The Book of the Light

by Oddonomics

"Blessed is the Light and all those that read its sacred words. Through the teachings of Seamus and Gareth, along with those that came after, you can free yourself from the slavery of false gods, and become a living divine yourself (results may vary)." A fake religious book I wrote a few years ago. Please don't take it seriously.

2. The Book of Max

The Book of Max

I

After the death of Seamus, many prophets rise to teach the Light. As Max prophesied after Seamus was wrongly murdered by the man of Darkness, 'Seamus was the spark that started the fire'. The first people to preach the teaching of Light were called the early prophets. The early followers of the Light were persecuted for their beliefs and opposition to the religion of Jehovah.

Seamus was murdered in the city of Washington, and his disciples were among him. After Seth had cold-heartedly murdered Seamus, the Followers of the Light scattered for they knew not what to do next. Max is declared the new leader of this sect, and they travelled back to New York to regroup. News of Seamus's death spread like wildfire, and the ones of seek the Darkness celebrated.

Hearing of their regrouping, Seth came to taunt the Followers of the Light. Max of Water confronted the one of the Dark. A mighty burst of waves appeared before Max, showing his mastery over the Elements.

He said, "For all time you will be cursed and hated, for the Light will survive and know you as the worm that you are. You may have killed Seamus, our leader, but we have regrouped and have elected I to be the new leader. Even Seamus acknowledge myself as a leader when we stood on that mountain years ago. With power and strength, we will defeat you in time, and our victory will be told throughout the ages. We will raise an army so great and large, of all people of skin color and age, that you will never overcome us!"

Seth replied with the Dark Spirit as his guide: "Foolish words, for Dark, will make you retreat to the deepest caverns. Even if you try to run, this will be pointless as my army will hunt you down one by one. The Darkness has always been there, and always will be there."

Max said, "You are right the Darkness will always be there, but with the power of the Light we will shine a light whether your Shadows try to creep."

A thousand followers of Seth and the Dark Spirits watched this event occur. Using their dark powers, they began to stone Max, but before a single stone could touch Max he turned into a mist. Max barely escaped, and with bruises and scars, he returned to the other prophets and disciples of Seamus to warn them of the danger the Darkness posed.

He instructed the Followers of the Light to take refuge in the sewers and in the abandoned subways, for these were safe places to hide. Once everyone was safe and in hiding, using an unused train carriage as a meeting room and place of worship, Max began to preach.

He said, "Come all those that embrace, for I have many things to tell you all. The Light has told me to go and teach all about the Light, travelling to the far corners of this land and go where Seamus could not. It is my task, and a heavy burden, to give them powers of Water. The Light has instructed me to inform you, the great prophets and disciples of Seamus, to do the same thing with your own powers. You must go forth travelling whether you can to find those strong in the Light, and to rain others of the Light, and of how to use the Powers. They are: Water, Earth, Air and Fire, and all agree as one. You shall travel to each city along the East Coast, two by two, a Master and an Apprentice. Us five, the ones who Seamus entrusted this great burden - Sally, Harold, Zeke, Rebecca, Samson – will travel like myself to all cities and convert as many people to the Light. As for Luke of Fire, you must stay here and tend the flames. Now go forth and be with comfort, for the Light is with you always."

II

Once everyone left to travel around the nation and convert people to the Light, Max stayed in New York for there was still work to do in the city. There was a great crowd waiting outside the church wanting to know where Seamus had gone. With a heavy heart and a desire to do his former master proud, so Max took it at hand to tell them the news. This was the first speech Max had conducted in public, and it was the first time anyone had heard about Seamus's untimely death

Max said, "Seamus has died, killed by the hands of our enemies, yet the Light lives on brighter than ever. Fear not for I have been chosen to lead us in these troubled times. But remember what Seamus once preached, that no one is higher than the others, for we all lead in our own ways here and there."

The crowd murmured in confusion as they did not understand the prophet's message. People demanded to see the body of Seamus so that they can believe he had truly perished. Luke of Fire tried to calm the crowd, but he was too weak to control the crowd. Knowing that chaos would ensue if he did not do anything, Max stood up again to tell them the parable so that they could understand.

He said, "There was once a wife, whose beloved husband died of a terrible disease. Not even the Light could save the man's body, which was breaking down and dying. In her desperation the woman began to weep, hoping the Light would save him. Yet when she heard of her husband's death, told from the doctor himself, she began to laugh since she knew his Spirit will last on in the Light's embrace. This is the same with our dear fallen leader Seamus, for he has gone from this mortal realm to live with the Light, but yet at the same time lives within us. With this strength and the power of the Light, we shall overcome these struggles to bring the Light to all corners of the World."

And with these words Max had uttered, the large multitude were comforted, and the chaos was quelled. A few of the followers ask whether they should go to war, for there were rumours of a war occurring in the East.

Max answered, saying, "Seamus made it very clear, as does the Light, that killing another person is wrong. And so, if killing is morally wrong, then going to war is morally wrong, for war means taking the lives of others. And I ask you this, when is it right to kill someone in a war in a faraway country that is not their own? Why should we go to another land, when the war for our very survival is here in the Land of America? But I say this, war is wrong no matter where it occurs."

And with that, they decided not to fight. However, some members rebuked at Max's speech and left angrily. Among the dissatisfied members was Luke of Fire – the group planned secretly to remove Max from the leadership.

Max then decided to teach his followers more about Water Elemental powers. So, he found eight to teach as Water-Benders, as they were called. They were: George, Dave, Alex, Karl, Ricky, James, Sam the boy, David, all of them of Water.

He set the Water-Benders aside to show them the wonders of Water, displaying great skill with the Element. The first spell he demonstrated was called Supply Water. He instructed them to get an empty bowl of water, and then he then chanted in front of it.

His chant was, "Water of the Light, supply thy with Water."

The heavens began to open, and from the ether, water poured into the bowl. Those who witness this were amazed, and with his guidance did so also. And with this knowledge, you too can achieve this feat, through the power of the Light.

The second spell was called Water Movement. He laid the bowl of water on the ground in the centre of the room. Using all his concentration, and trust in the Light. He then focused on where to move the water

He chanted: "Move thy water, Light, to thy need it.".

And with that command, the water moved out of the bowl, into the air and then back into the bowl. They wanted to know how to focus, for they knew not who to.

So, Max told them: "To focus, you must think of a place, and with that spell, the Water will go where you want it to go."

And like the first spell, you too can achieve this feat by channelling the Light and trusting in oneself.

III

And so Max said, "Those who pity the poor, yet refuses to raise the poor out of poverty, are hypocrites. The rich live in their high castles, drinking their expensive wine, living like leeches off the rest of us. Those that follow Jehovah are being misled, for rich preachers will make money off the poor peddling a false religion.

"There was once a man who owned two houses, one in the city and the other near the seaside town. The man had all the money in the world, yet had no one to share it with. The poor demanded the rich man give one of his houses to the poor, yet the rich man refused the requests. The rich man said with pride that he needed both houses, for he worked both in the city and the seaside. But answer this, who works by the seaside but the poor, for it is they that is working vendors, and tending the beachside. The rich man only needs the house in the city for he only works in the city. Too much greed rots society to the core, and the poor are the ones that are punished. The Light will not tolerate such intolerance, for the poor will inherit the wealth that comes from accepting and converting to the Light."

Behold there was a man who saw demons, and the demons told him secrets he refused to believe. His family were distressed, for they had tried everything in their power to save the man. The family heard of Max and of Seamus and of the deeds performed by the light, desperately searched for Max. With the man who saw demons, they bowed down to Max begging the prophet to save their son. Max laughed and lifted the two parents.

Max said, "Need not bow, not even to the Light, for no one is higher. Those who seek the Lights embrace will be delivered, and all those that suffer because of the blight that is Jehovah will be saved. Go forth and tell others of the Light, and not only will your son be healed, he will serve as an example of what the Light can do."

From that moment onwards, the man who saw demons was healed, and the demons were told to return to their master that is the Darkness and all the false gods who enslave people. The man finally saw the Light, and to his dying days, he continued to preach the coming of the Light and how it can save all. By witnessing the miracle of the Light, we know this man's testimony is true.

Behold there were wild boars that were terrorizing a local neighborhood, for it was a rich neighborhood full of pride. Max came forth to teach the people the curses to fall upon those that refused to accept the Light.

He said, "The boars were not brought by the Light, but by the Darkness. Believe in the Light, and the boars will be sent away."

And so, the town converted to the Light, and the boars went away. Among those that converted was a man named Cody, who became a staunch advocate for warning of the dangers of boars.

IV

And Max taught his followers the third spell, which was called Waves of Fury. He instructed his students to place out three cans onto a wall. He focused all his energy, and with the power of the Light, a wave of water came out of his hand and hit the cans on the wall.

His chant was, "Wave to objects, Fury of the Light shall be delivered. And the powers of heaven and the blessing of the Light shall come up on you."

With that, the cans on the wall dropped to the ground below. His students were amazed, and he carefully instructed so they too could achieve such feats. As witness, the power of the Light is strong and can allow oneself to overcome anything.

Max said, "Behold the power of the Light, for nothing can stand in its way. By believing in the Light, you shall overcome even the challenging times. For the Light comforts us in the darkest of times."

So it came to pass, that Max travelled to Jersey City to see the work of the Light and to bring guidance. Behold Harold of Air was instructing new converts to the Light, teaching them the powers of the wind. Seeing Max, he left his followers and greeted his friend, the two old friends embracing within the Light.

Max said, "It has been too long, for within the eyes of the Light all times passes fast and slow. Without your embrace, I feel the coldness coming upon me."

Harold replied, "Worry not for there is great news from the West. The prophet Gareth Vandersleld, the Fire Master, has found new prophets, not of the Isurak but know the Light. For what they teach is of the same Light that Seamus taught. In the lands of California, new powers have been discovered."

Max said, "This is great news, for now, we know the Light is universal. By this news, we now know the Light is true, and the false idols will one day fall. This great news tells us, people, now of the Light before Seamus taught us of its ways."

And Herold asked, "Come and teach my followers, so they can know the wisdom of the Light that Seamus and Gareth taught."

So, Max of Water went forth and trained the follower of Harold, so that they could understand the wisdom of the Light. And the congregation became stronger, embraced in the wisdom of the Light. Max knew he had taught all he could, and so he left and went to the township of Paterson.

Behold there was a man possessed by Dark Spirits, who was causing chaos in the town. The Dark Spirit leapt out to fight Max, and with the power of the Light and his knowledge in the Water Elements, he managed to defeat the spirit. And so the Dark Spirit died, and the man was free once more. Max blessed the man, and he went forth telling all he knew about the Light and its power.

And so, it came to pass there were questions on whether Seamus had ever lived, for the prophet had never gone to the township before his death. Max knew Seamus personally and felt obliged to defend his feared friends

So, Max told the multitude, "Who needs proof as evidence, for it only gets rid of the mysteries of life. For I am proof that Seamus existed, for it was he who taught myself the wisdom I display right now. He was my teacher, and he was my friend, and through the Light, he can become all of our teachers and friend. But Seth and the Darkness took him away from us, but through the Light, he lives forever. So too can you live forever by accepting the teaching of the Light?"

The multitude were comforted by Max's teaching, and from that day forth continue preaching the Light and never again questioned Seamus's existence.

V

Behold there was a man who lived in a cave, for he had done so since he was a small child. No one in the city knew where this man came from, for he had been dumped in the cave by his parents. The man would scream at whoever came near him, refusing to wear anything but rags, and the people of the city complained. The elders of the city went to Harold to see if the Light could help them.

Harold said, "Have you come to learn of the Light, or are you here for your own benefits? Have you come to help another, or have you come to help yourself? For who comes to the Light with selfish intentions will neither receive the Light nor be known as one of our own."

Max was disturbed, seeing his friend regret the city's elders. Although it was in public, Max rebuked Harold.

He said, "Did the Sun bring forth the Light only to feed the plants, but to also allow us to see right and wrong? While a man may come to the Light for selfish reasons, it is our responsibility to teach him the true path and put away selfish things. Behold we are but little children in the eyes of the Light, and all can learn its ways."

The Elders replied, "Although we come firstly through selfish means, we also feel for this person's wellbeing. When it comes to protecting the community, even the weakest most vulnerable members must be cared for. Mental illness is a struggle we must overcome as a society, and not ostracize those that are different."

Max said, "Wise words from wise people. As a single person, we are weak, but as a group, we can be the mightiest. We will heal this man you have us about. For the Light's embrace, he will know what it is like to be a member of the community. For everyone within the Light's embrace is its brother and its sister."

And so, they travelled to the cave where the man was yelling. The man screamed, and a demon shadow appear behind the man. Max came forth and began to chant.

He said, "Behold the Light, the for the Darkness cannot withstand. Demon, begone from this man, so that he can embrace the Light and know true happiness."

And so, the Dark Spirit went from the man, and the man became sane again. From that day onwards, the man became an outstanding member of the city, blessing the Light and telling everyone of its miracles. As a witness to this miracle, this testimony is true and writes this so that all can believe.

The elders begged Max to stay, for he had only been there but a week. Max rebuked them, informing them the Light had to spread everywhere, and that no man could stop its spread.

Max said, "Although I may not be here in person, I will be in Spirit. For whoever believes in the Light are one and the same being."

VI

Max then went to Yonkers, a settlement near New York City, where he planned to teach all that followed the Light how to chant properly. And in the midst of his followers, he said many chants, and all who were there were blessed by the Light.

He said, "Water arise, come to my mind, so that I can think and pray again without burden. Death shall not come to us when we still have tasks to complete in this life. O blessed Water, bring your lifeforce to mouth and to everyone else's mouth for there is none here. O the great waves that bathe us will coolness, cast your soothing Spirit onto the Fire that blazes before me. Let the rain and the gentle eastly breeze come down up me so that no flames can come near me.

"With the blessing of the Light and the power of the Water Spirit, we shall defeat the coming darkness, for it creeps like a shadow. Let my soul be free, and be received by the comfort of the Light's embrace so that I can go free. Let Seth and his followers of Darkness be no more, for they persecute us out of smite of jealousy for we know the Light and they do not. Seth will never touch my bones, for the Light protects me.

"O sacred Water, let the ashes build the new world. O the Water, love water, allow me to bathe in you forever. Light eternal."

And with these words, those among the multitude were blessed and comforted. And from that day onwards, the power of the Water Spirit protected the town of Yonkers. And to this very day, indeed, the Water Spirit and the Light still protects Yonkers.

And it came to pass that Max travelled to New Heaven to see his dear friend, Sally, for she had started a congregation there. He told her of the news about Gareth, and how he had discovered new followers of the Light, for Sally had not heard of it yet. They then began to chant together for they knew the Light had blessed them with this news.

They chanted, "Behold the Light is good, while the Darkness is evil. The Light will always defeat the Darkness for we humans crave the Light. For even in Darkness, we want to see the Light. So, we beg for the Light, shine us like you shined Seamus and Gareth, for we are ready for the embrace. The Darkness cannot deliver us anything, for we cannot see the Darkness. Yet it is the Light, the All-Mighty, we can see and perceive with our own eyes. Let this chant live forever more, so all generations can know the blessing of the Light."

Max wrote a letter to Bridgeport, for he did not have time to visit when going to New Haven. The letter was read before the congregation by the elders.

The prophet wrote, "The light has come to help us, for It has helped myself in my darkest times. "Before I saw the Light, I was homeless, and I was a pickpocket. But now knowing the Light, I see homeless as freedom for I can go wherever I desire. When I am around my friends, that is what I call home. My home is all those that surround me. I hope those that read these words will see it the same way. All of you are homeless, yet the light gave you a home. Your bed is through the embrace of the Light. The Light is the walls that surround and protect you, like your friends. The Light is warmth and removes even the more bitter of chills. By our gathering, the Light will always be. Our gathering is our home, as is the Light."

And this letter comforted those that read it. As witness, Max indeed wrote these words so that all can believe in the Light.

VII

Behold there was a supposed follower of the Light named Darren, who was charged of the gathering's finances. Darren was highly regarded within the larger movement, but Max heard complaints from his congregation that the man was secretly keeping money aside.

And so, Max confronted the man, approaching him as he was putting the money in the treasury. Max saw firsthand Darren placing money in his pocket. Max was angry.

He said, "Oh wicked one, why must you deceive us? Are you of the Light, or are you of the Darkness, for a person cannot serve two masters? By stealing from your fellow worshipers and Light-bringers, you are stealing from the Light itself. The Light knows your true intention even if you try to hide it."

Darren replied, "I have a family to feed, which is why I have taken money. I know my actions are just, and the Light will judge me accordingly. I know the Light, and it knows me. And I am not of the Darkness, for I can see."

Max responded, "The Light shall judge accordingly, and its judgement is swift and decisive. The Light's punishing blow strike all those that are wicked and saves and embraces those that are the king of heart. As the Light as my witness, you shall be judges."

And as he spoke, a bolt of lightning came from the heavens and struck Darren, killing him immediately. A few hours later the man's wife came seeking her husband, for she had not heard of his fate.

She said, "Where are you, Darren? Where have you gone, for I miss you deeply."

And Max said, "Your husband was struck down for his heart was wicked, and the Light judged accordingly. If you were aware of your husband's wicked ways, you too shall be punished. But if you were unaware, the Light shall let you go."

The woman asked, "Who executed my beloved husband?"

Max said, "It was the Light, the Light is both judge and executioner."

The woman said, "What crime was my husband put to death?"

Max said, "For stealing – the Light does not tolerate thief."

The woman replied, "I was unaware of my husband's action. I ask the Light to forgive me."

Max said, "Go free for you have committed no sin. There is no need for forgiving for ignorance. For those who do not know the Light will see it again in another life. Only those who reject Light will be punished, for they knew the Light and refused to accept its blessing."

And so, the woman went in peace, preaching to all who could hear the glory and might of the Light. To this day, the woman still preaches this message, and the Light did not punish her for she did not need punishing. And Max made sure the woman was supported, for she had no husband to rely on.

Luke heard of what happened to Darren and was disgusted that such greed was punished. He secretly wanted to steal from the treasury as well and continued to conspire to overthrow Max.

VIII

The Light appeared to Max and told him to return to New York, for it was the first New Year's Day without Seamus. And so, the original seven disciples of Seamus returned to the place where Seamus healed the tree. It was decided they would hold a festival meal remembering and celebrating the life of Seamus.

The disciple was unaware that Luke of Fire had disappeared the day before and was meeting with his conspirators. The day before the feast, Max asked the five where Luke had gone, and they said Luke had gone to get the good wine. Because of this, no one questioned Luke's disappearance.

And so, they gathered around the tree Seamus once saved, with the congregation watching. Plenty of food was supplied, and no one went hungry. For the Light's embrace fed them all that they needed. And Max stood up to speak.

He said, "I come to bring bad tidings, for there is a dark spirit among us. The darkness hides like a festering shadow that is near impossible to get rid of us. For one of us will betray us, a bring forth a time of strife."

For Max knew his was not long for this world, for it was foretold his death was needed for the prophesies to be fulfilled. Max was warned of his death the night before when the spirit of Seamus visited him explaining his fate. Luke heard these words and knew Max was talking about him. Luke the Traitor left the feast without anyone being aware.

Max then said, "To all those that remember the words of Seamus, you should be grateful. For there are those that have not known the Light. It is our tasks as Followers of the Lights to preach its embrace so that everyone can know the Light.

"I have good tidings, for it has been revealed to Harold the completion of Seamus's task is almost done. For as we speak, more people are becoming one with the Light and joining our movement. As it is told in Gareth's letters to his brethren, the Light has come for all and not a few. He said, Come and enjoy the Light, for you have nothing else to lose except for eternal life in the Light's embrace.

And so Max retreated to his private room, where Luke was waiting to ambush him. Max was foretold of this ambush but went willing like a sheep to the slaughter so that the prophecies can be fulfilled. Luke the Traitor had allowed Seth into the place of worship, which was where they planned to attack Max.

Seth said, "The Darkness always delivers, for I have found your wretched body. You shall suffer the same fate as Seamus, as the Darkness demands it."

Max turned to face his former friend, who was refusing to look him in the eye.

Max said, "Why have you betrayed. For meanings are your actions? The Light helps all that come to it, yet the Darkness only helps itself. Oh, why did you, my dearest friend, betray us to the Darkness?"

Luke replied, "The Light gave me nothing, and forced me to stay here in New York. Seth and the Darkness gives us what we want which is to see the world. While the Light made myself stay in one place, the Darkness allows me to move forward."

Max answered, "Seth and the Darkness are feeding you lies, for no truth ever comes out of Darkness. For all your see in the shadows is Darkness. By opening your eyes may you see the Light, and truly be saved.

"As for you, Seth, I expected your arrival. I come to embrace death for I know it means I can live for eternity with the Light. And through the Light's embrace, I will meet my dear friend Seamus again."

Without warning, Seth stabbed Max in the heart, causing the prophet to cry out in pain. This caused the Followers of the Light to flee, for they feared the Darkness had won. But it was foretold Max had to die for the Light to truly see victory. Luke burnt Max's body and threw the ashes into the Hudson River so that the Followers of the Light could not gather his bones.

News of Max's death spread, and his student wrote his teachings down so that all who read it can know the dangers of the Darkness. And so, the darkness moment in the Light's movement began, as chaos ensued, and disciples fought disciples in what became the First War of the Light.

May the blessing of the Light be with all of you. As a witness to these events, my testimony is true and holy. Light guide you.