Butterflies

Chapter 11

The Believe Expo was the last place Violet thought she should go, especially because she could get recognized at any given moment. But a bleach blonde wig can do wonders when you have the right one. She strolled around the sight with Butcher and M.M., Frenchie back with the female to make sure she was safe. Violet commended Frenchie for it, the woman needing someone to be there for her that doesn't treat her like an animal.

After getting some food, the three of them listened in to Hughie's conversation with Starlight, the usual mushiness that the guys hated, but Violet thought was sweet. Although hating the whole expo for what they do and stand for, Violet couldn't keep her hands off a good burger. She wasn't Christian, and that's not the part she didn't enjoy, it was what was going on behind the scenes. And the subtle messages of homophobia never helped. Hughie stumbled over to Starlight's mother, that awkward meeting the parents Violet never had the joy of facing. When what must have been Starlight's publisher came to round up Starlight for her next event, Hughie said goodbye and that he'll meet her later.

As they regrouped it was time for Ezekiel's speech, one that would make Violet want to be sick. Passing the booths of poorly made t-shirts and overdone action figures, Violet could proudly say she was glad she left Vought when she did. It was so long ago but she was glad she'll never have to put up with tight costumes and creepy glances from grown men. She'll never go back there.

"So, Jesus... Jesus said, hey bro. Hey bro, bring it in. You shouldn't need proof. You should just believe because I say so, because you have faith," Ezekiel chanted, the crowd erupting into a cheer, "people who have faith, those are my peeps, y'all. That's what Jesus said."

The crowd continued to cheer as the four of them raised their eyebrows. Violet wasn't sure if that was the exact scripture, but she's never read the Bible.

"But I am gonna ask you one question..." Ezekiel said.

"Two men at every entrance, armed to holy hell. In church. Well that's America for you," Butcher murmured to them, "isn't it?"

"And God's watching from above," M.M. was the next to point out "right there," he lifted his finger to the cameras that watched over the scene, "over there."

"Yeah. Security's tighter than a choir boy's asshole," Butcher replied making Violet grimace.

"So let me ask you something: why could Jesus walk on water?" Ezekiel preached, "why does Homelander fly?" The crowd cheered, "how about A-Train why does he get to run the way he runs?" Ezekiel paused, stretching his arms out across the stage "or how do I get to hold the whole world in my loving embrace? Why were we chosen? Because of the Lord. Because we were born with his power. Because we believe!"

Butcher handed Hughie Ezekiel's flyer, an advertisement for a VIP experience dressed up like it belonged in a GTA video game. Violet was born with her powers, although modified, she didn't believe it was a gift from God. More like a curse. Listening to Ezekiel preach, Butcher would look to Violet every so often, slightly mocking her with his amused face.

"$15,000 for an exclusive VIP experience with Ezekiel," Hughie read unenthusiastically, "seriously? There's not an easier or cheaper way for us to get him?"

Butcher smirked as they left the crowd of preachers, following each other one by one. The exit lead them through more booths, Violet brushing the blonde hair away from her face. It was an obvious ploy to get them to buy more, and if it wasn't such junk, Violet might actually applaud them for their efforts.

"We ain't getting to Ezekiel. You are," Butcher informed Hughie.

"I am?"

"Whoa whoa wait. What?" M.M. cut in.