#kidcatgemini

Blood gushed out into the Champion’s face as a hooked blade tore through her opponent’s neck, slicing open the artery. She kept her momentum going, spinning around completely as the challenger grasped at the fatal wound, pathetically trying to stop the bleed. Not that they’d have time to bleed to death. Both of the Champions blades came in horizontally now. The first hit cut through the midsection, while the second cleaved the upper half of the body clean off with a sickening crack! 

Kai’eka grinned. She couldn’t have wished for a better time in the afterlife than this! Winning her benefactors the anima they needed time and time again to help mend the Shadowlands? Oh, how she loved when violence was the answer to everything.

She harnessed her blade, before slamming a plated boot into the dead body’s neck, coating it in ice. The warrior then reached down, grabbed the head by the hair and, with unholy strength, broke the head off and held it up into the air in victory. 

The crowd went wild!

“KAI! KAI! KAI!”

The Draenei’s brow raised as she wove through the crowd. It couldn’t be… could it? As the chanting grew more and more feverish and excited, Avehi hastened to get a better look. She began to push, knocking patrons aside or pulling them back to give way as she slipped between them. She was… stunned… when she finally laid eyes on the champion in the center of the ring. Yep-- it was Kai’eka alright. She wasn’t entirely sure if she should be amazed, disappointed, or proud of the fellow Death Knight she’d raised. Regardless, she wasn’t surprised.

“The Indomitable Champion of the House of Chosen claims another hapless victim!” 

Announced the Grandmaster, feeding the crowd’s frenzied excitement. 

“Is there none who can stop this master of disaster? This whirl of blades? Who dares to challenge Kai’eka the Butcher?”

‘Tch…’ For a moment, Avehi forgot this was why she’d come. The traitorous House of the Chosen had recruited Kai’eka, it seemed. Surely she simply didn’t know the true intention of her newfound allies. Kai’eka had to be set straight. But in an environment like this, she was unapproachable in all but one manner. Avehi contemplated simply waiting until the day’s fighting was over. And yet her body continued to move as it had been, cutting through the crowd to get to the stairs.

“I do!” she declared, unabashed.

The crowd’s eye turned from Kai’eka to the challenger as she descended the bloodied and fractured stairs leading into the heart of the amphitheatre. Free from the tightly-packed mess of spectators, Avehi was free to draw her hammer as she focused her gaze on Kai’eka. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, the memory of the first time she’d faced this unusually muscular elf crossing her mind. Kai’eka had only grown stronger since then, in undeath. 

This would be fun.

The warrior tossed the head aside and turned to face the new challenger. She was surprised to see Avehi, though the only indication of such was a raised eyebrow. A grin tugged at the corner of her lips, though. 

Avehi had been the one to kill her, and raise her. Kai’eka knew how strong the Draenei was, and wouldn’t underestimate her again. The thought of facing her again in battle was an exciting one. A test to see how far she’d come in her training as an Ebon Knight.

Kicking the top half of the fresh corpse aside, she made her way to the centre of the ring to meet her opponent.

“Didn’t know you were in Maldraxxus too. Surprised the Chosen haven’t recruited you as well,” she spoke simply, honestly. 

Though, the more she thought about it, the more she realized she never really spent much time outside the Theatre. 

"Kai'eka." Avehi nodded, stopping short of the elf in the center of the arena. "Is this the start of a trend? Or have you always been so careless to whom you pledge your allegiances?"

She slung her hammer up over her shoulder, loosely counter-weighing the glowing crystalline head by draping her forearm over the hilt. Her lichfire eyes flared, the neurotic energy welling up within her. As it always did before a fight. There wasn't a choice here; even if she could talk Kai'eka back from her error in judgement, the Maldraxxi were here to see a fight! The notion immediately reinforced as the Grandmaster's booming voice filled the stadium once again.

"How exciting! These two tiny titans know one another from distant mortal planes! Reunited here, in the crucible of destruction and glory! I couldn't have arranged a better matchup, myself!"

The chanting reached a fevered pitch, as the various denizens shouted and roar with excitement! Clearly Kai'eka had impressed them greatly; what would another like her be like as her opponent? 

The warrior raised an eyebrow. Avehi’s words piqued her interest.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

The question was asked, but it was time to fight. The crowd would most likely get upset if all they did was talk. A blade in each hand, Kai’eka shifted her stance, and charged at the Draenei.

“I win fights, they get anima to help protect the Shadowlands,” she informed Avehi as she swung her blades at the Draenei’s knees, “It’s not complicated.”

Avehi leapt back, playing it safe for now as the two conversed. Shrugging her hammer from her shoulder, she took a ready stance and frowned.

"You're under the misconception that the House of the Chosen are protecting the Shadowlands!" she replied, as Rokaa's crystalline head began to swirl with neurotic energy. "Margrave Krexus is dead. And Vyraz killed him!"

Before letting Kai'eka reply, Avehi thrust her hammer forward, sending a death coil at her! It moved quickly, aimed squarely for the center of the elf's chest!

Kai’eka didn’t try to dodge the blast, but instead brought her large sword up to intercept it. The runes on the weapon glowed as it absorbed the necrotic energy, before the warrior swung it and deployed it back towards Avehi, her other blade following up with a horizontal strike for the Draenei’s midsection. 

“What the fuck’s a Margrave?!”

Seriously? Avehi was less shocked as her death coil was returned-- able to lean out of its trajectory without much trouble. But Kai’eka couldn’t be so… clueless, could she? She was starting to think Kai’eka joined the Twilight Cult by accident! The House of the Chosen were at least former allies. But is that as far into it as she read? No question as to who led the House? Sloppy and foolish. Something she’d expect of Raetos, certainly-- but not Kai’eka!

Momentarily baffled by the show of overall situational unawareness, the elf’s follow-up strike landed! For being so poorly informed, she still fought well; Therein was the problem, after all! Her strength needed to be properly implemented, not wasted here working for the enemy! 

Avehi hissed, powering through the sudden pain as the runeblade sliced into her armor to retaliate immediately. She thrust the head of her hammer out to bash Kai’eka’s face!

“Fool! I’m telling you that you’re on the wrong side! Again!”

“Since wh—“

Kai’eka barely managed to lean back on time to avoid a broken nose.

“Son of a bitch…”

She continued with the momentum, jumping up to kick Avehi in the jaw as she performed a backflip and landed on her feet. Immediately, she took on a defensive position.

“Since when?!” She growled, “That Baroness chick, Draka, she led me to them herself. I’ve been doing all the fighting for them here ever since! Where the fuck have you been?!”

Avehi snarled, bringing her gauntlet to her mouth. She eyed a bit of blood her fingers had connected from her lips; courtesy of Kai’eka’s parting kick. Her grip about her hammer tensed.

“If you had peeked your head out of this arena every once in a while, you would’ve seen what I’m talking about!” she scolded the elf! “The other Baron, Vyraz, killed the Chosen’s leader in a power grab! He’s in league with the Jailer, you idiot!”

She rushed at Kai’eka, before jumping up into the air. She spun, bringing her hammer up from behind her-- at the same time, reaching out for Kai’eka with a deathgrip. But rather than rip the elf towards her, the shadows coiled around the elf’s boot to pull and trip her down into a vulnerable position for the blow to land! 

“Why would—“

Kai braced herself for the grip, but not for where it was aimed. She cursed as her foot was yanked and she lost her balance, but her quick reflexes saved her from the blow as she rolled to her right.

“Fuck! Why would I leave the arena?!” 

She growled, literally throwing one of her large blades at Avehi as she continued the rolling momentum and got to a crouching position. 

“All I need to do here is rest, train and fight! I’m perfect for this! You should see all the anima I’ve won!”

It was the last thing she expected Kai’eka to do; mostly, because it was foolish! While the blow landed as intended-- cutting into Avehi’s shoulder-- throwing one’s weapon was a desperation tactic. Ill advised for anyone, especially a Death Knight. As the Draenei staggered back from the force of the blow, she picked up the tossed blade and stared Kai’eka down. Her hand tensed around the hilt of the broadsword as its tip dug into the ground at her feet. The other tightened around the grip of her hammer. It seemed there were two lessons she’d have to teach her, today.

“Are you truly so short-sighted? I’m not arguing that you’re earning anima here.” she snarled. “But you’re doing it for the enemy!”

She brought her hammer up, and swung down hard onto the blade. It cracked… then shattered from the impact in front of the Draenei!

Kai’eka’s eyes grew wide as she realized her mistake, too late. In life, throwing her swords had worked exceptionally well as a surprise attack. She’d forgotten, however, how important a rune blade was to a Death Knight.

She took a few steps, hand outreached as the weapon shattered. The effects were felt immediately. She cried out, falling to her knees as pain coursed through her system. The pain was followed by what she could only describe as ‘void’. Part of her had been torn away as her runeblade was destroyed. Her hand tightened on the hilt of her remaining weapon as her body trembled under the shock of what had just happened. 

“F-fucking bitch…” she growled, but was otherwise too weak to continue.

The crowd went silent.

Avehi cast the hilt of the blade down, freeing her hand to grip her shoulder. Violet blood oozed from her arm, the perforation in her armor cutting clean and deep. It wasn’t all her blood anymore, but still retained its bluish hue just the same. Slowly, her hemomancy set to mending the gash as she stepped towards Kai’eka.

The silence was deafening in a place like this. Thankfully it didn’t last long, replaced soon with hushed murmurs and whispers from confused and anxious fans. Avehi didn’t want to do that to Kai’eka. She knew the pain of a shattered blade all too well-- it was a pain she’d inflicted upon herself once, in misguided desperation. Both then and now were lessons, at least. She stood over Kai’eka frowning in disappointment.

“I know you’re smarter than this, Kai. And if you weren’t before… you are now.” she berated the elf. “You’re here to help-- not to be another problem I have to deal with. You want to fight in the arena? Fine. You want to earn anima? Great. Just have the cognizance to know who you’re really fighting for. Understand?”

With that, she pulled her hand from her wound, and extended it out for Kai’eka in an offer to help her back up.

Kai’eka glared up as Avehi spoke, teeth clenched as she struggled against the aftershocks of losing her blade. Thankfully, she had two, and she didn’t even want to think about how horrible it would have been if that had been her only one. 

To say she was angry and frustrated would be an understatement. Not necessarily towards Avehi, but towards herself. She’d made a horrible mistake in dedicating her entire life to the Twilight Cult, and she’d just found out she’d been doing the same since her arrival in the Shadowlands. Twice now, she’d fought for what she thought was the right cause, only for Avehi to keep coming in to correct her. 

She hated it. Hated being wrong. Hated that she couldn’t trust herself to know the good guys from the bad. 

Of course… admitting all of that out loud wasn’t about to happen. Having been beaten in battle was bad enough.

Her  hand reached out to grab Avehi’s. The woman who had raised her seemed to have a full picture of things.

“Fine,” she growled, the closest she would get to admitting she was wrong, “Then point me in the direction of whoever’s ass I need to kick.”

Once she tugged Kai’eka up out of the dirt, she placed her hand over her arm once more to sustain the healing. She nodded, relaxing a bit, and offering the elf a more amicable expression. Not quite a smile, but… hints of one.

“Still plenty of asses to kick here in the arena. But make it clear you’re not fighting for the Chosen anymore.” she replied, motioning to the crowd-- still murmuring and whispering in confusion. “Your anima winnings should go to support restoring order to the Shadowlands. You fight for the unity of Maldraxxus. You fight for the Undying Army!”

The portal closed expediently behind him, sealing Brent off in the safety of Ny’alotha. He cursed under his breath, as he sheathed his daggers. The fighting had escalated quickly in Uldum; Ramkahen and the Wastewanders gained serious momentum in pushing back against N’Zoth’s forces. Brent was, admittedly, impressed with their efforts. The seemingly ragtag group of unlikely allies had organized their counter-offensive well in recent days. He’d heard the Pandaren and their Mogu allies mounted a similarly successful offensive in the Vale as well. The combination of the two didn’t bode well.

Ny’alotha was an odd place, the rogue found. Wide open, perpetually dark, and writhing with monstrous creatures. He frowned beneath his mask - the whole world would look like this too, if N’Zoth got his way… A sigh escaped him as he sheathed his blades. A sigh of relief, perhaps? He wasn’t entirely sure he wanted this anymore. Maybe the forces of Azeroth rallying together like this was for the best…

His ear flickered, as another portal opened nearby. This one linked Ny’alotha to Pandaria, by the look of it. More retreating Twilight forces began pouring through, regrouping after another defeat against Azeroth’s forces. He waited, breath baited, heart sinking every second he didn’t see Kai’eka. Finally, he exhaled a sigh of relief, as she stepped out of the portal, a blade in each hand, both covered in blood. Her natural state.

Her armor beheld scratches and minor dents from battle, but she appeared in good health. Her expression was naturally neutral, but knowing her as long as he had, Brent caught the subtle ear twitch that gave away her annoyance. She frowned as she saw her partner there with the Uldum forces. She was happy to see that Brent was well, but the fact that he was here alongside her wasn’t a good sign.

“Fuck... you too?” She asked, walking over to stand by the Blackened Blade, suddenly feeling the weight of what was happening, “Last stand, then.”

The rogue nodded, wiping his brow with the back of his glove - still running a little warm from the desert heat. His mask hid his deep concern; if Kai’eka was pushed back, of all people… there wasn’t much more the Twilight forces could throw out to stop Azeroth’s advance. 

The scattered remnants quickly rallied into loose formations. The dark platforms shifted and turned, altering configuration for something big. Brent’s ears flattened, realizing what was happening. 

The Pandaria portal wasn’t the last one that would be opened today.

“Take positions! Patrol the area!” came the deep, unsettling voices of the Twilight commanders. “Azerothians are pushing in!”

Brent grunted. This was the last place he wanted to be right now. Locked away in the twisted shadows of an Old God, with the so-called “heroes” of Azeroth banging on the door? He wasn’t a soldier. Not one for large-scale assaults like this. Behemoth Faceless and Twilight Darkcasters formed ranks beneath the burning, ominous skies of the Black Empire. Unfathomable jellyfish-creatures drifted overhead. Spiky tentacles and eye stalks sprouted forth from Il’gynoth’s nest. This was it; this was all they had left to defend Ny’alotha?

It wouldn’t be enough.

“--Kai.” he called, head and shoulders hung wearily. “It’s… it’s over.”

A heavy sigh, as his eyes met hers. They said it all - defeat evident in them already. He shook his head.

“You and I have seen this time and time again. Ahn'qiraj, Northrend, the so-called ‘Hour of Twilight’...” he grumbled, throwing unenthused air-quotes. “We know how this is gonna end.”

Kai’eka met his gaze as the Twilights scattered into their formations. She knew what he was thinking before he even spoke the words. She felt the same dread wash over her, recognizing the moment for what it was. They’d witnessed the defeat of their Masters time and time again. Before, they’d managed to escape and regroup. This time, they wouldn’t get the chance. The only escape was death. Without a rune, there would be no coming back. 

For Kai’eka, though, death wasn’t something to be feared. It was even welcomed, to a point. After a lifetime of devotion to her Masters, and her most recent sacrifice in their name, what better way to end her long life than with one final and ultimate sacrifice? What kind of life was left for her after this final defeat? She and Brent had nothing to return to. Lips pressed into a thin line as she heard the distant sounds of battle as the Azerothian forces pushed through. 

“If this is the end, we go down fighting!” she declared!

His heart sank - a strange, jarring feeling in that moment. Of course she’d say that; Kai’eka was so committed to the Old Gods, and had been for literal decades! Her devotion was unfaltering! His, meanwhile, was anything but. Shaking her blades free of the blood that coated them, Kai’eka went to take her proper position in the defensive formation. Guilt washed over him as he watched her stride off proudly to meet her end. She’d already given so much to this damned cult…

The shadows swirled about Brent, as he teleported quickly behind Kai’eka. He grabbed her shoulder, tugging it to bring her around.

Then threw his arms around her in a tight hug.

Kai’eka’s eyes widened in surprise. It took her a moment to register what was happening. It was strange. Despite their close friendship, outward expressions of friendship between them didn’t happen… other than that one night together. Their relationship was usually expressed through short sentences and long comfortable silences. 

But again… this wasn’t a normal moment…

There was a loud clatter as her swords fell to the ground and her arms returned the embrace. She kept the hug surprisingly gentle, knowing first hand how fragile her partner could be. Her chin rested on his shoulder in the moment, letting out a sigh.

“Hey… Thanks for keeping me sane over the years.”

“Least I could do, for you keeping us all safe.”

The hug lasted more than a moment. A part of Brent didn’t want to let go. Didn’t want to lose the only other person he truly cared about so soon after losing Nepen’thea. Definitely not losing them both to the same idiotic cult. But there wasn’t nearly enough time to convince Kai’eka to shrug off the shadows and abandon the Twilight forces with him. Besides, it wouldn’t be right. He knew Kai’eka was a fierce warrior… dying in such violent combat for something she believed in was the best death she could ever ask for. He envied people with that sort of conviction.

When he finally broke the embrace, he looked up at Kai’eka as he stepped back. He tried to keep up a stalwart facade, but it was nearly impossible to do. His eyes misted, bottoms of them both pooling as he nodded to her.

This would be the last time he saw her. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet… but what choice did he have? Almost in defiance - and yet true to his normal style - he elected not to say anything else at all. A wordless nod said everything for him. He turned from Kai’eka, and tugged his blades free from their sheaths as he walked over to his position.

Even though he, himself, wasn’t ready to die for this cause, he wasn’t going to deny the invaders their chance to die for theirs.

Kai’eka remained where she was for a moment, her turn to watch him go. She’d seen Brent emotional before, but not like this. The fear and sadness he expressed hadn’t been something she’d expected. Was he afraid of death? It was hard to imagine so after all their dangerous missions. One would assume he’d be happy to join with Nepen’thea.

But there was no time to dwell on that. Her ear twitched, noting the sudden silence. N’Zoth must have pulled the intruders into a vision. It would only hold them back for so long. The Horde and Alliance both had spent enough time getting through the various ones they’d set up around Azeroth thanks to that meddling dragon…

Bey'ron… Gattius scowled at even the thought of that slimy sleazy Magister. Syrielle had spent a lot of time with him recently, studying and learning theory of Pyromancy from him in her efforts to become an Archmage. Late nights in the library… lessons that left her exhausted and spent… he didn't want to believe Syrielle might have fallen into her old Dalaran ways again. But studying magic as seriously as she had back then could have rekindled that promiscuous desire in her again. But… she wouldn't, now. Even if she had such feelings, Gattius knew she'd just come home to find the release she needed. But Bey'ron… Gattius had yet to meet him, but he knew he must have be been alluring on some level. His charm had worked once before, on Ina’thia… was it possible he turned that charm on Syrielle? 

An attractive young pupil… a charismatic teacher…

--No! He shook his head furiously. Syrielle wouldn't do that! Gattius knew she'd changed for good, leaving behind that sort of lifestyle. She knew how much it hurt. A hurt she'd never inflict on Gattius. His ears wilted shamefully for even entertaining the thought!

But that still left his worries unanswered - where was she? Nothing made sense about it. Had he upset her somehow? Was she avoiding him on purpose? He started to think of ways he might’ve upset her recently. He hadn’t made any off-handed remarks at her. He tried to make sure she felt loved and wanted, even given how much time he'd been spending with the Commander lately, or off training by himself. What could've possibly upset her so much that she'd avoid him? Nothing came to mind.

If not intentionally…

Gattius smoked a cigarette, as he gazed out to the sea. He was thoughtful. Troubled… Akosua sighed as she slipped from the shadows beside him.

"Why does he smell so horrible? Hell, kodos are less stinky than that damned noble," she mused, approaching him before offering a respectful incline of her head - if only briefly.

"--There you are!" Gattius turned fully to Akosua, eyes wide and ears perked. “What've you learned? What else can you tell me?”

Akosua slowly shook her head and turned to face him, in return.

"Aye, sorry for vanishing for a bit. I figured it best to try and gather more information. As for what's been learned, I can inform you that the snake is plotting something and I'd be extra careful of him. Do whatever you can to keep Syrielle -away- from him."

“He's targeting Syrie? Why? Why would he target her?” Gattius frowned… answers to his own question flooding his mind. "For killing his bride, I'll bet. Or to get back at me!"

“...Think about it.” Akosua replied, pinning her ears a little. “What do you have that he doesn't?”

Gattius took a long, thoughtful pause. He exhaled a smoke-filled breath, contemplatively.

“He... you mentioned he still wants an heir. And that he knows about my... How does he know? Is he watching us?”

“Long story but it sure as hell wasn't from me.” she shrugged. “Look, just do what you can to keep his filthy hands off of her, alright?”

“I am.” Gattius nodded, firmly. “I'm tightening security around here. Stronger doors, shutters on the windows, and I'm having Syrie keep someone with her at all times. She's with the Commander, for now.”

“I just pray that's enough. If not I can't make promises on the fate of the snake.” Akosua sighed.

“You keep... saying that.” he frowned, eyeing the shadowblade over, appraisingly. "Are you planning to kill him?"

“He's playing a dangerous game here and I suspect he knows it. And for whatever reason if he doesn't know it then he's a bloody fool.” Akosua replied, cooly.

The Blood Knight grunted, and shook his head. He didn’t want it to go that far.

“Let me be clear - I despise the man. But I don't want you to kill him. You understand?”

“Tch, we're running out of options here.” Akosua protested. “What do you want to do then? Let him possibly risk trying something else down the road? You think he's really going to stop?”

He furrowed his brow, but said nothing as he puffed away thoughtfully at his cigarette.

“Gattius, he is a fool and a snake. And even if you cut off a snake's head it can still bite for a while after.”

“Ako, I'm NOT going to order an assassination on him! On anyone!” Gattius repeated, firmly. “He's a disgruntled old man, not an enemy of the Kingdom! Justice will be met, but I'm not going to preemptively have him killed just for plotting against me.”

Akosua pursed her lips and stiffled a low growl before slowly exhaling a calming breath, although barely.

"...He may not be an enemy to the Kingdom but he sure as hell is one to you and your family."

“Perhaps. But he hasn't done anything yet.” he sighed. “I appreciate you warning me, and I'll take every precaution I can.”

“Look, if you want me to continue spying and reporting back to you, I'll do that. However, I doubt the old man is going to ever stop trying to pull some sort of shit.” she warned. “What reason would he have to stop?”

“I would've thought he learned his lesson last time he tried to pull a stunt on me.” Gattius huffed. “But…You might be right."

Frustratedly, he shook his head - hands clenched, as he drew a deeper breath through his cigarette.

“All the same, don't kill him.” he sighed, hanging his head, ears wilting. “I... I can't have him killed. I just can't, Ako! I'm not that guy. As much as I despise him... As much torment as he's caused me, both growing up and now… He's still a Sin'dorei."

“A fool who is foolhardy never learns.” Akosua nearly began to curse under her breath but narrowly caught herself before sighing again. "Alright, fine. I won't end him. However, a snake may shed their skin but that still doesn't change what they are."

“I know. If he actually does anything... I have no problem meting out justice, myself.” Gattius replied, nodding firmly once more - the spark in his eyes affirming the truth in his words. “It's a tough spot. I don't want him to do anything - least of all to Syrielle, or my son. But until he does try something…”

Gattius’ eyes went wide, as his memory flooded back to him. How could he have forgotten the warning he'd received from Akosua? His father… Tharinel… of course! She’d warned him he might try something… but he was reluctant to act. And now… it had cost him!

It was a huge accusation, especially with no proof, other than the word of a shadowblade… but Gattius knew he'd taken her! He didn't know how, but he knew it! And he'd prove it, too - he grabbed his short sword from beside his nightstand, threw his cloak over his shoulders, and rushed out the door. He'd get to the bottom of this - right to the source!