-Western Plaguelands-
The sun sank down behind the mountains of the newly cleansed Western Plaguelands, leaving behind a beautiful orange-yellow light on the evening sky, illuminating the forest before it finally disappeared behind its shelter. As the evening’s dark fell upon the land, a lone rider could be heard wandering the road.
Rachel lit up a torch as she rode through the dark woods. Knowing the way to Hearthglen, it would be but a couple of hours journey on horse’s back. Countless thoughts raced through her head as she trotted the road. It was over. Deathwing, the Destroyer and Aspect of Death, had finally met his end. The Cataclysm was over. The greatest threat to Azeroth, vanquished. Yet, she felt… empty. An emptiness she had not felt since the war against the Lich King in Northrend had ended, a war she barely survived, let alone won. If not for Tirion Fordring and King Terenas, rest his soul, she would be... She shook her head, dismissing the thought.
What could it be? Why did she feel like this? A war that had claimed thousands of lives, of friends, foes and innocents alike, was over. It was a time to rejoice and bask in the triumph over evil, yet she couldn’t. After pondering for what had seemed like and eternity she finally came to a realization. Could it be that she… enjoyed war? That she missed it? Was that what she was destined to do for the rest of her life? Fighting? She was momentarily struck dumb by these thoughts. She frowned and shook her head. She was disgusted by herself for even thinking that was the case.
”No. It is not like that. I am not like that…” she muttered under her breath.
Before she could re-think the subject, a flashback hit her with a great deal of force.
-Orgrimmar, after the Fall of Deathwing-
“Come on, Rachel! Just a small taste! This party is for us all!”
Eruanna held several mugs of ale in her hands while trying to push one on Rachel. She stumbled, spilling the ale all over the floor and the table she and Rachel sat at.
Rachel frowned and sighed wearily. “Eruanna, I’m not interested in trying this kind of beverage. You know well I don’t drink alcohol.”
Eruanna snorted before letting out a bark of laughter. “Come on, Rachel! This a day to be celebrated! We saved the world! We are heroes!” The warrior pushed the mug closer to her increasingly vexed friend. Rachel tried to push it away but Eruanna persisted.
Rachel let out a ragged sigh. “Eruanna…”
Eruanna smirked. “Try it." She poked her friend's shoulder. "Come on… Try it!”
Rachel covered her face with both hands before sighing in defeat. “If I try one, will you stop pestering me with it?”
Eruanna nodded. “Sure thing.” She belched whilst standing slightly unsteady, the alcohol obviously starting to take effect.
Rachel grabbed the mug and slowly brought it to her face. She hesitated briefly before deciding to just get it over with. Rachel half gagged at the taste of the ale but she forced herself to keep it down. This caused Eruanna to break into uncontrollable laughter until she slipped on the ale she had spilled earlier and knocked herself unconscious on the table end. Rachel sighed. If this was what saving Azeroth was going to be like every time, she half considered staying at home next time the world was plunged into conflict…
But... where was home?
-Present day-
Rachel was cut off from her thoughts by a loud, fiery explosion in front of her. Her horse stood up on its hind legs, throwing her off its back as it ran off into the woods.
“Sunrise!” Rachel called out for her equine companion to return, but to no avail.
She quickly stood up as another fiery explosion burst out next to her, causing her to instinctively jump to the side, barely avoiding it. As she reassembled her thoughts, looking for the attacker she noticed several winged and horned figures emerging from the dark woods. Demons.
“These lands have suffered enough! By the Light - I shall send you back the dark void where you belong! You will not defile this world with your presence any longer!“ She spat.
Readying her weapon and shield she charged at the demonic creatures. Dodging their attacks she brought down her hammer on one’s head, crushing its skull. As the demon collapsed she slammed her shield into the face of an attacking demon while swinging her light-blessed weapon on another, smashing into its ribs. For every demon that fell two more emerged from the forest.
After minutes of intense fighting the last remaining demon was slain. Rachel dropped to one knee, exhausted, her hands shaking. The war had certainly taken its toll on her. She looked down at her hammer. She smirked slightly at the chain strapped to its handle, attaching it to her glove. The veteran paladins of the Order of the Silver Hand had certainly taught her valuable lessons that benefited her greatly in combat.
She slowly got to her feet as she gathered her senses. She sheathed her shield while looking around at the numerous demonic corpses. She would have to burn them and destroy the fel taint. She would-
Before she could finish her thoughts an enormous explosion filled her ears as a giant, flaming orb of fire was hurled at her, sending her crashing into a nearby tree.
Rachel desperately attempted to get up, her ears ringing and her vision greatly blurred by the impact. As her vision cleared she could make out a large figure charging towards her. Before she could react the creature brought its clenched fists down on her head before grabbing her by the throat. It then proceeded to pummel her in the stomach furiously before it slammed her repeatedly into the tree.
Rachel profusely gasped for air, barely able to keep herself conscious. The demon lifted her up, planning to slam her into the ground with a great deal of force. Before the blow was delivered, however, a dark but somehow soothing voice sounded from behind the demon.
“Easy, my minion. We don’t want to kill her - yet.” A black robed man entered Rachel‘s field of vision.
“Be kind and drop her, would you?“ The man smirked evilly as Rachel landed, no doubt painfully, on the ground with a loud thud.
The man walked closer and knelt down beside her before speaking. “I sincerely apologise for my minion’s behaviour…” He let out a cold chuckle. “But then again; you slaughtered many of his friends.”
Rachel coughed up blood. She breathed heavily as she attempted to speak, though the only sounds emerging were those of deep breathing and indecipherable words.
The robed man leaned himself closer, lifting her by the cheek to meet his gaze. “I’m sorry, my dear, I didn’t quite catch that. You may want to speak up if I am to understand you.”
Rachel frowned and spat blood in his eye, causing the demon to kicking her in the ribcage several times, breaking her ribs. She howled in pain as she hit the ground, shaking profusely in agony.
The robed man wiped the blood away from his face and kicked her hard in the stomach making her choke on a scream. “Now, that was rude. Didn’t mommy teach you any manners?” He grinned at her. “But knowing her correctly I highly doubt that…” Rachel reacted to this. Mustering enough air and strength, she spoke between gasps.
“Wh-what d-do you know… about my m-mother..?” She coughed heavily as she attempted to speak.
The robed man let out a cold chuckle. “How rude of me! I didn’t even introduce myself, did I? My name is Gathriel.“ He took a small bow. “I am but a humble servant of your lovely mother. She sent me to, quite bluntly, dispose of you. Quite easier than I would ever have dared to assume, I might add.” He finished lamely.
Rachel glared at him, her eyes starting to well up. This caused Gathriel to grin hideously. “Now now, don’t worry, my dear. By ‘dispose of’ I do not refer to kill. Not directly, that is. I’m simply here to perform a experiment crafted by your dear mother.” Before she could question him, Gathriel’s hands began to glow green with fel magic as he started to cast a spell that made the ground shake violently. As he channeled his magic Rachel noticed he had started to sweat. The spell was obviously taxing him greatly.
Finally, the spell was completed. A flaming green portal striking lightning in all directions appeared before them. Gathriel smirked in satisfaction.
“Well, my dear, it appears this is goodbye. This spell has never before been tested. That is, until now, so your destination is rather unknown to us. Who knows? It could send you to a world undiscovered… or even the void.“ He paused briefly. “It matters not. The goal is to send you far away, never to return.” Gathriel laughed mockingly. Then his expression turned grave. “Time to finish this.” He sneered. “Minion!”
Without any hesitation the demon grabbed Rachel by the head and dragged her towards the portal. It lifted her up, preparing to cast her into it as dark tendrils from the portal started to wrap themselves around her.
Gathriel smiled mockingly. “Do not worry, my dear. I’ll be sure to give your dear mother your goodbyes. Not that she would care very much.“ He laughed maniacally. “Minion! Dispose of her!”
Before the demon could oblige, a blinding flash of light appeared above them, causing the demon to drop his captive and Gathriel to flinch while covering his eyes. Before either of them could react the demon was stunned by a powerful spell. Suddenly, Gathriel felt a pair of hands grab him tightly by his collar. He looked up in horror as he realized Rachel stood before him, glaring at him with cold eyes. He was about to counter her attack but the unstable summoning spell had exhausted his powers greatly. Rachel used his delay to her advantage and quickly brought her fist to his face, distracting him.
She tightened her grip around his collar as the portal‘s tendrils dragged her closer. There was no escaping the portal now… “If I am to die in an unknown, light forsaken place then I’m taking you with me!”
With the last portion of strength she possessed, she flung herself and Gathriel into the portal. Before the portal consumed them both a final thought ran through her head.
‘Eruanna. Thrall. Tirion. Everyone… Oh, Altric, my love… I’m so sorry. Farewell.’
With that, the portal dispersed.
Once again, silence fell upon the dark forest. With only the shining, bleak moon on the night sky and the howling wind to keep it company.
-Ponyville, a few hours earlier-
Fluttershy trotted over the bridge from her cottage with Winona placed on her back. The poor thing had sprained her leg while helping Applejack round up the cattle, so Applejack had immediately brought her to Fluttershy, knowing that Fluttershy‘s treatment of animals was matched by no other pony she knew.
Fluttershy, being the sweet, kind animal caretaker she is, were happy to help her friend’s pet. “Don’t you worry, Winona. Just stay off that leg for a few weeks and it should heal quickly.” She smiled as the dog barked in understanding.
Fluttershy turned her attention to the road towards Sweet Apple Acres, thinking back to what had happened in Equestria the last few months. Everything she and her friends had gone through, both good and bad. Fighting and ultimately defeating a mad spirit of chaos being one of many great accomplishments. They had even attended a royal wedding. That was by far the most grand experience in Fluttershy’s life, even if things hadn‘t gone exactly as planned... She was excited, and just a little worried, about what adventures could occur next. She giggled to herself, brushing off her worries. She just knew life from now on was going to be perfect.
-Some time later, Sweet Apple Acres-
Applejack was just about done with her applebucking when she saw Fluttershy trotting on the road with Winona resting on her back. With a smile, she galloped over to meet them. “Well, hello to y’all, Fluttershy. How’s my Winona holdin’ up?”
The timid pegasus placed Winona carefully on the ground before speaking. “Oh, she’ll be alright. She just has to be careful and not put too much pressure on her leg, that’s all.” She smiled softly.
Applejack smiled warmly. “Well thank you kindly, Fluttershy. Ah knew if somepony could help Winona out it would be you.”
Fluttershy blushed lightly at her friend’s words. She wasn’t very used to being praised, let alone had she ever thought it necessary, but she didn’t mind when kind words were directed at her. “It’s nothing, Applejack, I love taking care of and helping animals. Especially my friends’ pets.”
The Stetson hat wearing pony chuckled. ”Eeyup, and we’re most grateful to you, sugarcube.” She paused for a moment before something seemingly came to mind. ”Say, Granny Smith just finished cookin’ up some apple pies. Would ya care for a piece? Least Ah can do to thank you for helpin’ Winona out.”
”Oh… I- I, uhm, would love to but I have to get back home and feed my critters before it gets dark.” The meek pegasus cringed slightly, hoping she had not offended her friend by declining the offer.
”Oh. Okay. That’s alright, Fluttershy. Ah understand. Can’t have ’em cute little critters of yours go hungry now.” Applejack half-smiled.
”Thank you for understanding, Applejack. I really hate to turn down your offer though...”
”Don’t you worry none, Fluttershy. I’ll be sure to save you a slice.” Applejack chuckled. ”You take care now.”
The pegasus smiled and bid the farm pony goodbye, grateful for her friend’s gesture. As she trotted towards her home she noticed dark was coming unnaturally fast. ”Hm, that’s odd… It’s not that late.” She paused for a moment. ”Hmm. It’s probably the time of the season changing. I better hurry before it becomes too dark. I don’t want the critters to go to bed without their supper.” With that she picked up her pace, heading home to her cottage.
-Fluttershy’s cottage-
Arriving at the proper time, Fluttershy noticed the critters had not yet left for their sleep. Letting out a light sigh in relief she proceeded to feed the animals gathering around her.
Few minutes after the animals had been fed they went to slumber. All save for one little critter. Fluttershy smiled at it. ”Oh. Hello there, little squirrel. I’m sorry, I think you should go to bed now.” The squirrel just chirped in protest before it sped out the still open front door and into the woods, making the pink maned pegasus panic like never before.
”Oh no! Please, little squirrel! Baby squirrels aren’t supposed to be out at this hour! Especially not in the woods!” She gave chase before realising the door was still open. Before closing it she called out. ”Angel, I have to bring Chirp back before he gets lost in the forest! Watch the cottage while I’m out, please.” With that she gave chase after the runaway squirrel.
-The Everfree Forest-
Fluttershy cringed at every sound coming from the shadows between the trees as she wandered through the darkened forest. She was deathly afraid of anything that could be in hiding, watching her every step. Aside from dragons, the Everfree Forest was the thing she feared the most.
She thought about the time she saved the Cutie Mark Crusaders from a bad behaving Cockatrice by ”giving it a piece of her mind while beating it in a staring contest” as the Crusaders had described it. She felt herself smile meekly when thinking back to that moment. Pondering the subject for a moment she felt herself becoming slightly braver. Poor little Chirp… Alone and afraid in the terrible Everfree Forest. She immensely hoped nothing bad had happened to him.
Her musing was cut short by a gnawing sound nearby. She looked between some bushes and saw, to her great relief, Chirp sitting on a rock, casually eating an acorn.
”Chirp! Thank Celestia I’ve found you! I was so worried that something might have happened to you!”
Chirp looked up at the yellow pegasus before returning to his feast. Fluttershy sat down next to the rock. ”Well, now that you’ve had your little adventure, how about we go back to the cottage and get some well-deserved sleep?” The squirrel stopped eating and rolled its eyes before submitting to Fluttershy’s will. He dropped the acorn and climbed on to her back.
Fluttershy smiled. ”Good. Luckily we’re not too far away from-” A blinding flash suddenly filled her vision, followed by a thunderous explosion, making her jump high in the air out of sheer panic.
”EEEP!” Shocked nearly witless by the sudden explosion, she leapt into a nearby bush with blazing speed. After several minutes she mustered enough courage to peek out from her hiding place.
She scanned the area for whatever that may have caused the explosion. When finding nothing she slowly moved out of the bush. When she was halfway out her eyes suddenly locked onto a strange figure lying on the ground a few meters away. With a meek ’eep’ she darted back into her former hiding place. After a minute of waiting she slowly moved her gaze to the thing lying on the ground.
Despite her nervousness she felt herself move closer to the strange figure lying motionless on the ground. When she got a few hooves closer she were able to get a better view of what the creature looked like. Its form reminded her of that of a Diamond Dog or a monkey, only a lot different shaped. Instead of fur it had bare skin. It wore a cloak and it was covered in armour that would make the royal guards turn green with jealous. The armour looked as if it had been made out of silver, and gold markings engraved into the plate adorned the surface. The shoulderplates were shaped like angelic wings, and a blue glowing crystal was placed in the centre of each piece. Only its belly were exposed, and the creature wore no helmet. As she inspected the chest area she noticed a necklace with an emblem of a lion wearing a golden crown.
Fluttershy’s attention was then drawn to its claw, or at least what could resemble a claw with an extra digit to it. It reminded her, again, more of a monkey’s hand, only thinner and slightly different shaped.
Fluttershy moved her attention to the items the creature carried. A large tome was strapped to its waist with chains. The book looked as if it was sealed with a simple locking mechanism. Moving on, she noticed it carried a golden shield on its back. She couldn’t make much more out its shape or appearance since the creature was lying on top of it. She looked down on the creature’s other hand and recoiled at what she saw. A yellow-glowing hammer drenched in blood was chained to its glove. She cringed at as she thought of how the blood could have gotten there. Whatever this creature was, it was evidently very dangerous. With this worrying thought in the back of her head she moved her gaze to the creature’s face.
Fluttershy’s theories about the creature being a danger evaporated slightly at its appearance. It had long, pointy ears. And they rested on the side of the creature’s head, and not on top. It’s light-orange coloured mane was fixed into a ponytail. Fluttershy could make out a set of emerald brooches keeping it in place. She then took in the shape of the creature’s facial appearance. Instead of a muzzle it had a small triangle-shaped nose.
Fluttershy tilted her head as she moved closer to the creature. It looked very peaceful in its sleep. The pegasus actually felt a strange sense of tranquillity while looking at it in its unconscious state. She now considered it to be more friendly than dangerous. Though she still felt uncertain.
Suddenly the creature stirred, making Fluttershy back away slightly. It slowly opened its eyes but closed them again as it groaned in pain. Hearing this, Fluttershy immediately rushed to its side, her caring instincts automatically kicking in. ”Oh no! A-are you hurt?” The creature suddenly gasped weakly for air. Fluttershy could almost decipher words between the gasps. ”You poor thing! Don’t worry, my cottage isn’t far away from here. I’ll take you there at once!”
Fluttershy tried to lift the creature up to carry it on her back, but the creature’s soft groans of pain stopped her attempts. The least the wanted was to cause the poor thing even more pain.
After pondering her options, a loud chirping noise suddenly caught Fluttershy’s attention. She looked down seeing Chirp motioning to the creature’s cloak, making gestures of hauling. ”Oh, yes! Great idea Chirp! We only have to make sure it doesn’t hurt our friend.”
After grabbing hold of the top of the creature’s cloak, Fluttershy started to slowly move backwards. After only hearing a slightly increase in breathing she started to pull faster, carefully making sure she was not causing the creature any pain in the process.
Suddenly an earth trembling thud sounded before them. Fluttershy looked up, fearfully expecting to see a manticore. Though manticores were predators she was certain she could convince it to leave them be. What she saw instead petrified her with fear.
Towering above them stood a massive horned and winged figure. It bore resemblance to a minotaur, only winged and much, much taller and well built. Not to mention it was many times more terrifying with its sharp teeth and spiky tail. Fluttershy had never seen a creature more terrifying than what was standing before her. It did not seem chaotically unpredictable as Discord, not mystic as Nightmare Moon or cunning as Queen Chrysalis. No, this creature reeked of only evil and anger. Its soulless eyes spoke only one word.
Kill.
_______________________________________________________________
The Doomguard sneered at the yellow equine, baring its razor sharp teeth at the terrified little creature. He scanned it for a moment. This creature reeked of happiness and harmony. He roared loudly, causing the equine to cower whimpering in fear. He snorted. Pathetic. Such cowardice alone was infuriating to his kind. And the disgusting aura of purity it emitted was making his blood boil. He would make sure to eat the equine as soon as he had settled his score.
The Doomguard turned his gaze to the beaten elf the equine had been dragging. He growled as he still remembered the slaughtering of his brothers and the accursed holy spell that had struck him. Both performed by the very same creature that lied before him, broken and defeated. He stomped forward, reaching out for both the broken knife ear and the terrified winged equine. Though the demon had not noticed the little squirrel climbing up its leg.
_______________________________________________________________
Fluttershy could only watch in horror as the massive hands reached out for her and the long-eared creature. She whimpered in fright. If only Rainbow Dash, Applejack or Twilight had been here. They would know what to do.
But they weren’t here. It was only Fluttershy. She was alone and helpless, soon to… die… at the hands of a hideous monster. She was never going to see any of her friends ever again, and who was going to take care of her animal friends? She clenched her tear-soaked eyes shut as she waited for the inevitable end to come.
All of a sudden the monster roared in what Fluttershy could recognise as pain. She looked up and saw Chirp biting down with all his strength on the monster’s snout. The monster tried to grab the baby squirrel but Chirp was too fast. This aggravated the monster to no end. Its eyes burned with fury as it swung its massive arms wildly in attempts to shake the critter off.
While all this was happening, Fluttershy suddenly heard a low chant in a language she had never heard before coming from the armour welding creature. The creature had started to stir, bending its limbs in an attempt to get up.
Suddenly a load stomp could be heard. Fluttershy quickly turned her head in time to see Chirp flying towards her with immense speed, luckily landing safely in her mane. She looked up to see the monster’s face scrunched up in uncontrollable rage. Its eyes bloodshot with anger over the squirrel’s defiance. It charged towards them, roaring in its blood-driven frenzy. She curled herself together, still looking at the rampaging monster. She could only hope that her friends would be safe from this creature. She only wished she could say goodbye one last time…
However, before the monster could reach them, a dim light shot down from the sky, causing the massive monster to halt in its charge. The armoured creature slowly got to its knees, its chanting growing louder as it turned its gaze to the heavens. It brought its left hand to its chest and clenched it around the insignia fastened in the chain hanging around its neck. The light around the creature now shone brighter, making the monster back away slightly. Fluttershy noticed the creature’s hammer had started to glow like newly heated steel as the chanting intensified.
Before Fluttershy could decide whether she should be afraid or joyful, the illuminating light around the creature radiated like the sun. All of a sudden a pair of angelic wings purely made of light materialized from the creature’s back as the chanting concluded.
The monster roared, raising its arms in the air, ready to strike at the light-infused creature. The creature rose to its feet, quickly blocking the monster’s blows, causing the monster recoil, roaring in pain. The now red-glowing weapon appeared to sear its skin. Before the monster could retaliate, the creature cried out as it swung its weapon at the hulking monstrosity, hitting its ribcage and sending it crashing to the ground with bone-shattering force.
Fluttershy watched in awe as the profusely hurt creature struck the immense monster down despite it being twice its size. The monster weakly pushed itself up, screeching in defiance at the angelic being. The creature lifted the hammer to the skies, and slammed it into the monster’s head. A sickening crunch of the monster’s skull breaking echoed throughout the forest.
Shaking as she stood up, Fluttershy felt herself move closer to the radiating being, despite just witnessing the violent and macabre scene caused by these two strange entities. She immediately froze on the spot as the creature turned around to face her. She cringed at the sight. The creature’s eyes burned with fury, and the glowing hammer was still tightly grasped it its palm. Yet Fluttershy felt an immense feeling of… safety. She had never felt this safe around anypony before. Not even Celestia herself had an aura of such grace around her. It was as if all the world's kindness and generosity was gathered in one single entity, shining like a beacon from this strange creature.
She inspected the creature more closely, its expression having softened almost immediately as its gaze had met the yellow pegasus. Its eyes still burned with light. No longer in rage, but with determination and righteousness. Its massive light-materialized wings gleamed with each flap they made. Fluttershy felt drawn to this creature. This creature was… kind and just, if not goodness and justice incarnate.
Fluttershy now found herself standing only a few feet from it, having unconsciously moved closer. Suddenly the wings on the creature dispersed, the light burning in its eyes also slowly fading away. Fluttershy could now see its eyes’ true colour. They were green as emeralds, and only a dim green glow remained. But even without the righteous light burning in them, the creature’s eyes still contained nothing but kindness and benevolence.
Fluttershy kept staring at the creature’s eyes, almost shamefully so. Suddenly the creature knelt down to her level, causing the meek pegasus to flinch slightly. Fluttershy now found herself making direct eye contact with the creature, her teal eyes locked with the its emerald greens. She took in its shape. Judging by its thin and sleek form Fluttershy guessed it was female. Though she wasn't entirely sure. She slowly relaxed her body language and smoothed her tension. The creature’s lips then formed into a genuine smile.
Not knowing how or why, Fluttershy too felt herself smile at the creature’s calming expression. The creature opened its mouth, seemingly to speak before its smile faltered and it collapsed unconscious to the ground.
The pegasus darted to its side, remembering the poor thing was still injured, though strangely, they now looked far less severe. Not giving this any thought, she repeated her previous method of moving the creature. The only thing that was on her mind was getting it to safety. Grabbing hold of its cloak, she proceeded to drag it out of the forest to her cottage.
After finally arriving at her destination, Fluttershy placed the still unconscious creature on her sofa. Turning around she saw Angel shooting the creature a mistrusting glare. The white rabbit turned his gaze to his owner, cocking an eyebrow.
”Don’t worry, Angel Bunny. The creature is friendly. It will only be staying with us until it feels better.” The pegasus trotted upstairs to her bedroom. Angel still stood next to the sofa, suspiciously inspecting the creature. He kept staring for a short time before deciding to go to bed, still eyeing the strange entity sleeping on the sofa.
Fluttershy pondered the situation. She would have to tell he friends about this creature. She had never seen anything like it before, and something about this whole situation kept worrying her. ”Alright. First thing in the morning; talk to Twilight.” She said determined before drifting off to sleep.
