Isaiah 40:31

**Isaiah 40:31** is the sixth episode of the second season of *Warrior Nun*. It is the sixteenth episode of the series overall.

## Synopsis

The Order and their allies prepare for a showdown against Adriel at his new cathedral, but learn their adversaries have been making plans of their own.

## Plot

### Mother Superion's past

Somewhere in Eastern Europe and in the past, two Warrior Sisters run reconnaissance on the roof of a building. One of them is Sister Shannon. Shannon addresses the other as "Suzanne", telling her that she sees twelve armed men, but also their sisters, who are alive, "including Mother Superion". She asks how they should proceed. Sister Suzanne tells her that she should know her by now, that they save them all. She pulls down her hood, revealing herself to be the woman known in the present day as Mother Superion. As they make their way forward, Shannon tells her stop, saying the room is full of men and guns, a death trap. She replies that there's no time and she's going in. She says she'll deal with it. Shannon tells her she's not going in alone. "I'm sorry, Shannon, but I'm the Warrior Nun", she tells her, using the power of the Halo to knock her out.

From the present day, Mother Superion narrates that it happened a few years ago. She had borne the Halo for three months. She entered the building, greeting the armed individuals inside, saying that they had her sisters and she had come to take them back. She faced off against them, fighting nimbly and cutting her way through using the Divinium Sword. She arrived upstairs and found her sisters caged up. From behind her came a man who drew a sword. The two faced off in an intense battle, the two of them evenly matched and her having drained the Halo too much. Another man appeared, shooting the then Mother Superion in the head. Suzanne overcame the man, but was badly injured, just as Sister Shannon came racing in. The two opened the cage and she told the dead Mother Superion how sorry she was. She screamed, the Halo pulsing and exploding, flying outward from her.

"And that was how I lost the Halo", narrates Mother Superion back in the present day. She tells Ava that she doesn't know what caused the Halo to reject her, if it was her using its power on Shannon, or perhaps her arrogance in taking the whole mission on her shoulders, or allowing Mother Superion to die. She tells her that she learned that nobody can carry their burdens alone.

### The plan

Later in the villa, Ava leads a meeting. She summarizes the current state, that their numbers have been greatly reduced and Pope Duretti has been captured, with Adriel's supporters massing worldwide. She says that thanks to Mother Superion and Yasmine's bravery they know something now, where Adriel will be and when. Beatrice explains that Adriel will be appearing at his new cathedral at 9 A.M. the next day and they need to have a strike team in place. Camila asks just how they prepare and what Adriel is planning to do. Mother Superion and Beatrice explain that Adriel will make a display of his power and they'll be ready.

Jillian Salvius takes the floor. She shows them blueprints of Adriel's cathedral, explaining that it's a fortress, but she has the codes to hack the entrances. She explains that Adriel and Kristian Schaefer have been using Arq-Tech technology to harvest prayer energy and create plagues. She continues that the Arc has been activating at regular intervals, leading her to believe it plays a part in Adriel's plan. Michael agrees that this must be so. Ava asks him how it might play out given his time on the other side, but he tells her he doesn't know yet. Beatrice asks whether he could build another Arc, and Jillian replies that there isn't enough divinium on Earth for him to do so. Yasmine asks just what the Arc does and Jillian explains it as a portal to Adriel's realm. Michael corrects that it's his former realm, as a escaped a fugitive a thousand years ago. Yasmine wonders if he's trying to go back home, but Miguel points out that he's trying to take ultimate power on Earth, so this doesn't make sense. "Maybe he's planning to bring something back here", suggests Ava.

Later in the villa, Camila sits, whispering a prayer. She calls out loud for Adriel, asking if he can hear her. He appears behind her. "You reached out to me on your own", he points out, saying that he's impressed. He tells her that it's time for her to come home to him, that he doesn't want to see her suffer. She tells him she would suffer a thousand years in hell before submitting to him. She tells him she understands something, that she put a cross in her so she couldn't get rid of him. She warns him that communication is a two-way street. She admits she doesn't know how this changes things yet, but tells him that they'll find out. He vanishes.

### Destiny

In a room in the villa, Miguel approaches Ava to have a private conversation with her. She asks him what's up and he tells her that he's been trying to figure out his purpose since his return. He tells her he was in isolation as a child and never appreciated the joys of this world. He refers to his time with her during the past few months. She tells him she's not sure what he's saying. He says that he was sent with a mission and a preordained fate, but he began to think there was another way they could win and keep on fighting. Steeling himself, he tells her that he saw the video from the other side and saw Reya's face, and knew she was right. Ava asks what he's talking about. He takes her hands, telling her that Adriel believes nothing of this realm can kill him. He continues that Reya sent him back with an explosive device with enough Divinium to overwhelm Adriel's ability to heal. "It's my destiny to deliver that bomb", he tells her, saying it's her destiny to help him.

Ava asks what her part is in all of this. He tells her that she's the fuse who will use the Halo's power to detonate the Divinium. She shakes her head, saying it's not the ideal plan. He tells her he knows. She says they can use the Crown of Thorns to neutralize Adriel. He tells her that Reya told him this and it will happen. Ava asks if Reya is God. He tells her God is just a name, that they've been fed this twisted version of the truth. He tells her that Reya just is. Ava says she sounds like she sucks, asking just where this Divinium bomb is, that they could detonate it remotely. Miguel opens his shirt to show his glowing chest. "I am the bomb", he tells her. She tells him it's not happening, that they're not both dying over some interdimensional power grab. He tells her it's fate and she says she's beaten fate once.

Cardinal William Foster brings Pope Duretti a meal. "I should suspect poison," comments Duretti, but Foster tells him not today, that today he is as safe as a bird in a cage. "At least until tomorrow morning", agrees Duretti, and Foster agrees this will depend on the level of his devotion. He tells him he's lost no respect for him or his position. Duretti says he must doubt this after watching him slit the throats of his fellow cardinals. He asks how he could do it, having devoted his life to the church. He tells him that his entire life he was told God was watching him, then one night he had a vision of Adriel and he asked for his fealty. He tells him that Adriel promised a place at his side, and this is worth his loyalty. Duretti tells him that everything he promised him was a lie, that all that awaits him is death. "Death awaits us all"," notes Foster.

### Final preparations

In his new cathedral, Adriel stands before some outfits, asking Father Vincent whether he thinks a sharp new look would be best, or a modern classic. Vincent notes that he often feels the old ways are the best. "Yes", agrees Adriel, saying he's probably right. He asks what he can do for him. Vincent tells him he needs some guidance. Adriel offers him some wine from the cellars of the Vatican, asking what is on his mind. "A new age", replies Vincent and Adriel tells him to imagine a world in which God exists, one in which he can be reached via text and suffering can be erased with the wave of a hand.

"But... you're not God", notes Vincent. Adriel agrees that this is so in the sense that people expected, but he is an all-powerful entity come from the other side. He asks what's really troubling him and Vincent says they seem to rely on fear and violence to bring salvation. Adriel tells him it seems to be the only thing that humans respond to. "What about compassion?" wonders Vincent and Adriel says it can come later, that humanity is motivated by two things alone: fear and money. He tells him they will guide humanity to a new era of peace and tranquility. He tells him to go. Vincent asks if he remembers what he said the night he freed him. "No", replies Adriel, asking just what he said. Vincent tells him it's not important. He leaves, still looking troubled.

At Jillian's villa, the team gathers for a final meeting. Mother Superion tells them that they need to reflect on the gravity of what they're doing. She tells them it's no standard mission, that she doesn't know exactly what Adriel is, but that millions believe him to be an angel, and many will hate them if they succeed. She tells them it will change not only the nature of their order, but the very fabric of belief itself. She gives the floor to Ava, who proceeds to give an outline of how the mission will go down, including the plan to connect with a group of disguised Samaritans and to blow up the Arc after shoving Adriel into it.

Mother Superion wishes Camila good luck and she asks if she isn't coming. She explains that she's staying behind to protect the Arc. Camila asks if she's sure and she strokes her face, telling her she's ready. A van pulls up with some Samaritans, including a young man. Camila comments on his hotness to Yasmine, saying that she doesn't normally notice these things. "He's looking at you", Yasmine points out. "Where's the Rapture when you need it?" quips Camila. Michael approaches Ava and she tells him not to say it, that she's given it thought and his plan is last on her list of desirable options. He tells her she can't run and she says that what they do today will change the world. She says his plan is bad optics. Camila hands her bag to the hot guy, who suggests that they could grab a drink after they take down the devil. "Dude, I'm a nun", she tells him. "But thanks." The group heads out.

### A momentous day

At Adriel's cathedral, the group arrives at a back entrance. A guard tells them they have to use the front entrance and Ava tells him there's been a change. "A change?" he asks. "Gag order", she tells him, attacking. They hijack a security panel and enter. At the front entrance, Yasmine poses as a member of the press and gains entry. Camila heads for the server room, while Michael says that he has Samaritans hidden throughout the crowd. Beatrice asks Ava about the Halo and she tells her it's strong so far. "See you on the other side", she tells her. Camila tells Jillian Salvius she's in and she tells her that when Ava has the patch set, she will hijack Kristian's plague generator. Ava phases through the roof, but finds herself stuck about halfway. She thinks to herself that she might have been too optimistic, asking for just a bit more. She manages to make it all the way through.

In an isolated room, Father Vincent comments to Pope Duretti that he seems unimpressed. Duretti agrees that he is, with him most of all. He tells him he was once a pathetic drunk and barely-reformed criminal whom he offered a better path, but he just traded one vile obsession for another. Father Vincent asks him what choice he had, having heard the voice of God. An announcer outside presents the Pope. Walking forward, Duretti tells Vincent that he knows Adriel is not God because he chose to speak to him. He heads out and takes his place on the stage, the people cheering and applauding. He tells them they find themselves in a new era, that they have prayed through hard times and joyous, never knowing if their prayers would be answered. He says it seems they have been.

On the roof, Ava continues her ascent. She taps at a transmitter, only for the Halo to suddenly give out. She whimpers, breathing heavily, pleading that she doesn't care if she goes back to being paralyzed, she just can't let the others gone. Lilith appears before her. She tells her she's looked better. "You too", replies Ava. She curses as Lilith lifts her up. Back below, Pope Duretti continues that the Lord has delivered them an angel. "I present Adriel", he announces. Adriel steps forward as the crowd cheers. He takes Pope Duretti's hand, thanking him and saying that he's served his God to his utmost ability.

As Mother Superion and Jillian watch on television, Mother Superion tells Jillian that Duretti is about to make his move. Jillian, however, tells her she can't hack in. She asks where Ava is. Camila tells her to just give her a second. Lilith tells Ava she feels no power from her at all, asking if the Halo is finally rejecting her. Ava asks what happened to her and she tells her she kept changing and pursued an expert opinion. "Adriel", realizes Ava. She tells her she should be fighting with them. Lilith asks if she should just really follow orders and be a pawn. "Never again", she tells her, attacking and sending her tumbling. Below, Pope Duretti calls it a momentous day.

### Duretti's end

On the roof, Lilith tells Ava that she used to ask "Why you?", if it was divine intervention that delivered Ava the Halo, if she had some inner strength she was missing. She tells her she now sees clearly. Below, Pope Duretti calls Adriel's arrival at the same time as the plagues God's Providence. "Or so I thought", he continues. Jillian says that it's their cue, that it's now or never. Lilith calls Ava weak, knocking her to the ground. Pope Duretti calls Adriel a charlatan that is attempting to usurp the Church through trickery and fear. On the roof, Ava and Lilith continue their fight as Duretti calls out Kristian Schaefer for manufacturing the plagues. Adriel tells him to not accuse him.

Jillian says they're out of time, asking where Ava is as Duretti declares "Behold the plagues of a fraud". Lilith tells Ava that she pities her, that she wanted the Halo so badly it consumed her, but now she's free. "Focus now", thinks Ava, and she activates a huge blast of power from the Halo, sending Lilith rocketing away and off the roof. She returns to the transmitter and activates it. "We're in", declares Jillian. A man reports to Kristian that someone is hacking their systems. He tells him to let it go for the time being.

"Locusts!" announces Pope Duretti, but nothing happens. Jillian tells Camila that they're in their system, but nothing's happening, and this could only be if they knew what they were planning. "The fog of fear!" shouts Pope Duretti, but there is once again nothing. Jillian tells Camila that it isn't working, that they let them believe they were in. "To destroy him", realizes Mother Superion. "No plagues, what the hell?" wonders Ava on the roof. Adriel states that Pope Duretti lies to protect his power, that people have been hearing voices like his their entire lives that they simply have to listen to voices like his to achieve salvation. To give them money, but give nothing in return but fantasies and judgment. He tells the crowd he asks for and needs for nothing but to let them know that they are not alone. The crowd cheers and applauds. He tells them he has descended from Heaven itself to deliver them. Still on the roof, Ava thinks to herself "Just one last thing", and she puts on a helmet.

### Adriel victorious

Adriel says he prays that God in his mercy offers forgiveness to this man. Pope Duretti shouts to the crowd that he begs them to deny this counterfeit angel. He tells them to not idolize false gods. Kristian motions to his assistant and lightning activates, zapping down from the roof to the stage through a huge cross and frying Pope Duretti. He is incinerated completely, his body nothing but a burning husk. The crowd is awed, while the nuns and their team watch in horror. "Adriel!" shouts Camila. "And so come the assassins", he says. She tells him she knows she can't assassinate him, but can distract him. The battle begins. Ava descends from above, to place the Crown of Thorns on Adriel's head. Lilith, however, surges forward and knocks her away. She and the Crown go flying into the melee. Michael then comes up to Adriel. He recognizes him and grabs him by the neck, calling him the little boy who built his Arc. "You've been hardwired by Reya, haven't you?" he asks. Michael replies that he's the one who used him. Adriel tells him it's time for him to rest, that he's served his purpose. "Not yet", he tells him, stabbing him in the throat and pushing him to the floor.

Jillian tells Mother Superion that she's losing the connection, that they're locking her out. Mother Superion tells her it doesn't matter, that their part is done. As they see a team of Firstborn Children entering the villa on surveillance cameras, she says that she'll hold them back. Jillian tells her that she can't let them take the Arc and to destroy it if she can't stop them and she gives her a detonator. She says they've cut the power, but the detonator will still work. Back at the cathedral, Michael tells Ava that it has to be now, that they'll never get another chance. She reaches for his hand, but Beatrice leaps, knocking her out of the way. Vincent then grabs the Crown of Thorns and Ava can't stop him from doing so. Beatrice tells Ava they need to go as Adriel throws off Michael. He chuckles as he heals from the wound on his throat.

William Foster leads a force inside the villa, warning them to watch out for nuns. Mother Superion then appears behind them, brandishing a gun and rapidly taking them out. Foster hides in a room and calls for her, saying she seems to be having difficulty accepting the Church's new direction. She says it's always been her problem. He races out and shoots at her, but gets shot back in return. She goes to Jillian, telling her that she stopped them, but there are more coming. Jillian tells her to destroy the Arc, but she tells her that the detonator is shattered. She tells her she will have to set it off by hand. Mother Superion nods.

In the cathedral, Adriel cackles with glee as the fight continues. A new sister, Dora, joins the fight and takes out a large group, pulling Beatrice to her feet. She leads away Michael as well. Mother Superion reaches for the detonator. "I came to see you, my Lord", she says, only to be shot by Cardinal Foster. "Rest now", he tells her saying that she fought well. His forces begin securing the Arc. "No!" shouts Jillian. He walks over to the glass protecting her and streaks a cross in blood on the glass, telling her "Welcome to the new order". Mother Superion closes her eyes. "Adriel!" shouts Ava, the Halo pulsing. He holds out his hand, telling her to come to him. She bats away his supporters, only for Lilith to appear and teleport her away. "Cut the live feed", declares Kristian. "Reya missed me again", says Adriel.

## Cast

* 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
* William Miller as Adriel
* Olivia Delcán as Sister Camila
* Joaquim De Almeida as Pope Duretti
* Peter De Jersey as Kristian
* Jack Mullarkey as Michael
* Meena Rayann as Yasmine Amunet
* Melina Matthews as Shannon
* Sadiqua Binum as Sister Dora

### Co-Starring

* Katrin Vankova as Frankie
* Anton Antoniadis as Todd
* Miguel Álvarez as Stage Tech
* Isabel M. Hernanz as Flashback Mother Superion

## Quotes

"*We are not both dying over some interdimensional power grab.*"

"*You cannot run from this. This is fate.*"

"*Oh yeah? Well, I've beaten fate once.*"

- Ava and Miguel

"*Hey, after we take down the devil, maybe we could grab a drink.*"

"*Dude, I'm a nun. ... But, thanks.*"

- Todd and Camila

"*No. Not now. Not here. I don't care if I go back to being paralyzed, but I can't let them down.*"

- Ava

"*Don't do this, Lilith. You should be fighting with us.*"

"*Be a pawn to the OCS? Never again."*
- Ava and Lilith