Chapter 5 : Sanctuary
LOCATION : SANCTUARY, ROME
TIME : 1:39PM
DATE : 20th FEBRUARY, 2077AD
The Sanctuary is the home base of the apostles, disciples and Holy knights and is also the headquarters of the church and dwelling place of the Pope.
Built over the Vatican City after it was pillaged during the first war, it is home to hundreds of clergymen and women whom not only served those that fought in the war but also continuously prayed day and night for humanity's survival.
It's size is double that of the Vatican City that it was built over as it housed not only humans but also holy artefacts that had been recovered from the war.
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Elisha and the rest of the apostles walk slowly to the gates of the Sanctuary with a solemn look in their eyes as they walked, finally stopping at the front of the gates and ringing the bell.
Soon enough the gates are opened and the apostles walk in to a cheerful crowd consisting of clergymen and women whom had come to celebrate their return.
The apostles try to keep their spirits high by responding in like fashion but it was clear to see that they were unhappy.
They walk a little bit more into three black vehicles that were waiting for them, they exchange pleasantries with their drivers before they are driven off to the New Vatican.
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LOCATION : OFFICE OF THE POPE, NEW VATICAN
TIME : 1:50PM
DATE : 20TH FEBRUARY, 2077AD
An aged man is seen sitting at the office desk studying the scriptures and meditating.
There is a name tag with the title 'Pope John XXX" on it with a few more bibles in different translations with notes and a computer as well sitting in the middle of the paperback.
A man of the cloth walks in such a rush that it jolts the man out of his meditation
"I'm sorry for barging in like that, your holiness but I have news."
The clergyman remarks with a slight bow.
"Do not fret, I was almost done.... You seem unwell Kirei , is everything OK??"
John asks with a casual look on his face.
"I'm afraid not, your holiness."
The clergyman referred to as Kirei, replies with a solemn countenance.
"What seems to be the problem, Kirei??"
John asks as his countenance shifted.
"The apostles have returned."
Kirei replies.
"That is good news, Kirei… our people have returned from battle, so why are you telling me that there's a problem??.. Did they not retrieve the Ark of the covenant??"
John asks with a curious look on his face.
"No, your holiness.... news reaching us is that they were successful with retrieving the Ark."
Kirei responds quickly.
"That's very good news, I no longer understand why you barged into my office like as though there were a problem when there basically is only good news."
John remarks with a slight frown.
"You don't understand, your holiness."
Kirei remarks.
"Then make me understand, Kirei. You are not making any sense with all this fidgeting."
John retorts while rubbing his temple.
"The apostles are back and they did retrieve the Ark as asked but they are not complete."
Kirei remarks causing John to frown a little.
"What do you mean by they are not complete.... Kirei I am getting anxious, what do you mean??"
John asks with a worried look on his face.
"Eliza is not with them, she seems to be missing."
Kirei replies.
"What!!!"
John exclaims, slamming his palms on the desk and standing up.
"Yes your holiness, it is just as I have said, Eliza is not with them."
Kirei reiterates.
"How did you come to know of this??"
John asks still in shock over the unexpected news.
"the guards at the gate had called to inform me as I had told them to if the apostles were to return.
There were only twelve and Eliza was not amongst them."
Kirei replies.
"How is this possible??.... Where could she be??"
John asks while placing his fingers on his temple.
"Your holiness, I fear that we must begin to think over the worst outcome regarding Eliza's safety."
Kirei remarks.
"No, this cannot be, she was our greatest weapon against the forces of darkness. How could they return without her??"
John says.
"Your holiness, would you want to meet with them once they arrive??"
Kirei asks.
"Yes of course, please do usher them to Garden once they arrive, I will be meeting with them there."
John replies with a nod.
"Alright then, I shall be leaving now."
Kirei remarks.
"Bless you for informing me about this."
John remarks making a gesture with his palm.
Kirei takes a bow and turns his back to the Pope before walking out of the rather spacious office leaving John to his thoughts as he stood up from his chair and went to stand in front of the window behind his chair, placing his hands behind his back.
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LOCATION : ROAD TO NEW VATICAN
TIME : 2:12PM
DATE : 20TH FEBRUARY, 2077AD
Sirius is seated at the back of one of the jeep transporting the apostles looking into the distance as he rummaged through his thoughts.
He seemed to be greatly troubled as he tried to focus his mind, he closes his eyes as he begins to fall into a deep sleep with his thoughts finally resting on a particular memory.
His first meeting with Eliza and the subsequent relationship that blossomed out of it.