25 The vision

Zara had had the best sleep in days since Ryan had left. Her sadness was now replaced by a warm feeling though she still missed Ryan.

Zara met Jake at the school gate, and they walked in together. Veronica joined them a while later, and Zara signaled him to keep their kiss a secret. She was sure Veronica would definitely broadcast it on national television within minutes.

Jake chuckled and quietly slid his hand into hers, who wrapped her fingers around his. "Whenever you are ready," mouthed Jake, and Zara nodded.

Veronica interrupted their chat, "Whenever what is ready?" Jake hastily unclasped his hand from Zara's and pointed to the clock with his hand. "Exams are nearing, we should start revisions. For now, you should hurry to your class."

After the classes were over, Zara and Veronica sat on the cafeteria table. Zara looked at the book placed in front of her and Veronica blew out air from her mouth, "How do we tackle this?"

They eyed their copies of books that Mr. Wood had asked them to work on. Veronica was sure that he would have forgotten but Zara didn't want to make a bad impression in front of him, she wanted to be on top of the honors roll.

Veronica looked around waiting for someone to save her from the torture of completing yet another assingment. "Z, you know what, my car needs to be repaired, it has been giving me a lot of problems lately. I should get it checked with a mechanic."

"Um-hmm" said Zara as she opened her book. She began skimming through the pages, getting a feel of the text, oblivious to what Veronica was saying.

Veronica took it as a positive note and grabbed her car keys, "Well then, ask Jake to drop you. I will hurry now."

Zara didn't utter a word as she sat engrossed reading the book. Veronica waved her hand in the air, "Hello, are you even listening?"

When Zara studiously ignored her, Veronica snatched the book from her hands, "What have you found in the book? Love potions?"

Veronica's eyes scanned the pages and she only uttered, "Whoa"

Zara had been staring at a painting labelled The Great War of the Heaven. It showed an angel dressed in pure white robes battling what could only be demons dressed in black robes with weapons she couldn't name.

The painting had jumped out of the book and she could see it playing before her eyes. She saw an angel engaged in a fight with a demon and stuck her hand out in the air when the demon's weapon nearly sliced the angel's robe.

They were also talking as if they had known each other very well. She sat transfixed on her chair as the demon lunged at the angel and Zara cried, "Noooo…."

Veronica looked alarmed, "Z, what's happening? Why are you acting weird?"

When Zara didn't respond Veronica shook her hard and Zara collapsed the table as she passed out due to exhaustion. Veronica was nearly in tears and tried patting her back but Zara didn't respond. Veronica rushed to locate anyone she could find, but as they had stayed well past school hours, the campus was mostly deserted.

Veronica looked around and she heard someone talk on the phone. She didn't waste a second, and darted in the direction of the voice. She would have guessed that voice even from a hundred miles but she was so afraid that she only looked shocked to find her archnemesis standing in the parking lot, almost ready to turn on the engine.