Disclaimer: I do not own Diablo 2 or its expansion.

This is my first fan fiction though, and it is based on the new Necromancer character and his adventures. Other characters from other professions might come in sooner or later in time. And just in case anyone wants to flame me over the similarity of this side story to one part of Kura - Ookami's chapters, I would like you all to know that I have obtained his permission to use it.

Side story 2: Andariel's Wrath and Plots Conceived

In the Cathedral of the now demon occupied Monastery of the Sisters of the Sightless Eye, a lone Bone Mage sat on a chair, brooding over some things. The news that came from outside traveled fast to his counsel. Many of Andariel's generals that was given reign over the different areas of Khanduras had been defeated. Not a mean feat, considering that Andariel was very precise and had a good eye about choosing individuals for her command legion. Bishiboshi, Master Shaman of Fire was given the task of amassing many of his brethren and their minions in the Cold Plains.

Corpsefire, was given a task to provide a strategic point in a small cave in the Blood Moor, where Andariel's army was to gather for an en masse attack of the remnants of the Rogues.

Rakanishu was given the task of guarding the Cairn Stones, an ancient ring of standing stones that was a means to travel to Tristram, to prevent any one to retrieve the Horadrim Sage, Deckard Cain, which could throw a wrench into Diablo's plan to revive his brothers, Mephisto, Lord of Hate and Baal, Lord of Destruction.

Blood Raven was given the task to go to the Rogue's Sacred Burial Ground to defile and raise an army of undead, while Bonebreak, Bone Ash's own brother was commanded to do the same in the Burial Ground's Mausoleums.

Cold Crow was also stationed near where Rakanishu was, in a small cave, and also muster an army strong enough to meet up with Corpsefire in a later date.

Treehead Woodfist was given the guardianship of the Tree of Inifuss, which held the key to unlock the runes inscribed on the Cairn stones, which would make the instantaneous travel to Tristram possible.

Though he personally thought that raising the Countess of Blood was a big mistake on Andariel's part. The woman did more harm than good, killing the Corrupted Rogues to preserve her own beauty. Old habits die hard, he supposed.

Of all the generals that had been sent out, he knew that Blood Raven has broken free of Andariel's control. It seems that a necromancer had managed to destroy the mind control gem that held the Rogue Captain under Andariel's control.

And of his brother, BoneBreak, his fate is unknown to him. All he knew that it definitely a mistake to join up with this group, as he predicted, with the way things are going, Andariel... and perhaps even Diablo will be defeated once again.

Sure, Andariel still had himself, Flamespike the Crawler, which was in the Outer Cloister of the Monastery, The Smith, which provides the weapons for Andariel's army, and Pitspawn Fouldog in the Jail. He smiled to himself.He knew the Tainted leader hated the name bestowed to him by Andariel, and was considering leaving her service, bur did not do so, for fear of incurring Andariel's wrath. He was good friends with the Tainted leader and they often spoke with each other.

He was broken from his thoughts when one of his subordinates, another skeleton mage, versed with fire magic came to his presence. You see, all skeleton mages were usually proficient in only one school of magic, but Bone Ash was different. He had mastery of both poison and cold. The mage bowed and said. " Forgive me for disturbing you from your thoughts, Master... but a Wraith, said that he seeks audience with you. Apparently, your brother Bonebreak has sent him with a message, only to be spoken in your presence, in full confidence."

Bone Ash laughed, a hollow chuckle escaping from his empty throat. " So, my brother is indeed still alive. Very well, send him to me immediately."

The wraith floated into his presence and said in a hollow voice. " Greetings, your eminence. Your brother has a message for you. He wishes to form an alliance with the Rogues, as he feels that Andariel is losing more and more ground, and it is a matter of time that the Necromancer and his party would slay her and go after Diablo. He beseeches you to join with him in his endeavor."

Bone Ash gave a hollow laugh and said. " Great minds think alike, I have heard it being told. So, my brother has already thought of this. Very well, go back to my brother and tell him that I will join him, and I will find allies within these very walls to help the Rogues and the Necromancer."

The wraith nodded and floated away. Bone Ash chuckled; his plans are already in motion. Just then, another one of his bone mages came to him. " Master…. Andariel requires your presence in her throne room."

Bone Ash nodded. " I will be there soon." He said as he rose to his feet as he made his way towards Andariel's throne room. He descended down the catacombs until he reached the lowest level, where there was a large room with huge double doors. He pushed them open and went inside.

Sitting on a massive throne of bone, was Andariel, the Maiden of Anguish. She was a monstrous and horrifying sight to behold. She had feet like an ancient flightless predatory bird's and she was at least four meters tall. Other than her flaming hair, the most frightening aspect of her was the bony talons that grew on her back.

When Bone Ash was before her, he said softly. " Greetings and my respects to you Mistress. You have need of me?"

Andariel looked at him with undisguised fury. " What is the matter with you lot? You are all worthless! What is this that I have been receiving! All of you are useless! Corpsefire is nothing but a shambling magical piece of flesh and Bishiboshi is nothing but a fire-loving idiot! Treehead is nothing but the Brute he is and Rakanishu is a revolting piece of a loose cannon! And do not mention the Countess of Blood! That woman has been nothing but trouble for us, killing many Corrupted Rogues for her silly vanity. She's the only one I do not feel upset over at her defeat."

" And don't talk to me about Blood Raven and Cold Crow! I thought that those two would be perfect to lead a spearhead attack against the Rogues, but look what happened! Cold Crow is dead and now Blood Raven is likely out for my blood!" She breathed hard as she ranted and raved. After some time, she cooled down, and then looked at Bone Ash. " I have a task for you, Bone Ash."

" I want you to go and contact my remaining generals and rally them together. Nothing must get past our defenses, and I want the heads of those who were responsible in killing my generals. Now go!" She bellowed at him as she dismissed the Bone Mage.

Bone Ash bowed to her and said. " As you wish…"

He then left the chamber and then went towards the Jail levels and sought out his friend, the Tainted leader, Pitspawn Fouldog. He found him near an alcove and said. " Greetings, Pitspawn, my friend."

The Tainted leader smirked widely and said. " Well met, old friend. I heard that you have been recently summoned to her Highness's presence." He spat out the last few syllables.

Bone Ash nodded and said. " Indeed. She asks me to relay a message to her remaining leaders, including myself to strengthen the defenses and to kill the party of people that killed many of our comrades."

Pitspawn gave an inelegant and defiant snort. " Pah! We are nothing to her but cannon fodder for her and tools to be used to weaken her enemies. We are disposable in her eyes. I do not like such a Mistress."

Bone Ash grinned. " Then I have a proposition for you, one that will benefit both of us." He then told the Tainted leader of his brother, Bonebreak's plan. " As you can see, I have consented, and I am in full support of my brother's idea. What say you, friend Pitspawn? "

The Tainted leader was in deep thought for a moment, before nodding his head. " I am honored to join your plan, Bone Ash. I will make sure that my Tainted Brethren do not attack the Necromancer and his party. In fact, I am willing to send a regiment of my Tainted to reinforce the defenses of the Rogue Encampment if need be."

Bone Ash nodded. " Good. Now, the best focal point to keep an army is that cave that was previously occupied by that fool, Corpsefire."

Pitspawn nodded and said. " Agreed, I will organize a regiment and send it there as soon you say the word."

Bone Ash nodded and said. " I will be counting on you." He then left the Tainted leader and looked for the other leaders to inform them of Andariel's commands.

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