G.A.O.L

By Veronica Robinson

Satan has won! At least that is what he thinks. The big war wiped out everythingchurches, temples, synagoguesand anything having to do with religion is a thing of folklore now. Overnight, every religious leaders and anyone training or learning to help them were murdered. All churches and worship building all over the world were burned to the ground overnight. When everyone woke up the world as they knew it was no more. Quickly, anything having to do with a religion of any kind was outlawed. The worst thing you could have was a Bible of any kind.
One hundred years later, the war that was all over the Earth was finally over. There are no more schools, stores, and technology, and books are very few, and most did not know how to read and write anymore anyway. The Earth was a leftover battlefield with no countries and no leaders left. Then a tall stranger comes out of nowhere. Looking at him, it was hard not to listen to him and do what he wanted you to do just to be able to get close to him. Did Satan finally kill God?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503578654

Veronica Robinson

My name is Veronica L. Robinson and I am a widow mother of four. I just got my associates degree in graphic design. The ideal for this book came to me while I was in church and having to dealing with my husband’s Huntington’s disease. I wrote it by hand then, and a few years later after I had to put my husband in a nursing home I was in church again and had an over whiling need to type up the book that I wrote a few years before. My husband past in December of 2014 and now I am raising my four kids on my own. God has blessed me in many ways and I am thankful for everything he has done for me.

Book preview

Chapter 1

T he war is over, and Satan has won. At least that is what he believes. No one even remembers how the war began. It’s been going on for so long. There are no more countries or cities. Everything is just a leftover battle zone. School, stores, books, phones, and electricity are nothing but folklore anymore. Long ago, different religions were forced to join as one. Though they did not always think the same way, they believed in one thing—that God was real and he loved them. It was not much to start with, but it was true, and they all agreed with that. At first, there were millions of Christians; but after so many years of fighting just to survive, there were only a few thousand left. So many things changed right from the beginning.

Anything that was religious was outlawed—crosses, Yamakas’, anything with the Star of David, the Christian fish, but most of all, the Bible. Having any of these things meant torture and then, if you were lucky, death. Even the letter t was outlawed because it looked too much like a cross. Instead, they replaced it with a swastika. Parents stopped sending their kids to school in fear of what would happen to them. It was normal to see people murdered just outside their doors. No one would even try to stop it. They were too scared to do anything because you never knew who was involved, and they did not want to be next on any list that they might have.

Religion is no more. You are Christian, not Christian, or undecided. Some think the start of the war began when God was taken from school. Others think it began when parents stopped being so involved in their children’s lives and letting others raise their kids. No matter how it started, the war came, and everyone that was there at the time were dead now. The children, their children, and so on were the ones that had to suffer for it. The only way Christians had to teach about God and his word was by stories passed on to them from their parents and so on. They could never stay too long in one place. They had to keep moving. If they did not do this, then they would risk being found. This was not always a bad thing. When they traveled, they would meet different Christians and learn new stories about God. This would always give them hope, and it was always good to be with others that have the same belief.

So when a tall stranger came with long flaming red hair and eyes so blue that when you look into them you can’t help but lose yourself in them. Anyone that saw him would fall in love with him. He said he was the one who brought an end to the war. No one argued. They were just glad it was over. When the man spoke, his voice was so sweet that everyone would stop what they were doing and listen to what he had to say. The man stood proud and confident when he decided to introduce himself. My name is Susej, and I know what started the war. After a pause, he continued, It was the evil Christians who started it. He let it sink for a few minutes. Then he started again. And if we don’t want the war to start again, we need to get rid of all the evil Christians, Susej told a huge group of people as he stood on top of what’s left of an old school building. The evil Christians started killing the babies of those that would not worship their fake God, he said with a big smile, showing his perfect white teeth that could be seen from miles away. As he waited for the crowd to get worked up, he thought about how stupid these people were. The thought of how easily he could get them to do his dirty work was child’s play.

When they were all worked up, he started again. The only way to stop this from happening again is to gather all the remaining evil Christians and bring them here. The crowd started to get worked up just as he wanted, so he kept talking. We can put them in this old building while we build guillotines to chop off their heads. Some in the crowd seemed worried, so he added, We are not heartless. When they are here, we will give them a chance to change their evil ways. All they will have to do is admit that their so-called God is not real. If they do this, they will live. If not, then I will have no choice but to send them to their death.

After a brief pause, he said, Go, my friends, and bring me the evil Christians before they start killing our poor, innocent children again. Let’s stop them from telling their evil lies, holding up his old friend’s five-year-old boy. We must protect our babies. They are our future, and the one’s that will grow up in peace. As Susej talked, the little boy holding his hand straightened up with pride even though he had heard what Susej was saying all his life. He was honored that he was in the inner circle. He never knew what life was like outside that circle, and he never wanted to know either. They all were dirty, poor, and beneath the boy.

He already knew what his future was and was already training for it. Life for him was good being in the inner circle. It meant for him that he never knew hunger, never seen the war, though he already was learning how to kill the enemy. He was never dirty, and he had the best of everything. Plus, he was always at Susej’s side. That meant that he got to hear everything that was going on. Susej acted like another father to him. In fact, the boy knew that if he wanted something and his parents would not give it to him right that second, all he had to do is tell Susej, and his parents would be punished. Lately, he would even get to watch them being punished and would be rewarded for telling on them. This was how it always was. So no matter what Susej did to them, they deserved it, and his parents knew this was how it was.

The boy knew what to do, so he put on his most innocent smile and said, Please don’t let those evil Christians hurt me. Now he made sure to look very scared and frightened and grabbed hold of Susej to protect him. Susej held the boy and made a big show of comforting the boy. Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone hurt you, he told the boy as he stood up and held the boy by his side. The boy was great. He acted just the way he had hoped. He knew the boy was not scared and that the boy knew that he was protected and that no harm would come to him.

The crowd bought every bit of the boy being so scared and was getting very upset just as he planned. He waited for them to get to the point that they were ready to attack before he said another word. My dear friends please help me keep the children safe and bring me the evil Christians so we can live in peace and not be afraid anymore. However, be safe and don’t forget how dangerous and tricky they are. They will try to feed you their lies and try to get you to let them go. You must be strong even if you know them. You must not let them deceive you. So you need to bring them in, if not for your sake, then for the children. Everyone seemed to understand. They nodded in understanding. They will turn in their friends, neighbors, parents, and even their own children. Though Susej looked so concerned on the outside, he was smiling on the inside. Even though he knew that he did not have to say another word to get what he wanted done, that did not stop him. For every evil Christian you bring me, I will grant you one wish. You can have anything you want. Nothing is out of the question, he told everyone, and then he gave them a smile that made everyone want to find an evil Christian just so they could get closer to him and see that smile up close.

The search was on, and it would not stop until every Christian was gathered up. They started building the guillotine right away. To save time, they built long platforms that were big enough to put ten guillotines on each. They built ten of these platforms in a row. Each one was wired to a button, so all someone had to do was hit it and ten would be killed all at once. People hurried to get their names in the drawing to push the button. Susej already had a list of who was going to press the first round of buttons, and they were all in his inner circle. The boy Saul was the first name on his list.

Saul was his oldest friend’s boy, but before the boy was born, Susej had already decided that he was going to take the boy. After everything that he had done for Dean and Rebecca Black, they owed him. He made sure they named him Saul and that they would not know until it was too late that he would steal their son. They would take care of the boy for him, but he would make sure the boy loved him more than them. Saul would always be by his side and would have everything his little heart wanted. He would make sure that Saul was used to his parents being punished for not giving him what he wanted when he wanted it. If need be, he would punish them for no reason and tell the boy that they did something bad so the boy would be upset with them too.

Susej was proud of his plan even though he had been friends with Dean Black most of his life. He enjoyed watching the boy grow, and now that Saul was five years old, he was letting him watch his parents get punished. This made Susej very, very happy. The next time he would punish them would be tonight. As a reward for Saul helping him, he would let Saul punish his parents. Susej knew this would be a big deal for Saul, and he looked forward to seeing his face. Every time he would let the boy do a job that a grown-up would do, the boy always made him proud. So this was going to be the start of the boy turning on his parents.

He wondered what the boy would do to them and what he would tell Saul that they had done wrong. It may take him a while before he is willing to hurt them, so Susej decided that he would stand by Saul’s side for support. He would make sure it would be just the two of them, like a good soon-to-be father-son bonding time. He would make sure to have Saul’s favorite food waiting for him so they could eat during or after it was done, whatever Saul wanted to do. His parents would have to be set up for something because they are so loyal. That just made everything more fun for Susej. They will be begging for punishment when he was done with them.

With Saul by his side, they took a walk around his big house and talked about everything that had happened. When he was sure the boy understood what had happened at the meeting outside, he began to tell Saul stories about when he was younger and how he met his dad and about how he thought of his dad as a brother. After some time had passed, some guards came and told Susej that the Blacks were caught trying to steal from him. Susej knew that they had not, but that did not matter to him. He wanted the boy to think they had. Saul was upset when he heard that his parents had done such a thing. Susej got down on his knees so he could look in Saul’s eyes and said, You are a big boy now, right?

Saul was not sure what was going on, but he did like the way Susej said he was a big boy. He had never said that before, so he just said, Yes, Papa Susej.

Susej made sure to look serious now, so he asked, Do you think that what your parents did was right?

This was easy for Saul to answer No, Papa Susej.

Susej gave Saul an approving smile to let him know he answered right. Do you think I should punish your parents for what they did?

Saul loved them, and he never wanted them to get hurt, but they would not stop getting in trouble. To him, he knew the rules, so why did his parents keep breaking them? They were easy to remember. So he said, Yes, they should. They need to learn not to do that stuff.

With a big smile, Susej said, Saul, I have an idea. How about you punish them since when others do it, they don’t seem to learn. Susej waited for it to sink in. Saul thought about what Papa Susej was saying and then nodded that he would do it. This was a big deal to Saul, and he was proud that he was going to be able to do such a big-boy thing. Even though Saul was sad that it was his parents and he did not want to hurt them at all, they had to learn.

Susej led Saul to one of the punishment rooms where his parents were chained and awaiting punishment. They were not sure what they had done, so they were apologizing and begging for forgiveness. Seeing their son there was not odd because, lately, he was always there when they got punished even though they did not understand why Susej kept bringing him in during the process. They had begged him not to do it, but here was their little boy again. When they got close to them, Susej stopped Saul so he could talk to his parents were the boy could not hear what he said. Saul did not argue. He knew what he had to do and was not in a big hurry. He hoped that something would happen, and he would not have to do it, but he also knew that would not happen. Telling Susej no was not going to happen. After all, he was a big boy now.

As he waited, he saw all his favorite foods coming in with the stuff he would be using on his parents, most of which he had seen used on other bad people, so he knew how to use them. He was allowed to play with them and was shown how to use them right. There were things that he never saw before. He wondered what they were and if he would have to use them too. If so, who would show him how? While Saul was watching what was coming in, Susej was talking to the Blacks, who were very scared. Saul told me how he felt that you did not support him and how you were jealous of all the attention I give him, he said. He let that sink in. Then he continued, You should be ashamed of yourselves for being such bad parents to him.

Dean tried to say No, we’re not, and we are proud of our son and how he was a little Susej.

That meant nothing to Susej. Are you calling him a liar? he asked.

No, they said at the same time.

With a smile on his face, he told them, Prove it. Beg Saul to punish you two. Tell him how sorry you are for being bad parents. How you are going to be better. They look scared and confused but nodded anyway.

Susej was not done. He told them to tell him, If he loved you, he would not hold back, and he would punish you the way he saw others being punished. It was the only way you would learn not to do bad things. You will not be mad at him, and you will love him more if he did it. They nodded that they would.

Should we say anything else? Rebecca Black asked. Now was not the right time to tell her true feelings for her son.

Susej thought for a second. Yes, tell him the louder he makes you scream, the more he loves you, and the prouder you are of him. Then Susej turned away from them, proud of what was about to happen and what he was going to make them say to their own son so he would feel better about what he was going to do to his parents.

In no time at all, he was next to Saul with his hand on his shoulder, making sure to look upset that his closest friend had done such a thing. Saul’s parents could not believe what was happening to them and that their son was going to be the one who will punish them. They never dreamed this would happen, but they knew what they had to say, and it would make it easier for their son. As they told their son what they had to say, they could see he was afraid, so they told him what a big boy he was now. They watched as Susej help Saul decide what to start with and show him how other things worked. All they could do is suffer through it and hoped it would not take long and hope that their son would not be upset with them for putting him in this position.

Susej knew what was going through their heads and still could not believe that they did not figure out what was going on. Despite everything going on, Dean was still his best friend, and they did have a lot of fun together. Susej was proud of Saul. At first, the boy was scared, but it did not take long for him to do what was asked of him. He was more like his dad than Susej realized. It reminded him of how much he liked Dean. As they finished eating, he took Saul back to his room and put him to bed. He put guards outside Saul’s door and told a few more to let his parents out of the punishment room and bring Dr. Cain to their room to treat their wounds and tell the doctor to make sure none of the wounds can be seen. He did not want Saul to be upset about what had happened. After the guards did as they were told, he went to see how the guillotines were coming. When he was satisfied, he went off to bed himself. After all, there was a lot to do in the next few days.

While they sleep, the hunt for the evil Christians was going strong. The non-Christians would stop at anything to get what they were after. The ones that tried to stay neutral mostly tried to stay away from the hunt. Others had a little fun with the hunters just to see how far they were willing to go to find the evil Christians. Since there were really no laws, they did not care if they would lead the hunters to their death. After all, they were hunting the Christians, so they could watch them get beheaded. There were some of the neutral ones that tried to hide the Christians, not because they believed in their God but because they just didn’t like the idea of humans being hunted. The war was supposed to be over.

They could not understand why so many still had to die. Susej seemed very nice, and even the neutral ones, like so many others, wanted a chance to be closer to Susej. There was just something not right, and they just could not figure out what. Maybe he was right about the evil Christians, some would think. If he was, that would explain why they felt the way they did. What the neutral ones did not know was they were going to have to make a choice soon. The ones that were hiding the evil Christians would have to make the choice sooner than the rest.

Chapter 2

I t only took a little over a week for all the guillotines to be finished and working right. The building was filling up quickly with Christians. Soon he would finally have every last one. He made sure that he fulfilled their wishes after they signed their soul over to him. While he was waiting for all the Christians to be gathered, he started telling the people about his father: how his father was the reason that he could do so many things, that his father was a god, and he tried to stop the Christians in the beginning so none of the horrible war would have happen. They were too strong then and had tricked him into thinking that they wanted to be good. Things are different now, and his father was much stronger now. He would not make the same mistake again. To prove he was telling the truth, he would bring some of the dead back to life when asked and as long as they sign their souls over to him plus the soul of the one he brought back. It did not take long for everyone to believe Susej himself was a god too.

Most of the Christians had already been gathered. He knew there was only a few hundred left to get. He started changing the guards of the evil Christians every few hours and had them keep their ears closed so they could not hear what they were saying. He knew the truth and how the war really began, but he was not about to let anyone else know. The Christians were beginning to get on his nerves with their singing and their prayers. He thought they would be screaming and crying and willing to do anything to be set free. They did not seem to mind that he was only allowing enough food and water for only a quarter of the number of people that were in there, and that only happened twice since they started rounding them up. He could hardly wait to watch so many of them beg for their lives and change sides.

Inside the prison, the Christians were scared, thirsty, and very hungry, but they would not let their captors know this. Even the youngest of the Christians already knew the truth, and that was that God was real and that he loved them. They also knew that when they die, they would go to Heaven, where there would be no more pain or hunger, and they would be with their loved ones who were already there waiting for them. More came in every day. Now some of them started to turn themselves in. The Christians did feel bad for the ones that were wrongly accused of being Christians and the ones that were there for trying to help them. The only thing they could do was tell them about how God loves them.

At first, they would argue and not listen, which was okay with the Christians. They understood. However, after a while, they always started to listen then join in on the singing and the prayers. They started to feel God’s love and started to see the truth. Though they were still scared, they too were willing to die for what they now know to be the truth. It might have been rough on all of them that were there, but despite everything else, they were happy. They were having what used to be called a big Christian revival. They told Bible stories and learned ones they never heard before and learned knew songs. In a few days, they were going to be given a choice now that they were all there.

The choice would be to say that their God was fake and they would never worship him again. If they choose this, they would be allowed to live. The other choice was to stick to what they knew to be true and get beheaded. This choice to them was clear. They would get beheaded. The only thing that they did not know was if they would have to watch their family and friends die before them or if they would go before the ones they loved. No matter how it happened, they were ready. And they would try to save as many souls until their last breath.

The crowds started to form during the night. It would have been sooner had Susej not sent word that anyone that was in the square before the allowed time would have to be arrested with the Christians. So no one dared start early, but now it was full, and this made Susej very happy to see. He was going to surprise Saul with the fact he was going to get to press the first button. Saul stayed up all night watching the crowds gather, so Susej was sure he was excited. Last he took count there were 2,400 men, women, and children in the building. He wondered how many would be beheaded.

Since Saul punished his parents, he had been a little distant from him, and Susej did not like that at all. Was he wrong? Did he push him too soon? He was not sure, so he would have a special breakfast made and invite Dean, Saul, and Rebecca too, even though he was never fond of her. Dean was in love with her, so to be a good friend, he put up with her. Rebecca, on the other hand, just loved Susej and did anything she could to be by him. They would eat outside at the big table where they would be watching all the festive things they had planned.

During breakfast, things seemed to be going good. Saul still seemed upset about something. When he asked him how he felt about punishing his parents, he said that they deserved it. So that did not seem to be the problem. When he asked if they said or did anything to him after the punishment, he said no. He knows that he is safe, so the evil Christians could not be the problem. When he finds out who has upset the boy, they would pay for it. He was going to find out today one way or another. As the boy sat on his lap, he wondered if his mom had an accident, would Saul be happy like he would be, or would he be upset. After a little laugh, he put the thought away. He had business to do. When Saul turned to see why he laughed, he told the boy that he was just thinking about how proud of him he was. This made Saul smile and beam with pride. Next to his smile, Saul was easily the best he has ever seen.

Are you having a good morning? Susej asked Saul. He turned, smiled, and nodded yes. Do you want to go down and enjoy the festivities? he asked Saul.

Will you go with me? Saul asked, still smiling.

Do you want me to? Susej asked, a little shocked.

Yes, Saul said. Then I will, but only for a little while. I do have a lot of beheadings to do. Susej and Saul both laughed when he said that. How could he say no to Saul, and maybe he could find out what is upsetting the boy. Much to his dismay, Rebecca came with them. Dean stayed and made sure that things were going as planned. Have fun, Saul, Dean said to his son as he ruffled the boy’s head.

He was so proud of his son. The way Susej took such an interest in the boy made him very proud. Dean knew that his son was special and was going to do great things. His son was a strong boy and did not get upset when he would take him to his jobs for Susej, no matter how bloody things got. Most kids would get upset. Most men got sick, upset, and had nightmares at first. In time, some would get used to it. If they didn’t, then they would need to get a different job or they were killed themselves. He enjoyed the fact that he was Susej’s right-hand man. They had been best friends forever, and he was glad that his son was going to have the same relationship with Susej that he has. The only thing he worried about was how much Susej hated his wife.

The only reason she was still alive was Saul and him. However, she did not know how much Susej hated her. She loved Susej so much. It was more than she loved him and their son. Dean was worried when she just joined Susej and Saul when they went to play the games. Nevertheless, Susej did not stop her, so maybe it was going to be okay. She was proud to be going. Maybe Susej will not throw her in with the evil Christians. What if Susej did throw her in with the evil Christians? How would he keep her safe? As he thought about it, he decided that it might be safer for Rebecca if he got her pregnant. That way, Susej might take an interest in that baby the way he did in Saul. At least, that way, she would be okay for a little while. After that, if Susej killed her, then at least he would have two kids out of it, and it would not be a complete loss. He did love her, but the way she worshipped Susej was beginning to get on his nerves.

Anyway, he could have any women he wanted, and they would not tell him no. It would not matter if they were married or not. He could have them in front of their husbands, and their husbands would not even try to stop him. They would even thank him for doing whatever he wanted to their wives. If they had a problem with it, they would not tell him. He knew this for a fact because he would test it from time to time just for the fun of it. At times, he wished they would try to stop him just to give him a reason to act. Since they never did, sometimes he would have a little fun and punish the husbands for not doing anything, or he would just have fun doing what he wanted before he killed them.

Soon they would be starting the beheading, and he could not wait for his son to find out that he was going to be the first one to press the button to kill the evil Christians. Saul was going to be so happy. So many were going to be mad that his son was going to be first, but he did not care. He hoped they would say something to him. That way, they would have to be punished too. With a smile, he finished doing what needed to get done.

Saul, stand up straight and fix your shirt. You look like a slop. We are with Susej on this most perfect day, and you better not embarrass me in front of him, Rebecca whispered in Saul’s ear the first chance she had. The fact that Susej love her son so much made her important now. If anyone thought different, then all they had to do was look at her now. She and her son was with him, and she was sure that Susej knew that no one was more devoted to him and no one loved him more than she did. The only problem was that she had to put up with her husband, Dean, who she would have no problem killing if Susej wanted her to. She would do anything he wanted her to do, including killing her own son. Saul kept getting in her way of being with Susej. All she wanted was for Susej to choose her. Then he would be able to do anything he wanted with her.

Look at her son. He is a mess. She would have to fix him before he makes her look bad in front of Susej. She grabbed his arm. What did I tell you about looking your best? Susej is allowing us to join him, and you better straighten up right now or you will be punished, she told him, sounding as firm as she could without Susej hearing her. The last thing she wanted Susej to see is her not being the perfect mother. Sometimes it was hard with Saul because he just did not want to listen most of the time. He was a bad kid most of the time, no matter how hard she tried to make him a good boy. Dean would not make Saul stop lying about them, and Saul liked to set them up so they looked like bad parents. Right now, Saul was just looking at her and not doing as she told him.

Saul was staring at his mother. How dare her grab him like that? In addition, she had the nerve to talk to him like that. Did she forget that he had to punish them for what they had done? He was going to have to set her straight on how things were. She was going to get in more trouble, and he did not want to punish her again. Mom, I am just fine the way I am, and if you don’t leave me alone, I will have to tell Papa Susej that you are being mean to me, Saul whispered in his mother’s ear. When he was sure that his mother heard him, he went on. Tell me, Mom, who do you think he will believe, you or me? With a smile, Saul went and grabbed Susej’s hand and looked back at his mom, daring her to say something to him. She did not. He wondered why Susej let her come. He was sure that Susej did not like her and knew that his mom loved Susej. These things did not make a lot of sense to him. As they approached the games, for a brief second, Saul wondered what it would be like if he did not have to deal with his mother anymore but let the thought go when Susej asked him a question.

Rebecca could not believe what her son said to her. He was getting so bold nowadays. Her son seems to think that he could do no wrong. She hoped Susej did not notice before she could put him straight. What a shame it would bring her if her son would have to be punished by Susej. Right now, she could not do anything to him with him being so close to Susej. As soon as Susej goes, she was going to teach him a lesson, and she knew exactly how to do it. She just needed the opportunity to do it, and no one would stop it. That was something she would make sure of. As she walked faster to catch up with the boys, she thought of how good it would feel watching her son get what was coming to him. The ungrateful brat, he did not appreciate everything she did and gave up for him. Why was he such a bad kid? she wondered as she got closer to them.

Susej wondered why Saul grabbed his hand this tight. Is everything okay? he asked Saul. Yes, sir, Saul said not too convincingly as he looked up. Susej took Saul’s hand and pulled him to the side, out of his mothers’ sight. At first, Saul was scared, thinking he was in trouble. But when he saw Susej’s face, his fears went away. So he just looked at Susej to see what was going on. It did not take long for Susej to lift him and look him straight in the eyes. Saul, what is wrong with you? Please tell me. I am so worried about you. Are you mad at me? Have I done something that makes you afraid of me? Susej asked, looking very concerned.

Saul could not believe what he was hearing. How could Susej think that he was the problem? I just…, Saul started to say, not able to look him in the eye. Susej didn’t like this, so he put his hand under Saul’s chin and lifted it. It is okay. You can tell me anything, and I will not be mad at you. I give you my word.

Still a little worried, He decided to tell Susej about how he was feeling. It’s… just… After a big breath, Saul said, I am ashamed of my parents. He paused for a second and then continued, I… just don’t understand how they don’t want to follow the rules. You do so much for us, and they keep taking advantage of you. Saul tried to look down again, but Susej would not let him. Saul was worried that Susej would be mad or disappointed in him for not thinking his parents were not good followers. But all Susej did was smile when he told him how he felt. This was very confusing to Saul.

In a joking manner, Susej said, Well, if you want, we can always have your mom punished to death, and maybe your dad would go back to the way he used to be. He let out a little laugh, making sure not to sound too serious just in case the thought of it scared Saul off. He watched Saul’s face, and Saul looked a little scared at the thought, so he gave him a hug and told him, I am only kidding. Then he took a few breaths before he also said, Unless that is something you want, your choice. This time, he put Saul down and ruffled his hair, and they caught up with his mom and had some fun.

Saul was not sure how to take what Susej said. Would this be the right thing to do? What would his dad think if he wanted that? Different thoughts came to his mind, but in the end, he decided that he would wait to see if she would start acting better. And he was starting to wish he had a sister to play with. He did not want a brother because that would mean that he would have to share his attention with him, and he was not sure that is what he wanted to do. With a sister, he would have someone to play with. She would get a different type of attention, and it would not take anything away from him. He wondered if Susej would like him having a sister. I hope so, Saul accidentally said out loud.

Susej and his mom looked down at him. That was when he realized what he had said. What is it that you hope for? Susej asked him.

Saul looked worried but knew that he was going to have to say something or Susej would keep asking until he told him. So Saul decided that he would just tell him and get it over with. He did wish that his mom was not there though. I was just thinking about how I would like to have a baby sister, that’s all. Saul looked down a little embarrassed. He was not sure how babies were made or where they came from, but he was sure that his mom had to have a part in it. He had noticed that the girls get very fat, and then they have a baby, and they are not fat no more. What his dad’s part was, he was not sure. Maybe he did not have a part in it because the boys did not get fat like girls did.

His mom looked mad at him for asking such a thing, and he was right. Rebecca wanted to punish her son right there and then. How could her son say such a thing like that in front of Susej? When would he get it through his head that he is not the boss, and the nerve of him to think that the world revolved around him like that. She could not bring herself to look at Susej. It was too embarrassing. The only thing she thought to do was grab her son’s arm and gave him a yank. How dare you ask such thing in front of Susej? She made sure that her son knew he was going to get punished when he got home. Just wait until I tell your dad what you said. He is going to be very disappointed in you, she told him as she started to pull him back to where his father was. All Saul could do was look at Susej to see if he was mad too.

To his relief, Susej did not look mad at him but did look angry at his mom. Saul wondered if he was going to kill her right here before he could find out if he could have a little sister. If that is what Susej was going to do, then he was going to try to stop it, only because he wanted a sister just like him and no one else. Hoping to stop Susej from killing his mom, Saul said, hoping it would work, I am sorry for saying anything. Please forgive me. His mom thought he was begging to her to get out of trouble, and this made her smile. But she had to be firm. That is good to know, but it is not going to get you out of trouble. Happy with herself, she continued to take Saul to his dad. Saul hoped that Susej knew he was talking to him.

Susej was in shock about what Saul just said. He could not help but smile at the thought until his mother grabbed him and yelled at him like that. For that, Susej wanted to kill her, and he thought Saul knew that because he said he was sorry for what he said. The boy did know him so well. This made him smile, and he knew that Rebecca would take it like he was on her side and this would not be allowed. So he caught up with them and grabbed Saul’s arm from his mother. Then he got down, looking Saul in the eyes. If a baby sister is what you want, then a baby sister is what you will get, he told Saul. Susej did not look at Rebecca, but he could tell that she was not happy. This made him happy, and he was going to make sure that she understood how things were going to be from here on out.

Still not looking at her, he continued, You are going to go back to your husband, and you will not tell him what has happened here. Susej waited a few seconds before finishing. And if you ever treat Saul or his little sister like that again, I promise you that you will regret it for the rest of your life. Susej made sure that he raised his voice at the end. Rebecca did not say anything. She hurried off to do as she was told in hopes that if she did what she was told, Susej would not stay mad at her. She could not believe that he was not mad at Saul. Saul was the one who was out of line. Why was she in trouble? Now because of her ungrateful son, she would have to have another child. That was not what she wanted. She did not want to have another Saul. When she found Dean, she made sure not to tell him what happened so Susej would know he could trust her. Dean was happy to see her there and not left behind, but something was wrong. When he asked, she did not tell him. This made him mad, but for now, he would let it go and ask Saul tonight.

Once Saul’s mom was gone, Susej decided it was time to tell Saul his surprise. Saul, he started, I have a surprise for you. Saul was already happy, and he could not think of what else he could be getting. So he just looked at Susej in the eyes and waited for him to finish. When he was sure Saul was ready, he continued, You will be the first one to push the button on the beheadings. Unless you decide that you don’t want to. Susej looked at him, waiting for it to sink in so he could hear Saul’s answer. Saul could not believe it. He was just a little boy, and he was going to get to do a big job like that. He knew that so many others wanted to be able to press the button, and he was going to be the first one to have a go at it. This was going to be the best day ever. He was going to get a baby sister, and now he was going to get to be the first one to press the button and start world peace.

At least once the evil Christians are gone, there would be peace. All of a sudden, he jumped and said, Really? Really? Yes! When can we start?

Susej was so glad to see Saul’s response and had a hard time saying, Just wait a little longer, but I did promise that I would give them a choice. You don’t want me to go back on my word do you? Susej gave Saul a big smile and then gave him a little hug. Susej started to head back to the festivities and looked back to see Saul was not moving. What’s wrong? Don’t you want to go and have fun? Susej asked.

Not anymore. Can I go back and tell my daddy please? Saul asked, hoping the answer would be yes. Susej walked back to him grabbed his hand and then looked down at him. Of course, that is a good idea. Let’s go. Hand in hand, the two went back to the table for the main event to start.

As soon as they got back, Saul ran to his dad and told him everything, all about how he was going to get a baby sister and that he was going to be able to press the first button. Then it dawned on him that he did not know when he was going to get a sister. Daddy, when will my baby sister get here? Saul asked.

It will take some time, but I will make sure you get one, Dean told his son. He laughed to himself because he wanted another baby too. As Susej listened to Saul going on about a sister, he thought about how it would be nice having a little girl at his side too. He would have to spend a lot of time with her to make sure that she would not turn out like her mother. Once she is pregnant with a girl, he would start looking for the right mother to raise the girl and Saul. Once the girl is big enough to start eating, then he will make their mother disappear. He thought that he would handle it himself. He wanted to make sure that she suffered for what she did earlier today. For now, he will let her think everything is okay. Once he told Dean about what she had done, he would see things his way and would understand.

Chapter 3

I t was finally time to get the evil Christians ready. They would need to be separated. Children were separated from their parents no matter what the age, and then anyone that was married was separated from their spouse. This way, they were alone, so they did not have anyone to stop them from making the wrong decision. Once they were divided, they still had a while to wait. They did not stop their praising, and they were still not afraid. The older children took care of the younger children. They sang them songs, told stories, and did their best to try to save the souls of the guards. The children did not know why they were not scared. All they knew was that there was nothing to be scared of. They also knew that they would not have any pain, that their God would take them before they could be killed, and that was enough. The grown-ups were much like the children. They were not afraid, and they sang and told stories too, and they also tried to save as many of the guards’ souls as they could. Also, like the children, they did not have any luck on that because Susej made sure that none of the guards could hear what they were saying.

Saul was getting bored, waiting to push the first button on the evil Christians, when he had a thought. What did the evil Christians look like? He had never seen one before, but he had heard many stories about them. Everyone was busy, and he was always allowed to go anywhere he wanted, so he decided that he would go and see for himself. That way, if they were scary like he was told they were, then maybe he could get scared there and not in front of everyone that would be watching him. He had never seen so many people in all his whole life. Once he was sure no one was watching, he decided to find the evil Christians. He knew that they were in the old school building, so his only problem was getting there with no one seeing him. That is when he noticed some dirty children that were not too far away. He headed there first. When he got there, he demanded that the one he thought was his size give him his clothes. When the boy said no, Saul did not waste any time and hit the boy so hard the boy fell to the ground. The boy hit his head on the way down, and blood went everywhere. Some of the kids started to scream and looked scared, but Saul did not understand why—it was only blood, and the boy was not dead. He knew what it like when someone was dead. That was something he had seen enough of watching his dad do his job.

Any way you go about it, he could not let the screaming go on. Someone would come see what was going on, and he did not want anyone to know he was there. So he told the other kids if they do not keep quiet, he would do worse to them. He told them he did not care if they cried, but they had to be quiet. Once they started to listen, he told them to take the boy’s clothes off him. They did just as he asked. They gave him the clothes, and he thought about how bad they stunk. He did not understand why they had to stink so bad. Don’t they ever bathe? The boy he hit was still on the ground, crying and holding his head. The blood had stopped, so he told the boy to put his clothes on. At first, the boy did not move; but when Saul took a step to help, the boy hurried to do as he was told. He did make sure the boy was fine and told them they better not tell anyone he was there unless it was Susej. Saul knew that if they lied to him, they would be punished, and Saul saw no need for that. His clothes were too clean. The boy would stand out, and then they would know that he was here. Go roll in the dirt so you don’t stand out, Saul ordered. The boy did as he was told. He did not want to get hit again.

Now that this boy was doing as he was told, he might make a good friend. His dad and Susej have been saying he needed to make a friend. He would tell Susej about the boy tomorrow. Then he would have the boy move into the house. The first thing that the boy would need to do would be to take a bath. Maybe it would be better to have the guards scrub him down until his skin just started to bleed. That way, he would be sure he would be clean enough to play with. After the guards did this, a few times he hoped that the boy would learn to stay clean. He would let him have his old clothes. He could get new ones anytime he wanted. Once all this was done, he would have to pick out a name for him.

When he talks to Susej about the boy and his plan for him to stay clean, he would ask Susej what he should name the boy. Saul could not believe the great day he was having. First, he finds out that he will get a baby sister, and then he finds out that he will get to press the first button when the beheadings start, and now he would have a friend his age. If his new friend is a good boy, he will make sure that he gets to sleep in a real bed; but until then, the boy can sleep in his trunk just until he was sure that the boy is housebroken. Then he can sleep under his bed until he earns the right to sleep in a real bed. Doing all this planning, Saul almost forgot what he was going to do. He decided that the plans for his new friend could wait. He had to go see the evil Christians.

Saul was just about to the old school when he felt a hand on his shoulder. When he turned around, he saw Paul, his main guard. Saul, what do you think you are doing, and why are you in those filthy clothes? he asked Saul. Not knowing what to say, he told Paul what he wanted to do and how he got the clothes. Paul looked at him and gave him a smile. If you don’t want anyone to know who you are, then you better roll around in the dirt yourself so you don’t stand out being so clean, Paul said. Paul did make sense, so Saul found some dirt and rolled around in it. I will help you see them only if we make it quick, and you don’t give me any trouble about going back and getting cleaned up, Paul told Saul. When Saul agreed, they sneaked into the school. Right away, they could hear the singing, and Saul had never heard of the things that they were singing about. He also did not hear any crying, which he thought was strange. Confused, he looked up at Paul. Don’t they know that they are going to die? Paul just looked down at him. They know, but they still keep singing and telling stories, Paul told him.

This made him want to see them more. As they went through the school, Saul looked at Paul. Why do the guards act like they did not hear them? Saul asked.

That was because Susej made sure they could not hear them and their nonsense. That way, they would stay sane and not go crazy, Paul told Saul.

Something did not sound right to Saul. He already knew the truth, but if what they said were lies, then why did Susej worry about the guard hearing what they said? So where are they? Saul asked Paul.

They are all around in the rooms. Paul pointed at different rooms.

This can’t be, Saul said to himself. They did not have horns, they did not have any tails, and they did not look deformed to him. Why would his parents and Susej say they did? For the first time in his life, something did not seem right.

Saul, Saul, follow me. Learn the truth. Saul heard a soft sweet voice calling him. He looked around, but no one seemed to hear it, so he decided not to listen. Saul, Saul, follow me. Learn the truth, the sweet voice came again. It sounded closer, and this time, he decided he would follow it to see who it was.

He followed it down a hall until it led to a door. Paul was right behind him, not sure were the boy was going. When they reached the door, Saul could not find where the voice was coming from. That’s when a light came out of nowhere. Then the light spoke. My dear Paul and Saul, you two have not had a chance to know the truth. That is why you two have been chosen. Paul and Saul both looked confused at the same time. They never felt so safe. This was strange to both of them because they always knew that they were safe. But something about this safe feeling seemed different, better in a way.

The light continued, You two are very special, and, Saul, so will be your baby sister. You both have been taught to hate the Christians and that they are evil. You were taught that Susej does nothing wrong, that he is a god himself. Go through this door and just listen and think about everything you were told, everything you have seen, and what you have seen now. When you’re done, I will see you again. Don’t be afraid. You are safe, and no one will know you were ever here. I will make sure of that. And the light was gone.

Paul and Saul just looked at each other. Neither knew what to say. Both of them knew that the light was telling the truth. The question was how they knew. They also knew better than to second-guess Susej, so they both did not know what to do. Both of them wanted to know what was behind the door. So they decided to go through the door. They knew they would never have another chance. When they went through the door, they heard the kids telling a story about a man named Jӧb, how God and the Devil had a bet that he could make the man stop loving God, and no matter what he did to the man, he still loved God. Both Paul and Saul remembered a story like this, only in the one they heard, the Devil won the bet. How was this possible that they knew this story, and why did they chance the story like they did?

Just then, the light came back, and they seemed to be the only ones that could see it. Then it spoke to them again. "You will need to make a choice, a very dangerous choice, for the both of you. Before you do this, three things are going to happen. First, not one Christian will take the deal that