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After getting married, John Elio becomes a deacon, but neither role has changed his core vocation as a hero. He also feels called to join a hero association affiliated with the Church, but after doing so, he finds his reputation and the politics within the organization start to affect him and make him second-guess how he's supposed to fulfill his calling as a hero.

Deacon of Mercy: Chapter 4 – For God and Country

Chapter 4 – For God and Country

Going to the place where the “formal” battle is, I find that it’s similar to the area where the competition happened. It’s another artificially made city with walls around it, made to be destroyed and have fights in. Our sponsors are in small protected buildings that have bars and TVs in them where they relax, bet on, and watch our battle from a safe distance and place. The groups present here represent all different kinds of religions and ideologies, some of which value political leanings over religion and vice versa. There are even other Catholic associations here from different ends of the spectrum, such as hardline traditionalists, liberals, and trendy conservatives. I had a feeling they’d be there, but at least the hero association I used to work for isn’t here, probably because they’re too in the middle of the road for this ideologically driven fight.

Fighting fellow Catholics doesn’t sit right with me, even if I have major disagreements with their beliefs and would be hesitant to call them true believers. Some put worldly fame and morals above God, others put tradition above the Church, and a few are just Catholic because the world is leaning in that direction. It’s safe to say that I’m targeting them first because false friends are worse than true enemies. Still, I feel that I’m wasting my time by being here, so I’m hoping to get this done as quickly as possible. The rules of the competition are simple, and you’ll be kicked out or arrested for the obvious things, such as trying to kill your opponents and receiving help from those who were counted in participating in the fight.

All associations are given a moment to make battle plans and say their prayers before the fight begins, and during this time, a plan, in contrast to my team’s, is formed in my head as if through divine inspiration. It’s a scary plan, but one that I feel weirdly comfortable in, so I place my trust in God to push me to fulfill it, if it be his will. For now, I keep it a secret and focus on the fight. I lead our group into the fight and make sure to protect them as if our lives were on the line. To no one’s surprise, the enemy throws everything they have at us, including some not-so-legal weapons that blow apart blocks in a single shot like a mini nuke and attack us with such ferocity that they might as well be trying to kill us.

Thanks to my body’s natural resistance and the enhancements given to me by the agency, Seventy-Three, I’m able to overcome the damage done to me and beat down the foes that come after me. Given the blessing of strength and durability and the experience that I have fighting heroes and villains alike, it was obvious that my group would win without much difficulty, and we do, even after a few of the groups try coming back and trying to kill us. Even that was expected, but the most difficult part for me comes up now as I’m given a mic to say a few words, given that I’m the most famous hero in the group and did most of the work.

Looking around at everyone, friend and foe, I take a breath in and out slowly, and then say, “The fight isn’t over yet.”

Everyone looks confused at me.

The announcer and referee of the event ask, “What do you mean the other associations besides yours are down. Your association is the victor.”

“It’s not mine. Not anymore. Today, I’m announcing that I’m part of my own hero association, one that my friend, Timeo Severe, is helping to co-found. It’s called the Dominion of Mercy and Justice, and today, we show that we will dominate and establish true order in this great country of ours. Like I said, the fight isn’t over, and everyone who wants to fight me can step up.”

Now, everyone around me looks concerned, especially my own teammates. The announcer says that I can’t just establish a new hero association on my own like this at the end of the match, but we soon get a call from Giovanni Coronamento, one of this battle’s sponsors.

Over the loudspeakers, he says, “This association, the Dominion, that John Elio is spearheading, is effectively activated now thanks to my company’s backing. The fight is still on, ladies and gentlemen.”

I didn’t expect him to back me, but Giovanni Coronamento is known for his outlandish, alegal stunts to get what he wants, and he must be very interested in me if he’s my first backer. Timeo has said that he has Giovanni’s support, so that must be what this is. Knowing what defeat entails, but also knowing of my strength, my former allies are hesitant to attack me until some of the members of the losing associations get up and convince them to fight with them.

“If he can break the rules, so can we. Like he said, the fight isn’t over until the last association is standing. When he’s down, we can fight among ourselves, but for now, we have a better chance of winning if we fight together. Deal?” one of the heroes says.

They agree, and every hero who can fight all comes at me. They put up a better fight together than they did in the first round, but their powers combined aren’t a match for me, especially since they don’t work together well, and they are all defeated within minutes. When presented with the prize by the announcer, I deny it.

I say, “Keep your prize. I don’t care for the cash or even preventing others from following their beliefs. I only wanted to humble every hero association here, announce the new one that I’m co-founding, and glorify God. That’s it.”

Without another word, I head out. By the exit, Giovanni Coronamento stops me, and his superhuman guards stop other people from approaching us. He’s dressed much like Timeo, being in a fancy, expensive suit that’s colored dark purple with a crimson dress shirt and pants, and a dark green tie.

“That was quite a display, John. I like how you changed up the event on the fly with no warning, and we’re merciful to your enemies. It was a real show of the love of our faith,” Giovanni says.

“Thanks, and I’m thankful for your support, but don’t think that I’ll do what you ask unless I approve of it when Timeo and I’s association is created,” I say.

“I know. I think you’ll find that we’ll agree more than disagree. I like the way you do things, even though you aren’t subtle in the slightest, like I am. Your powers and skillset are simple, and the way you live the faith is even simpler. In today’s world of underhanded dealings and secrets, we need more men like you who wear their beliefs on their sleeves, do what they set out to do without compromise, and are honest through and through.”

“There’s no better way to live than honestly. I may be simple, but I’m not stupid, so if you try to tell me to act like you in an alegal way, I’ll see through it, and we’ll have a problem.”

“I wouldn’t want to work with you if you were stupid or could see my flaws and make up for it. I’m just as honest with you in my dealings as you think. Anyway, I’ll talk to Timeo and you later to further build up the Dominion. Oh, and I love the name that you came up with. It really says on the face of it, our shared goals.”

I nod my head and go home, where my family congratulates me on my victory as I crash on the couch, more mentally exhausted than physically. Deborah cuddles me on the couch, while Idelle sits by us, our parents make dinner, and my son rests in my arms.

Deborah kisses me and says, “I’m proud of you, John. I didn’t know you had it in you to kick off an association by yourself.”

“I didn’t know either. It was all God’s doing, as usual,” I admit.

“Well, at least you won’t be so concerned about what you’re doing as a hero and won’t have anyone telling you what to do anymore.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry that I’ve been letting this whole business get to me. I feel that I’ve been so caught up in that I’ve been ignoring my family.”

“No, you were just caught up in the drama of it all. I would’ve done worse if they had their sights set on me.”

Over the course of the next three weeks, I take a break and attend to my duties as a deacon in Poca Bellezza because I feel a calling to and haven’t been acting like much of a true deacon. The Church didn’t mind me not presiding over many masses since they preferred me being out there as a hero for them, and are only slightly upset that I quit one of their associations since I reassured them that the Dominion will be allied with the Church. As for the association I previously worked with, they send me calls and emails about collaborating, which I agree to only when our interests align. I then tell them to stop bothering me while I’m on my break, and I haven’t heard from them since. As a deacon, I’ve been helping out at masses, baptizing, and overseeing marriages. It seems like more people are showing up at my parish since word has probably gotten around that I’m serving here and want me to be a part of their marriage, child’s baptism, and want to see me after mass.

Timeo visits me at my parish by himself during the week, and we talk about what happened and the Dominion. To my surprise, he doesn’t mind that I publicly announced it and named myself without his approval. It also doesn’t surprise him that Giovanni Coronamento got involved and said what he said.

“He can be a trickster, but he’s an honest one,” Timeo says. “I do also like the name, and that you gave me credit as the co-founder.”

“Even though the idea came to me in prayer, it all happened in the spur of the moment and through my simple mind, so it wasn’t executed that well,” I say.

“Eh. You got the essentials out of the way, so I think you did well. We still have a long way to go to establish the Dominion. Don’t fret over the small details. We’ll have much more work and bigger problems to deal with in the future, like rival hero associations and villains who will plot our destruction.”

“You talk about it like it’ll be a problem for us.”

“Haha, you’re right. Together, no one stands a chance against us, but for our purposes for changing the world and country, we’ll need more than our powers to accomplish it.”

“If God wills it, I’m sure we’ll attain our goals and accomplish His tasks for us.”

“That’s true, and there’s no one else I’d rather have at my side than you, John. Are you ready to do this?”

Timeo holds out his hand, and I take it.

“You know I am.”

“Then let our enemies tremble in fear at our arrival as the darkness of God descends on them.”

“And the light of His new day dawns on the world.”

 

The End

Deacon of Mercy: Chapter 3 – Unwanted Conflict

Chapter 3 – Unwanted Conflict

Since I’m so excited to get back to work today, I get up before my alarm rings and head downstairs to make breakfast for everyone. I finish my breakfast faster than they do, frantically pace around as I wait for them, and say our family rosary faster than I usually do. Then, I head out to the hero association office for my assignment and go to my assigned location before Idelle and Deborah can catch up to me. While on the job, I accept requests as soon as they appear and finish them just as quickly. Today, I’m assigned to Solis, where people know me and are thankful that I’m back. Nothing major happened while I was gone, but the heroes that took my place weren’t as effective or nice as I was.

“I’m glad to be back as well, more than you know,” I say with a big smile.

That uneasy itch in my arms is finally gone, and I feel satisfied as if my soul hungered to work like a normal hero again. I’m about to answer and go to another request, but I am stopped by a group of heroes and vigilantes who surround me. I recognize the symbols on their outfits as ones from the other hero associations I faced in the competition.

“Hello, friends. Is there something I can help you with?” I say, while still being jittery to fulfill requests.

“How’s the fame and fortune you’ve earned treating you? I’m surprised you’re back on the job after winning so much,” one of the heroes says.

“I don’t care for the fame. As for the fortune, I just give more in my Sunday offerings, more to charity, and plan to buy more for others. Also, my vocation is being a hero, and since I’m not tired at all from the competition, I’m back at work, where I belong.”

“You’re always being a saint, aren’t you? Why don’t you let others have a chance to do your job? Give yourself a well-deserved break for once.”

Seeing what these people are trying to do, I say, “Then go out and do it and stop preventing me from doing my God-given job.”

“We can’t because you keep taking all the glory.”

“Accept work in other places and don’t be so focused on glory. This job is about helping and protecting people. Glory and riches are a secondary component to it.”

“That may be the way it is for you, but the rest of us can’t live like that and don’t see it the way you do. You’ve embarrassed us, and people don’t take us as seriously because of you.”

“Then maybe this is a wake-up call from God to change your mindset. I’ll pray for you that it happens. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

I try to get to the next requests, especially since they’re starting to build up, but I’m stopped again by the same people.

“Don’t you want to let others have a chance to fulfill dreams and goals of their own?” one of them asks.

“Not at the cost of doing what I know to be right, now, get out of my way,” I say.

The group keeps stopping me from moving, and more show up to get in my way. I try to tell them to stop because people need help and lives are in danger, but they don’t listen. They start to get on my nerves so much that I start pushing my way past them to get to where I need to go. Once I reach the location of one of the requests, I find that it’s already been completed. That’s relieving to see, but when I go to another location, I find injured and dead people on the street. Now, more than before, I feel anxious not just to fulfill the requests, but for justice. I’m about to fight the group that’s been growing to stop me, but I instead rush to request to request to fulfill them so that no one else is hurt or killed. Still, even in the midst of fighting villains and criminals, the group tries to stop me so they or other law enforcers can fulfill the request themselves.

“Stop it! People’s lives are at stake!” I say.

“You should stop. We can handle this without you,” one of them says.

“We can protect people better if we work together instead of getting in each other’s way!”

“You’re the one who is a detriment to the people you protect and other people’s livelihoods.”

During our quarreling, damage to people’s homes and businesses is done, and people are hurt and killed. Stopped in my tracks because of the tragedy of it all, I struggle to control my anger until I pray, and only find myself getting angrier. If God won’t satiate my anger and seems to be further inflaming it, then that can only mean one thing. Before the group that’s been stopping me can say anything else, I grab one of them by the face and slam them into the floor. They then start dog piling me and try to restrain me. This was probably part of their plan, but I don’t care.

One of them says, “You’ll lose your status with your association now. I hope it was worth it.”

I punch the one who was talking in the face so hard that I send them flying into the sky.

“You think I care about that?! I only care about fulfilling God’s will for me. This isn’t the first time I’ve fought against selfish heroes like you, and I don’t care if it’s not the last,” I say.

The others start talking about their own beliefs and sense of right and wrong, none of which I care about. They discuss how our country, the Columbian Union, is a place where multiple beliefs coexist, and that the one with the greatest influence and numbers prevails.

Countering this, I say, “I care for real truth, God’s truth. Not your definition of it or what your false gods believe in. The Columbian Union is indeed a place of freedom where all beliefs should be able to live in peace, but that doesn’t mean that falsehoods should be allowed to exist or overtake the real truth. It only means that we shouldn’t violently suppress one another like you are doing, without a just cause.”

“We believe we’re doing so with a just cause, and we’ll make sure it’s written into law,” another of the selfish heroes says.

Idelle and Deborah arrive and help me fight off the selfish heroes, telling me how they expected this to happen. The secretive agency we’re allies with, Seventy-Three, informed them about the plans of multiple allied groups who wanted to ruin my reputation or make me take a break from being a hero, and that Idelle and Deborah have only just arrived because members of these groups have been slowing them down. The fact that they’ve gone after my family makes me even angrier and drives me to defeat our enemies faster and more brutally, smashing them into the ground, embedding them into walls, and sending them flying through the air. By the time everyone who got in my way is either down or out of the area, I see I’m surrounded by law enforcement officers, heroes, and vigilantes. They tell me I’ve broken the law by attacking members of another group.

Approaching them, I say, “They were getting in the way of me saving lives, and people got hurt and died because of them. I fought them because their stupid games cost people their livelihoods and lives.”

“You should’ve just let others handle it instead of starting a fight with your fellow heroes. Now, we’ll have to-”

“Have to what?” I say as I get in their faces, scaring some of them back. “I’m no stranger to being against the law if it stops me from doing what’s right. These people tried to manipulate the law to suit their ends and ensure my downfall, but I won’t stand for it, and if you want to take me on, you’re more than welcome to try. Otherwise, if you have any sense of honor or morality, then you should get out of my way, and if you try to go after my wife and sister for helping me, then you’ll get triple the punishment from me. I have no patience or mercy for cheaters and people who refuse to do the right thing.”

Seeing my resolve and knowing my history scares away the law enforcers and makes others back off. I go back to the offices of my hero association fully expecting to get fired, but they don’t, despite being required by law to do so.

“Because of the influence you gained for us, we’re able to spin the story in the media that you were set up by people who wanted to manipulate the law to suit themselves and we have enough lawyers and influencers in the government to help you keep your job, and not have to be a freelance hero like you did before,” one of my superiors, a priest, says.

“I see. That’s relieving to hear,” I say.

“Situations such as the one you were in are why we constantly ask you to build our influence. Without it, we can’t defend ourselves against others who want to use the law against us. It’s the duty of us Catholics to fix the laws of the world so that they match the ones in Heaven, the ones that the Church teaches us and holds us accountable to follow.”

“Are you saying that you’re trying to make the beliefs of others illegal?”

“I doubt we can completely do that even within three generations, but we’re doing what we can. It’s what the other hero associations and allies are doing. Ideologies changing the laws and beliefs of others in the places they live is something that’s been happening since the start of civilization. Why shouldn’t we do the same?”

“We’re heroes. Our purpose is to help and protect, not engage in politics and influence other than indirectly by the example we set.”

“Indirect or direct, you influence the lawmakers of the land. Back in the day, I used to be one of the people who made the new weapons and armor that the police are currently using. I helped make our law enforcement into modern knights, thinking that I did my part in God’s plan, but I was accomplishing nothing.”

“You helped our officers have better protection to deal with modern superhuman threats. It wasn’t for nothing!”

“You know what? You’re right. It was for less than nothing since the same officers wearing the weapons and armor I made suppressed fellow Catholics who had the law turned on them, like in your situation, and because of the rise of similar recent events and tensions between us and other hero associations, our sponsors have arranged a formal battle between us all.”

“A formal battle?”

“Think of it like the competition you were just in, but with higher stakes. The winner gets to continue operating like usual, but the losers won’t be able to accept as many requests, not attend events, and have to pay tribute to the winner for half a year.”

“Won’t that mean fewer heroes are operating where they’re needed?”

“We can pick up their slack thanks to you and the new recruits we’ve gotten thanks to you. The results should be good for us, don’t you think? We can outlaw what happened to you to start with and further turn the Columbian Union into a Catholic nation.”

“Are you sure this is necessary to take so many heroes off duty for this scuffle? The nation and world are leaning more towards tradition than godless liberalism.”

“Just because it’s leaning that way doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way. This trend might just be a flash in the pan, a fleeting phenomenon that rises as quickly as it falls. We need to maintain the momentum so that the changes become lasting and more people are brought to God and the Church. A fire needs to be kindled so that it doesn’t go out.”

Despite agreeing with my superior, this still doesn’t feel right. The competition feels like a glorified way to make sure the other associations are suppressed. I wonder if the previous hero association I used to work with will be there. I miss being there. My life was so much simpler. All I did was help and protect people day in and day out, and now, I’m working to influence the country to become more Catholic more directly. If this is why God wanted me to join this association, then I suppose I have no choice but to accept it and hope that I’m still doing the right thing, and continue to do so. If not, I hope that I get put on the correct path soon.

When I talk to Idelle and Deborah about it outside of the office, they ask me what I expected, and that these are how things are with ideologically driven hero associations. They’re right, but it feels like I’ve been taken by surprise despite expecting it. For now, all I can do is go along with it, and again, pray that God is leading me on the right path.

Deacon of Mercy: Chapter 2 – Busywork for a Celebrity Hero

Chapter 2 – Busywork for a Celebrity Hero

A week and a half has passed, and it feels like a month has gone by instead. I’ve gotten in trouble for ignoring orders by not immediately doing requests that they tell me, helping people on a moment’s notice when a request doesn’t get put in, refusing rewards and attention, and letting some heroes take the credit for requests I’m meant to steal from them. Today, I’ve been called into the office for doing so.

“John, you’re a man unquestionably faithful to God and His Church, correct?” my superior says, who is a priest.

“Yes, I am,” I plainly say.

“Then why do you constantly act on your own against our orders? Is there something wrong with them?”

“I merely want to finish helping the people I was already helping before fulfilling your orders. You know I can do it.”

“You know that there are plenty of heroes and vigilantes out there who can finish your requests. We need you to be out there representing us in certain areas to increase our influence, and we don’t just do it to become rich and famous. Everything given to us is used in the service of bringing more people to God and helping others.”

“That’s exactly what I do.”

“You do it in your way. If you want to do it that way, then you shouldn’t have joined us, but you want to be a faithful servant of the Church, so you must follow our orders.”

“I observe everything that you do, but do not do everything that you say.”

“You’re quoting Scripture to me?”

“Yes. Don’t forget the day that I went on a rampage and decimated the enemies of God, going against the law, and having every law enforcement hero, vigilante, and officer after me. I’ll do what you want me to do, but when I feel that God is calling me to do something else, I’ll follow my instincts.”

“Are you saying that you know God’s will better than us?”

“I said what I said.”

I leave the office and head down to where Deborah and Idelle are waiting for me.

“Did they fire you?” Deborah says in a tone suggesting she hopes they did.

“Nope. Not yet, at least,” I say.

Both Deborah and Idelle seem disappointed. Idelle has faced some discrimination from more traditional Catholic hero groups because of her usual outfit, which is golden armor and a crimson bodysuit. Due to experiments done on her, she can't wear anything else in battle except this outfit made for her by the two snakes on her back, one a white snake urging her to virtue, and the other a black snake tempting her to sin. She’s told them this reason, but they still look down on her, forcing me to get involved and defend her, and sometimes get in trouble with our superiors for publicly showing conflict between our group and others, and people within our organization. Deborah just does as she’s told, usually checking on me during the day, especially when we’re separated or have been in fights with criminals and villains.

During dinner one day, Idelle tells me, “You’re going to get in serious trouble if you keep getting on the nerves of our superiors and going against orders.”

“That’s fine. They won’t fire me because they know what I can do and the attention I draw to them for merely working with them. I’m more of a benefit to them than a detriment, and they know it.”

“I’m sure they’re planning on doing something to further capitalize on it. There’s a hero competition coming up where hero associations can win prizes. I’m sure they’ll volunteer you for it,” Deborah says.

“Maybe they’ll find a way to rein in their superiority over you,” Idelle suggests.

My mom agrees with Deborah, while my dad agrees with both Idelle and Deborah. I also have to agree with my dad. Our superiors inform us that they’ve nominated me for the hero competition, and refusing to participate means getting fired. I pray quietly for a moment to consider the decision before agreeing to take part. I kiss my family goodbye and head to the competition area. The event takes place in an artificial city with various sections and walls as tall as a two-story building. It's located in the middle of nowhere, just in case the destruction it causes spills outside.

A handful of representatives from many major hero associations are here, including those allied with other religions, political ideologies, and even other countries, making this event almost as, if not more, significant than the Olympics. Many among them have heard of me; some like me, while others are wary. Some offer me deals to join their hero association and leave my own, which I politely decline. Still, they bring other proposals, such as collaborations and team-ups for mutual benefits. Not wanting me to be the center of attention anymore, my superiors and teammates pull me away to the house provided by the event organizers. Each association has its own house, featuring multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and lounges filled with TVs, games, and refrigerators stocked with food and drinks. It’s quite a luxurious place, and reminds me of the luxurious hotel rooms and vacation houses used by the rich and famous.

While I relax, I try to get to know all my teammates, none of whom really carry on a conversation. Some of them don’t want to talk and focus on training, and others just want to rest until tomorrow. It’s then that I recognize that I haven’t made many friends since I became a hero, besides Mark, Luke, and Titus, who I tragically lost. I haven’t had any friends like them, Timeo, or the people in Poca Bellezza I’ve known since I was a child, even though I try to make as many friends as I can. There are people I know in Solis, both citizens and law enforcers, whom I frequently visit and even eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with, but don’t have that much of a close relationship with. I don’t go out of my way to talk to them or participate in parties with them, nor do the same for me.

I suppose that, in life, you can only really have relatively few close friends, and others who can only be considered work friends or neighborhood acquaintances. It makes sense not to stretch myself thin across too many friends, so I don’t go into debt just by buying gifts for everyone on their birthdays and for Christmas, but I honestly wouldn’t mind. Going out to the houses of the competition, I try to make friends there, but come up short, though some friendly faces who wish me luck or are excited for the honor of facing me in sparring. I receive more offers to switch sides or join them in the numerous gambling bars here, but I decline both. Instead, I call my family to let them know what I’ve been doing, do some training, say my nightly prayers, and get a good night’s rest.

Over the entire week, I participate in event after event, competing against other heroes and vigilantes. We spar, play heroes and villains, where one side has to grab an object or person and the other has to defend it, race against one another, compete in weight-lifting challenges, and so on. Each competition I win, especially since most of the events are straight-up fights, because the public enjoys violence than displays of superhuman power. During the week, I feel an uneasy itch in my arms and a desire to go back to the cities and towns and resume my usual hero work. Every day, I call my family to ask them how things are, and they keep telling me that things are under control and how they usually are. Still, I don’t feel right. Something is wrong.

The next week is filled with much the same competitions, with interviews with the media and talks with other hero groups, where I argue with them about what it means to be a hero. These are more irritating than anything and feel more challenging to do because I’m better at fighting than talking. Nevertheless, the public likes to see these kinds of interactions, and they are second in popularity to physical fighting.

“Why do I have to participate in these?” I ask one of my superiors back at the house. “I’m not good at them, and most of my opponents are better with words and reasoning than I am.”

The nun says, “It’s for appearances, not winning arguments. People like hearing the truth spoken simply rather than elaborate arguments that are hard to follow.”

“I get it,” I say with a degree of irritation.

“You’re our golden child, John. You bring people to God and the Church through your actions and words, no matter how simple they are.”

I tell the nun that I’m thankful for the opportunity, but still feel used against my will. Thankfully, the competition ends on Friday, and I’m back home by Saturday. My family and friends in Poca Bellezza throw me a celebration for all my victories and participation in the competition. They tell me how proud they are of me for doing so well, but the only thing that I care about is that I’m back home with them. From what I hear on social media, my hero association has gotten particular attention and a special blessing from the Church and more funding from the government because of our winning more than the other associations.

I receive a pay raise and a cash reward for everything I’ve done from the hero association, along with a big cash prize, medals, and trophies from the competition organizers. People call me and send emails asking me to join their organization or to build friendships, while others send threats and insults for embarrassing their association or beliefs by beating their related group in the competition; I don’t really care about or respond to any of it. The only things I care about are spending time with friends and family, getting some good rest, and returning to being a hero on Monday. I’ve never felt so exhausted after doing so little, and more excited about the mundane, than I ever have before. So, if anything, the best part of the competition was that it gave me a renewed appreciation for everything I have.

Deacon of Mercy: Chapter 1 – A New Vocation

Chapter 1 – A New Vocation

After a year of consideration, I’ve become a deacon for the Church. The ceremony and celebration happen in my hometown, Poca Bellezza, where all my friends and family gather, including those from the agency, Seventy-Three, and my friend from Meridian, Timeo Severe. Timeo is paying for the party we’re having, since he’s a rich and generous man. I helped protect his city while he took care of his new family, and it’s happening in a hall where my high school dances and graduation took place. He offered to have it happen at a more expensive and nicer place, but I wanted it here because of the nostalgia associated with this place.

Timeo and I talk in private together in a corner of the hall; no one will hear us since his hero identity is a secret to all except his closest friends. We engage in small talk about our families, friends, and daily responsibilities, while watching our loved ones enjoy themselves, much like retired men savoring the fruits of their long lives, despite both of us being in our mid-thirties. He’s drinking a red wine, while I’m drinking a simple light beer, which seems representative of our style. I’m dressed like a heroic deacon, with a red cassock, gold cape, dark blue pants, and black boots, and he’s wearing one of his many expensive suits, making me look like I’m dress extremely casual.

“How are you dealing with your first child?” Timeo asks.

“He’s fun to be around, a ray of sunshine, that a lot of people in town say is like me. Deborah is having a harder time dealing with him, but my parents are helping her a lot in helping to raise him,” I say with my beer raised to her.

Deborah is my wife and is currently being forced to dance with everyone else on the dance floor. She’s dressed in a handmade dark gold and black dress that was made by her and my mom, and has her usual ragged, acid-affected look, representative of her powers. Her skin is a pale white, her hair is black and a dull gold, and her eyes are black and white with black eyeliner on the bottom of them, an appearance scary to some, but both cute and beautiful to me.

“She’s told me you plan to have another, and want a daughter, in particular,” Timeo continues.

“That’s true. My adoptive parents wanted many children, but couldn’t have any, so I want them to have many grandchildren to make up for it,” I say.

“Darcy wants us to have many children as well, and seven is her minimum right now, since my parents had seven children.”

“How do you take care of it all while also being a hero and boss of your family’s businesses?”

“God’s graces. What else can I say? Any other reason would only be telling a half-truth. I’ve been living a life some would consider impossible to manage or deal with because of how much needs to be done.”

“Like turning around your entire city and getting rid of its status as one of the most crime-infested places in the country? I can’t imagine doing anything like that.”

“I did have help from a lot of friends. It wasn’t just me acting alone. Your accomplishments are nothing to disregard, but what I’m most impressed by is your simplicity and loving every day and taking things one step at a time. Speaking of which, I’d like to enlist your help.”

“Is there trouble in Meridian again?”

“Not exactly. With the city now a mostly safe place to live, I want to account for threats outside of it by starting a hero association of my own, and having you in it would be a boon to me. We’ll start our offices in Meridian, Poca Bellezza, and Solis, and then go from there to expand into the rest of the country. I’m still in the beginning stages of getting everything together, but it’s something I’m set on. What do you say?”

Timeo has his hand out to me with a confident smile on his face.

I bow my head and say, “I can’t.”

“Huh. Why’s that?” Timeo says, lowering his hand and losing his smile, yet not appearing or sounding upset or disappointed.

“My sister wants me to gain more allies, and I felt a calling to join a hero association that’s tied to the Church.”

“You already have plenty of allies. Your sister and you are allies with that secretive government agency, you’ve made dozens of friends while on the run, and there’s me and the people I know, who I can get to help you.”

“Idelle doesn’t count the agency as a true ally since we only help each other when our interests align, and the friends I’ve made around the country can’t come to my aid at a moment’s notice. I think she wants us to have something like you have, sidekicks and close allies who are never too far from you and people you can trust without a doubt.”

“Are you sure you want to join one of the Church’s hero associations, though? There are many good ones, but there are also many who fake their faithfulness so they can get the honor and riches of being a group associated with the Church. The fake ones will stop respecting and allying themselves with the faith once the age stops seeing it as trendy and the thing most people are drawn to.”

“I get it. I’ve prayed on this decision for a while in adoration, and it seems like it’s my time to fix that problem.”

“In that case, there’s no convincing you otherwise. I pray that it goes well for you.”

“It should. Deborah and Idelle are joining with me, both to protect and watch over me. Our parents are watching over our son while we’re at work. I’ll also pray for you, your upcoming hero association, and your new child.”

“Heh. I’ll need it. Our third child was born this year, and Darcy is also trying to get a fourth. That woman is wringing me dry.”

I laugh with Timeo, sit back, and enjoy the rest of my party with my friends and family. On the very next day, Idelle, Darcy, and I head out to the hero association allied with the Church that we signed up for, which is located in Solis, the Sunny City of Tomorrow, where I usually operate as a hero. Other heroes are joining their association today, and we take part in a ceremony similar to that of the one that I did when joining my local Knights council, something similar to receiving a sacrament, but not as grand as to put the ceremony on the same level. A bishop of the local diocese is in attendance, along with other priests.

After the ceremony, the attending clergy give us their blessing, and the leaders of the association allow us to get familiar with the particular office and area of Solis we are assigned to. The building sits in the center of the city and is decorated like a tall cathedral. Because of my status as a well-known hero, Idelle, Deborah, and I are allowed to get work from this office meant for the best heroes. When we report to our superiors, they give us an assignment outside of Solis.

Confused by this, I ask, “Why are we working outside of the city when we’re in Solis?”

“We’re an ever-expanding hero association, and we need to help other cities as well. You’ll be doing mostly the same things you’re used to, so it should be easy and enjoyable for you,” one of our superiors says, who is a nun dressed in white, gold, and black.

Knowing that this is what I signed up for, I accept the assignment and head out with my sister and wife to complete it. Just like the nun said, it’s much the same work that I’m used to doing in Solis. I participate in charity work by carrying supplies and donations from one place to another, bringing the sick to hospitals, and helping the homeless get to places that can feed and care for them. Some criminals and villains appear here and there, some letting themselves be known and picking a fight just because they heard I was in the area and want the fame of taking me down, none of which succeed or get close to giving me a challenge. Everything about working with this hero association seems to be the same as the other, except for letting people know I’m working with them and my requests having my name associated with them.

This changes a bit over the next few days when I get calls from my superiors to accept certain requests to appear in public events promoting the association or drop certain requests to accept others. Because of my speed, I’m able to complete everything that is given to me, despite being told to ignore or stop doing what I was originally doing. When I see heroes from other hero associations answering the same request that I recognize that I’m taking their jobs for the sake of my own. I’m no stranger to being hated for taking and fulfilling requests ahead of others who want to do it, but this is different. It's one thing to fulfill requests for the sake of helping others as quickly as possible, and another thing to help others so the association can get the credit for it. Part of me wants to think it’s just part of the job, while another feels like I’m being spiteful to the other associations and not helping others like I used to anymore.

When I bring up this concern to my family, Deborah says, “It’s how the associations work. It makes hero work into a for-profit and fame business rather than a service to the community, like it’s supposed to be.”

“If it bothers you, we can quit and take Timeo’s offer,” Idelle says.

Thinking about it for a second, I want to join Timeo, but I don’t feel the drive to, so I tell them, “We’re still helping people who need it, so it’s fine.”

I smile at my family, but they don’t seem to buy it, not even my baby boy, who looks to be concerned as he reaches out and holds onto my arm. To be honest, I don’t buy it myself, even though I’m not lying. Still, I feel this to be God’s will for me, so I’ll bear with it, and hopefully get used to it. The drama I’ve heard so much about these associations getting into is surface-level rivalries about taking requests that others take care of, so far. I pray that these simple rivalries are the only drama I get involved in and nothing else.

My 320th book is done and out today!

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Today seems to be another wonderful day for John Elio until he is attacked but an unknown assailant. However, his heart knows this woman to be the one God wants him to fall in love with, so he kisses and immediately proposes to her. Unable to convince her of his love for her as they are being attacked, they'll have to team up with the secret government agency that experimented on them both against a mutual threat, and perhaps, John can prove his love for the woman and save her soul.

Love and Salvation: Chapter 4 – To Be Together Forever Since the Beginning

Chapter 4 – To Be Together Forever Since the Beginning

Over the next week, Deborah and I spend entire days getting to know one another and growing closer, during which I’m certain that I see Idelle watching us from a distance to make sure she isn’t dangerous or upsetting me in any way. Despite what our parents say, she can’t help but be her usual self. Deborah and I see all the local attractions of my hometown of Poca Bellezza, and wonderful places to eat, and just sit around and admire God’s beauty. We also spend time in church sitting around and talking about the faith. As a future husband, my duty is to ensure that my wife becomes a faithful servant of God so that she can become a better person through it, and that we can both make it to Heaven.

Despite her original misgivings about God because of the misfortunes of her past, the blessings of the present and promises of future ones soften her beliefs, and she concedes on several points I make, such as His Divine Providence and His giving comfort and peace to those who suffer much like she has. On a somewhat side note, the people of Poca Bellezza are quick to become friends with Deborah, especially my parents, who are excited to see me finally bring a girl home whom I am interested in marrying. She is given a homemade dress, just like Idelle, and a gift from almost everyone in town. Seeing these faithful, simple, and honest people is enough to put a permanent smile on Deborah’s face and further embrace God’s love for her. At night, we watch the stars alone, and since she’s been in town for so long, I ask her opinion on it.

“What’s your favorite part of the town?” I ask.

“I don’t know, and guessing at it makes it feel like I’m doing the other parts a disservice. I love the people, the environment, fresh air, food, plays, historical sites, parks, amusement parks, and the simplicity of it, despite there being so much to enjoy,” Deborah answers. She hugs me and puts her head on my chest. “If I had to say one thing, I’d have to say my favorite part is you. You’ve done so much for me that I don’t think I could ever repay you.”

“You don’t ever need to. All I want is for you to be happy, and seeing your smile is more than enough to repay me.”

Deborah giggles and blushes. She smiles and stares at me in silence for a few seconds before saying, “I accept being your wife.”

“Huh? You do?”

“What? That’s what you want, and what I want, isn’t it?”

“Yes, of course! I just didn’t think to bring the ring because I was going to propose to you next week.”

I scramble to bring Deborah back home and search through the house. After finding the ring, I properly propose to her on one knee in front of my family, and she says yes. The wedding happens a week after at the local church I constantly visit for adoration. Deborah’s wedding dress is partially grey and handmade by my mom and her friends, while my gold suit and red shirt, and pants were tailor-made by friends of the family in town. Idelle, everyone we know in town, and some friends from the Seventy-Three, even show up, including a best friend of mine, Timeo Severe, who was also recently married and had kids of his own. I daydream about the future children I have, especially since my mom has been pressuring Deborah to have five kids since she couldn’t have children of her own, but for now, I concentrate on the ceremony.

After taking our vows, the priest says, “By the grace of God, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Before the priest says I can kiss Deborah, I do, and embarrass myself a bit, but no one seems to mind, Deborah least of all, since we are both living the happiest moment of our lives. I’ll do everything in my power to protect her and her happiness. Thank you, God, for allowing me to bring her soul back from the depths and into your safe embrace. Please strengthen us both to be worthy of one another’s love, especially yours, and be with us in all our present and future struggles and challenges.

 

The End