DISCLAIMER: Don't own it, and wouldn't want the credit for the actual series, since the plot is good but the actual writing sucks.
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PART THREE
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The Convincing
If I ever get within spitting distance of Carpathia he won't know what hit him. My car, Chloe thought angrily. Trying to tear Buck away from me like this. If he wants to play dirty... Her thought went unfinished as her father's command to unbuckle and get out cut her off.
Even as Buck scrambled to follow the worried orders of his father-in-law, doubt fluttered through his thoughts. Chloe could see it written all over his face. He didn't think the other Tribulation Force members would be able to help him shake whatever had happened, and it was starting to loosen her grip on the faith that it was just a bit of Carpathia's hypnotism. Rather than dwelling on that, she forced herself to focus on greeting Tsion.
The little shelter under the church was becoming quite homey with Tsion living in it, Chloe thought as she, her father and Buck hugged the old rabbi. She was tempted to tune out the rest of the conversation as soon as she heard him ask what had brought them there. "After all, to come here too often might be telling, despite the cover of going to church."
Rayford agreed, especially since Bruce, the church's official pastor, was dead. "But we had to come. We think Carpathia may be using one of his mind tricks on Buck."
A frown crossed the older man's face. Though he wasn't that much older than Ray, that expression wrinkled his face and made him look a decade past his years. "What would make you think so?"
Disgust colored his voice, though Ray tried not to let it, as he filled Tsion in.
Tsion shook his head. "I do not understand. The Scriptures promise that this man, the Antichrist, will have no power over the children of God. He promises that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. And knowing you, you have already prayed for God's help, Cameron?"
Grateful that someone had realized he would have that much sense, Buck replied, "And forgiveness, and protection."
Studying him carefully, as if he might be an imposter-- and maybe the rabbi thought he was-- he asked slowly, "And you still feel this... love for the Antichrist?"
Buck ran a hand through his dark curls. "Nothing's even given it a bump in the road."
Rayford rounded on the journalist. "You're not fighting it hard enough!"
Worried, Chloe said, "Maybe you're onto something here, Dad. Buck, have you really repented?" If he's not repentant... Please, Buck...
"Of course I have! I've been on my knees over this since I became a Christian! I kept begging for God to take it away, and fighting it with everything I have. I just... can't fight anymore, Chloe. I'm too tired." He seemed irritated that they would think he hadn't tried every route out of this sin.
Tsion shook his head and sank into the sofa. His gaze was trained on the floor as he spoke. "I do not know, my friends. On the one hand, I would say you may be right-- it may be manipulation of some sort. But if that were true, the Lord would already have helped him. On the other hand, it may be that Buck truly does feel this, that it is his heart speaking. If that is so, no amount of repentance will stop what you feel."
"A year is more than enough time to repent," Buck said, his eyes sweeping the small group. Quietly, he said, "I think I'm lost."
TBC...