The Riches of Power

Training

POV Tara

A few months have gone by since traipse raid and the start of our training. We aren't anywhere near prepared, but we are much more skilled than we were. We spend the morning doing different yoga routines each one stretching our muscles and opening our minds for the rest of the day. We would then start our lessons on different types of demons and angels as well as a bit of necessary history. This is taught by Asmodel as well as Taryn, who keeps the class interesting with her wit and sarcasm. After our lessons we will normally continue on to physical training learning how we can not only let the weapon manipulate our bodies and minds but how we ourselves can manipulate the weapon. This requires hours of training with both our weapons and weapons without any power. Since the return of our memories I am happy to know who I am working together with. As I think this I gaze at Axel, and his eyes meet mine we both have small smiles as we eat our breakfast and it's when he gives me a cheeky wink that I blush and look back down at my oatmeal.

I'll also say that this adventure has not been all work, though a lot of it is. Dances and celebrations are often, as we praise God through dance and song. Life is quite simple here, tranquil. Taryn and Elaina have made their own housing outside with the help of a few seraphs, and they are content as well. They had to go hunting a few times, the days following are always tense around the angels so they stay outside the gates if they can help it. I washed my plate close my eyes and thank the Lord for my food and when I open my eyes my dish was gone. I couldn't help but wonder how easy it is to believe God here.

You have to rely on him here, you see his works. He doesn't respond in clear cut words however, which is still frustrating, but I can't deny his existence here. I remember having glimpses of this feeling before this whole mess, it had sparked a few consecutive church service attendances. But I know I just let it die, it was never really important to me. That's why I can't help but wonder why I was one of the eight chosen for this quest.

I sigh myself out of my thoughts, but thats when we hear a warning scream. A small angelic child comes running in from the meadow. Terrified sparks fly in his eyes. Other angels rush to him and slam questions at him. I waste no time I run across the sanctuary onto hill where the the interrogation building lay. Here I am able to see over the wall into the field, that is slowly being devoured by black tar. In its wake the grass turns a yellow before being drowned in its sea. As I look around the whole meadow I can see that we are being surrounded. "Whats going on?" I hear the others yelling as they run up to join me. Axel has his hand on my shoulder as he heaves in a few breathes.

Nothing can be seen other than the incoming black, but you know that the other Sailienz are nearby. That's when I think of Elaina and Taryn, they are still out there. "We need to get Taryn and Elaina inside." I whisper and then I repeat myself louder and Carter is the one who runs down the hill and opens the silver gates. From where I stood I could see their thin frames slide in and the door closes. I pull out the metal purple box that lays cooly in my fingers. I allow it to unfold into my hands and it splits into its beautiful gleaming handguns.

I hadn't felt the same confidence that I do now as I grip them tightly. I try to see into the trees, perhaps spot the culprits. I pray my eyes are simply playing tricks but I think I see figures looming around the entire rim of foliage. People pushed and shoved as they tried to push into the this circular building. It was indeed the largest building, everyone would fit. I looked down to the square and Asmodel was ushering the stragglers to get into the building. The Archangels that defended the gate were checking every hovel to make sure no angel hid away.

As we scrambled to defend ourselves the minutes ticked on, but nothing else stirred beyond the wall. My eyes squinting at the trees, heart pounding in anticipation. 'Where are they?'