I

(Damien POV)

Fara returned through the town portal. Her grim look revealed trouble.

"What happened?" asked Deckard Cain.

Everyone gathered around her. She drew a breath and spoke, "Tal Rasha has been corrupted by Baal and the Wanderer set him free."

Fearful murmuring ran through the crowd. Cain bowed his head and prayed silently. Damien looked on. Fara had gone to stop the Wanderer after he had returned from his battle with Duriel. She had said he was too wounded to face the Wanderer and that she would hold him off until he had healed enough to fight.

He watched as she began to tend to his wounds again and asked, "Do you know where they went?"

Everyone stopped talking and turned their eyes to Fara. She sighed, "Yes. In Tal Rasha's chamber, I met the Archangel, Tyrael."

Gasps rang out and Damien stiffened, Tyrael?

"He said Baal and Diablo were on their way to Kurust, to free their brother Mephisto from the Temple of Light."

Cries of fear and murmuring broke out again. The mention of the three Prime Evils in a single sentence was enough to strike alarm into anyone. Damien thought for a moment, considering what to do.

"Shall we go to Kurust?" Cain asked quietly.

He looked up at the last of the Horadrim and nodded, "I think so. The Prime Evils must be banished."

"I could help you with that." The two turned. Meshif, the sailor, stood there, "I'm going east anyway. You could come aboard, free of charge."

"Thank you," said Cain, "That's very kind."

"Consider it a thanks for all the work you've done."

Damien smiled. Since he had arrived at Lut Gholein, he had killed an ancient mummy, broke the Claw Vipers curse on the sun, forged the Horadic Staff, found the Arcane Sanctuary, and uncovered the true tomb of Tal Rasha. Many had praised him for his accomplishments and some even wanted to learn of his secrets. He always told them that he just used his skills as a druid; changing into a werewolf or werebear depending on the need. However, Drognan always seemed to expect more and would question him the most. Damien did his best to deter him but he couldn't help but get the feeling that the old sorcerer may be close to identifying his most guarded secret.

"We'll set out tomorrow afternoon," said Meshif dragging him from his thoughts, "That will give you the time to rest up and get your things packed."

"Thank you," said Damien nodding.

He nodded too and left to start preparations. Cain put a hand on Damien's armoured shoulder, "Come. Let us rest at Elzix's inn. It's not a great place but it will do for now."

He nodded and got up. "Your wounds are better now," said Fara, "Which, I must say, is amazing."

"I'm a quick healer," he shrugged.

"But even your worst wounds have stopped bleeding when they shouldn't have. You should have at least a little bit of blood soaking into the bandages."

He shrugged again. She studied him a moment longer then let it go, "I'll repair your armour while Meshif prepares. Damaged armour will do you no good in your next fight."

(Tyrael POV)

Tyrael closed his eyes. He felt so weary and drained. His fight with Diablo and Baal was more than a little tiring and the chiding he got from the Sacred Council for intervening made him feel like he was running on nothing. Heaven's light flowed into him, reviving his body. His wings lifted and began to wave gently, he started to float above the heavenly plane, and the feeling of his old self came back. He let out a sigh when he was fully healed.

"Why must you continue to interfere?" He turned. Hadriel stood behind him, "If you persist in meddling with mortal affairs, some will think you're willing to go against Heaven completely."

"You know I would never do that," Tyrael said sternly.

"Oh no? After the Sin Wars, the Council had forbidden us to mate with mortals and risk the production of nephalem offspring. Yet you still took a woman to your bed."

He flinched at the memory, "It means nothing." He turned away from him and whispered, "She's dead now. . ."

Hadriel sighed, "You're the Archangel that loves mortals the most. After centuries of watching them, you should've known that she wouldn't have lasted forever. And I doubt you could've convinced the Council to make her an angel along side you."

Tyrael turned and roared, "Don't you think I know that!"

Hadriel stepped back, surprised at his sudden outburst. They stood in silence for a moment, then Tyrael turned and stalked off.

(Damien POV)

Cain stood at the window while Damien lay on the bed, "The sky has grown cloudy. The Heavens are angry."

"No doubt over the release of Baal," Damien sighed, "Diablo was bad enough but now I have to fight Baal too?"

"No one's making you do this," he protested turning around, "You don't have to."

He sighed and whispered, "Yes I do."

He was obviously curious but let it go. He turned to look out at the sky again. Damien pushed himself up off the bed and went to look at the Heavens too. The sight took his breath away. Dark clouds rolled in parted fragments, casting fleeting rays of sunlight so dark that even the sun seemed to be filled with malevolence. Thunder boomed and lightning sparked. Damien watched as a strike of white light hit Atma's tavern and started a fire. Greiz's men quickly went to stifle it.

He sighed, "I guess Heaven really is angry."

Cain nodded, "I've only ever seen this once. When Tristram was destroyed. Although I thought it was just Diablo's work through the Wanderer. Now I believe Heaven has it's wrath at the recent turn of events." A fiercer bolt of lightning fared and collided with the top of Jerhyn's Palace.

Damien looked on and dimly wondered if-No! He shook his head, I can't think about that now. I have to banish the Prime Evils. Yes. Then I can worry about my heritage but only then.

"Meshif will probably want to leave while the seas are relatively calm," Cain said.

He nodded and looked to the docks, "It looks like he may be ready. Shall we go?"

"I'll follow you."

They made their way to the docks and were stopped by Fara, "Here's your armour. Good as new."

Damien smiled, "Your skill is amazing. It doesn't even look like I've fought a Lesser Evil."

She smiled, glad for the praise, "How are your wounds?"

"Better," he answered putting on the splint mail, "My arm is still a little stiff but it should relax over time."

She nodded thoughtfully. He knew she was still curious as to his quick healing but didn't ask about it. After he had completely adorned himself with his armour, he said his good-byes then went to Meshif.

The sailor was waiting patiently at the docks beside his boat. Some of the crewmen were carrying Damien's stash aboard the ship. He was secretly relieved that he had the key to it in his pocket. There were some things he didn't want to loose in it, "Are you ready?" asked Meshif.

Damien nodded, "Let us to Kurust and the Temple Beyond."

Low action I know. The next chapter will be better.