There was a lag in his step. Accompanied by the electric shock from his hips. He has gotten old. Too old to even walk these days. But the strength in his arms remained as he shoved the raging locals aside. Julio was enjoying the sunny day from his balcony when he heard the first shots fired.

Then he heard screaming coming from the shopping center near the center of town. By the time the giant clocktower was in sight it was surrounded by a crowd of villagers. He tried remembering how many times in his long 95 years of life have people decided to crowd up like this. He couldn't remember a single time. For the first 35 years he spent it hiding.

Hiding from the monsters that the young strong villagers of today have no memory of. They were beyond spoiled in Julio's mind. He wasn't able to enjoy running through a maze of corn, or cool down by the river on a hot sunny day. He spent his youth in his home under the floorboards with his hands covering his ears. Julio snapped himself out of his memory. But it clung on like a stubborn splinter between your fingers. But he wondered why.

Julio took a moment to pray. He faced the great wall with a look of awe and respect in his heart. For the wall was the great protector. His great protector. Julio knew his beliefs were shared by a few; mostly the elderly like himself. With a big clasp of his hands he finished his prayer of thanks.

He wished he could spread the message of the great wall. How if there were a god it was the wall. Since the disappearance of the great mist Julio saw the rise of many new religions. The four brothers, the stone face gentleman, and finally the green lady. The first two were followed by a small population of the villagers but Julio couldn't recall how many followed the green lady, if any did at all. They all paled in comparison to the great protector. He was present, physical, and true.

He pushed aside a few more villagers until he reached two young men blocking his path. He knew he couldn't make his way through them. Not at this age. So he tugged at one of the men's tunic. The young man spun to look behind. He raised his brow in confusion as none of the villagers behind him were the one pulling his tunic.

"Over here!" Julio shouted.

The young man lowered his gaze. Surprised to see a stunted old man.

"What happened?" He asked

Julio uttered his words but none of it seemed to reach the man. He sighed and signaled for the man to lean in.

"What do you see?" Julio asked.

The young man tiptoed and jumped towards the direction of the center. He returned to Julio.

"It's hard to tell don." Said the young man.

"Any ideas why there's such a crowd?"

The young man raised both eyebrows this time. "You didn't hear what happened?"

"No—” there was a vibrato in his tone as he said his words. “What happened?"

The young man's friend took notice of their conversation and elbowed the first man. They looked at each other. The young man's friend signaling a message through him with just a stare. The young man nodded before returning to Julio.

"What is it?"

"My friend thinks you won't be able to take the news don…"

"These fucking kids these days." Said Julio, irritated by the young man's remark.

"Don Julio, Miguel.” Miguel pointed at himself. “ and my friend Santiago."

"A pleasure." Said Santiago with a bow of his hat.

"Likewise. I can assure you that whatever news this is, is nothing compared to what I've experienced." Julio said.

"Are you going to give us a history lesson?" Miguel joked.

The conversation was becoming an annoyance to Julio. He knew that the young didn't believe their elders. The horrors they witnessed. The reason the city was surrounded by a massive wall. Praise the wall. They were born long after the end of it. Knowing only peace and luxury. If they wanted to live in ignorance that was fine by Julio. But he will continue to tell the truth to any who would listen.

"If you give me the excuse I need to start rambling then yes. Or you could just tell me the news and I'll be on my way."

Santiago chuckled at Julio's words. He slapped Miguel on the chest before nodding his head towards Julio. Miguel seemed to understand what Santiago meant by this.

"I hope you're ready to hear this, Don Julio." Said Miguel.

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"I've seen and experienced it all. Nothing smaller than the calamity will scare me."

"They say that a zapojin was found stealing a purse from one of the noblemen. Chased them down the alley until he escaped in the crowd."

Miguel's words fell on deaf ears. When Miguel noticed that the old man was silent, he glanced down. Julio was dead.

Sister Lupe and Father Ronaldo walked down the alleyway when a group of young men and women rushed past them. One of them slammed into Father Ronaldo, almost knocking the clergy onto the floor.

"What's your problem? You nearly tipped me over. " The father shouted.

"Sorry." Said the young man as he scurried away.

"Where are you going in such a rush?" Father Ronaldo shouted.

Despite Father Ronaldo's words the boy did not stop to give an answer. Father Ronaldo glanced at sister Lupe who was covering a smile with her robe. Her real name was Guadalupe but everyone called her Lupe. She had a nice face. Young looking with glowing skin. The robe covered the rest of her beauty. As all sisters of the church do when they take their vows. But Father Ronaldo knew that Guadalupe was indeed a beautiful woman. They had known each other since before they took their vows.

Ronaldo thought back on those days. When they were teenagers living in the middle districts. Not too poor, not too rich. Perfectly stable enough to not worry about the next day's meal. They would run through the streets in a game of tag. Her long black hair flowing in the wind. The smell of laelia orchid in her hair. He wanted her. He suspected she wanted him as well.

The itch in his groin remained even to this day. No matter how concealing the black robes he could still imagine the curvy body underneath. But they both took an oath of chastity. It was the only way they could start serving their goddess. The savior of this city who freed them from the monsters. Father Ronaldo smiled at Sister Lupe. The itch remained.

"What do you think is happening?" Father Ronaldo asked.

"I can't say. It sounds like a crowd is forming." Said Sister Lupe.

"When was the last time that ever happened?"

"Never." Said Sister Lupe.

"Let's go Sister Lupe."

The two walked through the alleyway. It was a small shopping center for local business owners living in the middle district. Father Ronaldo noticed the mess near some of the stalls. Even some handmade jewelry. It was curious that no one has come to steal such easy pickings.

"It must be big whatever it is, Sister."

"Indeed father. See it everyday, do you?"

The heat Father Ronaldo felt building up was spreading to his chest. He dared not to look at Guadalupe. He was already losing the battle. Was this a test from his Goddess? To be constantly tormented by the needs of the flesh? Or was this his fault? After all, he did ask Sister Lupe to walk with him through the city. Nevertheless he intended to remain faithful to his god. If this was a test of faith he would prove his devotion.

The pair reached a massive crowd that piled up around the giant clocktower. The teenagers that ran past them were in the back of the crowd. Father Ronaldo approached them.

"What is all this?" Father Ronaldo asked.

The teenager that ran into him earlier turned to face him. "We just got here but they say an zapojin was found robbing someone in the alleyway we came from."

Father Ronaldo felt his heart skip. "An zapojin here? Are you sure?"

"That's what everyone is saying. I hear Captain Love is going to get involved in the investigation. Crazy huh?"

"Indeed." Father Ronaldo nodded as he walked away from the teen.

"Father? What is it?" Sister Lupe asked.

"They said they found an zapojin." He said.

"A zapojin? Surely they jest!"

The two walked away from the crowd as Father Ronaldo pondered on what this could mean. Their holy book mentioned the coming of an zapojin and what follows after. He couldn't believe it. It has only been 60 years since the mist vanished. Father Ronaldo was the first generation to be born in the new world. And he would be the first to preach about its upcoming end. The revelation was too much. He needed time to take it all in.

"R-Ronaldo?" Said Sister Lupe with a soft voice.

Father Ronaldo looked at Sister Lupe and saw a young Guadalupe before him. Her long black hair, soft skin, and brown eyes. If the world was to soon end then one little sin wouldn't hurt. Father Ronaldo felt a sharp sting in his head. He screamed as he held his head to try and ease the pain. Sister Lupe was shocked and asked Father Ronaldo what was happening. Her voice fell on deaf ears as Father Ronaldo heard a voice that drowned out any sound that reached his ears.

The voice kept talking to him. He could do nothing to stop the pain. He listened to the voice and Father Ronaldo couldn't help but believe that he had heard this voice before. It was warm and soft like a mother talking to her baby. When the voice disappeared the pain subsided and Father Ronaldo was left on the ground kneeling.

“You chose me, my lady?” Father Ronaldo said as he placed two fingers on his lips. “My lady. My lady, kiss me with the kisses on thy mouth. How holy art thou. Thy embrace.”

Sister Lupe stood silent as she watched Father Ronaldo speak up into the air with a smile on his face. She couldn't believe it. A moment ago he was writhing in agony. Now he was praying.

“My lady, my love, my sole salvation take me to thy lap.” Father Ronaldo said as he finished his prayer with laughter.

There was a long silence between the two of them. Sister Lupe stood frozen as she watched Father Ronaldo.

“Don't be afraid, Sister Lupe. Our lady has given me new scripture. A new message to spread.” Father Ronaldo whispered.

“A new gospel?” Sister Lupe said. Trying to sound happy to receive the news. Weary of Father Ronaldo.

“Yes. And right now I hunger.”

“Should we go break bread at the church?” Sister Lupe asked.

“I hunger not for bread or wine. But for love and embrace.” Father Ronaldo said as he glanced at Sister Lupe.

Immediately Sister Lupe felt all her doubts washing away. As if something outwardly was telling her that everything was ok. Most of all it meant she was about to receive what she desired for many years.

Father Ronaldo grabbed Sister Lupe and took her back into the alleyway. They turned a corner into one of the smaller sections that reeked like trash. But Father Ronaldo didn't care. He turned back to Guadalupe who's cheeks had turned a bright pink color.

He held her close to her, stared in her eyes, touched her lips with his and made love.

With each thrust he felt his body melt with hers. She moaned and held her arms around him. Guadalupe left bloodied red cuts on Ronaldo's back as he continued thrusting himself into her. He felt pressure build up to the tip of his penis before feeling a release. 15 years was worth the wait.

Father Ronaldo would convert the entire city to repent for his sin. For his Goddess