The Descent into Madness
Ulduar
The paladin's body went numb. Even through his hardened exterior, the softest spot in Samuel's heart belonged to his sister.
"The C'Thraxxi's aura has vanished," Cayden commented. "Its effects should no longer be afflicting us."
This didn't make sense. They had won against insurmountable odds. It was a time for celebration, not bereavement.
"I've tried everything," lamented the priest. "The light is receiving the call of my voice but not answering my prayers."
Zariyana laid unmoving in her brother's arms. Not even so much as a tiny breath made it out of her lungs. Time was draining before them. The longer they waited, the less chance they had to figure out what was wrong and, more importantly, save her from the clutches of darkness.
"I don't know what to do," Samuel cringed. His frustration was thick. "I've spent so many years buried in books and researching how to effectively tap into the beneficial properties of the light and yet…"
A tear welled within the priest's eye.
"Here I stand… Powerless to save the most important person in my life."
Rayne knew that feeling all too well. He was riddled with it just a few short moments ago. Even his worst enemies didn't deserve to suffer such a horrid fate. Samuel was one of the most gifted priests in the Easter Kingdoms. His talents were revered amongst his peers and he was quickly growing into one of the most respected members of the Cathedral of Light. If he could not do anything to help her, there was no hope for anyone else.
"Samuel," Rayne grieved. "I'm sor –"
"Wait," called the bold voice of the draenei. "I would not give up on her just yet."
Ademski approached the sullen group. They may have given up hope but there was still a flicker of light brewing within his large frame.
"What did you have in mind Ademski?" Asked the paladin.
"I remember something I heard long ago," the draenei began while taking a knee. "When I was a child, we used to listen to stories of the Naaru's blessed touch. Our people believe that no matter how thick the darkness may be, the light will always be able to reach them."
"You don't mean…?" Posed Rayne.
Ademski nodded with a big smile on his face.
"The light does not abandon its champions."
There was a brief silence that fell over the Templar Knights. Suddenly, Samuel picked his head up. His eyes were crazed as if he were ready to sell his soul to the Burning Legion or whatever hells lurked outside the world. If it meant saving the one person he cared about, this Legend twin was willing to do anything.
"What do we have to do?" He implored.
The draenei fell back a bit and shrugged his shoulders.
"There exists more than one way to bless someone with the Naaru's touch. The hands are merely the simplest vessel. If you truly wish to rally this girl away from the clutches of the void, then there is only one thing left to do."
"What is it?" Begged Samuel. "Please, tell me."
"It was a popular story when I was a child. I did not believe it back then but now, I am thinking there is some merit to it."
The paladin looked at the draenei with a bit of confusion. He attempted to put the pieces of the puzzle together in his mind. As soon as they arranged into the vague shape of a picture, Ademski continued.
"The only way to bring her back to the light…"
The image became clear. Rayne begged him not to continue but it was already too late.
"Is with a kiss."
There was a collective sense of astonishment amongst the Knights. This was absolutely preposterous. The paladin had thought for a mere second that Ademski had an actual solution to their problem. He knew Samuel would try anything and everything to save his sister but even this was a bit outrageous even for him.
However, maybe this was the draenei's intention all along. Perhaps he knew there was nothing they could do and wanted to get everyone angry at him to forget their own pain grasping at their hearts. The draenei was bold and brash but he was not one to go out of his way to hurt someone directly. This may have not been the best way to go about it but at the very least, he tried.
Rayne gave the mage a quick glance. Cayden's face dropped and he immediately quivered where he stood.
"I can't," he flinched. "I want to save her too but… She'd kill me if she ever found out."
The paladin's eyes fell upon Marcus. He simply shrugged and shook his head.
"You think I believe that guy's crazy story?" He sighed. "And kissing sleeping girls isn't really my style anyways."
Rayne took a deep breath. He desperately wanted to trust in the draenei's story. Zariyana had only done what he had asked. He saved Cayden and Samuel at the cost of her own life. She served the Templar Knights better than anyone could have hoped for and yet, they could not return the favor. The paladin sulked further desperately trying not to break down in front of his companions. That is when he felt the eyes of nearly everyone fall upon him.
"Huh?"
The rest of the Knights bore into him with a powerful stare. Rayne could feel his muscles tensing. A powerful tightness clutched at his heart. Blood was swimming to his face. This was starting to sound sillier by the second but after a few moments, it was as if everyone was ready and willing to believe this was going to work.
"You guys," pleaded Rayne.
His voice fell solemn and stern. Zariyana's noble sacrifice should not be demeaned in such a manner. The paladin would not wish the same if anyone else suffered the same fate. It was time to move on and accept the truth that lay before them.
"I don't think this is the place and time for this. I can't –"
"No," Samuel boldly declared. "I'll –"
"The first filthy mongrel that dares to touch my lips will be begging the Old God for an end to their miserable existence."
The Templar Knights shared a collective gasp. Zariyana's eyes slowly opened. Her sour expression couldn't have been more welcomed.
"Zariyana!"
Samuel brought her upward and clutched her in a tight hug. He squeezed her with everything he had. His chin rested upon her delicate shoulder as the emotions poured through him without waste or hesitation.
"You are too sentimental Samuel," she smirked. "If father ever found out about this –"
"Shut up."
The priest's stern words silenced the female Legend twin outright. He pulled back from the embrace and gave her a firm stare.
"Samuel…?"
"Don't."
He stopped before any words could come out. His voice was starting to crack. Despite being amongst the only people he would ever closely consider anything beyond an acquaintance, Samuel didn't want to show any weakness.
"Don't ever do that to me again."
The priest brought her into his arms once more. Zariyana's bewildered expression was certainly a sight to behold. It soon calmed and even a smile slowly formed upon her thin pink lips. Her eyes paid a quick glance towards the paladin. With only a single look, she spoke volumes into Rayne's heart.
How does it feel?
The paladin sulked still keeping the same bright smile upon his face. Her little revenge ploy did not sit well in his conscious but certainly proved her point earlier. She was absolutely right. Rayne only wished he had a machine to take him back in time so he could undo such a terrible mistake.
"See Rayne?" She winked. "I told you he wouldn't break me."
"Then why would you scare me like that?" Samuel begged.
"Scare you," she coyly giggled. "I believe you were the one threatening to kiss me, remember?"
"You hear that kid?" Laughed Marcus. "You know it's truly is end of days to hear the ice-princess cracking joke."
Zariyana pushed herself off her brother and stared grimly at the warrior.
"What?" He shrugged. "You think you two are the lone authority on giving nicknames to everyone?"
Rayne's smile widened. They had fought against and conquered their most difficult challenge yet and everyone was still in good spirits even after the priest's little prank. However, the paladin could not let his mind dawdled for long. Marcus made a very crucial statement. There still remains the gravest threat of them all. It was the one thing that brought them all together here today. If Vezax was merely a subordinate, there's no telling just how powerful the Old God truly is. Their combined efforts were needed now more than ever. Everyone here would need to be their best self in order to achieve victory and yet, Rayne couldn't help but think something, or rather, someone was missing.
"Weasel!" The paladin shouted.
He quickly rose to his feet and began shouting the gnome's name over and over again. The last place the paladin saw him was behind Vezax's menacing stance just before the bombs exploded. The detonation was so large and extravagant that Weasel could have very well been caught in the blast. The very thought of that horrid scenario made Rayne's heart sink below his feet.
"WEASEL!"
Trotting footsteps could be heard coming through the tall archway. Emerald paced along the math, moving around the decaying corpse of the fallen C'Thraxxi general and jogging towards the paladin. In his mouth he carried the slumped body of the gnome. His tiny limps dangled from side to side with each jogging step taken by the tiger.
The paladin dropped to one knee as Emerald approached. He graciously released the gnome into Rayne's awaiting hands. The paladin examined him carefully. Weasel had a few nicks, scratches, and scuffs but thankfully, he was still breathing at a consistent pace.
"Come on Weasel," pleaded Rayne. "Wake up."
The gnome let out a jarring groan. His body shifted from side to side as if plagued with an incurable illness.
"I don't know," he whined. "My eyes, they won't open. I think I'm going to need one of those kisses the big guy was taking about."
"He's fine," scoffed the warrior. "Let'm mope for all I care."
"Nope, definitely dying," Weasel continued. "Probably going to take two, maybe even three to get me moving again."
Marcus scooped the gnome from Rayne's grip and slung him high into the air.
"Your lips are a better fit for my ass than anyone else!"
"Okay! Okay!" Begged Weasel. "I give up! Just don't slam me on the ground again. I'm fragile you know!"
Despite his best judgment, the warrior slowly lowered him back to the floor. Weasel plopped right on his feet and dusted himself off with an annoyed expression strung across his face.
"Worth a shot I guess," he sighed. "That's how we treat heroes around here?"
"Hero?!" Marcus cringed. "You just fell off his back! I didn't see you trying to dance with one of his claws or eat a big bolt of black shit flying right at you!"
"Fell?!" The gnome festered. "I'll have you know that those giant tentacles on his back just aren't for show. That bastard kept trying to impale me at every corner! I would much rather kiss your ass than climb that thing again!"
"And I'd welcome it!"
"Probably be more action than you've got in the last six months anyways," the gnome whispered.
"What was that?!"
Rayne was relieved to see everyone back to their usual selves. Though their final challenge awaited them just beyond the pathway, they deserved some time to rest and collect themselves. Death was only a few short beats away. If Vezax nearly bested them, they needed to be fully prepared for the horrors of his vile master.
"My, it sure is lively down here!"
The robotic voice caught everyone's attention. They looked up at the raised platform from where they entered and spotted a mechagnome as well as three other large companions making their way down the path. The Keepers of Ulduar have arrived as originally promised. With their assistance, Rayne was much more at ease with the upcoming battle approaching.
"What a mess," commented Thorim as he easily descended down each rock face. "This must have been some fight."
"A shame we missed it," added Hodir. "I could have used something to wash the taste of defeat from my mouth."
"Is everyone alright?" Freya asked. "Please, allow me to assist you."
The paladin's smile quickly formed into a wide grin. They may have been enemies moments ago but now, the Keepers have returned to fulfill their duties and return to the Old God back to the depths from which it came.
"Thank you for coming everyone," Rayne stated. "We are truly grateful to have your assistance."
"Thanking us?" Thorim questioned. "I believe it is we that owe you our thanks."
"Indeed," nodded Hodir. "Without your help, I'd still be blinded in that blasted darkness."
"And now you're here helping us to our job!" Mimiron smiled. "We owe you a lot more than a simple thanks…. Err, what was your name again?"
The paladin enjoyed a small laugh. Throughout their previous scuffles, they had yet to be properly introduced.
"Forgive me," spoke Rayne. "I am Raymond Nigel Templar, but please, call me Rayne."
"Rayne?"
The mechagnome raised his green eyebrow.
"Do you by chance have kaldorei ancestors Raymond?" Asked Thorim.
"It's a long story," laughed the paladin.
"I believe it is a beautiful name," commented Freya. "Now I have a better understanding of your feelings."
The paladin averted his gaze while scratching his head. He could feel many eyes bearing upon him. All he could hope that one of them wasn't Narula. His attention was quickly drawn to his legplates where the tiger's gentle nudging called to him.
"What is it Emerald?"
The beast turned and shot a gaze to the path beyond the C'Thraxxi's corpse. His tail wagged feverishly. Something familiar was waiting for them down there.
"Where does that pathway lead?"
"To the Prison of Yogg-Saron," Thorim answered.
"Really?" Marcus shrugged. "We're not going to have to fight any more of those creepy tentacle monsters or another big blue bettle?"
The Keeper shook his head.
"Vezax was the Old God's last line of defense," he stated. "Should any of us have broken free from our corruption, Yogg-Saron left its safety in the hands of its greatest General."
"So, all we have to do is put the freaky monster back in its cage, lock it up and throw away the key right?" Weasel casually asked.
The look on each of the Keepers faces gave him an answer he didn't want to hear. It couldn't have just been that easy. Things never were.
The Mind of Yogg-Saron
Ulduar
Lorelei stared at the empty landscape before her. The red mountains were hazy, the sky was grey, and the soil beneath her feet was moist. Wind carelessly blew from the east. Her long blonde locks had been tossed over her shoulders and wafted gently across her cheeks.
This was taking too long. The longer the young elf waited, the more she felt her strength was depleting. She needed an outlet to unleash this pent up rage. The voice had promised to deliver one to her. Lorelei had no reason not to believe it now. It had granted her so much and kept its word thus far. They only thing that seemed to bother her about this whole mess was that damned blinding light that made an appearance nearly every time the voice had called out to her.
The young elf had nothing to fear now. The light had completely vanished once and for all. She banished its existence with the power of her voice alone. Just imagining what her newfound strength could accomplish once she had that bastard's throat in her grasp made her salivate with delight.
She drew her blade from its scabbard and admired the magnificent construction. This weapon would be the tool to break him. She would cut him to pieces inch by bloody inch. And finally, when he gasps for his few remaining breaths of life, Lorelei would lean in, wrap her slender fingers around his neck and watch the life fade from his eyes as she squeezed every last spec of air from his lungs.
The large opal gem in the blade's hilt drew an extended gaze. The orange crystal within was a major part of her family's legacy. It's how they derived their name, at least, that's what her brother had told her. No one cared more about their blood than Jean. If only she had the wisdom to listen to him back then.
A flicker of light sparked within the blade. The young elf's eyes were drawn into it. This wasn't like the previous ones she'd experienced. It was rather dim and cold. Impressive was the last word she'd use to describe it and yet, Lorelei could not look away. It was as if the sword was calling out to her, begging for her attention. She peered deeper into it when suddenly, a drop of water struck its smooth surface.
Specs of rain descended from the sky. The vast red landscape had melded into a dull yellow area. Soil was rotting and decrepit. Cottages in the area were dilapidated and have all been abandoned for countless years. She was no longer in the reddish wasteland nor was any of the water sticking to her hair, skin, or clothing. Lorelei stood in the growing rain in a vaguely familiar area. Her heart instantly crashed as the rain grew in intensity and reminded her of a dreaded memory.
The young elf collapsed on the hill. She slithered upwards just out of view of any wandering onlookers. Her eyes darted towards the closest home just over the crest. A sickening numbness washed over her skin. Just a stone's throw away, the damned paladin brandishing that disgusting silver armor casually walked along the path towards the front door.
Lorelei's eyes narrowed. Her mind snapped as she stared intently at him. Cradled in his arms was the bloody body of a young elf. She didn't require the wisdom of the ancients to figure out what was going on. This was another one of those cursed memories coming back to life.
Tufts of mud kicked off her leather boots as she hastily sped towards the backside of the cottage. He had already entered the home carting her unconscious body like some kind of would be hero. Now was the time for Lorelei to finally confirm what exactly happened between them during that dreaded moment of vulnerability. He talked a good game but whether or not he lived up to his word was yet to be seen. Rayne had already broken one promise to the young elf. This will merely prove the bastard's true nature.
The soiled dirt squeaked with every step. Lorelei made it to the wall and snuck around the back towards the nearest window. Her eyes peered over the bottom sill. She gazed into the room. Her unconscious body was being carefully lowered onto the hardwood floor. The paladin then removed his golden cloak and began twisting and shaking it in the corner to drain the excess water.
So far, this was all playing out as he had originally told her. However, this may all be a part of his ploy. Perhaps he was a neat freak or a stickler for organization. Either way, Lorelei couldn't take her eyes away from the scene unfolding before her.
Rayne set the cloak to dry just above the front door. He quickly gathered some rocks, twigs and any other flammable substance he could find to start a small campfire. Once that was done, he left the room entirely and headed back towards the hill.
The young elf looked on with utter disgust. If only this weren't a damn memory. She could step inside, tell her the truth about the paladin's intentions and save her from tremendous sadness and heartache in the future. Or, even better, walk straight up towards the paladin and impale him on her blade where they stood. It would be quite poetic given their future and history. If only things were that easy.
Rayne returned to the house. He was moving much slower than usual. Emerald was soaking wet and slung over his shoulder. The paladin carted the tiger into the room and set him down gently against the opposing wall. Again he continued to show this façade of caring and just behavior. Even without any witnesses present he was quite dedicated to his performance.
Quick breaths of cool air poured into the young elf's lungs. She stared intently at the paladin as he knelt down beside her. Even though this was proven to just be a memory, for some reason, Lorelei could not treat it as such. Her mind begged her to hide. If this were somehow able to become a reality, she wanted to be able to get the drop on him and exact the glorious vengeance she had been clamoring for.
The paladin took a deep breath. He appeared to be hesitating. Lorelei continued to watch as he lowered his goggles and spun the lenses around. She remembered playing with that odd toy. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen before. Then again, her exposure to the outside world was limited at best.
This was it. Rayne removed his gauntlets. His filthy hands were ready to ravish her innocent body and defile her purity. The young elf would have all the ammunition she needed to further driver her brooding rage to its utmost peak. Nothing would save him from her unstoppable wrath.
Time seemingly froze. Lorelei waited intently for the moment her mind had told her would soon reveal itself. It never came. She watched him tenderly remove each strap of wet armor from her body. He was not only methodical but delicate making sure not to harm her in any way while she was unconscious. The paladin's hands only touched her armor and the few garments of clothing underneath. He never even laid a finger on her pure alabaster skin.
No… This isn't right. It can't be.
It had to be a lie. This was not the man she would soon come to know. He was a sadistic animal. Only lies spewed from his mouth. Everything he had ever told her was rubbish. Rayne promised he would never make her sad. He was only saying what she wanted to hear in order to get what he wanted.
The young elf pulled back from the window. She couldn't take it anymore. This whole memory was a ruse. Someone was playing a foul trick on her. The anger quelling within her heart was near the verge of exploding. Lorelei was going to make whoever pulled this vile stunt on her pay with their lives just as soon as she killed the one responsible for all her pain.
The faint sounds of fire cracking drew her attention back to the window one last time. Lorelei peered through the wet glass. She watched the paladin carry over his cloak and drape it over her unarmored body. Her mind seemingly stopped working at the very sight of it. Rayne didn't just throw it over her. He wrapped her in it, making sure all of the warmth remaining in her body was retained and drying it from the rain. She'd never seen someone work so prudently to take care of a stranger, especially someone they had never met before. It was as if she were the only person that exited in the world.
An abominable tick thumped in the young elf's chest. She pushed away from the window, clutched the agony in her hands and cringed with all her might. This pain was all too familiar. Lorelei pleaded with it to stop but she couldn't get her body to listen to any commands. All of this power was coursing through her was useless to end this new level of suffering.
Please stop… She begged. I don't want to see this. I don't want to feel this…
This was pure torture. Her mind was ready to rationalize what was going on but she ceased any of its logical processes. The young elf filtered out all of its arguments and stuffed it back with some of her own. This was not Rayne Templar. His true nature was crude and despicable. He's a man who can't keep his word. He's the man that robbed her of her innocence. He's the man that murdered Jean before her very eyes.
Water slid down Lorelei's soft cheek. Had the dream finally turned into a reality? Was she able to feel the world as it should be? The young elf was still standing in the rain and yet she didn't feel cold or wet. This single drop didn't come from any cloud. Her eye was the true culprit. In the mess of emotions that currently plagued her life, the final truth had come to light. That blasted blinding light had returned and brought with it a devastating realization.
He may have taken her purity and her brother but the most sinister atrocity of them all was, Rayne had stolen her heart.
Silence filled her thoughts. The darkness creeping all around began to fade from her mind. Now the painful truth of the matter finally set in.
There was nothing Lorelei could do to get it back.
The young elf screamed at the top of her lungs. She didn't want this. She didn't want this at all. This is not why she was supposed to be here. Lorelei utterly desired to claim revenge not be reminded of such burdening feelings. He came her into life, cared for her briefly and when he finally broke her, tossed Lorelei aside as if she never existed. The bastard didn't even dare call out to her as she departed the bloody battlefield.
This was not the truth standing before her eyes. This was a painful reminder of what can happen if you let your guard down. The young elf didn't ever want to feel that weak again. She would never allow herself to succumb to the wiles of another no matter how trustworthy, honorable, or caring they may seem. The world is a giant façade. It was just as Jean had always told her. Only the strong survive.
Lorelei's heart thumped once more. This wasn't out of any sickly emotion or longing. The world was fading back into the dull read landscape. Something was calling out to here. No, not something, someone.
He's here!
The young elf's moment had finally come. Her body filled with a renewed vigor. At last she could finally seize the moment she'd been dreaming about for weeks on end. The voice had delivered on its promises. She couldn't say the same about that blonde bastard. It cared for her and gave her strength in her time of need. He deceived her and when the young elf was at her most vulnerable, delivered a betrayal that would nearly broke her where she stood.
Lorelei was tired of being the one sitting back and waiting for things to happen. Today was her day to take back her dignity and restore the balance of this world. Her revenge would soon be ripe for the taking. The young elf would prove to not only him but herself about the truth within her heart. The only thing that was going to make it flutter now was driving this polished silver blade straight through his.