They would be back in the Angiris Council chamber an hour later. Greed was ready to have his minions clean all of the blood off the treasure and the walls. Tyrael was witnessing what was happening with the others in a viewing chamber. Elaine stayed in the Angiris Council chamber, though. She didn't want to watch what happened. Anaurael was with her. She couldn't see any death or violence. Imperius had to watch what happened, though. His duty as a leader ensured it.
"I'm sure it should be over soon," Anaurael chuckled. Izarius was letting her rest in his lap, as he guarded her. As much as he wanted to witness what was done, protecting his sister mattered more.
"I know. How many months along are you?" Elaine asked.
"I'm at five months. I also have another in my soul from Imperius. I know, it sounds odd! I just consider it bearing twins. I'm not sure how else to explain it. Oh!" she gasped from a shivering sensation the offspring in her soul gave her. Izarius ran a calm hand down her back and chuckled. "Both of them are very awake now. Ah, thank you, Darius."
"Of course, sister," he nodded and handed her a cup of water. She had to keep her fluids up. She pressed a chaste kiss to his lips in gratitude and hugged him.
"You kiss him?" Elaine blinked.
"Not like with Imperius. They are my brothers. It is merely a show of family affection," Anaurael smiled. When Izarius cleared his throat, she glanced at him.
"You kiss Tyrael the same way as Imperius," he pointed out.
"Well...on Sanctuary, he's my husband," she shrugged.
"And in Heaven, too," he said.
"Only when Imperius isn't around. You know this. And, yes, Imperius knows. I do belong to Imperius, regardless of what Tyrael thinks. In a way, I am bearing a son for Tyrael, but he is a part of Imperius, too. All to help Malthael. The story is...well...a bit lengthy to tell," Anaurael sighed. "But, there is something I would like to do."
"What would that be?" Izarius asked. She whispered to him, and he thought. "Hmm. I don't think I tried to do that yet. You may have to listen to me first."
"I can do that," she nodded. Elaine was curious and watched Izarius carry his sister to the center of the Angiris Council chamber. He stood her on her feet and supported her easily. Very slowly, he began to Sing. His large, pale yellow tendriled wings wavered as he did this in their silent way. She listened calmly and began to Sing to compliment him. Her mark glowed softly in a rhythmic balance as though to help keep in tune.
Elaine was just in shock at how Anaurael's voice was. It was a tone unlike any she had ever heard of before. When it finished, Izarius could only look at her in a soft form of wonder. Something felt different now when he gazed at her. Even when she gazed back at him, a soft blush formed on her cheeks. He shook his head to rid himself of the odd sensation and hugged her.
"Thank you for Singing with me," he whispered. She just nodded and rested her head against his chest. The sensation was still lingering. Malthael appeared behind him to only appear to him.
"Say nothing. Only you can hear me," he whispered. "You Singing with her did something to your thoughts. Purge the thoughts. I know you are trying. You are her true brother. Or are you?"
"Izarius?" she frowned and gazed at him. The look she gave was complete concern for her brother. That squashed out the feeling that was there in full.
"I'm fine," Izarius chuckled. "I'll just...have to limit Singing with you, it seems."
"I liked Singing with you," she smiled. "You have a beautiful Song."
"Thank you," he said. The feeling threatened to come back.
"So...when she Sings with you...or speaks of Singing with you...hmm..." Malthael pondered. "The others are coming back. Be her brother again."
"Imperius is coming back soon," Izarius said and snapped into brother mode. She blinked and nodded. He lifted her into his arms to carry her back to her chair with him.
"So, what did you two do?" Elaine asked. She witnessed the fleet moment of awkwardness between them. Something told her that it wasn't supposed to have happened. Even her other brothers witnessed this. They were deeply concerned now. Izarius should not have feelings towards her in this manner. Anaurael wasn't sure on what exactly happened, and, because of this fact, it would be safe from Imperius. If he checked her mark, all that he would see was that she Sang with her brother.
"We Sang together. It's not a traditional song that you would hear. It's a specialized vocal duet that can be quite powerful in various ways," Izarius explained calmly. Malthael was still monitoring his thoughts. They were border-lined on kinship and emotional need. As he pondered over this, he stopped. He vanished to visit Myriam.
"We must speak," Malthael said when he appeared before her. She was working with one of the heroes, and she regarded him with a soft sigh.
"Celsa," she said to the Witch Doctor she was working with. "Can you give me about ten minutes? I have an intense discussion with one you cannot see."
"Oh?" the female Witch Doctor mused. "A spirit unseen?"
"It is the angel, Malthael. He is...a complicated one. He is spirit, yet not spirit," she explained.
"Oh. The spirits howl with anger at this name, but others say that he is leaning towards redemption and to leave him be. Very well. I shall return," the Witch Doctor nodded and walked off. Myriam now gave Malthael a very sad look.
"You knew all along, didn't you?" he sighed.
"I did. As much as my information was to irk you into a meeting, I could say nothing more. Yes, he is her brother, but he is also not. He is not needed for her now, and I do not see any true children with her, but it shall be a...how you say? A tryst. A very dangerous one. Your Anu may see it as an act of treason. Izarius is to be strictly her brother. You would need to contact your Anu," she said carefully. He thought and focused on Anaurael's mind.
He was now in front of her mental spire. He knelt before it reverently. Before he had a chance to speak his concern, Anu was there around him.
:I KNOW THIS. IZARIUS IS NOT...TO BE WITH HER. HOWEVER...HE IS WORTHY...: Anu seemed to think hard. :HE IS TO...PROTECT HER...NOT PROCREATE...:
"This we know. But...when he Sings with her, these feelings do arise. What are we to do?" Malthael asked softly. "We are very concerned. As are you."
:HE...CANNOT...BEAR OFFSPRING...WITH HER...:
"If he does...would it be sacrilege?"
:NO...BUT IMPERIUS...WILL KNOW...EVERYTHING...WE KEEP FROM HIM...:
"Hmm...this would bode ill..." Malthael seemed to sigh.
:SHE CANNOT SAY...THAT SHE LOVES...IZARIUS...WHEN FEELING...OTHER EMOTIONS...RATHER THAN A...FAMILY BOND...: He further said in warning.
"I can agree with that."
:I CAN ALLOW...HIM...TO BE WITH HER...ONLY...WHEN SHE HAS...OFFSPRING. NO OTHER TIME...: Anu decided. :IT WOULD BE...TOO MUCH...:
"I shall relay this message to him. Also...what do you think of Imperael?"
:YOUR ASSUMPTIONS...ARE CORRECT...: Anu chuckled. :I SHALL TREAT...HIM...LIKE ITHERAEL. MEMORIES WILL BE...HIDDEN...WHEN APART...AND REVEALED...WHEN CLOSE...:
"I shall inform him when the time is needed," Malthael said. "Oh. What of Izarius? Is he to be treated the same? With her memories?"
:THE SAME. BUT...THEY CANNOT...CONFESS...THEIR TRUE LOVE...: Anu said softly. Malthael nodded and found himself standing before Myriam again.
"Anu answered my questions. I shall leave you to your customers," Malthael nodded.
"Wait," Myriam said. "When it comes to the large one. Imperael. Advise him in her mind."
"Very well. Oh...do you see anything about Erelus?" he asked now.
"Ah! The forgotten one! Yes. He will need to decide for himself what he wishes. Leave him be. All will work out," she nodded. "As for the girl he helped, she is very fragile in her mind. It will take time for her to open up to him. That will come forth naturally."
"I see. I appreciate your insight," Malthael said.
"As long as you do your part to protect the innocent," Myriam jabbed at him.
"As I stated before. I shall ensure that you live despite all else," he smirked. She gave an irritated look as he left. He chuckled to himself and moved to settle behind Izarius to whisper out what Anu told him. Izarius was in complete and total shock. When he was about to question this, Imperius had returned. He moved straight to Anaurael to take her into his arms to cradle with relief. The others were quick to arrive shortly after, and Erelus moved to stand over Elaine protectively.
"The mortal filth was disposed of?" she giggled.
"Completely," Imperius said with a smirk. She rested her face against the opening along his neck to his helm and sighed with contentment.
"I missed you," she whispered. He chuckled softly and felt her give him her weight when she dropped off into a sudden deep sleep.
"I am taking her to my sanctum. Tyrael, if you need to rest, I would suggest you do so," Imperius nodded. Tyrael nodded at this and watched Izarius move to take away any that needed to return to Sanctuary. Her parents were last, but it was only to ensure that Elaine was well.
"Izarius will give you the coordinates to our home. We'll have a room ready for her, if she wants to live with us," Ilerael said. Erelus nodded at this.
"It may be for the best. You can visit her whenever you wish, too," Lilaurael smiled.
"I shall keep that in mind," Erelus chuckled. Elaine simply blushed.
"You have eaten, though?" Lilaurael asked.
"Some. I'm not used to eating big meals anymore," Elaine admitted.
"We'll increase your intake slowly," Ilerael nodded. "All right. Izarius is back. We're heading off. And make sure you eat, Tyrael!"
"Quiet!" Tyrael muttered to get a grin rewarded back to him. In Imperius's sanctum, Imperius was holding her to his core and examining her belly carefully.
"My offspring grows swiftly," he mused.
"That he does," she smiled and nestled into his arms a bit more. She woke up when he undressed her to hold her close. "I Sang with Izarius earlier. He has a wonderful Song."
"Good," he nodded. "He should. As he is your protector, there should be no doubt."
"Yes," she giggled softly. As he kept conversing with her, Malthael had pulled Imperael into her mind. The massive Archangel was standing guard in her room when it was requested.
"Is she here?" Imperael asked.
"No. Imperius has her entertained. I need you to test something for me," Malthael said carefully. "and you are to reveal to none of what I am having you do."
"Oh? Very well. What do you have in mind?" he asked.
"Go into the Gardens of Hope. Linger there. Think of...Hope. If not that, then wander through the Gardens. Then return. Do not linger for long, though. Just enough," Malthael nodded.
"Oh. The whole...wild card thing?" Imperael asked.
"Yes. Please test this," Malthael nodded. Imperael thought for a moment before relenting. He came back to himself and teleported to the Gardens without further delay. He sighed, as he looked around. He wasn't really sure what to do or where to go. Auriel was quick to approach him.
"Hello, Imperael. What brings you here?" she asked.
"I have yet to explore this area in full. Are there any places worth noting?" he asked.
"Oh! That there is," Auriel nodded. Then she paused when Malthael appeared behind her to whisper softly. Imperael couldn't see him. Auriel was in complete shock at what she learned. Now she had to have Imperael move from the area. "If you head to the eastern part of the Gardens, you can see an impressive view of the Silver City."
"Thank you. I shall look now," he said and trudged off. Once he was gone, she turned to regard her old leader in full with a demanding air to know what was going on.
"Anu confirmed this. Speak with him," Malthael muttered. At this, Auriel sighed and shook her head with a touch of dismay.
"A mortal Council. I am just...amazed at this knowledge! Does Itherael know?" she asked.
"He does," he nodded. "And, as you cannot, obviously, produce offspring with her, Imperael can absorb much of the essence of Hope in your Gardens. When the time draws close, we need him to traverse the deepest parts. All save your sanctum. He must absorb as much as he can."
"I understand. And...Imperius? What of him? Surely he must know of this!"
"No. It will break him," Malthael warned. "Anu has also confirmed this. There is only so much for him to know. Anu keeps him in check. All are kept in check."
"As they must," she said with a sigh of defeat. "Very well. I shall have Imperael visit secure areas of the Gardens that not many know of. But...will Imperius sense the energy shift? Will he get an idea about this? Or is this also to be hidden? Such questions I have now!"
"Perhaps you must speak with Anu directly. Focus on Anaurael's mind. Do this now," Malthael instructed. She paused at this, but she relented and focused. When she found herself before the mental spire, she was greatly surprised. At the crushing feel of love and trust around her, she gasped.
:AURIEL...WIELDER OF HOPE...: Anu said gently to her. :DO NOT GIVE IN...TO DESPAIR...:
"I never have," she said softly. "I only have questions."
:AS YOU KNOW...PAIN MUST HAPPEN...BEFORE HEALING...CAN BEGIN. MY TIME...IS FAST APPROACHING...WITH REBIRTH. AND...HEAVEN...MUST BE MADE...WHOLE...:
"With the cost of Anaurael's innocence?"
:ITHERAEL...ALSO VOICED...SUCH CONCERNS. THIS IS HER...PURPOSE. HER DESTINY. SHE KNOWS THIS...ALL TOO WELL...:
"And I am sure she has argued with you, too," Auriel said. At the feeling of agreement, she shook her head. "Is there no other way?"
:I HAVE SEEN...FROM ALL ANGLES...THERE IS NONE...: He seemed to say with a touch of remorse. :SHE WILL...ALWAYS...BE BUSY HERE. REBUILDING HEAVEN...STRENGTHENING THE...HEAVENLY HOST...BIRTHING CHAMPIONS...CALLING WARRIORS...:
"And what do you think of this mortal Council? What are your thoughts?" she asked curiously.
:AT FIRST...CONFUSION. BUT...IT WILL AID US...IN THE DESTRUCTION...OF THE OPPOSITION. HAVE HOPE. SHARE THIS HOPE. ALL WILL BE WELL...IN THE END...:
When the sensation left her, she only nodded as she whispered, "I shall be hopeful that you are right in this. I will support all that you have told me. And, as much as I detest this, I shall not say anything to Imperius unless you deem it safe for him to know."
The sensations of pride, valor and love encompassed her full being now. He approved of her decision and sent her away with the feelings of intense enlightenment and clarity. It was something she rarely got to experience before. Malthael could only nod to her when she came around.
"Do you understand now?" he asked softly.
"As much as it pains me, I do," she said admitted. "But, Anu always means well. So, I will support the decision. As much as it hurts, I was told to not give in to despair. I shall heed this advice."
"When Imperael comes back, have Al'maiesh give him clarity," he suggested. Auriel nodded and watched him vanish away. As much as Imperius was their leader, Malthael still held that calm, solid rock of will that the Council seemed to lack. It was hard to disagree with him. A few minutes later, Imperael was easily seen walking back over. His halo seemed to glow differently. It was reflecting a pinkish Light that seemed to match her wing colors. That had her pause with surprise. It was his halo that was the key.
"The sight here was glorious! I shall return when I can," Imperael nodded. When Al'maiesh coiled around his arms gently, he paused with a form of relief. "Thank you, sister."
"You are welcome, brother. Go and see to Anaurael's chamber. If anything happens, you shall be fetched," she nodded. As she watched him walk off, she seemed to nod to herself. Anu was always right in various things. I will remain hopeful that all will work out and not give in to despair.