The air was thick with the scent of blood and decay as Zalmai raced through what remained of the Palewind Yaungol camp. The six or so totems she had collected clattered and clicked in their holds at her side. It took some maneuvering, but she had made it from one end of the tribes ground to the Shado-Pan encampment. A few words were exchanged with Yalia. Quick to agree in aiding, Zalmai helped the Pandaren woman set up the circle of totems to purify the grounds. That was when it went wrong. It had turned out the Sha of Hatred had seeped into the very dirt below their feet. It was what drove the Yaungol mad, pushed them to kill one another. The force of the Sha erupting from the ground caused her to black out. She didn't remember what happened for a few minutes after that, just zoning back in to see Ban, Yalia and Xiao, armed and standing in the middle of a glowing ring.
And just like that, she was dispatched to cleanse the corrupted Shado-Pan recruits, and put the spiteful Yaungol spirits to rest. She had seen the work of the Sha before. She knew that they fed off of negative emotions, so of course it was clear she had to remain balanced. Taking the totem offered by Yalia, she set to cleansing and working.
One by one, she used the Totem of Harmony to purge the corrupt Pandaren. One by one, she laid the spirits to rest. At first, the druidess didn't think at all. Then, her train started chugging, moving backwards. It felt good to help the Pandaren that needed it. It was calming, walking through the lands, soaking up the sights... And the train kept going backwards. From the relief when she saw her missing friend, Ake'tsu, to unwinding and beating up Fon'bar. Backwards, backwards... Sharing smokes with her sister, drinks with friends... Until she hit a wall. Graz'nok. It had started with good thoughts. Their first date. Meeting him at the gates of Zul'gurub... Of the time they went to Darkmoon Island with Najirah and... what was his name...? The Forest Troll... She couldn't remember. But the more she thought about it, the more sour her thoughts went.
She had tried to apologize. She had tried to make it better with him, but he continued to treat her like less than dirt.
Fuck. Don't think that way, Zal. Think positive.
Her head shook a couple times as one of the Shado-Pan turned and socked her in the gut. She grunted and stumbled back, out of the light. This one had proved himself stubborn, unwilling to feel the light. So, she had no choice but to dig her heels into the dirt and lift her arms to protect herself.
Stubborn, just like Graz'nok... No, don't think like that.
A sickly sweet voice filled her mind, causing a haze to trickle it's way in.
He.... gave you... hope... He... forgave you... He... promised to take you...
It hissed and purred and cooed all at the same time to the woman. Her head shook again, trying to push the thoughts from her mind. Still, the Shado-Pan was beating on her arms, trying to drive her back. She could see the corruption leaving the bear-man. She bit into her tongue and faltered. Shit. She wasn't in the light. Pushing back at the man wailing on her, she let out a growl.
He... chose... another.... He... lied. He broke.... your heart... Once... And again... Made you feel special... Needed... Worthy... And he.... crushed you... Twice.
She hissed, and pushed, desperate to get into the light.
He.... proved... you are... nothing... to him... Nothing... Give into your hate... It makes you stronger. Better.
And she did. Succumbing to the Sha of Hatred, Zalmai let out a scream of anger. The rage boiled inside her as hatred took control. Negative flooded the druid with such vigor, a spawn of the Sha ripped itself from her graying skin. All of her bitter thoughts raced to the front of her mind.
Hate towards Najirah for killing her mother.
Hate towards her father for doing nothing.
Hate towards her first mate for leaving her behind.
Hate for Graz'nok, for treating her as he did.
Hate for Sharkos for leaving without saying anything.
Hate for this Pandaren, for pushing her out of the light.
Hate. Hate. Hate.
Before she knew what was really going on, her arm had lashed out to strike the confused Shado-Pan initiate. It was her turn to drive him back. She shrieked at him in Zandalari, cursing and blaming the poor, confused man. Turning tail, he grabbed the totem and fled, heading back for Yalia. With Zalmai consumed by the hatred, the uncontrollable rage, she chased him. She hated him! She had to make him pay! He rounded the bonfire, disappearing behind it. In her bloodlust, she didn't see the stave come down on her. The thick piece of wood cracked her on the skull, and down she went. Everything went black. When she awoke, she was propped up against a couple boxes with a damp cloth to her forehead.
... I'm gonna owe a couple pandas an apology or two....
