as he saw the party that had assembled to wait for him.

Several banshee spirits, a male necromancer, and several mindless ghouls obviously under the control of the banshees, all waiting for him. Bodyguards. He rolled his eyes. He wasn’t stupid enough to try anything, unless they took the initiative of attacking him.

Settling into his seat, he deliberately slumped down slightly and rested his arm on the armrest, his chin resting comfortably on his fist, offering the impression that this was slightly less stimulating than watching grass grow.

“I’m here.” He announced airily. “And the representative of the Forsaken would be?”

“Me.” The Banshee at the forefront replied in a chilling voice. “I shall be the one to discuss terms of the alliance with you.”

Esgalon chuckled. “Do tell, dear maiden. Do tell.”

“First.” The Banshee’s soulless eyes bored into him. “What we can offer you, and what you can offer us. We offer you the protection of our Undead forces, and the lesser ones shall be yours to command. You shall have access to all levels of the Undercity, and we shall provide you with any materials or supplies you might need.”

“Quite a tempting offer.” Esgalon allowed. “Well, on my side, I can offer several dimwitted mountain trolls and orcs that I’ve… subjugated. Not very smart, but useful in battle. I also have quite considerable skills in sorcery, and I’m certain I could help you refine some of your campaign tactics…” Pointless. He was rambling, and both sides knew it. They truly wanted but one thing from him.

“Appreciated… but unnecessary.” She cut him off. “We want your aid in a different form.”

“Ah.” He smiled. Leaning back even further, he pretended to contemplate this matter for several long seconds. “Might it be… perhaps… that you want my aid in finding the Crystal Stars?”

“… Correct.”

“Well, I suppose I’d be able to help.” He gave a long, slow sigh. “However, there is a slight problem. What guarantee do I have that your esteemed leader will not corrupt me or turn me Undead once my aid is given?”

“She would not turn her back on an ally. That is not the way of the Dark Lady.”

“Don’t give me that rot.” Esgalon countered. “I know for a fact that you’re sending peace feelers to the Horde across the sea. Might it be because you wish to gain a foothold in Kalimdor? Or that Durotar gives you a convenient launching point for future campaigns? Or perhaps that the Orcs will make wonderful Undead warriors once you’ve exhausted all need of them. Or maybe all three?”

“… That is a different matter. You have our word that this will not happen to you.” She replied emotionlessly.

“Your word.” Esgalon sneered. Then he sighed. “I suppose I will render my aid. I’ve been getting bored recently, anyway.”

“…” Receiving this information, the troop of Forsaken turned and prepared to leave.

“What, nothing else? A cup of tea maybe?” He called after them, knowing full well they wouldn’t respond.

Once he was completely alone, he shook his head. Idiots. If they think they can get the Stars just by hiring me as a detective, they’ve got another thing coming for them. But I’ll suppose I’ll just continue to play the part. He sighed. I really had no idea Sylvanus was this naïve

*~*~*~*~*

“An alliance?” Pureauthor shook his head. “With the Forsaken? They’re a bunch of ‘free’ Undead across the sea, right?”

“You have the same opinion I do.” Nio rumbled. “That’s good. Nothing beneficial can come of an union with those… unnatural beings.”

“Then why would this Warchief of yours be leaning towards agreement? He’s not stupid.”

“Not stupid, no.” Nio looked slightly bemused. “Say perhaps, that it comes from the experiences of his own race. The orcs know what it is to feel alienated due to circumstances beyond your control. And so Thrall extends a hand of kindness.”

“Well, he’d better be careful, or his hand of kindness is going to get chopped off.” Carl opined.

“My thoughts exactly.”

Pureauthor sighed and shook his head. “And what of this other faction? This…Shattered Hand thing?”

Nio shook his head ponderously. “I haven’t been able to get much information on them, they are trying to be secretive, after all. Suffice it to say they are a rogue organization of orcish warlocks working in secret to assassinate the Warchief. And we can’t warn him, because there are already warlocks in his court.”

“But those are the ones who’ve openly pledged allegiance to Thrall, right?” Pureauthor questioned as he took a sip of the tea that Nio had laid out for them.

“Correct. But if I were to inform the Warchief of this, all warlocks would be alienated or massacred. Best to try to dig deep and find out more about the organization first.”

Pureauthor rubbed his head. “In any case, they probably won’t move soon… they should be smart enough to know that if this happens, it’ll make them weak in the power sector, and leave them wide open for Theramoore to strike.”

“So…” Carl said softly. “I guess our first mission is to find out more about these Warlocks?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“And may I ask why not? And if not, why did you hire us mercenaries for?”

“Firstly, the Shattered Hand is more extensive than you’d think. If they got wind of a human sniffing around, they’d take steps to deal with you, and we don’t want that. Second, their group is large, but rather unorganized, from what I could tell. You’ll not find a clear flow of information, and the majority of its members know little more than the fact that their ultimate goal is to overthrow Thrall and take his place. It may be a threat, but a distant one. Now, the reason I’ve hired you is to find out about the Forsaken.” Nio’s eyes stared into the distance. “I wish to find out their true motives behind this alliance. Ten to one they’re up to no good, but until we can be sure, we can do nothing…”

“And you asked for me because I’m human, and I can mingle in Lordaeron better than any Orc could. So I can scout for info there.”

“Correct.” Nio smiled slightly. “Consider yourself a… go-between man.”

“Of course.” Pureauthor held up a tiny jewel to the light. “This pendant you gave me the last time I helped you ensured I’d be accepted into any Orcish outpost, however grudgingly. Luckily you’re not in direct war with the humans yet, or even this would be of no use.”

Nio chuckled now. “Yep, you alone can walk freely through orc and man.” Then his gaze turned to Carl. “The cow may be a problem though…”

“C-cow?!” Carl spluttered. “I’m a Panderen!”

“Hm? Oh, sorry, I forgot. Y’see, you’re both big and black and white and kinda dumb looking, so…”

Carl gave Nio a long stare.

*~*~*~*~*

The seaport of Theramoore was bustling and lively, as Pureauthor and Carl strode through the streets.

“Nio was right.” Pureauthor chuckled as he shook his head. “I am a go-between man. More than anyone realizes.”

“I guess I know my job.” Carl muttered. “I need to level with the chilly toilet again?”

“Considering it’ll help us find out about the Forsaken, yes.” Pureauthor reached into on of his pockets and pulled out a chain. At it’s end was a single shard, sparkling in the light. It looked like a diamond, but Carl knew better.

It was a piece of the Frozen Throne.

“Any Forsaken in Lordaeron sense that on me and it’s goodbye forever.” Pureauthor sighed. “You find someone insane enough to take you to Northrend, and I’ll get on a ship for Lordaeron. Aren’t many left, these days.” Saying so, he tossed the necklace to Carl, who caught it expertly with one hand.

That done, the two of them split up and began to walk separate paths. Just then, Pureauthor stopped and turned around. “Carl?”

“Hm?” The Panderen halted in midstep and turned.

Pureauthor allowed a terse smile to grace his features. “Take care of yourself.”

Carl smiled back in return. “You too, old friend.”

*~*~*~*~*

[Ogrey-Author]

Interesting..but then again your stories are always gripping.

[Nio the Namless]

I will probally be silent most of the time after this, but since you worked me in I couldn't help but smile. Sounds like the story is moving on, keep up the good work!

[Kingcrazygenius]

Compelling indeed, I had forgotten just how good you are Pureauthor. Keep up the good work.

[Kilrogg_Deadeye]

I like the reference to the Shattered Hand, very creative. I also like the way you make short sections in your story, builds up lots of tension.

[Flak]

Nio's character just cracks me up. Then again I find humor in things that aren't always funny... :y-mm: Anyhow keep up the good writing.

[Inquisistor7]

Nice. The only flaw right now is that there is no more to read at the moment. Anyway, I look forward to more.

[AlarStormBringer]

I can only pray I get included, but let's not be wishing on a star shall we? So far I love this story, I've got the shakes just typing it because I know this is going to be a great story, and I sense a tad bit of parody! Your reminding me of Vagrant already! GOOD LUCK LAD!

[TheNewHorde]

Love it. Absolutely love it. The best description I have seen in a while now. Not even Blizzard's official authors can write as well as you do, though your overdue seems like a bad sign. (Doesn't really matter to me cause I just joined days ago and have tons of other stuff to read. Hint: Less PS2, less WC3, less WoW, less everything, more posts!) Love ur stuff, more! more! more! If you don't write more, then the world would get so upset they're hunt you down and you'll turn to the next AMERICA MOST WANTED. So for ur own sake, write more and more and more and even more!!!

[Flak]

Whoa holy geez dude, some people have LIVES :y-wink3:

[TheNewHorde]

Ok... maybe I was abit over enthusiastic of his story, but it was indeed very good. Talk about e-mail bombing, I wouldn't have think of it until he said it himself. From now on, I'll send death threat ten times a day if he doesn't write something down soon.

Simply amazed by ur ability to describe scenes. It feels like we're watching a movie, but with words. I think I am starting to get how the matrix can sees pictures with those codes. Words are codes to showing pictures, that can be a new story for me. ^_^ You didn't use alot of those BIG words when you write the fighting scene, but it just seems so good. I read it 7 times today, gonna read it a few more times later.

P.S. I know becoming the AMERICA MOST WANTED is abit insane. But hey, the dude in TV ate a Snicker and got into a pop bend then became president. If you can turn to president with Snicker, then it's possible you can be the next AMERICA MOST WANTED by not writing. (I have never seen the movie, but I bet it's probably about america hunting a dude down.)

[Silencers]

Hehe, that sure took quite a while PA. Ok, I'll wait. I hope you didn't leave my dwarf out :/

[TheNewHorde]

I was just joking, I'm not gonna hunt him down over a story. (Which means you can relax now, and it means you can take ur time. But not TOO MUCH time.)

[Kingcrazygenius]

You won't, but I already have. It was Rowan Seven though, not Pureauthor.

[TheNewHorde]

Why did you hunt Rowan Seven down? Why not Pureauthor? What does Rowan Seven have to do with anything in the crystal stars?

[AlarStormBringer]

He doesn't have to do anything about Crystal Stars, KCG was just making a point that Pureauthor isn't the only good author on the forums.

[Kingcrazygenius]

Rowan Seven still owes me a cameo.

[Pureauthor]

Rowan? Nothing to do with the Crystal Stars? Mwahahaha... see the rules in the signup thread.

And I'm just wondering... should I write romance in? It'll have to be OC, I suspect, since just about all your signups are male...

[Kingcrazygenius]

Gen'hius may not be particularly romantic, but he's never one to deny himself the carnal pleasures of female company; assuming said female company are also Naga.

[AlarStormBringer]

I'm sure Alar could be allowed to be a wee bit perverted, thusly making him hip with the ladies. Okay, not really hip. Infact they'd probably smack him and hurt their hands on his mask.

[Flak]

Rowan? Nothing to do with the Crystal Stars? Mwahahaha... see the rules in the signup thread.

And I'm just wondering... should I write romance in? It'll have to be OC, I suspect, since just about all your signups are male...


You insult my sexuality! *cries* I'm joking, of course, but feel free to make old Sui homosexual.

[Inquisistor7]

You could just make Flak's character female. He is in the habit of changing character's genders mid story...

;)

EDIT: Only Flak himself and those who read his HC would understand that little quip.

[TheNewHorde]

What do you guys mean by OC? What's OC? And why did OC insult my shan'do's sexuality???

By the way, looking for a girl? Well, I'm willing to precipipate as long as you don't let the others' snake out of their pants and obvious physical contact. Or make me kiss a orc or other inhandsome creatures. I'm a guy, but I am willing to be a girl just for the crystal stars (, since the story is just too good to be true,) if my shan'do is ok with that.

[Kingcrazygenius]

If Gen'hius got ahold of her she wouldn't live through the night; he's fond of midnight snacking.

[TheNewHorde]

Midnight snacking? That's scary, I doupt I would wanna stay with him till midnight... Remember I said I refuse to have people letting their snake out? Well, midnight would probably means his snake is already out... So I don't think it would be possible for him to snack on me....

[Kingcrazygenius]

He's a serpentine creature anyways. And he wouldn't wait more than a minute before eating her alive.

[TheNewHorde]

Ok... I changed my mind... I dunno if I wanna be a female... because I submit my charactor as a shape shifting element monster who worships the old gods and changes alliance into neutral after the old gods were defeated by the Titans. But if pureauthor still wants romance, my shapeshift dude can shapeshift into a female when the main charactors are lonely.

[Pureauthor]

Hustle and bustle was a way of life for anyone familiar with port towns. Ships came and went, unloading cargo, haggling over the prices of supplies, and more often than not, doing some underhanded trading.

And wherever you went, Pureauthor thought unhappily, you had to contend with the smell. Sweat, decomposing fish, salted meats, and a hundred other scents that, while having the possibility of being appealing on their own, instead combined to formed something more akin to a gigantic dumping ground of refuse.

Well, there was no way around it. Skirting a hawker attempting to sell some mackerel at a ridiculously inflated price, he headed for a ship that appeared to be loading it’s cargo and preparing to leave.

“Hey!” He called to one of the deckhands. “Where can I talk to the captain?”

The burly human glanced over at him. “Hruh? You want our cap’n? He’ll be portside overseein’ the cargo.”

“… And where, uh, is ‘portside’?”

The sailor stared him incredulously. “That’s left, and if you don’t even know that, the cap’n ain’t going to even wanna talk to ya.”

Pureauthor glanced around for a second, and then turned back to the deckhand. “So… this ship is bound for Lordaeron, correct?”

“That’s right.” The sailor didn’t even bother to look up this time.

“Well then… how much would I need to secure passage on this bathtub?”

The sailor turned to look at him this time. “Are you jokin’?” He snapped. “Everyone knows Lordaeron’s a nest of demons and ‘em creepy zombies. Heck, we get hun’reds of people begging us to let them come here, but as of yet you’re the first one I’ve met who wants to be brought there! We’re only going ‘cuz we have to!”

“How much?” Pureauthor repeated. The sailor rubbed the back of his head. This little guy in front of him was quite obviously an idiot, but it was none of his concern, and if he could fleece him of his cash, well, that was an offer ol’ Jim Bones wasn’t going to turn down.

“One hun’red gold.” He sneered to the diminutive youth in front of him. The kid shrugged and tossed him a tiny leather pouch bulging with coins, obviously far more than the agreed on amount. He didn’t even haggle. Jim s******ed to himself before slipping it into his pocket. Waving the kid onboard, he turned back to his work, a smirk on his face.

Pureauthor, meanwhile, turned and strode up the gangplank. I wonder how long it’ll take him to figure out I paid him with his own pouch? He wondered before disappearing belowdecks.

*~*~*~*~*

Sunlight dappled the clearing, throwing sparkling crystals of light all through the tiny glade. One of the few places of true beauty left in all Lordaeron, it was a wonderful place.

Suigeki, however, was more concerned with keeping himself alive than admiring nature’s work.

Diving in between two trees into the center of the clearing, he whirled around just in time to confront the first of the demons that had chased him here. A brief whirlwind of fists and it was sent flying back.

Settling himself into the most economically defensible position, Suigeki cursed himself for his carelessness. To think they were almost on me before I realized it… Still, if the one he had just knocked back was any indication, their battle capabilities wouldn’t be up to much.

He did not have to wait long for the others to appear. Three others, all snarling and glowering at him quickly joined the first of the pack, the one he had just knocked away. Vaguely lupine in form, flames flowed from their manes, splashing bloody highlights on the loose armor they wore. One of the opened it’s mouth to growl at him, revealing a set of serrated, bloodred teeth.

However, before they could charge, Suigeki took the initiative, leaping straight into the pack. Their confused yelps made it apparent that they weren’t exactly used to dealing with such an aggressive foe.

That suited the agile warrior just fine. Throwing himself into a roll, he emerged from it scything both legs through the air, throwing one of the demons to it’s knees. Two of the wolve-demons rushed at him, claws slashing through the air, thirsting for his blood.

They found themselves charging into the solid trunk of a tree. Furious, they tore through it, before whirling back to face the human that had ducked under the both of them before slamming his elbow in the largest of the pack. A choked howl was his reward.

These guys aren’t very bright. Suigeki thought to himself as he backflipped away from yet another charge aimed at him. Best to end this quickly. Jumping backwards, he used a tree to boost himself, landing right in the middle of the quad of demons.

“Seijin no Hammaah… Aquablade!” A flash of cerulean light, and the four demonspawn were sent spiraling away, deep gashes on their bodies.

Shaking his head, Suigeki concentrated, letting his weapon revert to its original form, that of a giant hammer with a head made of solid water.

Pulling out a scrap of paper, he read its contents, before sighing. “I’ve been completely sidetracked.” He grumbled to himself, before setting off once again.

In seconds, his image was swallowed up by the lush greenery, four demon cadavers being the only proof he’d ever been there.

*~*~*~*~*

“Vile, barbarous brutes!”

“Ay, not a shred of decency in any of ‘em vile greenskins. I fought in the Second War, I did, and I saw all the atrocities they were capable of! Never believed they changed, not for a second!”

“They killed Admiral Proudmoore. I still can’t believe it… what’s stopping them from crushing Theramoore now?”

“We’re more prepared for their attacks now, I daresay. No one’s going to let those blasted orc-filth into our city again!

“Ay, ay! Mark my words, behind the walls of their city, they’re building up armies! Sooner or late they’re gonna strike. And we’ll just have to repel those savages again, won’t we!”

“Aye!”

The hoarse cheering coming from the next table made Carl want to roll his eyes. How convenient that they forget Proudmoore was the instigator of the conflict. Not to mention that the orcs left soon as the threat had been dealt with.

The bartender walked over, slightly wary of the panderen. “And, uh… what’ll you have, er…?”

“For your information, non-humans are capable of having genders too.” Carl said coolly. Sighing, he continued. “Something hard. Surprise me.”

“Uh, yes… sir.” Turning quickly, the human began to putter around, trying to find ingredients for his next brew.

Carl took in the rest of the smoky inn at a glance. Most of the rowdier humans were busy laughing it up and engaging in arm wrestling competitions. Several were doing little more than attempting to chug as many bottles of alcohol as possible.

And one of the men, lounging at the far end of the bar, was looking at him.

Carl held his gaze for several long seconds, until a mug of ale was slammed onto his table. With a sigh, he turned to his drink, the man all but forgotten.

No commercial ship will be bound for Icecrown… He thought dourly. I’ll have to find someone who’s either not afraid of death, or who really, really loves money. And say I find the second type, I’d need money first.

Sighing, he finished the last traces of his ale, and stood to leave. No sense worrying ‘bout it. I’d better go down to the docks and take a look at what ships I can find out there. Hefting his staff over his shoulder, he strolled out the door.

The man at the far edge of the tavern stared at the swinging door through the wreath of smoke hanging round the table for a long moment, before standing to leave as well.

*~*~*~*~*

“So close to the edge of the Maelstrom…” Pureauthor rubbed the back of his head. “The only islands close enough on our route to stop for repairs. Can’t help it, I guess, but I feel a mite uncomfortable, so close to it.

The Maelstrom itself was quite a distance away from the island which they had docked on for the night, but so powerful were it’s throes that it’s steady roar could be heard all the way from the ship.

No helping it, though. The Soothfast had accidentally rammed something in the dark waters, and had ended up taking water fast. Landing and quickly making repairs was the only way they’d complete the trip safely.

According to the talk, the earliest it’d be before the repairs finished was morning, and even that was a generous estimate. Sighing, Pureauthor turned and stared at the ruins on the island.

“The middle of the sea… This was where that Gul’dan guy raised the Tomb of Sargeras, huh?” Pureauthor grinned. “Might as well take a little walk.”

Hopping over the bow, he landed in a crouch on the sand, and strolled off into the labyrinth of crumbling structures.

[Flak]

Hehe, seiijin strike!

Nicely done and again I like your use of Suigeki.

There were a few grammatical errors, would you like me to either point them out or correct them?

[Inquisistor7]

s******ed

I see you tried to use sn iggered. I myself prefer snickers, but that is because I like candy. Beware the word filter.

That suited the

Seems to me that you like that phrase. I am not saying it's a bad thing, it's just that I've seen you use that particular set of words a few times already in this story if memory serves. I am ot even sure I'm bringin it up; I'm weird like that.

Anyway, very good. There were some grammatical errors, as Mod-sama pointed out, but otherwise everything seemed to fit very well and was enjoyable. Please continue.

[Kingcrazygenius]

Very interesting, and do I smell the righteous stench that is foreshadowing?

On a sidenote, you otaku are really starting to piss me off.

[Silencers]

Oh come on, KCG, a lil bit of anime touch doesn't hurt, does it?

[AlarStormBringer]

From now on I'm having my doubts on whether or not Alar has made it.. so I might be entering a new character. I made him as an entry in a Project RoR! neutral hero thread, so I'm sure I might be able to do something..

Poor Alar. I'd always wanted to see what he'd be portrayed like in a story such as this.

[Kingcrazygenius]

Little touch? Half the characters are straight out of an old manga.

[Pureauthor]

Okay, time to clear up something.

This is NOT an RPG.

Every single sign-up created, unless explicitly stated by me, makes it into the story. And then some.

Don't worry about rejection, or unoriginal ideas. Been there, done that. I know what's it like. You made a sign-up, you're in. That's it.

[Silencers]

Little touch? Half the characters are straight out of an old manga.
Old manga? I wonder which you're talking about... heheh. I just can't wait to see my dwarf in action :p

[Pureauthor]

Nio crunched through the dry grass, breathing in the smell of the wilds. He smiled slightly. Ah, it felt good to be on the plains.

The Barrens were just that, and the sun beat down mercilessly on any that walked out into the rocky lands.

Somehow, though, this field had survived. It’s blades of grass were yellowed and brittle, but they still lived.

Crouching, Nio brushed a tiny flower that had sprouted from the ground. It would have a hard life sucking up the tiny droplets of water from the crags deep in the ground.

But he could make it easier of the tiny shoot. Unstrapping the bottle hanging around his waist, he poured some of the precious water down onto the earth.

Within seconds the dark patch had shrunk into nothingness. Nio sighed. Life was hard out here indeed. “Sure hope those two jokers are okay…” He said to himself.

“Looks like you’re having fun.” A gravelly voice came from behind.

In an instant, Nio had spun, one hand traveling to his hip, in which a Hand Axe was slung.

Staring at him across the field was an orc, clad in ceremonial armor. One hand grasped a katana, a blade black as ebony. The warrior grinned fiercely. “Do I speak Nio Thunderhorn?”

Nio stared at him uncertainly. What skin could be seen had strange red marks running through his arm. Red… as hellfire and scorched earth.

“Who wants to know?” He snapped.

The orc smirked. “That’s for me to know, and you to keep your nose out of my business, tauren.” His eyes flashed, and his grin widened. “I suppose I’ve found my target. Even if you’re not the one, I’ll have fun killing you, all the same.”

There was a blur of motion, and the orcish warrior was in front of Nio, black blade swinging through the air.

With a clash of ringing steel, Nio parried, watching as sparks sprayed out from the point of contact. Stumbling back, he settled himself into a defensive crouch. Of all times to not have brought my battleaxe with me…

The orc grinned again. “You asked for my name just now, tauren. And now I’ll give it to you, so that you can take it with you to hell!” Again he struck, and again Nio was forced to parry with his hand axe, staggering under the enormous force behind the blow.

The orc twisted, feinted, and jabbed low, cutting a red line on Nio’s shin. As the tauren stumbled back, he jumped, using the momentum of his leap to pivot in midair and kick forward, dumping Nio to the ground.

Landing in a crouch, a short cackle of laughter ensued, and he stood to his full height, staring down at the winded tauren. “I am Alar, Stormbringer, Skullbreaker, the Storm Lord, and the one who will end your time on this earth. Prepare!” He raised his blade, shining in the fierce glare of the sun, and then stabbed downwards.

*~*~*~*~*

Pureauthor slowly navigated the stinking marshland, occasionally stooping to examine any artifacts that caught his eye. As he continued, he came across a tiny gleaming jewel on the ground.

“Ooh, a bloodstone ruby!” He exclaimed. Crouching, he brushed some of the mud off, examining it in the pale moonlight. “A stone infused with the blood of a fallen demon. Extremely useful for storing magical energy, I recall.” He laughed. “And makes excellent jewelry in a pinch. ‘Sa rare one.” Pleased with his find, he pocketed it, and continued searching.

A couple of hours later, Pureauthor sighed and stretched. “Ah… nothing else? Oh well. I should be getting back to the ship, anyhow.”

As he turned to retrace his steps, he knocked over a loose pebble and heard it thud against something soft.. “Hrnh?” Stooping low, he dug at the area for a while, until most of the caked mud and soil fell away to reveal – a scroll?

“Hmmm…” Pureauthor pulled it out, and slowly unfurled the parchment. It was ancient, from the looks of things, but some blessing had been placed on it to keep the words from fading, and the water from smearing the ink.

Even so, the sheer amount of dirt and grime on the thing made it next-to-impossible to read. The weak light wasn’t helping matters either.

Peering hard, Pureauthor was able to make out several words in the first paragraph. “Surpassing… search… Stars… Cryst… Cryst? Crystal? Hey!” As his eyes wandered, he noted several more pieces of parchment, all tucked away in the tiny hole that would have been undiscovered had not the loose pebble found it’s way in.

Digging them out, Pureauthor unfurled the next one. “Dream… dark… -zer…” He frowned. It’s no use. I’m going to have to find a better light source before I’ll be able to read this thing.

“You! Human! What are you doing here?” A guttural hissing voice sounded through the crumbling chamber. Turning, Pureauthor’s eyes widened as he saw the serpentine shape of a Naga at the entrance. “What is that in your hand?” The sea serpent hissed.

Discretion is the better part of valor. A creed Pureauthor always kept close to heart. In a heartbeat he had scooped up the loose scrolls, and leapt through a hole in the wall. The Naga Myrmidon behind him gave a start of surprise. “You! Stop!” He roared.

The chase was on. Ducking, weaving, using the ancient structures as cover, Pureauthor slowly but surely made progress back towards the ship. Behind him, crying out in rage, the Naga myrmidon kept pace with the lanky human, trying his best to strike him down.

At last, Pureauthor made it to the beach, and there! The ship! It was about to cast off too.

Later, he would berate himself for losing track of the time and nearly causing himself to get stranded on the island with hostile sea serpents for company. At the moment though, he was merely glad at having reached in time. Splashing into the water, he reached out an arm and snagged the rising anger.

The Naga stopped just short of charging onto the beach. He could not risk revealing that there were Naga here. He could only hope the human would keep silent. With a tiny growl, he turned and slithered back into the ruins.

*~*~*~*~*

Gen’hius stared at the tiny crevice on the ground. “This is where they were the whole time? The scrolls?”

“Yes.” The Naga Myrmidon replied. “The human managed to find it and-“

“And you let him escape.” Gen’hius growled. Then, he hunched over, peering intently into the hole. “There’s still something inside…”

Scrabbling at the muddy ground, the Sea Warlock managed to pry a tiny crystalline key from the ground. “This key…” He mused. “It must lead to the Crystal Stars…”

“Excellent, master!” The Naga said, eager to get back into the Stormcaller’s good books. “Only you could have found such an important-“ He never finished his sentence. Not the way he meant to, at any rate.

A ray of lightning exploded from Gen’hius Rex’s outstretched arm, crackling bolts of electricity coursing through the unfortunate Myrmidon’s skin. A final choked cry of agony, and then Gen’hius backhanded the carcass, throwing it to the dirt. The other Naga assembled shot each other looks of panic before Gen’hius turned to face them, his face a mask of barely concealed rage.

“A KEY is no good to us if we don’t know what it’s supposed to OPEN! Find that human! Find those scrolls! Chase them to the ends of Azeroth if we must! Nothing else matters! Only the Crystal Stars! Go, you imbeciles!” As one, the remaining Naga departed, eager to get away from the enraged leader.

Alone, Gen’hius glowered at the tiny depression in the ground for a second, before turning to face the corpse of what had once been a Naga soldier. Another blast of lightning ripped through the dead flesh, the body jerking wildly under the current.

[Kingcrazygenius]

We got the intimidation, we got the evil leader who kills at whim, all we need now is a psychotic rampage and eating someone alive.

[AlarStormBringer]

Well, Alar COULD go on a psychotic rampage, but he's not crazy on eating people. Another great segment.

[Silencers]

can't wait for the next one.

[Flak]

can't wait for the next one.

Signed.

[Damn post limit]

[Pureauthor]

At the last possible second, Nio rolled to the side, as the sword impacted deep into the ground. Swinging his leg in a pendulum motion, he kicked out Alar’s knees from behind him, dumping the orc onto the dry grass.

Staggering to his feet and backing up slightly, Nio gasped for breath, trying to observe his foe properly. Alar, likewise, leapt to his feet, and held his lengthwise in front of him, growling. “Better than I thought.” He spat, before darting forward. A quick thrust, a sidestep, and Nio was left clutching a torn shoulder. A quiet hiss of pain escaped the Tauren.

The Skullbreaker backed off, sword still positioned in a battle stance.

This is not good. Nio thought despairingly as he gripped his Hand-axe again, trying to anticipate the orc’s next move. If I could get close to him, I could probably disarm him, but how? Stooping slightly, he grabbed a small rock from the ground, before hurling it at Alar, as fast as he could.

The orc gave a barking sound vaguely reminiscent of a laugh. A flash of black, and the freshly cleaved rock fell to the ground with a pair of thuds. “Is that really the best you can do? Trying throwing three, or maybe four next time, and then one might strike a glancing blow off me.”

Huff. Huff. Nio slumped over, panting. Raising his head wearily, he stared at Alar’s sneering face.

And then he smiled.

*~*~*~*~*

“You heading north?” Zulchak asked as he gazed down at the Panderen from the boat. “Ain’t many folks crazy enough ta head up there. ‘Specially not now, with all ‘em mummies or whatnot up there.”

“Well, I’m not like most folk.” Carl replied. “So? I’m kinda in a hurry, and I’ll need an answer fast.”

Zulchak glanced around. “Me, I’d be perfectly willin’, but I don’t run the ship, see? I’ve gotta go ask the cap’n.”

“Well, could you hurry it up, then?”

“Sure, sure, hang on…” The blueskin disappeared belowdecks, and Carl could hear the strains of an animated conversation going on belowdecks. A couple of minutes later, Zulchak appeared again.

“Here’s the terms. We take you to the Frozen Continent, an’ we’ll hold anchor for two weeks, waiting for ya’. Any longer ‘n that and you’ll have to find your own way back. All of this for 500 gold. Square deal?”

“I won’t turn that down.” Carl said. “But I’m kinda low on cash at the moment. So, give me a day or two to raise the amount?”

“That won’t be necessary.” A masculine voice said from behind the two of them. Turning, Carl recognized the man who had observed him in the tavern earlier. A green cloak trailed around his short, stocky frame. “I, too, wish to depart for Northrend. I’m in a bit of a hurry, though, and money is of no consequence. How much for me and the cow?”

“PANDEREN!” Carl snapped. Zulchak merely snorted with amusement.

“1000 total, then.”

Without another word, the man pulled out a pouch and proceeded to count out the required number of coins. Then, he clambered up the plank, onto the small ship. A shrug later, Carl followed.

It was then that he realized Zulchak barely came up to his chin.

“You’re, uh, kinda short for a troll.” Carl ventured.

“Yeah? Well, you’re kinda stupid-lookin’ for a sentient bein’, but you don’t hear me bellyachin’ about it, do you, chum-for-brains?”

“Okay, I deserved that one.”

Nothing more was said as Zulchak loosened the ropes of the tiny ship, and they sailed out from the bustling harbor.

*~*~*~*~*

Esgalon glanced up from the scroll he had been studying. A soft cooing had come from the window.

Gesturing lazily, he dispelled the barrier he had placed there, allowing a large pigeon to flutter inside and to the fire, warming it’s wings.

“So, my pretty.” He smiled. “What news of the outside world?”

“Coo… coo…”

Esgalon smiled thinly. “Tsk. I think you’ve forgotten I’m not very adept in the language of avians. Pray tell you converse with me through means that I’m more familiar with.” Saying so, he gestured towards an inkwell and a small piece of parchment.

“Coo… coo…” The pigeon hopped over, and dipped it’s leg into the inkwell. The, slowly but surely, it began to scratch out a message.

Once it was finished, Esgalon relieved his pet of the parchment, and read it’s contents. The smile on his face widened.

“Well, well… it appears that events are unfolding exactly as predicted.” Rolling up the parchment, he tossed it casually into a drawer, and settled down onto his chair, musing.

Ah, poor, foolish Sylvanas. Soon you will understand your folly. And that goes for you too, Suigeki. You’ve not forgotten your past. And neither have I…

Behind him, the pigeon fluttered its wings, and set off into the blinding snow once again.

*~*~*~*~*

In the dense forests of Ashenvale, all was silent.

At least, all would be silent if not for the rustling among the trees. A second later, it ceased.

Yellow eyes peered through the foliage. A long, slender arm reached out to push the fronds aside. Before the night-elf, a furbolg hunched over, licking it’s arm.

Making no sound at all, Elaine reached a single foot out, placing it delicately on the forest floor. A bow was silently drawn, and notched.

Twang.

The furbolg jerked in alarm, sourcing about for the noise. But before it could move, a crash resounded, and what appeared to be a tree toppled to the ground, lying still.

On a second glance, part of the tree trunk was gnarled and furled, enough so that it seemed almost like a face. It’s leaves, instead of a healthy green, was a sickening blend of purple and crimson.

“Another corrupted treant.” Elaine sighed softly to her self. Leaving the arrow embedded in the bark, she walked past it and the alarmed furbolg. “There should be less of them, not more. Especially so far from Felwood.”

She had to face up to the truth of it, then. The corruption of the demons, for all the Archdruid’s best efforts, lingered in the sacred glades. It would be long before the woods of Ashenvale could be made pure again.

But still… it didn’t make sense. The demons, except for one or two survivors still roaming aimlessly through the woods, should have been extinguished by now. The darkness in the realm should have been subsiding.

It was not. It was spreading, and fast.

Elaine grit her teeth. She would not stand for this. She would not sit idly by while her beloved homeland fell under the Burning Shadow once again, this time less swift, but no less insidious. Even if her brethren no longer regarded her as such, she would not stop the fight.

But how? That was the nagging question on her mind. She had fought the demons, of course, untold numbers of them. But for all her skill in slaughtering them, she was painfully deficient in her understanding of their ways, and their methods.

Which may have accounted for the niggling feeling that had been growing in the back of her mind these past few days.

If she didn’t understand demons, then she’d just have to go to someone who did…

She glanced up. She was now near the edge of Ashenvale. Beyond lay the vast plains of the Barrens.

And the orcish stronghold of Orgrimmar.

[AlarStormBringer]

Woo! Somehow Alar is gonna get his. Yes'sah, yes'sah, free at last, free at last! The Forsaken are free at last!

[Kingcrazygenius]

sssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pureauthor]

KCG:

Was that review, uh, positive or negative?

[Kingcrazygenius]

It was a "forget those loser mortal characters and write more about Gen'hius Rex or you will find your bones chewed upon and your soul deep-fried" review.

[MysticWolf]

Nice, I like the battle with alar and nio, all in all pretty damn good, though it would be nice if it was a little bit longer, anyway, just wondering (not meaning to sound impatiant but) is my char ever appearing in this ?

[Pureauthor]

*~*~*~*~*

Stepping off the gangplank of the ship, Pureauthor sighed to himself as he brushed hair out of his eyes. “First thing I gotta do,” He grumbled to himself. “is to find him.”

As he wandered the area, he couldn’t help noticing that it was largely deserted. The only people he could see were old folk sitting around doing nothing, or at tiny outdoor taverns.

These people are the ones who can’t bear to leave their homes, despite all the danger. They’ve made their lives here. Shaking his head, he dug into his pack, pulling out a tiny scrap of paper.

A scream sounded through the air. Whipping around, Pureauthor was just in time to see several fireballs fall from the sky, obviously the work of some demon or other.

And on of those fireballs was heading straight for him.

Pureauthor threw himself to the side, an instant before the swirling orb of flame could either claim his life or cause one heck of a burn injury. Moving into a duck, he aspied the creature responsible for the uproar.

A bipedal creature, vaguely simian in shape, was rampaging through the streets. In one garguantuan fist, it clutched what appeared to be the limp form of a human. Several frail humans were attempting to flee, but it was obvious that at their speeds, they’d never escape the demonic monster.

With a roar of cruel laughter, the demon raised it’s fist, and the crimson flames burst around the human it was holding. Pureauthor had assumed it to be a corpse, but he could clearly see it writhing in agony.

Pureauthor sighed and glanced around. Good. No one was watching.

Dipping his hand into the his cloth pack, he smiled grimly as he pulled something out, something that glinted in the bright afternoon sun.

*~*~*~*~*

Suigeki crouched low, peering over the edge of the rooftops, at a blackened scar on the ground below him. Several buildings in the vicinity had holes in it, and many others were blackened and scorched with burn marks, but the majority of the humans in the settlement were all right.

Flipping, he landed lithely next to the prostrate corpse of the giant demon. Even in death, hellfire still flickered along it’s shoulders and arms. Shaking his head, Suigeki strode past the demon.

Heard the screams and made my way here fast as I could. But who…? His ruminations were cut short by an annoyed grunt as a dark-haired youth some way down the street shouldered his pack. Deciding this boy would be as good a source of information as any (he was the only person in the vicinity that didn’t look utterly shell-shocked), he approached the lad, trying to strike up a conversational tone.

“Any idea what happened here?”

“None.” The youth snapped. “Tripped and fell-“ He indicated his dusty pants. “ trying to get away, and by the time I picked myself up, something had killed that monstrosity. Good riddance.” Then he glanced up and properly noticed Suigeki for the first time. “Um… what’s… with the bandages?”

Suigeki shifted slightly. “Most people aren’t quite so direct.” He said softly.

“I’m not most people. I’m me.” He nodded slightly to the blue-haired warrior, and turned. “Seeya, then, bandage boy.”

“You-“ Suigeki started, then calmed himself. “Where are you headed?”

“You’re an inquisitive one.” The lad chuckled slightly. “I’m heading North. That satisfy your question?”

“North… I’m headed that way too.” Suigeki said softly.

“… And?” The boy questioned.

“Nothing. Mayhaps our paths will cross sometime in the future.” Suigeki said softly. With a nod of deference, he turned, ready to leave.

“Bye.” The youth called back to his retreating form.

*~*~*~*~*

Crouching for the slightest second, Nio then straightened up again, and hurled another stone point blank at the orc.

It zipped forwards at speeds most humans would be completely unable to handle, but Alar simply snorted contemptuously and flicked his wrist, once again cleaving the stone in two.

“Try again?” He asked conversationally. Nio proved up the task.

Another burst of energy, another zip straight for Alar, another blur of the blade, and-

“ARGH!” While it was rare that Alar screamed, he did so this time, and not just out of surprise.

What he had mistaken for a rock had in fact been an inkwell full of black ink, sent hurtling to him at eye level. Although he had sliced apart the bottle, the inertia inherent in the pitch-black liquid was not to be denied, and a fair amount of it found it’s way into his eyes.

Taking advantage of his foe’s distraction, Nio charged. With the brute strength inherited by all members of his proud species, he slammed into the orc, smashing him hard onto the earthern ground. In one smooth motion, he plucked his hand axe from his belt, and buried it deep into the Orc’s shoulder. Dark blood spurted out, staining his fur.

“Get… get away!” His foe roared with rage and pain, before he kicked upwards, throwing Nio onto the ground as well.

Staggering up into a crouching position, Alar concentrated, and a blinding windstorm, filled with choking dust, sprung up in the area. Nio coughed as he scanned the surroundings desperately for his foe.

When the windstorm finally died down, he could see clearly that he was alone, once more, in the barren field.

*~*~*~*~*

“Land ahoy, mates!” Came the call from abovedecks.

Carl glanced up from his drink of ale. “Oh, look they’re playing our song.”

The strange man merely nodded and stood. “Let us go, then.”

“You still don’t want to tell me your name?” Carl questioned noncommittally as they headed up the creaking steps.

“No.” Came the monosyllabic reply.

“Oh, well.” Carl shrugged it off easily.

As they reached the stern, Zulchak greeted them with a slight inclination of his head. “Like the deal said, two weeks. Any longer ‘an that, an’ you’re on your own, mates.”

“That’ll be more than enough time.” Carl grinned.

“…” The cloaked stranger made no indication of whether or not he agreed.

This guy needs to learn how to open up. Carl grumped to himself, already missing the carefree banter shared by him and Pureauthor on so many of their adventures.

He walked down the gangplank, and stared at the foreboding landscape before him.

Furious gales howled through the area, while constant snowstorms covered everything in a blanket of pure white. Dead or dying trees littered the frozen landscape, the occasional Wendigo or Tuskarr appearing out of the bright, encompassing mists and fog that clung to the entire area. Off in the distance, a Frost Wolf howled.

Northrend, and further on, Icecrown and the Frozen Throne.

Carl sighed and took his first step forward into the frozen wasteland.

“Feels good to be home.” He muttered humorlessly to himself.

*~*~*~*~*

*End chapter 1*

[Rowan Seven]

...I would like to say that the reason I haven't been active on the fan fiction forum lately is because Kingcrazygenius ate me, but we all know that would be a lie despite Kingcrazygenius' claims to the contrary. Your warnings about "World of Warcraft" were frighteningly accurate, and much of the time I used to spend on writing and visiting various online forums has been taken over by Blizzard's MMORPG. Fortunately, my orc shaman has finally reached level 60 and I should soon have a lot of free time so I'll probably return to some of my old pastimes including writing. Anyway, on to my commentary.

You continue to impress me with your writing, Pureauthor. You've come a long ways since your first parody. Descriptions are clear, transitions are smooth, and actions are engaging. Characters are conveyed very compellingly and with an excellent degree of animation. Your grammar is clean and use of English excellent. The only technical error that caught my immediate attention was the following:

he reached out an arm and snagged the rising anger.

By "anger" I assume you meant "anchor".

As for the story itself, it's very interesting so far. I believe you've made the right choice in deciding to introduce the characters as the story progresses rather than introduce the characters first and then develop the story. The myriad individual motivations and goals also help give this tale a feeling of grandness and importance, the awareness that something big is happening and the cast's fates are all intertwined although nobody involved in it quite realizes this yet. Additionally, the nonchalant humor you are so good at seems, to me, more polished and refined. There is a danger inherent in a story like this of overpowering certain characters, but it appears that you've done a good job handling this so far. I'm looking forward to reading more.

Oh, and if you ever have any questions concerning Warcraft lore, feel free to start a thread on the Singleplayer forum. I'll see what I can do to help you over there.

[Inquisistor7]

Well, I tend to agree with Rowan Seven's analysis of your work so far, Pureautor. Really, I can't find a whole lot wrong with the story. As for its positives, I agree with Rowan. Yet, there is one slight issue. Because the installments are so spaced out in terms of actual post times, I find myself forgetting who's who and what's going on. Please continue to post.

Oh, and Rowan, please post more often! We need more participation around here.

[AlarStormBringer]

Woo! Pureauthor smote some demons! Alar got smited in the eyes! AND CARL'S GONNA MAKE SOME SNOW SMITTEN!

[Rowan Seven]

Yet, there is one slight issue. Because the installments are so spaced out in terms of actual post times, I find myself forgetting who's who and what's going on. Please continue to post.

In defense of Pureauthor, it can take a _very_ long time to write an installment and edit it until it one is happy with the end result. It's probably for the best if he takes his time rather than rush the next chapter.

Oh, and Rowan, please post more often! We need more participation around here.

I'll try. I definitely have plans to spend more time at this forum for the next couple weeks, at least until the summer program I'm enrolled in starts.

[Inquisistor7]

In defense of Pureauthor, it can take a _very_ long time to write an installment and edit it until it one is happy with the end result. It's probably for the best if he takes his time rather than rush the next chapter.

I understand your point very well. Levertheness, we often go months without an update. I don't think it harms the story all that much, and usually I remember what is going on, but things get foggy now and then.


I'll try. I definitely have plans to spend more time at this forum for the next couple weeks, at least until the summer program I'm enrolled in starts.

Well, here's hoping.

[Kingcrazygenius]

*gnaws fruitfully on Pureauthor's left arm*

What Rowan didn't say, btw, is that he posted that from inside my stomach.

[Flak]

I have to say that I was more impressed by the first scene featuring Suigeki than any of the others- content wise. Your writing is excellent, Pureauthor!

[Pureauthor]

*~*~*~*~*

Carl shuffled slowly through the ever-thickening snowdrifts that piled up around the both of them. Using subtle landmarks and pathways known to an extremely select few, he continued his progress deeper into the heart of the frozen land.

Behind him, the man clad in green followed Carl, eyes downcast. Shrugging the Brewmaster rounded another corner, curving around a colossal formation of rock and ice.

A saw a sharpened icicle, heading for his throat.

*~*~*~*~*

It is a time-worn saying that one should never judge a book by its cover. Too true. Take Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. There are night scenes in it, all right, but almost nothing pertaining to something twelfth, unless you are a literature student and proceed to dig up tons of parallels and metaphors and allusions and whatnot.

But I digress. The point here is that to look at, Carl would be pudgy, very laid-back, and one who walked with a strange sort of shuffling slump.

And you would be right. Most of the time.

Not as of right now, however. And frankly, not as of whenever he was engaged in battle.

His staff blurred through the air, deflecting the airborne icicle and sending it to thud harmlessly onto the snow. Just as well, for his assailant had already followed up his initial strike with another, far deadlier attack.

The air around him seemed to distort for the slightest second, as the base particles that made up the area of atmosphere directly surrounding Carl froze solid in a split second. A secondary blast of freezing cold rocketed out of the deadly center in the form of a shock wave, sending the human sprawling onto the ground.

Gritting his teeth, Carl snagged his beer keg, and drank some of the amber liquid inside it. Then, taking a deep breath, he blew it out again, this time igniting it into a roiling wave of flame.

The ice around him melted instantly, and the heat warmed his body – already assaulted by the freezing cold- momentarily. It passed, all too soon, and the two combatants faced off once more, across the frozen plains.

Meanwhile, the human struggled to his feet, gaping at their assailant.

Skeletal in form, a bizarre amalgamation of robes and chains and bone, the Lich, dark servant of Ner’Zhul, stared at them through glowing orbs of energy that burned with malice and darkness.

Abruptly, a shining light appeared around one of the wraith’s hands, and the blade made of ice formed around its fist. Uttering a war cry, it slashed forward.

Moving with a grace that belied his lumbering frame, Carl parried the blow.

The skeletal monstrosity tried again- and Carl stepped back, seeming to lean in with the swipe. Surprised, the creature tried to use the momentum of his attack to swing around, but the Panderen proved too fast.

With three lightning quick blows to the chest, he felled his foe, and the Lich lay on the ground, glowing orbs focusing on the Panderen.

Carl grinned, as he stared down at the Lich. “Calis, Calis, Calis. Stick to spellcasting. You’re no good in a melee.”

“Bah.” A slight sapphire glow surrounded the Lich as he hovered up and began brushing off snow that had accumulated on his robes. “And what brings you out here to Icecrown with this…” He would have snorted contemptuously had he still possessed the capability. “Human?”

“Me, I’m here for an audience with you oh-so-grand Lord and Master. The guy who hitched a ride, however…”

“My own business.” The man said softly. “I will leave now and rejoin you later at the boat.” Turning he walked briskly into the blinding snowstorm, swallowed up by the howling elements in a matter of seconds.

“Pleasure to meet you again, Calis.” Carl laughed in formal introduction.

“I’d love to say the same, but I’m not one to lie.” Calis shot back. “If you really want to meet Lord Ner’Zhul, wait. I’ll bring you to him soon enough.”

Calis turned, surveying the landscape. The vast rock formations seemed like an impenetrable stone maze, trapping anything that ventured within.

The disparity between appearance and reality, however, was something Calis knew intimately well, having utilized it for personal gain so many times before.

Raising an arm, he pointed at what appeared to be nothing more than a rocky crag jutting out, and began to murmur.

A purple vortex of energy surrounded him, as magical runes carved themselves into the frigid air, glowing with arcane energy. Inexperienced fighters might have gaped in shock, but Carl had seen these things all too many times before, both working for and against him, and so he merely sat on a dead stump, grumbling about the piling snow.

A loud howl of agony interrupted his thoughts, and from behind the crag, a Wendigo that had assumed itself well hidden tumbled down onto the snowy ground. It’s form held shape for a moment longer before the effects of the necromantic spell fully took hold, and the entire body of the creature dissolved in a cloud of viscous black goop.

Carl shook his head as he stared at the skeleton of what once had been a mighty hunter. “Was that really necessary, Calis?”

“Actually, it was.” The Lich coolly informed him. “A herd of whitefurs attacked an outpost earlier this morn. They were easily beaten off, of course, but Lord Ner’Zhul instructed me to give chase and ensure they irritated us no more. I was just hunting down that last one when you and your human friend showed up.”

“He’s not my friend.”

“Regardless.” The Lich shrugged. “I’ll have to report his existence to my Lord. Since you’re here, you might as well follow.”

“What, you can’t just communicate telepathically anymore?”

“When he took the body of that pitiful youth, several powers of his were expanded greatly, while others were… compromised. A human vessel, especially one that was never a mage, is not largely suited for great feats of the mental realm.”

“Ah, so you have some measure of free will now?” Carl asked as he kept pace with the floating Lich.

“Don’t even think of converting me to your ways of justice and freedom and all that rot.” Calis warned him as he shot the Panderen with a sidelong glance. “My path was set long before Kil’Jaeden forcibly traded my old body for this new one.”

“I’d never do that, Caly.” Carl sighed as he rounded another corner. “Your perverse lack of reverence for all life is what makes you you.”

“And another thing. Stop calling me Caly.”

“Whatever.”

*~*~*~*~*

Loui crouched low, speaking into a goblin communicator. Reception in this gale was frankly, terrible, but he had managed to find a relatively sheltered spot, and was now able to get a coherent, if slightly garbled message out.

“Yes, it’s confirmed. He has dealings with the undead. No, I don’t believe I could defeat both of them at the same time.” He shook his head angrily then spoke into the communicator.

“What you’re asking is insane. No, you told me just to keep you informed of events. What you choose to do about it is entirely your business.” A pause. “Very well, I’ll continue observation when we return to the boat.”

The conversation over, he tucked the communicator back into a pouch on his belt, then turned and headed out into the raging snowstorm once again.

[Pureauthor]

*~*~*~*~*

The covered the final snow dune, and Carl smiled without mirth at the scene below him.

It was vast. It was majestic. It was Icecrown.

Hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of undead creatures from all four corners of the globe teemed below him, a seething mass of activity and industry. Necromantic structures dotted the landscape, glowing chartreuse as they harvested unfortunate souls and spirits to serve the Dark Lord of the Dead.

Pits, glowing with dark energy, belched up fumes black as pitch, and guttural snarls filled the air as several undead servants bound in servitude to the Dark One fought and scrabbled for space down below.

Wheeling and swooping, gargoyles filled the air, relentlessly checking and spying, ascertaining that there were no outsiders come to challenge their master’s claim t the Frozen Continent. Occasionally, beating great regal wings of tight, rotting skin and flesh, the Frost Wyrms, flying lazily through the cold air.

It resembled nothing no much as a hive, Carl thought somberly, as thousands of the minions poured in and out of the inner chambers and tunnels of the great glacier. The few living beings that had voluntarily turned to Ner’Zhul in hopes of great power and a facsimile of eternal life threaded their way through the ranks, barking commands at the more mindless individuals.

He saw, off to the side, a necromancer raising his glowing staff, and suddenly several undead wendigoes rose from where they had been lying, dark eyes glowing with newfound malice. Carl had a sickening feeling that he knew what their last act as living beings had been.

“Come.” Calis said softly.

*~*~*~*~*

They threaded their way through the vast caverns and hallways. As always, Carl observed, the undead machinery was making fast progress.

Spinning gears, hired goblin mechanism, glowing rooms filled with magic artifacts, storage tombs for corpses waiting to be raised for the Lich King, all of these passed him by in a blur of motion.

And finally they rounded a corner into a vast cavern, so large Carl could not see it’s far end, and despite his battle hardened view, he was still filled with a terrible awe.

At one end, to the right, sat the vast form of Sapphiron the Frostheart, the great Blue Dragon reanimated in servitude to Arthas. It crouched low, unmoving, head dipped in reverence to his Lord, but even then his sheer physical size belied his amazing power. Arthas must have had expended no small amount of warriors to slay the great and noble beast, Carl thought sadly.

Skittering away to his left, amid a swarm of Carrion Beetles, was Anub’Arak, former King of the Nerubians. The mighty Crypt Lord was conversing softly with several shadowy creatures, and as of yet seemed unaware of the newly arrived visitor.

All around the vast cavern were the mighty generals of the great Scourge, from the corrupted Paladins, given the title of Death Knights, to the Liches, former warlocks of the Orcish Horde. In some ways, Carl mused; undeath seemed to bind all races together under its shadowy banner.

But all of this quickly melted from his mind as he turned to gaze up the great central spire of the cavern. Following the winding stairs, he at last beheld the Frozen Throne, and the lord of Northrend. He glared down with dark eyes at the Panderen.

“You!” He snarled.

Carl smirked. “Easy there, your worship. I come in peace.”

“Is that supposed to make a difference? I could have you killed if I wanted to, seven times over.”

“You could. But you won’t. And that’s more important, isn’t it?”

Ner’Zhul snorted before inclining his head to face Calis. “Why did you have to bring him here?”

“Because he requested it, my Lord.” Calis shrugged. “I see no reason why I should refuse that request.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Gently, Carl pushed Calis out of Ner’Zhul’s point of view. “Point being is that I came to say hello to old frost face. Is this really the best reception you can manage?”

A low, threatening growl sounded from Sapphiron’s undead throat, and Carl decided to add a couple more steps to the already respectable distance between him and the Frost Wyrm.

Ner’Zhul glowered down at the Panderen standing below him. “Give me one good reason why I should not have you killed right now. Or better yet, why I shouldn’t do it with my own hand.”

“I dunno.” Carl shrugged. “Maybe because I’m your only real link to information from all significant organizations in beyond Northrend? It’s not exactly easy to spy on someone when you’re undead, you know.”

“Ah, yes.” The Dark Lord sighed. “I keep overlooking that and wondering why I put up with you and that yammering human friend of yours.”

“You’re all heart.” Carl replied. “Anyway, Ner’Zhul ol’ buddy, I have a proposition for you.”

“Do tell.”

“Right. First, what new information do your spies in the Plaguelands have? More significantly, spies working under the Banshee Queen?”

“You remembered not to mention her name. I’m impressed.” Ner’Zhul’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “No real new dealings, save that she has apparently extended peace feelers to the Horde, which I’m sure you know. Also, she approached a High Elf named Esgalon concerning the Crystal Stars. As luck would have it, she chose one of the very banshees I sent there to head the delegation.”

“Crystal Stars?”

“The records of Draenor hold no mention of them. Neither do the memories of my current host. If you want to seek information out, as do I, I suppose the best place would be the now-defunct vaults of the Kirin Tor, or perhaps from the ruins of Silvermoon.”

“Joy.” Carl deadpanned. “The best places to seek information on this are precisely the ones your little host razed to the ground.”

“I’m not jumping for joy over this either. I can’t help you any more than this, nor do I really want to. Now, I’ve aided you in your information hunting, what do you wish to do for me?”

Carl smiled. “The Forsaken’s alliance with the Horde can be undermined.”

Even from this distance he could see Ner’Zhul’s eyes widen. This was a priceless opportunity for him, for if the Horde-Forsaken alliance were split up, it would vastly increase the chances of him accomplishing his current goal- that of merging the Forsaken with the Scourge once again. The hand of friendship extended from the Horde threatened to provide the tortured denizens of undeath with something Ner’Zhul never could, save in the pale shadow of uncaring: Acceptance. And regardless of whether they truly planned to betray the Horde, it was something he could ill-afford to risk.

“You can do that?” He said softly.

“Not break it up entirely, you understand. Not by myself, anyway.” Carl replied, a genial expression on his face. “But we can certainly fray their ties. Many Orcs are reluctant about this alliance, as it is.”

Ner’Zhul was silent for a long moment. “You wouldn’t have just asked for such paltry information if that was your goal. What else do you want?”

“Oh, nothing much. Just access to all of Kel’Thuzad’s outposts and bases in Lordaeron and Azeroth the Kingdom, especially regarding their information. Oh, yes, and assurance that I won’t be slaughtered on sight too.”

Ner’Zhul barely considered it before nodding slightly. “Very well, it shall be done in the best possible form. Calis!” He called.

“Yes?” The Lich asked, a melancholy expression-if it were possible- gracing his face, as one condemned to death. He knew all too well what his master was going to request-nay, command.

“You are to accompany Carl to Lordaeron and the Plaguelands. Ensure that no loyal Undead attacks him.”

“Understood. But may I inquire as to why you are sending me?”

“Mainly because you are loyal, you know Carl and his partner on a personal basis, and Kel’Thuzad recognizes you on sight. And I don’t like you.” He added.

“That’s gratitude.” Calis grumbled as he folded his arms.

“If that is all, I shall take my leave, then.” Carl bowed slightly, then turned to leave, Calis trailing beside him as he grumbled.

Crouching behind the Frozen Throne, Nephri’Thos looked on curiously at the Panderen as he left the chamber. After all, it wasn’t everyday a mortal spoke as if he were an equal to the Lich King.

*~*~*~*~*

“Got everything you’ll need?” Carl asked

“Yes.” Came the terse reply.

“Well, never thought you’d come with us. Guess there’s a first time for everything, huh?”

A noncomital grunt was the Lich's only response.

After a few minutes, they were in view of the ship. Zulchak’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of the Lich, but he made no complaint to letting him on.

Calis, by the by, was not pleased when Carl admitted he had no cash of his own, and thus was forced into forking out the required amount for passage to Lordaeron. The human, however, simply stood, looking out to sea.

And then they were off, leaving the Frozen Continent behind them.

[Silencers]

Gahahaha I love it I love it! Especially the part where you reintroduced Calis, yay! I like Calis, he rocks. And for the first time, Ner'Zhul sounds so.... human.

[Oubliette]

I'm wondering where everyone who submitted a character has gone, since there are clearly more characters than people still here. Anyway, good stuff. I enjoyed the injection of humour and humanity that you gave the lich king -keep up the high quality work! :y-thumbsu

[TJiZzle]

Nicely done pureauthor! I don't have much to say other than good job. I loved the seen with carl and the lich king that was very cool.

[Kingcrazygenius]

Wow, total plot twist there. I am duley impressed and I hope to see more as soon as possible.

I must admit I am still dissapointed as to the lack of freakishly large and destructive Naga.

[Inquisistor7]

Very well done. I liked it a lot. I hope to see more soon. By the way, I was wondering: why don't you use paragraphs?

Oh, and a few small errors:

A saw a sharpened icicle, heading for his throat.

I am not sure if you wanted a "he" where you have the "a" at the beginning of the sentence, but as it is, it is not correct.

And frankly, not as of whenever he was engaged in battle.

The "not as of whenever" sounds incorrect to me (for whatver reason).

Meanwhile, the human struggled to his feet, gaping at their assailant.

I know that there are multiple people around, but the "their" doesn't jibe with the subject's number (singular).


“Maybe because I’m your only real link to information from all significant organizations in beyond Northrend?

I don't think you need the "in."

Otherwise, this was awesome.

[AlarStormBringer]

I hate to say it, and I know KCG hates to hear it, but I have to agree with him. I am wondering when the deliciously cool Nagans and Nerubians are coming into this..

[Kingcrazygenius]

I imagine in parallel universe I would present myself as a Nerubian Demi-God.

Oh, and I love it when people agree with my selfish whims.

[GaleGlory]

i just started reading it today and just finished and all i say is write more and even though it may screw up the story write quicker because i don't want to wait i am impatient and if i wait i may forget that i ever read the story and will never look at it and really add some more naga

[Pureauthor]

()()()()()

Ya keep ya goldarned opinions to yerself, ya hear me, dagnabbit? I’m addin’ in Nagas when Ah’m good and ready, and not a letter earlier!

()()()()()

*~*~*~*~*

To look at, it would have appeared to be nothing more than a ramshackle shack. This was largely because it was a ramshackle shack. But that wasn’t really important.

What lay inside the building, however…

Nio swung open the door and stepped in, blinking slightly in the dim light.

He was instantly greeted by a chorus of voices. “NIO!!!”

“How ya doin’?”

“How’s it hanging, man?”

Human alchemists have long since theorized over the reason as to why goblins seem to always end up talking at the same time. The most widely accepted reason was that of a sort of ‘hive’ consciousness shared by goblins of the same clan, which allowed them to communicate together to the extent they sometimes got confused. This also partially accounted for why so many of them seemed more than willing to blow themselves up if the situation called for it. (And sometimes even if it didn’t.)

Ogthar’s Razor: The simplest explanation is usually correct.

In searching to prove their theories of the hive consciousness, they had overlooked the simple fact that goblins, by and large, have bad manners.

Despite himself, Nio smiled as he settled himself onto a creaking stool. “And how have you little ‘uns been?”

“Oh, good, I’d say.” Razz grinned.

“Yup, real good.” Jazz affirmed.

“’Bout as good as it gets.” Gazz nodded like a broken clockwork.

Razz, Gazz, and Jazz. The goblin triplets. While no denying they were completely, utterly insane, they were good friends when it came to it- provided you knew enough to not be the subject of any new experimental testing.

“Hey, Nio! Check this out!” Razz grinned as he pulled out what appeared to be a tiny metal sphere.

Nio raised an eyebrow as the whole contraption began to shake. A second later, the ball exploded with a thunderous bang, throwing up a cloud of smoke.

“Our new invention! It’ll revolutionize the world!” Gazz crowed triumphantly.

“Stop wars forever!” Jazz said jubilantly as she high-fived her brother.

“Stop wars… how, exactly?”

“Because people will have too much fun playing with these spheres to bother with fighting each other!” Gazz explained to Nio as if he were braindead.

“After all…” Razz continued as he finally wiggled free from his vantage point in the ceiling and dropped back down onto the table. “What could possibly be more fun than explosives?”

“…… Of course.” Nio shook his head and sighed. “You know that analysing machine of yours? Is it still operational?”

“Operational?”

“Well, if I press the power button, it makes a screeching sound. Does that count?”

“I think one of those ‘Mur’gul’ whachamacallits found it’s way inside.”

“I just think it’s low on power.”

“Low on power means nothing happens. Not ‘screeching noise’. Nothing.”

“What would you know about it?”

“A whole lot, considering I invented it.”

“As if that holds any water these days.”

“Guys?” Nio looked pleadingly at the trio of goblins. “Short answer, please. Is it working? And, if no, can you get it to work?”

The three goblins glanced uncertainly at each other. “Well… we probably could fix it.” Jazz ventured. “Take time, though.”

“Yeah. Time.” Razz nodded.

“How long?” Nio said. He really didn’t feel like wasting time on blather. Not now, when so much was at stake.

If my suspicions prove true, that Orc had demon blood in him. If the Shattered Hand has found out about my snooping around, things could get… interesting…

*~*~*~*~*

Meanwhile, far away in Lordaeron…

*~*~*~*~*

A quad of ghouls swiftly scurried over the barren earth, the undead eyes glowing with perpetual malice. One observing them from a safe vantage point might have noted that they were moving much faster than usual.

Rotting limbs, brimming with unholy power, pulled their bodies in various stages of decay over the soil. Their mind and wills were focused but upon a single objective- returning to their master, Lord Kel’Thuzad. They had news for their skeletal Lord.

Around the corner would be the first of their outposts. And then they could safely deliver the news. In some distant part of their minds that had not totally surrendered emotion and thought, they believed their master would be pleased.

Then the lead ghoul exploded, bits of decomposing matter sent on short lived flight through the area. His head, unattached to anything, rocketed into a nearby boulder, splattering that area of the landscape with blood and pieces of brain.

Instantly the other three ghouls spread out, fanning in such a pattern that would make them hard to hit together. If their belief was correct, a single sniper hiding would not be able to pick them all off before they reached the safety of the trees.

Still, another of the ghouls was bisected by an exploding shell before the remaining two vanished into the dark forests.

Gindor peered out from behind the rocky outcropping where he had been hiding. “Huh.” He snorted. “Blasted zombies.”

This was his third day in this area of Lordaeron. Far as he could see, any human activity was sparse at best, and Undead had a stranglehold on the entire area.

“Tha’s why Ah’m here, Ah suppose.” Gindor grumbled. He was on what was essentially a suicide mission, thanks to the fact that he had been stone drunk the other night when they had requested volunteers to go on this.

Dwarves were a hardy race, and no mistake, but they weren’t stupid. Not one hand had accompanied Gindor’s when he, in his drunken stupor, had misheard the request as who wanted another round of ale.

“Oh, so simple, ain’t it?” He grumbled to himself. “Sneak intay an Undead stronghold, blow it oop, and oh, yar, dun ferget ta come back alive. Faugh!”

Still, he mused, he was one of the best choices available to them. Being something of a munitions expert, he was skilled in the art of explosives, which less tactful people liked to refer to as ‘making things go boom’.

In any case, would it have been too much to ask if someone else came along with him?! The dwarves were mostly holed up in Khaz Modan, fighting off the Undead attacks, and glory be to the Light or whoever that they hadn’t fallen yet. But the very least they could do was to send a team. Someone to watch his back while he went in and did the dirty work.

“Blooday cheapskates.” He grumbled once more as he began to trek into the forest.

However, Gindor’s back was being watched, and by more than one individual, though of course not entirely in the manner he had expected.

Suigeki leaned against the trunk of a dead tree, eyes fixed on the swiftly vanishing form of the dwarf. “It seems highly… coincidental that we appear to have the same mission.” He mumbled to himself. Then his eyes narrowed. “Did he set me up for this?”

And even further behind, a pigeon perched high on a rocky cliff, cooing softly to itself as it observed the pair.

*~*~*~*~*

“Going somewhere, Night Elf?”

“Indeed. To Orgrimmar. I trust you will allow me there?”

The sentry’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t be a fool, Night Elf. We may have fought alongside you before, but as of now you are hostile towards us. For your own good, turn back.”

She almost reached for her glaive, but stopped short and let her logical thinking take over.

Killing this sentry would be of no use to her- it would only serve to make any Orc attack her on sight. She was skilled in battle, yes, but she had heard the Orcish had mastery over nature equal to their own Druids, and that their warriors were proud and fierce and gave no quarter. Even if she survived, it would destroy any chance whatsoever of finding whay she needed.

No, she would find another way. Another way, She thought to herself as she turned towards the rapidly setting sun. familiar to most Night Elves.

*~*~*~*~*

(Razz, Gazz, and Jazz are creations of Sumiyoshi (or at least these characters in here are based off one of his creations), and if he objects, I'll request Flak to edit the post. That being said, they were incredibly fun to write for.)

[Flak]

Leaning against tree trunks.. how very ninja-y. ^^

Awesome installment!

Question: were those the Goblin triplets from that DotA fanfic Sumi wrote?

[Sumiyoshi]

There are few words that can describe logging on, clicking the last page on a story you haven't been following at all on some random whim, and seeing one's own characters pop out at you, their personalities viewed from a different angle (and one that shows off their amusingly optimistic/innocent side, at that).

'Course, the only word that's coming to my mind at the moment is zomg. Yyyyup, those guys are from my DoTA(knockoff) 'fic. And that's a freaking excellent job on them, Pureauthor... it makes me want to really get back into writing.

In any case, this story was certainly a pleasant surprise. The writing and descriptions are pretty damn evocative; it's not difficult at all to envision each scene, background, and setting. The various character interactions are also interesting, and the action sequences are easy on the eyes; they flow smoothly, and there aren't any unnecessary words.

Well, you've got me hooked.

[Oubliette]

The paragraphing is a little suspect in places and I'm not sure whether I agree with Sumi's comment on your description of the setting and background. Fortunately this is warcraft, so most of us can easily imagine what Lordaeron etc. looks like, but for those who are not acquainted with the world, or say if this were a world you had invented yourself, then there would be vacuous holes left in the image conjured in the reader's mind. However, criticism ceases there.

Your writing is refreshing and hilarious throughout and you handle character interactions with a certain flair that is always a pleasure to witness. We are all enthralled with this, so please, please don't stop. :y-thumbsu

[AlarStormBringer]

Another completely awesome segment from the completely awesome Pureauthor.

[Nio the Namless]

been a while...


very nice story pureauthor. I printed off some of it and read it in my room. I likey :)

[Inquisistor7]

You know PA, if you keep this up I'm going to run out of ways of praising you.

Of course, I could nitpick about some little things, but I'm tired from work right now and I don't feel like putting the effort into being anal. Anyway, my only wish is that this story would be updated more often, but quality over quantity is a good policy in my opinion.

[Silencers]

YAY! Gindor! Yesh, yesh, the dwarven accent just how I pictured him to be, now here's where thing get more exciting!

[Kingcrazygenius]

Is Pureauthor dead or something?

[Pureauthor]

Half-dead might be more apt. I'm only about to take the exam that will decide the rest of my life. Fun for the whole family (If by fun you mean constantly stressing out over my potentially crappy results).

I'll update as and when I can, but expect them to be sparse. In fact, don't bother getting your hopes up before 18th November.

[Kingcrazygenius]

You losers and your education. I never cared about education, and now I'm an intern for a multinational corporation.

[SeeTeeeeM]

wow KCG that is quite a feat. how did you manage to get the coveted job of intern for a multinational. it's so hard to get a lowly position in a company that employs thousands!

[Kingcrazygenius]

Actually they asked me to come here.

[Pureauthor]

You losers and your education. I never cared about education, and now I'm an intern for a multinational corporation.

Just for that, Gen'hius dies of kidney failure.

[Kingcrazygenius]

It was bound to happen sooner or later. I was expecting him to die of massive brain tumors though.

[Ahoe]

I was actually hoping he'd die of being barbecued by lightning, courtesy of Ahash Silverscale.

[Kingcrazygenius]

Hope is wasted on the hopeless. Gen'hius Rex is an intolorably powerful being. And his lightning spells are alot more powerful than Ahash's.

[Pureauthor]

Says the guy whose original inception on this forum was a tauren with a diet problem.

[Ahoe]

Lol.

Anyway, I figure it'll take a team-up to kill Gen'hius anyway. He's just too ****ing big. I meant that I hoped the killing blow would be Ahash's Lightning BBQ.

Or rather, the lightning would cause fatal kidney failure.

[Kingcrazygenius]

Says the guy whose original inception on this forum was a tauren with a diet problem.

It's nice to see some people have been here long enough to remember that.

Perhaps it's time to go back to the tauren I once was...

[Pureauthor]

*~*~*~*~*
The sun was setting when Pureauthor finally found his way to the simple straw hut. Knocking on the wooden door, he glanced around impatiently while the inhabitant within shuffled towards door.

They was a clacking sound as the bolts were drawn, and finally a scrawny face poked out.

“PURE! HOW’VE YOU BEEN, MAN?”

Owen Meany was smart, more or less intelligent, deeply religious, and overall a nice guy to be friends with (unless you happen to be an atheist.). However, what most people register upon first meeting him, was that he had a loud voice. Very loud.

Some night elves in Kalimdor have been known to complain of a strange, high-pitched voice that seems to come from over the ocean on clear days. Now that’s loud.

In any case, Pureauthor was rather used to this sort of reception, and merely rubbed his ear slightly.

“Hey, Owen. How’s it been in Lordaeron recently?”

“OH. YOU KNOW. WHAT WITH UNDEAD AND DEMONS RAMPAGING AROUND AND TRYING TO KILL EACH OTHER, IT’S ALL ONE CAN DO TO GET A BIT OF SLEEP IN THESE PARTS! BUT ENOUGH ‘BOUT ME? WHERE’S CARL?”

“He’s around Icecrown. We need ol’ Nerzhy’s help if we’re going complete our latest task.”

“NOW, PURE, WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT MAKING DEALS WITH THE DEVIL?”

“He’s not a devil. He’s a evil orc shaman/warlock spirit inhabiting the frostbite infected body of a whiny post-adolescent prince.”

“OKAY, BUT STILL…”

Pureauthor grinned. “Hang easy, Owen. I know what I’m doing.”

“SAID LORD LOTHER BEFORE THE ASSAULT ON BLACKROCK.”

“Har har. Anyway, you know what I need.”

“SURE. LEMME GO GRAB IT FOR YA…”

*~*~*~*~*

Nio sighed and rubbed sleepy eyes as he stared at the trio of goblins working on the analysis machine. Well, ‘working’ was putting it loosely. Every few minutes there either an explosion or a clunking noise, with a fair amount of simultaneous occurrences of both events.

Perhaps the process would have gone faster had any two goblins agreed on just what exactly they were attempting to fix in the first place.

“Gimme the wrench.”

“You didn’t say please!”

“I did too!”

“Did not!”

“Did too!”

“Did not!”

“Did too!”

”Did not!”

“Did t-“

“Both of you shut up and hand me the wrench!”

“Not until you say please.”

Nio rubbed his eyes again. “I’m going out.” He mumbled. The hairs containing his assailant’s dried blood was in a safe container resting on the table. He figured the triplets could take care of it for a few minutes.

Once outside, he glanced up at the starry night sky. It was just barely nightfall, he noted.

Taking a couple of steps away from the shack, his eyes narrowed as he caught hold of a familiar scent. Taking another sniff, he glanced around warily at his surroundings.

“Night elf…” He murmured.

*~*~*~*~*

The cold silence of Lordaeron could only be enhanced by the pervading fear of the populace. Perhaps the only thing more horrific for them than enduring the torturous deaths meted out by demons would be having their desiccated corpses revived in unthinking servitude to the Undead.

In any case, right now was a temporary lull in activities on both sides, and thus the citizens of Lordaeron slept somewhat easier this night.

The quiet waters on the western coast bubbled slightly. Had anyone been watching, it would appear some living entity under the black waters was making soft, slow, exhalations.

Then a tiny swell in the black veil rose, breaking free to reveal cold, reptilian eyes, glaring at the seafront village before him.

How Gen’hius hated those worthless, hairy bipeds. How he longed for the day when the Naga could rid the world of these useless surface dwellers, and establish an empire as in the days of old, when Zin’Azshari had been the cradle of civilization.

But not yet. The time was not right. But soon.

At a hidden signal, scores and scores of Naga boiled out of the fathomless depths onto the sandy beaches. Within minutes, the tiny settlement was ablaze. Gen’hius smirked slightly as he caught sight of several of the more voracious myrmidons feasting on the remains of hapless humans that had attempted to flee.

Soon…

[Ahoe]

Oh, very nice. Can't wait to see more.

*twiddles thumbs patiently and hopes to see Ahash soon*

No seriously, take your time. :y-thumbsu (just not too long)

[Kingcrazygenius]

Ixen dartak svent munthrek gixustrat achthend!

(Fire hate kill human disembowel food)

[Inquisistor7]

Not a very long update, but still an enjoyable read, as always. Everytime I read an installment of this story I want to read more. The only downside of that is that I knew that it will be awhile before another update. But, as you have said before, you are a busy man, and that's fine by me.

[DriftingSpirit]

Been in the military, and haven't got time to read anything, but the story seem to come along fine, I'll read your story once I got the time. That's a promise. (cause u r one of my four favorite writers in this forum. they're Flak, Inquisitor7, Bullroarer, and of course, Pureauthor, the slowest writer of all. ^_< )

[GaleGlory]

i have been off for i think a month and only one or two more additions have been made to this story but with school now started it will be hard to get on compso it will take him awhile, and me all my homework now requires me to be on comp lol

[Pureauthor]

[Short update to (somewhat) whet your appetites.]

(X)

The ship drifted lazily through the clear blue oceans. Carl stood at the side of the ship, watching as what appeared to be a rather large fish followed the boat through the waters.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Calis emerge from the hold, orbs glowing. "How's things?" He asked.

"Fine." Calis replied shortly. "But we had best reach Lordaeron soon. That human friend of yours has been staring at me nonstop."

"He's not my friend. But can you blame him? Which Undead organisation was it that devastated Lordaeron again? I recall it began with an 'S'."

Calis snorted. "It's not as if the defeated really die."

"No... they just get reanimated into an eternity of unthinking servitude. What was I thinking? Sign me up!"

A blast of frozen gas was expunged from Calis' mouth as he sighed. "I don't expect you to understand what's it truly like being Undead."

"No more than I'd understand being an Orcish warlock. Anyhow, try not to kill and reanimate people when we're there, okay? We want to keep things low key."

Any reply that would have been forthcoming was drown out in a thunderous roar as the dark shape that had been following the boat exploded from the deeps. As it emerged, Carl realized what he had mistaken for the entire creature had only been it's head and neck, the rest of the long sinewy body too deep underwater to be revealed.

The sea serpent reared back, green eyes glowing with malice, and opened it's jaws to scream, revealing a row of serrated teeth. Really, really sharp serrated teeth.

Carl set himself into as battle worthy a stance as possible. "Calis! Go! Call the others!We're going to need all the help we can get!"

The monstrosity cocked its head back, and lunged.

[Kingcrazygenius]

It would be presumptuous to assume that the sea serpent is who I think it is.

Nonetheless...

Darkat svent munthrek achthend svent dartak svent!!

[Ahoe]

Of course, it might not be a giant Naga Sea Warlock. It might be a myrmidon of Sea Witch blood... *whistles innocently* Oh wait, it's too big...

Isn't Gen'hius busy ravaging some human town?

And are you making that up, or is there some Naga dictionary somewhere that I'm unaware of?

[Kingcrazygenius]

Actually it is Draconic.

And I suppose I should read up on the signups for this story.

[Pureauthor]

High in the Alterac mountains, in the blinding landscape of rock and snow, where one would never have thought to find any living being, a man huddled around a crystal ball, peering into it and trying to discern what the future held for Azeroth.

Pretzel the Hermit was a prophet. Some say that he had realized his unusual ability to foretell the future when he was but a child, driving him into a life of solitude, whereupon he had chosen to live with a rat named Sven. Others claimed it was his prophecy of doom upon his hometown that had finally gotten him ostracized and cast out, and still others, the fact that he had quite possibly the strangest name on the planet.

Either way, he had spent the majority of several hundred years prophesying about the future. Not that he was much good at it, mind you. Oh, he had properly discerned that Azeroth would be invaded by legions upon legions of demons, but he had sadly erred in picking a winning side, and thus all his hand-sewn banners proclaiming ‘Demons, I’m with you!’ had gone to waste. Luckily he had the good sense to torch those banners for kindling- life in the Alterac mountains wasn’t no picnic, yessir. Then there was the time he had gotten Sven to deliver a message proclaiming Prince Arthas as the next savior of Lordaeron… Well, what’s done was done, and best to leave the past behind.

Right now, the crystal ball he was holding glowed in his hands, mystical threads within the flawless orbs weaving an ancient melody of a timeless eternity. His eyes narrowed as he peered closer at the message the spirits were trying to convey.

“Ooh…” He murmured. “This is a mighty bad one. A big calamity, biiig calamity this time, yes it is. Whole world better watch out, don’t it now, Sven?” The rat had the good sense not to reply.

Setting the orb aside, Pretzel gazed into the blinding skies. A wind began to pick up, whipping his ragged cloak about. “I feel… A great storm, a black tide that will wash upon Azeroth with it’s full fury destroying all who would oppose it. Already a cloak of night is spreading upon the continents. There are lights that will set themselves against the shadow, but… too few. All too few. It is quite possibly the greatest disaster that has come since the Horde found it’s way into this world.”

Then he glanced back at the crystal ball. “’Course, ‘could always be that old indigestion actin’ up again, eh, couldn’it, Sven?”

The rat ignored him and continued gnawing on a bone.

*~*~*~*~*

Gindor took careful aim and fired. The crystal atop the Spirit tower shattered, azure fragments flung from the epicenter of the explosion. With a horrible scream of triumph, the released spirits surged out from their crystalline prison, seizing sweet release.

Instantly a trio of zombies stumbled their way towards the source of the explosive bolt, undead fingers grasping, ready to rend any who had been fool enough to oppose the Lich King and his servants.

Gindor had already prepared for such an eventually, of course. Angling his cannon straight at them, he fired a scattershot- a bullet stuffed with metal shards, designed to explode as it was fired, showering the enemy in a storm of shrapnel.

The first explosive round ripped through the torsos of the zombies, shredding guts and muscle. One of them growled as a shard found its way into its eye, exploding through the skull and brain, and finally bursting out of the back to embed itself into a tree.

A second shot, then a third, and one of the zombies groaned and slumped to the cold earth, the necromantic magics that held it together succumbing to destructive power of Gindor’s gun.

The other two checked themselves- their masters had ordered them to fall back. There were swifter and more deadly minions at hand.

A quad of Gargoyles swooped down, slavering mouths ready to tear the intruder to shreds. Meanwhile, ghouls swarmed over collapsed logs, boulders, trying to be the first to get at the dwarf.

Gindor’s devil-may-care smirk told all who were interested he hadn’t the slightest intention of coming out of this one alive. He was merely focused on causing as much damage as possible.

Reaching into his pouch, he tossed what appeared to be several black beads at the waves of oncoming ghouls. The shrieks of surprise and dismay were rapidly drowned by the roar of rushing flames as the incendiary flares exploded in a pyrotechnic display of light and searing heat. Alas, all too soon, the flames died.

Gindor had already turned his attention to other matters, however. Taking aim with Arbalest, he fired, and the right wing of the nearest approaching Gargoyle was blown off. Counterbalanced by this sudden loss, the Gargoyle ended up slamming into the dirt, where it struggled feebly to right itself.

Unslinging Slingshot, he unleashed a nearly unyielding stream of lead at the two remaining flyers, who screeched in annoyance as they flew erratically to avoid his constant barrage. Then he frowned. Two? Where’s the third-

“Behind you, fool!”

He whirled in time to see a dark blur descend from the trees, landing on the third and last Gargoyle that had been intent on sneaking up on Gindor. There was an audible snap of bone and the body was sent crashing into a thicket while the blur boosted himself off the Gargoyle, landing in a crouch next to Gindor.

“Nevar one tay look a gift horse in dar mouth. Good work, lad.” A nod was his only response as the heavily bandaged human took off his ebon cloak and tossed it aside to settle on a nearby bush. Now a corpse creature generally known as an Abomination lumbered at the head of the approaching group, a bloodied sword gripped in the largest of it’s six hands, while another grasped a shield.

The two newfound allies set themselves into as battle-worthy a stance as they were used to, and braced themselves for the approaching swarm.

*~*~*~*~*

Pureauthor carefully tucked away the scroll into his satchel. “I’ll take good care of it, Owen. Count on me.”

“AH, YOU JUST MAKE SURE YOU AND CARL DON’T GET YOURSELVES KILLED, YOU HEAR? OR ONCE I MEET YOU IN HEAVEN I’LL NEVER LET YOU HEAR THE END OF IT!”

Pureauthor grinned. “Got it. See you around.”

Then he turned, and headed for the forest. In a few minutes, he was swallowed up by the lush foliage.

Owen stood shaking his head, before returning to his simple abode.

*~*~*~*~*

Carl took a half-step back, leaning in with the lunge of the sea serpent. Whirling his staff, he slammed it as hard as he could onto the creatures scaly, reptilian head. It didn’t so much as blink.

One of it’s cerulean fins lashed at Carl, staggering him. The monstrosity’s head jerked to the right, apparently trying to tear Carl a new one. Carl responded by ramming his beer keg with all the force he could muster into the creature’s unblinking yellow eye.

Aha, some success at last. The creature jerked back as if surprised, and Carl followed up with a combo attack on the serpent’s neck. With no effect whatsoever.

Suddenly, a bolt of ice shot from behind Carl, smashing into the throat of the creature. “Backup’s here!”

“Oi, mon! Look what it did t’ moi ship!” Zulchak grumped as he surveyed the smashed planks and timber on the deck.

“Gentlemen?” Carl grumped as he dodged yet another attack. “Perhaps we should engage in trying to fight off the monster?”

Loui merely nodded consented and plucked an axe at the belt, before leaping at the creature.

Suddenly, the serpent jerked back. Its yawning mouth opened wide enough so that the sharper-eyed among the fighters could see into the dark maw. Energy began to coalesce in its mouth, culminating in a cerulean orb crackling with lightning.

Calis shook his head. “Can’t be good.”

Then the monster unleashed its spell, and rays of burning electricity stormed towards the four warriors.

[Kingcrazygenius]

Blerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrg!!!!!!!!!!!

You done with those infernal finals then?

[WarDragon]

Very nice work, Pureauthor, very nice indeed. Are you still taking character submissions?

[DriftingSpirit]

Is this thread dead? Cause I thought new chapters might've come up by now...

[twisted orc]

Pureauthor doesn't appear since 2005. So, I guess it is indeed dead...