The Double Challenge

The sun was unforgivable this day and although the jungle canopy sheltered the light from the trail, its steaming heat still sweltered; making the trip to Aboraz along Crystal Shore a miserable one.

Nimboya traveled beside Ku'Mari just ahead of the group. He could not help but notice the steadfast expression of conflict on the leader's face as they walked.

"It appears ya got sometings tah sort out, Cuz."

Ku'Mari made no reply.

"People are forced tah choose many paths to reach dere destiny in life. Some lead us to our fate. Ya membah's tell meh you was given ya position as a dyin' request. Sounds tah meh like it was meant tah be."

"Deh responsibility be more den I was expectin." Ku'Mari responded dryly.

"Well ya faced it well den. Ya chose tah complete dis mission as promised even though ya elf girl vanished on ya. Dat musta been a difficult decision and I tank ya for holdin' your ground."

Once again, Ku'Mari said nothing.

"Ya crew loves ya, if ya didn't know it. I nevah seen such devotion from a team of fighters before. Ya put dem out tah stand alone on quests and dey still remain by yo side. Dat blood elf, however, betrayed ya. If she really loved ya, she wouldn't ah ran off to her death. She be blind wit vengeance and she's chosen her fate."

Ku'Mari stopped in his tracks and drew close enough to Nimboya that their tusks clacked against each other.

"Ya listen here, Cuz! Deh minute we able tah save Yenniku, I'm ah be back into deh brush of deh Vale and I won't stop searchin' fah Kellani till I've found her! And when I do find her, I'm ah kill Bahlik or damn sure die tryin'!" He suddenly stepped back as he expressed surprise in his severity. He bowed his head to the advisor, realizing that he was quite out of line. Nimboya simply smiled and playfully hit the leader in the arm.

"Ya really do love dat blood elf." He laughed and continued walking. "Ku'Mari, ya be a good leader and ah great lover. You's a poster boy for deh new-age troll, dat's whatcha be! You're story will definitely come back tah Vol'Jin no mattah what happens today."

Ku'Mari followed the troll as his team continued on behind them.

They soon reached the cascaded Ruins of Aboraz only to find a massive crowding of trolls and Naga pacing about like zombies. The drone creatures carried on in such a mindless fashion, that they seemed not to notice the large party standing only yards away.

"Deez must be deh guinea pigs of Zanzil's work. See what challenge dey bring ya but be wary of Zanzil's magic. I will search for Yenniku." Nimboya ordered as everyone nodded in agreement. Ku'Mari turned back to his team and smirked as they shared his ambition and immediately lunged into action. Everyone scattered out amongst the crowds of drones, picking their battles while Nimboya slipped past them and into the maze of ruins. Ku'Mari followed the advisor to help defend him as he searched for Yenniku. As the crew took down the numerous drones, more appeared, ready to fight as if on cue.

"Why's it always gotta be like dis?" Mikal'wah shouted in frustration as she quickly shielded herself in frost and blasted a powerful serpent.

"What do you mean?" Apoco took down two trolls as he smiled, quite humored by his comrade.

"Every time we go tah take down an army, ah whole other army gotta show up outta nowhere! It happens every time!"

At the sight of the new mass of enemies, Barrack went into a full battle-frenzy. He swung his mace from side to side, knocking all those too close, out across the beach. Many of the naga and trolls who caught sight of his advances took on the challenge and followed the bouldering orc as he led them away from the rest of the team.

Even as Barrack did his best lessen the numbers for the team, still more of Zanzil's drones appeared to fight. Garrett kept by Mikal'wah's side, taking down any stragglers who did not die from her magic attacks. Apoco powerfully thrust his pike through two naga as he caught sight of an actual group of zombies drawing near. They roared and bellowed like wild beasts as they swung their clawed hands in a wild manner.

"What on Azeroth are those!" He cracked, suddenly embarrassed by his own surprised fear and quickly composed himself. Four of the deathly zombies had their eyes set on the tauren and he immediately took stance, ready for the challenge, but before they could reach him, Garrett came forth and pulled out his throwing daggers. He chucked them furiously at the oncoming mob, managing to glance back at Apoco and nod.

"Go on kid!"

A bit confused, the tauren looked to Mikal'wah whose frost barrier had shattered. With her mana energy waning, she slashed away with her dagger at any enemies that drew near. Barrack, who had cleared out a mass of drones now struggled to stay up as he weakly defended himself against his remaining foes.

(I've got a job to do!) Apoco immediately came forth and centered his concentration for healing as Garrett made sure the druid remained undistracted.

"Dere he is!" Nimboya exclaimed as he ran towards a bewildered-looking young troll. He pulled out the soul stone the team had helped him create and reached for Yenniku only to be halted by a powerful, invisible force. His hand remained frozen in mid-air and he looked about in confusion.

"Ou muss beh membah ah deh Darkspear Tribe!" a deep voice boomed in choppy Zandali not far behind Yenniku. Ku'Mari withdrew his staff edging to cast a lightning bolt at the massive troll who came near. Yenniku blankly stared at Nimboya, who finally managed to pull away from the approaching witchdoctor.

Zanzil's eyes were pits of black tar that gleamed as he approached carrying a staff topped with a pearlescent, glowing orb. Ku'Mari could sense the strangeness of the troll's foreign magic. He recalled the elders' tales of a dark magic that went beyond the spirits above and below Azeroth. This power was not that of nature, arcane, or fel; this was ancient voodoo!

"I taka'choo want d'boy… he uh yo tribe, eh?" The witchdoctor grinned, baring his black-dyed teeth.

"Dey boy belongs wit his people. His soul belongs with deh Darkspears!" Nimboya sternly replied.

"Shoulda nevah gav'em'way! He'soul mine!"

Nimboya stood affront Yenniku and aimed his spear in defiance. Zanzil laughed in reply.

"Ya'wan proof?" Zanzil raised his staff as a strange light flashed from the orb atop the weapon. Yenniku suddenly stood up straight and attentive, looking to his master who pointed at Nimboya.

Zanzil sneered, "KILL HIM!"

Two massive gorillas barreled toward Quel'Anis as she bolted for higher ground. She could sense their immense power as they came within three feet of her.

(How could I be so foolish as to cross their territory?) She cursed herself as the beasts finally began to give in to the chase. They slowed to a halt and stood staring as the blood elf reached the southern trail of the Vale. Quel'Anis finally stopped running as she caught glimpse of a sign not far off in the distance. The road took a sharp curve just ahead and began to look quite familiar.

(That must be the tunnel to Booty Bay, ahead.) She quickly knelt down and began to mend a gash one of the gorillas had left on her calf.

(This is ridiculous! If I keep using up my energy defending myself against these beasts then I won't have enough to defeat…) Quel'Anis paused for a moment realizing her naïve thoughts. Cynically, she laughed out loud and shook her head.

(What does it matter? I am seeking my doom.)

"I am fool." She said sadly, thinking back to Ku'Mari's looks of concern and imagined the pain he must have felt when he had realized that she had left. She suddenly hardened her expression. (I do this for Ann'da! I must try with all of my strength… no matter what!)

Feeling rejuvenated with vengeance, she stood only to be knocked over by a heavy force. Snarling pursued atop her back as something dug into her bag. She turned with her dagger ready, only to find a male tiger rummaging through her rations pack. He managed to find a few thick strips of jerky and snorted as he looked to the blood elf before hopping off of her back. Quel'Anis stumbled to her feet and backed away as she placed her hands on her hips and shook her head.

"Since when does the carnivorous king of the jungle need to steal food from travelers?"

Once he finished his stolen snack the tiger sat before the blood elf, staring intently, as if expecting more. Quel'Anis shook her head and smiled as she pulled out yet another piece of jerky and dangled it before him. The tiger sat before her like a house cat, swishing his tail from side to side as he patiently awaited the treat. Quel'Anis dropped the jerky and the tiger quickly caught it in his mouth. She took notice to the strange blue hue in his eyes and realized the reason for his domesticated behavior as she knelt down and began to pet him.

"You have trainer's illumination so you must belong to someone…but why would you come to me so freely? Where is your master?"

As if he had completely understood her words, the tiger suddenly ran off the road and down into the dip of a small valley a few yards away. He stood and sniffed an ambiguous shape in the tall grass. Quel'Anis came closer to find the body of a female blood elf hunter sprawled over the ground. Her long ebony hair lay over her empty eyes and one hand rested at her neck where a long deep gash bled heavily, staining the grass. Her armor displayed her high level of experience but it had obviously not been enough for her survival. Quel'Anis looked to the tiger in disappointment.

"Your master is dead and you are still live? What kind of pet does not protect their master?" She said sternly. A sudden stab of pain hit her as she suddenly recalled her own pet lynx, Dreakai's death. He had not died by her side but by the side of her friend, Ellorei… his true master.

(I am no better a trainer than this creature is a pet.) She smiled guiltily. Disrupting her thoughts, the tiger held up a bloody dagger the corpse had held in its other hand. Clearly this death was a suicide.

"I see. You cannot protect someone from themselves." She sighed and petted the beautifully striped cat. "Well, you're free now." She began to walk away as she heard the tiger huff and begin to follow her. She stopped in her tracks and turned to him.

"Listen cat, I approach nearly the same path your master has taken. I wish not to be held responsible for another un-needed death. Go, be free and enjoy the wilderness." She turned to continue walking only to find the tiger still following her so she stopped once more.

"I approach a viciously challenging battle, one that will most likely take my life. Do you truly wish to follow me to your death?"

Once again, the tiger seemed to understand her words and stood alert beside her. She smiled graciously and knelt down.

"I am not the best pet trainer, but if we live through this, I promise to keep you well fed, well attended and content. I owe it to an animal with such loyalty." The tiger licked her hand in response.

"And here I though I would have to do this alone. At least with you by my side, I stand some slim chance of hope." As they continued down the road Quel'Anis looked back in wonder at the blood elf's death.

(I am curious to know why such an experienced hunter would kill herself out here? For what reason would she simply give up?) She began to feel the burn of revenge return to her. "What weakness! I would never give in to anything so easily! Hell, even if I go down with Bahlik, my father will still have justice!" She proudly said aloud.

"Dat sounds agreeable." A deep familiar voice appeared.

Quel'Anis spun around and her new pet immediately began to growl, well aware that this was an enemy.

Bahlik stood a few feet away daintily swinging Quel'Anis' father's sword about .He wore a patch over his eye, where she had attacked him a few days before. It obviously had little effect on him at present as he stood with grim smile on his face.

"Ya just can't get enough ah meh, eh Kellani'wa?"

Nimboya fell to the ground forcefully. As he looked up, he immediately rolled out of the way of a piercing spear. He stood and backed away as his eyes remained fixed on the droning troll before him.

"Yenniku, listen to meh! Ya gotta snap outta it boy! I come tah save ya!"

His words were of no effect to the possessed troll that continued to attack him. Meanwhile, Ku'Mari made it clear that Zanzil was not to go unpunished. The two stood only a few yards apart casting powerful spells against each other. Zanzil laughed as his dark magic became overbearing for the shaman, striking Ku'Mari down with poisonous curses but Ku'Mari would not forfeit. Quickly, healing himself of the poison, he ran to the massive troll and slammed his staff into Zanzil's chest. The sudden melee attack left Zanzil in great surprise as he fell back. Furious now, the witchdoctor swung his staff as he casted another spell that nearly blinded Ku'Mari. The shaman flew back at the blast of power and slid in the dirt. Ku'Mari growled as he rolled his eyes and got up.

(Oye, dis troll's GOTTA go!)

As zombies broke through Mikal'wah's ice barrier for the third time, the mage troll fell down and backed away, trying her best to avoid her enemies' advances. Barrack struggled to stay on his feet as he drew closer to the rest of the team with six drones at his back. Apoco barely managed on his hands and knees, completely drained of his healing magic. Garrett could feel the team's growing desperation as he struggled to distract as many drones as he possibly could. The team was failing fast and with Ku'Mari and Nimboya off fighting the main matter, it seemed things could come to an end. A naga swiftly swung its sword through Garrett's neck separating it from behind.

(Shit!)The world went topsy-turvy as Garrett watched his disoriented body struggle to strike at any enemy that came near.

"Sorry kids… looks like this is game over." Garrett said in disappointment just as a troll stood before his head, ready to crush him.

Suddenly, a giant mass of blue gas with gilded wrists appeared and punched the troll hard enough that he collapsed to the ground. Like lightning, the voidwalker went about the team knocking out any enemy that came into its path. Before a naga could slice into Mikal'wah with its sword, a blast of fire seared through the serpent and more naga drew to the direction of the magic. Garrett rolled onto the side of his head to find a familiar warlock casting fire and fel magic, blast after blast, on the oncoming enemies. He could not help the grand smile that stretched onto his rotted face. Irena powerfully blasted enemies into ashes as her voidwalker continued to lure the crowd away from the team. As the enemy numbers finally slimmed, she came close to the team and began throwing mana and healing elixirs to them.

"Happy Solstice!" She teased them.

Quite recharged, Barrack got up and helped the voidwalker finish off the drones and zombies before returning to the rest of the team.

Irena smirked and picked up Garrett's head as his body slowly managed to make its way over to them.

"You came back…" Garrett smiled thankfully.

"You kids wouldn't last two days without me." She said dauntingly as she helped him re-attach to his body. He placed hands on her shoulders affectionately and smiled deeply. Irena rolled her eyes at the sudden sentiment and awkwardly punched the undead man in his chest.

As the others watched the sweet moment, Apoco was intent on reaching Ku'Mari and Nimboya in hope of witnessing their success. He followed their footprints in the sand until he reached the struggling battle.

Yenniku had Nimboya by his throat, choking him to death.

Zanzil swung his staff and hit a well-beaten Ku'Mari to the ground. The shaman troll had beaten him just as badly but the witchdoctor managed to humor himself. He turned to witness Nimboya's struggle and laughed weakly.

"I tol'ya deh boy be mine! Ya can'nah stop'eem!" Zanzil laughed.

Nimboya struggled to pull the soul stone from his pouch and reached out to Yenniku's forhead. Yenniku blankly stared up at the harmless-looking stone as his grip tightened on the advisor. Within a split second, the stone made contact with Yenniku's head and stuck to him as it began to withdraw his soul.

"Return to yo family, boy." Nimboya struggled. Yenniku's grip on Nimboya immediately released and both trolls fell to the ground.

"NO!" Zanzil roared angrily as he began to charge after the fallen advisor. A staff suddenly came down over the witchdoctor's head and he fell face-forward into the sand, unmoving. A bloody Ku'Mari helped Nimboya to his feet. Nimboya held out the red glowing soul stone.

"Our quest is complete. Yenniku's body be too tainted to return to Vol'Jin but regaining his vibrant soul will be enough to fulfill our leader's happiness." Nimboya managed as the two began to walk away. "Ya did good, Cuz." He smiled.

"KU'MARI!" Apoco shouted as he ran toward them.

"Apoco, what-"

"DUCK!" The young tauren threw his pike at the two trolls as he transformed into a bear. The trolls quickly took heed and cleared the way as Apoco leapt into the air. His weapon sliced through Zanzil's neck as the tauren mauled the witchdoctor to pieces. At Zanzil's cry of death, Apoco turned and roared as he returned to the trolls.

Green healing magic glistened over Ku'Mari and Nimboya as Apoco transformed back to his true form, a bit shaken up. He had never killed a boss before and he smiled weakly; more astonished by his actions than anything. The team approached from behind and cheered at their victory.

Ku'Mari shook his head and smiled as he patted Apoco on the back.

"Ya keep dat up an' I'm ah make ya leader right now."

Apoco's smile immediately dropped and his eyes grew wide.

"I didn't mean to… I was just tryin' to… I only wanted to…"

Ku'Mari burst into laughter, "Alright, maybe not now but ya better get ready for it."

Apoco's expression was pure disbelief and he blushed at the flattery and nodded.

"No…no leadership today. But you are gettin' a tattoo." Ku'Mari smiled as he led the crew out of the ruins.

"Tattoo?" Apoco squeaked nervously as he followed the team.

Once outside of the ruins, Nimboya turned and shook Ku'Mari's hand and patted him on the shoulder.

"Expect grand rewards for your heroics when I return from Orgrimmar. I must leave immediately and take Yenniku's soul to our leader. Meet meh at deh docks of Booty Bay at sunset. Vol'jin will be more den pleased wit your actions here today." Nimboya immediately took notice to the immense look of anxiety and concern that welled up over Ku'Mari's face and he nodded deeply with a smile.

"Any blood elf dat wears deh Darkspear threads wit pride is worth savin'. Go save ya girl, Cuz."

"Here we be again… just deh two of us, all alone."

"Not alone." Quel'Anis corrected as her new pet growled, quite ready to attack. Bahlik raised a brow to the sight of the beast.

"I take it ya been searchin' tah kill meh? I don't see why ya bother. I know I killed ya ann'da but dat was so long ago. I figured we could come together as a team. I could make ya meh mate. We could travel deh world together. I got power and riches ya wouldn't believe…."

"Funny how this sounds so much like the rubbish you fed to my Ann'da before you betrayed him all those years ago. Forget it Bahlik! Nothing will keep me from killing you!" She cursed him before unsheathing a slim butterfly sword. "I bought this just for you." She hissed as she and her tiger charged at the troll with lightning speed. The tiger easily distracted Bahlik as Quel'Anis managed to slash into his side with her sword. He fell back in surprise and smiled as he held out his sword and aimed at the tiger.

"Okay girl, let's play!"

As he slashed his sword at the dodging tiger, Quel'Anis attacked the troll from behind, jabbing roughly through his heavy armor. Before he could turn to strike at her, she was already at the front of him, stabbing through his armor again. The tiger jumped onto Bahlik's chest and gnawed on his shoulder while digging his claws into the troll's armor, hoping to break it down. Even with the beast on him, Bahlik managed to parry Quel'Anis' swift attacks. He had to admit that her skills with the sword were rather impressive for a hunter but her advances were beginning to annoy him. He quickly kicked the small blood elf away as he lifted the tiger off of his chest and threw the cat a few yards away. Quel'Anis' pet slammed against a tree and struggled to get back up. Bahlik swiftly charged in a slashed down on the creature a few times before turning back to Quel'Anis. The heavily wounded tiger weakly got to his feet as he prepared to attack the troll again. Quel'Anis quickly came to the tiger's side.

"Enough! I thank you, but you must stay back now! I can't afford to lose another pet so quickly!" Quel'Anis ordered as she helped lay him down and quickly wrapped his wound. She stood with renewed determination and came at Bahlik once again. Their swords clashed together furiously as Bahlik's strikes only became more powerful. As he slashed at Quel'Anis with his sword, he struck her with his empty fist. The blood elf fell back hard against a massive boulder and barely managed to block Bahlik's sword as he came down on her. He slowly over-powered her, bringing her own blade to push against her neck. The troll came close to the blood elf's face and bared a sinister grin.

"I like playin' witcha, Kellani-wa. I ain't so happy wit deh wound ya left meh deh other day though." Bahlik said as he lifted the eye patch, revealing a bruised and bloody eyelid that had been sewn shut. "But I can forgive ya if ya choose tah come wit meh. I'm only gonna give ya dis one last chance."

His hold against her remained powerful as he took a hand to her face and gently grazed her cheek.

"Ya know… deh only reason you ain't dead is cuz I've always taken a favorin' to ya since you was a little girl. Deh more ya spurned meh, deh more I jest wanted to take ya an' keep ya for mehself."

Quel'Anis began to feel ill as she realized that Bahlik's words were of pure infatuation. Within all of this creature's sick, twisted and evil ways, he truly felt some sort of love for her. Whatever he felt for her, he had no healthy way of showing it and she wished for nothing more than to put him out of his misery. Her eyes grew wide as the troll suddenly pressed his lips firmly to hers and kissed her desperately. Quel'Anis' mind screamed in agony as she felt the saliva of his affection burning into her mouth like poison. She quickly pulled out her dagger and slammed it deep into the troll's chest. Bahlik roared in pain as he backed away. Quel'Anis immediately charged at him with her sword and dagger in either hand but as she went to strike, Bahlik parried with his weapon and grabbed her by her neck. He lifted her to his eye-line as she struggled to release herself. His grip was suffocating and the expression on his face was sheer fury. Whatever he had felt for her a moment ago had shattered.

"I tried, blood elf. Butcha done messed it up for ya self! You's a fool, girl!" He growled angrily as he nearly crushed her neck in his hand. His grip was suffocating and the expression on his face was sheer fury. Whatever he had felt for her a moment ago had shattered.

"I tried, blood elf. Butcha messed it up for ya self! You be a fool, girl!" He growled angrily as he nearly crushed her neck in his hand. Blood streamed down from the wound in his chest but once again he seemed unfazed by Quel'Anis' attack.

"I'm done witcha!" He shouted angrily as he threw her a few yards away into the sand.

Quel'Anis' pet tiger came at the troll once more only to be easily knocked away. The tiger slid across the jungle ground and landed near his unconscious master. Bahlik slowly approached the blood elf and squat down next to her as he grabbed a hold of her hair.

"Where's ya shaman troll boy an' his friends now? No one's gonna save ya from meh." He whispered as he pressed her father's sword against her face.

Suddenly, a burst of fire blasted over the warrior troll as continuous waves of the magic struck his body. Bahlik backed away from Quel'Anis as the fire turned to lightning and penetrated through his armor, shocking him.

"Ya goin down Bahlik!" Ku'Mari cursed in Zandali as he came forth and called upon his totems. Bahlik backed away from the shaman and smiled as he lifted his sword.

"Okay, boy. Let's see whatcha got dis time fo meh!" The warrior charged at Ku'Mari only to be blasted in the face with a frost attack. Bahlik stumbled back as Ku'Mari struck him with his staff. As he came in for a second strike, the warrior troll caught it in mid-air and gripped it tightly as he broke the ice that clung to his face. He ripped the staff from Ku'Mari's hands. Ku'Mari watched in shock as the warrior began to bend the staff.

"It's a shame dat cho girlfriend was a better opponent." The thick wooden staff snapped in half and Bahlik threw it to the ground as he came at Ku'Mari with his sword once again. Ku'Mari struggled to evade the warrior's attacks as he casted short elemental blasts upon the troll. He was losing his mana energy fast as Bahlik struck him with powerful blows. Suddenly, the whole team came forth and surrounded the troll. Mikal'wah charged up her ice barrier as Barrack withdrew his mace and slammed it into the ground before roaring. Garrett pulled out his daggers as Irena called upon her voidwalker and casted a shadow bolt.

"You mess wit meh girl, you mess wit me. You mess wit meh… you mess wit all of us!" Ku'Mari grinned as he wiped blood from his mouth. Apoco ran to Quel'Anis and slid down beside her, preparing to heal her and her wounded pet.

"So ya tink numbahs is gonna help ya, eh? Ya jes try and take meh down!" Bahlik roared as he began to emit a strange orange glow and lured the team to him. They all attacked at once with ice, lightning, and shadow magic blasting upon the warrior troll. He withstood the elemental blasts as he parried against Barrack's advances and sliced through the blue mass of the voidwalker. Garrett appeared behind Bahlik only to be picked up and thrown a few yards away. As Irena prepared another shadow bolt, she watched Garrett land in the sand as her voidwalker was diminished. As she cast out her spell, Bahlik absorbed the magic hit and sliced through the undead woman with his sword. Irena's torso slid from her hips and fell to the ground. She cursed in frustration as she looked to the rest of the team. Barrack went head to head with the warrior and their weapons clashed against each other but the troll proved far stronger than he. The orc took a nasty slice deep across his stomach before being knocked into the ground. Bahlik raised his sword and aimed for Barrack's head.

"NO!" Apoco shouted, now up and advancing on Bahlik with his pike. Before the blade could reach the troll, Bahlik grabbed a hold of Apoco's head, lifted him by his hair and threw him to the ground.

Blasts of ice shattered against Bahlik's failing armor and he turned his attention to Mikal'wah. She fearlessly cast spell after spell against the warrior as he approached. Unfortunately, her magic was nowhere near powerful enough against the high level warrior, and he easily made his way to her. But before Bahlik could strike at the mage, Ku'Mari jumped onto his back, shoving his metal claws down into his shoulders. Bahlik roared in pain as he took a blast of ice to his body. He quickly slashed his sword across Mikal'wah's body, knocking her down. The warrior did his best to release the shaman from his back but Ku'Mari would not give. Ku'Mari pulled a hand of claws out and punctured deep into the back of Bahlik's neck. The warrior troll bellowed now as the attacks began to take their toll. He dropped to his knees and bent forward, flipping Ku'Mari over his body. Before Ku'Mari could turn over, Bahlik had his sword digging into the shaman's neck. The team struggled to recover as they faintly watched their leader edging death.

"Ain't notin' but ah fool tah tink ya could go up against meh, boy!"

Suddenly, a powerful fist pounded into Bahlik's face and he flew back into the sand. The hit was far too strong to have come from any of the team members and Bahlik immediately looked about in disbelief. His eyes widened when he saw the Zandalarian troll that approached him.

"Meh broddah be no fool tah protect deh ones he loves!"

Ku'Mari wiped the blood from his face and beamed at the sight of his brother before them. He quickly came to Quel'Anis' side and held her in his arms.

Bahlik would not have such a challenge. He quickly swung his sword out at the Zandalarian troll and advanced on him. Exzhal swiftly backed away as he withdrew his spear and braced against the warrior. The two powerful trolls fought on fiercely but the teams' previous efforts proved to be of great help as Bahlik struggled to remain on his feet. Drained and well-beaten, Bahlik came forward in a sloppy attack as Exzhal swiftly flipped his spear around and jabbed the blade deep into the warrior's stomach. Bahlik fell to the ground and now found Exzhal's blade directed at his face.

Quel'Anis had gradually regained consciousness as Apoco went about healing the team. She looked up into her lover's eyes with greatful tears and he smiled in return. But his expression went stern as he turned her attention to Exzhal who continued to hold Bahlik down. Exzhal looked to the couple to see what they wanted of the defeated warrior. Ku'Mari looked to Quel'Anis, who immediately stood and staggered over to the two powerful trolls.

"Ke-la-ni-wa…" Bahlik managed as he grinned at the blood elf. His eyes were almost imploring to Quel'Anis as he desperately reached for Quel'Anis' father's sword. Quel'Anis dropped to the ground and picked up the sword. Her eyes burned bright green as she raised the sword and immediately sliced down through the warrior troll's neck, severing his head.

(Ann'da… it is done.) She thought to herself as the tears rolled down her cheeks. She clutched the sword in her hand possessively, as Ku'Mari came and wrapped his arms around her and looked up to his brother.

The sun emitted a warm, friendly glow over the dock of Booty Bay as Quel'Anis and Ku'Mari gave thanks to Exzhal. Quel'Anis graciously wrapped her arms around the magenta-colored troll and hugged him. He was surprised by the blood elf's move but smiled and patted her on the head as he looked to his younger brother.

"Blood be blood and family be family… no matter what' cha be." Exzhal smiled.

Ku'Mair nodded in agreement, relieved that his brother had finally come to understand him.

"You and ya team beh welcome tah visit Yojamba when ya strong enough to go against doze of Zul'Gurub. Den we will fight side by side, broddah."

The two trolls embraced with brotherly affection.

"Take care of yoself, broddah. And make no doubt…we'll be back." Ku'Mari grinned. He held on to Quel'Anis as they watched Exzhal disappear into the jungle mist. They turned and headed for the Salty Sailor where their friends awaited them. Quel'Anis's new pet tiger led the way and looked back occasionally at the couple. He seemed quite content with his new master.

"I see ya found yaself a new friend." Ku'Mari teased. "Bout time, if I say so."

"Actually, he found me."

"So what's his name?"

"Zim-zim." Quel'Anis smirked as she raised a brow, awaiting her mate's response. Ku'Mari stopped in his tracks and gave her a look before he burst into laughter.

"Ya jes had tah curse'em wit meh Pao's name. He's gonna end up one sneaky-ass cat!" He laughed as he put an arm around his lover. He could not help but admire the Sin'dorei sword that glimmered valiantly over Quel'Anis' back.

"So I take it ya gonna want sword trainin' next?" He grinned, looking to her.

"Well, I don't plan on selling my Ann'da's sword, so I guess I should make good use of it."

"A hunter trained in archery, staves and swords… ya shoulda been a warrior instead, lady." He teased.

"It never hurts to be well rounded." Quel'Anis smiled and stuck out her tongue at Ku'Mari.

The two were silent for a moment as they reached the entrance to the tavern. Quel'Anis tied Zim-Zim to a post and promised to bring him a big treat as she put down a container of water for him. She turned to Ku'mari and immediately wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly.

"Not all the apologies in the world could make up for my actions today. I left you behind without a word. I was filled with careless hatred and revenge. I knew that I would be hurting you in the process and you do not deserve that." She buried her face into his chest as he placed his hands on her shoulders. The blood elf looked up to her lover who gently kissed her forehead.

"You knew I was gonna come lookin' for ya and I found ya. Ain't notin' gonna keep us apart little lady… no mattah what. You did what you felt ya needed tah do." Ku'Mari lightly tapped the top of Quel'Anis' head and looked to her with a smirk. "Don't get meh wrong, it was a stupid move, but I woulda done deh same if it were meh Pao." With this, he looked deep, lovingly but sternly into her eyes. "But if ya do it again, I'm ah woop ya ass wit meh new staff." He threatened as he shook Nimoya's Mystical Staff at the blood elf. He was quite proud of the powerful weapon with which Nimboya had recently rewarded him.

Quel'Anis smirked, "Is that a promise?"

Ku'Mari grinned, lifted his lover into his arms and carried her into the tavern.

The team, with Nimboya and Keen'weelay, cheered as their leader and comerade entered through the tavern door. Ku'Mari's team members proudly lifted their gold Medals of Courage in one hand and a beer-filled chalice or stein in the other. Nimboya had rewarded them handsomely, as promised and their names were honored in Thrall's hall for their heroics.

Nimboya shook his head and laughed with Keen'weelay glad to see everyone so appreciative of their rewards.

"VICTORY!" Quel'Anis and Ku'Mari shouted triumphantly. Various Horde members shared the team's victory with drinks of congradulations as a few present Alliance members quietly scowled as they drank, seated at the far end of the tavern. Booty Bay's shops, inn and bar were all neutural grounds which made for awkward moments such as these.

"Where to next, Leader?" A highly intoxicated Mikal'wah asked, saluting Ku'Mari as she approached.

Ku'Mari set Quel'Anis down and pulled a long worn pike off of his back as he looked to Vol'Jin's advisor.

"Nimboya says we did such ah great job killin' off deh tribes heah dat he wants us to continue it into deh Hinterlands. Plenty ah troll tribes tah crush out dere!" Ku'Mari explained as he raised the pike. "We collect deh leaders' heads and stick'em on dis pike. No problem!" He said as his all too familiar, cocky grin returned to his face.

"Woohooo!" Mikal'wah cheered as she hopped into Barrack's lap and they sang joyously of their victory and the challenges to come.

Ku'Mari and Quel'Anis took a seat and bought a round of drinks. As they drank, they could not help to overhear the conversation carrying on behind them.

"About earlier at Aboraz… I um…I just want …heh… I guess I just want to uh… thank you for saving us." Garrett struggled as he took a drag from his pipe. Irena raised a brow to him as she smoked with a grin appearing on her face.

"And I'm sorry for running you off the other day. That was my mistake completely. You're an excellent fighter and I'm more than glad to have you on the team."

Irena blew smoke from her mouth and continued to smile as she squinted at the undead man.

"Okay, now say what you really mean."

Garrett was taken back, utterly confused.

"What?"

"Go on, it's okay. Everyone is shit-faced, they'll never remember it."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Garrett was already growing flustered.

Irena began to mimic Garrett's voice as she spoke, "I'm sorry for my stupidity, Irena. In truth, I think I'm falling for you. You are the goddess of undeath and I remain unworthy of your power, intelligence and beauty!"

Garrett stared at the undead woman in complete disbelief. He knew that were he alive at the moment, his face would be redder than a beet. He quickly recomposed himself and scoffed, "You're dillusional, you crazy-ass wench! Why the hell would I ever want your rotting ass!"

"Oh please, you try to act so tough because you're dead but I can see right through those hollow eye sockets into your frementing brain. You want me!"

"I don't know what happended to you after you left us but some troll must'a knocked off your head a couple of times!"

The two continued to bicker as Quel'Anis and Ku'Mari exchanged looks, trying their hardest not to laugh too loud.

"Perfect pick, Ku'Mari." The blood elf giggled.

"Guess I'm ah good match-maker too." He grinned and they kissed.

As the team continued to celebrate, a tipsy Apoco was at his party antics again, dancing atop the bar with his stein in hand. The goblins shook their heads as they laughed at the teenager who made a fool of himself.

"Well, well, well, if it ain't our Horde friends from the road the other day!" A voice appeared form the tavern entrance.

The human hunter, the human rogue and night elf druid from their previous day's battle stood across the room with their weapons ready.

"You killed my tiger, you puke-skinned monster!" The human hunter cursed with his bow and arrow aimed at Barrack.

"I see no reason for celebrating when all of you ran away like cowards!" The woman rogue laughed obnoxiously.

The night elf simply grinned with her moon eyes fixed on Apoco.

Ku'Mari sat back with a cocky smiled growing on his face.

"Do I heah a challenge?" He asked as his team withdrew their weapons. He looked up at Apoco for a response.

The tauren chugged his stout and wiped the foam from his mouth. He pulled his pike from off his back and aimed at the Alliance members as he shouted proudly:

"FOR THE HORDE!"

The Horde members replied to his call, "FOR THE HORDE!"

And the battle was on.

End

Thank you everyone for reading. I hope you enjoyed my story! Please remember to review/critique! Yay! ^_^