Changes

--Notes: The following story is a work of fiction created by me and submitted for the Blizzard Creative Writing Contest in 2010. The story is set in the world of Diablo, which is an intellectual property of Blizzard Entertainment. These are the journal entries of King Leoric, who was the beloved ruler of Khanduras, and also the victim of possession and corruption by the Demon Lord Diablo. The journal entries begin with his initial possession by Diablo and follow his descent into darkness and madness.

<center>

==The Journal of Leoric, King of Khanduras==

====<u>Entry #1</u>====

</center>

I am fearful. The last two nights I was visited by truly horrifying nightmares. My mind perceived images not of this world, terrifying images. Images shrouded in darkness and the burning fires of Hell. I remember them vividly, as if truly experienced and not just dreamt. The former of the two dreams started unimposing enough. I sat, alone, in a field. Towering, snow-capped mountains in the distance sat atop a throne of rivers and forests. Surrounded by flowing long grass and various types of flora, I breathed cool, clean air. The air filled my lungs with each breath, in and out, clean and pure. I noticed it eerily silent for being so windy. I could feel the cool touch of the grass beneath my hands and feet as I sat admiring this paradise of unimaginable beauty, like nothing yet seen in this world. This peaceful realm did not last for long.

Again I am awoken in terrible physical condition. I remember every moment of the visions I had. My skin still bares the sensation of being torn apart, fresh in my memories. I am tempted to confide in someone the terrible nature of these visions, but once again I am reluctant to speak of such things with anyone for fear of persecution or judgment. Insanity is not a suitable characteristic for a king, and I fear for my own consciousness. I must be strong in the face of these trials; I must remain composed in the face of my subjects and peers alike. Perhaps these are isolated incidents.

====<u>Entry #2</u>====

The night terrors continue. It has been many days since the first, and I am concerned for the condition of my own sanity. In my dreams I now see myself from outside myself. I fear I am no longer dreaming but rather witnessing. My senses have dulled, but not just the obvious ones. Food tastes bland and diluted, flowers smell like compost, and all around me the world is becoming bleak and grey. Beyond that I have lost my humor, even my lust for female companionship has dwindled significantly. I cringe at the thought that I may be losing my humanity, if such a thing is possible.

Another note of interest is the presence of the sparkling gems in the dark matter. Every night they grow in intensity and dwindle in number. I still do not understand their presence, but when I gaze upon them I am filled with a sense of hope, and also a sense of dread. The image of myself as a monstrous skeleton creature persists as well. The creature is growing, however. Each time it is large than the last, and more horrifying. Often times it is also wearing a crown made of bone. The creature has killed many men. Wave after wave of hero charged forward only to meet an unfortunate demise. I have yet to discuss these issues with anyone close to me, although I am also noticing a change in behavior in Lazarus.

====<u>Entry #3</u>====

I now believe the beginning of these dreams was the moment a demon entered my body. It is the only conclusion I can draw. How else could I explain these terrible nightmares? My condition has worsened considerably. The visions of my nightmares have begun appearing in my everyday life and occurring with some frequency. Today I was speaking to an advisor, and as he addressed me concerning an issue of minor importance I saw the sky outside turn blood red. Through the windows I could see black clouds forming. Above me the ceiling set ablaze, disintegrated into ash, revealing the devilish scene above. The words escaping my advisor began to morph into the language of the voice from my dreams. His skin melted and his features distorted. His body began stretching and contorting, his spine elongated and horns sprouted from the front of his skull. I dropped to my knees and hunched over. My hands began to merge with the floor beneath me as I tried to scream, but not a sound was heard over the demon chanting beside me.

The advisor I talked to earlier today was put to death. I could not risk him telling anyone about what he had seen. I believe them to be suspicious of my actions already, such a tale would only provoke more treasonous thought within the priesthood. The only man I still trust beyond myself is Lazarus. I am still a capable man, capable of leading this country to greatness. I cannot let my own personal anguish prevent me from doing what I must do for this great land. I will continue to make decisions and rule this realm with absolute power, regardless of my condition.

====<u>Entry #4</u>====

The demon’s power is growing. I can sense its presence more and more with each passing day. His voice calls to me, his hand reaches for me, and his images are destroying me. I am not sure how much longer I can maintain my sanity for.