Chapter 21: Aftermath – Religion

Joseph Graffe splashed water over his face, eyes closed as he felt droplets drip down his face as he leaned over the sink. There were so many problems out there, things that most people were trying to pretend weren't their problem. People were dying, growing sick, being murdered everywhere. Officials didn't want to admit it, but he could see the truth; Mankind was dying out.

He opened his eyes, taking in his appearance. Before, he had been a younger man, more idealistic and full of youthful vigour. Now, his coffee-coloured skin was lined from stress, and his long hair was starting to go grey at the ends. But his eyes were still a bright blue, hardened by determination. Despite his worries, he wasn't giving up. Not when salvation and hope was available. Steeling himself, he grabbed his robe, throwing it over himself as he headed out. Smoothing it over, he looked at his watch. A few minutes to spare. Tardiness wasn't allowed here. Four followers bowed as he passed, muttering words of praise. He pushed open the door, stepping out onto a stage. On the stage with him was a simple (and cheap) lectern, their holy symbol painted on the front. To its left were three chairs, filled by a teary-eyed woman, her eldest son, and her young daughter. To its right was a coffin. And before the podium was a small army of worshippers, some with their heads bowed. There was an air of melancholy.

Breathing deeply through his nose, Reverend Joseph stepped up to the lectern.

"Brothers and sisters." He said, his rich voice filling the church. "We are gathered here to pay our respects to one of our own. We honour Brother Gary Blacken, and his family, during their time of loss. Gary Blacken began his life as part of a loving and supporting family, earning accolades in school before entering college. From there, he left with a degree in woodworking, and already having found the love of dear Delilah. He earned a high-paying job building homes, started a family, and had a truly content life."

"But then work decided that they needed to shrink their staff, and he was unfortunately found redundant. And with few other places interested in a mere woodworker, Gary fell into despair. Whatever money he made went into drink and drugs. He and Delilah quarrelled almost daily. He was forced to work as muscle for villains to make ends meet. When Delilah left with the kids for her mother's place, it seemed to be the end for Gary."

"But then… we found him. We saw a poor man lost in his way, and we tried to help him. Through human determination and sheer bullheadedness, we helped him beat his destructive habits. And when we found out his prior job, we realised that we could help one another. The work healed him; he stopped drinking, he cleaned up his life, found purpose as one of us. We gave him the courage to go to Delilah, ask for her forgiveness, and prove that he was back to his old self. With our help, he managed to repair his marriage. And once again, life was good for him once more." Joseph stopped, glancing at the coffin near him. Delilah let out a loud sob.

"But that future was stolen from him." He continued in a sombre tone. "Two nights ago, Gary left to go to the store for some milk for breakfast the next day. He didn't return that night; he failed to return that morning. Delilah called the police, but they didn't think anything was untoward. At the same time, they received a call from a dairy, reporting a body not far from his store. Police identified it as Gary Blacken. His injuries made it clear; this wasn't a terrible accident. This was a hate-crime. Someone targeted him directly, and wanted to hurt him." The crowd gasped, and some people were muttering angrily. "I tell you this because hiding the truth would be an insult to Brother Gary, and to his family. And because you need to know our enemies' plans." He banged a gavel he had nearby, giving everyone a firm look. "The Government dislikes us for glorifying their enemy. Christianity despises us for worshipping a 'false god'. Businesses hate us because, like every charitable group, we don't care about their bottom dollar. They call us monsters, terrorists, cultists and psychos. They portray us as violent, fundamentalist, and completely insane. And they want us to prove them right. They attack us like this because they want to provoke us. Right now, they can't legally do anything about us. We're helpful, charitable, arrange food trips for the homeless, and above all, haven't committed any violent or terrorist acts. Right now, people see us as 'kooky but ultimately harmless'. Any attempt to shut us down violently would be met with outrage by the public." He paused for drama. "But the moment we fight back, the moment we defend ourselves, then you can bet that both groups will use everything they've got to tear us apart. Every loophole, every trick, even possibly frame us for more acts. They will bring us in, and charge us for every crime they can just to make sure that our beliefs are wiped out." He took a deep breath. "That is why it is paramount… that we do not try to take justice into our own hands." He had to stop as loud complaints washed over him. "I have spoken with police, and they have assured me that they will find the ones responsible, and see them tried for their crime."

"And you actually believe them!?" One of their members, a large man, shouted angrily. "You just said that the government wants us gone! Why should we trust their stooges!?"

"Because there are plenty of officers who want to see justice served, and murderers stopped. I trust these people… and so should all of you. Despite our beliefs, we are still American citizens; and we have the same rights as everyone else. All we have to do is be reasonable, and don't do anything rash." He said this firmly, staring directly at the outcrier. The man glowered as he sat back down. "I know you're angry; I am too. But we need to be patient and rational. Justice will be served. Now, a moment of silence for our fallen brother." Everyone bowed their heads, praying. Joseph spoke up again once the minute was up. "Dearly departed brother, we wish you had more time with us. But take heart that you will still help others even in death, for your body will be donated to Our Lord. May your soul know peace, and your body help others achieve perfect health. Amen."

"Amen." Everyone chanted. And with that, the service was over. The four followers moved to carry the coffin, where it would be put onto a truck and transported to Brockton Bay. Everyone else headed for the doors, opening them wide and opening the church again.

Joseph stopped before Delilah Blacken. "Mrs Blacken, I am truly sorry for your loss." He said. "If you need someone to talk to, our therapists are available at all times."

Delilah sobbed once. "Do you… do you think… that he might still be alive… if he hadn't joined your church?" She asked.

Joseph paused, then sighed. "Truthfully; maybe. But then again, people will do anything. The fact that he made our pews may have been all the reason they needed to go after him." Inwardly, he cursed. He forgot to mention the pews. Gary had been proud of them; proud of his work. "They could've seen the fact that we helped him fight his addiction to be enough of a reason. We honestly don't know." Delilah sobbed some more, her eldest leading her gently outside. As he watched them go, Joseph spotted a familiar face. A grizzled face, dressed in threadbare clothes and a tattered leather jacket.

"Every time I see you in that bathrobe, I still can't believe you actually went through with this." He said, once Joseph got close enough. "You quit your life to be a weirdo."

"And a fine hello to you too Adam." Joseph said warmly. "It could always be worse. I could be a weirdo is a gold-trimmed bathrobe." They both chuckled softly. But then Adam looked over the solemn people walking past.

"Gary Blacken?" Adam asked.

"He was one of ours; we gave him his funeral rights, just like he wanted." He sighed. "How are you doing on your end?"

"We keep hitting brick walls. People are tight-lipped for the most part, and anyone willing to talk just keep saying how much they hate you guys. But you know me; I love busting down walls. We're getting there; one way or another."

"Thank you. I just wished you had more people helping you." Despite what he said, not a lot of people were jumping to help out.

"Too right. Strong arming people into doing their damn job was your specialty. I'm just good at bringing perps in." Their talk was interrupted by shouting. Angry shouting. And the sound of a scuffle. "And it sounds like my skills are going to be needed. Just hope your cultists don't kill the guy."

"So do I." Joseph replied, hurrying as fast as he could in his robes. They came across a scrum, worshippers piling on and beating up a lone man. Joseph shouted, pulling people off. Adam helped, being a bit rougher. But eventually, they managed to pull a scraggly tattooed man out of the pile. He was bloodied, badly. "What the hell is going on here?! What did I just say?!"

"This bastard was defacing the church!" The same man from before shouted, pointing at the wall. There was graffiti, showing a beheaded Zeus bleeding everywhere, along with the words 'your god is dead'. "He's probably one of the fuckers attacking us!"

"And you were planning on beating him to death? For graffiti? This is exactly the kind of stuff that we're being accused of!" Joseph said angrily. "We're just proving them right!"

"You fuckers are insane!" The man said through gritted teeth, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "Fucking traitors and freak lovers! You all deserve to get fucking killed off; just like that fucker I dealt with!"

Everyone paused at that. "What are you talking about?" Joseph asked quietly. The man stayed silent. "I said, what are you talking about?"

"Father Joseph asked you a question!" Someone shouted, punching the man in the stomach.

"Hey!" Adam shouted out. "Officer of the law here. No need for that." Everyone backed off as he approached the man. "That's my job. What the fuck are you talking about?" Adam kicked out, knocking the man over. The guy wheezed from the pain.

"You… can't do that… I… have rights." The man said slowly and painfully.

"You're surrounded by people who had been five seconds from beating the shit out of you. Nobody here cares about your rights. Now start talking. Where were you two nights ago, between the times of 12 o'clock and 4 o'clock?" The man just glared at him. "Right then. In that case, I'm placing you under arrest for suspicion of the murder of Gary Blacken. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law…"

"Freak fucker!" The man started shouting. "You're just like them! Fuckers who want to see us wiped out and turned into those fucking…" That's as far as he got before Adam punched him squarely in the jaw.

"…You have a right to an attorney, yadda, yadda, yadda." Adam finished. "Out of the way people. I need to get this guy into lockup before he starts shouting his mouth again." He handcuffed the man, hoisting him over his shoulder.

"What's going to happen to him?" Someone called out.

"He's going to spend some time with us, answering questions while we find some evidence against him. If we do, then he's going to face either a long time in jail, or the death penalty depending on the jury. And anyone who decides to kill him personally will face the same punishment, so don't try anything." He looked at Joseph. "Have to meet up later. Work first and all."

"Of course. My door is always open." Joseph replied. As Adam left, he spoke to his people. "You see? Justice is being served. We are not forgotten. Now, please remain calm and let justice run its course. Go to your families, and wish them a good day." People started calming down, pleased that justice was happening. Several of them volunteered to clean off the graffiti. As they started going about their ways, Joseph headed back in. Going for his personal chambers.

He entered his room to find the window forced open, several black crows flocking around his room. As he came in, they all stopped looking at his books, staring at him as one. A chill ran down his spine. The birds flew, flocking into a humanoid shape. Their feathers flowed, turning into armour.

And then Zeus himself was standing before him. Watching him.

"So." He said. "You're the one who started all this worshipping bullshit."


Joseph gulped. "My Lord. We… I was not expecting you. I would've tided the place up if I had…" Zeus lashed out with an arm, and suddenly he found his throat constricted by tendrils, lifting him off the ground.

This wasn't unexpected. He had seen the footage; read the reports. Zeus was temperamental. His interview made it clear he wasn't pleased to be worshipped. Honestly, Joseph counted himself lucky to be alive still. So he shut up. He didn't plead, he didn't try to explain. He just waited for whatever Zeus wanted to say.

The deity himself was looking around the room, face turning slowly as he took it all in. It wasn't much; just a few worn pieces of furniture, donated by worshippers. Some invoices and pamphlets on the desk. A clunky computer set up, and no TV. The only thing that was expensive was the bed and the wine cabinet.

"Hmph. Not what I was expecting." Zeus mused. "I figured that whoever started this cult was some money-grubbing asshole, bilking people out of all their cash and worldly possessions. Or a terrorist turning people into a private army." He looked back at Joseph, reeling him in. "But this… this might actually be worse. At least I get those bastards; they're assholes who need killing. But you…" He shook his head. "You honestly believe in me. You really think that I'm a god."

He hadn't been killed yet, so maybe he could explain himself. "Is it not natural for man to see something greater than themselves – something more perfect and yet resembling us – and not think it to be a god? People worship Scion as though he is God Himself. Why can't we believe that you – something that isn't made by parahumans – could be a god?"

"Because I'm not. I'm a monster wearing the skin of a human. I'd probably be more like the Devil." Zeus waved his free hand. "It doesn't matter whether I'm a god or a devil. What I care about is that you guys are going to end up spreading Blacklight around the world, 'gifting' people with infection, and then I'm going to get the blame for it. Find something else to worship. I'm not interested."

"But you can do so much good." Joseph exclaimed. "And I don't just mean you personally. I mean what Blacklight can do for the world." His life was probably over. But maybe he could convince Zeus that this didn't have to end badly. "You said that you were once human. That even when you first turned, you were greater than any human could ever be. You could survive so much. Think about what it could mean for us. Imagine what humanity could do if we had your strength."

"It would just mean that humanity would be dead. Homo Sapiens replaced by Homo Infected. I doubt most people would like that."

"Sometimes, survival means doing things, even if we don't like them." Zeus stared at him, before dropping him to the ground. Joseph massaged his throat, trying to get feeling back in it.

"What are you talking about? What survival?"

"We're dying out, My Lord. Between the villains, Slaughterhouse Nine, and the Endbringers, we are being killed off bit by bit. Millions, or even billions of people die each year. Entire islands and landmasses are wiped out. Drinkable water is disappearing. I had contacts in the PRT. They theorised that we'd all be dead within two decades. The entire human race on this world… gone in twenty years. That's barely even a generation to go."

"And you think that becoming Evolved could solve all those problems?" Even with the mask on, he could easily imagine Zeus arcing an eyebrow.

"At the very least, it would take a lot more to kill us. We could shrug off injuries that would be lethal. We could adapt ourselves to drink saltwater. And… well, do Infected actually age?"

"…Not that I'm aware of. Greene had been locked up for fifty years and hadn't changed a day. It was like Redlight preserved her at the moment she was infected."

Joseph smiled. "No more old age. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine the change that brings? Brilliant and great people will live forever."

"So will the bastards. Imagine if someone became the next Hitler. How do you kill him if he's effectively immortal?"

"He may be immortal, but he wouldn't be much better than anyone else. He could still be torn apart. Or you could take our gift away. Lock his mind away somewhere." Zeus tilted his head, and flexed his fingers. "And… and think about what could happen if we didn't make people Evolved. We could… we could use Blacklight as replacement limbs. To heal scars and burn marks. Heal paraplegics…"

"Things that Ragland and his team are already working towards." Zeus interrupted.

"Yes. But they said it might take years. If you were willing, we could be healing people right now. And think of this as a PR event."

Zeus paused. "You've got my attention again. How would this be a PR event?"

"People are afraid of you, because they see only the bad things you can do. But we could show people that you can do good things too. You can help them where hospitals and governments can't. And if people love and worship you, then they could protect your home. Make sure the government doesn't try to destroy it again." Zeus tilted his head some more, almost ninety degrees. It was like he was listening to something, or someone. Joseph waited with baited breath.

Zeus turned his head back, and sighed, pressing a hand to his face. "I can't believe I'm actually agreeing to this. Alright. Fine. You get to keep going. But with a few conditions."

"Anything, My Lord."

"First off, don't call me that to my face. Just… just Zeus. Or Lord Zeus if you can't drop the pretentious attitude. Secondly, we need… donations. I'm well aware that you've been handing bodies to me, but Athena says that we need more. Nothing too expensive; just things that we can't make ourselves. And thirdly, my word is law. If I don't directly say it, then it's bullshit. If you or anyone else try to justify anything by saying things like 'Zeus hates fags', or 'Zeus hates the blacks'… then I will fucking murder everyone involved. Men, women, and children. People start a radical splinter group, you are to deal with them immediately."

"Of course. I don't want those things either. I don't want us becoming corrupt like the Church. I just want to help mankind." Zeus stared at him again, before a large brick of his body fell off, landing on the floor. Zeus bent down to pick it up.

"Here." He said, handing it over. "Your first 'gift from God'. Feed it meat, and it will grow. It's commanded to heal and repair. Nothing else. It'll also die off in a month, no matter what you do. Show me that you can be trusted with it, and I'll send some more your way. Able to do more things."

"I… thank you, My… I mean, Lord Zeus." He hefted the brick in his hand. It felt heavier than it looked. "But what about people we heal? Will the Blacklight on them die off as well?"

"Yes. So I'd advise you to warn them before giving them an arm or a leg. And remember; we'll be watching." His body shifted, turning into a flock of crows and flapping en masse out the window.

Leaving Joseph holding the key to their salvation in his hand.


One month later, every piece of Blacklight they had stopped working. Shrivelled up and crumbled to nothing. Replacement limbs vanished overnight. But he did as instructed. He warned everyone about how limited it was. He made it clear that fanaticism and attacks would not be tolerated. He sent emails to the government informing them that any sect that launched attacks on the populace was not a part of them. People kept their noses clean, for the most part. And so it was that one day, they found a black parcel sitting outside their doors, along with a message. Zeus was pleased that they were on the level. The package was trained to do anything non-combat related, and would just need offerings of meat.

As soon as he had it inside, he had word sent out. Anyone healed before came back for a second time. Limbs were replaced and burns healed over. Parts of Blacklight were used to fill in the holes in the walls. And word got out. In barely two weeks, their numbers had almost doubled. People wanted to be helped; they wanted to be cured.

Joseph was snipping away at a few stray threads on his robes when he was startled by knocking. He looked up to see Adam waiting in his doorway.

Joseph chuckled. "I wasn't sure if you were going to come back after you arrested that man last month." He said, getting up and shaking Adam's hand. "Did you find out anything?"

"We found a guilty verdict. Guy didn't really deny it; he just kept ranting about how your lot are sick and twisted and needed to wiped out. His lawyer tried to get him put down as clinically insane, but the judge wasn't having any of it. Currently locked up; think they've got him on death row." Adam said.

"Fantastic." Joseph replied. "I didn't want to have to tell people that he was let off with a warning or worse." He waved a hand to the chairs, grabbing a bottle from his cabinet. "I'm actually surprised someone didn't try to get him off."

"Oh, there are a few who might've if the guy had done something smaller. But he murdered someone, and did it in a real sick way. Nobody in the force wanted to get a rap for trying to help him." He fixed Joseph with a stare. "But trust me, the next guy might be a bit luckier. Higher ups are leaning on us to find something to bring you in for."

"Well, good thing I've been on the straight and narrow." Joseph replied, sipping from his drink. "They can't even hit me with breaking the Embargo, since nobody's paying lip service to it anymore."

"Just don't be surprised if they come up with some trumped up charges. They're getting desperate." He looked around the room, taking in everything. "This place is shit. Don't know why the church wants this back so badly."

"They don't want competition, that's all. But there's not much they can do; I brought this place from them through legal channels, and I'm not willing to sell until we can get someplace bigger and better."

"Yeah, but I honestly expected something better. At least in your 'private quarters'. Where's the gold ornaments? The Picassos? The strippers? Your robe looks like you just grabbed it off the floor, for God's sake."

"Funny. Lord Zeus thought the same thing when I first talked to him. People may be surprised to hear this, but I'm not playing a con here. I actually want to do some good.

"By worshipping a goddamn mass-murdering monster?" Adam asked incredulously. "The guy's killed hundreds of people just on our world alone, and you're putting him on a pedestal?"

"It's Blacklight I'm putting on a pedestal. Zeus is just the source, and an example of the kind of strength we could achieve. We've already helped so many people, and we can help so many more."

"Doesn't change a thing." Adam was getting angry. "You saw what he did. How many officers did he kill because he felt slighted? Do you even know how many people had to be moved about because there aren't enough capes to deal with the villains anymore? And you had to fall off the wagon and start up a cult worshipping the psycho." He shook his head. "We lost friends because of him."

Joseph put the glass down, the rest of his drink untouched. "I know. Half the casualties that day were good people who got caught up in shit. Regular men and women forced to tangle with zombies and truck-tearing monsters. I haven't forgotten that. But he caught everyone by surprise because he never did that before. He never launched an assault like that on us before. And the only reason he even went for the kill was because we went too far."

Adam looked away. "Yeah… well you can't lay the whole thing at Alexandria's feet."

"True. There were also the idiots that authorised the bomb. Hundreds of people nearly killed, just to deal with one man." Joseph took a deep gulp of his drink. "We didn't join law enforcement to kill the people we're supposed to protect."

"Maybe. If he was Slaughterhouse Nine, I'd have pushed the button in a heartbeat."

"…Well, what's done is done. I'm not ashamed of what I did."

"Mhmm." Adam nodded, nursing his drink. "You know, they say that active crime has dropped to practically nothing in Brockton Bay. Guy may be a cold, unfeeling, murderous monster, but he's definitely getting results."

Joseph grinned. "You can hate the man, but you can't hate what he's done."

"Guess not."

Joseph stood up. "We've got a ceremony ready to go in ten minutes. You could stay and see what exactly we're doing in here. As a favour to me. Things aren't as bad as people say."

"…" Adam groaned as he got up. "You'll owe me a beer after this."

"I'll owe you three." He clapped Adam on the shoulder. "Come on. I need to get ready."


"Brothers and sisters." Reverend Joseph said, his voice reaching everywhere. "We are here to offer healing once again. To relieve lingering wounds, scarring of the past, and marks of abuse and suffering." Beside him were three people; two men, and a woman. The men were obviously injured; one man walked without an arm, while the other was blind in one eye, a large burn mark covering one side of his face. But the woman appeared unmarked. "May the blessed please approach." The three of them turned, walking in a line towards him. Stopping before a large basin, filled with black-and-red liquid.

"Brother Patrick Gaunt. Lost his arm during a construction accident, when the winch holding up girders failed, dropping one right down on his arm and sheering it off. His employers refused to be held accountable, and attempted to pin the blame on his negligence. Step forward, and lean over the basin." Patrick did so, his body still and solid. Joseph pulled out a black stick from his robe, a large dome on the top. "Blacklight, bless this man with a new arm, as perfect as the day he was born." He said to the tool, dipping the head into the liquid. It immediately started shifting, reaching up for Patrick. The tendrils snaked towards his stump, wrapping around it like fingers. And then it started spreading, growing bigger and bigger, wrapping around more of his body. The black liquid turned pink, bulging with muscles and sinew. Patrick winced a bit as they connected to his nerves, the ends of the limb twitching and writhing. But in seconds, his arm went slack. He stepped away from the basin, pressing a hand to his shoulder.

And his new arm started rotating.

He bent it at the elbow and wiggled the fingers, marvelling at his new limb. It resembled his other arm, but without the scars, tanning, and calluses gained from use. He smiled, looking ready to cry.

"Thank you, Father Joseph." He said, bowing. "And bless Lord Zeus for this fine gift." He walked away, standing further away.

"Damian Sharpe." Joseph called out. "Got into an argument with his neighbour after he caught his neighbour tossing grass clipping over his side of the fence. The arguing escalated until they ended up fighting. That night, the neighbour snuck up on him, tossing petrol at his face before pressing a lighter against his skin, igniting the petrol. The man was charged for aggravated assault, but that didn't heal the burns he suffered. Step forward, and lean over the basin." Sharpe got closer, his body shaking as he leaned over the liquid. It wasn't acting like regular liquid anymore; it kept moving, and reaching out. "Blacklight, hide the scars this man has suffered, healing them until they are no more." Again, he dipped the head of his tool into the liquid; again, it reached upwards towards the sky. Sharpe closed his eyes, whole body trembling. Blacklight caressed his face, covering it like cream. Some of it forced itself under his eyelid. The Blacklight turned a normal shade, and then it was done. "Open your eyes, Sharpe, and see once again." The man slowly opened both eyes, revealing two brilliant blue eyes. He blinked quickly, turning around on the spot. A look of shock covered his face. Two attendants stepped out, carrying a mirror. Sharpe looked amazed as he stared at the mirror, hand brushing his cheek. "The Blacklight shall cover your scar, removing the dead flesh and help your body replenish your skin.

"I…I…" Sharpe stuttered. "Th-Thank you, Father Joseph." He gave a bow, and then joined Patrick.

"And now, our last patient for the day. Amy Whitley. A poor woman who thought she had found the one, only to realise what kind of man he truly was. Step forward, and reveal your wounds so that we may heal them." Amy stepped forward, and then turned around to lift the back of her shirt. Members of the audience gasped; her back was absolutely covered by scarring. Whoever did this had done it many times, and hadn't been gentle. "Blessed Blacklight, we have scars in need of healing. Let us carry you, so that you may mend her wounds." After dipping the tool in, Joseph shoved both hands in, pulling them back out. Blacklight clung to them like paste, solidifying at the ends. He pressed one hand against her back, and the Blacklight flowed from his hands over her back. She shuddered as it moved, as it covered every inch of her back. "Now, we merely have to wait." Joseph said, stepping back.

The room was silent for several minutes as Blacklight worked. Amy grimaced over time, before the tension seemed to leave her. The Blacklight turned white; Joseph stepped in again, pressing a hand to her back. Blacklight flowed over his hand and up his arm. He dropped it into the basin, pulling his arm free.

Everyone else was busy admiring Amy's back. Not a single mark remained. It was smooth and unblemished once again.

"We may not be able to do much for the mental scarring of your ordeals. But we can at least heal your bodies of their wounds." Joseph said to the three of them. All three members were smiling now, happy with their gifts. He turned towards the crowd. "Soon, such things will be a thing of the past. Once we have proven ourselves worthy to Lord Zeus, proven that He can trust us with His gifts, then we shall be evolved into the pinnacle of Man's strengths… and beyond." The crowd cheered and clapped, as the basin was taken away. "Now, I believe that there are food and refreshments waiting for us. It would be a crime to let them go to waste." The far doors opened, and everyone streamed out to eat and drink. Adam, waiting at the back, moved through the crowd towards Joseph.

The man himself was being thanked by his guests, especially Amy. She was practically in tears with joy. The three of them left, waving back to Joseph with glee. He turned, and saw Adam approaching.

"Alright. Maybe you do have something good going on here." Adam admitted, knowing that Joseph would never let him forget this moment. "I still think you're completely insane, but at least you're a harmless kind of insane."

"There are worse things to be called." Joseph replied, chuckling.

"Now, I'm starving. Let's see if the perks are worth being stuck as your friend." Adam said, clapping him on the shoulder and leading him outside.


And another chapter done. Right now, I'm on holiday at Mahia (a little holiday and fishing town) with only my data for internet, and I'm certain the lack of things to do means that I get more writing done down here. At least I know a good place to go if I really need to get some serious writing done.

Joking aside, there may be a few things I didn't quite get across in this chapter (or at least, that's how I feel). Joseph was a former police officer who joined to do good and take down the bad guys. Adam was his mentor on the force, and is your standard cowboy cop. He's rude and likes to let his fists do the talking, but he wants to help people. After Brockton Bay, Joseph quit and came to see Blacklight as the answer to the world's problems. Hence, why he practically started a church by himself. As for how he knows that the human race is being wiped out, well I'd imagine that lots of scientists outside the PRT are noticing that trend too.

And for those wondering, yes; this is probably going to blow up at some point. You get enough branches and enough people, and one day some of them are going to come up with their version of their doctrine and go full-on terrorist. The good news is that Alex is going to keep an eye out for that, and their life expectancy could be measured in minutes and hours. And he's not going to eat them unless he has to; he's going to pretty much splatter them across as many walls as he can find. But of course, it would be just like us to throw that in when things are already going crazy.

See you in the next chapter. Going to rest up now for a short while.