The Beginning of The End
At the secluded portion of the Pandemonium Fortress, Akivsha checked her Natalya's Odium set. She pulled the mesh boots from her feet. At the same time, she examined her grim helm and took off the loricated mail. The assassin rubbed her left side, which has been hit by Hephasto yesterday. She was thankful that the potion of rejuvenation works well; the pain was barely perceptible now. Then she turned to the crescent-shaped scar at the left calf. A faint smile formed upon her lips. It was a reminder to her past..., which she chose to forget. It meant nothing compared with her pain. She put her boots again, before she sensed that she wasn't alone. Immediately, she called before pulled her Scissor Suwayyah,
"Whoever you are, show your self!" The faint shadow appeared; when the assassin turned around, she saw the rogue stood there. Not wasting anything, she asked her,
"What do you want, girl?" Aliza hesitantly replied,
"Is there anything I can help? How is your injury yesterday?" Akivsha didn't expect that; she used to be having a parley with her. Now the rogue thanked her and...asked to help her. Stammered, the assassin said in return,
"Uh...I'm fine..." Then she pointed to the mail, "Probably...you can help me for put this on," Aliza took the mail and put it slowly on Akivsha's, even fasten them all. Shyly, she said,
"I'm want to say thank you for pushing me away before the demon attacked us...you could easily avoid that if not because of me...I'm apologize for that," The short-cropped girl found it hard to give a reply; she felt choked,
"It's nothing...be careful next time, will you?" The rogue nodded, and then she was silent as the assassin took the grim helm. As she prepared to leave, Aliza called her again,
"Akivsha, may I ask you something?" Akivsha stopped dead in her track, before she asked,
"What is it?" The archer went closer and stared her deeply. Then she said,
"The scar at your right calf...may I know where you get it?" In a sudden, something intruded the assassin's mind. For the first time in her well-ordered life, she was nervous. She felt everything was out of control. It was time to reassert the control again. She answered nonchalantly,
"Er, I got the scar during my training, is that clear?" However, Aliza seemed not to buy her story: instead she continued,
"Then why are you looking so nervous? Is there something you hide?" Finally the assassin shouted exasperatedly,
"Look, I'm not whatever you're thinking of! Got it?" The rogue stood still, before she said in a pained face,
"I just asking only...sorry for disturbing you!" Aliza left the assassin alone, while crying deep inside. In other place, Akivsha went slumped on the floor. She gritted her teeth in frustration and dismay,
"By the Sightless Eye...Why is these things must come to me right now? Is it not enough to have my past reminded again?" Without her knowledge, tears rolled from her eyes and dropped to the floor. Behind a pillar, the necromancer merely nodded,
"Fascinating...fascinating..."
Back to the courtyard, the heroes were wearing their new sets of armor. The barbarian put a winged helmet on his head, and wore the Immortal King's Soul Cage upon his bulking body. Then he checked his double axes, and sheathes a sword behind his back. Meanwhile, Caldash polished his sword for the preparation. The Stormshield lay not far from him. Sensed someone, he said,
"If you come for persuading me to abandon my mission, forget it. I won't change my mind!" Slowly, Jamella went closer and said,
"I know I might violate the High Heaven's order to not interfere, but such risk is worth for saving your soul from eternal damnation, Caldash..." The paladin ignored her; instead he took the shield to give it the final polish. Then he took his blue Milabrega's Robe and put it on. The merchant sighed only, before leaving him alone,
"Caldash, there is something I want to tell you. If you look closely enough amid the merciless and the bitter, there is always the chance that you may find comfort and the promise of something good..." After Jamella left, Caldash couldn't help to ponder her words. He wondered if ever there was hope for him, after what he have suffered.
In other side, Xelana wore the Vidala's Rig set, which made her looked blue rather than the usual red. She turned to the necromancer who already wore his own armor set. His bone armor looked scary, despite the golden hue on it. The amazon gave a snide remark,
"I almost think that you're looks like a huge, skinny lizard with your armor..." Instead angry, Tha'el boasted with pride,
"Thank you for your flattering...this is Trag-Oul's Armor set, granted by the Great Trag-Oul itself to my great, great grandfather!" Unimpressed, Xelana asked again,
"What is so special with that?" The sorcerer stared her, before he started to explain,
"Ah, my dear! There is something you must know about the armor...it is said that it can transform you into...something indescribable," Slowly but sure, he leaned closer to the amazon, almost hugging her. Yet she gave him a nudge at the stomach. Then Xelana said,
"Too bad, you aren't my type...but I'll think that again," The necromancer touched his hurting stomach, and smiled before saying,
"I think she'd likes me..."
Myrrick was checked his armor when he saw Aliza. He noticed that her eyes were red and teary; it prompted him to ask,
"Aliza, are you all right? What happened?" Wiping her tears, the rogue answered,
"I'm all right, Myrrick! Thank you for asking me..." Then he put his huge hand upon her shoulder,
"Look, I know this is must be hard for you; if you don't want to come with us..." Aliza shocked when heard the implication, instantly she said,
"No, I'm all right! Really! Let me accompany you to the Chaos Sanctuary! Please!" Finally, the druid gave up. He patted her head playfully,
"Well then, you're better preparing yourself! We'll go soon after everyone is ready!" The young rogue smiled only before she went to her place. Once there, she surprised to find a golden armor on top of his bow and arrows. It was the Isenhart's Cage, whom Akivsha wore during their journey. Slowly, Aliza took the armor and pondered around.
In a few hours, the heroes already departed to the Chaos Sanctuary through the waypoint. As they walked across the blackish, rocky land, Myrrick noticed that the assassin was teary-eyed. Then he asked,
"Akivsha, is there something wrong?" Akivsha stunned when the druid asked her, then she replied,
"No! Why did you asking me that?" The warrior merely pointed to her eyes,
"Your eyes looked red...are you sure you're asleep last night?" The assassin answered,
"I'm fine! I just look tired only..." Then both of them were silent until they arrived at the entrance. The heroes saw a winged figure at the path that going to the Chaos Sanctuary. It almost looked like Tyrael, but smaller in stature. Then the figure greeted them,
"Welcome, you must be the heroes whom Tyrael had told me! My name is Hadriel!" Zylene bowed in respect,
"It is such an honor to met you, Angel Hadriel!" The angel nodded only, before continued,
"Thank you, but the pleasure is mine! I'm glad to see the courageous heroes who dare to challenge Lord of Terror...before entering the Chaos Sanctuary, please listen to my counsel!" Then Hadriel pointed to the huge building at the middle of the lake of fire,
"What we see right now is the real dimension; Diablo was in another dimension for now. To enter that, you must break 4 Infernal Seals inside the building. Each seals were guarded by Diablo's most trusted minions; they are the Grand Vizier of Chaos, Infector of Souls and Lord de Seis!" Upon heard the name 'de Seis', the necromancer turned restless. Xelana noted the sudden change, while Hadriel continued his explanation,
"You must defeat those minions first before breaking the seals; then be careful with Lord of Terror himself! He is not to be taken lightly...even before you enter the Chaos Sanctuary, you might encounter a stiff opposition from Hell's minions. Should you fail here, the Sanctuary will be doomed for good! I pray that the Light may strengthen and enlightened your resolve! Good luck, heroes! The fate of Sanctuary is depends upon your shoulder..." The paladin prayed first for the safety of his party, before following the rest, he said to Hadriel,
"We give our word to you, Angel Hadriel! We shall end Diablo here!"
The guardian angel was right. The heroes had already met by a strong opposition, before they entered the Chaos Sanctuary. Every kind of monsters and demons poured in to their way. With a hard effort, Myrrick, together with Caldash and Orb'al managed to secure the gate. Zylene had opened a portal to the Fortress, allowing Xelana and her to replenish their supplies. Later, they pushed through into the Chaos Sanctuary, despite the presence of the Oblivion Knights. Those undead possessed the similar abilities like the Rathma. The amazon made fun of that to Tha'el,
"Well, necromancer! It seems you have some competitors inside!" The sorcerer merely grinded his teeth in disgust,
"I'm going to show them who the number one is!" After repulsed the attack, Myrrick decided to divide their party again; those who were adept in melee fighting would fight the Grand Vizier of Chaos, since it was a Finger Mage that able to drain the mana. So, he, Orb'al and Caldash would be in that group.
Akivsha and Xelana would deal with Infector of Souls, while the rest were going to fight Lord de Seis. Once finished, they must break the Infernal Seals to allow them enter Diablo's lair. Everyone agreed with such arrangement.
"Firewall!" shouted Zylene, The flaming wall instantly separated the Zann-Esu from the Undead. The necromancer didn't want to lose; he cast his spell too,
"Amplify Damage!" Though she didn't like to be helped by Tha'el, Aliza had to admit that his curse helped her to pick the Oblivion Knights easily. When they finished, the blue-colored Knight came out to face them. Tha'el grinned as he saw the undead,
"I presume you're Lord de Seis, though not in flesh any longer..." The Knight stared him long enough, until the necromancer continued,
"I have regards from Taf'yel, your former friend for long time ago!" Lord de Seis instantly unleashed Bone Spirit, which attacked the Rathma. However, the attack only hit Bone Wall. Tha'el then taunted,
"Take your best shot!" The undead mage sent his Amplify Damage, coupled with Spectral Hit. The necromancer reeled from the impact, but then he returned the attack with Confuse. Zylene and Aliza decided to not join the fight. Every time Lord de Seis threw attacks but Tha'el could always counter it. He yawned and said,
"Boring..." If Lord de Seis is a human, he might have given up already. Yet, the undead persisted in its effort. Finally, the necromancer yelled aloud,
"Is that all you got?" Then he pulled his dagger and went to kill. The undead sent again Bone Spirit, however it hit an empty place. Tha'el himself had moved closer to his target,
"If that's the best you got, I'm just gonna have to kill you..." With inhuman swiftness, he moved his dagger. Lord de Seis fell into a crumbled heap of bone. At the same time, Zylene swung her staff and broke the first seal.
Myrrick barely breathed when the Finger Mage touched him. He swerved to the left in order to avoid the creature and then swiftly swung his sword, sending the Vizier into its doom. In other place, the barbarian had scavenged what left from them and the paladin use his Salvation to recover his health. The carcass of Finger Magi instantly vanished as Caldash stepped upon them. He said to the druid,
"That's the last of them!" They turned to the tripod-like structure, and Myrrick turned to the blue-armored knight,
"Caldash, you go ahead!" The paladin smiled,
"With my pleasure!" When he crushed it, the seal began to reverberate and produced a humming sound. A strange rune appeared upon its surface.
Meanwhile, Akivsha barely sheathed her weapons when Infector of Soul kissed the floor for good. The amazon stood at the corner, with her face looked displeasure with the assassin's achievement. When the Megademons led by their leader attacked them, she was busy to fending off them while her rival focused to the leader. Then Akivsha brought her back to the bitter reality,
"Don't fret, you'll get your share next time..." she closed the sentence with a smirk, "...if you're fast enough," Xelana replied indignantly,
"Don't be so sure of that, assassin!" Ignoring her, the assassin immediately struck the seal and the same thing happened again. She turned to the grudging amazon,
"Let's go back to the main hall! I believe they've waited us there."
The heroes gathered at the main hall of Chaos Sanctuary where a huge pentagram carved upon the floor. The surrounding now turned into a bright red, different from the dark blue when they entered the building for the first time. Caldash wondered,
"This place seems different from the one that we've entered. I didn't sense the presence of the Hell minions here," Zylene explained the phenomenon,
"This must be the transdimensional shift when we opened the seals..." Then Akivsha added,
"We must keep vigilant! Lord of Terror is not to be underestimated..." However, the necromancer gave his comment, while skinning an apple with his dagger,
"I won't worry about that; we are outnumber him one to eight..." Xelana smirked only upon the comment,
"Just in case you've forgotten, we still have Baal to deal with. Explain to me, how we handle the problem..." Facefaulted, Tha'el said,
"Er, even so! There are just two of them...what are we worrying at?" Everyone sighed only after heard his excuse. Suddenly, their conversation was broken by a heavy stomp. At first, the shaking was small until it got closer to them. Myrrick and the others took their weapons, ready for the worst-case scenario. From the other end of Chaos Sanctuary, the huge shadow appeared and became clearer when comes to the light. A crimson-colored demon came. Horns sprouted from his tail up to the head, in additional the red Soulstone shone brightly from his forehead. The size almost made Hephasto looked like an overgrown baby. Its scales glinted because it reflected the dancing flames outside. When he stepped forward, the earth shook under its massive feet. The yellowish eyes stared the heroes one by one.
Zylene was obviously shaken, but she forced herself to stand. Aliza fidgeted his bow restlessly, while the necromancer gulped several times before he controlled his rising fear. Not so with the others, however.
The paladin's feature became grim under the dancing flame outside. He held the Sazabi Cobalt Redeemer tightly. Orb'al merely snorted in anticipation of the battle; slowly he took the axes from his back. The amazon stood proudly by putting her javelin in the offensive position. Akivsha put her fierce look, returning the stare to the demon. Myrrick himself looked back to the creature with a steely look. He gripped his sword tight enough, while grounded firmly on his position. He also gritted his teeth in anger.
Lord of Terror watched them in disdain, yet his host's intuition told him the otherwise,
Damn, why are these things passes into my mind? Then he boomed with a loud voice,
"It is amusing to find you're finally arriving here after defeat Mephisto; it must be your luck then!" Diablo continued with a sinister smile,
"But you won't find it when you're fighting me!" The druid replied with courage,
"It is you who has running out of luck, Diablo! We are going to put your reign to an end!" Caldash added,
"Call Baal if you want, perhaps he can help you," The red demon growled menacingly before stepped again. Tha'el and Aliza stepped backward unconsciously, while the rest stood still. Diablo glared to Myrrick intensely, before shouting,
"I don't need help from anyone! I can destroy all of you by myself!!" In a second before everyone realized it, a ring of fire came out from the demon with a force like a storm. Everyone but Myrrick and Caldash backed out. The paladin protected himself by bringing the Stormshield. The shield broke the advancing ring of attack. Myrrick lifted his buckler too, combining it with Cyclone Armor. Then the red demon leaped toward Caldash, and swung his claws to the holy knight. Caldash managed to deflect the attack, though he felt a freezing sensation on his body. As he rolled out from the demon, a clunking sound was heard. Instantly, three lightning bolts hit Diablo squarely. Akivsha used the chance to summon the Shadow Master. They moved in a zigzag pattern, dangerously close to the creature while spreading the traps around. She had prepared her katar in killing position. Unfortunately, the red demon anticipated the maneuver by swung its huge arm toward them. It destroyed the clone, and knocking the assassin away. Akivsha chatter her teeth, as the cold touch had affected her.
Xelana shouted aloud before charging Diablo; her loyal Valkyrie followed from behind. However, the demon instantly unleashed Red Lightning Hose when turned around. She avoided the attack barely, while the valkyrie didn't. Incensed with the event, the amazon circled around her target. Then she rolled to the rear for giving the lethal strike. Lord of Terror smiled,
"Nice tactic, but I'm not like the poor Izual!" The demon swapped her when she got closer, sending her to hit the nearby pillar. Then Zylene has joined the fray as well; she sent Glacial Spike together with Blizzard. But it didn't deter Diablo. It immediately countered her spell with Firestorm, before jumped to another place. Caldash took the moment by charging the demon. Growled, the red creature delivered a huge punch to him, who received it with Stormshield. The paladin could feel his entire frame shook violently and pushed backward. A loud cry was heard as Myrrick and Orb'al attacked the demon simultaneously. Diablo had a hard time to avoid two attacks at once; therefore it unleashed Fire Nova to keep the distance.
In another place, Tha'el frantically tried to open the Scroll of Town Portal in order to get out. The Zann-Esu quickly called him,
"Tha'el, where are you going? You must help us!" The sorcerer answered hurriedly,
"Er, I just remember that I'd have another business in another place...goodbye!" As he ran to the portal, he smacked a bone-like structure in front of the portal and dropped like a sack. Zylene saw the red demon managed to said,
"Where are you going? The party isn't over yet!" Meanwhile, the druid has summoned Volcano.
The earth suddenly cracked open and spewed the fiery, scorching lava to the infernal creature. Lord of Terror, however, hunched its body and leaped out from the eruption. The entire building trembled as the creature landed quite far from the others. It spoke,
"Is that all you have, druid? I'm very disappointed..." Myrrick was very furious when he heard the snide remark. Before he could reply, Orb'al had tugged Diablo's tail. The demon was stunned, and then an electrical jolt struck its entire body. Zylene has cast Static Field, coupling it with Nova. Diablo tried to avoid the attack, but it was difficult with the barbarian who kept tugging its tail. Then the creature brought its tail upward along with Orb'al. Suddenly, it swung its tail very fast, throwing the barbarian away. Before he could focus to the sorceress, a stinging sensation prickled its neck. The demon turned to the rogue who pointed her bow to it. Diablo shook its head in amusement,
"Well, little girl...that is very naughty of you..." Then it pulled its right arm backward and swung it toward Aliza. In a split second, Akivsha pushed the rogue down, so that the attack scraped the stone pillar behind her. The young rogue stared to the assassin with disbelief. Meanwhile, the Zann-Esu went to the barbarian who got only a bruise. She immediately gave him a rejuvenation potion.
This time, Myrrick summoned his beasts to aid him. Though knew that they weren't a match against the demon, he couldn't let the chance slipped again like before. The ravens swarmed around the demon's eyes, while the Wolves and the Grizzly attacked its body. The barbarian let a loud cry to give the boost. Annoyed with those creatures, Diablo roared and brushed them all with a mighty thrash. At the same time, it saw Caldash charging toward him. The paladin had used Vigor and Concentration altogether. He moved with a speed of lightning; this time the demon was unable to stop him. Once close, he sent Smite to knock the creature's body and followed it with a slice at its face. A streak of blood appeared on Diablo's cheek. It became furious and brought its hands together into a fist, then pummeled the knight. Suddenly, someone was clinging upon its back. It was Myrrick who had transformed into a werebear. He mauled the red demon with all his strength and fury. To help him, Aliza shot his arrows again, while Akivsha unleashed a Blade Sentry. The spinning blade instantly whirled and circled the huge creature, slashing its flesh. Forced against those attacks, the demon's eyes shone brighter and a noxious vapor came out from its nostrils. Finally, Diablo let out a terrible roar before shrugged its body, throwing the transformed druid from its back and crushed the Blade Sentry. It shouted its powerful spell,
"Armageddon!!" Instantly, the air surrounding them became hot and suffocating, and then the fiery boulders began to crash down from the sky. Zylene cast Energy Shield to protect her and Orb'al. Myrrick and Caldash took a safer distance, while Tha'el skulked to the most protected place. Lord of Terror became impatient and shouted again with its terrible voice,
"Enough with this game, I'm going to finish you one by one!" Then it turned to the assassin behind it, "Starting with you first!" The demon brought its hands together and a crackle of red lightning formed around it. Before anyone could warn Akivsha, the lightning burst toward her with incredible speed. The assassin could only startled, before Aliza pushed her out from the incoming attack. She merely closed her eyes when the unholy attack struck her with indescribable force. The attack sent her crashing the nearby wall; the wall itself crumbled under the impact. Having reverted from his werebear, Myrrick watched the event with horror and suddenly he bellowed like a wounded beast,
"Aliza...NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" The look of shock was evident on Zylene's face.
"Aliza...no...it can't be..." Those things were nothing compared with what the assassin felt inside. Though dumbfounded, she whispered in a cracking voice,
"Why? What have you done? Why did you doing that, Aliza?" Lord of Terror laughed in merriment,
"Ha...ha...ha...ha, I feel alive now!" However, the demon failed to notice the assassin. She stared the creature coldly; slowly but sure she pulled her weapons and cast Fade. The strange aura also swirled inside her body. Still laughing, Diablo wasn't aware when Akivsha sneaked behind it unnoticed and then somersaulted three times, before...clung on the demon's neck. The creature felt its neck became heavier than usual and heard an icy whisper from nowhere,
"Taste the cold justice of the Viz'jaqtaar, Diablo! Phoenix Strike!" Instantly, she sank the cold blade into its flesh. The demon howled in pain as the invisible assassin stabbed. At the same time, its entire frame wracked with the massive electrical jolt. Diablo fell to the ground, while unable to find the attacker. Now the bolts of ice hit the demon, forcing him chattering. Caldash immediately broke the ice,
"Myrrick! Zylene! Orb'al! Distract Diablo from finding Akivsha; we might have a chance to win this time!!" The barbarian nodded and shouted his Battle Cry. At this point, Akivsha had reached her third Phoenix Strike. The meteorites fell down from the sky, crashing around the demon. Unable to bear the pain any longer, Diablo crashed itself to the wall. The impact made the assassin lost her grip and became visible again. The demon grabbed her with no time and ready to crush her. But then, it felt a searing pain from the splashing fireball. Zylene has transformed into something else; her body floated on the air, while her eyes turned white. The sorceress was bathed with a yellow aura, in front of her the three-headed flaming serpent stood. She spoke in a possessed manner,
"Feel the wrath of the Zann-Esu, demon! This is for Aliza!" The Hydra then shot three fireballs to Diablo. The furious demon waved its hand, sending Fire Nova to destroy the creature. Then another shot hit it again; this time it was poison and cold bolt. When turned around, the demon saw the Oblivion Knights...attacking him with their magic. The necromancer stood behind them, while smiled,
"Have you missed me so much, my friend?" The Undead swarmed around the demon, while the Hydra kept the pressure. Now it was Myrrick's turn as he shouted,
"Diablo, I'm going to bring Uieloscadh Mor to an end! You're not the only one who can summon the fury here; here is the true Nature's fury! Armageddon!" Once again, the scorching meteors showered around the demon along with the whirling heat. The demon tried to scramble his host's experience to bail itself from this situation, but no avail. In desperation, it lifted Akivsha very high in order to crush her. Then everything mired into a slow motion. Caldash summoned Vigor once again to run toward Diablo. As he went closer, the Vengeance aura swirled inside his body. The demon could only gasp in shock, as he already close to its body and spoke solemnly,
"Prepare for thy judgment, Diablo!" After saying that, the holy knight drove the Sazabi Cobalt Redeemer into the demon's chest. Lord of Terror roared with agony, and instinctively threw the assassin away. The druid followed and quickly caught her. He asked her,
"Are you all right, Joanna?" Stunned, Akivsha replied short,
"I'm...all right..." They turned to the paladin who still holding his sword. Myrrick shouted,
"Caldash, get out from there!" The knight tried to pull the sword, but the demon held it tight to its chest and said,
"You must go with me, paladin..." At first, Caldash persisted but then a voice spoke inside him,
"Let your past go...let your hate and vengeance go..." He turned again to his loyal sword who had accompanied him for a long time, then to the grimaced demon. His mind flew to the past where his family had awaited him to return from Westmarch. He stared the demon again and answered calmly,
"No, Diablo! Not this time...it is done!" In a sudden movement, he twisted his sword forcefully that made it broke into two. Diablo roared once again, while clutching its chest in agonizing pain. It swept the paladin away. The reddish blood gushed like a waterfall from its wound. Painfully, the creature fell but managed to creep to the center of the pentagram. The heroes watched its movement warily. Realized the verge of death was closer, Lord of Terror stared them with hatred, especially Myrrick and Akivsha. Then he hissed,
"This isn't over yet...this is just the beginning..." Suddenly, something ethereal tried to wrench out from the demon's body but failed and returned again. The heroes heard it spoke for the last time; the voice was clear,
"I'm finally free, Blood Raven...we shall see each other soon..." As the huge demon breathed its last breath, it exploded with a loud noise. The unholy power shook the building and forced the others to find protection, while the demon melted into nothing but skeleton and entrails. Few minutes later, the maelstrom subsidized and the red Soulstone lay among the skeleton. Slowly, everyone rose and pondered the aftermath. Zylene had returned to normal and fell in exhaustion. The barbarian took her gently. Myrrick still had a hard time to believe that the battle was over. Akivsha called him,
"I'm going to see Aliza...druid..." The druid replied absent-mindedly,
"Uh-nuh, I'll see you later..." He went slowly to take the soulstone. Inside, he cursed himself,
We finally won, but at what cost? Another life has been wasted again!
Xelana awoke and find the necromancer knelt in front of her. He said,
"You just missed the show, my dear..." Puzzled, the amazon shook her head only,
"Where is Diablo?" Tha'el replied nonchalantly,
"Dead, if you ask me. The paladin has killed him..." Then he joked,
"Don't be sad, I've missed the show too...not the end, at least," At first, Xelana wanted to whack the sorcerer, but decided to against it when she saw the revived Oblivion Knights around him. Instead, she could only groan in disappointment.
Caldash stared the broken sword, pondering what the future have in store for him. He wondered whether he had made a right decision. Then the paladin threw the broken sword to the ground.
Akivsha went closer to the crumpled body of the rogue. She was certain that nobody could survive from the attack. Suddenly, she heard someone groaned and went to the site. There, she saw Aliza buried under the rubbles. Slowly, the assassin removed those rubbles from her. The rogue was still alive, though she had suffered moderate burn wounds. Akivsha also noticed that she wore the Isenhart's Cage. Feared the worst, she asked,
"Aliza, are you all right? Talk to me..." The young rogue replied weakly,
"What...do...you think? Thanks...for...the...armor...it helps much..." Tried hard not to laugh, the assassin asked again,
"Silly girl, why are you doing this? You could have been killed..." Coughed, Aliza answered,
"You've...saved my life twice, but...more than ...that! You...reminded...me with...my...sister..." Akivsha's heart froze instantly. She was silent for a moment, before she asked again,
"What make you think so, Aliza?" The pearly tear rolled from Aliza's eye, crossing her blackened skin. Then she said tearfully,
"I admit that I always annoy you more than once...probably because I've missed my sister so much...or...I can't accept...that...you...always...beaten...me...like what ...my sister did before...I'm...very sorry...for...what...I...have...said...before...Akivsha..." Unable to hold her emotion anymore, Akivsha let her pretense down and hugged the rogue, while silently crying inside.
"Shh...say no more, Aliza..." she whispered, "I'm sorry for leaving you so long...I'm terribly sorry..." Aliza returned the hug, saying,
"It's all right...now we're...together again..." Then the assassin lifted her from the ground gently and together, they walked toward Zylene who was carried by Orb'al. The rogue smiled weakly,
"Hi, Zylene..." Though exhausted, the sorceress paid her smile back,
"Aliza...it's glad to see you all right..." From another direction, they saw Tha'el and Xelana in front of the portal. The female warrior transferred her frustration by crushing the blocking bone prison with one swipe. She turned to the necromancer, who smiled sheepishly,
"Come on, this is very easy and you can't do it by yourself?" Tha'el didn't answer, when the rest were coming to their direction. Akivsha asked them,
"Where are Caldash and Myrrick?" The amazon answered,
"They already had gone to the Hellforge first to destroy the Soulstone, while we're going back to the Pandemonium Fortress..." She turned to the wounded rogue and added,
"It seems both of you already have a mutual understanding..." Nobody answered as they entered the portal and left the Chaos Sanctuary.
Meanwhile, Caldash and Myrrick have arrived at the Hellforge. The paladin has carried the Hammer and put Mephisto's Soulstone upon the anvil. Before lifted the hammer, he silently whispered a prayer,
"May your sins be absolved forever, amen!" Then Caldash brought the Hammer down and pounded the Soulstone several times to make sure there were nothing left, not even shards. After finished, he turned to the druid who still looked daydreaming.
"Myrrick, it is your turn now!" Myrrick startled upon the call,
"Oh, yes! Sorry!" He went to the forge with heavy steps. When he was there, the paladin gave him the Hammer and a pat on his shoulder. Myrrick stared the Hammer, and then shifted to the large red Soulstone. He pondered his options for minutes until he lifted the Hammer very high and said,
"Farewell, Joanna!" CRASH!!!!
Back to the Pandemonium Fortress, everyone welcomed them. However, Cain noted the change on the druid's face that prompted him to ask,
"Warrior, are you all right? Is there something troubles you?" Myrrick replied gruffly,
"I feel tired, Cain..." Then he turned to Zylene and Akivsha,
"How is Aliza's condition?" The sorceress answered,
"She's all right, Myrrick, though her wounds are quite serious. I'm afraid she won't join us now. Her sisters from the Sightless Eye were taking her back to the Monastery, "Later, Cain said,
"Myrrick, Great Tyrael have something to speak for all of you..." The druid nodded and went toward the Hall. At the same time, Caldash saw Jamella was coming to his direction. She carried something at her lap. Before the merchant could say anything, he already spoke,
"Jamella, I'm apologizing for what I've said before. You're right, I was being selfish in my objective and nurtures self-loathing for what happened to my family and Master Khalim," He lowered his head down,
"I have let the Light down; I don't deserve to be a paladin anymore..." Jamella merely said,
"I know, Caldash! But you have made a right decision to let your past go...for that I have brought you a gift. Then she showed him a broadsword, and explained,
"This is called Doombringer; this sword is always brings doom to the evildoers! I think it is such a match for your Stormshield. The sword is indestructible! " The paladin tried to say something, but Jamella put her fingers upon his lips,
"Look, Caldash! The Light has given you another chance to build your life again...please do not let it go..." Caldash smiled genuinely, and took the sword from her,
"You have always been my best friend, Jamella...thanks for the gift! I don't know what I have to say for this..." The female merchant winked only,
"Just do one thing for me: staying alive! Come, your friends have waited you..." He watched her before she left her to her stall and said,
"I will, Jamella!"
Everyone have been inside the Hall when the Archangel Tyrael congratulated them,
"I must congratulate all of you for vanquishing Lord of Terror. With his death, you have put an end to the long-reigned terror on Sanctuary..." Then the holy being paused before he continued hesitantly,
"However..." Tha'el instantly quipped,
"Uh-oh, I don't like the sound..." The Archangel continued his sentence,
"...Baal still has to be accounted yet. When you still fighting with Diablo, he has departed to another place," Myrrick had a reason to fear the worst, finally he asked,
"Where does he going to, Great Tyrael?"
"He's going to Mount Arreat at the Barbarian Highlands on the Northern Continent to be exactly,"
Everyone were shocked upon the news, and then the druid said with trembling voice,
"Mt. Arreat?! He was looking for the Worldstone!!" The surprise hasn't subsidized yet, when the barbarian spoke for the first time,
"Uieloscadh Mor!" Zylene was surprised when she heard Orb'al's word. Tha'el gave his dry remark,
"Wow! Amazing! You can speak!" Ignoring the necromancer, Myrrick asked the Archangel again,
"Are you sure, Great Tyrael? There is must be a mistake..." The holy being said firmly but full of concern,
"From what Izual says, the High Heavens was certain that the Prime Evils have made the Worldstone as their primary target. The Soulstones is merely a beginning before they try to corrupt the large one...for that purpose, Lord of Destruction has gathered a vast army from the Burning Hell," Suddenly, Diablo and Izual's words passed on Myrrick's mind. Akivsha also remembered about the empty Hellforge. With a pained face, the Horadrim explained,
"The Worldstone serves as a barrier between Sanctuary and Burning Hell for millennia. If it is corrupted or failed..." Zylene continued,
"The demons can roam freely than before on Sanctuary, thus making into the hell literally..." Caldash sighed in resignation,
"End of the World... Doomsday! Judgment Day!" Tha'el whistled only. As everyone talked about the news, Myrrick hit the nearest pillar in utter frustration, while saying inside,
I was wrong! Uieloscadh Mor hasn't ended yet; it is just starting! I'm failed you, Joanna! However, Xelana quickly reminded them,
"It hasn't over yet! Baal hasn't won yet; he still has to reach Mt. Arreat first! Probably, we could intercept him before reaching his objective..." Akivsha agreed with her,
"Xelana is right! We still have a chance to stop Baal; the only thing is we have to do it now!" While everyone still deep in thinking, Myrrick surprisingly shouted back,
"For what? To have another people die again? Is that you want, ha?" Everyone was surprised with his outburst. Cain wanted to calm the druid, but Tyrael stopped him to do so. Then Zylene asked,
"Myrrick, why do you say that?" The druid fumed,
"This damn thing must be ended right now!" The amazon snorted in disgust,
"Don't say that you're afraid now, druid!" Angrily, Myrrick replied,
"Yes, probably I'm afraid! I'm sick with these things; I had put Aliza in danger because of my petty vengeance!" Without warning, Akivsha scorned with cold tone,
"Then go away! We don't need a coward here!" The old druid stunned with the scathing reply. Then she continued,
"I've had put my life in danger many times for the Order. But, do you realize why I doing that? Because it is my duty to keep the balance and order of Sanctuary! Yes, we might have the shortcomings, yet it didn't stop us to pursue our common goal! You're thinking that we're achieving nothing from this, but think clearly, druid! How about the other people who don't have anything to do with this? Will you let them to suffer?" In Myrrick's eyes, the assassin suddenly transformed into someone familiar,
I didn't ask for your forgiveness. You can ignore me as you want, but could you turn your back from your own people? They're innocent...they had nothing to do among us.
Then everything was back to the present, with the assassin continued her plea,
"Myrrick, Aliza know the risk when she chose to follow you here...if you are giving up right now, you already disappointed her! Her sacrifice would be nothing..." Caldash joined them,
"Myrrick, I won't pretend anything to you! I have committed a grave mistake once, but then the Light is giving me a second chance! We're fighting evil to keep becoming the evil itself; someone said 'evil triumphs when good men do nothing'...we can fight this together!" Zylene added,
"Akivsha is right, Myrrick! Aliza doesn't fight for herself, but she fights for you and me! Please don't give up...we will be behind you!" Then the barbarian spoke to him,
"I'll be with you if you need! Remember the Oath between Bul-Kathos and Fiacla-Gear, druid! You can have my axes!"
Caldash followed, "My sword!"
Xelana didn't want to lose, "My javelin!"
The sorceress smiled, "My intelligence!"
Scowled, Tha'el said, "Okay, how about my minions?" Myrrick couldn't answer until Akivsha said,
"And me, druid! I'll come with you this time and I'm doing this for Aliza...we have stopped Diablo together, and now we shall stop Baal from reaching the Worldstone! We shall succeed or die trying!" Then she offered her hand, which the druid hesitantly received and shook it,
"Thank you, Akivsha..." Then he stared everyone around him. They have been together, facing the same ordeals. He always thought that he fought the battle alone, but then he was wrong! He was absorbed in the struggle without thinking anyone else. Deckard Cain clapped his hand, while Archangel Tyrael declared,
"I'm thankful that you have settled your difference and had put your heart into this mission! Now be ready for this..." After the holy being finished his sentence, a blue portal formed before him.
"The portal will bring you to the Northern Continent, but beware! There is nothing certain beyond the portal and there is the possibility that you might not coming together..." The necromancer asked worriedly,
"Whoo, do you mean we might be separated from each other?" The Archangel nodded,
"Yes, now I ask you, heroes! Are you ready for this?" At first, Myrrick was hesitated. The assassin instantly held his head and turned to him,
"We'll do this together..." Smiled, the druid faced the holy being again and said firmly,
"I'm ready, Great Tyrael..." He turned again to the others, who nodded in agreement,
"We're ready!" He and the assassin walked together into the portal, followed by the rest...
Author's note: Finally, the story is finished here, but not ends yet! Follow Myrrick and Akivsha's adventure in 'The
Bear and The Wolf', which is based from Act V of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. There will be new
characters to complement the storyline, and Myrrick and Akivsha's past will be revealed further
there, including the assassin's connection with rogue Aliza. There will be more action and exciting
battle scenes there. To make it brief, just expect the unexpected in the new story! See you there!
P.S.: I'm appreciates the reviews that I receive from all of you. For that, I would like to thank Charmed, Werecat 99,
Roly the Holy, Qualinesti, Fle, Tiamat3, DeadGhost, Harvey Bautista, Tenshi no Akuma, Constructicons and
Anonymous. I would also like to thank Steelizard, Gamefreak023, Adro14 and Taler for their advice. Because
of them, I could keep writing this story and keep trying to improve, of course! Once again, thank you very much,
At the secluded portion of the Pandemonium Fortress, Akivsha checked her Natalya's Odium set. She pulled the mesh boots from her feet. At the same time, she examined her grim helm and took off the loricated mail. The assassin rubbed her left side, which has been hit by Hephasto yesterday. She was thankful that the potion of rejuvenation works well; the pain was barely perceptible now. Then she turned to the crescent-shaped scar at the left calf. A faint smile formed upon her lips. It was a reminder to her past..., which she chose to forget. It meant nothing compared with her pain. She put her boots again, before she sensed that she wasn't alone. Immediately, she called before pulled her Scissor Suwayyah,
"Whoever you are, show your self!" The faint shadow appeared; when the assassin turned around, she saw the rogue stood there. Not wasting anything, she asked her,
"What do you want, girl?" Aliza hesitantly replied,
"Is there anything I can help? How is your injury yesterday?" Akivsha didn't expect that; she used to be having a parley with her. Now the rogue thanked her and...asked to help her. Stammered, the assassin said in return,
"Uh...I'm fine..." Then she pointed to the mail, "Probably...you can help me for put this on," Aliza took the mail and put it slowly on Akivsha's, even fasten them all. Shyly, she said,
"I'm want to say thank you for pushing me away before the demon attacked us...you could easily avoid that if not because of me...I'm apologize for that," The short-cropped girl found it hard to give a reply; she felt choked,
"It's nothing...be careful next time, will you?" The rogue nodded, and then she was silent as the assassin took the grim helm. As she prepared to leave, Aliza called her again,
"Akivsha, may I ask you something?" Akivsha stopped dead in her track, before she asked,
"What is it?" The archer went closer and stared her deeply. Then she said,
"The scar at your right calf...may I know where you get it?" In a sudden, something intruded the assassin's mind. For the first time in her well-ordered life, she was nervous. She felt everything was out of control. It was time to reassert the control again. She answered nonchalantly,
"Er, I got the scar during my training, is that clear?" However, Aliza seemed not to buy her story: instead she continued,
"Then why are you looking so nervous? Is there something you hide?" Finally the assassin shouted exasperatedly,
"Look, I'm not whatever you're thinking of! Got it?" The rogue stood still, before she said in a pained face,
"I just asking only...sorry for disturbing you!" Aliza left the assassin alone, while crying deep inside. In other place, Akivsha went slumped on the floor. She gritted her teeth in frustration and dismay,
"By the Sightless Eye...Why is these things must come to me right now? Is it not enough to have my past reminded again?" Without her knowledge, tears rolled from her eyes and dropped to the floor. Behind a pillar, the necromancer merely nodded,
"Fascinating...fascinating..."
Back to the courtyard, the heroes were wearing their new sets of armor. The barbarian put a winged helmet on his head, and wore the Immortal King's Soul Cage upon his bulking body. Then he checked his double axes, and sheathes a sword behind his back. Meanwhile, Caldash polished his sword for the preparation. The Stormshield lay not far from him. Sensed someone, he said,
"If you come for persuading me to abandon my mission, forget it. I won't change my mind!" Slowly, Jamella went closer and said,
"I know I might violate the High Heaven's order to not interfere, but such risk is worth for saving your soul from eternal damnation, Caldash..." The paladin ignored her; instead he took the shield to give it the final polish. Then he took his blue Milabrega's Robe and put it on. The merchant sighed only, before leaving him alone,
"Caldash, there is something I want to tell you. If you look closely enough amid the merciless and the bitter, there is always the chance that you may find comfort and the promise of something good..." After Jamella left, Caldash couldn't help to ponder her words. He wondered if ever there was hope for him, after what he have suffered.
In other side, Xelana wore the Vidala's Rig set, which made her looked blue rather than the usual red. She turned to the necromancer who already wore his own armor set. His bone armor looked scary, despite the golden hue on it. The amazon gave a snide remark,
"I almost think that you're looks like a huge, skinny lizard with your armor..." Instead angry, Tha'el boasted with pride,
"Thank you for your flattering...this is Trag-Oul's Armor set, granted by the Great Trag-Oul itself to my great, great grandfather!" Unimpressed, Xelana asked again,
"What is so special with that?" The sorcerer stared her, before he started to explain,
"Ah, my dear! There is something you must know about the armor...it is said that it can transform you into...something indescribable," Slowly but sure, he leaned closer to the amazon, almost hugging her. Yet she gave him a nudge at the stomach. Then Xelana said,
"Too bad, you aren't my type...but I'll think that again," The necromancer touched his hurting stomach, and smiled before saying,
"I think she'd likes me..."
Myrrick was checked his armor when he saw Aliza. He noticed that her eyes were red and teary; it prompted him to ask,
"Aliza, are you all right? What happened?" Wiping her tears, the rogue answered,
"I'm all right, Myrrick! Thank you for asking me..." Then he put his huge hand upon her shoulder,
"Look, I know this is must be hard for you; if you don't want to come with us..." Aliza shocked when heard the implication, instantly she said,
"No, I'm all right! Really! Let me accompany you to the Chaos Sanctuary! Please!" Finally, the druid gave up. He patted her head playfully,
"Well then, you're better preparing yourself! We'll go soon after everyone is ready!" The young rogue smiled only before she went to her place. Once there, she surprised to find a golden armor on top of his bow and arrows. It was the Isenhart's Cage, whom Akivsha wore during their journey. Slowly, Aliza took the armor and pondered around.
In a few hours, the heroes already departed to the Chaos Sanctuary through the waypoint. As they walked across the blackish, rocky land, Myrrick noticed that the assassin was teary-eyed. Then he asked,
"Akivsha, is there something wrong?" Akivsha stunned when the druid asked her, then she replied,
"No! Why did you asking me that?" The warrior merely pointed to her eyes,
"Your eyes looked red...are you sure you're asleep last night?" The assassin answered,
"I'm fine! I just look tired only..." Then both of them were silent until they arrived at the entrance. The heroes saw a winged figure at the path that going to the Chaos Sanctuary. It almost looked like Tyrael, but smaller in stature. Then the figure greeted them,
"Welcome, you must be the heroes whom Tyrael had told me! My name is Hadriel!" Zylene bowed in respect,
"It is such an honor to met you, Angel Hadriel!" The angel nodded only, before continued,
"Thank you, but the pleasure is mine! I'm glad to see the courageous heroes who dare to challenge Lord of Terror...before entering the Chaos Sanctuary, please listen to my counsel!" Then Hadriel pointed to the huge building at the middle of the lake of fire,
"What we see right now is the real dimension; Diablo was in another dimension for now. To enter that, you must break 4 Infernal Seals inside the building. Each seals were guarded by Diablo's most trusted minions; they are the Grand Vizier of Chaos, Infector of Souls and Lord de Seis!" Upon heard the name 'de Seis', the necromancer turned restless. Xelana noted the sudden change, while Hadriel continued his explanation,
"You must defeat those minions first before breaking the seals; then be careful with Lord of Terror himself! He is not to be taken lightly...even before you enter the Chaos Sanctuary, you might encounter a stiff opposition from Hell's minions. Should you fail here, the Sanctuary will be doomed for good! I pray that the Light may strengthen and enlightened your resolve! Good luck, heroes! The fate of Sanctuary is depends upon your shoulder..." The paladin prayed first for the safety of his party, before following the rest, he said to Hadriel,
"We give our word to you, Angel Hadriel! We shall end Diablo here!"
The guardian angel was right. The heroes had already met by a strong opposition, before they entered the Chaos Sanctuary. Every kind of monsters and demons poured in to their way. With a hard effort, Myrrick, together with Caldash and Orb'al managed to secure the gate. Zylene had opened a portal to the Fortress, allowing Xelana and her to replenish their supplies. Later, they pushed through into the Chaos Sanctuary, despite the presence of the Oblivion Knights. Those undead possessed the similar abilities like the Rathma. The amazon made fun of that to Tha'el,
"Well, necromancer! It seems you have some competitors inside!" The sorcerer merely grinded his teeth in disgust,
"I'm going to show them who the number one is!" After repulsed the attack, Myrrick decided to divide their party again; those who were adept in melee fighting would fight the Grand Vizier of Chaos, since it was a Finger Mage that able to drain the mana. So, he, Orb'al and Caldash would be in that group.
Akivsha and Xelana would deal with Infector of Souls, while the rest were going to fight Lord de Seis. Once finished, they must break the Infernal Seals to allow them enter Diablo's lair. Everyone agreed with such arrangement.
"Firewall!" shouted Zylene, The flaming wall instantly separated the Zann-Esu from the Undead. The necromancer didn't want to lose; he cast his spell too,
"Amplify Damage!" Though she didn't like to be helped by Tha'el, Aliza had to admit that his curse helped her to pick the Oblivion Knights easily. When they finished, the blue-colored Knight came out to face them. Tha'el grinned as he saw the undead,
"I presume you're Lord de Seis, though not in flesh any longer..." The Knight stared him long enough, until the necromancer continued,
"I have regards from Taf'yel, your former friend for long time ago!" Lord de Seis instantly unleashed Bone Spirit, which attacked the Rathma. However, the attack only hit Bone Wall. Tha'el then taunted,
"Take your best shot!" The undead mage sent his Amplify Damage, coupled with Spectral Hit. The necromancer reeled from the impact, but then he returned the attack with Confuse. Zylene and Aliza decided to not join the fight. Every time Lord de Seis threw attacks but Tha'el could always counter it. He yawned and said,
"Boring..." If Lord de Seis is a human, he might have given up already. Yet, the undead persisted in its effort. Finally, the necromancer yelled aloud,
"Is that all you got?" Then he pulled his dagger and went to kill. The undead sent again Bone Spirit, however it hit an empty place. Tha'el himself had moved closer to his target,
"If that's the best you got, I'm just gonna have to kill you..." With inhuman swiftness, he moved his dagger. Lord de Seis fell into a crumbled heap of bone. At the same time, Zylene swung her staff and broke the first seal.
Myrrick barely breathed when the Finger Mage touched him. He swerved to the left in order to avoid the creature and then swiftly swung his sword, sending the Vizier into its doom. In other place, the barbarian had scavenged what left from them and the paladin use his Salvation to recover his health. The carcass of Finger Magi instantly vanished as Caldash stepped upon them. He said to the druid,
"That's the last of them!" They turned to the tripod-like structure, and Myrrick turned to the blue-armored knight,
"Caldash, you go ahead!" The paladin smiled,
"With my pleasure!" When he crushed it, the seal began to reverberate and produced a humming sound. A strange rune appeared upon its surface.
Meanwhile, Akivsha barely sheathed her weapons when Infector of Soul kissed the floor for good. The amazon stood at the corner, with her face looked displeasure with the assassin's achievement. When the Megademons led by their leader attacked them, she was busy to fending off them while her rival focused to the leader. Then Akivsha brought her back to the bitter reality,
"Don't fret, you'll get your share next time..." she closed the sentence with a smirk, "...if you're fast enough," Xelana replied indignantly,
"Don't be so sure of that, assassin!" Ignoring her, the assassin immediately struck the seal and the same thing happened again. She turned to the grudging amazon,
"Let's go back to the main hall! I believe they've waited us there."
The heroes gathered at the main hall of Chaos Sanctuary where a huge pentagram carved upon the floor. The surrounding now turned into a bright red, different from the dark blue when they entered the building for the first time. Caldash wondered,
"This place seems different from the one that we've entered. I didn't sense the presence of the Hell minions here," Zylene explained the phenomenon,
"This must be the transdimensional shift when we opened the seals..." Then Akivsha added,
"We must keep vigilant! Lord of Terror is not to be underestimated..." However, the necromancer gave his comment, while skinning an apple with his dagger,
"I won't worry about that; we are outnumber him one to eight..." Xelana smirked only upon the comment,
"Just in case you've forgotten, we still have Baal to deal with. Explain to me, how we handle the problem..." Facefaulted, Tha'el said,
"Er, even so! There are just two of them...what are we worrying at?" Everyone sighed only after heard his excuse. Suddenly, their conversation was broken by a heavy stomp. At first, the shaking was small until it got closer to them. Myrrick and the others took their weapons, ready for the worst-case scenario. From the other end of Chaos Sanctuary, the huge shadow appeared and became clearer when comes to the light. A crimson-colored demon came. Horns sprouted from his tail up to the head, in additional the red Soulstone shone brightly from his forehead. The size almost made Hephasto looked like an overgrown baby. Its scales glinted because it reflected the dancing flames outside. When he stepped forward, the earth shook under its massive feet. The yellowish eyes stared the heroes one by one.
Zylene was obviously shaken, but she forced herself to stand. Aliza fidgeted his bow restlessly, while the necromancer gulped several times before he controlled his rising fear. Not so with the others, however.
The paladin's feature became grim under the dancing flame outside. He held the Sazabi Cobalt Redeemer tightly. Orb'al merely snorted in anticipation of the battle; slowly he took the axes from his back. The amazon stood proudly by putting her javelin in the offensive position. Akivsha put her fierce look, returning the stare to the demon. Myrrick himself looked back to the creature with a steely look. He gripped his sword tight enough, while grounded firmly on his position. He also gritted his teeth in anger.
Lord of Terror watched them in disdain, yet his host's intuition told him the otherwise,
Damn, why are these things passes into my mind? Then he boomed with a loud voice,
"It is amusing to find you're finally arriving here after defeat Mephisto; it must be your luck then!" Diablo continued with a sinister smile,
"But you won't find it when you're fighting me!" The druid replied with courage,
"It is you who has running out of luck, Diablo! We are going to put your reign to an end!" Caldash added,
"Call Baal if you want, perhaps he can help you," The red demon growled menacingly before stepped again. Tha'el and Aliza stepped backward unconsciously, while the rest stood still. Diablo glared to Myrrick intensely, before shouting,
"I don't need help from anyone! I can destroy all of you by myself!!" In a second before everyone realized it, a ring of fire came out from the demon with a force like a storm. Everyone but Myrrick and Caldash backed out. The paladin protected himself by bringing the Stormshield. The shield broke the advancing ring of attack. Myrrick lifted his buckler too, combining it with Cyclone Armor. Then the red demon leaped toward Caldash, and swung his claws to the holy knight. Caldash managed to deflect the attack, though he felt a freezing sensation on his body. As he rolled out from the demon, a clunking sound was heard. Instantly, three lightning bolts hit Diablo squarely. Akivsha used the chance to summon the Shadow Master. They moved in a zigzag pattern, dangerously close to the creature while spreading the traps around. She had prepared her katar in killing position. Unfortunately, the red demon anticipated the maneuver by swung its huge arm toward them. It destroyed the clone, and knocking the assassin away. Akivsha chatter her teeth, as the cold touch had affected her.
Xelana shouted aloud before charging Diablo; her loyal Valkyrie followed from behind. However, the demon instantly unleashed Red Lightning Hose when turned around. She avoided the attack barely, while the valkyrie didn't. Incensed with the event, the amazon circled around her target. Then she rolled to the rear for giving the lethal strike. Lord of Terror smiled,
"Nice tactic, but I'm not like the poor Izual!" The demon swapped her when she got closer, sending her to hit the nearby pillar. Then Zylene has joined the fray as well; she sent Glacial Spike together with Blizzard. But it didn't deter Diablo. It immediately countered her spell with Firestorm, before jumped to another place. Caldash took the moment by charging the demon. Growled, the red creature delivered a huge punch to him, who received it with Stormshield. The paladin could feel his entire frame shook violently and pushed backward. A loud cry was heard as Myrrick and Orb'al attacked the demon simultaneously. Diablo had a hard time to avoid two attacks at once; therefore it unleashed Fire Nova to keep the distance.
In another place, Tha'el frantically tried to open the Scroll of Town Portal in order to get out. The Zann-Esu quickly called him,
"Tha'el, where are you going? You must help us!" The sorcerer answered hurriedly,
"Er, I just remember that I'd have another business in another place...goodbye!" As he ran to the portal, he smacked a bone-like structure in front of the portal and dropped like a sack. Zylene saw the red demon managed to said,
"Where are you going? The party isn't over yet!" Meanwhile, the druid has summoned Volcano.
The earth suddenly cracked open and spewed the fiery, scorching lava to the infernal creature. Lord of Terror, however, hunched its body and leaped out from the eruption. The entire building trembled as the creature landed quite far from the others. It spoke,
"Is that all you have, druid? I'm very disappointed..." Myrrick was very furious when he heard the snide remark. Before he could reply, Orb'al had tugged Diablo's tail. The demon was stunned, and then an electrical jolt struck its entire body. Zylene has cast Static Field, coupling it with Nova. Diablo tried to avoid the attack, but it was difficult with the barbarian who kept tugging its tail. Then the creature brought its tail upward along with Orb'al. Suddenly, it swung its tail very fast, throwing the barbarian away. Before he could focus to the sorceress, a stinging sensation prickled its neck. The demon turned to the rogue who pointed her bow to it. Diablo shook its head in amusement,
"Well, little girl...that is very naughty of you..." Then it pulled its right arm backward and swung it toward Aliza. In a split second, Akivsha pushed the rogue down, so that the attack scraped the stone pillar behind her. The young rogue stared to the assassin with disbelief. Meanwhile, the Zann-Esu went to the barbarian who got only a bruise. She immediately gave him a rejuvenation potion.
This time, Myrrick summoned his beasts to aid him. Though knew that they weren't a match against the demon, he couldn't let the chance slipped again like before. The ravens swarmed around the demon's eyes, while the Wolves and the Grizzly attacked its body. The barbarian let a loud cry to give the boost. Annoyed with those creatures, Diablo roared and brushed them all with a mighty thrash. At the same time, it saw Caldash charging toward him. The paladin had used Vigor and Concentration altogether. He moved with a speed of lightning; this time the demon was unable to stop him. Once close, he sent Smite to knock the creature's body and followed it with a slice at its face. A streak of blood appeared on Diablo's cheek. It became furious and brought its hands together into a fist, then pummeled the knight. Suddenly, someone was clinging upon its back. It was Myrrick who had transformed into a werebear. He mauled the red demon with all his strength and fury. To help him, Aliza shot his arrows again, while Akivsha unleashed a Blade Sentry. The spinning blade instantly whirled and circled the huge creature, slashing its flesh. Forced against those attacks, the demon's eyes shone brighter and a noxious vapor came out from its nostrils. Finally, Diablo let out a terrible roar before shrugged its body, throwing the transformed druid from its back and crushed the Blade Sentry. It shouted its powerful spell,
"Armageddon!!" Instantly, the air surrounding them became hot and suffocating, and then the fiery boulders began to crash down from the sky. Zylene cast Energy Shield to protect her and Orb'al. Myrrick and Caldash took a safer distance, while Tha'el skulked to the most protected place. Lord of Terror became impatient and shouted again with its terrible voice,
"Enough with this game, I'm going to finish you one by one!" Then it turned to the assassin behind it, "Starting with you first!" The demon brought its hands together and a crackle of red lightning formed around it. Before anyone could warn Akivsha, the lightning burst toward her with incredible speed. The assassin could only startled, before Aliza pushed her out from the incoming attack. She merely closed her eyes when the unholy attack struck her with indescribable force. The attack sent her crashing the nearby wall; the wall itself crumbled under the impact. Having reverted from his werebear, Myrrick watched the event with horror and suddenly he bellowed like a wounded beast,
"Aliza...NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" The look of shock was evident on Zylene's face.
"Aliza...no...it can't be..." Those things were nothing compared with what the assassin felt inside. Though dumbfounded, she whispered in a cracking voice,
"Why? What have you done? Why did you doing that, Aliza?" Lord of Terror laughed in merriment,
"Ha...ha...ha...ha, I feel alive now!" However, the demon failed to notice the assassin. She stared the creature coldly; slowly but sure she pulled her weapons and cast Fade. The strange aura also swirled inside her body. Still laughing, Diablo wasn't aware when Akivsha sneaked behind it unnoticed and then somersaulted three times, before...clung on the demon's neck. The creature felt its neck became heavier than usual and heard an icy whisper from nowhere,
"Taste the cold justice of the Viz'jaqtaar, Diablo! Phoenix Strike!" Instantly, she sank the cold blade into its flesh. The demon howled in pain as the invisible assassin stabbed. At the same time, its entire frame wracked with the massive electrical jolt. Diablo fell to the ground, while unable to find the attacker. Now the bolts of ice hit the demon, forcing him chattering. Caldash immediately broke the ice,
"Myrrick! Zylene! Orb'al! Distract Diablo from finding Akivsha; we might have a chance to win this time!!" The barbarian nodded and shouted his Battle Cry. At this point, Akivsha had reached her third Phoenix Strike. The meteorites fell down from the sky, crashing around the demon. Unable to bear the pain any longer, Diablo crashed itself to the wall. The impact made the assassin lost her grip and became visible again. The demon grabbed her with no time and ready to crush her. But then, it felt a searing pain from the splashing fireball. Zylene has transformed into something else; her body floated on the air, while her eyes turned white. The sorceress was bathed with a yellow aura, in front of her the three-headed flaming serpent stood. She spoke in a possessed manner,
"Feel the wrath of the Zann-Esu, demon! This is for Aliza!" The Hydra then shot three fireballs to Diablo. The furious demon waved its hand, sending Fire Nova to destroy the creature. Then another shot hit it again; this time it was poison and cold bolt. When turned around, the demon saw the Oblivion Knights...attacking him with their magic. The necromancer stood behind them, while smiled,
"Have you missed me so much, my friend?" The Undead swarmed around the demon, while the Hydra kept the pressure. Now it was Myrrick's turn as he shouted,
"Diablo, I'm going to bring Uieloscadh Mor to an end! You're not the only one who can summon the fury here; here is the true Nature's fury! Armageddon!" Once again, the scorching meteors showered around the demon along with the whirling heat. The demon tried to scramble his host's experience to bail itself from this situation, but no avail. In desperation, it lifted Akivsha very high in order to crush her. Then everything mired into a slow motion. Caldash summoned Vigor once again to run toward Diablo. As he went closer, the Vengeance aura swirled inside his body. The demon could only gasp in shock, as he already close to its body and spoke solemnly,
"Prepare for thy judgment, Diablo!" After saying that, the holy knight drove the Sazabi Cobalt Redeemer into the demon's chest. Lord of Terror roared with agony, and instinctively threw the assassin away. The druid followed and quickly caught her. He asked her,
"Are you all right, Joanna?" Stunned, Akivsha replied short,
"I'm...all right..." They turned to the paladin who still holding his sword. Myrrick shouted,
"Caldash, get out from there!" The knight tried to pull the sword, but the demon held it tight to its chest and said,
"You must go with me, paladin..." At first, Caldash persisted but then a voice spoke inside him,
"Let your past go...let your hate and vengeance go..." He turned again to his loyal sword who had accompanied him for a long time, then to the grimaced demon. His mind flew to the past where his family had awaited him to return from Westmarch. He stared the demon again and answered calmly,
"No, Diablo! Not this time...it is done!" In a sudden movement, he twisted his sword forcefully that made it broke into two. Diablo roared once again, while clutching its chest in agonizing pain. It swept the paladin away. The reddish blood gushed like a waterfall from its wound. Painfully, the creature fell but managed to creep to the center of the pentagram. The heroes watched its movement warily. Realized the verge of death was closer, Lord of Terror stared them with hatred, especially Myrrick and Akivsha. Then he hissed,
"This isn't over yet...this is just the beginning..." Suddenly, something ethereal tried to wrench out from the demon's body but failed and returned again. The heroes heard it spoke for the last time; the voice was clear,
"I'm finally free, Blood Raven...we shall see each other soon..." As the huge demon breathed its last breath, it exploded with a loud noise. The unholy power shook the building and forced the others to find protection, while the demon melted into nothing but skeleton and entrails. Few minutes later, the maelstrom subsidized and the red Soulstone lay among the skeleton. Slowly, everyone rose and pondered the aftermath. Zylene had returned to normal and fell in exhaustion. The barbarian took her gently. Myrrick still had a hard time to believe that the battle was over. Akivsha called him,
"I'm going to see Aliza...druid..." The druid replied absent-mindedly,
"Uh-nuh, I'll see you later..." He went slowly to take the soulstone. Inside, he cursed himself,
We finally won, but at what cost? Another life has been wasted again!
Xelana awoke and find the necromancer knelt in front of her. He said,
"You just missed the show, my dear..." Puzzled, the amazon shook her head only,
"Where is Diablo?" Tha'el replied nonchalantly,
"Dead, if you ask me. The paladin has killed him..." Then he joked,
"Don't be sad, I've missed the show too...not the end, at least," At first, Xelana wanted to whack the sorcerer, but decided to against it when she saw the revived Oblivion Knights around him. Instead, she could only groan in disappointment.
Caldash stared the broken sword, pondering what the future have in store for him. He wondered whether he had made a right decision. Then the paladin threw the broken sword to the ground.
Akivsha went closer to the crumpled body of the rogue. She was certain that nobody could survive from the attack. Suddenly, she heard someone groaned and went to the site. There, she saw Aliza buried under the rubbles. Slowly, the assassin removed those rubbles from her. The rogue was still alive, though she had suffered moderate burn wounds. Akivsha also noticed that she wore the Isenhart's Cage. Feared the worst, she asked,
"Aliza, are you all right? Talk to me..." The young rogue replied weakly,
"What...do...you think? Thanks...for...the...armor...it helps much..." Tried hard not to laugh, the assassin asked again,
"Silly girl, why are you doing this? You could have been killed..." Coughed, Aliza answered,
"You've...saved my life twice, but...more than ...that! You...reminded...me with...my...sister..." Akivsha's heart froze instantly. She was silent for a moment, before she asked again,
"What make you think so, Aliza?" The pearly tear rolled from Aliza's eye, crossing her blackened skin. Then she said tearfully,
"I admit that I always annoy you more than once...probably because I've missed my sister so much...or...I can't accept...that...you...always...beaten...me...like what ...my sister did before...I'm...very sorry...for...what...I...have...said...before...Akivsha..." Unable to hold her emotion anymore, Akivsha let her pretense down and hugged the rogue, while silently crying inside.
"Shh...say no more, Aliza..." she whispered, "I'm sorry for leaving you so long...I'm terribly sorry..." Aliza returned the hug, saying,
"It's all right...now we're...together again..." Then the assassin lifted her from the ground gently and together, they walked toward Zylene who was carried by Orb'al. The rogue smiled weakly,
"Hi, Zylene..." Though exhausted, the sorceress paid her smile back,
"Aliza...it's glad to see you all right..." From another direction, they saw Tha'el and Xelana in front of the portal. The female warrior transferred her frustration by crushing the blocking bone prison with one swipe. She turned to the necromancer, who smiled sheepishly,
"Come on, this is very easy and you can't do it by yourself?" Tha'el didn't answer, when the rest were coming to their direction. Akivsha asked them,
"Where are Caldash and Myrrick?" The amazon answered,
"They already had gone to the Hellforge first to destroy the Soulstone, while we're going back to the Pandemonium Fortress..." She turned to the wounded rogue and added,
"It seems both of you already have a mutual understanding..." Nobody answered as they entered the portal and left the Chaos Sanctuary.
Meanwhile, Caldash and Myrrick have arrived at the Hellforge. The paladin has carried the Hammer and put Mephisto's Soulstone upon the anvil. Before lifted the hammer, he silently whispered a prayer,
"May your sins be absolved forever, amen!" Then Caldash brought the Hammer down and pounded the Soulstone several times to make sure there were nothing left, not even shards. After finished, he turned to the druid who still looked daydreaming.
"Myrrick, it is your turn now!" Myrrick startled upon the call,
"Oh, yes! Sorry!" He went to the forge with heavy steps. When he was there, the paladin gave him the Hammer and a pat on his shoulder. Myrrick stared the Hammer, and then shifted to the large red Soulstone. He pondered his options for minutes until he lifted the Hammer very high and said,
"Farewell, Joanna!" CRASH!!!!
Back to the Pandemonium Fortress, everyone welcomed them. However, Cain noted the change on the druid's face that prompted him to ask,
"Warrior, are you all right? Is there something troubles you?" Myrrick replied gruffly,
"I feel tired, Cain..." Then he turned to Zylene and Akivsha,
"How is Aliza's condition?" The sorceress answered,
"She's all right, Myrrick, though her wounds are quite serious. I'm afraid she won't join us now. Her sisters from the Sightless Eye were taking her back to the Monastery, "Later, Cain said,
"Myrrick, Great Tyrael have something to speak for all of you..." The druid nodded and went toward the Hall. At the same time, Caldash saw Jamella was coming to his direction. She carried something at her lap. Before the merchant could say anything, he already spoke,
"Jamella, I'm apologizing for what I've said before. You're right, I was being selfish in my objective and nurtures self-loathing for what happened to my family and Master Khalim," He lowered his head down,
"I have let the Light down; I don't deserve to be a paladin anymore..." Jamella merely said,
"I know, Caldash! But you have made a right decision to let your past go...for that I have brought you a gift. Then she showed him a broadsword, and explained,
"This is called Doombringer; this sword is always brings doom to the evildoers! I think it is such a match for your Stormshield. The sword is indestructible! " The paladin tried to say something, but Jamella put her fingers upon his lips,
"Look, Caldash! The Light has given you another chance to build your life again...please do not let it go..." Caldash smiled genuinely, and took the sword from her,
"You have always been my best friend, Jamella...thanks for the gift! I don't know what I have to say for this..." The female merchant winked only,
"Just do one thing for me: staying alive! Come, your friends have waited you..." He watched her before she left her to her stall and said,
"I will, Jamella!"
Everyone have been inside the Hall when the Archangel Tyrael congratulated them,
"I must congratulate all of you for vanquishing Lord of Terror. With his death, you have put an end to the long-reigned terror on Sanctuary..." Then the holy being paused before he continued hesitantly,
"However..." Tha'el instantly quipped,
"Uh-oh, I don't like the sound..." The Archangel continued his sentence,
"...Baal still has to be accounted yet. When you still fighting with Diablo, he has departed to another place," Myrrick had a reason to fear the worst, finally he asked,
"Where does he going to, Great Tyrael?"
"He's going to Mount Arreat at the Barbarian Highlands on the Northern Continent to be exactly,"
Everyone were shocked upon the news, and then the druid said with trembling voice,
"Mt. Arreat?! He was looking for the Worldstone!!" The surprise hasn't subsidized yet, when the barbarian spoke for the first time,
"Uieloscadh Mor!" Zylene was surprised when she heard Orb'al's word. Tha'el gave his dry remark,
"Wow! Amazing! You can speak!" Ignoring the necromancer, Myrrick asked the Archangel again,
"Are you sure, Great Tyrael? There is must be a mistake..." The holy being said firmly but full of concern,
"From what Izual says, the High Heavens was certain that the Prime Evils have made the Worldstone as their primary target. The Soulstones is merely a beginning before they try to corrupt the large one...for that purpose, Lord of Destruction has gathered a vast army from the Burning Hell," Suddenly, Diablo and Izual's words passed on Myrrick's mind. Akivsha also remembered about the empty Hellforge. With a pained face, the Horadrim explained,
"The Worldstone serves as a barrier between Sanctuary and Burning Hell for millennia. If it is corrupted or failed..." Zylene continued,
"The demons can roam freely than before on Sanctuary, thus making into the hell literally..." Caldash sighed in resignation,
"End of the World... Doomsday! Judgment Day!" Tha'el whistled only. As everyone talked about the news, Myrrick hit the nearest pillar in utter frustration, while saying inside,
I was wrong! Uieloscadh Mor hasn't ended yet; it is just starting! I'm failed you, Joanna! However, Xelana quickly reminded them,
"It hasn't over yet! Baal hasn't won yet; he still has to reach Mt. Arreat first! Probably, we could intercept him before reaching his objective..." Akivsha agreed with her,
"Xelana is right! We still have a chance to stop Baal; the only thing is we have to do it now!" While everyone still deep in thinking, Myrrick surprisingly shouted back,
"For what? To have another people die again? Is that you want, ha?" Everyone was surprised with his outburst. Cain wanted to calm the druid, but Tyrael stopped him to do so. Then Zylene asked,
"Myrrick, why do you say that?" The druid fumed,
"This damn thing must be ended right now!" The amazon snorted in disgust,
"Don't say that you're afraid now, druid!" Angrily, Myrrick replied,
"Yes, probably I'm afraid! I'm sick with these things; I had put Aliza in danger because of my petty vengeance!" Without warning, Akivsha scorned with cold tone,
"Then go away! We don't need a coward here!" The old druid stunned with the scathing reply. Then she continued,
"I've had put my life in danger many times for the Order. But, do you realize why I doing that? Because it is my duty to keep the balance and order of Sanctuary! Yes, we might have the shortcomings, yet it didn't stop us to pursue our common goal! You're thinking that we're achieving nothing from this, but think clearly, druid! How about the other people who don't have anything to do with this? Will you let them to suffer?" In Myrrick's eyes, the assassin suddenly transformed into someone familiar,
I didn't ask for your forgiveness. You can ignore me as you want, but could you turn your back from your own people? They're innocent...they had nothing to do among us.
Then everything was back to the present, with the assassin continued her plea,
"Myrrick, Aliza know the risk when she chose to follow you here...if you are giving up right now, you already disappointed her! Her sacrifice would be nothing..." Caldash joined them,
"Myrrick, I won't pretend anything to you! I have committed a grave mistake once, but then the Light is giving me a second chance! We're fighting evil to keep becoming the evil itself; someone said 'evil triumphs when good men do nothing'...we can fight this together!" Zylene added,
"Akivsha is right, Myrrick! Aliza doesn't fight for herself, but she fights for you and me! Please don't give up...we will be behind you!" Then the barbarian spoke to him,
"I'll be with you if you need! Remember the Oath between Bul-Kathos and Fiacla-Gear, druid! You can have my axes!"
Caldash followed, "My sword!"
Xelana didn't want to lose, "My javelin!"
The sorceress smiled, "My intelligence!"
Scowled, Tha'el said, "Okay, how about my minions?" Myrrick couldn't answer until Akivsha said,
"And me, druid! I'll come with you this time and I'm doing this for Aliza...we have stopped Diablo together, and now we shall stop Baal from reaching the Worldstone! We shall succeed or die trying!" Then she offered her hand, which the druid hesitantly received and shook it,
"Thank you, Akivsha..." Then he stared everyone around him. They have been together, facing the same ordeals. He always thought that he fought the battle alone, but then he was wrong! He was absorbed in the struggle without thinking anyone else. Deckard Cain clapped his hand, while Archangel Tyrael declared,
"I'm thankful that you have settled your difference and had put your heart into this mission! Now be ready for this..." After the holy being finished his sentence, a blue portal formed before him.
"The portal will bring you to the Northern Continent, but beware! There is nothing certain beyond the portal and there is the possibility that you might not coming together..." The necromancer asked worriedly,
"Whoo, do you mean we might be separated from each other?" The Archangel nodded,
"Yes, now I ask you, heroes! Are you ready for this?" At first, Myrrick was hesitated. The assassin instantly held his head and turned to him,
"We'll do this together..." Smiled, the druid faced the holy being again and said firmly,
"I'm ready, Great Tyrael..." He turned again to the others, who nodded in agreement,
"We're ready!" He and the assassin walked together into the portal, followed by the rest...
Author's note: Finally, the story is finished here, but not ends yet! Follow Myrrick and Akivsha's adventure in 'The
Bear and The Wolf', which is based from Act V of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. There will be new
characters to complement the storyline, and Myrrick and Akivsha's past will be revealed further
there, including the assassin's connection with rogue Aliza. There will be more action and exciting
battle scenes there. To make it brief, just expect the unexpected in the new story! See you there!
P.S.: I'm appreciates the reviews that I receive from all of you. For that, I would like to thank Charmed, Werecat 99,
Roly the Holy, Qualinesti, Fle, Tiamat3, DeadGhost, Harvey Bautista, Tenshi no Akuma, Constructicons and
Anonymous. I would also like to thank Steelizard, Gamefreak023, Adro14 and Taler for their advice. Because
of them, I could keep writing this story and keep trying to improve, of course! Once again, thank you very much,