Chapter 13

R reyes- Well the idea was for Chief to tell Lor'themar that he's not going to keep helping if the Horde continued the war that Garrosh started. But after reading some books and playing the games, I guess that it was a bit too aggressive. So, I decided to remove that scene completely. Also, its not like Chief doesn't care about innocents. He clearly does in the books, its just that, in my opinion, he would obey orders that would see innocents die, albeit inadvertently, if they had a reason for it. He may not like them, but as a soldier, he would follow them.

Shandris couldn't help but be amused as she saw her companions, the child elf and rat, bickering with each other. The elf was complaining how the rat smelled, something that she had to agree with, and the rat telling her that it would be a waste of water for him to take a bath.

"When we get back home, you're taking a bath. Even if I have to make you!" Yelled the elf as she pointed at the rat, who growled.

"Do-do, and you'll be kill-killed!" Yelled the rat as it pointed its cannon arm at the elf. The others, despite the danger, just ignored them and went on ahead, keeping an eye out for any beasts or Horde troops that may try to ambush them. Obviously, they were used to this sort of behavior from the two.

Twitching her ears in amusement, Shandris went up to, what she assumed, the leader, the one with dark green and black armor.

"You're willing to let this happen?" Asked Shandris as she walked next to him. Looking at his armor and the way he held himself, Shandris almost thought he was a machine, but the way he moved dispelled that notion.

"I tried to discipline them before, but they keep on arguing." Said Master Chief, hiding his disappointment with Ikit and High Elf Archer. Despite his best attempts, along with Courier and Jack, the two just couldn't help themselves. They just argued and argued with each other over the tiniest of things. If it weren't for the fact that, they kept their arguments to a minimum in combat scenarios, Chief would have forced them to stay at Torrington until they figured out how to get along. "Don't be fooled, when in battle, they got each other's back, along with ours." Shandris nodded at that.

"I know that feeling." Said Shandris, recalling several Night elves that hated the other races of the Alliance, finding them fools and naïve, but were willing to stand by them when a threat to them arose. She just wished the same could be said for the Horde and the Alliance, who constantly are at each other's throat, no matter how many threats they destroyed together.

Speaking of the Horde, she wondered how Garrosh is handling the loss of his prize. No doubt, he was cursing and killing some members of the Horde for his failures as well as swearing an oath of vengeance on Shandris for taking his eye, something that not even Varian had done during his fights with Garrosh.

With the loss of his prize, perhaps it was time to take the fight to Garrosh, straight to Orgrimmar. She heard rumors that there was a growing Horde rebel group that wanted to depose Garrosh and his ideals. The ones that believed in Thrall's horde and not Garrosh's version. If they were true, then the Alliance needed to make contact with them and fight with them.

If this rebel group is as large as the rumors say, then they needed to work with them. The Horde was always the weaker of the two superpowers. If they get even a 3rd of the Horde to fight with them, then this war would end with an Alliance victory. That is if they take or kill Garrosh and his line of succession. With them gone, Shandris believed that, more levelheaded, Horde leaders, like Lor'themar or Baine, will be put in charge and put an end to the war, something that many in the Alliance wanted.

Despite what many of their citizens thought, many Alliance leaders wanted peace. Even Varian wanted peace, albeit only to spare Stormwind and the Alliance from further death, not for any love for the Horde. The only ones that wanted to continue the war was Genn and Jaina.

Genn because Sylvanas Windrunner, the banshee queen, killed his son and attacked his city, killing many of his citizens. Jaina because of the loss of Theramore and the recent betrayal in the Kirin Tor.

Though she could understand and sympathize with both leaders, they can't let their hate to control their actions.

Fortunately, she knew that Genn, trusting Varian and Tyrande, will put his faith in their motions for peace as he owed both a debt for their help with his people and their struggles to contain the Worgen curse.

Jaina, however, would not be so easily dissuaded. The loss of Theramore and the betrayal from the Sunreavers were still sore subjects to her and it was clear to Shandris that they were influencing her stance on the Horde, far more than what most deemed healthy.

Having been at Theramore before its destruction, Shandris could understand Jaina's sorrow and hatred for the Horde, but the pain from both events are clouding her judgement far too much. It reminded her of Maiev Shadowsong and her obsession with killing Illidan Stormrage, a traitor to the Night elves. Though Illidan was gone, she remembered just how far Maiev went in bringing Illidan to justice, costing several elves their lives, which she just blamed on Illidan and not on her own judgement.

Shandris feared that Jaina was becoming another Maiev and that was something that she hoped would not come to pass. Though Jaina was just one leader, there was no telling what she would do if the Alliance pursued peace. Jaina needed healing and she hoped that either Tyrande or Varian's own son, Anduin, can heal Jaina from the darkness that was clouding her judgement before she did something that she'll regret.

Sighing in sadness, she looked at the leader and asked him his name.

"John-117." Said Chief as he continued walking. "How far is your encampment?" Blinking at his brisk way of speaking, Shandris spoke.

"Just a few more minutes. Don't worry about them attacking. Once they see me unharmed, they won't attack." Said Shandris.

"Good." Said Chief. "We need to talk with your leaders anyway. About an alliance with Horde rebels." Upon hearing that, Shandris widened her eyes in shock.

"So, the rumors are true. There is a rebellion in the Horde." Said Shandris as she contemplated how this will pan out in an Alliance meeting. "Are you members of the Horde?"

"No, we're an independent group that want this war to end." Said Chief. "But we are here on behalf of Lor'themar. He's unsure of allying with the rebels and he wants assurance from the Alliance that they'll support them. If they do, then he'll support them and call for an end to the war." Shandris's eyes glowed at that.

That was more than Shandris had hoped for. There was the chance that he was lying, but Shandris felt that wasn't the case. She didn't know much about Lor'themar, but she knew that he was a pragmatic leader that cared for his people more than the Horde and wanted what was best for them. And she doubted that both a war and leadership under Garrosh was best for them.

"Who else is rebelling?" Asked Shandris, curious who else is rebelling.

"Don't know about Sylvanas Windrunner, but Lor'themar knows that the rebellion is being led by a troll called Vol'jin and that its being supported by a Tauren named Baine. As for the goblin guy, he doesn't know." Said Courier as he walked up to Shandris. Humming, Shandris nodded as she thought of this development. Yes, that was beyond good. Even if the Goblin leader, whatever his name is, and Sylvanas didn't support the rebellion initially, they would throw their support once they learn they're working for the Alliance. Sylvanas despised the Alliance, but she'll work with them if it meant there was something to gain for the Forsaken. And the Goblins were cowards, once they see they were on the losing side, they'll side with the rebellion, making excuses for why they betrayed their allies. That left only the Orcs and other hardliners in the Horde, meaning the odds of victory will be well in favor of the Alliance and a quick end to the war as well. Something that was needed because of what the Naga had just done an hour ago.

Nodding her head, Shandris was about to speak when an arrow whizzed passed her head and embedded itself on the ground, just inches from Ikit's foot.

"Halt!" Yelled a Nightelf as she appeared from the trees along with a small group of other Night elves, all their bows aimed at Chief and his group.

Upon seeing this, Shandris yelled out.

"Desist!" Yelled Shandris as she put herself between Chief and a Night elf pointing her bow at him. Upon seeing Shandris, the Night elf widened her eyes in shock.

"Shandris Feathermoon! We feared the worst." Said the Night elf before lowering her bow along with her group.

"You should have." Said Shandris as she sighed. "Bring us to Tyrande and Varian. I bring both good and grave news." Blinking at that, the night elf nodded before escorting the group to an Alliance outpost where a portal was waiting for them.

"This will take you to the main Alliance base." Said the Nightelf that escorted them. "Tyrande is there along with Varian. They're coordinating the effort to remove the taint that Garrosh unleashed on Pandaria." Shandris nodded at that before turning to Sigma team.

"Let me go in first." Said Shandris. "I'll need to let them know that you're no threat to us. Once I did so, I'll come back and we'll explain the situation to them together." Chief and the group nodded at that before Shandris took off.

"Elf lady trying to trick trick us." Said Ikit, his paranoia showing. "Wants to take us and experiment on us. Want our secrets!"

"Calm down you paranoid rat." Said High Elf, shaking her head. "Its not going end up like that. Trust me."

"Trust elf-thing!? No-no! Elf-things not to be trusted!" Yelled Ikit as he panted, looking at the various Alliance races around them, some of them looking at the rat with curiosity and suspicion. "They trick-steal! Always trick-kill would be allies! That is their way-way." High elf sighed at that before looking at Chief and Courier, who were discussing on what to do after this war is over.

"So, we agree to just focus on doing Suramar and saving problems with pirates and thugs for both sides after this over?" Said Courier. "I don't think we should join either side." Chief nodded.

"Agreed." Said Chief, though he was inclined to working with the Alliance due to them having humans. His true allegiance, however, was to the UNSC and UEG. Same with Courier's allegiance being to the NCR and Jack with the Militia. And the Alliance was nothing like any of them. Both in ideals and government structure.

And once they find a way back, it was best that they be independent so that there won't be much baggage coming from the Alliance for their departure.

"So, just working independent?" Asked High Elf as she walked toward them. "Well, its not like I'm used to it. I heard that there some pirate cove harassing merchant ships. Want to take them down once this is over?" Courier and Chief nodded. Before they could talk more, however, Shandris appeared.

"They're ready to talk to you." Said Shandris with a hopeful tone in her voice. Chief nodded before everyone followed her into the portal.

Alliance warcamp

Varian was waiting patiently along with Tyrande and Jaina for Shandris and the group that saved her and carried a message for them from Lor'themar.

When Tyrande saw Shandris, she cried out and hugged her adoptive daughter, having feared for her life when she heard that Garrosh caused great anarchy on Pandaria with his recent stunt.

Though the good mood was gone when Shandris informed them that Azshara, the queen of the Naga, took the heart of Y'Shaarj and teleported Garrosh somewhere, likely Orgrimmar. Though the last thing was unimportant to Varian, the first one caused dread to fill his heart, along with everyone else.

Everyone in the room knew who Azshara served, who saved her and her Highborne from death. The old god N'Zoth. From ancient knowledge acquired from those that knew of the Old Gods, they discerned that N'Zoth was the most cunning of the four Old Gods on Azeroth, able to turn defeats into victories in the long term. If he took the heart of Y'Shaarj, then he was planning something. Something vile.

Tyrande wanted to focus their efforts on what N'Zoth is up to, but with the war with the Horde, they couldn't sacrifice any assets on figuring out what N'Zoth is up to. It doesn't also help that most of N'Zoth's assets are deep underwater, a type of terrain that no one in the Alliance can hope to adapt to.

Fortunately, Shandris also came with some good news. She told them that the rumors that the Horde has a growing rebel group were true and that they were ready to ally with the Alliance in order to depose Garrosh. His envoys were waiting in Pandaria via a portal.

Wanting to see these envoys, Varian ordered them be brought before them. As they waited, Jaina looked at Varian.

"You aren't really going to accept their proposal?" Asked Jaina incredulously. "Have you forgotten what they did in Dalaran? Theramore? The Horde isn't to be trusted."

"Not everyone in the Horde is the same as Garrosh and his followers. Besides, this is an opportunity for us to lessen our own casualties." Said Tyrande, looking at Jaina with weary eyes. Since Dalaran, Jaina had been calling for the blood of every single Horde warrior and for the Horde's dismantlement. She has been quite vocal in her new opinions of the Horde.

It hurt Tyrande that Jaina, who used to be the foil to Varian's rage and mistrust of the Horde, was know the exact opposite of what she used to be. The kind, naïve, and understanding mage was now gone, replaced by a warmonger, even if Jaina refused to see it.

"Or it's just a way for the Horde to let down our guard!" Yelled Jaina, glaring at Tyrande. "What if they're just doing this to learn of our battleplan so they can act accordingly. We'll lose more men than by not working with this so-called rebellion. If it were up to me, we'll send them in chains and attack Orgrimmar now." Tyrande sighed at Jaina's paranoia.

"Then we are fortunate you're not in charge." Said Tyrande, causing Jaina to glare at Tyrande. Before the two women could continue their argument, Varian stopped them.

"Enough!" Snapped Varian, his temper flaring. "Whether or not this is a plan to betray is, I'll hear them out. If its indeed a trap, we'll deal with it accordingly. If its legitimate, then we have a chance to both weaken the Horde and lessen our own casualties in this war." Jaina was about to protest, but a glare from Varian stopped her. A few minutes passed before Shandris arrived again with the Horde envoy.

The three leaders were surprised to see them. They expected the ambassadors to be Blood elves. Maybe some Tauren. But they weren't. If anything, they were nothing they saw before.

The most shocking was the giant rat encased in blue armor. They have heard of giant rats before, but never one where it walked on two legs and was able to be encased in armor. The rat was skittish, always twitching and moving its head on everything in the room, as if it was expecting a trap.

Another was a young elf, probably still an adolescent in elf years. Her grass-colored hair was a shock to them as no elf has ever had such a thing. Despite her young age, however, she still held herself in the lofty superiority and grace that befitted an elf. For some reason, Jaina thought she met this elf before.

The last three were armored, human-looking, beings that all wore intimidating armor. Their helmets showing no emotions. All in all, a strange bunch that none of them expected to be with the Horde.

Before any of the Alliance leaders could speak, Shandris spoke.

"These are the envoys, king Varian. They're here to speak on behalf of the Horde." Said Shandris before taking her place beside Tyrande. Once she did, Varian looked at the leader of the group, the big one in green armor and a gold visor. The two starred at each other for awhile, making everyone uncomfortable, before Varian gave a grunt of respect.

"You're here to speak for the Horde?" Asked Varian.

"Yes." Said the green armored warrior in a gruff voice, similar to Varians'. Short and to the point, something that Varian liked.

"Good. What exactly does Lor'themar offer?" Asked Varian, straight to the point.

"In exchange for lenient restrictions and reparations for the Horde after this war is over, the rebellion is willing to fight with the Alliance and take the brunt of the fighting in Horde territory, including an assault on Orgrimmar itself." Said the man. Varian pondered on that, wondering if such terms were acceptable.

"What is lenient?" Asked Varian.

"Raw resources and gold to the Alliance for the amount of death the Horde did." Said Chief. "As well as some restrictions on military assets. If you wish to discuss these further, then you'll need to contact Lor'themar and Vol'jin."

"Hmm." Said Varian as he pondered on this further. Allowed restrictions on Horde military assets, albeit limited, and raw resources to replenish the Alliance treasury. It seemed too good to be true, but one look from the green-armored warrior convinced him that he was telling the truth. For some reason, Varian could sense that he was telling the truth. Or at least what knowledge that Lor'themar departed with him and his group.

As Varian pondered, Tyrande looked at Jaina, resisting the urge to roll her eyes when she saw Jaina glare at the Horde envoys with suspicion. Once this war was over, she needed to talk to her, try to heal the damage to her heart from the damage caused by Garrosh and his extremists.

Taking her eyes off of Jaina, she looked at the rat and elf, glaring at each other and mocking each other. The rat placed its metal claws besides its head, imitating elf ears, and flapped them around while moving its jaw up and down. Whatever it was doing was clearly insulting as the Elf grew red with rage before saying something that caused the rat to laugh quietly. Eventually their argument was stopped by two of the armored beings, specifically the ones with red eye lenses or blue visor, who slapped both up them on the back of the head for their actions. That caused a glare from the rat and elf, but the two didn't care, focusing back on Varian, who finished pondering.

"That seems a bit too good to feel genuine." Said Varian. "Is the Horde truly willing to impart such restrictions on themselves?" Chief, completely getting where Varian is getting at, nodded.

"Lor'themar at the very least is willing to." Said Chief. "We don't know about the Troll Vol'jin and Baine along with the other Horde leaders. Like we said, any further discussions will have to be done with them, not us." Varian raised an eyebrow at that.

"I take it you're not with the Horde." Said Varian, feeling that he was right. His feeling was proven correct when the green warrior nodded.

"Indeed." Said Chief. "We're an independent group that helped Lor'themar in this war. Only Lor'themar and only to make this war end quicker." Upon hearing them helping Lor'themar, Jaina glared at them in suspicion. How could they have helped Lor'themar without their knowing. The only possible way was either as assassins or…

Jaina then narrowed her eyes and spoke.

"Tell me, did you have anything to do with the Sunreavers escape from the Violet Hold?" Asked Jaina, narrowing at all of them. Varian was about to warn Jaina to stop when she spotted the elf in the group wince. That caused Jaina to snap.

"You did, didn't you!?" Demanded Jaina as she got out of her seat and glared at them all with hatred. "You're the people responsible for killing my people and freeing the traitors in my city! Am I right!?" To her anger, they didn't say anything, only looking at the green warrior with them. The green warrior stayed quiet for a few tense moments before speaking a single word.

"Yes." Said the green warrior. That caused Jaina to summon her staff, which she pointed at the group, causing them to place their hands on their weapons in alarm. The guards in the room saw this and raised their weapons. They were about to charge when Tyrande and Varian ordered them to stop.

"Jaina, stand down!" Bellowed Varian as he looked at his friend about to cast a spell on the Horde envoy. Upon hearing Varian, she glared at him, incredulously.

"These people are responsible for the breaking out of traitors and the death of Alliance personal! And you want me to stand down!?" Asked Jaina, not believing that Varian would ask such a thing.

"While it is regrettable for what they did, now is not the time for letting personal grudges to impede in the war effort!" Argued Tyrande, not wanting to let Jaina's hatred to interfere with the chance of getting the rebels on their side.

"These people kidnapped the children of Vereesa Windrunner!" Argued Jaina. "Do you want to be allied with such people. Azeroth knows that is happening to them right now!"

Torrington base

"So, do you think was a good idea?" Asked Cortana as she and ED-E looked at the children of Vereesa Windrunner playing with BT. After they were treated and tended to by the organics in the group, they left the synthetics in charge of them as most of their missions required stealth and infiltration, something none of them were suited for.

Cortana, left in charge of retrofitting the Dawn, the IMC and Enclave base to suit their growing needs, tended to the kids with BT and ED-E, both of whom were usually left behind if they weren't needed.

At first, the kids were weary of them, rightly so as they basically kidnapped them, the one called Galadin especially was weary of them, but after a long while, the two started to accept them and their care. BT especially, despite his large size and intimidating appearance. Cortana theorized it was because BT was Jack's partner. Jack, partly out of guilt, had been tending to the boys, letting them spill out their hate for him and the group while also comforting them while they missed their mother, wanting to go back to her. It was likely he was the reason they were even talking to them in the first place.

ED-E just spoke to her in a very naughty tone, causing Cortana to smirk.

"Oh you are a very dirty ball, aren't you?" Asked Cortana, liking ED-E's thoughts. ED-E just slyly gave a sharp remark. "*Chuckles* You are such a womanizer, ED-E. I like you." Cortana then went back to watching BT allowing the kids to bury him in sand.

Sigma squad

As Jaina was charging her mage staff, team Sigma was preparing for a fight. High elf had her bow out and pointing at Jaina while Ikit was rummaging his pack for something. Courier placed a hand on a revolver, ready to wipe it out and shoot the mage in the throat with it. Jack was ready to inject a stim in case things get dicey with the Alliance guards. Only Chief was unarmed. He just starred down at Jaina as she glared at his team, putting himself in front of her staff so it'll be him that is shot first and not his men.

"Those we killed during our mission were regrettable, miss Jaina." Started Chief, his tone the same as it usually was. "We tried to limit casualties as much as possible, but it just wasn't possible at the end. If you shoot us, I'm not going to hold it against you. But if you do this now, you're going to ruin your chances of limiting the casualties that the Alliance suffers during the assault on Garrosh." Jaina scoffed at that.

"Better that than trusting the Horde or their affiliates." Said Jaina before readying to cast a spell that'll freeze these people in place. Before she could cast, however, Varian swatted her staff away, sending it crashing to the floor.

"Enough!" Yelled Varian as he glared at Jaina, his patience now gone. "Jaina you will behave during this meeting or else I will personally escort you out of the premise!" Jaina, shocked to see Varian so enraged, was left speechless as Varian glared at her with a fiery look in his eyes. As the two Alliance leaders looked at each other, one of shock and one of rage, Tyrande looked at the Horde envoy with sympathy and an apologetic look.

"Forgive Jaina for her aggression." Said Tyrande. "But, with respect, I believe she has the right to be angry with you all."

"We never said that she doesn't." Said Chief as he looked at Tyrande. "To be frank, we don't expect her to ever forgive us for what we did. What we didn't expect was for her to willingly attack us when she found out. The fact it was during negotiations doesn't help her cause." Tyrande nodded at that.

"I know." Said Tyrande, needing to speak to Varian about this. Speaking of Varian, he eventually calmed down and sat down in his seat, motioning Jaina to do the same. Shaking her head, Jaina did what she was told and sat down. Looking at the envoy, she twitched in hatred, but didn't make any move.

"While I should be arresting you all for attacking an Alliance city." Said Varian, anger in his tone, whether it was aimed at team Sigma or leftover from his fight with Jaina was up for debate. "But since, you're offering a chance to end this war quickly, I'll let it slide, but only this once." Taking a deep breath, he looked at the Chief. "Green warrior, tell Lor'themar that I accept his proposal if he and the other rebels are willing to discuss a strategy in attacking Orgrimmar." Chief nodded at that.

"We understand. Rest assured victory will be won with less than thought of casualties. Come to Silvermoon tomorrow to discuss strategy." Said Chief with his same monotone voice. Varian raised an eyebrow at that, surprised a bit at just how calm this man, before ordering Shandris to escort them out. Once they were gone, Tyrande glared at Jaina.

"What were you thinking, Jaina? You're fortunate that those people were so forgiving and understanding. Otherwise, many Alliance lives would have been lost at taking Orgrimmar." Said Tyrande. Before Jaina could retort at her, Tyrande continued. "This isn't you, Jaina. I remember how sweet and compassionate you were. Before Theramore. How you and Thrall worked so hard to lessen the hatred between the Horde and Alliance. You were the foil to Varian's hatred and the voice of reason and cooperation in a board of leaders that wanted nothing to do with the Horde." Tyrande then sighed. "Including me. And now look at you. The person I know is gone. Replaced by someone so similar to Varian, but with none of his newfound restraint." Varian would have been offended if it weren't so true. In fact, Varian should be stopping this, but refrained because he knew that Tyrande was right. "I want that person back, Jaina."

Jaina just glared at Tyrande, but behind that glare, both Tyrande and Varian could see the hurt, betrayal, and self-loathing in them.

"She died the moment that Theramore died." Said Jaina, choking on her words. Out of everyone, I thought you would understand my position, Tyrande. It seemed I was mistaken." Tearing up, Jaina excused herself and marched out, grabbing her staff along the way. Once she was gone, Tyrande clasped her face with one of her hands.

"Forgive me for saying such things while we were around you, my king." Said Tyrande, not looking at Varian, who had stayed silent for the entire conversation. "Its just that…I miss the sweet and naïve young human mage that helped me in the 3rd war." Varian, looking at Tyrande, spoke up.

"I miss her too." Said Varian, trying to be nice and calm, something that he just…well sucks at doing. "We disagreed on many things, especially on the handling on the Horde, but I respected her drive and stubbornness on her beliefs. Like you said, she was my foil." Varian then looked at his armored hands. "Now that foil is gone. Lost because of Garrosh. And the Horde that she used to defend so hard." Tyrande sighed, knowing he was right.

"But…perhaps the Horde she used to believe is there. If these rebels are as sick of Garrosh's rule as Lor'themar and his envoys say they are, then perhaps peace is still possible." Varian then clenched his fists. "Anduin will want that." Tyrande then smiled at Varian.

"You have a good son, Varian." Said Tyrande. "I hope he has inherited your drive." Varian scoffed at that before getting up.

"Summon the other Alliance leaders, Tyrande. Once our champions have dealt with the Sha, it's time to launch an assault on Orgrimmar itself." Said Varian before marching off.

Lor'themar

"I do not agree with such things, Lor'themar." Said Vol'jin, glaring at Lor'themar as he was speaking to him in the secret base he built just miles away from Orgrimmar. The fact that he managed to build it so close to Garrosh's city was a testament to his craftiness and Garrosh's arrogance. "If we go to war against Garrosh and his madness, we do it alone and without the help of the ones that are killing our people." Lor'themar sighed in frustration at that. He knew Vol'jin was stubborn, but he thought he would at least try to work with the Alliance.

"Vol'jin, while I can understand your stance on the Alliance and humans, but denying their help at this moment of need is beyond idiocy." Said Lor'themar. "Whether you like it or not, we need their help in taking out Garrosh. You may have the help of the Tauren, Saurfang's Orcs, and now my people, but we need more if we're going to ensure our victory against Garrosh. Besides, this may end the feud between the Alliance and Horde. Both sides, taking down a corrupt leader, isn't that enough?" Vol'jin glared at Lor'themar.

"You forget we also need to allow the Alliance to impose restrictions on us after taking down Garrosh. We be taking the brunt of the assault and the Alliance will reward us by imposing military restrictions on us. How be that fair, elf?" Asked Vol'jin. Lor'themar pinched his nose in frustration, sick of the stubbornness of his allies. He was really starting to regret his decision to not join the Alliance.

"Whether you like it or not Vol'jin, we are the ones that started this war. We are the ones that are the aggressors. And we are the ones that turned Jaina into what she is now. And on top of that, we are the ones that corrupted the land of Pandaria. All because of Garrosh, yes, but he used our assets to do so. Assets like the Mana bomb that my people made. To make it worse, we went along with it all." Said Lor'themar. "Too scared to fight him or protest his actions. I don't know about you Vol'jin, but if the Alliance was in our shoes, I would be imposing restrictions on them if they did all that to us, wouldn't you agree?" Vol'jin clenched his teeth and glared at Lor'themar, knowing that deep down, he was right. Baine, who had quiet, took a stance.

"Vol'jin." Started Baine, speaking in the calm tone that he was known for. "Lor'themar is right. The Horde has caused so much damage to the Earth Mother and the innocent. And while we're trying to right our wrongs, we have allowed Garrosh to plague our great Horde with these injustices. If we are to rectify these wrongs, we must accept the restrictions the Alliance imposes on us." Vol'jin looked at Baine and sighed.

"You better not be making me regret this, Lor'themar." Said Vol'jin. "Tell the Alliance that the Darkspear rebels be willing to allow any restrictions they impose on us if they be willing to fight with us against Garrosh. Tell them we are willing to discuss strategy on taking Orgrimmar." Lor'themar sighed at that, grateful that Vol'jin accepted his proposal.

"Come to Silvermoon tomorrow. We'll discuss the strategy there." Said Lor'themar before taking his leave. Once he was gone, Vol'jin sighed.

"Both Saurfang and Sylvanas will not be liking this." Said Vol'jin, already hearing the disproval from the two leaders that had recently given their support to his rebellion.

"They will come around." Said Baine. "While I'm not sure about Sylvanas, Saurfang will understand why you did this." Vol'jin scoffed at that.

"You be putting too much faith in Saurfang. That orc will be itching to skin me alive for making this deal." Said Vol'jin. Baine frowned at that.

"He will not do such a thing. He knows that a leader must make hard decisions. Decisions that some may not see the wisdom in doing." Said Baine. Vol'jin scoffed again, but didn't say anything, hoping that Baine was right.

Few hours later

Silvermoon

"So, everything went as planned?" Asked High Elf in surprise. "Huh. Thought you or one of us gets killed for doing this. From what I heard, the Horde leaders aren't exactly the negotiating type. And Jaina looked like she wanted to skin us alive."

"Oh believe me, Vol'jin wanted to ram his tusks into me only eye." Said Lor'themar, surprised as well that Sigma team's mission went as well as his. "Well, that leaves us with discussing a plan to take Orgrimmar. I take it you have a grand plan."

"We do." Said Chief before discussing his plan. "We'll start by going to Orgrimmar in the cover of night. We'll identify key personal and eliminate them. We'll also be placing explosives in any defensive emplacements that may interfere in the assault. Once it begins we'll detonate them, creating chaos in the defenders ranks. To top it all off, we'll be doing an air assault with some fast air fighters. You remember our airship?" Lor'themar nodded. "Well, we got something faster. Something that'll deal a lot of damage to the defenders way before they can react quick enough to take it out. We'll keep them in disarray enough for you to mop up the defenders. Once we've done all that, we'll be sniping any enemies in a safe sniper nest with a good vantage point." Lor'themar hummed at that.

"That will definitely work in our favor. Saurfang will disapprove at such tactics, but now is not the time for such trivial things. We got a tyrant to overthrow." Chief nodded at that.

"Tell these things to everyone. Don't worry about us, we know our roles and we won't be anywhere near the fighting to cause confusion." Said Chief.

"I'll tell you when the assault will commence." Said Lor'themar. "Good luck, you may need it." Chief and the others nodded before leaving. Before they did, however, Lor'themar spoke.

"Do me a favor, however." Said Lor'themar, causing everyone to look at him. "Get that rat a bath. His stink will give you away. Not to mention his smell is much too unpleasant for my people." Upon hearing that Ikit yelled out in indignation.

"Hah! Told you." Said High elf with a smirk. Ikit grumbled, talking about how elves can't handle things that are not up to their tastes, before leaving with Courier, who was shaking his head in amusement. Jack and Chief looked at each other, shrugging, before leaving as well with a satisfied High Elf Archer.

Torrington Base

"Is this an accurate representation of your mother?" Asked BT in his monotone voice as he constructed a replication of a Vereesa Windrunner on the beach with a large tree trunk.

"It is!" Yelled Giramar with a smile as he looked at the picture of his mother, holding her bow and fighting a picture of an Orc that BT also made. Galadin, however, just looked at the picture sadly, missing his mother greatly. Though he liked the picture, it just wasn't the same as the real thing. BT saw this and gently placed the trunk down and went to Galadin and Giramar. Although Giramar liked them all, even playing with Cortana and High elf when they babysit them, Galadin had kept his distance from them. Not surprising considering what happened at Dalaran.

"You miss your mother, correct?" Asked BT as he kneeled down in front of the two elven children. Upno hearing the question, the two elves looked at each other.

"Yes." Said Giramar with a sad smile. "We miss her. We miss her cooking, the way she tucked us in. And we missed her laugh."

"After dad died, she's been so distant." Said Galadin. BT zoomed in and out of the two, understanding. "And it's all because of the Horde." The way he said it, the ferocity, made BT whir his optics.

"You hate the Horde for what they did to your family." Said BT. "An understandable reaction to them killing your sire. Are you willing to kill us for kidnapping you and doing this to you?" BT then gently pointed to the scars around Galadin's face. They were mostly faint, but a big one was underneath his right ear, caused when one of the big pieces of Jack's pistol sliced at his flesh while it passed him.

"No." Said Galadin hesitantly. "I don't want you people to die. Not anymore anyway." BT, however, placed a finger on Galadin's head and gently rubbed it.

"You do not need to lie to us. We kidnaped you two. Taken you away from your grieving mother, thereby making her condition worser. And we wounded you. Not fatally but has caused significant damage to your face. If you are still not made at us, enough to want us dead, it shows your willingness to forgive." Said BT. "However, I detect that you are hiding your true thoughts on us. Do not hide them. You can tell me what you think of us." After a minute or two of rubbing Galadin's head, BT stopped and looked at Galadin, who was pursing his lips. Giramar looked at his brother, concerned for him, put his hand on his shoulder and encouraged him to speak his mind.

"Brother, what did our mother say about hiding your true thoughts?" Asked Giramar, rubbing his brother's shoulder. "Let it out. Mr. BT won't hate you for saying them." BT nodded at that.

"I cannot feel emotions at all. Therefore, I will not hold it against you for hating me and my group." Said BT. "The others in the group feel the same way. Your hatred against us is understandable." Upon hearing that, Galadin spoke out.

"I…do hate you guys. You did this," He pointed at his face. "Hurt Alliance people and kidnapped us. If I was older I would…want to kill you all for this." After that, he exhaled hard, feeling a great weight coming off from his chest. In fear, Galadin looked at BT, who just zoomed his optics in and out.

"All understandable." Said BT as he opened up his cockpit, something that always creeped the two kids out as they couldn't comprehend anyone actually willing to get inside him and control BT, and brought out some water sacks that High Elf bought. "We do not mind your thoughts. In fact, we would be surprised if you didn't have them. It will be hard for one to forgive someone for kidnapping them and hurting them enough that scars will be permanent. If it helps, we are sorry and try our best to reunite your two with your mother." BT then held out his left hand, which held the water sacks. "You have my word and that of my pilot." The two elves then took the water sacks and drank from them.

"We'll hold you to that." Said Galadin with a soft expression on his face. BT nodded at that before getting up.

"What else do you two wish for me to draw?" Asked BT as he grabbed his tree trunk.

"Can you draw a building from Dalaran?" Asked Giramar, eager a building from Dalaran, even if its a drawing.

"I will try." Said BT as he began drawing again.

Meanwhile

"Well, he's a good nanny." Said High Elf as she watched BT draw for the little elves. "If I had a kid, I wouldn't mind leaving them with him."

"He always did have a heart of gold." Said Jack, his helmet off, smiling at his partner's treatment of the kids. He then looked at Chief and Courier. "You guys alright with leaving the kids to Vereesa. He's right you know. She's probably deep into depression with the loss of both her husband and kids." Courier and Chief nodded.

"We are." Said Chief as he walked closer to the monitor that held the video of BT and the kids. "Unfortunately, we got to deal with Garrosh first. After that, we can deliver the kids back to Vereesa." Jack frowned at that, thinking that they should deliver them now.

"With respect, sir, I think we should deliver them back to her now." Said Jack. "She's probably near suicidal right now. Every day that passes, it brings her deeper and deeper into depression. We should give them back to her now." Chief looked at Jack.

"You willing to take the risk of delivering them back to Vereesa?" Asked Chief. "She may not be happy to see you." Jack nodded.

"Even if it costs me my life, sir, I'll do it." Said Jack. "Taking the kids from their mother disgusted me, sir, and I want to make amends for it." Chief looked at the others, who shrugged or nodded in agreement with Jack.

"Alright, but on one condition. I'm coming with you." Said Chief, causing Jack to blink in surprise.

"Sir?" Asked Jack after the shock was over.

"I'm coming with you." Said Chief. "Someone needs to be shadowing you when you're doing this. Plus, if things go south, having someone watching your back can increase your chances of survival. That, and I'm not risking the lives of one of my men on something like this. I'm coming, whether you like it or not." Jack just blinked at that before shaking his head.

"I got no complaints. Just shocked is all." Said Jack. "So, when do you want to go?"

"Whenever you like." Said Chief. "I got nothing on the agenda that requires my presence. We need actionable intel on Orgrimmar's defenses before we can do anything. So, if you want to do it now, let's go." Jack smiled at that.

"I'll tell the kids." Said Jack before placing his helmet back on his head. Chief shook his head at Jack before looking at Courier.

"You got command until we come back. If you don't hear anything from us in twenty-four hours, stage a rescue for us." Said Chief before leaving to get some things.

"Hmm." Said High Elf with a smile. "He really reminds me of Orcbolg. Hides in armor. Talks in a monotone voice. And really handsome and sweet, despite what his appearances tells you of him."

"You like this Orcbolg, don't you?" Asked Courier, looking at the elf. "You dating or something?" That caused High Elf to blush.

"Of course not! He's dirty and smelly! No way would an elf maiden ever fall for someone like that!" She then took off, blushing all the way.

"Hmm…I feel like we humans have something for this." Said Courier as he looked at High Elf leaving.

"We Skaven have one." Said Ikit with a smile. "She being stupid-stupid! She want-want human. Want to make him hers, but is being dumb-dumb!"

"Ehh, you're probably right." Said Courier. "Now about that bath." When he went to look at Ikit, he saw the rat running away for his quarters.

Much later

Dalaran

"You mean to tell me that the people that kidnapped my boys, are also the ones that offered a military alliance between the Horde rebels and Alliance!" Yelled Vereesa, glaring at Jaina. Once Jaina had returned from Pandaria, she immediately went to Vereesa, who had been gathering what forces she can spare for an assault on Orgrimmar, to tell her the news.

Vereesa wasn't pleased to hear that they were now allying with Horde rebels, but she was furious when Jaina told her that the envoys were the same ones that attacked Dalaran, rescued the Sunreavers, and kidnapped her children.

"I'm afraid so." Said Jaina in disgust. "I tried to dissuade Varian, but he made up his mind. *Scoffs* He thinks he's saving Alliance lives, but he's only dooming more to Horde betrayal." She clenched her staff in frustration. "He's turned to such a coward now." She then sighed. "I'll still fight for him, but I'm having the Kirin Tor forces as far away from the Horde rebels as possible. It'd be better for this alliance." Vereesa nodded before sighing.

"I suppose I should gather the troops, yes? How many?" Asked Vereesa.

"As many as you could spare. Dalaran's protection is still one of our top priorities." Said Jaina. Vereesa nodded at that. She was about to leave to gather her forces when a thought sprung up.

"These envoys…did they say anything about my children?" Asked Vereesa, concerned for the safety of her children. Ever since they were kidnapped, she thought of them. How they were and how scared they must be with complete strangers. If those envoys did anything to them, she didn't know what she would do.

"There was no mention of them, I'm sorry." Said Jaina after a moment. She then teleported out of Vereesa's home, leaving the grieving mother alone.

"*Sighs* I see." Said Vereesa as she began to leave for the barracks. As she was making preparations for the trip, however, the door to her home opened.

Frowning, she went over to the door and opened it. What she saw completely stunned her.

In front of her were her two children, Giramar and Galadin, all safe and sound. Galadin had a few scars, something that worried Vereesa, but aside from that, they were completely fine and safe.

Upon seeing their mother, the two boys ran up to her and hugged her thighs, crying tears of joy as Vereesa recovered.

Once she did, however, she hugged her boys back, happy that they were back while crying.

"You're…you're back." Said Vereesa softly as tears went down her face. "You're really back. But…how?" A monotone voice answered her question.

"To right a wrong, we did to you." Said Chief as he and Jack watched this unfold. Upon hearing that, Vereesa looked up and widened her eyes in shock at them. She then narrowed them as their appearance was exactly the same as the description Jaina gave to the Horde envoys.

Pulling her children behind her, she placed a hand on a hidden dagger on her person.

"You have some nerve coming here. After what you pulled." Threatened Vereesa as she glared at them. "You think returning my children to me would make me forgive you? For killing my men?" The two men shook their heads.

"No, we don't expect you to." Said Jack as he moved in front of Chief, looking at Vereesa behind his helmet. "In fact, we expect you to want to kill us for…harming one of your children and kidnapping them." Vereesa glared at them, realizing they were the reason Galadin has facial scars. Before she could pull out her dagger, Jack continued.

"I just wanted to say, for all of my group, sorry." Said Jack. "I'm sorry we kidnapped them." Jack then sighed. "Maybe if we were smarter. Less stupid. Or quicker, we wouldn't have needed to take them. And cause you so much grieve and pain, especially after losing your husband. Losing your kids so quickly after losing your lover…,it couldn't have been easy." Hearing the regret behind his helmet, despite the voice modulator, caused Vereesa to lose some of her fire. She then looked at her kids and saw them nodded.

"He really did regret taking us, mom." Said Giramar, recalling how Jack would express his regret in taking them and for Galadin's scars. "Maybe we should…give him a second chance. He's been good to us since he took us." Seeing Giramars and Galadin's eyes caused Vereesa to sigh and look at them.

"Your lucky that my boys are so forgiving." Said Vereesa as she let go of her dagger. "But if you do something like this again, then you'll die, no exceptions. Got it?" Jack nodded.

"We got it. And to express no hard feelings." Said Jack before pulling off his helmet, revealing his handsome face. Upon seeing it, Vereesa widened her eyes in shock. The face was just like the one that she meet during her time on Rhonin's grave. The same one that comforted her.

"Yeah, we meet before." Said Jack as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm the guy that talked to you before you purged Dalaran of Sunreavers. Makes me a shitty person, huh? I comfort you in a time of need, but not even a day, I kidnap your kids and kill people under your command. Some person, huh?" Looking at her shocked face, Jack sighed again. "Look, if you want to hit me, do it. I won't hit back. It's the least I deserv…" He couldn't finish before Vereesa slapped him hard, sending him crashing to the floor.

Recovering, Jack held his cheek as Vereesa glared at him.

"That was for kidnapping my children." Said Vereesa, glaring at Jack as he got up, holding his cheek.

"Okay I deserve that. Maybe it should have been a bit harder thou…" He was then hit in the crotch by Vereesa's leg. Hard.

"And that was for trying to seduce a grieving wife." Said Vereesa as Jack yelled in pain. Chief just stayed silent as this unfolded. Looking at his subordinate laying on the ground in pain, he looked at Vereesa.

"You'll be fighting in Orgrimmar?" Asked Chief, back to business. Satisfied, Vereesa looked at Chief.

"Yes, I will. Garrosh needs to pay for killing my husband. And the Kirin Tor are a part of the Alliance. They'll need all the soldiers they can get in attacking the Horde's capital." Said Vereesa, ignoring Jack and her boys' sympathy for the man.

"We'll try to minimize casualties as best we can." Said Chief. "See you on the battlefield." With that Chief went over and helped Jack up, grabbing his helmet and leaving with the man in tow.

"Was that necessary, mother?" Asked Giramar, feeling bad for Jack.

"Yes, Giramar, yes it was." Said Vereesa before going back inside with her children.

Gag Reel 1

"No-no!" Yelled Ikit as he scuttled on top of a cabinet. "No bath-shower! Ikit needs to plan for attack on Horde city! Not take water-trip!"

"You're going to take it and like it!" Yelled High Elf Archer as she glared at Ikit. Behind her was Courier, who was holding a small energy pistol, but not just any energy pistol.

"Come on, man." Said Courier. "You're sticking up the whole base with how you smell. Have you Skaven ever heard of regular bathing?"

"Nope!" Yelled Ikit before firing his arm cannon at them, sending them reeling back. Taking this opportunity, Ikit ran toward the vehicle bay for his Doomflayer. As he ran on all fours, he could hear the sounds of shouting and blasting just behind him, missing him by inches.

"No catch me-me!" Yelled Ikit as he barged into the vehicle bay and jumped on his Doomflayer. Starting it up, he was already out when Courier and High Elf arrived. Before he could really escape, however, a giant hand caught his Doomflayer, stopping it, while another hand reached and plucked Ikit from his ride.

"Acquisition of Ikit Claw successful." Said a massive Legion titan as Ikit struggled in its grip. It was then that High Elf and Courier showed up. "Ready for further restraint."

"Got it." Said Courier as he aimed his energy pistol at Ikit. "Don't worry mate, this won't hurt. Much." Before Ikit could protest, Courier fired his pistol, which shot out a blue stream of energy at Ikit, which coursed through his body, freezing it up. Shaking his head up and down, Courier instructed the Titan to lower Ikit down so they could remove his armor, which it do so gently. Once Ikit was on the ground, Courier and High Elf got to work.

"This really is ram shackled." Said Courier as he tried to figure out how to remove Ikit's armor, which looked like a novice made it with all its seals all over the place.

"Urg…even Orcbolg is neater than this." Said High Elf as she removed Ikit's helmet, nearly vomiting upon seeing the naked flesh it was hiding. "At least his armor looks half-decent. This looks like the work of a drunken blacksmith." Despite their complaints, the two managed to remove all of Ikit's armor and quickly moved the paralyzed rat towards the cubicle that contained the showers for officers. Well the male shower area anyway.

On the way, Ikit began to move again, but Courier just shot him with his gun again and that paralyzed Ikit again.

"How does that gun work?" Asked High Elf after they made it to the showers. Unlike the head showers typically found in a military base, this cubicle only had a single bath area, complete with all the shampoos and conditioners one needs to freshen up. Obviously, this was for an officer, maybe even the head of this base they were using.

"Special gun." Explained Courier as the two laid Ikit in a bathtub, which was already filled with hot water. Upon touching the water, Ikit tried to scream but he still was paralyzed. "Issued to special forces or riot control groups. Basically, paralyzes people for some time."

"Really?" Asked High Elf as she removed her gloves. "No matter the size?"

"Considering I used it to paralyze a giant robotic scorpion, I think it works on anything." Said Courier he watched High Elf place some shampoo on her hands and rubbing them, creating some soupy substance. "You sure you're okay with this? I could do it."

"Uh, I don't like touching this rat, even with a fifty-foot pole, but if it means it'll get him clean, then I'm all for it." Said High Elf, nearly gaging when she touched Ikit's dirty fur and began to scrumb, eager to get rid of the rat's stink. As she did so, Ikit suddenly came to life.

"No! My mus…" He couldn't finish as Courier fired his gun again, paralyzing him.

"Uhh." Said High Elf as she felt all the dirt underneath Ikit's fur. "Its like this is his first bath since he was born. Something is wrong with his species if they never bathe."

"I don't know." Said Courier. "I usually only take a bath every month, but that only because where I come from, clean water is a rare commodity. Can't afford to waste it with baths. The rest of the water is contaminated with the type of stuff you don't to be bathing in."

"I'll take your word for it." Said High Elf as she raised Ikit's armpits and began cleaning them. "I'm going to need some alcohol after this…nightmare."

"If you think that's bad, wait until you clean his nether regions." Upon hearing that, High Elf stopped.

"Oh no." Said High Elf as she glared at Courier. "I am not cleaning his crotch and tail! You do it!"

"No way." Said Courier, though he was fine with doing it, having done it before while at Freeside. "I got to fire this pistol every now and then to keep our friend paralyzed so you can clean him up. I'm not trusting you with this task! You don't even know how to fire my gun!"

"It can't be that hard." Said High Elf as she got up and took the pistol from Courier. "So I just aim it and pull this trigger." As if to demonstrate, High Elf fired the pistol…right at herself, paralyzing herself.

"Told you." Said Courier as he took it back, watching as High Elf, frozen, laid on the ground while Ikit recovered.

"Going to kill-kill you for…" Courier then fired the pistol at Ikit, paralyzing him too.

"Thank god I got ten points in Luck." Said Courier before going to work on Ikit, realizing he needed to clean him now. "Them lucky shades and Naughty nightwear also help."

Later

"Hate both of you-you. Going to kill-stab you after we find way home." Growled Ikit, now back in his armor, glaring at Courier and High Elf as they ate dinner.

"Shut up." Said High Elf. "You needed that bath and you know it." This then started another argument between the two, causing Courier to shake his head. Bringing out his energy pistol, Courier didn't even blink as he blasted the two, paralyzing them.

"Need to thank Arcade for upgrading this." Said Courier before putting his pistol at the dinner table, ready to be used again. "That is if we ever get out of here."