Mhmmm.... this was not as in depth as I would have liked. In fact, it was fairly rushed

I'm sorry, Blizz, I have failed you...

Arthas was not very pleased that she had trouble retrieving Koltira, nor was he pleased that she had lost not only her boot dagger, but her wrist knife as well. Ariki bowed when he gave her new ones, reported on what she had seen in the land, and was dismissed.

She stood on the observation deck, staring out over the havoc still being wrought. A messenger had been sent out to call in the small hold on the tavern, and the chapel had just collapsed when the messenger and the Knights arrived. They came with word that there were still a few prisoners to be executed. Arthas tapped a finger slowly on Frostmourne as he conversed with the messenger, out of Ariki's earshot. She paid them no mind, instead taken it upon herself to reprimand the initiates that were not properly armed. Koltira joined her after a time, standing a foot or two away as the initiates scurried about before them.

"You told Father, then?"

Ariki didn't even glance away from the charges before them, replying, "One does not tell Father. He knows."

Koltira fell silent as Thassarian joined them. "I was under the impression we would be holding that position for a longer period of time. I wonder what changed…"

Ariki caught sight of a Death Knight initiate not wearing a leg guard. Moving swiftly, she overtook the ex-human and drove her blade into his thigh.

"A Knight leaves no opening." She twisted the blade, and hissing liquid splattered across the floor. She jerked the blade out and threw the initiate into his own blood. "A Knight leaves no traces. You are to serve under Master Siegesmith Corvus, on the lower level, until I remember that I put you there."

The initiate cursed, but limped off to do as he was told. Ariki turned and stood by Thassarian, just as Arthas called for their little group.

The Knights solemnly marched to where he stood gripping the messenger tightly. He barely glanced at the Knights, but said calmly, "It appears that few still understand how to follow orders." His grip tightened, and one of the trapped mans shoulders crunched. The curriers lips were pressed tightly together, but blood leaked from one corner of his mouth as he stared up at his King, who addressed him again, "I recall giving you, and the men at the chapel, order's to take no prisoners."

"We… we know, sire. We just-"

"Then why do I hear that there are more needing to be executed?" His voice boomed as he threw the man down. "I have no patience to send out my Knights for executions. Kill them and raise them for more soldiers!"

Frostmourne howled as it was driven through the mans body and into the stone below. He jerked for a minute before falling silent, his murky blood pooling around him.

Ariki smirked. She would be getting to kill sooner than she expected. One of her hands fell to her sword hilt, and she smoothed her fingers across its length. A quick look at Thassarian showed he was less excited: he glanced at the recently killed man, then met Ariki's eye.

"Perhaps you, my Knights, will be able to comprehend this simple order?" Arthas queried, looking now at those he called to his side. His gaze lingered on Ariki, and she held the frozen depths of his eyes for a moment. Thassarian said something, followed by Koltira, but Ariki only heard when her master said, "I know I may trust in you, Ariki." He released her, and she shook her head slightly. His voice was paralleled in her head as he said, "I know you will not fail me."

"Yes, my King." She saluted, and, still slightly unsettled, turned to the undead Gryphon's. Orbaz, Thassarian, and Koltira followed suit.

The orchard held a few meager warriors, easily disposed of by Orbaz and Thassarian. Koltira still winced when his abdomen twisted, but when he saw Ariki watching he turned it into a grimace.

Smoke billowed from the ruined chapel. A few death Knights were adding spare wood to the small fires, and an occasional human, civilian or otherwise, was tossed in as well. Wails and screams met the group as they rode up.

"The Lich King is most displeased." Ariki informed the man in charge. "He ordered for no prisoners to be taken."

A female troll beside him spoke up, "We knew dat. But we had a couple of interesting fighters. We thought joo might want ta take a look at em, Ariki."

Thassarian frowned, glancing at Ariki. Koltira snarled. "What does she have to do with anything? You were told to kill everyone. The messenger who delivered word of prisoners was killed on the spot. Why should we not do the same to you?"

The troll paled and looked away, but the man in charge said, "Ariki will tell us if it was worth the danger, I'm sure."

With a motion for the others to stay behind and watch them, she dismounted and walked to the small jail beside the chapel. Inside, there were more corpses than living, but she quickly caught sight of the prisoners, huddled together at the far end of the wall. A sickly looking blood elf seemed on the brink of death already, a tauren was bleeding sluggishly and propped up against a wall, a gnome seemed relatively healthy, and a night elf was perfectly fine, glaring at Ariki as she slowly walked toward them. Her blade hissed as she unsheathed it.

"Come to finish us off, have you?" The night elf snapped. As she moved to stand up, she started, "I'll stand for this, even if the others can not-"

When she cut herself off with a gasp as Ariki removed her helm, the gnome spoke some word of arcane, and the Lich's voice dulled in Ariki's mind. Wary, she paused before the prisoners.

"Ariki?"

The Death Knight blinked at the other night elf.

"Ariki, by the Light, I'd recognize those facial markings anywhere." The elf looked her over, "What have they done to you, Ariki?"

Ariki herself said nothing, did nothing. Her mind, apparently, had shut down. Warning lights flashed in her head. She needed to be killing these pathetic creatures, not listening to their horrible voices. But somehow, she did not feel the hunger for blood, for death, for pain. Her urge to slice through flesh and bone was stifled, the cravings for souls were somehow diminished.

The Lich's call, his command, had been severed from her. She felt weightless, like she had no attachment. She reached out with her mind, beckoning to her sire, begging for a command. He was silent.

For the first time in her undeath, Ariki felt the edges of doubt. Without her liege behind her, she held no power, no merit other than the swing of a silent blade. Fear quickly followed doubt. She was a follower, not a forger. She could not stand alone, one Scourgeling, against the masses. And if her tie to the Lich were severed, she would soon be exterminated. And that just would not do.

Finding control of her mouth, she took a slow breath to calm herself before settling her gaze on the other elf. "What… have you done to me?"

The elf glanced worriedly at the tiring gnome. "We… we have cast a silence on the area. Ariki, please listen. You must remember me!"

Her mind ticked slowly, retracing all she could remember against her will. She cast her mind back as far as she could, but… everything was gray, and cold.

The Lich was saying something… she tried to tear her mind from her memories in order to hear his call better, but the elf before her began to speak again, cutting the Lich off.

"You don't remember me? Yazmina Oakenthorn… remember?" Her eyes were wide and searching, intently watching Ariki's face for some sign of recognition. She saw nothing. "When… when you were but a child your mother would leave you in my care while she served at the Temple of the Moon. I…" she gulped, glancing nervously at the door and the gnome, "I held you in my arms, fed you honey and sheep's milk, to calm you until she returned." Gaining confidence when Ariki did not strike her, she reached out and brushed the Knights cheek. The warmth emanating from the familiar touch, along with the smell of life and earth, brought a vague memory to Ariki's mind, of her being held…

…she laughed, stumbling away from Yazmina, running after the released cat. Her nanny grinned and urged her to catch the pet, and Ariki did just that, scooping the fuzball into her arms and snuggling it. She was lifted, then, into her caretakers arms, and held close. Her smell, so comforting, made her half sleepy, and she laid her head on the woman's shoulder, smiling innocently…

She took a step back, eyes widening. Her breath shuddered, and emotions began to batter her calm. "No… not… not possible…"

Fear, now, was heavy in her stomach.

"You were my little angel," Yazmina lamented. Ariki shook her head, still clinging to what she knew, to her undead life of purpose. She was one of the Lich's chosen; she should be warding off sentiments! But Yazmina… she did recognize her now… she… she had to kill her…

"Blasted Scourge… what have they done to you, Ariki?"

The Death Knight, torn, edged away from the night elf. Perhaps this was a test… to test her loyalty. But she found that her undying loyalty had slipped. There was a loophole that the Lich had not accounted for… return of memory? Had that ever happened? Her hold on her blade loosened as she cast about for reason, for order, in her mind.

Facts. She needed facts… The Lich was her King. Hadn't he called her into this new and glorious life? She mentally nodded, regaining some strength. He had been there, in death, in the cold barren wastes. He had cared for her, brought her another chance for change… he had named her of his highest ranked. She had her place, she was important. The Lich needed her.

…didn't he?

The small voice that kept penetrating her thoughts with doubt was becoming increasingly quiet, but its slivers were causing her mind to run amuck.

"You must remember the splendor of life, sister. You were a champion of the Kaldorei once!"

Ariki grimaced. She… she was. That was why she had died, hadn't it?

She put the question to words, and Yazmina nodded. "You… oh you were so brave Ariki!" She wrung her hands, "You stood out there against the waves of the Scourge, and you fought for everything you stood for, for everything we all believe in. You fought for others, and for Azeroth, and you died a hero. You are marked to history for your sacrifice!"

The Lich's voice crept into her mind, this time slowly, instead of the hammering he had done so far.

Don't listen to her lies, my Ariki.

The Knight stiffened at his words, and Yazmina paled. Ariki's frosty aura, having melted when her contact with Arthas was cut, came back double fold, creating a fog around the Knight. She felt the coldness of death encircle her again, her feelings, her doubts, her fear disappearing into the nether.

The gnome whimpered, but held. Desperate, Yazmina took Ariki's hand, grimaced at the freezing bite, and said, "This isn't you!"

Ariki barely met her gaze as Arthas tugged their link like a master tugs his hound's collar. Kill all of the living, my dear Ariki. Mercy… it is for the weak.

Yazmina felt her retreating from the contact, and shook her. "Listen to me, Ariki! You must fight against the Lich King's control! He is a monster that wants to see this world- our world- in ruin!"

Ariki blinked twice, shaking her head slowly.

"Don't let him use you to accomplish his goals!"

'Use me?' Ariki managed to think. Her binding to the Lich faltered, and, enraged, he shouted at her.

Kill the whelpling, Ariki, or face your own demise! This I command you!"

She fought his hold slightly, keeping her blade pointed down, but only barely.

"You were once a hero and you can be again. Fight, damn you!" Yazmina's eyes met Ariki's as the Knight swallowed hard. The Lich was retreating; she could feel his hold slither from her mind.

"Fight his control!"

Thassarian and Koltira burst through the blockaded door- Ariki swiveled to meet their worried gazes, not even realizing that the tauren and blood elf had been blocking their entrance and were now dead.

Energy poured into her at the sight of her comrades. The Lich's hold on her doubled, tripled, and his voice, his command, was all she heard. Her blade arched up, and the gnome tumbled to the ground, passing out even as Ariki's blade beheaded him.

"Ariki!"

She was being called by four; from Yazmina, who screamed in horror, from Koltira, who was charging forward; from Thassarian, who was trying to grab Koltira; and from Arthas, who mentally slapped Ariki so hard she nearly fell.

Then all was silent to Ariki, who felt in complete control, and knew exactly what to do, even as Arthas retracted completely from her mind.

Yazmina still gripped her armor, screaming into Ariki's face, but the Knight couldn't hear it. The other elf's hair shook as she spoke, her skin so bright and living. She smelled alive. Her hear beat, her life beating, thumping, thumping, sounded so much like vibrations in Ariki's ears. The breath of the living was warm against her face.

Her blade raised. Tears poured from Yazmina's eyes as she was flung away from Ariki, slamming into the shelves behind her. On her knees she still spoke to Ariki, who still could not hear, who advanced, blade arching to the side as she prepared to render the woman before her in two.

But Yazmina threw herself at Ariki, clutching the undead elf in a tight hug, still saying something, her words falling on still deaf ears. The moments, the seconds, were drawn out, slowed, muted. Ariki shoved the woman away, stared into her eyes as her sword plunged into Yazmina's stomach, her warm blood spilling around the weapon, watched as her eyes, so shocked, slowly dulled, her heart pounded frantically, until, at long last, she slumped, still, to the ground, the life flitting from her entire body.

Unsatisfied, Ariki screamed, her shriek breaking her own lack of hearing, and she plunged her blade into the dead elf's body again and again, until hands pulled her away, tore her blade from her hand, until the sound of metal cutting flesh and bone fell away, until the smell of blood was gone.

Until everything fell into icy grey.

Koltira slapped her, his ungloved hand making a sharp sound as it connected with Ariki's cheek. She spat murky blood, cursing wildly and fighting Thassarians gentle, but stern, hold. Koltira slapped her again, cursing and shouting and raising hell as Ariki raged.

Orbaz stood over the dead she-troll, holding up the man who was in charge with one hand and stabbing him repeatedly with the other. The other Knights who left the prisoners were frozen where they stood by one of Ariki's outbursts. They pleaded their case to Orbaz, who, when finished with their leader, turned to them.

"I myself don't rightly care about the banshee." He shouted over Ariki's screams. "But she is important to the Lich, and the blame may very well fall upon my shoulders." With steady steps, he killed every one of the Knights, including their initiates.

Ariki's eyes suddenly rolled back into her head, and Koltira stopped slapping her, panting hard and cussing under his breath. Thassarian lay her down before kneeling beside her.

Silence fell over the three, the only sound being the last guttering crackles of the fire.

"What do you suppose is wrong with her?" Thassarian asked.

Koltira cursed him in response. "How the hell should I know? The bitch just went nuts and had a seizure. I take life, not take care of it!"

Orbaz smirked. "Maybe she's dead. Maybe the Lich killed her."

Koltira knocked him back with a punch. "Shut the hell up Orbaz, or I'll kill you!" He spat on the ground and glared at him. "Where were you when we were getting Ariki anyway, picking flowers?"

Orbaz glared, but said nothing. Thassarian shook Ariki, who slowly opened her eyes.

"Wake up, Ariki. Come on, you can take more than that."

Koltira knelt on her other side, scowling down at her. "If you die, I swear I will bring you back just so I can do it again."

Ariki's head lolled, and then she shook it. Here eyes cleared slightly.

She stumbled to her feet, holding her head. Thassarian and Koltira rose, watching her carefully.

"We… we need to get back to the Ebon Hold." She managed to get out. Thassarian glanced at Koltira, then nodded.

"Alright then. What… what happened?"

Before replying, Ariki lifted herself into the saddle. "Father… spoke with me. I needed it. Those damned living cast something on me… did something to weaken our bond. Father said I am fine now, but he needs us at Acherus."

Orbaz scowled when she passed him, but followed as they rode back to Death's Breach

The Lich King held no real emotions. But he border lined frantic as they wiped out the rest of the small town of New Avalon. Word had reached him that the new crusade was racing to Northrend, that heroes from both the Horde and Alliance would be soon to follow. The currier that was intercepted on Ariki's returned held messages and little else. These were taken from him, and he was seen soaring off the Ebon Hold to land messily at Death's Breach.

The frost was cracking and reforming at the Lich's every move. Frostmourne growled quietly, hissing and spitting at any who came too near. Ariki settled and resettled herself, blinking slowly as the Lich paced on the platform. She almost jerked when he suddenly turned to her.

"We must attack. We must bring about the Apocalypse for the living."

Ariki smiled grimly at him. "As you command, my liege."

The Lich nodded and turned slightly away, but Ariki didn't leave, sensing he was not finished.

Sure enough, he continued, "There is a chapel, to the southwest… Light's Hope Chapel." He turned and faced her, coming to a decision before she knew what was going on. "Give the word to Mograine. He will meet you on the field."

She nodded and turned, doubt filling her as the Lich's concentration was pointed elsewhere.

Koltira and Thassarian, too, frowned when she relayed his command, but the three did not ponder his actions for long, and rode to Browman Mill, where Mograine stood on a small hill.

The Commander grinned darkly at Ariki's orders. "Their forces will be annihilated. Let none stand before the might of the Lich King!"

The battle was turning costly for the Scourge. Ariki had lost her iron coolness, and was frantically fighting a human from the back of her charger, her blade meeting his with heavy clangs.

It was hopeless, she realized slowly, as the human shouted with returned vigor when one of his companions claimed victory. The Light was too strong here, their forces had not the power.

Her human attacker went suddenly still, and a sword slung him from his saddle. Koltira glared at the panting Ariki, his eyes speaking enough words that what little hope Ariki had left was lost. He too knew that theirs was a lost cause, and Thassarian behind the two fought with less energy every passing moment.

An idea sparked in Ariki's mind when a flesh behemoth stormed from view. There was a clear path up to the chapel, and Koltira had turned to take on another foe. If she could get through those doors, perhaps she could find some weapon…

Stabbing an undead through the back, she raced over corpses, up the hill to the run down chapel, her last hope glinting in her ice blue eyes. If the time came, she would sacrifice herself for the Scourge.

The Lich King's will be done.

Koltira had been thrown from his mount. Cursing, he leapt to his feet and parried another attack. Mograine's might still filled him, but even the wielder of the Corrupted Ashbringer himself was having trouble. The ground beneath his feet had turned to so much bloody mud, making footing a guessing dance.

Thassarian reared nearby, and Koltira shouted encouragement. On a whim, he glanced about for Ariki's horrifying image, and was so caught off guard when he did not see it that his assailant managed to slice a deep wound in his arm. Koltira gasped and placed a curse on the tauren, buying himself a moment to look more carefully for the Night Elf.

He wasn't worried. Even in his head, he would not admit it. But he allowed enough confusion to leak out by form of him asking Thassarian where she was.

"She is not by your side?" was the surprised response.

The battle suddenly froze. Mograine was off of his mount and stood at the bottom of the hill. Anger made him tremble from head to toe. The remaining Scourge forces, mostly just a few battered Knights, backed away from the figure that was descending the slope. However, when Koltira laid eyes on the silver haired man, and his captive, his blood boiled and he charged without second thought.

A burst of Light knocked him to his knees, but he grit his teeth and came again, despite Mograine's command to fall back. Thassarian soon followed, baring his teeth and slashing at the man with his axe.

After a minute of struggling, Thassarian collapsed, motionless, beaten by the pure Light thrown at him. But Koltira blinked watering eyes, focusing all of his attention to reaching the figure encased in Light. He was so close, not three feet from the image. On his knees, he pushed his arm out, extending it as far as he could.

His fingers barely brushed Ariki's, before he too fell. The Night Elf was still suspended, body jerking as the Light tore at her.

Mograine tried not to watch as Ariki was tortured, and instead looked to see if his other two best knights would possibly make it. It seemed they were unconscious, and not of enough importance to bother the man still locking eyes with him.

"You cannot win, Darion!"

Darion Mograine grit his teeth, watching from the corner of his eye as Ariki twisted rather harshly and let out a strangled scream. At the man's gesture, several humans came forward and took into captive Thassarian and Koltira, the latter coming to only long enough to mutter something before falling back into unconsciousness.

A sudden sound of dirt and gravel shifting caught everyone's attention. Darion turned to see Orbaz fleeing, leaping onto his deathcharger and disappearing into the trees even as Darion cursed him for his cowardice. Thassarian lifted his head and spat blood after Bloodbane.

"Bring them before the chapel."

The calm way Tirion commanded this made several knights shift, glancing at their leader. However, Mograine stiffened his neck, tilting his head slightly as he said, "Stand down, death knights…" he fell to his knee as Tirion floated Ariki behind his forces, "We have lost… the Light… this… place…" his eyes flicked up to Ariki's form and his captured knights, "…no hope…"

Tirion nodded sagely at this, but his features were still harsh as he spoke.

And behind him, Ariki's neck went limp, her body falling into peace.

Murrr... I didn't like writing out the interaction with the living Night Elf. It was a lot of copying exactly what the text was. Sure, it's technically correct, but it was awkward to work with.

Also, I find that Ariki loses consciousness fairly often. I'll have to work on that later when I re-write some of this.

In any case, there may be more coming, but none too soon. The little plot bunny is taking a nap. (For this story at least)