Chapter 28

Suramar

Thalyssra

In peaceful Suramar, far from the blasted lands and the problems of both the Horde and Alliance, Thalyssra was basking in the sunlight from her estate. She had missed a great many things since the barrier had been eructed over Suramar, many of which can never return to her like her family, but the sun of Azeroth was not one of those things. She was glad that she can see it again. Its radiating light was something that she enjoyed basking in on days where she didn't have to worry about politics or other matters that concerned her city. Nothing that can hamper her day or bring forth frustrating amounts of stress to her mind and body. Just herself and the sun as it whisked away any problems she had for the moment and allowed her to just enjoy herself.

Since the barrier, however, Thalyssra took note that her body had become more sensitive to the lights of Azeroth's sun. While she was at Pandaria, she noticed her skin was more prone to sunburns than before, so she can't stay under the rays of the sun as she would like. Not without exposing herself to sunburn at least. Still, she still enjoyed basking in the sun and how it took her away to a calmer and more peaceful state of mind. And right now, she could use that right now. After what happened some time ago.

It had been some time since the human warrior known as Master Chief had rejected her developing feelings for him. Since then, Valtrois had been comforting her over those rejected feelings, knowing that it was hard for her friend to be rejected that quickly. Even more so when that person did it because they felt it would be bad for her if they pursued a relationship. And, much to her reluctant understanding, he was right.

Elisande would have her head for daring to pursue a relationship with another race, especially one that doesn't seem to have any knowledge of Nightborne culture and politics. Or any politics for that matter. Not just because of Elisande's own prejudiced views, but also for image reasons. It would not do, in the eyes of the more arrogant families, for the First Arcanist to be with a being from another race, even if it's one that helped release the barrier from Suramar.

And yet, despite her understanding, she still yearned for that man. There was something…appealing about him that made her intrigued with him. He had everything taken away from him. His family. His friends. Even his choice to become whatever he wanted and was forced to become a soldier for the regime that was responsible for said fate. And yet, he still fought for them and didn't try to gain vengeance upon them for forcing his fate. It's admirable in a certain light, but also quite sad.

Perhaps that was why she was attracted to him. A tortured soul that accepted his fate and didn't try to enact vengeance on those that caused it because there were more pressing matters at hand. It also helped that she saw what else he had. A strong, honorable soul that fought hard to protect others from having to share his fate or to protect them from the horrors of the universe that wanted to drive his race to extinction. He also displayed strong care towards those under his command and refused to have anything bad be done to them if he can help it, including those that are allies for only a short amount of time.

Yes, in many ways, he was not a bad choice for Thalyssra to choose as a mate. There will be some things that they have to resolve to solve or help, like his lack of socializing skills and his family raising skills as well, but she was confident he won't give up trying to learn such skills, something that she can also admire about him. Too bad he wasn't born a Nightborne.

If only she was Grand Magistrix, then no one will try to stop her from having him as her own. But she wasn't going to overthrow Elisande just because of that, no. That would make her petty and she wasn't petty. That and she was sure Master Chief would be disgusted for her if she did such a thing just for that particular reason. And so would Valtrois and herself.

Sighing to herself, Thalyssra gauzed at the sun of Azeroth, taking note of its beauty and burning gaze. So engrossed in its beauty that she didn't notice a presence arriving until she sensed them with her magic.

"I take it that Elisande wishes to speak to me regarding the new enemy of the Alliance and Horde?" Asked Thalyssra as she turned to face Valtrois, who nodded at the question.

"Yes." Said Valtrois. "She's heard some disturbing things about this new enemy, and she wants your advice in such matters." Thalyssra rose an eyebrow at that.

"I know as much information about this enemy as Elisande herself. Why does she think I can help with alleviating the lack of information we have regarding them?" Asked Thalyssra, turning towards her friend.

"Due to you having the most contact with the other races, in addition to your close relations with our allies, she believes you are our best informant when it comes to things such as this." Explained Valtrois. "She also had received requests of aid from both the Horde and Alliance and wishes for you to help discuss such matters with the rest of her royal advisors." Thalyssra nodded in understanding before turning fully towards her fellow Arcanist.

"Very well." Said Thalyssra. "Let us depart for the Sanctum." With that, the two Arcanists departed from the estate for the Sanctum of Order, where Elisande was waiting with the rest of the Arcanists and her royal advisors. Utilizing their magic, they teleported in front of the sanctum, where they walked the rest of the way. As they walked, Valtrois spoke up.

"Tell me, Thalyssra." Said Valtrois, looking at her friend with concerned eyes. "Did you get over the rejection you faced with the one called Master Chief?" Thalyssra sighed at this. She should have expected this conversation from Valtrois. After all, she was the one that suggested to Chief to stop her growing feelings for the soldier before they could cause trouble as well as the one that comforted her over the rejection. Though she may have comforted Thalyssra over the initial rejection and left the First Arcanist alone after she said she was fine with it, she knew that Valtrois would ask if she was truly feeling alright over it once the initial emotions passed.

"The heart isn't something that can be easily told what to do and what not to do, Valtrois." Said Thalyssra as she looked over at her friend. "Though we have only just met, my heart is churning for that man." Valtrois sighed at that.

"Then I guess your love for him is true." Said Valtrois. "Elisande won't be pleased to hear this."

"If she hears this." Said Thalyssra. "Though it pains me to say, both you and he are correct. I can't pursue these feelings for him without ousting myself as a pariah to my people. Not with Elisande in charge. And I refuse to lead a coup against her just for one man. She is, despite her faults, a wise ruler for us all that has taken care of us ever since the barrier was erected." Valtrois nodded at that, happy that Thalyssra was being reasonable with all this. Though it pained her that the first man that Thalyssra fell in love with was someone she can't be with lest she is ousted by her people because of racial prejudices, even if this Master Chief did much for them, as well as class prejudice, she was happy that her friend was dealing with this situation like the mature Nightborne that she was. Hopefully, there come a time that, if Thalyssra didn't find another to fall in love with, Elisande will eventually warm up to this Master Chief after it was clear to her that it did not matter who Thalyssra fell in love with or if he committed so great a deed for the Nightborne that even Elisande will approve of it as Master Chief will be considered a hero to the Nightborne, so any stigma against the relationship will be gone. But until then, this was the best for the Nightborne.

Eventually, the two arrived in the hall where Elisande and her royal advisors were. Already they were discussing the potential threat this new enemy of the Horde and Alliance was to Suramar and if how many of their forces should they send to aid them against this foe. They stopped, however, when Elisande noticed both Thalyssra and Valtrois arriving and so commanded the talks to cease.

"It's good to see that you have finally graced us with your presence, First Arcanist." Said Elisande. Though it was well hidden to the naked eye, Elisande was displeased with Thalyssra's tardiness, something which the First Arcanist sensed.

"Forgive me, Grand Magistrix." Said Thalyssra as she bowed slightly with Valtrois. "The last assignment that I involved in was a bit overbearing in how much insight was gleaned to by attackers." A lie, of course, as there wasn't much information to be seen from that base. It seemed that any critical information was wiped from the computers, as team Sigma told them what they were. But it was a better alternative than what actually was going on. Elisande, fortunately, took that answer well.

"Yes, I suppose it was." Said Elisande. "But do not let this tardiness become a habit, Thalyssra. You are the First Arcanist of Suramar. Not a common worker in a tavern. You are not allowed to be late for anything. You must be punctual in everything and incapable of being fallible in anything. Do you understand?" Asked Elisande. Thalyssra internally sighed at the speech from Elisande before nodding. With that, she took her podium along with Valtrois. "Good. Now, let us return to the task at hand." With that, she willed Arcanist Melandrus to speak.

"Compiling all that we know of the situation with the Horde and Alliance, we know that a new force of Orcs, as they call them, arrived out of a portal from somewhere called the Blasted Lands and have given them some trouble before being pushed back to the portal that brought them to Azeroth." Said Melandrus. "While it seems that our assistance is unnecessary as both organizations have soundly defeated this adversary, there is opportunity present for us if we assist them in taking down these Orcs. By helping them in defeating an opponent that has, so far, no dealt anything harmful to us, but did much to them, we can improve our relations with them as it shows to both the Horde and the Alliance that we can be dependent on to do what must be done for the future of Azeroth. And with that increase of relations, it will make it all the more unlikely for either of them to try to seize Suramar by force for what message will they spread to their people if they do so? That they are tyrants that will take the freedom and independence of a people just because they are kind to their rival, yet also to them as well? Not something that most sane and reasonable leaders will do, yes?" A couple of grumbles and nods were seen amongst the Arcanists and nobles of Elisande's council, agreeing with Melandrus' explanation. Others were deep in thought, wondering if there were any drawbacks to this plan of Melandrus. Upon finding none, a few Arcanists agreed with his plan and voiced their agreements so all can hear. As more and more agreed to Melandrus' plan, Elisande spoke up.

"An acceptable idea, Melandrus." Said Elisande. "But I would like to hear the words of our First Arcanist before I make my decision." Though Melandrus looked annoyed at that, he bowed to Elisande's decision. With that, Elisande looked at Thalyssra and asked what she thought of Melandrus' idea of lending assistance to the Horde and Alliance. After all, she had the most experience, out of all of them, with both governments. Bowing down slightly at being acknowledged, Thalyssra spoke up.

"Both the Alliance and Horde will react kindly to our assistance in this endeavor, the Horde especially so." Said Thalyssra. The majority of the Horde's leadership seems to approve of more militaristic actions that focus on ending a threat now rather than letting things such a politics interfere in their endeavors and even then, the ones that are more level-headed favor actions rather than words. And the Alliance, despite being more sophisticated then the Horde, will also approve of Melandrus' idea. They will see it as an act of selflessness as their enemy hasn't done anything against us as of yet. To their eyes, we will be seen as a people that fight for the greater good, regardless of the cost to us for fighting in a war that we have no need to participate in. So, I'd say that we should follow Melandrus' idea." Elisande nodded at that before speaking.

"Then it seems we have a majority." Said Elisande. "We shall send our best warriors and battle mages to help the Horde and Alliance in engaging against their foes. Thalyssra, what should be a sufficient amount of forces be given to this aid."

"I'd say that around half a legion." Suggested Thalyssra. "Along with a dozen or two battlemages. While it's important to help both the Horde and Alliance in this endeavor, we must also place the defense of Suramar above all else." She didn't like it, but it would be foolish to leave Suramar, the home of the Nightborne, barely defended or even undefended at all. Both sides should understand this.

"Agreed." Said Elisande. 'Very well, Thalyssra, will you help lead this force along with Melandrus?" Thalyssra, realizing that this may lead to her meeting with Master Chief again and she wasn't ready to see him again as yet, was about to reply when the doors leading to the hall and a member of the Dusk Watch arrived. Upon seeing this soldier, Elisande asked what was the meaning of this. The soldier, upon being asked, bowed slightly before speaking.

"Forgive me, Grand Magistrix, but we may have a situation on our hand." Said the soldier, causing some people to raise an eyebrow in surprise and slight worry. The soldier then waited for Elisande to give him permission to speak more, which she soon did, before speaking again. "Our recently constructed outposts have reported in, speaking of ships clad in bits of metal arriving in the Broken Isles. They said that, based on their insignias, they are the same foe that the Alliance and Horde are facing at this very moment." That caused some more whispers amongst the Arcanists and nobles, wondering what this pertained for them. Thalyssra, upon hearing this, worried that war was coming to them, to the very heart of Suramar. If so, she was worried about how they'll fare in battle.

Many of their warriors and mages had become lax and soft since the days of the war of the Ancients. Ten thousand years of peace, with nothing to do but train and spar with one another, must have made them become deficient in waging battle against an enemy. And that wasn't even considering the fact this new enemy of both the Horde and Alliance had access to technologies that gave them some troubles. How much trouble will it give them?

Hearing this, Elisande grew serious.

"Are they coming towards Suramar?" Asked Elisande. This certainly put a wrench into her plans.

"According to them, yes." Said the soldier. "With the speed and direction, they are taking, they seem to know where Suramar is. They'll be at our doorsteps in five days from now." Upon hearing that, Elisande frowned. She then turned to Thalyssra and asked how powerful these foes really were.

"According to both the Horde and Alliance, they possess superior technology that rivals the technology of their most scientific people." Explained Thalyssra. "It enabled them to quickly overrun their positions and annihilate the forces that they faced against. However, it seems the Alliance and Horde managed to overturn this advantage and push them back to their initial invasion point. That being said, we should treat them seriously as any damage they do to Suramar will be catastrophic to us. So, to avoid such damage, I'd say we should eliminate them before they arrive to Suramar." Elisande nodded at that in agreement.

"Very well, Thalyssra, since you have the most interactions with them, why don't you inform our allies, that team Sigma, and get them to help us in this endeavor. After all, as their closet's allies, they should help assist us in this threat to our people." Said Elisande. Thalyssra, stunned at hearing that, looked at Elisande.

"With respect, Grand Magistrix, they're currently on an assignment that involves saving some of their members from danger." Said Thalyssra. "Recalling them from that may endanger some of their members. Perhaps even fatally." Elisande pursed her lips at that before speaking again.

"Surely they have enough members to do both tasks at once?" Asked Elisande. "After all, they accomplished the task of both the Arcan'dor tree and the situation at Pandaria with ease. This shouldn't be much different. In addition, they have those robotic soldiers to help out. Why should there be any issue when they have such resources behind them?" Thalyssra just pursed her lips at that before speaking again.

"I merely wanted to convey that information to you, Grand Magistrix." Said Thalyssra. "Just so you can have all the information at hand. Nothing more." A lie, of course, as she worried that someone may die because of their demands, and thus cause sour relations with the people they have the strongest relations at the moment, but she knew that saying that would cause ire be drawn to her from the people in the Sanctum. Elisande seemed to buy that and just nodded.

"That is much appreciated, Thalyssra, but I'm confident that they'll be willing to help us, regardless of the threat to their persons, especially as they need us more than we need of them." Said Elisande. Thalyssra sighed internally at that, knowing that Elisande was right in that regard.

"Very well, I'll personally go to them and tell them of these events." Said Thalyssra, causing Elisande to nod in satisfaction.

"Good." Said Elisande. "Please do be quick in this, Thalyssra. I would like to remove this threat as quickly as possible." Thalyssra just nodded before excusing herself to do her assigned task. Once she was out of the sanctum, she teleported back to her estate to contact their allies, praying that team Sigma had accomplished their goals and that they were completely fine with helping them at the moment.

Upon arriving back at her estate, she went over to the communicator that team Sigma left there in case she, or any other Nightborne needed to contact them should the need ever arise. There were several placed around government buildings, including the Sanctum, but Thalyssra went to the one in her estate because she wished to issue an apology to them for this.

Remembering how to activate such a device due to a lesson from the one called Courier, Thalyssra then spoke through the large and cumbersome device in her home, hoping someone will pick up soon. Fortunately enough, someone did.

"Hello, who is this?" Asked a female voice, one that Thalyssra didn't recognize. Blinking in surprise, Thalyssra responded.

"This is arcanist Thalyssra of Suramar." Said Thalyssra, trying to be as courteous as possible to the stranger. "And I wish to talk to any representative of team Sigma, an ally to Suramar." It took a few seconds, but eventually, she got an answer.

"So, your Arcanist Thalyssra." Said the voice before uttering something that even her elven ears couldn't hear. Before she could even wonder what they uttered, the voice spoke again. "Look, I appreciate you calling, but no one in the team can help you out with whatever you need assistance with. We got a crisis on our hands." Upon hearing that, Thalyssra immediately grew worried. A crisis on their hands? What could it be? And if they were indeed facing a crisis then they can't recall them back to help deal with whatever was coming their way. And if that happens, Elisande will be displeased at them and may even call off their alliance with each other.

Not wishing for that to happen, Thalyssra asked what the crisis was so that she could explain to Elisande what the situation is so that she won't do such a hasty action. What she got, surprised her.

"Well, it's a pest problem." Said the voice. "If by pests, we mean tens of thousands of humanoid rats that walk on two feet and are currently ravaging the Blasted lands like the plague."

Meanwhile

Alliance camp sinkhole

Master Chief

"Focus fire on ones on the left!" Yelled Chief as he fired on some Skaven that were approaching from their left flank, killing them all. He then grabbed one that tried to stab him with a rusty blade, snapping the neck of that rat with ease before tossing it aside.

"Stupid rats! Die-die!" Yelled Ikit Claw as he spewed out Warpfire from his projector towards a group of rats that were emerging from another tunnel, burning them all up as well as preventing more rats from using that tunnel to get to them.

"Incoming!" Yelled Nathaniel as the human warrior parried a blow from a Skaven with metal armor before slicing it's head clean off. "They're coming from the right."

"Die!" Yelled out Grod as he killed over three Skaven with his mighty axe, roaring out a battle cry as he and his fellow Orcs held back the enemy at the right flank, supported by their mages and warlocks. Behind them and the Alliance warriors were High Elf Archer, sniping as many Skaven as she could with her arrows, but there were just too many Skaven to kill and she was starting to run out of arrows.

"When's that ride coming here?" Asked High Elf, looking at Courier as he tried to signal evac for them all.

"Soon!" Yelled Courier before shooting down a Skaven that managed to sneak past the frontlines and was about to stab one of their wounded. "Better be the actual soon or else we're going to end up as food for rats!"

In hindsight, they all should have left the moment that Jack told them that there were tens of thousands of rats here in these tunnels. In fact, that might have even been a conservative number with how many were coming towards them, beady eyes glowing with hunger. Just ten minutes after Jack and Sylvanas left for either get medical aid or inform everyone else of the dangers underground, both teams were immediately ambushed by Skaven. No deaths, but at least two members each were wounded by the initial assault. At first, it seemed they fended off the worst of it all, but then the next wave came. And then the next. And then the next. And so on.

Now everyone knew what Ikit meant when he said the Skaven utilize overwhelming numbers to achieve their goals as well as whatever dirty trick they can come up off to achieve said goals because countless Skaven were throwing their lives away just to score even a wound on them as well as doing whatever they can to do so. And it was all effective. They lost a Troll to a Skaven ambush. A Forsaken when a Skaven carrying a massive flamethrower appeared and spewed out green flames at the man, burning him to a crisp. They lost a Nightelf to a Skaven armed with poison blades and a human was dragged away by a couple of Skaven to god knows where.

Needless to say, the Skaven were brutal fighters and it showed.

Fortunately, the two teams linked up with each other in the Alliance sinkhole and began forming a perimeter to defend as well as wait for extraction. And so, here they were, defending their wounded against an endless tide of rat-men.

They've been at it for a good five minutes and their ammo was running dangerously low. Chief was down to just a few clips for his assault rifle and pistol. Same with Courier and Ikit. Their melee fighters were starting to tire and get sloppy with their swings, allowing more Skaven to slip through, forcing High Elf Archer to use her dwindling arrows to kill them. If extraction didn't come soon, they'll be overwhelmed and probably eaten or experimented on, according to Ikit.

But if that was their fate, then they were going to go down fighting because that was what they were either made to do or chosen to do. Go down fighting so others may live a day without having to face down these monsters, even if one of them was among them fighting his own people.

As Master Chief was about to reload into one of his last clips, several Skavens, black-furred ones, pounced on him from multiple directions. Drawing out his sidearm, he killed all but one as it raised its rusty halberd at him. He was about to engage in hand-to-hand combat with it when it was hit with a bolt of Arcane energy, sending it flying away and crashing into a wall, where it became embedded into said wall. Slightly surprised at this, Master Chief then felt a sudden wave of magical energy behind him. Turning around, he saw, to his utter surprise, Thalyssra in her usual form-fitting robes that allowed freedom in movements in battle. As everyone looked at her in surprise, Thalyssra hands glowed as she gathered Arcane energy to them. Then, before everyone's eyes, she sent it all out in the form of a ring of energy.

The ring passed through the Alliance, Horde, and Sigma team harmlessly, but not for the rats. The ring of energy sliced them through them all like butter as it passed through them, killing them all and giving everyone a brief reprieve.

Exhaling after casting that spell, she looked at everyone, looking in shock at the number of dead rats around them then back at her, stunned at her display of power. Normally, she would have teased them about it, but now was not the time for that. Now, they had to leave before more showed up.

With practiced ease, Thalyssra then cast a teleportal spell around them all and then quickly sent them all away from the sinkhole and towards where Jack was. Sure enough, everyone was teleported near the Horde sinkhole where both Sylvanas and Jack were being tended to by Horde doctors and medics.

Everyone was taken aback by the sudden teleportation and a few guards raised their weapons in alarm, but Sylvanas stayed their hands. Once everyone was calm and relaxed, High Elf sighed out in relief.

"So. So many rats." Said High Elf as she sat down in exhaustion. "And here I was thinking that Goblins were trouble with their numbers."

"You're telling me." Said Courier as he rotated his neck a bit, the tendons making loud, audible noises as they were relieved of the stress that built up from the fighting. "Never seen a race so numerous before. Damn."

"That was nothing." Said Ikit Claw as he looked at his allies either, with the exception of Master Chief, laying down in the floor in exhaustion or taking the time to catch their breath. "We Skaven have more tricks-schemes under tail. Yes-yes." A few groans came from his allies at that along with looks of worries, but Ikit ignored them, knowing the worst was yet to come. As all this was happening, Chief looked at Thalyssra and spoke to the Nightborne woman.

"Thank you for getting my team out of there." Said Chief as he looked at Thalyssra, who looked at the Spartan as he expressed his gratitude. Her heart fluttering a bit at seeing him, Thalyssra, nonetheless squashed it down, and smiled at him.

"It is the least that I can do to help out an ally." Said Thalyssra. "It would speak ill of Suramar if it has been discovered that we learned of our allies' peril and did nothing to alleviate them from it." She then looked at the wounded and Chief's team members, noting their various injuries. "And I must say that my arrival and it's timing was impeccable. Any longer and many of you may have perished." Chief nodded in agreement at that. Ikit wasn't kidding of the ferocity of his people. They were a ferocious people. Almost as ferocious as the Flood.

"We lost a few people down there." Said Chief. "Good people." Thalyssra felt sympathy at that.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Said Thalyssra. "How many were down there, may I ask?"

"Jack said that there were thousands. Maybe tens of thousands of those things down there." Said Chief, stunning Thalyssra. "If there is true that many down there then is a lot of work to do, especially now that they've been proven hostile to all of us." Thalyssra was afraid of that. If these rats were truly that numerous and were hostile to everyone, then team Sigma can't afford to give any time to her people and their current problem. Elisande will not be pleased, but Thalyssra was certain that, if provided with a sufficient enough explanation, then she'll give leeway to their allies. She may not like it, but she'll give them leeway.

"I see." Said Thalyssra. "I will notify Elisande of this immediately." Something in her voice must have given away her reluctance to talk to Elisande about this as Chief immediately asked if there was a problem. At first, she thought of lying to him, but a look from the Spartan's faceless helmet made her second guess that. Eventually, she explained what the situation was back at Suramar. "There is currently a fleet of ships that are on route to Suramar at this very instant. According to our outposts, they bear the same insignias and symbols as those that face the Alliance and Horde at this very moment. Somehow, I do not know how, they discovered my people's existence as well as the location of Suramar, if their current travel route is of any indication. Elisande is already making plans to eliminate them before they arrive to Suramar and cause problems for our people, but she wishes for you all to help in that endeavor. She insists." Chief just stayed silent at that, processing this information for a second before speaking.

"The Iron Horde are all in ships, correct?" Asked Chief, causing Thalyssra to nod, realizing that Chief was referring to the enemies that she just spoke of, now knowing what they're called. "And does Elisande care about what our assistance comes in?" Thalyssra blinked a bit in surprise before speaking.

"So long as it is something significant in defeating our enemies, good sir." Said Thalyssra. That caused Chief to nod.

"Alright then." Said Chief. "Tell Elisande that we'll help out in defeating the Iron Horde currently coming over to your people and their city." That caused Thalyssra to blink in surprise.

"But what about the rat-men underground?" Asked Thalyssra, not believing that

Master Chief and his people would leave the Alliance and Horde to fend for themselves against these rats.

"We'll be helping the Alliance and Horde in taking them down too." Said Chief, causing her to widen her eyes surprise before they narrowed with worry. She worried that they were overworking themselves too much. There were many threats and they needed to be eliminated, yes, but that didn't mean they should overwork themselves to death to defeat them all. There was a difference between hard work and overburdening oneself. She feared that Chief and his people were doing the latter. When she told them her fears, Chief assured her that it is nothing. "We have ways to deal with them that don't require much effort from my team. Don't worry about us. Things like this are something that we're trained to do."

"Speak for yourself." Said High Elf Archer as she overheard Chief's statement. Chief ignored that before continuing to assure Thalyssra that they can do both tasks with ease.

"As I was saying, don't worry about us. We can handle ourselves." Said Chief. Thalyssra still was unsure if this was overconfidence or not, but decided to trust him on this.

"Very well." Said Thalyssra. "Though can you explain to me how you plan to attain both your goals?" Chief was about to explain when Thalyssra suddenly felt a magic portal being created near them. Turning towards the location where the portal was being formed, Thalyssra saw the human king Varian arriving with a human mage with white hair that had a small part of it blond. With them was a small honor guard of human warriors. Upon seeing them, Chief walked up to them and spoke.

"I didn't expect to see you here, king Varian." Said Chief as he looked at the Stormwind king with stoicism that was expected of him.

"Nor did I, but Jaina detected a spike in Arcane energy coming from the sinkholes and then here, so we decided to investigate." Explained Varian, eyeing Arcanist Thalyssra, wondering why she was here. It was then that Thalyssra explained.

"That would be I, king Varian." Said Thalyssra respectfully. "I was informed by an informant of team Sigma that they were in trouble and had personally arrived to aid them as they are an ally of my people. And so I arrived to bring them to safety from the enemy that was causing them difficulty. And we are fortunate I did so as I'm not sure they would have survived with it." Varian then looked at everyone besides Chief and saw how exhausted they were in addition to some of their wounds.

"I see." Said Varian, slightly surprised at how severe some of the wounds were and how exhausted they all were. "I take it those that caused the sinkholes were responsible."

"Yes sir." Said Chief. "They overwhelmed us with numbers and we were forced to stop our rescue efforts. We could only save Jack and Sylvanas. That was all. We tried to search for more but…" Chief was then interrupted by Varian's hand, the high king's eyes giving no indication of his emotions right now.

"No need to say anymore." Said Varian. "I've heard and seen enough." He then sighed as he looked at the Horde sinkhole. "It seems we have another enemy in our hands at the moment. One that seems to be far more dangerous than the one we are currently facing."

"I'm afraid so, sir." Said Chief. "Jack told us that they number in the tens of thousands and that was only the ones that he'd seen. There could be even more down there. And my team and I only seen a glimpse of what they can do." Varian sighed at that. This was just what they needed.

"I'm calling a gathering of Alliance leaders." Said Varian before looking at Sylvanas, who had been overhearing all this with a smirk. "And I take it the Horde will do the same."

"Of course." Said Sylvanas. "They attacked the leader of the Horde as well as kill our warriors. Unless the others have suddenly become pacifists during the short time I was down there, then they'll be crying out for blood, except for Lor'themar. Whether we help each other or not is up to Vol'jin." Varian looked disappointed at that answer, but nodded, nonetheless. He then looked cast a glance at Chief, who just nodded.

"We'll be there ready to assist you when we're ready." Said Chief, causing Varian to nod in thanks before going over to the Alliance soldiers and mages he gave to Chief for this mission. Chief then looked at Thalyssra, who looked at him. "Tell me everything about your situation." Thalyssra nodded before speaking.

"You'll have to speak with those that have informed us about this Iron Horde fleet." Said Thalyssra. Chief nodded at that before telling her to teleport him to them. This caused her to ears to twitch in worry that he was pushing him and his team too much. Seeing this, he assured her worries.

"I'll be the only one to help you all out." Said Chief before looking at his team. "They're far to exhausted to continue on. They'll be staying here or at our base to recuperate. I'll be the only one coming along." Mentally sighing in relief at that, Thalyssra complied with his request and opened a portal to Suramar, where everything will be explained to him. Before they left, Master Chief put Courier in charge, to which the man gave a grunt in response. With that done, the Spartan and Nightborne quickly left for Suramar to handle another threat that team Sigma had to handle due to obligations. Not that they'll have much trouble dealing with this threat. The other one, however, may prove to be a challenge.