FELWOOD

In the northern reaches of Kalimdor was a dark, corrupted forest. Known as Felwood, the once bountiful region had been twisted and mutated by demonic energies, causing a sickly green miasma of dark magic to always hang overhead.

If that wasn't enough, pools of dark, toxic water dotted the landscape, giving off an acrid stench.

And it was home to all manner of demonic creatures, spreading malevolence just by their existence.

Despite the danger, Felwood was a natural draw to those who sought uninterrupted time to complete dark rituals.

In a hidden, underground chamber provided by the satyrs in the darkest parts of Felwood, Mal'Ganis's gaze was fixed on a horned figure lying on the altar. It was the foundational medium for Xavius's new body, formed by a ritual provided by Kil'Jaeden.

Kil'Jaeden had set about creating a new ritual upon hearing of the first satyr's current non-corporeal form. And then the result had been provided to the dreadlord who had promptly been summoned warlocks residing within Felwood allied with the Legion.

Working on the resulting ritual for days, Mal'Ganis had finally acquired all the necessary components. Such as an unmutilated satyr body, a grand soulstone, infernal charcoal, and fresh imp blood. And finally transmuted them all into a body suitable to contain Xavius's soul.

Leading to this final step. Drawing forth Xavius from the Emerald Dream.

With a final incantation, Mal'Ganis channeled his dark energy into the Scythe of Elune.

The chamber was filled with a vibrant green glow as a a direct link was opened to the Emerald Dream. And pulled forth a horned demonic wisp with red eyes. Xavius in spirit, the wisp form a remnant of his elf heritage. The eerie wisp had little time to look at it future body before the implanted soulstone started drawing it in. But it didn't resist, instead Xavius dove right in.

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Mal'ganis watched with satisfaction as the medium's skin began to ripple and writhe, limbs growing longer, thicker, tighter, and eyes flickering. Horns grew sharper, darkening to a abyssal black, and hooves doubling in diameter. The sound of grinding teeth filled the chamber and Xavius's chest heaved as the demon endured the pain of his body and spirit synergizing. Finally, the flickering eyelids opened, luminous red eyes taking in the stone ceiling.

A hoarse, scratchy voice sore with repressed pain, "I am whole once again, thanks to you."

Mal'ganis smirked, pleased with the satyr's reaction, but he vocally disagreed out of self-preservation, "Thank Kil'Jaeden, he created this method solely for you. He views you as important to Azeroth's conquest. There have been many setbacks."

Xavius nodded slowly with some trepidation, "And what of Sargeras?"

Mal'Ganis smirked wider. The satyr was worried over his failure. As he should be. Failing the Dark Titan rarely had good outcomes. But Xavius was in luck.

The dreadlord smoothly assuaged his new partner, "Our dark lord has been missing for millennia and we are awaiting his return. In his absence and Archimonde's death,

Kil'Jaeden has assumed temporary leadership of the Legion."

The red-eyed satyr sat upright and exhaled deeply, "What does Kil'Jaeden require of my service?"

"The satyr clans have splintered since your disappearance. Your task is to consolidate them under your banner."

Mal'Ganis eyes then glowed, "And to use the Dirk of the Beast to create as many new satyr as possible."

Xavius finally swung his legs off the altar and stood, eyes glinting fervently, "Of course. I will serve Kil'Jaeden and the Legion with all my strength!"

The winged-demon smiled and tossed the red-eyed demon a crystal transponder, turned, and departed the chamber.

Xavius rolled his shoulders flexed his fists after setting down the communicator on the altar beside him. Having a physical senses again after all these millenia felt incredible as he tasted the air and gazed at his surroundings curiously. But he calmed himself after exulting briefly.

It was a relief. He had been worried about Sargeras punishing him for his failures.

Then his plan to save himself by corrupting the Emerald Dream had encountered problems. A stronger opponent with the same goal.

A red, growing manifestation that the guardians and druids within the Dream were trying to quarantine.

Not even of a demonic nature, just a pervasive, twisted energy that didn't differentiate between the Dream or a demonic wisp. So there was no opportunity to collaborate.

So Xavius had been stuck in the Dream hiding from this implacable force, the Emerald dragonkin guardians, and the overwhelming fear of Sargeras.

Until Mal'Ganis had found him.

Now he was totally free of the precipice. Free to accumulate power once more.