The Server's Chronicle: A Fantasy Of Faith

Louis nodded, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. The gravity of what he had witnessed was starting to settle in. He didn't want to believe it, but the evidence was right before his eyes. Seeing is believing, they say—and right now, it is undeniable. 

"So, what's my role in all this?" Louis asked, his voice calm but carrying a hint of uncertainty. 

"Let's just say, I've taken a liking to you," Jesus replied, a casual smile playing on his lips. 

"I didn't think God could play favorites..." Louis muttered skeptically. 

Jesus chuckled. "It's not favoritism. You're exceptionally talented. But more than that, you're the only human I've seen with such a high concentration of divine energy." 

"Divine energy?" Louis repeated, his confusion deepening. 

"I know it sounds strange. That's why I suggest you join the altar servers. Through that, you might come to understand it better." 

Louis tilted his head, skeptical. "Wait, aren't you the source of all this so-called divine energy?" 

Jesus sighed, his golden eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, yes and no. If we were united as One, it'd be true. But right now, we're not. The Father is seated on His throne, governing the heavens and earth, life and death, light and darkness." 

Louis raised an eyebrow. "And the Holy Spirit?" 

"He's on leave," Jesus replied with a smirk. "Running around, gifting good people attributes and talents. Keeps Himself busy, you know." 

"And you?" Louis pressed. 

Jesus leaned back, stretching his arms lazily. "I'm on vacation. I mean, come on, I had to die, descend into some freezing, grim place, and then wake up in a tomb with a giant stone sealing it shut and two guards standing watch over my body. A little break isn't too much to ask, right?" 

Louis blinked, trying to process the absurdity of it all. "You're saying you're... relaxing?" 

"Exactly," Jesus said, snapping his fingers. "But even on vacation, I can't help but notice potential when I see it. And you, Louis, have plenty of it." 

Louis sighed, his head spinning from the conversation. "This is insane," he muttered under his breath. 

"Welcome to the divine," Jesus said with a grin. "It's always a little crazy, but that's what makes it interesting." 

"You died like 2,000+ years ago, man. How are you still on vacation?" Louis asked his tone a mix of disbelief and amusement.

"Why are you so worried about my vacation?" Jesus shot back with a raised eyebrow. "I just told you something cool, and this is what you fixate on?"

"Right, right," Louis said quickly, waving it off. "So, what do I do?"

"Join the altar servers," Jesus replied casually.

"That's all?"

"Yep. Simple, right?"

"Not complicated, but if I may ask, what's the point of these virtues if most people can't even see them?"

"It's not that they can't see them," Jesus explained, crossing his arms. "They can—but only if they believe. Faith is the key to unlocking and using your virtue."

"So, my grandparents..." Louis began, trailing off as realization dawned on him.

"As a matter of fact," Jesus said with a grin, "they can already use their virtues."

"The f***!" Louis exclaimed; his eyes wide with shock.

Jesus smirked and flicked Louis on the forehead again. "Language, young man. Watch it, or I'll make you rewrite the entire Book of Psalms by hand."

Louis rubbed his forehead, groaning. "You're not serious."

"Try me," Jesus said with a wink.

"..."

"Better."

"So, is it something like a superpower or what?" Louis asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Much, much better," Jesus replied with a sly smile. "Think of it as a form of divinity."

"I don't understand."

"You will, in due time."

"But I've never seen them use it before," Louis pointed out, frowning.

"They do," Jesus explained patiently. "But each person manifests their virtue differently. Have you ever wondered why, despite everything, your grandma is so respected by everyone, including the bishop? Whatever she says is taken very seriously."

"You mean..."

"Exactly. And your grandpa—he's not just strong; he's unusually strong. He still looks like a young man even though he's nearing 70. Plus, their gifts are tied to their virtues. Your grandpa's gift is Music—his incredible talent with the organ. Your grandma has what I'd call the Voice of God—a gift that commands respect and inspires unwavering belief."

"I'm speechless," Louis admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You should be," Jesus said, chuckling. "They're not as simple as they seem. And neither are the altar servers."

"I'll consider it," Louis finally said after a long pause.

"That's a good answer," Jesus said approvingly. "Tell you what: if you join the altar servers, I'll give you a blessing that will help you in everything you do."

"Why are you so..." Louis hesitated, searching for the right words.

"I know what you're thinking," Jesus interjected with a knowing look. "To be honest, things are about to change, Louis. Priests, altar servers, and everyone with full access to their virtues will be at the forefront of what's coming. As the only mortal I've seen with a massive amount of divine power—even rivaling my mother's—it's only right that I help you learn to harness it. Don't you agree?"

Louis leaned back on his chair, his mind reeling as he processed everything Jesus had just said. "Rivaling your mother's divine power? You're joking, right?"

Jesus crossed his arms and gave Louis a playful smirk. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Louis squinted at him. "Actually, yeah. You kinda do."

"Wow." Jesus clutched his chest dramatically. "That hurt, Louis. Right here." He tapped his heart, feigning offense.

Louis rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying, it's hard to believe. Me? Divine power? I can barely play the organ without messing up a chord, and you're telling me I've got enough power to rival Mary, Mother of God?"

"Hey, even the most powerful people start somewhere," Jesus said with a wink. "You just haven't tapped into your potential yet. Besides, you're young. Cut yourself some slack."

"Easy for you to say," Louis shot back. "You're literally perfect. Divine and all that."

Jesus raised a finger. "Correction: I'm perfect, but I'm also relatable. You think walking on water didn't take practice?"

Louis blinked. "Wait, are you serious?"

"Nope," Jesus said, grinning. "But you bought it for a second."

"You're impossible," Louis muttered, shaking his head.

"And you're starting to get it," Jesus quipped. "Look, Louis, I'm not here to make you feel overwhelmed. I'm here to show you that you're more than what you think you are."

Louis sighed, running a hand through his white hair. "So, what now? I join the altar servers, learn to control this...divine energy thing, and save the world?"

"Save the world?" Jesus laughed, his golden eyes sparkling. "Hold your horses, hero. Let's start with you not tripping over your robe during Mass, okay?"

"Fair," Louis admitted, chuckling despite himself.

"But seriously," Jesus said, leaning closer, his tone softening. "You're on the cusp of something amazing, Louis. Don't let doubt hold you back. Trust me, you'll thank me later."

Louis smirked. "If I join the altar servers and don't end up with superpowers, I'm coming for you."

Jesus grinned. "Deal. But spoiler alert—you'll love what's in store."

Louis leaned back, finally relaxing. "Alright, Jesus. You've convinced me. I'll give this altar server thing a shot."

"Good," Jesus said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Oh, and one more thing—when you see your grandparents again, try not to stare too much. They'll think you've gone nuts."

Louis laughed. "Too late for that."

The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Louis glanced at Jesus, a playful glint in his eyes.

"So, do I get a cool robe or something?"

Jesus grinned. "Oh, you'll get a robe, alright. And just wait until you see the thurible training. That thing is trickier than it looks."

"Great," Louis said with mock enthusiasm. "Can't wait to swing around a smoky gold bucket."

"That's the spirit!" Jesus said, laughing as the church around them began to hum back to life.