Battle in the Sky

Things had taken quite unexpectedly, even bordering on disastrous. Nathanos looked at the latest intelligence sent from Maraudon's main base. He was now aware of the news—or rather, the changes—coming from all over the world: The Barrens had cleaved a canyon in the Barrens, Feathermoon Stronghold in Feralas had been submerged by the sea, and the shadow of a wind Elemental Plane had appeared in the sky over the southern tip of the continent.

Deathwing's appearance can no longer be described as merely changing the world; it's more accurate to say he's tearing it apart. The only good news from Kalimdor is that Meryl and Ohan have joined forces to defeat the Ogre Cho'gall, who had been loudly proclaiming the end of the world.

But Nathanos felt no relief. In just one week, Twilight Highlands had undergone a dramatic transformation with the emergence of the Worldbreaker. The Twilight Cultists no longer hid; their camps were everywhere, the most notable being Grim Batol and Twilight Fortress. The former was consistently frequented by heretics. The latter, however, saw a strange, purple beam of light shoot into the sky from a canyon south of Grim Batol on the night of the second day after the Cataclysm began, when the moon was at its highest point. The fortress then appeared out of nowhere before the world.

Of course, the changes in the Eastern Kingdoms didn't stop there. Redridge Mountains had been damaged, and large numbers of Blackrock Orc had appeared. There were also signs of black dragon activity in the Burning Steppes. An island had risen from the sea just a few hundred miles from Stormwind City. The Alliance and the Horde had received this news and were taking action. But for King Wrynn of King of Stormwind, the greatest blow was Deathwing's arrival in Stormwind City, destroying vast swathes of the city and stealing Nefarian's head.

"That's truly pitiful," Nathanos chuckled, expressing sympathy for the Alliance. However, the Alliance wasn't the only one suffering misfortune; the Horde was in Horde as well. Orgrimmar had been attacked by fire elementals. Elemental Plane had appeared south of the World Tree at Mount Hyjal. The elementals' wrath would affect anyone connected to them.

Furthermore, certain isolated regions are also suffering from the effects of the Cataclysm. Greymane Wall, at the southernmost tip of Silverpine Forest, has been breached. After many years, Nathanos can finally send men to investigate this human kingdom. However, he has not anticipated that Gilneas is suffering from the scourge of the Worgen, and rebellion has destabilized the entire kingdom. But the most terrifying aspect is not even these two points. Gilneas was originally a country surrounded by mountains, with numerous reefs along its coast. Thanks to its natural defenses, outsiders had virtually no way to threaten Gilneas from the sea. But the recent earthquakes and tsunamis have destroyed those reefs, tearing a gap in this natural defense.

Disasters are erupting everywhere, and war is raging everywhere. Following past practice, this extraordinary time should be a time for the Forsaken to take action, and indeed they have. The only difference is that this time Forsaken can no longer remain uninvolved in this Cataclysm.

He has received confirmation that the Alliance and the Horde will send a large army to Twilight Highlands.

"Very good, very good." Nathanos closed his eyes, savoring the Tranquility before the battle. "The show is about to begin." He rose and left to prepare the things he needed to deal with Deathwing.

After patrolling the Crimson Bastion, the Red Dragon Lirathasza returned to the sanctuary, transforming into a young Blood Elf upon landing. She walked towards the tall maple tree in the center of the sanctuary. She thought, no matter the season, this place is always so full of life.

Inside the sanctuary were many other adult Red Dragon like her, all elites of the Red Dragonflight, responsible for guarding the few dragon eggs here.

"Welcome back, Lirathasza."

The Red Dragon's Elf eyes returned to the front, and after seeing who was greeting her, she gave a teasing smile, "I thought you were going to ask me if I brought back a mortal corpse this time, Kaelen."

Her companion, Kaelen, a direct descendant of the Queen of Dragons, is also the overseer of Sanctuary in Alexstrasza's absence. Like her mother, Kaelen possesses a compassionate heart for all life and abhors unnecessary killing. Not long ago, Lirathasza discovered a mortal sneaking into the Crimson Bastion. The Dragonmaw Clan is renowned for its protection of life, but that doesn't mean they are easy to mess with.

"It seems you didn't, I'm glad." Kaelen's dark purple face broke into the same smile. Most Red Dragon would choose the mortal form of High Elf or a human, but Kaelen chose the Night Elf. His appearance and the fiery red robes he wore seemed completely mismatched. "Deathwing has returned, and this world is on the verge of destruction. My mother sent word that she is on her way here."

"The Queen?" Lirathasza exclaimed in surprise. "Is she worried about us? But the cultists of Twilight's Hammer alone can't do anything to us." The Red Dragon's eyes widened as she spoke, a terrifying thought escaping her lips, "Could it be... Deathwing ... is here?"

Kaelen immediately gestured for her to be quiet and looked around. "Lylas..." Kaelen sighed, "You're just too smart. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

"You didn't tell anyone else about this?"

"Do you want to cause panic?" Kaelen asked. "Only the Guardian Dragons have the power to fight Deathwing, and Mother isn't here right now. If Neltharion's hiding in the shadows, finds out, Sanctuary will be doomed."

Lirathasza simply crossed her arms and waited silently. "Also, we're short-handed and might need the help of mortals," Kaelen said with difficulty. "But some members don't agree with my suggestion."

"I disagree," Lirathasza said, her expression practically screaming "opposition." "Our members in the Wetlands were attacked by mortals. Have you forgotten?"

"I...I haven't forgotten!" Kaelen said helplessly. This happened a few months ago. The shelter sent a member of the Red Dragon to monitor the canyon road leading from the Wetlands to the Twilight Highlands, but he was never heard from again. Later, only his body was found, covered with wounds from various weapons, which appeared to be the work of a mercenary group.

"But we cannot generalize about mortal warriors because of this. Don't forget, they helped us in Northrend. My mother also said that we must unite all forces."

"You mean the Alliance and the Horde?" Lirathasza raised an eyebrow. "Although the Red Dragon don't concern themselves with mortal affairs, that doesn't mean we're uninformed. The Alliance and the Horde are already at war. Didn't you know?"

"They have always been fighting, but that doesn't prevent them from facing a common enemy."

Lirathasza was silent for a moment. "It seems I can't persuade you. I just hope you won't regret it." The Blood Elf lady turned and took a few steps before transforming back into her dragon form and flying away from the sanctuary. Kaelen thought to herself that she must have angered her.

"Never mind, she's not the first one."

"Kaelen."

The Red Dragon, disguised as Night Elf, turned its head to look at the person who had called its name. It was a human. "Moostaz? What happened?"

"It's terrible," the human said, and as he approached, Kaelen noticed that Moostaz's eyes were trembling, as if he were trying hard to hide his emotions. "You'd better see for yourself."

Kaelen knows her partner very well. Moostaz is also one of the few Red Dragon with considerable foresight. If even he uses the word "bad" to describe something, then it must really be bad.

"It's alright, brother. We'll face any difficulties together. Lead the way."

Two magnificent Red Dragon soared into the sky, Kaelen noticed they were approaching Twilight Fortress. He had previously sent many red dragons to monitor this sinister place, but now, Kaelen could no longer sense his companions. His heart leaped into his throat. "Moostaz said things were bad."

"Look!" The Red Dragon leading the way could no longer hide its anger and pain.

Kaelen even saw the flames that Moostaz could not contain in its mouth, but after witnessing everything with his own eyes, this usually calm and collected Red Dragon almost went berserk on the spot.

Below, within the Twilight's Hammer fortress, the limbs of Red Dragon hung everywhere, a horrifying and gruesome sight. Kaelen felt her heart pounding so hard it was suffocating her.

"These people... killed our brethren, and... dismembered them!" the Red Dragon roared, tears welling in his eyes. He saw several Red Dragon corpses lying limp in the mud, their wings and tails cruelly severed, others decapitated and hanging from the gallows. Kaelen's fury stemmed not only from witnessing the murder of her brothers and sisters, but also from the fact that even in death they had not received the respect they deserved. "These beasts!"

Alexstrasza's offspring prepared to charge forward and unleash their fury, but Moostaz stopped him, shouting, "Are you insane? They're deliberately provoking us. So many of our people have been killed by them, what can you do alone? You're just throwing your life away."

Kaelen bit his lower lip, trying to think, but he felt nothing but grief. Moostaz uttered some words he couldn't understand. The Red Dragon raised its head, letting out a painful shriek. The mournful roar tore through the air, making the sky tremble.

"Alright, Kaelen." Moostaz grabbed Kaelen's left forearm with his forepaw. "We've been discovered. We have to get out of here immediately."

Several Twilight Dragon Twilight Fortress Keep heard Kaelen's voice and charged towards them.

"No, they will pay for this!" Kaelen raised her head and launched an attack on the enemy.

Moostaz watched in horror as his companions pounced on the unfortunate creatures. Kaelen, usually so calm, was no less furious than his mother when enraged. A massive claw pierced the neck of a Twilight Dragon. A tail snapped the ribs of another. And then came the flames— Kaelen's breath that incinerated the last dragon to a crisp.

"Enough, Kaelen. We have to get out of here." Moostaz flew to his companions to provide cover. He wouldn't let his guard down because of Kaelen's displayed strength, as more Twilight Dragon had noticed what was happening, including several adult Twilight Dragon, who were undoubtedly in greater danger. "Don't forget your duty."

In his shattered heart, Kaelen clung to only one thought: to avenge the fallen Red Dragon. Otherwise, he would be heartbroken and filled with unbearable resentment, as would the entire Dragonmaw Clan. Moostaz's words brought him a moment of calm, but also weighed heavily on his heart. He knew he should listen to his comrades, because it was the right thing to do.

"The Dragonmaw Clan will not forget."

"Of course not, let's go."

The two Red Dragon changed direction in mid-air and quickly retreated.

The Twilight Dragon relentlessly pursued them, unleashing a barrage of magical attacks in an attempt to bring down the two Red Dragons. Kaelen quickly turned, dodging a deadly spit from one of the Twilight Dragon. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Moostaz appeared to be injured, with three distinct claw marks on his abdomen. Two Twilight Whelp were attacking him and preparing to launch another assault.

Kaelen seized the opportunity and charged forward. The two dragons' attention was focused on Moostaz, and by the time they noticed Kaelen, it was too late. Kaelen bit down hard on the neck of a Twilight Dragon, hearing it let out a suffocating scream. The Twilight Dragon's deep purple wings flapped frantically in the air, while its black claws scratched incessantly at Kaelen, struggling in its death throes.

Despite the protection of his scales, Kaelen could still feel the pain. He continued to tighten his grip on his teeth, and the pain quickly subsided. Then he released his jaw, and the limp, lifeless corpse of the Twilight Dragon tumbled to the ground. But Kaelen had no time to look at the carcass any longer.

"Thank you, Kaelen." Moostaz also took the opportunity to kill the other Red Dragon.

"I should apologize, Moostaz. I've dragged you into this."

"Everyone makes Recklessness sometimes. I won't blame you, Kaelen. Watch out!!!"

A chill ran through Kaelen's body after he heard Moostaz's warning.

Two adult Twilight Dragon pounced from either side. Kaelen, focused solely on escape, barely noticed the approaching enemies. Fortunately, he reacted quickly; upon hearing Moostaz's voice, he immediately spread his wings to meet the attack. However, this time the enemies were unusually cunning. One Twilight Dragon attacked first, but Kaelen only realized it had grabbed his forepaws when they collided, rendering him immobile. The other dragon seized the opportunity and charged towards Kaelen's most vulnerable spot—his neck.

In that split second, just when Kaelen thought she was doomed, two sharp, tearing sounds shattered the battlefield. The next second, Kaelen saw blood spurt from the Twilight Dragon's eyes, its brains splattering out. The Twilight Dragon's companion seemed to have suffered the same attack, losing all strength and plummeting into the jungle below.

What's going on?

"Looks like someone's helping us." Moostaz saw that the attack came from below, but the dense foliage blocked his view, and he couldn't spot the attacker. "It seems to be... bullets."

At this moment, the Twilight Dragon, who had been chasing the two Red Dragons, saw their strongest adult dragon fall and abandoned the pursuit, scattering in all directions. Kaelen knew they were saved.

"Praise the Titans, let us get out of here quickly."

The Twilight Dragon's breathing grew weak; now, only pain remained of his being. But the pain would soon vanish; he was dying.

His other companion had already passed away, hanging lifelessly from the tree trunk.

The massive creature, barely clinging to life, lay helplessly on the ground, silently awaiting death. Purple blood gushed from its mouth, withering any plants that touched it. The Twilight Dragon's purpose was to eradicate all life, and even in its final moments, it was carrying out its mission.

"Ah, here it is!"

A harsh, somewhat smug laugh enveloped the Twilight Dragon's body. One of his eyes was pierced by a bullet, and with the other, he saw a pair of short legs approaching him.

"You... cannot live on."

Twilight Dragon's eyes snapped open, witnessing incredulously the last thing he would ever see in this world. The dagger piercing his neck finally extinguished his breath.

"Alright, it's all taken care of."

Another small figure emerged from the jungle. "That's not fair. I'm the one who shot it down. I should be the one to finish it off, Shali."

"Stop complaining, Volt, I'm saving you time. The boss sent word that we need to meet up with the master immediately."