Vandenreich at Vatican City [Social/Closed]

[Sieglinde P. Krantz]

Ah, Vatican City. A place that Priscilla rather enjoyed visiting every time she got the chance; the architecture always made her so happy! Even just the thought of incorporating some of the same designs into structure in the Silbern was more than enough for the girl’s artistic mind to run absolutely wild. That said, today was going to be a bit different for a number of reasons. Things were a bit off; she was on business today.

From what she’d heard, the Vatican was recently ransacked by a bunch of sinners; she was not the type to take these things lightly. As such, she was the first to sign up to help the restoration plans for the city, and was going to actively do what she could in order to solidify everything in the area; just to make things a bit easier on everyone involved. Christians tended to be the easiest to convert into Vandenreich, so she was going to do what she could in order to garner that crowd.

Utilizing her release, Priscilla began to do what she could in order to start rebuilding the buildings nearby; taking large amounts of paper, forcing them into place, and materializing them as actual concrete, much like her release was known for. Those around her didn’t need to know what was going on; so long as she was helping, and looking like she was bringing about a miracle, she was okay. Though, unbeknownst to her, today was going to change the girl’s life permanently.

[Caesar]

To the Quincy a duty to perform, to the world that she performed that very duty it was indeed. A miracle. As she placed the last pieces of the structure she was repairing together the sound of footsteps had already gathered behind her. Some getting closer, carefully but not out of an attempt to conceal their identity but rather awe and reverence. A small tap, a grasp would be felt on her shoulder as people whispered behind her back. "Is she related to the Father Gerold?" "I don't know, must be. No one else has came by with a cross such as hers" hushed whispers, confusion and concern was felt from the crowed. And the one that stood behind her if allowed such distance. Respect. "Mi scusi, signora? Sei per caso imparentato con padre Gerold? He spoke rather quietly, as meek as a mouse yet stood strong as a wall. He was afraid but he was in awe to allow that fear to prevent himself from speaking. The man was dressed in an all black priest outfit. His hair thinning, his wrinkles spreading made him a man to at least be in his sixties. At least. Almost catching his error immediately his face brightened up some more.

"Ah! Ahem, are you by chance related to Father Gerold? My name is Bishop Jordan. I heard there was someone performing miracles in places where the Demons showed up. And I had to see for myself. Almost as if a another angel had been sent from the Lord ahahah you have my thanks." Speaking as if he had smoked for nearly decades, yet its rumble was as gentle as a fireplace. He bowed his head slightly to the Quincy and as a gesture of respect and welcome extended his hand towards her. "I have a feeling. You have no ill will to the people of the Vatican. And that if you were, we wouldn't be talking any longer than you'd let me ahahaha. If you will take my hand I'm sure you would be interested in meeting the Father that I have mentioned before. He's over at the Cappella Paolina preparing a sermon for those who have lost loved ones before." As he slowly gestured across a plaza. In the distance, past what remained of a row of towering trees stood an obelisk that stood guarding in front of an even towering building. Behind Priscilla was a small crowed of at least ten. Some knelt before her others stood in awe. As the building she had repaired was done in mere moments. "Let us go. It's only a five minute walk at best. I'm sure the locals will be very grateful for the restoration of one of the Vatican's finest boutiques.

SPOILER: Click to show

{play me}

As she drew near the small chapel its bells seem to grow louder and louder. Yet its bells did not ring. From its stairs and from its doors she could hear a choir. Bleeding their voice to the lord above. Their choir resonating as if to try to bring forth the attention of God onto them. Their footsteps clicking the only thing that dared to contrast to the choir that began and end only to begin again to repeat. And while Bishop Jordan was a human who could only observe these phenomenon and experience what it was like to bask in this energy the Vandenreich Captain Superviser would at leaast have an understanding what she was standing in front of. Within the church, underneath the murals. Kneeling before the Virgin Mary, an old man bearing a brown cloak. His mask covered with an orators mask and his gaze fixated upon the very ceiling. As if in awe and seeing these images over and over again. As if to experience a revelation over and over again until you can no longer remember your birth. Or envision your death.

"As a man under Der Kaiser. I soon realized I too must make my own form of Exodus to understand what our Lord wanted from us when He changed His form." As each sentenced paused, it repeated softly in their ears. As each sentence began they too began to speak again. To some the energy of a General would be terrifying. To others awe inspiring. Caesar ensured that to those around him. They would see his faith. Hearing the bells ring forth. The choir singing in desperation to tell God. "I am Here. I am your Word." "And it would seem that in my exodus a member of my Flock comes before me to spread the miracle of our God. Am I not wrong. My child?" Without turning his head to acknowledge them it was as if he knew he stood before him. As if he knew this meeting would happen. And that they would meet again. "And He will lead us into the light. Our lives forever perfected in His service. For we are Angels." As his words softly entered her ears he stood slowly. The sound of cracking reverberating off of the walls and he slowly turned to meet her gaze. "Bishop you may leave us. I believe this discussion will need to be private between a Father. And their Child of God."

[Sieglinde P. Krantz]

"Mi scusi, signora? Sei per caso imparentato con padre Gerold?" Priscilla immediately turned her head the moment she'd heard someone speak, quickly having her attention occupied almost entirely by the man. Sure, she didn't quite understand what he was saying, but that didn't mean she wasn't interested in his words. Surely he had something important to say, so even if she had to struggle a bit, she was going to figure out just what he had to say. She could piece a few words together rather easily, like she knew 'scusi' meant-

"Ah! Ahem, are you by chance related to Father Gerold?" With a soft smile, Priscilla found herself relieved that the man knew how to speak English. "My name is Bishop Jordan. I heard there was someone performing miracles in places where the Demons showed up. And I had to see for myself. Almost as if a another angel had been sent from the Lord ahahah you have my thanks." Laughing along with the man, Priscilla continued to grow ever interested with this man. "Another angel, you say?" she inquired, curious as to what he'd meant, "you mean there's more here that are able to do things similar to myself? Does this Father Gerold happen to also be one of these wonderful folk?"

"I have a feeling. You have no ill will to the people of the Vatican. And that if you were, we wouldn't be talking any longer than you'd let me ahahaha. If you will take my hand I'm sure you would be interested in meeting the Father that I have mentioned before. He's over at the Cappella Paolina preparing a sermon for those who have lost loved ones before." With a rather gracious bow, Priscilla found herself chuckling softly once more. "I assure you you're correct; I mean absolutely no ill will toward any of you lovely folk here; quite the opposite, in fact. I'd love to help where I can, and truthfully I'd be honored to meet Father Gerold!" Taking the man's hand, Priscilla found herself following shortly behind and simply taking in the view before her.

As the two of them slowly approached the chapel, the same soft smile that the Quincy had held grew ever larger with each step, taking in the atmosphere of the absolutely stunning architecture, those singing sermons and remaining unwaveringly loyal to their own Lord, such a thought brought a tear to her eye. It reminded her of home; of her place in the Silbern, underneath His Majesty. She couldn't help but see herself in some of these individuals, and smiled at the thought. Even if they weren't loyal to His Majesty specifically, she couldn't help but still hold these folk with a tremendous amount of respect. Such devotion was impressive, to say the least. Some Quincy could certainly learn a thing or two from these wonderful people.

As quickly as she'd lost herself in thought, however, Priscilla was quickly brought out of that thought from the man that stood before her. "As a man under Der Kaiser. I soon realized I too must make my own form of Exodus to understand what our Lord wanted from us when He changed His form." Along with these words, an almost crippling wave of energy rushed over the girl. Energy that, while foreign, something she'd never sensed before, felt familiar; like home. She watched in confusion, just trying to figure out what exactly was going on. Did she need to ready herself? No, this wasn't the energy of a free Quincy. She'd let the man continue speaking.

"And it would seem that in my exodus a member of my Flock comes before me to spread the miracle of our God. Am I not wrong. My child? And He will lead us into the light. Our lives forever perfected in His service. For we are Angels." With every passing second that he spoke, Priscilla slowly began to piece things together more and more. For one, this man, who was supposedly a devout Christian, had just spoken of 'Der Kaiser'; a name that, in today's day and age, generally only meant His Majesty. And that's when everything quickly fell into place.

"Bishop you may leave us. I believe this discussion will need to be private between a Father. And their Child of God." Not even turning her head to watch the Bishop leave, Priscilla couldn't help but remain hyperfixated on Caesar. Her breath quickly grew ragged as one, two tears began to roll down her cheeks. Tears not of fear, not of sadness, but of joy. "Oh my stars," she forced out, slowly approaching the man before her, "Is... is that really you? No, it can't possibly be; we had all thought you'd fallen! I've only heard stories of your accomplishments, I hadn't expected to ever get the opportunity to meet you in the flesh!"

Unable to contain herself, Priscilla felt herself emotionally breaking down. She simply didn't know how to react; a man of legend had been standing before her, thought to be long-since gone. The fact that she found him brought the girl an insurmountable amount of happiness; to say she was ecstatic was perhaps the largest understatement imaginable at the moment. "I... Sir, I must ask... How? How have you eluded so many people? How have you made yourself impossible to find? If you'll forgive me for asking, I'd also like to ask why? What was your reasoning for... vanishing?"

[Caesar]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{Play Me}

"Oh my stars," As if each footstep carried the weight of this meeting. Each footstep echoed louder and louder as she approached the General. Her breathing ragged to Caesar's ears. As she drew closer, his arms slowly drew to his side. And in a mere instant, he had met her half way. A very boom, the flutter of his cloak. The sheer black priest outfit stood before her. All done without the assistance of a step technique, through natural speed. Yet as quickly as he got close to her without the intent to interrupt her. "Is... is that really you? No, it can't possibly be; we had all thought you'd fallen! I've only heard stories of your accomplishments, I hadn't expected to ever get the opportunity to meet you in the flesh!" he slowly placed his hand to her cheek, wiping the tears that had been shed and then some. His facial expressions twisted, stern almost as if inspecting every part of her face. Yet he wiped these tears as gently as Father wiping the bitter tears of sadness and a small smile. "Yes child... It is I. And as healthy as I can be." he turned to look towards the painting of Saul as Priscilla continued to speak.

"I... Sir, I must ask... How? How have you eluded so many people? How have you made yourself impossible to find? If you'll forgive me for asking, I'd also like to ask why? What was your reasoning for... vanishing? And they stood there. His gaze affixed towards the painting before them. The Conversion of Saul By this point the bells had stopped tolling, the choir had stopped singing. And as if the very air was beginning to grow stiff Caesar breathed slowly. His eyes wide as dinner plates but not full of fear. As if lost in thought and remembering everything that had brought him to this point. Yet accepting that it is a part of him. And is no longer capable of hurting him. A small smile, a soft sigh. He presented his arm towards the painting as if the very answer stood before her. "Child... Have you ever heard of the story of Saul. The very man you see in this painting" he slowly walked towards the painting, allowing her to see closer. A man on the ground whose expression of fear and discomfort to Christ. The very sense of fear coming from those around him. Angels surrounding Jesus Christ. Caesar studied everything before them.

"Saul. Was a man of intense hatred for the Christians. A man who after the crucifixion of Christ swore to wipe out the new Christian church. And when he received permission to arrest members of the Church in the city of Damascus. He ensured that this was something he followed. Now. As Caesar pointed specifically at the man cowering before Christ. "Saul and his companions are given a vision from Christ. Holy light as you can see from the Lord. He asked Saul 'Why he was persecuting him' to which Saul asked who was speaking 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do' and Jesus took Saul's ability to see. For three days the man did not eat. For three days he was lead to a man named Judas who allowed him to stay. Our Lord Jesus Christ then showed visions to a Man named Ananias. Who feared Saul for his persecution. But followed through with his commands for Saul was the instrument of His message. Ananias found Saul praying to God. Praying to Jesus. For help. And he placed his hands on the man. Telling him that Jesus had sent him to restore his sight and to fill him with the holy Spirit." Ever slowly he reached for Priscillas hands and guided her hands across his face, his eyes more specifically.

"When Der Kaiser changed his forms. So to must I take an Exodus to understand why. His voice quivered and shuddered, as if confessing before a priest his deepest sins. "And in my Exodus I too grew weak without my faith in Der Kaiser. I grew to become angry towards those who chose to not embrace the words of our Lord. Maybe this was why in some way or another. We had all been abandoned." A sigh, a frown, a gaze towards Christ. Caesar began to compose himself further and further as he continued to speak yet he spoke slower and slower. Almost as if he was beginning to lose himself in his own conversation. "And in my moment of weakness. I nearly lost my life to the very scourge that our Lord wanted wiped out. Hollows. Arrancars. Demons. Sinners. And in that moment I too had lost my sight, and was poisoned. Left to die I accepted that this was maybe the working of Der Kaiser. He closed his eyes, his gaze averted towards the ground and they were plunged in silence again. And once again the choir and bells began once more. His eyes averted towards Priscilla. Staring deep into her eyes unflinching yet warm. His voice spoke higher, calmer. His shoulders slumped a little and the speed slowing down even further as he spoke. "And like Saul. I was given a vision by Der Kaiser. And was guided to the Vatican city somehow in time. The poison had worked its way and I was without any hope. Yet. There are good people who choose to wear the cloak of another Priest. Who choose to worship the ways of another God. Who saw me. And maybe knew me a man to persecute their kind. Heal me of my afflictions, fed and gave me a home. There are good people who chose to not kneel before our God. And maybe, through this action. I may be able to understand why. And rather than persecute. We may understand and welcome more to the arms of Der Kaiser. The Vatican city is known for hiding great secrets. And I became one of them. I found God. And in finding God. I found Der Kaiser."

[Sieglinde P. Krantz]

"Child... Have you ever heard of the story of Saul. The very man you see in this painting?"

The story of Saul? Priscilla shook her head in confusion. She couldn't say she was too well-versed on the Christian faith, though she was more than glad to hear out what the General had to say. If nothing else, this was going to be a great learning experience for the girl. Though, as she'd find out, this was going to be much, much more than just some conversation; the girl's eyes were going to be opened up. Turning toward the painting that Caesar had motioned toward, Priscilla couldn't help but watch in awe as she took in the beauty of what she'd been seeing. Seems this painting was what the General was talking about, and she was in for a treat of a lesson! Placing her hands to her side with a serene smile, Priscilla listened intently to what he had to say.

As his story had gone on, talking about Saul's persecution toward the Christians, how he'd been scorned by Christ for a time, only to be later aided by those same people he'd persecuted, Priscilla couldn't help but feel captivated; both by his words, and the one speaking. Truthfully, it was a most interesting story. Something she hadn't really heard before, and something she was entranced by. Though, he had to be telling this story for a reason, no? Expecting some sort of conclusion, it seemed that Caesar had a personal experience that he was going to share regarding the matter. "And in my moment of weakness. I nearly lost my life to the very scourge that our Lord wanted wiped out. Hollows. Arrancars. Demons. Sinners. And in that moment I too had lost my sight, and was poisoned. Left to die I accepted that this was maybe the working of Der Kaiser."

Continuing to listen in shock, Priscilla placed both of her hands over her mouth upon hearing just what Caesar had been through. Truthfully, she hadn't expected someone of his stature to have experienced something so rough in the past; she couldn't help but feel horrible because of it. As though she was powerless; unable to do really anything in order to aid him. A feeling she wasn't fond of, and one she wasn't going to let linger. She'd act on these feelings in time, but first she was going to continue to hear Caesar out. "And like Saul. I was given a vision by Der Kaiser. And was guided to the Vatican city somehow in time. The poison had worked its way and I was without any hope. Yet. There are good people who choose to wear the cloak of another Priest. Who choose to worship the ways of another God. Who saw me. And maybe knew me a man to persecute their kind. Heal me of my afflictions, fed and gave me a home."

"There are good people who chose to not kneel before our God. And maybe, through this action. I may be able to understand why. And rather than persecute. We may understand and welcome more to the arms of Der Kaiser. The Vatican city is known for hiding great secrets. And I became one of them. I found God. And in finding God. I found Der Kaiser." Bringing another tear to her eye, but wiping it off in a moment of weakness, Priscilla couldn't help but keep smiling as he spoke. "That's truly a wonderful story, Sir," she said, fighting back any sort of waterworks that might've started to make themselves present. She wasn't going to cry any more than she already had. She needed to steel herself. Especially in front of someone such as him.

"I'm relieved to hear that you're okay. And, for that matter, that these wonderful people took their time to make sure that you made it all right. Truthfully I had never thought of others being so kind, so willing to aid those they might've once called their enemy. To see that amount of camaraderie is enough to bring a tear to my eye. If you're so willing, I'd like to take the time with you in order to help rebuild Vatican City. Perhaps even grant them one of our own castles, create one for them so that they may take refuge in case something like this should happen again. I wholly believe that their good deeds should not go without proper gift, Sir, and I'd like to make that much known to these wonderful people. For keeping a man so very important to the world alive; for a service so immeasurable that I feel we'll remain in their debt for a time."

With a salute to Caesar, Priscilla couldn't help but chuckle. It wasn't due to anything being inherently comedic, but more so due to her own happiness at the current moment. "In any case, though, it's great to have you back, Sir, and truly a pleasure to finally be able to meet you. I'd certainly like to say that His Majesty's Empire has been growing more now than ever before; we've had quite a surge of devotees as of late, and when you're willing, I'd like to introduce you to the lot of them. Perhaps through some sort of welcoming speech? Truthfully, we can figure that out at a later time. Regardless, though, the news of such an event will surely bring about quite a boost in morale amongst our brothers and sisters!"