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Post by Judas on Apr 28, 2016 1:02:29 GMT
The place was swirling with auroral lights that could be mistaken as the real thing. However, they were all fabricated bits of data, at first glance, by Chaldea. This virtual space was certainly breathtaking. That was the opinion of the person standing at the middle of said area. He stood there with eyes closed. As if he was in a trance but his focus does not dwell deep within the spirit world. At this moment, he is current recalling something from the past.
Judas Iscariot had an appointment which was why he was waiting here. While his quarters or the mess hall would have been a better place, Judas had personal issues on them. For the quarters, he cannot standing being in the same room, or quarters!, with a woman. Second, the mess hall would be too public of a place for a private conversation between acquaintances. Therefore, this place was the only good place he could find.
This wouldn't have happened if she wasn't summoned. He clicked his tongue due to irritation. He never anticipated such an event happening. After all, relics from his time were quite rare, especially since the Romans tend to burn things related to his friend. It was surprising for her to be called her. Most of all, he never expected her to look for him. But still, it was quite fortunate she was the one summoned. If it was that Apostle, Judas would have committed murder already.
With that said, Judas opened his eyes and spoke, addressing the person who just came.
"Why were you looking for me, Martha?" |
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Post by Saint Martha on Apr 30, 2016 6:27:47 GMT
Martha reaches the virtual generation room on the time they agreed upon. Of all the people she had expected to meet...well, perhaps he was the most likely. The one who shouldered the blame for Yeshua's death, the one forced to make an impossible choice, and suffered unending condemnation for it. The only one she might have imagined seeing...no. That would be impossible. The Son of Man would likely have been too divine to fit within a Servant container. Even thinking on it needed to be excused, and she made a silent prayer for the misstep of the mind.
Seeing him, she could feel a slight twinge of frustration, one that she very easily mistook to be coming from his absolutely rude remark. "Why, because we are friends, aren't we?" She very much wanted to tell him off, but the patience required for her role, the patience of a saint, would not let her. Something as simple as that wouldn't cause her to lose her cool...as much as he might have deserved it.
She sighs. "I...cannot deny that I have questions to ask you..." She smiles. Of course she would. That was for granted. Judah had always been the mysterious member of Yeshua's group. The antisocial one. The one who would sit at the end of the table, the last to sit down and the first to leave...immediately she was thinking of simpler times. Mentally shaking that off, she continues. "But I think it's well worth letting you know how happy I am to see you again.
Sighing, she turns around, examining the breadth of sights the Virtual Space had. "You did choose a lovely place for this reunion...but couldn't we have just met in my quarters like I had suggested? This feels so...grandiose. I've always found the simple things in life to be the loveliest."
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Post by Judas on May 1, 2016 7:42:41 GMT
Annoying. That was the word that kept on running all over his mind the moment he saw Martha. As he stood there with his arms crossed, he glared at Martha who just entered the virtual space. He was eyeing her and was waiting for her response to her question. Just like during that time, she held back herself and tried to compose herself. Yet, once this calmness erupted, it was as if hell had been loosed. That was not an exaggeration. Since that time, Judas had called her, "psycho girl". While that may seem to be a very bad brand of image, another Saint from the Apostles had it worse from Judas.
Surprisingly, Martha had questioned why Judas had chosen this place as the location of the meeting. Personally, Judas would rather be in a private place to have a secure conversation. Though a room would definitely provide that, just imagining being alone inside a room with a woman was just terrifying. That was definitely a no question for Judas. However, this place was no different on regards to being alone with a woman though it seemed Judas was aware of it. Then, why choose this location in the first place?
Regarding Martha's reason to why she wanted to meet with him, it was an expected reason. Of all the people he knew, at least, she was one of the least annoying. Out of the Apostles, there had to be no one he'd want to meet. Else,probably the newbie who replaced him...but still. At least, Martha wasn't that bad.
"Questions, huh? If it's about the silver coins and the Kiss, then go read a History Book."
Judas threw a mischievous grin and a sarcastic response towards Martha.
"Or better yet, how about read the New Testament written by those imbeciles."
He snarled while averting his eyes from Martha and looking at the wide space. Those last words were seem to directed to someone else...and it doesn't seem to be just one person. |
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Post by Saint Martha on May 2, 2016 2:22:34 GMT
The brusque way that Iscariot threw her questions off made Martha take a second to keep her composure. Why would he do that? He had no reason to act hurtfully towards her in that way. Disparaging the Apostles was one thing...it was clear that they acted maliciously out of their dislike for him in conducting the tragic choice he had to make. She sighs, walking around and getting in his face, preventing him from simply looking away.
"That's not good enough, and you know it. Judah, we both know how things occurred. There was a reason I traveled all the way to Gaul. While it was Yeshua's direction to me from heaven...I also couldn't see eye to eye with Simon. So, while I wish you could find it in your heart to forgive them of their foolishness, as Yeshua forgave you...I also find it rather hurtful to be treated this way personally. I did think we were friends."
Sighing, she makes sure to build the requisite amount of patience to continue. "While it is true I could read a history text, or read the Apostle's accounts of what had occurred, that doesn't tell me what I want to know. Facts are no mystery to Heroic Spirits, especially in this place, what I am interested in is feelings. I have received your opinion on the others, which was something I did wish to ask. But so much else is left unanswered. Why did you commit suicide with the others, when you could have helped the Church? Why did you even continue to try to defy Rome when Yeshua advocated a gentler path? I want to understand you, Judah. I thought I knew you enough before, but frankly, you seem like an entirely different person in many respects."
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Post by Judas on May 2, 2016 11:57:58 GMT
"You don't know anything, Martha."That was Judas quickly remarked after hearing Martha's words. While she was correct that there had to be no reason for Judas to treat Martha without difference from the Apostles he scorned until death, Judas knew why she hated Martha as well. Apart from being a contemporary of their time, Martha was, without a doubt, a true follower of that person's words. If it goes without saying, Martha would have been a member of the Apostles had there not been such derogatory views on women during their time. However, that was not the sole reason. It was that Martha proved herself as someone befitting of the title Saint and that irked Judas, not out of envy, but spite. "We were never friends. There was no such thing as a friend among us." Judas answered while looking somewhere far away. There was anger in that tone but at the same time sorrow as well. However, that was both the truth and the lie. Only that person was whom he considered a friend. But, that was not the only thing Martha had wanted to know. There were many she asked and stated. Questions unanswered and fabricated by those impetuous Apostles had truly made the true events happened then appear as if it had truly succeeded in accomplishing the prophecy. In fact, the Apostles, only Judas knew, what they supposed to be and even that was something he will never say. Even so, these questions given to him were surprising, quantity wise. "I do not like answering that many questions. However, I do believe action speaks louder than words."Judas said to Martha as he pulled two knives from his sleeves. Their length was from his wrist to his elbow and the way it was designed was as if it was a claw taken from hell itself. "I sacrificed his life for the benefit of my ideals."I want to become a man of justice for the oppressed in this world without god.
Somewhere in his heart, words of a youthful voice echoed. Ignoring it with a glare, though directed at the woman before him, it was for himself while being reflected in his dichromatic eyes.
"We failed because we were simply a step behind and we killed ourselves in order to escape punishment. Do you not believe this, Saint? Do you not believe a devil has killed the savior!? Do you not believe of Judas Iscariot!? "He said these words with full confidence yet a tear fell from his golden eye which symbolized the salvation he had tried to reach . But a whisper breezed into his ears. It was a voice from the past and that voice that spoke of the star that went astray. And the star that will fall from the constellation of the kingdom, in order for the remaining to come into completion.
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Post by Saint Martha on May 2, 2016 17:25:29 GMT
His words stung. Martha couldn't, and shouldn't, deny that. However, one of Yeshua's most basic teachings had been to turn the other cheek when struck. That was all that allowed her to keep from manifesting her staff and cracking him over the head for saying that. "I see, Judah. While I have difficulty believing that is how you truly feel, I will accept it." She was not someone considered a friend by him, despite having opened her doors happily to him, letting him eat at the table. Perhaps he had a much stricter version of what a friend was than her.
Her eyes widen as he draws the knives with a chilling statement that answers speak louder than words. Did he intend to try and stab her? Attempts to push her away were something she expected from Iscariot...but outright murder? That was beyond the pale. Despite him being the class Assassin, despite being reviled as a traitor...she knew that deep inside he was a good person, and that slight tug on her mind to treat him otherwise was easily ignored. He was difficult...but he had always been difficult.
"And what were those ideals, Judah? From what I recall, you were asked to take the part you did. Yeshua himself recommended you play along...and thus fulfilling His prophecy. I merely regret that after being given this grace as you did by Him, you continued to follow that destructive bent to your death." It was the truth. It was something that the devout followers of Yeshua were aware of...and the fact that the Apostles falsely recorded Iscariot's involvement in it like that was something she found shocking in someone who professed a deep fellowship with the Messiah. "It was not him you sacrificed, but yourself."
Those last words, though...there was a limit to the patience of a saint. When an adherent strayed so far, that discipline was required, Martha found it impossible to retain the composure required of her. Manifesting her staff, she brings it down on Judah's head...not enough to cause dangerous injury, but enough for him to -feel- it. "I believe in Judah Iscariot, you dumbass! You're damn well right I don't think you're a devil! Not just think, I know you aint! I...I.." With that momentary outburst, she manages to work off enough steam to come back together, rather embarrassed as to what occurred. "I'm very sorry. However, you cannot deny that. Yeshua had the utmost faith in you, and you were willing to do the work no one else among the Apostles would accept. It is painful for me to think you treat yourself like a devil...even more than it was to hear that you did not think of me as a friend."
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Post by Judas on May 3, 2016 14:54:25 GMT
Judas was left speechless after getting smacked on the head by Martha's cross staff. While it wasn't painful, it still made Judas come to reality by glaring at Martha afterwards. She was giving him the -lecture-, something he never thought she'd do. It was very different from the time he spent with the revolutionists in the order. What he recalled was something his friend did as well, though not head smacking. It was a way to open his eyes. But, even with that, his heart will definitely not try to open itself. "Ideals...my ideal of salvation. The light that I chased and the hope that I had embraced. Those were my ideals that I wanted to fulfill along with his'."He said with a stern voice while glaring at Martha who was arms length from him. The two knives he held already disappeared. He no longer had any interest of trying to fight. However, that doesn't mean all animosity had disappeared. After all, this person was neither his friend or enemy, but she was someone whom he considered a hindrance of what to come. Will she agree with what he wants? Probably not since this person too was chosen by Chaldea. "I was there with the stars that shone in the great horizon of twilight."He whispered as an answer to Martha's reaction to declaring himself as the devil. It was an indirect answer but it contained substance if emotions were dug deep within the void of Iscariot's heart. Judas opened his mouth with eyes closed and recited a solemn prayer. "I am the harbinger of the kingdom.
Red was my color and so was my life.
Blood tainted my light thus it came to blight.
My horn was raised, my wrath has been kindled.
My star has passed by, my heart became stronger.
The left eye of salvation, the right eye of damnation!
As I pray, Project, Kerioth Hakeldama!"
Everything turned red. Blood filled the virtual space where they were. Slowly but surely, the magnificent place was being engulfed by the sinister song of the greatest traitor. As this event occurred, Judas looked at Martha with empty eyes. The left eye with a red tear flowing from it, blood as red as his hair, and his right eye with a white tear, as pure as the light. He addressed her with a monotonous voice without any emotion. "Saint Martha, tamer of Tarasque. Do you want to see the Kingdom Yeshua has promised for me?"
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Post by Saint Martha on May 4, 2016 4:07:22 GMT
Her patience was once more put to the test, as he talked much but said little. This was another aspect of Judas she had gotten used to in her experience with the man. "Yes, but what were your ideals?" While she was slightly relieved as his weapons were no longer present, she found it odd to follow him. "The stars that shone...what? I don't follow you Judah, please!"
Everything was odd...and only got odder as she felt a surge of magical energy in the room. His cryptic words had a different ring than what came before...was this magic? But Judas was no spellcaster, she knew that. As the words came nearer and nearer to their point of climax, she knew something was wrong, was very wrong. Wrong in a way she had never seen. Wrong in a way that Yeshua only spoke briefly about. Wrong in a way that could not be.
As the activation was completed, Martha found the world tinged red, slowly infused with something that could be adequately described as "hellish." What was worse, somehow, was the way that Judas looked at her. His eyes lacked light. They seemed the eyes of a corpse rather than the eyes of a friend...even if he wasn't willing to admit that. She felt fear for the man's life. "Judah, are you alright?! Please, dispel the magic! Stop!" However, that fear vanishes when he speaks...replaced by anger, without any reservation.
"...The kingdom Yeshua promised you? It had -damn- well better not be what I'm seeing! It had better not be this red hell you're making! You know as well as everyone that what Yeshua promised was -not damn well fucking this-!" She walks up, slapping him on the face, and withdrawing her staff as well. "Do it! Show me the kingdom Yeshua promised you! Show me the light of heaven, in company with God in the highest! If it's anything less, you either forgot most every word he said, or your words are a worse betrayal than anything Simon could have lied about!"
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Post by Judas on May 4, 2016 14:03:09 GMT
 The world turned into hell. It wasn't the infernal kingdom said in the holy texts called the Bible. It wasn't the purgatory mentioned in Dan Brown's classic. It was a different world but hell was the most appropriate term for it for one who would see and be in it for the first time. But in truth, it wasn't exactly that place where sinners arrive at. Kerioth Hakeldama: "Blood Field, World of Damnation", a Reality Marble materialized from All Hatred in the World and Blood spilled during and after Christ's crucifixion and death and the rejection of Salvation. The "Field of Blood" infamous for being the graveyard of Judas Iscariot. It's damnation itself.
"Even with the words I said, you can't even under---"
Before he could finish his sentence, the slap stopped him from doing so. However, Judas did not show any reaction to the slap. It was as if a lifeless person was slapped to check if it was alive or not. He slowly tuned his head to Martha who faced him with anger and fierceness. This was what he meant before as 'psycho-girl'. This person would change into this side when she gets so pissed off. Judas probably knew he really pissed her off.
"This is it Martha. This is my world. Can't you heart it? The screams. The agony. The cries. The laughter. Every possible torment and sin echoes here. Not because I did them, because I never did. But, the world saw me as one of the greatest sinners, no. I may be that man after all if not for Cain's first murder. The Greatest Traitor, the demon of the twelve...those were my names. As a result, for all eternity, this became my world."
Judas said to Martha with a low tone. The echoes of torment and damnation vibrated across the Reality Marble. Had Martha did not receive any Divinity from Christ, she would have died due to this Noble Phantasm, however, the circumstances of the Virtual Space also would negate that from happening. Still, negligence or intended, Judas did not turn off the "evaporation through damnation" of the Noble Phantasm.
And then, Judas laughed. He laughed madly like how he always did (see how Lelouch laughs).
"Did you know what Yeshua said to me before that fateful day? I assume you do not. Very well, from my mouth, word per word. I shall tell it to you."
As he declared this to Martha, the blood beneath their feet resonated. It showed a glimpse of the past but a mere fraction of it. It wasn't clear but Martha would recognize the person reflected by the blood world. It was only an image of that person during that fateful night. And with Judas acting as that person's voice, it said:
"Step away from the others and I shall tell you the mysteries of the kingdom. It is possible for you to reach it, but you will grieve a great deal. For someone else will replace you, in order that the twelve disciples may again come to completion with God."
Judas never hated that person. He admired, loved and followed him. Their meeting saved his lost soul yet his star still went out of orbit. Still, that light and hope pushed him forward. Even with that sacrifice, if it was for salvation, for freedom, for prosperity, then he will, even if the world would come to hate him forever, he will do it. But...but, was he betrayed? Betrayed by that person? NO NO. That can't be. He still believed in that person. He still believes in salvation. With conflicting thoughts and feelings, even without telling them to the Saint before him, rang across the blood world as hot emotions of discord.
Surely, even her, could feel that.
(Note* The line for Jesus I used was taken from the Gospel of Judas (the apocryphal/gnostic text)
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Post by Saint Martha on May 4, 2016 18:56:17 GMT
As the world solidified in all it's vile, disgusting glory, Martha couldn't stop the boiling in her own blood. She wasn't sure if it was anger at him, or general anger that events would make this come to pass. It was likely interconnected. He never spoke of this turmoil to anyone. He never tried to get close to any of the other Twelve or those beyond that. This was so -like him- that it pissed her off and couldn't let her calm down, couldn't let her be the Saint she needed to be. His explanation of the world they were in should have furthered that...and yet, for some other reason, it had a calming effect.
"...Excuse me." Glancing around the decaying red world, she sighs. "It seems Simon has more to answer for than I even knew. If the effect his careless of malicious words had was to this extent..." She frowns. "That still doesn't explain you blaming Yeshua for this. The Kingdom is open to all, Jew, Gentile, Saints and Sinners alike." Softening, she walks up closer to him. "Please, tell me you did not forget that. The salvation he taught is extended to everyone, even those who feel themselves far from his light."
His laugh cut right into her attempt to reach him, and it stung as surely as if it had been cold steel. All this felt...wrong. What he said Jesus had told him. "I...cannot speak for whether or not Yeshua would say that. It does not sound like him. Your soul can and should reach salvation without grief, without suffering. I believe you when you say you did not betray him, that you say you did not commit the sins of this place. So why is it here? Is the hatred of others truly so potent?"
The world seemed to shift suddenly, before she focused on him. Is the world...reacting to him? "Judah...For once, please, can you try to be straightforward? If you still believe in Yeshua, then remember that he would not change. That he and the Father stand as a rock for us all. Don't question if he betrayed you to this fate...this world. He would not. He always stood for making our lives better, happier. While things were not always happy, you know as well as I. He would never abandon you. Never sacrifice you, never forget you. He was our great friend...and just like he was, I would like to be your friend as well."
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