Chapter Text
Tally wasn’t exactly sure what had just happened. She had no idea how everything had gone to complete and utter shit so fast. She really hated not knowing and yet here she was... She didn’t know how Heaven could be shut from the mortal plane- from her- from Theliel. All their siblings locked inside, leaving him alone if he was right in what he had told her. That he was the only one away, and with no way to reach home. And then she didn’t know what to think of her Aunt. Chaos had given her power, power that she shouldn't be able to have and had no idea how to wield. Chaos who had never been able to communicate or work within the mortal plane before now and...and fuck it was all so damn confusing.
That wasn’t even brushing on the painful, horrible fact that Janine was dead. The woman who broke rank at Charvel’s wedding to save her from discomfort and Gerit, who had called her a collectors item on more than one occasion, and had given some of the best hugs…She was just gone.
And her sister…her amazing, proud, wonderful Abigail had willingly taken the heavy burden of her Sarah’s years. Abigail had kneeled by her Sarah’s side and whispered take me and she had saved Sarah before Tally even realized she had needed saved. And there was nothing Tally could do, not really. Her Sarah had been quick to assure her that they had all taken the order the moment it had left her lips, and had blocked Abigail as best as they could from their thoughts and the no doubt overwhelming tsunami of emotions. Shit, Petra was going to be- mother Tally had no idea what to expect from that.
There was also the fact that her brother had finally been given back to her. Returned to her side for the first time in months. Returned wingless and exhausted and hurt and completely locked away from their family and their mother and the one place he would ever call home...Granted she was fairly certain that he was still technically an angel considering the gold blood, but he had suffered an injury that shouldn’t even be possible here. At all. The weapons didn’t exist here, at least they hadn’t until now.
She knew that she fussed over him like a shamelessly worried mother hen the minute they were clear of the massacre left on the battlefield. He quietly assured her that, unlike her cursed back, his wounds had already begun closing. Slowly healing since being back in the open air rather than the ‘blasted nephilm hell cave’ as he had so aptly described his accommodations the past weeks. He promised her, whispered in their homes language that he was alright or at least was going to be. He had shifted and leaned against her legs, and she stayed leaned against her Sarah's chest with a hand in the silvery tangles of her favorite brother.
She tried to take his reassurance and let it fill her the same way the pentagram on her chests calming work was trying to. It really wasn’t working as well as she wished it would. She knew that he wasn’t the first to lose a wing in battle, it wasn’t even the first time he had lost one and yet…it was the first time for one of her siblings to lose both at once…and the first on this mortal plane. This mortal plane that, while the wounds would close, the wings and feathers couldn’t return. He had to be in heaven to have his grace strengthen to the point that it would re-manifest into its purest physical form. And if he couldn’t get to heaven…Tally couldn’t even bring herself to consider the possibilities. That he would never fly again, be stuck here. Like her, yet not. Stuck in a place he wouldn’t and couldn’t belong.
Tally absent-mindedly noted that she had about 15 small cuts and nicks herself, her uniform ripped and torn…though no more new scars were on her face. She was going to need another new uniform. Shit. Her own blood had soaked through the thick cotton in more than one place, small amounts of gold tinted red mingling with the blood of the strangers who had attacked her charges. The ones she had killed.
No, not just killed. She and her unit and her Sarah had laid waste to each and every one of those bastards stupid enough to attack what was hers. She had taken the battle with storm and fury and-and she had…she hadn’t…fuck it she was exhausted. Physically and emotionally drained despite how utterly unobstructed she may have felt to fight like that again. Fuck if it wasn’t a harsh reminder of her mortality to feel so damn weary.
Thank Mother it wasn’t to the point City Drop had been, because she would never let herself reach that point again but…yeah. She was tired and she would admit to that. Her witches work seemed alright given how little she actually remembered to tap into its power, but her body itself ached from the overexertion, not to mention her back and the many new small wounds that stung and burned with every movement. The pain wasn’t enough to complain about…at least not aloud but it was also going to keep her awake until they got back to Fort Salem no matter how tired she was.
Oh Mother, Gen was going to be so pissed. Sarah was going to fuss as soon as they were in a more private setting. Ana was going to be grumpy and mad but would still fuss over her too, Nessa and Mel would probably be worried but they were good at hiding it, but Genevieve was gonna kill her. Maybe Melody would give the eulogy when the fixer inevitably murdered her.
Adil barely looked away from her the entire flight back to the small base, with an expression she couldn’t place gracing his own weary features. She couldn’t even tell if it was a bad look, and normally she was fairly good at reading people. It would be unnerving if she gave a fuck anymore. Besides he was growing on her, like a toadstool but still. He sometimes felt so much like home that it caused her heart to ache. He felt so much like her mother.
He stared at her as he and Raelle carefully held onto Abigail. Abigail who looked like she was in shock, on the verge of tears. Tally couldn’t blame her. She would do anything for Abigail, anything to thank her for the sacrifice she had made. Yet she could do nothing but give her sister whatever support she could. Forehead kisses and promises she could only pray could be kept. She felt utterly and completely useless. A rare feeling once...and one that was becoming far too common these days. The pentagram burned hotter.
Both of the bats made it to the small US base without trouble once the 'plague bomb', as Raelle had aptly called it, was decimated by whatever the hell they had done. Their helicopter landed moments after the other bat, Sarah stepping off first to report the losses to those present. Tally was doing her best to ignore the sorrowed cries filling the base when those left behind from the mission learned that the other three of their soldiers wouldn’t be coming back. She ignored the questions from the strike team who had left with the Tarim when they saw the state the second group was in. Everyone ignored those actually, even Bridey. If saying 'shut the hell up and wait for the report like everyone else' counted as ignoring.
At some point Sarah went to make a few calls in the small on base office while everyone else was moved into the large aircraft that had brought them to this hell hole in the first place. She nearly followed Sarah, desperate for a moment of privacy with her...but her brother took priority.
Half the biddies went with Sarah, the other half stayed with Abigail. Helping her sister into the plane as Adil and Raelle stood awkwardly beside Tally and Theli. The women she was so fond of were muttering reassurances to Abi that Tally couldn’t hear. Instead she held her brother upright and they walked, Raelle on his other side, his steps growing surer as his body recharged like a damn battery in the sunlight and the fresh air.
She chose to disregard the looks shot her way from the other soldiers. Some had been on the mission, some had stayed at the base and yet they all glanced between Abigail and her like they wanted to know the answers to the goddamn universe. Looks that only got heavier when Florence came and supported Theli’s other side. Letting Raelle move back to Abigail’s side inside the plane. It was assistance Theliel took without hesitation, and with a dorky smile shot towards the overaged woman. "That is one badass scar, darling woman. Befitting such a formidable Warrior I have no doubt." Florences eye roll could probably be seen from space. At least Theli was tactful as ever, she supposed. If the only good thing to come out of this was introducing Theli to Melody, she had an odd feeling it would be worth it. Probably.
“It’s good to see you, ya know. In case I hadn’t made that clear.” He whispered when they finally got him situated on one of the benches in the plane. It was the first thing he had said since reassuring her he would heal over an hour ago. She nodded with a soft smile of her own. She cupped his cheek and kissed his forehead when she was sure the strike team had lost interest and turned away.
“Shit, you too Theliel.” She paused, gnawing on her lip as she stared at the floor. “Cenino I swear to you, if I had known I-” What could she have even done? Gone AWAL and tried to save him? Sarah would have joined her, of that she had no doubt, and then they would likely all be dead. She didn’t have her wings or her grace or anything except her witches work and whatever power her aunt had for some reason, through some damned miracle, given her in that cave. Power she had no idea how to use. She couldn’t even save Janine. She couldn’t save her friend. She couldn’t even bring her body home to be laid to rest the way it deserved.
“Tallulah. Look at me." She didn't want too. But she did anyways, letting her eyes lift until they met the lilac eyes he shared with their mother. She felt the tear roll down her cheek, then his rough hand gently brush it away. The way he had done every time she cried as a tiny cherubim.
"I know Celmina, I know. But hey, my wounds are already healing, promise. And someday, someday soon they will be restored to me. When we find a way back home.” Was all he said, pulling her out of her spiral into guilt as the pentagram heated yet again against her skin. When, not if. When. She watched as he closed his lilac eyes, meditating if the way his staggered breaths turned into steady inhales was any indication.
Sarah and the other biddies entered the plane, going straight for Abigail who was leaning heavily on Adil a little farther in. She passed Tallulah with a sad smile and a light brush to her shoulder, the most they could have when every eye was on them. Fuck she really wanted to kiss Sarah.
Her charge knelt in front of her sister and brought their foreheads together, and Tallulah could hear her whisper even as far away as she was.
“Abigail Bellwether I owe you a debt that cannot be repaid. Anacostia will have a replacement ready and waiting and when we land daughter, this will be fixed. The moment we land Abigail, I swear it.” Abigail’s sob echoed through the plane, echoed through Tally’s soul. Sarah pressed her lips quickly against Abigails forehead.
“I promise you that I will make this right Abigail, I will make this right. Whatever it takes. The block placed on the bond will keep mine and the others thoughts and feelings our own as best it can until then. I will fix this. For now...Rest my daughter, I swear to you this will soon be past.” Tallulah watched as her Sarah kissed Abigail’s brow again and stood, her blue eyes finding Tallulah’s gaze and smiling softly at her. Even from the distance, in the dark of the plane Tallulah could see everything in those blue eyes. The pain and grief and gratitude and guilt and shock and love and- well honestly, every single thing Tallulah felt was reflected back at her in her Sarah’s eyes.
Theliel was still meditating beside her nearly an hour later, straightening more and more with each breath as his back slowly stitched itself back together.
She wondered if he would have scars, at least until they could get him back home. If she and her brother would match. She doubted it, given the fact he hadn’t fallen. Not like she had. To fall from heaven had to be a choice. And it was a choice that none of her siblings would ever make. Ever. Besides, her brothers grace- as weak as it was from his time spent away the sky and the fresh air and being locked away from home- even then his grace was still there far beyond the tiny kernel she had regained…at least until she lost it. Again.
Tally pulled her gaze away from her brother, taking the odd moment of rest to look around the large plane. She couldn’t see the strike team, she assumed they were resting in the front of the plane beyond her eyesight and the barrier.
Her Sarah and the biddies were in the middle of the aircraft, whispering amongst themselves. Her Sarah was still as she had seen her in ages, letting Finnea lean against her as the women rested. They were mourning, even if they didn’t show it outwardly Tallulah knew. She knew, because she too mourned Janine’s loss. Mourned for a sister, while those women mourned for someone who had been bound to their very soul. She let her head rotate toward her sisters, turning away from her Sarah. Away from the sorrow.
Abigail and Adil were leaning against each other, Adil’s head was resting atop Abi’s newly grey one as she turned into his shoulder, nuzzling the scarf he wore. Raelle was slumped on her other side, half against Abi’s shoulder and half against her back, fast asleep too. It was an odd sight. Endearing as hell, but odd. Abigail, weary and aged under the weight of her sacrifice and Adil holding her with all the gentleness a lover would while Raelle leaned on Abi fast asleep, drooling on the newly-minted senior citizen’s shockingly clean uniform. Tally couldn’t help but smile softly. It was damn sweet, even under the horrible circumstances.
The rest of the Tarim slept too, far away from the many soldiers including herself. Even the suspicious woman, the only adult left when you didn’t count Theliel. All of them resting somewhat soundly…except the boy. The one she had healed. Rather, he came to her, reaching for her and she happily pulled him into her arms.
“You saved me.” She shook her head and grinned as she poked his belly, eliciting a giggle. Such a pure sound despite everything, one that drew the attention of those awake and cause Adil to stir.
“Sorry lithmiek, I’m afraid not. The Goddess, Death, and Chaos saved you.” He grinned as he touched her scarred cheek. Ran his small fingers over the rough red skin. The same way Carina had not too long ago.
“I’m Ridwan.” And also cute as hell. “Theli saved me too. With the sword like you did. And said that too. He’s special but won’t tell us how…are you special? You made the black and the pain go way. I think you’re special.” She just grinned wider.
“Not as special as you are dear one.” She was so engrossed by the boy in her arms she didn’t even notice as her Sarah approached, the biddies content to stand a few steps behind her.
“Can you not sleep little one?” Adil was definitely awake, staring at them like he had questions that he wouldn’t dare ask. Whether because of Sarah or herself, she wasn’t sure. It didn’t matter. She met his gaze across the plane and simply raised an eyebrow as Sarah knelt before them, Ridwan shook his head fast and blushed, burying his red face in Tally’s arms…oh that was adorable but also same kid, she thought to herself as her own cheeks reddened under that blue gaze she loved so dearly.
“You know, there was a song my mother used to sing to me when I couldn’t sleep.” Sarah whispered, as though it were a secret. The boy just giggled, leaning farther into Tallulah’s arms as he reached and pet the silvery grey hair atop Theliel’s still head as he continued meditating. Ridwan nodded.
Her Sarah smiled him, the grin large and true and pulling a shy giggle from him. And then her Sarah sang. A song Tallulah hadn’t realized any witches knew, one she knew must have been from the Nephilims teachings. Even Theliel's breathing hitched, though he wasn't pulled from his concentration beyond that.
Out of the corner of her eye, Tally could see Adil’s eyes widening as her Sarah’s warbling voice filled the plane, her work hauntingly lulling the boy into a deep rest. Work that lulled her into a deep rest, she was barely awake enough to feel the lips brush against her forehead. Her Sarah had sleeped her. With one of heavens seeds. Rude.
“Tricked me Ofina.” she slurred, her eyes slipping closed. She barely felt the lips brushing her brow smile against her skin.
“We will land before you know it, rest until then Tallulah.”
She wasn’t sure if she dreamed while under her forced sleep. All she knew was that one moment her Sarah was gently kissing her forehead and the next the plane was landing with a harsh bump, waking Tallulah from her slumber and causing her to start. And fall ass first onto the ground, much to her embarrassment. Theli chuckled beside her as she slipped, with a loud thump and a very undignified shriek she would never admit too, from the bench seat onto the hard plane floor, the boy safe and still asleep in his arms. Yet it wasn’t the familiar cackle of her brother that drew her attention, nor the giggle of the biddies or the soft chuckle from her Sarah…it was the amused snort across from her.
Abigail, who was still settled comfortably between a blearily blinking Adil and Raelle, was looking at her. Still carrying Sarah’s years as she stared at Tally with one wrinkled brow raised and amusement dancing far over the anxiety and sorrow. Tally smiled awkwardly from the ground when her sister’s dark eyes met hers.
“I fell.” Was all she could say, dismay lacing every inch of her tone...and the irony not hitting her until the words were already out of her mouth.
And then Abi laughed, the sound echoing through the plane, pulling a giggle from Tally. She forced herself to stand when the plane finally stilled, helping Theliel do the same before hurrying back to Abigail’s side. Sword safely tied to her brothers waist. She stopped in front of Abi, gently cupping her face with both hands as she leaned over to kiss her wrinkly forehead.
“My amazing sister. You had my back and I have yours. Always. So c’mon Ab’s, let’s go get you back to you huh?” She really needed her sister back to normal. She wanted to be able to squeeze her without fear of breaking her.
Abigail willingly let Tallulah help her stand, falling into a gentle hug before she allowed her aching body to be supported by her sisters. Tally on her right and Raelle on her left. A united trio, the way they were always supposed to be.
Theli leaned heavily against the metal wall of the plane. He looked as if the pain of his skin restitching was beginning to get to him. She remembered that pain, it wasn’t fun. He was also likely suffering the agony of having expended his grace. Yet still he stood, which is more than Tallulah could say she would do. More than she had done…she wondered for a moment what he would say- if he would still be proud of her knowing she had turned off.
Sarah moved to the front of the hatch, motioning for Tallulah and her sisters to join her as the plane hatch finally opened to the fresh air. Tallulah nearly sighed aloud with the relief. Theliel did sigh out loud, eyes from all over the plane turning to him at the sound. He just grinned, setting Ridwan on the ground as the boy finally woke.
“Fresh air my newfound friends, I have been stuck in a fucking cave. For weeks.” He said as the plane hatch finished lowering, opening them fully to Fort Salem.
A few people Tally didn’t recognize were waiting on the tarmac for them. There and staring at her. She really wanted to stick her tongue out at them, but she didn’t. Even though she really wanted too. She was tired of being stared at.
General Bellwether, General Clary, and Anacostia were waiting as well. She assumed their stares were because of Abigail, burdened under the weight of Sarah’s years beside her.
Petra moved towards Sarah with…something in her eyes. Something that wasn’t fury or hate, something that no matter how hard she tried Tally couldn’t seem to place. Something that turned into unexpected, pure, obvious unadulterated love and worry when she saw Abigail safely nestled between Tallulah and her sisters. Abigail who was quickly pulled into a delicate, hesitant embrace from her mother. One that had her sobbing audibly. It hit Tally like a train that this was likely the first real hug Abi's mother had given her in far too long. One that lasted for far too short a time in Tally’s personal opinion, when Petra turned and approached Sarah with anger in her step.
“You are rash and careless and you almost took my girl from me- I almost lost my daughter because of you and your egotism Sarah Alder. Because of you and your selfishne-” Tallulah didn’t think she had ever seen Petra as close to tears than at this moment, not even at Charvel’s wedding. The biddies, the six that were not blocked from her Sarah’s feelings, hissed.
Abigail didn’t hiss. Abigail spoke instead.
“Stop it, Mom.” Tally’s head swiveled sharply to her right until she was looking at her sister, who for the first time since falling onto her knees by Sarah, was standing upright of her own accord. She was no longer leaning against Tally, or Raelle. All eyes actually turned to the girl, even those that had been previously locked on Tally's own visage.
“I am here Mom. Right here in front of you, and I chose this. I chose to give myself to General Alder. I offered this without needing to be asked because it was the right thing to do. So please, stop attacking the woman I just gave everything to save because you’re scared. I get it Mom, I’m scared too. but I am alright. And she didn’t take anything from you.” Tally had never been more proud to call Abigail her sister as she was that moment. Tally didn’t know Petra could look chastised
“General Alder Ma’am- Izadora and the replacement biddy are waiting for you in the Necro lab. As soon as you are ready.” Anacostia finally spoke, her eyes moving from Abigail, over Tally again before shifting to Sarah. Tally did the same, turning in time to see her Sarah's shoulders relax as if physically relieved of a hefty weight.
“Good, thank you daughter. Please, help me take Abigail to the lab. Petra, you are welcome as well. Please, come be with your daughter. General Clary you are in charge, make sure that the children get to the infirmary. Tell Colonel Wick to have a bed ready for Abigail.” Sarah spoke, even as she began walking away with Abigail at her side, her sister leaning ever so slightly into her Sarah on one side as Petra followed awkwardly at their side. Tally grinned slightly as Petra's hands fluttered in the air between herself and her daughter as if she wanted to help but couldn't figure out how...until Abigail simply went "Oh for fucks sake Mom" and grabbed the hand and held it tightly. Sarah laughed out loud, causing every eye to swivel towards her. Some looked as though they had never heard Tally's favorite sound before...Petra looked like she had swallowed an ostrich egg.
The moment Sarah's laughter faded to silence and the group was out of earshot, Tally found her face in Nessa’s hands, the woman’s voice soft and worried.
“Goddess are you alright? You look- Tally how badly are you hurt? Is…how much of this is your blood?” Oh fuck, she forgot about the amount of blood she was…well completely and utterly drenched in. Like she had danced in it, and then bathed in it. No wonder everyone on the damn tarmac was staring at her like she was going to collapse.
She nodded, leaning into the soft hands on her cheeks as she let her eyes fall shut. Hands that were going to be covered in the dried blood of Tallulah’s enemies the way every inch of her seemed to be.
“This one took out nearly an entire army of terrorists on her own. She definitely needs a fixer, but most of that blood isn’t hers.” Fuckin Bridey and her big damn mouth. Nessa turned to look at Tally with a look that vaguely resembled suspicion before swiping a thumb gently over the bloody scar on her face and saying
“Of course she did. Of course you did. Goddess above you can’t stay out of trouble can you…You need to see Genevieve. Debrief later. Colonel Wick first.” Nessa turned towards the others on the tarmac, including the strike team.
“Start getting the children to the infirmary, there are also two adults that reportedly-“ The rest of the words faded at the realization. Of what she had forgotten in the midst of Nessa’s love.
Theliel.
Tallulah tore out of Nessa’s grip and ran back into the plane despite the call for her to return. Her brother still stood where she had left him an eyebrow raised and a smug look on his face.
“Forget something?” That asshole, Tallulah had missed him so damn much. She pulled him carefully against her and began leading him from the plane as one of the strike team members picked up Ridwan.
“Oh shut up. Come on, we have to go to the infirmary, and let Genevieve check you out, please. She knows...things and she will be able to help.” He didn’t protest to her surprise. Not a word as Tallulah led him forward, not a peep as the sunlight hit them. As the air Tally knew was powerful and full of her Sarah’s work hit his lungs. She would swear he glowed as brightly as he did in Heaven. Even his stupid hair seemed to shimmer. She smiled at the gasp he let out when his feet finally touched that sacred living earth.
And then he collapsed.