Chapter 36: Chapter 36

The last contest of the evening ended with a quick thrust from one of May’s swords. After Sara recovered, the two women acknowledged the battle and dematerialized their weapons.

The full day of combat training had begun at the usual training field, but had continued here inside the city. Sometimes the group trained in more confined spaces—in this case, an alleyway between two buildings near the northeast gate. This was primarily for Sara’s benefit, as she wanted to adapt her fighting style to areas where her usual jumping around was not possible.

“I did not have a good day,” the healer admitted. Pari, along with Clare, had been watching the battle from the end of alley. They moved to join the others.

“You were kicking my ass back when we were fighting out in the open,” May reminded her. “And you won twice in here. You’re getting better.”

“Not as fast as I’d like. But what else is there to do? Learning a different weapon would take weeks, and distract from my spear practice. I’m still not as good as I could be with more training.”

“You’ll have more options to mitigate the weakness of your fighting style once you rise in experience,” Clare said. “You’d be able jump over an opponent. Even go up those walls by jumping between them.”

“That’s true.” Sara grabbed Clare’s hand and smiled at her, causing the tank to blush. Even a full day had not been enough time for Pari to get used to this change. She had seen Clare as an intimidating figure—but now the redheaded woman seemed almost timid at times. Pari thought she understood—feeling happy was so alien to Clare that she was scared the emotion might be taken from her at any moment.

Of course, all this made Pari feel even worse about her situation with May. Both Sara and May had insisted that their breakup was entirely mutual. But it still meant that the demon player was alone, right after Pari had hurt her.

“May, I was wondering if we could go somewhere and talk?” Pari asked quietly.

May looked away briefly. “I’m sorry for what I did. But I can’t talk about it right now. ...Just give me a couple days, okay?”

“Okay,” Pari said sadly. The other women looked on in concern.

“I’m gonna hit the library,” May continued with forced lightness. “Have a goodnight, people.”

They all replied in kind, and May walked off quickly toward the trolley stop.

“Could I ride with you to work?” Clare asked Sara.

“I’d like that. Would you wait for me at the stop? I’d like to talk to Pari.”

Clare nodded, and then reluctantly released Sara’s hand. She also departed.

“I can guess what this is about,” Pari said uncomfortably once they were alone. “Did May tell you what I said?”

“Not the specifics.”

“I didn’t let her down gently—I was kind of awful. I’ll apologize to her, once I get the chance.”

“I understand. She’s determined to respect your wishes from now on... Unfortunately, I have the urge to attempt some meddling.” Pari started to speak, but Sara continued. “Please, just let me have my say. I promise I’ll drop the subject after this conversation.”

“...That’s fair, I suppose.”

“I know we’ve only talked about religion indirectly, and that’s probably made things easier on our friendship. So I apologize in advance for getting into this at all. But...if God does exist, do you really think this is what he’d want? For you and May to be alone?”

“Neither of us is going to be alone. I know May will find whoever she’s meant for someday. And my life will be devoted to God. We’re both going through some heartbreak now—that’s inevitable, but it will pass.”

“But there really can’t be room for romance and religion in your life? If you prayed to be released from becoming a nun—”

“It’s a little disingenuous of you to talk about my faith that way when you think it’s nonsense,” Pari said stiffly. “It’s like you think I’m mentally ill, and you’re looking for a way to trick me into what you think is a better outcome.”

“...I’m sorry. I can see how what I said comes off that way. But I don’t consider religion a mental illness unless it leads to someone getting hurt. Of course, as an atheist I don’t consider knowledge derived from faith to be valid. I’m afraid that isn’t something I’m willing to apologize for.”

“We’re both entitled to our views,” Pari acknowledged. “But I don’t think you truly understand me. My faith isn’t some à la carte collection of superstitions, where I can change my beliefs the instant they cause a problem. I don’t entirely blame you if that’s what you think, because some Christians do act that way.

“My belief that the Holy Spirit has called me to sisterhood is a central pillar to my relationship with God. I can’t just give up on it without collapsing the entire structure. That’s not something I’m willing to do for any reason, ever.

“May and I will remain friends—and that’s a sufficient treasure in this world.”

“If that’s really how you feel, then I promise to respect your choice from now on,” Sara told her, sounding resigned.

“Thank you. ...I suppose, as long as we’re here like this, there’s some news I can share. Do you remember the decision I made when I left the party, about pursuing my vows as soon as possible? Even though I returned to adventuring, I didn’t change my mind about that. I’ll be formally beginning an abbreviated novitiate period in a few days. I’m going to become a sister before Invasion Day.”

“Will that change anything?”

“Well, I’ll still be seeing you guys every day for practice and dungeons. But this is going to cut into what little free time I had. ...And I’m afraid any future trips to the Sapphic Sorceress are out of the question,” she joked weakly.

Sara managed a smile. “Okay. I’ll let you break the news to the others when you’re ready. ...Shall we go?”

Pari nodded, and walked with Sara on toward the trolley stop. She then noticed the healer tearing up slightly. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking...even if I disagree with your decision, it made me happy how easily you stood up for yourself. You’ve grown so much.”

“Thanks,” Pari said, self-conscious at the praise. “You, May, and even Clare each helped show me how to be stronger in your own way. I’ll always appreciate it.”

The two walked in silence for a time. Once they were close to the trolley stop, Sara ran excitedly ahead to join Clare. Pari exchanged goodbyes with them when she caught up, and then made the trip back to the cathedral alone.