Spectre: Check the end-notes for a clear explanation as to what happens here.
The Azure Reaper: Mal'Ganis for sure wouldn't let that happen since the Legion's plan hinged on Arthas taking the blade (Though he could be easily replaced mind you either as a placeholder or a 'Plan B') so breaking it is out of the question. Jaina for sure was done at having Arthas cut her off so she naturally responds by beating him senseless. After all, she cared about him, even after becoming the Lich King as stated in her locket quest. Her being smart enough to know something is wrong with him was indeed noticeable, though her being Queen of Lordaeron is in question. Not saying that she wouldn't, but is in queustion.
Iskender Hero: Can't really have too much since it focuses onf Warcraft 3's storyline, as well as neither the Orcs or Night Elves have any part to play yet.
Chapter 14: Diverging Courses
With powerful force, the Dreadlord pushed back Light's Vengeance along with its wielder, causing Arthas to be sent back skidding to his feet until Muradin managed to stop him. Without any hesitation, the magic around Jaina began to manifest while Muradin, equally surprised, brandished both his mace and axe, glaring at the Dreadlord who had blocked their path to Frostmourne.
The Dreadlord's form was monstrous, his hoof-like feet, massive wings,two large horns sticking out his head, and enormous build that was covered in armor was imposing as the power of green energy of unknown origin glowed in malice, at least at the point of view of Jaina and Muradin; Arthas knew very well how potent Fel energy is. "It appears he was mistaken of his vision for you, young Princne," Mal'Ganis hissed, clenching his massive hand. "I wonder why he even bothered at seeing you as a worthy candidate to be his champion."
Arthas regained his footing and glared at the Dreadlord for his interference. "My fate is my own to choose, demon." he shot back. "I'd be happy to disappoint Ner'Zhul instead."
It was a name that Jaina never heard of before. But...how did Arthas know of him? And the way he spoke with such anger and hatred, how did he meet this...being in question.
Muradin looked over at the Prince. "What's this about, lad?" he asked of him, sounding apprehensive. "What do you know of him?"
The prince looked over to his companions, and sighed indignantly; now is not the time. "Long story," he replied apprehensively. "Right now, we have a bigger problem to deal with."
Mal'Ganis looked over to the trio with a calculating glare, particularly at Arthas. The plan was always for him to take the runeblade and await its fruitful results. But now that is no longer in the equation, his patience is at an end. "It seems there is no use in keeping you alive any longer.", he bellowed, just as his hand glowed in fel-infused energy.
"Get back!", Arthas roared out in alarm, and Jaina and Muradin immediately recognized that what the Dreadlord intended to do.
Mal'Ganis' hand sent an arc of fel energy where they manifested into a horde of bats hurled at the trio. Jaina immediately up a barrier of shimmering energy, barely holding on as she felt the immense power and output of the attack landed by the Dreadlord. This is nothing like that of the undead or any type of necromancy..., she thought, before she dispelled it once the last of the bats dissipated or had collided to the wall above them.
Just as they regained their bearings, the looked up to find Mal'Ganis descending before them, threatening to crush them beneath his feet that barely gave the trio time to react and get out of the way. The ground violently shook as he slammed down the floor beneath him, the impact sending a wave of force that knocked them back, though this caused Jaina to hit her back against the wall and momentarily knocked her out.
Regaining their bearings, Muradin and Arthas charged ahead, as the dwarf with his mace and axe rigorously struck the Dreadlord in spite of his smaller size. Mal'Ganis glanced behind him, realizing Arthas was about to land an overhead strike with Light's Vengeance. Mal'Ganis whirled and caught the hammer with his hand and threw it at the nearest icy wall, and the Prince along with hit, who groaned in both pain and anger at the attack. The Dreadlord took his attention back to Muradin, catching Muradin's wrist holding his mace. He painfully gripped it, causing Muradin to drop his weapon which allowed Mal'Ganis to catch it with his free hand and struck the the dwarf on his face, sending him flying a few feet away from him and his axe slipping from his grip.
Arthas watched as Mal'Ganis picked up Muradin's axe and poised to throw it at the immobilized dwarf. Without a second to waste, Arthas struck the Dreadlord's back with Light's Vengeance, his aim disrupted as he threw the axe at Muradin, which missed a few inches in hitting his head. Annoyed, Mal'Ganis' claws glowed in green, Fel energy as he swiped his hand down in an attempt to cut down the Prince, who dodged the attack and then another attack through a sideways swipe. Muradin regained his bearings, watching as Arthas was forced into the defensive. He stood up, picking up his mace and axe where he threw his mace at the Dreadlord's back, momentarily stunning him for Arthas to strike him with an upwards blow at his chest.
The Dreadlord staggered back, and his eyes narrowed in annoyance. He raised both his arms for his bracers to parry the incoming strikes from Muradin's axe at the left and Arthas' warhammer at the right. With a powerful grunt, he forcefully sent back the two by freeing his arms from the onslaught. Seeing his chance, Muradin brought both his weapons to bear and struck the ground, but Mal'Ganis evaded them seamlessly and swooped forward to land a powerful knee at Muradin's chest that rendered the dwarf immobile for the time. Arthas, looking as the Dreadlord knocked out his friend and comrade, charged ahead, the light beginning to infuse Light's Vengeance as he poised for another strike at the Dreadlord, who defended himself with both his bracers with such force that spider web-likes cracked beneath the demon's feet. He forced the hammer away from by breaking the lock between them, grabbing Arthas by his collar at the right moment and throwing him next to the dwarf.
Jaina's eyes open slowly from the onslaught. Her body ached, and her eyes widen at the sight of Arthas and Muradin trying to get up to their feet while Mal'Ganis loomed over them with a cold and unimpressed expresion. "Arthas! Muradin!", she called out to them.
The Dreadlord's hand glowed in Fel energy as he prepared to unleash another carrion swarm at them when a Water Elemental came to life and surged forward, its arms reaching out to snatch at Mal'Ganis, who looked at the interloper and allowed his hand to be wrapped by the elemental, where it evaporated into mist when his hand ignited in a green, fiery blaze.
Jaina watched in anger and fear as the water elemental she had conjured dissipated into a fine mist, watching as Mal'Ganis turned his attention to her as he raised his hand, firing a burst of green, flame-like energy that she had never seen before. Acting immediately, Jaina conjured a frosty barrier forming before her just in time to meet the searing blast of fire that shot from the demon's hand. The collision sent a shockwave through the chamber as she struggled to maintain her footing. When the light had dimmed, the barrier remained , but it was becoming obvious that it would not last long when cracks began to form.
Eventually, it buckled under the relentless pressure, shattering into countless shards as the Archmage stumbled backward, watching as Mal'Ganis began to approach her.
If she didn't act now, it would mean her end. Even if she miraculously survived him now.
She raised her staff where a blizzard erupted around the demon. But Mal'Ganis remained unphased as he continued to walk towards her. With a frustrated snarl, she chanced a more direct approach, conjuring a fireball that shot forth from her staff. But the demon swiped the fireball aside with a casual wave of his arm, sending it onto a nearby icy cavern.
"The Kirin Tor have trained mortals like you well", the Dreadlord complimented the mage, raising his hand where Fel energy had augmented it. "You would be a fine addition to the Legion once we are done here."
Looking up from his battered state, Arthas' eyes widened in horror. This was the reason why he wanted to keep Jaina away from Northrend in the first place, because he wanted to keep her out from Mal'Ganis at all costs. And now, his nightmare would become real. "NO!", he roared out.
Ignoring the pain, the Prince pushed himself off the ground and into a sprint, charging Mal'Ganis. He swung Light's Vengeance with all his his strength could hanle, the hammer's head aimed to smite the demon from existence. Mal'Ganis, however, remained eerily calm as he raised his hand to parry the blow. The war hammer met the Dreadlord's palm, the impact sending a shockwave that echoed throughout the chamber, but to everyone's dismay, the Dreadlord remained unscathed.
His other hand snapped out, his massive fingers wrapping around Arthas' wrist with a crushing grip. The prince's eyes bulged with pain as the Dreadlord effortlessly wrenched Light's Vengeance from his grasp. The weapon clattered to the floor, its once-blazing light dimming to a flicker as it lay on the ground harmlessly. Arthas' body was then hurled through the air as if he were a ragdoll, crashing into the icy wall with a sickening crunch, leaving him gasping for breath and his body bruised and broken.
Muradin, fueled by a rage that burned hotter than the fires of the forge, saw red as he watched his prince brought low. With a bellow, he hefted his axe with his one good arm and charged the looming demon. Mal'Ganis, however, remained unfazed and his gaze never leaving the Archmage, who now cautiously backed away against a wall.
He met the dwarf's charge with a grace that belied his monstrous size. He parried the axe with a sweep of his hand. Twisting with unearthly agility, Mal'Ganis caught Muradin's second attack, redirecting the blow to his side. The dwarf's momentum carried him forward, and the demon took full advantage, driving his fist into his ribcage before he slammed his arm down onto Muradin's back, sending the valiant dwarf sprawling to the ground, unconscious.
They have been dealt with accordingly, as he thought. But there is one thing that he has to do to make sure the Legion's plans are still in motion. After all, a pawn can always be replaced. The Dreadlord then turned his gaze back to Arthas, grabbing the prince's leg as he began to drag him closer to the terrifying abyss that loomed at the edge of the cavern.
He glared as he hoisted Arthas closer to the chasm. "You have always spoke of sacrificing for the people you rule, then perhaps it is fitting that it begins here," he taunted.
The Prince's felt the cold breeze of the abyss whispered promises of a cold, final embrace.
He knew that he could not hope to defeat Mal'Ganis in his state. He wasn't even sure if he even could have defeated him, even when he wielded Frostmourne in his previous life as he had no idea on what was going to happen to him. This was his doing. He would die, and Jaina and Muradin would follow surely.
But before Arthas could even think further, Jaina's right hand shot out, her fingertips crackling with an electric blue arcane energy as she struggled to stand, with her other hand clutching onto the icy wall next to her for support. A bolt of lightning lashed forth, wrapping around the Dreadlord's massive form, momentarily halting his advance toward the abyss.
The Dreadlord looked more annoyed of this inconvenience, dropping the Prince from his grip and glared at Jaina as the tendrils of electricity danced and sizzled around him, with the lightning's intensity increasing with every second it remained connected to its target.
Arthas looked at Jaina in his weakened state, looking to find her face burning with a fierce determination to protect her prince. The lightning wrapped around the Dreadlord like a serpent of pure energy, crackling and hissing as it coiled tighter. But it wasn't enough. With a grunt, he freed himself by forcing his arms upwards, causing Jaina to staggered back, panting and weakened. The effort of the spell had drained her, leaving her vulnerable as the Dreadlord turned his full attention back to her.
Arthas felt his heart wrench in his chest as he watched Jaina, her eyes wide with terror, her body trembling with the aftermath of her desperate attempt to save him.
The Dreadlord stared at the Archmage with interest, lowering his guard. "You have shown promise yourself, mortal.", he bellowed with a sense of commendation. "Perhaps more than to any to what we have seen."
"They grow ever more curious about this realm's potential," he rumbled, his gaze shifting from Arthas to Jaina. "It seems that I have found a worthy candidate to replace the prince," he said, his eyes narrowing on the mage. "One who understands the true nature of power."
She did not need any otherworldly knowledge ro realize what he meant. Her voice was unsteady, defiant but firm as she spat, "Never...not in this life or the next." Arthas watched her with a mix of pride and terror, but he was desperately trying to move.
Mal'Ganis, however, seemed amused by this. "As if you have a choice," he coldly replied. "In order for a tool to be remade, it had be broken."
"Let her go, Mal'Ganis!" both the Dreadlord and Jaina hear Arthas roar in desperation, echoing around the cavern. "This is between you and me!"
Mal'Ganis was unimpressed of the display of bravado. "You had your chance to prove your worth, young Prince. And now, it seems, you have failed."
He looked over at the Archmage. "But then, I will make an example of your friend here. Only then, the rest will learn to serve without question."
Jaina's eyes flashed with determination, her hand trembling as she raised her staff once more, a faint blue glow building at its tip but Mal'Ganis took it and threw it aside. leaving her defenseless and at the mercy of the Dreadlord.
Arthas could feel his own world crashing down down before him again. This isn't how it was intended to go. "Take me instead," he pleaded, desperation clawing at his words, but his words fell to deaf ears. A noble gesture, but an idiotic one as he remembered what happened before.
Mal'Ganis's left hand coil around Jaina's throat, and the other glowed with unspeakable energy. Her eyes grew wide with horror as she felt her life force being torn away, being drawn out like water from a parched well when she saw the blue, spectral energy that came from her being siphoned while Muradin lay unconcious, surely becoming the next target to the Dreadlord's wrath. The Prince struggled to stand, his very soul screaming out in pain as he witnessed the woman he cared and loved suffer.
This is all my fault...
His 'second chance', may have nothing been more than a punishment for what he had done in the life before. To see everything he loved turn to dust, even in spite of his attempts to save them.
A punishment...for giving up the Light when it no longer suited him, and hence his choice to pursue Frostmourne to crave his hunger for vengeance. Arthas watched, his heart breaking as he saw Jaina's soul teeter on the edge of oblivion. He had failed her, failed everyone.
He had been prideful, selfish, impulsive, opportunistic even under the guise of vengeance that he deluded himself into thinking it was justice. That, he drove away two of his closest companions out of his own actions. Damned everything that he could see before him, and raised them to be his pawns in his pursuit for power.
He could not bear to watch the only person who still believe in him wither before him. The only one who still saw the good in him in spite of willingly throwing himself into the abyss that promised power and domination. The same person who fought through hell and back to personally see him herself in the icy halls of Icecrown Citadel, in an attempt to try and save him from himself when it was clear that...he was a lost cause.
The moment he cut off his heart...he fully abandoned his humanity for his own purposes. Persisting even now, where he does not even see himself as one after everything he had done.
But because of her unyielding faith in him, he could feel it becoming whole again after he felt the pain he had caused her by pushing her away, and finally yielding to her resolve. Becoming the light within the abyss that he remained wthin.
His fingers crunched the frost beneath him, desperately hoping the Light could still hear him. Hear me, he beseeched. If you still see any good in me, any semblance that I could still atone...please help me save her! Take me instead! Let her live, and damn me to whatever fate you wish!
He wasn't sure what he was doing anymore. He needed to save her, even if it meant dying again, but permanently. But...what else he could do?
His gaze lingered onto the very object he sought to vanquish from the face of Azeroth. The instrument of his own destruction as well as countless others, now hovering above on the cold, hard ground.
He could the whispers again. His whispers. Whispers that he wished to purge from this world so badly. Only together we can end this nightmare...
Frostmourne was indeed powerful. Arthas knew if he took up the weapon again, his soul would be damned for everything to be repeated. The deaths of Falric, Marwyn, his father, Uther, Lordaeron, and countless others...
He would rather die again than let anyone relive the nightmare he brought upon them. And he dies here, then Lordaeron, Quel'thalas, Dalaran and the other Kingdoms will have a better chance in standing firm against the Scourge.
He clenched his fists upon hearing Jaina's breathing becoming faint. Falric and Baelgun had retreated with their men to the ships, but they had not escaped the Dreadlord's wrath. If he was alone...he would gladly order them to leave immediately, to deprive or at least delay the Scourge in rebuilding their army immediately. But Jaina and Muradin remained with him...and they needed Jaina if the others want to survive.
The moment Jaina touches Frostmourne, it would all be over. And Ner'zhul could easily overtake her and claim her body as his own to use once he is freed. And he would be among countless others as mindless minions of the Scourge.
The Orcs and the Night Elves would not be able to handle Archimonde and the Legion without the humans assisting them.
Lose her. Or lose everything...
As Arthas' mind remained resolute in saving her, a comforting sensation began to spread through his body, starting at his chest and radiating outwards. The Light?, he wondered, thinking if it had responded to his desperate pleas.
He remembered. The Light never abandoned anyone who had its blessing. Only those who forsake it do.
He remembered abandoning the Light willingly when it no longer suited him.
Uther had taught him that power itself is neither good or evil. But only in the purpose in where it is used. The Light is merciful as it is unyielding as it demands that he faced his own fears and sins. He remembered that...he had to find another way, if the aftermentioned methods would lead them into the abyss as he had once before.
He knew what to do...but wether or not he would come back as the person he is now is another question by itself.
But if it would mean that he would be able to save her and Muradin from the fate he had once chosen, then he would choose to try.
With a sickening crack, Frostmourne's seal shattered, its glows awaiting for a new master. Mal'Ganis' hand wrapped around hers with a vice-like grip. Despite her fierce resistance, he began to force her trembling fingers towards the weapon. "He has made his choice," he proclaimed. "Embrace the power, or be destroyed by it."
Jaina's eyes grew wild with fear, her body trembling as she fought against the demon's grip. The thoughts of her people, her friends, and the prince she had sworn to protect ran widly. She knew that if she touched the blade, she was certain she would lose herself to whatever clutches Arthas warned them about. With every ounce of strength she had left, she strained against Mal'Ganis, her nails digging into his shadowy flesh as she screamed in defiance.
The whispers grew to a fever pitch in his mind, promising that together they could destroy the demon once and for all.
Such promises were outright lies. And hew knew that.
He forced himself up, his hands reaching over the handle as Jaina helplessly watched. "Arthas, no!", she shouted, hoping to impede him.
With a fierce determination that seemed to outshine the very light wrapped around his arms, Arthas reached out and grasped Frostmourne's hilt. The moment his hand closed around the weapon. The blade thrummed with power and Arthas could hear the whispers once more. Now, we are one. Mal'Ganis' eyes widened in surprise at the sudden change in Arthas's demeanor.
Jaina's eyes widened in horror, her heart racing as she watched the prince claim the weapon that was supposed to be her been her bane. But before she could react, she saw the glow in Arthas' eyes, the green irises becoming engulfed in a brilliant light. 'I am not your weapon...' he bellowed in his mind, his grip tightening around Frostmourne. 'I am my own master.'
He had allowed him to direct his vengeance. Willingly and without question.
But in this moment. He chose to try and his resist.
In that moment, Ner'Zhul felt something unexpected - a sudden, wrenching pull as if he were being torn from the man's soul. The Lich King's grip over his would-be champion was broken, an unfamiliar sensation. The Prince's will could not be broken. He was stunned by the sheer power of Arthas's conviction within his prison, his cold eyes widening slightly in the realization of both the willpower and hope that remained in the man in spite of his attempts to break him spiritually.
You will not have me again. Arthas mentally stated, noth in anger and relief as he felt the Lich King's grip onto him weaken.
Ner'zhul's whispers grew frenzied in his mind in anger and in disbelief. You cannot escape me, boy! the voice howled into his mind. You are mine!
A window presented itself. He could feel Ner'zhul's grip being broken, but only momentarily. In the second attempt, Arthas knew he would not be so patient in claiming his soul. As he allowed him to test his mettle the moment he held Frostmourne the first time.
With a surge ofstrength, Arthas raised his hands urning with the purifying light of the Light. The Light grew brighter, swelling around him like a shield and pushing back the shadow that sought to claim him once more.
The moment his palm touched the cold steel, the world around him seemed to split in two. On one side, the darkness that he called his past. On the other, the warm light that he called the present. The blade quivered in the air, torn between the two opposing forces that now gripped it.
With a roar, Arthas swung Frostmourne with surprising strength. Mal'Ganis had no time to react, releasing his grasp from Jaina to defend himself. The weapon swung an arc through the air to the Dreadlord's chest and demon was thrown off-balance by the sudden attack. A shockwave occured, that sent the creature hurtling backward through the air as he thudded on the icy ground beneath him.
It had also Arthas flying through the air, his grip on Frostmourne slipping away as he crashed to the ground with a thud. The cavern floor trembled beneath him, dust and debris clouding the air. For a terrifying moment, all was silent, except for Jaina's terrified shout. "ARTHAS!"
The Archmage stumbled over to where Arthas lay, dropping to her knees beside him and frantically searching for any sigh of life "Arthas?" she called out desperately for him. "Arthas, can you hear me?"
"Arthas, please," she whispered, praying to whatever powers still watched over them. "You can't leave me now."
Muradin, who had managed to push himself up on one elbow and dragged his own bruised and battered body over to them. His gaze fell upon the prince, and he too searched for signs of life. "Is he...?"
Jaina nodded frantically. "He's alive," she replied with such relief. "But we have to get him out of here, now!"
Muradin looked over to the Dreadlord laying down, watching as Mal'Ganis shifted slightly. "That bastard would wake up at any moment. Come on!", he called out, grabbing his weapons and Light's Vengeance. With what mana she still have, Jaina channeled every ounce of her power into a desperate incantation, succesful in doing so as the prepared in teleporting them out of there. Muradin never looked away from the still form of his friend, and he shouted. "Now, lass!"
"Hold onto him tightly!" She gripped Arthas's shoulders with Muradin. The cavern and the looming form of Mal'Ganis and Frostmourne growing distant as they disappeared from the area.
As the last of their men have boarded the rowboats, Falric and Baelgun watch over the the land with a few of their men, waiting for the Prince and his companions to return in spite of the bitter cold. The undead have now overran the outpost they have abandoned, but Falric continued to wait for his Prince and Lady Proudmoore to return. Not wanting to leave without them in any cost. "What do you think happened to them?", Baelgun asked as he tried to look through his spyglass for any sign of the three of them. "Do you think they're-"
Falric glared at him. "They have went through odds that are stacked against them, and I'm sure they would do so again.", he declared. "If they don't arrive soon, I would have to see to them myself."
His dwarf counterpart couldn't help but admire his faith, his pragmatism won over. "I know you have faith in them, lad. But the dead have this place surrounded and heading back is suicide!"
"Then I will head over and find them myself if no one else would.", Falric declared, and Baelgun knew that his human counterpart wouldn't left anyone behind. "I have sworn an oath to protect a member of the House of Menethil. And I would certainly not break that oath by leaving them behind."
Then, without warning, the very air around them seemed to warp and shimmer. Falric and Baelgun's eyes widened as they saw a blur of light coalesce on the shoreline where they saw the trio of Jaina, Muradin and an unconcious Prince Arthas materialized before them. Jaina's desperation was clear, but was somewhat relieved to see the familiar visage of her friend. "Falric!" she called out, sounding exhausted and weary. "Falric, we need to leave now!"
Her cry was met with a group of human Footmen and Dwarven Riflemen led by Falric and Baelgun, the former's eyes widened at the sight of his prince, unconscious and battered, but alive. "Your Highness!" he exclaimed, rushing to Muradin and Jaina's side.
Muradin, panted, still feeling the pain in his back and his ribs. "That demon bastard is still out there," he warned, clutching his chest. "We can't stay here any longer!"
Falric and Baelgun didn't have to think twice. "Get him aboard!" he ordered, and his men went to work. "We leave for Lordaeron immediately!"
Their men lifted Arthas gently and began to carry him over to the flagship, Resolute. Falric took the lead as Jaina and Muradin were behind them. "What happened?" he demanded of the Archmage as they hurried to the ship. "Is he...?"
"He's alive, Falric," she assured him, her voice a mix of relief and urgency. "But...we have to get him home. He... he..."
Jaina could not finish what she was about to say, causing Falric's brow furrowed with concern. And only silence overtaken them as the rest of the suviving members of the expedition began their voyage back home. Jaina couldn't help but look back, wondering the extent of Arthas' connection to the place and of himself, knowing that Frostmourne and Mal'Ganis are still out there.
While writing this chapter, I have to double check both the wiki, the Rise of the Lich King Novel, and lore enthusiasts at Reddit about this. From what I've learned and told, Arthas abandoned the Light when it was shown to him that Frostmourne was more effective in dishing out solutions. In regards to Ner'Zhul claiming his soul the moment he gripped it, I think he didn't as he maintained his sanity at least before he killed Mal'Ganis to the point that he never let go of the blade that Ner'Zhul was about to claim his soul completely, after feeling the full extent of his power that he didn't even try to resist him unlike here.
In regards with the Light, according to them, it's tied to the conviction of a person. And Arthas here, certainly has faith in the Light compared in OTL, as he prayed for the strength to save Jaina, rather than vengeance against Mal'Ganis. So, that gives him a brief breathing room before Ner'Zhul would strike again to claim his soul, just in time for Arthas to break the connection between them when he struck down Mal'Ganis.
As a sidenote, Jaina did become the Lich Queen in the Emerald Nightmare novel after taking Frostmourne herself to save Arthas, only to kill him not long after. And the way Mal'Ganis moves here is in reminiscent on his playstyle in Heroes of the Storm, as well as the Ascendant Lord of the Elder Scrolls Online High Isle Launch Cinematic.
So what happens to Arthas. We'll see...
So...give me your opinion at the matter. Leave a review!
