And this earns your post an Insightful rating!
-
Going forward, links to content from Twitter (now X) will no longer be embedded. Pre-existing links should not be affected.
Twisting Paths
- Thread starter Hiver
- Start date
Itsune
Eldritch horror, Ship's Cat, Emergency Gunner.
- Location
- Somewhere in King County Washington
Ah, there she is!
Saheeli Rai (Kaladesh) - Gatherer - Magic: The Gathering
Note, when in a humanoid form a dragon's "Awe" affect is much reduced.
Saheeli Rai (Kaladesh) - Gatherer - Magic: The Gathering
Note, when in a humanoid form a dragon's "Awe" affect is much reduced.
36
Ajani was in a room on the second floor of the inn when we arrived back there. Alexis led the way into the room, opening the door to let us inside.
Ajani looked up from where he had been sitting, closing the book, "Alexis. You found him?"
"I did, Master Goldmane. Like I suspected he found something shiny and lost track of time."
I'm not that bad, damn it! Besides, it was an important discovery!
"It's good to see you again, Ajani," I said with a nod to the giant catman.
"Atregos." He said with a nod in turn as he got up, "Alexis, may I speak with Atregos alone, please?"
Alexis frowned but nodded and walked back outside, closing the door behind her.
As soon as the door closed, Ajani moved fast, his massive hand wrapping around my neck as he growled down at me, "What did you get Alexis into, dragon?"
Ugh!
I put my hands around his wrist, only reaching part way around as I swallowed, "I—I asked for help!"
"Why?"
"I didn't know what else to do! Millions of people might die and I don't know if I can save them!" I choked out, "You think I want her in the middle of this shit!? She is my friend! If I had any options, I would have taken them!"
He growled at me before he lowered his hand, "Tell me everything."
Moving out of easy hitting range, I rubbed my neck and sat down on the bed before doing as he said. I told him everything.
When I finished, Ajani frowned, "You are working with a Clockworker?"
"A what?"
"This other dragon… Chronormu. She controls time?"
"Not as much as controls, as knows how to take shortcuts through?"
Ajani sighed and shook his head, "…That always gives me a headache."
"...Tell me about it," I grumbled and let my head fall back against the wall, "Will you help us?" I asked him after a moment.
He frowned in thought, "This weapon you made, it would destroy the entire island?"
"At least. I have done further calculations and I am fairly sure it will not destroy more than fifteen kilometers or so. No risk of destroying the entire Plane," I said and then shook my head, "But even so… thousands. Tens of thousands will die."
He slowly shook his head, "So many dead."
"The alternative would be that the Legion win. Then all of Azeroth dies, if not screaming at their claws, then when the Titan's failsafes activate and burn the entire planet to a crisp."
Ajani looked as unhappy about those options as I felt. I hated it.
"There must be some alternative."
"Know any? You have no idea how powerful Sargeras is. He is known as the Dark Titan, he created the Burning Legion, infinite demons that have conquered infinite worlds. His people created my kind, they made Azeroth! Every living thing on the planet originated as the Titan's creations. He killed them. All of them," I said and sighed, "The weapon was our best possible option. We failed and now we have another chance to do things the right way. But we can't do it alone. Will you help us?"
Ajani looked at me for a long moment before he spoke up again, "Do you mind if I talk to Alexis?"
I shook my head and got up and headed out, finding Alexis leaned against the wall outside. I motioned in towards the room for her before heading downstairs.
Passing by the bar, I picked up a bottle of that mango wine and some of that curry stew before making my way over to our normal corner, sinking down with my back against the wall.
Taking a swing from the bottle, ignoring the goblet I closed my eyes and let my head fall back against the wall of the inn.
If Ajani decided not to help, I didn't know what to do. We would need to return to Azeroth as quickly as we could, figure out how to make this work.
Hopefully Chromie had been able to dig through the timeline to know exactly what happens by the time we get there. At the very least, we need some way to intercept Kalecgos through a horde of demons.
How we would do that, I had no clue.
Saving him could be done with a Soulstone, but… how would we do anything else, I didn't know. Opening my eyes again, I looked out over the inn and took another swing of the wine.
But even if he decided to help, it felt like a drop in the ocean against the Legion.
The Legion.
Maybe… maybe getting the Dragon Flights out of Azeroth was the best I could do. Maybe that's what I should be doing instead of sitting here.
Find people and transport them away from Azeroth, as many and as quickly as I could. Get as many people out as possible.
No. No, no matter how difficult it was, I needed to try. I needed to… I had to. Even if there was just a little chance, we had to try. Just needed to hope it wasn't 'die trying'.
Ajani made his ways down the stairs, making his way over to me, Alexis trailing along behind him, her bag over her shoulder, "I believe I know some more people that can help," he said as she reached the table, pulling the chair out and carefully sitting down, looking somewhat like an adult trying to sit on a child's chair, "Have you ever been to Ravnica?"
"You'll help us?" I asked, putting the bottle back onto the table.
He smiled sadly, "How could I not?"
AN// Big thanks to FPSCanarussia for betaing this section.
Ajani looked up from where he had been sitting, closing the book, "Alexis. You found him?"
"I did, Master Goldmane. Like I suspected he found something shiny and lost track of time."
I'm not that bad, damn it! Besides, it was an important discovery!
"It's good to see you again, Ajani," I said with a nod to the giant catman.
"Atregos." He said with a nod in turn as he got up, "Alexis, may I speak with Atregos alone, please?"
Alexis frowned but nodded and walked back outside, closing the door behind her.
As soon as the door closed, Ajani moved fast, his massive hand wrapping around my neck as he growled down at me, "What did you get Alexis into, dragon?"
Ugh!
I put my hands around his wrist, only reaching part way around as I swallowed, "I—I asked for help!"
"Why?"
"I didn't know what else to do! Millions of people might die and I don't know if I can save them!" I choked out, "You think I want her in the middle of this shit!? She is my friend! If I had any options, I would have taken them!"
He growled at me before he lowered his hand, "Tell me everything."
Moving out of easy hitting range, I rubbed my neck and sat down on the bed before doing as he said. I told him everything.
When I finished, Ajani frowned, "You are working with a Clockworker?"
"A what?"
"This other dragon… Chronormu. She controls time?"
"Not as much as controls, as knows how to take shortcuts through?"
Ajani sighed and shook his head, "…That always gives me a headache."
"...Tell me about it," I grumbled and let my head fall back against the wall, "Will you help us?" I asked him after a moment.
He frowned in thought, "This weapon you made, it would destroy the entire island?"
"At least. I have done further calculations and I am fairly sure it will not destroy more than fifteen kilometers or so. No risk of destroying the entire Plane," I said and then shook my head, "But even so… thousands. Tens of thousands will die."
He slowly shook his head, "So many dead."
"The alternative would be that the Legion win. Then all of Azeroth dies, if not screaming at their claws, then when the Titan's failsafes activate and burn the entire planet to a crisp."
Ajani looked as unhappy about those options as I felt. I hated it.
"There must be some alternative."
"Know any? You have no idea how powerful Sargeras is. He is known as the Dark Titan, he created the Burning Legion, infinite demons that have conquered infinite worlds. His people created my kind, they made Azeroth! Every living thing on the planet originated as the Titan's creations. He killed them. All of them," I said and sighed, "The weapon was our best possible option. We failed and now we have another chance to do things the right way. But we can't do it alone. Will you help us?"
Ajani looked at me for a long moment before he spoke up again, "Do you mind if I talk to Alexis?"
I shook my head and got up and headed out, finding Alexis leaned against the wall outside. I motioned in towards the room for her before heading downstairs.
Passing by the bar, I picked up a bottle of that mango wine and some of that curry stew before making my way over to our normal corner, sinking down with my back against the wall.
Taking a swing from the bottle, ignoring the goblet I closed my eyes and let my head fall back against the wall of the inn.
If Ajani decided not to help, I didn't know what to do. We would need to return to Azeroth as quickly as we could, figure out how to make this work.
Hopefully Chromie had been able to dig through the timeline to know exactly what happens by the time we get there. At the very least, we need some way to intercept Kalecgos through a horde of demons.
How we would do that, I had no clue.
Saving him could be done with a Soulstone, but… how would we do anything else, I didn't know. Opening my eyes again, I looked out over the inn and took another swing of the wine.
But even if he decided to help, it felt like a drop in the ocean against the Legion.
The Legion.
Maybe… maybe getting the Dragon Flights out of Azeroth was the best I could do. Maybe that's what I should be doing instead of sitting here.
Find people and transport them away from Azeroth, as many and as quickly as I could. Get as many people out as possible.
No. No, no matter how difficult it was, I needed to try. I needed to… I had to. Even if there was just a little chance, we had to try. Just needed to hope it wasn't 'die trying'.
Ajani made his ways down the stairs, making his way over to me, Alexis trailing along behind him, her bag over her shoulder, "I believe I know some more people that can help," he said as she reached the table, pulling the chair out and carefully sitting down, looking somewhat like an adult trying to sit on a child's chair, "Have you ever been to Ravnica?"
"You'll help us?" I asked, putting the bottle back onto the table.
He smiled sadly, "How could I not?"
AN// Big thanks to FPSCanarussia for betaing this section.
- Location
- In a hole in the ground there lived a...
We're off to see the Gatewatch, the wonderful Gatewatch of Jace!
37
Reality returned around us with a flash and I took a step, shaking my head.
Walking with Ajani was an experience. You didn't as much walk as you free fell through the Blind Eternities. At the very least it was a lot less mind twisting than whatever the fuck it was that Alexis did when she Walked.
Personally, I preferred my own version even if it did drain all my magic to do.
"What's that smell?" Alexis asked on the other side of Ajani as I let go of his hand. She was right, the air smelled...
It was like a mix of sewage and wood smoke.
Ew.
"Ravnica," Ajani answered simply. "The entire plane is one big city."
"Welcome to Coruscant. Population, way too fucking high," I grumbled and looked around. For a planet wide city, it looked a lot more like medieval-burg #45.
Then again, I guess nobody said cities had to be high tech. I sort of assumed they wouldn't have dirt roads though.
"How far until where this 'Gatewatch' is?" I asked and poked a pebble with my foot while looking around. Nobody around. Then again, it looked to be rather early and we were clearly as far out into bummfuck nowhere as you can get while on a planet wide city.
Ajani shook his head. "A few days journey from here," he explained and looked around, glancing in the direction of the light of the rising sun. "This way."
With that he started down the road with long strides, pulling the hood of his cloak up like it would somehow hide his identity.
Trading a look with Alexis, I then hurried after him, keeping pace easy enough. Alexis had more trouble though, almost having to jog to keep up with her shorter legs. Even so, she seemed used to it. "Are we walking there?" she asked him.
Ajani shook his head again and glanced at her, "No. We are looking for one of the canals. There are boats moving along them we could purchase passage on."
Nodding I walked along next to him, taking in the sights.
Wonder what Rengosa was doing right now? She should still be home at the Nexus. Maybe at our place in Pandaria.
Taking a breath, I forced that thought out of my head. I could think about them later when we were on the boat. For now, I needed to pay attention.
People had started to show up. General city life, yelling, music from the inn we walked past. Wagons moving through the streets.
A pair of armored guards riding past on what looked like giant chickens. Battle chickens. Now I think I have seen everything.
But I did also get why Ajani didn't seem worried that he would be discovered. Every species I could think of was all around us. Humans, dwarves, elves. I saw a centaur even. Other cat people, if smaller than Ajani. He did draw a look from her though as we passed her stand by.
The mix of species was interesting to look at even if I had to say that I did find Kaladash a lot more… intriguing in general. So far I had not seen anything here that I had not seen before.
Though, I had to admit that the entire 'planetwide city' thing was a new one. I didn't think that was even possible without scifi space tech.
"There," Ajani said as we reached one of the canals. Some fifty metres wide, it was crisscrossed with bridges, even bridges with houses on them. "There should be somewhere we can get on somewhere close."
It was going to be a dull couple of days, wouldn't it? Then again, dull was good and not like the time was wasted. We couldn't Walk again yet anyway.
XXXXXXXXX
I was right. It was a dull couple of days.
I sat with my back against the wall of the small cabin, lit up only by the sun through the small porthole as I slowly worked the metal in my hands, the bronze shifting and moving with my guiding movements.
Slowly I worked it, making it shift and form before allowing it to take on solid form again, leading it in the shape of a basic dagger, enchanted and done.
Okay, so the dagger had a simple 'cut better' enchantment, I could do it in my sleep. But I wove it into the dagger as I formed it. Something I had never been able to do before.
It was a far cry from the effortless dance of metalshaping and enchanting Saheeli managed, but you had to start somewhere.
Nodding to myself, I dug my magic into the dagger again, checking the enchantment before breaking it and returning the bronze to its original bar form.
Thirty seconds of work and it was a clump of metal again.
Cracking my neck I stretched as I got up, rubbing my face as I slipped the bar into my satchel before stretching again. Better to find somewhere to return to my real form soon, it had already been a week since I did.
So far it was tolerable, but the longer time passed, the more uncomfortable things was going to get.
At three weeks, the constant low key headache started and it just got worse the longer things went on.
Chromie preferred her gnome form. She could stay like that for months. But then again, Chromie was just weird.
Leaving the small quarters, I made my way onto the deck in search of something to eat before I raised an eyebrow at the sight that met me.
Alexis was sunbathing in a bikini on the foredeck and the crew of the ship along with the passengers were desperately doing their best to appear like they were not looking at her.
I couldn't blame them for either of it to be honest, mostly because Ajani was relaxing with his back against the railing close by, seemingly asleep with his axe-like weapon leaned against it next to him.
I just shook my head in amusement and made my way over to one of the vendors set up on deck.
AN// Big thanks to Pietersielie for betaing this part and Happy New Year to everyone.
Walking with Ajani was an experience. You didn't as much walk as you free fell through the Blind Eternities. At the very least it was a lot less mind twisting than whatever the fuck it was that Alexis did when she Walked.
Personally, I preferred my own version even if it did drain all my magic to do.
"What's that smell?" Alexis asked on the other side of Ajani as I let go of his hand. She was right, the air smelled...
It was like a mix of sewage and wood smoke.
Ew.
"Ravnica," Ajani answered simply. "The entire plane is one big city."
"Welcome to Coruscant. Population, way too fucking high," I grumbled and looked around. For a planet wide city, it looked a lot more like medieval-burg #45.
Then again, I guess nobody said cities had to be high tech. I sort of assumed they wouldn't have dirt roads though.
"How far until where this 'Gatewatch' is?" I asked and poked a pebble with my foot while looking around. Nobody around. Then again, it looked to be rather early and we were clearly as far out into bummfuck nowhere as you can get while on a planet wide city.
Ajani shook his head. "A few days journey from here," he explained and looked around, glancing in the direction of the light of the rising sun. "This way."
With that he started down the road with long strides, pulling the hood of his cloak up like it would somehow hide his identity.
Trading a look with Alexis, I then hurried after him, keeping pace easy enough. Alexis had more trouble though, almost having to jog to keep up with her shorter legs. Even so, she seemed used to it. "Are we walking there?" she asked him.
Ajani shook his head again and glanced at her, "No. We are looking for one of the canals. There are boats moving along them we could purchase passage on."
Nodding I walked along next to him, taking in the sights.
Wonder what Rengosa was doing right now? She should still be home at the Nexus. Maybe at our place in Pandaria.
Taking a breath, I forced that thought out of my head. I could think about them later when we were on the boat. For now, I needed to pay attention.
People had started to show up. General city life, yelling, music from the inn we walked past. Wagons moving through the streets.
A pair of armored guards riding past on what looked like giant chickens. Battle chickens. Now I think I have seen everything.
But I did also get why Ajani didn't seem worried that he would be discovered. Every species I could think of was all around us. Humans, dwarves, elves. I saw a centaur even. Other cat people, if smaller than Ajani. He did draw a look from her though as we passed her stand by.
The mix of species was interesting to look at even if I had to say that I did find Kaladash a lot more… intriguing in general. So far I had not seen anything here that I had not seen before.
Though, I had to admit that the entire 'planetwide city' thing was a new one. I didn't think that was even possible without scifi space tech.
"There," Ajani said as we reached one of the canals. Some fifty metres wide, it was crisscrossed with bridges, even bridges with houses on them. "There should be somewhere we can get on somewhere close."
It was going to be a dull couple of days, wouldn't it? Then again, dull was good and not like the time was wasted. We couldn't Walk again yet anyway.
XXXXXXXXX
I was right. It was a dull couple of days.
I sat with my back against the wall of the small cabin, lit up only by the sun through the small porthole as I slowly worked the metal in my hands, the bronze shifting and moving with my guiding movements.
Slowly I worked it, making it shift and form before allowing it to take on solid form again, leading it in the shape of a basic dagger, enchanted and done.
Okay, so the dagger had a simple 'cut better' enchantment, I could do it in my sleep. But I wove it into the dagger as I formed it. Something I had never been able to do before.
It was a far cry from the effortless dance of metalshaping and enchanting Saheeli managed, but you had to start somewhere.
Nodding to myself, I dug my magic into the dagger again, checking the enchantment before breaking it and returning the bronze to its original bar form.
Thirty seconds of work and it was a clump of metal again.
Cracking my neck I stretched as I got up, rubbing my face as I slipped the bar into my satchel before stretching again. Better to find somewhere to return to my real form soon, it had already been a week since I did.
So far it was tolerable, but the longer time passed, the more uncomfortable things was going to get.
At three weeks, the constant low key headache started and it just got worse the longer things went on.
Chromie preferred her gnome form. She could stay like that for months. But then again, Chromie was just weird.
Leaving the small quarters, I made my way onto the deck in search of something to eat before I raised an eyebrow at the sight that met me.
Alexis was sunbathing in a bikini on the foredeck and the crew of the ship along with the passengers were desperately doing their best to appear like they were not looking at her.
I couldn't blame them for either of it to be honest, mostly because Ajani was relaxing with his back against the railing close by, seemingly asleep with his axe-like weapon leaned against it next to him.
I just shook my head in amusement and made my way over to one of the vendors set up on deck.
AN// Big thanks to Pietersielie for betaing this part and Happy New Year to everyone.
esotericist
A Weary Hand
- Location
- Lacey, WA
Best not to leer at the girl with the very terrifying father figure nearby holding an obvious instrument of bisection.
Sad to say, the dragon is the footnote in this equation, even if they realized a dragon was there.
Sad to say, the dragon is the footnote in this equation, even if they realized a dragon was there.
- Location
- England
Waifu #5!
Grey Rook
Genuine Nerd
- Location
- The Quantum Foam
Would you people cut that out! It's not funny and it doesn't add anything to the story, all it does is wish for the protagonist to accumulate yet more meaningless trophies that would hardly ever come up anyway. And I would like to think that Hiver is a better author than that.
- Location
- England
Hey don't talk about a dragon's wives like that, jeeze! They're real people too. Regardless it's a joke, not a joke to get more wives and more a commentary on the fact that this is still the first SI I've seen that people are cheering for to have more 'harem members'. On SB at least, if this was fanfiction.net 70% off the comments would be "why isn't he banging Sylvanas yet."
You don't put your dick in crazy. Especially not undead evil crazy.
- Location
- Hampden Park
No no no.You don't put your dick in crazy. Especially not undead evil crazy.
38
I followed Ajani along over the bridge to what seemed like a huge mansion, the gates guarded by a pair of guards in shining armor.
"Well, this place is nice." I commented to Alexis, "Whoever this 'Jace Beleren' is, he much be rich."
Alexis smiled at me, "Atreus, it's smaller than yours."
"Well, as long as you noticed."
Ajani frowned and glanced back at us as Alexis snortgiggled and attempted to shove me off the bridge.
I just grinned before glancing up at the house again, my grin quickly falling as the reality as to why we were here forced its way back into my mind.
Taking a deep breath, I swallowed and looked up at the structure. Despite the bright sunshine, it suddenly looked very foreboding.
"Hey, it'll work," Alexis said and nudged me with her elbow, "If Master Goldmane say they can help, then they can help."
"Hope so," I answered quietly, glancing at her before I sighed, leaning my back against the railing of the bridge, crossing my arms. "Alexis… I'm sorry I got you into this. Even if they decide to help, I'm not sure we can…
"Stop that," she said and frowned at me, "I never known you to be defeatist."
"...You don't know them like I do."
Alexis frowned at me, "Atregos…" she said softly and then shook her head, "…We'll talk later." She then finished as Ajani moved back to us from where he talked to the guards.
"Come." He said and we followed him and one of the guards inside. I quite likely should have been paying a lot more attention to my surroundings, but instead I slowly worked a piece of bronze in my hand as we walked, lost in my own thoughts.
Ajani opened a door, allowing us into a nice chamber with lots of dark woods, filled with what seem to be some rather expensive furniture and carpets. Book shelves filled with books taking up most of the walls, only leaving one of them free. That one was filled with a massive window, overlooking a lake.
The guard removed her helmet, shaking her blonde hair out before she looked at us, "The Guildpact will meet you here when he find the time. Please remain here," she said before she turned and walked out, closing the door behind her and leaving us alone.
"Do you know what to tell them?" Ajani asked as he turned to look down at me, "You need to convince them, I can't."
I took a slow, deep breath, and then nodded, "Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Thank you."
Ajani nodded and walked over to sink down on the couch. He laid down, somehow mostly managing to fit somehow.
I didn't have a bloody clue what to say other than 'Help me, Gatewatch, you are my only hope.'
Turning to look out the window, I put the small bronze bar into my pocket before crossing my arms, frowning at the water.
Why send me to do this?
Why did Nozdormu send me and Chromie? Why not… I get why I had to go. It was the only way across the Blind Eternities.
But why Chromie? Why didn't he go himself?
Why didn't he send more people? He put the entire survival of Azeroth on me and Chromie. Right now all of that weight it was on my shoulders.
I was just a drake. I… I wish Kalecgos was here to tell me what to do.
"How's the head?" Alexis asked as she walked up next to me.
I just shook my head, "Only been two weeks or so. At least another week before the headaches start, I'm fine. It's just this… constant uncomfortable feeling you can't put your claw on," I answered before I forced a small quick smile in her direction, "Thanks."
She frowned but then nodded, "No matter if they decide to help or not, we're leaving as soon as things finish here. You should be able to turn back somewhere on the way."
"Yeah, I know." I said, thankful for the distraction even through my growing annoyance of her interruption.
"Atregos, get some rest. You didn't sleep last night, it may be hours until the… Gatepact… arrive."
"I'm fine."
Alexis shook her head, "You are not fucking fine. You sleep even…" she trailed off.
"Less then you?" I asked, looking at her with a frown, "You think I didn't notice? Nightmares?"
"Night terrors," she admitted and shook her head, looking up at me, "And I know I'm not the only one. Look, we'll talk about this later. For now, you go get some rest."
I almost growled at her before I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose as the thought of, 'what would Sheila say?' passed through my head followed by 'what would Rengosa do if I didn't agree?'. Then followed by the mental picture of Zrazta glaring at me until I complied.
Damn it. Even the females I don't sleep with are bossing me around. Even worse, she was right.
"…Fine." I admitted with another sigh, shaking my head and taking off my satchel, "On the condition that you actually get some sleep tonight."
Alexis nodded, "…Fair enough."
Forcing a small smile, I walked over to sink down in one of the free chairs, closing my eyes to try to get some rest.
It didn't work; my mind kept whirling.
AN// Big thanks to Phant0m5 for betaing this section.
"Well, this place is nice." I commented to Alexis, "Whoever this 'Jace Beleren' is, he much be rich."
Alexis smiled at me, "Atreus, it's smaller than yours."
"Well, as long as you noticed."
Ajani frowned and glanced back at us as Alexis snortgiggled and attempted to shove me off the bridge.
I just grinned before glancing up at the house again, my grin quickly falling as the reality as to why we were here forced its way back into my mind.
Taking a deep breath, I swallowed and looked up at the structure. Despite the bright sunshine, it suddenly looked very foreboding.
"Hey, it'll work," Alexis said and nudged me with her elbow, "If Master Goldmane say they can help, then they can help."
"Hope so," I answered quietly, glancing at her before I sighed, leaning my back against the railing of the bridge, crossing my arms. "Alexis… I'm sorry I got you into this. Even if they decide to help, I'm not sure we can…
"Stop that," she said and frowned at me, "I never known you to be defeatist."
"...You don't know them like I do."
Alexis frowned at me, "Atregos…" she said softly and then shook her head, "…We'll talk later." She then finished as Ajani moved back to us from where he talked to the guards.
"Come." He said and we followed him and one of the guards inside. I quite likely should have been paying a lot more attention to my surroundings, but instead I slowly worked a piece of bronze in my hand as we walked, lost in my own thoughts.
Ajani opened a door, allowing us into a nice chamber with lots of dark woods, filled with what seem to be some rather expensive furniture and carpets. Book shelves filled with books taking up most of the walls, only leaving one of them free. That one was filled with a massive window, overlooking a lake.
The guard removed her helmet, shaking her blonde hair out before she looked at us, "The Guildpact will meet you here when he find the time. Please remain here," she said before she turned and walked out, closing the door behind her and leaving us alone.
"Do you know what to tell them?" Ajani asked as he turned to look down at me, "You need to convince them, I can't."
I took a slow, deep breath, and then nodded, "Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Thank you."
Ajani nodded and walked over to sink down on the couch. He laid down, somehow mostly managing to fit somehow.
I didn't have a bloody clue what to say other than 'Help me, Gatewatch, you are my only hope.'
Turning to look out the window, I put the small bronze bar into my pocket before crossing my arms, frowning at the water.
Why send me to do this?
Why did Nozdormu send me and Chromie? Why not… I get why I had to go. It was the only way across the Blind Eternities.
But why Chromie? Why didn't he go himself?
Why didn't he send more people? He put the entire survival of Azeroth on me and Chromie. Right now all of that weight it was on my shoulders.
I was just a drake. I… I wish Kalecgos was here to tell me what to do.
"How's the head?" Alexis asked as she walked up next to me.
I just shook my head, "Only been two weeks or so. At least another week before the headaches start, I'm fine. It's just this… constant uncomfortable feeling you can't put your claw on," I answered before I forced a small quick smile in her direction, "Thanks."
She frowned but then nodded, "No matter if they decide to help or not, we're leaving as soon as things finish here. You should be able to turn back somewhere on the way."
"Yeah, I know." I said, thankful for the distraction even through my growing annoyance of her interruption.
"Atregos, get some rest. You didn't sleep last night, it may be hours until the… Gatepact… arrive."
"I'm fine."
Alexis shook her head, "You are not fucking fine. You sleep even…" she trailed off.
"Less then you?" I asked, looking at her with a frown, "You think I didn't notice? Nightmares?"
"Night terrors," she admitted and shook her head, looking up at me, "And I know I'm not the only one. Look, we'll talk about this later. For now, you go get some rest."
I almost growled at her before I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose as the thought of, 'what would Sheila say?' passed through my head followed by 'what would Rengosa do if I didn't agree?'. Then followed by the mental picture of Zrazta glaring at me until I complied.
Damn it. Even the females I don't sleep with are bossing me around. Even worse, she was right.
"…Fine." I admitted with another sigh, shaking my head and taking off my satchel, "On the condition that you actually get some sleep tonight."
Alexis nodded, "…Fair enough."
Forcing a small smile, I walked over to sink down in one of the free chairs, closing my eyes to try to get some rest.
It didn't work; my mind kept whirling.
AN// Big thanks to Phant0m5 for betaing this section.
esotericist
A Weary Hand
- Location
- Lacey, WA
This kind of emotional damage is hard to repair without an impending disaster looming overhead.
With? They're both going to be wreckages for a while.
With? They're both going to be wreckages for a while.
Tisaku
Head Chief Thinkomancer
I have
Itsune
Eldritch horror, Ship's Cat, Emergency Gunner.
- Location
- Somewhere in King County Washington
Atreus needs a Dragon-kin form or saurial. Something that he can stretch his wings with out drawig too much notice.
Barring that he could ask about general policies on Dragons sleeping on the deck of a ship.
Sailor: Pardon sir,
Atreus: Zzzzzzxxxxx...
Sailor: Sir Please wake up.
Atreus: Zzzzzxxxx, Hn? wha?
Sailor: could you please move to the middle deck, your causing us to list.
Atreus: 'K.
Barring that he could ask about general policies on Dragons sleeping on the deck of a ship.
Sailor: Pardon sir,
Atreus: Zzzzzzxxxxx...
Sailor: Sir Please wake up.
Atreus: Zzzzzxxxx, Hn? wha?
Sailor: could you please move to the middle deck, your causing us to list.
Atreus: 'K.
I do not think that will help. The problem with staying transformed is that the polymorph spell is an actual transformation, not an illusion or some other magic shenanigans. There is no risk of being 'stuck' because the spell is like a loaded spring and Atregos must feed it magic to maintain his mortal form, but the transformation is physical. I imagine he gets 'itches' when transformed for too long for the same reason amputees have phantom sensation or pain in limbs that do not exist. Atregos's brain knows that he is a dragon, but is forced to work a different body. No matter what form he is using, eventually his instincts are going to kick in and scream, "fuck this we are not feeding this bullshit spell any more power."
I am kind of hope Atregos forgets to explain that he is under a polymorph spell at the Gatewatch meeting, and someone hits him with a dispel because they think his twitching is suspicious. Suddenly dragon!
39
I slowly made my way down the stairs from the upper floor, the spiral staircase leading down into a massive room, a library filled with books, scrolls and notes.
All centered around a table.
The setting sun filtered in through the high windows, lighting up the scene as Alexis and Ajani followed me down the stairs.
Around the table were five people. Three women and two men.
A woman wearing purple and black, raven hair flowing down her bare shoulders as she sat with her legs crossed, leaned back in her chair as she watched us idly.
Next to her was a redhead with shoulder-length hair, her clothes a mix of cloth and armor, on her forehead was a pair of googles with red lenses. She was leaning back in her hair, her feet on the table.
Across from them was the third woman, an elf from the ears. She had long dark hair in a braid down her back and looked like she would rather be pretty much anywhere than where she was right now.
Next to her was a man in ornate armor with long dark hair, brushed back. The armor was silver and gold, accented by blue cloth. It reminded me a bit of the armor of the royal Stormwind guard.
At the head of the table was the last man. He was wearing blue and a cloak, the hood pulled up, leaving his face in shadows.
"Ajani. Good to see you again." The man in the armor said with a smile. "Welcome to Ravnica."
"You as well, Gideon." Ajani said with a nod and a smile of his own.
The man at the head of the table stood up, looking over at me. "I am Jace Beleren. I am the administrator of our group," he said before he got to the introductions, "This is Gideon Jura, he is the field commander."
He continued around the table. "Lilliana Vess," he said, introducing the woman with the raven hair before continuing: "Nissa Revane," he said, the elf opening her almost glowing green eyes to glance at me before looking away again, "and Chandra Nalaar."
The redhead studied me, looking curious, her arms crossed.
"I understand from the guards that you have come seeking assistance from the Gatewatch." He then continued, looking back at me.
I nodded. "I do. My name is Atregos. You have already met Ajani Goldmane. This is Alexis Castle, his student and my friend."
Jace nodded and sat back down. "What is it you wish of the Gatewatch?"
I spent a moment gathering my thoughts before I answered. "My world is under assault by demonic forces lead by the Dark Titan, Sargeras. His people created mine and all other species on Azeroth. The Titans were unbelievably powerful and knowledgable, every single one of them a living god. He killed them all and created the Burning Legion: his own personal force of infinite numbers of demons. He has already conquered what may be infinite worlds and now he is coming for Azeroth. He has been repelled before. It will not happen this time."
"How do you know?" Gideon asked. "That he will not be repelled this time?"
"Because he wasn't," I explained. "In about five months, our last, final assault will fail. I saw it happen, I was there. Me and one other dragon was sent back in time by one of our leaders to find a way to stop it."
Jace shifted in his seat as he watched me. "Dragon?"
I just nodded. "I'm a dragon. Taking mortal form was one of the abilities the Titans gave my people when they made us the guardians of Azeroth."
There was a general glancing around the table before Gideon looked over at Ajani. "You are willing to vouch for this Dragon?"
Ajani looked at me for a moment that was longer than I would have liked before he nodded. "My student is a good judge of character."
Jace nodded slowly as he stared at me. "Which plane are the Burning Legion invading from?"
"Azeroth." I said and shook my head. "Azeroth is the name of the world, but I also use it as the name of the Plane. It is, however, a misnomer as the Azerothian Plane is made up of many, many, possibly infinite, Worlds separated by the Twisting Nether the demons originate from. They are launching the assault from one of these worlds, but we don't know which. We have no way to get there in any case."
"We can't help you." Jace Beleren said and rested his hands on the table. "I'm sorry, but the Gatewatch was created to stop hostile Planeswalkers from causing damage to the multiverse. This sounds like a intraplanar conflict."
I just stared at him. "What?"
"Jace is right," Gideon sighed. "We can't keep the peace for all the multiverse, no matter how much we might like to. We must focus on what we can do and what we can do, is to stop inter-planar threats."
Alexis slowly shook her head, looking shocked. "Hundreds of thousands, millions of people will die! Even if we manage to get the original plan working and we win, tens of thousands will be erased from existence! How can you sit here and do nothing!?"
Silence.
Nissa opened her eyes again to look at me before she sighed and looked away. "I'm sorry."
I triggered the transformation and returned to my real form, the spreading of my wings creating gusts of wind, sending paper and scrolls of parchment flying. "You would see Azeroth burn rather than help us because there isn't a Planeswalker doing it!?" I snarled at him.
Gideons hand slipped down onto his sword. "If we could help, we would, Dragon." he said and stood up. "I'm sorry."
The woman, Chandra stood up as well and swept her arm to the side. "This is bullshit!"
"Chandra…"
"No, seriously. This is bullshit! Dragon or not, this sounds like the exact thing that happened on Zendikar! We stopped the Eldrazi then! Nissa, back me up here!"
Jace shook his head. "Chandra, Zendikar was different. They would have destroyed the entire Plane and then moved on to the next. This is a group of demons invading another section of the same Plane. It is outside our operational parameters. We keep these limits for a reason and you know it."
I growled at him, causing Alexis to put her hand on my snout, shooting me a look that said 'calm down before you get hurt'.
Letting out a snort, I lowered my snout in submission, stopping my growling. She was right after all. Even if these people wouldn't help, getting into a fight wouldn't help anyone.
No matter how pissed I was.
"Atreus, let's go." Alexis said and glared at them. "It's clear they have better things to do. Like sitting in the dark, thinking about how important they are."
No use spending more time here. I turned and moved along with her, flipping their table over with a flick of my tail as I did before returning to mortal form to walk out the door.
Not that I'm petty or anything.
AN// Big thanks to Grey Rook for betaing this section.
All centered around a table.
The setting sun filtered in through the high windows, lighting up the scene as Alexis and Ajani followed me down the stairs.
Around the table were five people. Three women and two men.
A woman wearing purple and black, raven hair flowing down her bare shoulders as she sat with her legs crossed, leaned back in her chair as she watched us idly.
Next to her was a redhead with shoulder-length hair, her clothes a mix of cloth and armor, on her forehead was a pair of googles with red lenses. She was leaning back in her hair, her feet on the table.
Across from them was the third woman, an elf from the ears. She had long dark hair in a braid down her back and looked like she would rather be pretty much anywhere than where she was right now.
Next to her was a man in ornate armor with long dark hair, brushed back. The armor was silver and gold, accented by blue cloth. It reminded me a bit of the armor of the royal Stormwind guard.
At the head of the table was the last man. He was wearing blue and a cloak, the hood pulled up, leaving his face in shadows.
"Ajani. Good to see you again." The man in the armor said with a smile. "Welcome to Ravnica."
"You as well, Gideon." Ajani said with a nod and a smile of his own.
The man at the head of the table stood up, looking over at me. "I am Jace Beleren. I am the administrator of our group," he said before he got to the introductions, "This is Gideon Jura, he is the field commander."
He continued around the table. "Lilliana Vess," he said, introducing the woman with the raven hair before continuing: "Nissa Revane," he said, the elf opening her almost glowing green eyes to glance at me before looking away again, "and Chandra Nalaar."
The redhead studied me, looking curious, her arms crossed.
"I understand from the guards that you have come seeking assistance from the Gatewatch." He then continued, looking back at me.
I nodded. "I do. My name is Atregos. You have already met Ajani Goldmane. This is Alexis Castle, his student and my friend."
Jace nodded and sat back down. "What is it you wish of the Gatewatch?"
I spent a moment gathering my thoughts before I answered. "My world is under assault by demonic forces lead by the Dark Titan, Sargeras. His people created mine and all other species on Azeroth. The Titans were unbelievably powerful and knowledgable, every single one of them a living god. He killed them all and created the Burning Legion: his own personal force of infinite numbers of demons. He has already conquered what may be infinite worlds and now he is coming for Azeroth. He has been repelled before. It will not happen this time."
"How do you know?" Gideon asked. "That he will not be repelled this time?"
"Because he wasn't," I explained. "In about five months, our last, final assault will fail. I saw it happen, I was there. Me and one other dragon was sent back in time by one of our leaders to find a way to stop it."
Jace shifted in his seat as he watched me. "Dragon?"
I just nodded. "I'm a dragon. Taking mortal form was one of the abilities the Titans gave my people when they made us the guardians of Azeroth."
There was a general glancing around the table before Gideon looked over at Ajani. "You are willing to vouch for this Dragon?"
Ajani looked at me for a moment that was longer than I would have liked before he nodded. "My student is a good judge of character."
Jace nodded slowly as he stared at me. "Which plane are the Burning Legion invading from?"
"Azeroth." I said and shook my head. "Azeroth is the name of the world, but I also use it as the name of the Plane. It is, however, a misnomer as the Azerothian Plane is made up of many, many, possibly infinite, Worlds separated by the Twisting Nether the demons originate from. They are launching the assault from one of these worlds, but we don't know which. We have no way to get there in any case."
"We can't help you." Jace Beleren said and rested his hands on the table. "I'm sorry, but the Gatewatch was created to stop hostile Planeswalkers from causing damage to the multiverse. This sounds like a intraplanar conflict."
I just stared at him. "What?"
"Jace is right," Gideon sighed. "We can't keep the peace for all the multiverse, no matter how much we might like to. We must focus on what we can do and what we can do, is to stop inter-planar threats."
Alexis slowly shook her head, looking shocked. "Hundreds of thousands, millions of people will die! Even if we manage to get the original plan working and we win, tens of thousands will be erased from existence! How can you sit here and do nothing!?"
Silence.
Nissa opened her eyes again to look at me before she sighed and looked away. "I'm sorry."
I triggered the transformation and returned to my real form, the spreading of my wings creating gusts of wind, sending paper and scrolls of parchment flying. "You would see Azeroth burn rather than help us because there isn't a Planeswalker doing it!?" I snarled at him.
Gideons hand slipped down onto his sword. "If we could help, we would, Dragon." he said and stood up. "I'm sorry."
The woman, Chandra stood up as well and swept her arm to the side. "This is bullshit!"
"Chandra…"
"No, seriously. This is bullshit! Dragon or not, this sounds like the exact thing that happened on Zendikar! We stopped the Eldrazi then! Nissa, back me up here!"
Jace shook his head. "Chandra, Zendikar was different. They would have destroyed the entire Plane and then moved on to the next. This is a group of demons invading another section of the same Plane. It is outside our operational parameters. We keep these limits for a reason and you know it."
I growled at him, causing Alexis to put her hand on my snout, shooting me a look that said 'calm down before you get hurt'.
Letting out a snort, I lowered my snout in submission, stopping my growling. She was right after all. Even if these people wouldn't help, getting into a fight wouldn't help anyone.
No matter how pissed I was.
"Atreus, let's go." Alexis said and glared at them. "It's clear they have better things to do. Like sitting in the dark, thinking about how important they are."
No use spending more time here. I turned and moved along with her, flipping their table over with a flick of my tail as I did before returning to mortal form to walk out the door.
Not that I'm petty or anything.
AN// Big thanks to Grey Rook for betaing this section.
Last edited:
esotericist
A Weary Hand
- Location
- Lacey, WA
Dragons aren't petty. It's part of the definition; they are always dignified.
Y'know. Like cats.
I can kinda see his point, trying to secure every single Plane would be madness.
- Location
- England
True, but he left no room for negotiation. Help a powerful planewalker out with his borderline-juristriction issue now and get help with an inter planar issue of your own later. A planewalker dragon with friends who can time travel? Seems like an asset you don't want to lose to me.
If Atreus would had mention the Dark Portal things might have gone differently. Instead of single Plane threat you would have a Multi-Plane threat.
Serpentine
Dark Arts Enthusiast
- Location
- The Tower of Ghenjei
Atreus could go search for Big Nic for help, y'know as a fellow dragon. Right?
Serpentine
Dark Arts Enthusiast
- Location
- The Tower of Ghenjei
Probably a far better pick as a possible ally for Atreus, was joking anyway. As much as I love Bolas, he wouldn't be healthy for our heroic protagonist.