Chapter 25: Preparations

Disclaimer: Starcraft is the property of Blizzard and Gate is the property of Takumi Yanai. I own neither.

"Impossible!"

The Preservers ignored Artanis' outburst, instead focusing their efforts on the crystal before them.

"The dark god rises again."

"Armies dormant return to light."

"Only one hope remains: the infinite cycle must be reborn."

"You speak of Moebius Corps," Artanis realized, "We just destroyed their fleet moments ago!"

The Preservers did not reply, instead choosing to stare at the Hierarch.

"Of course," he realized, "They merely planned to delay us. We will engage them again, then. But how could Amon have survived? The ascended Queen of Blades... Kerrigan slew him." Artanis said the name like a curse.

"Amon is Xel'naga, Hierarch. One who seeded the universe. You truly expect one strike to slay such a being?"

"No single blow can stop a tide. We should have known! How could we think it was so simple?!" Artanis cursed. "But if even Kerrigan could not kill him, how do we accomplish such a goal?"

"Two legendary powers, different yet alike. Only through mastery of both can a final blow be struck."

"You speak of magic... But how can we master it? It defies all logic and science!" Artanis demanded.

The three Preservers looked at each other before replying, "We do not know. This is all the help we can give. You must prepare."

"But we still know nothing! There must be more!" Artanis said, for a moment losing his composure. He looked unlike the leader of the most powerful race in the sector and more like a vulnerable youth his age.

The Preservers understood his worry, but could not help. Not even they, with millennia of memories, could understand the workings of gods. "You have defeated Amon once, Hierarch. Have confidence in yourself. You will end this threat. The light has never and will never die."

Artanis focused himself, slowly regaining his regal presence. When he was done, he bowed to the Preservers, saying, "I am most grateful for your assistance, great Preservers. Your wisdom will surely be invaluable in the upcoming war."

They nodded. "Go now, young Hierarch. Do what you must."

"Hierarch, you're just in time," a technician said, the moment he appeared on the bridge, "We're detecting gravitational anomalies. Something is warping in nearby."

"Is it Moebius Corps?" Artanis asked.

"Negative, Hierarch," Matt replied, and Artanis suddenly realized that the communication line with the Hyperion was still open. "The distortion is Protoss in nature. Did you happen to call for backup?"

"No," Artanis replied, "this is no Daelaam vessel."

"Orders, Hierarch? Do we power up weapons?" a technician asked.

"I-" Artanis was interrupted as the space around them warped, marking the appearance of a group of blood-red Mothership and dozens of crimson Void Rays. It was a Tal'darim death fleet, which meant that Highlord Alarak himself had arrived at Zhakul.

"Tal'darim? What are they doing here?" Matt wondered. Artanis was also thinking the same, but knowing the Tal'darim, it was nothing good.

As expected, a screen blinked, showing an incoming transmission. With a nod, Artanis allowed it through. Beside Matt's screen, another appeared on the Spear of Adun's bridge, this one showing a red-eyed figure.

"Artanis! What is the Terran fleet doing here?" Alarak demanded immediately, without any form of greeting.

"Greetings to you too, Highlord Alarak," Artanis replied, suppressing a sigh, "The Terran fleet is led by Admiral Matthew Horner, against Moebieus Corps."

Matt took the opportunity to enter the communication, "Indeed, Highlord. The Dominion detected Moebieus mobilizing their fleets, so I gathered my own to chase them down. We caught up to them here and, with the Hierarch's help, destroyed them."

Alarak sneered, "And why would Moebieus Corps be here? They were destroyed, along with their master. Artanis, have you considered that you have been deceived into helping a Terran fraction?"

"I know Matthew Horner to be trustworthy, Alarak. He had earned as much. Furthermore, Amon yet lives, Highlord," Artanis replied calmly.

"Oh? It's not just the Hybrid now, but the dark god himself?" Alarak asked, "Then tell me where he lies, and the Death Fleet will end him for good! He will pay for his treachery!"

"I believe that you know of Falmart, Highlord. Amon is most likely on its surface, guarded by his Hybrid while he carries out whatever plan he has."

"Then why do we delay? Mobilize your Golden Armada, Hierarch, and let us destroy Amon for good!" Alarak exclaimed.

Artanis shook his head, "It is not so simple, Highlord. On Falmart, my recon team had discovered a Xel'naga prophecy, which I brought here for the Preservers to translate. They say that only a combination of our power and the magic of Falma-"

"Magic? You still believe that it exists?" Alarak mocked, "Foolish child, the might of the Firstborn alone will be sufficient to kill this god!"

Artanis narrowed his eyes. "Underestimate the Xel'naga at your own peril, Highlord. The previous prophecy came to pass, did it not? This one reveals hints of how we may destroy Amon for good, and you want to ignore it?" he demanded.

Alarak glared in return but did not reply. Matt, who was listening in to the conversation, cut in, "Hierarch, Highlord, Emperor Valerian requests to talk to the two of you."

The two Protoss leaders looked at him. "Of course," Artanis agreed, while Alarak just grunted.

A third screen appeared on the Shield of Aiur, this one showing Emperor Valerian Mensk of the Terran Dominion, who was halfway across the sector, back on Korhal.

"Thank you for your time, Hierarch. And Highlord Alarak, a pleasant surprise," Valerian greeted.

"Save the pleasantries, Terran. Why is he here, Hierarch? The Firstborn does not need the help of lesser species," Alarak said.

Valerian did not take that very well, replying immediately, "Perhaps you would like a first-hand demonstration of what this 'lesser species' can do, Highlord."

"You dare challenge me?"

"Please, calm down," Artanis cut in, trying to pacify the two. Why was he always the peacemaker? "The resurgence of the Hybrid concerns us all. The Terrans have proven invaluable allies against Amon, Alarak, and they are deserving of our respect. And Valerian, please do not antagonize the Tal'darim."

"Of course, Hierarch," Valerian apologized, while Alarak made a non-committal sound that could be interpreted as agreement.

Artanis sighed and got to the point. "As you know, Hybrid and Zerg have reappeared, most notably on Falmart. The prophecy we recovered from the continent claims that Amon himself leads them. There is also the mobilization of Moebius Corps."

"These Zerg, are they controlled by the Hybrid?" Valerian asked.

It was an unexpected question and one that Artanis didn't have an answer to, "We do not know, Emperor. Why do you ask?"

"Well if they are, maybe we could get Zagara to help. If she can send someone to take control of the Zerg on Falmart, we don't need to worry about them," Valerian replied.

"The Zerg?" Alarak sneered, "You would trust those beasts after what they did?"

"Well, we're talking to you despite what the Tal'darim did," Valerian shot back.

"Our past squabbles are not a priority here," Artanis said, "Let us focus on the future."

Before he could continue, an alarm beeped, and a technician called out, "Danger, Hierarch! A Zerg Leviathan has entered orbit around Zhakul!"

From the faces of Alarak and Matt, it was obvious that they had detected this creature as well.

"Just one? That's strange, usually the Zerg send far more," Valerian mused.

Before anyone else could speak, the technicians once again announced, "Hierarch, incoming transmission... from the Leviathan."

"The Leviathan? How?" Artanis demanded.

"We are unsure. It appears to be transmitting on a few frequencies. The signal is faint, but we managed to read it. Putting it on screen now."

A moment later, a new screen flickered into life, showing the face of a Zerg queen. But not just any queen. It showed Overqueen Zagara herself, her nightmarish carapace of spikes and claws unlike any other. And with that image came a wave of memories and horror. The death and destruction. The fall of Aiur.

"I am Overqueen Zagara, ruler of the Swarm. I bring greetings to you all, Highlord Alarak of the Tal'darim Hierarch Artanis of the Daelaam, and Emperor Valerian of the Dominion," a harsh, grating voice rasped.

Gesturing for the technicians to scan for other Leviathans, Artanis got to the point, "Zagara. Why are you here?"

The war may have been over, but the suffering had not. The fall of Aiur would always be the lowest point in Protoss history, the near-genocide that happened decimating their numbers. Aiur was being rebuilt, but even that would take time.

Zagara seemed to pick up on his mistrust, "The Swarm comes in peace. The Queen of Blades, then ascended to Xel'naga, left me a message. To be here, above Zhakul, this day."

"Kerrigan told you to come here? This day? And she said so... two years ago?" Valerian asked, incredulous. Artanis didn't believe it either, in the slightest. It was all too convenient. Although the Leviathan was alone, it could have an immeasurable number for Zerg within.

Apparently, Alarak had the same thought, "You must take us for fools, to speak such a lie."

"I do not lie," Zagara denied harshly, "She spoke of a day when the Zerg, the Terran, and the Protoss must reunite to face an ancient enemy."

"And did she perhaps share with you just who this enemy is?" Artanis asked.

"She did not," Zagara admitted, "But I am not blind. Your fleets have mobilized. The Hybrid has returned. Moebius has resurged. Our foe can only be Amon."

"May I speak to you privately for a moment, Artanis?" Valerian asked, and Artanis nodded, ordering the crew to mute all other channels. The moment that was done, Valerian spoke again, "We should tell them."

Artanis frowned, "They Zerg destroyed your planets and slaughtered your kin by the billions just two years ago, yet you would trust them now?"

"I trust them as much as you do, Hierarch. But, as you said, this concerns us all. We'll need them for this battle. Besides, if we go to this Falmart of yours and being our fleets along, wouldn't it be better for the Zerg to be in sight then to be back here, doing whatever they want?"

Artanis considered this. "A fair point," he conceded, "Very well. I will share what we know. But if there is the slightest hint of treachery, the Zerg will feel our fury."

"I would expect no less. Thank you, Hierarch," Valerian replied. With another gesture, he rejoined the group of leaders. A technician then said, "Hierarch, incoming transmission from Executor Selendis. She says it concerns Falmart."

Sighing internally, Artanis gestured for him to put it up. It was getting crowded, he thought, the screens of Alarak, Matt, Valerian, Zagara and now Selendis fighting for space. And why did he have a foreboding feeling in his chest?

Selendis was on Aiur and had just read through the report from the Dark Templar in Italica, which left her feeling conflicted. On one hand, the criminals most certainly wouldn't be coming back, and the Protoss had the support of the citizens. On the other, it was definitely against the laws of no interference and may result in the overreliance of the citizens on the Protoss for protection.

Sighing, she put it aside, resolving to deal with it later. She had never expected so much paperwork from dealing with Falmart, although in hindsight, she really should have. To bend the rules and actually interact with this society, every action and decision had to be cataloged. It resulted in a lot of information, most of which had to go through her.

Not to mention the Dracolisk and the Hybrid. Along with a massive flock of Mutalisks, they had managed to ground a pair of Motherships and damage the others. Construction material for a Stargate had been sent through the Gate, as well as more resources for the Motherships' repairs.

But the Dracolisk had escaped. As such, hundreds of Observers had been assigned to Falmart, spreading out all over the continent to search for any other Hybrid or Zerg.

That was when the Zerg had begun their assault.

The reports came in rapidly. From the northern side of Falmart, creep began to spread. It covered the ground, spreading relentlessly and consuming everything in its way. The Zerg followed shortly after. Entire villages went dark, and the creep was showing no signs of stopping as it expanded. Already it approached several large towns. Belnago, Helcago and even Sadera we all at risk of an attack. And there was no way such a primitive society could withstand the Zerg's assault.

Naturally, Selendis had sent for reinforcements. However, there was a problem. The Gate itself was too small for the Protoss fleet to pass through. Infantry and robotic forces could enter the Gate and reach Falmart almost instantly, but the heavy air forces would have to take the long route, a journey of at least a week.

The Swarm could conquer entire planets in a week.

Overseeing the new group of Immortals going through the Gate, Selendis sighed. It had been just two years since the End War. The Protoss had been decimated, and now, before they could recover, Amon was forcing them back into action. They would have to destroy him for good if peace were to be obtained.

A cracking noise drew her attention back to the Gate. The stone structure, utterly different from Protoss constructions, filled her vision. What had caused the noise?

The Gate shuddered, the stone groaning in protest of some invisible force. It cracked, the fractures spreading across the structure. They grew by the second.

Selendis recognized the danger immediately and yelled, "Clear the area immediately! The Gate is collapsing!"

It really was, Selendis realized. Similar to how an unstable Warp Gate would collapse under its own gravity well, the Gate was being drawn into a single point by its own power.

The Immortals hurried as much as they could, doing a half turn to exit the destabilizing wormhole, but their bulky forms prevented them from moving any faster than a trot. The waiting Immortals also backpedaled as quickly as they could to give their Brethren some space to maneuver. Suddenly, with a loud crack, the Gate collapsed onto itself. The stone crumbled and shattered, sucked into the point at the center of the Gate. A second later, the stone was gone, leaving nothing, not even rubble, behind.

And now Falmart was cut off from Aiur.

"Hierarch, grave news! The Gate has collapsed. Falmart is cut off from Aiur," Selendis reported with a calm that belied her emotions.

There was a stunned silence aboard the Shield of Aiur's bridge. Artanis broke it, "This must be Amon's doing. Gather all our forces. We set off at once!"

"Amon destroyed the Gate? The Dominion stands with you, Hierarch," Valerian declared.

"The Death Fleet is ready. Amon will be destroyed!" Alarak added.

"The Swarm is ready to assist," Zagara declared, and waited for the others' reactions.

Artanis looked at her with mistrust, but said, "We would welcome what forces you can bring, Overqueen. But know that our eyes are upon you. The slightest hint of betrayal and Amon would be the last of your worries."

Zagara hissed in displeasure, "And what of you, Hierarch? If I should gather my forces, I need your word. Your word that you will not take the opportunity to destroy the Swarm for good."

Artanis couldn't deny that the thought had crossed his mind. Yet, the millennia of war between the two species could not be forgotten or forgiven so easily.

"You have my support, Zagara. The Terran Dominion will not betray you," Valerian said, when Artanis was deep in thought.

"You would make such a promise?" he asked.

"We need all the help we can get, Hierarch. Amon has returned. The Swarm was a valuable ally before. Let them help us once more," Valerian replied confidently, then hammered in the nail by adding, "Besides, we have no intention of betrayal. I'm sure you don't either, so this is merely a formality."

"Very well," Artanis decided, "I give you my word, Overqueen. The Daelaam will accept the Swarm as allies, for now. We will not attack you without provocation."

"Thank you, Hierarch. The Swarm mobilizes, and promises in turn not to betray your trust. We seek only peace. Peace that will begin through the eradication of Amon," Zagara replied in her grating voice.

Artanis nodded, "Everyone, begin mobilizing all the forces you can. The coordinates of Falmart have been sent to each of you. In twenty four hours, we will set off to destroy Amon for good. In the meantime, here is what we know..."

And so began the second collaboration of the three great races.

A/N: I've always wondered why Blizzard went and got Xel'naga Kerrigan to literally one shot Amon. How is it possible to actually kill what is essentially a god with just one strike? Blizzard, I want answers.

Oh, and Orkir is dead. For good.