Tyrael was able to help Zayl find a decent location to attempt to summon Cain. They had to choose a place that was sacred and just. In the end, they decided to go towards the ancient Nephalem temple grounds where they discovered the second part of Tyrael's sword. Even as they walked into the place, they paused at the sight of the ancient Nephalem ghost that guarded the sacred location.
"You have returned?" the blue ghost asked. At first, the ancient spirit thought it was the Nephalem from the power that was sensed.
"It has been a long time since I saw you, Alaric. You have done well in guarding this place," Tyrael said. At this said, the ghost was a touch surprised. He sensed what Tyrael really was.
"Tyrael?! Can it be?" he asked.
"It is. I have become mortal of my own free will. I have brought allies here to see if we can call forth one of our brothers that was lost in battle. Will you allow this?" Tyrael asked.
"For you, of course. You have guided us so long ago with our Heavenly brothers and sisters. I shall stand aside and let you use this place of refuge as you see fit," Alaric nodded and vanished away. He knew that the temple would come to no threat with Tyrael visiting.
"Good. We have the clearance we need. Where do we set up?" Zayl asked. Tyrael walked into the opened door. Ever since the temple was breached before, the doors have remained open. Bandits did try to get into the temple at long last, but Alaric's unwavering duty quickly thwarted them off. He refused to let the temple become desecrated at any time. They trudged through the water-covered floor of the place and made it to the back chamber where angels used to appear to guide the mortals long ago. It was the perfect place to try and call for Cain.
Zayl was quick to set up a calling circle with lit candles, a few skulls and small markings on the rocks. They would make sure to clean up everything when they were done. Tyrael planted El'druin in front of him calmly. He wanted to ensure that everything would be quick to clean up, too. At the sight of the Witch Doctors, they were quickly waved over. Mirdael was calmly floating behind Moolara. His presence only assured Alaric even further that they were there for purely good intentions.
"We should get a few more angels to come down. I don't know what will be called on when we look for Cain," Tyrael sighed. At the sight of Imperael appearing with Malthael's ghostly form, he let out a small chuckle. Nothing was going to intervene.
"I can see the souls of any that attempt to intervene. Nephalem souls seem to...be immune to me. The one here was strong to resist my initial call. And he seems to be fond of this place. We shall leave him be. For now," Malthael mused. Tyrael now turned to glare at him.
"You leave Alaric out of this," he ordered. "He is the guardian of a sacred place. He is letting us use it to call on someone to regain the knowledge we lost. You know this."
"I am aware," Malthael snorted. Then he paused at a sensation he got from Anaurael. He sighed. He now agreed to fully back down and to assist if needed. "Very well. I shall...watch for unknown spirits that arrive."
"There is no need," Sohar chuckled. "If you need to return to Heaven, then it is fine. We have our own ways to ensure no unknown spirits will intervene."
"I have been asked to stay. Until my flesh pulls me back, I shall remain," Malthael droned out. He didn't like that they could see him now, but he kept those thoughts to himself. He was a touch concerned about Anaurael, though. Being locked away in Itherael's secret sanctum was troubling. He would ensure the offspring developed, though. And he knew that Itherael was correct in being with her outside of his primary sanctum. He couldn't impregnate her soul. That would be treason to Imperius.
"You are distracted," Imperael muttered.
"How long has it been...since Itherael took Anaurael away?" Malthael asked. "The days...mean nothing to me now..."
"Ah. It is almost time for her to come forth. It has been nearly three days. It took that long to find this place again. Imperius is...well...you know how he is now," Imperael sighed.
"Itherius is feeling the strain, too. All of Heaven is. Hmm. Ah. Anaurael is finally being released from Itherael's presence. Good. And...I see now. The offspring...it has started. Now it only needs to take. I shall ensure that it does," Malthael nodded. And, as he watched the small ritual circle being built, Itherael was cradling Anaurael close one final time.
"I will need to be close to you. It is needed to ensure that our offspring will form with my energies," Itherael sighed and squeezed her. He had enjoyed her presence immensely while he had her. He was already starting to miss her. "I love you."
"I know," she smiled and kissed him again. "Will you take me back to Imperius?"
"I should, but I must be cautious. He is...unpredictable. It is safer for Izarius to return you to him. Even Anarius. Either one will help pacify his thoughts. I shall see you after his temper has cooled," Itherael promised. When he took her outside to the railing, Anarius was already waiting for her.
"MOTHER, THE CHILD HAS FORMED. IT IS TIME TO HAVE THE ONE MADE IN YOUR SOUL COME ABOUT. LET US GO TO IMPERIUS," he said and gestured for her. Itherael squeezed her and let her settle in her son's arms. Anarius was quick to take off back to her chambers. But, when he sensed that Imperius wasn't there, he veered to the training halls.
"Look, Sire! Mother has returned! I told you she would," Itherius chuckled. Imperius didn't seem to hear him. He had to completely tune out any distractions around him to keep himself going. Blacksmithing did help, but even that began to hurt when he knew it was for Anaurael. He had been in constant contact with her when it got to be unbearable, but he seemed to be a shell without her now. He had stopped responding to any, unless it was her mental call. He was far too focused on watching how the angels were training to point out any mistakes. When Anaurael walked over and placed her hand on his arm, he even failed to notice that.
:Love. Look at me. I am next to you now.: She gently urged.
:You always say that.: He grunted. :I know you are with me mentally. I am waiting for you to be here physically. Even you know this.:
:I am touching your arm right now.: She giggled. Now he looked down. He actually froze with disbelief that she was there. He carefully reached out and traced her cheek with a large forefinger.
"You...came back..." he whispered hoarsely.
"Yes," she smiled softly. He was able to gather her up into his arms. "Take us to our sanctum."
He had to obey her. He had no choice. Her voice was a cooling waterfall of relief to his ears. Her very touch on his armored chest sent a sense of vigor coursing through him. The moment the sanctum sealed up, he simply cradled her. He had her help him remove his helmet after a few precious minutes passed. And the kiss she branded him with fully sealed her love for him all over again.
"I missed you...so much..." he seemed to gasp.
"I know you did. And I missed you, too," she whispered and let him kiss her in his own branding way. "Please...Imperius..."
He pulled out the chair swiftly and positioned her in his lap. "I wanted you...to be mine...all over again...but..."
"This needs to happen first. I know," she said lovingly. She shouted when he finally claimed her. He relished in the sensation she gave him. There was no time to think. He had no other focus. Even after it was done, he could only hold her against his chest as she rested on him. Even she knew that only he would ever be able to leave her so breathless. At her small whimper of relief from being back with him, he squeezed her to his form. She had suffered as much as I did.
"Don't leave me again..." he muttered.
"It will need to be done. For the others. But...after it's done...you have my vow," she whispered. He pulled her up a touch to kiss her gently. "Can you become your core for me?"
"After the salve is applied. I shall contact Izarius for this. I feel it is important," Imperius said in a rather serious way. "And, if you are here, then this means that Itherael was successful."
"That he was. He will need to linger around me for his essence to be near. It cannot be helped," she murmured out. He was disgruntled at that, but he knew he would survive without her for three days. He could go no longer than that.
He held her for another ten minutes before rising up with her. He set her on the chair, replaced his helmet and called for Izarius. "She needs to bathe. And I need the salve."
"Of course! I shall retrieve them now," Izarius nodded. Imperius simply stood there in silence to wait. At the feel of her arms moving around his waist, he glanced down and sighed. She had gotten up to give him comfort. She knew he needed it. And she knew he needed to speak out his thoughts.
"Three days without you. It was an...eternity. Just knowing you are back at my side...it should be enough. I thought it was enough. But, I still feel that something isn't there," he admitted.
"I know what it is," she said softly. "I'm not pregnant from you yet. I need to have your offspring in my soul take form. And it needs to be done quickly."
"You think that is what it is?" he asked and lifted her into his arms.
"I know it is," she said and rested on his larger shoulder pauldron. He clearly missed this form of contact from her. "I love you, Imperius. To be away from you like that...I thought..."
"Hush now, my ward," he whispered and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. "I love you, too. It has been a hardship on both of us. And, for now, it is over. At least Itherius was able to somewhat preoccupy my thoughts. As short-lived as most things were."
"And did Malthael help? Or Arthurius?" she frowned.
"Our sons did bond a bit more with me. So, yes. They did help. Even Greed tried to show me different gems in various necklace settings. Ah. That does remind me of something. I shall see to it after our offspring forms. Hmm?" Imperius looked over at the sight of Darius with Arthurius.
"My apologies, Great Imperius. He was hungry," he explained. Anaurael reached for him to let him nurse. She crooned to him softly, as Imperius cradled them both. Now he seemed to be at peace. I have my family with me. He calmly watched his son finish nursing. Darius was able to take him up to help burp him and let the small boy rest. Izarius walked in with the salve right after it was clear to do so.
"Here's the salve. Do you need help applying it?" Izarius asked.
"I should be fine. Thank you," Imperius nodded and let him leave. The powerful salve was now applied to Anaurael's hips the moment she was set back down on the chair. He didn't want any of the oil to get on his throne. After it was applied and started to foam over, Izarius came back with Mithus to fill up a bathtub for her. They had brought in a portable one just for this purpose.
"I'll leave some soaps and towels here for her. Does she need nourishment?" Izarius asked.
"She does," Imperius nodded again. More trips were made quickly, and Azarius showed up with various foods to set down. She knew her brothers did want to embrace her on seeing her again, but they were waiting. And she could feel how relieved Izarius was to see her with Imperius once more.
"I'll be here, if you need me," Izarius said and moved to tend to her chambers.
"Many will wish to see me again," she sighed and watched the foam start to dissipate.
"I am sure," Imperius agreed. The moment the foam was done, he helped bathe her in the warm water the bathtub held. Once she was toweled off, he lifted her into his arms. Nothing more needed to be said when his core form emerged. Her body was pure for him once again. He was going to be the one to fully claim her as his own. He wanted her to start bearing an offspring in her soul. It needed to be done, and he was quick to show how much he needed her now.
In the Angiris Council chamber, Auriel was silently going over a small list of concerns that other angels were bringing to her. Many felt a touch divided on how angels were mingling with mortals now. And a few were even outraged at what Inarius and Telanya were doing. They had succeeded in creating something together. Much like the other female angels, she started feeling small shivers of something developing within her. Auriel needed a form of advice. She went to the Crystal Arch.
"Anarius, can you hear me?" she asked the pillars of crystal bone. When Anarius flew down to confront her, she turned to face him. "Inarius and Telanya have created something together. There is a lot of uncertainty within the Host."
"I AM WELL AWARE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN WATCHING THIS CLOSELY. I SHALL SEND A MESSAGE TO THE HOST DIRECTLY TO NOT GIVE IN TO DESPAIR. WE SHALL SEE HOW THIS NEW OFFSPRING TURNS OUT. WE WERE TOLD IT COULD BE SOMETHING TO DESTROY, OR IT WILL BE SOMETHING BENEFICIAL TO HEAVEN. WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE," Anarius said and focused on the pillars to send the message out. When he knew it was received by all of the Heavenly Host, he easily sensed disdain from Imperius.
"Anarius? Is something wrong?" she asked.
"MY SIRE IS VERY...DISTRESSED OVER THIS NEWS. BUT, MY MOTHER IS WITH HIM. SHE WILL KEEP HIM CALM," Anarius nodded to her.
"Oh! Itherael's offspring has taken?" Auriel asked.
"THAT HE HAS. AND I KNOW IT WILL BE A MALE. MALTHAEL IS EVEN ENSURING THIS. AH! YOU ARE BEING REQUESTED IN THE GARDENS," Anarius chuckled. At this Auriel was quick to head there. She found Xypherius waiting for her.
"Sister, I have a request. And, ah...I'm not sure how to bring this about," he sighed.
"What do you need?" she asked.
"I wish to have a true ceremony with Talarine. Can we...have one here? I mean..." he tried to explain, and she rose up her hands to calm him down.
"To be wed here is something that was only done for Imperius. Tyrael also had a small event here, but that was false. Surely there is a place on Sanctuary for such a thing?" she asked gently.
"I fear that her enemies may come for her," he admitted.
"I see now. Hmm. We may be able to arrange a small place for such a thing. Even for future ones, too. I shall speak with Itherael about this. You could even ask Greed for assistance in finding a full gown for her. He did assist with Anaurael's gown," she chuckled. Xypherius could only nod in agreement to that. Now that he had some ideas, Anarius was also thinking over what could be done. At the same time, he continued to sense Imperius's discontent. He reached out to his mother to find out why.
"Imperius, what ails you?" Anaurael asked and nuzzled him.
"I already allowed a place of breeding here in Heaven. Now they are insisting for a place of ceremonial bonding!" he growled. At her puzzled look, he sighed. "Recall how you and I spoke of our love for each other when Tyrael wanted to have you as his wife."
"Oh! A place of marriage?" she frowned.
"Yes. I don't like it," he muttered.
"Hmm. Malthael has informed me of the old temple that was found. From the days of the Nephalem. Couldn't they use that as a place of ceremonial vows? It would give the temple a new purpose, and it would still be held sacred. Our Heavenly Host can once again show that the temple is truly needed once more," she smiled. At this, he pondered over it. "And it would keep them from being in Heaven..."
"Ask Malthael to see if the temple can be used for such a purpose," he nodded. She giggled and gave in to the kiss he gave her. She thought to Malthael swiftly, and now, back on Sanctuary, he turned to Tyrael to whisper to him.
"To make this temple a form of a Heavenly wedding chamber..." Tyrael thought aloud.
"Imperius does not wish for such a thing to happen in Heaven. He is already letting much come about. And it would assist in keeping this temple safe," Malthael said.
"Alaric," Tyrael called out.
"Yes, Tyrael?" the ghost asked. The situation was now explained, and the ghost was extremely thoughtful over this. "If we can protect the temple this way...hmm. And angels would come through here once again, too. It would give this temple a new form of purpose."
"So, you approve?" Tyrael chuckled.
"I do! See what you can do. I shall continue to protect the surrounding areas," Alaric nodded and vanished again. Tyrael was already making plans for the Horadrim to visit and make repairs. If it was to become a new wedding hall for angelic pairings, then it would need to be made beautiful and fully restored to its former splendor. Tyrael was able to mentally report to Anaurael to let other angels make the order happen. Once that was done, he refocused on the event before him. The summoning of Cain was getting ready to start.
"I should see if the Council should watch this," Tyrael thought aloud.
"They could, but Imperius is currently with Anaurael. Itherael's offspring needs to take root. Her soul is gaining the essence of Imperius as we speak," Malthael droned out.
"I see. Good! Maybe now he'll finally act a bit more like he should," Tyrael chuckled. "He was suffering for some time."
"As was she," Malthael nodded. Imperael started to walk over, but he paused at an odd sound. On turning to see what it was, he saw a small commotion at the entrance of the temple.
"Tyrael, something is amiss," Imperael said.
"Is it?" Tyrael frowned. Agrius and Izual were quick to come down to assist Imperael. Agrius was quick to cast his defensive spells around them, and Izual was able to match his stride with Imperael.
"You are not worthy to be here!" Alaric thundered at the four thieves that tried to get past him.
"Alaric, we are here to help prove that fact," Izual said and readied Azurewrath. The ghost looked over, laughed, and vanished away. At the sight of Imperael charging over with his massive sword drawn, they ran off quickly.
"They will return," Alaric sighed when he reappeared. "This is most distressing. Ever since the temple has opened, there have been more and more attempts to come here."
"I can assist in closing the doors. The artifacts that opened them have angelic signatures. I can use them to create a way in and out," Agrius said. "Izual, were you here when this temple was built?"
"I was," Izual nodded. "Hmm. So was Ilerael. He should come and see this place, too, when he can. But, as for the two keys, I believe I remember how to remove them. Once I do, you two will need to take them from the shrines."
"Should they go back where they were found?" Alaric asked.
"That is fine. If we need to come here, we can make the correct arrangements," Agrius nodded. Izual agreed to this and moved to the first part of the temple where one circular key was inserted. He focused and pushed in a small lever that would force the pillar it sat in to come up. He went and did the same thing to the other one on the opposite side of the entry bridge.
"I have one!" Imperael said.
"And I hold the other," Agrius said when the large sphere was retrieved.
"Imperael and I can deliver these to their original resting places. Look. The door is already rising," Izual said at the sight of the stone door rising up. Even the bridge seemed to fall back into the water. Agrius had an idea, and he moved to put in careful runic inscriptions that would react to any angel. If the heroes brought their angelic mates with them, the temple would open in a friendly way. For any mortal angels, there would be other guarding angels nearby to let them in. By the time he was done, Imperael and Izual had returned.
"I shall collapse the bridge to the path of the keys," Alaric said. He was quick to do just that. Now he felt much better with the temple being inaccessible to any unworthy ones there.
"We're ready," Zayl said. "And, Humbert, don't mess this up!"
"I already told you that I wouldn't! I know this is important, too," the skull snorted.
"The temple is secure," Izual nodded and stood with Tyrael. "And don't worry. You'll see her again. She knows we all miss seeing her."
"I know," Tyrael sighed and chuckled at the brotherly shoulder squeeze he got. Imperael now watched the Witch Doctors chant. Humbert began to vibrate, as though to send out a small signal. Zayl focused and sent out a small tracer. A thick mist rose up from the circular section of candles, artifacts, and arcane drawings. A green glow, much like a doorway, slowly began to open. Once the door seemed to be opened a good part of the way, Zayl readied himself.
"Deckard Cain! I call on you! Come forth to us!" Zayl commanded. Imperael made himself ready to attack anything that was coming out uninvited. Even Malthael watched in his calm, cold way. A swirling mist now seemed to step out of the door.
"That is not him," Malthael warned.
"If you are not Deckard Cain, you have no permission to appear!" Zayl said in his stern tone. The soul seethed with mistrust, but Moolara's soft chanting urged it to retreat back to the safety of the other world. Several more spirits arrived, but Malthael knew they were not the right ones. Zayl gave one more push, and, at the spirit that appeared, Malthael did not react. This was Cain. The door was closed, and a charm was now pushed into the ghost's misting form to give him an anchor in the world. Zayl was quick to claim it to keep it on him. It would be strengthened later.
"How long...have I been...gone?" the ghost asked in a wavering way. He had a staff, a long robe, and his beard even gave off a sense of intense age. He gave off a smell of old books and ink. It was the scent of an ancient scribe.
"Too long, old friend," Tyrael smiled and nodded. "And it's good to have you back."