HAGEN: 1. Revelations

by Jadhe HAMILTON

  Diane was also aware of the risk she was taking. She knew that she could be sentenced to death at the end of the meeting. Nevertheless, and unlike Lawskey, she believed in her cause and in the Decision-Maker’s impartiality: if They judged that she should be destroyed, it was because her past actions couldn’t be forgiven, and justice had to be done. She was ready to sacrifice her life to save Nina, and there was no doubt in her mind that her quest was urgent.

  When they walked out of the temple, Lawskey held himself back so as not to take her by the hand: if the other angels saw them, as close as they always had been, they would have no doubt that the seraph with the purple hood was none other than Diane.

  She could feel the anxiety emanating from him. He feared for the life of the one he had secretly loved for centuries. Before leaving the temple, while getting ready for the trial, she too had felt the same anguish. She had imagined in horror all the atrocities she might have committed during her period of amnesia, and every one of her theories had led her to predict an awful outcome to her trial. Nonetheless, now that they were finally leaving the temple to fly to the Capitol, she felt at ease. She was at peace with herself. The Diane of today and the Diane of yesterday were one and the same person, and if crimes had been committed, she had to pay for them, whether she remembered them or not.

  When they arrived at the square located at the foot of the temple, Lawskey turned to her solemnly while opening his huge wings. His eyes were full of sadness and regret:

  “Whatever the outcome of this meeting,” he said, looking her in the eyes, “know that I will always be your ally.”

  Then, with a powerful flap of his wings, he took flight. Diane watched as he rose into the air in his long purple toga, the color he wore to indicate that he was on business. Lawskey was a great and powerful angel and she was happy to have him as a friend.

  Then, when it was her turn to open her wings and take flight, she carefully held her hood down over her face so that nobody could recognize her. With the same power and speed as her friend, she took off in the direction of the Congregation. If this take-off was to be her last, she would enjoy every sensation it gave her to the fullest. Unconsciously, she was saying farewell to every sensation she had experienced since she had reentered the Sphere: the wind against her skin, the power of her wings, the fabric that moved to the rhythm of her flight and caressed her skin as she moved. She drank in the light of the Sphere as she allowed her whole being to bask in its warmth: a pure, nourishing and reassuring light, a light that couldn’t be found on Earth and without which she couldn’t imagine living.

  Then, she looked ahead and saw this great angel who had been created at the same time as she, for the same purpose, and with whom she shared such a strong bond, it seemed to her that their two souls couldn’t live without each other. As she watched him flap his wings, she felt his determination to save her and defend her case in the face of the greatest Angels of the Universe. A powerful emotion came over her when she realized that the beautiful force she was feeling was called love. And as she filled her chest with its succulent energy, she also realized that she was perhaps feeling it for the very last time.

  Her trance didn’t last very long: a few minutes later, she saw Lawskey swoop down as she noticed, several hundred yards below, the star that formed the domain of the Congregation. As soon as she saw the seven temples of the Decision-Makers, her blood froze. Judgement day had arrived. She would finally have to face the consequences of her past actions.

  Reluctantly, she too plunged towards the Capitol. As she approached, the monumental site grew larger and larger, and her heartrate grew at the same speed.

  When she landed smoothly alongside Lawskey, they found themselves at the top of the steps that led to the Roman columns that encircled the Capitol. Just like every other time she had been there, the magnificence and extravagance of the place impressed her: the tall white columns stretched out over several dozen yards. They were guarded, every six columns, by gigantic marble angels that had been created solely for the protection of the Capitol.

  Diane lingered for a few moments, examining the beings who were the same color as the stone and who stood several yards tall. Their cream-colored wings, which were at least eight times her size, were firmly folded in their backs, solid as rock. They were dressed like Roman warriors, in uniforms that were made of a material similar in appearance to that of the Congregation’s temple. While waiting for orders from Above, they looked straight ahead with impassive eyes, holding swords several yards long in their right hands. Glued to their chests, the swords blinded anyone who dared look at them. Although they had never had to fight the Enemy, these angels were said to be invincible, more powerful than the Sages themselves.

  The Capitol was a huge domain that brought together all the decision-making functions of the Sphere. Behind the great columns protected by the sacred guards, were seven temples, impenetrable to anyone who wasn’t authorized to enter. Six of the seven temples formed the points of the star, while the last and most imposing temple, that of the Congregation, was in the center. The contours of the star were outlined by crystal pathways that connected the temples to one another. The space between these pathways was made up of a large cluster of multicolored light energy that represented the different vibrations of the Universe. This light was the source of all forms of life in the Cosmos, from microbes to the noblest of angels, from souls to animals to human beings. This powerful source of energy within the Capitol and surrounding the Congregation ensured its radiance throughout the Universe. Indeed, the pure and nurturing energy in which these great Decision-Makers and creators of the Sphere were immersed gave them almost infinite power, and therefore, an equally great responsibility.

  One last time, Diane admired the light that rose into the sky as far as the eye could see, oscillating across the entire color spectrum. She had always admired this place from Heaven, although it was strictly forbidden to fly over it.

  It was Lawskey who brought her back to reality as he walked towards the Capitol, stopping at the foot of the sacred guards. Silently, she walked over to him while looking gravely at the Congregation’s temple which stood several hundred yards ahead of them.

  The fatal moment had come. As they waited in the shade of the columns for a messenger from the Congregation to come and greet them, she felt how small and insignificant she was in the presence of such power. The place reminded even the most majestic of angels, that he was only a small part of the infinite energy of the divine.

  Suddenly, Diane saw a ball of white energy shoot out of the Congregation’s temple. It was heading in their direction. Her heart raced. It was the messenger of the Decision-Makers. It was coming to tell them whether or not they would be received.

  “Here we go,” said Lawskey with emotion, without letting the ball of energy out of his sight. “You can take your hood off now.”

  Diane agreed and followed his advice.

  The ball of light energy was now so close that Diane felt her heart quicken and her legs give way. It headed straight towards her, completely ignoring Lawskey.

  Her limbs shaking uncontrollably, she tried her best not to move aside. Then, she froze as the light approached her face. It came so close that she could feel it enter her body, analyzing her deepest thoughts.

  They remained in contact for a few moments, until the ball of light finally moved away, making them understand that they should follow it.

  Diane exhaled, relieved. She had passed her first test. Then, while the ball of light showed them the way to the temple of the Congregation, she and Lawskey followed, holding their breath every step of the way.

  They passed the sacred guards, who hadn’t even deigned to look at them, and continued their path between the gigantic columns. Then, they descended three steps which led them to the only crystal pathway that connected the great wall to the temple of the Congregation at the center of the star.

  As they walked on the path, they immediately felt the healing energy of the
Universe in which the Capitol was eternally immersed. This divine and warm light had the incredible ability of bringing all beings back to Love, the creative life-force of the Universe. Although she was still aware of the danger she faced, Diane immediately felt calmer and more serene as she progressed towards the main temple. The ball of white energy no longer seemed so threatening, and it was with greater hope that she envisioned her meeting with the Decision-Makers.

  After a long silent walk through the light, they arrived at the foot of the temple. It was far more impressive than any of the other monuments Diane had seen since her return to the Sphere. Protocol required the angels to climb the one hundred steps that led to the entrance of the temple barefoot, and without the help of their wings. Therefore, it was with humility and respect that they removed their spartan sandals and placed their bare feet on the crystalline stone of the temple steps. It was warm and soothing. The atoms which constituted the stone were aligned with such perfection that they formed a single crystal, whose frequency resonated in the bodies of the Seraphim like a sacred melody. The music penetrated Diane to her core, glowing within her and touching even the most infinitesimal fragment of her body. It reminded her that she was part of the immense brotherhood of Angels, each one of them forming a small but necessary part of a whole, of the entire Universe. No angel could touch this stone without being overwhelmed by an immeasurable feeling of love, not only for themselves and for their people, but for all forms of life in the cosmos. This was the hymn of the Sphere: a melody of unification and peace.

  Moved, Diane paused on the first step, taking in the sweetness of the music and the warmth of the stone. It had been a long time since she had last been to this temple. At the time, she was considered to be one of the greatest military leaders the Sphere had ever known, and she was received with all the ovations owed to an angel of her merit. But today was different.

  As she looked to the ball of light that was hovering a few yards away from her, she noticed that it seemed to be staring at her, patiently waiting for her to take her next step. Standing next to her, Lawskey looked at her tenderly. With his adoring eyes, he gave her all the love that the light and the stone fueled within him. When their eyes met however, he hastily looked away and continued climbing the stairs.

  Diane, filled with the same serenity and infinite love as him, did the same. The sensations the elements were giving her were dizzying. Her fear faded and her soul soared.

  After several minutes, when they finally arrived at the top of the stairs, a deep sense of accomplishment took hold of her.

  In front of them, the entrance of the temple seemed to draw them into another dimension. The crystalline floor was made of a slightly translucent bluish-grey marble.

  After a few steps, the ball of light that had guided them there, suddenly propelled itself upwards, towards the ceiling. As Diane followed it with her eyes, she discovered, far above her, an infinite galaxy with billions of stars.

  There They were. Levitating in the celestial void before the erupting stars, over a hundred Sages sat behind their crystal benches at the entrance of the cosmos, all eyes on her. They were the same color as the bluish-grey stone of the temple, with dark purple wings. As for their bodies, they radiated with a pure violet light: the characteristic halo of the Sages.

  Diane tried to read their expressions, hoping to identify their sentiments towards her, but she could only vaguely distinguish the shapes of their faces as They scrutinized her from on high. They seemed to be looking at her from another dimension, for although They were close enough for her to see Them, They seemed to be an infinite distance away from her, and completely out of reach.

  They were gathered in semi-circles that were placed on different levels, each semi-circle converging towards her and Lawskey. Some of Them were young, some extremely old. They all seemed to be animated by infinite knowledge and unshakeable tranquility. Although Diane couldn’t discern the features of their faces, she knew that their eyes deeply penetrated her soul, making her feel completely exposed.

  One of the Sages, lost among his fellow men, finally spoke. Although his voice echoed loudly within the temple walls, Diane was unable to determine where it was coming from:

  “Welcome back among us, seraph.”

  Moved, Diane bowed. Lawskey did the same.

  “Welcome to you too, Lawskey. Thank you for bringing our fugitive back to us.”

  Diane’s heart jumped while the Sages laughed out loud at the joke; a discreet but sincere laugh.

  “To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit, my dear seraph?” asked another voice, not without a certain irony.

  Diane scanned the assembly of Decision-Makers with her eyes as she took a step forward, her legs trembling. In a slightly unsteady voice, she began:

  “Venerable Sages, Powers of the Universe, before making any requests, I wish to ask your forgiveness for my past deeds...”

  “What past deeds?” replied One of Them.

  Diane froze on the spot. She had no answer to give. Once again, the Sages laughed.

  “My absence,” she stammered, as her heart raced and her legs began to give way.

  “And what did you do during your absence?” asked a deep, accusing voice.

  Feeling Lawskey’s worried eyes on her, she remained paralyzed.

  “I don’t know,” she exhaled, as if she was talking to herself.

  “Diane,” said One of the Sages, interrupting her thoughts. “There’s little you know that We don’t already know. You’re running out of time, aren’t you? Answer our question instead of losing yourself in your useless venerations. We all know that you’ve lost your memory, so please tell us, to what do We owe the pleasure of your visit?”

  Diane looked down. She feared that her awkward attempt at respectfulness would cost her her life. But to what words could the Decision-Makers be receptive if not the words of Truth? Oppressed by the fear that They would oppose her request, she threw herself on her knees and begged Them:

  “O Great Sages, I have come to ask you to spare the life of one of my legionaries whose soul has been devoured by the venom of a demon!”

  Her words were articulated with force, despite the pain and fear that contracted her throat. A long silence followed. Diane felt the energy of the cosmos in which they were all immersed. She guessed the activity of the stars in the distance, behind the Decision-Makers, hovering in the silence of infinite space. Despite the immense weight that she carried on her shoulders, she felt Lawskey’s unconditional love and support as he stood beside her.

  Finally, One of the Sages spoke:

  “Save Nina?”

  When she heard the name of her missionary, Diane abruptly raised her head.

  “Why should we save Nina?” continued the Sage, amused.

  “Because she doesn’t deserve to die...”

  “Who are you to judge what a being deserves or doesn’t deserve?” asked another Sage who was visibly outraged.

  Diane stared at the ground while still kneeling before Them. She felt that her quest was becoming less and less legitimate.

  “I need her,” she finally confessed.

  “Ah... That’s more sincere!” commented yet another Sage, as if to defend her. “Do you know why you need her... him?”

  Diane could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. No, she didn’t know why.

  “Perhaps We should refresh her memory?” exclaimed One of the Sages in a hoarse voice.

  “That sounds like a great idea!” replied a younger voice.

  Without having had time to understand what was going on, Diane noticed the enthusiasm in the Assembly rising. Her head was still lowered, as she looked at the bluish-grey marble floor with tears in her eyes. She didn’t dare look at the Decision-Makers. It was Lawskey’s desperate cry that made her look up: “Diane!”

  Suddenly, the seraph felt a powerful pressure on her head. Without warning, an angel with marble-colored skin and pearl grey wings had appeared and had dragged her by the hair to
a small fountain that had just materialized to their right. Diane tried to free herself, but his embrace was far more powerful than she. In a panic, she heard the voices rising among the Decision-Makers as the angel slowly pulled her closer to the fountain, her knees scraping the ground despite her long toga.

  When they arrived at the foot of the fountain, the angel violently plunged her head into the icy, crystalline water. Panic-stricken, she began to struggle, attempting to catch her breath, but to no avail. To kill her like this, when she had no means to defend herself, wasn’t worthy of these great Sages. She hadn’t expected such a decision from Them.

  Desperate, she fought relentlessly against the fierce grip of the marble angel, but even her wings had been forcefully folded against each other, preventing her from moving even the slightest bit. She fought until her last breath, hoping that Lawskey would come and save her from her doom. Then, little by little, she ceased fighting, abandoning hope... Her energy gradually withered, and despite her will to live, her body surrendered to the water. At the bottom of the fountain, she vaguely made out a white light whose rectangular contours became clearer as she approached it. She then saw a dark silhouette appear in the middle of the light, calling to her... “Madeleine!” She had to reach the silhouette before she drowned, she thought. Just a little more effort... She wanted to leave her body as quickly as possible now so she could go to Ruben. He had come specially to see her. She hadn’t had time to fix her hair, but she couldn’t let him wait. With a superhuman effort, she tried to escape the force that was pulling her back. Managing to take one step into the shadows, then two, the figure became more and more distinct. Suddenly, Madeleine saw the face of her love appear distinctly in front of her. He was waiting for her, strong and proud, dressed in an outfit worthy of the marquis that he was. He was more beautiful than ever.