Guys...virtually all of your lovely reviews makes me want to right a one-shot so thanks for making me less lazy during the holidays. A Guest in my other book had asked if Itherael was with Auriel when she was captured, I (obviously because I'm shipping trash) said yes and then managed to write a one-shot of it.

...

"I've already sent out my troops to try to hold back the demons and retrieve Imperius."

"What about Diablo?"

Itherael let out a stressed sigh, taking a few seconds to look at the portal before them that linked the Library of Fate to the Gardens of Hope.

Looking back at Auriel he stated, "Diablo is making their way to the Crystal Arch, some of Valor's troops were sent out to try to stop him but I fear the worst."

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud crash. Auriel whipped her head around, her eyes widening as something stepped through the portal.

The air chilled as the demon Lord of Despair walked in, two angels had followed suite, spears raised. Rakanoth turned around, letting out a roar as his two hooked arms tore down the two seraphim, essence splattered on the walls.

Auriel couldn't help but flinch as the demon set his eyes on the two.

"How cowardice of you two." Rakanoth began as he lazily made his way to them, his long, bladed arms dragging against the floor. "As your brethren fall from the skies and are defeated so easily by the demon army, both of you stay in the 'safe' confines of the Library. Maybe killing one of you could teach the other a lesson."

Rakanoth paused, taking a moment to see if either angel's reaction was worth noting.

Then he struck, using both of his arms to crash down to the floor in a wide arc to unbalance the two before taking a wide swipe at Itherael. Fate summoned his rune sword, taking a step back to absorb the force of the blow as he blocked Despair's attack.

A loud crack diverted the demon's attention as Al'maiesh dragged through the floors of the Library and flicked up just in front of Rakanoth to send him flying into the opposite wall. Auriel lowered herself down, her staff now in hand as Al'maiesh slithered back to her arms.

"I had it under control." Itherael teased lightly.

Auriel allowed herself to smile half-heartedly before Rakanoth slowly pushed himself up, blood dripping down from his mouth. "You really think," he charged once again, this time using his arm to fling Itherael across the room, "it would be that easy?!"

Auriel rushed over to her friend, helping him up. "Auriel." Fate muttered in warning as Rakanoth's bladed arm swung down at Hope. She turned around using her staff to block the blow.

Al'maeish brought itself behind Itherael, pushing him towards the exit, "Don't!" he yelled in alarm, knowing what Auriel would do next. "I can hold him off!" She answered back, springing up into the air as the staff's two ends glowed with light. Itherael could see a long scratch already bleeding liquid light on her side. Once again, using Al'maeish to fling Rakanoth across the room.

In the small gap of time, Hope landed near him, Al'maeish wrapping itself around her injury as she placed both hands on his shoulders in an attempt to push him out.

Itherael grabbed her arms, "I will not flee from this fight." he stated stubbornly,

Auriel smiled lightly, a tear trailing down her cheek, "What does the Heaven gain from the loss of both of us? Save yourself Itherael and maybe Hell won't win the Eternal Conflict."

Her hands lifted to grasp Itherael's face, bringing him close before pushing him into the portal.

Rakanoth laughed, "How stupid, do you really have a chance against me?"

"Maybe, maybe not. But I know that you Rakanoth, will soon perish."

With a roar, Rakanoth charged. Hooking his arm around Auriel to swing her into the wall, as she slowly got up, essence beginning to pool in front of her. She looked up at Despair defiantly, "You will not win." Hope whispered.

Rakanoth brought his bladed arm to her neck, bent on ending her life. He smiled, before standing up, "No, killling you would be pointless." with a wave of his hand, a crystal of corruption grew around Auriel, trapping her as she looked out to see Itherael quickly leave, quite possibly to get help.

Rakanoth's blade lifted up her chin for him to look into her eyes, "It would be better for you to watch your home come down in flames."