Preparations were done almost immediately. Talarine was contacted, and she was eager to help save her lost friend. As they went over their equipment, they realized one thing rather quickly. They were a bit under-geared. They needed stronger armors and weapons. They settle about in New Tristram's coming sunset, but the Nephalem didn't want to proceed any further to ensure that nothing would go wrong.
"Damn!" the Nephalem growled. "I was hoping it wouldn't come to this."
"What do you mean?" Byden asked from where he was sitting and working on Baleful Remnant.
"I have no idea what we will be encountering there. What we have now is good, but..." the champion frowned and sighed. "I wanted to leave now! What we have just won't do."
"Well...what can Greed do for us?" Vincent asked from where he was leaning against a tree nearby. "He helped us before. Right?"
"He did, didn't he?" the Nephalem mused and reached for the mirror in a side pouch.
"Ah-ha?" Gurzick asked when he appeared from a portal.
"Gurzick, thanks for appearing. Greed, we have a problem," the Nephalem sighed.
"Oh? What problem?" Greed asked with a pique of interest.
"We need stronger weapons. Better armor. We need upgrades all over. I have no idea as to what we are going to encounter when we finally step into that monastery. Do you have any ideas?" the champion asked. Gurzick gave a look of intense thought.
"How many of you will be going?" Greed finally asked from the crown.
"A lot of us," Byden said from where he sat.
"Even your other companions?" Greed asked.
"If you mean Kormac, Eirena, and Lyndon, then I'm sure of that, too," the Nephalem nodded.
"Hmm. Well, there is one thing I could do," Greed mused. "I can set up a temporary vault that will have very specific items of interest. You would need to trade me the items you plan to exchange out. We can do it that way. When you are done with the 'loaned' items, you can come back and swap them back out for what you left behind. What do you think?"
"A form of collateral. Okay. I can work with that," Vincent nodded. "You did give me the items I'm using now for weapons. I'm just concerned about the gems in them."
"I can get the gems removed and replaced, if it comes to that. That is simple to do," Greed snorted. "Gather who you must."
"A question for you," Tobirael said when he came down. "Yes, I was watching. Mai is doing very well with my son. My question is, if they can't fight, can they still get upgrades?"
"Oh, there is no problem with that. But, ah, I did have a small favor to ask," Greed chuckled.
"And that is?" the champion asked. Tobirael crossed his arms over his chest to listen in.
"That cube. The powerful item here. Can we try to...change some of my items?" he asked hopefully. "I know such a thing won't be done for free, so, if I don't need the item that emerges, I'll give it to you to use."
"Really? Hmm. That's an...odd request," the Nephalem frowned.
"But it may be beneficial!" Greed giggled.
"I have a few of the components needed. I don't have a lot. It would take time to get the necessary materials to use for the cube. And I know that time is what we don't have," the champion admitted. At the sight of a stark green goblin, there was pause all around.
"I have had this one collecting such things for me. My Odious Collector of odd things. Tell him what you need," Greed chuckled. The green goblin chittered and opened up a bag to show he was ready. With materials now being given over to see what could be done, Byden was suddenly alerted to someone appearing in the distance. He was actually a touch concerned.
"One of my brothers is here. He's...different. If anything. Let me talk to him," the Crusader said and rose up to stand. He felt his angelic partner rest an armored hand on his shoulder to show she was there. He nodded to her. Even she felt his unease. "Nikauriel..."
"I am fine. I will only be here for you," she nodded.
"And Bediverius?" he asked.
"He is watching above us just in case. If you need him, he will gladly come down," she said gently. He nodded with a sigh and rose up to confront his fellow brother in the Crusades.
"Fowke? Is that you?" he asked. The other man's black hair streaked with grey came into view before his eyes did, though it was cut incredibly short. He was also nearly as tall as a Barbarian. As he walked closer in his white armor lined with a golden edging, the odd scars along his face and the back of his head came into view. The scar along his forehead resembled a cross. Even odder was how the scar along his face looked, and that was what always had Byden on edge. It was a form of a sealing to hide away the man's true inner Light.
Even the man's eyes were small with red glints in them, yet evenly spaced apart. His nose was sloped with a slight, broad bump in the middle of the bridge, as though it was broken before, but a bit pointed at the tip. His mouth was small, but only because it was pursed shut. The odd scar on his face would actually trace to where the seal was on his back and hidden under all the armor. It was as though the seal had stretched out to 'cage' the victim down in various ways.
Behind the tall man was a white, furry creature that resembled a yeti, but it was much smaller in stature. It followed him obediently without fail. When the man finally reached them, he set down his heavy shield and sighed. His flail was settled on his back neatly. He looked at Byden and nodded.
"He does not speak?" Nikauriel asked.
"He's not one for much talk," Byden muttered and regarded the man. "So, you're here to help?"
"Yes," Fowke finally muttered out.
"You would think that an angel would have sought him out. But, at the same time, I can see why none have found him suitable," she whispered softly to Byden.
"You see it, too?" Byden sighed. "Well, I won't decline a brother that's willing to help. How's Bumble doing? I see he's doing rather well."
Fowke only nodded at that and smiled slightly at the furry bundle behind him.
"How did you hear of us?" the angelic female asked him.
"I can answer that," Talarine said, as she walked over in her human form. "I came across him in my travels. We became friends, and I told him about the evil down below the cathedral. He wanted to help right away. I felt we could benefit from it."
"I know we can. If anything...well...we'll see how it goes," Byden nodded. Tobirael noticed something odd right away with how Byden was reacting. He walked over calmly.
"I wanted to talk to you a bit over what we need to do," the angelic male said.
"Sure," Byden smiled. He didn't expect to have a heavy hand set on his arm to teleport him to Heaven. Now that he was in a private chamber with Tobirael and Nikauriel, the glance was given to talk. "Okay. Fowke...is a very odd case. He was tormented by Templars in the past."
"Hmm. And that scar. It's not a scar," Tobirael said.
"No. It's a seal. It binds in his inner Light. It's why I have...questionable means about him," Byden hung his head and shook it slightly. "He means well. But..."
"Is there a way to break the seal?" his angelic partner asked.
"There is. Either through a Templar ritual, or if he really wants to break it. He has the Light within him that's enough to overpower it. It just...makes me wonder if he really wants to keep the seal. Any Crusader can overcome any curse. We have the will and the training for it. We saw how Willis cured himself of his nightmares. He overcame his ordeals. Fowke knows how to do this, too. But, he is not utilizing the training that was given to him. And it's intense training, too. To me, he doesn't want his burden lifted. His full name is Fowke Traitor."
"Traitor?!" Tobirael said with a bit shock.
"Exactly. I don't know why his Master Fowke picked him to be an apprentice. I don't recall this one ever having a name before Fowke, though we no longer are known for our original names when we take up our places to replace those in the Crusade. I can see this man has potential. But, I don't think he has a Light that's strong enough to repel the hatred that's branded on him. I doubt even Anarius would want to see about helping him. If anything, I do want to see what he can help us with. He has the training. He has the focus. But, I don't think he lacks the discipline to hone his Light properly," Byden said with a bleak look.
"Why the name Traitor?" he asked.
"From what I was told long ago, he tried to stop an apprentice Paladin from beating another innocent child. Of course, he was held accountable for 'saving a demon', and the branding was placed on him in his youth. Early teens, I think. He found his Master while trying to steal for survival. That may be why he was quickly trained in the Crusader arts. I believe his Master recognized the seal and wanted to help him find a way to remove it on his own. But...I feel that..."
"He wants to keep the seal," Tobirael seemed to shake his head with disgust. "Well, we'll see how this goes. I'll be watching over all of you. And, you know I'm going to want to see this new vault room! Mai needs new weapons."
"She has you, doesn't she?" Nikauriel chuckled.
"True. But, she does want to try and help as backup, if need be," he chuckled back.
"Now that I can understand," Byden grinned slightly. He was taken back down to New Tristram after that, but Malthael was close by to ask his questions now. At how he was glanced at, he winced. "Ah, yes, Malthael? How can I assist?"
"I am only...curious..." Malthael said and sided next to him. Nikauriel looked over to show that she was able to hear and see him, too, and she nodded to keep silent. As Byden's mate, Malthael allowed her in on the discussion. "As you have touched Anaurael's mark, you can see and hear me. But, I am only speaking with you to be heard by you alone. Say nothing about me being here. Mutter, if you must, as I can hear you perfectly. I want to know. This...companion of yours. He is corrupted by Mephisto. And...you trust him?"
"His Light is bound. He can find a way out on his own," Byden muttered lightly.
"But...he chooses to cling to hate?" Malthael asked with amusement.
"I'm hoping this mission will help him through that," Byden admitted.
"But, you hold doubts. I should cull him."
"No. He has no apprentice. The name of Fowke will be lost."
"Hmm. Fine. If he does not let go of the hatred after this mission, then I am sure the Angiris Council would like to...vote...on his life."
"Great..." Byden grimaced.
"He is tainted with the power of a Prime Evil. Do not think that any of us in the High Heavens would let such a thing go unnoticed. He should have remained hidden. The wolf girl was unwise to bring him here. But, we will judge his actions," Malthael droned out and vanished away.
"I'd say that all angels see us as demons, but...he has a point," the Crusader mumbled.
"He is correct. He would not be able to be around Anaurael, if he was truly tainted with the power of a Prime Evil. You know how you react around him even now. You cringe at this one's very presence. So, we will have to hope that he will be able to reach into his own inner Light to overcome his ordeals. Now, come. We should get some better weapons and armors," she said and pat his shoulder.
"I really do wonder if Anarius could help him. I want to see this mission through first. And, why are you poking at my armor like that?!" he growled at her.
"You have a broken chain link here. I think you need to be upgraded. Heavily," she said.
"I don't have a...oh. I guess I do! Drat! All right. You win. Let's go," he sighed and shook his head once again from everything. Vincent gave a small glance at Byden to nod. And Byden didn't fail to notice how the Demon Hunter completely ignored Fowke. Even when Jozin appeared at the call for new possible gear, he gave a glance of surprise at the new Crusader. He sided over to Byden swiftly to show his complete concern.
"Why does he appear to be bound down with hatred?" the Monk asked Byden softly.
"Youthful romp with Paladins. I am hoping he will overcome it," Byden muttered back.
"Ah. If you need help, I shall assist," Jozin nodded.
"Thanks," Byden smiled and nodded back. When Kalgor appeared, he took an odd glance a Fowke, spat on the ground, and trudged past him. At the sight of Lamb following him, the Barbarian gave a small glance to 'pay the new Crusader no mind' to the boy. Lamb only nodded with a small frown and followed his benefactor. Even Lou-yu seemed to pause with a bit of surprise, and his Mimic seemed to chitter with confusion at what it sensed. Finally, after Sohar appeared and gave his own look of shock, Talarine walked over to Byden.
"Why are they acting like this?" she frowned. Byden sighed and whispered to her about the seal. Her jaw dropped, and she soon found Xypherius standing behind her.
"I told you so," he muttered in her ear. "You knew it. You just didn't want to believe it."
"He's a good person! I mean..." she trembled.
"I know. But...we'll see what happens," he said and squeezed her shoulders with affection. Only after they left the area did Fowke walk over to Byden with Bumble at his heels.
"You...told them?" Fowke asked.
"You know I had no choice in it. When dealing with the High Heavens, there is never a choice. They think you are tainted with the hatred of Mephisto. I am...trying to buy you time to prove yourself," Byden said carefully. "The angels want you dead."
"Why?! I do no wrong!" the man growled.
"You don't, but, at the same time, you have not tried to lift the seal from yourself. Your Master would have trained you in how to do it! You haven't yet. That's why."
"I..." Fowke swallowed and looked away.
"And that's why you won't lift it. Until you can prove to yourself that your Light is pure and untainted, you will never lift that seal. And I doubt a simple ritual can help you. And don't think about running. The angels know about you now. They will hunt you down easily. The taint of hatred will always lead them to you. What I'm hoping for is this. I want this mission to help you. It's a rescue mission. Not an ordinary one, either. Just keep that in mind. Many of our Order have always seen you differently. It's time to prove to them, and to yourself, that you can overcome your ordeals."
"I'll...I'll do what I can," Fowke nodded.
"You say you are a man of your word. You can keep a promise to others. This I know. But, can you keep a promise to yourself? A vow to find a way to lift this seal?"
"Yes. I can."
"Good. Because, I would hate to see the name of Fowke crossed off our list of brothers and sisters," Byden said bleakly. "We've lost too many already."
"If you can overcome your seal, I am sure an angelic female of the High Heavens will find you suitable. It's what happened with me when I saw Byden," Nikauriel chuckled softly.
"Um...?" Fowke gave a puzzled look.
"She's my wife," Byden smiled a bit tightly and nodded. "No, I'm not going to explain it. Break your seal. Then you'll find out."
Fowke frowned hard at this. My life will be over, if I can't find a way to be rid of this damned seal! Moving to pick up Bumble, he carried his companion over to where the portal was waiting from Gurzick and followed the others in. When his eyes adjusted, he could only gasp at the massive display of wealth that littered the small cave.
What Greed decided to do was empty out one of his massive vaults to make the room. Of course, not all of the items were removed. Coins still covered the floor. Gold necklaces and chains hung from every corner and rock crevice of the room. Jars filled with more coins, gems, and jewelry pieces seemed to line the walls and stack up along them, too. In a pile in the center were a bunch of various armors and weapons for them to sort through. As Kalgor moved to pick up a massive sword, the Nephalem glanced over at the three mercenaries close by. It was a wary glance to ensure that nothing was stolen.
"This has got to be the best wet dream ever!" Lyndon said with shivers and jittery movements of excitement. Then Kormac leaned over to smack him on the back of the head. "Ow! Stop it! Why did you do that?!"
"Because we have to focus!" the large man snapped at him. "I don't think it would be easy to steal from here, anyways. I just want to get a better sword and shield."
"I could use a new ring," Eirena beamed. "I still have my staff. It's the best!"
"Byden! I found your shield," Nikauriel said and handed him a shield that appeared to be a solid gold angel in an compact form. Gurzick was quick to appear and giggle.
"That is called Frydehr's Wrath. That Deckard fellow was kind enough to tell me!" Greed said from the crown. "And, no, I will not join you here. I'll have Gurzick continue to work for me."
"You need a new chest plate, too. Ah! I think this is part of an intricate armor set. Is it not?" she asked and pulled up an intricately made gold breastplate for him. Byden's jaw dropped.
"Akkhan's breastplate. By the Light..." he said with a small gasp.
"And it goes with your Champion skill. You know..." she said and whispered to him. Once again, he blushed a vibrant crimson.
"Later!" he said quickly and coughed. "Anyways, there are six pieces of his armor in full. I'm not sure if we can find the rest."
"There is too much to sort through. No, don't try to help," Lou-yu frowned at the Mimic when it clacked at him. At this said, several Greed Goblins portaled in to quickly part out the tricky pile into an easier way to view them. Mai was soon there to help look things over, and she was quick to pick up a set of gloves that belonged to Tal Rasha. Tobirael was quick to help her claim them. He knew their son was fine up in Heaven, as he was being watched with Anaurael's children, but he knew that Mai would worry over him soon enough.
Talarine was quite pleased with a sword she found. At the electrical current it gave off, she was told it was called Fulminator. Vincent found himself going over two pieces of armors that clearly went to different sets. One was a set of distinctly black pants. The other was an intricate shoulder piece that looked like demonic spikes were coming from them with an eerie, red glow.
"Hmm. This one...would make me better at throwing knives, but I like my bows," Vincent mused aloud. "This one...yes. The shoulder piece. I'll need to find more parts of the Marauder's guise. Not only would it help with my sentries, but it would help my companions, too. I think my clan at home has another part. I'll have to check. There are a few sets like these made, but the parts were scattered for safety. I know there are various parts and pieces from the other sets that I'll want to keep. Each one is beneficial to me. Zyn. No. Go to Heaven."
"No. I'm here to help you. Greed," Zynaurael said lightly to get his attention. "I really think that Vincent needs a complete set of armor to help with. What would we need to do?"
"I can make an arrangement," Greed chuckled. At the sight of Izarius appearing, all attention was given to him quickly.
"Greed, Anaurael will Sing for you, if you let them keep what they need," Izarius said.
"Oh! Well...we had an agreement..." Greed seemed to grumble.
"It's fine. I can stick to the agreement. I'll see this as a bit of a personal storage chest, and I'll even leave what I don't need here. Where else would it be safer, other than in Heaven?" Lou-yu chuckled. The others quickly agreed to this.
"Then she will Sing to ensure that you can help them find the other parts," Izarius said.
"That can work! Tell me when she will Sing!" Greed said quickly.
"And, as for you," Izarius said to turn to glance at Fowke. "You had best figure out where your loyalties lie. Byden will not be able to protect you forever. Until you can prove to yourself that you are truly one with the Light, you may find yourself with Solarion at your throat. You have been warned. The taint of a Prime Evil is on you. Find a way to remove it. Quickly."
"I know," Fowke mumbled.
"Oh. What was created from the cube?" Jozin asked.
"Ah! We have created a number of items!" Greed said with excitement. Various swords, armors, and even a few jewelry pieces were carefully brought in. Eirena was able to claim a ring called Krede's Flame that gave her more power if she was immersed in fire. Kormac was able to swap out his sword for a powerful, silver sword that sparked lightning.
"I think this one will work," he chuckled.
"Good choice! That one is called Thunderfury!" Greed giggled. Then he seemed to pause. "I never knew where that sword really came from. It looks something unlike one would find here. I must think on it more later. I did get it created from the cube, so it could be something else. Hmm..."
"And this shield! Sure, it's not much to look at, but I know it would work," the ex-Templar grinned, as he pulled out a shield made of boards, steel nails, and heavy chain links under it all.
"Yes. That one...eh...ah! Denial. Not too bad of a creation," Greed giggled.
"That shield would even help me out! So, if you find something better, or if I do for you, we can trade," Byden grinned. Kormac laughed and nodded heartily. As the pile was sorted through a bit more, a very intricate shield was revealed that caught the new Crusader's complete attention.
"That shield!" Fowke gaped. "I..."
"Yes?" Greed asked while Gurzick regarded him. The shield that was found looked like leather wrapped around spikes. But, there was one section of the upper left that was formed into an opened circle. It was made in an angled way to help cut through the wind on a horse. The only difference was that it looked older. And a lot more powerful.
"I...have looked for...um..." he sighed hard.
"You need the shield?" Byden smiled slightly.
"Yes. Can I?" he asked.
"You would have to leave your old shield here, as part of the trade," Greed said. "This shield, as that Deckard fellow told me, is called Shield of the Steed. It's part of a sister set."
"I have the other part. My flail," Fowke said.
"Ahh!" Greed said and had Gurzick hop over to take the shield away. "Then...let's do a bargain. Yes? Are you interested?"
"What bargain?" Fowke had to ask. The others now looked over curiously.
"I know I have been overhearing about your...condition," Greed chuckled. "So, if you remove your curse, I shall give you the shield. Granted, you could trade it, as you have a lesser version, apparently. Unless I'm wrong. But, if you want to simply keep it as a parting gift of trust, I could do that. Anyways, that is my bargain."
"I already vowed to do what I can," the Crusader muttered. At the small poke to his leg from Bumble, he found himself smiling. "Okay. It will be done that much more."
"A vow will mean nothing, if it is not honored. Just remember that," Izarius said calmly from where he still stood. "Prove to yourself on what you want to prove to us."
Fowke simply nodded now. Then he looked over at the small jar of many eyes that Sohar found. Henri mewed from where he was carried, as though to remind him that he was there. At this, the Witch Doctor chuckled and said, "Do not worry, my friend. You will always be of value. This can help me with distances from where I cannot see. The gaze from these eyes will benefit us."
"You should leave the animal here in trade," Greed hinted. At the sad, wide-eyed look that Henri gave, Sohar found himself laughing softly.
"I have another item that I can trade," Sohar said and withdrew a long stick that showed it was a home to a nasty nest of stinging locusts.
"Now...who in their right mind would take that nasty, oozing, vermin-filled nest and think 'This was exactly what I was hoping to carry around all day'?" Lyndon asked with disbelief.
"The same one that keeps a Lyndon outside of a Bogadile's gut," Sohar grinned. At the look Lyndon gave next, they all had to stop and laugh outright.
"Oh...whatever!" Lyndon sighed. "Where is my crossbow?"
"Oh, it's here. But...can you carry it out?" Greed giggled and had Gurzick gesture to where it was along the wall. Lyndon now moved and stared at how the solid gold crossbow, nearly as long as his arm, was encrusted with all sorts of gems. When he tried to lift it, he nearly stumbled over himself. Greed had clearly made it nearly impossible to move around with, much less wield as a proper weapon.
"I can't use this as a weapon!" he whined. "I can hardly move it! Why is it so heavy?!"
"Well, it is solid gold. It was made as a decoration. Did you want it hollow?" Greed snickered.
"I can't even display this, much less use it!" he argued. "I want it, but I can't take it! Ugh."
"I may be able to help you. But, you'll owe me a favor," Mai said with a small smile.
"Oh? And, ah...what favor...would this be?" Lyndon asked with a dashing smile.
"I may need a babysitter every now and then..." she started. At his look of hurt, Tobirael seemed to glare at him. "Then again, I wouldn't want my child around you! So, you would have to help me steal something when the time comes. You're a bit of a thief, right? I'm sure you could do it."
"Oh? That's all? What would I steal?" he asked.
"You'd have to travel back to the Yshari Sanctum. And it won't be an easy theft," she warned.
"What would you have him steal?" the Nephalem asked.
"It's a weapon called Wizardspike. It's a very powerful dagger that can give off the same effect as my Frozen Orb spell. It's ingrained into the dagger. It would help me out a lot if you could get it. Also, because it's a dagger, nearly anyone can use it and have a Wizard class spell," she smiled softly. Izarius was quite intrigued by this dagger now.
"And...how would you help me?" Lyndon asked.
"I can inscribe a levitation spell on the crossbow. It's easy to etch in the spell. Gold is a soft metal, so it may hold the spell just fine. If it was silver, it would hold it even better. But, it will still work. So, you help me, and I'll help you. Deal?" she asked.
"Oh, very well. I suppose I can help you out in exchange for a solution for my...trouble," he said with a forced smile. "Of course, if there was something else I could readily supply..."
"It will be declined," Tobirael warned and placed a hand on Mai's waist. Lyndon pursed his mouth shut and nodded to wisely back down.
"Now, why don't you just ask me to do it?" Greed seemed to pout.
"I want to see how far he'll go for help first," she winked at the Greed Goblin. That had Greed howling with laughter in agreement.
"And remember. You said I could have your crossbow in exchange," Vincent smirked. "Hmm?"
"Here!" Gurzick said and handed him another Manticore that was much, much older than the one that Lyndon had. That meant it had a lot more firepower. Vincent was stammering with surprise. Then a large emerald was handed to him to put in the old socket it had.
"What would he leave in trade?" Zynaurael asked.
"He could leave the sister pair I lent him long ago," Greed said.
"I've grown attached to them. They really do help me. I'd leave the one that Zyn had made for me, but that one also works for me, too. I'm at a loss," the Demon Hunter frowned.
"Can he find something to give you in trade later?" Zynaurael asked.
"Hmm. Well...very well. I'll accept that," Greed said.
"But...if I don't find something..." he frowned.
"Haedrig could make something," she whispered to him. That had him raise his brows at the idea. "Then we could see if the cube could do something with what he makes."
"We'll do that," he nodded. "But...if it makes something that I could use..."
"As long as we have the items, it will work out," she chuckled. He nodded and continued to test the weight of his new crossbow. Jozin and Kalgor were testing out what weapons they found. Lamb spotted something and pulled out a set of greaves.
"I think this can help you!" he said to Kalgor.
"Hmm. I don't...yes! Yes, it could!" Kalgor grinned and studied them. "This is part of the attire from one of our Immortal Kings. Our first Immortal King. His name was Worusk. He was a great leader, and well-worth his respect from how he united us for a brief point in time. He was just as respected as Bul-Kathos. In fact, his armor was supposed to have been crafted with the ability to call forth the three warriors that defended our people long ago. I think I need to find the rest of it. If we could call my ancient brethren down to help us, we would be unstoppable!
"His weapon was a massive axe called Boulder Breaker. His belt was just as impressive. All of his armor was. As I am now a leader of my tribe, it would be fitting to get the rest of his armor. If I can find the pieces, it will show that I may be able to unite them together once more. Time has spread the pieces apart, though. It will be hard to find them."
"The child will Sing for me to ensure that I can do what I can for you. Leave that to me," Greed said calmly. "And, ah, you? What did you find?"
"I have found the impossible!" Jozin said at the glowing blue daibo in his hands now. "This is from one of my thousand gods. Her name is Inna. She is one with the sky and with our very world. She can assist me with granting more aid to all of you with the calling of elemental allies."
"And is the armor of the same color?" Greed asked.
"I believe so," Jozin nodded.
"Good. Easy to find, then. And what of you?" Greed asked Lou-yu.
"I was never good with fire. Not until Kylariel came along. But...um...I may get even better, if I can find the rest of this set," he said and displayed the floating, spinning, flaming ball that was contained in his hand. "You could say that this orb is a form of a super-spun energy gyre. It can contain thermal and arcane energies for very long periods of time, as it spins. If I reverse the spin, then I can unleash all of this energy at once for drastic effects. It may also save my life, if I can find the rest of the armor that can help disperse the energy safely."
"That's from the Firebird archives!" Mai gasped with delight. "I read of them when I was a little girl! It truly does exist?! I mean...wow!"
"Yes. It appears to be the case," he chuckled. "I also heard of a master Mage named Delsere. He crafted armor for one of our most powerful Mages, a woman named Li-Ming. That armor would also help us, if we could find it."
"Delsere. He was almost as mad as Kulle!" Mai shivered.
"No. Nothing is madder than Kulle," the Nephalem smirked. "Well...Malthael could take the cake, now that I think about it."
"Quiet!" Kormac scowled at the Nephalem's grinning face. "We don't need him coming back around here! Huh?"
He turned around quickly, but it was to see Kartha appearing with Xypherael. She waved at them all and moved to help sort through the weapons. Glancing at the two pieces that Vincent found, she was in complete shock. "You found those here?!"
"Yes," he grinned at her. "It was agreed that I could take them and give over other things in return. I'm sure I could find something else."
"Well, I'm sure I can find something," she huffed and moved to look along the jars that lined the walls. It was here that she paused and pulled out a ring. "Oh...my word..."
"What did you find?" Xypherael asked.
"Vincent, do you remember Natalia?" she grinned.
"Ah...I've heard of her. Wait...no!" he said with disbelief.
"Yes! I found her ring!" she said with excitement.
"Damn! Well, maybe we can exchange things, if we need to," he mused. "We would both benefit from anything we find."
"You would wear a woman's cloak?" Kartha grinned at him. Now Zynaurael looked at him.
"Shut up," Vincent warned his angelic partner. "And cloaks can be altered."
"Why do that? I think it would amusing-" Zynaurael started before pausing at the slight touch he made to that little part of her back that always made her go speechless. Now she turned to give the sensation of a heated glare at his small grin. "That's cheating."
"I know," he grinned a bit more.
"And now we are done here," she growled and grabbed him before he could complain to teleport them to their room in Heaven. Kartha barked out laughter at the whole thing.
"You're starting to show a bit. So, we'll be backup support like Mai," Xypherael chuckled.
"He didn't leave something in trade!" Greed scowled from Gurzick's crown.
"I'm sure he will later," Izarius laughed softly. "We find items all the time, too. So don't worry. All right, I need to head back. Let me know when you plan to continue the rescue mission."
"We will," the Nephalem nodded. After Izarius teleported away, Greed mused over everything that was happening. He did look over at Sohar's sigh of disappointment.
"I cannot find anything of means for me," the Witch Doctor said with a shrug. "Hmm. Ah! I do have an idea. Moolara gifted me with her power to reach those of the Unformed Land."
"Huh?" Gurzick asked. Then he giggled with delight at the sight of the Fetish warriors appearing with the two pieces of old armor donned. Sohar hooted to them at what they were to find, and they tackled the armor to search it. They knew what to look for, and they soon gave him a helmet that they discovered at the very bottom of the pile. He was in complete shock.
"Moolara may benefit from this more than I. This helmet belonged to one known as Jeram. He sought vengeance against all that slew his family using the very beasts and creatures around him. He used evil to defeat evil. It was a terrible cost to those that crossed him. And a cost to himself," Sohar sighed with a shake of his head. "I mainly focus more with spirits than animals."
"And what of the Bogadile?" Byden asked.
"An exception," he chuckled. As they laughed and continued to sort through the pile, Greed was already ensuring that Lyndon's mission for Mai was going to be extremely challenging by raising the alarm the moment the scoundrel attempted anything. He also had the shield that Fowke wanted hung up high on the wall, as a constant reminder of his bargain. When Sohar found a set of green jade gloves that greatly amplified his magic for spiritual harvesting, it showed what armor pieces his minions would be looking for to help out. He liked being busy. It meant he was going to be getting some new things soon.
When it came to the attention of Fowke, he was curious as to why a man would keep hatred from a Prime Evil. While the new Crusader was busy paying attention to Bumble, he knew he was going to be watched. Even now, he was trying to recall his prior trainings. It was like Byden said. There was no choice in it. Nothing can hide from the High Heavens for long once they are aware of a problem ready to arise. Even now, he felt the seal like an itching burn in his back. If there was a way to remove it, then he had to find out. Fast.