—Yes. Come in.
Christine answered the invitation and went in. Carmen went to fetch tea and biscuits. She comes back with a captivating smile.
—What can I do for you, dear? (Carmen)
—I'm looking for Aldivan, the Seer. He was in jail but today I heard that he escaped from prison. Do you have any idea where he is? It is important.
—I have no idea. Since he was arrested I stopped having contact with him.
—It's not possible. I need both him and Mimoso so much. So then everything will just remain as always? Just how long will we take Clemilda's dictatorship?
Tears pour down Christine's face and she goes into despair. Her reaction moves Carmen and she goes to comfort her.
—If this meeting with him is so important then I think I can find a way.
Carmen moves away from the living room for a moment and calls me into a room. Upon learning about the presence of Christine I become happy and resolve immediately to go see her. I turn back towards the living room while Renato remains in the room and Carmen goes to the kitchen to get dinner ready. When she sees me, Christine gets up and runs to hug me. I reciprocate the affection. We sat side by side in the room.
—So, have you decided?
—I have thought a lot about what you said and I want to say that I believe it. In the convent, they taught me to recognize when a person is sincere.
—In addition to believing, are you are willing to change your life?
—Yes and I want to forget everything that happened. You were right about the fact that I am not guilty of the tragedy. It was a curse that that witch launched on me when she touched my head. I still have hopes that she is defeated and that the wish I made to the mountain is granted.
—So I did it. You found yourself. You no longer seem to be the sad, dismayed young girl. I am happy for you. Now I can have the right to a final battle. The encounter of the "opposing forces" is approaching.
—Battle? What are you talking about?
—It is the deal that I made with Clemilda. If I fulfilled three challenges and convinced you to find your destiny, I would have the right to this battle. It is the only chance to gather the "opposing forces" and balance them once again.
—I understand. Can I help? My mutant powers would be of great help in battle.
—I don't know. It's very dangerous. If you get hurt, Christine, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself.
I think for a few moments about her proposal. I wonder if she would really be necessary on the battlefield. I didn't know what kind of war this would be.
—All right, you can. However, you must stay behind me. I will protect you from the Forces of Darkness. Meanwhile, you cover the rear with your mutant powers.
—Thank you. When will this happen?
—Tomorrow. Meet me at the chapel ruins at 7:00 AM.
I take my leave and ask her to keep my location a secret. She agrees and leaves. A certain repentance eats at me for having accepted a battle but it is too late. The next day would be final in regards to the fate of Mimoso and I would participate in a battle that would completely change my life and certainly the universe too.
The Angel's Invocation
Christine and I arrived on time at the rendezvous point. She asks me why this particular site and I answer that this was the gateway to my experiences. I explain to her the details about the "opposing forces" and the current imbalance. After that, I ask for silence and start to invoke the Angel because it would be of great help in battle.
—The war between the "opposing forces" approaches. In this fight, material and immaterial beings will face each other. Our group consists of only two people: I, the Seer, and Christine, who is a mutant. We need a higher power to give us an intangible security so we ask of Our Father, to send his Angel to accompany and protect us in this perilous fight. Mimoso's fate hangs in the balance and the strength of goodness has to be complete.
I repeat the prayer three times and on the last I feel my heart trembling with irregular beats and my sixth sense becomes fully sharpened. A moment later, my doors are open and I have permission to unlock the mysteries of the other world. I see, in a large room of a royal palace, a door opened and from it leave seven angels that together represent God himself. One of them carries a goblet in his hand whose contents is my insistent prayer. The seven angels approach the throne of the Almighty God. The one that has the chalice spills it over the fire on the right side of the Father. Thunder roars and altered voices are heard. The door between the two worlds is opened and the angel with the chalice goes through it. The door is sealed and locked until its return. At that moment, my doors are closed and I return to normal. Upon regaining consciousness, I see Christine kneeling and beside me a blazing Angel with long and bright wings, lighting the entire place. On its face is written King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Its feet and legs seem to be on fire and its slender body overcomes any sculpture. I stand by for a few moments admiring its beauty. It decides to contact me through the forces of thought. It asks me to keep calm and raise Christine to her feet because she had no reason to worship him. I obey the Angel and ask it what's going to happen. It tells me that it doesn't know, that the meeting between the "opposing forces" is unpredictable. It assures me that we will be safe with it. With renewed forces and celestial protection, I resolve to try the same password of my previous experience. With all the strength in my chest, I yell:
—We are ready!
The ground shakes, the sky darkens, the stars are shattered and the entire universe feels the emotion of the moment. The final battle would start and the future of both worlds was at stake.
The Final Battle
The scenario is still changing. The floor disappears and the angel has to give us powers so that we can also fly. On the horizon a dividing line appears as a type of force field which prevents us from passing. Then comes the moment in which everything begins. An immense darkness approaches along with a vampire and some hooded men. On the other side is Clemilda, commanding everything with her Machiavellian super-powers. The fight finally begins. The angel and the demon, Christine and the vampire, and I and the hooded men. The fight between intangible beings is simply unimaginable. The two move with incredible speed and their blows are extremely powerful. With every impact, the two worlds appear to tremble. The clash between Christine and the vampire is also equally balanced. She uses her rays of fire to protect herself from his assaults. I am also encountering difficulty. The hooded men are skilled fighters. I must use all of my clairvoyant powers to confront them. The war between the "opposing forces" was only just beginning and the difficulties were numerous.
The fight continues and the clash gradually begins to change. Some hooded men drop in exhaustion and I feel freer. The fight between the angel and the demon and Christine and the vampire remained equal but from my point of view good was winning out. In just a few moments, I succeed in overthrowing my recent opponents. Then I rest a little and observe the other's fights. I am hoping for victories for all of them. Clemilda perceives her imminent defeat and with her powers invokes the undead. They leave the tomb of an ancient indigenous cemetery and are all people who in one way or another let themselves divert from their true paths. They are my new opponents in battle. Among them, I recognize indigenous Kualopu, a sorcerer that almost caused the extinction of the Xukuru Nation. He is my most feared adversary because, like Clemilda, he dominates the dark forces. Before starting the fight, I'm beginning to remember the teachings of the guardian, the challenges and the cave. All these steps have served as amazing spiritual growth for me. Now, I would have to use this in my favor in battle. The fight begins and the living dead try to enclose me with the objective of attacking me all at once. I get rid of this siege quickly and attack. With the strength of my attack, some of them rip apart. Kualopu begins to repeat a silent prayer and at the very same moment, a luminous circle secures me and leaves me immobile. The other undead leverage to attack me. The memory of the cave comes forth when I had t
o confront a whole scenario of mirrors. Three reflections came to life and represented a fifteen year old young man who had lost his father, a child and an old man. I went up against all of these aspects and found that none of them in the present was a twenty-six year old young man, a writer, licensed in mathematics. The circle that held me represented all the weaknesses, that when entering the cave, I managed to control. Thinking about this I focused my powers and with an impulse, the circle is broken. I then could retaliate and destroyed a great number of the undead. Kualopu declined to recognize my strength and with a final blow I was able to overcome him. Upon seeing this, Clemilda panicked and began to articulate her latest strategy.
While Clemilda was preparing, I observed that the other forces of good were already at an advantage against the opposite force. This made me happy and relaxed. I also take the time to relax and catch my breath. Finally Clemilda decides. She leaves to join the fight directly against me. Using dark forces, she arms herself with a sword and shield. The angel sees my situation and with its powers gives me the same weapons. The showdown begins and I am amazed with the agility of my rival. She was no amateur. I remain on the defensive for a time to observe her in all respects. My attitude makes me lose my balance and the sorceress was able to hit me in the face. I reorganize my plans and try to counter-attack. My answer gets results and I get back in the fight. With another lunge, I disarm her and she is left with no defense. Then in order to balance the situation further I also get rid of my armor. I grab her and we measure our forces. She invokes the Devil and I, Jesus Christ and his cross. At that same moment, she falls defeated. The demon and the vampire disappear; the sun and the ground appear. The angel shines more than ever and I can hear from Heaven a noise of great festivity. I had managed to gather the "opposing forces" and help Christine. In an instant, the angel says goodbye and also disappears. My trip in time had been a success and I would repeat it whenever it was necessary to do so.
The Collapse of the Existing Structures
With the fall of Clemilda, the black clouds dissipated, her henchmen fled and Christine was healed. With this, Mimoso returned to normal and Christianity resumed its place. To celebrate, Christine organized a celebration in the building of the Residents' Association. I was the main guest. The party was full of reporters who kept asking questions.
—Is it true, Mr. Seer, that you saved Mimoso from the claws of an evil sorceress? How did this happen?
—Well, I was only an instrument of destiny as well as my fighting companion here, Christine. The "opposing forces" were imbalanced and my mission was to reunite them again.
—What are you going to do now, Sir?
—Well, I don't know. I think that I must wait for a new adventure.
—Are you married, Sir? What is your profession?
—No. I am prioritizing my studies. About my profession, I am an administrative assistant. In addition, I am licensed in mathematics and am a writer.
The questions continue but I pull away from the reporters. I am going to talk with Christine and see how she is. She says that she forgot the tragedy but she's still concerned about Claudio. He was arrested some time ago and she's had no news. She reaffirms her love and says that he is unforgettable. I console her and try to cheer her up. During the party, I stay by her side to give her strength. When it ends, I bid her farewell and I return to the hotel.
Conversation with the Major
Before leaving Mimoso, I decided to make one last effort for Christine. A great love such as hers and Claudio's could not go without one last chance. So I went to the residence of the feared major for a final conversation with him. Upon entering the garden of the house, I announced myself and shortly after was in front of him.
—Mr. Major, I came to speak to you about your beautiful daughter Christine. I was just with her and realized she is suffering. Why don't you give a chance to the tax collector, Claudio? Look, don't you see how he is the most appropriate man for her?
—Do not involve yourself in family matters. I did not raise my daughter to have a tax collector as my son-in-law.
—I'm involving myself because I am her friend and her happiness matters to me. Your Majesty rejects Claudio because he is poor and simple. Have you forgotten your poor childhood in Maceió? Your Majesty has also been simple. What matters in a human being are his qualities, his talent and charisma. Our social status does not define us. We are what our deeds say of us.
My answer shakes the major some and insistent tears flow from his eyes. He wipes them away in shame.
—How do you know this? I never told anyone about this dark part of my life.
—You wouldn't understand even if I explained it. The problem is that you are being unfair with Christine and depriving her of true love. Do you see the tragedy that you provoked with your arranged marriage? That system does not work.
The major was thoughtful for a few moments and soon after replied.
—Fine. I'll allow the two to date and then to marry but I do not want to see them here close by. My daughter continues to be a disappointment in my life.
—And as for Claudio? Will you release him?
—Yes, today.
—Major, one more thing. I quit my job as your journalist. I can't stand lying to these people anymore about you.
The major writhed in anger but I was already headed out. Upon leaving, I enjoy a clear conscience because I had fulfilled my role. Now, all that was left to destiny was to join the two hearts that really loved one another.
Farewell
Finally, the moment arrived for Claudio to be set free. Outside the police precinct, he waited for his friends and the impassioned Christine. All were eager and nervous for the occasion. Inside the station, Claudio signs the last papers to be released.
—I am finished, Delegate Pompeu. Can I go already? It was a time of much suffering and anguish inside here. I remember well the day that they locked me in here and it was the worst day of my life. (Claudio)
—You can go now. See if you can't keep away from flirting with girls you shouldn't be, eh?
—My arrest was tyrannical and you know it, sir. Is it a crime to love? I do not control my heart.
—Well, you've been warned. Soldier Peixoto accompanies the subject up to the exit.
Claudio withdraws and the soldier obeys the orders of the delegate. On the way out, Claudio looked slightly backwards as if saying goodbye to the moments he had spent in prison. After, he looked up to the sky as if to take into account the entire universe. He felt free and happy because he would be recommencing his life. Moments later, he was embracing his friends and Christine waited her turn. The two embraced and they kissed at length.
—My love! You are free! Now we can be happy because my father has allowed our relationship. The mountain is really sacred because it answered our request. (Christine)
—Is this true? I don't believe it! Does that mean we can be together and have our children? Blessed mountain. I did not expect this miracle.
The two continued to commemorate and in the meantime I approach. We were reaching the time of my departure.
—How wonderful to see you together and happy. I think I can return, rest-assured, back to my real time.
—Do you really have to go? What a pity! Look how we've learned to admire your efforts and determination. I will never forget what you have done for me and for Claudio, thank you!
—I will miss you too. In prison, where we were held together, I got to know you a little and I think you deserve a chance in life and in the universe. Good luck! (Claudio)
—Before I go, I want to ask one last thing, Christine. Can I publish a book with your story?
—Yes, with one condition. I want to title it.
—All right. What is it?
—It will be called "Opposing Forces."
I approve of Christine's indication and give them one last embrace. They all were a part of my story. With tears in my eyes, I back away and direct myself to the hotel. I would pack my s
uitcases and leave. Along the way, I remember all the times I had in that rustic place. Everything that I had gone through had contributed to my spiritual and moral formation. Now, I was prepared for new adventures and perspectives. With slow steps, I approach the hotel. I say farewell for the last time to everything that is around me and I conclude that I will not forget them completely. They will be forever etched in my mind as memories from my first trip in time, a trip which changed the history of small village called Mimoso. Thinking about it, I feel happy and fulfilled. A few moments later, I arrive at the hotel and I go to my room. Renato is sleeping and I wake him. We pack our suitcases and go to the kitchen in order to say goodbye to Carmen.
—Ms. Carmen, we are leaving. I wanted to say that your aid was very important for me to find out the details of the tragedy. In addition, I would like to thank you for your hospitality and patience.
—It is I who would like to thank you for all that you've done for Mimoso. We lived under a dictatorship and you have freed us. I hope all of your dreams come true.
—Thank You. Renato, say good-bye to Ms. Carmen.
—I want to say that you have been like a mother to me during all this time. I loved the food and your advice.
The three of us embraced and the emotion of the moment made me shed some tears. What we had lived during these thirty days was coming to an end. She would be forever special in my life. When the embrace ended, we walked to the door and waved a final goodbye. Upon leaving, we would head for the same point where we completed the trip back in time.
The Return
From the outside of the hotel, I take one last look at that which had been my home during these thirty days. There I had had my first vision that showed me a whole story. It was the realization of the dreams of the Seer, an omniscient being, through his visions. With the facts, I was able to enter the timetable of events and act so that the injustices were undone. This left me with a clear, happy conscience because I had fulfilled the mission that the guardian had entrusted to me. I had managed to reunite the "opposing forces" and help Christine to find true happiness. Consequently, Mimoso returned to Christianity and many of its faithful could worship, praise and magnify the Creator. I wish I could have had a little more time to enjoy all this work. Well, I will be observing in spirit. With a glance, I look at Renato and realize how he was important in my mission. Without him, my contact with Christine would not have been adequately done nor would I have escaped from prison. It had really been worthwhile to take him on this journey.
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