When Izual appeared with Imperael, the issue was quickly laid bare. Vincent was already making a net. Kalgor was going over what he had to help club a goblin with. Greed had his minions scouring Sanctuary for any he could find to help give them a solid lead.
"So, can we loot it?" Lyndon asked. Kormac rolled his eyes.
"After we go over it first," Imperael grounded out. "If it is carrying anything we can use to lure others in, then we need to utilize that."
"Oh, I'm sure I would easily hand over..." the Scoundrel started. Then he stopped at the menacing glare that Byden gave him. The Crusader knew it wouldn't happen.
"Thanks for stopping while you had the chance," Byden muttered. "I almost mistook you for the Greed Goblin we had to capture."
"What? How is that?" Lyndon frowned.
"Well, we're supposed to knock them out. Then cage them and study them. Maybe even poke them with hot branding irons to make them talk," he said calmly. Lyndon cleared his throat. A nod was given after that, and the Crusader gave a light hint of a smile at Kormac's wide, grinning face.
"We won't be hunting demons," an angelic male voice was heard a bit far off.
"It doesn't matter. I need to do something. I don't like being cooped up for a long time," a female voice said. Vincent looked over with disbelief. I recognize that female voice! But, he didn't know about the male. When Zynaurael came down to stand behind him, he paused at her gentle caress to his shoulders.
"It's fine now," she soothed.
"Is it?" he muttered. He saw Kartha walk over and pause to see him with a touch of surprise. Then the angelic male rested a hand on her shoulder. Vincent noticed it was an act of claim. He instantly became far more neutral.
"I am Xypherael. Kartha is mine," he said with a nod.
"Good. Zynaurael claimed me," Vincent nodded back.
"I was just born when I found him. He called to me," Zynaurael chuckled.
"And, I saved her from another that was going to harm her within the vicinity of her camp," Xypherael snorted. "A crossbow to the face does wonders to make another back down."
"What?!" Vincent blinked. At his angelic partner's tensing up, he said, "No, Zyn, it's not about Kartha that way. Just the fact that someone tried to attack another within the forests I know."
"It was Colk. He found me to be his quarry," she said and wrinkled her nose with disgust.
"Is he still alive?" Vincent growled.
"No," Xypherael said with a touch of mirth. "My crossbow never left his face."
"Good to know," Vincent nodded.
"He also tried to attack our leader. He abandoned his post," she muttered.
"Yeah. He should be glad he died then before I found him," Vincent growled darkly.
"Rightly so," the angelic male nodded. Then he paused. "Is that a...mark...?!"
"Yes. By Anarius," Zynaurael said. "A lesser demon lord tried to possess him."
"What?!" Kartha blinked. Xypherael only sighed and shook his hooded head.
"At least you're safe now. Anyways, we came here to help with the hunt," the angelic male said.
"Good. We are looking for rival Greed Goblins. Apparently, if you haven't been told, they are being corrupted by Diablo," Vincent said.
"Disgusting!" Xypherael scowled.
"We know. We hope to catch one to see if we can learn more about the corruption," Zynaurael said. Then she seemed to pause and sigh. "Vincent..."
"Hmm?" he asked. She bent down slightly to whisper to him. He looked at her with surprise. "I can't let you fight now. You know this."
"I know," she seemed to chuckle. Then she looked at the others. "I felt movement."
"Did you?!" Xypherael said with a soft laugh. "Good! And, ah, yeah. Stay in Heaven. We don't know what any demonic influence will do."
"I do find it odd that you're finally feeling movement," Vincent admitted.
"Well, our child may develop differently, since I'm not a mortal," Zynaurael seemed to shrug. "Anaurael felt shivers from the one in her soul. It feels...almost like that. But, with me not having flesh, the offspring may have had to get stronger."
"It's been...what? Around six months now?" Vincent asked.
"You could say that. Tobirael told me that Mai is a little further along," Zynaurael said. "As she is mortal, the movement was right on time for her."
"I thought she was further along than this," Vincent frowned. "By eight months or so."
"No. She was impregnated a month after Anaurael was. Your timing is off," his partner smirked.
"Shut up," he muttered to get her laughing. "So, you're about that time, too. I have no idea how you're going to deliver our child."
"I feel it may be with a Lightsong. Angelic females may give birth to different offspring, you'd think. But, we'll have to see," she said. Kartha was just a bit surprised at this. At the sight of Byden walking over with Nikauriel, it only showed that his partner was on the same schedule.
"She told me about her condition," Byden sighed.
"I have to wonder if we should wait to catch up," Xypherael mused. At how Kartha looked at him now, he found himself laughing at her.
"You know what? We rearranged the furniture in our room, but I'm not happy with it. So, you need to help me rearrange the furniture in our room again," she growled at him. Vincent cracked a grin when the two of them left.
"We could do the same thing," Zynaurael purred in his ear. At the glance he gave her now, they were quick to leave. Byden found himself chuckling.
"You know," Nikauriel mused. "you never did try to become your champion form with me yet."
"Ah..." Byden seemed to pause. Then he coughed. "No."
"Why not?" she had to ask.
"I don't know what it will do to what is currently there," he said calmly. "I'll tell you what. Let's wait until after everything is done. We can test it when we know it's safe."
"Okay. I can do that," she nodded.
"And I won't let you fight," he added.
"I was aware," she mused. When they walked back over to the others, the Nephalem was readying to head off in pursuit of a located goblin.
"What do we do when we catch it?" Eirena asked.
"We knock it out to keep it from teleporting. Then we find the Cow King again and ask for help," the Nephalem said. "I can only hope that's possible. We only want to see how it changes."
"Well..." Kormac thought aloud. "how do they teleport exactly? Maybe, if we know how they do it, we can stop it?"
"Greed," the champion said when Gurzick reappeared. "Kormac made a rather interesting point. If you can tell us how goblins teleport, we may be able to simply stop the process."
"Oh!" Greed seemed to muse from the crown. "It's usually instinctive. A simple snap of the fingers and done. That's what normally happens."
"So...if they can't snap their fingers...?" Lyndon asked.
"It's not just that. It's more like a gesture. It's much like simple thoughts. Much like yours," Greed seemed to shrug. At the small snickers given, Greed continued, "When it comes to trying to put how we teleport into words, it's something not that simple. It's just...a birthright, per say. Some goblins have a gesture. Others simply make it. Ah! I have an idea."
A portal appeared for the goblin with golden skin to appear and wave. Lyndon was already staring at it with complete shock. Then he scowled at the middle finger given to him. "Why do they do that to me?! I don't do anything to them!"
"Lies," Imperael snorted and shook his hooded head. The golden goblin giggled and waited patiently for an order to be given.
"Chase the goblin and study how he teleports," Greed said.
"You think I take orders?!" Lyndon asked with disdain. Then he paused at the golden crossbow the golden goblin held. "That...isn't fair..."
"If you can catch him...then it's yours..." Greed snickered. Lyndon couldn't resist. He dove after the goblin and snarled when the portal was opened and hopped into.
"Did you see that?!" the Nephalem asked. "It focused on the air!"
"So...if we blind them?" Imperael asked.
"A bag over their heads, you think? Or just the eyes?" Byden asked.
"Many of my goblins are mostly immune to such things. But, I am unsure of the newly tainted ones. It would need to be tested. If they cannot see where the portals are forming...hmm! You may have found out what needs to be done," Greed chuckled. "If they cannot see how they are forming the portal, it cannot be created. I will chance something. Do you have something to cover the eyes with?"
"I do," Jozin said from where he was standing. He always practiced using a blindfold in his training. A basic Greed Goblin appeared and stood still while the cloth was tied over his eyes. He seemed to squeak and panic now. "Easy, little one. Can you make a portal?"
"Eh..." the goblin seemed to grind out. He couldn't make the portal. They were used to running and jumping into the portals that appeared. If they couldn't see where to run and place the portal in front of them, or alongside them, they were handicapped. The blindfold was removed, and the goblin quickly portaled away to a form of safety.
"We may not need the Cow King's help after all," the Nephalem mused.
"I'd still ask for aid," Greed said wisely. "We never know how they can assist."
"True," Byden agreed.
"Sorry I'm late. What happened?" Vincent asked when he returned. They told him what they found out, and he pulled out a few grenades. "These are stun bombs. I can throw them and stun the goblins for a short time. Byden, can you flash a light with your shield?"
"I can!" the Crusader nodded.
"I can also blind with some light and a kick of sand," Jozin said.
"If we can stun them long enough to get close and cover their eyes, we may have a chance," Vincent said. "It all depends on how quickly we move."
"Let's talk to the Cow King," the Nephalem said. Gurzick made a portal for them to go to, and Kalgor was waiting for them.
"I got here just a bit ago," the Barbarian said. They told him what was planned, and he smirked. "I can pull one to me easily with my stomp. That tends to stun them, too."
"Good. The more ways to stun them, the better," the Nephalem nodded. Kalgor took out his staff to wave over the cow corpse on the ground to watch the Cow King appear.
"You have disturbed me once again from grazing with my herd. What do you require?" the Cow King asked rather regally.
"We're sorry for disturbing you," the Nephalem said. "but...we need your aid once more. Diablo, the Lord of Terror, is free in Sanctuary once more."
"WHAT?!" the Cow King thundered. "Speak what needs to be done!"
"He has been gathering power by corrupting the small creatures that teleport. The goblins that work for Greed," the champion continued. "He reached their leader. The one with us is free of taint and belongs to another form of Greed. But, there are others that will bode ill for all of us. We have learned that we may be able to catch one to study. To see what happens, and to see how fast Diablo gains strength. We weren't sure if you could help us."
"Hmm," the Cow King thought. "And the realm of sparkles and happiness cannot help?"
"I am Greed," Greed said from Gurzick's crown. "When my minion went down there before, I was cut off from him. It may happen again to another."
"Ah! Now, an idea does come to mind," the Cow King chuckled. "If such an influence cannot reach another, will that one be freed?"
"That's...a very good question...!" Byden blinked.
"We'll need to catch two. One to study. Another to test," Jozin said.
"Also, would that link come back, if they left that place?" Vincent chimed in.
"Looks like we need to run a few tests," the Nephalem sighed. "Okay. Let's see how fast we can catch them. If we catch one, do we bring it to you?"
"Yes. I shall prepare a pasture for one. Call on me when you have what is needed," the Cow King nodded and vanished away. With new plans underway, Byden was deep in thought. He was also incredibly worried. At the feel of Nikauriel's hands on his shoulders, he turned to look at her.
"Can you take me up to Heaven? I want to talk to Anaurael about something," he said.
"I can," she said. She was a bit puzzled as to why, but she took him the Angiris Council chamber. When she got there, she requested for Anaurael.
"Why do you seek her?" Izarius asked when he appeared. "She's resting with Imperius."
"I have a favor to ask of her," Byden said.
"A favor?" Izarius asked.
"I know. Just...please?" Byden asked. Izarius nodded and sent the mental message. In Imperius's sanctum, there was a bit of disgruntled mutters now.
"Love, if he wishes to ask something of me, I should see to it," Anaurael said.
"It had best not be your presence on Sanctuary," he growled.
"I doubt that," she smiled warmly at him. He sighed and moved to rise up with her smoothly in his arms. As he carried her out of the sanctum, she took up his hand to study.
"What is it?" he asked. He watched her trace over each armored ringlet to the micro-chainmail that made up the palm of his hand.
"I was just wondering," she said aloud from her thoughts. "if your gauntlets can be removed like your helmet. I don't see where they could separate, though."
"You seem to forget that my armor is like my skin," he reminded her lightly.
"Oh, I am well aware," she beamed. "I was just curious."
"My helmet is separate for movement. My armor is fully sealed. If it can be removed, then it may cause weakness. It is risky with my helmet."
"Izarius removed his before, and it did not hurt him. This was before he changed his form."
"That may be true, but I only want to do such a thing for you in the privacy of our sanctum," he said gently. She smiled and pressed into him now. "But...you do have me curious..."
"I do?" she smiled again.
"A really large chance that it may not work, but...if I can..." he pushed the thought around.
"I would never ask you to remove all of your armor. It would include your wings...and..." she shivered. He pressed a large finger to her lips to quiet her.
"I will never remove my wings. If I do that at any given time, it may kill you. And I refuse to ever become mortal. Rest assured, my ward. Such a thing will not happen."
"I love you," she trembled. A kiss was locked to her mouth shortly after to help ease and soothe her. At the feel of his hands gently rubbing over her back, she sighed.
"I love you, too," he chuckled. "As for your idea, I believe that my hands would be worthy to test. But, no more than that. I cannot risk all of my armor."
"I would never ask that of you," she said and traced over his armored chest. At how he tensed, she grinned slightly. "I would think that this is enough, anyways."
"If the experiment goes through," he growled out. "I will get even with you."
At the brilliant shade of red she became, he found himself laughing softly at her. He kissed her again and carried her the rest of the way to Council chamber. He set her down carefully and rested his hands on her shoulders. Now Anaurael smiled and asked, "Byden? What do you wish to ask?"
"I understand that angels can, possibly, be reborn if they touch your mark. Ah, what I would like to ask is...well...if Nikauriel can do this, too, to be safe," he said. Nikauriel was in complete shock at this request. "I honestly don't know what I'd do if she was lost to me. I mean..."
"It's all right," Anaurael smiled warmly. "Sister, I cannot force you to do this. It must be done willingly. I am perfectly fine with this. You'll be able to see Malthael, too, and help report to me even faster, if needed. What do you think?"
"I..." Nikauriel was at a complete loss for words. Byden now took her hand and gently pulled her hovering form over to rest her palm on Anaurael's forehead. Her mark flared, and Nikauriel seemed to sigh with complete relief. "Thank you."
"Of course, sister," Anaurael smiled. Then, on a whim, Nikauriel took Byden's hand and pressed it to Anaurael's mark. When her mark flared out to show it was accepted, Imperius was the one in shock this time. "Ah...wow! I didn't think..."
"Why?!" Imperius thundered. Byden seemed to gasp with a form of intense relief now. I will not lose my name if I fall. There was a chance he could come back to pick up where he left off in his Crusade, and he may be able to carry it out even further.
"SIRE!" Anarius said when he landed. "ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN. HE MAY BE REBORN AS AN ANGEL UNTAINTED BY DEMONIC FILTH, IF HE FALLS IN BATTLE. IN FACT, IF IT WORKED WITH HIM, THEN ALL OF THE HEROES SHOULD DO THIS. THEIR PURE FORMS WILL BE SAVED. I APPROVE OF THIS IN FULL."
"Hmm..." Imperius thought now.
"I have to wonder now," Byden said. "I heard of the one called Deckard Cain. He was revered by us and taken away from us untimely, from what Tyrael told us. Can he be called to Heaven and be reborn? Surely, there has to be enough Light that is with him! We need his insight."
"HMM. I HAVE HEARD MUCH WHILE WAITING TO BE REBORN. I AM VERY UNSURE IF SUCH A THING CAN WORK. BUT, I SHALL ATTEMPT THIS. PLEASE GATHER ANY THAT NEED TO BE HERE TO BEAR WITNESS."
Izarius was quick to move. The Nephalem with the mercenaries was soon present. The other heroes were quick to appear and settle in. Tyrael simply had to be there for this with Izual. Myriam was now standing with Imperael with a broad smile on her face.
"I do not think it can be done..." Malthael muttered out.
"Why do you think that?" Tyrael asked.
"Think of it. He died as a mortal. His soul is...different than a true angel. It is of both Light and Dark. Perhaps I shall be proven wrong. We shall see," he said and crossed his arms over his chest.
"And yet, Byden was able to touch Anaurael's mark," Izarius said.
"He still has flesh. It was physical contact. It is far different than a spiritual one. But, as I have stated, we shall see," Malthael droned out again. Anarius was now touching the spires with complete focus, and everyone that gathered hushed down.
"I hope he succeeds," Itherael admitted.
"My thoughts echo yours," Auriel said.
"If he does, we'll regain a massive collection of lost lore," Ilerael said from where he stood with Lilaurael. They left their children home for this to ensure that there would be no interruptions.
"If it fails, what should we do?" Zayl asked Tyrael.
"Not sure. If Cain is truly a ghost...well...maybe we can summon him..." Tyrael sighed.
"Hush!" Myriam scolded mildly. Both Zayl and Tyrael gave sheepish smiles and returned their gaze to Anarius. After another moment of silence, the demigod seemed to sigh and shake his armored, hooded head with a sense of loss.
"I THOUGHT I REACHED SOMETHING. I HEARD A SOUND. A VOICE. TO TRY AND REACH OUT IN ANOTHER WAY. AS MALTHAEL HAS STATED, THE SOUL IS COMPRISED OF BOTH ANGEL AND DEMON. I'M NOT SURE IF I ACTUALLY HEARD HIM. HE WANTED ME TO...STAY FOR A WHILE AND LISTEN TO A TALE..."
"That was Cain!" Tyrael gaped. The Nephalem gave a small smile, but any could see the sadness etched in the eyes of the champion. Cain was greatly missed by all.
"GOOD! THEN I DID HEAR HIM. BUT, I COULD NOT BRING HIM FORTH. HE DID TELL ME THAT THERE WAS A WAY TO CALL HIM. HE HAS BEEN...SEARCHING. LOOKING FOR A WAY TO REACH US FROM WHERE HE IS. I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BRING HIM AS AN ANGEL, BUT, PERHAPS, HIS SPIRITUAL FORM CAN MANIFEST?"
"I have seen this happen," Malthael mused. "If ghosts are provoked, they can come back to whisper their secrets. They are simply souls that are untouched."
"If Deckard Cain can't rest, then we could reach him," Zayl said.
"He may never rest, if Diablo is still free. We avenged him with Maghda and her death, but, since she's back as a soul that's trapped, it could also have done it, too. We'll have to see if we can pull him to us in a stable way," the Nephalem said. "His insight is always valuable."
"And, if his soul does hold more Light than filth, then...maybe?" Imperael asked.
"WE SHALL SEE IF HE CAN EVEN BE REACHED," Anarius nodded.
"We shall help," Moolara nodded with Sohar. "Zayl, we will converse with you."
"Right. Let's talk somewhere a bit more quiet," the Necromancer nodded.
"You can use my Library," Itherael said.
"If he comes back, you should give me a body!" Humbert said.
"No. You're already annoying as you are right now. No one needs to chase after you," Zayl smirked. "Besides, the bodies I make would only fall apart."
"Aww!" Humbert pouted. The others chuckled, and now traps were being prepared to snare a few Greed Goblins with that weren't of the allied kind. And, off in the distance in another place between worlds, there was another set of eyes watching with amusement that belonged to neither faction. And yet, those eyes would belong to one they all knew well. And despised just as much.