Chapter 67
It was time for us to head back home, so we started packing our things. Matilda and Cailian helped us pack some of our items so he got ready.
One moment, we were standing in the hut, and the next minute, a bright light blinded all of us. We were sent to another world.
"What's going on?" I asked, looking around at everyone.
"We are in the Heavenly Realm." Baby spoke, well aware she had been here before.
"We must have been summoned here. They must have a message they need to convey to all of us. Duke spoke.
Cailian added. "I have heard the stories from my grandmother of this realm, but I've never seen it in person."
The world around us is a heady mix of streets of gold shimmering in the light. I don't know about the other way makers, but I could feel a pull from the physical realm as if we had left our bodies. And our souls are transported here by some unseen force.
There was a vast Celestial radiance that illuminated everything here. The skies for Endless with swirling cues of pure energy. They looked almost like a breathtaking sunset, but you could see it from a bird's-eye view. We stood before an enormous building as we floated on one of the many islands of pure energy. This must be the Grand Council.
A circle of divine angelic figures stood before us. Their voice radiates wisdom and power. Welcome, Waymakers. The group that stood outside the building spoke in unison, their voices echoing through the heavens. You must come this way. We've been expecting you; we have much to discuss.
We walked into the beautiful building, made of pure gold, that shone like the fiery embers that had purified it. The windows are like the stained glass you see in chapels and cathedrals. A beautiful red carpet lines the floor leading to the council room. Along the way, the walls were engraved with many beautiful jewels. This place surely could only be something as known as heaven.
"Micah inched her way to the back of the line for me, and Becky held up the rear, fondling over the beauty of the architecture and world around us.
"Hey, but I noticed that I don't feel the presence of the demo that then when I'm here. Micah told us."
Josh, standing next to Becky, added. "I noticed the Phoenix is still inside of me; I wonder why that is?"
One of the Heavenly Angels answered us even though we were being quiet, as if she heard every word we said. "Micah, the demon inside of you is not able to reside in this heavenly place. Bands are only bound by the confinements of the Earth. And Joshua, the Phoenix that blows within us, is actually angelic; as you know, it's known as a cherub. Just to remind you from earlier, the demon that was attached to your spirit, hindering the return of your divine powers, was overwhelmed when it chose to become good.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that part. I suppose I've lived with it for so long. It's weird knowing that things have changed."
"It is human nature sometimes to forget where you came from once you start focusing forward towards the future. We have a ride to the conference room. Please have a seat." The Heavenly Council spoke in unison as if they had pulled out our chairs.
One of the celestial figures, an elder with eyes like burning stars, was Michelangelo. Who came in and spoke with us? Thank you for coming to this meeting, Waymakers. I have some things that we need to discuss before your voyage back home.
Cailian stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "We've freed the captives, restored the village, and strengthened our forces. But the Leviathan… I am ready to face it."
He shook his head. "No, Cailian. I know your heart and determination, but I see your hesitation. You are strong but not yet strong enough. To face the Leviathan now would be to ensure your demise. You must change the path you took to get to Keetoowah. You cannot return the way you came."
A heavy silence fell over the Waymakers.
Matilda clenched her fists. "Then what path do we take? We can't just abandon everything."
"Matilda, you have only recently joined the Waymakers, yet you have not been granted divine powers. The chakram you wield is a piece of the key that Cailian protects. Your own path will soon unfold, guiding you forward. Serving alongside Cailian as chief of the sister village is the path destined for you."
"The world is shifting. The hell gate portals continue to grow, corrupting the land and unraveling balance. Chaos and destruction will spread unchecked unless you act. Each portal strengthens the forces of darkness. The Hell Gatekeepers grow bolder, their hunger for devastation endless. If left alone, the world as you know it will fall."
Josh crossed his arms. "So what, we just run around shutting gates while dodging demons and monsters?"
Michelangelo nodded solemnly. "It is no easy task, but you must become stronger. The path ahead will not only test your physical might but also the strength of your soul. Enemies will rise against you, not just demons, but those who despise humanity itself."
Evan exhaled sharply. "We already know the people who hate humanity…" he muttered. "You mean there are forces actively working to keep these gates open?"
"Indeed," Michelangelo affirmed. "To some, humanity is weak, a blight upon existence. They revel in suffering, believing that annihilation is the only fate fit for your kind. They will stop at nothing to ensure the destruction of this world. You must be prepared for battle, for deception, for the trials ahead."
Becky frowned, her mind racing. "So we fight enemies on both sides? Demons from the gates and… these people of humanity who want the world to end?" She shook her head. "That's a hell of a lot of opposition."
"It is the burden of the Waymakers," Michelangelo said. "You carry the weight of this world on your shoulders. And must face many foes. But know this—while the darkness seeks to consume you, you are the light that will push back. You are the ones who will forge the path forward ahead. In the meantime, place orders for when the next hell gate portal appears and do your best."
I'll help guide you with your guardian angels through another route. We'll take a bit longer, but your mission with Cailian is on hold for now. There will come a time when all of you are stronger and will return back to help him face the Leviathan.
They were engulfed by the blinding glow, their physical bodies snapping back into reality. The meeting in the Heaven Realm was over, but its message was clear—The war had officially begun!
We said our good byes to Cailian and Matlida we would come to visit them and village again one day. Duke and Baby were given orders, and we were allowed to take a different path, which took a little bit longer. This meant we were late coming back home from what was supposed to be our school field trip. We have not officially checked in with their parents yet. I felt like a rude awakening and waited as we were about to get in trouble.
Evan and Josh—
"Hey, we are home!" Evan called out to the maid.
Josh, Evan, is that you who called from upstairs? You boys are lucky that I trusted the note you left. Your father would have been infuriated if I had to contact him and tell him you boys came up missing. She scolded!
The boys sat on the couch with their heads down, taking their lecture as they engraved every word to avoid making the mistake again.
James—
Hello, Mother. Hello, Father. I am home from my field trip.
Nothing but silence still as you walked into the cold home. Even though there were furnishings in the house, the home still felt. His mother and father were distracted, working on their computers and finishing up work from their jobs.
For dinner, it is inside the refrigerator if you'd like to eat. I wasn't sure when you would be back. The mother spoke, unaware that they were a few days late. She was very much distracted by the burdens of life.
His father hardly spoke to him, except for the occasional scolding when he failed to meet expectations. He hardly heard his father's voice at any other time except when arguing with his mother about trivial adult burdens.
Micah—
Hey, Mom, I'm home. We had to take a detour due to a nasty storm, but we're here!
Oh, Micah! Her mother came crying and running. I thought you ran away again! Your uncle convinced me not to report you missing, but we called Let's Go when they let us know about the trip. I read your note, but I was unsure because you never checked in. You had me worried.
"Sorry, Mom, I didn't mean to scare you and Uncle."
Micah's mom breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, I'm just glad you are okay, but don't scare me like that."
Becky and Kaysi-
Isn't it great to be back home?" Becky asked Kaysi as they unlocked and opened the door to their home.
Hey, Mom and Dad, we're finally home. We had to take a detour due to a severe storm that forced us to circumnavigate the other side of the ocean, but we were back on track.
"Rebecca Flatter, You scared the hell out of me and your father! And we told you that Kaysi was not to go on this trip because she is still in a fragile state. I mean, look at her. She's got more scrapes and bruises. You know she's under our responsibility."
"Miss Flatter," Kaysi cut her off as she spoke. "I helped with some of the village repairs, so I got a bit scraped up. Becky tried to stop me, but it's something I'll never do again, as I'm trying to gain more independence. She watched after me very thoroughly.
Oh goodness, I'm glad to see you're doing better and acting more lively, finally coming out of your shell again. Have your memories started to return?"
"No, not really, unfortunately. However, my emotions towards people and things are becoming more apparent so that memories may follow.