Another week passed by without any other incidents. Imperius was still heavily troubled by the dream. He didn't want her to dream of something like that anymore. In the end, he did inform her of it when they were alone in his sanctum. When he told her, the dream revealed itself in full to her. As much as she was in shock over it, she now realized why he was so troubled. All that she did was keep his invisible head pressed against her neck. She mused that he found it addicting to feel her complete touch now. He simply couldn't get enough of it.

"Just remember that it never happened," she said.

"It looked too real," he muttered and pressed his face into her throat. "It felt real, too."

"Some dreams can be like that," she soothed gently. "Would you prefer that you never saw the dream? And, besides, it could have gone differently. What's to tell when it comes to dreams?"

"I don't want you to dream anymore," he sighed, and she felt him press his nose against her jaw.

"Not all dreams are bad. You know this," she said and ran her hand over his invisible jaw. He pressed a kiss into her palm and kissed her in a desperate way. Her hand moved to settle in his buzz-cut of hair she felt, and he shivered. "What is it, love? Talk to me."

"No," he sighed and continued to hold her close. "I don't need to talk. I just need this."

"Okay," she smiled softly and held him, as he held her. A deeper sigh of contentment was given now. When he started to shake, she frowned and squeezed him to her. "Love, now I know you need to talk to me. You have to refocus yourself."

"I don't want to talk. I want to act. I want you pregnant with my offspring already," he grunted and pulled her fully onto his hips to hear her gasp for him. "Both in your womb and in your soul. I want nothing to interfere with anything!"

She cried out sharply at their peak, and he had to replace his helmet before becoming his core. He tried without it once, and it simply wouldn't come forth. He had to be fully armored for it. A good ten minutes had passed before he relented in his Song with her. As he rested with her, he felt her tremble now, and he squeezed her to have her talk. "I don't know...where I would be...if you never showed up...in my life. I love you so much..."

"And I love you," he whispered and rocked her. "With everything I have."

"I must admit," she swallowed. "it was very impressive to watch you smash through that wall."

That got him laughing softly. "No barrier will ever keep you from me."

"I know," she sighed and kissed him deeply. "I would never wish to be lost to you."

He sighed and pressed his cheek into her hand when she ran her hand over it. At a gentle nudge to her mind from Malthael, she chuckled. Taking his hand, she pressed it to her mark. "I see. Our son is hungry. Very well."

"Yes. Our son," she smiled softly, and they kissed again. He landed to reform in his armor and had her dress in her golden nursing gown. He escorted her down to her chamber where Tyrael was trying to soothe his screaming son.

"Look! There's mommy!" Tyrael said and quickly handed him over. "When he's hungry, he knows how to show it. My ears hurt!"

"I can tell," she laughed and started him nursing. Imperius sat on the rocking chair first and let her sit in his lap, as she nursed Mal. "You should see to the troops."

"No. They are fine. I need to see to you and our son. When we get new troops, I will see to them. The ones here now no longer need my guidance," Imperius said calmly. Tyrael glanced over at the new papers that Agrius brought to him from Sanctuary. Nodding his thanks, he thought.

"I should have a small section to work in here," he said. "Would that be possible?"

"For what purpose?" Imperius asked.

"To make more space for her, and to keep my area secure," he said. Anaurael beamed at the idea. That was enough for Imperius. He focused lightly to have a tiny offshoot of a room created. Izarius and Mithus were quick to transport his desk, chair, and other items from Sanctuary into the room. "Thank you. This will help me."

"You are welcome," Imperius nodded. Now that Tyrael was able to focus on the documents to get them done, the room seemed calmer. That was until Malthael reappeared.

"Zayl wishes to come here to speak with us," he said lightly. "He has information."

"On what?" Imperius asked.

"He would not say. Just that it was too...risky...to speak where he was," Malthael shrugged. Agrius motioned to Tyrael on this, and he was soon out of the small room.

"I'll talk to him in the Council chamber," he said.

"No. It should be here. If it is Horadrim issues, I need to witness it," Anaurael said. Her necklace even shimmered with agreement. "Mal is sleeping now. I can set him in the cradle."

"I'll take him," Izarius said. The sleeping infant was handled carefully, but Malthael was ensuring that the baby wouldn't wake. "Mal looks far too cute to be a body for Malthael."

"Quiet," Malthael grumbled. Anaurael chuckled softly and let Imperius rise up with her in his arms. He didn't want anyone else to handle her until she became pregnant. Only after she was secured with his offspring would he be more lenient. She yawned and was allowed to sit up in the crook of his left arm. Imperael watched over the room calmly and glanced over when Anarius flew in from a window. One of the windows was widened specifically for him to do this.

When he came in, he noticed that Tyrael was giving off mild vibes of being disgruntled and distraught. He didn't know that Tyrael was slightly jealous that Anaurael was holding so much affection for Imperius again. Anarius didn't like that, but he would confront that issue later. There was another reason as to why he appeared.

"I WISH TO BE HERE WHEN THE NECROMANCER ARRIVES," he said.

"That's fine. And I don't think he's met you yet," Tyrael grinned.

"IT IS WHY I SHALL BE HERE," he chuckled. He liked watching the reactions of humans on a first meeting. It was something he secretly enjoyed. Then he turned to walk over to Mal's sleeping body. Malthael now looked over with curiosity. Then, to his shock, Anarius bent down and pressed his massive thumb to the infant's forehead. When he pulled his hand away, a prismatic dot was there. It looked very much like Anaurael's fiery glowing mark from Imperius, but it flickered with a flurry of rainbow colors. There was mostly a soft violet that was displayed before a bluish white would peep through. Even flashes of fiery gold were seen. The Aspects that Mal was made up of were able to be seen.

"What did you do?!" Malthael asked now with a touch of shock. Anaurael looked over with surprise. Even Imperius was puzzled by this. Tyrael walked over now and studied the rainbow-like dot.

"AS IMPERIUS HAS MARKED HIS AND MY CHOSEN ONE, ALL THAT ARE REBORN FROM HER SHALL RECEIVE MY MARK TO SHOW THEIR IMPORTANCE IN THE HIGH HEAVENS. AS WELL AS SANCTUARY FOR THOSE THAT CAN SEE THESE MARKS," Anarius nodded at this. Malthael just sighed. He knew it was also an extra measure to keep watch on him. As much as he wanted to be upset, he simply couldn't. All of the other mortal angels born from her would receive this purifying touch. It would also make them harder to corrupt to evil ways. Their lives would not be tied to Anarius, but their souls would remain pure.

"Interesting to know," Tyrael sighed. Now Anarius looked at him with curiosity.

"YOU DO NOT APPROVE?" he asked.

"It's not that. It's just...complicated to explain," Tyrael said. "I'll try and explain my thoughts later on when we have more time."

"UNDERSTOOD. WE SHALL SPEAK OF THIS SOON," he nodded. He knew that Tyrael was fine with the decision. If anything, Anarius sensed a lot of grief in him. It was carefully being hidden away from the others. When Zayl finally appeared with one of the angelic warriors, the Necromancer nodded his greetings. Then he saw Anarius.

"Zayl, please tell me that you see that one, too," Humbert said with a shock of disbelief.

"I do," Zayl swallowed lightly. "Um...I am Zayl. A Necromancer. I would have been here sooner, but my work had me stationed elsewhere."

"THAT IS UNDERSTANDABLE. I AM ANARIUS. I AM ANU REBORN," Anarius nodded. Now Zayl went completely speechless. The massive demigod only chuckled at him.

"He has a sense of humor. We're doomed," Humbert said.

"Why do you say that?" Tyrael asked.

"Because, when an angel laughs, especially a powerful one, it means that they find something funny. And it's usually what they're laughing at. Which is either me or Zayl," the skull said.

"NO. I AM AMUSED AT THE REACTIONS TO MY PRESENCE. THAT IS ALL," he said.

"Oh! Well...now I feel stupid..." Humbert admitted. Tyrael cracked a grin and shook his head. Imperius only snorted and continue to cradle Anaurael. Izarius found himself laughing softly. Then the massive demigod paused, as something made itself known.

"MOTHER," Anarius said and moved over to her. He whispered so softly in such an impossible way that he wasn't overheard. At her gaping look of surprise, Imperius was quick to rush her back into his sanctum. As much as she wanted to know what was going on for the Horadrim, she would have to find out later. Tyrael now looked at Anarius. "SHE IS IN A STATE THAT, IF THEY ARE TOGETHER NOW, HE WILL GET WHAT HE DESIRES. I HAVE SENSED THIS."

"Ah. You can sense things about her that I can," Malthael mused. "Only stronger, since I did not sense this at all. I have to focus to sense such things."

"YES. SHE IS MY CHOSEN ONE. I WOULD KNOW," he agreed.

"Wait," Humbert said. "You said she was your mother. Now she's something else?"

"Anarius has a bit of a split personality. On one side, he is Anu. On the other, he is her son. The two sides can conflict. Sometimes. Not all the time. Anyways, what news did you have?" Tyrael asked.

"Right," Zayl said and cleared his throat. "We have successfully deciphered Kulle's notes. We have the ability to make another Soulstone. Much like the Black Soulstone."

"What?!" Tyrael gaped. Izarius paused at this and left to get Itherael. Imperael was mildly informed of this before, so his interest was piqued. Anarius shook his head with disgust.

"I REFUSE TO LET SUCH AN ABOMINATION TAINT THE SANCTITY OF THE HIGH HEAVENS AGAIN. I WILL DESTROY IT IF I SEE IT," he warned.

"I can understand that," Tyrael said. When Itherael appeared, he did not give off the sensation of being happy. He was rather disturbed.

"I need to see these notes," Itherael said.

"I have them," Zayl nodded and took out the rolled up parchments. Tyrael led them to his desk area and cleared the surface. Itherael now studied everything intensely. Zayl described what was deciphered and how the horrific crystal would be formed.

"This bodes ill," Itherael said. "How many know of these notes?"

"Not many. Maybe five or six of the Horadric scholars. They have all vowed to secrecy," Zayl said. "They would not share such knowledge."

"I need to keep these notes here. We cannot let them get into the wrong hands," Itherael said.

"You feel this is necessary?" Tyrael asked.

"I do," Itherael said. It was agreed to. What they didn't know was that the notes were secretly copied by one of the scholars. The curiosity was there to try and make a new Soulstone, and it would be kept a secret from the others. The moment it was made known, it would surely become a major issue.

"I need to go back. Anabelle is expecting me," Zayl chuckled.

"He's gonna try again!" Humbert gloated. When he got flicked, he scowled.

"You should have more meat in your diet. It will help," Itherael said. At this, Zayl mused to himself. I'll have to try it. When he was taken away, Itherael took the blasphemous notes to his sanctum to be sealed into a wall. Feeling better about it, he went to consult with his Scroll. As he did this, Anarius gestured for Tyrael to follow him.

"Izarius, Anarius wishes to speak with me. Can you keep an eye on Mal?" Tyrael asked.

"I can," Izarius laughed softly. He didn't mind playing babysitter at all. It reminded him of how he was with Anaurael in her youth. Anarius waited until he and Tyrael began to walk along a long path to the Silver Spire. On glancing at him lightly within his armored hood, Tyrael showed he was ready.

"WHY ARE YOU SINKING BACK INTO DESPAIR?" he asked.

"Me? I don't know what you're talking about," Tyrael admitted.

"I SENSED DISTRUST IN YOU EARLIER WHEN I APPEARED. AND IT WAS CENTERED ON IMPERIUS. WHY?" he asked now. Tyrael thought hard and found himself blinking with surprise. Now he showed a touch of regret about it.

"I see. I miss being with her. That's why," Tyrael sighed. "I know that I'll likely be with her after Imperius gets her with his offspring. I've just been waiting for so long now. It hurts."

"YOU WILL BE WITH HER SOON," Anarius promised. "YOU ARE ONE OF MY SIRES. I KNOW YOU LOVE HER DEEPLY. I SHALL ENSURE THAT YOU CAN BE WITH HER SAFELY."

"How? Imperius will know! He always does," he moped softly.

"I CAN DO THIS FOR YOU. YOU CAN BE WITH HER, AND SHE WILL REMEMBER ALL. WHEN SHE IS AWAY FROM YOU, SHE WILL FORGET ALL. IMPERIUS CANNOT KNOW WHAT SHE DOES NOT KNOW. I DO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE TIMES YOU CAN BE WITH HER SAFELY. HOWEVER, FOR TIMES LIKE THESE, THIS CAN BE DONE. ITHERAEL WILL KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS, IF YOU ASK," Anarius advised. Now Tyrael was staring at him with shock.

"How long has this been going on?!" he demanded.

"SINCE THE START OF MY REBIRTH," Anarius replied. Tyrael muttered and found himself looking up into the darkened hood. "I KNOW HOW TO REVEAL MUCH TO YOU. BUT, IT MAY TAX YOU. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND OPEN YOUR MIND."

"Very well," Tyrael nodded. Then he went still at the massive hand that passed over his closed eyes. Now everything was revealed to him. And it was a lot to take in. He almost fell over from the information that assaulted him, but Anarius was there to gently catch him and hold him steady. He clung to the large arms and gasped at the headache he got.

"RELAX, SIRE," he said. Tyrael looked at him with a touch of surprise at what he was called, but he only nodded and relaxed. Once the visions sorted themselves out, he found himself hugging Anarius. Now he saw what Anarius had to do to ensure his survival within Anaurael. He was able to witness the grief and regret that Itherael went through when he learned what needed to be done. When he learned about Imperael's future assistance and with what happened with Izarius, he cringed. Then he saw the conversation that was done with Ilerael. Tyrael did know much when he was told before, but there was also quite a bit that wasn't told. When Malthael's core was revealed, he growled, but there was nothing that he could do. It was all needed to help Anu's rebirth.

"You are my son. And I'm proud of you," Tyrael whispered. A shiver went through the massive angel, and a hug was returned in full. "You did many risks to ensure your coming about. I can understand why you did this. But...call me father instead. It would sound better."

"I CAN DO THAT, FATHER," he nodded. "YOU CAN GRIEVE NOW, TOO."

"Grieve? For what?"

"YOUR LOST COMRADES IN ARMS. YOU ARE STILL HOLDING MUCH BACK. YES, YOU SHED MANY TEARS IN YOUR COURTS. YOU DID FORGIVE YOURSELF. BUT, YOU ARE NOT YET DONE. YOU STILL HOLD GUILT. DESPITE FORGIVING YOURSELF. YOU CANNOT LET GO OF THIS GUILT. WHEN MY CHOSEN ONE CALLS NEW ANGELS BACK TO THE HIGH HEAVENS, THERE WILL BE MANY FOR THE COURTS AGAIN. THEY WILL NOT JUDGE YOU. THEY WILL NOT QUESTION YOU. YOU HAVE MY VOW. AND I KNOW THAT, WHEN THEY APPEAR, YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF AT A LOSS. YOU WILL WISH TO LEAD THEM, BUT YOU CANNOT. YOU ARE NOW WISDOM. JUSTICE WILL BE FULFILLED BY MALTHAEL'S MORTAL FORM. YOU NEED TO LET GO OF YOUR GUILT."

"I would be fine..." he muttered and trembled.

"YOU ARE ALREADY SET TO GRIEVE. LET IT OUT NOW. NONE SHALL SEE US. NONE SHALL HEAR US. I WILL GRIEVE WITH YOU, TOO," Anarius said softly.

"I don't dream anymore...but the memories are still painful..." he whispered. "I did what I had to for Heaven. To save Heaven from corruption. To keep Heaven alive! And for what? On my return, I was ridiculed. Even by my own comrades and brethren. Even the ones that believed in me, they couldn't come to me to stand at my side. And...it was those that I trusted the most that were the ones I lost when I removed my wings. I just...did what I had to...for Heaven..."

"FATHER. GRIEVE WITH ME," Anarius urged and picked him up fully to hug him. The tears were already falling when Tyrael started to sob. The demigod sighed deeply and said nothing. They were ignored by other angels from the cloaking he placed over them. "I FORGIVE YOU, FATHER. YOU DID WHAT WAS RIGHT. I SEE NO FAULTS IN YOU. IT IS WHY IZUAL NEEDED TO RETURN TO YOUR SIDE. HE KNOWS WHAT YOU SACRIFICED. YOU WILLINGLY REMOVED THAT WHICH WAS MOST PRECIOUS TO YOU. AND IT SAVED THE HIGH HEAVENS."

"Thank you," he managed to mutter out. Anarius still rocked him in his arms. Tyrael needed this. He wanted to grieve more to Anaurael, but the sound of her voice would have made it worse for him. I love her so much, and I can't bear to share anymore of my pain with her. She was suffering as much as I am. "It...does hurt...that she can't say...that she loves me back..."

"SHE DOES LOVE YOU. DEEPLY," Anarius said softly. "EVEN YOU KNOW WHY SHE CANNOT SAY SUCH A THING. EVEN IF IT IS FORGOTTEN, IT WOULD UNRAVEL ALL."

"I know. But...she does love me?"

"YES. AS MUCH AS IMPERIUS. SHE DOES WISH TO BE WITH YOU, BUT IMPERIUS NEEDS HER PREGNANCY TO FORM FIRST. THEN IT WILL BE SAFE. IT WILL BE DONE LATER. HER BODY WAS SET FOR HIM. HE IS SIMPLY CEMENTING EVERYTHING."

"So...you think by tonight...or later on..."

"YES. SHE CAN BATHE WITH YOU," he nodded. Tyrael was still trying to recover himself. Anarius noticed this. "YOU NEED CLARITY AGAIN."

"I need a lot of things," he muttered. Anarius chuckled and sent out a mild call. Auriel soon found herself there before them to pause with soft surprise. She did not expect Anarius to call her.

"TYRAEL NEEDS CLARITY. PLEASE ASSIST HIM," Anarius said and set Tyrael down on his feet carefully. Al'maiesh moved to gently wrap around his form to ease his mind, and he sighed with relief. Tyrael nodded his thanks, and Auriel rested her hands on his shoulders. Even she could sense the grief that he had. She knew why he grieved, too.

"You did all that you could in the name of Heaven," she said and gently squeezed in a sisterly way. "You saved us all in the end."

"I know. I may bear the burden of guilt and shame..." he muttered.

"NO LONGER WILL YOU BEAR SUCH BURDENS. YOU ARE FORGIVEN IN FULL BY ME. IF ANY ANGELS SHOW ANY DISCONTENT WITH YOU OVER YOUR PAST DIGRESSIONS, I SHALL PERSONALLY INTERVENE AND CHALLENGE THEM IN FULL. YOU HAVE MY VOW," Anarius said with a stern nod. Tyrael managed to smile softly. He now had the best ally in the High Heavens. I have my son. Anarius placed a massive, protective hand on his father's shoulder and nodded. None would dare to oppose him.

"I do have a question," Tyrael said.

"YES?" Anarius asked.

"When it is time for me to be with Anaurael...would I interrupt anything forming?"

"NO. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DONE. IT WOULD ONLY NEED TO TAKE. IMPERIUS IS FAR TOO STRONG WITHIN HER TO BE INTERRUPTED. HIS OFFSPRING WILL FORM WITHOUT FAIL. AND IT WILL BE THE SAME WITHIN HER SOUL," he chuckled. Auriel found herself delighted at this news. "AND, YES, IT WILL BE TAXING ON HER. SHE WILL BE BRINGING FORTH TWO AT ONCE WHEN THE TIME COMES."

"I will make sure to help her," Auriel said.

"You did wonderfully with Mal," Tyrael said. He felt better now. He knew he could forgive himself before, but now he felt as though it finally wasn't his fault. That I can finally move forward and do what was needed. Anarius took him by the hand and teleported him back to Anaurael's chamber.

"REST IN THE BED. SHE WILL COME TO YOU," he said. Tyrael nodded and let Izarius help him out of his armors. "HE WILL NEED TO BE ALONE WHEN SHE COMES BACK. IZARIUS, OFFER TO TAKE MALTHAEL'S BODY FOR A SMALL WALK THROUGH THE HIGH HEAVENS. IMPERIUS WILL WISH TO JOIN YOU."

"I can do that," Izarius nodded. The moment Tyrael's head hit the pillow, he found himself relaxing. Then he fell asleep. Anarius knew that all would be well, and he nodded to those in the room before taking off out the window. Izarius chuckled and took Tyrael's armor away to be cleaned. That needed to be done. On checking El'druin when he got back from that small chore, he nodded that the sword was perfectly fine. Izarius pulled the curtains around the bed to dim the light around it to make sure Tyrael slept. He checked on Mal's cradle to ensure the baby was sleeping peacefully. Now he simply stood in the room to stand guard with his brothers. Anaurael was still with Imperius. He refused to let her go until his offspring took form.