Setting the course for Shakuras was surreal aboard the arkship, but it was one filled with dread as Artanis suspected that, since the Khala was corrupted, Amon would seek to bring all Protoss to heel and, for the Nerazim, it was their deaths as the Spear of Adun arrived, Artanis hoping that Shakuras remained at peace, its surface the same twilight glow it always possessed, but Artanis' thoughts were slower than his voice as he moaned.
"No!" But it was in vain as Zeratul too exclaimed with worry.
"My home!" Cracked and aglow in red, Shakuras looked more like a planet in the throes of war than the peaceful home of the Dark Templar as Karax voiced the records of what was happening down below.
"Hierarch, Shakuras is overrun. Loss of life is extensive. Hold, we are receiving a transmission." The transmission was one of friendly company as the leading Matiarch Vorazun, daughter of Razagul, spoke in relief of Artanis being on the other side.
"Praise the gods! Artanis, you live."
"Matriarch Vorazun, what has happened here?" The answer was the simplest from her.
"Shakuras has fallen! The warp gate linking this world to Aiur has been reopened. Countless hybrid and Zerg pour from the other side!" So, Amon was swifter, the Warp Gate had saved them when the feral Zerg ramphaged in the death of the Overmind and before Kerrigan took control, they fell for her trick to that end at the cost of any forces rebel against the self-proclaimed Queen of Blades. "They've obliterated our cities. Decimated our Shadow Guard. We're trying to evacuate the remaining population, but I am uncertain whether we can hold long enough to get them safely away." Both Karax and Artanis shared a glance before the Hierarch spoke to save them from the threat.
"We will give you the time you need, Matriarch. My templar are inbound!" Mustering the forces would take time, but they were in a hurry to do so as Vorazun shared her thoughts of what had happened.
"My dark templar were tracking your invasion on Aiur when we were cut off. Then the warp gate opened. What happened, Artanis?"
"Amon used the Khala to seize control of the templar. I could feel his rage tearing through me, and I was powerless against it." He breathed as he spoke the next part with unease, knowing that one part of it was responsible for a tragedy done to the Nerazim. "Zeratul found me. It was there that he and two others freed me."
"Zeratul? He's here with you? Do you know what he did to my mother?" Artanis did not doubt her edge, he too wanted to know what had happened to Razagul, but he didn't wish to dig into that wound, though he should have in the first year of rebuilding, not left him to wander the star in search for mysteries and answers.
"I understand... So does he."
"Then why is he not in a stasis cell?" Vorazun shut off from the thought as the world demanded their attention, the matter of Zeratul was for much later. "We will have time for this later, right now, our people are in danger."
"Understood." The channel closed as Artanis muttered to himself of what he wished could ease his mind or something along the lines. "And I hope Zeratul can speak where I'm afraid too." He paused before he turned to Karax, the phasesmith's hands shaky, but Artanis spoke to ease him a bit, Zeratul having left some time ago. "Karax, even without the Khala's light, I can sense your sadness, your pain. Does the Spear of Adun bring you no joy?"
"That's just it, Hierarch. Without the Khala, it is as if I am blind. I cannot sense your feelings, know the true depth of your thoughts." Indeed, there were doubts now, it was an adjustment that they made without realizing the effects in the long term. "I cannot call upon the surety of other phase-smiths. I am... alone." Artanis voiced the same as he felt the same, but he pushed those doubts from himself on Aiur, when his people needed to leave, now able to voice them as he could.
"I feel the isolation as well, as though thrashing within the vacuum of space... but you are not alone, brother."
"To think... the dark templar have endured this existence all this time. The days ahead will not be easy." Artanis shook his head in agreeing, but there was only one path for them now, the one that meant their freedom.
"We may not have the Khala to rely on, Karax. But we still stand as one. We will endure. There is no other option." Karax nodded in heading to the Starforge for finding out their current armaments for battle before Artanis found himself meeting with Zeratul once more at the helm, the Prelate having returned after an extensive survey of the ship.
"I sense you are lost, minor, but still it fills you with doubt."
"You are right." Artanis breathed in thinking about it before speaking. "To think that the Khala would have protected us from Amon, only for the Dark One to take it over like it was nothing."
"Even though I'm a Nerazim and that our kind before this had been in conflict, we would never abandon our brothers to this fate." Artanis nodded to the words of the Prelate.
"Thank you, old friend." He continued on to the Forge, meeting with Karax on something unfound where the members could hold a war council, the doors opening to an abnormal sight as Artanis voiced to the hovering female, dressed in ceremonial garbs.
"A preserver? Released from stasis?" Karax stopped him short to a haunting fact, the nerve cords that were attached like wires to the connections of the headdress extending out behind her as she turned.
"She still bears her nerve cords! She is tethered to the Khala!" Artanis knew one course as he ignited his psi blade to sever it before the Preserver spoke, calm and firm, but carrying a hint of inexperience of the world now found to be in.
"Hold! I am Rohana, Grand Preserver of the Velari, and your War Council advisor. You must be the Executor in Command." Artanis paused as he inquired for an answer to that.
"You are not possessed by the Dark one? How is this possible?"
"I feel darkness lingering at the edges of my every thought, but I am not corrupted. Preservers of my station have trained to control the Khala's every ripple. I assure you, I will stave off this evil, and serve you better by doing so. As all preservers, I hold memories and personalities of Protoss prior to my submission to stasis. This will allow me to contrast your tactical decisions with those of your past executors. From this chamber, you will be able to make all military allocations." Karax and Artanis shared a glance before Artanis looked back to the Preserver in answering.
"I am Artanis, Hierarch of the Daelaam. I lead all that is left of our civilization. Your memories are indeed of use, Rohana." That may be, but he made it clear that, under no circumstance, would he broker her falling to the dark. "But make no mistaken-if you fall to this corruption, I will not hesitate to destroy you." His psi blade faded out as Rohana spoke.
"It is understood. I am prepared for the Firstborn's darkest hour. Come, let me show you what may be done here. The assembly panels awaits, Hierarch. We may begin whenever you are ready." Karax headed off as Artanis made to speak to the preserver a bit more to understand her role.
"I have heard only tales of the Grand Preservers... I did not expect to encounter one aboard this vessel."
"That is not surprising, Hierarch. My sisters and I are unique... trained from birth to master every intricacy of the Khala." She sounded a bit whimsical as she did so. "I have explored its true depth, plunged the infinite spectrum of emotion and memory. It is because of this gift we were selected to enter stasis..." The tone turned to pain as she made the notion. "So that we may guide you in our most dire hour."
"Your sisters were aboard the other ark ships? Then they..."
"Are one with the Khala. Fallen during the Zerg invasion of Aiur. I know this... I feel the tragedy that has befallen us more deeply than you may realize."
"A terrible burden has laid upon you, Rohana." But she was firm in doing so, in honor of her sisters and to the Protoss race.
"Yet it is my fate to bear it. A fate foreseen by the same minds that constructed this vessel. I trust their wisdom, Hierarch. I will serve my purpose, much as you must serve yours." Though it was no small task, the burden of leadership was his in the first place as he took a look to find that three types of units were available to be deployed in battle, the first being the Melee Warriors in newly adorned Zealots of Aiur's own with solarite axes to deliver area devastation around them and the Nerazim Centurions whose charges phases through their own allies to close the gap and stun their foes on impact.
The second were of the Preserved Warriors as the Stalkers of the Nerazim were now outfitted with devices that promote swift shield regrowth upon using their Blink abilities and some of the Aiur's own fallen were refashioned as the Dragoon, their longer range in cannons and armor making them more than a match for any that dares to fight it on those grounds.
The third felt a bit different in the Ranged Warriors, but considering that there was only the Aiur Adepts there, Artanis had to allow them in, their Shades allowing them to slip through defenses to get behind the lines to cut them off before he looked to Rohana now looking at Shakuras with some form of distain.
"All this time, this wretched little world was within striking distance of our fleets."
"Much has changed since your era, Preserver. The dark Templar are now our allies."
"There was a time when the Protoss were broken. Throughout the Aeon of Strife, we tore at each other with wanton abandon. Only one path was ever found to end the madness and unify our people: the Khala. The dark ones rejected its light. They denied their own races. How can you fight for them?" Artanis countered with a similar question, one that used her position in contrasting the ideal.
"For one so sworn to preserve our history. Rohana, how can you be so blind to its turn?" That got her as she apologized.
"I... I see I have offended you, Hierarch. My apologies. Adapting to this period is... difficult." That was all that was asked to learn, just as they needed to learn without the Khala, she too needed to learn the world around them now. He soon left to examine one final place, where those that now champion the Protoss race could be found, the warriors that stood as Executor, as leaders on the battlefield as he spoke to the great arena, Tenorai turning to face him in entering.
"I heard stories when I was young of Arkships like this having massive arenas for training."
"You are correct on this, Hierarch. With each Arena, two of the mightiest warriors come in to the arena and test their skill or demonstrate to others so that they can learn." The warrior rested a hand to his chest as he explained it. "For me and those who are here, we learn more about our strengths and what we can study. The sphere of knowledge can be used to alter our tactics so that we can change like the fire." So, they can adept and grow, based on the choices and ideas made through the orb that now emerged from the walling like a terminal as Artanis spoke of both of them that stood the line and helped fight for the brothers and sisters beside them.
"Tenorai, you and Val'lorna have been the most promising among our people, I would ask you to be our Champions and fight alongside our warriors."
"It will be our honor." He bowed as Artanis took it all in, a great place where the champions would learn, would fight, would grow as they did before he spoke to Tenorai, in awe of his devotion of training.
"I'm surprised to see you here... After everything we lost during our reclamation of Aiur."
"There was a lesson my master taught me long ago when I first became a warrior. When you lose something that feels important to you, you must learn to let go of the loss and to move on from the pain."
"He must of sounded very wise." Tenorai nodded with a solemn tone as he spoke.
"He was... What happened to him is... unknown to say the least." He shook his head as he spoke about it further being shut off for now. "We must move on, we will discuss this another time." Indeed and there was one other that Artanis had met, but not, she was the aide beside Zeratul ingathering and she aided in saving him from Amon as he spoke to her.
"You must be Val'Lorna."
"I am."
"You sound at a loss... did you lose someone at Aiur?" Val'Lorna shook her head a bit as she explained a bit.
"No... Not Aiur, somewhere else. And still feel the pain... It is like what you feel, but more closer to me than the Khala."
"I'm sorry, if I'm bringing some hard memories..."
"No... Let them. They'll only help fuel my anger and hatred towards Amon and his Hybrid. The same ones who took Talis from me." A name to the lost, Artanis would need to look into it, but first, they had to protect the Nerazim and deliver them from the world and onto the Spear of Adun to be free from Amon's darkness...
Swift as they were, Tenorai at the lead of the forces, the city of Talematros was an utter mess of creep and Zerg as Vorazun explained, the initial deployment of troops from the Spear being the Nerazim Centurions and the Aiur Dragoons. "Shakuras teems with Amon's Zerg broods. We hold only the southwest quadrant of Talematros, and even that is in peril." So the matter was pulling the people out and getting them to safety as Vorazun continued, also pointing out the error in thier plans currently in the fold. "We must evacuate our people, but the launch bays have been defiled with infestation. Only ground forces can clear them. Once the bay are free, the planetary warp conduit will allow our ships escape safely."
"The launch bays will be cleared... your people will survive, Matriarch. This I swear." Throughout the city, four launch bays were in use, infestation keeping them closed as Vorazun also delivered help in the form of the Dark Templar.
"You will need the aid of my dark templar in this battle. They can strike from the shadow without fear of reprisal."
"These Zerg wish to destroy our people. They have to destroy my blade first." But before he or the others could muster up more forces to fight the battle, the ground shook and their feared a Nydus Worm was inbound, but what did come was not Zerg in the slightest as a rift opened up at the entrance of the base.
"Artanis, I'm detecting a rift opening near your position! A Void thrasher!" The monster moved in freedom before directing its gaze upon the Warp Conduit, unleashing a torrent barrage of Void Energies as Vorazun gaped. "By the gods... It's sieging the warp conduit." Zerg emerged to protect it, but Artanis needed something heavier than their Dragoons to weaken the beast as he asked of the Phasesmith.
"Karax, are any of the Spear of Adun's weapon systems ready for use?"
"Orbital strike is online. Designating targets." The locations were marked as the Spear of Adun readied its combat systems before firing a rapid five from above orbit as the blasts came down and destroyed the Zerg, but also weakened the Thrasher into a stun as Artanis commanded.
"The thrasher has been weakened. Warriors, move in and seal its fate!" The Dark Templar and Tenorai moved to kill, the Zerglings focusing on Tenorai were for naught as the Void Thrasher also tried in a torrent of Void lightning, but it was soon delivered a killing blow as Artanis voiced. "The thrasher is slain. But it will be for naught if the launch bays remain infested." With that, the base started to get to work, shoring up defenses for any attacks and readying more troops as Vorazun pointed out vaults where the energy used for Talematros could be pulled from, since the city is at a loss.
"Artanis, the city of Talematros is powered by several energy vaults. If you can reclaim them, the reserves are yours."
"Indeed, completing bonus objectives will allow me to improve the Spear of Adun's power. There are three vaults within the city." Artanis nodded as they moved in, keeping the Dark Templar safe from the sensing eye of the Zerg in Spore Crawlers and Overseers through the able Centurions and Dragoons and ceasing the existence of a second Void Thrasher sieging from another location. The forces moved on through the ruins and crippling the Zerg as they freed the launch bays and grabbing the reserves left behind, the first two bays freed with ease, though Artnais scoffed at how many Amon had of the Thrashers at his grasp to be summoning them and trying to destroy the conduit before the ships could get free, making it to the Spear in a timely manner as Karax confirmed the last of the vaults being emptied out for the Spear's systems.
"We are recovering the last solarite reserve now. The Solar Core should be augmented by the time our forces return, Hierarch." Artanis nodded as a third launch bay was freed before Vorazun drew their attention to another summoning, the Thrasher resting in the heart of Talematros with heavy protection, but between the Orbital Bombardment and the ground forces musters and Tenorai showing even them ightiest of Ultralisk what he and his blade can do, the Thrasher wasn't long before it perished to Artanis' praise.
"Well done, brave warriors. Amon's thrashers are no match for the templar." They soon freed the last bay and Artanis reported the success.
"The launch bays have been reclaimed. Matriarch, you may complete the evacuation."
"You saved my people, Artanis. and they will never forget it." With that, the forces returned, with the bulk of the remaining Nerazim joining the crew and members aboard the Spear of Adun...
As evcuatee ships soared to join the Spear and dock with it, Vorazun also joined Artanis at the helm as they looked upon the world that once belonged solely to the Protoss, to the Nerazim as she spoke. "Despite this tragedy, I am pleased to see you once more, Hierarch. I am hoped that our next interaction would be your announcement of Aiur's reclamation."
"As did I... Instead, the templar have fallen." Vorazun hummed in accepting that answer above everything else as she grimaced.
"Then the threat is greater than I realized..."
"We cannot let the same fate befall Shakuras." Artanis said in turning to Vorazun for something to ensure that Shakuras would not fall to Amon's grasp either.
"It is too late for that." Vorazun answered as a display brought up the hordes of Zerg at Amon's command. "Amon's Zerg pour through the warpgate as a tide of flesh and blade. They have overrun Talematros and are nearing the Shrines of Lizul." The display faded out as Vorazun hung her head in dismay before she voiced the most likely course of action. "This world is lost. With such infestation... Shakuras must be destroyed."
"Destroy Shakuras? I will not permit this." Artanis plead, but Vorazun hissed back.
"Permit?! Shakuras was my people's home long before we offered yours sanctuary upon it! I will not let this world be a den to Amon's forces. Worlds may fall to ash. What matters is that we endure." She cast a glare to Artanis as she pointed out some venom. "Unlike someone we know..."
Artanis knew the figure that she was speaking of and wanted to soothe it over. "Zeratul is a friend, he would never..."
"...Never permit me to see my mother one last time before he killed her?" He shut down in grimacing the loss of not just the world they wanted to reclaim, but also the world that fostered them when the Overmind seeded itself into Aiur and perished there.
"To lose Shakuras and Aiur..." Vorazun explained it as best as she could, from her point of ideal.
"We are vagabond people, Artanis. Our true home has always been Aiur." She turned with fire to fight what Amon had done to them. "Let us reclaim it together." Artanis stepped forward as he spoke.
"It is fitting that the daughter of Raszagal decides the fate of the world she helped to forge. Let us make preparations at once!" Still, there was time for talk as Vorazun reported the ships having made it before she spoke of Artanis himself.
"Of all the templar, you never wavered in the belief that our two people could live in unity. It is something I admired in you."
"It is ironic to hear you say this. All this time, I believed you were reluctant to accept the unity I sought." Artanis inquired as Vorazun filled in that gap.
"You and I have many a disagreement in the Twilight Council... For day by day, I saw my people losing what they were. I saw our precious old ways erode."
"You wished to preserve them?"
"I am Nerazim. Dark templar. I hold great pride in my people."
"But you are also Protoss. That is the greater affiliation."
"That is not what the Conclave believed when we were exiled long ago. Your kind had Aiur. Our culture is all we ever had." Artanis nodded in accepting that answer, the Conclave had done the Nerazim wrong, and it wasn't by Amon's hand that did it, they did it because the Nerazim didn't want a part of the Khala, they were wiser now in this turn of events as Artanis went down to the War Council and found that now they had the members of the Cloaked Warriors on their side, but where the Nerazim now excelled in delivering swift and lethal strikes on finding the foes on the ground, the Aiur Avengers do something different in suffering fatal damage and recalling back to the Dark Shrine that enables the Gateways to deploy them to the field.
But the Solar Core was of the most interest now as Karax had managed to awaken it with some of the stores obtains from Talematros as Artanis spoke to the large sphere. "The Solar Matrix Core... Truly an impressive sight."
"A synthetic star... Imagine what went into its creation." Karax voiced in getting access and the orb opening even just a bit to the glow and hum of the star inside. "This chamber provides power to the Spear of Adun, and all its systems. Its radiance even contributes nourishment for our warriors." The orb yielded to move about the star, weak it may be from isolation.
"How long until you can bring its tactical systems online?"
"Systems analysis has begun, but the star has lain dormant for an aeon... It will take time, and a powerful ignition catalyst like solarite to restore it to full capacity." Artanis turned ot the sound of it, confusion on his brow as they had found solarite axes for the Zealots, but could Solarite be the key to awakening the Spear's power?
"Solarite? The Firstborn haven't utilized solarite in millennia."
"This vessel is ancient, Hierarch." Karax answered in meeting Artanis' eye. "We will need to exhaust even unconventional resources if we are to bring it to bear." Both stared at the star before Artanis accepted it as fact.
"Do what you can, Phase-smith. We will acquire what you need."
"Very well. You may begin augmenting the Solar Core whenever you are ready." Artanis did so in reviewing the abilities that the Spear could bring to bring, their Solarite reserves placing them at forty, an additional twenty-five to be pooled in to change it up, whether it was replacing the Pylon for a Chrono Surge or replacing their Orbital Strike with a Temporal Field, any left over or otherwise could be pooled into empowering the pylons to allow more units and troops onto the field and reduce how long it would take to deploy all of their structures to the field in auxiliary systems, the choices were there to do, but Artanis first needed to wait on a plan for Shakuras' end as he turned to Karax stopping with speaking to a new appearance to the Phasesmith.
"You look different, phase-smith." Karax answered at with some joy to the mechanical arms that were attached to him via his severed nerve cords.
"Ah, you must be referring to these mechanical arms. I constructed them to improve my efficiency while running the Solar Core. So far they have been quite helpful." Artanis nodded and it also helped Karax, so that was a given, but Artanis wondered about Zeratul, what will his actions be now, and where did he place the Uraj and Khalis Crystals, those could either offer a better choice or help end the world that now festers in Amon's darkness...