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2018 Albert Oon
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by Albert Oon at Smashwords
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A teenage boy and girl wander the land of Eurasia the time of kings and knights in search of adventure, conflict, and redemption. To say they are merely children is a severe understatement. The boy has the soul of a warlord who has destroyed nations, killed innocent people, and taken their possessions. It was not until the girl, who was a woman at the time, came to him and readjusted his view of the world. Though he did not like what she was saying, he couldn’t bring himself to raise his hand against her. She showed him beauty and goodness in the world and in people that he was completely blind to. Her presence gave him peace that his possessions could not, so he married her. The blood of his actions, however, could not be washed away with the little time he had left to redeem himself and was cursed to live forever on the earth until it was. Though she was allowed into Heaven, the girl turned away from it and held onto the boy and promised to help him on his journey. He tried to push her away, so she wouldn’t be caught up in his punishment, but she stuck close to him. As part of his punishment, he was granted the blessing to turn into a white devil with six tendrils that protrude from his back. He can exact righteous justice on those who deserve it and the punishment will fit the crime. The girl was granted wisdom and knowledge to guide the man’s decisions and be his source of relief and happiness. The boy wears a hooded sackcloth, which is a far cry from his royal robes he once wore. It’s covered in the blood of the innocents he killed, and the blood is so much so that it looks naturally red instead of brown. The girl wears a simple white and red dress similar to the one she was married in.
The two of been through times of ruin and peace. Throughout it, the girl has kept the boy under control and on the road to redemption, but in some cases, the boy’s intuition and knowledge of the fallen humanity helps him make instant judgments while the girl’s empathy has lead to the death of innocents. As much as she helps keep him on the right path, he does the same every now and then. They still continue their journey throughout the land of Eurasia to not only obtain the boy’s redemption, but to also bring justice and peace.
Part I
As the two walk along a forest path, they come across an apple tree with a woman picking fruit from it.
The girl says to the woman, “Excuse me miss? Can we have an apple each? We’ve been adventuring for a while now and some fruit would help us immensely.”
“Oh, of course you can!”
The woman tries to get more than two apples for them, but as she shakes the tree to pick the apple, three loose apples fall on the girl’s head. This enrages the boy to which he transforms into the white devil.
“You wench!” he yells out, “How dare you be so careless in the presence of my beloved!”
His tendrils retrain the woman’s legs, arms, neck, and body. Her punishment then comes on her. A single apple falls on her head. Once her punishment is complete, the boy’s tendrils release her, and she runs away in fear of the two. The boy goes back to his human form once she’s clear of them.
“Are you okay my-”
He receives a hard backhand to the face from the girl.
“How many times do I have to tell you to not worry about me when things like this happen?!” she says, “Do you like getting slapped?”
“Kind of…” he says with a smirk before getting slapped again, “I was joking…”
“Hmph. Hopefully we won’t see that woman again so we won’t have trouble in the nearby town. Are you seriously eating the apples she dropped?!”
“Uh, yes? Want one?”
She takes an apple before backhanding him again. They take several apples with them as they enter the nearby town. The town has various churches and bustling marketplace since it’s a town of commerce and community. There’s an art contest being held at the art section of the marketplace and the girl decides to join in.
“Why don’t you join too?” the girl asks the boy.
“Nah. I don’t exactly…create things.”
“Nonsense. I’ve seen you doodling when you were bored and with pen and paper.”
“Yeah, but I wouldn’t call my doodling good art.”
“Just join with me for fun!”
“I guess I should, but why am I even doing this? I’m a grown man.”
“But mentally you’re a child.”
“I was a conqueror of men!”
“And now you’re my husband, which means I’ve conquered you and your men. Come on already!”
“…fine.”
The two go up to the adult who is taking the names of the participants.
“Hey kids!” a woman who appears to be a mother says, “Are you going to be making art with us today?”
“Yes mam!” the girl says.
The boy doesn’t say anything until the girl elbows him.
“Yes mam.”
“Can I get your names before you enter?”
“My name is Bella, and this is my boyfriend Mao.”
“Oh! A couple drawing together eh?”
The woman elbows and smiles at a man who the kids assume to be her husband. He smiles and laughs.
“Now that I have your names, you should look around here for the supplies you need to draw. We also have hundreds of pieces of art around the marketplace, so take a look around if you need some inspiration. It also doesn’t hurt to ask others for help. Got it?”
“Got it!” Bella says.
“Yup. I got it,” Mao responds.
“The contest starts in twenty minutes, so you still have plenty of time and don’t forget. This is just for fun, but still try your best!”
Mao and Bella go around to get their tools and drawing material. They go around the marketplace to find inspiration for their work and once it’s time to draw, they put their skills to the test. Bella draws a bright picture that has a small bunny with flowers around it. She uses paint, brushes, and her finger to draw the picture. Mao, on the other hand, draws a war-torn knight in bloodied and injured, but still charging towards battle. He uses charcoal and his sackcloth to erase and draw shapes and figures. Oddly enough, Mao wins the contest. Since Bella and Mao had previous experience in drawing and their competition are just normal kids, they outclassed the others by a mile. As a reward, Mao gets a small reward of money, a fruit basket, and a kiss from Bella.
“Congratulations young man!” the mother says, “I’m sure your parents are going to be very proud of you!”
“I-I guess so.”
Bella and Mao go to a fountain near a church to eat the fruit basket.
As Bella drinks in the feel of the town, she says, “This reminds me of my hometown.”
“That’s where I first met you. I came to raid your town, but you came out by yourself and got me to back off.”
“I’m that special, aren’t I?”
“Most towns don’t have a single woman coming to meet an army. Special isn’t half of it. I’m sure your parents were worried about you when you did that. What do you think my parents are thinking about me right now?”
“I’m sure they’re proud of you for changing.”
“I don’t know about that.”
All of the sudden, two girls run by and push the two into the fountain then run away.
“What was that for?!” Mao says as Bella tries to keep him calm.
A man helps the two out of the fountain while saying, “Don’t mind those two. They’re not used to losing so they get a little mad when they do.”
“Thanks mister,” Bella says then waits for him to leave to tell Mao, “I remember girls like them when I was little. They’re nothing, but jealous princesses who are full of themselves.”
“What do you want to do?” Mao asks with a bit of curiosity.
“The same thing I did to them years ago. Get revenge.”
Both Mao and Bella deviously smile at the different ways to get revenge from Bella’s innocent but humiliating ways to Mao’s harmful but simple ways.
“What are you thinking Bella?”
“I’m thinking that we should return the favor of them cleaning us.”
Bella gets several pale of water that are from the bathrooms and the two get on top of the rooftops. Mao uses his man tracking skills to find the girls and finds them with their friends. Bella and Mao wait until the girls walk closer to them to pour the water on top of them. Once they do, they quickly dump the water on top of the girls then sprint away as they hear their screams. The couple laugh then reward themselves with a little dinner date at an outside restaurant. Mao eats a steak while Bella eats fish.
“I didn’t know you were like that Bella.”
“What do you mean?”
“That you take revenge in that way. I thought you were a very forgiving person.”
“I am…most of the time, but I can’t stand prissy little girls like that.”
“Did other people in your town know you were like this?”
“I kept it secret from them, so I could always get away with what I did.”
“Do you know I like you more and more with each day?”
“I do.”
Before they can kiss, an incoming parade catches their attention. The town is celebrating the death of the tyrant that was Mao. They have fake statues of Mao and Bella that are half destroyed and covered in drawings.
“Hoorah! Hoorah! The demon Mao is dead and is rotting in hell! Praise be to God!” they say, “May all the earth rejoice in his absences! May we rejoice also in the death of his useless wife who tried to make him pay for his sins but failed.”
“Mao…This isn’t right. No one’s death should be celebrated like this!”
“I don’t mind it.”
“But!”
“I don’t mind it! I’d celebrate my death like this too because of the things I’ve done.”
Mao sighs as he turns to watch the parade as it passes by him. He watches how happy everyone is that he died and how they celebrate it with streamers, confetti, and fireworks.
“You know Bella, I’m happy that I died. I’m even happier that I got the chance to redeem myself and that you didn’t go to Heaven to help me out. The reason why I don’t really mind what they’re saying is because your opinion of me is all that matters…Bella?”
Bella has moved from her chair and is now in front of the parade.
She yells out, “What is wrong with you people?! No one’s death should be celebrated no matter how horrible they were! Stop this celebration at once!”
The crowds don’t take too kindly of Bella’s defense of Mao and start yelling at her and throw stones and various hard objects at her.
“Bella! You bastards!” Mao says as he transforms into a white devil.
The sky turns black as judgment is going to be dealt. Mao shields Bella from the projectiles and the crowds are shocked by Mao’s appearance.
“You people are just as evil as the people you mock!” Mao says in a demonic voice, “What kind of people praise death and throw things at a child wiser than you?!”
Mao’s tendrils spilt into multiple tendrils to catch everyone and hold them as they are judged. The things they threw at Bella levitate and get thrown back at them harder than they were thrown. Hard rocks then fall from the sky to ruin the parade and rain on the marketplace. Mao carries Bella out of the town as the rocks pelt everything and everyone around them. Though no one in the town is seriously hurt, houses, shops, and the other buildings and streets were heavily damaged. The people of the town then prayed for forgiveness as they rebuilt what was damaged because of their actions. Mao and Bella are now far away from the town as they continue Mao’s journey for redemption.
“Mao…I’m sorry you had to see that parade.”
“Like I said I didn’t mind it. The worst thing about it is that the statue they had of you had a bigger butt and chest than you did when you were that age.”
“What?”
“Your actual chest and butt are smaller and I’m not trying to say that it would be better if those parts of you body were bigger. I mean that’s probably the inner teenager in me speaking, but you know. I’m just saying.”
Mao takes one look at Bella’s mad face.
“Oooooh boy.”
Mao then starts to run away as Bella swings at him while saying, “I’ll show you who has smaller private body parts!”
Part II
After a beating and two days, Mao and Bella come across a village. There are several farms in this village along with a church and a school with various houses and shops near it. Bella brings Mao to a farm where the owners are allowing a few of the kids to ride the horses they have.
“I swear Bella! Your childlike personality is out of control!”
“But look at the horses!”
“I had dozens of them, but you didn’t care much for them.”
“That’s because you had them scarred to mark them as yours.”
“It made them look intimidating and battle experienced!”
“You made them look like a fantasy horse.”
“Which is scarier than a normal one.”
“Right…and I’m the one with a child’s personality.”
Since Mao isn’t too fond of riding the horses, he gets the adults to put him on it as she rides in front and he has to hold onto her back.
“This is embarrassing!” Mao says.
“This is great!” Bella says as she rides around the field with the horse.
It’s always been one of her favorite things to do years ago. She used to race horses with her fellow town’s people and do obstacle courses. Feeling that she still has the skill, she goes through the obstacle course that’s on the farm ground. Since Mao’s teenage body isn’t used to riding on a horse and wasn’t sure about Bella’s risky movements, he threw up after they finished their ride. Everyone who was watching claps at Bella’s performance and the owners tell her she can come back anytime she wants. They give her and Mao an apple pie as they leave.
“Can we eat it now?”
“But you just threw up!”
“And now I’m hungry because of it!”
“Fine.”
They both eat half of the pie before continuing to walk through the town. Unlike the previous town, this smaller one is quieter and less busy. It still manages to stay alive seemingly because of the community and farms around it, but the area itself has nothing of interest to Mao and Bella so they move on to the next area of interest. Along the way, they come across highwaymen robbing a young boy. The boy appears to have already tried resisting to no result.
“They’re mine,” Mao says as he transforms and tangles the robbers in his tendrils.
Everything they have including their clothes disintegrate and the thieves are left with nothing though the boy’s possessions are untouched. They run away from Mao in fear while the young boy stays where he is because he doesn’t know what to do.
Mao transforms back to a human and asks the boy, “Are you alright?”
“Yo-You’re like me?” the boy says.
“We both are,” Bella says, “Now go back to where you’re from.”
“I can’t I won’t,” the boy says as he collects what was stole from him.
“Why’s that?”
“It’s full of terrible people who touch me in weird ways.”
“We’ll deal with them. There’s a farm town not too far from here. Go there and they’ll take care of you.”
“Thank you so much!”
As the boy leaves, Mao says, “This place should be interesting.”
“That means we have to be careful,” Bella says.
“It means we’re going to be encountering a lot of sin and I love ridding the world of it.”
“Don’t be so caught up in violence. It’s what got you in this situation in the first place.”
“It’s what lead me to you, so it’s not all bad.”
“Don’t sweet talk me like that mister or else you’ll be getting my hand on your face again.”
“I love you.”
“…I love you too.”
Bella tries swinging at him, but he dodges it.
“Ha! Missed me, missed me, now you gotta kiss me.”
Bella kisses Mao’s face then smacks it.
“That was worth it.”
The couple makes it to the town the boy was from and it appears to be a cesspool of sin. It even smells the part as well. This town is filled with prostitutes and killers alike that don’t mind showing their private business in the open. Among the crowd, Mao spots a normal looking family that appears to be moving from the town. This familiar sight of a good family in a terrible area brings Mao back to his childhood.
“Do you think my parents are proud of me?” Mao says aloud without realizing, “Did I really let them get the best of me when they died? Do they regret having me after I did? Am I a bastard child? Bella?”
Mao notices that Bella isn’t with him and panics. Back when they were adults, Bella used to be interested in the human figure and liked making art that bordered on pornography. Mao is thinking that she’s watching these people and getting caught up in them for her “art”.
An older woman pulls Mao aside and says, “You’re a cute young man. Want to have some fun?”
Though this woman looks better than Bella, Mao rejects her by saying, “I don’t associate myself with harlots. Besides, I’m married.”
“Who cares about marriage? Trust me, when I’m done with you, you won’t want to be married.”
“I respectfully reject your offer now leave me be.”
The cougar pins up Mao against the wall and presses herself against him
“It isn’t an offer.”
She begins to lick his face. He responds in turn by biting into her neck and tearing her throat out, which he could do since it is self-defense. Mao leaves the woman to choke to death on her own blood as he turns to the rest of the people.
“Ssssinnnnnn,” Mao says in a snake-like voice as he transforms into the white devil.
He uses his tendrils and the people of this place receive their judgment.
“You have abandoned God and He has abandoned you in turn. You’re all mine now, which means you get my favorite execution. Shred and rip them apart!”
Blades and thorns come out of the ground to slowly cut and tear apart everyone. Blood and guts splatter the ground as Mao searches for Bella. He finds her naked with a piece of paper with one of her drawings on it. It doesn’t appear that she was harmed or sexually assaulted, so he quickly carries her away as the entire village sinks into the earth. During the next morning, the runaway boy goes back to this place with a couple escorts and only finds several objects that were stolen from other villages and towns. Mao is still carrying Bella who is still naked, but he isn’t in his devil form.
“How long do you think it’s going to be until I get another pair of clothes?”
“Hopefully soon.”
“Why’s that?”
“…Is there a correct answer to that?”
“Yes. Pick it.”
“…So no one sees you naked? But you being naked isn’t something that I mind!”
“That’s right.”
Bella kisses Mao’s forehead. As they keep moving, a traveling merchant appears from behind them. Mao turns around to hide Bella’s nakedness.
Mao says to the merchant, “Excuse me sir. Do you mind if we buy a pair of clothes from you? My wife here got them stolen.”
“Of course! You can have them for free. I have a perfect dress for her.”
It may be a coincidence, but the merchant gives Bella a red and white dress that she had from before. She gets changed and thanks the merchant and tries to give him money for his gift.
“It’s no problem my dear,” he says, “I don’t ask for anything from the needy. May I ask where you’re heading?”
“Wherever the road takes us,” Bella tells him.
“How about you two travel back to my house with me? Rest for a bit then leave?”
“Thank you. We’ll take your offer.”
Mao whispers to Bella, “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Mao and Bella board the carriage. As they travel to the merchant’s house, Mao falls asleep and rests across Bella’s lap.
“How far did your husband carry you?”
“Maybe ten miles at the least.”
“He must really love you then.”
“Of course he does. He’d do anything for me.”
“So why are you on your journey? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“It’s for his redemption and that’s all I’ll tell you I’m afraid.”
“Well that journey should be coming to an end soon. A man who would carry his wife for miles can’t be all bad.”
“I know he isn’t, but some people won’t see that.”
“Give them time. I’m sure your boy will show them who’s better.”
Once they arrive at the merchant’s house, they put Mao to bed who is still sleeping. Bella repays his kindness by helping around the house and fix his merchandise. She teaches him a couple recipes to use when selling food that she remembers from the royal chefs she had as a queen. After all that, Bella tells the merchant to prepare a special event for Mao when he wakes up. Mao eventually wakes up a couple hours later and doesn’t know where he is. He grabs a nearby object as a weapon to protect himself.
“Bella? Bella?” he says while wandering the house.
He eventually sees candlelight in the kitchen to which he goes to.
“Surprise! Happy birthday!” the merchant, his family, and Bella say as Mao turns the corner.
He almost swings but then says, “What?”
“Were you not keeping track of the days?” Bella asks, “Today is your ‘fourteenth’ birthday!”
Mao is embarrassed and sheepishly says, “I-uh. Thanks, but I don’t think I deserve it.”
“Of course you do!” the merchant says, “You carried your wife all the way to help. You’re what I call a real man!”
The merchant’s wife says, “Now would you do the same thing?”
“Of course I would especially if you weren’t wearing clothes!” he responds.
They all laugh, but Mao is still surprised by the celebration.
“Come on Mao! Sit down.”
The family and Bella have a cake made for Mao with candles on it. They sing him happy birthday as he sits at the head of the table. Bella sings while she holds him and while this is happening Mao is trying not to cry, but he can’t help but smile. He feels loved in the same way that he did with his family and Bella. His armies never did anything for him like this nor did they love him as his family and Bella do. Mao blows out the candles and everyone cheers. They then eat the cake and celebrate Mao’s birthday. The first birthday in a while that he felt good about. He eventually warms up to the family and talks to them though he doesn’t tell them who he and Bella really are. The couple leaves the next day with food, water, and good memories of this family. Starting the day after the family met the couple, the business they have starts to thrive as tons of people start buying food, clothes, and various other products from the father. He says to this day that both Mao and Bella are a blessing to this world.
Part III
Though they didn’t intend to, they’ve finally come back to Mao’s home country, the main capital to be precise. It’s in a state of civil war as Mao and Bella’s children fight against the leaders they put in before they died. Their children, like Mao, fell to bad influences as they were spoiled after hearing the power and strength their father had before he met Bella. They think their mother made their father weak and were constantly arguing with their father as he became a more peaceful man. Thinking they would need more help, Mao and Bella ordered several wise elders to control their country and continue teaching their children the right way to live. It doesn’t appear to have worked, but both Bella and Mao don’t think their children are behind this. As they make their way through the destroyed streets, they think about who could’ve done this.
“It has to be those bastards who were a bad influence on them!” Mao says.
“I’ll rip them apart! No one messes with my babies!” Bella yells out as she runs at full speed.
“What are we going to do if our children decide to fight us?”
“Let’s hope they haven’t committed too many evil acts. I can only imagine what inspiration they took from your old self.”
“Oh no.”
Mao sees one of the worst inspirations his children took from him. To make people fear him, Mao would take the bodies of people and impaled them to the ground and to buildings as a warning. He would impale the elderly, the fit, the poor, the rich, the young, it didn’t matter to him at the time. The bodies would stay there and rot in the cities of his enemies and his conquered. If anyone would bury or move them, they would be executed, and their bodies would be impaled on the streets as well.
“We have to get to them now!” Mao says with extreme worry.
Mao and Bella make it through the death and destruction to find their five children at the castle gates with their army behind them. They’re trying to knock down the gates to get to the rest of the civilians and resistance. Both Mao and Bella are transformed into adults so the soldiers and their children will recognize them. Mao is wearing his old armor set while Bella is wearing a luxurious white and red dress. They notice this and appear to realize the meaning of it.
“Clear the way! Your king returns!” Mao announces as to get the army’s attention.
The army sees their king and queen return and bow in their presence. Their children are shocked by this and stop breaking down the gates.
The army proclaims, “The king and queen are immortal! Give praise to the ultimate rulers of the strongest country on earth!”
They cheer and praise them, but Bella says, “Silence! What have you done to our capital city?! It lies in ruin with your fellow men and women lying in their own blood! Shame on you all especially the ones who made our children do this!”
One of the soldiers says, “But they organized it all! No one else made them do it.”
“My children would never do such a thing! If you do not want to face the righteous wrath of God, then turn your lives around and leave now!”
About one hundred and fifty soldiers of the four thousand retreats. Mao and Bella’s children approach them and the oldest, Martino, speaks for them.
He says, “Now that you are immortal you might see truth. Tear down this gate and restore this nation to its former glory!”
Mao says in a stern voice, “My son Martino, have you not seen sense yet? Blood and destruction is not the way to get what you truly want. It is through love of God, others, and self that will give satisfy and bring you what you need. Your mother taught me that.”
“Mother is a dolt who acts hypocritically. She’ll take childish revenge, draw pornography, and hit you to show her dominance.”
“Not everyone is perfect, and temptation gets to us every now and then. Be thankful those three things are the only things she does.”
“She matters not to us. Take back the kingdom and go back to your old ways so we can conquer the world!”
“Please. Don’t let me do this.”
Bella starts to tear up as she says, “I love you all! Please! Turn around and change your ways!”
“If you won’t turn let go of this woman then I’ll kill her for you father!”
“No!”
Mao unintentionally turns into the white devil and his tendrils restrict his children and call down their judgment.
“Please, don’t be so harsh on them,” Bella begs.
“I don’t have control of it,” Mao says with fear.
Seven angelic executioners descend from Heaven and behead all five of Mao and Bella’s children then toss their bodies into the abyss. The executioners then kill the rest of the army who didn’t retreat while a cherubim shields Mao and Bella as they mourn for their children.
“Why did this happen?” Mao asks the cherubim who doesn’t want to answer.
“Because that’s the way our kids were,” Bella answers for him, “There’s nothing else we could’ve done. It was their decision and they have to live with it.”
“I know that, but…but I want there to be a different reason.”
Mao looks out as his men are killed and his city brought to even more ruin than before. His fists are clenched, so Bella hugs him from behind to calm him. After the fight ends, all three thousand eight hundred and fifty soldiers lay dead. Though they tried to fight back, the executioners sustained no injuries from the army. The cherubim and executioners then rise back to Heaven and the gates of the castle open. Mao’s most trusted official, Shun, walks out to them.
He says, “You’ve brought us angels to save us. You truly have achieved redemption, my lord.”
“Not yet,” Mao responds, “I still have much to do.”
“I am sure that you will obtain it soon since you are alive and the angels came down to your aid.”
“I hope so my friend.”
“Are you going to rule us again? You were our mightiest king and there might be more rebellion.”
“No, I won’t. I died and am reborn for a different purpose. There won’t be any rebellion for generations after what has happened today, so be at peace. Again, I command you my last command. Keep the city safe and continue to teach them in the ways of our Lord God.”
“As you wish my king. We will begin with repairs for the city and burying of the dead.”
“If you couldn’t repair my child-”
Bella grips Mao’s arm while tears are still in her eyes.
“Forgive me my king. We tried our best-”
Mao puts his hands on Shun’s shoulders.
“I’m sorry too. I should’ve been a better king and father to begin with.”
The two old friends embrace then say their final goodbyes again. Once Bella and Mao leave the city, they turn back into teenagers. They hold hands as they go as they bear the pain of their children’s deaths. As the day turns to night, the sky light starts to turn into various colors and appears to be dancing around. Bella and Mao come to a field of roses and begin to hear angelic music played.
“This must be the angels comforting us,” Bella says with wonder.
“They should after what we’ve been through,” Mao responds with some distain.
“Don’t be that way Mao. They’re doing us a favor. Appreciate it. If we weren’t there to stop our children, then they would’ve killed more people.”
“…You’re right.”
“Let’s enjoy this and let the past be the past.”
Mao and Bella enter the field of roses and begin to dance to the music. The music is unlike anything made even by the great musicians Mao obtained for Bella when she was queen. Its cadence, tempo, and sound are foreign, but it brings peace to their souls and a smile to their face. The lovers dance and dance until they fall in exhaustion. They smile at each other and cuddle while admiring the lights in the sky then fall asleep.
Rested and rejuvenated, they continue their journey. They approach a small town and see that a prophet is talking to the people in center of town.
He says, “The tyrant Mao is alive and young! Be wary of him as he is dealing harsh judgment to everyone who shows their sinful nature!”
Mao and Bella don’t exactly know what to do about this. The prophet seems to have been told this information by someone in Heaven because they don’t think word of what happened yesterday has spread yet even though they aren’t far from the capital city. They decide to keep low and see if this town will be of any interest to them. Throughout the day, Mao and Bella help people out then disappear before they are rewarded for their efforts. The two do acts such as; stopping thieves, picking up things that people drop, cheer up young children, and help store owners clean up their vandalized markets. Of course, Mao has problems doing most of these acts besides stopping thieves, but Bella humbles him and gets him to help these people. A messenger from the capital arrives and tells the people what happened there yesterday.
The prophet comes out and says, “My words have come true before I predicted them! Heed them for Mao is among us!”
The couple try to leave town, but a few people catch them and try to bring them before the prophet. Fearing for Bella’s safety, Mao transforms into the white devil. Everyone from the town gathers in awe of the reborn tyrant.
“Behold! I, Mao the Tyrant, am alive! I, the tyrant that spilled the blood of hundreds of thousands of people and killed their children or sold them for a profit! Deal your judgment to me while you still can!”
The town is silent as to what to do so Bella speaks up.
“Don’t do anything to him! He dealt righteous judgment to his children and their armies and now they lie in ruin. He is a changed man who only punishes the wicked and sinful! Today, he and I helped you with your problems, so please! Don’t hurt him!”
“Young girl, who is Bella his wife,” the prophet says, “We do not deal in revenge. We only offer forgiveness.”
Mao is taken back by this then says, “Wa-What? I had to have done something to you that has made your lives worse than it is. Do something about it!”
The villagers come one by one to say, “I forgive you.”
With each “I forgive you”, Mao staggers and collapses in weakness. He turns back into a teenage boy and cries because of the town’s mercy. Bella embraces him to calm him down then the people of the town offer them a celebration for Mao’s victory in the capital and change of heart. Everything from music to food is prepared in minutes and Mao is the center of attention. Bella sits with him and tries to get him to smile, but he’s too shocked in tears to do anything. Eventually, she gets him to dance with him and talk with everyone who tell him how thankful they are that he’s changed his ways. The party the town put together in minutes lasts the entire day and by the next morning, Mao and Bella leave the town with leftovers from the party and more energy to move forward.
Part IV
“I’m sorry Mao, but I have to leave you.”
“What?! Why?!”
“You’re smart enough to figure that out on your own.”
A pillar of light takes Bella into Heaven, which leaves Mao completely alone.
“Why?!” Mao yells to the skies, “I’ve done everything that you’ve told me to! What else is there I can do besides fix the entire world?!”
Nothing and no one gives him an answer to his questions. He doesn’t know which direction to go and for what reason, so he just paces back and forth. Thinking that he’s still supposed to do something, he goes in a direction that feels like its pulling him its way. Along the way he finds a couple taking a morning walk. Jealous of them, he attempts to intervene in their walk, but is blocked off by an invisible barrier. Mao can only watch as the two enjoy each other’s company.
“There has to be a reason I’m seeing this. I have to be learning something!” Mao says to himself.
He quickly escapes the couple’s presence as it becomes unbearable and enters a village. Mao and Bella usually get into interesting situations in places like this, so Mao hopes something will happen as he sits down on the streets. There’s nothing about him that is different from a common beggar. Mao begs for something to happen to give him purpose. He hopes that someone will extend their hand to give him comfort and attention. As his frustration and depression increases, he feels the need to judge the people of the town for ignoring him. His abilities, however, are restrained for whatever test he’s going through, so he just sits in the dirt alone, angry, sad, and isolated from the one he loves. Eventually he passes out and awakens in a church.
The hooded pastor says to him, “It’s good to see that you’re awake my son. Eat and drink this so you can feel better.”
Mao eats a piece of bread and drinks a small cup of water that the pastor gives him.
“Why did you help me?”
“Because I try to help all of my children.”
“Well you didn’t help much.”
“What do you mean? You were hungry and thirsty, so I helped you there didn’t I?”
“That’s not the most important part.”
“Then what is?”
“My wife is gone.”
“Gone?”
“Heaven took her.”
“That sadly happens to every husband unfortunately.”
“But she’s my moral compass, my source of happiness, and the person that kept me going.”
“God usually fills that role for most people.”
“Heh. That guy and I have a complicated relationship.”
“How so?”
“He’s the reason I’m still alive to make up for my past, let’s just say.”
“Shouldn’t that be a good thing?”
“Not when I don’t have my wife with me. She’s everything to me.”
“You shouldn’t deify her.”
“I understand that God is our source of morality and the main reason why she is the way she is, but…”
“But you make your wife the center of your world. Let me help you see how things really are.”
The hooded pastor helps Mao up and brings him to the front doors of the church. The village is bustling with happiness, goodwill, and love as if everyone’s worries and pains went away in an instant.
“This is the world I wanted to see every day,” Mao says as he watches everyone.
“How were you going to make it this way?” the pastor asks.
“Drag out the evil people and execute them one by one. Don’t ask how I know, but that doesn’t work.”
“Did your wife changes your ways?”
“She did. She showed me the beauty of the world and how to be a better man. I’d probably be in hell right now if it wasn’t for her.”
“But she wouldn’t be a good person without…”
“I know, I know she taught me that, but God shouldn’t diminish her importance.”
“He doesn’t. It’s you who diminishes His importance.”
“I’d like for Him to give me a reason to not do so.”
“Your wife. Your continued life for a chance at redemption. Any more that I need to mention?”
Mao doesn’t want to say anything else.
“Let me show you a world that you would’ve created.”
The pastor closes and opens the door to reveal a village burned to the ground with bodies gored all over the ground.
“How did you do that?!” Mao says out of astonishment.
“Does it look familiar?”
“Who are you?!”
The church doors close.
“You already know.”
“You?! I have a few things I have to get off my chest!”
“Then do that if you haven’t already.”
“Why did you take Bella away from me?!”
“As we were talking about, you deified her. I think it was time we fixed that.”
“What about my children?! Why did we send them to hell?!”
“Because of their deeds and refusal and accept my help. You were on a similar path to theirs until you changed.”
“And why was I able to change, but not my children?”
“They had your wife’s persistence.”
“…You got me there, but why keep me here on earth? Haven’t I done enough already?”
“Do you think you are just here for redemption? Did you not think that the acts you have done are not for some higher purpose or to answer prayers?”
“Enough of this!”
“Didn’t you say once you would fight me?”
“I did.”
“Since you can’t beat me in a game of intelligence, how about we go with strength? What weapon will you use? The strongest weapon you have is a blessing from me and doesn’t work on me. So what are you going to use? A sword crafted with human hands?”
“I’m defeated okay?! You got me from turn zero, so let your will be done on me! Strike me down and let my life be yours!”
Mao falls to his knees and closes his eyes as he waits for his execution. Instead, he is hugged and brought to his feet.
“Now you understand my son.”
Love and tranquility fills Mao as a light envelops him and he is teleported to a field with a small lake. There he finds Bella who was waiting for him. The two yell for each other then embrace with a kiss.
A light from Heaven says, “You have already achieved your redemption, but there is still much to do on earth. What do you want to do?”
“You know better than I do lord.”
Mao closes his eyes again and lets whatever happens, happen. He gets lifted up into the air with grace and elegance then dropped into the lake.
“Take a bath,” the light says before fading back into the sky.
Bella joins Mao in the lake. The two splash water at each other while enjoying their reunion together with Mao enjoying it the most. After being cleaned, they dry up in the sunlit field.
Bella turns to Mao and asks, “What do you want to do next my love?”
“We continue helping the world together,” Mao answers, “What better thing is there to do?”
“Enjoy each other’s company alone for a bit longer.”
“I like it, but you know we have forever together.”
“Of course. So, should we get moving?”
“Yes and let the lord’s will be done.”
Part I
New life has been breathed into Mao and Bella with both sharing the responsibility of helping people in the world. Mao's demon form has been changed to an angel with cut horns, flowing shirt, and bandaged face. His clothes have lost their bloodstains and are now a bright white. Bella remains largely the same, though her natural glow and comforting presence are slightly amplified. Mao doesn't notice the difference since she always glows and comforts him when she's around. Their quest has led them to a small port town of Ponza. Since they don't hear the rumors, the couple goes into this place blind not knowing what troubles lie ahead.
The two see the port town in sight from a distance. The sun reflecting off the city gives it a welcoming feeling. The white buildings make it shine even more. Merchant and supply carts walk through the trading roads as Mao and Bella walk on the side.
"This seems like a popular place," Mao says.
"I can see why. I'd love to live in a place like this. The shining sea, the beautiful houses," says Bella.
"Maybe God will let us vacation here if we get tired.”
"I'm just saying. As long as I'm with you, I always have enough strength to move forward.”
"With-"
"Say it back," Bella says under her breath.
"-out you, I would be at my weakest. Did you say something?"
"No. I love you."
"Love you too."
Mao and Bella kiss before entering Ponza. The townsfolk appear like every day normal people. People do their daily duties doing their jobs. The marketplace and ports sell and move products from seller to consumer at a rapid pace. With the small amount of money they have that God provides, Mao and Bella buy a couple sandwiches for lunch. They sit by the ocean and enjoy the soft, cool breeze.
"This place seems pretty normal," Mao says while finishing his sandwich, "I don't know why we were led here."
"Let's just enjoy the calmness for now. I'm sure the answer will come to us eventually how it always does."
"I just wish God would hit me with the answer, so I wouldn't have to wait for it."
A seagull comes out of the sky and hits Mao as it goes for his sandwich and knocks him down to a lower part of the port into a large cart of hay.
"Mao! Are you okay?" Bella says as he runs to him.
He gets up and says, "Yeah! I'm good."
Shaking his hand to the sky, he says, "I know that was you! Just because I like you now doesn't mean that you don't piss me off!"
The seagull that stole Mao's sandwich poops on his head.
"Cheeky...ugh!"
He feels something soft and wet in the hay.
"What's in here?"
Mao goes through the hay and finds tons of bloody naked bodies in it.
"Bella! I've found our reason for being here!"
"What is it?"
"Take a look."
Bella looks at the state of the bodies and is immediately disgusted.
"Who would do such a thing?"
"The people we're here to change."
"I doubt people who do this are able to change."
"I changed, didn't I?"
"You did but you didn't do anything close to this. I mean some of these bodies look like they've been defiled, to say the least."
Mao looks around and sees a tunnel in front of them. There are marks on the ground that makes it obvious the cart came from there.
"The cart came from in there. This must be where they get rid of these bodies."
"Let's see what sick bastards did this then."
The two go through the tunnel. Halfway through it, they hear muffled moans, which get them to pick up their pace at a silent pace. They make it through the tunnel and come to a room with more bodies. The couple's blood boils. They look at each other and don't say anything because they know how each other feel. Slowly opening the door to this room, they now find themselves in a slightly lit hallway with a door at the end. The floor to this hallway has blood trails on it so the bodies must be coming from beyond it. Opening the door to the next room, they find the source of the bodies. The room they are now in is more of a hall with multiple floors. This seems to be a sinful place equal to that of the most lustful portion of hell. People here are enjoying sexual perversion along with many kinds of alcohol and drugs. Dozens of other people gorge on food and human flesh while others seem to take their anger out on seemingly innocent people. Seemingly is the right word for them since some people are lining up to receive beatings. If there was hell on earth, this would be it. In their stunned state, they forgot to hide. It's not a problem though as people here welcome them and offer them to join in their sin.
"What?" Mao says while being slightly over the edge.
"Come on, join us! I'm sure we have children here the same age as you or do you want something a bit older? Or is it food or drink that you want?" a man says.
This man is normally dressed and isn't wearing anything to hide his identity. In fact, no one here appears to hide their identity or their darkest desires.
"Again what? Why is this-Why are you people doing this?"
"Oh, you haven't heard of our wonderful town? I thought everyone in the land must've heard of us, but our paradise of Ponza is home to man. No God or gods rule over us here. Everyone is accepted, and every sin is welcome here without consequence to your actions. Just be careful not to get caught up in the wrong crowd."
"You...you..."
Mao looks over to Bella who is trying not to be entranced by a man coming on to her.
"You're damned you fools!"
Mao transforms in his angel form and rips off his facial bandages to reveal the face of righteous wrath itself. A disfigured human face with horns that melts those of sin close to it. He outstretches his arms and demons come out from hell. They cut up almost everyone in the hall and take them to the dimension below. As this happens, the innocent are freed by the demons as even they have to obey the power of God. Mao and Bella along with the innocent people escape the hall. The demons make their way to the surface as well to slaughter and take more people. The town burns and crumbles as the demons do their damage. The once beautiful town is now an eyesore to look at and the merchants that were heading to it, turn back in disgust though they don't know what's happening. No one who is sinful escapes or has the chance to while everyone else manages to escape.
Meanwhile, Mao and Bella are far away from the town on a boat with other people who escaped with them.
Mao comforts his wife by holding her and saying, "It's over now. Those people won't be hurting anyone anymore."
Bella holds his hand then says, "I know, but how many more people are out there that are like them? I wonder if things will get better from here."
"I don't care how things get. You're with me and I'm with you. We're tasked by God himself to help people, so no matter what, things will be better in the end. Trust me."
"You seem to be more confident now than before."
"What can I say? God is good to me sometimes."
Mao gets pooped on again by the same seagull.
"Sometimes!"
Part II
After sailing for a while, the couple stops at a port town that takes care of the innocent people that were taken prisoner in Ponza. The people talk about Mao being turned into an angel and the demons it commanded to save them. Before anyone could talk to them, Mao and Bella left the town and are on their way to wherever they’re guided.
“Why do you think we were lead to that location? Besides the obvious,” Bella asks.
“I guess it’s because we’re stronger and wiser than before. Strong challenges for strong people,” Mao says.
“I only wish we saw nicer people before we did.”
“We freed dozens of good people.”
“I know. I just have to remember to remember that.”
“Remember that you’re the reason someone as awful as I changed to who I am now. You can do anything Bella. I know you can.”
Bella kisses and hugs Mao.
“Are you feeling okay Bella?”
“Yeah. It’s just that…This situation takes a lot out of me.”
“Let me carry you.”
“Thank you.”
Mao carries Bella on his back as they move forward. Within minutes, Bella falls asleep on him.
He thinks to himself, “Bella is acting weird. I wonder what I can do to help. Also, what’s getting to her? She’s usually full of energy and spirit.”
A traveling merchant eventually comes across them and ask, “Do you kids need help getting anywhere?”
Mao answers, “Can you take us to the closest town or city?”
“I’m on my way to Cairo. Hop on. You can call me Franko.”
“My name is Mao, and this is Bella. It’s nice to meet you.”
Mao moves Bella to his lap. She is still sleeping despite resting on the ship and on Mao.
“Mind if I ask why you’re carrying your girlfriend across these lands?”
“She’s exhausted from helping people. She’s been doing it for years without much rest.”
“You two are traveling angels or something?” the merchant jokes.
“You could say that.”
“Well thank God we’re having nice weather. There’s also the cloud in the sky that seems to be following us. Not many people walk long distances in this land because of the hot weather.”
Mao looks up at the cloud and realizes that the cloud has been following them during their entire journey. Whenever they needed direction, Mao and Bella followed the shade of the clouds during the day and rested when the clouds didn’t move. He feels somewhat embarrassed and judged because he knows who’s always watching.
“Are you two here to help the situation in Cairo by any chance or do you just offer general help?”
“Both, but we prioritize larger problems first.”
“Cairo is in a state of decay because of a parasitic group of people that have entered it. We call them the Forsaken. They seemed like good people at first, but they keep lowering the city’s need to defend themselves, which has resulted in an increase in crime. They’ve even been raided a couple times and just gave the scum what they wanted.”
“I see. I’m not sure what we can do, but I might when we get there.”
“Any help is appreciated especially with us merchants. This situation has severally hit us. We might need to move everything we have elsewhere to survive.”
“Interesting. If you don’t mind, can you bring us to your place, so my girlfriend can fully recover? I don’t want to make her work as soon as she wakes up.”
“Oh of course.”
Approaching the city of Cairo, Mao watches the streets instead of looking at the impressive Egyptian architecture. People roam the streets with a sense of unease. Propaganda fills the walls and markets with sayings of how the Forsaken should be treated with honor and respect. There are even flyers that say a member of the Forsaken is trying to get into a position of political power. Mao and Bella have been given the ability to read, understand, and speak all the languages of man, which Mao now realizes. Since Bella hasn’t woken up yet, Mao and the merchant take her to the merchant’s house so Bella can rest in a proper bed.
Mao looks out the window and listens to the conflict happening in the city. He looks back at Bella while thinking about what she would do.
“Franko, can you take care of Bella for me while I head out?”
“My wife has experience in medication and taking care of others, so she’s in good hands. I’ll go out there with you.”
“You can stay here. I can handle this on my own. In a manner of speaking.”
“In a manner of speaking? What makes you think you can go out by yourself young man?”
“I’m on a mission from God,” Mao says with a reassuring smile.
Franko and his family who heard Mao are astonished by what he said. Mao walks out of their house and into the streets of Cairo with the confidence that this is what Bella would want him to do. During his walk-through town, he finds several people getting arrested. Overhearing what’s being said, he hears that these people are getting arrested for speaking out against the Forsaken. People around them talk about how doing that get you arrested or worse. With a view on the Forsaken from the people from this encounter and his entrance into the city, he goes to the part of town where the Forsaken live. They appear to be a relatively peaceful people. Their traditions and practices are gypsy-like, which is much different than the people of Cairo. Through his eavesdropping, he hears that these people want a place to live, respect, and help because of what they went through.
Mao talks to a nearby Forsaken member who appears to know what’s going on. He says, “What exactly happened to you people?”
The man responds, “We were forced out of our nation because of our peaceful ways.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’d help a person that asked for it, wouldn’t you?”
“Yeah, of course.”
“That’s what we teach. To always give even when you have nothing. We use our poor status to gain sympathy from others.”
“But what about the people that have nothing to give but kindness?”
“Everyone can always give something. We wish to implement a system in which everyone gets what they need. The people that have too much are forced to give what they have until they have as much as everyone else.”
“Forced to give? That’s stealing from them!”
“People should be more charitable to others.”
“You can’t teach that through force. They’ll just hate you and the people they give to.”
“We’ll weed out the bad ones. I’m sure everyone else will see the light as people are prone to do good actions.”
Feeling he has all the facts, he transforms into his angel form and enacts judgment up on the Forsaken. The shadows reach out and take away the Forsaken while no one’s looking. People who were silenced or imprisoned for speaking out against them are set free while the people that silenced them are taken into the shadows as well. Those in power who let others walk all over them are taken to the same place as the others. Everyone who is left in Cairo is curious as to what happened but are nevertheless relieved. Bella finally wakes up with Mao at her side.
“Good afternoon beautiful,” Mao says before kissing Bella’s face.
“Did I miss anything?” she asks while being a bit drowsy.
“No, you didn’t. We’re in Cairo now. I hear they have great shops here. Want to check them out?”
“Yes, but you’re buying whatever I want.”
“I can handle that,” Franko says.
“Who are you?”
“Franko, a friend,” Mao says.
“Your boyfriend is an amazing person. Cleaned this town up in only a few short hours.”
“What?”
Mao had told Franko and his family what he did but told them to keep it secret until he and Bella leave so they can enjoy and leave the city without trouble.
“Allow me and my family to treat you to dinner and whatever you like.”
“Thank you. I appreciate what you’re doing.”
Bella pulls Mao closer to her.
“Can you tell me what you did without me knowing?”
“O-of course. I helped these people get rid of a group of people that were leaching off them. Fake victims are what they were.”
“And you didn’t feel any sympathy for them?”
“Obviously. I can’t stand people that pretend to be good.”
“This would’ve been more difficult if I had to decide.”
“Maybe that’s why you fell asleep. God put you to rest because he knew I wouldn’t hesitate to do what was needed.”
“You’re a more useful person than me in making good moral choices? You really have changed for the better.”
“I guess so. You want to let go now? I’m sure you’ll love the city.”
Bella and Mao are given gifts and dinner by Franko and his family. During the night they leave, Franko buys them a horse for them to ride with ease to their next destination. Mao wanted a horse that looked like it went through battles, but Bella overruled him, and they got an elegant white horse. After that day, Frank and his family told everyone in Cairo what Mao had done. On the day after that, news reaches Cairo and several other city and towns that a group of exiles wanders the lands. They seek help, but no one gives them it since they are followed by a plague of insects and rats.
Taking a break from their long journey, Mao and Bella stop at a small farm, which appears to have expanded into its own small town. They stop their horse at a breakfast house and leave it outside. After a hearty meal, they meet a couple with a scarred horse who want to trade with theirs for their wedding.
With child-like wonder in his eyes, Mao excitingly says, “Yes! We’ll gladly trade horses with you.”
“No!” Bella tries to say but Mao covers her mouth.
“Don’t mind her, she’s a bit cranky so she’s a bit uncharitable right now. I’ll be making the decision for the both of us.”
Bella hits Mao behind the head, which knocks him out.
She yells out, “Don’t you dare disregard your wife’s opinion! Try that again and I’ll knock you down again! Now get up!”
Bella scares both horses, which have run off. The couple chases both horses as Bella waits for Mao to get up, but he doesn’t.
“Mao?” she says as she sits on him and snaps her fingers in his face, “Mao?”
She kisses him to wake him up, but it doesn’t work. The couple come back with both horses. Bella has changed her mind and allows them to trade horses. The bride thanks Bella for giving her the tip on being a wife and the two ride off. With a couple slaps to the face, Bella tries to wake up Mao and again, it doesn’t work. She puts Mao on top of the horse and they ride off to a small village with a resting center.
At this place, Bella gets a doctor to examine Mao and he says that, “He’s going to be out for a while. What hit him exactly?”
“The horse did,” Bella says.
“Well that makes sense considering how long he’s been out. Thankfully, his injuries aren’t bad. All he needs is a bit of rest and he should be good.”
“Thank you doctor.”
Bella pays the doctor then shuts the door behind him as he leaves. She sits by Mao’s side and kisses his head.
“I’m sorry Mao. I don’t know what came over me.”
She starts touching his face then looks around before sitting on top of him to touch the rest of him with a lustful pleasure. A sound outside snaps her out of her perverted mindset to see two families fighting each other. There are already unconscious people around them and they appear to be at a standstill. Bella instinctively goes out to try to stop them.
Both families notice her, and people say, “Look at her!”
“She’s beautiful!”
“That young girl has the sun as her face!”
“Does she have a boyfriend? If not, then she’s mine!”
“My wife isn’t as gorgeous as her!”
Bella says, “Why are you fighting?!”
“This jack hasn’t paid me yet!”
“I don’t have the money yet! I’ve been going through a rough patch in my life.”
“You’ve been spending on yourself and you know that for a fact! Both of us need that money to take care of our families!”
“Tell me is it true that you’re keeping the money to yourself?” Bella asks.
“I need to use some of it to keep going. I can’t pay them back if I’m starving to death.”
“You can go a while without food. We need to pay our debts or else we’ll be homeless!”
“You’re in debt as well?”
“Yes, I am.”
“It’s because they had that expensive party last month.”
“And why are you in debt to them?”
“Because we went on vacation and overspent our savings. They gave us money to continue on.”
“And you’re a week past due.”
Bella then gets mad and says, “You’re both in debt because you overspent on luxuries. You, who went on the expensive vacation, pay them in full or half for now. You can fast for a while. You, who had the expensive party, do the same thing. Both of you should learn not to spend so much money on trivial things.”
“Are you serious?”
“Fight me then if you have an issue with it.”
One of the families charges at Bella and her training from her past life kicks in. She uses their weapons against them, breaking them over their bodies and heads while also knocking them out.
“Now you have to pay them in full.”
Bella looks over to the other family who are intimated by the beautiful young woman they thought they knew.
“Do you want the same treatment?”
“N-no. We’ll fast and remember not to overspend on luxuries.”
“Good.”
Bella kicks the butt of one of the people on the ground who have it up as one last warning. She goes back to Mao who is finally awake.
“Ow!” he says while rubbing his head, “It feels like a horse hit me.”
Bella restrains herself while asking, “Are you feeling okay, Mao?”
“Yeah, I am. Where are we?”
“In a small resting town. Not too far from Be’er Sheva.”
“Well let’s get moving if that’s where we’re supposed to go.”
“Right.”
The two go to Be’er Sheva to find it divided in half. The city is having a civil war. There is no time to find out what’s going on since Mao and Bella are attacked for no reason. Feeling the sin in the air, Mao transforms into his angel form. Because of this senseless violence happening in Israel, Mao’s angel form’s skin becomes leathery and parts of it even fall off including his facial skin. He is now a grim reaper angel with cut off horns. With his arms out, the earth rips apart and bleeds blood and lava, which consumes the area. Few are spared by the lava as bodies melt in the streets. Some of the people taken by the lava are children. At least all children go to Heaven, right? Mao comforts Bella as they escape the destruction.
He says, “It’s okay Bella. It’s going to be okay.”
She cries in his arms as they fly off. The screams of the damned echo loud enough to shake the ground beneath them. Mao puts Bella down a few miles away from it all and transforms back into his normal human form.
“We didn’t even get a chance to talk to them to see what was wrong,” Bella says.
Mao kisses then holds Bella from behind and says, “I’m sure it’s better that we don’t. Let’s hope the rest of Israel isn’t like this.”
As soon as they turn around, they see a damaged Jerusalem. It’s walls of holes
Bella hits Mao across the head then says, “You jinxed us you idiot!”
“I didn’t do anything!” Mao says before holding Bella’s hands, “Listen to me. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. We can do anything together. Our love is stronger than iron, everlasting like the Heavens. As long as we do what’s right, justice and goodness will succeed in the end. Are you ready?”
Bella looks deep into Mao’s eyes, takes a breath, and says, “I’m ready as long as you are my love.”
Part IV
Mao and Bella walk through the Jerusalem that appears to be at war with itself. People attack each other with malice, some are kidnaped in broad daylight, and others are bought off the streets for their sex. The couple look inside a nearby church to find the people sacrificing children to idols. The people then proceed to drink their blood and eat their bodies. Mao tries to comfort Bella who is both saddened by what she sees and angered.
“Why are things like this here?” Bella asks.
“Stay strong Bella. I’m here with you,” Mao says.
They look for a capital building that might have the source of the problem. Eventually, through all the sin, they find the capital building, which is filled with arguments and fights.
As they enter the building and into the main center of the arguments, a prophet says, “Here they come! The conquers of old. The tyrant Mao and the majestic queen Bella.”
Mao whispers to Bella, “The majestic queen?”
Bella snickers a bit then says, “Of course.”
One of the leaders of Israel goes up to them and says, “You’ve come to help God’s people in a time when we’re at war with each other. Is it true that you are the redeemed king, Mao?”
“It is true.”
“Thank God almighty. You look so young.”
“We’ve been reborn to help the people on the earth. What is the cause of all this violence and death?”
“We’ve fallen to our vices yet again and God has turned His back on us. Foreign countries and people detest us and attack us. We were told that he sent us you two as our salvation. Mao, do you still recall your ability to lead armies into battle?”
“I do in fact.”
“Bella, do you recall how to comfort the weak and save people from their sinful natures?”
“I do.”
“Then we should get to work as soon as possible before God sends us another punishment. You’ll have to separate from each other since we need both of you in different areas.”
“Mao…”
“It’s okay Bella. We’ll see each other again later today. I promise you that we’ll come out of this unscathed. God is on our side.”
Throughout the day, Mao leads the military forces of Jerusalem with his angel form as they purify Israel and judge the guilty who refuse to turn from their ways. While that is happening, Bella helps the people in the streets with her comforting voice and teaches them how to love again. Things are very cut and dry as their old ways of teaching and love still apply to today’s problems. The couple’s efforts last until the end of the day and they’ve somehow made their mark on all of Israel. Once Bella and Mao meet up at night, they embrace each other.
“You see Bella? We can do anything together.”
“Mao, I’m sorry I doubted you even a little.”
The people of Jerusalem celebrate in a garden said to be where King David himself held special events of his own. Various kinds of food are brought out from special kinds of seasoned meats to freshly picked vegetables and deserts. Professional dancers perform for them and the finest musicians provide entertainment for them as they eat. The people appear to be happy today and things seem to have gone back to normal. That is until a hail of fire arrows kills almost everyone at the party and light the city on fire. Mao and Bella are stunned by what they see until God appears to snap them out of their shock.
“Wh-what’s going on?” Mao asks.
“My people have turned their backs on me. They thought by having you here and only taking a small portion of their sin away would help them, but it hasn’t. They will be exiled from this land yet again, but those faithful to me will return.”
“Do we ever get a break?” Bella asks with tears in her eyes, “I don’t know if I can take this anymore. The violence, the death, the destruction of love and peace…”
“You are my children and are the strongest and wisest among all men. As such, your challenges will also be just as great. You couldn’t redeem my people as they redemption was their choice and they didn’t take it. I apologize if it appeared that way, but you did do your part in saving the few people here still worth my love and grace. Exit this country before you get caught in its flames. You will get your rest soon enough.”
God disappears into the light. Mao gets up and pulls on Bella’s hand to help her up, but it takes a couple pulls before she gets up.
“Are you okay Bella?”
“I’m-I’m. I’m fine.”
“We’re the strongest and wisest among all men. We can do this until the end. I’ll keep loving you and make sure you rest more than I do. Ok?”
Babylonian soldiers stray from their path and find Mao and Bella. Their blades are stained with the blood of innocent people and wicked mixed in. Mao transforms into his grim reaper angel form.
“Get on my back Bella,” Mao says as Bella climbs on top of him.
A sword falls from the skies that Mao catches to cut his way through the soldiers. The city and bodies fall around them as they escape the city until Mao’s wings let him fly away.
“Mao…”
“What is it, my queen?”
“Tell me…do you feel weaker than you did before? Because I do.”
“A bit, but not enough to bring me down because you’re with me.”
“You know the right words to say to a lady.”
“Hey, I didn’t know until to beat them into me.”
“Haha. That’s right…How much longer will we have to do this?”
“I don’t know. There are only two scenarios in my mind; until we die a natural death or until God says so.”
“Hmmm.”
“I know things have changed pace since we started, but we can handle it, right?”
Bella has fallen asleep on Mao’s back.
“Get a good night’s rest.”
They fly for hours until they land on the island of Cyprus. Mao makes a bed for them underneath the trees and they rest for a few hours until the sun rises. Once they awaken, an explosion really gets them ready for action. People run out of the wilderness on fire and into the ocean to put the fire out.
“Bella?”
Bella swallows her pain then says, “I’m ready.”
Mao transforms and the two head out into the action as Children of God. The strongest and wisest of humanity who handle to worst of humanity.
Part I
Weeks, even months pass as Mao and Bella face the greatest challenges that only the strongest of mankind can face. When they solve one problem on one side of the world, another problem pops up on the other side, which is sometimes worse than the previous. Time is taking its toll on them as there doesn’t seem to be an end to the atrocities that man creates through their weakness to sin. God strengthens the couple and their love allows them to keep going despite their fatigue. The devil has noticed their weakening nature and sends his most trusted fallen angels to put them in their graves once and for all.
During their travels, Mao and Bella come across an injured woman with her child trapped underneath a dead horse.
“What happened here?” Mao asks as begins to lift up the dead horse.
“We were traveling and got attacked by a group of bandits. Our horse was injured, but at least we lost our pursuers,” the woman explains.
“At least you and your child are safe,” Bella says, “Here, let me hold your child so you can get out from under the horse.”
Bella takes the child, but it bites her as soon as she is in her arms, which knocks her out. The mother’s neck extends and bite’s Mao and both are now out cold. Hours later, Mao wakes up by himself in a misty forest.
“Bella,” he calls out, “Bella? Bella! What happened? Where am I?”
The forest has dew on every surface of it and the sunlight fails to shine through the thick leaves. There’s very little light in the forest to see anything in it. There aren’t even any trails or sights or sounds of life in it. It’s eerily quiet as Mao tries to find Bella. A familiar voice echoes and Mao walks in the direction of it to find his mother and father. They have the appearance of his parents when he was a child along with the same kinds of poor clothes.
“Mom? Dad?”
“Come to mommy and daddy. You’ve earned your rest,” his mother says with a bright smile.
His father smiles with open arms and says, “You’ve made us proud son. I knew you would.”
Tears fills Mao’s eyes, but he’s hesitant to enter the arms of his parents.
“What are you two doing here?”
“We’re here to take you back home,” his mother says.
“That’s right son. God’s sent other people to take care of your work. You can finally be with us forever with your wife. Let me tell you son, you sure know how to pick them out. I’m quite jealous of you. Hahaha.”
“I…I…I gotta make sure this is real.”
Mao transforms into his angel form, but when he does, it mutates into a more horrific grim reaper angel with eyes on its body and its skull split open with Mao’s face inside. His parents disappear after his transformation, which makes him focus on his appearance.
“This forest must’ve changed my appearance somehow. Where did mom and dad go?”
Two shadows slash at Mao’s shoulders then appear in front of him as demonic versions of his parents. Mao’s rage starts to burn as he sees the image of his parents perverted by these demons. He can hear them taunting him, but he only focuses on their appearance, which he tears apart with his hands.
Mao rips the flesh off the demons as he says, “You are not worthy to pretend to be such great people!”
The demons die, and their bodies melt into the ground once they are de-fleshed. More demons come out of the mist of the forest and they wear the skin of Mao’s best friend Shun and Mao’s own children. Mao’s rage now burns so hot that flames start coming out of his body to form wings of fire and blades made of flames that he uses to cut the flesh off his foes. Nothing the demons say bother him since he knows that they’re all fakes and that the people he knew would never say such things. The skin of Bella is the last one that the demons wear to catch Mao off guard. This is the only one that gives him pause.
“Bella is dead Mao and her soul rots in hell,” the demon says.
“Not my Bella. Not my queen. Not my angel.”
With one cut, Mao takes care of the last demon and transforms back into his normal human self.
“I’m coming to find you my love,” Mao says with conviction, “Wait for me.”
Part II
Bella awakens in the misty forest and calls out, “Mao! Mao! Are you out there?”
She waits for a response but doesn’t get any, so she wanders the forest to find her king. The forest feels empty, hollow, and unwelcoming to her with the air feeling stale and the vegetation stale and lifeless. Bella is uneasy as she makes her way through it. She feels a longing for attention, for the touch of her loving husband. People seem to form themselves out of the shadows and go to Bella to worship her. These people are naked, but beautiful in every way possible from their hair to the shape of their faces and bodies.
They say things like, “Bow down to the everlasting queen.”
“Who is as beautiful as her?”
“Who is as wise as she?”
“What woman does as many good deeds as she?”
“Who has gone through as much suffering?”
Such compliments get to her as she doesn’t react to them until they pick her up and carry her through the forest while chanting, “All hail the queen of queens!” and showering her with repeated compliments. Something about this is wrong and yet, Bella feels overwhelmed by the attention. She’s always wanted praise for what she’s done and what she’s gone through and now she gets all of that at once, but something’s missing. Mao isn’t here. The most valuable thing to her in this world.
The naked servants seem to read her thoughts and say, “You don’t need him.”
“He didn’t sexually satisfy you enough.”
“He didn’t treat you like the goddess you are.”
“You weren’t always the first thing on his mind.”
“He doubted your wisdom.”
“Didn’t always do what you wanted.”
“He was a fool, slow, and a weak man who wasn’t worth your love.”
“He even outsmarted you.”
Bella’s hands become silver that lights on fire as she punches the naked servant who said Mao outsmarted her with her right fist.
“That idiot never did such a thing! And only I can insult my husband, you dolts!”
Now seeing the power in her arm and able to fight back, she shatters every servant that tries to pick her back up as their queen. The shattered pieces of the servants merge together to form one phallic creature. Bella tries to fight it, but it keeps regenerating what it loses. It tries to molest her into submission with its various appendages and phallic body parts.
“Hey!” she screams in protest, “Only my husband can do this to me!”
Bella puts both of her hands on the creature and centers the flames on it to burn it to cinders.
“Now I know how Mao feels,” Bella says with amazement, “Wait for me, my love. You still owe me some…satisfaction.”
Part III
Continuing his journey to reunite with the one he loves most, Mao is determined to find Bella and get them out of this forest. He doesn’t know if she’s here or not, but something tells him she is. In the distance, demons are planning their next attack on both Mao and Bella. They think about what tricks to pull on them so they can kill them in the most painful way possible. One of them thinks of the best ways to get rid of Mao, their biggest threat and takes a majority of the demons with them.
Mao hears a stampede coming towards him and when he turns towards the source, he sees a rush of people he’s killed and/or sent to hell. The bodies of these people are in the same condition Mao saw them last.
The corpses rush towards him say things like; “Kill the monster!”
“You’ve left so many homeless.”
“Widowed.”
“Fatherless.”
“Motherless.”
“Without a family.”
“Without a home.”
“Without happiness or hope.”
“How can someone like you be worth redemption?”
“A murderer of children.”
“Of infants.”
“Of men and women of all ages.”
“You deserve eternal damnation.”
“And we’ll take you there.”
Mao transforms as he doesn’t pay attention to anything the dead say.
“I have been saved by grace and my works have shown that I am worth saving. Begone you foul creatures of hell!”
Two warrior angels back Mao up as they fight off the hundreds of thousands of corpses. Mao slashes through them with his blades of flame as the two angels rip through the dead with their holy claymore swords. The corpses fall to pieces before them while only being lightly scratched a few times. The aura of Mao and the angel’s souls intimate and debilitate their foes. Their numbers mean nothing to these experienced warriors of God. Eventually, Mao and the angels are victorious, so the angels leave Mao.
As they leave, Mao asks them, “Where is Bella? Where are we?”
“Do not worry Mao for your wife is safe. It would be best to get to her as fast as possible. She is under attack from the forces of Satan and is not as well equipped mental or physical to defend herself for long.”
“I’ll get going then!”
Several demons still try throwing their forces from the darkness, but Mao’s reflects are fast enough so he can cut them in half before they are able to touch him. He tunes out their taunts and lies however truthful they may seem. Mao was never a deep thinker and only focuses on what’s good and true. Through his simple-mindedness, his mind can instantly deflect everything said to him.
The demons then use magic to manipulate the forest to attack Mao. He’s caught off guard by this at first, but quickly recovers and uses his flames to burn all the hostile plant life around him from the root upward. Every other form of plant life that is innocent isn’t affected by his flames though most of the forest is up in flames now. Mao is under constant assault on all sides. He gets hit and cut here and there and yet, he’s able to get up and fight back and move forward. His love for his wife burns fiercer than the fires around him. This pushes him through the pain and constant mocking from the demons.
“My will is stronger than your armies, demons of hell! You will not stop me from reuniting with my beloved!”
Part IV
In contrast to Mao’s situation, Bella’s demons wait for the perfect opportunity to attack instead of rushing her. Bella hasn’t transformed her flaming silver arms back to normal not only because she still feels like she’s in danger, but it’s also because she hasn’t felt this much power and strength since she was a queen. It gives her a strange feeling in her body, unlike anything she’s felt before. A feeling that she ignores for the most part.
The demons notice oddities happening in her body and get an idea. They attack her one by one from the shadows without trying to do damage and retreating after one attack. Bella uses her new powers on them but never manages to land a hit.
“Afraid to get hit by a girl?” Bella smugly asks.
Her rage builds, and her shins and feet turn into the same flaming silver as her hands. Part of her skirt burns away, but not all of it.
“You’re going to pay for making me this way!” Bella says as she goes after the demons.
They are now actively attacking Bella with several of their attacks landing and cutting off the middle part of Bella’s dress.
“My dress!”
Her anger builds, and she focuses it so that she gets another power that gives her enhanced sight in one eye. Now she’s able to punches and kicks the demons into mush in an instant. She takes out at least ten of them before they stop coming.
The devil then appears to her in human form and says, “Bella, Mao isn’t worth your love and affection. I have all the power and attention you crave. Allow me to show it to you.”
Satan touches Bella’s face and she sees what she could have. All the kingdoms on earth could be hers. The people, their love, and their sex are on offer and all she has to do is say yes. She wouldn’t have to try to be a good person anymore. People would praise her for doing nothing for anyone while spewing what she believes is right. Bella smiles as this vision is given to her, but then a flashback interrupts it. A flashback of Mao’s reign as a tyrant and her part in making him into a good person. She never put her needs first back then even though she constantly thought about it as his queen. Her main goal was the protection of innocent people which is still what she strives for.
“I don’t know if I could ever thank you enough, Bella,” Mao said as an old man, “You saved me. You helped this old devil become a good man and you saved so many lives that would’ve been killed without your intervention. I love you so much, my queen. My jewel.”
“Bella!” the Mao in the present screams as he takes care of the last demons that were attacking him.
Bella snaps out of the devil’s trance and punches him away from her and into one of the many thick trees. Satan’s touch has burned half of Bella’s face and her left eye is now completely red. Mao reunites with Bella, but she recognizes how she looks right now and pushes him away.
“I’m sorry I fell to temptation,” she says, “I’m not the same beautiful wife you loved. Just look at me.”
“Bella,” Mao says as he holds her hands in his human form, “Your beauty wasn’t the most important of you. I didn’t even care when you act hypocritically every now and then. Your flaws, your mistakes, and your looks don’t matter to me. I love all of you and I always will.”
The couple kisses before Satan dislodges himself from the large tree and readies himself to fight them. Mao’s effect on Bella has given her a pair of sharp golden wings. Mao and Bella then smile at each other before Mao transforms to fight the devil. They come at him with their combined force and overwhelm him. Even though he hits them directly a few times, they get up and continue their assault which ends in one final punch by the both of them. Satan’s human body starts to rapidly decay and sink into the earth along with his entire force of demons that came along with him and the forest, which was also a being.
Mao and Bella are now by themselves in a garden that is so beautiful that you could call it Eden.
God comes to them and says, “You’ve done your part in this world. There’s no longer any need for you to be here. I have other sons and daughters here that will carry out my will and more of my children will come to aid them.”
“You’re firing us is what you’re saying?” Mao asks.
“Hahaha. In a way, yes. You’ve earned your rewards in heaven several times over especially you Mao. Don’t think I forgot about you, Bella.”
Bella asks, “But will I be accepted like this?”
“Of course you will. You don’t think Mao accepting you as you are was his original idea, do you?”
Both God and Bella laugh, but Mao just sheepishly smiles. God stretches His hands towards them and they ascend body and soul into Heaven. Their long journey is over now. A journey full of suffering, blood, and death, but also a journey full of love, saving, and redemption.
If a tyrant and his queen could change themselves and the world, then what’s stopping the everyday man or woman in doing the same? God blesses everyone with gifts that can change the world. All you have to do is accept it and you will be His child. The journey will be tougher than living a normal life as the devil will be after you, but it will be worth it. And you will be making a positive difference in the world that you could not accomplish on your own.
Fiat mihi secundum verbum (Be it done unto me according to Thy Word)
Fin (The End)
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