The Mind of Yogg-Saron
Ulduar
Lorelei marched towards to glowing light ahead. Her rage had sweltered to its peak. She yearned for an outlet to unleash her anger. The voice had promised her the power and strength required to carry out her will. It had already carried her this far. The goal was well within her grasp.
The young elf passed through the gleaming doorway made up of faint blue light. Her misty green eyes opened further to behold the sight before them. An amorphous translucent azure sphere graciously floated in the air. Flickers of blinding white light sat within the core and trickled down to stem like appendages at the bottom. Patches of sticky webbing adorned the floor and walls of this circular room. Bubbles of saronite colored liquid pooled throughout.
The room's stench was rotting and foul. Millennia of ancient decay was thick within these walls. None of that hindered Lorelei's journey. She continued to press on into the room. The one who had been calling out to her; the one who has and will give her power she desired; the one who had promised her salvation finally stood before her.
Give in to your hatred and the power shall be yours...
Lorelei's heart gasped. The voice's booming presence was stronger than ever before. Its omnipotent touch was intoxicating. At this distance, it was as if it were speaking directly at her soul.
Her fists tightened. She was ready to surrender herself fully. The voice only needed to command and she would obey.
Drink it…
The young elf's eyes darted towards the floor. The small pools of liquid bubbling below called out to her. Lorelei fell to her knees. Her lips dove into the teal colored fluids. She slurped the foul tasting fluids into her body until the tiny crater was sucked dry. More liquid began to appear through a tiny hole in the bottom. The original serving was barely enough for a mouthful. The young elf craved more.
Her hands dug into the next crater and scooped more of the glowing juices into her mouth and down her throat. She crawled from section to section, cleaning out wave after wave throughout the area. Her tongue lashed out and feverishly licked the floor for any remaining remnants of the commanding liquid. Lorelei's presence had become maddening as if transformed into a raging beast. Her mind had ceased all other functions. The only thing it processed was to fill her belly as instructed. She was not going to waste a single drop.
The young elf leaned back shouted in blissful joy as the last of the fluid entered her body. She had cleaned out the floor entirely. Her throat burned as more terrible cries tore through it. Trickles of turquoise light radiated on her skin. Lorelei's veins popped up as they were being filled with this tremendously powerful substance. Her muscle tightened and then suddenly expanded to twice their size. She trembled as a renewed vigor filtered through her body. Gleaming rays of teal lights shot from her eyes. Painful cries escaped her howling lips. It was as if her very soul was being reforged.
An eerie silence filled the room. Lorelei rose from her knees. Her body was lighter and yet felt as if it could bare the weight of Azeroth upon her very shoulders. She stood taller and sensed the world weakening all around her. The green hue of her eyes had faded. They now radiated the glorious mist of saronite vapors. Her pronounced veins flowed with the enchanting lifeblood of her savior.
"Yes," the young elf hissed.
Her voice echoed with a commanding presence. Lorelei had completed the transformation. Her eyes marveled at the being she had now become. The weakened form of a meager elf had vanished. She now had the physique that would make vrykul's quiver in fear. Just as the voice had promised, she was generously granted this new strength required to take her revenge.
"Thank you," she maliciously grinned.
Her ominously glowing eyes darted towards the amorphous azure blob floating above. The pleasant feeling of her new form had vanished. Anger began to swell through her mind. There was only one thing left for her to do.
"Now, where is he?!"
The voice was silent. Lorelei's patience quickly waned. Revenge was well within her grasp. To deny her now would only tax on her already weakened spirit.
"I cannot wait any longer!" She demanded. "Let me take my revenge!"
Blood singed her raised veins. Not even adrenaline could quell her rage. Being denied what your heart desired was bad enough. Suffering in this pit of uncertainty was becoming more painful than a thousand daggers piercing through her heart.
"TELL ME!" Cried Lorelei. "YOU PROM-!"
There is no escape… You belong to me now…
"What?!" The young elf angrily gasped.
A burst of teal light exploded from her body. Its powerful rays crackled off her skin.
"That is not what you promised!" She snapped back. "Release me at once! I must find and kill him this instant!"
The voice was silent once again. The young elf's fury had finally reached its breaking point. Her booming voice echoed throughout the walls with uncontrolled rage.
"I WILL DESTROY ANYHTING AND EVERYTHING IN MY PATH UNTIL -!"
You have nowhere left to go… I will bring him to you…
The Observation Ring
Ulduar
The paladin exited the Keeper's domain. His heart was full of confidence. Freya had inspired him more than he could have ever hoped possible. Rayne's mind was finally clear of the dark cloud surrounding him. He knew that in order to walk along the path of redemption, he must first learn to forgive himself for his mistakes. Narula reminded him of that. She made it too easy to fall in love with her.
The warm air of the inner fortress swept over the paladin. He met up with the night elf as she stood on the edge of the ring with her hands behind her back.
"You are back already?"
She smiled coyly at him. It could melt the armor right off his skin.
"You heard that?"
Rayne lifted an eyebrow. Though he didn't reveal any incriminating information, the Titanic Watcher was a different story.
"Not everything," she replied shaking her head. "Only that she wanted to speak with you about something."
An incredible wave of relief fell over the paladin. He did his best not to show it but it saved him to try and bumble through an explanation.
"What did she say?"
This was surprisingly inquisitive side of the night elf. Rayne couldn't remember her being so curious in recent memory. Then again, he was blinded by a terrible shadow for so long that he had forgotten what was right in front of him. The fact that she was so interested played in the paladin's favor.
"Nothing really," he playfully smiled. "Just her way of saying goodbye I suppose."
"Really?"
Narula looked up at him with a slightly soured expression. Apparently, the answer Rayne offered was not good enough.
"What did she say exactly?"
The paladin couldn't hold back a smile. It was nice being back on old terms with her. He continued to curse himself for being so foolish earlier. Everything he's worked for could have been thrown away thanks to his selfish and brazen actions. Rayne was thankfully that she was so blessedly patient with him. It was just one more thing about her that drove him wild.
"She imparted some much needed wisdom."
Narula grimaced for just a brief moment before a smile found its way to her thin lavender lips. She pushed herself off rim of the inner ring wall and slowly approached the paladin. Her soft hand found its way to his shoulder.
"I've missed you Raymond."
Her bold statement sent shivers of joy throughout Rayne's heart. The old him would have nearly collapsed under the weight of those words. However, the paladin's new sense of self paired with the strong words of a wise ally has strengthened his resolve in these situations. He raised his gauntlet and gently caressed her shoulders while staring deeply into her amber irises.
"I've missed you too, Narula."
"And I've missed you too kid!"
The warrior's beefy arm lovingly found its way around Rayne's neck. He pulled the paladin down with a tight squeeze and continued to taunt him.
"Marcus! Weasel!" Choked Rayne with a painful smile. "You're back!"
"Would you look at that?" Marcus grinned as he released his grip on the paladin. "A genuine smile on his face. Where have you been hiding?"
"Someplace close but well hidden," Rayne quipped.
The paladin's eyes casually met Narula's. He didn't think it was possible but his smile actually grew wider.
"Thankfully, I had help finding it."
Marcus and Weasel stared curiously at Rayne. Their eyes quickly shifted at Narula. This repeated several times before a scowl fell upon their faces.
"Something smells fishy here," sniffed the gnome.
"You smell it too, huh?" Nodded the warrior.
"What are you guys talking about?" The paladin half-jokingly asked while trying not to break his casual glare.
"Don't play dumb with me," Marcus growled. "There's a thousand gold pieces riding on this."
Rayne returned a look of absolute befuddlement.
"What does a thousand gold pieces have to do with –"
"Plus fifty daily compounding on a few side agreements as well," added Weasel.
The warrior quickly smacked his short companion upside the head and ceasing any further information to be released.
"Just be honest," sighed Marcus.
He looked at both the paladin and night elf with a snooping gleam in his eyes.
"Did something happen between you two while we were away?"
"What?"
The paladin's brow furrowed. His gaze locked Marcus. Through the lenses of his big brown eyes, Rayne found the truth beneath their line of questioning. A heavy gauntlet quickly slapped his forehead.
"By the light…"
"It's gotta be official. I have a few clear definitions of what separates standard contact from intimate so if you could tell is great detail –"
Weasel's declaration was halted as he was scooped up off the ground into the familiar hanging grip of the warrior. They argued amongst themselves inaudibly which was a great weight off Rayne's shoulders.
"What are they discussing Raymond?"
Narula's innocent demeanor in these situations was trumped only by her ravishing beauty.
"Believe me, you don't want to know," groaned the paladin.
"Why are you looking so gloom Templar?"
Rayne's spirits quickly lifted. He turned around with great haste and before he could spit out the names of his returning companions, his lungs were crushed in the tight grip of the draenei's bear hug.
"It is good to see you alive and well my friend!"
"Like-wise!" Rayne coughed through forced breaths.
Ademski released his grip upon him and gave the paladin two hearty slaps upon the shoulders.
"We have returned victorious!" He boasted. "You as well it would seem."
"That it would," Rayne gasped choking back in delicious breaths of air. "Glad to see you're okay."
The paladin snuck a quick glance behind Ademski and saw Cayden approaching rather sluggishly. Small trails of water followed him with each step.
"Cayden!" Cheered Rayne before his expression dropped upon closer examination. "What happened? Why are you soaking wet?"
"It's a long story," the mage sniffled. "I really don't want to talk about it."
"Nonsense!" The draenei grinned. "He was so proud just a few moments ago when speaking with the giant. Then he started complaining about his clothing being wet after sitting in the remnants of that frozen prison. It is truly a harrowing tale of his miraculous escape."
"Frozen prison?" Rayne pondered. "Are you alright? What hap –"
"Please Rayne," begged Cayden as he dragged his soggy robes across the ground. "Just promise me you won't breathe a word of this to Master Rhonin."
"I'll be sure to explain it to him great detail after sogging my boots Flame Brain."
"Hey!" The mage snapped up quickly reverting back to his usual demeanor. "I really don't need your –"
"Samuel!" Rayne hailed.
The paladin moved to meet the twin priests and their silent draenei accomplice. Rayne wrapped his arms around the male Legend twin and gave him a gentle squeeze.
"It's great to see you guys again."
"Yes well," strained the priest. "The feeling is mutual I assure you. You can let go now Rayne."
"Of course," smiled the paladin. "I know it must have been rough out there on your own. I'm just glad you made it back okay."
"Right," said Samuel with a sharp tinge of disbelief in his tone. "I must say I am surprised to see you in such high spirits after the earlier events."
"He's right Rayne," Zariyana chimed in. "You definitely seem more like your old self again."
Saelena gently nudged the female Legend twin with her elbow. She offered the silver haired priest a tiny smirk and a wink before trotting off to meet her husband. The silent draenei didn't even get to relish in the look of embarrassment that had befallen Zariyana's expression.
"Yes, about that," the paladin sulked. "I owe each of you an apology."
The Templar Knights gathered around their leader. It wasn't often than he had called them for a serious discussion. Like Narula, their patience with his demeanor was to be commended. Rayne felt mortified that he could allow himself to slip so carelessly into the darkness. That was not the precedent of behavior he wanted to set amongst his companions. At the very least, he wanted to fess up for his actions and beg for their forgiveness.
"Everyone," he began while paying everyone a quick glance. "My attitude as of late was atrocious, my manners appalling, and my conduct out of line. I don't know what had gotten into me over the last few days but I can assure you, I am finally seeing clearly again."
Rayne took a big gulp. Their expressions hadn't changed but at the very least, they were listening intently.
"You deserve better than that. I asked you to join me on an exceptionally arduous mission and you showed up with your best foot forward. There hasn't been a single time where I haven't seen each and every one of you give your absolute finest efforts. It is all that I ask of you and that is what you have always delivered."
The paladin's eyes graced the floor. This was tougher to say than he realized.
"I am saddened to admit that I did not pay you the respect you all rightfully deserve by reciprocating in the same fashion. The very least I can do is to match your skill and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I have been hypocritical in those regards. I was not my best self on this day nor was I for the last few days. You all deserve better than that."
Rayne's shoulders dropped. He hung his head in shame. The golden locks of his tied blonde hair draped over his face to partially mask his sullen frown.
"I'm sorry, everyone," he remorsefully stated. "Please forgive me."
The room was painfully silent. Not even their breaths resonated a single sound. The paladin's nerves started to wreak havoc on his mind. Bearing the burden of leadership was one challenge he was willing to take on. However, there comes a time where you have to come face to face with your failures. No one took it harder than those in charge of the lives and well-beings of those around them.
"And here I thought he had returned to normal," Samuel sighed.
"Though brother, it is an improvement over his prior mood," added Zariyana.
Rayne lifted his head. Everyone appeared to be more unsettled than they were only a few moments ago. He wasn't exactly sure what he did wrong but from the looks of it, he sure didn't do something right. Before the paladin could raise a word in defense, his neck was seized in Marcus' muscular grip.
"Why are you getting serious on us all of the sudden?" The warrior teased. "I'm going to have to start punching your chest to toughen that heart of yours."
Marcus quickly released the paladin only for him to receive another strong slap upon his back. The air within his lungs was forcibly ejected with a hearty cough.
"This one is right my friend," Ademski smiled. "You have done many a great things on this day to ensure our safety. Your apology is noted but not necessary."
"He's right Rayne," the mage commented. "However, if you are still feeling slightly uncertain about your condition I'd be more than happy to look into it further for you. Perhaps there are some unseen forces at work that we should be concerned with."
"Thank you Cayden," smiled Rayne. "But really, I can assure you with the utmost certainty that I am feeling a lot better."
"The reason why is still up for speculation," shrugged the gnome.
"Weasel!" Marcus spat. "I thought I told you to keep your trap shut!"
The paladin was at ease seeing everyone's spirits lifted. They may have been some of the most talented and incorrigible people in the whole of Azeroth but Rayne couldn't find a group of better friends on any corner of this globe.
"Now that we're all together again," began Rayne. "Tell me, how did it go?"
Marcus dropped his mace to the ground. It slammed with a powerful gong as he leaned against it in a somewhat defeated stance.
"That bastard Mimiron was a handful," he sighed. "But we were able to calm him down long enough for him to see the error of his ways."
"What is he up to right now?" Asked the paladin.
"He said he wanted to repair the damage to his shop first and make sure there weren't any haywire inventions roaming around," Weasel answered. "He'll be back in a little while to assist us. He mentioned something about reinforcing the bonds of its cage or whatever. I don't know. The guy likes to talk a lot. It's hard to get him to shut up."
"Go figure," Marcus shrugged. "Just another thing you idiots have in common."
Rayne laughed quietly to himself before turning towards the priests.
"And you guys?" He pondered. "What happened with Thorim?"
"He did not put up as much of a resistance as I originally anticipated," replied Samuel. "The corruption he suffered must have been weaker than the others. There appeared to be a vrykul woman he identified as his dead wife controlling his thoughts."
The paladin gave his companions a puzzled look.
"You mean Sif is alive?"
Zariyana casually shook her head.
"She was an illusion. A construct of Yogg-Saron perhaps as a means of maintaining its dominance over the Keeper."
"Yes," nodded Samuel. "He did seem quite disturbed when he learned the truth. It may be a while before he can fully collect himself with the facts of what has occurred but he too promised to aid us in our battle against the Old God."
"That's good to hear," the paladin acknowledged.
Ademski had already stated their success upon arrival. Given the current state of the mage, Rayne didn't want to press the matter any further and potentially rile up his temperament.
"How about you boss?" The gnome questioned. "Everything go okay in there?"
"Actually…"
It was hard for Rayne not to smile when thinking back to that short time ago. He was so wrapped up in the memories between himself and Narula that he almost forgot the question entirely.
"It went better than –"
"Excuse me, young one?"
The Templar Knights shifted their gaze in unison. Standing before them was the mighty Keeper known as Freya. She looked calm with a hint of curiosity. Her hands were folded atop one another and hovered around her waist.
"Check out this silver vixen," grinned Marcus. "Here I was knee deep in bronze bullshit while Rayne's tackling yet another beauty."
"Please do not speak so unkindly to her," the night elf scolded.
The warrior snapped a quick glance at her stoic face. He could have sworn it appeared for just a split second but Narula definitely looked a little annoyed.
"What can I do for you Freya?" The paladin asked.
"Actually," she trailed. "I believe I found something in my garden that did not originate from here. I was hoping you could help me identify it."
The Keeper knelt down. She gently placed her palms on the ground and opened them. The creature carefully rolled off her silver fingers and onto the floor before them. Its thick green pelt was covered in distinctive black stripes along its back. Tufts of white fur rolled from its massive chin. The tiger appeared to be sleeping soundly though its expression told a different story.
Rayne's mind instantly went blank. He immediately recognized this beast. His heart thundered into a massive storm. The nerves in his skin began to tingle. Memories swept through his mind and blazed over any rational thoughts.
"Emerald?!"
The paladin raced over to the tiger. He fell to his knees and quickly cradled the beast's large head into his gentle hands. The tiger's breathing was erratic. His heartbeat pounded in quick intervals underneath his skin.
"What happened?" He stammered. "Where did you find him?"
"This creature was lying in the back of my garden near the base of the mountain. I am unsure of when or even how he got there. I attempted to wake him but it appears he may be suffering from some sort of malignant fatigue."
"Fatigue?!" Rayne cringed. "He looks sick, like he's on the brink of death!"
"Saelena," called Ademski. "Please, if you will."
The silent draenei nodded and quickly met with Rayne and the tiger. She kneeled down and carefully ran her thin white fingers through its fur.
"Do not fear Templar," smiled the draenei. "My wife has a special affinity with these types of creatures. She previously used them as hunting partners before the war on Draenor. The cat is in capable hands I assure you."
Rayne nodded as his heart started to settle. He watched carefully as Saelena examined the tiger. She was certainly skilled in that regard. Her eyes peered deeply upon every inch of his skin while checking its internals for any sign of potential injury.
A befuddled look came upon the silent draenei's face. She leaned closer and began to sniff the beast's fur. Her eyes widened and immediately darted her gaze back towards the pathway with a single finger pointed towards the teleportation device.
"Could that…?
The paladin turned his attention towards the Titanic Watcher.
"Freya, is it possible that Emerald used the teleporter? Is that why he's sick?"
"Perhaps," the Keeper pondered. "Though the devices were not designed for use with lesser life forms, it is certainly possible that during the transportation something could have affected the creature's mind. The effects may still be lingering."
There was no doubt in Rayne's mind. If Emerald was here that must mean his master was close by as well. The only one that could verify that information was this very tiger. The paladin needed answers and he would do anything it took to get them.
A faint aura of golden energy radiated in his gauntlets. Rayne caressed the beast's head within his glowing palms. Powerful mists of light filled his vision. He softly pressed his hands into the tiger's skull and infused him with the gracious healing touch of the divine light.
Emerald's breathing soon reached a steady pace. His heartbeat slowed. Saelena formed a quick smile and nodded confirming that the creature was returning to normal. An immense weight slid off the paladin's shoulders as the light gradually faded from his hands and eyes.
The tiger's eyes shot open. His mouth snarled as he quickly snapped to his feet and jumped backwards into a pouncing stance.
"Whoa!" Rayne called.
The paladin stuck out his palm. He paced his breathing to show a calm and nonthreatening stance.
"Calm down Emerald," he beseeched. "It's me, Rayne. Remember?"
The tiger continued to growl. He eyed each of the Templar Knights as a supposed threat. His sharp fangs were in full view and dripped with saliva. The look of hunger in its menacing yellow eyes was trumped only by the savage survival instincts gripping its expression.
"It's okay," Rayne whispered as he crept towards the tiger. "I'm sure you're scared right now but don't worry, that will pass."
The words came pouring out of the paladin's mouth almost on instinct. He knew the tiger couldn't fully comprehend anything he was saying but Rayne hoped that just hearing his calm voice over a short period of time would snap Emerald's memory back into place.
The dreaded atmosphere was thick. The tiger's growls began to slow down with every approaching step. His stance lowered. There was no immediate need to fear any threat of pouncing at least. The paladin did not change his pacing in order to convey a relaxed and caring demeanor.
Rayne stood a mere few inches away. His hand hovered over Emerald's head. It hung there casually awaiting the tiger's next move. This was a vital step. He needed to allow Emerald to make the choice of acceptance rather than force it upon him.
The tiger rose up slowly and caressed the open palm before him. He ran his face from side to side imparting his scent upon the paladin's gauntlet. Emerald's spirits lifted as did his body as he pressed himself into Rayne's chest in a loving and playful manner.
"That's a good boy," smiled the paladin while gently massaging his fur. "I knew you'd remember me."
Rayne turned towards the silent draenei.
"You wouldn't happen to have anything he could eat, would you?"
Saelena dug into her knapsack and procured three long strips of jerky. These were a few snacks she prepared for the journey just in case they grew hungry along the way. She cordially handed them over to the paladin with a bright smile.
"Thank you Saelena."
Rayne offered the dried salted beef to the tiger. Emerald gave them a quick sniff before devouring them all in a single bite. He chewed them for only a brief moment before taking up residence in his empty belly.
"You were hungry, weren't you?"
"Me too kid," the warrior approached. "But for answers, not stale jerky."
Emerald's eyes snapped up. His brow furrowed. Rayne patted him on the head to assist in easing his nerves.
"Don't worry, he's a friend of mine," the paladin stated.
Marcus raised a peculiar eyebrow.
"You two sure are friendly together, like you have a history," he probed. "Just how did you get so close to a big kitty like this without us knowing?"
"It's a long story," sighed Rayne as he rose to his feet.
With Emerald finally calmed down, the paladin could proceed to get the answers he was looking for. The very thought of confronting this now continually plagued his heart. Their last meeting was anything but friendly. After confronting the darkness within himself, Rayne wasn't sure if he was ready to tackle the shadowing looming over someone else that he had a hand in creating as well.
"Emerald!" The paladin called while kneeling back down. "I have something very important to as of you."
This was more challenging than he thought. Just speaking her name aloud made Rayne's spine shiver. It wasn't that he was afraid or nervous. He was still battling his mind on the thoughts of their inevitable reunion which was posing to be a bleak and potentially bloody affair.
The paladin steeled himself. He looked the tiger dead in his yellow eyes with the utmost sense of urgency.
"Where is –"
"What do you want from me? Leave me alone!"
Rayne's eyes went wide. The booming female voice echoed through massive fortress and buried itself within his mind.
"Lorelei…" He whispered.
She sounded panicked and frightened. Her presence within these walls was all but confirmed now. The paladin stood up and frantically began searching the area for the source of the sound.
"Where is it?!" He snapped. "Where is that sound coming from?"
"Help me!" She cried out once more. "Please get them off me!"
Rayne's heart dropped. She was terrified as some unknown monsters were descending upon her. The circumstances almost mirrored their first meeting. Despite her tough exterior, there was still a timid and inexperienced young elf hiding within. It took everything Rayne and his companions had to get this far. Wherever Lorelei was hiding may very well be the last place she ever steps foot in.
"The sound appears to have come from the prison below," commented Freya.
"Prison?!"
Rayne and the rest of the nights rushed towards the inner ring of the pathway. They leaned over in unison. Four faint columns of light illuminated the area. A massive bubbling pool of teal colored liquid sat amongst the fractured tiles below. Large broken astral chains hung off the surrounding walls. The room was vast and impressive but unfortunately, contained no other signs of life.
"How in the hell are we going to get down there?" Marcus asked.
That was indeed the question of the day. Rayne had already had a brief run in with the long descent earlier. It may have been the quickest way but it certainly wasn't the safest. If that were truly the prison of an Old God than it may have been guarded by ancient magics. Even Cayden nor the Legend twins could guarantee a slow descent and the paladin did not want to risk it.
"The only way to Yogg-Saron's prison is through that entrance over there," the Keeper pointed.
Everyone shifted their attention to the southwest. Her finger was aimed at the sixth unexplored arched opening.
"That pathway descends into the depths of Ulduar," remarked Freya. "The person you seek is most likely somewhere along that path."
"Thank you Freya," nodded the paladin.
Rayne affixed his goggles over his eyes. He drew his sword and shield with a determined expression upon his face.
"Let's go every-"
"Hold it!"
The paladin was taken aback by the squeaky robotic sounding voice coming from the nearby entryway. A chipper bronze mechagnome with glowing green lights and a small leather satchel hung over his shoulder happily marched towards the Templar Knights.
"Is this?" Pondered Rayne.
"Keeper Mimiron," greeted the mechagnome. "Please to meet you!"
"A pleasure," the paladin begrudgingly smiled.
It was hard to keep himself pumped up thanks to the sudden interruption. However, the smallest of the Titanic Watchers appeared to have something urgent to report.
"My apologies for the delay," Mimiron began. "My workshop is still a mess after an impromptu visit from a few of your friends."
"You're lucky I didn't tear the whole thing down you tin-bastard," Marcus silently groaned to himself.
"I heard you are planning to head down the Hall of Memories, is that true?"
"Um, yes," answered the paladin still unsure about the names of all of the locations within this fortress. "I suppose."
"Well it's a good thing I caught you then," smiled the mechagnone. "I'm not sure if you know this but while we were under the influence of Yogg-Saron, the Old God summoned one of his generals to guard his lair while he regenerates and returns to his true form."
"So even this Old God has started to rebuild its army," commented Samuel.
"It appears they are much more cunning than we originally anticipated," Zariyana added.
"You don't know the half of it," Mimiron chimed. "This one is real nasty too. His a giant C'Thraxxi named Vezax. I heard he was created using the Black Blood of Yogg-Saron itself as the foundation!"
"A C'Thraxxi?!" The mage gulped. "Here?!"
"What's wrong Cayden?" Rayne impored. "What are these C'Thraxxi?"
The mage released a deep sigh.
"There is limited documentation of them in our historical records but what we do know is that they are some of the most fearsome creatures no this planet second only to the Old Gods that created them," lamented Cayden. "It has even been rumored that one of them was responsible for creating the sentient insectoid races of the qiraji, nerubians, and mantids."
"Ashte'rodne," gasped the night elf. "The War of the Shifting Sands was fought by the minions of that creature?"
"Perhaps not by Vezax himself since it is assumed that the Old Gods each have their own individual armies but if what the Keeper has told us is true," the mage replied. "Then we must be properly prepared."
"That's exactly why I came down here," cheered Mimiron.
The Keeper handed the satchel to Weasel.
"What is this?" The rogue pondered while perusing the bag's contents.
"The C'Thraxxi are tough. Their armor is amongst the strongest material in Azeroth which is why I took that curiously designed explosive device you used earlier and gave it a few upgrades and modifications."
"I'll say," grinned Weasel. "These babies look like they could take down this entire fortress let alone Contract-see or whatever you call them."
"They could," nodded the mechagnome. "Well, assuming you had more than what's in that little bag. I only had time to make six with all the materials on hand. It may not be enough to bring these walls down but I'm sure it'll crack that big bug's shell in no time!"
"Bug?" Marcus shivered. "You never said anything about this guy being a bug!"
"Am I hearing this correctly sister?" Samuel smirked.
"Yes Samuel," smiled Zariyana. "I believe we've finally found the chink in Chromedome's armor as well."
"Chink nothing," scoffed the warrior. "You weren't there in Silithis. All of those creepy crawling nightmares terrorizing the battlefield. My skin still crawls just thinking about it."
"But we're talking about one, not an army," Samuel shrugged.
"Actually," Mimiron interjected. "I'm pretty sure Vezax has a bunch of his crazed followers roaming around down there."
"How do you know that Mimiron?" Questioned Rayne.
"Well," the mechagnome bashfully sulked. "Who do you think let them in here?"
"What?!"
The warrior snapped instantaneously. He quickly seized the Titanic Watcher in his merciless grip and held him aloft nearly six feet off the ground.
"Marcus…" Pleaded Narula.
"No way!" He fired back. "I already had to deal with enough of his shit down there in his toy box. Now he's telling me he just let a bunch of assholes right through the front door and allowed them to take up residence rent free?!"
"It wasn't my fault!" The Keeper begged. "I was being controlled! I had no choice I swear!"
"Settle down Marcus," implored Rayne while placing his hand over the warrior's unarmored shoulder.
Marcus let out a frustrated cough. He released the mechagnome from his grip and allowed him to drop on the ground without any added velocity. Mimiron gasped and wheezed in defiance but appeared thankful to no longer be in any immediate danger.
"My apologies," sulked the paladin. "Please do not hold that against him. Marcus has the more combat experience than most of us combined. If he is worried about this threat than the rest of us should share his sentiments."
"No need," Mimiron sighed pushing himself back to his feet. "I deserved it after all. The least I can do is help remedy my mistakes. I wish we didn't have to burden you guys with that as well but honestly, we could definitely use all the help we can get."
"As can we," smiled Rayne. "Speaking of which, would you do us one last favor Mimiron?"
"Name it!" He excitedly replied. "As long as it doesn't involve dancing with your big friend over there, that is."
The paladin shook his delightedly with a soft smile.
"Would you please ask the remaining Keepers to join us as soon as possible? I am quite certain we are going to need their strength on top of our own. We'll go as far as we can but please, implore them to hurry.
"You've got it," nodded the mechagnome. "I'll be off then. Good luck everybody!"
Mimiron skipped along the path. His metal feet clanked with every little bounce. Now that they've gotten that matter settled, the Templar Knights can continue with their primary mission.
"Alright everyone," acknowledged Rayne. "Let's –"
The paladin was silenced yet again only this time, it disturbance came from a small tug on his cloak. He turned his head and found the silent draenei vying for his attention.
"What is it Saelena?"
She pointed her finger downwards. The tiger had waded through the rest of the Templar Knights and began pushing his head against Rayne's armor once again. Emerald sat down and then looked up at the paladin with a saddened expression.
"I think it would be best if you stayed here Emerald. It is much safer –"
Saelena shook her head. Her eyes said what her mouth couldn't. With just a few simple gestures, Rayne heard the message loud and clear.
"You want to find her too, don't you?"
Emerald's paw reached up and gently tapped against the paladin's shield. Even though neither he nor the draenei standing next to him could speak, they definitely knew how to get their point across.
"Let's go everyone."
Rayne and his Knights stampeded down the pathway. They had battle some of the toughest Azeroth has to offer. The finish line was just beyond those gates. All that stood in their way was an Old God of immeasurable power and his subsequently powerful subordinate. No one said it was going to be easy. At the very least, it was sure to be memorable.