Later that day, after Sunday Mass had just let out, the church had their bake sale and game booths.
For most of the event, Trinity didn't speak unless spoken to. Her eyes seemed glazed over, and she forced herself to put on a false smile for the kids. But inside, she felt hollow. She wasn't sure how to process what she had seen.
She knew that their bond between her and Zyxel that linked him to his realm, was damaged. Now that she knew how Zyxel fed, she understood why he had struggled so much to keep control of his energies. Knowing how many days the storms had raged outside, she knew how long he must have been fighting the inevitable. But understanding why he did, what he did; and seeing the end results of feeding on a living person, were two entirely different things.
Trinity had been asked to do the face painting, just as Amara had suggested the day before, and she made sure to put on a warm smile for everyone. Pretending that the emptiness that she felt inside, didn't exist.
Beside Trinity sat Amara, her wings poised gracefully as if she were posing for a photo, which in a way she kinda was. Today, she was wearing a long flowing white dress, with cut sleeves that draped loosely around her forearms. Her hands wore long white gloves that went up to her elbows, but were cut off at the fingertips.
Quite a few times, Amara would look over at Trinity throughout the day before looking away with a satisfied smile.
The way she chose to dress today, confused Trinity. She knew that Amara fed off of humans in the same fashion that Lucifer had fed off her. Yet, for some strange reason today, she refused to allow much of her skin to be revealed.
Just like how kids would line up to sit on Santa's lap at Christmas time, kids from all over came so they could meet the angel who had graced their city. A line was formed so that each child could meet her one at a time, and they each spent a few minutes of her time and having their photo taken, then Amara would shake the parents hand and blessed them as they went on their way.
As Trinity worked on the face painting, she periodically studied Amara next to her. She took notice of how careful she was being, not to touch the kids skin with her fingertips and only with her gloved hands, as they climbed on her lap and stroked her soft feathered wings. Amara was being extra cautious that the only skin contact that she would make, would be with the adults when she would shake their hand.
'I wonder why that is?' Trinity wondered.
Noticing Trinity watching her, she turned and smiled, causing Trinity's eyes to fall to the ground.
At that moment, she heard a loud buzzing sound followed by a tapping of a microphone. She turned towards the sound to see her father holding a mic.
"Welcome everyone! I hope everyone has been enjoying themselves and having a good time! I know that everyone here is used to our church holding events to raise money for donations and charities around town. With the help of Amara here, we have decided that we are going to step that up a notch! Every weekend, we plan to hold a different event. Some of these will be dedicated to improving our strengths within each of us, while others will be focusing on overcoming our sins."
Father Kiran held his arm out and waved it among the crowd of people gathered in front of him. "It is no secret that sin is one of humanity's greatest weaknesses. With Amara's guidance, she has agreed to help tutor each person individually if need be, to help each of us learn how to overcome our sins, and work toward a better and brighter future. Child care will be provided free of charge, and sleepovers and camps will be accessible to children who are old enough to attend!"
Heated murmurs discussing Father Kiran's speech filled the atmosphere around them. The people were just too ecstatic to contain their excitement. The mere thought of being able to interact with an angel for extended periods of time made them ecstatic.
Father Kiran continued on with his speech. "Each weekend will be dedicated to providing guidance and tutoring into a specific category of humanity. These will include overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins which plague each person: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. As well as learning how to hone the Seven Heavenly Virtues to becoming a better person: chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, forgiveness, kindness, and humility."
He turned toward Amara and held out an open palm towards her. "Through touch, Amara is able to sense our level of sins and our virtues. She will be able to help each person who is wanting to work toward purity of our souls, and a brighter future for our community!"
Their murmurs grew increasingly energetic, creating a clamorous atmosphere of visible excitement.
Father Kiran held up a hand. "Now, here is the catch. Although I know many of us here would prefer to pick and choose which areas to work towards personal advancement, thinking that a certain category may not be as important to you as another. Amara highly stresses the fact, and I agree with her, that each course we will be providing is going to be essential and vitally necessary. If you plan to participate, I recommend deciding now if you are all in, or all out! No one will judge you poorly for being cautious, or nervous."
He paused momentarily so that everyone was able to let that important fact sink in on whether or not they would want to participate. "Also, we understand that there are some who may not be able to participate during the weekend that the events will take place. Whether it be due to work, or other circumstances. One on one sessions with Amara can be scheduled during the week, for those who cannot attend during the open classes."
Several of the people in the audience began clapping jubilantly, compelling others to follow along, soon creating an awe-inspiring round of applause. At this point, overcoming their weaknesses and improving their strengths, was just an added bonus to being able to spend more time around Amara.
Amara stood up then, with her shoulders arched back and holding her head high. "I will let you all know now, that this will not be as easy as it sounds! Learning to overcome sin, and improve virtue takes years of practice, patience, and dedication. I cannot promise a quick fix, but I can assist in unveiling to each of you, what your individual strengths and weaknesses are inside. This way we can focus on overcoming and improving, all of us together as a community!"
She waited patiently for the applause to die down, before speaking up again. "However, I want to warn you, that when faced with your greatest of sins, it will not be easy for all of you. Some of you may even end up rejecting the teachings that I will be providing to you. I can only guide each of you so far, but it is up to each of you to determine how far these teachings can take you!"
Trinity stared in shock. She hadn't been expecting this! Zyxel had been so convinced that Amara was planning something bad and was up to no good. But just how was this supposed to be a bad thing? She didn't see how this might be able to turn into a negative.
Pursing her lips, Trinity tried to figure out exactly what Amara might be planning by this. Was this purely meant as a way to feed only? If so then why the classes to teach how to overcome sin?
Trinity watched closely as Amara smiled sweetly and innocently to the crowd. There had to be more to this than she was letting on. But what could it be?
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(Questions in the Author's Comments below!)
Books I am currently writing:
- The Forbidden Luna
- Divine Banishment