Chapter One: The Straggler
You know how it's always that one hunter that gets left behind? The one that is just two steps too slow and because of the dungeon or raid door slams shut keeping him/her from entering the boss fight. Or just misses getting that one shot in for a world boss or that slow spawning quest mob? And let's just say it's best not to mention 'elevators' where they can hear. You would think with abilities like Aspect of the Cheetah they would be able to keep up…but noooo. This is the story of one such hunter.
(Broken Shore)
Novazul cussed in Draenei as she watched the blasted Horde leave the Alliance to its fate. No matter what the Prophet or Naruu said about forgiveness and that the Light can be found in all, one must earn trust after it has been broken. The Horde has broken that trust time and again! Her childhood home, Wraithgate, Theramore….When is it time to stop giving 'second' chances?
"Everyone! Fall back!" the order came. The hunter turned to rush towards the airship only to see it already starting to take off, soldiers still hanging on to dear life from the rope ladders. As she raced towards the airship, she was then thrown back by the force of a giant fel-fire ball crashing between her and the airship. The roar of a Fel Reaver filled the air. Demons started to surround her, way too many for her to fight alone and her black warp stalker, Gezza, moved forward with a hiss to block them. The hunter knowing when discretion was the better part of valor took one hit and Feigned Death, giving her pet the silent signal to do the same. The demon's attention was pulled away by the now dead Fel Reaver crashing down. Out of the corner of her eye, the still 'dead' hunter watched as King Varian took a small moment to catch his breath and look around. Then with a roar, he split Shalamayne into its parent swords Shalla'to and Ellemayne.
With everyone's attention now on the king, Novazul stood up quietly and snuck quietly away to find some high ground. She reached her goal just as the now injured king was being held up by a pair of demon swords before Gul'dan.
She ordered Gezza to guard and as she lined up her shots she could hear barely make out what was being said below.
"You will be remembered as the king who sacrificed his life…for nothing, "Gul'dan sneered as he looked down at the injured prisoner.
Varian looked Gul'dan in the eye and growled, "For the Alliance!"
Just as the king said those words, a loud shot rang out. The bullet chipped one of the staked skulls on Gul'dan's back and knocked the staff out of his grasp. As the warlock fell back in surprise, the fell energy he was holding in his hand flew up and exploded above them. A second and third shot, unheard due to the exploding fel energy, slammed through the heads of the demons holding the king prisoner.
The swords holding the king up slid out as he fell forward. Varian didn't waste any time, with a snarl he got up and limped over to the closest of his own swords. Turning he moved to defend himself from demons behind him only to see them fall dead as shots rang out again. Varian looked up to see a lone dark haired Draenei with a large white and gold rifle give him a small salute before starting to fire again, killing any demon that got too close. The injured king actually smirked as he limped over to his other sword.
The Draenei considered her options as to what to do next…they were alive for now, but on an island fully in control of the Legion. It wasn't like she had a personal teleporter in her pack and even if she did, there was no way she was leaving the High King behind. Another shot took down another demon that got a little too close to the same king. A loud hiss was her warning as Gezza moved to attack the nearing pair of demons. The hunter turned and fired, knocking the demons back to give her the needed seconds to decide...jump it was. She ordered her partner to follow as she started to slide down the steep side of the hill. Once she reached the bottom, stumbling slightly, she raced over to join the king. Firing at any demon in her way as she ran, she caught up to the injured Varian as he struck down a demon of his own.
"Magesty!"Novazul called out as she sent what little healing ability that the Naaru gifted her. It wasn't much but it helped to seal up the wounds to the point that he was no longer bleeding to death and he was now able to breathe a little easier.
"Thank you, "the king replied as they continued to fight their way through the horde of demons, "any ideas on how to get out of here?"
"Uh…I was kinda hoping you had a plan, "the Draenei replied as Gezza chomped down on the tail of demon, drawing its attention away from the pair. The hunter then sent a shot into the back of that same demon, "I just shoot stuff."
The king sighed as he considered the limited options. "We need to get to the shore, "he said loudly as he stabbed a demon and then slash into another, "There might still be boats left behind. If we're lucky they'll consider us not worth the trouble to follow us off shore."
Novazul nodded and added, "No way we are gonna make it fighting the whole way. I got gliders, if we get high enough…"
"The flyers…"
"If you look around there are none, "Novazul said indicating upward, "They all left chasing the airships."
Varian nodded and fought off demons as the hunter pulled out her map to figure out the best route. "There, "she pointed towards the south, "There's a cliff above the shore we landed…"
(A few days later)
A storm raged outside of the small cave that Varian found himself in as he rested next to the fire. He has never felt so tired, not even his days in the arena left him so exhausted. Next him, a large black and yellow warp stalker kept watch. Its mistress had gone off to see if she could hunt up something for them to eat and get a better lay of the land. The stalker's head rose up and looked towards the cave entrance as it gave a welcoming hiss. A soaked Novazul came walking in with a pair of cleaned birds hung over her shoulder.
"Hope you like crane, "the hunter said as she tossed a fish to the warp stalker, "Gezza…catch."
The lizard happily worked on downing the fish as the hunter worked on placing the two birds on spits.
As he watched, Varian asks, "Any idea where we are?"
"Considering the skyline to the west of us I say the Suramar region, "the hunter replied as she worked on their dinner, "I had thought of asking the locals for help but then I saw two of them walking alongside a rather large demon."
"Damn, "Varian hissed, "This invasion just started and there are already collaborators."
"If remember the maps correctly, "the woman tried to offer some good news, "We should be able to use the boat to get part way to Val'sharah."
The king crossed his arms as he considered the hunter's suggestion. "That's a reasonable suggestion. The druids are the least likely to join the Legion and they have proven helpful in the past, "replied the king.
"If nothing else they should be willing to get word back to Stormwind…"
"Perhaps, "Varian said quietly with a very thoughtful look on his face, "We might …
Varian's response was interrupted by a bright flash of light from the cave's entrance and a loud boom. Both fighters grabbed their respective weapons as they got up. The hunter quietly walked forward and then noticed something different in the distance…something vaguely familiar…
"Please tell me that's what I think it is, "Varian muttered seeing the shape in the distance as the hunter raised her weapon and used the scope to get a better look.
"It's you think it's Dalaran, "the Draenei drawled, "Then it is what you think it is."
"Damn, "Varian growled, "If only I didn't lose my gnomish communicator. They're actually close enough for it to reach someone."
The hunter stowed away her gun on her back and started to play around with a ring on right hand. "How long do you think it'll take the Archmages to recover from moving the city?" she asked, "I might have the means to contact one of them but if he helped with the move…"
Varian turned towards the hunter and then noticed the ring she was playing with nervously. "I remember now, you're the Commander that ended up leading the Draenor expedition and the one that Khadgar made that ring for. That means you should be able to reach him through it, "Varian then sighed, "But if…no he definitely helped with the move. This does give us a new option. I say we get as secure as possible here and then try contacting Khadgar first thing in the morning."
"I just wish we didn't have bother with Khadgar, "the hunter mutters as she returns to the cooking food.
"Oh?"Varian asked as he used the cave wall to slide back down to the ground, "You seemed to have worked well together on Draenor."
"We were not on the best of terms when we last met, "Novazul replied, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. She then smirked as she continued, "Let's just say it ended up with me getting turned into a sheep and Gezza taking a bite out of back side of his robes."
Varian gave her a look to which she replied with a shrug, "What? Pandaren and Dwarven ale was involved."
(Dalaran, Khagdar's private quarters. The next day.)
Insistent buzzing in his head is what woke Khadgar up. With a groan he sat up in bed and rubbed his head. Damn he was still tired from the teleportation of Dalaran to the Broken Isles. With a grimace he got out of bed and slowly made his way to a tray of food and pitcher of juice that waited for him. He took a few slow minutes to take a few bites of bread and cheese. Feeling a little better he poured himself some juice and started to concentrate on the buzzing. He nearly choked on his drink when it dawned on him. Novazul's ring! But she was dead! Left behind on…
Khadgar didn't bother changing out of his off-white sleep wear as he silently cast the spell that would allow communication.
"Nova? Is that you?"
A snort followed by her response. "What was your first clue, Archmage?"the hunter replied through the connection, "Are you alone?"
"Yes, "the mage replied as he sat down on a chair,"And just in case, I'm sitting down as well."
The voice he heard next was one he thought to never hear again. "Khadgar, "Varian's voice came through clearly, "We're in need of transportation."
"Where are you?" the Archmange replied firmly.
To be continued…Maybe.