Revival 5

Aaron took his time examining the cathedral exterior, its grounds, and the men standing guard at the entrance. He recognized several of them from their encounter earlier in the day. They were members of the Deacons, enforcers for this strange religion. He was unimpressed with the lack of training they exhibited during their first encounter. These clowns were just a group of neighborhood bullies, acting as though they controlled the world. If they didn’t have guns, Aaron was confident he could easily take them out.

Remaining undetected, Aaron observed the congregation as they solemnly filed into their house of worship. What stood out about the worshipers was their attire. Every man wore a black hooded robe, and every woman was dressed in a white full-length gown, complete with a veil. The men’s outfit worked to his advantage. Aaron located a lone parishioner walking sentry duty behind the church, ambushed him, and relieved him of his robe. Now, fully cloaked, he joined the rear of the procession. Aaron’s mission was to find Jane and see who these Disciples were.

The cathedral was built to hold at least five hundred people, but Aaron estimated approximately two hundred were in attendance. He drifted toward the back of the nave and took a seat in an empty pew. Minutes later, the head deacon entered the vestibule and announced that the service was beginning. The congregation immediately stopped all conversations and focused their attention on the altar.

Four men entered the sanctuary from behind a red curtain, positioning themselves two on either side of the altar, and stood silently. They scanned the congregation, making sure all eyes were on them. The Disciple, dressed in a black suit similar to a Protestant minister, stepped forward and addressed the faithful.

“Brothers and Sisters, we gather in this sacred place to give thanks to our savior, Satan, for sparing us from the wrath of the evil deity, God.”

In perfect unison, the congregants chanted, “We thank you, O mighty Satan, our savior.”

A second Disciple from the opposite side of the altar, dressed as a Rabbi in a white robe signifying a special occasion, a yarmulke or head covering, and a Tallit or prayer shawl draped over his shoulders stepped forward and spread his arms, pointing them down to the ground.

“Our beloved Satan, rescuer of us all, this Kahal Kodesh, this Holy Assembly, proclaims our undying loyalty.”

Once again, everyone chants, “We thank you, O mighty Satan, and offer you our loyalty.”

The echoes from the chant fade into nothing as the third Disciple steps forward. Wearing a turban, a long coat open in the front, and sporting a long full beard, he is unmistakably a Muslim Mullah.

“Believers, we gather five times a day in salat to offer Him our mighty Lord Satan all that is ours in thanks.”

The congregation responds, “We thank you, O mighty Satan! All that we have, we offer to you in gratitude.”

The last Disciple steps forward, positioning himself in front of the other three. Wearing a black cassock with purple buttons and a purple sash around his waist, he is unmistakably a Catholic Bishop and the leader of the group of four.

“My dearly beloved, I wish to give thanks to the one who has made all of this possible, Satan, our savior.”

“We thank you, O mighty Satan!”

“Brethren, I’m afraid we have some disappointing news for you tonight. The great offering to our Lord that was scheduled to happen right here on this altar must be postponed. She is not worthy of this great honor at present. My fellow Disciples and I will continue to enlighten her and show her the true path. Until she is ready, we pray our Lord will accept this gift in her place.”

The head Deacon escorted Jane, holding a newborn child. It was obvious by her actions that she was high on something. She placed the sleeping child on the altar and walked away. The congregation chanted, “Sacrifice, Sacrifice, Sacrifice,” and the four Disciples dismembered the child. After the barbaric ritual was complete, the bishop turned to the congregation and proclaimed, “This service has ended. Go in peace and remember to take your weekly supply of product with you.

It was all Aaron could do not to cry out in anger and begin killing everyone there. Instead, he vowed to rescue Jane and make every last one of them pay.

As the congregants exited the cathedral, the four Disciples walked back behind the curtain and began congratulating each other.

“Another great magic show, my friends. We are truly the greatest magicians in the world.