It took the rest of the day for her to regain herself, but she was still too weak to do much. Imperius knew that her health was critical now. All she could do was answer questions in a soft tone and smile. Her mark was pulsing normally, but her body was completely drained.
"My ward," Imperius said gently to her. "I need to do something with you."
"Hmm?" she asked with a tired sigh.
"I want to give you some of my strength," he said. "You are too weak. I don't like it."
"It is...normal for this...actually..." she whispered. "I just gave birth. A form of birth. It...does take time to recover..."
"But you are carrying another. I do not believe that you will be strong enough in a month to carry it out. I must help you now," he urged. She frowned, but noticed how everyone was gazing at her with complete concern. Even her parents hadn't left yet.
"He is right, you know," her mother said. "You need to be stronger. Let him help you."
"Mother..." Anaurael frowned. Her father moved in close to kiss her forehead to show his concern. Even Tyrael showed intense worry.
"Listen to us," Malthael said. He had lost his form after Anu's rebirth. "We are all concerned for you now. Your health is our primary concern. You must accept Imperius's aid in this. If you do not, then you may not recover fully."
"Please reconsider his offer," Itherael said. "This is needed."
"The entire Angelic Host is watching over you now," Auriel said. "You are never without our gaze. Even now, I can hear them pleading for you to accept Imperius's offer of strength. You must be strong for Malthael's body to be birthed properly. If you are not, then we all fear that your health will truly decline. Please, Anaurael, for all of the High Heavens, let Imperius share his strength with you."
"Okay," Anaurael managed to speak out and nod. "I know that...everyone is concerned. I've never...given birth like that. I doubt anyone ever has. And, yes. You all are right. I do have another in me. So, very well. Imperius, do what you must."
"I need to take her into my sanctum for this. I shall bring her back afterwards," Imperius said and rose up with her. The occupants nodded and watched him leave with her.
"I'll make sure she has some hardy foods ready," Izarius said.
"We all will," Darius agreed. Mithus and Azarius were already preparing a table. Imperael was greatly concerned from where he stood, but Izual also nodded to him with understanding. In Imperius's sanctum, she was getting cradled against his core.
"Focus with me. Let me share my strength with you," Imperius whispered. She nodded and closed her eyes. He pressed his fiery mouth to her mark and seemed to breathe new life into it. It drained him, but he would recover in minutes. She gasped at the flow of power that seeped through her now. He knew that he was going to have to do this at least once a day. At how she gazed at him, he chuckled and said, "I believe you should feel much better now."
"I do!" she smiled greatly, and he shared an intense kiss with her.
"It's all right now. I am a touch drained, but I shall recover in a moment. I may have to do this frequently for you. It is fine. I need to ensure that you have the strength to carry out the rest of your pregnancy. And what are you grinning about?"
"Exactly how exhausted are you?" she smiled a touch wickedly. He gave a growl and showed her exactly how much he recovered. After they regained themselves just a bit later, he landed to appear in his armor again. He gave a heavy sigh of contentment, as he cradled her.
"Not that exhausted, apparently," he smirked. She could only agree with him. He carried her back up to her chamber to regard everyone there. To his surprise, Anarius was there.
"I TOLD YOU I WOULD RETURN WHEN SHE HAD RECOVERED," he chuckled. "I UNDERSTAND THAT A DEMON NEEDS TO BE CULLED. I WISH TO JOIN THIS FIGHT TO TEST MY SKILL IN BATTLE. IT WILL BE A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR ME."
"You should test your skills in Pandemonium first," Imperius said. "But, if you feel that you can handle the Burning Hells, then you can try. Will you need an escort?"
"IT MAY BE BEST. I WISH TO FIGHT ALONGSIDE THE NEPHALEM TO JUDGE THE CHAMPION'S WORTHINESS FOR MYSELF. I FEEL THAT THIS IS NEEDED. ANY THAT WISH TO FIGHT WITH ME CAN DO SO. TYRAEL SHOULD NOT, THOUGH. HE NEEDS TO BE HERE FOR MY CHOSEN ONE. AS DO YOU."
"I worry that you may be found out. Even though you are Anu reborn, you are, technically, my son," Anaurael said. At this, Anarius moved to gracefully place his hand over her belly. "Yes, you are fully grown and able to fight. But, I have every right to worry over you now."
"She is right, you know," Ilerael chuckled. "Lilaurael would do the same thing."
"AS MANY WOULD SAY, I AM A DEMIGOD. YES, I HAVE BEEN REBORN, BUT MY POWERS ARE A MERE FRACTION FROM WHAT THEY SHOULD BE. IT SHOULD BE ENOUGH, THOUGH. I MAY GET STRONGER IN TIME. AND I DO KNOW OF YOUR CONCERN, MY CHAMPION. AS MUCH AS I WOULD CALL YOU MY MATRIARCH, OR MY MOTHER, SUCH A THING WILL NOT WORK FOR ME. YOUR CONCERN IS TAKEN TO HEART. I SHALL NEVER IGNORE THAT. WHATEVER ELSE YOU FEEL FOR ME SHALL ALSO BE HELD IN HIGH REGARD. I OWE YOU A DEBT THAT CAN NEVER BE REPAID," Anarius said softly. Anaurael smiled and nodded to him with a heartfelt sigh when he gently cupped her chin in his massive armored hand. "YOUR SAFETY IS MY PRIORITY. WITHOUT YOU, THE HIGH HEAVENS CANNOT REBUILD PROPERLY."
"And that's another thing I wanted to ask. How soon do you want her to Sing again? For Heaven? Because she does need to heal," Ilerael said. Anarius now turned to regard him.
"THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION!" Anarius thought aloud. "HOW SOON DO MORTAL FEMALES HEAL AFTER BIRTH? WHAT WOULD BE DECENT?"
"I would say a good week or two," Ilerael said calmly. "Lilaurael would know more."
"THAT SHE WOULD. I SHALL SPEAK WITH HER LATER. AS OF NOW, I NEED TO GO TO THE BURNING HELLS. I SHALL GO TO SANCTUARY NOW," Anarius said.
"I should accompany you," Tyrael said. "I will not go to the Burning Hells, but I should be there to introduce you. As well as Izual and any others."
"Just you," Imperius said. "Maybe Izual. No others. It is not needed."
"Very well," Tyrael said and moved to press his hand on Anaurael's belly. "I'll be right back."
"Okay," she nodded. He was able to press a kiss to her lips before teleporting away with Izual following him. When they got to Sanctuary, he found the Nephalem talking to some other heroes.
"Hello there!" he said and walked up to them. "I need to ask you all for a favor."
"Is it to return to the Burning Hells? Lorath informed us," the Nephalem said.
"Yes. But, you are to assist in another," Tyrael smiled. "Anu's champion."
"Really?!" the Wizard gasped.
"The champion has been birthed? And I missed it?!" the Monk frowned.
"Sorry. It was rather sudden," Tyrael sighed. "Everything was fine until Anaurael showed intense pain. We had forgotten that Anu's champion was formed a month prior to my son. He was born yesterday. Reborn, I should say. I do remember how you said you wished to be there for the next Singing at the Arch to witness Heaven's forces rise. It will have to wait until my son is birthed, though. You have my vow that you all shall be there for that."
"So, where is the new champion?" the Barbarian asked. At the majestic figure that appeared next, the small group of heroes went silent. Kormac's jaw dropped with complete awe at the supreme figure of prismatic Light that now stood before him.
"I AM ANARIUS," he said and wielded his sword and shield. "I AM ANU REBORN. I SHALL ACCOMPANY YOU ALL TO THE BURNING HELLS TO CULL THE ONE THAT DESECRATED THE HUMAN FEMALE. WE NEED TO GO NOW."
"Who...?!" Lyndon asked. "Anaurael gave birth to that?!"
"I AM HARDLY A 'THAT', MORTAL FILTH! BE GRATEFUL THAT YOU ARE ON THE SIDE OF LIGHT AND NOT THAT OF DARK. IF YOU WERE THE LATTER, I WOULD HAVE RUN YOU THROUGH WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT!" Anarius growled out. Lyndon only swallowed and nodded. Kormac found himself grinning. Eirena just clucked her tongue and shook her head.
"At least I can tell where Imperius comes in," Tyrael mused lightly. That got a choked down laugh from Izual and the Nephalem. Anarius clearly heard that and only agreed with a slight nod.
"Do you think it would be possible for us to spar later?" Kormac asked.
"I AM AFRAID NOT. I WOULD ONLY SEEK TO KILL YOU. SPARRING WITH ME IS NO OPTION. YOU SHALL SEE HOW I AM AS WE FIGHT SIDE BY SIDE," Anarius nodded.
"So, what all can you do?" Vincent asked. At this, Anarius focused for a circular field to filter around him at all times in a wide radius of fifty feet out from him. In this field, the air sparkled and shimmered with his radiance. Any allies within this field of blessed aura found their powers boosted, their speed increased, and they would regenerate if they were wounded. They also found that their skills in combat were drastically increased to never miss their targets. It also went to any summons, too, and they had their attacks strengthened with the same regeneration ability.
"SHOULD ANY OF THE ENEMY COME CLOSE TO MY PRESENCE, I SHALL DRAIN THEIR LIFE ESSENCE AND STUN THEM AT THE SAME TIME. OF COURSE, THE STUNNING WILL NOT LAST LONG. IF ALLIES STAY WITHIN MY PRESENCE, THEY SHALL BE GRANTED VARIOUS BOOSTS THAT COMPLIMENT WHAT THEY HAVE. DO YOU NEED MORE PROOF AS TO WHO I AM?" Anarius chuckled. The Witch Doctors were floored. Both of them had optioned to join on this trek, and now they both knew they would be calling on their gruesome companions to assist in this. The Barbarian howled with laughter at how his strength and fury increased. The Wizard simply poured through her skills to see what could be beneficial with this enhancing aura. Even the Monk was clearly impressed and went over his mantras.
"What happens with this?" Vincent grinned and had his wolf howl. Stammers of laughter and intense delight were heard next. "Think we're ready?"
"THAT WE ARE. I CAN OPEN A PORTAL DIRECTLY. I SHALL ALSO GO THROUGH LAST. HURRY NOW!" Anarius urged and made the shimmering portal to Hell.
"I'll meet you back in Heaven," Tyrael nodded and let Izual take him away. With the stench of brimstone and the feel of intense, scorching heat all around them now, Anarius trembled with rage. Now Kormac saw why sparring was not an option. When Greed was going to send Gurzick to guide the group, he paused at what he saw in the distance. It wasn't safe to do so. Anarius would instinctively kill any minions. It was decided to use piles of gold.
"Greed usually guides us," the Nephalem muttered. "Wait! Look!"
"Gold piles!" Lyndon grinned.
"Very smart. Let us move," the Monk nodded.
"Why is Greed doing that?" the Wizard frowned.
"Look at Anarius," Vincent muttered. Now she saw why. The moment a demon appeared, Anarius had already killed it. The demigod was on a hunting spree. When he moved to go after another, he paused. Anaurael was able to reach through to him to bring him back around. A loud, contented sigh of control was heard next. Then he walked back over to them to explain his actions.
"THERE IS MUCH FOR ME TO LEARN. MY CHAMPION IS ABLE TO REACH THROUGH TO ME WHEN I LOSE CONTROL OF MY FOCUS. I WILL HAVE TO THANK HER WHEN I SEE HER AGAIN," Anarius said. "I WAS REMINDED THAT THE GREED GOBLINS ARE ALLIES IF I SEE THEM. BUT, I MAY CULL THEM ON SIGHT WITH THE WAY I REACT TO THE FILTH HERE. AH! THE GOLD PILES. YES, I SEE NOW. WE SHALL FOLLOW THEM."
"She can reach you?" the Nephalem asked.
"YES. I WAS REBORN FROM HER. SHE AND I SHARE A BOND THAT IS UNBREAKABLE. LIKE MOTHER TO CHILD, BUT AT A FAR MORE INTENSE LEVEL."
"So, does this mean you could try to create a child with her?" Lyndon asked. Now he got glared at with intense mistrust. Kormac smacked him on the head.
"TELL ME. WOULD YOU LAY WITH YOUR OWN MOTHER?" Anarius growled out. Lyndon cleared his throat after rubbing his head. "THAT IS WHO SHE IS. NO MATTER WHAT ELSE. NOW KEEP YOUR FILTHY THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF."
"If he kills you, I will not complain," the Nephalem muttered and walked off to follow Anarius. Lyndon just grumbled to himself and ignored the other glares. Anarius was still mildly enraged about the comment the scoundrel made. Anaurael felt this and gave her gentle show of support to simply ignore it. As Anarius walked, he was able to mildly find himself in her mind.
"Do not worry about it," she said softly when he hugged her.
"ARE ALL HUMANS LIKE THAT?" he growled.
"Not all. Just very frustrating. You learn which ones to ignore. Trust in yourself. You have much to learn," she soothed. "You have just been reborn."
"I JUST EXPECTED A BIT MORE RESPECT. NOT SUCH AN OUTLANDISH COMMENT!" he muttered. When she moved her hands over his massive shoulders, he gave a sigh.
"Humans are different than angels. Remember, they are part demon. Some of their actions will always be questionable at best. Now refocus on your mission. We shall speak further afterwards," she chuckled and kissed his cheek. His mind was divided now. Before, she was simply his Chosen One. Now she was his mother. As much as he wanted to hold her at length for respect, this new side of him just wanted to feel her comfort and hear her voice. And now I see why she worries about me.
He took her advice. He simply had to, if he was to finish the mission. When the gold trail led up a cliff, he easily leapt up to the top of it. He now realized that his traveling companions had a problem.
"Can you see if there is a place for us to climb?" the Monk asked.
"I SHALL SEARCH," Anarius nodded and moved off quickly. He was a touch concerned at how empty the Burning Hells appeared to be. Then he noticed the mob of demons that rushed him. He howled his rage and fought them valiantly. The Nephalem heard the fighting, and was quick to urge the others to find a way to him. They found the ramp-like walk and moved up it. What they found was complete carnage. And only Anarius was standing.
He simply looked over to nod and started to move. Looking over corpses to loot them was something he had no need for. That was until he noticed a ring that had caught his attention. He did pause to pick it up and tuck away. It would be a gift for Anaurael when he saw her.
The gold trail picked back up and led them into a cave system. Now he paused. I can feel my Champion's fear. He focused in on her to find out why. Now he was furious. He knew of it before, but it was a completely different sensation to remember what happened to her with these new emotions in a true body. Even though it wasn't Pandemonium, she detested caves from such places.
"Anarius? Is something wrong?" the Wizard asked.
"MY CHAMPION HAD...BAD MEMORIES OF CAVES. BUT IT WAS IN PANDEMONIUM. SHE WAS STOLEN AWAY BY DEMONS AND WAS FORCED TO CULL THEM ALL. EVEN THEN, I CAN SENSE HER MISTRUST. I SHALL CULL ANYTHING THAT MOVES THAT IS NOT AN ALLY. BE WARNED," Anarius muttered out. Eirena could only frown. She sensed that something was wrong with him. She always had a sense for these things with angels.
"Anarius? Are you truly well?" she asked softly.
"I MISS MY MOTHER," he finally admitted. That got her to nod with a small smile. It was such a heartfelt admittance that the others now resolved to finish the mission quickly. He never had a mother before, and the new sensations hitting him were starting to affect him. The Nephalem didn't blame him. He was just reborn. Such a thing was bound to happen.
"You will be reunited with her after this," the Monk said. Anarius only nodded and charged forward with them. The cave was filled with demons and other random creatures here. Now that Anarius was fighting with the group, it was much faster. The demon they were led to was bellowing out its hatred at them all. The right tusk was shorter than the left, and it was a massive brute. It was dead the moment it charged at Anarius. The demigod was now wiping his sword clean, and he watched the Nephalem look over the body. A trinket of sorts was searched for.
"I am unsure if anything was stolen from the woman. If I can find something as proof for the child and father, then it would be better. I'm not seeing anything, though," the Nephalem frowned. Anarius kicked the corpse over a few times for a good look, but nothing was found.
"Take the teeth?" Lyndon asked. The Barbarian moved over now to yank the tusks out.
"That may work as proof," Vincent nodded. "They can compare them with the tooth."
"We need to leave. I sense a disturbance," the male Witch Doctor muttered.
"He is right. A large force is coming here now," the female Witch Doctor frowned. "A very angry force, too. The spirits are advising for us to flee."
"THEN YOU ALL CAN FLEE. I WILL NOT," Anarius said.
"Anaurael will worry for you," Eirena whispered. Now he looked at her and sighed. As he turned to make the portal, the vile presence was soon felt. Instinct overrode reason now. He couldn't back down from the fight. As he prepared himself, Anaurael looked at Imperius up in Heaven. She worried for her son now. She felt his distress that he wanted to leave, but he had to fight. She also knew he missed her dearly and may not be able to focus.
"Our son needs help! He cannot come back to us, because something vile is approaching him!" she said. Imperius nodded, set her in Izarius's lap, and quickly teleported away. Tyrael frowned at this, but Izual shook his head on getting looked at to go to assist. Izual had to stay with him. She sent out a mental message to Imperael to assist, and Itherael was quick to find out with Auriel.
"We need to get Anarius back to Heaven," Itherael said to Auriel, as they went to join with Anarius. Usually they would have to go to Pandemonium first. Anarius broke that barrier. They were able to go to wherever he was. Anu never needed to go through such extra steps, and this was now proven with his new body. It was even proven when Diablo became Tathamet and simply got to Heaven from Mount Arreat. When the others appeared to assist Anarius, the tide quickly turned.
"Let us finish here and get you home," Imperius said and called down Solarion. "Anaurael worries about you enough. Where was this presence?"
"STRAIGHT AHEAD AT THE ENTRANCE," Anarius said. Itherael readied his sword. Auriel let Al'maiesh coil about Anarius to give him some clarity to help him focus. Tyrael wanted to come down, but he had to remain with Anaurael. Her parents had already returned to Sanctuary to see to her other adopted kin. Imperael was all too eager to fight, and he showed it with a massive swing of his sword.
"Isn't it risky for you to be here?" Eirena asked Imperius. "I thought that Anaurael needed you."
"That was with my offspring still within her. Anarius has been born. I am free to assist for a short time. Now let us hurry!" Imperius grounded out. He detested fighting with them, but he had to ensure that his son got back to Heaven quickly. The snake-like demon that appeared holding a spear was one of Belial's henchmen. The foul thing sensed Anarius. It was a scout. It was quickly killed off.
"Back to Heaven! Now!" Itherael ordered. Anarius nodded and made the portal. The small group of heroes found themselves there, but they would be sent back to Sanctuary by Auriel and Itherael. Anarius went straight to Anaurael and found himself hugging her tight. He was finally forced to sit down to hold her in his lap. He began to squeeze her to him.
"Easy! Don't hurt your brother," she smiled warmly. He could only nod, as he hugged her and released his hold a touch. Then he remembered the ring he found and gave it to her. She blinked at this and chuckled. She would look into what it was later. Right now, she had to comfort her son. She hummed softly as she held him, and he found himself relaxing at last. Imperius watched everything carefully, but he could only chuckle to himself. Anu may have been reborn, but he was clearly acting every bit like her son in a physical form.
"I AM SORRY FOR MAKING YOU WORRY," Anarius whispered.
"My son, do not say such a thing. You were upholding your duty. You did very well," she said with a light praise. That made him feel much better.
"Interesting..." Malthael mused. "You truly do become her son when away for too long."
"THAT APPEARS TO BE TRUE. JUST...LET ME BE WITH HER FOR A BIT LONGER," he said. Tyrael was quite surprised at this. This was something he didn't expect. Anarius was able to see and hear Malthael perfectly fine. He would be able to see and hear any angels, either in spirit or in a solid state. It was something that was instantly ingrained in his being. At the hard kicking from her developing son, Anarius chuckled and rubbed a large hand over her belly. "I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU, TOO, BROTHER. JUST BE PATIENT."
"You can hear what he says?" Tyrael blinked.
"NOT QUITE. IT'S MORE LIKE A SENSATION. IT COULD BE FROM MALTHAEL. BUT, I DO FEEL MUCH BETTER NOW. I WILL BE FINE," Anarius said. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, and she pressed a chaste one to his lips. Then another was pressed to his forehead. At this, he seemed to tremble. It wasn't enough to reconcile him in full.
"You were in the Burning Hells. Anaurael, you need to Sing to him. He needs to purge the negativity. This may need to be done after each outing out of the High Heavens," Malthael said when he studied Anarius in full. "His energy pattern is off."
"Is it?!" Imperius asked with surprise.
"Think of it. Anu was never supposed to truly go to the Burning Hells. Only Pandemonium. Maybe Sanctuary. The Burning Hells is something completely different," Malthael explained.
"He's right," Tyrael said. "He needs to reconnect with Heaven again. Singing will help."
"Then listen," she whispered softly. Anarius nodded and found himself lulled into a trance with her Singing. Then, on a whim, he ran a hand through her hair and placed it over him to shield him. It was something completely instinctive for him to do. At the sight of a red mist appearing, Imperius stared in shock, but only momentarily. Solarion was called, and the demon that appeared was killed.
"That was...unexpected..." Malthael admitted with complete surprise in his tone.
"He will truly need this done after each outing," Tyrael grimaced. When Itherael and Auriel appeared, they were brought up to speed on what happened. They were both floored.
"He becomes tainted?!" Itherael asked.
"He brings back negativity. But, this is how it is purged," Malthael said.
"There is no way to stop this from happening?" Auriel asked.
"Not unless he remains here. But, this will ensure that he needs to come back," Tyrael said.
"Very true," Imperius said. Anaurael finished Singing, and Anarius hugged her again.
"THANK YOU, MOTHER," he said. She smiled warmly and nodded. Then he was able to set her aside and stand up tall. He was whole again. Imperius moved to gather her up in his arms to help her rest. As a discussion started up on how to best assist Anarius on this new discovery, Anaurael found herself slipping into a deep sleep that she clearly needed.