Chapter 9
Later that evening after dinner, Rosette, Azmaria and Chrono went outside to the fountain to sit down and relax. They were tired after all what happened throughout the day. "That was such a great meal we had!" Rosette sighed with satisfaction and relief. "You're always so relieved after your stomach is full." Chrono commented. "What's that suppose to mean?" Rosette asked in a suspicious tone. "Nothing!" Chrono said in an intimidated tone. "I must say, Satella sure seems like a very nice person! I would love to get to know her better!" Azmaria said with admiration. "Are you considering Satella to be our friend now Azmaria?" Rosette asked in wonder. "Well, we do have some common ground with her. Like us, she also fights demons, not to mention she's also a bounty hunter." Azmaria explained somewhat nervously. "I see what you mean. But just because we have some things in common with that jewel summoner, that doesn't mean we're immediately friends with her. Besides, there's something about that woman that just rubs me the wrong way." Rosette said with disdain as she got herself up from the fountain ledge and began making her way back inside the building. "Well, I guess we better get going back inside. Are you feeling tired Azmaria?" Chrono asked. "Yes, all of this walking around today had really exhausted me. I don't remember when was the last time I was on my feet for so long." Azmaria replied tiredly. "Hey guys! Look at this!" Rosette interrupted them as she called for their attention. Chrono and Azmaria stood themselves up and ran towards Rosette to see what she was witnessing. By the time they reached Rosette, they saw a strange portal forming in front of them. They had never seen anything like it. It looked like a black hole but it wasn't black. The portal's color was blue while a very bright light was coming out of it. Just a few moments later, one woman came out of the portal. She was very beautiful with long straight black hair, tanned skin, and was wearing a strapless white dress. As soon as the mysterious young lady stepped out of the portal, it closed behind her and she looked at the trio tiredly. They stared at her as they couldn't believe their eyes. "Oh my God, are you okay?" Rosette asked worriedly and at that moment, the young woman collapsed on the ground. "Oh no, she just passed out! What are we going to do Rosette?" Azmaria asked in panic. Rosette and Chrono were still standing in shock. "I know what we're going to do! Azmaria, go to Father Remington and tell him what just happened. He might know what to do!" Rosette ordered. "Yes Rosette, right away!" Azmaria said and she rushed into the building to find the minister. As she was running her way inside, she saw Father Remington walking along the hallway. "Father Remington!" Azmaria said as she abruptly stopped running and began to walk slowly. "What's the matter Azmaria? Is something wrong?" The minister asked. "There's a young lady outside who just passed out." Azmaria began to explain. "A young lady, you don't say?" Father Remington said in surprise. "Yes, but we don't know who she is or where she comes from. All what we saw and know was that she just came out of some kind of portal and has now passed out onto the ground." Azmaria continued explaining. "In that case, I better go and see if that woman is alright." Father Remington said somewhat alarmed. He ran outside with Azmaria following him. When they reached the place, Father Remington checked her pulse and looked to see if she was injured. "So, did this woman say anything when she came out of that portal?" The minister asked. "No, she just passed out before she could even say anything." Rosette explained. "That's strange." Father Remington said and picked her up in his arms. "Father Remington, do you think she'll be okay?" Rosette asked out of concern. "I think so. By the looks of it she's just exhausted. Let her rest and when she wakes up we will have some questions answered!" Father Remington said and he took the unconscious woman inside. "Oh my, I wonder what could have happened to her." Rosette commented with sympathy as she had a feeling that the lady went through something bad. "You're worried about her, aren't you?" Chrono asked as he could sense Rosette's sympathy towards the black haired woman. "Why shouldn't I be? I mean, she just passed out as soon as she went out of that weird portal. If anything, shouldn't that imply that something must have happened to her? Besides, you don't see everyday someone coming out of a portal." Rosette explained as she justified her concerns for the young woman. "Well, that woman is quite a mystery, I'll tell you that." Chrono remarked. "I would really love to know who this lady is and where she comes from? For all we know, she might not even be from here." Rosette remarked curiously as she was dying to know more about her.
The next morning, Rosette carried a bowl of porridge into the room where the woman was sleeping. Seeing that she was still asleep, Rosette left the breakfast on a night table by the bed and opened the curtains. Just then, the young lady suddenly woke up. "Where am I?" She asked with a weak voice. "Good morning!" Rosette said cheerfully. "Who are you?" The young lady asked. "I am Sister Rosette Christopher and you are at the Order of Magdalene!" Rosette explained. "Order of Magdalene? What is that?" The woman asked as she was visibly confused. "It's an interdenominational Christian organization operated by Catholic Bishops. But I will explain more on that later. Right now you need to eat in order to get your strength back. Speaking of food, I brought you some breakfast!" Rosette said. "What is it?" The lady asked. "It's porridge! I made it really warm so eat it before it gets cold!" Rosette told the woman and offered her the porridge. "Thank you Rosette!" The young woman said gratefully. She took her spoon, scooped the porridge from her bowl and put it in her mouth. "What do you think? Do you like it?" Rosette asked. "It's good! I've never had porridge before so this is my first time eating this type of food." The woman stated. "Really, you never had porridge before?" Rosette asked surprised. "That's right. I was never really introduced to it up until now." The lady revealed calmly. "Wow, that's quite a surprise." Rosette commented. "It shouldn't be. Not everyone grows up eating the same food." The lady remarked as she continued eating. "So, if you don't mind me asking, what is your name?" Rosette asked the young woman. "My name is Maria Liberatori and for quite some time I was working for someone I deeply regret working for." She said quietly and continued eating her porridge. Rosette was intrigued by her answer. "Who is that person you so much regret working for?" Rosette asked curiously. Maria reluctantly answered. "This may sound a little crazy, but I was working for a demon by the name of Aion." Rosette, shocked by this fact, spaced out. "What's wrong Rosette?" Maria asked as she was surprised by her reaction. Rosette came out of shock and still couldn't believe what she just heard. "Are you telling me that you worked for Aion?" Rosette asked still in disbelief. "Yes, I'm afraid it's true." Maria said with a regretful voice. "So that portal from last night was your escape from him?" Rosette asked. "Yes it was." Maria confirmed. "But who helped you escape last night?" Rosette wondered. "It was the spirit of the Holy Woman, Mary Magdalene. She lived somewhere in the nineteenth century and it was God that made her holy. He entrusted her with Stigmata and gave her the ability to see the future. Last night while I was sleeping, her spirit appeared before me and formed a portal for me to escape. She told me that the portal will take me somewhere safe for the time being. I was confused but something in her voice made me believe and trust her. It felt like she was inside me and that we are connected. I went into the portal and ended up here." Maria explained. Rosette just looked at her, eyes wide opened, like she was in a trance. Maria's story really took her by surprise. "So, how long were you working for Aion?" Rosette asked. "Three years. It all began one night, after I had gone to bed. Once I had woken up, I found myself in a different room and house. There I saw Aion and a group of other demons. I was terrified by the realization that I was kidnapped by a demon and I didn't know what to do. He told me that he was after me because I was the Holy Woman and that he had big plans for me. After that I never saw my family again and I was also forced to be a contributor to his ultimate goal." Maria revealed. "My, you must have endured quite a lot. What was it like for you during those three years?" Rosette asked empathetically. "I don't want to talk about it. Right now, I just want to forget about everything that has happened during those years. What happened during that time causes me too much anxiety and grief." Maria said bitterly. "I understand! Perhaps it is best not to think about them!" Rosette said softly. Maria looked surprised at her, wondering why Rosette was so understanding. Just then, Chrono and Azmaria entered the room and interrupted their conversation. "So, how is she feeling Rosette? Is she feeling any better?" Chrono asked as he and Azmaria saw that Maria was now awake. "Yes she is Chrono." Rosette confirmed. "Thank goodness! We were really worried!" Azmaria commented. "Rosette, who are these two?" Maria asked. "These are my friends, Chrono and Azmaria Hendric." Rosette said as she introduced them. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry that I made you worried." Maria said politely. "No problem! So, what is your name?" Chrono asked as he offered her a handshake. "My name is Maria Liberatori." Maria said as she offered her hand. "Maria Liberatori. What a beautiful name you have!" He replied gracefully while they were both shaking each other's hands. "Thank you Chrono!" Maria gratefully said. "So Maria, where did you come from behind that portal from last night?" Chrono asked. "Well, prior to arriving here I was residing in a house in San Francisco for three years after a demon by the name of Aion kidnapped me." Maria answered. "Did you say you were kidnapped by Aion?" Chrono asked curiously. "Yes, that's what I said. By the sound of your tone, you seem to know him. Do you have any connections to him?" Maria asked. "Well, to tell you the truth, I am actually Aion's twin brother." Chrono revealed. Shocked and disturbed by that fact, Maria got out of her bed, walked towards Chrono and unexpectedly slapped him in the face. He fell down to the ground as her slap was very forceful. "So, you're Aion's brother?! If that is so, then get the hell away from me you demon!" Maria said angrily and ran out of the room. Rosette and Azmaria were shocked to see what Maria had just done to Chrono. "Oh my God! Chrono, are you alright?" Rosette asked worryingly. "Yes Rosette, I am!" Chrono said weakly as he looked at Rosette. "Thank goodness!" Rosette helped Chrono get up from the floor. "By the looks of it, she sure doesn't like demons." Azmaria remarked. "Yeah, I can see why?" Rosette said empathetically. Meanwhile, Maria was walking in the Order's hallway, clearly disturbed. "I can't believe it, a demon in a Christian Order? Not to mention that demon is actually Aion's brother! This is unbelievable!" Maria said to herself in an outraged tone. Just then, Father Remington walked down the hall and spotted her walking. Seeing that she was now awake, he walked closer to Maria. She stopped walking as soon as she saw him. "Good morning." He greeted Maria as he grinned at her. "Good morning sir." Maria replied shyly. "So are you feeling any better my dear?" Father Remington asked. "Yes I am, but who are you?" Maria asked. "My name is Father Ewan Remington. I am the Minister here at the New York branch of the Magdalene Order." The minister said. "You mean you're not a priest?" Maria asked in surprise. "That's correct." The minister confirmed to her. "In case you are wondering, I was the one who carried you to the room last night, when you were unconscious." The minister revealed to her. "Really? Thank you for helping me! I hope I didn't cause you any burden?" Maria said in a soft voice. "No, not at all, I'm just glad that you are well!" The minister said in relief. "Are you always this kind or only to people in distress?" Maria asked surprised by the minister's kindness. "I was just concerned about your well being, that's all. Besides, I would really love to know what your name is." Father Remington asked as he grinned. "My name is Maria Liberatori." She introduced herself with a soft voice. "What a beautiful name. Just like the Virgin Mary herself." Father Remington remarked. "Now, would you mind if I introduce you to Sister Kate Valentine? She is the headmistress of the Order and she would like to meet you." The minister asked. "No, I suppose not. I would like to thank her for her hospitality." Maria said. When they walked to her office, Father Remington lightly knocked on the door. "Come in!" Sister Kate said. They walked in and found Sister Kate sitting at her desk, reading a report. "Sister Kate, I would like you to meet, Maria Liberatori." Father Remington said as he introduced Maria. "It's a pleasure to meet you Sister Kate!" Maria said gracefully. "The pleasure is all mine, please make yourself comfortable, you must be exhausted." Sister Kate offered. "I am a little tired but otherwise I'm feeling much better now!" Maria answered. "Father Remington had informed me about your arrival through the portal last night. If you wish, you can talk to me about anything that is bothering you, anytime you want. After all, helping people with their problems is what we're here for!" Sister Kate said as she offered her help. Maria took a deep breath as she decided to tell Sister Kate about how she got to the Order. "The portal that Father Remington told you about from last night was formed by Mary Magdalene as a way for me to escape from Aion after I was working for him for three years." Maria revealed to Sister Kate. "So you're telling me that the spirit of Mary Magdalene helped you escape?" Sister Kate curiously asked. "Yes ma'am." Maria answered quietly while the minister looked at her with great curiosity. "Aion told me that he wants me because I am the Holy Woman. When the spirit of Mary Magdalene appeared last night, I felt some sort of strong connection to her. The fact that I am the Holy Woman definitely explains why he had a good reason for taking me." Maria explained. "You had been working for Aion for three years?" Sister Kate asked surprised. "That's right. I didn't have any other choice. There was no escaping from him." Maria stated. "My, by the sounds of it you went through quite an ordeal my dear child!" Sister Kate said sympathetically. "Yes I have, and all I want to do is to forget about that bastard who kidnapped me from my family. I have no sympathy for that devil whatsoever!" Maria said angrily. "If you don't mind me asking, what do you mean when you said that you are the Holy Woman?" Sister Kate asked. Maria took off the white bandage wraps on her wrists and feet that exposed some wounds she had on them. They resembled Stigmata. Both Sister Kate and Father Remington were shocked that she bared the symbol of Mary Magdalene. The minister couldn't take his eyes off of it, as they reminded him of someone from his past. He was the first one able to ask a question. "How did you get this Maria?" "They appeared 4 years ago when I was 15 years old. I wasn't at first aware what they were, but the priest told me and my family that they were Stigmata. When the spirit of Mary Magdalene appeared, she told me that it was a gift from God and that I am her successor." Maria revealed. "You're telling us that you're Mary Magdalene's successor?" Father Remington asked in disbelief. "Yes Minister." Maria confirmed and the minister kept on looking at the Stigmata wounds on her wrists. "Thank you so much for listening Sister Kate." Maria said. "No problem and remember, whenever you need something, you know where to find me." Sister Kate said in a motherly tone. "Maria, since you are going to be staying here for a while, I was wondering if you can become my assistant?" The minister asked as he got Maria's attention. "What do you mean?" Maria asked. "Well, I am a very busy man, and it would be so much easier for me if I could have someone to help me with my workload! I would really be grateful for any help you can give me!" Father Remington suggested to Maria as he tried to make her feel more welcome. "Oh, I would be glad to help Father Remington. I need to keep myself busy in order not to think about Aion. At least by doing that, it will help put my mind at ease!" Maria agreed as she appreciated the minister's offer. She then took the bandage wraps from Sister Kate's table and wrapped them back on her wrists and feet. "Alright, go and take some rest now! You surely need it." Sister Kate said while Father Remington watched Maria leaving the room with a puzzled look on his face. He went back in time in his mind and started remembering something that happened a long time ago. Maria's mentioning of Mary Magdalene brought painful memories from a long time ago. He was responsible for protecting a beautiful young woman who was Mary Magdalene. He was wondering if the spirit that Maria mentioned was really hers. As Maria left Sister Kate's office, she saw Rosette, Chrono and Azmaria waiting for her. "So how did it go?" Rosette asked. "Both Sister Kate and Father Remington are very kind, hospitable people. They made me feel very welcomed here!" Maria said and then glanced coldly at Chrono. "What is that demon still doing here?" She asked dead seriously. "Well you see. Chrono is my best friend and assistant." Rosette explained. "You're telling me that your best friend and assistant is a demon who just so happens to be Aion's brother?" Maria asked suspiciously. "Yes." Rosette admitted. "Are you crazy? Do you have any idea what his kind is capable of?" Maria raised her voice in disbelief. "Yes, but Chrono is not like the others, I am sure of it!" Rosette said with confidence. "No matter what form he takes, he is still a demon! And if he is a demon that means he must be a monster, nothing but a bloodthirsty monster!" Maria said angrily and walked quickly away from the trio. "Hey, get back here!" Rosette yelled after her. "It's alright Rosette, just leave her alone!" Chrono calmly said. "Why? Don't you get angry when someone acts like that towards you?" Rosette asked as she couldn't understand why Chrono was so unusually calm about the situation. "To be fair, it's not as if her hostility towards me is completely unjustified." Chrono said as he understood Maria's deep distrust towards him.
Later in the evening after resting most of the day in the room, Maria was outside sitting beside the fountain as she was gazing the waters with a brooding look on her face. "I can see that something is troubling you, my dear." A voice said to her. "Father Remington?" Maria said surprised once she turned her head towards him. "What are you doing here?" She asked as she didn't expect anyone to approach her at that time. "I came here to tell you that the Order will be having dinner now. With that being said, I wanted to know if you would like to accompany me for dinner?" The minister explained. "To accompany you?" Maria asked. "Yes. Since you are going to be my assistant, it would only be natural if we spend some time to get to know each other better. Don't you think?" Father Remington said as he made his point. "Yes, I suppose you're right!" Maria said and stood up from the fountain ledge. She and the minister made their way back to the building into the dining room. The dinner consisted of steak, mashed potatoes and vegetables with grape juice as a beverage. While Maria was eating her steak, Father Remington was dazedly looking at her. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Maria asked as she looked at the minister. "You really do remind me of her, you know that?" The minister said softly to her. "Who do I remind you of?" She asked curiously. "Mary Magdalene! The Holy Woman who lived 54 years ago!" Father Remington revealed. "When you said that I reminded you of Mary Magdalene, does that mean you actually knew her in person?" Maria asked the minister in wonder. "That's right! In fact, I was what you would call, her protector. Despite the fact that so many years have passed since her death, I still remember her fondly as if it was yesterday!" Father Remington said as he explained a little bit about his back story. "What is it about me exactly that reminds you of her?" Maria asked. "It's the Stigmata that is carved on your body is what reminds me of her!" The minister explained. "There's one thing I just don't get. If Mary Magdalene was alive half a century ago, shouldn't you be old by now?" Maria asked suspiciously as the blond haired, blue eyed minister was rather youthful looking for someone his age. "I will tell you that another time. For now, I would like to know a little more about you!" Father Remington said as he tried to change the subject. "What is it about me that you would like to know more about?" Maria asked. "Anything, you can tell me whatever you want about yourself!" Father Remington said. "Well, before I was kidnapped by Aion, I lived and grew up in a distinct part of the city that was called Little Italy." Maria started explaining as she remembered those days with nostalgia. "Little Italy?" The minister asked. "Yes, my parents were originally from Naples. They moved to America on Ellis Island not long before I was born. My younger sister and I were raised in a heavily Italian environment, separate from mainstream society. We lived in a neighborhood at East Harlem which was known as Italian Harlem, specifically on Madison Avenue. Our family also owned an Italian restaurant at Mulberry Street." Maria continued explaining more about her past life. "You have a younger sister?" Father Remington curiously asked. "Yes, in fact the two of us were quite inseparable. We didn't really have that many friends, so we pretty much relied on each other's company as if we were each other's best friends." Maria revealed. "What a coincidence! Rosette and her younger brother were also deeply close with each other." Father Remington said passionately as he told Maria a little more about Rosette. "So you're saying that Rosette has a brother?" Maria asked. "That's right. To tell you the truth, the reason why Rosette became a part of this Order was so she could find her brother Joshua who was also taken by a demon." The minister explained. "Joshua? I think I knew a boy by that name!" Maria revealed. "You do?" The minister asked surprised. "Yes I do. He is one of the seven Apostles that Aion needs for some ritual of his. I must say, I really do pity that boy with all of my heart!" Maria explained as she expressed empathy towards Joshua. "So if you know Joshua that means you can help Rosette and Chrono in finding his whereabouts!" Father Remington said with clear excitement. "That's right, I can! However, considering that Chrono is Rosette's partner, I am not sure if I am willing to take on that duty." Maria said with doubt and contempt. "How come?" The minister asked confused. "Because Chrono is a demon, and I don't take kindly to demons. Especially not to Aion or anyone who is associated with him!" Maria said in a dead serious tone. "I see what you mean. Demons are indeed quite the cunning creatures, aren't they?" Father Remington agreed as he understood Maria's hatred of demons. "Yes, they are!" Maria agreed. "Although I understand your hatred towards demons, you must know that Chrono is completely committed to Rosette and her cause. He is not the kind who would intentionally harm us." Father Remington explained to her. "Well, I will definitely be telling Rosette about her brother. After all, she must have been searching for him for quite some time, so she deserves to know." Maria said to Father Remington. "I am sure she would be extremely grateful to receive your help!" The minister said in agreement. "After we're done eating, can you please show me where the bathing area is?" She asked. "Sure, I will be happy to show you the direction to just about anywhere in the Order!" Father Remington gladly offered. After dinner, the minister led her to the nun's bathing room. Once she entered into the room, she took off her white dress along with her bandage wraps, walked to the shower and turned on the water. "Ahhhh, this feels so good! After a long, unusual day, I really needed to refresh myself from everything that has been occupying my head!" Maria thought to herself as she was moaning out of relaxation. After Maria was done with her shower, she grabbed a blue towel nearby and wrapped it around her naked body while putting her bandage wraps back on. Just as Maria went out of the shower, she noticed that the door was opened, much to her surprise as she wasn't expecting anyone to be inside. "My, aren't you the sexiest lady I've met!" The Elder said as he suddenly appeared right in front of with her with a huge, naughty grin on his face. "Who are you?" Maria asked as she had no clue what was going on. "My name is Elder Edward Hamilton, the scientist of the New York branch of the Magdalene Order! I just came by to check and see if it was really true that there was such a beautiful woman in this Order. I must say, you look quite ravishing! Probably one of the prettiest and sexiest ladies I have met in my life!" The Elder said excitedly and abruptly touched Maria's breasts, much to her disgust. "Oh my God, you're breasts are so beautiful and busty that I could just fondle them all day!" The Elder lewdly commented while Maria was becoming deeply disturbed by the Elder's perverted behavior. Maria became fed up with the Elder and she took his hands, lifted him high up to the ceiling and threw him straight at the wall. "Get lost you damn pervert!" Maria said with disgust and changed back into her clothes and left the room. Once she dressed herself, Maria started walking back to her room still in disbelief with what she just encountered. Just before she reached her room, Maria stumbled upon Rosette. "So, did you enjoy your first dinner at the Order?" Rosette asked politely. "Yes, it was really good. Father Remington asked me to accompany him and offered me a job as his assistant." Maria replied softly. "I see, I'm glad that you are going to be helping around here. That means we can spend some time together!" Rosette said cheerfully as she was hoping to become friends with her. "Father Remington told me that you are looking for your younger brother Joshua, isn't that right?" Maria asked. "Yes, I am. But it's taking us a really long time to locate him." Rosette said with a disappointed tone. "I think I could be of help with your search for him!" Maria revealed. "Really? What do you mean by that?" Rosette asked with hope. "Well, when I was kept hostage by Aion I knew of a boy named Joshua. He too was kept hostage by him at a house that is located by a private beach somewhere in San Francisco." Maria explained to Rosette. Rosette was looking at her with a surprised look on her face. "You knew my brother Joshua?" Rosette asked as she couldn't believe what she just heard. "Yes, and I can help you find him! I have very good navigational skills which could be of use to you." Maria further explained while Rosette was still looking at her. "It's getting pretty late now, so we'll have to talk more about it some other time. I know this is very big news for you Rosette, but you'll need some time to plan everything properly before we can even start acting on it." Maria said. "Thank you so much, for telling me about this! Something is finally coming together!" Rosette said and hugged Maria out of excitement. "Good night Maria! See you tomorrow morning! I am looking forward for us working together!" Rosette said optimistically and they both went into their rooms. As Maria entered the room, she walked towards the window and began to think deeply about something. "It appears that I might soon be of use to the Order. Tell me God, what is it that you really have in store for me? What am I up against exactly?" Maria asked curiously while looking at the window as she couldn't tell what kind of purpose God had set out for her.