Anuthor's Note: The next chapter will be a turning point in the the story. For those of you wondering where this fanfic has been going, Chapter Twelve will define where the rest of the story is going. It will also mark the point where stuff that actually happens in the Bible starts happening. But until then, enjoy Chapter Eleven. One other thing: I've had a reviewer criticize my depiction of gnostisism. To be honest, I love it when people disagree with me on matters such as theology and religion. If you ever have a problem with my stuff, don't hesitate to tell me. I love talking about it. Just pelase be respectful...

On another note, the first episode of Season 3 of Merlin airs this Saturday! Check the offical Merlin website for more information. I am so exited I am counting down the minutes! I've also been looking up all the spoilers I can find! And yes, BBC One is still paying me!

Chapter Eleven: Simon's Return

I could tell from getting on the school bus the next day things were taking a turn for the worse. Mary, Judas, and everyone who had attended Devlin's party were now sitting around him. They spoke amongst each other in whispers and occasionally glanced at Jesus and me with looks of disproval.

But one good thing happened that morning. Simon was back. No one had seen him since he had broken his leg the day before yesterday. He hoped onto the bus with a pair of crutches. He plumped down on the seat right across from Jesus and I and grumbled, "Hey guys! Did I miss anything while I was gone?"

"Yo have no idea," Jesus said.

"I'm surprised you came back so early," I said. "With a broken leg and all." I wasn't in the mood to explain Devlin to him.

"It's only a flesh wound." Simon looked down at his cast. "It'll take more than the pain of a broken leg to keep me out of school."

"Especially with all of the medicine that the Roman Empire's come up with," I snickered.

"I actually refused the stuff," Simon said with pride. "The nurses tried so many times to get me to take those painkillers it was almost laughable."

"Glad to have you back Simon," Jesus laughed. "Nice to know we're not the only sane people around here."

Simon raised an eyebrow. "I must have missed something big. Don't keep me in the dark. What was it?"

Jesus and told Simon the events of Devlin and his party. We even told Simon about how Jesus could see shadows entering the house when everyone bowed down to Devlin's god. Simon didn't seem surprised at all to hear that Jesus had the sight to see what others couldn't.

"I don't blame you for getting the hell out of there," Simon said when our story was done. He peered above our seat. "I'm guessing Devlin's that weird looking guy that everyone's listening to?"

"Yah, that's him," Jesus said. "By the way, I'm surprised that you're not thinking I'm crazy for seeing things."

"Why should I?" Simon asked. "God distributes supernatural gifts at his pleasure. I hope you don't think you're crazy."

"No," Jesus said. "But something stranger than that happened to me last night."

"What?" I asked.

"I had a dream where I was standing in front of Devlin's house. It was on fire. Captain Mike staggered out of it all bloody and bruised. He said that he would try to call for reinforcements, but there was so much fire that he didn't think that he would be able to save everyone.

"I woke up an hour before I was supposed to this morning. It was still dark. I heard a voice calling 'Yeshua' from the table next to my bed. The voice was mine. I opened the drawer and saw a ring of mine in there." I knew what ring Jesus was talking about.

"Well that does sound a bit out there," Simon said. "But I wouldn't day that you're not going nuts. I'd say you're cut from a slightly different cloth than other people."

Jesus smiled. "I'm so thankful to have so many friends who got my back. Ya'll give me more credit than I give myself sometimes."

"Well you better change that soon," Simon said and he once again glanced above our seat. He frowned. "There's plenty of people who won't."

Jesus and I looked where Simon was and saw that Devlin and all of his followers were staring straight at us. It occurred to the three of us that we had been speaking in voices loud enough to be heard by anyone who had been paying attention.

"Have they been listening to us the whole time?" Jesus asked in a voice so low that only Simon and I could hear.

"I would seem so," I grumbled I placed my hand on Jesus' shoulder. "Are you nervous about them hearing about your dreams and senses?"

Jesus closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them the lines of his face had changed from those that showed fear to those that showed strength.

"No," he answered stoically. "No I'm not."