The story was as follows: In 1936, the bandit Virgulino Ferreira, the "Lantern", and his gang rode through Pesqueira where they had committed atrocities against the local farmers. Maria da Luz had asked Conceição what she would do if the Lantern showed up there at that moment. The girl had said: "Oh my, I'd have to figure out a way so that this evil-doer wouldn't be able to harm us". That's when, looking at the mountain ridge, they saw an image in the shape of a woman. The apparition repeated in the following days and the news spread throughout the region. The Vatican has admitted that Our Lady of Grace appeared in Pesqueira and in five more locations in different parts of the earth. The apparition at the watch site was the only registered in the American continent.
Upon descending the sanctuary, I felt more relaxed and confident. That's how I would feel upon finding an oasis. I return to my walk and have a question on my mind that will not get out of my head. Where was the challenge? It didn't make sense for me to keep walking without answers. Since I had made the trip to the holy mountain, accomplished the challenges and entered the cave I had had a plan and a purpose. I was now adrift and without direction. I begin to contemplate the skies and I see some birds. A great idea pops into my head and I decide to follow them like I did with the bat in the cave. After thirty minutes into the chase, I see a lake where the birds land and my hope is returned with a greater force. I near the lake and start drinking its water. I drink a little but the bad taste makes me stop. So I sit for a little by the lake to rest my legs and feet which were tired from the trip. A moment later, a hand touches my shoulder and I turn back. The guardian who I met on the mountain was directly in front of me.
—You, here? I wasn't expecting that.
—My son, you look a little tired. Don't you want to go home? Your family misses you very much.
—I can't. I have to fulfill my mission. It was the same lady who sent me to Mimoso to reunite the "opposing forces" and to help Christine.
—Forget your mission. You do not have the strength to defeat your opponent. Remember that even your master Jesus Christ perished on the cross for having disobeyed the Devil.
—You are mistaken. Jesus Christ came out the winner of that dispute and the cross is the symbol of his victory. Wait. You've never spoken that way. Who are you? I am sure that you are not the guardian despite your appearance.
The woman gave a cry of sarcasm and disappeared. So it was just a vision wanting to mess with me. I would have to be very careful with appearances. I remain seated without any ideas as how to leave that extensive and empty place. I only feel my heart throb, my legs twitching and my subconscious saying it's not over. What was missing? I already am tired of this challenge. I look to the horizon and in the distance I see someone approaching. Was it more than just a vision? I would have to be careful. As I got closer I was frightened and couldn't believe it. The person hugs me and I return it in spite of the mistrust.
—Are you really my mother? How did you get here?
—I am. The guardian helped me locate you. After you left, I went to the mountain as I was very worried. So I found the guardian and she guided me.
—Wait. I have to have proof that you are really my mother. What was the name of my favorite cat and which nickname did my nephews give me?
—That is easy. The name of your favorite cat was Pecho and your nickname is Uncle Divinha.
The answer calms me and I embrace her. I really needed someone familiar in that desert.
—What are you doing here?
—I'm here to convince you to give up all of this. You are risking great danger in this desert. Come on, let's go. I shouldn't have let you leave the house.
—I can't. I have to complete a mission. I need to reunite the "opposing forces" and help Christine. In addition, I have to document everything in a book so that I can start my literary career.
—This mission of yours is crazy. You cannot defeat the forces of darkness nor can you publish a book. How many times do I have to say that writing books is not going to bring you any results? You're poor and unknown. Who will buy them? In addition, you have no talent.
—You are completely mistaken. I can reunite the "opposing forces" and make my dream come true. I can't believe that you're my mother even though she didn't encourage me either. I know she has a glimmer of hope that I will really become a writer. I have talent or else I wouldn't have entered the cave to ask the mountain to turn me into the Seer.
Instantly, my mother became a man of light-colored appearance and with eyes of fire. I was a little shocked, but I suspected it wasn't her. The man began to revolve around me.
—Seer, Son of God. Have you ever thought about what all these names mean? Clairvoyance is a gift that helps an individual know the future or have the exact notion of what's going on elsewhere. You do not have these abilities. Actually, what you have is an underdeveloped clairvoyance. It's pretty pretentious of you to claim to be a powerful psychic. As for the fact that you are the Son of God, that is a big joke. Do you not remember the mistakes you committed in a desert exactly like this one? Do you think God forgave you? How then do you have the nerve to call yourself Son of God? To me, you're more of a devil than son of God. That's right. You're the Devil, like me!
—I may not be a powerful psychic, but I get messages from the Creator. He tells me that I will have a bright future. I'm building it every day in my work, in my studies and in the books I write. As for my mistakes, I know them and I have asked forgiveness. Who doesn't make mistakes? I've focused on becoming a new man and I have forgotten all of my past. The messages I receive are that God considers me his son and I firmly believe it. Otherwise he wouldn't have rescued me so many times.
With eyes full of tears, I look at the universe and turn my back to my accuser. I give a strong cry.
—I'm not the Devil! I'm a human being who discovered one day that I have an infinite value to God. He saved me from crisis and showed me the way. Now, I want to stay with him and fulfill myself no matter the obstacles and difficulties that I have to overcome. They will mature me and I will become a better human being. I'll be happy because the universe conspires for that.
The Devil backed away a little and said:
—We will meet again, Aldivan. The war between the "opposing forces" is just beginning. In the end, I will come out the winner.
With that said, he was gone. The instant after, again I'm enraptured. Within seconds I find myself in the previous scenario, again under the ruins of the chapel. I resolve immediately to return to the hotel in order to rest and to recover my strength and spirit. The first challenge had been completed, now there were only two remaining.
The Worshipers of Darkness
The next day, I go back to the same spot where I had been taken to the first experience. Unconsciously, I think that it is the gateway to the challenges. When I look at the ruins, I feel my heart torn apart by the desolation of the place. The true path had been smothered by a wicked and perverse witch. Now, my job was to balance the "opposing forces" and resume the peace lost in that place. Ready, I repeat the password from the day before and again I am transported. I find myself in a strange and dark place where a ritual is being performed. There are about ten people, arranged in circles muttering words in a language I don't know. In the middle, a man is squatting and the others are pouring a liquid with an unbearable odor on his head. A moment later, two horns grow on his head and his countenance becomes terrible looking. He sees me and gets up. He approaches, picks up a sword and throws another one at me. I get nervous because I was not used to dealing with weapons.
He calls me to fight and begins to strike some blows. I try to block them with my sword and I do so, almost by miracle. He continues attacking and I defend myself. I start watching his movements in order to make subsequent reactions. He is quite fast and skillful. Gradually, I begin to fight back and he appears surprised. One of my moves hurts him but he still appears indefatigable. So, I resolve to appeal. I approach him and without him noticing, prepare for
a final attack. The sword helps me unbalance him and with clenched fists I hit him with everything I have. He falls to the ground, unconscious. At the same time, I'm transported to the ruins of the chapel. The second challenge was met.
The Experience of Possession
The third day was finally here. Again I go to the chapel ruins. The third experience was marked and I couldn't wait any longer. What was awaiting me? I really don't know but I felt ready for anything. The guardian, the challenges and the cave had contributed significantly to this. I was now the Seer and could no longer be afraid. Confident and calm I repeat the password from the day before. A cold wind hits, my body shakes and incessant voices begin to disturb me. In an instant, my conscience is transported to my mind and upon arriving there, I hear someone knocking on a door. I resolve to answer it. Upon opening the door, a light-colored subject, slim, with honey-colored eyes and a crown of thorns on his head comes in.
—Who are you?
—I am Jesus Christ. Don't you recognize my crown? It was with it that they wounded my head.
—What are you doing here, in my mind?
—I came to take possession of you. If you agree, I will make you the most powerful and the most talented of men.
—How do I know you are who you say you are? I want proof.
—That is easy. You are a young man of twenty-six, quiet, nice and very intelligent. Your dream is to become a writer and that is why you made the trip to a mountain that all claim to be sacred. You met the guardian, the young girl, the ghost, the boy, defeated challenges and entered the most dangerous cave in the world. Dodging traps and advancing scenarios, you won. So it fulfilled your dream and turned you into the Seer. However, the cave was just one step in your spiritual growth. Now, you need me to continue the path.
—So you're really Jesus Christ. However, I don't know if I want someone in my mind. It's hard to get used to a voice guiding me all the time. You can't help me from Heaven? It would be more comfortable for me.
—If I do not stay here, you will become a failure. Decide quickly: Do you want to be a man or do you want to be a God? If you choose the second option I will make you fly, walk on water and perform miracles.
—I don't believe it. Again, I need proof.
I turn my body to a floodplain, where the river passes Mimoso. I wanted to have real proof of what was happening to me. Upon arriving at the river I try to take my first steps on the water. Upon crossing it I am shown proof of his deceit. I was being deceived.
-—Monster! You are not Jesus Christ! Get out of my mind now, I command you!
The man was transformed into a creature with horns and a long tail. A strong wind began to blow over him and pushed him right to the entrance door of my mind. He exits and the door is closed. My conscience returns to normal and I feel better. The experience had exhausted my strength and so I resolve to return immediately to the hotel with the third challenge met. Now I only had to convince Christine and to leave for the final battle.
The Prison
Upon arriving at the hotel, I'm surprised by the presence of Delegate Pompeu and his subordinates.
—Well, look who has arrived, just who we were hoping for. Mr. Seer, you sir, are under arrest. (Pompeu)
—How? What is the accusation?
—He is being imprisoned by order of Queen Clemilda and that is enough.
Quickly, the subordinates put handcuffs on me. A mixture of indignation and anger fill my whole being. The Forces of Darkness were using their last resort to prevent the triumph of good. Imprisoned I could not do anything and with this Mimoso would be lost. What would happen to the "opposing forces" and to Christine? In this exact moment I already had lost all hope. They ordered me to walk and that's exactly what I do. On the way to the station, all the injustices I suffered in my life come to mind: A poorly corrected test, an inhumane public attendant, a bad trial and incomprehension from others. In all these situations I felt the same way: downtrodden. I direct my attention to the delegate and I ask him if he does not feel remorse. He says that he doesn't, but he would if he did not fulfill the order as he certainly would lose his job. I understand his point and I have no more questions. Sometime later, we arrive at our destination. They remove my handcuffs and put me in a cell where there are some other prisoners. I spend my first night completely locked up.
Dialog
In little time I find a way to fit in with the other prisoners. They are there for several reasons: One for stealing chickens, others for refusing to pay taxes and some because they did not vote for the candidate nominated by the major. Among them is Claudio. I begin to chat with him.
—Have you been here long?
—Yes, a long time. I've been here ever since the major discovered that I was dating his daughter. And you, why are you in jail?
—Well, I had a disagreement with a lady called Clemilda. She has committed tyranny locking me in here like this. But tell me about yourself, you love this girl so much to the point that you risked facing the major?
—Yes, I love her. Ever since I met Christine, I am a new man. I have come to appreciate the really important things. I also gave up my bad habits and wild ways. Without her, I don't know what will become of my life.
—I understand. The moment that I met her, I thought she was really special. It's a shame she had to go through such a tragedy.
—I heard about the tragedy here, in prison. However, I refuse to believe that the woman that I love is a murderer. Her temperament does not correspond with that fact.
—She was just another victim of the witch Clemilda. This creature unbalanced the "opposing forces" and it threatens the entire universe. So it was left to fate to have to send me to the sacred mountain where I met the guardian, the young girl, the ghost, and the boy. I completed the challenges and with that conquered the right to enter the cave of despair, the cave that grants your deepest dreams. Dodging traps and advancing scenarios I managed to reach the end. Then the cave transformed me into the Seer and I made a trip in time following a scream I heard. This scream was from Christine. Upon arriving at the current day I stood up to Clemilda and she gave me three challenges which I completed. Now the only thing that remains to do is to convince your beloved in order to have a final battle. However, I am now in prison and that prevents me from taking any action.
—What a story! I already had heard of the cave and its wonderful powers but never imagined that someone could overcome it. You were the first that I heard speak of it. Look, if you need my help, I'm available.
—Thank You. Is there any way to escape from here?
—I am sorry, but there is not. These gates are very strong and the building's exits are all monitored.
Claudio's reply disheartened me. What would become of the "opposing forces," Christine and Mimoso? Every passing moment things were getting worse with me in prison. Now, the only thing to do was to pray and wait for a miracle.
Renato's Visit
I have just woke up and the feeling I felt, like everything was wrong, does not make me feel good at all. This place was not suitable for me because I was affected by the high negative charge. The "opposing forces" shouted inside me and were more active than ever. A little later, one of the guards comes and opens the cell for us to go out into the sun. I enter the queue that is formed. We walk around a bit and in little time we are returned to the cell. Upon returning, I am informed that someone awaits me in the visiting area. A guard accompanies me and I go to meet this person. Upon entering the visiting room, I'm surprised.
—You? What are you doing here, boy?
—I came to help you. The time has now come for me to prove that I am useful and that the guardian was right to send me to accompany you.
—Help me? How?
—Don't worry. I already have everything planned. When everything happens don't think twice, run.
—What are you intending to do? Isn't it dangerous?
—I cannot say anything. Just do what I say.
—Thank y
ou, but don't risk so much just for me. You are only a child.
—I am a child but I do know how to distinguish a human heart. I feel that you are a very special person.
Renato's words touch me and I embrace him. He's been with me virtually the whole time since the trip began and this has created affection between us. I already felt like his father but at that moment he was the one consoling and encouraging me. After the embrace, he says goodbye and I go back to the cell, accompanied by a guard. I find Claudio and we start a new conversation. Approximately thirty minutes after Renato's departure, I smell an odd smell, smoke covers the enclosure and all begin to panic, including myself. The delegate is called and orders all cells to be opened. In the confusion, I remember Renato's advice and I direct myself out of the police station without anyone seeing me as the smoke is so dense. On the way out, I find Renato and we escape together. We go back to the hotel and there Carmen puts us in a special room. It had an underground entrance and there we were housed. I would be safe until the final battle.
The Third Encounter with Christine
Christine finally decided and was willing to meet with me again. She heard that I had been arrested and this fact helped her to decide. She also was weary of the injustices committed by her father and by the evil sorceress Clemilda. In a certain way, she already controlled her "opposing forces" and this had been paramount in her decision. So she decided to find Carmen, the owner of the hotel. She was sure that Carmen knew something of my whereabouts. She claps her hands at the entrance of the hotel and was immediately attended to.
—Are you Ms. Carmen? I need to speak with you ma'am.
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