A Quiet Discord

Erica: "What? I died?"

Erica's legs started shaking. She searched for her dagger, her movements frantic like a stray cat.

Flux: "Oh, if you're looking for your weapons, they'll be back at home."

Erica: "Flux. What are you? How have I died?"

Flux: "Wow. You used my name. I'm flattered. But I guess 'dead' isn't the right term. It's more so your heart has changed, and your body is getting used to the transformation."

Erica: "Transformation?"

Flux: "When a demon turns to their true form for the first time, their body goes into an extended sleep until it adapts."

Erica: "So this isn't hell."

Flux laughed in the rain.

Flux: "Oh, it is. But the difference is, for you, I won't be collecting your soul. We will simply keep you comfy until the time for you to wake up."

Erica softened her shoulders.

Flux: "So come back. Let's have some tea and discuss some things. Who knows? I might have some information on the CHILD of prophecy."

That got Erica's focus. She followed Flux back to their little house in the woods, where faceless humanoids stood guard—as if she needed guarding.

On their way, Flux talked about the nature of hell. Apparently, when one dies with too much hate—or sin, as some call it—they descend to hell. The bodies Erica saw were those who couldn't live with the thought of entering purgatory. Apparently, hell wasn't so bad, at least in this area. Flux went on about the many regions that comprise hell and how she was in the safest part, the woods, because beyond them, Flux couldn't save her.

Finally, they were at the wooden house. They went inside, and Flux poured some tea. Erica sat on edge, reversing her cup.

Erica: "So you say you have information on Neil."

Flux: "Yes, yes. Where do I begin..."

Erica: "How about how someone in hell knows about the world above?"

Flux: "Well, as I take people to their destination, they tell me stories of your world. It's really amazing, honestly. Can't wait till you actually die."

Erica glared.

Flux: "Don't look at me like that. That's the fate of all demons."

Erica: "What?!"

Flux: "Oh, you didn't know? Regardless of how good of a being you are, as a demon, you are born in 'sin'—your race eats more than needed at birth, demolishing ecosystems."

Erica: "...Fine. I may not deserve forgiveness, but what about others? I've met demons braver than I am, kinder. Why must they suffer for their biology?"

Flux started sipping her tea.

Flux: "Well, think of it like this: Why should beings as destructive as yourselves be allowed to enter heaven, where there are other species that do more for the ecosystem? Take the classic butterfly. If you were paying attention, you wouldn't have seen a single insect. Now, why is that?"

Erica: "They contribute to biomes."

Flux flashed her teeth.

Flux: "Exactly. Although they too eat others, their goodness does more for the world than bad. Your race is the opposite."

Erica glanced down. This knowledge of inevitable purgatory should have given her relief. Regardless of what she had done, the end would be the same. But why did this make her more anxious?

Flux: "What's the sour look? You know, your race isn't the only one destined for purgatory."

Erica perked up.

Flux: "The humans have been doing a little too much conquering. I'm sure sooner or later, God will flip the switch."

Flux finished her tea.

Flux: "At least then, I'll get more company. Want more tea?"

Erica looked at her still-full teacup.

Erica: "No. However, you told me you knew something about Neil."

Flux: "Oh, yes."

Flux poured more into her cup.

Flux (exaggerated): "Oh, the savior! How he ruined my rule. If he wasn't around, I would have won."

Flux laughed to herself.

Flux: "The amount of humans and other races that fall here with the same story is getting too comical. He is such a popular fellow."

Erica: "Flux. Get to the point."

Flux: "Okay, okay. Tell me—who told you he was the hero of prophecy?"

Erica: "Well, my father. When I was young, he told me about a monster who would come to kill him and my entire family."

Flux: "Yet he just stole your heart and killed the rest!"

Veins bulged on Erica's face.

Erica: "You... how do you know that?"

Flux: "Well, some people he killed came here and told me all about it. But that's beside the point. This thing about the child of prophecy is a lot more God's work than most people think."

Erica: "God again? You know, up top, we hardly talk about 'gods.' Most of us have some idea of a powerful being, but none actually worship or believe in it. Unless we count some of the Tidal Laments."

Flux: "Well, God is real. Whether you like it or not. And He made this prophecy as a hands-off way to keep balance."

Erica: "So someone was chosen by God to end my dad."

Flux: "Exactly. You are quick."

Erica: "But that doesn't explain his turn. Why did he do all that?"

Flux sipped her tea.

Flux: "Well, that wasn't God's plan, if you're curious. I know part of you thinks he's being controlled or influenced, but he isn't."

Flux finished her tea once more.

Flux: "I can tell you with confidence—this was his choice."