Aftermath: The Fight for Pandaria - Part 2

by tavingtonsbeauty

With Rhenn's death the Shado-Pan have come under the control of the Sha of Hatred. A small group must free the minds of the elite monks before it is too late to save not only Pandaria, but Azeroth as well. All the while a dark presence is beginning to make itself known to the west and it is growing like a festering malignancy. The hero twins and others must stand and fight.

11. A Blow to the Mogu

Aftermath – The Fight for Pandaria

Chapter 11 – A Blow to the Mogu

There was a light mist around the Violet Rise when Helene woke. Asher was sitting by the fire, his cowl up as he snacked on a couple fish he had roasted. Helene smiled and touched his shoulder.

"Asher, how old are you?"

"No remember." He said. "Was born. Was slave." He looked up. "Saw sun today." He said pointing to the east. "Now in mist."

"Are you cold?"

"Sleeping area worse in mine." He said simply.

Helene sighed moving to walk away. Jamiy met her with a mug of hot tea and smiled at her, his face was still handsome, though it was marred with scars from his countless battles and age. They were no longer young, but they also were not old.

Jaina spotted them as they walked up to her, Lord Zhu, and Taoshi who seemed to be in deep conversation.

"Ah! Jamiy, Helene, we were just talking about you." Jaina said looking up. "Did you sleep well?" She looked passed them. "Your pet has been making a stir, Helene. He is curious and wonders."

"He is a good man."

Jaina nodded. "We were just discussing a new plan."

Taran spoke, his voice calm, but with an edge. "It does not matter. Taoshi's proposal is too dangerous."

Jaina sighed. "If we are to bring down the Thunder King, we must breech the shipyard. Now is the time for bold ideas!"

Taoshi turned to the hero twins. "Sun, Moon, hear me out: We strike the shipyard at night, using this magnificent beast that flies just there." Lord Zhu folded his arms in displeasure, but allowed her to continue. "Once inside, we sabotage the Zandalari ship. In the chaos, we will slip into the courtyard and open the gates from within."

Jaina smiled. "I love it! Brains over brute force. So you not think so, Lord Zhu?"

Lord Zhu sighed looking at the group. "Very well, Taoshi. If Sun here agrees, the mission may proceed." He said. "However, Moon will stay here and care for her little project. His wounds are infected and need to be treated well." He said looking to his adopted daughter. Also he was not about to allow her to go on another mission and become a captive again.

Taoshi bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Zhu. I will not let you down."

Jamiy smiled. "I will go. This island has already tried to kill me and failed. Why not give it another shot. Besides, Taoshi has amazing skills as a rogue." He nodded to his adopted father. "Keep an eye on Moon for me."

"Of course." Lord Zhu said. "I need my secretary and her pet needs attention."

Taoshi smiled at Jamiy. "Speak with me when you are ready."

Jamiy gathered his weapon, shield, and walked to Helene who was still standing with Lord Zhu. She seemed to be arguing with the elder monk. "But father…I am more than capable."

"It is not a question of that, Little Moon. You have responsibility here now. That creature you tamed will die if he is not taken care of." Lord Zhu said. "I need you as well. I have many missives that must be read and prioritized. You are the best at that."

"I still feel like I am being put to the side." She said.

Jamiy pulled her into a hug and kissed her brow. "Listen to him, sis. He is wise and he wants you safe. Also Asher needs attention. He is weak, but putting on a brave face. It will help you feel better to mend him."

She sighed. "I suppose you are right."

Jamiy bowed to Lord Zhu and then went to Taoshi as the Archpriestess went to her saurok friend who was watching the small mana familiars about the area and the construct guards. She went to him as he lifted a claw. The mana familiar shrank back with a hiss and she laid a hand on him. "Come, Asher." She said. He went with her.

Jamiy found Taoshi beside Thunderwing the great skyscreamer. She rubbed his nose softly. "I believe Thunderwing here is our opportunity to score a devastating blow against Lei Shen."

He nodded and mounted. She jumped up onto the neck of the beast. "I'm with you. Let's break into that shipyard!"

He nodded and the great beast took off. He looked down and saw his sister looking up at him as she walked with Asher. Jamiy knew the creature would defend her with his life and he would never harm her, but he was ill. She was taking him to the tent to treat his wounds. It would take months, perhaps years for him to fully heal after so long with mistreatment.

Taoshi looked out. "I count six... no, seven guards on patrol in the sky." She said pointing. "One of them flies higher than the others... He loops far out over the water - alone. He is over-extending. That is our in." She looked back at Jamiy and smiled. "We will neutralize him and take his route. Let's go!"

Jamiy maneuvered the beast toward the once she had targeted. They were over the sea and far up in the air.

"Just a little closer..." She said. He nodded. "Hyah!" She said. With a targeted strike she knocked the rider off toward his water grave below and then cut the creature with an expert slice. It fell as well, but its death was faster and less painful. It did not even scream.

They moved about flying about the shipyard. It was full of the tall lanky trolls.

Taoshi sighed. "The Zandalari are more cautious than I thought. Look down there - swarming with patrols. And their shamans have laid out a network of sentry totems. One of these smoke bombs will blind a sentry totem." She looked at him. "Are you a better shot?" She asked. "I am far better at close range." She smiled. "I will control, Thunderwing."

He nodded taking the bombs and looking down. "Clear a path from the ship to the gate at the upper level - we will need to cross on foot. We cannot circle up here for long. Do what you can while I plan our next move."

The skyscreamer makes a first pass, heading a bit further southwest to get closer to the main gate, where Shan Bu is awakening Hu'seng the Gatekeeper. Jamiy had already knocked out two totems, but he looked below and pointed.

She grimaced and nodded.

Shan Bu lifted his arms. "Awaken, Hu'seng! The docks are your responsibility. See that none pass his majesty's gates."

Hu'seng the Gatekeeper looked about and then bowed. "The Thunder King wills it; it shall be done." He said.

Taoshi narrowed her eyes and Jamiy hissed a little before going back to his task. He worked to make a clear path, missing only one totem on the route she had indicated. She looked back seeing another patrol headed toward them.

"Our time is up. We need to get aboard that ship. We should sabotage the siege weapons toward the bow. Then we will go below decks and find the captain."

Jamiy chuckled a little. "This should be fun."

Taoshi landed Thunderwing on deck astern, portside. Jamiy hopped off lightly and looked about. There were many of the trolls about.

"Easy now... Get in close and incapacitate them." Taoshi said.

Taoshi nodded towards the crewman on the right. Jamiy looked at her and then nodded. He moved soundlessly and moved behind him. Jamiy wrapped a hand over his mouth and the other about his neck. The troll struggled, but dropped to the earth.

She smiled. "Well done." She whispered.

Jamiy shifted and something moved and made a noise. A troll looked over and then Taoshi was before him as he lifted his blade.

"Here! Into the smoke!" She said dropping a smoke bomb. The troll looked about in confusion as Jamiy stepped close to Taoshi.

He neutralized several others while she trapped some siege weapons.

"There will be a very unpleasant surprise waiting for the next troll who disturbs these. Let's keep moving." She said.

He nodded. His hand was covered in thick black Zandalari blood. He had killed the last two since they were close together, cutting away their throats before they could raise an alarm.

Taoshi moved to the other side of the ship and nodded to Jamiy. He took down another rider as she trapped the other weapons.

Taoshi kept moving astern past the last wingrider and headed below deck via the now-opened pathway down. Once below decks, she inched forward until she spotted Captain Halu'kal:

She caught Jamiy's attention and then motioned at Captain Halu'kal, then drew a finger across her neck.

He nodded and followed her. The troll was snoring peacefully. Jamiy looked down at him and then shook his head. He then kicked him not wanting to murder even a Zandalari troll in his sleep.

The troll woke looking about. "Hm-wha? Stowaways!" He backed.

He faced Jamiy as Taoshi moved behind him. They battled and as they did drunken wingriders joined in the fight, however, they could not focus and Jamiy easily knocked them away or killed them before turning to the captain who was hell bent to kill the paladin.

Jamiy dodged a blow and then leapt to the side as a drunken wingrider aimed at him, but brought his weapon down too slowly and hit the captain instead. The captain howled in pain and decapitated the poor wingrider.

Jamiy then stabbed upwards and impaled the captain on his blade. The captain was startled he let his guard down, but then stepped forward impaling himself more before he glared at Jamiy. "You never get outta here... alive." He growled and then dropped backwards.

Jamiy removed his blade, now covered in black blood and looked about them before joining Taoshi as she became like a shadow once more.

Taoshi was at his elbow. "Not as quiet as I would prefer, but it works." She smiled and motioned him to the exit she had located. She then nodded to him and pointed. "The courtyard gate is directly up that hill. Remember to stay clear of those sentry totems."

Due to Jamiy's well delivered smoke bombs they were able to make their way up the hill undetected though there were many totems. These were easily avoided while avoiding the groups of patrolling Zandalari as well.

The pair reached the gate where Hu'seng stood waiting. They were nearly to the great standing mogu when an explosion rocked the ground beneath their feet. "Sounds like they found our little present." Taoshi said with a smile.

Jamiy nodded and then looked at the mogu standing before them guarding a pillar. He took a breath and made ready for his next move. As Taoshi remained beside him.

ZzZ

Meanwhile, Helene had spent much of the day with Asher. Days around the area seemed to blend together due to the inky haze and constant thundering clouds above them. She wrapped a blanket about her shoulders as she shivered a little.

Asher did not seem to notice or mind the cool damp chill to the air. He lay on his stomach as Helene cleaned the wounds. There were many from barbed whips and the celestials knew what else. He had literally ripped the electrified barbs from his flesh when Jamiy had killed the mogu slaver who had been controlling him.

Most of the wounds were badly infected from days if not months of being open and festering. Helene bathed his wounds with salt water. She knew it had to hurt, but Asher did not complain. He merely remained still, gripping a stick in his paws. His knuckles were white, the only indication that he was in pain at all.

She lifted a hand when she saw this and cast pain suppression and it seemed to ease him. She pressed herbs to the wounds to help them heal and knit clean. After, she bandaged them. His feet were another matter. They had been bound and as she unbound them, the stench of rotting flesh and gangrene made her stomach heave. She took a calming breath before rising to her feet.

"I will return." She promised.

He nodded and sat up looking down at his feet.

Helene went to find Lord Zhu. The elder monk was looking out over a bluff and turned hearing footfalls. He looked at her curiously.

"Honored father." She greeted.

"You look like you have seen a mogu ancestor, Little Moon. What is it?" He said lifting a paw to her shoulder.

"Asher. He has flesh rot on his toes and doubtless elsewhere. Can you help me…remove it?"

He nodded grimly. It was no wonder, living in the musty mines with filth, moisture, and cold, all making the perfect breeding ground for the rot. Lord Zhu followed Helene back to her tent area where Asher was sitting. The monk closed his eyes a moment and then opened them looking at Asher.

"Do you know what we must do?" He asked the saurok.

"I no feel. Take." Asher said waving to his feet and then lifted his tail. "Neither here." He said looking at the tip. He then looked to the side.

Lord Zhu looked him over. He counted of the eight digits of his feet, all of three of them and parts of three more would need to be removed. The remained two would be a battle to save, but with aggressive healing techniques and care, the creature would remain alive and ambulatory.

The tail needed a good foot or more removed to make sure the rot there did not spread. Asher remained still as the monk grimly cut the tail about three inches higher than was needed to find the live flesh to tend. He bound the wound as dark blood bloomed. Helene assisted him, yielding to the monks superior skills with the knife that was used to removed limbs from the body in battlefield first aid. He looked up and had Helene bring him some water from the hot spring that flowed nearby. The water was nearly boiling as it bubbled from the earth. Helene brought a bucket of the steaming liquid back.

Lord Zhu removed the digits required and the parts of the others needed. He then dipped the creature's paws in the scalding liquid, catching Asher by surprise, though he did not fight the elder monk.

The saurok gripped the stick this time and at the last digit that still had live flesh he whimpered a little and then yelped as it was dosed in the water. Helene took his paw in hers and looked at him. His reptilian gaze held pain, but he did not struggle as Lord Zhu lifted his paws out of the water. Carefully drying them, he bound them with clean clothes to stem the blood flow.

Yalia, at Lord Zhu's instruction when she had been looking for him, brought some tea laced with a sleep aide to allow the creature to sleep through the worst of the pain for now. Helene took the cup from Yalia's paws. She nodded to Asher who looked up at her.

He drank it and blinked as the narcotic laced drink took hold faster than it normally would due to his weakened state. Helene eased his head onto a pillow on the floor beside her cot. She then pulled a blanket up over him as sleep took him into oblivion.

Lord Zhu rose and disposed of the dead flesh before washing his paws. He sent a Shado-Pan Watcher to locate and bring him some maggots. He saw Helene coming from the tent, wiping her brow and looking tired and a little ill.

He dried his paws and patted her shoulder. "Fear not, Sweet Moon. He will mend."

She nodded and sighed.

"Come. Let us find you some food."

She nodded and allowed him to lead her away. Asher was safe for now and she needed to care for herself as well.

ZzZ

Taoshi watched as Jamiy stepped out into the open, but he was still under her stealth. A pebble shifted under his foot and the sound caught Hu'seng's attention.

"Enough hiding, little ones!" He barked. "There is no escape now. The only way out is through me!"

Taoshi smiled grimly. "Through you, is it? I think we can manage that." She and Jamiy moved away from each other. "Would you prefer we go through the belly, or the ribcage?" She taunted.

Hu'seng was not a mogu in the sense he was living. He was an animated creature, made of terra cotta. So this was one of the reanimated warriors that Lord Taran Zhu spoke of. They were animated and a soul that had been stolen was put into it.

Jamiy moved away from a sweeping arc of the great ax the Gatekeeper held and then danced around, injuring him as Taoshi struck from behind. The Gatekeeper then lifted his hands and chains snaked out and wrapped about Jamiy's leg.

Jamiy noticed the warrior was in a casting position, his hands up toward the heavens and he attacked the chains. They dropped away and Jamiy moved quickly out of the way as the ground about where he had once been standing shattered.

A bellow was heard above them and Jamiy looked upward. A great lightning storm had started about them, a fit of Lei Shan's rage. Jamiy then ducked a blow and sliced low, slicing the leg. As the creature dropped, unable to stand, Jamiy drove his sword into where his heart was. Hu'seng fell to his knees and then to the side.

"None... shall..." The Gatekeeper gasped as black blood spouted from his lips.

Jamiy stood over him a moment before he continued. He cleaned his blade and the knelt down and found the orb that controlled the pillar.

"Well fought! Now - the gates. Before the thunder king's entire army comes down on us!" Taoshi said.

Jamiy lifted the orb to the pillar. The storm raged about them, but the gate creaked open revealing the Bloody Crossing. Jamiy wiped the blood from his cheek and smiled at Taoshi as the storm dissipated.

The gates slammed open!

Vereesa Windrunner ran through the now opened gates. "Rangers - shatter the hinges. Wedge the doors open!" Her rangers moved to do as she commanded. She turned to Jamiy and Taoshi. "Your plan worked! The two of you accomplished the work of an army."

"The fighting skills of Sun are quickly becoming legendary among the Shado-Pan." Taoshi said looking at her human companion.

Vereesa nodded. "Indeed. We must get you two back to safety. Thanks to you, the Thunder King is now completely under siege."

Jamiy took a breath and then walked to the portal that had been opened by a Kirin Tor mage. Taoshi followed him.

Once through the portal Taoshi bowed. "I must find Lord Zhu. I will speak to you later, Sun."

He nodded and she moved off becoming like a shadow.

Jaina was waiting for them. "Well done. That warship won't be raining fire on us again anytime soon." She said bowing a little.

Jamiy smiled a little. "No."

"Taran Zhu has informed me that the Shado-Pan will keep vigil over Stormsea Landing, freeing Kirin Tor resources to press the siege elsewhere. Taoshi will be there. I am sure she will be glad to work with you again."

"Taoshi is an interesting spirit. My adopted father thinks highly of her."

"Indeed, but he also thinks highly of you and Helene. We are all grateful for your contributions, Jamiy. Thank you."

He nodded and rubbed his arm. "Where is my sister?"

"She has been caring for Asher. She is just there." Jaina pointed.

ZzZ

The camp was settled for two days, but restless. Taran Zhu had warned to wait for the proper moment to attack. The mogu were not to be underestimated. Jaina had listened to him for now. She also had listened when she had been looking at a mogu weapon and Taoshi had taken it and thrown it to the earth, shattering it. Lord Zhu remained impassive, but remarked that it was for this reason outsiders could not be trusted and had walked away.

For now all was quiet and Lord Zhu was with Sun and Moon seeing to the saurok patient. He was napping often in the drug induced haze that Yalia made for him so he could heal. He was making progress.

Lord Zhu knelt by Asher and placed maggots held with chopsticks to the flesh of the saurok. Jamiy and Helene watched him.

"Father? Why are you putting these horrible creatures on his feet and tail?" Helene asked. Asher lifted a squirming maggot and put it in his mouth. "Asher. Don't eat them! You have no idea where they have been!"

Jamiy chuckled a little and kissed her brow. "Relax, sis. They only eat things that are dead. They will make sure the live flesh can thrive as they eat the dead."

Helene looked paled, but Lord Zhu nodded. "That is it exactly, Sun."

Asher looked at the maggots. "They good on fishessss we have before"

Helene shook her head at that.

Lord Zhu looked at the wounds. "These are healing nicely."

Asher dipped his head. "Thank you, Lord." He said.

Taran patted his knee. "You need your rest now. Drink your tea and sleep. We will be here when you wake."

The creature drank down the tea and soon curled up under his blanket almost like a child. Helene smiled at him fondly as she walked out with her brother and adopted father.

"Thank you, father."

Lord Zhu cocked his head. "He is loyal. I would not see an ally suffer if I can help them."

ZzZ

It was nearly a week later when Sun came walking toward Lady Jaina. "Your timing is perfect as always, hero. It is time to kick down the Thunder King's front door."

Jamiy blinked. "What started this?"

"The gate opened and mogu started to fight us. We had to answer. Speak to me when you are ready to launch the assault!"

He nodded. "Very well. Take me there." He looked back at Helene. She joined him. She had asked a priest of the Kirin Tor to walked over the saurok. Asher would remain where he was, she had ordered it when he had been awake.

Jaina opened a portal and the three of them stepped out into the Bloody Crossing. Helene looked about.

Vereesa Windrunner came to them. "Good, you are here."

Jamiy smiled. "I am like a bad copper that way. I always turn up."

"Are you prepared, then?" She asked.

"I am ready." Jamiy said.

"As am I." Helene said.

Vereesa nodded. "Good. Lady Proudmoore! Everyone is in position, and Shado-Pan are inside, but..."

"But what?" Jaina asked.

Vereesa sighed. "The Horde is just across the courtyard."

Jaina grunted. "Of course they are. One problem at a time, Vereesa. Everyone! Advance!... and if anyone sees that traitor, Aethas Sunreaver, save that one for me..."

The party marched forward as Vereesa opens the gate. The Horde war party was already set up on the opposite side of the Bloodied Crossing. Suddenly, the gate to the Foot of Lei Shen opened surprising them all!

Lord Zhu stood between the Horde forces with Yalia and Taoshi with him. Jamiy and Helene joined him, but then a great mogu stepped out and looked right at the elder monk who stood defiantly.

"Taran Zhu! It does not matter how many you array against the Thunder King. Soon all will kneel before him."

Taran Zhu laughed without humor. "YOU will kneel when you beg for my mercy, monster."

Shan Bu lifted his hand and a squad of Zandalari Stoneshields jumped down from the wall as the gate closed.

Lor'themar Theron barked in common, "One problem at a time, people. Focus on the Zandalari!"

Lady Jaina Proudmoore also yelled, "Ignore the Horde - focus on the Zandalari guarding the door!"

Jamiy and Taran Zhu took on the Zandalari. Both fought together well, maintain the troll attention on themselves as others hit them with arrows and magics. As the last Zandalari fell two animated terracotta warriors came to life and stepped forward.

Taran Zhu blinked. "Those statues wield the power of the first emperor. Destroy them!"

Jamiy took on one as Lord Zhu again took the other. It was not long as the combined forces of Horde and Alliance fought as one to defeat them.

Vereesa Windruner looked about as the statues fell to the Shado-Pan's superior skills. "Lady Proudmoore - more Zandalari are approaching from the docks."

Lady Jaina Proudmoore looked back. "They're trying to flank us. Hold this position!"

The Alliance war party backtracked to the Stormsea Landing gate as the Horde war party moved back to defend the Thunder Forges. The Shado-Pan remained at the frontlines and Lord Zhu nodded grimly.

Taran Zhu looked about. "Taoshi, get those doors open. Sun, Moon, with me. We must press forward while your comrades cover the rear."

Taran moved forward. The gate opened to revealed Shan Bu with a dark cloud serpent. Taran moved forward his adopted children flanking him.

"Shan Bu! Again you try to create a God. When will you learn?" Taran asked.

Shan Bu did not let the Pandaren distract him. "Who needs a God? We have the Thunder King!" He looked at the elder monk with hatred. "Trolls - make yourselves useful. I am almost finished here."

"Zandalari reinforcements are coming! Yalia - we need more healing! Taoshi - cover the rear!" Lord Zhu barked.

Taoshi pulled back as a handful of Zandalari Stoneshields, Shan'ze Electrocutioners and quilen guards draw in to attack. Jamiy turned to meet them.

The trolls and others were easily dispatched.

Shan Bu barked as the cloud serpent rose. "Arise, Nalak! Protect our beloved emperor."

Taran Zhu lifted his warblade. "Face me, Shan Bu! Or is the court of the Thunder King a den of cowards?"

Shan Bu snarled. "The emperor will be most pleased when I present him with your head, Shado-Pan."

"He stands not alone." Jamiy said. "You have several Zhu's to kill." He said smiling grimly.

Taran Zhu nodded and dipped his head.

Nalak rose from the dark cloud he had been in. "I am born of thunder!"

Nalak flew up and away as Shan Bu began his attack on the Shado-Pan warriors.

Two small cloud serpents came forward as Shan Bu summoned them. He used lightning magic as well as power mogu abilities, but he was heavy in body and Sun and Taran dodged many of his attacks.

"Ours is to rule. Yours is to serve." Shan Bu hissed as Jamiy countered a blow. "You are weak. You Shado-Pan scurry through shadows like roaches."

Jamiy smiled. "Better roaches that survive than a great being who will fall hard." He taunted back.

Shan Bu grunted. "Your "Alliance" is all flash, no strength whatsoever." A lightning strike hit near Helene and she cried out in pain, but moved to Yalia who cast healing on the Archpriestess. Shan Bu laughed. "Your cries of pain delight his majesty!"

Taran Zhu looked back at Helene and then yelled to them. "Dance around Shan Bu's attacks. We are faster! We are smarter!"

Jamiy took a blow from Shan Bu's arm guard to his chest. Winded he was knocked back. "Keep moving! Avoid the Stone Lord's lightning! Stay close to Yalia's healing, Moon!

Shan Bu dropped to one knee. "I tire of your insolence! I will choke the life from you, impudent slave!" He grabbed Taran and lifted him in a choke hold. Taran was surprised and dropped his warblade. The mogu brought him to his face a moment. "I tire of this game. I will watch you die before I destroy the rest of your fools who followed you here to their doom."

Helene gasped. "FATHER!" She cast a heal on him even as several serpents we attacking her and biting her as well as hitting her with their tails.

Taran struggled. "Auugh - kill him. Quickly!" He barked fighting for air. "Finish him!"

The mogu's claws cut into his side as he gripped him with his other hand to make sure that the Lord of the Shado-Pan could not escape forgetting the four others present.

Jamiy launched himself at the mogu from behind and as Taoshi sliced his ankles, above where the furred flares were, Shan Bu dropped again to his knees. He was tall, far taller than Lord Zhu who looked like a doll in his hands, but Jamiy drove his blade deep into his neck between where his shoulder blade and spine were.

Shan Bu let Taran go. The Lord of the Shado-Pan fell to his knees, hard, panting for air and bleeding. "I ... no... My Emperor! My Emperor, I have failed you!" The mogu gasped as he fell to the earth at Jamiy's feet.

Taran Zhu sighed as Helene, his little Moon came to him and wrapped her arms about his shoulders. She cast pain suppression on him and moved to see to his wound. "You see? No power of this world can trample the pure of spirit." Lord Zhu panted.

Taoshi came forward. "Lord Zhu! The Alliance - the Horde - all chaos is about to erupt out here!"

Lord Zhu hissed and rose to his feet, blood dripped to the earth as Helene went to support him he waved her off. "Like children." He hissed. "Taoshi! Hand me my weapon."

Taoshi looked from Jamiy to Helene and back to her lord and master. :My Lord... you are gravely wounded!"

"Father please…I must see to…" Moon pleaded.

Taran Zhu growled in displeasure. "My weapon! Sun, Moon, with me. I want you to see this." He said taking his warblade from Taoshi as she lifted it to him. She stood back and bowed before joining Yalia.

Taran Zhu hobbled back to the Bloodied Crossing, where the Alliance and Horde war parties were facing each other down. Once there, Helene stood beside her father as did Sun who was ready to catch him if need be. The Pandaren monk was stubborn and would make his point before he let them care for him.

Lady Jaina Proudmoore stood her ground before her Kiring Tor. "Hand over the Archmage and I may yet allow you to walk out of here, Lor'themar."

Lor'themar Theron shook his head. "Proudmoore! You will release my people from the Violet Hold, or I will cut you down myself!"

Jaina hissed. "Your people are legitimate prisoners of war. They orchestrated an attack on Darnassus from MY city…"

Lor'themar Theron shifted. "The Sunreavers knew NOTHING of Garrosh's raid on Darnassus!"

Aethas Sunreaver shifted uncomfortably behind him.

Taran Zhu had been listening, his blood pooling beside him. He then leapt forward with a great yell. "ENOUGH! There will be no more bloodshed today. I see now why your Alliance and Horde cannot stop fighting. Every reprisal is itself an act of aggression, and every act of aggression triggers immediate reprisal." He growled looking from one leader to the other.

Jaina shook her head. "They have undermined EVERY attempt at peace!"

Lor'themar Theron stood his ground. "I must protect my sovereign people."

Taran Zhu stood a little straighter looking at each to stare them down. "SILENCE! YOU must break the cycle. It ends TODAY. Here. The cycle ends when you, Regent Lord, and you, Lady Proudmoore, turn from one another. And walk. Away." He said his golden eyes looked at them both. "I will protect Pandaria at all costs and if I must remove you here I will." It was not an empty threat and both leaders knew it having seen the skills of the Shado-Pan warriors.

Lor'themar narrowed his eyes.

Jaina took a deep breath.

Lor'themar Theorn then sighed. "Rangers. Lower your weapons."

Scout Captain Elsia behind him gasped. "My Lord!"

Lady Jaina Proudmoore nodded surprised that the Horde leader would make the first move. "Very well. We will stand down."

Vereesa Windrunner stared. "They killed my husband!"

Jaina looked at her and lifted a hand. "This won't bring him back." She pointed out. "Helene and Jamiy lost a sister as well to that and they stand with the Shado-Pan." She then turned back to Lord Theron. "But know this, "Blood" Elf: There can be no peace while Hellscream is Warchief of the Horde."

Lor'themar Theron straightened to his full height. "That is precisely why I wish to conserve our strength today."

Jaina's expression softened slightly.

Lor'themar Theron had a smile on his lips. "Lady." Lor'themar bowed

Jaina smiled a little herself. "Lord." Jaina curtsied.

Lor'themar Theron nodded. "Gather the wounded. Withdraw to the harbor." He commanded.

Lady Jaina Proudmoore looked about at the rangers. "Everyone, regroup back at the camp. Our work here is done."

The two forces turn and walked away from each other. Lord Zhu let out the breath he had been holding and then dropped to his knees with a pained gasp. Helene knelt, her hands finding his wound, her fingers becoming quickly stained with his lifeblood as she tried to stem the bleeding with a cloth. Jamiy was behind him, supporting his adopted father.

"We have you father."He said softly in his ear. Taran merely nodded.

Taoshi gasped in horror. "Lord Zhu!"

Taran Zhu looked up at Jamiy. "Sun, my son, this cease-fire may not last, but remember what you have seen today."

Jamiy nodded and smiled. "Of course father."

Taoshi came forward. "We must get you back to the monastery." She said hurriedly.

Taran Zhu looked back. "Shan Bu's monstrosity remains at the foot of the palace. It must be stopped before it wreaks havoc across Pandaria."

Jamiy nodded. "I will see to it Father." He said.

Taoshi looked at the other Pandaren female. "Yalia, take Lord Zhu to safety." She ordered. The Omnia discipline's Master did not even fight the command as she lifted a whistle to her lips. A large Shado-Pan tiger appeared from nowhere and moved to them.

Helene shook her head. "He will never make the monastery. We must take him to the Violet Rise for now." She said.

Yalia nodded and Jamiy helped the two women drape the Lord of the Shado-Pan over the front of the tiger. Yalia mounted and Helene mounted behind her. She spurred the cat off toward the Violet Rise, leaving Jamiy, Taoshi, and the other Shado-Pan who had come, alone.

Taoshi looked up at Jamiy. "Sun, it will be up to you to defeat the Storm Lord Nalak. You will have to marshal a small army! But after what I have seen today, I have faith in you. It has been a great honor to fight by your side. Thank you." She bowed to him.

He returned the bow. "Come gather what Shado-Pan we can. We will assault the Thunder King's very home at first light."

"What of Lord Zhu."

"My honored father is wounded."

"We will follow you Sun." One of the elder Marksmen said bowing.

He nodded looking out toward the Diremire where Yalia, Helene, and Lord Zhu had gone. He would not let them down.

ZzZ

Taran Zhu was almost unconscious when the tiger arrived on the Violet Rise. Yalia and Helene called for help. It took three rangers and Asher, who appeared out nowhere, to carry the Lord of the Shado-Pan into a tent of state.

Lady Jaina graciously allowed Helene and Yalia to use her tent and cot for the wounded lord. Helene stripped the elder monk to his waist and noted Asher remained there, waiting. He moved slowly, but could still walk.

"Asher. I need hot water, from the spring, a needle, and some thread."

"As you wissssh Misssstressss." He said and turned to leave them, moving off on all fours to do as she commanded. He was not moving at a normal pace for a saurok, but he was moving, which was an improvement over before. His feet were bound with clean clothes, a sign someone had been caring for him while she had been away. He likely had been a handful, but he had stayed as she had told him to.

Helene pressed clothes to the wound to try to stem the blood flow as Yalia worked on the Lord's bruised neck. She wrapped it with cloth and oils to help the flesh heal. Lord Zhu was unconscious and the pair of priests worked efficiently together. Yalia had removed his helm and facial scarf. She had been startled by the horrible acid burns, the Shado-Pan Lord never allowed anyone to see. She then set about healing him.

Asher returned with the items and Helene stitched the wound close as her adopted father laid breathing shallowly on his side. She then washed her hands and then set about wrapping the wound. Asher was most helpful and Helene wiped her brow and rose to her feet, wiping her brow with her sleeve.

"Thank you, Asher."

"Your will issss mine…" He said bowing.

She sighed and walked out. She stumbled a little and Asher caught her to him. "Missstresss." He gasped.

"I am all right. Just the ground is uneven here and…"

"Need ssssleeep." He said.

"Your creature is right." Yalia said coming out. "I will see a cot brought for you so you can stay with him. I know you will not leave his side." She said smiling ruefully.

The cot was brought and Helene laid on it and was asleep before Asher could move the blanket on her. He then moved and curled up below her on the ground with his own blanket. Yalia shook her head. The creature was loyal, but good. She never knew that sauroks could be so.

ZzZ

It was two days lated before Lord Zhu could open his eyes. He looked about, blinking as even the low light made his eyes hurt. He blinked and the pain lessened.

"Are you well, father?"

"I…" his voice sounded so hoarse.

"Shhh don't speak. Squeeze my hand if you can hear me." Moon's soft voice made his ears twitch. He then blinked and she came into his vision. He squeezed her hand. She nodded and kissed his paw. "I was worried." She said, her eyes had wetness in them.

He nodded. "Sun?" He asked.

"He is in the Throne of Thunder Father. He fights the Thunder King in his own fortress."

"Worried…"

"He is my brother and I am not with him."

He sighed. He was not used to how weak he felt. He looked about and then a small reed was pressed to his lips. He gently sipped. The liquid was sweeter than water, but not overly so. Though it hurt to swallow, the liquid seemed to make that feel marginally better.

He looked up. "Windsong?" He asked.

"No word, but some of your scouts reported seeing a strange troll among the Zandalari here."

"Vol'jian?"

"I imagine. How could he…?"

"No." He shook his head and sipped again. She pressed a cool cloth to his brow. He was completely unused to being mothered, but allowed it for now. He touch made him feel more at ease.

"You do not think he betrayed us?"

"No." He repeated.

She nodded.

"Do you think you can try some broth?" She asked.

He nodded. "Try."

She got up and went to the tent flap. The saurok entered carrying a bowl followed by Yalia with a tea pot. Asher set the bowl down and looked at Lord Zhu.

"Lord." He said and bowed.

Even now, as weak as he was, the saurok was still giving him the proper courtesies. He nodded. Moon then began to feed him some broth which hurt to go passed his abused throat, but he needed the nourishment. Yalia had him sip some tea. It would be a long road to recovery.

ZzZ

A week later Moon looked at the stitches and then removed them. His body had healed enough to do so. She fretted about her brother, but caring for Asher and her adopted father seemed to give her enough purpose she did not go crazy from worry.

It was the evening of the full moon that Windsong appeared. She swept into the tent, under the flap, and materialized next to Lord Zhu's bed.

"Taran." She said softly.

He opened his eyes and then looked up at her startled. "Windsong." He said softly. His throat still ached, but far less than it had. Time and the herbs Yalia wrapped about it had helped immensely.

"Vol'jin means to free Tyrathan and escape this isle soon."

"When?"

"In a half moon turn. He is still learning from his hosts. They have some of their forces fighting Sun in the citadel. Still many try to speak to the Gods and the Shadow Hunter is the one for that." She cocked her head and then pressed her hand to his wound. "You will recover. Moon has done well to heal you."

"Stay?" He asked, her scent calmed his nerves.

She shook her head. "I must return to Vol'jin. He is on the other side of the island with the trolls. They have treated him well, but he plans to betray them and return to you."

"Must return to…monastery." Taran managed.

"Yes. And soon. The Zandalari will not take well to such an insult." She began to fade into the spirit ball. She smiled a little until her face disappeared. "Rest well, Lord of the Shado-Pan."

ZzZ

It was a week later when Jamiy returned with news that he and his brave companions had slaughtered the Thunder King and his forces. The Zandalari were in disarray.

Lord Zhu had recovered enough to take walks around the rise.

Jaina greeted Jamiy as he and his Shado-Pan brethren came to the Rise. "You've done it, Paladin! Shan Bu is dead once and for all, and we've learned that Lor'themar may not be all that he seems." She smiled. "And now the fall of the Thunder King. We have gained the upper hand. Now to make sure the peace stays."

He nodded. "Indeed."

Lord Zhu walked to him. The elder monk looked thinner than Jamiy remembered, but he stood strong and proud.

"We return to Pandaria at First Light, Sun. Vol'jin and his company will join us on the beaches. We have much to do."

"Indeed father. The Shado-Pan are victorious. Come. Is there a good meal around here?"

"Of course brother." Helene said.

Jamiy laughed and hugged her. He noted Asher was there, watching, staying back. Some of his tail was missing and his lower paws were bound with cloth. Still the creature looked healthier to Helene's credit.

Lord Zhu, Helene, and Jamiy all then went to the tavern and had a meal as Jamiy regaled them about the Throne of Thunder and the vast monsters within. Lei Shen was no more, which pleased Lord Zhu, but they now had worse issues, the Horde and Alliance ripping the land of Pandaria in two. Then there was the matter of Garrosh Hellscream, whom Taran had heard more and more reports about, on all sides, that he was spiraling out of control.

There was need for much planning and no time in which to do it.