Hello everyone, sorry for the delay in the chapter, really got behind on it and also had some technical issues on FanFiction when trying to get it back from my Beta, but it is here now. So all rejoice and enjoy this chapter.
Onto another note I have recently finished Reading the Chronicles Book and plan to do some editing to the future chapters of this story so that may take some times. In regards to that I struggled with this chapter, mainly because I have begun to lose my MOJO. So I need to unwind and regain it, through reading, and video games, and other activities that focus on taking in information rather than giving it.
I may be a giver but I am certainly no taker, so do not make any innuendo!
Because of that I may not be updating for a bit, but when I come back it will be a massive return, I promise you. Now review responses are at the bottom, and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Transcendence
Chapter 40: Forces Move in the Distance
Caverns of Time
Chromie looked around the chamber, finding nearly every single member of the Bronze Flight was in attendance, all had gathered to discuss her battle against the Dreadlord. But more than that they wanted to know why exactly the alterations in the timeline had not been corrected with Abraxxus' defeat. That had just been answered a moment ago, and the Bronze Flight was far from pleased with the news.
"A Temporal Lock, how could we not have been aware of this?" Anachronos said aloud, looking for an explanation on how such important information could have been ignored.
Their initial thoughts had been that the Dreadlord and second Anomaly had Temporal Protection and Isolation from the timestream and their powers. It made sense when they first discovered their presence; they were still altering time and seemed to be affected by its movements and advances. This would explain almost everything that they had catalogued on why they could not perceive them, and also would have explained the temporal ruptures as the space they occupied was basically being torn from time.
"That kind of power is something only a select few members within our flight can achieve, I can assure you that only eighteen members of this Flight are capable of bestowing it upon other beings," Soridormi replied, crossing her arms and frowning.
Temporal Isolation is nothing more than a shield against time, creating a bubble where time does not affect them as it is altered and changed. But Temporal Lock basically exists outside of time, outside of all time and in a void between timestreams. That kind of power is far from the skills of mortals or any enemy they are aware of, as it took not only great power but a deep control and connection to time itself.
"Are you suggesting one of us is responsible?" Zaladormu called out, shock passing over his features at the possible suggestion that one of their own would do this. "Why? What could we hope to gain from such a thing?"
Shouts and protests rang out through the chamber, many voices added to the mix as they tried to either defuse the situation or ignite it further. Honestly, everyone here was scared, what was happening throughout time was something none of them had perceived before. It was being unravelled at the seams and none of them seemed to be able to do anything about it. Worse yet, dissention was forming within their ranks, suspicion that one or more may be traitors.
Chromie knew that it was a possibility, she had suspected that someone was responsible, and that someone may actually be within the Flight. Worse yet, these eighteen individuals could have performed the spell that brought these anomalies to Azeroth millennia ago or even in the future to come. If these anomalies existed in time at one point that means they had been given this Temporal Lock at one point, and meaning that event could still yet occur without them knowing. In fact these proceedings today may inadvertently lead to this current problem arising.
"We do not know if one of us is responsible, we will need to investigate the points in time when this power was used and when it will be used," Soridormi replied, looking sternly around. "These events have affected us severely, already time is beginning to shift and turn from its intended course."
"Do not fear, we may be overreacting on who may be responsible, it may not be someone within our ranks, so please do not fall to suspicion too quickly," Andormu said, trying to subdue any possible chaos that would erupt from the Prime Consorts words.
Chromie watched the proceedings for a while, letting her own mind wonder on the possible culprit behind this. Only one other force she knew existed, the Infinite, they were the only ones that could benefit from using someone outside their control to alter the timeline. They were the only force she knew that could replicate their temporal magic to a degree that it actually matched them.
It had to be them, this was their handiwork, most of the time they targeted multiple points in the past that when altered would have affected the current time. It was strange for them to use agents though, it was actually the first time they had done something like this. But it was even stranger that said agents had no idea they were being used in this manner, it was strange but it was getting the desired results.
After all even if the Infinite existed outside of normal time they still needed to re-enter the timestream in order to harness their powers. As only within the timestream were they capable of using their powers, outside of it and they were like sharks outside the water. Their ability to exist outside of time gave them a great deal of mobility and freedom from the Bronze Dragonflight's sight, but in turn it limited what they could do.
It was a stalemate, both forces couldn't gain the upper hand against one another, until the Infinite decided to change things up.
"I think we may be dealing with the Infinite," Chromie called out, silencing any arguments and discussions that went about the chamber. "This fits their motives easily, it has been a suspicion but maybe this is one of their ploys."
"Why attack here? All of their attacks have centered around events before the Legion's arrival on Azeroth and the Battle of Mount Hyjal four years from the current point in time," Zidormi asked from her perch.
"Maybe to draw attention away from the past, with these new alterations the timeline is shifting and if it continues to diverge we may run the risk of rampant timelines colliding. Worse yet multiple alternate timelines have been severed from the main timeline as well," Andormu said, crossing his arms and shaking his head.
Another issue that came with tampering with time, many think that just altering some key moments is alright but in truth it was far more dangerous than you could imagine. Time is not an abstract concept or just some random thing that exists; it is part of the physical universe and exited on its own dimension within this reality. It was from this dimension the Bronze drew their power.
But another thing about time is that it also is not a single line, but a river with many branching currents that move in its own directions. Each current is a major moment of change, a moment that could have defined the main timeline, and such powerful events they were that they created their own universes. This is how alternate timelines are created, instrumental events that shoot out from the main timeline like branches in a river.
Yet, what would happen if the river suddenly shifted?
Alternate timelines break from the main timeline, creating pocket dimensions of space and time, filled with nothing but echoes of time expended and lost. Quite literally it creates random pockets of events that slowly form into dimensions that inhabit the reality where time exists. But these pockets travel and move, and they can collide with other timelines and cause catastrophe, literally unravelling multiple timelines and even the main timeline.
"Already the results are being seen, if we can restore time now we can prevent any damage occurring to the main timeline," Anachronos said, looking down at Chromie. "But if what you say is true that means dealing with the other anomaly at the moment is likely to yield little results, but we should locate him quickly and remove him. His continual presence could result in further harm."
"Agreed," Soridormi said, stepping up to stand next to her son and looking down at the rest of the Flight. "Find him and bring him here at all costs, likely the reason he was chosen was because his actions would eventually lead to these results had we not interfered. But there may be more that is intended for this anomaly, and we should be prepared."
That was something they all could agree on; the anomalies were chosen and shielded because their actions would culminate in these events occurring. The reason the Bronze Dragonflight had been so stagnant was because they could not detect his actions causing any major changes. Even with the Dreadlord threatening with a Legion invasion it could have easily been dealt with in time themselves by simply erasing what needed to be erased.
"I also recommend we deal with Codexia Fairchild, that girl is too dangerous to be left alone, her actions will culminate in a possible Elemental War," Chromie said.
Deep down she was angry that she did not expect something like this, but with so many variables she did not expect the second anomaly to make such a drastic move. The second Anomaly had quite literally saved the one person that can singlehandedly bring about the end of Azeroth. But her survival was only detected when the anomaly made the change at that moment, thanks to that it sealed that moment in time.
"What we need to do is find that Anomaly and destroy him," Anachronos growled.
"It isn't enough, he exists outside of time and the only way to fix that is to integrate him back into it, if you give me time I may be able to destroy the temporal shield, erasing it completely," Chromie said. "If I can erase the shield and integrate him into the timeline I may actually be able to fill the voids in time that were created by the shield protecting the Anomaly, and then when we erase him all his actions in turn will be erased as well."
The theory was simple, the Anomalies were protected by a shield that sets them out of time, but that shield in itself is not affected by time either. Its erasure would actually cause the voids that it had created when around the anomaly to simply vanish, filling the point the Anomaly appeared to when the shield was destroyed with connections to their actions. When this occurs the Anomaly would be fully integrated in the timeline, their past actions then could be seen and altered.
As well as erased.
If she was able to break apart this shield she could erase almost everything that has happened. And prevent the same incident that occurred with the Dreadlord, instead of him being killed and the shield likely destroyed the voids in time remained. Thus leaving time altered and in this state, but his alterations could easily be fixed in comparison to the seconds, he was a priority now, more than ever.
"I second this motion, killing this second Anomaly would only cause more issue than not, also with how the timeline is progressing we will be forced to contend with keeping the main timeline stable," Erizion said, the Elven man gestured to a breach in the ceiling, where a tunnel through space and time showed. "Most of my agents are trying to prevent pocket dimensions of time from colliding with other timelines, and also dealing with rising Infinite attacks in the past, we will have our hands full and we all know that we won't be able to fix this."
He was correct, the timeline was destabilizing, and as fast as they were working they were actually being forced to choose when and what they can save. But even if they allow such small alterations to occur it would further destabilize the timeline, causing it to shift and more anomalies to appear in the timestream.
"Then Chronormu, find this Anomaly, it is your only objective, and when you do try to remove this barrier, the sooner this is done the better off we all will be," Anachronos said. "We are facing out darkest moment, time has always been on our side in our many battles and has been one of our greatest strengths, but now it seems that a new enemy has risen up to challenge that strength. The future is unclear to us, blackness greets us when we look to what is yet to come, but I tell you to remain strong, we will not falter when the darkness clouds our eyes, we will continue pressing forward despite the unknowns we face."
The entirety of the Flight looked on with grim professionalism; they knew that this was going to be their darkest moment in history. The future had become clouded and hidden from their sight, even the furthest reaches of the past were out of their grasp now, and they did not know if what they did now would succeed. It was a terrifying thought for them, to not know that their actions would lead to the continuation of Azeroth's survival or its ultimate doom.
But for the many eons they have stood as the guardians of time they will not falter but stand strong against any enemy that assails them and emerge the victor. Even if they fail in their mission, they will fight to the last to ensure that Azeroth survives just that little longer.
"Prepare the Scales of the Sands and the Keepers of Time, we go to war now," Anachronos called out, raising his staff high and receiving a chorus from his kin.
Chromie looked on from the bottom floor, already dreading the direction this was going in, and they were preparing for a war against the Infinite. Across all time, fighting in every era to every decade, they would march against the Infinite Dragonflight and attempt to remove their presence. But there was one issue; they were completely unprepared for a large scale conflict, especially against the Infinite while also attempting to fix the timeline.
The only way to fix this was to find the anomaly and erase him; it was the only way to correct all the issues that have arisen because of his return. She just hoped that she finds him quickly, there is no telling what kind of damage could be caused if this continues.
Desolace
Explosions and feral cries filled the air, steel clashed through it all as two forces engaged one another in melee and magic. High in the hills of eastern Desolace sat a hidden refuge of the Burning Blade clan, a coven created specifically for the summoning of demons. For years these Orcs have been using their magics to summon demons of the Burning Legion and waiting for the opportune time for their master's return.
Yet that was coming to an end.
"Get the Blademasters! Now!" An Orc yelled, turning and raising his staff to attack, but was stopped when he was shot through the chest, being catapulted backward by the power of the slug.
Stepping over the body was an Elven mage, clad in blue and purple robes and carrying and oak staff. He glared ahead at the enemies fortress in the distance, the dark tower molding perfectly with the tainted purple skies above.
"Advance!" Mordent yelled, raising his hand and releasing a stream of arcane orbs towards the demonically tainted Orcs and their demonic minions.
The orbs exploded on contact, throwing the demons aside and leaving their master exposed, the warlock let out a howl of rage before she tried to retaliate. But Mordent proved the faster, raising his palm and directing a single beam of arcane energy forward. The warlock was thrown off her feet and was tossed into the spiked barricade just behind her, impaling her through the chest and stomach.
'A grizzly sight,' Mordent thought, giving a grimace at the gruesome end he had delivered.
An explosion drew his attention from the body, finding a contingent of his warriors thrown aside by a Doomguard, the massive red skinned demon swinging around a large maul. Mordent moved to intercept the beast but was halted when another group of warriors charged in and struck. Mordent watched the two Humans and Dwarf charge the beast and quickly brought it off its cloven hooves, before hacking into it with axe and swords.
He would give credit where it was due; those mercenaries of the Marta's Private Army Company were not amateurs or drunkards as he first thought. They were extremely skilled in their profession and could handle themselves well enough. With them here along with his mages and warriors they could clear out this demon coven easily enough.
Strolling forward he moved along the road, behind him six mages followed, ahead he saw his warriors advancing further into the ravine. Massive mushrooms and spiked barricades made movement a little difficult and narrowed their means of advance, but what resistance they faced was miniscule. These warlocks had not expected them, having little defense other than a few guards below and even they were easily handled before an alarm could be raised.
"Push back these interlopers!" Mordent halted and turned, raising his staff just in time to stop a dagger from sinking into his chest.
Mordent struggled under the beast's intense strength, using both his arms to keep the staff up and the dagger away from his heart. The warlock hissed and attempted to burn the Elven mage, its large pale green hand doused in an even fouler green fire. But before he could touch Mordent the Orc was blasted aside by a bolt of arcane energy, the beast rolling across the paved path before coming to a halt. Mordent regarded it for a moment, before he turned to the mage who aided him and gave a quick nod of gratitude.
"Come, we are close to the tower, we kill the warlock leading this coven and the rest will fall," Mordent ordered, strolling forward and into a small irregular plaza in front of the tower.
He looked to the left and right, finding that the mercenaries and his own warriors were holding the enemy. Good, as planned they would take the enemies attention while he and a small group would enter the tower and deal with this Al'arr Darkhills. But sadly Codexia was not present, she had ordered him to remain outside the tower and await her arrival.
She had gone about securing the Blademasters within the ravine, wanting to personally deal with each of them herself. He did not know her motive but whatever it was is costing him time and the lives of his people.
"Master, shall we enter?" Caelyb inquired, a young apprentice of his, the lime haired mage held his staff tightly and seemed nervous about continuing.
"Yes, we cannot wait for help to come, we should be enough to deal with one warlock," Mordent replied, before giving the apprentice a look. "Fear not, we will be safe, we are many and skilled in the ways of the Arcane, this demon worshipper will fair no better than her fallen brethren."
But fate seemed to want to challenge the Elve's words, for a wave of green fire shot from the entrance of the tower. The tidal surge of fel-fire washed over the plaza and towards the six mages, leaving them surprised by the sudden and unexpected assault.
Mordent raised his staff and gathered what energy around him he could, forming a translucent barrier ahead of him. The wave of fire washed over the shield and around his party, like water over a rock, he felt no force behind the strike however. It would seem that the spell was only meant to wash them away and leave nothing but charred bones in their wake.
"Is that all you have warlock?" Mordent called out, his barrier dissolving as the flames dissipated, leaving charred earth while the spiked barricades were left nothing but flickering embers.
Strolling from the tower appeared a female Orc, her gaunt face even uglier than the other's he had the displeasure of fighting here. This had to have been Al'arr Darkhills, the leader of this coven, and the one he needed to deal with immediately. With her death the coven would crumble under its lost leadership and if he had heard correctly she was the only one that controlled the Blademasters here.
"Damn Elves, coming here and thinking you can halt the advance of our masters once more?" Al'arr growled, his long lower fangs nearly reaching her nose, while the rest were yellow and rotting in her mouth.
"Your masters seek the end of this world, I have little wish to see that transpire," Mordent replied, glowering at the Orc.
"You cannot stop them! They are endless and all powerful, but it will not take them to defeat you!" Al'arr cried out, waving her staff up and summoning an arc of shadows.
From these shadows bolts of energy flew out, haphazardly spiraling in the Elves' direction, forcing them apart as they tried to dodge the volley of shadow bolts. Mordent raised his staff once more and summoned a barrier, shielding himself from another barrage, watching the warlock through the translucent shell. She remained there, standing at the front of the tower and channeling her spells.
"Hold against her!" Mordent cried, watching as his fellow mages defended themselves as best they could against the warlock's surprisingly strong magic.
He knew that warlocks feed off life energies to power their spells, even their own was used to power their abilities, and depending on how rapidly they used it they would be eaten away faster. If she continued to use her spells in this way she would drain herself of all her power and life force, either leaving her vulnerable of just killing herself in the end.
"Weather her attacks; she cannot hope to continue this assault indefinitely!" Mordent yelled out, maintaining his shield against the barrage.
"Holding out against me? Hah!" Al'arr shrieked, raising her hand and creating a ball of condensed fel-energy in her palm.
With a jerk she shot out a bolt of lightning, colliding with the shield and shattering it, Mordent was thrown back from the strike and landed with a heavy thud on the ground. As he looked up and saw another being prepared, he reached for his staff just as she fired another bolt. He raised his staff to summon the barrier, and when the purple shield flared into existence he let his surprise show.
'Where did that come from?' Mordent mused.
"I told you not to advance without me,"
Mordent turned and found his savior to be none other than Codexia, the red haired Human had her hand raised and was channeling her dark magic to hold back the continual beam of fel-energy. More than that she seemed to be doing so without any strain, while the warlock at the other end of the chain seemed to be straining to continue the attack.
"Allow me," Codexia said, pushing her shield forward, the once smooth surface deepening in color and warping into a chaotic wave of force.
Al'arr let out a scream of frustration as her attack was shattered and left her powerless to protect herself against the wave of force sent towards her. She was thrown off her feet and catapulted back into the tower, the massive chamber that made up its base exploding when the spell reached it. Mordent watched as the front portion of the building collapsed and was demolished by the simple spell.
The stone tower lurched slightly, the foundation of the massive structure beneath it becoming unbalanced, but luckily it did not fall. But still the fact that Codexia had done what she did with such ease unnerved him, that kind of power at her fingertips, what was it that she needed them for.
"Now, help the others deal with the Warlocks and demons, I will finish off Al'arr Darkhills," Codexia said, walking past Mordent and moving for the tower.
He would have asked if she could handle her, but quickly closed his mouth, how could she not handle her after that display. Imagine her power if she actually put the effort into actually fighting, instead of that casual counter she showed, it would be frightening to see her fighting seriously.
Rising to his feet, his apprentice helping him up, he turned to the woman to see her disappear into the dark interior of the building. He turned to his mages, giving them a single gesture to depart, they did not need to be here, and in a way he hoped to gain some distance. If things did turn bad for Codexia, her releasing any more power could result in all kinds of damage.
"Damn you… filthy Human…" Al'arr growled.
She turned her head to see the Human walk through the remains of the wall; most of the building had been destroyed and left a gaping wound in its side. The warlock tried to stand but could barely rise from her hands and knees, her entire body was wracked with pain. Both her power and that of the Human's attack had left her vulnerable.
"I will kill you for this affront to the masters," Al'arr sneered, grasping her staff and forcing herself to stand, her body leaning heavily on the metal rod.
"I am afraid I cannot allow that, you demons have caused enough damage in recent weeks, and anymore will be halted," Codexia replied. "Besides I have already removed your forces at Mannoroc Coven and next will be your Satyr allies in Sargeron. After that all that remains to remove is the last of your cult in Thunder Axe Hold, easily done."
"We have an army there, over a hundred Blademasters ready to carve through your dismal forces," Al'arr replied, a fanged smile forming on her aged and wrinkled face. "Just like those within here!"
Codexia turned and reached into her robes, grasping the hilt of her sword and drawing it quickly, raising her blade she blocked a strike from an attacker. Her eyes finding a Blademaster, the heavily muscled Orc drew back his weapon and swung again, coming in to cleave through her waist.
Leaping aside Codexia knew she could not face this master of the sword in close combat, he would easily defeat her. But then she heard something behind her, a loud roar as something was charging right for her. She turned just in time to lean aside and out of the path of a stab, but failed to do anything when a balled fist collided with the side of her head and sent her sprawling across the ground.
"You see now! You cannot handle a single soldier, what would that dismal army of yours do against these perfect warriors?" Al'arr yelled out, her croaky laugh echoing through the dilapidated chamber.
Codexia stood up, a hand over her bruised face and glaring up at the Orc that struck her, but that proved difficult to determine as eight stood before her. Armed with axes and long blades, all of them likely masters in each of the weapons they held, they were something she knew she couldn't overcome with her own sword and skill.
"It appears you are finished, all that remains now is for me to remove your head and we will be done with this charade," Al'arr said, smirking in a hideous manner.
"Yes, playing around would be bad, and I cannot hurt these Orcs, after all I am here to rescue them," Codexia replied, the bruise on her face fading as she raised her sword up. "After all, they will be helping me conquer Thunder Axe Hold after we are done here."
"They obey me, and only me!" Al'arr growled.
"Oh I know, and I know how you do that, and how to break it," Codexia replied.
The sword she carried was bathed in a black force, spinning from the hilt and slowly forming over her the flat and edge of the blade. When it reached the point it shot out and struck the motionless Orcs, making them recoil back in pain. They dropped their weapons and clutched at their heads, growls and groans of pain escaped their fanged lips as they tried to counter the pain.
Within a few seconds it stopped, but Codexia knew that it had been done, and from the expression on the warlocks face she knew something had happened as well. Codexia watched as the Orcs rose up, appearing in a daze and unable to figure out where they were or what was happening around them.
"No, how is this possible?" Al'arr hissed, looking at the disorientated Orcs. "How can you do this?"
"Easy, your abilities rely on Shadow and Fel Magic, both are instruments of sacrifice and death. I also have this power, but to a much greater degree than you," Codexia replied. "While our sources are not exactly the same my power allows me to control any malefic forces I come across, and that is exactly what you are using right now."
As Codexia finished however the Orcs were hoisted off the ground, their bodies enshrouded in foul green energy and suspended off the floor. Looking over to the warlock she found her to be the cause, trapping the freed Blademasters and then siphoning power from them. She could feel the Orc's life force being taken by the warlock, feeding her power and healing her own wounds.
"I will kill you myself, and I will use them regardless!" Al'arr cried, strolling forward and gathering a ball of fel energy in her free hand.
"So you are resisting then, that will make your defeat all the more painful I'm afraid," Codexia said.
Raising her staff she formed a barrier ahead of her, just in time as the condensed ball collided with her shield and exploded. The entire room was consumed by the green flame, charring everything, but leaving the two women completely unscathed.
Codexia charged forward, her form dispersing as a wave of darkness as it phased through the warlock and reforming behind her. Codexia turned and swung her staff down at Al'arr, yet she met resistance when the warlock turned and blocked with her staff. Codexia was undeterred as she pulled her sword back, planting her palm on the pummel of the blade, and attempted to thrust it through the Orc's stomach.
But Al'arr swung her staff around and batted aside the blade, throwing Codexia off balance and leaving her exposed as the Orc's attack. Al'arr raised her free hand and gathered a ball of fel-fire, planning on ramming it through the primalist's chest. Codexia turned and grasped the extended arm before it could touch her, she twisted it and herself out of its path and avoided the beam of fire from skewering her.
"Having trouble Human?" Al'arr yelled, ripping her hand free and swinging her staff around like a club.
Codexia twisted around and blocked the strike, before parrying the blade over her head and then swinging around at the Orc's neck. But Al'arr raised her arm and took the strike, the blade did not wound her however, instead a transparent black barrier formed over her limb and protected her from the strike.
"With those ten Blademasters feeding my power I am more than capable of killing you, even with all that power," Al'arr yelled, pushing off the sword and then shooting her arms out wide.
A torrent of fel fire exploded around her, the entire chamber was consumed by waves upon waves of searing flames. Codexia shot backward, her body seared slightly, her cloak charred and patchy, yet the emerald glow that surrounded her shown bright.
"You are still alive? Impressive!" Al'arr yelled, swinging her staff forward and summoning a cloud of shadow energy around her.
From it multiple bolts of shadow energy shot out, raining down around Codexia and upon her, she raised her sword and resisted the barrage as it descended upon her. Shadow fire consumed the room, slowly consuming everything within, even the stone walls were not saved from the all-consuming force.
"This is the power of the Shadow Council! I brought them back from ruin when we came across the sea! Do you honestly think you; some pathetic mage can defeat me!" Al'arr cried out.
Yet her smile disappeared when a gloved hand shot out of the dark flames and grabbed the warlock by the throat. Lifting her up and holding her aloft, the firm strong hand wrapping around her neck and slowly began to squeeze. Al'arr looked down at the woman, and was surprised to see her face appeared to be set in stone.
It was only half true, her face had indeed turned rigid and unmoving, but it was not stone it had turned into, but hard pale white bark. With a turn Codexia tossed the warlock aside and into the slowly crumbling and disintegrating wall, the stone cracking and turning to ash as she bounced off it.
"How are you alive?" Al'arr hissed, pulling herself back up, the funnel of energy from the trapped Orcs feeding into her.
Her broken arm slowly reset itself, dark energies formed around the limb and snapped it back into place, while her bruises and cuts faded. She glared at the woman whose entire body was bathed in fire yet did not seem to be burning. In fact she noticed that the black fires began to change color, turning from shadow to a brilliant purple and blue shade.
"Simple, I am able to cancel out the effects of your Fel and Shadow magic," Codexia replied.
"Impossible…" Al'arr growled.
"Not so, Fel magic relies on feeding life energies to arcane energies, this is what causes the energies to grow in power but in turn cause it to feed on anything around them and also cause decay and sap the life force of the wielder." Codexia said, yet her mouth and eyes did not move as she spoke. "Hence why warlocks also delve into Shadow Magic, as it is closely tied to decay and life force absorption, while not the same thing it does hold the same mechanics, luckily for me I have near complete control over Shadow magic and Life Magic, allowing me to rip the necromantic energies from the Fel Energy and turn it into a pure arcane one."
The process that let Fel Magic exist is actually quite unique, when first fed life energies the power you get is massive and at first not harmful. But it is when the life energies break down and give way to death energies that turn Fel energies into what they are. But the process can be changed and altered and Fel energies can be removed, similar to how she did it with the Fruit of Fertility, by drawing our the necrotic energies within and leaving behind the pure arcane energies behind.
"But that is only one way of two how to achieve the desired results, instead of taking the death element from them, you take the life from it," Codexia said, waving her hand to the side.
Instantly the fires dispersed, leaving behind multiple streams of natural energies, these purple and green energies soon began to pool towards Codexia. The dark shadowy energies gathered along her blade, slowly flowing up and into her arm, while the green life energies flowed up her free arm.
"The shadow flames harness death energies to decay and rot down anything it touches, it is nearly the same as Fel energies, but not quite. Like calling Earth and Fire the same," Codexia said, her words sounding amused where her expression did not. "But like Fel energies they need to be fed, so take away that source of nourishment and they simply fade to nothing."
Al'arr looked stunned, that this woman had such power and control that she could so easily undo her spells. With a growl she tried to raise her hand and draw out more energy from her prisoners, if she could take what remained of their life energies she could attack with one last spell. When she did so, all that would be left of this woman would be smoldering remains on the ground.
But she never felt it, the life energies were not reaching her, and now she realized that her connection somehow had been cut without her knowing. Her eyes turned to the floating orbs above the chamber, and they widened when they found her prisoners no longer her own. Within the spheres she found the rapidly aged Blademasters, their youth and life force stolen to fuel her spells and powers.
But what surprised her were the vines falling from the roof and wrapping around the ethereal spheres. These roots moved along the walls and roof, but they all come from a single source, following their trail Al'arr came to the feet of Codexia, where these many roots and vines had sprouted from.
"Oh yes, I took hold of those spheres and severed your connection to them, and this as well," Codexia said, raising her hand quickly and grasping at the air tightly.
Instantly roots shot out of the ground around Al'arr and ensnared her, wrapping tightly around her body. Her arms and legs were painfully restrained as she was lifted off the ground, nothing could be moved save for her head, but even that was slowly having roots guided around her neck and crown.
"No, you cannot defeat us all! We have an army! The Legion cannot be stopped!" Al'arr yelled, furiously trying to free herself.
"I think you have other things to concern yourself with," Codexia said, and with another wave of her hand the vines tightened and began to glow. "All that life force you took, it is far from fair that you keep what you stole."
Al'arr let out a pained gasp as she felt her bones come close to breaking, but it was the slow merciless pain she felt as her own life force was drained from her. Slowly but surely the vines pulsed like a heartbeat as they took all the power she had accumulated from those Orcs. Her breathing grew ragged, her sight began to fail her and a weakness in her muscles and bones could be felt with every passing moment.
"I… cannot die… like this…" Al'arr said, wheezing as her appearance became that of a decrepit crone.
"Yes, dying of old age is not fitting for someone like you," Codexia said.
A stream of new vines and roots sprouted beneath the primalist, when she was completely taken by them was her pod pulled beneath the ground. But as it did so, the vines that ensnared the arcane prisons of the Orcs retracted from the wall and pulled them towards the hole, pulling the Blademasters after her.
Al'arr watched as Codexia retreated, the reason was unclear for a moment, but when the building began to shake and the stonework fall away from the roof she realized. The building was collapsing, she was still trapped within the vines with no way of escape, this must have been what she meant by her dying of old age was not fitting.
"Damn you… the Legion will have your soul for this…" Al'arr growled out, her last breath cursing the woman, just as the center of the roof collapsed and the entire tower fell into the chamber.
Mordent turned towards the tower in the distance, watching as it collapsed into the large building it was situated upon. The explosive cloud of debris that shot out from the impact consumed half the ravine, leaving many blinded within the grey fog of dust and stone.
"What caused that?" Pat said, the blonde warrior scowling as he looked at the dust cloud.
"That may have been Codexia," Mordent said, his expression just as severe as the Human's, that woman went in there alone and now she may be dead.
"Dammit, what is that girl thinking?" Pat said, before he turned to his men. "Get the boys together, we need to get over there!"
But before he could take a step towards where the tower once stood a quake forced them to a halt, lest they fall off their feet. Many did fall to a knee or onto their back, unsure as to the source of the strange mini-quake they remained on guard. Trying to locate the source of the strange occurrence, yet it stopped before anyone could determine where it had come from.
"That was strange," Drommyr said, shouldering his rifle and looking around.
"Well at least nothing strange and unexpected happened," Barret Newbury said, the auburn haired man said, shouldering both his blades and looking over the field of dead warlocks and demons.
"Fool, saying things like that will lead to something occurring," Corinne scolded, glaring at the man who looked unrepentant to her remark.
That man was someone who thought his roguish looks were as good as his sword skills, and in truth they were, sadly those talents were so pathetic that the man couldn't lay with a prostitute even after paying her. A joke often spread through the camp and local ports just to solidify his reputation as a completely poor and hopeless excuse of a man.
"Oh please, that hasn't happened before, besides when was the last time it ever happened?" Barret said, obviously annoyed with the Paladin.
Then an eruption occurred, taking the attention of every single living thing in the ravine and solidifying that Fate hated the rogue.
From the eruption of stone and dirt appeared a massive white oak, the tree rising close to fifty feet into the air and quickly growing many purple and green leaves. Strangest thing was the low hanging pods that fell from the massive branches, ten large cocoons suspended from vines. The tree continued to grow and the base of the trunk opened, revealing an emerald light and a dark figure within.
As the light died they found Codexia stepping out of the tree, giving a little stretch and sigh.
"Never throught turning my skin to bark could be so cramping," Codexia mumbled out.
"Codexia, are you alright?" Corinne inquired, the Paladin walking over quickly, behind her Pat and Cassidy followed quickly.
"Of course, just needed to escape from the tower quickly before it collapsed, and also save these poor souls," Codexia replied, her hand resting upon one of the cocoons that hung from the tree.
"Exactly what is that?" Pat inquired.
But Codexia did not respond, instead she drew back her hand and slammed it into the shell, a loud crack was heard and soon it began to grow as many formed over the cocoons surface. When it shattered did something fall out, a single figure fell from the bottom of the pod, after dropping to a knee the hulking creature slowly stood up.
The creature's height was a good two feet over that of Codexia, who he turned towards and looked down upon with hard red eyes. Codexia stared up at the Orc, offering a smile and showing no signs of apprehension of being in its presence.
"Greetings Blademaster,"
"Hmm, I can no longer feel a cloud upon my mind, nor the maddening whispers of the warlocks," the Orc said, looking down at the Human. "Who are you Human, why do you stand before me now?"
"I am Codexia Fairchild, I have come to free you and your kin from the hold of the Burning Blade clan," she replied, giving a short formal bow towards the Orc, being sure to use the one that was attributed to their race rather than her own.
"Free us?" The Orc said, appearing surprised for a moment, before a grim frown returned to his face. "I see."
"I can understand your hesitation, but I have already freed one warrior from Thunder Axe Hold in the north, one Drakada Loneslayer," Codexia said, hoping that this Orc would know of him, and from the expression the Orc made it appear so. "He told me one thing, Tov'nokaz."
A brief expression of surprise lit up on the Orc's face, before it faded and a serious frown appeared, one more hard and grim than the previous. Codexia knew that the Orcish word would get his attention, for it symbolized what the Blademasters once fought for but failed to achieve for their clan. The words meant 'Regain the Clan's Honor',
"I know the name, a fine warrior; you say to me that you seek to free us from the warlock's control, yes?" After receiving a nod from the woman he straightens up and slammed his fist into his chest. "I am Blademaster Murauro, if you have the sworn oath of a fellow warrior, than I shall aid you in freeing my brothers and sisters."
Codexia smiled, before she gave a wave of her hand, soon the other pods began to crack open and deposit the Orcs upon the ground.
"Go to your fellow warriors; help them to their feet, tomorrow we go to Thunder Axe Hold and regain your clan and its honor," Codexia said.
The Orc turned and moved, leaving Codexia to smile, things were going well for them now, with how it was progressing there was no doubt in her mind that soon Ethel Rothar would be sitting above the waves within the next two days. When they destroy Sargeron and then Thunder Axe Hold they would have removed any major opponents in the region that would be attracted to the city's rise.
But she also had plans for that, she knew who exactly she would contact to make sure that certain forces did not get too invested in the city. After all, with him and his own contact he would ensure that the city becomes exactly what she wants it to be. The Highborne would live there, but they would not be the masters, and with her most recent acquisitions it would be all the easier for her to maintain control when the time comes.
"I have some concerns with your methods," Mordent called out, strolling up to Codexia.
Said Primalist tried her best to school her features and also hide her irritation, the man was obviously not taking a liking to what she was doing. Even after the explanations that had been given and the plans that have been set in motion he resisted what she intended for them. In truth she was actually starting to worry that the Highborne would become an obstacle later on, one that she would need to be prepared for.
"Relying on these Orcs that serve demons and are willing to work with the Legion itself, I find that conflicting your actual goals here," Mordent continued on.
"You know fully well that the Blademasters are slaves controlled by the warlocks of their clan, and you also are aware that once the warlocks and their demon allies are all dead here they will never be coming back." Codexia replied.
"Even so, from what I have learned from these Orc's history, it is less likely they will remain passive with our presence," Mordent replied, hearing much on these Orcs from the mercenaries that he had spoken with.
"Pat, what have I told you about spreading those rumors around?" Codexia said, sounding annoyed as she looked at the blonde warrior.
"Hey, it's all true, and these guys are among the worst, demon worshipers and turning on their own kind, worst kind of worst," Pat said, crossing his arms and glaring at the Orc in the distance. "Slave or not, these guys are still the same Orcs that fought during the First and Second War, savages they were."
"Maybe so, but like all things you should remember that past actions can be forgiven," Codexia replied. "After all, remember when the Alliance first set foot in Ashenvale, the Elves slaughtered them there, and look at where we are now with them."
Pat seemed annoyed, likely the way she was defending their alliance with the Orcs and also her opinion on them, but he voices no other complaints, simply storming off. Cassidy let out a sigh before following after him, likely to try and make sure that he didn't do anything stupid while he was in the mood.
"I find it strange how you can ally with these Orcs so easily, their history with Humanity is far from peaceful," Mordent said, wondering what kind of allegiances this woman had, and how many more might be out there.
"I trust these Orcs because they have honor, they won't fight me because I am here to help them regain their clan and save what remains of their people from slavery and extinction. Besides, the Orcs within the Horde are much more different than the one that was fought during the First and Second War," Codexia replied. "I think you can learn something about them, they changed when they needed to, and it saved them and this world."
She decided to leave him with that little bit of wisdom and move onto cleansing the ravine, the stench of fel energies saturated this area. If she converted this area into another shrine she could begin using it as another staging point, with this her expansion could truly begin.
Mordent scowled at the woman as she strolled towards the tree, likely to continue the same ritual she had done in Mannoroc Coven. While this strange power she possessed was similar to the druidism that he had seen and heard of ten thousand years ago it was also different. Never before has he ever seen it used and manipulated like this before, it was completely different from anything he had ever seen.
Her powers expanded more than just nature, often she referred to being able to tap into anything that lived, and he was certain that was true. Her powers were extensive and spanned more than just the trees and plants, but other living creatures. Mordent had seen how she had used her magic to actually retrieve the stolen life essences of warlocks at the Coven. Took it right from them and used it to create an oasis within the remains of the demonic settlement.
"Archmage,"
Mordent turned to his fellow magi, finding the silver haired woman glaring ahead at the back of Codexia with some concern. One that he could understand, they have had many discussions on her before, and the more time passed the more concerned they grew.
"Irriende," Mordent replied, giving a nod towards her. "What is it?"
"I think you know," Irriende replied, quickly turning and moving off.
Mordent sighed and followed after her, this would not be a pleasant conversation. A short stroll later and he found himself outside the ravine and on the route up the mountain that led to the ravine. Standing there, just off to aside on an over crop stood five fellow magi, were his colleagues within the Shen'dralar and fellow Archmages.
"Mordent, we need to discuss this, now," Lydros said, the purple haired mage frowned deeply.
"He is correct, we must not be dragged into anymore conflicts like this, we have lost warriors and what little strength and power we have left is being used by these people to secure the region for themselves," Aranhir said, his two long braids flowing down his chest, more pale than his stony grey face.
Mordent knew what he was referring to; their powers had been limited because of their exodus, only so much power remained within them now. Having little sources of magic to consume had left them nearly drained; this skirmish alone would leave him fatigued for weeks to come. It could be cleared away if they found a source of arcane energy nearby, but sadly nothing of the sort had been found.
"We have been forced to extract what power remains in our many artefacts in order to sustain ourselves, we need to find a new source of power soon," Lydros stated, presenting a small medallion, brimming with arcane power.
Mordent looked at the item with some want, that amount of power was more than he had ever had the chance to harness back at Eldre'thalas. But he resisted the temptation, for that power was meant to be spread among the fifty warriors that now move with this small army. It would be enough for a time, but in the end they would be left with nothing but crumbs.
"We have to be patient, if we ration what we have and secure Ethal Rothar we shall be able to sustain ourselves for a time, maybe find a solution," Mordent said, trying to reassure his fellow magisters that they could survive through this.
"You mean this Primalism that woman keeps trying to press onto you?" Karabrel Moonlance said, giving a sneer as she looked at Mordent. "She is trying to force this upon us, making us expend what little arcane power we have left and seek the only solution available to us."
Mordent did not doubt that was true, Codexia has often vaunted that her art is much more safe that his own, the hints and subtle nudges she gives further proves this. Oddly he has felt inclined to accept it, that she was speaking truth and his aggressive stance against her was nothing more than stubborn pride.
'Although, I have seen her magic, able to free the mind from control, but can she manipulate as well?' Mordent thought, dreading the answer that she was slowly tricking him into following her suggestions.
"We need to search for other sources of Arcane energy, we need it to survive, not only for sustenance but also against our enemies," Lydros said. "I wish to send people out to search for another source within the region, if we can locate one we may be able to regain the power to decide our own fate in this blighted hell."
Mordent did feel more inclined to that, remaining in control of his people's destiny was much more appealing than listening to a stranger with ulterior motives. It was obvious that she wanted them to accept Primalism into their society, saying it would free them of their addiction to the arcane. The offer was tempting, but he could not forsake the ideals and traditions he has been following for thousands of years, even before the Sundering.
Her art showed a great deal of power and control, but the price had to be there, both in the magic and the acceptance of this power. Nothing was given freely, and this woman wanted them to join simply because she wanted to gain something out of it. He did not know what it was, but if she was willing to make enemies with the Night Elves and fight to capture an entire region it could only mean she did not fear the repercussions of her actions.
Or the repercussions that fell upon those she was using.
"You have my permission, but avoid anything of demonic origin, I will not risk that magic being near our people," Mordent said, seeing firsthand what kind of changes that kind of power had on those who use it.
The former Prince came to mind, and he dreaded the same madness consuming their people as it had him.
"Understood, we will send people out as soon as we depart, having our 'wounded' carted back to the tower we can easily slip away and search the countryside," Lydros said,
"We will volunteer, if we find anything we will report it back to you," Rhyanda said, the pale blue haired mage gestured to herself and bald head companion next to her, Tarelvir.
"I think the both of you will be up to the task." Mordent said, knowing both of them searching will yield the results they require. "As much as Codexia is helping us we need to be ready for anything, we must be able to choose our fate rather than allow her to direct it. Once we are in a position of strength we will do what we must to ensure we survive."
They all nodded their heads, they had made a plan and were going to make sure they fulfilled it. Failure meant possible death, or subjugation to something they could not hope to rise against. As they walked back towards the ravine they all assured themselves that they would find what they needed, their people were counting on them to secure their future. That future would be one where they would continue their ancient traditions of arcane practices and spellcrafting.
Too long have they been at the whims of their betters, and now that they were free it was time that they took charge and actually decided what was right and no longer catered to the whims of tyrants.
Here it is, hope you liked.
Reviews:
AresLaw: Yeah, happens all the time.
Yes, his Quincy powers are dormant and not powerful enough to exert much influence. This is also because it is vying for control over Ichigo's spiritual powers, he is diverting much of his attention and power to subjugate Zangetsu and maintain the façade of being Ichigo's Zanpakuto spirit. Because of this those dormant powers are even more restricted because it is trying to subjugate something more powerful than it and also helping Ichigo at times when he desperately needs it.
Yes, he will be given several weapons but these cannot replace his Zanpakuto, a Zanpakuto is much more important than any of the other weapons he could receive on Azeroth. Simply because of what the Zanpakuto is made of and designed to do. It is made specifically for Shinigami and to blend with their powers. While Ichigo can technically create a similar bond like Fullbringer, this is just a poor imitation of his powers. Where a Zanpakuto is basically designed specifically to represent his fullest potential through the blade.
Yeah, Ichigo will get back and have a few things in his arsenal. Better weapons, more powerful, more experienced and well trained. He will basically become something more than who he was. Also even after he returns a sequel would be nice, maybe continuing Ichigo's time on Azeroth.
Hope that answers your questions.
UrpsychoEX: Yeah, these few chapters will focus on Codexia and her plans and objectives in the area of Desolace. And will lead directly into the next arc. Also be sure to read a review by Earendil18, he makes reference to your review.
The Bankai we see is a poor representation of his power. Now we all know that his hollow is his true Zanpakuto and his Shinigami/Hollow powers merged. Now the Old Man cannot replicate Shinigami powers, so he has to subjugate them and make them appear as his own. As a Quincy he can use his reishi domination powers to subjugate Zangetsu and take his power for his own and use a portion of it to enhance Ichigo's powers. Bankai when achieved requires more power, so drawing on more of Zangetsu's powers, and because of that his true Zanpakuto is less restrained because the Old Man requires more power from him.
This is what leads to the Hollow slowly taking over, and since he is a Zanpakuto Spirit without a Zanpakuto his power bleeds out and tries to find the most stable method to summon itself. The Mask, but still he is unstable, kind of like Toshiro's Zanpakuto spirit before he became a Shinigami, how his power would leak out and hurt those around him.
But for Ichigo his Bankai is still unstable and unrefined, that raw power that continually leaks out and is fluctuating represents the instability within him. Only after he returned from the Royal Realm did Ichibei mention that his powers were controlled now and that he was complete. Meaning that because of his own ignorance and inability to bond with these spirits he has been restricting himself. The Blade is Me, meaning he needs to understand that while the Zanpakuto spirits are other living things they are him as well.
MSG1000: Yeah, the times when he was up and about are never fully done. But it is said that the females population and Tyrande were not happy about their long hibernation cycles. It is said that at times they did awaken, but it was over the course of a few times ever few centuries.
As for the sex and such, I mainly took the norms from the Lord of the Rings books as reference and pulled some info over to it. There are signs of sexuality in the game, even homosexuality as well, one Sentinel seems to be trying to seduce a fellow sentinel so it is possible but I didn't really know how to best convey it.
Also I have heard of that book, so going to get it.
Reality Deviant: No problem man, no harm done. Yeah, I have looked into it and it does seem that before Azshara basically brought about the Kal'dorei Empire that there were Druids in Elven culture and possibly shamans. The Chronicle gives some details of Druids existing and that Malfurion was one of the last before the War of the Ancients.
KrazyFanfiction1: Technically the hunger for magic involves only arcane forces; spiritual energy is not the case because it wouldn't feed their addiction. It has been shown that a Zanpakuto's abilities can be manipulated and controlled to an extent. Meaning that it can fulfil multiple facets if harnessed correctly.
Black Cross0: The reason he speaks Common, the native language that almost all races on Azeroth understand, is because of the summoning spell that bound him to a body. The summoning and reason he is on Azeroth was planned, and the reasons are important. So they had to make him acclimatize and not stick out too much. Giving him a language is just one thing.
Zangetsu, well depending if this is Hollow Zangetsu or Quincy Zangetsu, different results. Hollow Zangetsu could be harmed and the blade, the fake one could actually be damaged and destroyed.
Jahm: Glad you like it. Sadly no, the Planes of Existences that we see in Bleach are all connected to Earth. They are basically spiritual representations and planes that exist in conjunction with that planet. Also anything outside of that spectrum is a complete unknown to the Shinigami and they do not traverse beyond their world or the spiritual realms connected to it. Because of that Ichigo cannot be tracked or found.
Drow79: Yeah, they know, and it is not going to make his life any easier.
Telron: Thanks.
Guest #1: Glad you liked the chapter and the characters in it, always fun to do some light hearted moments.
Earendil18: Also I think I will refer to your response to UrpsychoEX.
I am starting to really like you, you delve deeply into the story and actually know your lore, very good.
Bardshark: He does have some more casual wear when he doesn't need his armor. Mainly just cloths he has on hand, and has bought, after all while his robes can repair itself he has them off to the side and basically keeping them as spares.
Blindluck92: I know, comedy is an integral part of Bleach and to have none is sacrilege.
Yeah, they know something is up and this is going to cause all the more problems when they start demanding answers.
You are not crazy, I made Codexia to be someone that you are on the fence with, to be lovable but also want to throttle with the way she acts and manipulates people. I know, aren't I an awesome person for doing that to you?
Evil Reviewer: He will fight the Old Gods, eventually; in fact reference to them will appear in the next arc.
G3neSyS: Glad you liked the interactions, and these following chapters mainly follow Codexia and setting up the events of the next Arc that Ichigo will be involved with. Also for the Highborne, you will see what they are doing and what Codexia plans for them all.
Star: I am confusing you am I? Well good, I like that, makes you think of the possibilities and what I am planning. Mwuhahahaha!
The Burning Blade Clan will not like them definitely, mainly because another major power in the region would undermine them. So they would try to remove them. As for Codexia she is not like Yhwach, but her goals are very unique.
Shamans and Druids are similar but different. It is hard to explain really, but their source of power comes from different sources but are both tied to nature. Shamans control the elements through the Spirit of Life. While Druids through their connection to the Emerald Dream can control nature and the many things connected through nature.
Shiranakutemokekko: Yeah, Codexia's is a major and important character. One that will shape the future of Azeroth.
Umbra Venator: Thanks.
Guest #2: Please jump off a cliff, and rid this world of the blight on humanity that your existence brings.
Redpoop101: Thanks.
