Warrior Nun: The aftermath

Chapter 21

A familiar environment awaited Ava as she opened her eyes. No tiredness, exhaustion or pain. A perfect physical balance. Something she had lacked on the mortal side. Slowly, Ava moved towards the white-clad woman who was standing with her back to her. Without saying anything, Ava stood next to her and looked with her into the distance.

"Your path has brought you back here faster than you expected."

Reya's voice, as usual, radiated an incredible composure. Ava, however, was still nervous.

"I need your help. Beatrice, she..."

"I know everything that's happened and what's going on inside you," Reya interrupted her. "So I'm not surprised that despite all the questions and problems, you started with this one."

"But how can it be possible? How can Beatrice abke to see demons?"

For a moment there was silence again. She wasn't sure if Reya was thinking about her answer or giving Ava time to think about her question herself.

"It's her connection to you, Ava. I have been observing and shaping the warrior nuns for a long time, but never before has there been anything comparable in a halo bearer. You two don't realize it yet in its full extent, but the love that unites you both makes you incredibly strong and unique."

Strong, unique, love. Words that Ava just didn't quite associate with their relationship. If it was a relationship at all. After all, she hadn't that kind of conversation with Beatrice so far.

"Your doubts cannot be overlooked. You should trust and believe."

"In what? A relationship that doesn't exist yet and ends faster than it began."

"Your place will be here one day, until then you still have a way to master. Life is like a game, anyone who moves their fellow human beings like pawns deserves to lose. Those who play by the rules will win the price love."

"Are there any cheap calendar sayings here too or what?"

Ava was annoyed and anger was bubbling up.

"Your love is getting stronger every day and when the time comes, it will be able to withstand the distance without any problems."

"It's a distance from different times and universes!"

"Beatrice's destiny isn't set in stone yet, like your Ava."

Ava listened.

"Beatrice could come here with me?"

"Your connection opens unexpected doors, but that doesn't matter now. Everything to the right time."

"Not from B..."

Reya raised her hand firmly and silenced Ava.

"The portal you found was stolen from us a while ago. We haven't been able to find out by who, but this person is a threat to your mission."

What did Reya expect her to do about it? Without even looking at her, she seemed to know her thoughts.

"Be careful. You need to be more careful and vigilant. The crown doesn't offer much time that we can use to prepare you against him."

Not much time. Ava roughly estimated how long she had been here and what time it had to be with Beatrice. Time passed faster here, so she wouldn't be here for too long.

"What's the first thing I'm going to do?"

For the first time, Reya released her gaze and turned it to Ava.

In a dark and screened room, Ava finally knelt in front of her. The last time they tested their powers, they were in a similar environment. The protection of others was important, because everyone in this world was strong enough to cause enough damage with just one sneeze. But this time it wasn't a strong burst of energy that was on the agenda, but the ability to protect her mind from manipulation.

"Can you still get in touch with me if I've mastered the technique?"

Not as relaxed as before, Reya now stood authoritarian with folded arms in front of her.

"I communicate with you through the halo. Therefore, yes. I can still communicate with you. But you should concentrate now."

Ava relaxed her muscles and got ready, concentrating fully on herself. With a small nod, she signaled to Reya that she was ready. She didn't let much time pass and started immediately. A hellish pain ran through her head. Ava couldn't get a clear thought and fight it, instead she collapsed and propped herself up on her hands in pain. Then, suddenly, it stopped.

"Without any effort, I managed to penetrate your mind and make you suffer hellish pain. You will learn to fight it, otherwise you will be physically resilient but weak in spirit."

When Ava looked up, Reya was still standing there as before. It seemed as if she had not moved a millimeter. She herself did not have the strength to move. The feeling as if the command from her head did not penetrate to her arms and legs.

"Let's try again," Reya said resolutely.

Like last time, Ava didn't have the slightest chance to fight back. Then they tried again and again and again. Each time, the pain worsened, and her body became tired and weak.

-

Beatrice patiently sat in a chair and watched Ava's body. She still hasn't let go of the conversation with Camila. Thanks to her years of training, Bea was able to curb her inner turmoil well and wait until Ava woke up and they could clarify the question of trust. But despite all the self-control she could muster, she got bored. Slowly, she paced up and down next to their shared bed. Beatrice has always controlled her emotions with movement. Was she angry about being rejected by her family because of herself? A long intensive boxing session was the solution. A mission gone wrong? Training fights until she fell over or there were no opponents left. Something that made her different from Ava. Even as a child, she ate feelings into herself, hid or suppressed them, unless she was near Ava. There she had no shame or fear to cry or laugh openly. Ava generally had no problem showing her emotions. If she was angry, she showed it to everyone. If she was sad, she would be in front of everyone. Or if she was in pain, then...
Beatrice flinched. Just as she was thinking about it, Ava started screaming as if she felt pain close to death. She quickly ran to the bed and knelt on it next to Ava. Apparently the others had heard it too and rushed in at the door.

"Beatrice! What's wrong with her?"

She just couldn't answer that question herself. Ava was still on the other side with her sanity. Since she showed no signs of injury, Bea came to the conclusion that the cause of her pain must also be on the other side.