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Author
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Topic: "The Smurf Village Revival" -- the full story
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Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300
Member Rated:
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posted 10-31-2023 02:45 AM
In celebration of Reformation Day, I'm posting a recent story from the EMPATH: The Luckiest Smurf story series about my faith. Enjoy!
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Chapter 1
It was a night about 50 years after Empath and Smurfette had their first child together that their daughter was having trouble sleeping. She tossed and turned in her bed, feeling like something terrible was happening to her. Finally she woke up startled, crying out, "Papa! Mama!"
Soon Empath and Smurfette appeared in her bedroom. "Liana, what's wrong?" Empath asked. "This smurf sensed that you had a terrible nightmare."
"Please, sweetie, tell us what's the matter," Smurfette encouraged.
"It was something I have smurfed with my Papa Smurf back before you were married, Mama," Psycheliana answered. "He was in a coma following your return to the village during the Lost Year. And there was a demonic force that entered the village and smurfed its home with my fellow Smurfs, and that demonic force was turning all your fellow Smurfs against each other."
"Honey, that demonic force is gone," Smurfette said. "You don't have to worry about it smurfing after anyone in the village."
"Your mother is correct, Liana," Empath said. "You don't need to worry about something that we have smurfen care of back before you were born."
"But why do I feel so uncomfortable?" Psycheliana asked. "Why is it that I'm smurfing such a dream now?"
"I really don't know, dear," Smurfette answered. "Maybe it's something you should ask your Papa Smurf in the morning when we smurf a full night's rest."
"Nothing's going to happen to this smurf, Liana," Empath said. "And if something does happen, I'm sure that we will smurf good care of it before it smurfs any worse."
"Could you smurf with me and tell me all that has happened to you back then, Papa?" Psycheliana asked.
"This smurf can tell you all this smurf knows about that time period, Liana," Empath answered. "Smurfette, this smurf is going to need to smurf some time alone with our daughter to make sure she's all right."
"I understand, Empath," Smurfette said, slipping Empath a kiss on the lips before she left the bedroom.
Empath watched Smurfette leave before he continued. "What is it that you want to know from that time period, my dear?" he asked.
"About what happened to you and your fellow Smurfs after they returned home from their year-long time-traveling trip," Psycheliana answered.
Empath sighed. "A good deal of this information smurfs from your uncle Narrator, Liana, but anyway this is what had happened when we all smurfed home at the end of the Lost Year."
Empath's story began with Papa Smurf standing near the outskirts of the Smurf Village, looking out into the forest, pondering things that were on his mind. He felt relieved that he no longer had to worry about how to arrange the chronosyte crystals that were part of the Key of Chronos to open up the portal that would lead him and his little Smurfs back to their own time period. Yet he couldn't help feeling like something more than a year in their lives was lost in the process. He knew that he had left Empath and his friend Polaris Psyche back in the present time to fend for themselves when they realized that none of their fellow Smurfs were returning back home in time for Empath's 155th birthday. They had journeyed across the earth in order to find the way to bring their fellow Smurfs back home, and it wasn't until they had found the Key of Chronos as well as the time crystals in separate places and put them back together to open the portal that would bring the Smurfs home.
Papa Smurf felt glad that all his Smurfs are finally home, but that gladness was tempered by the fact that his son Empath was now in a coma, almost having died bringing his fellow Smurfs home. And what was worse was that it was on Empath's 156th birthday that this happened, which made the homecoming even more bittersweet for him and all his little Smurfs. He knew that Empath was currently receiving the best care in the condition that he was in, but it still made Papa Smurf feel like the whole village was in mourning for his son, as if he had died.
Papa Smurf was soon joined by Grandpa Smurf and Nanny, who were also walking through the village seeing all the activity that was going on. "Smurfarooties there, Papa Smurf, why are you standing around out there smurfing into the forest like that?" Grandpa asked.
Papa Smurf sighed. "Just thinking that we're all smurf and sound back home in our forest...and yet my son Empath is barely smurfing on by a thread, having sacrificed all just to smurf us home, Grandpa."
"We know how much Empath means to you, Papa," Nanny said. "All throughout our journey through time, we were all wondering if we were going to smurf home to see Empath and his friend Polaris again."
"And here we are, back in our own time and back in our village," Grandpa added. "So what's the problem here?"
"I just thought that once we were back home, we could smurf back to our daily routines like nothing ever happened," Papa Smurf said. "But now everybody seems to be more concerned about Empath than about keeping this village smurfing."
"You should smurf everybody time to settle in, Papa," Nanny said. "After all that we've smurfed through in this time-traveling trip, the last thing your little Smurfs need is to be smurfed into exhaustion with daily chores."
"Nanny is right on this, youngster," Grandpa said. "I think your little Smurfs need rest, and so do you, so that we can resume our daily activities when we are all functioning at our peak performance. Besides, everybody needs that time to help Empath recover from his ordeal of having to fight those Schliphargons to bring us all back home."
Papa Smurf sighed again. "Perhaps I should smurf to the infirmary and check on how Empath is doing."
The infirmary seemed rather busy as Smurfs were lined up to have their moment with Empath, who was lying on a bed wearing a white cap, seemingly oblivious to the world around him. The HoloSmurf was mostly busy trying to direct the traffic of visitors while Polaris Psyche, who was clean-shaven, sat by Empath's side with his hand on his friend's forehead. Empath was hooked up to Handy's life machine, which was monitoring his heartbeat while he was unconscious.
Papa Smurf made it through the line of visitors to meet with the HoloSmurf. "How are things smurfing in here while I was busy?" Papa Smurf asked HoloSmurf.
"You think that your little Smurfs would be patient enough to smurf their turn to visit Empath, Papa Smurf, but alas, they can't seem to undersmurf that Polaris needs to smurf Empath's mental condition," the HoloSmurf said, sounding flustered.
"You're smurfing your best, HoloSmurf, so be patient yourself with the visitors," Papa Smurf said.
"You don't need to remind me of that," HoloSmurf said. "I have years of your experiences ensmurfed into my crystal."
Papa Smurf then turned to Polaris. "What is Empath's current mental condition, Polaris?" he asked.
Polaris looked at Papa Smurf and sighed. "Empath is still physically functional, but his mind isn't yet active enough to take over the motor functions of his body, Papa Smurf. It's as if he has departed from this mortal shell and on some kind of spiritual journey that this one is totally unaware of."
"You mean his soul is departed from his body?" Papa Smurf asked.
"That's the best that this one can describe Empath's situation," Polaris answered. "Whether he will return to this body or not is something that this one cannot answer as of yet."
"If I know Tapper, he must be already aware of this and is busy praying for Empath," Papa Smurf said. "By the way, you should probably smurf a break from trying to reach Empath and get yoursmurf something to eat."
"Really, Papa Smurf, that is unnecessary," Polaris said. "This one is capable of going through days without a need for a physical recharge."
"You may have been able to smurf that when you were a Psyche, Polaris, but you're no longer just a Psyche," Papa Smurf said. "You're one of us now, and I'm ordering you to smurf away from Empath and get yoursmurf some food. I'll continue to watch over Empath until you're ready to resmurf your duties."
Polaris sighed, realizing that Papa Smurf was right. "This one understands and acknowledges, Papa Smurf," he said, nodding before getting up from his seat.
"Where was Mama Smurf in all this?" Psycheliana asked.
"She was with Wild Smurf at the memorial park, talking with him before he left to smurf back into the forest, Liana," Empath answered. "They had some things to smurf to each other."
And as Empath's story continued, Psycheliana saw that Smurfette was with Wild at the memorial park, the both of them looking like they had something important that they needed to say to each other.
"So you're going to smurf back into the forest and not wait for Empath to awaken?" Smurfette asked.
"I miss the forest and all my friends in there," Wild said. "I feel that I have been apart from them ever since we were together with the other Smurfs."
"I just wish you would stay, Wild," Smurfette said. "I feel so lonely now that Empath is in a coma."
"You and I don't belong together," Wild said. "Your mind has always been on Empath, and I feel that I'm smurfing you away from him, even now when we're alone together."
"You've grown since we first smurfed into you in the forest," Smurfette said. "I don't want to smurf you grow apart from me or from any of your fellow Smurfs."
"We will always smurf those moments together, Smurfette," Wild said. "But I have to smurf my life apart from you now. I hope that you will understand."
Smurfette sighed. "I can't force you to stay if you don't want to, Wild. But I will miss you."
The both of them hugged each other, and then Smurfette watched as Wild raced off into the forest and disappeared. At that moment, Polaris arrived, watching Wild disappear back into the forest.
"How's Empath doing, Polaris?" Smurfette asked.
"He's still in a coma, Smurfette," Polaris answered. "This one has no idea when he will recover, if he will recover at all. How are you doing?"
"I feel like my future is smurfing on a thread right now, Polaris," Smurfette said. "I know that Empath is going to marry me sometime in the future, but I feel that something is smurfing in the way of that happening."
"This one would assume that it would be your amorous affections toward Wild Smurf that is standing in the way of that future happening, but this one senses that it is not the case," Polaris said.
"Wild needs to be in the forest with his family and friends, and I can't smurf in the way of that, I can see it," Smurfette said. "But if that's not preventing my future from ever happening, then what is?"
"This one does not know what the answer to that question would be, Smurfette," Polaris said. "It would seem that Empath himself is on a spiritual journey trying to find something, but until this one knows for certain what the object of that search is, this one cannot tell you anything that would be useful."
"Have you smurfed Tapper around?" Smurfette asked. "I haven't seen him smurf out of his tavern lately since we came home."
"Unfortunately this one hasn't, Smurfette," Polaris answered. "It is most likely that he is on a spiritual journey of his own, seeking out his own God for answers."
"So it's him and Empath that are on spiritual journeys," Smurfette said. "I wonder what's smurfing on in the village that's making them smurf these journeys."
"From this one's experience, Smurfette, this one would assume that there has been some sort of absence in one's life that would make one embark on a spiritual journey, to find something or someone beyond themselves that would give them the answers as well as an inner peace within themselves," Polaris said.
"I only hope they find what they are smurfing for, Polaris," Smurfette said.
"This one shares the same sentiment, Smurfette," Polaris said. "Until then, we need to leave them alone and allow the Great Ancestors to guide them to the right path."
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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"
Posts: 4103 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300
Member Rated:
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posted 10-31-2023 02:47 AM
Chapter 2
"Great Ancestors, Papa, she must have been worried for you," Psycheliana said.
"Everyone in the village was worried for this smurf, Liana," Empath said. "This smurf was on a journey that this smurf had no idea what this smurf was looking for, but it felt like something was missing from this smurf, and this smurf had to set off to find it. Meanwhile, everybody did their best to carry on, hoping for the best, some of them even praying that this smurf would recover soon."
"Where was Uncle Brainy in all this, Papa?" Psycheliana asked.
"He was with your Uncle Clumsy in the forest, talking about personal things, trying to make sense out of what's happening, and that's where they met this stranger who called himself a preacher," Empath answered.
And as Empath continued his story, Psycheliana saw Brainy and Clumsy walking out into the forest. The both of them looked somber as they walked together away from the village to have a personal conversation.
"Boy, I sure do miss the forest since we left this time period a year ago, Brainy," Clumsy said. "Aren't you glad to be back home again with Empath and Polaris?"
"I'm indeed grateful to be smurfing home again, Clumsy, but I just wish it didn't have to come with Empath sacrificing himself to smurf us home," Brainy said.
"But Empath isn't dead yet, as far as anyone can tell, Brainy," Clumsy said.
"I suppose not, but my brother had smurfed such injuries that it's a miracle that his body is still functioning," Brainy said.
"But what are we going to smurf if Empath doesn't wake up from his sleep?" Clumsy asked.
"I guess we'll just carry on without him, though I'm going to miss debating with Empath about things that we are at odds about," Brainy answered.
"You're both smarter than I am, yet I wonder if there's somebody out there who smurfs the answers to everything that's smurfing on with us," Clumsy said.
"I only wish I can answer all your questions, Clumsy, but this smurfs like something beyond even my great intellectual abilities," Brainy said, sighing.
"Then perhaps I can help," another voice broke in.
The two of them saw a humanoid stranger approaching them, having gray hair and wearing a white robe that made him look like a priest. "Excuse me, sir, but who are you?" Brainy asked.
"My name is Benedictus, and I am here to share with you the gospel of the true God and how he can help you out with your problems," the stranger introduced himself.
"Wow, you mean you really know God?" Clumsy asked.
"I have been walking with him for years, my blue friend," Benedictus answered. "I can sense that you are troubled with thoughts on your mind. I can bring you peace and comfort in your inner being if you are interested."
"Well, I am worried about my friend Empath, Benedictus," Clumsy said. "Is there anything you can do to help?"
"Let's start with your own problems first," Benedictus said. "I believe you are called Clumsy because you are unable to keep yourself from stumbling into others and causing accidents."
"How are you able to know all of that, Benedictus?" Brainy asked.
"I have the spirit of the living God residing in me to know about your friend, as I also know that you desire to be recognized among your friends as a very special person, Brainy," Benedictus answered.
"That's amazing that you are able to know about the both of us, Benedictus," Clumsy said.
"I don't know, Clumsy," Brainy said. "I think there's something smurfing on with him that makes me suspicious."
"That's the devil trying to bring doubt into your mind, my friend," Benedictus said. "I can prove to you that my intentions are noble and that I desire to help you and your friends to know true peace."
"Well, can you help me not be clumsy?" Clumsy asked.
"All things are possible to the one who believes, Clumsy," Benedictus answered. "Are you willing to become a child of God?"
"Oh, sure, Benedictus, I am more than willing to believe," Clumsy said, sounding eager.
Benedictus then laid his hand upon Clumsy's head. "May the power of the Morning Star rest upon you, my brother," Benedictus said.
Clumsy felt a warmth that came from Benedictus' hand. And then when Benedictus removed his hand, Clumsy began to walk normally without even a single stumble, which amazed both Clumsy and Brainy.
"This is incredible!" Brainy exclaimed. "Can you smurf me with the same power that you have smurfed Clumsy, Benedictus?"
Benedictus smiled. "All you have to do is believe, and it shall be yours."
Meanwhile, in the Smurf Village, Grouchy was talking with Duncan McSmurf while they were outside Tapper's Tavern, trying to keep their voices low as they knew that Tapper was busy in his home praying.
"I never felt so scared in my life of losing Empath, Duncan," Grouchy said with a heavy sigh.
"You're not alone in how you feel, laddie," Duncan said empathetically. "I feel that this may be our fellow Smurf's final exit from this world unless there's a miracle that could smurf him back to this world."
"Do you believe that Tapper's God is able to smurf Empath back to the living?" Grouchy asked.
"I have smurfed too much on this time-traveling journey to ever doubt that for myself, Grouchy," Duncan answered. "If He could use Empath to smurf us back home, surely He will smurf one of us to smurf Empath back home as well."
"But who do you think this God is going to use, if not a Smurf like Empath or Tapper?" Grouchy asked.
"That's a good question to ask the Almighty about, because I honestly don't know," Duncan answered. "Meanwhile, we need to let things smurf into His hands, because He alone knows what He's smurfing with us."
"I hate feeling so helpless, smurfing for a miracle to happen," Grouchy said vehemently.
"I agree with you there, laddie," Duncan said. "It's time we smurf our trust in Him if we're going to smurf Empath alive ever again."
Elsewhere in the village, Hefty was trying to occupy himself with overseeing the activities of the village when Jokey approached him with a gift box. "Here, Hefty, I have a surprise for you," Jokey said.
"Thanks, Jokey, but I'm not in the mood for your surprises," Hefty said.
"Gee, it's like nobody in this village wants my surprises," Jokey said, sighing. "I know that we're smurfing through having Empath in a coma, but it seems like all the fun has been smurfed from us because of that."
"I can undersmurf how you're feeling, Jokey," Hefty said. "All the things in the world seem to smurf to a stop all because of Empath again."
"You're jealous of Empath, aren't you?" Jokey asked.
"You bet I am, Jokey," Hefty answered. "But the one thing I'm not jealous of is Empath being in this condition where he can't help us."
"But that means everybody will be smurfing at you now, Hefty," Jokey said. "Isn't that supposed to be a good thing?"
"It would be, if I didn't have to deal with Gutsy," Hefty said. "I would smurf anything to put him in his place instead of having to listen to him all the time."
"You'll smurf your day, one of these days, Hefty," Jokey said, trying to sound encouraging.
Then the Smurflings approached Hefty and Jokey, with Puppy following them. "Say, do any of you Smurfs want to play with us?" Snappy asked. "We're bored trying to keep ourselves entertained without Empath around."
"Sorry, Snappy, but I'm too busy watching over the village in Empath's stead," Hefty answered.
"Aw, gee, it smurfs that nobody wants to smurf any fun around here," Sassette said, sounding upset.
"You smurfed it, Sassy," Nat said. "We didn't smurf all the way home just to smurf around here and smurf nothing."
"Yeah, this village feels like it's smurfing through a funeral," Slouchy said calmly.
"Well, maybe I can entertain you Smurflings if you're not busy with anything," Jokey offered.
"You want to entertain us?" Nat said, voicing disbelief.
"Unless you got new jokes up your smurf, Jokey, we're not interested," Snappy said.
"I'm with Snappy on that," Slouchy said. "I've smurfed enough of your jokes that I don't want to smurf them anymore."
"Come on, let's go smurf by ourselves and try not to smurf in anybody's way here," Sassette said, before the Smurflings departed with Puppy.
Jokey sighed. "I didn't think even the Smurflings wouldn't want to smurf my sense of humor, Hefty."
"We'll smurf through this, Jokey, I promise," Hefty said, trying to sound encouraging.
Just then, Brainy and Clumsy arrived in the village with Benedictus. "Well, you two have smurfed back to the village so soon," Hefty said, surprised at their arrival. "What's been smurfing on with you all of a sudden?"
"And who's this stranger with the white robe?" Jokey said, sounding curious.
"This is Benedictus, my fellow Smurfs, and he has just cured Clumsy of his clumsiness all because of the power of his God," Brainy explained.
"Oh, great, another religious person," Hefty groaned. "As if having Tapper in the village wasn't enough."
"Gosh, you should experience what we felt in the forest, Hefty," Clumsy said, sounding excited. "It's as if all our worries are gone and that we have smurfed an incredible peace and joy in our lives."
"Funny, from the smurf of things, you both look like you're high on something," Jokey said, laughing.
"I will have you know, Jokey Smurf, that both me and Clumsy are sober-minded, and we just had an experience with the Holy Spirit that will smurf your socks off," Brainy said.
"And I would be willing to share it with you Smurfs, if you would allow me to stay with you for a bit," Benedictus offered.
"Uh, thanks but no thanks, Benedictus," Hefty said. "I prefer not to be smurfed into such ridiculous nonsense that's going to smurf with my mind."
"But I would be curious as to know what you are offering, Benedictus," Jokey said.
"I am only offering the truth, nothing more," Benedictus said. "If you would, I would like to heal you of your problems and worries through the power of the Morning Star residing within me."
"So how about it, Jokey?" Brainy asked. "Are you willing to become a believer or not?"
"You mean, I can experience the same thing my friends are smurfing right now?" Jokey asked.
"Believe me, this is better than smurfnip," Clumsy answered.
"I'd be careful if I were you, Jokey," Hefty cautioned. "I'm not sure that I would trust this Benedictus that he won't smurf with your mind."
"Are you kidding, Hefty?" Jokey said. "This smurfs like something I would want to try out. Smurf me in as a believer, Benedictus!"
"Very well, then," Benedictus said as he laid his hand upon Jokey's head. "May the power of the Morning Star rest upon you, my brother."
Jokey stood still for a while as he felt Benedictus' power flow through him. And the next moment, he felt as if all his worries and problems were washed away, replaced by a divine joy that enveloped his being.
"Wow, this is incredible!" Jokey exclaimed. "I've got to smurf this with the entire village!"
"By all means," Benedictus said, smiling. "Let everyone in your village know about the power of God that they could have in their lives so that they could know that their God loves them."
"Of course we will, Benedictus," Brainy said, sounding eager. "Come, Clumsy, let us smurf this important news to the rest of our fellow Smurfs."
"I'm coming, Brainy," Clumsy said as he, Brainy, and Jokey went their own ways.
Hefty just stood and watched the three of them depart before he turned to Benedictus. "That seems pretty amazing what you smurfed there, Benedictus, but I'm still skeptical of the whole thing," Hefty said.
"I'll be here in case you change your mind, Hefty," Benedictus said before he also left.
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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"
Posts: 4103 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300
Member Rated:
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posted 10-31-2023 02:50 AM
Chapter 3
"Uncle Hefty didn't seem to be trusting of this Benedictus, Papa," Psycheliana said.
"Your uncle had a problem of trusting anything or anyone that was spiritual, Liana," Empath said. "Nevertheless, he focused most of his attention on supervising the village in this smurf's absence, and didn't interfere with what was smurfing on with Benedictus and the other Smurfs even if it meant something dangerous was going to happen days from that point on."
"So how did Grandpa find out about this visitor?" Psycheliana asked.
"Your Great-Grandpa Smurf was checking in on your Grandpa while he was busy trying to occupy himself with his experiments in his laboratory, Liana," Empath said.
And as Empath continued his story, Psycheliana saw that Papa Smurf was busy in his laboratory performing an experiment when he heard a knocking on his door. He opened it and found out that it was Grandpa Smurf.
"Grandpa, what smurfs to be on your mind right now?" Papa Smurf asked.
"Have you seen what's smurfing on with most of your little Smurfs, Papa Smurf?" Grandpa Smurf asked.
"Unfortunately, I haven't, Grandpa," Papa Smurf answered. "Why, what's smurfing on with them?"
"They've all been acting strange since that Benedictus fellow entered into our village, Papa," Grandpa Smurf reported.
"Benedictus? What's so special about this visitor that I need to be concerned?" Papa Smurf asked.
"Maybe you should accompany me to the Smurf Theater so you can find out for yoursmurf," Grandpa Smurf said.
Papa Smurf sighed. He put his experiment on hold and followed Grandpa Smurf to the Smurf Theater, where they saw most of the Smurfs gathered around to see Benedictus on stage preaching a sermon.
"Your God loves you and wants you to be with Him in heaven, but He also wants to impart unto you a gift that I have been commanded and endued with His power to give you," Benedictus said. "This gift will help you lead holy and happy lives before your God, and will heal you of all your worries, problems, and concerns in this life. The gift is the power of the Holy Spirit, but it is only for those who are willing to put their faith in God through the Morning Star, who has given His life for you so that you could have eternal life in Him."
"Tapper says that God commands us to repent of our sins if we want to become believers," one of the Smurfs said.
"That's one of the lies the devil wants you to believe, because he does not believe you are good enough to have eternal life in God," Benedictus said. "I assure you, God knows your hearts, that your hearts are good and pure and clean enough in His sight. The only reason the Morning Star has given His life for you is that you need to be redeemed from the curse of death that befalls every creature in this world. Even your friend Empath is not safe from this curse. That's why you need to come to Him before it is too late."
"What do we need to do in order to inherit eternal life?" another Smurf asked.
"All you need to do is come to me in faith, that you will be accepted as you are as a child of God," Benedictus answered. "There are no strings attached, nothing that I am trying to pull on you. It's just the simple straightforward truth, and you are all welcome to experience this for yourself. Now who would want to be the first to receive God into their lives?"
Some Smurfs rose up from their seats and eagerly cried out, "ME!"
"That's what I'm looking for, my friends," Benedictus said. "Don't be shy; come up to the stage and feel the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in your lives."
Papa and Grandpa Smurf watched as those Smurfs made their way onto the stage, where Benedictus laid his hand on each one of them and prayed. Soon they could see those Smurfs feeling happy and excited and speaking in an unknown tongue, as if they were experiencing a new drug. Soon most of the Smurfs lined themselves up near the stage so that Benedictus could lay his hand on them and pray for them to receive the same power.
"That's it! That's it!" Benedictus shouted with glee, watching as more Smurfs received his power. "Let the power of the Holy Spirit flow through you!"
And soon Papa and Grandpa could hear the whole audience speak in unknown tongues, feeling really ecstatic. Some were barking, some were howling, some were rolling around on the floor, some were laughing. It was like a party.
"Great Smurfness, I didn't expect for that to happen to my little Smurfs," Papa Smurf said.
"That leaves me a little concerned for them, Papa Smurf," Grandpa Smurf said. "What if this power that Benedictus smurfs them causes them to smurf really strange things?"
"We'll just have to prepare oursmurfs for that potential outcome, Grandpa," Papa Smurf said. "Meanwhile, I don't see yet what's wrong with what they're experiencing, as long as it's not smurfnip."
"Yeah, our young'uns are better off not smurfing with that weed, Papa," Grandpa Smurf said, chuckling.
Meanwhile, Smurfette was visiting Empath in the infirmary, feeling like she had something to share with him, even though he was still unconscious at that point.
"I don't know if you can hear me, Empath, but I want to let you know, me and Wild have smurfed our separate ways," Smurfette said. "He knows that you and I are insmurferable and that he cannot smurf in the way of our relationship together. He has his family out in the forest that he needs to smurf care of, and I have you to smurf care of in your time of need. I don't want you to think that I smurfed this because you were jealous of me smurfing with Wild during our time-traveling trip together, but I felt that he was the only Smurf I could reach out to because you weren't there with me during the time that we were apart from each other."
Just then, Doctor came into the room. "I hope that I am not dissmurfing you, Smurfette," Doctor said. "I'm just here to smurf up on his vitals to make sure he's okay."
"I'm fine, Doctor," Smurfette said. "I was just talking to Empath since he and I were alone together."
Doctor checked the life-smurfing machine Empath was hooked up to. "So far things are smurfing normal, but I can't detect any independent brain activity as of yet."
"You mean Empath is still absent from his body, Doctor?" Smurfette asked.
"That you would have to ask Polaris about, Smurfette," Doctor answered. "I'm just here to smurf any physical signs of his possible recovery. Just smurf it time; he'll probably return to you."
"I'd hate to think that this will be the last time of smurfing him alive, Doctor," Smurfette said.
"I know how you feel, Smurfette," Doctor said. "We just have to wait and pray for a miracle to happen."
"I'm pretty sure that's what Tapper is doing, praying for Empath's recovery," Smurfette said. "I'm not sure that I can believe in his God enough to join him in prayer."
"I'll still be here in the infirmary, watching over Empath," Doctor said. "I'll let you know if anything changes."
"Thank you, Doctor," Smurfette said, sounding relieved.
After Doctor left, Smurfette knelt by Empath's bedside and prayed. "O Lord God, I am not worthy to pray this kind of prayer towards You, but I humbly beg You to smurf over Empath and bring his spirit back home to us because I and my fellow Smurfs miss him so much. I pray to have Your peace and comfort and healing be in my life as I smurf through my days waiting for You to smurf Empath back to the living, in the hope that there is nothing that will smurf in the way of me and Empath smurfing together for all time. In Your Son Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
A day later, Papa Smurf and Brainy were both working together on an experiment. It was strangely so peaceful how they were working together that it made Papa Smurf wonder.
"Brainy, is everything all right with you?" Papa Smurf asked.
"Of course everything is all right, Papa Smurf," Brainy answered. "Why, is there a problem?"
"No, it's just that you never seem to criticize or offer suggestions as to what to smurf with my experiments that's making me wonder about you," Papa Smurf said.
"Oh, that's just part of my old self, Papa Smurf," Brainy said. "But now with God smurfing in me, I can humbly submit unto you in all things that you have need of me for."
"So now it's God smurfing in you that's making you obedient and humble unto me," Papa Smurf said. "I didn't think that that would be the outcome of you smurfing with that Benedictus character."
"He's just a humble servant of God, Papa Smurf," Brainy said. "Maybe you should experience what he has to offer us, which is love, joy, and peace through his God."
Papa Smurf chuckled slightly. "Maybe some other time, Brainy. Do you know how long he's smurfing here for?"
"I honestly don't know, Papa Smurf, but I will make sure that he smurfs around long enough for you to know about the God who so truly loves us enough to give us His power," Brainy responded.
"I'm sure you and the other Smurfs will be able to carry on when he leaves, Brainy," Papa Smurf said.
Just then, they heard knocking on Papa Smurf's door. Papa Smurf opened and saw that it was Vanity, who had a whole cart full of mirrors that he was carrying.
"Vanity, what happened to you all of a sudden?" Papa Smurf asked, sounding concerned. "Why are you giving up all your mirrors?"
"Because I don't need them anymore, Papa Smurf," Vanity replied. "It's so wonderful to know how much God loves me despite how wonderful and perfect that I am."
"Maybe you should smurf your mirrors to the other Smurfs who don't have them, Vanity," Brainy suggested.
"You know, that's not a bad idea, Brainy," Vanity said. "Maybe those Smurfs need the mirrors more than I do now that I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, created unto smurfing good works."
Papa Smurf watched as Vanity carted away his mirrors. "First Brainy is now obedient unto me, and now Vanity wants to smurf away all his mirrors. I wonder what other changes are happening to my little Smurfs," he said.
Then he saw Lazy approaching, carrying a broom with him. "Hi, Papa Smurf," he greeted. "Mind if I smurf up your laboratory while you're not busy?"
"No thanks, Lazy," Papa Smurf responded. "Tell me, have you smurfed in contact with Benedictus lately?"
"Oh yes, Papa Smurf," Lazy said. "The power of the Holy Spirit smurfed me inside and out, so that I no longer desire smurfnip, much less even a nap. I feel like I could clean the entire village."
"See, Papa Smurf?" Brainy said. "That's all because of Benedictus and the power of his God."
"Amazing," Papa Smurf said. "Anyway, Lazy, I'm sure there's a Smurf in the village that would like to have you smurf up their house, so you can smurf their way and see what they want."
"Oh, thanks, Papa Smurf," Lazy said. "You know, I might need a name change if I'm no longer going to be Lazy."
Papa Smurf and Brainy watched as Lazy departed. "Who knows, Papa Smurf, you may be in charge of a well-ordered Smurf Village with all the Smurfs being smurfed by the power of God," Brainy said.
"I'm still going to watch over this Benedictus to make sure he doesn't smurf anything funny around here, Brainy," Papa Smurf said. "By the way, I'm going to let you smurf the rest of the day off so you can smurf your own things."
"If you insist, Papa Smurf," Brainy said, saluting before he also departed.
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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"
Posts: 4103 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300
Member Rated:
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posted 10-31-2023 02:53 AM
Chapter 4
"That doesn't smurf to be a bad thing for the Smurfs to just change and become better versions of themselves, Papa," Psycheliana said.
"It was a change that surprised more than just your Grandpa Smurf, Liana," Empath said. "Some of your uncles, like Grouchy and Duncan, were rather wary of the whole thing, and suspected that something else was smurfing on with their fellow Smurfs that would manifest itself in the smurf of time."
"You mean when this Benedictus was revealed to be a demonic spirit?" Psycheliana asked.
"Tapper did smurf from his holy book that Satan disguises himsmurf as an angel of light, so it's no surprise for his ministers to disguise themsmurfs as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their smurfs," Empath said. "Still, most of the Smurfs were taken in by this religious charlatan with actual spiritual power that they couldn't get enough of those 'spirit fillings' that they would receive night after night when they gathered together around Benedictus at the Smurf Theater."
"But I would like to know how we smurfed to that point while you were still in a coma," Psycheliana requested.
"Are you sure you really want to know, Liana?" Empath asked.
"Yes, Papa, I would like to know everything about that time," Psycheliana answered.
Empath sighed. "Then this smurf will continue the story, in the hope that you will undersmurf for yoursmurf why things happened as they did back then."
And as Empath continued the story, Psycheliana saw that Grouchy and Duncan were both sitting outside Tapper's Tavern, watching and observing all the activity that has been going on in the Smurf Village.
"So what do you think of this Benedictus character, laddie?" Duncan asked.
"I feel that there's something about him that I don't trust, Duncan," Grouchy answered. "He smurfs to be too good to be true."
"Aye, I can undersmurf that feeling," Duncan said empathetically. "He smurfs to be the combination of that Dr. Charlatan with his miracle tonic and that witch Allura with her magic orb."
"You mean that he's out to entrance our fellow Smurfs with that magic power of his?" Grouchy asked.
"He calls it the Holy Spirit, laddie, but I have a feeling that it is anything but a holy spirit of any sort," Duncan answered.
"But they smurf to be behaving much better than they were before they met him," Grouchy said.
"It smurfs to be a set-up of some kind, that only Tapper and the Almighty would know what it is," Duncan said. "He said that there would be some who would be smurfed away by deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons."
"So you believe that this Benedictus must have a demonic spirit in him?" Grouchy asked.
"I'm just smurfing it like it is, laddie," Duncan replied. "I'm not spiritually attuned like Tapper is to the things of the spirit, but even things like what Benedictus is smurfing is making me wonder."
Just then, Tapper emerged from his tavern. "Smurf o' the morning to you, my fellow Smurfs," he greeted.
"Tapper, laddie, I didn't think we would smurf you again so soon after we all returned home again," Duncan said.
"So what were you praying about, if you mind my asking?" Grouchy asked.
"I'm still praying for Empath, that his soul would be returned, and that he would have an encounter with the living God that would smurf him peace," Tapper answered.
"So you believe that Empath's spirit is smurfed from his body?" Duncan asked.
"The Almighty smurfed me that Empath is on a journey, though to where it is I cannot smurf," Tapper answered. "I prayed to the Lord for answers, but either He doesn't know or He isn't smurfing."
"Just like Paul the apostle smurfing about somebody he knew that left his body and smurfed the third heaven and smurfed things that are not lawful for a man to utter," Duncan said.
"I'd hate to be outside my own body," Grouchy said. "But I thought your God is the One who knows all things. Does He know about this Benedictus that has entered into our village?"
"He knows, and I'm pretty much aware of it in my spirit, my fellow Grouchy," Tapper said. "However, I feel that he may be too powerful for us to convince the other Smurfs that he's smurfing them into danger by our own power and strength."
"But doesn't your book say you can smurf all things through Christ who strengthens you?" Duncan asked.
"Indeed it does say that, my fellow Duncan, but again that's through the Lord's strength smurfing in me, not anything that I can smurf on my own," Tapper said.
"So how are we going to smurf through to our fellow Smurfs about what Benedictus really is?" Grouchy asked.
Tapper sighed. "I have a plan which the Almighty has smurfed me, but it's going to need your cooperation and trust that He has all things under control."
"Whatever you need, laddie, I'm going to be your companion to the end," Duncan said.
"Yeah, smurf me in," Grouchy seconded.
"Meanwhile, the Smurflings were curious about Benedictus, Liana, so they decided to smurf together to meet him, bringing Baby Smurf with them since they were smurfing over him while the other adult Smurfs were busy," Empath said.
And as Empath continued his story, Psycheliana saw that the Smurflings had approached Benedictus when he was by himself in the village. Baby Smurf was with them, being carried by Sassette.
"We've smurfed about you from the other Smurfs, and we were wondering if you could smurf us the same power that they have," Snappy said.
"Yeah, we're so curious as to what's making the other Smurfs act so nice and friendly toward each other," Slouchy said.
"I would be happy to confer unto you the power of the Holy Spirit, my young friends," Benedictus said. "The Morning Star says, 'Let the little ones come to Me, and do not hinder them, for of such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven.'"
"Would you also bless Baby Smurf while you're at it, Benedictus?" Nat asked.
"I just love babies, because they are so innocent and pure," Benedictus said as Sassette handed Baby Smurf over to him and the preacher cradled the infant in his arms. "I confer you with the power of the Holy Spirit, little one, and may you grow to be like your fellow adult Smurfs in wisdom and power."
"Bad man," Baby Smurf muttered when he saw Benedictus.
"What was that, Baby Smurf?" Snappy asked, sounding a little offended.
"BAD MAN!!!" Baby shouted vehemently, squirming to get away from the preacher.
"What's wrong with Baby Smurf, Benedictus?" Sassette asked.
Benedictus chuckled as he handed Baby back to Sassette. "He's not ready yet to receive the Holy Spirit. I sense that there is a Jezebel spirit residing in him, a spirit that wants to rebel against God and the move of His Spirit."
"A Jezebel spirit...inside of Baby Smurf?" Nat said, sounding incredulous.
"But I thought that all babies are innocent and pure, as you have smurfed to us," Slouchy said.
"Well, apparently that child is not as innocent or pure as I have believed him to be, my friends," Benedictus said. "But I would be willing to give you this power, if you are willing to believe in my God and yours."
"I think we're all set here, Benedictus," Snappy said.
"Yeah, something about this doesn't smurf right to me," Sassette added.
"Come on, Smurflings, let's smurf somewhere else and leave this Benedictus alone," Nat suggested.
"Oh, well, it was a nice try anyway," Slouchy sighed as the four of them walked away with Baby.
Brainy and Clumsy approached Benedictus as he watched the four Smurflings walk away. "What did those Smurflings want with you, Benedictus?" Brainy asked.
"Did they want to receive the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives?" Clumsy asked, sounding curious.
"It's nothing we need to worry about yet, my brothers in the faith," Benedictus answered. "In time we will deal with those who reject this gift and who want to turn your fellow Smurfs against us."
"We'll be right beside you to protect and defend you, Benedictus, no matter what it smurfs," Brainy said.
"And you can smurf on me as well," Clumsy added.
In Papa Smurf's laboratory, the village leader was having a discussion with Grandpa Smurf and Nanny. Smoogle was there with Nanny, keeping her company.
"I have a very uncomfortable feeling about this Benedictus that we have allowed into our village, and I demand that we smurf a stop to this nonsense before it smurfs out of control," Grandpa Smurf said.
"I agree with Grampers," Nanny said. "Even my little Smoogle feels so uneasy with this preacher smurfing around, smurfing his power to our grandsmurfs."
"I don't see any problem with him smurfing in our village, Grandpa Smurf," Papa Smurf said, acting so unusually calm.
"Don't tell me that you've been smurfed with the power of his so-called God smurfing in you," Grandpa said, sounding concerned.
"Are you all right, Papa Smurf?" Nanny asked.
"Of course I am, Nanny," Papa Smurf answered. "In fact, I feel better than fine. I feel like all my problems and worries have smurfed away because of this God who loves me."
"Now you're starting to smurf like your little Smurfs, Papa," Grandpa said, sounding disappointed. "Well, if you won't smurf to the bottom of this problem, then perhaps it's time for me and a few other Smurfs to smurf in."
"But how are we going to find out what this Benedictus is really after?" Nanny asked.
"I'm going to smurf a little snooping at night to see where this Benedictus smurfs after he's done with our little grandsmurfs, Nanny," Grandpa answered.
"I assure you, Grandpa, that there's nothing about Benedictus you need to worry about," Papa Smurf said.
"You leave this problem to me and Nanny, Papa," Grandpa Smurf said. "We're not going to rest until we can restore you and the other Smurfs to normal and away from Benedictus' influence."
"Then you two have a Jezebel spirit, and I want you out of my laboratory right now!" Papa Smurf shouted.
Grandpa Smurf sighed as he, Nanny, and Smoogle left, realizing that Papa Smurf was under the control of Benedictus and that there was no point in trying to speak reason to him.
"Well, that leaves us with just ourselves, Grampers," Nanny said. "We're going to have to smurf some kind of evidence before we can convince anyone about the truth of Benedictus."
"I'll find that evidence, Nanny, even if it smurfs me to my grave," Grandpa Smurf said.
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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"
Posts: 4103 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300
Member Rated:
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posted 10-31-2023 02:57 AM
Chapter 5
"Great Ancestors, it smurfs like Great-Grandpa Smurf was so desirous to find out who this Benedictus really is and wanted to smurf proof that he has a demonic spirit within him," Psycheliana said.
"Your Great-Grandpa Smurf had every right to be concerned, as most of the Smurfs were so focused on Benedictus that they smurfed very little attention to the fact that this smurf was still in a coma," Empath said. "Even sadder than that was that Smurfette was beginning to smurf signs that she had been under his influence."
"So how did Great-Grandpa find out the truth?" Psycheliana asked.
"Well, he waited patiently and covertly for one of the 'revival gatherings' to end that night, Liana," Empath said. "And then he smurfed off into the forest following Benedictus to a secret spot that only the preacher knew about. And that was when he smurfed a very uncomfortable and frightful truth."
And as Empath continued his story, Psycheliana saw that Grandpa Smurf was following Benedictus out into the forest that night after the Smurfs had gone home from their gathering to rest. The one thing that Grandpa did notice was that Benedictus' appearance seemed to change, as if he were no longer humanoid, but a serpent in preacher's clothes.
Then Benedictus stopped in a clearing, and Grandpa Smurf hid himself in the bushes and watched as Benedictus prayed. "O Lucifer, son of the morning, I am here again to seek your guidance as to the Smurfs that I have deceived for you."
And just after he prayed, Grandpa saw a brilliant light, and a shining angel appeared, who looked rather fierce and commanding. Grandpa could feel an intense spirit of evil emanating from his presence.
"I am pleased that you are doing as I have commanded, my loyal and faithful servant," Lucifer said. "Just remember your place before me, for I alone will ascend into heaven, I alone will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I alone will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I alone will ascend above the heights of the clouds; and I alone will be like the Most High."
"There are some Smurfs who will not receive you or your power, my lord," Benedictus said. "They seem to be working for our Adversary, as if He will not allow us to have full control over their population."
"Then it is time for you to gather the flock together and expel those rebels from the village," Lucifer said. "Once we have full control over them, we will add them to our armies of lost souls who will help overthrow my Adversary."
"Yes, my lord, I will do your bidding and lead them to victory," Benedictus said, bowing down before the angel before he disappeared in a flame of fire.
Grandpa Smurf gasped. "I knew it!" he said to himself. "Benedictus has been working for Lucifer. I'd better warn the few Smurfs that are left in the village that aren't under his control or else we are all doomed."
"As that was smurfing on, Liana, your Uncles Tapper, Duncan, and Grouchy decided to smurf away from the village at night, with a plan of their own that they hope would smurf against Benedictus," Empath said.
And as Empath continued the story, Psycheliana saw that Tapper, Duncan, and Grouchy were leaving the village that night for an unknown purpose.
"I'm not sure if what we're smurfing here is actually aiding the enemy, laddie, if this plan is supposed to be from the Almighty," Duncan muttered.
"Trust me, Satan's defeat is already presmurfed in Scripture, my friends," Tapper said. "We just need to smurf along in God's plan leading to the ultimate victory in the end."
"I'm smurfing to believe that you're nuts, Tapper," Grouchy shot back.
Soon the three of them found themselves running into Benedictus, who was just coming back to the village from his encounter with Lucifer. He appeared in his harmless humanoid preacher form.
"Good evening, my fellow Smurfs," Benedictus greeted. "What may I do for you this fine evening?"
"We're just curious about wanting to know about this God that you so smurfly presented to our fellow Smurfs, my good Benedictus," Tapper responded.
"Aye, laddie, we want to experience it for oursmurfs," Duncan added.
"I hate to be smurfed out of the crowd," Grouchy joined in.
"Hmmmm," Benedictus pondered, as if considering their request. "You three are rather latecomers, but God is being patient with you, wanting for none to perish and for everyone to be saved."
"So will you kindly smurf the three of us into knowing about your God?" Tapper asked.
Benedictus smiled. "All you have to do is believe."
The next morning, Grandpa Smurf gathered together Nanny, Wild, the Smurflings, Smoogle, and Polaris Psyche for a meeting together to tell them what he had found out in the forest. The Smurflings were still watching over Baby Smurf during that time.
"You mean Benedictus is smurfing with the devil?" Sassette asked.
"No wonder Baby Smurf called him a bad man," Nat said.
"I have a feeling that things are going to smurf ugly from this point onward," Slouchy said.
"Yeah, but what are we going to smurf now that we know the truth?" Snappy asked.
"We have to convince them of the truth, regardless of how they will react to this revelation, my fellow Smurfs," Polaris said.
"That will be easier smurfed than done, seeing how they believe that Benedictus is a servant of God," Nanny said.
"I don't care how they will react," Grandpa said. "They're our family, and a family is supposed to smurf out for each other even if they're smurfing themselves into danger."
"I'm not sure how I would be able to help in this situation, Grandpa," Wild said.
"We need every able-bodied Smurf who isn't under Benedictus' influence to bring those Smurfs under control, Wild," Grandpa said. "Perhaps your skills in the forest will help us with that."
"Meanwhile, who's busy monitoring Empath while he's still in a coma?" Sassette asked.
"The HoloSmurf has been activated to deal with Empath's condition in case any of us were brought under the sway of Benedictus' control, fellow Sassette," Polaris answered.
"Speaking of Benedictus, here he smurfs!" Snappy cried out.
Benedictus appeared with a crowd of Smurfs that looked very angry and under his control. Even Tapper, Duncan, and Grouchy were among them.
"Behold, my brothers in the faith, these rebels with the Jezebel spirits," Benedictus said. "They want to stop the move of the Holy Spirit in the village. We must deal with them and expel them from our midst."
"SMURF AFTER THEM, MY LITTLE SMURFS!" Papa Smurf yelled.
"Allow this one to control the crowd," Polaris offered, watching as the Smurfs charged straight toward them. He stood there as he concentrated all his mental energy into his hands to use as a pulse, and then unleashed the pulse toward the crowd. The pulse exploded, and the crowd reacted as if they were blown back by a very strong wind. But then Benedictus countered that with a blast of light that temporarily blinded their adversaries. By the time the eight Smurfs and Smoogle recovered their sight, the Smurfs were charging straight for them again.
"So much good trying to smurf them down did, Polaris," Sassette said, sounding hopeless.
Grandpa sighed, realizing that they were too far gone to listen to reason. "Smurfaruskies, we'd better smurf ourselves to the infirmary where we will be safe!"
"This one agrees that a retreat would be the safest course of action," Polaris said as the nine of them made a run for it with the other Smurfs chasing after them with clubs, sticks, and pitchforks on hand.
"And then what happens next, Papa?" Psycheliana asked when she sensed something wrong with Empath. She turned and saw that Empath was no longer conscious. "Papa! Please wake up!" she shouted, trying to shake him.
"Psycheliana, you need to come with this one," a voice broke in.
Psycheliana noticed that there was another Smurf in the room -- a Smurf with gold flaming hair and a golden suit that she recognized. "Traveler, what are you smurfing here?" she asked.
"This one came because your father is in mortal danger in the past, and you are needed to help him awaken from his coma or else everything that exists now will be undone," Traveler answered.
"But what can I do to help, if this is all happening in the past?" Psycheliana asked, sounding worried.
"Just take this one's hand, and we will travel back to that time period," Traveler said, extending his hand toward Psycheliana. "There's no time for us to waste!"
Psycheliana sighed as she reached out to Traveler, and the next thing she knew, she was gone, traveling through the timestream with Traveler.
As the Smurfs under Benedictus' control were chasing after Grandpa, Nanny, Wild, Polaris, Smoogle, and the Smurflings, Grandpa reached into his beard and pulled out a whistle. He put it to his mouth and blew a silent signal.
"A dog whistle! Grampers, what are you hoping to smurf with that?" Nanny asked.
"You'll see, Nanny," Grandpa answered, chuckling.
As soon as the eight Smurfs reached the infirmary and entered it, closing the door behind them, Puppy emerged and stood at the entrance of the infirmary, growling and barking at the Smurfs that would dare attack his friends. Smoogle stayed behind outside to keep the Smurfs from entering the infirmary.
"Oh, we're safe, for the moment," Grandpa said, sighing in relief. "Now we just need to find the HoloSmurf and..."
"Grandpa, look!" Sassette exclaimed, pointing at something she saw.
The eight of them looked. "Oh no, it's the HoloSmurf crystal...it's been broken!" Nat moaned.
"Oh, dear, it smurfs like Doctor smurfed this behind our backs because of Benedictus," Nanny said, also feeling sad.
Grandpa picked up the medallion with the broken crystal. "Rest in peace there, HoloSmurf. We'll always carry you in our memories," he said in a grave tone.
"Grandpa, look who else is in the room!" Sassette exclaimed.
The eight of them looked and saw two Smurf figures. "Smurfarumba, I recognize one of them as Traveler, but who's the young Smurfling who's with him?" Grandpa asked.
"Maybe she smurfed from Empath's future, who knows?" Slouchy responded.
"Whatever's smurfing on, we're going to leave it in their smurfable hands," Nanny said as they watched.
Traveler and Psycheliana entered into the room in the infirmary where Empath was still asleep and hooked up to the life machine. He immediately froze all time so that nobody else in the room could move or speak.
"Do they know that we are here in this room, Traveler?" Psycheliana asked.
"We're outside of time now, Liana," Traveler answered. "They'll see a glimpse of us, but that's all that they will ever see of us."
Psycheliana looked at her father lying on the bed. "He smurfed as handsome back then as he does now," she said in wonder.
"There's no time for us to gaze at him," Traveler said, trying to get her attention. "We must follow the same path that he's been following outside of himself before he enters that light."
"What happens if Papa enters into the light, Traveler?" Psycheliana asked.
Traveler looked at her very grimly. "Then his future is over, and you will not exist."
"Good point!" Psycheliana exclaimed. She then held onto one of Traveler's hands while he reached out his other hand to touch Empath's forehead.
And in an instant, they both were gone.
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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"
Posts: 4103 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300
Member Rated:
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posted 10-31-2023 03:00 AM
Chapter 6
Meanwhile, Empath felt like he was on a long journey. He traveled through the forest, he traveled through the mountains, he traveled through the plains, he traveled across the sea. It was as if he was seeking something beyond himself and where that would lead him. He felt as if he was destined to be a traveling Smurf forever, leaving behind his home in order to look for something that he couldn't find there, even among his fellow Smurfs whom he had rescued.
And then as he was traveling across a desert landscape, he soon saw what he was looking for. It was a bright light, a light that was brighter than the sun. The light was beckoning for him to come and enter it. Already he could sense a peace and a joy that was coming from the light as he got closer and closer to it.
Then a voice boomed, "STOP! EMPATH, DON'T ENTER THE LIGHT!"
Empath looked away from the light and saw the face of a familiar Smurf approaching him. "Traveler, what are you doing here?" he asked.
"Empath, listen to this one," Traveler said. "It's not your time to enter into the smurfy hereafter."
"But this smurf can feel the happiness and joy that is just beyond this light," Empath said. "It's so strong that this smurf cannot pull away from it."
"What about your future, Empath?" Traveler asked. "Would you abandon all that is yet to come for you and your fellow Smurfs because you want to die?"
"Empathy Smurf already died years ago in Psychelia, Traveler," Empath answered. "It would be natural for this smurf to join his Ancestors where life is everlasting and nobody feels any pain."
"If you die today, Papa, then I will die with you," a young voice broke in.
Empath looked at the young Smurf that approached him. "This smurf senses that you are related to this smurf," he said.
"I'm your future daughter Psycheliana, Papa," she announced. "You fathered me five years after you and Mama Smurf were married."
"You're this smurf's child and Smurfette's?" Empath exclaimed, finding himself surprised.
"I won't be anybody's child if you enter into the light, Papa," Psycheliana warned. "Everything in your future will cease to exist, including me...the treasure of your life."
"Your friends need you, Empath," Traveler said. "Smurfette needs you. I need you as part of this one's history."
"But if this smurf goes back, then this smurf will only be Empath again," Empath said, sounding sad.
"You don't have to leave alone, Empath," another voice broke in. "I will be there with you."
Empath looked and saw a Smurf dressed in a white hat and pants that looked like...himself. "Who are you?" he asked.
"I am you, the real you, Empathy Smurf," the Smurf replied. "I have always been with you ever since we were born. The Psyche Master didn't kill me. He suppressed me deep inside you, but I never died."
Empath seemed rather surprised by the revelation. "Then why can't this smurf be you?" he asked, sounding frustrated.
"You can still be me, Empath, as long as you don't forget that you are a Smurf," Empathy answered. "And right now, we have a village in need of a rescue that nobody else but you can smurf them from."
"This isn't the end of your life yet," Traveler said. "It's the beginning of a new one. Embrace yourself and return with us back to all your friends and family."
Empath nodded, realizing that Traveler was speaking the truth. "I'm ready to go home."
He reached out to grab Traveler's hand, and soon they were gone.
It was only a moment that passed when the eight Smurfs in the infirmary saw both Traveler and Psycheliana. And then when that moment passed, they vanished, and then they could hear a noise coming from Empath's bed.
"This one senses that Empath is awakened and returned to us," Polaris said.
"Thank the Smurf Ancestors for that miracle!" Grandpa exclaimed.
Empath carefully sat himself up in the bed and pulled the breathing tubes from his nose. He looked around and saw that he was in the infirmary with Grandpa, Nanny, Wild, Polaris, and the Smurflings.
"Salutations, my fellow Smurfs," Empath greeted. "This smurf is back!"
The four Smurflings jumped on the bed and hugged Empath as he sat upright in his bed. "We really missed you, Empath," Snappy said.
"You said it, Snap," Nat said. "Things haven't smurfed the same since you were gone."
"What has been going on since this smurf was incapacitated?" Empath asked.
"We're dealing with our fellow Smurfs being under the control of a mystic named Benedictus, Empath," Sassette explained.
"Yeah, and now Tapper and Duncan have joined them," Slouchy added.
"Tapper joining with a mystic? That doesn't sound like anything that he would normally do," Empath said, sounding surprised.
"Right now we have a situation on our hands that needs to be smurfed with right away, or we're going to be smurfed out of the village," Grandpa said as he and Wild felt the doors being pushed against.
"Empath, are you sure that you've fully recovered?" Nanny asked.
"This smurf feels functional enough to get out of bed," Empath answered. The Smurflings moved away from the bed and allowed Empath to get himself back on his feet and walk around a bit.
"Well, for bad or for smurf, here we smurf," Grandpa said.
The Smurfs outside the infirmary managed to drive away Puppy and Smoogle from its entrance when the doors opened and Empath stood there wearing a white cap and a hospital gown. "There he is! It's the master deceiver!" Benedictus cried out.
"DESTROY HIM!!!" the Smurfs shouted as they stormed the entrance.
"STOP!" Empath commanded, causing them to all stand still and do nothing.
"What are you doing?" Benedictus yelled. "He's the one who's commanding the Jezebel spirits! He wants to destroy the move of the Holy Spirit in our lives!"
"You are all being deceived, my fellow Smurfs," Empath said calmly. "This isn't a preacher of God. This is a mystic sent by God's adversary, the Devil."
"How dare you accuse Benedictus of smurfing for the devil!" one of the Smurfs shouted.
"You're blaspheming the Holy Spirit!" another Smurf said.
"Yeah, you're going to be smurfed to Tartarus!" a third Smurf said.
"Baby Smurf could detect that this person is a servant of Satan, my fellow Smurfs," Empath said as he was holding Baby in his arms. "Let him reveal that truth for yourselves."
Empath passed Baby to Papa Smurf, who then started to feel as if his eyes were opened to something spiritual going on. And then he saw something of Benedictus that he didn't see before. "Great Smurfness, why is there a serpent in our village?" he asked.
"That's not a serpent, Papa," Grandpa said. "That's a Viperion, a cult of serpentlike beings that travel to various places, serving their master Lucifer."
And soon Baby Smurf was passed on from one Smurf to another, including Smurfette, and then they all began to see the same thing Papa Smurf was seeing -- Benedictus as a serpentlike creature.
"Heavens to Smurfatroid, what is that hideous thing?" Vanity asked, sounding repulsed.
"That Benedictus truly looks ugly," Jokey said, laughing.
"That is Benedictus as he truly is, my fellow Smurfs," Tapper said. "I have been sensing in my spirit that he has been posing as a minister of God, trying to deceive you all into receiving a false spirit."
"A false spirit?" Benedictus said, sounding insulted. "You blaspheme the Holy Spirit with that accusation!"
"Blaspheming the Holy Spirit? You blaspheme the true Holy One by claiming your miracles are from God, you serpentine deceiver!" Tapper shouted. Then he sang:
You, foul beast, are a devil in disguise!
You, deceitful one, are a man who's preaching lies!
You deceived them in the garden,
Stealing all that's good away
You've lurked in the shadows,
Just as you are this very day
You claim you have the power to save,
But your power only brings others to the grave
Your smooth talk and your good looks are a fraud!
You like to make others think you are serving God!
You're the enemy of truth,
A real farce of holiness
Your life is living proof
That your soul is in darkness
You claim you have the power to save,
But your power only brings others to the grave
Go back to the **** you came from
Go back to the hole you crawled from
Go back to the god that you're serving
And never come back again
"Yeah, go back to the hole where you smurfed from!" another Smurf yelled.
And soon other Smurfs shouted, demanding for Benedictus to leave, which made the serpentine being shake in his robe.
"Let's drive this snake out of our village, laddies," Duncan said emphatically.
"You smurfs it, pardner!" Farmer agreed. "Let's smurf that snake back where he belongs!"
"Very well, I will be leaving, but you're all going to be doomed to ****!" Benedictus hissed as he started to make a run for it while the Smurfs chased after him.
Smurfette approached Empath as he stood there and watched. "Welcome back to the smurfing, Empath," she said as she slipped him a kiss.
"This smurf feels so good to be back, Smurfette," Empath said, sounding pleased. "This smurf wouldn't think that the whole village would turn against this smurf when this smurf finally awakened."
"You smurf like you've been on a long journey...and that's after the long journey you and Polaris had smurfed to get us back home," Smurfette noted.
"This smurf felt like the light was calling unto me, Smurfette," Empath said. "But then Traveler appeared, and this smurf got to see this smurf's future daughter."
"You mean, the daughter that you and I will smurf together, Empath?" Smurfette asked.
"She's beautiful, just like this smurf would imagine you to be at her age," Empath said. "This smurf anticipates the day that we will get to be parents."
"Are you going to ask me now if you want to marry me?" Smurfette asked.
"One step at a time, Smurfette," Empath said. "This smurf just got back from a long spiritual journey that this smurf will need days to sort out."
Smurfette sighed. "I'll still be waiting for you, Empath, I promise."
Papa Smurf joined Empath and Smurfette. "It's been a year since we last smurfed, Empath, although for us it may have been much longer," Papa Smurf said.
"Baby Smurf saved us, Papa Smurf...once by cloning himself so that he could bring you Smurfs home, and now that he has exposed us to seeing Benedictus as he truly is," Empath said.
"That baby is so full of miracles, Empath," Papa Smurf said, smiling. "In fact, that's what I think I will call Baby Smurf from now on...Miracle Smurf."
"This smurf doesn't seem to have a problem with that, Papa Smurf," Empath said, agreeing with the sentiment.
Then Polaris joined with Empath. "This one is pleased to see that you are fully functional again, Empath," Polaris said with some emotion.
"It wasn't this smurf's time to join the Ancestors yet, Polaris," Empath said. "This smurf still has years of living left in this smurf's life."
"Then this one will continue to be your companion throughout the rest of that life, however long this one has to live in it," Polaris said.
"But why did you shave your beard?" Empath asked. "This smurf was starting to get used to it."
Polaris didn't know how to answer. "Because...this one found it to be...uncomfortable."
Empath smiled. "This smurf still appreciates your presence no matter how you appear to this smurf, Polaris."
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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"
Posts: 4103 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300
Member Rated:
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posted 10-31-2023 03:02 AM
Chapter 7
That night the Smurfs celebrated Empath's 156th birthday several days late. It was a smaller celebration compared to the one that they were preparing for about a year ago, but Empath seemed to appreciate the effort his fellow Smurfs put into making it a memorable occasion. Empath and his fellow Smurfs watched as A Flock Of Seasmurfs performed that night the song that they were preparing to sing a year ago.
Finally Papa Smurf stood up to make an address. "My little Smurfs, we not only owe Empath a debt of gratitude for what he has smurfed, we also owe him an apology for not being here to smurf his last smurfday. We have struggled over the past year to smurf it home to our place in time, and now with the help of Baby Smurf, that has become a reality. So tonight, we're not only celebrating Empath's smurfday, but also the new name of Baby Smurf."
"What are you thinking of calling him now, Papa Smurf?" Brainy asked.
"Gosh, Baby's smurfing himself a new name," Clumsy said, eager to hear.
"Because of the miracle this Baby Smurf has accomplished in helping us to smurf home, I hereby give this child a new name that shall be his forever...the name of Miracle Smurf," Papa Smurf announced.
"HURRAY FOR MIRACLE SMURF!!!" all the Smurfs shouted with joy.
Then Empath stood up and made his address. "This smurf couldn't think of a better smurfday present than having your friends, your family...and your loved one...all come home to celebrate it. And this is one smurfday celebration that was worth the wait," Empath said with some heartfelt emotion. "I love you all, my fellow Smurfs!"
"THREE CHEERS FOR EMPATH!!!" all the Smurfs shouted together.
Tapper, Duncan, and Smurfette met with Empath after the party was over. "Tis a good thing that you have returned, else there would have been chaos in the village," Duncan said.
"This smurf is glad to have returned, as this smurf is glad to see that you all have returned safe and sound from your time journey," Empath said. "But this smurf is curious about one thing...how are you able to infiltrate Benedictus' army of Smurfs while he had them under his thrall?"
"The Almighty protected me, Duncan, and Grouchy while we were part of that army, my good Empath," Tapper said. "I prayed for His hand to be upon us whilst we were part of that army so that we could smurf that evil preacher down from within his ranks."
"That sounds like something this smurf read from the story of Judith, how she infiltrated the camp of Holofernes and swayed him with her beauty long enough for her to cut off his head," Empath said.
"I would have wanted that to be the case of Benedictus, laddie, except that the Almighty had other plans for him and his ilk and thus prevented us from smurfing that to him," Duncan said.
"Indeed the Lord does have plans for every one of us," Tapper said. "It is not His will that any man should perish, but that all should smurf to repentance and be saved, which is something that Benedictus had smurfed out of his message."
"I find it curious, laddie, that he keeps resmurfing to his god as the Morning Star," Duncan said. "Isn't that supposed to be one of Jesus' titles?"
"Lucifer is Latin for 'morning star', my fellow Duncan," Tapper said. "However, there is only One who can be called The Bright And Morning Star, and that is Jesus Christ."
"Anyway, I feel so glad to be free of Benedictus' control, and I also feel glad that you're alive, Empath, and that we still have a future together," Smurfette said.
"This smurf shares the same sentiment, Smurfette," Empath said, smiling.
Tapper and Duncan stood and watched as Empath and Smurfette walked off hand in hand with each other. As they were watching, Grouchy joined them two. "So what were you two smurfing at?" Grouchy asked.
"A happy reunion with Empath and Smurfette, laddie," Duncan answered.
"It smurfs my heart to smurf the two back with each other again," Tapper said, sounding wistful. "This is one victory that I would like to thank the Lord for smurfing about."
"Anyway, we're glad to have both smurfed out Tapper to smurf an end to that religious charlatan, eh, Grouchy?" Duncan said, nudging Grouchy with his elbow.
"It was a salvation prayer to God, in case we all got smurfed by that Benedictus!" Grouchy shouted.
"But it is a prayer that the Almighty will honor, if it was smurfed in sincerity, my fellow Grouchy," Tapper said. "Smurf my words, you are now a child of God, and so also is Duncan."
"I said that I would be your companion to the end, laddie, and I meant it with my whole heart," Duncan said.
"Don't expect me to smurf cartwheels over being saved," Grouchy pouted.
"The Almighty will smurf a new nature in you, Grouchy, and you'll be smurfing a new song in your heart that you'll know that it has smurfed straight from the Lord," Tapper said, trying to sound encouraging.
Grouchy still pouted. "That will be the day."
Empath and Smurfette were soon met by Wild, who just appeared before them as they were walking with each other alone. "Wild, what is on your mind that you need to talk about?" Empath asked.
"Just that me and Smurfette were only friends during the time we were together with the other Smurfs," Wild said.
"This smurf can sense that, Wild," Empath said. "There's no need for you to think this smurf was jealous of you or anything."
"So we're still friends even after all we've been through on this time trip?" Wild asked.
"This smurf still considers you a friend, and this smurf also appreciates you being there for this smurf when the village was being overtaken by Benedictus, Wild," Empath answered.
"We're both grateful for what you have smurfed for us, Wild," Smurfette said.
"Then I can smurf back into the forest with my animal friends now," Wild said. "I just wanted to be here to smurf goodbye to the both of you."
"This smurf is going to miss your presence in the Smurf Village, Wild," Empath said. "Take care of yourself."
"I will, Empath," Wild said before he hopped on top of a Smurf house and then disappeared into the forest.
Empath and Smurfette watched as Wild disappeared. "Honestly, Empath, we were both good friends the entire time we were smurfing on that time trip," Smurfette said.
"This smurf can sense that, Smurfette," Empath said. "It just makes this smurf wish that this smurf could have been with you during that time."
"You've always been with me, Empath," Smurfette said. "I'm just glad we could be together again in person."
"This smurf appreciates that," Empath said as the two of them kissed.
Back in the future, Psycheliana returned to her bedroom to find that her father was awake and alive again. "Great Ancestors, what has happened to this smurf?" Empath asked.
"Papa, you almost died, but me and Traveler smurfed back in time to save you," Psycheliana answered.
"You were there in the past?" Empath said. "This smurf should have known that you would be part of the story that this smurf was trying to smurf you."
"Did I smurf any good to you while you were unconscious, Papa?" Psycheliana asked.
"You smurfed me back to life again, back before I even fathered you, Liana," Empath answered. "I couldn't ask for a better daughter that would care for this smurf than you."
"I think I know enough about that part of the past, now that you're alive again, Papa," Psycheliana said.
"This smurf is honored to let you know everything about that time, Liana," Empath said. "For now, it is time for us to smurf back to sleep and rest for the new day to come."
"I will let you smurf back to Mama now, Papa," Psycheliana said, kissing her father before she snuggled in her blankets and closed her eyes. "Have a good rest of the night!"
"May you smurf pleasant dreams, Liana," Empath said, smiling before he left her bedroom.
Smurfette opened her eyes when she saw Empath return to their bedroom. "I have a sense that you were telling Liana about the time that you almost died smurfing home after the Lost Year was over," Smurfette said.
"That's what this smurf was doing, Smurfette," Empath said as he settled down with her in the bed. "This smurf felt that it was fair to let our daughter know about that time so that she doesn't have to worry."
"I almost lost you tonight because of that story, Empath," Smurfette said.
"This smurf felt that same thing happening, Smurfette," Empath said. "To have this smurf's past being tied with this smurf's present is not something that this smurf would want to live all over again. Thankfully the Ancestors have preserved us this far so that we could live happier lives."
"I feel grateful to have you by my side each and every day that you are alive, Empath," Smurfette said.
"This smurf doesn't want to miss a thing, Smurfette," Empath said, smiling as the both of them kissed.
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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"
Posts: 4103 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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Vic George The ND Guy
Super Smurf
Member # 300
Member Rated:
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posted 10-31-2023 05:50 AM
NOTES:
* The character Benedictus is based on popular (and controversial) televangelist Benny Hinn, with elements of Joel Osteen thrown in.
* Duncan McSmurf mentions Dr. Charlatan from "The Miracle Smurfer" and Allura from "Lure Of The Orb".
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VIC GEORGE -- Westfield, MA, USA
"Cat and mouse games really aren't much fun for us mouse types" -- Empath from "Empath The Bandit Smurf"
Posts: 4103 | From: Westfield, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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