Disclaimer: I do NOT own Diablo or any of its components. If I did I'd be working on some other cool and amazing game. All I own is my own characters, their personalities and everything else that I can come up with, like cities and weapons.

"Really Bad" Excuses: To everyone reading this story... I'm really sorry for the delay. I've experiensed all kinds of troubles the last weeks, keeping me from writing. Finals, graduation, my graphic card collapsing (thankfully I'm getting a new one soon and won't have to run on this 2 Mb card much longer), lack of inspiration and just plain writer's cramp. but I worked hard this weekend to finish it and now I'm dead tired. But I will still try to be able to post the next chapter in one or two weeks...

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Headache-with-pictures: If you are talking about Cane, he is not the Cain in the game… this chapter will tell you that.

Salem'sDarkness: Thank you for your kind words. I'm no good at teaching other however. I just do. I can tell you how and I hope that it will help a little. )… When I'm writing a dialogue I picture my characters talking to each other, saying what I write. And I always read it several times, changing, changing and changing. Like if someone is going to kill someone else, and does so in anger, he might call the other one some names or shout die!... so I try to picture this scene in my head and if it somehow doesn't fit, I try to come up with something else. Basically, try the dialogue in your mind, and if something seems like it doesn't fit, it probably doesn't. I also try to avoid "movielines" as much as possible. (meaning: "Hastalavista baby" and such cliché lines) Because in the end, most of them really sound just wrong and as far away as possible from "natural" talk… I hope that was to some help at least… just ask if there was something else.

And so... Act 4 - Reasons, truth andchoices

Amiko opened her eyes. Today she felt thoroughly rested. It was her first night in a real bed for days, and she was really unwilling about going up. But the sun had rose hours ago and the village was in full movement. She could hear the voices outside. People arguing, talking, children playing. It felt nice, almost like home. She pulled herself out of the bed and searched the room for something to put on. Finally she found something, but it wasn't her own clothes. She held it up, checked it out. It was some kind of a dress. A grass green dress with long sleeves and silver embroidered edging. She put it on. It was a perfect fit. It was the first time in years she ever worn a dress and Amiko actually like it a bit. But there also were some down parts with the dress. Like the slits on each side, which went way above her knees, shoving of the most of her legs. And the dress was also extremely low-cut, according to Amiko. Where the dress had lain also laid a belt made out of fine rope. To the belt there was a small dagger attached. Amiko tied the belt around her waist and drew the dagger out of its sheath. She posed in front of the mirror, wielded with the dagger, waving it around a little. The she noticed something was written on the blade. Small, small characters. She looked closer, but she couldn't make anything out of it, since it wasn't English letters. They looked more like runes.

"Good! You're awake. Finally!"

Amiko turned and saw Cane standing in the doorway, halfway through.

"You sure slept long."

"Well it was a good bed, and I was tired. You could have waked me if you wanted to talk or something."

"Hey, no hurry. We figured it'd be better if you slept a little, so Antara forbid anyone to wake you. But we got a little worried when hours passed after sunrise. We should go to the temple and meet up with the others."

They stepped out of the cottage, out in the blazing sun. Amiko put her hand before her eyes and shaded her eyes. When she finally was able to remove her hand, she saw how beautiful and cosy it was in the village. Several small cottages placed put randomly and trees and flowers all over the place. Children running around, playing. She smiled. It truly was peaceful.

"Amiko! Cane!"

They turned around and saw Connor walking up against them. He was wearing clothes similar to Canes and a big smile covering half his face.

"Amiko. That is a dress. I didn't know you were able to wear those."

"Connor. One more word and I'll… I'll cut out your tongue!"

Connor laughed.

"I think we should hurry," said Cane and started walking. Amiko only caught a glimpse of his face, but she didn't like what she saw. Even though he had been smiling, there had been great sadness in his eyes.

"Any casualties?" the chief asked calmly, knowing it had to be. There were always casualties whenever Connor had been around.

The young man looked up.

"Some are hurt, no one killed. But…" The man's voice faded. He looked down again.

"But? But what?"

"Both Connor and Dostora… Their condition is critical. Right now the doctors see only two ways out of their position. Either they end up in a coma or…"

"I see. Find someone to patch you up a little better and then take the rest of the week of."

The young officer saw the chief round the corner and then set of to find a nurse.

"Are everybody here? I don't feel like repeating myself." Antara sighed and overlooked the room. It seemed like everyone was there. "As most of you know the demons that once where driven away by a great hero has now again risen, but under a new lord. This time they are even fiercer and some of them have even increased their intelligence. The small demons known to us as "Fallen", and in other regions known as carvers, won't run away if they see others killed. Neither will they attack in small groups anymore. They gather into large armies and devastate villages. It has also been known to see them alone, and these are the most dangerous kind. Their minds have evolved and they are excellent assassins." Antara stopped to catch his breath. He looked at the face of his brethrens. Their faces radiated fear and despair.

Amiko watched as Antara seemed to be losing faith in himself. His eyes went distant and tears were filling up. He wiped the tears of his face and looked up.

"It is dangerous to venture outside the walls in groups of less then ten people. The demons will attack anyone standing alone." He turned and picked up a scroll. "This is a message from the Rouges at the Monastery. They too have been attacked, and several of their warriors have fallen in battle, but they still hold the Monastery. They are urging all the people of these lands to pack up their belongings and seek shelter in the Monastery. Their gates are open to anyone that wishes to seek refuge there."

A man stood up and spook: "Then we should send everyone how are not able to fight there. The children, the old."

A woman in the back rose to her feet. "That is true, but we can not just send them there. We will need to go there to, protecting them. And our walls are still intact. I think that sending them of is unnecessary. Our walls will still stand at the end of this war."

"You can not be serious," the man replied. "They will fall within five minutes if the enemy so wishes. The only reason they are still standing is because the enemy finds no interest in our village or our lands."

"And I see no reason to move until they do!"

"But then it might be too late!"

"SILENCE!"

Both the man and the woman became silent and turned their faces to the one responsible for the outburst. Antara was shivering with rage.

"Yes it is true that our walls still stand. It is also true that they will fall if the enemy takes interest in us. It is true that if some leave for the Monastery we should all leave. And I think we should do so soon. Before it's too late."

"But Antara, they have not even attacked us once," the female warrior protested.

"Rica! If they had attacked us we would have been dead. This message also contains information on the other cities and villages. Every city that has been attacked has fallen. The high priestess at the Monastery has a point in all gathering there. If we gather our country's whole army in on place it would be easier to repel the enemy. And then we can also buy time."

"Why would we want to buy time?"

"Cane, Amiko and Connor, would you please come forward."

Amiko felt like the whole room was spinning. She managed to pull herself to a standing position. When the room stopped turning she moved up to Antara and soon Cane and Connor joined them.

"These people are the reason we need to buy time. When the troubles began the high priestess at the Monastery ordered a group of priests to look into it. What they came out with was indeed interesting and useful." He moved up to Cane and put one hand on Cane's left shoulder. "Our friend here, Cane Hrodirma, is a descendant of the last Horadrim, Cain, who helped the Hero defeat the Three Prime Evils in the past."

The people in the room gasped and started talking, forming groups.

"Silence! We don't have time for this. As the legend, past down to us by our ancestors, tells us, Cain mysteriously disappeared along with the hero. They ended up in a parallel world to this and lived there for a while. However, the hero wasn't happy in this new world and came back right before he died."

"I've… I've heard that before. Someone… told me. But who?" Again the room was spinning for Amiko. She heard voices speaking, but they spoke so faintly she couldn't make out what they were saying.

"Antara, you're joking, right! How can I be a decedent from a great man like that? I can't even memorize the legends in my head. I was the worst student, had the most faults and… The only reason I am a priest is because of my parents. You know that."

"Cane, this is no joke. And it is the truth. Whether you like it or not."

Cane stumbled backwards, then turned and ran out of the room.

"The hero left behind him a wife and a child in that other world. The woman raised her son and generations of extraordinary people where born. Around forty, fifty years ago a boy was born in that family. Two years later Marin was born."

Again the room became full of voices and everyone was talking.

"Silence! As you know Marin was thrown into that parallel world when she was sixteen. She fell in love with a young man and a year later she gave birth to a daughter. When the little girl was born, the gate to our world was opened again and she was dragged in, separated from the ones she loved the most."

Amiko suddenly realized she had been holding her breath and exhaled. Blood rushed to her head and it became dark for a moment. She stumbled and felt someone's arms around her waist.

"Hey, hey. What's the matter?"

She looked up and saw Connor's face, looking at her with a worried face.

"I… It… I'm sorry."

"Are you okay," asked Antara.

"I'm fine." Amiko stood up straight, but still not pushing of Connors arms around her waist. They felt so comforting. Made her feel stronger.

"If that is so, I'll go on." Antara turned to the crowd again. "Some years after that the girl's father died and she was thrown around from home to home."

"Why? Why is he…?"

"She is a descendant to the hero that once saved our ancestors and the daughter to one of the most powerful Paladins in our world."

"Who is this girl? Who is … Who am I?"

"Cane and the other priest made an attempt to bring her here, because we are in need of a hero. The gate was opened and here she is. Among us." Antara turned and smiled at Amiko. "Amiko."

"No. That can not be true. It... This is a dream. I'm just dreaming."

"Amiko. I'm sorry that we had to bring you here, and I'm sorry that I didn't tell you yesterday. This must come like a shock to you."

"You're sorry! Is that all you can say." Connors face turned red in rage. "You just turned her world around and you're sorry! Did you ever consider telling her before, or were you afraid she'd run away?"

"Connor…"

"Connor, I…" Antara reached out his hand, only to have it pushed away by Connor.

"You didn't even consider her feeling, did you? You're even worse than the…"

"Connor, shut up."

Both Connor and Antara turned toward Amiko in shock. She was standing with clenched fist and anger radiating from her eyes.

"Connor. What difference would it have made? Yet, Antara, you could have told me before. Why didn't you?"

"Your friend is right. I was afraid you'd run away. Being who you are comes with great responsibility. But you still have the right to do what ever you like. If you choose to run away, that is your choice. I just wanted to show you… All the people that will die. It isn't fair. They have nothing to do with this."

"You wanted to play on guilt? Connor was right. You sure are the worst."

"No! I just don't want them to die! I'd do anything for them. I'd even die if they…"

Amiko now saw the tears running down his face.

"It isn't fair. They have nothing to do with it. She had nothing to do with it." He fell to his knees, crying. His whole body was shaking. "They are your kinfolk, can't you sense that. You're one of them. Your mother is. Your ancestor was. Please help them."

"Antara, that's enough!" An elderly woman stepped out of the shadow. "You said yourself that we couldn't force her. Yet that is exactly what you are trying to do. Stop this at once."

"Mother…"

The woman bowed down by her son and wiped the tears out of his face "Antara. I understand your feeling in this, but you can not force her. You know that." She put her hands on each side of his face and kissed him lightly on his forehead. "Sometimes you still act like a child."

Amiko watched how Antara's face suddenly calmed down and the tears stopped. Then the woman stood up again, turning to Amiko. "I apologize for my son's behaviour. He has a strong reason to act like this, but that is nothing I will talk of. If he wishes to tell you he would. That is nothing for me to do. Now come. I wish to talk to you two. And Antara, you to. And why don't you go find Cane. He should hear this to." The woman turned and walked out of the room. Amiko hesitated a while then followed the woman. Right behind her followed Connor.

"Still no sing of them waking up?"

"No. The doctors say they are still in a critical point."

"Even now? After three weeks?"

"Even they can not understand what is happening. They won't wake up, yet somehow they don't die. It's like…"

"It's like what?"

"One of the doctors was mumbling something about losing your soul and…"

"Nonsense. Fairytales is all that is."

The chief walked out of the room, leaving the young man alone.

Amiko and Connor had followed the elderly woman to a small cottage in the middle of the village. Amiko couldn't help to see that on their way there everyone they met had either bowed, or in other ways shown this woman great respect. "Who is this woman?"

"Amiko, I will ease your mind and tell you right away."

"What?"

"I'm the leader of this village. My name is Estria. Now let's sit down and wait for my son and Cane."

"No need to do that." Antara walked through the door, followed by Cane.

"Good. Then let us talk."

"Mother, why did you bring us here?"

"I will tell you all. Everything." Estria sat down and everyone followed her example. "Amiko, I don't want you to blame Antara or Cane for bringing you here. They only did what I told them to." She paused and let the words sink in. "And Cane, what Antara told you in there was all true. You are the descendant of Cain, but even here it is your choice if you which to aid us in that way or if you will stay as a priest. No one can make that choice for you."

"But why did you…" Amiko started.

"Why I brought you here! To ask you to help us." Estria placed Amiko's hands her own. "But it is still you who decide what to do. Should you want to return to your life as it was, we will send you back, but also erasing your memory, so that you do not blame yourself in the future. You are not to be blamed for our deaths if you decide to go back."

Amiko looked the woman in her eyes and saw so much love. "She really loves these people. She would do anything. Just like Antara." Amiko looked down in the floor. "What am I suppose to do?"

"May I ask one question," Connor asked.

"Certainly."

"You meant to bring Amiko here, to save you all. But why did you bring me?"

"To tell you the truth I don't have any idea why you are here." Estria looked puzzled.

"Where were you when you came here? I mean, what were you doing the moment the gate opened?" Cane suddenly asked, as if he had some idea to why.

"We were at a warehouse. There was a raid, drug dealers," Connor answered.

"I mean in the very moment when the gate opened."

"There were snipers, Connor. Remember how I shouted. Then I…"

"You jump to save me from their bullets."

"I bet the moment you touched Connor the gate opened and you were brought here. Connor, the reason why you are here is because you were too close to Amiko."

Connor looked at Amiko, and Amiko couldn't help but to feel responsible.

"Amiko, I don't know whether to thank you or not. Hade you not done that I would have been killed, but this… I just don't know."

"Connor, I'm sorry to have dragged you into this. I wish there were some way to make it undone."

"I really don't think it is your fault, but…"

"Amiko. Connor. I'm sorry but I will have to rush you for an answer." Estria looked at both of them.

"You can't expect us to answer a question like that in just a couple of minutes. I'm beginning to think that everyone in this village is out of their minds. Amiko, let's return home. We have no obligation to these fools."

"Connor, there's no need to insult them. In fact, if they are fools, then you're an even bigger one. And don't tell me what to do!" With those words Amiko pulled herself to her feet and started walking toward the exit.

"But you don't understand!" Antara shouted. "You have to decide quickly, there isn't much time left."

"What are you talking about," Connor asked and turned to Antara.

"The gate we opened only brought your souls here. If you wish to go back you will have to do so before your body dies. And time is running out. But you should also know that if you choose to stay, you may never go back. Your body will die."

"If only our souls were brought here, how comes we don't look like ghosts or something?"

"Your mind and the archangel Tyrael made your body in this world. Your mind made an image of your former body and Tyrael put his magic into that image."

When Amiko heard the mentioning of the archangel Tyrael, she stopped. "Where have I heard that name before?" She turned around. "The archangel. Who is he?"

"Tyrael? He helped your ancestor defeat the Three Prime Evils in the past, and after that he destroyed the Worldstone, which had been corrupted by Baal's influence."

"The Worldstone? Why can't I remember?"

"He helped us bring you here. He wasn't allowed to bring you here himself, but he told us how. And when you were in the space between the worlds, his superiors couldn't let you just stay there. He surely will be punished for this, but he said he'd take any punishment if he could be of any help. He truly loves the humans. No one knows why."

"In the space between the worlds." Suddenly Amiko's chest started to hurt and she fell to her knees screaming.

"What is happening!

"No, it's almost too late. Her body is dying. If she wishes to return, this is her last chance. She has to decide now!"

Connor rushed up to Amiko and shook her. "Amiko! Fight it a little longer! Do you hear me! Fight it!"

"What's happening?"

"She is going into shock. Her heart stopped and they revived her once, but it seems bad."

"Dammit! Are they doctors or what?"

"Amiko! Hang in there!"

"It's no use. It's too late. Her body will die soon and she won't be able to return. If you'd wish to return we'd better prepare for the rite. Soon the same should happen to you."

Connor turned to Antara. "Are you insane! You'd think I'd just leave her alone with you! If she can't go back then I won't. I'll stay." He turned once more to Amiko. "Please Amiko. Hang in there."

"If you're staying, I will prepare something to ease your pain during the death of your body. For Amiko it is too late. Let's just hope that she will survive."

"Hope? Is that all you can do? You truly are pathetic!"

"Now that's it! I will not listen to another word from you!" Antara drew his sword and swung it toward Connor.

"Antara! Don't!" Cane shouted and placed himself between the two men. With just thinking of it he created a barrier and stopped the movement of Antara's sword. "What? What did I… What is this?"

"Cane, you have awakened your power. You have chosen. Now your only obligation is toward that girl. You must always stay by her side. She will need you."

"But I didn't mean to. I just didn't want Antara to kill anyone."

"Cane! Move! Remove this barrier!" Antara's eyes were black and cold.

"No, Antara. I won't. Please come to your senses. What good will come out of this?"

"MOVE CANE! I swear I will kill you to!"

"Is you strike at him Amiko will die. I can not let you do that."

By the mentioning of Amiko's name, Antara's eyes flickered and he lost his grip of the sword. When the sound of the sword hitting the floor hade echoed out, Antara collapsed on the ground, unconscious.

"Antara." Estria hurried to her son. "Antara, wake up!"

Cane lowered the barrier and moved his concentration toward Connor.

"What are you doing?"

"I will put you to sleep now. When you wake up, your body will be dead. This is the only way to ease the pain. You may still feel some pain, and you most certainly will have night mares."

"Amiko…"

"Don't worry. I will take care of her. Just sleep now." Cane touched Connors forehead with the tips of his fingers and Connor fell to the ground asleep. "Estria. Don't worry about your son. He is okay. Someone stirred him up, and used him to attack Connor. He's only sleeping now."

"Cane… What happened to you? You have changed."

But before Cane was able to answer, Amiko let out a scream of terror and agony. It seemed to contain generations of pain and sorrow. Her eyes went wide opened and her screams went more intense. Her body started to shake violently. Cane hurried to her and held her tight to stop her from shaking. But he could not do anything against her screams, and he knew they would echo inside of him until the day death caught up with him.

End of Act 4

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