A month flew by once again. At eight months along, all of the High Heavens was on edge. When Anaurael's mood took a turn for the worst on missing Imperius, he was now adamant on never leaving her side. He was barely able to leave Tyrael alone with her. When she found herself pining for Imperius after only five minutes, it was decided to have her with him at all times. There was simply no other way around it.
"I'm sorry," she whispered to him.
"Do not apologize," he muttered and walked with her through the Silver City. Imperael and Izarius were following at a safe distance. Long walks with him helped calm her down. Singing with him also did it, but only when she was able to focus. The shivering that the offspring in her soul did was rather intense now. "It is good to walk with you. We need to be somewhere, anyways."
"We do?" she blinked.
"Yes," he nodded. When Tyrael appeared to walk with them, he was nodded to. "It is good you are here. I didn't think you'd make it."
"You know I had to be here," Tyrael chuckled. The floating guards with him settled to move with Imperael and Izarius easily. Even Izual was there, and he waved at her with a small chuckle. Tyrael smiled at her and asked, "How are you feeling, Anaurael?"
"Tired," she sighed and snuggled into Imperius's chest.
"Easy, my ward," Imperius said and squeezed her gently, as he carried her.
"I want to walk around," she said.
"And in five minutes, you will ask me to carry you again," he smirked. "We are almost there."
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"You will see," he chuckled softly. At her small pout, he pressed his helmeted head close to her ear to whisper softly. Now she blushed a beat red at his soft laugh. He whispered again, and she felt his grin when he placed her hand over his mouth. She shook her head at him and gasped at the small nibble he gave her forefinger. "I keep forgetting how much you like this."
"Imperius!" she whispered with a bit of shock. Then she thought of something and looked at Tyrael. "A rather amusing thought has made itself known to me."
"Do tell," Tyrael grinned softly.
"If Imperius's armor is like his skin, then he is walking around naked right now. As is every other angel here," she smirked. Tyrael stopped in his tracks, thought over it, and then ran an armored hand over his face as he started laughing. Izarius and Imperael also overheard this, and they lightly cleared their throats to refocus. Izual let out a heavy sigh, but he was laughing softly at this, too. The guards with Tyrael almost stammered with embarrassment. Imperius now seemed to glare at her mildly. "What? It's the truth!"
"And do you complain?" Imperius asked her now. When she went quiet, he only smirked and resumed carrying her. Tyrael was just chuckling to himself the whole time.
"You really don't play fair," she sighed. He stopped walking and looked over at Tyrael.
"Please go on ahead. I'll meet you there," Imperius said.
"Of course," Tyrael nodded and walked on with his guards hovering around him. When Anaurael looked at Imperius for an explanation, he only turned to gaze out over the Silver City with her. He glanced at her personal guards to have them slow up to give them some privacy.
"You are far too moody," he said gently. "It does not become you."
"I..." she cringed, and he rose up a massive finger to her lips to quiet her.
"I know it is from the pregnancy. I know you are not usually like this. There are times I must state your mood to you now. It is the same that you do with me. We are going to be meeting with a few others now. You need to remain in control as much as you can. I shall do the same. Remember. We are both doing this together. I have never done this before. Neither have you. Just remember this."
"Okay," she nodded, and he kissed her softly. He looked back at Izarius and Imperael to nod to them and had them move in closer to walk right behind him. When Izual came back over, she looked at him with a small frown.
"Tyrael wanted me to walk with you for him," Izual said. She smiled and reached out her hand to rest on his shoulder gently. He placed his hand over hers to squeeze and nod before settling to fall in step with his brothers. "I was thinking of something, though."
"And that is...?" Imperius asked.
"I am from the Courts of Justice. Izarius is from your Halls of Valor. Imperael is, oddly enough, from all the Aspects in the High Heavens. She should have guards from each place in the High Heavens. So, one from Fate would be needed. As well as Wisdom and Hope," Izual said.
"Your idea does hold merit," Imperius mused lightly. "Darius, Mithus, and Azarius are all from my Halls. They are waiting for us, too. I do not believe it is possible to have them move to different factions, but I shall speak with the others to see what can be done."
"I won't be able to move with so many around me!" Anaurael sighed.
"You must be protected," Imperius said softly. She could only nod at this. "All of the High Heavens worries for you. Have you not noticed how quite a few of the Angelic Host have been watching us from a distance? Even now? Or have you noticed?"
"What?!" she blinked. Now she followed his gaze to where small groups of angels were watching her from various ledges all around them. "I never noticed them!"
"I think I know why," Izarius said. "As you share the Light of Imperius, he is known to disregard most things as common and ordinary. Having other angels watch him is something that he expects. That trait has easily passed on to you. There could be crowds of us watching at a distance, and you would not know it. It would seem normal to you on an instinctive level to simply ignore them."
"You are quite correct," Imperius nodded. "And we have arrived."
"The feast hall?" she smiled. Now she saw her mother and father there. She also saw Zayl with Anabelle. Humbert was settled on the table to keep out of the way, but to also observe. Tyrael was seated next to an empty spot for her. She was beaming with complete delight at this when she was seated, and Imperius placed his hands protectively over her shoulders. Azarius, Mithus, and Darius were easily catering with other angels. Imperael, Izual, and Izarius moved to stand behind her along the wall where Tyrael's guards were. Then she saw Erelus appear with Elaine. "How wonderful to see you all!"
"The very same!" Anabelle giggled and hugged her before sitting down. Elaine waved to her and got a warm, beaming smile in return.
"Are you expecting yet?" Tyrael asked Anabelle.
"Not yet. We have been trying," she smiled.
"No complaints from him on that!" Humbert snickered.
"Humbert. Shut up," Zayl warned him. The skull scowled at that, but took the hint. When Orphilius appeared with Kalina, they were both welcomed warmly. He moved to settle behind her with his hands on her shoulders in his own protective way. Erelus was easily doing the same with Elaine. Other mortal and angelic pairings appeared to settle in the feast hall soon after.
"Amazing!" Anaurael smiled. Tyrael could only agree, as he shared the suckling pig dish with her. There were a good twenty some-odd pairings so far. And quite a few were male mortals with female angels. It was now that she noticed that the chamber was rounded to hold more within it.
"This is one of the few times that all may be here together with us," Imperius said. "As much as it does displease me. If by a touch."
"It is good to do this, though," she said and rested her hand over one of his large ones. When Itherael appeared with Auriel, they nodded to all that were there. Malthael appeared to those that could see him, and he glanced mildly about the room. He was actually pleased at what he saw. It wasn't often that it happened. As much as he detested the mortals, he realized what Anu said. The Light was quite strong in all of them.
"Interesting," Malthael mused. "There is demon taint in them, but it is not as strong. Or so it seems. Am I wrong on this?"
"No. You are quite correct," Itherael nodded to him. When Gurzick appeared, a few of the angels were ready to slaughter him. Izarius was quick to walk over and stand in front of him.
"This one helps us with a way to speak to the demon lord, Greed. Yes, we know he's a demon, but it's because of him, and the other Greed Goblins around, that we have the means to care for Anaurael and other mortals. Even Anu sees them as a benefit. Be tolerant of them, please," Izarius said calmly.
"But..." a female angel said. Imperius gave a mild glance.
"Yes, we know," Itherael chuckled. "But they are tolerable. For now."
"Well, if Anu says to be tolerable, then I shall," a warrior angel said from where he stood behind his female mortal companion. The brunette with pretty green eyes smiled at him and blushed at the shoulder squeeze he gave her. The same went for the other angels there.
"I can never tell if those are boys or girls," one of the men said. His female angelic mate had no clue, either. Then Gurzick simply lifted up his loincloth.
"Did you have to do that?!" Ilerael groaned and looked away. Lilaurael had wrinkled her nose at it. Everyone else was either laughing hysterically or disgustingly appalled. Imperius was livid, but kept himself calmed by squeezing Anaurael's shoulders. All she could do was look away with a small laugh.
"Don't ask that question anymore!" Tyrael grimaced. "Just assume they are all boys!"
"In my personal opinion, I expected more," Humbert said. Zayl smacked the skull upside the back of the lower part to hear him scowl, but it got another uproar of laughter from a few others. Quite a few of the angels were still horrified at what they saw.
"Gurzick, why must you do that?" Anaurael asked softly when the laughter died down. "All you have to do is say that you're a boy. There's no need for such extreme measures!"
"It fun!" Gurzick grinned. When he threatened to lift his loincloth again, he got glared at.
"No more of that!" Imperius growled out.
"He's a minion! Let him live a little!" Greed chuckled from the crown. "For those of you that don't know, I am Greed. And, eh, you. The skull. What did you mean by your comment? Expecting more? I don't think I understand. Can you clarify that?"
"Oh. Well," Humbert started. Zayl groaned, but got his shoulder patted by his wife. "I've seen much bigger than what that, eh, little guy has."
"What?!" Gurzick now managed to squeal out before Greed took control again. Now Tyrael busted up into laughter. Lilaurael actually found herself laughing at this with her husband.
"You haven't been around the Burning Hells that much, have you?" Greed asked now. The room occupants started up in laughter again. "Of course, many of them do wear something. Surprisingly enough, it covers just enough. Now I have to think of impotency in the ranks..."
"Stop it!" Tyrael said when he gasped for air.
"Then again, that scoundrel doesn't have much when compared to me," Greed went on in a bragging way. Anaurael showed a look of distaste and shook her head.
"I don't think we need to know about him," Zayl muttered.
"I want to know!" Humbert said. "If there is any blackmail information on him, then I want it!"
"I'll make sure to fill you in later," Greed giggled. Humbert barked out laughter and couldn't wait. Zayl just shook his head, but he accepted a kiss from his wife to help make him feel better.
"So, Xavian and Lorath are not here?" Anaurael asked.
"This was to be a 'couples' dinner," Tyrael smiled. "To an extent, of course."
"Oh! So, Lorath is not interested in Kadala?" she asked. He looked at her and started laughing again. Izual walked over to whisper softly to her. "Ah. A shame. I thought they would make a cute couple! But, if she isn't interested in relationships..."
"She has too much of her father's bloodline. She cares more about profit than love," Izual said. "Myriam had asked her about such things, too."
"So that is how we know. A true shame," Anaurael sighed with a small shrug.
"Greed, did you ever find that demon? From the tooth you were given?" Izarius asked. Imperius looked at him now. "Oh. You don't know. A young boy from the Horadrim said that his mother was slain by a demon. He kept the tooth. Greed has it now."
"Oh!" Anaurael gasped.
"I actually did," Greed said. "However, I cannot reach this one. Aid will need to be enlisted."
"Tell me what needs to be done. I'll have an expedition set up," Tyrael nodded.
"I shall do so. The demon lurks like a coward in the Burning Hells," Greed smirked. "I can lead any that wish to hunt this one easily."
"Good. We'll do that," Izual said. "Let Lorath know."
"A minion is informing him now," Greed nodded.
"Greed, for helping another, I believe I shall Sing for you," Anaurael smiled.
"Oh! Yes! Please do!" Greed said with complete delight. Many had not heard her Sing yet up close, and they all readied to listen. Imperius carefully pulled her from the chair to hold her in his arms. She slowly let the Song build and began to let it get bolder. He was soon joining it with his deep undertones to enrich it even further. When it reached its peak in depth and tone, all of the room inhabitants were simply struck with a sense of awe.
"I am always speechless each time," Itherael said softly.
"As am I," Auriel chuckled softly. When the Song ended, Anaurael got kissed gently and Imperius let out a soft laugh. Many have never heard him laugh.
"Did he just...?!" another angelic warrior asked.
"Yes. He did," Tyrael grinned softly.
"You know, she should try singing with actual words," Anabelle smiled.
"What?" Anaurael asked curiously. Malthael was now intrigued at this. Zayl looked at his wife now. He didn't know that she could sing. Anabelle cleared her throat and began to sing out a rather common traveling song. As Anaurael listened intently, some of the others in the room began to sing with Anabelle. It was something the angels had never heard before.
"We can play instruments, too!" a young man piped out. "It helps with the songs!"
"Does it?" his angelic female asked with a touch of curious delight.
"If you can head back to my home, I can tell you what to look for," the man smiled.
"No. Tell me where you live, and I'll find it," Greed said.
"As long as he gets it," Anaurael smiled.
"If it helps you out, then you know he will," Greed chuckled. Anaurael was still getting held by Imperius, and she started to sing out the song that Anabelle just did. Because it wasn't a true Song, it didn't really affect the others. But, her voice was just as impressive on doing it. She blushed softly at the applause she got. Greed mused to himself and said, "I still prefer the other way. But this is nice!"
"He is right," Tyrael said. "Singing is just that. But your Song is something else completely."
"I know," she smiled. Then she gasped with a shock of pain from the offspring in her soul. Imperius was quick to press his thumb to her mark. A rare stance of surprise hit him.
"That's right. The offspring in your soul was a month sooner..." he muttered. At another harsh cry she gave, her parents were soon up to help her. Lilaurael still had a few days more before she was due, and Ilerael had her sit back down. He didn't want to risk her going into labor right now. He was only too happy that Loremy and Durlin weren't with them.
"Azarius, please keep her here. I don't want her to stress herself," Ilerael said.
"Of course. Sister, just stay with me," the angel said. Lilaurael winced, but she nodded.
"I'll let you know what happens," her husband promised. Itherael had retreated to his Library to grab his Scroll to read through. He came right back to them with it.
"Take her to the Arch!" he ordered. "Right now!"
"I shall rally the Host! The rest of you, please remain here," Auriel said and flew off.
"Elaine, I may need to assist," Erelus said.
"I'll stay here. Go!" she nodded. He nodded back and flew to the Crystal Arch. Izual, Izarius, and Imperael were soon there. Mithus and Darius were able to have another angel assist with Lilaurael. Azarius was going to be needed as a guardian. Imperius was soon seen with Anaurael between the twin crystal pillars of Light. As she struggled to breathe, Malthael was there to help her.
"Focus in your mind," he said gently. "It is time to open the spire within you. It will help you."
All she could do was pant and cry out from another stabbing of pain that assaulted her core. Imperius only held her close and breathed evenly for her. She whimpered, but focused in on it. That helped her reach the destination she needed. Once she found herself standing in front of the mental spire, she saw that the entire building was glowing vibrantly. She took in a deep breath and touched the diamond doors. They suddenly flew open.
When this happened, Auriel had the Host Singing the Lightsong. Even Tyrael was doing what he could to show his support. Itherael was already Singing with the rest. Malthael was granted a solid form to help with it. The Light that spilled from between the twin crystal spires was brilliant and intense. Even Greed had to look away from Gurzick's crown. When the Light finally dimmed, a majestic, regal angel that matched the height and width of Imperael stood there.
He was clearly a male with iridescent armor of mother of pearl and platinum. It also had an odd crystalline effect when it reflected off the various beams of Light and sunlight. A silvery white tabard flowed down his form as regally as Tyrael's angelic form's did on both the front and back of his legs. His upper armor was engraved with a holy insignia of the High Heavens. His wings spanned every spectrum of the rainbow, as the tendrils wavered. He bore a hood that also resembled a helmet, and his intricate halo shimmered with a holy Light. It almost resembled Izarius's halo, but it was far larger for his form. On his back sat a massive, one handed sword and an equally massive shield. The shield bore all the engraving marks for the Aspects of Heaven and was as sleek and resplendent as he was.
"I AM REBORN!" the incredibly powerful Archangel said in a deep, noble and echoing tone. "HOWEVER, I SHALL BE KNOWN AS ANARIUS. THE VERY NAME THAT WAS AGREED ON FOR ME BEFORE MY REBIRTH. IF THERE ARE ANY THAT DOUBT ME, COME FORTH NOW!"
The entire Angelic Host was in shock. Anu's champion had finally come to pass. After a few minutes of silent recovery, Anaurael was now seen to and tended. All of her strength was gone. Imperius rose up with her in his arms, and he nodded respectfully to Anarius. Then he said, "It is good to know that you are my offspring. Will I bring any more like you about?"
"NO. BUT, I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF THEY WERE JUST UNDER PAR IN POWER TO ME," he chuckled. "TEND TO HER NOW. I SHALL BE OVERLOOKING THE HIGH HEAVENS. I SHALL CHECK ON HER AFTER SHE HAS RECOVERED. IF SHE DOES NOT REST, HER MORTAL CHILD WILL BE BORN. IT IS TOO DANGEROUS FOR HER TO GIVE BIRTH NOW."
"We understand," Izarius nodded. At this, Anarius leapt into the air with a wide splay of his rainbow wings and took off to survey the High Heavens, as he said he would do. Anaurael was rushed to her chamber, but Imperius held her the whole time. He couldn't let her go until he knew she was well.