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I had an epiphany earlier today regarding the Arcturis I had tamed. Though I had named him Reikon at first, I was still missing that 'click' that I normally get with my pets. Finally, it occurred to me. All this time I had been regretting having to let go of Grudge, my diseased black bear. He had been an old pet that I had for a very long time, but eventually had to release due to stable constraints. Though I'm not a roleplayer in game, I always have stories that write themselves in the back of my mind, and I realized that this Arcturis was meant to be a reborn Grudge.

This isn't exactly a full fledged story, but I just had to get a summary of the past between Veph and Grudge, so here's a brief 'sketch' of what occurred.
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Many years ago Vephriel had been journeying through the Western Plaguelands. It was a harsh, putrid environment where the air itself was tainted and the undead walked freely.

She threaded her way through the dismal forest alone and unaided, seeking a path that would lead her away from that hell. It was there that she encountered it. What was once a black bear, now twisted into something gruesome.

The creature was frenzied in its anger. Gaping wounds and open sores covered its body, the plague fresh at work. Though it attacked her at first, she could sense the stricken soul within that cried out in pain and confusion. She at once pitied the poor animal, so driven to madness by its own rotting flesh. Determined to help it, Vephriel did all that was in her power to soothe the beast. She comforted it in its pain, nursed its wounds as best she could, and tried to help it forget its raw anger.

She could feel the hatred that the bear had against the Scourge and all it had wrought upon the land. Though she knew the very same disease had already taken root, she vowed to bring the bear along as her steadfast companion. He was strong. His stubborn will would not allow him to lose himself completely until he had seen to the destruction of as many undead forces as he could.

She called the bear Grudge, for no other word could encompass his emotions against all that had taken place in his territory. He was her loyal protector and fierce weapon against the evil that they battled during those days.

There eventually came a time where she had to say goodbye. Grudge knew that the plague would not stay at bay for much longer, and he forced himself to leave her side so that she would not witness his descent. She worried for the bear, but knew there was nothing she could do.

***

Months have passed, and Vephriel cannot ignore the desire she has to seek out her friend. She decides to travel back to the Plaguelands, riding hard for the location she could see in her mind's eye. The very place that they had met, and the place she knew he would be.

Her mount takes her swiftly through the dead trees and stale vegetation. As she nears the shaded patch of land, a sense of dread grows in her heart. Beyond the slope of the next hill she can see a dark shape visible on the ground.

Her breath catches in her throat as she comes upon his form, lying still in the decayed grass. The grief overwhelms her, and she can hardly endure the crushing pain of the loss.

She runs a hand gently through his fur, happy that at least he was now free from the pain. Silence cloaks the area like a blanket, allowing her a solitary moment in her anguish.

As she mourns for her dear companion, a gentle breeze touches her face, and she raises her head slowly. From the body at her feet comes a faint blue light, growing in intensity as she looks upon it. The ethereal glow coalesces, and suddenly a majestic bear is standing before her.

The proud beast raises his head to gaze upon her, and she is struck with awe to see the spirit of her departed friend. His ghostly form is pure and redeemed of the sickness that he had carried in life. She knows then that he had returned for a reason.

Though most are cleansed of past grudges after death, this creature had sworn retribution. He would carry on protecting her and defeating the Scourge until every last one of them had fallen. His determination and bond kept him from passing, and she was honored to have Grudge at her side once more. He was no longer Grudge, however.

He was Vengeance.

Ooh, nice story. Bring that bear to fight Arthas in ICC!

Oh...Awesome...I especially like how you pulled off the "rising from the corpse" effect.

That...is seriously one of the best epic tales I've ever read.
Vengeance and you make an awesome team. You're seriously inspiring me to start posting images with my ficlets woman <3

Beautiful. :') The screenshots really bring it together. All of the subtle tilts of the head and body you managed to capture in the screenshots made it all the more real. I've gotta love the picture with Vengeance seemingly rising from his old body as Veph looks up in surprise. I never would have thought that perfect timing would bring so much life to a bunch of polygons and pixels!

Simply amazing, as always Veph. Gave me chills (good ones)! :')

Thank you so much for all the comments! <3

I wanted to write this as a proper story, but I had no idea when I'd have time to sit down and do that, hence why I went with the 'speed write' style of this. I'm glad that it conveyed enough to be meaningful though. ^^

Very nice! I have always used a story similar to that when i RP with my Loque'Nahak. My very first pet was a snow leopard from just outside of Ironforge that i named Icefang, but in Burning Crusade I had to let him go....which i later regretted doing Then i tamed Loque'Nahak and thought of him as the long lost spirit of Icefang my kitty had found me once again

nicely done :3

*sniffles* Beautiful happy ending, Vephriel.

I love that storie, now i just wish they had a wind serphant spirit beast so i wouldnt feel bad about getting rid of my old one..

Wow Veph, you made me all teary on a Monday morning at work! I love the story, and I'm so happy you've found your dear friend again! *applauds*