Chereads / Phoenix Gang: Separate Ways / Chapter 11 - Beyond Azeroth

Chapter 11 - Beyond Azeroth

FEATURED CHARACTERS: Felixa Warrington and Taurro Shae

Athens, Greece

Rome, Italy

Singapore, Asia

Phoenopolix, Land of the Phoenix

GENERAL CHAPTER

The cobblestone streets of Stormwind City echoed with the rhythmic clatter of hooves as Felix, the valiant human warrior, navigated her black stallion through the bustling crowds. Her armor, a testament to countless battles, glinted under the afternoon sun, catching the admiring glances of passersby. She had become a familiar sight in the city, known not just for her prowess in battle but for her unwavering dedication to the Alliance's cause.

As she reached the port, the salty breeze carried the scent of adventure and the distant call of seagulls. She dismounted, her boots thudding against the wooden planks, and approached the edge. The vast expanse of the sea stretched before her, its surface shimmering like a thousand diamonds. She sighed, a mix of contentment and restlessness. Quests had been her life, her purpose, but now, a question lingered in her heart—what lay beyond the horizon for a warrior who had done it all?

With a determined gaze, she pulled out a rune-etched communicator from her satchel. It was time for a change, time to reach out to an unlikely ally. She whispered into the device, her voice carrying across continents and factions, "Taurro, it's Felix. Meet me at Darkmoon Faire."

In Orgrimmar, Taurro, the Tauren shaman, felt the communicator vibrate against his chest. The bustling orcish city was alive with the sounds of blacksmiths, merchants, and warriors, but his thoughts were now on the message from Felix. Their friendship was an anomaly, a bond forged despite the animosity between their factions. He respected her spirit, her strength, and her desire for something more.

"I'll be there," he replied, his deep voice resonant with anticipation.

The journey to Darkmoon Faire was a blur of landscapes and portals, but soon, Taurro found himself amidst the vibrant chaos of the carnival. The air was thick with the smell of roasted meats and sweet treats, the sounds of laughter and music creating a tapestry of merriment. And there she was, Felix, unmistakable with her flowing hair and battle-worn armor, savoring a piece of chicken as if it were a rare delicacy.

"Felix," Taurro greeted, his towering form casting a long shadow.

"Taurro, you made it," she replied, her eyes lighting up. "I was just thinking about our next adventure."

They found a quiet corner, away from the prying eyes and ears of the Faire-goers. Their conversation meandered from tales of Azeroth to whispers of a world beyond—a place called Earth, rich with history and wonders yet to be explored.

"Athens," Felix mused, the name rolling off her tongue like an ancient spell. "Imagine standing where philosophers once pondered the mysteries of existence."

Taurro nodded, his eyes reflecting a world of possibilities. "A journey of the mind as well as the body. I am intrigued."

Their plans were ambitious, a departure from the life they knew, but for now, they allowed themselves to be swept up in the magic of the Faire. They laughed as they tried their hand at games of skill, marveled at the exotic creatures on display, and shared stories that spanned worlds and wars.

As the night drew in, the Faire's lights twinkled like stars, a mirror to the sky above. Felix and Taurro stood side by side, two warriors from different worlds, united by a shared dream. They didn't speak, but the silence between them was filled with understanding and a promise of adventures yet to come.

The air shimmered with arcane energy as Felix and Taurro stood before the swirling portal they created that would teleport them to planet Earth. With a shared nod, they stepped through, leaving the world of Azeroth behind. The sensation of crossing worlds was like diving into a cool stream, a rush of energy enveloping them before depositing them gently onto the warm, sun-baked earth of Athens, Greece.

As their eyes adjusted to the bright Mediterranean light, they found themselves amidst the ruins of an ancient civilization. The Parthenon stood proudly on the Acropolis, its Doric columns a testament to a bygone era of philosophers, warriors, and gods.

"By Elune, would you look at that," Felix whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

Taurro, equally moved, replied, "The Earth Mother's touch is everywhere, even in this human-made marvel."

They wandered through the ruins, their fingers tracing the grooves in the marble, each one a line in the story of Athens. They spoke of the city's history, of how it rose to become the heart of classical Greece, a beacon of arts, learning, and democracy.

"Do you think they ever imagined their city would stand for thousands of years?" Felix mused as they walked.

"Perhaps not in stone, but in spirit and legacy, yes," Taurro answered. "Ideas are the true immortals."

Their conversation flowed from the tales of the Acropolis to the legends of the Olympians, from the wisdom of Socrates to the conquests of Alexander the Great. They spoke of the city's fall to the Romans, its rise as a center of Christian learning, and its struggles through the ages until it became the modern metropolis before them.

As the day waned, their stomachs reminded them of more earthly concerns. They found a taverna tucked away in the Plaka district, its tables adorned with blue and white checkered cloths. The aroma of grilled meats, fresh seafood, and baked bread filled the air.

"Let's see how this compares to a feast in Ironforge," Felix said with a grin, ordering dishes she couldn't pronounce but was eager to taste.

Taurro chuckled, "I doubt they have anything as hearty as Mulgore bison, but I'm willing to be surprised."

They feasted on moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades, each bite a revelation of flavor. They sipped on ouzo, the anise-flavored liquor dancing on their tongues, and shared stories of their homelands' cuisines.

As night fell, the sounds of bouzouki music and laughter spilled into the streets. Felix and Taurro joined a group of locals in a traditional dance, their steps clumsy but their spirits high. They were warriors, yes, but tonight they were travelers, revelers, friends.

The moon climbed high as they made their way back to the portal, their hearts full of the day's experiences. Athens had been a journey through time, a feast for the senses, and a reminder that the world was vast and full of wonders.

"Rome awaits," Taurro said, his voice filled with anticipation.

Felix nodded, her thoughts already racing ahead to the Eternal City. But for now, she savored the memory of Athens, the warmth of the people, and the taste of adventure that lingered on her tongue.

The portal opened once more, a gateway to their next destination, but the story of Felix and Taurro in Athens would remain. The portal's glow faded behind them as Felix and Taurro found themselves in the heart of Rome, the city of echoes and illusions. The air was thick with the scent of history, each stone and statue whispering tales of glory and ruin.

They stood in the shadow of the Colosseum, its arches towering above like a gateway to the past. "This is where emperors watched and cheered as gladiators fought for their lives," Felix said, her voice a mix of reverence and sorrow.

Taurro nodded, his eyes tracing the ancient carvings. "A place of entertainment and death, a strange duality."

Their journey through Rome was a walk through the ages. They marveled at the Pantheon, its dome a marvel of engineering, a symbol of the empire's might and ingenuity. They wandered through the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city, where once senators debated and oracles spoke.

As they explored, they shared stories of Rome's rise from a small settlement on the Tiber River to the center of an empire that spanned continents. They spoke of the Republic, the rise of the Caesars, the Pax Romana, and the eventual fall to the Visigoths.

"Their legacy lives on, not just in these ruins, but in the laws, the language, the very fabric of Western civilization," Taurro mused.

Felix nodded, her thoughts on the countless soldiers who had marched under the standard of the eagle. "And yet, all empires fall, even those that seem invincible."

Their conversation turned to the Renaissance, to the rebirth of art and science that flowed from this eternal city. They spoke of Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel, of Galileo challenging the heavens, of a city that had seen the depths of darkness and the heights of light.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, their thoughts turned to more earthly matters. They found a trattoria nestled in the Trastevere district, its walls lined with bottles of wine and the laughter of diners spilling into the cobblestone streets.

They indulged in plates of pasta carbonara, the creamy sauce clinging to the strands of spaghetti, and sipped on Chianti, the rich red wine a perfect complement to the robust flavors of the meal.

"This is a feast fit for Jupiter himself," Felix declared, her spirits lifted by the food and the company.

Taurro chuckled, his appetite for life as hearty as his appetite for the meal. "Or perhaps Baine Bloodhoof," he added, raising his glass in a toast.

After the meal, they strolled through the streets, the city alive with music and the murmur of conversation. They paused at the Trevi Fountain, its waters dancing in the light of the moon.

"Make a wish," Felix said, tossing a coin over her shoulder.

Taurro followed suit, his wish a silent prayer to the ancestors.

Their final stop was the Vatican, the heart of the Catholic Church. They stood in St. Peter's Square, the enormity of the basilica humbling even to warriors such as themselves.

"As different as our worlds are, there's a common thread," Taurro said. "Faith, in something greater than ourselves."

Felix nodded, her eyes reflecting the stars above. "And hope, that we can find meaning in the journey."

Their time in Rome was drawing to a close, but the memories of the city would linger. They had tasted its food, walked its streets, and felt the pulse of its history.

"Now, to Singapore," Felix said, her voice filled with excitement.

Taurro smiled, the promise of another adventure on the horizon. "To new horizons and old memories."

The portal opened once more, a doorway to the future, to Singapore. But the story of their time in Rome would remain, a chapter of discovery, of connection, and of the eternal dance between the past and the present.

The portal's hum faded into the bustling sounds of Singapore as Felix and Taurro stepped onto the clean, vibrant streets. The city-state was a stark contrast to the ancient worlds they had just left behind. Skyscrapers stretched towards the sky like steel and glass sentinels, and the air buzzed with the energy of innovation and progress.

"By the Light, it's like stepping into the future," Felix exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Taurro nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the towering Marina Bay Sands. "The Earth Mother's gifts are many, and here they are shaped by human hands into marvels."

They wandered through the Gardens by the Bay, the Supertree structures towering above them like something out of a druid's dream. "These 'trees' collect rainwater, generate solar power, and act as venting ducts for the conservatories," Felix read from an information plaque, her voice tinged with respect.

"An ecosystem of metal and life," Taurro mused. "A balance of nature and technology."

Their journey through Singapore was not just through space but through time. They learned of its history as a humble fishing village, its colonization by the British, the Japanese occupation, and its transformation into an independent nation-state under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew.

"From Temasek to Singapura, it has weathered storms and risen," Taurro said, reflecting on the resilience of the city.

Felix nodded, her thoughts on the parallels with the Alliance's own struggles. "And now it thrives, a hub of commerce and culture."

As the day turned to evening, the duo found themselves at a hawker center, the air rich with the aromas of countless cuisines. They sampled laksa, its spicy broth a challenge even for a warrior's palate, and Hainanese chicken rice, the flavors subtle yet satisfying.

"This rivals the feasts of Stormwind," Felix declared, her taste buds alight with new sensations.

Taurro laughed, his earlier reservations forgotten in the face of such culinary delights. "And the diversity rivals that of the Horde's best cooks."

They explored the cultural tapestry of Singapore, from the colorful shophouses of Chinatown to the vibrant markets of Little India, each step a discovery of the city's multicultural heartbeat.

But their thoughts were also on Phoenopolix, the mythical home of the Phoenix Gang. They spoke of the adventures they had shared with the gang, the battles fought, and the victories won.

"We defeated Sugo once; we can do it again if we must," Felix said, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

Taurro nodded, his eyes hardening at the memory of the foe they had faced. "The spirits will guide us, as they always have."

As they prepared to leave for Phoenopolix, they were unaware of the shadow that lingered in the city, the presence of Tangie, still possessed by Sugo. The threat was silent, unseen, but it was there, waiting for them.

The portal to Phoenopolix shimmered into existence, a gateway to memories and the unknown. They stepped through, their hearts heavy with nostalgia and the weight of the coming confrontation.

In Phoenopolix, the former place of the Phoenix Gang's stronghold stood silent, a monument to the group who once lived there, now the place turned into a museum. Felix and Taurro walked around the museum, their minds filled with echoes of laughter and the clash of steel.

"We were heroes here," Felix whispered, her voice catching in her throat.

"And we will be again," Taurro replied, his hand finding hers in a rare moment of vulnerability.

"I'm fascinated by the quick advancement of this metropolis," Felix awed. "I could barely recognized it."

"True," Taurro smiled.

But as they stood there, united in memory and purpose, the air shifted. A chill wind blew through the ruins, and a sense of foreboding settled over them.

"Sugo," Taurro growled, his shamanistic senses alert to the presence of evil.

"Are you kidding me? But we defeated him!" Felix answered with a concerned look.

"It appears he managed to escape," Taurro silently growled.

Felix drew her sword, her warrior's instincts kicking in. "We end this now, for the Phoenix Gang, for Azeroth, for all worlds."

Phoenopolix stood silent, a testament to the Phoenix Gang's once-glorious presence. Felix and Taurro, their hearts heavy with memories, scanned the area, only to lock eyes with Tangie. The animatronic's smile was unsettlingly familiar, yet tinged with a darkness that sent a shiver down Felix's spine.

"Why are you here, Tangie?" Felix asked, her hand instinctively resting on her sword's hilt.

"I wanted to see the Phoenix Hideout, now a museum to past glories," Tangie replied, their voice a haunting melody of innocence and malice.

Taurro's instincts screamed a warning. "Felix, be wary. It's Sugo speaking through Tangie."

Before they could react, Tangie's smirk twisted into a grotesque grin, and their eyes flared with an unnatural glow. With a flick of their wrist, Taurro was lifted, his massive frame helpless against the psychic onslaught.

"What are you doing?!" Taurro screamed. "Put me down this instant!"

"I'm sorry, but I'm here to get my revenge," Tangie, possessed by Sugo, chuckled.

Taurro crashed into the Phoenix Museum's wall thanks to Sugo's psychic ability, the impact sending a cloud of dust and debris into the air.

"Taurro!" Felix gasped, rushing to his side.

But Tangie, or rather Sugo within, was not done. With a cruel laugh, they turned their power on Felix, sending her flying with the same ease. She hit the ground hard, pain lancing through her body.

Sugo's laughter echoed through the ruins as they admired their newfound strength. "This animatronic form is more than I ever hoped for," they boasted, their voice a chilling blend of Tangie's cheer and Sugo's malice.

"You better let Tangie go and leave us alone!" Felix shouted in pain.

"I'm afraid I can't, dear, and I will explain why," Tangie, or rather Sugo, smirked.

They revealed their plan to destroy Phoenopolix by draining the energy off the Tree of the Phoenix. After explaining the plan, Sugo strode into the museum, intent on finding the Tree of the Phoenix, the source of the gang's former power.

Felix, struggling to her feet, reached for her communicator. "Chiko, we need you," she pleaded into the device as she explained the situation.

The response was immediate, a beacon of hope in the darkness. "I'm here, Felix. The Phoenix Gang will reunite for this final battle."

One by one, the former members answered the call, their voices a chorus of determination and unity. They would meet at Phoenopolix, stand together once more, and face the threat that loomed over their legacy.

"It's time to put an end to this... one more time..."

TIKTOK TIME

TikTok Title: Hitting The Griddy

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Chiko and Family

Chiko: "Let's hit the griddy and light up TikTok!"

Ferran & Adriana: "We're ready to groove, hijo!"

[The family dances energetically as "Right Foot Creep" echoes through the streets of Pittsburgh.]

Brisbane, Queensland - Brando Heeler and the Heeler Family

Brando: "C'mon Bluey, Bingo, let's show TikTok how the Heelers move!"

Bandit & Chilli: "Dance like nobody's watching, kids!"

[The Heeler family joins in unison, their moves perfectly in sync with the beat.]

Adventure Bay - Blas, Bliss, Iggy, and the PAW Patrol

Blas & Bliss: "Adventure Bay is about to get lit!"

Ryder: "PAW Patrol, let's roll out some moves!"

[The pups and their friends form a dance line, each showing off their unique style while hitting the griddy.]

Tokyo - Olga Koopa and the Koopa Clan

Olga: "Tokyo won't know what hit it! Let's griddy, Koopalings!"

Bowser: "Koopas rule the dance floor!"

[Amidst the neon lights, the Koopas dance fiercely, drawing a crowd of admirers.]

Camden Town - Dom, James, and the Dalmatian Family

Dom & James: "Camden Town, represent!"

Dalmatian Family: "Let's make this dance a family affair!"

[The Dalmatians fill the streets, their spotted coats a blur as they dance together.]

Beach City - Coral Pearl and the Crystal Gems

Coral: "Beach City's got talent too!"

Gems: "Let's shine bright on TikTok!"

[The Gems and their friends form a sparkling constellation of dancers under the boardwalk.]

Hurricane, Utah - Tangie and the FNAF Crew

Tangie: "Freddy's crew is about to steal the show!"

Freddy & Friends: "Let's creep to the right foot!"

[The animatronics prove they're not just for scares, showcasing their surprisingly smooth moves.]

Darkmoon Faire - Felix, Taurro, and the World of Warcraft Characters

Felix & Taurro: "For the alliance and the horde!"

WoW Characters: "To the rhythm of battle and dance!"

[The alliance and horde come together in a rare moment of peace, their dance a spectacle of unity.]

Made by @/thephoenixgang

SONG COVER REMIXES

Felixa - Easy On Me by Adele (Song Cover Remix)

[FELIXA]

There ain't no gold in this river

That I've been washin' my hands in forever

I know there is hope in these waters

But I can't bring myself to swim

When I am drowning in this silence

Baby, let me in

Go easy on me, baby

I was still a child

Didn't get the chance to

Feel the world around me

I had no time to choose

What I chose to do

So go easy on me

There ain't no room for things to change

When we are both so deeply stuck in our ways

You can't deny how hard I've tried

I changed who I was to put you both first

But now I give up

Go easy on me, baby

I was still a child

Didn't get the chance to

Feel the world around me

Had no time to choose

What I chose to do

So go easy on me

I had good intentions

And the highest hopes

But I know right now

It probably doesn't even show

Go easy on me, baby

I was still a child

I didn't get the chance to

Feel the world around me

I had no time to choose

What I chose to do

So go easy on me

Taurro Shae - I'm Still Standing by Taron Egerton (Song Cover Remix)

[TAURRO]

You could never know what it's like

Your blood like winter freezes just like ice

And there's a cold lonely light that shines from you

You'll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use

And did you think this fool could never win?

Well look at me, I'm coming back again

I got a taste of love in a simple way

And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

I'm still standing after all this time

Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

Once I never could hope to win

You starting down the road leaving me again

The threats you made were meant to cut me down

And if our love was just a circus you'd be a clown by now

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

I'm still standing after all this time

Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid

I'm still standing after all this time

Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah

TO BE CONTINUED