The Saints Journey to Exilium

Drifting through time, in a space as black as a sunless sky. I can see nothing. It's all black, except for the soft twinkle of what seems to be a distant star. As eerie as it is, I only feel comfort. This comfort is one that I have rarely felt before. It's as if I am wrapped in a mothers embrace. Slowly, I begin to see the distant light float towards me. It's warmth beginning to seep through me. As it is floating towards me, I can only think about what it may be. Then, like a bolt of lightning struck my soul, my mind flared back to life, and I was standing before a massive silver gate, of unimaginable proportions, lined with pearls.

As I began to step towards it, the large gate began to shift open, letting out a warm, sweet smelling wind. The force of it makes me cover my eyes. Soon the strong wind passed, and uncovering my eyes, I looked past the gate.

Seeing past it, I perceived a land of riches. The roads are paved in gold, buildings are made of unknown material, and everything is surrounded by walls of jasper that reach hundreds of feet tall. Far on the horizon stands a great tree that shimmers gold in the light, as well as a mighty river that flows from the highest point. At this point of which my vision struggles to witness, stands a massive monastery, which sits upon 12 layers of the most incredible and rare materials.

From within this beautifully crafted monastery, shines a great light of every color through each window, lighting the world that I seem to be in. In the sky, there is no sun, or moon, as the light which shines from up high is all that is needed.

As I start to walk through the gate, I hear a deep, commanding voice "Come Here" it says. There I was, no longer walking through the gate, but inside what seemed to be a great hall, with walls finely decorated with tapestries, and lined with gold.

Inside this great hall I could see a great throne made of the purest white. Sitting atop this throne was the great light that radiated throughout this whole world. Sitting on a throne equally as beautiful to the left, sat a being that had a more human shape. These two beings, although completely still, held a commanding aura like no other, forcing me to kneel unconsciously.

As I stand here, looking up towards the two beings, the one to the left begins to speak to me. "How have you enjoyed the view?" This random question threw me off guard, and I utter a quiet "huh?" in response.

"If I remember correctly, those nuns taught you how to respond to a question better than that." the figure spoke again. After hearing it say that, I could only stand here, mouth agape while wondering what is going on. "You know I can tell what you're thinking right. If you haven't forgotten, I am the one who Judges every soul that passes. But you can lighten up a little. There is no need to be so tense around me." the being responded with what seemed to be a light smile.

Yet again, I was astounded at what I was hearing. I had never thought that I would be in a situation in which I would personally be in front of God and his son. Let alone have his son speak to me in such an informal way. So, I gently ask "If I may ask, what is going on here?" 

"I think you should already know the basics, right? You were killed by an assassin under the watch of Cardinal Ramsy and the rest of the clergy at the conclave. And before you ask about why they killed you, let me ask you first. What do you know about demons?" the son asked.

In response, I said what I knew, " If I am correct, the Bible states that they are the wandering spirits of fallen Angels and Nephilim. But I have never seen one, nor have I heard anyone else speak that much of them, besides in passing conversation."

"Well, you shouldn't 'see' any spirits since you are in the material plane. Although they do materialize themselves in otherways. If you remember just before you died, Ramsy's eyes seemed to turn black and beady, and his voice morphed into an insidious one. That was because he was possessed by one such demon, and quite the nasty one, too. And in truth, these 'demons' souls don't wander around Earth looking for a person to possess." the son said.

"If they don't wander around the Earth, then how did Ramsy become possessed?" In response the son said, "I told you that they don't wander around the Earth, not that they can't go to Earth. You see, long ago, my father banished all the rebellious angels, nephilim, and other magical beings, so that the humans could rule the Earth. In turn, He sent them to a different Realm. This Realm was then named Exilium."

In jest, I responded "Well that's right on the nose, don't you think."

With a small smile and a light laugh, the son responded to me, "If you think so, well, I guess it is. And I see that you are starting to warm up to us."

"I guess so. If I might ask, why are you telling me all of this?" I finally asked. Turning towards the great ball of light, and back towards me, he took on a more serious attitude, then said, " We have a mission for you, the youngest Cardinal, and martyr of the Church. As you have personally witnessed, demons are sending their spirits to possess the humans of Earth. We have decided that you will be the candidate that will head to Exilium and defeat them." 

"As much as I would love to go and fight mythical beings, I don't believe that I have the ability to do so. I'm just a regular human." In return, the son says, "Well good thing there is an all powerful being here, huh." Immediately, the great ball of light began to expand, and a great light shot out of the top of the hall. This light which seemed to expand infinitely into the heavens, fell back down at incredible speeds. The Light, which was now bathing me, began to seep into me. Soon, I began to feel my soul become lighter, but at the same time, more dense. It is an incredible feeling, almost as if I am beginning to transcend being a mere human. But, just as I am beginning to think that, "Snap out of it" I hear the son say. "Don't get absorbed into it. The power that you now wield has always been yours, as it was given to all humans at birth. I merely adjusted it so that you can better use it."

"What do you mean by that?" I ask. Slowly, he begins to explain, "Each person is given a soul at conception. This soul is what gives life to all life. Everything in existence has a soul, it's just not as large as the average sentient beings'. Even the smallest blade of grass, up to the tallest trees contain souls. In the realms that my father makes, everything is created by him, and from him. So, you too, have a soul. The difference is that your soul is slightly different from most others. That is the reason we selected you as our candidate. Do you know why your soul is special compared to others?"

I responded in the only way I could think of, "I would assume that it's because I had a large faith in God, and because of my position as a Cardinal."

"That is a good assumption, but it is only partly correct. You see, your faith in God does help your soul to grow, but it's the grit and dedication needed to follow his commandments that truly help a soul to grow. There is a term used on Earth called karma. It basically states that good actions help you build up good karma, but the reverse is also true. The soul is like a collection of the Karma you have had in your life. If you commit good deeds, your soul will vibrate faster. If you commit evil deeds, then your soul's vibration will slow down. The speed that your soul vibrates will cause it to grow to a larger form. Whether that be a more beautiful, pure white, or a grotesque, dark crimson."

"If I may ask, how can I tell if my soul is growing?" I ask. "You don't need to worry Luke, your soul is that of a Saint. It is one of the most dazzling whites that we have ever seen from a human. But, we have also changed something else for you. The holy spirit that is placed along with the soul at conception…hey? Are you listening?"

"Oh, yes, I apologize. You just reminded me of a discussion I had a long time ago."

"I see, well, as I was saying. We adjusted the holy spirit within you to help you navigate Exilium. It will act as a sort of guide for you. It will help you monitor your souls progress, as well as allow you to see the state of others' souls. Now that we have discussed your soul and your new guide, let me ask you, are you ready to head to Exilium." the son asked me.

So, I responded, " Yes I am ready to go, but why do I have to leave now?" "Well, bring your soul, as strong as it is, directly in front of me and my father, and your soul will begin to vibrate faster, tearing itself apart. It's like boiling water. Even if you put a lid on it, the pressure will eventually blow the top off. The same is true for the soul. The same thing can be said about gaining more power in the other world. There is no fast way to gain power without losing yourself to it.

Now that I have said everything I need to, I will reincarnate you into the world of Exilium. You will be reborn into a stronger body than your human one. Just remember that your soul is still currently only human, as strong as it may be. You have to make sure to empower it slowly, and thoroughly. Your guide will tell you everything you need to know about that process. Finally, I wish that you truly enjoy your time there. Remember, you are no longer under oath of priesthood. That only lasts for one lifetime. Now I wish you ado."

"Wait, before I go. I'm not going to be a child again, correct?" Slowly. I saw a humorously large smile grow across his face, and he said, "Better luck next time"

"OH SH—" zip.

Slowly the son turned to his father with a big smile and spoke to him, "He's going to enjoy himself quite nicely there. I also think that it was a good idea to send the guide with him. For as patient as I am, he can get on my nerves sometimes."

As these words were being spoken, the great ball of light started to take the form of a large human-like being that encompassed the entirety of the huge throne, and for the first time, he spoke with a gentle smile on his face, his words seemingly bending the world around them, "I think he will, too. As for the Guide, well, I shall let Luke learn to deal with him."