Advent Story: Wretched & Angelic
Inspired by AnnaSophia Robb
Part 2 Begins
Chapter 7
"How to escape the Wetlands!"
Location: Wetlands ridge
The group emerge from the opening in the wall and look around to notice a very small stream of water which poured over a ledge and created a small thin river which could be seen below. The group looking over the edge of the ridge noticed they could climb down if they were careful as the ground was not far away at all, the ridge was only about 6 metres in height.
KC: Alright lets head on down!
Glenshaw: I don't think I can…
KC looked back hearing noises and roars from within the tunnel they came out from. KC walking quickly up to Glenshaw pats him on the back…
Glenshaw: …
KC: No worries man, all will be fine…
Glenshaw: Sorry I cant climb down there…
Albion: We have no time to waste due to fears of heights! We must hurry!
KC: Ok then…
Seconds later Sky lets go of KC's shoulder and flutters away as Glenshaw is lifted up by KC and the group begin making their way down the ledge of the cliffs face and climbing down when their was no narrow path….
Albion: (the princess on his back and looking at the ground) Almost there…
KC & Glenshaw: (both looking up)
Albion: (also looking up) What is it?
KC: (facing upwards with the gnome on his back hanging on) Something fricking weird… keep moving!
Glenshaw: …
The rushed and hurrying group make their way down the face of the ridge's cliff and are almost at the ground 20 seconds later…
Flying plant minion: (flying and hovering next to KC's left)
KC: (looking at the flying plant minion) Err…howdy…
The bestial creature of nature hovering in the air swipes at KC! Only just missing Glenshaw's shoulder!
KC: Hey!
Glenshaw: (flames burn in his hand and are launched at the flying plant minion) !
Location: Bottom of ridge
The minion being vulnerable to fire and badly burned falls to the ground and lands with a loud thump followed by a wild roar before finally dieing…
KC: (landing on the ground and letting Glenshaw down) Hey nice one…
Glenshaw: (looking up at KC smiling after smirking at the plant minion)
Albion: (standing next to KC with the princess in his arms) How is the princess?
Sky: (landing on KC's shoulder)
KC: I don't know, Im no doctor… I can only hope she wakes up…
Albion: We can just wait here while she-
KC: Hold it!
KC looks up…
KC: AH CRAP!!! RUN!!!
As Albion and Glenshaw look up at the cliffs face where they climbed down they see dozens of minions flying down towards them at vast speed!
Albion: I agree!
The alerted group quickly make their way running as fast as their long and little legs could muster towards the high grass of the marsh…
KC: (point as he runs) See that!?
Albion: Theirs a pathway just up there!
Glenshaw: (running just behind KC) !
KC: That's our only chance! Hurry!
KC, Glenshaw, Albion, the princess in the knight's arms and Sky on KC's shoulder quickly make their way to the hidden pathway through the marsh and the high sky-blocking grass!
KC: (stopping at the pathway's entrance and looking back) Come on! Theirs a way through here out of the swamp!
Albion: (running past KC) !
Glenshaw: (catching up) Ahh!
KC: Glenshaw!
A flying minion charging at Glenshaw's back forces him over onto the ground and attempts to claw at him! But the beast just as it waves its claws at Glenshaw suddenly falls backwards onto the ground and struggles to get off of the flat of its back!
Glenshaw: (sitting down) Wow! What happened?
KC: (offering a hand to Glenshaw) I dunno, come on we have to move!
Glenshaw takes KC's hand in order to be helped up and both of them run through the entrance to the hidden pathway. The path itself was part of the swamp and was hidden due to all the brush and marsh that had grown and smothered it though its mere height over many years.
Location: Hidden pathway of the Wetlands
As KC and Glenshaw appeared before Albion on the hidden path he looked back at them and noticed as the plant minions pursued them, flying directly at the group and clinging to the marsh and to the vastness of the growth of the grass!
Albion: !
KC: (running towards Albion) Keep running Albion! GO!
Albion: (quickly turning and running following the path)
KC: (just behind Glenshaw who ran past him)
KC looked back as the minions started to catch up and were only a few meters away from his feet!
KC: Urgh crap!
Horde of plant creatures: (screams, roars and a taste for flesh as well as revenge)
KC: (running following Albion who looked back at KC and turned to face a light in the distance) !
Albion: (facing the light at the end of the pathway) KC I see a way out!
KC: Then don't show it to me! Run straight for it!
Glenshaw: (just behind Albion and looking back as he sees the minions and pulls a expression of fright) Ah!
KC: (thinking to himself) Oh man I am that buggered?
As KC turns again to face Glenshaw and Albion who were still running swiftly he notices a ball of fire sway past his shoulder and hit some of the minions in a splash of flame and molten debris!
KC: Hey nice one mage!
Glenshaw: (smiling back at KC and facing the light as it was almost upon them) !
KC: (as he runs he thinks to himself) Wait a second… that's no light from the sky…
As the group reached the end of the path and are touched by the light they stop at the edge of a small wall…
Albion: (looking over) …
KC: Ah not another…
They all look back to see the horde of wild monsters almost upon them!
KC: Juuuummmmp!!!
The group realising they had little choice jumped over the edge of the broken path tumbling towards the ground into a white mist. After a few seconds of falling they collapse against the ground. Glenshaw and Albion look back while laid about on the floor…
Glenshaw: What happened to all the flying green creature thingies?
KC: (stood on his feet and looking forward) I dunno, did you do something?
Glenshaw & Albion looked back up at the entrance to the hidden pathway they had just come from seeing it was burning along with some minions struggling through the collapsed growth of the vast swamp…
Glenshaw: I didn't do THAT…
KC: (looking back then at Albion who was holding the princess) Is she ok?
Albion: She's still breathing…
Sky: (flying down and settling on KC's shoulder)
KC: (starting to walk forward) Not a total loss…
The groups eyesight was shrouded somewhat by the mist they had fallen into… but they were still on Wetlands ground…
Albion: (Just behind KC) You almost got us and the princess killed by your foolish heroics!
KC: (facing Albion quickly and taping himself on the chest) I got us out didn't I!? We're alive and that's all that matters!
Albion: Yes you did assist in the rescue of the princess and for that I will allow you to live…
KC: Oh please you're so up your own butt you cant see the stick…
Albion: WHAT!?
Glenshaw: (stepping between Albion and KC who were at face to face nearly in a brawl) You guys!
KC: (staring at Albion for a moment with an expression of anger) Hmm…
Albion: (looking back at KC) …
KC: (walking a few steps away and facing what seemed like a way out) We're almost out of the woods…
Albion: We should make camp…
KC: Yeah I think we all need the rest…
Glenshaw: (smiling a little) …
"Alive and well, what else matters more?"
Location: Unknown, the edge of the Wetlands
7 minutes later at the camp fire and the tents set up around, the mist was a little more clear now for some reason but the horizon could still not be seen. The growth was gone which had been spawned by those plant creatures but the marsh of the swamp still surrounded them along with some steep hills. KC was sat at the fire along with Albion and Glenshaw while the princess was resting inside one of the 2 tents…
KC: (staring at the flames) I guess its daylight now…
Albion: (looking at KC then at the tent and finally at the burning flames) …
Glenshaw: (looking around) …
KC: I wonder when she'll get better…
Albion: The princess will be well even if I have to sacrifice every breath!
KC: Hmm…
Glenshaw: (looking at the flames of the fire) KC…
KC: (facing Glenshaw) What?
Glenshaw: How is it the hidden pass and all those minions burned like that in that pillar of fire?
KC: (facing the burning flames again) I dunno… I'm just as stumped as you are…
Albion: Those wretch's only wanted to butcher us! I bid good riddance! Let them all burn in the fire they must have created!
KC: (still facing the fire and looking at Albion then back at the flames) ….
Glenshaw: But what about you KC?
KC: Me? What about me what?
Glenshaw: I have some powers of a mage… fire mostly…
KC: (smiling a little and nudging Glenshaw) Yeah so I have seen… quite powerful for a lil guy…
Glenshaw: And Albion… is a knight with the training of the elves…
Albion: Indeed… I have seen much… even in a short time of service…
KC: (looking at Albion again but still facing the flames from the fire) …
Glenshaw: So what is it you can do KC?
KC: (facing Glenshaw his eyes only just leaving the sight of the fire and meeting the gnomes face) Hmm?
Glenshaw: What is you can do? Can you cast fire spells too?
KC: Nope… I cant do anything, just a normal person…
Glenshaw: But that don't-
Albion: (sitting at the fire still and raising his voice slightly as it becomes vibrant) Enough of that! Why is it you are here anyway!? What deal with the devil did you make in order to further your foul deeds!?
KC: (facing Albion) I made a promise to Opal, that's all…
Albion: Tis foolishness! You a mere bandit and a thief would attempt to hold such promise?
KC: …
Sky: (settled on KC's shoulder) We aren't thieves… we took a job from Xathalius to assist in the princess' capture, that's the extent of it…
Albion: …
Glenshaw: KC… please tell us the rest of your story…
KC as he looked at the flames which burned so intensively they almost appeared to form a pattern and he began to wallow in thought of the past…
KC:….
Glenshaw: I mean, their has to be more KC, what happened to you in Goldshire, how did you leave? And that girl you knew, Sophia…
Albion: ….
KC: It was 5 years ago…
ATE Begins
Location: Elwynn Forest, Goldshire 5 years ago
"KC's past, the finale"
5 years back into KC's past, he is 15 years old and still living with Cross, Rain and his little sister Helen and they are happy together… one happy family…
KC: (running out his home) I'm gonna go see Sophia mom! Wont be gone long!
Voice of Rain from inside the house: Alright but don't be gone too long! Supper will be ready soon!
KC: (at the front door) Yeah-yeah I know! Wont be long! Promise!
KC running from his home, graced by the great green trees of Elwynn Forest made his way past the smithy and the pond of Goldshire towards the lake that was just a few minutes west of the town…
KC: (stopping and looking up towards the top of a waterfall) …
He noticed as he looked over at top brink of the waterfall something shining from below, but since he was more betrothed to the thought of seeing his best friend he cared not for the fascination of mystery and carried on walking along the edge of the lake towards a pathway which led up to the top of the waterfall…
Location: Top of the waterfall, overlooking Goldshire
At the waters edge next to the stream that fell into the lake was Sophia, the girl who had become KC's best friend, one of his few only friends actually since some in town still thought of him as an outsider and a freak due to his… complex nature…
KC: (walking up and noticing Sophia… a smile develops) Hey where were you? Never seen you at school…
Sophia: I was home, did not feel well…
KC walked over and sat next to Sophia at the waters edge right next to the cliff…
KC: You alright?
Sophia: Lil better now…
KC: Nothing I can do?
Sophia: Can you numb pain?
KC: (smiling a little) No…
Sophia: Well then I just need you to be here…
KC: Hey I'm always here for you, you know that…
Sophia: (smiling and thumping KC on his shoulder) I do…
KC: (looking over at the horizon) We've been friends for a long time Sophia…
Sophia: (facing KC and smiling weirdly) We have….
KC: When I first arrived here, mostly everyone treated me like an outsider, like an enemy such as the orcs or the gruesome undead…
Sophia: You don't look like an orc to me…
KC: (facing Sophia with a weird smirk) That's because I never let you see me on a bad day…
Sophia: (grinning and giggling) Hehe
KC: But anyway, you treated me like a human being when mostly everyone else treated me like a invader and I never really thanked you for that gift… thank you Sophia…
Sophia looked out at the horizon with the sun beginning to set as it started to fall into the sky and everything turned red… like blood…
"Star crossed… but not lovers"
Sophia: (staring at the blood lit sky) Its ok KC, we have been friends for a long time…
KC: (looking at the horizon with Sophia) Yeah… but good things don't last forever…
Sophia: (facing KC) If good things did last forever how would we be able to separate them from all the bad things?
KC: Well you've always been the smart one, I trust you with my life…
Sophia: You're soul is your own KC…
KC: (quickly facing Sophia) And you stole it that day I first seen you Sophia…
Sophia: (her eyes becoming wide) …
KC: (looking back at the sunset) I mean… when I got to know you better after that first year, I just started to feel differently…
Sophia: (still facing KC) Differently how?
KC: (his eyes looking around like he suddenly cant breath) Well… err…
Sophia: Like what KC?
KC: (facing Sophia) I felt differently, like I couldn't get you out of my mind…
Sophia: …
KC: My mind was filled with thoughts of you, my conscience told me to stop but my heart cried for me to proceed…
Sophia: (staring at KC) So you…
KC: (facing the horizon) Did nothing, thinking it was for the better, because of what I am…
Sophia: You are KC to me, that's all I want…
KC: But is it enough?
Sophia: (her hand turning KC to face her) Then what is?
KC: (feeling her hand on his face) Sophia… I…
Sophia: (still staring) …
KC: (staring back) …
Screams are heard from Goldshire… metal clashes…
KC & Sophia: (standing up suddenly) !!!
KC: What the hell!?
Sophia: What is that!?
As KC & Sophia looked over the cliff's edge towards Goldshire they were shocked and bewildered to see it start to burn!
KC: What!
Sophia: (grabbing KC by the hand) KC we have to go help!
KC: (facing Sophia) I cant promise I can protect you! If we get caught just run!
Sophia: (nods at KC)
KC: Alright lets go!
KC & Sophia make their back down the pathway towards Goldshire as quickly and as fast as any human could who wished to protect anything that meant everything…
KC & Sophia a moment later reach the bottom of the pathway and were at the edge of the lake. KC looked around to see part of the forest in flames in the distance, Goldshire was in peril!
KC: (searching his surroundings) Damnit!
Sophia: KC what are we gonna do we have to save my parents!
KC: (facing Sophia) I'm worried about everyone too!
Sophia: We have to go back!
KC: (nodding) Alright stay close to me!
Sophia: Ok!
KC & Sophia quickly began to make their way from the lake towards Goldshire, as they reached the road they stopped noticing something on the ground heavily burned and smoking… it was the corpse of a man!
Sophia: Oh… God!
KC: (holding Sophia's hand and making her face him) Look at me! We are gonna get out of this! Both of us!
Sophia: …
Location: Just outside of burning Goldshire
Sophia followed KC down the road for a moment and Goldshire was just in sight at the end of the pathway… when a orcish grunt mounted on a huge wolf appeared out from the forest before them!
KC: (being forced back as the wolf attempted to bite him) Ah!
Sophia: (backed against the fence tries to help KC up) KC are you-
The grunt raider turns to face Sophia along with the wolf roaring and howling at her and KC…
Sophia: (suddenly backing towards the fence slowly) !
KC: (on the floor)
Grunt raider: Gonna make a meal out of you lil girlie!
Sophia: (staring at the raider with a tear) …
The grunt raider raises his hand wielding a blade in the air!
KC: NOOO!!!
The grunt raider is forced down onto the floor as KC pushing against the wolf topples it out of balance!
Grunt raider: Argh! Yah lil!
KC: …
KC runs to Sophia quickly holding her close… the grunt raider eager for blood… even from children raises his blade again prepared to cut them down…
KC & Sophia: !
At that exact moment a human footman from behind them runs into the path of the grunt raider's blade as it falls and is blocked by the soldier's shield!
Footman: (forcing the grunt away with his shield and facing KC & Sophia) This is no place for children! Get out of here! Get to Stormwind!
KC: But…
Footman: (now in sword-play with the orcish grunt) I said… GO!!!
KC: …
Sophia: !
KC grabbing Sophia's hand runs back up the pathway in the same direction they came from…
Footman: (shield raised and sword sheathed) Have at thee filthy orc!
Grunt raider: (holding the machete blade out and pointed at the soldier) Ill crush your bones into dust, puny human pup!!!
Footman: Give it all you got! The light is my guardian!
Grunt raider: (charging the footman) AAARRGHH!!!
KC & Sophia running quickly back up the pathway look back to see Goldshire completely in flames!
KC: (stopping and leaning over due to lack of breath) I think we… lost em…
Sophia: (looking around and panting) …
A few seconds later Sophia shrieks as another orcish grunt on foot emerges from the forest onto the stoned pathway and begins approaching them both…
KC & Sophia: !
Orc grunt: What have we ere? Two humies for the meat shed…
Sophia: Is all you think about food?
Orc grunt: (lifting his hand wielding a blade in the air) Aaarrrrrghhh!!!
As the grunt's blade falls, Sophia narrowly dodges the attack! The blade only just missing her! She now stood behind KC!
Orc grunt: (facing KC) Quick for lil ones…
KC: Oh… you have no idea bad breath…
Orc grunt: (again attempting to hit them with his choppa blade) Arghhh!!
KC & Sophia quickly strafing to one side of the pathway as the orcish and angry grunt misses them with his swipes are forced against the fence on their backs! The orc being quicker and stronger strikes again with the choppa blade but KC being ready and the adrenaline pumping manages to duck, the blade only just missing his head!
KC: (now stood further away with Sophia at his back) You're slower than a turtle with a iron shell, stupid orc!
Orc grunt: (screaming with rage) Arrrghhhhh!!!
KC: !
As the grunt attacks KC with the blade in mid-air and falling down towards him the orc is thrown back 10 ft as he is hit in the torso with some kind of light energy!
KC: (looking back at Sophia) …
Sophia with an amazed expression but also filled with fear looks at her hands… they were glowing…
KC: How did you…
Sophia: I… I dunno… but it was cool!
KC: (smiling) …
The grunt laid about on the floor had smoke raising from where he was hit…
KC: Alright lets keep going towards Stormwind!
Sophia: (facing KC) But my parents!
KC: (holding Sophia by her arms) They are probably already at Stormwind and safe!
Sophia: But I can…
KC: You have something, a power… but can you control it!?
Sophia: … I don't think I can…
KC: Then we have to keep going towards Stormwind, its our only chance to find our parents and be safe!
Sophia: O-ok…
KC & Sophia following the pathway up towards the direction of Stormwind hurry thinking of safety and of seeing their family and friends again… KC was holding her hand… he cared to much…
KC & Sophia: (stopping as they see Stormwind at the end of the pathway) !
Sophia: Its just there!
KC: (smiling a little) Hurry! We cant stop-
Another orcish raider mounted on a huge wolf emerges from one side of the pathway out of the forest and forces KC onto the ground!
KC: (out cold on the ground)
Sophia: (attempting to run over to him) KC!
Grunt raider: (his mount on its hind-legs and roaring) RAAARRRHHH!!!
Sophia: (backing up) !
As the orcish raider slowly approached Sophia, the huge wolf he was mounted on attempted to bite her with its huge jaws but she luckily evades the attack and heads into the forest back to the lake which led to the top of the water fall…
Only a moment later…
KC: (waking up on the floor) Urgh…
As KC becomes conscious he slowly gets to his feet, blood running down the side of his skull and wet against his neck. He looked to see Sophia nowhere in sight and the guards fighting at Stormwind's gates with the orcish horde…
KC: Sophia… where are-
KC struggles to keep his footing and falls to his knees his hands pressing against the ground… he struggles to hardly even breath and the pain of the wound from his skull begins to effect him mentally as well as physically… making him much weaker…
KC: Soph-
KC hears shouting from the forest… he quickly stands to his feet as something… like a rush of adrenaline suddenly pulsed down his spine and through the very roots of his mind!
KC: Sophia!
Shouts of Sophia's alarmed voice are heard in the distance by KC as he listens carefully…
KC: (rushing into the forest) !
KC quickly making his way through the forest and arriving at the lake with the clear and shining waterfall… the sparkle still noticed at its base…
KC: (looking around) Sophia!!!
More shouts are heard from above at the top of the waterfall! KC faster than any normal human makes his way quickly up the narrow pathway towards the top of the waterfall! His heart was rushing inside his chest so harshly it felt like it was going to implode!
Location: Lake of Elwynn, top of waterfall
Grunt raider: Time to cut you down and make my dinner, lil girlie humie!
Sophia: (stood with her back against the hills face) !
Sophia closed her eyes as the grunt's chopping blade in his right hand fell…
KC: (arriving at the top of the waterfall and looking as he sees Sophia fall to the ground) !!!
Grunt raider: (turning around to notice KC) Arhh!!! Another one for me to slaughter!
KC: (looking at Sophia slowly focused his eyes on his worst enemy) …
Grunt raider: (a axe in his right hand and walking slowly to KC) I'm gonna empty you're guts lil puny one…
KC: (responding only with a stare) …
Grunt raider: (now only a few ft away from KC) Goldshire burns, your home is destroyed, your family is slaughtered meat! And now youz too gonna be ded!
KC shown nothing to his enemy, he stood still his arms at his sides and his feet frozen, his eyes wide and his mind open, his heart burning with rage. He stared at the orc…
Grunt raider: (raising his blade) Now lil one… you will break!
KC: …
Battle 7 Begins
Orcish grunt - Swiping his fist across KC's face, causing no damage at all to his flesh as he does not even flinch from the attack
KC - His rage limit full, his mind burning with revenge, he executes Mind Break vs Orcish grunt, causing instant death to the grunts mind
Orcish grunt & KC: … … …
Battle 7 Ends
The orcish grunt at the edge, his orcish and scarred face blank and looking at the sky fell towards the ground hitting the ground with a loud thundering thump as dirt was created around the orc's body where he landed on his back… he lay still there… looking back up at KC who still stood at the edge…
KC looked down at the fallen orcish grunt, the sun now set and the sky darkened, Goldshire still burning from the raiding horde of the orcs, the guards fighting to defend their cherished lands… Sophia laying at KC's back on the ground… a noise is heard…
KC: (turning around quickly) …
Sophia: (on the ground face down her arms moving slightly) Mmphh…
KC: Sophia…
KC quickly walked over to Sophia kneeling beside her and resting his hand on the top of her head…
Sophia: (facing KC) …. KC?
KC: (smiling) Are you alright?
Sophia: I'm… ok… I…
KC: You used your power again?
Sophia: (nodding) I don't know how…
KC: Ssshhhh, don't talk… save your strength…
KC helped Sophia sit up right…
Sophia: How did you… I mean how could you…
KC: I dunno… one minute I see your alright and the next your laying on the floor and that grunt standing over you with that blade… I guess I panicked…
Sophia: You thought I was… dead?
KC: (shrugging weirdly) I thought I lost you… I cant bare that thought…
Sophia: (smiling and her hand on KC's face) What was it you were going to tell me before?
KC: ….
He helps her on her feet but both of them exhausted fall near to the edge of the top of the waterfall…
KC: Sophia I…
Sophia: Yes KC?
KC moved around so his back faced the edge with Sophia in front of him…
KC: I think I…
Sophia: (staring at KC with a expression that could melt unbreakable ice)
KC: I love-
He stopped… his face frozen and his hands on her arms gripping tight…
Sophia: KC?
KC: Sophia… I… ahh…
Sophia: (staring at KC notices blood running from his nose) …
KC: Sophia…
KC kneeling and still… leaned back and fell so that he was now sitting on the ground and just looking in her eyes… an arrow had pierced his back…
Sophia: (feeling the arrow stuck in KC's back) Oh no-no-no!
KC: Sophia listen… its alright…
Sophia: (starting to cry) Please KC… don't leave me… not now..
KC: You're stronger than me Sophia… you always have been… and you always will be…
Sophia: (her hands on his shoulders) You cant know that! You have to live! Do you hear me!
KC: I believe it… because I love you…
Sophia: …
Another arrow pierces KC!
KC: (2 wretched arrows sticking out his back) I'll always… be with… you…
Sophia: (angelic tears running down her face) KC… don't leave-
A silver arrow shot from the ground by one from the group of orcish archers fly's upwards and strikes KC through the back and pierces his heart, the arrow exits through his chest…
KC: Ill think of you… always…
Sophia: My lover…
KC: (staring at his love loosens his grip on her shoulders)
Sophia: (her face filled with fear as she sees him fall over the edge)
KC flying through the air crashes towards the ground…
KC: (landing in the lake)
Sophia: (at the edge and seen by KC looking down at him with her arm outstretched)
KC: Above me nothing but shimmering light, the place where I've come from and will go back to when I am done here…
KC floating in the lake descends towards the base of the waterfall, moving past the rocks and darkened sea weed towards a deep blueness, where a school of silver fish wait. He never had enough time with her but that's what made everything so special…
KC resting on the sea bed amazed by the brightened blue, his face and neck seemingly bloated from the pressure of the water ands its occupying bubbles, the silver stream of light and the pain shooting through his body due to not being able to take breath. He rises again… he struggles to make his way to the surface of the lake… and as he finally manages to reach the surface…
He takes a breath, his lungs once again filled with fresh air…
ATE Ends
"Present time"
Location: Edge of the Wetlands, near to main path
It is now 5 years into the future, back in the present time with KC, Glenshaw, Albion, Sky & Opal the princess of Darnassus…
Glenshaw: Wooooooooooow…
Albion: ….
Sky: …
KC looked at Glenshaw sharply with a tear but concealing it he then stared back at the flames from the camp fire…
KC: (using a stick to poke at the flames) …
Albion: So you did survive the Goldshire raid 5 years ago?
KC: Obviously… but a lot of people weren't so lucky…
Glenshaw: (facing KC) But… what happened to Sophia!?
KC: (quickly facing Glenshaw) I… don't know… I woke up in the lake. She was gone, everything was different… I was different…
Glenshaw: But how did you survive after the raid?
KC: (poking and looking at the flames again) I'm not entirely positive I did survive
Glenshaw: ….What do you mean?
KC: When I woke up… everything had changed, their was no more orcish raiders, Goldshire and Elwynn was no longer burning… something had happened to me in that lake…
Glenshaw: …
Albion: …
KC: I woke up, I struggled out of the lake and everything was just… different… I looked everywhere for Sophia but…
Albion: You were unable to find her?
Glenshaw: …
KC: … No… I did not find her…
Glenshaw: So she could still be alive!?
KC: (facing Glenshaw) When I arrived in Stormwind they told me that Goldshire had burned… but I was told those words 2 years ago…
Albion: So you only have the memory of those recent 2 years and those early years before the Goldshire raid?
KC: (looking at Albion with a sharpened expression) If you want to put it mildly like that… then yeah…
Albion: And you were in stasis for 3 years…
KC: (staring at the flames again) It's a little more… complicated than that…
Albion: ….
Glenshaw: …
Sky: Well we're still filling in the blanks of the past…
KC: Damn right Sky and I will find some answers, no matter how long it takes and the person who ordered the raid on Goldshire and took me away from Sophia will pay for it in full!
Glenshaw: (smiling slightly) …
Sky: (resting on KC's shoulder) …
Albion: But first we must reach safe ground…
KC: Yeah I think theirs a road near here where we can-
A noise is heard from the tent…
KC: …
Glenshaw: Is she awake?
Albion: !
The princess opening the tent looks out around and then straight at the group…
KC: You alright?
Albion: Princess!
Glenshaw & Sky: …
Princess Opal: (coming out the tent and sitting by the fire) Yes KC I am fine, please be settled Albion…
Albion: Yes your highness
KC: So what happened?
Princess Opal: I hoped that you would tell me KC…
KC: Well all I can recall is the ship crashing, fire blazing and me being thrown out the bunk room…
Princess Opal: Yes I do recall the same…
KC: So we all got thrown out of the ship by the impact?
Glenshaw: Yeah me too…
Sky: Not me, I flew out… but I nearly got cindered by the flames…
KC: (palm on his face) Heh… you have wings Sky…
Sky: Indeed, but it was a close mishap…
KC: Close? I nearly lost my arm and leg…
Sky: (pecking KC on the back of his neck)
KC: Hey!
Princess Opal: So, what is our next move KC?
Albion: I recommend that we find some safer ground…
Glenshaw: Yeah I wanna get outta here already!
KC: (standing up) Well… I think in that case… we should be moving…
The group stand up on their feet…
Princess Opal: How did you all survive back there in the swamp?
KC: …
Glenshaw: …
Sky: …
Albion: We fought well to rescue you princess…
KC: It was my sword and Glenshaw's magic that got you outta there Opal…
Albion: (rasping at KC) Nonsense! I alone rescued the princess! You merely assisted!
KC: (face palming and sighing)
Princess Opal: It matters not… I thank you both…
KC: (smiling at Opal)
Glenshaw: Don't worry princess, KC, me and Albion will protect you…
Princess Opal: (smiling)
KC: (patting Glenshaw on the shoulder and whispering) Go easy on yourself friend, she is a princess after all
Glenshaw: (confused expression) Huh?
Princess Opal: …
KC walking forward further to the east is followed by the group for a few steps…
KC: (turning around to face the group) Ok its gonna get even more nasty from here, be ready for anything…
Princess Opal: …
Albion: I shall protect the princess!
Glenshaw: Me too
Sky: (settled on KC's shoulder) Ill help with that grave task also…
KC: (turning around) Our final destination… Stormwind…
Princess Opal: (walking to KC's side) KC…
KC: (looking at the princess then back at the shrouded horizon) What is it?
Princess Opal: I heard about… what happened to you… in the past?
KC: It is just the past princess, forget about it and look to the future, that's what matters…
Princess Opal: But…
KC: (facing Opal) Its alright… I bare tough questions that require simple answers too…
Princess Opal: (nodding and smiling)
Glenshaw: What about your other friends KC?
KC: Xathalius? I'm not part of that band I was merely hired…
Albion: Filthy oaf…
KC: We all make a living Albion… its not always sweet as pie…
Albion: ….
KC: (facing the horizon) Alright… lets go team…
The group slowly walk head on into the haze of the white mist and towards the shrouded horizon…
12 minutes later…
The group now on the main road are out of the Wetlands and walking quickly towards the Grandsation Tram station…
KC: …
Princess Opal: (walking beside KC) …
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) Where does this path lead to?
KC: Way to break the ice pal…
Sky: …
KC: It will take us past a spider infested cave…
KC looking to his right to see a cave - the outside swarming with man eating spiders - shivered at the mere sight of the creatures…
KC: And to the Grandsation station…
Sky: Sounds like a country song…
KC: (facing Sky) Yah know I heard that one gnomish group tinkered with a musical theme tune and made-
Albion: (walking behind KC) Focused on the matter at hand, how long will it take to get there?
KC: Look for yourself…
KC & Opal stopped and looked in the distance, Albion and Glenshaw walking and stopping beside them, the group stopped and gazed at the Grandsation Tram. It was a mechanical tram line that carried passengers up the mountains face on a slope to Loch Modan. The tram line itself looked human and gnomish in its mechanics and was grand indeed. Think of the Grandsation Tram as a huge and mobile tram based transport for travellers on the ground…
Albion: Well that's a sight to behold…
KC: (walking in front of Albion) Yes it is…
Glenshaw: (behind KC) We're… taking that up the mountain?
KC: Right we are…
Glenshaw: Is it… safe?
KC: Ah Glenshaw, its as sturdy as a iron fist in the winter…
Glenshaw: (looking at KC with a confused expression) I don't understand half the things you say…
KC: (walking and looking back at Glenshaw) How do you think I ended up here?
Glenshaw: …
Sky: (flying off KC's shoulder) Ill go take a peek around!
Albion: So we take the tram all the way to the Loch Lake?
KC: All the way oh yes!
Princess Opal: (smiling)
Albion: Then we can make our way through the mountains to Dun Morogh…
KC: Indeed…
Glenshaw: Then home is the next stop after that! Ironforge!
KC: (shrugging) Right…
Princess Opal: (facing KC) Then ill be able to see my uncle in Stormwind…
KC: Alright enough planning lets go already….
Entire group besides KC: ….
The team walk quickly towards the Grandsation Tram station entering the small village that rested outside.
2 minutes later…
Location: Grandsation Tram station 1, surrounding village
The group now inside the small human occupied village look around at their surroundings and at the giant tram transport, the village itself seemed poor in its economy. Their were few humans and gnomes walking around… very few homes left standing…
KC: Wow… what a crap hole…
Albion: It is due to thieves and crooks like yourself that this town is failing…
KC: Look I'm not-I'm not a….forget it…
Albion: (looking around at the town)
KC: We should get on soon as the tram docks here…
Princess Opal: We shall, but first we should rest at the Inn and regain our full strength…
KC: (hands at his sides) Is that an order?
Princess Opal: (facing KC) A strong recommendation KC…
KC: And a strong reason it be… besides im starving…
Princess Opal: (smiling and looking around)
KC: (pointing at a small building) Over there… Grandsation Inn…
Glenshaw: (running over to the Inn)
Princess Opal: You in a rush to get back home KC?
KC: Nothing at home waiting for me…
Princess Opal: You may yet be surprised when you finally return home KC…
KC: (facing Opal with a surprised expression)
The princess walking royally and knowingly towards the Inn, KC questions what he knows… could Sophia… his family… could they all still be alive even after all this time? KC was reassured with a new hope in mind… thanks to the princess. The group were now at the Inn…
"Inn of Grandsation Tram 1"
50 minutes later…
The adventurers were gathered around a table inside the cosy Inn, it had a small fireplace which lit up the whole room which was not very big, no bigger than your average home's front room really… well ok maybe a little bigger, the Inn was comfortable non the less…
Glenshaw: (sitting at the bar waiting for his drink) Where in succotash is my drink?
KC: (sitting at the table with Opal and Albion) Well we need to plan our next move…
Princess Opal: (sitting back in her chair) I thought we were taking the Grandsation tram up to the mountains?
KC: Right… but when we get to the mountains… theirs kobolds, giant spiders, wild boars, ogres and even dwarfs to deal with…
Princess Opal: (gulp!)
Albion: We shall prevail, Ill let none harm the princess!
KC: When we do reach the Loch, we have to move south till we get to Thelsamar…
Princess Opal: And what then KC?
KC: Well lets just make it there first…
Albion: You don't sound too confident… not that I expected much less from a thief…
Princess Opal: Albion please, KC is trying…
KC: (leaning forward in his chair facing Opal & Albion) Then we go west to Dun Morogh… after that we should reach Ironforge… if we make it through the snow…
Princess Opal: I heard that many get lost in the snowy lands of Dun Morogh if they don't keep a map to navigate the mass of fields…
Glenshaw: (finally getting his drink and walking over to the group)
KC: Where we get that map… I think we can get one from a trader in Thelsamar…
Albion: And if we cant?
KC: (giving Albion a weird look) Then we're pretty much screwed either way…
Albion: Do not speak ill in front of the princess!
KC: (leaning back) Just telling you as it is brave rusty man, if we don't get that map we will end up being no less than snowman on a hungry troll's front porch…
Albion: ….
Princess Opal: Then let us hope we find a trader in Thelsamar…
Glenshaw: (sitting at the table beside KC) What you guys been talkin about?
Sky: (settled on KC's shoulder) …
KC: Just planning how we get from here to Ironforge…
Glenshaw: Cant we just fly or something?
KC: (feeding Sky some bird food and facing Glenshaw) You got money to pay the Gryphon master? Because I don't…
Glenshaw: Hmm….
Princess Opal: (smiling slightly and facing KC) Then the Grandsation Tram we take… to the top of Loch Modan…then to Thelsamar…
KC: (facing Opal) And after that we traverse the snowy fields of Dun Morogh all the way to Ironforge…
Princess Opal: What is this Ironforge exactly? I only heard about it…
KC: It's a underground city that the dwarfs built in the base of a huge mountain… they use that advantage to fight their war with the Horde…
Princess Opal: Hmm…
Glenshaw: Gnomes like myself actually fled to the safety of Ironforge some time back…
Princess Opal: (facing Glenshaw) What happened to your brethren?
Glenshaw: Some gas leak in our city made the invading troggs there go nuts and we were forced to flee or die… most of us got wiped out…
Princess Opal: Oh… sorry…
Glenshaw: Its ok… I got out…
KC: (facing Glenshaw) That mage stuff really comes in handy eh?
Glenshaw: Yea…
Princess Opal: (standing up slowly)
Albion: (also standing up at attention)
Princess Opal: (looking at her group members) Well... I think I shall retire…
KC: Alright sleep tight princess…
Glenshaw: Night princess…
Albion: ….
Princess Opal: Night KC, night Glenshaw…
Sky: ….
Princess Opal: Night to you also Sky…
Sky: (flapping his wings excitedly)
The princess walks off quickly up the stairs to the 2nd floor of the Inn where the private 1 bedroom rooms were waiting…
Glenshaw: Why did Albion follow so quickly?
KC: (facing Glenshaw) He's her guard dog…
Glenshaw: (looking at KC then at the stairs) Ohhh…
KC stands up grudgingly with no warning and walks over to the bar sitting down on the wooden stool and then signals the bartender for one more drink of fine wine. Glenshaw is left sitting at the now empty table for a moment looking over at KC before he quickly stood up and ran over to sit next to him…
Glenshaw: (standing at KC's side who was still sat at the bar) So KC?
KC: (still facing towards the bar itself) Hmm… what?
Sky: (still perched on KC's shoulder) ….
Glenshaw: (sitting down on a stool) What you gonna do?
KC: What?
Glenshaw: Yah know… when you get back-
KC: (facing Glenshaw quickly then the bar) IF we get back….
Glenshaw: Ok… IF we get back… what are you gonna do?
KC: (drinking from the cup he has just been handed by the bartender) Dunno… I aint been in Stormwind… not for a long time now anyway…
Glenshaw: Because of… the raid on Goldshire?
KC: I lost everything that day, the ones I called family, the place I called home… was all gone in just one night…
Sky: I heard that Goldshire was rebuilt since then…
Glenshaw: (facing KC) But what about… Sophia?
KC: Far as I heard… some years ago… she died…
Glenshaw: ….
Sky: But their is still hope, many speak of such "survivors" from that Goldshire raid…
KC: (pats Sky on the wing gently with compassion) ….
Glenshaw: (looking at Sky then at the bar)
KC: (drinking heavily from his cup of wine)
Glenshaw: (now facing KC) Are you gonna try and find her?
KC: Its almost hopeless…
KC faces Glenshaw who looks back at him with curiosity…KC gives a sharp look into his eyes…
KC: But that… never stopped me…
Glenshaw: ….
KC: (facing the bar and drinking again) You should turn yourself in for the night, we got a big day ahead of us tomorrow…
Glenshaw: You're right…
Glenshaw jumped off his stool and walked a few ft towards the stairs before stopping and turning to face KC again…
Glenshaw: My… whole family were in Gnomeregan…before the toxic fumes made the troggs mad and killed everyone…
KC: (facing Glenshaw) …
Glenshaw: If theirs hope, you shouldn't give up KC… even if its just so small it hardly seems worth trying…
KC: (nodding) Go get some sleep… we're all gonna need it…
Glenshaw: Night KC…
KC: Night….
Glenshaw runs off quickly up the stairs towards his room passing by Albion who was standing outside one door at attention as if to guard it with his very life…
KC: (thinking to himself) You are KC to me, that's all I want
KC: (speaking to himself lost in thought) But is it enough?
Goldshire was burning in his mind… the heat of the flames and the sound of steel clashing together… the sounds of screams from the butchered throats of men and women who KC knew as friends and family…
KC: (bleeding from his nose and grasping his skull a little) Arghhhh….
Sky: You alright there?
KC: I've had… worst days…
Sky: Don't need to tell me that, you should get some rest yourself…
KC: How could I… Sky?
Sky: ….
KC: How could I let myself… let her get…
Sky: It was not your fault that Goldshire burned that day… you were only 14 years old…
KC: But… I…
Sky: You are not like others?
KC: Right…
Sky: What is your plan to do about that?
KC: Get to Stormwind… that's my mission… we have to keep this princess alive…
Sky: ???
KC: (drinks once more from his cup of wine) Something's going down Sky… something's happening and its going to be way bigger then the raid of Goldshire…
Sky: What do you mean?
KC: (staring into the empty cup) We have to be ready this time, she's alive… I know it in my heart that she still breathes the same air as me… and I have to find her… I have to apologize for what happened that day…. for failing to protect her when I promised I would…
Sky: Do you think keeping your promise to the princess will help bring you peace of mind?
KC: Nothing could ever erase my memories of Sophia, Sky…
Sky: So you will keep this promise then look for her…
KC: (looking straight forward) Ill find out for myself… what the future holds…
The dark night falls around the Inn quickly….
23 minutes later…
KC is in his private room asleep…
KC: Hmph…
Voice: Still alive I see?
KC: Yo-you-
Voice: Back then… you escaped death with just skinned elbows…
KC: Back then? You mean… the raid on Goldshire?
Voice: They are all waiting for you KC… why don't you go back to them? They miss you so much…
KC: But I… I'm not done here yet…
The dream fades away as fast as it came into his mind….
Chapter 8
Location: Village surrounding Grandsation Station tram 1
9 hours later…
On the 1st floor, the group are all gathered in the lobby, standing around each other in the only room of the small Inn… except for Albion…
Albion: (walking in from outside) I just got word, the tram will arrive very soon….
KC: Alright time to move out…
Albion: ….
Sky: ….
Glenshaw: Yay! Going on a tram ride!
KC: (palm on his face) Its hardly a vacation…
Princess Opal: Let us push on then…
KC & Albion: (nodding towards Opal)
The weary group walk on slowly outside, it was now afternoon and it was blain for the shining light from the sun caused you to cover your eyes for a second, although it was darker around here even in the day time in the Wetlands….
As the group moved slowly away from the Inn building and toward the station they noticed the tram as it finally was in full view during its approach to the ground….
Need a lift?"
The group stood and stared for a moment at the tram as it docked a moment or so later…
KC: Not a bad piece of hardware….
Princess Opal: Hardware?
KC: (looking at Opal) Its machine talk…
Princess Opal: (annoyed slightly) I know that KC… but we really should be boarding…
KC: (facing the tram station) Right you are….
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder)
Glenshaw: …
Albion: ….
The group move towards the tram and as they walk up the support beams towards the tram itself they are stopped by the station guard at the tram's entrance…
Guard of Grandsation: Halt there please sir, I must see your boarding pass…
KC: Eh? What for? Never asked before now…
Albion: ….
Princess Opal: …
Guard of Grandsation: With the recent activity of the war happening in the far reaches of Kalimdor sir, I must ask for your boarding documents…
KC: Ok fair enough…
KC reaches into his inner coat pocket… the guard moves his hand slightly towards the hilt of his sword… KC then pulls out papers which he held in his hand and gave to the guard. The guard looks at the documents for a moment, then at KC and the group then back at the documents again…
Guard of Grandsation: (handing KC the documents) Thank you sir, we cant be to sure nowadays…
KC: Hey your doing your job, keep up the good work…
Guard of Grandsation: Appreciate the clarity sir…
KC looks back at Opal smiling who was also grinning back to him as if impressed slightly, Albion still had a face like a mug however and Glenshaw was busy eyeing the view of the tram and still shaky due to the height…
Guard of Grandsation: Please, will you be boarding now? The tram leaves in 3 minutes…
KC: Right then…
The group board the tram… and choose to sit together on the right side of the row of seats…
Location: Grandsation Station, Tram 1
Glenshaw: (sat next to the window and looking out) …
KC: Well… we made it…
Princess Opal: You surely saved us back there KC…
KC: Well being a thief don't come without its perks…
Albion: To steal and consider it earned honestly… what tyranny!
KC: (shrugging at Albion) At least we got on, we need to get to Stormwind as fats as possible right?
Princess Opal: (nodding at KC)
Albion: (getting a grumpy expression)
KC nudges Glenshaw who was still looking out the window…
KC: Yo you alright there buddy?
Glenshaw: (looking back at KC) Yes KC, I'm fine…
KC: (facing Opal and Albion) Now we can just sit back and relax…
KC pulled his slightly forward so it covered his face, think of it as one of those big hats that hunters wear in the big game wilds just before the feel of the shot before you slay your prey… he was wearing it since he left the Inn… the reason why he was doing this is because he did not get much sleep… bad memories…
KC: (hat over his face) …
Princess Opal: (sat next to and looking out the window) …
Just as the guard is checking each door of the tram and getting ready to cast off, another 2 humans board the tram and walk over silently sitting down on the left side of the tram…
Guard of Grandsation: All passengers please be seated! We are casting off!
A few seconds later the tram suddenly begins to move… almost violently…
KC: (moving his hat back a lil and looking around) Never did like that part…
Princess Opal: …
Glenshaw: (still looking out the window at the view as the tram lifts)
KC: (moving his hat back over his face) …
Sky: ….
"Built to kill"
12 minutes later on the tram….
He group still sat in their seats comfortable and warm, KC is half awake, Glenshaw is looking out the window and back at the group continually, Albion is sitting at attention with that knightly devoted exterior and Opal is also looking out the window at the view of the Wetlands from the air… it was kind of shocking at first sight since the mist looked as if it was covering the horizon…
Albion: Princess, is their something wrong?
Princess Opal: (facing Albion) You must not call me that outside the castle… Albion…
Albion: But Prin-
Princess Opal: We have to stay secret if we are to make it to Stormwind…
KC: (hat still over his face) Maybe you need a new name….
Princess Opal: (facing KC)
Albion: (annoyed at KC) How dare you speak ill of the princess' royal heritage! I should cut off your head!
KC: (lifting his hat slightly so only an eye and half his face is visible) You don't agree I take it?
Albion: Absolutely not!
KC: (hat covering his face again) Well we wont get far then…
Albion: (growling in anger) Grrrr…
Glenshaw: (looking around at the group and at Albion) …
Opal: Albion please! I do agree with KC, I cant have people calling me princess while we are outside the castle….
KC: (lifting his hat up off his face and sitting up) So we just wont call your princess for now…
Opal: I agree it is best… at least till we reach Stormwind…
KC: (looking around to the front of the tram) How long does it take for this thing to reach the top?
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) It took about 22 minutes last time…
KC: (facing the group) Yeah and its been 15 minutes already…
Opal: So what of it?
KC: Nothing I just hate sitting around doing nothing…
Glenshaw: (facing KC) Sounds a little unstable…
KC: (smiling at Glenshaw then facing the group with a grin) Yeah that's me alright….
Glenshaw: But how does that react with-
The tram stops violent and suddenly! The group stumble over but manage to keep their grip on the seats… except for Sky who is flapping on the floor… and KC's hat which fell off during the commotion…
KC: (looking down at Sky) You alright!?
Sky: (now stood upright) Yes I'm just dandy…
KC standing up and looking around the tram interior noticing the 2 others with the group panicking, he looks back at Opal as he picks up his hat from the floor…
KC: Looks like we got company again…
Opal: (now stood up nods at KC)
Albion: (standing) Impossible! What could possibly attack-
The tram rumbles as something loud and violent strikes against the metal from outside smashing the glass and causing pieces of it fall on the floor!
KC: (getting up from cover) What the hell!?
He looked outside as something vanishes from out of sight quickly… whatever it was… it was hovering and could teleport!
Opal: (standing up again) What is it!?
Guard of Grandsation: (running over to the group) Something attacking the tram from outside!
KC: (looking at the guard then at Opal) Another one of those 2 headed flying thingy's?
Opal: I don't think it-
The tram shakes again as something with even more force strikes against the side from outside! Screams are heard from the 2 other humans and the guard who is at the doorway looking out and shouting back at the group…
Guard of Grandsation: Its right outside! We're caught somehow on the slope of the mountain and cant move!
KC: (facing the guard) Just stay back!
Opal: (disturbed and facing KC)
Glenshaw: What do we do!?
Albion: Slay the beast!
KC: I agree with the crazy knight… we cant let it destroy the tram which it cares nothing about but we cant let it take the princess either…
Opal: But what if it-
KC: (walking closer to Opal) We don't have much of a choice!
Opal: …
KC: (leaning over slightly as the tram violently shakes again)
Glenshaw: I don't think the tram can take much more of this…
KC: Right…
KC making his way from the seats runs down the tram towards the entrance and looks outside… the group are only a few ft behind him who are currently following…
KC: (facing the group) Ok 1...2...3!
KC and the group burst outside and are blessed by the light of the Loch when looking up at the sky they notice the creature that had been attacking the tram… it was looking directly at them and hovering just beside the tram itself. KC and the prepared group could fight outside but they were stood in a very steep mountain face…
The creature was now hovering in front of the group just about the ground and staring right at them and gazing at the princess…
Creature: I have come… for the princess… hand her over and I shall not destroy you…
KC: (sheathing a sword and shield) Think we're gonna fall for that!?
The group sheath their weapons…
Creature: Your thoughts… are not my concern… hand over the princess now… or be destroyed…
KC: (raising his sword at the creature) She's not going anywhere with you!
Creature: ….
Opal: (stepping forward) …
Albion: Princess!
KC: (facing Opal slightly surprised) …
The creature bore a large hat over its face which was of smoke and had no physical form, it was dressed in a frock of some kind and the creature was nearly twice as big as any other man or woman. The creature held in one hand a staff and in its other which was raised a energy of some kind was forming…
Opal: Why have you come here creature!? Answer me!
Waltz: I am Waltz! The bringer of destruction! I come seeking you for the queen of Darnassus orders your recapture!
Opal: (shocked and dismayed) !
KC: (walking forward 2 steps next to Opal) You lie!
Waltz: I have no reason to lie! Nor any to allow you to live! One last time… hand over the princess or be destroyed!
KC: (shakes his head in refusal)
Albion now stood at the princess' side and Glenshaw just behind KC with Sky flapping above the group…
Waltz: Very well… you shall be destroyed…
Waltz swoops in and attacks the group head on!
Battle 8 Begins
Waltz: Hand over the princess NOW!
Waltz - hovering forward executes Staff Clash vs KC, causing moderate smashing damage to his armour
KC - executes Shoulder Charge & 2x Slash vs Waltz, causing moderate smashing damage and heavy lethal damage to its armour
Albion - executes Knight's Charge & Royal Strike vs Waltz, causing heavy lethal damage to its armour and small lethal damage to its flesh!
Waltz: I exist only to destroy!
Waltz - casts Rain of Thunder vs KC, Glenshaw & Albion, causing heavy nature damage to the armour and flesh of all!
Glenshaw - is weakened from the spell cast by Waltz and falls to his knees due to Exhausting Pain de-buff
Albion - is de-buffed with Knockdown!
Waltz - hovering forward executes Staff Clash vs KC, causing moderate smashing damage to his armour and small smashing damage to his flesh
KC - falls to his knees due to Exhausting Pain de-buff
Waltz: (energy forming in its hand) Surrender the princess!
Opal: (holding up her staff) I refuse to be your prisoner!
Opal - casts Light of Elune on all party members, healing all for a high amount!
KC: (standing up) Time to throw out the trash! Sky get your butt ova here!
Sky: (swooping in to KC's assistance)
KC - executes Sky Dive vs Waltz, by being picked up by Sky for a few seconds KC is able to drop from the air and execute a slashing manoeuvre with his sword causing extreme lethal damage to its armour and heavy lethal damage to its flesh! Waltz' armour is sundered by this attack!
Waltz: I don't… understand how you are able to… prevent me from…
Waltz - attempts to cast Rain of Thunder vs KC, Glenshaw & Albion, however the spell is silenced by Opal!
Glenshaw - casts Fireball vs Waltz, causing moderate fire damage to its flesh
Albion - executes 2x Slash vs Waltz, causing moderate lethal damage to its flesh
Opal - executes 1x Bash vs Waltz, causing small smashing damage to its flesh
Waltz: (tumbling over and landing on the ground screeching wildly) Urrrrrrrghhhhhhhhh!!!
Battle 8 Ends
KC & Opal walk forward slowly towards the corpse of Waltz and peer down at it…
KC: (facing dead Waltz) Think its dead?
Opal: (also facing dead Waltz) It was after me…
KC: (facing Opal then turning towards the group) Wont go after anyone again that's for sure…
Opal: (facing KC who is walking away towards the group) How can you be so fickle!?
KC: (looking at Opal) I'm not the one who just tried to throw us all in the oven and leave us to roast! That thing tried to kill us and we killed it instead, end of story!
Opal: (looking down at the ground) …
KC: (walking a few steps forward) Listen Opal, your mother is trying to get you back and she wont let anyone stand in her way, something's happening and I want to find out what but right now we have to get to Stormwind and speak with your uncle…
Opal: (still facing the ground) Yes… you are right…
KC: (smiling slightly and joining the group) Ok lets get back on the tram before a rock slide hits us or something…
Glenshaw: Seems like one already did…
The group move onto the tram…. Opal is stood outside with KC at the tram's entrance…
Opal: (speaking to herself) I just want to help mother and know everything is alright…
KC: (looking at Opal from the tram) Opal come on! We aint got time to stand around!
Opal a second later boards the tram…
4 minutes later…
"Welcome to the Loch! You do have beer right?"
The group disembarking from the tram and onto the station platform look around to see they were now at the top of the mountain and could notice that it was Loch Modan just beyond. The sun shun down with its graceful radiance, the light beaming and blessing the ground, it was always bright around here and very green… from the grass and the graze… a lot of wilds boars and scary creatures also inhabited these lands along with the dwarfs and the unmerciful brutal ogres. The group were stood just outside the tram…
Guard of Grandsation: Thank you for using the tram line! Please be safe on your adventures!
Opal: Thank you, farewell!
KC & Sky: (looking at each other weirdly)
Glenshaw: (looking over at the horizon)
Albion: (not much difference than usual)
The group walk on other and notice their was a resting area to their right…
KC: (looking over towards the resting area) Ah goody I could use a bite to eat…
Opal: …
KC: (facing Opal) We're not getting anywhere without a bite to eat…
Opal: You are right KC…
KC walks along the platform towards the resting area of the Loch Modan Grandsation Station…. what a mouth full those words were to say. Glenshaw follows but Opal and Albion froze for a moment…
Albion: princess I urge you, we must return to the castle immediately!
Opal: (facing Albion) I don't intend to be returning to the castle any time soon Albion….
Albion: But princess, the consequences of-
Opal: Knight Albion! I make my own decisions and I as heir to the throne of Darnassus must do what is right for my people!
Albion: (quickly saluting nervously and at attention) Ye-yes… princess!
Opal: So please… just trust me as a person and not as the princess of a kingdom…
Albion: As you wish… ma'am…
Opal: (smiling)
Opal and Albion following like a misbehaved dog in a mood enter the resting area…
Location: Grandsation Station 2, resting area
KC is seen standing at the bar waiting for an order, Glenshaw is at a table looking around if a bit anxiously, Opal and Albion enter the room and sit down next to Glenshaw noticing the view from the window of the grasslands of the Loch…
Glenshaw: … phew… what a view.
Albion: ???
Opal: ???
Glenshaw: (pointing at the window) I mean the outside…
Opal: Ah…
KC: (coming over and sitting down) Well guys… at least we made it here…
Albion: ….
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) Well it wasn't all that difficult…
KC: Wasn't all that difficult? I nearly got eaten, Opal almost got poisoned and died, the Gladius Cordela is destroyed, God only knows what happened to the Xathalius band and the queen of one kingdom seems to want dominance over the lands… how can you say it was not difficult?
Sky: … I was being sarcastic KC…
KC: ... Oh…
Opal: Never the less… I have to discover what my mother plans….
Sky: What makes you certain it was your mother who sent the assassins?
Opal: She has been acting strange for the last year, since my day of rejuvinan she has had visits every few months or so from a man…
KC: Day of rejuvinan? Sounds really complex…
Opal: Hmm? Oh it was my birthday…
KC: (face palm) Oh…
Opal: …
KC: (looking at Opal) What else can you tell us about this unknown visitor?
Opal: He was seemingly sinister… their was something about him that made you feel pity and sadness…
KC: Sounds like doom on legs….
Opal: He made visits with my parents, the king and queen of Darnassus, but that is all… he never spoke to anyone else….
KC: So this man could have something to do with what's happening?
Opal: (looking at KC) It is only a theory…
KC: Still worth considering…
Albion: It is pure madness to assume the king or queen of Darnassus would have such dealings…
KC: (facing Albion) Theirs a lot of mad things existing in the world nowadays…
Albion: (eyes falling to look at the table) …
Glenshaw: ….
Sky: Do you think the king and queen of the elven lands plan to start a war?
Opal: (raising her voice abruptly and clenching her hands) No! My mother and father would never willingly start a war!
KC: But we have to assume-
Opal: (standing up quickly) I refuse to discuss it further!
Opal walking quickly attempts to leave the resting area….
Albion: (standing up) Prin-
KC: (at the table looking at the princess storming out) Opal!
Opal leaves the resting area….
Albion: (facing KC and rasping) Your harsh words have offended her highness!
KC: Steady on Albion… theirs thing that need to be said, you should know that better than anyone…
Albion: (rubbing his chin in thought) ….
Glenshaw: KC shouldn't you go talk to Opal?
KC: (looking at the rightful gnome) Yeah I guess I should…
KC backs away from the table and chair then starts to make his way towards the outside platform when Albion rest puts his hand in his path….
Albion: You owe the princess an apology!
KC: (looking at Albion) I owe many people many things and Ill decide whether or not I should pay in full…
Albion: Common ruffian…
KC: (sighing as Albion moves his hand out the way)
Albion: …
KC: (walking away from Albion & Glenshaw) Leave it to me…
Sky: (flying off KC's shoulder) Ill make myself scarce for now…
KC leaves the resting area…
Bartender with food: (walking up to the table where Glenshaw was still sat) Here you go sir… 3 boar meals…
Glenshaw looked at the plate of food on the table then at the man with a weird but still surprised expression… then smiled slightly…
Outside the resting area on the platform, KC sees the princess in deep thought standing near the platforms railing looking over and staring towards the grassland a few metres below where it could be sighted and bewildered upon as it was part of the Loch Modan lake which rested peacefully and unspoiled. The platform itself was not attached to the mainland and you had to climb down a flight of steps to reach the land itself which was only a few meters downhill made up of metal steps…
KC: (walking up to the princess) You alright?
Opal: (looking out at the horizon) I… really… don't know…
KC: (facing the horizon too) Yeah… a lot of things are happening aren't they?
Opal: ….
KC: Not much I can say that will help Opal….
Opal: (eyes looking down at the ground again) Theirs plenty you can say that may help…
KC: (puzzled expression as he looks at Opal) Well you would be the first I helped….
Opal: (looking quickly at KC with a serious expression) Why is it that you do that?
KC: (looking back at opal weirdly) Do… what?
Opal: Behave so obscurely yet harshly towards your own self?
KC: I… don't behave… obscurely…
Opal: You always put yourself down, you cant blame yourself for the past KC…
KC: Oh… yeah…
KC leans on the railing looking at the horizon again….
KC: …
Opal: (facing KC but her eyes towards the horizon as well) …
KC: I have not seen a sun shine like that since….
Opal: Since before the raid of Goldshire?
KC: … Ye-yeah….
Opal: (voice slightly softer) You speak of… Sophia?
KC: (facing Opal slowly with a surprised face) I thought you were asleep in the tent back at the swamp?
Opal: (smirking) I may have heard… one or two small details…
KC: (facing the beating red sun) It was… a long time ago…
Opal: Yet you do have hope she is still alive?
KC: I have too…
KC faces Opal with a serious expression… his eyes looked as if they were almost burning with golden fire…
Opal: ….
KC: The hope that I cling too is the only thing that keeps me breathing…
Opal: You may yet meet her again one day KC….
KC: I just hope its soon… every day is a struggle…
Opal: All our lives are struggles KC, we have to learn to bare them…
KC: No point enduring life if you cant spend it with someone you care about though… right?
Opal: (looking down at the platform surface) …
A few seconds later, Albion & Glenshaw walk out from the resting area standing and looking at KC & Opal almost enviously. Opal & KC face Albion & Glenshaw a few seconds later looking even more serious…
Albion: What is happening?
KC: Nothing we cant handle together…
KC faces Opal…
KC: Right?
Opal: (looking at KC smiling) That's right KC…
Albion: Are we leaving?
KC: Yeah just….
KC leans over to notice Glenshaw holding the plate with a small chunk of boar meat left over…
KC: Enjoying my meal?
Glenshaw: (facing KC) Its salty… but good…
KC: (sarcastic tone of voice) Please eat my dinner, I don't mind at all…
Glenshaw responds only with a weird smile….
KC: (speaking normally and facing Loch Modan) Anyway…. our next target is Thelsamar of the lake, Loch Modan….
Opal: ….
Albion: ….
Glenshaw: (finishing the rest of the boar meat and licking his fingers)
As Glenshaw walks up to Opal, the group lean over the rail and peer onwards captivated by the grace of the great green grasslands of Loch Modan…
ATE Begins
Location: Darnassus, castle of the royal elven family
2 sinister looking little persons enter the chambers of her royal highness and stand sinisterly as the queen stood in front of them surrounded by the elven décor looks at them cautiously but hesitantly….
Ding: Your highness…
Zing: Your majesty…
Queen of Darnassus: Have you prepared?
Ding: We have your highness…
Zing: Your majesty, indeed we have…
Queen of Darnassus: Then tell me now, is it true that my daughter still lives?
Ding: She is alive and well your highness…
Zing: Your daughter, alive and well she is your majesty…
Queen of Darnassus: (turning around her back to the sinister twins) ….
Ding: But another travels with her your highness, we have seen it…
Zing: Indeed another does travel with her your majesty, seen it we have…
Queen of Darnassus: (tone more stronger) Who is this you speak of?
Ding: He calls himself… KC.. Your highness
Zing: Ck he calls himself… your majesty…
Queen of Darnassus: (facing Ding & Zing) This… KC… he will have to be considered also…
The sinister twins nod in acknowledgement, the queen dismisses them and so dismissed they leave her chambers…
The extravagant queen walks closer to one of her walls and looks upon a large decoration hanging like a piece of art that had been sewn into the base of some cloth material….
Queen of Darnassus: (staring at the symbol) Yes… ill be keeping my eye fixed upon you KC…
The queen of the elven kingdom of Darnassus waits patiently…
ATE Ends
"Great green of the Loch"
Location: Edge of Loch Modan, north of Thelsamar
The group are now in Loch Modan, a land of importance to the dwarfs, a race of beings said to have been born deep within the bowls of the mountains…
They were walking down a narrow pathway, layered with stone and made safe with wooden fencing. All around them were green fields and to the east rested a huge lake that took up more than half of the area. Only a nearby town and camp stood in this harsh land infested with giant spiders, wild boars, kobolds - which were rat like humanoids - and the mighty ogres, not to mention the dark iron dwarfs who are a renegade race of dwarfs trying to establish their own evil law in the world.
The group were now halfway down the pathway, walking steady towards Thelsamar…
Opal: This place…
KC: (looking at Opal puzzled) ?
Opal: It has seen much…
KC: Do you have some kind of sixth sense?
Opal: (looking at KC) My blood is elven which allows me to see what others cannot…
KC: Well that's comforting princess…
Opal: (looking back at the green fields) Sometimes its just too… bewildering
KC: I know the feeling… every time I think about going home and finding my family safe I realise the truth…
Opal: (facing KC) What is that?
KC: That I have no family…
Opal: …
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) Except for me…
KC: (pointing at Sky) Except for Sky of course…
Opal: You should not doubt so vigorously…
KC: Is their something you need to tell me Opal?
Opal: (looking straight forward) …
KC: Its something about me… you know something…
Glenshaw: (looking to one side) I have the power to make fire but I'm not sure how I do it…
KC: (facing Glenshaw) But you learned to control it?
Glenshaw: (looking at KC) Pretty much…
KC: Hmm…
Opal: Do you have a power KC?
KC: Well… nope… just gooood old foolish wit…
Opal: (grinning) …
Glenshaw: (tapping KC on his jacket) But KC… how did that happen before… back there?
KC: How did what happen?
Glenshaw: When we escaped though the forest path to the border of the Wetlands where you told us that story about your past….
KC: (looking at Glenshaw) So what?
Glenshaw: Well that pathway…
Albion: That pathway shattered… the sides and its structure caving on itself caused by immense flames….
Glenshaw: Yeah…
KC: Well I guess you like to brag Glenshaw…
Glenshaw: But I didn't do that….
KC: (facing forward looking at the burning horizon) Maybe we cant control ourselves…
Glenshaw: But what about in your past where you said you defeated that orcish grunt…
KC: (his heart thumping faster and his blood boiling) I'm not sure… I… don't remember to much about that day…
Glenshaw: …
Opal: (resting her hand on KC's shoulder) We can help you too KC…
KC faced Opal for a moment smiling before turning to notice Thelsamar resting on the shoulders of the horizon…
KC: And there it be…
Opal: (looking towards Thelsamar) Its… smaller than I imagined…
KC: I think you mean its cosy…
Opal: And crowded…
KC: They also cook a great pasta at the Inn….
The group face KC weirdly…
Opal: Pasta?
Glenshaw: Pasta?
Albion: Pasta?
KC walks forward quickly and holding his arms out in front of the group…
KC: You NEVER had pasta!?
Glenshaw: (shrugging)
Opal: (puzzled)
Albion: (looking around cautiously)
Sky: KC maybe you should introduce them to the raw method of living?
KC: (hands at his sides and looking at the ground) Maybe you're right Sky….
Glenshaw: (running towards Thelsamar) I cant wait to try this pasta food!
Glenshaw runs out in front past KC towards the town…
KC: (turning quickly his hand in front) Wait Glenshaw theirs creatures out there!
Glenshaw: I don't see anything! Do you!?
A huge humanoid rat like creature appears from out of nowhere and grapples Glenshaw from his back and holds him up by the arms!
KC: HEY!
Opal: !
Albion: !
Glenshaw: Ahhh!
KC quickly reacting rushes the creature before it has time to react, KC is able to swipe at the creatures arm with his sword causing the rat humanoid to drop Glenshaw! He falls to the ground scampering on the floor then getting to his feet gradually, the group are stood with the creature in their path looking directly at them. The creature was a strange sight, it was like a rat standing on its back legs dressed in tattered clothing… but something was different about it… the creature had what seemed like a gold but rusty crown floating above its head. The group stand aware of the new threat with their weapons at the ready….
Huge kobold: I…. I am… Kobold King!
KC: I don't care if you are the king of the Fairies! You wont be touching my friends again!
Kobold King: (waving his hand which held a candle through the air) You… you are… strange… a strange one…
KC: Well I do get some nasty looks…
Kobold King: You! You will not take candle!
KC: (his head leaning to one side in complete confusion) Eh?
Kobold King: You be my followers! You serve me!
KC: (holding up his shield towards the creature) Not bloody likely!
The group prepare themselves…
Kobold King: You defy me!? I am Kobold King!
KC: Yeah we've been through all that man…
Albion: Let us just slay him and be done with it!
KC: Oh jeez Albion just shut up!
Kobold King: You will try to slay ME!? I will crush you!!!
KC: Nothing crushes us!!!
The creature attacks the group head on!
Battle 9 Begins
Kobold King - executes Rat Rush vs KC's group, causing moderate smashing damage to all and knocking Opal back!
KC: That was naughty…
Opal: (knocked over) Ooof…
KC: (facing Opal and helping her up) You alright?
Opal: (smiling slightly) Yes KC I'm fine…
Kobold King: (thrashing about) I is the Kobold King! You no take gold crown!
KC: Even so its not nice to hit girls!
KC - learns a new ability and method of protection, he learns the skill "Protect the Girls"
Albion - executes Knight's Counter vs Kobold King, causing moderate lethal damage to its armour
Glenshaw - cast Flamethrower vs Kobold King, causing moderate burning damage to its armour and small burning damage to its flesh!
Kobold King - executes Candle Light vs Opal, however the attack is deflected by KC who executes Protect the Girls and forces the Kobold King back!
Opal - executes Ranged Staff Attack, by concentrating her mystical power into her staff she is able to channel energy at Kobold King causing moderate nature damage to its armour and moderate nature damage to its flesh!
KC - executes 2x Slash vs Kobold King, however the rat king is prepared and deflects the combo completely forcing KC back!
Albion - executes Energy Blade vs Kobold King, by channelling energy through the blade he is able to unleash it towards Kobold King and cause small nature damage to its armour and moderate nature damage to its flesh!
Kobold King: You no take crown or candle!
Kobold King - executes Rat Rush vs KC's group, causing small smashing damage to all!
KC: This thing is starting to really piss me off!
Glenshaw: Then lets finish it off!
KC: (holding his sword in hand out towards Kobold King) Ok go now!
Glenshaw - casts Flame Wall, by concentrating his power into the palms of his hands and directing it towards the floor he was able to create a wall of fire allowing none on the ground to pass through!
Kobold King - executes Rat Bash Time vs KC, attempting to execute a powerful combo however the attacks are all blocked by KC as he locked his shield!
KC - executes Sky Dive vs Kobold King, by performing a rare manoeuvre with the help of Sky he is able to cause heavy lethal damage to its armour and cause it to sunder!
Kobold King - Yiiippp! I is gonna go splat!
Battle 9 Ends
The Kobold King in his panic turns away from the group and runs quickly in the opposite direction! Before the group have time to react the creature vanishes again from sight!
KC: Coward…
Opal: What was that creature?
Albion: …
Glenshaw: It was scary… and mean tempered!
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) Whatever it was it was not to happy about us being here… it also seems to have the ability to vanish almost instantly…
KC: Yeah well he will have to live with it….
Glenshaw: Yeah!
Opal: (smiling)
Albion: (still no different)
As the group walk away KC stops to look at blood which had fallen and splattered on the ground…
KC: ….
Opal: (turning back to see KC frozen) Are you alright KC?
KC: (still looking at the blood) Yeah… I'm fine…
He looks at Opal with his eyes wide open…
KC: Lets keep going…
The group then continue to walk on towards Thelsamar…
"Booze at Thelsamar, not much else is needed"
Location: Outside Thelsamar in Loch Modan
The group now stood just outside Thelsamar stared in astonishment… but not the kind you would expect in such a seemingly beautiful land…
Thelsamar was only a small town built by the dwarfs using stone and other materials the dwarfs excavated from the mines of unknown mountains but still it had a catching feel to it. It felt like this place could be nice to live in if a bit secluded and dangerous…
KC: Well its better than sleeping inside a small tenet in the middle of a swamp filled with angry giant spiders…
KC shivers as he just imagines the thought of being devoured…
Opal: Not sure that's really helping…
KC: (smirking) My bad…
Opal: (facing KC) ….
Glenshaw: Can we go now!?
KC: (looking at Glenshaw) Yeah alright be patient kiddo…
Glenshaw: (weird smirk) ….
The group enter Thelsamar…
1 minute later…
The party now stood in the middle of the small town. The buildings were literally built into the faces of the small hills that surrounded the town which meant the dwarfs liked living underground and had no windows… this would be uneasy. Their were dwarfs working at forges and some walking around on patrol since it was very dangerous around these parts as of late…
KC: Well I did say it was small…
Opal: Why are we here again?
KC: (looking at Opal aggravated) To find the map of Dun Morogh…
Opal: Is that land so unexplored?
KC: Well I have never been there…. You've never been there….
Sky: Even I never visited there it was far to windy with the snow forcing me in all directions…
Albion: ….
Glenshaw: ….
KC: (walking up to a dwarf patrolman) Excuse me…
Dwarf guard: Aye laddy?
KC: I'm looking for a way to navigate through Dun Morogh safely, do you know anyone in town that might help?
Dwarf guard: Aye that I do laddy, you should speak to Barador, he runs the Inn…
KC: Ok thanks…
Dwarf guard: No problem, take care laddy….
The dwarf guard walks away and KC faces the group…
KC: Ok lets go talk to this dwarf…
Opal: ….
The party head on to the Inn….
Location: Inn located in Thelsamar
The party enter inside the Inn, it was filled with dwarfs and men and some women…. anyway they seemed to be having a good time which was obvious really… with all the loudness… and the dancing…
KC: (looking around) Ok he told us to speak to the one who runs the Inn…
Glenshaw: (looking around stood beside KC) ….
Opal: (voice raised) Its very loud!
KC: (voice raised) Yeah is a bit aint it!?
Opal: (nodding weirdly)
KC: Lets just talk to this dwarf anyway…
Albion: This is not how we should conduct our private business…
KC: Argh! If you got any better ideas Albion please do share…
Albion: I say we just leave and go on to Dun Morogh anyway…
KC: Oh sure, then what?
Albion: Then we make haste towards Ironforge on horseback!
KC: Ok so how did you get rid of the freezing snow and where did the horses come from? Out your tight a-
Opal: (interrupting) Anyway! Lets just get this done shall we?
KC: (looking at Opal) ….
The group walk down the small steps and enter the Inn… as they did a dwarf and a man break out in a brawl and tumble over the tables onto the floor…
Albion: Charming….
Opal: !
KC: (patting the 2 men as they get up grappling) Whoa easy there fellas…
Glenshaw: ….
KC sits down at the bar and Glenshaw climbs up sitting next to him. Sky hovers off KC's shoulder and settles on the bar… just as he does so the barman walks up to them quickly who appeared to be human…
Bartender: (immediately facing the group) HEY! No animals or pets allowed inside!
KC: The bird's with me…
Bartender: I don't care if she is-
KC: And so is the pesky owl…
Sky: (squawking) !
KC: We aint staying long buddy, we need to speak to Barador…
Bartender: (leaning over the bar with one eye closed) And what be your business in Thelsamar then, eh young one?
KC: I need him to tell me where I can find a map to navigate through Dun Morogh…
Bartender: Oh I see, it be true that Dun Morogh is a dangerous place these days… filled with all kinds of horrid looking creatures…
KC: (eyes becoming wide) All the more reason why we need a map.
Bartender: (standing normally) I see…
KC: So go get the one who runs the Inn…
Bartender: And what be in it for him, not to mention me if I help ye?
KC: You don't have anything I need old man…
Bartender: Aye but I do laddy, I be Barador…
KC: You are Barador?
Barador: Aye and since I be of no importance to ye and just a old man then I guess you not be needing my help after all…
KC: (standing up and leaning on the bar) Then maybe I can persuade you in other ways…
Barador: That be right?
A gold coin flips in the air and lands on the bar… Barador quickly takes the coin and examines it as if to be cautious not to be conned as it were…
Barador: (facing the gold coin but his eyes settle at KC) …
KC: You help me and theirs another piece of gold in it for you…
Barador: Aye you be good at business, full of surprises aren't you lad!?
Barador lets off a loud laugh….
KC: That I am… now about the map…
Barador: Oh yes the map! If you be needing a map that tells you how to navigate through Dun Morogh then what you be needing as to speak with a dwarf who lives in town, his name is Yareuni…
KC: (annoyed slightly) I thought you had the map…
Barador: Then I guess you thought wrongly… eh lad?
KC paused with a annoyed expression for a moment… Opal could be seen looking at him as if she could not predict what he would do next…
KC; (standing normally) So this Yareuni can supply the map?
Barador: That he can…
KC immediately starts to walk away from the bar. Barador follows along the bar as if he isn't finished yet…
Barador: Hold on there lad!
KC: (stopping and facing Barador) ..
Barador: Did you not say that you would pay me an extra gold coin for the info?
KC: That I did… but that was when I thought you had the map…
Barador: So pay up… I gave you the information you needed…
KC: Then I guess you thought wrongly…
Barador: (annoyed) …
KC: (facing Barador for a moment then walking away)
The party now stood outside the Inn…
Albion: Was that really the best way to conduct business?
KC: You seen your share of battles Albion, but before and after that you stood like a lemon outside a castle guarding it with your life because one man ordered you to…
Albion: And what of it?
Opal: (facing KC)
KC: (looking at Albion) Don't lecture me on how to conduct business with low life's when experience has taught me all I need to know…
Albion: (annoyed but curious expression) …
Glenshaw: So now we see this Yareuni?
KC: Yep, then he gives us the map and then we can head on to Dun Morogh…
Glenshaw: And then?
KC: Then to Ironforge…
Glenshaw: And then?
KC: … Then we make our way to Stormwind…
Glenshaw: … And then?
KC: (eyes wide) Dude, that's really annoying…
Glenshaw: ... Sorry…
Opal: Dude?
KC walks back down the steps which went up to the Inn…
KC: Ok lets go find this guy…
The group follow KC…
"How to get a head in line 1"
4 minutes later…
Inside the home of Yareuni…
Yareuni: Aye make yourselves comfortable!
KC: Thanks…
Opal and Glenshaw sit down in some seats… if a bit small… KC stood in front of the dwarf trader Yareuni and Albion stood guard at the doorway…
Yareuni: Aye so what would ye fellow travellers be wanting from a simple trader such as me then?
KC: I've been asking around and I was told by several sources that you would be the one to supply items that you cant get in many places nowadays…
Yareuni: Aye that I do lad! Want be it that you need? A eye of Grendal? The bracelet of Sha? The map to the tomb of Sargeras?
KC: What? No-no none of that!
Yareuni: (fiddling with his beard) Oh…
KC: I need a map of Dun Morogh, so I can pass through safely….
Yareuni: Oh aye, the treacherous pass of Dun Morogh! Why don't ye just hire a guide?
KC: Not that many guides in town at the time and we're on a time limit… plus the task is… fragile…
Yareuni: Oh aye like that is it? Hmmm
KC: ….
Opal: (looking at Yareuni) …
Glenshaw: (sitting still)
Albion: (at ease near the door)
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) …
Yareuni: (frozen in thought for a moment) …
KC: …. Hello?
Yareuni: (eyes focused at KC suddenly) Oh aye yes I do know have a map of Dun Morogh that I can give ye!
KC: (smiling) Great!
Opal: (smiling)
Yareuni: But their be one small problem….
KC: (frowning) … What?
Yareuni: You see it is the last map I have of that region and I cant be parting with it for that very reason…
KC: But you're a travelling trader, don't you know the region like the back of your own hand?
Yareuni: It is very dangerous lands lad…
KC: (hands at his sides) Cant disagree with you there….
Yareuni: Right ye be lad! I can give you the map… but at one cost…
KC: What cost?
Yareuni: I'm sure your aware theirs a war on right now?
KC: Who isn't…
The memories of the past burn in KC's mind like a flame trapped in a enclosed glass… struggling to breath and slowly fading away…
Yareuni: Well theirs an ogre… actually more of a ogre camp located to the north east of this very town across the lake…
KC: What of it?
Yareuni: Well ye see lad, those ogres have been attacking and scavenging this entire land for quite some time now….
KC: You want me to kill the ogres?
Opal: ….
Yareuni: Well if that simply be the case it would be easy for a strong one such as yourself…
KC: (smirking) …
Yareuni: (eyeing KC from toe to abdomen) If a bit weird lookin…
KC: (frowning again) Get to the point… what's with you and the ogres?
Yareuni: They took an item of mine…
KC: And you want it back?
Yareuni: You catch on quick lad…
KC: I am surprised that a mere trader like yourself survived against fierce blood thirsty and merciless ogres…
Yareuni: Aye it was not me they took the item from lad, it was a delivery boy…
KC: (face in his palm and whispering to himself) Oh for God's sake…
Yareuni: You feelin alright lad?
KC: (looking back at the dwarf trader) Yeah peachy… you are telling me these ogres killed a young boy just for this item?
Opal: ….
Glenshaw: …
Albion: …
Yareuni: That's right…
KC: To the north-east is where they are camped right?
Yareuni: That's right…
KC: And you just want this item?
Yareuni: That's right… the item is a orb object, you cant miss it, I would prefer not to go into details…
KC: (face in his palm again) Yeah that's always the way with traders…
Yareuni: So you will do it lad?
KC: (eyes meeting Yareuni's) Yeah… ill go get that item back for you…
Yareuni: (smiling and cheering) Great lad!
KC: And you'll part with the map?
Yareuni: Right you are!
KC: Alright, our business is done then, farewell for now…
Yareuni: Good luck, lad!
KC leaves the trader's home followed by the rest of the party…
Location: Thelsamar, outside Yareuni's home
The party rest for a moment and decide their next move…
KC: (standing with arms at his sides) …
Opal: (next to KC) So what are we going to do now KC?
Glenshaw: (sitting down on a outside seat made out of stone) …
KC: (faces Opal) Find this ogre… kill it, then find the orb object so we can get that map…
Opal: Is this really the only way?
KC: We're on a time limit here princess, we have to be decisive and act now or we will be to late…
Opal: (eyes facing the ground as her head falls) …
Albion: …
KC: (hands on opal's shoulders) Look I know how you feel, you just want to help and you want it finished, but if we don't make hard choices we wont get anywhere…
Opal: (facing KC) …
KC: (standing normal) Lets just find this orb and get the map from the trader and we'll be outta here before you know it…
Opal: (smiling slightly) Ok KC…
Albion: …
Glenshaw: What if we cant find the ogre?
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) Or this orb object the trader wants…
KC: Argh! Trust you guys to ruin the moment!
Glenshaw: (frowning) ….
Sky: (can birds even frown?) …
KC walks a few steps away from the group and then turns to face them…
KC: We got a mission people! Lets get it done and get out of here…
Opal: (smiling) …
Glenshaw: Righty then!
Albion: ….
The party after savouring the moment a little head on to the north-east of Thelsamar…
Chapter 9
"A band of ogres"
4 hours later…
After much searching and only a fools hope left the party realise that they are lost in Loch Modan, they had headed north-east without any guide or map since their was none so that they may find this ogre camp and retrieve the orb. They were surrounded on all sides by nothing but forest and great green trees while a lush fertile grass laid about at their feet with the wind blowing the leafs away from them towards a darkening sunset. The party continued to walk in the same direction from town….
KC: It will be dark soon…
Opal: ….
Glenshaw: Are we lost?
KC: Naaah… just gonna take more time finding this ogre camp…
Albion: I think we would have spotted this so called ogre camp by now if it truly existed…
KC: (sighing)
Opal: We are lost…
KC: Ok I think we need a break…
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) I concur…
The party began prepping the camp gear…
8 minutes later…. it was now dark…
KC, Opal, Glenshaw, Albion & Sky are all sat down gathered around the burning camp fire…
KC: …
Opal: …
Glenshaw: (warming his hands up near the fire) …
KC: Should you even have to do that?
Glenshaw: I do get cold, I can only create fire when I concentrate…
KC: Ah right… good job on that fire…
Glenshaw: (weirdly smirking)
Opal: What if we cant find this ogre camp? Or retrieve this orb object the trader requires for the map?
KC: Then we might as well be lost right now…
Opal: But I have to-
KC: (speaking quickly) I know, we know how you feel Opal but this is a lot bigger than what it seems….
Opal: I know…
KC: If it is as bad as I think it is then their could be a whole different war between the two great continents…
Opal: My parents would never start a war!
Albion: I agree, the queen and the king would never go to such lengths! We pride ourselves on the natural way of things, we cherish the entire world!
KC: I know that the elves love nature and all, but any free thinking being can easily be selfish and cruelly influenced by great amounts of power…
Albion: (standing up and raising his fists) Tis nought but heresy! None of this shall come to pass! I will not allow it!
KC: (staring at the burning flames) …
Opal: Albion… please, settle down…
Albion: (sitting back down) Forgive my weakness, milady…
KC: (eating some bread) …
Glenshaw: ….
KC: I wouldn't worry to much, when we were setting up the tents I sent Sky on a recon mission around the camp… and with that half-eagle eye of his we wont be wondering around here for much longer….
Opal: (smiling)
Glenshaw: (smiling at KC) Well that's good news…
KC: (facing Glenshaw) Aint it?
Opal: (looking at KC) Why did you…
KC: (looking at Opal) Hmm?
Opal: KC why did you… accept the mission to assist Xathalius in kidnapping me?
KC: Why do you ask me this now?
Opal: I'm just wondering what encouraged you to take such a high risk job for such little pay?
KC: Ah thanks…
Opal: I don't mean to offend…
Albion: he is a rotten thief, he cares not for anyone else's burdens!
KC: (facing Albion) I got my own troubles to deal with, sir rusty…
Albion: (annoyed) …
Opal: So please… tell me why you accepted the task?
KC: I was here on the Eastern Kingdoms continent at the time, I was starving…
Opal: You had no method of acquiring your own supplements?
KC: Eh? If you mean I had no cash then… no that wasn't the problem…
Glenshaw: Cash?
KC: I had been captured by a large group of ferocious orcs somewhere east of Lakeshire…
Opal: (looking at the flames) These orcs are very persistent if crude…
KC: (facing the group) Yeah tell me about it….
Glenshaw: Aren't you?
KC: Yeah just listen… I was being held captive by these orcs, had been there for days…
ATE Begins
Location: Somewhere east of Lakeshire
3 weeks earlier…. somewhere to the east of the great human kingdom of Stormwind near Lakeshire…
KC locked inside a small cell kneeling down and grabbing at the cages bars notices dozens of orcs nearby on patrol and grouped together, they did not seem to be with the Horde faction as they carried a different banner…
KC: (hands gripped on the cage bars) Hey! When is the dinner break around here!
Orc grunt: (hitting the cage with a choppa) Shut it! Your gonna get fed whenz we see fit!
KC: Oh that's comforting, poke your arm through I think ill settle for meat that's gone off…
Orc grunt: (banging at the cage again) Har-haaar-haaaaa! Foolish lil humie!
KC: (sitting back in his cage) ….
A human voice is heard from someone in a cage just next to KC's…
Man in cage: I said "hey you!"
KC: (facing the other man) Who the hell are you?
Man in cage: Name's Blank… how the hell did you get stuck with the locals here?
A orc passes by banging at Blank's cage with a choppa blade…
KC: Pretty much that way…
Blank: They captured you too?
KC: Yeah I was passing through on my way to the Blackrock mountains till they caught me…
Blank: Blackrock mountains? Why in Christ's name would you want to go there?
KC: (looking around) Trying to undo the mistakes of the past…
Blank: Aren't we all?
KC: I wouldn't know.
Blank: ….
KC: So why are you here?
Blank: I was on surveillance here…
KC: …. Ok…
Blank: You don't need to know the details…
KC: (leaning back facing the orcs) If you say so…
Blank: ….
KC: ….
Blank: I am with a group…
KC: (facing Blank again) Alright…
Blank: Ever heard of Xathalius?
KC: Rumours and innuendos…
Blank Well anyway, we got this really big mission coming up and we're looking for help…
KC: Go on…
Blank: The mission is secret for now you have to join up with the band to know those details…
KC: Well I aint going anywhere…
Blank: Actually…
Blank forming a movement with his hands picks the lock of his cage and opens the door…
Blank: You are.
KC: (grabbing the cage bars) I guess I am…
Blank: (picking the lock of KC's cage) Com'n lets bust out of this joint…
The two warriors are now free from their cages…
Orc grunt 1: (seeing the captives) Ehhh!!! The humies are getting away!
Orc grunt 2: (looking around) GET EM! CHOP EM UP!
KC: (facing Blank) Got a plan I hope?
Blank: This way!
The two human captives run to their left, they were held in a fortress of some sort as they were surrounded by walls of stone except for the direction they were running in which led to the Redridge mountains….
Blank: (running for the rope bridge) Over there!
KC: (following Blank) !
A orc appears from out of view behind a wall and only just notices KC!
KC jumps up as he sees the orc first and clouts him one around the head! As KC lands on the floor the orc hit's the ground with a loud thump knocking him out!
Blank: (running beside KC) Hey nice one!
KC: (looking ahead) Yeah I do this for a living!
The two escaping captive humans run across the rope bridge to the other side where as they look down the mountains path they tremble slightly at the sight of a group of angry orcs approaching them!
KC: Ah crap…
Blank: …
KC: (shrugging) Now what?
Blank: (more relaxed) Don't lose hope yet friend…
As Blank utters those words a small airship drops from out of sight in mid-air and hovers at the mountains edge the engines roaring loudly! The two escaping humans run for the rope that had been thrown over the side!
Blank: (clinging to the rope) Com'n KC!
KC: (leaping for the rope)
As jumps for the rope and misses it by inches he tumbles towards the ground!
Moments later…
As the airship rises and the orcs at the mountains edge stare in amazement at the two humans they notice the end of the rope come into view and clinging to it is KC as he waves goodbye to the orcs…
KC: (climbing u the rope) That's the heroic jump of my life…
Seconds later KC is helped onto the airships exterior platform and greeted by Blank and Creed…
Blank: Welcome to the band friend!
KC: I guess they came to help you…
Blank: Nope… we came to help you…
KC: Come again?
Creed: (walking and stopping beside Blank) We've heard much about you KC… the great crusader…
KC: (puzzled expression) …
Creed: We need your help with a top secret mission of great importance…
Blank: I got myself captured and taken behind orc lines to help you escape…
KC stands facing the floor with his hands at his sides for just a moment…
KC: (facing Creed & Blank) So what is the mission exactly?
Creed & Blank: (smirking)
ATE Ends
It is now present time, 3 weeks back into the future…
Location: Somewhere north-east of Thelsamar in Loch Modan
KC: So that's how I came to meet Xathalius…
Opal: That is astonishing…
KC: (smiling)
Glenshaw: So they helped you escape?
KC: Yeah they later told me they had the airship waiting nearby so that when Blank and I would escape they could quickly approach the orc controlled fort and pick us up from the ground to the air…
Glenshaw: Amazing…
Albion: Pfft… pure luck…
KC: (smirking at Albion)
Opal: I think we should get some rest regardless…
KC: Yeah I think so too…
Opal: Then I shall retire, good night all…
Opal stands up and walks away to get inside the tent and as she looks back the group they wave and say "Night Opal"…
KC: (looking at Glenshaw & Albion) Better get a early night we're gonna need all our strength tomorrow for when we take down the ogres…
Glenshaw: (getting up and going inside the other tent) …
Albion: (walking and standing guard at the princess' tent) …
KC: (looking at Albion then the burning fire) Heh…
The group settle down for the night…
Voice: I have been thinking recently…
KC: Not you again…
Voice: Oh… you getting annoyed by me?
KC: Not at all, just wish you would tell me who you are…
Voice: I told you before… I am a friend
KC: A friend who's a voice in my dreams that haunts me never telling me why… ok…
Voice: Don't worry, you can stay macho all you want but soon you will have to come to terms with the truth…
KC: Come to terms with the truth? You talking about 5 or 6 years ago?
Voice: Around that time…
KC: Do I even know you?
Voice: Not yet… but you will some day…
KC: …
Voice: Wake up!
KC: Wha?
KC rocks around on the floor… after opening his eyes slightly bedazzled by a blurry vision he rubs his squinted eyes to see Glenshaw knocking him about at the shoulder… it was night and the surroundings were alight by torches that stood upon the ground…
Glenshaw: I said wake up!
KC: (sitting up) What?
Glenshaw: I think we've been had…
KC: What you on about-
A ogre grunt walks up to KC hitting him on the back mildly…
Ogre: You shut it!
KC: (rubbing his back and facing Glenshaw) …
Ogre: (walking away)
KC: Glenshaw… why are we surrounded by ogres?
Glenshaw: I don't know what happened KC… I think they carried us all away from our tents to their camp…
KC: (looking around) Oh… where is Opal and Albion?
Glenshaw: (shrugging) I aint seen them…
KC: (standing up) Well lets go find them!
As KC stands up and turns around he is grappled at the neck by a huge ogre! KC is lifted in the air, his feet off the ground!
KC: Argh!!!
Krashztek: (sniffing KC) You… you is smell not the same…
KC: (his hands grappling with the ogres arms) Let… go!
Glenshaw attempts to help but is pulled back by another ogre…
Krashztek: (grip tightening around KC's neck) You is not the same… as other humies…
Glenshaw: …
KC: Hey… screw you-you flat faced slab of dirt!
Krashztek: (puzzled expression) You not… even same as humans… you is… man full of mystery….
KC: Argh!
Krashztek throws KC down on the floor! He gasps for breath….
Krashztek: (holding a blunt weapon at KC) You… will watch all your friends die…
KC: (eyes wide at the ogre) …
Krashztek walks away muttering and roaring quietly…
Glenshaw: (helping KC up) You alright KC!?
KC: (holding hid throat) That's why… I hate ogres… always go for the throat.
Glenshaw: What did he mean you smell different?
KC: (coughing) I dunno…
Glenshaw: ….
KC: We have to find the others…
ATE Begins
Location: Somewhere at the ogre camp in Loch Modan
Albion: I am telling you the truth!
Albion is bonded between two walls by ropes at the wrists, his armour from the torso and shoulders had been stripped from him and he was being tortured by method of a heated metal pole!
Ogre: (burning Albion) Why are youz here!?
Albion: (screaming in pain) Arrrrrrggghhhhhhhhh!!!
Opal: (leaning against a wall hands bonded) Stop it!
Ogre: (pointing metal pole at Opal) You be next filthy humie!
Opal: (staring back at the ogre angrily) …
Ogre: (scoffing as he faces Albion) Tell me why youz is here! I will crush your bones with my fists!
Albion: You wont get anything… from me… you filth!
The ogre burns Albion just above the stomach, he screams from the agony of the searing heat as it burns away his skin!
ATE Ends
Location: Outside at the ogre camp in Loch Modan
Meanwhile with KC & Glenshaw, they are preparing to escape…
KC: Ok Glenshaw its time to get outta here…
Glenshaw: How?
Their feet were bonded… but only by rope…
KC: Burn through the rope with your fire magic…
Glenshaw: Yeah but what about all the ogres?
KC: (looking around) Hold on…
A ogre chatting with another group of ogres looks at KC & Glenshaw then back towards his ogre group…
KC: (grabbing a stone) Get ready…
KC throws the stone and as it hit's the face of the accompanying mountain and as it lands on the ground the ogres turn to face it… but they don't move anywhere…
KC: (sighing) Ooo-k…
Glenshaw: Let me try mine KC…
Glenshaw creates fire in the palms of his hands and throws a fireball towards a bush and a hedge… seconds later the brush is aflame! The ogres immediately turn to face the blazing fire and run towards it in surprise!
KC: Well that works too…
Glenshaw: (burning the rope) Ok KC lets get outta here and look for Opal and Albion!
KC: (nodding at Glenshaw)
KC & Glenshaw run towards the forest which was only 40 ft away! As they make it to the forest moments later they hide behind some trees looking back to see if any followed…
KC: (looking back) I don't think they followed us…
Glenshaw: (next to KC) …
A ogre emerges from the darkness of the forest and charges KC & Glenshaw! KC is thrown by the ogre's shoulder charge onto the floor! Glenshaw is forced against the tree onto the ground!
Krashztek: (picking up KC by his throat)
KC: Not… again!
Krashztek: You are… DEAD MAN!
KC: (staring straight into the ogre's eyes)
The ogre throws KC over the edge of a cliff which was shrouded by the night! KC falls towards the darkness of the pit! The ogre walks towards Glenshaw who attempts to throw fire as it burns in his hand…
Krashztek: (grabbing Glenshaw's hand) …
Glenshaw: Ah!
Krashztek: You die with the rest of the humans!
Glenshaw: (looking up at Krashztek with fury)
The Krashztek lifts Glenshaw up on his shoulder as he screams abruptly and is carried away by the ogre back to the camp…
"In times of war we gather together, when our home, our family, our friends are in harms way we do what we can so that we may protect that which matters to us the most, such things are revered as being afraid to be lost. Human conflict of emotions."
KC lay in a shallow river bed… his head under water… unable to breath…
KC: (lifting his face out the water) !
He looked around as his eyes came to focus only to notice he was laying in a shallow river stream which was only just deep enough to have broken the fall… or was it?
KC: (getting to his feet gradually) …. Sophia?
KC falls to his knees, his hands on the shallow river bed clutching between the rocks and the pebbles… the cold water stinging at his legs, fingers and feet…
KC: (standing up again) Where… am I?
He looked around to notice the cliff where he had fallen from and survived… he was surrounded on most sides by more mountain faces… except for the stream which led down and formed a river which ended at the dam…
KC: (walking forward slowly) I have to… help the others…
KC struggling to force his feet through the cold shallow water of the river makes his way following it towards the stream which went on downwards…
ATE Begins
Location: Ogre camp, the burning execution
Opal, Glenshaw and Albion were gathered around a a podium or a totem of some sort made of lumber that the ogres had built. They seemed to be honouring it like you would a God. The groups hands were bonded with rope…
Krashztek: (pointing at the group) You humans… will be sacrificed…
Opal: (looking around at her surroundings) …
Glenshaw: (looking at Opal then the ogre leader)
Albion: (staring at Krashztek) Wait! If you have to kill someone let it be me first!
Krashztek: You QUIET! All of you be burned before the mighty horseman of doom!
Opal: Horseman of…doom?
Albion: Enouth of this nonsense! Let us go we have done nothing to you!
Krashztek: (pointing with club in hand at the group) You shall be sacrificed to appease horseman! Your blood shall soothe the unending appetite of the dark rider!
Albion: Enouth riddles! Kill me or release me butcher, but bore me not with this ranting!
The ogre throws his club at Albion hitting him at the head and knocking him out cold!
Opal: (shouting at the ogre leader) Stop it!
Glenshaw: (struggling with the rope) !
It seemed Glenshaw could not use his magic due to some binding spell performed by the ogre casters…
Opal: Let us go or you will all suffer! I swear it by the Priestess!
Krashztek: (roaring loudly) HAR-HARR-HARRR! Youz cannot stop my mighty ogre clan!
Opal: (staring at the ogre leader) …
Glenshaw: …
Albion: (out cold on the ground)
Krashztek: (pointing at the group) Bring them forth to the pit of molt!
ATE Ends
Location: Somwhere near the ogre camp
KC was struggling trhough the stream but as he gathered what strength he had he made his way to a small mass of land that again was shrouded in darkness….
KC: (walking on land) Ugh…
He tumbles over and lays on the ground his eyes closed and breathing lightly…
"Watching over us, baring down upon us, breathing their grace through our mind and their strength through our hands, we are stronger at the price of our humanity. Breath of Angels."
As KC again slowly opened his eyes he catches sight of something… a figure far in the darkness… it began to become alight… the grace of a bright light reaching his eyes and soothing his mind. He began to feel stronger… his strength returning to his limbs and the fresh air returning to his lungs. KC stood up quickly and as his eyes regained their focus completely, he could not see the light anymore… had he been dreaming?
KC: (walking forward) What was that? How did that light…
KC shakes his head in confusion and frustration… his mind now healed…
KC: (looking forward) What is that?
He looks deeper into the pit of darkness and notices a entrance like a small shallow cove of some sort in the distance… KC walks forward and approaches the cove, no fear or caution questioning him…
Moments later…
KC was now stood inside the cave which was illuminated from some kind of crystal embedded into the walls of the cave interier, it was mostly dark but some how KC could see where he was going… as if he had night vision… only he didn't… did he? He walked forward futher into the cave as the crystals began to glow darker with a aura of red around them… the cave began to get loud as something was heard pulsing from deeper inside… the cave was darker… till finally after walking far enough KC gazed upon something settled inside a bowl made out of stone resting atop a stand…
KC: (stepping closer to the stone bowel) …
As he peered down he could see… a orb object… great in its manner but secret in its power…
KC: (picking up the orb) …
He held the orb slightly above his head, scanning the orb intimately and curiously with just his eyes…
KC: (holding the orb with one hand) Looks like I found it… but Opal and the others are in trouble!
Voice: They need your help KC…
KC: (turning around quickly) Who goes there!?
Voice: Don't you know me?
KC: (looking up) Yeah you're the ghost who haunts my dreams…
Voice: Am I just a ghost to you?
KC: (looking around and at the cave entrance) Well show yourself and lets find out…
Voice: I will soon, I promise you…
KC: (sighing and shrugging) …
Voice: But for now I have a different gift for you… one for all your birthdays that I've missed…
KC: What are you-
A sudden force rushes past KC! As an energy aura begins to form around his entire body he lifts up into the air a few ft of the ground! KC's arms are held out and his legs spread, the energy seems to be rooting from the orb held in his hand and surging throughout his entire body structure and into his mind! After only a moment of the unknown power surge, KC falls to the ground and on his knees… the orb still in his hand…
KC: (looking at the orb and at the cave entrance) I have to save my friends!
KC quickly gets up and runs out the cave!
ATE Begins
Location: Ogre camp, pit of molten fire
Krashztek: (mace pointed towards the party) Youz shall be burned and appease the dark rider!
Opal, Albion and Glenshaw were all tied up against posts… and just 5 ft away from their backs was a pit of molten lava… who knows how they got that there, maybe it was already there when they arrived? The heat from the fiery lava was rising and could be felt on all their backs which caused the party to sweat…
Opal: (eyes rolling) Whats with this dark rider? I demand to know why you are doing this!
Krashztek: (roaring) You shall be sacrificed to the horseman of doom! His satifisfaction meanz our survival! HAAA!!!
Opal: Horseman of doom?
Glenshaw: (tied up next to Opal) Don't like the sound of that…
Albion: (tied up next to Glenshaw) zzz ZZZ
Opal: (looking at Albion and sighing) Oh wake up for the Priestess' sake!
Krashztek: SILENCE!
The party stare weirdly at Krashztek standing in front them, the small army of ogres behind him were cheering and roaring with their hands and arms high, their weapons held gloriously in hand as if they had won a great victory…
ATE Ends
Location: North of the ogre camp, somewhere near the Loch Modan dam
KC quickly made his way down the mountains face, trying to be careful but also rushing as it was night and the rocks were slippery… not to mention the fact that the party were running out of time!
He dropped of the rocks and landed near the river which was at the base of the dam and then looked up… KC would have to climb up…
KC: (looking up) Ah nuts…
ATE Begins
Location: Ogre camp, pit of molt
Krashztek: Prepare to lower the humans into the pit of molten fire!
2 ogres wearing sinister and rather frightening masks approached Opal and turned her around to face the pit of molten fire… as if the common ogres face without a mask weren't bad enough already…
Opal: Hey! You cant just do this!
The ogres lower Opal who was still tied to the post towards the pit of molt, the pit itself was deep, it stretched about 22 ft into the earth itself and at the bottom you would be chilled as your eyes caught sight of the burning hot lava… even the heat from that height of the pit was unbearable…
"What makes a zero a Hero?"
Glenshaw: (facing the ogre leader) God damn you! If your gonna burn someone first! Then burn me!
Krashztek: LOWER HER DOWN!!!
The 2 ogres using a mechanism at both sides of the pit along with rope attached to the post lower Opal down into the pit slowly…
Glenshaw: No don't! OPAL!
Opal: (inside the pit and being lowered slowly) Ah!
Albion begins to wake up…
Albion: What is…
Glenshaw: (looks at Albion then Opal) !
Albion: (looking at Opal who was in the pit) GOOD GRIEVOUS AND FLABBERGASTING! PRINCESS!!!
Albion looks at Krashztek, the leader of the ogre clan…
Albion: YOU! Stop this at once madman! You are gonna suffer the death penalty!
Glenshaw: (sighing at Albion) Like he's really gonna listen to you now!
Albion: (facing Krashztek) ILL HAVE YOUR HEAD MONSTER!
Krashztek: HA-HAAA-HAAAAA!
Sky: (flying down from the heavens) !
The ogres peer at Sky as he swoops down and flutters about at Krashztek's head! The ogre clan leader attempts to bat him away but misses! Sky keeps fighting Krashztek and hovers towards the party who are tied up!
Glenshaw: Sky!
Sky: Where is KC!?
Glenshaw: I dunno! Help us! Help Opal quick!
Sky: !
As Sky hovers above the ground a axe hits him at his back which was unseen and unheard! Sky being mortally wounded falls away from the party slowly and hit's the ground! The heroic bird bleeds heavily as Krashztek gets closer to the bonded party…
ATE Ends
Location: Near the ogre camp
2 ogres spot someone approaching them at sprinting speed…
Ogre: STOP RIGHT THERE!
As the man comes into focus, KC jumps up and smacks both of the ogres simultaneously in mid-air with his bare fists then lands on his feet and continues to run into the ogre camp uninterrupted! The ogres land with a loud thump on the ground…
At the pit of molt 9 seconds later…
Ogre in back: YEEER! BURN EM! BURN EM A-
As the ogre shouts those words, KC jumps at his back and cuts his throat! The ogres shouting is fainted as blood spews out his mouth! KC runs quickly up to the pit of molt and he ducks to evade Krashztek's quick attack!
KC: (next to Glenshaw) Alright guys!?
Glenshaw: (looking at KC) Man am I glad to see you KC!
KC: (looking around as he unties Glenshaw's hands) Where is Opal!?
Albion: (pointing) She's in the pit of fire! Hurry and save her!
KC looking around notices the ogres at the wheel mechanism spinning it around which was extending the rope to lower Opal downwards into the fire! Quickly being able to untie Glenshaw, KC runs and kicks one of the ogres with enough strength forcing him away from the mechanism! KC turns the mechanism the other way round so that Opal ascends back up towards the surface!
Glenshaw: (standing in front of Krashztek) Come on!
Glenshaw charges fire in the palms of his hands as Krashztek approaches!
Seconds later as Krashztek is only a few ft away from Glenshaw the fire is lunged at the ogre's torso forcing him back and causing some burn damage to the flesh!
Krashztek: (pointing) ARGH! GET EM! CHAAARGE!!!
The small army of ogre's charge towards the party! As they do so, Glenshaw in the same moment burns away the ropes bonding Albion at his hands and ankles then quickly turns to face the ogres and creates a wall of fire behind Krashztek and 2 of the other charging ogres!
Glenshaw: (seeing the charging ogres) !
Albion: !
Battle 10 Begins
Krashztek: CRUUUSH THEM!!!
Ogre 1 & 2: YESSS!!!
Albion: Have at thee monsters!
Albion manages to find a nearby blade which lay about on the ground…
Krashztek - executes Charge & 2x Bash vs Albion, causing moderate smashing damage to the flesh!
Albion: Is that all the strength you possess!? Foolish mindless beasts!
Glenshaw: …
Albion - executes Knight's Charge & 3x Slash vs Ogre 1, causing heavy lethal damage to the armour and small lethal damage to the flesh!
Glenshaw - casts Fireball vs Krashztek, causing moderate burning damage to the armour and small burning damage to the flesh!
KC - operating the mechanism he is able to ascend Opal higher towards the surface!
Ogre 1 - executes Charge & 2x Bash vs Albion, causing moderate smashing damage to the flesh!
Ogre 2 - executes Charge & 1x Bash vs KC, causing small smashing damage to the armour and small smashing damage to the flesh!
KC: Guys you have to keep them off me or else Opal will burn to death!
Glenshaw: I got you covered KC!
Glenshaw - inspired by KC's words casts Molten Shield on KC, whenever a hostile target attacks KC at close range they will now be burned!
KC: Hey nice touch Glenshaw…
Glenshaw: (smiling)
Krashztek: Ill crush all of youz!
Krashztek - executes Charge & Crushing Pincer vs KC, causing moderate smashing damage to the armour and moderate smashing damage to the flesh! In addition KC has been incapacitated by the attack and Krashztek suffered some burn damage!
Glenshaw - casts Flamethrower vs Krashztek, causing heavy burning damage to the flesh! In addition the spell was a critical hit hence Krashztek is suffering burn damage over time!
Albion - casts Break Armour vs Ogre 1, by channelling the energy of nature through the blade Albion is able to throw the energy using the blade towards the enemy foe breaking away the armour completely!
Ogre 1 - executes 2x Bash vs Albion, causing moderate smashing damage to the flesh!
Albion - executes Knight's Counter vs Ogre 1, Albion with retribution in mind and his strength fading is able to counter Ogre 1's attack, causing heavy lethal damage to the flesh!
Ogre 1 is killed by Albion's attack and tumbles over!
Albion: I shall slay all of thee monsters!
Krashztek: RAAAAAR!!!
Krashztek - enraged by Ogre Frenzy executes Ogre's Charge & 5x Bash vs Albion, causing extreme smashing damage to the flesh!
Albion is knocked out by Krashztek's attack!
Glenshaw: Albion!
Krashztek: HA-HAAA-HAAAAA!!!
Glenshaw: (angered expression)
KC has regained consciousness!
KC - operates the mechanism and is able to ascend Opal higher towards the surface
Glenshaw - casts Pyroblast vs Ogre 2, by charging the fire in his hands for longer and channelling more energy and heat Glenshaw is able to create a bigger ball of fire and throw it at a enemy foe, causing extreme burn damage to the flesh!
Ogre 2 is burned to death by Glenshaw's spell and tumbles over!
KC - operates the mechanism quickly and is able to ascend Opal towards the surface completely!
KC frees Opal from her bonds as she is not wounded but over-heated!
KC: (facing Opal) You ok Opal?
Opal: (looking at KC) I am now... KC…
KC & Opal: (smiling)
KC & Opal join the battle!
Krashztek: ME CRUSH! YOU DIE!
KC: I don't think so!Opal: Time to die… evil ogre!
Krashztek: ARRRGGGHHH!!!
KC: (pointing at Krashztek) You hurt my bird, your ass is MINE!!!
Krashztek - executes Shoulder Bashing vs KC & Opal, causing moderate smashing damage to their armour and small smashing damage to their flesh! Both of them are knocked down by the attack but are able to get back up quickly!
KC - was unable to act as he was knocked down by Krashztek's Shoulder Bashing!
Glenshaw - casts Pyroblast vs Krashztek, as the fire is built up in his hands and charges up Glenshaw attempts to throw the ball of fire at Krashztek, however the ogre leader stops the spell casting by quickly throwing a axe towards Glenshaw's head! He is able to evade the attack fully by falling back and unfortunately is left hanging on the edge of the pit of blazing fire!
KC: (looking back) Glenshaw!
Glenshaw: (shouting from the edge of the pit) Help me!
KC: (facing the Krashztek) Hold on!
Glenshaw: What you think I'm doin!
Opal - attempts to help Glenshaw of the pit's edge, however Krashztek throws a axe towards her just missing her shoulder and disappearing into the dark night! Opal falls on the ground due to shock from the attack by Krashztek!
KC - executes Protect the Girl's & 3x Fist Bash vs Krashztek, causing heavy smashing damage to the armour and sundering it apart!
Krashztek - executes 1x Deadly Axe Throw vs KC, the axe is thrown directly for KC's head! As the axe is hurled towards KC the weapon is split apart as he raises his hand and extended from the bone structure of his hands are what seem to be blades made out of a solid metal!
Krashztek: What weapon is this man wielding!?
KC could only stare in amazement at the spines of metal that were sticking out between the fingers of his hands… 2 blades on either side were short but the metal blade in the middle seemed to be long like the blade of a sword…
KC: What the holy h-
Opal: (looking at KC from the floor) ….
KC looks at the ogre leader as the metal blades resend back into his hands…
KC: I don't know how-
Krashztek - executes 1x Deadly Axe Throw vs KC! The axe is hurled and on a path directly towards KC's skull! As the axe is a few ft away from KC the weapon is halted as a wounded Sky plunges himself between the axe and KC's face intervening the attack! Sky falls past KC and lands at his back!
Sky lays on the floor near-death!
KC looks at his beloved friend and back at Krashztek in frustrated anger… his eyes as if they were burning with a different kind of fire…
Opal: (looking surprised at KC) !
KC: Son of a bitch!!!
KC - executes Heroes Revenge vs Krashztek, KC charges at Krashztek infuriated by the loss of a friend he had known many years, as the ogre clan leader Krashztek throws more axes picked up from the ground towards KC he parries them completely with the metal blades extended from his hands and as he reaches the ogre deflecting his final melee attack and roaring loudly KC lunges the claws directly into the ribs of Krashztek, causing almost instant death!
Battle 10 Ends
KC stood looking over the corpse of the ogre leader, his eyes rising slowly towards his small army as they stood silently and their faces surprised…
KC: …
Opal: (looking over at KC) We need you over here! KC!
KC: (turning around quickly) !
KC runs to the side of Opal who was kneeling down beside Albion who was sitting back against a mass of huge rock and had been wounded mortally…
KC: Opal… you can help him with your healing powers…
Opal: (holding her hands over Albion) ….
A aura of silver light appears around Opal's hands as she attempts to heal Albion's wounds…
KC runs over to his friend…
Opal: (looking at Albion) You ok Albion?
Albion: (opening his eyes and looking at Opal) Princess?
Opal: (smiling with a tear in her eye)
Albion: Now princess… don't let me see you cry…
Opal: (still smiling) You should be fine Albion… you have performed your duty well…
Albion: (nods)
After helping Glenshaw up out of the pit, Opal looks around to notice a distraught KC on his knees with his friend in his arms who had bled to death… Glenshaw walks over to stand at KC's right side…
Opal stands along with Albion at KC's left side…
KC: He was… a bird brain… but he was my best friend… and he saved my life…
KC stares down at Sky who is covered in blood and his eyes closed, no movement at all…
Opal: KC… I'm sorry…
Albion: ….
Glenshaw: …
Glenshaw looks as the small army of ogre's stand and stare at the party their faces just simple and bare like they did not know what they were feeling… like anger had left them and was replaced with something more… gentle… even for a giants heart…
Glenshaw: KC…
KC: (resting his face against Sky) …
Glenshaw: Do you think?
KC: (voice feint) Do I... think what?
Glenshaw: Do you think we can-
Opal: I'm sorry… I have the power to heal wounds but I cant bring anyone back from the spirit realm…
KC: … …
Glenshaw and Opal rest their hands on KC's shoulders as he kneels ever still with his friend still in his arms… the metal blades from his knuckles were slowly resending back into his hands… it was like they were a part of his very exoskeleton… but how could such things be possible?
KC: I am sorry friend… but you saved my life…
KC closes his eyes… from his pain a new light shall cometh… from the tear that drops from his face and lands on Sky the physical body shall be made anew…
Seconds later as a thin line shoots outwards from Sky and a aura erupts from the line of light…
Sky: (fluttering about as he is revived!) KC watch out!
KC: (expression of astonishment) !
Opal: (even more amazed) !
Glenshaw: (face dropped) …
Albion: (staring and bewildered) …
Sky: (looking up) Why are you all crowded around me for? What happened!?
KC: Ah you dumb bird!
KC jumps up and grappling with Sky the revived bird only just manages to cling to KC's arm as he dances around in shock and amazement! Opal & Glenshaw are heard cheering in the background…
Sky: Whoooa! Steady on there fella! What is with all the-
Sky notices the dead ogre leader on the ground…
Sky: Ooohhh… I was dead…
KC: Damn right you were!
KC kisses Sky via a peck on the side of his skull…
Sky: Uhwa-ehhh!
KC: HAA-HAAA!
KC regains his calm and stops smiling at Sky who looks back at him confused, bewildered and with questions…
Sky: How did you bring me-
Opal: KC… something happened… you were dead Sky…
Sky: (facing Opal weirdly) Well… that's new…
KC: (smiling and facing Opal) Yeah its new for me too…
Opal: (smiling at KC)
Glenshaw: How did you bring him back from death KC?
Albion: (walking forward slowly) That is a rare gift indeed but not unheard off…
KC: (facing Albion) How many do you know who can return the spirit to the body Albion?
Albion: Very few… I only hear that followers of the light, keepers of nature and great leaders are able to return the spirit to the body…
KC: Well I am none of them but… I'm just glad to have my buddy back!
KC strokes Sky on the top of his head, Sky flaps around from the excitement and as KC stands normally again facing the group who are looking back at him in amazement…
KC: Seriously guys… I don't know how it happened… just be glad it did…
Glenshaw: What about the metal blades in your hands?
KC: (raising his hand close to his face) I cant explain that either…
Glenshaw: ….
Opal: Are you sure?
KC: (smirking) I would ask you to read my mind but can any of you do that? Nope? Guess you'll just have to trust me then…
Opal walks forward and rests her hand gently on KC's shoulder as if he was as fragile as glass and that only she knew that right now…
Opal: (smiling) I trust you KC…
KC: (looking into Opal's eyes) …
Sky: You have… claws?
KC: (raising his hand towards Sky) Hmm…
KC with his finger tips feels gently along the top of his hand…
Sky: Where in the Titan's names did those blades come from?
KC: No idea dear friend, but I will find out soon enough, I'm sure of that…
Opal: Oh! What about the orb object!
KC: (searching through his pockets) Uh…
KC reveals a orb in his hand that he holds up to show to the party…
The party is also very surprised once more as the ogre army kneels down before them…
Ogre army: (all together) Dark… rider…
KC: Uh…
Glenshaw: (walking forward closer to KC) When you were thrown off the cliff and we were captured the ogre leader said something…
KC: (facing Glenshaw) Uhhh?
Glenshaw: He said he was going to sacrifice us to the "Horseman of Doom"…
KC: Horseman of Doom? Thought he comes out only during Halloween?
Glenshaw: Oh no that's the Headless Horseman, KC…
KC: Oh yeah… hold on!
Glenshaw steps back a little surprised as KC raises his finger like something had just come to mind…
Glenshaw: What?
Opal: ???
Albion: ???
KC: I have heard of the Horseman of Doom! I think it's a avatar of some sort…
Opal: Avatar?
KC: Avatars are beings summoned-
Opal: Summoned by ancient and powerful orbs that were scattered a thousand years ago around the world to stop fortune seekers and those of terrible greed from getting a hold of them…
KC: (facing Opal weirdly) Uh… yeah… I guess…
Opal: …
KC: How did you-
Opal: Being kept in the castle and rarely going outside allows me to read a lot…
KC: Oh…
Albion: (rolling his eyes) …
Glenshaw: We have more questions now… but we also have that orb the trader wants…
KC: Yes… I have words for him…
Glenshaw: ???
Opal: Uh… KC…
KC: (facing Opal) Now what?
Opal: (pointing at the small ogre army) …
KC: (looking at the small ogre army) Oh…
KC walks forward so that every ogre still kneeling can see KC in full view along with his friends at his side…
KC: Ogres! I have slain your leader! Who is it that you serve!?
Ogre army: (all together) Horseman of Doom!!!
KC: Ogres! I possess the orb of power! The Horseman of Doom is mine to command! Tell me now, whom is it that you serve!?
Ogre army: (all together) Nobody!!!
KC closes his eyes a little and sighs faintly… his eyes open fully again as another idea enters his mind…
KC: Ogres! I will slaughter every one of you using my weapons and the power of this orb! Now tell me whom is it that you serve now!?
Ogres army: (struggling but eventually all together) KC!!!
KC: (coughing) That's a little better…
Opal: Would you really have slaughtered all of them?
KC: (facing Opal weirdly) Nah, I would have been more likely to bash my head on one of these rocks in frustration…
Opal: (weird expression) Ah…
Glenshaw: …
Albion: …
KC: Lets get back to the trader…
Sky: (hovering and landing on KC's shoulder) …
The group head on out of the ogre camp back towards Thelsamar…
"How to get a head in line 2"
Location: Thelsamar, home of Yareuni the trader
Some time later, its morning and the party are at the trader's home…
KC: (walking in from the entrance) …
Opal: Are you alright, KC?
KC: Yeah… I had to see a healer… about my hands…
Opal: (puzzled) …
Yareuni: So do you have my item?
KC: I got your orb right here…
KC digs into his backpack and takes the orb object holding it in his hand in full view… the trader looks at KC completely surprised and baffled… almost like he never expected to see it… like he knew it was almost suicide…
Yareuni: (stepping forward) So… you got the orb…
KC: (nodding) Had to kill an ogre leader to find it…
Yareuni: Ahhh…Krashztek… I thought ye might land in some trouble with that brute, but I thought you could handle yourself…
KC: A heads up would have been nice…
Opal: …
Yareuni: Well I thought you could-
KC: Handle ourselves… yes… but not against the ogre army that we found there…
Yareuni: Yes well-
KC: You never told us about that did you?
Yareuni: Well you never asked…
Albion: Its not the supplier's job to ask about the merchandise, you should have given all available information whether it was asked for or not!
KC: I lost my friend because of you!
Sky: (flapping his wings) …
Glenshaw: And I almost burned to a crisp!
Yareuni: Well you seem to all be here…
KC: (eyes wide) Yeah well events that follow with chaotic moments seem to take a toll on you after a while and change you forever…
Yareuni: (shrugging) It does not matter to me! Give me the orb! Now!
KC: (approaching Yareuni) …
Yareuni: (holding out his hand) …
As KC reaches Yareuni… he quickly grabs the dwarf by the neck and manages to get him in a head lock and a very sharp dagger held in his left hand follows which touches the cheating trader's neck…
KC: I'm taking this orb…
Yareuni: (struggling slightly) Argh!
KC: And I am taking that map…
Yareuni: So you are going back on your deal!?
KC: Deal was to save a boy, kill one ogre boss and maybe a few other ogres at a camp and to retrieve an orb, you lied to use and left out the details old dwarf!
Yareuni: (not struggling) Ah!
KC: (tightening his grip) Now tell me… where is that map?
Yareuni: (pointing with his hand) Over there…
Albion walks over to check where the dwarf was pointing and as he lifts up a container KC quickly tells him to stop! As Albion only just reacts to KC's quick warning the box spews forth ice which would have frozen Albion's head completely but luckily thanks to KC's instinct the ice only just missed him and hit the wall…
KC: (throwing Yareuni on the floor) !
Yareuni: (against the wall looking up) Damn it! Ill have you all for this!
KC: Not if I off you first…
KC takes out a pistol from his holster which he had not used till now… he points it directly at Yareuni's head…
Opal: (walking to KC's side) Wait… KC… you don't have to do this…
KC: …
Yareuni: (looking up at KC) …
Albion: He has put us at risk with no consideration for our lives in order to acquire a powerful, rare and unknown item and attempted to kill one of us again just now… we have that right…
Opal: (looking back at Albion) Its not for us to decide who we execute!
Albion: (at attention) …
Glenshaw: (standing beside Albion) …
Opal: Please… KC… don't kill him, turn him over to the guards… let them handle his conviction…
KC stands with the gun pointed at the dwarf's head… his eyes are wide and his hand is steady… a moment passes by…
He puts down the gun and rests it in the holster…
Yareuni: (sighing)
KC: Where's the map?
Opal: (looking around on the shelves)
KC: …
Yareuni: …
Opal being as clever as she was with books manages to find the maps amongst some other scrolls a few seconds later…
Yareuni: You cant take that!
KC: I am taking the orb and the map! You wont need them where your going…
Yareuni: (looking at the floor) …
Opal walks over to KC and hands him the map which he opens up and studies for a moment…
KC: Ok, looks like we can follow this pass here out of Loch Modan and head on to Dun Morogh…
Opal: ….
Albion: …
Glenshaw: …
Sky: What about just there?
KC follows Sky's eye sight focused at a location on the map…
KC: That gate is locked, they wont let us through…
Sky: …
KC puts the map in his backpack and the orb in his coat pocket…
KC: Alright we have the map… and this orb…
Yareuni: You don't even know… what that orb is capable of…
KC: (kneels down next to Yareuni) I may not know that just yet but its better in my hands and safer out of yours…
Yareuni: …
KC: If I see your face again it will be for the last time…
Yareuni: (smirking) …
KC stands up and faces the group…
KC: Ok lets head on out of here…
The party leave the home of the sinister and crazed trader and enter the streets of Thelsamar…
Albion: (walking up to a dwarf guard) You there… guard!
Dwarf guard: Aye lad?
Albion: Theirs a trader who resides in that location there
Albion points over to the traders home…
Dwarf guard: Aye that I know… wait.. You are a royal knight of Darnassus…
Albion: That I am…
Dwarf guard: (saluting) A honour to make your acquaintance sir…
Albion: Likewise… as for the trader living there he has committed a crime…
Dwarf guard: A crime?
Albion: Attempted murder…
Dwarf guard: You have any proof lad?
Albion: Just over here-
As Albion and the dwarf guard look back at Yareuni's home they spot the dwarf trader running out of the town exit!
Albion: He is escaping! KC!
KC: (looking around and spotting Yareuni) !
KC steps forward along with the party as they see the fleeing dwarf leave their view…
KC: Damn it…
Glenshaw: He escaped?
Opal: I cant believe he ran… such a coward…
KC: Survival is what matters… that's what I hear anyway…
Albion: Should we go after him?
The party look over to see 2 dwarf guards pursuing after the fleeing trader who had just mounted and stolen a domesticated goat and headed off to the north…
KC: Bit to late for that now…
Albion: Coward dwarf… if I had my chance I would have-
KC: We got enough blood and trouble on our hands Albion…
Albion: …
Opal: …
Glenshaw: So are we leaving?
KC: Yeah… lets get outta here…
Glenshaw: (smiling)
The party walk on to leave town… when a disturbance is heard to their left from inside the Inn… shouts and barking can be hard… wait… barking? As the group look over at the entrance to the building they notice a… dog run down the steps and as it made its way down quickly it stoped a few ft away from the party skidding along the floor and looking up at them with its canine eyes… it appeared to be a german shepherd breed…
KC: What the… bloody hell?
Glenshaw: Awww it's a doggy!
Dog: Woof!
Opal walks over to the homeless dog and kneels beside him…
Opal: (stroking the dog) Awww hes so cuuute!
KC: (covering his face with his palm) …
Sky: (perched on KC's shoulder) Whats with the huge ball of fur?
KC: I am guessing its previous owner wants him to vacate the premesis…
Dog: Woof!
KC: (smirking at the dog) …
Opal: KC… should we take him?
KC: (looking at Opal shocked slightly) What!?
Glenshaw: Lets keep him!
KC: (lecturing stance) We cant just take the damn dog with us! We have had enough excitement for today!
Opal: (facing KC) But he is homeless…
KC: I never had a real home and look I am still here!
Opal: …
A Foogle emerges from the Inn hovering down the steps and resting on its feet next to the dog and looking up at the party…
Dredeon: Oh kupo… so glad you found him, kupo…
KC: (looking at Opal weirdly) I suppose you are gonna say "lets keep him!" next eh?
Opal: (looking at KC) This is no time for joking KC…
KC: (sighing)
Dredeon: I'm sorry… is this bad time?
Glenshaw: Are you… a foogle?
Dredeon: Kupo! You know of us kupo!
Glenshaw: (smiling) I met two other foogle's back in Darnassus called Monikia and Neil…
Dredeon: (getting excited) KUPO! You met Neil kupo!?
Glenshaw: (nodding)
Dredeon: It is good news to hear that Neil is travelling!
Glenshaw: Oh here also… gave me this…
Glenshaw pulls out a letter from his pocket which had been folded and hands it over to Dredeon…
Glenshaw: I think its for you…
KC: (looking at Glenshaw then Dredeon weirdly) …
Opal: (now standing beside KC after walking to him) …
Dog: (on his belly and licking his paw)
Albion: (standing behind Glenshaw) What is going on?
KC: (slouching to one side with one hand on waist) I think they are just catching up…
Albion: Ah…
Dredeon (foogle): (opening the letter and reading)
"Dear Dredeon"
"You'll never guess what! I survived and made it to Darnassus after travelling all the way through Kalimdor!"
"I am going to stay in Darnassus for a little time, but don't worry to much about me ok dear friend?"
"See you soon MUPO!"
"Neil"
Dredeon (foogle): (looking up at the party) It is good to finally hear from him after months, mupo!
KC & Opal: (both smiling weirdly)
KC: Well its great to know some good came out of today…
Opal: …
Dredeon (foogle): As thanks mupo, I would like you to care of Thomas!
KC: Who the hell is Thomas?
Dog: Woof!
The dog gets up and jumps on KC, he leans back a little as the huge dog's paws are on his chest and he compensates for the weight imbalance….
KC: Down boy!
Dredeon (foogle): Down Thomas!
Dog: (settling as normal) Woof!
KC: Why cant you just keep the dog?
Dredeon (foogle): I cant take care of him no more, mupo! I plan and leaveing and it will be to dangerous for me and him together, mupo!
KC: Wouldn't it be more dangerous by yourself?
Dredeon (foogle): Pardon me but… I can just fly away form danger, mupo!
KC: (smirking) Fly eh? Sounds cool…
Dredeon (foogle): (doing a foogle smile)
Opal: We will take care of Thomas for you…
KC: (head dropping towards the ground) …
Opal: (looking at KC) Alright… KC?
KC: (looking up at the sky) More the merrier I guess…
Dredeon (foogle): That is good news, mupo!
Thomas: Woof!
Dredeon: See! He is smiling at you!
KC looks at the dog who was facing him directly with a expression that semed like a doggy smile…
KC: Ha… cute… but he better not get in our way…
Dredeon (foogle): He is a good dog, mupo! He will protect you!
KC: Ok fair enough…
Thomas: Woof!
Dredeon: Thanks, mupo! I better get back inside before the bar owner crushes my allowance again!
The foogle flutters of back inside the Inn…
KC: …
Opal: …
Glenshaw: Awww a doggy!
KC: (face in his palm) …
Opal: (looking at KC then at Thomas) …
Opal: strokes the dog again, Thomas seems to like Opal as hes wagging his tail…
Opal: Hes a good doggy!
Thomas: (doggy smile)
Sky: Just make sure he doesn't eat me…
KC: Relax Sky… if anything the dog will probably end up being our dinner…
Opal: KC!
KC: (holding his hands up) I'm kidding!
Thomas: (barking) WOOF!
KC: Anyway… lets get going…
Opal: (smiling)
The party walk forward towards the entrance/exit of Thelsamar except for KC who walks over to a sleeping Albion that has passed out… on his feet! KC slaps Albion on the back and walks away as Albion wakes up looking around cautiously…
Albion: (anxious) Whoa! Who goes there!? Halt!
Albion coming to his senses runs and joins with the rest of the party. The dog stays put looking at the Inn then back at the leaving party… KC stops as they continue to walk past him and onwards out of Thelsamar…
KC: (facing the dog) Here Thomas! Here boy! I'm your guardian now!
Thomas: (walks following KC a few ft behind him) …
The party have left Thelsamar and are once again on the open road heading towards the snowy fields of Dun Morogh…
Chapter 10
"Who we may become"
What you see here? What is it that you don't see? Nothing is the same… nothing is normal anymore… everything and everyone has changed and they are no longer what they seem to be. How do you know you can trust anyone? Even those closest to you? Maybe even someone you love? The truth is we don't know for certain but it is human nature to try anyway….
Some time in the future…
Location: Unknown
Sophia: KC! You have to stop this! You cant betray us all like this!
KC: The man you believed in was a lie! I am more powerful than any being that has blessed or cursed this world!
Sophia & KC stood upon a upon a gap in the world, ice was tumbling around them and falling towards a great blue ocean filled with the dead of many fallen crusaders…
Sophia: Please KC! Its over, come with me I can help you!
KC: (lifting up a sword in the air) Its not over! This is just the beginning! The beginning of a new world!
Energy propels from the sword towards the sky and beams right through to the heavens…
Sophia: What about me!? Are you just going to let us all die here!?
KC: I am no longer bound by a mortal coil and yet you are all trapped inside your shells, ignoring the truth!
Sophia: What truth, what you talking about!?
KC: I am no mere human, I am something more! I have turned something from immortal that was mortal and made it forever!
Sophia: But you will destroy the world doing so!
KC: The world will be born again!
Sophia: KC I cant let you do that!
KC approaches Sophia, walking down ice cold steps of power towards the one he once called "my love" whom thought of him as "her lover"…
KC: Its to late, the King of Death and ruin has fallen and the wheels of fate are in motion, balance will finally reign down upon the mass of thee…
Sophia: (sheathing her golden sword) I loved you once, but I wont let you destroy the world!
KC stood a few ft away from Sophia pointing his sword at her…
KC: You don't have a choice… my love…
Sophia: (eyes wide) … …
KC: You also don't have to end here, join with me and we can blossom together, here we will rule for a millenia…
Sophia: I would join you, but not to bring chaos to the whole planet…
The waves of the surrounding ocean begin to force themselves against the icy rocks… the wind heavy on their backs and the cold freezing their toes. The ground shook as the crust of the world began to realign…
KC: Then I will simply change not the past nor the future but the world itself and shape it to our minds, Pandora will become Grace…
Sophia: …
KC: …
They star crossed beings wielding legends of both mind and body take their stances of combat. KC dropping the sword he held raises up his claws of unbreakable metal while Sophia wields a sword forged of blessed gold…
Future Battle Begins
KC - casts Coil of Death vs Sophia, causing extreme chaos damage to the armour
Sophia - executes Golden Rush & 3x Gold Slash vs KC, causing extreme damage to the armour and no damage to the flesh
KC: I cant be stopped, the wheels of fate are roaring and the world will rumble beneath our own feet…
Sophia: Save me a seat, I am not leaving till one of us have fallen here…
KC jumps up onto another platform inside the great ice chamber, Sophia follows quickly!
Sophia - executes Golden Descend vs KC, attempting to cause extreme damage to the armour and flesh but KC parries the sword with his unbreakable claws of metal!
KC - executes Rush & Claw Scrap vs Sophia, attempting to cause heavy damage to the flesh but Sophia absorbs the attack with a magical energy shield!
KC jumps away from the icy platform and proceeds to run up the icy wall at vast speed! Sophia quickly follows with a golden aura following behind her!
Sophia - executes Swift & Propel Attack vs KC, causing moderate damage in mid air to the flesh!
KC - executes Hover & Great Grapple, by jumping off the wall which he had run upon at vast speed and grasping Sophia in his arms KC is able to leap and then drop Sophia in mid-air towards the ocean of ice….
Sophia - casts Golden Wings, by creating a avatar of wings on her back she is able to fly upwards out of the icy chamber and settle on a platform where the ice had shattered away from leaving only a narrow pass high towards the sky overlooking the entire continent of the frozen wasteland…
KC fly's upwards and settles just in front of Sophia who flaps the golden wings behind her, those wings shatter into 300 pieces of gold and fade into the transitioning air…
Future Battle Ends
KC: I was definitely surprised the first time I saw them…
Sophia: (kneeling and then standing up) You don't have to do this KC… we can find a way out of this… together…
KC picks up the Golden Sword that had been dropped by Sophia as she landed…
KC: (approaching Sophia) Its to late… I know what I have to do…
Sophia: Do you remember what you told me back then?
KC: I would always protect you?
Sophia: Well that and… that you loved me…
KC: (pointing the sword directly at Sophia) All but illusions of granduer, I have felt something that transcends love and pain!
Sophia: (a tear in her eye and her voice weaker) Please don't go… where I cant follow…
KC: (lifts the sword high in the air) I already visited that palace! I was forced out with no mercy!
Sophia: (looking at KC)
KC: (looking into her eyes)
The golden blade falls towards Sophia…
A curtain of change is drawn…
She twists again and again then turns in her slumber…
KC stands under a dark and blood drenched sky… clouds of darkness being born and scorching the beautiful blue that no longer exists…
The world burns… its humanity and all life torn away from it in a instant, the planet screams as he stands amongst its dead, their bones and their skulls littering the floor… with KC smiling as he gazes at them and the blood filled sky begins to rain down upon his face. He holds out his arms in his triumph and gazes at his creation in gruesome satisfaction…
What shall become of this man?
Location: Just off the path to Dun Morogh
Opal wakes up screaming inside her tent!
Opal: (sitting up) No! STOP! KC!
The tent entrance opens up and outside KC & Albion can be seen looking inside, the darkness of the night behind them…
KC: Opal!
Opal: (eyes closed) You have to stop!!!
KC: (entering the tent) OPAL!
KC grabs Opal at the shoulders trying to wake her up…
KC: Opal wake up your dreaming!
Opal: (relaxed and breathing heavily) … … …
KC: (looking at Opal shocked) …
Opal opens her eyes and she focuses on KC… staring for a moment…
Opal pushes KC away from her and crawls backwards!
KC: (on his back and leaning on one arm) What the hell!? Opal wake up… its just me!
Albion: Princess please wake up!
KC: …
Opal: (staring back at both of them)
KC: (staring at Opal) …
Albion: (looking at KC and then Opal) …
3 hours later… it is sunrise which can be seen just off the edge of the mountain that they had settled upon… a tunnel was also close by which would lead them to Dun Morogh…
KC: (standing outside the tent) …
As KC stood just outside the tent the entrance opened up and out appeared Opal looking around with a expression like a whole new weight had been crowned on her shoulders…
Opal: (leaveing the tent) KC….
KC: (looking at the sunrise) So… you want to tell me what happened last night?
Opal: I… cant…
KC: (sighing)
Albion and Glenshaw walk around the tents and stand a few ft away from KC and Opal, Sky was settled on top of the tent structure and Thomas was sitting on his belly looking around curious of his surroundings…
Opal: I cant tell you just yet… I am sorry…
Albion: (crossing his arms) …
KC: (sighing and facing Opal) So when can you tell me?
Opal: …
KC: I'm fed up with all this secretive crap, first in Darnassus, then in town outside Grandsation Station and now after that weird nigthmare you just had…
Opal: (looking at the ground) Please… KC, just leave it be for now…
KC: (shaking his head) Sorry but I'm not gonna leave it alone… the way your eyes glazed over and your sudden reaction when you looked into mine I could tell it had something to do with me and it wasn't good at all…
Opal: …
Albion: The princess… Opal… has the ability to see the future KC, please give it time…
KC: Yeah I will…
KC walks towards the tunnel which led to Dun Morogh…
KC: I give you until we reach Stormwind… after that your on your own anyway…
Opal: …
Albion: …
Glenshaw: But KC…
KC: Relax Glenshaw, I haven't forgotten about our deal…
Glenshaw: (frowning) No I don't mean that…
KC: (facing Glenshaw) …
Glenshaw: You have powers too… don't you?
KC: I don't know… I really don't…
Glenshaw: Please tell us… Opal cant share her dream because its something painful and it could change everything…
KC: (facing Opal) Then I guess me and Opal have something more in common…
Glenshaw: …
Opal: (looking at KC) …
KC: Ok enough chat, we got a job to do… lets get going…
KC starts walking towards the tunnel followed by Sky who lands and settles on his shoulder while Thomas walks a few ft behind him, the rest of the party follow a few seconds after with Opal at the back… now walking with a heavy burden…
"Infection"
Location: Borders of Dun Morogh
The party exiting the tunnel and seeing the dim light of the sky covered by the cold snowy winds come to see a blockade at the entrance to the tunnel, it was guarded by several dwarfs and some human guards… they had the insignia of Stormwind etched upon their shields and their tabards…
The whole path to Dun Morogh was guarded and their was no way though…
KC and the party walk over to one of the human guards on patrol around the blockade…
KC: (zipping up his leather jacket) Excuse me…
Human guard: What is your business here!? Show me some identification right now!
KC: Uh…
KC gets out the papers which allowed passedge at Grandsation Station and shows them to the human guard…
Human guard: Right… ok that will do for now… what is your business here at the borders of this snowy land?
KC: We need to pass through, we are on our way to Ironforge…
Human guard: Well… you would be lucky to do just that…
Opal: What do you mean good soldier?
KC: …
Human guard: The whole blockade is ehre for a reason, theirs a whole nest of infectious beasts around this area… something is making them wild and more dangerous than usual…
KC: Infectious? That's out of the usual for this area…
Human guard: You're telling me! I don't know why but its got all the beasts in the vicinity, bears, boars, and all kinds riled up and they are attacking us on sight!
KC: Aint that normal for wild beasts to do?
Thomas: Woof!
Human guard: (waving at the tamed dog) We do get the odd animal attack… but these beasts are running around in packs and they have… changed somehow…
Glenshaw: Somehow? How have they changed exactly?
Human guard: Not sure, never sene anything like it…
KC: Never? Must be something new then…
Human guard: Exactly, you're welcome to help us out with the problem but till its corrected their will be no getting pass here..
KC: (folding arms) Hmm… fair enough… thanks for the info…
Human guard: (saluting) Happy to help… take care…
Opal: You too…
KC and the party turn to face each other as the guard walks away and gets back on patrol…
KC: What you think?
Albion: Sounds like a plot to take back the princess…
KC: Uh… I don't think so…
Opal: Should we just find out for ourselves?
Glenshaw: Wait a darn second, do we really want to just run in the snow and find whatever it is out there tearing it up!?
KC: (facing Glenshaw) Why not?
Glenshaw: Seems a bit risky don't it?
KC: My middle name is risky…
Glenshaw: (frowning) …
KC: Relax I do this for a living… we'll be fine as long as we don't split up…
Shouting from some guards is heard in the distance…
Voice of guards: INCOMING! At the ready!!!
The party look around beyong the blockade to hear screams and roars from the distance of the snow… you couldn't see anything because of the fields of snow and ice… their was even a thick mist which blocked your view…
KC: Weather here is worse than usual…
Opal: What is it!?
Glenshaw: (charging fire in his hand) …
Albion: (sheathing his sword) …
Opal: KC… what's that sound?
KC: Something fricking weird…
Opal: Cant we just go back, I mean do we have to AHHH!!!
A mutated bear charges for Opal knocking her over! The mutated bear stops in its tracks roaring at the party and the guards!
Mutated bear: RAAAAAAAAWWWRRRR!!!
KC: (helping Opal up) You alright?
Opal: (worried smile) …
KC looks at the mutation…
KC: What the hell-
Mutated bear: RAAAWRRR!
Thomas: (barking wildly) WOOF!
Mutated bear: (charging the party) RAAAAAAAAAAAWWWRRRR!!!
Battle 11 Begins
Mutated bear - executes Charge & Mutated Claw vs Opal, causing moderate smashing damage to the armour and small smashing damage to the flesh
Opal - casts Gaze of Elune vs Mutated Bear, by lifting up her rod and channelling energy from the sky and through the weapon itself Opal is able to fire the nature energy at her enemy and stun it while also causing small nature damage to the flesh
Mutated bear - unable to act, stunned by magic attack
KC - executes 3x Slash vs Mutated bear, causing moderate lethal damage to the flesh
Glenshaw - casts Fireball vs Mutated bear, causing moderate burn damage to the flesh
KC: This thing don't seem so tough…
Opal: …
KC: (looking to the distance) Hold on…
KC sniffs the air…
KC: I may have spoke to soon…
Albion: (looking around) Incoming!
3 other mutated creatures join the battle! They were led here by a mutated trogg!
KC: Ah great…
Albion: Stand your ground!
Albion - executes Knight's Charge & 2x Slash vs Mutated snow wolf, causing moderate lethal damage to the flesh
KC - executes 2x Slash vs Mutated Bear, causing heavy lethal damage to the flesh
Glenshaw - attempts to cast Pyroblast vs Mutated boar, however the casting is cancelled as Mutated trogg Counters with Shoulder Charge and causes moderate smashing damage as well as Knockback!
KC: (looking at Glenshaw) You alright over there!?
Glenshaw: (getting up) I'll be fine!
KC - executes Raging Avenger vs Mutated trogg, as KC sees a friend knocked back by a enemy attack he is overcome with anger and charges the enemy to defend their life, causing moderate lethal damage to the flesh!
Mutated trogg - executes Bad Breath vs all, by taking in a deep breath and releasing with mutated carbonmonixide particles the enemy causes heavy toxic damage to all and debuffs them with Poison
KC: (kneeling over) Ah… I don't feel so good…
Opal: (on her hands and knees) I think I am gonna be sick…
Glenshaw: (on his front passed out) …
Albion: (leaning on his knee) I wont fall yet…
Glenshaw - unable to act, passed out from toxic attack
Albion - executes Knight's Execution vs Mutated wolf, the enemy target being so weakened by attacks inflicted upon it is finished off by Albion who charges at great speed and impales the beast with his sword directly through the chest area killing the beast instantly!
Mutated wolf has been slain
KC - takes damage from Poison, executes Sky Dive vs Mutated boar, causing heavy lethal damage to the flesh!
Mutated Boar - executes Bestial Counter vs KC, the wild beast being enraged by a melee attack inflicted upon it counters the same target who made the attack causing heavy smashing damage to the armour and small smashing damage to the flesh!
KC's armour has been sundered!
KC: (breathing heavy) I don't know how much longer… I can hold on…
Opal: (standing up) …
Opal - casts Elune's Grace on KC, healing his wounds for a high amount
KC: Opal…
Mutated trogg - executes Shoulder Charge & Infect vs Opal, the mutated trogg charging forth quickly causes small smashing damage to the target but also bites them causing a infection!
Opal is knocked down by the attack!
KC: Opal!
Opal: (out cold on the ground)
Mutated bear - executes 4 Mutated Slash vs KC, however the attack is prevented by KC as he blocks the attack with his shield and thrusts a sword into the mutated beasts chest causing it to fall on its back but not killing it…
Glenshaw - wakes up from his slumber
Albion - executes Knight's Execution vs Mutated bear, causing extreme lethal damage to the weakened foe!
Mutated bear has been slain!
Glenshaw - casts Flamethrower vs enemy party, causing heavy burn damage to the flesh of Mutated boar & Mutated Trogg!
Mutated boar has been burned to death!
Mutated trogg - executes Beast's Rage, by going into a frenzy after realising its allies have all been slain the raging beast causes moderate smashing damage to the party's flesh and knocks them down!
The party have all been knocked down!
Mutated trogg - executes Wild Execution vs KC!
Battle 11 Ends
The wild trogg charges at KC who is laying down on the floor! The trogg jumping on KC grapples with him on the ground as KC holds the wild beasts arms inches away from his face as the trogg thrashes and bites wildly trying to finish the hero off completely! The mutated trogg's claws are close to his face and close to ripping apart his torso! Thomas is seen a few ft away barking at the trogg and KC…
Sky: (hovering beside Thomas) KC!
KC: (struggling) Argh! Thomas get him!
Thomas: (barking) !
Thomas charging forward leaps at the Mutated trogg biting the beast in the behind and causing it to shout in pain from the attack!
KC kicks the mutated beast off him causing the creature to fall on its back! KC standing up quickly with a surge of adrenaline running through him and a fire burning within his heart un-holsters his gun and fires repeatedly into the mutated trogg's chest and head until running out of bullets…
KC: (breathing heavy) …
The cold stinging his neck, no fear grips him… only the rage…
Opal: (waking up weakened)
Opal looks at KC who stands over the near-dead mutated trogg…
Mutated trogg: (looking up at KC) RAAAAAAAWWWRRR!!!
KC takes his sword and stabs the wild beast through the skull causing blood to shoot up from the wound and fall back on the corpse of the slain beast…
KC: (breathing lighter) …
KC turns around to face his party and the guards fighting away the mutated beasts in the background…
KC walks up to Glenshaw…
KC: (facing Glenshaw) You alright?
Glenshaw: (looking at the slain beasts then KC) Ill be fine… with a bit of rest…
KC: (nodding in agreement) …
KC looks at Opal who is being examined by Albion who kneels beside her…
KC: (looking down at Opal) What's wrong?
Albion: I don't know! She wont wake up!
Albion shakes Opal's shoulders gently…
KC: …
Albion: Princess wake up!
KC: That mutation bit her on the arm… she must be infected…
Albion: (standing up) YOU! This is all your fault!
KC: My fault!?
Albion: If you hadn't abducted the princess and forced her here against her will in the first place-
KC: It was going to happen regardless Albion! And I didn't force her to do anything! She chose to help me and come along of her own free will!
Albion: Lies!
KC: Believe what you want tin head!
Glenshaw: (running over) Please! You guys! This ain't the time!
KC kneels down and picks Opal up carefully, holding her in his arms…
Sky: (flying down and settling on KC's shoulder) …
KC: It don't matter anyway… what does matter is helping Opal…
Albion: (feeling a bit more relieved) …
A human guard accompanied by 2 other guards of lower rank walk over to KC and Albion…
Human guard: What happened here?
KC: (facing the guard) I think she's been infected…
Human guard: How do you know this?
KC: She was bitten by a mutated trogg beast…
Human guard: (looking at the slain beast) You were lucky, a whole platoon of 5 guards fought 1 of those and they were never seen again… well parts of them was seen…
KC: I don't care about any of that! Tell me how to help her!
Thomas: Woof!
Albion: (looking at KC then the human guard) …
Glenshaw: …
Sky: …
Human guard: She must be executed…
KC: (angry) WHAT!?
Human guard: It's the only way, their is no cure here and she will turn into one of those… things… it only takes time…
KC: No! Theirs always another way!
Human guard: I'm sorry…
Albion: At ease soldier! You are in the presence of the princess and heir to Darnassus! You don't have the authority to execute a member of the royal family!
Human guard: I know… I could easily tell she was the princess by that pendant she is wearing around her neck…
KC: And yet you still suggested killing her!?
Human guard: Princess or no princess… it matters not, she will become one of them in a matter of hours and she will try to kill us all…probably succeed…
Albion: …
KC: I don't care! Ill find a way! So back off!
Human guard: (staring at KC) …
KC: (staring at the guard his eyes wide) …
Human guard: You have 3 hours… if you don't bring her to us by that time for execution then you wont be coming back at all…
KC: She's going to be fine so save your breath for when those beasts try to rip you apart…
Human guard: (looking at KC then Opal) Light be with you all…
The human guard walks away and Albion and Glenshaw walk a few ft in front to face KC…
Albion: What must we do to save the princess!?
KC: (staring at Albion) Stay calm for one…
Albion: (deep breath) … …
Glenshaw: How are we gonna save her if we don't know what infected her?
KC: Oh we're gonna find out…
Sky: Maybe if we follow the trail those mutated beasts came from we could discover a clue or something…
KC: The bird is right… our only lead is the direction those beasts attacked from…
Glenshaw: And what direction was that?
The group look at KC who's eyes turn towards… the south-west…
The group head on into the falling snow and the blinding mist… not knowing what could befall them at any moment…
Location: Somewhere near the mountains of Dun Morogh
KC looking at the map for a moment wraps it up and packs it away in his backpack… he pulls his hat a little further down covering his face as the snow was falling a little more heavier but not to much… at least at this time it seemed hopeful…
The desperate party struggled through the thick snow which reached knee high on KC and Albion… so you can imagine it was more difficult for the gnome and the dog…
Albion: Do you even know where we're headed!?
Glenshaw: … …
KC: Yeah… I got the map remember!
Albion: (looking in the distance)
Glenshaw: (toppling over in the snow)
KC: (turning around to notice Glenshaw) !
KC carrying Opal in his arms sees Albion walk over to help a exhausted Glenshaw to his feet…
Albion: (facing KC) We cant continue in this snow falling upon on like this KC! We have to take shelter!
KC stood holding the infected princess in his arms and looked around…
KC: (looking back at Albion) Ok… follow me and stay close!
Albion helping Glenshaw both manage to follow KC through the snow…till eventually discovering a unknown cave that was obscured by the falling snow… they take shelter in that cave…
KC let Opal rest on the floor against the cave wall and sits next to her looking at Albion and Glenshaw as they enter and sit down opposite him resting against the cave wall also…
A snow coated Thomas and Sky also enter the cave both settling inside the cave…
KC: (shivering) Think we better… make a fire…
The group was shivering and freezing from the cold… it was like icy fingers grasping at your spine and cold air breathing against your neck endlessly…
ATE Begins
Location: Bridge to Arathi Highlands
A band of brigands walk on through a fertile land of forest green fields… no trees surrounded them but only beasts… even raptors and giants…
Creed: Where the hell are we?
Tan: Who cares? We're alive… what else do you want? A medal?
Creed: Alright easy…
Wise: (drinking from a river)
Tan: God knows what's in there…
Wise: (drinking) How thirsty I am… I really don't… care much… at all…
Tan: Suit yourself…
Boss: (walking forward off the bridge) Just be happy that you're all alive…
Blank: (walking beside the Boss) ….
Tan: (looking around) Jeez… we're surrounded by endless fields… and when theirs no fields theirs just wild beasts…
Creed: Lets just hope we don't run into any horde types…
Boss: You may have forgotten that horde and alliance are on a neutral standing right now…
Creed: (facing the Boss) True but can we really expect all followers of the horde to be that friendly?
Boss: Heh-heh-heh… maybe you're right…
Wise: (walking up to the group slowly rubbing his gut) Oh guys… I don't feel so good…
Tan: (sighing and facing Wise) I told that drinking from there was a bad idea!
Wise: (burping) Ooo… urp!
Boss: (pointing away from himself) Not here boy…
Wise: (running behind a brush) !
Tan: (sighing) ….
Creed: So now where to Boss?
Boss: Lets just keep heading north…
ATE Ends
Location: Uncharted cave in Dun Morogh
KC tosses and turns in his sleep…
Voice: Looks like you are getting closer to the truth KC…
KC: Are you just gonna keep popping up whenever you want?
Voice: Oh yeah that reminds me about that day…
KC: That day? The Goldshire raid?
Voice: A little, but not exactly….
KC: Well what else is-
Voice: Don't you remember!? How could you forget so easily!?
KC: ???
Voice: Think hard and don't let your mind wonder! Think back then!
KC: Back then?
Location: KC's memories, back then
The curtain raised and you could see… mountains… a ocean far in the distance… and as you flew inwards towards the unknown you could see Sophia… kneeling beside a man laying on the floor face down… but not moving at all.
Sophia: Dad! Please! Get up!
She begins to cry…
Sophia: Gabriel… Syndicate… Militis… I hate all of you! You've taken away everything!
Sophia picks up a blade… she runs into a narrow corridor of metal which leads to a secret room…
Part 2 Ends