From Here to Eternity
(Eve of Destruction)
The Worldstone Chamber,
The chamber looks deserted, but the light was foreboding danger. The Worldstone has been corrupted, and its malevolent energy surged everywhere. A lone figure stood unflinchingly; the ethereal, tendril-like wing barred the evil energy. Tyrael inserted the yellow soulstone into his Azurewrath sword and prayed to the High Heavens for the assistance. Then the archangel turned to a black, wicked saber on the ground. A blood-red aura shimmered around its hilt. The angel said solemnly,
"Shadowfang…"
Eight hours ago,
Myrrick and his band had trailed deep into the earth to pursue Baal. The horde of demons had blocked them along the way, but (no) thanks to Tha'el Infernal Golem the fight was over quickly. Akivsha and Ren'nar begrudgingly acknowledge that the abomination helped much. They quickly entered Throne of Destruction where Baal's entourages had waited them. The lesser demons were taken care by Tha'el and his pet. Xelana and her Valkyrie fought Achmel the Cursed and swiftly sent the Greater Mummy to his ancestor. Akivsha disposed Colenzo the Annihilator by separating the shaman's head from its shoulder with a swift slash of Suwayyah. Fight between Zylene and Bartuc ended with the frozen body of the Council Member. Myrrick and Ren'nar took Ventar; the megademon was no match for the Red Bear and Black Wolf. Lister the Tormentor was the remaining demon. Caldash and Orb'al cornered the massive demon. The paladin summoned Vigor and his speed built as he charged toward the Minion of Destruction. He screamed, bellowing his fury against the Prime Evil.
Lister spun toward the paladin. Surprise flashed across the demon's hideous visage. He went forward, moving to kill with his arms. The barbarian spun away from his target. Caldash ducked under the demon's guard. He thrust the Doombringer at Lister's chest, lifting all his weight behind the blow. Orb'al swung his axes lightly. When the paladin's sword plunged through the demon's heart, the warrior's axes found Lister's neck. The cold steel bit through the corrupt flesh, shattering the demon's spine and carrying through to the other side. A look of utter disbelief marked Lister's horrible countenance. Caldash withdrew his sword from the demon's chest, and the huge, scaly carcass toppled. The barbarian lifted Lister's head victoriously and simultaneously cheered by his fellows. He glanced to his comrade,
"Thanks, Caldash! I always indebted to you." The black paladin smiled,
"No, Orb'al! That's okay, what are you going to do with the demon's head?"
"I will make it into a grim ward! Probably it would give us luck…" Both of them laughed and gave high-five on the air.
Myrrick stood near the red portal; his face was grim and full with resolute. No doubt, Baal has waited them at the other side. Then someone broke his musing,
"Myrrick…" He saw Ren'nar; blood smeared the black druid's face. He was consuming what left from Ventar. The auburn-haired druid waited.
"I…want to apologize…" The Black Wolf said, "There is something…you have to know about…Joanna…" Myrrick patted his rival's shoulder,
"Later, Ren'nar! We still have the last battle to do; we'll talk later…" As he turned, the black druid said,
"It is nice to fight beside you, old friend! We can do this again…we could be friends again" Turning his face, Myrrick replied,
"Yes, Black Wolf! We will start anew again," Afterward, he shouted to the others,
"Come, we'll go to pursue Baal at the other side!"
Inside the Worldstone Chamber, the heroes awed with the immense appearance of the stone. It almost similar with the Soulstone, but…extremely humongous. Yet, they had to set the awe for a moment, since they had another appointment. It didn't take long to spot Lord of Destruction. He was standing nearby, quite a distance from the Worldstone. Myrrick shouted aloud,
"Baal!" The old demon turned back, smiling sinisterly.
"Aah, the heroes!" He spoke with rasped voice, "It was nice to the guilt-ridden druid and Viz'jaqtaar assassin get along together." Akivsha clenched her teeth in anger, while Myrrick held him. Lord of Destruction continued,
"Of course, with you the stray paladin and the glory-seeking amazon," Xelana only snorted, while Caldash gave a brief prayer,
"May the Light forgive you," The demon squint his eyes to the necromancer and the Infernal Golem, chirping,
"It had been a long time I didn't see an Infernal Golem. Rathma, you could achieve the greater glory than joining them," Tha'el commented,
"Such a tempting offer…" he paused awhile when everyone glanced darkly to him. "But no thanks! I have thrown my lot with them," Baal shook his head with disappointment,
"Pity then, I have to kill you later…" He turned to Ren'nar, who watched him with cold gaze,
"How about you, the so-called Black Wolf? I have heard your reputation; you have treading the thin line between the beast and human. I will offer you the peace you never known. What do you think, hmm?" The black druid was silent for a while until he answered,
"Yes, we'll have peace with you, Baal!" he hissed, "I will have peace indeed after you were hanged at a gibbet for your own crows' sport! May your evil perish from the Highland!" Hearing that, Baal's face turned harsh and grim; even more when he saw Orb'al carried the head of his favorite Minion as the grimward. He also noted Zylene close to the barbarian. Licking his tongue, he pointed the sorceress,
"You are more beautiful than Demonia; once the battle was finished you and I will have fun together…" Orb'al roared,
"In your dream, dirty demon!" Myrrick shouted,
"Baal, your taunt is nothing! We have conquered our weaknesses and reconciled with our past. This is your end now; prepare to join your departed brothers!" The demon smiled sweetly, as he lifted something wrapped by parchment-like stuff,
"Oh, you will found soon that I am not like my brothers…" With a single swipe, he produced a wicked-curved saber to them. The weapon was emitted an eerie red aura that suffocated anyone within its range. Caldash shocked,
"It can't be! That was…" Lord of Destruction nodded,
"Yes, this is Shadowfang, the legendary Demonblade! After Izual failed to destroy the weapon, my brothers and I ordered Hephasto to finish it immediately. With help of his disciples, the Smith and the Butcher, he succeed to imbue the saber a powerful magick and bathed it with blood of the demons." The demon mused,
"Actually, I would use this saber once we have conquered Sanctuary; however your presence forces me to take drastic measures… I shall feed your blood to Shadowfang! Be damned in joy, you shall be the first victim!" When the demonblade came to their sight, everyone but those who already fought the Ancients was felt their spirit dampened and hesitated to attack first. Myrrick cried,
"It doesn't matter! We shall try to beat you or die trying!" Suddenly everyone awoke from their stupor and prepared their stance. Laughing insanely, Baal unleashes Destructive Strike by swing Shadowfang toward them. At the same time, the Festering Appendages surrounded the heroes. Instinctively, the druids cast Armageddon toward the old demon, while the others cut the tentacles. The powerful slash engulfed by the storm. Before the roaring tempest of fire and ice hit him, the last Prime Evil teleported himself to safety and split himself into six identical duplicates. They spoke in a single voice,
"There is the question: which one you will strike?" Caldash spoke sarcastically,
"How about the one who can bleed?" The paladin slashed the nearest image, while the rest simply laughed off. Then the demon shouted,
"Incineration Nova! Hoarfrost!" The wave of infernal heat and the freezing sorcery charged toward the heroes. Zylene quickly entered into her trance and summoned,
"Hydra!" Three fiery serpents came from the ground and spat gout of flames toward the icy attack. Akivsha didn't want to lose; she summoned Phoenix Strike and charged with screeching sound toward the flaming attack. A deafening explosion was echoed inside the chamber. Baal pulled the demonblade behind his head and threw his left head, shouting,
"Mana Rift!" The powerful unseen force hit the assassin and the sorceress, making them stagger. Orb'al let a loud battle cry to raise his comrades' spirit as he leaped toward the demon, while Xelana stride at the same direction. Lord of Destruction retaliated with Decrepify and slammed them away. Though beaten, the amazon managed to threw the lightning-charged javelin to her foe. It was shattered by a single slash of Shadowfang. Not for long, he felt the wracking pain upon her body and turned his sight to the necromancer and his pet golem. They threw Amplify Damage and Iron Maiden to him from distance.
The demon smiled, "Naughty boy! Your pathetic sorceries are not a match to Shadowfang and
Tal-Rasha's arcane magic!" Tha'el boasted,
"We shall see that!" He gestured the Infernal Golem to attack the demon. The hulking creature strode toward the Prime Evil and sent its massive punch, however Baal simply ducked and drove the demonblade deeply into the creature's guts. The Rathma screamed,
"Nooo!" The golem let out pitiful wail, as Lord of Destruction dragged the saber viciously and finally cleaved his way out through the golem's skull, shattering the creature into shards of bone, clay, flesh, metal and blood everywhere. The demon gloated,
"Bwahahaha, your Infernal Golem isn't a match to Shadowfang! Huahahahah!" Tha'el was stunned with his golem's demise at first, but then soon replaced with anger. He hissed dangerously,
"You'll die for destroying my golem, Baal! Do you know how long I have waited the chance to summon the creature? Though you are died thousand times, it won't be enough to pay what you have done!" Flicking his fingers, he cast Bone Wall and Bone Prison surrounding the demon. When Baal broke free, the necromancer shot Bone Spears and Bone Spirit to him. As the bone spears flew toward him, Lord of Destruction avoided the shot in a slo-mo movement, even bending his spidery body backward. Two bone spears managed to grizzed his cheek and waist. Baal felt he was seethed with fury,
"Insolent fool! I will give your own medicine to you!" As he waved his hand, Tha'el was struck with agonizing sensation. Akivsha screamed,
"Blood Mana!" It was too late; the necromancer fell into a convulsive state. Baal smiled,
"Now you die!" He sent Destructive Strike through Shadowfang to cut the Rathma into two. Shockingly, the barbarian leaped between him and his victim. The warrior threw his axes toward the demon, while he grabbed the necromancer away. Yet, the impact of the attack hit them both and threw them into the edge of cliff. Orb'al tried to grab the edge, but failed. They fell into the crevice…
Zylene screamed, "ORB'AL!" They already disappeared. Unable to control himself, Myrrick screamed,
"Enough with this game, Baal! Everyone, now!" With a single accord, they stormed the demonlord. Myrrick and Ren'nar summoned their beasts and vines before transformed into werewolf and werebear. Caldash summoned Vengeance, Vigor and Fanaticism into his body before charged Baal. Xelana and Akivsha sent Valkyrie and Shadow Warrior to aid them. Finally, Zylene unleashes her fury through Nova, Blizzard and Firestorm to her hated enemy. Lord of Destruction smiled maliciously, as he watched the stampede and the whirling force that came to him,
"Very impressive." He rasped, "But it has to end now!" He summoned again his Vile Effigies and Festering Appendages to strike the heroes. When the beast closed, he slashed Shadowfang with powerful hatred to them. What remained from those beasts were pulp of blood and feathers. The demon teleported himself out, only to meet Caldash. He managed to deflect the sword, but failed to watch the shield. The shield slammed his head very hard. Though dizzy, Baal managed to return the attack with Incineration Nova. The massive heatwave slammed the paladin away. He turned to the sorceress who sent Blizzard to him. The torrent of cold wind gripped his frail body. The demon sent Defense Curse and Blood Mana to weaken her. The painful sensation hit the Zann-Esu whenever she cast her spell, but she gritted her teeth. She would kill the killer of her husband though it may cost her own life. Baal clicked his teeth angrily,
"Little fool, do you have sense to die!" In desperation, he threw Mana Rift to her. With her mana drained, the sorceress finally folded out like a burning candle and fell to the ground. The blizzard and the hydra instantly vanished when she gone unconscious. Before breathed in relief, the Prime Evil saw Myrrick and Ren'nar were coming to him. Once again, he teleported at their back and backhanded the Black Wolf senselessly. He slashed the Red Bear at his chest, cleaving the Isenhart Cage and let the druid bleed profusely. With two-handed slash, Baal cut the Valkyrie and the Shadow Warrior instantly. Akivsha sent Dragon Tail, but the demon caught her leg and threw her to the amazon. Both warriors were stunned due to the impact. Myrrick rose back though wounded, but he didn't see Lord of Destruction around until…
"Your deeds is worthy of recognition, heroes! Especially for her…" To his shock, Baal held the exhausted Zylene upon his lap and placed Shadowfang close to her neck. Before he went closer, the demon shouted,
"Stop! Don't even think funny, or this beautiful girl will end as a dead meat!" The druid quickly gestured the others to hold their ground. Caldash chuckled bitterly,
"Baal, I never thought you will resort to such cowardly act…Diablo is better than you!" Baal shrieked angrily,
"Shut up! Diablo was a fool, because he uses his brawn only! I want to survive any longer…" Though weak, the sorceress whispered,
"Myrrick…kill him…avenge…your loved ones…" As a reply, Zylene got the nick of the saber. Everyone was silent, even Akivsha. She felt her anger rising, but she couldn't do anything without endanger Zylene's life. Myrrick took a safe distance from the demon. Without their knowledge, Ren'nar crawled slowly toward Lord of Destruction and morphed into a werewolf. Baal didn't notice the black druid behind him as he boasted,
"Your world will be doomed today and I will be…" He was unable to continue as the werewolf bit his shoulder. The demon screamed shrilly when the fangs tore his flesh.
"Ren'nar!" The werewolf hugged the demon and sank its fangs deeper into Baal's right shoulder. The Prime Evil was unable to get rid the beast behind him; slowly a greenish color stained the werewolf's saliva. Myrrick said,
"Rabies! The Black Wolf is going to poison Baal!" In anger mixed with panic, Baal gripped Shadowfang with both hands and…stabbed the werewolf's abdomen very hard. Fresh blood spurted from the back as the beast howled. Instead slackening, it had bitten even harder and tore the shoulder tendons. Lord of Destruction screamed in agony and threw the Zann-Esu away. Read the opportunity, Myrrick and Caldash strode simultaneously toward the demon. The Prime Evil mounted the last attack by slashing erratically. The assassin threw Blade Sentry that sliced the demon's right hand cleanly. Now Baal horrified to see her amputated arm; it still held the demonblade. The paladin cleaved his torso, while the druid stabbed his chest. With his last strength, the demon smacked them away and then…a javelin skewered him at his torso. He saw Xelana with disbelief before the electrical charge exploded inside him. The pain was too much to handle and the demon vomited copious blood before crashing to the ground. The Vile Effigies faded into nothingness and the Festering Tendrils gone into the ground.
The druid went closer to the unconscious sorceress, and checked her. Akivsha asked,
"How is she, Myrrick?" He smiled,
"She looks out of danger; give her rejuvenation potion, Akivsha…" The assassin nodded, while he went to his wounded comrade. Caldash tended Ren'nar, however it was oblivious that there was nothing they could do to help him. The paladin gave the pressure upon the wounded abdomen. Myrrick knelt to his former rival,
"Ren'nar, hold on! We'll bring you to Grandmaster and…" The black druid hushed him,
"Too late…Myrrick…my wound is beyond cure. The Prophet was right…by embracing my bestial side I can save the world…" He grabbed the druid's hand, saying,
"There is something I want to tell you since beginning, Myrrick…Joanna wasn't chosen to lead the delegation for you; it was me…" The red-haired druid shocked to hear that,
"What?" Ren'nar coughed blood, before continued his story,
"I was chosen by Grandmaster to persuade you, but knowing you won't listen to me Joanna offered her…when I refused to do so, she already left without informing me…perhaps she didn't want to see us perish together…" The black druid gripped Myrrick's hand tightly,
"Myrrick…do you remember what our dream is? To bring peace to the Highland…you and I…and we have achieved it by destroying the Prime Evil! As I said, I am honored to fight beside you…Red Bear…" Struggling to hold tears back, Myrrick replied,
"No, Black Wolf! The honor is mine…you and Joanna are the true heroes of the Highland, not me…" Ren'nar smiled,
"and…you are the hero of the Sanctuary…" After saying so, he fell dead. The red-haired druid hugged his former rival tightly and kissed him dearly like a brother. The paladin put the body gently. At the same time, Xelana shouted,
"Hey, look! Orb'al and Tha'el are still alive!" Caldash ran toward the amazon who stood on the edge of the cliff. Below they saw the barbarian clung to the rock, while holding the necromancer at his cloak. His face looks exhausted but determined. The paladin shouted,
"Myrrick! They are still alive!" Without hesitation, the druid went to the place and together they help their comrades climbing the cliff. Once finished, he lifted Orb'al, who asked,
"Where is Zylene? Is she safe?" Myrrick merely glanced to the assassin who carried the sorceress by the shoulder. The Zann-Esu's face beamed,
"Orb'al…you are alive! Oh!" The barbarian went to her and hugged her dearly, whispering,
"I won't die easily, because you are my life!" While everyone was happy, the Rathma was sullen. He picked the remains of his Infernal Golem until he saw Baal's severed hand. It still held Shadowfang in its grips. Before he took the saber, someone chuckled,
"What…a…scene…I…almost…cry…" Everyone froze upon the speech, and turned upon the Prime Evil. Though mortally wounded, the demon clung to his damned life tenaciously. Myrrick went closer and stared the dying demon with hatred and pity. Baal taunted,
"You…want…to…kill…me? Go…ahead…" The druid scoffed,
"You are nothing , Baal…it is wasting my time while your life is a breath away…your plan is failed and Sanctuary is safe…" The old demon grinned evilly,
"Safe? I won't say so…watch the Worldstone carefully…" With skeptical frown, Myrrick turned his attention to the Worldstone. Akivsha said,
"Something's wrong…" Then Zylene gasped,
"Oh, no! The Worldstone has been tainted…the aura is turned evil!" Xelana exclaimed,
"What? How come? We have defeated Baal! Don't say we are failed!" Upon that, Baal laughed insanely,
"Hahahah, the Worldstone has been contaminated! Don't you see? When I wounded, my blood was splattered around the crystal! It breaks the ward around the stone, but Shadowfang do the rest…the blade aura polluted the surrounding…Ironically, it was because of you that I'm succeeded…I may die today but your world's fate is sealed. Welcome to the Burning…" The Prime Evil couldn't continue his words; his breath has stopped. The heroes turned to the corrupted Worldstone, who looked menacing now! Myrrick shouted,
"We have to destroy this thing! If not, the world is doomed!" Zylene replied,
"But how? This stone is ten times larger than the Soulstones, not to mention our strength was depleted in the fight with Baal!" Caldash nodded,
"She's right, Myrrick! Though our strength is recovered, we won't be able to destroy such huge thing…" The druid didn't listen; he ran toward the Worldstone but tackled to the ground by Akivsha. He roared,
"Let me go, Akivsha! I won't let Joanna's and Ren'nar's sacrifice in vain!" The assassin shouted back,
"Myrrick, they do it for you! If you are dead now, then their sacrifice is really in vain!" The druid hit the ground in frustration. Orb'al, Zylene and Caldash watched them helplessly until Xelana called,
"Er, I think someone want to talk with us…" Instantly, the bright light filled the Chamber and the Archangel descended from the heaven. Everyone bowed respectfully upon Tyrael's coming. The druid said,
"Archangel Tyrael, we have disappointed you! We have failed to stop Baal…" Tyrael said gently,
"Myrrick of Scosglen, this is not your fault. You do what the mortals can do…you have saved the Sanctuary now, but its fate is up to its inhabitants…" The paladin asked reverently,
"What happened if the Worldstone is gone?" The holy being sighed,
"I am not able to answer that; it belongs to the High Heavens. All of you have done well, now leave this to me," With a single wave, the portal formed behind the Archangel.
"Please bring the last Soulstone and Shadowfang to me," Caldash brought the yellow crystal to Tyrael. Then the assassin patted the druid's shoulder,
"Myrrick, look!" Myrrick turned back and saw the necromancer was holding the demonic saber in his hand. His pale face looks gleaming in red aura. Everyone looks uneasy with the sight. The druid shouted,
"Tha'el, give Shadowfang to the Archangel!" The sorcerer stared him gleefully,
"Why should I? This is too good to be true…considering this as a payback for my loss of Infernal Golem. "
"Give that, or else…" The necromancer chuckled,
"Or else, what? Are you going to take it with force? You would kill your comrade? Try if you can…" The paladin and the barbarian took their own weapons; their face was hardened. Akivsha also pulled her Suwayyah and Zylene lifted her staff. Tha'el took the fighting stance with Shadowfang…
Tyrael's musing was broken; he still inside the Worldstone Chamber. The corrupted crystal reverberated. The infernal energy filled the chamber. Once again, he turned his sight to the demonic saber and said,
"Shadowfang, you have been created to bring despair and destruction…" The saber vibrated in response,
"Today, you shall serve the good!" Without hesitation, the holy being grabbed the weapon and pulled it from the ground. Shadowfang shook violently in his grip; its black-red aura began to fill the entire blade. Tyrael didn't flinch as he lifted the saber above his head. The aura vanished inside the bright light when it crossed together with Azurewrath. The Archangel threw those weapons toward the Worldstone. When they hit the surface, the thunderous crack echoed inside the Chamber and the huge crystal split into two. Finally, it exploded into smithereens and brought the entire mountain along with it. The entire chamber was buried in the rubbles, closing the way inside forever…
One week later,
The people crowded around the gates of Harrogath. The barbarian had cleared the ramparts and rubbles from the surrounding. The caravans lined outside the city. Qual-Kehk watched them with satisfaction. He spotted Kashya and her rogues. The Rogue captain greeted him first,
"Honorable one, it is nice to see you again," The gruff warrior nodded,
"I can see all of you are going to leave," Aliza quipped,
"Yes, Qual-Kehk! Harrogath is safe and Baal has been defeated! We have to return to the West, because Akara would miss us. If you have a time, please visit our Monastery." The warrior grinned,
"I will, young one!" At the same time, Orb'al, Zylene, Caldash, Greiz and Asheara came to them. The Zann-Esu called the young rogue,
"Aliza, I will miss you! Don't forget to visit me and Orb'al…"
"Why don't you come to our Monastery?" The sorceress bowed,
"I wish so, but I'm afraid I can't…" She turned to the barbarian shyly, while the warrior blushed red. Aliza immediately said,
"No way!" The paladin smiled,
"That's right! Orb'al is going to be a father!" Asheara added,
"Yes, it is such a good omen for all of us! The new birth!" The mercenary captain and their men clapped their hands. Unable to hold herself, the young rogue hugged her friend, saying,
"Congratulations, Zylene! You have become a mother!" Zylene smiled, while wiping her tears,
"Thanks, Aliza! I consider this is a blessing from the Light!" Orb'al said,
"We expect the baby will come out next year. If possible, we might visit your place!"
"Don't forget to bring the baby, ha?" Everyone laughed until Kashya asked,
"Oh, do you see Myrrick? I didn't see him this morning…" Then Anya answered,
"He's praying at Joanna's and Ren'nar's tomb, but he sends his best wishes for all of you!" The knight replied,
"I send mine as well. I will return to Kurast; the Westmarch expresses their willingness to restore the Zakarum there. They will need my assistance there," The mercenary woman winked,
"Are you sure you don't want to become the new Que-Heqan?" Caldash chuckled,
"I don't know. Who am I to argue with the High Heavens? How about you, Orb'al?" The barbarian answered,
"I will go to another tribe with Zylene. After she delivers her children, I might think to rebuild Sescheron again. Grandmaster Jo'taala had offered his aid when I'm ready to do so," Qual-Kehk folded his arms, as he turned to Greiz and Asheara,
"How about you?" The desert mercenary said,
"I am going back to Lut Gholein. The Prime Evil has gone, but their evil still lingers at Aranoch. My men and I will make the desert safe again." Asheara grinned,
"The same with me! When I retired, I will build an inn at Kurast Harbor."
"Don't forget to invite us, ha?" Once again, everyone laughed happily as the caravan moved slowly.
At the secluded place, Myrrick placed flowers upon the mounds in front of him. He said,
"Joanna! Ren'nar! Both of you finally have found the peace and I have fulfilled my oath to bring peace to the highland." He patted those mounds gently,
"Take care now…" The druid turned at the right side and saw Akivsha.
"How long you have standing there?" The raven-haired girl replied,
"Long enough," Myrrick came to her,
"I never thought anything when I've met you for the first time. It took a lifetime adventure to finally make me realize what I've lost…" The assassin hugged his chest,
"We have lost our ways, but who knows we have found it again upon each other?" They kissed each other again. The druid whispered into her ear,
"Stay with me, Akivsha…" The girl turned away, her voice was quivering,
"I…I can't…for now. The Order still has one last mission for me…" She caressed his face gently,
"Once I finished the mission, I will be return to you," Slowly, Akivsha distanced herself from her lover, who said,
"I will wait you, Akivsha. For you are my reason to continue…to live…I will wait you no matter how long," The assassin turned back and smiled,
"I know, Myrrick of Scosglen. I am yours and you are mine…" With a breeze, she disappeared from his sight. The auburn-haired druid sighed; he still has something to do at Scosglen. He wouldn't worry about her.
Quite far from Harrogath, Xelana trailed the snowy path and arrived on the crossroads. She quickly spotted a tall, thin figure who smoked pipe. The amazon went closer,
"Well, waiting someone?" Tha'el answered,
"It is lonely if I have to walk alone," He sighed, "The Prime Evils is gone and the balance is once again restored. Yet, I don't like to go back to the City of Rathma until I make my own name…" Xelana mused for awhile until she asked,
"Why do you let Shadowfang away? I thought let it go is such a waste, " The necromancer smirked,
"I don't know…power doesn't interest me all. Revenge? It is pity that I have to lose such powerful minion; anyway it is easy to summon once the next millennium come. I already satisfied with my fame. Beside, what use of fame if Sanctuary is gone?" The female warrior commented.
"I already won the recognition by slaying Baal. Why don't you join me on the way to Black Sea? Your knowledge might be useful…beside I am still a mercenary," The sorcerer asked back,
"You offer me a partnership? Sound interesting…what do I get?"
"Money and fame, of course, but I believe you want something more…" The amazon bowed to her feet, allowing her assets to display. The Rathma puffed smoke and offered his hand to her,
"You have a deal, Xelana!" The blond-haired woman received the sorcerer's hand and said,
"Fine, start to carry my stuff!" Tha'el waved his hand and the clay golem appeared from the ground. The creature started to carry Xelana's stuffs. He wrapped his right arm around her,
"No problemo!" Then they walked together to the West with the golem behind them.
-THE END-
Author's note: Finally the story has finished after waiting for 3 years. I hope this would satisfy Diablo II: LOD's fans. Thanks for the readers who have come to read this fanfic. Thanks for the reviews, critics and flames as well. See you at another story!