The River That Washes You Clean (Maria)

Isaac's leg was dangling in open air, swaying back and forth. Beneath him, the empty pews of the church stretched out like cracks between the floor boards...or the grates that separated the upper world and the sewers below. The day before, he and Albrecht had been tasked with capturing a couple Terrorists. Capturing...more like hunting down. Which was their job, after all. Isaac had had to leave as ordered by Albrecht, and the dear that gripped him when he'd thought Al had died still tightened his throat when he thought about it. He felt so powerless. He had to get stronger.

Life went on though, with their duty done. Now he found himself inside of the church, at a request from the deacon, on behalf of someone at the orphanage yada yada networking. They wanted him to patch up a hole in the roof, which he'd done already. It wasn't really carpentry, but it wasn't really difficult either, so he'd agreed to do it pro-bono. Why? because it'd give him peace and quiet somewhere that wasn't the academy. It wasn't that he regretted anything. If anything, the mission had mostly been what he'd expected. And nobody died. In the end, even the other Terrorist had somehow escaped Albrecht's final attack.

If Gadreel was here, he'd likely have told him something like "You won the day! in glorious combat! rejoice!" heh...stupid sword.

A whistful look balanced between contentment and introspection masked Isaac's face as he stared blankly at the holy symbol on the wall behind the podium. He'd been raised christian, and believed in the difference between fighting to hurt people and fighting to protect them. But as he remembered the way the psyche terrorist fled from him in horror, the line seemed to blur.

A sigh escaped his lips, and he leaned back just a little too far. Loosing his balance the silver-haired boy fell from his perch in the low-hanging rafters to the floor of the church, right in the middle of the foyer between the pews. "AAaah! ......Ow..."

It was just like any other day, helping the Church staff to keep up the cathedral's services. Busy and rather average were words to easily describe this day. Maria hurriedly began to stack books upon books near the entrance where the churchgoers could easily grab them on their way to the pews. It felt so peaceful, but not so quiet as the repeated thuds overhead destroyed the usual silence. She knew the Orphanage came in to help them on their roof problem. The last evening made them finally realize they had leaks as the rainwater seeped through and dripped down to the carpet. But she couldn't quite put her finger on who it was they sent. It wasn't like she worked there all the time, she only came by from time to time to help manage the children when needed. Maria had Cadet and Church work to blame on... But, she didn't mind. As long as they were taken care of and protected, it was a small sacrifice.

She was just about to leave until a loud thud caused her to jolt where she stood before turning around. The sight of Isaac on the greeted her. What was he doing here? Never mind the question, she quickly sped towards his position and offered a hand to him.


For a normal human being, that might've been a really bad one. A fall like that could easily break bones. Even if Isaac was now a Cadet and a Forgotten like she was, a fall like that potentially could be damaging. It wasn't so much that she was concerned about his operational readiness than she really was concerned for her junior's well-being. Whether or not he took the hand and was lifted up to his feet, Maria chided him. "You should've been more careful Isaac. I don't think I need to remind you, but you could get easily hurt like that."

The boy lay on the ground for a moment, stiff from the fall, wincing. It was a good thing his physical endurance and strength had increased when he bonded with the Grigori. A voice called out to him, a familiar one. When he opened his eyes, his vision was blurry, but as it adjusted, he could see Maria standing over him, extending a hand.

A smile graced his face. That same stupid boyish grin that he always used. Even if there was some turmoil in his mind, he still had to face his friends and colleagues as if nothing was wrong. "Well look at that..." He reached out and allowed himself to be helped to his feet, grunting as he did so. "An angel in a church, imagine that." He joked lightly, before his face relaxed into a more neutral expression.

"Yeah, I know. It wasn't part of the plan, promise. I was just thinking, and got distracted, I guess." He confided, massaging his neck, there was a taughtness to his expression that made him appear just a little less happy than normal. Maybe he was just tired, or maybe it was something else.

She tried to remain as composed and stony-faced as usual, but the blush on her face was too red to be concealed. It was far too late for that. It wasn't every day someone tried to put the moves on her, but it didn't take her long to realize he really wasn't. And hence, it was just as quickly that she regained her composure. In that, she was quick to notice something felt a little off about him. He didn't seem to be his active and happy-go-lucky self from earlier. Did something happen? "I take it you're working for the orphanage? I remember we were getting someone from there to help patch up our roof."

Her curiosity was admittedly piqued about him. He was a Forgotten  that still had an air of mystery for her. It was hard for her to believe his backstory could be that simple, all things considering her own background. It didn't hurt to know a little at least, over time. After all, as one of the leading Cadets, she needed to get familiar with as many of her peers and juniors as she could.

The blush was satisfying in a way Isaac wasn't expecting. It made his smile seriously for a moment, but he said nothing about it. She was one of his superiors afterall, a soldier. But she was also a girl. Lots of people forgot that about her, probably. Isaac resolved not to.

He leaned against the nearest pew, still rubbing the back of his neck, and rolling his shoulders to work out his stiff muscles. He hand waved the rest of her complaint about his fall, as it mostly seemed like she was attempting to push past his Angel comment. "It's not flattery if It's true. Or...maybe it still is?" he tapped his chin, thinking for a moment.

"Anyway. Yeah, I do work for the orphanage some times. I grew up there after the divide, so I have a lot of good memories of that place. This is how I give back. The pay isnt great, but I dont need much." he regarded her quizically. "What about you? Somehow even with the way you're dressed I didnt expect to find you in an actual church." there was no malice or mocking in the statement, only genial curiousity.

"It is not true." She firmly stated after sternly frowning at him. Maria wasn't going to let him woo his way out of it or whatever. They were in a Church, not some kind of couple's hangout or whatever they called in the local park. Lord forbid any kind of dating in the House of God. Though her expression softened when he was simply giving back to the place that helped raise him after the tumultuous times of the Divide. "...I see. Well, I live and work here to pay for my board and food. And eventually I am hoping to enter the religious body as a nun."

It wasn't exactly incorrect. She was indeed working for the Church as they wrecked her body to pieces and Frankenstein'd them together into one unholy whole. Even going so far to join the Cadets to help advance their agenda in Endymion as well. But outsiders didn't need to know the details. No need for them to mess up their operations. She peered back up to the roof to see it was fixed and looked back towards him.

She wanted to join the church as a nun, huh? There was nothing wrong with that but...if she really wanted it, couldn't she do it already? or maybe the fighting kept her from being able to? hmmm... it wasn't really his business, but he was a little curious.

He nodded to her entreat to lunch and tea. "Yeah sure!" He said with another smile, and let her lead the way, "Though you don't really owe me anything."

As they walked, he had his hands clasped behind his head, thinking. He decided he really did want to know. "Why aren't you already a nun? Does the fighting keep you from it?" He asked, in that genuinely curious tone. "Do you think God is okay...with what we are and what we do?" The question came out almost without him realizing it. It had been a weight on his chest for a while, especially after what happened in the sewers. He knew this was a messy job, and he was prepared to drag himself through the mud if need be. It wasn't himself he was fighting for, after all. That said, he was still cautiously optimistic about the state of his immortal soul. She may not be a nun yet, but maybe she could offer him some kind of insight.

"Ha ha, don't worry about it. It would be rude of us to send you away after such hard work without a meal. We have a reputation to keep up, after all." Maria assured him with a smile. It was relatively easy to get him to accept. Not everyone as far as she knew said no to free food. Like the horde of others before him, he also accepted the offer. Maria began to lead him away from the chapel and into the many hallways into the Church's cafeteria. It would be quite a walk away due to the size of the facility. It gave them time to talk over some things, like his question for example. "I'm currently studying theology and other related subjects before I can officially join the convent. I suppose working for his Majesty does do that to a degree... But I don't mind, I've started rather early all things considered. And besides, vanquishing demons is fitting considering my background."

She remained cryptic on that part. Like mentioned earlier, he didn't need to know much about her past. If anything, he probably might think about how she worked for the Church and the kind of fitting nature of her work as a Cadet. Nothing more or nothing less and Maria wouldn't have it any other way. While they finally hit the kitchens and when Maria was about to grasp the doorknob to open, she froze in place.

Such a heavy topic all of a sudden. Isaac never seemed to be the inquisitive sort to her. It took her a moment to quietly think on it for a moment before glancing at his direction.

"That sounds like a lot of work. Even avenging angels work hard, huh?" He responded gently to her explanation of her study. As for her background...that wasn't really something that was his business. So he'd leave it alone unless she deigned to share more.

When Maria stopped to answer his question, Isaac was a little surprised. He half expected her to shy away from the question. He'd seen priests deflect such questions before with classic verses or pretty words, but Maria wouldn't disrespect him in that way, which he appreciated. He wasn't sure why he'd thought to ask such a heavy question to her right off the bat. Maybe because it was on his mind, and she was dressed like the kind of person who could answer the question. In fact... he thought maybe she was the only other cadet he'd met who might have asked herself the same question.

His eyes softened. "When we first spoke you told me that I'd see ugly things. At first I figured you'd meant demons, or evil terrorists. But when I dug my sword into that Terrorist it wasn't evil I saw in his face. It was fear, confusion. He was just a kid. I did my duty, and I'd do it again. Probably will. But I guess It made me wonder what God would say about it. Do you ever wonder about it?" He asked earnestly. There was something honest and intense in his gaze, as if he thought he might find the answer somewhere in her eyes.

"Well... I certainly am working and on my feet for most of the day. Sometimes you have to give your all to the Cadets and it all pays off when we're able to do our job protecting the City. So being a busybody nowadays isn't a bad trade-off for it." Maria admitted sheepishly. Avenging angels? What kind of title was that? Certainly she was working for the Church, but in no way did she think of herself as an angel or any kind of selfless being. But the Cadet decided to let bygone be bygones as there was a more pressing issue.

She listened carefully about his experiences. There was... a coldness in her eyes when she heard about the demons and the Psyche-Terrorists. But, it faltered a little when the Cadet saw the honesty and genuineness in his expression. She turned her back on him as the door opened upon her prompting. But would still answer without facing him.


Maria would begin to enter the kitchen. If Isaac followed, he would notice it was remarkably spacious like one you'd see at a school's or even one attending to a military's mess hall. There was a table with chairs which Maria gestured him to sit at. She heaved a small sigh, as if dismissing the unpleasant nature of the topic. The Cadet tried to flash a relaxed smile towards him as she asked, "...We have some fish and batter left over from last night's dinner gathering. Or would you prefer to have pasta?"

"We capture them and neutralize the threat they pose. Nothing more."

Isaac considered the sentiment as he was led into the room, taking a seat as she offered it to him. Resting one hand on the table and the other propped under his chin, he contemplated. It was a harsh but bitter truth, free from any grey area or accommodation on the part of the Terrorists. Isaac was not sympathizer, and he certainly wouldn't shirk his duties. But he couldn't be convinced that they weren't still people. He had a growing feeling like perhaps the majority of Cadets felt otherwise. He wondered if there was something laying outside the simple mission reports - something only a few of them had seen - that had cemented this opinion in them.

Whatever that was, Isaac could only guess at. And baseless speculation was rarely fruitful. So, with a sigh, he put the topic to rest. God would be pleased, huh? Hearing it from her with such certainty did put his mind at ease a little bit, but it didn't erase the nagging feeling in the back of his mind that he was missing something. Best to ignore it like a good soldier for now. For now.

Isaac looked up when she asked him what he'd like, and in a sudden and unhesitating display of frugality he said, "If it's leftovers, then whatever's been in there the longest. Wouldn't want anything going bad. I'm not picky." He said with a smile. His mother had always run a tight ship when it came to using resources. Waste not, want not.

Isaac watched the girl as she moved about the room, seeming to be considering something. Finally asking, "Do you ever do anything that isn't Church work or Cadet work? Or school work? You know...Out on the town or anything?"

"Excellent. I was hungry for fish and chips anyway. Please give me a moment, it shouldn't take too long." Maria seemed pleased at his frugal display. While convenient for the Church, it was a rare trait in such a materialistic society that Endymion and the rest of the World has become. She began to pull out the ingredients from the fridge, but also from the cupboard. The kitchen would be filled with the noise of water rinsing potatoes, the stove flicking to life, and dishes set onto the flat wooden surface near the fridge. As Maria sliced the last potato, she blinked at his question. But shook her head with a resigned sigh.

Isaac's chin was propped up on his palm as he watched her work. He was glad the choice had pleased her, because honestly he was starting to feel like kind of a freeloader. Seeing her happy to make the food eased his conscience. As he listened, he thought idly about what the woman at the orphanage always told him about settling down and adopting a child. Becoming a father. It made his mind wander to other kinds of family connections. He had decided not to stress a relationship, not to look for one. Afterall, a soldier's life was short, especially with the kind of threats they faced. But if he was to settle down with someone, he thought maybe it would end up being someone like Maria. Someone skilled, strong, but also kind. Who could cook. Since Isaac couldn't for the life of him.

"That's a shame." He offered with a good-natured grin, "Yeah, I keep busy enough between training, working with the kids, and odd jobs. I play videogames sometimes. There's also school work." He trailed off, thinking, "But you know, sometimes I like to go out and do things in the city. There's lots to do, and it reminds me that I'm not just a soldier, but I'm also a citizen of Endymion. A part of it. If that makes sense." He chuckled lightly.

"So how about it, Maria? Wanna go do something with me?" he finished, favoring her with an easy, friendly smile.

He pretty much led a normal life.

Isaac Fairweather was just a normal guy like the rest. It wasn't that Maria was condemning him for not joining the rest of the edgelord gang out there. But rather, there was something about it that made her feel more contemplative as she watched the oil bubble and boil the fish and the potatoes in respective pots. She knew of his motivations, sure. They were like just like hers in a way. Though they were nothing as selfish as the ones she possessed from the sheer hatred that brought her here to this day. But there had to be an 'actual' difference... why was he so undamaged?


She was... confused. Why would anyone offer to hang out like this when they've only met only a couple of times? Certainly the Cadet didn't think of herself as that interesting even without the coffin. Especially if she were a religious person. As much as Maria hated to admit it, she knew very well most people lacked any interest in her kind... So, why did he show so much interest in her?

Isaac's eyes had wandered somewhere else in the Kitchen as he'd spoke, not looking at anything in particular, but his mind was calling to him old memories of waiting at the table while his father prepared food, or watching his mother clean the intricate parts of her weapon with precision and skill that he had always envied.

Her question brought his attention sharply back to her, though, and he looked at her for a moment. It was as if she really didn't do anything someone of her act would normally do. Did she even have anyone outside the church or the Cadets that she spent time with? It wasn't like he really did that much. But it was something he wanted to do, even more recently. "Why? You're not a 'boring nun,' you're a high-school girl that happens to have a lot of adult responsibilities. We all do. But that doesn't change the fact that we're high school kids. You gotta live a little, while you can, so that when you finally do join these Nuns and really become boring, you can do it without feeling like you missed out on anything." He grinned, but the carefree smile faded a little bit as his eyes softened.

"My mom told me stories one about a friend of hers on the force who didn't do anything but train and investigate criminals. She went and cleaned his house a few times because he didn't take care of anything but his duties. She told me 'Isaac, if you ever end up in a field where you serve the public, make sure to serve yourself as well." His voice raised to poorly imitate his mother's stern but compassionate tone. "Because a soldier who sees only enemies will do more harm than good." He finished, scratching the back of his head nervously. "...or something like that."