After much decision, it was decided for the Black Soulstone to be hidden away from sight and forgotten. Imperius was quick to cast his vote to shatter it on the Hellforge like the other Soulstones from before. Auriel wanted to imprison it in a room of bright light and sound. Itherael was at a loss of what to do. He had no idea what could possibly happen to it. He always went by what his Scroll showed him. He saw much, but, after the Nephalem assisted in Diablo's defeat, it only seemed to show riddles now. It still gave him much information, but only after he was able to decipher it. Even he knew that, no matter the outcome that was to happen, Diablo would always be free again.
It was Tyrael's decision to hide it away that seemed best. Imperius was not happy. As much as he would have the others cast their votes in his favor, Tyrael was, once again, favored. He scowled to himself and stormed back to his inner sanctum after it was done. What more could be said? And, even though the Song of the Arc chose Tyrael to become Wisdom, Imperius had a lot of doubts. He despised what happened with that.
But, when he walked into his most private chamber and saw Anaurael sleeping peacefully on his throne, his anger melted away once more. He walked over as silently as he could to lift her gently and sit down with her in his lap. When she threatened to wake, a couple deep breaths were given to soothe her back down. It relaxed him, too.
"That is her?" Auriel asked when she appeared cautiously.
"Be silent," Imperius warned. "Yes. She...shared my wound when Diablo attacked."
"What?"
"My mark has bound my life to hers. I feel none of her wounds, but she feels, and gains, all of mine. When she heals, I may bring her here more often to train."
"What you have done is dangerous."
"What I have done," he seemed to growl. "was safeguard her from the demon filth down below! We should have destroyed that Soulstone!"
"And chance the Prime Evils becoming free again? Are you mad?! At least they will be trapped away for the rest of eternity! Hidden from all of us. It is for the best."
"There will always be demons to fight," he growled in retort.
"That's always the case, isn't it?" Anaurael whispered. He glanced down at her and sighed that she woke up. "There will always be something out there to fight."
"Very true," Auriel agreed.
"And...you are?" she asked, as she looked over at the hovering female angel.
"She is Auriel, the Archangel of Hope," Imperius said. "Itherael, the Archangel of Fate, is also around. Yet, he tends to be aloof."
"It is his nature," Auriel chuckled. "I welcome you to Heaven, child."
"Thank you," Anaurael smiled. "Imperius, the decision was done. There is no need to be bitter over it. So, the Black Soulstone will be hidden from view. Fine. Out of sight and out of mind like so many that I know of in Sanctuary. Hmm?"
Imperius muttered a bit, but didn't give a full response. At the intense gaze she gave him now, he grumbled with a form of mild defeat. "Fine. I will accept this decision. Not because I want to, though."
"Then it is enough for everyone," she smiled again. Auriel was stunned. Imperius gave way to the suggestion of a mortal angel! When she saw herself being looked at, she came to.
"I apologize," Auriel said. "I have just...never seen Imperius being able to be swayed so..."
"I am his ward. As much as he is known for his courage and valor, it never hurts to see things from another viewpoint at times. Rarely, yes. But, in this decision, it had to be done," Anaurael said.
"I shall ignore you next time," he said.
"And, if I do the same to you, you would see it as an act of treason and mistrust," she frowned. "It is the same way I would feel, if you slighted me. Yes, you are my mentor. The wielder of my life. But, it would hurt if you ignored me. Even for a second. I bear your mark. I obey your wishes. I miss your presence for any amount of time that we are apart."
"Hush now," he said and cradled her. "You should rest more."
"I'm awake. I have rested enough," she grumbled. "I want to train."
"Oh?" he asked and lightly pressed against the healing area. At her wince, he shook his head. "No. Your wound has not yet fully healed. You can walk with me through my Halls. I can allow that. I forbid you to hold a sword."
"Yes, Imperius," she nodded. Auriel was still in a mild state of shock. She had watched them from afar, but, with them so close together, she could see that they shared the same Light. The girl in his arms clearly shared the same moods. Did she learn them from Imperius? Or were these only because of the mark she bore? She had to study this a bit more.
"May I join you?" Auriel asked.
"That is fine," Imperius nodded.
"Did you repair Solarion?" Anaurael asked.
"Not just yet. That takes time to do. I may have that done when you next rest," he said.
"Or you do it now, and I'll wait for your return here, where I am safe," she said. He glanced at her and stood tall. "You need your weapon, Imperius. I will go nowhere. You have my vow."
"Very well. I shall return shortly," he nodded and vanished away. Now that he was away, Auriel was able to finally speak with his ward.
"I have longed to call you my sister," Auriel said.
"Then sisters we shall be," Anaurael smiled, and they hugged.
"His mark is so bright on you!"
"Yes. I was told that, when the Light got corrupted and was pulled from you, that my mark seemed to sputter out and die. He had to come to me to reconnect with it. To put new life within it. I don't want that to happen again," she shuddered. "I simply couldn't wake up."
"That is how it was for all of us. And your parents? They are well?"
"Yes. I know they worry for my safety. I am the only one they were able to create."
"That is odd," she admitted. "I would have thought you would have had siblings."
"I know. But...that is not the case."
"It does have me curious," Auriel admitted. "It may be that angels cannot produce as many offspring as demons can. We are normally created by the Song of the Arc. We let our forms mingle with the Song for new angels to be reborn. It is how our numbers never falter. Yes, the angels that come know nothing of who they are replacing. But, they look exactly like the ones they are to replace and are just as skilled. I do not know what would happen if Tyrael, or your parents, were to die. If they would be reborn again as angels and lose their memories. One never knows."
"If they are reborn, I would like that. Even if they don't remember me," she smiled.
"And, since Imperius marked you, I honestly am not sure what would happen to you, either."
"Well, hopefully nothing will happen. Maybe I'll live as long as Imperius!" she chuckled.
"He has lived a very long life," Auriel agreed. "as have I."
"He told me of another. Of Malthael, the original Archangel of Wisdom. That he disappeared."
"Yes. He was our leader. Before his disappearance and Imperius took over. He went to trace where the Worldstone was taken. We had not heard from him since, save that he took an interest in human souls. He tended to visit Pandemonium at times. After a while, he stopped coming back. He was simply lost to us. I am not sure what happened with him."
"He is missed, but we have coped. However, we are missing a vital place in our Council," Itherael said when he appeared. "I give you greetings, ward of Imperius. I am Itherael, the Archangel of Fate. It is good to meet you at long last. We have watched you from afar."
"It is an honor to meet you, too," Anaurael nodded respectfully. She saw all of the angels as permanent family. It was instinctive to her.
"Imperius will be arriving soon. There may be some...unpleasant events that follow. Be cautious when you return to your dwelling in Sanctuary," he warned gently.
"I shall," she nodded.
"What events?" Auriel asked.
"I cannot say. With the Nephalem now, the future will never show the same outcome in my Scroll as it normally does. Just be prepared. For anything," he said and vanished away. Anaurael gave a slightly worried look, but Auriel seemed to be a bit more positive about it.
"Such things can be taken lightly or badly. Just remain hopeful," she said.
"I shall," Anaurael nodded. Now that she looked out over the railing, Auriel was able to tell her of the various buildings she saw. Time passed swiftly this way. At no sign of Imperius, Auriel thought of various things that she wanted to discuss.
"I was wondering," Auriel said. "I would love to see Ilerael and Lilaurael again."
"I vowed to Imperius that I would be here. But, I'm sure you could go and see them when you liked. I know they would appreciate your company."
"It would be better, if I accompanied you. So, when Imperius returns for you, I shall go with you," she nodded. "I do wonder what is taking him so long."
"He is repairing Solarion. It may take time."
"Very true. I must check on the Host. I shall be back shortly," Auriel said. Anaurael watched her vanish, and she went back to looking over the city. An hour later, she felt a set of familiar hands rest on her shoulders. Sighing softly, she let herself relax.
"Did I miss anything?" Imperius asked.
"Auriel would like to meet with my parents. She craves to speak with them."
"Very well. I will fetch her. It is time for you to return to Sanctuary."
"Solarion was repaired?"
"Yes."
"Good," she smiled and seemed to sigh again. He squeezed her shoulders and carefully pulled her into his embrace to cradle her. He saw Auriel reappear, and, much to his surprise, Itherael was with her.
"I, too, wish to see them," Itherael admitted. Imperius said nothing, but he let his wings flick out lightly, as he held his ward. He let them follow his transportation imprint to the cottage in Sanctuary. When they appeared, her parents were both surprised and overjoyed to see their ancient brethren. There wasn't much space in the small cottage, but that was fine. As Auriel and Itherael chatted with the two mortal angels, Imperius was content to remain outside with his ward.
"It is good to see you," Izarius said.
"Likewise," Imperius muttered.
"What was the decision on the Black Soulstone?"
"Tyrael wants it hidden away. He has fully resurrected the Horadrim to assist," he snorted.
"Interesting," Izarius admitted.
"It should have been smashed to pieces!" Imperius scowled. At the feel of Anaurael's hand on his armored cheek, he sighed and grumbled. "But, I will allow this decision. It matters not."
"Such is the way it should be," she smiled softly. He held her up higher to let her rest against his larger shoulder pauldrons. When she lightly touched a fiery tendril from where it started to appear, he glanced at her with a soft chuckle. It didn't tickle him at all. He was just slightly amused at how it fascinated her. There were many things that she did that always kept him a touch fascinated.
"Tell me," he said.
"What?" she asked and let her finger move through a tendril again.
"How would you feel," he started. "if I set up a small room for you in my Halls of Valor?"
"A room?" she frowned.
"To live in Heaven."
"Well...we spoke of this before..."
"I know. But, if I have to train you, it may be needed," he said. "I was giving this much thought. And, I know, you will need to see your parents. I can grant them leeway to visit you."
"You would do this? For me?" she blinked.
"To keep you safe, I would," he nodded. "I would have a room branch out from my inner sanctum. It won't be too hard to do. You can bring what you need to have it stored there."
"Imperius...I would be delighted...no...honored...to live with you in Heaven!" she whispered and rose herself up in his arms to gaze at him.
"After Tyrael meets with you, it shall be done. I shall have your personal items moved. Maybe improved on, though. Some things I don't like," he admitted. "Like that bed."
"What's wrong with it?"
"It's too small."
"It suits me."
"I keep thinking that I may crush it when I have to sit on it. There is no room to stand."
"Imperius, you may change up whatever you believe will be needed."
"Good to know," he nodded. When Gurzick showed up to wave, he gave a mild glare. "Do you plan to fully accompany her wherever she goes?"
"Yes!" the goblin nodded. "Greed wants."
"Fine. I may be transferring her to Heaven. To live there with small visits here. I need to make her room. If you want to help...I will give you permission. However! If you bring her things that I don't like, I will toss them over the ledge!" Imperius growled out. At this, Gurzick went into his bag to pull out a small chest of gems to open it and display. "That will work. Gold, gems, and various armors are fine. Even weapons. I want her room to reflect what Heaven is."
"Gems are a form of wealth," Anaurael smiled.
"Heaven tends to be the same. It is fine," he said. Then, much to their surprise, Gurzick's crown glowed to let Greed speak out.
"Ah! Imperius! You never fail to amaze me now! I shall decorate the child's room in a worthy way. I know what is needed. And, yes, I am Greed. Gurzick is my messenger now. I will see to it that her room may be a reflection of my realm," the god said.
"Fine. And, I noticed that quite a few items and relics went missing during the battle."
"Finders keepers?" the god giggled. "Oh, don't worry! Some may be returned for her room decorations. I'll be tasteful."
"I want all of it returned!" he snarled.
"Trades will work!" the god laughed, and the crown went silent. Imperius scowled, but Anaurael was laughing softly. That seemed to calm him down again. Her voice was pleasant to hear, and her laughter always soothed him. Izarius was still there as the silent sentry. It was a good thing that he was.
"Imperius, one approaches," the angelic warrior said.
"Who?" he asked.
"The troublesome one."
"Warn the others!" he ordered. Izarius left quickly to go into the cottage to spread the warning.
"This one has done harm?" Auriel asked.
"A lot," Ilerael nodded and told the powerful Archangels what was attempted so far.
"He has more demon blood than we care to admit," Itherael sighed.
"If he has already seen Imperius," Auriel seemed to have indecision in her tone.
"She mocked him by saying that my daughter and he were mere lovers," Lilaurael said.
"Sacrilege!" Itherael whispered.
"They are more than that! They share the same Light! They are not mere lovers of any kind! Such a sadness that I feel on hearing about this one. Yes, they are in love, but it is on a level that not many can ever understand. What more is there to say about this?" Auriel said sadly.
"We should go. We shall speak more when we are able," Itherael said. "It was a divine pleasure to see you both again. I would love to reminisce of the past at a later time."
"We would enjoy that," Ilerael nodded.
"You both look amazing. We shall see you soon," Auriel said. They all clasped hands carefully, and the Archangels vanished away. Imperius had no plans to go anywhere. He stood tall with Anaurael now standing in front of him. He had his hands on her shoulders, and he glared at the human that walked up the path now. Izarius and Darius both appeared in full to stand alongside him. Mithus and Azarius now appeared on either side of the path. They would block his escape, if he was disrespectful. The other two, newer angelic warriors were along the wall of the cottage. Gurzick looked over, flipped off the youth, and giggled before jumping into a portal.
"Willis," Anaurael said calmly. "why do you return?"
"Ana, what is he to you? Really?" Willis asked. Imperius glowered, but said nothing.
"My mentor. My guide. My life," she reverently. "What's it to you?"
"He has you brainwashed!" he said now.
"Me? Brainwashed?" she laughed softly. "No, Willis. I chose this. In many ways, I didn't. But, he has never hurt me. He trains me to fight. He teaches me valor and glory in battle. I am a pureblood angelic mortal. You are not. There is no need for you to be here."
"I will free you from him," he vowed. "I'll join the Horadrim!"
"They know of you. They see you as untrustworthy," Izarius said. Willis's jaw dropped. Imperius said nothing. He simply kept his hands on her shoulders. There was no need for him to say anything. When Ilerael and Lilaurael came out of the cottage, they glared at the young man.
"You have no reason to be here," Ilerael growled.
"That monster is destroying her!" Willis said.
"A monster? Imperius?! Go look in a mirror!" Anaurael spat. "I was kind to you for all these years, as I saw you as a friend. Then you do this to me. For what reason? For hopes that I would fancy you? There are plenty of other girls in the village! Go hound them!"
Imperius wanted to skewer the human. He wanted to watch the fool slump down in a pile of putrid flesh and a fountain of blood. But, he only squeezed her shoulders gently to remain in control. When Xavian came up from the hill, he glared at Willis with complete dismay.
"What are you doing here?!" he scowled.
"What are you doing here?" Willis asked back.
"I came here to train. My Father knows," Xavian said. "You're just pissing off everyone! Go home. Learn some manners, too, while you're at it."
"What?" he blinked.
"Xavian, have him put on the spectacles and look at Ana," Ilerael said. "He thinks that Imperius is mind-controlling her. He won't leave her alone."
"She's not mind-controlled! That's ridiculous! And are you sure? He may get other ideas," Xavian frowned. "I don't think he deserves to."
"May be right," Imperius finally muttered. She simply rested against him with her back leaning against his form. Xavian muttered to himself, but he went into the cottage to get the spectacles. Then he had Willis place them on. Now that Willis was armed with the special sight, he looked at Anaurael. He went speechless at the glowing mark of molten gold on her forehead.
"What you see is the mark of Imperius. That mark connects his life to hers. If he falls in battle, she will die, too!" Ilerael growled. "If she dies, because of your stupidity, I will personally skin you alive and give your father a new form of leather! Leave! Her! Alone!"
"You are no longer welcome around us," Lilaurael said in her own dark way.
"Don't even attempt to severe me from Imperius. I told you he was my life. I never lied to you," Anaurael said softly. "and I would never want it to change."
"Ilerael," Imperius said. He didn't care if Willis caught the name or not. "I am having her spend the night with me in Heaven. It is needed. She will be brought back in the morning."
"Very well," her father nodded. Xavian took the spectacles back to put them away. When he got back, Imperius was gone with Anaurael, and Willis was walking away in a slump of defeat.
"No training tonight?" he asked.
"I can help you with your swing," Ilerael nodded. Lilaurael chuckled, yawned, and went to bed.