Louise and Siesta were experiencing mixed emotions regarding the return of their Nerazim teacher. On the one hand, they were relieved he had returned to them safe, but on the other… quite alarmed at receiving yet more troubling news.
"What's wrong, Mr. Zeratul?" Siesta asked, concerned.
I assume, Akhundelar Siesta, that you can acutely recall the details of the Battle at Tarbes? Zeratul asked. Siesta felt her body tense up and heartrate increase at the mention of it, prompting Zeratul to continue, Do you also remember when the Duplicitous Fouquet told you that you were not alone in possessing Koprulu technology?
"I do, but-," Siesta cut herself off, confused as to how Zeratul would know that.
They may know how to operate this technology, but they do not know how to secure its broadcast from psionics such as I, Zeratul explained, sensing Siesta's confusion. I mention this because the extent of the Koprulu Terran technology upon this world runs far deeper than we once imagined. The Spear of Adun's advanced sensors have been able to detect countless sources of Koprulu Terran signatures upon this world, mostly concentrated in the southern part of this continent.
Gallia? Louise thought to herself, trying to remember the history of that country that worked hard to isolate itself from the world.
Is the Studious Tabitha not from this 'Gallia'? Zeratul asked, being able to hear Louise's thought clearly. Louise looked to him, surprised that he listened in, and nodded. I see… we must speak to her about this soon. For now, I have returned to watch over and train you both, and to remind you of the dark tidings that brought us together. These interlopers are likely part of Amon's grand designs, and it would not surprise me that their presence may prove to be a threat not just to you, but to this whole world. Louise and Siesta nodded in acknowledgement.
"What happened with the Zerg, though?" Louise asked, concerned.
It is… strange. We believe we have eradicated the infestation upon the moon and have detected no more significant signs of sapient Zerg signatures both above and below. Until such a time as the Zerg may decide to make a resurgence, we believe the threat has subsided. We shall remain here, however, until that is beyond the shadow of a doubt, Zeratul informed. Louise and Siesta were unsure if they should be relieved or worried, choosing instead to put it from their minds as they did not need to be worrying about a race of otherworldly monsters possibly destroying their world on top of the conspiracies they dealt with with the Queen.
"There is something more, Mr. Zeratul," Siesta began.
You have already encountered another psionic, have you not, my apprentice? Zeratul surmised. Siesta, unsurprised at his deduction, nodded.
"She was clearly trained… different than I. She used powers I can't mostly use yet," Siesta admitted, looking down at her hands. "I must ask for more training. I can't be caught off guard like that again." Zeratul nodded in acknowledgement.
And you, Executor Louise? I sense you have something to tell me as well, Zeratul said as he turned to a slightly confused Louise. After a moment, she remembered and went to grab the book that was given to her by the Queen. She handed it to Zeratul, and would that he had human capacity for facial expressions, he would have been left mouth agape at this. This is… Zeratul trailed off as he rubbed his hand over the symbol.
"What is it?" Louise asked.
I do not know why it exists in such a form, Zeratul began as he opened the book. Unlike when Louise first opened it, the pages immediately were filled with glowing text. As I suspected… Khalani. Zeratul could feel his charge and pupil's confusion and growing sense of impatience as he closed the book and returned it to Louise. It is a tome of Templar techniques. Both light and dark. But it appears to be locked only to those who possess a strong connection with the Khalai or Void energies.
"Oh," Louise said as she opened the book once more and saw it all blank except for the page that showed her the feedback spell. "So why is it blank for me?"
It appears it was designed to reveal its secrets only when your connection to the Void or Khalai energies is at a level most Protoss warriors only reach after a century of your years in training, Zeratul explained. Louise, eyes wide, could scarcely comprehend the scale of what was being explained to her. Worry not, Executor Louise. I can feel that the tome was clearly made to fulfill your needs when they arise. Though, I must ask if I may take the tome to my people to have it looked upon. Who knows what secrets may be unlocked?
Louise paused for a moment, but, upon remembering who she was talking to handed the book back to him
My thanks, Executor Louise. We shall have it copied and returned to you at once, Zeratul stated as he disappeared from the room once more in a cloud of shadows. The girls, finally having a moment back to themselves, laid back down and breathed heavy sighs. After a moment of silence Siesta peeked over at her girlfriend, who was already looking at her expectantly. Without uttering another word, the two continued what had been endlessly interrupted throughout this day and evening.
The following morning they were awoken not by any unnatural disturbances, but naturally as the sun warmed their sleeping faces.
"Huh. I forgot what it's like to just… wake up without being awoken," Siesta remarked, thinking back to even her maid days where every day she was awoken to do her duties.
"Yeah," Louise agreed as she cuddled up closer to Siesta, "It's nice." Siesta embraced her with a smile and kissed her on her head. The two laid in peace for as long as they wished until the call of nature stirred them out of their comfort and into the rest of the waking world. Louise, as she blearily wandered through the halls to the restroom was given the occasional dirty look by a passing student, envious of her privilege to avoid classes. Being too groggy to notice, Louise went about her business and returned to the room to see Siesta preparing herself for a bath. "Oh yes, you DID mention that you wanted to bathe last night." Louise mentioned
"Yeah," Siesta acknowledged with a chuckle. "And after everything else we did I think it's very needed." Louise giggled at that remark. Just before Siesta was about to leave, she instinctively reached to grab Siesta's nightgown's sleeve. Siesta, in response, gave her a surprised look. Louise was unable to hide how obviously flustered and anxious she was at what she wanted to ask. She felt herself wriggling out of anticipation.
"U-uh," Louise stammered as she felt like her mind was lurching through mud to try and say the next words to just ask if they could bathe together. "So, I was wondering…" Louise once again tried and failed to vocalize as she trailed off. Siesta gave her a knowing smile and took her girlfriend's hand.
"You want to bathe together?" Siesta asked, smiling. Louise could only muster up a nod in response. Siesta giggled and kissed Louise, causing her to calm down slightly. "Of course!" Siesta announced as the two went, Louise giddy with excitement she could barely contain. Following their bath, which relaxed and refreshed them both, they had their breakfast and moved out into the courtyard where they saw Zeratul warp down once more. He approached the two and produced the book Louise had lent him.
The text is now copied, Zeratul said. Through a bit of study we were able to determine that this text contains divergent teachings from that of our own. Techniques never seen nor utilized by Nerazim nor Khalai. You have much to look forward to and learn, Young Executor. Zeratul explained. Louise looked upon the book in her hands with wonder and a slight sense of dread as the weight of responsibility began to grow on her. Worry not, Executor Louise, you do not walk this path alone. Zeratul nodded to her and Siesta. Louise, her hand now taken by Siesta, looked to Siesta to return the reassuring gaze that had been unknowingly placed upon her and smiled. As for your training… I believe it may be best accomplished upon the Spear of Adun. The resources offered there are plentiful.
"What?!" Louise and Siesta both exclaimed in disbelief, their minds churning out catastrophic thought after catastrophic thought of any number of things that could happen to them both being warped and being beyond the bounds of this world and being among an alien race.
I assure you, on my life as your mentor, that no harm will come to you, Zeratul reassured, placing his hand upon his chest. The longer the group talked, the more the students around them began to gather and whisper. Wanting the situation to be over with, Louise took the initiative.
"Okay! We'll go, but we have to be back soon in case we're called for service!" Louise declared, with a bit of shakiness in her voice as she did. Zeratul nodded and the group made their way to the pylon, where Zapper was already waiting, carrying Derflinger and Siesta's gauntlet in his particle beam.
"Hey there, partner! Pinky! What's going on?" Derflinger asked in his usual cheerful voice. Siesta took him, still in his scabbard, and strapped him to her back.
"We're just taking a little trip for training," Siesta announced as she slid her hand into the gauntlet, her Khalani runes lighting up and her mind once more filling with knowledge of its use.
Be warned. Your first warp may be… disorienting. Especially for beings such as you. Zeratul's warning was so brief as to be essentially nonexistent as, with a brief flash of light, Louise and Siesta felt their bodies experience a feeling of being stretched, folded, twisted, and set down all at once. Louise immediately toppled over onto the metal and glass floor and began to hyperventilate while Siesta was able to stabilize herself against a wall as she fought the urge to vomit.
"If I could throw up my insides, I would," Derflinger announced, his normally cheerful, energetic voice now audibly weaker and labored. Louise could see Siesta regain her composure relatively quickly, while she, herself, struggled to stand. Passing Protoss took only a moment of their time to gawk at the humans that had appeared in their ship, but quickly moved on to their other duties.
Are you alright, little Terran? A friendly, unfamiliar voice resonated in Louise's head. She, having just managed to get to her hands and knees, looked up to see what looked like a bulky, stout Protoss with what appeared to be a beard of some hard material around his chin and a pair of what looked like shining metal tentacles coming from his back reaching out to her with his long, thin-fingered and long-nailed Protoss hand. Louise, hesitant at first, reached to take it and was swiftly brought to her feet. I've never warped a Terran before, I am sorry if the experience was unpleasant. I have concocted something for you to take the disorientation away. Or you may choose to simply let the effects fade. This cheerful demeanor perplexed Louise as she had been so used to only interacting with Zeratul. She failed to consider his offer, however, as she was busy taking in her surroundings, which seemed to stabilize her well enough.
"Who are you?" Louise asked this quite more than cordial Protoss.
Oh! Forgive me. I am Phase-Smith Karax, Karax announced. Ah! Interesting… Karax became distracted at the sight of Siesta's gauntlet, reaching out and lifting her arm for a better look. It is difficult to believe this is Terran workmanship… the quality is almost approaching that of one such as myself! Though use of this crystal? I've never thought to do such a thing… Fascinating! Karax seemed to be completely lost in his own train of thought as he excitedly examined Siesta's gauntlet.
Forgive Karax, Akhundelar Siesta, he is quite inquisitive, Zeratul stated with amusement and a slight hint of apology. Upon hearing that, Karax released the confused Siesta's arm.
Ah yes. Do indeed forgive my impertinence, Karax said with wholehearted apologetic intent as he backed away from Siesta.
"It's fine, really," Siesta reassured as she finally felt herself find her bearings and began to behold the wonder of this place. "So… we're really-"
In space? Indeed! I remember the joys of my first time in space. I had been looking forward to it for so long. Now I spend so much time in space I scarcely recall times in atmosphere! Karax explained. His excitement and joy were infectious as both Louise and Siesta smiled at him. Oh! I think this is what Terrans refer to as 'smiling' and it is a good thing, yes? Karax asked. Both Louise and Siesta nodded at him.
Come, Executor Louise, Akhundelar Siesta, we have little time as we should get you back to your world before nightfall, Zeratul said, so as to cut off any further distraction in this moment. He gestured to the group as he stepped forward to lead the way. It was good that the girls had a guide as the sheer scale of this maze and all its wondrous distractions would have had them almost immediately lost. The group stopped on a metal disc that glowed on their arrival and began to ascend. The girls peered out as the disc took them up and they were able to see much more of where they were. The walls of the disc (which was their elevator) gave way to an open/forcefielded view where they could see out into what looked like a massive, sprawling, golden city where countless Protoss were moving like relative ants. Among them they could also spot incomprehensibly large machines making their way through this grand space walking on stilts, and even a few flying machines akin to the sky fury zip by. Their minds could scarcely register everything before their elevating disc slowed to a halt, with yet more walls replacing the grand view they briefly had. Eventually they stopped at a wall that had glowing white lights in the center that turned to blue as the wall parted to reveal itself to be a door. The group stepped out and Louise and Siesta's eyes widened and jaws dropped at what they beheld. And endless sea of stars, and, in the distance, a small blue and green ball. It seemed as though this entire room were open to space itself, but each of them could see a shimmering distortion that indicated that it was shielded from space proper. The group stopped in front of a familiar group of Protoss that they briefly saw at Tarbes.
Hierarch Artanis, Zeratul greeted to the one with the most elaborate and beautiful golden armor adorning him. He looked upon the group with his glowing blue eyes.
Ah, these must be the Terrans you have been instructing, Artanis remarked as he approached them. It is good to see you again, Friend Siesta, Executor Louise. Artanis nodded at both of them in acknowledgement and they each nodded back.
"H-hello," Louise barely managed to muster out as she waved awkwardly at the towering, heavily armored alien before her.
I understand your fear, Executor Louise, but please be at ease. We are all comrades against Amon, Artanis reassured with a nod. Louise nodded back, feeling slightly more relaxed.
Shall we begin training? Zeratul asked expectantly. Artanis nodded as he gestured for Louise to come forward. She stepped up to the console that Artanis stood before and looked down upon it. Seeing all manner of symbols and images but being unable to parse any of it.
I will teach you basic battlefield tactics, should you be required to lead once more, Artanis told her as he began instructing her in the uses and abilities that she had access to. She took one last look back as it seemed Siesta was being escorted away by the female Nerazim, Matriarch Vorazun. Siesta looked back and the two exchanged one anxious glance before being pulled back to their mentors. You seem distressed. Please speak freely, Executor, Artanis said, sensing Louise's distress.
"It's just… we always trained together," Louise practically whispered out.
I understand. She is a close ally you have forged an unbreakable bond with, Artanis acknowledged. Though I sense it runs deeper than being bonded by battle. Louise began to look visibly flustered by his perception. Artanis, somewhat confused but remembering this all-too-familiar feeling he felt when dealing with his brother in battle from Koprulu, the Terran James Raynor, decided not to pursue the matter further. He instead blissfully resigned himself to the continued ignorance of Terran mating rituals.
Meanwhile, Siesta and Vorazun had exited the elevator and made their way into a hall where various Protoss warriors were sparring. Upon entering, the Nerazim in the hall bowed their heads in respect of the Matriarch while Khalai Protoss only acknowledged her with general respect before resuming their training. Vorazun led Siesta to a mostly empty space near what Siesta could only assume was a rack of training weapons.
We do not know each other directly, Terran, I am Vorazun, Matriarch of the Dark Templar, Vorazun announced as she turned to face Siesta. Siesta, not knowing what to do, opted for an awkward curtsy.
"I am Siesta, Gandalfr or Akhundelar to Louise, depending on who you ask," Siesta anxiously blurted out. If Vorazun was embarrassed for her or merely taking everything she said and did as matter-of-fact Siesta could not tell as Protoss were still largely unreadable to her.
Come, Akhundelar, Vorazun began as she took a long metal rod from the weapons rack. Take one of these and prepare yourself. I wish to see your capabilities. Siesta approached the rack and looked at the options. She looked until she could find gauntlets similar to what she wore and took off her own in an attempt to put it on. Forgetting that she was much smaller than a Protoss, the gauntlet refused to stay on her and she chuckled sheepishly as she nearly dropped it. The Phase-Smith, in anticipation of your arrival, has prepared some specially-made weapons for you to try, Vorazun mentioned as she gestured to a nearby crate that she placed her hand near, causing it to chime and open itself.
Would have been nice if you mentioned that first, Siesta thought as she went to the chest to see much smaller gauntlets and other weapons.
These are currently calibrated for training purposes only. We merely wish to get your thoughts on them. Vorazun mentioned as she watched Siesta pore over them. The gauntlets, unlike hers, were gleaming golden and embedded with blue and green crystals unlike her silvery red-crystalled one. She placed one of the blue-crystalled ones upon her wrist, where it sat snugly and a bit uncomfortably.
Clearly these aren't designed with human comfort in mind, Siesta thought to herself.
No. They are designed purely as weapons of war. Terran "comfort" was not considered, Vorazun mentioned. Siesta jumped at the response to her thoughts as she had forgotten Protoss could hear them. Upon remembering that, her face began to grow hot as she remembered her slightly rude thought towards Vorazun just earlier. While wearing the gauntlet, Siesta felt no power or memories come to her, as this was not yet intended to be a weapon. She attempted to manually channel her psionic energy into the blade, and after a bit of concentration, was able to manifest it. Unlike her other gauntlet, this blade was blue and the energy was much more stable compared to the more crackling, snarling energy of hers. It also felt… heavy. Though she surmised this may be due to the fact that she was not enhanced with the power of Gandalfr.
Now, Akhundelar, Vorazun announced as she gestured for Siesta to position herself across from her. We shall see what you are capable of. Vorazun walked past Siesta and stood at the edge of what Siesta now noticed was a black square, summoning a console once the Matriarch arrived. I am summoning a hologram from our archives for you to train on. The hologram cannot kill you. Or, at least, it should not be able to. Be prepared, Vorazun declared as she punched in commands on the console before her. Before Siesta could react or protest, a quadrupedal creature about her size covered in teeth and claws appeared and screeched at her, causing her to fall over in surprise. Your training begins now, Akhundelar!
Back on the bridge, Louise was still watching and listening to Artanis explain the commands and terms of Protoss base management to her.
-and you must always construct additional pylons. There, I believe that explains the most basic of Protoss field strategy. Are you ready to try your hand at this? Artanis asked. Louise, whose mind felt overwhelmed from everything else Artanis had explained merely gave him a perplexed look. I am not terribly versed in Terran facial expressions, but I assume you are… confused? Louise nodded.
"It was a lot. Where I come from all my life up until now has just been going to school, getting bullied by my sister, getting bullied by my classmates, and hoping I don't get married off to some old man for political reasons. In the span of the last few months I've been burdened with terrible purpose and been told I have to save not just my school, not just my kingdom, not just my planet, but the entire universe and beyond? I'm only sixteen!" Louise put her head in her hands and slumped forward onto the console without thinking. As soon as she touched it, she felt a rush of memories and emotions flood her mind as everything on it started to make sense and Artanis' words began to sink in.
What has happened? Your aura… it has changed, Artanis remarked.
Is this how Siesta feels when she picks up a weapon? Louise wondered as she began to pore over the console and discern its elements. She was able to find, among everything, the ability to control Zapper even from here, and tested sending him around. Behind them, Zapper began moving in accordance to her orders. Excited, Louise began to look over other things he could do, including building and resource gathering.
Fascinating… Rohana should see this… Artanis thought to himself.
Meanwhile, down in the training room, Siesta had fallen to the ground, bruised by the holographic Zerg creature she had been forced to spar with. As it was about to make a killing pounce on her, the creature faded away as Vorazun came forward.
How do you expect to protect your executor when you cannot face a mere Zergling? Vorazun asked, incredulously.
"I've never fought a thing like that before! I don't even have a real weapon!" Siesta shouted in frustration as sat up and threw the golden gauntlet from her. "And because it's not real I can't use my powers to discern what it's going to do! This is my first time with such an opponent and I just can't-" Siesta could feel herself beginning to cry from her anger and frustration at herself. Vorazun slowly walked forward and picked up the gauntlet, then stood before her and held out her hand.
Your frustration is palpable and understandable, Akhundelar, Vorazun said, empathetically. However, the threats to your Executor will be ever-shifting. Siesta thought back to her encounter with Michelle and could not help but resign herself to agree. You must learn the basics of combat to be as effective as you can in any situation. Or, at least, have a fighting chance. My mother taught me that. Siesta looked up to the Matriarch with her own sense of empathy as she took her hand. She was a harsh teacher, but I am grateful every day that she was because she knew the threats I would face would not slow down and wait for me to learn. That I must be ready for anything. Vorazun pulled aside her robe to reveal a large scar that ran across her chest. Siesta, without thinking, reached out, only to pull her hand back once she realized what she was doing.
"I'm sorry," Siesta apologized as she looked away in shame.
Do not be. I am showing you this to show you how my mother taught me, Vorazun explained.
"Wait, she did this to you?" Siesta asked in disbelief. Vorazun nodded.
It was during my Shadow Walk. She attacked me with all the fury of any true enemy. Alas, I did not expect it, and suffered this blow. But once I prevailed, she knew I was both ready to be Nerazim… and ready to be Matriarch, Vorazun told Siesta as she moved her robe top to cover the scar once more. Siesta felt apprehensive about this story. That did not sound like the action of a loving mother to her. One day you may face this shadow walk. For my people the training takes centuries. But as I know Terran lifespans are severely reduced, you may face it sooner than you think. Siesta anxiously gulped at the prospect. That will not be for some time, if at all, however. So worry not of that. Instead, Vorazun went back to the console, with Siesta readying her borrowed gauntlet once more, focus on the path and obstacles before you. Now… let us begin again.
Following the grueling training, Siesta and Louise were both warped back down to the academy grounds whereupon they suffered yet another round of intense disorientation. They made their way back to the bedroom and collapsed without even changing due to their exhaustion.