Starcraft 2-The Pride of the Tal'Darim

by Cinndon Sodagard

Alarak has a secure grasp on his newly found title of Highlord of the Tal'darim, yet another powerful warrior begins to rise through the Chain of Ascension, one whom Alarak has not seen in countless ages. Will this warrior's prior devotion to Alarak prove to have him as his most trusted and powerful ally, or will he fall before him?

Author's Note; This is something i thought of after completing Starcraft 2 Legacy of the Void. For fans of my normal work, this intends to be set much darker then what i have normally written. Also i will be continuing to work on my other projects over the next week and a half, so keep your eyes open. Please enjoy and leave a review if you enjoyed it. Disclaimer- Starcraft 2 is owned by Blizzard Entertainment, of which i am not affiliated with.

Starcraft 2-The Pride of the Tal'Darim

Chapter 1; The Chain of Ascension

Alarak looked down over the Pits of Ascension as Rak'Shir commenced below him. Thousands of Tal'Darim warriors descended to the Pits to observe, Alarak himself rarely observed Rak'Shir, This one however, was different.

Rumors had been floating around that a powerful warrior had emerged from what seemed like no where and began to gain momentum in the Chain of Ascension and popularity among many in the Tal'Darim.

And that who was currently facing off against Fourth Ascendant Shmakant.

Alarak watched as his newest Fourth Ascendant was slowly pushed toward his end by the hand of his adversary and their support. It was clear who the favorite was in this fight, as the majority of the Tal'Darim were supporting the challenger.

Those whom supported Shmakant were being cut down as both groups of supporters dived at one another as the two fought, trying to cut down the number of warriors on the other side of the divide. While the Fourth Ascendant's supporters were fierce, they were outnumbered, and being cut asunder.

Soon, only one stood alone, Fourth Ascendant Shmakant. Without any Psionic support, he was quickly pushed toward the eastern pit. Alone, broken and defeated, Shmakant met his end as the challenger threw his bloody body down the pit.

Rak'Shir was over.

Alarak watched from his elevated position as the large crowd of Tal'Darim warriors cheered and disbursed from the Pits of Ascension, leaving only the challenger, the new Fourth Ascendant, whom stood near the edge of the eastern pit, savoring his victory. Alarak begins to descend to the pits, toward the warrior whom had just became his Fourth Ascendant.

As Alarak approached, he could feel the warrior's power radiating from him, he knew the warrior was aware of his presence. Before he could speak, the warrior turned around and kneeled before Alarak.

"My Highlord." The warrior stated, his head bowed in respect.

Alarak walked up to the warrior. "What is your name Warrior?"

"Rde'lin." he answered without hesitation.

Alarak remembered that name. Rde'lin had stood by his side for many ages before he became First Ascendant. Alarak was his mentor, Rde'lin had learned much from him. Shortly before Alarak began his quest to climb the Chain, Rde'lin had disappeared, rumors spread that the Highlord at the time had sent him on a suicide mission. He thought that Rde'lin was dead.

"Rise, Fourth Ascendant." Alarak instructed.

Rde'lin rose as instructed and looked at his former mentor. "Alarak. It has been ages."

"Indeed, you were rumored to be dead." Alarak replied.

"Well, rumors can be misleading." Rde'lin said before turning his attention back to the pit.

"As we have come to know." Alarak replied as he joins him at his side.

They both stare into the yawning abyss that lay before them, both with many questions on their minds, questions of the past.

And the future.