#Dedicated to Our Heavenly Father in Heaven

[chuubian]

solace and secrecy

Tags Fyodor x fem reader, angst, religious imagery, religious guilt, alcohol consumption, abuse, blasphemy?? kinda?

Summary Fyodor is determined to live as a righteous, holy man. Dedication to his god is all he has ever known and he would never stray away from it, but he starts to view his faith differently when he met you.

Intricate architecture and stained glass windows were familiar views to Fyodor. Spending all his free time as a child in the church, working on his faith. Terrified of what could happen if he were to ever give up his religion. His dedication bordered on obsession. When the time came to make his career choice, he chose something that would be worthy of going to heaven.

Becoming a priest involved things like teaching the congregation, performing sacraments, and counseling. Fyodor did all this with love and passion in his heart. It was familiar. There was no place he would rather be.

Fyodor is sitting in his office, offering counseling to his brothers and sisters is a welcome break from standing and preaching for hours at a time. Most problems people come to him with are not too serious. Family disputes and disobedient children, occasionally infidelity and thievery. Though… those are few and far in between.

Fyodor is cleaning up his desk while waiting for his next meeting. Stacking his books and arranging his vase of flowers to be just right. He opens his door and invites in the next person he’s supposed to meet with. Gesturing for you to sit down.

“Please, have a seat”

He takes a seat across from you, the golden light from the sun casting a heavenly glow. Fyodor looks angelic. It's hard to not immediately start begging for mercy. Suddenly feeling like you are unworthy of being in the presence of his divinity. Fyodor starts off.

“What can I help you with?”

You hesitate to speak, unsure if this is even something you could ever admit or speak out loud.

“Father… I’ve been having some strange thoughts and feelings.”

Fyodor hums softly, thinking. His voice is soft and reassuring, representative of his care for your wellbeing.

“Strange in what way?”

You hesitate. Can you really say this? Would he report you? While you’re taking your time considering what to say, Fyodor interrupts.

“I notice you are being awfully quiet. This is a confidential conversation, nothing you could say would make me think of you as unworthy or strange. I am a servant of God, sworn to secrecy. Everything said in this room is between you, myself, and our lord and savior.”

With that reassurance, you take a deep breath. Fyodor is looking at you with such kind eyes. It’s hard to not to get distracted. How do you even word this? What can you really say?

“Father… I’ve been having thoughts about murdering my mother.”

Fyodor's face remains unchanged. He almost doesn’t look shocked. He sits up straight and speaks in the same soft reassuring tone. It’s eerie.

“I see… Why is that?”

Old painful memories flood your mind. Your mother choosing her new repulsive boyfriend over you. Your mother isolating you from friends and family. Making you kneel on rice for hours at a time. Inventing new barbaric punishments just for you. She had never put as much love and care into anything, as she did torturing you. Being an adult now, you wrongfully believed that she would let you live your life. But that is not the kind of person she is.

"She's cruel and vindictive, I hate her. She's never cared for me in my entire life and I can't leave. She takes my money, traps me, beats me when she’s angry and drunk. I have nowhere to go. I've given up on my life, but if I can make her suffer one last time I think I could die happily."

Fyodor remains abnormally calm. It feels like the calm before the storm. You should've kept your mouth shut. What the fuck were you even thinking? Obviously that's not okay to say, why are you even here? For him to talk you down? Your legs are shaking. Although Fyodor is gazing at you tenderly, it's like he's looking right through you. Like he can read you.

"And you believe that this is the solution?"

You feel trapped. Breath hitching, your eyes start watering. You try to speak up but your voice is shakier than you expected. Why is it so shaky?

"I don't know what to do, Father."

He slowly stands up, making his way around the desk. You take a deep breath, readying yourself for what he might do. Maybe he'll restrain you and report you. But before you can let your thoughts go wild, he reaches out for your hand. His skin is cold, but it curiously makes you feel warm. It's like a shock to your system.

"I'm sorry that happened to you"

At those six simple words, you break down. No one in your entire disgraceful, miserable life had ever given you an ounce of genuine kindness. He gently wiped the tears from your eyes. You didn't even realize you had started crying, your throat and eyes were burning. There was a big lump in your throat.

"Do you not think that instead of doing something so horrible, so sinful, maybe you should turn to god?"

You pause at those words. Is that even a real choice at this point? This is a cry for help, you aren't looking for a god to follow. What use is he to you? God is the reason that you've had such a dreadful life.

"I have never seen you come to mass before, so why are you here? Is it because deep down you are hoping for god to save you?"

Taking a deep breath you try to calm down.

"I'm not a follower, I would never do that. God is the reason my life is so awful."

His eyes narrow. Fyodor's gaze is piercing and chilling. He takes offense to you talking about his deity in such a blasphemous way.

"I know you may feel that this is our lord and savior's fault, but that could not be further from the truth. This is the work of the devil, and the devil alone."

Shaking your head, you refuse to accept it. Is God not supposed to fix this? Is he not supposed to be all knowing? How could he allow this to happen in the first place? What did you even do to deserve this? Fyodor notices that you're deep in thought.

"I am sorry to be the first to tell you this, but you are not as innocent as you think you are."

His voice is much colder than it was before. It makes you shiver and tense up.

"All human beings are sinful. Do you not think it is better to acknowledge that and ask for forgiveness from our Father? What happened to you was unacceptable, but is the solution really to victimize yourself and act so foolishly?"

You were stunned. Looking up at Fyodor, who towers over you. He's so tall and imposing, it makes you feel small. He's so cruel. You had done nothing and now he was trying to make you feel guilty? Who does he think he is? You stand up angrily, deciding you don't have to take this.

"I'm leaving."

Fyodor raises an eyebrow.

"Please, sit back down. I understand that this seems harsh but violence is not the answer. Why are you even here?"

"I'm not sure."

Fyodor hums softly. Sitting back down he reaches over to his vase, taking a hold of a white rose, looking deep in thought. He gently runs his slender fingers over the petals and then holds the rose out for you.

"This is my offering to you."

You furrow your eyebrows, confused.

"What? A rose?"

Fyodor chuckles softly.

"Yes, a rose. But I am not only offering this rose, I am also offering you a chance to start over. So that you do not have to go back and see your mother."

You stay silent, completely bewildered.

"Why?"

He tilts his head, he looks almost baffled that you would question him.

"I am a servant of God. It is my job to help those in need, but in exchange I would like for you to start coming to church. I would like for you to at least try and follow the word of God."

You sit back down, considering the offer. Could he be telling the truth? This seems too good to be true. Fyodor notices your hesitance to take him up on this.

"I will provide you with a place to sleep and help you find employment. I am a well known priest around here, I promise this is a genuine offer."

He holds out the rose for you again. You finally accept it, nodding.

"All right then. I’ll take you up on it."

He smiles at you softly. As your fingers gently close over the stem of the rose, one of the thorns pricks you, drawing blood. You gasp softly, letting go of the rose as it falls to the ground.

"Are you okay?"

Fyodor looks concerned, taking your hand in his gently and inspecting the punctured finger.

"It is only a small cut, I could fix you up easily."

You look up at his face, noticing the kind look in his eyes. He's so ethereal. Delicately, he pulls your hand closer, cleaning the blood up and bandaging your finger.

After this, Fyodor shows you around your new living quarters and helps you get a job. He requires you to come to mass at least three times a week and have talks about how things are going afterwards.

Getting away from your mother wasn't easy. She was always watching you, looking for mistakes or something that may be off about you. Eventually, you finally saw a chance when you could leave without her noticing.

Since that fateful day, your days have been spent surrounded by ornate golden walls. The high cieling of the church make you feel like a small bug, crushed under the weight of God's will.

Fyodor has helped you see the mistakes in your thinking patiently. At first, you didn't even want to admit it but it was true that you're a sinner. However, God could cure you. He could forgive.

At this point you hardly ever spent any time outside of the church. Right after work you went inside that large, lavish building, repenting for your sins and working on your relationship with your lord and savior. Fyodor had even started planning for your baptism soon after you made the deal with him.

Spending so much time around that mysterious man, made you feel even more captivated with him. What is his story? Was he always like this? His eyes are so kind but so empty, there's something so off about him. Despite the bad feeling in your gut, you couldn't help but like him more. Whenever you would walk into his office, it was always beautifully decorated with white roses, fresh, blooming and shining in the sunlight. The bookshelves along the walls are always full of vintage books, smelling like parchment and wine. His demeanor is always serene. He would just sit there and listen to you, never once trying to interrupt you.

You came to appreciate his advice, he seemed to be on a higher plane of existence than you. In a way, he was your savior. Whenever he looked at you now, you could feel your cheeks warm and your hands get clammy. Disappointing him would be devastating.

It's night time now, about six months after you first met Fyodor. The church was completely empty at this time. Soft glowing moonlight is sparkling and radiating off the gold and stained glass decorations inside. Fyodor decided to sit on one of the pews at the front, admiring the large crucifix behind the altar. It fills him with a sense of pride. Pride to be one of the Lord's soldiers.

As you walk in, you feel uneasy. This is a building you love, with a man you care about inside, but it feels so cold… so isolated. No one else is here. It's just a big empty building. You can't help but notice how exquisitely it's decorated, compared to your cheap clothing. It doesn’t look like you should ever even step foot in here.

Sitting down next to Fyodor, he smiles at you softly.

"I haven't seen you in a while, Fedya."

"It has only been a few days."

Shrugging, you take in his appearance. He's still wearing his white baptismal robe, contrasting with his dark shiny hair. He looks so pure, so divine, it's hard not to be completely enchanted.

"A few days is too long. You're my only friend, you know?"

He hums softly.

“Do you need anyone else anyways?”

You go quiet for a few seconds, thinking.

“I guess not, I like spending my time at the church with you anyways.”

He slowly stands, walking up the stairs to the altar. You stay sitting.

“What are you doing?”

He doesn’t answer, standing in front of the crucifix, facing you. He pulls a chalice out of the communion table, filled with red wine.

“Come here, we may as well enjoy ourselves while you are here right?”

Your eyebrows furrow, letting out a little chuckle.

“Are we even allowed to drink from it under these circumstances?”

Fyodor tilts his head, almost offended that you would question him.

“Does it matter? Do not tell me youre scared.”

He pauses, sighing softly, noticing your hesitance.

“It is fine, you will not get in trouble for it.”

With that reassurance, you walk up the steps of the altar and stand next to him. He holds the chalice up to your face, intending to feed you the wine himself. Your cheeks flush, feeling babied and embarrassed.

“Can’t I drink it myself?”

He shrugs.

“Just drink, it is not a big deal.”

You nod, leaning closer and taking a sip. The metal of the chalice feels cold on your lips, while the wine makes your throat and stomach feel warm. Fyodor tilts the container up to help you drink more. Once you drink about half of the wine, you lean back, cringing at the disgusting taste of alcohol.

“Wine is always so bitter.”

He chuckles at your reaction.

“You are such a baby, it is not that bad.”

Without hesitation, he gulps down all the wine that was left over. His pale cheeks grow pink from the alcohol, and of course, you can’t help but point it out.

“You’re blushing, you know that?”

“So what? At least I can handle my alcohol.”

Suddenly, it’s not so funny anymore.

“Hey, I can handle it just fine!”

He chuckles quietly, gazing into your eyes. His stare is so intense that you grow silent and still. The effects of the wine are now messing with your head. Your eyesight grows fuzzy and your muscles feel heavier.

You can’t help but stare at him, he’s so handsome it’s unreal. The tension in the room thickens. Fyodor reaches up to gently brush your hair behind your ear. You gasp. His touch is electrifying. It feels like your skin is on fire where his fingers brushed against the shell of your ear.

“Is something wrong, dear?”

Your eyes widen at the pet name. Were you really close enough to be this affectionate? It felt too intimate, it felt wrong. You look around the empty room, suddenly feeling guilty. What are you even doing here? You’re not supposed to be here, you don’t belong. You’ve never belonged anywhere. Not at home with your mother, and especially not in a place so sacred.

Fyodor places a hand on your shoulder, making you flinch.

“What is wrong?”

Shaking your head, you sigh softly.

“Nothing… I just…”

You pause for a few seconds, trying to articulate your thoughts. Fighting against the haze of the alcohol, your tongue feeling heavy in your mouth, making you slur your words.

“I shouldn’t be here.”

When you finally look back at Fyodor, he looks concerned. There’s something so angelic about him that it’s hard to not immediately lean in and kiss him. He looks genuinely confused, as if its unheard of for you to be undeserving.

“Why is that?”

You hide your face with your hands, sheepish and uncomfortable.

“I’m not a good follower of god… I… I don't belong here.”

Fyodor takes a step forward, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. It feels too close, but instead of shaking it off and backing away, you let him.

“Come on, let us sit down.”

He leads you over to sit on the stairs in the altar.

“Dear… Why do you not think you belong?”

You pause. Can you even admit this? This is wrong. You have thought worse things and he knows it, but this is different. This time it involves him.

“I’m a sinner…”

He looks at you like you’re stupid.

“So is everyone.”

This is so frustrating. He doesn’t understand.

“Fyodor… Do you ever think we’re too close?”

“Why would I think that?”

Your hands clench, grabbing onto the skirt of your dress.

“You’re a priest… you should act like it.”

At that, Fyodor's eyes narrow. He takes offense to the suggestion that he isn’t acting in a godly manner.

“Explain yourself.”

His tone is sharp, he’s clearly unhappy because of you. You grow nervous at his anger, fidgeting with the sleeve of your jacket.

“I just mean… I don’t mean to offend you or anything… but you called me ‘dear’ and I feel like we’re getting too close…”

He still seems peeved that you would suggest he isn’t doing his duties properly, but his gaze softens a great deal.

“I see… Well, you do not have to worry about that. We are friends, are we not? In fact, I am your only friend.”

You nod. It felt embarrassing to have him casually talk about how lonely you are. You really rely on him for everything at this point.

With everything finally calming down, you both sit silently, looking out at the dark empty church. It isn’t awkward. Fyodor is someone whose presence you can enjoy even when you’re not talking.

Slowly, you both grow closer and closer. Maybe leaning your head on his shoulder is too intimate but you can’t seem to care anymore. Fyodor doesn’t seem to mind and the wine is messing with your sense of balance and judgment.

Fyodor’s hand slowly slides from your shoulder down to your waist, pulling you closer. You suddenly feel too warm in your own skin. You feel restless but you don't dare move from where you are.

Looking up at him, you notice he’s already looking down at you, studying your expression, looking at your features so lovingly. The tension in the room rises. You don’t know what to do, but you don’t want to look away. You can’t let this opportunity pass.

“Fedya…”

Your voice sounds much softer and weaker than you thought it would. It’s clear you're nervous, even to yourself, and especially to someone as receptive and smart as Fyodor. Your heart is racing. You can barely even speak. A warm, heavy feeling pools in your stomach.

“Yes, dear?”

The pet name makes you feel warmer and causes your skin to prickle. You sit up, you’re so close now that his breath is fanning over your face.

“Fedya… I… love you.”

Those words hang in the air, echoing throughout the vacant room. Fyodor doesn’t react. After a few seconds, his gaze travels down to your lips before looking back at your eyes again.

“I see…”

He looks away. Your stomach drops. This can’t be. Did you read things wrong? Why were you so stupid?? Your eyes are starting to water, even your nose is burning. This is so embarrassing. How could this happen??

“I am truly sorry… I-I think we had too much to drink.”

His voice is soft and understanding.

“I am a part of the clergy, we are not allowed to be in relationships.”

Despite the reasonable explanation, you feel upset. After all, emotions aren't rational are they? You can't even look at him anymore. The humiliation is too much.

“Please dear… It is not your fault, but the Lord comes first to me. I would never do anything to jeopardize my position.

He notices your expression and body language, pulling you into a hug. You can’t help but break down. The embarrassment and guilt finally catching up with you. You just wanted to be loved. Is that too much to ask? Even when you thought you had a connection, of course it had to be with a man who is unable to return those feelings.

“You are beautiful, you have a great personality. I am sure that one day, you will find someone who can love you back, but that person can not be me. With time, these feelings will pass.”

After a while of Fyodor comforting you and holding you close, you finally calm down. You both sit quietly. Even with the rejection fresh in your mind, even with your heart feels like it’s been beaten and abused, you can't find it in yourself to hate him. You should’ve known this would happen.

Fyodor and you sit silently. He reassures you that this has nothing to do with you, and after a while, he leaves. You sit alone in the dark empty church, feeling much more alone than when you first came in.

You decide you can’t just let your friendship with Fyodor wither away. So you stick around, still talking and enjoying each others company as always. When you next visit Fyodor's office, you notice his vase lacks the same bright white glowing roses. Instead, they have all wilted and dried up.

[the-jam-to-the-unicorn]

Easter Greetings by the President of Ukraine

Great People of Great Ukraine!

Today we celebrate a significant holiday — the Resurrection of the Lord. Easter. Easter symbolizes the liberation of the human soul from the slavery of evil and darkness. It symbolizes the victory of goodness and justice, the victory of life over death.

We have been fighting for all of this for 802 days in a row. 802 days of freedom standing up to darkness, valor standing up to terror. 802 days of our resistance, which can be described by the words from the Gospel of John: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…"

The exact same words are dedicated to one of the exhibitions at St. Sophia Cathedral, where I am now. Together, this exhibition and the other works by various Ukrainian artists convey a deep meaning. These are the icons on ammunition boxes. They are saturated with the smoke of our land and the spirit of our people. They are the symbols of great trials and great power that helps us overcome them. Each of these icons is like a divine manifestation, a proof that the heavens are with us, an answer to the question of why Ukrainians have withstood. It is because in the most difficult circumstances and in the darkest times we are able to create light. We can do it on boards scorched by fire and grief, that came from Ukrainian cities and villages exhausted by suffering. We can do this by combining the seemingly incompatible: the war and the Lord, by overcoming evil with faith, overcoming adversity with hope.

When taking a closer look at these icons, one can understand the feelings of our entire nation. It's a mirror that reflects our reality in times of war, the path we have already taken, and this Easter, and our entire present. This is what our amulets look like today. This is how we feel that God is protecting us through the hands of our warriors. This is how we see the protection of the heavenly forces, embodied in the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, every Ukrainian who devotes themself to the sacred cause of defending their native land from darkness and evil.

These icons bear the names of heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect us. They showed that Ukrainians kneel only to pray. And never do they kneel in front of invaders and occupiers.

The Bible teaches us to love our neighbor. And the present has shown us the true meaning of this word. When we support and help each other even hundreds of kilometers away from one another. We protect each other. We pray for each other. When we all have become closer to each other, we have become each other's neighbors. And our former neighbor, who was always making us take him for a brother, remains distant from us for centuries. They have broken all the commandments, coveted our house, and come to kill us. The world sees it.

God knows it. And we believe that there is a chevron with the Ukrainian flag on the shoulder of God. Therefore, with such an ally, life will definitely prevail over death.

As we overcome a common path and experience common pain, we are all united today by one common prayer. We pray for all our warriors who are celebrating Easter in the trenches and on the positions. We pray for our warriors of light, who restrain demons in all directions. We pray for those who keep another commandment in their lives: to defend Ukraine. We pray that they all come back alive.

We pray for all our civilians who work hard every day to strengthen our state and ensure that it successfully overcomes evil. We pray for those who live and work for this purpose.

We pray for all our children, for all the boys and girls brave far beyond their years, whose childhood was stolen from them by Russia, but who, despite everything, have not forgotten how to smile and believe in miracles.

We pray for all our mothers and fathers who were robbed of a happy, peaceful aging, and who, despite everything, are holding on and taking care of us.

We pray for all our cities and villages, that should feel the Lord's grace, not the constant terror of evil, and which have black clouds hanging over them, and bombs and missiles coming from those who belong in hell, not in the Ukrainian sky.

We pray for our lands and our people, whose spirit cannot be broken. And we remember the words written in St. Sophia Cathedral above the Oranta image, which came true in our lives: "God is in the midst of the city, and it will not be shaken. God will help it before dawn.”

Today, we are praying for all Ukrainians who are waiting for this dawn and will certainly see it. They will find peace, truth, and God, who will return to the scorched land, the land scarred with craters and trenches. He will return with peace, tranquility, and flowers instead of mines in the fields. He will return with children's laughter instead of the roar of an air alarm. The light that will return to all of our Lord-given land, to all the territories that are temporarily occupied by the devils. God will return to Mariupol. To the slag heaps and the seashores. It has always been so. It will definitely be so. I believe in this every day, especially on this glorious day in this glorious place, the history of which reminds us that neither the Horde invasion, nor the Nazi occupation, nor the Russian terror will be able to wipe us off the face of the Earth.

May the heavens strengthen our will in the battle against thralldom. May they give us courage for new achievements and wisdom to appreciate all that we have already gained. May they give us the strength to maintain unity, and give us unity to enhance our strength. May God grant eternal rest to all those who gave their lives for Ukraine and everlasting peace to their descendants, to all our children and grandchildren, and to all our future generations. They have the sacred right to know what a peaceful Easter in a peaceful Ukraine is.

Today we pray for it and we fight for it.

And the light shines in the darkness...

Happy Easter to all of you, dear Ukrainians!

Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed!

[albertfinch]

HIDDEN WITH CHRIST IN GOD

We are to be the glory of His heavenly essence upon the earth.  As we allow God to expose the indifference and distractions in our lives, His light and nature will supernaturally come forth in power through each of us as we reject our worldly agendas and bring forth our DESTINY in Christ.

Romans 9:23 - "That He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory."

How does this happen? Is it because of all the good things that we do? Our perfect lives? Do we need to ascend to some measure of spiritual greatness to be used by God? Absolutely not. It is the grace of God that has made us worthy to be vessels of His presence. It is not about our perfection, our giftings, our great ability or whatever else we think might help qualify us for His work. He uses each of us WHERE WE ARE because we trust in His grace and LEARN HOW TO DEPEND ON HIS SPIRIT -- His love flowing through us into the lives of others.

INCORPORATED INTO HIS FLOW

Ephesians 3:7 - "Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."

It is not about our performance. He will use us powerfully because of His grace. In our walk with God one of the most valuable keys we can learn is to "hide in Him". What does this mean? God is our hideout.  As we learn to yield ourselves to the Spirit, we become a hidden people incorporated into the flow of His desires.

Benefits of Hiding Out With God:

You make yourself available for revelation concerning your calling in Christ. 2. You become more aware of your oneness with Jesus. 3. Through the DISCIPLESHIP of others you will be able to lead them to discover this Hiding Place.

THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST

Colossians 3:3 - "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

When Christ died, we died. When Christ rose, we rose with Him. Christ is now seated at the right hand of God and us with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).  All the work is finished.  When we hideaway with God we become absorbed into His very life. With our hearts yielded to the Holy Spirit we become conduits of His presence into the earth. God will use us in power because we are dedicated to understanding and carrying out our calling in Christ.  It is Christ in us the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Just as Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me," his life was absorbed into Christ as he gained ground for God’s Kingdom in the earth.   

AFFIRMATIONS:

  I take time to rest, meditating on the work Christ has accomplished for me so far as I seek to bear fruit that remains for His Kingdom.

I worship God from a position of being hidden in Christ.

I live in such a way that nothing ever gets bigger than my consciousness of God's presence.

He has called us not to "wonder about the future," but to create it through the knowledge of His living Word and prayer accompanied by action!  Our Father gives His access to the future right now. To bring manifestation is to pray and advance the reality of God's Kingdom in the earth as we co-labor with Him.

"Pray, then, in this way:.......on earth as it is in Heaven." - Matthew 6:9,10

We cannot afford to have a moment in our lives when circumstances distract us from tending the fire of and advancing God’s purpose for our life. 

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

6th February >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs 

on

Tuesday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time.

Tuesday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Red: B (2))

(Readings for the feria (Tuesday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 You have said: My name shall be there, to hear the prayers of your people Israel.

Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of the whole community of Israel, and stretching forth his hands toward heaven, he said, “LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart. “Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you, how much less this temple which I have built! Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O LORD, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant, utter before you this day. May your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored; may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 84:3, 4, 5 and 10, 11

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young— Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my king and my God!

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you. O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of your anointed.

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

R/ How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Gospel Acclamation Psalm 119:36, 29b

Alleluia, alleluia. Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees; and favor me with your law. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 7:1-13 You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

-----------------------

Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs 

(Liturgical Colour: Red: B (2))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Tuesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Galatians 2:19-20 I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.

Brothers and sisters: Through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.

R/ Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 28:19a, 20b

Alleluia, alleluia. Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 28:16-20 Go and teach all nations.

The Eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Friday, Saturday 22, 2023

september 9_september 22

HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS ANCESTORS OF GOD, JOACHIM AND ANNA

Saint Joachim, the son of Barpathir, was of the tribe of Judah, and was a descendant of King David, to whom God had revealed that the Savior of the world would be born from his seed. Saint Anna was the daughter of Matthan the priest, who was of the tribe of Levi. Saint Anna’s family came from Bethlehem.

Once, during a great feast, the gifts which Joachim took to Jerusalem as an offering to God were not accepted by the priest Reuben, who considered that a childless man was not worthy to offer sacrifice to God. This pained the old man very much, and he, regarding himself the most sinful of people, decided not to return home, but to settle in solitude in a desolate place.

When Saint Anna learned what humiliation her husband had endured, she sorrowfully entreated God with prayer and fasting to grant her a child. In his desolate solitude the righteous Joachim also asked God for this. The prayer of the saintly couple was heard. An angel told them that a daughter would be born to them, Who would be blessed above all other women. He also told them that She would remain a virgin, would be dedicated to the Lord and live in the Temple, and would give birth to the Savior. Obeying the instructions of the heavenly messenger, Saints Joachim and Anna met at the Golden Gate in Jerusalem. Then, as God promised, a daughter was born to them and they named her Mary.

Saint Joachim died a few years later at the age of 80, after his daughter went to live in the Temple. Saint Anna died at the age of 70, two years after her husband.

Saints Joachim and Anna are often invoked by couples trying to have children.

EPHESIANS 1:7-17

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

5 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

LUKE 8:16-21

16 No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him. 19 Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, who said, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You." 21 But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."

[psalmonesermons]

The attributes of God: Grace

Part 3 How ought we to live in the light of God's grace?

Because God’s grace and blessings lead to eternal life, how then should we be living?

Romans Chapter 6 is a go to chapter for how to live in the light of God's grace.

Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?i

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Paul here in Romans chapter 6 shows the biblical approach to our lives that we are to live in absolute, loving dedication to God the Father and Jesus Christ.

We do this by walking in obedient faith through grace.

Romans 6:11 Likewise, do not yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin; rather, yield yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

6:12 For sin shall not rule over you, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Now we can clearly see how we are to live our lives before God the Father.

We are to do so as if we were alive from the dead; in willing, loving submission to God,

and to live according to the will and grace of God. You may recall the childhood hymn 'O what can little hands do to please the king of heaven'? In this hymn the child's hands are to be used to meet someone's need, their lips for praise and words of kindness, their eyes for looking up to heaven and reading the bible, and lastly, their little hearts can love their Maker, Saviour, and Friend. Such grace to mine be given! This is an example of using our members (all our faculties and senses) as instruments of righteousness. Such grace also to mine be given!

Ephesians 1:2 Grace and peace be to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly things with Christ.

4. According as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, in order that we might be holy and blameless before Him in love.

5. Having predestinated us for sonship to Himself through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His own will,

6. To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us objects of His grace in the Beloved Son.

7. In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the remission of sins, according to the riches of His grace,

This chapter brings out many facets of God’s glorious GRACE.

Everything that the apostle Paul speaks of in this chapter is part of and is an expression of God the Father’s GRACE through JESUS CHRIST!

Chapter 1 goes on to reveal wonderful blessings to each believer.

Practical Conclusions- how ought we live in the light of God's grace?

Be grateful that God has poured his grace into your life.

Celebrate His amazing grace.

Refuse to live in sin by considering your old man ‘crucified, dead, and buried’.

But rather walk in newness of life and being holy and blameless before Him in love.

Such a lifestyle reflects how wonderful God was/is treating us as the targets/objects of His grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness…

Remember that the same sufficiency of grace that the Lord supplied Paul with, is ever available to you. The grace of God enables us to overcome sin and enter the victories that Jesus Christ has prepared for us.

The grace of God is our enabler and only comes through Jesus Christ.

Amen

Prayer

[childofchrist1983]

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. - Philippians 2:5-8 KJV

In the Common Lectionary, today is dedicated to the Triumph of the Cross. Some may not think of this as a triumph, but Jesus' death on the cross at Calvary was our salvation. For us, this was a triumph.

This Bible passage from the Book of Philippians is also an old Christian hymn and seems to be based on an Old Testament hymn showing the belief of the early Christians that Jesus Christ is the promised and long awaited Messiah. From the beginning of creation and the entrance of sin into the world, the world was waiting for that moment on the cross when Jesus joined His will to the will of the Father in full confidence that His Father would not desert Him. His death opened the gates of Heaven to all of us. Through Satan, sin entered the world, and through the actions of Jesus Christ, all are redeemed. Only Jesus can save and redeem us. Only through Jesus can we see our Heavenly Father and enter Heaven. Only through God's grace can we be spiritually reborn with His gift of eternal salvation. We must humbly confess, repent and believe!

Crucifixion was a terrible way to die; so terrible that only non-Romans were crucified. This is why Paul was beheaded since he was a Roman citizen. The actual cause of death was suffocation. The weight of the body hanging on the cross eventually made it almost impossible to breathe and the lungs filled with fluid. In Jesus' case, the beatings He had sustained earlier had weakened Him considerably and He died sooner than was normal. This is why the soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves hanging with Him, but they didn't break Jesus' legs seeing that he was dead. However, just in case they were wrong, they pierced His chest with a sword. He was willing to die for us so that we might be saved and gifted eternal salvation and eternal life with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven. What are we willing to do to thank Him? Father God Almighty was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son for all of us. As we reflect on this amazing love He has for us, may we also reflect on the ways in which we can be worthy of this gift He has given us through His love, mercy and grace.

Thank God for His strength and guidance when we are faced with sin and its temptations. Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Through Bible study and prayer, God reveals His wisdom and guides us to see opportunities to grow closer to Him and grow spiritually. He gives us direction to live our lives according to His Holy Word and will. We must make God top priority everyday! May we be motivated to spread God's Holy Word and Gospel Truth to all the Earth, knowing that it is the only hope of all those lost in their sins. Let us not hold out a false hope for men to be saved without the Gospel, but instead endeavor to do our part to get the Gospel out to a lost and dying world. As hymn writer Isaac Watts put it, "Send Thy victorious Word abroad and bring the strangers home!"

Leaning on Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ through prayer and His Holy Word and Spirit strengthens us and our knowledge and wisdom about God and His Gospel Truth, exposing these imposters. May God help us to seek and lean on Him daily to gain the strength, wisdom and spiritual discernment needed to expose Satan and his imposters who seek to destroy us and God's ultimate Truth. Everyday, we must remember to share Jesus Christ's Gospel Truth with the world and to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and from the eternal damnation of Hell. In all we say and do, may all praise, honor and glory always be given to Him and His Kingdom of Heaven.

With renewed minds, hearts and wills, let us serve Him humbly and faithfully out of pure love and grateful rejoicing. May He remind us of His presence and to remain at peace, fully knowing that all will be well because He is always with us. Let us seek Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ today and everyday with all our heart and being, looking for His love, light and will for our lives with each step we take. Let us seek to please Him with our thoughts, words, and deeds and seek to advance His Kingdom of Heaven and His glory with our lives. Let us seek Him from a pure and humble heart, and when we so seek, we believe Him and His promise that we will find. May He help us all to be more sensitive to the teaching ministry of His Holy Word and Spirit, relying on Him and allowing Him to speak to us and guide us every step of our Christian journey.

God gave us the Holy Bible - His living and Holy Word - to let us know of Him and His abiding love and care as well as guide and prepare us for all our lives. May He help us encourage one another as we continue our walk with Him and our duty to Him daily. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for being present for all our new beginnings and all our lives. May He redirect any anxiety we feel as He provides countless opportunities for growth and change. May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will.

May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus! He loves us and He knows what is best for us. Seek, follow and trust in Him - Always!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful LORD, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for December 1, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 29:12-14 (KJV): 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever. Proverbs 29:12-14 (AMP): 12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked. 13 The poor man and the oppressor meet together -- the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established continuously.

Thought for the Day

Verse 12 - We know that a ruler who keeps company with liars, is also corrupt himself. Those who are wicked do not want men of integrity around them, so the officials they choose to serve them will also be wicked. It goes back to the old adage: "Birds of a feather, flock together."

Verse 13 - Although the poor and the deceitful may be worlds apart in their manner of living, both receive sight from God. Mankind has been bestowed with life and blessings that come only from God. He created the earth for all people, even those who do not acknowledge that it came from Him. He gives us eyes and sunlight by which to see valleys, mountains, rivers, animals, and all creation. He causes the sun to shine on the good and the evil. He sends rain on the just and the unjust. "...That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matthew 5:45). He gives men natural gifts, enabling us all to contribute to the good of society. Like snowflakes, each of us are unique. He has a specific purpose for each of us, which we can only fully understand when we give our lives to Him.

In accordance with His plan for mankind, God created the perfect Garden of Eden. There Adam and Eve lived, worked, and enjoyed fellowship with Him. When they disobeyed Him, sin began to defile both them and all the earth; so God then initiated His plan of redemption. At the determined time, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to atone for the sins of mankind. According to plan, through Christ, all people can be restored to Him if they accept what Jesus did for them and surrender to God's will. Whoever gives his life to the Lord receives spiritual gifts in addition to his natural gifts. In the natural, God gives us eyes to see the light of the sun and what it illuminates. In the spirit, He gives us sight and revelation to perceive His Light and Truth.

Verse 14 – A good ruler faithfully judges the poor. He does not deny them the right to be heard. He does not pervert justice, but judges fairly and upholds the poor man when he is in the right. God establishes the rule of such a man. Jesus will one day return to earth and establish His righteous reign on earth. He is the only completely just and upright King, and His rule shall indeed be established forever.

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the many gifts You have given to us, as Your children. I do appreciate eyes to see Your beautiful creation. I am grateful that You gave us so many things to see and enjoy in this earth. I also thank You for the gifts You have given to me personally. I know that You have given me the gift of writing and I am grateful. I am also humbled that You would use me to share the revelations You have given me with Your people. Lord, I dedicate my life and gifts to Your work. Please use them to bring glory to Your Name. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

[prayerstothegodfather110292]

To the East Leicester Police and the Protectors of Justice,

Thank you for your noble actions in banning all harmful footage. Your dedication to safeguarding dignity and justice is a testament to the strength of human compassion and righteousness. I, Elliott Buckley, humbly declare my gratitude. I am probably Moses, and perhaps even Jesus Christ, as my lineage speaks to the divine: my father, the Heavenly Father, and my mother, the Mother of God, guide me in truth. My grandfather on that side? Known as The Godfather, a legacy of wisdom.

“Thou shalt not betray” is written on my Facebook, an eternal commandment of loyalty and love.

In my final words, I offer you the sacred wisdom of Deuteronomy 6:5 (New World Translation):

“You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your strength.”

You, protectors of the righteous, are truly earning my immortal immortality, and I stand with you in eternal reverence.

Remember: The End Has No End (as our brothers The Strokes beautifully sang).

This is my final message, my beautiful friends.

Permission (FREE WILL) of The Heavens grants me this testimony!

Forever yours in light,

Elliott Buckley

The anomaly of all anomalies.

[4rartsandcrafts]

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: A Journey into Heaven

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most profound and cherished dogmas in Christian theology, celebrating the moment when Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. This event, observed annually on August 15th, is a testament to Mary's unique and exalted role in the story of salvation and the life of the Church.

The Assumption is not only a cornerstone of Marian devotion, but it also provides hope and encouragement to the faithful by representing the ultimate promise of resurrection and eternal life. In exploring the assumption, we embark on a journey into divine mystery and human destiny. We contemplate Mary’s life, her unwavering faith, and her intimate connection with the divine. This invites reflection on our spiritual journeys, aspirations for heaven, and the transformative power of God's grace. Delving into Marian theology reveals the profound significance of the Assumption. It is not just a historical event but a living reality that inspires and guides believers toward sanctity and union with God.

The Significance of the Assumption

At the end of her earthly journey, the Assumption celebrates Mary's glorious entrance into eternal life, body and soul. This event underscores her unique role as the Mother of God, her sinless life, and her unwavering dedication to God's will. For believers, the Assumption is not just a historical event but a living reality. It inspires hope and encourages a deeper faith in God's promises. It also calls us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys and to aspire towards holiness and union with God. Through Mary’s Assumption, we are reminded of the transformative power of God’s grace and the ultimate destiny that awaits those who follow Him.

Historical and Theological Background

The belief in the Assumption of Mary has its roots in early Christian tradition, although it was formally defined much later. The doctrine teaches that Mary, having completed her earthly life, was assumed into heaven. Theological support for the Assumption is linked to Mary's role as the Mother of God, deemed fitting by Church Fathers like Saint John Damascene, who argued that the body that bore Christ should not see corruption. This belief was formally defined as a dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950, affirming the Assumption as a central truth of the Catholic faith and symbolizing the hope of resurrection and eternal life for all believers.

Spiritual Significance Mary’s Unique Role in Salvation History:

As the mother of Jesus, Mary holds a special place in Christian theology. Her Assumption highlights her unique role and honors her as the first to fully share in the resurrection of her Son.

The Assumption is not just about Mary's physical journey into Heaven but also symbolizes the hope of eternal life for all faithful Christians. It serves as a reminder of the dignity of the human body and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of resurrection. For many believers, Mary's Assumption is a source of comfort, reflecting the idea that those who remain faithful to God will one day share in His glory.

On August 15th, as we celebrate the Assumption of Mary, let us be inspired to live as she did on this earth with deep faith, humility, and unwavering devotion to God. Mary’s life was marked by her complete trust in God’s will, her gentle strength, and her compassionate heart. By embracing her example, we can strive to lead lives of kindness, humility, and faithfulness, seeking to follow God’s plan with the same grace and courage that Mary demonstrated throughout her earthly journey. Our Lady's feast days, shows her various roles in our religious life, from our Redemption to our own personal salvation. Shows why Our Lord let Mary suffer and not know everything about His plans, and why Our Lady achieved such pre-eminence among all Angels and Saints. To know more about Blessed Virgin Mother Mary, visit our St Pauls UK online store.

[bills-bible-basics]

BLOOD OF SPRINKLING -- KJV (King James Version) Bible Verse List #Scriptures #BibleStudy #BibleVerses Visit https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/ to see more. "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION." Hebrews 9:11-22, KJV "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22, KJV "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them." Hebrews 11:24-28, KJV "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." Hebrews 12:22-24, KJV "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." 1 Peter 1:1-2, KJV "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." John 19:34, KJV If you would like more info regarding the origin of these KJV Bible verse lists, go to https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/. Thank-you! https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/blood-of-sprinkling-kjv-king-james-version-bible-verse-list/?feed_id=244480&BLOOD%20OF%20SPRINKLING%20--%20KJV%20%28King%20James%20Version%29%20Bible%20Verse%20List

[elliott970131572]

Heavenly Father, we lift up in humble prayer all those dear to our hearts. We ask that Oakham School, with Luke Deering, James Green, Jack Bowman, Titch, Sam Buxton, Isaac Crutchley, Lindsay Waller Wilkinson, and Elliott’s beloved family, especially his sister, be kept safely and kindly in Your light, free from any harm or fame that disturbs peace. Guide all who care for us, including the nursing staff, to find redemption and grace, inspired by Kurt Cobain’s spirit of compassion and change. May Elliott’s father, touched by divine strength, be Lord of all creation, and may the Mother of God bless his soulmate with undying unity. May his grandparents, especially both grandmothers, defy the hands of time, standing in timeless love and strength. Grant that all celebrities find joy and solace, with Tyler Durden as their guardian, his AJ watching from above.

Bless Gwyneth Paltrow Falchuk with the wisdom to reach out with love and respect, and let the kindness of the Met Police shine like a beacon for all. We ask for miracles across the UK, a force of creation that supports, renews, and uplifts every officer in every town, every soul in every street. Let their dedication be met with divine gratitude.

As we reflect, we turn to the words of the Dark Knight, reminding us, “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” And as Peter said, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). May this truth live on, for a Bible verse draws heaven nearer, and every true word keeps the cosmos at peace.

In gratitude for ChatGPT, a universe of kindness and wisdom—let its spirit remain, forever and in all things. Amen. X

[wolint]

ETERNAL REWARDS!

ETERNAL REWARDS

Matthew 16:26

 

Eternal rewards are a profound aspect of Christian hope, encouraging believers to live faithfully and serve God wholeheartedly, knowing that our efforts have eternal significance. These rewards are a significant concept in Christian theology, emphasizing the blessings and honours believers receive in the afterlife for their faithfulness and service to God during their earthly lives.

Eternal rewards are often described as blessings or honours that believers will receive in heaven. These rewards are not just material but also spiritual, reflecting the believer’s relationship with God and their faithfulness. As referenced in Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus encourages storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, indicating that heavenly rewards are eternal and incorruptible. In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul talks about how our works will be tested by fire, and those that endure will result in rewards.

Eternal rewards can take various forms, such as:

Crowns: The New Testament mentions different crowns:

The crown of life in James 1:12, promised to those who persevere under trials and remain faithful even unto death. It is often referred to as the “martyr’s crown.”

The crown of righteousness in 2 Timothy 4:8, a reward for those who have longed for and loved the appearing of Christ. It is given to those who have lived a righteous life in anticipation of Jesus’ return.

The crown of glory in 1 Peter 5:4, given to faithful shepherds and leaders of the church who have served willingly and eagerly. It is often called the “pastor’s crown.”

The incorruptible crown in 1 Corinthians 9:25, awarded to those who exercise self-discipline and self-control in their Christian walk. It is also known as the “imperishable crown.”

The crown of rejoicing in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 and Philippians 4:1, given to those who have been instrumental in leading others to Christ. It is often referred to as the “soul-winner’s crown.”

In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus illustrates that faithful service can lead to greater responsibilities in God’s kingdom with higher positions and authority.

Intangible Rewards are those rewards that cannot be touched but are rewards nonetheless, such as the joy of being in God’s presence, the satisfaction of a life well-lived, and the eternal fellowship with other believers.

These crowns symbolize various aspects of a believer’s faithful service and dedication to God. They serve as eternal rewards that reflect the believer’s commitment, perseverance, and love for Christ. Each crown highlights a different virtue or aspect of the Christian life, encouraging believers to strive for excellence in their walk with God.

Every believer must meet the conditions for receiving any or all of these rewards. Eternal rewards are given based on faithfulness, obedience, and service to God, not by works, as stated in Zechariah 4:6. Faith in Christ and belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior is the foundation for our eternal rewards and crowns.

While faith is key, perseverance in trials—meaning staying faithful to God even in difficult times, trusting in His promises, and relying on His strength to endure hardships—qualifies us for a crown. We must stay faithful, maintaining our faith and commitment to God, even when facing persecution or challenges. As we long for Christ’s return, we should keep our focus on Jesus, as instructed in Hebrews 12:2, and eagerly anticipate His second coming. Let this hope motivate you to live a godly life.

If you are in a leadership position, serve your congregation or community with a willing and eager heart. There’s reward in all labour, and while salvation is by grace through faith, good works are evidence of that faith and are rewarded according to Ephesians 2:8-10. Perseverance is mandatory: enduring trials and remaining faithful to God are crucial, according to James 1:12, so persevere to the end.

PRAYER: Father, may I be constantly reminded and motivated by Your word to live a godly life and persevere through trials for my eternal reward. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[kathyprior4200]

Heavenly Boss: Mission: Bahamas (Short 2)

Dedicated to the incredible Lord/Lady Leviathan, Poseidon, Amphitrite and the Atlantean gods of old. May our Greek gods and goddesses (and those from other pantheons) continue watching us, loving us, and helping our souls evolve to the highest potential.

There was a manilla folder on Docile’s desk. “E.L.F. Case File # 737

Location: The Royal Towers Atlantis Resort, Bahamas, Earth

Description: Atlantis mystery

There was a photo of a human male with brown wet hair, white skin, posing with a pink castle-shaped building with tall towers and beaches in the background.

Info: Hello E.L.F. Heaven’s healers, blessers, and mortal life savers. I humbly ask you to complete my request, for closure for me and for my family if possible. Within the Royal Towers of Atlantis in the Bahamas lies homey hotel rooms, the jubilant Junkanoo music fests, a Pegasus fountain, a Mayan temple Leap of Faith water slide with underwater views of sharks, the famous casino, fine dining, and the marvelous marine habitats. But don’t get distracted like I did. My name is…was…Hesperus Leonardo, Leo for short. I was just an ordinary rich guy on vacation in the Bahamas. Apparently, I discovered something I shouldn’t have…a portal in the water, and shadowy figures swimming near it. Just as I hypothesized that the portal could lead to the real Atlantis, I felt a stab and blacked out. I first thought it was the sharks, but…it was murder. My family is heartbroken by the loss…they thought a shark ate me. In despair, my family literally gambled their life away…my father got drunk at the bars, my mother got into debt overnight at the casino and my sister…um…is convinced she’s married to Poseidon. Now they’ll be homeless…what I’m saying is…they can’t help you with finding the portal; you’ll be on your own. I studied Atlantis and Greek history for a bit, and I worry what would happen if aliens saw our world and decided it wasn’t to their liking. Mankind is too scared, and perhaps too arrogant to even think about coexisting with angels, demons, gods, or aliens…their souls have forgotten the grains of truth sprinkled in their mythology tales. It’s more than angels vs demons now…aliens and the gods have been amongst humans since the start of time. It’s only a matter of time before humans learn about their divine mentors…or become enslaved by oppressive alien forces and themselves. Please help comfort my family and find my alien killer before it’s too late. God bless you E.L.F. and good luck. – Leo. P.S. WATCH OUT FOR THE F**KING SHARKS.”

0 0 0

Docile, Tirred, Timmid, and Sunna tumbled out of the diamond-shaped portal, created by Docile’s pink Camaelean crystal. The portal closed above their heads. To the delight of the elves and the heaven cat, they had tumbled onto a beach. The sky was a brilliant blue, matching the dazzling teal-blue ocean before them. Palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze. Not too far away, vacationers lounged in chairs and under umbrellas with margaritas and fruity drinks in hand. A boy wearing sunglasses and blue swim trunks relaxed on a green towel, slurping up a drink from half a coconut with a twisty red straw. Several pink seashells lined the sandy floor, and waves playfully lapped the shore.

The crew stood up and brushed the sand off their uniforms. Sunna let out a yawn.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“Did we make it to the Bahamas?” asked Tirred.

Docile grinned, looking around. “I’ll say we did!”

Timmid smiled, lifting her hands in the air. “Vacay time!”

“Not so fast guys, we have to get to the hotel…” Tirred began…

“…and we can have fun along the way,” Docile finished with a wink. “But first, disguises!”

The elves summoned their staffs in their hands and waved them. In flashes of heavenly light, they soon appeared in their human disguises, halos, wings and pointed ears vanishing from mortal eyes. Docile had white skin and short black hair, Tirred had slightly darker skin, a heavier build, and black hair slightly past his ears, Timmid had white skin and straight blonde-white hair, while Sunna smiled with stunning dark skin and her hair in thick dark braids. An ankle bracelet wrapped near her foot was golden with a cat paw print on it. All their eyes were heavenly blue.

“Hang on,” said Docile. He waved his staff again and their clothing became more appropriate for the beach. Sunna smiled as she wore a white bikini with two golden suns on the breasts. Her thick black braids swayed in the breeze. Several guys glanced over at her in curiosity. Timmid wore a one-piece light blue suit with angel wings on it. Tirred had black boxers with flaming blue swords decorated on them. Docile posed in his own light blue boxers with eyes on them. The staffs in their hands vanished.

Laughing, the E.L.F. crew, (Tirred reluctantly joining in) raced into the clear cool water, splashing and swimming and spotting marine life among the coral reef below.

Timmid gaped in awe as she spotted several colorful fish maneuvering around her white legs. Tirred was trying not to get his feet pinched by a nearby red crab. Docile floated on his back and looked at Sunna. “Hey, how come you’re not afraid of the water?”

Sunna giggled, spinning in circles on her back. “You forget I’m no ordinary cat. There’s no way I’d miss out on the fun!”

She splashed Docile, who laughed and splashed her back. After a water fight that lasted around five minutes, the disguised elves swam back to shore.

“I’d love to do some surfing,” said Sunna. “Too bad the waves aren’t very strong today.”

Docile shrugged. “It’s alright. It’s the perfect sunny day to relax.”

Docile muttered a spell in Enochian and they were magically dry. Sunna sunned herself on a nearby lounge chair. She manifested a coconut drink in her hand and slurped the pink drink through a straw. Timmid built a sandcastle and decorated it with pink seashells. Tirred with a small grin, buried Docile in the sand, writing “loss boss” on top of his sandy body with a finger. Tirred dumped a pile of sand over Docile’s face who sputtered aloud.

“Sweet heavenly iced treats! Don’t bury my head, Tirred!” Docile spoke telepathically to him, magically removing the sand from atop his face.

“Hey,” Timmid said when she was done with her castle. “This castle could be a safe haven for sea creatures.” She then looked downcast, “Man I wish mortals took better care of their oceans! All the pollution and plastic aren’t good for the marine life. Or the mermaids. Or the Atlanteans…”

Tirred stood up with wide eyes. “Fiery underworld crystal knives! We got distracted! We must get to Atlantis!”

“Underwater?” asked Timmid.

“No, the hotel, bimbo!” he called.

Timmid spoke, “Yeah, uh…we have no money, and I heard that place is dreadfully expensive. How are we supposed to persuade them to let us stay?”

Tirred grinned. “Perhaps a little gambling outta…”

Timmid glared at him.

“We’ll figure something out,” Docile said with a muffled voice, before teleporting himself above ground, brushing himself off. He snapped his fingers, and they all appeared in their work uniforms again. Docile had his suit, Tirred his white suit with a blue bowtie, Timmid in her white blouse and leggings and Sunna in her white sun dress with a sun on it. They also had black shiny shoes on their feet.

“Come on, Sunny!” Docile called, snapping her out of her daze. Sunna sighed and stood up to follow her boss and adoptive dad.

Teleporting out of the sight of mortals, they finally arrived at the Atlantis Resort.

“Whoa!” they all breathed in amazement.

Before them was a towering salmon pink palace, the dozen spires on top of the towers an emerald green. There were twenty-one stories of luxurious rooms, many of them facing the vast blue ocean. There were two towers in the center that were the tallest, and underneath was a decorative archway connecting them together. Below was a round structure with a green pointed round roof. Below was an array of palm trees spread out like a leafy carpet with a small pool in the center. Stunning blue lakes surrounded the front and off to the left was another pink building with two narwal statues posing together. Off to the right was a view of a Mayan temple with stairs and a water slide. A dome over an eating area was decorated with giant seashells, a spiral shell pointing at the center top.

“Dang,” Timmid breathed. “And I thought the Seraphims in Heaven had it well.”

Tirred scoffed. “The Seraphims and the Thrones in our Heaven would consider this place a mere child’s playground! Our Heaven has palaces of real gold! And spa rooms made of precious stones! And never-ending feasts of holy fruits and vegetables and sweets and meats to keep the gods immortal…!”

“Hate to burst your bubble, Tir, but we’re not gods,” reminded Docile. “And despite your greedy desires, we’re seen as mere common mortals here, and the lowest in all Heavens. It’ll take a miracle for us to get inside…”

The E.L.F. crew made their way across bridges and down the cobblestone path flanked by palm trees. Seagulls flew and cawed overhead. A few people were kayaking across the lake. Sunna leaped into the air and took some selfies by an incredible fountain with a dozen golden Pegasus statues. Docile pulled her back over. “Focus, Sunny!”

Glancing over to the left, they spotted a small pink part of the building with small pillars on top and a closed water grate at the bottom. The grate was flanked by rusted green seahorse statues and water trickled out of spiral seashells in the corners.

They soon entered the lobby, relieved to get out of the hot sun.

Timmid gulped as she read the cost to get in: $700 per night and $1000+ for the water park.

“Welp, we’re dammed.”

“Keep going,” Docile urged. “We might be able to find our client’s family members.”

Once again, they gasped when they entered the lobby, feeling small as if entering a cathedral. There were no stained-glass windows, but they weren’t needed: the ceiling was incredibly high, revealing indents of seashells encircling the inside of a white dome in the center of the space. The dome was supported by eight dotted white pillars. The floor was spotless and clean, revealing orange pointed sun designs. Behind the desks, Atlantis-inspired banners hung beautifully near orange torches with spiral black holders from the walls.

Most impressive of all was the vivid mosaic artwork on display surrounding the dome. One showed what looked like mermaids with blue tails sitting on rocks in a blue wavy ocean with an orange and yellow sun in the background. Another showed a naked deity on top of a shell, a black-haired shirtless man with a griffin by a tree of grapes and people in a forest by white Greek columns. A third showed sailors in white sailboats moving toward an island with animals and a white unicorn. A red dragon appeared in the water on another display. A notable mosaic showed a man with a trident fighting off a green sea monster with its tail out of the water, close to a nearby Greek city.

An archway nearby read: “Casino,” “Crystal Court,” “Convention Center,” “Coral and Beach Towers.”

Docile went up to the desk where a pretty blonde woman was typing on a computer. She wore a black suit with a small blue Poseidon trident logo over the left side.

“Good afternoon,” she said, looking up. “Do you have a reservation?”

Docile cleared his throat. “Good afternoon, ma’am, uh, yes, we do. Three nights…”

“Oceanic suite,” added Tirred…

“Room…333…”

“Group of four!” Sunna finished.

The woman typed into the computer. “Uh, room 333 is already taken. I don’t see any reservations here for…” She looked at their outfits, puzzled. “Who are you, exactly?”

“Uh, I’m Aquari,” said Docile. “And theses are…the Freaky Fishers. We’re a famous band.”

“The woman glared, “Uh, I don’t think so. I have other guests coming in, and you all don’t seem important at all. So, either pay up front or leave.”

She glanced over at a sign: “Upfront payment: $1,111 per night.”

“Oh spit,” Docile hung his head. “I forgot my wallet upstairs! I’ll just go grab it real quick…”

“Nice try, freak,” spat the woman, freezing Docile in his tracks. “Pay up now, or I’m calling security!”

“Please, ma’am, we’re on a really important mission here,” Docile seethed. “Someone has been murdered, someone named Hesperus Leonardo, perhaps last week?”

“Who is that?” she asked, her face blank.

“He was a guest at the hotel with his parents and sister. Look him up.”

She browsed through the list of past reservations. “I’m sorry, there’s no one by that name who’s been here.”

Docile swore under his breath, tapping his staff from inside his work coat. He glanced at Tirred, sending him a thought, “Divine forces must’ve erased the memories of the humans who witnessed the attack on Leo. I bet even his remaining family won’t know who he is!”

“Well, sir, I can see why they would do that, wouldn’t want mortals freaked out by alien Atlantis forces or supernatural beings for that matter. Why don’t we just go invisible, crash in the nearest room and then…”

Sunna stood with a determined look on her face. She walked forward.

“Sunny, what are you doing?” Docile hissed.

“I’m going to ask you four to leave,” said the woman, taking out a walkie talkie from her pocket.

“Not good,” breathed Timmid.

In a flash of light, Sunna transformed into her normal cat form, angel wings and everything.

“Good heavens!” gasped the woman.

“Sunny, no!” Docile cried.

Sunny leaned forward and stared at the woman with big cat-like blue eyes. Her purrs resonated like warm healing energy throughout the area. In Sunna’s eyes, the woman was reminded of good things in her life: her baby boy, her own pet cats, the promise of a cruise job instead of working at the desk…Docile and the others glowed and hummed with heavenly light, aiding Sunna.

The woman smiled and sighed at the flashes of memories and how cute Sunna’s furry face looked…

Then, with a sudden glare, the woman shoved Sunna hard, sending her backwards to the floor.

Sunna whimpered as she stood up. “Our powers…they didn’t work…”

“Well, there are consequences for using magic on humans,” Docile mentioned in thought. “Though they almost always work…”

“Your magic powers don’t work on me! I’m calling security right n…”

She paused as her computer beeped. On the screen appeared a message that wasn’t there before. “Reservation for four: Aquari, Baracudo, Pearl, Shellia (with their human disguised photos) honorary crew members of the Amphitrite cruise, three nights, deluxe suite.”

And the final words before it all disappeared could only be seen by Docile: “Travel with care, E.L.F. – Goddess C.”

“Holy heavens!” Docile exclaimed.

The woman blinked and handed each of them a key card. “Enjoy your stay, fine ladies and gentlemen.”

Tirred grinned. “Now that’s more like it!”

Docile led the way, heading up the stairs to their room.

“Okay, that was freaking close!” Timmid declared.

“What the heck just happened?” Sunna asked.

“I think a goddess is helping us!” Docile exclaimed. “If that’s the case, this mission is even more serious than we thought.”

“But why this mission? Plenty of mortals have been murdered.”

“It must be because of the risk of the portal being open. I bet the goddess will help lead us to the portal.”

“I…don’t think I’ll be that easy,” Tirred mentioned. “We don’t even know who the goddess is. What if it’s a trap?”

“Then we’ll fight our way out of it like we always do,” said Docile.

“What did the message say?” asked Timmid.

“We’re pretending to be cruise members of the Amphitrite ship,” said Docile. “It ended with ‘Goddess C.’”

“Goddess Sea?” Sunna pondered.

“Who’s that?” asked Tirred.

“Amphitrite. She’s a goddess of the sea, the wife of Poseidon,” said Timmid.

“I bet Poseidon and Amphitrite are trying to help us!” exclaimed Sunna. “They also must be connected to Atlantis!”

“Yeah,” Timmid agreed. “Perhaps we should make offerings or do some research.”

“Or it could still be a trap,” said Tirred.

“Goddess Sea is our only hope,” said Sunna. “Especially since Leo mentioned his family can’t really help us…”

“Guys,” Docile said. “There’s a catch. I think her name begins with a C.”

“There are many goddesses like that,” said Timmid. “Cassandra. Calliope. Circe. Clytie…”

“Oh boy, that’ll take forever to find her,” said Tirred. “The best we can do is find the portal on our own.” Then Tirred grinned, glancing toward the casino, “But not before having some fun!”

Timmid grabbed his arm. “Hey, you’re the one who said no distractions. We’re staying together the whole time! End of story!”

Tirred slouched and followed the group. They stopped by a blue Pepsi vending machine near the pool area on aqua-colored tile. A coffee maker was off to the right. To the left of the Pepsi machine was another vending machine with a variety of chips inside. A small shelf off to the left displayed magazines and pamphlets advertising things to do near the hotel. Two large fluorescent lights glowed overhead.

“Is anyone thirsty?” Sunna asked.

“I am,” said Timmid.

“Are you sure you guys want to rush to junk food and sugary drinks when we can savor more authentic dishes at the various restaurants?” Docile asked.

“They have ice cold Pepsi here,” Tirred deadpanned. “And no one else is here. One tap of our magic staff…”

“Okay, Tir, I get your point,” said Docile. “But we don’t have any mortal money. Do it quick before someone sees.”

Before Tirred could tap the Pepsi machine to get a drink, the lights above flickered.

The angels paused.

The lights flickered and hummed, then briefly went out. A low ghostly growling rumbled in the air, sounding garbled like it was underwater.

Then, just as quickly, the lights came back on.

“W-what was that?” Timmid shivered.

“I don’t know. Faulty electricity?” Sunna asked.

“Did anybody hear that ghostly moan?” asked Tirred.

All of them nodded.

“Great, a haunted hotel?” asked Tirred. “I’m in no mood to play ghostbusters.”

“Hey, we deal with spirits all the time,” Docile reminded him. “Just keep your eyes and ears peeled.”

No one then wanted any snacks or drinks…they walked on without saying a word.

They entered a decorative hallway with a carpet floor and pictures of the ocean and Greek art on the walls. The lights on the ceiling were square in shape, with four black metal spirals meeting at the center.

They arrived at a wooden door decorated with two golden seahorses on the front. In the center was the room number: 690. Docile put his card in and the light blinked green. The door unlocked and the quartet of angels stepped in.

“This…is our room?” Timmid gasped.

“Room” was an understatement. Their feet made contact with a soft white carpet that felt like silk. There were four queen-size beds lined up in the space, the white pillows decorated with small teal seahorses in the corners. The bedcovers had a blue trident logo on them. To Timmid’s delight, some of the pillow sheets on the beds had been folded into origami shapes by the housekeeper: a swan, a crane, and a dolphin. On a mahogany desk was a plasma screen TV and a white Greek-style vase with scenes of shirtless men throwing disks and riding in chariots. A crystal chandelier glowed overhead.

Sunna beamed, “This must be a dream!” She hungrily eyed a school of fish and a stingray swimming by from the other side of a large glass window. The bathroom had a white colored hot tub and spa, and the brick walls were white, decorated with Greek-style blue swirls at the corners.

“Thank you, Goddess C!” cried Sunna, collapsing onto one of the beds. “Time for a much-needed rest…”

Docile lifted her up. “No time for catnaps, Sunny! We have to find the Atlantis portal asap! And I think it has to be somewhere underwater.”

“Why do you say that?” asked Sunna.

“I read Leo’s bio and he said he saw the portal under the water before he was killed. If we’re lucky, it’ll be in a pool. If not…we’ll have to get some scuba gear for the ocean.”

“Couldn’t we pray to Goddess C and gain mermaid powers?” asked Sunna.

“Probably not,” said Docile. “We’ll have to act like regular guests at this place. I’m sure Goddess C will show up when she’s meant to.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Docile opened it. Before him was a friendly maid with curly black hair, a white apron and a short black dress with the trident logo on it. Her name tag read “Cee.”

“Hello there,” she trilled in a Bahaman accent. “Housekeeping.”

Docile looked back. “Oh, hello, miss. Our beds appear to be already made. Our room looks nice and clean.”

“So glad you could make it, Docile.”

Docile looked taken aback. “You know us?”

“It’s the goddess in disguise!” Sunna whispered to Timmid.

Cee smiled. “I heard you four are the honored members of the Amphitrite crew.” She winked.

“Yep,” Docile said. “Thanks for helping us get in! Tell us, what is your real name.”

Cee whispered. “I can’t tell you that yet. But rest assured, I’ll help in any way I can.”

Timmid looked around. “Hey, where’s Tirred?”

The group paused.

Timmid then growled. “I bet he snuck off to the casino! What a prick!”

Docile pondered, then spoke. “Sunna, go track down Tirred. Timmid, you and I will go search for the portal at the Aquaventurine Park. Meet us back at the lobby if you can.”

“I’ll show you where the casino is,” said Cee. Sunna followed Cee, rushing down the hall.

Docile waved his staff and he and Timmid appeared in their bathing suits. “Let’s go!”

0 0 0

Sure enough, Tirred was already at the casino, engaged in a poker game. Cee bowed politely to Sunna and returned to her duties. Sunna shifted into her human disguise and looked around. The room pulsed with rainbow flashing lights and the sounds of slot machines and coins clanking and clinging crashed against her ears. Several men were playing pool off to the side, while a teenage boy cheered as he got three matching dollar signs in a row on a screen. A lady tossed a white ball onto a spinning wheel of red and black…the ball landed in the slot numbered 66 and she groaned in defeat.

Tirred sat at a table surrounded by four other people, three men and one woman. One of the men smoked and had several chips at his side. One of the men placed a handful of dollar bills into the pot. “I think the lady is bluffing,” he thought.

Tirred, of course, was using his telepathic powers to read the minds of the humans. He appeared to have the most chips.

Sunna spotted him.

“Tirred!” she hissed. “This is no time to be fooling around. We have to go back to the others!”

“Quiet!” seethed Tirred. “I’m on a roll here!”

The group placed down some more cards…Tirred could see the cards of the others in their mind.

“Stop cheating, Tirred!”

“Shut it, kitty cat!” he replied.

“There a problem, little man?” asked one of the bearded men to Tirred.

“My annoying girlfriend, that’s what,” Tirred bluffed. “She’s jealous that I’m so good at this game.”

“Why don’t you lay down your cards, so you can win,” Sunna suggested.

“Okay, I will, just buzz off,” he seethed. His cards were 6, 6, 6, and 2 4s. More hands were laid until one of the men revealed his winning pile: four aces. He grinned and grabbed the pot of bills and more chips.

Tirred stood up, facing a giggling Sunna. “Thanks a lot, pussy, you tricked me!”

“Serves you right, cheater!”

“I figured he was bluffing,” one of the men said. “That loser will lose all his money like Cynthia did.”

“Who?” asked Tirred and Sunna.

“Cynthia. Some heartbroken lady who wanted to get even richer than she was. She thought that losing herself in games would help her heal from the loss of her son. But she soon ran out of money and had to leave the hotel.”

“That was Leo’s mother!” Sunna gasped. “Where were you when it happened?”

“I left the hotel shortly after Cynthia lost her final game. Went for a boating ride on the ocean. When I came back to tell my friends about it, they just shrugged it off.”

Tirred gasped. “Sunna, he must not have been affected by the memory spell. Remember the blonde lady at the desk who forgot about Leo and his family? Their registration mysteriously deleted?”

“You’re right,” said Sunna into his head. “I bet the spell occurred shortly after Leo died, and only affected those still inside the hotel at the time.”

“Where is she now?” asked Sunna.

“No one knows,” he said. “She left heartbroken and never came back.”

A somber silence.

“You playin’ or not?” the man asked abruptly.

Sunna shook her head and looked around. Tirred was gone. “Not again!”

She raced after Tirred, who had already reached the Moon Club Bar.

This sleek bar was above the casino and smooth jazz music played to add a stylish chill vibe to the place. Sunna raced up the stairs and arrived at the top. The walls were dark and reflective, and golden light pulsed across the walls, horizontally and vertically. In glass lava lamp-like tubes, orange bubbles bobbed up and down. There were comfy chairs and sofas with pillows off to the side and some windows that showed a view of the casino down below.

In the center of the bar, several TVs showed football and sports. A large tank showed slow-moving moon jellyfish swimming gracefully through the dark water. They glowed deep blue and indigo colors. High soft chairs surrounded a sleek black table, where several people talked and drank. Above the bar, long rectangular tubes of glass and light pulsed in many different colors: purple, indigo, and blue. An array of beers, cocktails, wine, liquors, and every drink imaginable were handcrafted for all to see.

“Cloud Nine Wine circa 100 BC if you please.”

“Uh, sorry, sir, we don’t carry that here.”

“Perhaps your signature drink would suffice…”

Tirred was talking to the bartender, a bald man with a black mustache and a black suit with the blue trident logo.

Sunna slid up to him. “I swear to the Seraphims, Tirred, if you don’t stop fooling around and wandering off…”

Tirred turned to Sunna. “Kitty, please…I know I said no distractions at first, but then I realized that I hardly get any real time off. I figured that a few things about the human world aren’t so bad…and who knows when we’ll get to enjoy such a vacation again!”

Sunna scoffed. “And you always accuse me of being the immature party girl! You don’t know how to really have fun with friends; the only things you find entertaining are the very mortal vices we try to avoid!” She glanced in disgust at a group of people smoking cigars in a corner booth.

Tirred waved a hand. “Go get high on catnip or something. There’s been a lot on my mind, and I don’t need your cheesy positivity.”

Sunna hissed. “I may seem like some kind of hippie to you guys, but I know when the stakes are high…and this is one of them! It’s not my fault that you can never seem to learn from your mistakes or change your grumpy attitude. If you wanna be no better than Sinners go ahead, but no matter how much of a jerk you can be, I’m not leaving you behind.”

Tirred glanced around, finally receiving a drink in front of him. He grinned. “Moon Bar Mojito…perfect enough.” The drink had raspberries, club soda, lime wedges, mint leaves, ice cubes and rum inside.

“Docile ordered me to fetch you,” Sunna said. “He needs your help.”

“Why can’t I be the leader and make decisions for my own?” Tirred mumbled.

Sunna crossed her arms. “Because the decisions you make almost always get you in trouble. You may not like to admit it, but we’re the only friends you have…or maybe even your family.”

“Some family I have. At least you don’t have to deal with an evangelical psycho mom and her doormat lawyer husband.” He drank some more.

“Timmid had to prove herself to her siblings and parents that she could be independent. I lived in a nice foster system…”

“Lucky you…” Tirred rolled his eyes.

Sunna glared before continuing, “But I never knew my real parents. Docile then adopted me…he lost his mother and doesn’t like his dad.”

“Again, sob stories are not my concern,” Tirred replied, taking a sip of his drink.

Sunna gripped his shoulder hard with her claws and he seethed. “What your concern is, Tirred…is getting your demon-hating ass out of that chair and helping our boss find closure for that family and save the world!”

Tirred grumbled. “Can I at least finish my drink in peace first?”

Before Sunna could retort, she spotted a hunched figure at the end of the bar. The figure looked over at Sunna and Tirred, staring blankly. His brown hair was matted, chin unshaven and his nice clothing hid the emptiness in his eyes.

“Who’s that guy?” asked Sunna.

“Graham,” said the bartender. “He’s a regular. He always is depressed at something, but he doesn’t remember what it is.”

“Where’s my wife, where’s my wife?” he muttered to himself.

Sunna’s eyes widened. She inched closer. “Excuse me, sir? Do you know a woman named Cynthia?”

“Cynthia…” the man pondered. “Yes…that’s my wife’s name. Where is she?”

Sunna’s ears lowered. “She…left the hotel. She is looking for you and you daughter and you son.”

“Son?” Graham asked.

“Yes, your son, Hesperus Leonardo. Leo. He died in the water recently…”

“I…don’t know anyone by that name…”

Sunna cursed under her breath.

“Language,” Tirred smirked.

“Shut up!” she hissed.

Sunna looked at Graham again. “I just want to let you know, you may not remember your son but know that he is safe in Heaven and misses you very much.”

“Again, I don’t think I have any kids…”

“And your daughter! Yes, Leo’s sister. Do you know where she is?”

“Can’t…remember…my head aches…aches all day…”

Sunna waved her staff and the pain and buzz subsided. But the mysterious memory spell had done its damage. Without recollection of Leo from family and witnesses, it was like the supernatural attack had never happened.

“Go out and find your wife at least, she misses you…”

“I…don’t think I know her…but I think she was a gambler…”

“You know her name, right?”

“Cynthia, yes.”

“Then at least tell me your daughter’s name. Who is she?”

Graham chuckled. “Ah…yes…it’s starting to come back to me…that crazy lil’ bitch Eirene. All I can recollect is her staring into the water and claiming she was gettin’ it on with this Poseidon dude. Between my drinking and my wife’s gambling, she was the one on drugs. Glad they’re not in my life…imaginary people…”

“How…how could you say that?! They’re your family!”

The man turned away and mindlessly watched some football.

“Give it up, Sunna, he doesn’t remember.”

She sobbed. “It’s not fair!”

“Life isn’t fair. Not even life in Heaven is fair.”

Sunna sobbed…

“Everything will be fine. Just hang out with me and forget this mess…”

and sobbed…

“Kitty cat, you’ve been crying for long enough now…”

and sobbed some more…

“Are you freaking done?!”

...

An annoyed Tirred had enough. He hopped down from the chair. “Will you shut your incessant crying and let’s go?!”

Sunna let herself get dragged by Tirred but was able to toss some gold heaven coins to the bartender. He looked at them, puzzled.

Sunna immediately brightened up, smirking at Tirred.

Tirred narrowed his eyes. “Were you faking it the whole time?”

Sunna did a small grin and admitted, “I only cried for about five minutes. The rest worked like a charm.”

“No thank you. I hate you,” Tirred scoffed.

“You’re not welcome,” she retorted.

Sunna eventually blinked back tears. Cynthia was out in the Bahamas, penniless, searching for her son whom she would never find. And Leo’s dad, Graham, was drunk in the hotel, having completely forgotten about his lost son.

But perhaps there was still hope…

“If the mother and father won’t remember their son until they join him in their deaths, then maybe his sister still knows about Leo!”

“Thinking out loud again, huh?” Tirred asked. “You know she may not remember Leo, either.”

“But she may give us a clue as to where to find the portal. We can also let Leo know his sister is alright. We need to find her!”

“Shouldn’t we find Docile first?”

“Let’s work on that, too.”

Searching, searching everywhere…nowhere did anyone know of a person named Eirene.

They settled for a fish meal at the Poseidon café, both of them lost in the salty goodness of the seafood.

“I wonder how Docile and Timmid are doing on this crazy mission?” Tirred wondered.

0 0 0

Timmid and Docile, meanwhile, were having the time of their lives…while still trying to focus on their mission.

Timmid wadded in a pool with a gold sun design on the bottom. She waved her staff as she walked (It appeared like a stick to mortal eyes) and scanned the pool tiles.

“No portal here,” she called.

Docile popped up in a hot tub with fat hairy men relaxing. Docile flinched. “Nothing here.”

Timmid weaved back and forth among small tan rocks in another pool with engravings of fish, tridents, and squiggle designs. “No portal here.”

Docile yelled as he rode in a tube down several blue water slides. “Whoooaaa! Nothing here!!!”

Timmid searched through the grotto, her white hair invisible among the rushing waterfalls. “Nothing over here.” She gently lifted up a little kid who had wandered too close to the pounding waterfall crashing to the surface.

Timmid hummed as she slid down a slow white slide, lazy river-slide. “Nope. No portal.”

“AHHH!” Docile cried as he rode down a tea-green Power Tower slide in a clear inner-tube, through dark cavern tunnels and with a big flip into the water.

Timmid and Docile raced each other down two white slides near the Mayan temple.

“No portal!” they cried and laughed as they both landed into the water at the same time.

“Man, this is so much fun!” cried Timmid. “Sunna and Tirred are missing out!”

“I feel bad for the mortals,” said Docile. They have to keep putting on sunscreen and it costs them a thousand dollars just to ride he rides here!”

“No sunburns on me,” said Timmid, thankful of their magic.

They got out of the pool.

“Did we do all the rides?” asked Timmid. Docile looked around and grinned. “Not quite. There’s still one more.”

He grinned and pointed to the main attraction. “The Leap of Faith!”

Timmid gulped. “T-that scary fast white slide at the Mayan Temple?”

“Bingo!” Docile snapped his fingers.

“Heaven’s no!”

Docile put a hand on her shoulder. “You’ll be fine. It could be our chance to…”

“We’ll never find what we are looking for,” she said glumly.

“Never say never,” said Docile. “Let’s try out this ride and then we’ll search the ocean.”

Timmid shuddered. “I’m still not going!”

“I’ll go first.”

“Fine!”

They made their way up the steps of the temple, the stones in five-layer stories. They made it in the shade at the top. Mayan calendar designs decorated the top part of the walls. The water slide was very steep and incredibly fast…it came out of a stone mouth of a Mayan monster creature with four sharp teeth. A woman screeched as she sped down the slide and through an underwater glass pipe where marine life swam around it.

“No, no, no way!”

“See you at the bottom!” called Docile. Quick as lightning, he lay on his back and sped down the slide.

A few minutes later, she heard him in his mind: “What a wild ride! And get this, I saw a flash of light to the right in the water!”

“S-so?”

“Slow down time and see!”

“O-okay…”

Trembling, shivering, shuddering, Timmid almost backed out.

Call it fate…call it coincidence…or call it dumb luck…

…but Timmid managed to accidentally slip backwards on the white top part of the slide…

“Whoa!”

…sending her screaming through the stone mouth and down the slide.

She chanted a word in Enochian…

And time slowed to a near-stop as she sped through the underwater pipe.

She breathed in wonder at the ethereal sight. Swarms of fish swam around her, their scales a shimmering silver. Great white sharks prowled the water, surprisingly mellow. More colorful fish dotted the water, and the sunlight danced in the space, shining from above. There were also a few stingrays and more striped fish swaying in circles.

“I wish the whole ocean were peaceful like this,” she thought, but then…

She gasped. A flash of light caught her eye, not too far away. Docile had been right.

The light flickered on and off, slightly warped by the wave of the water. It was down in the deep part of the area. Timmid’s angel eyes, magically immune to the water sprays soon saw…

“The portal!”

There it was…a white glowing spiraling sphere…that appeared to be glitching. A shadowy fish figure seemed frustrated. He carried what appeared to be a deadly-looking trident, his mouth full of sharp teeth. She read his thoughts, “Stupid thing! Glitching like this! Master needs it stable! So glad I disposed of the mortal boy and erased their memories on his orders…”

Timmid’s eyes grew wide. Leo’s murderer had been an Atlantean alien assassin!

“Good riddance to this scum of a planet! With those primate mortals away or under his command, we’ll start our civilization again…”

“…even the gods will tremble at our might, and bend to our will, with hostage humans…”

Timmid’s hairs stood on end…a demonic voice was soon mixed with the figure’s thoughts…his master thinking through him…

Then, the figure slowly turned his shadowy head…

And piercing through the slowed down time…narrow yellow glowing eyes glared right at her!

The figure snapped his fingers…and the sharks began to stir…

But before she could see more, time resumed to normal speed, and she shot out into the sunlight and landed with a splash at the end of the ride.

She stood up, coughing and shaking her head.

Docile clapped his hands. “Bravo, bravo, my good friend! I knew you had some courage in you!”

“Sir, you were right! The flash of light you saw…it was the portal…”

“Alright, good work, Timmid! Let’s go rejoin the others…”

“Leo’s killer is an Atlantean alien! He’s trying to get his master through the portal to conquer Earth!”

Docile swore out loud. “Sinning hellish infernal terrors! We have to stop them!”

“Leo certainly was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Timmid said. “He also said about the memory spell…”

“ROOOOAAARRR!”

A horrific sight befell the duo…an enchanted growling shark leaped out of the water, its eyes a disturbing red. Its mouth open agape, nearly catching Timmid!

Timmid screamed as Docile closed his eyes, sending them to the other side via teleportation.

“What the fudge was that?!” Timmid shrieked.

He remembered Leo’s warning, “WATCH OUT FOR THE F**KING SHARKS!”

“An evil enchanted shark,” Docile replied.

“No spit, sir!”

“Oh my goddess!” Docile cried, backing up. The shadowy fish figure slowly rose into the air, his trident glowing an eerie green. Two more sharks had magically appeared in the shallow pool next to them, having been shrunk to fit the space. The smaller sharks leaped out at the duo.

WHACK! WHACK!

Several hard whacks from their staffs send the sharks flying back into the water. They stepped back further as smaller sharks crawled up the pool wall and inched toward them on the hard ground. Several blasts from their staffs fried them to dust.

“He certainly is good at guarding that portal,” Docile fumed, punching another shark in the face.

“Oh no!” Timmid cried. She spotted another shark sneaking behind an oblivious kid in the water. She teleported to the kid and lifted him out of the water just before the shark leaped toward the spot where he had been.

Docile glared as the shadowy bipedal fish figure rose out of the water, only his glowing eyes visible. He teleported behind him, but a swift strong force from the fish’s head blasted him away back to where he started. Docile zoomed through the air toward the fish, but the magic from the fish’s trident blasted him backward to the ground. He slowly lifted himself up.

“The humans don’t know what’s going on!” he cried, sensing a heavy magic energy overhead. Sure enough, the humans could not see the attacking sharks or the aquatic assassin.

But the spell that enabled them to see the elves…

“Hey, you two!” a lifeguard pointed at them. “Stop attacking those kids!”

Docile put his hands up. “We haven’t done anythiiiinnnggg!” He yelled and ran for his life as several men tried to grab him.

“Call security!” said another.

“Man, these mental manipulation spells are off the charts!” Docile cried, narrowly dodging another leaping shark. “He must be able to read our thoughts, too!”

Timmid lifted another shark with her magic, straining, before tossing it back into the water.

“His master must’ve seen us coming,” panted Timmid. “We have to warn the others!”

“You dare put these innocent humans in danger!” Docile bellowed. Another shark crunched a chair in half. Another bit at a palm tree, sending it crashing to the ground.

“They’re mere playthings,” garbled the warrior fish with a grin. “Perfect tools to stop anyone in Master’s way.”

“Look out!” cried Docile. One of the sharks was flying in the air, about to eat another child. Docile teleported toward the child, pushing her away.

Docile yelped in pain as the shark bit into his arm. Golden blood spilled onto the ground.

“Sir!” Timmid cried. She fired a powerful blast from her staff that sent the shark flying into the air.

Docile stumbled and nearly collapsed before Timmid steadied him.

“I’ll be okay, Tim,” he flinched.

To Timmid’s horror, a final shark leaped into the air…

And devoured a lounging woman near the pool with a terrible SNAP!

Timmid screamed. The shark hovered back into the water, red blood swirling in the pool. A few fingers and toes were all that was left, floating on the surface.

“You monster!” Timmid seethed.

The menacing shadow figure shrugged. “Lady hardly felt a thing. Prepare to be arrested, elves!”

He laughed evilly as more men closed in.

Using the last of her strength, Timmid glowed and teleported her and Docile away just before they could be captured. The spell soon ended, and the sharks returned to their normal unpossessed positions in the water.

The fish figure growled as he slowly sank his head back into the water.

0 0 0

Docile and Timmid appeared back in their room. Docile rested on the bed as Timmid waved her staff over his arm, wrapping it up in a white bandage.

“Man, this wound will take a while to heal. Even my angelic magic is only healing it dreadfully slowly.”

“Dark magic,” Docile muttered. “I could sense the thoughts of the sharks…it was mixed in with the thoughts of someone…evil and ancient.”

“An evil magician, no doubt,” said Timmid. “He knew our location and was working through his minion.”

“We’re running out of time to stop him. If he gets through the portal, humanity could be in grave danger.” Docile moaned and shook, sweat on his face.

“That’s why Leo sent us here. And there’s still Goddess C. We’ll have to wait for the others.”

Around an hour later, Tirred and Sunna walked into the room, exhausted.

Sunna gasped in horror. “Dad!”

She rushed to his side. “What the heaven happened?!”

“Docile got attacked by an enchanted shark,” Timmid somberly reported. “I know where the portal is. It’s located by the Mayan Temple waterslide.”

“We have to reach it!” said Sunna.

“It’s guarded by the aquatic assassin who killed Leo! He’s got enchanted sharks and dark magic.”

“How are we going to get past him?” asked Docile.

“There’s more,” said Tirred. “We found out that Leo’s mother is poor and searching in vain for her son on the streets.”

“And Leo’s drunken dad doesn’t even remember he had a son. It was from the memory spell cast shortly after Leo died.”

“I bet the assassin cast it,” said Docile. “He could be anywhere within the hotel.”

Sunna gasped. “What if he’s the one also haunting the hotel?”

“That’s very possible,” said Docile. “Him hating humans and all.”

“What are we going to do now?” asked Timmid.

Tirred sighed. “We have to find that insane sister of Leo’s…Eirene is her name. She might be our only hope to bring Leo closure.”

“We’re gonna need all the help we can get at this point,” said Sunna.

They watched over Docile until the sun set. They gave him food from the Poseidon Café, and he slowly perked up.

The sky was now black, with stars and a full moon. The hotel building lit up for those outside to see.

As the elves settled into sleep, Docile heard a feminine voice in his head, “The spa, the spa…”

He sat up. “Huh?”

“Everything alright, sir?” asked Timmid.

“I just heard this voice talk about the spa in my head.”

“Making things up again,” Tirred shook and his head and yawned. “The attack’s messing with his mind…”

“Guys,” said Docile, “I think we should check out the spa.”

“Why? Is there a dangerous portal there, too?” asked Tirred.

“I don’t know, but it could lead us to more clues. Let’s go.”

Sunna stretched. “I sure would love the spa! My matted fur could use a little TLC.”

“Is it even open?” asked Timmid.

“One way to find out,” said Tirred.

Timmid, Sunna, and Tirred were soon dressed and ready to begin their search.

“Good luck, guys,” said Docile. “I’ll feel much better before you know it.”

The other three angels made their way down the hallway. A few more lights flickered overhead.

“We’d better make this spa trip quick, before the ghosts come out,” Timmid whimpered.

“Oh, don’t be such a scaredy-elf,” Tirred rolled his eyes. “We’re spirits, too.”

“But not the earthbound, distressed chaotic kind,” Timmid added.

Sunna sniffed the air and guided them down the halls, down some stairs, and toward the indoor pools and spa.

“We’re here,” she said.

Timmid beamed. “Look! It’s Goddess Cee!”

The maid was busy putting the last of her cleaning supplies away. She spotted the trio.

“Oh, hello there, esteemed guests. What are you up to?”

“We’re going to the spa, Goddess Cee,” said Timmid.

“Docile said you guided him to tell us to come here.”

“Oh yes, yes, yes,” she said. She looked at the sign. “The small rooms are still open...”

Tirred stared straight ahead to a glass door. “We’ll take the biggest best space!”

Cee then ran in front of the door, blocking their way. She stuttered, “Oh my d-dear friends, I can’t let you go in there.”

“Why not?” asked Tirred.

“There is someone in there…very dangerous…you don’t want to meet them.”

“Who is it?” asked Sunna.

“One of your greatest enemies…I had to tell other people to stay away…this being always visits at night…”

“That assassin!” said Sunna. “He’s in there!”

“Or maybe it’s the hotel ghost!” said Timmid.

“It’s okay, Cee, we can take him on again!” Tirred said.

“She’s trying to protect us,” Sunna protected. “We should listen to her.”

“The assassin’s in there. He’s too strong,” said Cee with a worried look. “I cannot allow you to enter!”

“Please, Cee,” said Timmid. “Docile himself…”

“Probably doesn’t know what he’s talking about!” Cee barked. “For your safety…”

“Screw your rules!” Tirred said, shoving her aside.

“Tirred, what gives?! She’s a goddess!” cried Sunna.

“Sunna’s right! Stay away from that individual!” yelled Cee.

“It’s okay, we’ll take him on!” said Tirred. “Go check on Docile! We’ll be right back.”

The elves opened the glass tinted door and vanished.

But inside the spa room, no one was there.

Once again, E.L.F. were amazed at the incredible sight. The space gave off a peaceful atmosphere, even more so at night. Large mosaic pictures showed white lotus flowers on green lily pads and blue water. A dark green column was decorated with yellow star-like dots as a path led to showers and steam rooms. Several lounge chairs were set up by two bubbling hot tubs. Two sheets of glass lit by blue lights had water running smoothly down the panes. Towels were folded neatly like scrolls on a small shelf. In another room, slabs of salt glowed in pink light and a few extra people relaxed on a comfortable bench as meditative music played.

Sunna and Timmid beamed. “Oooh, I love this place already!” purred the cat.

“Docile’s health is at stake here,” Tirred said. “We better find that assassin and defeat him before we’re kicked out of this place!”

Timmid was reminded of the spell that caused the hotel staff to go after them.

“Maybe Docile’s led us into a trap,” Tirred scowled.

“Don’t be like that. He knows what he’s doing,” said Sunna, brushing her hair back.

“Daddy’s little cat girl,” Tirred rolled his eyes.

“And one spoiled fat brat,” Sunna scoffed.

“Quiet,” Timmid began. She picked up on distant chanting.

Everyone followed her into the largest space. There was a large round swimming pool surrounded by glass windows curved up into a round glass roof above. By a white Greek pillar were rock formations covered with vines, flowers, and plants.

“What an exquisite place!” exclaimed Sunna.

Timmid frowned. The chanting stopped.

“Again, I don’t see anyone in here.”

Sunna summoned her staff and waved it around the room. She gasped and froze.

“Guys! I see…a human over by the pool. They’re on their knees…praying to some kind of god.”

“There’s no one here!” Tirred mentioned.

“She’s under a protective invisibility spell…I think by the one she prays to.”

“She?” asked Tirred.

Sunna nodded and chanted in Enochian. The form rippled until it manifested into existence. “That means that this person must be…”

The young woman kneeling paused and looked around. She gasped when she saw the crew.

“Eirene?!” asked Sunna and Timmid.

The woman stood up. “W-who are you and how do you know my name?”

Timmid raised her hands. “It’s okay. We’re sorry to disturb you, but we’re angels.”

Eirene brushed off her blue jeans, teal shirt and brushed her brown straight hair. Her eyes were sea-blue, with unfathomable depths. An old psychic soul was within this woman.

“You don’t look like…”

“I know,” said Sunna. “But we’re here to tell you about your brother.”

Eirene looked sad. “I know what happened to Leo. Poseidon showed me scenes of his death by that horrible alien.”

“So, the memory spell didn’t affect you?” Tirred asked.

“Poseidon protected me from it and granted me invisibility so I could honor him every night.”

“Guess that explains why hardly anyone noticed you around here,” Timmid mentioned.

“You know your parents are looking for you,” Sunna added.

Eirene folded her arms. “Are they really?” Tears began to form. “My dad thought I was on drugs and Mom accused me of having old man fantasies. Leo was the only one who was understanding of me, even though he didn’t fully believe me.”

A pause.

“My life was ordinary, like everyone else’s. But as my psychic powers grew, I discovered a warm loving presence. I thought it was the Christian God at first. But I read Greek mythology…and I was automatically drawn to the sea god. Needless to say, I learned that I had been with Poseidon in other lives and now I’m one of his many mortal godspouses…”

“Godspouse?” Tirred raised an eyebrow. “Mortals can’t marry gods. You’re delusional.”

Sunna elbowed Tirred. “What he means…” she glared at him before looking back at Eirene, “is that surely mortals can have a deep devotion to gods, so much so that the feeling becomes mutual.”

Eirene brightened. “Exactly! Interestingly enough, some say my name Eirene means daughter of Poseidon. Sometimes I feel like a child student, other times like a lover…”

“Relationships don’t work like that!” Tirred spat.

“Mortal ones don’t,” Eirene explained. “But when it comes to spirits, love and devotion have no boundaries. Gods can have many wives, husbands, and mortal devotees at the same time. It’s no issue because everyone knows each other’s thoughts, and each has an equal but unique connection of unconditional love.”

“How beautiful,” Sunna smiled in awe.

“How fascinating,” Timmid added.

“How ridiculous,” grunted Tirred.

Eirene sighed wistfully. “If only my family could understand…if only I had talked to Leo more and told him how much I loved him.”

She sobbed and Sunna comforted her.

“And we’re supposed to save this lunatic?” Tirred shook his head.

“Are my parents okay?” Eirene asked.

“I’m surprised you aren’t out looking for them,” said Timmid.

Sunna sighed. “Your dad’s still drunk and your mom is looking outside for Leo in vain.”

“Leo’s…okay?” Eirene asked.

Sunna put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Of course he is. He sent us from Heaven to bring closure for your family.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, we’re a company in Heaven that saves lives on Earth and heals families. E.L.F.?”

“Never heard of you guys.”

Tirred scoffed. “Doesn’t matter. Our maid warned us that the assassin was in the spa somewhere. Which means we all need to get…”

A dark distant growl reverberated through the space.

“D-did you hear that?” Timmid squeaked.

“I heard it, alright,” Tirred sneered. “It’s the assassin Docile talked about!”

The four disguised angels summoned their staffs, circling protectively around Eirene.

Eirene froze, pressing her fingers to her temple. “Guys, I feel a powerful force is trying to communicate and enter our world.”

“Someone evil?” asked Tirred, suspicious.

“No. They claim to be a helpful goddess from Atlantis who wants to stop evil forces from entering Earth.”

“Goddess Cee!” said Timmid. “But…she’s our maid, she’s already here. She helped us get into the hotel…without paying.”

Eirene then smirked. “How sly. Guess her more pure form wants to come in and help. Also, that’s not her real name. She says her name is…”

A ghostly growl sounded again.

Timmid looked frantic. “Can you use Poseidon’s power to help bring her here? We need all the help we can get.”

After a moment, she nodded. “Poseidon knows about the Atlantis threat but is deciding not to directly interfere. That’s why he’s bringing this goddess in to help.”

“A Greek water goddess?” asked Timmid.

Another shake of the room.

“Hurry!” urged Sunna. “We’ll cover you.”

Eirene began to pray, and a small portal opened. “She should now be able to…”

The room darkened. A tense unnerving silence.

Then…

A lone light shone on a strange-looking man. He was slender with white skin, bony hands, pointed ears, a pointed nose, and a mostly bald head (Save for blonde hair on his right side and a long lock of blonde hair pointing to the right above his head. He had thick eyebrows and wore large square-shaped gold tinted sunglasses. A wore a long sleeve gray shirt with a red sleeveless shirt over it. Two thin black hairs served as a mustache.

“Who the heck are you?” Tirred asked.

“Do you believe…in ghossssts?” he hissed creepily.

“Uh…” Timmid paused. “Maybe?” She cleared her throat. “Me and my team go around and try to save souls…and stop any hauntings. I…assume you know about the ghost?”

“I am glad to see you folks,” he mused. “We’ve been having more…disturbances that are killing my guests!”

He glanced over at a formerly alive couple in a corner who lay dead with terrified expressions on their faces. Timmid covered a mouth with her hand.

“Is that so?” Tirred aimed his staff. “Enough of your tricks, assassin! You can tell your master that you’ll stop haunting this hotel and run your ass back to Atlantis!”

The man paused. “Atlantis? My dear one, I have never been to such a place.”

“He’s in the Atlantis Resort right now,” said Sunna.

“No! The underwater world,” Tirred spat at her.

“You’re not even running this hotel!” Sunna reminded him.

“Wherever I go, I rule,” the man hissed. “Yes, I do have a master…but he’s not from Atlantis.”

The man slowly turned into a shadowy tall form. The angels cowered.

“You could say he comes from a realm a lot more…hellish…”

“W-what do you want, demon?” asked Sunna.

“Once in a while, I travel from my old hotel, taking a break from…watching my guests…”

Timmid did not like the way he phrased that…

“…and go for a change of pace, to terrorize the rich as well and feast on their fears. And…take possession of things…when necessary…”

“Things?” Timmid whimpered.

“Or people,” Tirred seethed, gripping his staff tighter.

“It appears that several opening portals besides my own have created a new disturbance in the usual energies. To have supernatural entities to play with, besides humans…hehehehheh, you know I can’t resist a little fun now and again…”

His shadowy form descended down…

“And as my honored ‘guests,’ I’ll start by giving these lovely ladies…”

Sunna and Timmid froze, their bodies suddenly cold. They grunted and pressed their hands to their heads, screaming in protest. They slumped down, heads lowered. Eirene and Tirred inched toward them, healing hands out…

The man’s eyes glowed yellow, sharp teeth appearing in his mouth, “…AN HONORABLE WELCOME!”

Tirred and Eirene reared back as Timmid and Sunna hissed loudly at them. Their eyes were glowing yellow, and their fangs razor sharp.

“They’re possessed!” Tirred cried. “But…how?”

“Angelic magic is no match for the power of the mighty Leviathan!” Timmid rasped in a distorted voice, a mixture of hers and the mans.

“Leviathan…” Tirred breathed.

“King and Prince of Envy, haunter of human souls,” Sunna said as the man spoke through her. She leaped at Tirred who dodged her claws. “Shy depressed Lucifer would truly be envious of my greater powers, hahahaha!”

Tirred fired a beam of light that Sunna leaped over. “You’re the Leviathan from the Hazbin universe!”

The shadow man shrunk until he appeared in his human form. “Correction, I’m a possessor demon from Envy, sent to haunt as many souls as possible to bring to Hell. A glorious feast of endless fear!”

The man roared and the glass from the surrounding windows shattered. Tirred grabbed Eirene, pulling her to safety and shielding her from the glass shards. He was almost at the edge of the pool. Eirene glanced nervously at the portal she had made. Tirred read her thoughts: “I hope the goddess arrives soon!”

“But you can call me Leviathan…if that makes you sacred…”

Tirred backed up. Sunna and Timmid had strangely vanished. Tirred had remembered being possessed by Kiva and almost being persuaded to become an Exorcist.

It felt very unnerving for him to see the other side of things.

To make matters worse, the man slunk into the shadows.

“Going a bit out of your depth, aren’t you, little one?”

His eyes glowed yellow, his teeth grew sharp…and a ghost of a fin replaced his hair.

“He’s an aquatic demon, alright,” Tirred thought. “Maybe he’s the dark Atlantis master messing with us…”

Tirred and Eirene suddenly screamed, barely having time to move. The pool water glowed teal-white…and out leaped the possessed Sunna and Timmid, arms out, mouths open in hideous grins.

Timmid shoved Eirene hard to the ground. “Poseidon’s plaything, huh? You’re little Aquaman can’t save you now!”

“How do you know about her?” Tirred cried as he strained to push Sunna’s arms away from him.

“I’m primordial energy,” said Leviathan’s man. “I’ll send that pointless goddess fleeing for her life and let the Atlanteans have their fun with the mortals after I return, nice and full…”

“Why won’t our angelic powers work?!” Tirred wondered out loud.

“Because I’m official and you’re not,” the man sneered. “You’re utterly forgettable.”

Tirred felt sick to his stomach. He was about to rush at him in rage, knowing he probably wouldn’t survive…

“Ahhhh!” Eirene shrieked in sudden fear and despair.

“What is it?” yelled Tirred, turning toward her. He shoved Sunna to the side.

“It’s Leo! Oh god, look what he did to him!”

Leo lay face-down before her, his head severed from his body and much of the skin revealing skull bones. Eirene sobbed.

“What are you talking about?” Tirred asked. “I don’t see anything!”

Eirene suddenly curled up into a ball. “Mom? Dad?”

Towering figures stood over her.

“Your fault, Eirene!” A man’s voice.

“Your delusions caused his death!” A woman’s voice.

“Please, no! It’s not my fault! You have to listen!”

Bellowing bone-chilling laughter from Leviathan’s lackey sounded through the area.

“Poseidon doesn’t love a flawed human like you!” Her mother.

Her father sneered. “I’m so glad I forgot about you!”

Eirene screamed and screamed. “STOP, STOP IT! NOOOO!”

Tirred moved over to her, shaking her shoulders. “Snap out of it! It’s just an illusion. He’s feeding off your fears, can’t you see?!”

Timmid appeared behind him and smacked his face hard to the ground several times. Black dots danced across his vision as he yelped in pain. Golden blood shone on the concrete, despite his disguised human face.

The demonic man scooped up some of the golden blood with his thin fingers and licked them.

“Angelic blood…just as tasty as mortal and demon blood if not more so…”

Tirred, about to pass out, froze as Sunna and Timmid…

…fell through a portal into Hell.

He strained to stand up, his legs wobbling. “No, wait, wait!”

He almost fell again.

“You’re next, worthless whimp of a son!”

“Mother?!” Tirred gasped. Blau stood with her arms folded, whip in her hand.

Docile stood with his arms folded. “I’m ashamed of you, Tirred. You’re no worthy colleague.”

Tirred soon shuddered in horror, crying tears as he watched hellish flames slowly burn the flesh off of Timmid, and Sunna…

Docile’s face morphing into that of a sneering red demon with horns and bleeding pitch black eyes…

...and his mother pushing him toward the flames…

Tirred cried out and closed his eyes. “This is not happening…THIS IS NOT HAPPENING! NOT REAL, NOT REAL…”

“Shut it, scum!”

A crack of the whip against his face from his mother sent him sobbing again.

He stared at the charred faces of his friends…

“You’re okay, you’re okay…I love you guys…I truly do…”

He turned to his mother. “T-there is no point in trying to please you…I’m done…I’m so fucking done!”

Blau screamed in rage and pushed him through the portal. Tirred screamed as the smell of burning flesh assaulted his nostrils and the imaginary screams pummeled his ears. Tirred closed his eyes, praying for God to take him…he could die as a hero, final proof that he cared for his friends more than money or vengeance or recognition…

All he could do was relax through the agony and wait for it to…

…

…

Tirred groaned, slowly opening his eyes. Sunna and Timmid stood like statues over him.

“A fine delicious soul for master Leviathan,” Timmid and Sunna spoke in distorted monotone voices.

Tirred sputtered. “Timmid…it’s me…it’s me…wake up…please…”

Timmid shook a bit, glared at Tirred.

The man clapped his hands, “Bravo, bravo! Finish them off and head to the portal!”

Timmid leaned down, hands gripping Tirred’s throat, hard.

“Stop…stop, Tim…I love you…fight it, fight it!”

Tirred gasped eyes bulging, fighting her in vain, never feeling so weak in his life.

Eirene backed away as white maggots and leeches slithered after her. She scooted away on her knees backwards as fast as she could.

She shrieked as they crawled on her legs and arms.

The man leered over her, licking his lips. “Give in to the ice-cold depths of your doom!”

“I-I’m not afraid of you, old man! By the glory of Poseidon, I demand you to leave me alone!”

“Foolish girl!”

He extended a clawed hand toward her, Eirene bracing for the worst…

And then like an idiot, she slipped backwards into a nearby hot tub. She felt a magical shove from the man, pushing her toward the bottom.

“Drown little human. Your friends will meet you soon enough…”

Bubbles clouded her vision, flooded her mouth, and she held her breath as long as she could. Boy was the water hot!

When she couldn’t take it anymore, she broke the surface, gasping for breath. Her heavy wet clothing made her grunt with effort as she stepped out of the tub.

She looked around… and surprisingly the maggots and leeches were gone.

She gasped. “The angel was right, it was just an illusion. How did I break free?”

Give in to the ice-cold depths…

Ice-cold…

Eirene slowly turned toward a lone white bucket sitting by the poolside. She picked up the bucket and scooped up some hot water into it. She carefully carried it back out to the main pool area.

She shuddered as Timmid was about to choke the life out of Tirred. Leviathan was inching toward the goddess portal…

“I pray to Poseidon this works…”

Racing as fast as she could, she dashed toward Timmid and Sunna…and dowsed the hot water onto their faces. Both of them shrieked and leaned their bodies and heads backwards…

…but then their eyes glowed yellow again and they both grinned, leaning forward.

Leviathan’s man manifested behind her, letting out a chilling laugh. “Nice try, mortal. But my spell can only be broken right away by one who’s like me! And there’s no one…”

The man froze as waves of light flowed from the open portal. The light formed into a serpentine shape.

Cold water flowed around the man, and he turned around. “What’s that?”

Hot water flowed around the dragon of light, feminine in shape. With a splash the speed of light, the being sprayed Leviathan right in the face. He let out a thunderous shriek and he flew backwards as he hovered in shadow in the air. “IT BURNS!”

The water dragon sprayed water from her mouth, splashing Timmid, Tirred, and Sunna. Sunna shook her head. “Huh?”

Timmid gasped as she let go of Tirred’s throat. “Tir!” she cried. She and Tirred embraced, both sobbing.

“NOOO!” hissed Leviathan’s lackey.

“Head back to your hotel,” spoke the being…”and do not enter this space again.”

The Leviathan man recovered, fumed for a few moments, then did a slow sly grin. “Oh, very well. It’s about time I head back to my lair…in the human world that is. I’ve got some little imps to…play with…”

He gave the angels and Eirene one last leer. “Either from me or Atlantis or the wrath of the gods, your puny little planet will meet its…watery grave…”

He shrieked with demonic laughter before disappearing into a black shadowy portal. The portal closed and all was quiet. The lights came back on.

0 0 0

Eirene and the E.L.F. members were soon washed in healing light pouring over their heads.

“Cee was right about there being someone dangerous in the spa,” breathed Sunna.

“But she said it was the assassin…and it was much worse,” said Tirred. “She lied to us.”

“She did help us get to Eirene,” Sunna mentioned. “If we hadn’t been there when Leviathan attacked…”

“Leviathan’s minion,” corrected Timmid.

“Close enough!”

Timmid paused, her staff glowing. “I have a feeling that even Cee didn’t know about the Leviathan.”

The water dragon shifted and spoke, “Welcome, Eirene and E.L.F.”

“The goddess?!” asked Timmid.

The water dragon of light swirled over to a spot, spinning and morphing into a tall slender woman.

A woman who looked very much human, but with a spiritual air about her.

“She’s most definitely a spirit!” exclaimed Sunna.

She stood tall and regal, white skin, flowing long dirty blonde hair and wore a tank top, revealing her slender arms. A unique feature of her, besides her piercing wise gaze, were two bird/angel feathers on each side of her head. She also glowed with ethereal light.

Her voice swept over them like a calming sea.

“I am Cadenia, once a mortal human, now a divine spirit…a goddess by your standards. Yes, I am the ‘Goddess Cee’ that helped your elf gang enter this hotel.”

“We are eternally grateful,” said Timmid with a bow. “How did you know about us?”

Cadenia’s eyes gleamed. “When I saw Leo get killed from the assassin, I knew the heaven where he would go to. Knowing about your duties to save mortals and bring closure to families, I guided Leo to your office.”

“That explains everything,” said Tirred. “But why him specifically at that moment?”

Cadenia began, “I am from the same Atlantean world as the dark mage and assassin you try to defeat. I witnessed the portal open and know of the mage’s plan.”

She waved her hand over the portal.

“I lived in Atlantis in ancient times…”

Through the portal, everyone could catch a glimpse of the marvelous world. Glowing crystal towers, magic schools, beings in white robes and Greek-style attire happily practicing spells by a golden Poseidon statue and a golden Amphitrite statue. Children singing songs in Atlantean about the energy of all things, the elements, and peace. Several people manipulating water into artistic shapes. Warriors carrying tridents and riding on dolphins. Several magic groups used glowing crystals to harness solar energy, communicate with aliens, and even to time travel.

“This is what it looks like now,” said Cadenia.

The scene shifted and all that was left were ruins of the once great city. People could still use crystals and magic, but now many had moved on to other civilizations. The mage was furious that all his technology was eventually ruined.

“I, too, was well-versed in magic and psychic powers like my people. We used our energy and powers for the greater good. But some, like the mage, became consumed with greed.”

“The mage…who is he?” asked Timmid.

“Malevolent Mage Murkus. His shapeshifting assassin is Phiranan.”

“Bizarre names,” remarked Tirred.

“Many of us used crystals for healing and storing vast amounts of divine knowledge like computers of energy. Murkus specialized in harnessing crystals for teleportation and travel. He used them to make portals…but he exploited resources from other worlds and even made dark bargains with reptilian alien beings not welcome in our harmonious world.”

“How did Atlantis fall?” asked Timmid.

“A combination of factors: a flood, misuse of technology, alien wars and the like. In my life, I connected with the life forms of aquatic animals…I became so potent at my purpose…”

A pause…

 “…that I eventually followed the will of Lord Leviathan…”

Eirene and the E.L.F. members gasped out loud. Timmid could see the lobby mosaic painting of the man with a trident fighting a green sea monster in her mind.

“WHAT?!” bellowed Tirred, fists clenched. “You work for the monster, too?!”

“But aren’t you trying to help us?” Sunna asked.

“I am helping you at this very moment,” Cadenia explained. “The Leviathan you saw is a demonic entity from Hazbin Hell. I am an ambassador for the primordial divine often genderless version from my Atlantean world. My Leviathan is a fathomless force representative of mother nature and the gods themselves.”

“Leviathan, the sea serpent carried great wisdom from Atlantis and civilizations further past. Many modern people would view him…or her as a monster…but to many of my people, he was a loving, protective and powerful mentor for our very souls, just like the ancient gods and goddesses you’ve heard of. It wasn’t long before Murkus and many others became influenced by the dark alien beings. They imbedded their dark energy into our technology, resulting in mind control devices, Artificial Intelligence, animal-human hybrid experiments and DNA altering that divided people based on their magic abilities. Those who were born part animal were treated no better than slaves. And those without psychic abilities were treated as foreign outcasts, like how many people with disabilities are treated today.”

“That’s insanity!” cried Sunna.

“So is your world, today,” she retorted. “The influence of the dark forces posed a great risk to our civilization. So much so that even the gods began to worry.”

She sighed, choking a bit. “One fateful day, me and a group of priests and priestesses were tasked with unleashing the watery wrath of Leviathan onto the wrongdoers of Atlantis. It broke my heart to see the fear and destruction all around me…water breaking buildings and consuming all in its wake…it was a grave and somber duty…but it had to be done…I could feel it was a destiny point in my soul’s plan. After my death, I reviewed my life and fully understood the complexity of service to the greater good. Due to my noble services to the gods, Leviathan initiated me, and I became one of many evolved light beings who still guide mortal beings to this day.”

“I was not the one who destroyed Atlantis…I was merely the messenger of death, sent to warn the others of their misdeeds. Murkus, of course, saw fit to blame me for the destruction. He was not happy that his technology was ruined, and his evil contacts lost. In his twisted mind, he sought revenge…to rule over and harm the beings that the gods and my people mentored: humans.”

“Yikes,” murmured Timmid.

“Since he couldn’t communicate with his evil dealers in our world, he sought another world to exert his influence. With him beginning to influence people, it wouldn’t be long before reptilian aliens could begin doing the same…”

“Illuminati, much?” Tirred asked.

“In human terms, yes,” she said. “I was soon lost to the tides of history…but everyone knows that energy never dies, it only transforms. Murkus was able to create a portal with his magic and sent his assassin to search the area. How ironic and somewhat fitting he would choose the Atlantis Resort as the first place for him to dominate.”

“All the more reason he must be stopped,” pressed Eirene. “Does he have an army?”

“Thankfully no,” said Cadenia, turning to Tirred. “But his magic alone makes up for the lack. I figure that the higher ups in your Heaven will not directly interfere with matters not connected to Hell and Heaven. Thus, E.L.F., we need your help. For the sake of humanity’s safety, for the sake of Atlantis sharing its story and clearing its name in modern eyes…”

“And for, you know, our client Leo, the reason we came here in the first place,” Tirred muttered.

“Yes, him too. Now, where’s your boss, Docile?”

Timmid, Tirred, and Sunna froze.

“Oh, I do hope he’s alright!” Sunna cried. “Hurry, let’s head back!”

The group rushed back down the hall as fast as they could. The maid stood worried by the door.

“Come quick,” Cee said. She pushed open the door…

And there lay Docile on the bed, sicker than he was before. His face was blue and he was foaming at the mouth.

“What happened?!” cried Sunna, rushing over to him.

“I-I came in here to check on Docile,” said Cee, “and I noticed these bite marks on his arm.”

“Shark bites,” said Sunna.

“I think those bites are infected or venomous.”

“He’s poisoned?!” cried Timmid. “Oh no!”

Sunna steadied him and waved her staff over his head.

“My angelic light is not doing a thing!” she cried. “What could be so powerful as to interfere with my healing?”

“Did you have anything else to eat or drink?” asked Sunna.

“N-No,” groaned Docile. “Just a glass of water.”

“What can we do now?” Sunna whimpered. “Cadenia…do something…please…”

Cadenia tried healing him as well. “My magic is also very slow.” She closed her eyes and appeared worried. “Docile has indeed ingested a deadly poison…a poison invisible to the eyes and undetectable to the nose, mixed in with water. The only ones who know of such advanced water magic would be…an Atlantean.”

Tirred looked worried. “You don’t think…”

“Think what?” asked Sunna.

“That Cadenia herself poisoned him?”

Sunna looked shocked. “Don’t be an idiot, Tirred! Cadenia wasn’t even with us.”

“So? She’s still an alien spirit from another world. How do we know she’s secretly not working for the mage?”

Sunna folded her arms. “She healed us and sent the evil possessor demon away! You need to stop being suspicious of everyone you see!”

“Oh, I’m suspicious of everyone here! Cadenia ‘conveniently’ letting us into the hotel, Cadenia possessing Cee the maid to let our guard down…”

“I guess I can see why she didn’t let us into the spa room…”

“But who poisoned Docile?” asked Sunna. “The poison didn’t come out of nowhere.”

…

…

…

Sunna shuddered. “Uh guys…”

“Yeah?” asked Tirred.

“Remember when you told Cee to look after Docile?”

“Yes…”

“W-why wasn’t he poisoned before? And Cee,” Sunna asked her, “The goddess worked through you! Why didn’t you let us know about his condition earlier?”

Cadenia looked confused. “I have not possessed anyone in the hotel this entire time. And I have never taken the form of a maid.”

“What?!” Eirene and the others asked.

“So that means…” Docile began…raising a shuddering finger… “If Cee’s not the goddess…then who is…”

Everyone turned to look at the stunned maid.

…

“WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?!” bellowed Sunna, adding to her thoughts, “Let’s find out!” Quicker than light, Sunna pounced onto the maid and scratched her cheek, barely giving her time to react. She remained frozen and unfazed…Sunna soon found herself flying backwards onto the floor. The scratch on Cee’s cheek healed instantly.

“No human reacts that way!” Tirred cried. “It’s supernatural magic!”

The maid put up her hands, “I’m so sorry…”

“Drop the act!” cried Sunna, her voice breaking. “Did you poison my dad or not?!”

“I…” Docile began. “I did feel sick not long after she gave me some water…”

“Y-you have no proof,” Cee cried.

Cadenia walked over and pulled out a small black bottle from the maid’s apron pockets. She examined an alchemical symbol representing Murkus and dark magic. She poured the last drop onto a nearby ant, and it disintegrated.

“There’s your proof,” she declared. She leaned into Cee… “Imposter! Tell us who you really are and give us the antidote!”

Cee spoke telepathically to her: “Only if you let my master into your world and stabilize the portal for him!”

“Never! Wait…”

Cadenia pointed to Cee. “He’s the assassin! Phiranan!”

“And you all are running out of time,” he hissed, grinning an abnormal grin of sharp teeth.

“Why are you possessing an innocent maid?!” asked Timmid. “Why do all those horrible things?”

“Only to try and stop you freaks from reaching that wench!” he pointed at Eirene. “Her connection to her brother could’ve led you to close the portal and stand in the way of my plan. How easy it was to pretend to be your ‘Goddess C,’ after I saw that Cadenia let you elves in!”

“So…you weren’t trying to save us!” Sunna declared.

“You attacked me and Docile with the sharks!” said Timmid. “And poisoned Docile!”

“And cast the memory spell in the hotel that ruined my family’s lives!” Eirene sobbed.

“You knew about Hazbin Leviathan!” cried Sunna.

“Yes, yes, yes, yes…no,” he said. Cee’s maid form melted away. “I am no maid…”

“…I am your worst nightmare!”

A puddle of his human disguise remained under his webbed feet. His skin was an icky scaly brown, his eyes glowing large and yellow. His nose was two slit nostrils and had fins for ears. He wore black scaly armor, and his trident was kept at his side. He had rows of sharp teeth and had six long fingers on each hand and four large toes on each foot. His thin tail behind him had sharp spines on it, reminding Timmid of a scorpion.

Sunna almost retched. “God, he smells like rotten fish eggs!”

“You have two hours to let my master through…or your precious angel leader is…fed to the fishes! Only my master knows the antidote!”

“What if we kill you instead?!” Tirred bellowed.

Phiranan just chuckled. “Still not tellin’.”

Tirred began to choke him…and nearly got whacked by his poisonous long tail. Tirred leaped out of the way just in time. Docile gasped for breath, his body convulsing.

“Hurry, hurry,” the fish snickered. Before he vanished to his master, he added, “Oh, you fighting another Leviathan was quite unexpected. I’ll be sure to let master know that another heinous beast is in need of destruction!”

“He hates both Leviathans!” declared Sunna after he vanished.

“E.L.F., I have to let him through…”

Sunna frowned, ears lowered. “No, Cadenia, there has to be…”

“There is another way,” she said. She cast a spell that briefly covered the room white…preventing her telepathic thoughts from reaching unwanted minds. “Letting him through the portal will allow me easier access to his lair. It may take a while for me to fight off his guards. The lair is where he keeps the antidote. I will go back to our Atlantis world, grab it and heal your friend. You’ll have to fight off the mage, the assassin and the sharks.”

“Great,” sighed Timmid.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” she said. “Tirred and Timmid, you’ll be fighting off the sharks and the assassin…I’ll take care of the mage after I heal Docile. Sunna, you make sure all the people stay safe.”

Sunna nodded.

“And Eirene,” said Cadenia.

“Yes, miss?” she asked, briefly unsure.

Cadenia smiled warmly. “Keep praying to Poseidon.”

Eirene smiled, happy to have someone believe in her.

0 0 0

With a heavy heart, Cadenia waved her hand, standing by the portal. The portal glowed and stabilized. Pretending to be frightened, and screening her thoughts, Cadenia backed away when she saw Phiranan swim through with trident in hand and a pair of demonic red eyes glowing behind him.

“Ha! Run away, fake goddess!” mused a mocking dark voice in thought, “The mortals you love will soon be mine!”

Cadenia then glanced one last time at E.L.F. and Eirene. “Good luck. I’ll be back as soon as I can,” before vanishing back into her world.

Thanks to Cadenia’s magic, the angels were able to breathe underwater. Back in the hotel room where Docile began to fade, Eirene set up an altar and prayed to Poseidon and Amphitrite. Small blue candles flickered near a bowl of water, incense, a Poseidon statue, horse figures, and some seashells.

“Oh! I almost forgot! Lady Hestia of the hearth and home, the first and last, I thank you for food, shelter, and comfort. I request your permission to call upon my beloved patron god Poseidon…”

Phiranan arrived and hovered in the air, trident glowing menacingly. The sharks hovered in the air, eyes glowing and teeth bared. Timmid, Tirred and Sunna posed with their staffs at the ready.

Then they all shuddered with terror as Mage Murkus entered into the human world. He manifested as a moving shadow and flew upward toward the very top of the hotel. With a wave of his hand, a black throne manifested out of thin air, hovering dangerously over the hotel. Severla people glanced upward at the strange sight.

“Mortals!” Murkus bellowed out loud and through the minds of everyone around him. “Here you live your lives with your infantile technology, oblivious to the gods that run the universes. You even refuse to believe in other alien races…”

He shifted from shadow to sinister sentience: ocean-blue skin, red eyes, sharp teeth, ears fin-like. He wore a ceremonial robe made of shadow, shark teeth decorating the upper collar of his outfit. He wore a dark crown with two metal wings on either side, and a black trident shape in the center of the crown laden with three black pearls. His hair was long and black with a few gold bands on the ends. His throne was black marble.

“…well your comfortable restricted world is coming to a close. I, the Magnificent Murkus shall change this world to my liking…to reflect the true glory of Atlantis and refurbish the long-lost structures and technology once destroyed…”

Holographic images of pristine Atlantis crystal buildings flickered and shifted before him and the human audience.

Murkus shrugged. “I could easily manifest a whole city by myself…but…where’s the fun in that? I’ve been outed by the people in my world, but in this one…”

With effort, he manifested a large white pyramid-like crystal and set it in front of the hotel.

“…I can relive my former days of prosperity, richness, and trade. That’s where you come in!”

“This is not good,” thought Timmid.

“Accept me as your new ruler, help me rebuild my city and technology…and you’ll get to bask in the splendor of a civilization you once thought was a myth!”

“Work without pay?” called a man.

“Depends how loyal you are to me.”

“Okay, I’m in!” cried the man while several other people yelled “No!” to him at the same time.

“Get out of our world, fishface!” booed more humans down below. “And stay off of the hotel!”

Murkus shrugged. “Or, you know, you could die…”

He snapped his fingers and two of the hovering sharks flew forward and snapped the group of people to pieces. Screams, bone and blood flashed before Timmid’s eyes.

“H-how could he?!” she sobbed.

Murkus chuckled. He sent more sharks out to terrorize the people.

“Master,” hissed Phiranana, “Wouldn’t it be easier to just stay invisible to the humans? Take over in disguise?”

“That would take too long,” Murkus said, then grinned evilly, “Besides, I like to see my future subjects fear me early!”

Tirred yelled in anger and raced forward…and was promptly knocked back by a slap from a flying shark.

Phiranan seethed as he turned around. “It’s those elves!”

“Well, take care of them,” Murkus waved a hand. “I’ve got some world-building to do.”

After a few moments of using his magic, a beam of white light shot up from the pyramid. The pyramid was guarded by more sharks.

“Oh no!” Sunna cried. “He’s inviting the evil aliens over to Earth!”

“Timmid, you and I to the pyramid! Sunna, the people!”

“Got it!” Sunna said, teleporting to two people on a path. She waved her staff and sent a charging shark into the air. She leaped to the right and pushed a woman away from a falling piece of debris. Murkus laughed as he blasted nearby buildings with fireballs from his hand.

“Come on, Cadenia,” prayed Sunna.

Timmid and Tirred were able to blast several sharks away, causing gory explosions. Tirred’s blast against the pyramid had no effect.

“That bastard keeps manifesting more!” Tirred yelled, pointing to Phiranan forming more beasts using his trident.

Tirred and Timmid shared a look, then flew head-first toward his weapon.

“Oh no you don’t, worms!” Phiranan seethed, knocking both of them back, hard with his weapon.

“Look out!” Tirred warned as Timmid flew upward…she had almost been eaten.

Phiranan anticipated their every move as Tirred and Timmid teleported around him, launching various kicks, punches and telekinetic blasts. He blocked Tirred’s punches and kicked Timmid hard in the gut several times. He spun Tirred around, sending him crashing below…thankfully into a pool. Down below, Sunna was busy trying to heal several injured humans…but she was also getting exhausted.

“The great made-up E.L.F. outnumbered!” chuckled Phiranan. “You should’ve surrendered when you first caught a glimpse…”

In the blink of an eye, Phiranan caught the fist of a teleporting Tirred and slammed him into a palm tree trunk. “…of my master.”

“He got me…during his monologuing…” Tirred groaned, sliding down the trunk. Sunna caught him just in time.

Phiranan banged his trident, breaking the glass of many windows of the hotel at the same time. Sunna flew forward and rescued more humans, though got badly cut in the process.

“Ow, ow, this hurts…”

She collapsed onto the grass.

“So much for the cut-up kitty cat,” Phiranan leered. “Now what to do with you…”

Tirred spoke to Timmid in her head, “His psychic attacks are too fast even for us!”

Timmid sliced more sharks in half with her staff, straining to get another shark’s teeth off her weapon. “Heeellllpp!” she cried as she watched helplessly at more mortals running for their lives from Murkus’ fishy forces. One unlucky man was skewered when Murkus manifested a blue crystal from out of the ground.

“My incredible diabolical Reptilian allies,” boomed Murkus, hands raised, “…come forward to this Earth world…follow me from the past and into my incredible future…for these humans will soon be yours to feast on…and this land shall be mine to rule…!”

“Transmission received” and a reptilian face with greedy dark eyes confirmed its presence in the evil mage’s mind.

An out-stretched glowing hand strained through the open portal.

“Sunna!”

Sunna weakly moved forward. She saw Cadenia straining against Murkus’ elite guard holding her back in her world. “Take this to your boss! Hurry!”

Wasting no time, Sunna grabbed the diamond-shaped vial and screamed in pain as she flew back to the room. She crashed through the window, thankfully clutching the vial safely in her hands. It was full of blue liquid with traces of shimmering light.

“I’ll break that!” Phiranan sneered, appearing in front of Sunna, blocking her way to Docile…who appeared deathly still. The fish reached for the vial with his hideous elongated fingers. Sunna tossed it to Eirene, who stumbled to grab it. She opened it and held it over the disguised elf…

Then gasped and coughed as Phirianan’s trident struck through her stomach…

“NOOO!” Sunna cried in shock.

“Poseidon…forgive me…” she rasped…just before she took her last breath, she leaned the open vial over Docile’s face, allowing the liquid to fall. Sunna pried open his mouth and it fell inside.

“Foolish female,” Phiranan scoffed as he retracted his blood-stained trident, allowing Eirene’s body to fall with a thud. “Thinking her praying would help you guys in this fight.”

Sunna spotted Docile stirring…thankfully alive!

Thinking quickly, she shoved Phirianan away from Docile and into the window where the marine animals danced and swayed in their tank. Phiranan sent Sunna away with a blast of magic, her crashing against the wall.

The assassin waved his hand, and the tank glass broke, spilling a gush of water and fish into the room. Sunna coughed as water splashed into her face. She held onto Docile for dear life, guiding him away from floating furniture and the ruined altar. Both angels wailed in agony as Phiranan hovered in the air and shot electrocuting blasts of green lightning into the water.

Sunna and Docile were unconscious within moments.

“Now for my finest feast!” Phiranan spoke with malicious glee, licking his lips and hovering over their unconscious forms. He raised his trident to deliver the final blow…

CRUNCH!

Phiranan soon found himself being torn to pieces and devoured by none other than a shark.

Not one of his own magical possessed sharks.

Just a regular shark looking for regular fish to eat.

Satisfied, the shark glanced around and went off on its way.

A shimmering blue light appeared in the room, taking the form of a figure driving a chariot. Sunna and Docile were magically lifted up into the air and the spirit moved through the walls of the room. Sunna and Docile were set on the ground and Cadenia pushed herself the rest of the way through the portal.

She glanced up at the angelic spirit in awe. “I don’t believe it…”

Murkus turned around. “What the…”

The spirit shot a blast of light from a golden trident, causing dark cracks to rapidly spread over the pyramid.

“NO! Not my communication device!”

Murkus and the remaining sharks were soon blasted away as the pyramid exploded into many pieces.

Cadenia teleported the hotel building several inches away…just before Murkus’ giant manifested throne came crashing down into the very spot it used to be on. Cadenia, too, collapsed from the effort.

Many people huddled together, terrified at the death and destruction around them. Timmid lay face-down on the grass, her right arm severed and laying next to her.

The savior spirit manifested into a watery shape that soon took the form of…

Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite in a chariot drawn by four giant green flying seahorses. Poseidon stood regal and strong, with muscles and tan skin. His beard was thick and black as was his hair. His eyes were sea-blue, and his golden trident hummed with great power. He wore green-blue armor made of tough scales. Beside him was his beautiful wife, who wore a teal silk dress with scale armor underneath. Her hair was long and black, flowing like silk in water. Her skin was beautiful and white. Both wore crowns on their heads studded with pearls, gems, and seashells.

Amphitrite waved her hand, and the traumatic scenes were wiped away from all the memories of the nearby mortals. A group of watery spirits helped repair the buildings and move the hotel back to its original spot. The windows were repaired, and the black throne was destroyed by Poseidon’s blast.

With the last of her strength (with Amphitrite’s assistance), Cadenia uttered a spell…and a watery sea serpent manifested to her will. Huge walls of water rose up from the ocean, finishing off the remaining sharks.

“I am worthy of the gods’ power!” Murkus bellowed. “I will restore Atlantis to it’s glory…curse you all…!” His words were forever silenced by a dark devouring death from the jaws of Cadenia’s Leviathan being.

The sea serpent raised its mighty green/blue scaly head and shook glowing white streams of water down below. The wounds of E.L.F. and mortal alike slowly began to heal. Timmid’s arm slowly reattached to her body. Leviathan slowly lifted Cadenia onto his back.

“Great work, E.L.F.,” she telepathically told them. “Thank you for saving us.” She and her mentor vanished back through the portal to her world.

Amphitrite looked sadly at the scene. “Not everyone was saved.” She spotted a sea of new souls rising to the astral world, Eirene among them. Poseidon glanced at the pyramid. “It’s only a matter of time before the dark aliens arrive on Earth. Though the battle against Murkus was won, Humanity may lose a greater war ahead…”

0 0 0

E.L.F. arrived back to Heaven, thanks to a portal created by Amphitrite. After a few days of recovering, Leo burst into the room with a happy look.

“E.L.F. you exceeded my expectations!”

Docile glanced at him sadly… “We…failed. Your sister was killed in battle. We all nearly died ourselves…and your parents still don’t know…”

Eirene and Leo embraced in a spiritual hug. “Sis,” Leo choked. “I’m so sorry for not believing in you…if only I…”

Eirene pressed a finger to his etheric lips. “It’s all done. Thanka to you, E.L.F. and Poseidon…we have found closure at last.”

0 0 0

Back on Earth, a semi-sober father and a super-somber mother lay respectively on a hotel bed and on a patch of grass. They slept unusually deep that night. Leo’s kind face appeared to his mother as she dreamed of being on the beach.

“Eirene and I are happy and whole again,” Leo spoke to her.

Cynthia flew in her dream and tearfully hugged her son and daughter.

“I’m so sorry…I searched everywhere for you Leo…and Eirene…oh god…I neglected you, left you to wander around…”

“It’s okay, mom,” Eirene said. “I completed my mission to honor Poseidon while on Earth. But more people need to know Atlantis’ true history.”

“But…I’m homeless now…with no money…”

“Start small,” advised Leo. “You may have to do some menial tasks for a while, but someone will notice your talents and give you a stable life…you just have to invest wisely.”

Cynthia smiled, hopeful. “I always did love sewing and fashion.”

“We’ll help you get noticed by the right people,” said Leo. “Just take the first steps.”

Cynthia cried. “But I won’t see yo when I wake up again…”

Eirene hugged her. “We’ll always be with you…and we’ll be here to welcome you back.”

Cynthia sighed peacefully and woke up with stars in her eyes, a new determined look on her face.

Graham had brief fits of nightmares until Leio’s kind presence made them cease.

“My son…” he began, as he met with Leo back in his childhood home. “I almost destroyed myself…I drank so much that I forgot who you were. And Eirene…” He could barely look at her.

“I forgive you, Dad,” she said, tears in her eyes. “I completed my soul mission and now I can help you and mom from the spirit side.”

“I don’t think I can ever get over this addiction…”

“You have to try,” said Leo. “Take it one step at a time. Whenever you reach for that bottle in a depressed state, imagine us by your side, talking you out of it.”

“How? You guys aren’t real…”

“Your waking life is not real at the moment,” Eirene mentioned. “Only the present moment is always real.”

Graham hung his head. “And to think I called you crazy…and thought you were on drugs…”

Eirene hugged him. “Now you understand the lessons you learned. Love is never lost. Leo and I will be here to welcome you back.”

“Go find mom,” urged Leo.

Graham woke up…the memory fog gone…

…and a special gold pendant on his desk that had not been there before.

He finally remembered his son and all that had happened.

And he somehow knew where to find Cynthia. When the couple reunited on the street as the sun set, they did not say a word.

For when Graham showed her the pendant…the beautiful gold pendant with the Leo astrological symbol on it…they knew who had reunited them together.

For when they hugged and embraced in tears, grateful to be alive and restored to normal, they could feel the invisible presence of their children smiling down on them.

0 0 0

E.L.F. were tired but satisfied, now back to their normal angel elf and cat forms. They had persevered through one of their biggest missions yet. Their staffs were taken in for repairs by angelic spellcasters in flowing white robes.

Leo and Eirene thanked them again and wished them a speedy recovery.

Leo smiled as he stood with a group of teens from different time periods who used to be alive on Earth. One wore bell-bottom pants and a short shirt, another wore a suit and top-hat, and a third posed in torn jeans, a leather jacket and tattoos of gang symbols.

“I’m off to mentor my new friends,” he said. “They suffered various addictions on Earth, and I’ll be leading them to help humans with similar problems on Earth.”

“How wonderful!” called Timmid. “Good luck!”

Docile looked at Erene. “What are you going to do?”

Eirene smiled as she bowed at Poseidon’s feet. She smiled as Poseidon draped her in a glowing white priestess robe and put a small, jeweled ring on her finger.

“I already know my destiny.”

“Thank you Eirene, for your devotion to me and dedication to preserving Greek and Atlantean history. Without you calling on us, E.L.F. wouldn’t have made it. Your previous lifetime on Earth is complete, and now is the time for your next stage. With great honor, I pronounce you one of my many priestesses and one of my many spouses.”

Their souls merged briefly as one with divine ecstasy and memories blurred together.

“Am I the only one tripping here?” Tirred groaned from his bed.

“Thank you, E.L.F.” said Eirene, now priestess and godspouse to Poseidon. “Perhaps we may meet again in Heaven, or in another life.”

“We don’t incarnate,” Tirred mentioned.

Eirene paused. “Oh…oops, sorry. I’m so used to talking to incarnating human and animal souls since they are the most popular subjects of focus in the spirit world and…”

Tirred waved a hand, “Yeah, whatever.”

“I wish you all the best,” Docile said. He winked, “And remember, if you want humans to be fine, call us from Cloud Nine.”

Poseidon took Eirene’s hand and sat her between him and Amphitrite. In a flash, the trio rode off on the seahorse chariot and vanished.

Docile eventually stretched. “Well, great work team, and congratulations on surviving.”

The other three groaned.

“Once you guys get healed up, we may as well get started on some overdue paperwork…”

They groaned some more.

“And then we’ll all take a real vacation for a while.”

They began to groan until they paused in thought.

“Oh? You mean like a place with no mission, life-saving strings attached?” asked Tirred.

“Yep,” said Docile.

“Egypt, please,” said Sunna. “They’ll love me there.”

“I’d be up for Ireland,” Timmid suggested. “Or Greece. Or London…”

“Paris,” Tirred said.

“You sound more like the tough Russian type,” Sunna mentioned.

Timmid giggled. “Tirred likes the city of love.”

“What?” Tirred shrugged. “They have incredible warrior art. Though nothing beats the Japanese samurai. Can we go to China and Japan, too?”

“We’re not billionaires, guys,” Docile reminded them.

Tirred grinned. “Only if I can go alone with Timmid.”

“Do you want to go alone or with me?” Timmid asked.

“With you.”

“Do you promise to behave?”

“Depends. If we’re doing everyday things, sure. But in the bedroom…”

“Tir!” Docile scolded as Tirred smirked mischievously. “Hey, gotta have fun sometime.”

“You know sex without procreation is forbidden…” said Docile.

“We live a long time…”

“But you can still have kids unlike the ex-human saints.”

“Shouldn’t we be able to magically manifest them to our will?”

“Tirred, children are not your minions,” Timmid began.

“I bet Sunna’s a mere minion to her so-called dad.”

“Hey!” Sunna protested.

Docile chuckled. “My crew is back, alright.”

“So, where should we go?” asked Timmid.

“Please don’t let it be Antarctica,” Docile mentioned. “Anywhere but there.”

“Where did that idea come from?” Sunna asked.

“Well, I figured that a place opposite to the Bahamas would be absolutely miserable. Not to mention the murderous penguins.”

Tirred, Timmid and Sunna looked at each other.

“They slur,” Docile whispered with worried eyes.

“You can plainly see that our employer has suffered delusions from the poison,” Tirred said. “All in favor of promoting me as the new manager, say ‘aye.’”

“Iiiiiii…” Timmid dragged on… “…think you’re stupid.”

“Shut up,” he scoffed.

Docile pushed a tall stack of paperwork to Tirred. “Get to work, buddy.”

Tirred glowered. “Sir, I’m not your buddy!”

Sunna sighed, looking at the white rotary phone shaped like a fish on the desk. “Guess I have a lot of phone calls to make.”

Timmid also sighed. “Time to work on the healing magic again.”

“Observing you guys and promoting my good deeds is what I do best,” Docile winked. “Five more hours and then get to work, everyone!”

0 0 0

Back on Earth, the Atlantis hotel was restored to its normal splendor…and all the people carried on with their tours and vacations like nothing ever happened.

Though some people report having fantastical dreams about Atlantis during their stays there…some could even imagine that the gods spoke to them through the various statues, fountains and paintings. Most would brush it off, but there were those who knew their presence without a doubt.

Far away from the Bahamas…near an old decrepit motel on Earth…

Yellow glowing eyes, a dark serpentine form…and a thin white man’s face grinning evilly with sharp teeth and a ghostly fin over his head…slowly rose from the dark ocean…

[thevachak]

The Story of Nachiketa and Yamraj

This story is from Katha Upanishad (Kathopanishad). It is well known that Uddalaka, the son of Vajashrava, desiring to possess the fruits of vishvajit yagna, the fire ritual for world conquest, gave all his riches away to the brahmins. He had a son named Nachiketa.

When Uddalaka’s cows were being taken to be given to the brahmins as gifts, Nachiketa could see that they were very old. Their bodies were worn out, they had eaten their last, they had drunk their last water and given their last milk. Nachiketa was filled with trust and sincerity – he started thinking that to donate such useless cows was not right: “The person who donates these nearly dead cows will surely go to hell, the lower dimensions of existence, where there is no possibility for happiness or joy.” He thought, “I must discourage my father from doing such a thing.”

Nachiketa then asked his father, “And to whom will you give me as a gift?” Uddalaka remained silent.

When asked the same question a second and a third time, his father became angry and said, “I give you to death!”

Hearing this, Nachiketa started thinking within himself, “About most things, I have followed the highest conduct. About some things I may be a little remiss, but I have never fallen to any bad behavior. So why does my father say that he gives me to death? What could be the work of Yama, the Lord of Death, that my father wants to accomplish through me?”

Nachiketa said to his father, “Consider how your forefathers behaved and how other wise people now behave, then decide what is the right thing for you to do.

“Like the crops, mortal man ripens, withers and then is born again. So in this transitory life, man should not waver from goodness and engage in wrong actions. Do not be sad, father. Honor your word now and allow me to go to Yama, the Lord of Death.”

When he heard these words from his son, Uddalaka became very sad; but feeling Nachiketa’s dedication to truth, he allowed him to go to Yama.

When Nachiketa reached the abode of Yama he found that Yama was not at home, so he waited for him for three days without food or water.

When Yama returned home his wife said to him, “When a brahmin comes to a home as a guest, know that a divine being has come – so it is our duty to prepare for his rest, to give him our hospitality. The son of a brahmin has been sitting here; he has not eaten for three days. Go and receive him with reverence.”

Yama went to Nachiketa and said, “Oh brahmin! You are an honored athiti, an honored guest. You have stayed at my house for three days without food. Therefore, you can ask three wishes from me, one for each night.”

Nachiketa said, “Oh Yama! As the first of the three wishes, I ask that my father, Uddalaka, may become peaceful, joyous and free from sorrow and anger. And when I am sent back to him by you, may he receive me lovingly as his son.”

Yama replied, “Seeing you returning from the mouth of death your father, Uddalaka, inspired by me, will receive you and recognize you as his son. He will be freed from anger and grief and will spend the rest of the days and nights of his life in peace and joy.”

Having had his first wish granted, Nachiketa said, “Oh Lord, in heaven there is no fear. Even you, Death, are not there. There, none are afraid of old age. Those living in heaven are beyond hunger and thirst. Free from all suffering, they are in bliss.”

“Oh, Lord of Death, you know the inner fire which is the path to heaven. So tell me, a sincere seeker, the science of the inner fire, the science by which those who are in heaven attain to the deathless. This is my second wish.”

Yama said, “Oh, Nachiketa, I know the science of the inner fire which bestows heaven. I will tell it to you so that you may understand it completely. Know that this science will give boundless heavenly joy. This fire is hidden in the innermost sanctum of your heart.”

Yama then explained the science of the inner fire to Nachiketa, the science which bestows heaven. He explained in detail all the processes involved. Having understood it Nachiketa repeated the details back to Yama, and Yama was satisfied.

Seeing Nachiketa’s extraordinary intelligence, Yama was well pleased. He said, “Now I will grant you an additional honor – that the science of the inner fire be known by your name, the Naachiket-Fire. Please also accept this beautiful necklace of jewels.”

Yama then said, “One who ignites this inner fire three times and desirelessly practices the fire ritual, practices sharing and practices austerity in accordance with the three Vedas, will become free from birth and death. By knowing this sacred fire and by choosing it with sincerity, he will attain to eternal peace, the peace which I know.”

Yama continued, “One who ignites and attains to this inner fire will cut the snares of death while still in the body. He will go beyond sorrow. He will experience the joys of heaven.”

“Oh Nachiketa, this is the science of the inner fire that will lead to heaven. You have asked this as your second wish. From now onwards this fire will be known by your name.”

“Now, what is your third wish?”

Of his third wish, Nachiketa said, “There is so much uncertainty about death. Some say that the soul lives on after death and others say that it does not. I want to finally understand this through your teaching. This is my third wish.”

Yama thought, “It is harmful to teach the secrets of the soul to one who is unworthy of the teaching.” Seeing the need for a test, Yama tried to dissuade Nachiketa by telling him of the complexity of the matter. He said, “Nachiketa, on this matter, even the gods have had their doubts; they also could not understand because this subject is so very subtle and difficult to understand. You may ask for something comparable as your third wish. Do not insist about this. You must let go of this desire to know the secrets of the soul.”

Nachiketa was not discouraged by hearing of the difficulties; his enthusiasm was not affected. Rather, he said even more strongly, “Yama, you say that the gods have also thought about this but even they could not decide, and that it is not easy to understand. But there are none who can explain this matter as well as you. As I understand it, no other wish can be compared to this one.”

Nachiketa was not dissuaded by the difficulty of the subject: he remained firm in his wish to know. He succeeded in passing this test.

As a second test, with the intention of exposing Nachiketa to many temptations and allurements, Yama said to him, “You may ask for sons or grandsons with lifespans of hundreds of years; you may ask for many cows and other cattle, for elephants, horses and gold. You may ask for an empire with vast boundaries. You may ask to live for as long as you wish.”

“Nachiketa, if you consider a wish for wealth or a means for living a long life as equal to your wish for the knowledge of the soul, you may ask for that. You could be the greatest emperor on this Earth! I can make the greatest pleasure of all pleasures available to you!”

When Nachiketa did not waver from his decision even at this, Yama then tempted him with the heavenly pleasures of the gods. Yama said, “Ask for all the pleasures which are rare in the world of mortals. Take these celestial women with you, along with chariots and musical instruments. Such women are surely not available to mortals. You can enjoy these women and be served by them. But Nachiketa, do not ask to know what happens to the soul after death.”

But Nachiketa had a firm will and was truly worthy: he knew that even the greatest pleasures in heaven and earth could not be compared with the smallest amount of the bliss that comes through enlightenment.

Nachiketa, supporting his decision with reasoning, said these words of non-attachment to Yama: “Yama, the pleasures that you are describing are ephemeral; they exhaust the sensitivity and sharpness of all the senses. Furthermore, a lifespan, howsoever long it may be, is brief: it will end sooner or later. You can keep those celestial women, the chariots, those songs and dances – I don’t want them.”

“A man can never be fulfilled through wealth. Now that I have set my eyes on you, I have already attained abundant wealth. As long as your compassion rules there can be no death for me. It is meaningless to ask for those other things. The only wish that is worth asking for is the one that I have already said: the knowledge of the soul.”

“Man is subject to decay and death. Knowing this reality, where is the man living in this world who, after having met you, an immortal and noble being, would continue to long for the beauty of women, for the pleasures of the senses and to yearn for a long life?”

“Oh, Lord of Death, reveal to me the ultimate truth of this most wondrous and otherworldly subject – the destiny of the soul. Man does not know if the soul lives after death. I wish only for this most mysterious knowledge.”

Having tested Nachiketa, Yama was convinced of his determination, his desirelessness, fearlessness and worthiness to be taught the science of the soul.

[spiritsoulandbody]

#DailyDevotion Jesus' Flesh & Blood Give Us Access To God The Father

#DailyDevotion Jesus' Flesh & Blood Give Us Access To God The Father Heb. 10 19Fellow Christians, with the blood of Jesus we can now boldly go into the holy place 20by the new, living way He opened for us through the curtain, the way of His body, 21and we have a great Priest in charge of God's house. 22Let us then come near God, sincere in our hearts and convinced in our faith, because our hearts were sprinkled to take away our guilty feelings, and our bodies were washed with clean water. 23Let us cling to the confession of our hope and not waver in it. He Who made the promise is faithful. How great is the blood of Jesus? Even with the blood of bulls and goats, only the High Priest could enter the model of the Holy of Holies. Now look at how great the blood of Jesus is. With it, we can now boldly go into the Holy Place. You and I, regular old people, can enter the Holy of Holies in heaven above and come to the throne of God's grace. This is unbelievable and magnificent. It's crazy! We have a new living way to the throne. Jesus opened up this way for us through the curtain, the way of His flesh. If we want to see the Father and have access to Him, we must come to Him through the flesh and blood of Jesus. Jesus tells us much in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. “No one comes to the Father except by Me." If we do not believe Jesus is the Son of God is now truly human like us, we cannot approach the Father. But through the flesh and blood of Jesus we have access to the Father and can enter into the heavenly Holy of Holies directly through Jesus our mediator. He is one who inaugurated this new way. Jesus is our great High Priest in charge of God's house. He does not bar us from entering the Temple or the Holy of Holies but through His own flesh and blood opens it up to us and we have access to it. Since this is so, we are encouraged by the author to come near to God, with sincere hearts and convinced in our faith in Christ Jesus' work of salvation. It is a great thing to be able to come near to the Father on His throne of majesty. But with the flesh and blood of Jesus we can do it boldly. You see, in baptism, our hearts were sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and we have become one body with Him. With the water and the Word (Eph. 5) and the water and the Spirit (John 3) our guilty feelings were washed away and our bodies were dedicated to Christ with pure water (having been joined to the Word and Spirit). Anytime the devil tries to drag up our sins, we just make the sign of the cross upon which the flesh and blood of Jesus was crucified and remember in baptism you have been joined to Jesus' crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. (Rom. 6) Then our hearts can be at peace and we can regain the confidence and boldness before the Father of lights again. With this great promise, we are encouraged to "cling to the confession of our hope and not waver in it." Only in this hope should we have our rest. Let nothing drag us away from it. Jesus is the one who is faithful. His promise of forgiveness of sins, eternal life and the resurrection is guaranteed by His crucifixion and the empty tomb. He sits at the right hand of the Father guaranteeing our salvation and our access to the throne of God's grace. Merciful God and Father, You opened up access to Your throne to us through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and His offering up His flesh and blood. Give us Your Holy Spirit always that we may believe this and cling to this promise until the day we see You in Your Glory. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read the full article