Two weeks passed by with complete anxiousness. Much to her delight, the ring that Anarius found for her was called The Band of Hollow Whispers. Tyrael was able to claim it. It would help him out if he found himself in a fight from the spirits that aided in the attack. It could have aided her, but it was doubtful that she would be doing much fighting. So far, it was proving true. With each day that moved closer to Malthael's body being delivered, more and more angels were watching in the sidelines. With each step she took on her own, Imperius was right behind her. Tyrael wasn't too far off, either.

"Can I walk without an audience?!" Anaurael finally growled out.

"You are ready to go into labor at any given moment. Your mother had your sister just a week ago. Ilerael was the same way with her. We are no different," Tyrael said calmly. Anaurael sighed, but she smiled, too. Her sister had her mother's hair and looks with her father's eyes. She was able to give her birth in the High Heavens where it was safer. Auriel and several of her angels had played out as being nursemaids and midwives. They were exceptional.

"And now your ankles are beginning to swell," Imperius muttered out and scooped her off her feet. "You will thank me later. And, if you glare at me, I will simply ignore the look."

"But..." she pouted and winced before coughing at the shock of pain that hit. Izarius was quick to look at her. Even Anarius was there for this. He had to be there when she was so close to giving birth.

"Her bedchamber. Now!" Malthael hissed when he suddenly appeared. Imperius didn't even stop to think on why that would be when he teleported with her. There were already some major improvements that were done. Her room was widened to include a small nursery section. A rocking cradle, a small playpen, and soft toys were set in various places. Greed had even found a soft, plushy doll of Imperius in his searches. As much as the Archangel scoffed it, he did find it a touch amusing, too.

Malthael found himself struggling for awareness now. The small body was finally pulling him in. It would take practice to separate himself from his flesh in time, but, for now, he had no choice.

"Malthael?" Tyrael asked when he saw his brother fading.

"I am being...reborn..." Malthael sighed and finally faded away. Tyrael could only smile and nod at this. Then his eyes widened at what his brother meant.

"She's in labor!" Tyrael said with shock. Izarius grabbed his wrist and teleported him into Anaurael's room. Izual went to notify her parents. Darius, Mithus and Azarius now made their rounds around Heaven. Auriel was soon there with her angelic escorts to assist. Itherael was keeping a close watch on his Scroll. As much as he knew that others wanted to be there to witness the event, his Scroll had advised to keep the groups small. It would keep the stress down. Only after the infant was born would the others only allow relatively small groups in to see the infant.

"Let me see her," Auriel said calmly. Anaurael was already panting. The sheets were changed out to keep her mattress from getting soaked by the coming birth waters. She finally let out a scream of pain from the first contraction she felt. "Easy, sister. Keep breathing. That's it."

"I am here," Imperius said and let her take his hand. Tyrael gave her his hand to let her hold onto to comfort her further. At another scream, her waters finally broke. They were easily collected and disposed of. At how hard she was squeezing their hands, Tyrael was only too glad that his gauntlets were up to the challenge. Imperius was unfazed. He was completely attentive to her.

"We need to get her out of that gown! She'll sweat too much!" Izarius muttered and pulled out a much lighter gown of spun silk. It was one of the nursing gowns that were set aside for her. It would be critical in being used. "Can we move her carefully?"

"My ward, lean into me," Imperius said gently. She could only pant and struggle to move. The gown was able to be changed with a bit of effort, but it was a definite relief. Another cry tore from her throat as more pain hit. Her parents were soon there to show their support.

"The first one is always the worst," Lilaurael soothed. "You're doing fine."

Anaurael couldn't respond. All that she could do was focus on getting past each intense spike of pain. When it seemed to dim down, she found herself shouting when the pain returned. It was like this for over the grueling course of two hours. She was able to rest for a bit before a jolt of pain stole her strength away. Tyrael was very concerned, but he learned that this was normal. When the pain got more intense, Auriel now urged her to start pushing. Something was finally progressing.

"She hurt?!" Gurzick asked when he appeared.

"Labor pains. Stay back," Izarius warned. Imperael was already guarding the door. Anarius was monitoring the rest of the High Heavens silently.

"I see the head!" one of the angelic females assisting Auriel exclaimed.

"Good. Start pushing for me," Auriel urged gently. "Keep breathing. That's it..."

She finally let out a sharp, heart-wrenching cry at one final push before falling back in a panting heap. The cries of a newborn now filled the room. A basin filled with warm water was ready to help bathe the infant before placing a soft blanket over him. Tyrael was in a form of speechless shock when he held his son for the first time. At how he was being studied back from the same golden-eyed gaze his son had, he realized that Malthael was able to recognize him. He kept all of his memories.

"Well, since you know me," Tyrael said lightly. "you'll keep your name of Malthael."

"Let me see him," Imperius said. The small baby was handed over easily, and Tyrael now helped Anaurael position herself better. Imperius studied his son intensely and mused at the shock of silver-blond hair. "You have been granted reprieve. And your second chance. Do not waste it."

As a response, Malthael rose up his small hand and rested it on a lip of the massive helm before him. He couldn't speak, of course, but the fascination was there. As much as Malthael was there, the innocent mind of a newborn was there, too. It was much like the split personality that Anarius had. It was going to be interesting watching him grow up.

"Malthael?" Izarius asked when he saw a shadowed form appear.

"When my body is like this, within its own thoughts and not of mine, I can appear like this. I will need to keep practicing. Apparently, only those locked to Anaurael can still see me. Ah. Look at the eyes now. When I am not in full control, the right eye seems to become silver. Much like the hair," Malthael mused. Tyrael could only nod at this. It would help them know who was talking. Whether it was the body or Malthael directly. It did puzzle him on why the single eye and hair were silver. He seemed to come to the conclusion that it could have been from Imperius. He knew that the single golden eye was an exact copy of his own. Even the other one was when it turned gold.

"Let her nurse him," Lilaurael said. Imperius nodded and carefully handed his son over.

"I'm very proud of you, my daughter. Your mother and I need to head back to see to your sister and brothers. We'll be back when we can," Ilerael smiled and was able to press a kiss to her forehead. "And, Anarius, she needs at least a month to heal."

"I UNDERSTAND. WHEN SHE IS READY, SHE WILL SING FOR MORE ANGELS TO COME INTO THE FOLD," he nodded. He watched Malthael's newborn body start nursing in a hungry way now. Imperius had his arm around her in a careful embrace. Nothing was going to get through him to reach her. The same could be said for the rest of the High Heavens.

"He will be quite strong," Itherael chuckled. "He could start training as soon as five years."

"Do you think so?" Tyrael mused.

"My Scroll has confirmed this. The sooner he starts to train, the faster Malthael will learn what his body can and can't do. It is needed," Itherael nodded.

"Imperius, there was something that Malthael wanted me to do for him. But...I am worried," Anaurael said softly. At his gaze on her, she continued, "He wanted me to have a dream for him. Of what it would have been like if he came back for me. If he found me."

"Hmm. No. Such a thing will not do," he muttered. "You have just given birth."

"I know. But...if I do find myself having such a dream..." she frowned.

"I demand to be made known. I will hold her and watch this dream," Imperius grounded out.

"I SHALL WISH TO SEE IT, TOO," Anarius said.

"I think we all will," Itherael said. Auriel was already agreeing with this. Such a dream had to be witnessed by those that were close to Anaurael.

"It can be done with us in her mind. When she sleeps in her mental and physical states, it may happen. I know she is weak right now, but I do not know when such a thing may occur. It can happen at any given time. We must be on a high alert for it," Malthael said in his ghostly state. He wasn't planning on having Imperius know, but it was likely for the best. Tyrael helped fix up Anaurael's nursing gown, and he found his son sleeping again.

"I never thought that I would say this, but Malthael looks very cute!" Tyrael chuckled at the now sleeping infant. Malthael was now as solid as he used to be, and this proved that when his body slept he could be around as normal. On hearing this bit, though, he scowled softly. "Anaurael, are you hungry at all? Do you need anything?"

"Something to drink. And rest. Lots of rest," she sighed. Darius was quick to get her something to drink. She was correct in needing to replenish her fluids.

"I wonder," Itherael mused and vanished away to only come back with the intense ointment. Tyrael blinked at this now. "Ah, Tyrael, can you apply this to where she hurts? Would it help?"

"Well...it's really only used for open wounds. Not really birthing pains. But...we can see what happens," he said. Imperius could only nod and let him carefully apply it over her hips. Much to their surprise, it foamed over. "Amazing! Oh. This is much stronger than the rest? It's whiter than the others. Was something more done to this?"

"Yes. Izual, Izarius, and I added our essential drops," Itherael nodded.

"What?" Imperius asked. Now it was explained in detail on what happened. Imperius now thought to himself. "And that jar is to only be used for her?"

"Yes. Unless there is another intense healing that needs to be done," Itherael nodded again.

"I would add a touch of myself, but only if there is a portion made to be strictly for her," Imperius said. "And, yes, I know that when I do this, she will hurt, too."

"We can test its potency this way," Auriel said. Imperael now walked over with his massive sword drawn for the experiment.

"I wish to add mine, too," Imperael nodded.

"HMM. ALLOW ME TO DO THE SAME," Anarius said. This had Imperius a touch surprised, but he nodded, all the same. Even Auriel decided to do what she could. It was all to benefit Anaurael. Izarius had gone to Sanctuary to retrieve an empty jar to bring back, and the precious contents were carefully distributed halfway. One half would be used for emergency healing. The other half would be made stronger and strictly reserved for Anaurael.

"I'm going to prick my finger," Imperius whispered to her. "You may feel something."

"Okay," she nodded. He did press a gentle kiss to her mouth and run his large forefinger over her jaw. She knew he was exceptionally proud of her now. At the warm smile she gave back, he found himself kissing her once more before pulling himself back. "I love you."

"I love you," he whispered and gave her a gentle squeeze. Now he motioned for Imperael's sword, and he carefully pin-pricked his finger. She winced when the same droplet of blood appeared on her finger. Izarius was able to collect the drop from Imperius, and Azarius was helping with her finger to stop the bleeding and apply a touch of ointment. When it didn't heal, Imperius gestured for his finger to get the healing. That healed her.

"This is something we need to know," Tyrael said with a stern nod. He noticed that Anaurael was starting to doze off, and he helped Imperius set her in a reclining position. Tyrael was able to stand up and remove his armor to get it cleaned, and so he could help her tend to Malthael. Once he was dressed in a comfortable cloth shirt and pants suit, he was settled next to her to support his son. El'druin was settled close by, and even it seemed to be glowing with joy at this.

After the ointment was made even stronger, Itherael took the precious jar and could only marvel at the prismatic blue effect it gave off after Anarius added his small drop to it. It would be guarded as one of Heaven's treasures for sure now. He wouldn't doubt if it could cure almost any known wound. Even mortally fatal ones. He wasn't about to test it, though. When he got back after sealing the jar in his sanctum, he settled easily with his Scroll floating between his hands.

"Oh, Malthael, what do we call your body when you are not in control?" Izarius asked.

"Hmm. A shortening of my name. Mal. It sounds...mortal enough..." Malthael shrugged. "It will work. Oh. That Vecin female wants to be here."

"I shall fetch her," Izarius nodded and vanished away. When he appeared, she was ready to go.

"I want to be one of the first to see the child. Before the others appear. I shall help keep too many from doing things that will stress everyone. Come! Let us go!" she nodded. He only nodded and let her grab his hand to get taken back to Heaven. The moment she saw the sleeping mother and child, she gasped with intense delight. "Ah! She looks so peaceful! And the child is beautiful!"

"Thank you," Tyrael chuckled softly.

"When she wakes, give her some soft meat. It will help," Myriam said. Now she turned, and her jaw dropped at Anarius. The demigod simply nodded to her slightly. "So bright you are!"

"YES. I AM ANU REBORN. YOU MAY CALL ME ANARIUS," he said calmly.

"So you are! You will fight many horrors of the Burning Hells. However, don't lose track of your goal. It would not help for you to lose sight of what you are seeking," she advised.

"I AM WELL AWARE, BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHT," he nodded. Now she turned and watched the odd foaming over Anaurael's belly. She stifled a laugh.

"Whoever is with her next needs to be careful. She will hurt again," Myriam chuckled.

"I intend to be with her. And, what do you mean by 'be careful'?" Imperius asked.

"Do you mean...her damage was completely reversed?" Itherael asked.

"Yes. A bit too much. She is a girl again," Myriam grinned.

"So...every time she gives birth and the salve is applied..." Tyrael blinked. "As much as I am all too happy for her to be a virgin once more, each birth will be as though it's happening for the first time all over again. I definitely do not like that."

"It is needed," Myriam frowned. "It takes a pure body to create a pure champion."

"So, after each birth, this would be needed?" Imperael asked.

"Yes. Anyways, we will soon be getting visitors. We need to set up a viewing area," she said. Imperius was forced to let Anaurael rest on a few pillows to keep her steady. He had to stand tall and make himself ready for anything that could possibly happen.

"We do not tell Lyndon anything," Izarius muttered. Malthael seemed to seethe at the thought and was quick to report to the rest. Intense measures were going to be in place. Once a barrier was formed to protect the sleeping mother and child, the word was carefully sent out. The mortal men and women with their angelic counterparts were the first to be permitted visitation. Then it was all in the Pools of Wisdom. Even Telanya and Inarius were allowed to see the new baby.

As scores of angels moved in and out of the room through a special portal to keep from going into Imperius's sanctum, Malthael watched them all carefully. If any showed any form of disrespect, they would be called out. Even Greed was keeping a close eye on them all. When the Nephalem appeared with a small party of heroes and the mercenaries, they were in awe of Anaurael's bedroom.

"Be respectful. All are watched here," Itherael said calmly. Anaurael was mildly awake now, and she did give a small glare at Lyndon. But, she was calm. They didn't see her mark now, but, if she got irritated, it would likely glow vibrantly. There were plenty of others here to keep him in line. Even Anarius showed his mistrust.

"Hmm. Oh..." Malthael faltered and faded when his body woke up. He was not in full control, but the sudden alertness of the infant had pulled him back in. He would need to practice to keep that from happening. For now, he simply let the body do what was needed, and he knew he was upset from the mortal emotion of so many in the room that his young body didn't know. His stomach also hurt. He cried out his irritation at so many in the room, and Anaurael was able to sit up to hold him.

"Easy," she soothed and rubbed his back. "You just ate. Your tummy may be hurting. He needs to be burped. It will help calm him down. Tyrael, put a cloth over your shoulder, please."

"That is Malthael?" the Monk asked.

"He is so cute! Can I hold him?" the Wizard asked.

"No," Tyrael said after the cloth was in place. "Not right now. Malthael knows everything. He retained all of his memories. The last thing we want is for him to force his body to puke on you."

At that said, the baby suddenly stopped crying and looked at him curiously with a set of golden eyes. Tyrael made a stern shake of his head for 'no' before taking him from Anaurael to burp him. At the rattling belch that soon came from the small boy, Imperius glanced over and shook his head. But he was quietly laughing. He didn't want the others there to hear him.

"There is much power in him," Eirena said softly. She could sense the intense Light within the baby. Malthael simply gurgled softly and sighed. When Lyndon walked over, he let out a wail of distress. Imperael quickly moved in front of the bed now. Myriam scowled at him and shook her head. That stopped him completely.

"Lyndon, don't do anything stupid!" the Nephalem growled.

"What? I only wanted a closer look!" the scoundrel said.

"You can see the child just fine from here with the rest of us," Kormac muttered.

"I bet he smells funny. That must be why the babe got irritated," Greed said from the crown. Gurzick was watching everything from on top of the largest chest. At the small laugh the baby gave in agreement, Lyndon's jaw dropped. Anaurael could only smile and take back her son.

"She needs to nurse him again. You all may come back later," Izarius said.

"I can help train him to fight," the Barbarian said. "I would not mind doing so."

"I may consider it," Imperius nodded. The two Witch Doctors found themselves chuckling at what the spirits were telling them. They all liked the baby. Vincent found himself thinking, as he studied the room, but his eyes went back to Anaurael from where she rested in the bed. Tyrael kept a protective arm around her, as he watched the others. Anarius did not like how a few of the males watched her. After they left, he moved to stand next to Imperius.

"I DO NOT LIKE CERTAIN MORTALS," he muttered.

"Which ones? I detest them all. Save the ones that lack demon taint," Imperius muttered back.

"THE ONES THAT LOOK AT MY CHOSEN ONE. I DO NOT LIKE HOW THEY SEEM TO THINK AS THEY WATCH HER. IS THAT NORMAL?" he asked.

"Anarius," Anaurael said softly, as she nursed Malthael. "remember what I told you before. There is much that you need to understand. I am...desirable to many. It cannot be helped. You will learn who to trust, and who not to trust. By the Light, I am so tired!"

"Rest then," Tyrael said gently.

"All will be well from here," Myriam nodded. "I can go back now."

"I shall take you," Darius nodded.

"There will be others that wish to see her, but it will be fine. It was this group that I had to keep watch over. All is well," she nodded. Anaurael nodded to her and rested her head against Tyrael's shoulder. It was definitely time for her to recover. Even though her body was healed, her strength was completely sapped away. She needed careful tending for now, and she needed her newborn to bond with her and the others there. Malthael may know who they are, but the infant side of him needed this, too.