Mirrored Shadows 2

The Pawn

A nicely dressed angel took Monika to a room full of angels in different costumes. There were all kinds of clothes and accessories all over the place.

- This will be your dressing room. - said the angel, showing around.

- Excuse me, a dress room?

- These will be your fellow colleagues. - he ignored that question.

Once they finally made their way through the rushing angels, their flapping wings and pompous costumes, the guide opened a curtain and allowed Monika to peek into something that looked like a massive amphitheater.

- And that will be your stage.

- I'm sorry, a stage for what?

- Why for the play, of course! - he rolled his eyes, as if he was just stating that the water was wet.

- A play?

- And this will be your assistant, choreographer and costume designer, Grace!

A woman with a lot of red, bushy hair opened her arms widely to hug Monika's guide.

- Darling, here you are. I've been looking for you all over the place to take your measures for that vest you wanted.

- Grace, honey, you know my measures. - he pointed at his hips. - Butter and bread.

They both burst into laughter. Monika cleared out her throat.

- Oh, right. Grace, this is your newest star.

The woman was probably the only angel with red hair Monika had ever seen. She approached her with so much warmth in her smile.

- My, my. Aren't you just precious? - she hugged her. - Oh dear, you look scared. Stage fright or...?

- I... no, I didn't even know there was a stage involved until now. I'm so lost...

- They told you nothing, did they? - she placed her hands on her hips in disapproval. - Poor thing. Well, don't you worry a thing, dear. I'll take good care of you, okay? But that can wait. We haven't got the chance to get to know each other! Come! Come, sweetie, have a seat!

She pointed her to a chair and almost pushed her on it, offering her cookies.

- Do try them, don't be shy! Aunty Grace made them with a lot of love! For you! I was told I'll get a new lead, but I wasn't ready for this tide of beauty! So what's your name, angel?

- I'm Monika. Ma'am, what play...?

- Well, Monika, the queen organizes plays every year. It is an annual thing. She invites the most important and the most influential individuals of all the realms, except Hell. Between us, it's clearly a strategic move to send a message.

- That she hates Hell?

- Oh, good gracious, no. That they are enemies.

Monika wasn't sure if Grace was aware how little difference that made. She seemed simple and far too naive for any political perspective.

- Now, my dear. Today, you are off duty. All this is new to you and I know you need time to adjust and all that. Tomorrow we begin with rehearsals.

- I'm sorry, again but... Why does the queen want me to play in that play?

- Oh, I don't know honey, I'm just here to do the magic. Perhaps she simply sees you as fitting for the role?

- And what role is that?

- The role of our most holy! - she clapped in excitement.

Monika did not share the enthusiasm. Why her? And why would angels want her, a human, to play their most sacred figure? All those thoughts were quickly replaced by one and only: ''Where are Amadeus and Bruno...?''

***

Something ran between the worlds of demons and men. A tall creature. As strong as a mountain. It breathes rage and exhales fire. The ground shakes to warn the unlucky to move from its path. The air around it is stale, like an echo of the ancient times. It wants blood. It won't be stopped. It can't be stopped. It reaches a meadow with a burnt tent and an abandoned Cathedral. It smashes through the veil into the Dreaming, like a nightmare that came uninvited into the Realm of Dreams. It destroys a lonesome cabin in search for something or someone and moves on, angrier than before.

***

Monika stood in her room, feeling like a misplaced piece of furniture. She wondered how it would happen again, that she was once again cut off from others and strained off her course.

The room was filled with golden items and silky curtains. Instead of an ordinary balcony, it had a golden branch twitching out the window, suggesting that the room was intended for angels alone. Yet, there she was. She looked outside and realized just how high she was. The town square could not be seen from all the clouds beneath the window. Someone knocked on the door.

- Come in?

Bernard walked in, looking angry.

- Do you realize what you've done by giving away your belt!?

- I think I do, Bernard. My word wasn't enough, clearly.

- That belt was your only chance!

- And they know it. That's the only way to gain their trust. They considered me a threat and responsible for the demise of their children.

The old man walked back and forth, from a wall to a wall.

- No, no, this is bad... Angels can't be trusted, Monika, just like demons...

- Yet you have both in your council of The Sacred Three.

- That's different...The Sacred Three's ultimate goal is preservation of the world. But angels here... They only care about legacy, history, holy wars... The moment they decide to give you back your belt, another request will arise. Mark my words. This isn't over yet.

- Well did they ask me to star in a play?

- That's just politics. The legendary Monika playing a historical figure will send a strong message. A second punch to the demon kind. The first punch would be not inviting them. Be on your guard. I'll have a little chat with their majesties.

Bernard left the room before Monika could say anything else.

That evening, three angel girls came into her room, unannounced, interrupting her reading. It was hard to tell whether they were royalty or not, until Monika noticed their short wings and concluded that they were maids.

- Lady Monika, Her Majesty Queen Love sends us to dress you for dinner.

- Dinner?

- Why yes! In your honor.

- I really don't feel like leaving the room.

- Oh but you must! It would be a great insult if you didn't join! Come, we don't have much time.

Without further ado, the girls started undressing her, which made her very uncomfortable.

In no time, the room was filled with piles of dresses, mostly silk. There were so many angels coming in and out of the room, bringing more clothes and different kinds of jewelry, that no one even bothered to close the door anymore. The castle staff would curiously peek inside as they walked down the hallway, making Monika jump with a dress in her hands, covering her body.

- You have such a lovely white tan! - one of the maids said. - Was one of your parents an angel?

- No, but my great, great, great grandmother was a demoness. - he grinned at her.

Now she wasn't the one who was uncomfortable.

- I like this one. - she teasingly pulled out a blue dress.

- Oh heavens, no my lady! - squealed one of them and grabbed the dress from her hands. - How did this get in here anyway!? The queen will be so mad!

She took a candle and threw it into the fireplace, together with the dress, jumping nervously from one leg to another, waiting for fire to finally devour the clothing.

- Oh, thank goodness... - the maid collapsed on the chair, panting. The other two started cooling her with their aprons.

- Do take your time ladies. - said Monika, standing half naked near the opened door.

After at least two hours of trying on different clothes, the maids had finally decided what would be the best for her, regardless of what she had to say about it. They chose a white, silky gown, light as a feather. It had golden leaves on the shoulders and a cape that was falling down in crystal jewelry.

- A bit heavy for a dinner, don't you think?

- Heavy? My lady, you are dining with royalty! How are you so calm? I'd be here putting a crystal chandelier on my head if the majesties invited me to dinner.

- Let's just say I had my share of dinners with royalties and dramatic entrances.

After dressing, she was taken to a chamber with the highest ceiling she ever saw. It looked like the entire castle was stripped off all the floors just for this occasion, so they could sit at the bottom and look at the thousands of chandeliers that climbed to the faraway ceiling. A long table was already filled with guests and it seemed like everybody was waiting on her. Their majesties sat at the head of it, while a dozen angels filled the rest of the chairs. Monika felt like she was pushed into a pool with sharks, because every conversation stopped when she arrived, making her think they were all talking about her.

- Um... Good evening.

A quiet murmur was the response.

- Monika, darling. - the queen leaned back on her chair, offering her hand for a kiss. Without a choice, she approached and kissed her hand. - Come, child, join us! You are the star of the evening, so we'll forgive you for being late.

After taking the only free chair, she accidentally kicked something alive under the table. Discretely looking under, there were at least 50 birds, pecking food from the floor.

Everyone was quietly staring at her. It seemed like no one actually wanted to honor her at this dinner in ''her honor''.

The king was so awkwardly absent, Monika was sure he was about to pass out at any moment. His sleeve was in the soup.

- So darling, let me introduce you to my family. - she pointed at others. - All these people here are relatives. That fat woman over there - oh don't give me that look Inspiration, you know you are - she's my aunt. That man is her husband, and he invented musical instruments, believe it or not. And the three ladies over there are my daughters. Princess Joy, princess Kind and princess Vigilance.

Two identical princesses, Kind and Vigilance, quietly whispered and giggled one with another, not even caring to look at her. Princess Joy, on the other hand, did not even bother to soften her expression of intolerance and hostility. Monika looked back at her without blinking, expecting the princess to look away. But Joy just kept staring and frowning at her.

As the queen continued to introduce everybody at the table, a tall, strong man with a mask and incredibly broad shoulders next to Monika, leaned towards her and whispered:

- This must be ever so awkward to you.

- Oh. Um, no, it's fine...

- You are kind, Lady Monika. But I've heard legends of your honesty and tender soul. Do tell me, what do you really think of angels?

Monika paused for a moment to look at him, wondering who was behind that mask.

- Well... With all due respect... I think that many angels these days talk about kindness, rather than being kind. There is so much hypocrisy and even this... - she picked up a golden fork. - ... this idealization of purity through earthly treasures like gold, when millions starve... The world could be such a good place. We would need no Veils nor Lobbies. Visits wouldn't be a political step, but a thing of joy and adventure... We are making it so much easier for tyrants like Defiler... So blind to everything that is truly pure.

The masked man stared at her for a while after she was done. The silent admiration in his well-hidden blue eyes seemed familiar to Monika.

- Your words are like rain in the summer, my Lady Monika. I thought I'd have to search the heavens and earth to find one mind that speaks like mine, yet here you are.

- ...and finally, my son, prince Honor. - the queen pointed at the masked man next to Monika.

Monika quietly gasped.

- Please, don't. - the man said softly, showing her with her hands not to panic. - Please, don't look at me differently. Speak like I'm just a man. I couldn't stop thinking about everything you said when you offered the belt to my parents. Tell me, what do you think of the law that every demon who enters Heaven must be registered and observed during their entire visit?

Monika instantly forgot she was talking to the heir, replying with passion:

- That's madness! We cannot have a truce if we treat others like enemies! Friendship and peace are built on trust and respect. If we pass the old hatred to our children, we shall also pass them new wars.

- What a profound wisdom that drains its power out of kindness. Idealistic, yet not naive. The things you say are rescue boat to my drowning mind, my lady.

The queen leaned to her husband:

- Our son miraculously didn't excuse himself with a headache as he usually does. It seems that the company of the young human did what our medics couldn't: loosen his tongue. I am concerned.

***

Silk rustled through the semi-dark corridors of the castle. She walks confidently. Doesn't care who may see her. Something cooked deep within her. A desire. Need. Envy.

Still, her face was cloaked by the shadow of the cowl. There had to be someone who must not know her identity. Another girl is following her. A maid, rushing not to fall behind her mistress. When they reached the door that led to the dungeons, the guards blocked their path.

- No one is allowed to the dungeons at this hour, ladies.

- Out of my way. - the woman pushed the hood off her head.

- Princess Joy. - they bowed and quickly unlocked the door, letting her through.

The finest slippers in the land hasted across the wet, moldy dungeon floor, driven by curiosity.

- Which cell is it?

- That one over there, milady. On the right.

The princess paused before the cell and looked around. Her eyes fell on Amadeus.

- That's him, milady. - the maid whispered.

- I can see that, you stupid cow.

Desire, the need and the envy grew into something more, as her heart began to pound and force her to breathe faster.

- He is...

- Absolutely gorgeous, isn't he milady?

The princess sharply turned around to look at her.

- Pardon me, milady...

- Get out of here!

The maid bowed and left. Joy approached the cell bars. The indomitable feeling in her chest would have made her walk inside and give herself to that demon, had the cell been unlocked. Everyone inside was sleeping, including him. If she could just steal him. Order the guards to tie him up and deliver him to her quarters. Oh but the flaws of that plan. What to do?

They woke up. She quickly turned around and left the dungeon.

The demon moved into a sitting position on the bench next to shivering Bruno and opened his palm. A small flame danced on top of it, shaped like a tear. It radiated warmth more than a typical flame of that size would.

- Thanks, papa. - the boy whispered.

- Everything will be alright, teddy. I'm sorry, I lose my cool too often in front of you, instead of telling you this. I'd tear down the Great Windmill to find your mother, you know that, don't you?

- I know, papa. But please don't tear down anything... I don't want to be locked in jail again...

Amadeus laughed and placed him on his lap, where they both stared at the flame in his palm.

- Have I ever told you a story about the most gorgeous man in the entire universe?

- Is it the one about you, papa?

- Well... yeah, but... this one is different. Hmm let's see...

Looking at them, Dion sighed and approached Birdie, whispering:

- You can phase others through the objects?

- Yes, but didn't you say-

- Phase me through. Just me.

- But others-

- Need to stay here. Please do as I say?

She took his hand and walked with him to the door.

- Hey, what are you doing? - Amadeus asked.

- I'm going to see if Monika is alright and help her, if needed. Await my return and don't do anything stupid. Okay? Bruno, you're in charge of these kids, okay buddy?

Bruno saluted him like a soldier.

- Sir, yes sir!

Birdie phased Dion through the door.

- And just how do you intend to pass by the guards and the entire castle unnoticed? - Reeva asked.

Ignoring her, he waved his palm before his face and disappeared in thin air. But they could see his footsteps making water rings in the puddles on his way.

***

Before departing, prince Honor bowed deeply to Monika.

- I would be ever so honored if you'd visit me in my study, Lady Monika, where we can continue our conversation without the interruptions of social decorum.

- It would be my pleasure, your Majesty.

- Then I'll look forward to our next meeting. Thank you for making this evening better than I hoped. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must take my leave. Our royal gossipers are giving me the looks for staying too much with you. I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble. With your permission.

He bowed and left.

''Since when does a prince bow to a commoner?'' people whispered.

On the way back to her quarters, Monika noticed light coming from the room across hers. There, sitting next to a window, was a sad creature, playing an even sadder tune on a harp. A young angel girl, with featherless wings. Just naked bones sticking out through her curved back. She turned her head as if she knew she was being looked at.

- What? - she said, quickly tossing a silky sheet over her wings.

- I apologize, I noticed the light and opened the door and thought...

- That's... alright. - the girl spoke softly. - Come in. You must be new here...

Monika came inside, almost on the tips of her toes, not to interrupt her heartbreaking music.

- My name is Monika...

She sat next to her, only to notice that one side of her face had been severely damaged.

- Ah, yes... Mother's newest star...

- Mother's? Oh, my... - she quickly got up and bowed. - My apologies, your Majesty.

- Don't be alarmed... I am no Majesty...

- But you are-

- Their daughter? Did you see me at dinner?

- No...

- I am an.. accident. They don't want me to be seen...

- Oh princess, no, don't say that...

- I'm not, I'm repeating their words.

- That's a horrible thing to say to your child!

- It's true. I am an abomination...

- You are not an abomination. Only a person with a kind, fragile heart can play music like you do...

- Defiler plays music and it enchants people...

- Defiler's music, despite its slow tempo, carries violent notes. Your Majesty speaks of loss and hopelessness...

- I want to be pretty... I want to come out of this jail...

- You ARE pretty, your Majesty!

- We both know that's not true. I wish I had wings like my mother... And skin like yours.

Monika sighed. There was so much sadness in her eyes. She was looking at a withering soul.

- Your Majesty needs to leave these walls and discover for herself that the world is less cruel than her own opinion of herself. It awaits you to show just how much more there is about you.

The music from the harp silenced. The princess looked at her in slight wonder.

- You speak like my brother Mercy... But with more idealism, like Honor... You two would get along just nicely...

- I've already met your brother, Honor. He seems like a very good person.

- He is... He's the only one that still notices that I'm alive... I'm not surprised that you met him already. You are just his type... Kind and sweet. Maybe if he marries you-

- Oh! - Monika blinked at her in confusion. - I'm married, your Majesty.

- Oh... Okay. - she sounded disappointed. - Well, it was nice meeting you, Monika. I would like to sleep now.

- Certainly, your Majesty. - she got up and bowed.

- If you ever have time-

- I'll be more than glad to visit you again, princess. - she smiled.

- Thank you.

Upon leaving the princess's room, the tender tones of the harp started playing again. With melancholy in her heart, Monika closed the door and went to her room.

- Are you alone? - whispered a voice, startling her.

- Dion? - she looked around. - Is that you?

A cloud of smoke rose from the thin air and Dion stepped on the rug.

- Oh thank god, you are okay! - Monika hugged him. - What happened, where is everyone!? Where is my son, my husband?

- They are okay, don't worry. We were... delayed.

- Delayed?

- We had trouble getting into the castle. It's a long story. I'm just here to let you know that everyone is okay and to see if you are okay as well.

- I am alright. - she offered a chair and sat on one hherself. - But I'm afraid I'm stuck here for a while.

- What do you mean?

- I had to earn their Majesties trust. They are... skeptical about me after losing Justice and Mercy... They got my belt.

- They what!?

- No, it's okay. It's only temporary. I don't think I'd be allowed to set my foot any further in Heaven if I hadn't offered it. Now, I'm in their service.

- Oh Monika... What kind of service?

- The queen wants me to star in her play.

- Her play? Oh, no, no, no. - he got up and started walking around. - Monika, she will use you to make a political statement!

- So what? I just want that passage into the Unknown and put an end to all this already.

- Monika, she will turn you into a lightning rod. All the hatred from demons will be directed at you. You will be the mascot of her chauvinism. You are supposed to be neutral. This is why you were sent on this journey, not some random human. You, the heir of Azura, the union of two worlds, are now picking sides.

- What was I supposed to do, Dion? You think I don't know all this?

Dion was quiet, facing the open balcony from which the winds tossed the curtains.

- There's more to all this. I can feel it. - he said ominously.

- Well, what do we do then, because I see no options here?

- Do you have the script, by any chance?

She walked to the desk and picked up a piece of parchment, giving it to him. Dion frowned, reading Monika's lines:

''Ease your hatred, demons and humans, for the world is full of it. May our angelic light shine upon you and deliver you from the sinful ways of your kind. Let us reshape you in our image. (The horns are being taken off the heads of the demons). May the beauty of the wings take you to the divinity!''

- Huh... It appears our queen is more than a strategist. She is a full-blooded racist. If you say any of this, you could be banned from Hell for good. Or even worse, - he lowered the script on his lap. - start a war.

- I thought only angels would attend and perhaps humans.

- Indeed they will. And they will talk. The queen did not invite demons, but she will make sure they hear all about it.

She sighed and sat down again.

- So now what...?

He took the script back to the desk, picked up a quill and started scratching and scribing something.

- What are you doing?

- You will memorize both of these scripts. The original is the one you'll use on the rehearsals. But when the actual play starts, you will use my version.

- But she will never give me the belt back.

- I don't think she intends to either way. Whatever their Majesties are up to, we'll find out. For now, they hold the cards. We are, after all, their prisoners here. Speaking of which, I have to go back. The guards may notice that I'm missing.

- The guards? Dion, what's going on, where are you all now?

- We are in the dungeons.

- What!!?

- No, don't panic. - he took her by the shoulders to calm her down. - We are well. Bruno is great and Amadeus is worried sick about you, which is why I'm here. Don't worry about them for a second, alright? Nothing will happen to them, I promise you. You just focus on this play. We have to think of something.

Monika covered her face with her hands.

- Alright... Please let them know I'm okay and just... Don't let anything harm them... I beg you.

- You know I won't.

The smoke rose again and Dion stepped into it.

- One more thing. - Monika stopped him. - Bernard of The Sacred Three. He is here with me as well.

- Oh?

- He said he came to my aid. That has to mean something, no?

Dion paused, looking absently at a wall. His body was half invisible, standing in the smoke.

- Dion?

- He did, after all, send you on this quest. I believe it's in his interest that you see it through but... Try not to trust anyone too much. Take care and keep your eyes opened.

He went completely invisible and opened the room's door, leaving.