"What a romantic scene! I`ve almost melted away." Asrael sneers.
"Then why am I not scared to finish what we started? What I started, you
didn`t start it."
He mocks Jesus, who shoots him a glance of pure hatred. "Let`s finish this."
"Don`t worry, brother, we will."
"Asrael, please wait." Judas detaches from Olivia and steps towards Asrael.
Asrael turns to him slowly raising an eyebrow. "Why should I?"
"Because,..." Judas swallows hard. "It`s not right. We don`t even have a cross, and since you want to finish it properly...."
"I don`t mind." Asrael waves dismissively. "We have to be content with what we have; Simon`s knife will be enough." He gestures at Simon, who stares surprised at the knife in his hand. "Would you be so kind?"
"But," Judas continues, and Asrael turns to him again, rolling his eyes.
"You know what, Judas? If I didn`t know you better, I`d say, you try to play for time. Time that is running short for some of us." He shoots Olivia a meaningful glance. "So what is it?"
Judas taughtens his shoulders. "We should finish it really properly, Asrael."
"Yes?" he tilts his head and looks attentively at Judas.
"Don`t you think you should finish this in your human form?"
A surprised smile flies across Asrael`s face and he nodds appreciatingly at Judas. "That`s an excellent idea. I`m glad to see you`ve developed some sense for dramatics at last. There`s hope for you yet."
"Human form? What does that mean?" Olivia stares questioningly at Judas, who squeezes her hand softly without turning his gaze from Asrael`s face.
Suddenly Asrael grows bigger, his long brown hair disappears, and his transparent brown eyes turn into glassy blue.
"Oh my God!" Olivia gasps.
Jesus jumps to his feet. "Annas! I should have known!" he flares furiously at the bald man, who`s sneering at him.
"Yes, it`s me. So," his tone gets businesslike. "Now that we all know who we are, could we maybe get this done?" he looks at Judas. "Any more objections?"
When Judas shakes his head silently, he turns to his blonde assistant. "Simon, it`s your turn."
Simon stares at Annas surprise shining in his dazzling blue eyes. "My turn?" he echoes.
Annas throws his arms into the air sighing deeply. "Yes, your turn. Come on, do it." He demands urgently.
"What? How? Me?" Simon stammers, taking some steps backwards.
"Of course you. You`re my messiah, did you forget?"
"No, but..." Simon looks to Jesus and back to Annas. "I don`t know, if I can do that, Annas." He gulps.
"You better find out very soon." Asrael sais coldly. "Or shall I l choose another messenger?"
"No, no." Simon affirms hastily.
"Then do it."
"Okay." Simon inhales a sharp breath and steps towards Jesus.
"You don´t have to do this, Simon." Jesus sais with soft voice. "Don`t let him make you his accomplice."
"Plunge this bloody knife into his damned martyr`s body, for Gods sake!" Annas roars uncontrolled, his face contorted to a grimace of fury.
Simon stares with round eyes at Annas, then he turns to Jesus. "I`m sorry." He whiqpers.
He makes another step towards Jesus, a determined expression on his face, raises the knife, and quickly throws it through the air. "Hey, Judas, catch!"
Judas jumps catching the knife in the air, before Annas has a chance to react, and quickly cuts the highpriest`s throat. An expression of utmost surprise on his face Annas sinks down to the ground, staring unbelievingly at the audience.
"Mom?"
And while the last sign of life leaves the highpriest`s body, Luzi cries loudly, hiding her head at God`s shoulder. "It`s the hardest thing to sacrifice your own son, but you had no other choice." He whispers caressing her hair.
"Oh my God," Olivia groans. "That`s, he`s, is he dead?"
"I should think so. It was an amazingly precise cut." Simon raises one surprised eyebrow, as he looks appreciatingly at Judas.
"So it`s over?" Olivia looks fearfully up at Judas, who smiles warmly at her and caresses her cheeks tenderly.
"Yes, it`s over." With a relieved sigh he leans in, his lips touching hers softly.
"I wouldn`t bet on it." A cold voice sais, and startled all swing round.
"What? But how?" Judas stares thunderstrucked at the figure, who slowly gets up from the floor and smoothes his clothes.
"That wasn`t nice." Asrael runs his fingers through his thick brown hair down to his throat. "It`s still sore."
"How on earth is that possible? You were dead!" Olivia manages to get out.
Asrael slowly walks towards her. "Well, Annas is dead, and he`ll stay dead. But I`m immortal." A malicious smile appears on his face. "Something that can`t be said about you." He extends his hands and is just about to touch her throat, when Judas slaps his hand with all his might.
Slowly Asrael turns to him, his eyes narrowed to slits. "You know what? My patience is fading - very fast." He steps menacingly closer to him, when a hearty yawn causes him to swing round.
"That`s so boring, Asrael!" Jesus rolls his eyes. "Can we please leave these silly games behind?"
"Boring?" Asrael hurries over to Jesus, his eyes glittering evilly. "Then we should keep you entertained, shouldn`t we?"
"Bla, bla, bla, is all I hear" Jesus shrugs and turns away.
"Look at me!" Asrael barks.
"You`re not a particular pleasant sight, especially with all that foam before your mouth." Jesus shrugs and continues walking away.
Asrael graps his shoulder and swings him round.
"And what are you gonna do now?" Jesus asks a bored tone in his voice.
"What I planned to do: I`ll kill you."
"mmh, yes, I see." Jesus nodds. "But how? Your little I-can-freeze-humans- to-death-just-by-the-touch-of-my-fingertips-tricks don`t work with me, and Judas has still the knife." He smiles patronizingly. "I think you`ve lost."
An unpleasant smile glides over Asrael`s face. "Not yet, dear brother, not yet. The play hasn`t been finished yet."
"But Judas killed you, I mean Annas." Olivia throws in.
"And if this was a comedy, it would suffice." Asrael sais slyly. "But this is a tragedy. You know what that means."
Paling Olivia takes a step backwards, receiving a sarcastical smirk. "Ah, I see, we have an expert here. Would you please explain to them?" he nodds towards Judas, Simon and Jesus, who exchange confused glances.
"Well," Olivia clears her throat. "It´s typical for a tragedy that the hero sacrifices something."
"A really nice way to put it." Asrael chuckles quietly.
"Actually," he turns serious. "the hero or someone who`s close to him dies." He spreads his arms. "Isn`t it great? Whatever happens, I cannot lose. Whoever of you will die, will change history. Cause as I`ve explained to Judas, if someone`s soul dies, the memory of him will be erased from history, what makes his life void, actually it`s as if he never existed. If Jesus dies, his message, the redemption of humanity will be undone. If Simon or Judas die, the memory of them will disappear, and it was Simon`s blind aggression, Judas` betrayal, that made Jesus` martyr-death seem noble, adorable. Without them he would have been just an unimportant leader of some sect. Every hero is just as good as his antagonists are. So you see, you`ve already lost, and worse I can wait, but Olivia`s time`s almost through. And if you don`t want to let her die through your fault, you better choose fast who of you is gonna die. Who wants to be the one? Jesus? Judas? Simon?"
Silence spreads, then Judas steps forwards. "I will."
"Ah good." Asrael smiles widely. "I so hoped it would be you. Will you give me that knife or do you want to do it yourself? You`re used to it after all."
Judas grips the knife more firmly, holds it a few inches from his body away and is stopped by an arm clutching his tightly. "No." Olivia sais imploringly.
"Olivia, you heard it, we have no other choice." Judas smiles sadly at her and runs a finger along her cheek. "Your time is running out."
"No." Olivia repeats more firmly, a little smile stealing onto her lips. "Don`t let him fool you."
"Fool me? What do you mean?" Judas looks questioningly at her.
With a sigh Olivia turns to Asrael. "You think you`ve already won?"
Raising an eyebrow Asrael eyes her suspiciously. "Of course I have."
"No, you haven`t." Olivia smiles selfcontent. "There`s someone who can die without changing history. Someone who hasn`t been there with you in Jerusalem."
"No!" Jesus`s the first to understand. "No, Olivia, that`s not one of the options."
"It`s the only one." Olivia replies quietly.
Judas looks confused from her to Jesus and back again. "What does he mean?"
Olivia smiles at him. "I, I have to die."
Judas eyes widen with shock, then he drags her into his arms, embracing her so tightly as if he wanted to never let her go. "No, no, I don`t let you, Never"
"Judas, please!"
"No. That`s definitely not an option."
Olivia struggling to get free and Judas clasping her even tighter they both lose balance and fall to the ground.
"Judas, let, me go. It has to be done."
"No, I won`t let you die." Judas takes her face in both hands covering it with desperate kisses, and finally lays his cheek against hers, hiding his face in her hair, pressing her tighter to him. "I can`t let you go."
Olivia stops resisting and falls into his embrace, her tears mingling with his. "I don`t want to die." Entangled they lie on the ground, holding each other just sobbing and inhaling the warmth of the other, they have been denied for so long and will miss forever again.
"Oh God, no." Asrael groans. "What a kitschy scene! Could someone please knock me out?"
Suddenly a fist swings out and hits Asrael hard at his chin, sending him flying to the ground. His transparent eyes flung open in unbelieving shock he stares at the blonde figure towering over him.
"I`m glad I could help." Jesus smiles grimly down on him.
"You only could hit me, because you took me by surprise." Asrael slowly gets up, looking daggers at Jesus.
"If you say so. Wanna try your luck?" Jesus keeps his gaze fixed on Asrael.
"You`ll regret this." Asrael bores his transparent brown eyes into Jesus` gleaming blue.
"Drivel is all you ever do." Jesus sais challenging, standing firm on his place, when Asrael starts moving menacingly towards him. In the middle of the movement both suddenly are distracted by a movement seen in the corner of their eyes and simultaneously they turn their heads.
Olivia sits upright and smiles down at Judas, while her tears slowly dry. "It`s time." She sais, and when Judas opens his mouth to contradict, she lays her finger on his lips. "No." She smiles sadly. "But don`t worry, I won`t be lost, only Olivia will be gone, but Mary will come back. Do you think you can put up with her?"
Judas sits upright, a little smile curling his lips. "But you are her, you are Mary."
Oliva sets her arms akimbo, the severity of this gesture being betrayed by the love shining in her eyes. "So you still haven`t understood? I`m Olivia Glenda Carter."
"And I love you both." Judas runs a hand playfully through her hair, smiling warmly. But then his expression change and sadness darkens his face. "But you`ll forget everything that has happened here, will forget about us."
Olivia gulps, blinks away a tear and tries to make her voice sound firm and trusting. "You`ll remind me."
"So it`s decided?" Judas asks hoarsely, tears shooting to his eyes, when he sees Olivia nodd.
"Yes, it is. But don`t worry, everything will be alright."
TRY NOT TO GET WORRIED TRY NOT TO TURN ONTO PROBLEMS THAT UPSET YOU OH DON`T YOU KNOW? EVERYTHING`S ALRIGHT; YES EVERYTHING`S FINE AND WE WANT ME TO SLEEP WELL TONIGHT LET THE WORLD TURN WITHOUT ME TONIGHT
Laying his left arm around her body, Judas` right wanders searchingly over the ground, while he keeps his dark eyes locked with her green.
IF WE TRY WE`LL GET BY DON`T FORGET ALL ABOUT US TONIGHT
Pulling her closer to him, he stabs her, stabilizing her body, that`s thrown backwards by the physical pain.
SLEEP AND I SHALL SOOTHE YOU CALM YOU AND
He stops, choken by dry sobs, and shaken by spasms Olivia continues, never taking her eyes from him, as if she tried to take his image with her.
OH YOU`LL FEEL EVERYTHING`S ALRIGHT; YES EVERYTHING`S FINE
When her voice dies away, Judas holds her trembling body close to his chest, cradling her in his arms as tears stream along his cheeks.
CLOSE YOUR EYES CLOSE YOUR EYES AND RELAX THINK OF NOTHING TONIGHT
Finally the spasms die down and her body becomes motionless in his arms. Judas sobs loudly and then slowly lays her body onto the ground, leaning over her and kissing her cool lips softly.
"Everything will be alright, yes everything will be fine." He whispers with trembling voice. "You promised." He looks down onto the dead woman, chin-length lightbrown hair framing a pale expressionless face, her green eyes closed to never open again. "Why does nothing happen?" Judas looks up at Asrael. "Why doesn`t she awake? She must awake!"
A cruel smirk curls Asrael`s lips. "Dead people usually don`t awake, well, except they are angels like me of course."
"You must awake, do you hear me?" Judas turns to Olivia again. "You still have an afterlife to live. Please, don`t let me alone. Awake! Please awake!" His voice breaks, as sobs shake his body again.
"Come on, Judas." Jesus steps closer, laying his hand on the darkhaired man´s shoulder. "She`s dead. We never knew if it would work. We didn`t know." Tears are gleaming in his blue eyes, and his lip quivers. "We´ve lost her both."
Judas stares up at him, but before he can reply, a slight noise makes him swing round again. "Judas!" The woman on the ground opens up her brown eyes, a surprised and happy smile forming on her lips.
"Mary!" Judas takes her in his arms, touching her face, running his fingers through her hair, as if he didn`t believe she was true.
"Yes," Mary`s smile deepens. "We won, Judas, we actually won!" she shouts with joy and wraps her arms around his neck, enjoying the blissful surprise that`s painted on his face.
"You remember? You really remember?" he shouts unbelievingly.
Instead of an answer Mary pulls him into a passionate kiss.
"What does that mean?" Asrael suddenly screams his eyes glittering dangerously. "She remembers? She can`t remember! How can she remember?"
"Because I want her to." Suddenly a thundering voice resounds so powerfully that all including Asrael instinctively cover their ears.
"So I think the play is ended properly, don`t you agree? Asrael I`m talking to YOU!" God steps onto stage extending a finger at Asrael, who nodds fearfully, going slowly backwards.
The Almighty lets his look roam over the people on stage, and stops short at Simon`s sight, who turns as pale as a shroud. "Simon! You`re a refractory child, stubborn, aggressive, impulsive and careless. You haven`t learned NOTHING In the last 2000 years, even though," he adds with softer voice. "I see that you have a good heart after all."
He turns to his sons, who move closer together. "And you, you`re both pampered and spoiled brats."
"But Dad, Asrael maybe, but I..." Jesus tries to contradict, but is cut short by an imperious gesture.
"You are a big disappointment, Jesus Caspar Melchior Balthasar Christ!" God thunders outraged. "You never lived after the message you preached. Do you think I didn`t know about the tricks you played on Judas and Mary? Do you think I didn`t see how you manipulated and betrayed, how you abused your powers and how sought the highest possible glory by dying a ridiculous martyr`s death?"
"But Dad, it was your idea." Jesus complains weakly.
"You made your own choices, as everyone does. I said you should spread my message, I never said you should outrage the Romans so much they would nail you on a cross."
"Well, everyone has a talent." Asrael smirks and regrets having said anything, for now God focuses on him.
"And you, my oldest son," he shakes his head sadly. "I must admit I did many things wrong." He shoots Luzi a short glance. "You would have needed a father, but I am here now, and I`ll take care of you that you`ll learn how to deal with people, how to respect life and not play around." He lets his divine look roam over Simon, Jesus and Asrael. "You three will go down to earth again and learn what it means to be human, and I really hope next time we meet you`ll have learned something about love and respect for others."
While Jesus looks rather resignated and Simon beams happily at God, Asrael`s high scream pierces the air. "NOOOOOOO! You can`t do it." He looks pleadingly at Luzi. "Mom, please, I can`t go down to earth, I`m no human, I`m an angel for Gods sake."
Luzi shakes her head sadly. "You heard your father, Asrael."
"You will go down again, and that`s it!" God affirms and clapping his hands Asrael, Jesus and Simon are gone.
Hearing someone clear his throat God turns around and a benevolent smile covers his face when his eyes fall upon Judas and Mary.
"What`ll happen to us?" Judas asks fearfully.
A frown grows on God`s forehead. "What do you mean?" "after all I`m damned for all time."
"I wonder who told you this. I never damned you. You all did your choices. Of course you could have abstained from betraying my son," God smirks seeing Judas shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "But I know your motivation was good, and how it`s turned out," he sighs deeply. "Jesus has to carry more fault than you do."
"So we can stay together?" Mary asks holding her breath.
"Of course you can." God nodds.
Judas and Mary exchange a glance and start smiling. "May we ask you a favour then?" Mary asks and God looks questioningly at them.
"Could you maybe send us back to earth,t oo?"
A big grin flies across God`s face. "If you want, you may. But I can`t guarantee, that you`ll be together."
Judas beams lovingly at Mary. "We`ll find a way somehow." "Please let us reincarnate again." Mary begs, and God nodds smiling.
"But you already have." He claps in his hands and everything turns dark.
"She´s awaking, see, she`s awaking."
"That`d be better for her."
Slowly the haze dissolves and Olivia carefully opens up her eyes, looking directly into two blue eyes, who look concerned at her.
"Jesus?" She asks surprised, and is embraced stormily.
"Not as far as I know. You can call me Stephen." The familiar voice laughs.
"Oh baby, I thought I had lost you. You were dead for a few moments."
"Well, I`m back, am I not? Stephen, I had a really crazy dream."
"We`re worrying and she`s dreaming. Is she always that way, Steph?"
A melodious voice sais ironically, causing Stephen to swing round. "Don`t call me like this! And don`t make fun of her." He sighs and turns to Olivia again. "I have to, want to introduce you to the black sheep of my family." He gets up and following his outstretched arm with her eyes, Olivia`s look falls upon a tall man, dressed in a faded black leatherjacket, who leans at the doorframe with crossed arms, an ironical smirk playing around the corner of his lips, while two dark eyes sparcle amused at her..
"This is my brother Jerry."
He mocks Jesus, who shoots him a glance of pure hatred. "Let`s finish this."
"Don`t worry, brother, we will."
"Asrael, please wait." Judas detaches from Olivia and steps towards Asrael.
Asrael turns to him slowly raising an eyebrow. "Why should I?"
"Because,..." Judas swallows hard. "It`s not right. We don`t even have a cross, and since you want to finish it properly...."
"I don`t mind." Asrael waves dismissively. "We have to be content with what we have; Simon`s knife will be enough." He gestures at Simon, who stares surprised at the knife in his hand. "Would you be so kind?"
"But," Judas continues, and Asrael turns to him again, rolling his eyes.
"You know what, Judas? If I didn`t know you better, I`d say, you try to play for time. Time that is running short for some of us." He shoots Olivia a meaningful glance. "So what is it?"
Judas taughtens his shoulders. "We should finish it really properly, Asrael."
"Yes?" he tilts his head and looks attentively at Judas.
"Don`t you think you should finish this in your human form?"
A surprised smile flies across Asrael`s face and he nodds appreciatingly at Judas. "That`s an excellent idea. I`m glad to see you`ve developed some sense for dramatics at last. There`s hope for you yet."
"Human form? What does that mean?" Olivia stares questioningly at Judas, who squeezes her hand softly without turning his gaze from Asrael`s face.
Suddenly Asrael grows bigger, his long brown hair disappears, and his transparent brown eyes turn into glassy blue.
"Oh my God!" Olivia gasps.
Jesus jumps to his feet. "Annas! I should have known!" he flares furiously at the bald man, who`s sneering at him.
"Yes, it`s me. So," his tone gets businesslike. "Now that we all know who we are, could we maybe get this done?" he looks at Judas. "Any more objections?"
When Judas shakes his head silently, he turns to his blonde assistant. "Simon, it`s your turn."
Simon stares at Annas surprise shining in his dazzling blue eyes. "My turn?" he echoes.
Annas throws his arms into the air sighing deeply. "Yes, your turn. Come on, do it." He demands urgently.
"What? How? Me?" Simon stammers, taking some steps backwards.
"Of course you. You`re my messiah, did you forget?"
"No, but..." Simon looks to Jesus and back to Annas. "I don`t know, if I can do that, Annas." He gulps.
"You better find out very soon." Asrael sais coldly. "Or shall I l choose another messenger?"
"No, no." Simon affirms hastily.
"Then do it."
"Okay." Simon inhales a sharp breath and steps towards Jesus.
"You don´t have to do this, Simon." Jesus sais with soft voice. "Don`t let him make you his accomplice."
"Plunge this bloody knife into his damned martyr`s body, for Gods sake!" Annas roars uncontrolled, his face contorted to a grimace of fury.
Simon stares with round eyes at Annas, then he turns to Jesus. "I`m sorry." He whiqpers.
He makes another step towards Jesus, a determined expression on his face, raises the knife, and quickly throws it through the air. "Hey, Judas, catch!"
Judas jumps catching the knife in the air, before Annas has a chance to react, and quickly cuts the highpriest`s throat. An expression of utmost surprise on his face Annas sinks down to the ground, staring unbelievingly at the audience.
"Mom?"
And while the last sign of life leaves the highpriest`s body, Luzi cries loudly, hiding her head at God`s shoulder. "It`s the hardest thing to sacrifice your own son, but you had no other choice." He whispers caressing her hair.
"Oh my God," Olivia groans. "That`s, he`s, is he dead?"
"I should think so. It was an amazingly precise cut." Simon raises one surprised eyebrow, as he looks appreciatingly at Judas.
"So it`s over?" Olivia looks fearfully up at Judas, who smiles warmly at her and caresses her cheeks tenderly.
"Yes, it`s over." With a relieved sigh he leans in, his lips touching hers softly.
"I wouldn`t bet on it." A cold voice sais, and startled all swing round.
"What? But how?" Judas stares thunderstrucked at the figure, who slowly gets up from the floor and smoothes his clothes.
"That wasn`t nice." Asrael runs his fingers through his thick brown hair down to his throat. "It`s still sore."
"How on earth is that possible? You were dead!" Olivia manages to get out.
Asrael slowly walks towards her. "Well, Annas is dead, and he`ll stay dead. But I`m immortal." A malicious smile appears on his face. "Something that can`t be said about you." He extends his hands and is just about to touch her throat, when Judas slaps his hand with all his might.
Slowly Asrael turns to him, his eyes narrowed to slits. "You know what? My patience is fading - very fast." He steps menacingly closer to him, when a hearty yawn causes him to swing round.
"That`s so boring, Asrael!" Jesus rolls his eyes. "Can we please leave these silly games behind?"
"Boring?" Asrael hurries over to Jesus, his eyes glittering evilly. "Then we should keep you entertained, shouldn`t we?"
"Bla, bla, bla, is all I hear" Jesus shrugs and turns away.
"Look at me!" Asrael barks.
"You`re not a particular pleasant sight, especially with all that foam before your mouth." Jesus shrugs and continues walking away.
Asrael graps his shoulder and swings him round.
"And what are you gonna do now?" Jesus asks a bored tone in his voice.
"What I planned to do: I`ll kill you."
"mmh, yes, I see." Jesus nodds. "But how? Your little I-can-freeze-humans- to-death-just-by-the-touch-of-my-fingertips-tricks don`t work with me, and Judas has still the knife." He smiles patronizingly. "I think you`ve lost."
An unpleasant smile glides over Asrael`s face. "Not yet, dear brother, not yet. The play hasn`t been finished yet."
"But Judas killed you, I mean Annas." Olivia throws in.
"And if this was a comedy, it would suffice." Asrael sais slyly. "But this is a tragedy. You know what that means."
Paling Olivia takes a step backwards, receiving a sarcastical smirk. "Ah, I see, we have an expert here. Would you please explain to them?" he nodds towards Judas, Simon and Jesus, who exchange confused glances.
"Well," Olivia clears her throat. "It´s typical for a tragedy that the hero sacrifices something."
"A really nice way to put it." Asrael chuckles quietly.
"Actually," he turns serious. "the hero or someone who`s close to him dies." He spreads his arms. "Isn`t it great? Whatever happens, I cannot lose. Whoever of you will die, will change history. Cause as I`ve explained to Judas, if someone`s soul dies, the memory of him will be erased from history, what makes his life void, actually it`s as if he never existed. If Jesus dies, his message, the redemption of humanity will be undone. If Simon or Judas die, the memory of them will disappear, and it was Simon`s blind aggression, Judas` betrayal, that made Jesus` martyr-death seem noble, adorable. Without them he would have been just an unimportant leader of some sect. Every hero is just as good as his antagonists are. So you see, you`ve already lost, and worse I can wait, but Olivia`s time`s almost through. And if you don`t want to let her die through your fault, you better choose fast who of you is gonna die. Who wants to be the one? Jesus? Judas? Simon?"
Silence spreads, then Judas steps forwards. "I will."
"Ah good." Asrael smiles widely. "I so hoped it would be you. Will you give me that knife or do you want to do it yourself? You`re used to it after all."
Judas grips the knife more firmly, holds it a few inches from his body away and is stopped by an arm clutching his tightly. "No." Olivia sais imploringly.
"Olivia, you heard it, we have no other choice." Judas smiles sadly at her and runs a finger along her cheek. "Your time is running out."
"No." Olivia repeats more firmly, a little smile stealing onto her lips. "Don`t let him fool you."
"Fool me? What do you mean?" Judas looks questioningly at her.
With a sigh Olivia turns to Asrael. "You think you`ve already won?"
Raising an eyebrow Asrael eyes her suspiciously. "Of course I have."
"No, you haven`t." Olivia smiles selfcontent. "There`s someone who can die without changing history. Someone who hasn`t been there with you in Jerusalem."
"No!" Jesus`s the first to understand. "No, Olivia, that`s not one of the options."
"It`s the only one." Olivia replies quietly.
Judas looks confused from her to Jesus and back again. "What does he mean?"
Olivia smiles at him. "I, I have to die."
Judas eyes widen with shock, then he drags her into his arms, embracing her so tightly as if he wanted to never let her go. "No, no, I don`t let you, Never"
"Judas, please!"
"No. That`s definitely not an option."
Olivia struggling to get free and Judas clasping her even tighter they both lose balance and fall to the ground.
"Judas, let, me go. It has to be done."
"No, I won`t let you die." Judas takes her face in both hands covering it with desperate kisses, and finally lays his cheek against hers, hiding his face in her hair, pressing her tighter to him. "I can`t let you go."
Olivia stops resisting and falls into his embrace, her tears mingling with his. "I don`t want to die." Entangled they lie on the ground, holding each other just sobbing and inhaling the warmth of the other, they have been denied for so long and will miss forever again.
"Oh God, no." Asrael groans. "What a kitschy scene! Could someone please knock me out?"
Suddenly a fist swings out and hits Asrael hard at his chin, sending him flying to the ground. His transparent eyes flung open in unbelieving shock he stares at the blonde figure towering over him.
"I`m glad I could help." Jesus smiles grimly down on him.
"You only could hit me, because you took me by surprise." Asrael slowly gets up, looking daggers at Jesus.
"If you say so. Wanna try your luck?" Jesus keeps his gaze fixed on Asrael.
"You`ll regret this." Asrael bores his transparent brown eyes into Jesus` gleaming blue.
"Drivel is all you ever do." Jesus sais challenging, standing firm on his place, when Asrael starts moving menacingly towards him. In the middle of the movement both suddenly are distracted by a movement seen in the corner of their eyes and simultaneously they turn their heads.
Olivia sits upright and smiles down at Judas, while her tears slowly dry. "It`s time." She sais, and when Judas opens his mouth to contradict, she lays her finger on his lips. "No." She smiles sadly. "But don`t worry, I won`t be lost, only Olivia will be gone, but Mary will come back. Do you think you can put up with her?"
Judas sits upright, a little smile curling his lips. "But you are her, you are Mary."
Oliva sets her arms akimbo, the severity of this gesture being betrayed by the love shining in her eyes. "So you still haven`t understood? I`m Olivia Glenda Carter."
"And I love you both." Judas runs a hand playfully through her hair, smiling warmly. But then his expression change and sadness darkens his face. "But you`ll forget everything that has happened here, will forget about us."
Olivia gulps, blinks away a tear and tries to make her voice sound firm and trusting. "You`ll remind me."
"So it`s decided?" Judas asks hoarsely, tears shooting to his eyes, when he sees Olivia nodd.
"Yes, it is. But don`t worry, everything will be alright."
TRY NOT TO GET WORRIED TRY NOT TO TURN ONTO PROBLEMS THAT UPSET YOU OH DON`T YOU KNOW? EVERYTHING`S ALRIGHT; YES EVERYTHING`S FINE AND WE WANT ME TO SLEEP WELL TONIGHT LET THE WORLD TURN WITHOUT ME TONIGHT
Laying his left arm around her body, Judas` right wanders searchingly over the ground, while he keeps his dark eyes locked with her green.
IF WE TRY WE`LL GET BY DON`T FORGET ALL ABOUT US TONIGHT
Pulling her closer to him, he stabs her, stabilizing her body, that`s thrown backwards by the physical pain.
SLEEP AND I SHALL SOOTHE YOU CALM YOU AND
He stops, choken by dry sobs, and shaken by spasms Olivia continues, never taking her eyes from him, as if she tried to take his image with her.
OH YOU`LL FEEL EVERYTHING`S ALRIGHT; YES EVERYTHING`S FINE
When her voice dies away, Judas holds her trembling body close to his chest, cradling her in his arms as tears stream along his cheeks.
CLOSE YOUR EYES CLOSE YOUR EYES AND RELAX THINK OF NOTHING TONIGHT
Finally the spasms die down and her body becomes motionless in his arms. Judas sobs loudly and then slowly lays her body onto the ground, leaning over her and kissing her cool lips softly.
"Everything will be alright, yes everything will be fine." He whispers with trembling voice. "You promised." He looks down onto the dead woman, chin-length lightbrown hair framing a pale expressionless face, her green eyes closed to never open again. "Why does nothing happen?" Judas looks up at Asrael. "Why doesn`t she awake? She must awake!"
A cruel smirk curls Asrael`s lips. "Dead people usually don`t awake, well, except they are angels like me of course."
"You must awake, do you hear me?" Judas turns to Olivia again. "You still have an afterlife to live. Please, don`t let me alone. Awake! Please awake!" His voice breaks, as sobs shake his body again.
"Come on, Judas." Jesus steps closer, laying his hand on the darkhaired man´s shoulder. "She`s dead. We never knew if it would work. We didn`t know." Tears are gleaming in his blue eyes, and his lip quivers. "We´ve lost her both."
Judas stares up at him, but before he can reply, a slight noise makes him swing round again. "Judas!" The woman on the ground opens up her brown eyes, a surprised and happy smile forming on her lips.
"Mary!" Judas takes her in his arms, touching her face, running his fingers through her hair, as if he didn`t believe she was true.
"Yes," Mary`s smile deepens. "We won, Judas, we actually won!" she shouts with joy and wraps her arms around his neck, enjoying the blissful surprise that`s painted on his face.
"You remember? You really remember?" he shouts unbelievingly.
Instead of an answer Mary pulls him into a passionate kiss.
"What does that mean?" Asrael suddenly screams his eyes glittering dangerously. "She remembers? She can`t remember! How can she remember?"
"Because I want her to." Suddenly a thundering voice resounds so powerfully that all including Asrael instinctively cover their ears.
"So I think the play is ended properly, don`t you agree? Asrael I`m talking to YOU!" God steps onto stage extending a finger at Asrael, who nodds fearfully, going slowly backwards.
The Almighty lets his look roam over the people on stage, and stops short at Simon`s sight, who turns as pale as a shroud. "Simon! You`re a refractory child, stubborn, aggressive, impulsive and careless. You haven`t learned NOTHING In the last 2000 years, even though," he adds with softer voice. "I see that you have a good heart after all."
He turns to his sons, who move closer together. "And you, you`re both pampered and spoiled brats."
"But Dad, Asrael maybe, but I..." Jesus tries to contradict, but is cut short by an imperious gesture.
"You are a big disappointment, Jesus Caspar Melchior Balthasar Christ!" God thunders outraged. "You never lived after the message you preached. Do you think I didn`t know about the tricks you played on Judas and Mary? Do you think I didn`t see how you manipulated and betrayed, how you abused your powers and how sought the highest possible glory by dying a ridiculous martyr`s death?"
"But Dad, it was your idea." Jesus complains weakly.
"You made your own choices, as everyone does. I said you should spread my message, I never said you should outrage the Romans so much they would nail you on a cross."
"Well, everyone has a talent." Asrael smirks and regrets having said anything, for now God focuses on him.
"And you, my oldest son," he shakes his head sadly. "I must admit I did many things wrong." He shoots Luzi a short glance. "You would have needed a father, but I am here now, and I`ll take care of you that you`ll learn how to deal with people, how to respect life and not play around." He lets his divine look roam over Simon, Jesus and Asrael. "You three will go down to earth again and learn what it means to be human, and I really hope next time we meet you`ll have learned something about love and respect for others."
While Jesus looks rather resignated and Simon beams happily at God, Asrael`s high scream pierces the air. "NOOOOOOO! You can`t do it." He looks pleadingly at Luzi. "Mom, please, I can`t go down to earth, I`m no human, I`m an angel for Gods sake."
Luzi shakes her head sadly. "You heard your father, Asrael."
"You will go down again, and that`s it!" God affirms and clapping his hands Asrael, Jesus and Simon are gone.
Hearing someone clear his throat God turns around and a benevolent smile covers his face when his eyes fall upon Judas and Mary.
"What`ll happen to us?" Judas asks fearfully.
A frown grows on God`s forehead. "What do you mean?" "after all I`m damned for all time."
"I wonder who told you this. I never damned you. You all did your choices. Of course you could have abstained from betraying my son," God smirks seeing Judas shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "But I know your motivation was good, and how it`s turned out," he sighs deeply. "Jesus has to carry more fault than you do."
"So we can stay together?" Mary asks holding her breath.
"Of course you can." God nodds.
Judas and Mary exchange a glance and start smiling. "May we ask you a favour then?" Mary asks and God looks questioningly at them.
"Could you maybe send us back to earth,t oo?"
A big grin flies across God`s face. "If you want, you may. But I can`t guarantee, that you`ll be together."
Judas beams lovingly at Mary. "We`ll find a way somehow." "Please let us reincarnate again." Mary begs, and God nodds smiling.
"But you already have." He claps in his hands and everything turns dark.
"She´s awaking, see, she`s awaking."
"That`d be better for her."
Slowly the haze dissolves and Olivia carefully opens up her eyes, looking directly into two blue eyes, who look concerned at her.
"Jesus?" She asks surprised, and is embraced stormily.
"Not as far as I know. You can call me Stephen." The familiar voice laughs.
"Oh baby, I thought I had lost you. You were dead for a few moments."
"Well, I`m back, am I not? Stephen, I had a really crazy dream."
"We`re worrying and she`s dreaming. Is she always that way, Steph?"
A melodious voice sais ironically, causing Stephen to swing round. "Don`t call me like this! And don`t make fun of her." He sighs and turns to Olivia again. "I have to, want to introduce you to the black sheep of my family." He gets up and following his outstretched arm with her eyes, Olivia`s look falls upon a tall man, dressed in a faded black leatherjacket, who leans at the doorframe with crossed arms, an ironical smirk playing around the corner of his lips, while two dark eyes sparcle amused at her..
"This is my brother Jerry."