User:Akairos123/The Northlands

The Opening
Grand Blood-Lord Akairos Shadowsun of the Eclipsion, Grand Commander Radinius the Silent of the Special Forces stood along with his field commander Elanor Sunseeker, Deathlord Varion Duskstalker of the Darkfallen, and Grandmaster Emailon the Cursed of the Demon Hunter Order stood assembled behind Highlord Gathios the Shatterer on a balcony overlooking the entire assembled Illidari forces. The entire legion stretched from the entrance to the Sanctuary of Shadows all the way to the outer ramparts of the Karabor training grounds and the ruins of Karabor. The Fel-Orcs flew the skies, all facing the Highlord in reverence, on the ground was the assembled Eclipsion Army in formation and at attention, the Special Forces, the Darkfallen in formation behind the Eclipsion, and all the demons of the Illidari stood before their Master. They roared and screamed, bellowed and cheered, waiting for the announcement, the fruit of the labor. Gathios stepped towards the edge of the balcony and held his hands out, and all noise eerily ceased. Akairos folded his arms and smirked, that was always one of his favorite tricks. Highlord Gathios took in a deep breath and began to speak, his voice, amplified by magical means, boomed throughout the Black Temple.

“Illidari!” He echoed. “All of you assembled here today are here for your dedication, your belief, and your power! You are assembled here today to get your reward! I am kind to those that serve the wishes of our late master Lord Illidan! We will fulfill his dreams and through his dreams, yours! This last month you have marched across this shattered land, to the corners of Nagrand to the far reaches of the Netherstorm and throughout the Zangarmarsh. It has not been for nothing, for this world belongs to the Illidari…” Gathios paused for a moment. “…as does every world! This Outland was broken during the first attempts and will eventually crumble, but using what we already have, we have claimed this world and will claim thousands more! We shall span the Universe! Taking world after world till not even the mighty Legion stands against us! Ready yourselves my brethren! For all will belong to the Illidari in the end!” Gathios turned and walked away to the deafening roar of cheering and warcries and exited the balcony, the Illidari Council followed suit.

“I think that went well, My Lord.” Varion said.

“Keep focused on the task at hand, Deathlord.” Gathios replied, taking a look up the steps that led to the back entrance to the grand promenade.

As they reached the Grand Promenade they passed by the assembled magi of the Illidari, waiting for their masters. Gathios and the Illidari Council passed the entire assembled mortals and past the assembled demons. They passed Satyrs, imps, Fel Orcs, Eredar, and Dreadlords. As they reached the end of the Grand Promenade, two magi opened a portal to the temple summit, as they passed through, the rest of the magi followed. At the temple summit many more demons, blood elves, and orcs stood in key points around a huge magical circle, each intricately runed with arcane symbols and pictographs maybe one-hundred feet across. The circles got progressively more complex as they went inwards towards the center and each one had less and less spellcasters. Gathios stopped moving and took the spear off of his back and set it down against a wall. He took his helmet off of his head and shook his hair, holding his helmet for a moment before putting it on top of the spear. Akairos hadn’t seen the face of Gathios in some time. His hair was similar to his own, red but with a browner tint, his eyes glowed light silver that overlaid his green eyes. His face, well formed and clean shaven, ended with a pointed jaw that a common genetic trait to most Blood Elf males, his nose was slightly rounded with the tip ever-so-slightly off center to the point of it being almost unnoticeable, a small scar ran down the left side of his nose from a break, the light scar was almost hidden on his pale skin. Gathios waked to the center of the circles and stood before a stone pillar as tall as a Fel Reaver that seemed to almost puncture the tainted clouds. The Illidari Council followed; Radinius put his hand on Elanor’s shoulder and motioned for her to stay. He followed the council and each member stood inside a magical circle inscribed within square inscribed within a circle within an Octagon, at the eight points of the octagon stood high level cultists of the Twilight’s Hammer. Once the council members were in place they knelt. Around the very edges of the circles magical pylons had been set up, channeling the energy from the captured mana batteries into the spellcasters and demons. When everyone was in position Gathios began to speak.

“Today we begin the eternal conquest of the Illidari! We will no longer hide in Outland like the late Lord Illidan! Tonight…we make ourselves known! For the glory of the Illidari and Lord Illidan!” Gathios shouted.

“Glory to Lord Illidan! To the Illidari!” The assembled Illidari roared back.

Gathios prepared himself for the ritual to begin, he began to move his body into the appropriate magical gestures. The Illidari Council members got up and began to assume their channeling positions. Akairos looked over to Lord Gathios.

“Master, are you sure you are ready for this?” Akairos asked a look of concern on his face.

“Do not question me in front of the soldiers, Grand Blood-Lord.” Gathios responded without looking back to Akairos.

Akairos frowned and returned to his channeling position.

Gathios began to speak. “Power of Light, power of the dark, mixed with the ancient powers slightest spark. Might of demons, in control, pledged to their eternal role. Gates that were closed, forever blocked, take this power and be…UN…!”

Capturing the Portals
Three Weeks Ago

Grand Blood-Lord Akairos sat atop a hill overlooking the Twilight Ridge, around the ridge sat various Bloodwarden guards. Below him the Eclipsion artillery continued its magical bombardment and explosive shelling of the remaining members of the Shadow Council. Unfortunately, the demon lord Reth'hedron the Subduer was proving to be an irksome foe, having dominated the minds of the Shadow Council warlocks and directly controlling them, which had somewhat improved their tactics. Reth’hedron was also resurrecting them when they died. The demonically controlled warlocks were maintaining a large energy barrier that was keeping the Illidari out. Akairos took a bite out of the mana thistle he had in a small pack and looked up the planets in the sky and the stars visible to get a sense of the time.

Should be soon. Thought Akairos.

Akairos returned to watching Reth’hedron continue to yell spells until a set of demonic hands appeared in mid air and dragged a portal open from which Illidari-Lord Balthas stepped out, Akairos rose to greet him.

“Balthas, has the Envoy arrived?”

“Yes, my lord, the envoy of the Twilight’s Hammer is in audience with Lord Gathios, and he requests your presence. I have arrived to relieve you and to take care of my brother.”

For some weeks now Highlord Gathios had seeking aid for the Illidari for a special venture. The Illidari sought to spread from outland and conquer new worlds. The help was found in the Twilight’s Hammer, a Nihilistic cult that sought to destroy all worlds. Akairos remembered his Lord’s frustration clearly; he had sent envoys to many different groups and organizations throughout the known worlds that knew magic. Renegade demons of the Burning Legion, remnants of the Cult of the Damned, even to the Syndicate and Defias in hopes they had even one member who was highly knowledgeable in portal magic. One by one they failed him, until a member of the Twilight’s Hammer in Outland contacted him.

Akairos’ eyes flickered to the device in Illidari-Lord Balthas hands.

“Is that the soul-cannon I’ve so much about?”

“Yes, My Lord. Would you like to see it?”

“I wish I could, but it’s best not to keep the Highlord waiting.”

“Of course, at you leave My Lord.” Balthus said, bowing.

Akairos nodded and stepped through the portal appearing on the temple summit, in front of him was a huge runic circle, at the center stood Highlord Gathios and a rather short being cloaked in what appeared to be the regalia of a magister, a high hood blocked the view of the back of the figure’s head. Along the outsides of the circle Emailon the Cursed and Radinius the Silent walked around the edges, their mouths moved in chant and Eclipsion Arch-magi and Darkfallen Bloodmagi stood within the circles along with demons, weaving the magics of the circle. Akairos stepped into the circle, being careful not to disturb any spellwork. He approached Lord Gathios and cleared his throat to get Gathios’s attention.

“I am here as requested, Master. How can I be of aid?” Akairos said, kneeling before Gathios.

Gathios glanced at Akairos. “Envoy Manastorm, this is Grand Blood-Lord Akairos, the High General of the Illidari, supreme Commander of all Blood Elven forces, and one of the greatest Paladin’s to ever live.”

Akairos smirked. “You’re far to kind Master. But no introductions are required for me to meet with Envoy Manastorm. He and I are already familiar.”

“Oh? How so?” Gathios asked, returning to a chart of the magical runes.

Envoy Manastorm spoke up. “I had been imprisoned by the Naaru in the Acatraz, Akairos made the intelligent move to release me while inspecting the damages to the prison during the madness of Kael’thas and subsequent jailbreaks. Damned Naaru, they found out my plans for the Twilight’s Hammer in Outland. But it is no matter, the true master will return shortly, and to aid in bringing an end to this world and many more through any means, Twilight Hammer or not, will score me major points-“

“I still haven’t been assigned a task.” Akairos interrupted.

“I was getting to it.” Manastorm grumbled. “But the price for the Hammer’s help is not cheap, we require soldiers.”

Behind Envoy Manastorm, Highlord Gathios motioned for Akairos to rise.“I would be happy to deploy a regiment of Fel Sworn or Eclipsion magi to aid the Twilight’s Hammer.” Akairos said as he rose to his feet.

“Oooh, hoo, hooo. No, while spellcasters like myself are always welcome within the hammer clan, we need a more direct force…Gronn.”

Akairos raised an eyebrow. “Gronn, you say?”

“Yes, Gronn. We require a small army of Gronn. Ten or twenty should suffice for now.” Envoy manastorm replied, looking down at his fingers.

Akairos glared at Envoy Manastorm and thought for a moment.

“Deathlord Varion is in Blades Edge Mountains presently, securing Death’s Door from remnant Legion armies, Master. Shall I go to aid him?”

“No.” Gathios replied. “Let him see to that, you will lead a group with you to aid you in securing the Gronn.”

“Ooh hoo! Exciting, may I come watch?” Manastorm asked.

“No. You’d only get in the way again.” Akairos responded, smirking at Milhouse Manastorm, receiving an angry look in response. “Will that be all, master?” Akairos asked.

“Yes, that will be-“ Manastorm started to respond, but was cut off by Gathios.

“Yes, Grand Blood-Lord, make haste.”

“Very good Master, I will gather my soldiers and depart immediately.” Akairos said as he turned to leave the temple summit and walk down the stairs. “Oh, and Manastorm?”

“What is it, Blood-Lord?” Manastorm said with disinterest, looking back at the magical charts.

Akairos whipped around and snarled, clenching his fist in front of him, his eyes burned with holy power. Manastorm’s body went rigid, light energy seeped out of his joints.

“You would do well to learn humility, Little Gnome. You know great magics, but there is much that is beyond you.” Akairos grunted. “Mind your tongue, Little Gnome.” Akairos said, his snarl softening into a smile as he drove his point home. “Good day.” Akairos released the repentance and walked off to gather his Eclipsion soldiers.

Death’s Door
Two Days Later

“You know what the worst part about being the controller of a vast undead army is?” Deathlord Varion said to himself as he impaled a terrorguard through the chest.

“Except those who are empowered otherwise…there are no think-for-yourselfers…”

Varion formed a spear of ice in his free hand and threw it through the jaw of a wrathhound. Varion turned around and motioned for an artillery strike on the demons. Varion watched the missiles fly through the air and land on many wrathhounds, terrorguards, and many Illidari demons.

“I should stop talking to myself…” Varion thought to himself as he watched a swarm of Darkfallen wipe out a minor horde of demons.

Varion’s forces had been stationed at the southern end of Death’s Door for several days. Originally a rather defensible position, the nearby Night Elf base had made several skirmish runs on their position and considerably slowed progress. To the northern half of the canyon was the Death’s Door, a partially active dimensional gate controlled by the legion.

Varion slung his sword onto his back and began to walk back to base when his attention was drawn by a portal opening. He turned around as the magical gate completed and the outline of a Blood Elven regiment marched out led by Akairos.

“Ah, Grand Blood-Lord. What’re you doing here?” Varion asked.

“Sent by the Master to capture Gronn for the Twilight’s Hammer.” Akairos said with a shrug.

“The Twilight’s Hammer?” Varion responded, furrowing his eyebrows. “I do not know of them.”

“Powerful magic users from Azeroth, I don’t know much about them myself.” Akairos answered after a moments pause. “On to business though, I intend to use your base as a forward camp while my men and I seek Gronn.”

“That is acceptable; the waves of demons are becoming more and more infrequent we will be able to push all the way forward soon.”

“Very well, I shall leave a few magi here to maintain the portal with a few of the greener men to aid you. I will be…” Akairos paused. “Incoming!”

Akairos swiftly took out his shield and smacked the ball of energy back into the sky where it barely missed the druid who was standing on one of the many spikes surrounding the camp.

“Night Elves!” Akairos yelled. “Battlemages! Get behind them, group one follow them, group two follow the Darkfallen! Archers, take aim.”

“Back again I see!” Varion shouted and took in a deep breath and began screaming orders in the language of the dead, as usual, the intense screeching gave pause to the Night Elves attacks.

Darkfallen began to run over to the spiked walls of the canyon to begin climbing out to engage the Night Elven casters and archers while Akairos barked orders to the Eclipsion. Akairos put his shield on his back and drew Dawncrusher and with a group of Eclipsion Blodowardens, charged into the group of Night Elves who had landed and were quickly changing forms. Akairos bashed in the skull of a cat and swept the leg of another. Behind him he heard a Bloodwarden yell as he was taken down by a group of cats, he focused his power and a shield of protection arose around the Bloodwarden. Akairos consecrated the ground and spun around in a storm of divine energy, as he finished his spin he focused for a moment on an Ent in the rear who was providing healing skills for the druids, Akairos took out his shield, charged it with holy power and used his spinning momentum to hurl it at the Ent, slicing it in half. Akairos smirked as he jerked his hand and the shield flew back to his hand.

The Eclipsion soldiers were pushing the druids back. The Battlemages had reached the top and had begun to exterminate the archers. Bolts of frost and flame flew through the air as did balls of energy and volleys of arrows. The Darkfallen were not far behind, they washed over the Night Elves like water over stone, the Night Elves were essentially devoured.

“One’s escaping!” A battlemage yelled, and threw a frostbolt at the fleeing stormcrow. The Druid-bird’s wings were covered in ice, its flapping was futile. The druid looked down at the battle beneath and then back at the Illidari on the ledge behind him and sadly looked down again as it began to fall. The Druid returned to Night Elven form, a beautiful female Night Elf with long black hair, a youngling in Elven standards. Varion watched the druid fall and charged necromantic energy in his fist, punched the ground and a bone spike erupted beneath the young druid, impaling her. Varion laughed wickedly and returned to slaying Night Elves.

The back entrance to Death’s Door rumbled with the sound of rumbling feet. “Contact rear!” A Darkfallen Commander shouted. “Contact ahead!’ An Eclipsion yelled. Akairos whipped about to look at the tunnel and Varion looked ahead, demons had picked the optimum time to attack, while the Night Elves attacked meaninglessly for the sake of the Illidari being there.

“It’s never easy is it?” Akairos said to himself.

“I heard that Blood-Lord!” Varion yelled. “We’ll take the Night Elves!”

Akairos turned from the Night Elves and began to run towards the demons drawing Dawncrusher from his back and sheathing his Runeshield. Akairos shouted to his battlemages and they enchanted themselves with slowfall and began to enter the battle. Akairos unleashed bolts of holy power from his body obliterating lesser demons and stunning the larger ones for the severely outnumbered Eclipsion soldiers.

“Wardens!” Akairos shouted and wardens began to charge holy power briefly, culminating in Akairos and the Wardens shouting, unleashing shockwaves of holy power strong enough to turn the demons away, allowing them to be easily cut down.

The Darkfallen operated with the brutal efficiency they had come to be feared for, the Night Elves were being slaughtered left and right, not gaining an inch into the valley. Corpses exploded left and right, limbs fell apart, blood sprayed across the walls and the screams of fallen Elves rung through the tunnel. A small group of druids in the rear attempted to mend the fallen in vain, for Deathlord Varion and his Bloodmancers noticed them.

“Life crumbles!” Varion shouted as he shot a beam of necromantic energy into ground, amplified by the Bloodmancers to wildly powerful levels in order to strip the life of the dead and dying night elves. The dying elves being comforted by druids suddenly grasped the druids in their freshly dead hands, stopping them from moving.

“And life rots!” Varion yelled again as death and decay spread throughout the tunnel, claiming the lives of the remaining Night Elves.

The Eclipsion soldiers were cutting a swath through the remaining demons at Death’s Door, finally approaching the gate itself and the Eredar stationed there, Baelmon the Houndmaster. Akairos watched the last of the demons fall and the Eclipsion formed up in a wide semi-circle around the gate, the Houndmaster had apparently not noticed them over his magics.

"WHAT?! Who dares to disturb the Burning Legion?" The Eredar shouted as he turned around to face the assembled Blood Elves. “The Illidari, only you would have the audacity to affront me, I shall enjoy the smell of the grease from your marrow crackling over the fire!”

“Demons…” Akairos sighed to himself and stepped forward. “Baelmon, I offer you the chance to side with us, we could use beings with your portal knowledge.” Akairos smiled smugly.

“You will suffer slowly for this affront, till the end of time itself.”

“Pity.” Akairos sighed.

Akairos’ eyes glowed with a brighter gold for a moment and thrust his palm towards the Eredar, who clutched his head in pain as holy power blinded him.

“Auuughh!” Baelmon screamed and began blasting shadow bolts randomly.

Eclipsion battlemages blasted frost bolts at Baelmon combined with bolts of holy power from the Eclipson paladins. Akairos watched the shadow bolts grow weaker and the screaming grow quieter as the Eredar succumbed to the magic, Baelmon stumbled forward and tripped, falling near Akairos.

“Burn…Paladin…” Baelmon muttered and a small stream of fire burst from his mouth only to be stopped by a divine shield.

“Pathetic…” Akairos said to himself. “Good work Eclipsion, took the portal before Lord Varion, the Master will be pleased. We can proceed with the mission now and…”

“NOW!” A voice shouted and roots erupted from the ground binding the limbs of the Ilidari soldiers. Druids dropped down from the sky landing on the ground, increasing the amount of roots.

“Use the seeds!” A druid shouted and they all started to throw crystalline seeds towards Akairos which quickly sprouted and wrapped around Akairos.

“You seek to drain me?!” Akairos shouted in surprise. “I am to strong for that!”

“It’ll hold!” A male druid shouted at Akairos. “Return to the wells my brethren!” He yelled and the druids began charging energy to teleport back to Sylvanaar.

Deathlord Varion had noticed and was dashing down the valley. “Blood-Lord!” Varion screamed and the Darkfallen Orb in his chest glowed and the skeletal wings sprouted from his back, his skin growing gaunt and torn as the flesh spread across them and leapt into the air. “Die elves!” Varion bellowed.

Varion was to late, the Druids had vanished with Akairos and the Eclipsion soldiers. Varion crashed into the ground where they had just stood, leaving the ground desecrated and festering. He retracted the wings into his back and grit his teeth and seethed.

“The Master will not be pleased.” He thought.

Imprisoned
Back in the Black Temple

Highlord Gathios, Radinius the Silent, and Emailon the Cursed were almost done inscribing the runic circles on the temple summit with the help of Twilight Emissary Manastorm. A death gate opened up outside the ritual area and Deathlord Varion stepped out. He walked around the circles and over to the Highlord and knelt before him.

“The Grand Blood-Lord has been captured, My Lord.” He said.

Highlord Gathios stopped his magic weaving for a moment. “I am displeased.” He said in a tense tone. “How did this happen?”

Varion looked up from his kneeling position. “The Night Elves of Sylvanaar managed to obtain several of the druidic energy draining seeds. His whole group was captured and taken to Sylvanaar.”

Highlord Gathios stopped with the magic weaving and motioned for Varion to rise. “You will return to Death’s door, Deathlord. I will take Commander Sunseeker and recover the Blood-Lord, we cannot let the lesser races of Outland gain ground against us, and we will crush the Nigh Elves with overwhelming force.” Gathios thought for a moment and turned to Emailon. “Deploy a group of demon hunters to secure the portal in the Zangarmarsh.”

“Yes, My Lord.” Emailon said with a salute and vanished into the shadows.

“I will leave soon, have Commander Sunseeker report to my chambers within the hour.” Gathios said to Varion. “Then return to Death’s Door.”

“Yes Master.” Varion said and began to create a death gate to leave.

Gathios felt the gaze of Radinius on his back. “I know Commander, but you are needed here to complete the ritual.”

Akairos groaned and opened a golden eye. The room was very dim, the only light coming from a small window in the wooden wall. He noticed he was laying on a table, arms and legs spread. He looked at his left hand and noticed he was missing his gauntlet and his wrists were bound by thick vines. Akairos noticed his armor was missing, he turned his head to look at his other arm; same thing. Akairos gasped and lifted his head to look at his chest, his chest armor was gone, along with the vial of the Sunwell embedded in it. Akairos began to struggle against his vine bonds for a little bit and gave up. As he lay there fuming he heard a shouts in the distance, the sounds of his men being interrogated.

“Let’s get some light in here…” Akairos said to himself.

Akairos took in a deep breath and focused for a moment. He exhaled and his body began to glow gently.

“Great…I’m in a tree.” Akairos muttered.

The room had been carved out of the inside of a tree trunk, it was barren except for the table he lay on and a few chairs.

“None of your stolen powers, Illidari!” A voice shouted.

A Night Elf Sentinal appeared from the shadows of the chairs and dashed over to Akairos, drawing a club from her side and swung it hard against his chest. Akairos grunted loudly and the holy radiance dispersed.

“Was that really necessary?” Akairos asked.

“That and more…monster!” The Night Elf yelled and drove the club into Akairos’s chest once more.

“You’ll die first when I am out of here.” Akairos said with a smirk. “Now when do I get to speak with your leader? I understand that capturing an enemy general is a great military tactic and all, but I know you want information-”

“Hold your tongue, the Arch-Druid will be with you shortly.” She said, putting her club back on her belt and sat down on one of the chairs and stared at Akairos. Akairos looked at her for a moment and sighed with resignation and turned his head the other way to stare at the other wall.

“So…” Akarios started. “How much torture can I expect?”

“As much as I-“ The Night Elf started, but was cut off by another voice.

“None, my friend.” Zo’shi said as he stepped through a door that was made in the wall. “Hello Akairos.”

“Zo’shi…” Akairos said with a sad look on his face. His face suddenly turned hard. “What have you done with my Vial of the Sunwell?”

Zo’shi reached into a small pack on his back and drew out a small glowing vial of water.

“It will eventually be returned to your people, to Silvermoon, to be put back into the Sunwell. For now, I will hold onto it.”

“No!” Akairos yelled and jerked against his bonds. “It is mine! You cannot do that!”

“You stole it Akairos, it must be returned.”

“No!” Akairos shouted. “No!” Akairos jerked against his bonds. “No!” Flashes of light shone off Akairos.

“Stop Akairos!” Zo’shi shouted and fired a bolt of druidic energy from his hand; hitting Akairos squarely in the chest, knocking him back on his back. “You will remain here for the time being, we will cure your addiction to power.”

Akairos seethed with fury and resigned his struggles against his bonds.

“It pains me to do this Akairos, I am sorry.” Zo’shi closed his eyes and sighed. Zo’shi turned to the Sentinal. “Don’t let him focus any energy, that Ironvine is only so strong and the Crystalseed can only absorb so much power.” Zo’shi watched the Sentinal nod and turn to continue staring at Akairos.

Akairos raised his head again. “Zo’shi, what happened to my men?”

Zo’shi turned back to Akairos and looked at the ground. “I’m sorry; my protection only extends to you. Most of your men have been…tortured and killed by overzealous sentinels Zo’shi thought. “…executed.” Zo’shi said.

Zo’shi could feel Akairos’ anger. They looked at each other for a moment and Akairos spoke first. He spoke very calmly, the calm tone representing such fury that no level of anger could express it. “When I am freed...they will all die every single one of them. Starting with your friend here.” Akairos tilted head towards the sentinel, who glared back at him.” And ending with you.”

“I’m sorry it has to be like this Akairos.” Zo’shi said as his face turned hard. “But I’m glad you are bound here. You can’t damage Outland from here.” Zo’shi sighed and turned to leave the room and sealed the opening behind him.

“Your days are numbered, Illidari scum.” The sentinel said.

“So are yours.” Akairos responded and turned his head away from her.

Preparations had been delayed. Within the week of the capture of Grand Blood-Lord Akairos; co-ordination had dropped off just enough for the Shattered Sun armies to make counterattacks against Illidari strongholds throughout Outland. The attacks were small petty strikes that didn’t do much damage as was to be expected, but it had slowed down any Illidari forces from leaving the valley. Highlord Gathios had taken over direct control of the Eclipsion, leaving control of the Black Temple to Emailon. The takeover of the Illidari was much to the displeasure of Grand Commander Ruusk, who would naturally be the de-facto second in command.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Master?” Ruusk asked Gathios.

Highlord Gathios and Ruusk were in the command center of Eclipse Point, within the opulent tent, Gathios sat behind a large wooden desk carved from terrokar wood, his chair was a large elven designed chair. He leaned forward in his chair and looked at Ruusk carefully.

“Yes Commander, now do you understand the plan?”

Ruusk took a map out of the small pack on his back and laid it on the desk. “Yes, My Lord. We will portal into Death’s Door to meet with Deathlord Varion and to retrieve the Gronn to be handed over to the Twilight’s Hammer. From there a small force led by you will break off while the assembled army heads north to secure the bridge to Netherstorm.”

“Excellent, Commander, dismissed.” Gathios said as he heard the sound of a portal opening on the wall behind him. From the portal stepped Radinius, who bowed in respect before walking around to the front of the desk.

“Ah, Radinius. Was your mission successful?”

Radinius made a fast series of hand motions and another portal appeared. From the portal a small group of Illidari assassins and rogues stepped from it and knelt before Gathios. Gathios motioned for them to rise.

“My Lord.” One started “We have scouted all the Manaforges of Netherstorm. Of the five forges, four are operational. Manaforge Ultris is completely destroyed and inhabited by void creatures. Manaforge Ara is inhabited by renegade Blood Elves still loyal to the late Prince Kael-Thas and agents of the Burning Legion. The remaining three are in the control of Shattrath forces.”

Highlord Gathios frowned behind his faceplate behind at the last comment. “We will deal with the division of power to each forge when we have retrieved the Grand Blood-Lord. Good work all. Dismissed.”

The special force agents turned to leave with Radinius. “Wait Radinius, we must talk.”

Radinius turned back around and faced his lord again and cocked his head in question.

“I know how you feel about your brother’s capture.” Gathios said and Radinius looked down at the floor, the equivalent of a screaming rage for Radinius. “You will accompany me to Sylvanaar.”

Radinius looked back up at Gathios and a small smirk flashed across his face for an instant before he banished it and nodded.

“Be ready at the portal site within half an hour.” Gathios said as Radinius turned to leave.

Radinius pushed back the veil of Gathios’s room and walked through the hall. He pushed back the veil leading outside and stepped outside.

“How do you feel, My Lord?” A feminine voice asked.

Radinius turned to see Commander Elanor Dawnseeker leaning against the wall of the tent, arms crossed. She was in half of her armor, her bulky shoulderplates were missing, along with her gauntlets. She wore her white bracers, boots and legplates and a loose fitting red shirt with a Blood Elven crest above the left breast and an Illidari crest above the right. Radinius cocked his head in question.

“To get your brother back, to take vengeance against the Night Elves? To know that the conquest of Outland is near. Do you feel anything?”

Radinius thought for a moment and put his hand on Elanor’s shoulder. Upon touch Elanor recoiled back and looked wide-eyed at Radinius.

“I see.” She said, gasping. Commander Sunseeker regained her composure and stood up straighter. “I am glad to know that amidst everything, you still care for the Grand Blood-Lord.” Commander Sunseeker smiled. “See you on the battlefield.” She said as she walked away with a wave. Radinius sighed and walked over to the portal site.

Recovery
Twilight Emissary Manastorm smiled at the sight of the Gronn chained to the ground in Death’s Door, each one kept in an apathetic state by Darkfallen Bloodmancers. Along with the Bloodmancers stood Twilight Beguilers, learning the proper spells to keep the Gronn bound.

“Are you satisfied Envoy Manastorm?” Gathios asked as he looked over the assembled armies of the Illidari stretching from one end of the canyon to the other.

“Yes I am, Master Cho’gall will be pleased.” Manastorm said with glee. “And as promised I leave in your command, eight of our finest portal shapers. Straight from the Bastion of Twilight itself.” Manastorm motioned to the eight humans standing a short distance away from him, each of them sitting in meditation.

“I know not of this Bastion of Twilight you speak of, but as long as they do their job, I am pleased. You may make use of the portal to get yourself home.” Gathios said.

“Thank you Highlord.” Manastorm responded with a small bow. “But it is not needed; we have a conduit to Grim Batol awaiting.”

“The Dragonmaw Stronghold?” Gathios asked but stopped himseld. “Never mind, go whenever.” Gathios said and walked away to talk to Varion.

Deathlord Varion had not had a happy two weeks. He had spent his time watching his magi stabilize the half open portal and sit about guarding the area. No further Night Elven attacks had come and the Cenarion post had been abandoned weeks ago as the Cenarion Expedition returned home. The Gronn had been even less of a challenge then the Night Elves, as the surviving Gronn in Outland had no leaders to command them; all slain in previous campaigns of the Horde and the Alliance during their war in Outland, it was a simple task to subdue man of them. He heard someone coming up behind him and turned Varion turned about to face Highlord Gathios.

“My Lord!” He said and knelt before Gathios.

“Rise Deathlord.” Gathios said wearily. “Are the Darkfallen ready?”

“Yes, My Lord.” He responded. “We await the departure of the Twilight’s Hammer and then we have full mobilization power.”

“Excellent.” Gathios grinned.

Akairos chuckled and opened his eyes. In the darkness of the room, the golden glow was particularly noticeable.

“What’s so funny?” The Night Elven sentinel asked.

“Remember when I promised I’d kill you first?”

“Unlikely. You’ve made no escape attempts since your capture. Your powers don’t last forever, Light stealer!”

“Oh it will be soon…It will be soon.” Akairos chuckled.

Highlord Gathios stood with his small squad and watched the last of the armies march north.

“Ahh, I haven’t been outside the temple in far too long.” Gathios said, looking around. “Not that the temple would have needed for much longer.” Gathios turned to Radinius. “Once we cross the bridge over Bladespire Gulch, you will go in first, invisible. Take sentries out across the bridge and find the Grand Blood-Lord. We will attack from the front.”

Radinius nodded and a pair of demonic wings sprouted from his back and he leapt into the air, vanishing instantly.

“Commander Sunseeker you will take the two Battle-mages and circle around the north with this.” Gathios said and handed Commander Sunseeker a grapefruit sized crystal. “Once fighting starts, you will charge in and locate the Grand Commander and Blood-Lord and give this to them. Is that understood?” Commander Sunseeker nodded. “Move out Illidari.” Gathios yelled and they began running along the bridge.

It was not long before they were spotted by sentries only to hear their faint death cries as Radinius silenced them for good. More and more cries were silenced as they approached the verdant green of Sylvanaar. A sentinel leapt from behind to attack.

“Rear!” Commander Sunseeker yelled as an Illidari Bloodwarden turned to react and counter, Gathios had countered faster and with a thrust of his hand, a wave of force blew the sentinel apart.

“Keep going.” Gathios barked.

Akairos chuckled again. “It’s time.” He said.

“Time for what?” The Sentinel asked.

“Why, my daring escape of course.” Akairos responded.

The Sentinel drew her glaive. “Try, you won’t move an inch.”

“Oh I don’t plan to move at all.” Akairos said very matter-of-factly.

As Akairos finished his sentence there was a loud slicing sound, and then another as the razor sharp blade of Radinius the silent sliced a hole in the wall.

“Hello brother!” Akairos exclaimed. “What kept you?”

Radinius shrugged and looked at the Sentinel and bared his teeth with a growl. The Sentinel recovered from the shock of being confronted with another ranking Illidari and swung her glaive at Akairos.

“No!” She yelled.

Radinius was to fast though, with agility to fast for the eye to track, he stepped through the shadows and with a few slices of his sword had cut the Ironvine binding Akairos effortlessly and grabbed the glaive with his free hand. Radinius smiled as his black blood dripped from the wound. He stared into the eyes of the sentinel with a sneer and she stared back into his blindfold with a look of shock on her face. Akairos swung his legs off the table and rubbed his wrists.

“Go on, fight him. Come on Night Elf, where’s your spirit? You’ve been beating me over the head with it for the last week.”

Radinius stuck his sword in the floor and tore the glaive out of her hand and kicked the Night Elf against the wall where she slumped against the floor, losing consciousness for a moment. Akairos got off the table and knelt next to the Night Elf and grabbed her chin, looking right into her softly glowing silver eyes

“Armor. Now.” He said, putting as much force as possible into his words while gently coating his voice in the soothing tones of the Light.

“It is…” The Sentinel choked out. “…In the town hall.”

“Good.” Akairos said with a smirk and hauled the Night Elf to her feet. He held his hand out to Radinius and Radinius handed him his sword. Akairos maintained his slight smirk as he impaled the Sentinel through the chest; driving the sword into the wall behind her. He covered her mouth to contain her scream. Akairos held her there for a few moments with Radinius’ sword in her chest and took his hand off her mouth and focused for a moment. His hand began to glow gently with healing power and he held it over the grievous sword wound. The Night Elf stirred, impaled on the sword, but slowly coming back to life. She opened her eyes to stare into Akairos’ golden eyes.

“See you in hell.” Akairos said as he saw the Night Elf’s eyes go wide as he yanked the blade out of her chest; tearing her flesh asunder once more and let her drop to the floor. He handed the sword back to Radinius in gratitude.

“Come brother. I don’t want to keep the master waiting.” Akairos said almost offhandedly and walked out the door. Radinius gave his sword a quick once over and sheathed it on his back; following Akairos outside.

Highlord Gathios and his squad had reached the gates of Sylvanaar. As he stared at the town gates and the rows of Sentinels, his soldiers were taking down the Ancients of War that lingered in the druidic forest. Gathios allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction as he saw several brief flashes of disbelief emerge from the stony masks of the Night Elven faces before being quickly concealed.

Gathios waited for his men to finish and to form up behind him before he started walking towards the Night Elves. Two sentinels rushed to meet him; glaives drawn. Their blades were blocked by an Eclipsion Centurion and an Orc Boneslicer. Gathios grunted once and with lightning speed drove his fists into the chests of the sentinels, sending them flying back.

“Your leader.” Gathios commanded.

“You hold no power here, Illidari!” One sentinel shouted down at him.

Gathios’s gaze shifted to the sentinel, he reached out towards the sentinel with an open hand, clenched his fist and yanked. The sentinel flew towards him, stopping to hover in front of Gathios.

“My you’re a pretty one.” Gathios said and waved his hand away; sending the sentinel flying high into the air and casually watched her flair through the air before she fell from view. “You will all die!” Gathios shouted. “Attack!” He commanded and the Illidari and Night Elves surged forward.

Akairos and Radinius had managed to kill their way to the town hall quietly; most of the Night Elves were distracted with Gathios. Radinius kept watch at the door while Akairos searched for his armor. After a short time, Akairos found the crate with his armor stashed in a back room under his tabard had been nailed to the wall and partially burnt. Akairos tore the box open and he quickly put his gear on, enjoying its familiar and comfortable weight. He tore the burned Illidari tabard off the wall and put it on. Despite his searching, he could not find his Shockwave Truncheon amidst the items stored in the room. Akairos left the room and approached Radinius.

“Well brother, lets go meet the Master.” Akairos said with a sneer, extending his hand and focusing. Dawncrusher appeared in a flash of Light into his hand. “Dawncrusher is all I need.”

As they stepped from the town hall, they could immediately hear the sounds of combat. Dynamic energy discharges from the south, probably originating from Lord Gathios, and the sound of feet running towards them. The two Illidari Councilmen quickly whipped around and were greeting with the sight of Commander Dawnseeker slowing to a stop, holding a large crystal.

“My Lords.” She panted. “For you, Blood-Lord.” She said, kneeling down and offering Akairos the orb.

Akairos took it and smiled. “Ahhh, the Master knows I need a bit of a recharge.” Akairos gripped the orb and it’s faint yellow sheen faded and Akairos dropped it from his hand, letting it shatter on the ground. “Come you two, let’s go.”

The three drew their weapons and began to charge towards the sound of combat. They were rudely interrupted by small roots erupting from the ground to bind their ankles. It must have been quite a sight, three elves, normally graceful, falling flat on their faces.

“Druids…” Akairos grumbled.

“Don’t be so hasty Akairos.” Zo’shi said as he jumped down from the tree branch he had been sitting on.

“Go away Zo’shi.” Akairos said flatly as they got back to their feet. “Don’t make me kill you.”

“Don’t say things like that Akairos.” Zo’shi said.

“It’s what the Highlord would want!” Elanor Sunseeker argued.

Zo’shi glared at Elanor. “Silence.”

Elanor focused holy power and it swirled around her feet. The roots fell away and she ran at Zo’shi drawing her sword and shield. Zo’shi quickly drew his staff from his back and thrust it at Elanor, gale winds struck Elanor, halting her momentum, Zo’shi used the wind’s momentum to run forward and drove the tip of his staff into her stomach. Elanor gasped as the wind was knocked out of her. Elanor caught herself before falling on her rear and landed on her feet.

“Be gone.” Zo’shi said charging lunar energy to fire it at Elanor.

Akairos dispelled the energy that controlled the roots which bound him and Radinius and they charged forwards Zo’shi, weapons drawn. Akairos fired a blast of holy energy at the Archdruid and Zo’shi’s concentration was broken long enough for Akairos to roundhouse kick Zo’shi across the chest, knocking Zo’shi back.

“Leave her alone.” Akairos growled.

“As you wish.” Zo’shi replied and waved towards Elanor. A beam of Starfire dropped from the sky and knocked Elanor Sunseeker unconscious.

Radinius snarled and slashed at Zo’shi. Zo’shi countered with his staff, blocking slash after slash. From the corner of his eye he watched Akairos gathering energy before he rededicated himself to parrying Radinius’s furious blows. Akairos gripped Dawncrusher and ran at Zo’shi. Zo’shi gasped briefly and rapidly shifted into a bear and solidified his skin; Dawncrusher crunched against the hard wooden skin. Akairos and Radinius continued to pound on the bark skin until Zo’shi roared loudly, stunning the two briefly and he transformed into his elven form and blasting a wall of water towards the two. Radinius was quick to avoid the wall of water while Akairos was struck by it, the freezing water dazed Akairos.

“Give it back.” Akairos demanded.

“It is not yours to take.” Zo’shi responded as he looked up at the stars for a moment. “We’ve wasted enough time you two.”

Zo’shi turned and began to run towards the edge of town, Akairos and Radinius pursued him immediately. Radinius sheathed his sword and began hurling fel fireballs after him; Zo’shi was quick to avoid them and started to become a stormcrow.

“He’s getting away!” Akairos shouted.

Radinius nodded and stepped through the shadows to try to strike at Zo’shi but Zo’shi avoided and began to fly away.

“No!” Akairos screamed as his eyes shown brighter and thrust his left hand towards Zo’shi, holy chains flew from his gauntlet and wrapped around Zo’shi. Akairos dug his feet into the ground and yanked causing the bird to hurl towards him. Akairos held Dawncrusher over his head and when Zo’shi was close enough, drove the hammer into him, sending him crashing to the ground. Zo’shi returned to elven form and lay on the ground unconscious. Akairos chuckled in triumph and knelt down to tear the pack from Zo’shi’s back and began searching through it. Akairos searched for several seconds and then looked up at Radinius.

“At last.” Akairos laughed. “I’ve got it.” He said as he picked up the Vial of the Sunwell. Akairos lifted up his singed tabard and shoved the vial into the slot on his armor. Akairos closed his eyes for a moment and smiled as he felt the Sunwell’s radiance course through him before he turned back to Radinius.

“Right Radinius.” Akairos said. “We should find the Highlord.”

Radinius frowned and pointed back at town.

“Yeah. Probably.” Akairos said.

Radinius looked at Zo’shi and furrowed his eyebrows.

“Leave him…leave him…” Akairos sighed. “I couldn’t kill him, no matter how misguided he may be.”

It was Radinius’s turn to sigh and he gasped, Akairos felt his feelings of Commander Sunseeker.

“Go check on her. We’ll go find the Highlord after.”

Akairos and Radinius broke off in a run back towards Elanor, Akairos looked back at Zo’shi, who had vanished. Akairos looked back towards the town center.

Zo’shi lay on the ground melded into the shadows and trying very hard not to breathe too hard. When he was sure Akairos and Radinius had left Zo’shi dropped his guise and swiftly got up and half-ran to the edge of the forested area. When he stopped running he was out of breath and he could feel sharp pains in his chest and along his back. He ran his fingers along his ribs and felt several broken ribs from where he was struck by the hammer and winced in pain.

“Careless.” Zo’shi thought to himself as he began to mend his wounds. Once he had calmed down Zo’shi finally noticed the silence. Zo’shi transformed into a panther and prowled over to the edge of town. He saw Highlord Gathios standing in the center of town with a few Illidari soldiers around him. Zo’shi’s cat eyes went wide as he absorbed the destruction which had been wrought. From across town walked Akairos, Radinius, and Elanor, now restored to health. Akairos was drinking a jug of some kind of water. As they approached Gathios they knelt, Gathios motioned for them to rise and Radinius opened a black portal and the Illidari left the town. When Zo’shi watched them depart he dashed over to the center of Sylvannar and returned to Night Elf form and looked around.

“Hello!” Zo’shi shouted. “Is anyone still here?!”

Zo’shi heard nothing, he began to walk forward, past a group of fallen sentinels and druids and to his surprise an Elf grabbed his ankle.

“A…Archdruid…” The dying druid gasped.

“Hang on!” Zo’shi half shouted and immediately turned and knelt beside the elf and began to mend his wounds. “What happened?” Zo’shi softly asked.

“The..the *hng*” The druid clutched his chest; Zo’shi redirected his healing energies. “The Illidari Highlord revealed himself…such power.” The druid panted.

“Hnag on friend.” Zo’shi assured. “Tell me everything.” He said, helping the druid to his feet and moving him inside an empty house and into a chair.

The druid recounted the day’s events while Zo’shi listened intently. The druid descried fearsome displays of power, outmaneuvering tactics, and the terrifying power of Highlord Gathios.

“…He tore the life right out of us.” The druid said bleakly. “We never stood a chance…such overwhelming power…” The druid put his face in his hands. “By Elune, what are we going to do?”

Zo’shi put his hand around the druid’s shoulder. “We have to get to Shattrath and warn the Naaru of this threat.”

“Of course Archdruid.” The druid looked sadly out the door. “But what about the town?”

Zo’shi smiled and rose. “They will return to the earth.” Zo’shi walked to the door and focused his druidic power and unleashed it. All around town roots entangled the bodies of the dead and began to absorb them into the ground. “Someday we will build a new forest here, across this ruined world.” Zo’shi said. “Come.” Motioning to the druid and they stepped out of the house and transformed into stormcrows, flying south towards Shattrath.

The Netherstorm
Akairos, Radinius, Gathios, Elanor and the rest of the Illidari had reunited with the main army. The Illidari had begun marching from their hold position in Northern Blade Edge to The Netherstorm. Akairos now marched at the head of the army with Radinius, Varion and Commander Sunseeker. Highlord Gathios rode in a small chariot like vehicle pulled by a few Illidari demons.

“Ahh, it’s so good to be back with the men.” Akairos said happily, listening to the near synchronous sound of armored footsteps falling. “Left, left, left, right, left.” Akairos said to himself with a smile.

“I still don’t understand why we cannot just portal into this damned place.” Varion fumed.

Radinius did what could almost be called an eye-roll and sighed. Akairos looked at Radinius and gave a quick, breathy chuckle. “Because, Deathlord, you have as good of a chance of ending up floating in the Twisting Nether as you do going where you want to go.”

“Mmm.” Varion said and crossed his arms. “In the distance, what is that?”

Ahead of them was a large bridge, spanning the abyss of the Twisting Nether. From the distance it was possible to see little goblins running about on the bridge.

“Hold!” Akairos shouting, raising his arm in the air, and he listened as the falling boots stopped. Akairos turned about. “Messenger!” Akairos shouted and the soldiers parted to allow a young looking Blood Elven female, mounted on a dark red Hawkstrider to come forward. “Go ahead, demand surrender, and report back in five minuets.” Akairos said.

The young elf nodded, saluted, and rode off ahead. “Forward!” Akairos and Varion shouted and the Illidari began to march forward. Ahead at the bridge the messenger arrived to see the panicked goblins aiming guns at her rather unsteadily.

“By decree of the Grand Blood-Lord Akairos, you are hereby ordered to surrender.” The elf said in her most authoritative voice she could muster.

“An-and-and what if we don’t?” A goblin asked nervously.

“You will be destroyed.” The Blood Elf said, clutching her fist. The sound of marching feet grew louder behind her.

The goblins looked behind her and a few of them squeaked in surprise. “Ok! Ok! We surrender!” The first goblin said, dropping his weapon.

“Good.” The messenger said, riding back to the approaching Illidari.

Akairos watched the messenger approach, she informed him of their surrender and dropped back into formation.

“Why did you order surrender?’ Varion questioned.

“No point attacking a useless goblin town. Once we secure the forges you are free to do as you please.” Akairos said as he stepped on to the bridge. As he passed over the bridge he heard the sound of footsteps change from a dull thud to clanking metal and once Akairos reached the other side the overpowering wall of loose magic hit Akairos. Akairos grunted and took a deep breath, feeling the rich magical air. Behind him he heard others do the same. Varion made no signs of enjoying the magic, it didn’t affect him. Once the assembled Illidari had crossed, Highlord Gathios rode out to the front and got out of his chair.

“Capture as many mana batteries as you can, siphon the conduits, exterminate all who oppose you.” Gathios said to the councilmen and turned to face the Illidari. “We return to the Tempest Keep my brethren! To our misguided brothers! Follow your Generals! Find the energy! Take it! Take it all!”

The Illidari answered with a collective triumphant shout.

Zo’shi and the other druid he now knew as Bala’dor landed in the terrace of Light. Grand Anchorite Almomen was giving a sermon to the Shattered Sun Troops. General Tiris’alan and Khadgar turned to meet Zo’shi.

“Archdruid.” The General said. “What is it?”

“It’s about the Illidari” Zo’shi said.

“New information!?” The general said excitedly. “Well let’s hear it!”

“Grand Blood-Lord Akairos has escaped and the bulk of the Illidari army is moving north into the Netherstorm.”

The General thought for a moment. “They must be heading to the Tempest Keep. The remnants of Kael’thas’s Blood Elves still work with Legion remnants.” General Tiris’alan took out a small journal from his pack. “Hmmm…reports say they’re not aligned with the Illidari.”

“The Tempest Keep.” Khadgar said; closing his eyes. “Could they be seeking Allies?”

“Possibly. They ma-“

“No.” The voice of A’dal sang inside their head. “It is far more dire. The Illidari Highlord seeks to re-open the portals of Outland.”

Zo’shi gasped. “But that’s…that’s madness! This world will be torn apart!”

The General groaned. “The Manaforges, our men are up there! They need to be warned!”

“It is to late.” A’dal chimed. “To send anymore is to send them to their deaths.”

The Grand Anchorite overheard them. “…and now my friends, a prayer for our friends against the darkness.” He said as he bowed his head, as did the rest of the soldiers and finished the sermon and walked over to Zo’shi.

“Archdruid. Welcome to Shattrath.”

Zo’shi bowed. “Thank you Grand Anchorite.

“I’m afraid you do not understand.” The Anchorite looked up at A’dal. “This situation is much worse then any of us know.” The Grand Anchorite motioned for two of his assistants to come over. “Bring the two.”

“Fire!” Akairos yelled and the ballista fired.

Akairos’ division had traveled to Manaforge Ara and were laying siege to the demons defending it.

“Destroy them!” Akairos yelled. “Leave none alive!”

The Eclipsion surged forward to meet the demons. Eclipsion soldiers met tem with devastating fury as Akairos watched. The demons were strong but they were no match for the battle hardened Eclipsion. As the flow of demons started to slow, the demon engineers started to come out followed by the overseer, Azarad. Azarad charged forward into the Eclipsion forces and began knocking them all over the place. Akairos looked down from his command point and glared at the overseer. For a moment Akairos was worried, but his worries were soon quelled as the last of the demons fell. Akairos was about to give the command to enter when the next set of combatants emerged; Blood Elves. Akairos noticed a hesitation in his men for just a split second before they annihilated them.

“Take the mana cells men!” Akairos shouted. “No quarter!”

“Drink their Blood! Eat their Flesh!” Deathlord Varion shouted as the Darkfallen and Eclipsion stormed into Manaforge B’naar.

Manaforge B’naar had fallen into control of the Sha’tar and was being kept offline. The Sha’tar had not destroyed the mana cells, they used them to power their structures. The Illidari came to take what was left.

Deathlord Varion proudly walked into the Manaforge to oversee the gathering and stopped mid-step upon noticing the shield maintained around the energy cells and the central unit.…and the Shattered Sun units inside the shell. Varion walked towards the energy field and smirked and pulled out his sword.

“No!” Yelled a voice and a Draenei warrior leapt out and sliced off Varion’s arm. The arm and sword clanged to ground. Varion wheeled about to look at the Draenei and smiled crazily. The Draenei took an involuntary step backward out of fright. The Draenei didn’t have time to react as Varion punched his heart into his chest.

“Come on you maggots.” Varion sneered at the Shattered Sun members. “You can still save him!”

None of the Shattered Sun moved.

“Well then.” Varion tore out the Draenei’s heart and let his body fall to the floor. “Can’t stop now.” Varion picked up his arm and stuck it back on. “Carry the cells out men!”

General Steele and General Tiris’Alan stood with Grand Anchorite and Zo’shi. In front of them was Almonen and his attendants in a side room off to the side of the Terrace of light. The two generals were in awe at what they saw before them. Commander Hobb and a young Draenei Priestess, both of them blindfolded with burn scars on their face.

“Uhhh…” Steele said. “I thought Hobb was dead?”

“Just…disabled.” The Grand Anchorite said. “Poor them. There is nothing we can do.”

Commander Hobb sat in his chair, rocking back and forth, clutching a picture of his family. “He whispers to the void. Twisting, twisting, he must obey his Master.” Hobbs muttered. “Empires will crumble, worlds will fall, Outland will fall. He works now to open the gates.”

The Draenei Priestess groaned. “He waits for their return, he’s out of energy, and the gates are not yet complete!” The Draenei wailed.

“What does she speak of?” Steele asked. “And Hobb?”

“During a retaliation against us and the Alliance they were captured by the Cursed One and had their eyes burned out. As an act of his unspeakable cruelty, they are forced to witness his every killing, every act of his madness and depravity. It has broken them.” The Grand Anchorite said with a sad look on his face and put his hand on the Draenei and Blood Elf’s shoulders. “But they still seek to further our causes by reporting on his actions, a fatal mistake on the Cursed One.”

Zo’shi stepped forward and knelt before the two. “Your courage is tremendous you two.” Zo’shi smiled. “Please…tell us what you know.”

“It’s not enough.” Highlord Gathios said, clenching his fist. “There will be more at the Tempest keep!”

The Illidari Army had looted the Manaforges and cleaned out all the Manacells; unfortunately they had not met their energy requirements and would need to enter the Tempest Keep. The Illidari had marched across the Netherstorm and now stood before the tempest keep. Akairos stood at the edge of Netherstorm and looked up at Tempest Keep.

“Ahh, the Keep.” Akairos thought. “It’s been so long. Almost three years since I defeated my Prince.” Akairos gripped Dawncrusher tighter. “And nearly four since I was reunited with Gathios.” Akairos’ eyes widened for a moment and he smacked his forehead with his free hand.

“Damn it all! How are we going to get up there?” Akairos fumed and turned to walk back to the Illidari Army.

The army had set up its camp about three miles from Cosmowrench, preparing to assault the Keep. Akairos entered the boundary of the camp and approached the tent of Highlord Gathios. The guards saluted as he entered. Akairos entered Gathios’s chamber where he sat in a large Blood Elven chair. Varion and Radinius waited also; standing at attention behind him

“What is it Grand Blood-Lord?” Gathios asked.

“Uhhh…”Akairos said; averting his eyes. “I…we…can’t get up to Tempest Keep.”

“This is a nonissue.” Gathios said dismissively. “I thought you’d have more faith in me by now Akairos.”

Akairos sighed. “Sorry master.” Akairos said as he held up his hands in mock defense and smirked. “I’m just eager to get inside.” Akairos stood at attention. “May we leave soon?”

“Yes. Come you three; assist me with building the bridge.” Gathios said as he got up.

“Yes, My Lord!” The three councilmen said and followed him out the door.

The three followed Highlord Gathios out the tent and out towards the edge of the camp and out towards the Tempest Keep. Highlord Gathios looked up at the Keep and frowned. When they reached the edge of the Netherstorm Gathios turned around to face the three. He could see Illidari soldiers in the distance watching them.

“On three.” The three councilmen nodded in response.

Gathios turned back around and held his hands up in front of him, looking like he was gripping the air. The Illidari Councilmen did the same. Silver energy crackled from his hands and he jammed his hands into the ground and silver energy shot out from the ground towards the keep, behind him the three councilmen thrust their hands out towards Gathios, beams of demonic, holy, and dark magic. The energy was absorbed by Gathios and it flowed into him and mixed into more silver energy and filled in the silver light structure. When the glow faded an enormous silver staircase had formed. Akairos and Radinius raised a collective eyebrow.

“Marshal the army, in we go.” The Illidari gradually filed up the stairs and formed into divisions outside the Keep. When everyone was ready Gathios and Akairos stepped forward to the gates and looked inside the glowing corridors. “After you Akairos.” Gathios said with a hand motion. Akairos nodded and took his shield from his back and walked inside.

Akairos walked inside and looked up at the ceiling and the arcane cables and wires that hung from it. The entry hall was in disrepair and sparks of energy leapt from the walls periodically. The brilliant and radiant colors of the Tempest Keep never failed to amaze Akairos.

“Looks like we won’t need the army after all, Master.” Akairos chuckled.

“No it doesn’t seem so, Grand Blood-Lord.” Gathios said and motioned out the main gate for a Bloodwarden Steward. The Steward walked over and knelt. “Signal the army to come inside, divide into groups and begin removing the mana cells to the Phoenix Hall from the Crucible.” The Steward nodded and went back to the main army.

“I am going to go ahead and check out the keep.” Akairos said and put his shield away and drew Dawncrusher. “I’m going to my old quarters.”

‘’And to find any survivors.’’ Akairos thought.

Akairos walked down the Phoenix Hall and into the main gathering hall at the end where the Phoenix God Al’ar once lived. Akairos looked at the giant Blood Elven flags that magically swayed back and forth and smiled. “I love Blood Elves.” Akairos said to himself and crouched down, charging a small portion of his power to leap up to one of the platforms on the second level and looked down at the crystals. “Still pretty.”

Akairos turned around and looked towards the crucible, where a small group of Illidari demons and Blood Elves were walking in. “Well I’ll get in there now before we need to go back.”

Akairos walked up to the wall and searched over it for the entrance mechanism. Eventually he found it and touched it, willing it to open. The crystalline walls folded back to reveal another pathway. Akairos walked into the hallway and the door closed behind him. The Tempest Keep had made room for the Draenei Refugees so living space was adequate. Akairos walked past the huge rooms filled with tents and eventually came to the end of the hall. Akairos stopped walking and listened for a moment, Akairos gripped Dawncrusher tighter and turned around; nothing was there. Akairos gasped and wrapped himself in a divine shield as he was engulfed by starfire.

“The Tempest Keep belongs to Kael’thas!” Shouted a voice.

As the starfire raged Akairos closed his eyes against the fierce light and charged forward out the fire and swung his hammer.

“Please stop!” The young voice screamed.

Akairos opened his eyes and stopped just before the hammer connected and stopped just before he made contact with the head of the young Blood Elf male, long brown hair and was considerably shorter then Akairos, he couldn’t have been more then forty or fifty years old. The Blood Elf was dressed in the garb of a novice Astromancer; he was shaking and dropped to his knees.

“You fool.” Akairos smoldered. “I could have ended your life right there and then.” Akairos looked around and put his hammer on his back and the Novice Astromancer. “Never attack what you can’t kill.” Akairos knelt down and put his hands on the young Astromancers shoulders and layered his voice with the Holy Light. “Are there others?”

The Novice Astromancer held his head up. “Y-yes.” He sniffed. “The rest of my class is hiding h-here.”

“Noo! Get away from him!” Another voice shouted, this time female.

A Blood Knight Squire ran out and struck Akairos with the Light and dazed Akairos long enough to push the Novice Astromancer out of the way.

“Get away from him, that’s the Grand Blood-Lord of the Illidari!” The Squire slapped the Novice Astromancer in the face. “He’s incredibly dangerous!”

Akairos focused holy energy and freed himself from the Hammer of Justice. “Calm down kim’jael.” Akairos sighed. “I don’t plan to hurt you.”

“You lie!” The Squire shouted and charged at Akairos, drawing her sword and shield and rushing at Akairos. Akairos smirked and drew his ruenshield and blocked her strikes as they came. “Get out of here!” She shouted at the Novice Astromancer.

The sound of combat was drawing others out of the rooms. Apprentice Star Scryers, Astromancers, Blood Knights, Star Scryers, and Novice Astromancers. “Yes, come out and play!” Akairos shouted and bashed the Squire in the face with his shield and kicked her in the stomach, sending her crashing back. “There we are.” Akairos chuckled and glowing wings of Avenging Wrath appeared on his back and he hovered a few inches above the floor. “Now that I have your attention, I…” Akairos was interrupted by a ball of fire to the face. “Ahhrrggg!” Akairos yelled, grabbing his face. Akairos charged his hands with holy power and held them against his face for a moment to heal the burns.

“You are Akairos! You lead the assault against our King! Your king!” The Astromancer Lord shouted and threw another ball of fire at Akairos. Akairos was ready this time and deflected the fire with his shield.

“I did what had to be done! He would lead our people to Darkness. Under Lord Illidan I saved our people from him! With Lord Gathios I will lead our people to greatness. I offer it to you!” Akairos dropped to the floor and the Avenging Wrath faded. “Astromancy is a lost art to the Blood Elves, as is Scrying. Return to us.”

“We can’t.” The Astromancer Lord said. “The Illidari is-“

“I’m not talking about the Illidari!” Akairos shouted. “You’re part of Silvermoon still. You can all return.” Akairos walked towards the wall. “No. I command you to! As members of Kael’thas’s legions. Members of the Illidari…” Akairos stopped at the wall and laid a hand on the crystals and interfaced with them. He brought up the warp mechanism. “…you will obey my orders. I am going to the Tempest Bridge to return you home. Outland will fall soon.” Akairos looked at the female Squire he had fought with and smiled. “Al diel shala.” And vanished.

Akairos re-appeared on the Tempest Bridge in front of the main controls.

“Ah, brother.” Said a voice. Akairos gasped and turned around to see Radinius. “What did you find, Brother?” Radinius asked and walked towards Akairos.

“Our people. Now stand back, I’ll taking them home.” Akairos said, moving into the magical runes at the front of the Tempest Bridge.

Radinius laughed. “Very well, I’ll let the Master know you’ve found a way to mass transport the Manacells. By your Light, I’d hate to keep portals open back to the Citadel.” Radinius rubbed the back of his head and smirked. “You ever wonder if we do the right thing brother?”

Akairos stopped his runic weaving to look at Radinius. “I hope so. The Sin’dorei must remain strong.” Akairos started to weave more magic. “I know we’re right.”

Akairos completed the magic circles and began to channel the vast energy of the Tempest Keep. The Tempest Bridge shook for a moment and then stopped.

“Well I’ll go get Lord Gathios, let him know the warp system is functional.” Radinius said and turned away to leave the bridge.

Akairos stepped out of the runic circles and walked over to the great glass panes that separated the bridge from the chaotic twisting Nether. “This is where it all began.” Akairos said to himself. “Now I’m back here at the end.” Akairos chuckled breathily. “I never thought I would stand on this bridge again.”

“You know. You really shouldn’t talk to yourself like that.” Gathios said as he walked into the room with Radinius and Varion.

“Master.” Akairos said, kneeling before Gathios.

“I see the Warp capabilities are in order. I will move the Manacells to where I need them in the Black Temple. You are free to move about the keep until then.”

Akairos nodded and stood up and walked past Gathios and past Varion and Radinius and off the Tempest Bridge. Akairos walked back down through the keep, past Illidari demons and Blood Elves talking or amusing themselves in some form. Akairos motioned for two Eclipsion Centurions to follow him back to the living quarters. When they reached the entrance Akairos posted the two as guards and instructed them not to let anyone in. Akairos entered into the living quarters and walked down the hall, looking into the empty rooms. At the end of the hall Akairos looked about and found it totally empty. Akairos flooded his senses with the Holy Light and felt nothing. Akairos, satisfied in his solitude, walked down to the last room and laid his hand on the crystalline wall. The wall glowed slightly and slid apart to reveal a small, personal room. Akairos smiled and stepped inside, the door closing behind him. The room glowed with a faint light emitting from the crystals on the walls, it looked just as he left it; a large bed on the far side of the room and a small table next to it with a picture frame. On the wall was a large mirror and a small chest of drawers. Akairos looked at himself in the mirror briefly and frowned; he walked up to the mirror and touched it. Akairos frowned harder and growled and punched the mirror, cracking the glass. Akairos turned away from the mirror and walked over to his bed and picked up the picture frame. The picture was of him and Zo’shi in Eversong Woods. The picture had been magically inscribed onto a piece of Quel’dorian bedrock. Akairos held the picture in both hands but was interrupted by a booming voice.

“Warp inbound. All personnel prepare for transport.”

Akairos quietly gasped and felt a huge heat within him he gripped the picture of him and Zo’shi and tried to remove it from its frame but it was too late, the warp activated and Akairos was blinded by a brilliant flash of light and Akairos vanished. As he vanished the picture dropped to the floor and cracked. When he could see again, Grand Blood-Lord Akairos Shadowsun of the Eclipsion, Grand Commander Radinius the Silent of the Special Forces stood along with his field commander Elanor Sunseeker, Deathlord Varion Duskstalker of the Darkfallen, and Grandmaster Emailon the Cursed of the Demon Hunter Order stood assembled behind Highlord Gathios Dawncrusher the Shatterer on a balcony overlooking the entire assembled Illidari forces.

20 Minuets Later
“…Looooooocccckkkeeeddddd!” Highlord Gathios shouted as energy surged through him. The power of the Manacells fed through the runic circle inscribed on the temple summit and through the assembled magisters, demons, and into the portal shapers. Each member of the Illidari Council grunted as the energy was forced into them by the portal shapers and they redirected it back into Highlord Gathios who channeled it into the central Obelisk. The energy climbed the obelisk and began to radiate all over outland. At the Twilight Ridge, the stationed Eclipsion watched the Dark Gate open. The Demon Hunters at the Portal Clearing watched the Dark Gate open and the Darkfallen at Death’s Door watched the Dark Gate open.

“Today we begin our eternal conquest! The march of the Illidari!” Highlord Gathios laughed. “Today we march!”

The Dark Gates of Outland; once opened by Ner’zul and sealed by Lord Illidan and his allies began to open once more. Beyond each gate lay another world to take in the name of the Illidari. The energy of the Manacells was holding; the Illidari will conquer all!

“Just a little more…” Gathios began but was interrupted by a spray of blood. A Twilight Portal Shaper had exploded from the energy. Gathios gasped and looked over in time to see another Portal Shaper’s arm blow off and energy poured out from the bleeding shoulder wound. The Portal Shaper didn’t even flinch until the rest of his flesh gave way. “No! No!” Gathios yelled and took more energy into body to regulate the flow. The Illidari magisters had noticed the problems and were trying to compensate. Gathios groaned under the strain and poured more energy into maintaining the energy flow, it couldn’t be stopped now. The councilmen sensed the energy fluctuations in their master and looked at him. Cracks were appearing in Gathios’s face.

“Master, no!” The four councilmen shouted.

“Do not break formation!” Gathios shouted back.

The Dark Gates openings were slowing all over Outland. The energy was fading and the sealing was locking back into place.

Highlord Gathios yelled and looked at Akairos who met his gaze. Gathios’s eyes held a look that Akairos hadn’t seen for a long time; sadness. The gaze seemed to last an eternity and Akairos broke his channeling to run to Gathios. He could hear himself starting to yell and he watched him hold out his hand in front of him. All of it was for naught. The energy of the obelisk streamed back down and into Gathios and a split second later Gathios exploded. The wave of energy tore the portal shapers to pieces and it picked up Akairos and the other councilmen and set them flying into the outer walls of the summit. The Dark Gates all over Outland snapped shut and detonated, killing all the Illidari around them. The magisters and demons atop the temple were sent careening into structures as their spellwork blew apart. Demons vaporized in the aftermath of Lord Gathios’s power and the councilmen would have to if not for Commander Sunseeker, at the last moment she had erected divine shields around the councilmen and herself. The councilmen began to stir and Emailon woke first.

“Lord Gathios!” Emailon screamed and jumped to his feet, running over to the ruined Obelisk and dropping to his knees. “Noooooooo!” He shouted again “No! No!” Emailon pounded the ground.

“Stop yelling! You’re loud enough to wake the… me…” Varion chuckled, standing up. “The Master died? Damn, that’s two Masters in almost two years.” Varion shrugged. “Maybe I should just work on my ow-“ Varion was cut off by a blast of holy energy to the gut, burning clean through.

“Do not insult Lord Gathios like that!” Akairos said, his eyes burning brighter gold then normal. “We have failed!” Akairos shouted. “Failure!” Akairos shouted as he dropped to his knees. “Gathios…my friend…” Akairos muttered.

Commander Sunseeker had rushed over to Radinius and was treating his wounds; his lack of armor had sent a chunk of stone through his leg before the barriers could go up. Radinius came to and Elanor Sunseeker hugged Radinius. Radinius sat there for a moment and got up. He walked over to Akairos and put his hand on Akairos’s shoulder. Akairos put his hand on Radinius’s hand and squeezed it for a moment. He stood up and walked over to where Gathios had put down his Halberd and Helmet. Illidari soldiers of all kinds rushed up to the summit; the Crimson Sigil predominantly making up the panicked force that surged up. Akairos stared at the helmet and picked it up and walked over to the other councilmen and Commander Sunseeker.

“Commander Sunseeker.” Akairos held the helmet in one hand and pointed at Elanor with the other. “You are now elevated to Grand Blood-Lady.” Akairos put Gathios’s helm on. “I shall take Gathios’s place…”

“Hail, Highlord Akairos!” Shouted a soldier and the Illidari knelt before Akairos. The Illidari Council looked back at the soldiers and then to Akairos and knelt, Varion kneeling last of all as his seared flesh mended.

“If we cannot have what lies beyond Outland. We shall take Outland for ourselves. The Sha’tar shall fall! Shattrath shall fall! This world belongs to the Illidari!” Akairos triumphantly shouted.