The rogue Greed Goblin was settled on a path and rather content at the time. It suspected nothing out of the ordinary. It almost had a heart attack when Kalgor rushed it with a massive stomp of his boot to pull it towards him to catch it.
"This makes the third one," Kalgor grunted, as the eyes were blindfolded. It was bound up quickly, and its bag was taken to be examined.
"Anything you don't need?" Lyndon asked a touch eagerly.
"Here's your share," the Nephalem smirked and tossed over a coin.
"What?! There's always more with them!" Lyndon argued after he caught the coin.
"Well, the Horadrim needs it a little more for funding," Byden explained carefully.
"You're saying you're going to give back your share?" the Nephalem asked now. Lyndon opened his mouth to retort and ended up scowling instead. Knowing smiles were given back and forth behind Lyndon's back, as the rogue goblin was prepped for travel.
"Where is this one going?" Jozin asked.
"We need Greed to help us find Gahin. Gurzick, actually, can help us," the champion said and pulled out the mirror to talk into it. When Gurzick appeared, he showed instant dislike for the other goblin. The stench of Diablo was clearly detected. Like the others caught, it was heavily corrupted.
"He bad!" Gurzick growled.
"We know. Can you call Gahin for us?" Vincent asked.
"Ah! To test? I can do that," Greed giggled from the crown. Gurzick took out the rainbow rock and rubbed it on another stone nearby. A rainbow portal appeared for the cheery goblin to come through.
"Hi! I was called on?" she asked.
"Yes. We want to see if Diablo's influence can be removed from this goblin," the Nephalem said carefully. Gahin's eyes widened slightly. She was actually a touch uncertain.
"I don't know if the guardians of my realm will tolerate it," she admitted.
"We want to see if this one regains its thoughts," Jozin said.
"Oh! To break the hold?" she asked.
"Exactly," Byden nodded.
"Okay. Um...how did you want to get it into the portal?" she asked.
"Can we toss it in?" Kormac asked. She thought about it and seemed to shrug.
"How do we get it back out?" Eirena asked.
"Not too sure," the Nephalem sighed.
"Tie a rope around it, keep this hole open, and pull it back out," Lyndon said. "It's what thieves do all the time when in tight spots."
"Tell me about it..." Kormac muttered.
"His idea may work," Vincent said. More rope was found to do just that, and the bound goblin was tossed into the portal. Gahin remained outside the portal to ensure it stayed open.
"Ow!" the goblin grunted when it landed on the soft, bright green grass. Then it gasped and convulsed, as the link with Diablo was severed. A demon had actually appeared next to the goblin. It was much like how Anaurael's hair would sever off a demon from inhabiting a host.
"Pull the goblin out! Now!" the Nephalem said and tugged on the rope.
"Pull out? Where have I heard that before...?" Lyndon mused. Then he winced at the smack he got to the back of his head from Byden. The goblin was pulled out just as the guardians of the colorful realm appeared to slaughter the intruding evil. Now the unicorns brayed at Gahin for an explanation. She responded with laughter and giggles. The unicorn guardians glanced at each other. The one called Nightmarity snorted and whinnied out.
"Oh! They said they will happily play with any demons that come through. They say to send others like that one in whenever you need to. Just call on me," she nodded. Then she vanished away.
"Good to know. What do we know about the one with the Cow King?" the Nephalem asked.
"Last we checked, it was still somewhat tainted. Hey. You okay?" Byden asked the recovering goblin. It was still blindfolded to keep from portaling away. It seemed to be recovering from a daze.
"Help..." the goblin seemed to whisper.
"Help who?" Jozin asked.
"Us..." the goblin said. "We know. Bad. Stuff bad. Need help."
"Oh..." Lou-yu frowned from where he was listening in. "They know they're in trouble..."
"And they can't do anything about it," Vincent frowned hard. "This makes it harder for us."
"If we let you go, can you come back to let us help?" the Nephalem asked.
"Um..." the goblin shivered. "Not sure..."
"Let me try to talk to him," Greed said from Gurzick's crown. "I am Greed. The one that left your Baroness. If you are able to keep yourself free of the taint, do you think you can report to us? We do want to help. As much as I do not like your leader, it is not fair for you to go through this."
"Ah! Yes. Please help? I try help. Can search for others," the goblin seemed to squeak with hope. Gurzick now moved over to remove the blindfold. "Here..."
The freed goblin handed over an oddly shaped rock that was colored a dark red. It was the first thing it ever found, and Gurzick knew the importance of this. "Okay. I keep."
"What did it give you?" Lyndon asked.
"First thing found. Special. Not gold. Just something," Gurzick said.
"When a goblin gives over the very first thing it ever found, you could say that it's an act of trust to fulfill something to get it back. It's our code of conduct," Greed explained. "It's also why the Baroness was so pissed off and happy to get her dagger back. She couldn't make such deals while it was gone. But, such a thing is a trifle now."
"It may still be needed. Can we get that dagger again?" Lou-yu asked. "If we can use that to bargain with what's left of her, then we should try and get it again."
"Can you take an item belonging to the Baroness?" Greed asked. The other goblin hadn't left yet. "Is it possible to do this?"
"Maybe. If none are watching," the goblin said.
"A dagger was returned to her. We want it back," Greed said carefully.
"Oh! I know! Okay. I try," the goblin nodded. A portal was made, and the goblin was soon gone. It was now said what the goblin was going to attempt. They were all in agreement with this.
"We have that one last goblin that we're studying. To see how much the corruption spreads. Do we know anything?" the Nephalem asked. "Can we check?"
"We have it caged and blind-folded. Come," Jozin nodded and the small group went to where the goblin was bound up in New Tristram. The one in the Cow King's realm still seemed to look normal when they last checked in on it. This one was clearly starting to change in the small cage it was held in. The goblin's usually grayish-white skin was starting to become black with red overtones. Claws that could resemble large razors were already forming. It was even starting to form a rather elongated tail. It was clearly changing from the taint.
"It looks very different. Doesn't it?" Byden grimaced. "I'm half-tempted to toss this one into the happy realm of death, too. Just to free it."
"But, we need to watch this one change," Jozin frowned.
"All die..." the goblin seemed to growl out. "I get free. Then all die."
"And, exactly, who are you to tell us this?" the champion asked. The changing goblin just hissed out a dark laugh. Then it seemed to go quiet.
"This was just a scout," Greed said. "Imagine what the sentry guards can become."
"Oh, Hell..." Lyndon winced.
"It almost reminds me of the angels we fought against Malthael," Eirena said. "How they were twisted. If Diablo falls, will they become normal again?"
"I'm not sure," the Nephalem sighed. "But, if they are evolving, then we need stronger weapons. We need better armor. But...what can help us?!"
"Funny you should ask..." a familiar sinister and hollow tone rolled out in the distance. The Nephalem gaped over with shock to see Kulle's ghost. Dust and sand filled the outline to show that he was very much there. He no longer needed any part of his physical form to manifest. He was able to simply come and go as a true ghost at long last.
"I killed you!" the champion spat out.
"And you were sloppy," Kulle smirked. "No matter. I knew such a thing was...inevitable. I prepared myself for such a thing. As you all can easily see. But, I couldn't help myself on eavesdropping from your conversation. I know of an artifact that you need. It's something that I've searched for, too, but I am unable to reach it on my own. If you accept, I can tell you where to go to retrieve it. It can give you the beneficial weapons, armors, and items to aid your cause. Interested...?"
"No," the Nephalem said flatly.
"I am!" Lyndon piped up and got glared at. "What? I am interested! And, if he betrays us, we'll just kill him again, am I right?"
"What is this item?" Jozin asked now. Kulle seemed to chuckle.
"Wait," Eirena said softly. "How did you come about again?"
"I don't know who he is, in truth, but I'm curious, too, on how he's here," Lou-yu said.
"Such a thing does not matter," Kulle warned. "Just know that I have returned to...guide you all to something useful. That is all you need to know."
"I think I know what you're talking about. A revered artifact guarded for centuries by my people," Kalgor said. At the nod Kulle gave, he spat on the ground. "It's lost."
"It is not. It is simply well-hidden. And I know where its location is at long last. You just...need to find it..." Kulle said. "If I tried, I would be rejected. I can assist in working the artifact for you. I know how it would work. It is as ancient as I am, if not a touch older. And I would assist with this in return for your aid in retrieving it..."
"If you're lying to us..." the Nephalem warned.
"Seek your Tyrael. He will know the truth," Kulle seemed to shrug and vanish away.
"Damn him!" the champion growled out.
"I'll have my partner talk to Tyrael," Kalgor grunted. She was already there from where she watched over him to nod with understanding.
"Don't worry. I'll talk to him," she said. He nodded to Salauriel and watched her teleport away. When she learned that Tyrael was in Anaurael's chamber, she was able to head there to talk to him. "Tyrael, something of grave importance came up."
"And what's that?" he asked when he walked out of the small work room he was in. Imperael was already listening in with Izarius. As usual, Anaurael was with Imperius in his sanctum.
"It involves Zoltun Kulle," she said softly. "He came back."
"WHAT?!" Tyrael gaped with shock. "He's dead! How did he come back?!"
"He found a way. He is a spiritual form, though. Not physical. He also wishes to guide our heroes to an artifact that could help them," she said. Tyrael scowled and shook his head. "Do you know what this is? Kalgor has an idea..."
"I know what it is. He's sought it before," Tyrael growled. "It was the original cube that was hidden away. The Horadric Cube was designed after it. As much as this artifact is powerful, one like Kulle should be nowhere near it! Dead or alive!"
"What is this artifact?" Izarius asked.
"It's called Kanai's Cube," Tyrael sighed and shook his head. "It's power is so vast that it was nearly removed completely from all Horadric texts. I can only wonder how Kulle came back..."
"I have an idea," Imperael said. "Anarius was searching for Deckard Cain..."
"And you think Kulle heard the call and learned how to come back?!" Tyrael gaped at him. He walked over to where Mal was playing in the cradle and realized that Malthael was watching him. He was in his body and trying to keep control of it.
"He right," Malthael nodded in his small body. "Kulle heard. Came back."
"How would his soul know?" Izarius asked.
"Don't know. Killed once? Yes? Maybe learn?" Malthael seemed to shrug. As much as he could have come out to talk, he had to practice being in his flesh as much as possible. "It hard to know."
"He could have learned how to perfect his method to come back," Tyrael muttered. "I can believe that rather easily."
"Up!" Malthael said and raised his small arms. Tyrael gathered him up to hold him. "Where Kulle? Where now?"
"He's on Sanctuary," Salauriel said. "Who was Kanai?"
"He was the last Barbarian King. One of the greatest ones that ever lived," Tyrael said. "He was given the cube to protect it. And I know where it is, too. But, I vowed not to reveal the information. It would have to be Kulle to lead them on where to go. Yes, the item will help. It's just...Kulle's alive?!"
"The Nephalem was also in much shock," she sighed.
"I have only one concern," Izarius muttered. "If Kulle was called to us by Anarius, then he may have glimpsed Anaurael..."
"No!" Malthael seemed to squeal and started to pound on Tyrael's covered pauldrons.
"Hey! Don't hit me," Tyrael warned. Malthael frowned and huffed. "I know. And remember that he's not physical. He can't touch her."
"Still bad," Malthael frowned again. "No hurt her."
"And no one will," Tyrael soothed and rested his hand on his son's back to calm him. As much as Malthael was stressed, he actually found it comforting. "That's it. Don't worry. We'll tell Imperius everything so that he knows. Okay?"
"Okay," Malthael nodded slightly.
"Salauriel, go back down and tell them to let Kulle lead them to where the cube is. As much as I detest having to rely on someone that tried to betray us again, we really have no other choice. Just...tell them to be on guard. With everything," Tyrael warned. "And, if that cube is found, I'll want to see it, too. I'm sure Itherael would want to study it when he could."
"I shall report for you," she nodded. She was about to leave, but Izual had appeared when he came to inform Tyrael of what was being done on Sanctuary for the Horadrim. Tyrael had her wait, and he told Izual what was being discussed.
"Kanai's cube?! I haven't heard of that artifact for so long!" Izual was clearly surprised. "I'll want to see it, too, if it's discovered again. And I want to know how Kulle can make it work."
"Just be careful. We don't know what Kulle would plan," Tyrael warned.
"In my opinion, I don't think he can do much as a ghost," Imperael said. "He couldn't do anything until he was flesh."
"He was still able to give us all headaches," Tyrael grumbled. "and I don't want Anaurael to meet him. I don't think it would bode well."
"But would her necklace want to see the cube?" Izarius asked. Tyrael seemed to grind his teeth together at that thought. "We'll have to see. Won't we?"
"Yeah. We will," he muttered.
"Imperius will have her wait until she gives birth," Imperael pointed out. "And the cube may have to be brought here."
"I am well aware," Tyrael nodded. Malthael was sleeping quite deeply now, and he was quick to appear in full to let his flesh sleep soundly.
"I am greatly concerned over this...Kulle..." Malthael grounded out.
"You are?" Tyrael asked.
"What?" Salauriel asked.
"Ah. You can't see Malthael. He's also wary of Kulle," Tyrael explained. "We just have to be on guard when it comes to dealing with him. As a matter of fact, as much as I shouldn't, I want to talk to Kulle to see if he knew about his notes being copied and used."
"Oh? You think he might take offense?" Izual asked.
"I think he would be...perplexed..." Malthael seemed to muse aloud.
"He would be perplexed. And possibly very irked. He may be able to help lead us to where the other stones are. If he can, it would cut down our search drastically," Tyrael said.
"They would be from his notes. He would know the components that made the stones," Izarius agreed. "But, let's see if he can guide us to this artifact first. What do you think?"
"He led us to the Black Soulstone, but then he tried to use it against us. As a spiritual form, it's doubtful he can do anything. Spirits are also bound by rules, if I remember what Zayl told me before. We can have him talk to Kulle before allowing any form of access to the artifact. Zayl will know how to bind a spirit by contract. If it's broken, then Kulle can be punished by other means. Is Zayl still in the Library of Fate?" Tyrael asked now. At the confirmation, Izarius took Malthael's sleeping body to watch over, and Tyrael had Izual take him there. "Zayl! We need to talk. Ah! Moolara and Sohar. Good to see you both, too."
"Something amiss?" Sohar frowned.
"Zoltun Kulle is back as a ghost," Tyrael said. The three of them stared at him, and the story was explained. Now Zayl was thoughtful.
"So, this is the same one that tried to wipe out both sides to empower people, right?" Humbert asked. "Oh. Hell, I'm more trustworthy than that thing!"
"I know," Tyrael smiled. "But, what do you think of a possible contract?"
"It may work," Zayl thought aloud. "I'll want to go with them, though. The moment they plan to leave, I want to know."
"We can fetch you," Izual nodded. Then Sylauriel appeared to talk to them.
"You're with Jozin, right?" Tyrael asked.
"I am. There was something else discovered that you need to know," she said in a sad, soft tone. "The rival goblins. When one was tossed into the colorful realm, it was freed. It asked for help. They all know Diablo is controlling them. They can't break free."
"They are aware?!" Izual asked with surprise.
"Yes. This goblin...it was so sad!" she sighed and shook her head. "It agreed to help us. The cheerful one also informed us that we can use her realm to help free any other goblins."
"That is wonderful to know," Tyrael nodded.
"And one other thing. The goblin in the realm of the Cow King is still connected to Diablo, but nothing changed on its features, so we could hold them there. But...the one caught in New Tristram...it's changing into that of a true demon," she said seriously.
"Now that is not good!" Tyrael winced. "And, as much as I know we shouldn't, we need to see how far the change goes."
"We know," Sylauriel nodded. "If the change looks complete, maybe we can use the colorful realm to see if it can separate?"
"Only thing we can do," Tyrael muttered out. "I may be able to join you all in this. If rather briefly. Anaurael is always comforted by Imperius now. As long as I'm not brought to any real harm, she'll be fine with me away in small outings. Let's see what we can pull together for a map. If Kulle can help us...well...we have no choice."
They all agreed at this. When they got to Sanctuary, Kulle's ghost was already waiting. Tyrael charged right up to him, but the ghost only laughed and said, "Ah. What a cruel turn of events. Isn't it? Once again, you need my assistance. But, it is mutual now. I cannot do anything, unless you agree to aid me. So...shall we go?"
"I cannot go with you," Tyrael said. "But, you will vow to stick to your bargain this time."
"Of course. This time I will," Kulle smirked.
"Sure you will. But, don't worry. You'll have to this time!" Humbert snickered.
"Oh? Ah. A weak spell to carry a mortal soul? Interesting..." he muttered with boredom.
"Not just any soul! I'm important! You're just a pain in the ass," Humbert said bluntly.
"Humbert..." Zayl warned.
"What?! It's the truth!" the skull said.
"No matter. We are wasting time. Do we go?" Kulle asked. Then he paused when Malthael's spirit appeared. That actually surprised Kulle.
"I have flesh. You do not. I have the ability to leave my flesh at will to hunt down any and all that must be hunted. I know how your soul is bound. As well as where it comes from. And, if you can see me, then you know that I can undo you. And I can make it so you cannot return," Malthael droned out. "I've had more time to study souls than you. Keep...this information...in mind..."
"We might not need a contract..." Zayl muttered to Tyrael.
"Still should have one," Tyrael muttered back. "You never know with Kulle. Threats rarely do anything to him. We need a form of insurance."
"Got it. When the artifact is found, we'll work on it," Zayl agreed. After Malthael left, it was within the hour that the Nephalem was ready to go. Kalgor, Jozin, Lou-yu, and Byden showed their eagerness. As much as Moolara was glancing over at Mirdael when he hovered over her, she knew that was inevitable. Even with all the Fetish warriors around her to ease his thoughts. Sohar was already set with the scale from the Bogadile. Gurzick was called for, and Kulle stared at the Greed Goblin.
"And what are you to do for this group?" Kulle smirked.
"I help!" Gurzick growled and flipped him off.
"Oh, good! He's not doing it to only me anymore," Lyndon muttered. Kulle wasn't amused at all, but he found himself pausing at the portal made.
"I am Greed," he said from Gurzick's crown. "Where is this artifact's location? I'll have my minion get them there quickly."
"Is that so?" Kulle asked with amusement. "Very well. It's at the place where one of the Three Evils, Baal, first stepped foot to claim the Worldstone..."
"It can't be...!" Kalgor seemed to gape. "The artifact was there?! This whole time?!"
"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?" Kulle seemed to shrug.
"Where is this place?" the Nephalem frowned.
"In Sescheron. Where Kanai, our last true King, is resting. I have...never been there. It's considered sacred to my people. Only the most honorable and worthy of us have ever set foot there. It's also been overrun with other things. It actually worries me. But...if the cube is there..." Kalgor sighed. Then he nodded. "Let's go."
"I'll be watching you all," Tyrael nodded. When they all went through Gurzick's portal, Kulle vanished away to watch from afar. Tyrael only shook his head and let Izual take him back to Heaven.