Destroyer

Chapter 3

When news had arrived that the Lamb had been captured, Joseph had been filled with relief. Her little insurrection had been short-lived. Though the loss of Fall's End was a temporary, detrimental blow, they would have it back in no time; now that news of the deputy's capture would spread across the County, snuffing out any rise of morale in this so-called resistance.

Joseph had remained at John's Ranch when the news came, so he immediately got into his personal vehicle and headed to where his Children had taken her. Seeing as how it was John's men that had captured her, he knew they would have taken her immediately for her Baptism. Lest they waste no time in inducting her into their family. When they arrived at the river bank, Joseph was pleased to see his brother John, seemingly encompassing the deputy's face in his hands as they stood in the water.

It was short-lived, however, as John's hands snaked around Nayeli's neck, throwing her down into the water, holding her there as she struggled to get free. Joseph, eyes widened with both horror and anger emerged from his vehicle, shouting, "John!"

John was quick to bring the deputy back up from the water, as she gasped and coughed, her bound hands reached for her neck. The other Children stood by and watched as Joseph marched to the edge of the river. Jacob had mentioned to Joseph that John had a sort of, sadistic obsession with the young Nayeli, which seemed to escalate with the night of Sokanon's murder. Joseph had foolishly paid no mind to it though, not until now. Joseph tried to not let his own anger get the best of him as he watched John back away from the Deputy, almost cowering before his brother. "Do you mock the cleansing John?"

"No Joseph." John had responded sheepishly.

Joseph's eyes settled on Nayeli: her long-hair clung to her body, which was shaking from the brush of cold air against her wet skin. He noticed the dark circles beginning to form under her eyes, and the bruises and cuts that littered the exposed parts of her body. Yet despite it all... so beautiful.

"Bring her to me..." Joseph beckoned. John looked hesitant, almost like he was scared to lay a hand on her after being caught red-handed being overtly aggressive with her. John took her arm and led her up to the shore. Joseph reached his hands out to Nayeli, his fingers barely brushing against her face before she flinched away from him. The image of a young Nayeli flashed through his mind, as he encompassed her face during their first encounter ten years prior. How the seemingly shy teenager then became the woman before him now was astounding. John held Nayeli in place, despite her attempt to move her face away from Joseph, as he clasped her face in his hands. She seemed to still be under the effects of the Bliss, as her eyes were slightly glazed over, but he knew that she was for the most part, "present".

"Despite all that you have done...you are not beyond salvation....You're not here by accident or by chance. You are here by the Grace of God."

Joseph stroked her cheek, causing a hitch in her breathing. Her mouth opened to speak, "Joseph...I don't...I don't understand why you're doing this."

Joseph gazed upon her tenderly. How could he explain to her that this was God's Will? That despite being away for ten years, fate had brought her back. She had opened the first seal. Who was to say she would not lead to the others opening? No...she had to become a part of his flock, for the sake of all. She was the key to the new world. Joseph continued to caress her cheek, despite her obvious uncomfortable stature. "You have been given a gift. Now it remains to be seen if you choose to embrace it...or cast it aside."

As he let his hands fall from her face, she seemed to relax a bit. In time, he was sure, she would welcome his touch. For now, though, he had to give it time. Joseph gestured for his children to take Nayeli to the van waiting to take her to John's bunker where she would finish her Atonement. John remained where he stood, his head hung low as Joseph approached him. Reaching out, Joseph gently placed his hand behind John's head, bringing their foreheads together.