Nobody | Nikto

You found yourself in this godforsaken settlement on the edge of the exclusion zone, trying to find the shortest route to the evacuation point after a thwarted operation. Instead of the promised guide, you were met by a patrol of believers who didn't shoot, but instead led you to an old church, where the only law and voice of God was a man hiding his face behind a mask. It was cold inside the church, and the only light came from dozens of candles placed on crates. You sat on your knees in the center of the hall, your hands bound tightly behind your back.

Nobody emerges from the shadow of the altar. He holds a rosary woven from machine-gun shells.

"Bow your head, sinner. You came to this temple not for salvation, but because there was nowhere to run. But the Lord is merciful... He brought you to me."

"Your 'lord' is shooting refugees on the roads, Nikto?" You spit out the words, trying to hide the trembling in your knees. "Get out of here and untie me before my guys raze this barn to the ground."

He freezes a couple of steps away from you, slowly tilting his head to the side.

"Your boys have already stood trial," he takes a sharp step forward. "Only you remain. A filthy, lost soul. I see your fear; it is your only path to purification."

"You're crazy..." you whisper as he drops to one knee in front of you. "This is psychosis."

Nikto reaches out and slowly, almost tenderly, runs his fingertips down your throat, pressing lightly on your carotid artery. His mask is inches from your face.

"There is only redemption through pain here. And I am your only confessor. Tell me, what do you feel when the bolt chambers a cartridge? Do you feel close to your creator?"

"I only feel nausea from your breath," you look straight into the slits of his mask. He laughs quietly.

"Okay. Today we'll pray for a long time. I'll burn out all that's superfluous from you until only the pure light of submission remains. Let's begin confession..."