DiabloFans

Comment tell me how terrible it is. If you want me to post more of it I will

Chapter 1 The beginning of the end

The nightmares returned to me. They flooded my vision again the first time in twenty years. The screams the pain the anguish of it all.

I sat up quickly breathing heavily. Normally I was prepared for these dreams and able to quickly wake up out of them before they consumed me. I looked to the sky at the stars wondering how long there beauty will last, how long there shine will be able to give us hope that the end will not come.

I got up and grabbed my bow. I was out of practice, I had not shot an arrow at anything except for animals. It has been twenty years since I last hunted demons. I knew I had to quickly regain my shot and abilities if I was to help protect myself and others.

I got up and packed my belongings and sorted what I truly needed and what were luxury items. I decided I would keep my luxury items and head to the nearest town or village to sell for gold. I would need to stock up on arrows and work on improving my shot.

I put my belongings in a pouch around my waist and secured my bow on my back and tested my footing. After I was satisfied I took off running as fast as I could.

I focused on the path in front of me opening my ears to detect anything that would possibly follow me. I avoided low tree branches jumped over logs that were in my way with ease.

I sensed I was approaching an animal up ahead. I grabbed my bow not slowing down and quickly notched an arrow. I approached the area where I believed the animal was to my dismay there was nothing there.

I looked at the spot a little confused. I closed my eyes and began to focus, quickly with my eyes still closed I turned around and fired my arrow.

I opened my eyes to see the arrow strike the body of a deer, it quickly started running away.

“Damn.” I cursed myself for not preparing. The arrow should have hit him in the head. I sighed heavily and put my bow away and continued running again focusing on the forest around me running as fast as I can not making a sound avoiding fallen branches and keeping my feet light. If I happened to run by someone facing away from me they would probably not have noticed for they would not have heard my footsteps.

As I neared a small village I decided to slow my pace down a little. Light was coming over the horizon by the time I get there people should be about doing there early morning tasks. A perfect time to talk to some merchants.

I neared the entrance of the village. A guard stopped me.”State your business.” He eyed my bow cautiously.

“I am a traveler.” I told him humbly. “I merely seek a merchant to sell and trade. I swear I will be out of the village as the sun starts to ascend.”

The guard stepped aside letting me through

The village was rather poor but the people who seemed to be traveling about smiled and waved as I walked bye. I returned the gesture.

I neared a sign that was barley legible it read “Weapons of all kind inside.”

I smiled hoping that he had arrows in descent condition.

I walked in and to my amazement there were many weapons. Some weapons I had not seen since my journey to Lut Gholein the jewel city in the desert of Aranoch.

“Welcome stranger!” A man said stepping behind a counter. “You looking for any kind of weapon from any place I bet you'll find it here.”

I smiled at him stepping up to the counter. “Hello, these collections of weapons are absolutely amazing.”

“Why thank you lad!” He said in a cheerful voice. “What are you looking for?”

“I was wondering if you had a collection of fine arrows.”

He laughed, “You bet I do the finest in the land. The merchants in Westmarch would kill to have a collection like I do. I could get you a fine bow if you are interested.”

“No thanks.” I said to him. “This bow and me have been together for a long time. It has never failed me even in the toughest times.”

“Alright give me a minute and I'll return with my collection of arrows.” He disappeared behind a door in the back of his shop.

I looked around and marveled at the collection of swords, long swords, short swords, daggers, even battle axes. I picked up a sword and engraved in the hilt was a marvelous jewel. It glinted in the light.

“That's a fine sword.” The man said returning with a few quivers of arrows. “Probably the most expensive sword I have.”

“Why would you not keep it in the back?” I asked him confused why he would just leave it laying out.

“Well you see no one would dare steal from me.” The man said pulling out a giant sword from behind the counter. “I know how to use one of these and I'm quick when it comes to chasing things.”

I smiled and put the sword back and examined the arrows. “This all you have?” I asked.

“There's a few more of the same types in the back.” He said.

I picked up an arrow with a sharp silver tip and examined it. “I think I'll take every single arrow you own.”

The man looked at me. “You sure you can pay for all that?” He asked.

I pulled out my pouch and dumped the contents on the counter.
“Wow you definitely are not from around here.” He said staring at the rings, jewels, and amulets.

“I am a traveler like I said.” I told him. “All this was collections from twenty years ago.”

“I see.” He said studying me. “Most of these weapons were a collection I found around twenty years ago as well. That sword you were looking at earlier came from the jungles of Kurast and the Marshlands.

I looked at him surprised. “So you were a warrior?” I asked.

“No not quite but believe it or not I put down many demons back in the day.” He told me. “You look like your preparing for a demon invasion yourself.”

“As a matter of fact I am.” I told him

He looked at in disbelief. “What do you know?” He asked.

“Just what my instincts tell me.” I told him.

“You hear rumors about demons up in the north? They say that Mt. Arreat and Bastions keep were overrun.”

“Believe me when I tell you demons travel fast. If they have invaded the north expect demons to be destroying everything around here within a month. I would prepare now.”

“I see.” He said. “I believe I will take your advice. I'll travel to Westmarch and sell my wares or donate some to any other travelers I see.”

“You probably would do best to keep a few strayed away because there are few people like you and me left anymore. Most believe the invasion twenty years ago was just a myth. They are in denial and wont act until there houses are destroyed.”

He nodded. “Thank you. I will be preparing for the worst. Take the arrows.”

“Take the jewelry. Some people around here look like they could enjoy something shiny and precious as there remaining days slowly dwindle.”

I shook his hand grabbed the quivers and put them in a large sack I carried upon my back along with my bow.

I stepped outside from the shop and was suddenly overcome by the smell of fire. I closed my eyes and smelled the air.

I reopened them after a moment and started running as fast as I could out of the village. I felt sorry for abandoning them but I was currently not ready for this.

As I exited the village and headed into the forest I turned around and watched the village.

A pillar of fire erupted from what appeared to be the town square, loud screams were heard in the distance. A tear ran down my face as I knew those poor people were being torn limb from limb. I told myself that I would not allow this to happen again. I was determined to destroy any and every demon I came across.

As I continued watching I noticed a shadowy creature tackle the guards in front of the village killing them easily.

It turned its head toward me smelling the air, I stared into its deep yellow eyes as it stared into mine. I drew my bow and notched an arrow welcoming the demon to make a move.

Chapter 2 Devistation

As the demon charged at me I fired three arrows in rapid succession. To my dismay they hit but not where I wanted them to.

The demon continued on not phased by the arrows laughing in delight as he closed in on me.

I pulled out another arrow and aimed carefully and willed this one to finish it off.

As it approached I let go and the arrow flew right threw its head. It fell over instantly dead.

I smiled at my work but a little disappointed it took much more out of me than it should have. I turned and ran deeper into the forest.

I heard a howl as I started running. I knew one of the demons found there companion and was eager for a hunt.

I sensed it running at amazing speeds as it was following my scent. I felt this demon was bigger than the last and knew I would be in for a fight when it caught up to me.

I pressed on hard avoiding every obstacle hoping to get as far away from the pursuing demon as I could.

I felt the demon approaching behind me fast. I had no idea how far away it was, I was not going to turn around fearing it might slow my pace down and even a mere second hesitation could mean life or death.

Suddenly I felt the hair on the back of my neck stick up, I couldn't help but glance back and to my dismay the demon was mere feet away. I nearly toppled over, I cursed myself for looking. I pulled my bow out and notched an arrow and quickly turned and fired.

The demon easily avoided the arrow and my heart sank as I watched it fly into a tree.

“I have you now puny human.” It said in a deep voice.

I pulled out another arrow and concentrated a little more and fired.

The demon went to slap it out of the way but the arrow was faster than he expected and it struck him in the chest.

“You'll pay for that.” He rasped as he pulled it out and licked his blood off of it.

I didn't hesitate I fired three more arrows in rapid succession. The first hit it in the chest again the other in the arm and the third was aimed at its head.

The demon fell on its knee. “You'll have to do better than.” He swung his club at me.

I tried to duck but I was unprepared and it hit me launching me into the side of a tree.

The demon got up and stood over me. “Time to say goodnight.” He raised his club over me and began its descent.
I grabbed an arrow and stabbed it in his foot and rolled out of the way.

He roared in pain as his club struck the base of the tree.

I got up and fired two arrows into the back of his neck.

He let out a huge deafening roar. I fired another arrow into the back of his head

The demon finally fell over.

I did not stand around and wait for whatever happened next. I put the bow away and quickly started running toward the nearest village. Hopefully the demons did not get to them yet. I had my doubts though.

As I ran through the forest my mind played back twenty years ago when the three prime evils Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal walked the world. Demons roamed and destroyed everything.

Things seemed easier back then, I could shoot an arrow and easily kill a demon but this time its different. Something is wrong these demons are smarter and stronger than before.

I sensed people ahead. I got a funny feeling about approaching them but they must be warned about the demon threat. Even if they did not listen I would be at a peace of mind knowing they were warned and if they did not heed it that was there problem.

As I came into a small clearing I noticed five robed men standing around a campfire. They were chanting something, I stopped and made my presence known to them but they did not notice or chose to ignore me.

I felt dark magic around them. Something was not right, I pulled out my bow and notched an arrow. “Speak.” I commanded them.

They continued chanting. Suddenly I felt something threatening me. I would not stand around if they were evil I would have none of it.

I fired my arrow into one of the robed man's neck. He fell over on the fire and was dead immediately. The others did not seem to notice this and continued chanting.

I fired three more and got ready to fire a fourth when something I could even fathom began to happen.

The other three fell dead but the last one exploded. I ducked avoiding the projectile's but blood splattered my attire.

Where the robed figure used to stand now a snarling demon stared at me. It roared at me and I could sense the strength in this demon was extraordinary and I could tell he was angry.

I fired the arrow at him but he quickly avoided it and charged at me.

I launched two more arrows in quick succession, one missed but the other hit him in the neck. I backed up as he continued running at me not even phased.
I quickly moved out of the way of its charge.

It climbed up the tree hissing at me. Apparently my arrow did some damage.

I launched another arrow but he quickly started moving to the top of the tree's. I searched for him but suddenly it got quiet and I could not see the demon or hear his movement among the three.

I closed my eyes and began to focus on the demon trusting my instincts would not fail me again. I turned slightly to my right and launched the arrow into the tree.

I opened my eyes and focused on the silence. It was to silent and it made me uncomfortable. There were no wild life around like there should be to bring the forest alive.

After a long silence and pause I heard a deep roar as the demon fell from a nearby tree with an arrow sticking out of its head.

I smiled to myself hoping I will have more successful kills like this one. I quickly put my bow away wiped the blood off my face and continued my run toward the next town.

I could sense I was the only one in the forest, which brought me comfort knowing that no demon was following me but I was concerned about the wildlife in the forest. Had they fled or were they killed? I assume they fled since there is no signs of demonic activity in the forest save the last two encounters.

As I approached the outskirts of the mighty city of Bramwell I sensed demonic activity nearby. I tried to quicken my pace to try and warn the residents of the city of the incoming attack and hope they would not dismiss me as insane.

As I ran out of the forest my heart sank. The demons were already here and the city was under siege.

I watched as the people fought valiantly to defend there city but the demons were stronger and there was more of them.

I pulled out my arrow in frustration and anger thinking of all those innocent women and children and men getting slaughtered and ripped in half. I thought to myself if I could at least kill one of those bastards I would be satisfied.

I notched an arrow and took aim at a demon in the distance standing outside of the town probably channeling evil magic.

“Not on my watch.” I muttered as I let go of the arrow willing it to strike the demon in the head. To my satisfaction it did.

I watched the other demons around him look around confused searching for the source of the arrow. I smiled thinking why should I stop at one? What about two? Or three? I could take them all!
I launched more arrows at demons casting spells striking them dead where they stood.

I laughed continuing to fire. Suddenly I heard a small voice, it seemed to originate in my head. Run. I stopped for a moment, why should I? I can kill so many more of them.

Run I heard the voice inside my head tell me. I stopped and gathered my senses. I took in a deep breath and listened for the voice again. “Why should I?” I said aloud. “The demons have destroyed everything.”

There are more heroes like you gathering. Run.

I stood up “Where?” I asked. I heard nothing more.

I watched the chaos inside the town for a moment decided what choice did I have? I ran.


(Feel free to comment guys. If you want me to stop and I'm not doing that great just tell me I'll stop wasting posts in writing the stories and go try and improve)

Quote from DesmondTiny

Chapter 2 Devistation

As the demon charged at me I fired three arrows in rapid succession. To my dismay they hit but not where I wanted them to.

The demon continued on not phased by the arrows laughing in delight as he closed in on me.

I pulled out another arrow and aimed carefully and willed this one to finish it off.

As it approached I let go and the arrow flew right threw its head. It fell over instantly dead.

I smiled at my work but a little disappointed it took much more out of me than it should have. I turned and ran deeper into the forest.

I heard a howl as I started running. I knew one of the demons found there companion and was eager for a hunt.

I sensed it running at amazing speeds as it was following my scent. I felt this demon was bigger than the last and knew I would be in for a fight when it caught up to me.

I pressed on hard avoiding every obstacle hoping to get as far away from the pursuing demon as I could.

I felt the demon approaching behind me fast. I had no idea how far away it was, I was not going to turn around fearing it might slow my pace down and even a mere second hesitation could mean life or death.

Suddenly I felt the hair on the back of my neck stick up, I couldn't help but glance back and to my dismay the demon was mere feet away. I nearly toppled over, I cursed myself for looking. I pulled my bow out and notched an arrow and quickly turned and fired.

The demon easily avoided the arrow and my heart sank as I watched it fly into a tree.

“I have you now puny human.” It said in a deep voice.

I pulled out another arrow and concentrated a little more and fired.

The demon went to slap it out of the way but the arrow was faster than he expected and it struck him in the chest.

“You'll pay for that.” He rasped as he pulled it out and licked his blood off of it.

I didn't hesitate I fired three more arrows in rapid succession. The first hit it in the chest again the other in the arm and the third was aimed at its head.

The demon fell on its knee. “You'll have to do better than.” He swung his club at me.

I tried to duck but I was unprepared and it hit me launching me into the side of a tree.

The demon got up and stood over me. “Time to say goodnight.” He raised his club over me and began its descent.
I grabbed an arrow and stabbed it in his foot and rolled out of the way.

He roared in pain as his club struck the base of the tree.

I got up and fired two arrows into the back of his neck.

He let out a huge deafening roar. I fired another arrow into the back of his head

The demon finally fell over.

I did not stand around and wait for whatever happened next. I put the bow away and quickly started running toward the nearest village. Hopefully the demons did not get to them yet. I had my doubts though.

As I ran through the forest my mind played back twenty years ago when the three prime evils Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal walked the world. Demons roamed and destroyed everything.

Things seemed easier back then, I could shoot an arrow and easily kill a demon but this time its different. Something is wrong these demons are smarter and stronger than before.

I sensed people ahead. I got a funny feeling about approaching them but they must be warned about the demon threat. Even if they did not listen I would be at a peace of mind knowing they were warned and if they did not heed it that was there problem.

As I came into a small clearing I noticed five robed men standing around a campfire. They were chanting something, I stopped and made my presence known to them but they did not notice or chose to ignore me.

I felt dark magic around them. Something was not right, I pulled out my bow and notched an arrow. “Speak.” I commanded them.

They continued chanting. Suddenly I felt something threatening me. I would not stand around if they were evil I would have none of it.

I fired my arrow into one of the robed man's neck. He fell over on the fire and was dead immediately. The others did not seem to notice this and continued chanting.

I fired three more and got ready to fire a fourth when something I could even fathom began to happen.

The other three fell dead but the last one exploded. I ducked avoiding the projectile's but blood splattered my attire.

Where the robed figure used to stand now a snarling demon stared at me. It roared at me and I could sense the strength in this demon was extraordinary and I could tell he was angry.

I fired the arrow at him but he quickly avoided it and charged at me.

I launched two more arrows in quick succession, one missed but the other hit him in the neck. I backed up as he continued running at me not even phased.
I quickly moved out of the way of its charge.

It climbed up the tree hissing at me. Apparently my arrow did some damage.

I launched another arrow but he quickly started moving to the top of the tree's. I searched for him but suddenly it got quiet and I could not see the demon or hear his movement among the three.

I closed my eyes and began to focus on the demon trusting my instincts would not fail me again. I turned slightly to my right and launched the arrow into the tree.

I opened my eyes and focused on the silence. It was to silent and it made me uncomfortable. There were no wild life around like there should be to bring the forest alive.

After a long silence and pause I heard a deep roar as the demon fell from a nearby tree with an arrow sticking out of its head.

I smiled to myself hoping I will have more successful kills like this one. I quickly put my bow away wiped the blood off my face and continued my run toward the next town.

I could sense I was the only one in the forest, which brought me comfort knowing that no demon was following me but I was concerned about the wildlife in the forest. Had they fled or were they killed? I assume they fled since there is no signs of demonic activity in the forest save the last two encounters.

As I approached the outskirts of the mighty city of Bramwell I sensed demonic activity nearby. I tried to quicken my pace to try and warn the residents of the city of the incoming attack and hope they would not dismiss me as insane.

As I ran out of the forest my heart sank. The demons were already here and the city was under siege.

I watched as the people fought valiantly to defend there city but the demons were stronger and there was more of them.

I pulled out my arrow in frustration and anger thinking of all those innocent women and children and men getting slaughtered and ripped in half. I thought to myself if I could at least kill one of those bastards I would be satisfied.

I notched an arrow and took aim at a demon in the distance standing outside of the town probably channeling evil magic.

“Not on my watch.” I muttered as I let go of the arrow willing it to strike the demon in the head. To my satisfaction it did.

I watched the other demons around him look around confused searching for the source of the arrow. I smiled thinking why should I stop at one? What about two? Or three? I could take them all!
I launched more arrows at demons casting spells striking them dead where they stood.

I laughed continuing to fire. Suddenly I heard a small voice, it seemed to originate in my head. Run. I stopped for a moment, why should I? I can kill so many more of them.

Run I heard the voice inside my head tell me. I stopped and gathered my senses. I took in a deep breath and listened for the voice again. “Why should I?” I said aloud. “The demons have destroyed everything.”

There are more heroes like you gathering. Run.

I stood up “Where?” I asked. I heard nothing more.

I watched the chaos inside the town for a moment decided what choice did I have? I ran.


(Feel free to comment guys. If you want me to stop and I'm not doing that great just tell me I'll stop wasting posts in writing the stories and go try and improve)

Devastation*. Throw a spell check in there, read it over.

First person is particularly difficult to write in, you may want to consider third person. If not, you should still stray away from beginning 95% of your sentences with "I". The repetition isn't good for your prose, no matter how interesting the rest of the story may be.

You certainly have a story in your mind that you would like to tell, but consider two things:

- Assume we know nothing. You make quite a few references to things as if we should know them; you summed up the Diablo, Baal and Mephisto era in a single sentence. Elaborate on those points especially.

-Elaborate on everything. You can see this story play out in your mind, but we can't. Unless, that is, you describe it to us.

"I pressed on hard avoiding every obstacle hoping to get as far away from the pursuing demon as I could."

For example, consider this alternative to the above sentence:

"My fear washed over me in waves. The sound of my foe, bearing down on me sent chills through my bones as my legs tore through the destruction before me. Treacherous debris littered the path ahead, seeming to call out at me, wanting my feet to find them, wanting me to fall, becoming easy prey for whatever lay behind me. The breath tore out of my lungs in waves of fire, and I could already feel a stitch forming there. It seemed everything was against me in this race."

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind when I write the 3rd chapter. I'm not that great in first person but I'm trying

Quote from DesmondTiny

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind when I write the 3rd chapter.

Good luck.

Chapter 3 Hope

The screams of the dieing faded into the distance. The demons were moving on to the outer villages and roads destroying everything in there path.

After miles of running I stopped gasped for air, I can run a very long time without stopping but I have not ran this far and this long in years. I leaned against a tree my mind focusing on the voice that told me to run.

The voice puzzled me, was it an angel? Or was it some other mysterious force. I heard rumors that there was an angel who was fond of the world we live in. Tyrael I believe was his name was if I heard the stories correctly. I shook my head confused and hoping someday I'll find answers to the questions I have.

As I looked down I noticed a drop of blood come from above me. I touched my face but I did not have any cuts just dry blood from the robed figure that exploded.

I quickly dove out of the way as a demon landed where I once stood. I turned around to see the blood originated from the gaping hole in its head where my arrow had struck earlier.

The demon crawled on all fours toward me squealing in evil delight as I lay there staring at it. Something about its eyes seem to capture my attention, I could not look away from it.

As it neared it seemed to foam at the mouth it was hungry and had an easy prey. As it drooled uncontrollably some of it landed on my leg, I cried out in pain as the skin on my leg slowly started to burn.

Looking away from its eyes I came to my senses, I kicked the demon as hard as I could in the face, and crawled away quickly standing up and grabbing my bow.

The demon was furious as it charged at me again, seeming to scream as loud as it could.

I grabbed an arrow and stabbed it in the eye as it jumped at me. It let out a howl and fell to the ground where it bit into my leg furiously.

Screaming I grabbed an arrow and stabbed it into the other eye blinding the demon. I tried to pull my leg away from the demon but it held tight and I fell over. I swore and grabbed the demon by the neck and tried to break it.

The pain was unbearable my head was pounding and the demon would not let up, I grabbed another arrow and stabbed it into the hole where my other arrow use to reside. I pushed with all my strength until the tip came out the other side of its head.

The demon let go shuddered on the ground and lay still. Not taking another risk I grabbed my knife around my belt cursing myself for not thinking about it when I needed it most and started cutting the demons head off.

Bones crunched and broke making sounds I never thought I would hear in my life, but ripping its head off was not satisfying enough. I stabbed the demon in the stomach and cut out its innards.

My temper was boiling and my leg hurt like hell. After a while of making the demon unrecognizable I finally took a breath and calmed down and examined my leg.
It was in tact but if not treated would probably have to be amputated. I was not going to let that happen to me now. I reached into my satchel around my waist and pulled out a bottle containing a special red liquid. The taste was terrible but the pain in my leg started to subside.

I stared at my leg at a complete loss of what to do. It would eventually get infected and would have to come off.

Tears streamed down my face as the realization struck me that I would die like this. Either a demon would come to find an easy prey or the infection would set in and I would die that way.

I stared at my blade wondering if I should just end it now and deny the demons there joy.

"Heal yourself."

Laughing I said. “How the hell am I supposed to do that? I am no sorcerer.”

"But you do wield the power to heal yourself."

“Who the hell are you! What the hell do you know about me! Get out of my head.” I screamed frustrated.

"You can heal yourself. Just use your mind and will it to happen, like you will your arrows to slay your enemies."

I put a hand over my leg wanting the voices to go away, I could tell I was loosing whatever was left of my sanity. I closed my eyes and focused on my leg and willed it to heal.

After a moment of sitting there not feeling anything I opened my eyes and stared up at the sky. It was almost midday. My stomach rumbled a little and I thought to myself how could I be hungry at a time like this?

Realization struck me, I was not in pain anymore I looked down at my leg and to my amazement it was completely healed. I jumped up and down on my leg and it was as if it was completely brand new.

Knowing I was not completely insane anymore I let myself smile. “Thank you.” I said aloud. I turned toward east and decided I would try and make it to the town of Tristram before the days end.

As I headed east through the forest I noticed something that was not present before, there seemed to be a buzz of wildlife in this part of the forest. I stopped and studied my surroundings. Perhaps the demons have not made it this far yet, if that was the case then why did they stop? I decided to head toward the main road.

I was cautious approaching I was positive the demons were taking the main roads, it was the quickest way to travel if you did not know where you were going.

As I stepped out of the forest onto the main road I felt something strange, like something strange was present but was never there before.

Continuing along the path of the road in the distance I noticed a strange structure. As I neared to my surprise the walls seemed to be made of marble and it was surrounded by statues of cloaked creatures with fiery wings.

"Do not be frightened, please approach."

I walked up to the structures wall and a pathway suddenly appeared before me leading me inside. Everything was made of crystals and and diamond, the floor composed of the most intricate of marble mosaics, with patterns that made no sense to me but were utterly beautiful and I found it hard to tear my eyes away.

Four robbed figures stood around a fountain that was also made of crystal and it radiated a brilliant white light that seemed to come from the center.

"Come."

I knew then that it was these robbed figures that were communicating with me before. I found it difficult but eventually I came toward them.

“What is this place?” I asked absolutely amazed at how such a place could exist.

"It is a peace of heaven."

“I don't understand.” I said looking around at the statues. It was probably a trick of the eye but when I looked at the wings of the statues they seemed to move like fire.

"What we are about to tell you will change your entire view about the world you live in and a whole new perspective on both demons and angels. Are you sure you are ready for what you are about to hear?"

I stared at them a little unsure after a moments hesitation and looking around at the place again I nodded my head.

All four of them seemed to speak in my head at unison.

"Nearly three thousand years ago there was a time when angels had not yet discovered your world. Only a few mortals knew the world as Sanctuary, a term given by the renegade angels and demons that came together to inhabit and shape this world into what it is you see today.

The idea that our war between hell was foolish came to an angel, his name was Inarius. He along with a demon known as Lilith came together, Inarius lead a great exodus, they founded Sanctuary a refugee from our war.

To shield this world from the eyes of the rest of us the Worldstone was created. Its power was used to shield this world from our view.

The angels and demons that came to refuge here in this world and mated with each other and created the first generation of Nephalem.

Inarius was fearful of the power of the Nephalam and so he used the Worldstone to diminish there powers, over time they became mere mortals such as yourself and the people around you.

"Eventually as you can tell the powers of hell and the three Prime Evils Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal discovered this world before we did.

There was much that took place between then and now. We unfortunately don't have enough time to answer all of your questions."

I stared at them dumbfounded trying to take in all the information that was just revealed to me. “So...Am I part demon?” I asked

"And part angel, yes."

“I don't understand.”

"There is much you will not understand. The demon army approaches us, we will fight them together."

“Do you really believe we can beat them?” I asked.

The odds are against us, we will make sure you survive. You must travel east to Lut Gholein where other heroes such as yourself will be waiting. You will know each other when you all meet, we have told them the same thing we told you.

“I want to fight with you.” I told them.

If that is your wish you shall, until the fate of the battle is decided. If we are loosing then you must leave quickly.

I stared not expecting them to let me battle with them. “It will be an honor to fight by your side.” I finally mustered up the courage and said.

"No, the honor is ours."


(Let me know if I did better or worse with this chapter please)

Prose is infinitely better.

You strove to tell us more things about everything, which is great, but make sure internal dialogue (thoughts) aren't presented as if you're giving yourself a lecture on what you already know.

"After miles of running I stopped gasped for air, I can run a very long time without stopping but I have not ran this far and this long in years. I leaned against a tree my mind focusing on the voice that told me to run."

Consider instead:

...gasped for air. My stamina was seldom tasked by running, but the years between now and my last trial of this length were beginning to show, and I felt my strength waning with every step forward."

Italics are also great for emphasizing thought, take a look at your next paragraph:

The voice puzzled me, was it an angel? Or was it some other mysterious force. I heard rumors that there was an angel who was fond of the world we live in. Tyrael I believe was his name was if I heard the stories correctly. I shook my head confused and hoping someday I'll find answers to the questions I have.

I would suggest these changes:

The voice puzzled me.

An angel?

Some other mysterious force?

I <had> heard rumors that there was... etc.

Overall much better. Continue to elaborate in order to bring what you see in your head into a word picture that the reader can clearly see, don't make us work to see the story you want to tell us.

Chapter 4 Fall from Grace


The angels moved together away from the fountain and walked toward the entrance of the pathway.

The place seemed to start pulsating as if it was alive. I walked behind the angels and stared out into the distance, the armies of hell were approaching.

I pulled out my bow and readied myself for fierce combat.

“Remember the Worldstone was used to diminish your powers, but it is destroyed now, your power is limitless use your imagination and you could easily destroy any army hell sends at you.”

“So anything is possible? Just like when I healed my leg?”

“Just remember, control your power don't let it control you.”

I nodded trying to grasp this information and hope I could be useful, I'm sure they were somehow exaggerating my abilities.

As the demons saw us together they roared with delight, apparently seeing the angels and this piece of heaven excited the demons.

The army neared and stopped, a cloaked figure stepped out in front of the hellish army and with a voice that could be heard from miles around yelled. “So did you fools come to die or flee like all our other encounters!”

One of the angels stepped forward and in a calm subtle voice that seemed to radiate from all around them, “You will perish this night Azmodan.”

“Is that so?” He yelled back. “Well Iris I don't think you have room to make threats, remember last time we encountered? How you ran fleeing back to heaven? You had an army with you then now you think just the four of you and that pathetic rat hiding behind you can really take on an army?”

“You will perish tonight.” Iris said again.

“Does Auriel know what you have done? Will she be happy to hear the news that her lieutenant and most trusted aid has fallen?”

“You should not concern yourself with heavenly things.”

“Enough of this.” Azmodan said clearly annoyed by the small talk. “Attack and rip them limb from limb!”

The demon army surged forward toward the angels and there ground.

The angels suddenly burst from there robes, there wings coming forth like fiery tendrils, there sword glowing bright and wearing a breastplate made of gold.

As the demons neared a bright light radiated from the fountain and destroyed the first wave of the demons.

The angels now battle ready charged into the fray slicing down there foes with ease.

I pulled out my arrow and decided to have faith in what the angels told me earlier and willed my shot to not only kill one demon but more.

To my amazement the arrow shot and went through a whole line of demons killing them all where they stood.

I decided to try something else I shot an arrow and willed it to catch fire in mid flight, It did and it struck a demon in the neck. It screamed in agony as it pulled the arrow out, to my dissatisfaction that it did not die I tried something else.

The arrow exploded in the demons hand, it looked down seemingly unable to comprehend what just happened.

I smiled wondering what else I was somehow capable of.

“You fools!” Azmodan yelled. “Must I do everything myself?”

I watched as Azmodan leaped into the air toward one of the angels, I looked for Iris who was in the middle of the demon army battling furiously cutting down demons where they stood. Nothing seemed to be getting near enough to harm the angel.

The demons even though there companions were being slain mercilessly they seemed to be excited by the angels presence and eagerly wanted to battle the angel. Perhaps the demons were not as strong as I presumed and just wanted to test there might against an angel.

I smiled to myself, knowing there attempts were futile. My thoughts turned toward the angel being attacked by Azmodan. I notched an arrow and willed this one to strike the demon in the head. I watched it fly toward the two who were furiously striking at each other.

Azmodan seemed to sense the arrow and deflected it with his arm.“You'll have to do better than that!” He yelled.

I smiled welcoming the challenge notching another arrow. Suddenly the ground below me exploded and threw me into the air. I landed hard against a tree. I was disoriented a little but shook it off.

As I reached for my bow something strange happened, the trees roots came alive and grabbed my arm and held me I struggled to crawl away from the roots but was to slow. I heard Azmodan's laugh in the distance. “Pathetic! You call this a fight?”

I stared in absolute horror as I watched Azmodan strike one of the angels to the ground.

“Any last words?” He laughed hysterically as he plunged one of his demonic claws into the angels body.

What I saw next was the most beautifulest thing and the most horrible thing I have ever witnessed in my life, the armored angel exploded in a flash of astounding colors and a sharp, keening noise. The angels seemed as much sound and light as substance.

I watched another angel who was battling a rather large horrific demon, his eyes were red and he carried a huge mace. He stood towering over the angel as it flew around nicking the enemy trying to find a way to kill it. The demon seemed to laugh at its attempts to try and slay him.

Azmodan caught the demons eye and nodded at it, the demon nodded in return. Azmodan unleashed a dark force of magic at the angel as its continued to struggle with the other demon.

It struck the angel and he fell to the ground. The giant demon taking advantage of the fallen angel brought its mace down smashing the angel with such force, that it to exploded into the brilliant colors of light and sound.

I looked toward Iris who was still slaying demons with ease and then to the other angel. I decided I was not going to sit here and watch them die anymore, I struggled to get free of tree's roots but they held strong.

Stopping for a moment and thinking I concentrated on the roots and willed them to let me go, to my dismay nothing happened. I tried something else something I hoped would work.

As the roots caught fire they seemed to retract and let me free, I smiled hoping I was not to late to try and make a difference.

To my dismay as I looked at the battlefield I knew that this fight was over and we failed. I examined everything carefully, the third angel was being beaten down and outnumbered and suddenly it also exploded into colorful lights and sound.

“Time to end this! Seize her!” Azmodan yelled.

The tall demon grabbed Iris and held the angel up, that was the first time I realized that Iris was in fact female. I did not notice before but her attire was more feminine and as she spoke I focused on her voice which was also feminine.

“You will pay for this!” She yelled.

The structure started pulsating and to my amazement the statues surrounding the structure started moving and coming to life.

“We will have none of this.” Azmodan said. He waved a hand shooting dark magic at the statues destroying them where they stood before they could become a real threat. “Destroy this cursed site.”

The demons roared with delight as they started swarming the structure destroying the outer walls made of marble, and shattering the crystal structures inside.

A tear streamed down my eye as I watched from the distance. How could these monsters destroy such a beautiful place.

“What are you waiting for!” Iris yelled. “Finish me.”

Azmodan laughed, “I don't think I'll do that. You'll make a nice trophy to hang up in hell for all to see. Perhaps Inarius would enjoy the company of a fellow angel”

Staring in disbelief at what I saw and what I was hearing, I snapped to my senses which told me I needed to take action. I would not stand around and allow this beautiful angel become tormented. I grabbed my bow and notched an arrow and willed this one to strike my target dead. I felt terrible for what I was about to do but I was positive that she would not want it any other way. I closed my eyes and focused, after a moment I fired the arrow.

I did not take time to see the aftermath of my shot I quickly started running, heading east. The beautiful majestic sound was all the confirmation I needed to know that I struck my target, followed by the angry yell of a demon who was just robbed its prize.

Chapter 5 Encounters of the strange kind.

The realization that hell was practically on my heels did not set in until four or five demons were nearly upon me.

As I realized this I figured if I willed the demons to fall over I might have a chance at getting away, fighting was not an option right now.

As I heard feet stumble I knew that perhaps it worked, I hoped that it worked for I was not going to look back, not after coming this far.

The demons screamed apparently frustrated and angry. I looked up at the tree branches I was avoiding and decided if there roots can tie me up then perhaps the branches could be a nuisance.

I willed the branches to come down and strike the demons, hoping to slow them down as I ran.

The demons angry cries were all I needed to confirm what I was doing was working. I continued running as fast as I can willing myself to go faster after every moment hoping that I actually was.

Hours passed as I continued running, I could feel my lungs growing heavy, I would have to stop soon. There was no sign of demons behind me anymore but I was not going to take the chance.

My focus turned to finding water, I sensed a running stream nearby and decided that is to be my destination. I focused on seeing if demons were around and it was safe but I could not sense any demons nearby.

As I approached the stream I slowed looking around at my surroundings. I had no idea where I was, I assumed I must be getting close to the mountain pass into the desert.

As I knelt down beside the stream I noticed dead fish floating by on the surface, the water was tainted. I swore aloud wondering how far away the next source of water would be and if it was going to be contaminated as well.

An Idea formed into my head and I smiled wondering why I did not think of this before. I put my hand in the water and willed it to be free of any taint.

I sat and watched, I spotted another dead fish floating by. Had it worked? I grabbed a handful of water and inspected it. It did not seem tainted but I would not have noticed it was if I had not spotted the dead fish.

A drank some of it and it tasted good, not waiting any longer I pulled out my canteen and filled it with the water and quickly drank every ounce of it. I came to the conclusion that I was dehydrated. I had not noticed before how bad my throat was parched but I quickly filled up my bottle at least seven more times and drank it all before filling it up again and putting it away.

My thoughts set on the setting sun, it would be dark soon. Hard to believe the day slipped away so fast. Running from demons, battling demons, encountering angels, all in one day took a toll on my mind and I was exhausted.

As I found a nice tree to lay against I remembered the nightmares. Will they return? Will they consume me? I felt my eyes drop, the world became a rather blur, as I fell into a deep dark sleep.
The screams echoed, the demonic laughter was deafening as I scurried about. I was lost in darkness.

Suddenly red eyes appeared all around me laughing in delight. A cloaked demon stepped forward.

“Hello little mortal.” Azmodan hissed. “You robbed me today, and you'll be punished for it.”

“No!”I yelled searching for my bow but it was not where to be found.

“Looking for this?” Azmodan held out my bow with a twisted smile. “Along with this?” He then held out my knife in the other hand.

I backed up only to bump into a demon, started I turned quickly away from it backing up into another, then another. They were closing in around me.

I decided to lash out with my fists but only struck air, the demons were laughing in delight as I failed to hit them.

Suddenly Azmodan was upon me. “I believe I'll take you as my prize.” He said whispering into my ear. “You better start moving that tree your sleeping under wont protect you from me.”

I jolted awake sitting up breathing heavily. I reached for my bow and to my satisfaction it was there. I grabbed it and wondered if I had enough time to hunt a small animal. Perhaps hunting for berries will have to suffice for my early morning meal.

I decided it would have to do, I quickly quenched my early morning thirst and refilled my canteen and took off.

As I ran my nightmare returned to my thoughts. Normally I was able to control these things but this time it was different. Azmodan was more cunning than I had first believed.

Shaking my head and focusing on a berry bush I accidentally stumbled upon one. I smiled to myself thinking that it would take all morning to come across one.

I quickly picked nearly all the food off the bush and put a few into my pouch and eating the rest.

Smiling as my hunger was satisfied, I quickly started off on my trek east. The mountain pass to the desert was my destination. At the pace I am traveling I should reach the pass by midday.

The run was surprisingly peaceful, I was still shaken by the events I witnessed yesterday and I hoped there would be more angels trying to combat the demons. They were great allies to have.

My focus suddenly turned toward the road that was nearby, I sensed travelers heading east. Perhaps I should warn them of the demon threat if they were not aware already.

I ran out onto the road and to my surprise it was not just people it was a caravan. There were soldiers who were protecting the travelers oddly enough there was only a few travelers.

One of the soldiers saw me and told everyone to stop, he went over to a short man he wore blue garments and whispered something to him.
They both started coming toward my way and I walked toward them.

“Greetings traveler.” He said in a cheerful manner. “What brings you this way?”

“I am heading east. To Lut Gholein.” I told him.

“Why that's where my caravan is heading, you are welcome to travel along if you wish, we have food and shelter and camping material.”

“Thank you, I believe I will take you up on this offer, also may I ask are you aware of the demons roaming these lands?”

The man laughed. “Demons? Have not seen or heard the like in nearly twenty years. Although I did hear rumors that there was a demon army north near Bastions Keep in the Barbarian lands.”

“Well sad to say those rumors are correct and demons have started terrorizing these lands Bramwell has already been destroyed.”

The soldier and the man stared at me in disbelief.

“Should we send news to Tristram?” The guard asked the man.

“It will be useless. I have seen this army with my own eyes and it does not matter how much warning you give them there defenses will fail.”

“I believe our only action would be to quickly head east.” The short man said. “I don't believe Lut Gholein has suffered any attacks yet and they must be warned.”

“I'll go tell the others we are going to quicken our pace.” The soldier said heading back to the caravan.

“Oh where are my manners?” The short man said to me. “I am Warriv.”

“Warriv?” I said astonished. “I have not seen you in nearly twenty years!”

“Do I know you?” He asked.

“I traveled with your caravan to Lut Gholein after the monastery was cleansed, after the death of the Andarial.

Warriv seemed to shiver a little when I mentioned her name. “Ah yes I remember you now. It's good to see you are still alive.”

“Likewise. So have you been running the caravan back and fourth between here and Lut Gholein for the last twenty years?”

“When the rouges need supplies I travel east and get them. Also its nice to see old friends again. We can talk later lets get the caravan moving again we must make haste.”

We did not travel at my speed but it was nice talking with people, by late evening we finally made it through the pass and we were now heading into the desert. I spoke with a young family that was heading east to find a new place to live, they wanted to experience life in the desert.

“Well as you may know it's completely really hot.” I said smiling at them.

They laughed. The father was tall and skinny and to me seemed like he had not eaten in years. But he was really cheerful and optimistic. I admired that in him.

“Yea I know.” He said to me. “But hey its something new and perhaps if were lucky we might find something we like.”

So far Warriv only told the soldiers about the demon threat, I found it sad that there dreams would be shattered and they would probably wind up dead.

The mother carried a small baby girl in her arms.

“How old is she?” I asked.

“She has been a blessing to us for a year.” She said smiling.

“May I hold her?” I asked.

“Sure.” She handed me the baby and I took her and held her gently.

I looked at her, forcing myself not to cry, such a beautiful baby, and if she does somehow survive she will be growing up in a completely hellish environment.

“What is her name?” I asked handing back the baby to her mother.

“Her name is Anna.” She said.

“That's a beautiful name.”

“Thank you.”

The temperature suddenly changed, the nice cool climate was no more. The desert was unusually hot, at least the sun was setting but that did not help the heat.

The baby started moving around obviously uncomfortable in the heat.

“How long will we travel?” I yelled at warriv.

“Until it is nearly dark!” He shouted back.

I was not comfortable with the pace we were moving at, the sun was setting. If Azmodan send a squad of demons after me then this caravan was not safe.

Nightfall came and we set up camp.

“We should be in Lut Gholein by tomorrow at midday.” Warriv told us as we sat around the campfire.

As I lay down my eyes nearly shut I heard strange voices inside my head, not just any voice though it was the voice of Azmodan.

“Don't fall asleep.” he said in a mocking voice. “You are my trophy and I would hate to see the cultists I sent after the caravan to slit your throat in your sleep. You should get out of there, all I want is the child.”

I snapped awake interrupting the demons horrific laugh. I closed my eyes and tried to come to my senses, was the demon telling the truth or was he just tormenting me?

As I stood up I noticed something move far off into the distance. I woke up the soldiers and Warriv.

“What is it lad?” Warriv asked.

“There are things moving out in the distance. I don't think they are friendly.”

The soldiers went on guard as they heard me say this looking out into the desert.

“I fear they may be after the child.” I said to the captain and Warriv.

“How would you know this and why would they be after the child?”

“I just feel it, trust me please.”

“Alright.” Warriv said sighing.

Suddenly there was a scream, one of the soldiers was not accounted for.

I pulled out my bow closed my eyes and focused on where they were. I shot my arrow off into the distance.

The soldier came crawling back into the camp a dagger sticking out of its back he shuddered and lay still.

“Be on guard!” The captain yelled.

Suddenly they were upon us, people wearing dark cloaks and long swords in there hands, they were skilled and charged at the soldiers.

I smiled knowing they were just men. I shot an arrow at one of them, it hit them where there face would be and they fell over dead.

I looked over at another soldier being hard pressed by one of the cultists, I shot an arrow at him slaying him instantly as it landed in his neck.

The soldier turned to me and nodded and continued on with the fight.

I heard a scream from the mother. “They have my child!” She yelled.

I quickly ran over to her. “Which way did they go?”

She pointed at one of the dark figured running out of the camp into the distance, I quickly started running after him. I could hear the baby's cries in the distance.

Little did the cultist I was chasing know that I was faster and stronger than him. He would not live long. I willed the desert sand in front of him to fly into his face. I watched with satisfaction as I saw him tumble to the ground trying to get sand out of his eyes.

I quickly came upon him, turning him over. Something was not right I no longer heard the babies cries.

“Where is the child!” I said holding the knife to his throat.

He laughed and spit in my face.

I punched him. “Where is the child!” I said again.

“You fool, I don't have the child.”

I cursed myself for falling for such a trap I quickly turned to see if any attackers were coming at me.

The man laughed again. “You are not so bright.”

I grabbed my bow and shot an arrow into his head and turned to run toward the camp.

Something was wrong. As I neared the camp I could no longer see the soldiers fighting or any fighting for that matter. As I approached I heard sobs, I went over to the mother.

“What happened?” I asked. “Did everyone die?” I looked around but there were no bodies to be found except the two cultists I killed. “Did they run off?”

The women continued crying her face buried into her hands.

“Please.” I begged. “Tell me what happened, where is the child?”

Suddenly the women stopped crying and started making another sound. I stared in disbelief was this women laughing? Clearly she had gone insane.

She looked up to me and I jumped back reaching for my bow, I found myself staring at her, staring into her deep red glowing eyes that seemed so mesmerizing I watched her smile, and her razor sharp teeth glinted as the light of the slowly dieing fire danced upon them.

Interesting. Who is the person telling the story? You mentioned they were with Warriv around the time of D2. Is it one of the old heroes?

No its not from a perspective of one of the old heroes. He is a hunter, he traveled around killing demons during the time of Diablo2. Never encountered the prime evils.

Getting better with every post. Keep it up.

Chapter 6 Revelations (Sorry for the long chapter, not as exciting as the others but I'll try to make the next one more exciting..if I can )


My body seemed to go limp, my jaw dropped as I stared at her half in disbelief and half whatever type of spell she seemed to have on me.

“Why would you give away your only child?” I said never looking away from here gaze.

“It's for the greater good.” She said. She grabbed my hand, it felt warm and soft and somehow right.

I stared into her eyes, my heart pounding, wondering why she was having this affect on me. Wondering why now, of all times.

“Are you a demon?” I asked.

She laughed. “Oh my sweet dear no, I am no demon I am human like yourself, only I see the greatness the burning hells has to offer. You see my dear I was raised in hell.”

I stared at her stunned. “Why had the demons not killed you?”

As my mind was trying to process this information a cloaked figure stepped out from the shadows and put his arm around the girl.

“Don't you see?” The recognizable voice of Azmodan said. “Do you really think for twenty years we have been sitting idle licking our wounds? You are a fool if you think so. Although you may not have heard about it much but we have been stealing newborn children from there mothers for a very long time now.”

“What purpose could they possibly serve?” I asked.

“Why it's simple.” Azmodan replied. “Don't you see? We banished the prime evils into your world. Our goal was to remove the Worldstone. You see there was once a demon known as Lilith, she was very smart and cunning and had this wonderful idea. Of course at the time we did not realize how truly brilliant this idea was.”

“Typical demon.” I said.

“Silence!” Azmodan yelled. His voice nearly making my head feel like it was going to explode. “Who more innocent and easy to train and learn than a child? Children you see were the key to our success. We raise them and taint them and in turn they annihilate the forces of heaven. You see what you don't understand your power and every humans power is now limitless, the only thing stopping you is your imagination.”

“I don't understand why are you telling me this? Why don't you just kill me?”

“Why because you are his prize.” The female said. “I believe I will take you to him.”

The shadowy figure of Azmodan dissipated in the wind.

I retracted my hand away from her grabbing my bow.

“Now don't play hard to get dear.” She said in a sweet voice that for some reason made my heart want to melt. She reached out her hand and my bow flew into hers.

I stared into her eyes a longing had come over me that I have never felt before, I did not feel it when I met her for the first time, I was confused at these new found feelings.

Suddenly I heard a voice in my head, it was soft but noticeable.

“You are being played.” It said. “You must approach this situation in another way, she is not casting a spell but willing your heart to fall for her. Fight back.”

As I realized exactly what was happening I started fighting back.

She fought harder.

I willed myself to come to my senses and see the situation for what it is. An idea formed in my head and I decided I would play along with it.

“Come closer dear.” She said to me in a deep dark seductive voice. She smiled her teeth glinting.

I knelt down before her and leaned in close grabbing the tip of my knife.

“That's it dear, now lets have some fun before I take you back to hell.”

Starring into her eyes I felt myself start to crumble a little, she leaned in close to me, my heart started pounding as if it were going to jump out from my chest and into hers.

Coming to my senses I pulled out my knife and slit her throat open. I quickly backed up before she could try and retaliate.

She did not overreact instead she put a hand to her throat and looked up at me and did something I would never have expected, she smiled at me.

She stood up and threw my bow at my feet and covered the wound with both hands. When she pulled them away to my amazement her wound was no longer there, she had completely healed herself.

“My dear.” She said. “My sweet loving darling, why would you do something so terrible?”

I picked up my bow intending to end this struggle once and for all.

She reached out her hand I held my bow fast willing it to stay in my hands.

“If only you would have came quietly.” She said. “I was hoping to not have to force this upon you, I even offered to have some fun with you before they hung you up in the depths of hell for all to see. A reminder for what we strive for. It's a real shame I'm going to have to harm you.”

“I'll kill you before you lay a hand on me.” I nearly yelled at her.

“Do I make you uncomfortable dear?” She asked.

As much as she did I was not going to show it or let her find out, and use it as an advantage. I notched an arrow. “Any last words before I end your miserable life?”

“Give me your best shot.” She said with a smile.

I shot the arrow.

What happened next was totally unexpected. I watched as she quickly got up and avoided the arrow and before I could react accordingly I found myself on the ground, a knife held up to my throat.

“Valiant effort.” She said. “You are going to have to do better than that, here I was thinking you were a great shot. I was not even a foot away from you and you missed.” She shook her head. “I had higher expectations than this.”

“Sorry to disappoint you.” I replied reaching for my knife.

“You looking for something?” She said laughing.

I realized the knife being held next to my throat was in fact my own.

“So where does this put us?” She said. “Are you going to stop struggling?”

I smiled at her and willed the sand next her face to explode.

She quickly reacted by driving the knife toward my chest, but I rolled out of the way and quickly got up.

I grabbed my bow and notched an arrow and fired at her, she quickly rolled away from the shot.

“I pity at the lack of your imagination.” She said to me.

“How so?” I asked grabbing another arrow.

As I was getting ready to aim, she formed a ball of fire with her hands and shot it at me.

I hesitated unsure of what to do, I tried getting out of the way but was to late, the fire hit me and sent me to the desert ground.

As I recovered I found myself looking up into her red eyes for some reason to me they seemed completely beautiful.

“I don't think I ever caught your name.” I said to her trying to stall and get my senses together.

“My name is Emma. How sweet of you to ask.”

I decided I would try to do exactly what she did, I felt my hands turn hot and I raised them toward her and willed fire to shoot from my palms.

She screamed as she flew back.

I quickly got up and grabbed my bow.

“Save yourself.” The soft voice in my head said to me.

I knew I was going to regret this decision but I was exhausted and summoning the fire took a lot out of me. I put my bow around my back and decided to run.

The desert was completely black but I believed I was going the right way. I heard a laughter off in the wind. I willed myself to go faster hoping Emma was not somehow easily catching up to me. I did not dare look.

The darkness surrounded me. It was so cold that it reminded me of another time when I was stuck in the desert and it was rather dark, only during that day the sun was blocked by serpents. Claw Vipers.

The news spread around town like wildfire, as I was hearing that the heroes that defeated Andarial had restored light to the desert once more and slain the serpents causing the eclipse of the sun. I looked up to those five champions. I longed to join them but did not have the courage to seek there audience. I did follow them of course slaying my fair share of demons and strange creatures.

During those dark times everything seemed somehow easier. It's like the demons back then kinda wandered with no goal in mind, although they did have a goal it was just not noticeable.

I felt my stamina drain from me, I was completely drained of any willpower and the thought of continuing seemed pointless.

I fell to my knees utterly defeated.

“Do not give up now hero.” The soft voice in my head said to me.

“Who are you?” I cried out. “What do you want with me?”

“Would you like me to reveal myself to you?” The voice asked.

“Only if you can help me.” I said aloud trying not to fall face first into the sand.

Suddenly a bright white light enveloped me, and just as quickly as it came, it was gone. A hand came down and offered help.

I accepted it and felt a jolt of determination. I looked up to see a figure dressed in white robes, as she spoke her voice became more clear and more feminine.

“Why certainly.” She said, her voice echoing from inside my head.

“Are you an angel?” I asked already knowing the answer.

“Yes.”

“Why did you save me?” I asked.

“Iris, my lieutenant sacrificed herself so you could live, normally I would not approve of such intervention, but I will not let her die in vein. We share the same beliefs that you must help us defeat the demons and bring an end to the Prime Evils plans once and for all.”

“Why not bring an army of angels here to fight back the demons.” I asked.

“Because I'm afraid if we do that would invite all of hell to invade and attack us, utterly destroying your world in the process.”

“I see.” We started walking along the path I believed would take me to Lut Gholein.

“Something troubles you.” The angel said. “What is it?”

“The demons. They say they have been abducting children and training them to fight for the cause of hell.”

“We have had our suspicions about this.” The angel told me. “This is why we need people on our side combating them.”

“You have a lot more humans on your side than on there's. The battle will be tough but I'm sure we will pull ahead in the end.”

“Don't be so hasty to underestimate the powers of hell. If you do you will find yourself in a situation that you will never escape.”

“What are you going to do? You must send angels to assist us, if the humans are anywhere near as powerful and cunning as Emma we may fail.” My mind was a confused blur, I could barley comprehend what I was saying but I felt that the angels needed to assist us.

“You see we are under a conflicted vote, We are suspecting that the powers of hell have already gathered a significant large number of humans willing to fight for them and able to do nearly anything, taught to use the unexpected to there advantage like your conflict with the human girl.”

“What are your plans?” I asked.

“Well normally when we vote to keep something alive or destroy it bringing up past votes is normally forbidden and we don't do it but recently, it has arisen again and though we have discussed it many times it seems like the outcome will change.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked. “What do you mean by vote?”

“Well you see like the Prime Evils that rule among hell there are angels that rule among heaven, the most powerful and the most high of all. We decide the fate of our people and when we next strike against the powers of the burning hells. We call ourselves the Angiris Council, which include myself and four others.

I stared at her in awe. “You are a ruler among heaven?” I asked.

“I would not put it like that but I do have a say in things. Among us in an angel Tyrael perhaps you have heard of him.”

“Yes I have. I hear he formed the group known as the Horadrim which captures all three Prime Evils and locked them into the soulstones.”

“Yes, that is true.”

“So if I may ask what is it you are voting for now?”

The angel was silent for a long moment. “I don't think I should divulge this information to you. Not only for the safety of our plans but how you may react to such a decision.”

“I promise your secrets are safe with me, the demons would not be able to torture such information out of me.”

The angel pointed ahead. “There is your destination.”

I stared astonished at the jewel city of Lut Gholein. How we traveled so fast when it should take at least half a day to arrive was beyond me.

“Be prepared for the worst.” The angel said. “Depending on the outcome of a few certain battles your world may be in danger.”

The realization suddenly hit me on what the angel was talking about. “Are you really debating about destroying our world?” I nearly screamed. “How could you be so damn heartless! You can save this world!”

The angel put her hand up silencing me. “Free your imagination. Do not let your powers only extend to your bow, continuing such things will be the end of you.”

I only nodded.

“Farewell, for now. The other heroes await you, prepare yourselves mentally for the exhausting battles ahead. Do not dwell on the information you have received today, the fate of your world lies in you and the other heroes that rise in these dark times.”

Suddenly a white light enveloped the angel and she was gone. My heart sunk and I wondered if perhaps the angels were no better than the demons we both sought to destroy.

Chapter 7 The Gathering.

As the morning came about I found myself walking the streets of Lut Gholein, marveling at its beauty and how busy its people were.

Children were playing about in the streets, people smiling as they go by.

I noticed after twenty years this place has changed so much so many more people came to live here. I figured I would try and see if some of the familiar people were still about in the city.

My travel around the city took me past the great palace of the sultan where many guards were standing about, there were also many guards traveling around the city, keeping things in order.

As I passed the town square I noticed many merchants trading with travelers and other folk, people were smiling happily and laughing talking about there travels, there past, and the hopes of there future.

As I neared the far east of the town I noticed a rather old man dressed in orange and black robes. He had a scroll in his hand and he seemed to be reading it, studying it intensely.

This came as no surprise to me, I neared him and made my presence known to him.

“Greetings stranger.” He said. “How may I help you?”

“Drognan?” I asked. I noticed that the last twenty years had taken a toll on him.

“Yes, do I know you stranger” He asked.

“Why yes, you may not remember me but I was a traveler, I was one of the people who spoke to you often nearly twenty years ago during the rather dark times.”

“Ah yes! You were one of the many heroes that came about, why yes I remember you now. You asked me about the nature of the Arcane Sanctuary and were rather interested in it.”

“Why yes I did. Also may I ask you a rather quick question. Did you happen to hear about any other heroes or travelers that arrived recently?”

Drognan thought for a moment. “Why yes I did. Lord Jerhyn was telling me about a few of them that came to speak to him. They tried to convince him to get ready for some kind of attack on our city.”

“Well you might want to start doing that. The demons have returned its only a matter of time before they start attacking.”

Drognan looked at me trying to tell if something should be done or not. “What makes you believe this?”

“I saw the town of Bramwell and many other villages fall with my own eyes. I don't want to witness this one suffer the same fate.”

Drognan nodded his head. “I'll tell Lord Jerhyn of your concerns. In the meantime I suggest you head toward the tavern, I believe that's where the other travelers that came by meet at.”

I nodded my head, “Thank you.”

As I walked away I could not believe Jerhyn would not take heed to the others warnings. He saw first hand the power of demons, especially after they murdered his harem girls.

As I walked into the tavern I quickly noticed two familiar faces. Atma who was happily serving drinks with another middle aged man and the laughter of Geglash who seemed to be the life of the tavern.

I had sometimes wished that Geglash would find a way to stop drinking so heavily apparently he ran into more problems in the past twenty years. He looked completely lost as he had drink after drink. The warrior in him has long faded.

I noticed four other people in the far back eying me suspiciously. I wondered if those were the group of people I was supposed to meet up with, the ones the four angels told me to meet.

I decided I would quickly find out, I walked toward them, they eyed me cautiously. They all were wearing dark cloaks hiding there faces, I noticed the eyes of one of them glowed a strange yellowish color.

“Greetings.” I said walking up to them.

“Hello.” One of them said. “How may we help you?”

“Do you know about the angels?” I asked.

The one with the yellow glowing eyes stepped forward. “Why yes we do, you are the last traveler sent this way?” Her voice made it apparent that she was female.

“Yes I am. I don't think we have much time before this city's in danger.”

“We are well aware of that.” She said to me. “Now that you are here, we need to move quickly.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Cultists. They inhabit the sewers under the city. I'm sure they are the ones getting ready to summon demons here.”

“Alright, then should we move now?” I asked.

“I think formalities are in need before we proceed anywhere.” The female said. “I am Natasha. As you will come to understand that I am a Demon Hunter. I lost my family and everything I ever loved to demons. You will do best not to anger me, or stand in my way, I will put an arrow in your back.”

The cloaked man sitting at the table spoke. “I am Auden.” He pulled out a sword and a shield. I noticed the shield had a cross on it.

“Are you a paladin?” I asked.

“I have lost my faith.” He said bitterly. “Twenty years ago I once was a believer of the Zakarum faith, but when the split happened because of the corrupt leadership I departed from the faith.
The man to the right of Auden spoke. I noticed a battleaxe in his hand. “My name is Remos. If you have not guessed I am in fact a Barbarian.”

“You do know about the demons invading up north?”

He nodded. “As much as I would love to be there defending my people, I was banished from my homeland. I will not indulge you on the details it is my shame to live.”

I nodded at him asking no questions

The fourth person in the corner spoke, his voice seemed rather weak. “My name is Drake. I am a simple warrior, don't let that fool you I can hold my own against a demon of any size and strength.”

“It is an honor to meet you all.” I said to them. “My name is Elijah.”

At the mention of my name they stood up and prepared to leave.

“We must act fast, we were tempted to start without you but the paladin insisted we wait. Even if he's now a nonbeliever he's still patient and persistent.” Natasha informed me.

“Patience and persistence are the things that kept me alive.” He replied.

We walked out to the street. Guards turned there head toward us in suspicion but doubted we would try and cause trouble.

“So which entrance are we taking?” I asked. “The one up the street or the one down by the docks.”

“The one down by the docks would be better, not as many people would see us head down there that way anyway.” Natasha said. “Also the less people know about us the better, keeps the guards from arresting us and throwing us in jail.”

As we made our way inside the sewer entrance I sensed dark magic in the air. I nodded at Natasha who apparently noted the same thing.

“This place reeks.” Remos said.

“Way to notice and pick up on something.” Drake said with sarcasm brushing by the rest of us.

Remos glared at him but did not say anything.

I was surprised to see the sewers was not littered with bones and skeletons. Someone must have actually cleaned the place up in the last twenty years.

Twenty years ago undead were massing in the sewers under Lut Gholein summoned by a greater mummy known as Radament. I was one of the few who went into the sewers and dispatched many undead creatures and eventually aided the great heroes in defeating the creature. Sad to say that was the only time I ever talked to them or assisted them.

We descended deeper into the sewers, the dark magic growing stronger, seeping through the walls. It was sickening.

As I led the way I came to a opening with four pathways, I had forgotten how much of a maze this place was.

“Where do we go now Elijah?” Drake asked.

I studied the paths trying to remember which way we needed to go.

“Were not alone.” Auden said, readying his sword and shield.

“About time we face some action.” Remos said with a smile, battleaxe ready.

“And here I was thinking you were more of the subtle type.” Drake said pulling out his two handed sword.

Undead skeletons were moving down the hallways after us, most had a sword and shield, a few bigger ones held a giant two handed sword.

“Four hallways, four of us, one of us on each. If you can handle that.” Natasha suggested.

“Sounds simple enough.” Drake said.

The skeletons started running at us.

Natasha quickly threw some type of gadget at there feet, when activated spikes flew out and destroyed a group of skeletons easily. She then shot an arrow into the ground which exploded causing the skeletons to nearly fall apart.

I stared at her amazed, I have never seen anything like that in my life.

“So pretty boy are you going to start doing something or are you going to watch me awestruck while I kill these skeletons?”

I quickly came to my sense and smiled. I pulled out an arrow and willed it to bring as much destruction to these undead as possible. I let go and to my surprise the arrow exploded creating a huge wave of fire that shot back into the hallway decimating every undead creature in its path.

I turned to her and found her staring at me. “Impressive.” She said turning her attention back to killing the undead.

I smiled looking for any other undead in my hallway to kill, for some reason to my dismay there were none.

I turned my attention to the rest of the group, Auden was easily slaying the skeletons with ease, he had a mace in his hand, his sword sheathed at his side, his shield glowing bright knocking the skeletons into many pieces with ease.

Drake was struggling a little but was doing relatively fine. There were not as many undead in his hallway as the rest, I suspected that was a good thing.

Remos was nearly at the other end of the hallway, he was spinning around utterly destroying the undead where they stood, not letting the undead come to him he was going to them dispatching them with ease.

As the undead were quickly being dispatched I remembered the way we needed to go.

“Are you sure?” Drake asked, he was the most beat up among us. Many cuts along his arm where the undead struck.

“I am positive.” I told them. “Lets go.”

We descended further into the sewers, we did not encounter any more undead along the way but we were cautious.

The silence was enough to nearly put me on edge, it was to silent. I could sense the dark magic was incredibly strong. Whoever was down here was planning something big.

As we came to a clearing to our horror there were many cultists chanting dark magic.

“You ready for this?” Natasha asked me readying her arrows.

“Yes, lets finish them off.”

We bot shot our arrows into the group of cultists who died instantly to our arrows, but they did not react to us, just continued chanting.

I willed my arrow to split apart and strike as many cultists as it could, to my amazement the arrow split into many tiny projectiles and sunk into about twenty of the cultists. When all of them were dead we smiled at each other marveling at our work.

“Impressive.” A voice said, it seemed to come from the shadows. “It's a shame if you would have arrived earlier you would have completely stopped our plans from working. Thankfully though the group of undead stalled you.”

“Reveal yourself!” Drake yelled, eager to fight.

“Foolish mortal.” The demon said. “You should not pick a fight you know you will loose.”

“I will destroy you.” Drake said running into the room.

“Drake come back!” Auden yelled.

It was to late, claws came out of the shadows and grabbed Drake and ripped his body in half.

A giant mantis like demon stepped out from the shadows. “My name is Xazax I will be the one destroying each and every one of you. My Master Belial would be pleased knowing the 'chosen' were out of the way. How the angels could pick a pathetic group like you to try and save this city is rather surprising, I suspect they are growing desperate.”

“You will pay for that.” Auden said. He charged in followed by Remos.
I notched an arrow thinking of how I can make it useful.

Natasha started firing away at the beat.

Xazax laughed he moved to the side avoiding the arrows swinging his claw down at Auden, who deflected it with his shield.

Remos spun around swinging his battleaxe aiming for one of his limbs, Xazax deflected the blow with his claw and backed up avoiding the constant arrows from Natasha.

I willed this arrow to be lightning fast and hit the target.

As I let go the arrow, moving faster than my eyes could follow, stuck into the top of the demons head.

Xazax screeched pulling out the arrow.

Taking the opportunity Remos and Auden quickly struck the demon with there weapons pushing him back, Natasha's arrows striking him in the chest.

“Damn you pesky mortals!” Xazax yelled smashing the ground sending Auden and Remos flying back into the wall.

I notched another arrow willing this one to do the same as the last. It struck the demons chest.

He let out a scream and backed up into the shadows disappearing completely.

We backed up together searching the room wondering where the demon was going to strike next.

He laughed. “What a huge mistake that was. You should have stayed spread out allowing me to take you one by one.”

Suddenly a claw came out of the shadows at me striking me in the chest sending me back flying.

Natasha shot arrows into the shadow where the beast has struck.

“Now you are mine human.” Xazax said with delight.

I felt his presence descend upon me.

“Enough of this!” Auden yelled. He raised his sword high over his head. “Let there be light!”

A bright light illuminated every shadow in the room.

Xazax screamed as the light blinded him, he backed into the corner.

Auden pointed the light at him, he seemed to try and back up searching for a shadow to hide in.

“This is not over!” Xazax yelled. “Belial save me so I may return!” The demon suddenly disappeared.

Natasha came over and helped me up.

“Are you alright?” She asked eying the wound on my chest.

“I am fine.” I said putting a hand over the wound willing it to heal. As the wound closed up the walls started to shake and faint screams could be heard in the distance.

“We have to get out of here!” Auden told us.

We took off running as fast as we could.

As we ascended the screams could be heard more clearly. Something was terribly wrong. I sensed the dark magic in the sewers was still lingering but we had no time to investigate further.

As we came out of the sewers in the harbor I looked to the horizon, the sky was red like blood. Demons were marching toward the town.

The city was abuzz screaming women and children trying to find a place to hide, the palace guards and mercenaries scrambled to get proper weapons and armor, I could sense Drognan gathering spell casters and preparing them for the battle to come.

“We have to get to the front lines.” Auden said.

“We will have enough time for that.” Natasha told him. “We must prepare ourselves mentally for this fight.”

I watched in horror as the demonic army started descending toward the town, the soldiers just now forming a line trying to defend the city, archers in the back, and atop towers began firing into the the horde of demons.

“Lets go.” I told them.

We ran to the front lines, the soldiers clearly happy with our presence.

Drognan and the spell casters began chanting spells.

The demons were nearly upon us. I took deep breathes trying to stay focused. I sensed not only demons but humans among the demonic army, if these humans were anything like Emma then I knew were were doomed.

Chapter 8 Hell


The demons poured fourth like a tidal wave, surging forward nothing slowing them down, not the spell casters or the archers firing there arrows.

Me, Natasha, Auden, and Remos quickly charged to the front lines where the soldiers were getting ready to battle.

They welcomed us with the nods of there heads, I could tell they were happy to see us fighting for them.

Natasha threw a device into the ground and shot an arrow at the first demon that ran into the town. The demons head exploded and it fell to the ground, as the other demons came forward stepping on the trap it exploded destroying at least a dozen demons.

I decided I would try something useful, I willed a fire wall to appear cutting the army in half and anything that stepped into the fire immediately be turned to ash.

To my surprise a huge fire wall burst forth and as the demons ran threw it they burned so fierce, and I smiled as there ashen bodies started littering the ground.

I wondered if this was going to be easier than I expected.

Eventually the demons who saw what was happening when they ran through the fire stopped in front of it. They seemed rather calm about it as if they were waiting for something.

Suddenly my fire dissipated and the demons surged fourth again.

I tried to create another one but as soon as it was ignited it dissipated again, that's when I noticed other humans standing up on the hill. There eyes were glowing red.

I notched an arrow and shot it at them, willing it to go lightning fast and hitting its target.

To my dismay the arrow simply disappeared as it neared them. I tried another arrow with the same result.

I cursed wondering what there plans were, if they were observing or going to utterly destroy us with a raise of there hand.

An idea formed in my head, if there really that powerful then perhaps I am as well.

I willed fire to shoot fourth from my palm with such force and will that nothing could stop it. The fire ball shot fourth at the group of humans.

As it neared where my arrows disappeared a huge explosion took place shaking the ground they stood on.

Realizing what I just did I quickly fired and arrow at one of them. The arrow stuck in the humans neck.

They were taken by complete surprise, before they could react I willed the arrow to explode.

I smiled to myself watching the human fly into a million peaces littering the other humans clothes with his remains.

I willed my fire wall to appear again, this time I willed it to go forward taking all the demons with it.

The fire burst forward but it had no effect on the demons. They stood in the fire laughing as they continued there fight.

Suddenly the fire dissipated again and my attention turned toward the humans, what were they planning on doing now?

I willed a shield to protect me from any magic they could throw at me.

As I watched the battle continue, shooting arrows at as many demons as I could, also willing things to explode as I seem fit, I noticed Remos extending into the heart of the demon army, being completely surrounded. He seemed fine destroying every demon that touched him.

Suddenly I noticed little yellow demons making there way toward Remos, the demons around them seemed to laugh as they made there way through.

My mind flashed back to Bramwell and I remembered what they were capable of.

“Remos get back!” I screamed as loud as I could.

Remos seemed to pay no heed to my warnings. I watched in terror as the yellow demons, there belly's oversized and they seemed rather insane?

To my horror I watched as they both jumped at him and they stabbed themselves exploding with a huge force, any demon dumb enough to stand around were quickly destroyed.

The explosion destroyed Remos upper body completely, his lower half simply fell to the ground.

I looked around for any more of those demons but I could not find any.

I quickly backed a little ways away from the fighting and tried to think how of how I could somehow destroy the humans on the hill.

Suddenly the towers where the spell casters and archers stood exploded. I realized this battle was quickly turning away from our favor, if it was ever indeed in our favor to begin with.

I tried sending fourth a fireball at the humans again hoping to break there force field like last time.

The fireball dissipated not even coming close to its target. I wondered what else I could try and do.

An outrageous idea formed in my head, I wondered if I could somehow make the sand become as sharp as a blade.

I willed a small amount of sand below there feet to rise up. It was a struggle, it only seemed to rise knee level.
I sensed the humans were watching me unsure of what I was doing.

Figuring it would have to do I sent it forward cutting off one of the humans legs.

Suddenly I noticed that there were less demons coming forward. Strange it seemed like a moment ago there was a massive throng, now that throng seemed to be cut in half.

Screams could be heard in the distance. I looked around recognizing the screams were women.

I backed down a street wondering what was going on, still keeping my eye on the battle.

Suddenly there was a huge explosion on the other side of town. The very ground seemed to just give way.

Demons crawled up from the sewers and I could tell from the screams they were butchering the women.

I cursed thinking we should have done something about the magic in the sewers.

My mind started racing thinking of how I could try and turn this situation around. I was exhausted, the abilities I have been using drained me completely.

Suddenly my whole body went numb, I found it difficult to move. Suddenly I fell back, but was caught.

“I have you.” A females voice whispered. “Don't worry, you wont perish like the others.”

I tried to move but now was totally paralyzed. My head was tilted back and I found myself looking into the red swirling eyes of Emma.

My mind screamed at me and I willed everything to start moving again, but nothing happened.

“Come. Lets head into this abandoned house where we could become more comfortable.” Emma dragged me into a house and set me up against a wall.

“Now this is so much better don't you agree?”

I wanted to shout something at her but I could not speak. I was forced to look ahead. I willed myself to be free and be able to move, but nothing happened.

“You may as well stop trying. You are exhausted, and I am stronger than you, you cannot break free of my hold.”

I gave up defeated, wondering when my death will come.

A dark figure came out from the shadows and walked toward the window. “Ah such a shame. I wanted to be the one to destroy Lut Gholein.”

“Yes, it would have been fun.” Emma told him. “How is my child?”

“Your newborn is growing fast, your other has began to mature. Soon she will be battle ready.”

Emma seemed to smile in delight at the news. “That is truly wonderful.”

“Yes.” Azmodan told her. “You two will make a great team, nothing like the bond of a mother and daughter.”

I was disgusted at what I was hearing. How someone could so willingly serve such monsters was beyond me.

“Do you have something to say?” Emma asked me teasingly. “Here let me allow you to speak so you can get your anger and frustration out.”

I suddenly was able to move my head. “Damn you!” I screamed.

“Oh but sweet heart I already am.” Emma said with a smile. “Don't worry you'll soon be to.”

Azmodan continued to look on at the carnage. “Oh Belial your deception is truly astounding. How you managed to train a bunch of humans to project images of a demonic army.”

“What do you mean?” I asked. Trying to understand.

“Don't you see?” Azmodan said continuing to look out the window. “The only real demon out there is Xazax. What Belial sees in that fool is beyond me.”

“Are you trying to tell me the demons out there are not real?” I said in utter disbelief at the notion.

“Why yes I am.” Azmodan replied. “You see each of us got a nice group of humans to train and teach. It's quite simple really we taught the humans what we were good at. Belial being the lord of lies, those humans know how to play with the minds of others, casting things into them that are not real.”

“What about you?” I asked. “What are you the lord of? You don't seem that interesting.”

Azmodan turned and glared at me. “Be mindful of what you say. Just because you are my prize does not mean I will keep you the way you look now.

I smiled not giving a damn about his threats.

“You see it was a small competition we had going on, which one of us could train the humans to most resemble ourselves. Sad to say it was Diablo who managed to create the most terrifying group of humans to ever exist in all of hell.”

“Why are you telling me all of this?” I asked. “I don't give a damn about you, or anything that happens in hell.”

Azmodan laughed. “Well my boy, you should start because you'll be living there for a very long time.”

“I doubt that.” I said.

“Oh my dear.” Emma said. “Don't be so negative, we will have a blast! I'll give you a tour, we will have so much fun, I'll introduce you to my daughters.”

“I hate you.” I said to her.

“Oh my dear you don't hate me. If you did you would have killed me when you had the chance. You see you're fire knocked me out cold. You could have ended my life then and now.”

I stared at her stunned, why had the angel told me to run? Did she not know that I could have killed her?

An idea formed in my head, I opened my mouth hoping that this could work, I shot fourth a fireball directly at Azmodan.

To my dismay it seemed to go through him and collide into the wall destroying it completely.

Emma looked at him with a hint of concern.

Azmodan seemed to flicker like a candle almost being blown out. I could no longer spot the red eyes that use to reside in the darkness of his hood. I wondered if I actually hurt the demon.

Suddenly the flickering stopped and his red eyes reappeared and I could tell I succeeded in pissing him off completely.

“My dear boy.” Azmodan said. “Now if I was here physically I would say that probably would have hurt a little.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Why do you think I would actually take the time to follow you around and leave my army? No matter how good my second in command demon is he is just a simple demon, eventually they would run off disorganized. We cant have that happening now can we?”

“What do you want with me!” I yelled.

“Well if you would have just let me keep Iris, Emma would probably have killed you by now. Besides she seems fancy you.”

Emma winked at me, a cruel smile touched her face.

“I believe this city is to important for Belial to keep for himself.” Azmodan said. “What do you think Emma?”

“I say if Belial does not want to show up and claim the city destroyed by him, then that is his mistake.”

Azmodan chuckled. “I see, oh how angry he will get.” He stepped outside and raised his arms.

From what I could see the sky seemed to turn blood red.

Then suddenly part of it became orange.

“So I see why he sent Xazax now.” Azmodan said a hint of disappointment in his voice. “Well then either way I claimed half the destruction. We are done here.”

Emma nodded. “So it is done?”

“Of course my dear, come let us venture to hell. We have lots to report.”

Azmodan grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the center of the room.

I tried to break free but my whole body went limp, I could no longer speak or move my head.

Emma smiled at me knowing how much I struggled.

Azmodan then said a bunch of unintelligent words.

As those last words slipped off his tongue, I realized that my life will forever be changed. I will forever be tormented, and damned. I tried to prepare myself mentally for the horrors that were in store for me.

Epilogue (Final chapter)

I could feel nothing. It felt peaceful, I had no idea where I was or what was going on around me, but I did not care it was bliss.

My vision turned red as blood, I felt powerful as I saw the world in a new light.

I learned to unlock my mind, free it, think like an immortal. There was nothing I could not do.

So many mysteries revealed itself to me, I learned that the high heavens no matter how majestic they may seem, were nothing more than annoying fly’s.

I felt myself descending slowly. Things were coming to me at a blur. My head started aching a little but, I willed it to stop, and it did.

I willed myself to be able to see clearly, and what I saw was unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Millions of demons seemed to be scattered about, imps teleporting seemingly at random appearing and disappearing.

Suddenly I was staring at another location. Lava seemed to be strewn about everywhere, like a river. Soft dark ground seemed to touch my bare feet as I landed.

I looked about confused as to where I was, and why I was placed here.

“Hello there.” I heard the familiar voice of Emma say.

I turned to face her. “Hello Emma.” I said. Understanding now what she has been through, I no longer hated her. In fact I felt that she could make a good friend.

“How is your mind? How are your thoughts?” She asked.

“Good. I am no longer limited by mortal standards and beliefs.”

“Is that not a wonderful thing.” Emma said sighing. “Although I would not know much about having my mind limited but when I was traveling on Sanctuary, seeing the way other people were I felt sorry for those people.”

“Yes, I understand now what you mean. It feels like I have been introduced to a whole new world.”

A laughter was heard in the distance. Azmodan appeared. “My boy, you have been introduced to a whole new plane of existence. Now I believe its time for you to follow me, I have something in making that will please you” Azmodan turned and headed off.

I quickly followed, Emma by my side holding my arm. I wondered if she would have been disappointed if she was ordered to kill me.

We were beyond such things now, I am here I now finally understand the plans hell has in store for the world, and there perfect.

As we continued walking I heard a striking sound in the distance, like a hammer. The sound continued to get louder and I knew we were heading toward it.

“This is the Hellforge.” Azmodan said as we neared a great forge.

A huge demon was striking the hammer in the center working furiously on something.

As I looked around I noticed there were many weapons strewn about on shelves, that seemed to be rather a recent addition to this place.

Azmodan walked over to to a specific wall filled with many bows.

I grew excited as he picked out a red bow and walked toward me holding it out to me. “I had this especially made for you.” He told me.

“Why?” I couldn't help but ask. “How do you know I wont strike you down when you turn your back on me?”

Azmodan laughed. “Because you are damned. You can fight this fact all you want but face it. Feel it in your heart, feel the burning hatred for everything holy.”

As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. Each time I thought of the angels I burned with hatred toward them. The thought of striking Azmodan down seemed to fade from my mind. For some reason I was not angry at him as I should be. I felt rather grateful toward him.

Azmodan walked over to the giant demon picking up three arrows. “These were especially made for you.” He said handing them to me. “They are imbued with powerful magic, they are bound to you. After you shoot one you can make it return to you with a blink of an eye. They also never miss there target.”

I smiled thinking what fun I could have with such a weapon in the middle of a battle.

“I knew you would like it.” Emma said. “I believe me and you will have much fun wreaking havoc upon heaven.”

“Yes, all in due time though.” Azmodan said.

Emma leaned in toward me and whispered in my ear “We can take on all of heaven just by ourselves couldn't we?”

With a smile I nodded my head.

Suddenly a noise was heard. Like the sound of a horn.

Azmodan began laughing almost hysterically. “Oh I'm sorry Emma, I never told you about the sound of the horn. I did not figure it would be useful information.”

“So what does it mean?” I asked.

“Why simply it means that hell is being attacked. Lets go.” Azmodan raised his arms and suddenly we were among them.

Angels flying down attacking swiftly. So far from what I could see many demons have perished. I have no clue about the angels body count but as I observed the battle I decided that somehow they have not lost as many.

I notched an arrow shooting it at an angel, I smiled as the arrow shot through angel after angel flying around practically at its own with my mind guiding it.

An explosion of lights and sound ringed around me, no longer did it sound majestic and sweet, it felt like justice has finally been served.

I shot out my second arrow which seemed to do the same thing as the last, I was amazed at what I could do how much my mind was unlocked and how much power I seemed to have.

As I fired the third arrow I sensed the first one was slowly loosing power. I flicked my wrist making it appear in my hand and I fired it again willing more power to go into it.

After what seemed mere minutes the battle was over. The small army of angels sent were destroyed. As soon as me and Emma entered the battle, not a single demon perished.

I also felt something strange inside me. Like the powers of hell shifted in favor of victory over heaven, I figured I would be overjoyed as we were destroying our enemy but something deep down inside me told me that this power shift was wrong. I wondered why I felt this way, I looked at Emma and I could tell she was feeling the same way.

“Do you think the war is not meant to end?” I whispered to her.

“I don't know.” She said back. “But something is not right.”

I looked around, the demons were celebrating. I knew deep down that what happened here today would somehow lead into a great peril for us all.