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Posted by NPC on Oct 28, 2021 23:49:18 GMT -6
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Aug 27, 2024 8:58:25 GMT -6
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A time slot originally used to host a small local access televangelist program has been gaining traction as rumors spread of the new program sweeping evangelical sects in New York. Today's program begins with an opening prayer by an Acolyte of The Church of the Everlasting Eye of God. The camera pans over an impressive crowd with their heads bowed in prayer. After months of weekly programs, each Sunday the crowd filled every available seat. When the introductory segments were finished, the Acolyte perked up. "It is time for God's weekly blessing for his most devout followers, and for that, we are graced by the woman who has brought us together as God's true flock. Everyone, offer your praise to God and welcome our Mother of Miracles, Agatha Payne." The crowd got to their feet to erupt into applause as an older blonde woman in robes and a dusty rose cloak stepped from the wings out onto the stage. Her smile was kind and as she raised her hand and waved it over the crowd, her followers bowed their heads to receive her blessing unprompted. She found her pulpit at front center stage and raised her hand once more. This time, everyone knew to stop clapping and praising, hanging on the silence for words from their leader. "My children, thank you for joining me today and offering your praise to the Lord, for I am merely a vessel for the blessings he bestows unto his flock. We live in troubling times, but He has seen us through greater perils and His people have been stronger for it. He gives us no challenge without also giving us the means of overcoming those challenges in His name. Indeed, that is why I have been graced with the blessings He has bestowed upon me; to remind you of His great generosity and to grant His boons to the truest believers."A second spotlight hit the stage and a large man with blonde hair tied back into a ponytail stepped onto the stage. Steps away from Agatha, the man got to one knee and bowed his head. His rope was an unassuming white cotton, but he wore a breastplate and pauldrons to distinguish him from the other Initiate-level Acolytes. The metal was a dull grey, making him look modest like a squire from a poor family. "Malachi knows what it is to be a true believer. He overcame great adversity to pledge himself to the truth of the Lord's Light. You see, Malachi was born with... a curse. The curse." Hushed whispers passed through the crowd; it was the curse Mother Agatha mentioned in many of her sermons, and while she never named it, they all understood. "He would create searing white fire, and while he used it in service of God, hoping to purpose the power as God's righteous fire, he accepted the truth: his fire was a curse from the Devil, and nothing good comes from his darkness," she reminded the crowd solemnly. "Still, Malachi was devout. He was repentant. He did not want to live cursed as a tool for the Devil, and that is how he came to us. He knows God loves the sinner who repents, and I am here as his emissary to show his kindness and forgiveness. And so, Malachi shall be reborn in His Light."Agatha held her hands over Malachi's bowed head. Her thumbs met together, with her pinkies perpendicular to create right angles with her hands. Her three middle fingers stayed bundled together, with the tips of her index fingers meeting, creating a triangle in tandem with her thumbs. The spoken component of her "prayer" was symbolic, except for the final words in Latin. "Remake this poor, unfortunate soul in your image. Reward him for his service in your army. Reforge him as a true weapon of your righteousness. Resplende Deo Armis."The unpolished armor responded to Agatha's final words, brightening into a shining, immaculate gold. Even Malachi's robes heightened to a pure white that could strain an onlooker's sight. "Rise reborn under the sight of The Eye of God, Paladin."Malachi stood, beaming in the literal and figurative sense of the word. He had been turned into a Mystic at a Well days before this event, but he still stood proud as proof to the world that zeal and righteousness, even in cursed mutants, could be rewarded. "And remember, my children, that there is no soul beyond saving if they are willing to devote themselves wholly to our Church and God's love. There may be dangers evolving in this world of man and monsters. You may feel powerless. But there is power in God. We can help you find it."
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Oct 28, 2021 23:52:27 GMT -6
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