The pathways within the city are worn and darkened; lit only by the friendly glow of the numerous illumination strips that line the city and the pinpricks of light from the distant burning stars. A cool breeze created by the rapidly cooling ground rushes throughout the city and brings him little comfort as he hurriedly rushes to deliver news most dire. His warm breath leaves small swirling trails behind him into the chilled air as he continues his trek. The only sound that he hears is the crunch of his steps on the broken ground beneath him. His own thoughts tumble end-over-end through his mind as he tries to contain the incredible fear growing within him. His is a discovery that despite the inherent danger that it represents to the universe as a whole must be kept secret so as not to alert the grave dangers that lurk in the darkness beyond. Ignorance is their shield as well as their curse he thinks to himself. In one way, their lack of knowledge shields them from the attention of those who would seek their destruction. On the other hand, the alternative would only result in annihilation due to lack of preparation for their coming. It is a precious scale that will soon have to be decided how to be balanced best. A sudden feeling, he stops briefly, old combat senses sparking within him as his mind informs him of danger nearby. His form tenses for action as his mind scans the vicinity around him for the threat. The wind continues to rustle through the emptied, darkened paths but he can find nothing viable with which to focus on. With the now chilled air penetrating him to his core, he increases his pace to the distant transmission node as his mind continues to scan for dangers.
He reaches the structure and the two guards posted honor an Elder of the Templar Caste by granting him entry. The two crystalline doors part for him to enter as a blast of warmed air greets him to the interior. Inside are thousands of crystals that cast a warm greenish-blue glow along the surfaces. The crystals are arranged within to serve as an augmentation to the already formidable mental powers within a Protoss. Combined together with psionic emanations, the incredible energies wielded are what enable a Protoss to engage in spatial communication over the vastness of the universe. The overseer of the site greets him as he enters the sanctum.
“En Taro Adun Elder. All the preparations have been completed as you had requested,” states the robed overseer as she bows respectfully.
“And to you as well Pa’sha,” he says softly, “I appreciate your accommodations on such ill notice.”
“You have but to ask Elder and we shall carry out your request without hesitation.”
Nodding his head respectfully, he continues on. “Again you have my thanks. Has he received the notification?”
“Yes. He merely awaits you to initiate the process. However, I am puzzled Elder.”
“How so?”
“Would it not be far less complex to speak with Prelate Zeratul by standard means?” she asks with sincerity.
“Perhaps,” he offers with a touch of humor, “but I have always enjoyed the methods employed by our ancestors. These new methods are usually beyond my simple comprehension.”
“I meant no disrespect by my words Elder,” quickly states the overseer.
“You have served me no ill will Pa’sha, I believe I am much to old for those around me,” he says gently.
“Thank you Kreza, I shall lead you to the chamber,” she replies with renewed respect. Gesturing for him to follow her, she leads him deep into the recesses of the structure. More crystals line the chamber as they spiral upwards beyond view. A soft thrumming is generated from their pulsing energies. In the center of the chamber lies a brilliant white crystalline disk that glimmers under the pale lighting. “All is in readiness Elder,” she states softly as she exits the chamber.
Kreza settles into position on the central disk as he clears his mind in preparation for the mental exertion. Seating himself down on the cool, slick surface of the disk, he takes small notice that the chamber has not been used for some time. He closes his eyes and allows the mental energies building within his mind to flow outward. His form begins to emit a soft, pale glow that envelops him and slowly expands to fill the entire chamber. The hundreds of crystals that line the chamber begin to pulse as they are infused with the raw energies emitted by Kreza. The only sound that he can hear now is the continuous thrumming all around him. The crystals begin to pulse faster and faster as the gathering energy travels upwards to a focal point. Soon, the light emitted is nothing more than a blurring streak until the energies within can no longer be contained. With a brilliant flaring of light, the entire chamber and its lone occupant are bathed in a blinding flash. He feels himself literally travelling through the folds of space and time itself as his senses are assaulted by the intense energies. He opens his eyes slowly as he feels his journey end.
“En Taro Adun noble Zeratul,” states Kreza as he takes in the figure before him.
“And to you as well, my friend. However I must attest to never having experienced this sensation before.”
“The disorientation will pass soon my friend,” replies Kreza with a touch of humor.
“I have heard of this form of communication,” says Zeratul as he stares at the vast emptiness around him, “but have never used it. Where are we?”
“We exist neither here nor there my friend. Though our minds are now merged as one, we reside in a realm far beyond that of mere physical space or time.”
“Fascinating,” he says as he continues to gaze around him at the nothingness. “Is the news you bring that dire that you must forsake conventional means?”
“Unfortunately the news I carry warrants extreme measures to insure its secrecy,” he replies grimly.
“I see,” says Zeratul, his attention now completed focused on Kreza and ventures a question. “Is it pertaining to the threats we discussed?”
“Sadly, indeed it does my friend. All that you had feared has now become even more ominous and threatening. I fear, not just for our species, but for the universe as a whole.”
“Explain,” Zeratul asks intently.
“With the aid of my friend, Chan’dras of the Shelak, we have uncovered an ancient passage found within the central archives regarding a dire threat.”
“Does this passage state as to what this threat represents?”
“The passage I saw merely warned of their existence and their eventually coming. It also mentioned that the ancient ones were striving to create a champion of their cause to do battle with this threat when it arrives. There was nothing that I saw that indicated any more than that.”
“This is news most dire my old friend,” says Zeratul as he lowers his head slowly. Looking up to stare at Kreza, he asks, “This friend, you spoke of… can she be trusted to hold so deadly a secret?”
“Yes… she has sworn her loyalty to me in regards to this. Even now, she seeks to uncover more information pertaining to this mystery. I will be rejoining her when we have finished. I feel it is extremely important that we learn more.”
“Agreed. However, I believe we must still continue to keep this matter in complete secrecy. The less these foes know of our intentions, the better for us.”
“Given the severity of this news, is that still a wise decision?” asks Kreza intently, “I understand the need to keep our plans hidden but there will soon come a time that this threat must be made known.”
“Of that I am no longer sure my friend. I too understand the need to inform our brethren but the end result would be these foes revealing themselves prematurely before we can prepare accordingly.” Shaking his head slowly he replies with conviction, “No… now is not the time. We require more information regarding this threat.”
“I share your views as well,” grunts Kreza. “Our supposed ignorance to their knowledge is our shield against them.”
“In this passage, does it even state the name of this threat?”
“Specifically no… there was but one phrase that was used to reference them: ‘Ma’lylish Aki Eruzel’nas.’ Chan’dras was unsure as to the exact meaning, the passages are very ancient, but the best she could derive from it was this: “Deliverers of Darkness.”
“I HAVE seen that phrase before… somewhere…” says Zeratul softly as he tries to recall the distant memory from the recesses of his mind.
“Where?”
“In the time during my self-imposed exile, I had traversed the vast expansion of our territories… searching for clues to that mystery I had encountered. On one such exotic world I came across an abandoned installation that was no doubt Xel’Nagan in origin. Deep within, I came across several ancient records with that phrase. Having no mastery of the ancients’ language, I was unable to deduce its meaning. ”
“Do you recall the planet’s location?”
“No… but my vessel will have a record of my course. The planet was coreward of our region of space and apparently uncharted. It was by sheer chance that I came across it. Somehow… something compelled me to it…” he says as his words trail off.
“We must ready an expedition to investigate this world when time permits. To have an installation of the ancient ones intact with their records would be beyond value,” says Kreza as he contemplates the wealth of knowledge to be gained.
“Agreed… such a discovery would undoubtedly shed light upon this grave situation. Unfortunately our immediate concern must be the Zerg.”
“How goes the fortifying of our homeworld?”
“Our forces are making great strides in solidifying our sphere of influence. More of our forces are arriving constantly from Shakuras to replace those fallen in battle. We shall be ready when the Zerg come for us,” states Zeratul with sharpness to his tone.
“And Praetor Artanis?”
Slumping slightly in his stance, he speaks with a tone heavy with grief. “It does not bode well for our fallen brother. He has suffered grave injuries and his condition does not appear to be improving. I fear more drastic measures must be undertaken for him to survive.”
“Fear not for our young warrior my friend, he is as resilient as he is brave… he will stand amongst our ranks again.”
“Let us hope so, for I fear we will need all the help that we can gather. I will not continue to task your energies any further my friend. The energy required to maintain our link must be extreme.”
“I will manage,” replies Kreza, a hint of strain starting to show.
“I am sure you can old friend,” answers Zeratul sincerely. “I shall continue to prepare our forces here on Aiur for the coming battle. Continue your research on this mystery… we must learn all that we can with undo haste.”
“May Adun be with you then Zeratul.”
“And you as well my friend…”
He feels himself undergoing the previous sensation again as his field of vision blurs while a brilliance of light surrounds him. With one final flaring of energy, the brightness fades and he opens his eyes again to find himself back within the confines of the chamber. Energies cascade down from above as the thrumming subsides until all that is heard is his breathing. Taking a moment to recover his spent energy he dwells on the many questions that have been raised instead of answered. Rising smoothly, he gathers his thoughts and belongings and moves to exit the chamber.
“Were you successful in your task Elder?”
“Yes Pa’sha. I thank you again for your assistance,” says Kreza as he bows respectfully.
“No thanks is needed Elder. We are honored to be of any assistance.”
With that final exchange, Kreza walks purposely forward and leaves the structure and is once again back on the darkened pathways of the city. The air is chilled and the coldness strikes his form like daggers as the wind whirls it with a small fury. He quickens his pace to rejoin Chan’dras at the central archives to assist in the research. As he passes among the deserted paths, he cannot shake the feelings of danger that tingle his senses. He stops for a moment to survey the grounds around him but he sees nothing more than shadows casts among the structures. Although he chides himself for the false alarm, his instincts tell him otherwise and he has not lasted as long as he has by ignoring their warnings. He continues his pace to the archives, his form tensed and ready for action as he walks off into the distance until he disappears into the darkness.
***
From the shadows of a building, two forms detach and begin to move swiftly as they continue to trail their target. Their eyes, glowing dimly, are the only signs of life that separate them from the natural shadows cast in the darkness.
“You were following too closely, he was almost able to sense your presence,” softly hisses one. “We were warned as to the capabilities of these first-born.”
“These creatures are young and frail… they are nothing compared to us.”
“Nevertheless, they are not to be taken lightly,” states the first being quietly. “Do not let this one’s appearance of helplessness fool you.”
“How long must we continue hiding in the shadows before we act?”
“We must wait until our preys are both together before we strike. One must be allowed survive in order for our plan to succeed.”
“Why not eliminate them both as well as destroy all traces of our masters. Why must we continue this—“
“Silence!” rasps the first one. “We will do as we have been commanded.”
“Of course.”
“Now… let us not lose sight of our prey.” Both beings resume following Kreza back to the archives as they wait for the right opportunity to commence their assault. They move along the sides of the structure, taking care to remain within the shadows as they quickly scale the sides of the building with animalistic speed and penetrate the interior.
***
Deep within the archives, Chan’dras and Kreza continue their work in uncovering the mystery of the Ma’lylish Aki Eruzel’nas.
“Have you discovered anything else during my absence Chan’dras?”
“Far more than I care to have learned old friend. We must warn the council of this threat,” she says insistently.
Shaking his head slowly, he replies with reluctance. “We cannot… not until we have learned more and have made the appropriate preparations.”
“If what I have learned is true… the entire universe will be made to suffer if we do not act soon.”
“What is it that you have found that disturbs you so,” he asks as he settles beside her.
“Delving deeper, I have discovered crystals even older than the one we first viewed. What I have found disturbs me greatly.” She inserts a darkened crystal into a console and the scrolls of the ancients materialize before them. “This scroll foretells of ancient lore written by the Xel’Naga. It speaks of a race as old as the ancient ones themselves. Long ago, perhaps as far back as to the formation of the universe itself, the Xel’Naga were locked in violent conflict with these beings. Their enemies sought to plunge the universe into eternal chaos and darkness; destroying all life except those willing to serve them. So evil were these creatures according to the ancient ones that even they dared not speak their names except in guarded tones.” Her hand passes over several controls and a crude image is displayed before them. “This is one of the few recorded images of the ancient ones.”
Kreza examines the image intently as he looks on in awe at those responsible for the creation of his race. He is drawn however to the more ominous being locked in combat with the Xel’Naga pictured. “Is that the creature they are referring to in the passages?”
“Yes… the image is unclear for even they feared to draw them completely.” The pictured image seems to almost shift with a life all its own, never staying in a consistent form for long. All that remains consistent is the darkness that envelops the creature and the pale glowing red eyes.
“What happened to their conflict? Apparently the ancients won their battle over these beings or else we would not even exist.”
“From what I have found, in that task they barely succeeded. Unfortunately, they were unable to annihilate them; they only succeeded in banishing them temporarily to a different plane of existence. They knew that should their enemies return, and they suspected they eventually would, the conflict would begin anew and with such intense ferocity that even they feared it would destroy the very fabric of the universe. With their own forces depleted by the eons of warfare, the Xel’Naga sought to create a warrior to stand in their place instead to safeguard the universe.”
“Which is where we were to stand in the scheme of things,” adds Kreza grimly as he takes in the disturbing news.
“Yes… but I feel we are incapable of so grand a task now... Kreza,” she pleads softly, “we must inform the council of this news immediately.”
“Perhaps you are right,” he concedes quietly, “Zeratul has informed me of a Xel’Nagan base that we should search for more information regarding these threats but this disturbing revelation changes those plans. We must—“
Danger senses flare in his mind as he sensed hostile thoughts moving swiftly towards them. “GET DOWN!” he bellows as he thrusts her behind a console. They barely manage to move as a brilliant flash suddenly blasts the main doors of the chamber apart; dozens of crystal shards rain down on them as they desperately seek cover from the deadly debris. The shower subsides and Kreza looks over their cover to see two dark templars standing among the smoldering rubble.
“You have gone too far… now you defile our sacred records?! We have come for you and your kind Templar,” sneers the one on the right as a blade flashes to existence.
“We have suffered the suffocating yoke of slavery under your kind for far too long… it is time we took our rightful place as the rulers of Aiur,” adds the one on the left.
“HAVE YOU BOTH GONE MAD?!” cries Kreza. “Such madness has no place anymore in our society! We are all Protoss here! The old ways are no longer! To continue on this course will only serve to shatter all that we have endured!“
Playing the glowing energy weapon maliciously in front of him, the first Dark Templar’s eyes flare with such an intense level of cold fury that momentarily stuns Kreza, allowing the second dark one to slowly close in from the opposite side. A battle in such close quarters against one dark templar is foolish enough, but against two… is certain death he thinks to himself.
“Prepare yourself for the journey beyond Templar, your death will mark the coming of a new age for our people!”
“Listen my brethren,” pleads Kreza to cover his own energies building within him in preparation of combat, “we no longer can afford to battle amongst ourselves! The Zerg are our enemies now! Why do you attack us?!”
“Enough talk! Our fight begins now!” snarls the second assassin as he leaps to the attack.
The battle is quickly joined within the cramped arena and Kreza can only wonder as to the madness that fills this once sacred building of learning. He only hopes that he will survive long enough to find the answers he so desperately seeks.
