The following day went by much the same as the previous. Then came another and another.
It wasn't long before I found myself falling into a daily rhythm, which was a bizarre thought. Never in my last life could I have guessed, predicted, or had even the wildest fantasy that something like this might happen to me. The huge disconnect was still difficult to process, but I was slowly coming to terms with my new reality.
That still hadn't yet helped the bizarre and awful nightmares, or the crying fits that threatened to take me if I thought too deeply. Whenever something reminded me of my parents, I still found myself missing them or worried for them. My brother and sister to a lesser extent. Mostly, those feelings only struck me at night or in the mornings when I was alone. They'd slowly felt a bit more manageable, at least.
I was also having more success moving and harnessing the power of my new noodle arms. Leg day was going a bit better than hand day, but by the power of my two vaguely opposable thumbs, I had little doubt that given enough time, I'd be grabbing things and stuffing them in my mouth sooner or later.
Siobhan was still an angel, Nex bless her heart. Elias visited again this morning and did that weird finger-thing that turned me into a red, purring cat. I really wanted to ask if it was magic, but words hard.
Curse you, tongue.
Speaking of—teeth! While rubbing my sore gums last night, I noticed I had the starts of two little nubs poking through up front. That seemed a bit fast, but I wasn't going to argue. I was both incapable of articulating disagreement and had no basis for when demon baby things grew teeth.
Or how old this body was, I guess? Since I thankfully wasn't cognizant during birth or whatever hocus pocus resulted in new-me being here. I was trying not to ponder the nature of precisely how I came to be here too hard.
Still, I really hoped my teeth wouldn't end up pointy or some weird nonsense like that. Not sure how I'd feel if I ended up having a mouth that'd put a lamprey to shame.
That morning after feeding, Siobhan looked a bit confused and concerned when she inspected my gums. Hopefully this didn't mean bottle feeding already, as I was finding a lot of comfort and relaxation in our time together. My anxiety and worries melted away while she held me or spent time playing with and teaching me, so it'd be a shame to lose part of that so soon.
Well, I'd have to deal with growing up again eventually. Sooner or later didn't matter much either way, I suppose.
'Sooner' apparently decided to strike as its namesake, as our evening was interrupted. In the middle of a particularly difficult tongue-twister of a learning session, another knock! came. Elias entered a bit hastily, his mood appearing peculiar. I looked up from the book Siobhan was holding and tilted my head at him slightly.
After brief discussion, Siobhan seemed tense as well. Eleanor's face turned white as a sheet. Obviously, this all just made me nervous now! Someone care to fill a baby in?!
Even if I'd made good progress the past few days, I still largely had no idea what they were saying and was forced to read the room, use context clues, and pick up a few keywords. We were, it seemed, going somewhere.
After being carefully bundled up by Siobhan, Eleanor waved as the three of us left and she remained to do what I assume was take care of baby Dinah. A small part of me wishes she would've come along, if only for another familiar face. Still don't think she liked me much.
The atmosphere seemed heavy as Siobhan carried me through the halls, following closely behind Elias. There was little I could do that didn’t involve making myself a nuisance, so I preferred to just let things play out.
We arrived in what I believed to be Elias’ office. This time, there was a man standing there waiting for us. As I noticed him and he turned around, I was left mentally stunned.
The man was absolutely gorgeous.
I’d rarely been attracted to men before, but anyone with working eyeballs would recognize how unnaturally handsome he was. His skin was vibrant and healthy; silver, medium-length hair trimmed and well kempt; perfectly symmetrical features; vibrant irises like molten silver that practically glowed; and an overall pleasantly shaped jaw, mouth, and nose.
The more I looked, the more he looked too perfect. It was approaching uncanny valley or a hyper realistic doll or something.
While I was recovering from the visual stun-lock and trying to focus on something besides New Guy’s stupidly attractive face, he also seemed to be staring at me.
Oh. I wonder if anyone told him I’d be red?
That was probably a given, since he was in Elias’ office and I’d hoped they’d at least warn him about the evil, terrifying demon baby. I had not one, but two teeth now! Practically an upside-down vampire. Fear me, etcetera.
Since no one appeared to be saying anything, I mostly just continued to look at New Guy and wonder when he or maybe Elias would break the ice. An occasional glance around the room. I started examining New Guy’s white robes and wondering if his fashion sense—
“ “Sleep.” ”
That word smashed into my entire body and mind, wrapping me up like the vibrations in an overzealous rock concert. They vibrated in my chest. New Guy’s mouth hadn’t moved. How does he even … know Eng…
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Elias stood rigidly in his office, more stone than man. There were few times in his life where he’d felt this lost. Truthfully, he wanted to cry. Or at least bury his head in the ground.
Sister Siobhan fared no better. A degree of ignorance may very well have helped shield her from the situation, but that same branch of immaturity propped her up far more precariously. She shook.
Elias wished he didn’t know the being in front of him. He prayed it was a trick of the mind or an illusion. He’d be far less terrified and humbled had he not known better. His body failed to respond; his voice vanished.
So, Elias simply stood.
It was true—Elias sent several letters to the main Church and two other local branches, asking for both guidance and to alert them to the situation. He even thought he was sufficiently ready for when the inevitable visitor came knocking. Judging by the speed of the courier and distance, he was expecting a letter back either today or the next, and likely a visitor within a day or two after.
Certainly, it was also possible they’d forgo correspondence, drop their duties immediately, and arrive in haste. Elias had mentally prepared for that as well. Lodgings, explanations, arguments, reassurances, compromises, evidence—he’d put together and documented it all and was going to lay everything out plainly.
Of all those that might be dispatched, Elias hoped for a Prelate, expected an Inquisitor, and feared a Justiciar.
So, was it bad luck? Had his judgment been that poor? The last few minutes replayed in Elias’ mind repeatedly, yet no answer came.
Hokhmah the Sage. One of the Five Archangels, the embodiment of the Virtue of Wisdom.
Two hundred and fifty years—ten generations!—that’s how long it had been since an Archangel’s divine hand last touched the lands of mankind directly. Long enough to become legend or forgotten.
And yet, here one now stood in his office. Why?
Elias didn’t think the situation warranted such a response, did it?
His knees grew weak. It’d taken everything those poor old bones had just to fetch little Diadora and return. He wanted to prostrate himself and kneel in reverence at the being before him. Thoughts of shielding Diadora if things turned ill melted away. Perhaps against an Inquisitor, but this?!
Impossible. That was too much to ask.
“Be not afraid.”
A rich baritone voice filled the room. And it was so.
The tension in the room vanished like smoke. Elias immediately and inexplicably felt fine. He was no longer anxious, pensive, or fearful. If anything, the fact he felt so normal should have been more distressing than anything else.
Freed from their paralysis, both Elias and Siobhan knelt, bewildered.
“That is unnecessary. Rise.”
Elias stood, then quickly helped Siobhan do the same. While helping her, Elias noticed that little Diadora was somehow, in the midst of all this, sleeping. He wasn’t sure if that was for the better or worse given the gravitas of the situation. Though it was certainly impressive, in a way.
As if noticing his preoccupation, Hokhmah spoke again, words blooming into Elias’ mind despite the Archangel’s mouth not moving.
“I put the child to sleep. I do not want her hearing our conversation, or risk others listening through her. She will wake after I depart.”
Elias nodded to himself as if to say that made sense, despite it raising more questions. He was already graced with an answer, Elias dare not probe further.
Siobhan appeared to be the braver of the two of them.
“Y-Your Grace, what do you mean by that?”
Part of Elias wanted to blanch at Siobhan speaking out of turn. Who were they to question the embodiment of Wisdom? Before Elias could object, a reply came.
“It is as I spoke. There is concern another entity, perhaps her parents, are using the child as a conduit. I’ve inspected the letter you received. The signature has immense power and authority transfused within, and I know not a demon by that name. That is problematic.
“Secondly, a newborn demon is smarter than you may to realize. They grow quickly both physically and mentally, like weeds, which is why it is our sacred duty to tend them. The Infernal Sphere is not conducive to nurture, they do so by necessity. Given this, I do not want her to learn anything from me today.”
Both Elias and Siobhan found themselves holding onto each word, nodding along. Hokhmah’s tone went from serious to grim, then turned jovial. Despite his mouth never moving, Elias got the impression Hokhmah was now smiling.
“Lastly, I simply can’t bear looking at her eyes. They remind me too much of past battlefields. It tests my self-control and cordiality most severely. It would be unwise to allow temptation to foster, so I’ve reduced that risk to prevent accidents. ‘twould be a shame to fail Lord Benevitas when he’s given instruction through not one, but all three Oracles.”
While Hokhmah lamented quietly, Elias’ mouth dried. The casual mentioning of eliminating Diadora did not go unnoticed. There was something else that caught the Abbot’s attention, however. Lord Hokhmah spoke of the Oracles—highly influential and important figures within the Church's community.
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The Oracles were three mortal women who resided in the main cathedral of the Church of Benevitas. They were said to be able to see the past, present, and future. The youngest was blind in her right eye, though it was rumored to allow her to see the future. The middlemost was blind in both, yet able to see anything in the present. The eldest was blind in her left, but able to see the past.
It’s said that as they aged, that strange blindness would creep across their eyes, turning them black as night. Before the eldest Oracle passed, almost always of old age, another girl would already be found with the telltale sign in her right eye. In addition to their more mundane predictions and insights, occasionally they would receive revelations directly from Benevitas himself.
This made Elias nervous again, as he began to question his past and future actions.
“Your Grace, was my judgment sound in taking the child in? I found no answer in the Scripture, but it seemed just. Have the Oracles prophesized something about little Diadora?”
For the first time, an emotion surfaced on Hokhmah’s impassive face. The slightest of frowns. While such a subtle expression wouldn’t be noteworthy on anyone else, both Elias and Siobhan’s chests tensed upon viewing it.
“The only 'justice' that can be applied to demonkind is swift death, Abbot. Child or no. As luck may have it, your questionable judgment and the child herself caught Lord Benevitas’ attention. I will not speak for my Lord’s will, for it is unknown to me. I suspect it merely a test or to prove their nature cannot be overcome. However, I am not here as Judge. It is my duty to observe and foster. You will find no absolution from I, only the future may determine the answer to your quandary. And I suspect you will be disappointed.
“To answer your second question, they have indeed. Word and summons both had reached me even before your letter arrived at the Grand Cardinal, which made it's eventual arrival a simple matter of confirmation. What’s more, there were not one, but two prophecies. One most fortuitous! The other … seemingly less so, but doubtlessly important nonetheless. And a large part of why I'm here presently.”
Hokhmah waved his hands gently, as if to gesture around the room. Then, an image entered Elias and Siobhan’s minds.
Three pieces of parchment, hastily and boldly scribbled out in large letters, were placed on an altar. Several men and women surrounded the altar at a distance, hurriedly whispering this and that.
THE DEMON OF WINTERSHIRE // IS PROTECTED BY // THE SAGE
And then the vision was gone.
After a wave of hands another soon took its place. It was a near-identical scene, though some of the people had shifted in or out, or stood in different spots. This time, Elias recognized the robed arms and hands clutching the altar as Hokhmah’s, surrounding the three pieces of messy parchment laid atop it.
AND ANGELS // SHALL FINALLY REDEEM // THE SPHERE OF SIN
The thought lingered for a moment, before vanishing out of their minds. Siobhan and Elias looked at each other briefly, before making a small bow to the Archangel. Elias broke the silence.
“Congratulations, Your Grace. May good tidings be in the near future, as the Oracles have ordained.”
Siobhan similarly offered her wishes. It was odd, but the Archangel almost seemed to radiate emotion. Relief, satisfaction, pride, optimism.
“As Benevitas wills. The Oracles may have foreseen the matter, but only through effort shall it come to pass. We must stand strong until then and not let Apathy defeat us, however long that future may take.”
“ “ As Benevitas wills. ” ”
Truthfully, such a prophecy did indeed put everyone present at ease. The conflict between the Sacred and Infernal Sphere had persisted for millennia, so the thought of some sort of conclusion or improvement was undeniably, as Hokhmah had phrased it, fortuitous.
Their attention soon turned back to the currently sleeping topic in Siobhan’s arms.
Hokhmah spoke, “I do not understand the importance of this child, nor do I believe she will become anything but a soul-eating demon within scant few years, but I will observe and record the results of your actions and their consequences, Abbot. Stay vigilant. Mankind does not possess the strength to resist demonic exposure for long. I do not desire another broken soul weighing upon my conscience.”
Elias bowed to the Archangel.
“Thank you, O’ Wise One. We will do our best to weather this together. Should the time come, I will act. Until then, I want to believe Benevitas’ love can overcome even Infernal nature.”
Silence arrived, then persisted. The Sage studied Elias’ face for several moments. There was a worming sensation beneath the Abbot’s skin, which then crawled up his back before vanishing.
“Perhaps. Well said.”
A forlorn frown was upon Hokhmah’s face—the look of one who knew better but didn’t have the heart to dash a child’s dreams. With it, the faintest touch of admiration. Of hope.
“As ordained, she shall have my protection, nonetheless. At least until a time I must turn that same strength against her. May it come later than sooner.”
With a flourish of his arms and robes, Hokhmah swept them around the room, before cupping his hands in a circular pattern. A small glow suffused Diadora, before vanishing.
“A gift of protection against evil. Secondly, I shall have word spread and agents in place to keep watch and iterate the Church’s and The Five’s stance on the child for the time being. You will be visited by one of my subordinates in the future periodically. Even with all these boons, expect strife both verbal and physical.”
“ “Thank you, Your Grace.” ”
Siobhan continued to clutch Diadora closely to her chest, the earlier magical easing of anxiety slowly diminishing. Both she and Elias were deeply fearful. And it would be a while still until they could reflect, process today, and plan what to do next.
“Perchance we should meet again in the future, I hope it is under good omens. For now, I shall take my leave. May fate and the Lord Benevitas guide you.”
“ “ May Lord Benevitas guide us.” ”
As Elias and Siobhan bowed lightly at the Archangel in front, wondering what would happen next, there was motion upon the figure’s forehead.
An eyelid wretched open, revealing a shining, silver orb and black pupil darker than night. Hokhmah’s gaze turned up and to the side, wings of light springing forth into existence upon his back. Searing white light surrounded his figure, before blinding the two onlookers.
When that light collapsed upon itself, Hokhmah the Sage was no longer present.
It was at that moment, Siobhan’s legs finally gave out and she crumpled to the ground. Elias fared better in the sense that he was at least able to remain standing.
They sat and stood numbly for a moment, before Siobhan broke the silence. Her voice was faint and strained.
“Father, I can’t move my legs and I do apologize, but I believe I’ve wet my robes. And possibly your rug.”
Elias nodded, his reply simple.
“That makes sense.”
With unsteady footing, the poor older man shuffled over to the couch along the wall and promptly collapsed into it. A minute went by, then another.
“Father, are you going to help me up? I need your assistance.”
“I am.”
“… Soon?”
“I hope so. Just give me another minute.”
They sat there in silent disbelief. As the two regained their strength, another among them did the same.
With muffled stirrings, Diadora finally returned from an abrupt land of slumber. After a small shake of her head and a roll of her eyes, two little golden irises took stock of the scene. The oblivious source of Elias and Siobhan’s present situation came to a groggy and confusion-filled conclusion.
Oh, sweet baby Nexus. What the hell happened to you two?!
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Quite some distance away, a sphere of light formed in the main nave of the Church of Benevitas. That light grew and grew, before it descended and emitted a bright flash. The initial shine had attracted enough attention, and the appearance of the angel who followed left those present with no question on the figure’s identity.
“ “Lord Hokhmah!” ” “ “Your Grace!” ”
Several cries sprung forth as the Archangel’s wings faded into motes of light and his feet gently touched the floor. He looked around, taking notice of those present. Several familiar faces he’d committed to memory, and several more still that he only vaguely knew of.
Hokhmah greeted the gathering crowd, all the while sending a message back to the Sacred Sphere and one of his attendants still present back at his residence. While he very much wished to return home, time spent in the Mortal Sphere was often interesting.
Humans lived short lives. By an angel’s perspective, they always seemed hurried. In their haste, they made many mistakes, often treading off the proper path. Yet it was those detours that led to new discoveries, innovations, and the like. It was the thing Hokhmah enjoyed the most about humans, watching them build and create.
Still, they needed occasional guidance. Reckless trailblazing only led to destruction. All good things Lord Benevitas provided required Temperance.
While exchanging several pleasantries with the congregation and mentally relieved that his minor task had seemingly been resolved for now, he spotted two familiar faces.
The first was the caretaker for the Oracles, a stern-looking woman. Beside her was a young girl, soon to become an Oracle herself in a few more years, no doubt. The gift of Foresight had already made itself aware—the edge of her right eye had several faint threads of black running along it.
The matter was both bittersweet and cause for celebration. The eldest of the Oracles had turned 80 several months prior. Many passed much sooner, so for a human to live such a full life was worthy of praise.
Hokhmah had taken a short while to speak with the Oracle of the Past after he’d examined the prophecies and verified their authenticity. She had concerns, as most mortals did in their last years. Hokhmah answered her dutifully.
She’d lived a pious and righteous life in service to the Lord and her fellow man. It was only natural her next life would be blessed with prosperity. The Archangel hoped that hearing that truth from one such as he might ease her fears of passing.
Goodbyes were always sad affairs. The strength to instead welcome new beginnings was essential. The pain of regret was a sting Hokhmah had experienced many, many times throughout his lengthy existence. While his understanding of mortal lifespans was far more secondhand, he could clearly empathize with losing loved ones.
Which was precisely why—very, very few abhorred demonkind more than the Archangel of Wisdom.
Hokhmah cleared his thoughts, trying to push the image of that small demon child out of his mind. Surely, Lord Benevitas must have plans of her. It wasn’t his place to question such things. He would fulfill his duties as they were handed to him.
Should what he expected come to pass, then within the decade the demon would likely be dead regardless, by the Abbot’s hand or by his own.
He only hoped the death toll would be minimal. It was inevitable that a boiling point would be reached and set the demon’s violent nature off, or more likely it would simply succumb to its desire to consume souls. Ensuring no one else suffered when that arose was now his focus.
Still, it was odd that the child smelt not of the Infernal. Nary a whiff of sin exuded off the small thing. Perhaps, due to it being born in the Mortal Sphere, the stink of demonkind hadn’t rubbed off on it yet?
A welcome grace. It made remaining neutral toward her easier. The air in the Mortal Sphere was only mildly, ever so slightly, unpleasant. Infinitely better than the smell of Lust demons. Their heady fragrance always made Hokhmah nauseous.
It took all of his willpower to not storm the dens of sin that had sprung up in several human cities. He had too much else to do. Yet watching humans think they could truly bind demons with words was painful folly at best.
They would come to learn, in time. That lesson would only drive them closer to understanding angelkind’s burden in managing the demonic threat and safeguarding their very souls.
Hokhmah’s thoughts turned back to the Oracles’ prophecy. He wondered every day since then how such a future might be brought about. Assumptions were dangerous, but it seemed straightforward.
Either they would outright win the war, or neuter their opponents at long last. Perhaps, even, they might drive sin from the lands of man, turning this into a smaller utopia not unlike their own? He had several ideas on interpretations.
Whatever the case, fate was already in motion. And it could only be a force for Good.
Hokhmah excused himself from the forming crowd so that he might retire and compose his thoughts. While leaving, he passed near the Oracles’ caretaker and the soon-to-be Oracle of Foresight.
A small tinge of pity formed in Hokhmah’s heart as the girl clutched her Scripture and notebook to her chest. The girl was apparently an orphan before arriving at the Church the prior year. And while she’d seemingly gotten along quite well since then, a heavy burden lay ahead for one who hadn’t even reached her tenth year.
So young.
Hokhmah said a short prayer to the Lord to safeguard and guide this lost lamb, so that she might be better prepared for the burden of the Future, Present, and Past.
Polite greetings were exchanged. With a task well done and his mood improved, the Archangel of Wisdom retired to his temporary chamber. As he left, both the Caretaker and young girl gave him a respectful bow and wished blessings upon him. After he passed, the girl turned toward the Caretaker.
“Sister Isabelle, how do you spell Lord Hokhmah’s name?”
As one of the Caretakers for the Oracles, Isabelle mostly assisted the completely blind Oracle of Present. More recently, she was also handling the care and education of young Mare beside her.
The question was simple, and Isabelle spelled it out for the girl plainly, who gave off a thoughtful hum.
“Why do you ask?” Isabelle wondered aloud.
Mare hugged her Scripture and notebook closer. She paused, wondering the same thing herself.
“Just curious,” she squeaked quietly.
The two continued to walk to their destination, back to the women’s quarters. While on their way, little Mare clutched her journal more tightly. She'd kept it ever since she arrived here.
Sometimes, Mare had strange dreams. Hazy things that made no sense. Other times, a word would slip into her head unbidden, before vanishing. The journal helped organize her increasingly chaotic thoughts. It was also a source of comfort for the young girl.
Mare thought of what was written inside her journal, where last week she’d realized the word “Hokhmah” was in the bottom right corner. She hadn't recalled doing so, and the handwriting was rough and unlike her own. A prank, maybe?
She wasn’t sure what to make of it, especially since the angel had arrived shortly after. The mysterious letters, strung into a word, became a name, and now had a face.
Mare wanted to ask the angel many, many questions. She wanted to talk to him more. He was supposed to be a great Sage, everyone said, so he must have some answers?
… Truthfully, she was a bit frightened of him. She wasn’t sure why. Being around him made her feel small and unseen. Which felt odd after the past year of attention that had been pushed on her.
“Eventually,” the girl decided quietly to herself. For now, she felt much more comfortable asking questions of Isabelle or the other Oracles. They were always kind and patient with her.
Still, Mare thought, if it was her who’d written Lord Hokhmah’s name on that page and he appeared soon after, did that mean who or whatever "Diadora" was on the next page's corner would appear as well?
Perhaps, when she was a proper Oracle, she might understand. Having arrived at that conclusion, Mare pushed those thoughts away and the two continued onward.