The Crossroads
(On Act I: The Sightless Eye)
Myrrick
I was arrived at Rogue Encampment. Twenty years ago, I passed their proud monastery during my banishment. How surprised am I to found these brave warriors had to stay at a makeshift encampment! The situation had changed. Moreover, I can smell evil around the monastery. These unnatural things choked nature.
Warriv, the merchant explains that these things were started 2 months ago. After someone known as Dark Wanderer passed this way, Andariel the evil demoness had awoke.
She began to corrupt the valiant Rogues, including Blood Raven. Then she spreads her influence by bringing more demons to take over the monastery and forces the Rogue out. Because of it, Warriv couldn't continue his journey to East.
Later, I met with Akara, the High Priestess of Sisterhood. People said that she didn't trust people easily. Despite the blindness, she is known of her wisdom. That is the reason why I decided to seek her advice in this matter. When she learned that I was a druid, she implores my help. According to her, as long as Andariel reigns the way to East would close forever. So, I didn't have choice except help them. Akara told me about the foul den not far from here, she reasoned Andariel must have her force amassing there. I catch her gist, if the den continues it would be an immediate threat to Encampment. For the reason, I agreed to help them destroy the den.
Each people had his/her opinions. Kashya, Akara's captain didn't share hers. In fact, she was doubt if I could help them. Even, she said, "It need more than get rid the beasts at the wilderness to earn my trust…" However, I paid nothing to it. My intention is get to East as soon as possible! Possibly, to hunt Diablo!
When I gone to forest, I sense that nature is not entirely corrupted. There are still signs of life. Suddenly, a band of Zombies attacked me. Quickly, I reacted by bashed head of the nearest one. Before they could respond, I continue my attacks. One of them tried to bit me, but it ended as I brought the club to his jaw. Despite their slowness, they can't be underestimated.
I caught one of them and throw to his friends. As some of them tried to rise, my feet stomped their heads. Not more than 2 hours, none of them keep standing. I gritted my teeth. How far the Hell had corrupted everything here? The dead supposed to rest, not to torture themselves by wander mindlessly and attacking the living. The answer seems not far, as a Quill Spike attacked me. I had to bash the animal to death, but I can't hide my sorrow. The Druid had vowed to protect the sentient life, including animal and plant. But what could I do if the animal had been corrupted into a raging beast? Whoever did this was did the same thing to Joanna!
Finally I had arrived at the Den of Evil and entered only to be greeted by Fallens. These imps were coward when we struck one of them, but if you want more just kill their shaman. My eyes quickly pointed the shaman who brought his skull staff. He angrily commands his followers to attack me. I closed my eyes and summon forth my strength. If Hell had their own, I would show them nature's wrath. Suddenly, band of ravens swarmed me and attacked these demons. Some howled in pain when those birds plucked their eyes. I stormed and bashed them before they had a chance. I pointed to the shaman; the ravens began to assault him. The Fallen Shaman swung his staff and blasted fireball to protect him. Then I jumped to the air and swung my club. The chief demon tried to make his last attempt by brought his staff. CRUSH!! A hard crush!! When I rolled away, the shaman gurgles his blood as his head was cleaved along with the staff. The Fallens screeches when he fell dead, as they ran away from me. They were not important; I just let the ravens to hunt the rest.
After a few hours, many demons had died. It was lucky, considered they would grow into a force. The birds helped me a lot, by distracting the enemies away. I found out that some
Brutes had grown very wild. It doesn't make any sense; they are shy creatures and mostly avoid humans. The fact make me angrier, because it is no other than Hell's influence that could corrupt the most harmless creature into a hostile beast.
Later, I heard sound of fighting nearby. I decided to find out what happened. When close to the source, I saw a young girl was fighting a huge Brute. She had short hair, while her hands hold the daggers. The beast lunges, yet she avoids it calmly. Irritated, the Brute growled and turned to her again. What happened later astonished me. Suddenly, the girl also turned and gives the beast a triple slash-high, center and low. The Brute howls painfully. Her left leg kicks its abdomen with such force that makes it stumbles. Then she charges another one. I saw her daggers somehow circled by flashing lights. "Tiger Strike!!" She stabs the beast with her weapons altogether. Without warning the light burst and exploded into the beast's body. It was killed it instantly. I can't keep my amazement, in her young age the girl managed to kill a huge Brute. My place was well hidden, but not hidden enough for her to know other's presence.
She leaped and landed in front of me with weapons pointed. I responded by lift my club.
"Who are you? Are you one of Diablo's minion also?" she asked in harsh and cold voice. I answered, "I have nothing with Diablo! I also am looking for him!" It seems didn't convince her much. However, she relaxed her stance, yet didn't unsheathes her weapon. I lowered my club. The brute is not the only victim, several Fallens and Zombies scattered dead. Their body bore slash wounds. It is not difficult to guess who had done this. "Is it you who had done this?" I asked. She isn't answered, but her eyes watched me like an eagle. She had anticipated even my smallest motion. "Look, I'm not your enemy! If you didn't trust me, I would stay here for a while…at least to prove my trustworthiness." She didn't even respond. Slowly, I sat on the ground followed by her. The only thing she allowed me was to make a fire. There is no danger here; I presumed she had killed most of them before I came. It is time to relax the body; despite I thought she seems not relaxed.
Akivsha
I stared the man in front of me. He wore an animal skin and brandished a club. I watched and think every possibility, which he may hide some weapons. When he said that he had nothing to do with Diablo, I didn't take his word quickly. Some demons and their human minions were tricky. That is the reason why the Viz-jaq'taar warned to not trust those who also fought Lord of Terror. I can stay a month like this. Then he said that he would stay for a while.
Fool! I can't be swayed by such attitude. He sits on the ground slowly, while I followed him.
As the night become darker, he gathered some woods from the slain Fallens to make a fire.
For hours, we had silent. Suddenly, he asked my name. I decided to not reply. He introduces himself as Myrrick the Druid of Scosglen. My mind ran to the Horadric archives. The Druid were separated themselves from others and dedicated to natural magic. Their existence was quite unknown. Weighed the risk; I replied his question. Actually, I expected another one, which I don't want to answer. Instead, he was keeping silent. Perhaps, he thought I'm still suspicious to him. Then both of us fell asleep.
It was a terrible nightmare; I never wished to be reminded to my past. I looked to Myrrick. It seems he was undisturbed. Very tranquil, somehow he was united with his surrounding. My masters teach it can cost fatal casualty. Well, I would teach him a lesson now.
The rest of story you know already…I didn't want to come to Rogue Encampment lest they recognized me. I sure the destruction of the Den would make Andariel very upset. Then
I would made my move accordingly…
Meanwhile, in Monastery Catacomb where the demons lurks, Andariel broods over.Maiden of Anguish was displeased to found that the Den of Evil has been destroyed. She thought that she could wipe off the annoying Rogues once and for all. In contrary, she forced to keep her territories not falling apart. She doesn't want to risk losing her lord's favor. In front of her, Blood Raven and The Countess stood over. Formerly come as Rogue captain who battles Diablo in Tristram, she had suffered also the same ordeal that plagues Dark Wanderer.
It was easy for Andariel to corrupt her mind against her own Sisterhood. Despite her demonic affiliation, Blood Raven still had a human pride within her. She resented being with The Countess. She was resurrected by Andariel to strengthen her unholy forces, but what she cares was her beauty and treasure. In fact, she won't join them if the demoness wasn't told her that some heroes were after her money. Both had competes for Andariel's favor.
"So, had you heard about it?" she thundered to both of them. Blood Raven salutes her and said, "It is such a loss, my Queen! Don't be afraid, I'll go to Monastery Graveyard to replenish our army again…" The Countess sneered,
"Is it simple like that? You had not been fighting again since you returned from Tristram?"
She snarled to the woman, "While you had rot inside your castle, I had fought many times! I don't believe that you would care about the Den's destruction, except your money!"
Before the Countess could reply, Andariel had shouted, it makes fire behind her blazes, "Enough! My problem had been enough without your bickering!! Blood Raven! Do as you wish! Be careful, I believe those warriors aren't fools. As for The Countess, she would guard her area! Is it clear?" Both answered, "Yes, My Queen!" Before left, Blood Raven gave her death stare to her rival through her raven mask.
The Countess just smiles hideously. If those heroes do not kill you, I would bathe in your blood!
When I returned to report my job to Akara, Kashya intercepts me. "I believe you had done your job, it was not impressed me at all!" Then she changed the topic, "Some scout reported that Blood Raven had defiled the Monastery Graveyard by resurrect the dead Rogues!" Her expression was quite angry. She continued, "If you are our friend, you would help us destroy her!" In my mind, she was a tough woman. From Akara, I learned that Kashya and Blood Raven once best friends. She can't forgive her friend, when she betrayed the Sisterhood, for the reason she not understood. In fact, I didn't understand. The situation almost the same when I was banished. They said that I could found Monastery Graveyard after passed Cold Plains. Flavie, the rogue who guarded the pass warned that the Dark Rogues were not to be crossed. Her advice was proven right, as I found some Dark Rangers attacked me when I entered their area. I commanded ravens to distract them, while I prepare something else. I spoke a transformation spell. Without waiting, I feel something explode within my body. My face elongates into a snout, my hands transformed into a thin paw and my body became sleeker and furry. A set of sharp tooth appeared inside the snout. Finally, I howl as the transformation finished. With my werewolf form, I entered the fray and managed to maul one of Dark Ranger at her face. As she screamed in pain, the others began to hesitate. I won't give them time to think as I attacked one of them. I bit her arms; it was enough to make the others to reconsider their tactics. It would be the long trip to Graveyard.
Just as I thought, the Monastery Graveyard was source for the undead. Guess whom I find? Blood Raven herself! The traitor, who made me into this, also sold her soul to Andariel!
Actually, I think to use Fade or Cloak of Darkness to kill her. But then, I think she still deserve some honor to die facing her enemy as a Rogue. Kill her surely crippled Andariel, the Countess doesn't important that much. Let the old druid handle her!
She seems aware someone comes as I entered the Graveyard. "Well! Who wanted to join my undead army?" she asked as turned back to face me. Blood Raven was her nickname, yet she also wore a raven mask. Her skin was silver-colored. Her armor was blood-colored. She held a hunter's bow and quivers was hanging behind her. I must not underestimate her; she had fought Diablo at Tristram along Dark Wanderer before corrupted. Then I replied, " I came to kill you, then your master!" She doesn't answer, but I can feel she might smile coldly behind her mask.
"You fool!" she said, "If you aren't joined me in life, let you join me in death!" After finishing her word, she gestured to Hungry Dead to attack me. Faster than anything else, I unsheathe my katars and decapitated the closest to me. Before the rest catch me, I send my kick toward them and make them sprawled like toys. One of them clumsily grabs me from behind, only to found he was lost both of his arms. I leaped to the air and landed to a Hungry Dead who doesn't realize it. When he turned around, I slashed twice and the undead's torso fell to ground. To make the rest simple, I threw a Fire Blast to the nearest group. Suddenly, a flame appeared among them and they tried to extinguish it. Unfortunately, their clumsy movements prevent it and I saw one of them burnt into crisp. Speaking of fire, I felt something was shot to me. It was Blood Raven who shot me with fire arrows. Arrows not a problem, but she was resurrecting other undead to aid her. If she keeps like that, I would be overwhelmed.
Once again, I leaped toward the sun. She could not see me with the blinding light. When she finally had discerned me, it was too late. She lifted her bow to protect her as I brought my katars with Dragon Claw. There was a ripping sound and clunk of metal. I kneeled in front of him with arm spread, while she still in same position. Then I saw a drop of blood came from her mask. She stumbled; the arrow in her hand was broken. The mask was split into two and showed her true face. Blood Raven was a red-haired woman, her eyes shows disbelieve as she looked at me. Blood flows to her face in horizontal streak.
"Why…could…be I…defeated? It…can't…be…my queen..." she asked, as she had disappointed someone. When she fell, her last word was, "Rayl…I'm…sorry…I…love…you…" As she breathes her last, the streak of thunder came out from her body. The remaining undead fell to the ground, dead once again. The whole Graveyard shook very hard. I can only shield my eyes as the unholy power unleashes and return to where it came from. When it is over, she had already dead as normal human. Perhaps that something was keep her abound with Andariel…something about her past in Tristram.
Oh, well! What I kill, stays dead! I just left the Graveyard undisturbed. Next to fall, it is no other than Andariel itself!
It seems I was late. The Graveyard were filled with undead who had already dead again. Then I found Blood Raven's body. She was dead with a horizontal wound at her forehead. As I turned left, I saw the cloven raven mask. It was symmetrical. The one who did this must be skilled enough. Probably, it was Akivsha… of course; nobody could be skilled in such martial arts that kill a former Rogue captain. I noticed to Blood Raven and found something odd.
During my trip to here, I fought several Dark Rangers, and their expressions were full with unnatural rage and hate. Blood Raven was one of them, perhaps the leader. Yet, her face now was smiled and her skin had reverted to normal color. I presumed she might be regained her lost humanity at the end of her life. She would bring her secrets to grave. Touched by it, I decided to give her a proper burial. After buried her, I said, "Your time had already up, Blood Raven." For other Rogues, she would be remembered as a traitor to her Sisterhood. However, I won't judge her for her past deeds. May be she had suffered like me also, without someone to share. I returned to Encampment and bring her cloven mask.
At the Encampment, Kashya was pondering while she held the cloven mask. Then she said,
"I can't believe that you had killed Blood Raven…though she was my best friend before, I hope her tortured soul would banished forever." Despite she didn't shed tears, I sense she must be sad because of her friend's death. However, Blood Raven had already died long time ago at Tristram before Akivsha killed her…
"As a reward, I had put some of best warriors on your disposal!" Kashya called a rogue named Aliza. Judging her face, she might look like a teenage girl. Yet, Kashya warned that Aliza was a skilled archer. I never asked her, anyway I accept her to not offend others.
Akara called me for another mission. To defeat Andariel, they must seek an advice from old Horadric sage named Deckard Cain. Unfortunately, he was left to dead at the devastated Tristram. Since the distance was very far, Akara asked me to find Scroll of Inifuss at Tree of Inifuss. The tree itself was at Dark Wood, across the Black Marsh. I must find first the Underground Passage, not far from Stony Field. I felt this would be not easy mission at all.
To Be Continued
Author's Note:Warning, this story is strictly told about Assassin and Druid! So you won't heard anything about Paladin, Sorceress, Necromancer, Barbarian and Amazon. About Blood Raven, I just imagine her as the same Rogue in first Diablo. So I give her quite sad history after fighting Diablo in Tristram. To give an edge, I also put brief rivalry between her and the Countess. Just give your review ( and critics if you like)! Enjoy the story!!
(On Act I: The Sightless Eye)
Myrrick
I was arrived at Rogue Encampment. Twenty years ago, I passed their proud monastery during my banishment. How surprised am I to found these brave warriors had to stay at a makeshift encampment! The situation had changed. Moreover, I can smell evil around the monastery. These unnatural things choked nature.
Warriv, the merchant explains that these things were started 2 months ago. After someone known as Dark Wanderer passed this way, Andariel the evil demoness had awoke.
She began to corrupt the valiant Rogues, including Blood Raven. Then she spreads her influence by bringing more demons to take over the monastery and forces the Rogue out. Because of it, Warriv couldn't continue his journey to East.
Later, I met with Akara, the High Priestess of Sisterhood. People said that she didn't trust people easily. Despite the blindness, she is known of her wisdom. That is the reason why I decided to seek her advice in this matter. When she learned that I was a druid, she implores my help. According to her, as long as Andariel reigns the way to East would close forever. So, I didn't have choice except help them. Akara told me about the foul den not far from here, she reasoned Andariel must have her force amassing there. I catch her gist, if the den continues it would be an immediate threat to Encampment. For the reason, I agreed to help them destroy the den.
Each people had his/her opinions. Kashya, Akara's captain didn't share hers. In fact, she was doubt if I could help them. Even, she said, "It need more than get rid the beasts at the wilderness to earn my trust…" However, I paid nothing to it. My intention is get to East as soon as possible! Possibly, to hunt Diablo!
When I gone to forest, I sense that nature is not entirely corrupted. There are still signs of life. Suddenly, a band of Zombies attacked me. Quickly, I reacted by bashed head of the nearest one. Before they could respond, I continue my attacks. One of them tried to bit me, but it ended as I brought the club to his jaw. Despite their slowness, they can't be underestimated.
I caught one of them and throw to his friends. As some of them tried to rise, my feet stomped their heads. Not more than 2 hours, none of them keep standing. I gritted my teeth. How far the Hell had corrupted everything here? The dead supposed to rest, not to torture themselves by wander mindlessly and attacking the living. The answer seems not far, as a Quill Spike attacked me. I had to bash the animal to death, but I can't hide my sorrow. The Druid had vowed to protect the sentient life, including animal and plant. But what could I do if the animal had been corrupted into a raging beast? Whoever did this was did the same thing to Joanna!
Finally I had arrived at the Den of Evil and entered only to be greeted by Fallens. These imps were coward when we struck one of them, but if you want more just kill their shaman. My eyes quickly pointed the shaman who brought his skull staff. He angrily commands his followers to attack me. I closed my eyes and summon forth my strength. If Hell had their own, I would show them nature's wrath. Suddenly, band of ravens swarmed me and attacked these demons. Some howled in pain when those birds plucked their eyes. I stormed and bashed them before they had a chance. I pointed to the shaman; the ravens began to assault him. The Fallen Shaman swung his staff and blasted fireball to protect him. Then I jumped to the air and swung my club. The chief demon tried to make his last attempt by brought his staff. CRUSH!! A hard crush!! When I rolled away, the shaman gurgles his blood as his head was cleaved along with the staff. The Fallens screeches when he fell dead, as they ran away from me. They were not important; I just let the ravens to hunt the rest.
After a few hours, many demons had died. It was lucky, considered they would grow into a force. The birds helped me a lot, by distracting the enemies away. I found out that some
Brutes had grown very wild. It doesn't make any sense; they are shy creatures and mostly avoid humans. The fact make me angrier, because it is no other than Hell's influence that could corrupt the most harmless creature into a hostile beast.
Later, I heard sound of fighting nearby. I decided to find out what happened. When close to the source, I saw a young girl was fighting a huge Brute. She had short hair, while her hands hold the daggers. The beast lunges, yet she avoids it calmly. Irritated, the Brute growled and turned to her again. What happened later astonished me. Suddenly, the girl also turned and gives the beast a triple slash-high, center and low. The Brute howls painfully. Her left leg kicks its abdomen with such force that makes it stumbles. Then she charges another one. I saw her daggers somehow circled by flashing lights. "Tiger Strike!!" She stabs the beast with her weapons altogether. Without warning the light burst and exploded into the beast's body. It was killed it instantly. I can't keep my amazement, in her young age the girl managed to kill a huge Brute. My place was well hidden, but not hidden enough for her to know other's presence.
She leaped and landed in front of me with weapons pointed. I responded by lift my club.
"Who are you? Are you one of Diablo's minion also?" she asked in harsh and cold voice. I answered, "I have nothing with Diablo! I also am looking for him!" It seems didn't convince her much. However, she relaxed her stance, yet didn't unsheathes her weapon. I lowered my club. The brute is not the only victim, several Fallens and Zombies scattered dead. Their body bore slash wounds. It is not difficult to guess who had done this. "Is it you who had done this?" I asked. She isn't answered, but her eyes watched me like an eagle. She had anticipated even my smallest motion. "Look, I'm not your enemy! If you didn't trust me, I would stay here for a while…at least to prove my trustworthiness." She didn't even respond. Slowly, I sat on the ground followed by her. The only thing she allowed me was to make a fire. There is no danger here; I presumed she had killed most of them before I came. It is time to relax the body; despite I thought she seems not relaxed.
Akivsha
I stared the man in front of me. He wore an animal skin and brandished a club. I watched and think every possibility, which he may hide some weapons. When he said that he had nothing to do with Diablo, I didn't take his word quickly. Some demons and their human minions were tricky. That is the reason why the Viz-jaq'taar warned to not trust those who also fought Lord of Terror. I can stay a month like this. Then he said that he would stay for a while.
Fool! I can't be swayed by such attitude. He sits on the ground slowly, while I followed him.
As the night become darker, he gathered some woods from the slain Fallens to make a fire.
For hours, we had silent. Suddenly, he asked my name. I decided to not reply. He introduces himself as Myrrick the Druid of Scosglen. My mind ran to the Horadric archives. The Druid were separated themselves from others and dedicated to natural magic. Their existence was quite unknown. Weighed the risk; I replied his question. Actually, I expected another one, which I don't want to answer. Instead, he was keeping silent. Perhaps, he thought I'm still suspicious to him. Then both of us fell asleep.
It was a terrible nightmare; I never wished to be reminded to my past. I looked to Myrrick. It seems he was undisturbed. Very tranquil, somehow he was united with his surrounding. My masters teach it can cost fatal casualty. Well, I would teach him a lesson now.
The rest of story you know already…I didn't want to come to Rogue Encampment lest they recognized me. I sure the destruction of the Den would make Andariel very upset. Then
I would made my move accordingly…
Meanwhile, in Monastery Catacomb where the demons lurks, Andariel broods over.Maiden of Anguish was displeased to found that the Den of Evil has been destroyed. She thought that she could wipe off the annoying Rogues once and for all. In contrary, she forced to keep her territories not falling apart. She doesn't want to risk losing her lord's favor. In front of her, Blood Raven and The Countess stood over. Formerly come as Rogue captain who battles Diablo in Tristram, she had suffered also the same ordeal that plagues Dark Wanderer.
It was easy for Andariel to corrupt her mind against her own Sisterhood. Despite her demonic affiliation, Blood Raven still had a human pride within her. She resented being with The Countess. She was resurrected by Andariel to strengthen her unholy forces, but what she cares was her beauty and treasure. In fact, she won't join them if the demoness wasn't told her that some heroes were after her money. Both had competes for Andariel's favor.
"So, had you heard about it?" she thundered to both of them. Blood Raven salutes her and said, "It is such a loss, my Queen! Don't be afraid, I'll go to Monastery Graveyard to replenish our army again…" The Countess sneered,
"Is it simple like that? You had not been fighting again since you returned from Tristram?"
She snarled to the woman, "While you had rot inside your castle, I had fought many times! I don't believe that you would care about the Den's destruction, except your money!"
Before the Countess could reply, Andariel had shouted, it makes fire behind her blazes, "Enough! My problem had been enough without your bickering!! Blood Raven! Do as you wish! Be careful, I believe those warriors aren't fools. As for The Countess, she would guard her area! Is it clear?" Both answered, "Yes, My Queen!" Before left, Blood Raven gave her death stare to her rival through her raven mask.
The Countess just smiles hideously. If those heroes do not kill you, I would bathe in your blood!
When I returned to report my job to Akara, Kashya intercepts me. "I believe you had done your job, it was not impressed me at all!" Then she changed the topic, "Some scout reported that Blood Raven had defiled the Monastery Graveyard by resurrect the dead Rogues!" Her expression was quite angry. She continued, "If you are our friend, you would help us destroy her!" In my mind, she was a tough woman. From Akara, I learned that Kashya and Blood Raven once best friends. She can't forgive her friend, when she betrayed the Sisterhood, for the reason she not understood. In fact, I didn't understand. The situation almost the same when I was banished. They said that I could found Monastery Graveyard after passed Cold Plains. Flavie, the rogue who guarded the pass warned that the Dark Rogues were not to be crossed. Her advice was proven right, as I found some Dark Rangers attacked me when I entered their area. I commanded ravens to distract them, while I prepare something else. I spoke a transformation spell. Without waiting, I feel something explode within my body. My face elongates into a snout, my hands transformed into a thin paw and my body became sleeker and furry. A set of sharp tooth appeared inside the snout. Finally, I howl as the transformation finished. With my werewolf form, I entered the fray and managed to maul one of Dark Ranger at her face. As she screamed in pain, the others began to hesitate. I won't give them time to think as I attacked one of them. I bit her arms; it was enough to make the others to reconsider their tactics. It would be the long trip to Graveyard.
Just as I thought, the Monastery Graveyard was source for the undead. Guess whom I find? Blood Raven herself! The traitor, who made me into this, also sold her soul to Andariel!
Actually, I think to use Fade or Cloak of Darkness to kill her. But then, I think she still deserve some honor to die facing her enemy as a Rogue. Kill her surely crippled Andariel, the Countess doesn't important that much. Let the old druid handle her!
She seems aware someone comes as I entered the Graveyard. "Well! Who wanted to join my undead army?" she asked as turned back to face me. Blood Raven was her nickname, yet she also wore a raven mask. Her skin was silver-colored. Her armor was blood-colored. She held a hunter's bow and quivers was hanging behind her. I must not underestimate her; she had fought Diablo at Tristram along Dark Wanderer before corrupted. Then I replied, " I came to kill you, then your master!" She doesn't answer, but I can feel she might smile coldly behind her mask.
"You fool!" she said, "If you aren't joined me in life, let you join me in death!" After finishing her word, she gestured to Hungry Dead to attack me. Faster than anything else, I unsheathe my katars and decapitated the closest to me. Before the rest catch me, I send my kick toward them and make them sprawled like toys. One of them clumsily grabs me from behind, only to found he was lost both of his arms. I leaped to the air and landed to a Hungry Dead who doesn't realize it. When he turned around, I slashed twice and the undead's torso fell to ground. To make the rest simple, I threw a Fire Blast to the nearest group. Suddenly, a flame appeared among them and they tried to extinguish it. Unfortunately, their clumsy movements prevent it and I saw one of them burnt into crisp. Speaking of fire, I felt something was shot to me. It was Blood Raven who shot me with fire arrows. Arrows not a problem, but she was resurrecting other undead to aid her. If she keeps like that, I would be overwhelmed.
Once again, I leaped toward the sun. She could not see me with the blinding light. When she finally had discerned me, it was too late. She lifted her bow to protect her as I brought my katars with Dragon Claw. There was a ripping sound and clunk of metal. I kneeled in front of him with arm spread, while she still in same position. Then I saw a drop of blood came from her mask. She stumbled; the arrow in her hand was broken. The mask was split into two and showed her true face. Blood Raven was a red-haired woman, her eyes shows disbelieve as she looked at me. Blood flows to her face in horizontal streak.
"Why…could…be I…defeated? It…can't…be…my queen..." she asked, as she had disappointed someone. When she fell, her last word was, "Rayl…I'm…sorry…I…love…you…" As she breathes her last, the streak of thunder came out from her body. The remaining undead fell to the ground, dead once again. The whole Graveyard shook very hard. I can only shield my eyes as the unholy power unleashes and return to where it came from. When it is over, she had already dead as normal human. Perhaps that something was keep her abound with Andariel…something about her past in Tristram.
Oh, well! What I kill, stays dead! I just left the Graveyard undisturbed. Next to fall, it is no other than Andariel itself!
It seems I was late. The Graveyard were filled with undead who had already dead again. Then I found Blood Raven's body. She was dead with a horizontal wound at her forehead. As I turned left, I saw the cloven raven mask. It was symmetrical. The one who did this must be skilled enough. Probably, it was Akivsha… of course; nobody could be skilled in such martial arts that kill a former Rogue captain. I noticed to Blood Raven and found something odd.
During my trip to here, I fought several Dark Rangers, and their expressions were full with unnatural rage and hate. Blood Raven was one of them, perhaps the leader. Yet, her face now was smiled and her skin had reverted to normal color. I presumed she might be regained her lost humanity at the end of her life. She would bring her secrets to grave. Touched by it, I decided to give her a proper burial. After buried her, I said, "Your time had already up, Blood Raven." For other Rogues, she would be remembered as a traitor to her Sisterhood. However, I won't judge her for her past deeds. May be she had suffered like me also, without someone to share. I returned to Encampment and bring her cloven mask.
At the Encampment, Kashya was pondering while she held the cloven mask. Then she said,
"I can't believe that you had killed Blood Raven…though she was my best friend before, I hope her tortured soul would banished forever." Despite she didn't shed tears, I sense she must be sad because of her friend's death. However, Blood Raven had already died long time ago at Tristram before Akivsha killed her…
"As a reward, I had put some of best warriors on your disposal!" Kashya called a rogue named Aliza. Judging her face, she might look like a teenage girl. Yet, Kashya warned that Aliza was a skilled archer. I never asked her, anyway I accept her to not offend others.
Akara called me for another mission. To defeat Andariel, they must seek an advice from old Horadric sage named Deckard Cain. Unfortunately, he was left to dead at the devastated Tristram. Since the distance was very far, Akara asked me to find Scroll of Inifuss at Tree of Inifuss. The tree itself was at Dark Wood, across the Black Marsh. I must find first the Underground Passage, not far from Stony Field. I felt this would be not easy mission at all.
To Be Continued
Author's Note:Warning, this story is strictly told about Assassin and Druid! So you won't heard anything about Paladin, Sorceress, Necromancer, Barbarian and Amazon. About Blood Raven, I just imagine her as the same Rogue in first Diablo. So I give her quite sad history after fighting Diablo in Tristram. To give an edge, I also put brief rivalry between her and the Countess. Just give your review ( and critics if you like)! Enjoy the story!!