"The Gunners?" Kelvin asked. "That's seriously what you came up with?"

Dal'bin nodded.

"Both of our guns are out of ammo," Kelvin pointed out.

"Den we be bad gunners."

"Forget it. Let's just focus on capturing the flag."

Kelvin was familiar with capture the flag, although he often served as a moderator rather than a player. His size left him unsuited to compete with the humans that he worked with. Still, he saw how it was played, and although Salin's version was an interesting variation, the strategy was still the same: grab the flag and get back to base.

The old ruins certainly made for a decent base, Kelvin thought, especially if the naga stayed away from them. Although it was in need of a good repair, it was a suitable location for an Alliance base in Zangarmarsh. Naur would likely have some advice regarding such a decision, but as of now, he was not here. Granted, given their current wanted status, there was very little he could do to offer that suggestion. After their mission is completed, he would see that his name was cleared.

Overall, Kelvin was not too worried about the game itself. Dal'bin had proven himself superior to Salin during their training. Finnal was another matter but unlikely to prove to be a threat to both of her foes alone. The tactician was confident in a quick victory.

"Dal'bin, I shall engage Finnal in battle," Kelvin told the scout. "You will defeat Salin and take the flag here. Any questions?"

Dal'bin shook his head.

"Good. Finish making your preparations. We go on Colben's mark."

Dal'bin pulled out his spear and gave it a quick look while following Kelvin. The tactician led the way to the top of one of the battlements of the ruins that overlooked the playing field. The flag was set on a large island between the two ruins. Balthar and Belara were on a smaller island nearby while Oliktalv and Colben waited on the main island. On the other side, Finnal and Salin were both on the battlements on their side, waiting for the start of the match. Giant mushrooms rose up all around them, providing ample cover.

Kelvin ran a brief analysis through his head. Finnal was likely to get to the flag first by shifting to a bird. Dal'bin was fast, but not as fast as her. It was going to come down to Kelvin to get there and hold her off. Thankfully, he had been working on a device that was going to be of great assistance moving forward. The tactician would have preferred time for field testing but would have to settle for this match.

Colben held his hand up into the air and sent a fireball to the sky, the signal to begin the match.

Finnal assumed her avian form and flew off towards the flag. Salin and Dal'bin both hopped down and started to dash off towards the flag. Kelvin threw off his jacket and tugged at his right sleeve. He revealed the device he had been working on: a wrist mounted grappling hook with a dagger to stab into the giant mushrooms. The swampy environment made it difficult for the tactician to move. With this, his mobility could match Finnal's speed.

Kelvin aimed his wrist at one of the giant mushroom and squeezed his hand. The dagger flew towards it with a line of rope following after it, imbedding itself into the plant. He squeezed his hand even tighter and was flown off his feet, towards the battlefield. The tactician flew over Dal'bin, nearing the flag just as Finnal did. He released his fist and the rope retracted the dagger. For a brief second, he was in freefall, but then, he safely landed on top of the flagpole. Just as he estimated. Although there was certainly room for error with a prototype, it worked.

Finnal landed in front of the flagpole and reverted back to her elven form. She pulled out her daggers, holding one behind her and one in front of her. Kelvin pulled out his two swords, looking down at her. Although their weapons were sharp, they would pull their punches. That's why Colben and Oliktalv were present, watching their every movement. Even when holding back, Kelvin was confident in combat superiority over the opposing team.

Kelvin hopped from the flagpole, down at Finnal. He swung his swords in mid fall but the druid was swift enough to dodge the strike. She swung her foot in an attempt to kick the gnome. He jumped back from her to avoid the kick and came up with an idea that was sure to take her by surprise.

He threw one of his swords in the air and aimed his right hand at Finnal. He squeezed his hand into a fist and the dagger soared out towards her. It cut across her cheek and she was surprised by the tactic. Kelvin released his fist and the dagger flew back to him. Finnal was quick to move away from it, but still, her arm was cut. Kelvin caught his sword. First blood belonged to him.

Salin emerged and hopped over a river to arrive on the main island. At the same time, Dal'bin landed next to Kelvin. The two assumed their respective combat stances with their trident and spear. There was a brief pause in the battle with both sides waiting for the other to make the first move. Kelvin wasn't worried. He was already proving that he could hold Finnal off. His plan would work.

Salin held his hand out towards Finnal and a bright, golden light healed her of the cuts Kelvin inflicted. The night elf smirked and looked ready for battle once more. Kelvin made no move to stop the healing. Even if she was healed, he would still be able to injure her again. With Salin occupied with Dal'bin, he wouldn't find time to heal her again.

Salin and Finnal nodded at each other and dashed forward. Kelvin and Dal'bin ran forward, ready to fight their assigned foes. Yet, the druid and blood knight both turned inwards, passing by each other and switching foes.

Kelvin definitely didn't saw that coming.

Kelvin jumped backwards, letting Salin jab his trident into the ground. Dal'bin charged forward in disregard of the change in tactics. He jabbed his spear towards Finnal but she dodged it by shifting into her feline form. She lunged forward, tackling the troll and clawing at his legs. Although he rolled away, he was at a disadvantage. Oliktalv looked ready to step in but Colben held him back. Of course, they wouldn't worry about a troll when they are capable of regeneration. The referees would not involve themselves in stopping Finnal.

No matter. Kelvin had his own fight to worry about. Salin once more charged forward, intending to jab his trident to pin his foe down. Kelvin jumped up straight into the air and landed on his foe's weapon. He ran forward on the trident carefully to stay balanced on it. The blood knight swung his weapon forward to send the tiny gnome flying through the air.

While in freefall, Kelvin saw Dal'bin and Finnal locked in battle and Salin running towards the flag. The blood knight thought that it would be an easy grab with his opponent occupied in the air. That would prove to be a mistake on his end. Given his size, Kelvin specialized in fighting while off his feet, and with his new device, that opened new opportunities.

Kelvin threw both of his swords towards the ground in front of Salin. The attack threw the blood knight off to a sliding halt and opened up the tactician's hands. He launched his grappling hook towards one of the giant mushrooms and soared towards it. He landed feet first on the stalk and retracted the blade. He took aim at another mushroom the opposite direction and was off flying once more. He retracted the device midflight and started to fall.

Salin pulled the flag out from the ground right as Kelvin slammed into the back of his head.

The blood knight fell down onto the ground, both his trident and the flagpole sliding away from his grip. Kelvin landed in front of him, his eyes turning towards the flag, free for the taking. The tactician marched off, ready to claim it and bring it back to base for a victory. Finnal broke off from her fight with Dal'bin and grabbed the flag with her jaw. She ran off with the flag, heading back for her base.

Yet, Finnal was exposed. Kelvin aimed his wrist at her while Dal'bin took a thrower's position with his spear. She was fast but not fast enough to outrun their ranged attacks. Kelvin would hit her with his grappling hook first and lure her in for Dal'bin to pin down. Salin would be able to heal her after the conflict was over.

Kelvin found himself lifted up into the air with a metal gauntlet wrapped around both of his legs.

"Dal'bin!" Kelvin called out while upside down. He locked eyes with Salin, who held him in his grip.

"Catch!" Salin chuckled.

Salin hurled Kelvin straight into Dal'bin. The force of the surprise attack was enough to send the troll sprawled out onto the ground. The tactician noted that the blood knight was no longer holding back. Although his playful demeanor had returned, the only way he could knock a physically built troll with a thrown gnome was to strength himself with the Light. Kelvin underestimated his foe but the match was far from over.

Kelvin rolled off of Dal'bin. They both got onto their hands and knees, Finnal still in sight. The tactician raised his wrist towards her. The druid was still in range to hit with his dagger. Yet, Salin hopped in the way, his hands glowing with golden energy. He pushed his arms forward towards his opponents and unleashed the Light upon them. Kelvin was expecting to feel a burning sensation. Instead, his vision turned completely white.

"Dal'bin, are you blinded too?" Kelvin asked.

"Yeah, mon."

"It is only temporary!" Kelvin heard Salin's voice taunting. "You cannot hope to win now!"

"Dal'bin, can you still beat Salin up?"

"Yeah, mon."

"I mean, he can't really," Salin sounded unsure of himself. "He's blind."

"And unfortunately for you, you're not mute," Kelvin smirked.

The battle had been lost. Kelvin had accepted this by now. Still, the sound of Dal'bin beating Salin senseless was music to his ears. The troll had ditched his spear and was using his bare hands. Although he couldn't see, the tactician hurt groans of pain from Salin and fists slamming against his armor and face. He heard Colben snickering and footsteps stepping forward.

"That's enough, Dal'bin," Oliktalv ordered and the beating came to an end. "It is clear to see who won."

"Victory to Day and Night!" Salin cheered, then groaned.

"Outstanding work with that new device of yours, sir," Colben whistled. "I thought for sure that you took down Salin with it but he has a thicker skull then we give him credit for."

"Dal'bin and I both underestimated their capabilities," Kelvin sighed. "It was a failure on our part."

"The great Kelvin Gearwork admitting his defeats," Colben faked a gasp. "I never thought I'd live to see the day."

"First, you're dead," Kelvin pointed out. "Secondly, by admitting my flaws, it allows us to improve our chances in further matches. I made a mistake that I will never make again against them. Salin, please restore my sight."

"Oh, give it a couple of hours," Salin told him. "It wears off."

"I'm not waiting hours for it to wear off!" Kelvin argued.

"Well, you have no choice, because we have to move onto the next round," Salin clapped his hands and made his announcement. "Day and Night move onto the championship round! Gunners are eliminated! Next up, we have the Will of the Warchief and the Sons of Lordaeron!"

Kelvin sighed in defeat. He would remain blind for the time being. On the bright side, he wouldn't have to serve as a referee now.

A/N: As some of you have noticed by now, I'm back to writing. Looking forward to getting back to this story in particular.

I know I did promise a poll, but I found out that said pole was never accessible. Crazy how I haven't noticed that in what seemed like over a year. Oh well. There's a new poll up, on my profile page, which is bound to get the ball rolling in terms of getting activity. Here's to a new year.

Until next time.