Revelation 2:10

**Revelation 2:10** is the tenth episode of the first season of *Warrior Nun* and the final episode of the first season.

## Synopsis

In shock over the contents of the tomb, Ava no longer knows what — or who — to believe as she tries to divine the true history of the halo.

## Plot

### Without fear, there is no power

The bell tolls at the Vatican as once again black smoke rises from the chimney, signaling that once again there is still no consensus on the vote for a new pope. Inside, the cardinals all murmur and Duretti fidgets, clearly annoyed. A cardinal reads out a number of names and there is finally an announcement: Cardinal Duretti has been chosen as pope. The other cardinals all applaud and surround him. In Adriel's tomb, Ava stares, shocked. Adriel tells her it's been a millennia since he saw another human face. He says that a thousand years alone is a small price to pay for laying eyes on her. He greets her with "hello" and he notes that she seems surprised to see him. He says she must have many questions, but he has something to say first. "Thank you for returning my Halo", he tells her, and she wonders how it is that he knows her name. There is a high-pitched ringing and he tells her, seeming to have read her mind, that he knows a great many things.

Outside the tomb, Lilith paces and Mary asks for a time check. Beatrice replies that it's been three minutes. Lilith asks if they heard something, and Beatrice says that someone is coming. "Let them come", declares Mary. Fortunately, it's just Father Vincent and Mother Superion. Back in the tomb, Ava demands to know what is going on. He tells her not to be afraid and she asks how he knows his name and how it's even possible for him to be there. She asks if it's one of Duretti's tricks, but he tells her, in her mind, that it's no trick. He holds out his hands and takes on the form of Vincent, telling her "I am who I claim to be". Outside, Mother Superion reveals to the group that Cardinal Duretti has been named as the new pope. Mary says they should burn the whole place to the ground. Vincent asks to talk to Ava, but Beatrice explains that she has no signal. Lilith declares that she's going to blow the wall and get Ava out of there. Beatrice warns she could kill them all. She promises that she'll blow the wall herself if Ava's not out in the next five minutes. She says, however, that she knows Ava can do this and Vincent agrees she's right. In the tomb, Ava asks again how this is possible and Adriel tells her it would only confuse her. She says she doesn't need science, just the reason why. He replies that humans are driven by irrational fears. She asks if he is an angel and he tells her if she likes, though they would never refer to themselves as such. He says he's there because Areala tricked him, stealing the Halo. Confused, Ava says that she thought he gave up the Halo willingly. He tells her the gesture was perverted into a betrayal.

At the Arq-Tech headquarters, Jillian Salvius watches a recording of Lilith phasing out of her son Michael's room. She receives a text message informing her of Duretti's election as pope. She groans and calls Kristian Schaefer to her office. She then sees her son on the monitor fiddling with some wires and rushes out of the room. She enters his room, asking just what he's doing. He tells her that "he" called for him and the light came and he saw him. He tells her that ghosts were there, looking at him from the pit. She asks him what he's talking about, but he asks her to take him to the Ark. She tells her it needs a few more days, but he says it needs to be today, that it's "almost time". He says it's time for him to go, but she shakes her head, saying it isn't. She says she's going to get him better, but he tells her she knows it isn't true and that he knows she built the Ark so he wouldn't have to die. He tells her not to cry and that she's going to save him. She agrees finally to take him. Back in Adriel's tomb, Adriel tells Ava that Pope Urban the Second contrived to keep the power of the Halo for himself. This meant that Adriel needed to be removed, but since they couldn't kill him, they caged him up. Ava asks why they wouldn't have used him as proof of Heaven and God. He tells her that she doesn't understand, for them, faith is based on what can't be proven. Without faith, there is no manipulation or fear. Without fear, there is no power.

### No angel

Pope Duretti dons the white robes of the pope. He enters his new office, looking around at the paintings on the walls. The papal attendant tells him that it is traditional to address those outside within a few hours. Duretti tells him that it will be done and the attendant tells him they are happy to help him with anything he needs. He looks irritated and tells the attendant that he needs to be left alone for a moment. Everyone starts to leave and he turns and apologizes to the attendant, saying that he's just exhausted and he needs to prepare for his speech. Everyone leaves and the door closes. He goes to an adjoining room and places a phone call, observing the crowd outside as the phone dials. He asks to be put through to the Commander of the Swiss Guard. In the tomb, Adriel tells Ava that he doesn't blame Areala, that she was surrounded by opportunists. He stares at Ava, saying she reminds him of Areala. Ava starts to be dismissive of herself, but he tells her to not underestimate herself. He says she was a victim of circumstance and then was given a second chance. Most people would subjugate themselves to those who gave them that second chance, but not her. He says that the question that remains is what she plans on doing with her second chance. She replies that she doesn't know, that a few weeks ago she didn't even believe in any of this. She says that nothing surprises her anymore. He tells her he understands, that what's left of his Armor is connected to him and giving him knowledge of the world in fragments. He tells her he felt so alone and she says she knows how that feels. He tells her they don't have to be alone anymore.

At Arq-Tech, Ava takes Michael to the Ark. She says it's just like before, but he replies that it's going to happen soon, that his angel promised. She asks if he means Lilith. Michael shakes his head. She asks if he means the one who talks to him and gives him pictures and he nods. Kristian looks around for Jillian. He doesn't find her, but does find an open doorway. Inside are various drawings by Michael, which seem to have some meaning to him. Seeing them, he laughs, then starts to tremble and weep, apparently overwhelmed with emotion. He gasps. In the tomb, Ava tells Adriel of her plan to be the last Warrior Nun, stopping the cycle of women like her being abused by the powerful men of the Church. He tells her they fight the same battle. She figures that he wants his Halo back, and she understands. It would, however, mean her death. He tells her that she might survive, but would return to her previous paralyzed state. She tells him that it's okay, that it wouldn't matter, that only one of them can leave, as the high-pitched ringing beings again. He tells her that he won't abandon her, reaching towards her. He places his hand on her shoulder and she experiences a vision. Outside, Mary says that it's been ten minutes and that something is wrong. They agree that they'll have to set off the explosives, but they also need a new plan to get out. Mother Superion leaves to go join Camila. Lilith finishes some drilling and she and Beatrice start setting explosive charges. In the tomb, Ava asks Adriel what he will do with the Halo if she gives it to him. He tells her he will revert to his previous form, a being of Heaven, or an angel. He tells her he will cast out the dark. "Yes", Ava agrees and receives another vision of an ancient battle. The battle is bloody and intense and in the vision, Ava takes the place of a warrior who was stabbed through the chest. She witnesses Adriel materializing and using the Halo. He then runs as a Tarask appears from the same spot he did. It begins killing and chases after Adriel, only to rematerialize in a different location. It attacks him, but he heals almost instantly. He slices it with the Halo.

Using the Halo, Adriel drives the Tarask away, and then returns to the downed warrior, or Ava. A man calls him agent of Christ and slayer of devils, and Adriel replies that the girl is important to him. He tells the man that he can save her, but he needs his help, he needs him to fight the devils for him. The man swears to do it. Another Tarask appears and while the others are occupied, Adriel inserts the Halo in the girl (Ava's) back. She screams and he tells her they are safe. She awakens in a bed, rises and leaves the room to go outside. She finds a man hammering a sword at a forge, the Divinium Sword. Adriel, taking the sword, asks how she feels. She asks who he is. "I'm the one who saved you, Areala", he tells her, introducing himself. He tells her he's an angel and she asks how she's expected to believe that. She tells him he lies like a man, but is not, in fact, one, nor is he an angel. He calls her clever, saying he'll trust her to keep his secret, lest he take away what he's given her and let her die. The flashback ends and Adriel asks why it is that Ava fears him. He tells her not to, saying again that they are the same, both misunderstood. He tells her she's been taught to believe that divinity is infallible, but it's actually messy and complex. She calls him out and he raises his hood, saying he doesn't want to have to hurt her. "So don't", she replies. He tells her she needs to return what is his and she says she's starting to understand why he was locked up. He says that's all about to change, that it's why she was sent there. She only believes she came of her own accord, he tells her, but he says it's just what she needed to believe. She tells him he's no angel and he agrees. He grabs her, pulling at the Halo.

### In this life

At Arq-Tech, Jillian tells Michael they should go back to his room. She asks if she feels something and there is a crackling and warping from the Ark. "He's coming", declares Michael. There is a fast rumbling and the Ark distorts. Back in the tomb, Adriel tells Ava he's giving her what she's been wanting for so long. "May my cage become your tomb, Warrior Nun." At Arq-Tech, Michael tells Jillian that he'll be okay, shouting that he's tired of being in prison. She suggests that maybe they should go together. Kristian appears behind them. She says it might be a trap, but Kristian calls it divine will. Michael runs to the Ark. He tells her to come with him and enters. Jillian starts to follow, but Kristian shouts for her not to. In the tomb, Ava screams and blasts Adriel back. At Arq-Tech, the portal vanishes. Jillian sobs and screams. There is a rumbling and outside the tomb, everyone except Beatrice retreats deeper into the tunnels. Up top, Duretti goes outside and greets the adoring crowd. Just as he begins the address, there is a large explosion and the crowd cries out in fear. Duretti retreats into the room, where Mother Superion is waiting off to the side. As debris rattles around her, Ava shouts for help. Beatrice arrives, telling her they're going to get her out of there. Beatrice watches, shocked, as one of Adriel's hands rises from the rubble. "Get me away from him", shouts Ava, as Mary prepares to assist Beatrice in getting Ava out. The group flees the tomb.

Back up top, Duretti turns and sees Superion. He asks her what is happening. She tells him that she doesn't know, but that this will be the shortest Papacy in history. He asks what she's talking about and she replies that Father Vincent and the others figured out what he did and why. He asks if what is happening is their doing and she asks if it really matters, saying that he started all this, that he destroyed the Order. He answers that he was protecting it and always has. She asks just how he protected them by killing Sister Shannon. As the group continues their escape, they ask Ava what happened. "Adriel happened", she replies. She explains what happened and that Adriel is no angel. "He's a devil." Just then, Adriel approaches, scattering the crowd. In the office, Duretti asks Superion just what she's talking about, saying he didn't kill anyone. He tells her he's been trying to protect his reputation so he could win the election. She asks him about the bones, not knowing anything about what went on below. "What bones?" he demands. Down below, Father Vincent approaches Adriel. Above, Duretti asks just what is that Superion is accusing him of. Vincent stands before Adriel and meanwhile, Duretti asks Superion just who is making accusations against him. Superion looks troubled.

Vincent greets Adriel. "My master, you cannot be revealed to the world this way." He tells him that he knows the Halo cannot be his. He says that his machine awaits, as promised. The others watch, stunned, as Vincent tells Adriel that in time he will be reunited. Adriel whispers something in Vincent's ear and walks away. "Vincent set us up", Beatrice declares. Ava comments "If he's working for Adriel..." and Mary says it means that Vincent was the one who killed Shannon. Mary steps forward, swearing, and they hold her back. "I'll handle this", Lilith tells her. She steps forward and Adriel flicks his hand at her, but she phases, shaking off whatever he was trying to do. "You've been to the other side", he comments, asking what she is. She tells him it doesn't matter, but she knows what he really is: nothing but a thief. He slaps her backwards and the others rush in. Thus, a pitched battle begins. Adriel is knocked down to the ground and then they approach Father Vincent. Adriel pulls the arrow out of his neck, gasps, and rises. His bones creak and he seems as good as new. He tells them they're wasting their time, that they cannot beat him. "We know", Mary replies. They tell him that they only needed seven minutes. With that, Ava steps forward and draws the Cruciform Sword. The high-pitched ringing sounds and the Halo glows. Adriel smiles and there is a hissing of air above them. "Wraith demons", realizes Ava. The creatures surge in and surround Adriel, who spreads his arms out in seeming welcome. The Warrior Sisters draw in together. "In this life or the next", they chant. Mary swears and steps forward. "In this life", she declares. She raises and spreads both of her shotguns and begins taking out members of the crowd that have been possessed by the demons. The crowd surrounds and covers her.

## Cast

* Toya Turner as Shotgun Mary
* Thekla Reuten as Jillian Salvius
* Lorena Andrea as Sister Lilith
* Kristina Tonteri-Young as Sister Beatrice
* Tristán Ulloa as Father Vincent
* Sylvia De Fanti as Mother Superion
* Joaquim de Almeida as Cardinal Duretti
* Peter De Jersey as Kristian Schaefer
* Olivia Delcán as Sister Camila
* Lope Haydn Evans as Michael Salvius

### Co-Starring

* Guiomar Alonso as Areala
* Mario Scattonloni as Scrutineer
* Eddie Pezzopane as Papal Attendant
* Oscar Foronda as Crusader Knight

## Quotes

*"I will bring the light, and I will cast out the dark."*

― Adriel to Ava

*"I don't want to have to hurt you, Ava."*

*"Awesome, so don't."*

― Adriel and Ava

*"He's no angel. He's a devil."*

― Ava

## Trivia

* The Bible text means, in general: Things might get worse before they get better, but whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.