Two months flew by as though it was a blur. At seven months along, Imperius had hardly left her side. Malthael was going mad with the need to speak to her, too. He had been wanting to for quite some time. Even Tyrael was heavily watched during his visits with her.

"She's bearing my son, too," he would growl at the mild glare he got.

"I am only concerned for her health," Imperius muttered.

"I'm fine," Anaurael chuckled. Izarius already had several soft pillows available to help cushion her back. "Imperius, you should tend to the troops. If anything happens, you will be notified."

"No," he said and shook his head.

"Love, be reasonable," she frowned. "The troops need their leader."

"I know...I just..." he mumbled. She rested her hand on his arm. He hadn't really left her side at all. She was really concerned for him. He needed to show he was still available. As much as they knew why he went missing, he had to appear again. Even if it was brief.

"Train them for at least an hour. They need you," she said softly.

"An hour I can do," he nodded.

"Tyrael will rest with me," she smiled.

"Fine," Imperius sighed. Tyrael nodded to him with complete understanding. The golden Archangel seemed to hesitate on leaving, but he knew she was right. My troops needed me. He could only stay away for an hour. After he left, she sighed softly and let Tyrael move her to let her rest her head against his chest. When he shifted to talk to her, she was already sleeping deeply.

"I'll talk to her in her mind," he chuckled.

"Not yet," Malthael said when he appeared. "I have been needing to speak with her. Now is my chance to do so. Grant me this, and I shall let you speak after if time allows."

"Very well," Tyrael nodded. Malthael retreated into her mental state and quickly pulled her close. She looked at him with a smile and pressed into him.

"I guess you missed me?" she chuckled and traced a finger down his chest.

"Possibly," he chuckled back. "Imperius has been rather close to you."

"He's only being protective."

"As is the rest of the High Heavens."

"Would you expect any less?"

"Likely not."

"Then don't complain."

"I never said it was a complaint."

"Well," she smirked and laughed at a light tickle. "why are you here now?"

"I was...hoping to talk to you..." he admitted. She nodded and let him sit on the ground with her. "There is much...on my mind...as of late..."

"Tell me," she whispered. At this, he began to whisper to her a bit more of his past. Pretty much where he left off with her from before. She ran her finger over his invisible cheek to comfort him when he needed it. When he slightly faltered on something like a personal thought, she ran her finger down one of the singular strands of silver-white cloth that flowed off his hood. When he began to talk about Pandemonium, she took a vast interest in this. He explained how he started to build the fortress to collect human souls. And he described how long it took.

"It was the...pinnacle...of my madness," he sighed. "Nothing else mattered to me."

"And the Black Soulstone?" she asked.

"I watched from afar. It was easy to do. Once it was out of the High Heavens...I took it from Tyrael. He did, after all, steal it from Heaven to hide it away. I simply...found out where he was planning to hide it. He was easy to follow..."

"Wait..." she frowned. "He stole it? From the High Heavens?!"

"Yes. Oh. You did not know?" he asked.

"No! I was told that it was a mutual agreement!"

"Ah. Well, for your knowledge, it had to be stolen away. The Heavens did not wish for it to be given up out of safety to keep it from corrupting anything else. But, the longer it stayed in Heaven, the more corruption and disharmony it spread. You have witnessed this corruption, too. It was from the Black Soulstone. He...had to remove it. To save Heaven. There was no choice in this matter. As much as Imperius was upset with this information, Tyrael did what was best. Chalad'ar confirmed this."

"I see," she mumbled and looked away.

"Do not feel disgruntled on this," Malthael said and tilted her face to his. "You did not ask for details. Yes, it was agreed for the Black Soulstone to be removed in the end. You simply did not ask on how it was to be removed. That the decision was done after the fact. Think of it like that."

"Very well," she nodded.

"I also discovered the source of my grief..." he whispered. Now she looked at him intently. "It started...when I found you gone. After I touched your mark. I felt that...I was never going to see you again. What more is there for me to explain?"

"Malthael..." she whispered and let him kiss her desperately. "There is no need for such grief."

"I know. But...it does linger. And yet...is it possible..." he shivered and clung to her. "to see...if for a moment...a brief way to know...what could have happened...if I did...find you...?"

"I don't know. But...if it causes stress to me..." she winced.

"I know that some mortals have dreams to only forget about them on waking," he said gently and rocked her. "It could be done like that."

"Does it have to be now?" she frowned. He shook his head and rocked her.

"No. Not while you are pregnant. After would be best."

"Okay," she nodded. "As long as it's a dream, and I'll forget about it and not worry."

"Of course," he nodded back and kissed her again in a gentler way. "You should wake and eat. Imperius may be back soon."

"Right," she said with exhaustion. He knew that dreams would be easy. If she slept in her mental state, as well as her physical state, it was the only way for the dreams to happen. And he did watch her dreams in secret. No others could see them unless they were in her mind. It had happened briefly with a mental meeting in her mind on building the new area for the mortals that angels had begun to seek out.

Quite a few mortals were found that showed promise, but not many held the true quality of Light they needed when fully tested. There would always be a very rare amount of genuine Light there. But, Ilerael had agreed to take on a couple more children. They were going to test a theory. If they were training differently and living with angels, would the Light within them be that much stronger? So far, it did seem to hold promise with his first two adopted sons. Even as they grew and expanded in their training, it was already proving that Durlin and Loremy could become prime candidates for angelic mates. There were already two female warriors that were taking an intense interest in them. They even offered to help train them.

"Just remember that they are my sons and far too young. They need to be at least at the age of eighteen years for them to even think of having a partner," Ilerael warned the female angels. They had readily agreed. Waiting for the two boys to grow up was no problem. Time meant nothing to the angels.

"How are Erelus and Elaine?" Itherael asked.

"They are doing well," Tyrael chuckled from where he rested in the bed. "Last I heard from Ilerael, they decided to live in the new building constructed here. And they are expecting."

"Really?!" Itherael said with complete surprise at this. At Tyrael's nod, he decided to check in on the new building and the new expecting couple.

"Itherael?" Erelus asked when he opened the small door to the chamber. Each room looked exactly the same as the other building for the mortal angels, save that there were more lavish furnishings here. Unlike the mortal angels that were only there to procreate, these were going to be a small set of apartments for lengthy stays. Elaine was sitting in a rocking chair by a window and gave a soft smile at Itherael. Erelus was granted a small leave by Itherael to let him protect her. After learning that she was going to be bearing offspring, the leave would likely be permanent, and he would only be called on if there was no other choice.

"I wanted to ask you a private question," Itherael muttered softly to him. Then in a louder tone, he said, "I also wanted to congratulate you both on your coming offspring."

"Thank you. And we shall step outside," Erelus nodded. When the two powerful angels moved from the room, Erelus asked, "Now, what is your question?"

"How...exactly did you...conceive with her?" Itherael asked.

"Oh! Well, I was able to recline back, and, eh...she...was able to sit over my hips..."

"So, reclining is the key?"

"I believe so. We...did try other positions that she knew of...but...none seemed to work. When she had me recline...that worked the best. She did show some pain at first. I didn't know why..."

"Ah. Because of her virginity, I believe."

"What?"

"She was never touched before you. That's why."

"Oh. Well...she hasn't shown that pain since."

"Of course," Itherael nodded. "Thank you, though. It does explain something."

"What does?"

"The position you used with her. I noticed a chair behind Imperius's throne. It was one that seemed to allow him to lay back on it. To recline. I wonder if I can get one like that."

"Does he really have something like that?" Erelus asked with wonder.

"He does. And now I believe I can see why he has this particular chair. But...I'm not sure why at the same time. Just by lying down should do the same thing," Itherael muttered.

"Imperius cannot lie down," Malthael said when he appeared before them both. "He needs both of his feet on solid ground to be able to feel adequate. From what I know, he tried it once in her bed. He could not fathom the feel of being on his back with his feet off the ground. Only in flight is such a thing allowed. Think about it."

"Ah! Yes, I see now," Itherael said. "So, to me, it likely wouldn't matter. But, to him..."

"If he has to fight, then he must feel that he still can," Erelus said when he caught on.

"Precisely," Malthael nodded and vanished away again.

"That makes a lot more sense than I could ever imagine," Itherael mused. "But...you mentioned something now that has me wonder."

"What would that be?"

"Different positions?"

"Oh..." Erelus paused. If he was able to blush, the look would have been priceless.

"If it's too much..."

"No! No. I just didn't expect you to ask. I mean...why did you ask?"

"For informational purposes," Itherael said calmly.

"Informational? I readily doubt that," Erelus sighed. "But...if you really want to know..."

"You know I do," Itherael chuckled softly. For ten minutes, Itherael was carefully informed on what all was tried. He was truly amazed at certain things. "How did you know all of this?"

"Elaine has a very...creative mindset," Erelus said with a shrug and shook his helmed head. When the door opened and he saw her standing there, he moved to scoop her up into his arms to hear her squeak. "And what brought you out here, hmm?"

"You didn't come back after a while," she said. "I missed you."

"It is fine," Itherael nodded. "I have my questions answered for now."

"Very well," Erelus nodded. He carried her back into their chamber, and Itherael moved back to his Library. On looking around, he found himself thinking to Izarius.

"You called for me?" he asked when he appeared.

"Yes. I noticed that Imperius has a chair behind his throne. I may need something like that," Itherael said. "I am sure you know why."

"Yes, I do," Izarius sighed. "I know who made it. I can request another, but you will need to hide it discretely. If Imperius found out why and for what..."

"I know," Itherael nodded. Izarius nodded back. "How long would it take?"

"It could take a week."

"That's fine. It will give me ample time to place it somewhere."

"I'll have to wait, though. Anaurael has been asking for me. Ah! I'll send Darius for you," Izarius said and vanished back to Anaurael's side. He walked up to Darius to whisper softly. His brother nodded and vanished away.

"Hmm?" Imperius asked from where he sat. She was in his lap and getting cradled by him.

"Darius is going to check on Ilerael. We know how much he misses Anaurael," Izarius said.

"Is that so?" Imperius asked. Lilaurael was quick to appear to show that she wanted to spend time with her daughter. Darius had suggested it to her, and she was keen to do just that. As mother and daughter spent some quality time together, Darius was now informing Ilerael of what Itherael needed.

"I can contact Harvey for it. Um...why does he want a chair?"

"Do you know of the hidden prophecy? Only Imperius and Anaurael do not know. They cannot know just yet. As I am sure, you do understand why angels are finding mortals that have more Light than filth within souls, correct?"

"I was informed that it was to try and weed out the bad blood," Ilerael nodded.

"A mortal Council is to be birthed," Darius said lightly. Now Ilerael stared at him with shock.

"It is true," Malthael said when he appeared. "Anu has stated this. With stronger blood, it may weed out the filth that much faster. And...if there is to be a mortal Council..."

"Itherael would...by Anu's Light!" Ilerael grimaced. "What of Hope? Auriel?"

"Imperael is able to absorb her essence within his halo. He will substitute for her," Malthael said calmly. "Anu knows this. So does Auriel."

"I..." Ilerael swallowed. He felt sick. He didn't expect his daughter to be with so many. He was forced to sit down and take several deep breaths.

"Ilerael?" Darius asked.

"And Imperius can't know this," Ilerael sighed heavily. "I just...there is no other way?"

"This question was asked by both Auriel and Itherael. Anu has stated that there is not," Malthael said quietly. "And...think on this. Yes, my body will bear both Imperius and Tyrael. However, it will not be a true Aspect of Justice, because of this. I can take on the role, but it would be temporary."

"So...she would need to birth another son for Tyrael after Imperius..." Ilerael frowned.

"Actually, it would be after Imperael. Justice is to be the youngest of the mortal Council. It is to be Imperius first. Itherael would be after him. Then...it is hinted that I may need to partake in this for what Wisdom I can readily grant. Imperael would assist next. Then Tyrael last."

"Wait. Tyrael is Wisdom now! How can you take your place again?!" Ilerael asked.

"Anu has ways. Means. Who am I to argue? Tyrael may be given back Justice for a brief moment. It is either that, or Imperael is to assist with Justice to come about, too. I am unsure. We shall have to see what happens," Malthael shrugged.

"I don't know what to think," Ilerael admitted and held his head in hands from the headache he got. In that moment, he was pulled to Anaurael's mind as his angelic self. And a bright, shining Light that now threatened to blind him was hovering in front of him. The sensations of intense love and trust crushed around him to show who it was. "Anu?!"

:YES...ILERAEL...: Anu said with a soft chuckle. :YOU ARE...THE SIRE...OF MY CHOSEN...ONE. FOR THIS...I SHALL GIVE YOU...HOPE...:

"Hope? For what? For my daughter to be used and disrespected? I mean...well...damn it, Anu! I'm a father! Her father! I seek only her safety in these times! You're a father, too. You should know what I'm thinking of. I just...I feel disgusted for her."

:THIS...I DO KNOW...: Anu agreed. :BUT IT IS...NEEDED. HER BLOOD...IS PURE...UNTAINTED...POWERFUL...AND IT WILL FUEL...THE MORTAL COUNCIL...:

"I wouldn't doubt that it wouldn't," Ilerael muttered. "I know her destiny is important. She's giving you a form. A rebirth. I just...so many! She's only supposed to be with Imperius!"

:YES. THIS I KNOW...: Anu sighed around him. :THINK ON THIS...IF YOU CAN...:

"I'm listening."

:FROM ONE FATHER...TO ANOTHER. HOW MUCH...WOULD YOU SACRIFICE...TO BRING BACK...LOVED ONES...THAT WERE LOST? HOW FAR...WOULD YOU GO...TO SEEK THOSE...THAT NEED REDEMPTION? ASK YOURSELF...THESE QUESTIONS. ASK YOURSELF...IF THE EFFORT...WOULD BE WORTH IT. IN THE END...THE ETERNAL CONFLICT...WILL NEVER END. WE ARE AT...A STALEMATE NOW. WHAT WOULD YOU DO...TO EVEN...THE ODDS? TO OVER COME...THE ODDS? AGAINST ALL ODDS?:

"I would do whatever I could to turn the tides of war," Ilerael said softly.

:YES. THAT IS...MY MAIN GOAL. TO FINALLY TURN...THE TIDES. TO END IT. ALL OF MY...SONS...AND DAUGHTERS...FOUGHT...MY CONFLICT...WITH TATHAMET. AND FOR...WHAT END? A CONSTANT...ENDLESS...LOOP...OF DEATH...AND FILTH. IT IS TIME...TO SHOW...THAT HEAVEN...IS NOT WEAK! WHEN MY...CHOSEN ONE...GIVES HER BIRTHS...SHE WILL NEED TO...CALL...MORE BACK...TO US. HER DESTINY...IS SET...IN STONE...:

"I know," he said and hung his head. "I just feel that she is slipping from my life."

:NOT COMPLETELY...: Anu said gently. :SHE STILL...NEEDS...YOUR STRENGTH. YOUR LOVE. YOUR WILL. WHAT MORE...IS THERE FOR YOU...TO SAY...ON THIS? MALTHAEL...WAS CLOSE...TO ENDING...THIS CONFLICT. BUT...IT WAS THE...WRONG WAY. HE WOULD HAVE...CULLED...THE LIGHT...IN THESE MORTALS...TOO. IT WOULD HAVE...BEEN...FAR TOO MUCH...OF A LOSS...:

"Does he know of your thoughts on this?"

:NO. BUT HE DOES...NOW. AS IT STANDS...MY CHOSEN...ONE...MUST NOT FALTER...IN HER DUTIES. MAYBE...AFTER ALL OF...THE MORTAL COUNCIL...IS BIRTHED...SHE CAN REST. IF FOR A WHILE...: Anu seemed to muse.

"Why did you choose Lilaurael and I to hold a part of Imperius?"

:IMPERIUS...SHATTERED...HIMSELF. HE SIMPLY DOES NOT...KNOW OF THIS. NOR WOULD HE...BELIEVE IT. HIS JOYS...HIS LOVE...HIS TRUE SENSE...OF HONOR...WAS LOST...WHEN HE GAVE IN...TO THE DARKNESS...OF HIS INNER SELF. TO THE HATRED. PRIDE. ANGER. HE LET HIMSELF...SLIP...BADLY. I TOOK...WHAT WAS LEFT...OF HIS FORMER...PURE LIGHT...AND DID...THE ONE THING...I HAD TO DO...IN ORDER...TO SAVE HIM. I PLACED...TWO PARTS...IN YOU...AND LILAURAEL. TO APPEAR...WHEN YOU WERE...BOTH...CALLED. WITH THE HOPE...THAT ONE DAY...YOU BOTH...WOULD MERGE THEM...INTO A SINGULAR...PERFECT...WHOLE...:

"So...you placed his Light within Lilaurael and I..." Ilerael said with shock. "Knowing full well of what would happen if we..."

:YES. THAT...I DID...: Anu admitted in a humble way. :IN THE END...I SAVED...A POWERFUL SON...AND SAVED...THE HIGH HEAVENS. NOW. ASK YOURSELF. IS YOUR DAUGHTER...MY CHOSEN ONE...WORTH...ALL OF THIS? THE HARDSHIPS? THE STRIFE? ASK YOURSELF NOW...ON WHAT YOU MUST...DO...TO SEE REASON...:

"She has a lot going for her now," Ilerael finally agreed. "There is much work to be done."

:THERE...ALWAYS IS. CONTINUE...TO HELP...THE MORTALS...FIND...THEIR TRUE...INNER LIGHT. GUIDE THEM. LET THEM GROW. THE MORE WE...CAN FIND...FOR THE HEAVENS...THAT MUCH MORE...OF THE CONFLICT...IS WON...IN OUR FAVOR...:

"Of course, Anu," Ilerael nodded. When he woke up again, his mind was cleared of the headache he had, and he felt well rested. He sighed and noticed that Malthael was giving off a perplexed sensation. "Apparently, Anu didn't like what you were doing."

"I am well aware of it," Malthael muttered. Darius only crossed his arms over his chest and listened silently. "I shall return to Anaurael's side."

"Of course. I'll tell Harvey to make another chair for Itherael," Ilerael nodded. Darius nodded to him after that and vanished after Malthael disappeared. When Ilerael thought over what happened in his daughter's mind, he thought he dreamt it all. Then he felt a small nudge of clarity from Anu. "Okay, you've proven your point. I'll go train my sons."

At the mental chuckle he got back, he cracked a grin and made his way to the training ground behind the house. Even though Anu was considered his father, he was being treated with the equality and respect of another father. It was as though Anu was making an exemption for him and Lilaurael. They were still related to the High Heavens, but not as directly. It made the burden a bit easier to bear for his daughter to do what she needed to do. He actually liked it better this way.