Warrior Nun: The aftermath

Chapter 39

"Are you ready?" Lilith asked, waiting impatiently for an answer.

"As ready as you can be when you're about to blow up an entire building."

"Ava. You know it's more than just that. So concentrate and follow the plan!"

"Yes ma'am."

Even though the situation was so serious that any humor was actually inappropriate, Lilith still couldn't help but giggle a little. As discussed, she had gotten all of Adriel's followers out of the building and made sure that many spectators could immediately see what show Ava was about to put on. A little nervously, she shifted her weight from one foot to the other and waited. Suddenly there was a huge bang and Ava flew through the building. Above the house and hidden in a cloud of dust, she floated with a glowing halo. Amazement and also a bit of fear spread through the crowd. Some ran, some cheered and some pulled out their cell phones to film everything. Even though Lilith didn't believe it from the start, Ava had a talent for moving and motivational speeches. They would now use this to their advantage and with a spectacular performance, lead more people back to the good path and perhaps win one or two people over to the team. Even though they had recruited all the people, it still wasn't enough.

"Look!" a little girl shouted, pointing at Ava.

"An angel!" cried an old man.

"No," Ava argued. "I'm not an angel, a god or anything extraordinary. Just a normal young woman who got a second chance and that's exactly why I'm here. Second chances. Every single person on this planet deserves one. Adriel is History, but we are once again threatened with danger from an aloof criminal. A man who thinks he is a higher power, a god. We should all forget old conflicts and face the new as one. Help me to end the street fights! Help me to protect your fellow human beings! For God's sake, help me make a difference in this world!"

Goosebumps spread across Lilith's entire body. Ava's entire performance was completely in keeping with her personality. It could have been from a Hollywood movie. It seemed that Ava had an impact not only on Lilith, but on the people arround her as well. Nobody said a word anymore and all attention was on Ava. Some just stood there, trying to realize what is happening and why. Lilith noticed a young woman with tears glistening on her face and trying to hold her phone steady despite her shaking hands.

"I've experienced too much bad shit in my life and endured too many shitty hours. That's why I'm more than sure that every single person on the planet can do it too. We must stop working and fighting against each other and instead fight for each other. I will do it. I will give everything for each and every one. No matter what mistakes someone has made in the past and no fucking matter what it costs me! The world and people deserve more and better. I know that and I believe that. You all should too!" Ava shouted and then disappeared as agreed.

As soon as she was out of sight, the unrest returned. People were running around in confusion. Many conversations quickly filled the silence and it became too much for Lilith. They had completed their mission, so she also  headed to her meeting point with Ava. As soon as Lilith reached it, Ava jumped excitedly towards her.

"Have you seen me? I must have looked so damn good! And my speech. Awesome!"

"Oh sure," Lilith replied, skillfully hiding her euphoria behind her cool facial expression and hard voice. "Maybe you could have deleted "shit" or "fuck" from your vocabulary for a moment."

Ava didn't let her spoil her good mood and was still smiling from ear to ear.

"I can't wait to see all the videos and pictures. Hopefully I look as good as I just felt. Like I'm the new fucking Marvel superheroine! Just wait when Bea..." Ava trailed off.

Lilith immediately understood what, or rather who, Ava was thinking about. She also found it difficult to think of Beatrice. For years they had fought side by side for the OCS. It was sad to lose Mary, but she never had the same good rapport with her as she did with Beatrice.

"Ava," she began. "Beatrice is the strongest person I know, next to you. She would never give up. She's fighting her way back to you and to us, I'm sure."

All the joy from just a moment ago had completely disappeared from Ava. She walked away with her head bowed and her sad heart.

"We should go. The others are waiting and we still have a lot to do." said Ava quiet while walking away from Lilith.