Chapter Text
Jaina trembled in pain, clinging to a palm tree for support. Upon reaching Fray Island, she depleted a substantial portion of her magical reserves, ruthlessly eliminating anyone blocking her path without hesitation. She was unconcerned about the casualties as they only slowed her plans for vengeance for the city she built with her bare hands, now reduced to ruins by a deranged Warchief driven by a vision and a bomb.
Jaina let out a sharp gasp, feeling surges of agony coursing through her left side. Despite the strengthened power of her magic following Theramore’s bombing, it brought a toll of unbearable suffering. Her actions on Fray Island had been draining, and she now bore the consequences. She realized she needed to rest to carry out her plot successfully.
Jaina sank against the ridges of the tree trunk, indifferent to the possibility of it scraping her back. Discarding her staff beside her, she grimaced as the intensity of the pain swelled and hastily pulled up her sleeve. Her left arm throbbed with the magical energy within, threatening to rip through her skin.
Jaina loathed, looking at her arm, a grim reminder of what happened. It was a grotesque sight of scorched-red flesh from her left arm and extending up to the side of her neck, a result of Rhonin forcefully pushing her through just as the bomb detonated. Only half of her body could escape through the portal before detonation.
Jaina tugged her sleeve down and reached into her pouch. Retrieving a glass vial, she carefully swirled the dark, thick liquid. Unable to use her left arm, Jaina resorted to using her teeth to extract the cork. Upon freeing the cork, she spat it onto the ground and swiftly emptied the vial's contents.
Once the vial drained, Jaina flung it to the ground, shattering it into broken shards. Restlessly, she waited with impatience for the mysterious elixir to begin working.
When the healers were unable to fix her, Jaina sought out alchemists who could offer relief for her pain. Only a handful were willing to help, but none could.
However, in the murky depths of the Dalaran Sewers, Jaina encountered a cloaked man willing to assist her. The cloaked man warned her of becoming addicted to the substance. Still, Jaina figured that would be a problem for another day as she had been desperate, spending her days withering in misery.
After a few moments of rest, Jaina gradually felt the substance taking hold, and she breathed a sigh of relief as its effects began to relieve her.
Jaina opened her cloak to inspect the Focusing Iris. It emitted a faint hum against her. Astonished by her luck upon visiting the ruins of Theramore, she discovered the Focusing Iris nestled at the crater's bottom, almost as if taunting her. Then, Jaina stumbled upon her mentor's book regarding the study of the orb, hidden within the depths of the Dalaran library. She took it as a sign to formulate a plan of revenge against Garrosh.
Every spare moment, Jaina was devoted to the orb's study and Antonidas's book. Day and night blurred together as she delved into the pages, disregarding basic needs like food and rest. All in pursuit of understanding the complexities of the Focusing Iris and uncovering ways to use it for retribution. As Jaina discovered the orb's immense power, she formed her plot to submerge the entire city of Orgrimmar.
Once the Horde's capital drowned beneath the waves, Jaina would allow herself to grieve for those she couldn't protect. She didn’t care about the consequences that would await her after the act was done. Even if the Horde chose to imprison her for life, she would be pleased with her decision if it resulted in Garrosh’s death.
Although, a minor flaw arose in her meticulously crafted plan. After spending months secluded in her Dalaran residence, neglecting everything and everyone, Kalecgos paid her a visit. A man who had once cherished her now regarded her with pity and worry, and she resented him for it.
An altercation erupted when Kalecgos stumbled upon her notes. He pressed her to reveal the location of the Focusing Iris, but she refused to disclose its whereabouts. The confrontation ended in Jaina shouting at him, never wanting to see him again. He could never understand the seething fury within her.
Kalecgos wanted to comfort her with delicate words and embraces, but Jaina desired none of that. She craved to trail a path of destruction, leaving a scorched landscape as she dismantled Garrosh, piece by piece.
Aware of Kalecgos's vigilance since their disagreement, Jaina sensed his magical presence trailing her this evening. He had followed her to Ratchet, but she eluded him by disguising herself as a goblin within the bustling city, blending seamlessly among its inhabitants.
As Jaina tested the Focusing Iris's power, Kalecgos called out to her, pleading for her to stop. She summoned a massive tidal wave of water elements, wanting to witness the potential of such formidable forces.
Relentlessly, the water elements ravaged the island within minutes. Jaina could sense the pulsating might of the orb coursing through her fingertips. She realized that flooding Orgrimmar would be effortless. Ignoring Kalecgos's shouts, she swiftly created a portal, satisfied with the results.
However, that power came at a cost. Jaina should have planned for this delay. Even though Orgrimmar loomed within her reach, she was nearly immobile despite taking the substance. Her arm wasn't wracked with pain but pulsated with soreness due to the strain from wielding powerful magic. Jaina couldn't afford interruptions, especially when she stood on the cusp of achieving her goal.
Gathering her willpower, Jaina inhaled deeply and pushed past the pain. Grabbing her staff, she summoned her strength and hoisted herself upright. She knew that she would need to cross the distance to Orgrimmar on foot to unleash the full potential of the Focusing Iris.
As Jaina prepared to venture into the clearing, distant voices caught her attention. As the voices approached her, she swiftly cloaked herself in an invisibility spell, not wanting to engage in an attack and conserve her energy.
Two familiar silhouettes emerged at the edge, peering over the outlook toward Orgrimmar as if searching for someone. Jaina's eyes widened in recognition.
"There's no trace of Jaina at Bladefist Bay," Thrall said.
Jaina was surprised that Kalecgos sought Thrall's help, as if the orc could talk her out of her plans. She predicted Thrall's words that he would caution her against becoming like Garrosh. She imagined that if Thrall wanted to get through to her, he might compare her actions to Arthas'.
Frowning, Kalecgos rubbed his chin in contemplation. Jaina observed the dark circles under his eyes. The man looked as if he hadn’t had a restful sleep in weeks. He appeared fraught with stress and tension. Had he been in a clearer state of mind, he might have sensed Jaina's presence mere feet away from him.
"She can't have gone too far. She requires the sea to conjure the water elements," Kalecgos stated urgently.
"Then we'll comb the entire shoreline for her, but we must proceed cautiously. Garrosh's spies lurk everywhere in Durotar.”
"If we don't intervene, Thrall, she'll obliterate the city and endanger everyone within it.”
Thrall regarded Kalecgos with a troubled expression as if he struggled to understand what he was hearing.
"Do you think Jaina would really do something like this? I know she faced difficulties after the fall of Theramore, but this..." Thrall expressed in disbelief.
Jaina shook her head in dismay. Once, she and Thrall had been friends in having peace between the Horde and the Alliance. Now, they were estranged, standing on opposing sides. Thrall had supported Garrosh as the new Warchief, a decision that, in Jaina's eyes, made him equally guilty for the bombing. Another twist of anger rushed through her as she glared at Thrall.
Kalecgos drew in a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the vast desert scenery. "I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't seen her plans. Jaina isn't in the right state of mind. The Jaina I once knew wouldn't have considered such actions. She's been suffering and refuses to seek help. She will destroy herself if she goes through with this."
Scowling at Kalecgos, anger flowed through Jaina's veins until she saw red. She couldn't fathom that she had once loved this man and had envisioned a future together. Now, she loathed him.
"You are right. Let's revisit the coastlines," Kalecgos sighed, receiving a nod from Thrall. With a wave of his hand, Kalecgos conjured a portal, transporting them to resume their pursuit of Jaina.
As Kalecgos's portal closed behind them, Jaina emerged from the shadows, her determination stronger than ever. She would summon a colossal wave of catastrophic proportions to relieve her inner rage.
With a firm grip on her staff, Jaina readied herself for the trek toward the gates of Orgrimmar. Reassuring herself by checking the orb again, she began walking, but something stopped her.
Abruptly, a bronze-colored portal began to materialize before her. This was no mage portal as tiny grains of sand swirled within. Jaina arched an eyebrow in surprise, wondering what a member of the Bronze Dragonflight was doing here.
The night's cover was fading, and Jaina was in no mood for further interruptions.
Chromie emerged from the portal frantically, clearly seeking someone. Before the dragon could see her, Jaina quickly retreated into her hiding spot, readying herself to cast another invisibility spell.
"Jaina Proudmoore, I know you're hiding," Chromie huffed with frustration. "You do this every time..."
Jaina tilted her head in confusion at Chromie's words, as she had never encountered the dragon before despite hearing tales from Kalecgos.
Intrigued, Jaina cautiously emerged, tucking her staff behind her back and folding her arms. She hoped that whatever warning Chromie intended to deliver would be quick. Nothing the dragon could say would change her mind despite the potential repercussions.
“What is it, Chromie?”
“Good, I caught you just in time. Last time, I arrived too late and had to reset everything,"
"Last time?" Jaina inquired, growing even more puzzled. Shaking her head, she decided not to listen to Chromie's antics. "You've probably come to warn me of my plan. But it's too late; my decision stands. Orgrimmar must be brought down, and Garrosh must face the consequences. I'm unconcerned about what happens to me after."
Chromie shook her head in distress. "You don’t understand what you are doing. I've witnessed this timeline unfold repeatedly. It always ends with you and her committing horrific, unfathomable acts. Actions that don’t make sense for both of you."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Jaina exclaimed, her patience wearing thin. "Her? Who are you talking about?”
Chromie placed her hand over her mouth, seemingly upset with herself. “I’ve said too much.”
Ignoring Chromie, Jaina turned away and readied herself to make her way toward the Horde capital. She was fed up with people telling her what was right and wrong when she had the perfect solution.
“Jaina, stop! Please!”
With her back turned to Chromie, Jaina shut her eyes tightly, trying to conceal the tears that had welled up in frustration. Why couldn't this pesky dragon just leave her alone?
"Chromie, stop!" Jaina shouted firmly. "I don't want to hear anything more from you! Please, just leave me be and allow me to seek peace."
Jaina didn’t move as tears continued to stream down her face. Despite hearing movement behind her, she refrained from turning around, unwilling to let Chromie see her. A mess of a woman in such deep sorrow that she was willing to obliterate a city for it.
Jaina sensed Chromie behind her. The dragon was silent. Standing there, Jaina felt uncertain about her next move, finally grappling with doubt about whether she should proceed with her plans. For once, a choice couldn’t be made by her brash emotions.
"Jaina, I need you to listen to me, just this once.”
Jaina was confused by the dragon's words. She pondered whether Chromie had attempted to intervene previously and had been unsuccessful. Did Chromie know something she did not? Numerous questions swirled in Jaina's mind.
Drying her tears, Jaina turned to face Chromie. "You may speak.”
Chromie appeared momentarily stunned, then swiftly shook her head, refocusing on the task.
“This is the first time you have agreed to talk to me,” Chromie uttered in disbelief. “I know how you can heal yourself. A way you can find peace and happiness.”
"How?" Jaina asked, her tone filled with heartache.
Jaina hadn’t realized how desperate she had become for an ounce of peace and happiness. Her days had been spent wrapped in revenge. She didn’t know herself anymore. She only knew suffering and misery. The countless days consumed by the black liquid vials had failed to quiet the haunting memories of the past. What could Chromie possibly offer her?
“There are countless timelines in our universe, all resembling each other closely but sometimes different. However, this particular timeline seems to lack something essential. It is as if someone overseeing this timeline doesn’t know what they are doing,” Chromie chuckled to herself. “To see what is missing, you must journey to a different timeline and experience it yourself to understand.”
Jaina absorbed Chromie's words, contemplating that this timeline might be flawed. She couldn't help but wonder what that meant for her. What prospects could another timeline offer her that this one couldn't? The idea of countless possibilities made Jaina almost uneasy.
“What will happen when I leave this timeline?” Jaina asked.
"You don’t need to concern yourself with that. Someone is helping with that aspect,” Chromie remarked casually, gesturing with a wave.
Jaina drew in a deep breath and directed her eyes toward Orgrimmar again. The night sky gradually became a muted dawn. The birds were beginning their morning melodies, replacing the nocturnal chorus of crickets. The time was slipping away for her to confront Garrosh at his most vulnerable. The bastard was probably tucked away safely in his chambers.
Jaina shook her head, redirecting her stare toward Chromie, regretting her words. "I'll do it. I'll go to the other timeline.”
Chromie was taken aback as if she hadn't expected Jaina's agreement to this plan. The dragon clapped her hands together in excitement.
"We need to act quickly before Kalecgos detects my presence. He has a nose for sensing my magic," Chromie explained, urging Jaina to return in the direction they had come from.
"Jaina, there's something crucial you must understand: although you'll have plenty of time in this timeline, your stay is limited. You must return to your timeline when your time expires, or it could lead to a minor yet disastrous event. But don't fret. I have something to help you keep track of time."
From a pouch, Chromie pulled out a bronze-colored necklace. Suspended from the chain was an hourglass filled with white sand. Handing the necklace to Jaina, she examined it closely. The hourglass remained unmoving despite Jaina's attempts to flip it and observe the sand falling.
"The hourglass won't begin until you enter the alternate timeline. Once the sand has trickled away completely, it's time for your return. I'll come to retrieve you," Chromie clarified to Jaina.
Jaina fastened the necklace around her neck, hoping the chain wouldn't agitate her sensitive skin. "What if I want to return earlier than planned?"
"Simply flip the hourglass over three times, and I'll be there," Chromie responded. “Now, are you ready? We do not have much time.”
Jaina nodded, and Chromie readied herself to conjure the time portal. Jaina observed in awe as Chromie swiftly cast the portal, swirling with bronze-colored sand. It spun steadily before her, but Jaina hesitated, wavering in her certainty about whether this was the right choice.
"Are you ready, Jaina?" Chromie inquired, completing the summoning of the portal.
Jaina nervously clutched the hourglass necklace and fidgeted with the chain. Without glancing back at Orgrimmar or Chromie, she stepped through the portal to another place and time, her mind filled with curiosity about what lay on the other side.
As Jaina crossed the portal threshold, she experienced an unsettling sensation in her stomach. Never before had she felt queasy during her years of using portals as her primary mode of transportation. She recalled how her classmates during her early studies in Dalaran envied her robust Kul Tiran stomach, as their inability to withstand the portal's effects for more than a brief period.
Despite Jaina's strong stomach, she felt an overwhelming urge to vomit as she traversed through the portal. It felt endless. She wondered how much time the journey between timelines could take. Hopelessly, Jaina wished for it to end soon.
The swirling vortex twisted around Jaina, causing objects to zoom past her in a blur she couldn't discern. Any item that ventured too close to her immediately disintegrated into sand upon contact with her skin.
Abruptly, a light appeared at the end of the passage. Jaina squinted, attempting to determine the landscape on the other side. She could see tall, dense pine trees, but the surroundings were unclear. Jaina realized she could appear anywhere within this Azeroth’s timeline. She hoped wherever or whenever she arrived wouldn't pose too much hostility toward her.
As Jaina soared through the portal into the alternate timeline, her initial sight was a magnificent lake and a sprawling forest. Before fully taking in her surroundings, she suddenly realized the portal had ejected her midair, causing her to plummet rapidly toward the ground.
Jaina cursed loudly, attempting to cast a slow-fall spell on herself, but something was wrong. Her magic didn't respond as it typically would. Her mana should have been replenished, but she discovered it was completely drained. Jaina wondered if this was a side effect of traveling between timelines.
The ground loomed closer, and Jaina faced the urgent need to slow her fall to avoid a fatal impact. She instinctively curled into herself, hoping it would make a difference. Panic surged within her, and she couldn't contain her scream as she continued hurtling towards the earth.
Jaina's impact on the ground was brutal, causing her to emit a pained groan upon contact. She made futile attempts to reach for her pouch but found herself immobilized. Frustration welled up within her as she considered whether she had broken every bone in her body.
Tears streamed down Jaina's face, mingling with dirt and leaves that entangled her hair. Helpless, she could only manage to gaze upward at the sky in desperation. Thoughts raced through her mind, wondering whether anyone had witnessed her abrupt appearance from the sky and if they might come searching for her.
Jaina tensed, the realization dawning upon her that she had no clue of her whereabouts. Her magic was depleted, and her limbs throbbed with pain. Overwhelmed, she felt the urge to pound her fists into the ground in anger.
Her head now throbbed, making her feel faint. Jaina shut her eyes, uncertain how to get herself out of this predicament.
In the distance, a group of voices reached Jaina's ears, causing her eyes to snap open. She refrained from any additional movement, slowing her breath, uncertain whether the voices belonged to friends or foes. Her eyes darted around frantically, trying to catch sight of the source of those voices.
Her staff lay just a few inches away from her reach. With great effort, Jaina managed to roll onto her side, causing spots to cloud her vision, and the threat of nausea rose in her stomach once again.
Jaina gritted her teeth and strained to reach for her staff, pushing herself through the pain. Finally, her fingertips connected with the wooden base, and she attempted to smile at her minor victory. However, as she tried to pull the staff closer, a sudden sharp pain jabbed at her finger.
"Fuck!" Jaina cried weakly, swiftly releasing the staff to cradle her injured finger.
A large splinter had pierced her finger, causing Jaina to curse once more as she attempted to dislodge it. Realizing it was embedded deeply under her skin, she would need tweezers to remove it.
Jaina slammed her head against the ground in frustration, causing more aches and pain. Glancing over, she realized her staff had broken from the impact, scattered in broken fragments across the dirt.
Fear gripped her at the thought of being discovered by the voices she'd heard earlier. Perhaps it would be better if they found her in this pitiful state, injured and lying helplessly in the dirt. Suddenly, a sense of indifference washed over Jaina, and she stared up at the sky, no longer caring.
Jaina observed the sky, finding it resembled the one from her timeline. The trees she saw appeared strangely familiar. While Jaina knew pine trees were native to the Eastern Kingdoms region, pinpointing her exact location was challenging—it could be anywhere from Stormwind to the borders of Quel’Thalas. She detected no sounds of a nearby ocean, only the sight of the lake. Jaina attempted to recall the maps of the Eastern Kingdoms she had memorized during war meetings. Still, her efforts were blocked by the throbbing ache in her head.
The voices could be heard again, now closer than before. Jaina squinted, attempting to determine their conversation—a peculiar, almost Common-like language was being used. The longer they spoke, the wider Jaina's eyes grew. It was a dialect she had never quite comprehended: Gutterspeak.
In a sudden panic, Jaina quickly realized she was in Forsaken territory, within Horde lands. This timeline hadn't been spared from the Third War.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Jaina whispered in a panic.
Jaina briefly contemplated playing dead, then realized the idea's absurdity. Her thoughts were muddled, her head not functioning clearly, and the mounting stress only intensified the pain, causing dizziness that pushed her to the brink of unconsciousness.
The voices were so close that Jaina could hear their footsteps amidst the rustling leaves.
Soon, the rustling of leaves stopped near Jaina's head, and she felt a presence hovering above the ditch she'd created during her abrupt descent from the sky. Closing her eyes, Jaina quickly tried to regain her energy and prayed to be left alone.
“I found something!” announced a Forsaken, oddly communicating in Common now. From Jaina's understanding, most of the Forsaken had lost their ability to use their native languages when Arthas raised them.
More footsteps shuffled toward Jaina. She pondered the number of approaching Forsaken and contemplated how many she could effectively fend off. Given her current condition, she realized it wouldn't be many. Deprived of her staff and magic, Jaina knew she was at a disadvantage.
“Look!” the man shouted louder, this time for the others.
Jaina knew the Forsaken were standing around the ditch, gazing down at her. Undoubtedly, they were likely scheming about what to do with her.
Greymane had issued reports regarding the Banshee Queen acquiring a new weapon, the Val’kyr, to resurrect her deceased forces. Bile rose in Jaina’s throat at the thought of being forced into undeath serving the wicked banshee. If the fall of the Lich King occurred in this timeline, the Forsaken had the Val’kyr among their ranks.
"I’ll be. Would you just look at that…" another voice remarked, prompting Jaina to open her eyes as this voice didn't bear the dialect of a Forsaken but sounded closer to someone hailing from Theramore.
Observing the group, Jaina suspected this was an elaborate ruse orchestrated by the undead. The Forsaken were known for their cunning and devious nature. She was convinced this was yet another ploy aimed at waking her. Jaina cursed under her breath as no citizen of Theramore could be among them.
“I can’t believe it. We must alert the Dark Lady immediately,” an undead elf, likely a Ranger draped in all black, gasped in shock.
"We need to get her out of there. She seems injured. Just look at her arm," urged another Forsaken woman, gesturing to the others as Jaina's mangled arm peeked through a torn sleeve.
Jaina felt her head spinning, causing her vision to blur. Yet, she knew she had to act swiftly as the Forsaken were gradually descending into the ditch to seize her.
As a Forsaken clasped onto her, his icy and skeletal hands sent a shiver coursing through her body.
“Do not touch me!” Jaina cried out between clenched teeth.
The Forsaken man promptly released her and retreated, appearing as though he hadn't intended any offense. Jaina sat up, even though it made her dizzy.
Yet, Jaina disregarded it as a hint of magic gradually returned to her. With little strength, Jaina figured she had enough mana to take them down with one spell and run away.
“Queen Jaina, we are only trying to help,” the Forsaken man reiterated.
Jaina narrowed her eyes. “...What did you call me?”
The Forsaken appeared taken aback by her irritation. Jaina didn't concern herself with whether she had offended the man; her sole focus was making her escape.
Jaina cast a cone of cold at the group, sending them tumbling into the ditch and hindering their movements. This created an opportunity for her to flee. Despite the pain, she climbed out of the trench through groans and hisses. The Dark Ranger shouted after her, pursuing her through the dense forest.
Jaina knew this could be her end as elven rangers had a kinship to the woodlands as she did with the sea. She cursed herself for being a fool, thinking she could flee from an elf.
Casting a blink spell, Jaina moved merely a few feet away as the elf drew nearer. Tears of agony streamed down her face as she pushed her limits harder than ever. She knew her body would give out soon if she didn't find a place to hide and rest.
Upon reaching the forest's edge, Jaina felt the twinge intensify in her mangled arm. Gradually, her movements slowed as her limbs grew heavy, and her head pulsed with pain. She realized she couldn't outrun the elf, cursed under her breath, and collapsed again on the forest floor.
Gazing up at the sky, Jaina's vision dimmed and narrowed. She was on the brink of losing consciousness, and there was nothing she could do about it.
The Dark Ranger drew near, beckoning the others, yet Jaina couldn't hear a thing. All she saw was the movement of the elf's lips, but there was only silence surrounding her.
As Jaina's eyes drooped, teetering on unconsciousness, she caught sight of the other Forsaken gathered around her in frantic. Right before succumbing to the darkness, amidst her fading consciousness, she thought she saw a ghost from her past.
Pained observed Jaina surrendering to unconsciousness due to her injuries. It was evident that something serious had occurred to Jaina, obvious from her severely burned arm and almost clouded eyes.
However, what struck Pained the most was the Jaina's hair. Her usual golden blonde hair was almost entirely white with a single streak of gold. Pained sensed that whatever had transpired during the months Jaina was missing was not good.
“What happened to her?” Pained heard Clea say next to her.
Clea bent down to examine Jaina closely, taking note of her injured arm and altered hair. Visibly shocked, Clea covered her mouth with her hand upon noticing the extent of the damage.
"Her arm..." Clea gasped, glancing back at Pained. “Who would do this?”
The handful of Forsaken and Theramore refugees shared a common thought as they witnessed Jaina losing consciousness. Queen Jaina had at last returned, but not without a price. It was evident that someone or something had inflicted significant injury upon her.
Pained balled her fists tightly, consumed by rage and wanting to find whoever was responsible for harming Jaina. Sensing her agitation, Clea gently touched Pained's hand, instantly calming her. Pained relaxed, understanding there would be a time and place for retribution.
"She was behaving like a madwoman as if she didn't recognize any of us," Sansha, the former riding trainer of Theramore, remarked with concern.
Glancing at Sansha, Pained noticed she appeared just as stunned as everyone else.
Jaina had been missing for so long that their belief in her return had dwindled. Numerous search parties had been dispatched, all returning without success. Jaina's sudden reappearance through a portal in the sky was almost unbelievable.
"Clea," Pained called out. Clea promptly redirected her focus toward her. "Inform the Banshee Queen that her wife has been found."