11 - COMBAT AND MYSTERIES
Song for the Chapter: Tongues of Fire (again; kindly try to listen to it at the end of the chapter )
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"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
~ Ephesians 6:12;
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THIRD PERSON POV
To say Violet was knackered would have had to make the Guinness Book of Records as the "Understatement of the Year". Her bones ached more than the aftermath of any match she had ever had.
So far, despite the aches, she had gotten used to the routine, waking up at dawn to pray, and she had even learnt to make extra time to read her BIBLE no matter how tired she felt.
"Like I have any choice," she muttered, eyeing the Angels around her as they smiled and prodded her awake from her bed.
"I can't wait till I get to HEAVEN. I will look for each one of you and have you carry me around. Just wait and see."
She had also gotten used to the idea of cooking meals as large as any infantry could ever dream of having.
Somehow, despite her former lack of enthusiasm, she had grown to love her duties—always keeping in mind Who she was actually doing it for. And, she loved her time spent with her SAVIOUR at dawn even more.
For some reason, with every moment spent before HIM, the deep impression of something great about to happen was laid heavily on her heart. A deep feeling of HIS imminent Return.
And, as she got up that day, another loathsome task awaited her: Combat training.
Apparently, the Ferraris thought it right and appealing to add a day of yakka to her already insurmountable workload.
But, she couldn't fault them. She had often received such training when she had lived with her brother. And, if not for her injury and her aching body from the tasks of the previous day, she would have been glad for it.
Sliding into a black pleated workout skirt, she threw on an oversized black t-shirt and a pair of black Nikes to match.
~~
"And now to top it all off, we will have the sandbag carrying," Vincenzo announced.
Violet groaned internally.
"But, we will take a 10-minute break before that," he checked his watch and headed towards the restroom.
They were holding the training session in a large portion of the Villa that had been allotted to—in Violet's mind—subject all who entered into vigorous torture.
It was a weekly routine they had to help them train their reflexes in case of any dangerous situations. And surprisingly, she had been allowed to join this time around.
And personally, Violet thought Vincenzo was making it extra hard for her sake.
At that moment, Violet's only prayer was for a bout of diarrhoea to keep him in the restroom for an hour before returning.
LORD, have mercy upon this brain of mine, she instantly found herself regretting her thoughts, a twinge of guilt smiting her conscience. YOU know YOU are dealing with YOUR most imperfect creature.
"For someone new at this, I must commend your agility and strength," Isabella's voice broke into her reverie. "You sure you have not done this before?"
Violet only smiled as they both walked to their seats in the resting area. She could not reveal her identity yet, so a smile seemed the only logical response.
"Hey, want an iced drink?"
"Sure," Violet replied as Isabella pulled out two cans of soda from her backpack. It appeared she had been way more prepared than Violet.
"Thanks," Violet murmured and said a prayer before cracking it open and downing it all in one breath.
"Don't mention it. You know..." Isabella's voice inferred she had something serious on her mind which caused Violet to turn, giving her full attention.
"I've been reading... you know, THE BIBLE?" Her tone inclined a notch. "It's so interesting!"
"Really?" Violet's eyes widened.
She had not been so sure when Isabella had promised to try it. Maybe she would forget about it, had been her thought then.
"I started from where you told me, and I must admit, I still don't get all of it. But, it got me so intrigued, I had to read further."
"I am so glad to hear that," she beamed. That explained the gentle light she had seen in her eyes when they had met that morning.
Something, no rather, SOMEONE, was breaking through.
Thank YOU, LORD.
"But... who was Charity?"
"Huh?" Violet was taken aback. "Charity?"
"Yeah, I got to 1 Corinthians... I think Chapter something-teen and heard of her. I double-checked the Author at the beginning of the Book. You know that introductory stuff they write?"
"Uhh... yes?" Violet felt like a mouse trapped in a maze; she had no clue what the girl was going on about.
"I saw it was written by someone called Paul. Was Charity his wife or fiancée? Did they finally get together?"
Violet blinked. Once, twice, and a third time. Then it finally hit her. She bit her tongue really hard to stop herself from guffawing with laughter.
Once she trusted herself to speak again, she explained.
"I believe you are referring to 1 Corinthians 13," Isabella nodded vigorously and Violet pinched her palm to fully calm herself before continuing.
"Well, Charity, in the Christian faith, means the highest and purest form of Love. It comes from the Greek word, agapē, which we define as Love. He was teaching about the characteristics of Love, which is what every true follower of CHRIST is called to have."
Tilting her head sideways, Isabella allowed the words to sink in, and Violet could see the Light growing—slowly but steadily.
"Oh," she said softly. "That is a beautiful thing indeed. I guess I have missed that truth my whole life."
Violet could only smile. But, this smile was not about the satire of her earlier question, rather, it was the Light she could see blooming even more in her newly found companion.
She was brought back to reality when Vincenzo walked back in and called them for the last training session that morning.
"Hey, tell you what?" Isabella smoothed her ponytail a bit, with a twinkle in her eyes as they walked back together. "We will be going on a trip this weekend and my Mum agreed to have you join us."
"Really?" Violet had overheard talks of an upcoming trip for the family and had assumed it would be a good chance for a break.
So, that plan is out the window now. LORD, YOU sure are a hard Task-Master aren't YOU?
Yes, it was settled. A trip with none other than her "favourite" Mr Icy on board. And apparently—she learnt later—another fiendish person as well, Giuseppe.
I just can't wait...
~~~
"So all that is left on the agenda is to win the King Makers over so we can take complete control?" A sinister voice sneered.
"Yes, master," a voice that could not be mistaken for any other replied—Giuseppe's.
"What is keeping you so long!? Our time is short!" The sinister voice bellowed.
"As you already know, sire, most of the elite members are already on our side, though they don't know it yet. I have yet to win over three key members. And after that, we will be set. All the laws and orders we have planned for so long will be enforced and established."
"Established, you say?"
"Yes, master," a sweat trickled down Giuseppe's forehead.
"Are the weapons for the last battle ready? And surely you are aware our goal is to crush those little cockroaches and hinder as many... no, even ALL of them from making it when their MASTER returns. You know, I must take over what is rightfully mine, don't you!? I want to return to the throne that is mine! Mine!!!" The voice dripped with venom.
"I do, master. And they will. Their time is almost up. Our agenda of making prayer a thing of the past, diminishing interest in their Holy Book, feeding the minds of children with lewdness at an early age, all are in progress and are its zenith."
"And remember, we have a deadline. I want ALL, and I repeat ALL, to end up on my side—where I will feed them with eternal darkness."
"Yes, master."
"I have given you all the power you need. Use it before their MASTER spirits them away. Destroy and subdue all in higher places under your feet. Till they bow to none other than me," the voice paused and added with a dramatic tone.
"And... get ready to take over the world system, once the battle of their so-called seven years of Tribulation begins when their Restrainer is taken out of the way."
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For the first time in a while, I managed to spell Giuseppe without needing autocorrect. XD
What are your expectations for the next chapter, pray tell. This book feels much different than the former, Princess Undercover. And I so long to know how you feel about that.
And any thoughts on who Giuseppe actually is?
Can't wait to hear your thoughts and answers.
As always,
Con Amor,
Phela