by Leo Ndelle
“I thought you were going to look for me,” Kazuk’s voice startled her so much she teleported a few feet away and took battle stance.
“Easy, my love,” Kazuk said soothingly. “This is no way to thank the one who helped save your son’s life.”
Lithilia relaxed and let her hands drop to her sides. She stared at Kazuk, as if he was a mirage or a figment of her imagination. For the first time in a very long time, Lithilia was speechless. It was his smile that was the final confirmation that she really was gazing upon her husband. And then, it hit her. As much as she was deeply worried for her son and Ahben, deep down, she was also very worried about Kazuk. She immediately teleported into his arms and hugged him like she had never hugged him before.
“I thought…” Lithilia said and her voice trailed off. “You were gone.”
“‘Gone’ as in abandoned you or as in I was dead?” Kazuk asked playfully.
Lithilia gently peeled away from Kazuk but stayed close. She gazed lovingly into his eyes and gave him the first and most genuinely passionate kiss she had ever given him since they became a couple.
“Both… my love,” Lithilia said, retracting her lips from his.
And this time, she meant it. Lithilia did love Kazuk. Maybe not as much as she loved Michael, but she loved Kazuk anyway. The love was real and true. She knew Kazuk could feel the change because, for the first time since they became a couple, Kazuk smiled from his eyes and the glint in his eyes were the most beautiful she had ever seen. They bonded, as if it was the first time they had ever bonded. There were no ulterior motives. There was no scheming. She did not bond with him out of duty. She bonded with him because she wanted to, because she loved him and loved him with her body, heart and soul.
“Thank you, Kazuk,” Lithilia said, as their naked bodies lay sprawled on the ground and pressed against each other’s. “Thank you so much.”
“You are quite welcome, Lithilia,” Kazuk replied.
“I am happy you are…” Lithilia hesitated, not knowing which word to use.
She wanted to say ‘I am happy you are here,’ but she thought it would sound selfish and right now, she neither wanted to sound or feel selfish at all; especially not after what Kazuk had just done for her. She wanted to say ‘I am happy you are alive,’ but even that sounded a little selfish in a way.
“Here?” Kazuk offered.
Lithilia seized her moment and had it both ways.
“And alive!” Lithilia added.
Kazuk nodded and Lithilia nestled against his chest and closed her eyes. It was a feeling she had long forgotten.
“So this is what being an outcast feels like,” Kazuk spoke after a moment of silence. “Hell wants our heads, Celestia wants my head-”
“And Earth wants mine!” Lithilia interjected. “Seems like all we have now is each other, Kazuk.”
“It would seem that way, Lithilia,” Kazuk agreed. “It would seem that way.”
“What do we do now?” she asked.
“Enjoy this moment,” Kazuk replied.
“Wise words, my love,” Lithilia concurred.
Lithilia rolled Kazuk on his back and straddled him. She met his loving stare with one of hers. In that moment, everything about her was different. Even when she closed her eyes, leaned forward and kissed him softly at first on the lips, she was different. The kiss turned passionate. She hugged Kazuk tightly and pressed her body against his. When she felt he was ready, she took him in. The bonding was ecstatic and she climaxed repeatedly until at last, she climaxed together with him. She rolled away from his body, lay next to him and relaxed in his arms.
“We really must come up with a strategy,” Lithilia said with eyes still shut.
“Indeed, but we have more important things to address for now,” Kazuk said. “Like finding your son.”
“Honey, my son disowned me,” Lithilia said quietly.
Kazuk could feel the sadness in her voice. More importantly, he could feel the genuineness in her voice when she addressed him as ‘honey’.
“All I’ve ever done, all I’ve ever lived for, was, has been and forever will be for my son,” Lithilia continued as silent tears trickled from the corners of her eyes. “He does not want to understand that! I think he really does hate me now.”
“I disagree, my love,” Kazuk tried to comfort her. “He may be very angry with you but given recent events and what is to come, I think he’ll be willing to put aside his quarrel with you at least for now. I admit that I know nothing about parenting but being with you has provided a lot of insight about the ‘human’ side of Creation.”
Lithilia was quite surprised to experience this side of Kazuk, which was a sweet aberration from the ruthless, over-ambitious, masterminding personality she was so used to seeing.
“Thank you, honey,” Lithilia said.
Lithilia kissed Kazuk on the cheek and mopped her tears away. She sat up and stretched her naked form. Kazuk sat up with her.
“You’re right,” she added. “I’ll seek Cahen out and fix our differences.”
“And I will be working on a strategy for us while you do that,” Kazuk chimed in. “I’ll let you know when I have something in mind. I’m hoping sooner than later. Where is your son now, if I may ask?”
“I’m picking up his esoteric signature on Earth Realm,” she replied.
“Good! We’ll reconvene later at a location of our choosing,” Kazuk said and rose to his feet.
Suddenly a strange foreboding overtook him. Lithilia felt the same.
“Two for the reward of one,” a familiar voice called out from behind them.
Kazuk and Lithilia turned around and their guess was confirmed.
“Metatron will be so pleased,” Chiram said as her body appeared behind two red-glowing orbs.
Kazuk summoned a spiked mace in his right hand and Lithilia became an orange-red flaming form. Husband and wife took battle stance. Chiram chuckled.
“You really think I came alone,” Chiram growled and hundreds of hounds appeared behind hundreds of pairs of red-glowing eyes.
“Remember, hounds,” Chiram said. “Metatron wants them alive!”
The hounds all howled in unison and charged at the fugitive couple.
CHAPTER SEVEN
UPGRADED
SHI’MON FLUNG HIS arms around Yeshua’s neck. It had been 2,000 years since he last saw his mentor and the timing could not have been more perfect. With the recent trend of events, he was feeling more overwhelmed and helpless by the hour. The Twins and the Bright Eyes. The Sinisters had been wiped out but Maduk had become an ally, thanks to Miryam. Her bond with Maduk was a shocker to them all, including Sarael. But even with his esoteric upgrade after his trip to the Shadow of the Soul and Yehuda becoming a temporary embodiment of Kundalini, Shi’mon and his team were still no match for Beelzebub, The Beast. Well, thank the heavens for Eliel, their ally from Celestia, and Michael. And then, there was Patrick.
Patrick was only supposed to be someone ‘special’ he would groom into his future successor, when he decided it was time to depart from Earth Realm. Patrick had indeed become his protégé and a lot more. Shi’mon never imagined he would love Patrick like the son he never had. And yet, he did. The last time Shi’mon ever shed a tear was about 2000 years ago, when his family was killed in the most violent earthquake in Jerusalem’s history. He was convinced nothing could hurt him anymore; that he was immune to pain, until Patrick’s esoteric signature had suddenly disappeared. Satan, formerly called Prince Natas, was Patrick’s ultimate test as well as a final conclusion to the story that was Patrick. Shi’mon’s psyche festered in the hindsight of different courses of actions he could have taken, and with each alternative, the outcome was the same.
Patrick had to face Satan by himself. He did succeed in his mission and paid the ultimate price. Was there a way to bring Patrick back? If only Patrick’s body could be found, then maybe the breath of life could restore Patrick’s soul. But Patrick was just… gone, and was never,
ever coming back!
Miryam and Marissa were also great additions to the family. Their talents were a little superior to those of the other apprentices including his, Shi’mon’s. But even Miryam could not help Yehuda. Miryam’s and Sarael’s purposes eluded him for now. But he understood they had major roles to play in the cosmic plan. He would do what he did best; lead. He would protect and defend his family despite the odds stacking against them. After fallen archangels, who was next? And will he and his team be ready?
“It is great to see you, Master,” Shi’mon was overwhelmed with joy.
“Likewise, brother,” Yeshua replied.
He placed a reassuring hand on Shi’mon’s shoulder. Shi’mon nodded. He understood that Yeshua had always been around, though Yeshua had always been out of sight.
“It is getting tougher by the day, Master,” Shi’mon confessed.
“I know, brother,” Yeshua said. “I can tell.”
“I do not know what to do next or how to handle the next wave of attacks,” Shi’mon added. “We cannot even handle an archangel without all of us pitching in. And if Yehuda does not switch to Kundalini-mode, then we are doomed.”
“Is that your biggest concern?” Yeshua asked calmly.
“Yehuda is dying,” Shi’mon added with a heavy dose of sadness.
“Anything else?” Yeshua prompted.
“No, Master,” Shi’mon replied.
“So basically you are concerned about how useless you feel and your inability to handle other creatures from higher dimensions, none of whom have attacked yet?” Yeshua asked.
It felt like a rhetorical question but Shi’mon replied regardless.
“Yes, master,” Shi’mon said. “I doubt my ability to lead.”
“I am here because it is time for your next level of evolution, brother,” Yeshua said. “Your essence called out to mine without you even realizing it and that can only happen when you are ready for the next level of your evolution.”
“I am not sure I follow you, Master,” Shi’mon said.
“You have been evolving, consciously and unconsciously,” Yeshua explained. “As your evolution progresses, you connect more to Creation’s consciousness. Creation’s consciousness in turn presents you with situations that will aid in your growth. I am here right now because Creation’s consciousness wanted me to.”
“I understand now, Master,” Shi’mon said.
“Very well,” Yeshua said. “But before we proceed, your brain, heart and body must first of all undergo a slight physical transformation so that you will be able to acclimate to your new upgrade.”
“I am ready whenever you are, Master,” Shi’mon declared.
Shi’mon’s unwavering faith and trust in his mentor made Yeshua smile.
“You did well in the Shadow of the Soul, by the way,” said Yeshua.
“Thank you, Master,” Shi’mon sighed. “Although, I must give the credit to Yehuda. He sacrificed himself for me and look what that did to him.”
“Yes, brother,” Yeshua concurred. “His sacrifice was a most amazing deed. He truly has become the first in Creation to resurrect from true death, thanks to Kundalini. And his situation is not an esoteric curse or ailment.”
“What is it then, Master?” Shi’mon asked.
“It is an upgrade like no creature has ever experienced,” Yeshua replied. “I have been researching into his situation and have found nothing to help shed some light on it. But I know this much; it happened for a purpose and eventually, that purpose will come to fruition.”
“Even if it means him losing his life?” Shi’mon asked rhetorically.
“Yes,” Yeshua replied.
There was a moment of silence.
“Thank you for being there for Sarael, brother,” Yeshua said.
“Of course, Master,” Shi’mon said. “She’s my ‘niece’, remember?”
“I know it has not been easy at all for her, but she will come to understand the reason for my actions,” Yeshua added.
“She does have a special part to play, doesn’t she?” Shi’mon asked.
“Indeed and her mother must be there every step of the way,” Yeshua agreed. “Sarael is strong and may even think she is ready. But there is something that she must address before she can be fully ready.”
Shi’mon nodded despite Yeshua speaking in circles.
“Permission to cheat, Master!” Shi’mon grinned mischievously.
“Permission granted!” Yeshua replied and laughed as well.
“Do you know how everything plays out? And if you do, could you tell me, please?” Shi’mon asked.
Shi’mon knew his attempt to get his mentor to divulge such information was pointless. Yet, he tried anyway, to lighten the mood.
“I will say this much,” Yeshua said and stopped.
Shi’mon watched Yeshua close his eyes and become still. He waited, expecting something surreal or magical to happen. Nothing. Shi’mon was confused but remained patient. Six minutes later, Shi’mon became restless but when he saw Yeshua grin, he realized his mentor was just messing with him. Both men laughed so hard that for a moment, Shi’mon forgot about his concerns.
Then suddenly, Shi’mon felt his mentor’s right palm on his forehead and his entire private chamber became engulfed in a black oblivion. He, too, felt his being become sucked into this black oblivion in which he now floated weightlessly. He closed his eyes and waited, trusting his mentor with all that he was and all that he had. Shi’mon felt a gentle push on his forehead and he began to freefall backwards into the oblivion. He accelerated in what felt like a bottomless pit of nothingness and he was unafraid. The more he accelerated into the oblivion, the more he let go of all that he believed himself to be: his body, mind and psyche. The more he let go, the more he accelerated until a sudden glaring, non-blinding luminescence forced him to open his eyes and his freefall ended.
Shi’mon was now floating weightlessly in a white oblivion. This was not the Shadow of the Soul. It felt different. Shi’mon closed his eyes again. He felt no distinction between what he used to consider himself and this level of existence he found himself in. All was one and all was no-thing. There was only a certain… presence. Shi’mon hovered in this luminescent… presence… and waited.
“In death, there is life and in life, there is new life,” said an omnipresent, sexless voice. “Welcome, to a new life, mortal creature. In here, your present form will be transmuted into something much higher than you are accustomed to. Here, you will evolve to levels that most of your kind has never experienced before.”
Shi’mon felt the power from this entity with the sexless voice and his natural reaction was to prostrate himself.
“Rise and open your eyes, mortal creature!” the entity commanded.
Shi’mon did as he had been commanded. The form of a creature slowly began manifesting out of the white nothingness. At first, Shi’mon could not tell what the creature was but as the manifestation proceeded, Shi’mon could see that it was the most magnificent and majestic-looking lion he had ever seen. On its four legs, it stood at over seven feet tall. Its fur and mane were so smooth and pristine that they glowed with a brightness that dwarfed the brightness of a thousand Solaras. Shi’mon met the lion’s eyes and stared into the essence of this entity as it took slow, majestic steps towards him. Never before had he beheld or perceived such beauty!
“Behold the epitome of royalty from your realm,” the sexless voice said. “Behold a creature of pride and glory. Behold the facilitator of your upgrade. Underneath the lion’s paw lies the key to unlocking the hidden treasures you seek within yourself, the key to revealing your true nature in the purest form possible.”
As it spoke, Shi’mon took a knee and felt the lion’s paw on his forehead.
“And when you hear the lion’s roar,” the sexless voice continued, “you hear the roar of your being as it comes to life in every sense of your means of communication and in ways you have never experienced in all your existences, past and
current.”
There was a brief pause before the voice continued.
“Creature of Earth Realm!” it said. “Welcome to a new life!”
And with those words, the lion roared!
It was a sound unlike any Shi’mon had ever heard before. He felt a new kind of esoteric energy course like electricity through his essence. He felt the surge in power and his body come alive. This was indeed different from his experience in the Shadow of the Soul. In the Shadow of the Soul, he had regained his soul. His life force had been heightened and he felt more alive then than he had in 2,000 years. But this was different. He experienced a much greater part of Creation and was inseparable from the greater aspect of Creation he experienced.
Shi’mon awoke on his bed to the concerned looks of many pairs of eyes staring down at him. He smiled slightly and sat at the edge of the bed.
“Brother! Are you alright?” Miryam asked.
“We felt the power and saw the blinding lights in here!” Tau’ma said.
“We teleported here immediately, uncle!” Sarael added.
“I am alright, everyone,” Shi’mon assured them all.
Miryam sat next to Shi’mon and interlaced her fingers with his.
“What happened, brother?” Miryam asked.
“I just received an upgrade,” he replied flatly.
Shi’mon appreciated the concern on the faces of his team. A few minutes later, he finished explaining what just transpired to his team, except for the parts where Yeshua paid him a visit. He did not want to upset Sarael. When Shi’mon was done with his narration, he examined his hands as if he expected to see anything that would physically indicate what he had just experience. There was nothing and Shi’mon was fine with that.
Suddenly, Cahen teleported into the chamber, much to everyone’s surprise.
“What is it, son?” Miryam stood up from the bed and walked towards Cahen.
“A thousand pardons for my intrusion, everyone,” Cahen said. “I would not come like this if it was not important.”
“Speak, son,” Miryam said as Cahen hugged her and kissed the crown of Miryam’s head.
The rest of Team Shi’mon still had to get used to the fact that Cahen was the same Maduk who used to be their enemy barely twenty-four Earth hours ago.