Oroku Tim finished showing Leo around the compound a while later. Then they headed to the evening service, Leo wondering when the king and queen would show up.
XXXX
Tim and Leo entered the church, the older man leaving Leo to take a seat by the door and then joining his wife in the front row.
Leo glanced around and saw that the king and queen were already there, dressed in their purple kimonos and Japanese sandals and sitting on their massive golden thrones on the stage, their expressions warm and open, as the congregation waited for the service to begin. Leo didn't think their smiles were genuine, because they didn't meet their eyes and he thought they were more ones of self-importance.
"Now we're all gathered here," Oroku Saki said. "We can begin. Today's sermon is about the outside world, which we all know is evil. That's why we have guns to help ourselves in case of trouble, because my friends, there will be trouble. There will come a day when you will have to defend ourselves and all you hold true. You have to be prepared for it, the day of reckoning, the stand-off. And do you know why that happens? Those apostates don't understand us and our ways and because they don't, they tell people we are a cult, that I'm indoctrinating you. Why would I do that, my loyal subjects? What would I have to achieve by doing something so base? Those apostates are afraid of us, because we have something they don't: a unity, a loving and happy family, instead of dissension, distrust and suspicions. There is no judgement here and no inequality. You're all equal and equally loved by me and your queen. No, my friends, you have to ignore the apostates. They are the evil ones, who are trying to manipulate you into venturing into their unholy world, where there is sin and temptation. None of that exists in our pure existence. I only want the best for you, my family, and that is why I urgently stress for you not to embrace the outside world. I do not do that to frighten you or to indoctrinate you. I say it out of love and experience, because I have seen immorality and I have known what it is like living in apostate and sinful world, where there is hatred and intolerance. Here it's only love and peace. Paradise. Do not let the apostates dictate and brainwash you into believing the world out there is a better one! Now you know that our church is the only truth and the only way of achieving exaltation and salvation and that you will not reach them if you leave, so why then would you believe the apostates, who don't care about you? All they want to do is shut us down and they judge us. Judge us, who only do good for others. What good do the apostates do? They preach love, but only show hate and intolerance…."
Leo had to admit that Oroku Saki certainly had a gift for oratory and spun things in such a way that he was seen as a benefactor and a loving father, who genuinely cared for his flock. No wonder people were sucked in. If Leo didn't know better, he'd probably also have swallowed the crap, hook line and sinker. A family, really? Bull dust. That was just a lie to make them think they were cherished. They were merely pawns, puppets and people to bleed dry, as the king's dynasty grew. He didn't care about them one iota. All he wanted were people to dominate, power and money and if these people left, he'd have nothing, but false promises. Leo was certain that the followers knew at the back of their minds that everything was a massive lie, but they didn't want to accept that, because then they'd have to admit that their whole lives were one big lie and who really wants to acknowledge that? And they were terrified to leave, because of the shunning and fearful that the world was an awful place full of sin. The king also repeated himself, a fantastic way of drumming his beliefs into his loyal followers. Hear it often enough and you believe it.
"And," Oroku Saki continued. "You all know the end of the world is coming, when my dearly loved father will be there to greet us and he'll judge if we're worthy of joining him on the spaceships to fly to Orokua, where peace and happiness prevail. That day is coming soon, my family. You must be prepared and you will not be allowed to go if you don't acknowledge that our church is the true church and the only truth. You must follow me, listen to my guidance and you must not be led astray by apostates. You must honor and dedicate your lives to the church, promote the growth of it and populate it with many children. That's the only way you'll be guaranteed entry to the spaceships and salvation."
Leo chuckled inwardly when he heard spaceships and thought, how can they believe such rubbish? Good grief. This Oroku really is a master manipulator.
"Children are the future," Oroku Saki said. "My father appeared to me the other day and told me he was worried about Raphael's salvation."
All eyes turned on Raphael, who cringed in his seat, his cheeks flaming in mortification at being called out.
"I am as well," Oroku Saki said, studying Raphael intently. "Do you know why, my family? Raphael doesn't always do as he's told. He challenges his parents and my authority and truthfully, I don't think he'll be joining us on the spaceships. He's going to hell, where apostates go! I do not want that for him, but it's clear he doesn't care and only thinks about himself. His poor parents, who gave him everything they could and who showered him with love. Yet he maltreats them and disrespects them! What kind of son is that? Ungrateful brute!"
"NO!" Raphael shouted in alarm. "It ain't true. I ain't gonna go ta hell, Yer Majesty. I don't wanna. I wanna be with my family forever. I wanna experience salvation, go on the spaceships, see yer dad and be happy. I don't wanna be an apostate and scorned."
"Then you know what to do, Raphael. Stop being such a difficult child and listen to those who know what's best for you. Do you understand? I don't want to cast you out, but I'll have no choice if you keep being a nuisance. Then you'll be all alone and shunned by all who love you. That'll be your fault and you'll disgrace your poor parents and break their hearts. Do you want that and to die an apostate?"
"No," Raphael wept, tears brimming in his green eyes. "I'm sorry. I'll listen ta ya all and I'll never challenge ya again, includin' 'bout my marriage. I'll be an awesome husband ta Maya and have tons of kids. I'm sorry. Please don't throw me out."
"This is your last chance, Raphael. I have a meeting soon, so let's bow, pray and end the service early. Raphael, lead us in prayer."
"Oh, Great Bein', thank Ya for givin' us Yer cherished son," Raphael said, his head bowed. "Ta guide us, so that we don't become sinners and apostates. He's the most remarkable man and we all love him so much. Help us stay on the right path and not ta fall into temptation. Help us be all we need ta be, so that we can see Ya, go on the spaceships and have the salvation we've dreamed of all our lives. Let us show the apostates, who hate us love and ta teach them what's the real truth, our church, and Yer teachings. Thank Ya for all the blessings Ya bestow on us. We love Ya so much. Bless Ya, Yer beloved son and his family always and may they and their legacy of love live on forever. Amen."
"Amen," the flock said.
"You're dismissed, "Oroku Saki said. "Good job, Raphael. See, you can listen when you want to."
The king and queen left, followed by their children and spouses.
The flock stood and bowed until the royals had left. Then they dispersed.
Leo was leaving when a voice called out to him.
"Brian, wait," Raphael, who was with his parents, said. "I'd like ya ta meet my parents. Mom and Dad, this is Sato Brian. Brian, these are my parents, Tanaka Ryan and Shana."
"Pleased to meet you," Leo said extending a hand.
Raphael's parents, who were also emerald skinned and green eyed, shook it and said in unison, "So are we."
"How do you like the church so far, Mr. Sato?" Shana asked.
"Love it," Leo replied. "I think I'm going to be happy here, Mrs Tanaka, but I thought his Majesty founded the church. Please call me Brian."
"No," Raphael said. "His dad did actually, but both are revered and it's his dad, who'll be there ta welcome us all on Judgement Day. I hope I can join my parents. I don't wanna be an apostate."
"I hope so too," Shana said. "I'd be sad without you, Raphael. Brian, do you have any skills? All the members work on the compound."
"Excellent at math and budgeting," Leo replied. "And speech writing."
"Ya could help me then," Raphael said. "Do ya got a place ta stay?"
"I'd be happy to help. Next door to you," Leo said.
"Oh. Cool. We're gonna be neighbors," Raphael said and smiled. "Mom, Dad, do ya think Brian can join us for dinner? I don't think he's got any groceries yet. The couple I was gonna counsel said they can sort things out themselves."
"All right," Ryan said. "Are you a vegetarian, Brian?"
"No, but I can get used to it. It's not a problem. I just want to serve the church," Leo said. "And do good with my life. I love what it preaches and I'm sure I'll be happy here."
"Perhaps you'll be a good influence on my son then and will prevent him from being led astray from our doctrine."
"I'll certainly try."
Raphael's parents led them to their house and walked ahead of the youngsters.
"I'm sorry for what happened in the church, Raphael," Leo whispered. "His Majesty was severe with you."
"Yep, but I deserved it after all the trouble I've caused him and my family."
"No, you don't, Raphael. You're your own person and you don't have to do what everyone wants all the time. And they're wrong. The world isn't evil. Some people are, but the world is an exciting place. It's magical and there's so much to do and see."
"If it's so awesome, why are ya here then?" Raphael asked suspiciously.
"Because I think I'm meant to be here and I want to serve the church. That's why. I believe I can do the most good here."
"That don't make sense really, Brian."
"Neither do the spaceships, but people believe it," Leo countered. "And I'm sincere. I really want to serve this church."
"They do exist! His Majesty saw them."
"He said he saw them. That doesn't make it true. Do you believe in aliens as well?"
"Of course not! They don't exist."
"So why do you believe in spaceships?"
"Because his Majesty saw them and he wouldn't lie, Brian. He ain't got no reason ta. He's a truthful and lovin' man and he adores us all. We're family. His. I told ya before that if ya wanna join, ya gotta believe things and that's everythin'. If ya don't and wanna make a mockery of it all, then ya should leave, but I hope ya don't."
"You're absolutely right. I'm sorry. Forgive me. I've always been a cynic and found it hard trusting and believing things. I'll try harder and I won't question things."
"I understand, because of yer background. Well, ya can trust me," Raphael said and beamed. "And ya can trust His Majesty and the congregation. We're all good people and won't hurt ya. So, yer gonna stay?"
"Yes."
"Great, because I like ya, Brian, and think we could be awesome together."
"Huh? What about what you said in church?"
"I'll publicly do what they want, but when I'm alone, I'm gonna do what I want and what I want is ya," Raphael said huskily, his green eyes boring into Leo's. "I sense ya want me too. We'll be careful and discreet, but…What do ya say, Brian?"
Leo's heart flipped, butterflies in his chest, and he thought, how can I say no to that gorgeous guy? I should, but I can't.
"Yes," Leo said. "But I want you to do something for me, Raphael."
"Anythin'."
"I want you to tell me what happened to you when you were a kid and why you're so afraid of Oroku Tim. I won't judge you, but I need you to be open with me, like I'll be with you if we do this."
Raphael paled and said in a small voice, "I'll tell ya later, Brian, but I warn ya it reads like somethin' outta a horror movie."
"It'll be all right. And, Raphael, I want you to know that my offer still stands."
"I know, but I'll never leave, Brian. I can't and if ya want me, ya won't neither, because then I can't be with ya. Do ya understand? This is my life."
"I won't leave unless you want to," Leo promised, mentally kicking himself for lying. He had to leave, because he couldn't stay here with Raphael. He was a married man and an undercover cop and Raphael was a forbidden fruit he could never have.
Raphael nodded and said, "That makes me so happy. I'm glad we met. It was fate."
"I think so too."
"Call me Raph. Raphael's when my parents are mad at me."
"Raph."
"Better," Raphael said and tentatively touched Leo's hand. "Brian and Raph. I like that and I wanna know more 'bout ya. Ya intrigue me."
"I'm an open book."
"Cool. Talk ta me when my parents have gone ta bed."
They walked along in silence.
I like Raphael, Leo thought. Very much. I'm drawn to him. How am I going to leave him after a month? I have to get him to come with me. I can't bear the thought of him living in this hell hole forever. I have to convince him to leave, but how?
A/N Next up, Raphael talks to Leo about his life in the church.