Chapter 11
Before the early hours of dawn.
Michelle summoned the Crew in Suzanne’s office. Sitting around the room, they spread out, weary from the night's party. Hanna sleeping in Ava’s arms. A sketch of the stranger pinned to the wall. Michelle paced the length of the room, waiting for the crew to take their seats. She took a stand beside said image, hands on her hips. “I know we are all tired from last nights party, but this can not wait. This woman, her name is Reya she’s an angelic being. I have Faith and a few old friends tracking her down. However there is a risk she will return back here”
“Why is she here?” Suzanne asked.
“I don’t know”
“I thought you said angelic beings are banned here?”
“Yes they are”
“Then why would she risk coming here?” Jillian asked.
Ava sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Because she is after Hanna”
The others turned to her concerned.
Bea nodded, holding Ava’s hand. “She won’t get her”
Ava turned to her and nodded.
“Why is everyone after a child?” Lilith remarked concerned.
Michelle sighed, shaking her head. “I don’t know, but she is the safest within these walls”
“So how does one kill an Angelic being?” Mary asked.
“Same as the Demons, divinium” Michelle answered.
“Then we must train our forces” Suzanne stated, turning to the crew. “As Commanders of the OCS I want you to train these girls ready for war and push them to their potential. Ava” Ava turned to face her. Suzanne leaned on her desk and informed “Protect your daughter, whatever it takes” Ava nodded. Suzanne turned to her girlfriends and ordered “I trust you two to keep the Cradle secure” they nodded. “In the meantime I will contact the Pope and gather an army, help train them up to fight this Reya”
Ava took a moment to watch her crew and family. She could see the uncertainty in their eyes despite the cool nature they tried to show. She wouldn’t blame them. It was the same look she saw on them when they had to fight a God. She turned to her girlfriend and found her eyes focused and determine. Not a sign of doubt or uncertainty. Her girlfriend turned to her, locked eyes with her for a moment, then gave a sharp nod. Ava stood up and moved herself to the door. Drawing all their attentions on her. “We faced worse then Angelic beings. We fought a God and done it with less woman power. This Reya, she thinks she can come in here and screw with us. Well I say no” she looked around, proudly watching their uncertainty fade away before her very eyes. She saw Beatrice’s proud smile and focused on her. “No, she doesn’t get to come in here and hurt our people. If this bitch wants my daughter, then I will rain hell upon her!” She announced. “Now!” She paused to grin. “Who’s ready to give them Hell!”
“For Hanna!” Bea announces, taking a stand.
The others followed her lead as they spoke as one “For Hanna!”
Ava smiled proudly at her family. She watched as her Girlfriend turned the conversation to defense strategies. She watched their opinions and thoughts fill the air, shaping her mother's simple idea into a solid plan. She turned to her Mother and noticed the unnatural quietness in her stance. She waited till her mother's gaze met hers and only then, she smiled at her mother, in a way to reassure her without the need for words. Her mother watched for a moment unblinking, then turned to the crew and started advising them of her History with Reya. Ava turned back to her family, joining in the meeting.
Weeks go on and not a sign of Reya.
Church service came quicker then expected. The entire Convent gathered in the main hall. Sitting facing the rows of candles and the large cross of the OCS. Before the copper cross, a Sister singing morning hymns.
The Crew sat in line on the third row. Ava and Hanna sleeping curled in Beatrice’s side. Beatrice holding Ava’s hand, focusing ahead of the Crew. Lilith beside her followed by Mary. On Ava’s side was Camila and Serita. In front of them Michael sat quietly, a soft smile on his face as he watched the sister sing. Beside him was a very confused Jillian and Michelle. A bible each in hand, trying to work out which Old God the Catholic Church are worshiping.
Granted, Michelle and Jillian do this once a week every Sunday. Yet all progress is lost the moment Suzanne takes over service and all thoughts vanished along with it.
“Ava, your turn is up next” Camila whispered. Ava didn’t move. Camila turned to her and frowned. “Ava?” She whispered again, poking the girl in her side. “Wake up already”
Bea looked around Camila and smiled “I got this” she assured. She turned to Ava and kissed her cheek. Whispering in her ear “wake up my love”
“Wha wha I’m awake I’m awake” Ava quickly replied huskily. She pulled herself away from Bea with a near slient yawn and smiled as she turned to her lover “Morning”
“Morning, it’s nearly time” she leaned over and kissed Ava’s temple.
“Right” she comment, more awake from Beatrice’s second kiss. “Can’t miss that”
“Aww” Camila whispered.
“That’s one way to be woken up in the morning” Serita commented.
Cam turned to her with a smirk “I can wake you up like that”
“Not at the ungodly hour you wake up love” she leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for the offer, how about I kiss you when I sleep”
“I can do that”
“What ungodly hour are you talking about?” Mary piped up. “We never see you before sunset”
“Exactly, I prefer the night jobs. It makes my profession easier” Serita explained.
“Fair enough”
Ava watched the singing for a moment, then turned down to her sleeping daughter. “Should we wake her up now or when we get there? I’m not too versed in this baptist thing”
“When we are called” Bea answered.
“You still want her to take my last name?”
“The alternative is mine and I rather not have that name mentioned in this place”
“Fair enough, Hanna Silva has a good ring to it” She grinned, turning to Beatrice. Watching her with adoring eyes. “Don’t you think”
“Indeed so”
“Did you think of her middle name yet?” Camila asked the couple.
The couple turned to her, each other, then announced “Shannon”
Mary and Lilith’s gaze widen with surprised.
“Hanna Shannon Silva” Bea spoke. She looked to her best friends for their reaction and found their pleased smiles.
“I’ll have the birth certificate ready this afternoon” Camila informed.
“Perfect name” Serita comment.
Lilith nodded in agreement. “Perfect, she’ll be happy to hear that” she turned to Mary.
“She’ll love it” Mary replied softly.
Lilith scooted closer, grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. Mary turned to her with a great full smile. Leaning down and resting her head on top of Lilith’s shoulder.
“Now ladies” Suzanne announces, distracting the crew back to the front of the church. “We begin today’s service with a Baptist for Hanna Silva”
On cue three sister warriors carried a stone fountain filled with holy water to the base of the cross. Suzanne stepped to the side while the sister warriors left.
“That’s our cue” Bea whispered.
“Alright sweet pea time to go” Ava coaxed, gently waking the girl as she stood. The little girl yawned as she was carried through the seat rows and up to the front podium with Beatrice following right beside them.
Just as the family passed the first row. A beam of white light appeared shining down from above, behind Suzanne. Illuminating the cross and fountain.
Bea frowned at the light, catching Ava’s hand and pulling her back. Even Suzanne frowned at the light. Taking a few steps backwards with a firm grip of her cane.
“I take it from the hesitation that’s not normal” Ava comment confused.
“No indeed”
Ava sighed through gritted teeth "please be Bea's ex husband giving us his blessing" she hoped.
Bea briefly turned to her girlfriend, then shock her head.
The light glowed brighter. From the tops of the ceiling a figure in white cloth floated down from above with a pair of angelic white wings on her back. The figure took a step directly behind the cross. Pulled down their hood to reveal dark skin, brown hair cascading down their slim shoulders. She pressed her hands in pray in front of her chest and greeted the shock crowd with earnest smile. “Good evening, women of the Lord, I am an Angel of the Lord sent to carry the blessings of Mother Mary”
Whispers around the sisters intensified at the arrival of Reya. Some performing the holy cross. The crew however took no part. Reaching for their weapons, ready to strike this Angel at the slightest notice. Jillian looked at her confused. Michelle peaked her narrowed gaze over her book.
“Cocky bitch” Michelle whispered into the bible.
"is she insane?" Jillian asked confused.
Michelle huffed. "indeed". She felt Michael's body knock into hers, she turned down to find the child shivering at the mere presence of Reya. His eyes were bulging out of his head. His frame curled into himself desperate to run, but fear turned his body to stone. She frowned at his sudden change of composure. She wrapped her arm around his shoulders and he jolted at the touch, snapping his head to her and sighed at the sight of Michelle beside him. "it's okay my boy" Michelle whispered. She leaned down and kissed his temple. "I won't let her anywhere near you"
"don't let her near Hanna...please" he begged.
Michelle grunted, she pulled out her sword and let him go. She started to sneak her way through the rows of women to the front of the line. While Jillan slid over and wrapped her arms around Michael. Holding the boy close while she watched her girlfriends and Reya.
The Angel stepped forward, lowering her hands to just above her stomach, curled. She looked at all the faces then focused solely on Hanna and her adoptive mothers. “Sweet child of the lord. I have come to bless thee as you come as a blessing to the lord’s warriors” she softly called. She started approaching the family.
Suzanne cut her off after one step. “What is your name Angel?” Suzanne asked.
The Angel chuckled as she answered “It’s Reya” she went to move past Suzanne, but Suzanne pulled out her cane. Unsheathed her sword and held across Reya’s path. Reya frowned at the blade, then turned to Suzanne. “Is this how you treat an Angel?”
“This is how we treat unwanted guests. I suggest you leave Reya and never return to this world”
Reya laughed. “I mean no harm, if I offended you please accept my deepest apologies" she apologised without meaning. "I am here to bless Hanna”
'Ava the shield' Other Ava whispered. 'She shouldn't be here
'I know, but you did see her float in here right?'
'No I mean she physically cannot be here, the barrier burns anyone who tries to get in. It only protects-'
'Those who were already here' Ava sneered. 'That fucking shadow'
'One touch is all the chance she gets. I only need one reason to tear out her soul' Other Ava growled, her voice deteriorating to Tarask growls with every word she spoke. This level of rage made it near impossible for both Avas to keep from spilling out into the holy sanctum they stood in. “No you are not” Ava states loudly, she stepped forward with Hanna held tight in her grasp. “Why do you want her?”
Reya teleported away from Suzanne’s sword and appeared in front of Ava. “I only want her best interest. Please, let me pass on the Lord's blessings and I will leave you be”
Ava raised an suspicious eyebrow at her.
Reya sighed, pressing a hand to her chest. “By the Lord’s will, I will bring no harm to Hanna”
“Yeah you are going to have to do better then that”
Reya hummed, pulling down her hand. Her gentle smile faded away. “You must be Ava, the lord has spoken about you”
“Oh?”
“Yes, the Godless one” she sneered
Ava chuckled. “Pleasure to meet you too. Tell your Lord I got a few names for him as well”
Reya frowned. She eyed Ava suspiciously, then focused on the child. Finding the baby starring wide eyed and confused up at her. She smiled, crouching low before her. “Don’t worry sweet one, the lord won’t abandon you” she raised a delicate hand to Hanna’s face slowly.
Suddenly, Ava’s Tarask growled deeply with teeth bared and Hanna started to cry from Reya’s close proximity. A moment later, Bea was in front of Ava and Hanna with her spear extended and blade pressed against Reya’s neck.
“Step back, now!” Bea demanded.
Reya watched her for a moment. Then looked past her. Finding the entire convent on their feet surrounding the four with weapons drawn and aimed at Reya. The closet, Ava’s family, followed swiftly by the army. “Impressive” She comment, surveying the protective group. “It is clear you love the child”
“Without a doubt” Bea informed.
Michelle walked past the crowd to Reya’s side, cracking her neck bone and hands. “You were always too cocky for your own good” Michelle stated, stepping in front of the Sister Warriors.
Reya turned to her confused. “Have we met?”
“Not with this face” Michelle stopped, in-line with Beatrice’s side. Her sword held tight by her side. “But I doubt you would have forgotten me” her eyes flashed white and Reya threw her head back.
She straighten herself upright with a pensive glare. Moving close to Michelle. “Michelle, it’s been a long time”
“It has, I thought you died”
“You sound disappointed”
“Very, you know as well as I do Angels are banned here”
Reya laughed. “Times have changed since your rein and look at you, the great General of the Tarask’s. Your Father’s favourite Warrior. Cast out by the Old Gods you served and imprisoned here” she shook her head, eyeing Michelle up and down. “My my how far you have fallen”
Michelle scoffed. “You say banished I say given a new mission”
“We shall see” she stopped, turning to Hanna and her parents. “Hand over the child before the Old Gods find out she’s here”
“The child is safer here”
Reya laughed, turning back to Michelle “I doubt that” she dismissed. “She needs to be with her own kind”
“She’s safe here”
“Don’t fight me on this”
“Don’t make me repeat myself”
Reya hummed, watching Michelle for a moment. Then nodded. “Fine, you will see it my way soon” she turned and started to move away. She stopped turning back to Michelle and grinned “by the way, this new look is very sexy”
“Thank you, but I am now taken”
Reya laughed, shaking her head. “Suite yourself, let me know when you are bored with these mortals”. Reya advanced forward a few steps then disappeared into shadow, then into nothing.
“Cocky bitch” Michelle sighed, shaking her head.
“She’s very full of herself isn’t she” Ava pointed out.
“Very much so” Michelle sighed.
Jillian and Suzanne stepped forward, focusing on Michelle. Sharing the same suspicious glare.
She met their gaze and shrugged, shaking her head. "She's my ex"