The two girls returned to the chapel, Aria in a better mood than she was. Madeline held her hand gently as they walked together but let go as soon as Aria was back with her parents. Aria didn't want her to go, but she went to her mother's side.
Madeline slipped back into the pew beside another girl—brown hair, brown eyes, nothing remarkable except her face. To Aria, she was breathtaking. Though, she also looked very familiar.
The other girl said something with a stern expression to Madeline, but she just ignored her. The girl scoffed and looked back forward.
After service while her parents were talking with some of the other adults, Aria found Madeline and her friend standing while talking to each other. At first the girl was afraid to approach, but she took a deep breath and walked up to the pair.
The other girl was first to notice. She gave a mean look which prompted Madeline to look behind. For a moment, Aria thought she saw something lifeless in her eyes—but when they met hers, they suddenly lit up.
"Hey Aria. What can I do for you?"
"Oh, um… I just wanted to thank you—for talking to me earlier."
The soft smile on Madeline's face widened to a bright one.
"Not a problem. Where are your parents? You shouldn't be walking all alone."
"Oh, you don't need to worry about her," a smooth recognizable voice suddenly said, "She's quite the independent young lass. She can do quite well on her own."
Aria turned to notice Bishop Sebastian was walking towards them. He had gone back to wearing his magnificent white, gold and blue robes. His eyes were still hidden behind his dark shades.
Then, Aria noticed the woman accompanying him. She was wearing the robes and headwear of the other sisters. Same colors as the bishop as well. But there was something odd about her. She wore a white porcelain mask, its empty black eyeholes drinking in everything around them. A chill ran down Aria's spine.
"Excuse my rudeness. This here is Kopika. She comes from the far lands of Santaraj. She's currently with another church not far from here."
"San-ta-raj," Aria thought to herself.
She didn't know much about the world beyond her town, only that there were three other continents far away. Santaraj is one of them.
Aria looked back to see what Madeline and her friend thought of the woman. The other girl didn't seem to even register her existence, but Madeline's face went empty. Only her eyes gave something away, like she knew the woman.
Kopika's head tilted to the side looking at the girl.
"Do we know each other?" asked an elegant, alluring voice from under the mask.
Madeline hesitated, not expecting the question, but she quickly regained her composure.
"No. I just… like your mask, that's all."
There was an awkward silence for a moment which was broken by the bishop.
"Kopika, these two are Madeline and Sophia. The sweet darling down over here is little Aria."
He crouched and pinched her cheek, coaxing a blush from the child. Kopika gave a slight bow of acknowledgement.
"It's a pleasure to meet you three," she said coldly.
"Well know, I think it's time we left. Again, thank you Bishop Sebastian for aiding us when arrived. I don't know what we would've done without you," said Sophia bowing low.
Madeline did the same. The bishop smiled seeing this and placed each of his hands gently on the girl's shoulders. His hands traced slow circles on their shoulders. Both girls flinched at the touch but forced themselves still.
Both girls looked back up to see the black shades and comforting smile of the man looking back. A knot formed in Aria's stomach at the scene.
"After everything you two have been through, it's the least I can do. Now, you two be safe. And may the light of the divine bless your pure souls."
The two bowed again before leaving.
"Now, little Aria — I've a surprise for you. Some sweets, just for you."
The young girl could do nothing to suppress her happiness. But she pouted immediately after a second of thought.
"But mommy and daddy are waiting for me."
"Oh no need to worry about them. I already had a word with them, and I'll bring you home afterwards. Now come along."
She beamed at the words. She cheered, unable to hold back her delight as she walked beside the bishop and the sister.
~
Across the city, Asuka and Anastasia dragged themselves back into their apartment, groaning with exhaustion. Despite it still being the afternoon, the princess went straight to her bedroom. Asuka went to the dining room to make herself a small lunch. Nothing involving fire obviously. Only a salad and sandwich that still took her far too long to assemble.
"Stupid tuna. How was I supposed to know it doesn't go with peanut butter?"
Soon after she began eating, Anastasia walked back into the living room. She grabbed a book from one of the shelves and made herself comfortable on the sofa.
Neither girl spoke until the princess couldn't handle anymore of the Trinity's chewing.
"By the Aeons, must you eat as you act. How can one conduct themself in such a disgusting manner?"
Asuka gave a shocked expression.
"I'm just eating Ms. Bootupherass. And who told you to read while I'm eating? In fact, why read where I'm eating?"
Crumbs sprayed as she spoke.
"Gross," Anastasia said with disgust, "I don't need to explain myself to you. Anyway, we should discuss what happened at church today."
Asuka's expression became serious.
"Well, if there's a cult in that church, they're hiding it well. I didn't notice anything during the service. Only the lady Bishop Sebastian was with after and his touch. Gave me the creeps."
Anastasia gave a small chuckle hearing that.
"For once we agree. But that lady, when you saw her, you looked like you recognized her from somewhere."
She didn't reply immediately. Asuka finished swallowing the last bite of her sandwich.
"Yeah. I had a dream a while back. A woman with the same mask and voice was in it," Asuka said, wiping her hands together.
"In your dream?" the princess asked.
"My demonic ability. I can see the future kind of. Only events of misfortune."
"The future? Why didn't you mention this earlier?"
It was a question, but Asuka knew she was expecting an answer. She rolled her eyes and reluctantly did so.
"My teacher said I shouldn't use it yet. That I'm not ready."
"Did your dream show you something we can use?"
Asuka remained quiet, remembering the cold air as the black flames burned all things it touched. How easily she spread death and despair. How she had smiled as she did it.
"No. Just some vague stuff."
It was Anastasia's turn to roll her eyes.
"Well, whatever. What we know is that those two are definitely connected to the cult in some way. You must have felt it from her right? Kopika, I think her name was."
Asuka nodded.
"That woman is strong. She's trying to suppress her anima, but what I felt was far too potent for just any human. Not to mention, they've already spread to more than one church."
Leaning back in her chair, Anastasia let out an annoyed sigh.
"Only a couple days since we arrived and things are already getting complicated."
"At least this means that we'll be done soon. Remember, we just need to figure out how deep into Cael they managed to infiltrate. If it becomes too much for us we can just pack up and leave before anyone finds out."
Anastasia didn't reply immediately.
"… sure," she said softly.
Asuka noticed the uncharacteristic hesitation but chose to ignore it. She then crossed her arms on the table and laid her head on it. She smiled at the fact she would be able to return to her family soon. To Arthur.
She knew the longer she spent on this mission, the closer she got to her vision. She did worry about the people of Cael, but others more up to it could take this fight. This time, she swore to not get attached to anyone to prevent a repeat of Aboa.
Then, the young girl flashed in her mind.
"Curse this soft heart of mine."