The Clash of Thunder
Ulduar
The iron defender's jaw rocked with a metallic crunch. Samuel drove the gleaming silver mace into his skull with calculated and ferocious strength. The iron-skinned attacker slammed onto the ground with a rocking force. Light quickly dimmed from his glowing blue eyes.
The priests stood with their backs to one another. It was unfortunate that this brawl had to be reduced to melee combat but some things couldn't be helped. The male twin was much more suited to a ranged style of combat but he was no slouch when it came to up front and personal confrontations. The essence of their devotion was all about timely but powerful spells. Sure he could fire off a few bolts of holy fire or even smite some of the more stubborn creatures but the movements and gestures required to keep up that pace would lower his defenses. With no hardened plates of steel to protect his body, Samuel relied upon his reflexes and wits to avoid any and all attacks.
The iron defenders came in droves. They encircled the duo and snapped their attacks one at a time in the vain hopes of catching one of them off guard. Even if they were able to sneak a blow in or two, their defensive magic capabilities shielded them from any surprise attacks that may head their way.
Despite being a solid priest in her own right, Zariyana took to melee combat with the grace and speed of a warrior and rogue combined. The shimmering white staff twirled in her hands as it cracked against each awaiting skull. She spun elegantly with the weapon, evading attacks and delivering incredible strikes as if it her dance partner in a violent waltz.
"What is the matter brother," she demurely taunted. "Are you feeling a bit exhausted?"
"I am afraid not Zariyana," he replied while striking another iron defender on the chin through his upswing. "However, I believe it is in our best interest to mind our strength."
"Oh," his sister sounded back as she tucked underneath a vicious haymaker.
The priest's staff whirled in a radial fury before smacking the iron minion in the throat.
"And why is that?"
"Because," panted Samuel as another punch rolled through where he used to be. "We cannot waste ourselves on these fodder. The real challenge still stands above us."
"You worry too much Samuel," his sister snickered. "These minions –"
A ball of lightning clashed behind the priest. She reeled forward agonizing over the scorching blow from the runic spellshaper. His menacing eyes sparked with ferocity as he prepared to deliver another powerful spell upon them.
Zariyana collapsed upon her brother's chest. His arm extended over her shoulder. A radiant column of searing flames enveloped the iron minion. He roared in mechanical agony before falling backwards in lifeless defeat.
"I told you to be mindful sister," Samuel boldly stated.
The stern look he returned infused his sister with a bit of confidence that she currently lacked. Actually, it was marred with a bit of arrogance but this quick lesson would hopeful implore the seriousness of the situation.
Zariyana shifted sharply in his grip. An iron dwarf wailed behind him. His echoing whines stuttered through the priest's staff that had gone into his jaw and through the top of his head.
"As should you brother," she replied.
They pulled off one another and returned to their previous formation. At least a dozen more iron minions were on his side with equally the same amount near Zariyana and plenty more in the stands hungry for blood.
Samuel stole a quick glance to the platform. Surprisingly enough, Saelena had already finished whatever hell awaited her in the side passage and was encroaching forward towards the Keeper and his mysterious vrykul lover. She was truly a master of her craft. The loud battle continued to be waged down below with Thorim none the wiser to their careful set up.
"I believe it is time we make haste and clear the area," said Samuel. "Our moment to strike is about to reveal itself."
The priest's mace cracked another iron skull before his free hand swept through and charged the area with radiant energy.
"As you wish Samuel."
Zariyana slammed her staff into the ground before her. A wave of light charged within the tip of her white weapon as she pointed it into the air between them. Her brother's mace, glowing with golden power, slammed against the staff. Sparks of light radiated upon their impact creating a nova of pure holy magic. A dome of light exploded from the sight of the blast and spread outward at a blinding rate. It swept through the iron minions as if they didn't exist. Their bodies burned against the powerful rays emitted and turned them to dust.
The dome cleared the entire coliseum before ending just at the edges of the wall. Any trace of the iron minions that dared to challenge them before had been vaporized in an instant. A single priest utilizing such a spell carried a magnificent power in their own right. When two cast it together, it was nigh unstoppable. The only major drawback was the taxing utilization cost. They had to use it sparingly or else they may be unable to contend with any additional challenges.
Silence filled the area. The iron minions were tasked with vanquishing this threat but in a matter of moments, they proved to be easily more than they could handle. At least they were smart enough to know when they were clearly outmatched. This bought the priest the time he needed to do a little extra goading. He wanted to bring the Keeper down to his level. All that was required was a little bit of his attention.
Samuel hooked the mace back upon his waist. He looked up at the Keeper with an expressionless stare.
"Satisfied?" He called out. "How many more of your iron minions must fall before you face us yourself?"
Thorim returned a similar gaze. The iron minions hollered in utter disapproval. Samuel's words had fired them up but they still hesitated to proceed. They had the burning desire within them to continue. Only the Keeper's word would allow them to act upon it.
"If you do not have the courage to face me yourself," Samuel snarled. "Then I shall slay you where you stand."
"Samuel!" Zariyana whispered. "What are you doing?"
The priest kept his eyes on Thorim. He didn't even acknowledge her with a single glance.
"Beginning the cleansing incantation," uttered Samuel quietly barely moving his lips.
Zariyana hesitated but quickly realized what her brother's intentions were.
"Give me a few moments to prepare. I'll need to be in arm's reach for it to be most effective."
Samuel's stoic presence resounded loudly in her heart.
"Leave that to me."
The priest reached for the thick tome strapped to his waist. This was Samuel Legend's ultimate bible. It contained the history of his journey towards the path of priesthood from a small child up until this very day. Of all the non-living things in his life, it was his most cherished possession. The book was only half full which left him a lot of room for documenting, researching and experimenting. He flipped to the last page which had only a few scant scribbles.
"Prepare yourself Keeper!" Samuel audaciously shouted. "For you are about to be beaten by a brand new spell of my own creation."
The Halls of Winter
Ulduar
Cayden nearly planted himself face first on the frozen tile. The Keeper's strike had missed the draenei entirely but still managed to quake the room with its unbelievable force. The ice trapping their allies cracked ever so slightly which would aid in freeing them from this cold prison. However, the ambient temperature in the room was nearly at the freezing point so the mage had to act with haste before this advantage slipped through his fingers.
For a guy as big as Ademski, he was incredibly swift. The mace continually hunted for his head and each time it came up empty handed. Hodir may have the strength advantage but his movements were much slower than that of his light-guided adversary. Still, the Keeper's skills should not be underestimated. He may take a few tries but only one of his blows needs to connect in order to end this battle.
The mage rushed towards the four blocks of ice. He channeled a small gust of flame within his hand and began drawing runes with his finger atop each one. Cayden could easily blast the blocks with a gout of fire but at great risk to those trapped inside. He instead opted for a slow burn enchantment much more suited for this sort of situation. Truth be told, he had gotten himself caught up in similar fashion on more than one occasion. This was actually one of the first spells he mastered.
Another powerful strike shook the room. The mage feverishly glanced over to see his companion still no worse for wear. Ademski casually swiped at the mace with his own blade. The steel slashed against the ancient wooden weapon but didn't appear to cause anything more significant that a couple of scant scrapes and nicks.
Water began to flood into the area. The spell had worked brilliantly. Cayden rushed over to the first to aid in her escape. The female dwarf was draped in purple robes with a mix of black and gold stitches throughout. Ice chipped away from all edges on the verge of shattering completely. Upon tasting sweet freedom, she collapsed into the mage's arms. Puffs of steam exited her nose. At the very least, she was alive.
"Are you alright?!" Cayden frantically asked.
The dwarf's eyes opened slowly. Her breathing was erratic but soon stabilized.
"Where am I?"
"It's okay," the mage implored. "You're safe."
Another crashing blow quaked the room.
"Well, sort of."
"What's going on?!"
The mage looked over towards the others nearly free from their own prisons.
"I don't have time to explain but we're here to help. Can you move?"
"I – I think so."
"Good," Cayden nodded. "Stay as far away from that giant as you can. I'm going to help your friends."
The mage took off in a blaze of speed. He slid across the icy ground and cradled the night elf just before she hit the ground. She wore traditional green and brown robes similar akin to casual druidic outfits. Like her companion, she was alive but the harsh environment of the frozen prison must have taken its toll. The night elf's eyes just started to open and catch a brief glimpse of her savior racing toward the next victim.
Cayden braced himself as the bulky draenei landed in his arms. His muscles were nowhere near the size required to keep him propped on his feet. The mage let him down slowly. He was clad in purple scale armor. What bits of his flesh peaked through were stone cold blue like the adversary they now faced. Thankfully, it was a typical color of their race and not an ongoing affliction caused by the spell.
The final prisoner was a piece of cake by comparison. Cayden sprinted ahead and cradled the female gnome in his arms. She was clad in blue ornate robes. He brushed aside the remaining chunks of ice from her tiny face and pulled back her blue and gold laced hood.
"Are you injured?" Cayden asked.
The gnome's eyes opened and slowly went wide.
"Am I dead? Are you a devil?"
"What?!" The mage gasped. "No!"
Cayden had forgotten that his fiery garb, while attractive for his profession, may have not been the ideal choice to surprise someone waking up from a long slumber.
"Then," she shyly began. "You saved me?"
"I – uh…"
The gleam in her eye was both exciting and menacing. She looked ready to pounce and was happy to reward her gallant hero for freeing her from that icy tomb.
"My name is Cayden Melton, I am a member of the Templar Knights."
"Missy," she smiled. "Missy Flamecuffs."
The mage set her down gently on her feet. He stared deeply at her with his powerful green eyes. Another quaking blow rocked the area.
"I don't have time to explain but if you're capable, we need your help."
Cayden turned his head to the ongoing battle. The draenei continued to evade but his movements had slowed considerably. Despite his natural vigor, Ademski was exhausting himself and there wasn't a whole lot of fuel left in his tank.
"My friend has bought me enough time to free you. I do not wish to burden you with any additional stress but he cannot keep up this pace."
The mage rose to his feet. He looked at the freed members of the Explorer's League and addressed them not as victims, but as equals.
"Will you help us?"
The gnome looked over at her companions as they approached. They all appeared to be groggy and haggard beyond comprehension. It was a lot to ask but they needed all the help they could get.
"You bet I will," grinned Missy. "I need to pay that bastard back for putting me in this block of ice."
"I will lend you my strength as well," the night elf stated as she introduced herself. "Ellie Nightfeather."
"The elements and Avuun will serve you as well son of Melton," the draenei added.
"I can help too," cheered the dwarf. "I'm just a simple field medic but I'll do what I can!"
"Good," Cayden nodded. "Thank you all."
He turned towards Hodir. The giant chased Ademski around the western edge of the room and grew closer and closer with each passing breath to catching him.
"Stay as far back as you can. Ademski will ensure that you are not targeted directly by his attacks. I just need you to keep him occupied for a few moments while I being my incantation."
"What are you planning?"
Cayden waved his hand over the ground. A runic circle soon formed on the icy tiles.
"I am attempting to amplify one of my standard spells. It will take considerable time to conjure the arcane elements required to complete it. I'll need to concentrate fully so my capacity as a battlefield commander will be limited."
"Do not worry," Avuun replied. "I have seen plenty of these battles. We will bring this giant to his knees in time for you to finish your magic."
"Thank you everyone," nodded Cayden.
The mage stood over the conjured circle. Light radiated from the lines into a bright column that swallowed him whole. He launched his arm forward and directed his new allies for the final time,
"Let's do this."
The Spark of Imagination
Ulduar
The warrior sprinted frantically away from the tank. It may have looked the same but this model was surprisingly slower. The design might have been compromised since the room was so small so the blasted mechagnome may have compensated by limiting its overall speed. Whatever the reason, Marcus was happy he was at least able to keep himself a good distance away while the rogue worked his magic.
"Weasel!" The warrior cried. "Are you on that damn thing yet or do I have to throw you back up there again."
"I'm on it! I'm on it!" He shouted back.
Cradling this bomb in his arms stopped Marcus from reaching his top speed but he was more concerned with running out of gas than he was running fast.
"Oh, here it is," Weasel hailed. "It was on the other side this time."
The warrior grumbled as he continued to race around the room.
"Get in there," he spat. "Now –"
"Watch out!"
Marcus shot a glance over his shoulder. The tank's top turret launched an immense gout of flame heading straight for him. He planted his lead leg forward and burst to the side. Flames erupted upon the ball's impact. It exploded into a flagrant cloud of searing fires. The warrior's boots singed as he completed his dive. He planted himself back first on the ground and continued to cradle the rotund explosive in his muscular grip.
"Nice moves!"
"Shut up and get in there!" Shouted Marcus.
He picked himself off the ground and continued running. The tank had closed some distance but he was still a good ten yards away from that damned battering ram. One hit from that turned the front end of a siege engine into dust. He didn't even want to imagine what it would do to his half-armored flesh.
"Ah shit!" Weasel cried. "It's locked!"
"What do you mean it's locked?!"
"I mean, there's a lock on the latch this time. I can't get in!"
"You're a rogue!" Marcus snapped. "Pick the damn thing."
"It's a lock not a nose!" The gnome barked back. "I can't just stick my finger in there and expect to magically find gold!"
The warrior cringed heavily.
"Screw this!"
Marcus slowed his pace down. He was tired of running from that devilish device. It was time to taunt the damn thing.
The tank cruised ahead. When it was within inches of the measured attack area, the mechagnome fired the battering ram. It was just as the warrior predicted. He jumped forward narrowly avoiding the rushing metal blades from decimating his heels. Marcus timed this same movement two more times before being satisfied with his own measurements.
The Leviathan unit closed the distance. It launched its battering ram forward hoping to plaster the silver and gold plates with a fresh coat of blood. Instead of jumping forward, the warrior jumped up and landed squarely on the hard metal surface. He dunked the bomb behind the ram within the lightly armored confines of the cogs and pipes. The ram slowly pulled itself back to the tank's hull pulling the cleverly planted explosive with it. Marcus kicked off the steel frame and dove ahead.
The bomb ignited. A devastating blast of shrapnel tore through the interior. Smoke seeped through the cracks. The tank sputtered to a slow grind. It continued to move but in a greatly reduced capacity towards the edge of the room near the big red button. A door opened revealing a large room perfectly sized for the damaged vehicle. Weasel leapt off the tank and raced over towards his fallen companion.
"Got that son of a bitch," the relieved warrior sighed.
Marcus rolled on his back and drank in a few well deserved breaths of air. That marathon nearly took every last once of strength he had. He could use a break. Weasel was sure to be able to handle the rest.
"WONDERFUL! Positively marvelous results!" Mimiron remarked as the tank rolled into the hangar bay. "Hull integrity at ninety-eight point nine percent! Barely a dent! Moving right along."
"Ninety-eight percent?!" Gasped the gnome.
"What does he mean…?" Marcus grimaced. "Moving right along?"
The golden circle in the room shot high into the air forming a fifty foot high metal column. Gears whizzed feverishly as individual plates began to sink back into the ground. A golden orb-shaped device quickly exposed itself. In the center, a small barred window housed a small seat perfectly sized for a gnome. Two glowing blue domes sat on opposing sides. A pair of red rockets were strapped to the final side.
Mimiron leapt off his tank and casually strolled towards his next invention. The mechagnome hopped on top of the device and casually flipped the latch open.
"Behold the VX-001 Anti-personnel Assault Cannon! You might want to take cover."
The glowing domes shot outward revealing two huge columns of metal fury. On the end each, over a dozen barrels pointed at the warrior and rogue. They reeked of gunpowder. Mimiron set his beady green eyes upon the duo. He pulled the dual triggers and unleashed a hail of bullets.
Marcus and Weasel kicked off the ground moments before the hardened surface was riddled in gunfire. They stormed around the room as the cannons turned and followed their movements. The gnome quickly increased the distance between himself and his companion thanks to his lifelong training.
"Just where the hell do you think you're going?!"
"Trying to keep ahead is all," he casually replied.
"Ahead?" The warrior winced while bullets sparked inches away from his heels. "That thing is planted on the ground. It's not going anywhere."
"I know," the gnome shrugged as he sprinted. "I don't have to outrun it. I just have to outrun you."
"You son of a –"
The warrior leaned forward and scooped Weasel in his grip. He hurled the gnome straight at the assault cannon with a frenzied passion.
"Marcus I'll curse you forever!"
Weasel's whines trailed off as he flew. The gnome bounced atop the dual cannon and locked his grip on the surface before falling off the edge. Being tossed yet again carried its weight in pain but watching the warrior desperately trying to avoid being gunned down in a hail of bullets made the journey worth it.
"That frick'n thing better not be locked this time!" Marcus spat.
"Oh it's not," Weasel grinned. "At least not yet anyways."
The gnome kicked open the latch and dropped in a handful of smoke bombs.
"Put this in your cog and smoke it!"
The bombs exploded on immediate contact with the surface below surrounding Mimiron and a misty grey cloud of thick dust. Weasel slammed the latch shut and wedged a climbing piton at the base opposite of the hinge trapping the Keeper inside. He may have been controlling a pair of rapid fire cannons but the bastard still needed to see what he was aiming at in order to be effective.
Gunfire quickly stopped. Mechanical whining echoed throughout the chamber within the device. All of that dust building inside with nowhere to go should be scrambling that Keeper's circuits quite nicely. Rockets launched from within the cannon's barrels and flew wildly along the room. They exploded along the walls. The attack reeked of desperation. Blind firing may have worked against and army of soldiers storming your gates but when there were just two, its effectiveness waned.
Marcus blitzed towards the center of the room. The firing may have ceased but the threat still remained. They needed to disable it quickly and stop Mimiron in his tracks before he finds some other toy for them to play with. The warrior leaped onto the assault cannon's back. His fingers clawed into the hard metal frame. He spun the titansteel mace in his free hand and repeatedly slammed it against the exposed cogs and pipes in its back.
The whirring noises grinded to a skittering halt. Steam stopped billowing from the pipes. Its cannons fell forward. The machine went silent. Marcus breathed another sigh of relief as he slid back to the ground and took a seat with his back leaning against the steel frame.
"Weasel," he wheezed. "Get that bastard out of there. I'd like to give him a piece of my mind."
"I'm not sure how much of it is left all things con –"
Glass exploded from the front of the assault cannon. Bits of its sharpened debris bounced along the ground with a soft crystalline thud. A black pillar of smoke rose from the crash site. It surrounded the rogue in a thick cloud blocking his vision from all sides.
"Thank you, friends! Your efforts have yielded some fantastic data!" Mimiron boasted. "Now, where did I put- oh, there it is!
"Ah damnit!" Coughed Weasel. "I think he escaped."
The warrior burst from the ground still reeling from his major cardio exercise.
"What are you waiting for?!" He growled. "Find him!"
The rogue rolled forward off the assault cannon. He gasped as clean air started to fill his lungs. Marcus quickly joined him. His eyes darted around the room frantically.
"Where'd he go?!"
"I don't know," stammered the rogue. "I couldn't see him."
The smoke soon began to settle. Weasel's coughs calmed down as well. The room was silent only for a brief moment before a fanatical whirring noise quickly approached. They shot their gaze upwards towards the source. Disbelief swept over both of them.
"Oh you've got to be kidding me!"
Marcus nearly fell to his knees at the sheer sight of it. A giant skull shaped device resembling the Keeper's one maniacal face began flying towards them. It hovered overhead far from the reach of any of their available weapons. Quad blades rotated rapidly keeping the golden colored head airborne.
"Isn't it beautiful? I call it the magnificent Aerial Command Unit!"
The mechagnome's taunts and inventions were getting out of hand. At least the first two were ground based units. This one was certainly a cut above the rest.
"How in the hell are we going to fight that thing?"
Weasel looked up at the warrior who returned a knowing but mischievous stare. The rogue sighed as he quickly realized what his muscular companion intended to do.
"Fine. Be gentle."
Marcus picked the gnome up and with one mighty toss launched him upwards towards the golden helicopter. He flew speedily towards the large steel skull and buried a pair of daggers along its face to stop him from ascending any further. The warrior either didn't know his own strength or trusted Weasel to stop himself before the rotater blades turned him into chopped liver.
The gnome climbed up the steel face. He flipped forward onto the control deck of the flying vehicle. Mimiron casually tapped away and the countless buttons before him seemingly ignoring his presence altogether. Weasel shrugged and rushed forward. He'd take a kill any way he could get it. The rogue swept his blade forward. His mind froze as the dagger was immediately caught in the Keeper's metal palm.
"This was not a parameter of our current testing phase," Mimiron scowled. "I will proceed to remove the unknown variable from the equation."
The rogue gulped. He was about to engage in a one on one duel with a Titanic Watcher. The stories Cayden spouted earlier said it required groups of adventurers just to subdue one. Even the last bronze broad they fought took the combined strength of all the Templar Knights. To say he was worried was a bit of an understatement. However, based on his previous discussion with the warrior on the train, he wasn't going to go down easy. There were still plenty of things left in this world he wanted to experience.
The Aerial Command Unit began to move erratically across the battlefield. Its mouth opened and wildly spouted huge bursts of energy. Marcus took cover underneath the deactivated assault cannons and watched the ground erupt in clouts of crackling blue light.
"Weasel!" Called the warrior. "What the hell is going on up there?!"
"What do you think is going on?!" He frantically shouted back. "I'm trying to take him out but for some strange reason, he keeps resisting!"
Weasel was too focused on his battle to hear his companion's load groan. The rogue flipped from side to side avoiding the Keeper's hurried volley of punches. Mimiron may have been weaponless but the air brushing by Weasel's face told him the mechagnome didn't need one in order to inflict some serious damage.
Two fists came lunging forward. The rogue leapt into the air. Metal blades tickled his backside as he flipped forward and drove his black leather boots into the Keeper's chest. Mimiron launched backwards and crashed against the inner wall of the open cockpit. Kicking his chest may have not been the wisest decision seeing that it's made of metal but it proved effective nonetheless.
Weasel landed upon his sore feet. He finally had the Keeper right where he wanted him. From within his back pouches, the rogue retrieved a pair of magnetized explosive devices identical to the one he handed to the leader of the Templar Knights earlier. He stuck a pair of them on the control console and one of the metal pipe holding the rotator blades. The rogue flipped backwards paying Mimiron one last grin as he descended back towards the ground.
"Catch me!"
The warrior heeded the call of his companion. He fled from the safe confines of the silent assault cannon and rushed to catch the tiny meteorite clad in black leather armor. Marcus dove and extended his arm. He caught the gnome in his beefy arm and cradled him into his chest.
"Geez," Weasel sighed. "Buy a guy a drink first. Pervert."
The rogue hit the ground with a decisive crash. He was quickly tossed off the warrior's body after that untimely comment.
"Were you able to stop that thing?"
"Relax," smiled Weasel.
He lifted his hand and gestured with his thumb and middle finger.
"I've got it all under con –"
His words were silenced by a trio of explosives that dropped between him and the warrior. The rogue's eyes went wide as he looked up at Mimiron peering down on him from above.
"Analysis has been completed. Results show the devices are crudely designed but fairly potent explosives. Conclusion, removal of the devices from the Aerial Command Unit will negate all harmful effects."
"Oh for the love of –"
"Screw this!" Marcus howled.
The warrior rose to his feet and hurled the boxes back up towards the helicopter.
"Now Weasel!"
The rogue nodded and tapped the detonator as they reached the vehicle's hull. They both dove underneath the assault cannons. Bursts of powerful red flames rocked the aerial command unit. It swayed from side to side. The rotors painfully slowed down as bits of shrapnel jammed its cogs.
"Finally," Marcus sighed. "As soon as that bastard gets down here I'm going to seriously kick the ever-living metal shit out of him."
"Good luck," replied the rogue. "I tried. My feet still hurt."
The helicopter sputtered as it descended. It was only a matter of time before Mimiron reached the ground and tasted the full wrath of the warrior's rage.
"Preliminary testing phase complete. Now comes the true test!"
"True what?!"
"Oh that is it!" Marcus spat.
The warrior removed himself from underneath the assault cannons. He pointed his mace upwards and angrily shouted.
"Alright you shiny metal bitch! I'm sick and tired of all these tests and games! Get your bronze ass down here right now!"
Mimiron ignored the harsh words thrown at him. The hangar door opened and out came the same Leviathan tank they had shut down earlier. It casually strolled towards the VX unit. Weasel's instincts snapped as the tank barreled towards him. He ran to meet the enraged warrior as all three vehicles began to take on a new form.
The barrels within the assault cannons pushed forward and sprouted a pair of hands. They planted themselves on the ground and lifted the main body up as the Leviathan unit rolled right underneath. The two vehicles connected with a harmonious clink. Just above, the descending helicopter fell atop the VX unit and locked into place.
Shock fell upon the pair's expression. It was a war fighting all three of these things individually. Now they have connected and formed a vaguely, humanoid-shaped figure that rivaled the previous iron construct outside the gates in both size and strength.
"Gaze upon its magnificence! Bask in its glorious, um, glory!" Mimiron boldly goaded. "I present you... V-07-TR-0N!"
The Conservatory of Life
Ulduar
Freya's tight fist slammed onto the ground. Dirt spread into the surrounding area in a violent gust. The night elf laid inches away from the blast zone. She was barely able to escape but thanks to her naturally endowed cat-like reflexes, this druid would live to fight another day.
Vines continued to tug on Rayne's throat. He didn't possess the strength to remove them entirely and what little he had left was keeping the airways open to take in some more precious breaths of air. They were at a stalemate but as long as the lashers maintained their grip, it would slowly shift in their advantage.
Treants began to swarm Narula. She immediately returned to feet and began batting them off individually with some tempered blasts of nature's wrath. It easily kept some of the smaller fodder at bay but two of the ancient protectors continued their vengeful approach while the third kept the other intruder locked up in its oaky clasp.
The paladin took a deep breath and sucked in as much oxygen as his lungs could hold. He released his grip on the vines. Their hold tightened attempting to crush his throat outright. Rayne needed both his hands free to load a fresh rocket into his gauntlet . He struggled to fit the small cylindrical explosive in its chamber as the blood coursing through his head began to diminish. Trickles of darkness surrounded his vision. He was running out of time. Thankfully, he didn't need to aim very far.
The rocket burst forth from his arm. It exploded on the ground behind him. The lasher shrieked as gouts of flame quickly enveloped its body. Fire immediately spread around the area as the creature collided with the ancient protector. Its gargantuan body became consumed by the raging inferno as it howled in unbelievable agony.
The vine's grip on Rayne's throat loosened. He snapped them off his neck and kicked off the ancient protector's chest just seconds before the flames could singe his silver armor. The paladin hurled his shield towards the two other wooden giants. Golden light radiated from its core as the barrier sliced through their wooden jaws. A grainy moan echoed from their damaged faces stopping their approach completely.
Rayne leapt forward. He used the closest treant as a springboard and launched himself over it. His legs swung one over the other. The shield bounced off a nearby tree and quickly returned to his grip. The paladin slammed his boot onto the ground as he landed. Dirt and grass cracked under its tremendous force and began to fill with the magnificent power of the holy light. It spread into a wide circle, consecrating these desecrated grounds and trapping each of the corrupted attackers within its golden rays.
Light exploded into a golden column. The lashers and treants cried out in terror. Even the ancient protectors felt the tremendous burn of the paladin's radiant blast. Their shouts of agony blinded them from seeing anything other than the corruption trapping their spirits being burned from within.
Rayne retrieved his sword and flung it outwards in a one hundred and eighty degree arc. The surrounding lashers thorny heads came clean off the roots while the treants were chopped down to about half their size. The light slowly dissipated upon the battlefield after finishing its task.
"Narula!" Called the paladin. "Are you alright?!"
The night elf carefully nodded. She seemed troubled but no worse for wear physically. They were nearly taken out by a sudden ambush but at least now the tide had swung in their favor; for the moment anyways. These creatures were just an assortment of minions. The real challenge towered over them with a menacing grimace.
All of the remaining denizens within the conservatory began swarming down upon them. More fearsome lashers, nymphs, centaurs, and even emerald dragons made their deadly approach. There were dozens, if not hundreds of corrupted creatures lurking about the area. The paladin's eyes trembled. Battling the scant few on the onset was enough of a challenge but facing their entire army with Freya leading the charge was out of the question. Despite the insurmountable odds against them, Rayne clutched his blade tightly and prepared to face the menacing force head on without any regard for his well-being. They still had a job to do and it didn't matter if one foe or a thousand stood in their way.
Surprisingly, the titanic watcher lifted her steel arm and waved away her beloved minions. The paladin's gaze widened. He couldn't believe it but it appeared as if Freya was dismissing them to face the battle all by herself. While it appeared to be a minor spec of light in the looming darkness, the two Knights would take whatever small advantage they could get at this point.
Rayne's shield vibrated with an incredible force. The Keeper's blow drove him down to one knee. Her strength was remarkable and unlike anything he's ever experienced. It dwarfed the previous stone giant by comparison. This must be the true strength lying within a Titanic Watcher.
Freya took another swipe at the paladin. He ducked underneath her clawing nails attempting to rip the spine from his back. Rayne rolled forward through her legs and swung his blade at the back of her exposed knee. The red sword slashed against her iron skin leaving no more than a thin gash upon it. He was hoping to drive the Keeper to her knees and instead only appeared to annoy her further.
Stars rained down upon the Titanic Watcher. They exploded into silver bursts of radiant energy. Narula channeled the storm of lights to strike the Keeper on nearly every inch of her iron body. The distraction worked long enough for Rayne to channel light through his blade and deliver another set of sweeping slashes upon her legs.
"This is going nowhere!" Rayne cried desperately seeking just one of his strikes to penetrate her defensed. "We're not strong enough to –"
Freya's eyes began to glow. Glorious teal lights formed in her hands. She threw them up high and unleashed a volley of bombs that began to descend all around them. They landed with a tremendous crash and ignited the area in a glowing burst. Dozens of radiant bursts exploded in the surrounding area. A stray bomb targeted the Knights directly and landed inches away from where they stood.
The force of the impact knocked the night elf and paladin clean off their feet and sent them soaring backwards in opposite directions. They landed against the unforgiving ground with a sharp thud. It was hard to tell what hurt worst. The searing pain of the radiant energy or the stinging burn across their backsides. At least Rayne had the protection of steel plates keeping his flesh from being scorched by the attack. Narula's leather armor would be roasted upon receiving a direct impact. That was a sight he never wished to behold.
The paladin sprang to his feet and sprinted towards his fallen companion. The residual blast and separated them even further apart from each other. She was slowly rising to her feet but the Keeper had her sights locked on the night elf. Freya's hands began to glow with a golden light. The sun's rays were being channeled into her grasp.
Rayne's legs couldn't move any faster. He pumped each appendage with a maddening fury as he closed the distance between them. Narula turned upwards and caught wind of what frightening future was in store for her. The Keeper funneled all of the solar energy into her hands and concentrated it into a deadly beam of light.
Golden sparks ignited the atmosphere. The paladin dove forward, driving Narula away from the danger and deflected the thick blast with his shield. Freya concentrated her attack downwards and allowed the sun's natural energy to decimate her foes. The charged attack bore down upon him hoping to crush Rayne where he stood.
"Narula!" Cried the paladin. "Get out of here!"
His anguish roared into the air. Radiant bursts of light exploded all around him. The searing force of the beam drove him onto his knees and pushed him deeper and deeper into the ground. Terrifying shouts of continued agony ripped from his lungs.
"Raymond!"
"We can't do this!" Rayne shouted. "She's too strong!"
His face grimaced as the driving column of light continued to annihilate his crippling defenses.
"But I can still save you!"
Every word poured from his lips through tearing pleas of anguish. The metal plates of his armor rapidly increased in temperature and began to sear his skin from within.
"What are you saying?!"
Her desperate concern was noted but not needed. The paladin just needed her to listen and follow his orders.
"She's not going to let up!" He shouted back. "At least one of us can make it out of here to regroup!"
"No!" The night elf snapped back. "I'm not going to leave–"
Rayne pleaded with an intimidating scowl.
"GO NARULA!"
He didn't pay her a second glance. The tremor in his voice shook him to his very soul. This was the moment he had been searching for. This was the instance where he could finally find peace with everything. He never imagined things ending like this. At the very least, his mind would final rest easy.
Freya's attack collapsed to a single concentrated laser no thicker than a blade's handle before dissipating into the air. Rayne continued to cringe over the residual pain looming over his body. His ears stopped ringing after the excruciating impact of the attack subsided. The area grew quiet for a brief moment and he couldn't hear any footsteps. Narula must have cleared a good distance by now. At least his sacrifice will no longer be in vain.
The paladin lowered his goggles. He had forgotten to do so earlier thanks to the previous surprise attack. The threat level assessment showed Freya's attention was completely focused upon him. The night elf was in the clear and able to escape without drawing any suspicion. It eased his heart to know that she was safe now.
Rayne attempted to stand. His legs would not respond to any orders. The paladin kneeled before Freya with his shield still in hand. The scorching beam singed the Templar crest adorned to it but it was still in good enough shaped to protect him for at least a few more precious moments. His body was utterly battered and beaten.
The Keeper lifted her fist high into the air. It was just as it was not too long ago. The paladin drank in a final deep breath. His blood began to flood with the much sought after fuel of adrenaline. The feeling was so glorious it nearly brought a tear to his eye. At least he'd be a little numb before paying the ultimate price.
"Forgive me," Freya sighed.
Rayne slowly raised his shield over his head. It was much heavier than usual. The barrier cascaded a deep shadow over him. He didn't want to see the final blow coming. His heart trembled as a rush of wind came down upon his sullen frame. Rayne closed his eyes. In the black void he couldn't find a single spec of light.
The impact sent all of the paladin's nerves into overdrive. His shield flung wildly to the side. A ferocious roar echoed throughout the landscape. Air still flowed within his lungs. Life had not slipped by him just yet. As his eyes opened, Rayne's mind sharpened as the reality of the situation quickly came into view.
Narula had shifted into her bear form, jumped atop his shield and absorbed the blow entirely. She kicked off to his side and taunted the beast with a fearsome shout. The night elf had quickly stepped in and protected him from all harm, just as she had always promised.
The paladin's goggles began to calm down. Green flashes predicated the screen. All of the Keeper's attention was drawn to the bear.
"Narula…?"
The beast turned her head towards Rayne. A menacing expression filled her face. She scowled at him as she began taking on the Titanic Watcher all by herself.