The Tale of Junazahite: Dance with the Devil

Chapter Ten: The Vision

7. So many aspects of Junazahite are left unsaid, for humans cannot fathom them.

John gazed upon the newborn baby. He was dark-haired just like her mother, his eyes golden. He had been crying, but now he was staring at John with a gentle smile on his tiny face.

"Good heavens," Cathilious murmured. "He's drawn to your pureness, my Savior. Praise you!"

Like other rooms, this one was windowless, creating a sense of entrapment. But the steering sunlight couldn't reach them, and the air was pleasantly cold. Khadij was in bed, exhausted but happy, cradling her baby in her arms. Richard started stroking his son's head with two of his fingers.

"My Savior," Richard called. "Please, honor us!"

John hesitated but then, nodded and stepped closer, gently holding the baby into his arms. He'd never held an infant before and feared he might hurt him. Despite his fear, he felt pleased holding him. This new creature was so innocent and clueless that John felt deeply sorry for him. A sad smile appeared on his face, looking at the new life brought into this harsh world. The boy's tiny finger wrapped around one of John's.

"We've decided to name him Bardah," Richard proclaimed, holding his wife's hand.

"He's gonna be a great servant to Junazahite," Khadij said breathlessly, proud. "I just know it."

"Bardah," John whispered calmly. "It's an ancient word meaning 'the slave.' "

"Indeed," Cathilious snorted with pride. "He shall be the slave, or rather, the servant of Junazahite."

A sudden chill ran through John's body, Cathilious' words resonating in his mind. By being here, he was promoting this religion. It could lead to a much darker phase. So much blood would be shed by his name. But was it not worth it if justice would prevail in the world?

But he believed this justice he wanted to bring would be ruined by extremists. This perfect world he had in his mind was so sophisticated to create even for someone who had God's power.

"I don't like the name," John said frantically, trying to look calm.

All three of them gasped, worried as if they had made an unforgivable mistake.

"Why, my Savior?" Richard asked quickly.

"I shall name him myself," John announced, holding the boy closely.

"What a great honor, my Savior," Khadij almost screamed, having a weak but enthusiastic smile on her face.

"For now on, he's called Reymond Al-Alaam."

Reymond; his old friend in this life. Though he knew his old friend couldn't reincarnate, he didn't want him to be forgotten. In fact, he didn't want anyone to die and perish from the universe that forced them to exist in the first place.

"What a great name, my Savior," Cathilious uttered.

"Would you please baptize Reymond yourself, sir?" Richard offered.

"No," John said frankly, handing over Reymond Jr. to his dad. "It's best if Cathilious does it."

He needed to be alone with his thoughts, his heart beating fast. He was devastated.

"As you wish, my Savior," Cathilious said, his face shining, trying his best not to scream out of joy.

John looked at the baby for the last time. I'm sorry that you were born, he thought. You're going to suffer until you're dead. I hope Jhina is right, and you'll go to heaven. But still, I'm sorry for your parents' selfishness.