Disclaimers: All previous disclaimers still apply. I still own nothing.

A/N: So the last few chapters have time jumps and this one is no exception. Chapter 5 had the group at level 60 in the game. They had just gotten their flying mounts at the start of the chapter. Chapter 6 had them at JUST at level 70 (getting ready to raid in Outland) , and doing Megtheridon's Lair in chapter 7. It is a breeze for them because they are all geared out and have been working collectively for a VERY long time. In chapter 8, another time jump...they are level 80 and doing Halls of Reflection. With this chapter, they face the Lich King himself in the raid Icecrown Citadel.

So in World of Warcraft time, they have been here for almost 5 years...but in Sunnydale, very, VERY little time has passed. It is now, in this chapter, the summer between season 5 & 6.

As of now, Buffy and Xander are level 80 and they are pretty well geared. For those who DON'T play World of Warcraft, they are pretty damned badass right now ;)

SO...what's been going on in Sunnydale?

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Sunnydale, California, Earth

Tara collected the books on the table and stacked them on the shelf she got them from and grabbed her notebook. All of her information was checked, double checked and she was positive of her results. There was only one thing left to do and that was get the information to Willow before it was to late. She was on a deadline, and the clock was ticking.

Willow, meanwhile, was stammering as she tried to stall. She had to believe that Tara would come through for her and just had to keep this latest threat at bay until the blonde could get to her. She did, however, wish that Tara would hurry.

The office door flew open and Willow turned to face it. Tara stood there, smiling brightly.

"You have it then, Miss Maclay?" the principal asked.

Tara nodded, handing the papers over. The principal looked over them and nodded. "Very well. You and Miss Rosenberg will be added as Dawn Summers' emergency contact while her sister is abroad searching for work." the principal added a few notes to the open file in front of her along with the legal documents declaring them Dawn's guardians along with Buffy.

Tara smiled. "Thank you Principal Smith."

The principal smiled back and nodded. "Not at all. I understand the extenuating circumstances and hope Miss Summers has success in her search. We just needed the legal matters settled before Dawn could begin school."

Willow leaned into Tara as they left the school, breathing a little easier. That was close." she sighed.

Tara smiled. "I had complete faith in you."

Willow couldn't help but feel proud of herself at that moment. All it took was Tara's approval and she was giddy.

It had been tough, living these last few months in the shadow of what had happened. But, as always, life went on and the world didn't particularly care if you were ready or not. And she was not. Her best friends in the world were just gone. And she had tried to console that fact but, living in Buffy's house, raising Dawn, patrolling every night...everything reminded her of Buffy and Xander. It was like living in a nightmare that she was to busy to deal with because others needed her to be strong. If it wasn't for Tara, Willow wasn't sure if she would have been able to cope.

"Speaking of, what have we heard?" Willow asked, looping her arm through Tara's as they walked.

"She's fine. Giles has her set up, cleared and I have even done several one on one readings with her." Tara explained. "She is angry, scared and deeply hurt, but she WANT'S to do this. She wants the chance to prove herself."

Willow chewed her lip nervously. She couldn't really turn away the help. The summer was rough, and that was with two witches, a trained watcher and a vampire. It was also summer, a periodically slow time in Sunnydale's nightlife. Having a slayer would drastically help them out. But there was only one slayer now. But Faith had a past, a none to pleasant one, and Willow wasn't sure if she could trust her.

Willow's protests were heard, weighed and ultimately over-ruled. Giles got Faith out of prison, set her up with an apartment of her own and a monthly stipend and a warning; there were not going to be any more chances. She wanted a shot to prove herself, this was it.

Azeroth, Northrend, Icecrown Citadel

Buffy gripped her weapon tightly, glancing nervously at her group of friends and their allies. Turgren, the great Tauren warrior, Peridar, the Sin'Dorei Paladin, Xander and Asminidas, the Sin'Dorei mage. The five of them had traveled throughout Northrend since its discovery. They had fought, had cold battles and won.

Now, they had been reunited with old allies. The (still) young Tauren druid Pahan, the brash Troll hunter Yager, the Sin'Dorei priestess Alirindra, the Forsaken rogue Vashtanarada and the Sin'Dorei Shadow Priest Dartanithis. They were gathered by Thrall and taken to Dalaran to meet an envoy of the great Paladin Tirion Fordring. From there, they flew to the training grounds of The Argent Crusade. Tirion was unlike any of the other humans Buffy had encountered on Azeroth so far. He did not look down on the gathered heroes even though they represented the Horde. He saw them only as people willing to stand up to the monster Arthas, the Lich King.

Arthas was responsible for the massive build up of the Scourge, truly terrifying hordes of undead completely bent on wiping out all life on Azeroth. Tirion held his calling above the petty bickering of the two mighty factions of Azeroth. The Horde and the Eastern Kingdoms Alliance held no political sway here, but The Argent Crusade had a sole purpose; The complete and utter destruction of the undead armies of the Scourge and the destruction of Arthas.

Thrall introduced them and they began their training under the banner of the Argent Crusade. And now, they found themselves inside the might fortress of the Lich King himself, Icecrown Citadel. Tirion was with them, as they faced off against the mad prince.

Buffy still had a very bad feeling about all of this.

"So...the Light's vaunted justice has finally arrived. Shall I lay down Frostmourne and throw myself at your mercy, Fordring?" Arthas asked, mocking the assembled group.

"We will grant you a swift death, Arthas. More than can be said for the thousands you've tortured and slain." Tirion answered, his anger palpable.

"You will learn of that first hand. When my work is complete, you will beg for mercy - and I will deny you. Your anguished cries will be testament to my unbridled power." Arthas sneered, raising his ancient, enchanted blade.

Tirion raised his weapon and beckoned the group forward. "So be it. Champions, attack!"

Before either Peridar or Pahan could act, however, Arthas let out a blast of eldritch energy, rooting Tirion in a block of solid, stone-like ice.

"I'll keep you alive to witness the end, Fordring. I would not want the Light's greatest champion to miss seeing this wretched world remade in my image." Arthas calmly marched around the frozen Paladin and set his gaze on the assembled group. "Come then champions, feed me your rage!"

The fight was brutal, Arthas was nothing like Buffy had ever faced. His power was nearly beyond measure. Pahan and Peridar staggered under the sheer power of Arthas' blows. Her mightiest swings and attacks often sent sparks glancing from Arthas' frozen plate armor. But they were wearing him down. Little by little, they were wearing him down.

Then, tragedy.

Xander watched as Arthas suddenly turned away from Peridar, ignoring Pahan's challenging roar as well. His gaze settled on Buffy. "You, who are not of this world. I can sense the spark of power within you. I will possess it."

Arthas swung, Frostmourne shattering Buffy's axe and biting deep into her shoulder. The blade dug through armor, flesh and bone stopping only when lodged in her chest. Buffy's eyes went blank and she collapsed.

"NOO!" Xander shouted as Arthas calmly yanked Frostmourne from her corpse.

"Hope wanes!" Arthas turned and smiled cruelly at the heroes. "Frostmourne feeds on the soul of your fallen ally!"

Xander watched as a tendril of blue light spiraled from Buffy's chest to be pulled into the blade. Pahan, shouting a warning, shifted from his dire bear form and shouted a plea to the Earthmother. Druidic magic sparked over Buffy, making her body jump. But she was not reborn. Pahan stood shocked, glancing at Alirindra.

The holy priestess sent waves of healing energy all about, healing the wounds of everyone around her...everyone but Buffy's.

Xander ran over to Buffy's body and skidded to a stop, dropping down on his knees. "Come on, Buffy. You gotta come back. I can do it. It's what I do. I bring you back." He casted a healing spell. She didn't respond.

Peridar looked at Arthas, who seemed amused by their actions.

Xander casted again. Again, there was no response. Xander casted stronger magics, but Buffy's body remained lifeless. Her blood pooled around her body in a crimson halo, already cold and congealing. Xander casted over and over, exhaustion finally stopping him from casting all but the simplest of spells. But he still casted them, through tears and with a determination that bordered on madness.

Finally, Arthas grew weary of the assembled group. "She is mine now. Go, now. Break on the icy cliffs below." He raised his sword and magical lightning lanced out in every direction, driving the heroes back. They were driven to the edge of the platform and Arthas smiled. "Watch as the world around you collapses."

The edge of the platform suddenly rolled and fell away. Peridar, Pahan, Alirindra, Yager, Turgren, Dartanithis, Asminidas and Vashtanarada fell screaming. Xander could feel their lives snuff out. He looked at Arthas, his weapons and armor enchanted to channel the divine magics of healing would offer little protection against the Lord of the Scourge. Xander closed his eyes and cast the first spell he ever casted on Azeroth.

Arthas turned to him. "Face now your tragic end."

Xander looked at Arthas as a nimbus of holy energy surrounded him. "I will be back for you, monster." he ground out. "I swear to everything holy I will."

Arthas sneered at the Paladin. "We will be awaiting you."

As the magical protection surrounding Xander faded, Arthas lashed out, knocking Xander back nearly thirty feet, a bone-deep cut scarring his chest. His armor was in ruins.

"The end has come." Arthas said, raising Frostmourne to feast on Xander.

"Not...yet." Xander coughed, blood welling in his throat, choking him and making him cough and sputter. He was dying. He only had one chance. Away from Arthas' influence, away from the hungering blade, Azeroth's spirit protectors would pull his soul from the nether. Xander turned and fell backwards off the edge of the platform.

Arthas strode to the edge, sneering in contempt. He then turned back to his new prize. "Come, Olrun. I have another...recruit...for the ranks of the Scourge." Arthas pointed to Buffy's body as a Val'kyr battle maiden descended to the platform. Arthas pointed Frostmourne at the Val'kyr. "Take her to Naxrammas. Have her trained well. She shall be my newest lieutenant."

Olrun scooped up Buffy's body and collected her soul from the extended blade and departed.

Arthas strode up the steps to his throne and sat, making plans for his newest...addition.

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She was falling. That's what it felt like. Not a quick fall, sudden and panicked, but a weightless kind of falling. The kind where it felt as if she would never land.

She remembered her friends now. The gentle, yet incredibly strong Tauren, Turgren. He was a fierce and loyal warrior, a skilled craftsman and surprisingly adept at cooking.

The proud Sin'Dori, Peridar. Vain, sarcastic and always preening. He was also surprisingly insightful and tough as nails, always wading first into any fight.

The caustic forsaken, Selvalersi. She was an enigma. Mean, spiteful, seemingly more delighted in killing the enemy than anything else. The warlock had left them to join the ranks of the Horde focused on destroying the Alliance of the Eastern Kingdoms. And yet, for all of her bravado, Buffy knew that there was a softer side to her. It was introspective, even caring.

Then, there was Xander. Loyal, beyond anything else, she remembered he was loyal. He was there from the beginning.

He was also there in the end. Buffy remembered. The Lich King, once a proud prince of the mighty kingdom of Lordaeron, had fallen under the spell of the accursed blade Frostmourne. He commanded all of the undead Scourge. He was awakened now and moving against Azeroth.

Buffy remembered they were fighting him. She remembered Peridar falling, Pahan trying to pull the Lich King off of her, but it was of no use. The Lich King had cut her down. She remembered, and god how she wanted to forget. She was dead now, that's where she was...what she was. She was cursed, her worst nightmare made real. She was undead.

As the memories began to fade from her, one by one, Buffy forgot everyone and everything. She was being remade. But before she could be taken to the depths of Icecrown Citadel, fate intervened in the form of a small, bronzed whelpling.

Chromie flew in fast, dodging through windows and around corners in pursuit of the Val'kyr. Stopping the creature was simple, Chromie was, after all, in the service of Nozdormu, the Bronze Dragon Aspect and charged with maintaining the pathways of time. As such, Chromie had several temporal spells at her command. She simply froze the Val'kyr in time and snatched Buffy's body away. She had to act fast, for while she was a powerful dragon her power was nothing compared to that of the Lich King's in his own keep.

Chromie flew out of the keep and winged as quickly as her magically enhanced body could go to Dalaran, where she would use the Kiran-Tor portal to the Caverns of Time. There, Nozdormu could perform the necessary spells...she hoped. Buffy HAD to survive, her death HAD to be undone. The only way that could be accomplished was if Chromie was sent back in time and stopped the group of gathered heroes from assaulting Icecrown Citadel. They were obviously unprepared for the battle. She only prayed that Nozdormu agreed.

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Xander stared into the fire as it popped and crackled. Everyone was quiet. He, Peridar, and Turgren all sat separate from the other five companions. They mourned Buffy's loss as well, but the three of them were dealt especially harsh blows. Even Asminidas, who had traveled with them the last two years when Selvalersi left them to fight the Alliance, left the trio to themselves.

Turgren was making food for the group, but it was bland and not his usual fare. He didn't feel like doing anything other than smashing Icecrown down around the Lich King's head but reason had prevailed...after one of his axes broke on the massive stone base of the keep. He gave bowls out to Xander and Peridar and began handing a bowl to the absent seat next to him, but stopped himself short. Xander closed his eyes in painful memory. Turgren removed the pot from the fire and turned away from the fire to stare into the darkness. He suddenly wasn't very hungry.

The pain from the group was palpable, especially the trio that gathered around the fire. The eyes that watched them took in every detail, finally moving back into the shadows and away from the small camp.

"Can't we tell them?" one of the two who were watching Xander and the group asked.

"No. Not yet." the other replied. "Soon, but not yet." she turned to face the heavily armored figured, gathering her robes around her. "Very soon." Selvalersi said quietly.

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Nozdormu stared at the body in front of him and then looked at Chromie. "What have you done, Chromie?"

Chromie twisted slightly under his gaze. She had been an agent of the bronze dragon flight for ages, but still Nozdormu's gaze and stern voice could make her fell like a scolded child. "She needs to be saved. She has power beyond the mortal races of Azeroth, that's why Arthas wanted her."

Nozdormu shook his head. The Lich King, fallen prince Arthas Menethil of Lordaeron, had indeed targeted the young warrior. And the ancient dragon could indeed feel the power the young woman possessed, even in death. He did not understand it and agreed that such power could not fall under the sway of the Lich King. However, it was to late. The body was already undergoing changes. He soul was already being purged of memories, thoughts, feelings...everything that made her unique and special. She was becoming a Death Knight. "What would you have me do?" he asked.

Chromie took a deep breath. "Send me back. I will stop the group from assaulting Icerown until they are truly prepared."

Nozdormu shook his head sadly. "I have that power, even YOU have that power, but you know you cannot." he said. "That is why you brought her to me, isn't it?" he glanced at the small gnome, the form that Chromie had turned into. "You know that the events were supposed to be this way. She was meant to fall at Icecrown. She was meant to be taken by Arthas."

Chromie felt tears stinging her eyes. "But..." she began to protest, only to be cut off by Nozdormu.

"Our task is to preserve the time line, not to rewrite what was into what we would like it to be." Nozdormu spoke firmly, but gently.

"We send heroes back again and again to change the time line." Chromie protested, albeit very weakly. She knew very well that was NOT what they did.

"We send heroes back to ensure and protect the progression of what must be, not to change things to suit what we want them to be." Nozdormu said softly. He knew Chromie knew this, she being one of his most trusted and experienced lieutenants.

Chromie nodded, looking down at Buffy's body. "I understand." she said softly.

Nozdormu glanced at Chromie. "She was always meant to become this, to become a death knight in service to Arthas." he smiled. "So we shall send her to become just that."

Chromie frowned sadly. "I will take her back to Icecrown."

Suddenly, Nozdormu smiled softly. "However..."

Chromie stopped, glancing hopefully at the powerful Aspect.

"We do not need to send her to Icecrown to serve as a Death Knight under Arthas." Nozdormu said softly, his powerful temporal magic opening a portal.

Chromie peered into the portal and she found herself smiling broadly. "The rebellion?"

Nozdormu nodded. "Just before." he said. "She will lose much."

Chromie nodded. "She already has."

Nozdormu agreed. "Very well. I shall take her through and let her work through this herself."

Chromie nodded. "Yes sir!"

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Buffy felt someone talking in her mind. She had no idea where 'here' was or why but she knew...well, not much. She knew she was Buffy Summers. She knew she was a warrior of some considerable skill, but that was all.

She looked around and heard the voice more clearly now.

Nozdormu spoke to Buffy as he delivered her, unseen, to Acherus, the Ebon Hold of Arthas in the Eastern Plaguelands.

A hero. That's what you once were. You stood boldly against the shadow and purchased another dawn for the world...with your life.

But the evil you fought is not so easily banished; the victory you claimed, not so easily held. For now, the spectre death looms over the world once again and it has found new champions to bring about its final reign: Knights of darkness, wielding runes of death and destruction bound by the will of the Lich King.

This is the hour of their ascension. This is the hour of your dark rebirth.

Buffy opened her eyes and felt the will of the Lich King pressing against her. She knelt at his feet ready to carry out his orders.

Arthas turned to Buffy and spoke, his deep voice echoing like a call from beyond the grave. "All that I am: anger, cruelty, vengeance - I bestow upon you, my chosen knight. I have granted you immortality so that you may herald in a new, dark age for the Scourge."

Arthas turned to the railing and gestured to the town and people below the flying citadel.

"Gaze now upon the lands below us. The Scarlet Crusade scurries to undo my work, while Light's Hope stands defiantly against us - a blemish upon these Plaguelands. They must all be shown the price of their defiance. You will become my force of retribution. Where you tread, doom will follow. Go now and claim your destiny, death knight."

Buffy nodded and sought out Instructor Razuvious to begin her training.

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Buffy's training went swiftly. She slaughtered dozens in the name of the Scourge. She reveled in the misery and destruction she caused. Even when she was tasked with jobs meant to make her squirm, she fulfilled her duty.

She thought immediately of Knight Commander Plaguefist's task.

Flashback

Commander Palguefist grinned evilly as they lit the church. He faced Buffy and pointed to the prison house. "We got here, tore the place apart, and headed toward the prison house. We weren't expecting what we found in there, Buffy. Seems the Crusade's been real busy. That whole thing is full of Argent Dawn prisoners. Most of them were already dead by the time we arrived, but a few were still breathing."

Commander Plaguefist shrugged. "I was about to go in there and execute the rest of them, but I think you should have the honors. In particular, there's a real feisty Human in there that I think you'll take great pleasure in executing."

Buffy walked into the prison house and looked at the assembled prisoners. She saw the human kneeling there and walked over. She didn't recognize the woman kneeling there. She was about to strike when she heard talking behind her. Turning, she looked at the Tauren gazing at her, eyes wide.

"Buffy?" the Tauren was astonished. A name came to Buffy's mind. Askia.

"Buffy, I'd recognize that golden hair anywhere... What have they done to you, Buffy? You don't remember me, do you? Blasted Scourge... They've tried to drain you of everything that made you a righteous force of reckoning. Every last ounce of good... Everything that made you a hero!" Askia said, harshly, cursing the Scourge.

"Think, Buffy. Think back. Try and remember the rolling plains of Mulgore, where you came into this world. Remember the splendor of life, sister. You were a champion of the tauren once! This isn't you." she pleaded with Buffy.

"Listen to me Buffy. You must fight against the Lich King's control. He is a monster that wants to see this world - our world - in ruin. Don't let him use you to accomplish his goals. You were once a hero and you can be again. Fight, damn you! Fight his control!" Buffy hesitated. Something was nagging her, in the deepest part of her mind something stirred.

Knight Commander Plaguefist yelled then. "What's going on in there? What's taking so long, Buffy?"

Askia sighed. She knew there was no escaping now."There... There's no more time for me. I'm done for. Finish me off, Buffy. Do it or they'll kill us both. Buffy... Remember Mulgore. This world is worth saving. Do it, Buffy!"

Buffy gripped her sword and looked at the enscribed blade. She raised the weapon and looked back at Askia.

"Put me out of my misery!" she said softly, almost pleading with Buffy.

Buffy closed her eyes and swung her blade. She heard the headless body hit the floor. Turning, she walked from the prison house and back to Knight Commander Plaguefist.

Plaguefist grinned maniacally. "Felt good, didn't it? You're not one of them anymore, Buffy. You're Scourge. You're one of us. Forever..."

Buffy recoiled at the thought for some reason. She felt something stirring again, stronger now. Something primal.

End Flashback

Buffy looked now at the Lich King. She stood ready now, but she had...doubts. The Lich King, however, either did not notice or did not care about her wavering resolution. He assigned her next task.

Arthas stood on his dias, fully believing in his divinity. "The Scarlet Enclave is no more. What remains of the Crusade will be dealt with in now turn all of our efforts to Light's Hope Chapel. No longer will this affront to your master be allowed to exist!" he ranted

Arthas pointed to the tunnels leading away from the staging area. "I have issued my final command. Highlord Mograine awaits your arrival at the edge of Browman Mill. Go northwest, through the cave, into the Noxious Glade and take the path leading out of the glade to the mill. Do not fail me, Buffy."

Buffy rode off, through the cave and into the gathered forces of the Scourge. She saw the gathered defenders of the chapel and shook her head. It would be a slaughter. The Scourge numbered over ten thousand. The forces at the chapel...only a few hundred at most.

Seeing Highlord Mograine, she rode up to receive her orders.

Mograine saw her approach and nodded. "The Argent Dawn stands defiantly against us at Light's Hope Chapel. They dare oppose the Scourge and for that reason alone they must be destroyed! The mighty armies of the The Lich King stand at the ready as the final battle for the Plaguelands approaches. Today we ascend into the immortal realm of Scourge heroes! Are you prepared, death knight?"

Buffy nodded. "I am ready, Highlord. Let the siege of Light's Hope begin!"

Mograine nodded. Turning to the gathered armies, he called out, his voice echoing throughout the valley. "Soldiers of the Scourge, stand ready! Prepare to unleash your fury upon the Argent Dawn! The sky weeps at the glorious devastation of these lands! Soon, Azeroth's futile tears will rain down upon us! Death knights of Acherus, the death march begins!"

Mograine unleashed the unholy power at his command. Black and green lightning flew from his blade and struck the ground all around them. Everywhere the lightning struck, undead began to claw their way through the earth, ready to fight and kill at their masters call. "Soldiers of the Scourge, death knights of Acherus, minions of the darkness: hear the call of the Highlord! RISE! The skies turn red with the blood of the fallen! The Lich King watches over us, minions! Leave only ashes and misery in your destructive wake!"

The battle was brutal. The forces of the Scourge did not simply crush the gathered resistance, they were met with equal ferocity. Buffy knew there would be trouble then, but she fought on. What happened next, shocked everyone.

Highlord Mograine waded into the fray, felling enemies all around him. "Spare no one! Kneel before the Highlord! Rise, minions! Destroy them!"

Suddenly, something strange happened. "Power... wanes...OBEY ME, BLADE! Ashbringer defies me...Minions, come to my aid! You will do as I command! I am in control here! What is this?! My... I cannot strike...I... I cannot... The blade fights me..."

Suddenly, from the south, a mighty paladin rode in, ordering the suddenly exhausted Scourge be brought before the chapel. They had LOST!

Mograine gave the order, still reeling from the battle of wills he just endured with his blade. "Stand down, death knights. We have lost. The Light... this place... no hope..."

The paladin just shook his head. He was angry beyond belief, the death toll was enormous. "Have you learned nothing, boy? You have become all that your father fought against! Like that coward, Arthas, you allowed yourself to be consumed by the darkness, the hate... feeding upon the misery of those you tortured and killed!"

The paladin was none other then Tirion Fordring, head of the Knights of the Silver Hand."Your master knows what lies beneath the chapel. That is why he dares not show his face! He's sent you and your death knights to meet their doom, Darion. What you are feeling right now is the anguish of a thousand lost souls! Souls that you and your master brought here! The Light will tear you apart, Darion!"

Mograine shook his head, weakened but still a powerful Death Knight. "Save your breath, old man. It might be the last you ever draw."

Suddenly, a spectral vision appeared. Highlord Alexandros Mograine, Darions father, appeared before them. "My son! My dear, beautiful boy!"

Darion dropped to one knee, stunned. "Father!"

The shade of the past suddenly appeared before him, he was younger then, barely a teenager.

"You have been gone a long time, Father. I thought..." The younger Darion said, hugging his father.

"Nothing could have kept me away from here, Darion. Not from my home and family." Alexandros said, smiling fondly at his son.

Something stirred in Buffy...family...

Young Darion stood straight and looked into his fathers eyes. "Father, I wish to join you in the war against the undead. I want to fight! I can sit idle no longer!"

Alexandros shook his head, Darion was FAR to young. "Darion Mograine, you are barely of age to hold a sword, let alone battle the undead hordes of Lordaeron! I could not bear losing you. Even the thought..." That was PURE parental admonishment.

Buffy knew THAT tone. Giles would often use..."Who is Giles?" she suddenly muttered. Images came flashing into her mind.

Young Darion continued to protest. "If I die, Father, I would rather it be on my feet, standing in defiance against the undead legions! If I die, let me die with you!"

Alexandros shook his head and placed a hand on young Darions shoulder. "My son, there will come a day when you will command the Ashbringer and, with it, mete justice across this land. I have no doubt that when that day finally comes, you will bring pride to our people and that Lordaeron will be a better place because of you. But, my son, that day is not today." Young Darion faded and Alexandros looked at the kneeling form of Darion, who was visibly shaken. Raising a hand, he pointed at the kneeling Darion. "Do NOT forget."

Buffy suddenly felt wave after wave of memory hit her. She remembered! Everything! Willow, Giles, Sunnydale, Xander! She remembered EVERYTHING! Buffy was suddenly VERY angry.

"Touching..." Arhas stood behind the shade of Alexandros, Frostmourne extended. "He is mine now." he said as Alexandros' soul was ripped away and leeched into Frostmourne.

Darion remembereed as well. Arthas was his Prince, he was a Paladin under Tirion! He was supposed to protect Lordaeron from the Scourge threat, not turn on them and LEAD it! "You... betrayed me. You betrayed us all, monster! Face the might of Mograine!"

Arthas simply swatted Darion away, a nuisance. "Pathetic."

Tirion stepped forward now. "You're a damned monster, Arthas!"

Buffy narrowed her gaze. She also remembered what she did to monsters.

"You were right, Fordring. I did send them in to die. Their lives are meaningless, but yours..." Arthas sneered, cruelly.

Buffy suddenly turned to Tirion. "Oh crap." she muttered. He was the BEST hope Azeroth had in turning back the Scourge. And Arthas had drawn him out!

"How simple it was to draw the great Tirion Fordring out of hiding. You've left yourself exposed, paladin. Nothing will save you." Arthas thrust his blade out and cast a dark curse on Tirion.

Tirion fell to one knee; it is all he can do to keep from collapsing.

The gathered defenders begin attacking Arthas then, slamming into him with steel, magic and faith. The Lich King, however, is far from powerless.

Growling deeply, Arthas turned their magic and steel back on them. "APOCALYPSE!" The defenders were thrown down, stunned.

It was Darion that finally broke the chains Arthas had on them all. His will, strengthened by Arthas' words and actions, finally let him know what to do. Gripping Ashbringer, the Holy weapon of his father, Darion looked up and caught Tirion's eye. The paladin nodded.

"That day is not today..." Darion said, defiantly. He tossed Ashbringer to Tirion.

The Holy warrior grasped the blessed blade on holy ground. The Light aligned everything, shattering Arthas' crippling curse. "ARTHAS!"

Arthas staggered back, suddenly weakened. "What is this?!"

Tirion raised the now cleansed Ashbringer at Arthas. "Your end!"

Tirion charged at Arthas, slashing deeply into the Lich King.

Arthas staggered back, for the first time in ages feeling fear and pain. "Impossible...this is... is not over! When next we meet, it won't be on holy ground, paladin."

Suddenly, Arthas cast a spell and staggered through the gate to Icecrown.

Tirion walked over to Darion and cast a healing spell on the Highlord. "Rise, Darion, and listen..."

Tirion turned to the defenders and raised Ashbringer. "We have all been witness to a terrible tragedy. The blood of good men has been shed upon this soil! Honorable knights, slain defending their lives - our lives! And while such things can never be forgotten, we must remain vigilant in our cause! The Lich King must answer for what he has done, and must not be allowed to cause further destruction in our world."

The defenders nodded readily. Tirion continued. "I make a promise to you now, brothers and sisters: the Lich King will be defeated! On this day, I call for a union. The Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand will come together as one! We will succeed where so many before us have failed!"

The defenders cheered.

"We will take the fight to Arthas, and we will tear down the walls of Icecrown!" Tirion thrust the sword into the air and the defenders roared their approval.

Darion stepped forward then, holding his hand out to Tirin in pledge. "So too do the Knights of the Ebon Blade. Although our kind has no place in your world, we will fight to bring an end to the Lich King. This I vow!"

Darion shook Tirion's hand and then turned to Buffy and the remaining death knights. "Gather to me, I have something to teach you all." They gathered around and Darion showed them the proper ritual for casting a portal directly to Acherus. They would need it.

Darion then turned to Buffy, shame and anger plain on his face. "The haze has been lifted. I can see as clearly now as the day that I plunged the Ashbringer into my own heart to free my father's cursed soul: my last memory as a free man. We must take back Acherus from the Scourge if our order is to survive in this new world. I have taught you how to call forth a death gate. The death gate will return you to Acherus when you call upon it, Buffy. The first battle of the Knights of the Ebon Blade is underway! Death to the Scourge!"

Buffy nodded and gripped her sword. She was ready now to fight. Arthas would pay dearly!