John watched, anger giving way to fascination as the human shape appeared from the monster he'd followed.
He listened to the words, then rolled his eyes. Of all the creatures he could have found, he'd followed the monster with faith. Typical.
"God's token mouthpieces do nothing but spit on things like us. If He has a plan, what I've become is part of it. You could be right, but I've decided to quit asking for instruction. That instruction lead the trusting part of me to my death. I am what I have been made, and what I've made myself with those gifts I was given in life. He made me, several times over. I'm done being remade according to cosmic whim. The collar and cloth have burned from me and I've been made better for it. If the path He set me on is wrong, let Him tell me. If not....you'd be astounded as to how much better I've followed my vows since I broke them."
Of course, most of it was Eric and Pam's doing. After all, they had taught him how to feed and control himself, most nights. New Troy had certainly fared better by the nest's protection. And for all of his damnation, he had certainly killed fewer innocents by accident since he'd turned.
He stared into the human eyes unflinchingly. He was bigger than this human shape, his soldiers physique set against something decidedly more domestic. "I stand by what I said. You know nothing of what I was or did, in that life or in this new one. Judging me for no longer wasting time on prayers is beneath both the monster in you, and the man of faith."
Now it was his turn to lose interest. The creature was still fascinating, but even the most exotic man was hardly worth debating things as unarguable as faith.
"Thank you for including me in your kill. I haven't been free like that before. I'll probably get into trouble," he laughed. "If it's any help, I pray you're on the right path. I certainly find it a tasty one."