As they entered the hall, all the Angels and Demons got down on one knee. The people present quickly followed their example. Jon and Elise saw that the Devil, the former God and Goddess, and his uncle and aunt had also dropped to one knee. Jon said:
"Please, stand up. I don't like anyone kneeling in front of me."
His familiar sneaky smile reappeared on his face, after which he continued:
"You may, of course, sit on both knees all day and all night long to worship and sing praise to my magnificent Goddess because I really like doing that too."
The latter earned him a playful tap on his shoulders from Elise. Laughter rang out in the hall not just from his immediate family and the humans present, and Jon took that as a good sign. They walked to the places of honor, and Elise said:
"Please be seated. We know that protocol dictates that you do not sit down until we take our seats. However, Jon has a few more things to say, so please sit down."
After which she herself sat down. The Demons and Angels were a little uncertain, but when they saw the Devil and the old God and Goddess take their seats, they did too. They sat neatly as Jon had requested. The two groups neatly mixed with the humans. The first visible evidence of his intention to build a completely new society free of any segregation. A soft smile appeared around his mouth when he saw that Davy and Brandon stayed very close to Raffa. Sam and Jules had apparently chosen Rae Rae and Bearus. Liz, Fay, and Hope were not to be seen away from Jo and Belios. Pam, Jessie, and Danny had targeted Muriel and Zelo. His dad had ceded his seat to Casiel so she could sit next to him. He began to speak:
"Look around you, and you will see what Elise and I want to achieve. A new society in Heaven and on Earth where Angels, Demons, and Humans can work together in peace, helping each other and supporting each other. No, let me correct that immediately. As of today, there are no more Angels and Demons. From today, everything changes, and the first thing that changes is that from now on, there are only Celestials. Complete equality between former Demons and Angels. No one is better than the other; we are all the same. I therefore warn that I don't want to catch anyone who wants to go back to the old pattern. Who thinks he or she is better than another. Now if you ask why not in Hell, the answer is simple. I don't want any Celestial to live in Hell. Hell will become nothing more than a workplace from tomorrow. You can do your job there and then simply go to your home on Earth, Dis or in Heaven, the choice is yours. I'm going to connect Dis to Eden so that our Celestials who want to stay in their homes can do so but without the influence of Hell. You can live where you want. Hell from now on will only be a workplace; never will one of our Celestials, one of our brothers or sisters, our family have to live in that rotten place that Hell is. However, we are not going to be able to do that without the help of each and every one of you. Humanity has already suffered far too much from wars and the consequences of wars. Before today, Demons and Angels, all your lives, for thousands of years, you have lived in fear of the slaughter that both sides wanted. The Archangels and Elders wanted a war, a massacre, just so they could kill my father. The Demons felt threatened and wanted to go to war to ensure their survival. In time, everyone forgot why. Angels were convinced that the Demons wanted to attack them. Demons became convinced that Angels would attack them. Well, that stops here and now! Because we are all Celestials from today forward, there is no more reason for something as stupid and barbaric as a war. Believe me, the first one who makes even the slightest attempt to go back to that mess will be able to come and explain it in my office. It's been a long time since I've burned anyone to ashes and actually had fun doing it!"
At those last words, several Demons as well as Angels could be heard swallowing. It was a sharp reminder that he was still Jon even though he was the new God.
"You are the proof that war will never, ever be necessary. You will be the pioneers who will show all who will come after you the way to peace, happiness, and equality for all. So let us, as Man, as the first Celestials, enjoy this meal together. Our first meal together as equals, as a family. A first of incredibly many that will follow. Let us toast to tomorrow because tomorrow will change everything for everyone!"
Thunderous applause broke out, and Jon took his glass and held it high:
"Ladies, Gentlemen, and Kids, to tomorrow!"
A chorus sounded in the hall, answering his toast:
"Tomorrow!"