The Tale of Junazahite: Dance with the Devil

Chapter Eleven: The Book of Al-Kalaam

"How shall we defeat the devil?" the believers once asked.

The wise man gazed upon them gracefully, responding, "To defeat the devil, you must first learn how to dance with him. Yes, you have to dance with the devil."

"First, God created the sun to enlighten his world," Cathilious shouted, his arms wide open as if he wanted to hug all the attendees.

They were in the prayer room, called Doo'a Qaakh, all dressed in white. John had been in other Doo'a Qaakhs before, but this one was the most magnificent one he had ever seen. These prayer rooms were essentially smaller versions of churches, often found in poorer provinces.

John seemed quieter than before, carefully analyzing the people around him. After that terrible night, he didn't trust any of them. He couldn't even trust himself, feeling like a bomb ready to explode at any moment. After all, it was the book he had written that had contributed to the chaos in this messed-up society.

"And then, God made the moon to guide us in the darkness!" Cathilious continued.

Their fingers were clasped before their chest, and they were all on their knees. John was praying as well, but he found himself wondering to whom he was directing his prayers.

"I'm their creator," he whispered to himself. "But it has to be another God who created the earth and all of the universe. Or maybe there are many gods!" His confusion had frustrated him.

He looked around and noticed Jhina who appeared stern as usual. Her eyes were shut, and her lips moved in silent prayer. Behind her stood Rayan; if Richard were up to something, his assistant would surely be aware of it. Moriel was in the corner, next to the other healers. He didn't seem particularly religious. Men of science are often skeptical of religion, John thought. Maybe he doesn't want me and my followers to gain power. He sighed, trying to clear his mind, but it was impossible. Could they be the government agents? Maybe they are looking for a way to eliminate me. No! There would be no good in it. I'd be reborn again. What if they want to imprison me until I die naturally? In that case, they'll have plenty of time.

"Our dear Junazahite, now that you have finally risen, we pray that we will be worthy servants to you. Your holiness, we beseech you to save us. We pray for a brighter future, for justice, and for prosperity. Praise be to Junazahite."

That's why I feel guilty, John realized as others praised him cheerfully. I created them but never made their lives easy ... But they did it to themselves, not me! However, I still feel responsible for their misery. They wouldn't be here, suffering, if I hadn't decided to mess with the DNA. But why? Why did I do that?

he wondered how they would react if they found out he was their creator.

I'm just their creator, he thought. not their actual God. Who was I before them, and what am I now?

He exhaled through his nostrils angrily. It sounded so loud that everybody turned back and stared at him, looking worried.

"Is everything alright, My Savior?" Cathilious asked.

"I shall recite one of the verses?" John said out of the blue, not caring that Cathilious was the reciter.

"It's our honor, Your Holiness!" Cathilious said after a long hesitation.

John stood in front of them, looking at them carefully. He opened the page 235 of the Book of Al-Kalaam and read the verse called 'The Heretics' out loud.

"Haven't you seen how the earth stopped rotating?! God gave you a little amount of warmth from the Ultimate Abyss. Haven't you felt how hot it is? Aren't you afraid of burning for eternity? Ignorants are heretics. If you love your family and friends, don't let them become the children of the damned. You might lose your loved ones in the eternal Abyss forever."