A week had passed after the incident happened. Anaurael was fully recovered in both body and mind. At least to a point that she could do things on her own again. Malthael was able to leave his body again once her mental strength was back. But, those that had touched her mark before had to do it once again. That was easily done. Malthael was able to have his flesh press a tiny hand to her mark to make the contact. He was done first. Then it was Izarius. The others followed as they did before in the order they made contact with her. After their imprints were safe once more, everyone was able to relax.
The first twenty-four hours after Imperius gave her his Light back was incredibly rough for her. He kept her in his inner sanctum to hold her and comfort her. The only ones allowed in were Izarius and her brothers when Mal needed to nurse, or to help her eat the meals she needed. Her parents were able to visit her whenever they could to ensure her mental health was healed and to give her support, too.
They were very surprised at Izarius's new title, too. Even his look had changed drastically. He had gained a tassel of gold that was gilded with silver etchings to appear along the front and back of his waist. His armor became far more elaborate with gilded gold decorations, as well as gaining more of a tank-like appearance to show he could now ram things down if he had to with a speedy sprint to catch the enemy unaware. It was as though he had gained four inches of extra plated angelic steel to his already armored body. His halo had become a touch larger to show his new importance to Heaven. His height also gained an extra foot in size and stature. His spear even gained a double-edged split in the point to deal far more damage when it was needed. He was a true force to be reckoned with now, but he would only attack any if the need called for it.
"We need to discuss a few things now," Imperius whispered to Anaurael, as he cradled her in his sanctum. He knew that the time had come to finally leave it. There were questions he needed answers to.
"What things?" she asked. He had his hand against her cheek, and she was pressing into it. He knew she was still hurting over everything. From the forgotten memories coming back, to what nearly happened with her shattered mind being lost, she was still recovering.
"I need a timeline of who needs to have offspring with you. And I need to know what needs to be done. I may also need to train the troops again," he said. He knew she hurt over the thought of it, too, but he knew it was also her duty to Heaven. And, as much as she didn't like him leaving her to see to the troops, it couldn't be helped. It was a double-edged sword. When she trembled and threatened to cry again, he held her close. "Easy, my ward. I know. You are far more in touch with my mind now. I wouldn't be surprised if I gave you even more of my Light."
"You think so?" she asked weakly.
"I know so," he chuckled. "And I do know that it's needed. You need as much of me as possible to ensure the champions will thrive. Worry not."
"Okay," she said. "And...are you serious...about Izarius? About an offspring with him?"
"He defends your honor. He upholds my laws. He protects you when you are at your limit. He is every bit of what his new Aspect is. He is the very definition of Honor. I wanted him to become Truth, but Anarius was correct in Izarius being Honor. He holds the very core of what Honor should be. He displays it valiantly with everything he does. So, I will allow him to have an offspring with you to help champion Heaven with the mortal Council. His offspring will be very beneficial to all of us here. He has also earned that right," Imperius nodded. "I will not mind if he comforts you, either, if I need to leave your side when no others are there. As Tyrael does, I can be tolerant of Izarius. I am still...unsure of Itherael. And Malthael. I know Imperael could assist, too, but..."
"I know. Izarius has fully earned your trust."
"Exactly. That is very correct. I will fight alongside them and trust their judgment at all times, but, when it comes to you, I know you understand my thoughts."
"Of course, I do, Imperius. It only makes perfect sense to me. Oh! Do you feel the need for Darius, Mithus, and Azarius to have minor Aspects, too?" she smiled.
"I do! But, they do not need to create offspring or comfort you in other ways," he said.
"I know," she agreed. He knew that she didn't want to be with any others. She would refuse it.
"As long as I know that only I have your love..." he whispered.
"I could never give it to any other," she vowed. He kissed her passionately and carried her out of his sanctum. Several times on his way to the Angiris Council chamber, he found himself stopping to kiss her and comfort her. But, he did find himself pausing when he ran a hand over her belly. He laughed when he felt the healthy kicks. She giggled and said, "He's overly active today. Isn't he?"
"That he is! Come. Let's tell the others so that they know our offspring is well," he chuckled and carried her the rest of the way to the Council chamber. At the sight of Tyrael and Imperael there, he said, "My son is rather active today. Quite a bit of movement."
"Is he?!" Tyrael asked with a grin. "It's not often he gets so active now."
"Yes. This much is true," he nodded. "I do have a stronger connection with her now. From...all of what happened. I wouldn't be surprised if I was able to sense the one in her soul. That one has been moving on occasion, too. They both appear to be very healthy."
"Good!" Imperael chuckled. When Izarius appeared at her call, he was quick to see if he could feel the strong kicks. Of course, there wasn't much he could feel from the one in her soul, but the physical offspring was definitely kicking around. He found himself laughing at it.
"It has been a little over three months. It's good to know that they are being so active," he mused. Izual was next to appear to check for the overly active movement. When Itherael and Auriel appeared, they were able to catch the strong movement, too.
"How have you been?" Anaurael asked Itherael.
"A touch worried for you," he admitted. "All of Heaven trembled in pain when your mind shattered. It was a very close call."
"I figured as much," she sighed. Anarius appeared soon after to assess her. He even pressed his finger to her mark to check her mental state.
"YOU ARE STILL UNBALANCED. THIS IS NOT GOOD," he sighed. "WE CANNOT HAVE YOU FORGET ANYMORE, EITHER. IT WOULD CAUSE TOO MUCH PAIN."
"I don't think I want to forget anymore," she shivered. "I don't want to harbor anymore secrets."
"You will not," Imperius vowed gently. "There is no need to keep any secrets."
"It hurt enough...not being able to tell you..." she whimpered and got cradled by him.
"Hmm..." Itherael thought and looked through his Scroll. "All of us need to go into her mind. I have an idea. I'm hoping it will work."
"Very well," Imperius nodded. Malthael was waiting for them all at the mental spire. Itherael nodded to him and led them all to where her mental inner sanctum was. "What's this place?"
"It's her mental inner sanctum. I had to bring her here before," Izarius said. "Why are we here?"
"Imperius, take her into it. Help her, ah...redecorate?" Itherael chuckled. At this idea, Imperius mused and began to carry her into the grassy hill. When she saw where she was, a form of instinctive fear struck her. She began to panic, as a chill went down her spine.
"I don't...want...to be here...!" she gasped in his arms. Now he looked at her with concern.
"Anaurael? Wait. I see. You think...that by coming in here..." he thought aloud, as he pieced it together. When his form stiffened with what he recalled from her memories, she cringed. Then he thought and glanced down at her with a gentle, yet protective manner. "My ward, do you trust me?"
"I do," she nodded and trembled hard. He squeezed her to him and moved swiftly into the cave. It sealed up behind them, and the others waited outside patiently.
"You will no longer forget in here," he said soothingly when he stood with her in the center. "This will become our place of retreat. As I have my sanctum for us for our physical bodies, you will have yours here for our mental bodies. You can choose to only come in here when you are with me. Or with those your fully trust, but it can always be with me, if that is what you wish. Will this work for you? Your sanctum should not be a place of fear. It is always a place of safety. And this sanctum will now be our place of safety in your mind. I never knew of this place until I found you with Izarius. I'm sure that you kept forgetting about it, too, or you would have shown me this place. So, from now on, I will be with you, if you find yourself needing to come back here."
"I love you!" she whimpered and burst into tears. He simply cradled her and rocked her. When she calmed down again, he kissed her softly.
"I love you, too," he soothed gently.
"I would have...told you of here...but..." she sniffled.
"I know. Now, tell me," he mused and looked around at the walls. "This place. It looks rather plain, don't you think? Let's change it up."
"What do you have in mind?" she asked.
"I believe that what you mean is..." he said with a soft laugh. "what do we have in mind?"
At her blush, she could only nod. Outside the sanctum, they saw the small mound shift and change into a building that almost resembled her old cottage home. The only difference was that it was embellished to have much of Heaven's silver walls, gilded windows, and a slender, towering spire for a chimney. When he walked out with her from the double doors made of polished diamond, they all gave their approvals.
"This looks much better," Izarius chuckled.
"She included furniture. This includes a reclining chair in the bedroom," Imperius said. "And a bed. As well as other things."
"Good to know," Itherael nodded.
"No longer will she forget in here," Imperius said with an edge of warning. "There is no more need for it. Now, we need to discuss something of vast importance."
"Should we discuss it here?" Tyrael asked.
"No. The Angiris Council chamber is where we must go," Imperius said. Anarius was able to bring them all around gently from her mind and transport them all there. Izarius was holding Malthael's sleeping body and paid rapt attention. "I need to know who is next for the mortal Council. As well as what is required. I believe, Itherael, that it is you?"
"Yes," Itherael nodded. "Also, her body would need to be purified with the salve. Myriam had discovered that it takes a pure body to create a pure champion. She foresaw this."
"I see..." Imperius seemed to sigh. "She would be in pain each time."
"We know," Imperael nodded with understanding. "The mortal female had informed me first. I told Itherael after. None of us are pleased by this knowledge."
"I would have only one request," Imperius said.
"And what would that be?" Tyrael asked.
"After the...offspring has formed, I would require for her to be given the salve again. I want to be the one to show that her body is still mine. But, only after the offspring has taken root. Would this harm anything?" Imperius asked. Itherael now had his Scroll out to read through it.
"It appears that all will be well. However, the offspring needs to fully take to ensure that no other damage will happen. Once the offspring is thriving will it be safe for her to receive the salve," Itherael explained. "That is when it can be done."
"Imperius, why would you wish such a thing?" Auriel asked.
"Because she is mine. That is why," Imperius grunted and squeezed Anaurael lightly when she pressed into him. "She did not ask for this. She only wishes to belong to me. Even though this is her duty for Heaven, this will ensure that I will be claiming her body back as mine."
"Is this to be done...for each time she gains comfort...?" Malthael had to ask from where he stood. "Such as if Tyrael assists her in your stead?"
"No. Only for her pregnancies," Imperius said.
"THEN I SHALL SUGGEST THIS. THE MOMENT HER BODY READIES FOR OFFSPRING WILL BE THE TIME TO USE THE SALVE. OR, AFTER SHE HEALS, IMPERIUS CANNOT TOUCH HER AT ALL IF WE HEAL HER WITH THE SALVE AFTER HER BIRTH," Anarius said.
"Ugh..." Imperius seemed to grumble.
"Wait," Anaurael said. "It took about two weeks after I healed that I became receptive. I think that, if Anarius catches my body in time, that Imperius can be with me safely with no ill effects. His Light and strength is still needed for me to ready myself for other offspring. If you think of it that way."
"Hmm..." Izarius thought. "You may be right. And he would need to impregnate your soul again, too. It helps to keep everything timed this way. The mortal born would have to have an angelic brother or sister. A related guardian angel. So, Imperius, you could have a daughter from her soul."
"A daughter?" Imperius seemed to pause at this idea. "A female offspring..."
"Imperius?" Anaurael asked with a small smile.
"I'll be happy with two sons. If the one for the Council is to be a son," Tyrael chuckled.
"It should be. I can help ensure it," Malthael mused. Izarius was actually lost in thought on Anaurael bearing a daughter for him. It seemed far more fitting than a son, but he wouldn't mind either sex if it happened. He simply found it amazing that he was granted the opportunity to do so.
"I'm getting hungry," Anaurael sighed. She was starting to feel depressed from the way she was being talked about. At her soft frown when Imperius gazed down at her, he squeezed her gently.
"I know, my ward. These are things I simply must ask and feel ensured of. You know why," he said gently. At how a tear slowly formed, he realized that it was mainly from the hormones. He turned quickly with her and moved to look out one of the large windows to gaze out at the Silver City. He rocked her when she began to cry out her frustrations. "Easy. Hush now. All is well."
Izarius walked over to stand next to them, and he squeezed her hand when she placed it on a large shoulder. "It's fine. You said you were hungry? Did you want to eat in your room?"
"I don't know..." she shivered and whimpered. Tyrael walked over now and glanced out the window. She caught him studying the land below. "What are you looking for?"
"I think we're over Westmarch. I was just thinking that we could throw something out and see what it lands on," he said. Izarius chuckled at her small giggle. "Maybe we can target the one that used to be a noble. Then again, I don't want him to think he's getting attention."
Imperius was mildly amused at that thought. He felt her press her face between his helm and chest plate to nuzzle into his neck. "Come now. Let's help you get something to eat."
"Okay," she whispered. At her soft sigh, he was able to feel out her thoughts.
"And do not doubt me," he muttered in a low tone. "There is no need for that."
"Of course..." she said in a strained voice. At the kiss he gave her next, she found herself calmed and soothed. "I love you, Imperius. I can't bear...being away from you anymore..."
"I see. Hmm. Itherael, when the time comes for your offspring, you may need to be close to her for your energies to fuel your offspring properly. I'll be needed for the offspring in her soul. I will always be needed, anyways, to keep her calm and balanced," Imperius said. At the sudden, heavy kiss she caught him up in, he found himself giving in to it rather quickly. "You know I need to train the troops. It must be done."
"Take me with you," she whispered and kissed him again. "Please..."
"I am bringing her with me to the training halls," he grunted and teleported away with her. Tyrael and Izarius were laughing softly at what happened.
"She really does need him right now," Itherael said. "It will be the same with me, too, when it happens. As disgruntled as he will get, there is no choice in this. We must be prepared the moment the opportunity presents itself."
"I feel awful for her. I know we all do," Auriel sighed. Anarius placed a large hand on her shoulder and nodded. "But, everything she is doing is for Heaven."
"Much like my situation," Tyrael seemed to grimace and shake his head. When Izual appeared, he was mildly embraced. "Hello! How goes things with the Horadrim?"
"Oh, the same old stuff. You know how it goes," Izual chuckled. "How is Anaurael?"
"Her mind still seems to suffer," Izarius said. "We're trying to help. Oh! I need to help her."
"Of course," Izual said. He was about to leave, but he noticed there was a sudden commotion. Auriel found herself confronted by another angelic female of her faction. The angel appeared to be on a complete mission to reach her, and for good reason.
"Lady Auriel! Elaine is about to give birth!" she said.
"Truly?! I will assist right now!" Auriel said.
"I'll report to Imperius," Izual said.
"I'll take you to his side, too, Tyrael," Imperael nodded. Itherael showed he was ready to follow them. Imperius had just seated himself with Anaurael in his lap when the news was given.
"How wonderful!" Anaurael said. "I do wonder what her baby will look like."
"When she has rested after the birth, we will see to her," Imperius nodded lightly.
"I would like that," she smiled. He kissed her to taste a portion of the roast she was eating. When the kiss got deeper and a touch longer, Tyrael had to mildly clear his throat to bring them back around. They were all in the training halls, after all.
"Imperius?" Titharius asked from where he was. He was actually quite amused.
"Say nothing," Imperius warned his lieutenant. "Her mind is in a fragile state. I am merely calming her. She is carrying my offspring in full."
"I am aware," his lieutenant nodded. Izarius seemed to tense around Titharius, but it was only from an overly protective standing with Anaurael.
"Izarius?" Anaurael frowned. At the mention of his name, the lieutenant paused with shock. He didn't realize how much Izarius had changed. Anarius watched him calmly from where he stood with the others. It was one of the reasons why he was there, too.
"I'm fine," Izarius reassured her. "I'm only protective of you right now."
"Okay," she nodded. He chuckled and moved to press a kiss to her cheek. She shifted lightly to press a direct kiss to his mouth, but it was chaste. She wanted him to taste what she was eating.
"That's a new flavor!" Izarius laughed softly.
"It's supposed to be a roast that was smoked as it cooked," she beamed. She laughed when Tyrael bent over to try a piece. "And it's good to see that you're eating."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked to get her giggling again.
"Great Imperius," one of the angels in training said. "can we train with your champion?"
"No," Imperius said. "She is with offspring. I will not have her strain herself."
"I can train her lightly," Izarius said. At her hopeful look, Imperius had to relent.
"Very well. But, I will be standing with her," he nodded. He rose up with her in his arms and teleported to the center of the training hall floor. Izarius was able to retrieve her spear for her, but Imperius shook his head. "Something lighter. Not her spear."
"I think I should use it," she said and took it from Izarius.
"Anaurael..." Imperius warned.
"What?" she frowned.
"You are not even wearing your armors," he pointed out.
"I will be careful," she said. Itherael was now watching Imperius rather closely. And it was now that he saw what Anaurael was truly afraid of.
"It is not that I know you will not be careful," Imperius said lightly. "I just..."
Anaurael frowned when she saw him tremble. The others missed it, but she saw it clearly. She gave the spear back to Izarius and moved quickly into Imperius's arms. She placed her hand on his cheek under his helm to calm him. "I know, love. I know. Regain yourself. Maybe I can watch others train and learn from them. I had done so before. As much as I miss training, I know how you are now."
"You did train lightly while Mal slept. Before you became pregnant again," he muttered into her palm. "You are bearing my offspring in full now..."
"I'm okay," she smiled warmly and kissed him softly. "I know it worries you. I don't want you to worry over me. You don't need to do such a thing."
"I am very protective over you. Once again, I nearly lost you..." he whispered.
"Remember, love. You are in front of your troops. Speak your thoughts to me when we are in your sanctum," she soothed.
"Our sanctum," he corrected. He regained himself quickly and looked at Izarius. "As much as she should train, I cannot let her. So, she will watch others train and learn from it."
"Of course," Izarius nodded.
"Are you well, Imperius?" Titharius asked.
"I am as well as can be expected," Imperius said to him.
"Oh. For a moment I had thought..." he started. Then Anaurael gave him a rather protective glare. It stopped him in his tracks.
"He is fine. He only worries slightly, because I am not wearing my armor. He did not wish for any harm to befall me while training," she said. "I am carrying his offspring in full. His direct heir to Valor in a mortal form. Of course, he will worry over my safety! Why shouldn't he?"
"It is part of a prophecy," Itherael said. "She is to bring our Court Aspects to Sanctuary as mortals. All of this is to help end the Eternal Conflict, and to remove the blood of the demon filth in the humans. The more pure blood we can give to them, the less the demon blood in their bodies will be."
"So...we plan to purge them of demon blood with our own blood?" Titharius asked with a form of understanding awe. "It would be effective."
"Of course, such things do take time to take effect," Tyrael said. "But...what is time for us?"
"Or for you," Titharius seemed to smirk. Then he paused when Anarius gave a small glare at him. It was a touch of warning.
"DO NOT BLAME HIM FOR WHAT HE HAD TO DO TO SAVE THE HIGH HEAVENS!" Anarius warned and pointed at him. "I HAVE WITNESSED WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO MY CHAMPION ONCE. YOU ALMOST MADE IT SO THAT I COULD NOT BE REBORN! CURB YOUR THOUGHTS OF DESPAIR. NOW."
"Of course!" Titharius said and quickly backed down. Tyrael hid the small smile he had when Anarius placed his hand on a shoulder.
"MY CHAMPION HEALED YOU OF YOUR CORRUPTION. EVEN THOUGH THE TAINT WAS REMOVED FROM YOU, THE THOUGHTS OF TYRAEL, MY FATHER, HAVE NOT. SPEAK NO MORE ILL OF HIM FROM THIS POINT FORWARD. OR YOU WILL ANSWER TO ME!" he warned again.
"My son, I'm sure he understands his place now," Anaurael said gently. He nodded to her and watched her let Imperius teleport them back to where he would watch the troops train. Izarius stayed where he was on the training hall floor.
"I challenge you again for the honor of Tyrael!" Izarius said to Titharius and struck his spear into the floor. "I defended Anaurael's honor from you before. Now you slander Tyrael once again in front of me. I am now the Aspect of Honor! If you feel that you were justified in calling out the one that helped Anu become reborn to aid Heaven, then come down now and face me!"
"No. It was wrong of me. It will not happen again," Titharius said. He knew that Izarius would easily win this battle. The aura that Izarius gave was completely just and challenging. He retrieved his spear, and Anarius let the floor seal back up to its flawless state of polished diamond. Izarius found himself hugging Anaurael with a sense of relief.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"No need to thank me," he whispered back and gave her a gentle kiss. Imperius only nodded. He trusted Izarius like Tyrael now. Imperael noticed this and chuckled softly.
"Elaine's daughter is born!" a female angel said when she approached them.
"A girl?!" Anaurael asked with delight. Tyrael found himself grinning, and Anarius was quick to get them all to where Erelus and Elaine were.
"You all arrived?" Erelus chuckled and rose up from the chair he sat at.
"You know we had to," Itherael chuckled back. Elaine was gently cradling her new daughter with an exhaustion that Anaurael knew all too well. Her daughter had a shock of fine, white hair, and a set of silvery-blue eyes. She seemed to have the facial look that Erelus possibly had.
"Have you named her yet?" Anaurael asked.
"Not yet," Erelus said. "We want to let her grow for a couple days and see what her personality is like. It would be best."
"I wonder how Mai is doing," she mused.
"Well, Mai is about eight months along. We know that Tobirael is very protective of her," Tyrael said. "It would be a given for her condition."
"I would hope so," Erelus said. When Gurzick appeared with a couple soft baby toys, he waved at the others in the room.
"Hi!" Gurzick grinned.
"Any word on the Burning Hells?" Tyrael asked him.
"Not that I can find as of yet," Greed said from the crown. "However, there is something that you need to know. One of my minions found it by pure chance."
"What's this?" Imperius asked.
"Another Soulstone box on a caravan going to the human town of Bramwell was found. It was empty, too. And it...smelled of, oh...complete terror..." Greed said carefully.
"That can only mean...!" Tyrael gaped.
"Diablo!" Imperius seemed to hiss. "Tyrael! Who was working with that caravan?!"
"I don't know. I'll have to check," he said.
"Should I do this?" Izual asked.
"No. You need to stay here," Tyrael said gravely. "Anything dealing with a Prime Evil needs to be seen to by others. I need to notify the Nephalem. I'll talk to Lorath and find out who was assisting with the caravan escort."
"Should I bring the box here for you to see?" Greed asked.
"Yes," Imperius said. Then he squeezed Anaurael and said, "I don't want you near it when it comes to Heaven. I think I would rather have you in Greed's lair. Izarius will be with you."
"I have secured a place for her far from the stones I hold," Greed said.
"Good to know," Izarius nodded.
"Love," Anaurael said gently. Imperius looked at her now. "I don't think you should pursue Diablo just yet. I will worry so much about you right now..."
Imperius actually seemed to shiver. Her mind had shattered and was pieced back together. He couldn't afford to see her worry so much anymore. There was a chance that it could happen again.
"I should at least see the box that this stone was housed in. That will tell me right away just by the scent. I may not have to pursue him, but I should at least know for sure," Imperius said.
"I don't want you to slip," she trembled.
"I WILL ENSURE THAT HE WILL NOT," Anarius vowed.
"Did something happen?" Greed asked now.
"I'll tell you," Imperael said. Imperius nodded and carried Anaurael away to his sanctum. Izarius went to her chambers to wait patiently and tend to Mal.
"I cannot see you slip," she worried her lower lip when he became his core.
"I know," Imperius said and held her to him.
"We are both recovering, in a sense."
"That we are."
"I worry so much for you..." she said and traced a finger over his glowing cheek. The kiss he gave her now showed how much he needed her. He also knew that she needed him just as much. They had to console each other once more in full before he would be able to see to the possible box that held Diablo's Soulstone. He had to be fully focused and in control to assess it properly. There was no other choice for him in this matter.