Warrior Nun: The aftermath

Chapter 1

She is gone. These words echoed in a continuous loop through Beatrice's head. What seemed right just now couldn't feel any more wrong. There should have been another way. There was nothing she could have done to help Ava stay and live. Instead, she was somewhere now and Beatrice wasn't sure if she was actually better off than on this side. After just a few seconds, Beatrice missed Ava so much that it even hurt physically. She didn't even want to imagine what was happening to Ava on the other side. No matter what Beatrice knew about this world, it has often been turned upside down lately. Adriel had suddenly questioned everything she and all other Christians believed. The entire church is now a complete mess. As have Beatrice's feelings ever since Ava miraculously entered her life. To her, Ava was a miracle. She had never been able to feel who she really was and how she wanted to be, thanks to her that had changed. As soon as the moment flashed in her mind when Ava's lips touched hers and she sealed a goodbye, tears ran down her cheeks again. Beatrice's hands were still shaking in her lap. She had just stroked Ava's delicate face with it. Now she was still sitting in front of the ark and weeping for her love. To be honest, Beatrice had no idea how long.

"Beatrice! Are you okay?" Camila and Yasmine came running around the corner. When the two found only her alone, they immediately asked about Ava. Camila slowly crawled in front of her. "Where's Ava? Beatrice, where's Ava?"

Unable to answer, she nodded behind her at the long-gone portal. Immediately they understood what Beatrice meant by that. For a few minutes they just sat and cried together for another lost sister. Eventually Beatrice regained her composure and was reasonably able to think rationally. "What about the rest? Is everybody fine?"

"A few minor injuries to some but nothing serious. Vicent is taking her outside with Sister Dora. Where are Micheal and Lilith?" Yasmine looked around searchingly. The smaller wounds had apparently bled more than Beatrice thought. Because when she continued to search for Ava alone and left Yasmine behind, the blood had not yet run up to her collar and throughout face smeared.

"Michael is here." Beatrice pointed to the large bloodstain on which bits of clothing and skin lay scattered. "Lilith is god knows where. She disappeared right after Ava went through the portal." The last sentence was obviously difficult for her. Camila immediately sanded up and hugged her.

"I am so sorry. For you and both of you." She whispered in Bea's ear.

Meanwhile, Yasmine stood beside them in a stooped posture, still fighting to throw up. Even Beatrice had to admit that the sight of Michael's remains was not easy.

"We should go." It's now or never, otherwise Beatrice wouldn't be able to bring herself to leave the place where she lost Ava.

As always, Camila was able to provide a more or less inappropriate comment in any situation. "It would be better. Otherwise, when we get the ark, we'll have to be careful not to just step on Michael."

With the evil look she got from Beatrice, her grin was gone immediately. Without another word, they made their way to the others. Before Beatrice could leave the ark completely behind, she looked back once more. Perhaps with a glimmer of hope, the portal would open again and Ava would return. But it remained without function and the Warrior Nun continued to disappear.