Chapter 24

December 23, 2022

Yekaterinburg, Risen State of Rus

Olga held firm to her composure, making her best efforts to not show any sign of hesitation. If she faltered, the momentum of the rebellion would falter. If she held steady, the momentum of the rebellion would persist. This very special occasion, along with its imminent effects, would set the stage for whatever was in store for the world. Everything would change irrevocably with remnants of the old flawed system passing away. Prophecies mocked and criticized by countless people had begun to emerge. People were confused and lost at this time, and she herself would help them find their way.

For God had resurrected them and her cousin as special servants for a greater good... To lead humanity to a reconciliation with Him.

Including screwing over that creepy old madman who stood as the de-facto "President of All Russia".

Olga faced her changing mirror in her quarters, allowing the barber to braid her hair into a Slavic ponytail. Even her sisters nearby had their hair styled according to their fashion preferences. Her more fashionable sister Tatiana preferred a bob-cut similar to a Roaring Twenties flapper while the more free-spirited Anastasia had wanted to keep her "beautiful bangs". Maria had requested her hair to be braided in twin Slavic ponytails drooping on her shoulders.

Hopefully their attire and fashion styles would be presentable. They had even rehearsed their speeches privately for the past week- Since the upcoming ceremony was vital to the rebellion. Even gaining support and lifting morale would be important. They had paid the high price of death before and never again would they ignore its importance.

Only this time it was not for maintaining an earthly position of power.

"I should be done with the braiding. How does it look, Miss Olga?"

Olga turned her head left and then right to have a decent perspective. In a way, she had regained her appearance of a majestic royal woman from long ago. The dress hugged her slender figure, but it did not constrict to the point of discomfort. Her eyes, ever still the deep cornflower blue of a Romanov, shone with the fresh vigor of youth. Even the "little snub" of her nose looked great- cute. Well, at least that was what her boyfriend said, and she liked it when he did so.

The barber placed down her comb. Olga looked at the mirror, brushing away a stray strand of hair.

"It... It looks wonderful!"

"Good. Your sisters will have their hair done very soon."

She rested on the barber chair for a moment, glancing aside at her sister Tatiana. The other barber had finished his job. The sisters met their eyes and shared a smile for what would come next.

A few minutes later, the barbers allowed the four sisters to leave. They thanked the barbers and left the shop, approaching an avenue in Yekaterinburg. There were rebel soldiers and police officers scattered around the busy intersections, watching with sharp eyes. Two military helicopters flew in circles high above, watching over like omniscient guardians. What also was somewhat surprising was how traffic had already begun to return to normal as if nothing happened.

Especially considering that Russia had entered its second civil war in its history.

The Romanov sisters stepped into their armored truck. Unlike previous transports, the rebel leaders and the sisters themselves agreed to travel in armored trucks for their safety. There was always the possibility of a meddling agent from Putin lurking in the scene.

Olga sat in the dimly lit compartment with her sisters, looking up at the small slots sealed with thick bulletproof glass. They all remained silent, knowing what would come next. Anastasia checked her watch, feeling a slight disappointment in having to travel in uncomfortable compartments of trucks. Even any slight bump in the road made her sway on her seat. But she swallowed her disappointment. She remembered that before she was the most fun-loving, sociable, and sly one of her sisters. Now she had become special as well, being part of His anointed messengers.

They had all written their speeches based on the most prominent events of their lives before. With another time alive, they had learned much about what needed to be done to mend the broken world. They could use their unique experiences to inspire many for the rebellion... Even to restore human fellowship with God.

Olga and Tatiana held each other close as the truck began to slow. Anastasia and Maria glanced up through the window slots, spotting a glimpse of an Orthodox cathedral. They had arrived.

"Nastya, do you have a question?" Maria asked her youngest sister, who had glanced at Olga a few times.

Anastasia put a finger on her chin, thinking. "Do we get to smile and wave at the crowds?"

"They love us, and we must love them in return," Olga added, as Tatiana nodded.

"Do I get to dab?"

"Wait, isn't that a dead meme-"

"Well, I could bring it back to life, you know... I also think they all need some cheering up."

The truck doors were opened by guards, and the four sisters squinted under the sudden incoming brightness. They shaded their eyes from the sunlight while stepping out of the truck, only to see the crowds cheering and singing hymns for them. To see the adoration of their people touched their hearts. The people have given their most sincere gift, and the four risen sisters would give them leadership through the turbulent times.

For there was no Exodus without Moses and no Commission without Jesus Christ!

Honor Guards and elite soldiers dressed in their finest brass and honors escorted the sisters on the red and white carpet. The onlookers in the crowd could only watch with wonder and curiosity as the sisters passed them, getting closer to the City Hall. The reporters were also straining their heads above the other people, trying to catch footage of the four Romanov sisters.

Olga saw a mother holding her three young children, who all gave pleading gazes. She felt a twinge of sympathy for them, seeing that the father was gone. She smiled and waved briefly at them. Encouraged by the kind gesture, the mother smiled, wiping her eyes.

Tatiana saw a nun standing in the crowd. She noticed the nun, who looked up at her. She waved at the other woman, who closed her eyes and gave a slight smile. These devout Russians were the ones that resonated the most with her. As a former Grand Duchess, she understood most the importance of duty for good. She had prayed with congregations of commoners, and she then served her people as a humble and helpful nurse. For good cannot only be rules, but must be fulfilled right, she had realized.

Anastasia and Maria spotted some children, and Anastasia then knew what to do. It would make her look even more favorable along with lifting their spirits. Even if it was unorthodox during a formal event. Maria glanced at her youngest sister, wondering how she would deal with the fallout of getting caught in another meme. Especially getting lots of spam and social media messages every day.

Her youngest sister did a brief shuffle and did a dab with her arms pointing to the sky, causing the college students and teenagers to enthusiastically take photos. Possibly to post them on the VK platform.

Tatiana stopped, gawking at what her youngest sister just did. "Did you just-"

"But- But I had to!"

"Ah, no worries," she replied, sharing a brief grin with her eldest sister.

Anastasia winked at the onlookers and strode on.

The four of them glanced back one last time at the crowds, stopping briefly. The guards reminded them again that they needed to continue on. They did so, never forgetting the crowds of people who had placed their trust in them. Even those who had died for their deliverance. The church doors closed, and they looked ahead.

There, the mayor of Yekaterinburg waited along with two bodyguards. To Olga and Maria, it was wonderful to see Anton and Ivan again. The eyes of the aging mayor glinted with joy and hope, seeing signs of a better time ahead. These six young people would be the pinnacle, the rallying point for the rebellion and ultimately justice. His beliefs of God were Judaic, different from those of the New Testament, but he could agree that the risings must have been some miracle. He also wondered how Israel, the Promised Land of his people, would handle this situation. Especially about the speech they would give.

"As per your requests, your speeches will take place within our City Hall for security reasons. You all will be safe, and there will be no need for us to give our speeches in front of a large crowd."

"Thank you, Mayor Roizman," Olga said, smiling afterwards.

"Of course. Are there any other questions that any of you have?"

They all shook their heads. Satisfied, the mayor gestured for them to follow him. A few nearby security guards escorted them, remaining quiet as the sisters whispered to each other. The still, cool air smelt of the burning candle wax from within the main room. The songs of a choir singing in low tones from deep within the church drifted around, giving feelings of peace- A simpler, more innocent kind of peace. They stopped before a closed inner door for a moment while the mayor knocked gently. Footsteps could be heard, and the choir stopped singing within a moment.

Olga held Anton by his right hand, gripping it a little tighter...

"I have never given an official speech, Anton... I feel worried although I practiced for days."

"Although Putin did coerce you and your sisters to give speeches for him, I've heard you speak before. You will do amazing, baby."

"That's a good point. I must be overthinking again."

"Focus on the now. Besides, you also have me," Anton whispered, as Olga returned a smile.

They interlocked their fingers tighter in resolve and anticipation. Their hearts were also racing, but to have each other helped them become calmer. They glanced at Maria and Ivan, who also had been sharing looks for some time. They would all be alright.

The doors opened, revealing the four sisters to the vast worship room. The bright sunlight shone through the elevated windows to illuminate the immaculately polished stone floors and masonry of the interior. The choir all faced their revered and risen figures, facing down. The higher clergy of the church also welcomed them wholeheartedly.

"Welcome, our risen ones. May all of us find courage and never lose spirit, for He is with us all despite the challenges we face!" the Patriarch of Yekaterinburg announced.

They all crossed themselves and uttered Amen... It would be.

(Line Break)

It was another troubling meeting for the "President of All Russia". He never dealt with a large and organized uprising before. Especially that based on a false miracle centered around pretenders- impostors who claimed to be the resurrected Grand Duchesses of the last Tsar. Unlike the last Tsar Nicholas who had his legacy cursed through the Soviet years, Putin knew what was best for Russia and had been far more effective as a leader. Yes, his methods were questioned by some, but he still cared about his dear Motherland, the true Orthodox church, and the true ways of the Russian people. He simply knew best for his people and his homeland.

This time, he would be the one to keep Russia together and make it prosper. He would crush the rebellion with an iron boot and salt its earth. He would make those traitors and impostors pay with their lives. Truly, he would become the savior of Russia!

"President Putin, our agents have received the rebellion broadcast. They report greater numbers of rebel supporters based on the recording. Especially a greater morale among the movement," the Russian SVR director said.

"I know, I know! Play their excuse of a speech."

The director turned to whisper to a fellow agent, who took out his remote. He pressed a few buttons, and a large screen descended before the table of Putin and his advisors. It flashed on, showing a recording of the live images... Those that the President did not want to see, and the thought of the rebellion already agitated him often. He clenched his fists firmly on the acrylic table, squinting at the screen...

... "As I conclude my speech about the state of our rightful Russia, The Risen State of Rus, I thank our supporters and those watching for their time to hear these important revelations. Especially those of the four special sisters who had been sacrificed to a great evil over a century ago... They may have once been daughters of a Tsar, but they now serve with us with heart and soul. May it be that their testimonies please the Lord and ignites the hearts of many to pursue a better world."

The scene changed to a closer view of the Olga claimant standing behind the podium within the well-known Church of All Saints.... She closed her eyes for a few seconds, smiling. She brushed aside her hair, setting her speaking notes to gently rest on the wooden surface. A few moments passed as the onlookers outside, watching through smartphones, tablets, computers, and television, waited with bated breath. It was almost as if the world stopped turning.

Especially for a very anxious and troubled Putin.

Over a thousand kilometers from his refuge, his greatest foe prepared to give her speech. To neither hide and neither hoard the light that gave hope from above, but to give it to all who had wanted it.

Olga took a deep breath, glancing down at the papers while flashes of her most dear memories flashed before her eyes. There was once a little princess frolicking- carefree in Wolfsgarten with her dear cousin, enjoying not only the sunlight but a different kind... A light within every person who had lived. Then that girl grew and lived more, seeing the world fall into a state of need. The light still carried her onward through her brief life as she served with compassion and an understanding beyond those of her years... And even during the twilight of her days, she never lost the light.

And during the next day, she had still seen the world- lost in the wilderness. Grappling with the ripples of past mistakes, past sins, and past tensions. It needed this light more than ever.

It was patient. It was kind. It never boasted or hated. It endured all things, even death.

The people who had been stoned, beaten, raped, and tortured for it... The one who had walked on water and had beaten death itself... They all kept it in their hearts- far closer to themselves than the greatest wealth ever measurable.

It was love, a love that could never be without God.

Olga then knew what to say as those first impactful words. They would be words that would resonate far and wide by distance and time. Her sisters encouraged her without any aberrant words... A wink there and a thumbs up elsewhere.

I once thought that once we had passed that everyone would remember us. Was it the example of our family's great pride before our great fall? Was it simply our tragic fate in that gloomy cellar? Was it that we had lost life itself- before we could give back to the world?

Even I had once asked the few who knew- understood me and my dear sisters-

Give my love to all those who remember me...

Or if I could restate it again...

Give our love to all those who remember us.

So back to the subject of why our memory never died, as if our lives had taken a different form. Even as we live again by Providence in an unimaginably unfamiliar world.

Olga crossed herself, and she tilted her face higher to the lights. She looked back down at the camera.

Us four sisters truly had something special in common. Especially my dear baby sister, whose life had become a legend for a path she had never taken. Was it our wealth or our privileges? Was it our devotion to our homeland?

No... Nothing could have been further from the truth.

People have tried to understand this enigma like many have tried to elucidate the truths in the infamous Book of Revelation. Even with events today, including how we had arrived, it continues to baffle many. Even though I lack some understanding about it, I thought I was supposed to be the smart one of my sisters.

A few in the crowd chuckled. Even the Orthodox priest smiled in amusement, closing his eyes.

But I have the answer to this overdue enigma. As an admittedly rich Russian Grand Duchess, I had once thought that us having it all was enough. Not really. I had once thought that us knowing it all would have been enough. No, that was still not correct.

The answer we know now is that we had one immeasurable treasure- love. And love is the solution. Love is the essence of the correct way to live, to function well by virtue. Though our bodies were broken, our spirits endured.

And love can only be the strongest, so immeasurably precious only if it comes from an immeasurable goodness and greatness. The God who was, is, and always will be. The God who rises us from death and offers us all His open arms. And we can only offer a fraction of this through this movement for Him. It is our very best gift so that that everyone can find Him and become well together.

The rebellion we stand for with fellow brothers and sisters in spirit is no ordinary rebellion. By a bad rebellion we all fell, but with a good rebellion we will rise up again and live!

Olga set down her papers, and the onlookers cheered and cried with tears in their eyes. She stepped off the elevated platform, bowing her head in meek humility...

Notes:

This concludes the second arc of the planned seven for this story. Thank you all for your patience during my unexpected hiatus. With that being said, there will be Christian saints of all backgrounds heading down in later arcs. The action is just warming up!