The Observation Ring

Ulduar

The paladin hadn't even begun to ponder the query posed by Ademski. Brann had only gotten as far as the stone giant blocking their path. With his defeat and the subsequent elimination of the bronze guardian meant that they were back to their original mission.

"We need to find where Yogg-Saron is being held," started Rayne. "Cayden, did Brann mention anything to you about this so called prison?"

The mage shook his head.

"Unfortunately, that's something Brann never located. He originally came to Ulduar seeking answers for matters unrelated to our current mission as he said before. However, perhaps the Keepers know of the Old God's whereabouts."

"Keepers?"

The warrior raised an eyebrow as he turned towards Cayden.

"You mean this place already has a bunch of guards watching over this thing?" Marcus hastily grunted "So what the hell are we doing in here anyways?"

"It's not that simple," Cayden replied. "According to some of the historical documents Brann recovered, there exists beings known as the Titanic Watchers. They are guardians created by the Titans to watch over our world and protect their creations. Five of them were tasked with watching over Ulduar and the imprisoned Old God. However, it is likely that Yogg-Saron's influence has grown since its shackles were broken. The Old God may have already corrupted the Watchers and turned them against us in order to secure its freedom and spread its influence."

"I'd say it's long past that," the priest interjected.

"Samuel?"

Zariyana quizzically stared at her brother as he casually cleaned his glasses before reaffixing them over his eyes.

"That last giant we bested appeared to be one of them," he began. "If she had already fallen to such corruption, then we must assume everything else in this fortress has as well."

"That bronze bimbo is a creation of the Titans?" Marcus asked while glancing over towards the hole. "How can you tell?"

"The creature matches the description of a similar being Brann ran into while excavating in the subterranean fortress of Uldaman. Given her strength and fortitude, I'd say with absolute certainty that she is, or rather, was a Titanic Watcher."

The news shocked the rest of the Templar Knights. Each adversary they faced brought a unique challenge. The last one was certainly the toughest. If that was a sign of things to come, the Templar Knights may have their work cut out for them. Weasel was especially vocal in that regards.

"You knew that crazy cat lady was a damned Titan baby and still let us fight her without saying anything?!"

"I had my theories but," shrugged the priest. "I could not be certain until we engaged her."

"I never knew you had an affinity towards archeology," the female Legend twin stated. "When did you find the time to study all this?"

"Once I had received notice of Rayne's desire to assist Brann, I asked the Silver Enclave to start pulling documents submitted by the Explorers' League related to Ulduar," he calmly replied. "There were many books to read through but I had time on my side."

"So that is why you requested those extra days to work?" His sister coyly smiled.

"I was not about to venture blindly into an unknown fortress without first doing proper research," answered Samuel. "Only a fool would walk with their eyes closed."

The priest had a propensity for citing philosophical quotes from time to time. Sure it aided in proving his point but it always managed to rouse the ire of his companions.

"What about the five Watchers within this fortress?" Posed Rayne looking to shift the tide subject wise. "What do we know about them?"

"Well, it's actually four now," Cayden replied. "Loken, the prime designate and chief jailer of Ulduar was also the first to fall under the Old God's influence. He was working within another wing of Ulduar called the Halls of Lightning. It was the first area of the fortress that Brann and his forces attacked. There had been rumors around Northrend about his madness and they sought to confirm. Upon slaying the Titanic Watcher, he left them with only a few grim words."

"And what pray tell did this so-called chief leave behind before he bit the dust?"

The warrior was unimpressed with what he had heard thus far. It was possible Cayden was conveying it improperly but the warning itself would stand on its own.

"He said," the mage slowly began, "My death... Heralds the end of this world."

"What does that even mean?"

"Perhaps his madness had left his arrogance intact, no?" Ademski asked.

"Perhaps," the mage answered. "But then something weird happened. Loken had a glowing hologram of Azeroth floating in his throne room. As soon as he died, the hologram burst into flames and a beacon light shot up into the sky. Brann was completely baffled at what both of those things meant so he sought answers in the other wing, the Halls of Stone and in turn, Ulduar itself."

This was sounding worse and worse with every passing second. Loken's cryptic message aside, it posed a very unique theory. If killing just one of the Titantic Watchers would bring peril to Azeroth, slaying them all may be fatal to this very world. Had he known this information beforehand, Rayne may have decided against hastily sending the bronze guardian to her death.

"I believe we should err on the side of caution," started the paladin. "It would be in our best interest not to kill any more of the Titanic Watchers."

"I hate to break it to you kid," the warrior sighed. "But given what happened with the last one we encountered, they don't exactly appear to be in the mood to parlay."

"Then we must find a way to remove the Old God's influence from their minds."

Marcus scoffed.

"Easier said than done."

"Not entirely," Samuel interrupted. "There have been reports of a Titanic Watcher named Myzrael imprisoned within the grounds of the Arathi Highlands. A few years ago, a group of adventurers accidentally released her from her bindings. This was a clever ruse on her part as she had already been corrupted by the influence of the Old Gods. She attacked the adventurers but surprisingly enough, they managed to defeat her. Once she regained consciousness, Myzrael allegedly thanked the adventurers for their assistance in removing the corruption. She was last spotted heading west and vanished once she reached the ocean."

Finally there was some good news seeping through the dark clouds. A fight with the Keepers was inevitable. At least now they knew there was a way they could seek their assistance instead of killing them outright.

"We will proceed as planned then," nodded the paladin. "Cayden, what can you tell us about the rest of the keepers?"

"First there's Mimiron," the mage began. "I don't believe I have to go into too much detail seeing as we've already fought two of his creations already. He's a mechagnome, master level tinkerer and said to be the father of engineering. Mimiron was responsible for designing and building this fortress as well as the Forge of Wills and Engine of the Makers located throughout the Storm Peaks."

Knowing the first was a gnome would at least keep the size advantage in their corner. However, if the tank and construct were just a few of Mimiron's crafty tinkers, the paladin didn't even want to imagine what could be lurking in his private lair.

"Then there's Hodir. He used to reside in the Temple of Winter and greatly influenced the frost giants of this region. Some have even gone to call themselves the Sons of Hodir. Whether or not that's just a name to honor him or rooted in truth has not been determined. Hodir is said to be one of the largest and most durable of all the Keepers. His skin is ice blue and chilling to the touch. Being in his very presence is rumored to freeze you down to your very soul."

This did not bode well for the Knights. Rayne had heard about the Sons of Hodir. They were as tough as the mountains they resided in, maybe even tougher. If they looked up to Hodir as a father or even worse, a God, then there's no telling just how formidable this Keeper will be.

"Freya, also known as the guardian of nature, used to reside in the Temple of Life. She was blessed in creation by the Titan known as Eonar. Her power resides in the protection of life, nature, and all that is healing. An avatar of hers was spotted in Sholazar Basin aiding in the removal of the taint of the scourge that has recently taken up residence. Of all the Keepers, she is said to be the most caring and nurturing."

The paladin remembers seeing a large guardian in the region while on a mission with Marcus and Weasel. They were bumbling around with the famed Hemet Nesingwary at the time further building the illusion of their foolish reputation. She was a forced to be reckoned with back then and if that was merely an avatar, the reality may prove to be the most difficult challenge yet.

"Finally, there is Thorim. He once resided in the Terrance of the Makers and is the brother of Loken. It is said that he was amongst the noblest of his fellow Keepers and the last to fall under corruption. He was an arbitrator and peacekeeper amongst the races. Thorim loved this world so much he even fell in love with a mortal vrykrul known a Sif. Loken, being a cunning manipulator, killed Sif and tricked his brother into believing the frost giants were responsible and starting a brutal war. He then kidnapped Thorim and retreated back to Ulduar. Why he did such a vile and evil act towards his brother is still under speculation."

Contending with one Keeper was bad enough as is but knowing four of them still resided within these walls was a cruel task to overcome. Rayne pondered their next course of action. Deciding on which Keeper to subdue first may be the most important decision of their lives.

"I hate to be the bad news bearer," said Ademski, "but we may be running short on time."

"How is that possible?" The mage asked.

"The naaru's essence has grown dimmer the longer we have spent in this place," the draenei replied. "I fear that if we stay within these walls, we too may suffer under the corruption of the Old God."

Ademski made a good point. Rayne too felt the light's power slipping further and further away from his grasp. Any time he called upon proved to be an endurance trial since the moment they stepped foot in this fortress. The worst case scenario had finally appeared.

"Then we will just have to split up."

Those words burned as he spewed them from his tongue. Dealing with one Watcher took their combined effort entirely. Fractioning their forces was not the most ideal solution. However, should they fail, death may be a much more forgiving ending than becoming a pawn of an Old God.

"I don't like it kid," the warrior spat, "but we've got no other choice."

"How do you want to do this Rayne?" Questioned Cayden.

It was imperative that they put their best foot forward when approaching each of the Keepers. The Templar Knights had their own strengths and weaknesses to consider. The goal was to free the Keepers from their corruption, not kill them. Having the ability to heal and cleanse will be particularly useful so assigning Knights with those abilities to each one was necessary. This meant Sam, Zari, Ademski, Narula, and himself would have to be assigned to separate wings.

Samuel and Zariyana worked best together. Splitting them up would be a detriment to their abilities and they could still afford to divide the rest amongst the remaining three. Cayden's affinity towards fire magic would make him an ideal choice against Hodir. Mimiron is an engineer so sending another one like Weasel after him would be in their best interest seeing as the gnome was able to best one of his previous creations. Ademski and Saelena would also probably want to be paired together given their relationship. That just left Marcus as the wild card. His strength and experience could easily turn the tide in any confrontation.

"Sam, Zari, you two confront Thorim," Rayne began. "If he was truly the last to be corrupted then he will be the most susceptible to the light's influence."

The paladin tried to sugar coat it as best as he could but what he was essentially saying was Thorim was the easiest. Splitting their group was bad enough alright but sending in a pair of priests together by themselves was borderline insane.

"As you wish," the male twin nodded.

Zariyana didn't reply with jest or anger. She glanced at Rayne once more with the sinister look he had come to know very well over the last couple of days. Something about that stare just cut right through the paladin's heart. If he could feel anything at this time, it would probably be something close to guilt.

"Cayden, you'll be most effective against Hodir. Go with –"

"I shall accompany this brave wizard," Ademski interrupted.

The draenei's large hand slapped the back of the mage and nearly sent him reeling forward.

"I am eager to see how this one fights on his lonesome. And he could use someone with more meat on their bones to battle this blue giant. We shall make a good team together, no?"

Cayden couldn't even begin to formulate a response.

"I – uh."

"Ademski," Rayne called. "I was going to have you with, I mean –"

The paladin stopped himself from stammering over any more words. He had to be stern in his resolve in order to get through this.

"This is a very dangerous task you're embarking upon. I do not want to make any hasty decisions since this is a matter of life and death. With that being said, wouldn't you want to go with your wife?"

"Nonsense Templar," the draenei laughed. "Saelena is strong and capable. She does not need to crawl underneath my shadow nor I hers."

Rayne wasn't trying to assume anything remotely close to that despite how it may have sounded. It was an act of courtesy. This may very well be their last mission spent together. Spending it with the one they loved most in this world should have been a given.

"I just thought –"

"Relax Templar," Ademski smiled. "I have faith in my love. She will not let you nor I down. The most important bond two spirits can share with one another is trust."

The draenei looked over towards his wife. His boisterous smile shrank to a small and genuine look of adoration.

"I have hers, and she will always have mine."

Saelena nodded. Normally it would be perceived as a simple, nonchalant gesture but coming from a woman who cannot utter a single word, it spoke volumes.

"I believe she will be much better suited helping the silver haired beauties. Their magic is strong it doesn't take much effort to cut through cloth."

"Beauties?" Samuel begrudgingly asked. "Are you under the assumption that I am a woman?"

"Are you not?"

The draenei appeared to be legitimately baffled.

"You are wearing a white dress. I only naturally assumed –"

The priest's groan silenced any more vile words coming from Ademski's mouth and helped drown out the sound of laughter from the other trolls in the peanut gallery.

This was not going as originally intended. Rayne wanted to make calm and calculated choices when he proposed to split the team up. Although, pairing up Saelena with the priests was admittedly a better suggestion than he had originally thought. The silent draenei had proven herself to be both efficient and deadly. She would have no trouble defending Samuel and Zariyana so with their combined skills, Rayne could rest a little easier.

"That's fine" the paladin conceded. "Now there's just Freya and Mimiron."

"If I may," the night elf interjected. "I would like to further examine the disturbance I senses earlier in the north."

"The one you felt back in the Antechamber?"

Narula politely nodded. They both peered ahead towards the large circular opening. Wild vegetation and lush green landscapes could be seen growing far and wide. That must be Freya's domain. Sending a night elf and druid to boot was a natural choice.

"Okay Narula," acknowledged Rayne. "You'll go to Freya and I'll –"

"Actually," she interrupted. "Would you please accompany me Raymond?"

The paladin was stunned. Not only did Narula interrupted his thoughts in mid speech but she was actively derailing his carefully thought out plans. A spark singed within his chest. Anger had made its presence known within his heart but thankfully nowhere else. Rayne wanted to step in, tell her she was wrong, and go along with his original intentions. However, the look plastered upon her gentle face broke through every barrier of resistance guarding his soul.

The night elf stared deeply at him. No words left her lips but her eyes carried enough words that would fill a library ten times over. She pleaded with him with a single glance. In her mind, she was already on her knees begging Rayne to accept her request. Unfortunately for the paladin, he could never look upon her elegant visage and tell her no.

"Very well Narula," accepted Rayne. "I shall accompany you."

Her sullen expression brightened. A smile crept upon her lips. Daggers immediately struck the paladin's chest. His hands trembled. This feeling was new and yet so familiar. He couldn't formulate the thoughts to rationalize it all but for a brief moment, it felt as if something was yearning for release.

"That just leaves you and me short-pint," shrugged the warrior.

"You're really running out of material, aren't you?" Weasel countered. "I've been called a lot of things in my day, but never has anyone referred to me by what they call their own crotch."

"You little shit!"

Marcus swiped the gnome up in his lofty grip and dangled him high into the air as per usual. He brought Weasel within inches of his face and snarled.

"If you're looking for a kiss, my ass is on the other side."

The gnome slammed onto the ground. Marcus scoffed and wandered off to the side to cool his head. If that had escalated any further, he may have done some irreparable damage.

"Weasel, are you alright?"

"Me?" The gnome groaned while picking himself off the ground. "Just fine boss. Trying to give everyone a little laugh before we, well, you know."

He dusted off the remaining debris from his black leather armor and appeared no worse for wear all things considering.

"It's just that, this may be the last time we get to have one altogether."

The gnome didn't have to say it. They were all thinking it. Ulduar has already proven to host some of the most formidable foes anyone has ever faced and yet, the greatest challenge still awaited them. Rayne appreciated the sentiment but if they all wanted to come back alive this was no time to be joking around. Still, watching the Knights relaxed with smiles on their faces brought a bit of warmth to the paladin's heart. They had spent so much time in the cold, he almost forgotten what it felt like.

Rayne drew his sword and shield. He pointed the blade at the first set of stone guardians on the eastern portion of the path.

"One second Rayne."

Weasel dug into his knapsack and from within the confines retrieved a small metal box filled with vials of multicolored liquids and a small red switch on the top.

"Here," he said passing along the device. "I brought a whole bunch of these with me. Not sure if you'll ever need it but better to have and not need and all."

"Thanks Weasel," the paladin replied while closely examining his gift. "Is this a timed explosive?"

"Nope," the gnome replied shaking his head. "It'll work on the same frequency as the trigger I tinkered into your gauntlet. This one doesn't pack as big of a punch as some of the others I have but you'll never know when it might come in handy. It's even got a magnet on the back so if you want to stick it so something say, I don't know, the butt of one of those iron-skinned keepers than at least you know it'll stick."

Weasel's intentions were noble but as always, his delivery needed improvement. The paladin couldn't help but laugh even if it was only quietly to himself. Though he couldn't really admit it outright, he needed that more than he'd ever know.

"Alright everyone," he confidently said. "Let's do this."

Wintergrasp Fortress

Wintergrasp

The light slowly began to fade. A rush of cold wind coated the young elf's skin. Snow covered mountains filled the surrounding landscape. Tall grey walls appeared below. The vague blurry mess slowly took shape into that of a titanic fortress. Rockets ripped from the alcoves causing explosions and a chaotic mess of shrapnel to litter the otherwise pure white landscape. The sun was surprisingly absent from this otherwise bright morning.

Hundreds of valiant soldiers assaulted the gates. The walls shook violently as dozens of siege vehicles collapsed in on all side. Their battering rams slammed into the fortress. A vicious battle between the Horde and Alliance soldiers was being waged before her very eyes.

Lorelei forced her eyes shut. There was too much hectic noise to concentrate on any one thing. She reopened them and peered at the center of the fortress just below her position. There was duel between two opposing commanders. One clad in righteous black armor with crimson trim and the other in glimmering silver armor with gold inlay throughout. They traded blows back and forth, one after another with no signs of letting up

"No…" She whispered.

Her mind flooded with the dreaded memories of this place.

No. No! No! NO! NO!

The young elf slid down the mountainside and onto the platform just above the vault door. She scampered down forgoing caution to her descent. Lorelei slammed into the cold marble floor and collapsed on her face yet her eyes never left the battle. She pushed up back to her feet and refusing to dust herself off as she ran ahead.

"Stop it! Both of you!"

Her cries fell on deaf ears. Lorelei ran through the battlefield, zipping past and dodging the Horde troops that littered this place. More explosions rattled the nearby walls. She rushed towards them. The silver knight was on his knees with his hand upwards begging the other to stop. Just as the black knight raised his blade, a rocket launched from his opponent's hand and drove him into the steps leading towards the vault doors.

"Rayne!" She frantically cried. "Please, don't do this!"

The young elf found the fallen paladin lying face down on the floor. That dreaded red blade of his was inches from his grip. She knew what was coming. The dreaded fate that awaited her brother was soon approaching. This was her chance to stop it.

Lorelei stepped forward. She stood between Rayne and her brother as Jean pushed himself off the cracked stone steps and began his ominous approach.

"Jean please!" The young elf begged. "Don't come any closer. He's going to kill you!"

The Commander paid no mind to her words. It was as if her very presence didn't register. She backed up with every step he took continuing to be the wedge between him and the paladin.

"Please listen to me!"

Tears began to slide down her cheeks. No matter how hard she tried, no matter how much she begged, it was futile. There was no reasoning with Jean. He was not listening to any of it.

Golden light whizzed by in the corner of the young elf's eye. Her heart froze. The fatal moment was vast approaching.

"JEAN!" She urgently shouted. "Listen to me. Its' –"

Dust exploded all around them. It clouded the battlefield in black smoke. She coughed fervidly trying to keep it from coating her lungs. The rocket's detonation continued to ring Lorelei's ears.

As the cloud settled, Jean was no longer in view. He must have slipped past her in the confusion. The young elf raced to catch him. A spinning stream of light chased them both. Her tears littered the ground beneath them with every painful step. Sadly, her legs were just not fast enough. The shield whizzed past her and headed straight for her brother.

"JEAN BEHIND YOU!"

The blood elf wailed as the barrier struck his unguarded backside. He stumbled forward. The Starstrider legacy blade was slipping from his grip. Lorelei used this opportunity to dash past him in the hopes to put an end to the inevitable.

"Rayne stop!"

The young elf stood between both paladins. Rayne's blade continued to inch upwards. She threw her arms up as precious tears rained from her cheeks.

"Please don't kill my -!"

The blade pierced through her chest. Air dried in her throat. Blood began to spew forth and stain the stone floor in crimson paint. However, not a single fragment of pain registered.

Lorelei stumbled to the side. This wasn't a dream or a memory like the previous ones experienced. This was a pure vision. She never once had any say in the outcome. It was only meant to show her the most tragic moment of her meager existence.

The young elf collapsed on her knees. She clutched her shoulders and fell forward sobbing uncontrollably. Hysterical cries rose into the chilling air.

"Why?!" She pleaded. "Why did you make me watch this again?!"

The sounds of battle became muffled. A misty haze fell over her. She continued crying into the blurry void cursing the memory of this fateful day.

"Why did you have to let Jean die?!"

You are a pawn of forces unseen... Destiny is an illusion. Only death is eternal.

The cold misty air vanished. Fog slowly faded away. A dull grey room stood over the ashes of the former battlefield. War and bloodshed had disappeared completely. Only a singly young elven girl remained collapsed under the weight of her own emotions.

Lorelei painfully forces her eyes open. Her vision continued to blur due to the excessive tears still pouring from the corners. The fortress was gone; so too were all traces of her brother and that sadistic bastard that killed him. Reliving that moment from an even closer perspective proved to be more than she was ready to handle. This is why she came here. She needed the strength to overcome this burden and take her revenge just as the voice commanded.

Bright blue light called out to her. It was just down the corridor ahead through a large stone archway. The young elf picked herself off her knees and tossed aside the last remnants of tears from her face. She approached the glowing aura in the distance. This was her salvation. All she needed to do now was beg its favor.