When Tyrael woke up in Westmarch, he was in shock at what he could do now. No longer will I dream of mortal dreams. I will dream of being in her mind. As my former self. It was a nostalgic, humbling experience to have such power again, but it was what he assumed that really struck him. I was right about Anaurael. She was a vessel for the High Heavens. She wasn't made out of spite, but out of love. A secret love, but it was still love. Her body, mind, and soul would remain intact. As much as he knew how horrible it was for Leah, who was made out of spite, hatred, and deceit, he refused to see Anaurael lost. He cared about her that much already. He would fight to keep her alive.

However, he had to confront her parents. And, as much as he wanted them to be angels again, he couldn't make that choice for them. But, I could ask the question. Possibly.

"Tyrael! How are you today?" Ilerael asked when he saw his angelic mortal brother. He was eating a bit of bread and cheese.

"Not too bad," he nodded and reached for the tray to eat.

"Four slices of each should be enough," Lilaurael smiled from where she sat.

"Right, right," he chuckled. "I found out some interesting news about Anaurael. And, no, she's not pregnant with me yet. It may take a few more tries."

"A shame," Ilerael sighed. "Anyways, what news?"

"Anaurael's offspring with Imperius is going to be the embodiment of Anu in an angel form," he said, as he bit into a slice of cheese. Ilerael dropped the bread he was eating for it tumble back on his plate. Lilaurael was glad she didn't take the sip of milk she was going to have.

"Are you serious?" Ilerael asked. His body was trembling.

"I am. She...touched one of the pillars in the Crystal Arch. Anu spoke to her. I dreamt this while I slept here. You may want to see her with me. I'm going to see her right after I finish eating," Tyrael said. Lilaurael took in a deep breath and moved away from the table. Then she rushed outside and vomited just off the main path. Ilerael rushed to her side to soothe her and run his hand over her back.

"Are you all right?!" he whispered.

"I haven't...gotten ill like that...since..." she said. Then she paled and looked at him. "We...were together in Heaven last..."

"I..." he paused. Then his jaw dropped.

"It looks like we all need to go to Heaven, anyways," Tyrael chuckled. Ilerael helped tend to her with a cup of water and another soothing back rub. When she recovered, Tyrael took them to Heaven. On standing in the Angiris Council chamber, he called for Itherael.

"I am here," he said and nodded.

"Itherael, did Lilaurael become pregnant when we were here last?" Ilerael asked. Itherael showed a touch of surprise, but he knew it was true.

"Allow me to check Talus'ar. I shall return shortly," he said.

"We can wait," Tyrael said. "Also...did you know that Anaurael touched one of Anu's spires?"

"What was that?" the powerful Archangel asked. This surprised him.

"Her offspring is going to be the physical embodiment of Anu," he said calmly.

"I am grateful that I am not holding Talus'ar, for I fear I would drop it!" Itherael gasped.

"However, in order for this to truly take place, both you and Auriel need to touch the mark of Imperius. I...did the same thing. She was able to preserve my true angel self within her mind."

"So...all she needs is Fate and Hope..." Lilaurael said.

"Correct," Tyrael nodded. Itherael wasted no time. He went to the Gardens of Hope to find Auriel. He told her what was discovered. She was taken by complete surprise.

"Are you certain?" she asked.

"Yes. Tyrael told me just now," Itherael said. "We need to find Anaurael."

"She may be in her chambers," Auriel said. They vanished and appeared there to find it empty. But, Izarius was there. "Where is Anaurael?"

"Imperius has her in his inner sanctum. Ah! They are about ready to come out," Izarius said.

"How do you know?" Itherael asked.

"Anaurael had me touch her mark to safeguard my soul. And my memories. She didn't want me lost. On doing that, I can sort of...feel things from her. Not much. But, enough for me to know where she is and what she needs."

"Does she know this?" Auriel asked.

"I think she does. She does not voice it, though," Izarius said. "Come. Imperius is ready for you both. She will want to see her parents next. And Tyrael, too."

"Of course," Itherael agreed and followed Izarius. Anaurael was in his lap on his throne. He was running his large, gauntleted hand through her molten gold hair. The way he was holding her was an intense form of possession. He didn't even regard them.

"Imperius?" Auriel asked.

"Sorry. He is still distraught," Anaurael whispered. "When Anu spoke to me, he lost connection to me. It...scared him. Badly."

"Anu spoke with you?!" Itherael gasped.

"He did. He told me that the time to seek him was not now. But, that it was soon," she said.

"He must have meant the birth of your offspring," Izarius said.

"Yes. Anyways, why have you both come?" Anaurael asked.

"To touch your mark. That is why," Itherael said. "May we do so?"

"Of course," she nodded. Imperius didn't even flinch away when Auriel pressed her slender, gauntleted hand to the mark. She let out a small gasp at what she felt, and Itherael was quick to do the same when her mark was free for him. Once it was done, Imperius finally came around and gave a small grumble before pulling Anaurael close to him.

"Anaurael, your parents are expecting more offspring. You will have a sibling," Itherael said gently. Now she looked at him with complete shock. Even Imperius was staring at him now. "It appears that angelic mortals can only copulate successfully here in the High Heavens. The first time with Anaurael was special, but they were also Archangels, of a sort. So, they were fine. However, it was only for the one time to create her."

"Have any angels removed their wings yet? That you know of?" Imperius grounded out.

"Not yet. That I know of," Itherael said. "But...if it does happen..."

"The High Heavens is not to become a breeding ground!" Imperius glowered.

"And what of me?" Anaurael frowned.

"You are different," he grumbled and squeezed her. "You are my Light. You are destined to bear Anu's champion and Heaven's mortal champion. You are exempt from the rule."

"We could make a separate building away from all of us. Just enough to make way for them," Auriel started. At the heated glare that Imperius gave her, she went quiet.

"Imperius, think of it this way," Anaurael whispered to him. She pressed her mouth under his helm to let her words only reach him. "If all of the demon filth dies out on Sanctuary, you will only want angels to inhabit it. Right? And, if this is the only way to ensure that..."

"Demons will always be there..." he muttered.

"But, if there start to be more angels than demons to turn the tide...either here or on Sanctuary..." she murmured softly. Now he gave her a slow turning glance, saw her smile, and he shook his head.

"Give me some time to think on this. With that viewpoint," he mumbled. "No guarantees yet."

He glanced up at the entrance of his sanctum and growled at seeing Tyrael walking over. Since when did my private sanctum become a meeting hall?! At the touch that Anaurael did under his helm to caress his cheek, he rose up with her to lead everyone out. Her touch cleared his angered thoughts, and he knew what he had to do to keep himself from getting even more irritable.

"Where are you going?" Auriel asked.

"This is my private sanctum. Not a place for gathering!" he growled. When Anaurael was about to pull her hand back, he shook his head quickly to stop her. "No. Don't stop that. Keep your hand there. It keeps me focused. I need the focus."

"Of course, Imperius," she smiled softly and blushed at the squeeze he gave her. He had no plans to release her yet. When she yawned, he cradled her closer.

"Sleep if you must. I'll keep all of them quiet around you," he muttered. She hadn't been getting much sleep now, and he knew it. At the calm, deep breaths he started to do, she succumbed to sleep rather easily. Her hand fell from his cheek to rest against his neck. That was fine. He still had her touch. When the others gathered around, Izarius saw her condition and motioned for everyone to talk softly. Tyrael understood all too well. He was only able to sleep deeply when he was with her now.

"Tyrael?" Auriel asked when she saw him shake his head.

"Sorry. I have been trying to sleep well, but..." he winced. She let Al'maiesh coil around him briefly to help give him some clarity. That did help. "Thank you."

"You are welcome," she nodded warmly.

"I cannot afford to sleep right now. I know I must..." he muttered.

"I may allow you to rest with her later. After current affairs are dealt with," Imperius said.

"I would appreciate it. Thank you, brother," Tyrael nodded.

"I need to speak with Ilerael and Lilaurael. They asked me about the occurrence of offspring. I need to let them know that it is true," Itherael said.

"Anaurael also wanted to speak with them," Imperius thought aloud. "Izarius?"

"Yes. I shall fetch them," the warrior angel nodded and teleported away. Imperius was ignoring the small glances that Tyrael made to Anaurael, as she slept in his arms. He was tolerable. At the same time, he knew that Tyrael cared for her. It couldn't be helped.

As she slept, she was pulled back into her mental frame by Malthael. He didn't have much time, and he had to show her something. She began to protest when he gathered her up in his arms to carry her, and he said, "Trust me. We don't have time to spare."

"But..." she said and found herself being sped off with him. He was able to fly with her using his misted wings. The sensation of flight was new to her and completely exhilarating. He was pleased to be the first one to give her the experience. Now he seemed to double the pace of his wing beats for the land to shift beneath them. The wide expanse of her mind seemed to stretch out into various fields from pastures, to forests to craggy mountains. The edges of her mind would remind one of Pandemonium. Lifeless and on the brink of collapse. But, that was on the outer edges. As one got closer to her core, it was as though one was gazing at a beautiful, lush variety of landscapes. She had no idea that her mind was like this. Being pure of mind with no demon taint, this was what one would find.

When he landed, it was in front of a white building that resembled a spire of Heaven, but it was in the form of Anu's spine, oddly enough, with the two arches of bone at the very top. There were no windows in this building. No airy balconies. There was only one set of gilded gold doors set with diamond panels. It was much like the Diamond Gates to the High Heavens, and they were sealed shut. Malthael rested his hands on her shoulders in a rather possessive way, as he stood behind her. He easily stood a good two feet taller than her. "This building houses all of the angels and Archangels you are gathering. The ones that still live are able to rest here peacefully. Of course, the primary energies will be at the top. The rest will fall throughout the structure."

"And you cannot join them?" she asked.

"My physical form is destroyed. I...have no other place to rest," he muttered. "I can only go where I know I can within your mental state. Imperius, as we know, is your life. He can come and go as he pleases at will with no restraints. Tyrael is also another matter. His flesh is trapped in Sanctuary and alive. His angelic energy can move as freely as mine here. The only difference is that he can only be here when he dreams. I...never sleep..."

"Can I go into this building?"

"It is not advised. Only when you are ready to give birth to the champion of Anu will the doors open. It is where all of the other energies you gather will be stored. I feel that...Anu...set this up to keep your mind free of complications. To ease the burden on you."

"And where would you be?"

"I am not sure," he sighed and ran his gloved hands over her shoulders.

"Why are you acting like this to me?"

"Because I feel it is needed for the offspring destined for me to come to fruition. But...perhaps Chalad'ar would hold the answer to that. Hmm..."

"I would rather consult Chalad'ar than have Imperius and Tyrael displeased with you," she said.

"I know," he said and moved to crouch in front of her. He pulled her down to let her rest on his knee from his stance. Holding her close, he ran a gloved hand over her cheek in thought. "There is a part of me that wonders...and regrets..."

"What thought is this?"

"When I first saw you...I should have stolen you away..."

"What?!"

"When I touched your forehead...the mark of Imperius...I felt myself get locked in. I did not know that my touch also corrupted you. That was not my intention. It was...the mere curiosity to touch what I did not know of. I could have killed you. But...I sensed no demons. So there was no reason for me to do such a thing," he sighed and felt her shiver at a slight caress to her bare spine. She was still wearing her two-piece gown. He clearly liked it. "That and...if I stole you away...my own actions would have been questioned by my followers. When I saw Ilereal run out to see you...I knew I could not steal you away. But...I had planned to return. And I did...but you were gone. In Heaven. I could not see you from the wards that Imperius put in place. It...disturbed me."

"But...what would you have done, if you found me?"

"I don't know," he admitted and sighed. "I just...wanted you around..."

"Why?"

"You were different. An anomaly. A puzzle. I wanted to solve all of the pieces. I am unlocking much now...but there are still parts that elude me. I am still...troubled."

"Then what eludes you?" she asked. She paused at the feel of a wandering hand moving to lightly brush against her chest. She stiffened. He was still trying to let her get used to him touching her. She was not accepting it. He needed Chalad'ar to see if he was needed. It was the only way he would be accepted. Until then, light caresses were all he could give. He didn't know why he wanted her like this. Ever since he saw her, she had sparked a curious desire in him. Was she like this to all? Likely not.

"I will have to tell you later. You need to wake," he growled lightly in her ear. As he stood up, she was able to fully study his figure. He was long, slender and lithe in his dark grey robes against the green landscape around them. His chest seemed to have a vest-like sense of buckled on chainmail. Almost like a dark coat was over him with it flaring out around his legs. Even his leggings looked like stiff leather, but it was all dark, angelic steel. He gave off a sensation of being incredibly deadly in his stealthy way. He did fight demons over a millennia ago, and how he used her body to slaughter the demons that caught her showed he still remembered how to kill easily. He moved smoothly to press his invisible lips to her cheek and hissed out in her ear, "Find out what Chalad'ar says. And you will know."

"But...!" she gasped at the close proximity he had to her. A gloved hand now moved to trace her cheek to her chin. Then she cringed. She was starting to desire him. He was slowly chipping away at her stern shell. He knew this, too. At the warm, soft chuckle he gave, it sent her thoughts spinning.

"Anaurael!" she heard Imperius shout through her mind. Her eyes snapped open. On looking at his concerned sensation of a gaze and feeling how she was still being cradled with her hand on his neck, she burst into tears. He quickly pressed his thumb to her mark. If he was able to swear, the air around him would have turned red hot with his rage. "He is going too far!"

"What?" Tyrael asked. "Who?!"

"Who do you think?" Imperius growled dangerously. "Hush, my ward. Hush. I never left you."

"He said...to seek...Chalad'ar..." she whispered. "for answers..."

"What happened?" Tyrael asked. Auriel and Itherael were clueless. Izarius was standing with her concerned parents. Imperius let out a ragged breath for control.

"Malthael desires her," he said in a disgusted tone. Auriel hovered and sighed sadly at this. "He believes that he needs to be with her to fuel the offspring for Tyrael. And to seek Chalad'ar for answers."

"No!" Itherael said. "That is too much! Her mind is frail now!"

"And you know this? How?" he asked.

"I can sense it. Since I touched her mark, I can sense her distress. Yes, we shall seek the aid of Chalad'ar, but we cannot let him do what he wishes without a solid confirmation," Itherael said. "And, with confirmations being our topic of discussion, Lilaurael, you are with offspring. It is confirmed. You must be here in the High Heavens for future offspring to occur. Your thoughts are true."

"Would it need to be the same for others?" Ilerael asked.

"Yes. It would," Itherael nodded. "Talus'ar has revealed this."

"Let me ask my question," Anaurael whispered to Imperius.

"Fine. But, I refuse to release you," he nodded. She smiled, and he kissed her fiercely before shifting her to be able to sit up in his arms.

"Mother. Father. Um...I want to ask you both something. And, you must be completely honest and truthful," she said. At their attention and smiles, she continued, "If you both had the ability to regain your wings to become angels again...would you take the offer? The chance?"

"I..." Ilerael blinked at the question.

"As much as we left Heaven to fulfill our love...if such a thing was possible..." Lilaurael seemed to tremble at the question. "I know I would take it. I would have to."

"I know I would, too," he swallowed. "Living in Sanctuary has been a true learning experience. But...we don't belong there. Heaven will always be our home. Even though we made you...and now a possible brother or sister for you..."

"I know," Anaurael smiled. "Please...will you both touch my mark?"

"Daughter..." Lilaurael smiled and was able to hug her tight. Then she pressed her hand to the shimmering dot of molten gold. She felt something lock away, and she gasped with a bit of relief. When Ilerael did the same, he could only gasp with his own sense of knowing that he was going to survive somehow. He kissed her forehead and squeezed her before letting Imperius fully reclaim her again.

"Let's go to see Chalad'ar," Tyrael muttered. He was shaking his head at everything. "I may rest after we speak to the Chalice. I will need to."

"I will want you to," Imperius growled and carried Anaurael. She was able to press herself completely against him. He flared out his wings as he carried her.

"Malthael...flew with me...in my mind..." she whispered and was able to lightly reach up to touch a fiery tendril. He seemed to snort at that.

"If it was your mind, then it was not real. It has...been a while since I have last flown. We will do so after you rest. Remind me," he nodded. She smiled and nodded back.