Imperius was very skeptical of meeting a Necromancer. Malthael was incredibly curious if he could be seen. Anaurael was slightly worried, though. When Imperius looked at her, she said, "If he works with death, would I be safe around him?"
"In the High Heavens, you should be fine," Malthael nodded. "There is enough life here to keep everything calm for you. Your brothers will be with you. Auriel and Itherael will be here, too. You have no need to worry over that."
"I'm here," Imperael said when he walked over to them. Darius, Mithus and Azarius were next to form their wall of angelic steel. Itherael soon appeared with Auriel at the mental call. He moved to check on Anaurael's state first, though. She squeezed his hand warmly and let him feel her belly.
"At least we have gathered in the Angiris Council chamber. Hmm. You're hungry again," Imperius said and pressed his thumb to her mark. A table and chair were kept off to the side for her just for these mild emergencies. Her brothers moved back and forth from her chamber to set up the table with various meats and other dishes. At the sight of an elegantly grilled fish platter, Anaurael had to sit down to sample it. "What dish is that? I doubt I have seen that yet."
"It's fish. A type of meat from the ocean," she smiled. Now he needed to sample it with her, and he had her settle in his lap. "I think this dish is from Kingsport."
"Interesting," he mused. "Wasn't that human thief from there?"
"Yes. Kingsport is the main place in Sanctuary for fish trades. As much as there are a lot of evil humans there, there are also a lot of good, hardworking humans, too. Some turn to evil just to survive. Then they renounce their ways and turn their lives around for the better. Many have never done evil at all, and only seek to do what they can for the best. Others simply don't care. Those are the ones that are far viler in nature than they care to admit," she frowned.
"And none of them will touch you," Imperael growled.
"It was the very same humans that showed how corrupted they have become," Malthael said. "It was that same attitude that they displayed that convinced my followers of what had to be done."
"I can believe that," she nodded. When she started to feel a touch depressed, Imperius squeezed her gently and let her press herself into his chest. He knew that she was getting vibes of hunger and exhaustion now. He didn't believe that she could focus very much on training at all.
"Sorry I'm late," Izarius said when he appeared. "Tyrael is on his way."
"Good," Imperius nodded. At how Anaurael was, he whispered, "My ward? What is wrong?"
"I don't know if I should meet with this one," she seemed to tremble. He gently ran his thumb under her jaw to have her look into his helm.
"The moment the wrong thing is said, I will take you away," he vowed. That got her to smile and nod softly. "Do not worry so. There is no need for it."
"I love you," she whispered and buried her face in his hand.
"And I love you," he said in a gentle way. He rocked her lightly and seemed to glance down at her belly. A rather hard kick was given. "At least I know our offspring is doing well."
"You think?" she smiled and gasped at the trembling sensation she felt from the one in her soul. He ran his hand over her back to soothe her and comfort her.
"I have come to help. How is she?" Izual asked when he appeared.
"The offspring are restless," Malthael mused. She had Izual come over to feel the growing life, and even he was laughing softly at the kick he was greeted with. They all looked over when Tyrael appeared with Zayl. She smiled softly at Tyrael when he walked over to check on his growing son.
"How is he?" he asked.
"Quite awake," she chuckled. He laughed and gestured to Zayl.
"This is my friend, Zayl. He is, actually, a very high-ranking Horadric member. Zayl, this is Anaurael. She is my wife on Sanctuary, and she is now a Keeper of the Horadrim. However, due to her pregnancy with my son, her visitations to Sanctuary are limited to keep her stress down," he said. Anaurael whispered to Imperius, and he grunted lightly with a small nod. On noticing how she winced a bit, he knew her back was bothering her. He helped her stand up and let her lean into him to help her walk around the table to better approach the Necromancer. On seeing her intense, angelic beauty in full, Zayl was mildly stunned. Itherael watched everything rather closely from where he hovered with Auriel.
"I don't think I'll ever be able to see another woman the same way ever again," Humbert muttered, as his glowing red eyes watched her. Zayl growled at him in warning. Imperius would have shown a touch of disgust, but a talking skull was something he did not expect.
"Um...did that skull just...talk?" she blinked.
"Yes. His name is Humbert. He is my traveling companion and focus for my arts. Feel free to ignore him. I tend to do that all the time. And, I think I'll put him back in the pouch," Zayl said.
"No! I'll shut up!" Humbert said.
"Wisest idea since I've known you," Zayl smirked. She stifled a giggle, and Imperius rested his hands on her shoulders. When Malthael moved around Zayl, it was Humbert that saw him.
"You! Who are you?!" Humbert asked.
"Who?" Zayl frowned.
"You don't see him? A dark one of them with no wings?" the skull asked. "He's circling us!"
"Ah. So...you can see me. But he cannot. I am Malthael," he said and loomed over the skull. "Since you are affiliated with death, as am I, you can sense me. And see me. Interesting to know..."
"Oh...crap..." Humbert seemed to shiver.
"What?" Zayl asked him now.
"Um...you can't see Malthael. I can..." Humbert said. Now Zayl was in shock.
"Malthael had locked himself to my mind," Anaurael said. "He has no physical form. He is able to project himself to us. At least, to those that are also locked to my mind. On occasion, Anu can also give him a physical form, but it is never permanent. At first...we were very skeptical about him, due to his motives. However, he has been proving himself more and more. If he does anything to you, I want to know. And don't give me that look, Malthael! Twice I saved you from your own destruction. You owe me this much reprieve."
"I know," Malthael nodded. "For you...I shall relent..."
"Thank you," she smiled. Humbert was actually very worried now. It was rare for such an emotion to hit him so hard.
'You know, if you put me back in the pouch now, I won't complain..." Humbert said.
"No," Zayl smirked. "If Malthael keeps your troublesome mouth under control, do you think I would pass up the opportunity to properly shut you up?"
"You are so mean!" Humbert growled. That got Tyrael hiding his wide grin in his hand.
"You should be grateful," Malthael muttered to the skull. "I'll have to try an experiment with you later. Nothing harmful. Just...a curiosity factor..."
"He wants to hurt me!" Humbert said.
"No," Anaurael sighed. "He would not do such a thing. If anything, you have peaked his curiosity. So...huh. Yeah. You should be worried."
"Aw..." the skull seemed to mope.
"As long as he remains like this, then fine," Zayl nodded.
"What?! You're going to let him do whatever to me?!" Humbert gasped.
"I can't see him. And I ignore you half the time, anyways. Why not?" Zayl grinned. If Humbert's lower jaw could fall off, it likely would have right there. Tyrael was struggling to keep his laughter down. When Gurzick appeared, he only cringed at what was likely going to happen next.
"Hi!" Gurzick said, as he hopped over.
"Hello, Gurzick," she smiled. Imperius simply kept his hands on her shoulders and watched them calmly. He knew she was on the verge of emotional stress. He was keeping a very careful watch on her.
"Who you?" Gurzick asked the Necromancer.
"I am Zayl," he said. From how the others didn't attack the Greed Goblin, he could only believe that this one was an ally of sorts. "This is Humbert."
"Dead?" Gurzick asked.
"Sort of. You could say that," Humbert said. Now Greed spoke from the crown.
"How interesting! A talking dead skull! I could have so many uses for you," Greed giggled. "I am Greed. You may have seen my minions darting around from various places."
"Yes. And it's because of them that I keep a close watch on my things," Zayl said.
"If you make me one of those skulls, I'll gladly give back anything taken from you," Greed hinted. "Such a thing I don't have yet!"
"I'd say that you could take this one, but Humbert would never forgive me," he chuckled.
"What?! After all the years we've been traveling together, you would willingly just give me away?!" Humbert raged. "If it's not one thing, it's another! You are going to allow Malthael to poke at me. Now you want to get rid of me. Does no one like me anymore?"
"Be glad he doesn't travel with Lyndon," Tyrael smirked.
"I know him. I like him," Humbert said. "We have a lot of the same ideals."
"Until he suggested to sell you for coin to pay off a debt?" Zayl asked.
"That was a misunderstanding!" the skull said. Anaurael had her face pressed into Imperius's side to hide her laughter. The massive Archangel was mildly amused.
"As for making you a skull like Humbert, I'm afraid it is impossible. And I, honestly, cannot give him up. He is invaluable to me. As much as I hate to admit it," Zayl sighed. "But, there was one item of power that was taken from me. I do need it back."
"Oh? I can work in a trade," Greed said.
"All right. It was a very powerful wand that I had made. I can sketch it out for you later. As for a trade item, hmm. I don't really have much to trade," he admitted.
"If I Sing for you, will you give it back?" Anaurael smiled.
"Yes! I can do that!" Greed said quickly. At this she took in a deep breath and began to Sing softly. Then she let the Song build and reverberate throughout the chamber. Imperius lightly added his Song to gently embolden hers and add depth to it. When it ended, Zayl had no words to describe what he heard. Even Humbert had remained silent through the whole thing.
"Zayl, make sure you give Greed a detailed drawing," Tyrael said to break the silence.
"Oh! Ah, yes. I can do that," his friend said when he came to.
"Good. Let me know when it is ready. I'll start setting aside what I know I have," Greed said and had Gurzick vanish away. Zayl would have to start recalling the item that was taken.
"And, Humbert, if you want to tick off Lyndon when he upsets you, just say that you heard Anaurael Sing. He hasn't heard her Sing yet," Tyrael seemed to grin.
"I can do that!" Humbert seemed to clamor with a form of glee.
"Actually, she did Sing in front of him. When those four from her past were here," Itherael said. "So that won't be much of a surprise to him."
"Just the fact that Sang again would do it," Tyrael pointed out.
"Considering that he also wants her for himself," Malthael said with disgust.
"What?! For what purpose?" the skull asked. Even Zayl looked troubled at this when he was told what was said.
"He just likes her physical beauty. He said he was in love with her," he smirked. Now Imperius looked over at Malthael to glare at him. He had no idea about this. Even Anaurael gasped with shock. "Oh. That's right. You didn't know."
"No longer will he see her!" Imperius snapped. "I'm taking her back to her chambers."
"Such a thing will not do," Auriel sighed. "He wants to be with her for all the wrong reasons. He truly does believe that every female that walks the land desires him."
"I heard that even he thought that you held favor with him," Tyrael said. Now she looked at him with complete surprise. "He doesn't have a chance in the Burning Hells."
"Disgusting," Imperael muttered.
"He still holds much remorse and regret for his past transgressions," Itherael said. "I honestly doubt that anyone can change him. Only he can change himself."
When Anaurael yawned and seemed to droop, Imperius was quick to scoop her up into his arms. It was just a few seconds later that she succumbed to a deep sleep. Tyrael chuckled softly and watched Imperius take her away. Izarius nodded to the others there and vanished to follow them. Her brethren were quick to clean up the table and teleport to her chamber. After a moment of silent reflection, Zayl looked at his friend and asked, "So, what all does Malthael want to do to Humbert?"
"Good question," Tyrael said and looked at Malthael.
"I want to touch the skull. To see if I can leave an imprint mark. I can see the soul within it, but I will not remove it. I merely wish to...track it. If there is an emergency...I can alert this one," Malthael said. Tyrael mused and repeated what Malthael wanted to try.
"As long as Humbert stays as he is," Zayl said.
"No! Don't do it!" Humbert seemed to cringe when Malthael placed his forefinger directly on the center of the skull's forehead. When he withdrew, the skull was silent. "Huh. I expected something more."
"But, this is strange. My focus with Humbert has been strengthened! How?" Zayl asked.
"Remember. Malthael was, originally, the Angel of Death. He knows how souls work, as well as how death can be manipulated. He has had over a millennia to work with such a thing. You could, possibly, call him the ultimate Necromancer. If he strengthened your companion, then I would use this new power wisely," Itherael said. "And do not show it off to others."
"Very true," Zayl mused.
"Hmm. Have him focus on trying to see me," Malthael suggested.
"Zayl, think of trying to see Malthael," Tyrael said. His friend nodded and focused. Now his jaw dropped at the sight of Malthael's empty-hooded head being a scant two inches from his face.
"Impressive," Malthael chuckled lightly and backed away. Now that Zayl was focused on Malthael, he even heard the deep, ominous tone that was given out. It completely surprised him.
"Oh, thank Heavens! You can see him now!" Humbert said with relief.
"Damn. You still won't shut up," Zayl sighed. Tyrael barked out laughter. "Anyways, I suppose I should be getting back to Sanctuary. I still have to keep healing the balancing properties of the Bog."
"The Bog?" Itherael asked.
"Yes. It's a marshland just outside of Westmarch. The energy of the land has been fully corrupted. It's a slow healing process," Zayl explained. "And the fiends that lurk there are numerous."
"There are many parts of Sanctuary that are tainted," Auriel said. "It is saddening to know this."
"Such is the case, but we all tend to play what part we can. Even Malthael knows that death cannot exist without life. At least...I hope he knows," Zayl said and glanced at Malthael's looming form.
"You are speaking to one that only sought to cull demons. To me, there was no balance. Why accept the fact that filth will overpower righteousness? I have been slaughtering demon filth, since before humanity was formed. But, alas, I am speaking with one that doesn't understand angelic nature in full. The way that I see it...our ideals...when it comes to balance...will likely never meet a middle ground," Malthael said. "There is too much of a difference in opinions."
"You know he's right," Tyrael sighed. "Even if the Prime Evils were destroyed, there would still be what was left of their armies. And they never stop breeding out."
"Tell me about it," Zayl muttered. "Anyways, what are the plans?"
"The Nephalem was supposed to appear here to go to Pandemonium. There were reports of Malthael's previous army still reigning there. They are still able to reach Sanctuary. It's the same with various strong demons. They need to be put back into a form of control. Or simply killed off," Tyrael explained. "We don't know how they would react, if they found out about Malthael's current state."
"I would advise to say nothing," Malthael warned.
"He is correct in this. Heaven would be attacked again. It could stress Anaurael, and your son could be lost," Itherael said. That had Tyrael glower with protection. He refused to see that happen.
"Agreed. Nothing is said about him," Tyrael nodded. "Anyways, Zayl is correct. It is time for him to head back. I'll escort him. I know that Anaurael is sleeping now. I may end up joining her in an hour, if she still rests. I keep finding myself severely lacking."
"I shall inform her," Malthael nodded.
"You know," Zayl thought. "I think I'll accompany the Nephalem to Pandemonium. To see where this new threat is. I have never been to this place."
"Hmm. I would go with you, but I have to see to the Horadrim. Izual? Can you go in my stead?" Tyrael asked. The massive angel nodded to show he would.
"Actually, I would advise against it," Itherael said. "Izual, you were caught from Pandemonium. If Anaurael finds out you are there, she may slip in her mental stress."
"Oh," Izual paused. "You are correct. I'll not go."
"When you put it like that, yes. Don't go," Tyrael nodded.
"I would go, but..." Imperael said and paused. "She is calling for me."
"Me, too..." Izual pondered in thought.
"And me?" Tyrael blinked. Itherael even paused to show he was being contacted.
"Interesting. She is calling for me, as well..." Malthael pondered. "Ah. Zayl, she is requesting to speak with you in her chambers. Follow us."
"Oh! Why is she asking for me?" Auriel seemed to ask with curiosity in her tone.
"Let's find out," Tyrael nodded. The small group went through the Halls of Valor, and Zayl was just in a humble form of shock of what he was seeing. Even Humbert was amazed at what he was allowed to witness. When other angels saw him, a mild glance from Itherael showed that the human was under watch and needed. Even Auriel showed that the human was requested.
"Zayl, please move towards the center of us," Itherael advised. The man nodded and did just that. It easily kept other angels back to show how this one was important.
"All right. We are about to go through Imperius's personal retreat. Don't touch anything. He will know," Tyrael warned. Zayl nodded and only gaped at the throne in the room.
"Do you know how many women we could-?!" Humbert started and got cut off from Zayl's hand firmly slapping the jaw closed.
"Shut up! Just shut up!" the man hissed. Tyrael swallowed down his laugh and led them to the entrance on the other side. The reclining chair was neatly folded up and missed from being seen at how it seemed to merge flawlessly into the back of the throne. Itherael, however, paused for a moment on noticing it. The chair intrigued him, and he would likely ask about it when he knew it would be safe to do so. When the skull tried to talk again, Zayl's glare had his companion keep quiet. Imperael glanced at the skull and snorted with disgust.
"I could keep him quiet," Malthael offered. "I can remove his voice now."
"The next time he comments, do it," Zayl nodded. "For ten minutes."
"Agreed," Malthael nodded. Now Humbert was in complete shock.
"You would let him?!" the skull asked with disbelief. Zayl glanced at Malthael, and the former Archangel focused. When the skull tried to talk again, nothing happened.
"Thank you!" Zayl said.
"Anytime," Malthael smirked. Now Humbert was thoroughly upset and trying to spew out a storm of insults, but nothing came out at all. Not even a breath of wind. Zayl knew he wouldn't hear the end of it later, but, for now, he was grinning softly with relief. Tyrael couldn't help the laugh that escaped him now. They went down the stairs, and Zayl was in shock at how much wealth Anaurael's chamber held. She was being cradled by Imperius in the rocking chair, and she nodded to them all.
"Sister, why were we all called?" Auriel asked.
"I don't want any of you to go to Pandemonium. That's why," she said softly.
"Not even me?" Zayl asked.
"You are a powerful Horadric member. My necklace is as sentient as your skull. It gave me the impression to keep you safe," she said. He blinked at this, but he nodded. Then he saw how her necklace shimmered with a form of happiness on sensing him there. "And...your skull cannot speak?"
"I silenced him. He said foolish things," Malthael said.
"And I thanked him," Zayl grinned. Humbert simply gave a noiseless growl before his voice suddenly came back. He had just started another tirade of insults.
"Buffoons! All of you! Oh. I can talk again. Um..." the skull seemed to shift his eyes around at the glares he suddenly got. Anaurael now looked a touch upset at this. "No! Not you! Ah...Zayl is! Yes. And the one that shut me up! You are a pinnacle of perfection! Um..."
"It is fine," Anaurael said softly. "Since you are with Zayl, you are also a member of the Horadrim. So, I shall give you one bit of advice. Mind your manners in Heaven. You never know who may be listening in. It is important for you to remember this. Okay?"
"Right," Humbert said with a bit of a sigh.
"Anyways, I guess I am not going to Pandemonium?" Zayl asked.
"Not without an honor guard," she smiled. "Imperius?"
"I have a few warriors that need to train to fight. Izual, inform Titharius of this decision," Imperius said. Izual nodded and vanished away. Zayl could only blink with shock at what was being offered to him. "Pandemonium is unlike anything you have ever been to. Until you can prove yourself there to fight on your own, you shall be guarded."
"What brought this decision?" Tyrael frowned.
"Anaurael's health," he muttered. That had Tyrael worry his lower lip and nod. "As much as I would say otherwise, there is not much else to say."
"Thank you," Anaurael whispered to him. He only turned to gaze at her and run a hand through her hair with a small nod. "I know...I usually wouldn't mind...but..."
"Hush. I know. It is fine," Imperius soothed. At the small smile she did right before she turned green, he jumped out of the rocking chair with her to let her vomit out an open window. Auriel was quick to let Al'maiesh coil around her to help calm her. Darius had some water nearby. Even Itherael was able to help Mithus ready some soft foods for her to eat when she was able. At the soft whimper Anaurael gave, it sent an intense protective streak through them all. Even Humbert watched all of this and felt really bad about the girl feeling so sad. He thought for a bit on what just happened.
"So, have you ever hit anyone yet with what you just did?" the skull asked. That got her laughing a touch painfully, and Tyrael groaned and covered his face with his large hand.
"We don't know, but I do tend to toss the contents from her basin over the side on occasion," Izarius chuckled. That got Zayl sputtering with his own laughter. Imperius smirked and continued to comfort her by holding her in his lap.
"Zayl, you know we have to pinpoint where it falls now! Can you only imagine what we could do in the right time and place?" Humbert snickered. Now Izarius seemed to be thoughtful on that. Itherael was just shaking his head with a sigh, and Auriel simply didn't know what to think on this.
"I can have Greed find out. I can toss one of his coins out the window. Hold on," Izarius said.
"This will be so much fun!" the skull laughed. Malthael was actually quite amused. Greed was called on, and Gurzick was soon in the room. As much as he was enjoying on tormenting the Thieves Guild, the idea of where various things fell from Heaven had definitely appealed to him.
"Do it," Greed said. "Toss out a coin, and I shall judge where it goes."
"Here we go," Izarius said and flicked a gold coin out the window.
"I should do that with other things," Imperius mused. Anaurael smiled softly and got squeezed.
"That is unnecessary!" Greed said quickly to him. A couple minutes later, he said, "Ah! It landed. As to where...oh! Interesting! One of my minions was able to track it down. Oh, my..."
"What?" Imperael asked.
"It landed in Kingsport. And it struck down one of those thieves I was tormenting!" he cackled. That got Anaurael to sputter with laughter. Tyrael was just gaping with disbelief. Zayl was struggling to breathe for a bit now. "But, the wind was rather harsh, so it would have landed about mid-way between her birth village and the main village."
"Interesting to know. I told you we were likely above Kingsport," Izarius chuckled at her.
"The Silver City does float, so we likely shift over Sanctuary now and then. We shall have to see where we are in the coming months," Itherael said. "This would be good to know."
"And what of the puke she did?" Humbert asked. Imperius glared mildly, but remained where he was. Greed was now having a minion check.
"It's hard to say, but...ah! Someone is complaining of unknown animal bile! Likely thought it was a flying bird. And...oh. Some of it got in that human's meal..." Greed reported. Now Anaurael was hiding her face against Imperius's chest. Imperius was, actually, extremely amused at this. "Opposite end of town from the way the wind moved it."
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Humbert asked Zayl.
"It's scary, but yes. I am. Tyrael, I may ask you to toss a few things out in various parts of Heaven just to see where they land. And I'll make sure some people we don't like will stand in that area," Zayl smirked. Tyrael started laughing and shaking his head. "You know who I'm talking about."
"Yes, I do," he sighed. "Those that disrespect the Horadrim."
"Have that meddlesome youth there, too," Darius suggested. That got Anaurael laughing a bit more. "He deserves it."
"Hmm..." Malthael mused in thought. "Should toss the skull..."
"What?!" Humbert asked and got Zayl laughing hard. Auriel sighed and had to leave to check on the Host. It was later decided for four angelic warriors to assist Zayl and the Nephalem in Pandemonium. There were also other angels there fighting, and Imperius wanted them back. They were given the important order to have them return. Itherael had to consult his Scroll, and he left after ensuring that Anaurael was well. The room had soon cleared out after that.
"Finally..." Imperius muttered.
"I should have my room larger. If I have to raise our son, then it will be needed," she said.
"Hmm. True. I want you to recover first. Then we shall work on preparations. Greed, do you know what will be needed for offspring?" Imperius asked.
"I have some mild ideas," Greed said.
"Lilaurael can help you," Izarius said. At that, Gurzick vanished away. At a small glance to the others there, they took the hint to leave.
"I'll need to rest with her again," Tyrael said.
"In two hours she may be ready," Imperius nodded. Tyrael nodded back and returned to Sanctuary to speak with the Nephalem on the Pandemonium expedition. Zayl had also returned with him to ready for travel. "Finally. Just us again. It seems to never be that way now."
"I know," she sighed and rested in his embrace. Then he lifted her to take her to his sanctum.
"I need to recline with you," he said. That got her blushing, and he laughed softly when his sanctum sealed them up safely away.