Chapter 19: The Oracle
Meraki took the initiative and called the heads of the main hideout divisions to gather around the meeting table in the meditation room. Upon entering the room, Emerson was given the scroll, which he then spread out on the table to read.
Emerson, his expression focused, commanded, "Huddle around all, let's get on with our day". As Meriella stepped into the room, her presence was met with a warm, gentle smile from Emerson, who looked up from the scroll spread before him. The air was instantly charged with a palpable tension, like the quiet moment before a storm breaks. It was clear that Emerson's demeanor softened in Meriella's presence, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he greeted her. This was a man who wore his heart on his sleeve, and his affection for Meriella was plain to see. The others seemed to sense it too, their faces relaxed, untroubled by the obvious favoritism. There was a sense of familial comfort in the way they parted to make room for Meriella, drawing her into the heart of their gathering. She was the matriarch, the nurturing presence who had earned their love and respect. Emerson, with his strong, guiding presence, was the patriarch, the steady hand that had helped shape them into the individuals they were today. The dynamic was unmistakable, and it felt... right.
But not everyone was pleased with this warm, familial scene. Meraki stood apart, a dark, brooding figure who watched the exchange with a scowl, her irritation simmering just below the surface like a pot about to boil over.
Emerson spoke loud and clear for everyone gathered to hear. The Scroll reads:
"There's a higher power some call it The Light because they claim to encounter it. Its brightness shines brighter than the moon in the night sky, pushing past all darkness as the very essence of Light, with a voice that is powerful yet gentle. Others declared Him as God. This I testify to as only the one who created the realms and has all the power to reincarnate, create, destroy and do as He pleases, but yet He speaks with love and is merciful. Harken to these words; the wise of Arcadia has spoken of a time where He will allow destruction to befall the land. A time where humans will become null and void, replaced out of greed under a ruler who seeks control of all. A time where people will wish they appreciated the natural order before the desolation. It will be said time and time again. One will fail, but another shall succeed, for it will be deemed a lesson to all; some will die without learning as they are stubborn in their ways. Indeed, it is a city inhabited by calloused hearts. I myself had a dream where I was transported out of this world, to another. I sat on top of a planet. Green, blue and white in the distance and an expanse of black around me. Out of the darkness a loud voice spoke to me and said, 'Write what I tell you; when the time is right I will choose a chosen nation led by someone deemed unworthy by mankind, a lesser to show my glory. For it is I who chooses as I please, and even the flies of the earth will obey my call; even they are worth more than a man of destruction and disobedience. When I come, I will prove this city to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment!' When I woke from my slumber I knew this scroll is to be sealed up until it is time. For I did not understand what was said but I do know someone will understand it's merely my job to preserve the words until the time comes. -LJ".
As Emerson completed reading the scroll, everyone started murmuring amongst themselves. "What does this mean?" "Who wrote this?" "This is rubbish." "Who will be chosen?" "How is this possible...".
Leghorn entered the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. "I assure you this is very real! Don't be fools, and dismiss the words spoken," he stated, his voice firm.
Meriella stepped forward, her voice clear. "Leghorn is right; let's silence the murmuring and work on figuring this out together".
Emerson's gaze swept over his people, his voice gaining conviction. "The worst that can happen is death. We are already living in the worst part of the city, fending for ourselves. When we chose this life, it was because we knew we needed to be ready. We couldn't depend on the New Arcadia City president, patrol, or any of those Arcadians that think they poop golden crowns. We didn't know what we were preparing for, but I believe this is it! So let's figure this out, as Meriella said". This stirred up encouragement amongst the people, and the atmosphere became electrifying with chants of agreement and fists being thrust into the air.
Leghorn raised a hand, his voice cutting through the rising fervor. "I will remain here with Emerson, and I kindly ask everyone else to exit the room for the time being. I recommend that you reflect on the discussions we've had until we reconvene to proceed with further actions". Emerson nodded in agreement and looked over to the Rovers and Pillagers grouped on the left of the room, adding, "but do not take matters into your own hands!". A choir of "yes men" was heard, and everyone left the room besides Meriella and Meraki.
Meraki, ever the curious one, turned to Leghorn. "So Leghorn, this LJ that wrote this scroll, is that maybe you?".
Leghorn shook his head. "No, I'm hearing all this just as you are".
Meriella interjected, her brow furrowed. "But aren't you a celestial being from the Light Realm? Shouldn't you already know all this?".
"I have not been a member of the Light Realm for an extended period, and the title of commander is considered one of the lower ranks there," Leghorn explained. "It seems that LJ was simply an ordinary man who experienced a supernatural event meant for this specific moment".
Emerson, who had been studying the scroll intently, suddenly exclaimed, "Guys, check this out. It's a visual oracle map of the signs of what is to come. It seems to be coded. If we can figure it out, we can discern the events of occurrence". He held the map up for them to see.
Meraki squinted at it. "Please tell me I'm not the only one who doesn't get it?".
"It looks like symbols, each representing a certain major event leading up to the prophecy," Emerson explained.
Leghorn pointed to a section of the map. "The first one, I'm not sure, but the second symbol is definitely a fallen star. I remember seeing General Leghorn pull this up in our briefing years ago when the star fell from The Light Realm".
Meriella's eyes lit up with intrigue. "Oh, ooo, The Celestial Energy Orb??! The one you used to bring me back to life?".
"Precisely, and we all know that's already passed as most of it's now one with Meriella," Leghorn confirmed. "This helps us narrow down what part of the prophecy we're currently living".
Meraki, with a cheeky grin, poked Meriella's chest. "Oooh, so that's what that weird glowing thing is in your chest, Riella. So if I ripped it out, what do you think would happen?". Meriella chose not to react to Meraki's childish commentary and instead just rolled her eyes, keeping her focus on the conversation at hand.
"Right, Meraki, tell me now again, why are you still here?" Emerson said, his voice flat. Meraki seemed annoyed and just crossed her arms without saying anything.
"Right, so if we figure out what the first symbol is, we can figure out the third as they look similar," Emerson continued, ignoring Meraki's sulking.
"Alright, that's what we'll figure out first," Meriella declared, a new purpose in her tone. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Well, as I've said prior, I'd like to discuss matters privately with Emerson," Leghorn stated, his gaze falling on the map.
"I'll try to figure out the oracle map's first symbol," Meriella offered, already reaching for it. "Do you guys mind if I borrow it?". Emerson rolled up the oracle map and threw it in the air towards Meriella, "Sure, catch!" she caught it swiftly.
Leghorn nodded. "Meriella will manage the first symbol, and we are already aware of the second symbol. Upon reviewing the map again, the fourth symbol is identified as the celestial orb in transfiguration after years of being here it somehow evolved to protect itself".
"Alright, I've got everything I need. Let's chat about this tomorrow!" Meriella said, leaving the room brimming with enthusiasm. Meraki expressed her displeasure by rolling her eyes and departing with an attitude. With both women gone, the room fell quiet.
"Well, now that we are alone, this is all very important," Leghorn began, his voice dropping. "I have to leave Arcadia now. My job here is done. I have things to do in The Light Realm, so once again, I ask you to take care of Terrchel. I know for a fact that the twelfth symbol is tied to him. I'm aware you are not too fond of him, but he is important to all this whether you like it or not, and without him, nothing you do will succeed. So, deal?".
Emerson leaned back, a bitter smile on his face. "There you go again, dropping people in my lap and leaving. Funny how life works out; that's what my parents did to me. Now I'm left sheltering those left behind".
"Life has a way of preparing you for your calling before you know what it is," Leghorn said, his gaze distant.
"You mean God has a way of doing so," Emerson corrected softly.
"Yes…please tell Terrchel I had to leave," Leghorn conceded.
"Oh no, you will do it yourself!" Emerson chuckled. "From what I heard, he's already not happy about you up and leaving last time".
"Okay, I guess I can wait for him to return, which should be tomorrow before sunset," Leghorn sighed.
"Leghorn, if you leave, who will train him for what's coming?" Emerson pressed, his brow furrowed with concern.
"General Leghorn will be sent here once I leave, but I'll dial her in and let her know there will be a slight delay," Leghorn explained.
Emerson laughed, a genuine, booming sound. "You look terrified, ahahahah".
Leghorn rubbed his neck. "She's not one to be taken lightly, but I owe this to Terrchel".
"Well, enjoy that. I'm going to bed. Lights out at midnight!" Emerson said, rising.
"I'm aware, goodnight," Leghorn replied, watching Emerson leave the room.