Justin
19 September 2015
Soon. Very soon. He saw the volcano’s glowing halo, and knew that his power was growing. Soon he’d be brighter than a thousand suns.
The faithful few were chanting. Their faces shone, reflecting his radiant divinity. They were beyond happiness. They chanted and clapped and laughed as Liam steered the boat into the deepest part of the lake and stopped the engine.
In the last seconds of the world, Matariki waltzed in a gentle swell. The chant had ended. Poor old Liam was wiping away a stream of tears as he peered out of the cockpit. His squinting eye had turned inwards, as though it wanted to hide. He was frightened, but he would carry out his final duty. It was Liam who would ignite the fiery cloud of glory. He was watching for the signal they’d arranged: the moment when Justin closed his eyes and stretched his arms towards the sun.
‘You’ve passed the test,’ Justin told the faithful few. ‘Today the earth will know the hell of Armageddon, but you and I will feast in paradise.’
A buzzing little boat. A buzzing little voice, trying to get his attention. Some of his disciples glanced towards the sound. There had been police on the quay in Wellington when all of this began, and they were here at the end. Irrelevant, both times.
‘Ignore them,’ cried Justin. ‘Face the mountain. Look into the sunrise—here come the Host!’
With a roar, heaven came billowing over the lip of the world. Dazzling fire hurtled across the water, like an arrow from a bow, straight into his eyes. It was a pointer. It was marking him out.
And then Messenger was back, yelling a joyous greeting as he led his army to earth. They flew in shining squadrons, filling the valley with the power and glory of their singing. They were made of white light, blindingly bright, pieces of the sun. Justin felt love like a swollen river, lifting him up and carrying him in a tide of shining gold. His life had come full circle.
His shout of triumph was carried on the wind. It marked the end of this world, and the beginning of life everlasting.
‘It has begun!’ he cried.
He closed his eyes. He stretched his arms towards the rising sun.