Recognition [Closed]

It was a quiet and somber evening for Maria despite having taken part in the operation to secure the Prince and the Dragon Spas. There was a feeling of fulfillment in her that made her feel more at ease. These five years of ruinous torture and hellish training wasn't for nothing. Because tonight, Maria was able to save someone. If this was part of being a Cadet, then she made a right choice to join. Maybe, just maybe she didn't have to dwell in that darkness under the shadow of the Church. Perhaps, she could--


What was she thinking? These thoughts were a weakness, a sin. The moment when she agreed to the procedure, she should've forsaken any yearning to be a normal human. Forsake any thoughts of being a person She was a weapon, not an individual. If the Cadets knew anything about her, would they change their minds if they realized what made her completely different from the rest? A part of her cursed her fate, and rightly so as it granted her an unfortunate hand with the loss of her family and a lot more. But at the same time, she knew that everyone who was weak had only themselves to blame. Weakness was a sin, and she was a huge sinner.

Maria finally arrived at the gates of the Church. It looked like any other Church complete with a full cathedral structure and a garden. But she was the only few to know its true face.



Maria found herself in the main supervisor's office. To her surprise, the umbra-haired Louise was absent. There was only a gently smiling Jorge, an unknown nun, and... her. The woman in blonde sat in the very desk that Louise usually occupied with a very thin smile. The postulant closed the door behind her and began to advance a few steps. "Good evening, Mother Sylvania. And to you Father and..."

She held herself in a respective manner, being mindful of the blonde's presence. But she turned towards the towering woman who stood nearer to Sylvania. Whoever she was, it was evident that her body was heavily built for battle. Maria had little doubt that this one belonged to the Militancy just as she was. "Diana. Sista' Diana of the Cresc'ent 'night Mai'dens. Plea'ure."

Her voice was husky as she introduced herself with a confident and relaxed smile. There was an evident accent in her tone, meaning she wasn't around from here as Maria figured. But she was familiar with her division, the Crescent Night Maidens. A Knight division of Sisters strongly suited for demonic elimination and exorcism. The postulant had an idea why she was here.


Maria remembered that chaotic evening, it was a success. But it brought up so many questions for her. The weapon hesitated, but she finally brought it upon herself to finally begin speaking and detailing what had happened earlier this evening. From what she learned from Serenity about the uncertainties and that something like this was familiar to the Eternal Divide to what Sera had said earlier to the supposed "miracle" that Julius and his sister talked about.

Sylvania tented her fingers in thought as Jorge frowned and fingered his goatee as he pondered. Diana was the only one who crossed her arms, seemingly uninterested by the information. But perhaps she was more intrigued by all of this. This was important information, if an actual miracle had been performed, then by the Church's standards it meant Isla could easily be ordained as a Saint. It was a tactic used before, especially using pagan gods of old to usher new believers into the Faith by turning them into Saints. But most importantly...

"Hm. There's more to the Lamecia's than we thought."



The trio were at a loss, still trying to wrack their collective minds to seek for new answers. But from new information, there was always new questions that will go unanswered. As the priest and the nun were busy deliberating, the Mother Superior continued speaking, "Keep an eye out for anything else, 703. We must get to the bottom of the truth. The Vatican is waiting with bated breath."


Sylvania nodded, satisfied at the woman's obedience. She then glanced at Jorge and gestured him. The elderly man took the cue and cleared his throat. "Maria, we are thinking of opening certain services to Cadets and the public tomorrow. With Sister Diana here, we should be able to begin setting up. You will be busy for the next few days. Be sure to alert your colleagues of its availability when we are ready."

Confusion. At first Maria didn't know what to think of it. It wasn't very common for the Church to reveal this much of itself. While it didn't exactly reveal the darker shades of it, wasn't this something that the Vatican would take issue with? She cocked her head to the side in puzzlement, but thought better of it and nodded. Perhaps it was just another means to appeal to the Government and most importantly to the Queen. But Jorge continued, "The Vatican is sending another Knight to our division. He may be working with you as a Cadet."

More confusion. Why another one?

"Do we know of his division? Or any of his past background?" she asked with some curiosity.

Jorge shook his head. It was a completely unknown unit. But the most important thing was to know whether he was a Persona User, a Summoner, or another newly Forgotten unit.


There was a silent agreement in the group, though Sylvania looked rather annoyed while Jorge sighed. It was a familiar, yet utter annoyance. Despite this, the Mother Superior seemed as if she were trying to recount what else there was to say to share with Maria. But evidently she had nothing else. Though the blonde appeared as if she had a lot to say to her colleagues, but noticed that exhaustion was creeping on the young postulant.


The bluenette bowed and began to leave, but not before noticing Father Jorge smiling at her. It was with concern, something that she was well familiar with. As she exited, the voice of the three could be heard speaking behind the closed door. But Maria was too exhausted to make any sense of it. She wanted... reprieve. This evening had been taxing on her. There was a syringe waiting for her back at her room, it was a reward. And Maria wasn't going to turn it down.