It took two hours to fully instate Kalgor as the tribal leader. A well-known Barbarian male that was wise in his years was picked to assist and lead in his stead. There were now plans to send out more Barbarians to help work with any threats. And, as a leader, Kalgor needed to help with any other Soulstones as an act to further protect his people. With other corruption out there, a small war council was held in the main tent. Their former leader's body was tended to carefully by their customs, and the tent furs were replaced if any blood was found on them. The fouled ones were respectfully burned.
Gurzick was sitting on the table for Greed to know where to head off to next. He was also handed the stone to hide away with the rest. However, Greed noticed something that he had to bring to attention to those in Heaven. He left the war council right after the discovery. He found Tyrael working at his desk in Anaurael's room. He was mainly there to help with Mal.
"Gurzick?" Tyrael asked. A point to the crown was done. "Ah! Greed? What is it?"
"I have a small issue," Greed said from Gurzick's crown. "Now that these stones are accumulating, I have sensed a disturbance in power with so many together. Should I start to split them?"
"Yes!" Tyrael said with a stern nod. "Start to separate them out further, if needed."
"I shall do so," Greed said and had Gurzick jump back into the portal. Greed told Gurzick to leave the throne room the moment he appeared before his god. He wanted no minions around for what he had to do. And, as much as he trusted Gurzick, he had to have his most loyal minion keep others in line for him. What he had to do needed to be in complete secrecy.
"You no trust?" Gurzick asked.
"I do. I must make it seem that I do not. I need you to make sure that no others see me," Greed explained. He always trusted Gurzick. Now that the Greed Goblin understood the severity of this, a nod was given and a scampering to get to another chamber was done. Gurzick would be made aware of what was going on after it happened. Now Greed got up from his throne, undid the special latch, and pulled out the first bag containing Maghda.
"Let me out!" the mental voice seethed.
"No," Greed snickered and poked a hole in the wall to shove the bag in. The other stones tried to whisper sweet promises of gold and gems to him. At this he snorted and said, "Look around. Does it appear that I need more?"
At the stammers and screeches that he was Greed and always wanted more, the powerful being simply laughed and continued to poke holes into the walls to keep the stones separated. The girl's Singing was likely the only thing he really wanted more of. Of course, he did like other things, but her Singing was really what he liked best.
He put certain markers up to give himself an idea of which hiding place contained which demon. The newest one to his collection held the demon soul belonging to Duriel. He had made sure to keep Baal's stone the furthest from the rest, though. He kept that one under his throne. He would rather ensure that the Prime Evils were directly guarded by him. He felt happy knowing that he was pissing them off. It made it that much more fun to him. They always spited me and disrespected my minions. Now they all got what was coming to them. He even ensured that his throne had a couple air holes to let any farts he let out to go directly under his throne. He could only beam at how livid the souls got.
Now with the power threat taken care of, he had Gurzick come back. With his power through the crown, the plan was laid out. Gurzick understood. He would become a silent guard. After Greed sat down in his throne and ensured a rather nasty odor got under his throne cushion, all attention was moved to the next area on the list of discussion. Gurzick reappeared at the war council to listen.
"So, my homeland is next?" Vincent asked.
"Yes. We need to find out what is going on there," the Nephalem nodded. "Ivgorod is after that. Then the jungles. We need to move swiftly!"
"I know we do," Vincent agreed. "We may have to appear an hour out, though. Then trek in by foot. If we just appear there in the campgrounds, it may not go well. It helps to walk in."
"If we walk in, then they see us coming. And they prepare," Kalgor grunted. "We cannot allow that at any costs."
"He's right," Byden said.
"Maybe some angels can go down first before us?" Jozin asked.
"That may be possible," Vincent said. "If they see angels and not demons, it would make them pause. Let's do that. When can we leave?"
"Right now," the Nephalem nodded. Lyndon was practically squealing with joy to get out of the frigid air. Eirena and Kormac just showed that they were ready to help. The two Witch Doctors kept back their undead assistants for now. When Taylauriel appeared to whisper to Sohar, he looked at her with complete surprise. He was now informed of future fatherhood.
"You are staying in Heaven," he said.
"I know," she chuckled.
"We are lacking!" Mirdael grumbled to Moolara. She just smiled and patted his hand. Gurzick laughed a bit and was given the coordinates. When the portal was made, any angels with them went through first. When the mortals went through, it was Vincent that took the lead.
They found themselves near the edge of the main encampment. Some tents were spotted around a basic fire pit. The Demon Hunters were known to move their encampment around when needed to keep demons off their trails. Only their most trusted scouts were able to deliver and send out items and supplies from various drop-off areas. It was completely unknown as to how something so vile got through, but everything evil had a way to get to where it had to go.
When Vincent appeared in the portal, he kept his hands up for the sign that he was an ally. At the odd whistle he gave next, it proved it even further. The four guards with their weapons drawn quickly lowered their guard and relaxed, if slightly.
"I bring friends. Allies," Vincent said calmly.
"We can tell," one of the armed guards nodded. There were three of them there, and they were all dressed in dark green, black, and brown colors to match their surroundings. All wore hoods and bore crossbows of exceptional quality. They also recognized Vincent and knew he was trusted.
"Something vile may have come here," Vincent said bluntly.
"We know. It was found and removed."
"Who removed it?" he asked. "We need to confiscate it. Even removed, it's not safe."
"A scout did. One of our own," the guard said. At the sight of Gurzick, several crossbows were raised. Vincent already stood in front of the Greed Goblin.
"An ally," Vincent muttered. "He helped us get here."
"He did?!" the guard blinked. Gurzick waved and giggled. "Oh."
"But, we are here to fully remove the vile artifact. Can we search for it?" Vincent asked.
"It's been removed, so we're not sure where it is," the guard replied.
"Do you know who took it?" the Nephalem asked. "We were sent by the High Heavens to help."
"We can tell," another guard said and only nodded to the angels with them. When more angels came down, the humans paused with complete surprise.
"We shall search for the Soulstone piece," a warrior angel said.
"Soulstone?!" the first guard seemed to ask with disbelief.
"Yes. A vile thing that contains the soul of a powerful demon," the angel explained.
"Kartha had it last," a Demon Hunter in the distance said softly. "She insisted to remove it."
"Kartha?" Vincent frowned hard. "She never does anything like that."
"We know," another Demon Hunter said on walking over. This man gave over a commanding aura. He was the leader of them. "The moment the small package appeared, I knew it was vile. I wanted to destroy it, but she vowed to remove it from the area. This was a day ago."
"What?!" Vincent gaped. "Even just by being in its presence..."
"I know," the man seemed to sigh. His features were fully hidden under the hood, but his form was just as lithe and deadly as the rest of them. "All too well."
"Where did she go?" Vincent asked.
"South. That was the last time we saw her tracks," the man said.
"I'm tracking her down. The rest of you may need to stay here. I know the lands better than any other. Trust me in this," Vincent said. When Zynaurael came down to stand by him, he growled. "Go back to Heaven! Leave this to me!"
"No," she said and notched her bow. "I'm hunting with you."
"Why?" he grunted. The older Hunter paused. A very rare touch of amusement actually reached his features. This was a lover's quarrel.
"It deals with a female from your past. That's why," she said. "Now start moving so I can follow you. And don't try to lose me. It won't work."
"If you get hurt..."
"I have you with me. I will not get hurt," she soothed.
"So..." the man started mildly.
"My partner. She's carrying my child," Vincent sighed. Now the elder Demon Hunter went still at this news. He was not expecting that bit at all.
"You got claimed?" one of the guards grinned.
"Shut up," Vincent muttered out and began to stalk off. Zynaurael was close to his heels. When they were well away from the camp, and from earshot, he sighed hard. "You shouldn't be here."
"I know. But, you mentioned this one before. I cannot sit idly by," she said.
"I figured you wouldn't."
"She held affections for you. She could be baiting you."
"I know she is."
"So...she may have taken the stone to...?"
"Lure me to her."
"I think it's the soul of a demoness in that stone."
"If it attracted a female, then I wouldn't doubt that. We just have to figure out which soul."
"If she tries to touch you, I'm filling her with bolts."
"I know," he seemed to smirk at her. She just nodded to him and continued to follow him. He paused at something that many would have missed and crouched down to study a few roots of the large tree they belonged to. "A marker..."
"From her?" she asked.
"Yes. She's close," he muttered. Then he dodged a sudden attack for several bolts to embed themselves into the same tree he was just in front of.
"So nice of you to drop in!" a cheery voice chuckled.
"She's tainted," Zynaurael growled.
"You think?!" Vincent grunted and stood up. "Kartha! Stop hiding!"
"Now, what makes you think I'm hiding?" she responded and leapt down from the branch she was on. Her long, blonde hair was usually up in a bun to stay neat, but it was loose and wild about her features. Her brown eyes were calm for now, but it was only because she was hiding something. Her body was just as lean and tough as any Demon Hunter under the cloth and leather she wore, but the small cloth pouch hanging off her side easily gave away what she carried with her. She didn't touch it yet, so she still had some control, if any. The crossbow she held in her hand was already set to be fired off easily, if she felt threatened. "And who's this?"
"My partner. As in my wife," Vincent said. Kartha's jaw seemed to drop with disbelief. "Yes, I'm getting that reaction a lot now. Anyways, the stone you have hanging off your hip is a Soulstone. It holds the soul of a demon. Let me guess. It felt you and decided to pick you?"
"What of it?" she frowned.
"Any true Hunter would know what evil is and not fall for the lies," he said with a hard glare.
"I haven't touched it yet. No matter how much it shrieks. So far, it's been truthful. It brought you to me. But, if you're truly claimed by another..." she said lightly and seemed to tilt the crossbow at the female angel. At this, Vincent bristled with protection and stepped in front of Zynaurael.
"She's carrying my child," he glowered with protection. Now she paused with surprise. "Drop the stone and go back to the camp. If you don't, I'll force you. If I kill you in the process, well...I tried to be nice with the warning."
"I thought we...had something. You know?" she frowned.
"Who was the one that decided to walk away?" he asked.
"You did," she said with a shiver.
"Yes. Because I waited too long. And I was done with waiting," he nodded.
"And how did you meet him?" Kartha asked that female angel.
"I was born and got called to him. He witnessed my birth in the High Heavens. I found my way to him, and we talked. That's how," Zynaurael said. There were no lies detected.
"It's not fair, Vincent!" Kartha finally grimaced.
"I gave you a year. You showed mild to no interest in me. In the end, I had to leave to cull the demons in the surrounding lands. I gave you one last glance to show I couldn't wait anymore. You had the option right then and there to stop me and talk to me. Instead, you looked at the ground and walked away as I did. It's not my fault in that matter. What is your fault in this matter is that you took a vile thing away from our camp to use against me. Something that you knew contained demonic energy. How can I possibly think of wanting to give you a chance after this? You went to demons for help!"
"You didn't even have to touch it. Your desire to get him back was all the stone needed. Just by you keeping it at your side was enough for it to corrupt you," Zynaurael added in. Kartha winced and looked away. "You won't even drop the stone now, will you?"
"I'll drop it if you..." her words trailed off at the sight of Zynaurael's notched bow aimed right at her. The silver arrows of Light were homing missiles. She was ready to let them fly. And, when she did, the small missiles went to the bag at her hip.
The moment the bag dropped, Vincent pierced several bolts into it to anchor it to the ground. Kartha gasped and coughed with a form of relief at last. Then she staggered over to a set of bushes to vomit. It was definitely a form of possession that happened.
"Good job," the Hunter leader nodded from where he stood watch. They didn't even realize he was there. It was why he led the Demon Hunters. "I'll take her from here and retrain her senses. That champion is here, too."
"That I am. For this," the Nephalem said and was able to pull the bag free from the ground. Gurzick appeared next to take it and jump into his portal home. "I don't know who was in that stone. We'll find out later after it is secured."
"I was told...the name...Andariel..." Kartha whispered and leaned into her leader's arms to stand. The Nephalem grimaced at that. Zynaurael was mildly alarmed. "I was just...consumed...with so much anger...that you left me..."
"And that's how she reached you," Vincent sighed and shook his head. "Anyways, I'm done here. We have to go to Ivgorod next. The place where Monks live and train."
"I understand. I'll keep watch over Kartha's recovery. As for you, you keep her safe," the elder Demon Hunter said with a point to Zynaurael. "I want to see the child that's born."
"I figured you would," Vincent chuckled.
"Maybe I'll train the child to shoot better than you, too," he said in a neutral tone, as he walked away with Kartha. At the small glare Vincent gave, as Zynaurael barked out laughter, the Nephalem was already walking back to the camp. Ivgorod was definitely next on the list of places to visit.
Up in the High Heavens, Imperius was being informed on what happened. And he was told of the soul in the Soulstone. He snorted with disgust, but he was glad that another soul was trapped. It simply wasn't one of the Prime Evils he was hoping for.
"We were lucky to get Baal," Tyrael said. They were in Anaurael's room, and they were talking while she rested in the bed with Mal. "At least we are making swift progress with Greed's help."
"I know," Imperius nodded. "As much as I hate to admit it, I am aware of it."
"Love, just trust in what they are accomplishing now," Anaurael chuckled.
"I never said I didn't," Imperius said gruffly.
"But, you were thinking it," she smiled. He gave a slow glance at her to get her giggling softly.
"I'll show you what I'm thinking of later," he promised. At her vibrant blush of crimson, Tyrael couldn't help the grin that he gave now. "So, the next mortal place is that of the Monks, correct?"
"Yes. Ivgorod. Jozin, the Monk that travels with the Nephalem now, is from there. He would know who to speak with when they arrive," Tyrael nodded.
"There are so many Soulstones out there now," Itherael said when he appeared. "I was informed of Andariel's capture. That she was the one using the young female through her anger."
"Yes. That is correct," Tyrael nodded.
"I find it odd that each particular faction seems to have their own ways of dealing with others. Save for the Wizards, at least," Anaurael frowned. "They were lucky within the domains of the Demon Hunters. They are disciplined enough to handle the minds of demons, right?"
"To an extent. It may have been the one thing that saved the girl from complete possession. She only carried the stone close. This means that she opened the box. She knew what it was. Instinct kept her from touching the stone directly, but it was her anger that gave an opening edge to the soul. Andariel was the Maiden of Anguish. A queen of demons. I'm sure that, if the girl had the stone in her grasp for another day or so, she would have succumbed to the curiosity of touching the stone," Tyrael said.
"That could be true," Itherael agreed. "At least we will never know."
"That we won't," he nodded. Imperius was mildly disturbed over this talk, but Anaurael was happy and safe. That was all that mattered to him right now. Izarius and his brothers were setting up a bath for her. Imperael was keeping watch in the room. Anarius was busy monitoring one of the viewing pools near the Crystal Arch. Everyone was ready to react the moment it was needed. Even the warrior angels that were sent down and called back were ready to assist again.
"What do you think will happen?" Mai asked.
"We'll find out soon," Tobirael said.
"I really wish I could help them," she frowned.
"I know. But, we know that they can fend for themselves right now. We are the last bastion of defense. We are always watching them," he said and gave her a loving squeeze. At the kicks he felt from her belly, he gave out a soft laugh of fatherly contentment. When Zynaurael appeared to stand with them, the others looked at her with intense amusement.
"Yes, I know I'm in trouble," she sighed.
"No, you're not. Because Salauriel went down to help Kalgor. You went to help Vincent. I'll go down next to assist Jozin," Sylauriel chuckled. That got them all laughing softly with agreement. It was her turn next to help, after all. She had to ensure that her mate was well. She looked down into the viewing pool to watch them talk to the Demon Hunters. They were being forced to eat.
"You earned it!" one of the guards said to them. "I doubt any of you had eaten yet."
"We have no time," the Nephalem sighed. At the sound of guts grumbling from the smell of cooked meat on various spits, the vote to stay and eat was unanimous.
"We don't have much," one of the other Hunters said. Then he paused at the sight of several Greed Goblins delivering whole roast animals that were fully cooked and ready to carve up. When Gurzick appeared, he was giggling.
"This was the child's idea," Greed said from the crown. "One was watching from above and had her call for me to assist. So, I had to do what I could!"
"Child?" the leader said when he walked over. Kartha was in a healing tent in a deep sleep now.
"Yes! The one that mighty Imperius has chosen for himself!" Greed giggled. "And, so you know, I am Greed. I speak from Gurzick's crown."
"I was going to say," the man seemed to shrug neutrally. "And...Imperius? The legendary Archangel of Valor? I find it a touch hard to believe..."
"No, it's the truth," Byden said, as he got served up a plate of various cuts. "I saw him, too."
"We all did," Jozin said.
"I haven't yet," Lou-yu frowned.
"You will in time," Jozin nodded. The others easily agreed with him.
"I mean, I just don't get it. Why would Imperius trouble himself over a girl?" Lou-yu asked. At this, Izarius was soon standing in their midst. One of the angels watching the group had to report.
"Oh, look! Her brother showed up!" Lyndon chuckled over his plate.
"That I have," Izarius nodded. At the sight of him, several Demon Hunters found themselves pausing with complete awe. "Lou-yu, I presume? I have been asked to retrieve you and bring you to the High Heavens. You have unanswered questions."
"Ah...well..." the Wizard found himself at a loss for words.
"May I join him?" the elder Demon Hunter asked. "I also have questions that I need answered."
At this, Vincent looked over and gave a light glare. Zynaurael would be quick to find out where they would be taken. Izarius gestured for the older man and grabbed both his wrist and Lou-yu's wrist. He teleported them both to Anaurael's bedchamber. Lou-yu was in shock at the sheer amount of wealth there. Tyrael was minding Mal easily, but he kept a wary eye on the older man watching Anaurael with complete disbelief from where she was reclining in her bed. At the sight of Imperius easily moving in front of the bed, both men trembled. Imperael was also in the room, but he was standing behind them. Ilerael was teaching him how to be stealthy. He was currently unnoticed.
"I am Imperius, Archangel of Valor. Leader of the Angiris Council of the High Heavens. I understand that you doubted my existence, mortal," Imperius seemed to sneer at the Demon Hunter in his presence. "I'm surprised that you can cull demons in that weak shell of yours."
"Love, stop that," Anaurael said softly. "If they have questions, let them ask."
"I still don't understand why you wanted them here!" he growled. At her look of hurt, he shook his head and flicked his golden wings. "Very well. I'll stand aside. For now."
"Thank you," she smiled softly. At this, he moved to lift her from the bed to carry her. She knew he got sorely irritated with humans still. She kept a hand pressed to his cheek to calm him down. "I am Anaurael. I am an angelic mortal that was birthed when my parents lost their wings to become mortal. I understand that you both may have questions for me?"
"Why don't you come down to Sanctuary?" Lou-yu asked.
"She is with my offspring. That's why," Imperius muttered. "I forbid it."
"As much as I wish to, it is not safe," she said. "Diablo's soul is free again. There have been visions of me being found. So...it is just safer for me here..."
"Yet...you don't feel safe. Do you?" the older Demon Hunter asked.
"She is safe!" Imperius growled out. "She is always safe with me!"
"Imperius..." she frowned at him. At the sharp cry from Mal, Tyrael was quick to hand him over to her. The baby wasn't hungry, but he sensed the distress. The moment he got into Anaurael's arms, he gave a happy baby coo and laughed. Imperius could only grumble. Then he paused at the feel of Mal's hands lightly patting his armored cheek. Then he noticed it was Malthael.
"Malthael...I will detest you out of this mortal shell..." Imperius warned. The baby drooled as a response, and Izarius handed over a waiting cloth to catch it. He shook his head with disbelief, but Anaurael gave a small smile to hide her laughter.
"Who's child?" Lou-yu asked.
"Mine, hers, and Imperius's," Tyrael said. "Don't ask! He is also Malthael reborn."
"Malthael?!" the older Demon Hunter asked with a very rare form of surprise.
"Yes," Anaurael nodded. "He is mortal now. It's a very long story, and there isn't much time to explain it. You can learn it in time after all of the Soulstones have been gathered. It is imperative that they are found and hidden."
"That much is true," the older man nodded. "I do want to help find them."
"That's fine. We could use the help. By the way, I am Tyrael. I was formerly the Archangel of Justice. I am now the Aspect of Wisdom. I also lead the Horadrim."
"You do? Hmm. I could see about sending a few Hunters to help. I know the bounties are something that's being offered all over," the older man said.
"Very true. We can always use the help," Tyrael agreed.
"I thought they had questions for you," Imperael finally said from behind them. Both Demon Hunter and Wizard turned and seemed to pause with complete shock and awe at the sheer size of this angel. "If they are only here to stare and act simple, then they should go back."
"I can't agree more," Imperius muttered.
"I did have only one question," Lou-yu said when he regained his wits. "Imperius, what made you decide to have a mortal with you? Aren't you, well...disgusted with us?"
"I will always be disgusted with you," Imperius growled out. "Anaurael is different. She is not born of demons. She is a pureblood mortal angel. And she is the Light that I lost. I am done talking to filth! Take them from here!"
"Imperius! Oh!" she gasped at the mass shivers and kicks she was given. His concern moved right to her now. He turned his back to the room to show he was ignoring them all.
"Easy, my ward," he soothed and moved a hand to feel the kicks. Just by him gently rubbing her belly helped ease her and relax the growing child.
"They do help...kill filth, too..." she whispered.
"You know how I am," he whispered back.
"I know," she sighed and leaned into him wearily.
"Just rest," he muttered and squeezed her gently. As he continued to tend to her, Izarius and Tyrael regarded the other two men in the room.
"He is right," Izarius said. "The two of you should go back now. Ivgorod needs to be seen to."
"I'll go back on one condition," the older Demon Hunter said.
"And that is?" Tyrael asked. The man turned to point at Imperael.
"He needs to take us down to help me shake up a few Hunters that have doubts that the High Heavens exist," the man said calmly. Tyrael cracked a grin and found himself laughing.
"Done!" Izarius nodded. Imperael simply snorted and took out his massive, two-handed sword.
"I'm ready. You show me who to kick into a wall," the massive Archangel smirked.
"Agreed!" the man nodded. Lou-yu could only whistle softly, as they were taken back. Izarius looked over at where Zynaurael was hiding out to be a sentry. She was completely unnoticed. She nodded back and went to station herself by a viewing pool. There was no need to report to Vincent just yet. The sight of Imperael would easily let him feel reassured that nothing bad happened at all.