Alright all, enjoy.

(Just a heads up, I'm in a rush today so I haven't had time to spell check it all properly. My bad)

Tyrande had a fast-paced walk as she moved around the temple she just magically teleported into. It started out as just any other day, albeit a little cold from the ocean winds but everything was normal. Then the reports started to come in, all over their territory the drones that so far had done an amazing job of keeping them safe had all abandoned their posts and made for Kal's home.

Then she got word from this very temple that a large magical dome appeared around Kal's home that prevent any from getting close. Not knowing what was happening but also knowing that she needed to get this situation under control. Due to the drone's efforts in patrols, many of the different sentinels had been called back or sent on different missions elsewhere. Meaning that those who remained on the patrol route were going to be vastly outnumbered if the Warsong tried anything.

She did her best to keep a positive thought on the situation, she really didn't want to lose the relationship her people had with Kal. He was too good of an ally to not have, everything he could provide and she wasn't just thinking of the power he wielded but the technology as well. Those drones of his alone have already made the lives of her people so much easier, whatever happened. She was determined to make it right. At least assuming it was something that could be fixed, but her mind kept on going to the many different betrayals that she and her people have suffered over the years.

"Tyrande!" a voice called to her and she didn't even need to turn in order to see Shandris jog over towards her from around a corner. She of course being the only one bold enough to call her by her name in public like that "none can get close" she immediately reported to her as the two made their way around the temple and the high priestess could see the fortress with her own eyes.

Needless to say she was not happy, there was a very clear barrier between the home and a large crowd of people. It appeared to go over the entire structure and stopped just past the surface of the pool so the entirety of what was left of the Well of Eternity was lost on to them until they can fix this. Then there was the even more worrying picture, the army of drones that were forming lines one on top of the other that seemed to go all the way up to the very top of the shield.

Every single one of the drones once blue light at the very front of them where now red and she read the reports, the red light meant that they were in a combat situation so whatever is happening. Kal was ready for a fight, that didn't bode well at all. Seeing the large crowd gathered around the temple, her first priority was getting them to safety "get these people further back, I want them off the summit encase the worst happens" she ordered as she continued to march forward. Many of the different sentinels heard her words and got to work, slowly dispersing the crowd.

Though it was clearly reluctantly as many of those here were not Night Elves and even some where apart of the Horde. Though all were Druids, Shamans or priests so there was no violence, simply more care when it came to ordering them back "What is the worst?" the leader of the sentinels asked as they continued to walk forward towards the line of drones.

"I get attacked" she simply answered as she stopped walking for a moment and looked at the lines of floating machines, many of which had their sights trained on her. When she looked past them however, something caught her attention or more accurately, a lack of something "where's Sköll and Hati?" she asked as she looked at the main entrance to the fortress and for the first time since it's been here, the two large golden war machines were not there.

"We don't know" she was told "a handful of people said that they saw them both teleport away just after the barriers went up"

"So the threats not here" Tyrande said more to herself any Shandris. She remembered what Kal told her about those two, about what their duty was and how strong they were. If they weren't here, then that meant whatever was causing this might not be their fault "stay here Shandris, try and keep things calm" she ordered and before the leader of the sentinels could try and dissuade her, she moved forward towards the drones.

She gave a silent prayer to her goddess, hoping that what Kelex said about her being counted as a friend to Kal was still in effect. She went closer but before she could move within a few meters of the shield, one of the drones fired its weapon right at her feet. She didn't move or dodge but the beam hit and scorched the ground right in front of her so it was clearly a warning shot.

There was a loud commotion behind her and knew that the sentinels had seen that. No doubt wanting to defend her because of course they would do that. But she couldn't let that happen, it would just lead to another warning shot, then an attack and then a full battle "HOLD!" she shouted as she turned around and held out a hand, seeing many sentinels coming forward with their weapons drawn.

Just as she was about to make another order for them all to do back, there was a loud clattering and groaning from in front of her. Turning back around she could see that the large door to the fortress opened down the middle. When the light from the inside faded and she could see it more clearly, she took a step back and adopted a guarded stance.

Kal was slowly flying towards her, he had all his weapons on him, his fists where clenched and his eyes where glowing red.

5-Minutes previously

Clark was looking calmly down the microscope at the samples of the Old God he took a few days ago, knowing that if he was going to protect this world, he would need to do something about these beings. From what he could see due to the planetary scans of the planet, though they weren't as thorough as he would like and they wouldn't be unless he could get a type of satellite network up and running.

He couldn't do that though, at least not yet and definingly not without permission. He would need the green light from everyone due to how much surveillance they would get from it. He stopped for a moment, maybe he could use that a means of building more trust between everyone. He'd think about that more later, for now he went back to sample.

As of the moment, he could tell that this was magical but it wasn't in the same sense everything else in this world was. From what he could tell from his limited studies of magic from this world, it behaved a certain way and completely different to what was in front of him. Looking away from the microscope he turned back to a computer screen, typing in quickly he let the machine run its test. He didn't even wait a moment before he saw the results, upon seeing it he closed his eyes and let out a tired sigh.

The sample vibrated at a different frequency to what everything else on this world did. So, whatever these Old Gods where, they are from another dimension. Which made things much trickier but at the same time could explain a lot about them. Beings from different dimensions have a habit of not sticking to the same rule's others do.

All you had to do is look the comparisons to this universe and his home one, this world alone has more magic than he's ever seen and he's been on New Genisis, Apokolips and so many others. One universe could have more magic in then another or it might very well depend on it.

That being said, if the Old Gods are from their own universe then just like Kal, they could have their own rules to follow and ones to not. Which told him one very basic thing, he won't be able to do anything about them until he can understand them more. For now though, he could at the very least try and start the progress needed for a weapon that would do the trick.

Thankfully he has a very advanced lab and mind that should give him an advantage when it comes to destroying these things "hhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm hhhhhmmmm hhhhmmm" he stopped mid motion and quickly turned around in his spot.

There it was again, that humming that seemed to echo all around him. He was about to talk to Kelex about it and try and find out what was happening but before he could. The A.I beat him to it "Master" he spoke as a hologram of the body he had appeared in front of him "I apologies for the interruption but we are under attack" even though it was spoken in a very calmly voice.

Clark immediately knew that he was serous and began to make his way to the decontamination airlock "what's happening?" he asked as the door closed behind him and a strong blast of mist entered the chamber as well as a square laser that went from one side of the room to the other.

"Two portals opened within the fortress, one in the main atrium and the second in the command centre" Kelex told him as the decontamination finished and he started to take off his own radiation suit.

"Number of hostiles?" he stepped out of the room and pressed a hand to his chest, as he did so his skin suit peeled around him until he was covered in his 'Superman' suit. Without waiting for a response he started to run down the corridor until he made it to the room he was looking for.

"Thousands" Kelex answered for him as he reached for the locked door and opened it with no trouble, behind it rested his Trident, Lasso and bracelets "though they are being diminished as we speak" the A.I continued as he gathered his weapons "Sköll and Hati moved quickly and each went through a portal. As of the moment they are advancing through this... unknown threat with little difficulty"

"Live feed?" he said back just as quickly and a screen appeared projected onto a wall. When Kal turned to look at it, all he could see was carnage. The screen was split down the middle, each side showing the live feed from the optics of both of them. Sköll and Hati moved in sync with each other, using their weapons to decimate and slowly advance towards their goals. What they were he had no idea and based on what he could see, he had no idea where they were either "Do we have a location?" he asked.

"Negative" Kelex answered quickly as he made his way back down the corridor.

"Have any enemies made it past them and into the fortress?" he asked next as he walked.

"A few dozen but the automated turrets have made short work of them and the entire structure has been placed into lock down"

"Do we know how this happened, I thought we were as secure as we could be?" he asked next.

"Based on recorded footage, the culprit for this attack appears to be Fandel Staghelm" Kal stopped walking when he heard that and turned his head to see that the hologram of Kelex has now been replaced with the real thing as his robotic body floated next to him.

"What do you mean?" he asked with a deep frown plastered onto his voice.

"When those portals first opened, I thought in unusual that they appeared so quickly and without warning" he went on to explain "then I decided to back over the old footage" a screen appeared behind Kelex and Kal could see the footage of when he first showed Tyrande, Shandris and Staghelm his home "as you can see, the portal entry points are in the same place the Arch Druid dropped what I believe to a type of seed. I shame myself for not noticing, however it is clearly a possibility that..." he started to explain.

"That this was joint effort" Kal finished for him and let out a tired sigh before a look of anger overtook him, a long time ago he would have given the rest the benefit of the doubt but now after all the war he's been through, he stopped making that mistake.

He didn't like thinking that as so far Tyrande and the rest of the Night Elves seem like nice peaceful people, only fighting when they have too "speaking of" the A.I added as the screen changed from the recorded footage to one that was live, just outside. He could see a large gathering of Night Elves but also many of the others races as well, it wasn't hard to miss all the weapons either. What did stand out to him was Tyrande who stood in front of all of them.

"Open the door Kelex, I need to know what is going on here" he added as he turned and flew quicker in order to get to the door as it opened. When he did, he intentionally made his eyes flair up as a means of intimidation. The doors opened and he started to float outside, looking down at the priestess with an angry look "for the first time in years" he began with a loud voice, all those present looked up at him and many took a step back "I decided to let my guard down and look what happens" he stopped just in front of the first shield giving him an extra level of protection.

"Kal" Tyrande started as she took a slow step forward, no doubt wary of the drones shooting her "I don't know what you're talking about. Why are you acting so aggressively?" she asked him with a notable frown on her face.

He tilted his head to the side slightly, taking note that she's claiming innocence about the entire situation "well, when one's home is attacked. I think being aggressive towards those who attacked it is pretty reasonable" he was still angry and his voice portrayed that, but the red light of his eyes did fade away.

Upon hearing his words, Tyrande's face turned to a frown to a flat-out angry glare. No doubt not happy about the accusation "What are you talking about?" she asked him with her own voice increasing in volume, as well as placing her hands on her hips "we haven't done anything against you"

"Then explain this" Kal said as he flipped his hand out to the side and a large screen was projected besides him, it showed a split screen of two portals that where clearly in his own home. It was a live feed so it also showed the blood and gore all around them as the enemies that managed to make it past Sköll and Hati came through. The ground all around the portals was covered with a black liquid as well as discarded peace's of flesh and bone from god only knows what.

Tyrande looked away from the screens quickly "Kal, if you are under attack from the Nightmare. Then let us help you" she said quickly, her anger forgotten. She knew of the enemy that was attacking him all too well, many of her kind did. The monsters of the Emerald Nightmare, they have been a thorn in the sides of the Night Elves and many other druids for a long while now.

"Help me?" he asked back as if he didn't hear her right "You're the ones responsible for this" he accused and didn't miss the looks of anger that was directed at him from the crowd near the temple.

The high priestess took a step back and turned sideways into a more guarded stance but there was no missing the anger return to her own face as well "how could you say that?" she asked him not even trying to hide her own feelings about his words "we've done all we can to help you settle on our world, within our own territory"

"And yet you plot an attack on" he said back just as quickly, he then gestured with his arm again and the screen changed "unless of course I'm mistaken and this isn't Arch Druid Staghelm dropping to seeds around my own at the exact places where the portals opened" the footage was clear for all to see and Tyrande's frown of anger turned into one of confusion as she and many others all saw it.

"I..." she tried to say something but she couldn't, she didn't expect this "but... that means" her eyes widened before she quickly turned around and shouted to Shandris "Get back to Teldrassil! Find the Arch Druid Staghelms and take him into custody! Now!" many of the different sentinels immediately started to move.

"Don't bother, he's dead" Kal interrupted them and many jaws dropped as they heard him speak so casually about killing their Arch Druid.

"How?" Tyrande asked back quickly.

Kal didn't even need to gesture this time as the screen image changed again, this time to recorded footage directly from the optics of Sköll. The Night Elves all turned to face it and they could see from the moment the two machines were standing outside the fortress to when they jumped into the portals. The video slowed down in order for all to see Staghelm standing in front of a large host with no fear present, a clear sign that he was in charge of them. Then of course how Sköll quickly moved forward and impaled the Druid through the chest and lifted him off the ground, seeming killing him "Commencing eradication" they heard Sköll say as the footage paused.

"So High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind" Kal started as he looked right down at her "you tell me exactly how I'm supposed to feel right now" he demanded of her.

There was so many things wrong with the last two minutes and it was only due to her millennia of experience that she was able to keep a level head. The first thing was Staghelm himself, turning around again she looked towards the sentinels who stopped leaving when Kal spoke. She nodded at them and they continued leaving, she had to trust that they would be able to apprehend the druid, or at the very least get back up so they could "Kal, he's not dead" she started "that portal leads to the Emerald Dream, if he dies there then he'll just wake up where he went to sleep. I admit he'll be weakened but completely fine" she closed her eyes and let out a sight, knowing that was not important at the moment "Kal, I swear in the name of the goddess herself. I had no idea Staghelm was planning something like this and if I knew he was in league with the Nightmare, I would have killed him myself" the statement was loud enough for all to hear but she didn't care, in fact she would go so far as to say many of those around the temple agreed with her.

Kal was quite for a moment as he thought about her words, bringing his hand down to his waist he quickly grabbed the lasso and freed it from its hold, the golden rope shined brightly in his hand "prove it" he stated to her.

The high priestess eyed the rope suspiciously for a moment and thought about her options, she remembers very clearly was this lasso was capable of and he very much was not for the idea of being bound within it but at the same time... what choice did she have? She could say no, turn and walk away. She would deal with Staghelm and hope that it would be enough to prove to Kal that she and her people where allies but what if that wasn't enough.

She would have a very powerful alien figure living right in the heart of her people's territory with weapons of war that she guessed would be able to rival if not outright surpass that of the Legion. She couldn't afford to have him as an enemy, her people did not have the numbers or the strength to patrol the borders with the Horde as well as Mount Hyjal.

And that was ignoring the other more prominent fact about the situation, she didn't want to lose him either. It was no secret that she wanted to keep him as an ally, but what others didn't know was that she wanted to keep him a friend as well. She knew he was a good man that had a very violent past and it wasn't hard to find the similarities between them. The only difference being was that Tyrande and her people were able to win their war against the enemy. Kal had to force a stalemate.

Knowing there was little choice, she took a step closer "I am willing" she said to him.

As soon as the words left her lips Kal started to lower himself to the ground and a small gap in the shields opened, enough to seem like a small doorway for her to step through. And she did so slowly, when she was inside, she stopped. There was a good distance in between her and Kal and when her feet stopped Kal tossed the lasso over her and held it with a tight hold. As it glowed she felt a hiss escape her lips, it was a strange burning sensation that ran throughout her body "It seems your goddess isn't happy with what Hestia's influence is forcing on you" he commented "Tyrande Whisperwind, did you know about your colleague Fandel Staghelm's plan to attack my home?" he asked.

Maybe it was the fact she wanted to answer the question that made her do it so quickly but she had to admit, even she herself was surprised about how fast she spoke "No, I had no idea he was planning something like this"

He frowned slightly as he spoke and his face turned more sympathetic for a moment "where you aware of any plan to attack my me?" he asked.

"No" she said back just as fast "I have done everything I can to allay the fears my people have with you, I want you as an ally and I see you as someone I can one day call friend" he didn't ask any more questions.

The two looked at each other for a moment before kal flicked his wrist and the lasso returned to his hand and placed back on his waist. When he did so Tyrande took a deep breath that she was unable to do before, like a large weight as been lifted from her shoulders and she could stand under her own two feet. Kal took a step towards her and she looked across at him "I'm sorry" he said immediately "but I didn't know who I could trust" he added.

She nodded back at him "I understand and I promise you. Staghelm will answer for this" she said with determined eyes and Kal found himself relaxing around her.

"Kelex, stand down" he said aloud "lower the shields and send the drones back to their patrol routes" the fortress answered his words and soon. Everyone watched as the flying machines all flew away to where they came from and the visible shields around the structure faded away.

"I do not know why Staghelm has done such a thing, but we will get to the bottom of this" she added as the crowd behind her began to calm down though many people still stayed and starred at the two.

"You said he's not dead. How could that be?" he asked her as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"The portals that are within your home lead to the Emerald Dream" she began to explain, happy that she listened to all of Malfurions talks about the magical place, even going a few times herself to see it in person "it's another world that runs parallel to our own, it is a mirror copy of our world had intellect life never existed upon, so it is a vast wilderness. A place where druids can truly study their art, it is also the home of Yesra, she of the great sleep, the dragon aspect of the dream. She and her flight have domain within in and to their best to protect it" she said calmly to him and Kal listened as closely as he could.

Before he could ask anything else, the sound of Kelex could be heard "excuse me for a moment" they both turned to see the body of Kelex speak up as it moved towards them "would you be referring to these dragons?" he asked as much like before a screen appeared before them, though this one was much smaller, big enough for only them to see.

They both looked closely and Kal could see that it was a feed from the optics oh Hati. They were somewhere dark, somewhere deep underground based on the way the two could make out large roots in the distance. Hati seemed to be holding up his shield to block something that was washing over him. One of the many corrupted and mangled creatures was running for him but while blocking he slashed with his blade and it was cut in two. Whatever was washing over him stopped and he quickly turned back forward over his shield, giving the two a good look at what it was.

Tyrande let out a gasp as she saw it first, Kal's reaction was a lot calmer but still a surprise. It was a dragon, that much was easy to tell. Though it looked... wrong, like it was infected with something. He didn't want to say zombie dragon because it was more of a dragon covered in black slime dragon but he doubted it could matter "You mentioned a... nightmare" Kal started as they both continued to look, the dragon let out a roar at Hati but failed to notice Sköll jump from somewhere they couldn't see and landed right on top of it, the blade breaking through the large beasts skull and no doubt through the brain "what's the nightmare?" he asked as the Hati began to walk forward, further down into wherever they were. Sköll jumped off the dragon's head and without a word or moment to wait, they marched side by side.

The priestess beside him took a moment to gather herself before speaking "we are unsure, it is a type of corruption that started to infect to Dream a few years ago. We know very little about it, it is suspected that it came from one of the Old Gods based on the nature of the corrupted. The corrupted being the denizens of the Dream that have become infected by whatever it is. If the children of Ysera have begun falling prey to it as well, then it has grown more powerful than I thought" she said that last part more to herself then him but his listened all the same, while he did so. Sköll and Hati continued their mission.

They two could watch as the machines made their way deeper inwards, killing everything that got in their way without trouble, maybe a couple of scratches but that was simply on the paint and not much else. They both frowned when they saw the door near what seemed to be a solid wall of roots "High energy readings detected" one of them spoke, it was hard to tell because they had the same voice module.

"Possible source of power located" the other spoke.

"Moving forward" as one they both spread their arms and the mortars on their backs fired, with one volley, six blasts of pure plasma energy shot forward and blasted the roots. The magical roots not being able to stand the intense heat melted them away and a large hole had been created that would be big enough for them to fit through.

The two marched together and when they reached the other side, they could see that they stood on the edge of a large drop. They looked down to see a central chamber, it was large round and while the ground seemed solid, the walls seemed to be made out of the same roots as the ones they just blasted through. But what really caught their attention was three things. The first being a humanoid being that was pacing back and forth in the middle, the second was another humanoid that was tide down to a rock slab. The camera feed zoomed in to get a closer look "Malfurion!" Tyrande shouted from her spot beside him as they watched.

He turned to look at her and saw the look of utter horror on her face "you know him?" he asked as he could see many sentinels and other druids come forward as she shouted that name. When they did Kelex thought it prudent to make the screen larger in order to allow those to see, now that the cat was out the bag, so to speak.

"He's my husband" she rounded on him "Please, you have to save him" she said to him.

"I don't think you need to tell me that" was all Kal said back as he went back to look at the footage.

The third thing that caught the attention of the two machines was the large red clump up against the wall that seemed to be pulsing with something "source of power readings detected"

"Leader of forces highlighted"

"Possible hostage sighted"

"Moving forward"

As one the two large machines jumped from their ledge and quickly approached the ground. Landing with a heavy thud, when they did so. The being who was pacing and seemed to be in mid monologue turned to look at them. As Kal saw him he couldn't help but comment "that's a weird looking thing"

"Xavius" the priestess let out a growl as she spat the name, looking with narrowed eyes at him. There were many an angry look from the crowd that had gathered all around them, seemingly to interested in the video feed to care about how hostile the situation was not even a few minutes ago "the former high councillor to queen Azshara and the reason the Burning Legion was summoned to our world in the first place. During the war he became the first Satyr, a Night Elf that was corrupted by Fel magics"

Kal let out a hum as he turned to look back at the screen "So a bad guy then?" he guessed.

"Yeah" she said back with crossed arms as they both turned back to the screen.

"Kelex, send a message to the two. I want him alive" he ordered.

"And here we have the two..." he stopped mid-sentence to look more closely at them "just... automatons?" he threw his head back and let out a laugh "HAHAHAHA, I will enjoy turning you two into scrap" a powerful red energy started to form around his hands and yet both machines did not move. When he did fire they simply raised their shields which proved strong enough to hold the blast back, though they were still looking at the enemy. While the others were confused as to why, they were soon told the answer by the machines themselves.

"Body scan complete"

"Nervous system highlighted"

"Commencing containment"

As one the two charged forward towards the enemy, who was suddenly much more concerned at the little damage his attacks seemed to do on his enemy's, before he could even utter an insult at them. Sköll reached the Satyr, placing his large shield under him and flipped him in the air over to Hati who was standing ready. As the Satyr flew towards him, Kal could see it all happening in slow motion. Hati stepped out of the way of the attack so as body fell to the ground just next to where Hati now stood. The large machine quickly raised its weapon and with a pinpoint accuracy, the very tip of the blade pierced the skin just under the back of Xavius next.

To the others, they just saw the Nightmare Lord get flung from the air and land hard with the other machine suddenly standing over him with a killing stance but the tip of the blade was dripping with blood"target down. Detaining"Hati said as he reached down and grabbed the Sytar's legs, hoisting him up and throwing him over his shoulder.

Sköll on the other hand went over to the body of the downed Night Elf, the large male looked beat up but it was easy to tell that he was different to every other creature that the two machines had seen. He had a slightly darker shade of skin to Tyrande, long green hair and a beard that would make Gandalf jealous, there was no missing the feathers that sprouted from his arms or the large antlers coming from his head "Identify" he demanded on the Night Elf. Despite being as beat up as he was, the druid turned to look at the machine without any fear.

"Malfurion Stormrage, Arch Druid of the Cenarion Circle" he said calmly as his eyes landed on the downed Saytr "that won't work, you're simply carrying his essence in the dream. If you want to capture him then you must find his body in the physical world as well as this one" he told.

As he spoke, Kal turned to look at Tyrande who had a look of complete relief on her face "is that true?" he asked her.

She took a deep breath before turning to look at him "Yes, if you take them through the portal, all you will do is force them to awaken in our own world" she informed him.

He stayed quite for a moment before letting out a shrug "good enough I suppose" he spoke before turning to Kelex "carry on then" he added to Kelex who re-laid the instructions to the two guards.

The rest went about how everyone expected it would, Sköll broke the restraints that where keeping the druid in place and carried him on his shoulders and carried him to safety. On the way out, they fired their plasma cannons at the pulsing red mass which let out a huge explosion that forced the two to leave quicker than walking. As they left the rooted area, all those present could see the many different bodies of those who had been slain by the two machines. It was nothing more than a vast field of body's some humanoid and some not. Many different types that all had one thing in common.

They were dead.

When the two machines reached the portals, Xavius was thrown through first. There was very little care for him as he was tossed through but as was expected by some, he didn't come out the other end. Something Kal was disappointed in as it meant that he wouldn't be punished for his crimes just yet, something that had to change in his opinion. Malfurion was carried through by Sköll much more gently but much like before while the large machine emerged from the Emerald Dream and appeared back the fortress, the druid's body was nowhere to be found.

He looked over to Tyrande expecting to have some answer for that but she simply told him that wherever he was, he was now once again in the wakening world. While the expect location of his body is unknown, she and many others expected Staghelm to be involved in the disappearance of his body. She left soon after, stating that she wanted to question the Arch Druid herself and if he was yet to be placed in custody, do that as well.

Kal couldn't help but shake the bad taste that was in his mouth as she left, he knew that she had every right to be upset with him over what happened but at the same time he also knew that she could understand where he was coming from, she knew why he was so hostile and why he didn't trust her. He brought his hand up to his face and let out a sigh, turning around and making his way back inside. Before he did however, Sköll and Hati stepped back through themselves and took their former positions on either side. Both of them ready for whatever attack may come next "good boy's" he said to them before he walked past them and closed the large door behind him.

What followed was a solid three hours of clean up. He used his own power to destroy the portals within his home and with his heat vision he was able to completely disintegrate any type of residue that was left over. While a handful of drones worked inside to clean up the ripped apart corpses that managed to sneak past both Sköll and Hati but got ripped apart by the turrets, Kal himself got a pretty advanced mop and got to work scrubbing the blue crystal clean. It was boring bitter work but he just wanted to keep himself busy and not think about how much of an ass he felt. He angrily shook his head and tossed the mop in a bucket, as he spent more time with himself he started to feel more and more guilty about how he treated Tyrande, she's been good him in his time but at the same time he didn't. One of their people's leaders, her own colleague had been responsible for an attack on his home. He reacted exactly how he would be suspected too.

He just hated that it came down to that.

When everything was said and done and the clean-up was finished, he was about to make his way to the lab and continue his research into the Old God flesh but before he could, another distraction came to him.

As he walked towards the main doors and upon his arrival, they opened to sight of Jaina waiting for him there. She gave him a strained smile and a nervous look, no doubt hearing about what happened "Kal, I need your help" she said to him as he stepped aside and allowed her in.

Which is what led them to where they are now, sitting on either side of a table, in one of the few longue rooms of the fortress "what is this drink?" she asked as she took another deep gulp of the fizzy black drink in her hands.

"Coke" he said calmly "and don't drink too much of it, it's got a lot of sugar" he added before taking a drink of his own. He knew that he should be expected to other a type of wine or something else alcoholic but since they had very little effect on him, he didn't keep any in the store houses of the Fortress, which is also why he didn't have any coffee either, what would that do for him. He's sure he's got the beams to make it in storage somewhere but he has yet to set all that up "Jaina, I don't think I can help you" he stated.

The words seemed to be enough to snap her out of whatever bliss she was feeling due to the lovely drink she's never had before. She lowered the cup "why not?" she asked back politely though there was a confused frown on her face "I assure you, you'll be well compensated for your time" she added.

"With what? I don't need money" he added quickly before shaking his head "and it's not that, in order to do a deep scan and really try to understand just what that thing is exactly. That won't be easy without some serious equipment, I don't mean some handheld device. I'm talking along the lines of deep-sea sonar systems maybe even a satellite network" he paused when he looked at her "right, you don't know what those are"

"Maybe not" she spoke before he could try again "but what I did understand is that you are telling me that you could do it"

That was true, Kal could do it. He let out a sigh and rubbed his face "I can't do it without permission" he decided to say, knowing that the massive invasion of pricey would be too much to just brush off.

She frowned as she heard that "permission? From who?"

"Everyone" he answered back just as quickly "a Satellite network is a grouping of machine that are..." he paused for a moment trying to think about the best way to go about this. Once again cursing the situation, Jaina was no doubt a very smart woman but she group up with magic so trying to explain what a satellite is, was like trying to talk in a different language "they are very high up in the sky, so far that they escape the reach of the worlds gravity and they rotate around the world, taking a lot pictures and scans that can be used to get a better look at things"

As he spoke, it seemed that she started to understand the basic concept "And I'm going to assume that it would be very easy for someone to use them as a means of spying"

"Exactly" he said with a smile. Happy that she understood the position she was placing in him "I understand that you want to know more, I do as well. But the invasion of privacy it would bring can't just be ignored, it needs to be brought up and discussed"

She rested her head on her hand as she leaned on the table "but for that to happen we would need to bring everyone together in one place and that's never happened once, the one did it did..."

"Yeah" he interrupted her "the king of the humans and one of the most prominent leaders of the Alliance gets kidnapped and everything with Onyxia happened" he finished for her, remembering everything he learnt from his travels with the Horde forces from Silithus up to Orgrimmar "sorry Jaina but I don't think anyone has the influence to try and bring everyone together"

She let out a sigh as she listened to his words, though one part of it did start to stick out to her "not one person" she added as she looked at him "but if there were others, it might work" her eyes widened and she sat up before looking and Kal "the Kirin Tor know about this... thing and have started to make a couple of discrete teams that are going to start to study it, so the mages will come to that meeting. You've done a lot of good within Orgrimmar which is right next to you so Thrall wouldn't lose much and you saved Anduin's life which at the very least could get Varian to consider coming" she started to list all the people that would come to a meeting on his word.

"And I'm assuming since they are the leaders or heavily influential in Varian's case for both factions, you think that will be enough for them to bring the others" he finished for her, he crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat. No doubt thinking deeply about everything "but don't forget that as of this morning my relationship with the Night Elves is quite tense" he added.

Jaina did look slightly uncomfortable when he said that but she shook it off "High priestess Whisperwind is one of the most experienced and mature people in the world, I promise you. What happened earlier, not only will she understand but also think it's her who's in the wrong and would need to make it up to you" she explained softly to him though he didn't seem to believe that completely "at the very least, if you tell her that a meeting is happening between everyone. She'll want to be there and from her and the Night Elves, you can have the Draenei come as well. They are closer with the Elves than anyone else" she added.

He looked in deep contemplation for a moment before he slowly nodded "alright, I will head to Orgrimmar and speak the Warchief about a meeting and then do the same with Tyrande. We can schedule this for a week from now, give everyone time to think and discuss it all" he added before standing up, causing Jaina to do the same though she kept looking at him like she wanted to ask something but stopped herself "what is it?" he asked.

He had to admit, her entire stance did not seem to match her character as she seemed to act somewhat shyly for a moment before she was able to get control of herself "I know this is a very pressing issue and we should deal with it as soon as we could but..." she looked around the room she was in "last time I was hear, we said I could have a tour and I would very much like to see this place" she added.

He gave her a flat look for a moment before letting out a chuckle "fair enough" he spoke "let's start in the atrium" he added before he turned and walked away, her following close behind with a small smile on her face.

Tyrande's eyes were narrowed as she looked across the open grass filled valley of Teldrassil's canopy, not even half a mile on front of her was the target. Staghelms home, needless to say she came here as soon as she was able and has not left since. It's been two hours now and the Arch druid has yet to say a word but truthfully, she didn't care about that. No, the only thing that did occur to her was the report she got when she arrived, the sentinels got a head start on her as she tried to smooth things over with Kal.

From what they could report, they saw Staghelm try and leave with Malfurions body before he was forced to lock himself inside his home in order to not be immediately shot and killed. The same could not be said for a handful of members of the Cenarion Circle who stood with Staghelm in whatever delusions he's made for himself. Those bodies now littered the Valley full of arrows. They held their own for a time but when Tyrande herself showed up, things changed.

Unfortunately, that gave the druid the time he didn't needed to fortify. Large and hard branches and roots wrapped themselves around his home and she watched as many tried to get rid of them to little effect. She didn't think they would have an effect, as much as she hated to admit it. Teldrassil was Staghelms seat of power, he had more of a hand in creating this tree than any other so it makes sense that he would have the most influence over it. Many different druids where doing what they could in order to try and get rid of those roots but so far, they were having little effect.

And of course, there was the main concern as well, Malfurion was completely at his mercy. He would be incredibly weakened after everything that happened if not just out right unconscious from everything that happened. Despite everything they could do, she doubted that they would be able to do much if he threatens to kill her husband, which brings her back to a question that has been plaguing her mind ever since she got here, why hasn't he? He hasn't even made the threat yet, what could that mean? "It's no use high priestess" a voice from the side called out to her and she turned to see one of the many druids who had tried to help "his control over the tree is too potent for us to try and take it away"

She let out an angry sigh and made a small prayer to Elune to help calm her down, she was angry, angrier than she has been in a while. She couldn't let her emotions interfere with this, no matter how hard it was.

"Maybe it would be best to make a deal" a voice from her side called out Jaelyne Evensong. One of the Night Elves strongest warriors said, clad in her full armour and ready for a fight as she always was "if he leaves Malfurion be, we'll let him go to fight another day"

"We could never trust that" Shandris spoke "and I very much doubt that he would trust us as well"

"What other options are there" she said back to the leader of the Sentinel's, a harshness in her voice that was easy to hear "it's a stalemate, we must find some way to break it"

As much as she wanted too, Shandris couldn't say anything back. This was a very bad situation to be in and they had no idea how to get out of it "I can help" a new voice called.

One that Tyrande was not expecting to hear so soon, all three-woman turned around and saw Kal hovering in the air before gently lowering to the ground next to them "Kal?" was all she said to him.

He looked at her before letting out a sigh "I'm sorry for how I acted earlier, I shouldn't have been so hostile until a found all the facts"

"You have no reason to apologies" she said back but she turned back around to face the house, fearing that she would miss something if she turned away for too long "your home was attacked, you're allowed to be defensive about it. Especially when it was done by one of my people"

"Well, either way" he added stepping forward until the two stood side by side "I would like to help where I can"

"You said you could do something" Jaelyne said quickly, wanting to get back to the matter at hand.

"Yeah, I just need to get him close to the other side of those roots. I'll rip him out of there" he said as he turned his head to look at Tyrande "I know you'll want him but he attacked my home and I don't like the idea of him being somewhere I can't keep an eye on him. So, I would like to take him back with me. I'll throw him in a cell right next to Onyxia. I promise, he won't ever get out"

She turned to give him a sideways glance before nodding, in truth she did want Staghelm to suffer for he has done but at the same time. She just wanted her husband back, giving up custody for that seemed very minor. She let out a sigh already feeling the headache that will come when others learn that she willingly gave up someone who would undoubtably be a very important prisoner to an alley, but at the moment she didn't care. She turned to face him and let out a small nod.

Taking that for what it was Kal nodded back before he took a step forward and started to slowly walk towards the guarded home. He didn't try and hide himself at all, not surprising when one considered that he wanted the target to know he was coming. Now he wasn't in complete control of course, he couldn't see through the roots or even the basic wood of the tree as the entire thing was heavily saturated in magic but he wasn't too concerned.

As he got closer and closer to the home, he could feel the ground under him rumble and the roots tighten their hold over the home, it was as if he could sense he was coming through the wood itself and he had to admit, that seemed incredibly useful. Maybe that meant he would be able to hear him as well "Staghelm" he spoke slightly louder than usual as he continued to walk though he did do it slowly "I want to talk" he added as he finally reached the roots that wrapped around the home, only a foot or so away from him. The next few moments were done in complete silence, Kal reached out with his hearing and while it was difficult to sort things out, and that had nothing to do with the magic but all the tree branches and roots that moving about, grinding on each other. It was making things tricky but thankfully, he could make out the shuffling of footsteps "I know you can hear me Staghelm, why did you do it? Why attack my home?" he asked.

"Because you're a threat to the plan" the answer came quickly, it was almost a whisper that echoed through the wind around him, no doubt magical somehow. But he could tell it was the same voice "you have to be stopped"

"And who's plan is that?" he asked back as he took another step forward, turning his head to the side he placed it closer to the roots in order to hear better "because last time I checked, I was only helping"

"HELPING!" he shouted back, very easy to hear that. It gave him a good idea of where he was in the building, using the sound of his voice as a type of sonar "you've only made everything worse, I was so close to achieving my goal. So close to getting back what was taken from me. You ruined everything!" he also shouted that last part.

"What was taken?" he asked back quickly, knowing that he needed to keep the druid talking as for as long as he could.

"MY SON!" that word made a lot of things make sense "he died in that accursed desert during the first war, all because the great and mighty dragons refused to lower themselves to fight in a war that was their responsibility" there was a momentary pause before he continued "The great one Yogg-Saron, came to me from across the dream. Said that all I had to do was work for him, and he would undo that mistake. Bring my son back to me"

"It lied" even he had to admit, the response from him came out quicker than he would have thought "I don't want to be cruel but you need the truth. Once a soul goes past that vail, there is no going back. I have seen so many sorcerers, witches, masters of magic, prophets, demons, angels and gods make that promise. It is always a lie" he placed both his hands on the roots and tried to feel where Staghelm was through the smallest of vibrations going through everything "I'm not going to pretend to know the pain of losing a child and I'm sure it can be the reason for doing many wrongs, but what you're doing now is to much"

"SHUT UP! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!" the anger radiating off of the voice seemed to effect the environment around them as the trees started to rumble and the roots he was touching began to quake slightly. Kal didn't want to mention that he was right, all of this came from his own universe and as he is well aware that the rules are different but he had a feeling the druid didn't know that "you come here and think that you can!..."

Kal stopped listening as he heard the footsteps come closer and stop on what must have been the other side of the root barrier. As soon as he was sure, he acted. He quickly moved his right hand and pressed a small almost invisible button on the forearm on his left and he brought his hand back and smashed it against the root right in front of him.

While he was sure that it would have been difficult if not downright impossible for anyone else to do that considering what was said but it didn't really matter in this context. While these roots where really strong and magickly protected, but it wasn't going to do much against a fist that can shatter a planet in one punch. The wood stood no chance against him and with a large bang, it ripped right through it, creating a small hole for him to reach through. Grab the neck of Staghelm and rip him from his home.

Of course there was always the chance that the wood would still hold and his hand would come out with nothing more than a small bundle of flesh and the body of the druid would be left bleeding out on the ground of his home but Kal had a feeling that these roots wouldn't want to hurt the one who was controlling them and he it seemed his hunch was right.

As he pulled the body of the druid, the strength of the wood gave way and it returned to the density they normally would have. Staghelm screamed in both pain and anger as Kal span his body and through him away from his home and further into the clearing. He rolled across the ground for a couple of feet before coming to a stop, he didn't even need to check to see many bones where broken. He stopped rolling on his stomach and tried to pick himself up "you...YOU BAST...!" that was as far into the yelling as he could have gotten before Kal appeared right in front of him and with a quick jab to the head, the Arch Druid was knocked out completely.

There was a complete silence that went across the canopy as many all looked to the sight of their former leader. Without much grace or any gentleness at all, Kal kneeled down and lifted the druid tossing him over his shoulder.

He turned to look at Tyrande who was already coming towards him but stopped as a small blue portal opened up right next to her. While many aimed their weapons at it, none reacted in time to stop Hati from stepping out from it. Carrying the body of Malfurion in his arms and gently laying him on the ground in front of the hight priestess who was quick to drop to her knees herself and hold him closer "hostage secured, threat to fortress eradicated, returning to guard position" it spoke in its deep voice before stepping into another portal that opened behind it.

Kal took a deep breath before he started to float into the air, he knew that maybe it would be best to say goodbye and everything but he doubted that Tyrande's attention would turn away from her husband even for a moment. So he shot into the air and made his way home, ready to place the unconscious man in a cell right next to the black dragon.

Alrighty then, we'll leave it here. I hope you al enjoyed and let me know what you all think.

Next story update: Return of Hope