{"id":19286,"date":"2024-04-01T11:37:46","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T15:37:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/?p=19286"},"modified":"2024-04-01T11:37:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T15:37:46","slug":"all-is-forgiven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/fiction\/all-is-forgiven\/","title":{"rendered":"All is Forgiven"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sat punched the rock he used as a desk before licking the blood off his hand. \u201cWhy? Why don\u2019t we get new members anymore? I’m so\u2026 bored\u2026 How is that even possible?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little D flew across the room to perch on top of the crimson armchair. \u201cI think\u2026 It’s their new way of life. The Club has become\u2026 obsolete\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Club, obsolete?\u201d His roar bounced on the walls like a gust of anger.<\/p>\n

Little D shook his horns. \u201cThey do everything online. There\u2019s\u2026 little physical interaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Draco\u2019s enormous shape flew in, his shadow playing on the rocky walls, darkening the room further.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is the fire out in here? It\u2019s freezing.\u201d He shivered, his sharp teeth clattering wildly. \u201cBoys, get in here and light that fire!\u201d<\/p>\n

A fury of minor demons trotted in and blew on the walls. Sat brought his hands to his eyes, squinting at the sudden light.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Draco, any news?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Nothing.\u201d The dragon, still trembling, bent his head, would not meet his boss\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Sat grabbed his cape and stomped towards the door. \u201cThat\u2019s it. I\u2019m going up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Draco took a step forward. \u201cI\u2019m coming with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little D nodded, jumping on his boss\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Sat shook his head and brushed off the little fiend. \u201cYou\u2019re both staying put. I\u2019m going alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sat reached the entrance and pressed his hand on the wall. It vibrated, creating a deep grumble followed by an earthquake. The boulder moved, sudden light illuminating the cave. He put on his sunglasses and walked out, whistling.<\/p>\n

It was a lovely Spring day. The birds, rats, cockroaches, and ants were first to welcome him back, followed by the trees, bushes, flowers, and weeds flooding the tired asphalt. He smiled, took a deep breath, and strolled towards the main street.<\/p>\n

The city is greener than I remembered, I\u2019ve been away too long.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

A patch of chamomile waved their petals as he passed. The stench of the blossoms made him gag. A couple walked by; a cat on his hind legs, wearing a suit, talking to a leather-clad labrador. The feline offered his companion a sip of iced tea. They greeted Sat with respect and moved on whispering.<\/p>\n

There were bears, wolves, horses, and goats trudging the streets ahead of him. He studied the tall buildings covered with moss, plants, a wall of greenery shaking its leaves at passersby. On the pavements, dark silhouettes bent over their raised hands, bumping into each other, a fun fair of human bumper cars. No one greeted him.<\/p>\n

Sat paused, brows knitted, before walking to a young woman; a statuesque, immobile shape in front of a wisteria-covered building. She was focused on her mobile phone. He approached and stood, facing her. She did not react. He waved. Nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello there, Gorgeous\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He stared at her face and gasped. Her eyes were coming out of their orbits, melted pupils, an ocean of emptiness. Her mouth was sealed into one unique lip. Her ears had grown over the earpieces, a thin layer of translucent skin barely letting the red plastic show. He touched her arm. She jumped and fled, a soundless escape.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat on earth?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sat rushed from one person to the next. No one saw him. No one heard him. No one talked to him.<\/p>\n

He accosted a laughing seagull posted on a bent traffic light. \u201cWhat happened to people? Why can\u2019t they see or hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVirtual reality, Sat. They got lost, then evolution did its thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get me started on evolution\u2026 How can I reach them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSocial media.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do I do that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cGo to that shop, over there, at the corner, get yourself online. It\u2019s not cheap, mind you, it costs three life-years\u2026 but that\u2019s not a problem for you, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sat paused. \u201cWait, where are the children?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are no children; humans don\u2019t mate anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sat\u2019s face blanched. He sprinted to the shop. It was dilapidated, empty, the mouldy fragrance comforting. Large vending machines covered the walls. There were openings for the hands on either side of the screen. On top of the right hole was written \u201cLeft-handed,” on top of the left, \u201cright-handed.” He placed his right palm inside and waited.<\/p>\n

The screen came to life.<\/p>\n

\n

Hello!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pressed to create an account.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Error.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The system could not read your chip.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Please remove and insert your hand again.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

He removed his hand and replaced it carefully into the slot provided. An alarm broke the silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Error.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The system could not read your chip.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sat dashed out, looking left and right for someone, something to talk to. A rabbit hopped in the middle of the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Bunny!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Sat. What brings you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s with the chip thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHumans need it to enter the virtual world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there no way around it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I know of. You should ask\u2026 Hey, Fox, come here a sec, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, lovely day, isn\u2019t it? What can I help you with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSat would like to get into the virtual world without a chip.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fox turned an amused gaze towards Sat. \u201cIs that so?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sat glared at him. \u201cWell, is it possible?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is. Bye, Buns, see you later. Come on, Sat, it\u2019s this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sat jogged next to the trotting fox to the other side of town. They entered an abandoned building.<\/p>\n

The animal pointed towards the back. \u201cIn there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sat pushed the heavy steel-framed door and peeked inside. There were squirrels everywhere, tools in their tiny fingers, fixing computers, HIFIs, TVs, and mobile phones, chatting happily, head nodding alongside the classic rock music playing in the background.<\/p>\n

Their little eyes all turned towards him. \u201cHi, Sat!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi. I was told to come here to access virtual reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

A ginger squirrel jumped to the back shelves, unplugged a phone, and scurried back to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, it\u2019s all set up. The old ones don\u2019t need chips. Just remember not to log off and don\u2019t let it die. Here\u2019s the charger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sat nodded and left. He strolled around town until he came across a deserted park, sat down on a broken bench, and switched the machine on. It took a while before the screen finally lit up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Welcome back Anonymous.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What do you want to do today?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Social media\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Virtual news\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Virtual love<\/h5>\n
Virtual work\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Virtual holiday\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Virtual hobbies<\/h5>\n
Virtual food\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Virtual health\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Virtual afterlife<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

He spent three days browsing through virtual insanity.<\/p>\n

Finally, he looked up, his face grey. In the mid-afternoon sun, there were many visitors in the park, dressed up in their best. The animals strolled, picnicked, and played ball. There were no humans.<\/p>\n

Sat scratched his stubble beard, rubbed his sore eyes, exhaled loudly, and, finally, pressed Virtual afterlife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Welcome to ALL IS FORGIVEN\u2122\u2014the official Angelic Community app.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Prepare your next move, apply for the residency program in Paradise!<\/p>\n

Please read and agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy before downloading.<\/p>\n

I agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Ready to get started?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Enter your email address:<\/p>\n

sat@hell.com<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Would you like to confirm your email for us while we finish installing the app on your device?<\/p>\n

Enter the code sent to your email:<\/p>\n

666<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Please fill out the following registration form:<\/p>\n

Full Name:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Satan Lucifer Beelzebub Iblis Mastema<\/span><\/p>\n

Username:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Sat<\/span><\/p>\n

Password:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a04Horsemen<\/span><\/p>\n

Retype password:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 4Horsemen<\/span><\/p>\n

Date of birth:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 N\/A<\/span><\/p>\n

Place of birth:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Paradise<\/span><\/p>\n

Current address:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Hell<\/span><\/p>\n

Country:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 N\/A<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chosen gender:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Neutral<\/span><\/p>\n

Preferred pronouns:\u00a0 \u00a0They\/them<\/span><\/p>\n

Religious Beliefs:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Satanism<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h5>\n

Main sins (if relevant):<\/p>\n

Gave Eve an apple<\/span>
\nLied<\/span>
\nTempted humans to sin<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Entity\u2014Deity, angel, human, or animal\u2014you wish to meet again (if relevant):<\/p>\n

Eve<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Relationship status:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Old friend<\/span>
\nAdam<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Relationship status:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Old friend<\/span>
\nJesus<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Relationship status:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Old friend<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Entity\u2014Deity, angel, human, or animal\u2014you do not wish to meet again (if relevant):<\/p>\n

God<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Relationship status:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Old Boss<\/span>
\nN\/A<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Relationship status:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0N\/A<\/span>
\nN\/A<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Relationship status:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0N\/A<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h5>\n

Reincarnation preferences (if relevant):<\/p>\n

Snake<\/span>
\nCat<\/span>
\nApple tree<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Please write a short comment (280 character limit) about your decision to apply for the residency program in Paradise.<\/p>\n

I ruled the underworld for too long. I am bored, & wish to come home, retire.<\/h5>\n
There is little for me to do; it\u2019s hell on earth & I had nothing to do with it. I blame God (He was never a good boss) for failing humanity. Yes, I know the rules: I forgive him. Can I please come home?<\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do you wish to subscribe to our monthly Angelic newsletter: Newslater?<\/p>\n

Yes<\/p>\n

No<\/p>\n

<\/h5>\n

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the form. Please verify the information you provided is correct before pressing Enter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Sat double-checked his answers, nodding as he read. His index claw reached for the screen, ready to press “enter,” when a single beep chimed. The phone buzzed and died.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I ruled the underworld for too long. I am bored, & wish to come home, retire. There is little for me to do; it\u2019s hell on earth & I had nothing to do with it. I blame God (He was never a good boss) for failing humanity. Yes, I know the rules: I forgive him. Can I please come home?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":182,"featured_media":19872,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[3351,780],"class_list":["post-19286","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fiction","tag-dystopia","tag-satire","writer-delphine-gauthier-georgakopoulos"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/182"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19286"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19286\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19893,"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19286\/revisions\/19893"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19286"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19286"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mrbullbull.com\/newbull\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}