Izarius and his brothers were on complete guard when the group from Pandemonium returned with many of their lost brethren. Even Malthael was staying back, as a precaution to keep Anaurael safe. His old following were too closely bound with death. She needed to be around life. When the mortals left for Sanctuary, his old following were watched carefully. They moved to the Crystal Arch in a slow, single-file movement to show they were non-threatening.
"I do hope that you will all gain reprieves," Auriel said to the Death Maiden.
"As do I," she nodded. "It would be nice to call you a true sister once more."
"I shall remain hopeful for you," Auriel said. "For all of you."
"Thank you," the Death Maiden said. They had all given over their weapons as an act of trust. There were no Executioners, since they were originally mortals that were warped and corrupted for Malthael's use. When the fallen angels saw Imperius watching them with his arms crossed over his chest, many of them paused with uncertainty.
"Hmm..." he thought to himself. Many still held doubts. It was time to remove the doubts. He teleported to Anaurael's chamber and found her sitting in her brother's lap. "Anaurael, will you Sing with me? Many of the new ones that arrived hold doubts. I am hoping that, with your Song, many will feel emboldened. What do you think?"
"We can Sing," she smiled and got gathered up into his embrace to be held against him. Imperael looked over from where he stood to nod. He wasn't going anywhere from her chamber with so many unknown angels about. The elder angel was also one he didn't trust. The moment he saw that one return from afar, he showed instant dislike. Until he proved his worth, it had to be that way.
Erelus was in a deep, debated discussion with Itherael. Much of his original armor had been restored the moment he returned to the High Heavens. He was resplendent once more with silver and white. He had plenty of armor, but also a bit more cloth than the normal warrior. Even his massive, tendriled wings had regained their ivory white coloring. He was, originally, one of Itherael's lieutenants. He was the main force of defense for the Library of Fate, and Itherael showed his immense gratitude on him returning. Now that he was being informed on what he missed, he was speechless about the Worldstone and what Inarius did. He was appalled on learning of the Black Soulstone. He was in even further shock of Tyrael's transformation.
"If I knew what was going on here, then I should have stayed fighting in Pandemonium where there was more honor!" he snapped. "This is sacrilege! Such disgust is unworthy of the High Heavens! And this 'Light of Imperius' is one that I haven't met yet. Do I even want to?"
"Anaurael is giving a new mortal form to Malthael. She is also assisting in helping Anu's rebirth as a form of offspring with Imperius from within her soul. Anu's champion will embody all five Aspects within it to show how important it will be to champion the High Heavens. Her survival is of utmost importance. She can also perform the Lightsong with just Imperius to help us gain a critical amount of our army in vast succession. As much as she would gladly prove this, Anu forbids it. She was warned not to do such until after his champion comes forth at the proper time," Itherael said. He regarded his lieutenant silently. He was one of the rare Archangels that kept his helmet. But, he held no halo.
"If she is so important, then why haven't I seen her yet?!" he demanded.
"You will in time. Ah. Listen," Itherael said. Erelus grumbled, but then he paused. Now he heard her Song, and he found himself speechless. Completely speechless. Then he heard Imperius's deep harmonics embolden the valorous Song, and he found himself shaking. When he saw the walls turn gold for just a moment, he found himself at a loss for words, yet again.
"This...Singing..." he whispered.
"And now you hear what Anaurael can do. Now you know of her vast importance," Itherael said quietly. Erelus could only nod with complete agreement. Even at the Crystal Arch, Malthael's former followers were speechless at what they heard.
"I am so glad to have come back," the Death Maiden trembled. Then she looked at the set of glowing spires before her and her comrades. She moved to settle between them. Then she screamed, as her deathly persona was purged from her to let her true Light come back in a flooding wave. Her wings flowed out, and her armor sealed shut flawlessly once more. The blue tassel of spectral hair evaporated, as her hood shifted to return to the regal state of silver and white cloth. She almost fell down from the relief she felt. Now she realized exactly how much she missed this. She had no idea of what was stripped from her until it was returned. She was still trembling with a form of disbelief. "I am...whole..."
Then she felt Anu's intense love and trust surround her and fill her being. I was forgiven. I was given a second chance to prove my worth. She wanted to cry, but no tears were shed. All she could do was simply nod and tremble from the emotions she received. A daughter returned home. That was all she could feel. And she was welcomed back greatly with open arms.
When the others saw this, a line quickly formed. Lost forms were given back. The taint of death was removed. All the while, Anaurael kept Singing with Imperius. When her Song ended, the last in the line had just been restored and granted reprieve.
"We are whole," a wizened angelic scholar sighed with relief. "Where is Malthael?"
"I am here," Malthael said when he appeared. Anu allowed him to gain a form for this. "I am no longer Wisdom. Tyrael is now Wisdom. All that I can do is guide him. I would suggest that all of you are to do the same. I shall teach on the side. I shall lead on the side. But, all of you must answer to him now. Also, Imperius is the new leader of the Angiris Council. You all know this. However, my main attention is for Tyrael. My opinions are secondary. This is Anu's will. It must be obeyed. I will still be your brother, but remember. You must answer to Tyrael."
"I..." the first reprieved angelic female started, but he rose up his hand to silence her.
"If you all have not noticed...my wings are not like they should be. Remember...they are supposed to be of a...violet coloring. With them being this white color...Anu is fueling me right now. As you all know, my flesh was destroyed. A new body is being created for me, but it takes time. Even my...core self...is a touch different. It's...complicated to explain. However, I will defend the one bearing my mortal body to the death. Her life is all that matters to me," Malthael warned.
"Her life?" the female angel asked. She felt a tinge of jealousy on learning that Malthael favored another female. It did not go unnoticed, but Malthael showed no signs that he did notice.
"Yes. Her name is Anaurael. She holds no demon blood. She is a pureblood mortal angel. Her parents were originally angels here before they stripped their wings to make her on Sanctuary. You may even know them, as they fought with us before we left here. But, the girl I speak of was born as a mortal this way. And...I did encounter her when we began to cull the mortal filth. She intrigued me. However, her life is bound to Imperius. If he falls, so will she. You can meet her shortly, and you will see how she is bound from the glow on her forehead," he explained calmly.
"Did she intrigue you enough to carry her away?" one of the small scholars asked.
"That she did. None other had affected me as such. None that I can possibly remember. When I returned to retrieve her, she was gone. She was removed to be stationed here. For safety. By the decree of Imperius. So, she had eluded my grasp. Likely for the best. My touch...almost killed her..." Malthael sighed. "And, even if I did manage to steal her away, many of you would have questioned my actions. As it stands, I am going to lose my form shortly. Remember. Follow Tyrael now. I shall be around through him...and in other ways. Do not go against my last order. I will know if you do."
"As you wish, Malthael," many of them said reverently. When he glanced at the first female angel, he was dismayed. She actually held feelings for me. He still sensed them from her. Such a thing would not do. He would be watching her from afar. If she dared to raise a hand to strike at Anaurael, he would kill her as his own act of vengeance. When his form faded away, practically all of the newly reprieved angels moved to the Pools of Wisdom to resettle and to get back into their old habits. Izual watched everything from a distance. When Malthael appeared next to him, he nodded.
"The female. Be wary of her," Malthael warned. "She holds affection for me. It...disgusts me."
"Oh?" Izual asked.
"Only Anaurael may hold such thoughts of me. And I for her. I see all others here as brothers and sisters. Anything more is...sinful."
"True. Does she have a name?"
"Yes. Telanya. That is her name," he nodded. "One of the old affixes of our main roots. Such names are...differential now. But, that is her name."
"I shall remember it," Izual nodded. "Hmm. I am being called to my sister's side."
"And I, too, am being called. Ah. She is ready to eat in that room that others can join in. If any wish to meet her, it would have to be there," Malthael mused. When they got there, they found Tyrael seated with her. She was tearing into a roast suckling pig with complete relish with him. Imperius was standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders.
"Hello, Izual," Tyrael nodded and sipped from a goblet.
"Greetings, Tyrael. All of Malthael's former brethren have gained reprieve. Many have already gone back to the Pools of Wisdom. Malthael also informed them to follow you. And, you may need to be wary of one of them," Izual sighed.
"Oh?" Tyrael frowned.
"One of my followers has...unnecessary thoughts of me. It disgusts me," Malthael growl. He caught Anaurael's frown and simply nodded to her. That alone reconciled her thoughts.
"Hmm?" Imperius glanced at her.
"It's just the thought of him feeling disturbed. It would affect me, too," she said.
"Ah. That it would," Imperius agreed. "You are sensitive to those attached to your mind."
"More than I care to admit," she sighed. He chuckled and squeezed her shoulders.
"There are quite a few coming to visit you," Izual said. At this news, Imperius bent down to whisper softly to her. At her nod, he lifted her from the chair to cradle her close. She placed a hand on his cheek under the helm to help him keep focused. The first one to appear was Erelus. Tyrael found a stopping point in his meal to stand up and greet him.
"It's been a long time since I last saw you," Tyrael chuckled.
"And...you are?" the elder angel asked. He recognized El'druin, but not the one who bore it.
"Tyrael."
"What?!"
"You were informed that I became mortal of my own will?" Tyrael asked with a raised brow.
"Well...yes...but..." Erelus seemed to stammer. Then he paused at the molten gold-haired beauty that Imperius held in his arms. Then he saw how her mark flared out and pulsed in tune with Imperius's form. She looked regal in the golden gown she wore. Even her matching circlet to Imperius's halo fit her beautifully.
"I give greetings, brother," she said softly. "I am glad that you were able to return home to us."
He wanted to argue with her. He wanted to get into a debate with her on why she was allowed to remain in Heaven. Instead, all he could answer with was, "As am I."
"You seem troubled?" she frowned.
"Oh...no...! Not at all," he said with a touch of embarrassment. He didn't know what was coming over him now. When Itherael appeared to regard her, she smiled warmly at him and blinked her topaz blue eyes with fondness. He felt her belly and squeezed her shoulder.
"Erelus is one of my lieutenants. I am very glad to have him back in the fold," Itherael said.
"I am pleased for you," she beamed and was able to hug him. A chaste kiss was pressed to his invisible lips, and she waved at Imperael when he walked in. Now Erelus stood there in stunned silence at the size and mass of this angel. Tyrael hid his grin easily.
"Sister!" he said in his deep, regal tone and held his massive, two-handed grandfather sword aloft.
"Imperael!" she laughed and was able to hug and kiss him.
"Who...? How...?" Erelus could only ask.
"My sister and Imperius called me from the Crystal Arch. I defend her and protect her. When she does not need me, I protect the Diamond Gates," Imperael seemed to ground out. He did relent when she patted his massive arm warmly. Then she laughed with delight when Izarius appeared. Once again, Erelus was struck dumb at the sight of her true brother.
"Anaurael," Izarius chuckled and got his hug and kiss. When he looked over at Erelus, he said, "I am Izarius. I was a common warrior before I met her. I was the first one that found her for Imperius. I am her true brother. Anu has committed me to protect her and defend her at all times. My halo allows me to stun any enemies of demon filth that get around her."
"Even other enemies?" Erelus asked.
"That I'm not sure of. Only time will tell," Izarius shrugged. When Imperius pulled her to his shoulder to whisper softly, she giggled and whispered back. At the soft laugh he gave in response, the reaction Erelus gave was priceless. I never recalled Imperius laughing before!
"I love you," Imperius said to her gently.
"And you know I love you," she smiled and pressed a kiss to his lips from within the helm. Erelus simply couldn't believe what he was witnessing now. When her other three brothers appeared to take up their protective stand points, the elder angel could only sigh.
"I had far too many doubts. Now the doubts have become questions," Erelus admitted.
"I can tell," Imperius nodded.
"I tried to explain everything," Itherael seemed to shrug. "What more is there for me to tell?"
"He could speak with my Father," Anaurael suggested.
"This is true! I'm sure he would be delighted to see you, Erelus. Do you remember Ilerael?" Tyrael asked. Now Erelus was surprised. "Yes. Ilerael and Lilaurael are her parents."
"You didn't tell me that!" Erelus scowled at Itherael. A soft chuckle was all he got as a response.
"And, why didn't you tell him?" Anaurael asked Itherael now.
"Ah...well..." Itherael seemed to shrug. That got her giggling. "There was simply too much to explain, and the smaller details slipped through. You have my apologies."
"Are they here?" Erelus asked.
"No. They are on Sanctuary. They removed their wings," she said. "Oh!"
"Anaurael?" Tyrael frowned.
"Your son is quite active!" she laughed, and he laughed with her. Then she looked at Erelus and gestured for him. "Come and feel him! This is Malthael's future body that I am bearing. Quickly now!"
"I..." Erelus started with indecision, but he moved over to place a hand on her belly. At the kicking he felt, a sensation pushed through him. And it was one of complete devoted protection. "It moves so strongly! I can tell that this one is definitely going to be a fierce fighter."
"He is going to champion the High Heavens as a mortal," Tyrael nodded. "We know it is a male. And, since I have no demon taint, neither will my son. Also, Imperius is a part of him, too."
"And, how would that have happened?" Erelus asked.
"Tricky timing, apparently," Imperius muttered out. "I was just as shocked when it happened."
Erelus still had a hand on her belly when he turned to see some of Malthael's old following appear. Tyrael now moved over to them to introduce himself. The reprieved angels swore fealty to him and made themselves known to the others. They were even allowed to feel Malthael's developing body, and vows of protection were made then, too. When Telanya appeared, Malthael appeared next to Anaurael in his invisible state. He whispered to those that could hear him that this was the one that was giving him the discontented feelings. Anaurael frowned softly at him, but he gently squeezed her shoulder to show that all would be well.
"Hello. I have come to meet the girl that is bearing a new form for Malthael," Telanya started.
"And your name?" Tyrael asked. "I am Tyrael, just so you know."
"Oh! Ah...my name is Telanya. And...you are the girl that was spoken of?" she asked when she turned her hooded gaze to Anaurael.
"Yes. I am Anaurael. A pleasure to meet with you, sister," she smiled and nodded.
"Of course," Telanya nodded back.
"She did not refer to you back as a sister. I do not like that," Malthael growled.
"You do not see Anaurael as a sister?" Izarius asked.
"It's not that!" Telanya said quickly. "I have been culling mortals for so long..."
"She is a part of me," Imperius said with a slight warning tone. "If you slight her, then you slight me. Do you see the mark on her forehead?"
"I..." she paused. Anaurael's mark flared out vibrantly now to prove itself. Then she saw it glow in tune with Imperius's form. "Yes. I do."
"Good. She is bound to my life. She is bearing Anu's champion in her soul," Imperius nodded.
"Do not let her feel my body move," Malthael said. "I sense mistrust in her."
"Sister," Imperael said when he moved over to Anaurael. Telanya went completely still with shock at the sight of him. Anaurael looked over at him with a smile. "Are you feeling well?"
"So far," Anaurael said. "My back is bothering me, though."
"I shall set you back in my lap," Imperius said and moved to sit down to help work with her. "Finish eating, as I work on your back."
"Of course, Imperius," Anaurael said with a small nod and reached for her fork.
"As for you, decide where your loyalties lie," Imperius said, as he glared mildly at Telanya. "Yes, Anu granted you reprieve. But, you are acting as though you are unworthy of it. Change your attitude. Now. You will be seen as a rogue, if you do not. Anaurael is to be as respected as I am. And you know that I am the leader of the Angiris Council now. My word is absolute."
"Love, don't chastise her so!" Anaurael frowned and lightly poked his chest armor. Erelus gave a small pause at how bold she was to do such a thing. Tyrael was simply hiding his grin again. "She just regained something that she lost. Give her time to adjust."
"I am only thinking of your well-being!" he growled. Then he paused at the kiss she gave him after she ate a piece of flavorful meat. That neatly changed his thoughts. "Try it with a sauce next."
"I can do that," she smiled and winked at Telanya. The angelic female was floored. Anaurael was defending me. Even though she had shown brash behavior, she was being shown that she was not at fault. When Gurzick appeared, Izarius moved to stand in front of him to show he was protected.
"You allow demon filth here?!" Erelus scowled.
"This one actually helps keep Anaurael's health in check," Itherael explained.
"Trust me. I know how you feel. But, as for now, only these are tolerable," Imperael muttered. "However, Imperius was correct in stating that it helps to kick them out of the way when you see them."
"I'll remember that," Erelus seemed to nod.
"Why must everyone kick my minions?!" Greed scowled from the crown in his deep voice. "Well...I do smack them upside the head with my Bopping Stick...but a kick is...bah! Anyways, I found something for you, child."
"Did you?" Anaurael said and had to hide her smile at everything. At the small, gold engraved chest filled with large gems and coins, she paused. "It looks like everything else, though."
"Not quite. The coins are standard. As for the gems, my true objective is this. I need your rings back. I can put better gems in them. You have my word that you will get them back," Greed said. She gave a small glance at Imperius, but he plucked them off her fingers for her to hand over. Malthael was now curious at what gems were going to be replaced. Gurzick vanished and appeared moments later with gemless rings. He moved through the small chest to pull out two impressively large diamonds.
"What gems are those?" Tyrael asked.
"Flawless royal diamonds," Greed chuckled and expertly set the gems into the rings. "There!"
"Very nice," Izarius chuckled.
"I wonder if I could put a gem in Azurewrath," Izual mused. "It would be nice if it was possible. I have learned that some gems add benefits."
"So, what exactly do these diamonds do?" Itherael asked.
"Since they are in rings...ah! They make her a bit more immune to various elemental attacks and elements as a whole. She can withstand that much more," Greed explained. "Rubies would give her a bit more strength. Yellow topaz can increase her intellect. Emeralds can make her swifter. Amethysts would increase her health. Of course, they can do other things if placed in a helm or a weapon. The properties may change, if slightly. There are other gems out there, but these are the most proven."
"Interesting!" Itherael mused.
"This is why I have been collecting gems," Greed said. "It was all to create this chest of rare, larger ones for her. As more are made, I shall add to the chest. Shen has a special crucible that merges gem pieces together. He won't give it to me, but I do enough trades with food for his services. The larger the gem, the more powerful in design. So, this chest should remain with her at all times. There are not many gems of this size and quality that can be made so readily."
"I can agree with that," Imperius nodded. Erelus was just in shock that a demon lord was working so closely like this. It was unheard of. But, he did agree to relent when it showed promise on protecting her. The moment he felt the little life moving in her, it did a complete change in his attitude towards everything. He knew that she was playing an important role just by what she was doing.
"Ah!" Anaurael winced at a cramp that Imperius worked out with his thumb.
"Easy," he said in a soothing tone. Then he looked up when Inarius walked in. "Yes?"
"I just wanted to report that the Pools of Wisdom are becoming habitable once more. It's a relief to see this," Inarius admitted. "Do we know if the Courts will become the same?"
"Only time will tell with that," Tyrael sighed. "I was hoping to see some factions of Justice appear. Since I am no longer Justice, it may be a bit longer."
"I should try to Sing next time," Izual said.
"That you should!" Tyrael agreed. "If we do another Lightsong, we'll have to attempt it."
"So, her Song is truly that powerful?" Telanya asked.
"It brought forth over two hundred brothers and sisters within ten minutes," Imperael nodded. "And you know that it would usually be ten brothers or sisters within two hours or more."
"Two hundred?!" Erelus asked with shock. Even Telanya was in shock. "In such a short time?!"
"Of course, in separate sessions. But, in two sessions, a hundred angels emerged from each. So, two sessions for two hundred angels. A bit more than that, actually, and all are very powerful in form. Imperael appeared from the first session," Itherael nodded. "All of the High Heavens witnessed this."
"They are all training right now. If you wish to see them, you can access the training halls," Imperius nodded. "Eat this."
"Okay," Anaurael smiled and tucked into the sweet meat. Then she kissed him after for him to get the taste. Erelus was a bit curious at this.
"We cannot eat, but we can taste what she eats. It's...interesting!" Itherael chuckled.
"Oh. Could you...try that with me?" Erelus asked. Even Inarius was curious, but he wouldn't dare to ask with his current track record.
"Um...I suppose..." Anaurael blushed softly. "Just remember that you are my brother."
"Of course," Erelus nodded. Imperius watched him warily, but allowed the chaste kiss to happen. She actually felt the light prickle of a slight beard on the elder angel's face from within his helm. It was a very different sensation to her. "Amazing! This is...very interesting!"
"I don't believe that I had this tried yet," Imperael said. She chuckled and let him get another chaste kiss to taste what she had on her lips. "I like this. I can get used to this."
"Anyways, are you done here?" Tyrael asked Inarius.
"Yes. I'll report more when I know more," Inarius nodded. Malthael grumbled from where he stood and watched over everything. His grumbling reminded them all about Telanya.
"Telanya, was there something else you needed?" Tyrael asked. She regarded him now and remembered Malthael's last order. Tyrael was now Wisdom. There were still several angels there that had vowed to guard him from now on. He was no longer unprotected. Even Izual watched over his mortal best friend carefully.
"I suppose there is not," she admitted.
"Look," Tyrael sighed and decided to get to the point of why there was so much discontent. "Malthael knows you are enamored with him."
"What?!" she gasped with surprise.
"He only sees you as a sister. You can appreciate him as a brother. He would expect no less. He is also very disturbed by your thoughts of him," Tyrael said mildly.
"Do not mention that I am here," Malthael said gently to Anaurael. "There is no need for her to know. I will advise Tyrael on what to say to her. And that is this. Tyrael, you may say this as you like. I value her for her relentless assistance in my tasks. She has always done exceptionally well in what she did. However, I am dead. I cannot be at her side. Nor would I wish to, if I were alive. She was my sister. Only demons lay with their own family. Do not expect such to happen here."
"Hmm," Tyrael sighed. "Since I'm Wisdom, I can hear Malthael. And see him at times, too. So, he wants me to relay a message. Telanya, you are his sister. He respects you as such, but you must remember. He's gone. He has no solid form, unless Anu grants it to him for a short while. He has informed me that you do your tasks justly and without fail. But, he wants you to remember one vital thing. Only demons allow such sinful thoughts to come into their minds. Purge the thoughts."
"Yes. That would come from him," Telanya sighed. "I always did as I was asked. I performed each task as flawlessly as possible. He had started to have me work closer with him due to my loyalty. I suppose that that was when it all started. I do admit that I would not have known what to think if he did capture you, Anaurael. I'm not sure what any of us would have thought, but we would have obeyed his wish to not cause you harm. I do see you as a sister. I mean...you will be helping him be reborn! So...I am very grateful that he will have another chance to come back."
"Sister," Anaurael said and was able to move from Imperius to walk over and stand in front of her. "Please. Feel his growing body. There is much movement!"
"Is there?" Telanya said with wonder and placed a gloved hand over her belly. At the surprising kick she got, she was surprised. Then she was filled with a sense of relief. My old master was alive and given a second chance. When the other angels that had gained reprieve wanted to feel her belly again, it was allowed, and they began to laugh and adore what they were feeling.
Anaurael knew that this was going to happen even more often. None in the High Heavens had the chance to see what would happen with an angelic mortal giving birth. I'll likely be stopped frequently to let my belly be felt. Such a thing was new and exciting to them all. Malthael watched everything calmly with his arms crossed over his chest. When Anaurael was settled in Imperius's lap once more, she was mildly pulled into her mind. She knew that Malthael was distressed.
"Malthael, talk to me," she said and let him hold her.
"I cannot stand the thought...of any others...even thinking of having my love..." he sighed. At how she reached up and ran a hand over his invisible cheek, he trembled and clung to her.
"Hush," she whispered and let him bend down to kiss her. "It's all right now. And, do you notice that you are with me now and still out there?"
"It is because of how close we are right now. I cannot do vast distances. And...I will not feel well until she relents in her thoughts," he muttered. He rested a protective hand over his growing body and squeezed her. He loved how she rested her cheek against his chest. "We'll talk more later."
"I know we will," she nodded. She let him mentally hold her, as he watched the room around the others. Imperius sensed her mild distress, but he would see what happened with the troublesome female as time allowed. When Telanya left with various others to see what needed to be done in the Pools of Wisdom, Tyrael just sighed and moved to sit down where he was before.
"So, what all did I miss?" Greed asked curiously.
"The female you saw harbors feelings for Malthael. He dislikes it," Izual said.
"It would not do," Izarius sighed. "It distresses my sister when she feels harm from others."
"Is there something that I can do?" Erelus now asked.
"Why do you ask?" Itherael asked him.
"I feel...inclined to protect her now. As though..." he tried to put his thoughts into words.
"You feel her importance?" Imperael asked.
"Yes! She is vital. She is my sister in full," Erelus nodded. "I may have been gone for a very long time, but I am being brought up to speed."
"Imperius, can he use a viewing pool?" Anaurael asked. "To see what he missed?"
"He can!" Imperius nodded and squeezed her for her insight. "Do so!"
"Tyrael, the ones in the Pools of Wisdom are potent. Your new followers can show him what to do. Send him there," Malthael said. Tyrael repeated this out, and Erelus nodded.
"I shall go now," Erelus said.
"Wait," Anaurael said with a smile. "As you have claimed me as your sister, I do see you as my brother. I know you are a powerful figure, and very trustworthy. Can you touch my mark?"
"You think he should?" Itherael asked.
"I do. He and Imperael could coordinate their attacks together. And he'll be able to see Malthael. He will gain more insight to things with Malthael's help," she said. Imperius nodded at this. Tyrael chuckled and watched Erelus lean over to press a finger to her glowing mark. A sigh of relief escaped him now. I am kept safe.
"Thank you, sister," he whispered. She reached up for his hand and gently placed her cheek into his palm as an act of trust. He gave a soft nod to her to show his complete loyalty. Then he blinked when he saw Malthael and heard him chuckle. When he saw how the wings were mist instead of Light, he remembered that Malthael was in spirit form. That was how he saw it for now until the full story of Malthael's madness would be explained in full later.
"Perhaps...it is best this way..." Malthael nodded. "I shall explain how you see me...after you learn of what you missed. Go and learn."
"Of course," Erelus nodded and was able to pull back his hand. As much as he didn't want to, he knew he had to learn of the history he lost. He made his way to the Pools of Wisdom.
"He still sees you as his leader," Imperius growled.
"It is a phase. He will think otherwise after he learns what he needs," Malthael nodded. "Give it time. That is all he needs right now."
"I do worry about the ones that are still in Pandemonium," Anaurael frowned. "Maybe one of their brethren that was granted reprieve can find them to show that all is not lost?"
"In time," Malthael nodded. She nodded back and went back to eating the flavorful meal that was mildly forgotten. She had to eat. Her body demanded it, and so did her growing offspring, too.