“The time has come,” the Eternals announced. “Prepare yourselves to choose.”
The meeting place was a vast uninhabited span of space where, it was speculated, our future planet would orbit. The spirits gathered were too numerous to count, but somehow I could sense them all. Since I started seeing auras my world had taken on a new awareness. As each clan arrived, I felt as if a proverbial piece of a puzzle had just aligned itself into place. Not that I knew them individually, but their presence felt familiar to me.
The gathering of spirits was even more grandiose than ever before. I could now see how unique and different we all are and how beautifully we shone. Each spirit had his or her own look about them—all unique in his or her own way—and just as colorful as our auras were. My own clan was very diverse both in aura colors and appearance. My hair was black, and my skin darker than everyone, with the exception of Dorian’s.
“What is it, Tess?” Alex asked with an intense look in his face.
“Our aura colors, they are all different…and beautiful,” I told him while I examined his aura. I thought that it was probably one of the most distinct ones of all. It was golden and bright, easy to spot and very, very alluring, but I would never tell him that.
Off to my side, our whole clan was laughing, and Katie looked as if she had been part of our clan from the beginning. I still hadn’t talked to her. She seemed nice, but for some reason I resented her a little and was putting off our formal introduction.
The last group of spirits arrived all together, fortunately as individuals and not as “Legion”. Their auras were gloomy shades of murky green, red, or just plain black. They were quiet and somber. Some looked proud, defiant, and bold. Some others looked worn down, beaten, and low. The Second One lead them as they entered the assembled group. To his side were some of his most ardent followers, among them Agatha, who didn’t look her normal impudent self. Those who had arrived first were down low, closer to where the Eternals were. As more spirits arrived they started placing themselves just slightly above those in front of them, making tiers that went up higher and higher, and then off to the sides. When the height was too great, some other spirits started forming more tiers behind the Eternals.
As usual the Eternals were accompanied by two Seraphs, a male and a female, and two Cherubs, both males and each holding a flaming sword. More Cherubs were lined at each side and they were holding trumpets, two of them females and the other two males.
There didn’t seem to be much of a difference in size between the male Cherubs and the females, they were both equally huge, and they both had long white hair. Their clothing was made up of a white fur, the males had a bare chest and the females wore a cropped top made out of the same white fur. Their feathered wings sprung out of their shoulder blades and went all the way down to their feet. They looked every inch the fierce warriors that legend had them to be. The Seraphs were no less impressive. They were golden and their upper bodies looked human, with the addition of leathery wings. Their lower bodies had hind legs and a tail, just like a lion. When they stood upright, they were slightly shorter than the Cherubs, between eight to ten feet tall. Their hair looked more like a mane that was twisted up into dreadlocks. Their eyes were cat-like, and their clothing was much like the Cherub’s attire except the fur matched their golden skin color.
It was rumored that both Cherubs and Seraphs had special powers, but we didn’t know exactly what these were. The other rumor was, that the Flaming Swords could only be functional when one of them used it, and that it could erase a spirit from existence.
Just then the trumpets ceased playing and the First One approached the Eternals, standing close by them. They waited there for a moment, and then finally one of the Eternals turned and looked toward the spot where the Second One stood. He said nothing—that we could tell—then the Second One reluctantly approached the Eternals and stood a ways off.
“Let each spirit cast a verbal vote individually, out of their own free will and choice,” the Eternals explained. “One by one you will choose a side, and stand with the one whom you choose as your leader.
“Once you choose, your vote will be final and the consequence for that choice unchangeable and unstoppable. We are bound by the Laws of the Universe and therefore cannot change the outcome.” They looked all around at us, their eyes looking at each one of us individually, yet it was done rather quickly.
The voting began; each spirit had his or her own turn at voicing their decision, each coming forward and standing next to the one whom they wanted for a leader. So far most of the spirits had aligned themselves behind the First One. But now and then a spirit would align itself behind the Second One.
Our clan voted and each one of us took our places at the First One’s side. The voting continued quite uneventfully for a while, but when it came time for the section where the rebels stood to vote the Second One stopped them.
“We are all of one mind. We reject the proposal laid out by the First One,” he declared. His last words were acid with hate.
A murmur rose from our side, in clear disapproval from the Second One’s lack of respect toward the Eternals.
“Each spirit has the right to an individual vote. This is the Law, neither you nor we can change it,” the Eternals responded. “Once a decision is made, these laws are set in motion and the consequences cannot be stopped, neither whim nor will can stop them, and each individual must choose and submit accordingly.”
“So you admit your impotence. You have started something you neither understand, nor control!” the Second One shouted not just to his group, but for all to hear.
Horrified gasps were heard all around us. “How could he talk to the Eternals that way?” someone said in a whisper.
What the Second One was doing was beyond open rebellion, it was insolence, and a falsehood. He was trying to twist the words of the Eternals to suit his needs. If he wasn’t before he was so in trouble now.
The Eternals looked stern but unperturbed. They simply looked at him, unmoved by his lies. “Do you suppose to possess even the hundredth part of our knowledge and experience? Our worlds are without number. Earth will be but one of our many. What qualifies you, Second One, to make these accusations? How many worlds have you created?”
Silence was his answer.
“How many spirits have you formed then? None? What then, is your claim on us?”
“What is his claim?” the Second One said in a loud, shrill voice, as he pointed to the First One. The First One was about to respond, but was signaled by the Eternals to stop.
“It is his birthright and he qualified himself for the job. Furthermore, the First One chose to follow the laws. He volunteered to lead and asks for nothing in return.
“You, on the other hand, have rebelled and sought to destroy our order. For this, the law is clear—you must be banished from our presence and be cast-out.” The Eternals looked at us once more. Their voice was stern, but void of any anger.
“It is your choice, your consequence.” Their eyes scanned each of us, the rebels included. They did this quickly, yet their gaze was imprinted on my mind, it was penetrating and powerful. When their eyes locked with my own, they seemed to go straight to my core and touched the innermost secret chambers of my soul.
“No one else needs to suffer these consequences—unless they choose to follow your poor example.” They pointed to the Second One. “The voting will continue one by one, as the law demands.”
In reply a group of rebels shouted in one accord, “We choose the Second One!” And those who voted glided to the Second One’s side. Some others stayed where they were gazing down as if fighting an internal struggle, impossible for me to understand.
“Continue!” shouted the Second One, seeing that some of his followers were taking too long to decide.
Some glided over to the Second One’s side, while a few still stayed, undecided. “Continue!” His voice was laden with anger and irritation at their delay.
“The cons
equences of this choice will affect your eternal progression,” the First One said encouragingly.
To my complete surprise, among the undecided spirits were Eros and Agatha. I thought she was the Second One’s closest ally. What could she possibly be thinking? Or was she one of the spies? And Eros, was he a spy as well or was he truly sorry for what he did? I turned to look at Max, who was intently looking at him.
A few more spirits moved toward our side, with them Eros, who never looked up. Max smiled and squeezed Celeste’s shoulder a little as he whispered something in her ear. Celeste grinned, but I could tell that she was not as pleased as Max was.
As the voting continued, more spirits came to our side than the rebel’s side. But their numbers were steadily growing, and this was a great concern. If they happen to get even one vote over fifty percent, we would all have to subject ourselves to the Second One’s rule.
* * * * *
Chapter 8
Agatha was still standing with those who had not cast a vote yet. The Second One seemed to have relinquished all other tasks and was focusing all his attention on her. This made me think that perhaps this was not expected on his part.
She seemed to take courage from somewhere and raised her head. With a look that was hard to read she solemnly glided toward our side, making sure not to look over at the rebels or the Second One.
As she did this a loud howl was heard from the Second One. It was filled with rage and fury. I turned to look at him, in shock at his response. He in turn lifted his gaze and met mine dead on. He stared at me, with a look of utter loathing and vileness. His message to me was clear—You will pay for this.
I looked back at him terrified. How could this be my fault? Why would he think I had something to do with this? I turned and looked all around me. Was he really directing this look to me, or was there someone else responsible for Agatha’s decision? Was she truly deserting him? Or was this a show? I couldn’t tell, and apparently no one else seemed to be alarmed like I was. No one seemed to notice even—well almost no one.
“Tess, why is the Second One looking at you?” Alex was cutting through the crowd to get to me, turning his head back and forth between me and the Second One, to be sure of what he was seeing.
“I…don’t know,” I stammered.
“What did you say to Agatha? I saw you talking with her earlier. Think, Tess, think!” he bellowed. “You weren’t trying to convince her of switching sides? Were you…Tess?” Some of the spirits around us turned to look at us, confused by our conversation.
“I wasn’t. I just asked her why. That’s all.”
Valerie was hovering a ways off from us and could not have possibly heard our conversation, but she suddenly turned her face and fixed her large violet, alarmed looking eyes on mine. There are few looks that I detest to see, and alarm on Valerie’s face is definitely one of them, especially when that alarm is on your behalf.
“What?” I grimaced back to her.
She made her way to my side and looked at me for a moment. “I’m not sure what just happened, but it is not good for you. Darkness…is gathering all around you. Someone has it out for you, Tess, and they will not give up easily.”
“Thanks, Val,” I said sarcastically.
“Hey, don’t get mad at the messenger, I call them like I feel them,” she said on the offensive.
“Sorry, you are right. I shouldn’t get after you.”
Alex and Valerie exchanged glances that I didn’t see because I turned my face toward the center where the Eternals were. I tried to focus on the proceedings, but my mind kept going back to that look on the Second One’s face —that look was meant for me. Of that I was sure.
Once the last vote was cast, it was obvious who had won—yet horrifying. Exactly one third of the host chose to follow the Second One. One third of our fellow spirits were going to be banished and spiritually die with no hope of ever returning. How could this have happened? Our clan exchanged mystified glances with each other. The enormity of the outcome was hard to grasp. I tried not to think of the screams and the choking feeling I got right before I lost consciousness and fell through space. I tried not to think about the horror that these rebellious souls would have to endure.
The Eternals had given them so many chances, and they chose to oppose them time and time again.
The Eternals looked at them, their countenance shone with power but they didn’t look as if this particular task was tasteful to them. They were bound, just like they said, by the laws of the universe. The rebels looked insolent and defiant. They stood their ground as if this was their plan all along.
“You have chosen your path, now you must endure it.” They stretched their hands and as they did so, the Second One and his followers turned in one accord as if brutally repelled by that gentle movement.
I felt the disconnection right away. I never even knew that I was connected with them, until now that they were gone. In spite of their anger, and hate toward us, there was a general feeling of sadness for them. I am not sure how long the silence lasted, no one even stirred. We all seemed to be fully aware now of the outcome.
Then, we heard them, the Eternals…weeping, a sound so terrible, it was hard to describe. They were no longer among us, but we heard them through the link. Our little group looked at each other again. Our faces reflected what we heard. The Eternals had never wept before, and for once the social rule of speaking through the link one at at time was broken. Many other spirits joined in the grieving, millions upon millions now crying together and we could hear them all.
And so, heaven wept.
*****
We were reluctant to leave the solar system because of the great loss we had just experienced. For some, like Katie, they had just lost loved ones, clan members, and friends. Spirits all around me had lost friends or someone they knew. I, on the other hand, had only gained an enemy—or two.
No matter how we looked at the events that had just transpired, we had some recovering to do, and we did this by staying close together, and holding quiet conversations. But our somber mood could not and did not last forever. After a while spirits here and there seemed to perk up. Some started laughing timidly and then others joined them. Pretty soon most of us were our jovial old selves again.
Speculations and rumors as to where Earth would be placed in the solar system was the first topic discussed by all. The general consensus seemed to point toward an empty spot between Venus and Mars, putting Earth in the third position from the sun—a good spot to be—not too hot or too cold. Some other spirits thought it would be at the very end next to Neptune and that it would be a huge planet, not a small one like Mars. While some spirits still considered this subject, other groups, the more playful ones, started a competition on Saturn’s rings. I tried to get interested in the games and some of the conversations, but a mixture of Valerie’s premonition, Agatha’s decision to stay, and the Second One’s piercing look of hate filled my thoughts. I am not sure how these events will change my future life, and I can’t help but wonder if any of this is my fault and what to do about it.
I moved among the spirits that surrounded me with no particular interest in any of their pastimes. I felt weighed down by these thoughts and images, then that choking feeling came back. I looked at my clan and envied their happiness. They seemed free, and I felt…trapped.
“He blames you,” Agatha said with an acid voice. Our auras looked the same on the outside and this made my bad mood even worse.
I stared at her. “So…what I said hit a chord?” I said without betraying my out of control feelings.
“You did bring up a good point,” she said smugly, almost cheerfully. “Now I’m better off than him, and I have you to thank. Too bad for you I guess.” She laughed.
“He might blame me, and hate me for it…but you can bet that he hates you even more for betraying him. You don’t think he will just let you do this unscathed, do you?” I turned to leave, but then something occurred to me—so I stopped. “I wonde
r who imploded Legion,” I said over my shoulder. “It wasn’t you…was it? There had to be someone there who didn’t quite want to give their will to Legion…” Then I left her standing in mid space all alone, mulling over my accusations, while I flew back to my happy clan who was congratulating Dorian for winning the Saturn contest.
The trumpets announced the coming of the Eternals, and this time they were riding on a chariot that was being pulled by two Seraphs. Behind them came a whole choir of Cherubs and several other Seraphs in formation holding lighted Flaming Swords. There was a white cloud like substance surrounding them all. The scene was spectacular and more majestic than ever.
They were so luminescent that they eclipsed the sun itself with their glow. Several spirits shielded their eyes against their light. No doubt the first day of the creation was not going to be an ordinary event, but rather a glorious one. We were going to witness the creation of our new planet and we would finally get to start our much awaited lives. As far as I knew, none of us had ever witnessed the creation of a planet before, so this was supposed to be a very exciting time. So why wasn’t I exited?
Celeste was now perpetually under Max’s clutches and she seemed to enjoy this restrain. Dorian was the new appendage to the Luz, Amor, and Paz trio, and Alex was becoming fast friends with Katie who—unlike me—was always happy and laughing. This time it seemed that Valerie was better company for me. Neither of us ever giggled or played interstellar games, and though Dane was almost always around, they didn’t seem to need constant contact like the others. Russell and Nancy were also always together, and when they were not enjoying a playful banter, they were playing jokes on others or laughing about something that no one else seemed to get. Alex had mentioned that he wished we were more like them. It looks like he got his wish—with Katie. This last thought brought an unusual pang to my already low state. Why did it feel like my world was ending…right when it was beginning?
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