Malthael retreated into her mind. He saw her gazing at the rain forest waterfall, and she leaned back into him when he moved to crouch behind her. She was still weary, but she was smiling.
"You wanted to talk?" she whispered. His hand came up to gently caress her cheek.
"I know that some time has passed when this happened...but...thank you..." he whispered back. "for saving my life once again. I just...had no time to speak with you. As you know."
"As much as you have your faults, I simply could not allow you to slip away," she shivered and let him pull her into his lap to rest on the ground. "It scared me so badly..."
"It will not happen again," he vowed. At how her hand moved to trace over the edge of his hood, he shivered. When her hand moved to caress his cheek, he seemed to sigh.
"I can only hope that it will not," she murmured and reached her hand back into the hood to feel the back of his invisible head. Then she gently pulled his head down to let him rest against her shoulder. He gave a heavy sigh and relaxed with his arms around her. "Did you want to talk?"
"Not yet," he muttered lightly. "Can you do something for me?"
"What would that be?" she smiled. He managed to set her aside and stretch himself out on his belly. He flicked his misted wings to make sure they weren't cramped. He placed his arms under his head and seemed to wait. She blinked at him, but she noticed that he was exposing his back to her. When she moved to press her hands gently between his wings, he gave a gasp. It was with a form of intense relief. Now she knew what he wanted, and she began to massage his back extensively. She was simply amazed that he was letting her do this.
"Why didn't...I have you...do this...sooner?" he managed to say.
"Better late than never?" she chuckled. He could only sigh and rest while she worked on his back. After ten minutes of it, she winced and said, "I'm becoming famished."
"Ah. Yes, you are," he said and sat up smoothly to pull her back into his lap. "Thank you for that. I needed it. Go ahead and wake. I shall remain here with you."
"Very well," she nodded and let him kiss her. When she woke, she nuzzled into Imperius and whispered to him. He was quick to react.
"She needs to eat," Imperius said. She was settled in his lap with another suckling pig dish set in front of her. Tyrael was still along the back walls and couldn't stop himself from coming back over to her to help her eat it. When Imperius looked at him, Tyrael found some sauces to put in front of her to add new flavors to the meat. "You know what I like her to do by now, it seems."
"If it helps her eat, then I will not complain," Tyrael chuckled. It also kept Imperius amused and calm. He didn't say that, though. When Itherael appeared, he had Cain's book.
"We need to study this a bit more," Itherael said.
"I usually am not one for this, as you know," Imperius said. "But, since I will not leave her side, I shall join you in this."
"Of course," Itherael nodded. As they scoured through the book, Imperius found himself disgusted at some of the illustrations of himself.
"My wings do not look like that!" he growled. "And my armor is not that plain!"
"Imperius, love, remember. It was all drawn by hand. There was only so much that could be worked with, right?" Anaurael smiled. "Oh! Taste this."
"Hmm?" he asked and she kissed him. There was a mildly hot seasoning that she put on a bit of meat before eating it. He actually mused over it.
"And remember," she smiled. "you are very well-known for how you slew Diablo."
"It is remembered well, but we also know that it was part of his plan to be reborn," Itherael sighed. "There is not much else to say to it."
"He was still killed off," Imperius muttered.
"Don't think of it," she frowned. He nodded to her and hugged her. The next few chapters were dedicated to the various demons that were known. She was actually quite fascinated with learning the weak points of each demon. As well as the history of each one. When she began to show signs of exhaustion, he made no plans to move. Itherael chuckled when she fell asleep.
"Well, I suppose that, if we need to get her to sleep, we read to her," Tyrael smiled.
"This is one way to see it," Itherael agreed. At the sight of Gurzick appearing, Izarius made a warning motion to keep quiet. The Greed Goblin nodded, and Greed spoke from the crown.
"I had to let you all know. Some humans plan to come by the Heavens later. Something in Pandemonium was discovered and needs to be taken care of," Greed said.
"What happened?" Tyrael asked.
"A pocket of older demons have discovered a means to teleport out. They need to be removed. And, no, I didn't have anything to do with this. Old teleport devices were always around before. Stuck in small time loops and such. One such time loop may have failed. The attacks were traced back to the near-dead realm. There is also something else I need to say. Small parts of renegade armies are also there. The ones that belong to the elusive, near-dead one."
"Malthael is not allowed to go there," Imperius muttered.
"I doubt I could, unless another from Anaurael's mind was there," Malthael said when he appeared. Anaurael had woken up shortly after. As much as he wanted her to sleep more, he had urged her to wake for this news. Imperius looked at her and sighed when she caressed his cheek. She had to keep him calm. This was the true reason as to why she had to wake up.
"I'm sure," she whispered. "that I would be unable to see to them. Even if they were brought here. Even Anu holds doubt on this. These angels willingly chose their path. The only way I could even see about helping them gain reprieve is if they want it. If they are still set in their ways..."
"They cannot be helped," Imperius nodded. She nodded back and turned slowly to pick at the pieces of meat that she didn't get to eat yet. "We should get you a new platter."
"I'm fine," she mumbled and poked over the small carcass. When the plate was removed for several slices of slow-cooked roast to be placed in front of her, she tackled it. Imperius had her try a few choice cuts for him to taste. Izarius chuckled softly and waited for her to finish before setting a warmed chocolate drink in front of her. As she sipped this down, she began to feel much better. "I'm getting fat now. I know it. I'm starting to feel sluggish."
"Then you will train lightly," Imperius said. "Izarius will help you."
"I need to walk," she growled. She was truly feeling irritable. Instead of letting her go, Imperius pulled her even closer to him and whispered. At the way she looked at him now, he saw that she wanted his suggestion. "Can we? Please?"
"Izarius, we are going flying. Tyrael, we shall be back shortly," Imperius said and rose up with her. At this, Tyrael rose up, too.
"I'll check on the Nephalem down on Sanctuary to find out what is going on. Malthael, let me know when their flight is done," Tyrael said. Malthael nodded and watched him leave. Itherael decided to join them, and he took Cain's book to his Library to keep it safe. He did check on the potions in his sanctum. It was the safest place to keep them to have them mature properly. On approaching the one that was destined to stay in Heaven for Anaurael, he studied it. Both Izarius and Izual had placed a tiny drop of their liquid Light into it. It seemed to have a rather pearly coloring all through it.
Then, on a whim, he took out his sword to add his own drop of blood. It seemed to enhance the whitish coloring even more. Nodding to himself, he set his sword away, made sure his finger sealed up, and he went to find Anaurael and Imperius. As he now enjoyed a leisurely flight with them, Tyrael was trying to make sense of things on Sanctuary.
"Okay, where did these disturbances appear?" Tyrael asked the Nephalem.
"At first, it was slight. Then I noticed that it was the same type of demons from Pandemonium. The same scarred up demons. There weren't many, but the damage was extensive to the village that was attacked. We traced the signature pattern to Pandemonium. The Horadric mages did, of course," the Nephalem said. "They told us that it seemed to be coming from the old fortress."
"This isn't good," Tyrael muttered. "Do they know where in the fortress?"
"Not really. But, it's drawing attention. From the demons that were appearing..." the champion frowned. "I'm just glad that there are other Nephalem like me out there now to help."
"When do you plan to go there?"
"As soon as possible. Haedrig was making something for me. A new weapon. And, I don't know if I should take Lyndon with me. I may take Kormac," the Nephalem thought aloud. "I could take them all, even, if I have to. But, it's easier to keep track of one."
"Maybe you should take Lyndon just to keep an eye on him," Tyrael said. "Where is he, anyways? Do you know?"
"I left him by the fire pit. Hmm..." the powerful champion now moved over to where Eirena and Kormac were sitting. "Have either of you seen Lyndon?"
"Ah...why no," Kormac frowned. "Not for the past hour, actually."
"Huh? Lyndon? Oh. No. I was meditating," Eirena said. "Is something wrong?"
"He's missing. That's what is wrong," Tyrael muttered. "Let's see. We are in Westmarch now. Kingsport is about, oh, four days of traveling southeast of us. But..."
"Where did he go?" the Nephalem echoed his thoughts. Tyrael now moved to where Lorath was and whispered to him. Lorath was quick to reach for the mirror to speak out Greed's name.
"I need one of those," Tyrael mused. When Gurzick appeared, he was quick to request a mirror. This was readily given over. Now he explained the issue with Lyndon.
"Hmm. I'll look for him. Hold on," Greed said through the crown. His goblins now scrambled at his order. At what he found out, he was amused. "The meddling thief found his way to the girl's place of birth. He was able to bribe a local mage to teleport him."
"What?!" Tyrael gaped. "I need to get there! Now!"
Gurzick produced a gem for him, and he found himself standing at the angel statue when he took it. Gurzick was soon at his side to lead him. When he saw Ilerael, the news was quickly given.
"I'm going to skin him..." Ilerael growled. They followed Gurzick to the old cottage where Lyndon was being held back by guardian angels. When Lyndon turned to see them, he quickly tried to make up an excuse on why he was there. Gurzick only grinned and sat back to watch silently.
"We found him trying to get into a floor storage space," a warrior said.
"It was just storage?" Lyndon blinked.
"This was my home before I became Mayor. Anaurael grew up here. What are you doing here?" Ilerael asked carefully. "The Nephalem was about to make a trip to Pandemonium, and you were looked for. You were needed for the expedition."
"Oh...well, I guess I should be getting back!" Lyndon beamed. At the sight of El'druin's shining blade directed at him, he swallowed.
"Only after you answer our question. Why were you here?" Tyrael asked. "This place is now property of the Horadrim. You have no business being here."
"That's what I want to know, too," the Nephalem said. The champion had jogged up the small hill to help assess the problem and heard what was going on. Now Lyndon was being put on the spot.
"I just heard...through the grapevine..." the scoundrel sighed. "that a mass amount of wealth was found here. That's all."
"Ah, you were here for that. It was the treasure vault under my new house," Ilerael said. "So, try again. Why are you here?"
"I was only curious about the place. That's all," Lyndon said.
"I think you were hoping to catch her here," Tyrael growled in a protective way. When Lyndon started to scowl, he stopped at how El'druin even gave a mild flaring warning. "Well, if she is here, so is Imperius. You want to approach her? You have to go through him first. As well as Izarius. As well as me, since she's my wife when she's here."
"Well, some men are known to...ouch!" Lyndon suddenly winced at a rock that smacked into his head. When he turned around, he gaped at Myriam's angry form. She thanked Lorath for bringing her, since he was right next to her, and she glared at the scoundrel.
"I saved your life. Again!" she scowled and moved to his side. "They need to know. Right now. Why are you insisting on seeing this girl? You will just cause her anguish and pain!"
"Well...you know why..." Lyndon frowned.
"Of course, I do. But, they do not. Now...tell them!" she said with a wave of her staff.
"But...they'll kill me!" he grimaced.
"They won't. But I will. Only if you don't talk," the Nephalem growled. "Anaurael is giving new life to the High Heavens! I was told everything in full. If you touch her, you could kill her! Now why won't you leave her alone?!"
"Because I am in love with her!" Lyndon finally confessed. Tyrael's eyes narrowed with a form of rage. Ilerael was now scowling for not having his sword with him. When Malthael appeared in a solid form, he was holding his weapons. But, he was remaining calm.
"I heard your thoughts, Tyrael. Anu had me come down. Demon filth, you have one chance to convince me to leave your head on your shoulders. Start convincing me," he droned out.
"Fine," Lyndon sighed with defeat. "I guess...it started when I first saw her in New Tristram. She's just the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I simply can't stop thinking about her. And, yes, when I saw her sleeping, it took my breath away again. Whenever I see her I just...well...I honestly don't know what to think. Yes, I know, I can't be with her. I can't do anything with her. I can only see her from afar like a treasure behind a sheet of glass with guards. But...that's why. So, yes, I was hoping to see her. I know it won't happen."
"Your honesty is appreciated. Right now, it's too dangerous for her to be on Sanctuary. You know this. You have been warned. We respected why you do as you do. But, for you to leave like you did to come here without any word...that builds mistrust," Tyrael frowned. "I'm sure that Anaurael would very much like to know you as a brother. But, that is all she can see you as. You cannot see her as anything less than a sister. All of the High Heavens would be after you, if you tried anything more."
"Even I see her as a form of family," the Nephalem shrugged. "With everything she is doing now, why else wouldn't I? She respects me, and I respect her in kind. Hell, she finally got the High Heavens to work with us! That is more than I could ever dream of. Yes, I still find faults with Imperius. But, if she keeps him in line, I'll be as tolerable of him as he is of us."
"This is your last warning," Malthael said. "Do not do anything this stupid ever again. There will be no last moments of reprieve. I can promise you that."
"Unless the girl stops you," Myriam said calmly. Malthael merely glanced at her and muttered something for only her to hear. She pursed her lips shut with laughter. Then she said, "Celsa, I am sure you don't mean that. I can talk to her for you."
"Not necessary," Malthael seemed to grumble and vanished away.
"What did he say?" Tyrael asked. Ilerael was still keeping an eye on Lyndon. Lorath was doing the same to show he didn't trust the scoundrel one bit.
"Oh, that he would rather kill me first before I speak with her. I figured you could speak with her in my stead," Myriam chuckled. "As long as Lyndon can see her as a sister, then all will be well."
"If he wants to keep his life, then he will," Ilerael growled out. "She's still my daughter. I will still protect her. And I won't hesitate to kill for her, either."
"I am sure that we all know that," Tyrael chuckled.
"Oh, what was that demon guarding in that room?" Ilerael asked.
"Funny you should ask. It had taken a liking to a very powerful altar, and it's for Anaurael's necklace to boost its powers. However, we will have to wait on testing it. Anu has forbidden her to come back down to Sanctuary. And, Lyndon, that's another reason why you won't see her. Only After she gives birth can she come back down. Even you saw the strain she was going through just by being down here," Tyrael said. "Yes, it was in an area where Mephisto used to reign, but the teleportations are starting to hurt her mental and physical psyches."
"Yes, I noticed," Lyndon sighed.
"You know," Greed mused. "if you wanted to impress the child, you could find something for her of notable value. To show that you mean no harm to her. But...that's if you can part with such things. As much as I feel disgruntled on passing over my treasures, I know she keeps them safe for me. It makes it easier to deal with. And, if she gave them away, I know I can get them back. What say you on this?"
"If you give me the gold crossbow you keep teasing me with, then I might be able to work on that," Lyndon grinned. At that, Greed howled with laughter at his lie. "Okay! Fine. I don't think I would be able to part with it. Damn you!"
"What's wrong?" the Nephalem asked.
"Greed leaves crossbows around all over. They look like they are made of gold. When I pick one up, it turns into an old, broken piece of garbage! I honestly don't know what to think!" the scoundrel sighed. "Although, it would be fun to play pranks on the Thieves Guild with other items and trinkets. That whole lot deserves what they can get!"
"True," Lorath thought. "We do have to make a trip to Kingsport for food runs soon. We have a shipment of fish to gather up. Maybe we can plan something then?"
"I can look into it!" Greed giggled and had Gurzick vanish away.
"Well, we still have to go back to Pandemonium. But, it's Westmarch first for Haedrig to finish my weapon. Let's move," the Nephalem said. Lorath was able to help them get back with a quick teleport jump, but Tyrael stayed behind with Ilerael. They checked over the cottage to ensure that nothing else was disturbed. After that, they nodded to each other, and Tyrael followed the others. Ilerael had to tackle a town meeting that was next on his list to distribute more funds.
"Tyrael! You'll never believe who's here!" Lorath grinned. Then he gestured to a man in silver armor and red cloth standing in the distance. His right pauldron looked like it was covered in spikes, and his chest armor could have resembled a bony rib cage. Red cloth adorned his stiff collar to protect his neck, and the cloth came down over the sides of his legs as mild decoration. Black leather pants fitted him neatly underneath the cloth and armored boots he wore. His brown hair came down over his head neatly, and a slight beard covered his face from all the traveling he did. In a pouch at his side, one could hear something complaining within it. Every now and then, the man would flick the pouch to shut up whatever was in it.
"Zayl? What are you doing here?" Tyrael asked and walked over.
"I've been hearing strange things that were happening. I'm still working on the Bog just outside of town, but I keep hearing rumors of powerful angels appearing. What's going on?" the man asked.
"Yes! Tell him! He won't shut up!" the voice in the bag said.
"Just ignore him," Zayl muttered. "He's been complaining ever since I put him in the pouch."
"Let me out! I want to see things!" the voice begged.
"No. Not in town. Remember how that vendor tried to steal you to sell?"
"And remember how I bit him until he dropped me?!" the voice countered. "I chipped a tooth, though. That sucked!"
"Shut up, Humbert!" Zayl growled.
"Just a peek? Please?!" the voice begged again. Zayl sighed and pulled out the skull. Glowing red eyes now seemed to glance about. "Ah! Much better! I want to see a pretty wench!"
"No. Behave yourself. Or I'll put you back in the pouch," he warned.
"Spoiled sport!" Humbert pouted.
"Anyways," Zayl sighed. "are these rumors true?"
"Would you like to find out?" Tyrael chuckled. Zayl blinked at this answer. Tyrael meditated slightly, and Izarius came down to answer the call. Then Imperael appeared as support.
"Is there a demon that needs to be culled?" Imperael asked in his deep, regal tone.
"Okay. Now I've seen everything. You can put me back in the pouch now," Humbert seemed to shiver with a form of awe. Zayl was in his own form of shock. Tyrael calmly explained what was going on. Izarius now studied the odd man and noticed the scent of death around him.
"You're a Necromancer?" Izarius asked.
"I am," Zayl said after regaining himself. "This is my traveling companion, Humbert. Feel free to ignore him if you want. It helps ease the mind and your ears."
"Reminds me of that human thief," Imperael snorted. "If there is no threat, I must return to the High Heavens. Anaurael rests with Imperius."
"That's fine. I just needed to help Zayl know that this rumor is true," Tyrael nodded. "And, Zayl, Malthael does have a chance to be reborn. But, as a mortal."
"What?!" the man gaped.
"Oh, goody! We can show him what for!" the skull laughed. Imperael gave an odd glance at the skull and snorted his distaste before vanishing away. Izarius took the time to fully explain what was going on with Anaurael and the High Heavens. As well as how it all started. Zayl was completely shocked. Even Humbert was, unexpectedly, unable to come back with anything.
"No, I didn't know about her, either. No one knew of the love that Ilerael and Lilaurael shared, too. They hid it very well. But, they do live here on Sanctuary in a small village a hundred miles west of Kingsport. He is now the Mayor there. The previous Mayor was a demon in disguise," Tyrael said.
"I think I would like to meet this champion of Heaven," Zayl said. "If it's possible."
"My sister is four months pregnant. Her condition is very sensitive. The moment she feels ill, or distressed, the entire Angelic Host will rally to protect her. When she Sings with Imperius, she can summon angels of intense power from the Arch of Heaven. And she is giving a new form to Anu, the one who created the High Heavens. If you want to meet her, you must be respectful. Imperius will be with her. She shares his Light. Everything that happens to him can affect her. Remember that," Izarius warned. Zayl nodded with complete agreement.
"Do not say anything foolish," Zayl warned Humbert. "If we are going to the High Heavens, then who knows what they would do to you. You're a dead skull. I brought you to life again. Don't piss off anybody. If you do, you go back in the pouch."
"I won't say anything mean..." the skull said.
"Or rude and out of place?" Zayl asked.
"Now you're just asking for the impossible!" the skull sulked. "I will try to mind my manners."
"That's the most I'll get from you. Fine. Very well, I'm ready to go," Zayl nodded.
"Let me prepare the High Heavens for your visit. Tyrael will bring you with him when I give him the signal," Izarius nodded and vanished away. They had to prepare for the Nephalem to appear to head to Pandemonium, anyways. A small group was already being rallied. As much as Malthael was curious as to who was still alive from his previous peak of power, he knew that they would not be pleased about Anaurael. And he would kill them all to keep her safe.