Appearing Characters: Aethas Sunreaver (Alternate Timeline), Anachronos, Arcturus Mechagon, Arthas Menethil (Alternate Timeline), Astalor Bloodsworn (Alternate Timeline), Chromie, Elissa Cross, Erazmin Mechagon, Gilveradin Windrunner, Ini Stormcoil, Jaina Proudmoore (Alternate Timeline), Kael'thas Sunstrider (Alternate Timeline), Kala (Alternate Timeline), Kel'Thuzad, Kelsey Steelspark, Kinndy Sparkshine, Liiraluma, Lor'themar Theron (Alternate Timeline), Mal'Ganis (Alternate Timeline), Muradin Bronzebeard (Alternate Timeline), Rhonin Windrunner (Alternate Timeline), Rokhan (Alternate Timeline), Rommath Pyrewing (Alternate Timeline), Seria, Soridormi, Sylvanas Windrunner (Alternate Timeline), Teemo Manabrake, Thaxdormu, Uther Lightbringer (Alternate Timeline), Uther Menethil, Vanira (Alternate Timeline), Velameestra Windrunner, Vereesa Windrunner (Alternate Timeline), Zar'jira (Alternate Timeline), Zen'tabra (Alternate Timeline), Zuni (Alternate Timeline)
Time-Lost Day 190
As the battle raged on, Vel harnessed her ice magic and released a powerful [Blizzard] that was infused with blood magic as a whirlwind of ice and crystal buffered the Omega Buster.
Meanwhile, the plasma orbs were blasted back and discharged, which crackled around Uther, Seria, and the Omega Buster. An alarm sounded and several R-21 Aerial Units arrived on the scene. They flew under the platform, and a moment later they reappeared with the damaged origination bomb. It flickered briefly as it struggled to reactivate.
Vel shouted over to Teemo, who nodded.
Teemo Manabrake says: I’m on it!
She flew over on her copter and attempted to hack into the drones. One of them plummeted into the coolant, and she hurried over to another drone. Two other lasers fired from the Omega Buster and slammed through all members of the group. Seria felt her body start to pull apart, her clothing starting to fry, but the magic of her tattoo luckily kept her stable.
Luma lined up their disruptor rifle and fired, which Mechagon was able to partially turn away with his particle shield. The Omega Buster reared one of his hands back and tried to slam into Uther. However, Elissa raised her shield alongside Uther and they were able to turn the blow outside.
Mechagon tried to initiate his [Purge] protocol on Gil’s illusory dragon, but Vel once again used [Counterspell] to rip the protocol from the air. Uther swung back and tore into the Omega Buster’s armor with his axe.
Uther Menethil shouts: VULT!
He activated his power armor and shot backgrounds as he slammed into a plasma orb and then pivoted around and charged straight towards the Omega Buster with it. The plasma orb exploded in a blast of energy between them, but they were both able to cover themselves from the discharge.
Arcturus Mechagon says: Resistance is futile!
The Omega Buster looked over at Gil and launched one of his hands at him. The hand slammed into Gil, and his concentration was lost on the illusory dragon. He managed to wriggle his hand free and cast [Fire Storm]. A barrage of pyroclastic activity erupted from the area around the Omega Buster and the drones holding the bomb.
Arcturus Mechagon says: Systems approaching critical! This is inconceivable! Improbable!
One of the drones shuts down and falls as its components melt. Gil was further able to wriggle his arms out from under the arm and fired a shot from his bow, which pinged off the Omega Buster and alighted more of the fire.
Seria roared and continued to tear into the Omega Buster as much as she could. The Omega Buster started to spark.
Arcturus Mechagon says: Repair systems activate!
The Omega Buster started to repair itself and a heavy fist slammed into the druid, knocking her out of her bear form and to the ground. Elissa quickly used [Mass Flash of Light] over the entire group except for Vel, and she then aimed her ring at the Omega Buster one more time. A flurry of shooting stars slammed into the large mech. Seria started to get back to her knees as the Omega Buster lined up its magneto arm. She slammed her staff into the ground, and withered, thorny vines reached up and held the robot’s hand back.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s over!
Vel took the opportunity to use [Blizzard] as frigid winds burst around the Omega Buster, slicked with the magenta of blood magic. Frost bled into the cracks of the mech and expanded, bursting seams and metal plating.
Arcturus Mechagon says: This was statistically impossible! No! Rerouting systems!
Omega Buster says: Evacuation systems initiating.
The crystalline window ejected from the Omega Buster as it exploded. The group rounded on the ejected pod as King Mechagon burst out of it, a rifle in hand as he took off in his rocket boots. Vel’s eyes went to the bomb and she shouted at Teemo to move.
Vel conjured a [Wall of Force] and domed the bomb within it right before it exploded. The origination device exploded in a surging blast of crackling, arcane energy and Vel’s eyes widened as she watched, but she held onto the magic and compressed it, ensuring the blast did not escape.
Mechagon started to fire his rifle, and Luma fired back, offering cover fire as Uther deflected the shots from Mechagon with his shield. Gil and Seria conjured their magic, and used [Nature’s Curse]. His body began to rust as plants and vines burst furth. Mechagon’s hand changed into a rotating saw and he tried to cut the foliage away, but Elissa severed the weapon away as Mechagon was completely rooted by rust and vines.
Behind the group, they heard the sounds of footsteps as Kelsey Steelspark, her infiltration team, and prince Erazmin ran in.
Kelsey Steelspark says: Perimeter secure! Admin. Operation Mechagon is a success.
Erazmin stepped forward. He had a sharp crew cut with bright mechanized eyes.
Erazmin Mechagon says: And we have all you to thank, Omega Squad.
The prince stepped past the group and approached his father, who was suspended in the makeshift tree that had grown around the metal of his body.
Arcturus Mechagon says: Erazmin, this treason shall not go unpunished. You understand as much as anyone that order must be maintained!
Erazmin shook his head.
Erazmin Mechagon says: I understand a lot of things, father.
Arcturus Mechagon says: Why would you rise against me? I created you. I taught you. I provided everything for Mechagon. Stability. A way forward. A future. Under my leadership our people would be prisoners no more.
Erazmin Mechagon says: And what would we have had to sacrifice? No. No we wouldn’t. Our people would have. This picture of your perfect world… I don’t know where you got it. You used to see the good in gnomanity, and now you’ve become… this. So obsessed with your own vision of utopia that you forgot how important free will is. I don’t know if the Shapers can see us here, or if those that came before are watching, but I’ll make sure the name Mechagon is not synonymous with tyranny and despotism. I don’t know where these errors in judgement came from, but they don’t have to hurt you anymore father.
Erazmin held a hand out, and an infiltrator handed some sort of crowbar. Erazmin approached his father and jabbed it into his chest. He pried off a large panel, revealing the internal systems. There was a mechanical heart, and other metal organs. Erazmin pulled out a wrench, which sparked.
Erazmin Mechagon says: Goodbye, father. Know our people are in good hands.
He jabbed the device into Mechagon’s chest, who sparked and jolted.
Arcturus Mechagon says: Systems… failing… Eraz-azmin… you will… be prince… you must lead… our people…
Arcturus Mechagon fully shut down and fell limp. Erazmin pocketed the tool.
Erazmin Mechagon says: Agent Steelspark, broadcast the green light. Operation Mechagon is fully a success.
He turned to the party.
Erazmin Mechagon says: Words are failing me right now. Without your intervention, we would have not only lost, but thousands of lives would have been taken because of the mad schemes of my father who… encountered a runtime error a long time ago. If the people accept me, I’ll make sure our people’s future is a bright one. Once we find a way to get you back home, well… perhaps some of my people will return to the Promised Land. Perhaps we may repay the favor in some small way. It’s only right we do so. Though there is much we’ll have to do before then.
Kinndy, Ini, and other engineers had started to examine the strange disc that was floating suspended before the platform.
Ini Stormcoil says: Admin, you may want to look. This console is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. This seems to be the central unit for Mimir. Might take us a bit, but it might even have the secret for how we can break down the barrier between this world and the Promised Land. Might take some tinkering, but that’s nothing I can’t do.
Luma had sauntered over to look at the device as well. It appeared to be some sort of potent device. Kelsey looked over at Erazmin.
Kelsey Steelspark says: I think I found the universal communication device, if you wanted to make a statement. They may be confused.
Erazmin Mechagon says: Yes. Perhaps I should do that.
Vel also walked over to examine the disc with Luma. It looked like the disc wasn’t gnomish tech, but it looked like something that was similar to the tower of Ilgalar. The energy seemed to be similar to the blast Vel had contained, and Luma noted it almost looked like a grandfather to gnomish technology.
Soridormi, Anachronos, and Chromie had also arrived in their visage forms. Anachronos furrowed their brow.
Anachronos says: That… that is a titanic disc. A powerful repository of information, but more sophisticated than anything I’ve ever seen.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Do you know how to interface with it?
Soridormi and Anachronos exchanged glances.
Sori: Unfortunately the greater mysteries of the titans are beyond us… but this looks congruent with powerful discs. These are more like what we would classify as a Disc of Norgannon. If a typical titan disc would contain the information of a library, this is the information of a library.
Vel eyed up the disc and spoke in titanic.
Velameestra Windrunner says [titanic]: Mimir, activate.
Mimir says [titanic]: Identification required.
Velameestra Windrunner says [titanic]: Velameestra Windrunner.
Mimir says [titanic]: Unknown user. Searching databases. Locating primary user… primary user unfound. Entering lockdown.
The group was able to shut down Mimir and Ini said that they needed to remove the safeguard.
Ini Stormcoil says: Stick around, Vel. It seemed to respond to whatever language you were speaking.
Liiraluma says: Titanic, yes?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Yes. It’s similar to a device on Azeroth.
Ini Stormcoil says: You don’t say!
Liiraluma says: Do you still have it?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s a tower.
Liiraluma says: …Well where is it?! Wait, no, tell me later.
Erazmin got on the communications device.
Erazmin Mechagon says [gnim]: Children of Mechagon, my brothers and sisters, you may be wondering what’s been going on here for the last several cycles. I understand that my father, Arcturus Mechagon, did a poor job of keeping you all informed, but my father is dead. I repeat, King Arcturus Mechagon is no more. The weapon he was planning to use that would have killed so many of our innocent friends, our freedom fighters, and allies… gnomes and otherwise… has been deactivated. The battle for this city’s soul has been won. For too long, the Arcforged have pushed for a complete mechanization of our people. The weakness of flesh, they called it. It has led us to a dark place, one where we nearly forgot the importance of our brothers and sisters. But henceforth, you do not need to fear for your gnomanity. You don’t need to fear for your neighbors or family. No one else will be abducted and forced to become agents of a regime that does not care about free will or choice. Mechagon will be a place for the people, and for each and every one of you. You will not be ruled by a king who cares not for anything but his own agenda or vision of a utopia. We will choose our own leadership together. And they will build a utopia for all of us. It may take generations. We may never live to see it. But by the Shapers, it will be one of our creation! One we create together, and is not made for us. We have lost, we have bled, but no more lives need to be lost. The Arcforged under my father’s command will be returned to the Tinkerer’s Garden, and Shapers willing, we may bring our friends and family back. But until then, take your neighbor’s hand in yours, look them in the eye, and love them for their imperfections! As well as their perfections. For it is both of them in equal parts that make us who we are. Support will be lended to anyone who has lost family or a home. No one will go hungry this day, and no one will sleep without a roof over their head. Erazmin Mechagon out.
Erazmin deactivated the communication device. He looked at the group.
Erazmin Mechagon says: You’ve deserved your rest after what you’ve done. Please tend to your injuries. We will alert you when more developments come, and hopefully in time we’ll find a way to go beyond this world and return you to your homes. Besides, I suppose now that things are finished, there’s a Sadies Hawkins dance to–
Erazmin froze mid sentence. He wasn’t the only one. All the motion and activity in the room stopped, except for the party.
Velameestra Windrunner says: There’s a time stop.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Why aren’t we being affected?
Vel looked around, and they heard a voice.
Thaxdormu says: Because I didn’t want you to be.
They heard the sound of boots on metal, and they looked up. On the walkway above them was a dwarven figure. His head was covered in an array of small horns, and his one visible eye was a bright blue, slitted pupil. Patches of bronze scaling dappled his face. Over one arm was a rifle–the same he wielded before. Luma realized it looked also to be titan-made.
Thaxdormu says: I have to thank you for putting an end to Mechagon. As much as I hate to admit it, he became a liability. One that would have been complicated.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Are you going to explain why you’re doing this?
Thaxdormu smirked.
Thaxdormu says: I wish I didn’t have to. It would be a lot easier if none of you learned any of this.
Liiraluma says: Little late.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You dragged us kicking and screaming into this!
Thaxdormu says: You weren’t supposed to. But you stumbled upon things you weren’t supposed to see, and now… now I need to convince you again.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Again?
Thaxdormu says: This ain’t the first time we’ve had this conversation. And it won’t be the last. But it’s the first time you made your way here. And that… that’s a thorn in my side.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Then I suppose we’re listening.
Thaxdormu says: I’m sure you’ve come up with your own ideas… but yes. I’m the one that brought the bronze dragons here. I’m the one that brought the gnomes here. I’m the one responsible for ensuring you can’t get out. Though none of you were supposed to come here in the first place. As for why… that’s simple. Things that come here stay out of my way. Don’t interfere with what I’m trying to do.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And what is that, exactly?
Thaxdormu smirked over at Vel and patted out some of the ashes on his cigar.
Thaxdormu says: You’re a pretty smart one. What do you think I’m trying to do? I’m curious if you’ll get it right this time.
Vel chuffed.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Given your involvement with Aegwynn… it seems you’re trying to rewrite some histories. Is it to create your version of a better world? A better timeline? Separated away from the so-called “canon events”, perhaps?
Thaxdormu smiled.
Thaxdormu says: So they told you? Soridormi, I reckon.
Thaxdormu mozied down to them and leaned against one of the walls near the flight of stairs.
Thaxdormu says: And what do you think about all that?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Given that I was informed diverging too far results in the destruction of our timeline… I’m not a particular fan of that notion.
Liiraluma says: I think it depends on what you’re trying to fix.
Thaxdormu says: Everything.
Liiraluma says: Because this is also fucked.
Thaxdormu says: It is! The lives you led that brought you to this place have been one hell of a ride. But your rides wouldn’t have even started without me. Like I said, this ain’t my first rodeo. This ain’t yours either. The gnomes were the first. I thought, as the first ones to succumb to the curse of flesh, if I isolated them here, it might prevent some threats later. It didn’t work. But I kept them here because other factors in play let things run a bit more smoothly than they did otherwise. Obviously my flight wouldn’t have been keen on it, so I had to get them out of the picture as well, starting with the Aspect of course, and his consort, then the rest. Preserve the timeline! That’s what they would want to do. Make sure the tragedies happen as they are supposed to. All because the Titans told us to.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: And you just decided which tragedies should or should not happen on your own?
Thaxdormu says: You deaf, boy? I’m trying to make a world with no tragedy!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That’s not how life works!
Thaxdormu says: That’s what I’d expect to hear from a Red Dragonsworn. I’m not here asking for your permission, but that’ll make things go a lot easier.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The Dark Portal. What were you doing, trying to prevent it from opening?
Thaxdormu says: Tricky that one. Those canon events… they sure like to get in my way. See… as guardians of Azeroth, interfering with other worlds is a bit harder, but I’m making my way. In time, I’m planning on preventing the Legion from finding Draenor. No Horde. No Dark Portal. I have a few ideas already. Some… a bit more final then others. But if that’s what it takes, that’s what it takes.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And what happens when the timeline destroys itself?
Thaxdormu says: I just won’t allow that to happen.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: So you just think you’re some sort of all-powerful god then?
Thaxdormu says: No. I don’t. But I’ve seen it happen. I’ve watched a world be pruned away for getting a bit too far from the Titans’ mold. And I can tell you, it ain’t how it has to be. It ain’t how it’s going to be. It ain’t how it’s gonna be.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You said you met us before. So there have been other timelines with us in it.
Thaxdormu says: Aye.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And each one failed?
Thaxdormu says: Each one was better than the last. This one was just the latest example in a long streak. But I noticed something… as I started to change things. And make things better. You all showed up. You weren’t the only ones, but you all showed up and found each other one way or another. Every time. Still trying to figure out what that means, but one thing I know for certain, is you’re all going to play a big role in saving this world once we get it right.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Right for who?
Thaxdormu says: Everyone! Or are those big ears just for show?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Sorry, I’m struggling to figure out who everyone is... Given every time you play with everyone’s lives, you change who does and does not get to exist.
Gil spat the words at Thaxdormu, clearly incensed by the situation.
Thaxdormu says: What about the rest of you? Do you feel the same as the boy does?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s an optimistic notion… but without tragedy, joy loses any meaning. Removing all tragedy just… doesn’t work.
Thaxdormu says: And what about when you find a world that doesn’t have any joy left in it? What’s left over then?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I don’t know if it exists. If there’s no joy, then what can you call tragedy?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: As long as there’s life, there’s still hope.
Thaxdormu says: That’s just it. As long as there’s life… and what if there ain’t no life left? What if the Titans favorite little timeline doesn’t care about us!? What if the only thing that matters at the end of all this is them!? What if we have to sacrifice every damn thing down to our own souls, all for the sake of a duty that most of us didn’t even choose.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’m not a fan of everything I’ve heard about the Titans. I’m not. I don’t enjoy my life being toyed with by beings that cannot even understand the concept of what it means to be… a piece on their metaphorical board. But I also don’t like the idea of changing what’s already happened given there’s no way of knowing what tragedies may unfold instead.
Liiraluma says: Have you not found that if you curtail one tragedy, another one will just show up? Living beings are deeply flawed.
Thaxdormu says: And if one new tragedy comes out of solving five, isn’t that still better?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’re just like them. You’re acting just like them!
Gil had an incredulous laugh in his voice.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’re just like the ones you hate so much! You have decided you know what needs to be done better than they do, and you’re doing the exact same thing where you’re determining everything for everyone else. How are you any different?
Thaxdormu says: I know what it’s like to lose. I know what it’s like to fail!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Ah, so you met the Titans personally and know that about them.
Velameestra Windrunner says: How many lives are being ended in the pursuit of something that’s better? When does the cost exceed the result?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: How many worlds have you burned?
Thaxdormu says: Let me tell you how this is going to go. I’m going to bring you all back. Along with a few others from here. And then we’re going to start over. We’re going to make things better. A little better than this time. If we’re lucky, it’ll be the last time. Now, I don’t want to have to fight you all again. Especially because I can’t just kill you this time. It ain’t that easy. If we were back on Azeroth, then I could. The reset would wipe it all our anyways. But in this place, I can’t do that. So you’re going to make it a lot harder than it has to be. Just think about it. For one damned second. And you’ll realize that you’re gonna get it right. We’re gonna get it right. THe next time will be better. The time after that, even better than that, and eventually you’ll have a life where you won’t lose so much… throw your mortality away… lose your loved ones… or worse, watch them become monsters. I mean real monsters.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What are you talking about?
Thaxdormu says: You think what happened to Quel’thalas was bad this time? 10%. That’s how much of the population was supposed to have survived. And that population gets divided again and again. Thrown into war after war. What you got now is a mercy. And one of your design. Plenty of things are different, but your presence was one of the big ones. Now, are you going to make this easy? Gonna help me build a better future? Or am I gonna have to put you down again?
Uther Menethil says: How many times?
Thaxdormu says: I lost track. But as many as it takes.
Uther Menethil says: As many as it takes for what?
Thaxdormu says: For exactly what you know. To make your life less of a hell than it is right now. To make a timeline that we choose, not one thrust upon us by some edict we never agreed to.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Where is our choice? You’re effectively removing ours from us.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Your wanton abuse of your power is disgusting.
Liiraluma says: I don’t hate what you’re trying to do, but I don’t like how it’s being done. I’m… new to the time thing.
Uther Menethil says: So we do this until we find a timeline that we all want. What do you want?
Thaxdormu says: That’s pretty clear. To not have to lose anymore than I already have. You act like I’m doing this because I want to, that I see myself as some kind of god. I’m only doing this because I had to. I didn’t have a choice!
Uther Menethil says: Or what? You’re saying you didn’t have a choice.
Thaxdormu says: I’m trying to save you from having to go through the same things that I have, boy.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Enlighten us to what those things are. You keep saying lose. Lose to what?
Liiraluma says: Are you even from this timeline?
Thaxdormu glanced at Luma, and Luma took the expression as an answer.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Who did you lose? What are you burning the universe for?
Thaxdormu says: There ain’t none of us left at the end of things. There ain’t none of you left.
Uther Menethil says: Well if there were things left, it wouldn’t be an end of things, would it?
Velameestra Windrunner says: What is at the end of things?
Thaxdormu says: Nothing. Just sorrow and misery.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What event causes it? What are you trying to avoid? If it’s the death of the universe, what causes it?
Thaxdormu says: Us.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What?
Thaxdormu says: It’s us.
Velameestra Windrunner says: …The bronze dragons? What happens with the dragons, Thaxdormu?
Thaxdormu says: I’m sure you’ve heard of the wars. The ones we fought amongst ourselves, when there were some of us left. But that isn’t the case. That won’t be the case.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’re trying to make it all forever, and that’s not how reality works! Everything breaks down. It all has to die eventually. Nothing is forever.
Liiraluma says: It’s hard to tell someone things don’t last forever when you live for as along as he does. I’m assuming you negotiated with us before, and I’m assuming you are tired of all this. I suppose, as someone who has had to build everything I knew from nothing, including myself… are you blaming yourself? Us? Everything? I want to understand, because I empathize with you.
Thaxdormu says: It ain’t none of your faults. None of this has ever been yours. Y’all just got drug into things I wish you never had to be. But you always find yourselves in the center of everything, so we keep having this dance. I don’t want to have to show you what’s supposed to happen.
Liiraluma says: Have you tried before?
Thaxdormu nodded.
Liiraluma says: it’s tiring to be that tired. That angry. Mourning. How many times has it come to violence with us?
Thaxdormu says: I wish I could say, but I lost track.
Uther Menethil says: When we first arrived here, Soridormi seemed surprised that we were here. She knew others and she didn’t know us. Do you know why?
Thaxdormu says: You don’t exist. Not from the timeways she knew. That’s why she didn’t see your reflection. People leave an imprint. The same way the green dragons can see dreamers, a bronze dragon can see their impact on the timeline. But in this place, you don’t get that sort of feed. When she came here, there weren’t many Uther Menethils out there in the timeline.
Uther Menethil says: So what, I’m not supposed to exist?
Thaxdormu says: You could put it that way.
Velameestra Windrunner says: He said what he was doing caused our creation.
Uther Menethil says: Does that mean if we stop you, we cease to exist?
Thaxdormu furrowed his brow.
Thaxdormu says: You don’t need to worry about that. Because you aren’t going to stop me.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You seem mighty confident about that.
Thaxdormu says: I already told you we’ve done this dance before, boy, and I don’t want it to come to blows, but if you’re so insistent on it, I’ll make sure you don’t remember any of this conversation.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You made sure of that before.
As Vel watched Thax, she got the impression that he wanted them to surrender largely because he needed them to do so. That he needed to take them back to Azeroth, because for as long as they were on the Isle, in this place, they wouldn’t reset. She also got the sense that the answer to Uther’s question was that, should they stop him, they wouldn’t cease to exist.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If I’m understanding you correctly… if we were to agree to go with you, we’re not going home anyway, because you’re just going to reset everything. So if we want to actually go home… it looks like it’s going to be a fight.
Liiraluma says: Is that the only way to agree in your mind?
Thaxdormu says: Look. Y’all know too much. We can’t go back.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So you believe. Or maybe this is the crux that fixes everything.
Thaxdormu says: I wish I could believe that. I really do.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I suppose we’ll see.
Uther Menethil says: We’ve had this conversation before. How many times have I agreed to go with you?
Thaxdormu says: Not an even split. But sometimes you see reason. When things go real bad. If you really want, I’ll show you what you stand to lose. I’ll show you why what I’m doing is right.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Fine.
Uther Menethil says: Show us.
Liiraluma says: Why Zagarra? Did she see reason given everything that happened? You left her alone.
Thaxdormu says: I did.
Liiraluma says: That sucks!
Thaxdormu says: I'm surprised to see you care about that.
Liiraluma says: Don’t hold me to it. But maybe in this instance I will.
Thaxdormu says: Then again, never seen you become a dragonsworn before. Then again, you’re a little different from the others. You do show up. You showed up before. You ain’t always here. You wouldn’t like what you would have seen.
Liiraluma says: I don’t like a lot of things.
Thaxdormu says: Zagarra… is my first step. Her clan was wiped out because of the Horde. Someone like her would understand. And the fact that her people tied their world’s fate to Azeroth means she’s involved as much as you are. I wish there were more like that, but that’s how it goes.
Liiraluma says: That’s why I did it this time.
Thaxdormu says: Maybe next time I’ll find you first. So . Do I have to show you?
Liiraluma says: I think so.
Thaxdormu says: So be it.
Thaxdormu lit up his cigar and took a deep drag. He exhaled a cloud of sand that whipped into a circle around the group and then expanded and drew the group into a storm. They were at the epicenter and were both present and not. It was a strange feeling, like being in the middle of the sandstorm. Time slipped by them in a strange feeling. As the storm spun, Thaxdormu looked over the group.
Thaxdormu says: Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
As the storm subsided, the group found themselves on Azeroth. They heard the sound of raindrops on armor before the gates of Stratholme. Silhouetted in the rain on a stone overlooking the bridge was Uther’s father. He was surrounded by Knights of the Silverhand, and a cowled individual walked up to him. It was a broad-shouldered man that radiated light. A salt and pepper beard was visible. It was Uther the Lightbringer. He stormed up to Arthas. Behind him was a young woman. They didn’t recognize her at first, but then they realized it was Jaina.
Uther the Lightbringer put a hand on Arthas’s shoulder. Arthas looked at him. His face was serious and dire.
Arthas Menethil says: Glad you could make it, Uther.
Velameestra Windrunner says: This is in the past.
Thaxdormu says: It is. But not your past.
Uther the Lightbringer says: Watch your tone with me, boy! You may be a prince, but I’m your superior!
Arthas Menethil says: As if I forget. Listen. There’s something about the plague you should know.
At that moment, a knight approached with an empty crate of grain.
Arthas Menethil says: Oh no. We’re too late. It’s only a matter of time until they turn into the walking dead!
Uther the Lightbringer says: What!?
Arthas Menethil says: This city must be purged!
Uther the Lightbringer says: There has to be some other way.
Arthas Menethil says: Dammit Uther! As your prince, I command you to purge every man, woman, and child in this city!
Uther Menethil says: What is this?
Thaxdormu says: This is a vision of what’s supposed to have happened. This is a vision of what the timeways would consider the proper history. The proper course of action.
Uther Menethil says: This… what… what? No. Mother’s there. Surely… Surely!
Arthas Menethil says: That’s an act of treason.
Uther the Lightbringer says: Treason!? Have you lost your mind, Arthas!?
Arthas Menethil says: Have I?
Arthas loomed over him.
Arthas Menethil says: Lord Uther, I relieve you of your command.
Uther the Lightbringer says: Arthas, you can’t just-
Arthas Menethil says: It’s done! Those of you with the will to save this land, follow me. The rest of you, follow me.
Some knights dropped their swords and turned away to leave. Uther took a step abc.
Uther the Lightbringer says: You’ve crossed a terrible threshold, Arthas.
Uther turned and left. Jaina looked on, conflict and misery in her eyes. However, as Uther passed, she also took a step back and left along with him. Arthas looked after her. His voice was shocked and afraid.
Arthas Menethil says: Jaina?
Jaina froze and turned partially to Arthas. Tears were on her cheeks.
Jaina Proudmoore says: I’m sorry Arthas… I can’t watch you do this.
She pulled her hood up fully and ran away through the rain.
Uther Menethil says: He won’t go through with it. He can’t!
The scene shifted. They were in the streets of Stratholme. Arthas’s men were quartering off every street. They went from building to building, and there were screams of civilians being put down. One man fled and fell, only for Arthas to leap down and bring his maul down with a look of pain and solemn resolution. The man’s wife screamed, but her voice became contorted as she was rapidly decayed and transformed into a mindless undead.
Velameestra Windrunner says: How did it get to this point?
Thaxdormu says: The Cult of the Damned. A group of death cultists. Organized by someone I believe you know quite well…
There was a deafening silence in Vel’s mind as Kel’Thuzad and Vel came to the same conclusion.
Kel'Thuzad says [telepathically]: …I see.
There were more scenes of violence. Another figure was commanding the undead and other greater monstrosities. It was a dreadlord.
Mal'Ganis says: I’ve been waiting for you, young prince. I’m Mal’Ganis.
With a snap of his fingers, a building ignited in fel green fire.
Mal'Ganis says: As you can see, your people are mine. I will turn the city household by household until the flame of life is snuffed out.
Mal’Ganis disappeared and the scene turned to the chapel burning and the people screaming.
Arthas Menethil says: We’re going to finish this right now, Mal’Ganis! You and me.
Mal'Ganis says: Brave words. Your journey has only just begun.
Mal’Ganis disappeared again as Arthas proclaimed he would hunt him to the ends of the earth. Months later, Arthas appeared on the continent of Northrend. Arthas was spoken to be a dignitary. Arthas’s father demanded his return, and Arthas agreed, but then left. Arthas burned his own ships with the aid of local vrykul mercenaries and frost trolls. Arthas blamed them, and his own people turned on the vrykul and trolls. Arthas’s eyes grew deeper and deeper as Falric and Marwyn continued to follow him. Muradin was also there, who he stumbled upon through a chance encounter.
Uther Menethil says: …H-how… how can this be?
Thaxdormu says: You know the answer to that. Would you believe me if I said it gets worse?
The scene shifted to a cave. It was now just Arthas and Muradin. They approached a dais, and in that dais was the glinting of metal. It was Frostmourne, the blade wielded by Lana’thel. Arthas ran a gauntlet hand over it.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Is that it? The runeblade? Frostmourne?
Arthas Menethil says: “Whomsoever takes up this blade shall wield power eternal. Just as the blade rends flesh, so must power scar the spirit.”
Muradin scowled and spat.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I should have known. The blade’s cursed.
Arthas Menethil says: So what?
Muradin Bronzebeard says: So what!? You can’t take up this blade! There’s no telling what it would take from you.
Arthas Menethil says: We can’t turn back now. We need this if we are going to defeat Mal’Ganis!
Muradin Bronzebeard says: No. This is the last straw, lad. You lied to your men and betrayed the mercenaries. And now this?! What’s happening to you? Is vengeance all that matters?
Arthas Menethil says: Spare me, Muradin. You weren’t there to see what Mal’Ganis did to my home.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: It can’t be worth this, lad! It’s not worth the risk.
Arthas Menethil says: Yes it is. Help me claim Frostmourne, Muradin. It will tip the scales in our favor.
Muradin Bronzebeard says: I don’t like this, lad.
Arthas held out his hand.
Arthas Menethil says: I will pay any price, bear any burden, bear any curse! To save my homeland!
Muradin Bronzebeard says: Leave it, Arthas! Take your men home!
Arthas Menethil says: Damn the men! Nothing will stop me from taking down Mal’Ganis. Not even you.
The dais shattered and a shard of ice pierced Muradin through the chest. Arthas cast aside Light’s Vengeance and picked up Frostmourne.
The scene shifted back to Lordaeron. There were bells of welcome ringing from the palace and basilica. It was a homecoming. The people were gathered with smiles and joy. Arthas rode through the streets. A single petal landed on his gauntlet, and Arthas looked up. There was a flash of a very different face–it almost looked aged in a way that was unnatural. His skin was gaunt, and his hair white. Arthas crushed the petal with his thumb.
He climbed the steps to his father’s throne.
Arthas Menethil says: I’m succeeding you, father.
Uther Menethil says: No! Father!
Uther lunged forward and passed through an illusion made of sand. Uther looked back around just in time to see Arthas stab his father through the chest. The crown fell to the ground and rolled to his knees as Uther wretched all over the floor.
Vel raced over to Uther, her hand finding his shoulder.
Velameestra Windrunner says: This didn’t happen.
Thaxdormu says: Is this what you would prefer? Is this what you want?
Velameestra Windrunner says: This isn’t our timeline.
Thaxdormu says: Your timeline was never supposed to exist! They’re just afraid to tell you that! I gave you a chance to have a life! I gave you the chance to avert this fate!
Uther Menethil says: Is… this is what happens if we don’t go with you?
Velameestra Windrunner says: This timeline already exists. That didn’t happen in ours. Uther, *you’re* here. That was all in the past, none of it happened.
Vel squeezed Uther’s shoulder tighter.
Thaxdormu says: But this is why you need to listen! This is why you need to let me do what must be done! Without it, this is what happens.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There are so many timelines. You can easily pick and choose to show the worst of what happens in them.
Thaxdormu says: So this isn’t enough for you then?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: No, it’s awful and dark and terrible–
Thaxdormu says: This is nothing compared to what I have seen, boy! This is nothing!
Thaxdormu snapped his fingers and they were in the fields of Quel’Thalas. An army of dead was marching through the golden flowers, each one wilting. At their head was Arthas, Frostmourne at his side, upon a stallion brought back from the dead. Arrows were loosed from the Farstriders, but it wasn’t enough. The undead were a scar that carved through the Eversong Woods. Fighting harder than anyone else was the Ranger-General: Sylvanas WIndrunner.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: Fall back! Fall back to the trees! The final elf gate remains!
Velameestra Windrunner says: …Aunt Sylvanas.
The Farstriders retreated, the civilians running. A mother with a child no more than 4 years old were running. The girl tripped and fell. The mother ran back to her to help her up. Sylvanas flew back to provide cover fire and help them. The undead were too fast, and Arthas peeled through the line, cutting off Sylvanas’s retreat. They were surrounded. Arrows flew, but Frostmourne shattered Sylvanas’s bow and carved into her arm.
Sylvanas looked up at Arthas as he hopped off the horse.
Sylvanas Windrunner says: What are you waiting for? Finish it, you monsters!
Sylvanas spit at him.
Arthas Menethil says: After all the trouble you put me through? The last thing I’m giving you is the peace of a quick death.
Arthas thrust his sword through Sylvanas’s chest, and her spirit was ripped from her body. All that remained was Sylvanas’s wailing ghost clawing at her own face.
Arthas Menethil says: Take the city! We make for the Sunwell.
The body of the mother and child were lifeless in the field, Sylvanas’s sacrifice for nothing. They arrived at the Sunwell, and a contents of an urn were poured from it. The energies were corrupted with death, forming the body of a twisted, skeletal creature floating in the sky. It was a lich.
Kel'Thuzad says: Ah! Now that… is much better.
Every village and town in Lordaeron were broken and burning. Nearly every last citizen was transformed into the walking dead. Lordaeron was in ruins. What few remained fled to wherever they could find solace. Dalaran was not far away, besieged by the undead. Catapults were launching conglomerations of flesh and destruction. The greatest archmages fell. Antonidas and so many more, until Dalaran was in ruins.
Vel’s hand had gone to her mouth, her other hand on Uther’s shoulder. Uther was in a similar position, his hand on Vel’s, and his mouth covered.
Thaxdormu says: You wanted to see… you wanted to know what happened.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What happened next? What came after?
Thaxdormu says: Are you so eager to see?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Does it all fall to ruin?
The sand picked up and turned into snow. They were standing on a tower of sheer ice. Runic circles were everywhere, written in a language Vel understood. They traced stairs carved from pure ice, leading up to a throne that was frigid and cold. Seated on the throne was a figure with a pointed helm, his armor with skulls and fur. Frostmourne rested before him. Arthas stood up and stepped down the stairs. Arthas looked directly at the group.
Arthas Menethil says: So. You finally come. ‘
He laughed.
Arthas Menethil says: Good. For Frostmourne hungers!
Arthas started to run forward straight for the group. Gil shot two arrows, and the first one went wide while the second one broke off Arthas’s armor. The Lich King advanced on Uther.
Uther Menethil says: H… how?! Father, how!? Why!
The Lich King brought his blade down and Uther raised his shield to block. Arthas knocked the shield away and swept into Uther. Uther raised his weapon to block, but Arthas got through and head butt Uther.
Arthas raised his hand and started to cast a spell known as remorseless winter. Vel quickly raised her hand and ripped the spell from the air with a [Counterspell]. Arthas’s eyes went to Vel.
Arthas Menethil says: Hm. A curious rebellion, but you too shall serve.
Arthas raised his hand and used [Command] on Vel. Vel winced and started to go down on one knee. Luma grabbed Vel to try to heave her up as they also used [Counterspell]. Vel felt the overwhelming command to bow, but Luma’s pulse of magic interrupted it. Vel gave Luma a nod of gratitude. Luma then summoned two new turrets and they started to open fire.
Arthas continued to swing Frostmourne at Uther and Elissa ran forward to try and force Arthas off Uther. Elissa’s first strike clanked off his shoulder, and Arthas grabbed the second attack and sent her skidding backwards.
The Lich King raised his blade and there was an unworthy whinny as the undead horse swept down. The Lich King mounted it and charged through the group. Luma, Elissa, Vel, and Seria were knocked aside.
Vel used her bladesong and released a shrill screech. A swarm of bats materialized and began to buffet the Lich King, but it almost seemed like they were afraid to strike.
Uther Menethil says: Father, this isn’t you!
Thaxdormu says: Are you certain?
Uther Menethil says: I know my father. He’s a good man. He loves my mother, my sisters, his people, and me. He would never become this!
Thaxdormu looked at him, deadpan.
Uther Menethil says: Whatever this is, it’s an insult to my father and I will suffer it no longer!
Uther charged at the Lich King with a devastating blow. He then brought his axe around and caught the Lich King in the chest before he turned his axe back around.
Uther Menethil says: In the name of the Light, BEGONE!
He brought the axe down on the Lich King’s helmet. There was an explosion of radiant energy, and the Lich King recoiled and his helmet sailed off and spun on the icy ground. He turned to look at Uther with the face of his father. His face was sunken, his eyes a bright, glowing blue. Tendrils of violet energy swarmed out and grabbed each of the party and dragged them into the air by the throat.
Uther was drug before the Lich King.
Arthas Menethil says: Few have struck a blow upon me with such skill… you will make a mighty servant.
Vel’s eyes widened as she realized Arthas was using Word of Death. There was nothing she could do as the power was released, but then everything froze. Thaxdormu stepped away from the pillar of ice.
Thaxdormu says: Are you satisfied yet? Or has this not been enough tragedy.
Uther Menethil says: But this didn’t happen… I’m here.
Thaxdormu says: Not to you. But this has happened. This is what the universe wants to happen! Do you still think I’m doing this for my personal reasons? That this is still an ego trip? DO YOU!?
He rounded on Gil and stared at him intently.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I do. You’ve taken it upon yourself to right every single wrong that could ever be. Who else could be that sort of arrogant?
Thaxdormu shouts: What would you have had me do!? Accept the world because somebody said so? To live on the edge of the universe alone!? Blood on my hands!? I SACRIFICED EVERYTHING TO GIVE YOU WHAT YOU HAD, AND THIS IS HOW YOU BETRAY ME! Slings and arrows after I have watched the life drain from your faces over and over again!
Gilveradin Windrunner says: How many times was that you!?
Thaxdormu shouts: You call me… arrogant…
Uther stood up and walked over to Thaxdormu. Thaxdormu was looking at him cautiously, but then Uther reached out and hugged him.
Uther Menethil says: I can’t imagine how painful it must have been… this is a sliver of the pain you’ve witnessed. And it has done damage to my soul that will take time to heal. I cannot claim to know how badly all of this has hurt you. And I don’t want you to be alone at the end either.
Uther felt Thaxdormu’s breath hitch. There was a glimpse into the sad, broken dragon that was present.
Thaxdormu says: Will you let me do what I need to do then?
Uther Menethil says: Will you grant me a request? You are a being beyond time. Give us a chance to show you what we can do. Take us back to Azeroth. Let us keep fighting. We can make this world worth living in, I know it. And at the end, if you aren’t satisfied? You’ve made it perfectly clear we can’t stop you. You have all the time in the universe. Do you think you’d be willing to bet 10 years?
Thaxdormu looked long and hard at Uther.
Liiraluma says: Perhaps uncharacteristic of me… but if you wanted to find me first, you found me now.
Thaxdormu’s eye moved rapidly.
Thaxdormu says: I… I can’t… I can’t do this again. I can’t watch you do this again!
Uther Menethil says: Thaxdormu… what I’m about to ask may seem trivial. How many times when we’ve had this conversation have I been a father?
Thaxdormu blinked.
Thaxdormu says: …Never. Never before…
Uther Menethil says: I understand the word now has little meaning here, but right now there’s a little baby girl named Skye… maybe crawling on a bear fur in front of the fire or sleeping in her mother’s arms… and I will see this world become one that she can be happy in. Or I will die trying. Please.
Thaxdormu looked genuinely shaken.
Thaxdormu says: I… I can’t… I can’t… I can’t!
Thaxdormu winced and moved back.
Thaxdormu says: I can’t let you do this! I can’t let… her lose you…
Uther Menethil says: Who?
Thaxdormu says: You’re a father now… it’s not right yet! I can make it better! I can give you and her a better life! And if I don’t, she’s going to lose you! I can’t watch her… you! Go through that again! I can’t let any of you go through that again!
Thaxdormu melted into sand and teleported away.
Thaxdormu says: It’s too late. I have to do it. I have to do it now.
Uther Menethil says: Thaxdormu don’t do this.
Thaxdormu says: I hope you’ll forgive me next time.
Uther Menethil says: Don’t do this! You’ve seen how much we’ve accomplished!
Thaxdormu pulled out his rifle, Titanstrike, and took aim, his hands shaking. He shot at Uther, and the weapon released a discharge of electricity. He then rolled away, and dropped a slow grenade as he started to flank around the ground. The terrain shifted as the scene rapidly shifted and they appeared on the Echo Isles. There was a blood red sun in the sky, and there were droves of Darkspear warriors fighting off warriors and other strange creatures. They seemed to be under the command of a serpentine woman with six arms. She was wielding a large bow twisted with frost. Vol’jin was present along with Vanira, Kala, Zen’tabra, Rokhan, and Zuni.
Vel ran forward and hurled a [Shadow Bolt] at Thaxdormu, who dodged out of the way, just in time for Vel’s swarm of bats to fly in and attack. They had shifted appearance to match the Echo Isles, and Thaxdormu then shot at Uther again.
The battle raged on. They were facing down the powerful naga. A ritualist was taken down by the naga, and Zuni ran forward to help. However, a bolt of lightning blasted through him and he was sent flying backwards. The sound of his neck snapping could be heard. Vanira shrieked in despair as she ran over to her son as the scene began to shift again.
This time, they materialized in Tempest Keep as the sand solidified. Thaxdormu seemed to be physically in pain, as he kept clutching at his covered eye. Luma fired her disruptor rifle at him.
Liiraluma says: Stand down, Thax!
Thaxdormu says: Stay out of this!
He tried to use [Temporal Shunt] on Luma, but Luma was able to resist the spell. The sound of battle was unfolding around them. There were draenei fighting alongside humans, gnomes, and other creatures against… blood elves.
Vel and Luma exchanged looks. The scene shifted through the rooms of Tempest Keep and then they saw Kael’thas. Al’ar swept behind him, very much still alive.
Kael'thas Sunstrider shouts: You would never understand! Energy! Power! My people are addicted to it! We need this!
He was channeling fel energy, preparing to blast the charging army with powerful magic. Vel’s mouth flapped, her eyes wide.
Gil fired at Thaxdormu, setting him on fire. He then used [Grasping Vine] as the area shifted away from Tempest Keep. They were then in a building of sin’dorei creation. Several magisters were channeling a ritual on a dais. Astalor was there looking upon their current project. It was a being of pure light, its light slightly dim. It was a naaru bound by the magic of the sin’dorei. Liadrin walked up to him.
Liadrin Everpost says: How goes the subjugation?
Astalor Bloodsworn says: Well, we should have something serviceable for the blood knights soon.
Liadrin Everpost says: See to it that you do. The Scourge horrors approach. We cannot risk losing more.
Seria looked at Thaxdormu and used [Hold Monster]. The magic started to strengthen around him, but Thaxdormu turned to sand and seeped away from the spell.
The scene shifted to Magister’s Terrace where they saw the grand magister’s chamber in disarray. A contingent of blood elves that were led by Rommath, Lor’themar, Aethas, and a handful of others as they broke in. Kael’thas was there, but his body was stripped of his armor and shirt, and his body was desiccated with fel corruption. A single crystal of fel jutted from his chest.
Kael'thas Sunstrider says: Fitting it would be you! But Tempest Keep was merely a setback. The master will return!
Behind the Sunwell was awash with fel energy as a massive, red hand jutted from it. Vel’s eyes widened again in horror as Seria transformed into a bear and started to rush at Thaxdormu.
Uther started to walk towards Thaxdormu.
Uther Menethil says: Thaxdormu. You don’t have to do this alone. I am proof that what you have done works. Let me show you how well you have done. Give me a chance to create the universe, the timeline, you are looking for. I can do it! I know I can!
Thaxdormu swept through Seria and Uther as he changed into sand again. A waft of sand got into Uther’s face, and Thaxdormu cast [Haste] on himself then shot at Uther. Uther summoned a [Shield] to deflect the blows aside. Thaxdormu continued to fire, and he overloaded Titanstrike with lightning and unleashed a fearsome blast of electricity. The light in Titanstrike goes out as the weapon was rendered inert until it could be repaired.
The scene shifted to a city that Vel had never seen before. There were banners that were reminiscent of the crest of Kul Tiras but a gold anchor on a white background. Flying overhead were ships with the symbol of the Horde. People started to panic, and one of the ships dropped.
There was a familiar voice. Jaina was trying to evacuate as many as she could. Vel looked over at Uther with a panic and channeled anima magic as she used [Wither and Bloom], bolstering Uther before he even hit the ground from the blast. Her bats continued to harass Thaxdormu.
Elissa healed Uther as well with her [Aura of Vitality] and then ran up to Thaxdormu. She likewise threw her arms around him in a hug, successfully grappling him.
Elissa Cross says: It’s okay!
The explosive device that had been dropped by the Horde ship hit the ground and released a blast of arcane energy. As it passed through people, people were turned to dust instantly. Mages were trying to hold up force walls, but they were broken apart. They were hurled back as Kinndy Sparkshine turned towards Jaina but was then turned to dust. The last thing Vel saw was Rhonin.
Rhonin Windrunner says: Lady Proudmoore! Get down!
Rhonin stepped in front of Jaina and held up a barrier.
Jaina Proudmoore says: I won’t leave you!
Rhonin Windrunner says: Go!
With one hand holding the barrier, he opened a portal with the other and shoved Jaina through it as the wave overcame Rhonin and disintegrated him as well. Vel released an unholy, despairing shriek of Rhonin’s name as the scene shifted to Dalaran.
Gil used his healing magic to bolster Seria and Uther. There was screaming in the streets of Dalaran and an elf ran through the streets. But then their legs were frozen and they fell. Several other elves ran out with unfamiliar tabards and secured them. Jaina walked around the corner, flanked with water elementals. She raised her hand and the captured elves were teleported away.
From the nearby building, Vereesa also jumped down, wearing the same tabard of the others. Orders were exchanged, and Vereesa ran off.
Luma continued to fire their turrets at Thaxdormu.
The scene shifted to a shore. It was pitch black, but the sky was bright. Many miles off the coast was a massive tree that was ablaze. Standing on the shore looking at it like a craftsman admiring her work was Sylvanas Windrunner. Her flesh was gray and unliving, her eyes crimson and full of spite. She said nothing. She only watched.
Uther got back to his feet and rolled his shoulders. He dropped his axe on the ground.
Uther Menethil says: I don’t have any memories of it, Thax. But we’ve done this many times. To you, I must be a cherished friend. I see all of this pain that you’ve had to live through time and time again. Alone. It doesn’t have to be that way anymore.
He had started to walk towards Thaxdormu.
Uther Menethil says: We fought before. But look at us. I’m willing to bet you’ve never seen us this strong. You said you lost track of how many times we reset, but we get stronger every time, don’t we?
Uther swept both Thaxdormu and Elissa in a hug.
Uther Menethil says: Stop doing it by yourself. I had to learn that lesson too. And it’s hard, I know. It’s hard to think about the people you love getting hurt. But you have to trust them. Let me share your pain and your sorrow. No more resets, Thax. Let's make this one it.
Elissa Cross says: He’s right. I don’t remember you either, but, if you’d like to be friends, we can start now.
Thaxdormu lost the concentration on [Haste] and his body was racked with confused and guilty sobs.
Thaxdormu says: I’m… I’m sorry… I’m sorry… to all of you… That you had to see that. That I had to do all these things… Can you forgive me?
Uther squeeze Thaxdormu more tightly.
Uther Menethil says: Of course.
Thaxdormu says: …Okay. That makes this a lot easier.
From Thaxdormu’s sleeve, he slipped out a small vial and quaffed it. Vel’s gaze shot over, her eyes bloodshot. And then she realized how powerful the tincture was.
Velameestra Windrunner shouts: UTHER. GET AWAY FROM HIM!
Suddenly, starting from Thaxdormu, the color reversed, then darkened, and time stopped. They were all frozen in the moment. Thaxdormu removed himself from the hug and stepped away.
He looked at Uther, his eyes now glowing with great strength. He removed his eyepatch. The eye wasn’t damaged, but it was pure, bright white, and the scale patterns covered by the eyepatch were dark black and blue. They started to spread further over his face.
Thaxdormu says: I’ll make it better. I’ll make it all better. I promise. To all of you. I promise.
Thaxdormu snapped his fingers.
Uther was staring in a mirror. His heart was pounding. Everyone was outside the chapel waiting. Today was the big day. The door opened, and he saw Arthas. Arthas smiled at him.
Arthas Menethil says: Hey. How are you feeling, Uther? I know it’s a big day.
Uther was dressed in his armor, ready for his induction into the Silver Hand. He had a feeling of deja vu, but it faded.
Arthas Menethil says: It’s just nerves. I know. I was there too.
Meanwhile, outside the chapel, Vel and Gil were sitting outside. Vel had never felt so uncomfortable in her own skin. Every breath and beat of her heart was agonizing out of nowhere in that moment. Vel gasped, grabbing at her chest as if she couldn’t breathe.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Vel, what’s wrong?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Something’s wrong.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What is it? You forget to do your hair?
Velameestra Windrunner says: We need to go. Something is wrong. We need to go.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Where do we need to go? Vel, what is it? We’re here for your friend’s…
Velameestra Windrunner says: No! This isn’t right!
Vel started to hyperventilate as she entered an anxiety attack.
Meanwhile, Luma woke up, their forehead on their hand. They looked down at the desk in Timbermaw Hold. Something felt wrong. Luma started repeatedly beating their forehead on the desk.
In the swamps, very, very far away, Seria emerged out of the brush and looked upon an egg.
