Video | BACKDATED to early the 11th

[soul_sister]

[It's early Wednesday morning when a new video message turns up on the network. The nun seems to have none of her usual energy and the bags under her eyes are fairly pronounced. Flynn and Fluffy have likely put up with her pacing almost incessantly since dinner time last night, and even now she fidgets in her seat, fingers playing with an ornamental looking watch hanging at her neck.]

Has anyone seen Chrono? Short, grumpy, purple hair. He's usually with me.

... He might have been in some kind of fight, so I'll take anything. Or anyone to help me look.

Comments

[senseandcecilbility]

[It is very likely that Kevin would not be able to answer most of those questions. Nothing has been the same since Solomon, and now he has questions of his own. As an Angel of the Presence, he never understood how humans could rely solely on faith without knowing for certain that God would be there for them. And now that he must do the same, he cannot help but realize how strong they are.]

...Why have you taken your vows, sister?

[soul_sister]

At the time that I took them, I really didn't understand them. [She grins, a little lopsidedly.] I was twelve.

[She has to stop and think, honestly. She'd never questioned that aspect of her life... and even now, sees no reason to.] They'd still help us, even if I left.

But... Miracles aren't just the flashy things, like healing hands or a divine song. Sometimes, they're as small and as big as someone noticing you and helping right when you have no other way. I've seen a lot of miracles.

[She shakes her head.] I may not be good at reports or Latin or a lot of that stupid stuff. But I think what the Order is doing is right, and for the right reasons.

[senseandcecilbility]

Ah, I believe you are right. About the small and big miracles, I mean.

[As the angel ruling over the element earth, Uriel had always preferred the quiet and nurturing miracles, like watching young master research all the herbs in the manor's garden. The other three Angels of the Presence have always been much flashier. Especially Michael. All shining swords and loud laughter and--

He raises his hand to his left shoulder, that missing part of him still as disturbing as ever.

What is...the Order doing?

[soul_sister]

We protect people. We fight demons that are killing or harming humans and spirits who do the same, help resolve possessions. We're the only militarized order for that reason.

Our patron saint, Mary Magdalene, had visions about the future. The jist of them is we're trying to prevent a larger conflict. They're pretty well guarded. I've tried to look a lot of times.

[senseandcecilbility]

[No wonder your Mister Chrono has such a bad reputation among his own kind. Not even Dantallion has gone that far.]

We have something similar. In this place, actually. [He gestures at the destruction surrounding them.] It is called the Hand of God.

[And Uriel happens to control them. Extremely well-trained exorcists. Unquestionably faithful to their patron angel.]

Why did you join...your Order. Was it because you already had a pact with a demon?

[soul_sister]

[He'd been killing demons way before Rosette met him, can't pin that on her.

She nods, but smiles.]

If it wasn't for them, I'd have probably managed to get myself killed by now. They taught me how to fight, gave me a real academic education, help me look for my brother...

I owe them a lot.

[senseandcecilbility]

[It sounds like the story of most members of the Hands of God, and yet they have been assigned to extremely dangerous missions, missions that might have cost their lives. Kevin cannot help but feel a pang of guilt.]

Regardless of how much you believe you own them, I am quite sure they are extremely thankful for your support.

1/2

[soul_sister]

[It's one of those moments, where you remember the resounding debt that can only come from accidental destruction of national monuments. Buildings collapsed, cars crumpled.

NONE OF WHICH WERE HER FAULT, but.... BUT!!!]

... Right.

[soul_sister]

[She shakes her head soundly. NOPE. NOT GOING THERE.]

So! The Hand of God, is it?

What are they like? I'd wondered if we had a European counterpart.

[senseandcecilbility]

[He saw that look, sister.

He has not known her long enough to know exactly what that look means, but he has a few suspicions]

...The Hand of God is an order that serves the Church of England. They are mainly highly trained exorcists who guard the territory from evil spirits.

[soul_sister]

No, I mean, what are they like? Kinda reckless? Reserved and calculating? Gallant and selfless? Wild and impulsive? A mix of all of them? Who's your favorite?

[senseandcecilbility]

[He laughs, actually enjoying the unexpected turn of her curiosity. Sister Rosette is indeed very unique.]

A mix of all of them would be closer to the truth, though gallant and selfless fits them rather well. [And perhaps a tad overly serious, though he cannot fault them for that.]

[He pauses with a slightly shy smile. Certainly he shouldn't have favorites. But still...]

W-Well, there is this young priest called Ernest. He used to work as a coal miner when he was a small child, and like most children who are exposed to such environment, he was very, very ill. One day, however, he had a vision and found a sacred relic in a dark tunnel. He miraculously recovered his health and grew up to become a very loyal and competent exorcist.

[soul_sister]

Hmm. So you're the hands on type, and a guardian... Still not quite enough to guess your name yet.

[senseandcecilbility]

WHA--

[There is a lot of blushing and failed attempts at speaking. Oh, Rosette.]

I-I did not realize you were trying to guess my name!

[soul_sister]

Well, it's hardly going to be 'Kevin.'

Don't give it away, though. I bet I can get close eventually.

1/3

[senseandcecilbility]

I say, sister...

[senseandcecilbility]

...

[Wait, did she mention betting!]

[senseandcecilbility]

I say, sister, your challenge has been accepted!

[soul_sister]

OHO! Your days of mystery are numbered!

[senseandcecilbility]

[DELIGHTED]

Oh? ~ Now, now, do not forget that hubris is a sin.

[soul_sister]

You haven't seen 'a proud look' yet. That'll be after I win.

[senseandcecilbility]

If I were you I would not be so certain, young lady. I am a master of concealment and misdirection ~

[Now he is just being silly and theatrical. But it is a nice counterpart to post-nuclear Britain.]

[soul_sister]

They should at least be better than your excuses for not answering the door.

[She picks up her pace a little as the apartments come into view. It's no rational thing, being told by more than one person with the power to know that he is no where on the island... but still needing to check the usual meeting spots just in case.]<>

[senseandcecilbility]

[Oh no, did she notice that he was trying to hide? She must be secretly brilliant!

Careful, Kevin. Careful.]

I was...reading a particularly good book. Quite absorbing!

[soul_sister]

What book?