The Zoeists outnumbered Karyn and her servants by a ratio of thousands to one. Lisa Gooding and Jason Knight led the first of many waves of servants toward the "norms" -- those who dared to reject their religion.
The Goddess of Normality hoped that one bold move would be enough. "My servants! Surround me! I must concentrate!" Sarah, Jon, Jane, and Trevor linked hands around their goddess to form a human shield. Lisa, Jason, and others in the first wave -- teens like them, grandparents, toddlers -- all tore into the clothing and flesh of the "norms." Karyn's quartet screamed in pain but did not loosen their grip on each other's hands. They had faith in Her.
Karyn closed her eyes and squeezed her fists. Words like "conformity" and "mediocrity" streamed through her mind, fusing into a pure thought that exploded through her every cell. "MAY ALL BE NORMAL!!" Magical power burnt her loyal followers and struck down Lisa, Jason, and the rest of the first wave. Light engulfed the entire town. Zoeists writhed as the force of the ordinary fought against the darkness that their Goddess had implanted in them. It had been easy for Zoe to convert people into her servants. It was not as easy for Karyn to try to change them back.
The light of normality faded away. Karyn collapsed beside her fallen human shields. Even a goddess had limits. Apart from being unconscious, she was in far better shape than her guards, who were not only knocked out but also badly burnt from her blast.
Lisa was lying on the ground with dozens of others swept off their feet by the sheer power of Karyn's spell. She pushed herself up, blinked, and saw that everyone was ... normal.
