//------------------------------// // Chapter 40 // Story: Beyond the Portal // by Firestar463 //------------------------------// The Changeling squirmed against its bindings, but was unable to break free. With its transformation abilities restrained by the enchanted shackles around its front hooves, there was no chance for it to escape. Especially not with so many others in the room. A dozen others were seated at a long conference table nearby, all staring directly at it as it continued its futile struggle. Kyle and Scootaloo sat closest to it, at one of the corners of the table. To Scootaloo’s left were the two Princesses, each showing various levels of concern on their faces. To Celestia’s left, Varian was staring at the Changeling with nothing short of contempt in his eyes. The various other leaders of the Alliance seemed far less hateful as they also stared at the struggling Changeling. Ever since it had awoken from its blow to the head, it had resisted its captivity at any possible opportunity. Kyle had been tempted no less than three times to simply kill the Changeling and get rid of the burden of keeping it around. But each time, he reminded himself that this Changeling was the only one left that could answer the questions they had. “I thought you said that portal was safe!” Varian all but snarled at Celestia. “Now those light-forsaken beasts are here in Azeroth!” To her credit, Celestia did not flinch under Varian’s withering glare. Instead, she met his gaze evenly. “We do not know how they got through,” she replied calmly. “But I assure you, finding out how will be our top priority as soon as we return.” “But what is it?” A small voice asked from Varian’s left. A small figure was sitting in what appeared to be a mechanical spider, with the seat raised up to allow him to see over the table. His sparse hair was snow-white, as was his beard and mustache. A set of green goggles covered his eyes, though all could see he was staring at the Changeling with great interest. This was Gelbin Mekkatorque, High Tinkerer of the Gnomes. “A Changeling,” Luna replied. “A creature native to our homeworld of Equus. They live in hives, but all answer to the Grand Empress of their empire. Changelings have the ability to transform themselves into exact replicas of a Pony, taking on their appearance and voice and using acting and deception to remain undercover. They do this in order to obtain their primary source of food - love.” “So they’re emotional vampires,” A female voice said, hard and cold. Kyle glanced down at the source of the voice. Like Gelbin, this Human’s hair was pure white, but not with age - the single blonde lock of hair was testament to this. She was dressed in a long, ornate robe that flowed down her body. resting against the table just next to her right hand was a long staff, tipped with a large green crystal. Kyle instantly recognized Lady Jaina Proudmoore, Archmagus of the Kirin Tor. “In a sense,” Celestia nodded. “And these Changelings are a part of the threat facing Equus at this very moment. The other being the Sha, who I’ve heard have, until recently, also plagued your world.” “For nearly ten thousand years,” A female Pandaren agreed. As a native of the Wandering Isle, Aysa Cloudsinger had escaped the worst of the horrors of the Sha, but she had seen first-hand what they could do both in Orgrimmar and in Pandaria. “We’ve already heard of these threats against yer world, Princess,” Falstad Wildhammer said impatiently. The High Thane of the Wildhammer Clan had been elected to represent the Council of the Three Hammers, who ruled over the Dwarves of Ironforge. “But I’m gonna be quite blunt with ye - ye’ve yet t’ explain how this affects us. Why should the Alliance get involved?” “Because the Changelings are now here,” Luna replied. “Somehow, they’ve already made their way into Azeroth. Unfortunately, this is no longer just Equus’s problem.” “But most of ‘em were killed,” Falstad countered. “And the last one is right o’er there,” he added with a jab of his thumb. “I say we jus’ shut the portal and end this fer good.” “You assume that all of these Changelings that made it through have been killed,” Aysa said. “What if they haven’t? What if some of them are still out there? What if they make a hive right here in Azeroth?” “Then we wipe them out,” Varian said grimly. “Simple as that.” “Like we’ve tried to wipe out the Forsaken?” Genn Greymane’s rough voice cut through the argument. He was in his Worgen form, and staring straight at Varian. “Or the Orcs? Or any number of other threats? Face it, Varian - The Alliance doesn’t exactly have a good record of permanently eliminating our enemies.” “And they’ve already attacked one of our own,” Gelbin agreed, nodding towards Kyle. “They have already shown hostile intentions. These Ponies seem to have some way of countering their activities. At the very least, they know far more about these Changelings than we do. It only makes sense to ally with them.” “Which brings us to my own question,” Another female voice cut in. Tyrande Whisperwind, High Priestess of Elune and leader of the Night Elves, stared directly at Luna. “Yesterday, we discussed a significant amount about your world, and what role your people play in it. I wish to know now - if the Alliance does aid you against this enemy, what can we expect in return?” “Of course, we would not expect to be aided without recompense,” Luna nodded. She glanced over at Celestia. “Sister?” “Yes,” Celestia turned her head towards Varian. “We have learned much about the recent history of the Alliance. Including some of your current troubles. Troubles we may be able to help with.” “Such as?” “I have heard of troubles in the land you call Westfall,” Celestia began. “Something about a drought?” “Among other things,” Varian muttered darkly. “We’ve been trying to help the people of Westfall, but we just don’t have the resources to combat the Defias. And even if we did, their downfall wouldn’t bring the rain we need.” “Yes, the Defias,” Celestia murmured. “Originally former members of the Stonemason’s Guild, if I recall correctly. Now, mostly comprised of those who have no other means of supporting themselves, who are reduced to banditry and thievery. Surely the drought in Westfall, and the burden on the farmers that it produces, would drive some to join the Defias.” “Perhaps,” Varian raised an eyebrow. “What are you getting at?” “We could end the drought.” Varian’s eyes went wide. The other leaders looked likewise surprised at Celestia’s statement, all staring at her with various levels of disbelief. “That is a rather bold claim,” Varian finally replied. “How, pray tell, do you plan to accomplish such a mighty feat?” “As you know, there are four types of Ponies in Equestria,” Celestia began. “One race, the Pegasi, have a very unique ability. They can manipulate clouds, or even create them. They can gather them to form rain storms. Indeed, all the weather in Equestria is managed by teams of Pegasi. Think of what such abilities might do for a drought-stricken Westfall.” “Impossible,” Falstad said defiantly. “Not even the greatest Shaman of the Earthen Ring can manipulate the elements on such a large scale.” “Perhaps Mr. Slater could vouch for the validity of these claims,” Tyrande suggested suddenly. “After all, he has lived amongst the Ponies for several months now.” Kyle nodded. “It’s true. I’ve seen Pegasi move clouds, start rain showers - I’ve even been told about a time a bunch of them got together and made a tornado.” “But of course, our return for your aid would not end there,” Celestia continued. “I’ve also been told that Equestria has certain technologies that have yet to be discovered in Azeroth. Mr. Slater, would you be so kind as to give a couple of examples?” “Sure. Among other things, they’ve harnessed the power of electricity. I’m not entirely sure how it works, but you can flick this small lever on, and a light turns on. And then you flick the lever again, and the light goes off. They also have another lever that, when pulled, produces a steady stream of water without the need for manual pumping.” By now, Kyle could see Gelbin practically drooling at the prospect of acquiring such knowledge. “And that’s only technological advancements,” he continued, shifting his gaze to Jaina. “Unicorns and Alicorns all have some innate magical ability, and the Ponies have developed many different types of magic that we’ve yet to discover. I’ve been told of a spell that will allow one to walk on clouds, one that will grant the recipient a pair of wings… A lot more that I’ve not even learned of yet.” “All of which we would be glad to share with the Alliance,” Celestia added. Jaina’s gaze softened, her eyes now filled with curiosity rather than suspicion. As Kyle had suspected, the Archmagus could not resist the lure of potentially learning new, previously undiscovered magic. Jaina noticed the small smile that formed on Kyle’s face, and she glanced away towards the final figure at the table. “Prophet Velen, you’ve been quiet thus far,” she commented. “What is your take on this?” The ancient Draenei leader glanced over at Jaina. “My opinion is rather simple,” he began, his voice laced with ancient wisdom. “A precedent was set when my people crash landed on Azuremyst Isle and the Kaldorei aided us. It was continued when the people of Gilneas were attacked, and the Night Elves once again came to their aid. In both cases, we fought a war on multiple fronts before offering aid. Now, another people come asking for help. Why should we deny them when we have not denied others in need?” “Because our forces are already stretched thin!” Falstad argued. “We’re now fightin’ not just here on Azeroth, but on Draenor too! We cannot -” “Enough.” Varian held up his hand, signaling for silence. “I believe we have heard what we need to hear today. Are there any further questions before we put it to the vote?” “I’ve one,” Genn announced. He turned his attention towards the two Princesses. “If we agree to aid you in this war of yours, and we are successful… what then? Would you join with us, given the offer?” Both Princesses remained silent. Luna glanced over at Kyle, who returned her gaze evenly. Celestia, meanwhile, closed her eyes and let out a long, deep sigh. Finally, she opened them again. “As has been said, our Ponies are not fighters,” she began slowly. “We have little to offer in the way of military aid. But, for what it is worth… if given the offer, then yes. Equestria would join the Alliance and contribute in whatever way we could.” Genn let out a small hum and nodded softly. He then turned his attention back to Varian. “I’ve nothing left to ask,” he said. “Very well. Anyone else?” Silence fell upon the room, broken only by the grunts of the still-struggling Changeling. “Very well, then let us begin the vote.” “For myself, on behalf of the people of Stormwind, I vote against. Our military forces are already spread far too thinly. We cannot afford to become involved in another struggle on another alien world.” “On behalf o’ the Dwarves of Ironforge, I agree with King Varian,” Falstad nodded. “Two of me best soldiers have already been lost t’ this conflict. I’d not see any more lose their lives in an alien world.” Aysa rose to her feet. “On behalf of the Tushui Pandaren, I vote in support of sending aid,” she said, almost defiantly. “An Alliance with Equestria would certainly help us with many problems at home, and I’ve a feeling we’ve enough soldiers to spare for this conflict if we look hard enough.” “I agree with Aysa,” Velen nodded. “As the noble races of Azeroth, we owe it to help others who are in need. It is what the Alliance was founded for - mutual self defense.” “I vote to remain neutral,” Tyrande said as she rose to her feet. “For the reasons already expressed by King Varian and Thane Falstad.” Gelbin rose to his feet as well, though this did little to increase his height. “I vote to aid Equestria,” he announced. “Doing so will prove to be beneficial to all parties involved. Learning these new technologies may in fact help us in Draenor, or against the Horde.” “I agree with High Tinkerer Mekkatorque,” Jaina nodded. “The acquisition of new knowledge, both magical and technological, will help us stop both Hordes and whatever schemes they have.” Kyle felt a small smile cross his face. Already, four of the eight representatives had agreed to aid Equestria. Only Genn Greymane remained to cast his vote. Kyle’s smile faltered as he realized that if Genn voted against intervention, the summit would end in a stalemate - which would lead to no action to aid Equestria. Genn rose slowly to his feet, looking around the table. The entire room was looking at him, and silence descended upon them. Even the Changeling had stopped squirming, though this was likely due more to tiredness than interest in the proceedings. Genn took a small breath. “Gilneas agrees…” he paused, and glanced around the room once more.” “... with Prophet Velen.” Kyle felt himself grin as Genn continued. “The Alliance has always helped out those in need… even when those receiving the aid have forsaken the Alliance in the past,” he added with a meaningful glance towards Varian. “The vote is five to three in favor of intervention,” Varian sighed. “Loath though I am to say it, the leadership of the Alliance has spoken. We will intervene and aid you in your war against the Changelings and the Sha, in exchange for weather control for our fields and the exchange of technology and magical discoveries.” “It will be done,” Luna assured him. “Thank you.” “Since we are already agreeing to aid in this war, we may as well do this properly," Varian continued. "As High King of the Alliance, I would offer Equestria an invitation to join us in mutual aid and self-defense against our enemies.” “An offer we would gladly accept.” Celestia smiled warmly. “Again, thank you King Varian.” “We can discuss the technicalities of this at some other point,” Varian announced. “For now though, there is but one question left. What to do with this… thing.” Varian gave a disgusted glare at the Changeling, who had resumed his struggling in the corner. “You may interrogate it if you wish,” Celestia said. “It was captured here in Ironforge. By all rights, its fate is now in the hoo - hands of Thane Falstad.” Falstad nodded and ran a finger through his beard. “We’ll put it in the dungeons and see if we can’t make it talk later,” he said. “In that case, I declare this meeting adjourned,” Varian announced, rising to his feet. “Thank you all for coming. Glory to the Alliance.” “Glory to the Alliance.” The call was echoed around the table by all of the gathered leaders, including Celestia and Luna. Kyle raised his fist towards Scootaloo, who bumped it with her hoof. Their visit to Azeroth had gone far better than Kyle had dared to hope, even considering the snowstorm and the Changeling attack. Scootaloo was his apprentice, the Alliance was going to help in the war, Equestria was now a member of the Alliance… “As for you, sergeant,” Varian’s voice cut through Kyle’s thoughts. He turned his head to find his King standing directly next to him, staring down at him. “I’m assuming you wish to journey back to Equestria?” Kyle nodded. “Yes sir,” he said. “I want to see this conflict through.” “Very well,” Varian replied. “In that case, I have a new assignment for you.” “Yes sir?” “You know this new land better than anyone else,” Varian continued. “You know the people, you know the terrain, you know our potential allies and threats. The rest of our men do not. They’re going in blind, essentially. Your job is to make sure that everyone that goes through that portal knows what they’re getting themselves into. Understood?” “Absolutely,” Kyle saluted. “Good. In recognition of your efforts thus far, and your new assignment, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant. Do the Alliance proud.” With that, the King turned away, walking towards the exit of the throne room. Kyle couldn’t help but smile. Though the promotion to Master Sergeant was only a small one - one of the smallest increases in rank in the army - it was still something. And it had been given to him personally by King Varian, no less. Scootaloo nudged him with her wing, bringing Kyle out of his thoughts. “Yeah, we’re ready,” he answered the unspoken question. “Let’s head back.” He pulled out the two teleportation crystals Twilight had given him and placed them on the ground. Scootaloo stepped on one and crushed it with her hooves, and vanished with a small pop. Kyle did the same with his boot. As the world shifted around him, he found himself smiling again. Could this day get any better? “Could this day get any worse?!” As Kyle materialized in Celestia’s throne room, Twilight’s voice pierced through the air. He turned his head to see the purple Alicorn pacing back and forth at the foot of the stairs leading up to the thrones. Her wings were spread to full extension, and her movements were tense and agitated. Scootaloo was already present, standing a few paces away from Kyle and staring. Twilight hadn’t seemed to notice either of them return. “Twilight?” Twilight spun around to stare at Kyle. “Oh thank Celestia!” she exclaimed galloping over to him. “It’s awful! Simply awful! “Woah woah, Calm down,” Kyle said soothingly. “I’m sure it can’t be that bad. Now, what happened?” “Changelings!” Twilight practically yelled. “So you noticed?” Kyle asked. “A few of them got through the portal and made it to Ironforge. We killed most of them, but one we kept alive, and there may be others that we didn’t -” “Some got through?” Twilight demanded, her eyes bulging. “Oh no. No no no no…” “So you didn’t notice,” Kyle muttered. “Okay, so what got you all riled up then?” Twilight didn’t seem to hear him. “Oh what am I going to do? How am I going to explain this to the Princess. The Princess!” she exclaimed, trotting frantically in place. “What will she do? She’ll be angry! She’ll yell! She’ll send me to the dungeons, or banish me, or send me to the dungeons in the place she banishes me to, or -” SLAP! Twilight jerked backwards as Kyle’s hand smacked across her muzzle. For a moment, she simply stared at him, dumbstruck. Finally, she nodded. “Thanks. I needed that.” “I figured,” Kyle replied. “So, I want you to tell me, calmly, what happened.” “Yesterday, a group of Changelings infiltrated the palace,” Twilight explained. “I think we got all of the ones that took places among the guard, but the damage was done. Three guards were killed in the conflicts, and according to you a group of them made it through the portal.” “But you repelled them, correct?” Kyle asked. “And we got the ones that got through. Yes, some guards died, but there will always be casualties in war. The Princesses won’t be mad at you for that. There’s no need to panic.” “That’s not all though,” Twilight continued, the fear returning to her voice. “The Sha Crystals! They’re gone! The Changelings took them and got away with them! The portal to Azeroth has been closed!” For a moment, there was dead silence as Kyle took in this new piece of information. the Changelings had the Sha Crystals. The portal to Azeroth was shut. He was once again trapped in Equestria. Only this time, a small army of Alliance soldiers was also severed from their home. And worse still, the aid that Equestria so desperately needed was now unable to get through Finally, Kyle let out a deep breath. “Yeah, on second thought, that might be a decent reason to panic.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So you’re absolutely certain you can pull this off, private?” Kyle demanded. “Yes sir,” the Human mage replied. “I’ve been attuned to the portal stone in Stormwind. I’ll be able to open a portal back to Azeroth. And it’ll take a few hours, but with all the rest of the mages helping, we’ll be able to get a portal stone set up for Equestria as well. Then we’ll attune ourselves to that stone, and be able to freely travel back and forth. This includes opening up temporary portals on Azeroth to bring troops through.” “Well it’s not the permanent portal I was hoping for, but it’s something,” Kyle sighed, shaking his head. “Get to it, private. The fate of this world hangs in the balance.” The mage saluted and made her way over to a small group of Alliance members, all of whom seemed to be channeling energy into a medium-sized rock in the middle of the palace courtyard. Around them, other Alliance soldiers were scattered, doing various things. Some were resting, some were talking or finding a way to entertain themselves, some were sparring with each other or various guard Ponies. Kyle could see Scootaloo practicing with a Gnome Monk, and smiled as she parried a series of quick strikes. Kyle walked over to Twilight, who had been watching the other soldiers. “It will take a few hours, but we’ll be able to re-establish a link,” Kyle explained. “Probably for the best that we stopped using those crystals anyway. It wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thought.” “True, but there’s still the fact that the Changelings have the crystals now,” Twilight sighed. “First the Crystal Heart, now this. What are they going to steal next?” “I don’t know.” Kyle said quietly. For a long moment, the pair stared out at the gathered soldiers. Kyle found his attention drawn back to Scootaloo’s match, which had drawn a small crowd of soldiers and Ponies alike. They all watched intently as Scootaloo and the Gnome traded blows back and forth. And then, Kyle saw it. A small opening in the Gnome’s defenses as he aimed a Blackout Kick at Scootaloo. She apparently noticed too, for she deftly hopped out of range of the blow and quickly launched herself forward in a Flying Serpent Kick. There was a roar of applause as her strike hit the Gnome in the chest and catapulted him backwards several feet. He landed hard on the ground, winded but otherwise uninjured “She’s good,” Twilight murmured as Scootaloo walked over to help the Gnome to his feet. “Really good. I had my reservations at first, but she’s really grown far more calm than she used to be. You’ve trained her well.” “She’s a natural,” Kyle agreed. “I’m lucky to have found her, really.” “Speaking of, I never asked you about your trip!” Twilight suddenly said. “Sorry, I got so caught up in this whole mess that -” “Understandable,” Kyle interrupted. “The short of it is that our trip went… better than I had hoped. The Monk Council allowed me to train Scootaloo as an apprentice and named me a Master Monk, the Alliance leaders voted to send military aid to Equestria, and Princess Celestia has said that Equestria will join the Alliance.” “Well at least your end of things went well,” Twilight smiled weakly. “Hey, everything will turn out alright,” Kyle soothed. “We’ve already dealt massive losses to the Changelings. So they have a few new artifacts. They still don’t have the numbers to launch another offensive. Soon we’ll make that push and finally overthrow Chrysalis and finish off the Sha for good.” Twilight looked away, staring off into the horizon. “I just hope the Princesses get back soon,” she murmured. “I hate having to try to move the sun and the moon. It’s so hard…” “Well fret no more, Twilight.” Kyle turned around towards the voice as Princess Celestia walked past him. She bent down and nuzzled Twilight in greeting. “Welcome back, Princess,” Twilight said happily. “It is good to be back,” Celestia replied. “Now, I hope everything has gone well during our absence?” Twilight glanced over at Kyle, who grimaced. He heard her gulp as she slowly returned her gaze back to Celestia. “Well… er… not exactly.”