There was nothing said of any interest until two months later. Many of the angelic couples in Heaven were showing that the pairings were successful. Elaine and Erelus were now five months along. Even a few of the mortal angels on Sanctuary were enjoying the new sensations of future fatherhood and motherhood. Imperius was incredibly anxious of Anaurael, though. His offspring had finally started to move in her belly. He was, of course, the first to be notified.

"When did it start?" he asked and ran a hand over her belly.

"Just a bit ago," she blushed.

"Mal is asleep?" he asked.

"Yes," she nodded. He scooped her up to take her into his sanctum. "We have about an hour or two at the most. He has been waking sooner."

"That he has," he nodded and let his sanctum seal with them in it. He became his core form to hold her and rest a hand over her belly. At the strong fluttery motions he felt, he laughed softly. "I do wonder what offspring Elaine will give to Erelus. I am quite curious."

"Are you?" she chuckled.

"Indeed, I am. As much as I would not have allowed such a thing before, you and I both know how it must be for Anu's plan of weeding out the demon filth to carry on. It simply must happen. And now you are bearing a full pureblood offspring that will become just like Mal. Only this offspring will be direct from me. I can only wonder how this one will look, too."

"I wonder if Itherael or Myriam would know," she mused.

"Possibly. But, I think I would rather be shown when it happens. To know the future...it can be risky. Itherael watches much lately, but I would not tax him. He would only tell me so much."

"Such is the way things go," she smiled. He nodded at this and cradled her. "I do wonder how Mal has such a color for his hair, too. I'm starting to wonder if it came from you."

"No. Your hair reflects my Light. It may have come from Tyrael," he said.

"You think so?"

"I do. And note the eyes. His eyes are golden, but one eye turns silver when Malthael is not in control. I wonder if that eye color matches what mine is," he mused. Now she looked at him with a tilt of her head. As he cradled her, he continued to think. "You say I have a warrior's complexion?"

"From what I can tell. It almost resembles that Crusader's, now that I recall. Of course, much broader and sterner from what I can feel out," she smiled. He thought and let his armor come back to him. Settling in his throne this time instead of the chair, he took off his helmet.

"Tell me what you feel in full," he said and placed her hands on his invisible face.

"Okay," she smiled. "I could see about a little powder on your face. Then I could show you a mirror to see an outline. Did you want to try that?"

"No," he muttered and got her giggling. "I don't want that all over my armor. I like hearing you talk, anyways. I never tire of your voice."

"Is that so?" she asked. He gave her a kiss and laughed softly. As she started to explain what she felt in full, Tyrael was walking through the Silver Spire with Izual and Agrius.

"There have been reports of increased Khazra attacks. We are trying to find out more," Izual said. "They have been attacking merchant caravans. Some have gotten so bold as to attack various main city guard towers! We need to do something."

"Hmm," Tyrael frowned.

"We know that Tobirael is refraining Mai from doing anything right now. She is showing her pregnancy to him at three months along," Agrius said. Izual nodded to confirm that. "Quite a few of the heroes are being forced to move slowly from this."

"Well, the Nephalem would always do what was needed. We could ask," Tyrael said. He glanced up when Anarius landed by them.

"I HAVE YET TO FIGHT ON SANCTUARY. I WOULD LIKE TO ASSIST," he said.

"I'm actually unsure of that," Tyrael said. "When you leave the High Heavens, Anaurael has to help you when you come back. With her being pregnant, it could tax her."

"I UNDERSTAND, FATHER. BUT, I SHOULD ATTEMPT TO ASSIST IN THIS," Anarius said.

"Let us wait for Anaurael and Imperius to emerge from the sanctum. They shall help us see what happens. We can even get Itherael's advice in this, too," Izual said.

"Itherael is on his way here now," Malthael said when he appeared. Mal was sleeping contentedly, and he wanted to be a part of the conversation. When the allusive Archangel appeared, he gave off a perplexed sensation.

"Anarius, if you leave here, do be cautious. We all know of Anaurael's state. She can become incredibly stressed if the wrong thing is said. We must remain calm. Also, Anarius, I would see what she says before you make your decision. If she wants you stay at her side, please consider it," Itherael lightly stressed. "Imperius would not wish for her to get ill."

"YOU ARE CORRECT IN THIS KNOWLEDGE," Anarius sighed. "I WOULD NOT WISH FOR HER TO BECOME ILL, EITHER. I SHALL FOLLOW WHAT SHE ADVISES."

"Good," Tyrael nodded. Ten minutes later, Imperius appeared with her. He would have continued to remain in his sanctum, but Anaurael told him that something important had to be discussed. He walked in with her in his arms and sat down in her rocking chair with her.

"What is being discussed?" Imperius asked and gently rocked her in the chair.

"I WISH TO GO DOWN TO SANCTUARY TO ASSIST IN VARIOUS ATTACKS THAT ARE GOING ON," Anarius said lightly. "IT IS FELT THAT I SHOULD NOT."

"I would worry greatly," she frowned. He seemed to sigh and nod at this. "However, you could watch what happens and judge if you need to truly be there. I would suggest watching from a viewing pool. If your assistance is greatly needed, then you should help. It's rare that the Nephalem would need such assistance. Just proceed with utmost caution."

"I SHALL DO AS YOU SAY, MOTHER. THANK YOU," he said. When she smiled at him, he moved to lean over and gently place a hand over her developing belly. At the kick he felt, he chuckled. "SO, MY BROTHER IS MOVING ALREADY?"

"What?!" Tyrael gaped and moved to feel for himself. "And when were you going to tell us?!"

"She would have said something eventually," Imperius said mildly.

"Right," he muttered out. He did end up chuckling at the feel of a faint kicking at his palm. "How is the one in your soul doing?"

"I feel the shivers again," she admitted with a soft smile. "Everything appears to be on time now for both of them. Um..."

"Anaurael?" Imperius asked. At how her mark suddenly pulsed, he darted over to a window for her to get ill. Anarius was a touch surprised by this. None of them were expecting it. Malthael studied her condition intently before looking at Anarius.

"You need to stay here. Do not go down to Sanctuary. If you must, watch from the viewing pools and send angels down to assist. She worries too much about you," Malthael advised. Imperius would have been a touch irritated that Malthael was giving orders, but he was too concerned over Anaurael's health. She was carrying his child in full, and her health was his main priority.

"Easy, my ward," Imperius whispered in her ear. "Lean into me."

"It is because of the full double pregnancy now. Anarius, please heed what Malthael has said," Itherael said calmly. "I do not want her to suffer from worry."

Anarius could only nod, and he went to her side when she reached for him to hug tight. He sighed and said, "DO NOT WORRY, MOTHER. I WILL NOT LEAVE THE HIGH HEAVENS WITH YOU IN THIS CONDITION. I SHALL DO WHAT IS EXPECTED AND SEND AID IF NEEDED."

"Thank you," she trembled and got gently squeezed. "It is not that I don't want you to show that you can be helpful there. I just worry if you cannot come back again like before. I should be fine when I am not carrying, but when I'm like this..."

Anarius pressed a massive forefinger to her lips to gently quiet her. He pressed a chaste kiss to her mouth after that and squeezed her again with a form of family affection. "I SHALL WATCH FROM AFAR. SIRE, DO YOU GRANT ME THE ABILITY TO SEND ANY THAT I MUST?"

"As my direct offspring, and Anu reborn, you need no such permissions from me," Imperius said and rose up from the chair. "However, do not let her see what happens."

"I WOULD NEVER LET SUCH A THING TAKE PLACE!" Anarius said in a disgruntled way. Anaurael could only chuckle softly at that. "WHEN I RECEIVE WORD THAT THE NEPHALEM IS ABLE TO ASSIST, I SHALL WATCH DILIGENTLY."

"Good," Anaurael nodded and continued to let him hold her. Tyrael was already sending Izual down with the reports of what was going to happen. On Sanctuary, Lorath got the information and began to relay it out. Of course, the Nephalem was quick to respond.

"When did this start?!" the champion growled out.

"Just yesterday. We didn't get the reports in until a bit ago," Lorath said. "and it's happening all over. Something is driving them."

"What other demon souls were missing?" Eirena asked, as she looked over the papers. "These attacks look...very coordinated. Do they not?"

"I think you're right," Kormac frowned. "The times of these attacks seem to appear in waves. Timed waves. Look at this report. After an hour, they let up to regroup. Khazra aren't like that. They just attack without mercy. Something is definitely leading them."

"Azmodan..." Izual grounded out. Now the Nephalem gave a hard glare.

"Really? Another one already?" Lyndon seemed to pout.

"What makes you think of Azmodan?" Eirena asked.

"Calculated attacks were his specialty. I think he's hoping to cause confusion. We may need more heroes to balance the attacks out. To let them be the distraction. While the forces are distracted, the lot of you may have to go in and take out the source," Izual said. "I would not be able to join you, but Anarius will send down any forces needed to assist."

"And he can't just come down directly?" Lyndon asked.

"No. Anaurael's health is wavering. The offspring within her are starting to make themselves known in full with movement. She cannot afford any stress," Izual said. "And this is direct from Imperius, himself. He forbids it."

"Oh," Lyndon seemed to shrug at this. As this was being discussed, Anaurael had an idea that she sent to Izual. The massive angel actually mused over this.

"Anaurael has a suggestion," Izual said with a bit of mirth. "She wishes to send Imperael down to assist when the true culprit is revealed. If the need is dire, Malthael may also assist."

"That can work," the Nephalem nodded. "How is Malthael's body?"

"Mal is doing very well," Izual chuckled. "He grows daily, as a normal mortal would. I believe he is almost at the point that he can start sitting up on his own. He was able to roll over the other day."

"How cute!" Eirena beamed.

"So, begging would come after sitting up?" Lyndon joked. At the cold glares he got, he rose up his hands. "I jest! Honestly!"

"I am grateful that you have no offspring as of yet," Izual snorted.

"I would make an outstanding father!" he argued.

"That depends on if you can keep a woman at your side long enough to become one," Kormac smirked. He ignored the glaring response given back. "Aside of all this, where is the closest area that was attacked? Do we know for sure?"

"We need to go back to New Tristram," Lorath said. "The first attack started there. Then it was around Kingsport. After that, some areas around Caldeum were hit. Even Lut Gholein. They seem to attack within the hourly intervals, too. Kurast and Westmarch were one of the last ones hit."

"Give me a timeline," Izual said. The papers were now spread out over a table, and the times were jotted down. Izual took this parchment up and studied it. "So, it looks like New Tristram is the first to be hit again. Hmm. Unless it's changed up."

"I don't know if we would have enough time for any scouts to get through to us for a faster response," Lorath sighed. "I have Xavian posted in Westmarch. I actually have Willis and his father in Caldeum and Lut Gholein. Various others are stationed wherever an attack was reported, and everyone is quite spread out. I'm not sure what else we can do."

"I have an idea," Izual said and reached for a mirror at his side.

"Yes?!" Gurzick said when he appeared at the call.

"Khazra attacks are all over. We need to be informed to help push them back. Can Greed help?" Izual asked him. Now Lorath and the Nephalem were grinning at this tactic.

"Have the girl Sing for me, and I will," Greed replied. "I'll station my minions now. Give me a list of where to look, and I'll have them follow whatever looks suspicious."

"Sounds like an excellent plan. We feel that Azmodan may be behind the attacks," Izual said.

"No. It wouldn't be him," Greed said. "Not even he would stoop so low to use such primal things. But, we will find out. Sometimes, when desperation sets in, any demon will go to any measures to survive and reign supreme."

"This is very true," the Nephalem nodded. When two warrior angels appeared to stand with Izual, the angel seemed a touch confused.

"We are here to help rally an attack, if needed," one of them said.

"All attacked cities will get a pair of our Angelic Host to assist," the other said. Then he paused and suddenly swerved to the sound of someone crying for help. "Who is that?"

"Huh?" Lorath asked. Before Izual could ask, the angelic warrior was already moving towards the sound swiftly. The others were quick to assist and found him standing over a young girl with his sword out. A man was just gaping at the sight. He appeared to be a roguish brute of sorts.

"I may need to be replaced," the angelic warrior said. "This female has called to me."

"What happened?" Izual asked dangerously. Then Imperael got sent down to show how serious the situation was. Anarius felt that any newly claimed female or male for an angel took a complete priority if one was discovered. Their inner Light had to be preserved. At the bruise the warrior angel saw forming on the girl's cheek, he glowered at the human male.

"I am taking her to Heaven. She will not return," the angelic male growled out and gathered up the frightened girl in his arms. At the sensation of complete protection that he gave her, the girl shivered and softly whispered to him. "He tried to...?!"

"Hmm?" Imperael asked. Now the man was running away.

"Cull him! He tried to force himself on her!" the angelic warrior shouted. What the man didn't expect to run into was Erelus. He had a brief discussion with Itherael over what was transpiring when it was found out. Erelus had decided to be the one to kill off any human male that dared to do this to a female. He felt it was needed from how Elaine was treated.

"Demon filth!" Erelus snarled out swiped out with his massive mace. The human dodged him easily, but stood with a form of complete, sheer terror at the sight of Malthael appearing with his scythes ready. When the human turned to flee, he ran right back into Erelus to get killed.

"A waste..." Malthael muttered. "And the girl. She is well?"

"She was beaten," the angelic warrior muttered and cradled her close.

"I see. Very well. Return to Heaven with her. We shall have another replace you," Malthael nodded. "Greed is assisting us now."

"That is fine," the warrior said and soon vanished away with her. Now Malthael moved smoothly up to the Nephalem to show he wanted to speak.

"Hmm?" the Nephalem asked.

"I need an expedition...back to Pandemonium..." he said lightly. "I need you to go to where my...body is. Was. I am unsure now. As for the reason...I have armor that I wish to recover."

"Armor from your corpse?" Kormac frowned.

"Yes," Malthael said and flicked his wings. "They may prove beneficial to my growing body. In time, that is. I would prefer to have such pieces back."

"What armors?" Imperael asked.

"Leggings. A large mace. A set of bracers. You'll know them when you find them," Malthael seemed to shrug. "I wish for my growing body to acquire them when he is able to use them."

"Well, you would know how your armor works. A trip to Pandemonium would be needed," Izual nodded. "It is doubtful that I would be able to go."

"By this time, any of your armor may have been confiscated," the Nephalem said. "We'll need to cover a lot of ground. You cannot recreate your armor?"

"Hmm. Ah. There are plans to create my bracers, but none others. Greed may be able to assist in retrieving them," Malthael thought aloud. "Or at least show us where to go."

"We can do that after this," Imperael said. "I am eager to kill some filth!"

"Hmm. What needs to be culled?" Erelus asked. They told him of the Khazra attacks, and he showed complete amusement at this. "Elaine will not miss me if I fight. She is with other females."

"I cannot fight, but I will assist in scouting," Malthael said. "Unless my body wakes and draws me away. It tends to happen a bit more now. Ah..."

"Speaking of such?" Imperael asked, as Malthael suddenly vanished away. Now that the threat was gone, Anarius had to pull Malthael back for his body. As much as Anarius had limitations physically, he was still able to do things in silent meditation around the Crystal Arch. Once he had sent Malthael down to assist, he had to stand between the pillars of Light to monitor him. Then he was free to go back to the viewing pool after Malthael was back in Heaven. On a whim, he went to consult Anaurael in her mind.

:MOTHER...: he said as a ball of Light from where she was.

"Yes, Anarius?" she smiled. The ball now seemed to settle next to her. "I find it odd that you were your full form away from me. Now you can only seem to become your true self in Heaven."

:HMM...: he thought and focused. His body came back. "I SHALL BE LIKE THIS WHEN WE SPEAK OF IDLE TALK. I SHALL BE MY TRUE FORM FOR MAJOR DISCUSSIONS."

"That can work," she smiled and let him sit next to her to pull her into his lap. He rested his head against her shoulder in comfort. "Now, tell me. What do you wish to discuss?"

"WOULD IT BE BENEFICIAL TO PLACE A VIEWING POOL NEAR THE ARCH THAT I RESIDE FROM?" he asked and sighed at the feel of her hand on his cheek.

"If it would help you, it's possible," she nodded. "Why do you ask?"

"THERE ARE TIMES I NEED TO INVOKE THE POWERS OF HEAVEN. I CAN ONLY DO SO AT MY PINNACLE ARCH. IT WOULD..." he paused and shivered at how her arms went around his neck to lightly massage. A heavier sigh was given now.

"You have answered your own question. Do not fret. Make a viewing pool chamber as a close as needed to the Arch. It will help you and be very beneficial to your cause," she soothed.

"THANK YOU, MOTHER. I LOVE YOU," he said softly.

"And I love you, too, Anarius," she said and continued to cradle him. It was purely from a son to his mother with how it was expressed. "Now, do tell me. What do you think of these attacks?"

"IT COULD BE FROM AZMODAN. WE ARE UNSURE," he said. "WE CAN ONLY SPECULATE, BUT WE WILL BE VERY PREPARED."

"That would always help," she agreed. "And speculating isn't as good as properly knowing."

"TRUE. BUT, IT IS BEST TO BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST," he chuckled softly. She beamed at that insight. A chaste kiss was pressed to her mouth, and he continued to hold her. He was relishing this form of comfort. As the buildings in Sanctuary were now being placed with an angelic watch with Greed's goblins, all they could do was wait and see where the next attack would hit. Then they would strike back with retaliation unlike anything the Khazra hordes would ever know.