Author's Note: Last chapter! OmG, I actually finished a story! The sequel, Life, will be posted very soon. Thank you to everyone how reviewed and subscribed!

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Chapter: Freedom

Rating: K+Summary: We'll see each other soon.

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Any existence deprived of freedom is a kind of death. - Gen Michel Aoun

X

Around four months passed, during which the Lich King had tightened his hold on Northrend before lazily focusing on Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms.

Koltira Deathweaver and Thassarian were together, yet separated from the rest of the Death Knights and necromancers and such. After only around two weeks of them being together, Orbaz had walked in on them after some…. Strenuous activities. He had sneered that 'Koltira the whore' had struck again, and how Thassarian was the only kind of bastard mutt who would let such a demon into his bed. Before they could react, he had been gone.

Only to spread more lies. Orbaz Bloodbane slowly but surely turned everyone against them, until it got to the point where Koltira had been beaten so badly by a group of death knights; that he would have died had he not been part of the scourge. Only the timely intervention of a new Death Knight, Darion Morgraine, had saved him.

After being patched up, Collo informed them that they were moving into her room, whether they liked it or not. Despite their protests, the ten year old was adamant, and they finally conceded.

Collo had then decided to embarrass Koltira to death by coming in with a piece of paper in her hands, which she had attached to the wall above the headrest of their bed. She then sat on her bed and pointed at it.

("That is my schedule. Those are the days, and the times that I'll be out. Satisfy yourselves during those times only.")

Koltira had been extremely embarrassed, Thassarian had only laughed and asked if she would always follow the schedule. She'd rolled her eyes and said that she would, and probably never change it, for fear of walking in on them.

Only Darion and Collo stayed friends with Koltira and Thassarian. In that way, they had separated themselves from everyone else as well, but they didn't care. They said they loved the two lovers, and would never leave them.

Life was simple from then on. Thassarian prided himself with knowing a few phrases in Elvin - he was still learning the whole language - and in return, he continued to diligently teach Koltira the language of Death.

Koltira had told Thassarian about Shiwdy's voice one day, after finding that she had left his mind. In his hysterical state, he had sobbed everything to Thassarian (and Collo and Darion, who were there with them). Collo had told him that the voice was his mind creating a defense mechanism in response to being forced into the Lich King's service with no friends or family. He hadn't believed her, and still thought that Shiwdy was alive.

X

When the attack on Tyr's hand started, Collo, Koltira, Orbaz and Thassarian had been chosen to be the Lich King's elite group - the people the would go in whenever something had gone wrong, and would fix it. Such as when a death knight named Lika had been captured. They had gone in, killed the Scarlet Crusade, and then slaughtered the death knight.

When they were waiting for orders, they stayed inside of Acherus. It was here, that they were given their newest orders.

X

"We're to go and find a scarlet courier." Thassarian announced, entering the room where Collo and Koltira sat to one side, reading together, Orbaz to the other.

"Oh?" Koltira answered, looking up. "At least we have something to do now."

"Indeed." Collo stood, brushing her curls behind her shoulders.

"We're to break through the scarlet lines and secure a base in one of their buildings. Just You, me, Koltira, him, and a few trainees."

Orbaz was already out the door.

"Come then, Melamin," Koltira said, heading out the door too. "I cannot wait."

Thassarian smiled and shook his head at Collo, who held her arms up innocently. Leaning down, he picked her up and held her gently against his hip, her arms around his neck and his arm underneath her bottom. Looking at the door, Thassarian was surprised to see Koltira standing there, a slight smile on his face, and… was that a look of longing in his eyes, as he stared at Collo?

Saving his questions for later, Thassarian headed out the door with Collo on his hip and Koltira by his side.

X

They rode in on frostwyrms, landing in the mountains behind the chapel and one of the inns. Koltira and Thassarian climbed up the walls before breaking into the top windows. Collo and Orbaz entered on the first floor.

There was pandemonium. Twisting their blades, Koltira and Thassarian quickly silenced all of the Scarlet Crusade in the top floors. Slipping down the stairs, Collo nodded, showing that they had done the same. Then, she fell, knocked unconscious. Behind her, a Scarlet rouge went for the door, Koltira behind him. They flew into part of the vineyard, The rouge gasping under Koltira's weight.

"HELP!" The rouge screamed, before being silenced forever.

Koltira looked up and cursed. At least twenty of them. So, standing, He shouted, "You scarlet dogs will fail! You hear me? Fail!" And turned, running off away from the inn. As soon as he was far enough away - and had collected around fifty scarlet dogs - he drew Byfrost and attacked.

No one could claim that he wasn't powerful. He had killed at least twenty before he was dragged down, his weapon taken from him. They bound him in irons and dragged him towards the keep. Look up, he could clearly see Thassarian's horrified face in the inn window.

X

Vanima was a former hero of the Horde. A blood elf, with magical powers beyond belief. She had fallen in Northrend, on the Lich King's doorstep. Now, she was here.

As she entered the inn they had taken for there own, she curiously noted a young girl, who appeared to be around seven or six, standing behind the two human males.

One of the motioned towards her. She did not need to be told that this was Thassarian, assumed lover of Koltira Deathweaver. Speaking of Koltira… she looked around. No blood elf apart from her.

"Yes?" She asked the human.

"Breaking through the scarlet lines, as you can see, was no easy task. Was suffered many casualties, and lost one of our best Death Knights, Koltira Deathweaver. I don't know if he's dead or alive, but I'll be damned if you don't search for him."

Ah. So, that's it. Vanima thought, a small smile on her face.

"I last saw him being bound in irons and dragged away to the Scarlet Hold. Tear that keep asunder, death knight! Find Kotlira!"

Vanima just smiled, and left the inn.

X

Breaking into the Hold was no easy task, not even for her, the best of her generation. The scarlet crusade were fast bugs, that ran quickly and collected more things to be exterminated. Killing them quickly was the only way, and she learned that soon. After working her way into the keep, Vanima smiled dryly at the un-hidden entrance to the basement. Quickly trotting down the stairs, she slaughtered the one guard there, and then turned to the male elf on one of the torture racks.

His pale hair fell into his face, and his bare chest, covered with scourge tattoos and markings that all Death Knights had, was barely moving. She touched his shoulder.

"Heru en amin." She said.

Stirring the elf looked at her in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Thassarian's orders."

Koltira looked stunned. He then glared at the wall and said sharply, "You were foolish in coming after me. I failed. I should have been left for dead - now two of us might be killed."

He shook his head. "We are death knights of the scourge. This flies in the face of the dark brotherhood's covenants. Thassarian, you blasted fool!"

Vanima smiled behind her helm again.

A shout came from above. They both looked up.

"The alarms have been sounded. The High Inquisitor and his acolytes will be here soon. I'm to badly injured to be of much use but I'll do what little I can to help. Slay the High Inquisitor and his cronies. Tear off his head and return it to Thassarian. Vengeance will sooth his savage soul." He paused, a strange look on his face. "One more thing, Vanima. If you make it out of here alive, tell Thassarian that their executing prisoners at the chapel. He may send you to play hero once more."

Vanima drew her blade in response.

Standing up, Koltira struggled over to a chest. "I just need my rune blade and armor. A little more time… I'm still weak, but I think I can keep an Anti-magic barrier up. Stay inside of it, and you'll be protected from their spells." A green light shot from his hands, making a bubble like thing around them.

Three Crusaders came down, and Vanima yanked one to her with death grip. She slaughtered him quickly, then cut the other one's stomach open. As he bled onto the floor, Vanima snapped the third one's neck.

Two more came, quickly killed. Same with the next five.

"I can't keep this up much longer. Where is that coward?" Koltira hissed.

"The Crusade will purge your kind from this world!" A man shouted. Vanima blinked.

"He comes. Kill him, and don't leave this shield!"

"It seems I'll have to deal with you myself." A human rushed down, his clothes made the woman want to laugh. "You seek deliverance? I have come to deliver! Light Purge You!" He shot spell after spell at her. She ignored them all, and just stood in the shell.

"Coward!"

She raised an eyebrow.

"Stay in the shell, make him come to you." Koltira advised.

Finally Valroth ran out of mana. He ran at her, and she shot Icy Touch before using plague strike against him. Quickly finishing him, she smiled as his remains fell to the ground.

The shield vanished and Vanima raised the human's head.

"You make your escape behind me, I'll draw their fire."

At a nod, Koltira turned and shouted, Your High Inquisitor is nothing but a pile of meat, Crusaders! None are beyond the might of the scourge!" He ran out fo the keep, Vanima a few seconds behind.

X

When the woman returned, Thassarian kept his face blank and smooth. "I'll feed the bastard's head to the ghouls!" He exclaimed, ripping it from the woman and tossing it into the back room. "Did Koltira make it out?" He paused. "I'm certain he did. Those walls can't hold him. Time for some payback."

X

"You did well." Collo said blandly. Thassarian looked at her in surprise.

"Where is Koltira?" He asked.

"With Darion, I'm sure."

"He should have come…"

"Moron. He was to weak to fight his way here."

Thassarian frowned.

Collo sighed. "Come, Thassarian. You know it is time."

X

Koltira, fully healed, sat behind Darion on his Deathcharger. The blood elf who had saved his life, Vanima, was behind him, her glinting blue eyes the only part of her face visible through her helm.

The sounds of galloping surprised Koltira, and he'd barely moved his head when a familiar Deathcharger, Dusk, was at his side.

"Thassarian, you fool." Koltira smiled.

"Koltira, you weakling." He answered promptly, before shifting Dusk closer and brushing his lips across his lover's.

About to move in, making the kiss deeper, Koltira released a sound of surprise as his horse and Thassarian's were thrust apart, Orbaz Bloodbane rudely shoving his way in-between them. They both glared at the human, who ignored them. Collo suddenly rode up and shoved her horse into his, nearly sending his bowling over, and throwing him off of it.

"Oooooppps. Sorry." She said, not sounding sorry at all.

Darion glared at them, ending any further conversation.

More death knights rode up, taking their positions. Red rain fell.

"Soldiers of the Scourge, death knights of Acherus, minions of the darkness: here the call of the Highlord! RISE!!!!"

The ground shook as many different Scourge clawed their ways out, roaring and howling. Flesh hung off of their rotted bones, and they stood firmly behind the death knights.

"The sky turns red with the blood of the fallen! The Lich King watches over us, minions! Leave nothing but ashes and misery in your wake!"

Immediately all of the scourge charged towards the chapel, the thundering sound of hooves and feet filled the air.

"Scourge armies approach!" A voice shouted.

"Stand fast, brothers and sisters! The Light will prevail!"

"Spare no one!" Darion commanded before they entered battle.

Koltira smiled and attacked. Byfrost, crying out for blood, shone with glee as it cut through dozens of Agrent Dawn warriors.

X

Sangha raised her pale hands, bright white light flying out of them. Twisting quickly, she shot balls of holy energy into the scourge, battling them furiously. She tried to ignore the shocks expressions she received, and the cries of 'But…your…'

You are not my allies, or my friends. You are my enemies! She thought, tears building in her eyes.

An elf stood in front of her. Spinning, she shot holy light into it's back, and he spun around. The froze, face to face. Her throat dry, Sangha swallowed nervously, unable to cast that final spell.

"Collo?" Koltira whispered.

"You cannot win, Darion!" Tirion's voice thundered, and they both spun around. Orbaz quickly fled.

"Bring them before the chapel."

The remaining guards led the death knights towards the chapel, as Sangha quietly moved to stand by Tirion Fordring.

"Stand down, death knights. We have lost... The Light... This place... No hope…" Darion kneeled before the Argent Dawn, as did the others. Sangha looked at them emotionlessly. Tirion nodded at her, and she moved before Darion.

"Have you learned nothing, boy? You have become all that your father fought against! Like that coward, Arthas, you've allowed yourself to be consumed by the darkness… the hate… Feeding upon the misery of those you tortured and killed!

"Your master knows what lies beneath the chapel. It 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!"

"Save your breath, little girl. It might be your last." He answered, before he seemed to recognize her. "Collo." He said quietly, betrayal on his face.

Sangha looked behind him. Highlord Alexandros Morgraine stood there.

"My son! My dear, beautiful boy!"

"Father!" Darion exclaimed, before shuddering. "Argh…what is…"

His body stiffened, and a spirit of him as a child ran up to Alexandros, crying out, 'Father, you have returned!' and hugging him.

"You have been gone a long time father. I thought…"

"Nothing could have kept me away from here, Darion. Not from my home and family."

"Father, I wish to join you in the war against the undead. I want to fight! I can sit idle no longer!"

"Darion Mograine, you are barely of age to hold a sword, let alone battle the undead hordes of Lordaeron! I couldn't bear losing you. Even the thought…"

"If I die, father, I would rather it be on my feet, standing in defiance against the undead legions! If I die, father, I die with you!"

"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.

"Do not forget…"

"Touching." The evil voice ran across the land, and all the death knights stood to face it, while watching as the Lich King siphoned Darion's father's soul. "He is mine now."

Darion shivered and then shouted, "You have betrayed me! You betrayed us all you monster! Face the might of Mograine!" He blindly charged, ignoring Koltira and Thassarian, only to be knocked away by his former lord.

"Weak." The Lich King turned to face Sangha. "A spy…you were right, Sangha Wrynn, I did send them to die. Their lives are meaningless. But yours…his…

"How simple it was to draw the mighty Tirion Fordring out of hiding. You've left yourselves exposed, paladin. Nothing can save you now…"

The Lich King raised his hand, Sangha gasped as Tirion dropped, gasping for air. Everyone ran at the Lch King, as she cast a strong spell.

"Apocalypse!" The Lich King cried. All of the defenders cried out as one, dying, and everyone else collapsed to the ground.

"That day is not today. TIRION!" Darion suddenly tossed Ashbringer, and it landed in Tirion's hands. A light flashed, and everything was surrounded with light as the Ashrbinger was cleansed.

"What is this?"

"You doom." Tirion answered, before launching himself at the undead, attacking him ruthlessly.

"Impossible." The Lich King gasped. "This…Isn't…Over. The next we meet, it won't be on holy ground, paladin."

The Lich King vanished, and Tirion went over to Darion, telling him to rise. Sangha did the same with Thassarian and Koltira, who looked at her with accusing eyes that demanded explanations.

"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 to our world."

Sangha interrupted now, and all looked to her. "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! We will take the fight to Arthas, and tear down the walls of Icecrown! The Argent Crusade come for you, Arthas!" She shouted, and a bright light erupted from her body, covering the entire chapel and everyone there. The smell of roses filled the air.

Darion rose. "So do the Knights of the Ebon Blade… While our kind has no place in your world, we will fight to bring an end to the Lich King. This I vow!"

A hand appeared on Sangha's shoulder.

"We need to talk." Thassarian said.

X

"Where should I start?" Sangha asked.

"The beginning." Koltira answered.

Sangha smiled dryly at Tirion, Darion, Thassarian and Koltira. "Alright.

"I never knew my parents, they gave both me and my infant sister to a servant to watch over. They were killed in a freak forest fire, leaving me and my sister alone. We were adopted by Llane Wrynn and his wife. I grew up with Varian, we're both about the same age.

"I saw the war where Stormwind was captured, and fought to protect my new father, but to no avail. As you know, his heart was torn out, and we all escaped by boat. When we landed in Southshore, I traveled with some of the men, Varian, and Anduin to Lordaeron in order to speak with King Terenas."

"He let you come?" Thassarian said in surprise.

"I was one of the strongest warriors. Later I was trained to be a ranger-warrior by the High Elves, but yes, he did. I wasn't like the other women, I could defeat Varian in combat, even when we were older, and I was actually in charge of most of the guards before this happened." She motioned to her body.

"When we made it to Lordaeron, King Terenas offered to let us all stay with him until Stormwind was retaken. Varian was a bit shy about it, as was I, I must confess, but a certain boy named Arthas Menethil became fast friends with us.

"As you know, the Alliance of Lordaeron was formed. We retook Stormwind, and beat the orcs back, though at the price of Aduin's death. Stormwind, having been retaken, and being rebuilt, was in need of a king. Varian was made king at 18, while he decided to make me his advisor and the captain of his guards.

"It's funny." She said suddenly, "Everyone thought he'd marry me, ignoring the fact that I was adopted into his family. Tiffin, the woman he married, was actually my friend. She was a good woman, who didn't deserve to be killed by the Stonemason riot. Oh, how I'd love to dig my blade into VanCleef's flesh.

"Anyway, even though the Alliance was fractured, Terenas and Varian remained fast friends, and I became a sort-of ambassador for them." Sangha fell silent. "You must know what happened after this, so I'll head into my story more.

"I loved Lordaeron, it was my favourite place to be, and where my sister had requested to be raised. During my frequent visits, Arthas and I became closer friends than he and Varian were. I think I was kind of an outlet of emotion for the young prince, as he grew up in a royal family, which was very proper and such. I was a crazy, hyperactive person who was known to dance and sing on tables at random moments. You can see how different I was for him.

"I helped Arthas train, actually teaching him, instead of just smacking him with a sword, like Varian did. Only around two months after he entered the Order of the Silver Hand, did I receive his letter. I was on my way to Quel'Thalas, as the elves were still close friends with me, when his messenger bird came out of the sky." Sangha smiled tightly.

"It was a request to meet with him, as soon as possible. I was mystified, but the elves were understanding, and I went to Lordaeron instead. He was so happy to see me, I was crushed to his chest in a hug, and spun around a few times. He was so happy…… I'm sure you know why he called for me. He loved me, and wanted to court me. Of course I accepted, despite the angry Jaina clawing at my back."

"You…" Darion looked stunned.

"Yes. Obviously, we were married in due time, and I became Sangha Wrynn Menethil. Varian was understanding, and chose the people I advised him too to take my places and advisor and captain. Obviously my sister was delighted, she could see me Everyday now.

"It wasn't long after then that I became pregnant. And it wasn't long after that, that Stratholme happened. My sister was in Stratholme at the time, training to become a priestess. She too was slaughtered, though she was reborn as a lich, only ten years old." Tears filled Sangha eyes, but she continued.

"I was so frightened when Arthas never came back. Terenas comforted me as best as he could, but apparently my stress stressed the baby, because it didn't come one it's due date. I was still pregnant when Arthas came back.

"I remember running up to him, and pulling him into a hug, kissing every inch of his face… and his arms went around me, but it was cold, emotionless. He didn't even look at me as he entered the throne room and spoke with his father. And when he killed him….

"After he fled, I entered labor and died in childbirth. I don't know if the child survived, to be completely honest. I do remember dying. And I remember that there was no light waiting for me, Instead I was bound to follow the scourge. I didn't know why, and was furious that I was shut out of heaven, Elune's palace, whatever you call it.

"I found out why. My sister was the most powerful lich, though her body still appeared human. I was always drawn to her men, her home, and I finally made contact with her. At first, she was unwilling to believe I was me, but the real Collo broke through, and she had suddenly looked so distraught.

" 'Kill me, sister! You must, I must die!' She cried, and I refused at first. But something pushed me to do as she said, and so I entered her body.

"I don't know how it happened, but I must have pushed her soul out, destroying it, while taking over her body. I had her memories, and my own, but I was alive again. And I had a chance to help Azeroth. So I went to the Order of the Silver Hand, and the Argent Dawn, and we all agreed to send me up onto Acherus, pretending to become the head necromancer there. That's how the Argent Dawn knew you were coming, how the Order of the Silver Hand knew to show up. It was all my fault."

She bit her lip at the stunned faces of her Death Knight friends. "I didn't mean to trick you, I really do love you all! I just couldn't work for him."

Koltira suddenly gave her a small smile, and tugged the frightened girl into his arms. "Calm, Sangha Menethil."

Sangha shook and sobbed.

X

"I'll see you two soon, okay?" Sangha said firmly as Koltira and Thassarian looked to her in amusement.

"Sure you will." Koltira answered indulgently.

She made a face at him.

Koltira turned to look at the portal to Orgrimmar, his body tensing. Thassarian smiled slightly at the elf, who turn to look at him.

"We'll see each other soon." Thassarian promised.

Koltira swallowed roughly, holding back tears. "You better not run off with any of those fan girls of yours."

Thassarian laughed, leaning down to press their foreheads together. "I would never, Koltira. You're the love of my life."

Roughly, Koltira pressed their lips together, tangling one hand into the human's hair and wrapping his other arm around the human's neck. Two arms gripped his waist, tugging him closer, as a soft tongue invaded his mouth, corrupting his senses.

When they pulled back, Koltira was unable to stop the soft, crystalline tears that trailed down his face. Thassarian immediately tugged him back, embracing him with one hand while twining their fingers together with his other hand.

"Amin mela lle." Koltira whispered. "Amin mela lle."

"I love you too. So very much." Thassarian answered tightly, gripping the elf tighter.

"You two should go." Darion said quietly.

They looked at him, before stepping apart. Thassarian leaned forward and gently kissed both of Koltira's eyelids before smiling as those eyes opened. "I'll see you soon."

Koltira nodded. They walked towards their portals, their hands slowly slipping apart.

Soon. Koltira thought, entering the portal. Very soon.