Grim Views

((Hello! Sorry for a long absence in these chapters my procrastination and laziness got the better of me. Aslo I will ask again of your opinion as to how this story is in particular and if there are any corrections is should make. Anyways this segment of the chapter deals with a dream, or vision, Scyphe sees in which he finds out what exactly had occurred at Stormwind when the Demon, Dracul, took control over his body. Hope you enjoy!))

((Previous Chapters in order from first (top) to last (bottom):
A Way Around: https://thegrim.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7521
The Life Line: https://thegrim.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7641
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another silent, dark night loomed over the spire as Scyphe contemplated about the recent actions a few days earlier between the draconian wyvern, his brother Draikono and more importantly what transpired while the demon, once again gained control over his body.

"What is it that he is truly after?"

Scyphe pondered as he removed his gloves and began studying the mark engraved onto his right arm. The mark was nothing intricate as the one etched on the silver tome, it merely was a design of flames and razor sharp claws appearing as though they are grasping at Scyphe's chest. Scyphe then reached for his silver tome from the book shelf and sat along the edge of the top of the spire; reading a few notes he had researched himself about the demon.

"The mark of Dracul...given to me at birth, this mark is the symbol of a demonic entity that survived millenniums by attaching it's being with that of another living being's soul. Thus the moment the "host" nears its intimate death, the demon will attempt to devour the host and take on the form of of him/her before attaching itself to another strong bloodline or soul ."

The Rogue began to skim through tho the front of the tome to see if any of the tome's earlier holders had any encounters similar to this. The moonlight was beginning to grow in full bloom with it's vibrance stretching over the Ghostlands as Scyphe's eyes slowly began to shut themselves while he yawned out, slowly moving over to his bed. The moment his eyes seal together out of tiredness, they immediately blasted open, full of vigilance, as the Rogue's surroundings seemed to have completely altered. Scyphe found himself again at Stormwind city, by the Stockade, however, he saw human soldiers running passed and through him where Scyphe saw himself out in the distance with the dragonspawn and Draikono. The Rogue wandered closer over the bridge where Scyphe saw himself collapse in excruciating pain while simultaneously, he felt and performed the same action. As the pain subsided, Scyphe looked up to find himself staring up at the Draconian Knight as the dragon grabbed him by the throat. The Rogue attempted to release himself from the draconian’s grasp but the grip was simply too tense and soon thereafter, Scyphe could no longer feel any body movement nor sensation but still able to view the Draconian lifting his senseless body into the air while readying his axe for the final…fatal blow. As the Draconian swung his axe to his side, preparing to decapitate the bastard rogue and end his life as well as the entity within him, everything suddenly stood still as though frozen in time.

Again, the wind stopped blowing, nothing can be heard and nothing can be felt. The rogue confusedly struggled, attempting to receive a response from his body, but to no avail…The only reaction Scyphe witnessed was his entire body turning dark as blood, the mark on his arm consuming his entire form and his hands transforming into claws. It was then that time began to resume, slowly but surely, as the axe grew ever more closer to Scyphe’s throat until the rogue felt his arm raise, halting the path of the axe and surprising the Draconian.

"What is this?!"

The Draconian yelled out as his grasp over Scyphe's neck was easily forced open.

"The elders never informed me any of this! Just what are y--"

The Draconian's sentence was cut off by the sound of a crackling, maniacal laughter.

"Hahahahaaa! Your superiors wanted you dead if you did not know of "MY" presence."

The demon spoke, sharpening his claws together as he noticed the guards and patrolmen rushing his direction.

"Look at all theses souls!"

He shouted in delight and soon began to rush at them with powerful might speaking frenziedly,

"One...two...three...four...These humans whose lives shall be no more. Five...Six...Seven...Eight...A gory death will be their fate."

One by one and dozens by dozens the demon brought down the guards before drawing his attention back at the Draconian Knight while standing on top a pile of corpses with a wicked, sinister smile on his face.

"You seem rather weak, let us see how fast i can swat your head off your shoulders shall we?"

"You sick monster I will be the one to send you back to the darkness whence you ca--"

The Demon had vanished from the Draconian's sight as it quickly reappeared from behind him, laughing as the demon strikes. Fortunately the Draconian quickly reacted and shielded himself with his axe barely halting the fatal blow.

"You defeat me? Haha! You will be the fifth hundred being to speak that same line to me!"

The Demon spoke as he quickly circled the Draconian, like prey, striking when he pleased as the knight kept blocking each attack with the same amount of movement.

"You won't live to see the next day, why cant you open your eyes and see that? Or better yet..."

The demon paused his thought as he halted in front of the Draconian, having grown the same size as him, as the Draconian quickly saw this as an opportune moment to strike down at the demon with his axe. However, his quick action wasn't enough to surprise the demon at all as he grabbed the other end of the axe and lifted it up along with the Draconian before slamming it to the ground and continuing his sentence.

"Or better yet...let me open your eyes myself!"

Right when the Draconian hit the ground, the Demon rushed over him and slashed at his face multiple times before the Draconian punched him away, yelling in pain as he covered his face. All the demon did was simply laugh hysterically like a Hyena while the Draconian began to calm himself, removing his arm to reveal his bloody, shut eyes. The Knight began to use the sound of the laughter to locate the demon as he pulled out a holy enchanted dagger and lunge at the demon. By then the demon stopped his laughter and as the Draconian drew closer, the demon delivered a powerful kick onto the Knight's stomach before holding him to the ground and repeatedly jabbed him in key areas to prevent any movement throughout his body.

"Just what are y--"

The Draconian spoke while spitting out blood from his mouth before the demon interrupted,

"I am something far powerful then your pathetic life can comprehend. "

The demon then bent down beside the Draconian and gripped his claws against his throat as the Draconian struggled to break free. The Draconian growled in a low tone, losing breath by breath as time passed.

"The Keepers of Time will destroy..yo-you, m-mark my words!"

The demon's ears perked up as he loosened his grip on the Draconian's throat slightly.

"So you are an agent of the keepers of time? Then I will spare a long painful death and speed it up while taking back something that belongs to me."

The demon's arm turned into a tether, shadowy flame and thrust it into the chest of the Draconian, ripping out his soul and devouring it. As the demon inspected the Draconian's corpse, he noticed a hearthstone hidden away withing the armor.

"So I was correct after all, they didn't expect him to live, only to record...

The demon paused for a few moments before pulling out the hearthstone and speaking into it in a hushed tone,

"Remember this name to you all who feared me....Dracul"

Dracul then proceeded and crushed the hearthstone into dust without trouble before looking at the remaining areas of Stormwind city.

"It seems I can still have my fun here while I can." Dracul chuckled.

As he began to walk towards the Mage Quarters of Stormwind, an extreme weight began pushing down, rendering him immobile. Dracul searched his surroundings to see a person covered, from head to toe, in a grey robe holding a staff.

"You again!?"

Dracul growled without getting no reply from the mage, only a conjuring of a light sphere surrounding the demon. With each passing moment the sphere grew brighter and brighter until all Scyphe could see was nothing but white. Everything began to grow dark as Scyphe awoke from the dream by a book hitting the ground beside him.

"This dream...could this be what had transpired at Stormwind?

Scyphe mumbled as he stood up and whistled to call for his Wind Rider.

"he dream only gave me one answer, that still leaves the rest unexplained. Perhaps brother will be of use and tell me of the creature's origins in our bloodline.

As his Wind rider came Scyphe mounted it as he pulled out the silver tome from his pack before adding,

"And maybe he can tell me or least be able to read from this book as well... "

Scyphe then yelled, ordering his Wind Rider to fly, as he flew towards Orgrimmar where Draikono now resides.

Scyphe dismounted his Wind Rider in front of the Brawl’gar Arena in the Valley of Honor of Orgrimmar where he entered to see his brother, Draikono, watching the other competitors in the ring fight.

“Draikono.” Scyphe called out as Draikono kept his attention on the fighters, knowing who it was just by the sound of the voice.

“Scyphe…why are you here? This is no scouting party.”

The Monk spoke in a sarcastic tone as he began to walk away closer to the ring, uninterested in what the rogue has come for until Scyphe beckoned to him.

“Stop! Tell me about the demon, Dracul .”

Draikono halted in his movement before turning his attention back at Scyphe, speaking in a low tone with glaring eyes.

“Why is it that you have this notion to control the demon brother? Tell me.”

“To use it as a viable power for the Horde.” Scyphe replied, waiting for a response from Draikono.

“Why do you believe that wretched demon will be of any use for the Horde?!” Draikono yelled, clenching his fists together as his temper starts growing from that name being spoken.

“Would you rather have the demon be slashing at our throats instead of our enemies’?”

The Rogue spoke in a calmed, sarcastic voice knowing the idea of trying to contain the demon is better off than to take no action at all against Dracul.

“Fine, I will tell you about him, but not here.”

Draikono calmed from his anger and beckoned Scyphe to follow him. They exited the arena and walked towards the closest Inn, The Wyvern’s Tail, where Draikono then began telling Scyphe about Dracul.

“First of all…” Draikono asked as he pulled out a torn, beat up book from under the chairs they sat, “Tell me what you know about Dracul.”

“First of all, he is a demon that has lived for yea—“Scyphe’s sentence was quickly interrupted as Draikono spoke in a low, soft tone.

“Wrong…Dracul has lived within the lifetime of our family and our family alone.” The Monk replied. “Whatever information you’ve all of a sudden happened to learn, throw it all away, they are nothing but lies.”

“And what exactly makes you fairly certain that my information is inaccurate?” Scyphe growled in a low tone, giving a glare of annoyance at the sheer audacity of Draikono confidently disregarding what he has studied and researched about Dracul.

Draikono replied in a stern tone, ignoring Scyphe’s comment, “I suggest if you wish to know the truth and not some silly research or notions that were mysteriously given to you whether physical or in a dream…” Draikono paused for a moment letting out a brief sigh of disappointment as he tipped over the seat he was seated on and pulled out a book, almost matching the appearance of that of Scyphe’s book, however, Draikono’s book seemed more bright, complex and had a strange bloodied texture. “…then you’d best follow this book as well. It is a recording of our family since the marriage of the Warlock and Mage….our father and mother.”

Scyphe reached out for the book, opening it to see notes and dates inscribed in chronological order as Scyphe read the very first notes written in his father's handwritting.

“ Day 1…Today marks the day that I wed my fiancée and research partner, Serafina Silverdusk. I am certain I am doing the right thing for her and myself and together…we shall uncover the secrets that lay dormant within Azeroth…

-Blake Windblade ”


“So this is a journal of our father?” Scyphe asked, turning the pages of the book as Draikono simply nodded before grabbing the book, flipping close to the back of it and instructing Scyphe to read it.

“…During our research to create a time suite, or armor allowing one to view the past and possibly the future, we were visited by a guardian of the Bronze Dragonflight, Drake Flamehorn, who took an interests in our work and agreed to aid us as we continue our research.

-Blake Windblade”

Scyphe halted in his progression, questioning Draikono. “When was this and what does it have to do in relation to Dracul?”

“All this took place a few months before we fell under attack that night.” Draikono responded, continuing to answer Scyphe’s second question, “As for this entry…this is where Dracul made his first appearance, Dracul was originally Drake Flamehorn.” Draikono then continued, closing the book on Scyphe. “I do not know who...or what told you these facts, I am just showing you the truth. If Rilah hadn’t found this book back at the ruins of our home, I’m not sure what yo—“

“Rilah is still alive?!” Scyphe yelled as stood up, clenching his fist tightly. “You told me you were unsure of whether or not she survived!”

“I did…” Draikono replies blatantly, "I did it on her request.”

“Why? Do you not know that the Bronze Dragonflight are after our throats?!” Scyphe questioned once more, his anger quickly turning to confusion.

“She believes to have found a way to rid of Dracul, however her intentions are to destroy him not make him a puppet. However, she needs to stay hidden from you in order to procure the necessary items to do so. And as for the dragonflight....” Draikono paused for moment, "I am doing my best to protect her and keep her hidden."

Scyphe stood quiet for a moment, pondering and questioning himself as to what Rilah may have discovered to battle against Dracul. “If Rilah wishes for it, then so be it. However, I must acquire the armor piece she has to piece them together finally.”

“I will deliver the message.” Draikono replied as he handed Scyphe the book he carried. “And take this; it will shed some light to you.” Draikono then stood up and began walking down stairs of the tavern before stopping and slowly turning his head back. “And please brother…” His voice sounding concerned, “If you wish to continue this path to control Dracul, do not let the objective and power consume you. It will put you in the similar sense as how Garrosh is now.”

“We are nothing alike!” Scyphe shouted as Draikono began taking his leave.

“You may never know brother…” Draikono said in a hushed tone, his eyes seemingly emotionless, "The greed for a greater power may cause those to lose themselves as a person...." Draikono then exited the tavern as patrons began pouring in.

Night had already arisen as all that remained within the tavern were travelers and bar patrons laughing and bragging about their life and stories. Scyphe on the other hand, stayed up on the next floor reading quietly into the book he was given as he noticed his own tome that seemed to be soul bounded is no where to be seen...

The Truths…The Illusions

((This segment of the chapter is mainly Scyphe reading the entry notes of the book he got from Draikono and what he has discovered. Also comment on areas where i need improvement. Thank you!))

“After countless hours of gathering the correct materials Drake Flamehorn suggested, we are able to fabricate gems to enlace into the armor that we shall weave with the help of Flamehorn’s knowledge as a member of the Bronze Dragonflight. Though I am uncertain with what the outcome may be, especially with some volatile items we have gathered on behalf of Flamehorn. The only course to proceed on is one with caution."

Blake Windblade –


“It has been quite some time since Drake Flamehorn has joined us in weaving an armor that can manipulate time, his interest and engrossment into the project surpasses ours on an unhealthy level. He researches for days on end, eating only when he must and sleeping when he is forced to. This kind of behavior worries me for his well being, I must consult with one of the Bronze Dragonflight to have him temporarily exempted from our research."

Seraphina Windblade -

“It seems as though Flamehorn is willing to comply for his own health and insists that we not seek out the Dragonflight and for him not to be taken off from the project. However, with his engrossment for this project, I don’t believe he will fully comply. Instead, I will keep a steady watch over him to ensure he does as requested. Something inside me tells me that he may be willing to do anything for the sole purpose of this project…"

Seraphina Windblade -

“After months of experimenting and failures, we have finally managed to create clothing that can sustain it with the time gems Flamehorn created. Despite it being able to be woven with this fabric, it quickly ages and wears out into dust, therefore, we will need to ask of Flamehorn to mend this fabric and make it more durable and resistant against the effects of the gems once he returns from researching within the Outlands."

Blake Windblade-

“With each expedition of his, Drake Flamehorn seems to grow more anxious, eager, and rash to have this armor ready as soon as possible. And what is strange is that he invited a Priestess to help Rilah train and become one. Both Blake and I complied sensing no danger in that, but I am curious…as to what he is hiding and not informing us about. Even as the completion of the armor draws near, I fear for my children’s safety, I must keep them a safe distance away from Flamehorn should anything unprecedented occur…"

Seraphina Windblade -

“BLAST IT ALL! Someone destroyed and made off with most of our notes and instructions for completing and merging the armor and gems together. Neither Seraphina nor I memorized the last few steps to even continue the project. However, Flamehorn says he has read it a strenuous amount of times and can tell us how to proceed in great detail. His nature has grown calmer since he stopped his expedition into the Outlands and his engrossment has withered down quite a lot. I believe after this is all over he will tell the Bronze dragonflight of the results and allow us to use it."

Blake Windblade-

“This is odd…as an extra layer of protection for the wearer; Flamehorn asks of us that we infuse Seraphina’s arcane magic, Rialh’s holy magic, and my fel magic into the gems and armor. To me, this seems unnecessary but Flamehorn insists that we must. This doesn’t bother me slightly, however, what does is the layout Flamehorn created scattering the gems and armor about onto the floor in a certain pattern that I know I recognized it somewhere within the Outlands before, but I am not certain where though. I must put the project on hold and tell Seraphina of my departure and ask of her to tether a copy of myself during my absence should anything arise…"

Blake Windblade-

“It has been a few hours since Blake left out to the Outlands and Flamehorn said he must return to the Caverns of Time to give a final report on our progress. I don’t believe Flamehorn or our children are aware of Blake’s disappearance with this tethered clone. The children are out and about playing in the lower spire happily enjoying themselves…But why do I have this sense of uneasiness when Flamehorn left? I do hope Blake returns quickly from the Outlands."

Seraphina Windblade -

“Just as I feared…the layout Flamehorn has made matches that to the one of blood pacts which merges the summoner and the summoned demon together. I am returning home now, I do feel that Seraphina and the others are in danger. One detail I can’t quite find an answer to is why Falmehorn proceeding with this course of action, what is he gaining from this? There is the Dark portal to Azeroth, I will have to confront Flamehorn and stop him from doing anything else!"

Blake Windblade-

“Blake finally arrived back and came with unsettling discoveries on Flamehorn. What’s more is that he was chased and being hunted by the dragons of the Bronze flight. Why would they have reason to harm us if they gave us consent to perform this project? Blake then told me as he was being chased the dragons were accusing us of using the armor to rewrite history for our own benefit as well as give it to the Infinite Dragonflight for their use. There is not much time we must prepare to leave the spire by first dawn tomorrow; I believe that Flamehorn falsified his report to the Dragonflight…"

Seraphina Windblade-

“As we preparing our departure from the spire in order to fix this mess forced upon us, there was the scent of smoke and the sound of shouting warriors, not Draconian, emitting from a distance as they encroached on Windrunner Spire. We were at the base of the lower spire as I instructed Seraphina to create a portal for the children to escape through, as she was conjuring the portal, I saw a worgen howl and charge at Draikono. I immediately grabbed my staff and halted the worgen’s sword as it tried coming down. I retaliated and summoned a voidwalker and undead which overpowered and devoured him. I saw at the walkway down the entrance to the spire, keeping the intruders at bay with all my might as Remar and Scyphe were ready to enter the portal to Silvermoon City. Little was I aware of a rogue Nightelf that had passed by and appeared behind scyphe. The next thing I heard was a scream as I turned to witness that Seraphina had pushed Scyphe and Remar through the portal and received the a stab of the dagger into the heart…I quickly and in blind rage summoned large amounts of demons and undead to assist and kill every soul in sight as I ordered my voidwalker to protect Draikono. Scyphe and Remar had it into the portal but as soon as Seraphina was killed, the portal was distorted and dispersed. Meanwhile Rilah managed to escape into the nearby forest with a piece of the armor we created. I was being overrun as I retreated back up to the lower spire to Draikono, it seemed Seraphina gave each of our children a piece of the armor to escape with. The warriors had already made their way up the spire as they surrounded us, demanding that if I surrender, they might spare Draikono’s life, but I doubted they would. As a final protection for Draikono I ordered my voidwalker to grab Draikono and jump over the cliff’s edge and into the water. It did so unhesitatingly and survived the fall still carrying Draikono away. Just as I thought my death was near, a guardian of the dragonflight appeared along with Drake Flamehorn…"

Blake Windblade-

“You lying snake!” Blake yelled at Flamehorn as he was silenced by the other guardian.

“Silence! You and your treacherous family won’t live to see the next day ever again.”

Flamehorn merely walked up past the guardian shoving him out of the way as he picked up the gems that were left behind.

“Now, now, Is that any way to treat someone who has been kind in completing MY desires?” Flamehorn spoke in a humorous tone, amused by the situation at hand.

“Your desires?! You vowed not to go against the Dragonflights. What is the meaning of this?” The guardian shouted readying his blade as Flamehorn placed all gems in the same fashion as he did with the pieces of armor and stood at the center of it calling down a pillar of fel and demonic aura.

“The meaning of this…” Falmehorn repeated slowly as his form grew but never changed as the merging commenced, “…It is to have power beyond your comprehension.” By then, the merge was completed as the only notable changes to Flamehorn were that of his size, his appearance seemed like a cloudy tether yet with razor sharp claws. The pillar dispersed as he teleported almost instantly in front of the guardian before grabbing his throat and snapping his neck.
A demonic laughter filled the area as the remaining soldiers then targeted Flamehorn and charged at him fruitlessly as they were all slain in almost an instant as he began pulling out each soul and devour it.

“Stop!” Blake shouted as he created a seal around Flamehorn immobilizing him temporarily. “I will make sure you don’t harm anything else ever again!” Blake then incanted a series of words in which a mark appeared on Blake’s arm as it stretched out to engulf Flamehorn.

“Ha! You believe a simple seal will keep me prisoner? It will only kill you in the process due to your weak body.” Flamehorn chuckled as the sphere around him began to shine white as it grew smaller, drawing his begin into the mark on Blake’s body. As the seal was completed all Blake could feel was pain and darkness all around him as he looked to see that he was in chains and saw Flamehorn standing in front of him.

“Wait, how? You were supposed to be the one restrained!” Blake spoke, shocked that Flamehorn somehow avoided the seal.

“It was child’s play, although you did manage to seal me within the mark, I wasn’t going to let some petty warlock contain me, so I merely switched places with you.”

“I will stop at nothing to make you pay for what you did Drake Flamehorn!” Blake growled and shouted as he shook around in the chains.

“I’ve grown tired of that name…Drake Flamehorn…I prefer to be call Dracul…” Flamehorn spoke softly as he kneeled down in front of Blake before stabbing his claws right through him ripping out his heart and soul.

“And it seems that now I am in control of you.” Dracul laughed as he devoured the soul.

“And do not worry…” Dracul whispered, “Altough I killed the host containing me and keeping me alive, a simple drop of my blood will bring me back. But there is no need for me to rush into that now, I will merely have an associate create a potion with a drop of blood that I will leave on my corpse and I shall have him deliver it to your son…Scyphe. I’ve seen where he will go and the perfect place for my reemergence will be when he is captured and thrown into the Stormwind Stockade, if not then the others will do. This was all planned from the beginning and may you see the deaths of your children, Blake Winblade.”

Dracul then stood up, letting out a satanic laughter as all his feelings went numb, no motion, no
vision, and then no heartbeat…only the echo of laughter...