Authored by HoboJuice

Some people can snap awake at the slightest of sounds, instantly alert and aware of their surroundings. They’re like sleeping cobras, coiled and ready for action – fully functioning and annoyingly coherent. It’s terribly unnatural and to be honest I find it somewhat disturbing. I hate them.

I’m not one of those people. I prefer to drift lazily to consciousness and savor those moments halfway between sleep and reality. You know what I mean. That fuzzy and indistinct time where all of life’s problems are less real than whatever dreams you just had. When your only real goal is to fall to back to sleep. I think I once lost a whole year like that.

“Another victim of the Altar Killer was found this morning on the altar of St. Ignatius Cathedral. Police won’t confirm or deny whether they are linked to the brutal murders that demoralized the Catholic community, less than two years ago…”

Angelo threw the remote control across the room as he watched the news story regarding the Altar Killer unfold. The woman on the screen spoke in a low remorseful tone, but all he could hear was the underlying insincerity that marked her as a reporter. His face was utterly devoid of emotion as he pulled the cell phone out of his pocket.

Advisory. This piece contains nudity and graphic violence.

Fabian took great care as he strapped Celeste to the surgical table, his movements were steadied and unhurried. He strapped her lifeless arms and legs and double checked each of her bonds, even though there was little to no chance that she would ever feel the floor beneath her feet again. No one had ever survived his purification process, the savior could never wait for his gift, and sometimes took them before they were completely cleansed.