In the Angiris Council chamber, Imperius was going over what Itherael discovered. He was informed of the hidden writing in the Horadric library. There was a hidden prophecy that was found. It was slowly being deciphered.

"Whoever placed it there didn't want it discovered," Itherael said. Talus'ar was floating in his gloved hands as he hovered. "I have been researching Talus'ar relentlessly. I can find nothing. It does frustrate me so! I have no hints or direct contacts to anything."

"Hmm. When was this discovered?" Imperius asked.

"Just the other day. In fact, it was Myriam that pointed it out," Itherael said. "Ilerael told me this. I would have him here, but Lilaurael was still ill. She may be bearing another female offspring."

"Anaurael will be pleased to hear that," he nodded.

"What is to happen with Inarius?" Auriel asked.

"He is behaving. So far..." Malthael said when he appeared. "But...I still cannot trust him."

"I doubt many of us can," Imperius snorted.

"I wondered why he was granted reprieve. Izual is already showing promise. Much promise. But...Inarius...I am unsure..." Malthael growled.

"Who has doubts about what?" the Nephalem asked.

"That's right. You cannot see Malthael right now. We speak of Inarius. You saw him healed. He is not complete, though. It's as if there is just enough of him here to show that he has a chance to regain his full potential. At least, this is what Talus'ar is showing me," Itherael explained.

"I was able to see him briefly," Kormac said in thought. "and I felt a vibe come from him. Like Itherael said. He's not whole. He's here. He's healed. But, he's not complete."

"I, too, sensed something. He is still in pain. But...I cannot explain it," Eirena frowned.

"You may be right!" Auriel said. "His appearance is nothing like it should be! Even when he was found. What may help him regain his true form?"

"I did think on this," Malthael said. "He had never killed the one that he was with. To make the Nephalem come to pass. He banished her instead. If he kills her..."

"That would be his redemption. To kill the one he banished," Imperius mused.

"Yes. That is my thoughts. For what they are..." Malthael shrugged. "We should seek the council of Chalad'ar. However, Tyrael is not yet done. He needs more time."

"Yes, we should seek Chalad'ar in time. How much more time does he need?" Itherael asked. The Nephalem waited patiently. All would be explained soon enough.

"I can check. If you like?" Malthael asked.

"No. She will tell me when she is ready," Imperius said. "I don't want to disturb them."

"Imperius," Izarius said when he appeared.

"Yes? What do you need?" he asked.

"Inarius asked to speak with Anaurael. He wanted her to answer questions for him from Anu. I deterred him for now. I don't know what he would need, but you had to know," Izarius said. That alarmed Itherael. Even Auriel didn't know what to expect. Itherael had to check on Anaurael now. He opened Talus'ar, as though to read it, and focused on being in her mind.

She was resting on top of Tyrael's armored chest in complete comfort. He was reclining against a soft mound of earth and moss. At the sight of Itherael appearing, he looked over with concern.

"Is everything all right?" Tyrael asked.

"Inarius has been asking to speak with her. To have Anu answer questions for him. Izarius just brought it up to our attention. I'm still in the Council meeting, but I had to let you both know," Itherael said. "It truly does worry me."

"That's odd," Anaurael frowned. She did rise up in the light dress of gold silk she was mentally wearing to clasp her hands with Itherael's. She could actually feel his anxiousness for her. "Thank you for telling us. I was thinking of speaking with Inarius later..."

"If you do, I wish to accompany you," Itherael said. He had to protect the offspring she was carrying in her soul. For some reason, she found herself blushing at him. Then he hugged her.

"Itherael?" Tyrael asked with confusion.

"I am sorry. I do see her as my sister. I am simply overly protective of her well-being. She is, of course, carrying a form of offspring. I do not want her to feel stressed," he admitted. Tyrael didn't know what Itherael had to do. In a way, it was likely for the best. Then he paused at the same chaste kiss that she would give to Izarius when it was pressed to his invisible lips. If he was able to reveal a massive blush, he probably would have.

"I see you like Izarius. A very protective, older brother. Um...don't be surprised if I hug you and kiss you like that every now and then," she smiled.

"You may do so as often as you need," he whispered softly in her ear. She giggled softly at him and hugged him again. He regarded Tyrael and said, "I need to rouse myself from meditation. As I said before, I am still in a meeting. I will inform you of what is learned."

"I look forward to hearing what is learned," Tyrael nodded. Itherael hugged her one more time and forced himself to awaken. The others were still arguing over Inarius and what he wanted with Anaurael. He sighed and looked at them all.

"I have a suggestion," Itherael said calmly. They all looked at him now. "No matter where she goes, she has her escort. Either myself, Izarius and her brothers, or any others that hold her in high regard. She cannot wander the High Heavens alone."

"This should be a place of safety for her!" Imperius scowled. "She should not have to be bound in chains anywhere!"

"She will not be bound. She only needs an escort," Itherael said.

"She has that, anyways. With me," Izarius nodded. Imperius only shook his head.

"Why did Inarius get the chance to come back? If he's causing all of these problems, shouldn't he have been left where he was?" Lyndon asked. "You'd think that would be the best thing to do."

"Much like himself..." Malthael muttered. Izarius was able to suppress his laugh.

"Because it was Anu's decision," Itherael said. "We could not fight it."

"Inarius is still Anu's son. For some reason...he is calling the fallen ones back. It is not yet clear as to why," Malthael said. Izarius told them what was said by the invisible Archangel. The Nephalem could only sigh in thought.

"When we know more, we'll be better prepared. Very well. I need to go back to Sanctuary with them," the Nephalem gestured to the three waiting calmly.

"There is much that needs to be done now. Isn't there?" Kormac frowned.

"There always is," Itherael agreed. Eirena could only nod, and Lyndon seemed to sigh with a touch of boredom. When they left, Imperius's thoughts were divided at best. He was pleased to see powerful angels returning to the High Heavens. He was not amused with who one of them was. My hands are purely tied.

"I am checking on Anaurael," Imperius said and teleported away. Izarius was quick to follow. Malthael even vanished back to her mind. Itherael was at a loss on what to do. He seemed to hover with complete indecision. It was unlike him. Auriel had been watching him for quite some time. She knew she had to address the issue. He seemed to be deteriorating.

"Itherael, you have not been yourself lately. Why is that?" Auriel asked.

"You have noticed?" he asked.

"How can I not notice?" she said gently.

"I can confide in you? You will tell no secrets?"

"Itherael, what sort of question is that? There has been much that we have told each other."

"I know. It's just...in light of the events that have come to pass."

"Ah. Yes. I can understand now. We can go to my sanctum? If you wish?"

"Please," Itherael nodded. She led him into the Gardens of Hope and to the very center of the Gardens where a massive, regal fountain of energy was. Her sanctum was always open, as it was a main part of the Gardens, too, but she was able to seal it off with a wall of sound rather easily. They could be seen talking, but none could hear them. She could wall the area off, but it was only for private conversation now. In power, she was just under Imperius. The power of Hope was truly immense.

Now that they were confined, he was able to let Talus'ar hover on its own for a moment without his watch. Nothing could try to remove it from where they were. She could tell that he clearly needed to talk to someone about something. She would easily keep his secrets safe.

"Speak your mind," she said. "We are safe now."

"I fear...that I have gained feelings for Anaurael. After I vowed I would not," he confessed. She paused in her hovering with complete surprise. "Anu...needed me to be with her. As Imperius is with her. No, he does not know. Malthael does know. Tyrael does not know, either, as of yet. She was able to forget about that incident with me the first time. The kiss, as I told you before. In her mind, she was able to forget what I had to do. She had subconsciously retained the knowledge on how."

"To keep Imperius calm?" she asked gently.

"Yes. I do see her as a sister. I truly do. But...now I feel that Anu's champion to be born from her is now a touch of my own. Myriam, the Vecin seer, told me what had to be done when she was brought to my Library. I did not know...what was in store for me..."

"Itherael..." she sighed and moved to clasp her hands in his. "if Anu stated that it needed to be done, then there is no need for regret. You fulfilled your part. I can see how you would have gained such feelings for her. It is...saddening to me that she cannot return them."

"She does see me like Izarius. As one of her most trusted brothers. She is able to hug me close with an occasion kiss of family affection. I do feel that I can get by on that."

"Until you want more?"

"Yes. But, I will refrain from doing such. She would have to forget each time. I know it drains her. I do not wish for her to tax herself like that."

"Especially with the offspring she is bearing."

"Yes," he nodded. "Even in the meeting, just now, I had to focus on Talus'ar to meditate and tell her what Inarius wanted. I felt compelled to protect her from him. It was something I could not ignore. I would not be able to forgive myself, if any harm befell her. Not only for being the Light that Imperius has lost, but...I am sure you know."

"I do know. You are in love with her," Auriel said.

"I fear that I am," Itherael seemed to tremble. "I had vowed not to let it get to this point."

"Did Talus'ar also show this?"

"Yes. It did."

"And what of me?"

"You are a sister. A very dear sister. No harm ever befalls on you. You are in no danger."

"That is good to know. But, now I do worry for you."

"I tend to do well enough. That is not an issue. With how she can give me true sisterly affections like she does to Izarius, I believe it will be enough."

"For now."

"And...yes. You are correct. If it starts to get bad enough..."

"Say no more," Auriel said and squeezed his hands. "Anaurael did not ask of this. She only wished to be with Imperius. Even I can see how such things strain her so. We all can. Do what you can to keep calm at all times. I will support you in this."

"Thank you," he nodded. "I am trying to keep everything subtle. Malthael...does know much, but not all. He does have a very strong idea as to what is going on. But, he vowed to say nothing. If he knows more, then he has not spoken out of it. As formerly Wisdom, it would be engrained in him to know. I am unsure of what else to think. I have been trying to keep to myself as of late. To stay out of the way of others. But...now that Heaven no longer appears to be safe for her..."

"No place can be safe, unless it is made safe," Auriel nodded. "We shall have to make Heaven safe for her at all times. And we will. Have hope."

"I always have," he nodded back. She gave him a moment to recollect himself and to collect Talus'ar from where it hovered. He actually felt better in being able to confide in his sister. At the feel of Al'maiesh coiling around his arms to give him some mental clarity, he sighed with relief. "Thank you."

"Of course, Itherael," she said warmly. When her sanctum walls of sound dissipated, he was quick to retreat to his Library. He had to study up on the prophecy that refused to be discovered. He would find out what it was about. At the mental poke to his mind from Malthael, he seemed to nod. He would be alerted the moment Inarius tried to confront Anaurael. He deserved to know.

While he was able to busy himself once more in reading Talus'ar, Imperius was able to take Anaurael back into his sanctum. He had her eat her fill there before holding her close to her core. Her gown sparkled from where it was on the ground. He couldn't wait any longer for her.

"You have my absolute and undivided attention now," he muttered, as his Song filled her. At the sensation that he was being sought out, he seemed to glower. "And whoever that is will wait."

"Malthael...will get...Izarius..." she whispered and cried out, as he focused even more. He needed to get to that pinnacle point of pleasure with her again. As he did that, Izarius found Izual coming over. They clasped hands as brothers would and nodded.

"Imperius is busy right now. His sanctum is sealed with our sister within it. What can I help you with?" Izarius asked. "If there is anything wrong, of course."

"I wanted to talk about Inarius," he said.

"Don't worry. We know. We had a meeting about him not long ago. All we can do is watch his movements. There isn't much else to say about it. We can't really do anything, either. Anu's will is at work here. He was granted a reprieve. We need to honor it. And, yes, we know he is not complete. Malthael was thinking that he knew why, too."

"Oh? Care to share the insight?"

"Of course! He thinks," Izarius said in a lower tone. "that Lilith needs to be killed by him."

"Because he vowed not to kill her?"

"Yes. Once that is done, he may be fully trusted again."

"That makes more sense than I would have ever thought," Izual admitted in his gruff, deep tone. "I did have another question. How much longer does Tyrael need to rest for?"

"Let's see," Izarius thought. "He's been resting for a solid three hours so far. Time travels quickly here. I would say another four. He really needs it."

"That's right. Now that I recall, a mortal usually needs around six to seven hours of solid rest. It still stands that way. I'll make sure he gets that rest, too. Please tell me how Anaurael came about."

"I can do that," he nodded. They both moved to stand and look out over the Silver City, as her story was relayed in full. Three hours later, the sanctum finally opened to reveal Imperius walking out of it with Anaurael resting in his arms in her sparkling gown once more. She was still trembling from what was done, and he made no plans to leave her alone in her room or hand her off to another. He kept her face pressed as close to the gap in his armored neck as possible. At her shiver from how he moved a hand over her back, he chuckled softly.

"You don't play fair," she whispered to him under his helm.

"Of course, I do not," he mused and moved to stand where Izarius and Izual were. "I don't have to. Izarius, was I truly called out here?"

"Not really. I was only curious as to certain things that Tyrael needed. Izarius answered my questions," Izual nodded. "You are well, sister?"

"She is recovering," Imperius said.

"Recovering?" Izual asked.

"Just tell him they were coupling," Malthael said with amusement when he appeared.

"You will do no such thing!" Tyrael's angelic form appeared next. "However, I did have a favor to ask you, Anaurael. If you would hear it?"

"Sure, Tyrael," she smiled.

"Tyrael? He is not here," Izual said.

"Their essences are in her mind. They can appear before her whenever they need to. Tyrael can only do this when he sleeps, though. Malthael has no form, so he can do this freely. Any others that are locked in their mind can meditate to contact her," Izarius explained. "So, Tyrael?"

"Yes. Can you gain the essence of Izual for your mind, too? I feel that it is needed," Tyrael said.

"Hmm. What do you think?" Imperius asked her.

"With everything going on...well...oh! I should do the same for Azarius, Darius, and Mithus! Can you get them, Izarius?" she smiled.

"That I can!" he chuckled and teleported away. A short moment later, he appeared with them following him. She gazed at them all fondly, and they awaited her orders.

"Can each of you touch my mark? One at a time?" she smiled. Now they gasped with surprise at the honor to do so. Imperius nodded to them, and their essences were carefully locked in. When that was done, she looked at Izual. "Brother, can you do the same?"

"I...of course!" Izual said and did just that. He seemed to hiss with relief at the feel of something getting locked away. I am kept safe. He sighed and suddenly did a double-take at seeing Malthael and Tyrael's angelic form standing close by.

"Good. Now you can see us," Tyrael nodded.

"You're not a mortal?!" Izual said.

"No. Not like this. But, this is important. You will be able to speak with Malthael and I this way. He can also contact you, if something needs to be done," he said. "As well as myself."

"Yes. This is...beneficial for all," Malthael nodded. "And...Anaurael is recovering, because she was coupling with Imperius. Just so you know."

"Malthael..." Tyrael muttered. Izual swallowed down a laugh at this.

"It is fine. It was the truth," Imperius seemed to smirk, and he squeezed Anaurael to him. At her small blush of embarrassment, he laughed softly. That had Izual stunned. He never heard him laugh before! At the wince she gave from her growling stomach, he said, "Izarius, she needs something to eat."

"Shall I set something up here for her?" Izarius asked.

"We can do that. She can eat, as we talk," he nodded. Tyrael nodded and seemed to pause.

"Someone...is threatening to wake me..." Tyrael muttered. Anaurael gasped, but Izual had already vanished to teleport to the Courts of Justice. He was quick to move right in front of Tyrael's inner sanctum. He was surprised to find Malthael accompanying him.

"I can follow you, now that you have your essence in her mind. Those that do not cannot see or hear me. Not unless Anu gives me flesh. He did so once before to safeguard Anaurael. You have concerns about Inarius? Tell them to me," Malthael said calmly.

"Of course," Izual nodded. He made sure that Tyrael was still safely sleeping first. At the sight of Imperius appearing with the others, he paused to find out what was happening.

"She insisted to eat here. To make sure he still slept calmly. He sleeps better with her close," Imperius said. He carried her into the sanctum where a table of food was waiting. Setting her down, he rested his hands on her shoulders to keep her calm. Izual could only watch with silent disbelief.

"What's on your mind?" Tyrael asked.

"Just...how he is with her..." Izual whispered.

"It would be a new thing with you," Malthael nodded. Izual could only nod back, as her mark pulsed in sync with Imperius's form. She blushed up at him from the warm squeeze he gave her shoulders. Malthael now moved to sit at a chair in front of her. "Tell me. What are your true thoughts on Inarius? Why do you feel compelled to speak with him?"

"I am concerned over his well-being," she sighed and leaned back a bit into Imperius. "I feel that...hmm...my work with him isn't done."

"Isn't done?" Tyrael asked and walked over, as his body slept.

"Yes. That something with him isn't finished," she said thoughtfully. Imperius moved a hand to press against her mark and settled it back on her shoulder.

"So, you can sense that he is not fully healed, too," Imperius said. "Interesting to know."

"We need to talk quieter," Tyrael warned when his body twitched. "I can only let myself sleep for so long. It really is needed."

"You can wake up after this conversation," Imperius nodded. At the sound of steps approaching, Izarius and Izual made up a quick barrier. Malthael grumbled. It was Inarius.

"Do you have business here?" Izual asked with Azurewrath in his hand.

"I wanted to ask the girl that healed me a question. Is it possible?" he asked. At the sight of a slender hand moving to rest on Izual's arm gently, she smiled and showed she was ready to speak with him. Izual nodded to his sister and dropped his guard. Then Itherael was quick to appear. Malthael kept his word to contact him.

"I was asked to be called on," Itherael muttered softly to Imperius. "Malthael reached me."

"Very well," Imperius nodded back. He moved to stand behind her and rest his hands back on her shoulders. He didn't want to lose contact with her just yet. Inarius was stunned at the how Imperius did a form of complete claim to her. Then he noticed how her mark pulsed in sync with Imperius's glowing form from within her matching circlet to his halo. When he saw Tyrael's mortal form sleeping in the bed, he was in complete surprise.

"I'm waking up," Tyrael muttered and vanished. His mortal form coughed and yawned, as he woke. Anaurael smiled and was able to move to his side to help him. "I'm glad I don't dream anymore. I feel like I can get more done. From those that can see and hear me, of course."

"Good," she chuckled. He kissed her softly and let her help him get dressed. El'druin was collected from where it rested on his sanctum chair. Inarius studied how Imperius regarded Tyrael now. There was a kinship there that he never noticed before. Itherael was mildly watching how Inarius was. At the sudden warm squeeze Itherael got from her hand on his, he chuckled and nodded. He accepted the hug she gave him. "It's good to see you."

"You as well," he nodded. He felt a touch elated when she didn't move from his side. She didn't know why she felt this way, but she only figured that it was because he was a brother to her. Imperius studied this mildly, but she did the same thing with Izarius at times. Then she squeaked when she got snatched up by Imperius to get held. He would always see her as his. They all respected it.

"Is something wrong?" she asked him.

"No. I just want to hold you," Imperius said with a soft laugh. Inarius was completely stunned. The bond between them was intense and unbreakable. "I do wonder, though..."

"About what?" she asked.

"I know your hair cannot be braided, but can it have other things done?" he mused. He was purposely ignoring Inarius. Malthael put a hand over his hooded face to laugh softly.

"I'm not sure. We could try," she said with a soft blush. He ran a golden armored hand over her cheek and sighed. She pressed her cheek into his hand and closed her eyes. She was still tired.

"Um..." Inarius managed to say, and she looked over at him with a slow blink of her topaz blue eyes. She seemed to blush from getting caught up in the moment. He could only regain himself from the beauty she held. Tyrael glanced at him and moved over to Imperius to mutter softly.

"Let me answer his question," Anaurael finally said. "I'll rest more after."

"Are you sure?" Itherael asked.

"I am. I'll be fine," she smiled. Then she yawned and shook her head. The offspring in her soul was starting to take full hold. Imperius seemed to know when his stance changed to be a bit more stern in holding her. When he regarded Inarius, chills were actually felt. "I must rest soon. Inarius, what questions do you have for me?"

"I wanted to know if you could speak to Anu for me," he said.

"For what purpose?" she asked. Then she blinked and seemed to wince. "I...understand..."

"Anaurael?" Imperius asked with full concern.

"No...Anu just...spoke to me," she said. "I was told to tell you two things. Release your doubts. Destroy your debts."

"I can understand my doubts, but...my debts?" Inarius asked.

"You still have a vow to one that you forcefully removed. That is what is being spoken of," Itherael said calmly. "Destroy your debts."

"Destroy..." Inarius seemed to whisper. "I see..."

"Take it as you will. Anaurael needs rest," Tyrael said and regarded Imperius. "Let's take her to her chambers. Safer there."

"That it is," Imperius nodded and teleported away with her. Itherael nodded to the others and went back to his Library. Inarius was lost in his own thoughts, as he walked away from the Courts. There was only one thing that weighed heavily on his mind. I must kill Lilith. I must break my vow. He had to destroy the one debt that Anu held against him. As he gazed out over the Silver City, he knew he had no other choice to keep his reprieve.