Chapter 27
Snap, Snap, Close the Trap
Mussolini and Stalin roomed together with Attila and Goliath next door. Only Imizras roomed by himself. His human roommate had just married and moved to the upper floors with his new bride. To their human counterparts, their names were Titus for Mussolini; Stalin was Paul; Attila was Barnabas; Goliath was David; and Imizras was Adam. Those Jesus Priests, killed and disposed of in order for them to take their places, were some of the oldest and most respected Jesus Priests of the temple.
Mussolini straightened his robe, strapped his watch on, and clicked the electronic setting. Several times in public, dogs would whine and howl from nearby neighborhoods when they heard the high-pitched sound. They laughed about it while thinking their watches made excellent dog whistles.
Stalin walked with Mussolini towards the Jesus Temple asking, "Isn't that guy from Sewanee going to speak to the high council today?"
"Yes, it's today and tomorrow. We're on for tomorrow, remember?" Mussolini commented.
They both would be glad when this was over. Their worst fears were that something would happen to make them late for the airport or if something happened to make the emergency countdown start. None of them wanted it to end that way.
"Please, let it go smoothly," replied Stalin fearfully while he felt his wrist straps digging into his skin as he turned them.
Mussolini smiled at him, then mocked him, "What's wrong, Stalin? Don't like modern technology?"
"Do you?" he replied in rebuttal while knowing that Mussolini was losing sleep over this too. When Mussolini slept, he snored. There hadn't been any snoring in days. His eyes were sunken and red with large bags under them.
As they walked the mile towards the temple, Mussolini answered, "No, I don't. It's wearing me out. You know that. I agree with Judas. I have this funny feeling that something strange is happening. If being a Nephilim could only mean we could read minds, I'd feel better."
"Well, if we can make it past 10:30 tomorrow morning, it won't matter, will it?" Stalin reassured him; but knew, it wasn't working.
Each carried a suitcase that looked exactly like the one they used for the nukes. It was a standard issue from the Temple where they kept their extra set of Jesus vestments and fresh robes. They were to change right after setting up in the morning so that they were sparkling bright and new looking. Only one suitcase had a nuke in it as a test of the Jesus Temple security. The timers and the nukes weren't connected this time, that was tomorrow, but all of the Judas team wore their watches in order to get more comfortable with them.
"Have you ever wondered what would happen if someone decided to do a room check on us? Now that would be a bad twist," he replied despondently.
"They've never done that, Stalin. Why would they start? Just relax, if you can. Let's put a lid on it. Sound carries a long way in these halls," he said as they opened the doors of the temple and walked immediately into the security guard scanners. He whispered, "They don't even check us when we go in the temple anymore."
In front of them, were Star, Hayden, and Riley. Star shook her head like a gnat was bothering her. She stuck her finger in her ear, and then blew on her nose while holding it.
"What's wrong, Star? Still got plugged up ears from the flight?" Hayden asked her laughing.
"Must be, I have this strange ringing in my ears. It's getting worse. Remind me to take some sinus tablets tonight before bed," she stated, still trying to clear her head.
"Come on folks. We have Jesus Priests needing to get to work. Step aside and let Paul and Titus get through," replied a guard while ushering them past.
Star giggled, "That sounds funny, Paul and Titus. Makes me think this is old Jerusalem."
Riley caught it and chuckled to himself. Hayden was too occupied with his speech and desperately held to his speech notes while acting like they were his lifelines. Riley envied Paul and Titus. He watched them carefully as they slid past them, and he imagined himself in those robes. He felt his own pulse pick up and a knot form in his throat. In spite of being talked out of getting married, he still felt a twinge of envy about his dad and Star. He knew his dad was happier than he had seen him since mom died. He was glad to get his old dad back, full of smiles and energy. Star seemed good for him, and they really acted like they loved each other. He thought they acted more like school kids in love than grownups. He hadn't heard so much giggling and laughing from two grownups in his life.
Star also watched Paul and Titus pass, then caught her breath. She felt that another Nephilim was near. It was that same buzz of warmth that came to her chest, no matter what kind of Nephilim it was. She looked around her to see who it might be. She looked curiously at the Jesus Priests, and then pulled a small list from her purse. How could she have forgotten about the names? Paul and Titus were on it. She pulled Hayden back close to her by his sleeve, almost making him drop his notes.
"Star, stop it. My notes!" he protested.
She shoved the list into his face and pointed to the names of Paul and Titus. Hayden went pale. He couldn't believe their luck or lack of it. These guys are here, and Jesus is going to be here too. Could it be? Could today be the day?"
"Excuse me, sir. I'll escort you to the high council waiting room," replied a guard who was dressed in a business suit rather than a guard's uniform. "I'm head of security. You're our guest speaker, aren't you?" he asked while holding his hand out for a shake. Hayden reached past Star to take it.
Star pushed her list back into her purse. Riley overheard Star and figured out what happened. He watched Paul and Titus closely as they disappeared from sight and got on the elevators heading up towards the inner sanctuary.
"If you will follow me, sir. By the way, here's a list of the names of the Jesus Priests waiting on the temple. Those are two of our oldest priests. They've been here almost 20 years," he said while he pointed to a wall with names etched in the marble like the Viet Nam Wall in Washington D.C.
Star noticed over five priests with the first name of Paul and three with Titus. She relaxed just a little, then realized that she had the Nephilim alarm going off at the same time she saw them. She tensed up again and realized the Nephilim alarms were fading the farther Paul and Titus moved away.
Star asked, "Aren't you supposed to give us a welcome kit for our visit?"
"Why, yes, hold on a second. Tim, you forgot to give our guests a welcome kit," he said and looked back at one of the guards.
"I'm sorry, Bob. I only have two left. I'll have to get more. Is that sufficient? You all are the only guests coming for the next two days. Will two do?" he asked sheepishly.
"Yes, two is fine," answered Star. She thought, "One for me and one for Day." The kits had detailed maps of the complete Jerusalem complex.
As Paul and Titus entered the grand hall, Titus waved his hand towards the first angel guard, "You may go now."
Immediately the angels disappeared. They passed the urns of anointing oil and ignored them completely as they made their way to the altar preparation room beside the Glory Throne. They immediately laid out the bread and wine, then checked the candlewicks and lamp oils. They prepared just enough for 50 high council members and their three guests.
"Paul?" asked Titus. "Did you feel something unusual about those three?"
"What do you mean, unusual? They're humans. Aren't they all unusual?" he whispered.
"That's what I mean. I felt an extra buzz in my chest when I passed them. I mean, I know we always feel something, and we are together, but it was more than that, something extra."
"I think you're getting paranoid. You shouldn't have eaten that anchovy pizza last night," he laughed, but reflected that he too felt a slight bump in his own Nephilim alarms, but not enough to bother him.
"I think we're both getting a little nervous, jumpy," he spoke frankly.
Only Titus put on his fresh vestments. They both bowed politely at the cross on their altar before they wheeled it out. It wasn't from r
espect but just in case early altar guild ladies were watching.
Just before 10:30 that morning, Hayden, Star, and Riley were escorted into the grand hall. They were struck in awe by its dazzling beauty. A place was reserved for them at the front, but Star looked around for a near exit. She planned to go snooping when Hayden gave the first part of his presentation. She didn't want to leave until she saw Jesus. They were all so nervous about His appearance that they wondered how anyone could ever get used to a job near Him. Their excitement mounted as the high council marched in and sat in their assigned seats. Each of them nodded respectfully at Hayden as he looked back towards them.
The dome above the Glory Throne slowly opened in preparation of Jesus' descent. None of the Jesus Priest replacements had been here when Jesus came before. Paul and Titus had no intention of sticking around any more than they had to. After they rolled out the sacrament cart with all the Eucharist essentials, they scampered breathlessly out into the outer hall near the elevator.
When Jesus descended through the open dome and into his Glory Throne, the light of His appearance flooded the temple sanctuary. It was 15 minutes before the glory of heaven weakened enough to allow any one to look at Him. His appearance drove everyone to their knees with the crush of His holiness and their own humility.
"Please, children, rise and praise my Father and King!" Jesus commanded.
The high council with Hayden, Riley, and Star raised their hands into the air in praise to glorifying the name of Jesus and Father-God. Hayden felt his heart melting in him. Riley couldn't control the overpowering joy of his emotions, and Star felt at home. She felt her angel side pushing her bright stars out from around her contacts, and she thought she heard a choir of angels joining them when they sang Amazing Grace. Her heart felt like it would explode, and she had never felt so much at one with her angelness. It was as if she was meant to be near Jesus, to praise and glorify His name. She yearned for heaven and yearned to join Caleb and her mother. Tears ran down each of their faces while they hugged and embraced each other. When they embraced, the love they felt was more than human, it was all God, all Jesus, all holiness, and all heaven.
Half an hour later, Jesus put his hand out to calm them and bring them to order. He spoke to Hayden first, "My old friend. I thank you for coming to talk to us about human rights. Your wife sends her regards. She is so happy for you and joyously happy being with us. I see you brought your new bride with you." Star nodded, almost bowing at his recognition. She wondered if He knew about her angel side, but she didn't have to guess long.
"Caleb and your mother, Sal, are very proud of you, Star. I'm counting on you," He said, then hesitated and added, "and Day," in a quieter whisper that only she heard.
"Come here, Star," replied Jesus.
Star looked at Hayden, at Riley, at Jesus, and Hayden nodded "okay" with a warm smile. Star approached Jesus with her head bowed slightly. As she neared Him, He kept motioning her nearer. She was finally only a foot away from Him and knelt before Him, overpowered by His glory.
"Stand up, Star," He whispered to her. He continued to speak so quietly others couldn't hear. "Take care of those Jesus Priests, and I'll take care of the abyss. Do you understand?"
"Yes," she replied trembling.
"Take off your contacts for me. I want to see those beautiful stars that Caleb and Sal have made," He whispered as He gently touched Her face and bent over from His throne to kiss her forehead tenderly.
She started crying from His tender touch. It was almost too much for her. She reached up and was shaking so much that she was barely able to remove them. When she did, the glory of her eyes was brighter and greater than she ever felt. She could see their reflection from Jesus' own eyes. Her bright, white stars reflected back the glory of heaven to Him, and he nodded contentedly.
"Just as I thought. Your stars are by far the brightest of any of the angel children I have known. Put them back on and only speak of this between you four. Do you understand?" He asked, seeing her nod "yes" through the tears flowing down her face.
"You knew I had to know about all this, didn't you?" He asked.
"I wasn't sure. I guessed as much," she answered quietly.
"Nothing goes unnoticed. Go with your instincts. You were right, earlier. Those two were the first you'll find. Don't look any further. I'm commanding you and Day to take care of them. Be very careful. You're not an angel. You can be killed. Use everything in your power to take care of them. I'm giving you permission to do that. If necessary, just like Cobrata. Do you understand?" He asked.
She didn't say anything but nodded in agreement while knowing they had already discussed that option. There was a moment of hesitation, then Jesus spoke into her ear as it to emphasize something, "There are six, not five. Judas is using witchcraft to block his thoughts from me. I'm unable to tell you more."
Jesus stood after that and embraced her and held his hand high in the air and shouted, "Glory to the Father! Glory to the King!"
"Go, Star. Take care of this for me," he whispered and sat back down as she went back to her seat.
She turned to Hayden and without a word, except a final whisper, she said to him, "I love you, Hayden. Don't forget that," then walked back down the grand hall into the third floor lobby.
As she got off the elevator, she saw Paul and Titus standing outside talking. They started walking away towards their dorm. Star pulled her phone from her purse and called Day. "Day, there are two leaving the Jesus Temple in red robes. They are two of the ones we're looking for. How do I know? Jesus told me. Yes, I met Him. He's asked for us to take care of this. He said He would take care of the abyss if we would take care of the Jesus Priests. Follow them. I shouldn't have to suggest for you go unseen. Oh, there are six nukes, not five. Jesus told me. Follow them. I'll meet you back at the hotel. Be very careful."
As Paul and Titus left the building, they breathed a sigh of relief. "Doesn't He make you scared out of your wits, Stalin?" Mussolini replied, wiping the sweat from his face.
"You have no idea. I think I lost ten pounds sweating that out. You'd think He could figure us out and blow the whistle on us. After all, He's supposed to be God and the Son all rolled into one. Think He will?" asked Stalin.
"Got me. Doesn't act like it. I guess that proves that Judas is right. He's not God after all. It proves that we can kill Him," he stated, and they both did a high-five in their excitement.
As Star made it to the main level, she saw Bob and stopped him, "Bob, do you happen to know who Barnabas' roommate is? There's only one Barnabas listed here."
"That's a strange question. You doing an article for a paper or something?" he asked cheerfully while feeling quite comfortable and flattered by even being near Star. He was also envious of Hayden.
"What a lucky man," he thought to himself.
"Yes, something like that?" she answered.
"It's this David, right here. See his picture next to his name? That's the priest. Barnabas has been here awhile, but David is new. He's only been here five years."
"Do you happen to know their work schedules? I'd like to interview them for this something I'm doing."
"Sure, I'm the one making up the schedules. They all keep the same schedules for a month at a time. Those priests that came in are on, including Barnabas, David, and one other. I forgot who I put on. Let's see," he said, flipping through stacks of scheduling, and then he opened her book to a picture of Adam. "This guy, Adam?"
"They'll all be here tomorrow because of the crowd expected for your husband's speech."
"Do you have a pen? I'd like to make some notes. It would be nice to be able to meet them all. Are they all stationed at the same place, around the Glory Throne?" she asked.
"No, just Titus, who does get help like today from time to time from Paul. Tomorrow, Paul is assigned to the dome. It's on the roof, right?" he said mockingly.
"Yes, roof, that's up, right?" she played along stupidly as they laughed together.
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br /> "Then Barnabas takes care of closing off the exits to the elevator except for the private one you just came down, except today. He's doing dome duty today. David is responsible for bringing over extra vestments for the afternoon Eucharist. Only the first shift brings theirs with them. David doesn't like that duty, but he's the newest. Gets stuck with silly stuff for a while. Adam brings over the ancient scrolls that Jesus reads from. Jesus reads from the original Dead Sea Scrolls. He brings them over from the biblical archives right across the street."
"Sounds like you have a well-oiled machine," she complimented.
He glowed from her kind words. "I'm glad you think so. It's not often I get such nice things said from such a beautiful woman," he said as he bowed from her kind words.
"Now, now, I'm a married, beautiful woman. You'll find yourself someone, Bob. Not to worry. Around here you could find a regular angel, right?" she taunted and felt that he was trying to be a little too friendly at the moment.
"I already have. An angel, I mean," he smiled and moved closer to her for emphasis.
"Did I tell you that I spoke to Jesus today?" she remarked while noticing it throwing cold water on his imagination. She used his hesitation as an excuse to move away from him and waved at him slightly before getting on the elevator. She saw him staring at her a little too intensely and thought that some people needed to get out more.
She didn't stop at the sanctuary level but kept going to the dome. As the elevator opened, she looked out and around, then saw a priest sitting on a small stool watching Hayden, but unable to hear him. He jumped as if shocked when she appeared through the elevator doors. More Nephilim alarms. Barnabas thought it might be because Paul and Titus were on their way up to visit. When he jumped up, his sleeve of his robe fell back around his elbow, and he self-consciously pulled it quickly over his wrist.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. Oh, you're Hayden's wife, aren't you? I saw you with Jesus a little while ago. If you don't mind me asking, what did He say to you? I can't hear anything up here. I barely see anything since the canopy of the ark covers everything. I saw you walking towards Him. That doesn't happen unless you're invited. You're a lucky person," he rambled.
"He didn't say much. Gave me a blessing and kissed my forehead. You must be Barnabas, right?" she asked as she approached and reached out with her right hand for a handshake to make him use his right hand. It was just enough to see his wrist again, and she purposely didn't let his hand go but just held it to get another close glimpse of the device. She instantly knew what it was. It was too sophisticated to be a watch. She noticed a heart-shaped red signal that let her know it was taking his pulse.
"How did you know who I was?" he asked, skeptically, still feeling his chest buzz warmly from her nearness.
"Oh, you know Bob, the lady killer, Bob? Tell a pretty lady anything, right?" she said and watched him nod knowingly.
"Yeah, got that right. He’s a regular Casanova. They better be glad only the altar guild are women. A woman Jesus Priest wouldn't make it long around that wolf," he laughed in response.
She dropped his hand, and he rubbed his sleeve, purposely pulling it down by its cuff. He was also caught off guard by Star's looks, and the Hayden envy started all over again.
"I just wanted to see the dome. Doing an article for something," she commented.
"Article, huh, like a report or something?" he asked.
"Or something," she replied and turned towards the elevator. "Hey, I like it up here. Mind if I come back and visit again?" she asked as she pushed the elevator button to go back down.
"Oh, sure, I guess, Paul is on duty tomorrow. He'll be pretty busy tomorrow, though. Maybe some other day," he said nervously.
"That's it," thought Star. "Jesus said go with my instincts. It's going to be tomorrow."
While Star was busy with Bob, Day followed Stalin and Mussolini to their rooms. As they entered, she heard Mussolini say, "One more day. I'll be so glad when this is over."
"Hush up, man, will you?" said Stalin while grabbing Mussolini' arm and pulling him into the room.
Day moved unseen in front of their door. She concentrated and moved through their door and stood only inches from Stalin. She pulled back as far as she could against the wall, then purposely meshed into the drywall becoming one with it. They still didn't move and started arguing.
"Listen, I want you to put a cork in it. If you don't stop blabbing like that, I'll kill you in your sleep," replied Stalin.
"Ease up. There's no one around!"
"That might be true, but why are my alarms going off again? I'm telling you that there are more Nephilims around than just us. I can feel it."
"After nine tomorrow morning, I'm going to the airport before anything happens. I'm placing my stuff early. I'm not going to take a chance on missing that plane. If you get the dome done, then join me downstairs. I'm not going to get caught in the holocaust," replied Mussolini emphatically.
"Okay, okay, I'm with you. If Bob sees me leaving too early, he'll know something is up. Imizras and Goliath won't have a problem. Imizras will just stay there and never come over. Goliath will just drive out of the parking garage and disappear. I can pretend I'm sick. That should do it. The dome stays open for ten hours after Jesus arrives, and maintenance closes it, but they won't even be alive by that time. No one will."
"Then, we leave early. Judas will never know. What about the extra one we just got?" asked Mussolini as he looked at the closet door where three nukes were sitting.
"I'll take care of that. I know just where to put it. Let me handle it. It's not tied together like the others are. It's going off no matter," Stalin replied as he patted Mussolini on his shoulder and flung the closet door open, then dragged the nukes out and placed them gingerly on the beds.
Day gasped audibly when she saw them, almost losing her hold on her form. She moved towards the door; and although she was invisible, she couldn't go through it; the sight of the nukes bothered her too much.
"What was that?" asked Mussolini. "Did you hear it? It sounded like someone breathing."
"Be quiet," Stalin whispered.
He moved to the door, and Day moved against the wall. She was still too shaken up to merge with it, and she knew if he moved an inch closer, he would feel her behind him. She prayed for help and noticed that he moved away from her just as he flung the door open. He didn't see anything. She dived between his legs rolling out with a thud on the hall carpet and froze. She was still invisible; but knew, he heard her.
"Did you hear that? Something or someone is out here," Mussolini exclaimed, his voice going up a pitch in panic.
"Yes, I heard it. I heard us freaking out with the door wide open with these on the beds behind us. Are you crazy, man? Get inside! For goodness sakes! We can't afford to lose it now!"
Stalin moved towards him, then pulled the door closed behind them. They stood silently while their arm hairs stood on end.
"What do you think that was all about?" asked Mussolini.
"I think we're both losing it," Stalin replied breathlessly.
Day stayed still for a long time. A cleaning lady was vacuuming the carpets just missed her by inches, and she still didn't move. She was scared to death, but she eventually crawled down near the elevators, slowly opened the stairwell door, and eased herself down until she was at the lower floor. When she got to her hotel room, she reappeared. Star appeared shortly after, hoping that Day had made it back. As she entered, she noticed Day on the bed curled in a fetal position and shaking all over. She knew in an instant that Day was terrified. Star sat next to her and gently stroked her hair. There was a faraway look in Day's eyes that scared her. Day was losing it. Star still didn't say anything for a long time. She thought it best to leave her alone, then changed her mind.
"Had a hard day, Sis?" she asked in a very up voice.
Day's eyes went wide, and she slapped Star solidly across her face. The slap startled Star, and her anger flared, then she realized she
was just on the receiving end of Day therapy.
"I guess not, huh?" she replied flatly, knowing the answer to that one.
"I was trapped in the room with those two, you idiot, with three nuclear bombs," replied Day sarcastically, still in a fetal position, not moving anything but her lips.
"You got out, I see. So what's the problem, girl?" she answered her without inflection.
"You insensitive jerk! I'm risking my life for Jerusalem and the world while you flit around with your new husband, enjoying life. If I make a mistake, I'm dead. I'm dead, and I've spent my whole life without ever being loved. Riley and I have never..."
"I'm sorry, Day. You're right. You're absolutely right. I should have never suggested that you two not get married. I just thought Jerusalem was too important for Riley to lose his chance to serve here, to serve here with you as his new wife, to raise children here, to let him fulfill his dream of wearing those robes and serving Jesus first hand. You should have seen Riley today. He couldn't get enough of Jesus and was so intoxicated by Him. We all were. He wouldn't want it any other way. He really wants it to be the way he's planned all these years—now more than ever."
Her talk was without accusation, but Day knew it was full of truth. She felt her jealousy of Star, the pitifulness of her own fear, and her love for Riley switch places and rearrange themselves in her heart and head.
Day reached out to take Star's hand. "Thanks for not letting him blow it because of me. I just want to live to see it. That's all. Do you understand?"
"Do I understand? Do I understand? I haven't thought about anything else since we got here. I love Hayden, Day. I want a life too. I don't want it to end, either." Day sat up, hugged, and they held to each other for their joint strength that they knew they would need to pull through and the mission off.
"Day, I just thought of something. Didn't Abigail say that Caleb came to visit and gave Young Herod some help from Joseph?" she asked and saw a knowing in Day's eyes that was instantaneous.
"Joseph, we could get his help too?" she asked as they got very excited.
"No, Dad," she stated and watched the unexpected look on Day's face but full of agreement.
"Yes! Dad!" she exclaimed. "But how?"
"I'll be right back. Hayden should just be finishing up. Jesus is still here. Stay here and rest"
“Do it, Star! Get Dad down here to help! Do it!" Day exclaimed, excitedly as they both bounced up and down on the bed holding each other's arms. Star ran towards the temple and did a little twirl through the scanners, then ran for the private elevator.
"Got a fire!" yelled Bob after her.
"Yes, a righteous one!" she yelled back before the elevator closed.
She quietly entered the grand hall and saw Hayden pulling his last page of notes from his manuscript-thick speech. She could tell. She had written, "Praise the Lord" on the back of the last page. She saw her own hand scribbling on it as he picked it up and put it down in front of him. It was difficult for Hayden to use his notes and interact with his audience, especially with Jesus so near. He had a difficult time pulling his eyes away from the Lord and felt the powerful, loving acceptance in His interested gaze.
Jesus saw Star walking to her front seat as Hayden said, "In conclusion."
Jesus motioned for her to come beside him and pointed to the side of His throne. Hayden was mystified by it, but finished his close, bowed, and sat down only to have to stand for a standing ovation from the high council and Jesus.
Star stood beside Jesus, and He took her hand before complimenting Hayden. With his free hand, he gave a blessing over Hayden and audience. He replied in recognition, "Your stand on the new human rights issues are directly in line with the Word of God and those very same issues that I embrace. I don't think that even I could have said it as well. I look forward to your second part tomorrow. Bless you Hayden. Bless you, high council. Hayden, do you mind if I chat with your bride for a minute?" Hayden was a blush with the moment and shook his head with an of-course-not shake.
"Nicodemus, bring me a bowl of water and a towel, will you?" he commanded the chairman of the high council.
"Nicodemus," chuckled Star instinctively.
"You're right, that was the name of that Holy Ghost dog that Sal hung around with. That is funny, isn't it? Let's not tell our Nicodemus, okay?" He replied and laughed Himself this time.
"I think you want me to wash your feet, right? Can I talk while I do?" she asked humbly.
"Oh, no. But, you can talk to me while I wash yours," He said simply and watched her astonished look and almost protesting.
"Don't do a Peter on me, Star?" He rebuked her, and as He got up from His throne, He pulled a little wooden stool from behind it and let her sit in his throne chair while He removed her shoes and socks.
The presence of God was rolling over Star in waves, and she was having trouble remaining conscious it was so overpowering. Her heart was breaking inside. Nicodemus brought the water, basin, and a large towel. Slowly, Jesus washed her feet, saying blessings over her as he did, "I wash your feet in the name of my Father, My name, and the name of the Holy Spirit who flows from Me and the Father. I wash your feet and bless your mind to be clear. I bless your body that you may have more than enough strength to do what needs to be done. I bless your emotions so that you will not fail to remain calm in the midst of the storm. I bless your Nephilim abilities that they will allow you to subdue those who are against the Father and His Son."
When the high council heard Jesus praying over her and say, "Nephilim" their heads popped up, as did Hayden's and Riley's. Hayden wondered what everyone was thinking right now. He knew that Star was being prepared for the task-at-hand. It was like a great coronation for victory—victory over darkness.
As Jesus finished, He put the sign of the cross on her head and stood up before her, then kissed her left eyelid saying, "In the name of the Father," kissed her forehead, "in My name," then kissed her right eyelid, "in the name of the Holy Spirit." Star slumped over into His arms and passed out with a groan. It was just too much for her to take in.
As she came to, she was in Jesus' arms while He waited for her to come around. Jesus shook his head "no," signaling for Hayden and Riley to stay where they were.
When she finally came around, she was looking into Jesus' eyes and asked simply, "Can you send Dad, Caleb, to help us?"
"Well, that's an interesting request. If I send Caleb, I'll have to send Aaron. If I send Aaron, I'll have to send Irish. If I send Irish, I'll have to send Joseph. If I send Joseph, I'll have to send Isaac. However, I have other plans for Joseph and Isaac. At least, Aaron does. They are all quite a team. Actually, I don't want my angels interfering with how my children run their lives during this Reign of Peace. New Jerusalem will see all of you living together with angels and immortals bearing many children between them. Nevertheless, that is for another day. I guess, since we've already helped some, we can continue until this problem is solved. After all, I let Aaron send Joseph to help Young Herod while Caleb, and Irish visited your mother recently. Go back to Day's room. Caleb will be there shortly with Aaron and Irish following. The rest will be available as Aaron requires. Take this towel that I have dried your feet with. It contains great power and comfort from Me handling it. Give it to Day. Have her rest with it. She will be strong because of it. She will not fail you. Neither of you will fail," He said as He pulled her to her feet with her knees buckling under a little. Hayden and Riley ran to help when they saw Jesus do an "okay" nod.
Jesus spoke to Hayden, "Tomorrow is a great day. Prepare yourself as they who prepare for battle. Sanctify yourselves and each other for the task-at-hand. Do you understand?"
Hayden nodded. They were to keep a vigil of intercession. They were to honor God with fasting and prayer. This wasn't to be a first honeymoon as they expected it might be. It was war, spiritual war against the dark places. Nothing was to distract them from this state of holiness and readiness.
Hayden and Ril
ey gently helped Star from the Jesus Temple. The more she walked with them, the stronger she got. There was a glow about her, a glow that said she had been with Jesus. It seemed to flow from her, and Hayden noticed her star eyes bursting forth from around her contacts again. He knew everyone else noticed. They had heard, 'Nephilim' and now her eyes. It wasn't hard to put the two together.
Nicodemus stopped them before they got on the elevator and whispered, "We are honored by your presence, Star. Star, she who is born of angel and man. We know something is going on that requires that you be here. We will be praying for its success, whatever it is. Hayden, thank you for bringing Star among us."
Hayden stopped and looked knowingly at Nicodemus, "Star and Day, Nicodemus. They are both here. Almost all Nephilims are twins," he said, winking at him. Nicodemus nodded, smiled, and knew that whatever trouble there was, two Nephilims like Star were certainly better than one.
Star turned to Hayden and Riley and asked firmly, "Jesus has sent us some help. I want to visit with Day for a while by myself. Hayden, I am so full of the presence of God that I can barely contain it. Jesus is sending Caleb and his friends to help. We will succeed, guys. I promise." She reached up and kissed Hayden passionately on his lips then held herself to him in front of their room. Hayden felt the power of God sweep over him. He couldn't deny it. He understood the scriptures that spoke about the apostles when a city said, "These men have been with Jesus," so had Star.
After Star went into the room, Hayden and Riley hugged each other, being swept away by the emotion of all this. Hayden finally spoke, "Let's go back to my room and seek God for this like Jesus asked."
Riley commented back, "No doubt. No doubt."
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