Ranma used his spoon to poke around in his stew, the only edible food he had seen in days. The Forsaken were undead and saw no difference between ripe apples and worm-infested apples, or between oven-fresh bread or moldy bread. Their half-rotten digestive systems made no difference, and their sense of taste was simply non-existent. Their collaboration with the rest of the Horde was the only reason why they bothered at all to have food in Undercity that living beings could eat.
Three days he has been surrounded by nothing but death and undeath. He was sick of the darkness, the putrid smell and the disgusting green liquid in the channels flowing through the underground city. And no one was treating him with kindness, respect or even acceptance. The only link he had with his home world was Azusa. But staying close to a hyperactive, childish kleptomaniac for long would get on anyone's nerves after some time. He was fortunate enough that Azusa found enough 'interesting' stuff to keep her occupied...
Ranma had hoped that at least being with his old friend would be some kind of comfort, but the longer he stayed in Tirisfal, the more he realized just how much she had changed. There was no joy in her left, no pride, no cheerfulness... only the deep bitterness about her and her people's fate, paired with an insatiable thirst for revenge. She had allowed him to stay in Undercity as long as he wished, forbade anyone to lay a single hand on him and even made sure that he could make himself useful... but that was it. Ranma wasn't allowed to stay in her domicile, instead he had to sleep in a morbid alcove, in a moth-eaten hammock. The closeness to the Apothecarium was something else he was not too happy about. The constant smell of chemicals and foul brews in addition to the already smelly air in Undercity made him retch, and in the night, he believed to hear screams coming from inside the Apothecarium. It was enough to send chills down his spine, and he wondered just what kind of experiments Sylvana's followers were conducting.
After the first mission to fight back the Rothide Gnolls (which was no challenge at all for Ranma), Cadavrine became a constant companion on the missions he and Azusa had to do for Varimathras and his rogue guild. The undead warlock was not too happy about this arrangement, but she reluctantly admitted that Ranma was a powerful warrior. Regarding Azusa, well... she actually thought the same of her as anyone who met her did. However, there was one reason why Cadavrine had begun to accept Azusa's presence in their new team: The skater girl had begun to show signs of being a talented warlock herself.
As unbelievable as it might sound, Azusa had no problem at all to contact the beings of the void. And whenever she talked to a demon, they usually became surprisingly docile and well-spoken in her presence (with the exception of Varimathras, of course). Unlike most warlocks, Azusa did not enjoy the suffering and pain of others. Therefore, she had no real interest in learning Destruction spells. However, she was enthralled every time Cadavrine conjured up some chaotic flames... Ranma would never forget the stare the undead woman had given Azusa after the skater had told her: "That fire is sooo pretty! My Mom always used to light the old fireplace when I came for a visit for Christmas... can you teach me how to do that?"
And Azusa never needed the shards of souls to cast spells. Instead of using soul energy harvested from dying creatures, she used something entirely else. Still, not even the most powerful Forsaken warlocks could explain how she was doing it. In that regard, she had become a small celebrity among magic users in Undercity.
She was using Happiness Shards.
Cadavrine had no idea how she was producing them, but she was disgusted by the bright, cheerful pink of the crystals. And every time Azusa pulled one of them from a wild creature, the creature seemed to be much happier afterwards.
Nevertheless, Cadavrine was intrigued by Azusa's newfound abilities and was often found sitting next to the eternally smiling girl, debating with her. And even though Azusa couldn't understand half of the 'big words' Cadavrine was using when talking to her, she was happy to have found a new friend.
Ranma had no interest in learning anything from the Forsaken. There seemed to be no martial artists at all in the world. Ranma didn't seem to have any magical talent at all, so a secondary career as a mage, warlock or even shaman (if he'd be lucky to find a travelling Orc or Tauren who was willing to teach him) was out of the question, too. He didn't have the patience needed for shooting weapons... and the ways of the rogues were simply dishonorable to him. The only fighters he met in Undercity that had his respect were the warriors. Like the martial artists, they at least had a code of honor. Still, Ranma wasn't about to wear a heavy armor and use some sword or mace if his fists could do the job.
He had been happy to be back in Azeroth, no doubt about it. But never before had he been in this world for so long. He wondered why he couldn't simply go back home. Also, he was worried about Akane. Was she also back in Azeroth? Probably. But wouldn't that mean she was close to that former prince, Arthas? After hearing that this guy was responsible for everything that had happened to Lordaeron, to Quel'Thalas and to Sylvanas herself, Ranma knew that the first time he met the jerk, he would give him a piece of his mind.
He looked up from his soup when Azusa came skipping into the room, chipper as always. She was wearing a modified warlock's robe, even if Ranma had seen no warlock before whose robe was pink. And were those frills at the hem of her sleeves?
"How do you like it, René?" she asked as she twirled around. "Cada-chan asked one of her friends to make it for me. At first, she wanted to use that icky purple cloth, but I didn't want that, so I told them to make it pink!"
"That's nice," Ranma said, not really caring about it. "And the name's Ranma."
"But you wanna hear the best of it?" Azusa grinned. The only time Ranma had seen her this excited was when she had a small, black piglet she used to call 'Charlotte' on a short leash.
Poor Ryoga.
"I have a new friend!" Azusa shouted with joy. "Ta-daaa! Meet Jean-Paul!" And from behind the corner, a child-sized, black-skinned creature with little horns came hopping.
"Mistress is the nicest mistress Jen'po ever had," the imp said in a screeching voice. "I'm so happy..."
"Jean-Paul, I told you to call me Azusa-chan!" Azusa scolded the little demon.
The imp winced. "Sorry, mist... Azusa-chan! Jen'po forgot. Will try to remember..."
"Awww, isn't he just the CUTEST?" Azusa squealed, scooping up her new demon minion up in a massive hug. Jen'po didn't seem to mind the glomp in the least.
Just then, Cadavrine came walking in, followed by her Voidwalker Klathmon. She raised a half-rotten eyebrow when she saw how Azusa hugged her imp. Klathmon, however, gave the imp a glare that was full of disdain.
"Well, you seem to be in a good mood," Cadavrine then said. "Listen up, you two, we're about to receive new orders... and they will be from Lady Sylvanas herself!"
"Another new mission?" Ranma groaned. "Can't I eat up first?"
"When the Lady herself tells us to appear in front of her, we have to follow," the warlock said grimly. "And while you seem to have some past with her, you'd be well advised not to try her patience."
To be honest, Ranma was glad to have some sort of excuse not to eat the rest of the disgusting stew. There was no trace of the appetite he was so infamous for in Nerima.
A short while later, he, Cadavrine, Azusa and the two demon minions were once again standing in front of Sylvanas. Cadavrine gave her queen a respectful bow. Ranma had crossed his arms and was looking bored, while Azusa was still hugging her imp to her chest and happily hummed a little tune.
"So, what's the matter?" Ranma then asked. "Ya got another job?"
"Mind your mouth when you're standing in front of the queen, human!" Varimathras glowered.
Sylvanas gave both Ranma and the Dreadlord a frown, before she opened her mouth: "I called you here because I received only good reports from the missions you have returned from. However, on all these missions, you never had to leave Tirisfal. I think it is time to prove that you can also stand against the dangers outside of our safe haven. The minions of the Scourge you have fought up to now are nothing but small fries. But now, I want you to accompany me to another part of Lordaeron, where the Lich King has positioned his more powerful servants."
Cadavrine barely suppressed a gasp. Being the personal guard of the Banshee Queen was a great honor. "My lady, I am at your service!" she said with another bow.
"Well, it was about time to face a real challenge," Ranma smirked. "I really hope those goons can put up a better fight than the Rothide Gnolls. I'm not really worried about losing, though. Cuz Ranma Saotome..."
"...doesn't lose," came the monotone voices of Cadavrine, Sylvanas, Varimathras and all the guards and personal servants that were assembled in the royal chamber. By now, they all were used to that phrase, having heard it every time Ranma and his team were given a new assignment.
"Sounds like fun!" Azusa said cheerfully. "Where are we going?"
"Our spies have reported that the Scourge's troops in the Western Plaguelands seem to be in an uproar, especially in the area around the ruins of Andorhal, where the Scourge's School of Necromancy is situated. They usually only get that active whenever we or the Scarlet Crusade prepare to conduct a strike against the outposts and settlements under their control. However, Andorhal hasn't been of our interest for some time, and there was no sign of any clue that the Scarlet Crusade was preparing an attack on the ruined town. I haven't received word from any of our Horde allies that they have planned something."
"Maybe the Alliance is up to something," Varimathras remarked.
"Perhaps, but I want to know for sure. I want to take a closer look at the situation myself. From the reports of your missions, I know that you are more than capable enough to take on most of the undead in the Western Plaguelands, so you will accompany me.
Cadavrine was surprised. Whatever could have happened that made the queen leave the safety or her city just to investigate an enemy outpost when she could have easily sent a troop of her soldiers? But she didn't dare to protest and bowed her head again. "As you wish, my queen!"
Ranma didn't think it was strange that Sylvanas wanted to take part in the action, after all, sitting around in her throne room all day didn't exactly sound like a fun activity. No wonder she was bored and wanted to let out some steam.
Azusa was just happy to have more company. 'The more, the merrier,' as she always says. "Can Jean-Paul come too?" she asked.
Sylvanas raised an eyebrow and looked at Ranma. The pig-tailed boy inconspiciously pointed at the little imp that was squished in-between Azusa's breasts.
The queen of the Forsaken sweatdropped. "Yes, he can come with us," she groaned.
Azusa grinned from ear to ear. "Yay!"
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(Posted Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:25)
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