At a Conference Meeting Room in Stormwind…
Horde and Alliance, the two sides of the same coin once thought to be forever locked in combat, were now sitting across each other with a table to separate them.
Genn, Tyrande, Velen, Muradin, Moira, Falstad, Gelbin, Malfurion, Aysa, Alleria, and Turalyon were on the right side of the table. Nathanos, Lor'themar, Ji Firepaw, Thalyssra, Geya'rah, Jastor, Baine, and Rokhan are on the left side of the table. Thrall stood as he took listened to both sides. The only ones who were not present were Jaina, who heard of Anduin's wounds, and is watching over him after her sudden return, Anduin, still in his room, and Sylvanas, still recovering.
The room was quiet with this sudden information.
Both destructions of Major capitals, an assassination attempt on Anduin and the surviving undead, the sudden virus… It was not looking good.
"We almost killed each other. Because of our remaining hate, we almost killed each other, playing as puppets for the true threat." Baine uttered, disgusted at how they let their own paranoia almost destroy each other.
"If they wanted us all to go to war, then why attack Anduin with the bomb?" Muridan questioned but Gelbin had the answer.
"Because Anduin wasn't supposed to be there. They only wanted to attack the undead, to make it look like we attacked the Horde…"
"Just like how they made it look like the Horde attack the Alliance." Lor' added as Tyrande was angered by this fact.
Did someone dare to burn their ancestral home, the great world tree, Teldrassil, just to stage a fake Horde attack?
What kind of monsters would do that?
Such an evil being does not deserve to exist.
Tryande vowed revenge on whoever is responsible for this type of nightmarish chaos and due to them tenfold the pain they have done to her people.
"So, whoever planted that bomb would have known Anduin was there and knew he had to be killed so no one knew the truth." Turalyon breathed, "This is something truly sickening…"
"Do you think the disease has something to play in this factor?" Velen wondered.
"It's mighty convenient that we were attacked just as we barely escape the mana bomb." Nathanos pointed out, remembering the attack.
Nathanos still remembered the arrow wound as he and the others were forced to flee once more.
"But the only way to know for certain is for Anduin to study it. No one in all of Azeroth knows more of diseases than him." Aysa sighed.
"He is a genius in the field of healing and medicine. I read his research and theories, quite remarkable." Lor' pointed out, "He was closest in curing people of Demon Blood Poisoning and Curses."
"Great, the one person who can figure out this gross disease causing people to go nuts is beaten to a pulp!" Jastor groaned in frustration.
"Don't speak to Anduin that way," Baine warned the Goblin.
"How long will he fully recover from his wounds?" Thrall wondered.
"A week or so, maybe less if he remains still." Velen answered, "Anduin is not the type to sit down while others are suffering greatly. It is who he is."
"The mana bomb really did a number on him… even when Sylvanas shielded him." Baine frowned, "Her wounds will take longer for her to recover. I am thankful Anduin was with her."
"Indeed." Nathanos agreed.
"Are you sure there is no one else who can decipher the mystery of the disease?" Geya'rah questioned the Alliance members.
"No, Anduin's research is truly revolutionary and beyond anything, I have ever seen and thought of," Velen answered.
"He was going to start apprenticeship so others can know his trade…" Turalyon began.
"But we pushed him to focus on his Kingly duties," Genn answered, feeling like an idiot.
"So, we have to put the disease on the back burner."
"No! We must find a cure for my people!" Tyrande shouted.
"Tyrande, we don't have the know-how or idea of how to study the disease, and considering how dangerous it is, we cannot risk further contamination while moving blindly in the dark."
"Besides, we should leave that to the healers and Anduin once he's healed. Our obligation is to find the one responsible for the destruction of Undercity and your kingdom."
In Anduin's Room…
"Oh, Sweetie… I should have never left." Jaina sighed with regret as she sees the condition the poor boy was in.
When she heard what happened to Anduin, she came back straight away. Her poor baby was all banged up, injured every inch of him, and was being hunted down by his own Alliance. When Jaina learned that someone almost blew him up with the Forsaken with Sylvanas at Undercity, she wanted to know who and make them suffer for it. But for now, she will stay by her beloved nephew's side and check over his wounds. She knew her nephew far too well, he was the type of boy who would not sit still, even when he is hurt while other people her suffering. It was one of his noble qualities and flaw.
"I'm okay, Aunty. I've been through much worse and I was able to help the Forsaken. But I still need to get to work right away on this disease." Anduin tried but Jaina would not have it.
"What you need is to rest. Anduin, I am not letting you do anything other than heal, let alone let you near this disease with your wounds open. You could catch whatever they have or worse. So, I am staying right here until you are fully healed." Jaina ordered the boy king, like a scolding mother who has a child with a broken arm.
Anduin huffed a bit, hating to be treated like a child.
"May I least have my medical journals?" Anduin politely asked.
Jaina sighed but did so. With a book in one of his hands, he requested one of the healers to write down everything he says.
"Can you tell me the emerging symptoms of each patient placed in quarantine as of these following weeks?" Anduin requested the priests.
"As documented, the patients seem to acquire the following symptoms, muscle spasms, fever, delirium, anxiety, excess salivation, mental deuteriation, extreme aggression, sensitivity to light, hysteria, severe anguish, unsteady gait, tremors, and slurred speech. There have also been cases of violent coughing, dementia, and severe hallucinations. We have not lost anyone so far, but there are chances that the disease is fatal is high, almost certain." He reported to the king as he was going through the medical books.
"Hmm… the only virus that even comes close to the one infecting those people is Waansin van Hondsdolheid disease but that takes years to develop, it doesn't have that many symptoms, and… it only comes from years of cannibalism," Anduin answered as he looked at the chapter on the disease.
"Cannibalism!?" Jaina gasped in horror.
"Indeed, this disease became known in a town of Trolls who were trapped in a deadly storm with no food. Out of desperation, they were forced to eat their dead… the results came years later and in pure horror. They were to be put down, lost forever… But nowadays there is a cure." Anduin explained further, still troubled by these results, "It's unnerving how close this disease has the similar symptoms to the one we are facing… I need to see that disease as soon as possible."
Jaina then gave him a glare.
"Once I'm healed."
"Yes, sire."
They bowed and then left the king alone in his thoughts…
Beware, the danger is near.
Anduin gasped as the meditation came to an end and the two fraction leaders were looking at each other. There was a chill in the air as the candles themselves flickered out and the steam they created disappeared.
"What in the Light was that? Sylvanas, did you hear that too?" Anduin gasped as the human king was trying to shake off the headache.
"Like a pair of nails scratching against a chalkboard. It seems that your theory was correct then." Sylvanas answered.
"I wonder what it meant when it said about, danger." Anduin the priest hummed then the two of them heard a knock on the door.
"Um, your highnesses… Forgive me, I-I know were not allowed to interrupt but-." A voice stuttered, trying not to appear to be afraid.
"What is it?" Sylvanas demanded with a sigh.
"Oh, um. There is something for you, your highness. Sent by Lord Greymane."
"Genn? That doesn't sound like him. Why not have me sent things in his stead?" Anduin questioned as he knew the man know enough to notice that something was wrong.
He then looked to the undead woman and nodded to one another, then got up from the floor. Whatever was going on, it seemed to be just coming all at once. Even so, Genn was not the type of person to just send things to his mortal enemy, especially since the boy he called his son, despite his protest was going there anyway.
Could it be a trick?
Outside the castle…
Anduin and Sylvanas came outside as they were stunned by what was outside, a giant wooden statue of Sylvanas being pierced by a spear.
On the plaque was the words 'Tombstone of the Banshee, May the Dead Perish.' Written.
"We checked to see if there was a trap or anything. But so far, nothing." One of the ghouls reported as the human in the hazmat suit approached.
"It seems your mongrel has a sense of humor." Sylvanas sneered as Anduin bent down at the words.
"What is the meaning of this slander-." Nathanos began but then was brought to a grinding halt.
"Genn didn't make this."
They all then looked to the boy.
"I… have seen the way Genn whistles and this is not his type of style, even the words don't match his handwriting. Whoever made this wanted to make it look as much of Genn's design but tried too hard." Anduin explained in detail, then looked to the plaque, "Something isn't right here… 'Beware the danger is near'? Could it be…"
"Did you find out who brought this here?" Nathanos questioned the ghoul, who did not want to get in trouble with the leaders.
"No, it was found near the marketplace. No one saw where it came from or who brought it here." He answered with an attempt of being humble.
Soon, Anduin noticed something behind the plaque. He pries the plaque open and saw the words, 'Goodbye'. Suddenly the eyes opened of the statue as the spear sprung upward like a firework, making a piercing sound! It drilled into the heavens and out into the air, seen by someone from afar!
They pulled the trigger!
Sylvanas sensed the danger coming!
"Anduin!" She screamed as she pulled the boy back, just as the explosion appeared from the ground!
Then one after another, there were blue explosions were everywhere in Undercity! Until the entire city was vaporized! A plan that would bring backfire and a war unlike any other!
Near the trail of the abandoned town…
Anduin, bandaged and damaged, completed his final wrappings of Sylvanas' wounds while Nathantos watched him.
"There, that should be the last of it. Sylvanas should be okay but will need time to heal." Anduin breathed as he was tired from the work.
He was still a healer, no matter how beaten up and bruised he was.
"Be certain she does, Little Lion. Once our people have found help, we shall find a proper medical team." Nathanos answered.
"Right."
Soon there was a bit of an uproar as there were sounds of arrows being fired! Both Anduin and Nathanos rushed outside to see that there was an attack going on! Forsaken were screaming for help while they were fleeing from Night Elves.
"What is the meaning of this? Stop! Stop! They are not the enemy! It is me, Anduin Wryn. I am okay!" Anduin called out as they suddenly stopped.
Anduin breathed in relief as he felt it was just a misunderstanding. As he was hoping that they would help inform the Alliance…
"Get down!"
Nathanose pushed him out of the way as an arrow pierced his arm!
"Kill the Traitor!" The elf bellowed in a maddening way!
"Destroy the enabler!"
"Take his head!"
Something was going on and the sooner he heals the better.
At Stormwind Stronghold…
Anduin had finally healed and Anduin finally, finally will be able to begin his research on the mysterious super virus.
It took a lot for the Alliance to finally allow him to begin his research, terrified that he could get an infection, even Malfurion and Tyrande were a bit hesitant. But after his wounds were healed and he completely recovered from the broken bones. He even promised to wear a protective suit and to be with the other healers. They would be more at ease if he was with others since Anduin was far too well known for being reckless. They were listening and watching while they were learning every bit of how Anduin analyzed the disease, extracted from Patient #3…
In the medical ward underground and quarantined…
The Undead Doctor was sent to Anduin's place due to the Alliance over protection and the fact that Forsaken seemed to be immune to whatever the disease was so far.
So as long as the doctor takes a hot blistering shower and sterilizes afterward, everything should be fine. Patient #3 was one of the original patients that were brought here when the virus was discovered since the secret was out that both fractions were tricked. She was a young Night Elf, once so peaceful, a priestess who studied for peace for her people. She never hurt anyone or anything and was inspired by the ideas and thoughts of the blond human king.
Then came the disease… and now…
"VILE CREATURES, ANIMALS, TRAITORS! DEATH IS COMING! DEATH IS COMING FOR YOU ALL! BLOOD WILL RAIN FROM THE SKY LIKE MOLTING FIRE!" Patient #3 howled and foamed at the mouth like a rabid animal.
"Easy now, easy. We are giving you a little poke to see what was going on in your noggin. The others with you are not looking too hot. Now… hold still… Boop!"
"ROTTEN APOSTATE! YOU DARE DEFILE ME!"
"Okay, we'll give you a little something to calm you down a bit and check on you later. Give this to his highness so he can begin his research. The sooner we find out what's going on, the better."
Anduin began looking at the virus and wrote down its characteristics, which were shifting and changing constantly… that was strange. Viruses don't mutate this quickly without specific factors and it was changing so frequently that the king couldn't even…
Wait!
He thinks he sees something.
He looks closely in horror!
"No, it can't be!" He gasped in horror, "I have to warn everyone! This is far worse than I could possibly imagine!"
On the throne room…
The Horde and Alliance came as Anduin was completely frantic with horror about what he discovered.
Nathanos, on Sylvanas' request, brought paper and a quill to write down everything the king says. It seems whatever is troubling Anduin is troubling her as well. Everyone's attention was on the shocked and horrified king, who was trying to find the right words to tell them, but there were none to bring comfort to them.
"Leaders of Azeroth, I have uncovered something… something beyond the absolute depravity of the situation that has come." Anduin began as everyone was closely listening.
They have never heard Anduin speak this way.
"Anduin, what have you uncovered? What was in the disease?" Baine pleaded with the boy as he knew whatever it was… it was something far worse than anyone can believe.
"This… virus is not natural. It was created."
Everyone was stunned but he continued.
"The virus was cultivated with parts of Waansin van Hondsdolheid disease, Blackblust Fever, Eruption Blood Syndrome, and some sort of new strand. It's mutating so fast that I cannot properly study, and it alters the anatomy of the victims in ways that will haunt your dreams."
He then showed two X-rays, both completely different.
"This is the x-ray of Patient #3 when she first arrives, seems normal. This… is the current x-ray of her condition."
Tyrande wanted to throw up. Her organs, bones, and every part of her were mutating into a fungus-like creation as well as growing a form of mold that was growing in her stomach.
"The virus behaves very differently to every patient who is infected. For the Night Elves, their bodies become food to a carnivorous fungus as they slowly take control of the body while killing their victim. Trolls slowly grow tusks everywhere until they are nothing more than a pile of mush and are created into some bone creature. Orcs… it's something far worse than what the demons have done." Anduin explained.
"Can't you create an antidote from the strand?" Lor'Themar questioned.
"No, the virus is mutating so fast that I cannot get a pure strand. If I had the original virus in its pristine form, I could cure the remaining patients." He answered, "All I can do is slow it down, but not forever."
"You said that someone created the virus, right?" Jaina reminded.
"Yes. This disease is an artificial one. A deadly form of Biowarfare."
"Then the ones responsible could have the disease."
The two sides then made plans on finding the one responsible, while Anduin was trying to find what he could to destroy the virus. They all knew in that room that things would get worse before they could get better.
In Anduin's lab…
The King of Stormwind had his nose buried in a book as he studied diseases and mutations.
Every page, every paragraph, Anduin poured into his very being into finding the cure his people desperately needed. The King of Stormwind was the most intelligent of Azeroth in the medical field as his achievements and research were something to inspire the next generation of healers. The knowledge and wisdom within his mind are well sought after. Yet, this disease was one that brought perplexing mutations and devastating symptoms. No matter how many times he tried to claim a pure sample from the patients, the disease mutated so fast that it was near impossible to find a cure. All he can do is slow it down.
"What am I missing? What am I missing? There has to be a pure strain in its pristine form… With that, I can make a cure. I'm running out of time." Anduin muttered to himself in frustration from his failures to find a cure.
Where could it be?
"Your Highness."
Anduin then snapped from his deep thought and turned to the knight wearing a hazmat suit.
"The Alliance and Horde wait for you. You are late." He reported to the boy king.
"Woof, was I down here that long? Jaina and Genn will tear me a new one. They hate it when I overwork myself."
In the conference room…
"Anduin, we talked about this. You can't keep overworking yourself, especially when it comes to the Bedeviled Virus. Your immune system will lower, and you can get sick like them." Jaina fretted over her adopted son.
"Do we have to chain you to your bedroom and force a sleep potion down your throat for you to get some rest? Are we at this point? You may be the king, but you need to take proper care of yourself." Genn scolded with his arms crossed.
After the scolding was finished, the three then entered the room, obvious that the leaders were listening in, Sylvanas scoffed, finally recovering from her attack.
"If you two are done playing mummy and daddy, we can get back to business," Sylvanas advised as Anduin blushed with embarrassment.
He hated being babied in front of people. He knew the Alliance couldn't help it, but it still didn't help with the humiliation. He sat down as they would soon plan for their next plan.
For they have tracked down the ones responsible and where they were.
What was left of Undercity…
That day still played over and over in his head…
He can still feel the pain of others and the death of the fallen.
"We will begin our attack in three days' time. Prepare for battle comrades, for blood shall fly. Every drop for everyone we lost to them. We will uncover the true identity of our enemies and make them suffer."
The leaders cheered for that prospect of justice but Anduin.
"Wait, shouldn't we be careful? I mean, whoever did this was clever enough to create this deadly virus and almost trigger another war with each other." Anduin voiced.
"We will prepare with the Hazmat armor we are building but you need to stay here." Genn corrected.
"Anduin, you must stay here and continue your work on the virus," Tyrande informed.
"What?"
"You are our only hope in saving Azeroth from the virus. If you die, that hope dies with you." Baine explained.
"But you need a healer if you're going to fight and with the leader of the Alliance… we can make a statement-."
"Anduin, we need you safe. You're the Heart of the Alliance. You give people hope. Promise us you will stay here and let us fight in your name." Jaina pleaded to the boy.
Anduin conceded…
On a ship routed to the remains of Undercity…
Not!
Like Anduin was going to sit back and watch his people being butchered while he did nothing. Nope, nope, not his style not his way. The Alliance should know by now that their king was often one to sneak about, surprised they didn't check every level on the ship to be certain. The King of the Alliance then spent some of his free time knitting as he looked out of the window, trying to contemplate what sort of people would bring such a devastating plague to their home.
Something wasn't right…
Hopefully, Anduin can find the strand of the Virus, create an antidote, then cure his people. It's a shame that a crisis like this is what brings the Horde and Alliance together. Hopefully, this could be a lesson for rage and hate will destroy and consume.
He can only hope.
Oh look, they're here.
He placed on his disguise and hid among the soldiers. The men and women were prepared for war as the leaders of both the Horde and Alliance were giving their speeches, Anduin could hardly hear but he knew it inspired the warriors that were brought here to find the ones responsible for the chaos. Then the armies marched into battle as Anduin worked to heal others and just in case, defend himself with his father's sword.
It didn't take too long for someone to recognize him when he healed Varok's arm.
"King Anduin? What are-…? Are you out of your mind?! Great, get behind me and stay safe, Pup!" Varok ordered, agitated at the youngling's act of rebellion.
Such a reckless boy… made him think of his own son, while Anduin was reminded of the overprotectiveness his father once had for him long ago. Varok was soon able to chop his way to the other leaders, who were very displeased that Anduin disobeyed them.
"You may give me an earful later, but now we must find the people responsible for this chaos." Anduin sighed as Sylvanas was a little bit impressed by the boy's stubbornness.
"Fine, but you will be covered and protected at all times. We are about to find the leaders of this 'third legion' and we do not need you harmed." Genn conceded as the leaders surrounded the boy.
They did deeply care, but this was excessive.
Well, at least Anduin will be able to confront the people involved.
The doors opened and all were shocked.