Last Rites

Ch. 2 - Penance (Part II)

Eons ago. Long before the shit hit the fan with Umbra Witches, Luman Sages, and everything else in between, there was a moment in time when Paradiso, Inferno, and the human world coexisted in an unspoken harmony. This was a few centuries after the First Armageddon. I was put in charge of the destruction portion of Paradiso, i.e. making weapons. Why me? 'Cuz no one else could do it better. I was an angel made humanoid. One of two in fact. I'll tell you 'bout the other guy in a minute. But it was only supposed to be just us two...

Standing on a balcony in the highest tower in Paradiso, dressed in his typical father garb with an elaborate design on the chest, a seemingly younger, more regal, yet still bald, Rodin looks out over the edge. The sky's a glorious shade of pale gold, as sun rays shower over the clouds and the angelic denizens of Paradiso. The air's warm with a gentle breeze as angelic hymns ring throughout the land. Rodin takes in a deep inhale, holds it in for a moment, then exhales. His soul is at ease.

"Rodin?"

Rodin turns around and sees Father Helios, a slightly effeminate, charismatic man with shoulder length, strawberry blonde flowing locs and a full beard to match. He has a strange marking in the middle of his forehead which he casually covers with loose bangs. He stands just as tall and muscular like Rodin, but with a more perfect smile and kinder eyes. His attire matches Rodin and he, too, has his own set of responsibilities regarding Paradiso. Father Helios governs all creations of life. The two of them are a perfect match.

"I figured you'd be here," Helios smiles with both his mouth and eyes.

"Naturally. I just needed some time to myself. I've already spent enough of it in my workshop."

"Well, I thought you and I could go about our daily duties together. That is... unless you don't want to."

Rodin thinks for a moment. Helios playfully jabs him in the shoulder.

"I don't see why not," Rodin says with a small smile.

The two of them stroll through Paradiso like noblemen. They pass by various angels like, Affinities, Applauds, and a couple of Decorations, all bow at the sight of their presence.

"So, have you checked on the human world recently?" asks Rodin.

"No," he responds casually.

"Don't become lackadaisical, my friend," Rodin teases. "That won't fair well in your favor."

"Of course I won't! Besides they hardly do anything of interest. They pray. They sin. They repent. Repeat. They are such fragile creatures really."

Rodin nods in agreement.

"But... I often wonder what it would be like to walk among them."

"Really?" Rodin asks genuinely surprised. "And do what?"

"I don't know. Whatever it is that they do."

"But you've already listed what they do."

"Besides that! The world they live in is so... wonderful! Almost like ours. Have you looked at it? I mean, truly looked at it and just be in awe?" Helios says clasping his hands together underneath his chin.

"Can't say that I have," Rodin says as he folds his arms across his chest. "But I suppose there's a certain 'appeal' to it."

Helios scoffs, "Appeal?"

"What else do you want me to say?" Rodin laughs. "Honestly, it sounds like you've been seduced by its charm."

"I wouldn't go that far."

Rodin rolls his eyes with a smile, "Whatever you say, my friend. Why don't you just go down there? No one will stop you. Go down there, walk amongst them for a day and get it out of your system."

Helios' mouth slightly turns up as if he's bothered by Rodin's remark refusing to answer.

"How about the Auditio? Have you seen them yet?" asks Rodin.

"When do I not see them would be more appropriate? All they do is talk. It's not like I need them to aide me in my work. What's their purpose? Honestly."

Rodin's baffled by Helios' statement.

"Careful, Helios! Fortitudo is the messenger. Temperantia is the fortress. Iustitia is the judge. Sapientia is the wise. Everything stays in check because of them. I shouldn't have to remind you of this."

Helios doesn't say anything at first, but gives Rodin a firm pat on the back followed by a grin.

"Yet, thank you for reminding me nonetheless, wise teacher. Let's say we--"

Rodin stops walking.

"What's the matter, Rodin?"

"I've been summoned by Jubileus."

"Oh! Then you mustn't keep Jubileus waiting," Helios teases.

The two of them bow to each other. Helios smiles then trots off to whatever he needs to do for the rest of the day. Rodin teleports to Jubileus.