Post by The Anarchist on Feb 18, 2018 13:22:59 GMT -5
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul. - Deuteronomy 11:13
It was a bright, sun shiny day. The ideal temperature for frolicking at the local park. Picnic weather. Everything was picturesque. If one were so inclined to the arts, they could find plenty of inspiration to paint the colorful gifts of nature that spread across town. Megan McNamara was not of such inclinations. She wasn’t exactly reclusive, but she had her own whims that prevented her from taking in the local sights. Today was a rare occasion where she finally had a day to herself. Work was steady, but not on the docket.
There, in her storybook home, she took to writing memoirs with a gentle hand. Elegance could be found with each stroke of calligraphy. To her left rested a cup of lukewarm coffee. Black. She did not like having anything added, feeling that it took away from it’s natural qualities. She could easily be found on days like today writing about everything and anything. It would make for a nice gift to pass down to a loved one to read after she passed away. But for the present, her writings were strictly private. The clock on the wall read seven-thirty. Megan remained in her silk, lilac nightgown. Her hair had more flecks of grey than prior, but the surrounding remnants of brown far outweighed it. Her beauty radiated from her facial features. Almond shaped eyes that were alluring. A warm smile to those she partook the company of. She was never a fan of cosmetics, again, choosing to go with the natural.
Megan pauses her penmanship to take a quick sip of coffee. She takes a momentary scan of what had been written, smiling softly. It largely talked about the surprise visit from her daughter, Destiny. How she felt about the confrontation and reconciliation. What was going through her mind not only in that moment, but also during the years of abuse she suffered. How the molestations had wrecked any chance of a relationship up until that day of forgiveness. She wished to see her grandchildren, she indicates. There was a longing to make up for lost time, or the best she could, with them. There was even some paragraphs dedicated to her son-in-law. She had no idea if he would be as forgiving as her daughter. They had their fair share of disagreements over the years, particularly over his former addictions and his line of work.
But she loved him. Destiny had fallen in “love at first sight” as she writes. Megan didn’t divulge further into the past. The bulk of what remained to be recorded was for a better future and state of social affairs in the world. Megan was a kind woman. She could be stuck in her ways, but usually found herself on the side of being open minded. Manners were of the highest importance to her. She felt that it was something lacking with today’s generation. She had no positive opinion about politics. If one wished to ascertain about her views, they’d come to the understanding she leaned left. Religion was also of no real importance to her. Megan could understand why others may find value in it, but it was a topic by and large that she didn’t see a life in.
That’s when the sound of three knocks came at her front door.
“Who in the world...” she wondered to herself. It was far too early to receive guests. There was a slight hesitation in getting up from her chair. The knocking commenced again. “Oh for heaven’s sakes, keep your shirt on!” she thought out loud. Luckily her voice didn’t carry to the strangers on the other side. When she made it to the front door, the bell had been rung. Megan opens the door. Standing before her was a most curious sight. There were two unknowns. A tall, mid aged, muscular African-American man and a shorter, young (she looked to be no older than fourteen or fifteen) girl. He had on a tan, long-sleeved, button down collar shirt, a pair of dark broadfall trousers, and what looked like heavy black work boots. His head was shaved. One eye was partially closed, while the other was wide open. It may have been a condition he had. Megan wasn’t going to judge on appearance.
The girl was in a pastel blue prairie dress with a pinafore apron over it. She wore black stockings and matching colored shoes. Her hair was split into two braided pigtails. Her brown eyes could light up a room. Why they dressed like they just stepped out of the eighteen hundreds, she didn’t know. It was enough to at least catch your attention. Which is exactly what they had of Megan’s. Both were all smiles and friendly tidings. She clutched a small bible against her bosom. He had his hands clasped together by his waistline. Megan gave a curious look before settling into an inquiry.
“May I help you?”
“Good morning, ma’am!” It was the female speaking. “My name is Mary. And this is Kincaid. We were wondering if you had a moment to hear about the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Seromine?”
Megan smirked at the thought. “I’m sorry, but who---”
It was as if Kincaid knew what she was going to say next. His deep voice cut her off. “Pardon the interruption, ma’am. We were asked today to visit and if you could give us just a few minutes of your time, we would love to talk about what Seromine can do for your life.”
Megan knew this song and dance from the Jehovah’s. They obviously weren’t of that denomination, especially when substituting Jesus Christ with Seromine. She looked uninterested in the request.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in hearing about whoever that is. But thank you for asking.”
“That’s...” Mary jumped in, hoping to win her over with her youthful charm.
“Goodbye now.”
It didn’t work. She closes the door and walks back to the kitchen. The random strangers take their leave soon after being turned away. Had Megan made a turn to the left, instead of going down the wooden hallway, she would have noticed that the candle her daughter presented her was now lit…
Later that night
Darkness was stating to blanket the beautiful sunset kissed clouds in the sky. Stars were coming out of hibernation to twinkle in the deep blue yonder. The moon hadn’t arrived yet, but it wouldn’t be long now. All was quiet in the neighborhood. Save for the sounds of cars humming by as they pass to wherever they are going. Megan had just finished having her dinner; Lemon pepper chicken breast, rosemary mashed potatoes, a vegetable medley of cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. For a drink, water. She was just about to start the process of washing her dish and catch a little television before bed (“early bird catches the worm!” as she liked to tell others), when her phone started to ring.
Megan was anything but tech savvy. She couldn’t get the hang of the new fangled technology, so she still relied on a rotary phone for calls. It required the use of a converter, which changed things from analog to digital, but at least she was able to still use it. The phone had been in her keep for three decades and she had no desire to move on. Megan places her dish down and gives a quick look at the clock.
6:00
It wasn’t too late for someone to call, so irritation was nowhere to be found. It rang from the living room...the candle on the mantle remained lit. What made that strange is she put out the flame earlier in the day...it grabbed her attention, but first the phone call had to be handled.
“Hello?”
Silence.
“Hello?”
She was about to hang up, when multiple voices started to sing in harmony to her.
“This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, shine, shine
Let it shine!”
“WHO is this?”
The answer was delivered by one voice this time. Mary.
“We were wondering if you now had a moment to hear about the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Seromine?”
“Oh, so it’s you again. Listen. I don’t know how you got my number, but please don’t call again. Goodbye!”
Megan then promptly hangs up.
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
The knocking on the front door startles her. She puts a hand over her heart while calming her anxiety. She moves to the curtains to look and see who is out there.
“Mom?”
It sounds like Destiny.
Relieved, she responds. “Sweetheart, is that you?”
“Huh? Of course it is. Are you alright?”
The timing is highly unusual, but at least it was a loved one. Besides, if Mary decided to call again, Destiny would be there to handle it. Not that she needed her daughter’s help, but still...who wouldn’t be rattled? She cautiously moves to the door and looks through the peephole.
She is in fact standing outside. She opens the door. “Oh honey, I’m so glad you...”
Her enthusiasm is cut short. There is no one there. What’s there instead…
is trees. Orange trees to be more precise. Tons of them. It is well known that orange groves are creepy at night, so imagine seeing rows upon rows of them standing dominant over you. Megan is beyond confused as to what the hell is going on. She promptly jumps back and closes the door. Just as she turns around, she comes face to face…
with more orange trees.
Megan frantically looks all around her now. HOW could this be happening? She was at home. She hadn’t lost her mind. Her heart rate starts to climb. She is surrounded by the ominous citrus maze. The dark green leaves rustle as a chilling breeze sweeps through its wooden limbs, adding further ambiance to an already unsettling feeling of dread.
“Pardon my interruption, ma’am. We were asked today to visit and if you could give us just a few minutes of your time, we would love to talk about what Seromine can do for your life.”
The booming voice of Kincaid echoed to where she stood. Megan is spooked, frantically looking in every direction for the large man. But he’s not there. No one is. At least, not in plain sight.
“Meeegaaan!”
“Megan! Megan! Megan!”
“Meg-an.”
The calling of her name was in unison.
“This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine”
There was movement happening.
“This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine”
More movement from a different direction.
“This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine”
Getting closer…Megan was not about to be a sitting duck for any lurking danger. She makes a break for the only path in her location. Whomever was singing (more like hissing) was flanking at the sides.
"Let it shine, shine, shine
Let it shine!”
Megan followed what the sometimes wide, sometimes narrow path. There was no sense of true direction. Dead ends, reversals, you name it, it had...formed. Disorientation much? As she progresses, the sounds of oranges hitting the ground became prominent. Mind you it isn’t actually happening; it just sounded like it was. But the sound becomes amplified…
Then silence. Other than the occasional cricket chirp.
Megan dashed her way down the damp earth beneath her. She could make out a home with a light on. She was determined to get there and get help. What other choice did she have? The exit was right there. Yes! The nightmare of transversing the labyrinth was behind her…
There was no time to gaze at the details of the ranch house. Nor the spooky barn about one hundred feet away.
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
“Please! Please help me!” her voice was tight. Her body heaved. The front door is opened up for her. Exiting the groves themselves are the sixteen followers of Seromine. Each one with a different animal mask covering their face (and their face only). They differed for the most part in height, but there was an even amount of men to women. Each was dressed in their prairie best. They slowly move in on the home and Megan. Candles lit. Still only one light in the home on.
Then came the chant. The hypnotic chant.
“PRAISE SEROMINE! PRAISE THE LORD!”
Over and over like a rhythmic beat of a drum. Megan is starting to lose her color. She decides to look back to see who is coming towards her. Someone from inside pulls her in, actively halting the march. The door is closed.
Megan freezes in place. Whoever pulled her in isn’t by the door now. The interior? Well, it’s actually her own home.
“WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!” she demands to know. It was all she could muster to even eek out that. Her nerves were frayed. Her body was growing weak. Her heart couldn’t take much more.
“Hello Megan.”
The honeyed voice came from the living room. The candle on the mantle remains lit. Megan slowly approaches. If she was looking for something to defend herself with, good luck. Nothing was available. There to greet her was a woman that looked a few years older than herself. She is wearing a calico prairie dress with a lace trimmed collar. Her shoes look black, but are mostly concealed by the long length of the dress. On her head is a white bonnet, partially hiding her high arched eye brows and devilish good looks.
“...Lucy? It's...you! where in god’s name am I?!”
She feigns surprise while undoing her bonnet. Her crimped raven black hair was just below her ears. “Why, you’re home. Don’t you recognize it? And I’ll ask you not to take god’s name in vein like that! He is hearing your every word after all.”
Megan laughs hysterically.
Enter the followers. They walk into the room and assemble in two rows of eight, but by height. Things continued to make no sense. Lucy’s smile widens. “They’re here!”
It’s all the opening she needed. Megan is distracted by the proclamation. She looks behind to see if anyone else is coming into the room. When her gaze returns to Lucy, a red powder is blown in her face. She is instantly blinded and coughing for air as it gets in her nostrils and lungs.
“Don’t fight it, Megan! Let the love of Seromine cleanse your sinful soul in the name of God!”
Megan falls on her hands and knees, clutching her throat. The convulsions will soon take over. Footsteps approach from the vicinity of the kitchen. The followers attention shift over. Lucy plucks a wheezing Megan up by the hair, holding her upright with a tight grasp. She leans in close, whispering “Praise Seromine! Praise the Lord!”
Seromine steps into the room. He crouches down to get level with Megan. Dressed in his preachers best, Seromine removes his wide brimmed hat, tossing it on the couch.
“It is SO NICE to see you again! The pain you are feeling is temporary. Your body is going through a purification process. Think of it as God’s way of making you presentable for his glory! His perfect, wonderful, amazing GLORY!” his words were dripping with a boisterous cadence. “Destiny wanted to be here, but I wanted to do this myself. After all, she did bring us oh so ever closer!”
Megan’s body falls to the ground as spastic activity has taken over. Seromine stands back up to greet his followers. What Megan won’t know until the conversion process is complete, is that she is in Labyrinth Grove. The illusion of being back in her own home was exactly that. Amazing what a new found source of power can allow one to do, isn’t it? A change of scenery (and reality) never hurt anyone...like picking fruit off a tree.
“God ALWAYS has a plan, Megan. Always. We are never to question it. I am his chosen savior! And this is only the start of a whole new era of SALVATION!”
Lucy smiles at the thought. “The wicked shall be PUNISHED.”
“The souls of the sinners must be saved. They must. I can save them if they accept God into their hearts. If not, then his wrath will have no mercy, and neither will ours.”
Megan’s body finally calms. She is still breathing. “Take her back home. Help get everything in order and return back here. Make sure she is placed in the garden. Destiny will handle it from there.”
“It shall be done.”
Lucy leans over and as gently as she can, assists Megan back to her feet. “Come on, Meggie. Let’s get you to bed. You have a long day ahead and will need your beauty sleep.”
Seromine watches their departure before he sets his attention on his followers.
“I couldn’t wait until the next show!” he says with glee. “As you know, Razor Blade is the next challenger. The Big Dog as he calls himself. In prior showings, he has looked strong in defeat. Once I put him down, it is on to one of our biggest thorns, Brenna Gordon. As my wife and I discussed the other night, I have a plan to deal with her...and others. God spoke to me. Gabriel’s condition appears to be improving, but I have yet to receive word about when he will return. He has been making mistakes, but all is forgiven.”
Seromine approaches Mary and Kincaid. “Before I return home, I wanted to commend you both for your work. There will be plenty of disbelievers and agitators, but our crusade is far greater than their will. God is very pleased with all of you! Go ahead and get some sleep, brothers and sisters. Our work will continue at Trauma!”
Seromine’s followers take their candles one by one. They exchange a hug with their leader as they depart. Seromine retrieves his hat and soon leaves himself.
It was a bright, sun shiny day. The ideal temperature for frolicking at the local park. Picnic weather. Everything was picturesque. If one were so inclined to the arts, they could find plenty of inspiration to paint the colorful gifts of nature that spread across town. Megan McNamara was not of such inclinations. She wasn’t exactly reclusive, but she had her own whims that prevented her from taking in the local sights. Today was a rare occasion where she finally had a day to herself. Work was steady, but not on the docket.
There, in her storybook home, she took to writing memoirs with a gentle hand. Elegance could be found with each stroke of calligraphy. To her left rested a cup of lukewarm coffee. Black. She did not like having anything added, feeling that it took away from it’s natural qualities. She could easily be found on days like today writing about everything and anything. It would make for a nice gift to pass down to a loved one to read after she passed away. But for the present, her writings were strictly private. The clock on the wall read seven-thirty. Megan remained in her silk, lilac nightgown. Her hair had more flecks of grey than prior, but the surrounding remnants of brown far outweighed it. Her beauty radiated from her facial features. Almond shaped eyes that were alluring. A warm smile to those she partook the company of. She was never a fan of cosmetics, again, choosing to go with the natural.
Megan pauses her penmanship to take a quick sip of coffee. She takes a momentary scan of what had been written, smiling softly. It largely talked about the surprise visit from her daughter, Destiny. How she felt about the confrontation and reconciliation. What was going through her mind not only in that moment, but also during the years of abuse she suffered. How the molestations had wrecked any chance of a relationship up until that day of forgiveness. She wished to see her grandchildren, she indicates. There was a longing to make up for lost time, or the best she could, with them. There was even some paragraphs dedicated to her son-in-law. She had no idea if he would be as forgiving as her daughter. They had their fair share of disagreements over the years, particularly over his former addictions and his line of work.
But she loved him. Destiny had fallen in “love at first sight” as she writes. Megan didn’t divulge further into the past. The bulk of what remained to be recorded was for a better future and state of social affairs in the world. Megan was a kind woman. She could be stuck in her ways, but usually found herself on the side of being open minded. Manners were of the highest importance to her. She felt that it was something lacking with today’s generation. She had no positive opinion about politics. If one wished to ascertain about her views, they’d come to the understanding she leaned left. Religion was also of no real importance to her. Megan could understand why others may find value in it, but it was a topic by and large that she didn’t see a life in.
That’s when the sound of three knocks came at her front door.
“Who in the world...” she wondered to herself. It was far too early to receive guests. There was a slight hesitation in getting up from her chair. The knocking commenced again. “Oh for heaven’s sakes, keep your shirt on!” she thought out loud. Luckily her voice didn’t carry to the strangers on the other side. When she made it to the front door, the bell had been rung. Megan opens the door. Standing before her was a most curious sight. There were two unknowns. A tall, mid aged, muscular African-American man and a shorter, young (she looked to be no older than fourteen or fifteen) girl. He had on a tan, long-sleeved, button down collar shirt, a pair of dark broadfall trousers, and what looked like heavy black work boots. His head was shaved. One eye was partially closed, while the other was wide open. It may have been a condition he had. Megan wasn’t going to judge on appearance.
The girl was in a pastel blue prairie dress with a pinafore apron over it. She wore black stockings and matching colored shoes. Her hair was split into two braided pigtails. Her brown eyes could light up a room. Why they dressed like they just stepped out of the eighteen hundreds, she didn’t know. It was enough to at least catch your attention. Which is exactly what they had of Megan’s. Both were all smiles and friendly tidings. She clutched a small bible against her bosom. He had his hands clasped together by his waistline. Megan gave a curious look before settling into an inquiry.
“May I help you?”
“Good morning, ma’am!” It was the female speaking. “My name is Mary. And this is Kincaid. We were wondering if you had a moment to hear about the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Seromine?”
Megan smirked at the thought. “I’m sorry, but who---”
It was as if Kincaid knew what she was going to say next. His deep voice cut her off. “Pardon the interruption, ma’am. We were asked today to visit and if you could give us just a few minutes of your time, we would love to talk about what Seromine can do for your life.”
Megan knew this song and dance from the Jehovah’s. They obviously weren’t of that denomination, especially when substituting Jesus Christ with Seromine. She looked uninterested in the request.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in hearing about whoever that is. But thank you for asking.”
“That’s...” Mary jumped in, hoping to win her over with her youthful charm.
“Goodbye now.”
It didn’t work. She closes the door and walks back to the kitchen. The random strangers take their leave soon after being turned away. Had Megan made a turn to the left, instead of going down the wooden hallway, she would have noticed that the candle her daughter presented her was now lit…
Later that night
Darkness was stating to blanket the beautiful sunset kissed clouds in the sky. Stars were coming out of hibernation to twinkle in the deep blue yonder. The moon hadn’t arrived yet, but it wouldn’t be long now. All was quiet in the neighborhood. Save for the sounds of cars humming by as they pass to wherever they are going. Megan had just finished having her dinner; Lemon pepper chicken breast, rosemary mashed potatoes, a vegetable medley of cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. For a drink, water. She was just about to start the process of washing her dish and catch a little television before bed (“early bird catches the worm!” as she liked to tell others), when her phone started to ring.
Megan was anything but tech savvy. She couldn’t get the hang of the new fangled technology, so she still relied on a rotary phone for calls. It required the use of a converter, which changed things from analog to digital, but at least she was able to still use it. The phone had been in her keep for three decades and she had no desire to move on. Megan places her dish down and gives a quick look at the clock.
6:00
It wasn’t too late for someone to call, so irritation was nowhere to be found. It rang from the living room...the candle on the mantle remained lit. What made that strange is she put out the flame earlier in the day...it grabbed her attention, but first the phone call had to be handled.
“Hello?”
Silence.
“Hello?”
She was about to hang up, when multiple voices started to sing in harmony to her.
“This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, shine, shine
Let it shine!”
“WHO is this?”
The answer was delivered by one voice this time. Mary.
“We were wondering if you now had a moment to hear about the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Seromine?”
“Oh, so it’s you again. Listen. I don’t know how you got my number, but please don’t call again. Goodbye!”
Megan then promptly hangs up.
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
The knocking on the front door startles her. She puts a hand over her heart while calming her anxiety. She moves to the curtains to look and see who is out there.
“Mom?”
It sounds like Destiny.
Relieved, she responds. “Sweetheart, is that you?”
“Huh? Of course it is. Are you alright?”
The timing is highly unusual, but at least it was a loved one. Besides, if Mary decided to call again, Destiny would be there to handle it. Not that she needed her daughter’s help, but still...who wouldn’t be rattled? She cautiously moves to the door and looks through the peephole.
She is in fact standing outside. She opens the door. “Oh honey, I’m so glad you...”
Her enthusiasm is cut short. There is no one there. What’s there instead…
is trees. Orange trees to be more precise. Tons of them. It is well known that orange groves are creepy at night, so imagine seeing rows upon rows of them standing dominant over you. Megan is beyond confused as to what the hell is going on. She promptly jumps back and closes the door. Just as she turns around, she comes face to face…
with more orange trees.
Megan frantically looks all around her now. HOW could this be happening? She was at home. She hadn’t lost her mind. Her heart rate starts to climb. She is surrounded by the ominous citrus maze. The dark green leaves rustle as a chilling breeze sweeps through its wooden limbs, adding further ambiance to an already unsettling feeling of dread.
“Pardon my interruption, ma’am. We were asked today to visit and if you could give us just a few minutes of your time, we would love to talk about what Seromine can do for your life.”
The booming voice of Kincaid echoed to where she stood. Megan is spooked, frantically looking in every direction for the large man. But he’s not there. No one is. At least, not in plain sight.
“Meeegaaan!”
“Megan! Megan! Megan!”
“Meg-an.”
The calling of her name was in unison.
“This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine”
There was movement happening.
“This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine”
More movement from a different direction.
“This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine”
Getting closer…Megan was not about to be a sitting duck for any lurking danger. She makes a break for the only path in her location. Whomever was singing (more like hissing) was flanking at the sides.
"Let it shine, shine, shine
Let it shine!”
Megan followed what the sometimes wide, sometimes narrow path. There was no sense of true direction. Dead ends, reversals, you name it, it had...formed. Disorientation much? As she progresses, the sounds of oranges hitting the ground became prominent. Mind you it isn’t actually happening; it just sounded like it was. But the sound becomes amplified…
Then silence. Other than the occasional cricket chirp.
Megan dashed her way down the damp earth beneath her. She could make out a home with a light on. She was determined to get there and get help. What other choice did she have? The exit was right there. Yes! The nightmare of transversing the labyrinth was behind her…
There was no time to gaze at the details of the ranch house. Nor the spooky barn about one hundred feet away.
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
KNOCK!
“Please! Please help me!” her voice was tight. Her body heaved. The front door is opened up for her. Exiting the groves themselves are the sixteen followers of Seromine. Each one with a different animal mask covering their face (and their face only). They differed for the most part in height, but there was an even amount of men to women. Each was dressed in their prairie best. They slowly move in on the home and Megan. Candles lit. Still only one light in the home on.
Then came the chant. The hypnotic chant.
“PRAISE SEROMINE! PRAISE THE LORD!”
Over and over like a rhythmic beat of a drum. Megan is starting to lose her color. She decides to look back to see who is coming towards her. Someone from inside pulls her in, actively halting the march. The door is closed.
Megan freezes in place. Whoever pulled her in isn’t by the door now. The interior? Well, it’s actually her own home.
“WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!” she demands to know. It was all she could muster to even eek out that. Her nerves were frayed. Her body was growing weak. Her heart couldn’t take much more.
“Hello Megan.”
The honeyed voice came from the living room. The candle on the mantle remains lit. Megan slowly approaches. If she was looking for something to defend herself with, good luck. Nothing was available. There to greet her was a woman that looked a few years older than herself. She is wearing a calico prairie dress with a lace trimmed collar. Her shoes look black, but are mostly concealed by the long length of the dress. On her head is a white bonnet, partially hiding her high arched eye brows and devilish good looks.
“...Lucy? It's...you! where in god’s name am I?!”
She feigns surprise while undoing her bonnet. Her crimped raven black hair was just below her ears. “Why, you’re home. Don’t you recognize it? And I’ll ask you not to take god’s name in vein like that! He is hearing your every word after all.”
Megan laughs hysterically.
Enter the followers. They walk into the room and assemble in two rows of eight, but by height. Things continued to make no sense. Lucy’s smile widens. “They’re here!”
It’s all the opening she needed. Megan is distracted by the proclamation. She looks behind to see if anyone else is coming into the room. When her gaze returns to Lucy, a red powder is blown in her face. She is instantly blinded and coughing for air as it gets in her nostrils and lungs.
“Don’t fight it, Megan! Let the love of Seromine cleanse your sinful soul in the name of God!”
Megan falls on her hands and knees, clutching her throat. The convulsions will soon take over. Footsteps approach from the vicinity of the kitchen. The followers attention shift over. Lucy plucks a wheezing Megan up by the hair, holding her upright with a tight grasp. She leans in close, whispering “Praise Seromine! Praise the Lord!”
Seromine steps into the room. He crouches down to get level with Megan. Dressed in his preachers best, Seromine removes his wide brimmed hat, tossing it on the couch.
“It is SO NICE to see you again! The pain you are feeling is temporary. Your body is going through a purification process. Think of it as God’s way of making you presentable for his glory! His perfect, wonderful, amazing GLORY!” his words were dripping with a boisterous cadence. “Destiny wanted to be here, but I wanted to do this myself. After all, she did bring us oh so ever closer!”
Megan’s body falls to the ground as spastic activity has taken over. Seromine stands back up to greet his followers. What Megan won’t know until the conversion process is complete, is that she is in Labyrinth Grove. The illusion of being back in her own home was exactly that. Amazing what a new found source of power can allow one to do, isn’t it? A change of scenery (and reality) never hurt anyone...like picking fruit off a tree.
“God ALWAYS has a plan, Megan. Always. We are never to question it. I am his chosen savior! And this is only the start of a whole new era of SALVATION!”
Lucy smiles at the thought. “The wicked shall be PUNISHED.”
“The souls of the sinners must be saved. They must. I can save them if they accept God into their hearts. If not, then his wrath will have no mercy, and neither will ours.”
Megan’s body finally calms. She is still breathing. “Take her back home. Help get everything in order and return back here. Make sure she is placed in the garden. Destiny will handle it from there.”
“It shall be done.”
Lucy leans over and as gently as she can, assists Megan back to her feet. “Come on, Meggie. Let’s get you to bed. You have a long day ahead and will need your beauty sleep.”
Seromine watches their departure before he sets his attention on his followers.
“I couldn’t wait until the next show!” he says with glee. “As you know, Razor Blade is the next challenger. The Big Dog as he calls himself. In prior showings, he has looked strong in defeat. Once I put him down, it is on to one of our biggest thorns, Brenna Gordon. As my wife and I discussed the other night, I have a plan to deal with her...and others. God spoke to me. Gabriel’s condition appears to be improving, but I have yet to receive word about when he will return. He has been making mistakes, but all is forgiven.”
Seromine approaches Mary and Kincaid. “Before I return home, I wanted to commend you both for your work. There will be plenty of disbelievers and agitators, but our crusade is far greater than their will. God is very pleased with all of you! Go ahead and get some sleep, brothers and sisters. Our work will continue at Trauma!”
Seromine’s followers take their candles one by one. They exchange a hug with their leader as they depart. Seromine retrieves his hat and soon leaves himself.