Enid finally got bored with laying in the garden and pulled off her coat and tossed it aside and started wander around looking at the flower beds. Time in Limbo was a strange beast, she wasn’t sure how long it was before Ezekiel popped into existence with Eyre in tow.

“Welcome to detention Eyre.”

“Mom? What the hell is going on?”

“We’ve been bad girls; Ezekiel is going to give us a spanking.”

“Who is he?”

Eyre pointed at Ezekiel.

“That is Ezekiel an Archangel. I prefer to refer to him as asshole.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry for my mother she’s a bit rude sometimes.”

“Don’t worry about it Eyre, I am quite well acquainted with your mother’s behavior. What you don’t realize she only calls people she likes names.”

“Like is bit strong of a word, isn’t it? Loathe with all my being?”

“See that means she really likes me.”

“You know, I can see that.”

“Hey, I’m your mother, you’re supposed to be on my side.”

“Well, he has a point mom.”

Enid threw her hands up.

“Well get on with it Ezekiel.”

“Why the rush? Your daughter has never been to Eden, you know I can put you back exactly when I pulled you here.”

“This is the garden? Like in the bible.”

“Yes.”

“Oh wow.”

Eyre’s face got a strange look then she folded her hands behind her back and stood very still.

“What is wrong child?”

“I don’t want to touch or eat anything I shouldn’t. I mean mortals were banned from here for…”

“The fruit of the garden are only forbidden to mortals my dear. And even then, there are exceptions. Stick with the gold fruit you may see things you didn’t wish to know with the silver. Whatever you take you must eat here however.”

Eyre bounded over to the tree and pulled a golden fruit. Enid looked over and was about to do something more then she just shook her head.

“Fuck it, she won’t listen anyway. Could you throw me one of those Eyre?”

Eyre bit into the fruit and she became flush and held herself for a few minutes. Then threw Enid a fruit.

“Oh my god, chocolate has nothing on this. I feel tingly all over.”

“Ya, that’s because you at the fruit of life. Now you can get pregnant again, congrats. I wouldn’t worry though it’s not like anyone will force it on to you ever.”

Enid lifted her hand and gave the sky her middle finger.

“You’re a little old to be so petty.”

“I’m never going to be old enough to not be pissed when I’m being used.”

“Fair enough.”

Enid glanced at Eyre who was somewhere else at least in her mind. She took a bite of her own fruit. She felt her body tingle all over her heart began to beat she could feel blood flowing through her veins. The sun in Limbo wasn’t the real sun, so it had no effect on her, so she was her usual mostly dead self until she ate the fruit but now, she was alive and had all of her enhanced senses her skin tingled she could feel the electrical impulses in her brain firing off. She felt everything at once. After the fruit’s effects had dulled or at least the pair had gotten used to them Ezekiel looked at Eyre.

“Child, what are you planning? The boss is concerned with the exposure you’re causing your mother.”

Eyre suddenly felt like she was back on the ground and in her body again.

“Uh, well there were some men that tried to capture her. High power weapons, stuff that could actually slow us down, so I thought if we could get out ahead of them. Go viral, flood the internet, get her face out there, well her fake face as Sarah, we could head off other attacks. If we can get the conservative base, like Catholics, Fundamentalist Christians, Republicans ect then she’d become untouchable. If the black son really is trapped in Lucius’s body, it will make her more difficult to hurt. I’ve already got my guys and girls out there pushing our agenda.”

“So, your plan is to hide in plain site with a fake face?”

“Yes.”

“You are a clever girl, you know the world better than most non-mortals.”

“I also figured we could give the church a boost it needs it.”

Enid sighed.

“Why are you making me into some poster girl for the kind of people I hate?”

“Let me ask you mom, did you ever have extra-marital sex?”

“Not answering that!”

“Do you think women should marry other women?”

“Seriously shush. Not a conversation for my daughter!”

“How about abortion?”

“Depends is it mine?”

“Is there a God?”

“Obviously he’s the asshole that had that asshole bring us here.”

“You’re more fundamentalist Christian then 40% of fundamentalist Christians.”

“Whatever.”

“She can play the part. She’s pretended to be a devout catholic before. I knew she could do it again. Her distaste for humans would get in the way of trying to impress the free love hippies.”

“Very well, the boss is satisfied with that reasoning.”

“Wait, he couldn’t just pull it out of my mind? Find out what I was doing, or hell what was going to happen because of it?”

“Things are cloudy when related to anyone around your mother. With the Second Son gone she has become his replacement. Much like the Black Son, she is a slightly pale reflection of the boss.”

“So, he has no idea what I’m going to do does he? So, he just pokes me, sticks babies in me, to see what makes me tick?”

“Something like that. Of course not. Everything he does has a reason. You just can’t comprehend his plan.”

“What was the message oh great and glorious archangel?”

“Two things, Remember the promise you made to his mortal form, faith must be maintained. And secondly, go to Kenya and rescue the four nuns and the six children that have been grabbed and held hostage. He will make the way clear to you. Make sure they know that God told you where to find them. He’s going to help your plan along and well they are children. He has no specifics about the militants who kidnapped them do what you will. Go be his avenging angel. You are now what you made yourself chosen one. He touched them both and they landed in a heap on Eyre’s living room floor. Violet was sucking on a blood bag and paused as the appeared then continued drinking.

“You guys are really into some messed up shit.”

Enid stood up and dusted herself off.

“Tell me about it. What time is it, what day is it?”

“Its January 15th at like 9 pm? Why what day do you think it is?”

“Ten minutes after we left.”

Enid patted her sides and realized her winter coat was still in the garden. She clenched her fists and screamed.

“Fuck you, Ezekiel!”

She gave a sigh and threw her hands up in defeat.

“I liked that coat. I hate limbo.”

“That was limbo?”

“Ya, its where Ezekiel hangs out.”

Violet’s phone buzzed and she looked at it.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“What the hell? Why do I have a satellite image in a text message from $#*(-)(#”

“Let me see that.”

Enid took the phone and looked at it, GPS coordinates.

“Message from God, your phone is now a prophet.”

Enid tapped a few icons and forward it to her phone. She handed it back to Violet. Who was staring at Enid.

“Don’t worry about it, it was for me. Where’s my phone?”

“Mom, did you seriously lose it again? Did you check your bottomless bag?”

Enid frowned and dug through her bag and pulled out her phone.

“Okay time to go be a superhero. Get your shit Eyre. Violet watch the house.”

Enid was already dialing her a number on her phone. Eyre opened her mouth to protest, and Enid just pointed at the location of their secret armory. The other side picked up.

“Maria, its Enid, I need you.”

“Be outside of the convent in thirty mins, we’re leaving the country bring your passport.”

She glanced at her watch and then made another call.

“Hi, I need a flight plan and fuel. Hanger 92. We’re flying to…”

She paused and looked at the phone tapped in the GPS.

“Kenya, an hour. Make it happen, I don’t care who you have to bribe.”

She hung up the phone and looked at Eyre who was standing there staring at her.

“Get your shit, I need a driver.”

“You don’t have anyone in Kenya?”

“Not anyone I want to put in harm’s way. Go get your shit and make sure you grab cash, USD. We’ll need some bribe money.”

“Why?”

“One: I need you. Two: This shit is your fault if I’m being voluntold, you’re being voluntold, go.”

“Okay.”

Enid snapped her fingers.

“Get your ass in gear, wheels up in 60.”

Violet sat on the couch and watched the unfolding scene all the while sucking on her blood bag. Finally, she stopped.

“So uh, what’s going on?”

Enid looked up from where she was stuffing some kit into her Atlantean pack.

“It’s a long story, but we’ll be back in a couple of days.”

“Can I come?”

“You’re too young. When you’ve had more training, we’ll bring you. Just keep an eye on the house. Keep out of trouble.”

“I’m like twenty.”

“Yes, and everyone else going is over 800 years old, we have a different picture of what a big girl in our world. Don’t worry your time will come, it’s just not today.”

“Fine.”

“One of my seers will be keeping eye on you while we’re gone. Think of her like a really mean substitute teacher. She’s a little rough around the edges but you can trust her. You’ll know her by her silver sword.”

“Oh, I get to meet another one of us?”

“Yes.”

Enid finished packing, Eyre finished shortly after. Eyre drove them to the convent and Mariana was out front and the Mother Superior was waiting for them. Enid was still wearing her Sarah the Chosen face and walked to the pair. The Mother Superior looked shocked to see her.

“Hello, I hope I didn’t cause any trouble by calling Maria for help?”

“The church is her legal guardian; She can’t just go out at all hours to who knows where.”

“I understand Mother Superior, but you know what I do, but you don’t know what Maria can do. She hides it well.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s a medium. She can see ghosts, she sneaks out and helps them at night when you think she’s sleeping. I need her skill set for a…this going to sound weird but I was asked by…gah. God asked me to go rescue someone in Kenya, I need her gift to do it safely. One of the nuns we’re rescuing is the pope’s biological sister. Normally not the sort of thing I do, but I’m not about to say no to God.”

“I am skeptical.”

“I would be to, God doesn’t exactly talk to people anymore. He didn’t really here either, he sent an Archangel.”

“I need to make a phone call.”

“Please hurry, he told me to do this quickly. I can promise she will never be in harm’s way.”

Mariana gave Enid a curious look.

“How do you know this?”

“Because I’m Enid silly. I am in disguise.”

“Oh. What did the angel look like?”

“An Old man. You’ve met him before, Ezekiel.”

“I do not remember.”

“I didn’t think you would. If I could forget he existed, I would.”

Mariana put her things in the SUV and noticed Eyre was the driver and waved. Then went to stand beside Enid and stroked her crucifix with her pale fingers. They waited for fifteen minutes, and the Mother Superior came back out looking very old, the blood drained from her face.

“She can go, we will give you whatever assistance you need. Go with God.”

Mariana’s hand fell away from her crucifix, and she rushed to catch the Mother Superior’s arm.

“Are you alright mother?”

“I am fine. I just…”

She looked at Sarah.

“You are truly his avenging angel. I had thought you were a pretender, using our faith…but you are his hand on Earth come to smite the wicked and deliver us from evil.”

She crossed herself and looked up.

“Forgive me lord for doubting her.”

Enid moved and helped Mariana hold up the Mother Superior together they brought her inside and sat her down. Mariana called out for help. Several sisters came from throughout the convent dressed in their night clothes.

“What is wrong Maria?”

“It’s the mother superior, she’s had a bit of a shock.”

Enid glanced at her watch.

“Maria, we need to go, our window of opportunity to get this done in time is fading.”

“I’m sorry sisters, I need to go, I’ve been called. I will be back soon.”

There was a murmur of discussion, and several tried to stop her. Then the mother superior’s voice cut through the noise stronger than it had been moments before.

“Sisters, she must go, the pope has had a revelation. It is the will of our lord.”

The murmurs got a bit louder again, Enid tugged Mariana with her to the SUV. When they got in, she looked between Enid and Eyre.

“Please tell me what is going on?”

“We are going to Kenya to rescue several orphans and four nuns and evacuate them to Vatican City.”

“I understand, how did we get involved in this?”

Enid pointed at Eyre.

“Her fault.”

“Will you just stop Mom, I’m sorry I didn’t think it would spiral this out of control.”

“You didn’t think and that is usually your problem. I told you, we shouldn’t get involved with this mortal crap. But you were all no, we must protect them from him. You can do something; You should do something. Well, this is what doing something causes. More somethings and more somethings. And now you have him involved.”

“Him?”

“My mother is upset because we got hauled into the Garden of Eden by an Archangel and dressed down for outing Mom to the Black Son.”

“So, it is true then? You spoke to an angel?”

“He didn’t seem that angelic, but mom says he is one.”

“Angels are no angels; This isn’t a fairy tale. They’re like us, just…well physically better and they perceive time differently than we do. And they probably don’t drink the blood of humans. Though I wouldn’t make any bets on the last one. I don’t know much about them but every single angel I’ve run into was a complete asshole with a superiority complex.”

Eyre glanced at Enid.

“How many angels have you run into?”

“One.”

“You can’t judge an entire group of beings by one individual.”

“Just watch me.”

“Mom you are terrible.”

“She is right Enid, you should keep an open mind, the one I saw was glorious it lit up everything.”

“I would say I think you’re nuts, but who knows, you managed to heal a curse that was placed on Ezekiel and can talk to the dead, so anything is possible. It was bossy though, wasn’t it?”

“I should not say.”

“That means it was bossy as…”

Enid didn’t finish her sentence.

“Sorry Mariana, I forgot you don’t like it when I swear.”

“Thank you, Enid, I appreciate your consideration for my feelings on that matter.”

“Why do you always speak so formally?”

“Out of respect for the people around me. Respect is the foundation of a relationship. Politeness is the ultimate form of respect. It shows you care about other people’s feelings.”

“So that Pugmentia brainwashed you.”

“No, I read a lot of books and had discussions with several spirits. I have learned that politeness is very important. It is hard to take it the wrong way or infer ill-intent to harmless conversation.”

“She’s right mom.”

Enid frowned and crossed her arms. The three rode in silence along the dark and empty highway. Eyre parked the car in long term and the three grabbed their luggage and headed to the waiting jet. By this time, she was wearing her real face and hair. An African American man waited at the bottom of the plane’s steps for the trio.

“Ma’am, she’s fueled up and ready to go. Flight plan and schedule are listed under Ms. O’connor. Naivasha Airport, Kenya then on to Ciampino, Italy. Fuel will be waiting at both. Will you need my services on your trip?”

“No Thomas, thank you for your assistance and discretion as usual.”

Enid handed him an envelope. He took it with a nod.

“Thank you, ma’am”

He tipped his hat. And walked off.

“What did he mean ‘services’ mom?”

“He’s a mercenary. He’s also a facilitator when he’s not shooting people.”

“He’s an outsider?”

“Yes, he gets the job done. Doesn’t ask questions he doesn’t need to and keeps his mouth shut.”

Enid hefted her bag over her shoulder.

“Get on I need to do a walk around and flight checks.”

“Enid, you do know how to fly this, right?”

“Yes, Mariana, I am very good at it.”

“I have never been on a plane before.”

“Don’t worry it will be fine.”

Enid started walking around the plane checking the tires, landing gear looking at the engines. Looking for leaks. Checked the wings and tail. Then went and looked at the maintenance log. She walked up the stairs and pulled the door closed. She went into the cockpit and pulled on her head set and completed the rest of her pre-flight checks. Then opened the radio channel.

“Tower this is VQ-B X032. Pre-flight checks are complete. Permission to take off, and runway please.”

Her radio crackled to life.

“Flight plan has been confirmed. You are cleared for Runway two, you are 2nd in queue.”

“Roger that tower.”

Enid waited her turn and taxied down the runway and the plane swooped into the sky. She got herself to cruising altitude. She stayed at the controls for an hour to make sure everything was going fine and went back to check on Eyre and Mariana. Mariana was still buckled into her seat her hands clutching the edges of her chair. Eyre was watching something on her tablet with earbuds in. Mariana looked up at Enid wide eyed.

“Who is flying the plane?”

“The autopilot.”

“Oh, is that safe?”

“Yes, for a few minutes at least.”

“We’re cruising at 600 knots, so flight time is another eleven hours so 8 pm local time in Kenya. You should get comfortable, or its going be a long day”

“What’s the time difference from Edmonton mom?”

“Nine hours.”

“That’s why you wanted to get going so fast, you wanted to be there for nightfall.”

“You think I was going to attack a Militant compound in broad daylight when bullets actually hurt? Ya, I’m not that nuts.”

“Well, I didn’t know, that armor protects you from the sun so you could totally use your abilities in it.”

“That armor is very distinct and is better left in the bag. I am not going to leave these guys alive. I can’t guarantee the hostages will get out safely. I’m going to kill them all, hardly what we want to associate with Sarah the chosen of goodie goodness.”

“Okay. So why is Mariana here again?”

“I need someone to watch the plane.”

“That’s it, that seems like a silly reason to drag her here she’s freaking out.”

“You’ll get over it won’t you Mariana?”

Mariana was looking calmer by now and had relaxed her death grip on her arm rests. She had started to look around the plane.

“Whose plane is this? It looks expensive.”

“Mom’s plane. I bought it for her for Christmas.”

“How could you afford something like this?”

Eyre looked at Enid then back at Mariana. She didn’t know what to say she was so shocked. Enid nodded.

“Mariana, hon, Eyre’s had eight hundred years to amass a fortune, so have I. We were nobles in England and we haven’t gotten any poorer. I was already wealthier than most kings by the time I was Lady Sarah.”

“But how?”

“Selling my services. Trading. I have a literal vault on my person usually. And once the America’s were discovered gold was flowing like a waterfall. Then the industrial revolution, then the stock market. Nobody realizes it but elder vampires probably hold most of the wealth of the world. We don’t have to eat, imperials don’t have to sleep. We can control people’s minds. People want to give us money.”

Enid glanced back at the cockpit.

“I should keep an eye on things.”