Starcraft: Reigns of War

Disclaimer: I do not own Starcraft, Warcraft, or any characters associated with them as they are the property of Blizzard entertainment.

"talking"

Thoughts

Reckless

An observer buzzed around the land of Lordaeron scanning the geography as it went. Upon orders, it glided invisibly out of sight as its mission was clear. Their purpose was to the gather the layout information of the Alliance base while determining the condition of their captured comrade.

Getting the full layout of the land, the drone picked up several key pieces of information as it detected several defensive towers with very simplistic weapons ranging from arrows to basic cannon like mortar devices. However what was more intriguing to the observer and more so to the Protoss were that these primitives had some ability to detect cloaked units which in turn meant that they couldn't get more detailed scans on the interior without being revealed to them.

From telepathic readings, they knew Bellier to be alive but very weak due to her severed tendrils and probably due to possible torture she was subjected too.

Several miles away in a safe distance, the Protoss communed as they discussed how they were going to deal with this affair.

"Hmm, it seems this will not be a simple rescue" said Artanis as he viewed the data feed the observer was sending back. "It would appear that the Nerazim will not have an easy time getting in as the calculated detection distance is right outside a safe teleportation range".

Amongst the Protoss leader were several others as they debated what they were going to do about the situation.

"Why do we not just assault their fortress?" asked a zealot. "These apes clearly want a battle. We can easily crush them in a day. So why do we falter?" as several other Protoss were in agreement to this. This was not only a matter of ego but honor as well. It was one thing to fight, but to capture one of their own that was inexcusable. Even if they were primitives, it was an unacceptable transgression rewarded by death as they have shown many times to the Terrans who dared challenge them.

Like them Artanis was in agreement not to mention it was a lot easier to any other plan. However as leader, he needed to set a certain example. Pettiness was not a good trait for any race to have as evidenced by many species making bad decisions because of it. "I understand your frustration my brethren. However we cannot punish an entire civilization on the stupidity of an individual. It is not the path of truth or justice to do so".

The psychic warriors gave a disgruntled nod as their leader had a point as they understood his thoughts. However they couldn't say that it didn't righteously piss them off.

"Is there anything we can do?" asked Sylvanas as she along with some of her war council were present. "Your people have been a great service to us in defending and rebuilding Quel'Thalas. Furthermore we cannot overlook the treachery of these humans for their betrayal against us".

The Protoss looked to her as they came to a unanimous thought. From what they have observed, elf magic was superior to that of human magic. They did not understand magic well enough to create an effective countermeasure nor did they have the time to experiment.

"Do you have the means to supervene their detection ability?" asked Artanis.

"Easily" Sylvanas answered. "Why?"

"Then this might work just yet". Looking over to a Nerazim, "Caltuhn, are you up to this task?"

The male dark templar also holding a prelate rank stood forward giving a nod. "Of course hierarch, I and two others will be more than sufficient for this mission".

With some quick preparations as provided by the high elves, the three Nerazim were off.

~ Lordaeron (Protoss encampment) ~ (few hours earlier)

Arriving via mass recall as their molecules stabilized from being pulled through space and time. Zeratul and his group were quick to move as their other travelers were still stunned from what happened moments ago.

"What in blazes was that!" questioned Thrall.

"I have no idea" said Grom equally as dumbfounded as this teleportation magic went far beyond what they've seen or experienced.

Even the humans and elves amongst them were shaken at how fast and extreme the event was. But if that didn't stun them enough, what stood before them now did.

Standing there was an incredible shining city of metal and gold which had towers that seemed to stretch to the very skies above them. It was completely unbelievable to any of them that any race on this planet could build such a spectacular and momentous city as this. Furthermore they couldn't understand how it could be here. Looking to its architecture, a city like this would take decades to perhaps centuries to build something as big and complex as this by their standards. The resources needed to do so would have easily bankrupted any of the great civilizations on Azeroth. But even so, how could they have built this city in secret? The orcs, the elves, and the humans were aware of this area due to its familiar geography.

However what they've seen so far, these Protoss were incredibly advanced as they couldn't even understand half of what they saw. As much as they'd love to just stand around to look, there were more pressing matters going about as they quickly followed behind Zeratul and his brethren.

"Do we have anymore reinforcements to spare?" Zeratul asked over the telepathic link.

"No" Malthur answered. "Not of our own. However I believe you might have volunteers. They are being escorted to you on route now".

Meeting them along the hallway were the elf rangers that they had saved earlier from the undead attack as their treatment was finished as they were getting well acquainted with the Protoss. Although given the option to return to their homes, they were instructed by Kael'Thas to learn more about their guest as a kind of cultural learning event as they surmised that the Protoss might have had much to teach them. But hearing news of what's been happening in the world, they needed to act as their fellow high elves in Kalimdor were in dire need.

Before going to the warp gate, the Protoss warriors needed to make a quick stop to the armory to recharge their technology. Doing so, Zeratul hesitantly reached for shield emitters as he placed one on each orc, human, and elf present as a blue bubble shined around them before fading off. "I expect those back once we have accomplished what needs to be done".

Traveling further now joined by the immortals, the warp gate then sent them on their way back to Kalimdor where the three races were engaging the undead.

~ Lordaeron (New Alliance base) ~

Caltuhn and his dark templars were standing before the Alliance base fortifications. Taking notice to their detection towers, the prelate experimented first wanting to lessen the danger only to himself. Noticing no alarms or guards on patrol attacking him it was safe to proceed. As a gift from the high elves, they were given special nullification stones which allowed them to trick the detection towers magic which in turn did not seem to affect their psychic cloaking ability.

Seeing no danger they continued in accompanied by an observer to help cover more ground.

Looking around, Caltuhn didn't know if these humans were short of supplies and manpower or simply that they were that sloppy tactically. Viewing the fortifications, they seemed to have focused all their defenses on the outer wall which was a fine plan. But they never took into consideration of what if something got in. Maybe not something of common practice, but with newest development of Terran technology of drop pods, zerg evolution of nydus worms, and even further development in Protoss warp matrixes it was essential to have internal defenses on the possibility that enemies were able to breach the outer parameter.

"Do we know where she is?" asked Caltuhn.

"No, her presence is too weak to get a proper lock on. Observer is already attempting to look. But there are many life readings as it will take some time to scan them all".

"Very well, you two will locate Bellier. I have my own mission" as the dark prelate blinked away.

Following orders the two dark templars scoured the city blinking between rooftops being careful not to alert anyone as they were one with the shadows being stealth like and out of sight. Scanning another part of the compound, they came about a rather distasteful sight.

"Get back to work!" commanded a human knight as he poked a dwarf with the blunt end of his spear. "Work quicker or none of you will get anything to eat tonight!"

"But sir, we're already at our limit. We're working as fast as we can".

"Work faster! Will you make that same excuse when the undead come back to attack!"

The Nerazim were not sure of what to make of the display. From reports, Garithos and certain factions amongst his ranks were discriminatory and prejudice towards the demi-humans. Of course Protoss society has at times experienced such things as it did commonly happen in many races over the universe. But they were usually one's based on differing idealisms between them. However to them, it was odd for anyone to be disgusted with another based on something so trivial and simplistic like appearance. Of course they never did quite understand exactly how some mammals think. But regardless, they wondered if they should interfere as the brutality continued as more human knights showed up answering to the scuffle.

"But sir, you cannot ask for the impossible. We can only do so much with the resources and manpower we have on hand".

"You dare!" as the now another enraged knight drew his sword. "You dare speak back to us you impudent little troll! It seems we will need to teach you some manners!" Recoiling his arm up ready to swing he was stopped as he felt something holding him back. But looking about, he did not see anyone there although he felt something firmly grasping him. Before he knew it, he was swung into a stone wall indenting it as he fell beaten to the ground.

Seeing the display, the other knights were on guard drawing their weapons and readying their shields to whatever that was.

"Get reinforcements here now! We have an incursion inside the base!"

As one of them began to run they were quickly stopped as they were lifted into the air before being plowed into the ground a moment later.

Seeing the scene, the group of knights was scared now. They couldn't see what was attacking them and two of them were easily dispatched despite the armor they were wearing. As the knights went back to back with each other, they were still being easily picked off one by one thrown into walls or smashed against the ground. Yet they still could not see what was attacking them as their nerves were giving out from the anticipation. Thus they began to blindly swing their weapons hopeful to hit and possibly kill whatever it was.

However it was too much to hope for as soon they were taken out. As one of the dark templars looked to the fearful dwarves as they sat on the ground stunned and silent, the Nerazim allowed his eyes to show as they glowed green before them. "Run along now" as he soon completely disappeared resuming his mission.

The dwarves could only nod before running off scared yet thankful for what the ghostly figures did.

Scanning another quadrant, they finally located their target as the duo blinked to her appearing within the halls.

Spotting a human that was supporting her, the Nerazim made a quick switch off as one went for Bellier as the other restrained the human.

"Oww oww oww, stop that! I'm fragile you know!" Arthur squealed feeling his arm being twisted behind him.

"You should be lucky to have an arm human" as the Nerazim revealed his warp blade threatening to cut him.

"That will not be necessary" said Bellier rather weakened as she was trying to convey her thoughts. "That man, he's a Terran that crashed on this planet sometime ago. He may be useful".

"Wait! If you're here to rescue her then please take me with you. I can definitely be of use!"

"Then speak quickly Terran. What can you offer that is of any use to us?"

Arthur attempted to calm himself as the two Nerazim dropped their cloak revealing their ever so intimidating appearance before him. But taking a deep breath, there was something he could offer. "I heard from Bellier that you guys are currently stranded on this planet. I have an emergency transceiver that broke off my ship that's capable of broadcasting an S.O.S. signal across subspace. Of course I don't have enough power to send it that far. But I'm sure if I can adapt Protoss technology we should be capable of calling for help".

"Hmm . . . ." as the two dark templars had to think about this. There primary mission was only to extract Bellier and that would be that as they would then make their escape after their current leader finished whatever it was he was doing. Knowing of Terran technology, it would not be an easy task to move the device as it was a big and bulky item. More so they had an injured with them who could not fight. Due to her current circumstance, it would have been splendid if she could channel the power of the void to at least cloak herself. However they did not have time to give her a crash course.

But looking to the clamps on her tendrils, they found it curious. If this Arthur character was the one who made them, then undoubtedly he must have a descent understanding of Protoss physiology which made them question why? To their knowledge, the only reason any Terran understood them this well was due to something rather horrid which revolved around inhumane experimentations. Disregarding that fact for now as it was not the most important thing.

Although this mission was absolutely optional, it was still a way off the planet. It would take a while for them to build a transceiver themselves. Even if it was Terran technology with its grand inferiority it was better than nothing.

And with this they made their decision.

"Very well Terran, guide us to this device of yours and we will grant you solace amongst us".

"It's in storage on the other side. I'll try to buy time so you can get it out of here".

The two Nerazim nodded as the plan was simple. Arthur would distract the guards with a bit of sabotage and misdirection while they carted the machine away on a wagon with Bellier on for the ride. But it would have to be slow going. Although they had the ability to cloak other units, it took incredible power and concentration to do so especially with the items in question. So aside from taking breaks to rejuvenate their stamina they needed to tread carefully or else risk exposure as the fact was they needed to cart a large item down hopefully an empty road. So with that everything was set as they needed to wait to see what their leader was doing.

"Interesting" said Caltuhn as he watched patrol groups walk by. The prelate wanted to observe these humans to access their strengths, weaknesses, and intentions in the event that they might become some issue for the Protoss. Although their technology was not concerning, their numbers could pose a threat. But as things looked, the organization was in disarray as the templar could see that things were only a pinprick away from falling apart.

The demi-humans anger was boiling under the surface. With constant mistreatment by Garithos ranks, upheaval was inevitable. If there mistreatment was bad then the one's made into slaves were in a worse spot. Although things were bad, it was under the conception that this alliance was necessary against the undead as divided they would die.

But aside from them were humans under Garithos regime. Due to his politics of human dominance, there demi-human allies which they so badly needed were on the brink of leaving them. With the debacle concerning the elves, there were many questioning the dark knight's leadership as well as many considering to splinter off into their own faction. But even more then that were people of less prestige such as commoners, poor farmers, serfs, and other human slaves. They were made to pay the weight of the taxation along with heavy labor to maintain upkeep. Frankly this did not bode well as they were in fact the majority of the new Alliances power. However to keep them in line, fear was instilled through acts of brutality, torture, threats, and at times executions as this was an effective method to keep them in a controlled state.

However Garathos was relentless. As the prelate gathered information, he came to learn that the former grand marshal was planning yet another attack on Quel'Thalas and at this time bringing all manners of war machines to arms. If this were the case, then his objective was clear.

Learning of the central control hub, Caltuhn stealthily made his way towards it entering without notice as he investigated each room looking for the leader. After a short time he located it within a pseudo kind of throne room with several guards within it. "Not an issue" as the dark templar went in.

Garithos was sitting on his throne contemplating the plans he had put into action. "It is clear I have underestimated these freaks, but not again. I will bring all my power to bare and bring Quel'Thalas down to its knees".

"That is what I thought . . . ."

The dark knight's eyes widened upon hearing the foreign voice as he leaped out of his seat looking for where it came from. "Men! To arms! There is an intruder here! Protect me at once!" as the guards in the room jumped into action. But still looking around they could not see where nor what it was. But much to the horror of these humans, the mysterious entity began to attack.

A knight brandishing his sword looked left and right trying to find this invisible creature only in the next instant to see a streak of green light swipe cleanly passed his sword as the metal blade fell in two leaving heated molten steel behind. Before the guard could act, he felt his head being gripped by a massive hand as it lifted him up from the ground as it then threw him aside easily like some rag doll.

Regardless of seeing this display, Garithos and his men still could not see what was there as fear soon gripped them of not being able to fight what they could not see.

Quickly they began going down like flies as all they could see was a green streak of light slicing their weapons or armor before throwing the men aside. Within a short minute all the guards were dispatched leaving just Garithos terrified to what was in the room with him. Trying to shout out for help, he was pushed back flying into his heat as then a green blade of light shot out closely to his face as he could feel the heat and energy from it burning against his skin.

Then soon, two green glowing eyes appeared as they looked down to the horrified man. "Consider this a warning human. We are a lenient race towards civilizations like your own. But fight against us, then you shall feel the rage of Auir. We do not believe in second chances as we punish those who dare strike at us with malicious intent. And know that if you do cross us" as Caltuhn leaned his blade in burning hair and skin scarring Garithos face, "that mark will remind you that if you do challenge us there will be no forgiveness" and with that said he pulled his blade back as his eyes then disappeared from sight.

Sweating for many reasons, the dark knight relaxed into his seat after the near death experience he just had. Finally calming down a bit, "Get the counselors here immediately! Halt all preparations this instant! We will not be attacking Quel'Thalas this day!"

Swiftly moving along the shadows Caltuhn contemplated his decision. He could have easily ended that human's life whenever he wanted without the effort of dealing with his guards. But its purpose was made to show the great difference in power between them and him as the Protoss did not want to put any effort in dealing with him. Regardless of whatever happened, this planets evolution must be left alone without outside interference as they wanted everything to return as it was by the time they left as the politics must be left in the hands of these terrestrial beings.

So moving quickly and reconvening with his group, they escaped the area back to the Protoss forward command.

~ Kalimdor ~

Everyone was fighting like hell to stay alive as the undead just kept on coming wave after wave. But even facing such difficulties they pressed forward as they knew what the target was.

The Skull of Gul'dan was located in the forests of Felwood as it was emitting demonic energy which was not only corrupting the land, but also creating additional undead that they had to deal with. Hence forth it was their primary target.

But amongst them all, one individual had alternative plans for the skull.

As instructed by Arthas, Illidan was tempted by the prospect of more power as by destroying the skull he could absorb it thus gaining more strength.

However he was not the only one to learn of this. Unsuspected, several Protoss observers had been deployed over the area to gain the full scope of the battlefield as incidentally one of them caught wind of what the demon hunting night elf was planning. Thusly, the Protoss needed to act fast as realizing such power was too dangerous for anyone to have.

Luckily their progress was steady as they advanced. Treading forward, the immortals hardened shield held the enemy forces at bay. Letting loose their plasma cannons, the intense heated energy easily disintegrated all those undead in their path.

Due to their slow firing speed the elves, humans, and orcs compensated using a mixture of arrows, spears, and mortars to sweep up what they missed. Supporting from behind, Cenarius summoned the power of forest to reinforce their ranks.

But it was not fast enough as Illidan was moving ahead towards the skull and he needed to be stopped.

Zeratul along with Thrall, Grom, and those equipped with plasma shields sped in first. Using a 'V' formation, they blitzed forward as Zeratul armed with his powerful warp blade cleaved easily through any opponent that stood in his path.

Coupled with zealots, dark templars, human knights, orcs, and elves, they were plowing through the enemy lines re-killing a bunch of corpses as they soon arrived to the skull. But at that same time, so did Illidan.

"What do you fools think you're doing?" said the demon hunter with scorn.

"Do you not sense its malevolence?" Zeratul questioned. "Its power will undoubtedly corrupt. You must not take it".

"Silence! You understand nothing!" as Illidan began making a beeline towards the skull.

"He must not be allowed to get to it. Everyone, hold the undead off. I will deal with Illidian myself". With that order, the group dispersed fighting off the corpses which left the dark prelate to deal with the night elf demon hunter. But deciding to hold on an unnecessary quarrel, the Protoss warrior hoped to reason with the night elf. "You must stop. Do you not feel what's there? There is nothing but evil that waits for you".

"But that is where you are quite wrong. What you feel isn't just evil, it's power! Anyone would be an idiot to throw away such a valuable thing!" But facing towards the Nerazim, a smirk formed much to the curiosity and confusion of Zeratul. "I could tell just by the feel of you. You're like an open book as your presence tells the entire the story. You and I, we are very much alike aren't we? Shunned by our own people, casted into the shadows due to differing ideals. I find it curious yet amusing that you do not seek more power as do I. As similar individuals who have nothing, why is it that you do not seek power?"

Zeratul didn't even need to think about this. It was true that the Khalai discriminated against the Nerazim out of fear and prejudice of what they represented which eventually led to their exile from Auir. Stuck on the dark planet of Shakuras left to fend for themselves in the darkness, many of them cursed their fellow brethren for what they had done. But regardless, they were still the children of Auir and the people amongst the Protoss. Although hostile, "for it is the purpose of duty that we serve".

"Is that so?" said Illidan arming his blades. "Then the only way you're going to stop me from taking this power is by defeating me".

Zeratul narrowed his eyes as he ignited his warp blade shining it to his face. "So be it".

It was then the two clashed against one another as both had many abilities in their arsenal for combat.

But for Illidan, he was being more careful in this fight as he was aware of how immensely powerful his enemy's magic sword was. Watching, with one swing of his blade his opponent easily had slain several creatures without batting an eye. If he dared say, this sword might have been in fact the greatest sword he had ever seen. Something he'd most likely take once he defeated the dark prelate.

On the other hand, Zeratul was impressed at how skillful this opponent was as his centuries of combat were definitely apparent in the way he moved. Seemingly, he was aware that the moment that they crossed blades, his warp blade would have easily broken his weapon into pieces. But for this purpose, he was taking extra care as his aim was to disable not kill as this night elf was too fast for him to cast his void prison.

As things went, it was a standstill as neither could fight at their absolute fullest. Illidan was more occupied with dodging rather than attacking while Zeratul was being overly careful with his swings as they exchanged attacks with each other.

But time was not their friend as the leader of this invasion could not allow the skull to be destroyed as the creature soon made its appearance.

Clashing once more, the dark pair was stopped as they felt the ground rumble from under them. Descending from the sky, a creature in red with bat like wings crashed down breaking the ground beneath its feet. As it stood, this creature was rather tall standing several feet high easily towering over everyone present. "Do you think I would allow you to take my advantage away?" the demon chuckled.

This creature was definitely new to the Protoss as the observers had no information concerning what it was. Receiving information via telepathy from quick scans, whatever it was it was reading some sharp energy spikes almost on par or maybe even higher than an archon.

"Tichondrius" Illidan growled. "A dread lord dares disgrace this forest with his presence. I will be sure to slay you this day demon!"

"We'll see about that" as then the red monstrosity using his clawed hand picked up the Skull of Gul'dan as he crushed it himself shocking everyone only to a moment later realizing his action. Reduced to broken shards, ominous energy began pouring out of his hand as it swirled around the dread lord blanketing him giving the demon even greater power. Analyzing thus far, he did not only get a power boost but also duplicated the skulls ability as the demonic corrupting energy rippled from where the demon stood. "Now, prepare to die!" as several corpses and skeleton warriors began to rise from the ground.

"It would appear our duel will have to wait another time" said Illidan now pointing his blades to Tichondrius.

"Indeed" Zeratul responded. "We must fight together if we hope to survive".

Just in good timing, the advance force had arrived with reinforcement with their immortals, Thrall and his orcs, some humans and elves, and many of Cenarius's tree summons. Soon the battle erupted into complete chaos as battles were going on everywhere.

But against a foe like the undead, they needed to fight smart. Although they were physically weak they did not tire nor were there any limit to their numbers.

So taking the distance fighters like archers and spear throwers, they hopped on top of a stalker as Protoss walker blinked them into strategic positions allowing them to rain hell down below as ground forces engaged. For every two humans, orcs, or elves was either a zealot or a dark templar fighting shoulder to shoulder with them as they fended off the living corpses while the immortals with their plasma cannons effectively incinerated their targets leaving nothing for them to regenerate from.

Alas amongst the chaos, it left Illidan and Zeratul undisturbed with their battle against Tichondrius.

"Interesting, do you worms believe that you are a match for me?"

"You talk too much demon!" as Illidan fired a shot of energized mana as he then ran in with his dual blades hitting whatever was opened.

Zeratul following his lead blinked to the monster's back as he repeatedly stabbed him with his warp blade. However Tichondrius reached back grabbing him throwing him off as the prelate grinded to a stop against the ground.

Attacking on both sides, the pair cut and slashed like there was no tomorrow as that was the case if they did not win, they would die. But as aggressively as they attacked, the demon did not tire even though they were pouring everything they had onto it.

However if this were the case, then death was inevitable if they kept fighting at this rate. This thing had energy comparable to an archon or higher, thus killing this dread lord would be near impossible without equivalent or higher energy of their own. Zeratul had fought an archon before as they were one of the most feared amongst the Protoss ranks. Generally the only way to win was to either bleed them of their energy or wait till they expired. But this dread lord did not seem to be suffering from neither drawback nor did they have an archon to use against it. So the only way to win now was to use something of a higher energy yield. Considering what they had on hand, there was only one thing that could work but was extremely dangerous.

Zeratul would have loved if the Shield of Auir could fire its primary weapon as it could easily destroy Tichondrius. Although a continent away, with their advanced A.I. they could have easily calculated energy yield and vector direction. Using the planets gravity as a guidance system, the trajectory would have been spot on in annihilating the enemy. However the mother ship was still down for repairs as he had to go for the next best thing which was the void ray.

Although greater in attack power, the matter reaction would have taken time to charge till it was up to its optimum destructive power within its controlled state. But the problem was they would most likely only have one chance at it as the enemy would have wised up by then. More so, the ship was several miles away as it would be a danger close shot not to mention a blind shot. So the targeting had to be exact on through telepathic guiding as all Protoss on the field would paint the target with their sight.

"Begin charging the prismatic core" Zeratul communicated to the pilot, "fire on my command".

"Understood" answered the void ray pilot. Charging the core, the intense beam of infinite power focused into the crystal lenses. Generally the beam fired where the lens pointed, the pilot purposely altered the lattice configuration of the lenses as now the beams filtered into space as they waited for maximum charge to occur. Pointing the lens to the intended target, they awaited the order to fire.

As they waited, Zeratul and Illidan kept the demon busy as the demon hunter was informed of the plan. Much to his dismay and confusion of what was going on, Illidan agreed as it was painfully apparent that the combined effort of the two was still not enough to slay Tichondrius.

"Zeratul, prismatic core is fully charged. Ready to fire on your order" the pilot stated.

"I need to trap him in my void prison. But I need time to channel the necessary power" said Zeratul.

"Then let's move this along" said Illidan. "I do not have all day".

The dark prelate nodded as a dark purple ball of energy shined as it condensed in his hands.

"I do not know what you are planning. But know that it won't work on me!" roared Tochondrius aiming to stab with his claws, but was then deflected as Illidan bounced his arm up using his dual blades to guard while using his body to forcibly change the momentum.

"You will definitely die!" the demon hunter yelled. Expertly wielding his blades as he had done for centuries, he kept the red demon occupied running around delivering punishing blows. Although all he was doing was irritating the dread lord, he was doing what was needed which was buying time.

"I'm done" as Zeratul casted his void prison. The ball of energy soon captured Tichondrius as the void bubble immobilized him as it left him hanging in the air. But true to his analysis, the dread lord was too powerful to hold for long. Then again, he just needed to be held for a few precious moments.

Painting the target, the Protoss warriors casted their gaze on the target from different perspectives which triangulated the targets disposition through telepathy. Receiving all relative data and coordinated by the void rays A.I., the prismatic lens focused on target as it let loose the full fury of its destructive energy. Firing the beam of light, it stretched for miles over the forest of Kalimdor as all were in awe to the intense light that passed above them. Finally reaching its target, the beam of incredible heat and energy burned a gaping hole through Tichondrius ripping through him as the beam continued onwards plowing the ground behind him with explosive force glassing the ground.

"Im . . . . Impossible" said Tichondrius in shock as his hand shock reaching to his wound to make certain what just happened was real. Feeling nothing but ash and heat with the massive hole in his chest the battle was over as the dread lord then died disintegrating into nothing. Soon followed was his undead summons as it was another victorious battle for the living as the forest was turning back to normal.

~ Unknown place ~

It was long and turbulent journey, but with the assistance of the dread lords, armies of the undead, and the death knight Arthas, Kel'thuzard was successful in gathering everything he needed.

Beginning a long spell chant, Archimonde was soon coming to Ashenvale.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: This is my interpretation, but I'm pretty sure the Shield of Auir is practically a city ship which would make it massive as it can house hundreds to thousands of Protoss. Of course this is just what I think.

Additionally play Heart of the Swarm because it was just amazing. Plus it really gives an awesome insight of where the Zerg came from in relation to their origins as they were not always a bug like race.

Anyways thank you for taking the time in reading this fic to which I further extend my gratitude if you can review it as well.