One Year Later
From the balcony of his upscale suite, Angel observed celestial beings of all ages playing on the beach below. The harmonious mix of laughter, giggles, and splashing water provided a comforting soundtrack for his meditation and reflection.
Fingers fiddling with his black dress uniform's hem, he noted the stark contrast to the bright pastels favored by most inhabitants. He'd chosen this outfit, with its striking red trim, from the many options available during his court building tour. The darker motifs of the exorcist army seemed to suit his personal style better for some unfathomable reason.
Thanks to Emily's guidance, Sir Peter revealed his grandparents' location in one of Heaven's countless valleys. His initial visit filled him with wonder. The charming town was like a masterpiece, surrounded by fields of rainbow-tinted flowers, glistening streams, and flowing rivers. Six tall windmills turned leisurely, adding to the idyllic ambiance. Despite spending much of his free time with them over the past year, a persistent thought lingered: how does one reminisce when past memories no longer exist?
Following the Seraphim's suggestion, he meditated and let such feelings slip away whenever they surfaced. For some reason, he always complied with her request and found peace. Sometimes, understanding how something worked wasn't necessary, only that it did.
The very definition of faith, right?
It wasn't just his grandparents; he'd also encountered others he'd known in life, and each meeting brought peace and joy, knowing they'd made it to this great beyond. He found genuine tranquility in these moments, occasionally fantasizing about joining the games, swimming in the clear waters, and mingling with fellow guests at the magnificent resort. He would have been content playing on the shores with all the other inhabitants, letting go and returning to childhood joys—if not for duty.
While he no longer held detailed memories of his Earth existence, his core being remained, and he felt content letting others bask in friendship and frolic freely while fulfilling his responsibility to help ensure Heaven remained peaceful.
Since his arrival and appointment to High Angel, he'd attended nearly a dozen court hearings and sat through countless lectures on decorum and protocol. Most were extremely boring and long-winded, with Seraphim and other esteemed deities discussing the rules—he was taken aback by how many there actually were, considering it was Heaven—and reviewing policies for new soul arrivals.
Heaven may be the ultimate reward, but the political landscape left a familiar sour taste, and he could swear a few attendees were deliberately avoiding him. Bored by their haughtiness, he rarely voiced opinions or challenged the status quo; yet, he never missed a meeting due to his devotion. Still, he wondered if his attendance was truly necessary. Why had Heaven given him such a position to begin with?
Well, there was that nagging feeling again. He supposed more meditation was on the menu this morning.
As he closed his eyes to do just that, a chime announced a guest at his door. He would occasionally receive visitors—old friends, his grandparents—but they always called ahead. Unannounced visitors were frowned upon in Heaven—another arbitrary 'rule'—and so he felt something he hadn't experienced in a long time: concern.
Turning to lean against the railing, he flicked his fingers to unlock the entrance from afar. Yet another aspect of being granted High Angel was the magic bestowed upon him, otherwise reserved for Heaven-born, Seraphim, Acolytes, and those who existed as part of Heaven itself. Emily had told him on the first day that, on rare occasions, certain winners were afforded great rewards for their sacrifices in life, as their souls would help shape Heaven's future. He wanted to believe this, if not for the fact that no one in the courts seemed interested in change. Or him.
As the portal swung wide, it revealed the High Seraphim he'd met on arrival day—Sera. She greeted him with a warm smile and bright eyes.
"Greetings, Kevin Angelus Collins."
Surprised that someone of such high standing would visit, he bowed his head. "High Seraphim."
Immediately, he stifled a chuckle so he wouldn't offend her. She wouldn't have understood the wordplay, anyway.
It was their first correspondence outside the courts since he'd arrived. They rarely spoke at hearings, except when he gave official opinions afterward, to which she'd thank him and send him away. Her position afforded little free time outside of duties, and she was rarely seen at social gatherings.
"Sera is fine, Kevin Angelus Collins." She offered a slight bow in return.
"Then please, just Angel."
She smiled as she entered. "Of course."
"Unannounced visits are frowned upon, aren't they?" Angel questioned lightly. Sera, being a stickler for rules and decorum, suggested her visit was anything but ordinary.
"No, and please forgive me for the intrusion." She tilted her head apologetically. "I was already visiting someone on an important matter, and deemed it important enough to inform you personally."
"Inform me?" Brow crinkling in concern, he ventured, "Is there something wrong?"
"No, not at all. A last-minute court session has been scheduled for tomorrow morning. One that is rather unique and unusual."
"Unusual?" His interest was piqued. Something unusual in Heaven would be, well, unusual, and perhaps not nearly as boring. "In what way?"
"Lucifer Morningstar's daughter has requested an audience with us."
"Lucifer's child?" He blinked in surprise. "For what purpose?"
"It is a most perplexing request." Her words seemed prepared, almost recited. "She wishes to provide evidence that sinners can be redeemed and find their place in Heaven." Shaking her head, Sera huffed out frustration. "It is a foolish endeavor, but I promised to hear her claims. And while it is your duty to attend all sessions, I fear I will be wasting your time."
"Sinners in Heaven?" Angel mused but did not miss her inflections. "That is quite an unusual proposition. Does she have any evidence to suggest this could even be possible?"
"This is what the meeting will be about, but I expect it won't go anywhere." She frowned; a shift in posture betrayed unease. "Nonetheless, we expect to convene at 6 p.m."
"Of course. I'll be there." And now I'm curious as to why you seem so discontent, great Seraphim, he thought.
"Then I shall leave you to continue your meditation. Be well, Angel," Sera recited formally.
He matched her tone and formality. "Be well, Sera."
With a slight head tilt, she turned and left, her robes flowing widely behind her.
Closing the portal with a wave, Angel's thoughts swirled with questions. The Princess of Hell wants to show that sinners can be redeemed? Enter Heaven? It can't be possible, can it? And why does the idea of trying to save lives feel so familiar? And what is causing Sera to feel so anxious?
As those nagging feelings prodded at the back of his mind, he reached up and ran fingers over his collar, resting on the amulet underneath. With a soft sigh and resignation to the gentle tug of the command to erase negative thoughts, he turned, walked to the railing, and leaned against it. Closing his eyes, he began to meditate, but it would be some time before he could quell the sudden discontent in his heart.