R reyes- Well the Skaven have always been comical (dark, but comical nonetheless), I just increased it a bit.

Chapter 15

Suramar

"Well, got to give your people props, Kel'danath." Said Courier as the four snuck into Suramar through a gap in the barrier that kept Suramar safe from the outside world. "You people know how to make something nice."

"Thank you." Said Kel'danath as he led them all to where they needed to go, keeping an eye out for any guards. "If we succeed, you may see more in the future in other parts of Azeroth."

"If we succeed." Said Chief as he also kept an eye out for guards. "Where are we going exactly?"

"Underneath the city, there are leylines that power the city. Well those leylines used to connect to other portions of the region. One of which is the underground cave that the Arcan'dor tree is found." Said Kel'danath as he led them down a flight of stairs, placing them side to side from a river.

"So, if we connect the this leyline system to the Arcan'dor tree, it'll feed it with the energy it needs?" Asked Courier as they walked underground via an entrance under a walkway.

"Hopefully." Said Kel'danath as he led them deeper and deeper underground.

"Motion trackers aren't flaring up." Said Chief as he had his weapon ready. Looking around, he saw the place was in disrepair. Broken doors everywhere and spider webs all over the place. "Is this part of the city abandoned?"

"We rarely come here. Our automations usually do the maintenance for us. We only come down if we suspect criminals are down here or if a problem in the leylines needs a mage." Explained Kel'danath as he took them to where they need to go.

"Yeah, so what's the plan when we get there?" Asked Courier as they approached some big doors. "I can't imagine what we need is going to be taken quietly."

"No." Said Kel'danath as he walked towards a large door, more maintained than the ones before. "In order to maximize the amount of Arcane energy that we can divert to the Arcan'dor tree, we'll have to create a massive surge in the leylines here." He then opened the door, revealing a large chamber with a trio of power generators. "And to do that, we have to create a mana storm right here."

"Uh a mana storm? Call me stupid, but isn't that…dangerous?" Asked Courier.

"Oh yes." Said Kel'danath as he walked toward the generators. "You get caught in it and you'll be ripped apart. And we have to create a mana storm right in this chamber in order to do pull this off." He then put a hand on his chin. "First off, I need to bring revitalize the old leyline systems in order to transfer Arcane energy from Suramar to the leylines near the Arcan'dor systems. I also have to seal off some sections of the leylines in order to prevent the excess energy from flooding into the streets and to transfer more energy to the tree. On top of all that, we need to run. Fast, if we want to live."

"How much time do you need?" Asked Chief as he looked for any Nightborne that might stumble on them.

"At least thirty minutes." Said Kel'danath. "Don't worry, they'll only figure what we're doing when we conduct the manastorm. And by that time, the process will be irreversible. We just need to run when its casted."

"Okay, you do all this stuff while we just sit back and play cards. Right?" Asked Courier as he looked at Kel'danath.

"Yes." Said Kel'danath as he went to work. "I hope you have something to do while I do all this."

"I got several decks of Caravan." Said Courier as he brought out three sets of cards. "Want me to teach you guys how to play?"

"Caravan?" Asked High Elf curiously as she looked at the set of cards. "What is it?"

Chief, not wanting to participate, just left the room to keep an eye out for any Nightborne or robots.

Meanwhile

Twenty-five minutes later

"*Sighs* Honestly, Thalyssra, you should give up." Said a Nightborne woman as she looked at Thalyssra, who was pinching the base of her nose. Once again, Thalyssra had tried to convince Elisande to remove the barrier and allow the Nightborne to expand their domains. And once again, she failed. "You tried for years to convince Elisande to lower the barrier. If the first few times didn't work, what makes you think that the seven thousandth time will work?"

"I can't give up, Valtrois." Said Thalyssra as she looked at her pompous friend, who sighed. Unlike Thalyssra, Valtrois wore more extravagant clothing with piece of armor around her shoulders. "You know as well as I that it needs to happen soon. It's only a matter of time before our streets are overflowing with Nightborne. Do you want your children to be bumping into other children? Do you want more than one child?" Valtrois sighed again.

"Look Thalyssra, I want to expand Suramar as much as you do, I really do, but how the heck are we going to convince Elisande of that? Because she has the foresight of Azshara when it comes to the need of the people." Said Valtrois. "Way I see it, the only way to get your way is to depose Elisande and for you to become the next leader of our people." Thalyssra glared at her friend for that suggestion.

"That is the last thing that our people need." Said Thalyssra. "A coup will only make things worse for us. It'll divide us even further and cause so much death and destruction. And a duel will still have the same problem. It'll divide us between those that support me and those that support Elisande."

"Well…alright, I got nothing." Said Valtrois. "But seriously, Thalyssra, you should give up. Elisande is getting more and more irritated with your suggestions. I wouldn't be surprised is you would suddenly end up be accused of treason and sent into exile as a result." Thalyssra, though fearing this, was about to open her mouth to speak when Valtrois perked up.

"Hold up." Said Valtrois as she went out of her home and out to the streets of Suramar. Looking to her right, she went over to a vent on the end of a street and examined it.

"What are you doing, Valtrois?" Asked Thalyssra as she went over to her friend. Her question was then answered when she saw the vent glow. Fainter than usual.

"Something isn't right. The leylines are creating less Arcane energy than normal." Said Valtrois as she examined the vent. "Something or someone is messing with the generators. If this keeps up, in a matter of minutes, the…"

"Our city will lose power." Whispered Thalyssra in horror.

"Exactly." Said Valtrois as she got up. She then saw a group of Nightwatch guards passing by them and yelled out. "Guards! Gather what men you can get and follow us to the power generators! There's an issue that we have to address!" Surprised at this, upon seeing Valtrois, the guards scrambled to follow her orders.

"Who would want to do this?" Thought Thalyssra as she wondered who would want to do this to Suramar.

Meanwhile

"Three full Caravans!" Yelled Courier as he placed a 10 on his last stack, giving him three full caravans.

"Oh come on!" Yelled High Elf as she tossed her cards on the ground. "How did you do that!? That's the fifth time! Did you stack your cards or something!?"

"*Chuckles* Its all in strategy kid." Said Courier as he gathered his cards and shuffled his deck again. "In Caravan, there's no rules against having only three numbered cards that can add up to twenty-six." As High Elf complained, Kel'danath finished his final modifications to the leylines.

"Okay, some vents are sealed, power transfer to the tree's leylines are complete. Now we just have to conduct the storm." Said Kel'danath as he looked at Courier and High Elf. "Ready to run?"

"Yup." Said Courier as he put his decks back into his pip boy.

"Uh…how long do we have to run?" Asked High Elf as she saw Kel'danath ready to cast a spell.

"Just run." Said Kel'danath. "We might be able to escape if we run fast enough."

"Oh that fills me with so much confidence." Mumbled High Elf as Kel'danath cast the spell. Soon, clouds appeared and lightning lashed out from them.

"Now we run!" Yelled Kel'danath as he ran past them, causing them to follow him. "Where is Master Chief?"

"Left to guard the outer perimeter!" Yelled Courier. "Don't worry, he'll be safe. The guy isn't stupid like us!"

"Hey!" Yelled High Elf as she looked at Courier. Before she could yell at him, she heard some footsteps rapidly approaching. "I'm hearing people. They're coming here!"

"Blast!" Yelled Kel'danath as he too heard the footsteps. "We can't let them in there. They'll die! We have to stop them!"

"Stop them!?" Yelled Courier. "We're far enough from that storm to be safe from it right?"

"Absolutely." Said Kel'danath, lying a bit. "Now please. Help me stop my people from dying!"

"Oh you insufferable…" Nevertheless, High Elf and Courier decided to help Kel'danath and the trio rushed to where the footsteps were coming from. After a minute of running, they were surprised to find four Nightborne, weapons or magic at the ready, confronting Chief, who had a Nightborne woman's hands on his helmet, grasping it gently as Arcane energy flowed around her hands.

Several minutes ago

Thalyssra

"You." Said Thalyssra as she glared at Chief, who aimed both his rifle and pistol out, aimed at her and Valtrois. "Why are you doing this?"

"It's necessary for your people." Said Chief as he aimed his weapons at the mages. The other Nightborne were holding out weapons. Though Chief wasn't sure if they had magic as well, he had to prioritize both Thalyssra and the other female Nightborne.

Valtrois, surprised at what Thalyssra said, looked at her.

"Thalyssra, you know this…thing?" Asked Valtrois, surprised at this…man. One for it wasn't a Nightborne criminal, like she thought, and two it meant that there was other life outside Suramar.

"I'll explain later, Valtrois." Said Thalyssra. "For now, we have bigger issues at the moment." She then went back to glaring at Chief, who stood stoic. "I'll ask this once, why are you attempting to sabotage our ability to produce power for our city?"

"Its for your people." Said Master Chief as he chooses his words carefully. Even a single wrong word could have disastrous consequences. "There's a way to cure your people of their addiction to the Nightwell. But in order for it to work, we need large amounts of Arcane energy. And the only way to get that energy is to use your city's power generators." Upon hearing that, the Nightborne looked at each other.

They all knew of their people's addiction to the Nightwell. What the addiction has brought upon them. To hear that there was something that can cure them of that left them a bit hesitant.

Pursing her lips, Thalyssra looked at Chief, who stood motionless, weapons at the ready, and giving away nothing.

"If this is true, you'll be fine with subjecting yourself for a simple lie detection. As well as figuring out why you're doing this." Said Thalyssra as she dispelled the magic in her hands. Valtrois and the guards looked at Thalyssra in shock.

"Thalyssra!" Yelled Valtrois as she protested it, but Thalyssra just raised a hand up.

"Trust me Valtrois." Said Thalyssra as she cautiously went up to Chief, who lowered his weapons a bit.

"If that'll get you to stand down, then do it." Said Chief as he holstered his weapons. Thalyssra, nodding, went over to Chief and placed her hands on both sides of his helmet. "Don't try to do anything else than checking if I'm lying and my intentions." Thalyssra raised an eyebrow at that.

"Can you detect such acts?" Asked Thalyssra, somewhat skeptical this John-117 knows what she can do.

"Do you want to find out?" Asked Chief, not exactly threatening, but Thalyssra could sense that he was ready to hurt her if she tried to do anything other than checking if he was lying.

"Very well." Said Thalyssra before casting a lie detection spell on Chief as well as checking his memories. It only took her a minute before she figured out that Chief was telling the truth and that it was indeed for the benefit of her people. Another minute and she figured out how he came to that conclusion. Prying her hands away, she looked at Chief.

"So, Kel'danath truly found a way to rid us of our addiction to the Nightwell." Said Thalyssra, a bit stunned that Kel'danath found a cure. Or at least something that he believed can cure them. Chief nodded at that as Thalyssra ordered her men to stand down. Reluctantly, but trusting the First Arcanist, they stood down. Now that the situation was diffused, Valtrois walked up.

"So, Kel'danath found a cure?" Asked Valtrois, looking at Thalyssra, who nodded.

"Yes. He believes at least." Said Thalyssra. "But it involves that use of Suramar's Arcane energy to provide the energy that his cure needs. He and his compatriots are trying to minimize the collateral damage. Speaking of them," Thalyssra then looked behind Master Chief to see a tiny elf, a Nightfallen, and another being wearing green and brown armor. "These must be your compatriots."

"They are." Said Chief before turning to them. "They're not here to harm us. Stand down."

"Yeah, we get that." Said Courier as the three walked up to Chief and Thalyssra. Looking at the Nightborne woman, he then looked at Chief. "This is the woman you spoke about? She's quite attractive." Courier then received an kick to the shin from High elf for that. "Sorry."

"None taken." Said Thalyssra as she looked at the Nightfallen, knowing who it was. "Kel'danath. I see you have managed to reach the fruit of your labor. And found a way past the barrier. May I ask how?"

"Its relatively easy to find crack and holes in the barrier. Especially in parts of our city that have been neglected by Elisande." Said Kel'danath before looking at Valtrois and scowling. "I was hoping to avoid seeing your pompous friend, Thalyssra."

"Oh, Kel'danath." Said Valtrois, hearing that remark. "And here I was hoping that you would have died in the first few days of your exile. I knew it was too much to ask for. Well, at least you now look more handsomer. Guess being without Arcwine did you some good in the looks department." Kel'danath scowled more at that. Before he could speak, High Elf spoke.

"Uh, hate to interrupt this reunion, but generator and mana storm going off? Got to run." Said High Elf as she pointed quickly to the exit.

"Manastorm? What are you…Kel'danath you didn't." Said Thalyssra as she glared at Kel'danath, who shrugged.

"I'll explain later but we must move!" Yelled Kel'danath.

"*Scoffs* You and your crazy ideas." Said Valtrois before teleporting everyone out of the underground sections of Suramar and to a teleportation room in Suramar. Not too long after she did, a massive explosion shook the entire city, sending a few of them off their feet.

Thalyssra would have been among them if it weren't for Chief catching her and holding her up.

"You okay?" Asked Chief as he held Thalyssra's shoulders. The Nightborne woman nodded before Chief let go. Dusting herself, she glared at Kel'danath.

"You better hope that explosion didn't hurt or kill anyone, Kel'danath. Or else I won't be merciful like the last time." Said Thalyssra, baring her fangs are Kel'danath, who simply bowed.

"I wouldn't forgive myself either, Thalyssra." Said Kel'danath. "If anyone did die from it, I'll personally hand myself over to whatever punishment Elisande give me. But for now, I need to see if my plan worked. Give me a few hours to verify that it worked. Once I'm sure it worked, I'll come back and hand myself over to the authorities. Please, Thalyssra. Give me this chance." Thalyssra, sighing, looked at Valtrois, who shrugged.

"Well, he always was looking out for our benefit and its not like we got much to lose. Get him his shot, Thalyssra. If it'll help, I'll take a few members of the Duskwatch to keep an eye on Kel'danath and his compatriots. Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself." Looking at her friend, Thalyssra closed her eyes and sighed again.

"Alright, Kel'danath. I'll give you a chance." Said Thalyssra. "But I would like to visit this cure you supposedly found. To see if it truly can fix our addiction." Kel'danath, shocked to hear that, nonetheless nodded.

"Very well." Said Kel'danath. "This won't take long. And I guarantee you, you won't be disappointed with what we've found." Thalyssra nodded at that.

"I hope so, Kel'danath. For your sake."

An hour later

Arcan'dor tree

"My god, its so…beautiful." Said High Elf Archer as she looked at the fully mature Arcan'dor tree, now with completely white bark, and a healthy blue window-like crystal at its trunk. Its various branches held dark purple fruit that hanged all over them.

"Normally I'm not one to be impressed but, by the nightwell, this tree is gorgeous. And fascinating." Said Valtrois as she walked over to the tree. "Even from this distance, I can feel the Arcane energy being mixed with something else. I've never heard of such things. Oh, if only I can take it apart and study it."

"Do that, and you'll destroy the only hope of curing our addiction." Said Kel'danath as he went over to the fruit. Looking over at Farodin, he spoke. "I just eat a fruit and I'll be cured?"

"That is the intention." Said Farodin. "However, I do not know if it'll work the way you intended it to. I've never seen the Arcan'dor tree in this stage before. Let us hope it doesn't have any unintended consequences."

"Unless they're good consequences, like extra magic powers or something like that." Said Courier, recalling all the times that he mysteriously gained powers as he traveled the wasteland of the Mojave.

"Whatever consequences there are, I'll be the first to bare them." Said Kel'danath. "This is my experiment. I should be the first to be the lab rat. So we can figure out if this was just a fools errand or not."

"He always was selfless." Said Valtrois as she whispered to Thalyssra, who nodded. As they watched Kel'danath eat the fruit, they stood ready in case he transformed into some mindless beast or something else entirely.

At first, nothing happened, but then they saw Kel'danath morph and twist into his old self again. As Kel'danath grunted in pain at the transformation, the others watched in astonishment as he transformed back in his pre-Nightfallen state, baring the same traits as other Nightborne males. Tall, slim, and quite handsome.

"I see you've returned back to your old self again, Kel'danath." Said Thalyssra as she inched closer, motioning her guards to stand down. Groaning, Kel'danath looked at himself to see if anything was wrong.

"It seems that way." Said Kel'danath as he rolled his shoulders. "The transformation back…I had no idea it would be so painful."

"I could imagine." Said Valtrois as she too came closer with Chief and Courier. "So…you feel any need for Arcwine? Or a connection to the Nightwell?"

"Surprisingly, no." Said Kel'danath. "I mean, I still feel the faint presence of the Nightwell, but its not as what it used to. I don't feel like I need its presence constantly anymore. I think my hard work paid off. We've found a cure to our addiction." He then looked at the Arcan'dor tree. "Elisande will be pleased to hear about this."

"I suppose." Said Thalyssra as she looked at the tree, marveling at its beauty. "Perhaps this will finally convince her to lower the barrier and let us explore Azeroth once more."

"Your leader is causing trouble?" Asked Chief, looking at Thalyssra, who nodded.

"She believes it be best for us to remain in Suramar only. She thinks that the world is devastated from the Burning legion invasion and that Suramar is the only fertile place left of the world." Explained Thalyssra. "But I've seen the world, or at least parts of it. Its still fertile and ripe for colonization. Is it not?"

"Yeah, it is." Said Courier as he too looked at Thalyssra. "Lots of people and lots of animals around in different pieces of land. Don't know about this Burning Legion business, but the world is safe for your kind. And to make it sweeter, the Nightelves are still around." Thalyssra perked her ears up at that.

"Our brethren are still alive?" Asked Thalyssra in surprise. She thought they had all died during the Burning Legion invasion.

"Yeah, led by some chick named Tyrande. Know her?" Asked Courier.

"Yes, she was the leader of the Sisterhood of Elune." Said Thalyssra, a bit stunned that the priest was the leader of their former people now. "Tell me, are they thriving? They aren't in danger of being extinct?"

"Well, I can tell you what we know, which isn't much. But what we do know is that they're allied with a superpower called the Alliance. They're a bunch of different races allied together for mutual protection. An attack on one race is an attack on all." Explained Courier. "We can tell you more if Kel'danath keeps his promise."

"Promise?" Asked Thalyssra as she looked at Kel'danath. "What promise?"

"I promised them that, in exchange for their help, I'll help ally the Shal'dorei with them. Helping them with whatever things they need aid for." Said Kel'danath.

"We need allies in this world, ma'am." Said Chief. "My group numbers under the dozen. If we are to survive we need allies without allying with the Alliance or Horde."

"And we were the easiest to acquire, correct?" Asked Valtrois, looking at Chief and his expressionless helmet.

"Yes." Said Chief. "But that doesn't mean we didn't sympathize with your plight."

"Yeah." Said High Elf, joining the conversation. "Just because we could gain something out of it, doesn't mean we also want to help you out of sympathy and common decency."

"I mean, it helps both parties, didn't it?" Asked Courier.

"But it seems that you get the most out of it." Said Valtrois. "You may help out with our addiction problem, but for all we know, you might drag us into a war that'll destroy our city."

"We won't do that." Said Chief. "We're not going to cause a war with the Alliance or the Horde. We just want to survive." Thalyssra, looking at Chief and eyeing his posture, stayed silent as she attempted to discern his intentions. Eventually, she spoke.

"I believe him." Said Thalyssra, causing Valtrois to look at her in shock. "He's right. If this Alliance is as powerful as they say and they're numbers are really that low, then it'd be foolhardy to commit to a war with the Alliance. Even with our aid." She then twitched her ears. "Besides, I have a feeling that you don't want to stay on Azeroth. Correct?"

"Correct. We're not from here and we want to go back to our homes." Said Chief as he looked at Thalyssra, who simply bowed.

"Very well, I'll…help with making your deal with Kel'danath a reality." Said Thalyssra. "Elisande may not like it at first, but I'm sure that you can sway her opinion around if you help us."

"Great. More odd jobs." Said High Elf. "Nothing is ever easy."

"Never is, little elf." Said Valtrois, causing High Elf to go red with rage.

"Why you, old…." She couldn't say anymore as Courier grabbed her mouth and held her back.

"Easy, elf." Said Courier. "Calm down. Let's not piss of the elf with magic powers that can turn us into toads or puppies."

"Puppies? Toads? What are those?" Asked Valtrois as she looked at Courier and High Elf, the latter kicking her legs in protest. Ignoring this, Chief looked at Thalyssra.

"If it'll help, we'll plead our case to Elisande ourselves." Said Chief.

"I don't think she'll be pleased to see outsiders in Suramar." Said Thalyssra as she placed a hand on her chin. "She, to put it mildly, looked down upon the lower classes of our society. I doubt she'll make an exception with you and your group."

"We must try." Said Kel'danath. "What are we if we can't keep a simple promise to a group of people that risked their very lives for the betterment of our people?"

"*Sighs* I know." Said Thalyssra. "But I want you to know, this will be an uphill battle."

"I know." Said Chief as he looked at Thalyssra's beautiful eyes. "But I'm willing to fight it." Thalyssra looked at Chief, respect for him growing.

"Then I'll try to help you in this fight." Said Thalyssra as she told him what they need to do.

Two days later

Thalyssra's estate

"We're in the process of negotiating with the Nightborne at becoming their allies and vice versa." Said Chief as he spoke with Jack from Thalyssra's own estate. The barrier, combined with the long distance from the Broken Isles and Pandaria, was causing a lot of static, but he could still hear Jack after they managed to install a radio inside the barrier. Thalyssra was a little annoyed at seeing such an ugly piece of machinery in her home, but allowed it as it enabled them to speak with the outside world.

"That's great." Said Jack as he looked at the Horde and Alliance leaders arguing over who gets to be Garrosh's defendant and accuser with the Pandarian leadership. "Hope you guys are doing than us because we have only arguing and arguing."

"That bad?" Asked Courier as he listened in.

"Yeah, we're still arguing on how gets to defend Garrosh and who gets to be his accuser." Said Jack as he looked at Vereesa, who sighed and was looking away from the undead elf within the Horde's ranks.

"I knew we should have been the ones to axe that crazy fool." Said Courier. "Maybe we could have prevented all that bickering."

"You and me both." Said Jack as he sighed. "Anyway, nothing to report. Vereesa and I haven't detected anything in the perimeter and Ikit, when he's not stuffing his mouth with cheese, says there's no signs on infiltration in the temple. I'll let you know more when we actually get some progress."

"Got it. Stay safe." Said Chief before cutting the transmission. He then looked at High Elf, who was admiring all the beauty in Thalyssra's own estate. She had allowed them to stay within it as she needed to explain to Elisande the whole story and to convince her to give them an audience. So they were staying her until they get their audience with the Nightborne leader.

"Perks of being a First Arcanist, huh." Said High Elf as she looked at the lake that Thalyssra's estate was overlooking. "Its beautiful. One thing that us elves have in common is that we have a knack of making beautiful scenery and art."

"Yeah." Said Courier as he looked around "I guess you guys do." High Elf smirked as she examined a vase within the estate.

"So, you think Elisande will give us that audience?" Asked High Elf.

"Considering what Thalyssra told us about her while on our way here, I don't think so." Said Courier. While on their way to the estate, Thalyssra told them about Elisande. She was basically a pompous arrogant woman that thought lowly of the lower class in her city. If it weren't for her skills in leadership, she would have been deposed long ago. "That Thalyssra seems to know her way around politics though. So maybe she can convince her."

"We can only hope." Said Chief as he checked his assault rifle. "If they refuse to help us, then that's that. We can't force them to help us. We just have to make due with what we got."

"That sucks." Said Courier as he rubbed his neck. "Well, its not like I'm used to it. Anyone up for Caravan?"

"I'm not going to lose again!" Yelled High Elf as she glared at Courier, who chuckled as he brought out his Caravan decks.

Meanwhile

Thalyssra

"So, not only did you ignore my orders for traveling outside the barrier." Seethed Elisande as she glared at her First Arcanist, Valtrois and Kel'danath by her side. "You brought this traitor back into our city, allowed him to use our previous city's power for his own gains, and made contact with inferior whelps! And you made a deal with them! Arcanist Thalyssra, you better have a good argument for your actions because if you don't, I'll personally turn you into dust for all these transgressions!" As other Arcanists and nobles looked at either Thalyssra or Elisande, Thalyssra took a deep breath and spoke.

"With respect, Grand Magistrix, my actions were for the betterment of our people. And so have Kel'danaths'. He managed to find a way to cure our people of our addiction to the Nightwell. Not only that, but he managed to garner support from a group of outsiders. Without their aid, Kel'danath would not have been able to find this cure." Said Thalyssra. "They only ask for our support in the future. And not in a military capacity."

"For now." Argued one Arcanist. "Besides, these outsiders, according to you, number only a dozen. Why should we help such a weak group of people?"

"Because they risk their lives for the betterment of Azeroth and our own people. One of them helped me acquire the seed that grew the tree that is the key to our salvation. Without his help, we wouldn't have it. Not only that, but Thalyssra has delved into the mind of their leader. Their intentions are simply for their survival and for our betterment. They're…surprisingly moral for a group of people that need to do what they must to survive."

"And that may include betraying us." Said another noble. Though a few, mumbled on what to do.

"At least hear them out, Grand Magistrix." Said Thalyssra. "Though they used our resources to make their dream a reality, they are pale compared to what we could gain from the tree." Elisande sneered, but looked at her advisors.

"What say you all?" Asked Elisande as she looked at her advisors. Advisor Melandrus, loyal to Elisande, spoke.

"While I believe that both Kel'danath and Thalyssra could have done a better job at doing their…side project, I think we should give these people an audience. From what we've been told, they're quite resourceful. They may be of a lesser race, but they can be useful tools." Though Thalyssra frowned at that term, she stayed silent, not wishing to incur the wrath of some of Elisande's advisors.

"I say no. These beings may have caused serious damage to Suramar." Said Advisor Vandros. "They may have killed some of our people with their actions. Though no one was hurt, they still could have caused great damage to our city. Our way of life."

"I agree with giving them a chance, Grand Magistrix." Said Chief Telemancer Oculeth, a friend to Thalyssra and sympathetic to her plight. "By all accounts, what they did was for the greater good of our people, similar to what we did during the war with the Burning Legion." Some winced at the reminder of the demons. "Besides, if what Thalyssra said about the outside world is true, then the world is safe for us once again. The demons are gone and we an finally rid ourselves of the restrictions we placed on us as of late. Like the birth control laws." Other nobles perked up at that. As other nobles and advisors gave their opinions, some for giving the outsiders an audience or to deny them, Elisande looked at Thalyssra, who starred back.

Pursing her lips, Elisande made up her mind. Once her advisors were done, she spoke.

"Thank you all for giving me your opinions." Said Elisande as she looked at everyone. "Though I believe that Thalyssra should have given me this information before hand, her heart was in the right place. And, so to honor the deal that Kel'danath made to these outsiders, I'll give them an audience." She then looked at Thalyssra. "Bring them forth and I'll judge to see if they're worthy of being allies of the Shal'dorei." Thalyssra, happy at what went down, bowed in respect before teleporting out of there. After a few minutes, Thalyssra came back with Chief, Courier, and High Elf.

A few nobles were surprised to see such a young elf before them and with a different complexion, but they were even more surprised to see the intimidating armor the other two beings wore. Though some looked at their armor disdainfully, seeing it as ugly and inelegant, others were impressed with how intimidating they looked, especially the helmets.

"These are the beings." Said Thalyssra before extending a hand out to Master Chief. "This is John-117, leader of them."

"An honor to meet you, Grand Magistrix." Said Chief as he slightly gave a bow to Elisande, recalling the plan with Courier. Be a bit cordial, no matter how insufferable the woman was. "We're honored that you gave us an audience."

"Heh, you should be." Said Elisande, looking at the group and was unimpressed with them. "You have the honor of seeing the pinnacle of Nightelf civilization. No outsiders have seen it since the Burning Legion came and ravaged Azeroth. Until now." She then glared at them all. "I've been told that you all have been helping Kel'danath with finding a cure to our addiction to the Nightwell in exchange for future cooperation between your group and the Shal'dorei. Tell me, why should I, the Grand Magistrix of Suramar, honor this deal?" Chief, looking at Courier, motioned for him to speak, knowing that he was the best suited for this. Nodding, he went up and spoke.

"Well, for starters, the outside world is kind of in turmoil." Said Courier. "Kel'danath may have told you about them, but the Alliance is currently in hot waters with another superpower called the Horde, a coalition of races that protect each other in case of invasion or war. Their most recent war with each other ended with the capture of the Horde leader, but I don't know if another war between the two will start again. And, considering you're just one city, you'll need allies to prevent both sides from trying to get you on their side."

"And why should we worry about these powers?" Asked Vandros. "According to Kel'danath, they're on another continent, far away from us. Why should be worry about being dragged into their affairs."

"Resources, sir." Said Courier, turning to the advisor. "One of the most key factors that'll determine if you're worth the effort of attempting to join their side. And you got lots of things both factions want." Courier then held up one finger. "First, you're magic. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you guys have advanced your understanding of Arcane magic since the, forgive me if I get this wrong, Sundering. While both factions have understanding in Arcane magic, my guess its inferior to your level of understanding. They'll want that for their own ends, both in advancing their magical arts and to increase the power of their military." A few military advisors nodded at that, finding the man's argument to be logical. Courier then brought up another finger.

"Another thing is your Nightwell. It's a well of immense magic power. That alone will make both parties want you on their side." Said Courier. "And final thing, they can use Suramar as a sort of port or base in the Broken Isles. Don't know if this place is rich in resources, but even if it isn't, they can use this place as a way to expand their influence in the region. I can list of more if you want, but I think that's sufficient in convincing you that both factions will not leave you alone, despite how far the Broken Isles is from them." Every Nightborne looked at each other, convinced by the Courier's words.

"Thank you." Said Elisande. "You've…given us much to consider. But moving on, why should we ally with you. You're a group of a mere handful of individuals. Why should we ally with you instead?"

"Because, unlike both factions, we won't drag you into any war we make." Said Courier. "We'll only do it if the war affects you in any way, shape, or form. For example, say a pirate group has been affecting you guys after you lower the barrier, we'll ask for you're help in eliminating them. Or just give their location so you can do it yourself. Another thing is that we can provide you with information of both Horde and Alliance. At the moment, we're, sort of, in good terms with some of their leaders. We can use that information to help you in times of need. Say, one Alliance leader wants to impose sanctions against you, we can give you dirt on him that'll cause him to lift those sanctions. And final thing, why on earth would we want to upset you all? You're a bunch of elves with the power of magic on your side. Magic that can wipe the floor out of any of our group if we give you the chance. I'd rather have that on my side rather than on my enemies." Elisande and the other Nightborne began to mumble amongst themselves.

After a few minutes, Elisande spoke.

"And why should we lift the barrier? It has kept us safe from harm for ten thousand years. Why should we lift it now after so long?" Asked Elisande.

"Lots of reasons." Said Courier. "One, it'll allow you have trade with the other races around the world. While I'm sure that there aren't much things in the world that you people will want, I'm also sure there's a few things that you do want, like food or cultural items. Second thing is that you'll want is to expand your city to even greater heights. This city is great, grand, and pretty, but it could be even greater if you made it bigger. Plus, since you guys kept this barrier around for ten thousand years, I bet you guys are suffering from an overpopulation problem. So much so, that you have a one child policy, right?" He then looked at Thalyssra, who nodded. "Don't you all want to have more kids? After all, some of you are nobles. What happens if that kid gets into a serious accident and is unable to work in politics? You'll still let them be head of your house? Even if you are immortal?"

The nobles looked at each other, silently agreeing with the Courier.

"There's also the fact that, you can show the world the grandness of the Nightelf empire, back in its glory days. Don't you want to show the world the grandeur of the Nightelf empire? How you can guide them to a higher understanding in life." Said Courier, ending his little talk. Looking around, he can see the Nightborne slowly, but surely, being swayed by his words. Even Elisande was swayed a bit.

"I must admit." Said Elisande after a minute, a hint of respect in her voice. "I thought you outsiders know nothing of politics, but it seems one of you knows their way with words. Still, your words, have weight in them. I'll speak with my advisors more about this. Thalyssra, take them back to your estate, but come back as soon as possible. I need you and Valtrois. This meeting is in recess." With that, Elisande left with her top advisors. They were soon followed by everyone else, leaving team Sigma alone with Thalyssra, Valtrois, and Kel'danath.

"Well, that went better than I expected." Said Valtrois, a bit stunned at Courier's ability to sway Elisande. Very few were able to do such a thing. "You sure know how to speak."

"You have no idea how many times I've been able to stop a fight with words." Said Courier with a smirk underneath his helmet. "Sometimes, its better to use words than guns to get what you want. Learned that during my travels in the wasteland." He then turned to Chief. "Not that there's anything wrong with fighting instead. Sometimes violence is the answer too."

"I would disagree, but I feel like that is correct as well." Said Thalyssra as she looked at Chief. "I will teleport you all to my estate. Feel free to make yourselves at home. Just…don't damage anything there, please."

"We'll be at our best behavior." Said Chief, making Thalyssra smile. She then teleported them to her estate before teleporting herself back to the Nighthold.

"Let us see what Elisande's verdict is." Said Thalyssra before leading the other two Arcanists to Elisande's chambers.

Meanwhile

Pandaria

Temple of the White Tiger

"Cheese. Must have more cheese." Said Ikit Claw he snuck to the kitchen within the Temple of the White Tiger, where Garrosh Hellscream's trial was taking place. Ikit disagreed with having a trial for the stupid brown-skin, finding it a waste of time, but Courier explained to him that it wasn't his decisions or theirs. It was both the Alliance and Horde. Thought Ikit said they were all stupid, Courier told him to keep it to himself and indulge himself on cheese, which was being provided in abundance for the trial, along with all other sweet food.

Though he already ate his lunch, along with everyone else, Ikit still craved for cheese. So while, everyone else was attending Garrosh's latest section for his crimes, Ikit snuck away to find more cheese. The sweet substance was unlike anything he ate back in Skavenblight. Even the Council of thirteen would kill an entire continent for this sweet substance. He wondered how much praise he would get if he brought the secrets of making cheese back to Skavenblight.

Imagining the praise, Ikit nearly missed the conversation between two Pandarian. Blinking, Ikit listened in, finding he can ignore his hunger at the moment. The Pandarian, along with the other races on Azeroth, confused and intrigued Ikit. They were unlike the races back in his world. Unlike the Orcs of his world, the Orcs here were weaker and less stupid. They also, apparently, gave birth to live young and not fungal like his Orcs. They also had breeders and they send them out to the field, like stupid elf-things, who were ironically the most like the elves of his world. Arrogant and stupid. Not matter what.

These Pandaren, however, were unlike anything he'd seen. He recalled seeing a species like them back in the Eastern lands, but they didn't talk nor walk on two legs. It intrigued him and it made him wonder if he should bring a few back for Clan Moulder, so they can experiment on them. They were always looking for new species to experiment on.

"The Celestials must put the Orc to death." Argued one Pandaren. "He has done so much death and destruction. He does not deserve to live."

"Everyone has the spark of good in them." Said another Pandaren. "Everyone deserves a second chance. We should not deny Garrosh that chance, not matter how much death he's caused."

"The Alliance and Horde will not allow him to live." Said the first Pandaren.

"It does not matter." Said the second Pandaren. "The Celestials will be the ones to decide his fate and they will give him a pardon. They believe no one is above redemption and I believe it too. Garrosh can be redeemed. We must give him the chance to do so. If we take away that chance, we're no better than what the Alliance and Horde accuse Garrosh of." As the two Pandaren argued, Ikit left them alone, angry at what he heard.

"Must-must find evidence of this." Thought Ikit as he went to the Pandarian only section of the temple. "If stupid-Orc not going to be killed, then must tell others."

Few hours later

Jack

"Relax Vereesa, Garrosh will get what is coming to him." Said Jack as Vereesa paced around in the room that was given to her. It was small, but Vereesa didn't mind, she lived on worse. "The evidence is just too strong for the Pandaren to let him go."

"You don't know that, Jack." Said Vereesa, looking at the human, his helmet gone, revealing his rugged, handsome looks. "The Pandaren keep defending Garrosh's actions. Even after they showed Theramore, even after they showed… Rhonin's sacrifice." Vereesa began to tear up, causing Jack to look down at the floor. "They still sympathized with Garrosh. They're planning to let him go. Let him go! After all that monster did, they're going to let him go! I can't let them happen! Not after what he did!"

She was referring to the latest section with Garrosh. Even after they showed what Garrosh did to Theramore, the Pandarian judges looked unmoved and simply said that Garrosh was justified in destroying Theramore. That pissed off Baine, Varian, Jaina, and a whole lot of others, including Jack. It pissed off so many people that Taran Zhu called for a recess in order for people to cool off. Jack, seeing how pissed Vereesa was, went after her to help calm her down. Though she was annoyed with it, she felt a bit touched by it. A part of her wanted to still hurt him though, but she promised that Courier mate to try to reconcile with Jack without hurting him, so she stayed her hand.

"I hear you." Said Jack. "I want that Orc dead as much as you, but what can we do? Assassinate him? That'll just rationalize his loyal followers and we'll be facing another war again. And I don't think either the Alliance and Horde can afford that."

"So, it's better that we let that monster go?" Demanded Vereesa, glaring at Jack. "So, he can do it all over again?"

"I'm not saying that." Said Jack. "We're in a difficult situation. One wrong move and we'll be facing a war. If we let him live, Garrosh will go off and recruit more Orcs to his crazy idea of equality. But if we kill Garrosh, during or even after the trial, we may rationalize his loyal followers, who may become even worse than him." He then sighed, causing Vereesa to calm down a bit. "These things are beyond what I'm used to. I'm more used to just shooting and fighting. Not doing politics." He then laid on Vereesa's bed. Seeing how exhausted Jack was, Vereesa stopped and laid besides Jack.

"Never had to deal with this sort of thing before?" Asked Vereesa, looking a bit at Jack from the corner of her eye.

"Yeah." Said Jack with a weak chuckle. "I'm a soldier through and through. Not used to doing shit like this. But now I'm being dragged into this because…I want to help you through this." Turning around, Vereesa blinked at Jack.

"Why?" Asked Vereesa as she looked at Jack, though she had an idea what it was.

"Well, you already know that I want to have your forgiveness for kidnapping your children, but I also know what its like to want someone dead. So much so that you think of nothing but killing them." Vereesa, curious, sat up along with Jack.

"Really?" Asked Vereesa. "Who?" In response, Jack brought out a small electronic device, powered it up, and showed a picture of another human with brown hair, wearing a completely different uniform than Jacks.

"Guy is Kuben Blisk." Said Jack. "Guy runs a mercenary outfit called Apex Predators. Guy killed a whole lot of Militia soldiers and pilots along with his mercs. He personally helped killed my mentor, Tai Lastimosa." Jack then showed another picture, this time an older human with gray hair and several scars around his face. "He taught me how to be a pilot. When he died, he gave me his helmet and his Titan. You met him." Vereesa then looked at Jack.

"BT?" Asked Vereesa, causing Jack to nod.

"Yeah. To make a long story short, Blisk killed him during a mission that would have cost the Militia their primary headquarters. Managed to stop him and his employers, but I never got to fight him. He had a chance to kill me, but refused, saying he doesn't do anything for money." Said Jack. "Faced him a few more time after that. Each time, just barely missing him. He always escapes my grasp, taking more Militia lives each time." Jack then sighed. "Made me want to kill him. Also made me question my worth as a pilot."

"Did you?" Asked Vereesa.

"Never did." Said Jack. "Guy is slippery, I'll give him that. And after the last time, I'm not going to." He then showed a picture of two other pilots, this time with their helmets. One had blue highlights like Jack's helmet, but had a different design, being smaller and shaped like a X. Another had only small blue light lines, around four, just above the mouth. "Not after it cost them their lives. These are Droy and Davis. Two of the greatest mercenary pilots where I come from and some of the greatest friends I've ever had. Remember that mission I told you about? Well, if it weren't for them and two others, I might never have managed to finish the mission. After that, we became friends, helping each other out whenever the Militia hires their mercenary group." Seeing Jack smile, Vereesa asked a question.

"What were they like?" Asked Vereesa.

"Davis was eccentric." Said Jack, smiling fondly of Davis. "Bastard made a joke out of everything. One time, when he was defending an energy harvester, guy made a joke about the enemy compensating for something when they sent an entire battalion worth of Titans against a single harvester." He then laughed. "He even told me that, if he ever found an elf, he's going to bang the first chick elf he saw." That caused Vereesa to smile a bit. "Droy was the more serious of the two, but joined in on Davis's jokes whenever he felt like it. Those two were thick as thieves and were the best duo I've ever seen. They're teamwork was legendary in the Frontier." Jack then remembered a party that he had with Davis and Droy and told Vereesa it.

Two years ago

Pirate controlled space

Space station Sanctus

"Hell yeah, Coops! This is the life!" Yelled Davis as he drank a beer with his helmet on, drinking the liquid via a slot in his helmet. Jack just nodded as he looked around them, seeing a bunch of shady people fighting or getting drunk.

"Yeah, this is a life." Said Jack as he saw a few men ogle a striper on a pole. "Why the hell did we decide to party here? For your birthday, Droy?" The two pilots had invited Jack to celebrate Droy's birthday. Both Gates and Bear, their former mercenary co-workers, were too busy managing the 6-4 to celebrate, but sent their congratulations. They must have some pull with the Militia because Jack suddenly received shore leave from Sarah, Jack's commander.

"Because I lost a bet with Davis." Said Droy as he shook his head. "If the Steelheads won against the Leviathans during the last game for the season, I pick. Since they lost, Davis picked. And he had to fucking pick the shittiest strip bar in Frontier space."

"Ah come on, Droy! Lighten up!" Yelled Davis as he hugged his friend. "Enjoy the view! Unless you like the same sex, then let's find another stool. The men are over there in the right." Droy punched his friend in the gut for that.

"I don't swing that way and you know it, Davis!" Yelled Droy as Davis laughed.

"Whatever you say, Droy!" Yelled Davis as he sat down on his seat, watching a sports game on a flat screen nearby. Jack coughing a bit, looked at the two, noticing that they were wearing full pilot armor, unlike him, who wore just basic fatigues.

"So, why are you guys wearing full body armor?" Asked Jack as he looked at Davis, who simply pointed to a group of guys discussing over something.

"Got a bunch of pirates being assholes to poor defenseless colonies out in the fringes of the Frontier. Colonies pay a protection fee or else get blasted from orbit with a missile. And the ring leaders just so happen to be them right there." Said Davis. Droy groaned at that.

"For god sakes, Davis, I knew it. You picked this shithole just to start a gunfight." Said Droy. "The next time we're celebrating your birthday, I'm going to fucking pic…" He didn't get to finish before Davis grabbed an empty beer bottle in their table and tossed it at the group of pirates that he pointed to, nearing hitting one of them. Instead hitting the wall to their right. As it broke, the men looked at the bottle in shock before looking at Davis, who simply waved.

"Hey bastards! Don't you know its not right to bully the weak?" Asked Davis as he patted his sidearm on his left thigh. As the thugs got up, Droy and Jack sighed.

"God damnit Davis." Said Droy as the thugs drew out pistols and knives. He then grabbed his pistol and fired.

Present

"*Laughs*We ended up blowing the entire station up after Davis set the pirate's ship reactor to explode." Said Jack, recalling the paperwork he had to do about the destruction of that space station. No one cared about it, seeing it just one of many pirate safe heavens in the Frontier, but he still had to report it in regardless. Vereesa, upon hearing the entire story, let out a bit of a laugh.

"This Davis. He sounds…fun." Said Vereesa, silently thinking of a different word to describe him. One not too flattering.

"Yeah, Droy kept him in line for the most part, but they were as thick as thieves." Said Jack. "Even set up their own mercenary outfit so they can do things their own way." Though she was a bit happy for Jack, she knew that something went wrong.

"What happened to them?" Asked Vereesa. She then saw Jack adopt a sad look and it kind of hurt her.

"It was my own damn fault." Said Jack as he got up. "I got them killed. *Sighs* We were both assigned to deal with an IMC base that was being used to resupply and refuel their remaining ships. Taking it out would have dealt a serious blow to the IMC space fleet. Problem was that the base was a space station full of citizens, couldn't just bombard it with a nuke or anything like that. So, we sent an SRS team along with the Last Resort, Davis and Droy's mercenary group to take out the entire base. Plan was to initiate a false emergency evaluation of the station, detonate the fuel tanks in the base and destroy whatever ships we found in it." Vereesa nodded as she continued to listen. Though she was a bit confused at all the terms Jack was using. Space. IMC. Space station. All of it was a bit too much to take in, but she still followed.

"Went well at first, seemed like we would have won without a single KIA. *Sighs* But then Blisk came and ruined the whole thing." Said Jack as he recalled the memories. "One moment, we were getting ready to leave, the next Blisk and his whole came and started shooting. Lost a few men, but we managed to get back to our ship. But then Blisk came on and began broadcasting images of him and his men shooting civilians. Some of them weren't able to escape in time." Vereesa widened her eyes in shock at that. Targeting civilians. It was always something that Vereesa disapproved and hated.

"That crossed a line and it made me go after Blisk. Droy and Davis followed me, so I don't get killed. We tracked Blisk and his men and a firefight broke out. I don't know how, but during the fighting, the station's reactors went critical and we all have to leave. Blisk was in my sights though, so as an idiot, I went after him. I didn't want him to escape like the last few times. Droy and Davis, seeing this, went after me and tried to talk me out of it. That we can get him another time, but I didn't listen to them. I just thought of Blisk and what he's done."

"And that cost them their lives?" Asked Vereesa, quiet at how similar Jack's anger toward this Blisk was to her own with Garrosh. Lesser scale, yes, but oddly similar enough.

"Yeah." Said Jack as he sat next to Vereesa again. "During the chase, I got trapped in some falling debris and Blisk escaped in a shuttle because of that. Davis and Droy, rather than leaving me behind, dug me out and dragged me to somewhere. We couldn't get to our ship in time, so we had to find another alternative way to escape the station. We found it in the form of a tactical insertion pod, but the problem was that it could only fit one person. So, the two paid for my mistake with their lives."

Two years ago

Space station resort

"God damnit guys! You don't have to do this!" Yelled Jack as he was forced inside the pod by Droy while Davis tried to launch it.

"Sorry Coops, but only room for one and SRS needs all the pilots it can get. And you're one of the best." Said Davis as he found the necessary codes to launch the pod. Jack tried to protest but Droy stopped him.

"Don't bother Coops." Said Droy, accepting his fate. "We're mercenaries. No one gives a damn about us if we live or die. We get replaced a dime a dozen every year."

"But Gates and Bear! They'll…" Yelled Jack but Davis stopped him.

"They'll understand." Said Davis, still keeping his cheerful tone. "Always said we go out in a blaze of glory. This is about as good as any."

"Yeah, listen Coops. Promise us. As a last request. Don't go after Blisk at any costs." Said Droy. "The guy is scum, but its not worth pursuing him if it'll kill good people along the way than necessary. Promise us that." Jack, stunned a bit, was about to say when the pod launched.

"Anymore and he won't make it." Said Davis as he patted his partner. "He'll be fine, man. He'll keep his word. *Sighs* Just wish I could see the girl or man that Coops will get in the future."

"For fucks sake Davis!" Yelled Droy as he argued with his friend for the last time.

Present

"That last part was my helmet catching it in the comms." Said Jack as he recalled it. "Last things I heard before I was out of range. Few minutes later the ship exploded." He then sighed. "That's not the worst of it. An IMC battle cruiser came in moments after the station exploded. Both my team and the Last Resort were looking for me so they were unprepared when the battlecruiser opened fire. To give us a chance to escape, the Last Resort had their ship jump out of system, forcing the battlecruiser to go after it. Few days later, we got a report that said the Last Frontier was wiped out. So, because of my decision, I killed the Last Resort, the product of two friends, and get said friends killed." Jack then grabbed his helmet, which was sitting on a desk nearby. "Felt pretty shit after that and asked for shore leave. Went through some soul-searching and drinking. Almost got court-martialed a few times, but I eventually pulled through. Because Droy and Davis wouldn't have wanted me to be a washed-up soldier that was wallowing in his grief." Vereesa, having listened, looked at Jack and got up.

"I…think they would be proud of you." Said Vereesa.

"Yeah, kept my promise and didn't pursue Blisk to the detriment of the mission anymore, so that's a plus." Said Jack. "Just wish it didn't take them dying for me to realize that."

"You told me this because you fear I may do something similar?" Asked Vereesa, piecing the story together with their current predicament.

"Don't know." Said Jack. "Maybe you will. Maybe you're stronger than me and not do so. What I do know is that I'm noticing similar things between my experience with Blisk to yours with Garrosh. Only, you know, yours is worse. I lost friends while you lost your husband." Vereesa nodded at that.

"Still, friends are still a valuable commodity." Said Vereesa as she grabbed Jack's helmet and examined it. It was ugly by elf standard, but Vereesa was still intrigued with it. "I wouldn't lessen your loss by saying my loss is worser."

"Thanks." Said Jack, causing Vereesa to nod. "So, what's the plan? You cool?"

"I don't know." Said Vereesa, after a minute. "Though your story helped, I still feel rage with Garrosh's actions. If the Pandaren let him go, I don't know what I'll do."

"Don't worry, they won't let him go free." Said Jack. "They're not that naïve."

"You wrong-wrong, Jack!" Yelled Ikit as he barged into Vereesa's room. "They, stupid white and black-things, will let brown-orc to be free! I have proof!" He then began to tell them what he's been doing for the past few hours.