)Defending the universe
Chapter 2: Welcome to the alliance
Kil'jaeden towered above a pool, surrounded by the fire and darkness of the abyss. The pool acted like a screen, switching between the images of many different worlds, from which the Deceiver would pick the next target of the Burning Legion. All of a sudden a purple portal appeared in the shadows behind the gigantic demon for a moment, before disappearing.
“Who dares to enter in my presence?!” He bellowed as he turned around, setting his body and eyes on fire.
A metal covered figure, which also wore purple silks and a belt with an orange crystal, stepped forward into the light cast by the demon lord. He had not face, only black void an a set of glowing purple eyes could be seen under the helmet. The person spoke with a blank tone, which sounded with an echo.
“Kil'jaeden the Deceiver, from this moment on, you and that miserable bunch you call a “Legion” are under the command of the Void.”
Kil'jaeden’s rage was shown both in the increasing of the flames around his body, and in his tone.
“Filthy mortal! If you think I will tolerate your defileance, you are dead wrong!”
As those words left his mouth, six dog like demons, two large sword carrying demons, and a large golem, burning in green flame appeared from portals on the ground, and charged at the man.
All of a sudden several black spheres appeared underneath, and knocked them into the air. Next the air born beasts were caught in some sort of dark field, and were hurled at the sword carrying demons, killing each other. Lastly, several dark spheres appeared. They fired themselves at the burning stone giant, tearing him apart. The metal mage rose his arms, with his fingers pointing at the ground. Two pillars on both sides of the Deceiver, and hit him with crossing waves of purple magic. The demon’s fire died down. He felt that he could not use his magic, and hesitated for a moment.
Just then, a large ball of web exploded in his face, blocking his eyesight. All of a sudden a glowing green figure jumped at him from the ceiling. It sunk a scythe blade, tied to a chain, in the demon’s chest, and landed behind him, making Kil'jaeden back bend slightly. With a strong stance, the green specter started to pull back the chain. The demon grunted as the blade disappeared inside of his body, making him bend with each pull. After several pulls, the scythe emerged from Kil'jaeden’s back. It was stuck and yanked out a red see through representation of the Deceiver himself.
As the apparition got out more and more, the demon lord bellowed in pain. When the torso and arms of the red specter were yanked out, and their owner was half way in a back bend, a blue woman appeared underneath the demonic being. She spread her arms out, and ice covered Kil'jaeden, immobilizing him.
Purple energy burst out from underneath Malzahar’s boots, and he levitated himself right in front of the Deceiver’s face. The Prophet of the Void unleashed a cloud of purple energy, which burned away the web from the demon’s eyes.
“This treachery will not go unpunished insect! Kil'jaeden began. “You will face the wrath of the mightiest force in all of crea-”
“Oh, cut the crap middle man!” Malzahar groaned, silencing the demon.
“What did you call me?” The monster enquired with venom in his tone.
“I have no interest in dealing with you.” The mage said, before continuing. “As you said yourself, you are nothing but an oversized bug, literally beneath my feet.”
He stopped floating, landed on Kil'jaeden’s face, and walked up to his eyes. He looked down at the clearly enraged demon, and spoke again.
“You and your band of misfits failed in the quest of the destruction of creation. As it is said, if you want something done, do it yourself.” The mage sighted for a moment. “No, I am not interested in you…but in your master.”
The way his eyes moved, suggested that if he had a face, it bore a smirk. The Deceiver’s eye widened, after which he struggled against the icy imprisonment, but in vain. His rushing eyes caught glimpse of two other women. One had white hair, and several dark spheres were orbiting her, and the other appeared to be part arachnid. A foot tap between his eyes made him focus on the mage standing on his face.
“Now, will you be a good obedient minion and cooperate? Or should my associate do the final pull?” Malzahar asked, before saying. “He’s been overly excited about the chance to take the soul of a demon lord.”
Kil'jaeden growled. “I will make you suffer…” A slight pull on the chain however, changed his attitude. “…but…if you seek the Dark Titan, I’d be…obliged…to aid you…”
“That’s more like it.” The mage said as he flew off of the demon and onto the ground.
After a finger snap, Thresh yanked out the scythe, allowing the soul to return into its host, and Lissandra removed the icy restraints, leaving the demon on his knees, panting.
He looked up at the walking off mage. In an instant he burst into flames and charged at him. All of a sudden, something kicked him in the face, stopping his assault. Jaeden looked down and saw a small purple creature, with tentacles on its head. It had three yellow eyes, and held a staff, and looked with a wicked grin at the demon. The Deceiver raised his fist to smash the creature, when something grabbed his wrist, and across his throat. He managed to turn his head and see a purple, jelly looking creature, with red eyes, which was slightly bigger than himself. He roared out fire in a burst of rage, when the giant gelatinous creature head butted, and knocked him out. When the demon dropped on the ground, Malzahar sighted.
“They’re always fisty on their first day.”
--
Overnight, the leaders from all over Equis had gathered at Canterlot Castle. Celestia, the six fillies and the champions were in the court yard, and shared the company of the king of Griff – Iron Claw, and his two armored gryffon bodyguards, who carried spears. (Yeah I will use the system from The Golden Armor(btw check that fic out, it’s awesome), where the males of the species are called Gryphons, and females – Gryffons) His body fur was black, the feathers on his head were white and his beak was a golden yellow. His guards shared the same beak color, and both had light brown body fur. The head feathers of the two were white on one of them, and the other one was dark brown.
Out on the court yard were also a giant night blue drake, with crimson spines and eyes, which were just as red. That was Bloodmoon, the queen of the dragons. Her escort was a red drake with purple spines and yellow eyes. He too carried a dragon sized spear. There were also the Sultan and Sultana of Saddle Arabia – Haljeet and Felicity, Zeron – chief of the Zebrican tribes, Heins fon Smorhausen – the Duke of Germaneigh, Sone Strong – chieftain of the buffalos, the minotaur warlord Stag Horn and Windina Swift Leaf – Princess of Elkland, and their appointed guard.
The Duke was a white coated stallion with a blond mane and tail, and light blue eyes. He wore a green coat with golden shoulder-plates. His cutie mark were a crossed quill and a green hop branch. Stag Horn had greenish-brown upper body fur and grayish-brown legs. He wore a metal chest plate, and carried a large two-headed and two-handed axe on his back. His horns were cut through, so they would grow as four separate horns, and had the typical golden nose ring. Windina was an elk. Her fur was light brown, with beige spots. Small antlers emerged from her dark brown-reddish mane. Her back was covered by a green cape, and she carried a long bow, along with a stack of arrows.
They were all eyeing the last carriage to arrive. The pegasi flying it landed, and opened the door of the carriage. Twilight Sparkle rushed out, and hugged the gray unicorn filly as she exclaimed.
“Oh Crimson, I was so worried about you!”
During the touching moment, three aliconrs stepped out of the carriage. Princess Luna, Cadence and a pure white colt with red eyes. His cutie mark was a red crystal.
‘That must be the said Prince Snow Ruby.’ Fiddlesticks deducted.
“I’m alright Princess, thanks to them.” Ash said and pointed at the champions.
Just then the lavender mare noticed her old friend, who she thought she would never see again.
“Hey Twi-” The scarecrow managed to say, before the said pony tightly hugged him, small tears escaping her eyes.
“I thought you too were gone.” She said.
“Heh, you can’t get rid of me that easily.” He chuckled, before saying. “So, Twilight…you’ve changed. Have you done something with your mane?”
“Actually…” She began, and let him go. “…I have, but I think you could give me some good advice.”
Both of them gave out a quick laugh.
“Ahem.” Iron Claw cleared his throat, getting everybody’s attention, and then began.
“I’m sorry, this is a very nice friendly reunion, but I believe I was invited to discuss the fate of our world.” Ending with a deadpan.
“Right…but before we begin…” Fiddle turned towards the dragons. “I’m sorry milady, but your and your companion’s size will prove rather…inconvenient.”
“How dare you offend the Queen of the dragons, you vermin infested piece of rags.” The red drake said with anger in his tone.
“Ouch, that hurt.” The Harbinger said quietly.
Then he looked right into the dragon’s eyes, and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.
“I meant no offense to your queen. You are simply too large for the place we are going. So would you be kind enough to let me finish, and hut your mouth you stupid furniture upholstery. Or if you insist, I have this sofa…”
For some reason, the scarecrow’s words sent shivers down the drake’s spine, and he made a cautious step back.
“Fiddle, I do not like you threatening our allies.” Celestia said.
“It’s alright Celestia.” Bloodmoon returned with a low loud voice. “The boy is thick and hotheaded. Someone putting him in his place is appreciative on my part. So Mr. Sticks, if our size is a problem, can something be done about it?” She asked.
“As a matter of fact I was getting to that. Maria, Briana.” He addressed the two armored women.
They nodded, left their weapons and shields on the ground, after which they spoke to their wrists.
“Warp in molecular crop cannon.”
In flashes of light, two identical golden weapons with green crystals in their hands. They aimed, and fired two green beams at the drakes. Everybody else, but the champions, stepped back, their guards stepping in front of them. The dragons were engulfed in cocoons of green light. In a few seconds the cocoons shrunk. Maria and Briana ceased fire, revealing the two dragons, now the size of the minotaurs.
“What sorcery is this?!” Stag Horn exclaimed.
“Not sorcery my friend…” Fiddlesticks chuckled. “…SCIENCE!”
“How will we return to normal?” The blue dragoness asked.
Briana took off her helmet, revealing her blond hair and blue eyes, as she said. “The effect is temporary. You will be back to normal in 5-6 hours.”
(I got the idea for her from this image:
)
“So, are we leaving?” Maria asked as she revealed her reddish-brown hair, and brown eyes.
The Harbinger of Doom brought his wrist to his mouth, and spoke into a watch like device.
“Trans-dimensional matrix activate. Transport requested from coordinates 0051 Sigma, planet Equis, to 6784 Omega, command carrier Gralbion, Kopruneterrian space.”
In two seconds, a large blue portal appeared in front of him. He turned towards everybody, and said with a smile.
“Shall we?”
--
On the other side, the Equistrians were awed by the interior of a large bluish/golden ship.
“Please follow me to the meeting hall.” The purple haired girl said, and led the group through the ship halls.
Around them walked protoss, humans either in white lab coats, or mech armor, other people in purple robes, and short beings, either with furry, or brightly colored faces. Despite the excitement, Twilight and Fiddlesticks trailed behind the group, and engaged the conversation.
“So, Twilight, how are the girls?” He asked.
The mare’s expression darkened.
“They…haven’t been around for a while.” She said.
“Oh.” He quickly caught wind of what happened. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to-”
“It’s okay.” She cut him off, before continuing. “Is that there…?”
Her eyes pointed at the purple haired girl leading the group. Fiddle shook his head.
“No. That’s her granddaughter Jenny.”
The group passed by a cabinet, where a large blue man in an office suit was yelling in a strange device next to his ear.
“How many times must Mundo say?! Food rations go to newly occupied worlds, which are very bad after occupation, and new fight people go to outer borders of space, not the other way!”
That made the fillies shivered in fear.
“Well, he seems charming.” Windina noted.
“It’s just Mundo.” Maria began. “He can be rather intimidating.”
“That’s why they assigned him as head of security.” Briana added.
“Right…” Her sister continued. “But if you get to know him, he’s a pretty nice guy to have a conversation with. It may not seem like it, but under all that muscle he is a big softy.” She chuckled.
“Just don’t say it in front of him, unless you really hate your limbs.” Tina – the blindfolded woman said.
Despite their blocked view, they walked with the group, without a problem and didn’t accidentally bump into anybody. At the time, the lagging scarecrow and alicorn continued their conversation.
“So…where exactly is Annie?” The lavender mare asked.
The Harbinger put on a grim expression of his own, as he replied.
“She hasn’t been around as well…”
Twilight gasped quietly.
“I’m sorry for your loss. I hope she passed peacefully.”
He chuckled blankly as he said.
“Peacefully? If she were dead I would be okay. A peaceful death is the least she deserved after everything that happened to her.”
“Oh dear! What happened?” She enquired.
A crow appeared in the scarecrow’s hand. It vanished, leaving behind a photograph. It was Annie. She was grown up, lay in a medical bed, dressed in a green patient vest,…and held a baby in a white sheet. Fiddlesticks sighted, before starting his story.
“About 20 years after we left Equestria, she bore a child…”
--
80 years ago:
Annie lay in a medical bed. On her right were her parents, and on her left – her husband. A brown haired man, wearing a red coat and a camera around his neck.
“How are you sweetie?” He asked her.
“Well, the delivery exhausted me, but I’m fine Nunu.” She replied, and the two shared a short kiss.
In a few minutes, Akali entered the room. She carried something wrapped in a white sheet, and passed it to Nunu, while saying.
“Congratulations. She is perfectly healthy. You should be proud.” She gave the family a smile a warm smile.
“We most certainly are.” Gregori said, as he ran his hand across his wife’s back, and looked at their granddaughter.
“Look at you.” Nunu began to speak with awe in his tone. “Daddy’s little princess!”
The girl looked at him with surprised eyes.
“I want to see her.” Annie said.
Her husband gave her their daughter. When the two looked at each other, the girl smiled at her mother, who said.
“She’s beautiful. Our little Mandy.” And exchanged another, longer kiss with her beloved.
Akali gave them another smile, and said.
“I’ll leave you to yourselves.” As she exited the room.
Gregori suddenly turned towards Nunu.
“Hey, why are you carrying that thing around, if you’re not going to use it?”
“Oh right.” He stepped back, took up the camera, and aimed it as he said. “Say cheese.”
Annie gave a child like smile, as her and her daughter’s images were caught by the flash.
--
Present:
*The picture zooms out*
“That was the last time she smiled.” Fiddlesticks said with a gloomy tone.
“I feel there is more to this story, isn’t there?” Twilight asked.
“At that time the Institute had sent me to the space station, which was being constructed above the planet…I should have been in that hospital…” He spoke with a note of anger in his voice.
--
80 years ago:
The family heard some sort of explosion come from outside. Annie’s parents rushed outside, followed by Nunu, who spoke to his startled wife.
“Annie, summon Tibbers and stay here!” She nodded, and turned the stuffed toy, which was currently on the bedside table into the monstrous bear, as she held her daughter tighter.
The sounds of blades slashing flesh and screams reached inside the room. The baby started crying, and her mother’s eyes started to let out tears as well. After another scream, Annie squeezed her eyes shut, still weeping, before summoning a sheet of paper. Now bearing a determined expression, she burned a message, and tied it into a scroll. She looked with saddened eyes at her daughter, and kissed her on the forehead, before placing her and the scroll in Tibbers’s hands, and told him.
“Tibbers, take her and find Fiddlesticks!”
Then she started to get out of bed. That proved difficult, as she was not yet fully recovered from giving birth.
“Rawr.” The bear gave out a low grumble, as if asking her to reconsider, but bearing on and expression of anger, she exclaimed.
“No! You must go NOW!”
The bear looked with saddened eyes at his mistress, before turning around, breaking through the wall, and running off.
“I love you sweetie.” She quietly said, when the door opened.
The angry sorceress drowned the first thing that showed itself in fire. That effort was in vain, as she had depleted her mana reserves on a shadow clone of Zed, which broke into dust as a scythe blade flew through it, and stabbed Annie in the chest. With a powerful yank, an orange see through representation of her was torn away, and her body dropped lifeless on the floor.
--
Present:
Twilight put a hoof in front of her mouth to stop a loud gasp. She was in shock from what she had heard.
“When I returned from the station, and went to my chamber in the Institute I found Tibbers. He gave me Annie’s message, to look after Mandy.” Fiddlesticks said.
“What happened to them?” The lavender alicorn asked.
“The security footage from the hospital showed that Thresh, one of the Void’s allies, had taken all four of their souls. Soon after, we found out that he had trapped them in rejuvenation lockets, which now four other allies of the Void use to extend their life.” He replied.
Twilight couldn’t hold her gasp this time, and it was followed by the exclamation.
“That is terrible!”
“Raising Mandy wasn’t that easy as well.” The scarecrow spoke with grief. “She often had nightmares about what had happened. She had the talent of her parents, but she was very fragile in her early years, so her development was slowed down. After the age of 25, she’d often go out to taverns, and drink to remove her painful thoughts about her parents. One night however, when she was stoned really hard…a mage capable in dark magic saw…an opportunity.”
“Sweet Celestia, you don’t mean he…?”
The scarecrow nodded.
“That’s how Jenny…began… Her mother didn’t want her to know of her origins, so she told her that her father had left them to study the Void, and help the alliance, but the monsters killed him.”
“What actually happened to him?” The mare wondered.
Fiddle looked at her with a grim expression as he replied.
“A monster got him.”
That made Twilight gulp.
“Can I ask you for a favor as a friend?” The Harbinger asked.
“Of course you can.” She returned. “What is it?”
“Never even think about sharing this with anyone! Not even Celestia!” He said with a commanding tone.
She gulped again, and made a Pinkie promise, to keep that information from others. Then she asked.
“How has Jenny been progressing with her magic studies?”
“She didn’t have any of her mother’s mental problems, and all of her talent. She quickly reached her grandmother’s fame for mastering magic at a young age. Now she is a member of the High Council of Equity.” He replied.
A memory of a certain being came to Twilight’s mind.
“What happened to that lion headed guy?” She asked.
“Rengar? He and the bug creature, which freed Discord – Kha’Zix, engaged in battle during the Void’s invasion on Runeterra. During their fight they destroyed an item called Zhonia’s Hourglass. It trapped them both in a golden prison until this very day. We are still trying to find a way to free them. In the mean time, they are kept on a battle cruiser in the orbit around Umoja – a planet in the Koprulu sector.” Was the reply.
--
With that their conversation ended, and they caught up with the group. In a minute or so, they reached a large opened door, leading to a spacious hall. There were two terrans in marine armor, standing at the door. When the group neared, they barred their way.
“Well, this is where we say goodbye.” Fiddlesticks said.
“What? Aren’t you coming?” Twilight asked.
“We’re not for here.” He replied as everyone, but the white haired swordsman, joined him, and walked away.
In that time, Jenny addressed the marines.
“These are the planetary leaders. Have all of the alliance’s representatives arrived?”
“All but warlord Grelden ma’am.” One of the marines said.
“He will be arriving shortly with a report on the Monolith campaign.” The other one added.
“Typical. He never properly acknowledges an order given to him.” The swordsman said.
“Sadly you’re right Helbjorn.” Jenny sighted, before addressing the marines again.
“Entering clearance granted sergeant. Standart protocol.”
“Yes ma’am.” Both marnies said, saluted, and moved out of the way, assuming their guarding stances.
But after all of the leaders entered, the suited men blocked the way of their guard.
“Hey, what gives?!” One of the gryffons exclaimed.
“Standart protocol. Only political figures are allowed in the meeting hall.” The marine on the left answered.
“Oh, I’m going to give you “standart protocol”.” A minotaur guard said to him, and raised his war hammer.
However, his actions were halted by the sound of a dozen clicks. The guards turned around to be met by several marines and protoss readying their guns and psionic blades. The said minotaur turned towards the person he threatened, who spoke to him in a cocky tone.
“I’m still waiting for that standart protocol.”
The Equistrians were forced to wait outside.
--
In the hall, Jenny, Helbjorn and Nasus led the leaders of Equis to a large table, currently occupied by several other beings. Zeron had noticed that the hall was covered by a large glass dome. When they took a seat, a dark brown haired human, wearing a coat similar to that of the Duke, only in a golden/brown color, began the introductions.
“You already know High Councilor Jennifer Hastur, Crown Prince Helbjorn of Freljord and Nasus – chancellor of the soul eater world.” He began. “The others you will share this hall for the next several hours are High Councilors Amande Medici and Braniston Khan.”
He gestured towards two other figures in purple robes, with golden outlines.
“Thunderlod, Norstorm and Runeguard – chieftains of the Ursi.”
They were three large humanoid bears. Thunderlod had black fur, his eyes glowed with blue energy, and he wore armor like that of the protoss zealots, only fitted for his size. Norstorm was dark brown, with blue, almost white eyes, and wore a mountain survival suit. Runeguard was grayish-brown, with orange eyes, and wore metal armor, engraved with Ursi runes.
“King of Demacia – Jarvan VI.”
He was a tall man with black grayish hair and blue eyes. He wore silvery-blue armor with golden laces, and a silver circlet with a sapphire stone, and carried a bizarre looking spear with energy lines coming from three blue crystals.
“The ruler of Noxus – High General Zoto Swain.”
She had short bluish-purple hair. She wore a green body suit, slightly resembling those of the ghosts.
“Deh’Kal – the Baloth King, representative of Piltover.” He was a bulky lizard like creature with a short mouth, filled with sharp teeth, and had yellow eyes.
“Lermai the white mage – representative of Bandle City.”
The next in line was a short being, wearing a white and red robe, red spiked gloves, and carried a staff. His face was black void with glowing white eyes, hidden under a large white wizard’s hat.
“Kalistrat the Cursed Dragon – Lord of the runeterrian dragons.”
Kalistrat resembled a large human with a dragonic head, lizard tail and reptilian limbs. His body was covered by green scales. He had flaming orange eyes, and wore armor made out of dragon bones, the chest plate being a dragon’s skull.
Something about this one made Bloodmoon…click, while Stag Horn was doing his best not to green up at the sight of his armor. The speaker continued, now gesturing himself.
“I am Meton Mengsk – Emperor of the terran populace in the Koprulu sector.”
Next he gestured to two protoss, one of which Celestia had already met.
“High Arch Artanis and Executor Selendis – political and military leaders of the protoss.”
The last attendant’s introduction however, made the sun goddess flinch with anger.
“Sarah Kerrigan – Queen of Blades and leader of the zerg Swarm.”
“You have allied yourself with those foul beasts?!” The sun princess asked sternly.
“You…have been acquainted with the zerg before?” Meton asked.
“They attempted to infest our world 100 years ago.” She replied, gathering the surprised looks of both her fellow Equistrians and the Kerrigan herself.
“I have no memory of sending any troops anywhere near your sector of space.” The Queen of Blades said.
“I believe that that was partially our fault.” Artanis spoke up. “The Executor had informed me that after a hybrid attack, a vessel transporting zerg specimens crash landed on your planet. I apologise sincerely for the damage this incident had caused.”
Selendis slightly tilted her head in his direction. Because of her empty eyes, no one noticed her giving him a stern look.
‘Was it wise to reveal this to them High Arch?’ She mentally asked him.
Not taking his eyes off of Celestia, Artanis replied.
‘If we are to have allies, we must be honest with them. Remember Executor, we made peace with the zerg after Amon’s fall, for the better future of both species. Do not cause actions that might tear this peace apart!’
“The damage that was done was nor irreversible, so I am willing to forgive that accident, but I do not think I would be comfortable with zerg around my subjects.” Celestia said.
“I assure you, the Swarm has changed greatly for the past years and will pose no threat to your people.” Kerrigan returned.
“Princess, a word please.” Twilight asked Celestia to lower herself, and whispered in her ear.
For Artanis and Selendis was no problem to hear every word.
“Princess, we need to be reasonable here. I know how terrible the zerg are, trust me, but if this woman claims that they are no threat, they could be a great ally to us.”
“I am not certain Twilight Sparkle. She may be deceiving all of them, and just waiting for the proper time to strike.”
“Well, that is a risk worth taking. You saw those other creatures. Our alternative isn’t any better.”
The sun goddess’s gaze shifted to the fillies down between her legs. Their eyes full of not-understanding optimistic promise. That somewhat softened her judgment. She sighted and spoke.
“Perhaps, for the greater good of our world, Equestria will agree to enter this alliance.”
Seeing her aunt’s assured expression, Cadence stepped up as well.
“The Crystal Empire will do so as well.”
After a slight consultation with his wife, Sultan Haljeet spoke as well.
“Saddle Arabia has always supported her friends, and we will not leave Equestria alone on this one.”
“Nor will we!” Chieftain Stone Strong added.
“For many centuries, the wise Princess has earned Zebrica’s trust. If she thinks it’s fitting, then we this bond will not combust.” Chief Zeron said with a determined smile on his face.
Bloodmoon and Windina were giving things a quick think through, while Iron and Stag seemed ready to pledge their allegiance as well, until Smorhausen, bearing an unamused expression, spoke up with the typical for his country accent.
“Zis deal iz rather appealing. But before Germaneigh agrees, I vould first like to hear ze terms of allying ourselves vith you.”
That statement immediately made the gryphon and minotaur leaders change their minds, and they waited for an answer.
“Well, first off…” Meton began. “…we will provide you with protection against the Void, which will result in planetary occupation.”
“Occupy the planet?!” Snow Ruby exclaimed.
“Yes, we will send several garrisons of soldiers or a low numbered zerg brood, your choice, along with the construction the following structures: planetary defenses, communication facility, space station, ship docking ports and several military buildings. Also we will have to construct several mining facilities for different materials which could be found on your world, but that’s optional as well, instead you can send us the needed weekly amount of the ores.” The terran said lightly.
“WHAT?!” The minotaur and gryphon said in union.
For two almost always warring faction leaders, they appeared to be very well coordinated.
“You expect us to just give you our troops and resources, so you can just settle on our world, which will not likely be attacked again?!” Stag Horn exclaimed.
“All of the worlds in the alliance provide resources. Troops are considered a resource.” Meton started. “If I have to be honest with you all, Equis was not exactly on our list of priority worlds to save. It was High Councilor Hastur here, who compelled us to even attempt contact. So, aside from the fact that you owe your current breaths to her, your choices are only these. Accept our terms and help us protect the universe from the evil that has begun to sweep across it, or decline and die by the hand of the Void. The decision is yours to make, but I would suggest you consider it now, because we will not be able to arrange another meeting soon, due to more important matters requiring our full attention.” He finished and leaned in his chair.
After several heavy moments of thought between the five leaders, Heins spoke first.
“Very vell. Germaneigh accepts your terms.”
Swift Leaf and Bloodmoon exchanged a nod, after which the dragoness said.
“The dragons of Equis and Elkland agree as well.”
Now everyone turned their attention towards the gryphon and minotaur. They thought things over(to the best of their extend), and eventually compelled as well.
“Then it is decided.” Meton said, as he extended his hand towards Celestia.
With slight hesitation she shook it. Her action was followed by the terran’s words.
“Welcome to the alliance.”
--
All of a sudden they heard a loud noise come from the outside, and turned around to see its source. A human in dark armor was riding a giant black boar like creature through the ship. The said person stopped the beast right in front of the hall’s door, got off and passed through the marine guards. On his sides could be seen a mace and an axe. As he walked towards the table, he removed his helmet, revealing his blond hair and whitish-blue eyes.
“Sorry I’m late.” The stranger said.
“You always say that Grelden, yet you never try to fix your timing.” Jenny sighted.
“What matter of business kept you this time?” Helbjorn snorted.
“I had to feed Biscuit. She gets rather hungry after battle.” Was the reply.
“You miss meetings just to feed your dumb boar?” Norstorm enquired.
“What? I am to leave her to starve, only to meet with a chicken, a milk giver, some vension chops, some furry steakes, a lizard and several fancy mounts?”
None of the attendants was amused by his words and gave him stern looks. Grelden fell on the ground and slid a couple of feet back on the floor, after the minotaur warlord punched him square in the face. He then picked him up by the throat and smashed him into a nearby wall, after which he spoke.
“Watch your tongue human! If you insist I’ll give you lots of milk, right up your flankhole!”
Helbjorn broke into a laugh, before saying.
“I’ve known this guy in under a day, and I’m starting to like him!”
The other attendants who knew the warlord of Freljord, even Jenny herself, couldn’t hold back either a giggle, their lips curling up, or even a laugh of their own.
“Alright Stag Horn, we appreciate the obedience lesson, but still…as amusing as this is, let him go.” Meton said after a chuckle.
The minotaur complied and let Grelden drop on the floor like a sack of bricks. The black armored warlord got up, and was about to reach for his axe, when something stopped him. All of a sudden he was unable to move. His confusion was ended as Artanis loudly stated.
“Enough!”
Once the High Arch was sure the terran wouldn’t provoke the minotaur he let him go of his mental grip and asked.
“What is the result of the Monolith campaign?”
Grelden put on a dissatisfied expression as he replied.
“The world is lost. The Void managed to overpower us there. Malphite and four other monolithians are the only memory remaining of the planet. We also lost a battalion during the whole event.”
That apparently did not appeal to the Kopruneterrian leaders. As Grelden returned to the table, Celestia addressed the terran emperor.
“What is the quest of this Void? Why is it destroying worlds? And what must we do in order to stop it?”
“The Void feeds on the magical energy left when it destroys a world. It has been attempting to annihilate all of creation, so that it would have a limitless supply of magic. It did so by empowering different beings, who began invasions against the universe. However, because all of its agents and their armies were defeated, it has decided to strike on its own. From what we know it is seeking the power of the only being, who wanted the destruction of all of creation, but was not influenced by the Void.” The terran began explaining, when Windina interrupted.
“And who is this being, exactly?”
“Does the title – The Dark Titan speak anything to you?” He enquired with a serious expression.
Celestia, Luna, Twilight and Bloodmoon’s eyes widened with terror.
“Those fools seek to return Sargeras back to the plain of creation?!” The night goddess exclaimed.
Meton nodded, still bearing his serious expression.
“I have read about him. He managed to stand against the Pantheon of the Titans. How could we even hope to defeat him?!” The lavender alicorn added.
These words were really frightening the fillies.
“Sadly…we cannot.” Artanis began. “But it is not our task to battle the demon. We must purge the Void and its allies.”
“Then who is to stand against the Dark Titan?” The dragoness asked with worry in her voice.
All of the other leaders of Equis shared the same feeling with her.
“I am with Bloodmoon.” Celestia spoke. “If our combined forces stand no chance against him, who can?”
The High Arch sighted, before replying.
“The task of battling Sargeras falls upon the only being we know, who has the power to stand up to him. But, he is currently imprisoned.”
“That is why we need the help of your most skilled mages and shamans to free him.” Amande Medici said.
“But first we need to acquire the allegiance of another world as well.” Kalistrat filled in. “They have managed to repel his demonic forces a few times, but still we think that we will need some more diplomatic aid in order to compel them to ally with us.”
“If all life is at stake, a diplomatic assistant I would like myself to make.” Zeron announced.
“I will join you chief Zeron.” Cadence added, before turning to her son. “Snow, I am counting on you to oversee the Crystal Empire while I’m gone.”
“I will mother.” He replied.
Suddenly, a small panel on the table opened, and a golden triangular device with a green crystal in its center, rose from it.
“This contains everything that has happened here today. You can access it mentally. Spread this information across your planet, so that your people know what is going on, and are not alarmed by the occupation forces.” Selendis explained.
The sun goddess nodded, and picked the device with her yellow magical aura.
“A soldier will escort you and your guard to the transporter tier of the ship. There a scientist will give each of you a trans- dimensional matrix manipulator, and input the knowledge of its use and sector numbering in your minds.” Zoto Swain instructed.
The equistrians nodded in understanding. As they were about to leave, Meton halted them for a moment.
“Wait.” He then addressed the lavender mare. “Princess Sparkle, after you receive your matrix manipulator, you will be escorted to a pod, which will transport you to a Void Ray. You and Ascended Magus Xerath will be travelling to Xexpol 54 – A mining world which is currently under attack by the Void. A distress call was made by the overseer of the planet, that the zerg brood there, was beginning to get pushed back by the attackers, and requested immediate assistance.” The terran emperor said.
“Why will you be sending her?” Celestia asked with a mix of suspicion and anger.
“The overseer personally requested her to be sent there.” Was the reply.
Despite her disapproval, the Princess reconsidered, and the equistrians went to do the tasks placed upon them.
--
A brownish-green orc with black hair and brown eyes, wearing black armor was standing on a cliff, high above the waves, which hit the lad mass. He was confused as to why he was here. All of a sudden his eyes widened, and he moved to the left, dodging a slice of a sword. Its wielder was a human with black hair and blue eyes, and wore golden armor.
“What sorcery have you used Taranog?! I demand that you release me from this trap at once, or I swear, my blade will taste your blood sooner than you’d like!” The human yelled.
“I am not the cause of this Samion!” The orc stated, as he readied his war hammer.
“Orcish lies!” The human spat back and charged.
Taranog let out a battle cry and charged as well. Just before they clashed, their weapons vanished. During the confusion they noticed an owl, descending towards them. Once it reached the ground it transformed into an old man in a brown hooded robe, holding a staff.
“Medivh…” The orc said in awe.
“The oracle?” Samion asked.
“This is a bad sign.” Taranog added, before the hooded man spoke.
“Indeed young shaman. Once again a shadow has leaned over Azeroth. But this time, it is more dangerous than the Scourge and the Dragon Aspect of Death combined. Sargeras himself, along with an army, more fearsome than even the Burning Legion march to end all, not only on this world, but throughout creation.”
“Is there anything we can do to stop him?” The orc asked.
“Yes.” Medivh began. “To defeat the titan, you must release a god from his prison. In a day’s time, vessels from beyond the stars will appear in the skies of Azeroth. You must ally yourselves with the beings they carry, and help them in the resurrection of the one, who will stand against the avatar of evil. But beware the Master of Shadows, for the thing he seeks is in your possession, but a single gaze away from him. Use this knowledge wisely, for the fate of the universe is in your hands.” He finished, before turning into an owl, and flying away.
With that both the orc and the human awoke from their sleep.