The small band of Protoss headed for the system and soon landed on the world of Atrias as Zeratul took in the temple that rested there, behind the line of Tal'darim guarding it with vigor. "The temple of Erris. Within those ancient walls lies our last hope..." But that was not the end of it as the channel recieved a wide-broadcast of psionic energies in the form of a voice.
"Tal'darim, seal the temple! None enter until my work is done. Any who defies my order will answer to their Highlord in blood." The temple closed shut, but Zeratul did not find it a welcome sight or sound.
"The Tal'darim Highlord is here? This surely bodes ill..."
"Our difficulties do not end here, Zeratul. This world is in death throes." Talis answered as she glanced to the ground below, the canyon and valley now filling in a tide of green gases. "The vespene reserves beneath the surface are turbulent. The planet is in a state of constant eruption."
"She is right, I fear whatever had happened here must have triggered some sort of destruction of this planet." Val'Lorna tacked on as Zeratul recognized the matter, but they were there for hope, not to turn tail and run, but if there were no geysers to use near the base locations, then they must use the planet's own eruptions to their advantage.
"These fissures are the last remaining source of vespene. We will have to brave them to raise our army."
"I pray this temple of yours is worth it."
"Have faith, Talis." Val'Lorna clasped her sister-in-arms' shoulder as she spoke. "If Zeratul believes whatever secrets this temple has will save our people. Then we will not hesitate." She nodded as the nexus point was set up and the forces were deployed to fight, bringing forth the steady Void Rays for the conflict to come, much like the Immortal and Colossi brought in to handle the Terrans and Zerg on the station. Talis brought up a display to show how long until the planet erupted again and yielded the vespene.
"Zeratul, the planet's core pressure is rising. This counter will keep you aware of current seismic pressure. Be prepared to move out, I expect a fissure will erupt shortly." They moved out with setting a standing force, using limited dosage of Vespene to get more able forces to fight the Tal'darim as Zeratul inquired as to the bond between Talis and Val'Lorna.
"Val'lorna. If I may ask... Your bond with Talis is..."
"Strange? It has been told a great deal of times... We should focus on the task at hand." The old Protoss did not pry any more, it was a topic that could be explained much later as fissures opened and released vespene close by as the force built up some more before they were accosted by the Tal'darim as a 'Stalker' made the point clear to them.
"The Dark God has no use for you. He will not suffer you to live."
"Then enjoy your rest with him." Val'Lorna countered as the raiding party was destroyed and the forces moved out with expanding out their range of movement and operations as Zeratul took notice of the Tal'darim attempting to mine several rock formations.
"The Tal'darim are mining these rock formations."
"Yes, I'm detecting a strong seismic reading in these locations. They must hide something of value. We should take a closer look." They pushed in and dealt out the Tal'darim before they could rally an attack, one Zealot even exclaiming that death will wash away their sins, to which Val'Lorna introduced her kunai and countered with it washing away theirs first, before they cleared out the Tal'darim and cleared the formation of one of the sites to Zeratul's relief.
"Ah, a natural vespene vent. I will have my Void Seeker begin extracting it from orbit." It was in good fortune that they cleared it out as they now had a supply of Vespene to draw from, the other vents now of equal measure as they cleared the lower grounds of their cultist foes and cleared out the formations for more vespene to come in, the forces strengthened even more with even Carriers to support them in the fray before they approached the main encampment with three bases up to protect and stall the Tal'darim should they come to take back the world or their leader.
"Our forces are closing upon the temple. We should gather our warriors and strike as one."
"Warriors, fight with all you have, and the temple will be ours!" Zeratul roused the forces into action as even Talis and Val'Lorna cheered for this moment.
"Here here! To glorious battle!"
"For the Protoss Daelaam!" With that, a clash occured, one where the Tal'darim held its ground, but only for so long before the way was cleared and they were able to now enter the temple as Talis spoke.
"The way forward is clear at last."
"Yes, but the Tal'darim are not known to take defeat lightly." Zeratul voiced as he ignited his warp blade for action. "They will come to rescue their Highlord... and in force."
"Go, Zeratul. Find the answers you seek within the temple. Our blades shall grant you the time you need." Zeratul nodded to the young leader as he spoke.
"You have my thanks, Talis. En Taro Tassadar."
"Adun Toridas, brother..." Zeratul headed into the depths of the temple as Val'Lorna spoke in turn.
"Talis..." Talis lightly pushed Val'Lorna toward the temple as she spoke.
"I will be fine, Val'Lorna. Zeratul will need your help. Go." After a moment of pause, Val'Lorna clasped Talis' hand and spoke, both leaning in to touch their heads to each other, as a sign of their bond.
"Adun Tordias, Talis..."
"Adun Toridas, my love..." With that, the pair parted and Val'Lorna rushed to catch up with Zeratul while Talis made sure that the Tal'darim would not breach the temple under her watch...