Demi-humans were one of God's most special and rare creations. When Joseph had seen one for the first time it was when he was younger. A beautiful fawn demi-human bounding through the forest carefree.

It was also the first time he had seen man's cruelty towards creatures even if they are rare. While his first sight of a demi-human had been beautiful, it quickly turned to tragedy as he watched the poor thing getting shot through the chest by a hunter who was disturbed by seeing such a creature.

The memory had stuck with him much like the many others that haunted his nightmares from time to time.

Praying day and night, he vowed he would protect them along with the people of Eden's Gate. And as Joseph spread his word along Hope County, he encountered more of the rare creatures. One given to each of his family to tend and look after. Preparing them for the change the Collapse would bring.

He saved the last for himself. Joseph had confidence that the demi-human that would be gifted into his care would be the one intended for him.

One of his followers called for him. Speaking of a strange creature captured in one of the traps near an outpost.

"Some sort of animal woman. Is she one of those demi-humans you had spoken of, Father?"

Hands folded together with a rosary wrapped around his fingers. Joseph's eyes were narrowed deep in thought. Slightly hidden by the yellow shades perched on his nose. Taking a sharp inhale, he stood to his feet, a wide, almost maniacal grin spreading across his lips. "Indeed she is. I want her carefully secured and brought to me immediately. She is the one God has given for me to care. They will thrive among us as strangers no more."

One step. Two steps and he told face to face with his follower. "I trust she will be in the best care for her transportation, right? I'd hate to inflict God's punishment for harming his special creations."

The man before Joseph nodded rapidly, a spark of fear in his eyes. Nothing scared his men more than God himself.

Joseph had decided to have the demi-human transported to his church. It was a nice day, the sun out and weather warm. The panes of painted glass glittered with a kaleidoscope of colors onto the floors and pews.

The double doors opened and a group of four men came in wheeling a cage covered with a weathered blue tarp. They set the cage in front of the stage where Joseph stood. A simple wave of his hand and the men filed out, leaving him alone with the demi-human hidden from sight.

His stomach fluttered with anticipation. The beads of the rosary digging into his clenched fist. Joseph stepped off the stage, boots thumping against the floors as he neared the cage. A grasp of the tarp and he yanked it off, letting the material lay off to the side to be picked up later.

Joseph's breath hitched, staring wide-eyed at the demi-human. His to guide and make part of his flock. "God has spoken. He has chosen you, my dear, as a new addition." Kneeling down in front of the cage, his fingers gently traced along the latch to open it. A sharp click and metal scratching against metal as the door was lifted to fully reveal the unique creature to his eyes.

"You have a new purpose. You are the future. And I, the Father, shall guide you to righteousness." Filled with barely contained excitement, he almost wanted to reach in and pull the demi-human into his arms.

Though that would come later. After gauging what sort of personality she had first. Joseph needed to be sure if this little lamb needed more guidance than most or not.

"Why don't you ease on out of there, little one. I mean no harm."Not unless it's needed..