Led by Fluke, the Damned and Savant joined the Church of Genetic Purity in an attempt to get close enough to find concrete evidence of Forrest Bedford’s crime. With Chimera’s morphing powers, the man was able to continue to appear as himself and continue leading the Church of Genetic Purity.

Within the lair of their greatest nemesis, the New Vindicators learned that following his wife’s assassination, Forrest Bedford had cloistered himself in his office- trusting the management of the group to his second-in-command, the reverend Johnny Vance.

Reverend Vance inducted the horde of new members, pleased to see that the news surrounding Senator Bedford’s death was causing their numbers to surge. After the ceremony, the Neo-Sapiens began to gather information and learned that many members were under the impression that the Church of Genetic Purity was divinely inspired- that an angel had appeared to Forrest Bedford and guided him along his racist path.

Meanwhile, Bulwark and Geiger (Chelsea Burk) went to Colonel Sidell’s apartment, only to find it in shambles. Bullet holes riddled the walls along with scorch marks. Still, sounds from the other room brought Bulwark’s attention around and caused him to lunge through the wall and find Christmas Clark, Jessica Martin and the Iron Curtain also investigating here.

Reunited, Christmas asked Bulwark why he had left and he began to tell her about the prophesy… that the two of them would be attacked by one of their own and a member of the Synod. “I get destroyed and you get away… but you’re panicked and…” It was then that the traitor revealed himself and the Iron Curtain attacked. Fearing Bulwark’s prophesy would be proven true and wanting more than anything else to protect him, Christmas switched bodies with Bulwark. Suddenly endowed with a sense of touch, Bulwark began to panic and everything Hikari had warned of began to make sense…

…until Bulwark decided not to be a victim of the future and attempted to fight the Iron Curtain. Realizing he needed his strength, Christmas decided to put her trust in Bulwark and changed back, allowing Bulwark to defeat the Iron Curtain.

Meanwhile, Lodestone and Loess sat in a booth at Denny’s, catching a quick meal as they attempted to flee their peers. It wasn’t long before the other Vindicators (Nock, Ark, Brimstone and Portal) appeared and announced their determination to apprehend Lodestone for the assassination of Amy Bedford. A battle ensued with Loess using her powers to blind the heroes and buy their escape.

Back at the headquarters for the Church of Genetic Purity, Fluke stumbled into the lower chambers and found the negative side of Lodestone imprisoned in a makeshift cell. Hearing company, he hid himself only to watch Forrest Bedford and Johnny Vance come to check in on their captive. “In order to fulfill the Lord’s work, you will need to go to Buffalo now. There you will find him. You know what to do… I will take care of things here.” Through magic, Johnny Vance opened a portal and Forrest Bedford walked through… ready to meet his destiny.

Fluke followed through and watched as Forrest Bedford appeared before Lodestone and Loess. The heroes engaged him in battle, with Bedford using Atlas’ powers to simply deflect the pair’s ranged attacks- directing them at Loess. Realizing what he was doing, Lodestone ceased his assault and attempted other strategies- to no avail. Finding the battle futile, Lodestone gave the command to retreat… only to watch in horror as Forrest Bedford used Atlas’ powers to end Loess’ life.

It was then that Chienne Bedford appeared, revealing her powers to her father and apologizing to Lodestone for all she had done to him. Together, the two fought the man and ultimately, Magnus claimed the man’s life…

The night was full of appearances though and soon, Doctor Jacob Pritchard stepped out of the shadows. Giving Lodestone the choice of whether Chienne would live or die, the psychiatrist grudgingly opted to teleport her away, giving the pair time to talk.

Doctor Pritchard reminded Lodestone of the evangelist Emmanuel Nikolaos. “His powers go beyond healing, Magnus… The evangelist has the power to raise the dead. Trouble is, he refuses to do so. Now my son… his powers are similar to those once wielded by Drew Jenkins.” Doctor Pritchard made him an offer then: help raise Atlantis and return Apocatastasis to this world and Loess would be returned to the living- as well as Magnus’ father, grandfather, and even Drew Jenkins.

Wanting only to embrace those he loved once more, Lodestone agreed to join Doctor Pritchard… and revive Apocatastasis…