*Bellisa stands silently outside the bombed church, allowing herself a moment to rejoice in it's downfall. Sure it will be rebuilt, everything CAN be rebuilt of course but it's never the same. People are changed once an act of violence occurs and even years later the echo of those actions is felt by them.

She is waiting for the Reverend of course, leaning against a beat up old Buick Skylark she borrowed from one of her own followers. Why use your own car if it can be traced? One of her followers is beside her, a rough looking gangbanger who is for tonight her driver... he also will take the blame for any feelings of "evil" when the Reverend meets them.*

There were already some small efforts to repair the damaged building, but there was less help than there could be. The explosion did what it intended, installing fear. But that didn't stop the preacher.

He was there, and by the time Bellisa arrives, the Reverend was beginning to close the church after a day of cleaning up. She sees him stepping out, closing the doors to lock them. Any other helpers had left by then.

Good Evening Reverend. I see things are coming along here, perhaps I could send a few of my followers your way to help speed things along? *A warm smile as she nods to the man at her side, one of the followers apparently.*

Tonight I've come to invite you to my church and show the work my people can do as they all pitched in to help build the church. Perhaps a cup of tea while you visit would relax you this evening.

Desmond turned at the voice, perhaps a little jumpy. He recognized the woman, and also, that feeling that creeps up on him when she is around. It gives him pause, before he gives a light smile, stepping away from the doors, keys in his pocket.

"Good evening." He is more cautious than before. Perhaps recent events were starting to have an effect on him.

"That is very gracious of you... if there is anyone willing to help I would be grateful."

He glances from her to the man in the car. He is almost hesitant... but they had done nothing to make him mistrust them so far. It was just that sense of something evil in the air...

"Well... maybe a quick visit." He couldn't help it. He wanted to keep believing there were still good people in this world. That isn't to say he wouldn't continue to be careful..

*Another smile though she can smell the uneasiness on him.* I understand your worry but he won't harm you *She motions again to her driver who nods and climbs into the drivers seat.* I think you'll like our church and feel comfortable there, I am very proud of it really.

He looks at the driver. A pause... then he nods, faintly smiling. There is still a feeling deep inside that tells him to be wary, but he was curious about this place, and maybe he would get some answers...

"Well, I am interested in seeing this church of yours... But I shouldn't be out too late."

Well anytime you wish to leave you can and I will get my friend Devin to drive you home as Jose here will be heading home after dropping us off, his mother will be worried. *She slides into the passengers seat of the car* You'll love the place, it's really very nice.

He looks at the car door as Bellisa gets in. He opens up the back door and climbs in. "I'm sure I will." Glancing out at his own church a moment before they leave.

*She watches him and tilts her head* What's bothering you? It will get rebuilt and be greater then before, then you can laugh in the face of those who did the damage in the first place. What better way to show them the depth of your faith?

*The car starts up and the doors lock automatically when it starts to move... child locks obviously considering there is a booster seat in the back beside the reverend. The beat up car heads into the warehouse district of course, that is where Bellisa directed the Rev the first time she invited him out. What better a place for a church with all the youth who hang around her club. *

He buckled up, glancing at the doors as they locked, then at the booster seat beside him. He looks up at Bellisa. He smiles a little.

"I am just reflecting. I would never give up on my church."

He looks out the window, watching where they are going as they drive. He hadn't explored this area himself too much yet.

*She makes mention of the club Banshee, not saying she owns it though she showing him the landmarks.* It's not as rough down here as people think, probably worse up in the slums really. Here it's mostly abandoned and the homeless are not nearly as dangerous as people think.  *She murmurs softly about the area until the car stops in front of just another warehouse.* Here we are. *She slides out and thanks the man who drove them before opening the double doors so the Reverend can indeed see that inside it has been transformed and he isn't getting himself into trouble.*

He listens to Bellisa as she points out the club and other things about the area. He doesn't exactly seem nervous on the way, he is trying to be cautious, but his natural inclination to trust shows through.

When they park and he is allowed out of the car, he follows to the doors, looking up at the transformed warehouse.

"Certainly an interesting place to choose. Why keep the outside like this? Wouldn't you want people to know this was a house of God?"

*She looks back at him and smiles softly.* It isn't that kind of church Reverend... word of mouth is enough when you find a place to belong. If you found a place you truly belonged, would you keep it to yourself or want to share with others who seem to have lost their way? *Her head tilts as she motions him inside and closes the doors behind them.* Also the gangs seem to single out churches, assuming they have valuables. *She leads him through the main hall with it's gleaming wooden pews, soft cushions on all of them seemingly sewn by hand. Everything is in deep mahogany wood, red velvet and silver. Sheer silvery curtains over the windows allow some moonlight in, deep red velvet curtains to the sides of the windows, red cushions, a red carpet up the aisle, red bibles on shelves at the back of every pew. The altar is mahogany and hand carved with a silver runner on the top. Everything is clean and simple, no crucifixes or bible images, it seems warm, cozy. * This is our place of worship, there are offices and confessionals down the other hallways, bathrooms of course, a kitchen and a lounge. The top two floors are apartments, for our members who have nowhere else to go, nowhere else to turn.

He can't help but be a little impressed by how much they have managed to do to the place... Though he still isn't sure he agrees with it being hidden... "I understand your reasoning, but I have always felt a place of worship shouldn't have to hide. But I won't argue with your methods. You seem to be doing well with keeping the people safe... this is good." Smiling a moment as he looks around, letting her show him around the place.

He notes the lack of Christian symbols. "You said this place was open to all religions?" He doesn't have a problem with it... just curious why they wouldn't show any sort of symbols, for any religions.

It is, it's a place of faith not religion. Some people want to believe but past experiences taint them. Here we welcome everyone and allow them to just believe and have faith. *She leads him through the back rooms slowly allowing him to see everything.* My members are safe and they invite others to be safe here too, we avoid certain dangers that threaten the other churches...like yours. *A soft frown at the thought of his church.* These people that come here, they've lost SO much, they've been through SO much, they need a safe place. This is not only a church, it's a home to some of them. *She leads him downstairs to the basement and motions him through a doorway into what seems to be her office. It seems she has taken the worst room for her own, it's got no windows and only cement walls though they are painted white to brighten things up. A handmade steel table acts as her desk, steel cabinets hold books and office supplies. The only luxury seems to be a leather desk chair that swivels and reclines slightly, she motions to it.* A present from my flock... and that is my pride and job. *Her hand flicks towards a black frame on the wall with a glass front, inside is a VERY old bible in deep red with a gold cross printed on the front. It could easily come from the 1500's. Bellisa leans against the wall by the door casually, allowing him to wander the office and perhaps ask questions.*

"I understand. In the midst of such dangers and hardships, it is good to have a safe place..." If only he could guarantee such safety.

He follows Bellisa down to the office, looking around, pausing at the sight of the old Bible, walking up for a closer look, eyes widening a little. "My goodness... How old is it? How did you come by such a relic?"

*A slow smile as she shuts the office door, it is locked from the outside by Devin of course who would stand guard there.

Bellisa unfolds her arms from her chest and approaches the Reverend.* Oh it was actually very easy... call it a family heirloom. As was this... *She removes an old dagger from it's sheath, it looks perfectly cared for, which it is. It's blade is simple and does the job it's meant for easily, it's handle laced in a fine gold web with a jewelled spider in the center made of real rubies.* Do you like it?

He turns suddenly when the door closes.. and locks. Gulp. What had he let himself get into this time? Maybe he should have listened to his own warnings... His eyes fall onto the dagger as she moves closer to him, and he backs up out of instinct.

"It's um.. very nice." Eyes glancing to the door. "But as interesting as this visit has been, I think I should be going now." But maybe he knows it is too late for that...

*She smiles, a real smile and when she's this close he can feel the beacon of the unholy. Her hand slides over his shoulder as she pushes him into a plastic chair in the center of the office.* I don't think you should go quite yet. Feel free to yell, I'm sure someone will hear you through the steel door and cement walls.

Now tell me, do you have faith you'll be saved? *She circles him slowly and plays with the dagger.* Shall I chain you to the projects of Satan or shall I merely kill you? *A soft dark chuckle as she slides a cold hand under his chin, holding it firmly while she stands behind him.* Tell me your thoughts Reverend.

It was her. The look on his face tells her he realizes now the evilness inside her. Eyes wide, wondering why he did not recognize it sooner... In his shock, he stumbles back when she pushes him, falling into the chair.

He tenses up, eyes flitting towards the door, but he knows he is trapped, and any attempt to run, or scream, would be futile. And she is the one with the dagger.

His jaw tightens when she touches him, that unholiness he feels... it is darker than anything he had ever felt in anyone, it makes him shudder, trying to pull his chin from her.

"Who are you, really? Why are you doing this?" Perhaps the ungodliness in her should be enough answer... He refuses to be afraid in the face of evil, his faith is strong, and he wouldn't fall so easily...