Chapter 46: The Song Of Judgement
Ere'ana stood at the edge of the golden lake in Heaven, her reflection shimmering in the radiant waters. The light of the eternal sun bathed the land in a serene glow, but her heart felt heavy. Despite her best efforts, whispers about Kikidori had spread across Heaven. Whispers that he was dangerous. That he was a monster.
She let out a soft sigh, looking to the heavens above. "How can they not see?" she whispered to herself.
Her wings unfurled as she began to sing, her voice resonating across the lake and echoing through the celestial fields.
Ere'ana:
"They call him a monster, a shadow in the night,
A fallen star with no warmth, no light.
But they don't see the heart I know,
Hidden beneath his pain and woe."
Her voice soared, filled with emotion as she sang of Kikidori, of the person she knew beyond the harsh exterior.
Ere'ana:
"They judge his wings, so dark, so torn,
They mock the place where his heart was worn.
But in his silence, there's a cry,
A soul that longs for a brighter sky."
The melody was soft, heartfelt, and carried with it her unwavering belief in him. But as her song filled the air, it was met with a stark contrast.
From the golden halls of Heaven, other angels began to respond, their voices rising in a sharp, accusatory counterpoint.
Choir of Angels (distant):
"A monster walks among us now,
A fallen one who broke his vow.
His wings of ash, his eyes of fire,
A being born of wrath and ire."
The harmonies were haunting, almost judgmental, as if the very essence of Heaven had turned against Kikidori. Their voices overlapped Ere'ana's melody, creating a dissonance that reflected the conflict between her love and their prejudice.
Ere'ana's eyes narrowed as she sang louder, her voice rising above theirs.
Ere'ana:
"You see the darkness, but not the man,
You don't know his heart, his broken plan.
He fell, yes, but he's not lost,
You can't see the price, the ultimate cost."
Her wings flared as she took a step forward, her voice filled with defiance. The angels around her continued their counter-melody, their voices cutting through like blades.
Choir of Angels (closer):
"He taints the skies, he burns the land,
His fate is sealed, a soul long damned.
Beware the beast who hides his face,
For his is not of Heaven's grace."
The other angels began to gather around her now, their glowing forms casting judgmental stares. Ere'ana's song became a plea, a cry for understanding.
Ere'ana:
"You call him a beast, but I know his soul,
He's broken, yes, but not a hole.
He's strong, he fights, he tries to heal,
Beneath his scars, his love is real."
As her words pierced the air, the angels fell silent for a moment, their expressions wavering. But then one voice rang out, harsh and condemning.
Angel (solo):
"And yet, he fights, his wrath runs free,
A flame that spreads, consuming thee.
He stands apart, he will not bow,
How can you defend him now?"
Ere'ana stepped forward, her hand clenching into a fist as her voice became a powerful crescendo.
Ere'ana:
"Because I've seen the fire that burns inside,
Not one of wrath, but where love resides.
He's not your monster, not your fear,
He's more than that, and I hold him dear."
Her song reached its peak, her voice trembling with emotion. The angels around her grew silent, their accusatory glares softening. Slowly, the dissonance gave way to harmony, the echoes of Ere'ana's melody lingering in the air.
For a moment, there was peace. But it was brief.
One of the Archangels stepped forward, his face unreadable as he addressed her. "Ere'ana, your heart blinds you. A fallen one cannot be redeemed."
Ere'ana looked at him, her eyes fierce. "Then perhaps it's your vision that's clouded. Kikidori isn't the monster you think he is. He's more than that. And if you can't see it, then maybe it's Heaven that's lost its grace."
The other angels murmured among themselves, uncertain. Ere'ana turned away, her wings unfurling as she walked back toward the golden lake. Her song had been sung, her truth laid bare. Whether they chose to see it or not was no longer her concern.
As she gazed into the shimmering waters, she whispered softly to herself, "You're not a monster, Kikidori. Not to me."
Far below, in Flame Island, Kikidori sat on his obsidian throne, a faint echo of Ere'ana's song ringing in his ears. He didn't know why, but for a brief moment, he felt understood.
The End of Chapter 46