“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
As Mike plummeted downward, it appeared to all that Vulpine was the victor. But suddenly Theos appeared! He had broken loose and those chains that bound him now dangled from His wrists and ankles. With His feet spread wide apart and firmly planted on the ground, He formed his mighty arms into a cradled position, preparing to catch Mike. The entire stadium gasped. Could He do it? Could he break the fall of this giant? Then as one, the crowd let out a thunderous sigh of relief. Mike landed directly in Theos’ arms. He held him firmly for a moment and then gently laid him down on the ground. What a spectacular rescue! A thunderous cheer rang out from those watching.
Although Allen not realize it, he would later learn that he had been watching a battle for the souls of humans on earth.
Suddenly the loud cheers stopped and an eerie silence invaded the atmosphere. All eyes were riveted on Theos, who had ascended the platform in the center of the stadium, and on Vulpine, who now hung motionless in mid air.
The Sovereign One and the rebel’s eyes locked as they stared at each other. Then, reluctantly, Vulpine slowly descended and stood with downcast eyes in front of Theos. As Vulpine knelt in front of Theos, the warriors from both sides were rigid with shock. Total silence engulfed the whole place.
“Ahhhhhhhh,” Mike managed a low groan as his body lay helpless and stationary on the ground.
Allen felt angry and wanted to wipe that sinister smirk off Vulpine’s face. “He’s not fooling me, bowing before Theos. He’s the epitome of evil!”
Theos bent tenderly over Mike. “Arise!” His voice resounded throughout the whole stadium like a peal of thunder.
Mike began to stir and he rolled slowly over on his back, opened his eyes, and met those of Theos. It almost seemed like a beam of light surged from His eyes and crept along the ground until it spilled over Mike’s whole body.
Instantly Mike stood to his feet, completely whole—no twisted body, no limp limbs or signs of the battle!
A roar of applause swept through the stadium accompanied by Allen’s usual response, “Wow!”
Theos bent down and whispered in Mike’s ear. “Go!”
Mike and the host of kingdom protectors began to bring together the great swarm of rebel creatures who had sided with Vulpine in the overthrow attempt. There was no resistance even though there were so many of them. They completely covered the center of the stadium grounds. They were defeated creatures, cowering in fear of what was coming.
Allen became conscious of Gabe’s presence beside him. “I’m glad you’re here,” Allen whispered. “I was afraid Mike wasn’t going to make it. To be honest, I’m a little worried it’s not over yet.”
After a short pause, a look of importance flashed across Gabe’s face. “Watch very carefully. This experience will impact you and those living in your world.”
“This is serious business; I better not miss what Gabe wants me to see.” Allen pressed his lips together as he watched. How could he not give his full attention when the whole atmosphere was charged with electric wonder? He stood mesmerized as the apprehended rebels were bound in chains and their earrings were removed.
As Theos raised his hand, a hush fell over the crowd. Just His presence in this situation caused many to tremble because nothing like this had ever happened before. What would be the penalty? Would he annihilate Vulpine and his followers? He had the power to do that. Everyone held their breath.
Then Theos began to speak in a voice like the sound of thunder that created waves of sound that could be not only heard, but seen as well—like the waves on a beach as they roll onto the shore. Everyone heard Him clearly and distinctly.
“Vulpine, what have you done?” Theos’ eyes narrowed. He leaned in closer. “I trusted you with great favor and gave you untold wisdom, power, and authority. No other subject in the whole kingdom equaled you.”
Vulpine whimpered. “But— but—”
Theos waved his hand in front of the traitor’s face. “I told you at your beginning that along with your responsibility, I expected loyalty, and above all obedience. You swore to that. And I told you if for any reason you rejected the conditions set forth and agreed upon, you would experience the consequences.”
Vulpine opened his mouth to argue but then snapped it shut like a trap. He realized it was no use.
Sadly, Theos continued, “You have always known I am wise above all others, all powerful, compassionate, and caring. Everything I do in the kingdom is for the highest good of those who reside here, and I chose you and equipped you to lead by example. Therefore, because of your violation of the kingdom and its one law, I am casting you and your followers out to a region newly prepared for you where you can practice your own pride along with those of like mind. You will never again rule in the Kingdom of Light.”
Theos paused for a moment. It seemed to Allen that the expression on Theos’ face showed sadness and a sense of betrayal. Theos’ voice rang out as He waved his arm and proclaimed, “Away!”
Vulpine and his followers recoiled and withered. Changing in moments from the huge powerful creatures they had been, they shrank smaller and smaller to a height of about three or four feet.
Allen gasped, “They’re smaller than me!”
Not only did the traitors change shape, but long claws grew in place of their hands, and they became darker and darker. The creatures’ color continued to change until they were black all over their bodies. Even their robes and hoods were now pitch black. Blazing red eyes peered out from under their black hoods.
Strangely, in Allen’s opinion, Vulpine didn’t change very much. He was still huge and his robe still had a golden hue, although it had lost much of its brilliance. He no longer had his weapon, and his earring was gone.
In contrast, Mike was now dressed in fresh stately attire, again in command of his loyal legion. Broad smiles spread across the spectators’ faces when they looked at Mike.
Theos’ voice thundered over the stadium again, “Go!”
Mike drew his weapon, mounted to the air, and motioned toward the defeated rebels to follow him. Theos raised His arm and pointed off toward the horizon. The great army of kingdom guards surrounded the multitude of rebels on all sides as they arose in unison and began their journey to banishment in another realm. The noise of their wings created a great rumble and a sound like a gigantic moaning, a lament radiating throughout the whole kingdom. Moving off into the distance, they created a great dark, foreboding mass that looked like a massive storm cloud.
Allen blinked twice and gasped, “The Dark Region! It reflects the creatures that live there.” Suddenly he recognized what he had seen off in the distance when he had approached the city earlier with Mike.
A harmonious shout arose from the remaining inhabitants of the kingdom that remained in the arena. “Praise be to Theos!” The crowd’s voices were full of gratitude for Theos’ wisdom and discernment. They admired His just verdict in handling the rebellion, but most in the crowd did not notice the deep sadness Theos experienced as His formerly great creatures met with their consequences.
Allen tried to collect his thoughts. His lips moved as he joined the cheer. “Praise be to Theos!” Allen realized that because of Theos’ righteous judgment, the wonderment of living in this realm could continue. The giant choir sang songs of praise and rejoicing as the orchestra joined them in celebration. The entire city was rejoicing and making merry. The kingdom was safe again.