Mirabel looked at her beloved Delilah sadly. Would this confession destroy their relationship? Or forge it into something truly unbreakable?
She swished her tail determinedly. "I have to tell her, even though it's forbidden! She also might hate me afterwards, but she needs to know what she's up against."
"Mirabel, you are the only one who has never lied to me. What truth could I possibly need to know?" Delilah asked, curious but not concerned. She was still processing everything she had learned recently, and her mind rejected the idea of adding yet another revelation.
"I have never lied to you, Delilah. I couldn't if I tried. We aren't capable of it, unless we... Change sides. But I haven't told you everything, either. I'm not allowed to."
"Who told you not to, Mirabel? I've never known you to take orders from anyone!" exclaimed Delilah.
Mirabel gave a slight chuckle at the reminder. Her human friend was correct, no Earthly being had ever controlled her. She only answered to one in all of existence.
"Instead of answering you, let me tell you my story. At least the part that concerns you. I think you will find it interesting. But I ask you one thing, in honor of our friendship."
"Of course, anything I can do or get is yours, my dear friend." replied Delilah, with love and trust filling her eyes.
Mirabel's heart almost broke. Who knew a creature so young and delicate could be so lovable? After meeting Delilah, she finally understood. Before, she had always marveled that what she had privately considered to be an inferior species was the epicenter of the Battle.
"It's yours to give - or not. I just ask that you hear me through to the end, and don't think too badly of me. Telling anyone this information is strictly forbidden, and I am putting my time here at risk by telling you. In fact I might be taken as I tell you, if I'm discovered. If this happens, please know that I truly do love you."
Now she had Delilah's full attention! "Mirabel! Don't put yourself at risk. I will be fine. And whatever you are keeping from me, I already forgive you." she replied lovingly, as she reached out to caress the soft fur.
"As you already know, we began to inhabit Earth soon after the Fall. There was a good reason for this. The Fall was not a natural disaster, as Humanity assumed it to be. It was caused by evil forces. Powerful beings who are jealous of your current and future role in the Universe.
They had done their best to manipulate this world into abusing technology. It worked, and on a massive scale. But many also used it for good. Families a world away could visit with each other every day, for as long as they wished. Diseases were being cured, and suffering relieved. One could travel anywhere on Earth in a day or less. It was apparent that soon the benefits would outweigh any drawbacks. Especially since humans were becoming increasingly aware of the harm their newfound yet primitive knowledge could create.
These evil forces, you call them demons. They are of my species, but have lost a lot of our abilities - and gained others which we never had or wanted. They broke away from us, because they wanted more power. Then your kind came along, destined to eventually be bestowed with everything they wanted, and would never receive. It made them furious, Delilah! They wanted to make your species suffer, before eventually wiping you out.
As long as you were allowed to progress mostly unhindered, we were simply spectators. Except in special cases, but that's a story for another time. Your kind, as both a species and as individuals, has been given the opportunity to choose which path to take.
By causing the Fall, the demons took so much good out of your world, good which your kind had worked so hard to achieve! To balance this out, we were sent to help you. And to throw a wrench in their plans!"
"Wait... You said demons split off from your kind? Then you aren't really a cat?" asked Delilah. She was following along remarkably well, noted Mirabel with satisfaction.
"I am a cat while I'm here. I can't change form, or inhabit a human. I can't leave this body either. As I said, they developed other skills after the Split. Many more, and dangerous ones at that! Be wary and very careful, Dear. If they can't corrupt you, they will see you in an early grave." Mirabel replied solemnly.
"I promise. But if they are demons, that makes you..." she replied in awe.
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery