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

It is War

~ Lordaeron (Shield of Auir) ~

"Ugh" Artanis sighed. "This has gotten rather troublesome. I didn't think things would get this far. But at this point it's too late to do anything about it now".

The knights of the Auir they called themselves now. A name that was quickly catching on amongst those of their newly formed country. Flattering to some degree, but generally unwanted. The Protoss wanted to leave only a small foot print on Azeroth. But one situation had led to another as they were now at this point. Since the damage was done, all they could do was mitigate the situation now.

But above all else, to make it a point that they were mortal like anybody else and not gods. The last thing they needed was to be worshiped. Frankly they didn't want to make the same mistake the Xel'naga did.

Though given the impression the terrestrials have of them so far, it was fine for them to continue thinking they were some powerful magical civilization who are just long lived like the elves.

"What more can go wrong?" Artanis sighed again

~ Lordaeron (the village) ~

Arriving by carriage, Jaina and her escorts neared a village where they would rest for a bit and resupply before continuing off back to the New Alliance capital.

Taking in the view, it was certainly a sight to see. Orcs, dwarfs, elves, and humans working together as they were repairing the village. During her journey to Lordaeron, she was mostly out of contact with her people. However she was able to learn bits and pieces of what's been happening. One of which was the attack on the Protoss and how they were dealt a severe blow. In turn the formation of their new country. Reasons for it, that she didn't know. But seeing what their activities have achieved, she couldn't help but feel inspired. To think not to long ago they were at war with each other for one dumb reason or another. Yet look how far they've come as a people in such a short time.

Invited into the village, humans were first to greet her with a proper bow.

"Lady Jaina!"

"Milady!"

"What brings you here?"

"On an envoy mission" she answered cheerfully. "But enough about me, what has been happening in my absence?"

As they conversed, passing knights who were on patrol happened upon them. Orcs were rather indifferent to Jaina. Elves and dwarfs gave there respect. Humans of course wanted to greet her formally. But within this group was Eli and Miwa as they observed from a distance.

The reaper whistled at the sight of her. "Man I don't know why. But it's something about this fantasy world that makes all the ladies here just a sight to behold".

Ignoring his banter, Miwa observed her. "So this is Jaina". She heard her name held with some very high regard as she was respected by both commoners and nobles alike. However what troubled the female specter was that of her company. Just feeling their presence on the surface, they seemed to be alright folks. But it was the pale skinned ones that got her attention. Of everyone she had ever met in life, they always carried a kind of 'psychic aura' to them. In a sense, it was like a synopsis which told you what kind of person they were. But concerning these escorts, they felt like a blank page. Frankly she didn't know what that meant exactly. Even the most dullest human left a kind of imprint with certain emotions. Yet these pale skinned soldiers didn't seem to give off any feeling whatsoever. "Strange . . . . I wonder why . . . ." So taking a peek inside their minds, she was even more baffled at discovering at how empty their heads were. However she recognized the evil at the very core of them. "Demons? But how?" Then looking back to Jaina, she had to wonder if she was really as stand up as people thought her to be. Like Arcturus, they may seem like a good person on the outside. Yet they were rotten to the core. If this sorceress was like that, then it would certainly cause trouble for the Protoss which would further delay there trip off the planet.

"You're getting that killer look in your eyes again" said Eli, "what's up?"

". . . . I want to ask her a few question tonight" said Miwa. "I just want to make sure of a few things. I'll need you to come along to make sure we aren't disturbed".

"Nothing too violent I hope".

"As I said, I just want to ask a few questions".

~ The village ~ (night)

With closing hours, civilians went to sleep as patrol were on duty to make sure nothing happened while they slept.

So quietly lurking in the shadows, Miwa closely accompanied by Eli hid around corners as they made their way to Jaina's room. Although they were part of the Knights of Auir they didn't want to cause any kind of trouble considering the sorceress's reputation hence the secrecy. Making sure the coast was clear, they made a straight shot for where she was staying. Outside, the New Alliance soldiers were posted at the door shooing away civilians who wanted to see her. But finding an opening, the duo managed to infiltrate the building.

"Ugh, this would have been far easier if we had a cloak" Eli scoffed.

"Quit your whining" said Miwa sharply. "We're almost there". Looking down the hall seeing it was clear, she sensed Jaina's presence as she made her way to the door. Meanwhile Eli would stand guard around the corner to signal her via telepathy if something happens. Entering quietly, she saw the sorceress sitting on a bed brushing her hair.

"Oh my, I wasn't expecting any guests tonight" said Jaina setting her brush down turning to face her.

"I apologize for the intrusion this late in the evening" said Miwa. "But there are a few questions I was hoping you would answer for me".

"A bit unorthodox considering the hour. However I do not mind. What is it that you wish to know?"

"You've gone through a lot of trouble to come back here to Lordaeron. Of what I can understand, you were requested by the New Alliance. So my question is, what is it that they want?"

A bit stunned at her question, she had no problem answering. "I came back for the sake of those I failed to save. After the undead, my people were scattered all amongst the continent. The new Alliance had suggested I be here to serve as a symbol of hope. With all things considered, it's the least I can do".

Looking her over, Miwa concluded she was telling the truth. Frankly her 'interrogation' was taking far longer then she liked as it was taking quite a bit of her focus just translating what she was saying and vice versa. Hence she couldn't just read her mind to know what was really going on. So the best she could manage was knowing if she was telling the truth or not. But then with her answer, "are you not aware of your company then?"

"What do you mean?" Jaina asked confused.

"Those people who came with you, they were some sort of demon".

"Demon?! That can't be right. You must be mistaken".

But before Miwa could rebuttal, gun fire could be heard. "Miwa! We got some trouble out here!" Eli communicated. Earlier, the New Alliance knights had just entered. Trying to buy time, the reaper looked around picking up a bottle and pretended to be inebriated. Walking out wobbly, he bumped into them. "Oh sorry pal, just had one to many".

But responding negatively, the knights took out their swords starting to attack.

"Woah, no need for that pal. Can't we solve this over a drink?" But seeing the blade come at him, Eli ducked and jumped back as he dodged another sword. Now on his back he drew his gun pointing it at them. "Don't make me do this pal!" However they still continued to advance on him. Seeing no other choice, he fired a defensive shot hitting one of their legs. But then was surprised to see it not deter them one bit. More so, the man he shot was bleeding black blood. "What the hell?" Knowing how much trouble he was in now he communicated to Miwa.

Rushing out the door, the female specter drew her knife as Jaina followed closely behind her. Seeing their blood, the sorceress could only question what they were as well.

"Eli! Shoot to kill! These things aren't human!" Miwa commanded.

With the fight, it drew the attention of those in the surrounding area. Eventually the little scuffle had turned into a full blown battle as the New Alliance were in a full out brawl against the Knights of Auir.

But through the chaos and disarray, the demons target was clear.

"Attain Jaina at all costs! She must be taken back alive!"

Within the mix up, a magic sealing bracelet was slapped on the sorceress rendering her powerless as she was soon taken by force into a carriage as they rode off.

"Not on my watch!" Eli shouted running behind them.

"Eli! Don't!" Miwa warned.

Managing to catch up, Eli shot out two more of the guards before hearing a click. "Damn it, out of bullets". So improvising the best he could, Eli tried to rescue Jaina. However it was for naught as he too was captured as they were now prisoners of the New Alliance.

~ New Alliance ~

In line with their mutual goals, the Burning Legion was getting what it wanted.

Fanning the flames of war, Garithos incited his people that Jaina was a traitor who left them to die while she escaped. Furthering his propaganda, he used every trick he knew of to paint the Protoss in the worse possible light. With his manipulation, he portrayed the psionic race as a bunch monsters and tyrants who aimed to either enslave or destroy all human life.

To further his support, he also learned that the machine people were residing in the Protoss city. After burning a few villages and blaming it on them, the rest was simple.

Now as far as Garithos was concerned, he just needed his peoples support to go to war against the Protoss. After fighting as long as they did, another war would seem unfavorable. The last thing he needed was one of his soldiers or subjects to be mutinying against him. As a result, him being forced to forfeit the power he had been so careful to gather.

But he had one last hurdle to jump over.

The original idea was to test the Protoss if humans were to oppose them.

However things have changed. With the Protoss at their weakest a plan of attack was being made as they were going to make another direct assault against their city. Thus combining the armies of the New Alliance and Burning Legion, Kil'jaeden wanted to make certain he crushed the Protoss once and for all for the embarrassment he was forced to endure by them. As for the machine people, once the red demon got his hands on them he had a special torture in line for the injuries he received by one of their own.

Now Garithos, he absolutely detested being under the thumb of these demons. But he absolutely loathed the Protoss as well. So for now, this was all just a means to an end. So this just left getting his ranking officers on board as they were the ones he absolutely needed on his side.

Addressing them in his war council, "that's how it is. Are there any questions?"

"Have you gone mad?! We are allied with demons!"

"This has gone too far sire! We must back out while there is still time!"

"It is foolish to trust a demon!"

One of his officers then stood up in outrage. "I cannot be apart of this. I'm out".

"Sit" Garithos commanded. "I'm warning you".

"About what? The people must know what their leader has done. This must not stand!" However everyone at the table was shocked as a sword was gouged through him as his blood splattered on the table and everyone present. Withdrawing his sword, the homunculus guard retook his position.

"I'm afraid none of you have a choice" said Garithos. "You only have two decisions from this point as there is no going back. Either join me or perish. However I'd rather not spill your blood needlessly as I'd hate to lose such competent officers" as he then motioned his hand.

Coming in, a homunculus soldier brought in a mother and her child.

"What is the meaning of this?!" asked one of his officers. "Why have you brought my family here?!"

"Think of this as an incentive" Garithos continued. "If you don't hold your lives to much value then think of your loved ones. As we speak they are being . . . . Rounded up for their own protection till our battle with the Protoss is over. I hope you all make the right decision".

His council could only growl as they were beyond outraged. But at the same time they had no choice but to yield. They were being out right threatened. If not with their own lives, but those of who they cared about. Siblings, parents, friends, and loved ones, none of them were safe. For they were now at the mercy of these demons as there was nothing they could do about it.

Seeing no disagreement, Garithos gave a nod. "I'm glad you've all have come to your senses as we have a lot of work to do".

The primary concern the former grand marshal had to worry about was explaining to his soldiers why they were working with demons. The necromancers were easy enough to explain away. Under the strictest conditioning and probation, they were now working for them. However the idea of fighting with undead would be an extremely unpopular idea. But nonetheless his soldiers would accept it if his high ranking officers did as well.

Now the real tricky part would be the demons themselves. As he has been informed, Kil'jaeden will be opening portals to allow his army through. So with the best story he could muster, his magicians had managed to bring these beasts under their control as they will now be fighting for them. It was a fragile story. But it would hold so long as no one looked to closely and did nothing to antagonize them.

~ Lordaeron ~

With the coming day, an army had amassed as word spread that the New Alliance was going to war against the Knights of Auir.

None of the other great civilizations could understand what was going through these humans minds.

The high elves of Quel'thalas couldn't understand the thinking of these humans. It amazed them how barbaric they were in their blood lust. Observing their situation, they couldn't quite put their finger on it. But something was definitely off about the New Alliance. They didn't have any definitive proof. But something evil was laying in it's under belly. However for the aid the Protoss had granted them, their kindness would not go unrewarded. As ordered by prince Kael'thas, Sylvanas gathered the elven army to aid the Knights of Auir in their up coming war.

The dwarfs of Ironforge in this matter decided to remain neutral in this matter. Hearing the machine people residing in Protoss territory, they would not aid the New Alliance in their attack. However, they also respected the ties they shared with New Alliance and thus they would not come to defend them either. So for the time being they were on stand by until something would force them into action.

Hearing word of Jaina's abduction, the Alliance that resided in Kalimdor were returning to fight in order to save her as a bulk of their forces traveled back to Lordaeron. It would take time for them to arrive even by air as they had to cross an entire ocean. The nights elves on the other hand stayed out of the affairs of the outside world. They appreciated what the Protoss had done for them. However the troubles of Lordaeron was no concern of theirs as it was an entire continent away. Although this was a decision made as a society, there were those among them who volunteered to partake in this war.

But for that of the Protoss and those who lived in their territory, their observers easily spotted them coming.

Among all of them, there was much in mixed feelings. Orcs of course had no problem. But for everyone else, the idea didn't sit well with them of why the New Alliance was going to war against them. It made no sense either morally or logically. They had to understand that in a straight on battle they would get crushed by the Knights of Auir. If the Protoss were to defend their territory, it would be like lambs to the slaughter with the god like magic they wielded. But nonetheless they must have had something planned besides a suicidal attack like this.

Though nonetheless they prepared themselves for war. Swords, axes, spears, arrows, and firearms were put into order.

The terrain was set up to defend against any siege be it from the ground or air. With the use of wisps, the entire area was completely reformatted for the best possible defense and holding positions.

As this was being done this left the Protoss to talk amongst themselves of what they should do. But the final decision was made by those in the main conference room. Along with high ranking templars, Artanis, Zeratul, Caltuhn, Malthus, and others were present to discuss their course of action.

"Primitives" said Malthur looking over the holographic map as the observers watched the army heading towards them. "I've always known Terrans to be such a foolish species. But not to this extent".

"And a prideful fool who leads them" Caltuhn continued waving his hand stretching the window getting a close up picture of the dark knight Garithos who led them. "Do they intend to throw away their lives for nothing?"

"I do not believe so" said Zeratul pulling a close up image of the necromancers who marched with them. "I do not know what has transpired within this New Alliance. But if they are now allied with these necromancers then there army size is far greater then what it is now. Though possibly this also means one more thing".

"The Burning Legion might be behind this" finished Artanis. "If so, things just got a lot more troublesome".

"We've gone through the logistics" a templar followed up. "Based on their approach, we can have the city shields and weapons platform functional. However we will only be able to power one of them".

"Recall of our forces will soon be complete. Everything we can muster will be here to do battle".

"We've also been studying there dimensional rifts. In theory if we install displacement devices to our observers we should be able to localize where they appear. Of course this is all untested. However with our numbers we can only deploy disruption fields to block out their meteor assaults or their ground forces. It is your decision hierarch".

Thinking this over carefully, Artanis needed to consider how he should proceed.

Air superiority was always key to any battle. Focusing interceptors, phoenix, and void rays along with weapons platforms they could easily hold the air.

Ground forces would be fine if they were able to strike preemptively with colossi and reavers. Along the ground, they should be able to hold things off so long as they fought smart.

However there were things to consider with the options at hand.

Using the Shield of Auir's weapons, they could easily crush the opposition with a full on plasma assault. However it would leave everyone else vulnerable as the terrestrials would not be able to defend against their meteor drop pods. More so the danger of friendly fire. If the Burning Legion went with a full on drop pod, they would need to deploy their shields to keep them safe from an aerial assault.

The displacement fields is an untested technology. But even if it did work they would only be able to partially limit their air and/or ground forces.

Even if they were to go at their opponent with all their power, there was then the moral implications. It was this prime reason why Protoss detested the use of knowledge to create weapons of war. Why the colossi was banned after the Kalathi intercession. Even if the New Alliance were the enemy, they were still primitive. For that they did not deserve to die for their lack of understanding. In a Terran way of putting it, it was like picking on someone smaller then you and nobody liked that. If it was just the Burning Legion, they would have no qualms at going at them with their full power. But more then likely they were going to be mixed with the humans who would be fighting them.

Hence Artanis would be faced with a difficult choice. Either put the safety of his people first or of those who lived on Azeroth. A decision he needed to think carefully about.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was OK as I've been rather busy as of late.

As to pertaining to the last part of this chapter, it is an actual question I'm opening to readers to decide as I'll write it from there. The question goes as follows. Are displacement fields to be placed on the ground, air, or divided between both? Should the Protoss divert power to weapons platform or plasma shields? Should their own safety take priority first or that of Azeroth? Majority rules in this case or a very well rounded argument.

Now for commentary, Protoss technology in truth is not designed for war. Most of their stuff is just re-purposed machinery. The only device they created specifically for war was the colossi. But after the destruction of the Klathi which literally blasted them into the stone age, colossi were banned from use until the second great war. For the most part the Protoss don't exactly enjoy using their knowledge for the express purpose of destruction. Though they understand it's a necessary evil, they do generally wish to solve things a bit more peacefully contrary to what we see them do most of the time.

So if there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask to which I'll try my best to answer.

So thank you for reading and I further extend my gratitude if you can review as well.